Los Angeles Loyolan March 30th 2016: Special Feminism Issue by Los Angeles Loyolan

laloyolan.com Page 2

E. OM R H ICE. U YO R VO S. W U YO R NE U YO

NEWS

Top graphic: Information compiled by Kellie Chudzinski, graphic by Ashley Ma; Bottom graphic by Xian Wong; Front cover graphic by Hannah Kim | Loyolan

W W W. L A L O Y O L A N . C O M

Los Angeles LOYOLAN The

EST. 1921

S EW

E. OM . H ICE UR YO R VO S. W U YO R NE U YO

Ma rc

0, 2016 3 h

Former editor-in-chief Ali Swenson shares her proudest moment

Page 5

V O LU M E

TS OR

Sophomore volleyball player Sarah Sponcil brings home the gold for Team USA

Page 23

| ISSUE

Nolen and Marmolejo elected to ASLMU Lash Nolen and Marina Marmolejo aim to bring a minority voice to ASLMU. Jackie Galvez

Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

LMU students have spoken and elected junior health and human science majors Lash Nolen and Marina Marmolejo as ASLMU president and vice president for the 2016-2017 school year. Best friends since freshman year, Nolen and Marmolejo took the campus by storm with their “LMforU” campaign in March of this year. They argued the platforms of raising mental health awareness, addressing the needs of commuter and transfer students and increasing transparency between the student body and student leaders. Nolen, next year’s ASLMU president, is an RA for McKay residence hall and an active member of Belles service organization. She also participated in Seaver’s ACCESS program — a three-week immersion program for minorities in the sciences — and was an LMU tour guide and transfer orientation leader. Nolen was also a Clinton Global Initiative participant last summer and has plans to take part again this year. Her project centered on diabetes prevention for women in San Bernardino County, an area which has some of the highest obesity levels in Southern California. Nolen’s passion for medicine is what inspired her to evoke change in this area, as she hopes she can make a positive difference in the lives of people who are at risk for the disease. Marmolejo, Nolen’s ASLMU vice president, is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and works at the Lion’s Den. During her sophomore year, Marmolejo was one of 23 LMU students to participate in the TOMODACHI Initiative, a program See ASLMU | Page 4

Talia Baugnon | Loyolan

Best friends, Lash Nolen and Marina Marmolejo, will be next year’s ASLMU president and vice president. Their mission is to improve mental health awareness, commuter and transfer student resources and transparency between student leaders and the student body. The “LMforU” team received 63.9 percent of the votes in this year’s ASLMU election. 56.1 percent of students voted in this year’s election.

Mae Jemison shares Women gain voice stellar stories through Herstory Women’s Herstory Month leads into Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Julia Campion

Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

Talia Baugnon | Loyolan

Mae Jemison shared her thoughts on space exploration, gender biases in the sciences and more at a keynote presented by ASLMU. Throughout her lecture, she reflected on a quote by Will and Ariel Durant that resonates with her beliefs: “The world never just happened, it was created.”

Women’s Herstory Month (WHM) made an impact on LMU’s campus in March by emphasizing the importance of women. Now, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is ready to continue WHM’s forward movement of bringing light to social inequality and shifting focus towards justice for harassment victims of both genders throughout April. Marians, a service organization at LMU, celebrates women and the tremendous impact they have on the world through WHM. Throughout the month of March, WHM placed a spotlight on riotous feminist activists and reform methods of inequality issues. These issues include domestic violence, the wage gap and reproductive rights to encourage women and men alike to step forward and share their aspirations, as well as to commend and recognize one

another for their accomplishments. “The point is for women to be recognized and treated equally and fairly. We try to do that in a fun and engaging way through the events put on by Marians’ Womens Herstory Month, a spin off the international celebration Women’s History Month,” says Emily Ferrer, co-host of Marians sponsored events and sophomore women’s studies major. The first event to kick off WHM was an information table located on Palm Walk on Mar. 8. The event introduced the service organization’s month of events to students and the general public and provided an opportunity for them to sell their “this is what feminist looks like” t-shirts. Students advertised for these events through flyers, Facebook event pages and by word-of-mouth to classmates and friends. On Mar. 9, there was a Title IX Panel Dinner and Dialogue that was co-sponsored by ASLMU regarding consent on college campuses. On Mar. 16, the Empowerment Poetry Slam took place in the Bird’s Nest and allowed students to perform and recite poetry. Lastly, on Mar. 29, there was a panel of all-women professors in the STEM fields who answered questions and gave insight See Herstory | Page 5

NEWS

laloyolan.com Page 4

. ME . HO UR OICE O V Y . WS UR YO R NE U YO

Nolen’s and Marmolejo’s friendship goes beyond ‘LMforU’ ASLMU campaign ASLMU from Page 3

that allows underrepresented students to travel to Tokyo, Japan in order to create relationships with Japanese student leaders and acquire a more global mindset. Marmolejo also attended an Ignacio Companions trip to Kingston, Jamaica and visited Nicaragua this past spring break for a servicebased immersion trip. In addition, Marmolejo works with homeless communities during her summers. Initially inspired by a health and well-being course offered at LMU that centered on homeless populations, she spent last summer on Skid Row studying the relationship between physical labors of homeless people and hamstring flexibility. Along with Nolen, Marmolejo was also an orientation leader last summer and will be participating in the Clinton Global Initiative program as well. Nolen and Marmolejo first met through the ACCESS program the summer before their freshman years and have been close friends ever since. “Basically [Marina] was the person that convinced me to do the ACCESS program, and then, ever since then, we’ve just bonded so much,” Nolen stated. “We studied abroad together; we were roommates abroad together; we were living in the same building in Desmond together — she’s just always been a constant in my life, and through that our friendship has just grown.” Marmolejo added, “We would have these night sessions [for ACCESS] where we would have to work, … and I remember [Lash] saying, ‘Yeah, I’m going to run for president my senior year,’ and I remember thinking, ‘this girl is ambitious!’ We [hadn’t] even started our first day of college yet and this is what she’s already wanting to do. It’s been quite the ride!” Both Nolen and Marmolejo agree

via Marina Marmolejo

Nolen and Marmolejo’s ASLMU campaign slogan, ‘LMforU,’ stands for ‘Lash and Marina for You.” that some of their most cherished memories together were made during their semesters abroad in Spain. Marmolejo stated, “We were in Portugal, and we really wanted to go skydiving … and it was cool because even though we had to wait a long time, Lash and I actually jumped out of the same plane, and that was just so symbolic of our friendship — just spontaneous and supporting each other.” Nolen and Marmolejo were inspired to run for ASLMU president and vice president by a shared desire to make the campus a better place based on students’ needs and to bring the voice of underrepresented groups at LMU to the forefront of student government. Nolen has been involved in student government since elementary school and wanted to be involved in ASLMU specifically in order to bring a minority voice to student leadership on the LMU campus.

“In general, you don’t see a lot of females in big leadership positions,” Nolen states. “Personally, I really wanted to [run for ASLMU president] because it’s very rare that you see women of color even trying to go after these positions, and I thought that it would be extremely unique for a lot of the freshman to come in to say, ‘Wow, we have a female of color leading our student government.’ That’s extremely rare, so I just wanted to do that to set the pace.” When Nolen decided to run for ASLMU president, both women felt it was natural that Marmolejo run alongside her. It was then that Marmolejo developed the idea of “LMforU,” the slogan that defined their ASLMU campaign. Both Nolen and Marmolejo spent months planning their campaign platforms and seeking out which changes the student body truly desired, even sending out a survey that received

and it was a really good example of student initiative,” said Voyles. The 13 students in charge split the think tank into three subtopics: LMU CARES, LGBTQ inclusivity and other campus resources and initiatives designed to deal with sexual assault awareness and prevention. Each group spoke for about 20 minutes, allowing members to speak on different aspects of their issue. The group covering LMU CARES spoke about the current system, which deals with sexual assaults on campus and surrounding issues such as confidentiality. Currently, if a student reports an incident of abuse to a faculty member, that “responsible employee” is required by LMU policy to report this immediately to school officials. The students argued that for students who are unaware of the confidential staff policy, this reporting can damage the trusting relationship built over time between teachers and students, and can cause the student to be fearful of talking to anyone about the incident,

even at the overbooked Student Psychological Services (SPS). Senior history major Britani Letcher, one of the think tank participants, disagreed with the language on the LMU CARES website. Letcher said that it is “out of touch with college students,” and “seem[s] to be written from a perspective of an adult who thinks that this is what someone going through an assault could experience.” LGBTQ inclusivity in LMU CARES was also discussed. Students argued that the binary use of “he” and “she” leaves LGBTQ members who go by different pronouns feeling invisible and unsafe. The students expressed their belief that intersectionality, which is the acknowledgement that oppression is influenced by multiple factors such as race, sexuality, class or age, can help solve this problem of division between oppressed groups through open discussions and understanding. The last subgroup covered policies of other colleges, such as Santa Clara University which has a student center focused

over 200 responses stating different aspects of LMU that students would like to see improved. From there, Nolen and Marmolejo developed their three pillar platform — mental health awareness, transfer and commuter student services and student leadership transparency — that they believe captured the issues which respondents felt most needed to be addressed. “I think that what makes our campaign stand out so much is that everything is so tangible,” Marmolejo comments. “It’s so exciting because the things that we wrote down [for our platform], we’re going to do them — we’re going to make communal lounges cool, we’re going to help transfer students who maybe don’t know the lingo of LMU.” Both Nolen and Marmolejo believe that their mothers are incredibly strong women and the greatest female role models they

could ever imagine. Nolen’s mom grew up in Compton, California and raised her as a single mother from the age of 18, always putting her daughter’s needs before her own. “My mom basically had to make a decision between her life and my life, and she chose my life over hers,” said Nolen. “She is so ambitious, she is so educated and she could be the lawyer with the house on the hill right now, but she chose to make sure that I had opportunities [...] like I have now. It’s just amazing how selfless she is and how much she sacrificed for my success, and I think she is the reason I wake up every morning, because I know that I have to grind it out and work five times harder because I need to make sure that she knows it was worth it.” Marmolejo expressed a similar sentiment about her mother, a women who overcame obesity and now runs marathons in addition to attending medical school at UC Davis with hopes of becoming a doctor someday. “I love my mom for her tenacity,” said Marmolejo. “When I tell her story, especially to older adults who are in the same place, their surprise when I tell them her story gives me life again because when people are just so shocked and excited for her. It just reminds me how amazing she is and how much she’s had to overcome in her life and I definitely try to implement that [tenacity and hard work] in my life.” Above all else, Nolen would like to be remembered for her ambition to overcome life’s obstacles and her genuine nature. Marmolejo would like to be known as a positive influence who always inspires people to remember and appreciate the beauty of life, despite its many ups and downs. These strong women and best friends have a clear picture of the many positive changes they would like to implement as the leaders of ASLMU next school year, and LMU students will certainly see their influence in the months to come.

Student think tank encourages feminist discussions

Student panel breaks down LMU’s sexual assault policies. Sami Leung News Intern @LALoyolan

Students in professor Traci Voyles’ Women’s Studies Senior Seminar class hosted a feminist think tank on Monday. The discussion addressed a range of subjects such as intersectionality and the effectiveness of LMU CARES. The event was part of Herstory Month, a month to celebrate influential women in America’s history and those who worked hard to ensure a more equal society for future generations. According to Voyles, she has not given a group an assignment like this before, but the students were well prepared and delved into topics such as sexual assault and victim blaming. “I think it was a success. I thought the students did a very good job of representing their approach to the issue as a whole,

Jay Coffey | Loyolan

The open format of the think tank encouraged discussion among students. on its confidential policies. Another program, the Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Hotline (SARAH) at Washington University in St. Louis is a 24/7 student-run help line that anyone can call at any time to talk to a trained volunteer. The University of Michigan also has a student and faculty-run support group for victims of sexual assault. These programs were outlined at the think tank to

show what LMU could be doing to further benefit those going through traumatic experiences. “I liked that it was students taking over, because usually when you talk about sexual assault it’s always from a faculty professor,” said junior psychology major Jasmine Harris. “They were saying what I was thinking in my head about LMU CARES: I like it, but I think there should be improvements.”

NEWS

BURNING QUESTIONS

This issue, Editorin-Chief Karis This issue, Managing Addo-Quaye sat Editor Dan Raffety down with Ali sits down with Swenson, former Head Coach Max editor-in-chief for of Good, head coach the Loyolan. the LMU’s men’s basketball team to talk about the

What brought you to the Loyolan and what kept you here?

I was just a staff writer on my high school paper, and only for my senior year. I was not extremely involved, but I enjoyed it. So, when I came to college and I saw the Loyolan was hiring, I thought it might be a good opportunity to get that culture that I had at my high school newspaper [...] I went to an open house, applied for an internship and got an internship in the news section and then I kind of caught the bug and never let go. I was really pleased not only with the work experience that I got at the Loyolan, but also all of the people that worked there. I began to see them not just as coworkers but also as friends, and so it became more about the community. The reason I stayed became more about the community and less about the work.

What were your greatest challenges to overcome?

Certainly one of the biggest challenges faced by not just student media but larger media entities as well is going digital and encouraging readers to stay with us both in print and online. I think that was a big challenge for us, but I’m proud of the way we addressed it.

Who have been some of the most influential people in your life at the Loyolan and in what way have they played a part in getting you where you are today?

There are three big ones that come to mind, although there have been many others. First, I would say Tom Nelson [Loyolan and student media adviser] has been a huge mentor for me. He’s seen me in my most difficult moments, at my most stressed and really helped to guide me along with what I’ve done at the Loyolan, so he’s certainly changed my life. I would also say a big influence for me was Kevin O’Keeffe, who was the editor-in-chief when I was a sophomore. He was a very active editor-in-chief — I collaborated on a lot of projects with him, and he showed me what it means to be a journalist. Last, I would say Michael Busse, who was my executive editor throughout this past year, not only as a coworker but also as a friend. He tolerated me and helped me make some of the most difficult decisions that I’ve had to make in my position.

What is something totally unexpected that people would be interested to know about you?

People are always surprised to find out I played ultimate frisbee in high school. I was actually the captain of my high school’s ultimate frisbee team. It was cool in Seattle! It’s actually a really cool sport, and I’m sad I don’t play it anymore.

What’s your proudest moment as EIC of the Loyolan?

My proudest moment was the day that we published our special report on sexual assault, just because we put so much work into that issue for months and I was really happy with the way it turned out. [...] It was a team effort.

MORE QUESTIONS

Want to read more questions with Swenson? Check them out at laloyolan.com

laloyolan.com Page 5

Herstory leads to awareness Herstory from Page 3

into their relative fields of work. “I believe it’s important to be able to have dialogue about women’s oppression and to recognize and celebrate the different, empowering ways how we, as women, are fighting for our justice and equality,” says Edenne Chen, Women’s Health and History Chair of Marians Service Organization and sophomore women’s studies major. “With these Herstory Month events, we hope to increase the conversation, awareness, as well as education on the many issues that fall under feminism and gender equality.” Concluding WHM, students had the chance to attend the Herstory Gender Talk on Tuesday at the Bird Nest, which consisted of short videos, discussion groups and engagement in a larger dialogue among all attendees. Students were also encouraged to keep a look out for future events that will be going on in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. April is nationally recognized as the month aimed at increasing awareness and education about sexual violence. The theme for this year’s events, hosted by LMU CARES and sponsored by Mane Entertainment, FitWell Center and Wellness Educators and Human Resources, is “Prevention is Possible,” which aligns with LMU CARES’s mission statement about consent. “The more the students get involved, the more your peers will listen. You all can truly be the change and shift the culture,” says Briana Maturi, special assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs. SAAM’s events, such as The Clothesline Project, self defense/ self empowerment workshops and an open mic night, will

be happening throughout the month. Self-defense expert Jennifer Cassetta will be hosting Hear Me Roar in the Living Room on Apr. 5 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event will teach students general personal safety, demonstrate self-defense and encourage selfconfidence. For a movement as a whole, LMU students and faculty encourage the work and dedication that

their fellow Lions are putting forth in recognizing problems deemed prominent on college campuses with an attempt to put an end to them. For further information about Women’s Herstory Month or Sexual Assault Awareness Month, contact Marians Service Organization at mariansserviceorg@gmail.com or LMU CARES at lmucares@ lmu.edu.

via Edenne Chen

via Emily Ferrer

Marians service organization sold T-shirts and held a variety of events in recognition of Herstory Awareness Month.

Jemison discusses gender roles Mae Jemison shared her knowledge of women’s roles in the sciences. Amanda Lopez

Asst. Managing Editor @LALoyolan In 1992, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to journey to space. But her credentials expand far beyond this achievement: she has an M.D. from Cornell University, has worked with the Peace Corps, started the Jemison Group and obtained multiple honorary doctorate degrees. Now, Jemison’s latest initiative, 100 Year Starship, quite literally has her shooting for the stars. ASLMU welcomed Jemison to campus on Tuesday, March 22, as part of Women’s History Month. Members of the LMU community gathered to hear her keynote, which touched on everything from what it means to be a woman in the sciences to Jemison’s personal love for the original “Star Trek” series. Jemison played a key role in the launch of 100 Year Starship, which is devoted to maintaining and increasing space exploration within the next century. Jemison acknowledged the increasing role the STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math

— have in our lives, which is why she believes in the importance of space travel. She further explained that as a female engineer, she has witnessed the roles gender and race play in the sciences. Accprdomg to Jemison in order to alter perspectives and in combat biases that tend to arise in these fields, a range of diverse minds and backgrounds is necessary. “You know when people say, ‘maybe girls aren’t interested in the sciences?’ Everybody’s interested in what’s going on — the bugs, the snails — we all pick up things asking what it is. But, then we’re trained out of it. The realities in the workplace are gender and color biased,” she said. Jemison detailed how these biases can often culminate in something called the imposter syndrome, in which an individual feels that they don’t belong. Similarly, the Flynn Effect says that fields with a greater capacity of men, such as physics and philosophy, are believed to require innate brilliance. But the work women dedicate to these fields is undervalued, being called hardworking rather than amazing. As a result, these biases have resulted in a dichotomy between perspectives toward males and females within society. To illustrate these biases, she presented data that showed how parents are more inclined to Google whether their son could

be considered a genius, but when it comes to daughters, they ask appearance-related questions. Regarding admirable professors, male professors tend to be called geniuses, while female professors are simply described as nice. “Could you imagine a female scientist being like Einstein and being celebrated?” she asked. This difference in treatment is closely related to the notion of empowerment for Dr. Jemison, who argued that ultimately, empowerment comes from within. “To be empowered, you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe that you have the right to be involved,” she said. “And, then, you have to acknowledge that you have something to contribute. If you don’t dare to do that, then you have given away all of your power.” Event attendees such as junior civil engineering major Ocean Zhang had the opportunity to ask Jemison questions at the conclusion of her keynote. Zhang detailed how inspired he felt by Jemison’s achievements and unstoppable determination. “I think this is a very fantastic opportunity for students within different majors and backgrounds to understand that if you have a dream, you can achieve it. No matter how different your dream is [or] how difficult it may seem, it’s achievable [and] she is a great example,” he said.

NEWS

laloyolan.com Page 6

. ME . HO UR OICE O V Y . WS UR YO R NE U YO

Grrrls on Film explores decades of female cinema Three-day festival included films, panels and workshops Christie Calucchia Managing Editor @LALoyolan

The Grrrls on Film music and film festival kicked off on March 18, and continued throughout the weekend with panel discussions, film screenings, music and workshops. The events showcased and analyzed the roles women have taken to create alternative routes for mainstream creative production and how they have rewritten history by creating their own experiences. On March 18, men and women gathered in Mayer Theater to listen, learn and make connections at a panel discussion called “Girl Power: Behind the Lens,” featuring the creative minds of Angela Boatwright, Karyn Kusama, Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn and Leena Pendharkar. All of these women have one thing in common: they all have taken facets of film such as production, art and directing into their own hands and found various outlets to produce their creative visions while maintaining control over their projects. Junior film and television production major Chelsea Renner felt that each of the panelists served as an example for women working in entertainment. “I think it’s important because, as women, we have a harder time breaking into any industry, and therefore look up to women who have done it and follow their lead,” said Renner. Panelist Angela Boatwright is a photographer who got her professional start at Thrasher Magazine and worked her way up to become creative director at Mass Appeal, a Brooklynbased graffiti publication. After directing an online series

documenting the backyard punk scene in East Los Angeles in 2014, Boatwright levied the series into a full-length documentary titled “Los Punks.” “It was really important to me to make sure that women were included in the movie and that they had a voice,” said Boatwright. On working in a male dominated industry, Boatwright explained that she has to maintain a sense of humor and enjoy the fight, saying, “I fear no dude.” Also at the panel was writer and director Karyn Kusama, whose first feature film, “Girlfight,” won the Director’s Prize and shared the Grand Jury Prize at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival. Other projects of hers include Paramount Pictures’ “Aeon Flux,” the Twentieth Century Fox release “Jennifer’s Body” and her latest feature, “The Invitation.” Kusama’s advice for how to maintain one’s creative vision as a female filmmaker is that “you kind of have to find your own world.” Journalist and author Janice Rhoshalle Littlejohn spoke out about diversity in film and how it related to her feature film “Lovers in Their Right Mind.” Rhoshalle highlighted the disparity of female jazz horn players and how she will be revealing this problem in the documentary “...But Can She Play?”, which she is currently producing and directing. Rhoshalle spoke of the lack of acknowledgement faced by women in the jazz music scene, saying, “There’s always this sense that women don’t belong.” The final panelist was Leena Pendharkar, the award-winning writer and director behind the short film “Dandekar Makes a Sandwich,” which won the Grand Jury Prize for short filmmaking at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. Pendharkar spoke about the process of funding her own projects in order to keep her

Talia Baugnon | Loyolan

One of the panels of the festival, Girl Power: Women Behind the Lens, showcased women film makers. Film maker Karyn Kusama speaks on the panel (center) with Vanessa Newell (left ) and Leena Pendharkar (right). creative vision. She also shared her frustrations concerning the lack of diversity of stories, despite a clear presence of varying cultures in film. “Men’s stories are valued more in the business of film and in the business of writing,” said Pendharkar, who was passionate about maintaining her own creative control when telling women’s stories. The panel was followed with a screening of “The Runaways,” directed by Floria Sigismondi, and “Dirty Girls,” directed by Michael Lucid, as well as a subsequent question and answer session with both directors. More screenings followed on Saturday with films “The Decline of Western Civilization” and “I Don’t Know (1970),” both directed by Penelope Spheeris, “In Search

of Margo-go,” directed by Jill Reiter and “Daybreak,” directed by Lucretia Tye Jasmine. After the screenings, audiences were invited to stay and participate in discussions with the directors and some performers. Saturday also included a panel called “LAy of the LAnd: We will bury you presented by the English Department and the Fletcher Jones Chair in Literature & Writing.” The panel explored several female punk performers among the bands featured in the film “The Decline of Western Civilization.” Panelists included Alice Bag, Raquel Gutierrez, Nicole Panter and Phranc. The last screening on Sunday afternoon featured “Lost Grrrls: Riot Grrrl in Los Angeles,” directed by Vega Darling, which documents a feminist movement

and music genre that has been largely credited for creating third wave feminism out of the punk rock mosh pits in the Pacific Northwest and Washington, D.C. Also featured was Abby Moser’s “Grrrl Love and Revolution: Riot Grrrl NYC,” a film that encouraged girls to produce their own music, performances and changes in politics. The final event of the weekendlong tribute to all things Grrrl in film and music was the event Grrrls on Stage, which featured an afternoon of music, spoken word and KXLU DJs. Artists included Kim and the Created, Colleen Green and Peach Kelli Pop. There was spoken word by Kari Krome, Alicia Partnoy and Sarah Maclay. DJs included Mukta Mohan, Taylor Rowley and Cass and Mcallister.

Campus facilities in need of restoration On campus facilities undergo continued restoration efforts Austin Gay

Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan If LMU was a live television broadcast, it would be fair to say it has experienced a number of technical difficulties this semester. Several amenities on campus have been out of order for a large chunk of the semester, and some are still waiting to be fixed. Although these problems may seem minor, it is fair to wonder what has delayed repairs on water bottle refill stations, emergency phones and unresponsive vending machines. As for the water refill stations, the issue appears to stem from an extended wait on the necessary parts to be delivered. Brian Holtzapfel, director of Facilities Management at LMU, detailed the unexpected closures of the water bottle refill stations across campus. “The St. Robs water bottle refill station was a faulty unit. We’ve

been waiting on the contractor to come back and solve it. The issue should be fixed the week we arrive back from Easter break, or the week after that at the latest,’ explained Holtzapfel. “I’m not exactly sure what the issue was with the refill station in the Burns Recreation Center. The plumbers have ordered the necessary parts, however, and staff will begin work on Monday when they get back,” he added. After almost a month of the Burns Rec. refill station being shut down, the necessary parts have been installed and students are once again able to fill their water bottles at the gym. Holtzapfel doesn’t believe this is a problem likely to occur in the near future. “For the most part, they seem to work fine. We do a monthly preventative maintenance check, and if students ever come across a problem, they can give Facilities Management a call and we will come take a look at it. One thing we could have done better is put up appropriate signage so people have a better idea of what’s going on,” Holtzapfel stated. Students have also noticed

a pattern of vending machines being out of order. However, Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Management/Business, Ray Dennis, chalks it up to the difficulty associated with carrying these types of vending machines. “We have around 45 vending machines on campus. If a beverage machine is down, it could be a number of things [that] cause that because they’re all linked together on a network. It could also be the card reader, the machine’s hardware or an issue with a specific student’s card. If we do experience an issue, we call the network and it is usually sorted out rather quickly,” said Dennis. Concerning the emergency phones, according to a previously published Loyolan article titled, “‘Out of order’ emergency phones are outdated,” there are many issues surrounding the phones’ repairs, and these issues deal with more than just ordering the necessary parts. According to the article, “DPS (Department of Public Safety) will be forming a task force committee which will include both staff and student representatives to talk about emergency phones on

Jay Coffey | Loyolan

Many of the water bottle refill stations have been under maintenance or broken, and students have not been able to access the facilities. campus. They will focus especially on the comfort and safety that students believe the emergency phone boxes offer them.” The problem surrounding the emergency phones is not when it will be fixed, but rather what “fixing” might mean in this situation. Dennis explains his understanding of the stance DPS has taken on this issue. “We have AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint services in a lot of the building locations on campus.

We’re looking [in to] getting a Verizon tower as well. Sprint also provides service in all of the parking structures, so that if you are to experience an emergency in a garage, you’re able to roam on Sprint’s network to make an emergency call,” he explained. Facilities Management and the Department of Public Safety encourage students to reach out to their offices with any questions or concerns surrounding these and other similar on campus problems.

NEWS

laloyolan.com Page 7

President nominates circuit judge for vacant seat

Merrick Garland has previously been considered twice for SCOTUS. Kellie Chudzinski Asst. News Editor @LALoyolan

Since the announcement by President Obama of Judge Merrick Garland as his choice for the Supreme Court, poltical lines have been drawn. This nomination seeks to fill the vacant seat on the Supreme Court, but the politicians on the other side of the isle are fighting the possibility for an additional new justice to be seated before the end of President Obama’s last term. The President announced Garland’s nomination on March 16. Garland is currently the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, for the Supreme Court on March 16. The next justice appointed to the court will be replacing the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Scalia served on the court for 30 years and was praised by conservatives for upholding right-wing values. Since Scalia’s death in February, Republicans have pledged to block any nomination placed by President Obama and wait for a new president to take office.

“The American people may well elect a president who decides to nominate Judge Garland for Senate consideration,” Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a statement to CNN. “The next president may also nominate someone very different. Either way, our view is this: Give the people a voice in the filling of this vacancy.” The Senate Majority leader spoke on the improbability of the Senate holding a hearing for Judge Garland’s confirmation and LMU law professor David Glazier weighed in on the decison. “Both the president and Congress have a constitutional responsibility to run the country for the full duration of their terms. Obama is president until Jan. 20, 2017,” Glazier said. “He ought to fill, and Congress ought to vote on, any vacancies that arise in key government offices, including the judiciary, until that time.” The White House has emphasized that Garland has more federal judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee in history. Garland has served on the D.C. Circuit Court for over 19 years and has been considered for the Supreme Court twice. Garland is seen by many as a moderate judge; however, he has very liberal views on gun laws, which may be a difficult selling point for Garland with Republicans, if he were to

reach a hearing. The week before Garland’s nomination was announced, President Obama told CNN Español that he wanted to nominate a candidate with a strong background that would be a “consensus candidate.” Since Scalia’s death, and even in the years preceding it, Republicans have shown support for Garland. “[Obama] could easily name Merrick Garland, who is a fine man,” Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said in an interview with

Sydney Majd News Intern @LALoyolan

The movie series that captvated generations, goes deeper into the psyche then a mere sci-fi movie, according to the The Center of Religion and Spirituality (CRS). To explore this believe CRS along with America Magazine’s Jim McDermott, S.J., is hosting a workshop on the effects of ‘Star Wars’ on it’s viewers. This weekend CRS will host the event, “Star Wars and the Spiritual Life” offering attendees the opportunity to partake in a discussion with McDermott, on how “Star Wars” can make people better and happier. This workshop will consist of numerous discussions about the popular series, specifically considering deeper questions on life and spirituality and how they may relate back to “Star Wars.” “The ‘Star Wars’ saga has had a significant impact on our popular culture. For many, this saga has profoundly shaped the way they look at the world and their places in it,” Michael McNaught, assistant director

of CRS, said. “Our hope is that Saturday’s discussion will allow us to unpack this cultural phenomenon a bit more.” Fr. McDermott has recently completed his Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from UCLA and is currently part of AMC Network’s development department. He has studied literature, the Old Testament and liturgy at numerous institutions, including Harvard University and Marquette. Othersm like McDermott feel that “Star Wars” has awakened their minds and world views. Ebuka Ohiomoba, a sophomore applied information management systems major, looks forward to meeting and connecting with different fans. “I’m a huge ‘Star Wars’ fan, and I can’t wait to get to know

president’s final year in office. At least three of these came after the sitting president had actually been defeated for reelection,” Glazier said. “So to say that a president who still has ten months left in office should not be able to have a nominee considered is contrary to historical precedent.” According to a CNN/ORC poll, 64 percent of Americans believe that the Senate should hold a hearing for Garland, and 52 percent of Americans believe Garland should be confirmed.

Senate Democrats via Flickr Creative Commons

Merrick Garland has been a circuit judge for almost 20 years. Before becoming a judge, Garland worked for the Justice Department, and was involved in the prosecution of the Oklahoma City bombers.

LMU explores the spirituality behind the ‘Star Wars’ series Professor brings ‘Star Wars’ phenomenon to LMU through workshop.

Newsmax. After the nomination, Hatch released a statement suggesting the next president should have to make the decision for who should fill the vacanct spot. There are no formal or informal laws requiring Congress to postpone the hearings or for an election year to halt duties of Congress until a new president has been sworn in. “At least seven previous Supreme Court justices were confirmed after having been nominated during a

other fans and discuss more than simply why something is entertaining. I love that LMU does things like this.” Sophomore communication studies major Angelo Cardone isn’t a fan of the series, but thinks this event might change that. “I’m not a huge fan of ‘Star Wars,’ but I feel like the conversations at the workshop will be very interesting and might get me to watch some more of the movies. My friends and I will definitely be there.” Those interested in attending this workshop can register online at the LMU events page and pay the $25 admissions fee. This event will take place on Saturday, April 2 in University Hall 1859 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Classifieds Employment SUMMER JOBS: FUN & FRIENDS! Get paid to spend your summer playing outdoors! Enthusiastic, motivated, and reliable Day Camp Staff & Swim Instructors needed for summer 2016. Visit www. pbcstaff.com

For Rent ONE OR TWO PRIVATE BEDROOMS AVAILABLE BY 3/15/16 And Get in before summer rush... Live at the beach in upscale condo with quiet retired professor and other young career minded adultsNicely decorated - lots of wonderful light “Two different private bedrooms” take one or both in large condo (shared common areas)with fireplace, balconies, private garage/ storage piano - all utilities included plus cable...live on the strand of Marina Del Rey on quiet street steps from canal and beach and bike, walk, play beach volley ball, ocean swim, sail, surf or jog in the sand for exercise/stress reduction and go to local fun pubs on off hours/ weekends. Laundry in unit. Cleaning lady included. This is for one or two foreign exchange upperclassmen or registered grad students or associate prof. Preferably female but not necessarily- fairly quiet, clean and responsible. No smokers.

1 bedroom $1200 and other 1 bedroom includes garage/ storage $1500 Both furnished - bed, desk and book shelves and art(if preferred). Call P B at (310)429 3993 Stay is month to month best in 3 month sets. First, last and half for security. LEAVING FOR THE SUMMER? Sublease your apartment/room to an intern. University research center in Playa Vista is looking to connect our summer interns with housing opportunities in the area. If you are interested please contact Jann Manaka in Human Resources manaka@ ict.usc.edu

For Sale 2 MALTESE BABIES ARE FREE for giveaway. for more information contact chrisrobin005@gmail.com

On Campus THE STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM will be hosting an All You Can Eat Enchilada Dinner. The dinner will be at the Lair on April 06,2016 from 5:00-7:00pm and you can pay with Flexi/S-Dollars. Cash, or Debit/Credit Card. Everyone attending the event will receive one free raffle ticket and could win an LMU Sweater, LMU Water Bottle, or Student Worker Gear. Come Support the Student Workers!

SPORTS

LION SPORTS

laloyolan.com

NT V I

! &? E

Page 8

TORIAL

SPORTS

LION

! &?

OPINION

Board Wherever you stand on feminism, Editorial LION

there still needs to be a dialogue SPORTS

Karis Addo-Quaye Editor-in-Chief

Gracie McManus Executive Editor

Christie Calucchia Managing Editor

Elliot Britt

Managing Editor

Amanda Lopez

Asst. Managing Editor

Xian Wong

Visual Director

Janine Leano Digital Director

Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board.

As a student newspaper, we are knowledge and awareness of the subject. in the business of telling stories We also aim to shed light on its misconcep— particularly the stories of the tions and relevance within our culture. students, faculty and staff that make up It is imperative to include as many opinour diverse and unique community here on ions and voices as possible into every topic the Bluff. We also provide our community we cover in order to truly be an all-incluwith a platform for self-expression and sive student publication, especially now as discussion where we invite all to contribute we open up this dialogue with this special their own voices. issue. Feminism is a complex concept that The importance of telling stories and lis- intersects with many aspects of our socitening to the community was the catalyst ety, and it affects everyone differently. By for this week’s special issue, which focuses including various perspectives on the ison feminism. No matter how you define sue, we hope to encapsulate the diversity of it, feminism is an important concept that opinions and beliefs within our LMU comshould be talked about. munity. Women’s stories and issues In order to do this, we “Feminism is a permeate our society, incame up with a large numspiring conversation, films of story ideas and concomplex concept ber and music — people want tent, then carefully vetted to talk about this. that intersects with each one. Much thought At LMU, 57.1 percent of been given on what we many aspects of has the student body is female. want to present to the comTo ignore the struggles our society, and it munity, and we ended up and experiences of women with a diverse selection in affects everyone terms of authors, stances would be to leave out more than half of the potenand focuses. differently.” tial stories waiting to be We do not want the disshared. In our attempt to cussion on feminism to end be inclusive of our female population, we here. Let these stories act as a spark for do not intend to exclude men — or anyone further conversation and analysis. There — from the conversation. In fact, we in- is no way that the following articles alone tend on doing the opposite. Feminism is a can represent the immense number of difconcept that promotes the social, politi- ferent perspectives and standpoints that cal and economic equality of the sexes. It’s affect the perception surrounding this sinnot about blaming or suppressing men. It gle word that causes such a ruckus, so let’s is, however, about empowering women and keep talking. Whether readers engage with other disadvantaged groups in the pursuit us in print, online, or via social media, the of equal rights and respect for all. Loyolan strives to invite all voices, whether The purpose of this special issue is to they be in agreement or disagreement, to start a dialogue on the multi-faceted is- the table. Let’s keep analyzing and argusue that is feminism. We do not intend to ing and listening, because gaining a better force individual views or opinions on any- understanding of this concept benefits all one, but rather open a forum for increased of us.

It’s time for more inclusive feminism On the Hunt Vinkya Hunter Opinion Intern

@LALoyolan

uch of the popular feminist movement today has been dominated by White Feminism — a reach for equality that neglects the issues and concerns that pertain to women of color. Although every white person who is a feminist does not follow this misinformed approach to gender equality, there is an alarming number of feminists that only emphasize the needs of white women. Amongst rampant violence, fetishization and appropriation, women of color are currently — and have always — experienced economic and political disparities that popular feminism fails to address. According to a study done by The American Association of University Women in 2015, white women earn on average 78 cents for every white man’s dollar. However, women of color are earning even less with Hispanic women at 54 cents, Black women at 65 cents and Native American women earning 65 cents to a white man’s dollar. Unfortunately, these realities are widely unrecognized and are not being fought for on a large enough scale. Prominent women of

color are increasingly using their public platforms to raise awareness and call out for inclusivity. A key contributor to Chicana literature, Sandra Cisneros, uses her writing to combat gendered norms in Chicano communities as well as in the broader society. She acknowledges the different field of experience

experienced many hateful, racist comments after her portrayal of Rue in The Hunger Games and for her criticism of Kylie Jenner’s cultural appropriation in 2015; however, she has not been silenced. Giving a voice to the teenage population, Stenberg has called for the uplifting of black female voices in mainstream feminism

Xian Wong | Loyolan

While feminism is important for everyone, women of color need more recognition.

Chicana women have and the contribution race has to womanhood. In an interview with author and professor Feroza Jussawalla, Cisneros explains that she doesn’t feel her feminism aligns with that of upper-class white women because her experience as a woman is tied to her race. She shares her experiences in her most recent book “A House of My Own.” Actress Amandla Stenberg

and an end to confusing strongly opinionated black women with being angry and aggressive. Through her influence and highlighting of intersectional feminism, she has recently been co-awarded Ms. Foundation of Women’s Feminist Celebrity of the Year. The goal is to be more inclusive with our efforts and acknowledge that not every woman has the same struggle. As seen through the actions

of these powerful feminists, there is hope to make progress in the right direction. Until we collectively acknowledge the intersection of racial and ethnic inequality and gender inequality that a large portion of our population is experiencing, we are not truly fighting for the equality of everyone. As college students, it is important for us to realize our potential to make progress in this movement. First, we must properly educate ourselves on the issue. There are plenty of bloggers, artists, authors and researchers who are creating easily accessible material that explains the problem of noninclusive feminism and who share their own experiences. After educating ourselves, we must actively speak out. We are surrounded by brilliant and passionate minds, both on campus and digitally, who just need a spark of awareness to this issue in order to change the way we have approached feminism. Our generation may have inherited the flaws of our society but it is our choice whether or not we decide to collectively fix them.

This is the opinion of Vinkya Hunter, a freshman communication studies major from Oakland, California. Tweet comments to @LALwoyolan, or email mgaydos@theloyolan.com.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Executive Editor Managing Editor Managing Editor Visual Director Digital Director Asst. Managing Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor News Intern News Intern Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Asst. Opinion Editor Opinion Intern Opinion Intern Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Asst. Life+Arts Editor Life+Arts Intern Life+Arts Intern Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Sports Intern Sports Intern Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Senior Editor Copy Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Design Editor Designer Designer Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Staff Cartoonist Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Jr. Staff Photographer Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor

Karis Addo-Quaye Gracie McManus Elliot Britt Christie Calucchia Xian Wong Janine Leano Amanda Lopez Julia Campion Kelly Chudzinski Jackie Galvez Austin Gay Sydney Majd Sami Leung Matt Gaydos Cameron De Boer Nikki Rathbone Olivia Round Vinkya Hunter Clay Sontag Nicole Muldoon Taylor Gage Arun Gulati Eric Lee Garrison Asma Julia Murray Ryan Hartnett Tim DeVries Daniel Palladini Jackson Tave Jessica Perez Michael Mariscal Michael Busse Daralyn Kee Chong Jackie Jones Kelsey Mangan Maria Nelson Jack Sullivan Ali Swenson Sarah Litz Isabel Ngo Garrison Asma Jaime Force Aja Hoggatt Liz Jurek Mike Marguet Tor Marom Cara Olson Katie Randolph Kevin Chan Ashley Ma Madeline Mary Mikey Baretto Hannah Kim Emily Noriega Caroline Burt Josh Kuroda Talia Baugnon Sophie Broide Jay Coffey Megan Karbowski Dustin Tan Ris Irving Peterson Casey Lee Michael Peters

BUSINESS STAFF

Business Director Asst. Business Manager Asst. Business Manager Ad Designer Advertising Sales Director Ad Sale Manager Ad Sales Director Office Assistant Office Assistant Office Assistant Distributor Distributor Director of Student Media

Rachel Leisten Sophia Kaslow Jack Slater Sophia Stroud Aliza Mariano Katie Chadwick Monica Oda Camille Cabrera Meleana Coito Sheriden Groves Alexander Lorenz Nathaniel McCabe Tom Nelson

LOYOLAN EDITORIAL POLICY The Los Angeles Loyolan, a student-run campus organization, publishes a weekly newspaper for the greater LMU community. The first copy is free of charge. Additional copies are $1 each. Paid, mailed subscriptions can be purchased through the Business department. The Loyolan accepts unsolicited letters from students, faculty, staff and alumni, and press releases from on-campus and off-campus organizations, but cannot guarantee publication. The Loyolan reserves the right to edit or reject all submissions, including advertisements, articles or other contributions it deems objectionable. The Loyolan does not print consecutive articles by the same author that repeat/refute the initial arguments. Opinions and ideas expressed in the Loyolan are those of individual authors, artists and student editors and are not those of Loyola Marymount University, its Board of Trustees, its student body or of newspaper advertisers. Board Editorials are unsigned and reflect the opinions of the Executive Editorial Board. Guest editorials are by invitation of the Executive Editorial Board and reflect the views of the author. All advertisements are subject to the current rates and policies in the most recent Advertising Rates and Information materials. The Los Angeles Loyolan is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the California College Media Association.

OPINION

laloyolan.com

Page 9

It’s possible to be a feminist without even knowing it Litz Blitz Sarah Litz

Senior Editor @LALoyolan

ear me out: I don’t call myself a feminist. But I want to start. When I was 18, my best friend was raped in a closet. It was freshman year, and it was one of the first parties we didn’t go to together after leaving for college. A guy friend she knew well offered to get her home. Instead, he used his taller frame and muscular body to overpower her, muffle her and rape her. I answered her call early in the morning, three and a half years ago. She asked me if she did something wrong, if her first time was supposed to be like that, what she was supposed to do tomorrow. I didn’t have the answers — I still don’t — only a gut feeling that she wasn’t in the wrong nor should she be harboring these feelings. She’s a strong person, and never before had I seen her strength get taken away like that. In her following three years at college, she saw him frequently. Her case denied against him — she was blamed for drinking and he walked away without consequences. That was our first exposure to how one human can strip another of their livelihood, freedom, beauty and, sadly, that was not our last experience either. Throughout college, we heard similarly disheartening stories from the girl down the hall or from the guy down the street. We saw it in classrooms and on the streets everywhere from small towns in Pennsylvania to Upstate New York to Los Angeles. Stories ranging about uncomfortable catcalls, unequal pay and feeling less than other fellow humans invaded spaces of politics, the economy and the workplace. The need for feminism was everywhere, but I didn’t know what it was. “For me it’s simple,” Drew Dorsey, senior communication studies major, said. “Feminism is the social, political and economic equality of the sexes … I believe that men, women, those who are gender non-conforming, etc. should all identify as feminists if one believes that all people are equal.” Not knowing the language, I could never describe this movement properly. This wasn’t something that was taught to me in school, so my definition was self-taught through how I heard the movement portrayed. For the longest time, feminism meant baring breasts and burning bras to me, not continuing the fight for equality through meaningful words, politics and social media, through something as powerful as respecting your own body or breastfeeding your child in public. Through my peers, I learned what feminism meant, but I wish I would’ve learned it all sooner. I wish I would’ve had a class, maybe an outspoken high school teacher, someone to explain to me why this movement is important. I would’ve been part of this movement earlier, but instead I faded into the background out of fear and confusion from what I read in the papers or online. Celine Aguilar, senior English major, gave advice for other silent feminists like me: “My advice to closeted feminists is this: educate yourself,” Aguilar said. “Keep yourself informed. Learn from the women who came before you and learn from the people around you. How can someone

Kevin Chan | Loyolan

Understanding what a feminist is can be the first step in becoming one — and fighting for human equality welcomes the efforts of both sexes. not be proud and open about a concept that promotes equality for all people? Feminism receives such negativity when people do not understand what it truly stands for, but I think when one finally does understand feminism and all of the goodness it stands for, then there is nothing to be ashamed of.” My continued understanding of feminism and experience of its need reinforces that we should constantly educate people of all ages. Education is just one of the keys to understanding feminism — will, compassion and drive are a few others. This movement isn’t negative. It isn’t just about radical actions or any other preconceived notions. It’s about gaining equality for all by supporting and empowering women in any and all ways — from something simple as using a hashtag on social media to something as bold as a woman freeing her nipples in public. Maybe you won’t find me in the streets campaigning, but you will see me learning more and more about what it is to be a feminist, about ways I can contribute, about what my fellow human is doing for equality, about finding ways for equal pay, equal politics, equal value for body and mind. You’ll find me learning about ways to prevent others’ best friends from being overpowered. Feminism is beautiful, and I don’t want to stay silent anymore. This is the opinion of Sarah Litz, a senior English major from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Email comments to mgaydos@theloyolan. com.

DOERS DO Summer Sessions

Two 6-Week Sessions May 23–July 1 (S1S) July 5–August 12 (S3S)

CSULB 2016

One 12-Week Session May 23–August 12 (SSD)

More than 75 Online Summer Classes Earn units toward your degree

No formal admission to CSULB required

Enroll on a “space available” basis

Registration Begins April 4 (800) 963-2250 | CCPE-info@csulb.edu www.ccpe.csulb.edu/summer #DoersDo @CSULBInterSessn C ALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY LONG BEACH

COLLEGE OF CONTINUING AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SS_LMU2v_Ad1_S16.indd 1

Lorinda Owens

3/9/16 2:04 PM

OPINION

laloyolan.com

Page 10

What it’s like to be a woman in America Feel My Rath Nikki Rathbone

Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan

he sexist way women are treated has become so prevalant in today’s society that we fail to recognize its effect on the lives of women every day. The struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society may not yet be revealed to everyone,

but this is what it means to be a woman in America. We have invented nail polish that changes color in drugged drinks, apps that walk us home and lipstick-shaped mace. As women, we text each other when we get home safe and it does not occur to us that not all of our guy friends have to do the same. Some women accept this state of constant fear as just another part of being a girl. We are told to carry pepper spray, not walk alone at night and hold our keys between our knuckles — because

it is easier for society to make these issues our burden rather than addressing the root of the problem. When women are sexually assaulted, they are asked what they were wearing or why they were alone, and the responsibility is quickly removed from the perpetrator and place instead upon the victim. We are taught to scream the word “fire” when assaulted, because no one will help us if we yell “rape.” We get unwarranted stares, comments and inappropriate

Peter Cross via Flickr Creative Commons

Sexualizing women is something that occurs on a daily basis, and it is time that take a stand and make our voice heard.

touches almost everywhere we go. We walk down the street while men gawk at our bodies and get angry with us when we don’t smile back at their catcalls. It’s not a compliment, it strips us of our humanity.

“We walk down the street while men gawk at our bodies and get angry with us when we don’t smile back at their catcalls. It’s not a compliment, it strips us of our humanity.” Young girls are sent home from school and told it’s because their skirt will distract the male students and teachers. We raise girls to feel guilty for having a body, teaching them that a boy’s inability to focus when seeing someone’s skin is more important than their own education. As women, we are accustomed to making up excuses if we aren’t interested in a guy. You tell them you have a boyfriend, because men respect other men more than your right to say no.” The double standard criticizes everything we do. If a girl sleeps around, she is labeled a slut, but if she says no to everyone, she’s a prude. Men are not asked if they

will return to work after having a baby, but every mother is scrutinized and doubted. Women still have to worry about getting paid less for the same job. We also have to wonder if we have control over our own reproductive rights, or if another man in Washington will tell us what we can and cannot do with our bodies. When did our bodies become pawns for others to operate? We are sexualized before we are even old enough to understand what that means. We laugh off your sexism because we feel we have no other option. It’s on all of us to change what it means to be a woman. We need to change how we view women, how we talk to women and how we treat women. Slam poet Blythe Baird states, “I’m ashamed of keeping my feminism in my pocket until it is convenient not to — like at poetry slams or women’s studies classes.... How am I to forgive myself for doing nothing in the mouth of trauma? Is silence not an act of violence too?” We need to speak out against everyday sexism — no matter how big or small. Next time a woman complains about being catcalled or harassed at work, listen. Listen and stand up, because her concerns are important. This is the opinion of Nikki Rathbone, a sophomore marketing major from Sacramento, California. Email comments to mgaydos@theloyolan.com.

America needs to increase security after attacks I Think I Cam Cameron De Boer Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan

ne of the greatest aspects about living in America is that I have rarely felt that my security has been threatened. Recently, however, times have changed and I have felt a bit uneasy. The ISIS attacks in Paris last year were devastating. Consistent suicide bombings have occurred in Turkey and Lebanon within the past year, and the ISIS attack on a Russian plane are all testaments to the fact that our global security is in jeopardy. Brussels was the most recent target and ISIS boasts that what’s coming next is worse. According to The New York Times article, “Where ISIS Has Directed and Inspired Attacks Around the World” by Karen Yourish, Derek Watkins and Tom Giratikanon, ISIS has influenced four attacks on U.S. soil. So I ask you this, how safe and secure should we feel now? The United States is no stranger to terrorist attacks. The tragedy of 9/11 will forever remain in our hearts and minds. And the Boston Marathon bombing served another reminder that terrorism is stil alive in our world. A violent and unpredictable terrorist group such as ISIS would love nothing more than to inflict horrors upon our country. The United States has amped up security in airports and major cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles

The U.S. Navy via Wikimedia Commons

The recent terrorist attacks in Brussels show why we need to rethink the security of our nation. More action is required to keep U.S. citizens secure.

since the attack in Brussels, but why is it that we only feel the need to have added security after tragedy has struck? How long will that increased security last? After a month will we decide, “Okay, it’s been a while since the last attack. We don’t really need all this extra security, do we?” Well I believe we do. ISIS is the most pressing threat to our safety in this country. Not to mention how close LMU is to LAX — one of the most active airports in the world, making it a valued target for groups such as ISIS. I would feel a lot safer knowing that people in LAX are as secure as the President is in the White House. While Obama has stated that

he “will do whatever is necessary to support [Belgium],” he has decided to continue his vacation rather than cut it short and be hands-on in dealing with this crisis. Even Obama’s views on ISIS are downplayed, believing that ISIS is only becoming weaker. After Paris and Brussels, many cities have become more aware of the organization’s horrendous acts of terrorism, and ISIS is showing no signs of letting up. On Easter Sunday, ISIS carried out an attack on a football stadium in Iraq where a suicide bomber killed 25 innocent people. Despite the many attacks that have occurred, Obama’s strategies include only “air strikes, special forces, and

working with local forces who are fighting to regain control of their own country.” None of his strategies include putting large numbers of U.S. boots on the ground. However, putting boots on the ground and taking the fight directly to ISIS is the best way to take control of the situation. The rise of ISIS is a good reason the U.S. should hike up security at all times and continue that security until the threat is eradicated. The CNN article “What does ISIS really want?” by Tim Lister reported that ISIS wants “to stir religious hatred in Europe and the United States.” An organization with these goals poses a direct threat to

the United States, and until ISIS is under control, our country should continue to increase our security in high-risk places such as airports and train stations. Security should not be something we think about after tragedy has struck. The U.S. has been very lucky that these acts of aggression have not occurred to the same degree that they have in Paris, Beirut or Brussels. But the only way we can ensure these acts of terror will not happen on American soil is to take the fight to ISIS and make security in our country a top priority. This is the opinion of Cameron De Boer a sophomore economics major from Irvine, California. Email comments to mgaydos@ theloyolan.com.

OPINION

laloyolan.com

Page 11

Be a feminist — not an imperial colonist Ngo Problem Isabel Ngo

Copy Chief @LALoyolan

rowing awareness of intersectional feminism has helped social reform in light of recent topics such as the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the call for diversity at the Oscars with #OscarsSoWhite. Despite our strides for equality in the U.S., our definition of feminism gets tricky when we try to apply mainstream Western viewpoints to the rest of the world. It’s easy to champion freedom and empowerment as feminists in a country that touts individual values in its constitution, but we don’t have to look far to see the consistently oppressive history of the United States. Our nation is built upon the invasion and colonial oppression of indigenous people and our involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. But these are not merely problems of the past. Western colonialism and imperialism are still alive and well. They’re built into our national consciousness and culture. Columbus Day is still a national holiday, the U.S. military continues to intervene in international affairs in Iraq, Palestine, Syria — the list goes on. So it’s contradictory when Western feminists call for the need to save women in other countries when we don’t even have a firm understanding of our own roles in oppression.

“...we don’t have to look far to see the consistently oppressive history of the United States.” For example, some self proclaimed liberated women of the Western world criticize the head coverings and veils worn by Muslim women — such as the hijab and burqa — as forms of oppression and obstacles to women’s freedom. This viewpoint is incomplete and problematic because it ignores the strides and accomplishments of Muslim women’s movements and reinforces the stereotype of the helpless “submissive child-bearer [...] forced to wear hijab by her oppressive husband and/or community” and stigmatizes Islam as a whole, according to the Everyday Feminism article “4 Ways Mainstream Feminism

Emily Norega | Loyolan

It sometimes seems that the concept of feminism is the same across all cultures, but our Western perspective is not always all-encompassing.

Fails Muslim Women” by Noor Al-Sibai. In France, the first antiveil law in 2004 prohibited children from wearing veils in public schools, and 2010 saw the banning of all face and fullbody coverings. Similar laws have been passed or drafted in Belgium, Switzerland and Egypt. Muslim women are harassed and assaulted in the street for simply wearing the head coverings, according to New York Times article “French Muslims Say Veil Bans Give Cover to Bias” by Suzanne Daley and Alissa J Rubin. Politicians’ continued actions to ban veiled women from jobs, universities and any public places in France seem to encourage such discrimination. In the spirit of secularism, the ban infringes on freedom of speech, religion and other basic rights. This culturally ignorant perspective reduces the history and complexity of Muslim women’s agency to a single article, and even promotes the superiority complex built into the Western cultural imagination. Professor and anthropologist at Columbia University Lila Abu-Lughod, in her still relevant 2002 article, “Do Muslim Women

Really Need Saving?” reminds us to consider “how we, living in this privileged and powerful part of the world might examine our own responsibilities for the situations in which others in distant places have found themselves. We do not stand outside the world, looking out over this sea of poor people, living under the shadow — or veil —of oppressive cultures; we are part of that world.” In the U.S. specifically, our national culture breeds a heightened sense of superiority. Individualism and ambition are necessary ingredients in any success story of the so-called American Dream. Many of

“In the U.S. specifically, our national culture breeds a heightened sense of superiority.” us grew up proudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at school and looking up to the Founding Fathers — all these otherwise harmless experiences overlook present day colonialist attitudes in

favor of the red-white-andblue sugar coated values of independence and liberty. As a result, we erase the factors of oppression that we, as an international power, are actually responsible for. Being aware of our continually evolving roles as feminists in the U.S. and beyond largely involves being critical of our historically colonial and imperialist faults as Americans. Closer to home, the government funded eugenics program and forced sterilization of Latina women in California during the ‘60s and ‘70s stemmed from racist assumptions of non-Western and nonwhite people — assumptions not unlike those infamously spoken by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and hailed by his supporters, regarding Mexican immigrants. Rather than having the mindset of saving women in “less civilized” parts of the world, we must work with others in their own communities and in the context of their cultures and histories. These are the same principles of intersectional feminism, and when it comes to other international issues — religious freedom, war, human

trafficking — everything is connected. I know it’s a privilege to live in the United States and attend a university where I face

“...we must work with others in their own communities and in the context of their cultures and histories.” little discrimination. But my position doesn’t give me a free pass for turning a blind eye to the neo-colonialist practices the U.S. is directly involved in. Being a transnational feminist starts with recognizing these faults — whether they stem from cultural ignorance or from war for greater economic or political gain. If we want to fight for the equality of all men and women, we have to step off our own Western pedestals.

This is the opinion sophomore theatre Monrovia, California. to @LALoyolan, or theloyolan.

of Isabel Ngo, a arts major from Tweet comments email mgaydos@

OPINION

laloyolan.com

Page 12

We can’t be silent about gender inequality Olivia Round

Asst. Opinion Editor @laloyolan

“ ...some human beings are abusing other human beings; some are not held to the same expectations as others; some human beings are not recognized.”

Notice that it is not only women who are abused, underestimated, unappreciated and silenced— all human beings are. This is what the feminist movement is really about. It is not women fighting for women. It is people fighting for people. What I find to be most disturbing is that because of all of those things listed above, individual human beings are not being celebrated. It’s important to remember that being single is a beautiful thing. Being married is a beautiful thing. Having children is a beautiful thing. Being a woman, a man, genderneutral, transgender, asexual, homosexual, heterosexual or pansexual are all beautiful things—because being something means you are alive and breathing. It means you are contributing to this universe that, quite frankly, needs all the life it can get.

Jobs where women earn more

Jobs where men earn more

despite the legal progress made in advancing women’s rights, american women are subject to unequal treatment and standards in their daily lives.

Male college athletes receive 36% more scholarship Money than female athletes at NCAA institutions. 36% MORE $cholarsh ip

a female ceo earns 75 cents for every dollar a male ceo earns

ar regularship l o h $c

n early March, ASLMU hosted a panel titled “Our Herstory is Our Strength.” The panel consisted of seven faculty members — Karen Huchting, Susan McDaniel, Jamie Sanchez, Shannon Taylor, Martina Ramirez, Traci Voyles, Sina Kramer and Jennifer BelicheskyLarson — and brought a variety of perspectives to the conversation around the history and impact of Title IX. This panel was co-moderated by freshman undeclared major Mady Starr and myself. We led the discussion through a series of questions, covering a variety of topics about gender disparity in everything from athletics to the hard sciences. It was through this conversation that I learned an important lesson: The feminist movement is not dead and here’s why: Some human beings are abusing other human beings; some are not held to the same expectations as others; some human beings are not recognized, appreciated or acknowledged; some are not given a voice.

women earn less than men in 99% of all occupations

one in three women aged 18-34 has been sexually harassed while at work

O’Round The Clock

Source: ILO-Washington

Kevin Chan | Loyolan

Feminism goes deeper than women fighting for other women. We are all one and should fight for the well-being of one another, regardless of gender.

There are statistics that show how few women are becoming engineers and how few men are becoming teachers. There are numbers that show how prevalent the wage gap still is today. I could ask you to memorize the number of women involved in politics or the number of men who choose to be stayat-home dads, but what I want to provide is a new perspective, from a proud feminist, a proud masculinist, and a proud humanist (okay, maybe I made up one of those phrases). But the point is, I am not a statistic. You are not a statistic. My dad who wants to go back to school to become a teacher is not a statistic, and neither is my sister who is about to start applications for medical school.

“Being a woman, a man, genderneutral, transgender, asexual, homosexual, heterosexual or pansexual are all beautiful things.”

Rather, we are all individuals who were born, happen to be alive at the same time and

will someday die. So let’s stop paying women less for doing the same work as men. Let’s stop assuming all men are rapists. Let’s stop making women feel as though they must choose between having children or having a career. Let’s stop making men feel like they have to be strong all the time — emotionally and physically. Most importantly, let’s do these things on this campus. While it may seem like life on the Bluff is devoid of such flaws, we all need to dig deeper. At the Title IX panel, a majority of the women on the panel voiced the difficulties they encounter as a woman trying to achieve tenure, specifically when they have children. Another professor on the panel, who requested not to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation, shared her experience during the hiring process at LMU. She stated that she learned, three years into her employment at LMU, that she was getting paid a significantly lesser amount than a male colleague who had fewer qualifications than she. Another panelist, Jamie Sanchez, shared his long experience in the athletics department at LMU, from being on the football team that got discontinued, to

starting the women’s tennis team. His perspective shared the benefits of Title IX, but he also pointed out that there are flaws in the system. One issue was the lack of support surrounding women’s basketball when compared to that given to men’s basketball. A final example comes from the concern of several panelists who have had to spend Mother’s Day at LMU’s graduation ceremony. It was shared that a group of faculty members had signed a petition to have the graduation date changed in order to allow employees to spend the holiday with their loved ones. The petition was never acknowledged by the University. We need to be able to have conversations about such situations. No longer can we remain silent out of fear of the word feminism. We have to let go of the stigma of a crazy man-hating woman, because the truth is that a feminist is a human being fighting for the rights of all other human beings. While all of these examples share the struggles of women, that is not to say that women are the only ones struggling. The sexist patriarchal system affects everyone. If we are successful in doing this, we would be more

successful in the fight for the rights of all human beings. Maybe the conversation needs to start with women, but this is not where it should end. We should be concerned with the needs of everyone, from one gender to the next, one age to the next, one race to the next. This is a fight that can be fought every day, in the way we

“No longer can we remain silent out of fear of the word feminism. We have to let go of the stigma of a crazy manhating woman.”

talk to and about each other; in the politicians we support; in the books we read. There’s always something that can be done, especially on a college campus. Most importantly, there’s always people that can be loved and supported, and it is our job to do so.

This is the opinion of Olivia Round, a freshman communication studies and Spanish double major from Missoula, Montana. Email comments to mgaydos@ theloyolan.com

laloyolan.com Page 13

FOREVER FAIL

UNNECESSARY JAPES

By Emily Noriega, Staff Cartoonist

By Cameron Woodard, Staff Cartoonist

FISHBLUB

By Mikey Baretto, Staff Cartoonist

On April 6th, wear blue to show your support for Autism Awareness For more information, contact LMUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DSS office @ 310-338-4216

life+arts

Page 14

life+arts

laloyolan.com Page 15

Kevin Chan | Loyolan

life+arts

laloyolan.com Page 16

Alumni spotlight: behind the scenes heroine at Marvel Studios Taykin’ It Easy Taylor Gage

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LALoyolan

f all the people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, the goofy but professional Katie Kaniewski (‘12), was one of the most genuine I have yet to meet. Full of positive energy, the recent LMU grad has become one of my heroes — a hero that works in the world of superheroes everyday. Soon after graduating, Kaniewski landed a job with Marvel Studios. Ariane Taylor Gage (AG): Firstly, what were you involved in at LMU? Who were you here? Katie Kaniewski (KK): Busy. Happy. Tired. Usually all at once. I was a screenwriting major, manager at Burns Rec, CLC small group leader and [a member of the] Formation Team (I don’t think it’s even called that anymore!) member, CoPresident of SFTV Women’s Society, I sang in the 8 p.m. mass choir and my friends and I produced the show “In-And-Out” on ROAR. (Plus a few other things I’m probably forgetting). So yeah — busy, happy and tired. AG: Have you always wanted to work at Marvel? KK: Not always, but ever since the movies [came out], I really started to get into the comic books and the characters in general. AG: What do you do / what is your job? KK: Animation coordinator, current series. Which basically means I’m a small part of the larger story team for our animated shows on Disney XD: “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Marvel’s Avengers: Ultron Revolution” and “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.” I work with the rest of our team to shepherd the scripting process with our writers. AG: Who is your favorite superhero? And do you identify with your characters? KK: A caveat: I assume you are

Cameron Woodard | Loyolan

Alumna Katie Kaniewski started working at Marvel after graduating from LMU in 2012. She is now an animation coordinator, and works for animated series on Disney XD, like “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Marvel’s Avengers: Ultron Revoluation” and “Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.”

talking about fictional superheroes, not the real-life ones like moms and dads and police officers and the like. In the fictional realm, that one is tough. It changes from day-today (especially being exposed to so many on a daily basis). If I’m speaking strictly Marvel, some of my favorites right now are Spider-Man, Hawkeye, Peter Quill, Bobbi Morse and Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan). More than anything I admire their courage to be themselves and the complete person that their history and experience has made them

— they are never one thing. They are often funny (which I at least attempt to be), but sometimes use their humor to hide their pain — something I am very familiar with. They are confident, but don’t always have their lives 100 percent together. They are strong, but are not made of stone. They are courageous when helping others and put other people’s concerns above their own.

[Superheros] are confident, but don’t always have their lives 100 percent together. They are strong, but are not made of stone. They are courageous when helping others and put other people’s concerns above their own. My favorites are often part of a team, realizing that they need community to be the best that they can. I can only hope to identify with them, but rather find pieces of the person I want to be in their stories. AG: Who is your favorite powerful female figure on screen at the moment? Does she represent anything to you?

via Katie Kaniewski

LMU alumna Katie Kaniewski (‘12) discovered a newfound passion for comic books when she got a dream job with Marvel after graduation.

KK: I assume we’re still talking Marvel superheroes? ‘Cause if we aren’t, the answer is very different. I’ve recently finished “Marvel’s

Jessica Jones” on Netflix (in preparation for “Marvel’s Daredevil” season 2, of course), and I couldn’t help exclaiming to my roommate: “Claire is so freakin’ cool!” For my quick summary, Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson) is a nurse at a hospital in Hell’s Kitchen who is thrust into the world of poweredpeople through her meeting of Matt Murdock/Daredevil. She nurses Matt back to life when he is an inch from death and becomes one of the few people he can trust to patch him up. She gives him tough love when he needs it most. Then Claire meets Jessica Jones at the end of Jessica’s first season and she is one of the few people that I think can call Jessica out on her attitude and poor decisions. She speaks the truth when Jessica needs to hear it most. I love Claire because she one: represents all of us because she doesn’t have powers and acts as the voice of the audience as a result, and two: she uses the abilities that she does have to journey with and be present to these people in ways that they have never encountered before. For all you CLC (Christian Life Community) kids out there, she quite literally CP-s them (cura personalis). She listens and cares for them as people, not as superheroes. AG: Are there any off-screen female heroes within Marvel? Any that you work with? KK: So many. My team is mainly women and they are all beautiful, strong, outspoken and sassy in their own ways. Each one of them brings their own specific voice to the table.

And that’s just my immediate team! Marvel is full of strong, heroic women. AG: Who is your biggest mentor (or mentors)? KK: I have to say my parents first — they are my rocks. Outside family, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to encounter several people in entertainment that are as skilled as they are kind. Chances are if I’ve had more than a five minute conversation with you over the past several years, you’re one of my mentors (whether you realize it or not). Any time someone takes a minute to share their life with me, they’ve taught me something about myself and the world and people. I know that sounds super sappy, but I mean it! AG: Are you particularly proud of any one thing you’ve worked on? KK: This season of “Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man” (season 4) is especially close to my heart. It was the first show that I really gravitated to when I started at Marvel, and I’ve journeyed with the stories from the original breaking in the writers room to final animation. I’m so excited for everyone to see them.

This is the opinion of Taylor Gage, a freshman studio arts major from Napa Velley, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email nmuldoon@ theloyolan.com.

life+arts

laloyolan.com

Page 17

Balancing fashion, femininity and feminism Communication studies professor Patricia Oliver agreed, saying that “the paradox is that the very thing feminism now in this wave is asking for is that there is room for everyone … that we should all allow for extraordinary differences.” This is a crucial concept to grasp while solidifying your worldview in college. If we, as students of any gender, can internalize the idea that each individual’s manifestation of them-

The Maria Problem Maria Nelson Senior Editor

@LoyolanArts

hat do fashion and feminism have in common? You might be surprised. Some people think that in order to be a female feminist, you need to renounce those things that are traditionally associated with femininity: makeup, shaving and feminine clothing, for example. In many instances, these things can represent centuries of a male-dominated culture dictating the way women should look and behave. Today’s iteration of feminism whioh some now call a fourth-wave resurgence has many feminists looking at these symbols of oppression in a different light. Some women are working to flip the narrative and use these tools, particularly fashion and personal style, to reclaim the power and liberation of self-expression. Tavi Gevinson, founder and editor-in-chief of Rookie Mag, shared this sentiment in a recent interview with the Daily Mail, saying that, while the larger image-obsessed industry can make fashion frivolous, “fashion can be friends with feminism and it can be a tool for self-expression and empowerment.” Despite the fashion industry’s lackluster history celebrating

Mikey Baretto | Loyolan

“...feminism and fashion have an important role in today’s social movement toward equality. ”

Challenges are being made against the notion of renouncing femininity — particularly in fashion — as a prerequisite for being a feminist. The bottom line: Women should wear what makes them feel empowered. women’s differences, Leandra Medine, founder of the style blog Man Repeller, still thinks that feminism and fashion have an important role in today’s social movement toward equality. In an interview with Paper Magazine, Medine said that the industry itself is a tool for empowerment: “The way that I see fashion playing into the larger narrative of feminism is that it’s an industry for women, run by women, about women.”

In the same way that no one but you should be given the power to tell you how to do your hair, that you need to smile more in class or that you should wear more makeup, feminist fashion rules instruct that the only rule for getting dressed is that you feel empowered by what you are wearing. Whether that is in your old high school team’s sweatpants and a well-loved sweater or a short skirt and a halter top, today’s fashion-minded femi-

nists agree that you and only you have the power to decide how you present yourself to the world. That image might change from day to day or it might mean wearing the same outfit for the better part of a decade. The important part is that it is up to you. Some people find power in concealment and modesty, others find it in flamboyancy and revelation. It’s our job as feminists to respect and thrive in the richness of those differences.

selves through the clothing that they choose to put on their bodies is just as legitimate as anyone else’s, we can let the superficial stumbling blocks of physicality fall away in order to focus on the real issues. This is the opinion of Maria Nelson, a senior communication studies major from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Tweet comments to @ LALoyolan or email nnelson@theloyolan. com.

Dress codes based on a double standard Murray’s Murmurs Julia Murray

Life+Arts Intern @LALoyolan

very morning we make some big choices — what color sweatpants to throw on or which accessories match our shirt. From a young age, women learn that clothing is something that can be extremely fun. Playing dress-up with different princess outfits was one of my favorite pastimes, and I know a lot of girls relate to the experience of putting on clothing that makes you feel and look beautiful. Yet, this is not a luxury all women have. As a culture, we have worked hard to establish this. Unquestionably, there is still a lot of controversy surrounding what girls choose to wear and what that might say about them as a person. It’s not uncommon to hear comments like, “What was she wearing?” when news stories of sexual misconduct break. Comments like this contribute to victim blaming and misrepresents women’s fashion as terms of consent. It is crucial to remember that choosing what to wear or what not to wear is up to each individual, whether male or female. The choice to dress a certain way is just that: a choice. Freshman communication studies major Chloe Cross stood up for that choice last year as a student at San Mateo High School.

Her story received national news coverage and allowed her stand against objectification and her school’s unfair dress code policy to reach a wider audience. During her senior year, Cross was asked to change her outfit because she was told that her clothing would be distracting for boys. Despite her informing the administrator that she would have to miss an important meeting as well as class in order to comply, the administrator insisted that she had to change. After bringing the issue to the attention of the school principal who took no further action for reform, Cross was again discouraged and remained unheard. Cross had also observed that the dress code was not consistently enforced and was prejudiced toward gender and body type, which compelled her to take action. She felt she had no other choice but to use the school yearbook as a platform to voice her opinion. Instead of a classic quote or a song lyric, Cross’ senior yearbook quote stated: “I would just like to apologize to those who were unable to graduate with the class of 2015 because they were too distracted by my midriff and consequently failed all of their classes! xoxo.” Instead of accepting the administration calling her fashion choices distracting to boys, Cross successfully channeled the feeling of being undermined by her clothing to fight back. “I got the idea to say something poignant and point out how ridic-

via Chloe Cross

Chloe Cross’ challenge against San Mateo High School’s dress code became a subject of national news. ulous it is to devalue a girl’s education for the sake of men, while still placing the blame on her and sexualizing her body,” said Cross. Cross’ experience perfectly shows that this mindset of objectification is extremely detrimental to society. Girls should be able

to wear what they want without being targeted, and society should be capable of understanding and respecting this. It is an incredible thing for us to have so much liberty in choosing what we wear, and to undermine this is harmful to us as a culture. Cross’ story shows

that women do not have to accept objectification. Women can fight back — and fight back successfully. This is the opinion of Julia Murray, a freshman screenwriting major from Boston, Massachusetts . Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email nmuldoon@ theloyolan.com

life+arts

laloyolan.com Page 18

Marians president helps lead fight for feminism Doon It Right Nicole Muldoon Life+Arts. Editor @nmuldoon

here’s no mistaking the strong women of Marians service organization when you spot them walking around campus donning their crisp white cardigans. Their blue logo is distinctive: an understated Marymount Institute flame symbolizing faith, culture and the arts. The main focus of Marians is to improve the lives of women and children, and its members understand better than anyone that it is one thing to discuss feminism, and another thing entirely to actively work toward achieving its goals. I recently had a chance to ask the president of Marians, junior biology major Anu Varshneya, about her experience as a leader on campus, the specific purpose and goals of Marians and her views on feminism. Nicole Muldoon (NM): Why did you originally decide to join Marians service organization? Anu Varshneya (AV): I originally decided to join a service organization because I felt (and continue to feel) incredibly passionate about service, and was excited to join a community of people who felt similarly about giving back to our community. Marians stuck out to me especially because of its mission towards the betterment of women and children via feminism. Feminism and gender equality has been important to me throughout my life, as I am a minority in more than one way — Indian, young, a woman — interested in pursuing a career in STEM. When I heard about Marians, I was excited by the idea of joining a group of women who were passionate about fighting for equality for all, and was

empowered by the intelligent women who were making strides in the organization, in LMU and in the greater Los Angeles community. NM: Can you describe the primary mission behind Marians? What is it about the focus that appeals to you? AV: The primary mission behind Marians is to fight for equality for all via intersectional feminism. Intersectional feminism is feminism that fights for gender equality while being inclusive of all of the other aspects of society that may systematically oppress someone. This includes topics like disabilities, race, sexual identity, socioeconomic standing, etc. The mission appeals to me as it allows women to be educated about and fight for feminism and equal rights, while acknowledging that some people experience feminism and gender inequality in different ways. I felt that Marians was a wonderful place to open my mind and challenge myself to understand the world in a more inclusive way. NM: In your eyes, what are some of [Marian’s] biggest accomplishments thus far? AV: Marians does a fantastic job every year in educating the LMU community about Women’s Herstory Month, a nationally recognized celebration of the achievements of women throughout history. I am particularly proud of our organization’s commitment to include the entire LMU community regarding dialogue about women in society and intersectional feminism. This is the second year in a row that we will be holding a school-wide Gender Talk where we will challenge students and faculty to consider the current status of gender equality. Last year, the event was an incredible success and truly allowed for several different men and women from all corners of campus to come together and discuss important

via Anu Varshneya

Anu Varshneya (right) is the president of Marians service organization, a group that seeks to improve the lives of women and children in the L.A. area and to educate the LMU community about intersectional feminism. social justice issues in a welcoming space. NM: How does it feel to be a leader in the service organization community, which is an incredibly prominent group at LMU? AV: I am honored to be the leader of one of the many service organizations on campus. All of the service organizations do incredible work in the community and on campus in order to fight different social justice issues and educate as many people as possible about the different issues in Los Angeles and the world.

It’s an incredible experience and I am so thankful to all of the Marians women who thought of me as a leader and as someone who is worthy of this position. I hope to make everyone who has supported me throughout these years proud. NM: What are some of your primary goals as Marians president? AV: As Marians president, I hope to encourage more of the LMU community to recognize the importance of intersectional feminism and to remove the negative connotation associated

with feminism. In the greater Los Angeles community, I hope to do as much service as possible, both individually and as an organization, in order to help our community grow with all of its inhabitants. I hope to continue to inspire and be inspired by the women of this organization to always fight for more for themselves and their community, and to empower as many people as I can to be the best versions of themselves as possible. I hope to make a difference in someone’s life through service because of the positive difference service and Marians has made in my life. NM: What is your personal definition of feminism? Is there anything you would like others to know about feminism? AV: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (and Beyonce) inspired my personal definition of feminism. In fact, it is almost a direct quote from Adichie’s famous TED Talk (which was also sampled in Beyonce’s “Flawless”): A feminist is a person who believes in the social, economic, and political equality of the genders. Adichie replaced the word “gender” with “sexes” when she originally gave this definition, but I think it is important to recognize that the word sexes is limiting to the hundreds of thousands of people in our world who do not associate themselves with either side of the gender binary inherent in the male and female sexes. In my ideal world, not only would everyone be aware of what it means to be a feminist, everyone would be well educated about what it means to be an intersectional feminist by understanding the implications of all of the systematic pressures a person might face that prevents them from becoming the best version of themselves.

via Marians Service Organization

The women in Marians service organization are focused on promoting gender equality, as seen in their annual Gender Talks. The latest Gender Talks event took place last Tuesday, March 29. The Talks focused on what gender equality means as well as its current status in society.

This is the opinion of Nicole Muldoon, a sophomore psychology major from Highland, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email nmuldoon@ theloyolan.com.

life+arts

laloyolan.com Page 19

Fantasy stars clash over ‘first-world feminism’ Sharin’ Arun Arun Gulati

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LoyolanArts

hen it comes to oft-controversial political movements such as feminism and the fight for gender equality, many young adults — and young men in particular — choose to stay out of the conflict. But perhaps if politicians aren’t doing the trick, the best way to draw interest to the gender egalitarianism movement is through millennial role models in Hollywood — for decades now, stars of the silver screen have been voicing their opinions to millions about social justice issues, feminism being no different. On July 8, 2014, acclaimed actress and international star Emma Watson was announced as a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador. Best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film franchise, Watson graduated from Brown University in 2014 and is a passionate advocate for gender equality. She also helped kick-start the U.N. Women’s solidarity movement, HeForShe, which calls upon men to help challenge gender inequality. During a HeForShe campaign speech on September 20, 2014, Watson spoke about her history of embracing feminism. She touched upon her school experiences and being sexualized by the press by growing up in front of the eyes of millions. She also noted the unfavorable definition that feminism has grown to adopt for some: “How can we affect change in the world when

via Wikipedia Creative Commons

Fantasy entertainment stars Maisie Williams and Emma Watson may have different opinions on certain facets of the feminism movement, but they are both undeniably strong voices in the discussion of female empowerment. only half of it is invited or feels welcome to participate in the conversation?” Watson said: “For the record, feminism by definition is: ‘The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.’” She stressed the importance of reaching out to male ‘gender

equality ambassadors’ and freeing men who are “imprisoned by gender stereotypes.” Watson has not been without her critics. Her remarks sparked a response from Maisie Williams, an 18-year-old actress most famous for her role as Arya Stark in HBO’s smash hit “Game of Thrones.” In an interview with The Guardian in December 2014, Williams voiced her impatience

with this kind of so-called “firstworld feminism.” Williams said: “A lot of what Emma Watson spoke about, I just think, ‘that doesn’t bother me.’ I know things aren’t perfect for women in the UK and in America, but there are women in the rest of the world who have it far worse.” Williams’ opinion is valid, but that doesn’t mean we should discount Emma Watson’s words of

wisdom. As a college-aged male, I agree that the only way we can collectively achieve gender equality is by uniting both genders in what has so far been a one-sided effort. It is true that women in certain places other than the Western world are subjected to certain terrors that they may not experience here in the United States, but that shouldn’t refute our attempts to achieve gender equality in a local setting. At the same time, it is important to understand this issue at its broadest level, and taking into account women from all across the world is an essential facet of that. Both actresses make a fair point, and both are strong voices in a sea of prominent actors and actresses who have spoken out about the issue. Watson and Williams represent two capable role models in the world of film and television: Hermione Granger is an intelligent student, compassionate friend and steadfast achiever in the “Harry Potter” series, showing young women the importance of intellect in accomplishing success. Arya Stark, an adolescent girl subjected to countless horrors and innumerable acts of violence in “Game of Thrones,” is a courageous, autonomous and fearless hero, and Williams’ significantly badass performance is one of the highlights of the show. Regardless of how you feel about ‘first-world feminism,’ there is no doubt that Watson and Williams are two extraordinary women using their influence to stimulate conversation about this important issue. This is the opinion of Arun Gulati, a sophomore film and television production major from Seattle, Washington. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email agulati@theloyolan.com.

life+arts

laloyolan.com Page 20

KXLU festival provides a breath of fresh air Dancing Lee-murs Eric Lee

Asst. Life+Arts Editor @LALoyolan

he great thing about L.A. is that something is always happening — especially in the music scene. Two student DJs from LMU’s KXLU radio station are contributing to this vibrant part of L.A.’s culture by hosting the first ever Smog Fest. The concert will take place a couple minutes from LMU on Venice Blvd. The festival will be an intimate concert featuring KXLU DJs and some of L.A.’s finest musical talents. Smog fest is the brainchild of two KXLU DJs — sophomore marketing major Jessica Makhlin and junior marketing major Cara Lohman — who wanted to bring a special night of music and dancing to students looking for a fun time off-campus. The pair worked for over two months to assemble a lineup of talented California-based artists set to play on the night of April 2. The lineup ranges from what Makhlin described as everything from “dreamy psychedelic” to “punkier rock.” The inspiration for this event came to Lohman and Makhlin from the creative buzz that is central to Los Angeles’ music scene. The particular presence of the DIY music scene — which includes bands who produce their music independently of record labels — sparked an idea for Makhlin. “We were kind of inspired by the L.A. DIY music scene. There’s always something going on in Los Angeles whether people know it or not. A lot of it stems from just creative people trying to get together and play music, and we thought why not create our own event?” said Makhlin. Timewarp Records —the record store in Mar Vista serving as Smog Fest’s venue — has a history with KXLU, making it a

Kevin Chan | Loyolan

KXLU’s new music festival, Smog Fest, will feature a lineup of local musicians, including Inner Wave, Franky Flowers, Jurassic Shark and more. This is the first year that KXLU will be putting on the music festival, which was heavily inspired by the Los Angeles DIY music scene. perfect place for LMU students to connect with the off-campus community. “It sounded easy at first, but there was a lot more planning that went into it once we started doing our research in terms of finding a venue. We reached out to Timewarp Records because other KXLU DJs have done shows there before,” said Lohman. With the venue set, it was time to fill in the lineup. Performing artists such as Inner Wave are known to the KXLU DJs and often appear in their radio sets —

while other artists such as Jurassic Shark ended up in the lineup by a stroke of chance and luck. Nevertheless, the blend of artists and KXLU DJs that will be performing is bound to be a unique hodgepodge of musical flavors that is sure to create a lively ambiance. Much of the music stems from rock ‘n’ roll roots that KXLU regularly embraces. The vision for Smog Fest was one of musical diversity and good vibes. “We wanted to have a lot of different sounds in Smog Fest. It kind of happened accidentally,

but our wish came true because we weren’t really picky. I say a lot of it stems from rock, but they go into their own sub-genres like surf-rock and some beach Goth sounding things,” Makhlin said. The intimate setting of Timewarp Records will make for a night of close-knit singing and dancing — only the best kind. Open to all ages, it will be interesting to see how the turnout will be as the Smog Fest Facebook event page invites “friends, grandmothers, enemies, lovers/ whomever” to come and enjoy

the merriment. Bringing lions and members of the greater Los Angeles community together, Smog Fest is a wonderful display of how music can connect us all. Smog Fest will be taking place at Timewarp Records on 12204 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles on Saturday, April 2. Doors open at 8 p.m. with music starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for all ages. This is the opinion of Eric Lee, a sophomore film/television production major from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email nmuldoon@theloyolan.com

From faculty members and students to graduates and presidents, find out the talents, diversities and personalities that make up our University.

Watch the stories of 100 people who represent the heart and soul of what it means to be an LMU Lion at www.laloyolan.com/100Lions via Brighid Burnes

KXLU’s first Smog Fest was organized by sophomore marketing major Jessica Makhlin and junior marketing major Cara Lohman.

Do you know someone who has the heart of a Lion? Send an email to slitz@theloyolan.com

SPORTS

laloyolan.com Page 21

Women’s sports have something to offer fans The Hofficer Pat Hoffman Contributor

@LoyolanSports

he first time I walked into Gersten Pavilion for a women’s basketball game, I will be honest: I did not know what to expect. I felt out of place, as the atmosphere from the parking lot all the way into the stands was one much different than that of a men’s basketball game. I did not know what I was doing there. A year and a half into my LMU career, I had been to every single men’s home game, but not one women’s game. On top of that, I was used to seeing our men’s team playing the likes of some big name opponents with future pros, such as Brigham Young University, Gonzaga and USC. I was used to seeing plays like Anthony Ireland’s fast breaks or Evan Payne’s dunks. I knew that those exciting plays might not be what I would find when I went to my first women’s game at LMU. However, what I did find was the doorway of opportunity that led me to the complete passion and pride that I have today for sports and this school. Watching not just our men’s and women’s basketball teams, but all of the sports teams we have here at LMU, has made me realize that the players’ ages, genders, sizes, skill levels, or speed of the game in front of you doesn’t matter. There is something to appreciate about

all sports, at every single level of competition. I believe that there is a good time to be had at any sports game. At my first LMU women’s basketball game, the Lions were taking on Santa Clara. It was a Thursday night at the beginning of my second semester of my sophomore year. I know that a majority of people reading this were not at the game, which is a bummer, because man, you all missed a gem. We dominated the Santa Clara Ponies 82-59. Leslie Lopez-Wood had 24 points with five threepointers, and three other Lions scored double figures. Just like at any other basketball game, I was yelling my face off. From time to time, I might have said some things that got a little personal to the opponents, and they were definitely heard, because there were not as many people in the gym to drown out my comments. I got on the big screen an annoying amount of times. On top of all that, I got my own pizza from one of the in-game promotions — I didn’t have much competition for it. This experience got me hooked. I did not want to miss another LMU women’s basketball game for the rest of my college career. To me, there is no difference between men’s and women’s basketball games. All right, you might not see any dunks unless Brittney Grinner or Lisa Leslie is in the game. But, you will still see “and-one” plays. You will see more three-pointers from our team alone than at most men’s games. You will

see Head Coach Charity Elliott yell at the referees just as much as Head Coach Mike Dunlap does. You will also see down-to-the-wire games that will get you on your feet. Four out of the six games on campus this semester, we could have, should have, would have won. These games were lost by five points or less, with a couple of them going into overtime. It is up to us as fans and students of LMU to realize that it does not matter what gender or sport we are watching, we are all Lions, and there is an opportunity for fun and lasting impressions at every LMU game. For years to come, I want to see more students get out to some of the sports that do not always draw attention like our men’s basketball team does. I do not want to be the only voice from the stands heard by opposing coaches, players and referees. I do not want to be the only guy winning a pizza at every game I’m at because I am the only one there. Lastly, and most importantly, I do not want to be the only non-athlete that has become good friends with athletes because of my attendance at games. That is the best thing I’ve gotten out of attending our women’s basketball games: I now have 12 new friends on campus that I see every day. I feel like I bring this up so much, but someone has to, because it is a big deal. We had two teams from our school make it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament this year. They were women’s soccer and women’s volleyball, the most exciting sports to watch this year in my opinion. We are also on pace to get our first

stamina, and thus cannot last the same five sets as men do. If this were true, then other women athletes would not be able to do events such as marathons. It is fair to say women tennis players probably don’t have the same stamina as men do in these tournaments because they train their bodies to last the maximum hours they need to perform. This issue would not be fixed by paying men more; this is more so concerned with the rules of the game. In the professional sports world as a whole, women are already earning less than men. For winning the 2015 Women’s World Cup, the U.S. Women’s National Team won $2 million. Germany’s men’s team took home $35 million for winning the 2014 World Cup. Total prize money for the 2014 PGA Tour? Over $340 million. That is more than five times that of the new high of $61.6 million for the 2015

LPGA Tour. That is the whole reason men get more attention from fans at professional events — not because women are not as good as men, but because the professional sports world continues to provide unequal funding between men and women. Paying men more for the same sport gives women less incentive to push themselves and only discourages future female participation in the sport. Tennis is one of the very few sports that grants equal prize money, and of course, men still have to throw a fit about it even though it has been equal for almost 10 years now. Story continued on laloyolan.com

The sports salary gap

Tennis from Page 24

and thank their male counterparts, or thank men in general. Since prize money has become equal, men have come out with various reasons as to why it should not be equal. No.1 men’s tennis player in the world Novak Djokovic made comments about equal prize money at the same tournament after Moore made his comments. “[Women] fought for what they deserve and they got it,” said Djokovic. He then claimed that prize money should be “fairly distributed” based on “who attracts more attention, spectators and who sells more tickets.” Other men have mainly argued that they have to play significantly more than women, which is true to an extent. In the four major slams of the year, men have to play three out of five sets while women play the usual two out of three. This stems from the idea that women lack endurance and

This is the opinion of Jessica Perez, a junior humanities major from Laguna Niguel, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

Caroline Burt | Loyolan

LMU Loyalty bring invigorating energy to the men’s basketball games, and that energy is now finding its way into women’s games, too. PCH Cup victory in several years — meaning we have dominated Pepperdine like we have not seen in recent times. That is thanks to wins by women’s soccer and women’s volleyball, and two wins by women’s basketball over the Waves. Not making an effort to goto the games of any of these three outstanding teams should be a write-up. You will give our teams a better chance at winning if you’re in the stands and as engaged as any of the fans of our men’s teams are in overtime with Gonzaga. If you do that, I guarantee you will leave

saying you had a good time. As the end of another great year at LMU approaches, women’s softball, tennis and water polo are in the middle of their seasons. I encourage all students to make it out to at least one of their games and treat it like it’s the Final Four. Be prepared to come back on campus next fall to watch all of our women’s teams dominate and make next year the greatest athletic year in LMU This is the opinion of Pat Hoffman, a junior marketing major from Ventura, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

SPORTS

laloyolan.com Page 21

Women’s sports have something to offer fans The Hofficer Pat Hoffman Contributor

@LoyolanSports

The sports salary gap

Tennis from Page 24

This is the opinion of Jessica Perez, a junior humanities major from Laguna Niguel, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

Josh Kuroda | Loyolan

SPORTS

laloyolan.com Page 22

Title IX and LMU Cheerleaders face all the LMU History from Page 24

and water polo burst onto the national scene. Women’s water polo has been arguably the most successful program in LMU’s history, winning all but four of the conference championships since 2001 (that makes 12), and making the NCAA tournament in 9 of those 16 seasons. As of the 2015-2016 school year, there are roughly 400 Division I student-athletes at LMU. Using the current rosters listed on th LMU Lions website, more than half — almost two-thirds of the athletes — are women. All three of LMU’s NCAA Division I National Championships have been won by women’s teams, and females have also won 24 conference championships since joining the NCAA in the 1980s. Additionally, 25 women and four women’s teams have been inducted into LMU’s Hall of Fame, which began by inducting athletes from the 1950s and 1960s, before the University merger. The statistics, records, championships and individual performances speak for themselves. It shouldn’t even be a question. Women should have always had the right to compete at the highest

level, and to compete at the same degree as men. In just 45 short years, hundreds of talented, driven individuals and teams have left a lasting legacy for athletics at LMU, as well as an impact on the national landscape of sports. While there will always be those who are on the wrong side of history, Title IX — with all of the drama constantly surrounding it — continues to be a beacon of hope for female athletes, and its many ambassadors throughout the decades have driven sports into the next generation. No, we at LMU are not the end-all-be-all of college sports. Nobody is going to tell you that we’re necessarily the best at anything, and I’m not pretending that we are. That’s not a knock on us. Here at LMU, we take pride in the progress of all things. When it comes to sports, our female student-athletes have played a prominent role in our school’s history, and that should motivate our athletes and students of to continue to break down barriers. This is the opinion of Jackson Tave, a sophomore finance major from Wall, New Jersey. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

sterotypes you’ve heard Cheerleading from Page 24

same way it does for any college athlete,” said Hoy. “I learned time management skills, the importance of hard work in order to see results, and how to stay organized. But cheer was different because I learned the importance of image. While every student-athlete is expected to represent their school, in cheer we are held to a higher standard and sometimes judged exclusively on our image.” Being judged solely on appearance is a battle we face as cheerleaders. “Those uniforms…” We are well aware that some of our uniforms are rather revealing, but people do not realize there is an athletic function. While we are comfortable performing in them, they can be distracting from the athleticism we are demonstrating on the court. Hoy uses this experience every day as a woman in the workforce. “Asacheerleader,allanyonefocuses on is some picture of femininity, and they don’t see the physical effort or consider your intellect or the fact that you’re risking a life altering injury every time you step into a stunt or tumbling pass [...] No one cares as long as you have your skimpy uniform on. I go into work every day as if I’m in that uniform,” said Hoy. No one questions the functionality

Josh Kuroda | Loyolan

Cheerleaders do not recieve the credit they deserve for their demanding sport.

of a gymnast’s leotard or a swimmer’s speedo, so why the mini skirts? “Growing up, I participated in competitive as well as high school cheerfollowingmytimeasagymnast,” said sophomore cheer team member and biology major Helena Drolshagen. “Comparing the two sports, I quickly noticed the stereotypes associated with the latter, said Drolshagen The stereotype surrounding the sport does not rightly give credit to the hard work and skill it takes to perform well, and probably stems from movies and other media sources that portray cheerleaders a certain way.” I challenge you all now to alter your perspective. Next time you attend an LMU basketball game, watch your favorite NFL or NBA team or indulge

in a cliché “Bring It On” movie — I know you have watched at least one — take the time to recognize all the years of hard work that the cheerleaders have put in. We sit next to you in class, support on-campus clubs and participate in philanthropy. You may not even recognize us without the bows and crop tops. At the end of the day, we wish for respect just as anyone else does, and I promise we won’t clap our hands and tell you to “Be AGGRESIVE, be, be AGGRESSIVE!” If we get some fans out to the park this weekend they’ll see a pretty good baseball team. This is the opinion of Jackson Tave, a sophomore finance major from Wall, New Jersey. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

Off the court issues arise for Lakers Classic Dan Daniel Palladini

Asst.Sports Editor @LoyolanSports

id they really do it, or is this someone’s stunt to try and make some money and get their 30 seconds of fame? This question is always asked when allegations of sexual harassment are brought against a professional athlete. Many claims have turned out to be real, disturbing and serious. For example this past summer NFL football player Greg Hardy of the Carolina Panthers was found guilty of assulting a female and communicating threats. Some, however have been used as a way for the alleged ‘victim’ to get money and a little bit of fame, as

well as tarnish an athlete’s legacy. The public always reacts to each situation differently. Last week, Nick Young — aka ‘Swaggy P’— and Jordan Clarkson of the Los Angeles Lakers were the talk of social media sites like Twitter and Facebook when they were accused of sexual harassment. Alexis Jones, an author and femaleempowerment activist, shared a collage of photos on Instagram of these two men in a car with one other man. Jones claimed that the three men were yelling vulgar phrases and making crude gestures at her and her mother. She said, in her post, that she wanted to use the power of social media to educate young men on how to be respectful. On March 22, the Lakers organization announced — after doing their investigation on the incident — that they stand behind their players and believe the story

via Flickr Creative Commons

Jordan Clarkson (#6) is in his second season with the Los Angeles Lakers and was one of two players involved in the sexual harassment allegations.

their players have presented to them. The Lakers also brought in Jones to give her a chance to tell her account of what happened and said that the interpretations were different between both parties. The Lakers expressed support for Jones and her feelings about what happened, as well as support for women’s rights. Lakers spokesman John Black tried to arrange a meeting between Clarkson, Young and Jones, but was unsuccessful due to conflicting schedules. Other NBA players, however used Twitter to dismiss the allegations about Young and Clarkson, claiming that this was just another publicity stunt. Andrew Bogut of the Golden State Warriors tweeted, “This Lakers sexual harassment story has more holes in it than a block of Swiss cheese.” Former Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, a Los Angeles native, also took to Instagram, saying in his post: “@MsAlexisJones your an activist against athletes... YOU can drop the sexual harassment part, thats just an easy way to blackmail players out of money, you have a picture of 2 laker players AND claiming they sexually harassed you and ur mom, if this is true the timing is amazing since u were just on the phone with the NBA trying to lobby ur program FRIDAY.” Arenas, who is known for being an outspoken NBA player and has had his own personal issues while in the NBA, was a former teammate of

Young and still has close ties with him. Jones claimed that she did not post the picture to get famous and that she does not want to be known for that, but rather, she wants to partner with athletes and other people to teach them that they need to respect both women they know and women they don’t. On Monday, Jones was on ESPN and said that she had no idea that the men in the car were athletes and had recently been in touch with the NBA about the possibility of starting a program to help address sexual abuse in athletics. It seems that this whole situation is very convenient. Just as Jones was trying to create a connection with the NBA to create a program to educate young players about sexual abuse, this fiasco blows up on Instagram and Twitter, drawing attention to her and giving her a public platform from which to speak. Jones claims that she did not know who these men were, but the apparent need to post their pictures on Instagram leads me to believe the opposite: that their fame was the reason she posted the pictures on social media, knowing they would attract attention. There is a lot of gray area here, and I feel like once the Lakers talked with both parties, they discovered that it was a misinterpretation. The public will never know the true story of the events that transpired as Jones did not press any charges, and the Lakers,

though they expressed that they took the matter very seriously stood behind their players. Even with all of this, I do feel that many professional sports teams should have a program that their players must attend either in the offseason or at some point in the preseason that educates on sexual abuse. In fact, Jones already leads a nationwide program called “Protect Her” that strives to address the ever-growing issue of domestic abuse and sexual assault on campuses. As a society, we need to educate everyone, particularly those entering the work force and the younger generation, about what constitutes as sexual abuse and how to prevent and avoid it. I think we are heading in the right direction, but we are not there yet. What happened to Jones is not good at all, and that now she will always be associated with for this incident. Regardless if the validity of the allegations, Jones is doing great work with the “Protect Her Campaign.” It’s hard to distinguish the truth between a lack of strong information becuase of the impact this has on players. Hopefully the NBA along with other professional sports can implement a program to help combat sexual harassment and educate these young men to work against allegations like this. This is the opinion of Daniel Palladini, a sophomore marketing major from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

SPORTS

laloyolan.com

Page 23

Lion wins gold in Four Nations Tourney Sophomore Sarah Sponcil represented Team USA in U21 tournament. Ryan Hartnett Sports Editor

@LoyolanSports

A partnership that started because of a simple direct message (DM) on Instagram over a month ago from one volleyball player to her “idol” turned into a gold medal for beach volleyball partners Torrey Van Winden and LMU sophomore Sarah Sponcil. Last week, Sponcil traveled to Sydney, Australia representing Team USA to compete in the Four Nations U21 Tournament. After meeting and competing for the first time just over a month ago at the Beach HP U21 Team Trials in Chula Vista and only practicing once before the Four Nations tournament, Sponcil and her partner Van Winden went 4-0 to earn a gold medal. One week before the Team Trials, both Sponcil and Van Winden were originally supposed to play with Pepperdine University athletes, but Pepperdine’s Head Coach requested that his athletes not compete for Team USA, as their beach volleyball season was just underway. So, both original partners had to drop out of the tournament. Sponcil said she was able to compete internationally after LMU indoor volleyball Head

Coach and Director of Volleyball Tom Black offered her a fifth year and the opportunity to redshirt this beach volleyball season. Van Winden — who signed with UCLA volleyball last November — reached out to Sponcil via Instagram one week before the tournament asking if she’d like to be partners. Sponcil gladly accepted the offer from the six-foot-two-inch incoming freshman who had referred to Sponcil as her “idol.” Sponcil sensed the chemistry between her and Van Winden after one practice together before the first tournament. One week later they won the Team Trials, and one month later they were on a 17-hour flight to Australia representing Team USA. Battling the rain in the championship game, Sponcil and Van Winden dropped the first set to their Brazilian opponents, Victoria Tosta and Ana Ramos. Sponcil and Van Winden trailed early in the second set 11-7 but were able to figure out the weakness of six-foot-fourinch Ramos, who struggled to approach the net quickly after serving. Sponcil and Van Winden kept clawing at Ramos’ weakness to win the second set 21-19. “A lot of teams feel defeated after the first game, but I think we did a great job of pushing point for point and battling through the tough environment that we were in,” said Sponcil. The pair continued to exploit this advantage in the third and

final set as they went on to win the final set 15-13. The partners stood on the stage after the final set as they received their gold medals. “The Star-Spangled Banner” played in the background as the two young athletes basked in the glory of winning gold while representing their nation. “It’s an honor to play for your country, and I’ve been dreaming of it for years since I started playing volleyball,” said Sponcil. “When you’re just standing there, and that’s happening, you just don’t know what to do.” Sponcil started playing indoor volleyball at the age of three and was instantly hooked. She picked up beach volleyball at the age of eight and couldn’t get enough of Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the summertime when she would go to Victory Lanes in Glendale, Arizona and play beach volleyball. During her freshman year of high school, she made a huge collage of pictures of Olympic volleyball players on a volleyball net that she hangs over her bed at home. Every night she would look up at the Olympic rings directly above her bed dreaming that one day she too could play volleyball for the USA. Her dream came much closer to being a reality when she started high school. Sponcil won three state championships and two Gatorade Player of the Year awards at Veritas Prep Academy

Week for Division I three times this season and performed well in the PCSC Championships. She set a school record in the 100 butterfly with a time of 54.50. She also took second in the 200 butterfly and the 400 freestyle relay. In her leading of the team this year, she has set herself up to be an even stronger leader for her senior year.

be missed next season.

Josh Kuroda | Loyolan

Sophomore Sarah Sponcil (center) partnered up with Pepperdine volleyball player Torrey Van Winden, after Van Winden reached out via Instagram.

in Phoenix before making her way to LMU. She committed to LMU her sophomore year of high school after she heard that her volleyball idol and future beach volleyball partner, Betsi Metter — who played at the same volleyball club in Phoenix that Sponcil played for — was going to play volleyball at LMU. Sponcil wasted no time making her name a presence in the West Coast Conference (WCC) for indoor volleyball. She started all 31 games and recorded 344 kills as Coach Black transitioned her from the setter position to an outside hitter. She was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) South Region Freshman of the Year. The WCC also named her to the WCC

All-Freshman team. In beach volleyball, Sponcil posted a 26-7 record and earned AVCA All-American honors. She also had the opportunity to play alongside her volleyball idol Metter for the National Championship. Yes, all of this happened as a freshman. This year, she led the indoor volleyball team to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1996. She scored 18 points alone against the No. 6 team in the country, Stanford, in the Round of 32. Sponcil noted that the key to the team’s success this year was chemistry. No other team clicked the way they did in those early rounds of NCAA Championships.

LMUTA: Top five female athletes of the year Sully Speaks

Jack Sullivan Senior Editor

@LoyolanSports

his academic year, the women’s athletic programs have done tremendously well overall. The women’s soccer and volleyball team reached the Sweet Sixteen in their respective NCAA tournaments, the women’s cross country team had a runner compete at NCAA Nationals and the softball team is currently cruising at a 21-14 record, including an 11-4 record at home. With many of the teams doing incredibly well, there have been some standout athletes. Here are the top LMU female athletes of the year. 5. Hannah Calton, junior, swimmer: This swimmer had a tremendous season for the Lions. Calton led the way all year for the team, picking up wins in several events, but specializing in the butterfly. She earned the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference (PCSC) Swimmer of the

4. Sophie Taylor, senior guard/forward, women’s basketball: After earning preseason honors, there was pressure on Taylor to perform this season. Luckily, she was up for the challenge. She started 30 of the team’s 31 games this season and played more minutes (899) than any other Lion. Taylor finished the season with 10 double-doubles — the most on the team. She averaged a team-high average of 12.7 points per game and a team-high average of 8.5 rebounds per game. Her play helped the team reach the quarterfinals of the WCC Championships after an opening round win over the University of Portland. She was the definitive leader for the team, and her presence will

3. Danielle Shanahan, junior, cross country and track: Shanahan has been a star runner for LMU since she arrived at the Bluff. However, this was one of her best years yet. She was consistently the top runner on the women’s side of the cross country team. Shanahan stepped up her game for post-season races as well. She placed second at the WCC Championships, 13th at the NCAA West Region Championships and 87th at the NCAA Championships, where she was the lone runner — man or woman — to run for LMU. She is the fourth runner in program history to reach the national race. In track, Shanahan has done equally well. She has won races in the 3,000 meter, the 1,500 meter and the distance medley relay (DMR). She also holds the school record for the 3,000 meter and is a part of the team that holds the school record for the DMR. Shanahan has one final year to improve upon what she has already completed and climb up the national rankings.

2. Charlee Pruitt, redshirt freshman goalkeeper, women’s soccer: At the start of the season, Pruitt was not even the starting goalie for the team. She had made some appearances in the team’s earlier games of the season, but all of those were when she came off the bench. However, once the team entered West Coast Conference (WCC) play, Head Coach Michelle Myers made the switch and put Pruitt in net. In the nine WCC games that Pruitt started, she only allowed five goals, and had six shutouts and seven wins. The team’s strong conference play earned them a bid into the NCAA Tournament. Pruitt remained the starter and had two shutouts in the first two games of the tournament before the team lost in the Sweet Sixteen. Pruitt finished the year with a 0.88 goals against average, 54 saves and a .806 save percentage. Her efforts may have earned her afulltime starting spot next season.

NCAA tournament bid last season when they lost in the opening round to Michigan State University. She started all 31 matches for the Lions and had 344 kills, the third highest number on the team. How could she improve on her stellar freshman season? By having an even better sophomore season. Sponcil was one of only three players to start in every game this season. With the team’s excellent play they made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen. Sponcil finished the year with a team-high 447 kills, 363 digs and 36 service aces. She has even taken her talents abroad as she competed in the Four Nations U21 Tournament for Team USA in Australia. She, along with her partner Torrey Van Winden, were able to take gold in the competition. Sponcil has done an excellent job at representing LMU and is the top female athlete of the year.

1. Sarah Sponcil, sophomore outside hitter/setter, volleyball: Sponcil was a key component in the team earning an

This is the opinion of Jack Sullivan, a senior communication studies major from Las Vegas, Nevada. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email rhartnett@theloyolan.com.

Kevin Chan | Loyolan

SPORTS

SCORES UPDATE W. TENNIS

LION

6-1 L

SOFTBALL

7-4 L vs. BYU

W. WPOLO

at Pepperdine

SPORTS

BASEBALL

1-0 W

vs. UC Santa Barbara

8-4 L

vs California Baptist

Page 24

LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | March 30, 2016 | laloyolan.com

Inside Sports

Battling the stigmas of cheerleading Annanymous Anna Roccucci Contributor

SPONCIL WINS GOLD LMU sophomore volleyball player Sarah Sponcil won a gold medal in Sydney, Australia last week at the U21 Four Nations tournament. Find out how she and her partner met one month ago on Page 23. LAKERS FACE ALLEGATIONS Basketball superstars Nick Young and Jordan Clarkson made headlines this past week after being accused of sexual harrasment. Page 21 has all the details about how both sides presented their arguments. FAN SUPPORT FOR WOMEN’S SPORTS When’s the last time you went to a LMU women’s sporting event? This contributor has found the beauty in attending women’s sports games at LMU. Read about his experience on Page 21. TOP 5 LMU FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR This season, the women’s athletic programs have had great success, with several teams reaching the NCAA Tournament. Turn to Page 23 to see who is the top LMU female athlete of the year.

@LoyolanSports

e’ve all heard the phrase “cheerleading isn’t a sport.” When I decided that I wanted to be a cheerleader at the age of seven, I never thought this statement would continue to rear its ugly head. Imagine pursuing a major you love. You spend hours working and putting so much effort into something that you are extremely passionate about. Then one day someone tells you that your major is not even a ‘real’ major at all. That kind of disregard is, unfortunately, one that most cheerleaders regularly experience. Countless times I have tried to defend my sport to people who have never really taken the time to understand what cheerleaders actually do. We may appear to have an easy task of screaming on the sidelines with curled hair, a full face of makeup and flashy pompoms, but we work just as hard as most other college athletes. We have four practices a week for three hours each and spend time in the weight room as well. During basketball season, we have two games a week supporting both men’s and women’s basketball by cheering and performing at every single home game. There is more pressure on us, however, to maintain a certain image while we perform athletically. We stunt and tumble — ‘do flips’ as most call it — and have to be ready to appear in nationally televised games. There is criticism of the emphasis on a cheerleader’s image, but it is undeniable that there is an expectation of us to look a certain way when we step out onto

via Christine Roccucci

LMU Cheerleader Anna Roccucci attacks the many stigmas and misconceptions that cheerleaders face every day and every time they put on their uniform. the court. Many stigmas cheerleaders face have seemed to distract from anything else that we do. “Cheerleading is easy.” At a game you can find us flipping backward blindly on a basketball court while avoiding teammates and referees, all while keeping a smile on our face in case we are put on live television. Lifting a girl in the air, memorizing numerous dances and smiling incessantly to encourage the student body to stand up for pizza or a t-shirt is all a part of what we do. What I have come to realize is that most do not see past the stigmas of cheerleading until they immerse themselves in the sport. “I got a lot of gripe saying cheer wasn’t a sport and all that, especially being a guy,” said

Ricky Leanos ‘15 — a former member of the of the cheer team. “But coming from football, there wasn’t a big difference. Of course, the sport is different, but the functionality of the team is the same.” Yes, fellas, you can cheer too. “Cheerleaders don’t have to be smart, right?” The cheer program at LMU has held the highest GPA of all athletics many years. Jennifer Hoy ’15, another former LMU cheerleader, won the award for highest student-athlete cumulative GPA while on the squad, and she now works as a Neuropsych Tester for the UCLA Semel Institute. “Cheer prepared me for the real world the

field with their male counterparts. According to the official Title IX website, Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” As is the case with any piece of progressive legislature, — which Title IX was, at the time — the law has dealt with many lawsuits, proposed amendments, attempted repeals and social backlash over the years. According to the same website, the law has been subject to more than 20 political actions on a national scale, in just 35 years of Title IX’s history. In 2016, the “Living Law,” as proponents of the cause call it, is still far from perfecting gender equality. Still, Title IX has allowed hundreds of thousands of female students and student-athletes to compete and learn at the same levels as their male counterparts. Student-athletes at LMU have been no exception. When Title IX went into effect in 1975, women at LMU wasted no time in establishing their prowess on the court, on the field and in the pool. Women’s tennis, the school’s first official female sports program, won the AIWA championships in 1977 and 1978.

After joining the NCAA in the early 1980s, the program continued to be a powerhouse, finishing 12th in the nation in 1984. Debbie Delgado became the first female All-American at LMU. In the same decade, women’s rowing rose to power in Westchester, winning the national championship in both 1980-1981 and 1985-1986. Lions sports had an extraordinary year in 1981. Aside from the rowing championship, Therese Kozlowski ran a time of 17:34.9 to win the AIAW Individual National Championship in cross country, and Gersten Pavilion was constructed, setting the stage for many dominant women’s volleyball teams to come in the next couple of decades. While they did manage to make the NCAA tournament in 1986, the 1990s were the heyday for women’s volleyball at LMU. Playing in the Northern Intercollegiate Volleyball Conference (NIVC) in the first few years, the team appeared in the national tournament twice, before making the NCAA tournament every year from 1994-2000, with the exception of 1998. During that time, the team also won three conference championships. In the 2000s, volleyball continued to compete at the highest levels, while softball

Backlash for tennis The legacy of women’s sports prize money Big Time Timmy Jim

Perez Release Jessica Perez Sports Intern

@LoyolanSports

hile female athletes around the world have struggled to gain equality in both salary and respect for playing the same sports as males, professional tennis has shined like a light of hope for the past nine years. Tennis is one of the few games in the world that offers equal pay to both male and female athletes. Even though the prize money has been equal since 2007, this past month men at the BNP Paribas Open — one of the most popular tennis tournaments in the world — expressed their frustration with women making the same as men, and this type of speech has to stop. “If I was a lady player, I would get down on my knees every night and thank God for the men players who have carried this sport,” said Raymond Moore, CEO of the tournament. It is extremely alarming to hear anyone assert that female athletes need to get on their knees See Tennis | Page 21

Tim De Vries

Asst. Sports Editor

@LoyolanSports

y the early 1970s, the tradition of sports at Loyola University — an all men’s Jesuit school and the original college on the Westchester campus — had already been well established. In 1971, Loyola began sharing facilities with Marymount College — the women’s counterpart in Jesuit higher education — to eventually form the LMU that we know today. With the merger, LMU sports took a giant leap in the changing social times by forming women’s sports programs and joining the newly formed Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). In that same year, the five-person, full-court basketball game, along with the 30-second shot clock, was introduced to women’s basketball. One year later, on June 23, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into effect, outlawing discrimination based on sex in educational programs nationwide and opening doors for millions of women to work, go to school and play sports on a level playing

See Cheerleading | Page 22

See LMU History | Page 22