Los Angeles Loyolan December 4th, 2014 by Los Angeles Loyolan

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Los Angeles LOYOLAN The

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‘Stages of AIDS’ performance recognizes World AIDS Day

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Holiday break is upon us. Here is a page to get you through finals!

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Teach-In responds to recent verdict LMU event discusses the controversial verdict and events surrounding the Ferguson trial. Karis Addo-Quaye Contributor @laloyolan

Josh Kuroda | Loyolan

On Monday, Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, the LMU Theatre Arts department put on its annual performance, “Stages of AIDS: Pieces of the Quilt,” in Strub theatre to kick off HIV/AIDS Awareness Week. The event encouraged attendees to donate to the AIDS Project of Los Angeles, which helps with the care, prevention, and knowledge of AIDS. Each piece in the play represented personal accounts of people who are affected by AIDS in different communities. [For more read the article on Page 10.]

Ethnic and Intercultural Services hosted a Teach-In event this past week to discuss and analyze the recent events surrounding the grand jury’s final decision in Ferguson, Missouri’s controversial Michael Brown court case. During Convo on Tuesday, December 2, students and faculty gathered in the lecture hall in Hilton 100 to hear highlights of the main issues of the case as well as its implications within American society, especially concerning the black community. In light of the jury’s controversial decision to not indict Officer Darren Wilson, the two speakers – Associate Professor of Law at Stanford University, Michelle Alexander and Associate Professor of Philosophy at LMU Brad Elliott Stone – hosting the Teach-In contextualized the relationship between black Americans, American society and the American government, particularly in the criminal justice system. According to Alexander, “One-third of African American households in Missouri have a warrant for arrest,” and black Americans are twice as likely to be stopped by law enforcement. In addition to this, there is an “astronomically greater percentage of African Americans actually See Teach-In | Page 3

La Posada honors Google moves into Christmas tradition LMU neighborhood La Posada Navidena event represents Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethleham. Amanda Lopez Asst. News Editor @amandalo

In honor of the start of the Christmas season, Chicano and Latino Student Services (CLSS) hosted a cultural and religious celebration known as La Posada Navideña on Tuesday evening. Las Posadas is a traditional religious celebration usually celebrated in Latin America. The celebration typically takes place over the course of nine nights, and signifies Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem prior to the birth of Jesus Christ. CLSS and Ethnic and Intercultural Services (EIS) collaborated with the First To Go Program, Resident Ministry and La Mesa Cooperativa (Latino Leaders Roundtable) to organize LMU’s very own Posada. The event began outside of the Lion’s

Den, which was considered the First Stop of the Posada. Participants, or “pilgrims,” held electronic candles and sang the first verses of “Canto Para Pedir Posada,” or the “Song to ask for Posada.” A group of four students then acted as the “innkeepers” and sang their designated verse of the “Canto Para Pedir Posada.” For the Second Stop of the Posada, the students traveled to the Campus Ministry office, while singing Spanish Christmas songs. Once the group arrived, they continued the “Canto Para Pedir Posada.” The group repeated each step at stops three and four, which took place at the EIS office and The Hill, respectively. Sophomore environmental science major Alejandra Garcia, who helped organize La Posada Navideña, was grateful that she had the opportunity to relive a childhood tradition. “Growing up, Posada was such a big thing and as I got older I kind of just lost it. So it’s just nice that coming back to college I actually get to have this tradition that I did growing up. It reminds me of home, and I am just really appreciative See La Posada | Page 3

via MCT Campus

Google Inc. recently purchased 12 acres in Playa Vista, expanding its presence in Los Angeles and making the area an innovation and technology hub. The company bought the land next to Howard Hughes’ historic aviation hangar (above) and is expected to lease it. Google will bring up to 6,000 workers to the area and create job opportunities in Playa Vista.

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Bookies for Cookies event promotes children’s literacy Students will receive a finals survival kit if they donate books. Madison Joseph News Intern

@maddogg00

The Order of Omega, the Resident Housing Association (RHA) and Pi Beta Phi came together to organize an event called Bookies for Cookies, which aims to promote literacy. Students are encouraged to donate children’s books at Convo today, and in return they will receive a finals survival kit. The kit includes a cookie, scantron, green book and pencil. All book donations will go toward Pi Beta Phi’s charity, First Book, which encourages children to love reading and, in the long term, hopes to produce a more literate society. According to senior communication studies major

Bethney Bonilla, Bookies for Cookies Facilitator, “One in four children will grow up functionally illiterate. The most successful way to increase literacy levels in children is to increase their access to books.” Senior communication studies major and Pi Beta Phi member Olivia Bradford stressed the importance of student participation in the fundraiser. “As well-educated young adults that are committed to serving others, it is our duty to help those that are less fortunate get the opportunity to learn to read,” she said. Bradford added, “The ability to perform daily literacy activities is necessary to survive and prosper in our society. However, an astonishing number of Americans are not given access to the tools to increase their literacy levels. The books and money that we raise will have a positive direct effect on the life of a child and can give them the chance to someday go to college just like us.”

Sophomore marketing major and RHA member Taylor Yada added, “Our country lacks in funding for educational programs, especially in low-income areas, and unfortunately many of the schools in those areas never receive the resources or educational tools they need for their students. First Book is providing that opportunity for students to receive new books that vary in content and by doing so, they transform their quality of education.” Children are not the only ones who benefit from this fundraiser; LMU students do as well. The event “creates an opportunity for LMU Lions to give back during this holiday season,” said Bonilla. “Considering we are now in the giving time of year, we wanted to create an event that gives LMU students the chance to give back by donating books or money.” “In addition, we wanted to give back to the students as well, especially during their time of need–finals,” she said.

BURNING QUESTIONS

This issue, News This issue, Managing Editor Julia Sacco Editor Danwith Raffety sits down junior sits down with Head marketing major Julie Coach Max Good, is in Walters, head coachwho of the charge of ASLMU’s LMU’s men’s basketball annual Tree team toChristmas talk about the Lighting. upcoming season.

What was it like being in charge of the Christmas Tree Lighting?

Planning the Christmas Tree Lighting has been so fun. We’ve been working on the event since the beginning of the semester, so it got me in the Christmas spirit a little early this year.

How and why did you choose to have this role?

My role as Director of Special Events for ASLMU encompasses Christmas Tree Lighting [and], First and Last Convo, so I was looking for a position that would have an impact on our whole student body and be lots of fun.

What kind of planning and preparation goes into the ceremony?

The Ed Award Recipients The Outstanding First Year and Transfer Student Advocate Awards recognize faculty who have made significant contributions to the academic or professional development in the lives of new students. This award is commonly known as “The Ed” in honor of our inaugural recipient, Professor Edward Mosteig, Department of Mathematics

First Year Student Advocate Award: Prof. John Saladino Philosophy Department Transfer Student Advocate Award: Prof. Kirstin Noreen Art History Department Co-sponsored by: The Academic Resource Center and Student Success

Deciding on all of the activities taking place and working with lots of departments around campus to put on a fabulous event.

How did you come up with the Hollywood theme this year?

I adore Christmas movies and couldn’t choose just one to theme the event around. So naturally I chose them all.

What can people expect from this year’s tree-lighting ceremony?

Horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and apple cider, lots of Christmas music and snow.

What is your favorite part about the holidays?

Bringing the Christmas spirit to LMU. It’s the perfect break during the most wonderful–and stressful–time of the year.

How will you spend your holiday break? Spending time with my family and having a much needed month-long Netflix binge.

What is your favorite part about the holidays? Christmas music! After Thanksgiving is over that’s legitimately all I play in my car.

What is your favorite holiday song?

“All I Want for Christmas is You.” The Mariah Carey version, of course!

MORE QUESTIONS

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

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CLSS celebrates Teach-In opens discussion La Posada event at LMU about Ferguson La Posada from Page 1

of everyone that came, especially during finals season,” she said. Once all of the stops had been completed, the participants gathered at The Hill to sing one final song, titled “Burrito Sabanero.” Finally, all of the participants joined hands in a prayer led by Sr. Joanna Carroll, C.S.J. As La Posada Navideña ended, the celebration continued at The Hill. Students were treated to tamales, pan dulce, champurrado (a warm chocolate beverage), ponche (hot fruit punch) and more. As they gathered to eat, they also shared some of their favorite Christmas memories with those around them. Participants ended the celebration by hitting a piñata. Sophomore political science and philosophy double major Brenda Lara appreciated the opportunity to celebrate La Posada.

“I actually really liked the event as a whole. I’m a Latina, but I never do this because my family’s not really religious. So I don’t usually get the opportunity to do this but it’s fun. You get the opportunity to come together as a community— you walk a lot of stairs—but I think it is really fun and it helps people understand the Catholic religion a little better,” she said. For junior English and Spanish double major Genesis Montalvo, La Posada allowed her to continue an LMU tradition. “This is my third year attending the event, and it was definitely good to keep tradition. I noticed that there was much more student involvement and that was something that I really liked,” she said. “It was great to see not just Latinos but also different groups of people; I think it’s really great that we get to share our culture with them and they get to learn something new about us.”

Teach-In from Page 1

arrested” who face police brutality and excessive force. Alexander also noted other recent racially-charged incidents involving black Americans, one of which resulted in the killing of a 12-year-old black child holding a toy gun. Another involved a black man caught in a police officer’s chokehold in New York City. “This is not a vacuum,” she emphasized. “It’s nothing new.” She added, “These are part and parcel of the new Jim Crow.” The speakers also related the history of disenfranchisement of black Americans with the current situation, and said, “African American men are viewed more as suspects and criminals instead of as victims.” In a Q&A session following the debriefing and discussion, one audience member asked, “What would it take for African Americans to mobilize to protect women and transgender and homosexual people in African American communities from violence [such as they currently do for black American men]?” Stone suggested that this mobilization will occur when the “black community as a whole” has enough autonomy and the “breathing space.” Right or wrong, interface currently occurs primarily between

black men and the whitedominated society, according to one speaker, and only once autonomy is reached on this level will it trickle down to implement significant change in the black community. Alexander responded differently; she instead pointed to the power of social media in today’s society. She said, “We wouldn’t know about Trayvon Martin’s case unless his mother had posted about it on Facebook.” While not claiming disunity among black Americans, she considered social media an effective tool to address these less-recognized issues. Another audience member asked how other people of color, such as those in the Chicano/a community, are involved in the movement or could become involved. Alexander replied saying that “multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-ethnic” unification against police brutality upon the “bodies of people of color” is essential to the movement’s success. Stone replied by contrasting his personal experience of being raised in a small town where authorities were outsourced to inner-city communities to which “they otherwise have no allegiance.” He maintains that it is the people’s duty to hold

the police in their communities accountable and remind them that they are “not just a ticket fodder. … [They] have to know [them] to protect [them].” The speakers ended by answering one final question about how to raise awareness about issues affecting communities of color, particularly black communities, after the court’s judgment. It’s not a problem of knowledge or ignorance, according to Stone, but of spirituality and vulnerability. Ignorance can prevent black people from hearing those who remain unaffected when they finally begin to understand the very real issues at hand. For now, those in this mentality are “not yet faced with the reality of their history.” Michelle Meany, a senior sociology major in attendance wanted “to get a real perspective about [the events in Ferguson] from people in academia who have a better understanding” of the forces involved. “This [movement] is getting the ball to roll,” Meany said. “Something is going to happen, some movement, and I want to be part of it.” The Teach-In concluded with a walk to Sacred Heart Chapel, where attendees could participate in a short prayer service.

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Loyolan solidifies digital-first focus Classifieds with transition to new editor-in-chief For Rent

The Loyolan shifts to one print edition next semester and welcomes new EIC. Carly Barnhill

Asst. News Editor @carlyabarn

A little less than one year ago, senior psychology major Zaneta Pereira returned from studying abroad in Madrid, Spain to begin her year-long position as Editor in Chief (EIC) of the Loyolan. During her time as EIC, Pereira helped the Loyolan progress in its second year of a three-year transition to a digital focus, and she worked closely with the Loyolan staff to guarantee that the paper would continue to move forward. “We had the framework in place, and my goal was to evaluate where we were, tweak things that didn’t work and ensure that our forward trajectory didn’t stall,” Pereira said. The Loyolan recently went through a selection process for the upcoming year’s EIC, and junior psychology major Ali Swenson will return from her study abroad experience in London to begin her job as EIC. Swenson began working for the Loyolan at the beginning of her freshman year. While continuing to reinforce the digital focus that the Loyolan has committed to, Swenson will have to take on additional changes as well, such as the transition to a once-a-

week print edition. “As the Loyolan’s new EIC, my biggest goal is to successfully continue our three-year transition to a digital-first focus,” Swenson said. “And part of that is helping facilitate the switch to one print edition per week in a way that stays true to who we are as a news organization,” said Swenson. “The Loyolan serves the LMU community, and the fact is that our community consumes a lot of its news digitally. I think catering to this with online journalism is a responsibility we take on because of our role at LMU – and it’s also a great opportunity to grow and revitalize our content,” she added. Pereira, who expressed confidence in Swenson’s determination and focus, is eager to see where Swenson takes the Loyolan. She predicts that Swenson will “bring some exciting new ideas to the paper.” “She has the kind of dedication and organizational skills that you need to be successful in the position, but most importantly, she has a genuine passion for the work we do,” said Pereira. “Ali cares about the Loyolan, and I think this will serve her well as she takes on the big-picture planning aspect that is unique to the EIC position.” Pereira added that the EIC needs to be able to think and work quickly and on the spot for content like breaking news stories. In addition, while the EIC has to be the boss, he or she also needs to work with the

group as a whole. “Ultimately it’s a job that asks a lot of you, which is why a passion for the work and the staff is essential – if you don’t care about what you’re doing and aren’t getting something out of it, the work will take everything out of you,” Pereira said. Director of Student Media Tom Nelson and Pereira both emphasized that organization is essential for the EIC position. “I feel like some of the best [EICs] are people who are organized and have the ability to follow up but at the same time are creative and can solve problems in different ways as each different scenario calls for it,” Nelson said. Nelson said that while the Loyolan is still in the midst of a transition to a digital-first publication, the staff will continue to produce better print journalism along with digital journalism. He also expressed his optimism for Swenson’s tenure as EIC, as he believes that her leadership abilities will help the Loyolan excel in its transition to a digital-first news organization. “I think she is going to bring a lot of energy and excitement to the position, and also a lot of knowhow in terms of how to get things done effectively and efficiently,” Nelson said. According to Swenson, the Loyolan will engage with the community online, via social media and via mobile. Although the print edition will be once per week rather

than twice per week, the Loyolan staff will still produce just as much content via other outlets. “By transitioning to one print edition per week, we’ll be able to concentrate more on engaging with the LMU community through digital platforms,” Swenson said. “We’re going to be publishing and sharing content more consistently on the web, and at the same time, we’re going to make sure to keep our print edition strong. I see this as the best of both worlds – we’ll have more time to develop stories and visuals for print, and we’ll continue to become more relevant and reliable on the web.” Pereira is on the same page as Swenson, and she acknowledged the areas in which the Loyolan can still grow as a news organization. “Given our transition to oncea-week next semester, I think the Loyolan is really beginning in a real way to push the boundaries of digital journalism and experiment with the variety of forms and platforms for storytelling that new media offers us,” Pereira said. “I’m really excited to channel that passion into a leadership role where I can make a difference and make my visions for the Loyolan come alive,” Swenson said. “I’m constantly so inspired by the work that our staff produces. Serving as EIC will give me a chance to work with that staff all the time, learn from them and make sure their voices are heard – and responded to – by the LMU community.”

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Services Pregnant? Free Counseling and Services. We come to you. Holy Family Services Adoption and Foster Care 1-800-464-2367 www.holyfamilyservices.org

On Campus Order of Omega is a Greek Honors Society that recognizes the top 3% of LMU Greeks. This year, we founded our first annual Dues Grant which will be awarded to sophomore Chandler Wright of Pi Beta Phi

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Board Editorial Zaneta Pereira Editor in Chief

Chelsea Chenelle

Digital Managing Editor

Allie Heck

Print Managing Editor

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

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Respectful dialogue essential in response to Ferguson situation LION

SPORTS

ast Monday did not allow for your average pre-Thanksgiving ritual. While students packed their bags and prepared for plane rides and drives back home, the people of Ferguson, Missouri, and those across the country, awaited the grand jury’s decision on whether or not to indict Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown. As we’re sure most of you have heard by now, Darren Wilson was not indicted, and the grand jury’s announcement sparked protests across the country. According to the New York Times, despite an initially somber response to the announcement in Ferguson with demonstrators remaining peacefully in the street for about an hour, the protests turned into riots as the night continued, and police eventually using gas to disperse unruly crowds who were throwing rocks and shattering store windows. Crowds also gathered in downtown Seattle and filled Times Square as protesters united from coast to coast. Here in Los Angeles, a crowd of about 200 people blocked traffic on Crenshaw Boulevard and marched north, then turned east on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard toward Downtown Los Angeles. Some protesters also got onto the 110 Freeway near Pico Boulevard, shutting the highway down in both directions. In Downtown L.A., protests continued for the next two days with participants marching to the L.A.P.D. headquarters and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. While the Los Angeles protests were largely peaceful, the L.A.P.D. arrested 183 people on Tuesday night and 130 people on Wednesday night on charges of disorderly conduct. Closer to the Bluff, the response to the protests on LMU’s Yik Yak stream was incredibly distressing as several anonymous users published incredibly inappropriate posts that bordered on hate speech, such as “LAPD on full tactical because we all know that the blacks are going back to their African roots to #ChimpOut tonight. #The Chimpening” and “if you have a black friend, you might want to stay away from

them tonight.” In publishing these comments, we at the Loyolan aim not to offend anyone further but to publicly condemn in the strongest way possible such disrespectful language and behavior. While the individuals who authored these posts are by no means representative of LMU, it brings to light the true nature of racism that simmers just beneath the surface of our own community. It is unfortunate to think that at a time when unity was of the utmost importance, we failed each other. In contrast, we would like to commend Ethnic and Intercultural Services for its efforts to allow the LMU community to process and respond to these events in a more respectful, productive and educated manner through several events this week. Tuesday’s “Ferguson Teach-In,” which you can read about on Page 1, allowed students, faculty and staff to come together and learn more about the facts of the situation. Tonight’s Umoja (Unity) Walk and Candlelight Vigil, which takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., will feature processions from various locations on campus, including Sacred Heart Chapel and the library to Foley Pond, with a brief program afterwards. Events such as these give us the time needed to properly reflect on the events that have dramatically altered the discourse in our nation. We know that we are better than the grotesque Yik Yak comments, but we must also take this time to ask how we are complacent in issues of racism and bigotry in our own lives. “Education of the whole person” does not stop outside of the classroom, and we urge everyone to educate themselves before turning to social media and broadcasting an opinion. The grand jury’s decision - right or not - and our community’s response to it highlights the ways in which race relations are an ever-present reality in our country that are all too often swept under the surface in favor of a “melting pot” analogy. It is our hope, as always, that these recent events give way to appropriate conversations and dialogues that benefit our campus culture rather than detract from the issues at hand.

Cartoons at Convo

A regular column featuring sketches of LMU students at Convo done by the Loyolan’s cartoon staff.

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LOYOLAN EDITORIAL POLICY

Madison Brown | Loyolan

Freshman theatre arts major Natalie Sharp enjoys the sun in Alumni Mall while promoting the Del Rey Players’ musical “Godspell.”

The Los Angeles Loyolan, a student-run campus organization, publishes a twice 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

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America still struggling with racial tensions Sean Baba Contributor

@LoyolanOpinion

alt Whitman tells us, “Be not dishearten’d – Affection shall solve the problems of Freedom yet; those who love each other shall become invincible.” In his meditations on American life, Whitman captures an idea that still resonates with today’s social climate over a hundred years later. Perhaps his words can offer some comfort and help us navigate towards healing during these times of unrest. As complex as race relations are in this country, I think there is a way we can reconcile our problems of prejudice, and it doesn’t involve holding up signs or marching down Main Street. We can imagine the solution as a three-legged stool held up by compassion, kinship and interculturalism, some of the basic values we celebrate at LMU. In light of the events in Ferguson, Missouri, America is still deeply affected by race-related issues. Though the most extreme forms of racism have nearly or completely disappeared – the KKK, Jim Crow laws, segregation – prejudice still manifests in small, easily missed moments every day. For people of

Flickr Creative Commons

Riot police in Ferguson, Missouri were deployed in response to protests about the decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown.

color, fighting racism has become a battle of attrition. One incident piles on top of another until the final feather breaks the camel’s back – that tipping point most recently being the controversial ruling on Michael Brown’s shooting. In Los Angeles alone, protests have escalated from outside the

ask a

lion

What are your views regarding Ferguson? “Well, I think that it’s great that people are protesting just because I think that freedom of speech is important and it’s important to voice your opinion, so it’s nice to see people rally and support. But at the same time, I think I agree with the judge’s decision. I don’t think that Michael Brown deserves to be dead, but he does deserve to be in jail because he shouldn’t have tried to rob the gas station.” -Nancy Lee, Junior Major: English

“I believe that there’s a lot of gray matter in between. I think that the problem that we’re having is that there are two groups that are at very opposite ends of each other, and I think that the public doesn’t know the full story even though they might have access to that information. They tend to just believe what they see on a certain news channel or whatever other medium without questioning what they see. The people have a right to protest; it’s their freedom. It’s their right as Americans and citizens of the country. I’m not directly affected by it. I’ve heard that there are riots in the city, but I’ve never taken part or seen one.” -Jordan Walker, Freshman Major: Film Production “As a black male in this ‘post-racial society,’ the decision reached by the grand jury in St. Louis frustrates and saddens me but is not surprising. The media’s one-sided portrayal of Michael Brown as a ‘demon’ and the protestors as ‘thugs’ further perpetuates the Jim Crowe-esque stereotypes of black males as inherently violent individuals. I distinctly remember the homicide of Trayvon Martin during my freshman year, and now, four years later, the cycle has repeated itself. Is our justice system really colorblind? The worst part is that knowing that I could possibly be next. Black lives matter." -David Griffith, Senior Major: English Information complied by Devin Feldman, Opinion Editor; Graphic: Xian Wong | Loyolan

police headquarters onto busy freeways. Though these escalating protests allude to the exhaustion and pressure felt by the non-white demographic in America, the demonstrations themselves seem more reactionary than they are intentional. What kind of change do protesters hope to see? If there is no clear goal in sight, what does blocking the freeway achieve? Though racial prejudice affects every minority across a wide spectrum, fortunately it’s easy to see the benefits of an integrated, pluralistic and intercultural campus. For most of us, LMU has become a safe place to call home. It is an ideal place for us to talk about anything without fear of harm or judgment. More than a diploma factory, we’re a community that embraces its differences each day to combat social injustice. To counter skeptics of diversity’s benefits, I direct them towards our campus. LMU has shown itself as a successful experiment for a better intercultural society formed in compassion and kinship. On the Bluff, we often discover through our studies and service that ending racial prejudice relies on efforts of current and future generations

cooperating to break down the model of America as a primarily white, Christian, homogenous nation. If you need reminding of our need for interculturalism, the mission is summarized on every coin and dollar in our currency: E Pluribus Unum. “Out of many, one.” I will always hold fast to the idea that reconciliation is possible as prejudice continues in our neighborhoods, workplaces and college campuses. If fighting racism is a battle of attrition, then our response must be demonstrated in pragmatic gestures of compassion and kinship in the hopes of integrating our cultural differences. It has taken hundreds of years to champion civil rights, and it will still take many more to end racial prejudice. For some misinformed people, interculturalism and progress will be difficult to accept. We witness this regularly in many people’s suspicion of Islam, immigrants, refugees, the impoverished and especially people of color. In response, I hope all LMU students feel inclined to imagine our nation as a tapestry of ethnicities

woven together and bound by compassion, kinship and interculturalism. I can testify that interculturalism may solve our problems yet. Last year, I had the chance to attend a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach, which was hosted by Isang Bansa, LMU’s Filipino-American cultural organization. Fifty yards away, the Latino Student Union was also having a bonfire. However, it wasn’t long before students from both clubs started interacting with each other. Throughout the course of the night, it became more like a motley circus of college students than anything. Our differences became equally vivid and blurred, but isn’t that the point of interculturalism? In a sea of many faces illuminated by the flames, I felt safe, loved and – with them – somewhat invincible.

This is the opinion of Sean Baba, a junior English and music double major from Gardena, California. Tweet comments to @ LoyolanOpinon, or email dfeldman@theloyolan.com.

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Non-neutral Internet has no place in the U.S. Probably Eating

Hassan Abdulla Staff Writer @LALoyolan

he Internet is commonly lauded as one of the greatest innovations of mankind, and for good reasons, like getting news updates from around the world as they happen, transferring money without stepping into a bank, Googling any piece of information or settling those disputes about whether it’s Amy Adams or Isla Fischer in a film. Many of us see the Internet as a utility, and I know that I’d have difficulty living without it for even a short time. Above all, the Internet is characterized by its extreme diversity and our freedom to explore and utilize it as we wish. Net neutrality is the idea that all data on the Internet should be treated equally. Concretely, that means the price and speed of your Internet should not be affected by what you’re doing with it. If you want to watch movies all day and stream music all night, you shouldn’t have to pay more than users who use their Internet access exclusively to play World of Warcraft. In other words, an open Internet for all. Imagine, if you will, a world without net neutrality. You try to open Google on your browser, only to face an unblockable, unskippable ad. You have two choices: wait for the ad to end, or use the search engine

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Demonstrators gather in Washington D.C. in front of the White House on Nov. 6, 2014 to protest against bills which put net neutrality in jeopardy. I can understand the creation that your Internet Service Provider difficulty accessing and watching fast lanes.” These would allow ISPs (ISP) provides. Once you finally get Netflix. It was eventually leaked to charge companies, and potential- of faster Internet connections for through to Google, you notice that that Comcast was purposely throt- ly users, extra fees for any website those who are willing to pay more the search speeds are unusually tling the connection of users trying they deem necessary. In addition to for better quality. But that’s not slow. A friendly-looking pop-up to use Netflix. This may seem like setting a dangerous precedent for what’s being offered. What’s bereminds you that your ISP’s spon- a foolish business move, until you the control private monopolies can ing offered is the ability for ISPs to sored engine will load much more realize that a) Comcast has virtu- exert upon the public, it is a com- legally blackmail other companies quickly. After you find what you’re ally no competitors and b) they were pletely unnecessary and greedy re- so their speeds aren’t cut down. searching for, you can enjoy ei- only throttling the connection until quest. The FCC proposal was faced What’s being offered is the ability to ther another ad, based on what you Netflix paid them according to their with general public outrage, despite pay for the freedom we already have. searched for, or pay an extra fee each terms. The story has a sad ending: the distinct lack of attention the ismonth to use Google instead of your Netflix surrendered to Comcast, re- sue was given by the media. Over a sulting in their customers’ connec- million unique comments were left ISP’s sponsored search engine. This scenario may seem a little tion speeds being magically restored in the public Internet forum the FCC left up, and now President Obama This is the opinion of Hassan Abdulla, a ridiculous, but recent events prove at the cost of only a few million. Now, the Federal Communica- has opened a petition for those who senior biology major from Westchester, otherwise. Just last year, Comcast customers (among others) reported tions Commission wants to legalize oppose the creation of Internet fast California. Email comments to dfeldman@theloyolan.com. that they were having increasing the creation of so-called “Internet lanes. I do, and you should too.

laloyolan.com Page 8

By Hannah Kim, contributing cartoonist

ORANGE JOKES

MANLY PANDAS

By Conner Troxclair, contributing cartoonist

By Ellen Czinski, staff cartoonist

Check out our previous cartoon pages and extra content online at laloyolan.com/cartoons

Happy Holidays and good luck during finals!!

HOLIDAY

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Beat the holiday blues: Things to do in L.A. The Connor Report Connor O’Callaghan Staff Writer

t’s that time of year again, everybody. Girls in UGGs and leggings, guys throwing on a flannel over their T-shirts and shorts, Christmas-themed lattes. Even the White Walkers slip on a cloak or two. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen, winter is coming – or whatever it is we have here in Los Angeles when the rest of the country has winter. Without further ado, I present to you a short guide to keeping yourself occupied over the month-long hiatus. LACMA The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has a constant rotation of exhibitions and a great collection that make it one of my top destinations in the city. Currently, it’s holding an exhibit on Samurai, which promises to be interesting for you history buffs. If film is more of your thing, check out the German cinema installment. Beginning later this month, The Hudson River School will be

showcased throughout the break.

Disneyland While not technically in Los Angeles, Disneyland isn’t too far of a drive for a day-long adventure. Personally, I’d ride Space Mountain over and over again, but to each their own. Not to mention, the park will be decorated for Christmas, featuring a “Nightmare Before Christmas” version of The Haunted Mansion.

more festive. Take your girlfriend, or take your sibling. Hell, take a stranger and gloat as you smoke them on the ice. Any way you cut it, you’re going to be having fun.

watch, and this is a great outing to undertake with a couple of friends. Sit down, bundle up and join the masses in cheering for the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

is great for a night out. With all those options, you’ll easily find music that suits your taste. I advise carpooling, though – parking is a nightmare.

Los Angeles Kings Games In keeping with my icy theme, I highly recommend heading to the Staples Center for a Kings game. Hockey is an awesome sport to

The Sunset Strip With famous venues such as The Whiskey A-Go-Go, The Roxy, The Viper Room and The House of Blues, the Sunset Strip

This is the opinion of Conor O’Callaghan a senior film production major from Pasadena, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.

The Grove One of my favorite places in L.A. is The Grove. A large outdoor shopping and entertainment center, it has a little something for everyone. It’s connected to the Farmer’s Market as well, which offers a huge assortment of food and treats. If you’re up for meandering, it’s the place to go. Every year The Grove is beautifully decorated for Christmas, featuring a huge tree and fake snow every night at 7 p.m. and 8p.m. ICE at Santa Monica Every holiday season, an outdoor ice skating rink is set up in Downtown Santa Monica a short walk from Third Street Promenade. It’s a blast and makes sunny Southern California feel a bit

Happy Holidays from LMU By Madison Brown, staff cartoonist

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life+arts

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AIDS awareness represented in ‘Stages of AIDS’ Megan Russell Contributor

@LoyolanArts

onday, Dec. 1, marked World AIDS Day and LMU’s Department of Theatre Arts’ one-night performance of “Stages of AIDS: Pieces of the Quilt.” Family, friends, students and faculty of LMU gathered in the Strub Theatre to view the annual event and kick off HIV/AIDS awareness week. Though the show was free of charge, the audience was encouraged to donate to AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), a nonprofit organization focusing on HIV/AIDS care, prevention and public policy. Director Mark Seldis’ note in the program allowed the audience to better understand what they were about to watch, as the two-act play did not follow a conventional, cohesive narrative that most people are accustomed to. Instead, creator Sean San José collaborated with various playwrights in the 1990s to create a piece composed of several scenes and monologues, 15 of which

Are you sure

Josh Kuroda | Loyolan

Junior theatre arts major Nicole Clemetson (left), freshman liberal arts major Michael Peters (center) and senior film and television production major Matthew Law-Phipps performed in the production “Stages of AIDS: Pieces of the Quilt” on Monday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. in the Strub Theatre for HIV/AIDS awareness week. were performed in the span of two-and-a-half hours by LMU students.

Yes

o e d i v w e n r u heck out o

The staging of the play was not too elaborate, but rather simple enough to maintain each story’s

l l a e w , U M L At o have a role t g tin lp ay in preven t. uc d n o c s i m l a u sex

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focus and tone. The cast wore white clothes, fashioned in a way to fit their characters and scenes. In the middle of the stage hung a large ribbon covered in pieces of black cloth. After each scene or monologue, a piece of cloth would be drawn away to reveal an intricate representation of the AIDS red ribbon, conceived by set designer Lada Pervan. Underneath the ribbon sat black boxes with letters spelling “HIV” and “AIDS.” Throughout the play, the blocks were arranged in different formations to stage the piece and bring it to life – at one point they were utilized to create a bar lounge, then later to create a car. The pieces recounted personal stories of those affected by AIDS in every community: gay men, straight men, gay women, straight women, single mothers and intravenous drug users. Each piece and performer provoked sounds of either sympathy or empathy from the audience, in many cases both, as the monologues and scenes contained relatable aspects of life,

sex and death. Every performer was natural and realistic. They created the illusion that the show was not a one-time event, but something they’ve been performing for an audience for months on end. One minute, the performers had the audience laughing, like in “Clinic Con Class” by Danny Hoch, when superhero “Classman” (junior accounting major Joey Bedard) tried to save an HIV clinic from conflict of class and racial differences. “Let’s all take a deep breath and focus on our racial differences,” said Bedard. The next minute, the audience was sympathizing with performer junior theatre arts major Willow Rodriguez in “Primos” by playwright Migdalia Cruz, whose voice broke while sharing the story of how her cousin became infected with AIDS. During the entirety of the play the cast sat on stage, listening and reacting like the audience to what their fellow cast-mates had to share. Through working on “Stages of AIDS,” junior theatre arts and communication studies double major Joey Glyman gained a better understanding of the epidemic. “You get a better idea of the scope of it,” said Glyman. Though the pieces were unrelated, the various characters, gathering together on stage to share these stories, created that scope Glyman mentioned and helped the audience understand the broad range of people that HIV/AIDS affects. Leon Wiebers, professor of the First Year Seminar “Art in the Age of AIDS,” commented on what “Stages of AIDS” offers.“It reminds us that AIDS is still a global epidemic and, as an art form, it engages the viewer in emotional ways that may call them to action and make them aware of people in their community,” said Wiebers. Wiebers may be right on the money, as “Stages of AIDS: Pieces of the Quilt” left the audience with a new perspective on the epidemic.

This is the opinion of Megan Russell, a freshman screenwriting major from Sacramento, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.

life+arts

laloyolan.com

Designers go bold on winter runways

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J.K Ramblings Julia Marzovilla Life+Arts Intern @juliakaterina

his winter, turn to the runways for a dose of highfashion inspiration. Here is a list of the top trends making strides this season. 1. Sportswear: Sportswear has recently hit the ground running. The trend, spotted on the runways from sporty-classic Alexander Wang to high-fashion favorite Miu Miu, proves that comfortable can be cute. Tired of the sky-high heels of the past, designers have begun catering to women on the go, featuring all-black Nikes fit for more than just the gym and jogger-style sweatpants that add a tad of class to any I-woke-up-like-this outfit. Look for classic sportswear styles such as racerback tanks and mesh-trimmed tops, but think more high-fashion spending than high-intensity workouts. 2. Tailored Suits: Let’s hear it for the boys — androgynous looks are back in style this season. Cast in female-friendly fabrics such as velvet and silk, suits are the perfect alternative to a sparkly frock this season. The trick is in the tailoring - keep the styles fit to perfection, less frumpy and more casual. The borrowed-from-the-boyfriend look is essential to any cool girl’s closet, so why not take it out into the night? Ralph Lauren is an alltime classic, while Christopher Kane experiments with daring deep necklines for a more feminine look. 3. ’60s Mod: In classic Twiggy fashion, the sixties are back in full force. Think mini skirts, A-line dresses and patent Mary Janes. Designed in pastel colors and fabrics like leather, these vintage-feeling pieces are given a fresh edge, with a nod to ’60s London. This trend was popular on runways for Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Valentino. Artsy sixties-style psychedelics patterns including vibrant colors and pop art dots that look fresh out of an Andy Warhol painting, echo the artsy trends seen on the spring/summer 2014 runways. 4. The Luxe: Don’t be afraid

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Top models strut their stuff on Fashion Week’s runways, wearing a variety of trends modeled for the current fall and winter 2014/2015 season. From get-ups full of glamour and shine to rustic, simple, army-inspired looks, designers promise a stylish and colorful year ahead. of a little glitz this winter season. It’s all about over-the-top luxe furs and Old Hollywood details like intricate beading and feather-trimmed anything. Larger-than-life fur coats were seen on the runways of Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli and Emilio Pucci, where fashion took a turn for the ethereal. 5. Animal Prints: From cheetah to zebra, animal prints are everywhere this season. Afraid to go all-out with the floor-length coats seen at Céline and Givenchy? Try going for an accent –

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perhaps a bag or a pair of killer shoes – that completes your outfit without dropping too much money. A touch of cheetah in the lining of a coat or a bag is an easy way to incorporate animal print into your look without seeming dated or gaudy. 6. Army Strong: Khaki, green and army-inspired looks were

seen on the runways of top designers like Balmain. Designers took classic pieces, such as the army trench, and revamped them using leather. Keeping the dusty khaki green color in mind, designers like Isabel Marant and Calvin Klein reinvented the army uniform, complete with structured silhouettes.

This is the opinion of Julia Marzovilla, a freshman English major from New York City, New York. Tweet comments to @juliakaterina or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.

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life+arts

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Theatre faculty stages reading of ‘Antinous’ Ancient and modern worlds collide in the historical play “Antinous.” Ivetta Babadjanian Life+Arts Editor @ivetta19

An actor both on stage and on screen as well as a director and playwright, LMU theatre arts faculty member Carolyn Almos is also a founding member of Burglars of Hamm, a Los Angeles theatre company and playwriting collective. Almos’ latest play, “Antinous,” is a part of the New Play Project and will be developed and performed by 11 LMU students as a staged reading. The production is directed by visiting clinical professor of acting and directing Dana Resnick, who is also dramaturg for “Antinous.” Resnick explored crucial questions during the rehearsal and writing process that helped Almos further develop the play. “I’d love for it to be a fullyrealized production. The thing about plays [is] it doesn’t feel like it’s done until it’s had a full production,” said Almos. The play takes place in both the ancient and contemporary world with two plots that don’t necessarily intersect. Almos was inspired to write the play after she heard

via Tori DiGeronimo

(left to right) Sophomore film and television production major TJ Martin, sophomore screenwriting Ian Salazar, senior theatre arts major Patrick Koocheradis and senior mechanical engineering major David Rodriguez stage read “Antinous.” the story of the Roman Emperor Hadrian on The History of Rome podcast. After grieving his male lover Antinous’ drowning in the

Nile, Hadrian proceeded to have Antinous deified as a god. Almos also points out that, at this time in history, Antinous was rivaling

the new Church of Jesus Christ for prominence. Part of the play takes place in the ancient world with a group of

Christians who are living in the town where Antinous drowned. The town is being taken over by the new Roman religion and the townspeople are in despair over whether Christianity will ever have an impact on the world. The modern portion of the play is a mix of a comedy and platonic love story between a youth pastor and a young man and focuses on their male friendship. “Sometimes you don’t know if a scene works until you hear it out loud, and then you realize if it doesn’t work or actually has a certain rhythm,” said Almos. Almos plans to use the staged reading as a way to receive feedback on her work, as she plans to do rewrites following the performances. “This process has been a joy, but honestly the most difficult thing is the writing. Anything you want the audience to know has to come out of the character’s behavior or what they say so that’s a subtle way to get information across to the audience, which can be hard to finesse,” said Almos. The staged reading will be performed on Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. in the Barnelle Theatre. The hour and a half-long production will be followed by a Q&A session. The event is free, but seating is first come, first served.

Red Bull concert brings The Head and the Heart Seanday School Sean Eckhardt Asst. Life+Arts Editor

@Sean_Eckhardt

s a former Pacific Northwesterner, I felt a bit of a disconnect between a personal favorite, Seattle-based The Head and the Heart, and the club-like setting at The Theatre at Ace Hotel last Saturday in an event that totally screamed Hollywood.

In the latest corporate-branded concert to hit Los Angeles this year (think Budweiser’s Made in America Festival and the Toyota Concert Series on Hollywood Boulevard, among others) The Head and Heart’s show marked day 22 of the Red Bull-sponsored series that featured a show a day throughout November. Despite the odd juxtaposition of $7 Vodka Red Bulls with music that’s more fitting for whiskey and dancing. The Head and the Heart managed to cut through the commercialization and stayed true to its roots in a 90-minute mesmerizing and

via Sub Pop Records

The Seattle-based band, The Head and the Heart, performed at The Theatre at Ace Hotel for the Red Bull Concert Series on Nov. 22.

energetic show in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The set began with the tense and energetic “Cats and Dogs,” and continued to build tension before the crowd exploded in approval to the opening piano chords of fan favorite “Another Story.” It was at this point that the slow-burning set developed a sense of urgency with last minute set list addition “Winter Song,” a song that features distinct harmonies as well as stunning vocals from lead singer Jonathan Russell. Violinist Charity Rose Thielen delivered a performance

that proved to be the highlight of the evening. The rest of the set flew by, concluding with the bombastic “Rivers and Roads.” The encore continued in a desperate manner throughout the rest of the show, with the audience waiting for the band’s biggest hit, “Down in the Valley” after a sentimental duet between Russell and special guest Kaitlyn, in addition to “Springtime” and “Summertime.” The concert marks the band’s return to Los Angeles after a summer stop at The Hollywood Bowl, a venue that was definitely

more suited to their ambiance. The Ace’s venue felt enclosed at times, the sound sometimes stifled. Overall, The Head and the Heart’s woodsy, Pacific Northwest charm shone brightly, an even more impressive accomplishment considering the Red Bull-fueled bro and valley girl fest that surrounded it.

This is the opinion of Sean Eckhardt, a junior communication studies major from Pasadena, California. Tweet comments to @LALoyolan or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.

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sports

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Rice’s reinstatement sparks interest The Rezk Report from Page 16

was absent from the meeting, and league officials and Goodell took notes that turned out to be vague and inaccurate. Particularly inaccurate was Goodell’s claim that Ray Rice said he “slapped” Janay. The league handed Rice a two-game suspension, which is historically the maximum penalty the NFL has given for domestic violence. But the videos changed all of that. There are two videos of the incident, one which only shows Rice dragging

his unconscious wife out of the elevator and another showing the actual attack. There is much confusion about when the league saw these videos and anger about its lack of interest in pursuing them. The most likely scenario is that they saw the first video, and felt that even if that video got out, there would not be much public outcry. After the second tape was released by TMZ, Goodell suspended Rice indefinitely to quell the country’s rage. The problem is that even though he is the commissioner, Goodell cannot just make up rules

Via MCT Campus

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was reinstated after he won his appeal. Several NFL teams have already expressed interest in Rice.

on the fly. The only reasons, based on the NFL’s rules, to increase the length of a suspension is if the player breaks the rules again, lied about the incident or if the league discovers new information that changes the situation significantly. Goodell claimed Rice lied, saying that he slapped Janay rather than punched her. Through analysis of the testimonies and the tapes, Judge Jones ruled that the NFL had sufficient and accurate evidence at the time of the first suspension to make an informed decision and that the second video did not deviate significantly from Ray Rice’s testimony. As such, the extension of the suspension was not legal based on the rules of the league. There are many mistakes to be upset about in this case, and they’ve all been hashed out. Firstly, a two-game suspension (which is just 12.5 percent of the regular season) for rendering a woman unconscious is obviously far too lenient. The league also should have pursued the video tapes, which were not difficult to find, seeing as the casino had gone out of business and the former employees were more than willing to give away the security film. But even without the tapes, the story Rice told should have been enough to warrant a more sizable penalty. Rice is now free to sign a contract for millions of dollars, due to Goodell’s ineptitude. This scandal has shown that the NFL cares less about justice

and more about public opinion. Unfortunately, even the entire country’s outrage is not enough to make the league budge. People still buy jerseys, tune in and attend games and, until the NFL’s pockets start hurting, nothing will change. There is an opportunity in this situation, however unjust it is. Now the decision is not with the NFL itself, but with each individual team. Multiple teams have shown interest in Rice already. If you don’t want your favorite team to support Goodell,

Rice and domestic violence, email or call them and voice your opinion. Let them know that you won’t watch their games, buy their jerseys or stand for this injustice. Call their sponsors and let them know you won’t purchase their products so long as they continue to support the NFL. The violence won’t stop until the money does. This is the opinion of Andrew Rezk, a senior psychology major from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email arezk@theloyolan.com.

Swimming to compete at AT&T Nationals The women’s swimming team will send three players to Greensboro. Patrick Shanley

Sports Intern

@LoyolanSports

From Dec. 4-6, three members of the LMU women’s swimming team will head to Greensboro, North Carolina, to compete in the AT&T Winter Nationals. The meet is one of two U.S. Swimming National Championship meets per year. The meet will be held for short

course swimming, which is the standard for NCAA swimming, so many collegiate athletes will be competing. However, since the event is a national meet, and not an NCAA event, there will be post-grad, high school and Olympic-level swimmers in the competition as well. Of the 19 swimmers on the LMU roster, only three women had times that qualified: senior Kjirsten Magnuson, who will be competing in both the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke, sophomore Hannah Calton, swimming in the 100m and 200m butterfly, and senior Lise Soule, who will be competing in the

Loyolan Archives

The women’s swimming team is prepped to take on the AT&T Winter Nationals. The team is sending three swimmers to the event: senior Kjirsten Magnuson (above), sophomore Hannah Calton and senior Lise Soule.

100m butterfly. Magnuson attended the National Championship her sophomore and junior years, but only participated in the 100m backstroke. Currently, she holds the record time at LMU for both the 50m freestyle and the 100m backstroke (which she just set on Nov. 22, with a time of 2:01.99). She is seeded 38th in the event in Greensboro. Although the meet is for individual competition, there is

still a sense of team camaraderie. “Swimming is perceived as an individual sport,” said Coach Bonnie Adair. “But being a part of a team brings out the best in the individuals. Everyone supports each other.” The importance of being able to compete alongside Olympic athletes in such an event is not lost on the coach. The majority of the meets that the team attends are bus trips within California. “It’s special. We’re not the most

funded program on campus,” said Adair. Despite the smaller size of the program, the success of its athletes is still noteworthy. Magnuson was the LMU Athlete of the Year for 2013-14 and Calton broke both of LMU’s butterfly records last year as a freshman. With some big swims looming on the horizon at this week’s competition, perhaps the women’s swimming team will garner the attention it deserves.

LION SPORTS

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Volleyball takes Sports force social change on the NCAA Sully Speaks from Page 16

Volleyball from Page 16

This will be LMU’s 12th NCAA appearance in program history, having played in the tournament two years ago. “That was a really good opportunity – we were really happy,” senior middle blocker and outside hitter Litara Keil said of her experience in the tournament her sophomore year. “When they announced our name, we were all at home, shocked. We weren’t together as a team because no one expected it. Being there and actually being a part of it was really nice, even though how we played wasn’t really on our side.” After not making it past their first-round match in 2012 against Western Kentucky, the team hopes to go further this year. “Every team in the country wants to make this tournament, so it means a ton,” Black said. “[We] just want to keep building off it, and hopefully we will perform better than we did last time.” Entering the 2014 tournament, the team’s motivation and focus allowed them to go undefeated all preseason. Realizing its ability from the very beginning, the team was confident they would find a way into this tournament. “I wasn’t expecting anything coming into the season,” said

Keil. “And then once we kind of found our identity and saw what we were capable of doing, I was very sure there was no way we weren’t going to make it.” Towards the end of conference, the team had a couple of tough losses. Its last two home matches against BYU and University of the Pacific both ended in defeats. To the seniors, this chance to conclude their LMU volleyball career on a different note means a great deal. “I’m just excited because we ended our season with two losses,” said senior Caitlin DeWitt. “So getting another chance to play and practice with my team – just a little bit longer – I think it’s anyone’s dream in their senior year, to play longer than what the season dictates. So I’m excited for that.” Going into Friday’s game, the Lions’ ultimate goal is to stay true to LMU volleyball and play the game they love. “We have nothing to lose,” Keil said. “Just going out and pouring our hearts out on the court – it’s the last thing we want to do [before we leave].” The Lions are not looking for an early exit in this year’s tournament, so they will have to remain focused on the Spartans. If they don’t, they will be returning to the Bluff far sooner than they had planned.

immigrants in Arizona after the state passed a strict immigration policy. Many NBA members wore hooded warm ups after the fallout of the Trayvon Martin case. NBA players also protested the offensive statements of Donald Sterling by taking off their warm ups and wearing plain clothes. Jason Collins became the first active American athlete to come out as gay in 2013, and players in leagues other than the NBA have also shown support for same-sex marriage and gay rights, especially the NFL. Chris Kluwe, a former NFL punter for the Minnesota Vikings, came out in support of same-sex marriage when Minnesota put the issue to a vote. Brendon Ayanbadejo, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, also shared his support for same-sex marriage. The NFL demonstrated its progressiveness when the University of Missouri’s defensive end Michael Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Sam became the first openly gay athlete to be drafted into the NFL. Sports are a great vessel for social change, even if the intent is not to make a political statement. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier by becoming the first black American to play in Major League Baseball. Though he did not intend to make a statement, he proved to the country that black athletes could compete against white athletes. Jesse Owens had an incredible performance at the 1936 Olympics Games in Nazi Germany after Adolph Hitler

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Jackie Robinson became a legend by breaking the color barrier in baseball.

bragged that his superior Aryan athletes would crush Owens. Sports exist in nearly every culture across the world; that’s why they can help so many people identify with a social issue. Many people see their favorite athletes stand up for something that they truly believe in, and it can inspire others to stand up for a cause as well. Will the defiance of the St. Louis Rams be enough to cause a change in our society? Could their actions, as well as those from protesters across the country, change the way that police operate and reduce the targeting of the black community

by officers? We really won’t know until the fallout of the Ferguson riots and protests comes to a close. But if sports have shown us anything in the past, it’s that when athletes get involved, the chance for serious social change can greatly increase. We may one day look back at the “Hands up, don’t shoot” protest as a defining moment and see that it made as largef a difference as the Black Power Salute did in 1968. This is the opinion of Jack Sullivan, a junior communication studies major from Las Vegas, Nevada. Tweet comments to @ LoyolanSports, or email jsullivan@theloyolan.com.

Athlete SPOTLIGHT Alex Torres Sport: Club Rugby

Class: Junior

Major: Communications Hometown: Elk Grove, California Studies Q: How long have you been playing rugby? A: I’ve played rugby since the 8th grade. Q: How did you get your start in playing rugby? A: My dad played semi-professional rugby at American University in Washington D.C., and once a rugby league opened up near my house he would spend time training with the team. So, one day I decided to join. However, it wasn’t until my freshman year in high school that I really became involved in rugby. Q: What made you want to continue to play rugby at LMU?

Q: What made you choose LMU over other schools? A: The location. Also, LMU has a tight-knit community, which I found very comforting. Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in L.A.? A: I’m an outdoors person, so I like things such as shooting and going to the Angeles [National] Forest up north. Q: What’s your favorite hobby beside sports? A: Duck hunting. Q: Do you have any hidden talents? A: : I can do a very good impression of Gandalf from “The Lord of the Rings.” Q: What’s your most memorable experience at LMU? A: Driving up to Arizona State with the rugby team my freshman year. The trip was very chaotic and just one of those stories that you live to tell time and time again. The experience also brought the team close together. Q: If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be? A: I’m a big fan of country music, so I’d have to say “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show.

A: The club rugby team at LMU is one of the oldest organizations on campus, and I reached out to the team immediately. I just have a love for the sport. It especially helped with my transition to the school. I played with a lot of upperclassmen when I first joined the team, and they introduced me to both the academic and social environments at LMU.

Q: What’s the most played song on your iPod?

Q: What’s the most difficult part about playing rugby?

A: What Was I Thinking.

A: Forcing yourself to persevere. The game is long and it takes immense willpower to force yourself to continue playing even when you’re losing. Q: What’s your favorite part about the sport? A: Finding out that I’m capable of doing things I wasn’t aware of. I’ve played games while injured and I never realized I was able to handle the pain and continue the game with passion.

A: : “What Was I Thinkin’” by Dierks Bentley. Q: If someone wrote a biography about your life, what would the title be?

Q: What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? A: I’m Mexican-American, so my family has a tradition of listening to country music while making tamales. Information compiled by Victoria Lucien, Sports Intern; Graphic: Mo Haley | Loyolan

sports LIONBITES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL On Saturday, Nov. 29, the women’s basketball team secured the championship at the 2014 DoubleTree Los Angeles Westside Thanksgiving Classic with a 51-48 victory over Bowling Green. The win was the second straight for the team and their first Thanksgiving Classic victory since 2008. The game was close throughout, with the Lions trailing with just 5 minutes left. The victory was cinched with some clutch free-throw shooting in the final minutes by junior Deanna Johnson to put LMU on top. The team travels to Washington next to play against Seattle University on Saturday, December 6.

MEN’S BASKETBALL The men’s basketball team was defeated Saturday, Nov. 29, when the UC Irvine Anteaters claimed a 80-72 win over the Lions. Sophomore Evan Payne led the scoring for the Lions with 23 points, making it his 5th 20-point game this season. A strong second-half run of 21-7 by LMU brought the game within reach, but the Anteaters’ shooting, 53.4 percent from the field, proved too much for the Lions to overcome. The team now begins a 6-game road stretch.

For daily LION BITES, like Loyolan Sports on Facebook and visit laloyolan.com/sports.

SCORES UPDATE W. BBALL

LION

51-48 W

M. BBALL

82-64 L

M. BBALL

vs. Bowling Green

SPORTS

W. BBALL

vs. Northern Arizona

80-72 L

vs. UC Irvine

77-61 L at USC

Page 16

LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | December 4, 2014 | laloyolan.com

Volleyball earns 2014 NCAA bid LMU volleyball prepares to compete in the NCAA tournament for the 12th time. Kassia Stephenson Asst. Sports Editor @ksteph17

After an outstanding league performance that ended 23-7, the Lions aren’t quite ready to call an end to their season. The journey continues as the women’s volleyball team enters the 2014 NCAA tournament. The team will play Michigan State in its first-round match at 4:30 p.m. this Friday, at Stanford’s Maples Pavilion. The Spartans, 18-13 this season, will be entering into their fourth straight NCAA Tournament. “Michigan State is going to be a good game,” said senior setter and libero Ashley Maxfeldt. “Our record is better than theirs, and I think we’re evenly matched. It’s going to be a tough game, but it’s going to be really fun.” The competition is single-elimination, and if the Lions win they will move on to play either CSU Bakersfield (16-14) or No. 1 seed Stanford University (29-1). Although they are prepared to battle any team, their strategy, as usual, is to not focus on anything but the present. “It’s all about this game,” said Head Coach Tom Black. “The worst thing you can do in this tournament is look ahead. Michigan State is all we’re thinking about. In fact, we’re not even thinking about them – we’re just thinking about getting better.”

Analyzing the Ray Rice case Athletes push for social change See Volleyball | Page 15

The Rezk Report

Andrew Rezk

Sully Speaks

@LoyolanSports

Jack Sullivan

Asst. Sports Editor

The Ray Rice saga has been covered nonstop in multiple media outlets for the past several months. With all of the facts and theories out there, it can be hard to discern what is truth and what is not. As the story continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly important to organize what we do know and explain the reasons behind these actions. Recently, former Ravens running back Rice was reinstated into the NFL by a court ruling made by District Judge Barbara Jones. Jones lifted the indefinite suspension handed down by maligned NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and her decision was greeted with quite a bit of hostility, which was largely misplaced. As of now, Rice is officially eligible to sign a contract with any team, just like any other free agent. To understand Judge Jones’ ruling, you need to go back to the beginning. After the incident, which occurred in a casino elevator, Rice was advised by his lawyer to tell the league about his actions. By all accounts, Rice told commissioner Goodell, the Ravens and a panel of league advisors that he struck his wife, Janay Rice, rendering her unconscious after she attacked him. Generally, the league has a scribe to record the entirety of such conversations. Strangely, such a person See The Rezk Report | Page 14

Loyolan Archives

The Lions will make their 2nd NCAA apearance in the past three years, on the strength of their 23-7 overall record. LMU will face 18-13 Michigan State on Stanford’s campus.

Sports Editor @JackSull2

When a grand jury decided to not indict Darren Wilson in the killing of Mike Brown, Americans across the country were extremely upset with the verdict. While some angry citizens took to the streets of Ferguson, Missouri to loot businesses and destroy buildings, there were also a number of peaceful protests. The demonstrations even reached L.A. when individuals blocked off the 110 Freeway. Many protestors across the country have adopted the “Hands up, don’t shoot” position as the symbol of the cause, and it has even made it to the playing field. Several St. Louis Rams players came out on the field in the pose, much to the disapproval of the St. Louis County Police (SLCP). The players decided to stand in solidarity with the people of Ferguson as they believe that a great injustice has occurred. Though the SLCP called for an apology from the players and denounced their actions, the St. Louis Rams sided with its players, and said that those involved would not be punished. These athletes decided to use their platform to voice their opinions and implement social change, but this is not the first time that a sports team has made a statement to inspire change. One

Via MCT Campus

The St. Louis Rams’ “Hands up, don’t shoot” protest of the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri was a prime example of the incredible power athletes have to influence social change, but their actions have been commended by some and condemned by others.

of the earliest cases of protest in sports came in the 1968 Olympics during the medal ceremony for the 200M race. Black athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos took first and third, respectively (Smith set a world record by finishing the race in 19.83s). While on the podium, Smith and Carlos raised their fists in the Black Power Salute, though Smith has since argued that it was a human rights salute. Regardless, this symbolized the fight against racial inequality in America. Even silver medalist Peter Norman, a white Australian, joined the

protest by wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge to fight the White Australia Policy in his home country. Many other athletes since the 1968 Olympics have fought for social change. Tennis star Billie Jean King fought for gender equality in the world of tennis and has since become an advocate for the LGBTQ community since she came out as a homosexual. The Phoenix Suns of the NBA wore jerseys that said “Los Suns” in a 2010 game in support of immigrants See in Arizona after the state Sully Speaks | Page 15