Issue 2: The Budget 2017-2018 by LHS Budget

THE

BUDGET

LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL

• LAWRENCE, KANSAS • VOLUME 125 • ISSUE 2 • OCT. 19, 2017

“FROM A TECHNICAL, LEGAL STANDPOINT, FREE SPEECH ENDS WHERE IT CAUSES A SUBSTANTIAL DISRUPTION AT SCHOOL. WAS IT [THE SIT-IN] DISRUPTIVE?” — MARK PREUT, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

INSIDE •05 First Amendment questions dominate •13 Teaching of ‘Huck Finn’ challenged •18 Teacher honored for final time at pinkout game

2 • THE BUDGET

06 08 10 12

School responds to protest First Amendment challenges schools How much do teachers know? Some band members kneel during anthem

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lhsbudget.com STORIES

• LGBT History • Coach Dirk Wedd’s Letter • Superintendent search update

13 16 18 24

Teaching of ‘Huck Finn’ challenged Gymnasts struggle with injuries Pinkout game honors teacher Get ready for Halloween

@lhsbudget VIDEOS

• Teacher special talents: Andrew Bricker

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THE

IN THIS ISSUE

LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL

• LAWRENCE, KANSAS • VOLUME 125 • ISSUE 2 • OCT. 19, 2017

“FROM A TECHNICAL, LEGAL STANDPOINT, FREE SPEECH ENDS WHERE IT CAUSES A SUBSTANTIAL DISRUPTION AT SCHOOL. WAS IT [THE SIT-IN] DISRUPTIVE?” — MARK PREUT, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

INSIDE •05 First Amendment questions dominate •13 Teaching of ‘Huck Finn’ challenged •18 Teacher honored for final time at pinkout game

ON THE COVER — Students

protesting earlier this month demonstrate their First Amendment rights. Photo illustration by Emily Kruse and Hannah Gaines

SKYWARD BEING REPLACED Powerschool to be implemented next school year, offering flexibility BY CHLOE THORNTON STAFF WRITER During recent years, the district administration has been searching for a new and cheaper student information system to replace Skyward. Now, they have found a solution with Powerschool. The purchase of Powerschool has been approved by the school board and will be implemented next school year. Powerschool is used in 80 percent of districts across Kansas and is liked because of its modern and easy-to-use system. “I think there were a lot of issues we were experiencing with Skyward not being particularly user friendly,” school board member Vanessa Sanburn said. “It is not very flexible, and it also couldn’t integrate well with a lot of our other systems.” This change is expected to save the

district money in the long run even though the initial cost of Powerschool is higher than that of Skyward. “Not only is it, after the transition, more affordable, it’s also a more versatile system that integrates a lot of our data into one place” Sanburn said. It is also expected to offer flexibility.

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER

“There was an issue where Skyward was not allowing students to use their preferred name, so students will be able to do that with Powerschool. They have a variety of options which makes that kind of change easier than what Skyward had,” Sanburn said.

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WONDER WOMAN GRADUATE BY ANNA PARNELL A sequel to the 2017 movie Wonder Woman is set to release in 2019. The film will have the same director, Patty Jenkins. Jenkins is 1989 Lawrence High alumna (pictured at the right in her 1988 yearbook photo). Here’s what you should know about Jenkins:

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“”

“I BELIEVE CREATING ANY ORIGINAL ART — WHETHER IT’S POETRY, A STORY, A PAINTING OR A SCULPTURE OR CREATING A SONG THAT’S ORIGINAL — THAT’S THE HIGH POINT OF CREATIVITY FOR ME.” —ANDREW BRICKER, SCIENCE TEACHER

CITY SHOWDOWN

During her childhood, Jenkins moved around a lot because her father was an Air Force captain. She has lived in Thailand and Germany as well as Kansas.

2. After Lawrence High, Jenkins studied painting at

Lawrence Lions face the Firebirds at 7 p.m. Friday at home. The Lions are 4-3 while the Firebirds are undefeated this season. The student theme is Halloween Town.

Cooper Union in New York City. After graduation, she spent nine years in New York working on commercials and music videos before moving to California.

After graduating from the American Film Institution, Jenkins released her first full-length feature film, “Monster,” in 2003.

4. Jenkins was meant to be the director of “Thor: The Dark Word,” but stepped down from the role.

5. Michelle MacLaren was the director originally

chosen for Wonder Woman but dropped out due to creative differences. Patty Jenkins then stepped in.

SAVE THE DATE: FIVE EVENTS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS

1 OCT. 20

No school

2 NOV. 3

Blood Drive Begins at 8 a.m.

3 NOV. 6

Winter Sports forms due

NOV. 13

Winter sports begin

5 NOV. 20

Pack the House Starts at 6 p.m.

PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER • OCT. 19, 2017

STUDENT SPEECH Students explore what First Amendment means in school by speaking out

FOCUS ON STUDENT SPEECH

Page 6 Student sit-in spurs talk of change Page 8 The First Amendment provides challenges Page 10 Federal law limits sharing of student information Page 12 Marching band members kneel Page 26 Opinion: Being trans at LHS isn’t easy Page 28 Opinion: Kneeling shows polarized politics SPEAKING OUT — On Sept. 18, students gathered in the rotunda to stage a protest against the mistreatment of transgender students. Photo by Emily Kruse

PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER • OCT. 19, 2017

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MOVING AHEAD

After sit-in, communication and education become focus of efforts to improve school BY CONNOR SCHMAUS

MANAGING EDITOR

n the weeks since students filled the rotunda for a sit-in over transphobic comments, school officials are focused on improving communication and education. Following the Sept. 18 protest of comments made in a GroupMe chat filled with seniors, students and faculty say they hope to use education to prevent harassment and discrimination. “There’s a desperate need for education in our culture and in our district, specifically concerning LGBTQIA+ areas,” said Randall Frye, co-sponsor of Total Equality Alliance. “There’s a lack of knowledge and a lot of times when there’s an issue of any kind, it’s because of a lack of knowledge. People don’t have the resources or the understanding to even identify what some of this is.” Immediately following the protest, the district’s Equity Advisory Council met with four students who participated in the sit-in. The students addressed demands, along with their input on what happened. The main concern of the group, other than the discrimination itself, was the lack of immediate recognition of offensive comments, in

addition to the general lack of education on LGBTQ+ issues. “When this occurred, they didn’t feel like they were being heard or that action was being taken soon enough,” said Lindsay Buck, a member of the Equity Advisory Council and a co-sponsor of TEA. “There are people who bully...but ignorance is never an excuse for that.” Before the protest, Lawrence High had taken steps to better support LGBTQ students. Last year, for example, the school opened an all-genders bathroom. The recent Homecoming nominations process was gender-neutral. “I think Lawrence High is a great community and a very accepting and embracing community but that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues,” assistant principal Mark Preut said. “Some steps have been taken to resolve those issues, make LHS a safer place.” Although anti-discrimination policies are outlined on the school’s website and in the planner, some believe it relates back to a lack of education. “As far as the anti-discrimination policy, I’m not sure our students are aware we have one,” Frye said. “I think there’s a real lack of knowledge.” In response, administrators are planning a student-run panel to confront on-

going issues and to open communication within the school. The panel will consist of members from leadership and equity groups, including TEA, Inter-Tribal Club, Black Student Association and Student Council, along with the sponsors of those organizations. Administrators also want to incorporate outspoken voices involved in the protest. “The purpose is to open those avenues of communication between administration, faculty and students, to talk about issues — not necessarily the, ‘Hey, this happened yesterday’ immediate kind of things — but a broader context,” Preut said. The district has also taken action. The school board this month agreed to recommendations from an LGBTQ+

MOVING TOWARD EQUALITY 2003-04

First year of Gay Straight Alliance club at LHS

2011

Lawrence City Commission adds gender identity to the list of protected classes in city law.

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL

2016

Gay Straight Alliance name changed to Total Equality Alliance.

BY ANNA PARNELL

2016

Students speak about LGBTQ issues to faculty before school starts

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Task Force, a group created last school year to encourage more accepting policy for schools. Among the recommendations accepted by the school board were: • Address students by their preferred names and pronouns • Provide students access to locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity • Allow students to participate in groups/activities that correspond with their gender identity by avoiding using gender as a characteristic in classroom/school activities Students who witnessed the protest found some comfort in this situation, saying that it shows a certain strength within the student body. “I think [the protest] says that we can

Fall 2016

Some teachers begin requesting students’ preferred pronouns. More teachers joined that effort this fall.

work through issues,” senior John Ely said. Preut said LHS is taking additional steps to improve the climate. “We are also working a little bit with KU to develop some training for staff and students we want to push into classrooms at some point to raise awareness again and to help people understand so that we don’t have people acting out of ignorance, stereotype or bias,” he said. Moving forward, students who orchestrated the protest want LHS and the district to know their strong intolerance for hate, while maintaining a positive attitude for education in the future. “We are a school that stands together against bullying of any kind,” sophomore Elliot Bradley said. “We do not tolerate

Spring 2016

First gender-neutral bathroom opens at school after discussions with Total Equality Alliance.

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SIT-IN — Students gather in the rotunda on Sept. 18 at the start of a protest over transphobic comments. “I think overall, it was a good thing,” said junior Eli Mardis, who was sitting in the center at the back of the group. “I have some trans friends, so I definitely think it’s important. The leaders of the protest were really ripping into the administration about problems not being addressed, nobody was really listening to each other though. Hopefully this raises awareness and lets people know this is a problem that needs to be fixed.” Photo by Emily Kruse.

hate or discrimination toward any of our students and I think that is something we’re very proud of as a school and as a community.”

2017

Homecoming king and queen change to gender-neutral Homecoming royalty.

PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL • OCT. 19, 2017

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SCHOOLS STRUGGLE WITH FREE SPEECH

BY MACY LANDES

CO COPY CHIEF

hen Lawrence High School students protested against transphobia last month, they joined the ranks of students who for decades across the nation have tested how the First Amendment is applied in school. The most famous case is that of Mary Beth Tinker, who was a middle schooler when she peacefully protested the Vietnam War by wearing a black armband with a peace sign on it during the school day. Tinker was suspended and her family sued the school district. After the local and state courts ruled in favor of the school district, the Supreme Court heard her case and ruled in favor of her First Amendment rights, noting that the protest did not cause a substantial disruption to the school day. The question of disruption has been key in other court cases in which the court ruled schools could choose to limit the free speech of students. “From a technical, legal standpoint, free speech ends where it causes a substantial disruption at school,” assistant principal Mark Preut said. “Was it [the sit-in] disruptive? It disrupted the flow around the school, it created lots of chatter, but it wasn’t like other students weren’t able to go to class and have class during the sit-in.” Assistant principal Mike Norris said the law can be confusing and administrators generally look first to board policy. While court cases can provide some guidance, unless those cases were decided by the Supreme Court, Norris noted that judges from different regions have reached different conclusions. “We also have the luxury of having an attorney that works at the school district and people at the district office, and there are times where we’re like, ‘Wow, this is a big one,’ ” Norris said. “We

THE FIRST AMENDMENT CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS; OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES. confer [with the attorney] because now we need specific advice.” When it comes to cyberbullying or off-campus speech — such as the statements that led to the protest — the right actions become even less clear, even for those who study the issue. “This is an area that’s in pretty serious flux,” Student Press Law Center legal consultant Mike Hiestand said. “There’s a grayness. There’s a lot of discrepancies between the core ideas [and] just trying to figure out where the line actually exists.” Often, administrators can only address what happens during school. “It is very difficult for them to

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL

make a reach of what happens outside the school,” said G.A. Buie, executive director of United School Administrators of Kansas. “When it trickles back into school, though, you can make some connections.” With personalized devices, how much reach administrators have becomes even more of a concern. “The reality is, no policy or procedure has been made about what kids can and cannot do on their computers,” Norris said of the one-to-one devices given to students this year. When conflict does occur — online or in real life — administrators find it difficult to decide what they should do

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COURT CASES These four cases will help you understand how the First Amendment right to free speech applies at school Graphics by Will Damron

DEMANDING CHANGE — Students take part in a sit-in in the rotunda to support transgender students. The sit-in began during second hour on Sept. 18 and continued throughout the school day. Photo by Emily Kruse

next. They can take different stances on disciplinary action, because, often, the law doesn’t specify how they should react to controversial issues. “Some people are going to the land on [one] side and say, ‘If there’s bullying behavior, there has to be quick and swift consequences,’ ” Buie said. “And you’re going to find other people who are going to say that if you have bully behavior, the best way to handle it is through strong education and learning opportunities. “And I don’t know that there’s a perfect answer,” Buie continued. “Sometimes you can educate, educate, educate, and eventually you have to consequence. And sometimes, the bully is so bad, that you immediately have to have consequences because of the situation that it creates.” Schools can easily regulate offensive speech on campus, but public schools can find themselves in a difficult situation when trying to regulate off-campus speech that is offensive, noted Frank LoMonte, who is head of the Joseph L. Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida. “We don’t want the government to get into the business of deciding what’s offensive,” LoMonte said. Preut believes education remains the most effective method for addressing offensive speech. “Discipline ought to always be, as much as possible, about educating,” Preut said. Deemed a “million dollar question” by Buie, administrators have to ask themselves how they can balance making sure school functions properly and making sure kids feel safe, especially in this relatively new era of online communication. “People are braver behind a computer screen than they are in person, so that creates a lot of challenges for administrators,” he said. “What they have to do is they have to try to find that fine line between focusing on what’s most important in school, which is educating kids, and managing a safe, orderly, and enjoyable environment for kids to be in.” Norris argues you can’t have one without the other. “If you don’t feel safe, I don’t believe you can learn,” Norris said.

TINKER VS. DES MOINES

Mary Beth Tinker was among a group of students who wore black armbands to school in 1965 to protest the Vietnam War. They were suspended. The Supreme Court ruled that the school district had violated their free speech rights, saying, “It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

BETHEL VS. FRASER

In the 1980s, Matthew Faser gave a raunchy speech full of sexual innuendo during an all-school assembly. He sued after he was suspended but lost. The Supreme Court said the school could prohibit vulgar and offensive language and speech inconsistent with “the fundamental values of public school education.”

5 MORSE VS. FREDERICK

When students at his Juneau, Alaska, high school were allowed to watch the Olympic Torch Relay pass by near their school in 2002, Joseph Frederick unfurled a banner reading, “Bong Hits 4 Jesus.” He was suspended for 10 days and sued. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of the school, saying it had a right to protect students from what could arguably be seen as a pro-drug message.

DONINGER VS. NIEHOFF

Avery

Doninger When Avery Doninger criticized school officials online in 2007 by calling them “douchebags,” her principal disqualified her from running for a student council seat. An appeals court ruled in favor of the principal, saying she was entitled to qualified immunity from the suit. The Supreme Court declined to hear arguments in the case.

PAGE DESIGN BY ANNA PARNELL • OCT. 19, 2017

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DISCLOSURE STRUGGLES

Federal law limits schools from publicly sharing information about students and can even limit what is shared with teachers

BY GARY SCHMIDT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

n the wake of last month’s sit-in, students grappled with not knowing what -- if any -- discipline was taken against students. One reason for the quiet comes down to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA. FERPA limits the ability of school employees to disclose information without the explicit permission of a student or their legal guardian. FERPA does, however, allow administrators to disclose disciplinary information to other school employees in limited circumstances. USD 497 in an annual notice regarding FERPA explains this excep-

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT

tion as, “One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.” So, what is a legitimate educational interest? Assistant principal Mike Norris said the call is made on a case-by-case basis. “This is 100 percent FERPA, and it goes to need-to-know, who needs-toknow,” Norris said. That means, teachers sometimes receive information about student problems. Often, however, they are only told that a student will be out of TOP SECRET — FERPA regulates what disciplinary issues administrators can share with staff members. Photo Illustration by Addisson Thornsburry

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“ SCHOOL IS A PLACE TO MAKE MISTAKES. IF YOU CAN’T MAKE MISTAKES HERE, WHERE ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO?” —MIKE NORRIS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

the classroom for a suspension without receiving details about the reasons. “School is a place to make mistakes,” Norris said. “If you can’t make mistakes here, where else are you going to make them? The question is, is it more than just making a mistake or is it something that people need to know because there is a legitimate reason to be concerned? Sometimes, it’s that line of judgment. It’s hard to answer the question without talking about something specific, and that’s the tough part.” Norris explained how the reasons to inform teachers might differ depending on the circumstances. “For instance, a kid steals a chicken sandwich from the cafeteria and puts it in his pocket — believe it or not, this actually happened,” Norris said. “The lunch ladies catch him and send him to see me. Does his Spanish teacher have a need to know that he stole a chicken sandwich from the cafeteria? Probably not, because it probably doesn’t impact what’s going on in Spanish.” Norris offered another example, in which a legitimate concern could be raised. “Different scenario, kid didn’t steal a chicken sandwich

but is prone to violent behavior,” Norris said. “Does his Spanish teacher need to know that? Probably. Because you need to look for those signs and protect yourself so that the kids in your class are protected.” Debate teacher Jeff Plinsky said that most of the time he has the information he needs to have about his students. “To my knowledge, only once in my 13 years here at Lawrence High have I felt like there is information I should have had that I didn’t,” Plinsky said. However, he also noted interpreting FERPA so broadly could create problems. “I think it is written broadly on purpose to give administrators a wide range of latitude,” Pinsky said. “At times, having that latitude is helpful for teachers. At times having that latitude is problematic. This really comes down to a case-by-case basis. If there was one right answer, we would already have it.” Ultimately, Plinsky sees both sides of the legislation. “On one hand you want the teachers to have the information, but you also want the students, if they really have put an end to whatever behaviors you don’t want them walking around with the shadow of that,” Plinsky said.

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WHAT IS FERPA? BY GARY SCHMIDT CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Family Education and Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) was a piece of Federal legislation passed in 1974 aimed at protecting the rights of privacy to families and students within a school setting. This is the law that explicitly states that teachers cannot discuss grades with other staff members or students. Below, the important pieces of FERPA are pointed out.

WHAT FERPA DOES Give parents all rights underlined by FERPA until a child turns 18, at which point they receive these rights. Allow families to review educational records and request corrections to any which they believe to be inaccurate Protect unauthorized disclosure of educational records in all circumstances except those outlined below.

FERPA EXCEPTIONS When a “legitimate education interest” is raised. When a student transfers to another school. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. Source: U.S. Department of Education website

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT• OCT. 19, 2017

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TAKING A KNEE

Band members explain why they began to kneel during national anthem BY ANAHITA HURT

ONLINE CO-EDITOR

t least five marching band students and one cheerleader knelt while playing the national anthem at the football game on Oct. 6. Inspired by professional athletes, they knelt against police brutality. Inez Robinson, a junior mellophone player, began the kneeling because of the recent shooting of a black man by police in Topeka. “I didn’t really intend to spread a message, it was just a personal kind of stance on police brutality and racial injustice against black Americans,” Robinson explained. “If there were any type of message to be spread, I would just encourage people to just realize that police unjustly target black Americans compared to other people.” For Robinson, this protest is bigger than just showing solidarity. “It’s not about [President Donald] Trump, it’s not about the flag or the anthem, it’s about police brutality,” she said. “I don’t see how you can think, ‘Well, the police don’t unjustly kill only black people, they’re good people,’ or something like that. It’s just black or white for me. You either support it, or you don’t and you’re racist. My voice has run thin at this point, trying to explain and educate or ask, ‘Why don’t you want to explain why it’s disrespectful?’ or anything like that. People can Google it. Do your own research.” Senior Rollin Love, a clarinet player, also took a knee at the game. “I believe it is important to stand in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick and his protests,” Love said. “It’s about police brutality in the US and how goes ignored by the general population, so if

OCT. 19, 2017 •

I kneel here in Lawrence, it humanizes the situation for people and brings it to the forefront of their attention.” Love hopes awareness will bring change. “The protest is not about disrespecting the flag or the Star Spangled Banner or anyone who’s in military service,” Love said. “We’re kneeling because we’re not going to support a false patriotism for a country that doesn’t respect our existence.” Chisato Kimura, a senior mellophone player, participated in the protest during the game. She wishes she could’ve knelt during the homecoming game when she was a court nominee, but nominees were not allowed on the field. “I think I want to say there are different ways of respecting the country, but we all live here and the country should be respecting us and trying to protect the people as well,” Kimura said. “When the country fails to protect its citizens and is part of the problem of police brutality and racism and oppression, how do we respect that country and how do we respect that flag? I think that’s the point.” Kneeling has occurred in national, college and youth sports and activities. “I think that the overall movement will call to more attention why we’re kneeling, which is the police brutality, the oppression, the discrimination that people of color, especially African Americans, face,” Kimura said. “I hope

PROTEST — Two members of the Lawrence High School marching band kneel during the national anthem before a football game Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. Photo courtesy of the Lawrence Journal World.

that there is a political change and a change in the system so that police officers aren’t taught to just shoot, straight on the spot, and stuff like that.” Some parents were against the kneeling, and some even believed students who knelt shouldn’t be allowed to play. They said it was disrespectful, particularly to those who served in the military and to the flag. “First Amendment rights are a thing so if you actually believe in the country that you’re standing for, you should also believe in First Amendment rights and 100 percent be supporting any form any activism or any freedom of speech because that’s exactly what these people should be standing for,” Kimura said. One cheerleader, junior Abby LaTessa, also knelt during the anthem. She said she wants more people to be aware of issues going on in the nation and dismisses detractors. “It’s not affecting you, me sitting on my knee, so it’s really not a big deal,” LaTessa said. “Maybe they should be more educated and put to light about what’s going on, and maybe they would find a reason to kneel, too. Whatever your opinion is, don’t get mad at me. Just let me have mine; you can have yours.”

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NOVEL CHALLENGED Status of classic Mark Twain novel as required novel being challenged BY FREEMAN SPRAY

STAFF WRITER

he teaching of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been removed as required reading in junior English classes pending a review of the novel. The debate over the Mark Twain classic began last spring when several staff members questioned the cultural sensitivities of the book. Specifically, it includes 219 uses of the N-slur. “I have worked with students that have left the classroom upset and wanting to opt out and not wanting to read the book,” Can We Talk sponsor and social worker Lynisha Thomas said. This led some to voice the opinion that the novel should be removed from the curriculum. English teachers have defended the inclusion of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in the curriculum, because they say the work is a part of history, and students learn that context is important for understanding the purpose of the book and why it is so controversial. “Mark Twain wrote it as a social critique of people who were still behaving in racist ways,” English teacher Shannon Carriger said. The historical importance of the novel ties to Twain’s role as the father of American literature, and the uniqueness of the content and commentary. “It shouldn’t be censored, because that’s censoring history,” senior Brian Camarena said. “You shouldn’t censor history. You should learn from it.” Thomas said the novel can alienate students of color, causing them to be disconnected to the class and their teacher. The book, she said, isn’t the best or only way to teach students about racism. “What they’re trying to teach with that book can be taught with many books that don’t use the N-word 219 times,” Thomas said. “We’ve heard this story before, and at some point at a high school level you would expect to be challenged at another level.”

Carriger said the novel was being respectfully and equitably taught. However, in response to continued arguments and growing concerns over the nature of the content, the district has removed the book from the curriculum until further notice. The district has agreed to review the resources and methods used in the teaching of the book, and determine if it was being taught properly in the classroom environment. This analysis of the content may result in a changes to the curriculum, or could result in removal of the book altogether. Some think that the time is overdue for a change in the books taught in the curriculum. “I thought we wanted to empower the students, I thought we wanted them to be better lifelong learners,” Thomas said. “I don’t think doing more of the same is going to do that.” Those challenging the book’s place in English class believe that students’ feelings should always be taken into account before the potential merits of teaching the material are considered. “If it does harm to even one student, it’s worth challenging,” special education teacher Ameshia Tubbs said. Carriger acknowledged the challenging nature of teaching the book but said teachers worked hard to take students feelings into account. “You have to have really hard conversations to teach this book,” Carriger said. “You have to be willing to say; ‘Hey, if we’re having a hard time today, we just have to stop and talk

about how this is making us feel.’” The novel is taught with the belief that the students are mature and strong enough to understand the controversial content they read, and the teachers trust the students and themselves to be respectful with the discussions had on the subject. “You have to stop sugar-coating things at some point, and maybe high schools has to be the point where you have to see the real thing, and just know reality,” senior Kazeo Abdulqader said. If one of the goals of teaching Huck Finn is to help students understand racism, Thomas said students already get it, and asks teachers not to underestimate students in their ability to comprehend Twain’s critique, without having to read the novel and its 219 N-slurs. “I think the students get it, and I think continuing to teach it is kind of a mute point,” Thomas said. “We need to evolve, and teach something new, and empower our students.” Photo by Em ily Kr

use

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14• THE BUDGET

ROCK CHALK RELATIONSHIPS BY JACKSON HOY

STAFF WRITER

awrence High junior Trey Quartlebaum and senior Anthony Selden both have important connections to the University of Kansas basketball program. Quartlebaum’s father Fred has been KU basketball’s director of studentathlete development since June 2013, while Selden’s brother Wayne spent three seasons starting for the Jayhawks before going pro in 2016. Their ties to the program have given them the unique opportunity to train at KU’s facilities. Quartlebaum said he is working out at KU “every day, basically.” Selden agreed: “Probably every day, nearly every

day. Besides like Fridays and stuff.” Working out together has given the players the chance to improve their skills in tandem. “All the access to the gear, the shooting gun, the people that help you, like, staff members, and the fact that me and my brother had a friend that could work me and Trey out every day is a blessing, obviously,” Selden said. The two will sometimes bring friends along to join them. Quartlebaum said he usually brings along juniors Savonni Shazor or Bryant Graham when he decides to bring friends. Shazor has appreciated being able to work out up at KU. “They always have Gatorades and protein bars, and the facilities are really nice,” he said.

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT

Quartlebaum, Selden use Jayhawk connections to sharpen their skills

One part of training at KU that the players have enjoyed is the presence of KU basketball players. “I worked out with them a couple times with them this summer, and it got me better,” Quartlebaum said of the Jayhawks. Playing against them in a practice setting did not faze him. “I feel like I can hang with them,” Quartlebaum said. Selden said he did not know the players “as well as I did when my brother was here, but I’ve met some. I’ve met, like, Billy Preston, Sam Cunliffe and all those other new guys.”

DEFENSE — Quartlebaum and Selden collapse on Topeka High player in last year’s home opener. Photo by Addisson Thornsubrry

THE BUDGET

FANTASY FANATICS BY DANIEL DAVIDSON STAFF WRITER The 2017 NFL season has begun, meaning fans are closely watching and cheering for their favorite teams. For some students, this also means they have been working hard in drafting and trading players for their fantasy football leagues. Fantasy football is a virtual game in which players act as the managers of football teams made up of players they pick during a draft. There are several different ways to play and each team’s success depends on how well their team’s selected players perform. Junior Carson Redmond is a member of a league with several of his friends. Their league, the Tyquez Pro League, beAs Selden has sharpened his own game, he has developed his own identity as a player and no longer feels like he has to overcome being seen as “Wayne’s brother.” “It doesn’t matter to me anymore. [The stigma] was irritating, then I just grew out of it,” Selden said. “I just didn’t really care because I started growing out of it more and more.” The players all feel like they are primed for breakout seasons with LHS. “I’ve put in a lot of work this summer, so I think I’ll do good,” Quartlebaum said. Selden noted: “I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing, but I feel like, I’ve been, I haven’t played as well as I’ve wanted to the past two years, but that’s why I think it’s gonna be a big year.” Shazor hopes he will get noticed for some of the improvements he has made in

gan when junior Jalyn Banks texted them with the idea to start it two years ago. “We drafted that night, and by week three that year we were all super into it,” Redmond said. “It’s been almost an obsession since then.” Like many leagues, the Tyquez Pro League has various unique traditions, like draft parties, to celebrate during the season. “It’s just fun to get together,” junior Will Damron said. “We get to talk about our picks and react. I had a hard time struggling at the start. I didn’t really

his game. “I’m tall, athletic, I can do guard things and big man things, too,” he said. When asked about his goals for this coming season, Selden was quick to respond. “It’s just to win a state championship,” he said. Selden, who has received interest from UTEP, San Diego State and other Division 1 programs, said being around KU has given him ideas of what to look for in a college program, including facilities, trainers and coaching staff. LHS basketball opens its season on Dec. 1 at Topeka High, and the game will be a good opportunity to gauge the progress the players have made. Until then, they are going to keep working. “I can always get better, like, there’s no excuse for me not to be in there because I can go in anytime I want,” Quartlebaum said.

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understand how to do the picks right. You learn as you go, you get better over time.” Every year the league members pass on a trophy to the member with the winning team. The worst performing members usually become the target of teasing. “That’s the ultimate goal every year, to come home with the [trophy],” Redmond said. “And to be able to send my friends pictures of me laying in bed with it.” Fantasy football’s popularity has been growing, with more people joining leagues every year. With millions of players around the world, LHS is no exception to this craze. The Tyquez Pro League is just one of the many leagues students around school are participating in. “I’m so confident, dude.” sophomore Henry DeWitt said about his team comprised of almost entirely Chiefs players. “The Chiefs are going to go all the way and win the Super Bowl. Quote me on that, because that’s a given. And when they win the Super Bowl, I win the Super Bowl.”

KU BASKETBALL PREVIEW BY JACKSON HOY STAFF WRITER

Trey Quartlebaum and Anthony Selden have seen plenty of exhibition play from KU basketball this offseason, and they like what they have seen. The consensus between the players was that senior guard Devonte’ Graham would be KU’s best player. When asked which player he thought would break out for KU this season, Selden responded instantly: “Malik Newman. He is a star.” Newman, a combo guard who becomes eligible this season after sitting out a year after transferring from Mississippi State, and freshman big man Billy Preston had Quartlebaum excited. “I think they’re gonna be really good,” he said. “They’ll provide a lot of, like, depth too.” Quartlebaum and Selden were also excited to see the progress of sophomore big man Udoka Azubuike. “He’s been looking really good — monster,” Quartlebaum said. “He actually has post moves now,” Selden said of Azubuike.

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT • OCT. 19, 2017

16 • THE BUDGET

HOLDING ON

Team persists through injuries

BY TREY HULSE

CO-SPORTS EDITOR

he gymnastics program is built from pure endurance. Endurance to practice, to compete and to win. However, a problem struck the team this season. Injuries are at a high with two gymnasts out completely and six affected as state approaches this weekend. “We will be doing ankle strengthening as well as conditioning starting as soon as we can,” junior Eden Kingery said. “We also get taped and work with athletic trainers to prevent as many injuries as possible.” Another problem the gymnastics program is faced with is the lack of gymnasts. Luckily, “there is a new tumbling gym in town this year so I think that has brought more awareness to high school gymnastics,” Kingery said. However, even with the increased awareness, the program still lacks attention with only one home meet and less time than others at the fall sports assembly. “We weren’t allowed to do anything at the assembly,” junior Josie Hickerson said. “It gets overlooked a lot as a high school sport, so I think more people should join to see we are working just as hard and have just as good of athletes as other sports.” In the bigger picture, gymnastics isn’t just about winning. “It teaches you important lessons,” Hickerson said. “Patience, dedication, hard work, body awareness, and that no matter your size you can have tremendous power.” With a larger number of gymnasts who went out this year, the team hopes to mimic the success of last year’s state finalist team. Last year’s team finished fourth at state. This year’s state meet is Saturday at Olathe East.

POISED — Sophomore Olivia Kouloukis performs on the bars during Jamboree on Aug. 23. Photo by Emily Kruse

MEET THE GYMNASTS NAME Eliana Seidner Eden Kingery Josie Hickerson

BY TABBY PETERS

BEST EVENT

HOW LONG DOING GYMNASTICS

BEST TRICK/MOVE

Beam

13 years total

“I don’t really have one.”

Beam

8 or 9 years

Back tucks on the beam

Floor

12 years

A roundoff and then a back tuck with a half twist

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY TABBY PETERS

THE BUDGET

• 17

HITTING NEW HEIGHTS

Girls’ tennis team doubles its number of players over last season BY COOPER WRIGHT STAFF WRITER

he girls tennis team saw more girls join this year than in previous years. Around 40 girls played, double last year’s number of 20. The Lions found strong players in new freshmen. “We’ve had a lot more freshmen come out and they’re new players that want to try a new sport,” junior Caitlynn Kliem, a varsity doubles player, said. Jayhawk Tennis could be the cause for more players, as it offers more training across all ages than ever. More options and training has encouraged

more players to hit at Jayhawk Tennis, helping to make their games better. “A lot more people have joined the team ... and realized they want to take it more seriously,” Kliem said. This training has transferred to matches, where the team improved with three quad wins. “Our lineup for doubles has finally gotten into a groove because it’s been set, and we’ve learned how to play with our partners, and for singles the newer players have learned more how to play by watching other players,” Kliem said. The team also had a lot of fun. “We all joke around and have a good time, and it’s not as serious as other sports and it’s just a really fun atmo-

sphere,” Kliem said. This atmosphere helped tennis become more enjoyable for everyone on the team and could encourage more people join in the future. “It’d be nice to see some individual players get better but I’d also like to see the team get better for the future,” Kliem said. FOCUSED — Junior Malka Hampton hits a serve at the Lawrence Quad on Sept. 5. The match ended 0-3. “I want to get better on serves and the team as a whole everyone just wants to improve,” Hampton said. “Our coach doesn’t really care if we win as long as we tried our hardest.” Photo by McKenna White

PAGE DESIGN BY ASHLEE BROWN • OCT. 19, 2017

18 • THE BUDGET

PINK FOR A PURPOSE Teacher reminisces on pink-out game started in her honor BY GARY SCHMIDT

CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

n 2010, then Student Council sponsor Jason Lichte approached teacher Shannon Wilson with a simple proposal: to begin a pink-out football game in Wilson’s honor as she battled breast cancer. Seven years later, the pink-out game and Wilson alike are thriving. “At the time I was going through breast cancer treatment, when StuCo came to me and says, ‘We have not had a pink-out game in football at all,’ ” Wilson said. “They wanted to start it.” The first year of the game was larger than life, Wilson recalled. “It was really big that year because we had never done one before,” Wilson said. “We had pink balloons and sold a ton of shirts because no one had a pink T-shirt.” Additionally, that first year raised the most funds the pink-out has ever accumulated, totaling about $1,200. Earlier this year, Wilson announced she would retire at the end of this school year. Although leaving is a somber thought for the teacher, she is taking it fully in stride. “I knew [my retirement] was coming, so I prepared for it,” Wilson said. “I want to enjoy everything this year, because I knew ahead of time that this was going to be it. I just want to take every single activity and every single event and enjoy it, every single minute of it.” While Wilson may be leaving after this year, she is confident that the pink-out game will live on past her.

INSPIRATION — Foods and sewing teacher Shannon Wilson sells items at the pink-out game on Oct. 6. The tradition began eight years ago when Wilson was undergoing treatments for breast cancer. Photo by Jade Auchenbach

“I do [believe the pink-out game will continue], and I don’t want it to be about me,” Wilson said. “I want it to be about all cancer survivors. The thing that we have done with it is we have taken all the focus — though breast cancer gets the most awareness- —and we have given it to all cancers.” In all her years of leading the pink-out game, Wilson said the biggest motivator has been how many lives the game has affected. “There are other people in this school that have gone through cancer treatment, there are some that are going through it right now,” Wilson said. “The thing that I remember the most is that kids would come up to me and tell me, ‘You know, Mrs. Wilson, my mom, or grandma, or dad, has gone through cancer.’ And I didn’t know how many lives it touched.”

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT AND SAMI TURNER

THE BUDGET

• 19

SPIRITED — Senior Gwentessa Alfie and other Spirit Squad members show off their dance in the end zone after the first quarter. They were joined by the Little Lions during the pink-out game on Oct. 6. “It was really fun,” sophomore Samira Laytimi said. “They were really cute, but sometimes they got a little distracted.” Photo by Addisson Thornsbury ROLLING OUT — Senior quarterback Dante Jackson carries the ball in the Lions’ 28-14 win over Olathe South. Jackson led the Lions in rushing yards on the day, finshing with 126 yards and one touchdown. Photo by Addisson Thornsburry PRETTY IN PINK — Sophomore Melanie Meyer is spotted in a sea of pink as Lawrence High celebrates the annual pink-out game. “I enjoyed the game,” Meyer said. “Football is a good time for people to come together and just have fun.” Photo by Addisson Thornsbury

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT AND SAMI TURNER• OCT. 19, 2017

20• THE BUDGET

FALL FINISH

The Budget recaps fall seasons, looks toward playoffs BY GARY SCHMIDT

CO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CROSS COUNTRY Facing shortened numbers, senior Carson Jumping-Eagle led the year for the Lions, being the top finisher in all meets for the team. On the girl’s side, junior Evann Seratte led the way for the girls, aided by sophomore Sophie Dewitt, who was the No. 1 runner for the girls when Seratte was injured. PHOTO BY SYMON KNOX

SOCCER

Starting off the year with strong road results, the soccer team was poised for a great season. Untimely injuries and issues with scoring derailed the start, but the Lion’s have remained in the hunt for a home playoff game and currently sit at 4-7-3. PHOTO BY ADDISON THORNSBURY

GOLF

In the first year with head coach Jon Moos, the golf team fielded a full varsity lineup for the first time in recent years. Junior Beatrice Lopez led the Lions for most of the year, carding as low as 100, but it was newcomer junior Olivia Wallen who qualified for state, shooting 112 at regionals. PHOTO BY HANNAH GAINES

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT

VOLLEYBALL

Led by a strong junior class, the Lions continued improvements made in the past two seasons, defeating highlyranked opponents that have pushed the Lions into the top 10 of the state consistently. As of Oct 10, the Lions held a 18-10 record, with the city dual still looming against highly ranked Free State. PHOTO BY SYDNEY PRITCHARD

TENNIS

With a senior-dominated lineup, the Lions fielded one of their most experienced lineups in years. This experience aided the team in the regular season but was ultimately not enough to send any Lions to state as doubles pair seniors Chloe Thronton and Mia Waters and singles player senior Chisato Kimura failed to qualify. PHOTO BY MCKENNA WHITE

GYMNASTICS

The gymnastics team started the year in roaring fashion — winning its first competition and placing in the top three at the next two. A multitude of injuries forced new gymnasts into varsity spots and has slowed down the Lions, who placed fourth in the Sunflower League. PHOTO BY AIDIN MANNING

FOOTBALL

Featuring one of the highest-powered offenses in the state, the Lions are sending head coach Dirk Wedd off with a bang. Sitting at 4-3, the Lions play state No. 1 Free State Oct. 20 with major playoff implications on the line. PHOTO BY JADE AUCHENBACH

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DUO — Violinist Kevin Sylvester (Kev Marcus) and violist Will Baptiste (Will B.) of Black Violin play together at the Lied Center. They were later joined by Lawrence High and Free State orchestra students. Photo by Hannah Gaines ON STAGE — Kev Marcus performs on the viola during the Black Violin show. “I was excited to see Black Violin because they’re great, of course,” junior Emily Guo said, “and I was just excited for the experience while also being able to play with the Free State chamber orchestra.” Photo by Hannah Gaines FIDDLING —Violinist William Baptiste (Will B.) of Black Violin played through the night at their Sept. 22 concert at the Lied Center. Students joined in for the encore. “It was a crazy experience going up on the stage,” senior Quentin Harrington said. “Just being in the flow of the music with them and their drummer was super cool.” Photo by Hannah Gaines

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER

THE BUDGET

• 23

CLASSIC ROCK Chamber orchestra performs with Black Violin, a group that mixes genres for a high-energy show BY CONNOR SCHMAUS

MANAGING EDITOR

he long awaited return of a popular modern music group featured a roaring encore. The combined chamber orchestras of Lawrence High and Free State performed with violin and violist duo Black Violin during the encore on Sept. 22. Black Violin is a popular orchestral duet of Wil Baptiste and Kevin Sylvester, who play viola and violin respectively. They combine and perform several genres of music, including classical, rock and hip hop, in a selfproclaimed multi-genre called classical boom. “I was pretty excited to play with [Black Violin],” junior Jack Foster said. “It [was] really exciting to be a part of the encore.” Black Violin performed at both high

PENCIL IT IN

schools two years ago before a Lied Center performance. Exceptional feedback and a wide demographic appeal has caused them to be extremely popular in Lawrence During the recent performance, the students played Simple Gifts by Joseph Bracket as an orchestra and then played the Black Violin version called Shaker. The mixing of genres was a sharp change of pace from the usual orchestra performances. “Usually with orchestra concerts it’s acoustic and you’re playing classical,” senior Ben Matthews said. “But this one was really loud and had some techno stuff.” However, the most appealing part for some was the ability to play on stage with an esteemed group of artists. “The part I [looked forward] to most was playing on stage with them,” junior Emily Guo said. “I really like them as artists.”

GRAPHIC BY SAMI TURNER Source: lawrencehighorchestra.com

You won’t want to miss these upcoming orchestra concerts

NOV

LHS Gala Concert Tuesday, Nov. 7 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.

DEC

Dolce Dicembre Concert Tuesday, Dec. 12 7 p.m.

APR

FEB

Winter Orchestra Concert Thursday, Feb. 8 7:30 p.m.

MAY

10 15

South Area String Festival Tuesday, April 10 7:30 p.m.

Orchestra Spring Concert Tuesday, May 15 7 p.m.

PAGE DESIGN BY SAMI TURNER • OCT. 19, 2017

24 • THE BUDGET

HALLOWEEN

SPOOKTAC MAKE-UP TIPS

THE ARTIST

BY SYMON KNOX

Student shows how to master scary looks for Halloween

RASH

STITCHES Freshmen Ellis Spray is a self-taught special effects makeup artist who also enjoys drawing and writing. Spray learned through YouTube videos and experimentation. “My favorite part of makeup is walking into a room and seeing everyone’s reactions right away,” she said.

STEP 1

Make an abnormal oval in red cream makeup using a textured sponge.

STEP 2

Layer maroon cream makeup using a textured sponge over the first layer.

STEP 1

STEP 2

Make a red slash along Take a one-inch piece desired area using any of black string and dip each end in liquid. type of red makeup.

STEP 5

STEP 6

Allow liquid latex to dry. Apply larger dots of liquid latex on top of the ends of each string.

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY NOAH GINSBERG

STEP 3

Apply the string to the face in a diagonal across the “cut.”

STEP 7

STEP 4

Repeat steps two and three until the cut is covered, placing the strings about a fingers width apart. Using a textured sponge, put red or maroon cream makeup around and on top of the liquid latex to show the illusion of skin irritation and blood.

THE BUDGET

CULAR A REAL CUT-UP

BY NOAH GINSBERG

Students from art, woodshop classes get into the Halloween spirit by creating unique designs in pumpkins

DEAKEN FRENTROP What is your inspiration? “I decided to design a pumpkin about a scary dream I had about having no legs.” Do you carve pumpkins every year? “I usually carve every year, but I have never attempted to shave one.”

ELIJAH JACKSON What is your inspiration? “We were doing a drawing assignment on birds, and I thought that this would stand out.” Do you carve pumpkins every year? “No, I have never carved a pumpkin before.”

ETHAN TAYLOR What is your inspiration? “The movie character ET because ET is also my initials.” Do you carve pumpkins every year? “Yes, carving pumpkins in my family is a tradition.”

MIA COMPARATO What is your inspiration? “I had to leave Mr. Platt’s class, and he said that he would only forgive me if I carved a Star Wars-themed pumpkin.” Do you carve pumpkins every year? “I usually draw out the design, but my dad forces us to give him the pumpkins.”

PUMPKINS PROVIDED BY EARL MAY NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER

• 25

WHO IS IT?

Move remake worth seeing, leaves viewers uneasy BY SYDNEY PRITCHARD

STAFF WRITER

Based on the 1986 novel written by Stephen King and the 1990’s movie starring Tim Curry and Seth Green, “It” is the new scary movie of the year. Including “Stranger Things” actor Finn Wolfhard as well as Bill Skarsgard playing the role of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, “It” was not as scary as few had hoped, but it had gory scenes making many want to turn away. This remake had the feel of a modern “Goonies,” while also bringing in certain serious concepts from “Stand By Me,” another Stephen King story. The movie presented depth throughout its characters, such as Bill Denbrough, one of the main characters and leader of the “Loser’s Club” who is coming to accept his brother Georgie’s death. The audience can see the director’s patience to

go through each one of the boys’ back stories as well as putting in the time to show the home life of Beverly Marsh, the only girl member of the “Loser’s Club.” Director Andres Muschietti did an incredible job leaving the movie open-ended, leaving the audience wanting to know more. Strong performances from the cast brought in lots of comedy and laughs. Though not having as many jump scares as the typical scary movie would, “It” was still well done and stayed true to the original plot. “It” is definitely a movie to see and will leave you with a feeling of unease for days to come after watching. This movie should be on anyone’s watch list if they want to get into the Halloween spirit.

PAGE DESIGN BY NOAH GINSBERG • OCT. 19, 2017

26 • THE BUDGET

OPINION PROTEST SHINES LIGHT ON WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A TRANS STUDENT AT LHS Editor’s Note: This editorial is being printed anonymously because the student has not come out to their parents.

eing non-binary at Lawrence High has been anything but easy. Even though I’m not out to all of my peers, I cannot recall how many times slurs have been catapulted at me for presenting myself androgynously in school and during extracurriculars. That may be surprising to some. After all, Lawrence High is seen as forward-thinking. We have an all-gender bathroom and an active Total Equality Alliance club. Overall, I’m thrilled I attend LHS as opposed to other schools in Kansas. However, these school-wide efforts have likely lulled many into thinking trans and non-binary students always feel secure and welcome in this building. I promise, we don’t. We experience a lot that goes unnoticed or dismissed. One example of the harassment I endure quite often happens when I am walking down the hallway and accidentally get in someone’s way. At least a dozen times, I’ve been called the t-slur. Sometimes these comments seem never-ending, so I can’t imagine the harassment that my fellow trans and non-binary peers who are openly out at LHS go through. At the beginning of this year, I expected serious progress. Almost every

teacher asked for my pronouns, and it made me feel like they and other staff cared about my safety and identity. It was a refreshing and positive turn of events from my years as an underclassmen. While these actions are progressive, Lawrence High is still lacking a guarantee of safety for its transgender students -- often because our peers aren’t educated about us. These are the issues administrators need to address. I recognize they can’t accomplish everything that is asked of them because of legality issues, but with this pressing issue and their lack of communication with students and staff, it feels as if they are sweeping it under the rug. Some administrators probably feel as if they have taken care of the situation. Interim superintendent Anna Stubblefield talked during the homecoming assembly about social media presence and being aware of the things you say because they last forever. While this information is vital, not addressing the initial situation — the harassment of a minorities — is detrimental and will not help us progress. We could’ve handled this better. Administrators could’ve talked to the student body about how transphobia will not be tolerated, and that they will make it their job to make trans and non-binary students feel safe. It was an opportunity to apologize for not acting when they saw that hate speech had occurred in the first place. But they didn’t. And because of such, those in

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY RILEE GERMAN-MARTINEZ

charge should be held accountable. To our administrators: Trans and non-binary students feel more unsafe and terrified than ever before. If we are truly the progressive school that we claim to be, we will make an effort to educate not just staff members but students on trans issues, thus creating a safer environment for everyone. And to my fellow transgender and non-binary students at Lawrence High: we are strong, and we deserve for our voices to be heard. Safety should be guaranteed, and we should never stop fighting for it. Transphobia will not be tolerated.

THE BUDGET

• 27

OTHER VOICES GO TO LHSBUDGET.COM to read other viewpoints on the protest. Here’s portions of what you’ll find: ETANA PARKS & JONAVON SHEPARD PROTEST ORGANIZERS The bags under our eyes and the strain in our muscles tell their own story. The stress we carry is akin to Atlas carrying the world, but it’s not a curse. If we help make life at LHS better for trans students, and students of all marginalized groups, maybe our bags and strained muscles are our badge of honor. The fight is never over. There will always be social injustice that we’ll have to combat, but as long as we do fight, whether it’s a win or loss, that’s what’s important. Because, to us, standing idly by while people of marginalized groups aren’t given the justice or treatment they deserve is just as bad as delivering that unequal treatment. ANNA STUBBLEFIELD SUPERINTENDENT Lawrence Public Schools and Lawrence High School share the same goal as the students: ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. We are listening to student concerns, and as educational leaders, we are focusing on creating additional opportunities for students to learn about respect, understanding, social justice, advocacy and digital citizenship.

PAGE DESIGN BY RILEE GERMAN-MARTINEZ• OCT. 19, 2017

28• THE BUDGET

OPINION

TO KNEEL OR STAND

Kneeling controversy shows polarization of American politics, standing in the way of building consensus BY WILLIAM YANEK

ONLINE CO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ne man quietly kneels for the national anthem, and all hell breaks loose. Welcome to 2017. On August 26, 2016, in a preseason NFL football game, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the national anthem. According to NFL.com, Kaepernick sat because he would not, “...stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” Since then, the number of athletes involved has continued to increase, and the debate intensified on Sept. 22, when President Donald Trump addressed an Alabama rally stating that the NFL should fire any player who refuses to stand for the anthem. This sparked a national outcry, whereby both ardent supporters of Kaepernick and stalwart President Trump supporters went to war on Twitter and other social media platforms. On Oct. 6, at the LHS Friday night home football game, several LHS marching band members knelt during the national anthem in response to the controversy. Afterward, the Lawrence School District expressed support for the students free speech rights, according to the Lawrence Journal World. Supporters of the kneelers asserted that it was not about the flag, anthem or

veterans at all, but rather about standing up against racial injustice. Therefore, if you dared question the divisive nature of the protest, you were supportive of racial oppression and believed those who protested should be silenced. On the other side, Trump loyalists argue that kneeling is disrespectful to the country and all that the flag represents. Those on the fringes of the debate went so far as to insist that anyone who suggested protesting and discussing legitimate problems in this country should not be allowed to speak, contradicting the ideals they sought to defend. Where’s the middle ground? Today, political polarization and division has reached a fevered pitch. Political zealots and the media establishment define every hot button issue as black or white — a binary choice of two undesirable extremes. While this may be an effective political strategy, it is unhealthy for a civil society when reasoned conversation is no longer the norm and nuanced viewpoints are no longer accepted. No issue better demonstrates this than the kneeling controversy. So, to address the opinions of the respective sides: Starting with the position of some Trump supporters, there are several problems. Trump’s comments were not presidential and distract from his agenda. The President of the United States should never suggest silencing anyone’s opinion. The First Amendment protects

OCT. 19, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT

all forms of protest, and any suggestion of federal interference is antithetical to American ideals. It is also concerning that President Trump was more impassioned in his response to the protests — calling the protesters “sons of bitches” — than condemning white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va. Yet, the method of protest chosen by Kaepernick must be examined. Obviously, there are real issues of racial inequality that need to be talked about in this country. The disparities between the races regarding those who are incarcerated as well as the questionable use of lethal force by police officers deserves attention. However, protesting the anthem is the least effective and most divisive way to accomplish this goal. If Kaepernick’s aim was to bring Americans together to combat injustice, he failed miserably. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll,

THE BUDGET

• 29

GRAPHIC BY CECILIA SANCHEZ-VARGAS

only 40 percent of Americans agreed with Kaepernick’s method of protest. However noble his intentions, a large number of Americans interpreted kneeling not as a brave gesture of solidarity with the oppressed but as a rebuke of the military and the flag. To be able to effect real change, activists must find a way to build a broader coalition to support their cause. These protests do just the opposite. In decades past, the playing of the national anthem served as a respite from non-stop partisan conflict and as a reminder that no matter where we come from politically, we are all Americans. Kneeling only serves to tear this rare unifying moment down, dividing Americans even further along political, cultural and racial lines. However hopelessly divided our country seems, I believe there is still hope, but only if we listen to each other and think through our positions careful-

“”

...IT IS UNHEALTHY FOR A CIVIL SOCIETY WHEN REASONED CONVERSATION IS NO LONGER THE NORM AND NUANCED VIEWPOINTS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED. ly. Conservatives, at the very least, need to start considering the injustices that occur daily within the African American community. On the other side, those who want to enact lasting change have to realize that protesting a beloved American tradition does not create more supporters but alienates a majority of

the country. Only when we stop arguing from ideological extremes, when we stop taking every difference of opinion as a personal attack and when we stop prizing subjective emotion over objective fact, can we come to a common consensus and progress as a nation united.

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT • OCT. 19, 2017

30 • THE BUDGET

OPINION

UP TO THE CHALLENGE

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OCT. 19, 2017 •

HUCKELBERRY FINN

he N-word is said in the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 219 times. This year, the school district made the decision to suspend teaching the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn until further reviews of the book take place. It’s a decision that has sparked mass debates between students and faculty members. When I first heard about the debate surrounding the novel, to me, the answer seemed so obvious. It seemed clear the book is a great American novel and that the story is deeper than the word that is used. I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that the book would be suspended and the decision would take away my opportunity to read it. While rummaging through my thoughts, I wondered what weight my opinions have. After all, I haven’t read the book yet. So, I decided to speak with English teachers who have taught the book, as well as some faculty who has been open about their distaste for the novel. I find myself in an uncomfortable position. As an intellectual, I believe that this text is important. I think it should be embraced, read and studied. I believe that being uncomfortable is OK, and it should be the white students who are made the most uncomfortable while reading this. Yet, while submerging myself further into my chaotic thoughts, I thought about my own AP Language class. I am

one of four brown students in that class. understand why this was written and And although the N-word doesn’t directhave an open conversation. High school students are a lot ly affect me, I can imagine that if I were smarter than what they are given credit the only minority in the class, which for. The book should be taught, and if isn’t a rarity in Kansas, I would be made anything, use the suspension of the book incredibly uncomfortable reading the as a time to train the teachers on how to text. better teach the book and what needs I began to question, is the feeling to be discussed while reading. Move forof discomfort that comes with the text more destructive than beneficial to the ward in a way that makes us confident student? Is my intellectual thinking that the discomfort we feel is beneficial forcing me to ignore the feeling that rather than destructive. this word may give students? Is feeling stronger than intellect? After talking to the faculty, I talked to HUCKELBERRY FINN mixed and white students and HUCKELBERRY FINN the consensus seemed unanimous: yes, the book was ADVENTURES uncomfortOF able to read. But running away from the feeling of disMARK MARK TWAIN comfort, and TWAIN the word, and the history is worse. Given the right teachers, reading Huck Finn is beneficial. Teachers need to teach this book in a way that makes the students GRAPHIC BY CECILIA SANCHEZ VARGAS

HUCKELBERRY FINN

BY NIKKI AQUI

OPINION EDITOR

Huckleberry Finn ultimately needs to remain in curriculum

THE BUDGET

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS BY GARY SCHMIDT CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF

The idea of this issue came before our last issue went to the printer. The school was rocked from the sit-in protest that took place the week we passed out our first issue. As journalists, we were tasked with maintaining an objective presence at the sit-in. This personally challenged me, as I’m sure my entire staff felt. It was heart-warming to see the First Amendment — the religious text of journalists — working and moving through my own school, but it was equally as disheartening to know such a tense situation could grab hold of Lawrence High. As a staff, we discussed how we should cover this. Ultimately, we decided to highlight the First Amendment and how it allowed this situation to occur. As the month wore on, we saw the First Amendment play a role in a variety of events around the nation: NFL players protesting the National Anthem, our President attacking the free press, even the Westboro Baptist Church protesting our Homecoming football game. The First Amendment is simultaneously being used and celebrated at an all-time high, all while being attacked and pressured by the public and our Chief Executive more than ever before. As journalists, we chose to celebrate it in this issue. And as journalists, we encourage you to celebrate the freedoms the First Amendment guarantees you every day.

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THE STAFF MISSION STATEMENT The Budget is committed to providing the Lawrence High School community with objective, inclusive news coverage that ensures relevance to its readers. The staff devotes itself to the exercise of First Amendment rights and upholding the highest of journalistic standards. While the paper is a vessel to publish student voice, it conjointly acts as an educational entity holding the intent of bettering student journalistic ability and reader’s access to information. ABOUT US The Budget is published every four weeks and distributed free of charge to students and faculty at Lawrence High School, 1901 Louisiana, Lawrence, Kan. 66046-2999. The Budget is produced by students in the Digital Journalism and Digital Design and Production courses with occasional contributions from 21st Century Journalism and guest columnists. The newspaper’s goals are to inform, entertain, and present a forum of expression for students, faculty, administrators and community members. The newspaper is financed through advertising and staff fundraising. The editorial staff is solely responsible for the content of this newspaper, and views expressed in The Budget do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of Lawrence High School or USD 497. STAFF Jade Auchenbach, Sahra Barker-Hastings, Deliece Bonito, Shayla Brillhart, Ashlee Brown, Mary Carr, Will Damron, Daniel Davidson, Ashley Dykes, Emmy Easley, Harry Easley, Chris Edwards, Abigail English, Noah L. Ginsberg, Emily Gordon-Ross, Izzy Hedges, Krista Hopkins, Jackson Hoy, Elijah Jackson, Symon Knox, Emily Kruse, Alex Lane, Jacob Lashley, Aidin Manning, Anna Parnell, Tabby Peters, Allison Ramaley, Mia Robinson, Cecilia Sanchez Vargas, Taeghan Sharpe, Mira Simms, Freeman Spray, Monica Steffes, Monica Steffes, Chloe Thornton, Sami Turner, Pam Vue, McKenna White, Andrew Williams, Elyzebeth Workman

2018 EDITORS

THE BUDGET NEWSPAPER Alicia Ruder ��Editor in Chief Gary Schmidt ��Editor in Chief Hannah Gaines ��Photo Editor Connor Schmaus ��Managing Editor Nikki Aqui �� Opinion Editor RED & BLACK YEARBOOK Harry Easley ��Editor in Chief Kira Auchenbach ��Editor in Chief Addisson Thornsbury ��Photo Editor Luna Stephens �� Managing Editor/Writing Emma Howard ��Managing Editor/Design Skylar Steichen ��Senior Ads Editor Maya Weslander ��Portraits Editor LHSBUDGET.COM William Yanek ��Editor in Chief Anahita Hurt ��Editor in Chief Izzy Hedges ��Assistant Editor Anna D’Ercole ��Webmaster JOURNALISM EDITORS Rilee German-Martinez �� Copy Chief Macy Landes �� Copy Chief Nola Levings �� Video Editor David Obadare �� Video Editor Cooper Wright �� Sports Editor Trey Hulse �� Sports Editor Sydney Pritchard �� Captions Editor Veda Cobb �� Business Manager

PAGE DESIGN BY GARY SCHMIDT• OCT. 19, 2017

2 • THE BUDGET

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

LITTLE LION — Lucy Lane dances during the Little Lions clinic on Oct. 1 in the gym. Spirit Squad members taught participants cheers and a dance, which the Little Lions then performed at the Pink Out football game on Oct. 6. Photo by Emily Kruse

SEPT. 21, 2017 • PAGE DESIGN BY ALICIA RUDER