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For a greater Loyola University • New Orleans • Vol. 93 • Issue 15

THE MAROON JAN. 23, 2015

WOMEN’S TEAM DOMINATES With a 16-1 record, the Wolf Pack has their eyes set on winning this year’s national tournament

By Taylor Ford tcford@loyno.edu @TaylorCFord

After a Wednesday night win against Southern University New Orleans, the Loyola women’s basketball team hit the ground running to start the semester.

This year’s team has started the semester in a dominating fashion with a 16-1 record. The strong start has been a surprise to some of the players, including Rebekah Greer, psychology senior.

“I knew we were going to be good.

I knew we were going to have a good season. I know I talked with a couple of other seniors and we felt the same way but had no clue that it was going to be a 14-0 start and even 15-1 now is unimaginable going into my senior year,” Greer said.

With this impressive start to their season, the team is gaining some national attention and has put somewhat of a target on their backs.

Head coach Kellie Kennedy said that last year the team had the luxury of playing as the underdog.

“This year we haven’t had that luxury, and I don’t foresee that happening to us any time soon. You might as well up everybody’s stats

when they come to play us, because they’re bringing their best game,” Kennedy said.

As they approach the heart of their conference schedule, players are starting to hone in on their roles within the team.

“Just got to stay humble and wait on my time, and whenever I get in, do what I can to help the team,” said mass communication freshman, Zoie Miller.

Ultimately, their end season goal lies in a national championship.

However, the team has not allowed their fast start to distract them from the work they still have to do.

“We expect to get where we were last year but at the end of the day our expectation is to win it all. We know that we’re capable of it and it’s just doing the little things necessary to get back where we were, but it’s not focusing on that right now. Like I said, we have got to take it one game at a time and hopefully it leads up to that championship game, but that’s way in the future for right now,” Greer said.

The team looks to continue what they hope to be a championship-bound season on Jan. 24, as they take on Faulkner University.

LINDA HEXTER / Staff Photographer KARLA DANIELA ROSAS / The Maroon

Two sexual assaults reported in Biever Hall

By Burke Bischoff bwbischo@loyno.edu @burke_maroon

Two sexual assaults occurred in a residential hall during the Fall 2014 semester, according to an email sent out by campus police last week.

The Loyola University Police Department received information on Thursday, Jan. 15 from two Loyola students that they were sexually assaulted on separate occasions in

Biever Hall. Both victims reported that the offender is a known female student who also lives in Biever Hall.

However, neither student wants to file criminal charges.

James Shields, public affairs communications coordinator, said that the university has a strict policy regarding sexual assault cases.

“Loyola University is committed to creating a safe environment for everyone and takes all forms of sexual violence seriously,” Shields said in an email.

According to the Campus Crime Report, which looks at incidents that occurred on campus from 2011 to 2013, the number of sexual offense crimes that were reported on the main campus student residence halls went up slightly from 2011. The report states that there was one incident in 2011 and three incidents for both 2012 and 2013.

Shields said the university has a number of initiatives and programs for all members of the campus community to help prevent sexual as-

saults on campus. He said some of the services include 24-hour safety escorts, trained resident assistants and counselors and a free personal safety app called RAVE Guardian.

“Loyola has all of the standard safety services including post certified police officers, blue light phones across both campuses to report emergencies or crimes in progress, and closed circuit camera surveillance and recording,” Shields said.

Shields also said the university

LOYOLAMAROON.COM • FB.COM/THELOYOLAMAROON • @LOYOLA_MAROON

offers a service called Rape Aggression Defense System, which offers self-defense techniques to women.

“LUPD tells me that it is offered on average, two to three times per semester, based on requests,” Shields said.

LUPD has declined to comment on the two sexual assaults as the cases are still under investigation.

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January 23, 2015

THE MAROON

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INE ST MAGAZ STAFF

Assistant Editors: Gabriel Garza, Lauren Saizan, Starlight Williams, Kameron Hay Staff Writers: Asia Alvarado, Sarah-Anne Smurlick, Jessica Molina, Raymond Price, Taylor Ford, Haley Pegg, Daniela Leal, Marie Simoneaux, Nick Ducote, Lester Duhe, Sidney Holmes, Jamal Melancon, Zayn Ali Abidin, Skyllar Trusty, Davis Walden, Kristen Stewart, Barbara Brown, Raquel Derganz-Baker

Sales Manager: Alisha Bell Business Manager: Linda Arellano Distribution Manager: Devinn Adams Art Director: Enjoli Gilbert Sales Representatives: Scott Gonzalez, Alliciyia George, Rafael Lugo, Zoe Heimbrock Adviser: Michael Giusti Associate Adviser: Tom Thoren

CONTACT US Main Office

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Business Office/Advertising (504) 865-3536 Adviser’s Office (504) 865-3295 Fax (504) 865-3534 Correspondence maroon@loyno.edu Letters to the editor letter@loyno.edu Advertising ads@loyno.edu Web site www.loyolamaroon.com Twitter @loyola_maroon Facebook The Maroon @loyola_maroon Instagram Our office is in the Communications/Music Complex, Room 328.

Sexual Assault Biever Hall

Jan. 15

5:30 p.m.

Sexual Assault Biever Hall

Jan. 15

5:51 p.m.

Theft/Larceny Freret Street, 6400 block

Jan. 16

2:43 p.m.

Theft Cabra Hall

Jan. 16

3:57 p.m.

Vandalism Pitt Street, 5500 block

Jan. 17

3:33 p.m.

Theft/Larceny St. Charles Avenue, 7100 block

Jan. 18

10:54 a.m.

Theft/Larceny State Street, 2400 block

Jan. 18

6:46 p.m.

Assault Willow Street, 6900 block

Jan. 19

2:10 a.m.

Theft/Larceny Willow Street, 6900 block

Jan. 19

5:23 p.m.

Theft/Larceny St. Charles Avenue, 7800 block

Jan. 20

2:20 a.m.

Theft Monroe Hall

Jan. 20

1:54 p.m.

Send mail to: The Maroon, Loyola University, Campus Box 64, 6363 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 The Maroon is published every Friday. Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by The Maroon. All rights reserved. First copy free to students, faculty and staff. Every additional copy is $1.00. The Maroon is printed on 30 percent postconsumer recycled content.

NEWS University develops long-term budget plan

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

By Marie Simoneaux masimone@loyno.edu @mariesimoneaux

After a year and a half of increased marketing, budget cuts, voluntary severances and decreased retirement contributions, Loyola has closed its budget deficit by $5.8 million.

In the fall of 2014, Loyola announced that the university had a $7 million deficit, mostly due to declining enrollment numbers. However, Jay Calamia, vice president of finance and administration, said that the deficit has decreased to $1.2 million.

Calamia said this is where the university expected to be at this

time.

In August, Marc Manganaro, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said that university president the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., believed the budget would be balanced by the end of this academic year.

However, during the spring 2015 Faculty and Staff Convocation on Jan. 9, Wildes said that the university was working to develop a sustainable financial program to continue to decrease the deficit.

Calamia said that a university steering committee has been formed and will be assisted by a higher educational financial consultant. They will work together to develop a long-term financial plan for Loyola, he said.

“The process for enactment and the timeline for attaining financial equilibrium will be developed by the committee with the guidance of the consultant. Their work will be forwarded to Fr. Wildes for his handling with the Board of Trustees,” Calamia said.

During the convocation, Wildes said that he does not want to take money away from the university’s endowment to put towards the deficit. He said this would only be a short-term fix, whereas Loyola needs a long-term solution.

Pedro Benitez, economics senior, said the progress the university has made is good, but may not be addressing enrollment, a root cause of the deficit.

“I think that recognizing the

problem is important and taking steps forward is crucial. However, the question still remains, is Loyola adequately priced,” Benitez said.

To Benitez, the idea of an increase in enrollment without a decrease in tuition simply will not work.

“Without the lowering of tuition costs, I find it difficult to believe more students will come and help shrink the deficit,” Benitez said.

Benitez said that he has some hopes that the completion of Monroe Hall and the other renovations done around campus, will help draw in prospective students. However, he said he is not entirely convinced.

“Time will tell if the investment will pay off,” Benitez said.

Law student prepares for Miss USA pageant

Courtesy of Candice Bennatt

College of Law student Candice Bennatt is crowned Miss Louisiana USA 2015. Bennatt won the title in October and is now preparing for the Miss USA competition to be held in September.

By Skyllarr Trusty sitrusty@loyno.edu @skyllarrtrusty

Loyola College of Law student Candice Bennatt hopes to add another glistening crown to her shelf as she prepares for the Miss USA pageant.

Currently Miss Louisiana USA, Bennatt will be competing in the Miss USA pageant for the second time in September. If Bennatt wins this time around, she will go on to compete in Miss Universe.

“Miss USA is not just about a pageant, though. She is a role model and active service member traveling across America. She emulates beauty, grace and compassion,” Bennatt said Bennatt looks to her Loyola education to guide her through the competition.

“My law school studies will help me tremendously as Miss USA,”

Bennatt said. “Some of the traits I have learned in pageants and in law school intersect with one another like communication skills, leadership, professionalism and compassion,” Bennatt said.

She strives to present herself dynamically as a role model.

“I hope that my law school studies will illuminate that beyond my physical appearance in a swimsuit and an evening gown, I am intelligent and a leader within my state,” Bennatt said.

Along with education comes much support from the law school including encouragement from former College of Law dean, Maria Pabón Lopez.

“She really wants to achieve and whatever she puts her mind to she does and does well,” Lopez said.

“We’re very proud of her. To try to balance the demands of being in a pageant and law school are both very hard.”

Gabrielle Gatto, English writing

senior, is grateful for what Bennatt represents to Loyola women.

“I think it reminds the women of Loyola that our university cultivates a community that supports successful women. It is rather comforting and makes me proud to also be a woman of Loyola,” Gatto said.

Bennatt’s philanthropic work takes on a personal aspect, as she is a domestic violence survivor and speaks to domestic violence awareness organizations and school assemblies.

“I was a victim of teen dating abuse. Being affiliated with pageants has not only built my self-esteem, but it has given me an avenue to help other people who have been a victim of domestic violence,” Bennatt said. “Domestic violence is a silent epidemic. Being Miss Louisiana USA has allowed me to further my work to help families who are intertwined with the cycle of abuse.”

College of Law alumna and Women’s Resource Center Interim

Director Julie Thibodaux believes Bennatt holds a powerful platform to advocate for victims of domestic violence.

“Anytime someone with a platform can speak about these issues, it is a wonderful thing. Awareness is key in issues of domestic violence, stalking, et cetera, and we need to speak more openly and more often.

I’m thrilled that she is willing to be brave and speak on these issues,” Thibodaux said.

Bennatt, too, is grateful for the opportunities that have come with her title as Miss Louisiana.

“This position has allowed me to be a voice for various philanthropies, be active in my community and represent Loyola College of Law as a young professional who cares about making a difference in the lives of Louisiana citizens. It has been one of the greatest honors I have ever received,” Bennatt said.

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Former professor spearheads new film division

By Sidney Holmes smholmes@loyno.edu @sidneymajee

After working as a professor in the School of Mass Communication and as a priest at Holy Name of Jesus last semester, the Rev. Jeremy Zipple, S.J. is spearheading a new film division for America Magazine.

On Jan. 12, Zipple started his job as the first executive editor of America Films.

At Loyola, Zipple helped many students pursue their dreams as filmmakers, including advertising senior Janeicia Neely.

Zipple helped Neeley produce a short documentary about the student band Mulherin.

“Fr. Zipple has taught me the process of creating a short documentary which is challenging, detailed oriented and rewarding. I’ve learned much about the industry through conversation and his willingness to help,” Neely said.

Zipple prepared for his work at America films in part by creating experimental projects with Loyola students. One of these was a short documentary about James Carville, former campaign strategist for Bill Clinton.

“My Loyola students have been awesome in assisting with these projects, and they’re going to continue to stay involved with America this coming year. I think that’s a great partnership,” Zipple said.

America Media is a Jesuit-run media company that started with America Magazine, and is now developing its newest division, America Films.

“The goal of America has always been to keep the church in an intellectual dialogue with contemporary culture, politics, with the arts and even with pop culture,” Zipple said.

Zipple said he is going into the job with a vision for the new division. He hopes to bring news media to millennial and Generation X viewers in an entertaining and informative way, but he wants to stay true to the values of the publication.

“Ultimately, we want to do what America has always done — just do it for new audiences. Namely, we want to foster great conversations about the role of faith, peace and justice in our contemporary world,” Zipple said.

Matt Malone, S.J, one of Zipple’s co-workers at America Media is excited to bring Zipple on board.

“His background and expertise in film and video production will allow us to create dynamic multi-media content that will help grow our audience on multiple levels,” Malone said.

Zipple has already hit the ground running with an upcoming documentary on a virtual pilgrimage to Israel.

“The series will be hosted by a Jesuit priest named James Martin, who was the official chaplain of the Colbert Report and is super smart and funny. So basically, viewers are going to be able to virtually experience the Holy Land with Jim,” Zipple said.

The series will begin filming in Israel in April.

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WORLDVIEW

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

Protesters rally against pipeline

By Burke Bischoff bwbischo@loyno.edu @burke_maroon

Local activists held a rally asking President Obama to reject Congress’ recent approval of a pipeline expansion due to environmental concerns such as carbon pollution.

The environmental organization 350 Louisiana put on a protest rally Thursday, Jan. 15 on the corner of Freret and Cadiz Streets. The action called on the president to veto TransCanada’s Keystone XL oil pipeline expansion, which would bring crude oil from Alberta, Canada to the United States.

350 Louisiana’s co-founder Jenna deBoisblanc, dressed in a Captain Planet costume, said she got an email from 350.org announcing that the organization was holding a nationwide day of action in response to the Nebraska Supreme Court and Congress approving the construction of the pipeline.

DeBoisblanc said about 40 people gathered together to protest.

“This is part of a national wide day of action,” deBoisblanc said.

“There are over 150 actions going on around the country in 50 different states and this is just the local activists partaking in that national action.”

Matthew John, communications specialist at TransCanada, said the proposed Keystone XL section will be 1,179 miles long and stretch from Hardist, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska. He also said the pipeline should be in construction and operational approximately two years after TransCanada receives a presidential permit.

DeBoisblanc said the main purpose for the national day of action was to ask President Obama to veto the Keystone XL and for them to show their frustration on a local level.

“We wanted to show our politicians, two of which have sponsored Keystone bills, that there actually is a sizable and vocal number of people in Louisiana that think that it’s a terrible decision and that it needs to be vetoed,” deBoisblanc said.

John said he believes the project is in the interests of the United States’ security, efficiency and economic benefits. He also said he believes the Gulf Coast would benefit from a greater supply of North American oil.

“Keystone XL is going to transport 800 and 3,000 barrels of Canadian and American crude oil,” John said.

“There are also the thousands of jobs associated with the construc-

DAVIS WALDEN / Staff Photographer Demonstrators gathered in front of Publiq House on Freret Street to protest the contstruction of the Keystone XL Pipeline on Thursday, Jan. 15. The proposed extension awaits presidential approval before it can be constructed.

tion of the pipeline, the thousands of jobs required for the manufacturing of the pipeline and also the billions of dollars of wages that will be paid to labor works associated with the construction of the project.”

Bob Thomas, director of Loyola’s Center for Environmental Communication, said he recognizes the economic benefits to the pipeline, but he has concerns over the environmental risks that could come with it. One concern Thomas had was the type of oil that is transferred.

“It’s a very, very dirty form of oil that’s being mined out of Alberta, Canada, moved through the pipeline down here and refined in our neck of the woods in East Texas, over into the Nederland and Port Arthur area,” Thomas said. “So, if anything is put in the air, there’s a good chance that it’s gonna affect the air that I breathe.”

Thomas said he is also concerned about the pipeline crossing the Ogallala Aquifer, as well as all of the fracking and new exploration for oil in a traditional sense in the United States.

“If there were in fact a spill there, it could contaminate one of the major aquifers in the United States,” Thomas said. “I don’t think we need

to move that dirtier form of oil down to the United States, and there’s no guarantees that whatever we refine in United States from Canadian oil is gonna stay in the United States.”

John said the environmental responsibility of the project is undeniable. He said the existing keystone system has safely delivered over 700 million barrels of oil and that pipelines are also much more energy efficient than other modes of transportation for oil and gas.

“The project itself would have minimal impact on the environment, land and water resources,” John said. “It would transfer insignificant amount of carbon emissions.”

DeBoisblanc said not only was the rally important to express their concerns over the pipeline, but also to encourage people to come together and reach out to policy makers on all matters.

“It’s really important to keep activists engaged and active so that when policies come up, we are ready to email our members and to really tell them that they need to contact their legislators and ask them to take action,” deBoisblanc said.

Hardist, Alberta

Steele City, Nebraska

Key

Proposed Pipeline Constructed Pipeline

KARLA DANIELA ROSAS / Design Chief

The proposed pipeline will extend from Hardist, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska. The pipeline will connect to a refinery in Nederland, Texas, which is 263.7 miles from New Orleans.

State of union addresses economic disparity WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama unveiled his State of the Union agenda on Jan. 20 which included tax increases on the wealthy, education and child care help for the middle class and a torrent of veto threats for the GOP’s own plans.

The president vowed to use his power to veto in order to strike down the Republican leadership’s efforts to dismantle his signature accom-

plishments, including his health care and financial reform laws.

He sought out more common ground on foreign policy, pledging to work with Congress on a new authorization for military action against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, as well as legislation to guard against cyberattacks.

Obama said new taxes and fees on the extremely wealthy would be used for measures aimed at helping

the middle class with a tax credit for some families with two spouses working, expansion of the child care tax credit and a program to make community college free.

Focusing on foreign policy challenges, Obama defended his decision to return to military action in Iraq and also authorize airstrikes in Syria.

The president also heralded his unilateral move last month to nor-

malize diplomatic relations with Cuba after a half-century of animosity, and he urged lawmakers to follow his lead by lifting the economic embargo on the communist island.

As he neared the end of his speech, Obama said, “I have no more campaigns to run.” As Republicans erupted in laughter, Obama retorted, “I know, because I won both of them.”

KEY TOPICS BY AP FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE $60 billion proram to finance free tuition to community colleges

WORKING SPOUSES TAX CREDIT $500 tax credit for some families with two working spouses

INCREASED CAPITAL GAINS RATE Rate increasement by 28 percent

THE MAROON

January 23, 2015

ACROSS

1. Beginning on 5. No ordinary party 9. Keister 13. Big Island coffee region 14. Sap-sucking insect 16. Put on board 17. Learning ctr.

18. “Being John Malkovich” director 20. Bit of dust 21. Readies for another voyage 22. “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” co-star 26. Portions out 29. One making waves 30. Sean Lennon’s mom 31. Occasionally 32. Three-time Hopkins role 34. At hand 35. Slangily, overimbibe; literally, what the starts of 18-, 22-, 49- and 54-Across can do 38. Fictional archaeologist Croft 40. Bakery array 41. Promises 44. “Hawaii Five-0” actor Daniel __ Kim 45. Cellular messenger 48. Ambien maker 49. Saddle storage area 51. Longhorn rival 53. Mandlikova of tennis 54. Nervous habit 58. Prophet’s concern 59. Promgoer’s concern 60. Really enjoy 61. One of 28 Monopoly cards 62. Places for hats 63. Jazz singer Horne 64. Icelandic literary work

DOWN

1. With hands on hips 2. Northern Mexican state 3. GM navigation system

4. Meant to be 5. __-relief 6. iPhone purchase 7. See 12-Down 8. Enjoy the Pacific Crest Trail 9. Literary arcs 10. Redeemed from captivity 11. Carpenter’s tool 12. With 7-Down, punny message site 15. Make leaner 19. Leave at the altar 23. Expert on feet?

24. Foot part 25. Wrecks completely 27. Tetley offering 28. Estonia, until 1991: Abbr.

31. Doomed 1588 fighting force 32. Gigs for 22-Across, often

33. Expressive rock genre 35. Bribing 36. Rescue op 37. Smell bad 38. Old DJ’s platters 39. India Pale __ 42. Shapeless mass 43. Start of a selection process 45. Didn’t stay put 46. “Thanks, but I’m set!”

47. Actress Plummer 49. Hackneyed 50. __ Island 52. Bibliog. catchall 54. Brief refresher 55. Solitaire foundation card 56. Wimple wearer 57. Credit-weighted no.

SUDOKU

Puzzle answers for January 16, 2015

5

6

Life &Times

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

Film • Arts • Food • Music • Leisure • Nightlife

LIFE AND TIMES BRIEFS Loyola to present two new operas

ain’t no hollaback girl 65%

of all women are victims of street harassment

25%

of all men are victims of street harassment

17% of college students report their harassment

Men and women speak out against street harassment through Hollaback NOLA

By Raquel Derganz-Baker rsdergan@loyno.edu @Raqui_Road

Hannah Farias was just walking down the street, minding her own business, when all of a sudden she heard a whistle. She turned around and someone called out, “Hey Baby!”

Farias, an advertising senior at Loyola, was a victim of street harassment, something over 65 percent of women and 25 percent of men experience, according to a national survey conducted by Stop Street Harassment.

Farias said this wasn’t new for her. Men have called out to her and followed her for blocks.

As a victim of street harassment,

there are a few things Farias could do. She could confront the person who may be dangerous, she could ignore it or she could join the Hollaback movement.

Hollaback, which started in New York, is a non-profit movement that aims to end street harassment. Hollaback branches exist in 25 countries and 84 cities. The city of New Orleans was finally added to the list last December.

According to Hollaback’s mission statement, street harassment is a form of sexual harassment that takes place in public spaces.

They claim that at its core, street harassment is a power dynamic that constantly reminds historically subordinated groups of their vulnerability to assault in public places.

On the Hollaback New Orleans website, victims can read and share stories and find helpful resources, events and ways to get involved.

After being harassed one time too many, New Orleans resident Vanessa Smith decided she had finally had enough.

One of Smith’s friends started a Hollaback branch in Boston, so she decided it was time to stop being a victim and do something.

With four core site leaders in total, Smith launched Hollaback New Orleans.

“We’ve shared stories of harassment with each other, and I asked if this was something they wanted to help me with. They jumped at the chance,” Smith said.

Hollaback is not just for women.

Nathan Winner first got involved with Hollaback New Orleans after posting an article about street harassment on his Facebook. One of the site leaders saw the post and asked if he wanted to join their team.

When asked, as a male, what he thought about cat calling, Winner

said it’s insulting and degrading.

Winner isn’t just helping out with the movement. He has also been a victim of harassment, having been cat called by a male and groped by a female.

“I was just so flustered and didn’t know what to do or how to react,” Winner said.

Smith said she feels that Hollaback New Orleans is a good outlet for people who have been victims or just want to help out.

“It’s a way for you to respond to harassers,” Smith said.

The Hollaback New Orleans branch has online maps where people can see where and how often harassment occurs. Smith hopes the New Orleans branch will help raise awareness for street harassment and its victims.

Smith said that to “hollaback” is to not accept this harassment as our reality.

Data courtesy of iHollaback.org KARLA DANIELA ROSAS / The Maroon

Loyola’s Opera Theatre will be bringing Italy to New Orleans with two one-act operas, “Sour Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi”, from “Il Trittio” by Giacomo Puccini, Italian composer of “La Boheme” and “Madame Butterfly.”

The performances will take place in Roussel Hall on Friday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. A translation of the text will appear on a screen behind the stage.

Shadowbox Theatre starts off the year with a new name Shadowbox Theatre in Faubourg Marigny will be launching into the new year with a new name and inhouse theatrical company.

On Jan. 10, the Shadowbox changed its name to The Old Marquer Theatre in remembrance of the building’s 85-year heritage as a former pharmacy. The change was also made to comply with a ceaseand-desist order from a 20-year-old Columbus, Ohio theater group with a similar trademarked name.

In addition to the name change, Mayer announced the theatre’s new company Lux et Umbra. Lux et Umbra will be staging three shows at the theatre from January through May.

Local theatre looks for new logo The Old Marquer Theatre will need a new logo to go along with their new name.

Richard Mayer, founder and executive director of the Shadowbox, is hosting a design contest.

The design winner and a guest will win a year’s free admission.

Those interested in submitting their designs can do so on the theater’s Facebook page.

NOLA Fashion Week searches for models Loyola students will have the chance to embrace their inner model for New Orleans Fashion Week.

There will be four open casting calls throughout the month of January, including one in New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 25. Those interested can apply at Fashion Week Nola’s website.

Theatre department transforms Lower Depths into Wonderland Students prepare for Loyola’s next Montage performance of “Alice in Wonderland,” opening on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Lower Depths Theatre and running through Feb. 8.

Written by Ernest Ferlita, S.J., a retired theatre professor at Loyola, Loyola’s Theatre department tumbles down the rabbit hole for their spring production, adapted from the classic novel by Lewis Carroll.

Georgia Gresham, department chair and artistic director of theatre arts and dance, will be directing the show.

General admission tickets are on sale for $12 and student and faculty tickets for $8.

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

FICTION

THE W RKS The Maroon's section of student art. Contribute at letter@loyno.edu

Original stories written by Loyola students

Tom gets called into the investigation

PART TWO

By Mike Hogan mjhogan@loyno.edu

The morning after learning of the ill fate of a former customer, Tom took his seat in another rendition of Criminal Justice 101. Dr. Johnson droned on about current affairs, while Tom dreamt of dreaming in his bed. There wasn’t much that Tom dreaded more than the monotony of his early weekday mornings.

“Alright class, on the local front — what have we got today? Anyone?

Bueller, paging Bueller. Aha. A murder in Uptown, people. That’s really not that common. What’s you guys’ take on that?”

Tom spoke up, eager to take his thoughts elsewhere. “I actually delivered to that lady just the other day.”

Dr. Johnson was amused by that.

“Ah, and here lies our prime sus-

7

pect.” That was met with laughter from the class.

Tom threw his hands up. “Guilty as charged,” he said with a grin.

“Tell us, Tom. Tell us, why did you do it?”

Tom didn’t mind milking the joke; this class was in need of some levity.

“I just couldn’t help myself,” he said dramatically to more laughs.

“They’re always the ones you wouldn’t expect, isn’t that right?

Now, let’s take a look at what’s going on outside our neck of the woods,” Dr. Johnson said.

Tom decided that was as good a place as any to tune out. He let his mind wander while he looked out of the window at the unbelievably mild November weather. “More like May out there,” he thought, realizing his time might be better spent in the park.

“Pst,” a student next to him poked his shoulder, taking him out of his daydream.

“What’s up Connor?”

“So you delivered to that lady, huh?” Connor’s eyes went a little wider than Tom would have liked.

“That’s right.”

“How’d she die, man?”

Tom leaned back and scowled at him. “How should I know, I didn’t stick around for it.” He shook his head and turned his attention back to the lecture.

“Now, we are able to get statis-

Injustice

tics on crimes like Mr. Hooper’s here, through UCRs.” Tom shifted uncomfortably in his seat at that.

Dr. Johnson went on. “UCR stands for…? Anyone? Yes, Sarah.”

“Uniform crime reports.”

Dr. Johnson smiled amiably.

“That’s right.”

Just then Tom’s phone began to buzz. He pulled it from his pocket to see ‘Unknown’ flashing back at him.

He got up from his seat, stepped into the hall and slid his finger across the screen.

“Hello?”

“Tom Hooper?” A vaguely familiar voice inquired.

“Speaking, and who is this?” Tom expected the kind of telemarketer that always found you on your cell phone.

“Homicide Detective Daniels.

I’m investigating a murder that occurred recently in the 2nd District.”

Tom’s throat tightened. “2nd District?”

“That’s police jargon for Uptown.

You reside there, correct?”

“Yes.” Deborah Bollinger, he knew.

“Well, Tom, it’s my understanding that you were one of, if not the, last persons to see Deborah Bollinger alive. I’d like to speak with you. In person.”

“Injustice” Zach Brien, mass communication junior

8

RELIGION

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

Linda Hexter/ Senior Staff Photographer

Xavier students Melanie Jones, Jasmin Henry, Kearns Louis-Jean and Dillard student Jaquis Willis spent their holiday volunteering at the Freret Neighborhood Center. The day of service is held every Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a kickoff to the rest of the week’s events.

New Orleans colleges unite to celebrate MLK

By Kristen Stewart knstewar@loyno.edu @kstewart818

In their 29th year of honoring the holiday, New Orleans’ private universities worked together to bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream alive for an entire week.

Martin Luther King Week for Peace is a citywide event hosted by Loyola, Tulane, Dillard and Xavier Universities. During the week of Jan. 19 through Jan. 23, a series of events and performances were featured that encouraged and revolved around reflection and unity of both

the past and the present.

New Faces of the Dream kicked off on Jan. 19 with a day of service.

Over 800 students were expected to participate in giving back to the New Orleans community as well as embrace the Jesuit values of helping the poor and oppressed.

Courtney Williams, associate director of co-curricular programs, has planned the Week for Peace events for four years now. He said that this year there were new additions and opportunities for students to grow.

This year there were six new learning labs for students, which gave them new educational tools

and resources to help benefit those who participated.

“I think when you attend events like these and you do days of service and you push outside of your comfort zone, it allows a lot of opportunity for personal growth and reflection, and as a Jesuit institution, that’s important to us,” Williams said. “I think that after participating, people will be able to take that away with them.”

The week continued with a panel debate on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Dillard University that recognized King’s values and how they apply today, while the convocation held at Xavier University featured keynote

speaker, Michael Skolnik, the political director to Russell Simmons and the president of Globalgrind.com The week closed Jan. 23 at Tulane with Expressions of Unity and Step Off for the Dream, which featured live performances from students.

Williams hopes that introducing these debates and performances will push today’s generation to keep Dr. King’s dreams and ideas alive.

Matthew Holloway, Black Student Union president, has helped plan this event for the last two years. He believes hosting this Week for Peace has not only been a great way to connect with students from other schools, but also to see how this

Students embrace silence for weekend retreat

By Jessica Molina jgmolina@loyno.edu @jmolina217

Courtesy of University Ministry

Phillip Cork, A’14 sits in meditation at a previous retreat. The Emmaus Retreat is annually held in the spring to provide a break for students and a chance to find peace of mind in silence.

Next weekend’s Emmaus Retreat will be a trip focused on reflection and encouraging students to find God in silence by providing a break from the noise and distractions of university life.

The Jan. 30 retreat will cost $40.

This covers travel, lodging, and food expenses, and is open to all undergraduate students of any religion or faith. Financial aid is also available.

Laura Alexander, assistant director of university ministry said the retreat is a chance for students to take a step away from the noise and business of their lives and connect with God. It’s a quiet, contemplative retreat with a full day of silence on Saturday.

Students will arrive on Friday night and break into small groups to discuss their expectations and learn a little about the weekend’s events.

On Saturday Jan. 31, groups will talk about praying and how to spend time in silence. The remainder of the day is spent in silence and reflection, with silence being broken during a reflection time in small groups. Students travel back to campus on Sunday Feb. 1.

Josh Harvey, director of Chi Al-

pha, is a returning leader of the Emmaus Retreat.

“This retreat is purposefully quiet in order to reflect, which might be challenging for anyone who doesn’t regularly spend time in silence,” Harvey said.

The inspiration for the Emmaus Retreat comes from the gospel of Luke in the Bible.

On the third day after Jesus’ death, two disciples were traveling to a city called Emmaus. As they walked, a man came up to them and joined them on the path. The disciples talked about their longing for Christ and their feelings since his death.

Upon arrival in Emmaus, the three men broke bread. It was then that the disciples’ eyes were opened, and the man’s identity revealed as Jesus. In the same way, students are encouraged to reflect back on the way God has interacted in their lives up to this point.

Ryan Carlson, philosophy senior, will be attending his second Emmaus retreat this year. For Carlson, the retreat provides peace and time for reflection.

“I get a better idea of what kind of direction I want to go in my life, what type of person I want to be,” Carlson said.

generation’s activism is reflected approximately 50 years later.

“It’s an interesting time, you’re seeing new forms of activism, you’re seeing new forms of tactics, and you’re seeing strategies of how to combat inequality and oppression in this world. This week we wanted to reflect that in all of the events that we do,” Holloway said. “We’re a school that founded ourselves on social justice so it’s always important to go out and be apart of the change when it presents itself.”

RELIGION BRIEFS Pope Francis stops in Sri Lanka and calls for peace COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Pope Francis has repeated his calls for reconciliation and justice to Sri Lanka.

Francis reiterated at a Mass on Jan. 14 that the Indian Ocean island nation can’t fully heal from a quarter-century of brutal civil war without pursuing the truth about abuses that were committed.

At the rally, Francis canonized Sri Lanka’s first saint, The Rev. Joseph Vaz.

Jindal says “no-go” zones exist in Europe WASHINGTON (AP) — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is standing by refuted claims that some European countries have allowed Muslims to establish autonomous neighborhoods where they govern by a harsh version of Islamic law and where police decline to patrol.

The Republican delivered his remarks Jan. 19. Jindal, who is considering a presidential campaign in 2016, later defended the statements after facing questions about his facts.

SPORTS

January 23, 2015 The Maroon

9

Sports briefs Track team tops records in first meet

The Maroon

Sarah-Anne Smurlick , mass communication senior, winds up during a swing. After competing in three rounds of the NAIA Championships last season, Smurlick and the golf team are looking to improve on last year’s success.

Golf team prepares for the season

By Sara Szigeti sisziget@loyno.edu @szigeti_maroon

The Loyola men’s and women’s golf teams have started practicing for their upcoming spring season, one that kicks off on Fat Tuesday.

The teams began practicing last week and will continue training for the next five weeks until their season opener at the College of Coastal Georgia. They competed in three events in their fall season, and will compete in five this spring, as this season is geared more towards conference and national championships.

The women’s team advanced to nationals last year, where they placed 20th with a team score that put them +142 for the tournament.

Head coach Jeff Lorio said that the women are using that as a driving force this upcoming season.

“It was a really big accomplishment for the team. They were in awe. We learned a lot about how national championship teams

play and what it takes to be a contender,” Lorio said.

Lorio said that this year, their biggest goal is to get back into that tournament.

As for the men’s team, Lorio said they are a part of a tough conference. When they compete against those teams, they aren’t quite there yet, he said.

“We have lots of talent, now it’s just a matter of bringing that to the competition. We have to put it into action; once they believe it, we will be able to do it,” Lorio said.

Sarah-Anne Smurlick, mass communication senior, has been one of the stronger competitors for the women’s team. During her time at Loyola, she has collected numerous wins and awards, including her induction onto the 2014 SSAC All-Conference Team.

Smurlick is taking this upcoming season very seriously. She participated in a tournament over Christmas break as well as in one last weekend, and has been taking private lessons from a local coach outside the program.

“Hopefully they will help me unlock the key to get to a better

place,” Smurlick said.

Austin Schillaci, management junior, is a first year transfer student. Despite this, Lorio said Schillaci is one of the strongest golfers and has been named team captain.

“He is one of our top talents.

He is a natural born leader, works hard and will be a big factor into our successes this season,” Lorio said.

Schillaci hopes to make his first year here a strong one, and said that he believes his talents will be tested this season more so than the fall because it’s a much more competitive series of tournaments. He also said that this semester in particular, he has more time to focus on his game. However, the most important thing, Schillaci said, was playing a consistent golf game.

“We have to peak at the right time. If we peak at the right time, which is conference, that’s the key,” Schillaci said.

Lorio said that the biggest factor to their success this season would be consistency and focus.

He said they need to constantly

mtrobinsl@loyno.edu @_mtrobin

Members of the Loyola track and field team are lacing up their spikes for the 2015 season.

While many teams want to put emphasis on improving last year’s championship performance, the Pack is heading in a different direction. With most of the team returning and a handful of new recruits, the track team has chosen to focus on unity.

Vince Manuel, criminal justice junior, said that when he first joined the team, it seemed unstable.

“Now, we have a team that supports one another, no matter our event or anything like that,” Manuel said.

Manuel transferred from Gram-

bling University last season. It was a year that he had battled many significant injuries. Now that he is healthy, he said that he believes this will be a productive year for himself and his team.

“I think this year is going to be one of the best years of my college track career and for the team as a whole. My number one goal has always been to be on a team where not only I have the eagerness to win but my entire team has that eagerness,” Manuel said.

Matt Shelton, former assistant and interim head coach after the departure of Andy Canegitta, will coach the team this season. Like Manuel, Shelton said he believes that this will be a very promising year for the team in terms of growth and success.

“I think the program as a whole

can enter another level. We’ve come a long way from when we first started, and I think we’ve done quite well. We look to be very competitive in our conference this year,” Shelton said.

However, Shelton said that he is not just focused on the team’ s overall improvement.

“I think in order for our team to do well and have success we need to be united. That’s true in everything that we do as a team,” Shelton said.

Along with the growing unity of returning runners, Shelton has dedicated much of his time and effort in recruiting this season.

Among those joining the team this year is Catherine Lamond, mass communication freshman. As a first-year runner at the collegiate level, Lamond has embraced the responsibility that comes with the

Women’s team defeats Southern University New Orleans

make smart decisions in competition and think about each shot as its own entity .

“If we can do that, we should be able to reach our goal of getting back to that National Championship,” Lorio said.

Practices are in full swing, and will be tested on Mardi Gras day, bringing a whole new definition to ‘laissez les bon temps rouler.’

The women’s basketball team defeated SUNO 66-60 on the road on Wednesday night.

The Pack was led on offense by Janeicia Neely for the third straight game with 20 points and five assists. Sophomore Meghan Temple added 14 points and 15 rebounds to help edge the Knights.

The Pack swept the season series against the Knights 2-0. The team returns to the Den on Saturday, Jan. 24 to face Faulkner University at 2 p.m.

Upcoming matches

Men’s team falls to SUNO in Overtime

College of Coastal Georgia Feb. 16-17, 2015 8:00 a.m.

Loyola University March 9-10, 2015 8:00 a.m.

William Carey University March 16-17, 2015 8:00 a.m.

Southern Arkansas University March 30-31, 2015 8:00 a.m.

Track and field declares a year of unity

By Mark T Robinson

The Loyola men’s and women’s track and field team opened their 2015 indoor track season at the Leonard Hilton Memorial Invitational in Houston, Texas.

While on the trip, six school records were broken, five by the men and one by the women. Sophomore Christian Lynch bested his own record in the 60 meter dash, senior Vincent Manuel set a school record in the 200 meter dash, and sophomore Justin Johnson set a new school record in the 200 meter race.

Freshman Evan Lowry also set a new school record in the 400 meter race, the first race of his career at Loyola. The men’s relay team also set a new school record in the four by four relay as well.

sport.

“It’s really exciting. Track has always been a huge part of my life. I’m excited to have that intense competition and to run in this new environment,” Lamond said.

For Lamond, the most rewarding part of being a part of the team is the opportunity for her to bond with new teammates.

“Everyone has been so welcoming and kind. It’s a really big transition running with a different group of people, but I’m ready to compete for myself and this team,” Lamond said.

The track team will compete in the Samford University Invitational indoor meet on Feb. 13 in Birmingham, Alabama.

The men’s team’s comeback against SUNO in the final minutes came up short with a 69-72 loss on Jan. 21.

Senior McCall Tomeny led the Pack with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

Nate Pierre added a career high 11 points and six rebounds in the losing effort. The team will face Faulkner University at home at 4 p.m. in the Den on Saturday, Jan 24.

Janeicia Neely earns student athlete of the week

Women’s basketball senior and point guard Janeicia Neely has earned student athlete of the week for her performances during the team’s recent roadtrip.

She scored a career high of 30 points in a game against Bethel University. She also follwed that with a 24-point game against Blue Mountain College nailing six of seven three pointers.

The Pack managed a 1-1 record on the road trip. The team will be in action on Saturday, Jan. 24 against Faulkner University in the Den.

Patriots and Seahawks to faceoff in Superbowl XLIX Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will face the defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Glendale Stadium in Pheonix, Arizona. Both teams come into the superbowl matchup at 12-4.

OPINION

10 IN MY OPINION Students sharing their opinions on topics

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

Environmental racism targets vulnerable minority groups

Take time to read what you repost ELLEN MCCUSKER Ellen is a vocal performance freshman. emccusk@loyno.edu

Social media should be a place to state your opinions on anything from important issues to what the Kardashians wore yesterday. These online forums also provide a constant flow of information ranging from sources as credible as the BBC to your old friend from seventh grade. This is precisely why we need to know what we are talking about before we publish something under our names.

It is easy for anyone to get caught up in a controversial issue online.

For starters, the dialogue is not being held face-to-face, making it much easier to attack someone who does not particularly agree with you. However, this convenience also means that you have time to develop an intelligent response to what someone else just posted. This response could be formed by reading articles.

Reading an article generally only takes a few minutes, which is why there is no excuse for sounding ignorant online. As college students, we should be reading articles daily in order to stay informed on what is happening in the world. If you have time to scroll Facebook, you have time to at least skim over an article before speaking on any subject.

Another problem that can make intelligent college students look ignorant is posting an article to your page before reading it.

Over Christmas break, I watched someone post an article to Facebook that stated that Malia Obama was pregnant and then delete the post minutes later. Her source?

Empire News, “a satirical and entertainment news website,” according to their website. If she had just skimmed across the painfully short article that was dripping with satire, she never would have posted it to her page in the first place.

That particular instance, however, only temporarily embarrassed the young woman. These slip-ups can become much more serious, especially when it comes to topics such as Michael Brown’s death. I am sure all of us can remember when the Internet exploded with thoughts on the lack of an indictment in the Michael Brown case. This particular event brought about eloquent responses from our peers.

Unfortunately, during times like those, many peoples’ worst sides also came out. There were an alarming amount of instances in which people posted articles that they not only had failed to read, but that were not from reliable sources and stated offenses that particular person would have never agreed with.

Though this example was an extreme case, it highlighted for me exactly what can happen when intelligent people stop reading what is right at their fingertips. If we all just took a few minutes to read the facts of real news happening around us, we could avoid the amount of rumors and misinformation that sneaks into our heads.

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Native Americans ride on horseback around the Mall in Washington, D.C. to protest the Keystone XL pipeline. Its construction inflicts environmental injustices on the indigenous.

KATIE DOUGLASS Katie is a music senior.

krdougla@loyno.edu

Climate change has become an even more important issue in recent months than it has in the past, with increased global warming, rising sea levels, massive species extinction and dramatically polluted and contaminated areas. Many corporations often contribute to carbon emissions and pollution for the sake of profit. This leaves ethnic minorities to deal with the environmental consequences.

Indeed, many privileged, wealthy whites benefit most from environmental destruction, for they are usually not exposed to environmental hazards from industrial production.

Today, the poorest ethnic minorities in America are the indigenous populations, who have experienced the brunt of injustice — environmental or otherwise.

Throughout histoy, American natives have experienced widespread destruction of sacred areas and food and water sources; a contemporary being the Keystone XL Pipeline. Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline for economic gains will contribute to climate change, disproportionately affect aboriginals of Canada and the Dakotas and promote environmental racism against people who have already experienced continual inhumane treatment by Westerners.

Many politicians in the United States deny that global warming exists. They continually support jobs that emit carbon and destroy natural areas, pollute water supplies and eradicate entire species. The Keystone XL Pipeline is only one instance out of many that promotes the growth of wealth and employment while contributing to climate change and increasing environmental hazards.

Industrial capitalism has been one of the root causes of environmental injustice committed against indigenous peoples; governments and corporations historically destroyed sacred land, homes and

food of native peoples unfairly and often without consent, all for the sake of profit and success. The Keystone XL Pipeline may create new jobs and lower the cost of oil, but the demand for cheaper oil will increase and subsequently result in the creation of more oilrigs and pipelines which will further environmental damage.

The current assertion that Keystone has met environmental standards is in fact not correct. Pipelines and oilrigs spill, as was the case with the 2010 British Petroleum oil spill.

According to a Global News article by the Canadian Press, the section in Alberta has already spilled close to 60,000 liters of oil in the Red Earth Creek Province. While there are no reports of damage to wildlife and ecosystems, this is not the first spill the company has had, and it is only a matter of time before oil spills onto biologically important land areas.

Native peoples in the Alberta oil sands region must deal directly with these consequences. Oil spills can contaminate water and destroy the species on which native peoples rely. Increased carbon emissions

and pollution will also facilitate the spread of cancer and disease through exposure to the toxic chemicals involved in pipelines. Companies like TransCanada may promise to work with the indigenous, but violating the environmental rights of natives, who have already been dealt the most injustice out of minorities, is just cruel.

While the Keystone XL Pipeline may provide jobs and economic benefits, these benefits are usually only seen by the wealthy, while ethnic minorities experience the catastrophic consequences that come from the construction and operation of the pipeline. It is important to be energy independent, but American leaders must focus on renewable sources of energy that sustain the country while being environmentally friendly. Too often, talk about native peoples is put on the sideline in favor of “more important” economic or political issues. This should not be a political or economic question, but a moral one — how can America truly be the “land of the free” when only the privileged, wealthy few can have clean air and clean water?

Millennials redefine modern political engagement TONY CHERAMIE Tony is a political science senior.

tjcheram@loyno.edu

As most of us may have noticed, the congressional elections this past November resulted in a historically low voter turnout — just 36.4 percent of eligible voters participated, the lowest since WWII. However, this is still 15 percent higher than eligible millennial voters, whose turn out came in at 21.3 percent, according to Pew Polling. Younger voters instead took to the Internet and its various social networking sites to outline salient political issues and their favored positions in lieu of showing up to the polls.

Within days of the election, President Obama announced his plan to expand his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to include parents of young immigrant “dreamers” and allow them to avoid deportation by gaining a pathway to legal status via executive action — a policy position that 55 percent of millennials reportedly supported. This followed a summer flooded with “#dreamer” Internet testimoni-

als in the aftermath of over 100,000 unaccompanied minors fleeing violence in Central America, particularly from Honduras.

On Nov. 10, the president publically advised the Federal Communications Commission to adopt stricter guidelines for Internet Service Providers that would treat the Internet like other public utilities, which is commonly referred to as, net neutrality. This development is considerable, because presidents almost never interfere with the FCC’s policy decision-making process since it operates independently and in a nonpartisan fashion. This announcement also came on the heels of Internet users disabling the FCC’s webpage with comments supporting net neutrality.

Just last week, President Obama unveiled a $60 billion plan to provide two years of free community college to anyone willing to work for it. The average student in America has $28,400 in student loan debt, and $23,854 in Louisiana, according to the Congressional Budget Office report this September. The weight of this burden affects college students who are privileged enough to attend college and acts as a disincentive for those who can’t. This problem is universal among young people.

It is undeniable that the president has been publically reaching out to young voters across the political

spectrum and has been directly offering solutions to their problems.

But why would the president consider the policy preferences of a group who stayed home four to one?

These are the political issues millennials are talking about while online with their peers. I see pro-amnesty stories and articles, explanations of net neutrality and its importance, and complaints about the cost of college every time I pull up a social network. Any politician who wants to appeal to young voters would naturally look to the Internet to identify and attempt to address these problems. The president seems to have recognized that a vital component of his coalition won’t tow the party line during election season, but nevertheless needs to be engaged with. Without engaging those in the 18-29 age bracket, the president and his party will continue to see voter drop off.

Young voters have gotten the president’s attention because there are many of us, we’re untapped and we’re actively redefining political discussions and what political participation looks like. Instead of punishing one party by voting for another, millennials are shunning the candidates completely and using Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Tumblr to air their grievances until the parties consider issues that impact them.

Courtesy of MCT Campus

EDITORIAL

January 23, 2015 THE MAROON

11

OUR EDITORIAL

The majority opinion of our editorial board

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to 65 degree weather in January.

GROWL to homework and tests.

HOWL to SAGE restarting.

GROWL to anti-feminist psychoanalytic theory.

HOWL to P.3 closing celebrations this weekend.

GROWL to still waiting in line for the elevators in Monroe.

EDITORIAL BOARD Nia Porter

Editor-in-Chief

Alexandra Kennon

Managing Editor

Karla Daniela Rosas

Design Chief

Burke Bischoff

Senior Staff Writer

Colleen Dulle

News Editor

Devinn Adams Lauren Stroh Mary Graci Melanie Potter Mark Robinson Emily Branan Zach Brien Linda Hexter Adam Albaari Mary Staes

Worldview Editor Editorial Editor Life and Times Editor Wolf Editor Sports Editor Religion Editor Photo Editor Senior Staff Photographer The Works Editor Maroon Minute Coordinator

Whitney Woods

Social Media Coordinator

Ellen McCusker

Web Master

Katie Richard

Resident Cartoonist

Brian Reaney

Copy Editor

Jack Vanchiere

Copy Editor

EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Loyola University.

Letters and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of The Maroon’s editorial board.

The Maroon does not represent the opinion of administration, staff and/or faculty members of Loyola.

Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style. Please limit submissions to 400 words. Submissions are due no later than 4 p.m. the Sunday before publication.

Please send all submissions — The Maroon, 6363 St. Charles Ave., Box 64, New Orleans, LA 70118.

Email us your letters — letter@ loyno.edu.

Submissions may also be made online at www.loyolamaroon.com.

KARLA DANIELA ROSAS / The Maroon

Do not rob neighborhoods of their cultural history Gentrification — what is it about this word that makes us cringe? Perhaps it is due to the increased use of it in recent years.

Perhaps it is the way it has been casually thrown around in conversations about the neighborhoods that college students often find themselves in, namely the university area, the Marigny and Bywater.

But maybe the reason that this word makes college students feel uncomfortable is because we are the group directly responsible for its existence.

If colleges are historically seen as the root cause of the gentrification of surrounding neighborhoods, then college students are the gentrifiers directly responsible for pushing previous residents out of their homes.

The only reason Central City stops at Napoleon Street is because Loyola and Tulane students claimed property from this street onwards. Coupled with the gentrification of both Freret Street and Oak Street and both of their surrounding neighborhoods, college students are actively

pushing previous residents out of their communities because of an inability to adapt to the resulting increases in property prices and amped up costs of living.

Gentrification is bad. It forces people to abandon their homes, their neighborhoods, their communities, their traditions and their respective ways of life.

These reasons, among others, are why many Bywater and Marigny residents oppose the proposed expansion of the streetcar line into their neighborhoods, for fear that its expansion will further contribute to the increased gentrification these neighborhoods have seen in recent years.

However, college students are not the only groups responsible for the gentrification of urban areas. The booming film industry in New Orleans has not helped prevent the gentrification of the many so-called “bohemian” neighborhoods that the city boasts. This, coupled with new, out-of-state residents honing in on these increasingly popular neighborhoods, leaves many communities completely deconstruct-

ed and irrevocably devastated.

The worst example of which is likely the “benevolent enablers” who turn these neighborhoods into their own colonial project.

They refuse to recognize that these communities do not need a savior.

This leaves the question of how to rectify this problem. This editorial board does not claim to know the answer to this question. This is our unfortunate, unethical reality.

It would be easy to say “move out” to the students and external citizens infringing on established neighborhoods, but this ignores the fact that these neighborhoods have already been effectively gentrified and leaves a question of where these gentrifiers are supposed to go. It is unrealistic to assume that most students could instead live in an on-campus residence hall for all four years. It is optimistic to believe that others could afford to live elsewhere and commute.

The truth is that gentrifiers benefit from the gentrification of these communities. It is difficult to take a step back and recognize

your role in actively eradicating the cultures whose communities you are infringing upon.

Instead of alienating established residents, make an active effort to engage with them and build a sense of community.

Involve earlier residents in the process of planning the renovation and revitalization of these neighborhoods. Allow them to help you facilitate a transition into the already established way of life in these communities, instead of imposing your own upon them.

Recognize that you are infringing on historical communities and make an active effort to contribute to the conservation and preservation of their culture.

Above all else, Loyola emphasizes that we are an institution with and for others, emphasis here being on the “with.”

You are fortunate enough to live in a city that prides itself on its willingness to embrace its rich cultural heritage. Do native New Orleanians all a favor, and do the same.