2-6-15 by Loyola Maroon

For a greater Loyola University • New Orleans • Vol. 93 • Issue 17

M THE MAROON FEB. 6, 2015

As graduation draws nearer, Loyola seniors were looking forward to the 100th Night celebration, an annual party with dancing, music and drink. But after the senior candle was stolen last year, it’s now going

from 100th night to 100th day By Colleen Dulle mcdulle@loyno.edu @Colleen_Maroon

Loyola’s Office of Co-Curricular Programs has shifted the traditional 100th Night celebration from a seniors-only nighttime party to an all-school daytime event. The 100th Night celebration ordinarily takes place to commemorate the 100 days left until graduation for Loyola seniors. This year it will take place on Feb. 6, 92 days before graduation. Heather Seaman, director of co-curricular programs, said that the change was decided last year for multiple reasons, including alcohol related behavior issues and damages to the facilities. “For the three years that we did the 100th Night event, there were consistently issues relating to alcohol — significant issues,” Seaman said. Seaman said there were consistent damages to the facility after the event took place. She said the problem peaked last year when a mem-

ber of last year’s senior class stole the senior candle from the event. According to Seaman, at that point, the Office of Co-Curricular Programs was planning on not hosting any type of 100th Night celebration this year. However, she said, Courtney Williams, associate director of co-curricular programs, pushed to change the tradition rather than cancel it. “It was actually Courtney who pushed back and said, you know what, we can’t not do anything,” Seaman said. The new 100th Day celebration will include a grab and go breakfast in the One Loyola Room, a discounted lunch in the Orleans Room featuring some popular dishes, a maroon and gold cupcake decorating contest, and an afternoon celebration in the One Loyola Room with a photo opportunity and petit fours, according to Williams. Many seniors, like English senior Michael Olausen, are unhappy with the changes and believe the school is breaking with its three-year tradition. “Loyola is in the midst of re-

branding itself and one of the focal points is creating traditions that the student body can rally behind. I struggle to envision discounted ‘Catfish Friday’ lunches in the OR as an enduring Loyola tradition,” Olausen said. Seaman said she has heard such comments but maintains that the Office of Co-Curricular Programming is responsible for creating traditions and can adjust them when needed. “Our office really tries to focus on building student traditions, and so I was concerned when I saw some of the feedback that people thought we were trying to tear down traditions. I thought, well, actually we’re the ones that plan them and create them,” Seaman said. Seaman cited 100th Night, Maroon and Gold and class beads among the traditions the office has instituted. Williams said he believes that the new celebration will be an opportunity for seniors to celebrate with their friends throughout the school. “This year we are excited to host several events during the day so

that everyone on campus can participate and celebrate with our seniors,” Williams said in an email. Olausen said that some students believe that the change, if it stems from behavioral issues, is unfair to the senior class. “It begs the question, why is our class being punished for last year’s graduating class’s mistake?” Olausen said. Olausen is also concerned that the event was not well planned, seeing as it falls on the 92nd night before graduation. Seaman said that the office knew last year that they would not host a cocktail event, but that the office has learned from the negative reactions to communicate this information earlier to avoid it appearing as if it were a last-minute decision. “I would have been much less annoyed had they simply cancelled the event and been candid about the whole thing,” Olausen said. Students seem to be finding other alternatives to 100th Night besides the 100th Day celebration. A Facebook event called “1540 presents 92nd Night” hosted by a

group claiming to be Loyola’s secret society 1540 has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6 at 9 p.m. after the 100th Day celebration. The event was posted under the name of “Ignatius Loyola.” Like the former 100th Night celebration, it requires cocktail attire and is for seniors only. The Facebook event claims that there will be $500 of free beer at Bruno’s Tavern. Though the event page ends with 1540’s signature slogan, “We are who you think we are. We are who you think we are not,” it is uncertain whether 1540 is really hosting the event. Seaman said that the funding that would ordinarily go to the 100th Night party will now go toward improving Maroon and Gold, a senior event which according to Seaman, has not had the same issues that 100th Night has had.

KARLA ROSAS/Design Chief

Student sexually assaulted off campus By Burke Bischoff bwbischo@loyno.edu @Burke_Maroon

An unknown man sexually assaulted a Loyola student while she was walking towards Broadway Avenue, according to the Loyola Univer-

sity Police Department. The student told a campus security authority that a man sexually assaulted her on Oak or Maple Street Saturday, Jan. 24 between 5:45 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. According to the victim, the man offered her a ride while she was walking and then pulled her into his

van to sexually assault her after she refused a ride from him. LUPD said that it is not known if the victim is deciding to press charges. Robert Reed, assistant vice president for student affairs, said the university performs a strict list of actions as per federal requirements

regardless of whether the victim decides to report the incident to the New Orleans Police Department or not. He said the university responds promptly and effectively to sexual violence, provides interim measures as necessary, makes confidential support services known, conducts

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

an investigation and provides remedies as necessary. LUPD Captain Roger Pinac said even though the incident was not initially reported to campus police, it was still important to keep the university informed as to what occurred. “We felt that it was necessary and

See SEXUAL ASSAULT, page 3

February 6, 2015

THE MAROON

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CRIME MAP AV E ST LE VIL SH NA

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IN MAGAZ STAFF

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Theft Palm Court

Jan. 30

10:37 a.m.

Theft/Larceny St. Charles Avenue, 6300 block

Jan. 30

10:55 a.m.

Theft/Larceny Clara Street, 5000 block

Jan. 30

1:03 p.m.

Theft/Larceny Lowerline Street, 1500 block

Jan. 30

1:59 p.m.

Vandalism Maple Street, 7600 block

Jan. 30

3:31 p.m.

Theft Cabra Hall

Jan. 30

3:37 p.m.

Drug Law Violation Danna Center

Jan. 30

11:55 p.m.

Motor Vehicle Theft Calhoun Street/Clara Street

Jan. 31

10:42 a.m.

Homicide Willow Street, 5500 block

Feb. 1

9:57 a.m.

Theft/Larceny Freret Street, 7100 block

Feb. 1

1:18 p.m.

Theft/Larceny Magazine Street, 5900 block

Feb. 1

4:29 p.m.

Theft/Larceny Freret Street, 6400 block

Feb. 2

12:01 p.m.

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

February 6, 2015 THE MAROON

3 SEXUAL ASSAULT, continued from page 1

2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

2014-2015

2015-2016

$16,133

$16,923

$17,752

$18,107

FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE TUITION RATES (PER SEMESTER) Data collected from Loyola Univerisity New Orleans Office of Finance and Administration KARLA ROSAS/Design Chief

Tuition increases by 2 percent By Lauren Saizan lesaizan@loyno.edu @Lauren_Maroon

After freezing tuition rates from the fall 2014 semester until now, Loyola will be increasing tuition next semester by two percent. Tuition for the 2015-2016 school year will increase $355 per semester for full-time undergraduate students. Roberta Kaskel, vice president of enrollment management, said that the Board of Trustees decided on the increase. The University Budget Committee sends a recommendation regarding future tuition to the president, who then sends a final

recommendation to the Board of Trustees, Kaskel said. According to Kaskel, tuition is important in covering the many costs that keep Loyola running. “Tuition is revenue that is applied directly to the cost of running the institution, allowing us to maintain high levels of instruction, improve academic facilities and provide robust co-curricular programming for students,” Kaskel said. Kaskel said that Loyola hopes that administrators will work with students and families to manage the cost of their education. “In 2014-2015, we held tuition steady in order to help our students manage better during very difficult economic times. As we looked at the need for a tuition increase this year,

we were determined to keep the increase as modest and feasible. Our 2 percent increase remains less than the anticipated average increases throughout higher education,” Kaskel said. According to the College Board, the average annual percentage increase of tuition for private, nonprofit four-year universities is 2.2 percent. Michael Pashkevich, biology junior, said that if the tuition increase betters students’ education, then it is an idea worth pursuing. “If Loyola is going to raise tuition, the university needs to ensure that students are aware of how they’re benefitting from this increase,” Pashkevich said. Naasha Dotiwala, psychology

and political science sophomore, said that she hopes the tuition increase will help reduce the university’s deficit, but she worries some students may have difficulty paying the increased rate. “I understand the need to raise tuition, but I hope that the university department in charge of tuition billing will be a bit more understanding and helpful to students who may not be able to pay on time,” Dotiwala said. Pashkevich said that with this increase in tuition, Loyola’s retention rate is likely to suffer. “Loyola must remember, however, that for every raise in tuition, there is a greater chance that the university will retain fewer students,” Pashkevich said.

Bateman team gears up for 2015 competition By Jamal Melancon jmmelanc@loyno.edu @Jam_M_Mal

A nonprofit and affiliate of the National NeighborWorks Association, Home Matters, is the client for this year’s Bateman team competition. Every year, five public relations students compete on Loyola’s Bateman team, which participates in an annual national case study competition conducted by the Public Relations Student Society of America. These students are given the opportunity to apply public relations skills outside the classroom and execute a full public relations campaign. This year’s Bateman team includes public relations seniors NiRey Reynolds, Katie Collier, Kenny Motley, Martin Quintero, and public

relations junior Chelsea Cunningham. They have partnered with Providence Community Housing and the Make it Right Foundation, two nonprofit organizations in New Orleans affiliated with Home Matters. Home Matters’ goal is to raise awareness of the importance of homes to both local and national communities. Loyola’s Bateman team plans to work with Providence to launch an educational bingo afternoon for senior citizens and a volunteer opportunity for Loyola students. Volunteers would help evaluate Providence’s progress developing housing units and supporting affordable homeownership for post-Katrina New Orleans residents. The Bateman team’s work will be centered around the Uptown neighborhood. Collier said that during the month of February, Bateman will be

working on an affordable housing campaign. “We’re trying to educate our pre-targeted audiences of millennials, young moms and baby boomers on the importance of home and the correlation of home to social issues, such as education, public health, public safety and economic development,” Collier said. Cathy Rogers, the team’s advisor, attributes their hard work to their drive. “They know they’re dealing with leaders in the community and reporters and nonprofits,” Rogers said. “First of all, that makes them step up and have higher standards than they would if it was just a student project.” Rogers also acknowledged the pressure her students may feel from the Bateman team’s track record. In addition to taking home its eighth national title in the 2014 competi-

tion, the team has also advanced to the national finals 13 out of the past 14 years. “I don’t think anybody wants to be the first team who’s not in the top three in a long time,” Rogers said. Loyola’s Bateman team will be participating in ‘Geaux Hard for Home’ day on Feb. 24. with an educational panel in Monroe Library about housing efforts and issues in the city, along with educating the New Orleans public through other presentations and collaborations with organizations on campus. Anyone can participate in ‘Geaux Hard for Home’ day by tweeting using the hashtag #homematters. “I think the number one thing is the real life experience of trying to come up with a research-based strategy for their campaign, actually doing it, and then they have to know the results,” Rogers said.

we felt it would be helpful to the community to put the bulletin out,” Pinac said. Lieutenant Angela Honora, crime prevention and logistics coordinator, said there are two panels occurring on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m. in the Danna Center’s Audubon Room that will help address sexual assaults on campus and respond to students’ safety concerns. She said Students Against Sexual Assault will be hosting the panel. “They started this committee to see what they can and cannot do to advise students on taking necessary safety precautions,” Honora said. Pinac said some of the safety tips students can keep in mind while off campus include traveling in groups, using a personal vehicle or a shuttle service, downloading the police’s RAVE Guardian app and taking LUPD’s Rape Aggression Defense classes. Pinac also said students should take advantage of the safety information on LUPD’s web page. “I know, for the most part, students are overwhelmed with all of the information that is coming at them, but it’s a lot of really, I think, important topics that cover the whole gambit of crime, how to respond, how to avoid and their rights,” Pinac said.

NEWS BRIEFS Two Tulane law students found dead in murdersuicide Two Tulane law students were found dead Sunday, Feb. 1 in the 5500 block of Willow Street. Wajih Mazloum, a second-year law student, shot his girlfriend, Sara LaMont, in his apartment, then turned the gun on himself. The murder-suicide brings the total number of Tulane student deaths to seven for this academic year, with four of those being suicides.

Community organizations to hold on-campus sexual assault panel Students Against Sexual Assault, the New Orleans Family Justice Center and the Intrafraternity Council will be holding a panel about on-campus sexual assaults on Feb. 9. Panel speakers include LUPD Lieutenant Angela Honora and two representatives from the New Orleans Family Justice Center, Amanda Tonkovich and Corey Turner. The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Audubon Room. Students Against Sexual Assault is currently surveying students for data to use at the panel.

NEWS CORRECTION An article published Jan. 30 regarding Kurt Birdwhistell being awarded the Dux Academicus honor misstated the name of Birdwhistell’s wife. Her name is Teresa Birdwhistell.

WORLDVIEW Green space expected to connect New Orleans 4

February 6, 2015 THE MAROON

By Barbara Brown bgbrown@loyno.edu @barbaraabrownn

The city of New Orleans is transforming a vacant railway into a scenic transportation route for locals and tourists. The Lafitte Greenway was initially a historical canal that connected Bayou St. John to the French Quarter, and it later became a railway that has been abandoned since the mid-twentieth century. Construction of the Greenway began in March 2014 and is more than 75 percent complete. The project will consist of a 2.6mile, 12-foot wide asphalt path for multiple uses. Along the path, users will find ball fields, meadows, greenery and landscaping. Sidewalks crossing the park will be reconstructed. Sophie Harris, executive director at Friends of Lafitte Corridor, said one major advantage of the project is the connecting of the surrounding bike networks. “Friends of Lafitte corridor is fundraising signage along the path,” Harris said. “There will be signs giving directions to and from surrounding bike networks.” Previously constructed bike routes will now connect with the newly developed greenway paths, making them easier to navigate. Harris said that it was important to ensure that the area is welcoming. “We are really interested in having a safe space for the community,” Harris said. Kayla Lehmann, chemistry freshman, said the Greenway would appeal to tourists and Loyola students and would be a great place for her and her friends to go running. “I think it is going to be more of a tourist attraction,” Lehmann said. “But I think it is going to be really cool and pretty.” Friends of Lafitte Corridor have also been selected by the White House and six other agencies to participate in “Local Foods, Local Places,” a federal group providing

LINDA HEXTER / The Maroon

E’mond Davis (right) watches on as Lance (center) and John Joiner (left) play football at a playground on Lafitte and N. Prieur streets, where the Lafitte Greenway is planned to unveil. The Greenway is expected to be completed this spring.

support for 26 communities nationwide. Harris said that Lafitte Corridor will work in conjunction with the group to bring fresh food to the area. “With help from ‘Local Foods, Local Places,’ we will be planning gardens and farmers markets along the greenway,” Harris said. Harris said all members of the community are welcome to become members of the Friends of Lafitte Corridor and contribute to the upkeep of the greenway. “The Friends of Lafitte Corridor is a member driven organization supported by membership,” Harris said. “We would love for students to volunteer and become involved in the organization once greenway is actually open.” LINDA HEXTER / The Maroon

William Lawrence (left), Manny Davis (center) and Lance (right) play football on the future sight of the Lafitte Greeenway. The Greenway will include a bike path and farmers markets.

New Orleans ranks fifth in the nation for HIV case rates Marie Simoneaux masimone@loyno.edu @mariesimoneaux

New Orleans has increased public programs in order to combat the high numbers of HIV cases in recent years, but the city still ranks fifth in the nation for its high number of annual cases. According to the Louisiana Department of Heath and Hospitals, Louisiana saw 1,328 new cases of HIV in 2013 as of Sept. 31, 2014. Of these, 450 were in New Orleans alone. Since then, the city has implemented more programs dedicated to HIV prevention, education and treatment. Mark Alain Dery, founder of the New Orleans Society for Infectious Disease Awareness, said the effort that New Orleans has made in the fight against HIV is comparable to no other city.

“The city of New Orleans, and in particular the Office of Health Policy, is one of the most committed actors in the fight against HIV and AIDS that I have ever seen in my extensive travels around the globe,” Dery said. The STD/HIV program in the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is the primary public entity in HIV prevention in the state, according to their press officer John Ford. The program’s director DeAnn Gruber said the department is committed to increasing services and education regarding HIV. “We continue to reinforce the message that individuals need to know their HIV status, and if they are HIV-positive, link to medical care and begin treatment or medications as soon as possible,” Gruber said. By increasing treatment on those already affected, Gruber said they are also preventing more cases. Ford said that from 2008 to 2013,

the overall percentage of people living with HIV in Louisiana decreased by 10 percent. Angel Parham, associate professor of sociology at Loyola, said explanations for Louisiana’s high rates can be found by looking at the state’s socioeconomic conditions. “In Louisiana, we’re almost always at the bottom,” Parham said. “Our poverty rate is one of the highest in the country, especially for children living in poverty. The public schools here do not teach what could protect after the choice is made not to abstain.” Parham said that the state’s strict laws against drug paraphernalia, including the possession of needles also plays a factor in HIV rates, because people who are afraid to be caught with needles are more likely to share them. “Needle exchange programs can be effective in protecting against HIV transmission, but they are controversial. People think that if you offer these types of programs, you’re

promoting drug use, but you have to consider the trade offs,” Parham said. The connection between Louisiana’s high rates of poverty and high rates of HIV are undeniable, according to Parham. She said that this is not just a lack of monetary funds, but it’s also a lack of resources in general, including access to contraceptives, education and heath care. While Louisiana accounts for only 1.8 percent of the country’s population, it is home to 2.8 percent of all U.S. citizens living with HIV, according to the 2015 Center for Disease Control progress report. Dery, like Parham, said that the problem does not lay with the state itself, but with the societal structure that is in place throughout the country. “We as a society choose to live in a low-tax-low-service society. If you look at the high-tax-high-service countries, you will see their HIV burden to be a fraction of ours,” Dery said.

HIV AND AIDS RATES AS OF SEPT. 30, 2014 ACCORDING TO THE LOUISIANA HIV/AIDS SURVEILLANCE QUARTERLY REPORT

1,328 New cases diagnosed in Louisiana

450

New cases diagnosed in New Orleans

269

New cases diagnosed in Baton Rouge

7,616

Individuals currently living with HIV/AIDS in New Orleans

3,531

Individuals currently living with HIV in New Orleans

4,085

Individuals currently living with AIDS in New Orleans

THE MAROON

February 6, 2015

ACROSS

1. Actress __ Duke 6. Tillis or Tormé 9. Blaze residue 10. “Get __” 12. Take illegally 13. Series set at a Boston bar 14. Droop 15. One of the Gosselin sextuplets 16. “The __ Movie”; Len Cariou film 19. “__ Lonesome I Could Cry”; Hank Williams song 23. “__ Night with Jimmy Fallon” 24. Mex. miss 25. Koufax and Duncan 28. Actress and director Jodie 30. Gregory Peck’s role in “Moby Dick” 31. “__ the Explorer” 32. Spouse 33. Ali or Frazier 34. Wander 36. Robin Roberts’ employer 39. Family name on “19 Kids and Counting” 42. Honda’s luxury car 44. “Give it __!”; plea to a windbag 45. Foyt or Unser 46. Sushi bar dish 47. Lucy’s landlady

DOWN

1. “Hall __”; film for Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate 2. Dog on “The Thin Man” 3. Series for George Segal 4. Actress Leoni 5. Monogram for fashion

designer Yves 6. Actress __ West 7. Goof 8. Columbo and others: abbr. 10. “Murder, __ Wrote” 11. Actress on “The Big Bang Theory” 13. “__ Air”; Nicolas Cage movie 15. Pesci or Penny 17. Anti’s vote 18. “__ Always Sunny in Philadelphia” 20. Actor on “The A-Team” 21. Sault __. Marie 22. Rower’s need 25. __ Hanna; LL Cool J’s role 26. Cry of discovery

27. Natalie Cole’s dad 28. “The Michael J. __ Show” 29. Unrefined metal 31. Actor __ DeLuise 33. Tavern 35. Cereal grain 37. Role for Marcia Cross on “Desperate Housewives” 38. Rob Reiner’s dad 39. Daniel __ Kim 40. Suffix for press or text 41. Become firm 42. “__ You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 43. “__ on a Hot Tin Roof”

SUDOKU

Puzzle answers for January 30, 2015

Life &Times

February 6, 2015 THE MAROON

Film • Arts • Food • Music • Leisure • Nightlife

2015 PARADE SCHEDULE

WHAT: DID YOU KNOW? The resurgence of Krewe Of Freret started in 2011 with seven Loyola graduates who “lamented the notion of squandering hard earned money to join a formal Krewe where they knew virtually no one and would have limited input.”

WHERE:

KREWE OF CLEOPATRA KREWE OF CHOCTAW KREWE OF FRERET KREWE OF CHEWBACCHUS KREWE OF CARROLLTON KREWE OF BARKUS MYSTIC KREWE OF FEMME FATALE KREWE OF NYX KREWE OF MUSES KREWE OF BOSOM BUDDIES KREWE OF MORPHEUS KREWE OF IRIS KREWE OF TUCKS KREWE OF ENDYMION KREWE OF BACCHUS KREWE OF ORPHEUS KREWE OF ZULU KREWE OF REX KREWE OF CRESENT CITY

UPTOWN UPTOWN UPTOWN MARIGNY UPTOWN FRENCH QUARTER UPTOWN UPTOWN UPTOWN FRENCH QUARTER UPTOWN UPTOWN UPTOWN MID-CITY UPTOWN UPTOWN UPTOWN UPTOWN UPTOWN

WHEN:

FRI, FEB. 6 @ 6:30 P.M. SAT, FEB. 7 @ 1:30 P.M. SAT, FEB. 7 @ 2:30 P.M. SAT, FEB. 7 @ 6:00 P.M. SUN, FEB. 8 @ 12:00 P.M. SUN, FEB. 8 @ 2:00 P.M. SUN, FEB. 8 @ 3:00 P.M. WED, FEB. 11 @ 7:00 P.M. THURS, FEB. 12 @ 6:30 P.M. FRI, FEB. 13 @ 11:30 P.M. FRI, FEB. 13 @ 7:00 P.M. SAT, FEB. 14 @ 11:00 A.M. SAT, FEB. 14 @ 12:00 P.M. SAT, FEB. 14 @ 4:15 P.M. SUN, FEB. 15 @ 5:15 P.M. MON, FEB. 16 @ 6:00 P.M. TUES, FEB. 17 @ 8:00 A.M. TUES, FEB. 17 @ 10:00 A.M. TUES, FEB. 17 @ 11:00 A.M.

Loyola highlights women’s march throughout Carnival history By Zayn Abidin saabidin@loyno.edu @zayn_maroon

ZACH BRIEN/ Photo Editor

The Pussyfooters dance troupe strut down St. Charles Avenue during the 2014 Krewe of Carrollton. All female krewes and marching groups historically make up a significant portion of Mardi Gras celebrations.

Mardi Gras isn’t just about wearing flamboyant costumes, competing for the best throws or objectifying women for showing some skin. In fact, women have a long and important role in the Carnival tradition. An event exploring the role of women in Mardi Gras will be held at the Nunemaker Auditorium in Monroe Hall on Feb. 9. It is free and open to the public. The event, “Mardi Gras Forum: The Women of Carnival,” will be presented by the Music Industry Program and will highlight the traditional role of women during Mardi Gras, including everything from all female krewes to marching groups. Jim Gabour, music industry studies professor and one of the organizers of the event, hopes to display women’s unique development of

their role in the Mardi Gras season and emphasize the importance of female involvement. “We want to show that in spite of some popular misconceptions, traditional Carnival is not just an old boy’s club. Women’s contributions and long history of participation in Carnival is so often ignored,” Gabour said. Among the marching groups will be the DIVAs, one of the leading marching krewes directed by Carol Miles. “We all love to costume and have a good time,” Miles said. “We offer a gallery showing of our costumes every year. It’s fascinating to see what they look like up close. They are truly works of art,” Miles said. According to Miles, although the main purpose of an all-female marching krewe is to have fun, it also involves giving back to the community through charity. Miles said her krewe has selected breast cancer as their philanthropy

this year. “A portion of our dues is dedicated to donating to assist in eliminating breast cancer. A group of us formed Team DIVA and raised a substantial amount of money individually, and as a team, participate in an Avon Breast Cancer walk,” Miles said. Seokyung Lee, mass communication junior, is an exchange student from South Korea and has never experienced a true New Orleans Mardi Gras. She said she is excited to see the all-female marching bands. “It is specific, it is special and all female marching groups are rare in South Korea. Also, I like fashion and costumes, so I want to see them,” Lee said. Representatives from Iris, the oldest parading all-women krewe, and Muses, the largest of the contemporary krewes, will also be present at the event, Gabour said.

February 6, 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 tries to get back to work

PART FOUR By Mike Hogan mjhogan@loyno.edu

Tom thought about what Daniels said as he barreled down the road swerving foot-deep potholes with fighter pilot precision, looking out his window at the poorly lit numbers on houses. Their meeting had gone smooth enough until Daniels flat out asked Tom if he had murdered someone. “Thank God for his sick kid,” Tom thought. He didn’t have time to sit there answering ridiculous questions all night. “I have money to make.” He pulled up to 4219 Sycamore Street a mere thirty minutes after the order had been placed. “Ought to be a good tip waiting,” he thought, walking up the drive-

way. He knocked on the door and found a man stinking drunk instead. Tom smiled. “How are we doing tonight, sir?” “What’s the damage? Saints are on, let’s go.” He slapped around the back of his jeans for his wallet, coming up empty handed. “Forty-one nineteen.” Tom replied. “Give me a minute, my wallet’s up stairs.” As he went to look for cash, Tom peered inside the house. It was a fine place, reminded him of his parent’s with the cozy love seat facing the fireplace. He could hear a drunken good time in the living room as well. Another man appeared in the doorway, just as drunk but twice as jolly. “Is he still looking for cash?” He had a bottle of bourbon in his hand and noticed Tom’s nod land on it. “You want a shot?” He asked with a bobbing motion. “I mean, you’re driving and all, but…” “Got a glass?” “Yeah, yeah, come on in.” Tom moved towards the threshold as his customer reappeared. The man was confused as to why a delivery driver was stepping into his home and put himself between Tom and the room. “Easy, Rob, we’re giving the kid a shot. He’s been waiting on you,” the jolly man said, all innocent grins

Untitled

and wobbles. Rob was hard faced when he said, “Bring it to him. Now, here.” He handed Tom three twenties and a five. “What’s my change, then we’ll do your tip.” Tom looked at the excess cash in his hand, then back at Rob’s face sagging with stupor. “Sir, this is too much. Let me give you back the twenty, then — ” “Give me my change, then I’ll talk to you,” he broke in. “Alright, jackass. I tried,” he thought, and said, “Here you go.” Tom handed him the five, told him not to worry about the tip and was on his way. His head was heavy with classes and work and questions when he got back to his apartment late that night. Melanie was at his desk highlighting a book. “How was work, honey?” “Not all bad. I spoke to a cop about that murder. It was kind of weird. He actually asked me if I did it,” he said laughing. She stood up stretching and yawned, “No way.” “Yep, pretty odd. Some drunk guy tipped me thirty percent though, so the universe set itself aright.” “He knew you’d kill him if he didn’t,” she teased, pulling him into bed.

“untitled” Jake Erlandson, graphic design sophomore

RELIGION

February 6, 2015 The Maroon

Social justice extends to immigrants By Skyllarr Trusty sitrusty@loyno.edu @skyllarrtrusty

The Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola is striving to transform the South through action, research, advocacy, social analysis and theological reflection. The group is currently focused on three main issues that emerged after Hurricane Katrina, including race, poverty and migration. Mary Baudouin, provincial assistant for social ministries and representative for the Jesuits, said these are the main issues that are currently held by Jesuits across the world. “The Jesuits have been, for a number of years, supporting legislation for comprehensive immigration reform. The Jesuit conference has representatives that work on behalf of the Jesuits in coalition with a number of other groups that are working on immigration issues, primarily through a campaign called the Justice for Immigrants campaign, which is a big campaign of the Catholic Church,” Baudouin said. Baudouin said that this is just one area of the multi-faceted issues the Jesuits have been focusing on. Recently, attention has spread to the children involved. “There is a real concern about the number children who have been coming particularly from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua, who are fleeing really violent situations in their countries,” Baudouin said. The Jesuits have made their way to these areas despite personal endangerment. “We have Jesuits that work in Honduras on social justice issues. Some of them have death threats against them, and they asked us, as the U.S., to help and get involved with the issues there,” Baudouin said. The Jesuits are working to in-

jdwalden@loyno.edu @DavisWald

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, didn’t emerge from a long line of parades and coconut tossing, but from deep-rooted Catholic traditions. A last hurrah before Lent, a forty day period of fasting, Mardi Gras is also known as Carnival which comes from the Latin words “carne vale” meaning farewell to flesh. Kurt Bindewald, director of university ministry, said Lent plays a large role in the festivities of Mardi Gras season. “The reason why it’s called Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras is that people kind of get all the partying and stuff out of their system before the time of fasting and penance of Lent. So naturally, that involves a lot of food and drink,” Bindewald said. Carnival season starts soon after Epiphany, the twelfth night after Christmas. It is the recognition of when the wise men arrived to see baby Jesus and pay him homage by bringing gifts. Wayne Phillips, curator of Carnival Collections at the Louisiana

Mormons are working to combine their faith with gay rights SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Mormon church leaders are calling for a “balanced approach” in the clash between gay rights and religious freedom. The church is promising to support some housing and job protections for gays and lesbians in exchange for legal protections for believers who object to the behavior of others. It’s not clear how much common ground Mormons will find with this new campaign. The church insists it still opposes gay marriage and believes that sex outside of marriage between a man and a woman violates God’s law. But Mormon leaders who held a rare news conference Jan. 27 said, “we must all learn to live with others who do not share the same beliefs or values.”

RUSSEL CONTRERAS / Associated Press

Immigrant advocates attend a Feb. 2 rally to protest a proposal that would repeal a law and prohibit immigrants from being able to get driver’s licenses in New Mexico. JSRI believes immigration is a national problem, and they hope to work on it in the New Orleans community.

fluence the government of the migrants’ home countries in any way possible. Baudouin said that every few years, the Jesuits look toward the status and future of their order, which has ultimately resulted in working for social justice. “It is really a top priority of the Jesuits to take care of refugees and immigrants; apostolic priority is what they call it,” Baudouin said. The right to migration is a basic human right according to The Rev. Fred Kammer, S.J. in his article “Catholic Social Teaching and Migration.” He gives insight to the reason behind migration of this nature. “The right to life and the conditions worthy of life — when threatened by poverty, injustice, religious intolerance, armed conflict and

other root causes — give rise to the right to migrate,” Kammer said in his article. The rejection of migrants’ rights fuels the Jesuits’ deep commitment to the just treatment of migrants. According to the migration specialist Susan M. Weishar, several major Jesuit entities are working on migration issues in the United States, especially for comprehensive migration reform and fair treatment of asylum seekers near the U.S. border. “I am motivated by my faith to do this but certainly its efficacy speaking out on social justice issue is a core American value that is one of our great civil rights,” Weishar said. She said that she encourages Loyola students to take part in the

search for just treatment and dignity for immigrants. “It is a pivotal human rights issue,” Weishar said. “I would invite Loyola students to actually get involved with volunteer service where they can get engaged and come to know immigrants who are trapped in this nightmarish situation of undocumentation.” One of the many volunteer opportunities is at Cafe Con Ingles, where volunteers can have a oneon-one experience with adult immigrants. “If you care about justice and compassion and solidarity, then this is an issue that you really need to get involved in,” Weishar said.

Jesus, the reason for Mardi Gras season By Davis Walden

Religion briefs

State Museum, said that in 18th and 19th century New Orleans, the celebration of Mardi Gras was focused around the king cake. “It turned into a tradition where the parties and the balls would be accompanied by the presentation and serving of a cake, what we would call a king cake today,” Phillips said. The king cake’s religious meaning is not only shown by the shape — the circle representing the wise men’s journey — but through the colors as well. Purple represents justice, yellow equates to power and green stands for faith. “The tradition developed putting a bean and, eventually, a small baby figurine inside the cake,” Phillips said. “Whoever found that in the cake would be declared king of the ball and that, of course, left the baby as a tradition of bringing the next king cake.” The baby figurine in the cake became a symbol for finding baby Jesus. “Particularly in New Orleans, because of its deep and long Catholic tradition, there’s a lot of evidence why it sort of takes on a religious connotation,” Bindewald said.

Sundance Film Festival debuted controversial movie about Scientology PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to a packed house with police protection. Director Alex Gibney’s film claims that the church routinely intimidates, manipulates and even tortures its members. Before the Jan. 25 premiere, the Church of Scientology took out full-page ads in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times claiming the documentary is full of falsehoods. But Gibney interviewed former Scientology believers, including Oscar-winning director Paul Haggis, who left the church in 2009 after decades of membership. As Haggis climbed to the highest levels of Scientology, he finally learned its founder’s ultimate theory: That a tyrannical galactic overlord named Xenu dropped frozen bodies from millions of years ago into volcanoes, and those spirits attach themselves to people today. Scientology claims to “clear” the body and mind of those spirits.

Pope Francis begins sainthoood process for Oscar Romero

RAQUEL DERGANZ BAKER/ The Maroon

Bethany Washington, business junior, gets the St. Ignatius statue in the Mardi Gras spirit with some beads. Mardi Gras season is not just about the parades and throws, it also contains religious symbolism.

Mardi Gras was introduced in Louisiana when the French established their first permanent settlement and brought the festivities with them. C.W. Cannon, English and New Orleans studies professor, said that like New Orleans itself, Carnival was not designed as a tourist attraction. “There is a huge degree of resi-

dent participation in Carnival and a huge range of traditional practices, many of which have never been discovered by tourists.” Bindewald said Mardi Gras became something the city and families celebrated together.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has decreed that slain Salvadoran archbishop Oscar Romero was killed out of hatred for the faith, approving a martyrdom declaration that sets the stage for his beatification. Francis approved the decree at a meeting Tuesday with the head of the Vatican’s saint-making office. Romero, the archbishop of San Salvador, was gunned down by right-wing death squads in 1980 while celebrating Mass. He had spoken out against repression by the Salvadoran army at the beginning of the country’s 1980-1992 civil war between the right-wing government and leftist rebels. His sainthood cause had been held up by the Vatican for years out of concern for his support of liberation theology. But Francis “unblocked” the cause soon after being elected.

SPORTS

February 6, 2015 THE MAROON

SPORTS BRIEFS Tennis team swept by Xavier University

The Loyola men’s and women’s tennis team was defeated by No. 7 ranked Xavier University on Friday, Jan. 30. Senior captain Meghan De Baroncelli faced Nour Abbes, who is currently ranked No. 1 in the division, in a singles match. De Baroncelli won two individual games but fell to Abbes 6-1. De Baroncelli also lost the doubles match paired with sophomore Alexa Mancuso to the team of Nour Abbes and Carmen Nelson. The men also faced ranked opponents. Sophomore Trivesh Singh competed in the No. 1 singles spot but fell to No. 13 ranked Kyle Montrel. The team will face LSU Alexandria on Feb. 7 at the City Park Tennis Center.

Women’s team downs Mobile in Hall of Fame game

Courtesy of Athletic Department

Former women’s basketball head coach Mary “Dobee” Plaisance poses for her Hall of Fame photo with Brett Simpson, head athletic director (right). Plaisance led the women’s team to their first conference tournament title in program history in the 2006-2007 season.

Loyola celebrates Hall of Fame

By Kameron Hay kahay@loyno.edu

Five new members were welcomed to the Wolf Pack Athletics Hall of Fame this year. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held on Jan. 31, honored Mary “Dobee” Plaisance, Greg Castillo, Matt Cagigal A’07, Luke Zumo A’08 and James “Argo” Meza A’70. When Plaisance, a former Loyola women’s basketball coach, found out she was being inducted into the Wolf Pack Hall of Fame she said she was overcome with emotion and disbelief. “I started crying when I found out I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2015. I never dreamed in a million years this would happen”, Plaisance said.

Plaisance was the first coach in the history of the Loyola women’s basketball program and is a key reason why the program is where it is today. However, she said it wasn’t easy getting where she is. “When I first became the coach, it was a battle for 13 years,” Plaisance said. “I battled not having assistant coaches and scholarships, but it made me a well-rounded coach.” Plaisance said that her work ethic and determination to build a strong program at Loyola ultimately landed her a job as the head coach at the Division I school Nichols State University. The team’s current head coach, Kellie Kennedy, said that Plaisance’s presence is still felt throughout the Loyola women’s basketball program. “Coach Plaisance is a great person and a great coach. She is very

deserving to get into the Hall of Fame. She had great success here at Loyola,” Kennedy said. Plaisance said she is excited about what is currently happening this season with the women’s basketball team. “I am extremely excited about the success of the Loyola women’s program today. I give Coach Kennedy and her staff a lot of credit. She has sustained the success, and that speaks volumes to the job they are doing,” Plaisance said. With the women’s basketball team’s recent success, the Hall of Fame may not be out of the question for Kennedy one day. “I’m not thinking that far ahead yet, but it would be a great honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame — something I would also want for my players. I think it’s great being a part

of a successful program,” Kennedy said. One of Kennedy’s players, Meghan Whitaker, said that it would be an honor for her to one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame. “I would love to be honored into the Loyola Hall of Fame one day. Unfortunately I have only been here for two years so I was not able to break any records to get me there,” Whitaker said. However, Whitaker said that her team’s chances of possible winning a championship could help her chances. “Hopefully we can win a national championship and my three pointers will continue to fall this season to maybe give me a possible shot,” Whitaker said.

WOLF PACK SCHEDULE AND RANKINGS MEN’S AND WOMEN ‘S BASKETBALL FEB. 12 Blue Mountain College FEB. 14 at Faulkner University FEB. 19 at University of Mobile FEB. 21 William Carey University FEB. 26 Bethel University FEB. 28 Belhaven Unversity MARCH 4-7 SSAC Tournament

WOMEN’S STANDINGS 1) CAMPBELLSVILLE (21-1)

2) FRED-HARDEMAN (21-1) 3) LANGSTON (19-1) 4) LOYOLA (19-1)

MEN’S STANDINGS 1) HOPE INTERNATIONAL(20-1) 2) PIKERVILLE (21-2) 3) CALL STATE SAN MARCOS (20-2) 4) FRED HARDEMAN (19-2)

BASEBALL FEB. 6-7 Rust College (DH) FEB. 12-13 Martin Methodist University (DH) FEB. 16 at Louisiana College (DH) FEB. 18 College of St. Joseph (DH) FEB. 20-21 at William Carey University (DH) FEB. 27-28 Belhaven University (DH) MARCH 5 Calumet College (DH)

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS FEB. 7 LSU-Alexandria ( 12 p.m.) FEB. 20 at Brenau University (9 a.m.) FEB. 20 at Dalton State (3 p.m.) FEB. 21 at Coastal Georgia (10 a.m.) FEB. 28 Tougaloo (10:30 a.m.) FEB. 28 Rhodes College (3 p.m.) MARCH 6 Spring Hill College (4 p.m.)

The women’s basketball team achieved its fifth straight win by taking down their conference opponent the University of Mobile on Saturday, Jan. 31. The team was led by sophomore Meghan Temple, who recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Megan Whittaker also added a career-high of 20 points with six three-pointers, and Janeicia Neely chipped in 12 points for the win. The team’s record has improved to 19-1, and they will face Blue Mountain College in the Den on Feb. 12.

Men’s team pull away from Mobile in the final seconds The men’s team pulled off a 59-58 win against their conference opponent the University of Mobile. Sophomore Jalen Gray sealed the victory at the free throw line for The Pack, hitting three big free throws in the final minute. The team was led on offense by senior McCall Tomeny with 16 points, and senior Daniel Kuhl added 13 points and 6 rebounds in Saturday’s win. The men’s team is riding the momentum of a two-game winning streak and improved to 11-8 for the season. They will be back in action against Blue Mountain College on Saturday, Feb. 12 in the Den.

Meghan Temple is awarded Student Athlete of the Week Women’s basketball sophomore Meghan Temple was named Student Athlete of the Week for Jan. 26. Temple recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds in the women’s victory over the University of Mobile on Saturday, Jan. 31. In the team’s previous game against William Carey University, Temple tallied 15 points and nine rebounds. She also shot nearly 78 percent from the field in the road win.

OPINION

February 6, 2015 The Maroon

IN MY OPINION Students sharing their opinions on topics

Like Father, like Loyola A student urges Loyola to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis and open a dialogue about the needs of the student body

MICHAEL OLAUSEN Michael is an English literature senior. moolause@loyno. edu

As a graduating senior, who has spent the last seven and a half years in Catholic-affiliated school systems, I have seen a great deal of positive change in the interplay between faith and intellectual and social development. With the recent appointment of Pope Francis, I cannot help but feel optimistic about the future of Loyola and the new, progressive paths it might follow. I am by no means a religious person, but Pope Francis transcends religion as a world leader. I have a tremendous respect for the way he comports himself and his unwavering dedication to all people. Pope Francis is a rare breed: one who can maintain humility while holding a position of the highest order. One of the things I respect him most for is the recent synod in October that reviewed the Church’s stance on sex and marriage. While this may not seem like a revolutionary first step, one must keep in mind the history of the

Church and its resistance to change. NBC News reported that The Rev. Manuel Dorantes said, “this is completely new” when asked if the positive view of sex within the Church had ever been discussed so openly. It’s also purported that stemming from this synod, as well as meetings that are scheduled to take place sometime this year with more bishops, the Vatican will address divorce, same-sex couples and cohabitation, according to NBC. Depending on their future official statements, this could be a welcomed revelation that is going to really aid the image of the Church. Loyola ought to follow the Pope’s lead and start opening up dialogues about sex and sex education. Evolution is a necessary part of any system of thought, and the Vatican is measuring up to our rapidly changing society and culture. The days of shoving celibacy down students throats are numbered. “Natural Family Planning” as a favorable, “natural” contraceptive over condoms or female contraceptives is on its deathbed, rasping its final breaths as science and, quite frankly, common sense put to rest NFP’s efficacy. I’m not saying that Loyola is doing this to students. In fact, I think Loyola takes a much more ambivalent approach by ignoring this as-

pect of student life — the “if I don’t see it or hear about it, it doesn’t exist” tactic. Emerging from this lack of engagement between administration and the student body is a growing dissonance. For my part at least, I would like to see some sort of action by the university to address sex in a similar fashion as Pope Francis with these questions in mind: What are the needs of the student body? And what can we do to make sure our students are safe and educated? Too often we take for granted that students entering college are educated about sex, when in reality, there are many places in America and outside of it that have truly deplorable sexual education curricula, or none at all. Loyola owes it to its student body to make sure resources are available for their education and safety. This is not some rallying cry against the university’s administration, but merely a plea from a Resident Assistant of three years and someone who really loves Loyola. I’m also relatively optimistic that there will be change as soon as Pope Francis continues to dedicate his papal tenure to making Catholicism accessible and accepting.

Acts of extremism are not exclusive to one religion GAGE COUNTS Gage is an economics freshman. rgcounts@loyno.edu

There is no religion in world history that has been immune from acts of violence being done in its name. In 1948, Zionists massacred Palestinians at Deir Yassin. Responding to the massacre, Menachem Begin, the future Prime Minister of Israel, said that they would go forward to “attack and smite the enemy. God, God, Thou has chosen us for conquest.” In 2011, Anders Behring Breivik, a Christian, murdered over 75 people, mostly teenagers. In doing so, he

called himself a warrior of God. In 2015, two Muslims slew 10 journalists and two police officers protecting them. During the attack, they yelled “Allahu Akbar,” and “the prophet is avenged.” While it’s easy to point out the association of religion and violence, it would be naïve to ignore the other factors acting on the people involved in these acts of violence. It was not Judaism, but nationalism, that was the dominant force that led to the unjustified deaths of over 100. It was not Christianity, but xenophobia that triggered the gunning down of children. In the same way, it was not Islamism or intolerance of free speech that was the main driving force for attacking Charlie Hebdo; according to Amedy Coulibaly, the terrorist that attacked a kosher market in Paris in early January, it was France’s

history of imperialism and recent military involvement in Libya, Mali and Syria. Al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula has claimed responsibility for the Charlie Hebdo attack, and as the attackers said as much themselves, there is good reason to believe it. In order to be successful in importing their ideology to France, al-Qa’ida has to create a common political identity in the Muslim community around their persecution. Suddenly, the waters clear. The purpose changes from attacking free expression to provoking a radical anti-Muslim reaction. The plan to incite a reaction has been successful. Since the carnage in Paris, 25,000 Germans marched in Dresden to protest Muslim immigrants in Germany. Marine le Pen of the far-right Front National party has demanded a purging of fundamentalist Mosques from France.

Charlie Hebdo published yet another attack on Muhammad. Al-Qa’ida is trying to make Western Muslims alien outcasts, more prone to join extremist movements like theirs. Most in the Western world recognize that the message of Jesus is one of love, not violence. As a Christian, I count this as a blessing. If the present discussion of Islam is any indicator, Muslims are not afforded this blessing. Many Muslims are now facing a sea of isolation. Pictures of their Prophet are shoved in their faces, and they’re being told that they can like it, or they’re one of them. Right now, Muslims need allies, not antagonists. For that reason, I have to come out. Je suis Muslim.

Foie gras gives rise to question of ethics LOGAN FAUST Logan is a theatre senior. lmfaust@loyno.edu

Good news Californians, gourmands and sadists alike — in my experience, the three have been known to go hand in hand — a California judge has officially lifted the statewide ban on foie gras, meaning West Coast residents can finally get their fill of force-fed fowl. For those of you unfamiliar with the delicacy, or those of you who have never had to cater a silent auction, or those of you who are not in the highest possible income bracket, foie gras is a food product produced from the fatty livers of duck or geese. “Fatty livers,” you say to yourself, salivating like Pavlov’s Dog staying overnight with Quasimodo. “However can I get my mitts on one of those tasty vital organs?” The answer is quite simple. In the grand tradition, dating all the way back to 2500 B.C. with the Ancient Egyptians, one simply shoves a feeding tube into a duck or goose — your preference — and force feeds the bird a slurry of corn meal three to four times daily for roughly two weeks. Following the force feeding, the liver is extracted from the bird — do whatever you wish with the rest of the carcass; this isn’t “A Christmas Carol” — and prepared according to recipe. Unless you like your poultry like Guantanamo inmates, I would imagine a large dollop of pâté doesn’t sound terribly appetizing right now. Personally, I have never tried foie gras, a dish allegedly so tasty that Charles Gérard, French actor and director, once described it as “the supreme fruit of gastronomy.” Still, I cannot help but agree with PETA on this one. Somewhere in the distance, one might hear pseudo-libertarian rumblings in the background decrying gastronomic regulations and the right of individuals to shove pipes down whatever’s throats they so wish, so long as they don’t harm another human. Pay them no heed. That said, allow me to say this in defense of those succulently bloated liver products: anyone with the money to buy foie gras on a regular enough basis that a statewide ban affects them is, most likely, guilty of more culpable crimes than shoving corn down a goose’s throat. I’m looking at you, Donald Trump. Then again, if you’re reading this, you’re either a student like me, or a teacher. In either case, I would be willing to wager that the foie gras ban has affected none of us, and not just because it happened in California.

EDITORIAL

February 6, 2015 THE MAROON

OUR EDITORIAL

The majority opinion of our editorial board

HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Harper Lee’s impending sophomore novel. GROWL to the rain. HOWL to the moon. GROWL to being historically and systemically oppressed and having no hope of a future sans oppression because of the weight of so much past. HOWL to the smell of strawberries. GROWL to continuing to wait 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 Whitney Woods Ellen McCusker

Worldview Editor Editorial Editor Life and Times Editor Wolf Editor

Mindful masquerading When wearing celebratory garb and throwing themed parties, it is important to be considerate and mindful of the cultures you are emulating and potentially offending Weekends are welcomed opportunities to abandon the stress and pressure that accompany the rigors of an academic school week, and parties are ingrained elements of college culture. They are easy, effortless ways to let loose, have fun and interact with your peers in a less rigid setting than the one that academia provides. The cliché manifestation of the college party that we are bringing into question today is not the red solo cup, or the beer pong table, or your twenty pound keg. Those are fine. Keep those. Today, we’d like to talk about themed parties. Don’t get us wrong — invite any one of us to a masquerade and we’ll be there, no questions asked. There is nothing inherently wrong with dressing in costume, cutting loose and letting bottled inhibitions fly without the repercussions that come with being readily identifiable. But sometimes, when college students release all of of these inhibitions, they often abuse these forums and turn them into something a little less jovial and light-hearted. To state it simply — costume parties are not an excuse to be tasteless,

lewd and offensive. Two weeks ago, Louisiana State University’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma hosted a party with the theme, “What I’d Be Without My Degree?” Many of its members dressed up as homeless people and carried signs boasting various offenses, like “Homeless + Thirsty,” “Obama ain’t the only one who wants change” and “I bet u a drink u red this.” This party’s theme minimizes the plight of one of the most vulnerable groups in our populous. And this critique on its own does not even begin to take into account the fact that Louisiana boasts one of the most notoriously ignored homeless populations in the country. This past fall, many Tulane students painted their faces and wore feathered headdresses in an attempt to emulate Native Americans at a fraternity themed party called “Dranksgiving.” This was not done respectfully or to memorialize one of the most persecuted minority groups in America’s dark history of colonial imperialism. It was done for the sake of fraternizing and drinking in colorful, celebratory garb. Loyola organizations too have been guilty of this same brand of

insensitivity. Greek organizations recently hosted a stepping party in which members from Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council sororities and fraternities stepped with historically black sororities from the National Pan-hellenic Council. What this event may have failed to account for was that the tradition of stepping emerged from historically black groups that were formulated in response to the conditions of a segregated society that refused to include and welcome them in historically white sororities and fraternities. Throwing parties like these are not inherently offensive, but when these origins are not taken into consideration, it is hard to assume that intentions are in the right place. These all follow a trend of insensitive Greek-sponsored events in the Louisiana community this past year, which stems from a greater tradition of racial segregation and cultural insensitivity in the South. These roots run deep. In the 1962 edition of The Wolf Yearbook, Loyola’s chapter of Tri Phi represented “the South of long ago” in a choral performance. Half of its members wore black face. Half did not. These halves were separated. The page be-

fore shows pictures of its members’ faces being painted and is accompanied with the caption: “One more dab ought to do and not even your mother will recognize you.” It is important that this editorial does not read as an attack on Greek life and Greek sponsored events. These parties reflect a larger culture of insensitivity. They do not necessarily reflect the morals of the social groups they were hosted by, but rather, the morals of the society that these groups are found in. After all, we are the millennial generation, found at music festivals across the country garbed in the likes of Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 — companies who directly profit from the exploitation and commodification of minority cultures and their respective traditional wears. Before things get too lofty, we’ll bring it back to this — try a little empathy. Have your fun; throw your themed parties; go to all the Mardi Gras parades you please. But we’ll say it again — do not make a costume out of culture. Practice sensitivity instead.

Sports Editor Religion Editor Photo Editor Senior Staff Photographer The Works Editor Maroon Minute Coordinator Social Media Coordinator 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. KATIE RICHARD / Resident Cartoonist