Palestinian student Nour Saad spoke at the vigil for Palestine. Students gathered in the Peace Quad on Jan. 29 to mourn the ongoing loss of life in Palestine. Laci Barrow/ The Maroon
Students grieve for Palestine during vigil Elinor Upham
to address through organizational efforts, including an interfaith vigil for Palestine on Jan. 29. Loyola SDS president Carson Cruse said, “We wanted to have something on campus because there's a lot of Palestinian students here, a lot of Arab students, Muslim students that don't feel safe at outside events.”
Cruse said the goal of the vigil is to provide a safe and educational space for the Loyola community to come together and grieve the immense loss of life in Palestine. “What are we supposed to do? We just go about our lives, and we can't any longer. It's too much,” Cruse said. “It's always on my phone, like children dying, women, families
being bombed, and journalists being killed.” The vigil featured speakers from the Loyola and New Orleans community. The speakers represented members of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish faiths, who offered words of comfort, prayer, poetry, anger, and resilience in English, Arabic, and Hebrew. Students, staff, and community
members also took to the stage to share their experiences and feelings about Palestine with their peers in the Peace Quad. A Palestinian member of the Masjid Omar mosque Hakm Murad said, “We want everyone to understand that we deserve humanity. We deserve a place to call home.”
Vigil for Palestine met with university resistance
president Talla Essa, met with the administration via Zoom on Nov. 1, 2023 to discuss their security concerns with the proposed vigil, which was scheduled for Oct. 2023. They said the Zoom included two administrators – Alicia Bourque and Dale O’Neill – along with Loyola Police officer Patrick Martin. According to Essa and Cruse, Bourque, vice president of student affairs, asked them where the administration should start reaching out to Palestinian students. Essa said she told Bourque to start
with the members of MSA; however, MSA members said they received no further communication from Bourque or the administration, according to Essa. “They said that they were actually contacted by the New Orleans Police Department,” Cruse said. Cruse believed this to be blatant racism. Cruse said he was told NOPD thought the event to be “dangerous and a threat to the city.” Bourque did not respond in time for publication. The Loyola chapter of Students
for a Democratic Society, the Muslim Student Association and the Jesuit Social Research Institute sponsored the vigil, and they all split the $420 cost to pay four police officers to attend the vigil and provide a law enforcement presence, Cruse said. “It's very clear because it's the Muslim Student Association associated with this that there's for some reason more of a threat,” he said.
esupham@my.loyno.edu
How do you mourn the deaths of over 25,000 people? How do you help a community mourn those deaths? These are the questions that the Loyola chapter of students for a democratic Society and the Loyola Muslim Student Association attempt
Elinor Upham esupham@my.loyno.edu
The Loyola chapter of Students for a Democratic Society and the Muslim Student Association said they went back and forth with administration for
months to plan an interfaith vigil for “Palestinian martyrs.” “We went to the administration. We submitted forms,” SDS president Carson Cruse said, “Three times, we submitted a vigil form…we were denied every time.” Cruse said he, along with MSA
See Vigil, page 2
NEWS
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February 2, 2024
Mardi Gras policies raise concerns ByPharrell Every pjevery@my.loyno.edu
Robert Gnuse teaches a class on Jesus Christ on Jan. 30. Elinor Upham/The Maroon
Professor receives Dux Academicus By Sydney Piglia snpiglia@my.loyno.edu
Growing up, professor Robert Gnuse had a fascination with ancient history that eventually led him to the Bible, specifically the Old Testament. This special interest, coupled with the realization that not all teachers are good, led Gnuse to be an educator. Gnuse, who has been a religious studies professor at Loyola since 1980, believes teaching is an act of service, which he has dedicated the last four decades of his life to. Before his career in higher education, he spent 12 years in pre-ministerial school, before becoming an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church. In 1978, he received his Ph.D. in the Old Testament from Vanderbilt University. Gnuse, who still preaches on Sundays, recognizes the importance of acknowledging historical settings and context when trying to interpret the Bible. In his classroom, he focuses on how the Bible applies to modern issues, such as homosexuality, women’s rights, and slavery, he said. Gnuse says it’s important to meet stu-
VIGIL: Continued from page 1 University spokesperson Rachel Hoormann said, “The university has policies and procedures, outlined in the Student Organization Handbook, that govern events hosted by student organizations, including protests and vigils.” According to Hoormann, campus safety is the main concern for these kinds of events, but they also keep in mind any disruptions an event would bring to normal university operations. “When an event plan does not fully show evidence to support those priorities, it will be denied,” Hoormann said. Hoormann did not directly comment on the previously denied vigils. Another area of frustration for many students was the perceived difference in how Jewish and Muslim and Arab students were treated by the university following Oct. 7, which is when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory near Gaza. Camila Sobral, a Loyola graduate student and member of Jewish Voice for Peace, said “I got an email a few days after Oct. 7 that said, ‘our files indicate that you may have been affected by what is happening in Israel’.” According to Sobral, they received at least two emails from the university regarding Oct. 7. Sobral said, “My first reaction was like. ‘I hope you're also reaching out to your Muslim, Arab, Palestinian students.” When asked about university communication and support following Oct. 7, Palestinian student Nour Saad said
dents where they have needs, both academically and emotionally. At this year’s faculty convocation, Gnuse became the recipient of the 2024 Dux Academicus award, which is given to outstanding members of faculty. The award has been granted at Loyola for 46 consecutive years. The award, which is submitted and voted on by a committee of faculty members and department heads, highlights excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship. The Dux is given to a member of faculty who exemplifies the philosophies of Loyola in teaching and engaging with students. In his 44 years at Loyola, Gnuse has served on nearly all department committees, including 4 terms as a faculty senator and 9 years as chair of the religious studies department. Gnuse said receiving the award was “nice but unexpected.” In his acceptance speech, Gnuse addresses his fellow faculty members. “You all deserve this award.” “This award belongs to all of you: dedicated, determined, and you are still here teaching and serving.”
she did not receive any emails from the university. Saad said she was affected emotionally by the violence in Gaza. “I needed like a week off because I just couldn't handle school,” Saad said. When asked about the discrepancy in support from the university, Hoormann said “Our outreach to students following Oct. 7 was based on the information that we had available at the time.” This information was from student applications to Loyola. If a student didn’t indicate they were from Palestine or Muslim on the application, then the university did not reach out to them, according to Hoormann. “As we learned of more students who were impacted by the conflict in the Middle East, we conducted outreach to them, as well.” MSA leaders say they received no direct communication from the university, acknowledging the war in Palestine or offering support.
Amina Mahfouz on Jan. 29. Laci Barrow/ The Maroon
Students are expressing concerns with the raised price to have a guest stay in the residence halls during the Mardi Gras holiday. Increased security measures and gendered guest requirements leave them frustrated and confused. Design junior Emma Harlan said, “The fact that they keep increasing the price [...] is really frustrating.” Harlan feels she already gives Loyola a lot of money, but she doesn’t feel she's getting enough return from it and doesn’t see where it’s going. She feels that between her freshman year to now, the university as a whole has become increasingly more disorganized. In previous years, students were given building stickers to denote residency, but this year, residential life is issuing wristbands for each resident to wear for the entirety of the holiday to enter the buildings, according to an email to students. However, no information from Residential Life has been communicated
Mardi Gras Decorations in Biever Hall on Jan 31. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
with students on when they will receive gets in there,” he said. Both Fletcher and Harlan feel that these wristbands. “They can’t get organized, so why the university policies are not giving studo they insist that students are perfect dents enough autonomy. As for housing and safety protocols, when they're not giving us the resources we need in order to follow their rules and Mardi Gras looks a lot different at other universities across New Orleans. regulations,” Harlan said. Other nearby universities are Director of residential life Chris Rice charging less for their did not respond in They can’t get organized, students to house guests time for publication. during the Mardi Gras He was emailed on so why do they insist that holiday. Jan. 18 and 23. It reTim Lempfert, execumains unclear what students are perfect when tive director of housing the guest fee is used they're not giving us the and residence life at Tufor at Loyola. University policy resources we need in order lane University said guest prices for Mardi Gras surrounding guests housing have not been include that they to follow their rules and raised, and their policy must be the same regulations, does not include gender gender as the host. requirements. Harlan believes — Emma Harlan “The cost was and rethat policy is “ridicumains $150, which covers the period lous.” There are students that fit both inside from Feb. 7–13, 2024,” he said. Lempfert said the guest fee exists to and outside of the gender binary, and for those students, the restrictions based on aid in covering additional lighting, security and staffing, and shuttle and operagender make things harder for them. Harlan wants administration to take tional costs. According to the 2023-24 Pontcharthe needs of students into consideration more, not just with Mardi Gras policies train Hall resident handbook for Univerbut across different sectors of campus sity of New Orleans, hosts are charged $50 per guest for a maximum of two life. Psychology freshman Joshua Fletcher guests. Additionally, Xavier University of has a similar outlook on what the poliLouisiana and Dillard University do not cies look like for campus. He agrees with Harlan that $300 is a permit guests during the Mardi Gras lot to ask out of college students, and to holiday, according to their 2019-20 and 2020-21 student handbooks, respectivehim, it just doesn’t make sense. Fletcher also finds the newfound se- ly. If students do not wish to pay for a curity measures frustrating to deal with, and like Harlan, he takes issue with the Mardi-guest, hotels and Airbnbs exist as an alternative option with pricing ranggender policy. “I’m the person that pays for the ing from $300-$450 per night for hotels room, so I should be able to decide who and $200-$500 per night for Airbnbs.
Broadway residents voice concern over attempted carjacking By Maria DiFelice mldifeli@my.loyno.edu
When popular commercial music junior Cason Cottrell woke up in her Cabra dorm to an email sent from Loyola university police department, she said the unsettling message raised more questions than answers. The email said police activity was on Broadway campus and to stay alert. Cottrell said she only later found out through her roommate's dad that there was an attempted carjacking right outside her dorm. “I have a car. I park there. This literally could have been me any other night. it could have happened to me or my friends or my roommates,” she said. Cottrell is not the only Broadway campus resident who felt like there was little to no information given to them. As it turns out, on Monday, Jan. 22, at around 2 a.m., a Loyola student was approached by a white Kia Soul occupied by two men, according to director of university police and emergency management Todd Warren. One of the men approached the student’s vehicle with what looked like a gun. The student was able to drive away and find a safe space to call the police. English junior Ajania Thaxton, who lives in Founders Hall, said she also woke up to the same message and was worried because of how vague it was. Thaxton said she found out about what actually happened through social media, but not from LUPD. “I woke up to the text message. I was a little worried because like, that's really vague. And that doesn't really tell us anything, like if the person is gone or whatever,” she said. LUPD sent out two messages both at
4:49 a.m. one was a text saying there was police activity on the Broadway campus and an email telling students to stay alert and indoors because there was a suspicious person who was armed and dangerous, Warren said. At the time those two messages came out, LUPD didn’t know much else about the situation, Warren said. “In hind-sight maybe we need to be a little more specific,” he said Cottrell said that she would have felt safer if she heard about the situation from LUPD and not just from word of mouth. She also said that she does notice patrolling happening around the Broadway campus, which makes her feel safe. “I think for everybody it was a little scary hearing [about] something like that happening right in the parking lot outside, while a lot of us were asleep in
our dorms,” she said. According to Warren, while the two messages that were sent out met their protocol for emergencies, he said LUPD is going to try to fix any communication skills they fell short on. Warren said he wants the community to know LUPD has a 24-hour patrol around the entirety of Loyola’s campus to keep every individual safe, and according to reports, a few minutes before the crime happened, there was an officer who was patrolling the area. Warren advises students on and off campus to be more vigilant by traveling in groups and making use of the campus safety that is put there for them. “Such incidents should remind us to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings, but should not paralyze us with fear,” he said.
Photo illustration by Laci Barrow/The Maroon
NEWS
February 2, 2024
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Dumpling alert Loyola Dining is hosting Chef Nini Nguyen. Nguyen will be giving a dumpling cooking demonstration on Feb. 20 from 2-3 p.m. in the St. Charles Room. Nguyen is a chef and instructor based in New Orleans who has worked in kitchens like Coquette in New Orleans and Eleven Madison Park in New York City. She has also competed on Season 16 of Top Chef and later in Top Chef: All-Stars.
Off-campus parking LUPD reminds students who park off-campus about these guidelines: - Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. - Do not park within 20 feet of a stop sign or intersection. - Do not park within three feet of a residential or business driveway. - No parking on parade routes two hours before parades. - No parking in residential parking permit zones longer than two hours. - If you elect to park off campus, be neighborly to those who live in the area.
Honors program director position open All tenured faculty are eligible to apply for the director of the University Honors Program position. The new director of the Honors Program will be asked to continue to develop new and innovative academic options and co-curricular activities for our Honors Program, as well as building on the work of previous directors. Those interested in applying should send a letter of interest that highlights their vision for the Honors Program and explains their qualifications for the position along with a copy of their CV. These documents should be sent to Uriel Quesada at uquesada@loyno.edu by March 1.
Changes to Google apps
Dajah Saul/The Maroon
Faculty lacks racial diversity
By Dajah Saul
drsaul@my.loyno.edu
Loyola’s Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence expresses the goal of representing the diversity of our community within New Orleans across campus. However, recent data released by the university from the past few years suggests otherwise. According to 2022-2023 data from the American Association of University Professors for Loyola, only 7% of fulltime instructional faculty are Black — a number that has remained essentially unchanged since 2016. That means that out of about 375 fulltime professors on campus, around 26 are African-American, with most of that number appearing to be within the College of Music and Media. The Maroon approached several Black faculty members to discuss the situation at Loyola, but many of those Black professors said they were not comfortable speaking publicly on the topic. Loyola touts its diversity amongst the student body, but its employment numbers show that it struggles to uphold the same diversity within the faculty. Visiting professor Gregory Lee Jr. said he finds great importance in his role as a Black male educator within the world of teaching. “I did not have a Black male instructor until I reached high school. We are seen as role models and something that young people can see and aspire to become,” Lee said. When asked about representation as a Black professor at Loyola, Lee said that he strives to share his experiences not only as a Black man, but also as an educator, with his students.
The lack of Black professors on cam- diversity, equity, and inclusion initiapus has prompted many members of the tives, having Black professors who have campus to call into question the status of been where I am is missing from the proAfrican and African-American studies gram,” Tolliver said. Loyola’s Vice President of Marketing program. With the recent program director of and Communications Rachel Hoorthe African-American studies depart- mann said that applicants for faculty ment, professor Scott Heath, being re- positions are asked to provide a diversileased from his position in the English ty statement to better understand their department, there is a call to question commitment to diversity. According to her, faculty positions the impact of the lack of diversity in professorships on campus for certain class- are posted on Loyola’s website and in higher education pees and departments riodicals, including around Loyola. “It’s sad to go into some that specifically For interdiscitarget diverse candiplinary minors on campus and have it dates. These faculty campus, including not look like the people positions also include the African and Afrifilling in the new chair can-American studies I grew up with and minor, many people have it not look like the for the African and African-American Studfeel that it is difficult ies program. to retain students of people that make this “A d m i n i s t r a t i v e color within the pro- city the cultural hub duties like being a degrams because they partment chair are not don’t see themselves that it is." a full time position. So, reflected within the — Dominique Tolliver it requires obtaining a faculty teaching the Senior journalism major faculty member intercourses. ested in the role who “Multicultural studies aren’t integrated at the foundation has the appropriate expertise and who is level of higher education and education willing to take on the additional responin general, which is causing a ripple ef- sibilities,” Hoormann said. However, Tolliver said that she sensfect,” Tolliver said. According to her, having a professor es a bigger issue at play, not just within not only see you as a Black student, but Loyola, but other universities as well understand the complexities of what when it comes to diversity. “There is a really big issue with instituyou go through in higher education is tions in general, not just PWI's (predompowerful. Without reflections of themselves inantly White institution), using the adamongst faculty, the Black student body junct professor system to say they have does not have an authoritative voice to diversity in their professorship,” Tolliver create change and a safe space, Tolliver said. said. “While the department has proposed
University fundraising campaign begins By Elinor Upham
Loyola University’s email system will change this upcoming February, according to an email sent out by Alan Schomaker. These changes will be made to improve security, collaboration, and mobile features on Google programs. The email describes some enhanced security measures to protect users' email accounts and information. User interface enhancements are intended to make the system overall more user-friendly. For any question or concerns you may have, please contact Loyola’s IT support team at support@loyno.edu or 504-865-2255.
Lee said he wants to continue to create a safe space for his students to grow on campus and within the surrounding community. “Representation always matters in the classroom and in the workplace. It gives employees and students alike the opportunity to see themselves in those who teach or lead them,” said Lee. Lee says that he wants to help students navigate the tough terrain of college so they can enter the real world in confidence. “I am here to share my experiences and pass on the lessons I have learned over the years and pass along the things the students will face in post-college life in the workplace,” Lee said. Journalism senior Domonique Tolliver said she has only been taught by two full-time Black professors during her four years at Loyola. “The lack of Black professors discouraged me from expanding my horizons within other departments at Loyola,” Tolliver said. She said not seeing Black professors compels people of color to stay in areas where they are comfortable. “Because they don’t see a safe space on campus outside of the one that they already know,” she said. Tolliver has been a commuter student her entire four years at Loyola. Despite growing up in such a diverse city, like New Orleans, Tolliver said the lack of Black professors at Loyola does not reflect the nature of Loyola’s location. “Our professors need to further reflect New Orleans. It’s sad to go into campus and have it not look like the people I grew up with and have it not look like the people that make this city the cultural hub that it is,” Tolliver said.
esupham@my.loyno.edu
The newest comprehensive fundraising campaign could help fund students’ college experience for the duration of their degree. The office of university advancement is in the process of undertaking a multiyear fundraising project that aims to raise money for a number of important areas of the university, according to Christopher Wiseman, vice president of university advancement. These areas include, but are not limited to, scholarships for students, funds for new residence halls, improved buildings for colleges on campus, unrestricted
gifts to the Loyola Fund, and support for City College programs, which are opportunities for adult learners to continue their education. “Overall,” Wiseman said, “scholarships and campus capital improvements represent more than half of the value of our fundraising goals in this comprehensive campaign.” The fundraising campaign is currently in what Wiseman calls the “leadership phase.” The leadership phase focuses on recurring donors to the university, in addition to prospective donors who have high giving potential. The office of university advancement is asking these donors to make commitments of five or more figures, according to Wiseman.
“Our [plan] is to announce a public goal for the campaign in 2026 and complete the campaign in 2028,” said Wiseman. Even though the campaign is in its early phases, there have already been notable contributions made by community members. Wiseman said one contribution comes from Joseph Canizaro, who committed $5 million to the Canizaro Center for Catholic Studies. “Several members of the Board of Trustees have made strong multi-year commitments,” Wiseman added. Alumni play an important role in fundraising as well, according to alumni association board president Eugenio Hernandez.
Loyola’s annual day of giving, Loyal Day, is devoted to encouraging alumni, parents, and friends to make gifts to the university. This year it takes place through March 20-21 from 12 p.m. to 12 p.m. Hernandez said, “This year funds raised on Loyola Loyal Day will go to support the general scholarship fund. Most students at Loyola receive financial aid, so this project has an immediate impact on students.” Hernandez hopes that students who receive financial support from the university will pay that support forward when they are alumni and contribute to funding the next generation of students.
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French Truck employees unionize for safer workplace By Chiara Faircloth clfaircll@my.loyno.edu Chartres Street French Truck Coffee employees had an encounter with a patron who threw a bag of coffee beans at a pregnant employee’s head and proceeded to threaten them all with a knife. Safety is a concern that many employees at the coffee shop have, as it is the only location in the French Quarter that does not have a security guard, unlike the Canal Street location. “French Truck understands that this is a dangerous area,” said a French Truck employee who wishes to remain anonymous. The staff requested to be excused for the remainder of the day, but management denied the request and threatened workers with termination, said the employee. The employees then decided to refuse service in protest and demanded that their safety be taken seriously, according to an Instagram account run by the French Truck union workers. The employees stood outside of the coffee shop, holding signs that read, “French Truck Workers Safety First.” Following this incident, on Jan. 22, French Truck corporate closed the location temporarily. After the protest, Chartres Street employee Mat Ricciardo was fired, according to the unnamed worker. Ricciardo participated in the walk-out, along with two other baristas, and was present for contract negotiations involving Teamsters labor union, which the Chartres Street location joined in Sept. 2023, according to the workers’ Instagram. French Truck has not disclosed
The return of sea otters and their voracious appetites has helped rescue a section of California marshland, a new study shows. Sea otters eat constantly and one of their favorite snacks is the striped shore crab. These crabs dig burrows and also nibble away roots of the marsh grass pickleweed that holds dirt in place, causing marsh banks to collapse when big waves or storms hit. Researchers found that the return of the crab-eating sea otters to a tidal estuary near Monterey, California, helped curb erosion. The 19th century fur trade decimated the otters population which once stretched from Alaska to California, as well as into Russia and Japan. At one point, as few as 2,000 remained. For the new study, researchers analyzed historic erosion rates dating back to the 1930s to assess the impact of sea otters’ return. They also set up fenced areas to keep otters away from some creek sections for three years — those creek banks eroded much faster. The latest research left no doubt as to the sea otters’ impact, said Johan Eklöf, a Stockholm University marine biologist who was not involved in the new study. Associated Press contributed to this report
Politics State
Eloise Pickering/The Maroon
the reasons for Ricciardo’s termination. According to sociology professor and Workplace Justice Project research associate Cody Melcher, “It is illegal to fire a worker for unionizing a place of work, but you can fire a worker for any reason.” A point-system is used for employee accountability, according to the worker. Points are given to employees for missing shifts without notice or arriving late, and eight infractions can result in termination, they said.
“What the union is arguing is: ‘Protesting shouldn’t be considered points because that is our right to protest,’” they said. “Any way you protest management affects, a lot of times, whether you can pay for rent or afford food.” After Ricciardo’s firing, French Truck union members and employees are now requesting a “call to action,” demanding his reinstatement, according to the workers’ Instagram. In order to support a union, Melcher said, “The number one thing is to talk to the union. Talk to
the workers themselves and ask them what they want you to do.” Coffee shops are unlike restaurants; baristas themselves are responsible for cleaning tables and dishes when they are able to, the employee said. Boycotting would be an unsustainable solution to support employees who rely heavily on tips, rather than hourly wage, they said. The worker said the best way to support service workers is by “just being kind.”
Pop of Positivity Campus sickness on the rise Otters saving the marsh
Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
By Eloise Pickering ewpicker@my.loyno.edu COVID-19 cases are on the rise, as the number of hospitalizations is at an unusual high during this winter season, according to the Center for Disease Control. Prior to the increase in cases, COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations within the U.S. haven’t been this high since January of 2023. As of Jan. 6, the CDC clocked cases of hospitalization due to the virus at nearly 34,900, which is higher than the 3,600 in June of 2023. Loyola’s campus is no exception to the rise. While registered nurse Amie Cardinal, clinical operations coordinator at Student Health Services, hasn’t seen a significant increase in cases, illness is still prevalent among students. “We are seeing a significant increase in influenza cases in Student Health since we returned from winter break,” Cardinal said. With COVID-19 and the flu traveling through campus in the weeks since the end of winter break, and with the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, Cardinal advises
students to remain vigilant in fighting against illness. According to Cardinal, influenza and other viruses spread primarily from person to person through droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. Illnesses can also spread when an individual touches something with viral particles and then touches their mouth, eyes, o r
Kat Kelsey/ The Maroon
nose. “Personally, I like to take vitamins to boost my immune system,” nursing sophomore Lexi Leonard-Graham said. Cardinal suggests getting a flu shot, in addition to being diligent by washing your hands with soap and water. “Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces that may be contaminated with germs like the flu, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones,” Cardinal said. When it comes to protecting oneself and others from viruses, avoid close contact with sick people and contain germs by keeping the nose and mouth covered when sneezing or coughing. While it is generally good for one's well being, Cardinal additionally advises to exercise regularly, get an adequate amount of sleep and rest, eat a well-balanced diet, and drink plenty of fluids to promote a good immune system and decrease the risk of falling ill. If students or staff find themselves ill, they should notify Loyola’s public health team and isolate for five full days should one test positive for COVID-19. If negative for COVID-19, students should visit Student Health Services in the lower level of the Danna Center.
A majority-Black district has now been redrawn into the six congressional districts of Louisiana, marking a win for Democrats and civil rights groups after a legal battle and political tug-of-war that spanned nearly two years. This was made official on Jan. 19, 2024, following the Democratic party’s assertion that the 2022 districts were misrepresentative of Louisiana’s voter demographic. While Black voters make up one-third of the demographic, there was only one majority-Black district prior to this change. The GOP has resisted drawing another minority district, arguing that the 2022 map is fair and constitutional. But in a change this special legislative session, the map received bipartisan support after Republicans said their hands had been tied by a looming Jan. 30 deadline and fears that a federal judgewould redraw the map herself if the task was not by completed lawmakers. The legislation now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, where it should receive his seal of approval. During the special session this week, Landry has repeatedly urged the Legislature to adopt a new map that would satisfy the court, instead of possibly putting the task in the hands of “some heavy-handed federal judge.” Associated Press contributed to this report
National Iowa lawmakers on Wednesday declined to advance a bill that would have stripped gender identity from the state’s civil rights law, a proposal that opponents said could have subjected LGBTQ+ Iowans to discrimination in education, housing and public spaces. As they discussed the measure, LGBTQ+ advocates outside the room cried out: “Trans rights are human rights.” Not every state has explicit protections for a person based on their gender identity, but opponents of the bill suggested that removing such already existing protections from a state’s anti-discrimination law would have stood out in an already historic period of anti-trans laws in Republican-led statehouses. Republican House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl — who is not a member of the subcommittee and didn’t take part in the vote — said that he doesn’t think it would be the “wise choice” to break open established civil rights code “whether you agree with all of it or not.” Associated Press contributed to this report
International Argentina continues to undergo the gradual social and political changes that were promised by newly elected president Javier Melei. Melei was elected in Dec. of 2023. His inauguration was attended by highly regarded politicians from around the world, including the president of Ukraine. Melei is a right-wing economist, and his campaign is centered upon promises to redirect Argentina from the economic instability and social insecurity that it has faced for decades. “We at least have a leader who isn’t a thief as the others,” said Argentine supporter of Melei Belen Tadamo. Associated Press contributed to this report
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STAFF
Assistant Editors: Patrick Hamilton, Rodrigo Delgado Jr., Falyn Hardouin, Mabel Regalado-Hernandez, Ruby Nieder, Chiara Faircloth, Sam Guillotte, Chris Maldonado, Janssen Van De Yacht Comics Editors: Greer Jines, Grace Knight Authors Abroad: Callie Honeycutt, Athena Marks Maroon Broadcast Producers: Francisco Esteves, Hannah Darcey, James Hufnagel, Christopher Nesbit, Matthew Richards, Leonard Jackson III, Mabel Regalado-Hernandez, Maria DiFelice, Grace Agostino, Sadie Meade, Ashlyn Bobb Collins, Cecilia Calderin
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Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
PUZZLES
Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
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Across 1 Includes on an email 4 Quite often 8 Regimen for injured athletes 13 Infield bounce 14 Burn slightly 15 Walked proudly 16 *Glide around a rink 18 "If nothing changes ... " 19 Manicurist's application 20 Delivery vehicle 22 Eucalyptus, for one 23 Fries topping 24 *Angel who's a three-time AL MVP 26 "Now You See Me" actress Fisher 29 Set of beliefs 30 *Toll road 34 Filled with cargo 37 Boxer Muhammad 38 Part of a place setting 41 Blunder 42 Threatening forecast 44 *Radioactive decay emission 46 Honking flock 49 December number 50 *Ace at a poker table 53 Idris of "The Suicide Squad" 57 Thermometer type 58 Feel regret 59 Not moving 61 "The World Is Not Enough" actress Richards 63 Swerve back and forth, as a car's rear end, or a feature of the answer to each starred clue 65 "Coming up next ... " 66 Pennsylvania's Gem City 67 Pharmaceutical watchdog gp. 68 Metal for construction beams 69 Copier paper pack 70 "Of course!"
Down 1 Chocolate morsels 2 Chocolate drink 3 Bit of witchcraft 4 Poses questions 5 "Nancy Drew" actress Lewis 6 Cheerios grain 7 Rome's __ Fountain
8 ACLU concerns 9 Country north of Ethiopia 10 One with a souped-up ride 11 French farewell 12 Under siege 15 More reasonable 17 Protest without marchers 21 Dog breeders' org. 24 "Let's __ a Deal" 25 "I'm all ears!" 27 Froths 28 Held a match to 30 Univ. aides 31 Last: Abbr. 32 Waterway that translates to "big river" 33 Shakespeare's lang. 35 Notable time period 36 Towel off 39 Pocketed, as a billiard ball
40 Brief "As I see it" 43 Tachometer marking 45 On the ball 47 Molelike mammal 48 __ de cologne 50 Musical conclusions 51 "There __ enough hours in the day!" 52 Send for a second opinion 54 Like kale 55 Back of a 45 56 Volume of maps 59 Home to seven countries whose names end in "-stan" 60 Not us 62 Fa follower 64 Hot reaction57. American Education Services abbr.
For weekly puzzle answers, download The Loyola Maroon Mobile App Apple Store
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Maroon Libs by Max Schweikarth & Kira Phillips
The noises of construction awake you. You are turning _______ [number] today! Your roommate surprises you with ___________________ [favorite cupcake flavor] and smushes it in your ___________ [body part]. After __________ [verb] off the icing, you debate going to _______________ [least favorite class] and decide to _____________ [verb] instead. Getting ready for the day, you still want to show off your ____________ [adjective] _________________ [article of clothing] and get on @LoynoCostumeShop, so_____________ [campus crush] can fall in ____________ [noun]. The day goes by exactly your way and when you _______________ [verb] into the dorm, all your friends surprise you with ________________ [large item]. They _____________ [verb] “Happy Birthday!”
REVIEWS
Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
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Vending macH INE MADNESS Francis Hall
By Mark Michel mamichel@my.loyno.edu The contents of this review on Loyola’s vending machines was taken directly from my Notes app where I copied down my thoughts, as I wandered around campus. For accuracy’s sake, I kept it stream-of-consciousness style, so don’t view it as strange if you see random interjections.
Buddig Hall:
What happened to the vending machines on the 12th floor? Seriously, where did they go? LUPD, get one of your best officers on the case! My notes for the first floor vending machines are that the hot Cheetos and hot fries are good. The drink machines are bad: the Coke machine never gives me my drinks and on the Powerade one, there’s only the battery acid flavor. Pipeline punch or nothing! That being said, I sometimes get blue Powerade from this one. Snack machine: 7/10 Coke machine: 3/10 Powerade machine: 4/10 Overall: 5/10 Sorry Buddig buddies. I’m one of you, and I feel your pain. Seriously, we’re the dorm with the most people, so why do we get the worst vending machines?
Freret Garage:
Overall, there are great picks in the snack machine here, the Oreos are the second best kind of cookie available in the vending machines on campus. Hot Cheetos and hot fries are always a plus. I wish they had brown sugar Pop-Tarts, not strawberry, but I won’t take off too much for that. The drink choices are adequate. I have nothing really to say. Snack machine: 8/10 Drink machine: 6/10 Overall: 7/10
Biever Hall:
There was a time last year during Easter break where someone smashed the glass in the snack machine and took all the snacks. That was crazy, and glass was everywhere. To be honest, that story makes me miss living in Biever. The food picks are good. I like the chocolate chip cookies; there’s not much else to say, but overall, they get a 9/10 because these vending machines kept me alive last year and never failed me (except when the glass was broken.)
Biever Hall
Photos by Maleigh Crespo/The Maroon
The Market:
I am of the eternal review that The Market is the best (and most overpriced) vending machine on campus. That is the life lesson here. El Mercado, tú eres mi amor.
Danna Center:
I'm gonna give the Danna Center basement vending machines a 10/10 because I think it's cool that they have sweet tea and pork rinds. Very Southern, I must say. Also, Barq’s root beer is a plus.
Self-Reflection:
If you saw me Monday night walking around campus from vending machine to vending machine, glued to my phone, no you didn’t.
Monroe Library:
The library vending machines are finals week staples! Nothing beats spending the last bit of money in my checking account to get the same snacks I could buy at the Market if only I hadn’t spent all my Wolfbucks by this point in the semester Look out for your friends who are wolf-poor six weeks into the semester, it’s a real struggle.
Self-Reflection (pt. 2):
I must look like a crazy person right now. I can hear my friend May calling me a screenager right now as I do this. Is this what being a reporter is?
Monroe Library (pt. 2):
I have a ruthless contempt for the drink machine in the library for only working 50 percent of the time. You’re telling me I want to spend my hard earned (not really) money to stay up to study (talk to my friends in the study room we shouldn’t still be in) and it’s not gonna work??
Miller Hall:
I don’t want to go into Miller Hall, don’t ask why. Can the business majors tell me if y’all have vending machines or not and how good they are or not? DM it to my Twitter. Sorry I mean “ X ”. No, actually, I mean Twitter. Fight me, Elon.
Monroe Hall:
IT’S 9:57 P.M. ON A MONDAY. THE FACT THAT THEY ALREADY LOCKED MONROE MAKES ME SO UPSET. Anyway, I love the Monroe vending machines. The Dunkin Donuts coffee keeps me sane. The ones in the plastic bottles are so much better than the canned ones in The Market. That’s all I have to say about them, which I suppose
means I don’t need to go into Monroe. I’m not a STEM or design student, so I don’t need access, but I like the sixth floor of Monroe. It has the best spots to nap, and I can see downtown.
Communications/Music Complex:
Of course, the music building is unlocked. I swear I think these doors are broken. Anyway, I think I spend most of my time here, so I know the vending machines quite well. I just realized I've started whispering my notes out loud as I'm writing them. If I walked past you and you heard me talking to my phone, I’d like to apologize. First off, I hate the first floor vending machines. I hate them, they never work. (Well, the drink machines work but not the snack one). THE SNACK MACHINE TAKES MY MONEY AND NEVER GIVES ME MY SNACKS! IT IS THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE! I spit at the ground this vending machine stands upon. They say you have to kick the snack one to make it give you your snacks, but trust me I’ve kicked it enough in my time. And alas, the vending machine still owes me $15 worth of snacks. I’m gonna give the fourth floor vending machines a 10/10 for emotional support during Maroon press nights on Wednesdays.
Thomas, Marquette, & Bobet:
There’s no way Thomas Hall has a vending machine right?? Are y’all gonna hate me if I don’t review that one? If you’ve read this far into this review, you’re a real one. Marquette, Marquette, Marquette. I wonder what Dr. Cole gets when he needs a light snack and/or drink. Marquette fourth floor snack machine, what are oatmeal raisin apple cookies? There’s no drink machine up here so I don’t know what Dr. Cole gets to drink when he comes up here for a snack. I had a fun rhyme about Bobet, but I’ve been advised to remove it. The only notable thing about these bad boys is that the drink machine gives you canned soda instead of plastic bottles, which I believe are not available anywhere else on campus. I think that’s an environmental win. Maybe? I don’t know.
Francis (my favorite):
The Francis vending machines hit so hard, y’all. Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, hot Cheetos, and hot fries are the best snacks on campus. Francis has them all.
Plus, they have better Monster flavors – and Body Armor too! Speaking of Body Armor, the gym machines are cool because they have the protein shakes that are so much cheaper than The Market. Also, I'd like to point out here that vending machine prices are, in the vast majority of cases, cheaper than The Market for the same product, but then again, Wolfbucks aren’t real money, so in a way, nothing you buy at The Market is real.
CMM 4th Floor
Broadway Campus & Law Library:
To the Broadway Activities Center! The BAC vending machines suck. I’m sorry. I complained about this in a distribution TikTok (follow The Maroon on TikTok. I’m on there every week, y'all). BUT GET SOME NORMAL SNACKS PLEASE. I DON'T WANT TO GET SANDWICHES OUT OF A DECREPIT BEASTLY MACHINE, LIKE IT’S BLADE RUNNER 2024 (I have never seen the Blade Runner movies.) My friend tells me the Cabra ones don’t work so I will take their word for it and say -4/10 to ALL of them. Sorry to the Cabra and Founders people, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wasn't going to review the law school library, but a loudspeaker came on saying it closed in 15 minutes, so I felt like going in. Shoutout to the guy who helped direct me toward the vending machines. Hope you have a good week! Genuinely nothing to say about the law library ones. I think they have the same snacks as the Francis ones, which is cool. I noticed Rice Krispies Treats. I don’t know if the others had them, but who doesn’t like Rice Krispies Treats? (I have cut people out of my life for their opinion on Rice Krispies Treats. If you don’t like them, argue with the wall.)
Conclusion:
The moral of the story here is that the snack options at Loyola are a complex tapestry of choices, but I think The Market rules all to be honest. (Again, argue with the wall). Actually, the real moral of the story: if you're ever impolite to any of the Sodexo workers, then I hope you lose your debit card on your way to get Boot pizza at 2 a.m. on a Thursday (couldn’t be me.)
Danna Center Basement
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THE MAROON
Feb. 2, 2024
LIFE & TIMES
Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
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Film • Arts • Food • Music • Leisure • Nightlife
Krewe du Vieux floats make political commentary By Ruby Nieder
Although the parade is known for its satirical themes, the krewe began by raising awareness of the Israel-Palestine Krewe du Vieux unveiled its 2024 conflict. “How many horrible things can we theme: “Artificial Ignorance," as they rolled down the French Quarter this past pretend aren't happening because it doesn’t affect us in our daily lives? weekend. What happens when The parade is it comes here?” Bell known for its outsaid. spoken and often “We all know exactly “We all know exvulgar themes. As a what's going on, we're just actly what’s going on. result, the floats and feigning ignorance so we We’re just feigning igwalking groups took this to comment on don't have to be the ones to norance, so we don’t have to be the ones to issues like the Isradeal with it.” deal with it," she said. el-Palestine conflict, Krewe du Vieux artificial intelligence, — Fiona Bell was freshman Coco and local political Public health sophomore Zehm’s first Mardi leaders. Gras parade experiPublic health sophomore Fiona Bell said her favorite ence. “I got three different types of funny float, called “We the Feeble,” emphasized an important political question: “Why do stickers that I am going to put on my we normalize electing officials that won't door. I’ll definitely be wearing them outbe around to witness the consequences side of Carnival season, too,” Zehm said. of their own actions and decisions?”
rrnieder@my.loyno.edu
A float mocking Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry rolls down the route of Krewe du Vieux. The theme for this year's parade was AI: Artificial Ignorance Eloise Pickering/The Maroon
Homecoming kicks off with clothing drive Mardi Gras 2024 parade schedule
Students and faculty work together to sort out clothes for the clothing drive on January 27. Millie LeCesne/The Maroon
By Daniela Martinez dcmartin@my.loyno.edu
Loyola students shopped until they dropped at Loyola University Community Action Program’s clothing drive. By using sustainable practices and help from volunteers, Loyola University Community Action Program (LUCAP) gave old clothes a second chance. In honor of Homecoming week, Loyola
University Community Action Program (LUCAP), set up a clothing drive to benefit the community and raise money for their group. Using the donations they collected in the fall from students and alumni, the group separated the clothes and held an alumni thrift sale on Monday. What was left over was sold to students on Tuesday. LUCAP President Olufemi Adegoke said the money collected at these events go towards student needs, such as trans-
portation and food. They will also make donations to places that LUCAP volunteers at. “We get to sell back to the community and the proceeds all go to student projects,” Adegoke said. Even those who are not a part of LUCAP had the chance to join and help out in different ways. Jena Montegut, who works at Iggy's cupboard, saw the clothing drive happening and was curious about what was going on. After being informed and receiving a brief explanation, Montegut was happy to help. Montegut said she was excited this event was happening because a lot of people are willing to donate, but most do not have the resources to go to drives that are far away. so having it on campus and directly helping the community is very beneficial and encouraging to others. “I feel like if it's far, no one is going to want to go,” said Montegut. “All of the projects are local in New Orleans so you are giving back, if people are looking for a way to get involved generally LUCAP is the way because we offer so many service projects,” Project lead for Paws Morgan Love said. She continued to explain that everyone who wants to volunteer should because they have many exciting activities for the semester that will make a difference.
Friday, Feb. 2 ,2024 • Krewe of Cork - 3:00p.m. in French Quarter • Krewe of Oshun - 6:00p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Cleopatra - follows • Krewe of Alla - follows Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 • Krewe of Pontchartrain - 11:30a.m. in Uptown • Legion of Mars - follows • Krewe of Choctaw - follows • Krewe of Freret - follows • Knights of Sparta/Spartan Society 5:30p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Pygmalion - follows Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 • Krewe of Barkus - 2:00p.m. in French Quarter • The Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale 11:00a.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Carrollton - 12:30p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of King Arthur - 1:30p.m. in Uptown Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 • Krewe of Druids - 6:15p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Nyx - 6:45p.m. in Uptown Thursday, Feb. 8 2024 • Knights of Babylon - 5:30p.m. in Uptown • Knights of Chaos - follows • Krewe of Muses - follows
Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 • Krewe of Bosom Buddies - 11:30a.m. in French Quarter • Krewe of Hermes - 5:30p.m. in Uptown • Krewe d’Etat - 6:30p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Morpheus - 7:00p.m. in Uptown Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 • Krewe of Iris - 11:00a.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Tucks - 12:00p.m. in Uptown Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 • Krewe of Okeanos - 11:00a.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Mid-City - follows • Krewe of Thoth - 12:00p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Bacchus - 5:15p.m. in Uptown Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 (Lundi Gras) • Krewe of Proteus - 5:15p.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Orpheus - 6:00p.m. in Uptown Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 • Krewe of Zulu - 8:00a.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Rex - 10:30a.m. in Uptown • Krewe of Elks Orleans - follows • Krewe of Crescent City - follows
The Weekend Howl Shows to See The Loyola Symphony Orchestra presents the Valentine's & Carnival Spirit Concert ROUSSEL HALL FEB. 3RD @ 6:30 PM
Food to Eat
Parade to Watch
Booze to Drink
Check out King Cake Hub and take home a delicious treat
Celebrate with furry friends with Krewe of Barkus
Sip on an apple cider beer at Snake & Jake's
FRENCH QUARTER FEB 4TH @ 2 PM
7612 OAK ST. 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM DAILY
1464 S. BROAD ST 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
SPORTS
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Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
Sailing club Baseball team works to mentally prepare for season starts up again By B. Welch
bawelch@my.loyno.edu
By Samantha Guillote slguillo@my.loyno.edu
haven’t done, and so, if you had to say the one thing we would like to do, that’s what we would like to do,” Kennedy said.
Final Scores Men's Basketball vs. Faulkner University, Jan. 25 L 75 - 80 Women's Basketball vs. Faulkner University, Jan. 25 L 52 - 70 Men's Track & Field @ New Orleans Triangular #2, Jan. 26 Marcus Brown, 400 Meter, 50.97 Connor Meigs, 1 Mile, 4:45.81
e Sophia Renzi/Th
Men's Swimming vs. Birmingham Southern College; Milligan University, Jan. 27 L 117.5 - 144.5 L 43 - 210 Women's Swimming vs. Birmingham Southern College; Milligan University, Jan. 27 L 112 - 143 L 60 - 196 Men's Tennis vs. Nicholls State University, Jan. 31 L1-6 Women's Tennis vs. Nicholls State University, Jan. 31 L3-4
Maroon
Anchor’s away. History senior Phillip Lopez takes to the sea as the sailing club president. Lopez has been a part of the sailing club all four of his years here at Loyola. Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Lopez spent a lot of time around the water, as he started sailing and competing his junior year of high school. The sailing team has been an intramural sport since the early 2000s, but it hasn’t competed in a regatta in four years, according to Lopez. Lopez is the last survivor of the group that sailed in the regattas. When the sailing club was competing, they played against Tulane, as well as schools in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. The sailing team are hoisting the sails to rebuild their team for the upcoming semester. They hope to compete in a regatta in the upcoming years, according to Lopez. “You don't have to know how to sail or even swim. We’ll teach you both,’’ Lopez said. His goal is to gain more people, teach them, and share his love for sailing. Rather than a team, Lopez sees the sailing club as a “really good group of friends,” who want to teach people about their love of being outdoors. “You can look us up on HowlConnect where we have a GroupMe,” Lopez said. You can also catch Lopez and other members of the sailing team on Feb. 1 in the Peace Quad for the “Countdown to Carnival” involvement fair.
Loyola’s baseball team is focusing on the mental side of life and baseball by journaling, setting goals, and reflecting, as their upcoming season approaches, according to head coach Jeremy Kennedy. “I try to get us all to focus on the task at hand, trying to be present wherever our feet are and not thinking about 1, 2 or 10 steps ahead,” Kennedy said about his expectations for the season. The Wolfpack will be playing the LSU Alexandria Generals on February 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Generals Baseball Field in Alexandria. The baseball team was ranked third in the SSAC’s preseason poll in October 2023 and received 45 votes for the top 25 ranking of NAIA baseball teams, creating a strong start for the Wolfpack going into the 2024 season. “I believe we’re ready to go, we’ve put in a lot of work, and I trust my guys,” sophomore third baseman and shortstop Anthony Fernandez said. Fernandez said the team has been bonding more this semester, and he’s ready to get on
the field and apply the work he and his teammates have put in during fall. The team took on Loyola alum Gabriel Trastoy as a new pitching coach, who was a catcher for the baseball team during his time in college. “Gabe Trastoy is with us as a coach this year which has helped us to be able to have more freedom to do other things …” said Kennedy on what the coaching staff and team are doing this season. Kennedy said the team's overarching goal, as of right now, is to make it to the World Series for the first time in program history. “It’s the next step for the program. It’s the next thing w e
Sports medicine isn't just for athletes By Domonique Tolliver and Eve McFarland
Loyola’s Men's and Women's Tennis and Men's Basketball teams as an athletic ecmcfarl@my.loyno.edu & djtolliv@my.loyno.edu trainer since 2021. Every type of pain shouldn't stop you Sports medicine isn't just for sports from being active, Gray explained. stars, it’s the secret to a healthier life. Injuries consistent with aching The field is a subset of orthopedic should not stop anyone from continuing medicine that promotes health for any- with physical activity if the pain is toleraone leading an active lifestyle. A recent ble, said. Instead, she suggests following study said sports medicine may be the a normal routine, switching activities to key to having a better quality of life. what's most comfortable. “I think there's a role for sports med“See where your body is and listen to icine for anybody trying to keep moving your body and understand that you can and stay active,” probably take on sports medicine “There's a role for sports a little bit more specialist & orthan you think,” thopedic surgeon medicine for anybody tryGray said. Dr. Luis Espinoza ing to keep moving and stay As the U.S. said. ages, sports medDr. Espino- active." icine can also za is a double come in handy to board-certified — Dr. Luis Espinoza train your body surgeon at Ortho- Sports medicine specialist to be ready for pedic Center for any future acciSports Medicine. dents. Recovery He explained that sports medicine from an injury takes time, and it can be specialists identify and examine injuries, even tougher to recover from an injury like arthritis with X-rays and address it as you get older. with planetary medications, cortisone “They’re also in physical therapy clinshots, or physical therapy. ics working with older generations and Sports medicine doesn’t always nec- people who aren’t doing specifically athessarily equate to surgery, Dr. Espinoza letics and then also in the clinical setting, said. working with doctors,” Gray said. Using non-operative techniques with Madison Voigt joined Loyola’s athletic rehabilitation, exercises or medicine, training department in 2022 after workyou can avoid surgical interventions, he ing with MidMichigan Health and Kent said. State University in 2021. She said the “The goal is to try to stay active and assistance of an athletic trainer or physicontinue to enjoy life in motion,” Dr. Es- cal therapist is beneficial for guidance in pinoza explained. proper movement. One crucial benefit of sports medi“If you don’t know your own deficits cine is the ability to diagnose and treat and how your body moves, you can’t potential muscular and skeleton issues properly perform those exercises. Your early which reduces the risk of long-term form is everything so it’s better to start issues. slow than it is to just jump into this Athletic trainers also influence the [sports medicine] program,” Voigt said. sports medicine industry. “It's really great to have the assistance of Keandra Gray has been working with a personal trainer to guide you through
how you’re supposed to be moving. Or if you see an athletic trainer or physical therapist, really anybody in the sports medicine realm, they can help tell you as well.” The quality of life study showed that sports medicine can accelerate the rehab process for everyone. Advanced techniques, from ultrasound imaging to personalized therapy, are developed to address the needs of pro-athletes and can also be used on everyday injuries. It’s taken some time for people to get on board with new methods implemented into sports medicine called PEACE and LOVE because everyone wants to ice and rest, Gray said. “PEACE stands for protection, elevation, avoid anti-inflammatories, compression and education” she explained. “LOVE is load, optimism, vascularization and exercising,” Gray said. Dr. Espinoza and sports medicine experts said they are always working to push the envelope on getting people back to normal faster and stronger. “Part of that is going to be technology advancing along with us,” he explained. Rotator cuff injuries are common for athletes who play overhand sports like basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, and swimming. However, rotator cuff repair surgery has become more prevalent in the general U.S. population in ages 5064. Dr. Espinoza said these new technologies and methods not only make surgeries less invasive, they also help ease recovery for patients. In Gray’s experience, athletes who were positive about their injury made the recovery process a lot easier, as they were motivated to get extra therapy and be consistent with their workouts. “You want to have a good attitude and that really does play a part. People don’t really think about that. You’re in a better position when you’re positive about your injury and positive about getting
better,” said Gray. The main goal with sports medicine is to attack orthopedic issues head-on. Aching injuries addressed by emergency rooms and urgent cares are focused on getting people functional to send them back out without solving the problem, said Voigt. “We really work towards functional movements, doing exercises to correct posture and really getting the body back to where it should be in terms of holistic health rather than just prescribing medications to alleviate pain, because they can put a mask on it,” she said. Sports medicine treatments tailored to your body can increase strength and flexibility. These treatments can help you stay fit and enjoy life to the fullest. Some of the people considered the healthiest on the planet live in what’s called “blue zones.” “Blue zones” are home to some of the oldest people and researchers say diet, lifestyle, and the environment play a huge role in determining their lifespan. “The common theme in blue zones? They eat healthy, they move a lot, they socialize, and they have healthy relationships, and that’s what I think sports medicine helps us get back to,” Dr. Espinoza said. But why is sports medicine the solution? “Why? So they can keep moving. So they can fulfill their life,” Dr. Espinoza said. “Whether it's a guitarist who may have a sore elbow from playing too much. A carpenter who has to go to work every day. A baseball player who develops a rotator cuff tear. A weekend warrior who blows out their knee and just lives for playing with their kids or with their friends and family. That is where sports medicine helps us stay moving.” The importance of sports medicine is to help people stay out of pain and keep living life.
Upcoming Games Baseball Feb. 3 @ 12&3 p.m. vs LSU Alexandria @ Alexandria Men and Women's Basketball Feb. 3 @ Home, Women @ 12 p.m. and Men @ 2 p.m. vs. University of Mobile Men and Women's Track and Field Feb. 3 @ Fastrak Athletix Indoor Collegiate Challenge @ University of Houston Men and Women's Swimming Feb. 8-9 @ The Sun Conference Championship Women's Tennis Feb. 20 @ Southeastern Louisiana University vs. SLU @ 5 p.m. Men's Tennis Feb. 25 @ Xavier University vs. XULA @ 12 p.m.
Feb. 2, 2024
THE MAROON
13
OPINION So Fetch: "Mean Girls The Musical" is the best adaptation Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
14
Those failings do not completely escape the beginnings of the stage production with multiple scenes and lyrics Dajah Saul changing over the years. The stage proEnglish senior duction is also written and produced by drsaul@my.loyno.edu Tina Fey, so a flare of questionable jokes of body shaming and misogyny still make it to the final cut. However, this does not stop its successful impact. A look and commentary into the Here’s my controversial take: “Mean world of modern technology and social Girls The Musical,” debuting on stage in media, 2018’s "Mean Girls" presents a 2018, is the best adaptation and use of perfect example of reflecting on the original, all while offering a new, fresh perthe 2004 comedic classic, “Mean Girls.” Before you invade my ideas with spective to even the most background pitchforks and torches, let me explain. characters. The production still includes a variety Get in, reader, we’re going on a drive of hilarious moments, and as I’ve seen it through the history of “Mean Girls.” To present a fair assessment, I will be twice, it only gets funnier with each atfocusing on three main iterations of the tendance. “Mean Girls The Musical” also adds original "Mean Girls" story (sorry, 2011’s more context to Cady’s backstory, with “Mean Girls 2”). Everyone knows Tina Fey’s "Mean her introductory song “It Roars” which Girls," starring Lindsay Lohan and Ra- highlights a contrast between her life in Africa and her new beginnings in the chel McAdams. You can’t sit with us. On Wednesdays, United States. “Apex Predator” and “Rewe wear pink. The whole nine yards. I’m venge Party”, longer ensemble songs of not saying that the 2004 film isn’t a clas- the musical, also pays homage to Cady’s instincts for navigating through the vast sic or fetch by any means. However, as far as inclusivity and jungle of high school, which is missing from the 2004 film. relatability goes, the The stage producstage production per"As a fan of the original tion also highlights forms the best. characters that are The vast majority and an even bigger fan either used for coof the world whose medic relief or are seen “Mean Girls” ex- of the stage production, simply placed in the cuses the film’s racial I was unimpressed with background of the stereotypes and mioriginal film, such sogynistic jokes be- 2024’s 'Mean Girls.' " as Damian, Karen, cause it was released in the early 2000s and maintained ample Gretchen, Regina’s mom, and Kevin comedic relief. The film ages in an…in- Gnapoor, who each receive their own songs to recognize the world revolving teresting, yet iconic manner. Like most early 2000s comedies, around "Mean Girls.” With the strong impact of the stage "Mean Girls" seemingly gets a pass due to its relatability and views on girlhood, production amongst theater kids and especially in the treacherous world of lovers, “Mean Girls” takes another step high school. Even if a few racial slurs fall to continue their success: a movie musical starring rising Gen-Z icon Renee through the cracks.
Sophia Maxim/The Maroon
Rapp, who also took on the role of Regina George in the stage production when she was 19-years-old. 2024’s “Mean Girls” exhibits a mixture of the 2004 classic and 2018 Broadway production, hoping to mesh both worlds together successfully. As a fan of the original and an even bigger fan of the stage production, I was unimpressed with 2024’s “Mean Girls.” While the cast held high hopes for success, and with the return of Tina Fey and several members of both previous iterations, the movie musical lost the essence of what made “Mean Girls” iconic. With a nearly identical reproduction of the 2004 script, alongside elements of the stage production, 2024’s “Mean Girls” had the works to be a fun, successful adaptation for a musical, except one thing: most audience members didn’t realize it was a musical. While I would comment on the lack
of media literacy in social media users, I also understand the confusion. In the marketing run for the movie musical, only one to two teaser trailers exhibited singing and dancing, not to mention many people being unaware that “Mean Girls” became a stage production a few years ago. For the 2024 film, there’s been a common consensus of disinterest, as half of the songs from the stage production were cut, such as Damian’s “Where Do You Belong” and Cady’s intro song, “It Roars,” as well as several reprises from Gretchen and Aaron Samuels, and the latter doesn’t sing at all in the movie musical. Even with some funny moments and mediocre musical sequences, 2024’s “Mean Girls” was a fun yet cringey two hours to witness, but for fans of the musical, they may be disappointed with the
changes from the successful stage production. 2004’s “Mean Girls” is a comedic staple of early 2000’s teen films that still provides iconic lines and memes to this day, but it struggles in maintaining a clean stale from insensitive jokes of race and misogyny. 20 years later, 2024’s “Mean Girls” fails to adapt solid moments from the original and the stage production, resulting in a confusing cluster of mediocre musical choices and casting that only stands strong in the interview process. Even if many people aren’t fans of musicals, the 2018 “Mean Girls” Broadway production maintains its relevance in the theater community as a fresh, hilarious adaptation of the original film, all while adding new elements of modern media to properly reflect early 2000’s humor in a Gen-Z generation.
New Orleans music can reinvigorate anyone Ryan Kuhn Music education junior rjkuhn@my.loyno.edu
Lizzy Hadley /The Maroon
New Orleans music is a culture. It’s an energy surrounding all aspects of New Orleanian life, from buskers at every street corner in the French Quarter, to the brass bands and trad jazz groups on Mardi Gras floats, to some of the most famous hip-hop, and R&B artists that have their roots in the Crescent City. No matter where you are in the city, you’re a stone’s throw away from some of the greatest and most influential music in American history, and New Orleans music won’t ever die. Some of my earliest memories of music in New Orleans are from my childhood Mardi Gras experiences. My family grew up in St. Bernard parish before Katrina, and would always take me back to the city for the carnival season. Even before I thought about becoming a musician myself, the music was my favorite part of the parades. I’d jump up on the guard rails as soon as I heard the bass drums shaking the street, staring down the road to catch a glimpse of the brass players, and begging the drum major to
start the next tune. I’d hop down from my ladder when I heard the brass bands coming down the street, singing every word of “When the Saints Go Marching In” with them as they passed. Truly, hearing the music in New Orleans is what sparked my musical interest in the first place, so it’s only fitting I ended up back here for my musical journey. Fast forward to the second semester of my sophomore year here at Loyola. I’d been pretty successful in my time here, making the top wind band and big band, as well as the orchestra. Regardless, I felt my love for music wavering. Over the winter break, I thought a lot, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and spent several hours in conversation with my music therapy friends to see about switching to their degree. It got bad enough by the third week of classes that I didn’t even know if I wanted to continue my path in music. I had lost the musical spark that had occurred in those earliest Mardi Gras parades, and I was lost in my musical journey. So I went and talked to my professor about everything I had been thinking and feeling, and he told me to rediscover my passion I needed to go back to what inspired my musical drive in the first place. So I spent more time just listening. I listened to every type of music I could, just trying to find the genre that would reignite the spark and get me back on track. Despite the wide
net I cast in my music search, I always came back to what I knew best, the music of New Orleans. I talked to my friend about marching in Proteus with his brass band. I had marched in smaller parades in Slidell my entire highschool career, so I was familiar with the energy you experience on parade routes, but nothing compares to the energy of an uptown New Orleans parade. Tens of thousands of screaming people on all sides of the street, people jumping into the route to second line to their favorite Mardi Gras standard, and the smiles on every band member’s face as we all get to do what we love is enough to reinvigorate anyone’s passions. Marching in that parade saved my musical journey, and the music of New Orleans had once again started a spark of passion for music that I knew very well. My advice to anyone in the city, musician or not, is to go out into the city and listen. Go into the French Quarter and meet Doreen Ketchens with her clarinet, take a walk down Frenchman Street and experience the joy of music pouring out of every window, and let yourself truly feel the music on the parade route this carnival season. New Orleans is one of the most artistically beautiful cities in the world, and the people that create this art are the most inspiring human beings this world has to offer. Let New Orleans music save your soul.
EDITORIAL
Feb. 2, 2024 THE MAROON
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HOWLS & GROWLS HOWL to Twix Bars GROWL to part-time jobs HOWL to custodial staff GROWL to the job application process HOWL to homecoming GROWL to less vegan options in the OR
Daniel Wong / The Maroon
Students need more financial support
HOWL to Mardi Gras GROWL to genocide
EDITORIAL BOARD Maleigh Crespo
Editor-in-Chief
Sophia Maxim
Managing Editor for Print
An average day for a college student: • 7:00 am: Wake up to start the day. • 7:15 am: Review the day's schedule. • 7:30 am: Head to the first job. The morning shift. • 10:00 am: Rush back to the dorm for a quick change. • 10:15 am: Attend the first class of the day. • 11:30 am: Rush across campus for the second class. • 12:30 pm: Attend the second class and try to actively participate. • 1:30 pm: Lunch break - Contemplate if I have enough meal swipes or money for food. Dining hall? Market run? No food at all? • 2:20 pm: Rush to third class. • 2:30 pm: Attend the third class and try to focus on academic responsibilities. • 3:30 pm: Engage in some homework or assignments before the next class. • 4:00 pm: Rush across campus again for the fourth class. • 4:05 pm: Attend the fourth class and try to participate actively. • 6:00 pm: Head to the work-study job. • • 9:00 pm: Finish work-study job and take the streetcar to the parttime job. • 11:00 pm: Complete part-time job responsibilities.
• 11:30 am: Return to the dorm and start preparing a quick dinner. • 12:00 am: Eat and unwind for a second. • 12:30 am: Begin studying or working on assignments. • 1:00 am: Finish academic work and prepare for the next day. • 2:00 am: Wind down, get ready for bed, and sleep. Repeat. The day of a full-time job student unfolds as a tightly choreographed dance, where every moment is accounted for. From the early morning shift to latenight study sessions, our lives are a testament to resilience and determination. But this relentless pursuit of education while navigating the demands of employment takes a toll on our well-being. Obtaining a degree is already a fulltime job and an expensive one. Many students juggle up to four jobs just to make ends meet. We barely have time to study, let alone enjoy the college experience, which is supposed to be the best time of our lives. While we diligently attend classes, the energy expended on work responsibilities often leaves us exhausted before the start of our school day. We have to rush from one commitment to another, creating a perpetual state of fatigue. It’s a juggling act to keep good academic standing, maintain work responsibilities,
Need recognition? We want to hear it! Write a letter to the editor letter@loyno.edu
and try to have a personal life. The burden of exorbitant tuition fees and living expenses often forces students into the workforce to make ends meet. It is high time for both government bodies and compassionate donors to recognize this struggle and extend a helping hand. The upcoming capital campaign, with contributions from the alumni association, may just be the hope we need. Their engagement could be instrumental in rallying donors to alleviate the financial burdens on students. Gifts to support scholarships, tailoring support to meet the needs of our student body. Receiving unrestricted donations would allow the school to decide how to enhance student life. The possibility of scholarships can allow students to have a financial burden lifted off their shoulders and get the full benefits of their education instead of merely focusing on how to pay for it. The solution lies not only in recognizing the struggles but also in taking concrete steps toward financial support. With the help of generous donations, we can pave the way for a future where every student has the opportunity to excel without sacrificing their well-being. It's time to transform the silent struggle into a call for support. Students need empathy and greater financial support, not only to make it through college but thrive and enjoy the college experience.
Quote of the week "What are we supposed to do? We just go about our lives and we can't any longer. It's too much." - Carson Cruse, Economics senior on Palestine and Israel conflict
Kloe Witt
Managing Editor for Digital
Daniela Martínez Executive Producer Dajah Saul
Wolf Editor
Taylor Falgout
Chief Visual Artist
Zach Cesarini
Design Chief
Laci Barrow
Photo Editor
Sophia Renzi
Wolf Lead Photographer
Tanesha Taylor
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Elinor Upham
News Editor
Maria DiFelice
Breaking News Editor
Eloise Pickering Mia Oliva
Worldview Editor Life and Times Editor
Jacob L'Hommedieu Lizzy Hadley
Sports Editor Op/Ed Editor
June Fernandez
Reviews Editor
Ecoi Lewis & Pharrell Every
Senior Staff Writer
Sunny Bedford
Senior Staff Photographer
Ruth Brown
Senior Staff Illustrator
Heather Rabassa & Violet Bucaro
Copy Editor
EDITORIAL POLICY The editorial on this page represents the majority opinions of The Maroon’s editorial board and does 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.
THE MAROON
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