Student activists face unexpected conduct decisions following encampment
By Maria DiFelice mldifeli@my.loyno.edu
Student activists Juleea Berthelot and Carson Cruse said they expected punishment from Loyola after being arrested on May 1 during the Tulane encampment. However, they said they didn’t anticipate the unjust obstacles to appealing or postponing their conduct cases.
Berthelot, a psychology and sociology double major, said they thought the conduct process that they had to go through was not informative leaving them confused.
“It felt very impossible every step of the way,” Berthelot said. “Like we learn something new that just makes our lives even harder.”
Fortunately, Berthelot said, they were not alone in the process. They had senior economics major, Carson Cruse, by their side going through the same thing.
The two of them were part of the five students met with student code of conduct charges this summer after organizing a pro-Palestine encampment on Tulane’s campus.
Loyola and Tulane Students for a Democratic Society organized the encampment. Berthelot and Cruse were the former leaders of Loyola SDS, meaning they faced higher conduct penalties for their leadership compared to other students who received conduct charges, Berthelot said.
Cruse and Berthelot received their preliminary hearing documents from Loyola on May 3, two days after being arrested. Cruse said when he and Berthelot asked to postpone their hearing, the university refused, claiming to the students their hearings had to happen before the start of the school year because of the universities annual conduct report. According to Cruse, they lied to them because the report is not due until October.
Dallas Flint, the director of student conduct replied to Cruse’s comment, making it clear the Office of Student Conduct has an annual security report that is anonymized data, but the timing of any student code of conduct hearing and appeals are not dependent on these reports.
“I prefer to resolve cases within the same term or academic year to ensure all data is captured for my various endof-year reports,” Flint said.
During their hearings, Cruse and Berthelot said they did not speak because they were simultaneously going through a criminal case and did not want anything in their hearing to be used against them in the court of law.
“[It’s] an ongoing criminal investigation, right? So we don’t want to provide them with any information that they could potentially provide to the police and to the courts,” Cruse said. “Which we were very certain that they have been cooperating with.”
See AFTERMATH, p.2
Right: Juleea Berthelot speaks to reporters at the Tulane encampment.
Isabella Castillo/The Maroon
Below: Student protesters resist a police sweep by sitting around the encampment structure with their arms interlocked around 3 a.m. on May 1. SWAT arrested all 11 protesters soon after. Kloe Witt/The Maroon
Student Juleea Berthelot chants as part of a protest condemning Loyola's administration on Aug. 15 during the new student convocation. The administration punished them for a similar protest in May, which at the time led to police arresting Berthelot on Tulane's campus. Sophia Maxim/The Maroon
AFTERMATH: Adviser says conduct process was problematic
Because they refused to speak, Cruse and Berthelot said they both received a year of disciplinary probation. According to Berthelot, they were not given an explanation on what the probation entailed at the time.
“It stinks,” Berthelot said. “What makes me hate it so much is that in our violations, they just told us that we're on probation, and that means that we are no longer in good standing with the university, but they don't tell you what that means.”
The student code of conduct states that disciplinary probation means if a student or organization breaks any more rules, they could face more serious consequences like revoked housing, suspension, or expulsion.
After researching independently,
Berthelot said they and Cruse discovered they could no longer participate in student organizations, hold leadership positions, or study abroad.
Cruse said it is hard to see other students enjoy activities that he previously led or participated in, especially as a senior.
“It feels just really weird – all of these things that I helped create are now just kind of like without me,” Cruse said. “It's really great that they're continuing to exist, and they will continue to exist, but, you know, it just kind of sucks to not be a part of it anymore.”
The two students tried to put in an appeal that they thought would either go to the student or faculty board of appeal, but they said this was not the case. Both Cruse and Berthelot said they were
unable to appeal to a faculty or student board, like they were able to in a prior conduct hearing for a different charge back in December.
“Our strategy with the conduct is that you know, we were just like, not going to tell them anything,” Berthelot said. “And we're going to do the appeals process because they do have an appeals process.”
According to the code of conduct, each student who is going through a conduct hearing is allowed to have either a lawyer or faculty advisor. However, the lawyers and advisers are not allowed to speak for the person who is in trouble. They are only there for guidance.
Cruse said both his and Berthelot’s advisers helped them understand what they can and can’t do throughout the hearing.
Pablo Zavala, assistant professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies, served as Cruse’s adviser. Zavala said he didn’t hesitate when Cruse asked him to be his adviser because Cruse is an “exemplary student.” He said he shared the frustration about how the code of conduct process is hard to navigate and understand without any help.
“What I will say is that the student code of conduct, the processes associated with the handbook, are very problematic,” Zavala said.
Zavala said he and Berthelot’s adviser, Annie McGlynn-Wright, worked throughout the summer with both students and helped them understand the student code of conduct and policy changes that they may not have known of.
“We don't expect students to - leave the classroom and then forget everything that they learned,” Zavala said. “So when they actually practice it and are actually exemplifying the Jesuit values, that's what makes someone want to help them.”
According to Flint, the appeals process for non-academic matters, a differing process that has been going for ten years, involves appeals that go to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Alicia Bourque.
“This appellate process (Vice President of Student Affairs or trained designees) has been in place at Loyola University New Orleans for over ten years and is clearly stated in Loyola’s Student Code of Conduct,” Flint said.
SGA shares budget updates CAMPUS
By Violet Bucaro vabucaro@loyno.edu
• The Homecoming budget has decreased because they are preparing for less students this semester.
• The homecoming chair stipend was increased by $200 last year to match the increase in the cabinet compensation.
• The Equity and Inclusion Initiatives budget has been increased in order to financially support more DEI programming. The DEI has also begun developing a relationship with the new Director of Multicultural Affairs
• Over the last 4 years, the total budget has decreased by nearly $30,000
• Students can expect another merch drop this semester.
• The University Programming Board was decreased this year due to having a smaller student population to prepare for and less big events.
• Wolf Pack Wednesdays have been reduced to every other Wednesday, so there is less money allocated since the frequency has been reduced. Last year, UPB carried out an inauguration event for the new President along with Sneaux. This year UPB will be hosting Sneaux, and SGA has added an allocation type for Sneaux to increase student organization participation.
Upcoming Events
• Do Good Week 2024, DSC Front Porch, Sept. 6. at 12:30 p.m.
• Nu Mu Voter Registration, Tulane University, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m.
• Magis Movie Night, Danna Student Center, Sept 6 at 4:45 p.m.
• Fall 2024 Internship & PartTime Job Fair, Sept. 10 at 12 - 3 p.m.
Mercy Hall set to welcome students by 2025
By Eloise Pickering ewpicker@my.loyno.edu
For the last year, the back corner of Loyola’s campus has been a source of dust, noise, and road blockages. By the end of summer 2025, however, the construction site will become Loyola’s new apartment-style dorm building: Mercy Hall.
Chief operating officer Carol Markowitz said more on-campus housing was needed, as students were being forced to move off campus.
“We simply do not currently have adequate on-campus housing capacity to meet the demand of our undergraduate population, forcing most juniors and seniors to move off campus,” Markowitz said, “The primary driver of this project boils down to supply and demand.”
Before its demolition and reconstruction, Mercy Hall housed various university departments, including counseling and criminal justice. In July of 2023, it was demolished to account for the growing desire for an apartment style, on-campus housing, according to Markowitz.
The new residence hall will be seven stories and around 200,000 square feet to accommodate about 600 students in 140 apartments of various sizes: 2-person, 4-person, and 6-person. Each apartment will be equipped with the furniture displayed in the Danna Center last spring.
Additionally, Loyola has approximately 600 law and graduate students and over 2,000 undergraduates who live off campus. Added on-campus housing will provide students with both convenience and safety, Markowitz said.
“On-campus living provides extra security for students and peace of mind for their parents,” Markowitz said.
Regarding construction, Loyola has ensured that Mercy Hall will be weather and hurricane safe, according to Markowitz. The building has a concrete frame with post-tension slabs for additional reinforcements, and the windows are hurricane-rated for impact
resistance. The roof will be modified bitumen, a sturdy asphalt covering layer, ideal for the hot and rainy New Orleans weather
Mercy Hall is equipped with an emergency generator suited to power critical systems as well as the large ground floor community space, which will serve as a respite for students in the event of a short-term power outage, according to Markowitz.
“These steps have all been taken to 'harden’ this building against potential damage from a hurricane,” Markowitz said.
The exterior of the building will include “substantial amounts” of glass curtain wall, or lightweight glass panels, according to Markowitz. A ceramic paint, known as bird frit, will be painted onto the glass to prevent impact-related bird deaths - the campus crows will stay safe.
Mercy Hall will include a decorative terrazzo crest salvaged from the original building’s floor to memorialize the former use. Mercy Hall was initially built in 1960 as Mercy Academy high school and was sold to the university in 1972 by the Sisters of Mercy.
Updated technology in Mercy Hall is planned to have efficient Wi-Fi connectivity.
“The building is full of internet and data systems,” according to Markowitz.
Like the current residence halls, Mercy will have full wireless internet coverage.
In addition, and separate from present dorms, the new hall will have hardwired data connections for heavier use and streaming at multiple ports inside every apartment.
According to Markowitz, Strategic Plan 2020 and the university’s Institutional Master Plan have taken measures for Mercy Hall to be sustainable. The building has not been certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards which are set by the U.S. Green Building council. However, those involved with building planning have been trained on sustainability and design with consciousness to the environment.
An electrical metering system will provide real time electrical consumption so residents will be aware of how their activities and practices impact energy and carbon emissions to the atmosphere.
Additionally, the new residence hall will have a rooftop solar panel system, which will cover about 30% of the building’s electrical consumption.
“The building is also one of the first in this region to be built under the recently adopted International Energy Efficiency Code,” Markowitz said.
This code entails requirements such as continuous wall and roof insulation, tighter sealing, more efficient air condition systems as well as occupancy sensors and timers on lighting systems.
The building is expected to have an Energy Use Intensity score of 37, using about half the energy of a similar baseline building. The new residential building includes over 50% recycled content, with the vast majority of the materials produced within a 500-mile radius.
Furthermore, Mercy Hall and the surrounding area has been designed to alleviate New Orleans frequent events of flooding related to heavy rain and storms. The site will capture nearly 5,000 cubic feet of stormwater through rain gardens and landscapes designed to absorb water around the building's edges and within the central courtyard.
“The Courtyard at the center of the building is designed to feel like a traditional New Orleans French Quarter experience,” Markowitz said.
Mercy Hall has been designed to be a gateway for the northeast side of the school and a more attractive entrance on Freret Street. The surrounding sidewalks are being replaced, and the perimeter of the site and the interior courtyard will house native plants and greenery.
“The courtyard and portals will create a transition space between busy Freret street and the calmer on-campus quads beyond, creating a better edge for campus,” Markowitz said.
Adjacent to the large, central courtyard, a community room will be built for campus gatherings and events. Mercy will also include study lounges on each floor and a large ground floor laundry room.
According to Markowitz, Mercy Hall will maximize interior daylight and views in apartments, promoting natural light inside the building.
“The expectation is that once complete, students will love to walk up to the building and call it their university home,” Markowitz said.
Copy Editors Morgan Matteson Alexandria Martinez Ramos
Production
Layout/Production Manager Kloe Witt
Front Page Designer Daniel Garces
The Wolf Creative Director Taylor Falgout
Photo Director Heidi Herrera-Wanke
Layout/Production Assistant Andrea Arroyo
UI/UX Coordinator Daniel Wong
Distribution Managers Sophia Renzi Eloise Pickering
Digital
Digital Director Francisco Esteves
Video Director James Hufnagel
Video Coordinator Christopher Nesbit
Anchor Mabel Regalado-Hernandez
Social Media Coordinator Jordan Higgins
Audio Director Kloe Witt
Sports Podcast Anchor Matthew Richards
PR & DEI
Public Relations Director Julia Bueno
DEI Officer Tanesha Taylor
LGBT Inclusion Officer Maria DiFelice
Contributors
Writers: Pharrell Every, Alexandra Martinez Ramos, Carmen Tonry, Samantha Guillotte, Dominique Campbell, Ruby Neider, Lonniesha Carroll, Maggie Lewis, Chris Maldonado, Gavin Crehan, Janssen Van De Yacht, Chiara Faircloth, Sydney Piglia, Natalie Thomas, Alexandria Partin, Anna Therapondos, Eleanor Boucher-Ferry, Kaitlyn Gress, William Shepard, James Wyrtzen, Deja Magee, Alana Thompson, Volodymyr Lukianenko, Mary Ella Hastings, Lucy Cromwell, Alyria Pierre, Lily Bordelon, Valentina Russel, Macee Fielding, Mary Ella Hastings, Elise Beck, Adriana Escobar, Christopher Pouncy
Photographers: Rodrigo Delgado Jr., Carmen Tonry, Ryan Talley, Ashlyn Bobb Collins, Sophia Renzi, Gana Mohamed, Sophia Santos, Zoie Jones, Olivia Sanyal, Adriana Escobar, Maria Olivera Arbona
Videographers: Carmen Tonry, Spencer Cody, Jenaleyse Waterman, Daniela Martinez, James Hufnagel, Cecilia Calderin, Gana Mohamed, Macee Fielding, Mary Ella Hastings, Olivia Sanyal, Christopher Pouncy, Maria Olivera Arbona
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LOCAL
Carrollton Station bounces back after robbery
By Lucy Cromwell ldcromwe@my.loyno.edu
Neighborhood pub Carrollton Station fell victim to an organized robbery in June, with looters making out with over fifteen thousand dollars.
“Unfortunately, they ended up taking the entire safe. They also stole around one thousand from our ATM,” owner Will Wilson said. “One guy has been caught so far, they cased the whole place, definitely knew the whole layout.”
The burglars cut the security cameras immediately from the inside, then stole
the DVR, Wilson said.
Since the robbery, Wilson has organized a GoFundMe, along with holding several benefit fundraisers.
“Even though they hit us on a Monday, with all of the cash made still in the bar after a busy weekend, we’ve been able to earn it all back through charity,” Wilson said. “Thankfully, it hasn’t negatively affected our operations or turnout.”
The bar is popular with Loyola students who come in for live music, Wilson said. Students and alumni work with the venue as performers and sound and
tech engineers. However, Wilson assured this is not an ongoing safety concern.
Carrollton Station is not the only victim of such burglary, with other venues and bars such as Blue Oak Barbecue and Grits being hit as well.
Loyola history professor Jon Moore is the owner of Broad Street Cider. Nearby crime has made Moore wary of cash transactions, leading Broad Street Cider to go cashless in their operations.
“Crime is part of doing business, especially in New Orleans,” Moore said.
New Louisiana ID required next May
Beginning May 7, 2025, Louisiana residents will need a Real ID for domestic and international air and train travel. These enhanced IDs, bearing a gold star in the top right corner, provide an extra level of security by preventing counterfeits, thanks to Congress’ Real ID Act of 2005. The new IDs will allow citizens to travel into Canada without a passport.
To get your own, bring the following to the OMV:
• Two pieces of proof of residence (paycheck, utility bill, bank statement)
• Identity and citizenship (birth certificate or passport)
• Social Security information (your card, a W-2, or a pay stub)
Residents who don’t update their IDs in time will be able to use their passports. See the Office of Motor Vehicles website for more information.
Public library cards offer free perks
By Christopher Nesbit cwnesbit@my.loyno.edu
College students and community members looking to access a wealth of free resources can do so with a New Orleans Public Library card, offering everything from e-books to museum passes at no cost.
Iriana Lonon, Outreach Librarian at Loyola’s Monroe Library, emphasizes the value of both campus and public library resources.
“While our Monroe Library is an invaluable asset for students, the public library has more varied resources,” Lonon said. “Students essentially double their access to resources, enjoy longer reservation periods, and avoid fines, all while having access to e-books, movies, and audiobooks.”
One main perk for cardholders is the Culture Pass program. This initiative grants New Orleans resident’s free admission to some of the city’s premier attractions, including the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo, the historic BK House and Gardens, and the National WWII Museum, among others.
For people wanting to obtain a library card, cards are available at any of
the 15 public library branches scattered throughout New Orleans. Two locations sit in close proximity to Loyola’s campus: the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library on St. Charles Avenue, currently closed for mold remediation, and the Nix Library on South Carrollton Avenue. Moreover, the public library is taking proactive steps to reach students directly on campus. Library representatives will be present for an open house on Friday, Sept. 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, they plan to return during Banned Books Week, scheduled for Sept. 23-27, offering another opportunity for students to secure their cards.
Sophomore Lydia Hilt said she uses her library card for entertainment and activities.
“I love using my library card to get audiobooks and go to different attractions in New Orleans,” Hilt said. “Not being from New Orleans, it’s a great way to experience all that the city has to offer.”
Lonon urges students to take advantage of this opportunity. If you want more information about the public Library, Iriana Lonon can be reached at iglonon@loyno.edu or found in her office in Monroe Library room 108.
Gov. Landry’s “Given Name Act” rolls out in Uptown schools
By Macee Fielding mfieldin@my.loyno.edu
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry implemented the “Given Name Act” in public schools, which denies students the right to go by their chosen names and pronouns without parental approval. The act went into effect in May 2024. According to the House bill, if a parent or guardian discovers that the child’s teacher is using a non-government name or chosen pronouns without the parent’s permission, the teacher can be fired, have their pay deducted, or face other consequences. This rule does not apply to derivative names or nicknames.
Communication professor Lisa Collins is a parent of two daughters in the local public school system, including a sophomore at K-12 charter, The Willow
School. Collins said she did not receive an email notice regarding the Given Name Act. According to Collins, The Willow School held an assembly explaining Landry’s new acts to students. The assembly addressed the “Given Name Act,” the required display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, and a new bathroom policy that bans transgender students from using restrooms that align with their gender identity. The Willow School had previously implemented unisex student bathrooms. The school has not yet enforced the Ten Commandments policy.
The act has gained support from conservative groups concerned that students are going by names and genders that do not coincide with the information on their birth certificates.
“Parents know their children best,
and their authority should not be superseded by teachers and school administrators,” The Heritage Foundation, a D.C.based research institution said in a Feb. 2023 report. “Schools should not make potentially life-altering decisions for a child behind parents’ backs.”
Transgender freshman Remi Grady urged the importance of autonomous expression for LGBT+ students. According to Grady, their teachers had no issue using their preferred names and pronouns when they came out, and it was easy to change their names in the school system.
“Being denied like that would have stunted any growth as a person,” Grady said. “I wouldn’t have been able to make music, successfully pursue my academic career, make friends, or contribute to my community in the ways I did.”
Photo illustration by Sophia Maxim/The Maroon
MADmoiselle performs on Aug. 17 at Carrolton Station. Sophia Maxim/The Maroon
Courtesy of Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Southern Decadence embraces debauchery, expression, and community
By Laci Barrow lmbarrow@my.loyno.edu
Southern Decadence New Orleans, one of the Gulf South's largest Pride celebrations, returned to the French Quarter for its 52nd year on Sept. 1, 2024, despite turbulent weather throughout the weekend. The vibrant, Mardi Gras-like event, which started in the 1970s as a small gathering of local gay friends, now draws over 300,000 attendees for a weekend of bar hopping, philanthropy, and parades on Labor Day weekend.
Portions of the proceeds from the weekend's events supported local initiatives within New Orleans' queer community, including NOAGE, a non profit aiding LGBTQ+ elders, and the Upstairs Lounge Fire replacement fund, which helps maintain the plaque commemorating the lives lost in the 1973 fire. In the face of the rain, the LGBTQ+ community, visitors, and locals donned rainbow attire, danced, and celebrated, honoring the spirit of the weekend. Southern Decadence continues to be a symbol of resilience and unity, reflecting the city's diverse and vibrant culture.
Below: Woman dances and plays tambourine with Krewe of Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ music supporters. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
Above: Woman marches in Southern Decadence parade on Bourbon Street with the Krewe of Queer Scouts Nola. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
Above: Parade-goer dances down sidewalk on Bourbon Street. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon; Left: Man poses with friend through passing parade crowd in front of Café Du Monde. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon; Below: Costumed man walks behind parade krewe on Bourbon Street. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
Above: Fan takes photo with local drag personality on Royal Street. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
Below: Bourbon Street fills with people, including anti-LGBTQ+ protesters, the day before the parade. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon
Above: Nola Street Cam displays colorful, festive signage during truck parade on St. Ann Street. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
Below: Man poses on Bourbon Street sidewalk amongst Southern Decadence crowd. Laci Barrow/The Maroon
Sabrina Laurence and their partner outside a bar on Bourbon Street. Sophia Renzi/The Maroon
REVIEWS
Market Madness!
By Zach Cesarini zmcesari@my.loyno.edu
With the Pepsi invasion fully complete, snacks and sweet treats alike look a little different nowadays. The Market and its neighboring stores were ground zero of the (admittedly not so hostile) corporate takeover. Everywhere you look, Pepsi is watching. The unearthly fluorescent green of Mountain Dew no doubt has something to do with
the recent lack of cockroaches I’ve seen so far this semester. Are they mutating underneath the halls of the Danna Center? Plotting a methodical takeover much like Pepsi has?
On another note, while I do miss my $3.49 Fairlife shakes, a new variety of food options makes for a decently entertaining late night Market run. How will we ever recover, you ask? The gang over here at The Maroon has come to some conclusions about the new food items so that you don’t make the wrong choice of fuel before pulling an allnighter.
Let’s start with a few takeaways from our very intense critical analysis of ‘The Market: Pepsified.’ Similar to the previous years, an overall lack
"Short n' Sweet": Humor, Heartbreak, and Hits
By Frankie Esteves fmesteve@my.loyno.edu
When Sabrina Carpenter dropped her smash single “Espresso” in April 2024, few could have predicted that it would become not only her biggest hit to date but also the anthem of the summer. As the world found itself savoring every sip of that infectious “me-espresso” vibe, Carpenter fueled the excitement by announcing her new album “Short n’ Sweet,” set for an August release.
“Short n’ Sweet” reflects on Carpenter’s brief encounters that have left a lasting impact on her, she said in an Apple Music interview.
On her 2022 album “emails i can’t send,” Carpenter delved into deeply personal themes. She explored heartbreak, parental infidelity, and the aftermath of a love triangle linked to a
of vegetarian options makes for a less enjoyable experience when one has already eaten edamame for the eleventh time this week. The salads are very hit or miss, often sporting soggy croutons, yet sometimes contain fresh crunchy greens. Inconsistent. The lack of vegetarian options continues into the sandwich section. Aside from the seemingly missing hummus sandwich, the egg salad sandwich is the only option. As good as it may be, I am rarely in the mood for an egg salad sandwich. The editorial board agrees.
Vegetarian woes aside, the microwavable meals have received an upgrade from Baku Solutions catering, and about damn time. To quote our editor in chief Sophia, “the chicken tikka
“Longlegs”: A victim of high expectations
By Chris Maldonado
cwmaldonado@my.loyno.edu
It has been awhile since I found myself as excited for a film, especially a horror film, as I have for director Oz Perkins’ latest and greatest feature, “Longlegs”. The film, set in the 1990s, follows Lee Harker, an FBI agent struggling with supernatural premonitions as she is put in charge of tracking down an elusive serial killer only known as “Longlegs”. A killer whose past may harbor dark revelations that threaten not only Harker’s life but the lives of many as his killing spree continues to grow. The film is a deeply unsettling experience that still finds ways to generate thrills, entertainment, and contemplation thanks to the stellar directorial choices of Oz Perkins, and both the subtle and unsubtle performances of Maika Monroe (as Lee Harker) and Nicolas Cage (as the titular serial killer). That being said, for as much good as there is to find in this film there is also plenty to be underwhelmed and put off by. This is n part due to the marketing campaign the film employed leading up to release
as well as social media hype.
Before addressing the film’s shortcomings, I’ll address the aforementioned positives about the film.
Director Oz Perkins has found his footing as of late in producing slow burn horror cinema and this is put on full display in Longlegs. Perkins’ decision to opt for prolonged takes and narrative ambiguity allows for a much more unsettling experience than if it was just a typical cut and dry true crime evocation. Perkins has created a film that walks a fine line between the dimensions of discomfort and bizarre, an unholy amalgamation of 70s glam rock, Satanic Panic fears, Silence of the Lambs, and The Exorcist. An amalgamation that creates a truly unique viewing experience that still feels fresh while also clearly carrying homage to previously established films and cultural iconography.
Two of the most notable ways in which Perkins puts a fresh spin on previously worn out cinematic stereotypes is through the effective performances he was able to garner out of the film’s biggest weapons: Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. Monroe, as Agent Lee Harker,
feels like a combination of Jodie Foster’s performance as Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs and Jason Miller’s performance as Father Damien Karras in the Exorcist. Monroe is able to evoke the “crisis of faith”-riddledness of Karras while maintaining the headstrong, unorthodox, and vulnerable elements of Starling. Where Monroe really shines is in the quiet moments, when the film lets the atmosphere simmer and you can see the gears turning in Agent Harker’s head as she struggles to find a rational explanation to cruel and unrelenting violence that forces her to look towards the improbable and ultimately spiral into finding connections within the occult. Monroe carries herself as someone struggling with a crisis of identity. Someone who has been lugging around a great weight her entire life and is finally forced now to examine the truth of that weight in the face of incomparable violence and supernatural implications. The real scene stealer of this film, however, is Nicolas Cage. Everytime time Cage’s Longlegs is on screen, you cannot help but have your eyes glued to his performance. Cage
certain “driver’s license.” However, with “Short n’ Sweet,” Carpenter shifts gears, embracing a lighter, more carefree vibe—she’s here for a good time.
The tracks on this project represent the catchiest, funniest, and most authentic music of her career. Across 12 tracks and 36 minutes, Carpenter effortlessly blends a variety of genres and influences. With a fusion of pop, R&B, and country, her sound defies easy categorization—but that’s precisely what makes it so compelling.
Carpenter’s artistic influences are clear on this album. Tracks like “Bed Chem” and “Good Graces” showcase Ariana Grande-inspired melodies and vocal arrangements that effortlessly draw the listener in. Meanwhile, on songs like “Juno” and “Slim Pickins,” she channels the country charm of early Taylor Swift. It’s as if Carpenter has
masala was incredibly flavorful, fresh, and filling… 10/10.” These dishes have been in the rotation for many a student, having hunted and gathered their food, ready to take them up to their humble abode as a sacrifice to the microwave gods. My most recent sacrifice was a burrito chicken bowl accompanied by a sugar-free lemonade (it’s better than drugs Jeremy). Good stuff. I had eaten it during my shift, so if the Loyola Rec Center smells of cumin and adobo, just know this one’s on me folks.
A great many options and so little time. Enjoy your Wolfbucks while they last. Onward!
become a perfect blend of Grande’s vocal finesse and Swift’s honest storytelling—a hybrid in the best possible way.
The beauty of this album lies in Carpenter’s ability to sing about heartbreak and pain through a lens of humor and absurdity.
“So much of this album was made in the moments where there was something that I just couldn’t stop laughing about,” Carpenter told Apple Music. “And I was like, well, that might as well just be a whole song.”
Overall, this album is funny, honest, and undeniably addictive. What truly sets Carpenter apart is her ability to infuse her music with her signature humor and charm, creating a sound that’s distinctly her own.
4/5
somehow can chew the scenery in a way that is both deeply uncomfortable and darkly humorous, ranging from the distinct sense of potential violence between his every action to utterly bizarre moments such as grating, voicecracking screaming sessions and an equally unnerving and hilarious bout of singing. Longlegs is best compared to another Silence of the Lambs character Buffalo Bill (for both good and bad reasons), albeit I think Cage’s killer has significantly more character, gravitas, and entertainment value than Buffalo Bill. Every second that Cage is onscreen you’re immediately drawn to him while simultaneously feeling as if you want to be as far from him as humanly possible. It is a wonderfully bizarre and unique performance full of idiosyncrasies that make it both a deeply fascinating and disturbing portrayal of a depraved and devoted murderer. Definitely the biggest reason that film stands apart from all other horror films.
As mentioned before, there are also plenty of aspects of Longlegs that will not be satisfying to many audience goers. This can be chalked up due to hype surrounding the film and some of Perkins’ directorial choices. Prior to the film’s release, an extensive marketing campaign was conducted that utilized social media platforms, namely TikTok, to send out cryptic and disturbing adverts for the film that piqued a large interest amongst the horror film community. As the film made its way to early screenings, there were many reviews that called the film one of the scariest films ever which is eerily similar
to the marketing of the 2018 horror film, Hereditary, which was notably called the scariest film since the Exorcist. Having this much hype and anticipation can do as much harm as it can do good for a film as is the case with Longlegs. Marketing seems to have given audiences the false impression that the film essentially reinvented the wheel for horror cinema and that is simply not the case. The film definitely feels formulaic, tired, and rehashed in certain segments and it’s these moments that can be underwhelming given the amount of excitement that was generated prior to release. Similarly, Perkins’ decision to opt for both narrative ambiguity and closure create a sort of viewing contradiction that can easily make the film an unsatisfying watch especially as it relates to the main antagonistic force of the film.
Longlegs is an impressive, fun, and unnerving feature from director Oz Perkins with two absolutely stellar performances from Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage. The film, while fresh in some areas, is also absolutely tired in others and abound with thematic contradictions that cannot help but risk disappointing audience-goers, especially those with heightened expectations of the film as a whole. I fully recommend the film but I also acknowledge that going in expecting a revolutionary life-altering experience will only leave the audience-goers deeply disappointed.
4/5
Courtesy of Island Records
Courtesy of Neon Cinema
SPORTS
Loyola cross country teams kick off season
By William Shepard wcshepar@my.loyno.edu
Loyola Men’s and Women’s cross country teams began their season at the Battle for New Orleans, a meet hosted by the University of New Orleans and Tulane at Lake Oak’s Park on Friday, Aug. 30. After a rebuilding last year, both teams look to start strong and establish their first times of the season.
“It’s a chance to see where you are at,” Loyola Head Cross Country Coach Geoffrey Masanet said about the event. “It tells us if you got your training done over the summer and gives us an idea of where we are fitness-wise.”
Unlike other sports, the defining moment of Loyola’s cross country season will be at the Conference Championships on Nov. 8.
“It's there as a training mechanism,” Masanet said about the upcoming meet. “Our sport is about getting ready for the conference meet.”
Last year, seven new athletes joined the men’s team, and another nine freshmen have signed on for this season. Junior Connor Meigs said the team is now able to access their full potential.
“We had a very young team last year,” Meigs said. “There's a lot of potential for growth, but we were also kind of thrown to the wolves a little bit. [Our performance] was pretty decent, but like that is only scratching the surface… That was the very bottom of what we are all capable of.”
The women’s team consists mainly of freshmen and sophomore athletes. They are emerging into their first season without star athlete Madison Acosta, who holds the women's record for Loyola’s three mile and 6000 meter events. Graduate student Jasmine Martinez hopes to lead the team into new territory.
“The main goal is hopefully as a team trying to place top three at the conference meet,” Martinez said. “We’ve never actually done it. We've always been either fourth or fifth.”
Men ranked 5th and the women ranked 6th in the Southern States Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll.
“I don’t pay any mind to [the ranking],” Martinez said. “We’ll pay more attention to the in-season poll’s when everyone is racing."
Masanet outlined that the teams were focusing on process goals this year, noting that consistent training and practice is the key to success.
“The main goals are that people are at practice every single day on time, that we have good quality sessions, and that people communicate well,” Masanet
said. “We do these things daily in and out, then we can expect to step on line at a meet and run well.”
The training looks different each year, as every runner needs specific coaching and attention for them to reach personal bests.
“Every year there are a bunch of new kids,” Masanet said. “When you have a younger team, you tend to be a little bit more conservative in how you approach day to day stuff, so you don't overload
them.”
That overload is generated not just from the standard stresses of beginning college but also the differences between high school and collegiate cross country.
“On the guy’s side, the biggest challenge that they face is that they jump from racing 5K to 8K… that’s 66% longer than what they’re accustomed to,” said Masanet. “[The] women have an extra thousand meters, which is an extra three to four minutes when we get to those
championship races later in the season.”
However, spirits are high going into the season, as a good start to fall training has brought energy and motivation to the squad.
"Everyone seems really eager and excited, happy to be here, and wanting to get better,” Meigs said. “Even if it's an early morning or it's a bad day, I'm so happy to be there because the team is growing.”
Saints Rundown
What to expect from the upcoming Black & Gold season
By June Fernandez jaferna3@my.loyno.edu
With September here, the National Football League season is underway.
If you’re not already a Saints fan, here’s some facts to pique your interest in the Black & Gold.
The New Orleans Saints start their season this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome. This should be an interesting matchup between quarterbacks Derek Carr and Bryce Young, and fans should be on the lookout for the Saints’ offense under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Carr finished the 2023-2024 season with 3,878 passing yards, 68.4% completion percentage, and 25 passing touchdowns, with an average of 7.1 yards per pass attempt (via ESPN). With this new offense under Kubiak, there are likely to be some positive changes to both passing and running strategy.
The Saints will hit the road, facing The Dallas Cowboys in Texas on Sept. 15, then return home to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 22.
Offensive: Keep a lookout for fan favorite players like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Rasheed Shaeed, Taysom Hill, and Jamaal Williams. Defensive: The team includes veterans like Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore plus star player Bryan Breese entering his second season.
Also, keep an eye out for members of the Saints 2024 Draft Class, including offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, and quarterback Spencer Rattler. These rookies are looking to make waves on the field in their first professional season.
The Saints finished the 2023-2024 season with a 9-8 wins to loss record.
College students can support the city’s team by going to games, watching broadcasts, tuning into the radio, learning about the team’s history, or wearing their favorite Saints merchandise. Another season means another opportunity to become a member of the “Who Dat Nation.”
New Orleans Saints Quarterback Derek Carr stands in the field of Tulane's Yulman Stadium during an Open Practice on Tuesday, August 20. June Fernandez/The Maroon
Left: Wolf Pack Cross Country runners Madison Leishman (left) and Emma Meneses (right) compete in the Battle For New Orleans on Aug. 30.
Above: Wolf Pack Cross Country runner Drake Breland competes at the Battle For New Orleans on Aug. 30.
Courtesy of Loyola University New Orleans Athletics
OPINION
Classical music is accessible for everyone
By Maxwell Coryell mscoryel@my.loyno.edu
On the one hand, I can talk extensively about my interests with my grandparents and other older people who I meet - but there are not nearly as many people my age who share them. And at the same time, the people I can discuss classical music with tend to be less interested in - or even dismissive of - other genres that I enjoy. There is a great rift between classical music and the rest of the musical world. In academic and formal settings, classical music has the spotlight, and in popular culture it is almost completely
ignored. I think that these two things are closely related - both edges of the same sword.
As a classical musician and composer myself, I am well aware of the stereotypes. When you read those two words, you probably imagine expensive concerts, excessive formality, and a generally elitist atmosphere. This is demeaning to the many other genres of music that exist, because it implies that classical music is somehow inherently better and more deserving of respect than they are. I feel like it should be obvious that Beethoven cannot be objectively superior to Miles Davis, but consciously or not, it is
Filócht
A poem about travels to Ireland
By Violet Bucaro vabucaro@my.loyno.edu
At Kylemore Abbey
Goats rounded at my feet. Dusty, musky mountains stared blankly, dusted with algae. Chartreuse, basil and pear stones & pebbles lined up in rows. A gradient painting, an impasto texture.
Purple flowers popped in packs– in between lines of cobblestone in skinny stacks. Water trickled down the mountain’s wrinkles. The sky was a pale white. Cream.
sheep– paused in a maze of stone, with red markings on their backs. “Baaahhhs” fell from their snouts that sounded human, odd, and a little pissed, honestly.
The curved, ridged horns wrapped around their face frames, like Lucifer's.
In Galway
Many gates and rusted railings of which did not serve a purpose or function. Abandoned ships with rusted orange residue next to swans blanketed over the water.
Windy. “Swans mate for life unless one dies.”
“Water goes up 16 ft every 6 hours, 18 on full moons.”
Horses stood still. “Seeing seven white horses means good luck, that you will meet the man of your dreams.”
I met a nice chap. I wrote him a love poem. The hello–not just a name exchange, but it sounded like one. The proud Irish boy who danced to Rock the Casbah, with curly brown hair and silver-hoop earrings.
Asked me if I’d write a poem about him after walking me home. Of course he did. Of course I did. The goodbye– a last kiss on the cheek.
I tried to be a poet on my trip. Poetry= Filócht. I read a quote in the Dublin history museum, translated into English.
“My writing equipment is bad, a soft spiky pen, foxy thick ink; vellum stoney and green, and grief.” –Manus O’Davoren 1564.
often treated as such. And I really don’t like that. Every time I mention classical music, you might also be imagining something boring. That’s because all this false significance also makes it feel inaccessible to everyone else - and no wonder!
It’s difficult to engage with something that is artificially elevated over your head. I feel like a lot of people who aren’t familiar with classical music see it as dull and pretentious because of this reputation, and so they avoid it. For the average listener, excessive seriousness is a major turn-off. (Pun intended.) Again, I don’t like this. Those of us who play classical
music take it very seriously, that’s true, but so do all professional musicians. Jazz pianists practice as much or more than I do, and popular artists put in incredible amounts of work making sure that their latest album is polished just the way they want it. J.S. Bach, Howlin’ Wolf, and Hakita created very different music, but they are all skilled in their chosen styles. And this works the other way - hobbyist musicians play for fun, whether they prefer Led Zeppelin or Chopin. I’ve been there, too. I know what it’s like. It’s also true that some classical music can be very inaccessible.
But so is some jazz - and some electronic music. And the more you expose yourself to any particular genre of music, the easier it is to understand and appreciate it.
So I’m asking you to treat the false rift between classical music and other styles as exactly what it is. I advise taking a look at classical music on its own merit, not based on an artificial narrative, and you might find that you like some of it. (Or you might not, and that’s completely understandable too.) But always remember that it’s just another style of music, no more or less special than any other.
Photo by Sophia Maxim/The Maroon
Galway, Ireland. Violet Bucaro/The Maroon
Trapped Between Two Courts
Loyola's conduct hearing process does not foster fair judgement
Imagine being involved in a criminal trial for a serious charge. Your future hinges on the outcome of this trial. At the same time, Loyola University is demanding that you also defend yourself in a university conduct hearing. Anything you say in this university hearing could be used against you in your criminal trial where the stakes are much higher. The risk of self-incrimination, combined with the need to negotiate multiple legal systems simultaneously, is daunting. And during all of this, your lawyer isn’t even allowed to speak.
On May 1, students Carson Cruse and Juleea Berthelot were arrested for their involvement in a pro-Palestine encampment at Tulane University. While the exact nature of their charges remains unclear—both criminally and under Loyola’s Student Code of Conduct—their situation highlights a problem. Navigating simultaneous criminal and university proceedings presents a frightening challenge and a fundamental unfairness.
In the criminal justice system, the
accused enjoys strong protections: the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, and the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard. These safeguards are crucial to ensuring fair justice. In contrast, Loyola’s university conduct hearings lack these protections. They operate under a far lower standard—"preponderance of the evidence"—which requires only that it be more likely than not that a student violated the code. This reduced burden of proof makes it significantly easier for the university to find a student responsible for misconduct. Given these circumstances, a student must exercise even greater caution in their defense. The risk of self-incrimination in an ongoing criminal trial further complicates their position, making it difficult to argue that this process is truly fair. The university’s inflexible scheduling only exacerbates the problem. Loyola’s Student Code of Conduct doesn’t explicitly allow students to delay university hearings until their criminal cases are resolved. Instead, the policy grants the
university the authority to proceed “prior to, simultaneously with, or following civil or criminal proceedings.” This blanket approach disregards the practical challenges students face, forcing them to juggle a full defense at the university while also protecting their rights in a criminal court. In this setup, students are at a perpetual disadvantage, with every move potentially jeopardizing their case in either arena.
University officials wield discretionary power, compounding the unfairness. These individuals have the authority to interpret the code, determine jurisdiction, and even modify procedures in so-called "exceptional circumstances." Yet, this flexibility seems to vanish when students request a reasonable delay in their conduct hearing until criminal proceedings are resolved. Without a formal process for postponement, students are left vulnerable to decisions that often overlook the complexity of their legal situations.
The university’s opaque sanctions and appeals process only deepens the
lack of procedural fairness. While students technically have the right to appeal a conduct hearing's outcome, their grounds for doing so are limited, and the decision to grant an appeal rests with the same officials who oversaw the original case. This lack of external oversight, combined with the potential for bias, raises serious concerns about the overall fairness of the system. It’d be like getting charged for a crime and deferring to your prosecutor for appeal.
At a university that upholds Jesuit values like Cura Personalis—the care for the whole person—one would expect fairness to be a fundamental principle. Caring for the whole person should inherently include respect for individuals' specific needs and concerns. However, there appears to be an inconsistency in practice, where fairness is sometimes upheld and other times overlooked. For an institution grounded in such principles, this uneven application of fairness raises questions about its commitment to these core values.
