The Marquette Tribune | November 17, 2020

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Volume 105, Number 12

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

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Instructors missing from class

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McArdle charged

Press conference shows frustration with budget cuts

COVID-19, enrollment, tenure among discussions

By Benjamin Wells

benjamin.wells@marquette.edu

Multiple Marquette instructors called in sick Monday after stating they were especially “sickened by the budget cuts proposed by the university.” This lead to multiple online and in-person classes being canceled.

Budget cuts proposed by the university could potentially lead to a large number of faculty and staff being laid off due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A press conference was held at Zilber Hall to address a large number of staff members absent from their classrooms.

Photo courtesy of Brooke McArdle “Marquette faculty, staff and Brooke McArdle’s parents supported her decision to challenge the university’s proposed budget cuts. students have weathered our ongoing moment of crisis with ment of a seven-page paper Marquette is treating McArdle. bravery and resilience,” Sarah on how to fix the university’s “Charging Brooke with two Kizuk, a graduate assistant in the demonstration policy. student conduct violations was College of Arts & Sciences, said.

“There are students that break entirely unjustified,” Pladek “We have withstood the ongoing laws, governmental laws, not said in an email.

“These charges COVID-19 health crisis, an ecojust university rules.

They have are an insult to everything Marnomic recession, an ongoing solesser punishments then that,” quette claims to stand for.

It’s cial movement fighting racism in By Natalija Mileusnic McArdle said. especially insulting that as part natalija.mileusnic@marquette.edu this nation and the erosion of our McArdle expressed her of her punishment, Brooke has political institutions.” frustration with the given been asked to write a sevenBrooke McArdle, a senior in Kizuk said that Marquette punishment and described page paper comparing MU’s the College of Arts & Sciences, administration has used the onits unfairness. demonstration policy to the was charged with two student going crises as an excuse to “Writing should never be a policies at other universities and conduct violations for organizdiscard Marquette’s own valpunishment in the Jesuit viewmake recommendations.” ing a sit-in at Zilber Hall Oct. ues as a Jesuit university and point,” McArdle said.

“And to Vivian Walburn, a senior in the 21.

The sit-in was in opposition to solve fiscal issues caused by have me do their research for College of Arts & Sciences, atto the university’s proposed budUniversity President Michael them, while I’m trying to gradutended multiple protests and exget cuts and layoffs.

Lovell’s mismanagement. ate, do finals and write my theplained that McArdle is fighting These violations were for The lack of action by the unisis, is just not my job.” for faculty because of her love not presenting university idenversity to preserve jobs and Brittany Pladek, an assisfor Marquette. tification when asked and solve these issues led to many “She is a leader and the university’s tant professor of English, has faculty members calling out sick violating been attended the protests and demonstration policy.

See CLASS page 2 See MCARDLE page 4 McArdle faces a punish- said she is appalled at the way

Senior receives conduct violations after sit-in Oct. 21

INDEX

MUU TV

Senate meets Monday

COVID-19 TRACKER........................................3 MUPD REPORTS.............................................3 A&E..................................................................8 OPINIONS......................................................10 SPORTS..........................................................12

NEWS

Reform vs. defunding

Community shares thoughts on future of policing

PAGE 7

By Alexa Jurado

alexa.jurado@marquette.edu

Coronavirus concerns, enrollment, tenure, shared governance and academic experiences were the focus of the virtual Nov. 16 Academic Senate meeting.

Provost Kimo Ah Yun acknowledged Marquette’s “high alert” status due to the university’s positivity rate, and the rising number of cases in Milwaukee. But he remained confident in the university’s ability to test, contact trace and quarantine students. With the announcement of Moderna’s successful new COVID-19 vaccine Monday, along with the Pfizer vaccine, Ah Yun expressed a positive outlook for the future.

Ah Yun said plans for the spring 2021 semester are still up in the air.

“Part of the challenge is going to depend on what happens in the next coming weeks with COVID-19,” Ah Yun said. “I can assure you we are constant contact with national and regional experts. We will take whatever action is appropriate and safe for our community.”

Enrollment deficits for the incoming Class of 2025, Ah Yun said, have improved in the last few weeks. They had 20% less applications than last year as of three weeks ago. The university is hoping to enroll 1,770 students.

“That was difficult,” Ah See SENATE page 3

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CLASS: Undergraduate’s education at risk Continued from page 1

Monday as a symbol of their disappointment and anger.

“We love the work that we do,” Kizuk said. “All we ask ... is that we continue to be given the right to work at this location we have chosen.”

Marquette was recently ranked 18th in the nation in terms of undergraduate education. Some argue this ranking could be threatened should the number of faculty and staff be cut, leading to larger class sizes and less personal relationships between instructors and students.

“We (members) here today, fear that President Lovell’s vision undermines the core values of this institution,” Kizuk said. “We fear that the administration is using this moment of shock and crisis to push through a radical, different vision of Marquette University.”

Kizuk was also joined by others at the press conference, including Jonathan Jimenez, a senior in the College of Education.

“One of the things we as students choose to come to Marquette for is not just an education ... but for lifelong relationships,” Jimenez said. “That includes faculty.”

Jimenez said the education Marquette professors give students goes beyond just the walls of a classroom. Life skills are also taught by professors, and these provide students with meaningful connections in the workforce that benefit them beyond the typical undergraduate education.

“Our professors are more than just professors ... they are lifelong mentors,” Jimenez said. “If they’re lost, most of us won’t ever be able to connect with them again. These are people who will help guide us.”

Jimenez also raised concern about where their cuts are being proposed, as they are in areas that have large amounts of students.

“I just want to implore President Lovell and our administration to think about what they’re doing in this situation,” he said.

“They’re affecting people’s livelihoods. These aren’t just numbers on a graph or in a chart, these are people.”

Peter Staudenmaier, an associate professor of history, also gave insight into how a decreased amount of staff can have a negative impact on undergraduate education.

“From a teacher’s perspective, one of the things that make Marquette distinctive ... the reality behind ‘Be the Difference’ is great, the university can

live up to its best deals,” Staudenmaier said. “But in order to do that, it has to be able to offer the full panoply of a liberal arts education.”

Staudenmaier said taking away funding from these courses can be detrimental.

The courses are supposed to be classes that show students different ways to view the world.

The university’s Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees shared a statement with the Marquette community on the same day as the press conference.

“We want to thank each member of M a r q u e t t e ’s faculty and staff for the work that you do each day to provide our students with a high-quality education,” the statement reads. “We remain wholly committed to the principle of cura personalis — we care for all of the people who make up our community. The very tough decisions we will have to make that will impact staff and programs will be made with deep consideration and discernment reflecting our dual commitment to cura apostolica — the responsibility for the long-term wellbeing of our university.”

Photos by Zach Bukowski zachary.bukowski@marquette.edu

Speakers at the press conference included Sarah Kizuk (top), Jonathan Jimenez (middle), and Peter Staudenmaier (bottom).

News

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Marquette Tribune

SENATE: Spring 2021 plans uncertain Continued from page 1 Yun said.

Ah Yun said that last week that deficit was only about 8%.

This week it has decreased to about 7%.

Marquette has received 9,500 applications for the 2021-2022 academic year — about 700 fewer than last year. About 4,500 students have been accepted for next fall.

“We are hoping to overcome that,” Ah Yun said.

There have been 100 transfer applications, double the amount

from last year at this time.

Gary Meyer, senior vice provost for faculty affairs, proposed amendments to the faculty handbook, notably the use of the term “terminal degree” and the language regarding how tenure is achieved. Faculty will be voting on changes at the next senate meeting.

Alix Riley, director of the institutional research, shared the results of the third academic experience surveys.

About 58% of respondents reported difficulties with Microsoft Teams, and 25% had difficulties with D2L.

Numerous faculty members, including Ericka Tucker, an associate professor of philosophy, and Julia Paulk, an associate professor of Spanish and Latin American studies, agreed with these results and voiced issues with Microsoft Teams as well.

Tucker advocated for using Zoom instead.

Consistent with the first and second surveys, students expressed a lack of communication from instructors and other students.

In terms of class satisfaction, students rated in-person classes higher than their hybrid,

online synchronous and online asynchronous counterparts by between 15-22%.

The survey revealed that the majority of students are having a difficult time concentrating and balancing school responsibilities with other priorities.

The senate also voted in approval of new graduate studies programs, masters degrees in data science, student affairs in higher education and educational leadership and a new accelerated degree program in finance.

Participants say it is crucial to donate during pandemic

By Claire Driscol

claire.driscol@marquette.edu

Marquette students filed into the Alumni Memorial Union mid-afternoon Nov. 12 for a blood drive hosted by Alpha Sigma Nu, an international honors society on campus, and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin. The blood drive was only open to students, staff and faculty.

“Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we have an immediate need for blood donors to ensure a safe supply,” Versiti stated on its website.

To incentivize individuals, the drive provided a $10 gift card to those who donated.

Jill Guttormson, an associate professor of nursing, said the number of blood drives and donors have “drastically reduced” during the pandemic.

All of Versiti’s blood supply

Lunda Room — to spread donors and Versiti staff out.

“Alpha Sigma Nu wanted to find a way to best serve the needs of our community in the safest way possible this semester,” Vanbeek said.

However, with Marquette moving from a moderate to highalert for COVID-19 cases, concerns continue to rise on whether these initiatives will be enough to contain the virus.

Despite this, Scalish said she doesn’t think a blood drive poses more of a risk than the election.

“If proper precautions are taken such as masking up, staying 6 feet apart and washing or sanitizing hands, this has far more value,” Scalish said in an email.

Vanbeek also assures donors that Marquette drives are held at a high standard in ensuring community safety; Alpha Sigma Nu’s drive is no exception to this rule.

“Marquette has put on safe, successful blood drives throughout the pandemic, and we wanted to be a part of keeping these drives going,” Vanbeek said. “We are in good hands with Versiti and their staff who are just as concerned

MUPD arrested a felon with the possession of a firearm after stopping them for a traffic violation at the 1600 block of W. Highland Ave. Suspect was taken into MUPD custody and transported to the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility.

Two suspects removed merchandise from a business near the 2200 block

of W. Wisconsin Ave. One of the suspects left their identification at the scene and will be cited via mail

by MUPD. NOVEMBER 16 MUPD responded to a party near the 700 block of N. 17th St. One subject was cited for underage drinking.

A non-MU subject sold property to another sub-

EDITORIAL Executive Director of Marquette Wire Natallie St. Onge (414) 288-1739 Managing Editor of Marquette Tribune Annie Mattea NEWS News Editor Benjamin Wells Assistant Editor Alexa Jurado Reporters Natalija Mileusnic, Charlie Pineda, Megan Woolard, Julia Abuzzahab, Claire Driscol, Rashad Alexander PROJECTS Projects Editor Lelah Byron Assistant Editor Amanda Parrish Reporters Grace Dawson, Maria Crenshaw, Aspen Ramos, Beck Salgado ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Arts & Entertainment Editor Skyler Chun Assistant Editors Charlotte Ives, Mason Stebnitz Reporters Quinn Faeth, Ryan Lynch, Ariana Madson, Tommy Shaffer

for our community’s safety as we are.”

Encouraging individuals to continue these health-related acts of servitude, Scalish emphasized a quote by U.S. surgeon general, Jerome M. Adams.

“You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement,” Adams said in a White House press briefing in March.

Although CDC guidelines have strained Alpha Sigma Nu’s ability to put on some of their pre-COVID-19 events, the organization continues to prevail despite an unprecedented climate.

“While certainly social distancing and limitations on numbers of people who can gather together is difficult for us all to plan activities the way we used to.

We have leaned into the service opportunities that are possible that keep participants safe and engaged in meaningful service,” Vanbeek said.

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OPINIONS Executive Opinions Editor Alexandra Garner Assistant Opinions Editor Aminah Beg Columnists Jenna Koch, Hope Moses, Max Pickart, Lucia Ruffolo

Alpha Sigma Nu holds blood drive will be delivered to hospitals across southeast Wisconsin.

The SARS COV-2 antibody test, often referred to as the “COVID-19 antibody test,” was also performed on individuals as part of the drive’s standardized testing procedures.

“If antibodies are detected, the plasma from that blood is then used to help those with a current infection recover,” Shannon Scalish, a clinical instructor in the College of Nursing, said. “Those recovered from COVID (at least 14-21 days post-positive test) can give blood in order to help those with active infection.”

In order to ensure Center of Disease Control guidelines were met at the drive, individuals had to call or schedule a time slot via the Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin website prior to the event.

Extra precautions were also made to ensure the health and safety of participants.

Kimberly Vanbeek, chapter coordinator for Alpha Sigma Nu, said the drive was held in three different rooms — AMU 252, the Henke Lounge and the

ject with counterfeit currency in the 1600 block of W. Wisconsin Ave. MUPD was not able to find the subject after they fled the scene.

An Unknown subject removed another subject’s vehicle without their consent near the 700 block of 13th St.

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CUMULATIVE CASES - MARQUETTE 949 NEW CASES - 11/4-11/10 106 CUMULATIVE CASES - MILWAUKEE 56,268 SEVEN DAY AVERAGE - WEEK OF 11/15 475,7

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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

MCARDLE: Seven page essay as punishment Continued from page 1 exemplifies cura personalis because she searches for truth, fights for justice and raises up people’s voices,” Walburn said in an email.

McArdle questioned why she was the only one being targeted, despite the fact that previously there had been many protests.

“They are violating precedent because they didn’t do this to any other student, or student groups that have demonstrated at Zilber in the past,” McArdle said. “That was my whole argument, which was ‘why me?’”

Walburn added that the

protests organized by McArdle were peaceful and safe.

“People sat apart, masks (were) required, and students did not fill Zilber over capacity,” Walburn said in an email. “The demonstration did not impede or disrupt any business and all doors were accessible.”

During the protests, the Marquette administration made numerous threats against students, one of which included asking for students’ IDs. “They stated that students were violating student conducts,” Walburn said in an email. “When students asked which part of the policy they were violating, the

administration could not give an answer.”

Pladek mentioned that there have been other attempts to get the message across to the Marquette administration as well.

“Brooke’s message isn’t new: faculty have been saying the same thing for months now,” Pladek said in an email. “We have also proposed a suite of alternatives to firings and program closures, including universitywide furloughs, real estate sales, and using the endowment to take out low-interest loans.”

Walburn said that Marquette administrators do not want to hear any sort of criticism

that might alter their image to the public.

“The way they have treated students who are calling for change in the name of the values that Marquette touts, clearly shows where they stand,” Walburn said in an email.

Pladek criticized Marquette’s plan for the future budget.

“The plans administrators have offered us, even the numbers they have used to justify their decisions, have changed several times, and they seem disturbingly unable to separate short-term strategies for managing our COVID-19 shortfall from long-term financial reorganizations of the

entire university,” Pladek said in an email.

Pladek said McArdle’s efforts are not unnoticed and she is making a difference within the Marquette community.

“Brooke was drawing attention to the lack of transparency and shared governance in this budget process,” Pladek said in an email. “She was also standing up to protect a version of Marquette that the current plans for budget cuts will change forever—for the worse. She was doing what our upper administrators should have been doing all along, and they punished her for it.”

Students see scam emails in Outlook inboxes IT Services said attackers are trying new tactics

By Natalija Mileusnic

natalija.mileusnic@marquette.edu

Marquette students and faculty have received phishing emails within their Outlook inboxes in the past few weeks.

Phishing emails are attempts by other users to receive or steal confidential information.

Jeremy Edson, director of Information Technology Services, said attackers are trying new techniques daily.

“ITS works diligently to block malicious links and reset passwords of compromised accounts,” Edson said in an email.

“Bad password hygiene is nearly impossible for ITS to detect and combat, because it relies on the end user to use long, unique passwords for each account.”

Edson added that most of the emails usually offer a “too good to be true employment o p p o r t u n i t y, ” which was included in a recent email that was sent out to students which

had an advertisement for a personal assistant job that would pay up to $300 weekly.

“The scammer will usually require you to pay a set-up fee, or have you deposit a series of checks and then transfer part of the deposit as a finder’s fee, or some other reason,” Edson said.

“The check will initially clear, but then bounce, leaving the victim with less money in their bank account.”

Patrick Litner, a first-year in the College of Nursing, said that he recently received a phishing email that a majority of Marquette students received.

“The email I got was from a few days ago,” Litner said. “It was obvious that it was a scam, but the job it included was being an assistant of some sort.”

Erin Kill, a first-year in the College of Arts & Sciences, said she has had phishing emails sent

to her in the past.

“I’ve gotten a couple phishing emails so far this year,” Kill said. “Most of them have been about various ‘jobs’ or ‘opportunities’ that I could be a part of.

They tend to begin with people saying they were or are a part of the Marquette community, as well.”

Edson provided a few tips as to how a user can easily spot a phishing email within their inbox. “(An) attack (will) list a department that doesn’t exist, is filled with grammatical errors, and the link goes to a non-Marquette affiliated website,” Edson said in an email.

Although Kill has received numerous emails, she believes that this doesn’t pose a threat for student or faculty safety.

“I think Marquette students are cautious enough to be wary

of suspicious emails,” Kill said.

Despite the emails becoming a common occurrence, Edson said the ITS is taking more precautions to ensure that the Marquette community is not receiving any more emails in the future.

“IT Services is in the process of migrating to a new mail security platform that should help reduce the frequency of these types of attacks,” Edson said in an email. “We will also be offering multifactor authentication to students in the near future to add an additional layer of account security and dramatically reduce the effectiveness of this kind of attack.”

Edson said it is ultimately up to the user to use technology safely.

“Technology can only do so much, it is up to the end user to practice due diligence by having

good password hygiene (long passwords, unique to each account), only clicking on links and files from people you trust, and using common sense when it comes to online activity,” Edson said in an email.

Litner said that he is always observant while checking his emails.

“Before I even open an email, I look to see who the sender is,” Litner said. “If it’s an advertisement or someone that I don’t know, then I don’t open the email.”

Kill praised Marquette’s IT desk and their efforts in order to stop the emails.

“Less than an hour after the phishing message I received today, I got an email from Marquette IT Services spreading awareness that it was indeed a phishing message,” Kill said.

“I think this was great on Marquette’s part.”

However, Kill said she would like to see the IT desk make students more aware of the emails.

“Perhaps they could send out an email or something else that provides the signs of phishing scams to prevent students from falling for them if they continue to happen,” Kill said.

Edson recommends to use long, unique passwords to protect accounts and avoid situations like phishing.

Photo courtesy of IT Services

IT Services emailed the Marquette community Nov. 5 informing them that there was an email circulating that was attempting to scam students.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

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Layoffs remain a concern for faculty members Adjunct professors say they feel their jobs are at risk

By Alexa Jurado

alexa.jurado@marquette.edu

It has been nearly two months since Marquette University administration announced hundreds of faculty layoffs due to a $45 million budget shortfall as a result of COVID-19 and supposed demographic challenges.

Provost Kimo Ah Yun said that while the university has made reductions elsewhere, such as furloughs, operating budget reductions and voluntary retirement programs, they are not sustainable.

“We must do more to realign the university’s structure with future expected revenue levels,” Ah Yun said in an email. “To position Marquette for a strong future, we must thoughtfully and strategically identify more permanent solutions, such as headcount reductions among staff and faculty.”

Approximately 225 to 300plus positions are expected to be eliminated. Ah Yun said most of these reductions are planned for prior to the 2022 fiscal year.

Marquette employs 2,811 faculty and staff members.

This would be an 8-10% cut, possibly more.

“These reductions will take place across the entire university,” Ah Yun said in an email. It is unclear how many of these positions are faculty, and how many are staff.

A Nov. 16 statement from the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees said this is a “critical time” in the university’s history, as it faces financial challenges.

“The very tough decisions we will have to make that will impact staff and programs will be made with deep consideration and discernment reflecting our dual commitment to cura apostolica – the responsibility for the long-term well-being of our university,” the statement said. “We must take seriously the impact that inaction would have on the mission of Marquette University and the generations of students to come.”

Some adjunct professors, professors hired on a contractual basis and ineligible for tenure, fear they will be first on the chopping block.

“There are people that really can’t afford to lose (their) jobs,” Miranda Trimmier, an adjunct professor of English, said.

Sue Giaimo, an adjunct associate professor of political science, has been at Marquette for

nearly 17 years. She said she’s concerned about her job security.

“They haven’t said anything, who’s going to get cut, who isn’t, and there’s some talk that they want to get rid of adjunct, particularly (those) that get an annual salary, pensions and health care,” Giaimo said.

Giaimo said adjuncts do a lot of teaching, but also do research, for which they are not compensated or given time off.

Additionally, Giaimo said adjunct faculty do a lot of service, including advising and community outreach.

“It’s demoralizing to be told, in effect, that your work doesn’t matter,” Giaimo said.

In 2020 Marquette was ranked 18th in the country for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

“We are the reason why Marquette is ranked as well as it is,” Giaimo said. “It doesn’t make sense to gut your teaching.”

While she is concerned for her job, Giaimo said she is also worried about a decline in educational quality at the university.

She said Marquette’s small class sizes, relationships with students and interdisciplinary programs is what she has enjoyed about Marquette. However, some of those things may disappear. Giaimo said class sizes will likely increase and course and program offerings will likely decrease.

Chris Gooding, a visiting professor of theology, agreed.

“It’ll change peoples’ job description, even if they’re still around,” Gooding said.

Gooding said that he feels Marquette has abandoned the values it claims as part of its mission.

Gooding also expressed fear for his job. He said administration is looking to downsize many departments by 20-25%. Departments like theology, Gooding said, have costs that are mostly instructional — paying professors and staffing classes.

“That’s the only clear directive that’s been given as far as the reductions being made,” Gooding said.

Still, many point to the university’s $700 million endowment as a possible solution, and question the administration’s higherthan-average salaries and the university’s consulting spending.

Trimmier described a lack of communication and justification for the large-scale layoffs, as well as a defensiveness of administration in response to student and faculty speaking out.

“Why so defensive, if what they’re doing is the right thing?”

Trimmier asked.

Giaimo echoed these concerns.

“We haven’t gotten a lot of information, and I don’t think

they’ve proven their case,” Giaimo said. “This could alter the university in really fundamental ways that would be to the detriment to the university, the broader Milwaukee community and especially students.”

Despite these impending layoffs, and the cancellation of tenure-track searches in the College of Arts & Sciences — notably the Race, Ethnicity and Indigenous Studies cluster hire — Marquette is continuing to hire for 79 positions. While many are adjunct positions, there are a number of tenure-track positions posted in the College of Nursing, the College of Engineering and the College of Health Sciences.

Ah Yun did not provide comment on this when the Marquette Wire reached out.

“I find it very alarming that I can’t tell what administration’s vision for Marquette is,” Trimmier said. “They’ve gone straight for faculty jobs, so it doesn’t feel like teaching is a priority.”

Trimmier said the university’s current plan seems vague and shortsighted, rather than a holistic or coherent vision of what will make Marquette worth going to in the future.

Ah Yun said the steps taken in light of Marquette’s financial setbacks are being made to sustain the university’s mission of “commitment to academic and research excellence” and continuing to be a “leader in Catholic, Jesuit education.” The Jesuits at Marquette have voiced disagreement.

In an open letter to the administrative officers at Marquette, Rev. Gregory O’Meara, rector of Marquette’s Jesuit community

and associate professor of law, offered reflection on the university’s liberal arts programs.

“We must produce alumni who have a heart for those who suffer in this world, who are unafraid of asking the big questions whose answers are elusive and often intractable, who are willing to speak to the wider world,” O’Meara said in the letter. “To this end, a solid grounding in the humanities is indispensable.

Yes, this is a tall order, but the integrity of a comprehensive Jesuit education explains why our institutions have survived while others have failed. We face an unknown future, and we face it together.”

O’Meara said Marquette should not figure out how much money it has and then spend it, but rather it should look to the values rooted in the Society of Jesus and the university’s founding documents.

“Marquette is not a business; rather, it is an apostolate of the Society of Jesus,” O’Meara said.

“We understand that some financial realignment is necessary, but our budgetary constraints cannot dilute what a Jesuit education demands.”

Ah Yun said the university created workgroups involved with making these difficult decisions and structural changes.

“They’ve created these workgroups as a way to make it look democratic, like they’re including faculty,” Giaimo said.

But those involved in these workgroups are forced to sign nondisclosure agreements and cannot divulge what they are doing, Giaimo said.

“I don’t see shared governance

at all,” Giaimo said. “I think a lot of faculty are very upset that these cuts are being made by people in administration that who won’t feel the affect.”

Faculty also voiced concerns about Marquette’s commitment to racial equity and justice. Earlier in the semester, along with the cancellation of the REIS cluster hire, the university announced that the Hispanic Serving Institution initiative was no longer part of its strategic plan.

Giaimo said in the last 5 years she’s seen a real commitment to educational diversity, just in her classes alone she has seen more students of color.

“I question their commitment to racial diversity,” Giaimo said. “Shifting the direction away from that commitment is going to very harmful to the institution.”

Gooding said administration is pushing the narrative that the cuts being made are not just due to COVID-19, rather a “demographic cliff” the university will face in 2026.

“The messaging we’re getting is that we’d rather be smaller and less diverse than to try,” Gooding said.

Gooding said administration seems very dead set in its path — that the budget shortfall can only be solved through layoffs.

“I hope administration listens to the people who make this university what it is,” Giaimo said.

“It seems to be this shortsighted, nuts-and-bolts, businessminded kind of response, and that’s scary,” Trimmier said.

“What is the university going to be like for who’s left?”

Photo by Isabel Bonebrake isabel.bonebrake@marquette.edu

Some faculty are concerned their jobs are at risk, especially those who are adjunct and are not tenured.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Questions raised about MUPD initiatives Some curious whether diversity remains a priority

By Grace Dawson

grace.dawson@marquette.edu

The initiatives taken by the Marquette University Police Department, or lack thereof, to combat racism and treat students of color equitably are integral to understanding the relationship between Marquette and the concept of diversity. The initiatives have come into increased focus following the Black Lives Matter protests and related movements this past summer.

Police Chief Edith Hudson, who started at MUPD in December 2018, states that MUPD has a long history of diversity and inclusion training, which had been going on prior to her arrival and continues to occur. She notes that it is scenariobased training that is interwoven into other training measures, such as tactics for arrest, firearms and other tactical training. Hudson also said it is “not something that is just mandated by MUPD, it is something that the state of Wisconsin has interwoven into their training.”

When discussing the protests that occurred this summer, including some on or near Marquette’s campus, Hudson noted that MUPD “had the occasion to speak with others on campus about some of the concerns that they have with law enforcement in general.”

She also cited the “8 Can’t Wait” platform from Campaign Zero, asserting that MUPD complied with all eight of the items. These items include immediate changes that can be brought to police forces, such as requiring de-escalation and banning chokeholds and strangleholds, that Campaign Zero is working to get implemented in police forces around the country, as well as through legislation.

Stephanie Rivera Berruz, an associate professor of philosophy at Marquette, said she felt there was not much outward response on behalf of MUPD, likely following the precedent of the university. While university leaders have made some statements in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, Rivera Berruz saw a lack of concrete action.

“It seems like a lot of the enforcement of the protest policies is really coming top down from the administration, telling the police department how they want to handle things.” Rivera Berruz said.

She also noted the various questions these events raised about MUPD. “It was questions about, well,

why do we have a police department? Why is it funded this way?

Why do they have the rights that they do on our campus? And what is the justification for the presence of such a police force on a university campus?” Rivera Berruz said.

She also noted that the structuring of MUPD coincides with the restructuring of the administration under President Lovell, particularly in terms of bringing in a full force where there didn’t used to

personnel in a police department is more important than, say, a cluster hire in arts and sciences,” Rivera Berruz said.

One of the main outreach initiatives cited by Marquette police officials, including Hudson, is the Diversity Liaison Officer program.

The program was created in response to an incident during the summer of 2017, where a Marquette student of color believed he

will be focused on creating connections with diverse members of the campus community, aiming to “ameliorate communication and cultural gaps, look for peaceful solutions, increase familiarity and trust, address stakeholder concerns, and foster unity between staff, students and MUPD officers.”

Black was involved in helping to get the Diversity Liaison Officer program off of the ground.

Marquette Wire Stock Photo

Some have questioned how MUPD engages with people of color on campus and in the surrounding area.

be one.

Rivera Berruz also linked this to current issues, citing the fact that MUPD is currently hiring for two positions despite the budget cuts that are being proposed.

“It is certainly symptomatic of a broader climate that is demonstrating to its faculty, to its staff, to its students that the acquisition of

was being unfairly profiled by an MUPD officer. Conversations with this student about MUPD working to build better relationships, communication and mutual trust with marginalized students led to the idea for the program.

The original rationale for this program, provided by Jacki Black, associate director for Hispanic Initiatives at Marquette,, notes that it

“Because of my role as a support person for the student during the investigation and subsequent conversations, MUPD asked that I assist with their efforts in the creation of the program, including helping to outline the rationale and role description as well as participating in interviews for the first cohort of Diversity Liaison Officers,” Black said.

When asked about the DLO program, Rivera Berruz noted that she was not aware such a program existed, noting that it was difficult to find information about the program on the website.

“I certainly have never heard of it.” Rivera Berruz said, “and I find it really concerning, to be honest with you, that Chief Hudson would tell you that it exists and that it has no reference that students could access, as a resource.”

She said that faculty experience a different relationship with MUPD than the students, as they are “not the point of contact” in the same way students are. Since the police force at Marquette is largely oriented toward the students, Rivera Berruz notes, faculty members have a more distanced relationship with MUPD than students might.

Hudson did note that she wanted to work on expanding the program’s outreach next semester, stating that it has been more difficult to connect with student groups throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are some student groups and other administrative professionals around campus that are aware of the program and reach out to officers that are part of it,” Hudson said. “But I don’t think that it is as widely understood and widely known as perhaps it should be.”

Rivera Berruz also noted the relationship between MUPD and communities of color does not end with students on campus, as it also impacts the minority communities in the surrounding Near West Side. The choices made by Marquette University and, subsequently, by MUPD, have impacts on the neighborhood, which does not always get a voice in these matters. The question of who we are constructing safety for is one Rivera Berruz points to, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “(MUPD) has been, and continues to be, a mechanism by which Marquette can control and can police its university borders,” Rivera Berruz said. “So as to create a narrative of safety, that will make particular students interested that are attracted to the institution, right? And those students are not students of color.”

These two adjacent stories are the final parts of a series in which the projects desk looks at MUPD’s range of responsibility and relationship to students and staff in context of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter protests that were sparked by the death of George Floyd.

News

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Marquette Tribune

Community discusses defunding the police People ask budget to be redistributed to other resources

By Lelah Byron and Amanda Parrish

lelah.byron@marquette.edu amanda.parrish@marquette.edu

The sun beats down on the maskcovered faces of hundreds of frustrated, heartbroken and exhausted protesters gathered in the streets of Milwaukee. Closing down freeways, walking for miles on end, for days on end, they hold signs high.

“Enough is enough, end racism.”

“I can’t breathe.” “Black Lives Matter,” are among the phrases written across cardboard.

Determined pleas for equity reverberate across the nation, making their way to demonstrators on Marquette’s campus. As the Black Student Union, the Native American Student Association and the Marquette Academic Workers Union organized separately for administrative change throughout the fall semester, a leitmotif emerged: a heralding call to reimagine the oncampus police force.

“This summer made it pretty clear that police violence is a very big issue, and intrinsically related to the way we deal with race on campus,” Sarah Kizuk, a member of the Marquette Academic Workers Union and doctoral candidate in philosophy, said.

From slave patrols to traffic stops, activists chart the evolution of American policing as one fundamentally marred by institutional racism. In southern slave-holding states in the early 1700s, militia groups of white men — known as slave patrols — were formed to control enslaved peoples. Every state that had not yet abolished slavery had slave patrols. Then, in the early 19th century, municipalized forces of predominantly white men emerged in cities such as Boston, New York and Chicago. These first police officers faced few standards for hiring and training, and corruption — including bribery and brutality — was widespread. Activists assert this trend has continued throughout the decades.

Although reforming, defunding and abolishing the police exist as different points on an activist continuum, Marquette dissenters insist immediate change is necessary — and intrinsically linked to the impending faculty layoffs.

“If you’re reading from left to right, where left is the least amount of change, you’d say reform, defunding next, and then abolishing,” Anthony Peressini, associate chair of philosophy, said. “Reform is something that has been tried a long, long time, and large numbers of people across the country have realized reform doesn’t seem to work.”

Common ideas for reform include the use of body cameras, bias training and de-escalation tactics. Research conducted on the use of body cameras among police officers suggests there is no statistically significant reduction in police use of force, even when officers know they are being filmed.

Similarly, bias training and de-escalation tactics have had mixed to inconclusive results.

Defunding, alternatively, involves redistributing some fiscal resources away from officer militarization — including expensive riot gear and armored vehicles — and to communities of color that are policed, Peressini said. Funds could be reallocated to job and education opportunities, as well as community watch efforts to bolster safety, Peressini said.

Community-based violence prevention programs such as 414Life employ a public health approach to neighborhood safety, meant to target the root causes of crime. Among the causes identified: unaffordable housing, generational trauma and limited opportunities for economic and social mobility. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett similarly called for a public health approach: Under his proposed 2021 budget, Milwaukee would see a decrease in 120 police officers, although the $300 million police department budget would remain essentially the same, as the savings from the 120 officers would be spent on personnel-related costs.

Brooke Huerter, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, echoed those sentiments.

“I would love to see more community-based efforts to make sure our community is safe,” Huerter said.

Defundment and abolishment are not dichotomous, but complementary, Peressini said.

“The key to abolition is that it is very self-consciously wrapped up in the recognition that the police have been involved in unethical practices since their conception, after abolition and through Jim Crow,” Peressini said. “The work of abolishing slavery hasn’t been finished — it’s an ongoing project, and the police are a manifestation of how that is unfinished.”

Rather than defunding the police, the administration has elected to defund other key programs, Peressini said. Alongside announcements of 225 to 300-plus potential faculty layoffs, Marquette stagnated the job search for its Race, Ethnic and Indigenous Studies program this semester. The administration also announced its Hispanic Serving Institution initiative would no longer be a part of the university’s strategic plan. Additionally, in 2019 the College of Education faced a po-

tential merge with another college on campus, as well as cost-saving structural changes.

“We’re defunding, essentially, the faculty and resources on campus that can study, critically analyze and propose alternatives (to policing).

It couldn’t be more misguided,” Peressini said.

Along with a recruitment decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration additionally cited a “demographic cliff,” or an anticipated decline of 15 to 25% of college-aged students by 2026, as reason for these measures. These projections come from economist Nathan Grawe’s “Demographics and the Demand for Higher Educa-

Artwork by Grace Pionek

tion,” and have been intensely scrutinized for its alleged prioritization of white, upper and middle-class families who could or would pay full tuition for college. At Marquette, nearly 70% of the undergraduate population is white. More than 85% of the Class of 2024 came from the Midwest, mostly from Illinois and Wisconsin.

The university is adding new hires to its police force, however.

Online listings from October of 2020 indicate Marquette is searching for a full-time police officer and communications officer.

“MU’s priorities are telling our students that police are how we solve problems and manage our relations with our Black and brown neighbors,” Jodi Melamed, profes-

sor of English and Africana studies, wrote in an email. “MUPD’s policing produces de facto borders around MU, rather than building bridges … and it disempowers our BIPOC students through racial profiling, instead of providing the structural and whole person support an REIS infrastructure would provide.”

The MAWU signed a petition over the summer calling upon the university to reallocate funds from policing to community alternatives, as well as to communities predominantly impacted by police violence.

The petition also calls for MUPD to issue a statement condemning the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade.

In a campus-wide email penned by University President Michael Lovell following the police killing of George Floyd, Lovell announced a virtual mass to “pray for an end to racism.”

“I wish it was that easy,” Kizuk said. “I wish we could all bow our heads and solemnly pray for racism to end. That would be great.”

To Kizuk, it is clear more substantive efforts are needed.

“We need to be involved in real, hard work. This university needs to be involved in real, hard work. But sending out one-sided emails — that are quite tone deaf — certainly is not a great start,” she said.

The MAWU petition follows in the footsteps of the demands made by the Minnesota Student Association at the University of Minnesota. The city of Minneapolis, where UMN resides, is the home of George Floyd and was the first to see protests this summer following his murder.

The statement demanded that the University of Minnesota Police Department immediately cut ties with the Minneapolis Police Department, and called for a response from the university within 24 hours.

The next day, the university’s president Joan Gabel issued a statement announcing that the senior vice president would no longer contract with Minneapolis Police Department for enforcement at large events and that the university police chief would no longer use Minneapolis Police Department for specialized services such as K-9 explosive detection units.

While UMN experienced changes to campus police, Marquette has initiated incremental steps for reform.

MUPD has agreed to have regular meetings with the Black Student Council to address community concerns. It is unclear if these meetings have begun or how often they will occur. This initiative is part of a larger program that came as a result of demonstrations held by BSC

7

and its subsequent meetings with Marquette administration.

Other universities, such as the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, have faced similar stalemates.

At UChicago, student initiative Care Not Cops called for a fourpart plan to defund, disarm, disclose the budget of and ultimately disband campus police. In August, the provost issued a statement announcing a multistep plan to improve UCPD. The plan includes renewing engagement with campus and local communities, identifying areas for action, surveying the community, forming a public safety advisory board and building on past improvements. This continued reform includes accountability, transparency, accreditation, diversity of officers and training.

Unsatisfied, students have continued to demonstrate and call for stronger action.

Northwestern students have demanded that the university invest in “life-giving institutions” and focus on the well-being of Black students. In addition, they call for the university to cut ties with any and all police departments — including campus police — and other law enforcement and military agencies.

Last month the university’s president sent an email detailing a community safety advisory board to strengthen community relationships and advisor administration. The university has also committed to regular meeting with student groups such as NU Community Not Cops.

Similar to UChicago, protests have continued, calling for more change.

Peressini said he experienced the transition from campus security to MUPD in 2015, and was concerned as soon as the process began.

“I’ve always been very uncomfortable, and was opposed to moving from a public safety institution on campus to full-scale policing activity,” Peressini said. “I never thought it was a great idea.”

As a private police force whose predominant authority is the Marquette administration — which is self-admittedly flawed in its failure to uphold racial justice initiatives — a natural barrier between MUPD and the student community will remain.

MUPD was unable to comment on the MAWU petition and push for changes to campus policing.

“I don’t want to deny that some people have had good experiences with MUPD, and have felt safer or taken care of,” Kizek said. “But what is absent from those experiences are the broader ability to be critical. Personally, I define defunding the police in more stark terms. For me, what it means on our campus is getting rid of the entire MUPD force.”

The Marquette Tribune

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Arts &

Entertainment

Page 8

Nearby hiking trails for students to explore around MKE Some paths include Holy Hill, Lakeshore State Park, 7 Bridges

By Quinn Faeth

quinlan.faeth@marquette.edu

With the unprecedented nice weather Milwaukee has had in the past week or so, students have had a chance to enjoy spending time outside just a little bit longer. Even though throwing a football or reading a book on the quad are popular activities for students, there are some hiking trails right around campus that are waiting to be walked along, some even within walking distance from campus. Here are a few to check out before the snow and cold temperatures roll in town.

Lakeshore State Park 500 N Harbor Dr. This park is located right in downtown Milwaukee on the lake, near the Summerfest

grounds, Third Ward and Discovery World. It’s only about a 30-minute walk from campus.

Here you can expect to see long prairie grass, a secluded bay and a beach, all while having the Milwaukee skyline just a glance away. It’s a fairly short trail walk around the park, but all the photo opportunities could make the hike take a little while longer.

Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Lakeshore State Park is a great place to check out with friends while safely socially distanced.

Jacob Rose, a senior in the College of Communication, loves going to take pictures at this park.

“The park gets really good sunsets, which is great for golden hour and taking pictures,” Rose said. “I also love how open it is and how you can see both the lake and the whole city.”

Mequon Nature Preserve 800 W County Line Rd. Although this preserve is a little bit further away, it is only about 25 minutes by car, and

90 minutes by bus if you take the BLU line to route 67. This nature preserve spans over 444 acres and has six miles of hiking trails. Here you can expect to see an abundance of native plants, farmlands, prairies and ponds that are home to a variety of animals and insects. Even though the flowers might be gone for the winter, you can still hike the trails and maybe see some wildlife. But beware, there are a few snakes.

7 Bridges South Milwaukee Located about 20 minutes south of Milwaukee, 7 Bridges is a roughly two-mile loop through Grant Park right along Lake Michigan. It has sprawling paths that weave up and down the hills through towering trees and a slow-moving stream. It almost seems like something out of a fairytale. There are bridges all over the park that allow you to follow the trails with ease over the creek. It does get a little bit crowded at the park, so be

strategic about when you go. You can easily get there by car or bus.

The bus ride is about an hour if you take route 30 to route 15.

Jake Gilman, a senior in the College of Communication, said the best time to go is right before the sun comes up.

“I’ve gone there a few times for the sunrise,” Gilman said.

“There’s usually nobody around and you can get some really cool views as the sun peeks through the trees.”

Holy Hill 1525 Carmel Rd. This hill, and the hiking trails around it, are the furthest of the four listed, about 35 minutes by car in Erin, Wisconsin. The view and vibrant fall colors are worth the trip. This Roman Catholic Church, traditionally known as “Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians,” is one of the highest elevation points in southeastern Wisconsin. You can see the church from miles away as it stands alone in the sky above

all the trees. Along the hill there are a few different trails students can walk along. The most popular is the “Ice Age Trail,” which stretches over 1,200 miles around the state of Wisconsin. At the top of the hill, you can see the Milwaukee skyline and nearby farmland.

It’s open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

As of right now, winter seems to be holding off, so be sure to check these places out before it gets too cold. Or dress warm, as all of these trails are open yearround. Although cities typically don’t have well-regarded hiking opportunities, Milwaukee has several in and just around the metro area.

Photo via Flickr

The 7 Bridges trail is located in South Milwaukee and is about 20 minutes south of campus. It is a two-mile loop through Grant Park right along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Arts & Entertainment

The Marquette Tribune

9

IVES: Christmas music should be played after Black Friday IVES Listening too early takes away from seasonal festivities

By Charlotte Ives

charlotte.ives@marquette.edu

Ah, 2020, a year that has felt endlessly long, finally coming to a close. As we make our way through November, we see a pleasant drop in temperature, finally allowing us to put our hefty sweaters and fuzzy socks to use. We can smell autumn’s sweet aroma, unique to the season and impossible to replicate, even by Yankee Candle. And, of course, we begin to hear Michael Buble’s melodious renditions of Christmas classics drift through the air, serenading us as we go about our lives.

This, I cannot accept.

I love autumn. Nothing in the world is quite like watching the leaves on the trees change color, or feeling in your gut that inexplicable feeling of excitement associated with change.

I love Christmas just as much.

The very thought of it brings back happy memories of tireless attempts at catching Santa Claus red-

Marquette Wire stock photo

Some are beginning to celebrate by decorating the city with lights.

handed and stuffing my face with puppy chow, a seasonal treat in my household consisting of Chex cereal coated in melted chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar.

It is because I love the fall and Christmas seasons so much, and because I hold them in equally high esteem, that I firmly believe they ought to be kept separate. Otherwise neither can be properly enjoyed.

When the overeager champions of premature Christmas music make their entrance Nov. 1, they bring about autumn’s untimely end.

Why? Because the Christmas spirit is contagious.

Make the mistake of listening to one Christmas song a little too early in the year, and the winter holiday will be all you can think about until Dec. 25 passes.

How can you savor autumn and all it has to offer when your mind has already gone into Christmas mode? How can you appreciate the beautiful, rich colors of the changing leaves when all you can see are flashing red and green lights?

And what about Thanksgiving?

On the fourth Thursday of November, you may have a plate filled with creamy mashed potatoes, turkey doused in savory gravy and a slice of homemade cherry pie waiting for you for dessert.

But if you have already come in contact with the Christmas spirit, all you will crave are candy canes, gingerbread cookies and Yorkshire pudding. While this possibility may have little impact on those who already celebrate Thanksgiving as part of the Christmas season, it risks spoiling Thanksgiving festivities for those who enjoy the two holidays separately.

This is why premature Christmas celebrations are irresponsible: They endanger our ability to appreciate autumn to the fullest extent. All the things that make fall a wonderful season — football, pumpkin flavored everything, Goldilocks weather — become overshadowed by anticipation for Christmas day.

I make this argument not with the sole purpose of defending autumn’s sovereignty, but with the intent of protecting the Christmas spirit as well.

Contrary to popular opinion, starting your celebrations earlier does not help you build up excitement. Instead, it actually

makes you lose enthusiasm along the way. Listening to the same music and looking at the same decorations gets boring after a while.

Have you ever ordered a package on Amazon that came late, and the longer you waited for it, the more excited you got for it to arrive?

Well, Christmas is not like an Amazon package.

So, if you start celebrating too early, you not only lose the opportunity to properly enjoy autumn, but you also risk sacrificing some of your Christmas spirit along the way. And Christmas spirit is half of what makes the holiday so fun.

For these reasons, the earliest a person should start listening to Christmas music is Black Friday, the day many of us begin our Christmas gift shopping and the day the Christmas season truly begins.

However, this has been a tough year for all of us. So, just this once, I think people should listen to Christmas music as early as they want. And while they are at it, they should splurge on that one thing they have been wanting for ages and then give it to themselves as an early Christmas present. Who cares? If it makes you happy, wear a Santa Claus costume to Thanksgiving dinner. Do what you have to do.

Thanksgiving-themed songs to play during the holiday ‘Turkey Chase,’ ‘The Thanksgiving Song,’ ‘We are Family’

By Ariana Madson

ariana.madson@marquette.edu

Ben Rector, a pop musician known for his hit song “Brand New,” released a new track in late October called “The Thanksgiving Song.”

Rector said he wrote this because it puzzled him that there is a whole genre of music dedicated to Christmas, but not a genre that really revolves around Thanksgiving. In lieu of this song, there are other songs to take a look at that could be played during the upcoming holiday.

The Thanksgiving Song Recently written by Ben Rector, this song has a piano playing throughout it, starting out with playing the melody. The tone of the song is relaxing and, along with the lyrics, can invoke a sort of nostalgia.

Rector draws on what seems like his own personal experience with lyrics like “Starting to see my grandfather in my nephew’s eyes / Mom still can’t talk about him and not almost cry.” He discusses how life may change, but he always goes back to

his family for Thanksgiving and they continue with their traditions. His chorus discusses his gratitude for the day, especially after this year, saying “’Cause we made it through, I do believe, the longest year in history / Thank God that it’s Thanksgiving Day.” This is a good song to throw on the aux when driving home for break.

Turkey Chase “Turkey Chase” is a song written

by Bob Dylan, and unlike the other songs on this list, is instrumental. It was released in 1973 on his album “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” The song itself has country vibes and the melody is moving quickly. The instruments, a combination of banjo, guitar and violin, keep the pace fast, perfect for some background music while cooking to emphasize the hectic vibe that could be occurring in the kitchen, or it could be good background music while studying for finals to get you into a groove.

Just based on the name alone, it is perfect for the playlist.

We Are Family “We Are Family” is a song released by the American vocal group Sister Sledge in 1979. The song has a catchy tune and quicker beat, making it a good song to play while dancing around the kitchen while cooking on Thanksgiving

Day or even add to your winter break workout playlist. Though not traditionally a Thanksgiving song, the theme of family, related by blood or not, is prominent in the lyrics.

Some of the lyrics are “We are family / I got all my sisters with me / We are family / Get up everybody and sing.” The song has an emphasis on unity, which is a theme that can be seen around Thanksgiving.

Home “Home” is a song by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, an indie/country folk band, that was released in 2010. The song has a catchy beat and tune, almost with a bit of a twang, especially in the singers’ voices. The opening of the song has the singers whistling the melody. Some of the lyrics invoke a stereotypical idea of the food on Thanksgiving such as “Well, hot and heavy, pumpkin pie.” The song emphasizes how a person can be a home, not just family. With one of the themes of Thanksgiving including the idea of home, this could be a good song to add the warm feeling of being with those you love, even if it is through a video or phone call. It is also a good song to listen to while on a brisk morning walk with the sun shining.

All Gravy “All Gravy” is a song off of the

extended play (EP) “A Very Special Friendsgiving” by John Paul Jones and the Honey Baked Jam Band.

John Paul Jones is known for his appearance on “The Bachelorette” as well as “Bachelor in Paradise.”

He partnered with Honey Baked Ham Company, a food retailer of honey baked ham, turkey, side

Photo by Claire Gallagher claire.gallagher@marquette.edu

dishes, and desserts. The partnership occurred last year in anticipation of Thanksgiving with hopes of providing the occasion with perfectly themed music. The song “All Gravy” is about Jones being randomly sat next to someone he is attracted to at a Thanksgiving meal, more specifically, a Friendsgiving, which is a time when friends get together during the Thanksgiving season to share a meal. With lyrics like “The host sat me right next to your plate and this was beginning to feel like fate,” it emphasizes how Thanksgiving brings people together. Jones also compares the dreamy eyes of the one he’s serenading to the creamy mashed potatoes on the table. He likes being with this person, saying “it’s all gravy when you’re with me.” The song is catchy and has an easygoing tone, making it perfect for some Thanksgiving background music.

When approaching the holiday season, it’s usually Christmas and Christmas music that receive all of the attention. However, this list is perfect for Thanksgiving and its theme of feeling home and thankful.

Though there are other songs that could be put on the list to emphasize the theme of feeling at home, these are just a few songs to invoke those feelings and themes.

The Marquette Tribune

Opinions

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

PAGE 10

Editorial Board

Natallie St. Onge, Executive Director Annie Mattea, Managing Editor Marquette Tribune Kelli Arseneau, Managing Editor Marquette Journal

Marquette University should move all in-person classes online for the remainder of the semester as well as require students to self-quarantine for two weeks in order to stop further spread of the novel coronavirus.

The university announced Nov. 6 that it was moving its “Marquette Alert Level” from “moderate” to “high.”

Since the beginning of the semester, there have been 791 reported cases of COVID-19 on campus, according to the Marquette COVID-19 Dashboard. Last week, there were 178 reported cases of COVID-19 at Marquette, two of those days accounting for the highest reported days this semester with 42 cases Nov. 5 and 41 Nov. 9. Additionally, there have been 814 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus as of Nov. 16.

Additionally, many secondyear students in the School of Dentistry were put in quarantine Nov. 5 due to potential risk of COVID-19 exposure. While the university implemented some changes in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases on campus

Alexandra Garner, Executive Opinions Editor Aminah Beg, Assistant Opinions Editor

Ben Wells, News Executive Zoe Comerford, Sports Executive Skyler Chun, A&E Executive Lelah Byron, Projects Editor

Eleanor Mccaughey, Copy Chief Grace Pionek, Design Chief Zach Bukowski, Photo Editor

Julia Donofrio, Social Media Executive Aimee Galszweski, Station Manager MUTV Reese Seberg, Station Manager MURadio

STAFF EDITORIAL

Time is running out

— such as canceling Department of Recreational Sports activities, requiring all academic meetings and tutoring sessions to be moved online unless “absolutely necessary” and making all student organization meetings and non-academic advising online — it did not make the decision to move all in-person classes online, which more students participate in.

And frankly, these changes will not help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

Marquette also claimed that none of the COVID-19 transmission on campus occurred from in-person classrooms or labs. If a student goes to a large social gathering off campus, contracts COVID-19 and brings it back to campus, that student puts their peers and professors at risk for contracting it as well. This would mean that the spread would in fact occur during in-person classes or labs. Even if people take precautions during in-person classes, such as social distancing and wearing masks, there is still a risk of spreading COVID-19. And with the drastic increase in cases at Marquette, the university needs to

prioritize the health and well-being of its students, faculty and staff by moving all in-person classes online and having students self-quarantine for two weeks.

Some faculty and staff who have in-person classes have not provided online options for their students this semester, so many students are forced to attend in-person classes, even if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Students should not have to risk or sacrifice their health during a COVID-19 spike in order to engage in course material because the university is not putting their health first. Many Marquette students have said they feel unsafe and are living in fear of contracting COVID-19 campus. The university cannot control what students do outside of the classroom, but it can protect those learning in an in-person setting this semester. Faculty and staff have also expressed concern and some are even moving in-person classes online. Keeping classes in-person puts them at risk as well.Moving the Marquette Level Alert from “moderate” to “high” isn’t enough.

Wisconsin is the fourth highest

state for COVID-19 cases, with nearly 113,000 reported cases in the last week, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Nov. 12. Wisconsin is also experiencing worse COVID-19 cases than New York City did at its peak in April.

Governor Tony Evers urged Wisconsin residents to stay at home due to a day of record COVID-19 cases and deaths Nov. 10.

There have been over 10 million COVID-19 cases and over 240,000 COVID-19 deaths across the United States since January, according to the CDC. If these numbers are not serious or sufficient enough for the university to protect the Marquette community, there have been over 3,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 89 hospitalizations and 40 COVID-19 related deaths in Milwaukee County in the past week, according to the Milwaukee County website.

Continuing in-person classes is irresponsible and reckless. Marquette is in the middle of a densely populated city where students are interacting with Milwaukee community members. Choosing

to not prevent further spread by keeping campus operating nearly the same way as it did before switching to a “high” alert level is a disservice to the surrounding community. The university has a responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of not only the Marquette community but also the Milwaukee community.

Having students self-quarantine before they return home to their families and hometown is necessary to ensure students do not potentially bring home COVID-19.

The university suggested students limit their social circles to five people, wear a mask, socially distance at all times, stay home whenever possible and get tested if they’re sick.

Suggestions are not enough. The university must require students selfquarantine for two weeks and move all in-person classes online.

And if they don’t do this, they will continue to let the Marquette community down, allowing students to continue on in fear.

Campus is not safe right now.

Marquette must do more to protect us. And it has one last opportunity to do so.

to either promote them to a higher position or shuffle them to a new parish, such as the case of John Geoghan, who was assigned to several parish posts even after knowledge of pedophilia.

The accusations of cases started to build up in the late 1980s, when it was discovered that the Catholic Church was covering up a horrifically large scandal — one that preyed on innocent children. In 2002, The Boston Globe discovered that the abuse was not an isolated incident nor one that was only a national problem, but one that spanned worldwide. Instead of taking action, the Catholic Church covered it up. It was apparent that this elaborate system of torture was hidden in the Church’s authoritarian structure, and the complicity went all the way to Rome.

It is no surprise that people are doubting the Church’s and the Pope’s supposed infallibility. Some have even questioned if John Paul II was too quick to be canonized as a saint.

It is hard to present yourself as the structure of morality and goodness when you have a church that has

been so polluted by sheer evilness.

It is hypocritical to preach a message of love, good faith and responsibility when the institution you uphold is filled with liars and pedophiles, and perhaps even worse — people who fail to take any action against them.

The Vatican’s claim that the late Pope John Paul knew about Cardinal McCarrick’s allegations is said to be a damning development for the Church. In some ways, it should be.

It is long past due for the Church to assume responsibility, to hold figures accountable, to accept blame and to admit to the dark force that has loomed over the Church for decades. It is also time for action.

The Church claims to promote “zero tolerance,” but it must treat all allegations with profound seriousness.

The Catholic Church must stop lobbying against acts that are meant to help abused children, such as the spending millions of dollars to fight legislation such as the Child Victims Act, which gives survivors more time to seek justice against their abusers. Covering up scandals and seeking to sweep instances of abuse under the rug has failed the

Church, as the public always ends up finding out anyway, disgusted not only by despicable actions but by the nonexistent efforts to stop it.

Catholics are leaving the Church because of it. In 2019, a Gallup Poll showed that 37% of Catholics have questioned their faith after recent news concerning sexual abuse.

Victims have had their faith torn from them, their belief in God and spirituality forever tainted by the crimes of those who revered and protected. People simply do not trust the Church anymore, because it has just not given them a reason to.

It is time for the Church to realize that the only godly, moral thing to do is to accept blame, to acknowledge their wrongdoings and ghastly sins and aim to do better.

The Church is supposed to the Church of God, a place of pure holiness, in which people are attracted by its mystique, its beauty and their love for Jesus and God. Transparency and accountability is the only way to mend the wounds of the Church, to show their commitment to morality, to God and to be looked upon with any sort of favorability.

If the Church wants to hold its moral authority, it must purge evil from within and from there it may continue to live up to the Godly standard it promotes.

Catholic Church must take more deliberate action, responsibility Lucia Ruffolo The Catholic Church must assume more responsibility for the sex abuse crisis and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

As a Catholic Jesuit university, the sex abuse crisis poses relevance to Marquette. In 2018, Rev. Robert A.Wild admitted to knowing about clergy abuse allegations, prompting his request to be removed from the university’s new residence hall, which is now referred to as The Commons.

A report from The Vatican Nov. 10 revealed Pope John Paul II was aware of sexual misconduct allegations against Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who sexually abused minors and adults during the 1980s and 1990s but chose to promote him as cardinal anyway.

Unfortunately, this is not new.

Catholic officials have been found to know about the horrific acts of abuse committed by priests and bishops, such as Cardinal McCarrick, for years, yet chose

Lucia Ruffolo is a first-year student and is undecided. She can be reached at lucia.ruffolo@marquette.edu

Statement of Opinion Policy

The opinions expressed on the Opinions page reflect the opinions of the Opinions staff. The editorials do not represent the opinions of Marquette University nor its administrators, but those of the editorial board.

The Marquette Tribune prints guest submissions at its discretion. The Tribune strives to give all sides of an issue an equal voice over the course of a reasonable time period. An author’s contribution will not be published more than once in a four-week period. Submissions with obvious relevance to the Marquette community will be given priority consideration.

Full Opinions submissions should be limited to 500 words. Letters to the editor should be between 150 to 250 words. The Tribune reserves the right to edit submissions for length and content.

Please e-mail submissions to: alexandra. garner@marquette.edu. If you are a current student, include the college in which you are enrolled and your year in school. If not, please note any affliations to Marquette or your current city of residence.

Opinions

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Marquette Tribune

11

Leftist liberals must use Biden win to educate Jenna Koch Left-leaning progressives must attempt to educate centrists rather than criticize them so heavily.

With President-elect Joe Biden taking office in January, leftists must see his presidency as an opportunity to bring more people further left.

The divide on the American left is between moderates, also known as liberals to some, and progressives, many of whom consider themselves socialists or leftists. The main difference is that moderate liberals believe in reforming capitalism, while leftists believe a new, noncapitalistic system must be created. Because of this, it is no secret that many people on the left were not thrilled about Biden’s win in the primaries. Movements such as “Settle For Biden” started, which attempted to unify former Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren supporters behind Biden. Those movements were successful as Biden won the 2020 presidential election. However, in the days following the news of Biden’s win, the left voiced many different opinions on the results. Many followed the news with a sigh of relief, while others took this as a time to celebrate. The streets of major U.S. cities like Washington D.C. filled with Biden supporters, welcoming in the

president-elect while saying “good riddance” to President Donald Trump. However, individuals on the left were not so excited about Biden’s win. Many took to social media to share their thoughts. A sense of pessimism erupted among leftists, many of whom made jokes about the similarities between Trump and Biden. These similarities included being two white rich men with mental cognition problems. Many leftists are disillusioned by the fact that the two parties aren’t so different really, besides the fact that Democrats aren’t openly bigoted (most of the time).

I understand their attitudes.

I wasn’t thrilled when I heard Vice President Kamala Harris defend fracking during her debate with Vice President Mike Pence or the fact that both candidates have sexual assault allegations, showing how much this country really cares about women. It can often feel like the U.S. will never make the progress it needs to.

However, I voted for Biden, not because I like his campaign or because I like the Democratic party. Trust me, I don’t. I saw voting for Biden as a small step to getting a power-mad individual out of office so leftists could focus on building our communities.

It’s difficult to fight for the leftwing causes when many of our members are struggling due to the Trump administration, which halted stimulus negotiations in early October, stating they

wouldn’t begin again until after the election.

People of color and those living in poverty are at high risk of getting COVID-19, according to the CDC. Working-class people of color have always laid the foundations for leftist organizations and communities.

Without their survival and success, the left will become weaker. Leftists cannot do activist work effectively unless their basic needs such as income and healthcare are met. Without the necessary resources to be healthy both mentally and physically, we cannot write, educate, or build community with one another.

Although a Biden presidency won’t fix these problems overnight, his administration’s plans for more COVID-19 testing, national mask-wearing, and distribution of an affordable vaccine should help the many who are struggling due to the pandemic. However, we will need to push moderates along with the Biden administration to address the reasons why certain groups are struggling far more than others.

That’s the problem leftists have with the Democratic party; it claims to be a party for equality, yet it can’t recognize that capitalism is a part of what causes hierarchy in the first place. This realization was something that radicalized me when I was just beginning to learn about politics.

In 2016, I was an avid Hillary

Clinton supporter. Granted, I was 14 and was unable to vote. During this time, I began to educate myself on the flaws in both parties and realized that there was far more to politics than the two parties in the U.S. However, over the course of the Trump presidency, I began to understand that a woman in a position of power wouldn’t create a feminist society overnight. The Trump administration radicalized me further left, and although we now have a Democrat in the presidency, leftists should attempt to ally with Biden supporters and encourage them to be critical of his administration. It is even more important to do this in Biden’s administration compared to Trump’s because many moderates were hoping to “go back to brunch” after a democratic win. The phrase came about during the first Women’s March.

However, if I had been met with negativity as a young liberal, I would have been less inclined to move further left. When met with that energy, many people tend to shut down and refuse to hear the other side. We cannot continue to treat liberals and centrists as lost causes.

There needs to be a balance between rightful criticism and collaboration with the candidates.

While leftists can make jokes about Harris being a “feminist girl boss” and Biden being, well, another rich, old white man, we need to let others on the left know the deeper meaning behind those

jokes. We need to encourage them to research why capitalism is incompatible with feminism and why we will continue to have rich, old white male leaders unless we break down hierarchical systems.

Even so, the night of Biden’s win I felt something I hadn’t in a while: I was hopeful. It’s fine to feel that way, even after the initial win. Along with that hope, we must remember that hope can only get us so far. The real work begins in reaching out to moderate friends or family members and sending them information about current issues. For example, this Thanksgiving, send friends and family links to Native American organizations as the holiday draws near. Doing so can not only help tribes in need but also lead to further conversations about the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous people.

This seems small, but educating the people around us is an easy and important step almost everyone can take. We cannot return to normalcy just because our president seems to care about oppressed people.

The sooner leftists begin to educate moderates on this idea, the sooner we can get to a more equitable society.

Jenna Koch is a first-year student studying journalism. She can be reached at jenna.koch@marquette.edu

Second Catholic U.S. president presents opportunity Max Pickart President-elect Joe Biden has the unique opportunity to unite both Republicans and Democrats as the second Catholic to ever take office and with his progressive political agenda.

Pope Francis became the most recent world leader to congratulate Biden on his projected victory in the 2020 election Nov. 12. According to the Biden-Harris team, Biden and Pope Francis discussed different policy approaches in regards to President Trump’s agenda. On the phone call with Pope Francis, Biden expressed hopes to connect his faith with his policies, as both he and the Pope expressed the necessity of focusing on the dignity, equality and equity of all human beings.

It is clear that Biden’s Catholic faith enables him to see the world and this nation in a different light, a more hopeful one than that Trump’s.

Biden is a person of faith — one who puts his neighbor first and connects his faith to the fight against injustices everywhere. Biden

expressed to the Pope that his agenda will focus on the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in society, address climate change and welcome all immigrants and refugees into the United States.

Biden further explained that the Scriptures call us all to serve, act for justice, create hope and healing, speak of good and perform good deeds.

Catholics often express their desire to vote Republican due to the “pro-life,” otherwise known as anti-abortion, aspect of the party’s policies.

However, there is much more to the word “life” than unborn infants. Though Biden’s agenda does not align with certain “single-issue” voters on the topic of abortion, it is clear that Biden respects the dignity of human life.

In order to truly be pro-life, it is essential to work for and with the lives of immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, those affected by climate change and all underserved individuals.

Biden has shown constant support of LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights. His agenda for women’s rights in the workforce and health care proves his commitment to

fighting for women’s rights and equality. His immigration policy, which directly conflicts with that of Trump’s, is a direct and concrete example of “loving thy neighbor,” a Catholic cornerstone.

Through these policies, agendas and commitment to bettering the lives of the most vulnerable in America, it is clear that Biden is pro-life. Biden’s faith outreach director, Joshua Dickson, further explained Biden’s agenda, saying that “the Biden-Harris agenda deeply exhibits and embodies … social justice, loving our neighbors as ourselves, being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and working to ensure everyone has the chance to achieve their God-given potential.”

Biden sees his Catholic faith as an opportunity to unite this polarized nation. His agenda embodies that of Catholicism, while also tying in the progressive hopes of the Democrats in his mission to serve all underserved individuals.

He believes that Catholicism provides a common ground for Republicans and Democrats, which is what this country so desperately needs. Biden’s strong Catholic faith provides an opportunity unlike any other to truly connect with

members of the opposing party.

The Republican party is known for its deep connection to religion and faith. The general population of Republicans express that religion and churches generally do more good than harm in American society, strengthen morality in society and bring people together.

Thus, it should be relatively easy for Republicans to connect with Biden and discuss different policies and legislation through similar moral compasses due to their connection with religion.

It will be key for Biden to remain steadfast and consistent in his policies that tend to lean more liberal, while also using his faith to uplift this nation from its current state of division. While he pushes for an annual raise of admission of refugees in the U.S. to 125,000 — a 110,000 increase from Trump’s current rate — it is essential that Biden uses proper Catholic Social Teaching to appease members of the Republican party. Biden is doing the right, moral thing by pushing for a larger admittance of refugees.

It is done out of love, faith and the pursuit to better the lives of those who are most vulnerable in this country, all of which are Catholic

ideals.

Biden encompasses this, as he explained on World Refugee Day in 2019 that “(t)ogether we must all work toward a more resilient, inclusive and hopeful future for our world.”

Biden’s transformative agenda, tied in with his Catholic values, provide a glance at what could come to be throughout the next four years: a more welcoming society, a deeper commitment to justice, a less-divided government and a passion to allow faith and love to positively affect the lives of the most vulnerable.

This is our country’s chance for unity and progressive change. It will be essential for both parties and all citizens to remain open-minded throughout the Biden-Harris term.

Progressive change is unlimited when looking at Biden’s agendas, and unity is on the horizon.

By the time his term is over, if Biden unites the two parties while also enacting progressive legislation and policies, it will be a job well done.

Max Pickart is a first-year student studying accounting. He can be reached at max.pickart@marquette.edu

Sports The Marquette Tribune

JORDAN KING POISED FOR STRONG SOPHOMORE YEAR SPORTS, 14

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 PAGE 12

NCAA grants extra year for winter athletes

Marquette Wire stock photos

Redshirt senior Lauren Van Kleunen and senior Theo John are two athletes who may take advantage of the extra year of eligibility. All basketball players have the option for another year.

Men’s, women’s basketball react to additional season

By Zoe Comerford

isabel.comerford@marquette.edu

The NCAA granted Division I winter sports athletes an extra year of eligibility Oct. 14 as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will apply to men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey, indoor track and field, swimming and diving and wrestling.

“We were all a little surprised,” women’s basketball head coach Megan Duffy said. “I honestly

thought that they might wait until the end of the basketball seasons to make that call. It was interesting, we learned at the first official day of practice that there was potential for everybody to get their extra year.”

Men’s basketball senior guard Koby McEwen said he believes the NCAA made the right decision.

“I can see a lot of guys using that opportunity to come back and better themselves as athletes and students,” McEwen said. “I think it’s only right to give those (players) opportunities with the current situation that the country’s in. … That’s something you can’t really determine until it’s time to make that decision.”

However, men’s basketball senior forward Jamal Cain said depending on the season’s outcome, if a player has a good year, they may not take advantage of an extra year.

“They’re going to try to leave and try and get paid. That’s what the ultimate goal is while you’re here,” Cain said.

While women’s basketball senior guard Selena Lott said she is focusing on this season rather than planning on if she is taking a fifth year, senior forward Theo John said it is up to the individual.

“Every college athlete has a different journey,” John said. “With the NCAA giving those guys an extra year of

opportunity, that’s the right thing to do. You never know what’s going to happen, it’s 2020. You may be playing tomorrow, you may not be. … Every player will take it into their own hands to see if it’s the best opportunity for them.”

Duffy said it will be interesting to see how this decision will affect each team’s roster in the future. When the news was announced, Duffy had one thing to say to Lott and fellow redshirt senior Lauren Van Kleunen.

“I told Lauren and Selena, ‘guys, I want to keep you for like eight to 10 years,’” Duffy said. “‘We have a chance to keep you in college.’ I was like ‘you guys don’t want to go into the real world anyway.’”

Van Kleunen, who is already in her fifth season due to a medical redshirt her first year, said it is huge the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility because it takes the pressure off of players.

She said since there is so much unknown about the season, this decision allows players to take this year one day at a time and play more freely.

“In terms of having a possible sixth year, it’s always great to have that chance to come back to Marquette and play again,” Van Kleunen said. “I love putting on the Marquette uniform. (It’s) the pride I have for this university.

To be able to come back and have another chance at it, is great.”

Sports

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Marquette Tribune

13

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Program adds depth in Class of 2021 commits Kendra Gillispie, Makiyah Williams join MUWBB roster

By John Leuzzi

john.leuzzi@marquette.edu

Marquette women’s basketball head coach Megan Duffy announced the addition of Kendra Gillispie and Makiyah Williams for the 2021-22 season Nov. 11.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring two great additions to our Marquette family, in Kendra and Makiyah,” Duffy said in a statement. “Fans are going to love their versatility and competitiveness on the court.”

Gillispie, an Oklahoma native, ranks as the No. 58 player in her class by ESPN HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings Top 100. The 6-foot-2 forward is ranked as the No. 9 player at her position per ESPN.

Gillispie has been successful prior to committing to MU. During her sophomore season in 2019 at Norman High School, Williams led her team to a state title while averaging 20.8 points, 13.9 rebounds and three blocks per game. Last season at Harding Charter Prep, she helped guide her team to a 22-8 record and the program’s deepest postseason run in history.

“Kendra Gillespie is an interesting player with what she can do,” Duffy said Nov. 12 in a Zoom press conference. “She can be a flat out bruiser inside, then you can see around the perimeter where she’s a terrific passer. She’s going to be great off of our pickand-roll game and she can shoot the three.”

At Trinity High School in River Forest, Illinois, Williams averaged 20.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 2.3 steals and 1.9 assists as a junior. The 6-foot wing ranks as the No. 8 player in the

Marquette Wire stock photo

Megan Duffy coaches from the sidelines in Marquette’s game against Butler at the Al McGuire Center last season.

state of Illinois by Prep Hoops.

“Makiyah is an outstanding addition to our program,” Duffy said in a statement. “Her versatility, size and skill set will fit in nicely with our team. She’s

going to be able to play multiple positions for us and help the team at both ends of the court.

Makiyah is one of the most improved players in the country, and she has worked extremely

hard to expand her game on the perimeter.”

Gillispie and Williams will arrive on campus next year and have four years of eligibility.

BIG EAST Women’s Tournament moves back to UConn Past seven events held in Midwest, heads to Mohegan Sun Arena

By Molly Gretzlock

molly.gretzlock@marquette.edu

The readmission of the University of Connecticut into the BIG EAST Conference is not the only change of the 2020-21 season. The BIG EAST Women’s Basketball Tournament is also moving to Mohegan Sun Arena.

The league announced Sept. 1 that its postseason tournament was heading to Uncasville, Connecticut.

The past seven BIG EAST Tournaments have been played in

the Midwest. From 2014-2016 the tournament was hosted by DePaul in various locations around Illinois. Marquette University hosted in 2017 at the Al McGuire Center before it was played three years in a row in Chicago at the Wintrust Arena.

The Mohegan Sun Arena is a state-of-the-art facility home to the WNBA team the Connecticut Suns. The WNBA team also has connections to Marquette, as alum star basketball player Natisha Hiedeman is currently playing for the Suns.

BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman said the change of venue will be beneficial for many reasons.

“Women’s basketball is supported at such a high level (in Connecticut),” Ackerman said

Photo by Zach Bukowski zachary.bukowski@marquette.edu

Selena Lott (24) shoots the ball in the BIG EAST Tournament Final March 9.

on BIG EAST Media Day Oct. 28. “It is a fantastic facility, just a great environment. There were so many reasons why it made sense for the BIG EAST to be in Connecticut.”

The Huskies have generated a lot of attention throughout the years due to their many successes.

They have won a record of 11 national championships, including four in a row from 2013-2016.

Adding on to that, they are ranked at third in the nation in preseason predictions for this upcoming season.

As UConn is one of the most successful women’s basketball programs in the nation, Ackerman said the motive to move the BIG EAST Tournament to Uncasville has to do with addressing the underappreciation of women’s basketball, among other reasons.

“We brought in a team that has, in many ways, put women’s basketball on the map,” Ackerman said. “To now have that as a part of us is a fortifying stop for a league that has flown under the radar screen a little bit on the women’s side. (UConn), nonetheless, has a full range of great programs committed to basketball.”

Vice President of the Connecticut Sun Amber Cox said she is also looking forward to the type of attention that women’s basketball may be able to generate due to the new location.

“For us, as a staff, it brings a lot of excitement,” Cox said during BIG EAST Media Day Oct. 28.

“As soon as the announcement

was made about UConn moving back to the BIG EAST our phones were ringing off the hook from fans asking to buy tickets. The excitement level is really really high. We have such a great luxury to be what I like call the ‘women’s basketball capital of the world,’ where there is just so much excitement around the college and pro game.”

Cox said the tournament destination will be a place where fans will not only be able to enjoy basketball, but other activities as well.

“This event is really going to be supported by the fan bases,” Cox said. “I like to affectionately call Mohegan Sun just a wonderland of entertainment. You can come in and just get lot in there between the shopping and the restaurants and the gaming. We hope that it will be a great destination for fans across the BIG EAST to come and not only to enjoy what is sure to be great basketball action, but all of the great amenities offered at Mohegan Sun.” Besides basketball, Mohegan Sun offers numerous retail shopping outlets, dining options, hotel accommodations, live entertainment and entertainment for children. Specifically, the Mohegan Resort and Casino is one of the most popular attractions offered at the location. There are over 300,000 square feet of gaming and gambling machines, and the resort offers 1,563 rooms for people to stay in.

“When the casino was built years ago, that arena was such

a great addition because it allows for such a variety of programing to come through,” Cox said. “Basketball is a big part of that, sports are a big part of that.

We are always looking to versify content. Certainly continuing to look at opportunities for UConn, for other BIG EAST teams, for basketball in general to be at Mohegan Sun, we love to see it and certainly will always welcome the opportunity.”

Marquette women’s basketball head coach Megan Duffy said that when she played collegiately as a Notre Dame guard, the BIG EAST tournament was always out in Connecticut.

“We always had it out in Connecticut. We had to fight all the Husky fans and all that goes into it,” Duffy said Nov. 12 in a Zoom press conference. “A lot of teams came in from all over to watch some great basketball, and that was the intention when we decided to, as a league, move it out of the Midwest. ... It’ll definitely feel like a tournament atmosphere and kind of a cool vibe that will hopefully enhance the league again.”

Redshirt senior Lauren Van Kleunen said her and her teammates are eager to play in the new location.

“Going out to Connecticut, I’ve never been so it’s going to be pretty cool to experience that,” Van Kleunen said Nov. 12 in a Zoom press conference.

“I understand they get a bunch of fans too, regardless if it’s UConn or whatever team, they just love their basketball out there.”

14

Sports

The Marquette Tribune

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

King ready for strong 2nd campaign with Golden Eagles Sophomore guard is only returning starter from 2019-20

By John Leuzzi

john.leuzzi@marquette.edu

For many student-athletes, the first season at the collegiate level consists of feeling things out and soaking up as much information about their new team as possible.

With six seniors graduating in 2018, including the team’s former starting point guard Danielle King, Marquette women’s basketball sophomore guard Jordan King was thrust right into the fire her first year.

“Last year was a great learning experience for me in several ways. Just day in and day out, there was something I learned each day,” King said. “I can see that translating already in practices this year, so I’m very excited to see how my one year of experience is already going to make an impact on the second year.”

King moving from her traditional position of wing to point guard came as no surprise to King’s high school coach, Randy Weibel.

“In high school we needed her to score and that’s why we played her on the wing,” Weibel said. “She would have been by far the best point guard we had in high school, but Jordan is, and it probably sounds cliche, but Jordan will do whatever it takes to win.”

During her four years under Weibel at Hononegah High School in Rockton, Illinois, King helped lead her team to two conference titles and three regional titles, and finished as the NIC-10 Conference all-time leading scorer.

Weibel said King’s selflessness helped her have the willingness to move to point guard for the Golden Eagles.

“It was just easy to coach her,” Weibel said. “She’ll do whatever coaches ask her to do and it’s not an act or ‘look at me’ thing. She’s about the team and that’s it. “ As a former point guard herself, Marquette women’s basketball head coach Megan Duffy liked what she saw out of King in her first season.

“I made her the point guard as a freshman, trying to run the show and all that comes with it,” Duffy said. “There were definitely some challenges but I thought overall she had a heck of a first year.”

Duffy told the Marquette Wire last October that King’s experiences prior to joining the Golden Eagles showed her potential for what was to come.

“She had a tremendous high school career and also did it on a national scene on the Nike circuit,” Duffy said. “She is up there as one of the next upcoming stars in the food chain.”

The Rockton, Illinois native finished second on the team last season and eighth in the BIG EAST in assists per game,

in her abilities that she wasn’t overwhelmed.”

DePaul women’s basketball head coach Doug Bruno said King’s versatility stood out to him whenever his squad took on Marquette.

“Jordan King is an excellent basketball player who has backcourt versatility,” Bruno said

King said she learned from all her teammates last year, but one in particular, now-senior guard Selena Lott, served as a major role in her early success and growth.

“One of the things that I learned, and a lot of the younger players can learn, is her competitiveness,” King said.

Marquette Wire stock photo

Guard Jordan King (23) looks up the court in Marquette’s 74-68 loss to Mississippi State Nov. 25, 2019.

with 3.2.

Weibel mentioned that in the five or six games where he watched his former player in person, he was most impressed with how comfortable she looked out on the court.

“She wasn’t in a ‘wow’ of anything, any situation or any team that she played. She just went out and played,” Weibel said. “She’s confident enough

in a statement via email. “She can play lead guard or scoring guard which makes her very difficult to defend.”

Bruno said two of her main skills include her three-point shooting and facilitating the ball.

“She is a great three-point shooter to go along with highlevel vision handles as a talented facilitator — and she can get to the rim,” Bruno said.

“Something that’s super important in college basketball is being competitive day in and day out, with every drill, every game.”

For Lott, keeping King positive at all times is her objective.

“Jordan knows that she’s one of the best players in the league.

I always tell her, you can have a bad day but you can’t fold whenever you want,” Lott said.

“I think just always trying to

bring her up and having that off-the-court chemistry helps on the court.”

Following Marquette’s 8874 loss to DePaul in the BIG EAST Title Game and the NCAA Tournament being canceled due to COVID-19, King began looking ahead to her sophomore season.

King said when restrictions eased up in Illinois, she was able to start training.

“Around July, I was able to get in with my trainer and just lock back into my game and get that confidence back with my shot, my ball-handling,” King said.

King said it was important to get back into the gym because taking months off for a sport like basketball is hard.

“It was just really important that once we had the resources that are available, just to lock back in and get refocused and head into this season with a positive mindset,” King said.

Redshirt senior forward Lauren Van Kleunen said she has kept it simple with advice for King as she heads into her second year with the team.

“One of the big things I always tell her is to keep her confidence.

She honestly, with the amount she played, in my eyes played almost like a veteran,” Van Kleunen said. “Just stay with that confidence and using that voice as a leader I think is huge because she knows all the right things and does the right things.

I think that’s just my big thing to her, to keep leading by example and lead with that voice.”

With exactly eight days until the official start date of the college basketball season, Duffy said she can see differences in her young guard, specifically with the confidence in her scoring ability.

“Her shooting percentage and numbers at practice are significantly higher and I think that’s a little bit of just settling into our system and our style,” Duffy said. “We’ve also moved her off the ball a little bit so we’ll see her play, obviously, still at some point but go over to that wing spot where we can get her out in transition and give her just different opportunities to score.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic altering the traditional game atmosphere, with no fans allowed for the remainder of 2020, King says opening day will not feel different.

“It’s the same feeling and all you have to focus on is we play soon,” King said. “It’s still the same excitement, obviously it’s under different circumstances, but when games hit, we’ll be ready and we’ll be excited to play.”

Sports

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Marquette Tribune

15

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Duffy’s young squad projected 3rd in preseason rankings Despite high placement, crew has ‘underdog mentality’

By Sam Arco

samuel.arco@marquette.edu

Last year, the women’s basketball team was very young and included six first-year players. They were the underdogs of the conference and projected to finish ninth in the BIG EAST preseason rankings.

That team ended up turning many heads, as the Golden Eagles finished second in the BIG EAST in the regular season, earning a berth to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament before the season ended.

Similar to last season, this year’s Marquette women’s basketball team is led by two veterans, senior guard Selena Lott and redshirt senior forward Lauren Van Kleunen, along with a supporting cast of mostly underclassmen. However, this year, the Golden Eagles are projected to finish near the top of the standings — only behind UConn, who are back in the BIG EAST for the first time since 2013, and DePaul, who have topped the BIG EAST three years in a row.

Although given more respect this year, second-year women’s basketball head coach Megan Duffy said her team still has the “underdog mentality” coming into the season.

“I feel like everyone has to have an underdog mentality this year,” Duffy said Nov. 12 in a Zoom

press conference. “There’s a lot we cannot control, but I appreciate how our team in this early part of the season has handled everything, the adversity, the challenges, the pivoting.”

With Van Kleunen and Lott being the only seniors on the team, they said they will look to take on heavy leadership roles on the court and in the locker room.

“I just try to lead by example or lead by my voice,” Van Kleunen said Nov. 12 in a Zoom press conference.

“One of the big things on our team is that anyone can be a leader. It doesn’t matter your age or your class, but it’s one of the things we pride the most about our team.”

This season the women’s basketball team brought in four first-year players and six secondyear players returned from last year’s team, meaning 10 out of the 13 players on this year’s roster have less than two years of collegiate experience.

“I sometimes forget how young we are,” Duffy said. “There’s still some learning curves with the grind of a college season and then you throw in what we’re going through now, but it will test our team. All I can say is that it looks extremely different and we’re doing it with a lot of underclassmen so we’re going to do our best to manage it.”

With the team consisting of mostly underclassmen, Duffy had to rely on many new faces last season, including then-first-year guard Jordan King. In King’s first

season with the program, she started all 32 games for the Golden Eagles and averaged 8.1 points per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 3.2 assists per game. Going into her sophomore season for Marquette, King will look to have an expanded role on and off the court this season, helping her new teammates get adjusted to college basketball.

“It’s really important to keep an open mindset and being able to learn, and be willing to be coachable,” King said. “One of the biggest things to being a successful player is taking everything people are trying to teach you and that’s what I’ve been trying to help do with the freshman this year.”

Sophomore forward Camryn Taylor is another underclassman who is poised to impact the Golden Eagles’ performance this season.

Last season, the first-year saw 31 games of action while averaging 9.3 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 0.7 assists per game.

Coach Duffy believes both King and Taylor are set to make strides from year one to year two with the program.

“Jordan and Camryn have been awesome moving from year one to year two,” Duffy said. “They had such a steadiness about them as freshmen that gave me a lot of confidence in them to put them on the floor and crucial minutes. (Their games) have definitely improved, no doubt, but just their presence in a way they’re walking around is definitely different from freshman year.”

Photo by Zach Bukowski zachary.bukowski@marquette.edu

Selena Lott (24) looks to score in a game against Illinois State last season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Steve Wojciechowski, staff recruit backcourt talent Kameron Jones, Stevie Mitchell sign with Marquette

offensively … and he’s also … an underrated passer.”

Mitchell also saw his fair share of success in high school prior to signing with the Golden Eagles.

by ESPN, is the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,496 points.

“In Stevie Mitchell you have a high-level elite guard who can really do it all on the court,”

By Nick Galle

nicholas.galle@marquette.edu

Marquette announced the addition of guards Kameron Jones and Stevie Mitchell for the 202122 season Nov. 11 — National Signing Day. Jones, a Cordova, Tennessee native, averaged 20.4 points per game at Evangelical Christian High School during the 2019-20 season. He helped lead his team to the Division 2-A semifinals and was named the program’s most valuable player.

“We got to know Kam through our team camp and he’s a guy that really piqued our interest because he’s just such a creative scorer,” men’s basketball head coach Steve Wojciechowski said in a press conference over Zoom Nov. 11. “He’s got the total package

Marquette Wire stock photo

Koby McEwen (25) looks for a teammate in a game against St. Norbert’s.

At Wilson High School in Reading, Pennsylvania, Mitchell averaged 22.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game as a junior and helped his team to a 28-1 overall record. Through three years of play, the nationally ranked recruit, who was ranked 91st in the country

Wojciechowski said in the Nov. 11 press conference. “He’s a fantastic kid, high basketball IQ, tremendous character and I think he’s one of the top guards in the country.”

At 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-2 respectively, Jones and Mitchell will also add more height to a

lengthy backcourt that will feature sophomore Symir Torrence and newly acquired Ohio State sophomore transfer D.J. Carton, who both stand over six feet. The two will also help fill the void that redshirt senior Koby McEwen will leave following his expected departure next season.

“We try to recruit the best players that are available to us, and those guys come in all different shapes and sizes,” Wojciechowski said.

“Obviously having guards with size, like we do now, there’s some real advantages to that, and … hopefully that will play out as we play games this year and then in the future with Kam and Stevie.”

Wojciechowski also said there are some advantages to signing smaller guards such as Markus Howard and Andrew Rowsey, but he does like having the size in the backcourt that the team has right now.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic making the recruiting process more difficult, Wojciechowski said his coaching staff was still able to find players that would fit in nicely with the program even though watching

them in person was sometimes not even an option.

“I wanna credit my staff for doing a great job. Obviously with recruiting, and COVID, there’s been some challenges and we’ve had to figure out new ways to do it because our old ways — we just weren’t allowed to do it that way,” Wojciechowski said in the Nov. 11 press conference.

“I thought my staff, both the assistant coaches and our support staff, did a great job of continuing to find ways to create an environment where we got to show our best … and they deserve a lot of credit for this.”

Jones and Mitchell will arrive on campus next summer and have four years of eligibility with the program.

“We’re extremely excited about both those kids, needless to say,” Wojciechowski said. “Both of them can impact the game in a lot of different ways, and most importantly, they’re unbelievable kids from great families and so we’re tremendously excited about them officially becoming members of the Marquette family.”

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The Marquette Tribune

Sports

Tuesday, November 17, 2020