The Miami Student | April 27, 2021

ESTABLISHED 1826 — OLDEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WEST OF THE ALLEGHENIES

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Miami students face high costs at markets ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR THE MIAMI STUDENT -

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History-making Black journalist, mentor to young sports reporters

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HANNAH HORSINGTON ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR

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This Issue

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CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

PHOTO

OPINION

Missing Bell? It might be coming back sooner than you think

Women arm themselves with these things to feel safe on campus

Derek Chauvin's verdict was accountability, not justice

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picks page 10

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This Week

2 FYI

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 Named the Best College Newspaper (Non-daily) in Ohio by the Society of Professional Journalists.

TIM CARLIN

Things to do

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Briah Lumpkins

Sarah Grace Hays Maggie Peña

Owen Berg

David Kwiatkowski

Tues

Dan Wozniak

Abby Bammerlin Madeline Phaby

James Tobin

Virtual Event Take a virtual career trek to meet Miami alumni.

4/27

Lukas Nelson

Starbucks in San Francisco

Fred Reeder

1:30 p.m.

Aim Media Midwest

Wed

Zach Reichman

Macey Chamberlin

Owen Berg

Soren Melbye Sadie Van Wie

Joslin Family Terrace Make your own version of Miami’s historic treat with MAP!

4/28

Alessandra Manukian Jessica Robinson

4:00 p.m.

David Kwiatkowski Cosette Gunter Sean Scott Taj Simmons

Thurs

Megan McConnell

Lexi Whitehead Madeline Phaby

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The content of The Miami Student is the sole responsibility of The Miami

CORRECTIONS POLICY

The Miami Student is committed to providing the Miami University community with the most accurate information possible. Corrections may be submitted up to seven calendar days after publication.

Students gather to stand against racism and police brutality CONTINUED FROM FRONT

She spoke about the pain of hearing about and wanting to see improvement from Miami regarding issues of race.

“I’m disappointed in this university,” she said, “and just this entire year in my role, and I want to see the university do better.”

Kamara said afterward that she felt excited and refreshed to see younger students taking initiative and being organizers in the community.

“I hope to continue seeing that in the future,” she said. “Students are the movers and drivers of this university.”

Stephens urged the crowd to continue showing up for demonstrations and similar causes.

“We cannot let up,” he said afterward, “but must continue to stay present, continue to move in consistency.”

Stephens said he plans to use his new role about advocating for marginalized communities

“We cannot let up, but must continue to stay present, continue to move in consistency.”

- Vada Stephens

and creating an inclusive environment.

Near the end of the event, Moss Jr. told protesters not to drop issues of race in their private lives.

“As a Black person, we feel way more uncomfortable when we are pulled over by the police,” Moss Jr. said. “So something as little as a conversation … is nothing compared to the uncomfortability that you feel when your life is at risk.”

McKinney’s parting message for the crowd was to continue advocating when they left the street corner.

“We are the people who show up,” McKinney said. “We have to carry the message to the people who didn’t. We have to let them know that Black lives matter.”

4/29

Fri 4/30

Virtual Event Reserve your tickets to see students perform the musical Edges.

8:00 p.m.

Dance Theatre Spring Concert Virtual Event Miami University’s Dance Theatre performs its spring concert.

8:00 p.m.

History-making Black journalist, mentor to young sports reporters CONTINUED FROM FRONT Although diversity on campus was low, Moore said he never faced any issues at The Student. In fact, it became his safe space.

“The four years I worked at The Miami Student, I never had a hit of a problem there at all, racially,” Moore said. “As a matter of fact, we were like our own little fraternity.”

Sue McDonald was the editor-in-chief of The Student during Moore’s junior year.

“I never thought of [Terence] as a Black reporter,” McDonald said. “He was just a really good sports writer and a really good sports editor … if you came in and you could write a complete sentence and you wanted to work for The Miami Student, come on board.”

During the time Moore and McDonald worked for The Student, a new interest in journalism was emerging in response to the Watergate scandal that led to President Nixon’s resignation.

“There were some people in the country that hated the newspapers for bringing down the president, [but] there were still a lot of people, especially our generation, that were really inspired by the power of the press,” McDonald said.

Members of The Student followed suit.

“We looked at ourselves as being a Washington Post and the Miami administration being like the Nixon administration,” Moore said.

Oxford still also had its own newspaper at the time, the Oxford Press. The Student used the Oxford Press office for its newspaper production two nights a week, although it wasn’t always smooth sailing.

“We had some classic near misses with them,” Moore said. “They were old school journalists, the Oxford Press, and they did not play. And you can imagine they come in and here’s a bunch of college kids with pizza boxes all over the place.”

Despite the long nights and close calls, Moore said the The Student staff was still extremely proud to be able to produce a successful newspaper.

“We treated [it] as if we were a real newspaper, and we kicked tail,” Moore said. “We took pride in that.”

Moore would also submit stories ideas to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Many were rejected, but he did have a few strokes of luck and was able to get his story ideas

published.

“And then the next thing you know, I’m getting a call and they said, ‘Hey, you want to do an internship here?’”

Moore said that while Miami is referenced as the Cradle of Coaches, he calls it the ‘Cradle of Sports Writers’ due to the amount of students who have gone on to be successful sports journalists, including himself.

Eight days after graduating from Miami, Moore began working at The Enquirer.

Since then, he’s done sports reporting for publications including The San Francisco Enquirer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, ESPN and the National Football League.

Currently, Moore works as a national columnist for Forbes, writes opinion pieces for CNN, is an MSNBC sports contributor and has a YouTube channel called Atlanta Sports Unlimited.

ing the longest-running African-American sports columnist in the history of major newspapers.

Moore also stays true to his roots and has been a visiting professor of journalism at Miami for seven years while also having served on the alumni board for six.

He couldn’t teach this year, though, due to faculty cutbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Bennett Wise first met Moore when he was visiting Miami as a senior in high school after being put in contact with him by another alum. While at the Indianapolis airport on his way to Oxford, he got a call from Moore. The two talked for 45 minutes as Moore tried to sell him on Miami’s journalism program.

Moore’s efforts worked.

“He helped shape who I am as a journalist and then also how I approach sports,” Wise said. “I can’t watch them in the same

“He helped shape who I am as a journalist and then also how I approach sports.”

- Bennett Wise Moore also has a weekly show called Sports Zone Sunday for the local ABC affiliate in Atlanta, the most-watched ABC affiliate in the country.

“We have the highest ratings consistently in the country and have been for years,” Moore said. “So I can think I had a little something to do with that.”

Moore has covered 30 Super Bowls, multiple World Series and NBA Finals games, major prize fights, college football bowl games and auto races including the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.

In 1999, the National Association of Black Journalists honored Moore for be-

light. If I’m watching [sports] on TV, I’m just constantly thinking about angles and ways I would be reporting that event that’s going on. And that’s from Terence”.

A few years after his initial conversation with Moore, Wise found himself in Moore’s journalism 350 class. He credits Moore’s teachings as a large part of his educational experience.

“The foundation of what I’ve learned in journalism,” Wise said, “I’d say 90% of it has come from Terence and his class.”

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY 3

$7 cereal:

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Miami students face high costs at markets

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

First-year history major Lauryn Zilles shared her experience on the busing system.

“I think the busing system is a little unorganized, and I don’t think they do a schedules,” Zilles said. “There’s been times I’ve been on the bus and the route was comon it for hours; I didn’t know where I was going.”

From the location of Scoreboard Market, Kroger, the nearest chain grocery store, is 10 minutes away by car and 37 minutes by walking.

Butler County Regional Transit Authority buses have routes that travel to Kroger, students.

“Not a lot of people know the schedule, they don’t know if it’s going to Kroger or if it’s going somewhere else,” Zilles said. “I think a lot of people are hesitant to take the bus or to go to Kroger to get what they need because of that reason.”

According to Global Trade Magazine, stores gain their supply “through wholesale or bulk distributors.” Kroger, for example, stocks 13,000 private label items from various suppliers.

Bryan Gutridge, senior director of event services and overseer of market operations, said Miami does not have the ability to purchase items in bulk for its markets.

“We do not have the purchasing power of larger grocery chains since we do not buy in massive volumes, and so there is a greater cost to the university than larger stores,” Gutridge said.

Gutridge said that Miami chooses which items to stock based on consumer trends.

“We work with vendors to see what items are doing well in similar areas and college campuses,” he said. “We take into consideration requests from our customers.”

But Miami is not alone in it’s high market prices.

In an article published by the University of Arizona’s Daily Wildcat, there was found to be a 68.71% increase in prices at the school’s markets in comparison to one local grocery store.

In a Forbes article, Professor Emeritus of economics at Ohio University Richard

ed by these price increases. He recalled his

prices.

Vedder and his colleagues looked at commonly purchased items like candy, soap and cereal.

“The basic conclusion was that the prices were dramatically higher, sometimes twice as much in the monopoly facilities near campus that the university controls,” Vedder said.

Vedder said universities operate through a monopoly-like power structure.

“There’s no question that universities are taking advantage of their market position,” Vedder said. “In having near-monopfor the students to get to locations where there is competitive pricing of goods. So the universities take advantage of this by raising their prices.”

Alluding to his Forbes article, Vedder posed the question once again, if it’s approCharles Moul, associate professor of economics, said the future of Miami’s market prices is still uncertain.

“Predicting how a retailer will change the markups excessive for the level of convenience provided, they can provide a public service and incur travel costs and hassle Moul also said that if students were to show a greater student demand for specific groceries. He predicted the future cost of student groceries would potentially decrease.

“This will then show up in Miami’s sales and convey that student demand is more price-sensitive than Miami had thought,” Moul said. “The end result would be Miami accepting a lower markup by lowering prices to all customers.”

Vedder doesn’t see it happening soon.

“As for ‘one can hope,’ I don’t anticipate it happening,” Vedder said “Colleges right greater than usual, given the COVID-19 situation.” @ManovaMihaela manovamd@miamioh.edu

ASG holds third round of elections, passes two pieces of legislation STUDENT GOVERNMENT MADELINE PHABY CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) held a third round of cabinet and senate leadership elections at its most recent meeting. It will hold its last cabinet election during the April 27 meeting.

Elections for secretary for infrastructure and sustainability (I&S), secretary for safety, speaker pro tempore and parliamentarian were held during this meeting.

Academic Senator Alia Agee ran unopposed for secretary for I&S and was elected on a platform of reducing single-use plastics, collaborating with environmental organizations and improving accessibility in Miami’s infrastructure.

Incumbent Secretary for Safety Harper Sutton ran unopposed and was re-elected after highlighting several initiatives she’d like to work on, such as making emergency contraceptives available in markets, improving SafeRide and performing a campus-wide audit for restroom accessibility.

On-Campus Senator Wes Payne was elected speaker pro tempore on a platform of re-evaluating senate requirements, establishing committee standing rules and educating members of ASG on oversight.

In the only contested election of the night, Large Senator Eli Davies ran for parliamentarian.

Elghazawi said he would improve ASG’s student concern tracker, work with senate leadership on transitioning back to in-person meetings and establish an election task force if elected.

Davies said he would make ASG’s records more accessible, improve organization of ASG’s archival documents and create a guide for writing legislation if elected.

ASG elected Elghazawi to the position.

ASG also approved its last round of student organization funding of the semester and passed two pieces of legislation during the meeting.

This round, just less than $18,000 was alcantly less than the $195,000 that was budgeted for the round.

This year, ASG allocated just less than $270,000 out of the $753,973 that was budgeted, leaving a large surplus that will roll over into next year’s budget.

Several members of ASG expressed concern over the low amount of funding requested and allocated this round, especially because the funds student organizations requested fall semester.

On-Campus Senator Nav Chima asked whether organizations could potentially request an emergency funding hearing at the beginning of next semester to cover unexpected costs for Mega Fair. However, Secretary of Finance Ben Waugh said this would not be possible due to the timing of Mega Fair.

“Unfortunately, there will not be another opportunity to request funds before Mega Fair, just because Mega Fair occurs so quickly into the semester,” Waugh said. “We tried to make it as clear as we could to request [funding] now, assuming we would be as close to normal circumstances as possible in the fall.” pus Senator Ian Chenkus, suggested making ASG’s funding rules less strict to encourage more organizations to request funding.

“Can we look at re-examining some of the [funding] rules? There’s no reason orgs shouldn’t want money, so there’s got to be something else at play,” Chenkus said. “We’re supposed to disperse the funds, not leave them sitting in an account.”

Despite these concerns, the allocations passed unanimously. a bill authored by Academic Senator Gillian Brown, On-Campus Senator Nav Chima and The bill amended the bylaws of ASG’s Judicial Council – which oversees appeals from the Funding and Audit and Elections committees – to require all members to complete non-bias training before participating in any hearings.

The bill passed unanimously.

The second piece of legislation, a resolution authored by On-Campus Senator Olivia Thomas and Academic Senator Ben Maldocially expressing support for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The text of the resolution acknowledged that members of certain marginalized communities may be wary of receiving the vaccine due to a history of medical malpractice, a fact that Speaker Pro Tempore Victoria Villanueva said she appreciated. family and is the reason that many members of my own family are hesitant to get the vaccine,” Villanueva said, “so I’m really happy to see that ASG, in passing this legislation, would take steps to educate students that may be affected by that.”

The resolution passed with 32 approvals, zero denials and two abstentions.

ASG’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27. At that meeting, it will hold – secretary of the treasury. @madphabes phabymr@miamioh.edu

Miami alumni co-author book

“Tell Them What You Want”:

BOOK REVIEW CLAIRE LORDAN STAFF WRITER Miami University alumni Laverne ‘Bernie’ Merritt-Gordon and Beau Grosscup recently published the biography “Tell Them What You Want.” The book depicts Meritt-Gordon’s coming-of-age story in Oxford from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Born in 1946, Merritt-Gordon was sent to live with a foster family in Oxford at age 6, where she graduated from Talawanda High School and later Miami with a bachelor’s degree in science.

The book begins with the meeting between Merritt-Gordon and Grosscup as children, and routinely refers back to the two’s friendship of over 65 years.

“Over the years, Laverne has shared little bits and pieces of her ‘secrets’ to some of us, several who encouraged her to write her memoir,” years later that she said, ‘Let’s get going. I know you will get it right.’”

Although “Tell Them What You Want” largely focuses on Merritt-Gordon’s experiences as a child and young woman in Oxford, it also details the racism Merritt-Gordon faced as a Black teen mother in the 1960s.

At the beginning of each chapter, the memoir presents a list of the racial injustices occurring at the time of the story, many of which are referenced in the chapter by the characters. The lists place the narrative in a timeline to provide for more socio-political background to the story.

Merritt-Gordon’s co-author, Grosscup, also grew up in Oxford and graduated from Miami.

Currently, he serves as professor emeritus of political science at California State University, Chico. Grosscup felt drawn to Merritt-Gordon’s experience growing up in his hometown.

“Given my 40 years of teaching and research on class, race and gender issues, we agreed I was

well-equipped to add the [political] dimension to the story,” Grosscup said. “Having also grown up in Oxford, I was very familiar with most of the people, places and events.”

“Tell Them What You Want” is Grosscup’s Without a Clue,” published in June 2020. Grosscup’s other three books focus on international terrorism, his concentration at CSU Chico.

While the memoir uses creative aspects to give a more detailed account of Merritt-Gordon’s life, such as revolving the narrative around Merritt-Gordon’s inner thoughts, “Tell Them What You Want” still provides an accurate look at not just Merritt-Gordon’s life, but the history of Oxford and the Civil Rights Movement.

While Grosscup and Merritt-Gordon have stayed friends throughout their lives, their vastly unique element to the memoir.

“What stood out to me about her story was, even though the same age, living a quarter mile apart and with many of the same people in our a white professor’s son,” Grosscup said. “It was and remains a fascinating revelation.”

By giving readers such an intimate look into Merritt-Gordon’s life, “Tell Them What You Want” allows its audience to feel not just that they’re listening to Merritt-Gordon account her life’s story, but compare their own experiences to hers.

There’s a moment in the book when Merritt-Gordon is speaking with her mentor, Mr. Jacks, about the lack of support at Miami for Black students. His response stands out to both Merritt-Gordon and the audience clearly.

“You’ve got to reach down somewhere inside of you and pull it up,” Jacks tells Merritt-Gordon.

“You say they don’t want to hear? Make them.

Then tell them, not what you think you want, but what you want.” lordance@miamioh.edu

Oxford moves forward with Amtrak station CITY COUNCIL SEAN SCOTT ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR Oxford City Council entered a contract with construction of a railroad platorm and shelter near Chestnut Fields at its April 20 meeting.

The agreement totals $250,000 and covers the cost of preliminary engineering, environmental documentation and multiple design phases for the proposed station. Though the city’s goal is to Washington, D.C. to Chicago, Amtrak has not formally agreed to incorporate the platorm to its existing route.

“We’re somewhat concerned about not having a commitment in hand from Amtrak at this point and beginning to spend money on the project,” Mike Dreisbach, director of Public Services, said.

“We will write in points of separation should it become clear that, or whatever reason, we’re not able to bring the project to fruition.”

Dreisbach added that the project includes considerable risks. Amtrak will not pay or any part of the platorm or shelter, including costs the company itself incurs if it agrees to the project. Construction of the platorm may disrupt the railroad schedule as well, adding to the city’s expenses.

Despite the risks involved, Councilor David Prytherch said he’s excited the city is moving forward with the project.

“We’re making a long-term investment here, and it’s not without risks, but the rewards are potentially really great,” Prytherch said. “To be honest, I think that we’ve struggled to get commitment from Amtrak without ourselves having skin in the game.”

While the platform would initially only see trains stopping three times a week, President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package sets aside $165 billion to modernize public transit and expand the nation’s rail network. Prytherch said the federal proposal could lead to increased train services in Oxord in the future.

Councilor Edna Southard said she hopes the

platform design works to incorporate elements that highlight the city’s community.

“I’d love to see this platform in its design express something about Oxford, about its creativity, about its life,” Southard said.

Many of Oxford’s future projects are centered in the Chestnut Fields area, including the Amtrak station, an extension of South Main Street, future phases of the Oxford Area Trails, an intermodal transport facility for Butler County Regional Transit Authority and potential renewable energy projects.

As the city moves forward on various projects, “So far, long range visioning of this Chestnut Fields area has been pretty limited,” Prytherch said. “We’ve been moving forward on some projects in the short term … but the question is, have we exhausted and done our due diligence to make sure that we’ve optimized that these short term investments are leading toward the best long term vision for this area?”

As each project moves forward individually, beore the design phase to make sure the inal prodAssistant City Manager Jessica Greene said adding an exploratory phase to review the city’s long-term goals or Chestnut Fields will take time and money, so Council will have to prioritize its goals and potentially cut out initiatives elsewhere.

City Manager Doug Elliott added that moving forward with so many projects might require the city to buy properties like SDS Pizza, which could Councilor Jason Bracken said he hopes by havable to incorporate renewable energy into each.

“There might be opportunities or solarizing these facilities and the parking areas, and these goals line up with Miami’s goals as well in wanting to solarize,” Bracken said. “So that could mean not just the roofs of the facilities but … putting solar over the parking area.”

The next City Council meeting will be streamed on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 4. scottsr2@miamioh.edu

4 CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

BAMMERAJ@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

HAZING HENRI ROBBINS STAFF WRITER Ohio Senate, advocating for Collin’s Law, a bill seeking to make hazing a felony.

In its current state, Collin’s Law – named after Ohio University student Collin Wiant who died in 2018 after a hazing incident – seeks to raise hazing meanor with charges rising in severity to a second-degree felony for hazing involving drugs and alcohol.

It’s been two years since Perino was hospitalized himself after Delta Tau Delta’s (Delts) big/little brother reveal, where he was paddled, kicked, punched and spit on by members of the fraternity.

Perino’s injuries and subsequent report to both Miami University and the Oxford Police Department led to Delts being suspended for 15 years and 18 criminal cases for former fraternity brothers.

Perino said he was nervous as he spoke to lawmakers.

“I realized how big of a deal it was and how important that it is that I did that, because the judge himself said to me, ‘Hey, this is going to rocket through the system, and hopefully it gets passed soon,’ and he said that my help was very

Since the incident, Perino has returned to his hometown and started attending the University of Toledo, where he is studying psychology and forensic science.

Despite his nerves, Perino said his testimony was able to provide a personal experience that he hopes will help see the bill passed.

“Coming from someone who went through a hazing experience similar to the kids that didn’t make it through, such as Collin Wiant, who the bill is named after,” Perino said. “His mom was actually there, and I had to testify after her. I just think it’s a big impact,” Perino said.

In Ohio, hazing is currently a misdemeanor. In Perino’s case, of the 18 men who could have potentially faced jail Community Standards, said Perino’s testimony will be extremely helpful in working to prevent hazing.

“What he did was nothing short of amazing,” James said. “I’ve worked in student conduct work for 20 years, and I have never had a student who was willing to speak as publicly as he has about what he experienced. It’s got to be exhausting to do what he’s doing, but I hope he continues to have the energy and the will and the drive to speak out.”

If the bill passes, James hopes more

TYLER PERINO, WHO SURVIVED A HAZING INCIDENT SPRING 2019, TESTIFIED TO THE OHIO SENATE IN SUPPORT OF A NEW HAZING BILL. PHOTO EDITOR-AT-LARGE BO BRUECK

students will be comfortable coming forward about their experiences.

“Right now, there’s huge pressure on students not to talk about what happened to them,” James said. “I’m not saying anything negative about students that are victimized by hazing. The fact is that they don’t feel like they can speak up. I hope they see Tyler as an example that you can.”

“It’s a labor of love”:

The Secret Elephant tribe

PURPLE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE THE SECRET ELEPHANT’S INTERIOR, AND THE WALLS WILL SOON FEATURE LOCAL ARTWORK. PHOTOGRAPHER CAROLINE BARTOSZEK

UPTOWN BUSINESS MAKENZIE KNORE STAFF WRITER Bright purple lights hang down from the ceiling and popular new music plays as guests devour the fan favorite beer cheese pretzel.

The Secret Elephant, a new restaurant that recently opened Uptown, features a wide variety of appetizers and drinks. It replaced Wild Bistro, a during the pandemic.

Desi Durkin, The Secret Elephant’s owner and general manager, was the real estate agent for the own-

ers of Wild Bistro before they had to shut down. The owners had moved to the United States from China and spoke very little English.

“To my knowledge, I’m the only real estate agent in Oxford that speaks Mandarin,” Durkin said.

By speaking Mandarin, Durkin and the previous owners were able to communicate. Soon after, they became good friends.

When the time came to sell Wild Bistro, Durkin was asked to help.

“I was out there working, trying to help them sell it during COVID, and there were no buyers,” Durkin said. “[So,] I started giving them suggestions on what they could do to it to -

able.”

As Durkin was brainstorming and coming up with ideas, the family decided the restaurant space should be hers.

“I said that I had no intention of opening a restaurant, but they said, ‘Your ideas are just so wonderful,’” Durkin said. “At that time, I wasn’t making very much money because of COVID. So, they said that they would remodel and put all of my ideas into fruition, and I took it over.” come up with a name for the restaurant. Making it unique was Durkin’s only criteria for a suitable name.

“Someone threw out [the idea] Secret Elephant, and I fell in love with

Since his experience, Perino has often asked himself, “Why me?”

In answering that question, he has turned his experience into a way to make change.

“I feel like it’s my duty to speak up about this type of thing because I was fortunate enough to live through my scenario, whereas people such as Stone Foltz at BGSU and Timothy Piazza at

Penn State in the past weren’t,” Perino said. “Those stories were very similar to mine, it’s just mine wasn’t as severe, which is lucky for me. Now I just feel like the ‘Why me?’ has turned into a positive experience for me because I can go out and try and prevent this from happening again.”

it,” said Durkin. “So, I went out to Facebook, and I let the community vote on the name. Secret Elephant was the outlier.”

Durkin originally wanted the restaurant to be fondue-based but said it was impossible to do this while following COVID-19 regulations. Instead, she decided to make it into an upscale bar.

Durkin expressed her gratitude to Ted Wood, owner of multiple Uptown establishments like Left Field Tavern, for guiding her in the right direction.

Ann Kamphaus, owner of Church

wants to participate. There are so many talented young people that

as a businesswoman, despite the fact that they are local competitors.

“Ann Kamphaus suggested to me to just make it your own. Just make it someplace you would like to be,” Durkin said. “The theme came from a place I would enjoy being, and I’m a girly girl. And, I like fufu things. So, I created a slightly fufu atmosphere.”

Along with Durkin, the workers and customers also enjoy the aesthetic of the restaurant. The purple lights and stone accents enhance the modern unique style.

Serena Lanum, a senior marketing major employed at the restaurant, said she enjoys everything about the job, especially the atmosphere.

“Even though it is a bar, it doesn’t feel like a bar,” Lanum said. “So, it’s really nice, and I love all my coworkers.”

Some students said the bar is a great addition for the community and predicted it will be around for a long time.

“I think it will have more customers than what the Wild Bistro had,” said Peyton Townsend, a sophomore psychology major. “It’s because the food is great, and drinks, and customer service.”

While most students seem to love everything about the restaurant’s current vibe, Durkin is far from completing her vision.

“I want to do a small stage and have open mic nights for poetry, prose, improv and comedy,” Durkin said. “[It will be] for anyone who

robbinha@miamioh.edu

fame.”

Artwork will also be a central part of the interior. Durkin said she’s hiring a local artist to paint a mural in the women’s bathrooms. This way, have a much better background.

Elsewhere in the bar, Durkin said other artists will go through a rotation where they will get the chance to hang their artwork on the wall and sell it.

Just like the fondue idea, though, all these future goals have been pushed back due to the pandemic.

“We are at the bottom end of the food supply chain,” Durkin said.

“When I do try to order, we can get paper supply shortage because of the supply chain.”

Despite these setbacks, Durkin is thankful for the customer approval.

“The student response to the atmosphere has been utterly amazing,” Durkin said. “A lot of alumni come in because they want to see what’s new.

So, even when we are at capacity, I will let some people in just to look.” struggles with the pandemic, Durkin looks back on her work with satisfaction and appreciation.

“I didn’t expect with our limited as it did or to become as popular as it did,” Durkin said. “I don’t even have any artwork on the walls, for Christ’s sake. I turned a restaurant that completely failed and was losing $300 a day into something that is, at least for now, sustainable, and that I think will be around for a very, very long time.” herself surrounded by love from the “It’s not work for me,” Durkin said. “It’s a labor of love. And that’s why I call everyone who comes in [The Secret Elephant] tribe.” knoreme@miamioh.edu

Bell Tower Commons to reopen for the fall semester DINING CLAIRE LORDAN ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR Commons will be reopening for the fall semester.

The decision, which comes nearly six months after the Bell’s indefinite closing, was made due to the lack of COVID-19 cases on campus, students for next semester following the return of remote students.

Bell initially closed in October 2020, reporting that the dining hall no longer drew in enough students to justify remaining open. Prior to closing, Bell Tower had been designated for remain-in-room students only, closing to the rest of the student body.

Geno Svec, executive director of Campus Services, wrote in an email to The Miami Student that he believes a return to normal operations next semester will allow Bell to remain open permanently.

“We originally closed Bell Tower because it was the least used dining hall on campus,” Svec wrote. “We chose to keep it closed because we didn’t know what the spring semester was going to look like.”

Following the closure of Bell in

major Ethan Chiapelli created a petition calling on the university to reopen the dining hall. Currently, the petition has 237 signatures. “[Bell Tower] is the only good dining hall on campus,” Chiapelli wrote in the petition’s description.

“Closing it was a mistake.”

Though aware of student backlash to closing Bell, Svec chose to move forward with his decision regardless.

“We did hear from some students who were not in favor of Bell Tower closing,” Svec said. “But we believe that the students understand the need and reason as to why we kept Bell Tower closed.”

Not all students agree Bell was the right dining hall to close. Will Butler, a sophomore engineering management major living on Academic Quad, believes the univer-

make the right call in closing Bell,” Butler said. “With the relative closeness of Martin and Garden, it would have been much less impactful on students living on the quads represented by those dining halls if one or the other was too close.”

With his closest dining option closed, Butler instead goes to Maplestreet Commons and Garden Commons, both of which are sig“I use my meal plan swipes way

less, since it’s more convenient to walk to Armstrong than a dining hall,” Butler said. “Which isn’t good, since I pay the university for those meal swipes, and a ton of them go to waste.”

While Butler understands the university’s decision to close a dining hall, he doesn’t agree that the university considered all the factors at play in removing a major dining option for students.

“The argument can be made that students can use the dining locations in Armstrong, but those use declining balance dollars,” Butler said. “When you’re spending

have factored into the university’s decision on which dining hall to close.

“It’s by far the best dining hall on campus,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s

good that they’re bringing it back for the fall, but it never should have lordance@miamioh.edu

and cheese sandwich, these locations rapidly deplete the declining dollars of students with meal plans that don’t include a high balance.” computer science major living on North Quad, agreed the closure of Bell Tower made little sense logistically.

“It just doesn’t make sense that they would choose to close a dining hall in such a prominent location,” O’Loughlin said. “I have two dining halls within a quarter mile of my dorm, both of which are used by they close the one dining hall in the middle of campus?”

O’Loughlin believes that the quality of food at Bell, combined with the variety of options, should

BELL TOWER COMMONS, WHICH CLOSED TO STUDENTS IN OCTOBER, WILL BE OPENING AGAIN IN THE FALL SEMESTER. PHOTOGRAPHER MACY WHITAKER

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY 5

PHABYMR@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Common App changes aim for inclusivity

This year’s graduating class will

ADMISSIONS

LEXI WHITEHEAD ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR The Common App, the college application portal used by Miami University and many other colleges, is making changes in its application process to make it more inclusive for transgender and nonbinary students.

Currently, the application asks for students’ sex and lets them enter their preferred name. There is also a text box for applicants to further describe their gender identity if they would like.

Two changes are being made.

Beginning in August, the application will ask for “legal sex” instead of “sex” to reduce confusion. Students will also be able to select or type in their pronouns in addition to describing their gender identity.

Bethany Perkins, director of admissions at Miami, wrote in an email to The Miami Student that these the application process. “[These changes will] allow students to more easily express and identify themselves to colleges and universities in the admission process,” Perkins wrote.

Rigby Gladieux, a sophomore marketing major, wasn’t out as nonbinary when they were applying to college but said they would appreci-

DESIGNER MACEY CHAMBERLIN

ate these changes if they were applying now.

“I think if I were to enter college this year, and I were to be applying this year, being out the way I am my preferred pronouns, I think that Gladieux said.

More than 900 colleges and universities use the Common App, and

more than 1 million students apply to college using the Common App. Because of its wide scope, Gladieux thinks it’s important for the Common App to be more inclusive of all students.

“That’s like the main portal that students will use to apply to college, it makes me really happy that they are making changes like that,” Gladieux said. “Using ‘legal sex’ rather

than just ‘sex,’ and being a little more descriptive with the words and the phrasing that they’re using [because] phrasing is really, really important when it comes to things like gender ent things.”

The Common App changes come from the national organization, but

their “name of use” on them. Gladieux and other students have found it fairly simple to change their name and pronouns in Miami’s systems, such as MyMiami and Canvas.

Although Gladieux views these changes positively, they said Miami needs to keep listening to and supporting its transgender and nonbinary students. One area for improvement they see is with Miami’s ID cards. “[New] IDs [are] are so expensive,” they said. “They should have a waiver that if you change your name, maybe you could get a new ID with your proper name on it … I always feel really awkward when I’m in Dividends or any place and they’re like, ‘Oh, what’s the name for this order?’ and I tell them ‘Rigby,’ and then I tap my ID, and I always see them look at it and then look at me a little weird.”

Perkins and Gladieux both said they think feeling included during the application process can translate into feeling welcome on campus.

“This representation sends a powerful message of access and belonging to students,” Perkins wrote.

“By seeing oneself represented in the college application process, one can see that they belong in this space and on our campuses.” @nwlexi whitehan@miamioh.edu

made by Miami.

Indianapolis shooting vigil honors victims, highlights issues facing the Sikh community

MIAMI COMMUNITY ABBY BAMMERLIN CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR

MIAMI COMMUNITY SHR-HUA MOORE STAFF WRITER members gathered at The Seal on Thursday, April 22, to grieve and honor the lives lost in the Indianapolis FedEx shooting. Four of the eight victims were of Sikh descent.

The vigil occurred two weeks after the student-organized vigil for victims of the Atlanta spa shootings.

While all victims of the Indianapolis shooting were commemorated and respected, the vigil also drew attention to the centuries-long struggles of the Sikh (pronounced sic) community in the United States and across the globe. Topics ranging from the tendency of people to incorrectly pronounce the group’s name as ‘seek’ to the horrors of a 2012 shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin were discussed.

The identity of the victims were read to emphasize the alleged motivation of the crime. Many have interpreted the shooting as a hate crime against the Sikh community.

Navkiran Chima, a sophomore international studies and political science double major and founding president of the Sikh Student Association, organized the vigil.

Chima said the vigil was meant to commemorate the lives of the victims while highlighting the history of discrimination against the Sikh community.

“The vigil was there to draw attention to the issue of gun violence, commemorate and honor the lives of the victims in the shooting and to raise awareness about who we are as a people,” Chima said. “The vigil was meant to honor the lives lost, especially since Sikh students haven’t been heard at Miami since there aren’t a lot of us.”

The vigil had several scheduled and unscheduled speakers and featured a Sikh prayer by Cincinnati architect Jaipal Singh and a speech by professor of English and Asian/Asian American studies Anita Mannur read by graduate student Simran Kaur.

About 70 people attended the event.

Anondo Banerjee, Miami’s sexual and interpersonal violence prevention education and outreach coordinator, attended the vigil and helped

A VARIETY OF SPEAKERS EXPRESS THEIR EMOTIONS AT THE SIKH STUDENTS ASSOCIATIONS VIGIL ON THURSDAY. PHOTO EDITOR ZACH REICHMAN

pass out candles. He believes both the scheduled and non-scheduled speakers brought important issues to light at the event.

“It’s a bit weird to use the word ‘fantastic,’ but I thought the scheduled speakers held a really good balance between mourning for the community, uplifting the community, and also calling out some of the happened,” Banerjee said. “I would say that the non-scheduled speakers seemed to focus a bit more on next steps to solve these problems, which also makes sense.”

The non-scheduled speeches inMiami police, laments of the white supremacist culture on campus and calls to stop the hate against the Sikh community and other marginalized groups.

“The scheduled speakers did a good job on giving space to drive but also calling out the larger issue, and the non-scheduled speakers had powerful stories to share as well,” Banerjee said. tative economics and individualized studies double major, also attended the event. He went to the vigil just hours after participating in a protest on campus against racism and police ences between the two events.

“The energies at the two events the protest, people were angrier — we were talking about death in a way that was invigorating and emotional.

The vigil was more somber; it was the same issue of people being killed over race or religion but examined in a different way.”

However, Gates explained that these distinctions didn’t detract from either event.

“I don’t think either approach was bad — it was good to experience nitely some angry moments at the vigil and sorrowful moments at the protest. One was to move to action, and the other was to commemorate the dead and understand what happened.”

Like the vigil for the Atlanta spa shootings, the Indianapolis vigil ended with participants placing candles around the seal to honor the victims.

While by no means healed from the Indianapolis tragedy, Chima did feel better after seeing so many diverse groups at the vigil.

“The amount of people that were there, the diversity of people that were there – Asian, Asian American students, Black students, students on the left-leaning progressive spectrum, the Latinx community, Jewish students, the Middle Eastern community, they were there,” Chima said. “I was so heartwarmed and so grateful to have that kind of support.”

While there was widespread support for the Sikh Community at the vigil, Chima cautioned that there was more work to be done.

“We really do need to create a culture of understanding and of respectand in order to do that we need to be a saint and a soldier to do charity and do good work but confront injustice when we see it,” she said. “This hasn’t changed, and we need to be that change.” @hua_shr moorese6@miamioh.edu

While much of the world waited with bated breath for the verdict to be read in the trial of Derek Chauvin, Miami University Student Body President Jannie Kamara was in class presenting her capstone project on Black women activists.

During Kamara’s presentation, her professor’s wife entered the Zoom screen and handed him a note.

“I was sitting there like, ‘What’s that post-it note? Why did she come in?’” Kamara said.

Her professor announced to the class Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all three charges against him – second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

“He announced it and I’m, like, crying in the middle of class as I’m giving the Q&A portion,” Kamara said.

Sentencing for Chauvin will occur in eight weeks, but he faces up to 30 years in prison for all three convictions. lief. But soon after, she learned of the death of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio – Kamara’s home city. Bryant was shot were responding to Bryant’s 911 call.

“It broke my heart to see right as that verdict is being called, another Black person – a Black girl – was shot in Columbus,” Kamara said.

Though she thinks the Chauvin countability, she still has doubts on the country’s policing system as a whole.

“I’m incredibly happy for the justice that George Floyd got, and I hate that he’s being used as a martyr right now,” Kamara said, “because people are believing that the system works now and it’s like, ‘No the system’s never worked, nor is it going to work because we’re seeing, again, a Black girl being killed.’”

Vada Stephens, Associated Student Government’s Secretary for Diversity and Inclusion, said he was surprised but happy that Chauvin was found guilty of all three charges.

“I believe what took place, by way of the verdict, was accountability,” Stephens said. “But changing the system and providing avenues of reform is where the real justice will come to play.”

Miami University President Greg Crawford sent an email to the Miami community on April 20 addressing the verdict. He wrote that Floyd’s murder shows how much more work the university must still do to address its racism.

“For many members of our campus community – particularly our – cases such as these are intensely traumatic,” Crawford wrote. “Too

many people of color are dying at the hands of those sworn to provide peace and justice.”

He included resources that students and faculty could reach out tutional Diversity & Inclusion, the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, the Student Counseling Students and the Employment Assistance Program.

In the email, Crawford compared racism to a cancer that needed to be destroyed. He wrote that Miami was creating the next generation of leaders and encouraged students to engage politically and advocate for one another.

Black Lives Matter.”

Stephens said he was glad the email included resources for students and acknowledged the impact the trial and verdict has on Miami’s Black community.

“I was a little surprised, because the rhetoric and tone that was used in emails past and in times prior to this,” Stephens said.

Kamara said she was proud to see Crawford’s email and felt it sent a good message to the Miami community, but she said she wanted to see this message sooner.

“I think for me the biggest cristudents have is why has it taken a year, or why is this happening now?” Kamara said.

She hopes Miami will not just stop at the email, but also take some action in helping students become more aware of racism on Miami’s campus.

“What could you all do to [supaddressing systemic racism and addressing discrimination on our campus, because it’s our campus culture also that we also have to be aware of,” Kamara said.

Stephens said Crawford’s statement that Black lives matter, was “groundbreaking.” that President Crawford would adare being impacted by this, by calling out people of color, as needing aid, as needing unity, as calling the Miami community to stand behind people of color and marginalized communities,” Stephens said.

Kamara hopes Miami will continue to educate its students on racism and oppression and push them to create lasting change themselves.

“Miami can sit here and prop the next generation of leaders,” Kamara said, “but what are we doing to ensure these leaders understand the many systems of oppression and how they can individually deconstruct it not only within the institutions itself, but within their communities?” @abby_bammerlin bammeraj@miamioh.edu

6 CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

BAMMERAJ@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021 Hoog and her roommate were just ble registering for housing because of single residents signing up for double rooms on their own.

Vicka Bell-Robinson, director of Residence Life, said students sign up for double rooms on their own every year.

This year, though, Bell-Robinson their own room due to the pandemic, which may have led more students to sign up for doubles on their own in the hopes of getting a room to them“Many more students are in single rooms this year than we typically have in single rooms,” Bell-Robinson said. “With the pandemic, people are less connected to one another, and so the opportunity to meet people and might want to live with is just harder this year.”

DESIGNER SOREN MELBYE

RESIDENCE LIFE SEAN SCOTT ASST. CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR analytics major at Miami University, went into housing registration with a plan.

She and her future roommate got the same time slot to sign up for housing — 12:15 p.m. on April 14.

Hoog was working that day, but she managed to take a quick break so they could sign up together.

The pair hoped to snag a room in Withrow Hall, but they knew it was already full. Instead, they planned to settle for either Scott or Tappan.

When they went into the housing portal, only two rooms were displayed. Hoog could only sign up for one room, her roommate the other.

“There were two girls that wanted a single in each of those rooms already,” Hoog said. “Then when we just with those two random girls that wanted singles.”

Kaitlyn Stamp and her roommate tried to register for housing, they ran mate commuted this year, and it took three days of emailing campus services before her roommate was given access to the housing portal. “[There were] a lot of emails and being told to contact other people, and then those people telling us to contact other people,” Stamp said. “[It was] like a big circle of, ‘Go talk to this person because we can’t help you.’”

Eventually, Stamp’s roommate got access to the housing portal before her registration date of April 13, and the pair managed to sign up for a double room in Symmes Hall. Still, single residents made the process dif“There was a whole page [of available rooms on the portal],” Stamp

said. “I would say maybe eight on one page, and only one of them was open to a double, and the rest had single [occupants].” ters similar problems every semester, though there have been more complaints this year.

“I’ve heard a little bit more about more parents kind of vocal about it … But going through the year we’ve been through, it’s hard to remember what normal is.” set up the housing portal to stop individual students from picking rooms they want because those students may then take issue with having limited choices.

This year, housing registration time slots ranged from April 12 to past, registration used to fall on one day. By spreading out the registration process, his team is able to better help students when they have problems.

“The process [used to go] till 9 o’clock at night, and obviously that’s not really great because if one of the students is trying to get in at 7 p.m. process] just to make sure that we’re available to help with any issues or answer any questions while students are doing it.”

While Hoog and Stamp both resolved their housing issues, Hoog said she hopes the registration process is made easier in the future.

“It would be nice if they would open up so many rooms in the more popular halls every day of housing,” Hoog said, “so maybe you have more of a fair chance of getting what you actually wanted.” scottsr@miamioh.edu

It’s all geek to me: HANNAH HORSINGTON ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR On Saturday night, April 24, members of the League of Geeks gathered to play a giant online game of Werewolf, a long-standing tradition for the end of every event.

The League of Geeks just wrapped up its nine-day virtual Geek Week their organizations while still following COVID-19 guidelines.

The League of Geeks is an umbrella organization, meaning that it functions as a council of organizations that have similar interests and work together for events. Organizations involved in the League of Geeks include Miami Game Design Club, MU Cubing Association, MU Anime and the Miami University Department for the Knowledge and Improvement of Pokemon, among others.

In a typical year, the League of Geeks hosts an event called the Recreations and Entertainment Convention (RECON). The event is usually host-

“This has really given the league a chance to spotlight what the organizations do on their own.”

- JS Bragg

ed in a large conference room where their events. Tables are set up for stuspeakers are brought in throughout the 3-day event. According to the League of Geeks website, an estimated 800 people attended the event in 2019.

Since RECON couldn’t be held this year due to COVID-19 guidelines, a new way to allow its organizations to host events and recruit new members.

“The group started brainstorming what they could do for a big signature event this semester to still provide activities and entertainment for all of the students on campus who’d like to participate in our events,” said JS Bragg, assistant director of Armstrong Student Center and adviser for the League of Geeks. “It was a chance to spotlight all of the organizations that wanted to participate and be spotlighted … and to try to get people to try out new organizations.”

They decided to create Geek Week, a virtual series of events hosted by organizations within the league.

League of Geeks president Grayson Plotner said although the group was disappointed events couldn’t be held in person, the online events went smooth-

“An upside of having it this way is that normally the people planning it are kind of running around like a chicken “But this way it’s more spaced out [and] I can actually attend these events and get to participate and have fun.”

From April 16 - 24, the League of Geeks hosted various online events, including video game tournaments, live streams and an escape room. Students could also complete a scavenger hunt, which had both on-campus and virtual versions to ensure that any student could participate. game of Werewolf, a table-top replaying game that has also been adapted to include an online version, which Bragg said is a traditional end to any League of Geeks event. Events were listed in Guidebook, an online system that allows users to see a full calendar of events and locations.

Each of these events were hosted by individual organizations, which Plotner said was a nice change, as it allowed each organization to have its own moment in the spotlight and a chance to recruit new members.

“A lot of clubs barely have that for weekly meetings,” Plotner said. “And I’m hoping kind of running as part of the same event, it promotes a little more crossover where you can say, ‘Hey, I think if you enjoyed this, you should come to this other event that’s happening soon.’”

This was a change from normal events, which usually focus on the League of Geeks as a whole.

“This has really given the league a chance to spotlight what the organizations do on their own, not just what they do when they come together for the big events that the league plans,” Bragg said.

Senior East Asian languages & culture major Stephen Toothman, who was part of the planning committee for Geek Week and participated in some events himself, said attendance numbers at Geek Week virtual were much higher than other meetings this semester, a surprising success for the organization.

“It got attendance at least back to pre-online levels, if only for one event,” Toothman said.

Although the League of Geeks is eager to return to hosting its RECON event in-person, Bragg said the surprising success of Geek Week may make it a

more in-person events … but there’s a chance Geek Week is something that could be a lasting additional event for the organization,” Bragg said. “And I think it’s been a good chance to really showcase what our organizations do.” @hannahorsington horsinhp@miamioh.edu

SOME MIAMI UNIVERSITY STUDENTS HAVE HAD TROUBLE KEEPING TRACK OF THEIR VACCINE CARDS, BUT UPLOADING THE INFORMATION TO MEDPROCTOR WILL EXEMPT STUDENTS FROM BEING TESTED FOR COVID. PHOTOGRAPHER GRETCHEN BLACKWELL

SHR-HUA MOORE STAFF WRITER The process of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is a relatively clear process. There are signs pointing to vaccine sites, volunteers waiting to register patients, and socially distanced chairs to wait in before getting a dose.

What’s not so clear is what to do with the vaccination card one gets after receiving it.

People who get the COVID-19 vaccine are urged to hold onto their vaccination cards, although the uses of the card for anything other than the second dose of the vaccine are unclear.

While some restaurants like and deals to customers with proof of vaccination, many other institutions have not implemented any use for the cards.

However, at Miami University, the cards do have one important use.

Carole Johnson, associate director of news and communications at Miami, wrote in an email to The Miami Student that the cards help determine whether or not students still need to participate in COVID-19 testing or get put into quarantine.

“Students who are fully vaccinated should use the MedProctor Portal to share their documentation with the university,” Johnson wrote in an email to The Student. “Doing so will allow their test result and vaccination record to be shared with the Miami COVID-19 testing and response teams, as needed, in order to or quarantine.”

While the university currently doesn’t require the cards for anything else, Johnson stressed that students should hold onto their cards.

“Students should keep these cards along with other important health records; it is also a good idea to take photos of the cards,” she wrote.

One such student keeping track year double majoring in Spanish and international studies. She sees the card as a way to show that she is vaccinated but not something that she would use in everyday life. “[The card] is important to me, but I don’t carry it around like my school ID or my driver’s license,” Thomas said. “It’s more that I have the vaccine, and the card is proof of that.”

While seeing the value of having proof of vaccination, Thomas did take some issue with the shape of the cards themselves.

“They’re not perfectly wallet sized, so it’s a bit of a downside — I use the phone wallet, so the fact that venient,” Thomas said. “The card is buried under my desk right now, but I know where it is.”

While students like Thomas were able to work out an easy solution to the size of the vaccine cards, others were not as lucky.

Sami Nickell is a junior nursing major at Miami’s Hamilton campus who misplaced her card after getting the vaccine.

“I thought I had stuck [the card] in my wallet, but when I went back to look, it wasn’t in there; I looked Nickell said. “I was very worried because I thought that I wasn’t going to be able to get another card, and that was going to prevent me from getting a second dose of the vaccine.”

Fortunately, Nickell was able to get a new card when she received her second dose of the vaccine.

However, she has concerns about making vaccine cards requirements for citizens to go certain places in the future.

“I would be worried about making vaccine cards requirements for going places because I know how easy it is to lose them,” she said. “I wish [the vaccine cards] were something electronic so you didn’t have the ability to lose them — you could just pull it up on your phone whenever.”

While struggling to manage vaccine cards may be new for many students, these kinds of cards have been around for a lot longer than this spring.

Kendall Leser, director of the public health program at Miami more standard than one might think.

“Receiving documentation that you have received a vaccine is standard practice and not just used for COVID-19 vaccines,” Leser said.

“When looking through my baby that listed all of the vaccines that I had received as a child over 30 years ago. Vaccine cards or documentation of receiving shots have been around long before the COVID-19 pandemic.”

However, Leser did welcome the idea of businesses potentially letting customers use vaccine cards for deals and discounts.

“The literature suggests that an havior is to incentivize the behavior you seek to change — lower car insurance rates for good driving and paying people to quit smoking are past to change a behavior,” Leser said. “In this case, the behavior that to change is having individuals receive their COVID-19 vaccine; orgaor coupons to people with a vaccine card is a way to incentivize people to become vaccinated.” @hua_shr moorese6@miamioh.edu

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY 7

PHABYMR@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Miami Marriage Pact spreads socially distant love across campus

17-year veteran among student volunteers administering COVID-19 vaccines at Miami

MIKE CROY, MIAMI-HAMILTON NURSING STUDENT HELPED ADMINISTER COVID VACCINES AT MIAMI. PROVIDED BY MIAMI UNIVERSITY.

TAJ SIMMONS ASST CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR

DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG

STUDENT COMMUNITY SHR-HUA MOORE STAFF WRITER The Miami Marriage Pact hopes to help COVID-19 pandemic using a 50-question survey.

Miami mergers are a tradition Miami University frequently advertises to incoming and current students alike. According to Miami, 14% of alumni are married to another alum.

However, Miami mergers may be facing new challenges. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it has been harder to meet new people face-toface, let alone start a relationship that could last a lifetime.

Fortunately, the Miami Marriage Pact is here to help.

The Marriage Pact is a nationwide program started at Stanford University to help students out a 10-minute questionnaire consisting of questions backed by research on dating and romantic compatibility. They then wait until the questionnaire closes and receive their match via email.

The questionnaire covers topics from political views, to hard drug use, to whether the student is already in a relationship or not. Any Sophomore political science and strategic communication double major Nicole Sann helped bring The Marriage Pact to Miami.

“I kept seeing it at a bunch of my old high school friends’ colleges, and I was really in-

trigued,” Sann said. “When I realized that it wasn’t just a university-based organization and it could be at any school, I thought [The Marriage Pact] could be a fun way to make the idea of Miami Mergers a little less cringey or dorky for students.”

Sann is on a three-person team of Miami students working with advisors from The Marriage Pact and promoting the program through social media and advertising. The Instagram page features information about the program and several sexual innuendos.

Sann, who took The Marriage Pact herself, said it was a welcomed experience in the midst of an unprecedented school year.

“I’m very curious to see what’s going to come out of it,” Sann said. “I think The Marriage Pact has been a little of a bright light for me when it’s been crappy here, for lack of better words — it’s the idea of being able to meet new people that makes it so appealing.”

Sann was one of hundreds of people who

After hearing about the pact and taking it himself, Wells started recommending it to his friends and others in his dorm hall.

“I’ve talked to at least 40 or so people, and I’ve tried to get all my friends to do it, too,” Wells said. “It’s really easy to bring it up in conversation since you can be like, ‘Have you seen this?’

And if they’re like, ‘No,’ you can be like, ‘Hey, let me tell you, this is really cool.’”

Wells has hopes for matching with someone, but he also said there wouldn’t be much of a downside if things didn’t work out.

can at least make a friend out of it hopefully,” he said. I don’t see it as a losing situation — only a positive thing. Worst case scenario, some random person at Miami has my email, but they can get that anyway, so it’s no risk.”

Another person who didn’t have very high anonymous. “[Doing The Marriage Pact] wasn’t necessarsaid. “It was more like, ‘Well hey, everyone else is doing this, so I might as well give it a shot.’ I’m not super, super excited like you would be if you were on a regular dating website, but it’s not like I’m not interested at all.”

However, he did take some issue with the fact that the Miami Marriage Pact opened in stagger the programs across the nation– and was slated to close on April 26, three weeks be“I think it’s problematic that this started in April,” he said. “You have three weeks to strengthen a relationship, really two if you take have some unfound connection, I don’t see it lasting too long over summer break.”

Fortunately, The Marriage Pact has a chance to return to Miami next year.

“It depends on the interest in it,” Sann said.

“But if it goes well this year, and if people want it to happen next year, it likely will.” @hua_shr moorese6@miamioh.edu

Trading grass for geraniums: SUSTAINABILITY CLAIRE LORDAN ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR As spring comes into full bloom, plants and For students with allergies, it’s a nightmare. For everyone else, it’s a welcome reprieve from the harrowing ordeal that is an Ohio winter.

For the Miami University botany department, however, spring means the re-emergence of its gardens.

The botany department has overseen the crepus. Pearson Plaza, Upham Hall bluestone gardens, Recreational Sports Center and the natural dents to practice sustainability through environmental restoration, house local plants that provide vital nutrients and habitats for local animal speother insects all rely on the gardens for sustenance.

Ella Comerford, a junior individualized studies and environmental earth science double major who serves as president of Miami’s Botanical Society, believes the gardens can start a crucial conversation about sustainable landscaping.

“I think it’s really cool that we’re starting to incorporate native gardens on campus, because [Miami] puts a lot of money into landscaping,” Comerford said. “So it’s really important that we have something that’s useful, environmentally, on campus.”

While grass makes up the majority of the greenery on campus, the constant upkeep and maintenance required to keep it looking tidy drains resources that might otherwise go to native

right direction, not all aspects of the gardens are as useful as they seem. Unlike what is listed on hosted in the gardens are native to the Oxford area.

“Some of their species aren’t fully native, like actually supply a great home for caterpillars, so nitely a start.”

Steven Sullivan, director of the Hefner Museum of Natural History in Upham Hall, echoed Comerford’s sentiments on the importance of natural gardens on campus.

“The expectation of a good lawn is a grass lawn,” Sullivan said. “It’s not a matter of preference, it’s a matter of what’s seen as good and what’s seen as not good. So for [Miami] to encourage natural gardens like this is refreshing to see.”

Sullivan, who came to Miami in 2017 from the Chicago Academy of Sciences, specializes in rural ecology. Though he understands the importance of grass lawns, Sullivan believes the university should utilize unused space on campus for natural gardens.

“It’s important that we have grass quads for students to use, nobody’s denying that,” Sullivan said. “That’s important. But think of all the grass space you see that isn’t used by students — why couldn’t that be turned into a natural garden?” make students more conscious of the ecosystems around them.

“They’re a great way to make students aware of the impact we have on the environment and may even convince people to live more sustainably,” Ellia said. “We live in a beautiful campus, but sometimes people take that for granted.”

While Ellia knows asking students to move away from grass lawns is a large step, he believes tainable landscaping.

“Spreading awareness about how we can help protect our environment by living sustainably is a step in the right direction,” Ellia said. “By using will not only make the campus look better but also promote biodiversity.” lordance@miamioh.edu

natural plant life and animal populations due to “Hopefully, we will start to transition into using that money to plant natural gardens,” Comerford said. “The university is always trying to please people, because that’s where a lot of funding comes from. So as people start to push for natural gardens on campus, that’s the direction the university will move in.”

MIAMI HAS FOUR BUTTERFLY GARDENS ON CAMPUS, WHICH FEATURE LOCAL PLANTS THAT PROVIDE NUTRIENTS TO BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND INSECTS. PHOTOGRAPHER CAROLINE BARTOSZEK.

After serving 17 years and being deployed to three tours in the United States Marine Corps, 40-year old sophomore nursing major Ray Fitzpatrick traded in his military garb for nursing scrubs to help administer over 1,300 COVID-19 vaccines to the Miami University community.

“There’s a few of your non-typical students that are a little bit older here, but I would venture to say that I’m probably older, if not the oldest – I’ve gotta be close,” Fitzpatrick said.

“That’s not a trophy I really want, but I’ll take it.”

Fitzpatrick, a resident of nearby Mason, Ohio, retired from the military after suffering a non-combat injury to his neck. Through Veterans Affairs benefits, Fitzpatrick decided to take classes under the Miami Hamilton nursing program with hopes of eventually working his way up to becoming a flight nurse.

“Due to my Marine Corps experience, I originally decided I wanted to help wounded troops,” Fitzpatrick said.

“The medical career always seemed interesting to me, and I decided to take that a step further.”

This calendar year, sophomore nursing students like Fitzpatrick were given the opportunity to volunteer to administer COVID-19 vaccine shots to student and faculty members of Miami’s Oxford campus. Sixty-eight Miami Hamilton nursing students took the opportunity.

Stephanie Nicely, an associate professor within Miami Hamilton’s nursing program, helped teach the course titled “Population Focused Nursing Care Clinical,” where a majority of the student volunteers were pulled from.

“There has been a standardized training that has been established by the Ohio Department of Health for anyone handling and administering the COVID-19 vaccines,” Nicely said.

“All of the students went through this training as part of their clinical course.”

When Fitzpatrick heard about the program, he knew he wanted to help.

“I raised my hand to volunteer when I first heard about it; I knew it was something that I wanted to do,” Fitzpatrick said. “There was about 20 to 30 hours worth of work just to be ready to give the vaccine.”

Fitzpatrick worked two eight-hour shifts – one for Miami faculty, the other for students.

Fitzpatrick said in those eight hours, he and other volunteers rotated around positions two hours at a time.

He started off as a greeter, then moved to help fill out information for patients, then helped to administer vaccines and finally monitored patients for fifteen minutes after shots were administered to ensure no side effects occurred.

“It was definitely positive to get that hands on experience,” Fitzpatrick said.

Brooke Flinders, chair of the nursing program at Miami Hamilton, said she appreciated the work students like Fitzpatrick had volunteered to help vaccinate the Miami community.

“I think it’s inspiring that Ray, a 17-year Marine Corps veteran, and so many others like him, bring their professional and life experience to our discipline,” Flinders said. “Miami is proud of the diverse student population we serve and of the high-quality practitioners our program prepares.”

Mike Croy, a fellow sophomore nursing major at Miami Hamilton, also recognized the work Fitzpatrick was doing within the community.

“We are very different people but it doesn’t stop us from joking about and generally having a great time when we are working together,” Croy said. “I certainly couldn’t recommend a better nursing student to work alongside because of his excellent personality and steady confidence.”

Fitzpatrick said he hopes the vaccines help to deliver a sense of normalcy within the near future.

“A lot of people came through, and I think it’s one step closer to getting rid of this whole pandemic,” Fitzpatrick said. “I think it’s very important for people to understand that vaccinations are critical to public health and safety.” @simmons_taj simmontp@miamioh.edu

photo

8

REICHMZM@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

The things they carry; Armor of the night ABBY BAMMERLIN CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR Miami University students have been plagued over the past week with rumors of break-ins, stalkers and violence. Some women have armed themselves with pepper spray, pocket knives and other methods of staying safe.

But for many, the danger is not isolated to this week alone.

A university’s history cast in bronze ZACH REICHMAN PHOTO EDITOR Bronze statues across campus pinpoint historical moments for Miami University.

George Washington stands tance inside Alumni Hall’s rotunda. The statue – the oldest at Miami – acts as a reminder of all the students who have seen it since its creation.

With a book in hand, Wilhis namesake building. Just across the street sits William

Museum commemorating his life and highlighting his unforgettable impact.

The ten bronze statues outside of Yager Stadium stand in earshot of crowds who cheer on the team whose legacy they helped create. The Cradle of Coaches are a symbol of Miami’s football icons who have impacted the lives of alumni like Ben Roethlisberger and Sean McVey. A new bronze statue of Wayne Embry, yet to be unveiled, will continue Miami’s trend of historical statues.

With Miami’s rate of sexual assault cases, safe whenever walking alone at night.

Another carries a pocket knife when she feels really threatened, while another calls her brothAs rumors continue to spread and arrests begin to be made, the things they carry remain within reach.

REICHMZM@MIAMIOH.EDU

PHOTO 9

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

Construction continues on Southpointe Shell

Formal gardens bring life to a sleeping campus JAKE RUFFER ASST. MAGAZINE EDITOR The Conrad Formal Gardens, located across from the Miami Inn, have gone a full year without maintenance. weeds, and dead plants sit alongside the vibrant

ones. Bright pink and yellow tulips symbolize signs of life on a campus feeling the chilling effects of pandemic spanning more than a year.

While the gardens would normally be swept this time in spring, there are still leaves left over from the fall.

Even without their typical upkeep, the gardens still attract walkers and hammockers who come to admire their natural beauty.

CAROLINE BARTOZEK PHOTOGRAPHER More than a year after it was initially approved by Oxford City Council, the Shell gas station and convenience store are beginning to take shape at the corner of Millville-Oxford Rd. and Southpointe Pkwy.

As spring begins to bloom in Oxford, the gas station’s construction continues on.

Pickup trucks and Deere excavators surround the construction site as workers form the project from the ground up.

Residents of student-dominated Level 27 Apartments and the Annex – who do not have immediate access to other convenience stores and gas stations outside the mile square – are anticipating the new developments.

Campus arches: From Renaissance to renovation HERSCHEL ALBERT PHOTOGRAPHER Upham Arch, arguably one of the most well known spots on campus, highlights for long-lasting love. The arch is a prime example of Miami’s rich architectural history.

Arches can be seen throughout Miami’s campus. A popular place for many of Miami’s arches is above doorways. This is a common practice dating back to Renaissance architecture to help draw attention to important features.

At various locations across campus, -

Sports

10

NELSO156@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

STAFF REPORT The NFL draft used to be a rinkydink operation, occuring in a hotel ballroom somewhere with little television was in 1980, on a (then) little-known network called ESPN. Now, the NFL draft is one of the biggest television events in sports.

Every year, fans watch in hopes that their team will pick the players that will turn their franchise into contenders.

Along with draft fever is the dreaded mock draft. Every year, fans and analysts alike try to predict where certain prospects will land and which teams will make a bold move to shore up their roster.

Inevitably, mock drafts are wrong.

That doesn’t mean we’ll stop trying, though.

This year, The Student’s sports four writers participating, each writer made eight draft selections for their

imagine trading up all the way to the third spot and not take the guy with the most talent. Fields gives the Ninarm strength, football IQ and toughness to boot.

4. Atlanta Falcons Jack Mueller’s pick: Kyle Pitts, Tight End (TE), Florida — If the Falcons are serious about keeping Matt Ryan, Atlanta should look no further than adding a transcendent and Calvin Ridley 5. Cincinnati Bengals Chris’s pick: Penei Sewell, — The Bengals could go pass-catcher here, like me and be successful as long as he has time in the pocket. Sewell will give him that and help ensure Burinto an annual event.

6. Miami Dolphins Jack Schmelzinger’s pick: Jamarr Chase, Wide Receiver (WR),

the board, as they are here, the Bron-

2020 season to prepare for the draft

ing Ben Roesthlisberger more pass

and look for a defensive playmaker. ly touted defensive player in the draft.

10. Dallas Cowboys Jack S’s pick: Patrick Surtain, Cornerback (CB), Alabama —

selection has the highest ceiling of any O-Lineman on the board after Sewell.

17. Las Vegas Raiders Chris’s pick: Christian Barmore, Defensive Lineman (DL), Alabama — Las Vegas’s front seven struggled to get after the quarterback last season, placing fourth-last in the league with 21 sacks. Barmore can remedy that after recording 9.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks for Alabama last season.

18. Miami Dolphins Jack S’s pick: Kwity Paye, — Paye is an athletic freak of epic proportions. At Michigan’s pro day, he (supposedly) performed the three cone drill (a test of agility) in 6.43 seconds. No running back or receiver performed the drill that quickly at the 2020 NFL combine. Oh yeah — he also weighs 261 pounds.

19.Washington Football Team Lukas’s pick: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

side of the line and didn’t allow a sack in 2019 or 2020.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars Chris’s pick: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

skills, Surtain can help out the Cowboys’ secondary that ranked second worst in opponent passer rating last year. He would slot in across from former college teammate Trevon Diggs to form what could be a pretty scary corner duo for years to come.

11. New York Giants Lukas’s pick: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina speed and ability to lock up in man prospect. Horn trained with All-Pro to emulate Ramsey’s game in the NFL. 12. Philadelphia Eagles Jack M’s pick: Jaylen

“Inevitably, mock drafts are wrong. That doesn’t mean we’ll stop trying, though.”

a linebacker, but Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him the second-best slot coverage grade in the entire nation in 2020. The 2020 Dick Butkus award winner is the perfect linebacker for modern football.

20. Chicago Bears some II, CB, Northwestern — Losing -

QB (and potential franchise savior) Trevor Lawrence. Now, they need to restock their barren cupboard with playmakers to help him out. Bateman speed wideout to be Lawrence’s No. 1 target.

26. Cleveland Browns Lukas’s pick: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State — After shoring up their edge rush and safety in free agency, the Browns should go was the best available. After Surtain and Horn, Samuel is the third corner taken in this mock draft whose father also played in the NFL. 27. Baltimore Ravens Jack S’s pick: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue — Moore is a solid route runner with Tyreek Hill-esque speed. He’d pair well with speedy Marquise Brown and the newly ac28. New Orleans Saints Jack M’s pick: Terrace Marshall Jr.,WR, LSU — New Orleans enters a new era post Brees, and ston is the QB, a 6’3 receiver on the outside should serve as a nice tandem with Michael Thomas.

29. Green Bay Packers Chris’s pick: Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss — Aaron Rodgers made Green Bay’s 2020 pick of quarterback

presence on the opposite side of the

respective team. This was a oneround mock draft only, with no trades allowed. it.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars Chris Vinel’s pick: Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback (QB), Clemson — Lawrence is arguably the most polished quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. Easiest pick in the draft.

2. New York Jets Jack Schmelzinger’s pick: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU — After three mediocre years from former top-pick to grab their quarterback of the fuand no play is dead with the former chanics and pocket play need a little cleaning up, but the talent is there.

3. San Francisco 49ers Lukas Nelson’s pick: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State han gets his quarterback of the future. a lot of mock drafts, but it’s hard to

LSU — After moving back with the 49ers, the Dolphins traded back into the top six for a chance at one of the extraordinary skill position prospects board, Chase is the best player available.

7. Detroit Lions Lukas’s pick: Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama the Lions: don’t overthink this. Smith was the best player in college football last season and the best guy on the

with slants and screens.

8. Carolina Panthers Jack M’s pick: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State — Carolina follows the Chiefs footsteps and drafts a raw QB prospect to develop behind Sam Darnold while the team continues to rebuild. Lance could start for the Panthers if Darnold doesn’t turn it around.

9. Denver Broncos Chris’s pick: Micah Parsons, Linebacker (LB), Penn State

Waddle, WR, Alabama — The Eagles don’t know who their starting QB is ous receiver that has big-play potential to a new signal-caller can’t hurt.

13. L.A. Chargers Chris’s pick: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern tin Herbert was awesome as a rookie.

Now, he needs more protection.

14. Minnesota Vikings Jack S’s pick: Alijah Ve-

21. Indianapolis Colts Chris’s pick: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech — The Colts sport a top-10 defense in the NFL. Translation: They don’t need much help on that side of the ball.

So why not support new quarterback by drafting Darrisaw?

22. Tennessee Titans Jack S’s pick: Caleb Farley, CB, UVA — Tennessee will upgrade its secondary this weekend. Likely on

USC — The Vikings are in bad shape at the guard position. Like, really bad. Vera-Tucker is a big and athletic guard, enough that he could even play tackle in a pinch.

15. New England Patriots Lukas’s pick: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama — The Patriots need a quarterback of the future, and Bill Be-

31st in passing touchdowns allowed, and 29th in passing yards allowed in 2020. Farley — a former quarterback — has all the tools to be elite in the NFL. He hopes he can put it all together.

23. New York Jets Lukas’s pick: Azeez Oju— Every team

a championship pedigree to a team that hopes to return to their championship-winning ways.

16. Arizona Cardinals Jack M’s pick: Walker Little, OT, Stanford — Little sat out the

led the SEC in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (12.5) in last year’s condensed season.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers Jack M’s pick: Teven Jenkins, OT, OK State — Pittsburgh takes the best O-Lineman left to give an ag-

MVP play last season. So instead of making another gargantuan mistake and continuing to force Rodgers out the door, the Packers should throw him a bone. Moore possesses stretchgreat compliment to do-it-all receiver Davante Adams.

Jack S’s pick: Jason Oweh, DE, Penn State — The Bills add to a thin (and quickly aging) edge rush with the athletic Oweh. The Penn State product is raw, but has the potential to be a double-digit sack player at his peak.

31. Baltimore Ravens Lukas’s pick: Jaelan Phil— The Ravens need a pass rusher after losing two of their top defensive ends in free from football due to a concussion before coming to Miami in 2020.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jack M’s pick: Trevon Moehrig, Safety (S), TCU — Tampa Bay could use another talent in the secondary, and Moehrig is the best round. This pick is a match made in heaven for both parties.

The ‘Hawks extended their lead Blaska walked, and Cummins grounded out to advance the runner. Lott and Blaska later scored on an error by the Miami sweeps Toledo The RedHawks got another big win in Sunday’s series closer. on a bunt and stole second. Moore hit couple of singles, and an opportunity to score on a throwing error by shortstop Adriana Barlow.

Miami fought back and took the lead again in the second inning. Coyne

by Toledo’s pitcher. Blaska then hit an RBI single. Cummins walked to load the bases, and Branson was hit by a pitch to bring a runner in. Then, Barlow hit an RBI single.

The ’Hawks extended their lead to 7-1 in the third inning. Coyne doubled, baseman.

Second baseman Maclai Branson

(BOTTOM): SENIOR INFIELDER MACKENZIE MOORE SLIDES INTO HOME PLATE DURING AN APRIL 20 DOUBLEHEADER VS BALL STATE. PHOTO BY MACY WHITAKER

LILY FREIBERG THE MIAMI STUDENT Miami softball dominated this past weekend against the University of Toledo with three straight shutouts and a big win.

The RedHawks started out with a doubleheader on Friday and won both games, 9-0 and 8-0 respectively.

In Saturday’s game, Miami won big, 14-0 and had another big win, 12-3, on Sunday.

Shutout no. 1 for game 1 The RedHawks claimed an early game. and catcher Allie Cummins reached

both hit two-run singles to put Miami in the lead, 4-0.

Moore extended the RedHawks’ lead with a solo homer in the third inning, and Branson put one more run on the scoreboard in the fourth inning with an RBI single.

Miami got three more runs in the sixth inning. Blaska walked, and Cummins singled. Then, Branson, Moore bles to lead the RedHawks to victory.

Miami shuts out again to take game 2 The RedHawks’ success didn’t stop for the second game of Friday’s doubleheader.

Blaska doubled, and Cummins hit an RBI single. Branson hit an RBI single as well, but was called out at second.

Moore added onto the RBI single streak and Miami was up, 3-0, by the end of the inning.

The ’Hawks added four more runs in the second inning. Catcher Riley -

Blaska walked, and Cummins hit a grand slam to clear the bases.

Miami extended its lead by a run fourth inning.

Another big win for the ‘Hawks Pitcher Courtney Viestra led Miami to a 14-0 win on Saturday, as the ‘Hawks scored runs in every inning except for the second.

Miami scored eight of its 14 runs Cummins hit an RBI single. Branson was hit by a pitch, and Moore hit a ble and later scored on an error by the

error by Toledo’s shortstop. Blaska hit a two-run double shortly after. and Coyne hit a two-run blast to extend the RedHawks’ lead to 10-0. And Miami earned two more runs in the fourth inning with a walk from Branson and a two-run home run from Moore.

walked to load the bases again, and Moore hit a two-run double. inning. Cummins doubled and advanced to third base on a passed ball.

Moore walked, and Branson reached out at home. Barlow hit an RBI single, and Coyne hit a two-run double shortly after.

Lott was hit by a pitch, and pinch the bases. Blaska then hit a two-run single.

The Rockets scored two runs in won the game, 14-3.

Miami takes on Ball State Univerbefore facing Bowling Green in a fourgame weekend series.

The doubleheader with the Cardinals starts at 2 p.m., and the four-game series against the Falcons starts at 3 p.m. Friday, April 30. @lilyfreiberg freibell@miamioh.edu

SPORTS 11

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

NELSO156@MIAMIOH.EDU

No. 17 Field Hockey to play Stanford in NCAA Tournament

Baseball loses threeof-four to Kent State JACK SCHMELZINGER ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Miami Baseball dropped a series to Kent State University this weekend at McKie Field.

FRIDAY Friday’s doubleheader started out with an extra innings loss.

The RedHawks were down 2-0 going into Ben Carew dropped a squeeze bunt down the run in the sixth. third baseman Brian Zapp singled up the middle. Senior catcher Nate Stolze and senior left

BASEBALL COULDN’T GET THE BATS GOING LAST WEEKEND VS KENT STATE. PHOTO EDITOR ZACH REICHMAN

Vogelgesang socked a single through the right

Miami grabbed one back in the seventh inning. Kopicki doubled to left and moved to third

The game remained scoreless until the top MIAMI WILL PLAY NO. 1 NORTH CAROLINA IF THE TEAM BEATS STANFORD FRIDAY. PHOTO EDITOR ZACH REICHMAN

JACK SCHMELZINGER ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Miami field hockey received an automatic bid to 2021’s NCAA tournament after winning the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for the fourth year in a row. The RedHawks will play No. 19 Stanford

No. 17 Miami RedHawks vs. No 19 Stanford Cardinal

Matthews followed up with a groundout to Vogelgesang at second base that scored the run.

The ’Hawks were shut down in the bottom of the

SUNDAY

-

up two hits. Senior right-handed pitcher Logan Schmitt came on in relief and threw two scoreless innings to close the game.

SATURDAY Star junior pitcher Sam Bachman started on fell 4-1.

America East).

The RedHawks are four wins away from taking their first ever national championship. That game

scoreless innings.

shirt-freshman Nate Stone poked a single to

that scored Massman.

Junior right-handed pitcher Jonathan

(10-0 MAC) in the regular season.

Their only loss came to Louisville (ranked No. 2 at the time) in a shootout on March 22.

Stanford won its fifth straight America East championship (oddly enough) this weekend. The Cardi-

three hits. Graduate student left-handed pitch-

The second game of the doubleheader was a pitchers duel that Miami won 1-0.

The only run of the game came in the bot-

N.C.

will go on to play top-seeded North Carolina in the second round.

After two wins at Ball State this

and drove in Kopicki to make the score 4-1.

stretch Miami’s lead to two.

Kent State struck back in the sixth when Dotook the lead in the seventh. Shortstop Michael McNamara walked and advanced to second on designated hitter (DH) Sam Thompson hit an

Thompson.

The RedHawks would never regain the lead.

Kent State scored three more runs in the top of -

then scored a batter later after a throwing error

by Bachman.

Krause.

Miami will look for a big performance from star goalie Isabele -

over. The runners were scored by two straight groundouts from catcher Justin Miknis and second baseman Kevin Dobos.

finished the season ranked sixth

run of the game. Third baseman Kyle Jackson

NCAA)

WHAT’S NEXT Miami drops to a tie for third in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with the series loss. The ’Hawks are four games behind Next weekend the RedHawks play a four game series at Central Michigan University. The

Senior catcher Nate Stolze threw to third trying The team will also lean on senior forward Allie Grace Joyner and first-year midfielder Claudia Negrete Garcia. Joyner finished the

1 a)

a) Zavoli finished the year tied-forand third in points per game with @jacksmerz schmelj2@miamioh.edu

’Hawks Talk

Jackson came around for the second unearned run of the day.

@jacksmerz schmelj2@miamioh.edU

SCOREBOARD TUESDAY SOFTBALL Ball State……………… 4 Miami…..……………… 2

Ball State.…………… 4 Miami.….................... 3

SATURDAY

SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

Ball State……………… 7

Kent State………...... 4

Miami…..……………… 8

Miami……….……..... 1

FRIDAY

SOFTBALL Miami.……………….14

Kent State……….….... 3

Toledo.……….......... 0

Miami……….……….... 2 BASEBALL Kent State……….….... 0 Miami……….……….... 1 SOFTBALL Miami.…………..……. 8 Toledo.……….....….... 0 SOFTBALL Miami.…………..……. 9 Toledo.……….....….... 0

- Former Miami defensive back Deland McCullough II announces his transfer to Indiana

Miami.…………..….... 5 Ball State................... 0

Miami.…………..….... 3 Ball State................... 0

Baseball Kent State……...…...6 Miami……….…….....3 SOFTBALL Miami………………..12 Toledo…………….…3

Miami ……………....4 Eastern Michigan.....3

Opinion

12

WOLFFRG@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

STAFF EDITORIAL

Put your money where your mouth is The following reflects the majority opinion of the editorial board.

A box of Frosted Flakes costs $7.05 at one of Miami University’s on-campus markets. For comparison, the same box of cereal would cost $2.99 at the Oxford Kroger.

As students, we’ve all seen first-hand how pricey the items sold at these markets can get.

But we buy them anyway because when living on campus, there isn’t much of a choice.

But that’s exactly the problem.

Many students, especially first-years, are beholden to on-campus markets when buying snacks and other grocery items because transportation to off-campus locations is not always accessible.

This semester, we’ve covered the lack of economic diversity on campus. If the administration wants to be more socioeconomically conscious, having prices of food marked up 45% on average is a huge oversight.

We understand Miami doesn’t have the same

buying power as chain stores like Kroger. We know prices will naturally be higher than what we see at any given supermarket.

But why does the school need to sell food back to us marked up almost 50%?

Our student ID cards act as a bus pass paid for with student dollars, so we can catch a ride to off-campus grocery stores for no charge. But the bus system is not always the most convenient option for students to quickly purchase needed items. What would be a 15- to 30-minute trip for a student with their own vehicle becomes an hour-long excursion while using the bus system.

This is not a rebuke of Oxford’s public transportation, which is extremely valuable. Rather, our point is to illustrate how students in need of convenient access to groceries are often forced to pay on-campus market prices.

As students, we deserve to have our tuition dollars used to benefit us in the best ways possible.

We don’t expect prices to drop by immedi-

ately. But reevaluating and reallocating budget dollars to minimize university profit from on-campus markets is crucial to creating a more equitable Miami.

A budget model where prices at the markets are increased by the lowest possible margins so as to only have a net-zero market operating cost is the most equitable approach.

We understand that the markets act as a business, but they are also an essential student service. They should be catering more toward the latter.

Not everyone can ask their parents to load more money onto their declining balance. If we want to level the playing field to make our campus more equitable for lower-income students, the price of items in on-campus markets absolutely needs to be a part of the conversation.

The university can’t assume that everyone can afford the inflated cost of living on campus.

Change won’t come overnight, but a conversation about creating a more equitable Miami can start with our markets.

Derek Chauvin’s conviction was an outlier – his actions were not MADELINE PHABY

A house divided: The Miami Patriot is a symptom JAKE KRAVITZ The Miami Patriot is a small online “newspaper” founded this year.

According to its mission statement, The Patriot seeks to provide “an alternative to echo chambers that obstruct the free flow of ideas.” The irony that by establishing a purely conservative outlet, The Patriot created yet another echo chamber was evidently lost on its founders.

Miami University is home to The Miami Student, an independent and credible college newspaper, yet that was not enough for a passionate subset of students. Many, if not all, of these passionate students could have been involved with The Student in some form. Likely the problem was that The Student, aside from its opinion articles and staff editorials, does not allow for blatant pushing of partisan narratives.

Our news outlets, social media, and even friendships have become increasingly divided along partisan lines, a phenomenon called polarization. Students at Miami, much like adults in our society, are polarized like never before.

Some would blame the idea of conservative grievance at the changes in society. Some would blame the increasing focus on identity politics.

For whatever reason, people hear less and less from each other and instead create their own spaces.

Refusal to engage in a constructive conversation with each other and creating our own spaces to the degree of separate college news outlets is concerning and self-reinforcing. One can not understand groups different from their own by looking inwards. Polarization is reaching new heights and is apparent at all levels of society, including at Miami University.

All this is not to admonish The Patriot for its founding. Instead, recognizing that we are pushing apart without hearing each other should be paramount.

The free exchange of ideas is enshrined in our Constitution and the foundation of the democratic process. Slowly, these ideals are eroding.

Solutions are fraught and take humility, something that seems ever unlikely. Still, next time before sending a mean tweet, or starting a news outlet, maybe take a minute to seek out a person and start a conversation.

Perhaps the most wellknown Republican put it best. Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

The United States, Ohio and Miami University look increasingly like a divided house.

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY EDITOR A little after 5 p.m. on April 20, many of us had known for nearly a year.

Former Minneapolis police ofthe May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd.

In the half hour leading up to the reading of the verdict, I obsessively refreshed CNN’s website as I sat in gernails and prayed my professor wouldn’t call on me.

He did. I croaked out an answer and immediately went back to refreshing. I usually do my best to pay attention in class, but I was too busy witnessing history that day.

When my friend Abby texted time in what felt like forever.

These abysmal percentages are disappointing, but they shouldn’t be surprising. Law enforcement in this country is its own special breed of corrupt.

Mapping Police Violence, a website that maintains a database of every police killing in the U.S., has noted a few chilling trends in police brutality.

Black people are killed by police at a rate three times higher than white people. They’re also 1.3 times more likely to be unarmed when killed by police than white people.

The data also suggests there is no correlation between a city’s violent crime rate and its rate of police killings, so any arguments about certain populations being killed at higher rates because they themselves are more violent are pure bullshit.

To continually deny there is a problem with law enforcement in this country is violent.

“To continually deny there is a problem with law enforcement in this country is violent.”

I sighed with relief and sank back in my desk chair, but almost immediately, I caught myself.

I was doing it again. I was getting complacent.

About a week before the guilty verdict was announced, 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed ter, Minn., just north of Minneapolegedly mistook her gun for a taser.

Just minutes before the guilty verdict was announced, 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant was shot and killed by the Columbus Police Department.

Since the start of 2021, 335 people have been killed by police. thused by a single guilty verdict when instances of police brutality are in the headlines practically every day.

To be fair, Chauvin’s conviction is an anomaly – of all the killings by police between 2013 and 2020, less than 2% were ever charged with a crime, and less than 1% were convicted.

Now, I’ll be real for a second – I used to be one of those deniers.

I’m a white girl who grew up in a wealthy town with a (seemingly) unproblematic police department.

I witnessed my parents receive several speeding tickets each (we’re a lead-footed family), and the cops were always pleasant. I was raised including the police.

It took me years to realize my positive experiences with my hometown cops were a product of my skin color and were not the norm for a massive chunk of the population. It took years, but I now know better.

Ever since, I’ve been evangelizing about police reform to anyone who will listen. It’s frustrating – many people, especially older and more traditional ones, cling tightly to their deep respect for the police and grow hostile when any form of change is suggested.

It often feels like I’m screaming into the void.

In the grand scheme of things, though, bickering with family mem-

bers over whether all cops really are bastards is an incredibly privileged struggle to have.

So, I’ll keep on evangelizing. In fact, I’ll do it right now in this column.

Black lives matter. Yes, I know – all lives matter, not just Black ones.

But not all lives are actively in danger in this country.

“Blue lives matter” is a ridiculous slogan. Becoming a cop is a choice – being Black is not. Furthermore, if cops feel as though their ocwell-being, they can quit.

Black people can’t quit being Black.

Nearly all police forces in the U.S. were founded for one of two reasons: to keep an eye on newly-arrived European immigrants or to capture runaway slaves, depending on whether the city in question was in the north or the south. It’s pretty tough to “reform” the racism out of a system with those roots.

If Darnella Frazier, a 17-year-old of George Floyd getting murdered, Chauvin would not have even been charged with anything and would likely still be a cop.

Given what we know about how few police get convicted for killing people, it becomes even more startling when you consider that Chauvin’s conviction hinged on one brave young woman having the foresight to whip out her phone and record.

That’s a pretty sad excuse for justice.

Tuesday’s verdict was a relief – that’s for sure. I’d be writing a very not guilty.

But it isn’t an indication that things are getting better. One guilty verdict won’t stop cops from continuing to kill – the case of Ma’Khia Bryant is clear evidence of that.

Getting more police who kill behind bars would certainly be a great start, but for things to truly change, something needs to fundamentally change about law enforcement in the U.S. I don’t claim to know what that change needs to be, but I know that something needs to happen. If enough people begin to realize that, maybe someday it’ll be safer to be Black in America.

For now, though? I’m not too optimistic. @madphabes phabymr@miamioh.edu