The Miami Student | September 18, 2018

ESTABLISH 1826 — OLDEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WEST OF THE ALLEGHENIES

Miami University — Oxford, Ohio

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

Volume 146 No. 3

UNIVERSITY AT ODDS WITH CITY ON E-SCOOTERS SAMANTHA BRUNN NEWS EDITOR

ILLUSTRATION: BEN SMITH DESIGN EDITOR

Enquirer faces controversy SAMANTHA BRUNN NEWS EDITOR

When Leah Sprock clicked on The Cincinnati Enquirer’s recently-published video series on sexual assault — for which she was interviewed about her experience as a victim — she was shocked to learn the newspaper had given her explicit, revealing testimony equal footing with perspectives of accused rapists. The Enquirer defended the series as

“journalistically sound.”

She first told the newspaper she wanted her interview retracted from “The Sex Talk,” and then later asked that her story be featured in a separate video. She was rebuffed

by Enquirer reporters Kate Murphy and Meg Vogel, and their editor, Amy Wilson.

“We would have been remiss to not speak to everyone on all sides,” Wilson said in an interview with The Miami Student.

The series features interviews with two young men accused of sexual assault, among many others. Sprock, a senior at Miami, said she wanted no part of a conversation that gave the accused a platform.

Sprock’s protest was amplified on social media, with supporters accusing the Enquirer of misleading Sprock into believing the piece was a work of advocacy and of not

Miami University issued a cease-anddesist letter to the City of Oxford on Sept.

14 regarding a tentatively-approved permit issued to Bird Rides, Inc. Bird Rides, Inc. is an electric vehicle sharing service which provides cities and campuses with electric scooters, or e-scooters.

In the letter, David Creamer, Miami’s senior vice president for finance and business services, expressed safety concerns the university has over the use of e-scooters.

“Miami University has serious concerns about the use of e-scooters, particularly in congested pedestrian areas and on streets where buses, trucks, farm equipment and automobiles travel at speeds that are capable of causing serious injury and even death,” Creamer wrote.

The letter explains that the university would like to take time to review the due diligence performed by the city as well as review the measures Bird Rides, Inc. takes to ensure the safety of e-scooter users.

In July, the university passed a policy prohibiting e-scooter use on campus.

Due to this policy, Creamer said, the university denies any responsibility or liability for damage to e-scooters on university property.

“I assume the meeting between Bird representatives and ASG (Associated Student Government) representatives will be held at an off-campus location and that neither the City nor Bird Rides, Inc. would knowingly violate University regulations,” Creamer wrote.

The university expects the city to accept full responsibility for any legal and financial issues that may arise from the use of e-scooters in Oxford and on campus, and will sue the city and Bird Rides, Inc. if needed to enforce the university’s position.

In a meeting between the university and the City of Oxford on Monday night, the university threatened to confiscate the scooters and otherwise take any action they deemed necessary to enforce university rules CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

ARENA

Karaoke, Hennessy bring cultures together at Pixxo CÉILΊ DOYLE NEWS EDITOR

PIXXO PROVIDES A SHARED SPACE FOR CHINESE AND AMERICAN STUDENTS TO MINGLE. BO BRUECK ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

10:53 p.m.

The bass booms inside Pixxo while a few Chinese students mill outside the karaoke bar, laughing and talking among themselves.

An American student in a Sixers jersey strolls in, followed by a group of girls dragging their dads along. A group of Chinese students race to the back of the bar.

Inside, the bouncer puffs on a Juul before casually scanning students’ IDs. Vinyls from obscure albums like “FILE” and “Ghetto Jams” line the walls of the bar.

There are leather couches on both sides of the entrance, and a poster advertising a bottle of Hennessy is framed in a sharp, white neon outline next to the dance floor.

Past the bar and down a narrow hallway to the left, streams of Chinese students duck into unmarked white doors.

There are three private rooms for karaoke.

Sounds of shrill Mandarin and off-key singing echo through the walls.

This Issue

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Student honors father’s memory

Bar 1868 fills a hole in the wall of Cellar

Junior, Chris Dombroski starts a foundation for cancer research.

New name, but ownership stays in the family.

page 4

Put some R-E-S-P-E-C-T on those dreams

A group of American guys sit behind the DJ with a bucket of chilled Hennessy.

“What’s Pixxo like?” Paul Williams, a 2016 Miami alum says. “It’s hella popular.

Hella everything.” *** Pixxo officially opened, liquor license in hand, on Sept. 1, 2017.

A group of five Chinese international students who have since graduated from Miami started Pixxo, eventually bringing on Roman Wang, who went to Purdue University for undergrad and got his master’s at John Hopkins University, as another business partner.

One Thursday in November 2017, a group of American students decided to stop by. Senior Ethan Blaze had always joked about going to there with his best friend Brad Maupin, who is also a senior.

“We had heard they don’t let Americans come in, which was strange because we walked in and had no issues,” Blaze said. “We got to talking with [Roman], we spent a few hours in there, we taught him

page 7

Volleyball feeling de´jà vu

See the value in others peoples’ interests.

This year’s team looks as good as, if not better than, 2017 squad.

page 10

page 12

Need a laugh?

We sure do...

Humor special section debuts on page 5

2

NEWS@MIAMISTUDENT.NET

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Enquirer faces controversy over “The Sex Talk” FROM FRONT

fully informing her of the full scope of the project, leading to a lack of “informed consent.”

According to Cornell Law’s Legal Information Institute, informed consent is, “An agreement to do something or to allow something to happen, made with complete knowledge of all relevant facts, such as the risks involved or any available alternatives.”

Sprock and her supporters allege that while the project was framed as a “conversation,” it was never explicitly explained to her what that conversation might look like.

What began as an attempt to have a conversation about an issue plaguing college campuses across the country has morphed into a heated debate as to what level of explanation journalists owe to their interview subjects and how we can ever hope to talk about sexual assault — both on college campuses and in society — without causing further harm to the victims in these cases. *** The Enquirer began searching for interview subjects for “The Sex Talk” over a year ago.

“We began to realize that honest conversation about our culture and this issue – with people from all sides – was missing,” Kate Murphy, the higher education reporter for The Enquirer and a member of the team who developed the project, wrote in The Enquirer’s Aug. 5 special print edition.

Amy Wilson, the editor for the project team, said in an interview with The Student that they had no idea who they would get to agree to an interview when they first began seeking subjects.

“We initially started with nine interviewees, and then it grew because we realized there were more pieces to the story,” Wilson said.

The project ultimately included material from 24 interviewees who represent a range of perspectives: Victims, accused individuals, parents, police, lawyers, Title IX coordinators, a pastor, violence prevention advocates and students.

Sprock was put in touch with Murphy through a friend on campus who knew she was a capable storyteller and had relevant experience to share.

Sprock had written a blog post in which she recounted the night of her assault.

“I wrote about my assault,” Sprock said.

“So I sent it to [The Enquirer], and then they wouldn’t leave me alone.”

Sprock said The Enquirer’s attempts to encourage her to take part in the project were feverish. They even offered to drive to Cleveland to interview Sprock over a school break at her convenience.

“But I was worried if I decided to back out, I would be wasting their time driving all the way there,” Sprock said.

For several months, Sprock corresponded over email with The Enquirer team. Eventually, she agreed to conduct the interview at The Enquirer’s Cincinnati bureau.

“We were so shocked when she came to the studio and decided she didn’t want anonymity to tell her story,” Murphy said. *** The Enquirer, in partnership with USA Today, published the project as a video series. It was also featured in The Enquirer’s Aug. 5 special print edition.

“We wanted to get a collection of people who would not ordinarily share the same space and put them in that same space,” Murphy wrote in the Aug. 5 issue. “We want-

ed to make you feel like you were sitting across from the person.”

“It could have been done correctly,” Sprock said. “They needed to be sensitive. I was vulnerable with them, and I would have liked to be kept in the loop. I felt blindsided.”

In order to mimic a conversation, Murphy said, the videos were cross-cut between multiple interviewees as they answered the same question, as though they were sitting in the same room.

after she had already conducted the interview. Because she did not want her parents to see the interview, the reach of a national outlet concerned her.

Sprock believes the rights of the accused and false allegations take up too much space in the series in proportion to the actual numbers of false allegations.

Out of the 24 people interviewed for the project, six could be construed as on the side of the accused and six on the side of the vic-

“It could have been done correctly.

They needed to be senesitive. I was vulnerable with them, and I would have liked to be kept in the loop.

I felt blindsided.”

—Leah Sprock But after seeing the project, Sprock felt reservations about the role she played in relation to others featured in the conversation – especially in relation to John Doe, one of the men accused of sexual assault.

“Seeing his story shown right after mine scared me,” Sprock said. “Sure, I agreed to do the interview, but consent has to be fully informed. That doesn’t just apply to sex. It literally felt like they were stealthing me.”

(Stealthing is a form of sexual assault in which a penetrative partner removes or otherwise tampers with a condom during sex without the receptive sexual partner’s knowledge or consent, according to the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law.) Sprock says she had no idea the Enquirer team intended to interview people accused of sexual assault.

Had she known,“I probably wouldn’t have agreed to be a part of it,” she said.

To be clear, John Doe is not the person who assaulted Sprock. But at first glance, it looks as though he could have been. His testimony falls directly after hers.

For instance, two journalism professors whom The Miami Student discussed this story with were both under the impression Sprock and Doe’s cases were related. While neither had read the entire series, which does provide clarification, their impressions illustrate a larger point, that the average reader may have missed that distinction.

More than that, though, Sprock wishes the project had played out differently.

She wants, if being removed entirely from the series isn’t possible, “to redo the video and separate our parts. Make it clear we aren’t associated and make it clear his story doesn’t negate mine.”

Sprock takes issue with what she calls a lack of communication between herself and the Enquirer team as the project was fleshed out over the course of a year – much longer than initially anticipated.

While the Enquirer team had told her, “We’re talking to students, Title IX coordinators, police, parents, lawyers and others,” Sprock said this was not transparent enough.

“They should have said, ‘and maybe perpetrators,’ if they wanted to be transparent about the process,” Sprock said. “I also had to reach out every month or so to ask for updates. They never did so on their own.”

She alleges she was not made aware of the Enquirer’s partnership with USA Today until

tim, while the remaining 12 are neutral.

A 2014 White House report claims that only between two to 10 percent of reported rape cases are false. But, as reported in The Atlantic, ample research has shown no good empirical data on false rape complaints exists, according to a working paper series from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Sprock said the apologies the team sent in response to her concerns over the project once they released it were “condescending.”

She believes The Enquirer team should have been trained in trauma-informed reporting, and that they should reckon with the consequences of this project. Regardless of The Enquirer’s intentions, she said, the project caused her and others pain.

“It’s similar to committing microaggressions,” Sprock said. “Yeah, you may not have meant to do this, but it happened, and you have to recognize why it should have been different.” *** When Sprock felt as though her complaints were falling on deaf ears, she took to social media with the help of various student organizations on Miami’s campus.

The Collective, an informal student group on campus created to bring student leaders and activists together “to promote love over hate” wrote a Facebook post defending Sprock’s point of view.

“After seeing the published story, our comrade asked #ArrogantAmy to remove their name and image from the piece,” The Collective wrote. “We reject the claim that #CorruptKate and #ManipulativeMeg just wanted to ‘lift’ our comrade’s story and that this project was ‘always about understanding’ for this simple reason: if you TRULY are attempting to be an ally for SURVIVORS and not perpetrators then you would understand the very basic concept of revocation of consent. These three women have shown they have no respect for the consent of survivors.”

Clara Guerra, a senior chemical engineering major and a founding member of The Collective, added in an interview with The Miami Student that she was frustrated with The Enquirer’s handling of the situation.

“We were very thoughtful in how we went about this,” Guerra said. “We were trying for accountability. We needed the social media rage and fury to help survivors.”

Part of the so-called “rage and fury” led

to death threats phoned in to Wilson’s office number.

“It’s interesting to me that a discussion about a form of violence against women – sexual assault – would be met with threats of another form of violence against women,” Wilson said.

Guerra weighed the moral conflict that resulted from the social media campaign she led.

“I don’t advocate for violence,” Guerra said. “But I do advocate for accountability.

If these people felt pressure because of this, that’s good.” *** As a reporter for The Enquirer, Murphy sees things another way.

Murphy believes it is clear, through the combination of text and video, that Doe’s case is in no way related to Sprock’s.

“Nothing we did was to sensationalize the subject in any way,” Murphy said. “Everything we did was to try to make people understand such an important topic in a new way.”

Murphy said the length of time the project took was not up to the reporting team. Due to their partnership with USA Today, The Enquirer was on USA Today’s schedule in terms of how soon the project could be coded online. The timing of the school year was also a factor in the release date, as they wanted it to be released at the start of the semester.

Murphy believes she informed Sprock about the details of the project, “to the best of my ability at the time.”

“We said, ‘We’re talking to students, Title IX coordinators, police, parents, lawyers, and others,’” Murphy explained. “It should be understood that, as a journalist, I have a responsibility to tell this story from all sides. One of those sides includes the side of the accused.

But it’s not my job to make sure whether or not the other subjects I interview are OK with you when I ask to interview you.”

Murphy said she thinks she told Sprock about the Enquirer’s partnership with USA Today before the interview occurred, but couldn’t find documentation of doing so. She replaced her cellphone over the course of their interactions and lost some of their earlier communications that way.

“I usually always say I’m an Enquirer reporter with USA Today,” Murphy said.

Murphy maintains that a majority of the interviewees in the project were advocates for survivors.

She was also upset by the social media posts that included emails sent between herself and Sprock.

“They cut out important parts and didn’t accurately depict what was said,” Murphy explained.

Murphy showed The Miami Student the full email exchange between herself and Sprock that had been partially screen-shotted to omit parts related to the apologies Murphy offered when she realized how upset Sprock was after “The Sex Talk” was published.

“There was power in every word that she spoke,” Murphy said. “I wish she could have seen it that way.” *** The conversation will continue this week on Thursday, Sept. 20, in a journalism 101 class in Williams Hall, where Murphy and Vogel will both take part in a panel discussing the project and the fallout brunnsj@miamioh.edu

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NEWS 3

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017

Mega Fair changes left some orgs out to dry MAYA FENTER STAFF WRITER

After two cancellations due to inclement weather, Miami University Student Activities revised Mega Fair to take place over three days last week inside Armstrong Student Center.

Each day was dedicated to different club categories, such as career and professional development, fine arts/ performance and special interest.

Mega Fair, an annual outdoor showcase of Miami’s 500-plus activities and organizations, was originally scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Slant Walk.

Due to the threat of severe weather on that date, Miami announced that Mega Fair would be postponed to Wednesday, Sept. 5 at the same time.

However, on Sept. 5, rain delayed Mega Fair until 6:30 p.m. The rain left some students huddling under tables around Slant Walk for shelter, trying to keep themselves and their display materials dry during the storm.

“People were just really demoralized at that point,” said junior Sarah Frick, president of Miami University Culinary Association (MUCA). “Then the people running Mega Fair come out and say, ‘Mega Fair isn’t cancelled, but you all have to vacate the premises due to lightning.’”

Soon after, Mega Fair was officially cancelled.

The change in plans left organizations discouraged about their displays at the substitute event.

Frick had baked 80 cookies to pass out to prospective members at

Mega Fair’s Sept. 5 date. She ended up giving them away and eating them because she wasn’t sure what the new plans were and didn’t have time to make a new batch before the indoor Mega Fair.

Members of the Miami Association of Filmmakers and Independent Artists (MAFIA) were exhausted after the two prior cancellations and settled for a simpler display at indoor Mega Fair.

“What we had at our Mini Mega Fair was just a couple of our t-shirts, laptop stickers that we designed and then a signup sheet,” said junior Malena McClory, equipment manager for MAFIA. “[At Mega Fair], we usually bring cameras and equipment and tripods to show off, we have a banner that hangs off our table, but we didn’t want to put the effort in of dragging those out again.”

Because of indoor Mega Fair’s midday time slot of 12 to 4 p.m., students had to work around their class schedules, whether they were attending the fair or working a table.

There were some points during the day that no one from MAFIA could stand at the table, leaving the sign-up sheet by itself, said McClory.

Featuring different types of organizations on different days allowed students to be more selective with which tables they visited. MAFIA President senior Katie Wickman said this hurt MAFIA’s exposure.

“At Mega Fair last year, there were a lot more people that would come up to our table because...everybody went up to every table no matter what they

UNIVERSITY AT ODDS WITH CITY ON E-SCOOTERS FROM FRONT

were interested in,” Wickman said.

“Last year we would get a bunch of people who were at least just a little bit interested, and so we had a much bigger range of people who came to our info meeting and definitely a lot more people.”

However, Frick saw many firstyears and newcomers taking initiative after Mega Fair got cancelled.

“Between the cancellation of Mega Fair and Mini Mega Fair, [MUCA] had about 30 freshmen reach out either through the Hub or emailing us saying they want to get involved and that they’re sad that Mega Fair got cancelled, what can I do? So I was really impressed by that.”

At their indoor Mega Fair table, 77 people signed up for MUCA, which is more than the 60 names Frick collected last year during the regular Mega Fair.

Though some organizations were able to meet their recruitment goals, Frick said, these substitute Mega Fairs didn’t have the completely same effect as the intended, larger-scale event.

“I think Mega Fair in itself is quite the experience with the stage and performers,” Frick said. “Everyone gathering together has this energy and excitement that carries through to people wanting to join clubs and getting involved at Miami, and I think Mini Mega Fair was lacking that energy.”

SECOND SEXUAL ASSAULT REPORTED IN FIRST TWO WEEKS OF SEMESTER CEILI DOYLE NEWS EDITOR

A sexual assault was reported to the Oxford Police Department (OPD) on Wednesday, Sept. 5 by a female who told OPD she was victimized the previous evening on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 110 N. Poplar Street by a male she knew.

The report marks the second sexual assault-related offense committed in the city of Oxford within the first two weeks of Miami University’s fall semester.

There is no suspect yet, as the report is still part of an ongoing investigation, said OPD’s records specialist.

University students who wish to report a sexual assault can contact any campus security enforcement, including MUPD (513-519-2222), OPD (513-523-4321), the Office of Ethics and Student Conflict Resolution (513-529-1417), any academic or student organization adviser as well as athletic coaches.

Sexual assault survivors can contact Sierra Clippinger (513-431-1111), who is Miami’s campus-based support specialist from Butler County’s office of Women Helping Women. Clippinger is not a mandatory reporter and can provide survivors with additional support and advice.

fentermc@miamioh.edu

ASG approves tier requirements for Red Brick Rewards

rules, according to a source who attended the meeting.

“The University must, at this point, put the City of Oxford and Bird Rides, Inc. on notice of our concerns and policy banning the use of e-scooters on University property,” Creamer wrote.

Oxford Mayor Kate Rousmaniere is hopeful the university will come to the negotiating table to discuss public transportation in Oxford.

“Miami University and the City of Oxford are closely intertwined and are working hard on town gown relations, and we are looking forward to furthering those with alternative forms of transportation,” Rousmaniere said.

A Student Community Relations Commission meeting will be held in the LCNB National Bank Community room Uptown on Friday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. where Bird Rides, Inc. will host a presentation for the community. brunnsj@miamioh.edu @samantha_brunn SPEAKER OF SENATE, COLE HANKINS LECTURES ASG SENATORS. JUGAL JAIN PHOTO EDITOR

RACHEL BERRY STAFF WRITER

we need newspaper

doyleca3@miamioh.edu

Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) approved tier requirements for the Red Brick Rewards funding system at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Red Brick Rewards is the system that determines the amount of funds student organizations are allowed to request each semester. Implemented last spring, the sys-

tem offers four tiers of rewards, with a set list of tasks organizations must complete to reach each tier.

Tier one is the minimum, requiring only that the president and treasurer attend training each semester, complete an annual registration and keep their hub page up to date. Tier two requires that organizations meet with a Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) ambassador annually, attend one SEAL workshop and keep their roster updated on the Hub.

Obligations for the third tier include attending a leadership training session, registering all events on the hub, attending three SEAL workshops, nominating someone for the Student Engagement and Leadership awards and attending three SEAL workshops.

To be placed in tier four, organizations have to attend five SEAL workshops each semester, hold events in conjunction with other groups, fill out an evaluation at the end of the semester and keep a binder to help the transition between leaders go more smoothly.

One of the main issues senators had with the document was that the ability to request diversity funding is reserved for those in tier three.

Some senators said this could alienate people from a minority cultural group that may not have as many members and would be unable to advance that high in the tier system. While the senate acknowledged this issue, they voted to implement the Red Brick Rewards system anyway and to reexamine individual requirements for each tier at a later date.

Senators also voted to approve funding requests from the first round of organizations, whose representatives met with groups of senators last Monday.

Later, they held elections for the Student Life Council (SLC). Senior psychology major Monica Venzke ran unopposed and was elected to the council. Senior political science major Megan Roberts was also nominated and approved for a position on SLC. berryrd@miamioh.edu

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4 NEWS

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

STUDENT CREATES HEAVEN’S GAME FOUNDATION IN FATHER’S MEMORY JULIA ARWINE STAFF WRITER

When his father died of cancer, Chris Dombroski was determined to make a positive change in the world in his dad’s memory. So the junior marketing major started his own foundation to support research in search of a cure. He named it Heaven’s Game.

“Heaven’s Game Foundation seeks to raise money for cancer research and awareness in hopes that the millions of people and their families battling cancer can one day prevail,” reads the foundation’s executive summary.

John Dombroski lost his own fight with colon cancer six months ago, at the age of 53. The foundation was created in his honor, and the name is tied to him as well.

When John was sick, he would often speak of “the game,” but which game he was referring to, his family never knew.

John was always a sports fan, so it could have been a reference to many things. After he died, the Dombroskis came across a book in which a girl with a terminal illness kept asking for a map. And, in the story, it turned out to be a map to Heaven. The similarities between the young girl and John struck the Dombroski family. They quickly realized that perhaps John was talking about the final game: Heaven’s Game.

Chris loves to share John’s story, a tale about a man who continues to inspire his son, family and friends even after his death.

Chris said his father was positive, selfless and humble. He was the kind of man who once, while working in Central America, gave his Christmas bonus to a co-work-

er for no other reason than that he thought the other man and his family needed it more. Chris looks to his father’s example now more than ever.

“I feel like there’s a hand that’s always guiding me,” Chris said. “All the good things that happen I feel like are…because he’s kind of helping me out.”

Heaven’s Game is partnered with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, whose mission is “to make a difference by generating broad-based support for cancer research and by creating an urgent awareness among all Americans of the importance of the war against cancer...through advocacy, education, fundraising and philanthropy,” according to its website.

The V Foundation puts 100 percent of direct donations toward cancer research and related programs — none of it goes toward operating costs. In 2017 alone, the foundation awarded more than $23 million in grants to research programs. The money Heaven’s Game raises will go toward funding a similar grant.

“Chris and Heaven’s Game benefits by having a responsible steward for the funds they raise, and the V Foundation benefits by having more money to help us pursue our shared goal of finding better treatments and cures for cancer,” said Allie Bigelow, the V Foundation representative on the Heaven’s Game advisory board.

Heaven’s Game is still in its early stages, but Chris is already planning ways to raise money. The first major event, a golf outing, will take place by the end of this school year, most likely in April. It will be at TPC River’s Bend, a private golf club in Maineville, Ohio, where Chris used

CHRIS AND HIS BROTHER POSE WITH THEIR FATHER JOHN. PHOTO FROM CHRIS DOMBROWSKI

to work and where he used to golf with his dad.

Chris is seeking corporate sponsors for the event — a major title sponsor and multiple smaller, secondary sponsors — and is reaching out to local businesses in Loveland, his hometown, and in the greater Cincinnati area.

Chris anticipates approximately 100 attendees will play at the event. Dozens of people Chris has spoken with, both in Loveland and at Miami, have already expressed interest. There is not a set monetary goal for the event, because the foundation is too new to gauge how successful it might be.

Chris said he would be ecstatic

if they managed to raise $5,000, which he thinks is a conservative estimate.

Heaven’s Game will do more than put on fundraisers; it will also establish a scholarship in John’s name at Loveland High School.

John always put a lot of stock in the importance of education.

The specifics of the scholarship are still being determined, but Chris estimates it will be about $1,000 for two or three students.

“If I can give someone a scholarship in honor of my dad, then maybe one day, when they get through their four years, they’ll be able to do something similar; maybe they’ll be inspired by what we’re doing,”

Chris said.

Support for Heaven’s Game has come mostly from Loveland and the Cincinnati area, but Chris has been pleasantly surprised to find interest and guidance from his fellow students and professors at Miami, too. Many people in his life have rallied around this cause and around John’s memory.

“Everything he is about is what we are about as a foundation, bottom line,” Chris said. “We are who we are because of who he was.” arwinejk@miamioh.edu

Oxford Planning Commission authorized Airbnbs BAYLEE DAVIS STAFF WRITER

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The Oxford Planning Commission met on Sept. 11 to discuss and authorize “short-term rentals,” specifically in relation to Airbnb.

Airbnb is a tech startup that connects people in need of a place to stay with homeowners who can rent out rooms or entire homes to travelers through the Airbnb app.

Hotels in Oxford typically have a significant shortage of rooms during peak times of the year, such as movein weekend and Family Weekend, and many community members try to meet this need by offering shortterm rentals in their own homes and properties. There is a lack of sufficient space on four important weekends in Oxford due to Miami University events.

Not only is Airbnb useful for peak times, but it can be an affordable option for less-trafficked weekends as well.

Previously, the City of Oxford only had allowed for bed and breakfasts in

city limits, and did not authorize Airbnb rentals.

The latest changes apply to the definition of “short-term rentals” and to their staff. The policy change also renovated the general requirements for being an owner or booking agent.

The main goal of authorizing Airbnbs in Oxford is to increase zoning compliance while attempting to avoid any clashes with current neighborhood charm or with the staff and property owners of Airbnb rentals.

Any rentals that have five or more bookings a year are required to have a license or permit, while any rentals who have less than five bookings a year do not.

Rental occupancy limitations are set by the license or permit, and not the owner. Owners and booking agents must also agree to both initial and occasional inspections of the property.

Follow this story in print and online at miamistudent.net davisba5@miamioh.edu

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Humor

NEWS@MIAMISTUDENT.NET

5

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

BRICK STREET TO PRE-URINATE ON THEIR FLOORS MICHAEL SERIO HUMOR EDITOR

As the sun sets on the calm Oxford skyline, employees at Brick Street Bar and Grill pull down their pants to begin their new “prepee” service, designed to make their customers feel more comfortable.

The floor will now be wet from corner to corner with urine so that every guest-- even early arrivals-- will get that classic Brick

Street feel from the moment they step onto the moist, sticky floor.

“In the past, we’ve had to depend on our patrons to pee on the floors for us,” said Mark Weissman, owner of Brick Street. “We decided to streamline this service by providing our own urine for our guests. We only want to provide the best bar experience at Brick.”

Brick Street will have employees of all ethnicities, ages and genders urinating on the floor in order to promote diversity and inclu-

sion and make everybody feel welcomed by the new initiative.

The most popular spots to pee-- the foot of the bar and the corners of the dance floor-will also have full backup pee jars so that if the floor ever dries up, patrons can simply pour the pre-produced urine onto the floor so that they don’t have to pee on it themselves.

Those who have VIP access to the bar will also be able to walk through the “pee and sweat mister,” where they will be sprinkled

with bodily fluids so that they can achieve the perfect Brick Street stickiness immediately upon entry.

“This is just the first of many innovations to come from Brick Street this year,” said Weissman,“We can’t divulge what we are working on right now, but we can tell you it has something to do with vomit, Long Island Iced Teas and a whole lotta strobe lights.” seriomp@miamioh.edu

A whimsical morning with President Crawford NOAH BERTRAND

THE MIAMI STUDENT

A beautiful morning graces Oxford, Ohio. The sun is shining through the windows of the president’s mansion. The birds sing from the trees in the morning light. On a spacious, regal king bed someone is stirring. Ivy jumps out of bed, careful not to land on Gregory in his trundle.

Ivy delicately slips off his periwinkle nightcap with her teeth and, as the morning breeze kisses his dome with a chill, Gregory awakes. He springs from the fetal position and leaps over to his record player. He chooses a record to fill the morning with glorious music (it was the Spice Girls, again). He prances around in his birthday suit, dancing in the warm summer air.

He bursts through the beaded curtain leading to his personal bathroom where he glides to the bathtub. Gregory uses his bedazzled thermometer to make sure the water is a cozy 145 degrees Fahrenheit (his body’s internal temperature). As the water bubbles next to him, he sits criss-cross-applesauce and applies shaving cream to his head, face and entire body.

Ivy, knowing her cue, trots in, straight razor in mouth. She is ready to give Miami University President Gregory Crawford his daily “shavey wavey.”

After a brief bath, Ivy and Greg hop out and get dressed. He goes through the house, saying good morning to the trees, the birds, the windows, the refrigerator, the dungeon, the hardwood floors, Renate’s human egg (stasis chamber, nesting chamber, charging port, frozen clone) and finally the kitchen.

Greg sniffs the morning air,. He hears the trees rustle outside of the open bay windows.

“A perfect morning,” he whispers to himself.

He reaches into the freezer (or ice box, which he sometimes still calls it) to grab another severed head to satiate him until the next full moon.

He consumes it quickly.

Greg gallops from the kitchen to the front door. He takes a quick glance to the left at his vanity mirror as he does every morning.

“He’s got gusto,” he whispers. “He’s got gusto.”

ILLUSTRATION: CONNOR WELLS

Local man loved how “real” the female characters were in 1945 film KATE RIGAZIO

CULTURE EDITOR

A Miami student was delighted to see how “real” the women were in “Oppressione,” a 1945 film set in Fascist Italy, after his film studies class screened the film on Monday. Malcolm Tedders, a sophomore political science and history double major, was excited to tell his classmates how much he enjoyed the female characters.

“All of the women were so human and so easy to understand, despite their emotional complexity,” said Tedders. “Honestly, the women were my favorite character.”

Tedders was impressed by the women’s authentic character arcs, which ranged from a prostitute who sells out her true love for money, to a young mother who is shot in the street while chasing after the men arresting her true love. The latter of the two was politically outspoken, pregnant out of wedlock and dead within the first 20 minutes of the film.

“I am a huge supporter of women, so seeing such a diverse and modern array of female representation so early on is totally cool,” said Tedders, “especially because the director didn’t rely on overused tropes. This

film was way ahead of its time.”

When asked his opinion on the male characters — many of whom died moments after delivering an intense, thought-provoking monologue on why they’d prefer death over compromising their morals — Tedders had no comment.

While Tedders’ impassioned analysis went on for several minutes, many of his classmates were not fully convinced of his argument. Sheila Davidson, a junior in Tedders’ class, took a different stance on the film.

“I mean, it was Fascist Italy, so I wasn’t really expecting the movie to depict strong, nuanced female characters, and it didn’t,” said Davidson. “Also, Malcolm keeps referring to the women as a collective. I don’t think he realizes they were different people.”

Davidson and a few other female classmates presented their counterpoints to Tedders’ argument. However, Tedders was rapidly swiping through a dating app and did not appear to be listening. rigazikm@miamioh.edu

Stand-up special with no jokes revolutionizing the medium ETHAN MAGUIRE

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Chris Dave, a hot new comic known for his astute takes on relationships and intricate storytelling ability, just released a new Netflix-exclusive special that has set the comedy world ablaze. Challenging the long-held norms of stand-up, Dave’s special--simply titled Chris--has no audience, no stage and no jokes.

“I wanted to do something no comic had ever done before. Something fresh,” Dave said of his new special in an interview with The Guffaw, “I think a lot of comics get hung up on what’s ‘funny,’ or what’s going to make an audience laugh. But when you put those issues to the side, you get something really interesting and rewarding as an artist.”

Set in an empty, dimly lit room, Dave discusses topics as complex and pressing as white privilege, the #MeToo movement and the current political climate without any deftness or humor. Critics are loving it.

Ben Brunke of the New York Times writes, “I hate to laugh, and this special really delivered. Not even a single smirk!”

Arnold Abraham of The Refined Hoo-

ligan raved about the special: “Comedy shouldn’t be funny, it should be vulnerable and painful to watch.”

In one segment, Dave discusses his abandonment issues over grainy home video clips from his childhood. Viewers at home may feel that they’re invading Dave’s personal life, but that’s just what he intended.

“I stopped going to therapy for a few months before filming this,” Dave said. “I wanted to really get out there and expose all of my demons, because that’s what comedy is now.”

Dave cited his two main comedic influences as Spalding Gray and Nanette (When asked if he was referring to Hannah Gadsby, the comic behind the special “Nanette,” he did not respond).

“Chris” proves that Netflix’s new walk-in policy for getting a stand-up special is working. It is the 437th special the streaming service released this year, and with Chris Dave now in their arsenal, Netflix is successfully carving a name for themselves in the comedy scene. maguirea@miamioh.edu

Man with feminist laptop sticker must be friend to women everywhere KIRBY DAVIS

MANAGING EDITOR

Sophomore Lily Davidson was relieved to learn that the boy who had harassed her at The Woods over the weekend of Sept. 14 has a feminist laptop sticker, and therefore must be a friend to women everywhere.

Junior Jason Todd’s hot-pink “The Future is Female” sticker, which is sandwiched between “Rick and Morty” and dabbing Squidward stickers in the lower-left corner of his laptop, caught Davidson’s attention when she saw him in Kofenya on Sunday.

“I thought he was so creepy when I saw him out Friday night,” Davidson said. “I wish I would’ve seen his laptop earlier.”

Davidson said she now regrets making up a fake boyfriend in order to get the “very

persistent” Todd to leave her and her friends alone.

“I probably should’ve just let him grind on us,” Davidson said. “Now that I know about the feminist sticker, I know he didn’t mean it in, like, a creepy way.”

Todd’s sister’s sorority grand-big, Margot Thomas, said she gave Todd the feminist sticker after she accidentally ordered two from Redbubble.com. Thomas would have given it to Todd’s sister, she said, but she already had one.

Todd was initially concerned that the hot pink would clash with the mostly earth-toned aesthetic of his laptop stickers, but resolved the issue by adding a neon-green pineapple sticker and another bright pink one, encouraging “good vibes only.”

“I feel like [the laptop] looks dope now,”

Todd said.

Todd’s mother, Diane Hathaway, said she wasn’t aware that her son had added the feminist laptop sticker to his collection since starting his junior year, but that he “better be respecting women down at school.”

“At the very least, I expect him to treat them like human beings,” Hathaway said.

“It’s a lot to ask, I know, but we really stressed to him growing up that women are people, too.”

Hathaway said she’s “pretty confident” that Todd practices what his laptop sticker preaches, because once when she ran out of tampons, he reluctantly offered to run to CVS and buy some.

“I didn’t make him go, of course,” Hathaway said. “That would have been a little much.”

Todd said he tries to respect women on a regular basis. For example, he said, last Friday he went home with a girl from Brick Street Bar & Grill. When she told him she didn’t want to have sex, he only asked her to reconsider twice.

When asked if he considers himself a feminist, Todd said he wasn’t sure he would use “such a strong term” to describe himself, but that he’s “all for” women’s rights.

“People keep asking me what I think about women’s rights,” Todd said. “What about men’s, though? I don’t think we talk about that enough.” daviskn3@miamioh.edu

6 CULTURE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

RIGAZIKM@MIAMIOH.EDU

First-years get their feet wet Bridge over calming water REBECCA WOLFF THE MIAMI STUDENT

It was the first time I had seen flowing water since I got to Ohio. It was a refreshing familiarity after another day of being asked, “But, if you’re from California, why would you come here?”

The “here” always seemed to be accompanied by some disgusted look and confused hand-gesture. I understand how it seems a bit odd, but they just didn’t see what I did.

I had started my brisk walk a tad over an hour before I got to the spot.

I just wanted to get a sense of my surroundings, figuring if I could be sure where I was going, maybe then I wouldn’t look like such a freshman. My roommate had homework to do so I was walking alone. I had homework too, but this felt like more of a priority; I had to find my thinking place.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had that place I go to when I just need some time to be still, so my thoughts could be free to move. So that was the mission. I turned toward Western Campus, remembering how much I liked how spacious and green it was when I first visited.

The air felt thick with humidity and tradition, both things that are nonexistent in California. As I was walking, I couldn’t help but be boggled by just how green everything was. It was as if I had stepped into

a childhood storybook where trolls live under stone bridges and wizards hide inside trunks of luscious trees. The grass is always brown in Northern California. Wine Country magazines refer fondly to Napa Valley as “The land of Golden Hills,” but, really, it just looks like shit.

That’s the thing about Miami though — The land is alive and the weather has mood swings that you can almost predict.

It’s like an old friend you can talk to, an understanding presence. I was walking along, the tune of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” flooding through my headphones, when I saw it.

A stone bridge on the furthest edge of Western Campus stood steady, while water that was anything but troubled glided beneath it. While it wasn’t exactly a whitesand beach with blue, foamy waves crashing down, seeing moving water at all was comforting, and made me feel a twinge of home in my bones.

A single bench, shaded by two large trees sat facing the water. As I sat there with it, I realized that this place alone was reason enough for me to pack up my tie-dye clothes and sunshine state of mind. So when people ask me, befuddled why I would, I wish they could simply see what I see. wolffrg@miamioh.edu

Leaving anxiety in the rain TIM CARLIN THE MIAMI STUDENT

I gave myself a once-over in the mirror before walking out the door.

“Just breathe, you look fine,” I told myself as I entered the hallway.

I had survived the first week of classes, and I was ready to celebrate.

As I walked out the front door of my dorm, a welcome coolness brushed against my skin. I thought nothing of the nighttime breeze, but I should have. As my friend and I walked up Tallawanda Street toward the vibrating bass of the Oxford frat houses, it seemed to get cooler with every step. I don’t know if it was the weather, or my nerves, but by the time we reached the frat house we were looking for, it felt freezing outside.

Before walking up the front steps, I stopped to look at my friend. “Are we sure about this?” I asked her. Her mouth said yes, but her eyes gave a different answer.

I could feel her anxiety. Neither of us really wanted to be at this unknown house.

She was afraid of the overbearing frat members and the mystery liquid that filled the red solo cups, while I was nervous about getting too drunk and losing my self-control. Entering those doors carried much more weight than a simple night out. Surviving our first frat party would end the college facade and make it all real.

But, if this party was so vital to the beginning of my college experience, why did it feel like the exact opposite of where I wanted to be?

While my friend and I stopped on the sidewalk, a group of girls walked in front of us to the door. They were huddled around for an extended period of time before turning and walking back in our direction.

I could see the flashing lights and hear the music echoing into the street, so I knew we were in the right place. As the girls passed us I heard one of them say, “I can’t believe they locked the door! Who does that?” I looked back at my friend for guidance and was greeted with an equally puzzled look.

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, rain drops began to fall. They came down heavy and fast. As I locked eyes with my friend, I could read her thoughts. Without a word spoken, we both took off running back to my dorm.

As we ran, the droplets only came down harder. When we passed Withrow Hall, we both started to laugh, sing and dance.

It was as if the rain washed away any inhibitions and negativity we were carrying.

When we finally reached my dorm, we were soaking wet, freezing cold and laughing uncontrollably. As our laughter slowly died, I could only think one thing: “So, this is college.” carlintm@miamioh.edu

PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE ELEPHANTS IN THE ROOM CHLOE MURDOCK THE MIAMI STUDENT

Within a week of popping the question, “Hey, wanna start a band?” a group of people who knew each other from church and mutual friends were honing a sound — one that meshes jazz, soul and pop. They call themselves Elephants in the Room.

The two founding members are Daniel Thompson, who graduated from Miami in 2017, and Sharee Nurse, a current graduate student.

DANIEL THOMPSON. SEBASTIAN NEUFUSS THE MIAMI STUDENT

After graduating from Taylor University with a degree in music marketing, Nurse told herself she would turn away from making music. Now, she’s the lead singer, songwriter and acoustic guitarist of the band.

Their debut performance was on Aug. 25 at the Ernst Music Festival in Kumler Chapel.

At one point, the audience had filled between 75 to 100 seats to hear the band sing jazzy renditions of songs like Ben E. King’s “Stand

By Me” and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” In three months, Nurse wrote 10 songs that will become the band’s first album. The plan is to finish up lyrics, finalize instrumentation within the next few weeks, start doing regular local shows and record the album within the next year.

All the group is missing is a bass guitarist.

“It’s the thing you don’t know is missing until you hear it,” Nurse said. “It’s like the bass in a car — that low, vibrating part. When you take it out, it sounds weird.”

Despite the missing bass, a few songs have been successfully crowd-tested. Nurse and Thompson played an acoustic version of two original songs, “Brown Skin Baby” and “I Think This is Love,” at Art After Dark.

It wasn’t as packed as the Ernst Music Festival, but the applause of the people filling the few rows of chairs in front of the stage set off a shrill feedback.

“You guys are too excited! The sound system can’t handle it,” Thompson said during the performance.

While the final touches are being made on the album, the band is putting its own spin on mainstream songs. The band never ends a song cover the same way.

When covering a song, the band first tunes

it to their own soul-and-jazz pop frequency.

They slow down fast songs, and bolster slow songs with the trumpet or trombone. They practice until they trust each other to make their own individual riffs.

“Anything we can do that makes people go, ‘ooh!’— we do that,” Nurse said.

Sometimes the “ooh!” is carried by the lilt in Nurse’s voice.

“It gives me chills every time I hear her sing,” Amanda Gonzalez, a fan and a friend of Nurse, said.

Often the “ooh” is prompted by an impromptu set of notes on the keyboard, the trombone, the trumpet or from the mouth of Thompson, who is the band’s resident brass and keyboard player as well as background singer.

Thompson, now a mechanical engineer in Cincinnati, spends his free time as part of Elephants in the Room, or as the lead for another local band called Just Dandy.

Sometimes the “ooh” comes out when Callie Miller’s fingers get a fresh grip on her jazz guitar. Miller is the youngest of the group, a junior at Miami, although the group often forgets her age.

“Add all of our ages together and Callie is more mature than all of us combined,” Thompson said.

Always constant is Juiquetta Harmon riffing behind the drums. She’s also a highly-rated barber at the Rose Room Salon who has cut the hair of almost everyone in the band. Harmon doesn’t sing, but her facial expressions say a lot from the back of the stage, exuding joy or surprise with one tilt of her smile.

While the last piece of the band, the bass

SHAREE NURSE SEBASTIAN NEUFUSS THE MIAMI STUDENT

guitarist, has yet to fall into place, Elephants in the Room is still performing at school functions and house shows. You can book them for an event on their Facebook page by searching the group’s nickname for their fans, “Little Trunkies.” murdocc3@miamioh.edu

Karaoke, Hennessy bring cultures together at Pixxo FROM FRONT

to play euchre and then he ended up inviting us to dinner.”

A week later, Wang asked Blaze and his friends, Maupin and fifth-year Vivek Singh, to help run the bar the following weekend because Theta Chi had expressed interest in renting out Pixxo.

Wang eventually hired them to work Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

By the end of February, Wang was in California for business frequently. He eventually returned to China, leaving Blaze as Pixxo’s general manager and Maupin and Singh as assistant managers. *** 11:25 p.m.

“You can come here and still meet new people,” senior Adam Witmer says. “Not everyone is stuck in their pretentious, douchey circles.”

Paul Williams, the 2016 alum, taps his golden sneakers back and forth, gripping his belt buckle before taking a sip of his drink.

“Can we talk about how cool it is to hang with the Asian students?” Williams asks. “The Asian kids have style. I mean, they inspire me..”

Two girls sitting at the bar move over to one of the leather couches near the front and gush over how uncrowded the bar is.

“You know, it really feels like a hookah bar,” junior Kennedy Hettlinger says.

“Not like, MIA, but close,” her friend adds.

“It’s hip!” Hettlinger says. “But, really, it’s a hidden gem.”

The two jump up off of the couch and proceed to the dance floor, twirling each other around and laughing as the neon lights reflect off the white soles of their shoes. *** Over the summer, Wang and a few of Pixxo’s shareholders flew Blaze out to China to give him a first hand education in Chinese karaoke culture.

“Karaoke is huge there,” Blaze said. “Every place you go to, it’s everywhere. They even do it for business meetings.”

Before Blaze and Maupin started working at Pixxo, one of Wang’s goals was to have 20 American students at the front of Pixxo each night. Now, it fills up consistently every weekend.

Maupin said that since he and Blaze took over, they have hosted date parties for various fraternities and sororities, plus bar rentals for the hockey team, UP Magazine and

even a couple of dads’ weekends.

But, Maupin said, Pixxo has yet to completely break the cultural barrier between Chinese and American students.

“It’s not fully immersive yet,” Maupin said.

“Pixxo is a safe haven for [the Chinese students], but they all talk to us and they’re not afraid to have a conversation if you try.” *** 12:06 a.m.

Inside one of the private karaoke rooms a group of Chinese students are piled around on a leather seat sectional.

Pitchers of Hennessey, open packages of dried spicy noodles, rice crackers and empty bottles of Corona line the table as a few people play Liar’s Dice, the Chinese version of the card game “Bullshit.”

Another student belts his heart out to the song playing on the flat screen across from the table. He passes the mic off to his friend, who grips it and takes a deep breath before launching into an off-key rendition of the song.

The whole group bursts into laughter.

“In China, this is what we do,” junior Jiaxin “Jason” Zhong says. “This is a private place compared to the club, and it’s closer than the only other karaoke bar nearby.”

The bar Zhong is referring to is over forty minutes away, near Cincinnati.

“This is better than the Brick,” his friend adds.

The group agrees animatedly.

“Karaoke is way having fun,” Zhong says.

“It’s a cultural celebration.” *** Blaze appreciates how much he has gotten to know Chinese students through his work.

“At the end of the day, we are just three college kids running a bar,” Singh said. “It’s refreshing here — it’s the only place where you can have a closed social area to sing and have fun.”

Blaze says he always thought that bartending in college would be fun, but for him, the most rewarding experience has been seeing Pixxo filled with American and Chinese students.

“The coolest thing I’ve noticed is some of the Chinese students asking to come sit down at tables out here and get bottles out here and start to assimilate with the crowd and see that Americans have fun, too, rather than just sticking in the back.” doyleca3@miamioh.edu

MITCHE49@MIAMIOH.EDU

CULTURE 7

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Dough-Versity: Taking the best that Butler County doughnut shops have to offer MADDIE TOOLE THE MIAMI STUDENT

Inside Dough-Versity Donuts, the walls are gray with white trim, making the shop feel light and airy, like a cloud. The aroma of baked dough and coffee greet every entrant warmly. The shop has a small-town charm complete with wall-hanging plants, steel and wood donut signs and a Joanna Gaines-y interior.

David Bryan, the owner of Dough-Versity, explains that this shop has been an idea for over three years. He would always joke that a donut shop in the middle of town was a no-brainer.

In December, when Bryan received a call from the realtor saying that the space at 5 S Beech St. was available, he immediately agreed to take it, without having seen the inside in several years. The building was formerly Hush Apparel, until they moved to a location on High St., and a record store named Looney T Bird’s Record and Tape before that.

Bryan recalls being in high school and searching for Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the back of the store.

“I know the area well. I know what hours the college kids are out,” Bryan said. “Our shop is meant for latenight relaxing or studying, it’s not loud or obnoxious.”

A typical morning for Bryan consists of arriving at Dough-Versity at 6:30 a.m.. He sticks around for a little while, making sure that the business is running smoothly and that all of the donuts have been delivered.

That’s right. Delivered. Because they have no room in their building for friers, Dough-Versity runs business a little different than most other donut shops. They have partner donut shops that make their donuts for them, transport them 30-45 minutes and deliver them fresh to Dough-Versity’s shelves. This means that their selection is a carefully curated collection of their favorite donuts.

That’s the motivation behind their name. Because only the best and brightest applicants are accepted into a university, Dough-Versity only

sells the donuts they believe deserve to be in their shop.

“My wife is pretty much a creative genius,” Bryan said. “Before we decided to buy this space, she came up with the name. I think it works.”

The shop offers over 35 different donut options everyday, along with four small-batch organic drip, cold brew and nitro brew coffees. They are focused on marketing toward college students, providing free wifi and plenty of charging outlets.

The business opened on June 1 which is, coincidentally, National Donut Day. The line started at the front counter, went down the sidewalk and wrapped down a side street. Although the displays and the back of the shop were stocked full of donuts, they sold out in only three hours.

Some have worried about the effects of this new competition on the staple, Oxford Doughnut Shoppe. In response to the worry, Bryan says there is no tension.

“If you ask me, I think Oxford Doughnut Shoppe has the best donuts,” Bryan said. “Their classic glazed donut is incredible. They do a great job.”

Joshua Francis, owner of Oxford Doughnut Shoppe, says that there has been no effect on his business because he believes they are so different.

“There are a lot of places in town that sell donuts,” Francis said. “But then there is only one that makes their donuts.”

For this reason, Dough-Versity is not a stop on the Butler County Donut Trail. There is currently a rule in the Trail’s standards stating that each stop must make their donuts in-house.

To reach out to college students, Dough-Versity has extended their late night hours from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m Thursday-Friday.

DOUGH-VERSITY EMPLOYEE WELCOMES CUSTOMERS TO NEW UPTOWN SWEET SHOP. RUISI LUO THE MIAMI STUDENT

toolemb@miamioh.edu

DOUGH-VERSITY IS OPEN ON SOUTH BEECH STREET UNTIL 2 A.M. THURSDAY-FRIDAY. RUISI LUO THE MIAMI STUDENT

Bar 1868 looks to fill the hole Cellar left MADELINE MITCHELL CULTURE EDITOR

Rumors have spread about a new uptown bar, but Bar 1868 is anything but “new” — as the name suggests, it has been around since 1868. Or at least the building has.

Bar 1868 officially (re)opened Aug. 29 at 13 W. High St. Does that address sound familiar?

Senior Angela Hatcher thought so. It

used to be the home of Cellar Bar. “We all went a little crazy because that place has so many memories for us,” she said.

The rebranding, which owner Lee Ann Shoker has spent half a year constructing, is at the cost of old Cellar Bar patrons, which was made up of mostly black Miami students.

“The fact that we had somewhere where we could go where we were surrounded by people that were like us, and liked the

BAR 1868 TOOK THE PLACE OF CELLAR BAR ON W. HIGH STREET. TERESA ANIEV THE MIAMI STUDENT

same music as us and wanted something that was chill but still really fun on the weekends — it made Cellar like a second home on the weekends for us,” Hatcher said.

Lee Ann Shoker inherited Cellar Bar last January when the previous owner, Shoker’s father, died unexpectedly.

Shoker said that she is not trying to push anyone away, but instead trying to make Bar 1868 a place for everyone.

Shoker still thinks that Bar 1868 will serve as the cultural hub that Cellar Bar created.

“I don’t think that’s gonna, per se, change, and that’s not my intent by any means,” said Shoker. “I really see it as a place for everybody.”

Regulars at Cellar Bar might remember David Shoemaker, or “DJ Shoe,” as he was commonly known. Shoemaker graduated in the spring, and in his place are a handful of new DJs who trained under him, including senior Anna Clark.

Clark has been featured twice so far this semester at Bar 1868. Reflecting on her experience this year compared to her relationship with last year, Clark admits that the vibe has changed.

“I think the clientele has shifted a little bit,” said Clark. “They’re trying to do more private rentals, which reaches out to the greek community.”

Exactly the kind of atmosphere that Hatcher said her group of friends had been trying to avoid.

“I was friends freshman year with a lot of people who were part of the multicultural program and it was really nice to feel like we had a place where we could go to that was specifically for us,” Hatcher said. “And that’s not something that you get, especially in these communities in Ohio.”

Shoker has made a lot of changes since rebranding the bar. Their hours have expanded to Wednesdays through Sundays, and the bar is open for business during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Staff has grown from five workers to over 30. The walls went from Miami red to a shimmery gold.

Shoker said that there had always been a lot of confusion around the brand — the original name was Hole in the Wall, then Cellar Bar. She said it was time to “start fresh.”

“My goal was to let things operate as they were, because he [her father] had a lot of irons in the fire,” said Shoker. “Outside of dealing with the grief of his passing, it was kind of like drinking from a fire hydrant with all the things that I was going to be managing.”

Despite the feeling of being overwhelmed, Shoker seems optimistic about the future of the bar.

“The goal is to be part of the full community and a place everyone can come and have fun,” Shokere said. “I think it gives a chance for the student body to really meet each other.”

Hatcher is not so sure.

“I think that there are a lot of people on campus that won’t really notice that Cellar Bar is gone because, again, it’s not really a hub for everybody, it’s a hub for certain kinds of students and certain kinds of people,” Hatcher said.

But to those people who did know and love Cellar, it meant a lot.

“I just don’t know if it will be that same cultural community hub that Cellar Bar had,” said Hatcher.

The bar will continue to host private events and be a safe space for all communities. Bar 1868 will be continuing Cellar’s tradition of hosting monthly drag shows this semester starting Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 10 p.m.

Although there is a wider mix of people at Bar 1868 than were at Cellar Bar, Clark still thinks that the black community in Oxford will find home at the rebranded bar.

“I think they still consider it to be kind of like their place,” said Clark. “However, Lee Ann wants it to be a spot that doesn’t belong to one group of people.” mitche49@miamioh.edu

8

This Week TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 Named the Best College Newspaper (Non-daily) in Ohio by the Society of Professional Journalists.

JACK EVANS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Audrey Davis Kirby Davis Alison Perelman Managing Editors

Kelly Burns Opinion Editor Ben Finfrock Asst. Opinion Editor

Ben Smith Design Editor

Megan Zahneis Chief Copy Editor

Jugal Jain Photo Editor

Alyssa Melendez Web Designer

Emily Brustoski Video Editor Ceili Doyle Samantha Brunn News Editors

Lindsay Cerio Business Manager

Caroline Creek Asst. News Editor

James Tobin Faculty Adviser

Madeline Mitchell Kate Rigazio Culture Editors

Fred Reeder Business Adviser WDJ Inc. - Bill Dedden Distributor

Emily Simanskis Sports Editor Cartoonist Arthur Newberry

Asst. Photo Editor Bo Brueck

Designers Connor Wells

Photography Staff Erik Craigo G M Akand Sabik Heather McCowan Justin Maschmeyer Kat Holleran Macy Whitaker Colleen Grimm Danielle Nehring

Opinion Columnists Michael Stemmler Paolo Federico­O’Murchu Senior Staff Writers Julia Arwine

Matthew Heckert Videography Staff Jack Barteck Rick Das

Website: www.miamistudent.net For advertising information: miamistudent@gmail.com Send us a letter? eic@miamistudent.net The Miami Student is published on Tuesdays during the school year by the students of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

The content of The Miami Student is the sole responsibility of The Miami Student staff. Opinions expressed in The Miami Student are not necessarily those of Miami University, its students or staff.

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.

VIDEO

Things to do

Tuesday

Dave Coulier Wilks Theater Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Cut it out! Joey from “Full House” is headed to Miami. Nostalgic about your childhood?

Grab some friends and head to this free event sponsored by MAP and Late Night Miami.

Friday

Wednesday

Career Fair Millett Hall Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bring your resume and head to Millett to meet with hundreds of employers from a variety of professions. Tips and a list of employers can be found online at the Center for Career Exploration & Success.

Sunday

Uptown Concert Series Uptown Park Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m.

UniDiversity Festival Uptown Park 5:30-9 p.m.

What better way to spend a relaxing night than listening to live music in Uptown Park?

Bad Veins, an indie alt-rock band, will be taking the stage, featuring Cincinnati native Benjamin Davis. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to this free event and spend your night getting lost in the music.

The Center for American and World Cultures are hosting an evening of traditional food and dance from Latin American and Caribbean cultures. The free event includes children’s activities, a community information fair, a live animal show, prizes and more!

we need newspaper people Armstrong room 3018 Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. or email evansjm4@miamioh.edu Looking for: Writers, Photographers, Copy Editors, Page Designers, Illustrators

Miami Volleyball Defeats Oakland and Saint Francis 3-1 in Weekend Tournament https://youtu.be/a3y3aTo2-y0

REDHAWKS TALK Last week, ESPN ranked 130 Division I teams on its Football Fan Happiness Index. The index measures how teams excelled in seven categories and how those measurements compare to fans’ expectations after two weeks of play. Miami ranked dead last at 130 with a score of zero.

Head football coach Chuck Martin responded:

“Yeah, that’s what happens when you don’t win. Fans aren’t happy. That’s my reaction to that. It is what it is. We definitely are not happy with the start to the season.”

SOURCE: ESPN.

KEELINST@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

STATEMENT TO THE COMMUNITY To all members of our Miami Community, As we launch the 2018-19 academic year at Miami, we wanted to repeat, as publicly and resolutely as possible, our commitment to diversity and inclusion on our campuses — and our rejection of racist, sexist and other bigoted behavior that violates Miami’s values.

In a democratic society, the true test of our beliefs and values is how we express and respond to disparate views. We affirm the right and even the obligation of members of our community to speak out about issues with which they disagree, but to do so in a manner that is respectful and does not violate the rights of others. While we respect a person’s right to free speech, as an academic and intellectual community we must stand united against those who attempt to elevate themselves by degrading others, and must reject bigotry, racism, slurs, and hate speech. We should all choose to rise above exclusionary rhetoric, rather than respond in reactionary ways that give unwarranted regard to voices of intolerance.

We are not immune to bias-related incidents. These acts have created fear and fueled concerns among students across the country. At Miami, our individual and collective responsibility is to create and maintain campuses that are welcoming and inclusive for all. Harassment and discrimination based on any person’s race, ethnicity, nationality, political beliefs, religion, ability, gender or sexuality, or on any other characteristic that makes us unique, are antithetical to Miami’s core values, as defined by our Code of Love and Honor, and have no place on our campuses.

At the same time, the Constitutional right to free speech is essential to holding and expressing disparate beliefs and integral to academic freedom. Respecting this right to free speech can, at times, be difficult, particularly when we disagree or the speech is hateful or hurtful.

Attacks or harassment directed at any individual or group are inconsistent with our principles and transcend ideology. Though our efforts may not always be readily visible or public, we will continue to respond thoughtfully to reports of discrimination, and in a manner consistent with our policies and our legal obligations.

Our additional obligation as students, faculty, and staff is to listen, to understand, and to think critically about issues, especially those that divide us. Although we cannot prevent intolerance or bigotry, we all have the power and the responsibility to treat others with respect and to make our fellow students, faculty and staff feel included and valued. This requires a high degree of rigor and intellectual integrity — to not only get the facts right but to understand multiple viewpoints on any given matter.

This fall, we are convening a task force to create action plans based on the results of the Campus Climate Survey that was completed last spring. We are implementing additional diversity training for students, faculty and staff. This year’s first-year reading program for the incoming Class of 2022 focuses on civil rights, anchored by Wil Haygood’s new book, Tigerland. We just held our Convocation ceremony, another example of using the power of place to engage our community in civil discussions about race, history, and respect for each other.

We also will continue to take pride in the ways in which Miamians come together to support each other and in our rich array of multicultural learning opportunities. We will stay the course toward inclusive excellence and remain focused on being the kind of community we want to be, rooted in education, discovery, inquiry and integrity.

Love and Honor, Gregory Crawford, President Phyllis Callahan, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs David Creamer, Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Services Tom Herbert, Senior Vice President for University Advancement Michael Kabbaz, Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Jayne Brownell, Vice President for Student Affairs Ronald Scott, Vice President for Institutional Diversity Michele Sparks, Vice President for University Communications and Marketing Robin Parker, General Counsel David Sayler, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Thomas, Director of Institutional Relations Cathy Bishop-Clark, Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Applied Science Jerome Conley, Dean, University Libraries Michael Dantley, Dean, College of Education, Health, and Society Marek Dollár, Dean, College of Engineering and Computing Chris Makaroff, Dean, College of Arts & Science Elizabeth Mullenix, Dean, College of Creative Arts James Oris, Dean, Graduate School Marc Rubin, Dean, Farmer School of Business Kimberly Moore, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Ted Pickerill, Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Executive Assistant to the President Cliff Peale, Director of Executive Communications Dawn Tsirelis, Assistant to the President

SEPTEMBER 2018

9

10 OPINION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

BURNSKL2@MIAMIOH.EDU

Miami, it’s time to get out of your bubbles The following reflects the majority opinion of the editorial board.

There’s a divide on Miami’s campus. We all see it and we all know it. Pockets of Chinese international students and groups of domestic American students are walking around campus and living completely separate lives.

We blame the language barrier. We blame the cultural differences. We blame the awkwardness we can’t seem to overcome to talk to someone different than ourselves.

For whatever reason, the divide persists.

But it shouldn’t.

There’s a bar Uptown called Pixxo. Last weekend, two members of our staff spent an evening there.

We’d heard of it before as the international student bar, but it was more than that.

Pixxo provides a place for international and domestic students to mix. Yes, we “mix” on campus and in class, but we do not really interact or connect. We still sit with our own friends in our own world and don’t think about anything outside of our own bubble.

It’s natural to gravitate towards people who are like us. It makes us feel safer, more comfortable.

But if all of the people we interact with are clones

of ourselves, how long until we run out of new experiences and information? Anyone that’s exactly like us has to get boring eventually.

In order to keep life interesting, to expand our horizons and experience all life has to offer, we have to make connections with people who aren’t our carbon copy.

But psychology is hard to overcome and it’s easy to stick to our bubbles and keep any interaction with people outside that bubble superficial.

But in this bar, quieter and less packed than Brick, there is an opportunity for that real connection.

The owners of Pixxo have cultivated an environment that calls back to what international students left at home. The owners, who are Chinese themselves, included private karaoke rooms that are a staple of bars in China.

This inclusive environment not only gives international students a degree of familiarity and comfort so far from home, but also allows domestic students a window into another culture that is prevalent on campus.

At Pixxo, we don’t see international students as quiet or different. We see them as just as drunk and goofy as our own friends on a Saturday night.

What struck our writers the most was the vibe of the whole place. There wasn’t any awkwardness between groups of people. Domestic kids and inter-

Miami, there’s such a thing as too much change WILL GORMAN

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Like my cats at home, I’m a creature of habit. But change is good, right?

Studying abroad last semester in Luxembourg was a huge change for me.

But that’s expected. You can’t just go to a new place and expect it to be the same as where you’ve been before.

I like when the stimuli around me are expected, regulated, constant. So coming back to Oxford meant returning to someplace familiar.

That’s not to say that there’s never anything new to adjust to. Like any college campus, Miami’s almost always renovating something. Whether it’s a semester-long effort or a summer vacation plan, some project is always in development on this campus, and usually for the better.

It’s the minutiae that’s really been getting to me these first couple of weeks.

There’s always a few changes made to Miami’s campus every semester. Last fall, coming back to Armstrong’s new East Wing was huge. That’s a macro-level change to this campus for students.

But now that I have to play catch-up with two semesters’ worth of changes big and small, it makes Oxford feel a little bit less like home.

It’s really messing with my head.

Last week, between classes, I strolled through Haines Boulangerie, the Armstrong dining locations commonly referred to by my friends as “fake Panera,” looking for a quick sandwich for lunch. To my surprise, customers are now able to line up to build their own rice bowl. (It was good, though — I don’t hate

this change at all.)

The other day, while waiting for the light to change at the ever-busy intersection at Spring and Patterson Streets, a first-year was asking people nearby where Brick & Ivy – which, last year, was Miami’s technology-inclined retailer for students – could be found.

A nearby student mentioned that it was in Shriver – internally, I knew this had to be wrong. I’d seen Brick & Ivy countless times before.

Confidently, I said it was right across from Cafe Lux in Armstrong’s east wing – where it was last fall.

I wasn’t right. It really is located in Shriver now. In fact, Brick & Ivy is now an umbrella term for the entire bookstore.

The former Brick & Ivy location is now home to ROWAN Boutique. What? Since when?

My roommate came to campus this semester without her Miami I.D. card. Having lost mine my freshman year, I was able to tell her she could purchase a new one at the H.O.M.E. office in the Campus Avenue Building.

Except it’s not called the H.O.M.E. Office anymore.

She got her new I.D. from the Campus Services Center.

In a way, it’s like being a freshman again. During my first week on campus two years ago, I remember telling myself that even if I had trouble navigating it then, I’d know Oxford like the back of my hand by now.

Suddenly, instead of being a knowledgeable upperclassman, I find myself questioning everything again. When did Miami Ice start serving coffee again? Did they rename the Rec? Are we even the RedHawks anymore?

I’m so prone to being shak-

en by change now that I walked into my French classroom this morning and thought that the desks had been entirely switched out.

It feels like someone’s playing SimCity on some kind of turbo hyperspeed. Everything’s becoming new and different and it’s not easy to keep up.

Is this a first-world problem?

Yeah.

Everything’s the same in September 2018 that it was in September 2017, for the most part. Bachelor Hall is still a maze, I can still get Bagel and Deli delivered to my door more than I should and everyone still avoids stepping on the seal on Academic Quad.

My day-to-day life isn’t negatively impacted by these changes. I just feel really confused.

The root of the issue probably isn’t Miami at all. It’s really the fact that I went abroad and haven’t been in Oxford for a while – which isn’t bad at all.

I can’t say that I wish I could be in a stagnant Oxford for four solid years. I just wish I could have known about these changes in advance.

Change is natural, it’s happening all the time, and it can be for good reason. Surprises can be fun and exciting. But I do wish Miami would cool it for a second on aesthetic shifts. Let me have just one predictable walk through campus at the start of next fall. gormanwm@miamioh.edu

national kids were mingling. Gone were the cliques, and in their place was a crowd of people making real connections.

Why is this not the norm for Miami?

Why don’t more places Uptown cater to international students?

The whole point of college is to experience things you hadn’t before and learn things you didn’t have the opportunity to in high school.

To ignore entire swaths of Miami’s campus is to ignore part of the reason we came to Miami in the first place. Nobody has ever been negatively affected by having a broader worldview.

Pixxo represents a big step in bringing these two worlds together. And you don’t have to get matching tattoos with anyone, you don’t have to weave each other friendship bracelets.

All you have to do is get a drink with someone who doesn’t exactly live in your own bubble.

Take that first step, start a conversation. There’s so much we can do to cross that cultural barrier.

If you can’t see what you have in common with international students, just think about the fact that they’re drinking and having a great time on the same night in the same town as you.

Hell, you could even go join them if you wanted.

Take that step and get out of your bubble.

GIVING DREAMS THE RESPECT THEY DESERVE ALISON PERELMAN MANAGING EDITOR

A habit of the vast majority of college students, including myself: Organizing life — exam dates, meetings, project deadlines — by using a planner.

An unusual addition to that habit known only to be possessed by myself and a few others: Keeping track of TV show premieres, movie openings and awards shows just as studiously, if not more so, in said planner.

I pay for MoviePass, despite the fact that I know the company is a sinking ship. I’m willing to drive an hour to see certain movies in a theater when they premiere. I’m more likely to be found watching Netflix in my apartment than drinking in a bar Uptown. I treat the Emmys, Golden Globes and Academy Awards the way others do the Super Bowl — they’re occasions meant to be live-tweeted about, analyzed in depth and treated as special events, with location and viewing method determined well in advance.

I want to be a screenwriter for TV and movies. I want to start working on that now, but with a busy schedule and limited brainpower to devote to non-school-related writing, I can only do so much. What I can do is study the craft and find motivation and inspiration through watching as much as I can.

In trying to devise a plan of how to work around my obligation to production for this very publication to watch the Emmys (which aired last night), a good friend mocked me for not being willing to simply look up the results the following morning.

And the thing is, this kind of thing happens to me all the time.

Each time, I’m just as frustrated with the response I get from others — many of whom are my friends and peers — for watching TV, going to see movies and

talking about awards shows and other industry news as important.

It angers me that others can’t see these things as a legitimate use of my time, given that I’m someone who plans to build a career in the entertainment industry.

I’m tired of people not taking my dream — the work I want to do and the work others are already doing — seriously. I’m tired of people thinking it’s easy.

I keep track of awards show dates. I watch 15-plus TV shows at the same time because I’m teaching myself the form. I pay for MoviePass because it makes it cheaper for me to go see more movies each month, movies that continue to broaden my worldview and teach me about storytelling. I pay attention to the Hollywood Reporter more intently than the New York Times because that’s the news I feel the desire to keep up with most.

It may be “just entertainment” for some, but movies and television are my biggest passion and will, in just a year or so, be my livelihood.

It’s going to take a lot to succeed in Hollywood — I know that and I’m willing to put in the work.

But, for now, it would be nice to go about my life with the same confidence in my dream that anyone aspiring to be a doctor, businessman or teacher has.

Chasing a dream — any dream — is difficult. It requires steadfastness, determination and an unwavering belief that success is not only possible, but attainable.

My dream is to make movies and television shows for a living.

That may seem trivial to some, but I’d like to be treated with the same respect given to anyone chasing a dream.

Dreamers have it hard enough already. We should support one another, not bring each other down. perelmak@miamioh.edu

we need newspaper people Looking for: Writers, Photographers, Copy Editors, Page Designers, Illustrators

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

CODE PINK: LET’S FLIP THE FEAR AND HOLD ASSAULTERS RESPONSIBLE

OPINION 11 Yes, And… KATE RIGAZIO

CULTURE EDITOR

ILLUSTRATION: CONNOR WELLS

EMILY DATTILO COLUMNIST

Some girls on this campus cannot sleep at night.

Guilt, pain, distress and fear, among many other emotions, envelop them. Eventually, sleep provides temporary relief because waking up means reliving moments that left them scarred.

Some individuals report their stories, yet many others remain silent because they feel like they have to. This should never be the case. But it is.

Sexual assault is a rampant problem on campus, and one that still remains to be dealt with appropriately. It’s week four of school and we’ve already received an email about one.

Even in light of the #MeToo movement, people push blame toward the girls, on how they dressed, how they flirted or behaved. Talking or watching a movie together doesn’t mean anything more than that.

Girls don’t owe guys anything; rather, these are excuses guys like to use to justify themselves. This is an issue of right and wrong, nothing else.

Assaulters act both aggressively and arrogantly, and this is for one reason alone: Because they can.

Guys believe they can do what they want with no repercussions. This apathetic and entitled attitude is a breeding ground for unapologetic living, and one that’s leaving girls ashamed for something that’s not their fault.

Three people I know have experienced assault, and their stories nauseate me. I see the look in their eyes when they talk about it and it’s a mix of fear and embarrassment. I see what happens when guys treat girls like objects.

These are people I know. People I care about. The worst part is, they’re making excuses for the guys that hurt them. They may even still talk to him to avoid the confrontation that goes along with blocking his

number.

I was talking to one of my friends who’d experienced assault and she told me it would take years to move past a trauma like this, if she ever could. Time may dull some of the emotions, but they’ll never disappear completely. This type of event remains etched into the memories of those who, unfortunately, have to endure them.

Think about that.

These assaulters walk away with the weekend, taking a piece of that girl’s innocence, leaving her to pick up the pieces.

She could spend a year of her life working through the emotions that accompany trauma, gathering up those fragmented pieces. The background soundtrack comprised of voices telling her how it was her fault — what could she expect to happen?

— only make this healing process harder.

Then, inevitably, another bad-memory-evoking situation presents itself, knocking those broken pieces out of her hands all over the floor.

It’s never really over.

It’s also forgotten how often these instances occur with a close friend. These guys make light of the situations, laughing off a serious physical violation as ‘a good time’ or ‘fun night.’ This attitude leads to girls making themselves believe it really wasn’t that big of a deal, but it is. It always is.

A generic email from the administration detailing the incident’s location and a vague physical description of the suspected individual isn’t enough. With the current reporting process, girls have to literally plead their case to get people to believe and support them.

I wonder if the assaulters’ disregard for the rules would decrease if they knew their weekend behavior could affect an academic record future employers would see. I do know, however, that if we let these people walk around on campus without a mark on their record for their behavior, they win.

I beg Miami to take a powerful stance on this issue so assaulters cannot hide in

the shadows of their actions. Bring them into the light and mandate they bring their terrible actions with them. It can’t be either a formal trial or nothing. Let’s change the process, whether it be a suspension, a note on a transcript, something to instill some fear into the minds of accused assaulters.

What we’re doing right now is not working.

Picture this: These guys will inevitably graduate Miami, take that resume and hand it across the desk of a big-name company like JP Morgan Chase. They’ll sit back comfortably in fancy suits and dress shoes while employers browse their accomplishments.

Things might be looking pretty good on that resume because their weekend deeds don’t make it onto the page.

That must change.

I want a box on each academic transcript, given a pseudonym like Code Pink, with a date and mark for any time they were accused of sexually assaulted someone. To dissuade unfair accusations having negative impacts later on, perhaps the Code Pink could be permanently removed if the individual was proven innocent.

That bank employer will lean forward in his chair and ask what a Code Pink means and what it’s doing on his potential employee’s transcript.

Miami, make assaulters answer that question.

If we don’t, these college guys will grow up and join the workforce with the same corrupt and disgusting values as the men investigated during the #MeToo movement. I don’t want to live in a world where predators have such power. I don’t want my friends to fear reporting assault because ‘it’ll ruin his life.’ After making a conscious decision to physically and emotionally hurt another individual, that person needs to deal with the consequences.

He has got to be held responsible.

They all do. dattilec@miamioh.edu

I first tried improv at a theatre camp before my freshman year of high school. I made a lame Harry Potter reference, no one laughed and it became painfully clear to my audience that I had no post-punchline plan. I stood there shaking in my character shoes until a merciful soul clapped me out. It was horrible, and I swore in that moment I would never do improv again.

You spend high school with the same people, doing the same things, working toward the same goal. I had no problem sticking to scripted theatre, never being asked to step outside my comfort zone. It’s easy to follow that same path when you get to college. It helps bring some predictability to the newness of it all.

I was keen on keeping my ninth grade no improv promise, and I did — until I was in desperate need of a change (and friends).

I auditioned for Sketched Out, Miami’s improv group, the second week of college. Before auditions, I texted my friends who were in improv groups asking for any advice they had. I watched compilation videos of “Whose Line is it Anyway” and “Saturday Night Live.” I pinched the inside of my palm every time they announced cuts, hoping that I made it to the next round.

After the team called me to let me know I made it, I cried happy tears alone in my dorm room.

That thing I had once sworn I would never do again has since given me some of my best friends, helped me grow as a person and has been the foundation for my happiness at college. I can’t think of what my life at school would be like without it. It makes me sad to think that, at one point, my fear would have held me back from something that made me so happy.

There is something to be said about acknowledging new opportunities, listening to the potential other people see in you and pursuing something you didn’t plan to.

One of the most important rules in improv is called “Yes, and.” The “yes” part means that when your scene partner adds something to the scene, you agree that it’s reality, even if it wasn’t what you originally had in mind. The “and” part means you will add on to what their contribution was. It’s a way to help build the world of the scene.

In a lot of ways, I think this principle is what brought me to improv in the first place.

I recognized an opportunity and, even though it was not what I originally thought was something in my path, I agreed to try it. In doing so, I began building a life at school. I began building my world in Oxford. Since then, I have been trying to live my life by the rule of “yes, and.”

My life isn’t like the movie “Yes Man,” when Jim Carrey says yes to anything and everything that is presented to him. That’s ridiculous, and saying no is just as important as saying yes.

Living by “Yes, and” means that I try to be more open to opportunities, listening to and supporting people in my life.

“Yes, and” brought me to improv, my major and this very publication.

“Yes, and” has helped me learn that not having total control isn’t a bad thing.

“Yes, and” means there is no such thing as a dead-end situation; you always have somewhere to go.

“Yes, and” means always looking to build on the universe around you. rigazikm@miamioh.edu

A.RTHUR NEWBERRY NEWBERAJ@MIAMIOH.EDU

Sports

12

SIMANSEC@MIAMIOH.EDU

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2018

Minnesota pummels Miami football

REDSHIRT FRESHMAN DEFENSIVE BACK STERLING WEATHERFORD (LEFT) TACKLES FRESHMAN RUNNING BACK BRYCE WILLIAMS. MIAMI HAD TROUBLE SLOWING MINNESOTA. CONTRIBUTED BY COURTNEY DEUTZ THE MINNESOTA DAILY

BRADY PFISTER STAFF WRITER

Through two weeks of play, nothing had gone the way of Miami football. That trend held up this Saturday when the Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the RedHawks at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis by a score of 26-3.

A loss on the scoreboard was somewhat predictable — the bettors in Vegas liked the Gophers by nearly two touchdowns. Unforeseen was the physical toll Saturday’s blowout

had on the still winless Miami RedHawks (0-3).

Most significantly, senior wide receiver James Gardner left the game early due to injury Saturday. According to Miami head coach Chuck Martin, his season is likely over.

“We got beat up pretty beat up pretty early Saturday,” Martin said. “James will most likely not play the rest of the year.”

Gardner was the team’s Most Valuable Player from 2017 after reeling in 47 passes for 927 yards and 11 touchdowns. Through

three games, the Florida native has caught 12 receptions for 157 yards as a focal point of the RedHawk offense.

Now, Miami must adjust to life post-Gardner as they head into the MAC schedule.

“Any time you lose a good player, it’s going to hurt you, but I don’t see our game plan totally changing,” Martin said. “You feel awful for guys who can’t play the sport they love, but on the other hand, there is someone standing there waiting.”

On top of Gardner, the RedHawk offense

also saw injuries to starters including redshirt senior running back Kenny Young, redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Tommy Doyle and redshirt junior tight end Nate Becker.

Whether it was as a result of their absence or staunch Minnesota defense, the stagnation of the Miami offense continued against the Gophers.

The ’Hawks failed to eclipse the 200 total yardage mark and, once again, struggled to run the ball, averaging only 2.9 yards per attempt. This performance is a familiar sight after Cincinnati kept Miami out of the end zone Week Two while only allowing 59 yards on the ground.

“There’s a frustration,” redshirt junior running back Maurice Thomas said. “We just need to implement [the process] better.”

In the midst of a struggling offensive showing, transfer quarterback Alex Malzone saw his first action as a RedHawk Saturday since transferring from the University of Michigan. Despite his lackluster stat line of 0-for-3 for 0 yards passing on the day, the context of a struggling offense raised some questions to the safety of redshirt senior quarterback Gus Ragland’s starting spot.

“Alex did a great job,” Martin said. “Obviously, it’s not a great situation. We were just trying to get him some work and try to get his feet wet. Obviously, at some point and time this year, we’re going to need Alex.”

Moving forward, the RedHawks will travel to Bowling Green to start Mid-American Conference play against the Falcons Saturday at 3 p.m. For Martin, his faith in his team remains unshaken.

“I’ve got a lot of trust and faith in this group,” Martin said. “I know a lot of people are going to not believe that we can have a good season or already believe the season’s lost, but I got a lot of faith.” pfistejb@miamioh.edu, @brady_pfister

Volleyball’s feeling déjà vu

MUSKETEERS SHUT OUT SOCCER REDHAWKS BEN PANZECA

CHRIS VINEL

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

Miami soccer ended non-conference play with a tough 2-0 loss Sunday night. Facing off against inner-state rival Xavier, the ’Hawks struggled to create chances against a stingy Musketeers squad.

Both of Xavier’s (6-4) goals came late in the first half, after they dominated Miami (2-4-1) in possession and shots on goal – the Musketeers outshot the ’Hawks 12-1 in the first 45 minutes.

“Great credit to Xavier, they scored two fantastic goals,” head coach Courtney Sirmans said to Miami Athletics. “We need to be more offensive minded. I thought we made adjustments in the second half and got a little more on the attack and didn’t give up another goal.”

Immediately after kick-off, the Musketeers put Miami on its heels. Senior goalkeeper Patricia Koutoulas was forced to make an early diving save to keep the Red & White from falling into a hole.

In the 30th minute, Xavier’s redshirt junior forward Samantha Dewey pounced on a loose ball in the ’Hawks’ box and slotted it away to put XU up 1-0.

Miami couldn’t get out of the half and conceded a free-kick outside the box with 30 seconds left.

Junior midfielder Grace Bahr converted on the chance to give the Musketeers a 2-0 lead heading into the break.

Though the RedHawks drove numbers forward in the second half, they were ultimately unable to create any scoring opportunities. Xavier finished the night outshooting Miami 28-5.

Koutoulas managed to keep the score from getting ugly, making 11 saves on the night.

“Pat [Koutoulas] had a fantastic game,” Sirmans said. “She kept us in the game and made some great saves. Her distribution in the back helps us on offense too. It was important for her to have a good performance coming off the Lipscomb game.”

Miami will look to turn things around when they begin Mid-American Conference play against Bowling Green on Friday.

“Moving forward, it’s about conference play and starting a brand new season,” Sirmans said.

“We’re excited to get back to the basics this week.

I have all the faith in the world this team will show up.”

Kickoff is at 4 p.m. at the Miami Soccer Field. panzecbj@miamioh.edu @BenPanzeca

Miami’s head volleyball coach Carolyn Condit didn’t quite know what to think coming into the 2018 season. Now, she’s feeling some déjà vu.

While excited before the season, she was tasked with replacing seven graduates from last year’s team, including Miami’s all-time digs leader, Maeve McDonald, and, now-professional outside hitter, Olivia Rusek.

Lucky for her, the team’s two seniors have already stepped into the departeds’ vacated leadership roles.

“We have [outside hitter] Stela Kukoc and [middle hitter] Courtney Simons, who are really awesome with the underclassmen,” Condit said. “They’re very patient and they’re very helpful.”

Condit’s RedHawks have performed so well that Saturday’s win over St. Francis gave them a better record through the season’s first 12 games than Miami’s 2017 Mid-American Conference Champions had at the same point last season.

The statistics of the two teams paints an eerily similar comparison.

With Rusek leading the attack, the 2017 RedHawks hit on 21 percent of their kill attempts. Through 12 games in 2018, Miami has the exact same kill percentage.

The defense hasn’t suffered either. The ’Hawks averaged two blocks a set last season, while they’ve averaged 1.9 this year.

“I think we’re very similar in some ways,” Condit said. “I noticed that our goals that we set and our statistics that we have are very, very similar. We are so close in statistics to last year’s team – I’m kind of excited about that.”

Kukoc has been the team’s MVP so far, so it’s only natural she took home that award in the RedHawk Invitational last weekend. The senior has averaged 2.3 kills and three digs per set during the 2018 campaign.

“Stela Kukoc has stepped up big-time,” Condit said. “She’s just seeing the floor and attacking well. She’s keeping her errors low. She’s setting a great block and she’s really come out as a senior this year

MIAMI POWERS PAST OAKLAND ON FRIDAY EVENING AT MILLETT HALL. JUNIOR MIDDLE HITTER MARGARET PAYNE GOES FOR THE KILL. PHOTO BY MACY WHITAKER THE MIAMI STUDENT

that has been there.”

With Kukoc and Simons as the squad’s only seniors, the younger ’Hawks play with the all-day energy of a little kid.

“I think our atmosphere is probably a little higher and more electric than last year, when we had a more calm, experienced team,” Condit said. “But in many ways, some of our players are calm as well and I like the fact that our records are similar.”

Condit likes that fact because last

year’s team accomplished what every team hopes for – winning its conference and going to the NCAA Tournament. Miami finished 2017 with a 23-9 overall record, while taking it to another level with a 13-3 conference record.

Right now, at 8-4 and MAC-play starting on Friday, the RedHawks have a long way to go. Condit’s hopes remain high.

“I think they could do even better,” Condit said. vinelca@miamioh.edu

Thursday, September 20, 2018

MASTER CLASS Flawless Skin with Makeup Artist Micah Ruelas

4:00–6:30PM at Rowan Boutique