ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
CATALYST
BRIEFS CBD pg.
December 5, 2018 VOLUME XXXVII ISSUE XII
New College of Florida's student-run newspaper
3
pg.
2
FOUR WINDS pg.
6
Stier serves as interim CEO director while job search for new director begins BY KATRINA CARLIN As of Nov. 15, the Center for Career Engagement and Opportunity (CEO) has decided to open up the search for a new director. Staff hopes that finding a new director will bring some consistency to the CEO. Students hope that a new director will be someone in touch with what New College students need. This year alone the CEO has hired three new staff members: Lisandra Jimenez, assistant director for career readiness and employability, and Madeline Heath, assistant director for career technology and outreach, were hired in September, and Barbara Larrison, the office manager, was hired in August. Mark Stier, senior associate dean for student affairs, has been serving as the interim CEO Director since early November. President Donal O’Shea and Dean of Student Affairs Robin Williamson decided that Stier would be well-suited for the position. “[O’Shea and Williamson] agreed
based on my previous experience supervising the CEO at Saint Leo University and Missouri Western State University,” Stier said in an email interview. “I have five years experience in this area as a supervisor.” Under Stier’s direction, the CEO staff have been trying to get more students in the door, including hosting an open house that was attended by around 60 people. Stier also met with student leaders including the New College Student Alliance (NCSA) co-presidents to discuss what needed to be done to address student concerns that had been raised by students both privately and in a Catalyst article published on Nov. 7, 2018. Changes have started already, and many seem like a direct response to student concerns raised in that meeting with student leaders. On Nov. 28, the CEO held a graduate school workshop, the first of several they plan to hold this year. The CEO uploaded some graduate school information and guides to the website; it is not on their main page, and
needs to be navigated to through several links or via the drop-menu. The information is a bit sparse but includes questions students should consider before applying, how the CEO can help students and a link to a library guide that contains relevant books. In an interview for the Nov. 7 Catalyst article, “Students respond to changes to the CEO,” Jimenez and Heath mentioned that they were seeking to add student career mentors to the CEO, but foresaw it happening further down the line. However, possibly due to student concerns regarding face-to-face interactions, those positions were made available to the student body earlier this month. The staff hopes to fill these positions soon. “We want more peer-to-peer interaction, connection and mentorship,” Heath explained. “Research has shown that is really important to students. We not only want to help students in their positions in our office grow as student leaders, but also help them help other
students.” Stier noted that over 300 people, approximately half of the residential population, have signed up to Handshake, the CEO’s new online employment platform, so far. Handshake also now handles on-campus employment, including job listings for Metz and residential staff. While the staff continues to promote Handshake, they also wish to get more face time with students. “I think students sometimes are hesitant to come see the CEO, and I get that because it’s a big change and they have to realize, ‘I’m growing up and graduating in a few months,’” Stier said. “Having worked with these two women, they’re very personable and very knowledgeable in their areas. The CEO should be seen as one of the best friends the students have.” Stier also emphasized how interested the CEO was in getting engaged with
continued on page 7
Macron criticized by ‘Gilet Jaune’ protesters SUBMITTED BY JACOB WENTZ Jacob Wentz is the Catalyst’s foreign correspondent reporting from Pau, France.
https://doc-0k-18-docs. googleusercontent.com/ docs/securesc/s7jurnmk912se8sp3mgg3hd8llrh0uos/obdpo7fpcdn719co01n4qb7
Thousands of demonstrators organized in streets and highways throughout France over the weekend to protest proposed tax hikes on gas. The activists are organized under the Gilet Jaune, or “Yellow Vest,” movement, a name which references the fluorescent yellow safety vests that French drivers must carry in their vehicles in case of roadside emergencies. Despite offering sympathy for the protesters, French President Emmanuel Macron stood firm on the decision to increase taxes. What’s happening? The demonstrations started in early November to express severe discontent for planned tax hikes. Since Nov. 17, hundreds of thousands of protesters have blocked highways across the country by setting up barricades and deploying convoys of slow-moving trucks. One protestor, 63-year-old Chantal Mazet, was ran
4
over and killed by a mother trying to take her child to the doctor. Demonstrators in the streets of Paris threw bricks and bottles at police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. Why’s it happening? According to Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne, the tax on gasoline will increase by approximately 12 cents per gallon on Jan. 1. The tax on diesel will rise by approximately 28 cents per gallon. France already has some of the highest gasoline prices in the world. On Monday, Nov. 26, gasoline cost around $6.26 per gallon in Paris, while diesel cost around $6.28 per gallon. Macron says the taxes will help reduce France’s dependence on fossil fuels. By raising the cost of diesel, the government hopes to convince more people to purchase vehicles that are not powered by fossil fuels. These proposed changes are particularly serious for the working-class people who live outside of France’s large cities. “There are two Frances: There are the better off people who live in the cit-
5 Dance collective
Photo courtesy of Victoria Cheng
The word “Rothschild” tagged on the Louis Vuitton store is a direct reference to Macron’s work with the financial group, as well as a criticism of the elite classes, luxury brands and the high cost of living in France.
ies who can afford to think about climate change, and then those living in the rural areas and small towns, a lot of blue collar workers, [who] can’t make ends meet,” NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley reported from Paris. “And this is where the movement came from,” Beardsley added. “It rose up from the French heartland.”
6 Activist Newsletter
Despite the movement’s grassroots beginnings, an Odoxa survey conducted for Le Figaro and Franceinfo showed that 77 percent of French people find their demonstrations legitimate. The national attention that the
continued on page 7
8 Tree lighting
CATALYST
BRIEFS
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
PAGE 2
briefs by cassie manz
Atomic Holiday Bazaar celebrates 13th season The 13th annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar will take place at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium this weekend, Dec. 8 and Dec. 9. Designated as “an antidote to the big-box, Black Friday-esque shopping culture during the holiday season” on the event’s website, this bazaar offers the perfect opportunity to shop local and find rare goods not available at large retailers. “The trendy items you will find at the big box stores will be found at the Atomic show probably a few years before they hit the bigger stores,” Adrien Lucas, founder of the Atomic Holiday Bazaar, said in an email interview. “The show does not represent large businesses so if you are buying soap, a screen printed [t-shirt], a plushie, you are buying something that isn’t going to be found anywhere else but shows like Atomic. After moving to Sarasota from Los Angeles, Lucas was inspired to create an event like Atomic. “All I kept finding was beach themed craft shows, and while I love the beach, I am more of a city girl who had a real punk rock n’ roll aesthetic,” Lucas said. “I built the show so I could amuse
Photo courtesy of Adrien Lucas
The Atomic Holiday Bazaar will celebrate its 13th season on Dec. 8 and Dec. 9.
myself and meet other like-minded creatives.” Lucas reported that the expected attendance at this year’s show is approximately 2,000 visitors per day. The show will host 210 vendors, many of whom “have day jobs and supplement their incomes with shows like mine, because they need a creative outlet and a venue that supports their style,” according to Lucas. When asked why she refers to her vendors as Misfit Makers, Lucas mentioned the 1964 movie “Rudolph the
Holiday Craft Fair welcomes student artists
The Catalyst is available online at www.ncfcatalyst.com, facebook.com/NCFcatalyst instagram.com/NCFcatalyst twitter.com/ncfcatalyst The Catalyst is an academic tutorial sponsored by Professor Maria D. Vesperi. It is developed in the New College Publications Lab using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign and printed at Sun Coast Press with funds provided by the New College Student Alliance.
Information for this article was gathered from atomicholidaybazaar.com. The Atomic Holiday Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. The auditorium is located at 801 N. Tamiami Trl. Admission to the Main Room is $5 for adults. Admission to the Bay Front Room and Street Fair venues of the bazaar is free.
De-stress from finals at ACLU trivia night
The Holiday Craft Fair, hosted by ries, prints, stickers and food.” Each stuthesis student Jackie Lebouitz, will bring dent will have a table to sell their goods together student artists and patrons alike at. on Dec. 7 in the Nook, outside the Old Lebouitz said the fair was “sort Mail Room. of my own idea,” but that she has been “With the holidays coming up, getting positive reception and help with there’s no doubt in my mind that peo- organizing, and that putting together the ple are going to be buying presents for event has been “pretty doable so far.” their family and friends,” Lebouitz said Most importantly, Lebouitz hopes in an email interthis fair will inspire view. “I think giving artists. “When someone buys student them a chance to buy “When somefrom students makes your art, it’s kind of one buys your art, it’s everyone a winner.” of like they’re like they’re approving kind Lebouitz was approving your viinspired by the DIY your vision.” sion,” Lebouitz said. Zine, Art & Music “It’s a very validating Fest hosted by the NCF Zine Collective experience, and I want other New Collast spring. lege students to feel like they can be ar“It was my first time tabling, and tistically vulnerable and get rewarded for I just remember wanting to desperately it.” do it again as soon as possible,” Lebouitz said. According to Lebouitz, there are 12 student vendors signed up so far, including herself. There will be “a lot of hand- The Holiday Craft Fair will take place Frimade things for sale,” including “self-care day, Dec. 7 in the Nook from 4 p.m. until items (like lotions, soaps, etc.), accesso8 p.m. © 2018 the Catalyst. All rights reserved.
Red-Nosed Reindeer” in which Rudolph travels to the Island of Misfit Toys and finds community. “There is a theme in that show that is beautiful and resonates today for Atomic: all are welcome, all are safe, we are tolerant, we believe in climate change, we do not accept hate as daily form of communication, we are creative and we believe in kindness,” Lucas said. “We embrace the unusual.” Aside from the association with Rudolph’s island of misfit toys, the show
is also described as “indie crafts for the world’s delightful irregulars” on the website. When asked about the meaning behind the phrase, Lucas said the tagline “ties with the way I feel about my Atomic show.” “We are kookie and creative and sometimes we are odd, we are shy, we can be quirky but with that, Atomic has given me the privilege of forging wondering friendships with people are delightful because they walk to the beat of a different drum,” Lucas said. “Delightful Irregulars will always be the Atomic theme and I believe the majority of Atomic shoppers get that and feel that way too.
The New College chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will host their first trivia night of the semester on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. There will be free pizza and prizes for the top three teams. After a successful legal trivia night last year, the club decided to host another trivia night this semester. The NCF ACLU chapter has been active on campus this fall. The Know Your Rights panel, held this October, had an estimated 30 to 35 students in attendance, according to first-year Evan Hunter, director of communications for the club. The club collaborates to come up with the questions for the trivia night. According to Hunter, the club is working to include questions about civil liberties and constitutional law. “[Constitutional law is] a very relevant topic,” Hunter said. “Even if you’re not interested in going into law, constitutional law still affects you because it affects politics in a very mean-
ingful way.” The club plans to have people participate in small teams, but Hunter encouraged everyone to show up to event, even if they did not have a team set. “We will find you a team,” Hunter said. “We’ll make it happen. It’s New College, people are very inclusive and open.” Hunter sees the trivia night as providing the chance to see if one is interested in the legal profession, learn about legal principles and de-stress from finals week. “I hope it will be a good de-stressor for people in those reading days,” Hunter said. “Like you’ve been studying for most of the day trying to get ready for your exams and then you can come to the trivia night, you can just kind of relax, eat some pizza and have some fun and look at some of the legal stuff and enjoy it.” Legal Trivia Night will be held on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in HCL 8.
Correction In our Nov. 21 issue, NCSA Counselor Sawyer Markham’s name was spelled incorrectly in the the article “NCSA elections experience complications.” The Catalyst apologizes for this mistake.
General Editor Managing Editor Copy Editor Online Editor Layout Editors Staff Writers & Photographers
Audrey Warne Michala Head Cassie Manz Bailey Tietsworth Charlie Leavengood & Cait Matthews Eileen Calub, Katrina Carlin, Alexandra Conte, Izaya Garrett Miles, Calvin Stumpfhauser
Direct submissions, letters, announcements and inquiries to: The Catalyst 5800 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, Florida 34243 ncfcatalyst@gmail.com The Catalyst reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, space and style. No anonymous submissions will be accepted. Submissions must be received by 12:00 p.m. Friday for consideration in the next issue.
CATALYST
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
news PAGE 3
Staying politically engaged over winter break BY IZAYA MILES A dire trap to be aware of this coming winter break is that, while away from the stress of college life, one might make the horrible mistake of thinking that the world is a good place. Thankfully, a cure for optimism does exist: pay attention to the news. Over the next couple of months in particular, several developing stories stick because of their terrible potential. Brexit In an email interview with the Catalyst, Professor of Political Science Barbara Hicks suggested that Brexit (the word used for the United Kingdom leaving the European Union) would be an important news story to watch. The future of Brexit is contentious. Theresa May, the prime minister of the United Kingdom, has released her plan for Brexit that has summarily been decried not only by her opposition but from within her own Conservative party. Many criticisms of her proposal hinge on that the UK will still be tied to most European Union regulations, including the continued surrender of trade sovereignty, but will have no voting power within the Union. May’s government needs to present a deal to Parliament by Jan. 21, 2019 and the UK will officially exit the Union on Mar. 29, 2019. Climate Change Hicks also raised questions about the possibility that some action will be taken in the aftermath of the newly released Fourth National Climate Assessment. The assessment, released on Nov. 23, could potentially pressure the United States to take some action regarding climate change. The report projects climate change will cost the U.S. up to a tenth of the nation’s gross domestic product
(GDP) by 2100. “[Climate change is] virtually certain to increasingly affect U.S. trade and economy, including import and export prices and businesses with overseas operations and supply chains,” the report concluded. The Trump administration has dismissed the economic projections of the report, claiming they are only valid for “the most extreme scenario.” “The administration can’t on one hand issue this devastating report showing the facts and then on the other do nothing,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in an interview with ABC’s “This Week.” “It’s time to act.” Russia in the Ukraine Both Hicks and Professor of Political Science Keith Fitzgerald expressed interest in what might emerge from Russia’s increased aggression towards Ukraine. On Nov. 25, a Russian border guard fired on three Ukrainian ships off the Crimean peninsula and seized their crews. This act has brought international condemnation, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel accusing Russia of violating a long-standing agreement for free movement in the area and calling the crisis “the doing of the Russian President.” The U.S. has also taken a critical stance against Russia, with President Donald Trump canceling a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Nikki Haley, calling the event “yet another reckless Russian escalation.” Mueller Report The investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election has been one of the President’s peeves since it began, with President Trump referring
Photo courtesy of Kevin Dietsch
Photo courtesy of the Kremlin
President Vladimir Putin talks on the phone.
Special counsel Robert Mueller raises his eyebrows.
to it as a “witch hunt” and “hoax” several times on his Twitter account. Paul Manafort, Trump’s campaign manager from March 2016 to August 2016, had his plea deal revoked on Nov. 28, with Mueller’s team accusing him of lying about his personal dealings in Ukraine. Additionally, on Nov. 29, Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, pleaded guilty to lying to Congress about President Trump’s business dealings in Russia. Trump has accused Cohen of lying in an attempt to get a lighter sentence. While no official end date for the investigation has been declared by the Mueller team, there is a widely perceived sense that the end is nearing. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he attempted to conclude a report by the end of the year,” Rep. Adam Schiff said in an interview with Public Radio International’s (PRI) “The World.” State Government New College, like all other Flor-
ida state colleges, is managed by the legislature. They decide how much state funding the schools should receive. The current system used to evaluate colleges includes a provision where the three schools ranked as having the worst performance, which last year were Florida A&M University (FAMU), University of North Florida (UNF) and New College of Florida (NCF), are denied performance funding. Changes to the evaluation system, which may include the removal of this provision, are being drafted by the Board of Governors in response to a law passed by the legislature directing them to make a new “performance-based continuous improvement model focused on outcomes that provides for the equitable distribution of performance funds.” “It sounds boring, but I’d pay at-
continued on page 7
CBD provides the benefits of weed without the high BY MICHALA HEAD 2018 has been a hallmark year for Cannabidiol (CBD) products. CBD is one of the over 100 chemicals in cannabis, according to USA Today. Due to the fact that CBD sale and use is legal in Florida, accessible and can be used for anxiety management or pain relief, it has caught fire this year. In response to growing demand, many Florida smoke shops have stocked up on a wide variety of CBD products including gummies, lollipops, oils for under the tongue, topical creams, chocolates, vaporizer (vape) cartridges and in some stores, CBD buds. “It’s definitely gaining popularity,” Let the Good Timez Roll Smoke Shop (Good Timez) employee Chris Lane said. “More people are becoming aware that it’s a thing and a natural alternative.” Good Timez has several locations in Tampa, Florida. A New York Times article published on Oct. 27, 2018 titled “Why is CBD everywhere?” unpacked the chemical’s recent rise in popularity and tackled its many uses. “It’s easy to wonder if this all natural, non-psychotropic and widely available cousin of marijuana represents a cure for the 21st century itself,” Alex Williams wrote in the Times article. “The ice caps
These CBD lollipops and Green Roads brochure are from Good Timez. are melting, the Dow teeters and a divided country seems headed for divorce court. Is it any wonder, then, that everyone seems to be reaching for the tincture?” Williams went on to discuss the reasons that people have gravitated towards this now Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved solution, and they ranged from anxiety to hangovers to Parkinson’s and even cancer-related relief. While skeptics are not entirely correct in their skepticism, Williams reported that research on CBD’s benefits “is still in its infancy,” but so far it looks promising. Most of what Lane hears on the
job is customers’ hopes that it will relieve muscle and joint pains or stress and anxiety. “Basically you get all of the benefits [of cannabis] without the intoxication or mental effect,” Lane said. Although CBD use does not cause mental impairment, some describe a “body high” from use of CBD products. “It gives me a calming feeling and I can actually lay down feeling relaxed without a million things going through my head,” Sarasota resident Theresa McCutcheon said of CBD. McCutcheon regularly deals with stress, insomnia and chronic joint pain.
Michala Head/Catalyst
“I haven’t really noticed it helping with pain but it does help me sleep better,” McCutcheon said. According to Statistica, CBD sales in the U.S. increased from $358.4 million in 2017 to $512.7 million in 2018, and they are projected to hit $1.15 billion by 2020. As Williams pointed out, the future will also likely hold increases in scientific studies and understandings of applications for the chemical. Information for this article was gathered from usatoday.com, nytimes.com, forbes. com, statistica.com and aarp.com.
annual Dance collective showcase marks the end of the semester BY ALEXANDRA CONTE The lights dimmed signaling to the audience to quiet down. The room was thick with anticipation. Then the first group took the stage to perform “Heart Attack” by LOONA/Chuu and the room erupted in shouting and applause instantly. This set the precedence for the night where the audience expressed their love of the routines to the dancers. “My favorite part of Dance Collective is without a doubt how welcoming and supportive the dancers are,” thesis student and Dance Collective choreographer Roxie Kennedy said in an email interview. “I came to this school with no dance experience and never considered myself a dancer, yet I was still encouraged to join and have fun.” While Kennedy claims she has never been able to do “wild flips and drops” the support and compliments she has received from her peers has made her feel “part of the group.” She states that every semester there is a strong feeling of acceptance in the community.
The Dance Collective showcase is a New College tradition that signals the end of the semester. Students come to the showcase to cheer on their peers, celebrate the end of the semester and release their stress at this fun community event. Dance Collective’s fall 2018 showcase was held on Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Sainer Pavilion. The program included 14 dances that focused on a wide variety of style and music genres. The setlist was as follows (in order of the dance numbers): “Heart Attack” adapted by Kennedy and thesis student Eugenia Titterington, “ChunLi” choreographed by second-year Agnes Bartha, “Open Water Reckless Fishes” choreographed by third-year Arianna Rodriguez, “Mi Cama” adapted by thesis student Matthew Bocanumenth, “I’m Going to Find the Exit” choreographed by Faith Benamy, “Daichovo” choreographed by Neli Daskalova, “God is a Woman” adapted by third-year Karla Alonso, “Lemon” adapted by thirdyears Kristen Patterson, Rain Kwan and Melissa Simmons, “Amelie” adapted by
first-year Phoenix Kadzis, “Mysterious” adapted by third-year Maya Holt-Teza, “Buttons” adapted by third-year Alyssa Borgschulte, “Fearless” adapted by second-year Kira Schenker, “Smoking Section” choreographed by Rodriguez and “DNA” restaged by Titterington. Students involved in Dance Collective spend countless hours each semester learning and perfecting their routines for the two-day performance. Borgschulte, Holt-Teza, Bartha and Alonso were the admins for this semester’s Dance Collective. “Choreographers volunteer because they want to teach people a piece which they either saw and liked enough to spend all semester working on or want to make original choreography to a song,” Bartha said in an email interview. “Dance Collective is all about amateurs doing what they want and love, so anyone can choreograph as long as they have the grit to keep practices going and dancers excited.” Bartha emphasizes that anyone can join regardless of experience as she
had quit formally dancing around eight years old but continues to dance in informal settings, such as the grocery store or walking her dog. Professor of Philosophy April Flakne sponsors the Dance Collective tutorial. In order to receive credit for the tutorial students must email her ahead of time, dance in the collective, choreograph a routine and keep a journal that shows progress being made. “I love that it is all-inclusive and anyone can do it,” Borgschulte said in an email interview. “We try to celebrate each other and have fun.” Borgschulte states that she “grew up dancing” so the collective provides a way for her to “bring that passion back to life.” She has danced in the collective since her first semester at New College. “Dancers, choreographers and admins are more than willing to work with someone to achieve their goals,” Borgschulte said. Dance Collective is offered each semester for those who missed it this fall or would like to participate in the future. all photos Alexandra Conte/Catalyst
A high-energy group dances to “DNA,” a popular song by South Korean group BTS.
Students dance to the sultry throwback of the early 2000’s “Buttons.”
Dancers show their passion and energy in “Heart Attack.”
Hip-hop routine “Lemon” was stylish and fun for the audience.
Students dance to “God is a Woman.”
“Mysterious” described itself as “he’s so dreamy, hot and steamy.”
Dancers line up in “Mi Cama.”
Solo Dancer Arianna Rodriguez in “Smoke Section.”
CATALYST
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
Photo courtesy of The Party for Socialism and Liberation-Florida
Throughout these final weeks of the fall semester (12/5–12/14), activists have the opportunity to participate in pet adoptions, community panels, demonstrations and vigils. Read on if you want to get involved in the community regarding knowledge building, state politics, gun violence reform and more!
BY CASSIE MANZ Sat., Dec. 8 - Sun., Dec. 9, Whisker Wonderland Adoption @ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cat Depot - 2542 17th St., Sarasota.
Shawn Naugle, regional executive director of the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
This holiday season adopt, don’t shop, and give an animal a home for the holidays! During this two-day adoption event, adoption fees will be reduced to $20, excluding specialty breeds. There will also be a holiday raffle with prizes and activities for kids.
Thurs., Dec. 13, Manasota Demonstration against the Death Penalty @ 5:30 - 7 p.m. St. Andrew United Church of Christ 6908 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota.
Tues., Dec. 11, “Community Partnership School” Panel @ 6:30 8:30 p.m. Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center - 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota. Join Fogartyville for a panel presentation and discussion on how Sarasota and Manatee Counties can develop “Community Partnership Schools.” The panel will discuss questions such as what Community Partnership Schools are, how the model can improve struggling schools and help close the achievement gap between high performing students and low performing students, many of whom come from incomechallenged families and/or are English Language Learners and if Community Partnership Schools are a viable alternative to school privatization. The panel is sponsored by Protect Our Public Schools (POPS) Manasota, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Florida and the Peace Education and Action Center. The panelists include Amy Ellis, director of the Center for Community Schools at University of Central Florida, Kylia Carswell, community partnership school director in Tampa and
Gov. Rick Scott has ordered Jose Jimenez to be executed on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. A witness against the death penalty prayer vigil will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the church, alongside a silent protest. A short prayer service will follow at 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Manasota chapter of Pax Christi USA. For more information, email rjbannerusa@gmail.com. Fri., Dec. 14, Prayer Protection and Solidarity @ 1 - 2:30 p.m. Islamic Society of Sarasota - 4350 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota. Every Friday, join in with a local group of Sarasotans as they meet on the sidewalk of the Islamic Society of Sarasota’s Mosque to stand in protection and solidarity with and for the worshipers arriving for Friday prayer. Fri., Dec. 14, Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence @ 6 - 8 p.m. St. Andrew United Church Of Christ 6908 S. Beneva Rd., Sarasota. Join the Sarasota Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and St. Andrew UCC in this interfaith vigil on the sixth anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings. The guest speaker will be State Rep. Margaret Good.
PAGE 6
The problems of ‘ethical’ holiday shopping BY MICHALA HEAD
The Activist Newsletter
features
Shopping for the holidays can be dizzying. Consumers live in an era where the options are nearly as boundless as the imagination itself. Unfortunately, this abundance of affordable gift selections does not come without both environmental and human costs. It is public knowledge that many corporations exploit outsourced laborers and cut corners on environmental protections. Yet they are able to continue to do so because of the irresistibility, or even the the necessity of consumers buying extremely affordable products. According to Blue and Green Tomorrow, the phenomenon of ethical consumerism has increased in popularity over the past decade. In recent years, “ethical brands” have made their way to the mainstream. The conversation of ethical consumerism is complex, in part due to the vast distances between the production and the consumption of goods. Now, with the advent of online shopping the gap between person and product has once again been widened. According to a survey conducted by the Catalyst, 59 percent of the 54 student respondents shop both online and in stores; that is, when they opt to buy gifts instead of making them. About 57 percent of respondents reported that they considered sustainability of presents,
whether it was through limiting packaging, the product itself or both. Eighty percent of respondents said that they both buy and make gifts. Anonymously, respondents cited homemade gifts as being more personal and cost-effective. “I don’t do much shopping,” thesis student Connor Borden said. Borden usually opts to draw, paint or bake presents instead of purchasing them. He recently commemorated his third anniversary with a sketch of him and his partner. “When I do buy art supplies, I mostly buy from Art and Frame,” Borden said. “They have high quality supplies for good prices.” Art and Frame is a Sarasota based, family owned business located on South Tamiami Trail. A few respondents to the Catalyst survey brought up the need for time and skill in order to make certain gifts. Time and money are limited resources for many people, most definitely students, which can make both ethical consumerism and homemade presents all the more challenging. “Buying is power, and it’s easy to overlook that power,” Professor of Psychology and Director of Environmental Studies Heidi Harley said in an email interview. “On the other hand, it’s also hard
continued on page 7
The future of the Four Winds café BY EILEEN CALUB In the past few months, there have been talks regarding the future of New College’s student-operated café, the Four Winds, highlighting several financial and organizational concerns. “We have a meeting planned for Dawn Shongood, the Four Winds manager Lorraine Cruz, Bill from Metz... and I for after Thanksgiving,” Vice President for Relations and Financial Affairs (VPRFA) Eva Ernst told the Catalyst in an email interview. “We’re waiting until then so that we can review the profit and loss report. For the moment, I think we’re all just privately brainstorming some ideas about how to improve the process so we don’t have to continue bailing them out, but nothing has been decided yet.” In response to a request for an official statement, New College Student Alliance (NCSA) co-presidents Steven Keshishian and Selena Goods referred to the aforementioned comment by Ernst. General Manager of Metz Culinary Management Bill Moore was unable to provide comment. “I have no information on that to give you,” Moore said in an email interview. In light of circulating rumors, Four Winds manager Lorraine Cruz stated that they and the involved parties would convene to privately and intensively discuss the plan of action to ensure the continued existence of the beloved café. While administrative decisions are still up in the air, Cruz provided several ways
in which the student body can help support the Four Winds. “Community spaces are built by everyone,” Cruz said, “not just by me and not just by the employees back there.” A simple way to help the café is to do one’s part as a conscientious customer. “Not leaving your dishes outside, cleaning your plate—these are small things that anyone can ask for because it is a community space,” Cruz commented. While dining at the Four Winds, students should also try to be considerate to the staff. “We’re never mad at anyone,” Cruz said. “I think that people need to understand that we are in an extremely stressful environment on top of the fact that we are in school.” Moreover, the Four Winds serves as an important space for students to gather, study, talk and enjoy music. Events hosted by the café include Thesis Thursdays, Late Night hours during midterms and finals weeks, pop-up music shows and open mic nights like the Coming Out Monologues. On Saturday, Nov. 10, the café also hosted its own Wall. “[The Four Winds] is a community space that people use, and people have used it a lot this year, which is nice,” Cruz said, “but I’ve also seen it used way more [in the past].” By continuing to utilize the café as a meeting space, students will not only enjoy delicious Four Winds catering and
continued on page 7
CATALYST CEO
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 students before they reach their fourth year. “It’s important for students to realize that they can come in and see Maddie and Lisandra during their first year here,” Stier said. “We call that four-year career planning,” Heath explained. “We really want to help students reflect and explore different areas as soon as they come in to New College, exploring different opportunities and what that looks like in the future. Even if you don’t have an area of concentration (AOC), just figuring out what you want your life to look like and going from there.” As for the director search, the job description is currently being revised by administration in anticipation of bringing candidates to campus in January. Sti-
France
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
er and Williamson hope to form the first hiring committee during the independent study project (ISP) term, and are very interested in having student input in the process. When asked what they are looking for in a candidate, Stier, Jimenez and Heath all touched on different strengths they wanted in a director. “From the initial discussions we’ve had with Dr. O’Shea and Dr. Williamson, the meat of it will still be the internships and the career development, which is both [ Jimenez and Heath’s] areas,” Stier said. Jimenez saw consistency as an important part of the future of the director position. “We really want to bring a bigger vision to the CEO,” Jimenez said. “We would hope that our director would bring some stability long-term, versus continuing to change staff. [We hope] to be able to have a steady academic calendar, things
we do every year, that sort of thing.” For Heath, the future director would be able to help expand the current services offered. “I think a big role of the director is that community outreach piece, connecting with local entrepreneurs and business leaders that will help our students and connect our students with opportunities,” Heath said. While a lot of these changes may come a bit late, especially for fourthyears whose graduate school applications will be due this winter, Stier, Heath and Jimenez seem confident about the future of the CEO. With all the changes lately, the director search in January will have a direct impact on the course of the CEO in the future. Bringing a knowledgeable new director and more consistency to the CEO will certainly be key to accomplishing all that they hope to do for students.
cause of his former career as an investment banker with the elite Rothschild & Co. “I sympathise with my fellow citizens,” Macron said in a national speech on Nov. 27, “but I will not give in to violence. You cannot be pro-environment on Monday and then when Tuesday comes be against rising fuel prices.” Referencing decades of French policy that encouraged citizens to move farther from cities and travel by road, Macron said: “We pushed them into this situation. They are the victims of this situation, they have not created it. We should listen to the social alarm and protests, but there is also an environmental alarm.” However, Macron is also facing opposition from environmental groups who say he’s not sufficiently committed to fighting climate change. Nicolas Hulot, Macron’s chosen environment minister, quit this summer in protest against his
environmental policies. The takeaway Macron made it clear that the fuel hike isn’t going away, but promised to take steps to help the working class. The government is also offering financial incentives to help people switch to more eco-friendly cars, such as ensuring automakers fund new car trade-in payments. But the demonstrations are a definite blow to his presidency and show the disconnect between Macron and society. As New York Times opinion writer Agnès C. Poirier said: “[H]e must do more to acknowledge the deep anxiety expressed by the Yellow Vests. He has to behave as if he has not only seen but also heard them.”
Atlantic article, “Quantifying Americans’ Distrust of Corporations” stated, “the [Corporation Perception Indicator] surCONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 vey reports that 40 percent of millennials see corporations as a source of fear, they to figure out how to buy well. So many don’t even think their good deeds are processes go into creating goods, and ul- genuine.” timate judgments depend on individuals’ Author Bourree Lam also reported values.” that in spite of this distaste, millennials Harley explained that she keeps a will opt for cheaper options, even if outlookout for Fair Trade goods, buys locally sourced labor was involved in their progrown food and promotes the reusing of ductions. items. However, this view does not deter The other side of ethical consum- corporations from presenting their good erism involves the affordability of being deeds to the world. Financial Times socially and environmentally conscious defined ethical marketing as “a process when shopping. through which companies generate con“Local companies are wicked ex- sumer interest in products/services…and pensive,” State College of Florida (SCF) create value for all stakeholders by incornursing student Chantal Murphy said. porating social and environmental conMurphy reflected the majority of siderations in products and promotions.” the survey respondents in that she enjoys According to a 2015 Mintel article, both buying and making presents, and 59 percent of U.S. consumers will cease will shop both in stores and online. For buying from stores that they perceive to craft materials, after combing through be unethical, 35 percent will stop buying dollar stores, Murphy will turn to Am- unethical goods even if there is no availazon for its variety and affordability in able alternative and over three out of five spite of the host of ethical issues attached. consumers feel that ethical issues for cor“There is no such thing as a good porations are becoming prevalent. These corporation,” Murphey added. figures present plenty of incentive for The belief that corporations are so corporations to appear benevolent and deeply unethical that ethical consumer- caring about social and environmental ism is a lost cause is preeminent in con- issues. temporary American culture. A 2014 However, this is not to say there are
no good options and efforts to shop for harmless goods are hopeless. Some companies, like Package Free Shop and Lush, have made environmental or human rights concerns central to their corporate mission. Package Free Shop, a store that seeks to make sustainable alternatives to single use plastics convenient, touts the accomplishments of keeping “an estimated 4,025,600 plastic straws, 3,061,240 plastic bags and 1,419,260 non-recyclable bottles and cups out of landfill” since opening. Lush, an international cosmetics company renowned for its cruelty free practices, is a larger scale example of a brand built on ethics. According to their website, they only make vegetarian and vegan products, do not buy ingredients from companies that test on animals and, as of 2012, give out a Lush Prize for researchers and lobbyists to fight animal testing. Another way to combat the environmental and human costs of consumerism to to shop locally. Lush first inspired Ashjoi, a Sarasota vendor that sells goods including soap bars, lip balms, essential oils, whipped body butter and bug spray. “Lush was really cool so we got a book about making soap,” Ashjoi co-founder Ashley Baker said. At first she and her mother, Joy Loos, learned how to make hot process soap for fun, and it
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 protests have gained has opened the door to wider criticism of Macron’s presidency, his attempts at economic reform and discontent with the high cost of living in France. The movement has united retirees, the unemployed, farmers, housewives and people who have never protested before through a common anger at the government, as well as disapproval for Macron in particular. A second survey by pollster BVA showed that only 26 percent of French people have a favorable opinion of Macron. He is believed to be out of touch with the majority of French society and is often criticized for prioritizing money and the economy over social concerns. During the election, he was portrayed as a “candidate of finance,” primarily be-
Shopping
Information for this article was gathered from npr.org, nytimes.com, bbc.com and lemonde.fr.
CONtinued
PAGE 7
Politics CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 tention to the new [Florida] legislature and the beginning stages of the budget process,” Fitzgerald said. “If it doesn’t sound interesting at a ‘big-picture’ level, it’s interesting to the New College community because we’re directly affected by what they do. Honestly, they have been really generous to us over the last few years.” The Board of Governors will hold their next meeting on Jan. 30, 2019. Information for this article was gathered from wsj.com, nytimes.com, bbc.com, floridapolitics.com, thehill.com, pri.org and cnn.com.
Four Winds CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
conduct their event in a cozy atmosphere, but also support a business run by their fellow students. Cruz also noted that there was little to no transfer of potentially helpful documents from past managers, although the Four Winds has been in operation since 1996. Preserving the café’s history for future generations and increased guidance from alumni would certainly give the Four Winds a clearer vision for the future. The involved parties met on Sunday, Dec. 2 to discuss the future of the Four Winds. The results of said meeting were publicly unavailable at the time of publication. In early November, the café opened several staff positions for the spring semester and appears to be slated to open as normal after the holidays and independent study project (ISP) interterm. The Four Winds will close for the semester on Friday, Dec. 7. eventually evolved into selling products at the Siesta Key Farmers Market. On Saturday, Dec. 1, they set up their booth at the Sarasota Farmers Market, held downtown every Saturday. Ashjoi also sells their products at Brown’s Grove and at World Peace in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts. Baker loves their lavender products, and featured bars with the new scent from the tuberose flower at the farmers market on Saturday, Dec. 1. In a 2013 Huffington Post article, “Why Buying Local is Worth Every Cent,” author Michael Salguero cited the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics when stating that shopping local generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail. Salguero also presented Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) findings that industrial pollution was responsible for nearly 50 percent of U.S. pollution, adding that “shopping locally helps cut down on processing, packaging and transportation waste, leading to less pollution.” Those who have the resources to shop local should certainly consider these benefits this holiday season. Information for this article was gathered from packagefreeshop.com, time.com, theatlantic.com, blueandgreentomorrow.com, wordstream.com, mintel.com, huffingtonpost.com, lexicon.ft.com and lushusa.com.
CATALYST
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 www.ncfcatalyst.com | @ncfcatalyst
BACK PAGE
PAGE 8
Third annual christmas tree lighting ceremony shines bright BY CAIT MATTHEWS
The holiday spirit drifted through the hearts and streets of downtown Sarasota as patrons awaited the lighting of the Christmas tree in Five Points Park on Thursday, Dec. 29. This year, the third annual lighting ceremony planned by the Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association was well-attended and merry. At least four dogs were seen wearing festive sweaters. Human guests listened to live music, munched on treats from food trucks and waited in anticipation for the activation of lights. Some visitors even wore lights on hats and necklaces to show their support. Standing in the park for this holiday season, the 36-foot tree is adorned with an array of ornaments and around 5,000 lights, according to Ron Soto, the president of the Association. Soto bought the tree for around $20,000, then decided it should be shared and incorporated it into a community event. Before this year’s ceremony, Soto went inside of the tree to fix lights that had reportedly been unplugged by houseless community members. While inside, he could look out and see people through the branches and ornaments. Soto said it felt tent-like. Soto’s favorite part of an event like this one certainly isn’t setting it up. With Santa Claus, carolers and music to be sorted out, not to mention a large tree, it’s a lot of work—but Soto thinks it’s worth
it to see all of the families show out for a good time. “When that’s all said and done, seeing people come together and take photos of their loved ones in front of the tree is what makes the event truly special,” Soto said. Such an occurrence reminds people of the cyclical nature of existence, with experiential elements of both tradition and change. “It’s important to remind us where we were in a previous year, but now here in a similar moment,” thesis student Corinne Leavengood shared. “It doesn’t matter what the tradition is; there’s something grounding about it.” At a certain moment during the ceremony, the crowd’s tension built and was expressed through loud vocalizations and movements. Everyone collectively wished for the tree’s lights to finally be turned on. “Something about it felt kind of absurd, but at the same time fun,” Leavengood reflected. “A community coming together to stand around a tree that’s been set up by some other humans with an expectation for this grand moment is kind of absurd, but there’s something powerful about a group of people deciding to give their full attention to a single thing at the same time. Sharing that focus and those intentions together almost feels like we’re the ones lighting the tree, even though it’s just one person plugging it into an outlet.”
Olivia Siegel and Santa Claus hung out at the park. Later that night in the Comedy Friends improv show, Siegel and Corinne Leavengood acted as an elf and Santa.
all photos Cait Matthews/Catalyst
Hannah Veitkus and her dog Bo passed out candy canes and business cards. Bo kept warm in a holiday sweater.
In the moment after the tree was lit, people cheered and recorded the spectacle. In the excitement of the moment, the camera went out of focus.
One of the patrons wore a Santa hat adorned with Christmas lights.