HILLTOP VIEWS HL ILTOP VE IWS
hilltopviewsonline.com hilltopviewsonline.com // @hilltopviews @hilltopviews VOLUME 50| ISSUE 1
September 8, 2021
hilltopviewsonline.com
St. Edward’s University
RECWELL IMPLEMENTS NEW SAFEGAURDS, COVID-19 FRIENDLY WORKOUT OPTIONS PAGE 2
By ANALISA FLORES
GRACIE WATT/ HILLTOP VIEWS
To enter RecWell, students and faculty must scan their St. Edward’s ID and show a yellow Topper Safe Badge. These requirements allow students to feel safe when using the facilities.
6 | SPORTS SEU student athlete looks towards life after her collegiate volleyball career.
8 | LIFE AND ARTS
11 | VIEWPOINTS
Students safely gather at Involvement Fair to find new ways to connect on campus.
New texas laws concerning issues like abortion, constitutional carry and vaccine passorts go into effect Sept. 1.
| NEWS 22 NEWS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM
Austin enters Stage 5, AISD faces obstacles to keep students, teachers safe By KRYSTA HERRERA As COVID-19 cases rise across the state of Texas, students, teachers and parents are learning to navigate school life all while facing unprecedented circumstances. Meanwhile, the debate over masks continues. Mere weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott issued a ban on mask mandates, State District Judge Catherine Mauzy of Travis County temporarily blocked Abbott’s executive order, GA-38. This allowed 20 school districts, including Austin ISD, to require students, teachers, visitors and all other employees to wear masks. AISD, is attempting to restore normalcy even as the number of Texas students testing positive has increased since last year.
“Two fourth grade classes have had to go into quarantine and pockets of kids in two or three different classrooms have had to quarantine because they’re getting exposed,” Letty Alvear, a kindergarten teacher at Barton Hills Elementary, said. As a parent to three AISD students, Alvear chooses to wear a mask to protect not only herself and her class, but her son Jacob, who at 11 years old, is currently too young to receive the vaccine. “As a parent I agree we need to have a mask mandate, and as a teacher I was still going to wear a mask regardless of what happened with Abbott because we’re there to protect the kids,” Alvear said. However, it appears that in the midst of all of this uncertainty, where many critical decisions
KRYSTA HERRERA/HILLTOP VIEWS
Many elementary schools, like Barton Springs, are facing rising COVID-19 infections. Both teachers and parents face new challenges as the school year begins.
are left to individual districts, parents are forced to make tough decisions in order to serve the best interests of their children. Kim Fry, a former AISD parent, has a third and fifth grader and recently made the decision to
transfer her children to Eanes ISD. Like other parents deliberating over what choices are best for their kids, it was ultimately the lack of communication and uncertainty with AISD that contributed the most to her choice.
“The communication from the district as well as the elementary school just lacked completely. And now that we’ve switched and just knowing they [Eanes Elementary] would enforce in- person learning, the teachers would be in person; it’s just a lot more efficient then what AISD was.….The masks or no masks was not the incentive, it was the communication and the type of education that they’ll be receiving, and the assistance with the teachers is where we see the big difference,” Fry said. “Even as an employee of the school they don't really give us specifics… Things change from day to day; one day they [students] are allowed to eat their snacks inside and the next day because there are rising cases, we’re asked to eat outside,” Alvear said.
Students return to campus, RecWell faces continuing challenges By ANALISA FLORES
After a year and a half of fully remote classes, the student body has finally returned to campus. In Jan. of 2020 the newly renovated and expanded Recreation and Athletic Center (RAC) opened. Only a few months later, classes went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The renovation of the RAC was a part of the 2018 Master Plan. The renovations provided more facility space for all students, not just athletes. Recreation and Wellness, often referred to as RecWell, is an integral part of the St. Edwards community. Recwell provides a large range of activities for students to get active and involved in the campus community. They offer club sports, fitness programs such as GroupX and Personal
Training, recreational sports and Wellness Services such as Peer Wellness Champions. In light of the risk that COVID-19 still poses to the St. Edwards Community, the RAC maintains protocols that are in place for the other facilities on campus. Students and faculty who want to participate in activities are required to reserve a spot using the IMLeagues portal. Reservations need to be made in advance, but walk-ins can be added to a class if there is space available. Additionally, students have to show their updated TopperSafe badge and student ID at checkin. Reserving spots in advance for classes as well as workout times in the gym ensures a safe number of students in the facilities at any given time. Marco Martinez, Recwell’s Social Media Marketing Coordinator, explained how the new facilities
have helped recwell. They are able to have more participation because of expanded space as well as growing and expanding their outreach to the community. In reference to COVID-19 safety protocols, Martinez explained that RecWell staff also clean in between classes and require masks to be kept on at all times. This semester, students can expect a lot of the same programs and facilities that RecWell offered in pre-pandemic times. However, Martinez did outline that some club sports are no longer offered and their Outdoor Adventures program, which used to facilitate overnight and day camping trips, is not currently available. Instead, they are offering camping equipment rentals by reservation. For the Fall 2021 semester, all GroupX classes are free. GroupX offers classes like Vinyasa yoga, BOSU strength, spin,
GRACIE WATT/HILLTOP VIEWS
Topper Safe Badges are required to enter many areas on campus including certain areas of Ragsdale. RecWell now requires a yellow Topper Safe badge to access their facilities.
cardio, barre and dance classes. There is also prerecorded GroupX content available on YouTube that can be done from the comfort of one's home for those uncomfortable participating in in-person classes. Exercise is a great way to improve
mental health and getting that exercise in with RecWell activities can also help students make new friends and get involved in the St. Edwards community. To stay up to date about Recwell, follow their instagram page @seurecwell.
3 | NEWS / SPORTS NEWS 33
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM
Hurricane Ida causes catastrophic Emily Tran enters senior season with high damage to Louisiana, nearby states expectations for herself, teammates By SYDNEY TREAT
time resident of the city of New Orleans. Video chatting with her from Atlanta, GA. where she and her fiancée relocated just before the storm reached the Louisiana coast, Cochran described in detail the hurricane and how it compared to previous ones she experienced (including Hurricane Katrina in 2005). A big difference, according to Cochran, was in the billions of federal dollars in investments to the levee system which held and protected the city from flooding, and
ghanistan, climate-fueled fires and other crises vying for collective attention, Ida Hurricane Ida made landand the damage left in its fall on Aug. 29 as a Catwake quickly became a disegory 4 (130 to 156 mph tant memory. According to winds) storm with a surge Cochran, the coverage that of 12 to 16 feet, and winds Hurricane Ida received degusting as high as 172 picted a need for help but miles per hour. The storm did not convey a full unleft more than one million derstanding of the horror people without power and of being in the midst of a arrived on the 16th anninatural disaster. versary of the massive and “The news is covering destructive Hurricane Kathings in a dramatic way trina. Hurricane Ida was which is good for bringthe twelfth hurricane to hit ing assistance. It’s kind in an already busy hurricane of telling everybody, ‘We need help.’ But they’re still not really feeling it.” Cochran said. Compounding the already devastating state Louisiana is in, many are still suffering the consequences days after the storm. Louisiana is heavily dependent on tourism to support its economy, and until electricity, buildings and lives are restored, the state and its people will continue to COURTESY OF WIKICOMMONS suffer. Ida was ranked as a Category 4 Hurricane according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Hurricanes in this category cause catastrophic damage to the regions hit. Financial resources such as the Hilltopper Help Line, Aunt Bertha, season. The storm made its the preparation by residents Emergency Aid Fund and way across the southern who had lived through the HOOF Fund are availU.S. and to the north- Hurricane Katrina. able to students impacted east, leaving more than 40 Another big difference by the disaster. people dead in New York between Hurricane Ida and before reaching the Atlantic previous storms is the atOcean. tention this storm got from Hilltop Views interviewed crisis-fatigued Americans. Katherine Cochran, a long- With COVID-19 , Af-
By SAGE WARE
lege is an unforgettable experience. Therefore, we felt it imperative we ask Tran about her favorite memory from her years on the Hilltop. “My sophomore year. I think it was one of the best years we played,” Tran said. The women’s volleyball team
are allowed, I know I’ll have a lot of nerves and will have to shake some of it out,” Tran said. With such strong goals and determination for excellence, it is only natural to have something or someone that inspires you. For Emily Tran, that’s
Whether it’s on the court or in the classroom, St. Edward’s student athletes are working hard towards their future. Emily Tran, senior setter for St. Edward’s women’s volleyball team is no different. In 2020, Tran was added to the Lone Star Conference All-Academic team. Originally from Eagan, MN, Tran has been a part of the Hilltop community for a little over three years. The time she has spent at SEU is filled with memorable moments which helped create the person she is today. Eager for the upcoming season, Tran expressed how the team has “high expectations, wants to go to conference.” Tran, like COURTESY OF SEU ATHLETICS many other athTran is currently majoring in Marketing and pursuing a minor in Psychology. As Tran prepares for graduation, the future seems bright for the young player. letes, is thrilled by the progressive shift towards a normal sports setting. As for how COVID-19 af- had recently been introduced her best friend and teammate: fected the way that she views to the Lone Star Conference Steffy Walls. her sport, Tran gained a new (LSC), which is connected “She is like the ultimate, elite perspective. “It made me a lot to the NCAA, and that same person,” Tran said, “Have you more grateful, especially be- year they won the trophy for ever met someone who can cause other university teams the LSC Division Champion- grind out everything? She incouldn’t play,” Tran said. ship. This victory was without spires me because I want to Last year brought a lot of a doubt the product of hard have the same positive attitude limitations but as more uni- work. “We had a tough pod and energy that she does.” versities are able to compete, and we came out on top,” Tran Along with inspiration from the team is motivated to do said. her peers, Tran is also lookwell and have “a solid year.” Tran compared her first two ing to the future. Her ideas Tran also mentioned the years of college volleyball to for post-graduation include challenges COVID brought her junior year when describ- studying for her masters, playto their team dynamic by em- ing the feeling of being on the ing another year of volleyball phasizing how tough it was to court. During her freshman with St. Edward’s or seeing bond as a team. However, with and sophomore year, Tran where her internship will take this year’s new rules, getting to described playing as “mostly her. know teammates is much eas- muscle memory.” Due to the “I definitely am going to be ier and their friendships are absence of fans, adjusting to playing volleyball, some way stronger than ever. people in the stands may be a somehow,” Tran said Most would agree that col- challenge. “When spectators
4 SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM VIEWPOINTS 13
Rising baseball star, Trevor Bauer, How SB2 affects ‘competitve fairness’ for transgender athletes makes choices that might end his MLB
Sen. Charles Perry, RBy AUDREY CAHAK Lubbock, and pushed by Republican senate memAs of Aug. 25, delib- bers and conservative aderation over Senate Bill vocacy groups. However, 2 (SB2) has been post- Texas is not the only state poned, as Texas lawmak- to enact bills like this; ers in the House Public Mississippi, West VirEducation Committee ginia, Arizona, and more are still discussing its ad- also previously pushed vancement through the or actively passed similar legislation. court system. The resistance against If successful, SB2 would require Texas transgender athletes fopublic school students, cuses on “competitive starting with kindergar- fairness,” or the assumpteners and extending to tion that those born as collegiate-level athletes men (cisgender males) to play on teams that cor- are stronger or faster than respond with their sex those born as women assigned at birth. The bill (cisgender females), and would not allow athletes therefore should compete to participate on teams as separately. Biologically, there are the gender they identify
SYDNEY TREAT
While transgender participation is still undetermined, the Tokyo Games marked the first time openly transgender athletes competed as Olympians.
as. SB2 would effectively restrict transgender students from participating in sports with their correct labels. SB2 was crafted by
differences in the weight distribution, testosterone levels, strength and sizes between the sexes. However, when transgender people medically transi-
tion through hormone blockers or hormone replacement therapy, their biology physically starts to take on the characteristics of the opposite sex. Transgender researcher and athlete Joanna Harper, who worked with transgender female runners, noticed the effect of hormone replacement therapy. The athletes experienced more than a 10% decrease in their speed, which lines up with the 10% speed difference in professional male and female runners. Despite this science, there is still a double standard. Under the assumption that transgender women may hold a competitive advantage if they competed with cisgender women, it is imperative to acknowledge the “unfairness” that might occur when transgender men dominate women’s sports. If Texas legislators choose to pursue true fairness but want to use biology as the argument for invalidating transgender athletes, they must consider how far along athletes are in their transition. Focusing solely on one’s “gender” undermines the accomplishments and comfort of athletes that do not fit the gender binary, and ignores the actual science of athleticism. Constricting the world of sports to a person’s anatomical parts—instead of measuring athletes on similar biology and skill levels— is truly the catalyst to sports inequality.
By ADORRE BENKE player Slava Voynov, who was warning signs. Before his em& engaged in spousal domestic ployment with MLB, Bauer had DAFNE VILLANUEVA violence in 2014, and proceeded an aggressive online presence Earlier this year Bauer signed a three-year $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers but by July 2 was on paid administrative. The 30-year-old pitcher faces a possible yearlong suspension from Major League Baseball, due to an ongoing investigation from MLB and the Pasadena Police Department. Bauer was accused of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Bauer currently faces sexual assault allegations that took place on two different occasions but involve the same woman. Despite initiating sex with Bauer, the claims are described as non-consensual. The woman states that while she did seek out Bauer through private messages and consented to intercourse, she did not consent to be choked by her hair or punched. Allegedly, she woke up with bruises, scratches and swollen eyes and jaw. With Bauer facing strong COURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS allegations, MLB placing Trevor Bauer’s paid administrative leave from the Dodgers was extended him on leave, and majority for the eighth time this past week. The Los Angeles County district atof the Dodgers players not torney’s office is still looking into filing sexual assault charges against the wanting him back, his career is in limbo. Nevertheless, his actions and MLB’s course of in- to have his six-year $25 million where he had harassed women vestigation bring to the surface contract terminated. The termi- and transgender people. the level of scrutiny that players nation was a result of pleading Not interested in another and leagues receive due to the no contest to his misdemeanor scandal and bad publicity, MLB unjust practices they uphold. It charges and while no longer might strive to take more prewasn’t until 2015, when MLB suspended he is prohibited cautions during their employinstituted a domestic violence from playing in the NHL. ment process as well as take policy, that 14 players were susIf Bauer is convicted, this into account prospective playpended and five were placed on might have major effects on ers’ risky behavior. paid administrative leave. MLB’s employment process. Lastly, failure to make apMeanwhile other profes- Conviction may bring a critical propriate adjustments could sional leagues, like the National eye to the investigation process indicate that while MLB may Hockey League (NHL), have MLB claims to make before of- appear to be progressing, they no domestic violence policy, and fering employment to players. might still be stuck in the valtake each allegation case-by- This is particularly interest- ues of the 20th-century sports case. Per the example of NHL ing because Bauer’s past shows industry.
GAMES 5
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM
Hilltop Views Playlis t Editor-In-Chief "All Things Must Pass" by George Harrison "Jet Lag" by Lawrence
Ed itors' C ho ice
News "Cloud Parade" by The Brazen Youth "Booster Seat" by Spacey Jane Life and Arts "Film Scene Daydream" by Alfie Templeman "Tungs" by The Frights
Back to School hilltopviewseditors@gmail.com 512-448-8426 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nina Martinez DESIGNERS Kelly Salinas Andrew Silvas
Sports "So Cal" by CAL "Donda Chant" by Kanye West
HILLTOP VIEWS
NEWS EDITOR Milo Cortese
LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Elle Bent
PHOTO EDITOR Gracie Watt
SPORTS EDITORS Odett Ochoa Gabe Garza
VIEWPOINTS EDITORS Nicco Pelicano
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Nic Carillo
Viewpoints "Karma Police" by Radiohead "Don't Go Dark" by Bleachers
Photos "Mother Nature's Son" by The Beatles "Over and Done With" by The Proclaimers Designers "Heat Above" by Greta Van Fleet "Take Me Where Your Heart Is" by Q Newsletter "NEON PEACH" by Snoh Aalegra "LMLY" by Jackson Wang
3001 S. Congress Ave. #964 Austin, TX 78704 STAFF WRITERS Isabella Bass Chris Kunin Osgar Nugent Claire Lawrence
NEWSLETTER EDITORS Leidy James Taheera Washington FACULTY ADVISOR Curt Yowell
Hilltop Views is the student newspaper published by the School of Humanities and serves the St. Edward’s University community. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the university, whose mission is grounded in the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Hilltop Views welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters may be edited for space, grammar and clarity. Letters will be published at our discretion and anonymous letters will not be printed.
6| LIFE & ARTS 10
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021| HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM
Looks like you made it after all: a love letter to the late Ed Anser By NINA MARTINEZ @nincate01
Ed Asner, better known as Carl, the grumpy old man from the Pixar hit “Up,” took his final breath on Aug. 29, 2021 at 91 years old. I could easily fill this piece with a list of his accomplishments with his seven Emmys and role as president of the Screen Actors Guild, but that would read as every other obituary published since his passing. Instead, this is a love letter to Lou Grant, the lovable news producer in the hit ‘70s sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Dear. Mr. Asner, For many in this current era, your passing could simply be viewed as the loss of just another wealthy, white man successful in showbusiness. To me, Mr. Asner, you’re more than that… you’re Lou Grant. My mother introduced me to you
on a Saturday morning when I was 15 years old. It was a rainy day and we wrapped up “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” I was in a cranky mood, feeling
a little ill, when an old rerun of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” appeared on cable. My mom told me: “Give it a chance. I think you’ll love it.” I gave it a chance. I loved it. When I met you, I despised you. You were grumpy and cranky, stiff and standoffish. I made a decision then and there about how I would feel about you for the remainder of the show. One episode turned into five and you grew on me. Over the years, I purchased each boxed season of the show at Half Price Books. Around the time I was introduced to your character, I was exploring my love for journalism and storytelling. I felt I was growing up alongside Mary Richards. For quite some time, I picCOURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS tured my life going as Mary’s did. Ed Asner was an actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild, The show gave me hope and perbest known for his roles in Disney Pixar’s “Up” and the 70s spective on how much bigger the sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Asner passed of natural world is than me. It allowed me to crecauses in his home Aug. 29. ate a dream job and dream boss in my
mind for whom I would one day work for, or even become. You were, to me you still are, the crotecty yet tenderhearted, cultivated leader at WJM TV’s “Six O’Clock News.” Beneath the moody and dry-humored old man, you were a passionate, consistent and selfless boss. You held yourself to the same standards you set for your employees. You were ethical and kind, never allowing your personal feelings to interfere with the reporting. In your spin-off, “The Lou Grant Show,” your values shined through in your role as editor. Your personal reputation was not of concern, but rather whether or not your employees were successful in their own careers. Lou, Mr. Grant, Mr. Asner: thank you for inspiring my 15-year-old self. When I found free time in college, I spent it winding down watching you, Mary and Murray mock Ted Baxter as anchor. The camaraderie in the newsroom is something I aspire to one day be a part of. Thank you for further cultivating my love and appreciation for great reporting and leadership. Rest in Peace, Mr. Grant.
Missing the old Kanye: new track “Donda” convoluted by controversy By TAHEERA WASHINGTON onstage with him, but theatrics @taheera_06
Kanye West’s latest track “Donda” serves as a tribute to his late mother, Dr. Donda West, but controversy and lack of artistic direction looms over the 10th studio album’. Kanye’s previous projects, like “Jesus is King” and “ye,” barely reach 23 minutes and feel unfinished. However, “Donda” asks listeners to tune in for a dragging 108 minutes that ends up hiding the introspective themes of loss and spirituality that should’ve been the album’s driving force. What ends up fueling “Donda” is the exploitative marketing -beginning with the three listening parties. Each listening party featured a revised version of the album, but it became a spectacle rather than an appreciation of music. It’s difficult to understand what Kanye’s reasoning was for inviting artists like DaBaby or Marilyn Manson
music: more subtle yet darker King.” Through this subdued prior to the release of “Donda” and Kanye seem synonymous in its toned down worship-like style, the content should be is more memorable than the alover the past years. Compre- aesthetic following “Jesus Is at the forefront, but the hype bum itself. “Donda” prioritizes hending the visuquantity over qualals of the listening ity, with most of the party was a losing songs either blending battle, ending with together from similar more unanswered production styles or questions, such as slightly missing the why is his ex-wife mark. Kim Kardashian on Analyzing “Jesus stage? Kanye’s artisLord”—the second tically empty decilongest track behind sions made it easier “Jesus Lord Pt. 2”— to miss all of the highlights the core of changes to “Donda.” what “Donda” is as a For instance, the body of work. Kanye shuffled track order, opens up about fightadded songs or reing multiple demons, vised verses. such as addiction and The issues don’t grieving his mother’s disappear following death, and connects it the album’s release; to a shared struggle of convoluting the alstaying connected to bum’s core message his faith during these of exploring Kanye’s times. It features a COURTESY OF WIKI COMMONS multifaceted identiverse from Jay ElecKanye West’s anticipated 10th studio album, “Donda” was realeased Aug. 29. ty. This era of Kanye tronica, but the outro The album is named after his late mother, Dr. Donda West. is reflected in his narrated by Larry
Hoover Jr. ties these themes together. His speech highlights the case that Kanye asked to be pardoned of his father, Larry Hoover Sr., who’s currently still incarcerated in prison. This profound lyricism is hidden from the dragged out nature of the minimalisticsounding song and unusual flow for Kanye, which is the case for most of the tracks on “Donda.” Standouts are “Jail,” “Off the Grid,” and “Believe What I Say,” but it’s key to recognize that these tracks are reminiscent of Kanye prior to “The Life of Pablo.” He announced on that album that the new Kanye was here to stay, and the beginning of “Donda” seems like this new version of the rapper has potential. Yet, the end of “Donda” doesn’t make the yearning for old Kanye disappear; in fact, “Donda” ends with wondering if Kanye can ever follow up the legacy left behind from his older work.
LIFE & ARTS 711
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | HILLTOPVIEWSONLINE.COM
Long Center’s “Sound and Cinema” Pixar’s film, “Luca,” is an exciting offers great way to explore Austin summer coming-of-age film
I was at the event with the school newspaper and was apprehensively @ogger37 looking for people to interview. She graciously sat down next to me and I biked down South 1st Street to we continued talking as the music the Long Center to see a show from portion of the night came to a close. band, Darkbird before a showing of She was with family, as were many “Clueless” on Sept. 3. The day after, of the other event-goers, and told my mom called me to ask how it me she had recently returned to went. Austin after living in Lafayette, LA Walking up to the Long Center’s for a number of years. She sounded “Sound and Cinema” ticketing gates glad to be back, adding that Austin around 6:30 p.m., 30 minutes past had changed a lot since she’d last the time that the website said that been here. I briefly looked over my the gates would open, I overheard shoulder at the skyline, still devela couple momentarily bemoaning oping. I told her that it hadn’t been their bad luck. long since I had spent my lone se“If I had bought the tickets, mester in Austin, only a summer, y’know, I would be more disapbut that life alone in the city still pointed. But, since it’s free, I’m cool sometimes feels unfamilthat we couldn’t get iar and scary. in,” one of them said. She encouraged me, They left. gesturing me to look “Why exactly around at the people in did that couple get attendance, reassuring turned back?” I asked that all of these people one of the people are nice and would anscanning tickets swer any question I had; under their tented that the city is filled with box office. He expeople like this. “Clueplained that they less” began soon after had been turning a our conversation ended, lot of people back, and I enjoyed the rest of actually, because they my night among the amhadn’t brought their biently pleasant crowd proof of vaccination of strangers. Watching card or results from Cher realize that she a negative PCR test OSGAR NUGENT / HILLTOP VIEWS was in love with her in a physical copy. “Sound and Cinema” is a series of live music stepbrother, I realized Some had pictures accompanied by the showing a film at the Long that I might be in the on their phones, oth- Center Lawn. Last Friday, Darkbird performed midst of discovering a ers had nothing. All strange love within my told, I’m glad I have my vaccine card permanently smashed endearingly, later, after the show. own life, too: a love for the unfamillike a soggy cornflake into one of All the while, moms stood up from iar and scary. If you’re as clueless as me about lawn chairs or blankets and bobbed the folds of my wallet. Past the ticketing station and up to the rhythm with their children where to begin exploring in Austin, the stairs onto the bizarrely expan- dancing in one arm, their drinks start by inviting whomever you’d sive outdoor H-E-B-branded deck, dangled and perspiring in the unoc- like to Sound and Cinema at the Long Center on a September eveI saw the food trucks that Do512’s cupied hand. The sun crept west down the Col- ning. Even though the event is still Instagram account touted, which were across the way. I browsed orado River as Darkbird’s set was in a bit of a beta phase due to the for something to eat. Amy’s Ice coming to a close. A pleasant gust COVID-19 delta variant concerns, Cream… not now. Southside Fly- of wind guided a welcome compli- it’s an easy trip from anywhere in Austin. And if you remember a ing Pizza… hmm. I couldn’t find ment my way. physical-copy vaccine card or nega“Nice shirt,” a woman told me. the barbecue place mentioned on I thanked her, and mentioned that tive PCR test, the venue is “free the roster, so my hunger found
By OSGAR NUGENT
chicken shawarma and fries from Shawarma Point. Temporarily disappointed at the lack of options, I popped a squat near the back of the Hartman Concert Lawn, abutting the deck, to eat. I sat in silence for a little while as my attention flickered from birds flitting across the under-construction section of Austin’s skyline to Spikeball-ers, with snot running down my philtrum, the spicy reprisal that I’d have to face the following morning. The silence morphed into covers and originals from Darkbird, an ethereally branded Austin-based group that I noted seemed earnestly ebullient. “We’re gonna be so big,” announced the lead singer
Meanwhile, Dan Romer, the ingenious music director, has created a soundtrack that pulls watchers In a fantastical world where sea creatures exist just into this unique fictional world filled with sea creabelow the ocean’s surface, we meet our protagonist tures and imagination, oftentimes returning to the and namesake Luca Paguro, a lively yet skittish fellow same lullaby tune that can be heard in various mowho dreams of exploring the environment around ments of the film, specifically to give a more whimsihim, if not for the limitations of his appearance cal feel to it all. Released on June 18, “Luca” has proven to have beand strict surveillance of his parents that keep him grounded to his blue and green-hued aquatic village. come a wildly famous success, receiving a rating of It is but fate that he encounters another sea crea- 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. A movie about friendship, ture of his exact age that has had the opportunity to staying true to one’s identity and overcoming hardlive as a human on the surface. Alberto Scorfano, his ships has proven itself repeatedly with every watch it is given by viewers. “Luca,” although branded a film of upbeat nature and only slight melancholy, runs much deeper than the narrative of adventure and camaraderie. it preaches of a world where although full acceptance may still be a work in progress, there should never be a reason to not stay true to one’s identity or abandon it for the comfort of others, a message that resonates with many minority groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, We can also see how much “Luca” has affected its viewers between various social media platforms, specifically the more recently popular one, TikTok. Within just a few days post movie release, many videos were created and posted under the simple hashtag “#Luca,” many being fan reactions, video edits and other special review videos of people expressing how they relate to various aspects of the film The most notable impact being through the creation of a viral audio that combined the “Silencio Bruno” dialogue shared between Alberto and Luca and well-known COURTESY OF EPK.TV ABBA song “Chiquitita, where many used Animated feature film, “Luca” premiered on Disit as background noise to express their love ney+ June 18. The film stars Jack Dylan Grazer as for the movie and it’s characters while also Alberto (left) and Jacob Tremblay as Luca (right). creating the trend of encouraging people to newfound friend and ally, is the one to introduce him shoot for what they want in life, following directly to the world of the warm-blooded. Soon enough, after a very good example set by Luca himself. The their duo becomes a dynamic trio as they team up hashtag has amassed views worldwide in the past with Giulia Marcovaldo, a human girl, to compete three months of its release, the views sitting at an and win the Portorosso cup, each having their own outstanding 4.5 billion at the time of writing. It has become blatantly evident that the film’s sucreasons for wanting to win. What is to follow is a film filled with witty dialogue, overcoming obstacles and cess spans farther than its viewership and has reached audiences through its metaphors of truth, acceptance facing the trials that come with friendship. “Luca” is the rich product of Enrico Casarosa’s and friendship. Through a combination of the film’s childhood and own imagination, placing his charac- writing, animation and musical soundtrack, “Luca” ters in a 1950s coastal Italian village. The 95-minute has become one of Pixar’s staple comfort films that film is able to capture its audience’s attention through viewers can always return to whenever they’re in the its crisp animation and usage of vibrant colors that mood to relive the downfalls and triumphs of three set up each scene to mirror the emotions it plans to kids who are simply trying to find happiness as they learn to live for themselves. elicit.
By SARA E. MORENO
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Involvement Fair 2021
by Audrey Cahak
On Sept. 2, the St. Edward’s Involvement Fair made its first in-person return to campus since Spring 2020. The event was hosted by Student Involvement and spread across the Radsdale, Andre, Trustee and Holy Cross lawns from 11a.m to 2p.m. Student involvement in clubs took a massive hit during the pandemic, as distance from campus made it harder for students to interact with each other. For the smaller and lesser-known clubs trying to rebuild their community, the Involvement Fair was a prime occasion to attract more members and spread awareness
Hadley Vaughn, the vice president of Math Club, spread awareness for the club by debunking misconceptions. “People often think that math club is specifically about doing math and solving equations—a lot of times people even think it’s like a study group—but we’re actually much more of a social organization,” Vaughn said.
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President of Ballet Folklórico, Jason Cantú, (center) and Vice President Sebastian Piñon (right) took the Involvement Fair as a chance to promote their traditional Mexican dance club for students of all cultures and experience levels. Though the pandemic has closed off their opportunities to travel for now, they hope to present events and performances on campus.
Though his table was bare, Juan Diego Chaparro, the vice president of Box of Chocolates, used his theatrical practice to draw onlookers in and pitch the improv club. “I’m really passionate about [the club] because I know the theater people that are a part of it are really passionate and really want to make this work. Like I've been telling everybody, I think improv is really great because you want to make embarrassment a choice for yourself,” Chaparro said.
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Texas Heartbeat Act criminalizes abortion six weeks into pregnancy BY VERONICA LOPEZ
Senate Bill 8, otherwise known as SB 8 or the Texas Heartbeat Act, went into effect Sept. 1, stripping women of their fundamental rights and causing mass uncertainty, not only among the women of Texas, but women across the country. SB 8 bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which is before most women are even able to determine a pregnanacy. To be exact, the bill bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which typically happens around the six-week mark. The bill bans abortions, regardless of a pregnancy as result of rape or incest. SB 8 also allows just about anyone to sue a person or facility that is suspected of performing or aiding an abor-
tion. While this is not the first time that we’ve seen a bill like this passed in the U.S., it’s definitely the most restrictive. According to the New York Times, we saw a surge of these bills passed back in 2019, however, they were never enforced since they were deemed unconstitutional. Let’s make something clear: SB 8 is as unconstitutional as these past bills, if not more. So how was it that this bill was passed and went into effect? Much like the 2016 election, it was one of those things that no one thinks will happen, and yet, it does without anything anyone can do to stop it. The lawmakers behind SB 8 made sure of that. Pro-choice advocates looked to the Supreme Court (SCOTUS), hoping they would block
PHOTO BY NICCO PELICANO/HILLTOP VIEWS
People protesting at The Capitol in Austin, TX over the new SB8 law criminalizing abortion after 6 weeks of pregnancy, or the detection of a heartbeat.
the law on the premise of Roe v. Wade. As Sept. 1 arrived, however, SCOTUS voted not to act against SB 8, failing to mention
Crowd of protestors take turns walking up to The Capitol steps and giving speaches. This woman yells that she is thirty years old, and abortion has never been a problem in her life until now.
Roe v. Wade. This is not to say the bill can’t be blocked in the future. For now, 80% of women who would typically look for an
abortion in the Texas are left in the dark. What makes SB 8 so infuriating to me, putting aside the fact that I am being stripped of my basic human rights, is the sheer hypocrisy of politically conservative people. They spent all of COVID-19 opposing maskmandates and other pandemic protocols on the grounds that it’s a direct violation of their constitutional and human rights. They claim to be true Americans, fighting for their First Amendment rights, or my personal favorite argument: “This is America, land of the free.” While that may be true for the upper-middle class white man, today it does not stand true for women.
SB8 is the most restrictive abortion law passed since Roe V. Wade went into effect. Not many people know that they are even pregnant at six weeks, the timeline in witch the new law states is illegal to pursue an abortion after.
Protesters run through the gates of The Capitol chanting “Roe v. Wade is here to stay,” and “F*ck you, Abbott!” PHOTOS BY NICCO PELICANO HILLTOP VIEWS
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New, controversial laws stir up mixed feelings among Texans ports are now prohibited By CLAIRE LAWRENCE in Texas. This means businesses cannot legally enforce On Sept. 1, 666 new laws customers to prove their vacwere passed in Texas that cination status. cover a range of topics, inThis law is interesting, to cluding abortion rights, con- say the least, because there stitutional carry, vaccination are states like New York passports and public school where the laws are the exact curriculum. I’ll break down opposite. As someone who a few of the laws that stuck works part-time in a resto me the most. These are taurant and is not required laws that not only affect my to wear a mask, I feel more personal demographics and vulnerable to the virus. I the lives of those around me thought once more states at St. Edward’s University began to enforce vaccination but also raise discourse be- passports, Texas would foltween those on both sides of low suit, and my job would
GRAPIC BY GRACIE WATT/ HILLTOP VIEWS
New laws effective Sept. 1influence issues including abortion, Body-Worn Cameras, Medical Marijuana etc.
the political spectrum. Vaccine Passports It’s no secret that Gov. Greg Abbott disapproves of several COVID-19 restrictions many other states and countries enforce. He’s stated on social media that wearing a mask and deciding to get vaccinated is a “personal responsibility.” With SB 968, the controversy takes it a step further. With this new law, vaccine pass-
be a safer environment. Abbott clearly has other plans. Constitutional Carry House Bill 1927 states Texans are allowed to carry a handgun without taking any training courses or obtaining a license as long as they are 21 years old or older. Abbott stated this was not a law that protected gun rights, but rather a law that “instills freedom” in our state. The debate on gun control
has been going on for as long as I’ve been alive. I grew up running active shooter practice drills. Although I am very fortunate to have never experienced the tragedy of a school shooting, it’s a large fear I’ve constantly sat with. This year alone, Texas students experienced 135 school shootings, and it’s only September. The school year just started up again, so who knows how much that number will grow before the year ends, especially with this new law. It feels as if our governor is completely disregarding those numbers for the sake of making Texas feel more “free”, and a law like this one may have a direct impact on schools all across the state. Critical Race Theory When I was in the 5th grade, I remember doing a group project where we had to research a social study topic and present it to our class. The topic we picked was “Abolitionists”. At the time, I had no idea what that word meant; however, I walked away from that project with more knowledge of race than ever before. With House Bill 3979, kids entering 5th grade may never gain the same insight I did at that age, nor will students in middle and high school be taught about how race and racism impact[ed] our country. This law only allows for a specific collection of documents to be taught, and teachers are also no longer allowed to assign anything that pertains to political activism.
Classes back in person despite rise of COVID-19 cases across Austin By ISABELLA BASS
of the virus spreading are still higher the closer we gather. While many classes are inperson, some faculty members have chosen to opt out of in-person teaching and remain fully online. “I chose to teach online because it provides a sense of freedom to us as a learning community,” liberal arts and sciences professor Sarah Hogue said. “I also noticed that many more students have the opportunity to participate in class because online formats offer avenues of participation that we don’t
approach promotes student involvement and supports everyone in understanding concepts in context.” This reasoning makes sense and shows there are several reasons some professors opted out of in-person teaching, not just reasons related to their health and the pandemic. With the current state of affairs, it looks like the status of the pandemic won’t greatly improve any time soon. Things were looking up after the increase in COVID-19 vaccinations, but the rise of
After almost 18 months of remote learning and online classes, students and faculty are finally able to return to campus for in-person classes . While this is good news, there are still many regulations in place with Austin returning to Stage 5 COVID-19 limitations. Despite that most students are vaccinated, masks are still required indoors and social distancing rules are enforced. . With the growing number of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, extra safety precautions are necessary. St. Edward’s put several COVID-19 restrictions in place in an attempt to keep the students and faculty as safe as possible. Face masks are required indoors for everyone unless they have a PHOTO BY CHRIS PEDONE/ HILLTOP VIEWS health exemp- After two and a half semesters of online classes, students walk tion, regardless of on-campus at St. Edward’s University to their in-person classes. their vaccination Even though classes are back in session, guidlines including status. The uni- mandatory masks are required to be worn while on-campus. versity required students and faculty to submit proof of vaccination or a have in an in-person class- new variants of the virus has valid exemption prior to the room.” “I have developed a caused things to regress. This start of the semester. Those flipped classroom approach is disappointing, but the best who are not fully vaccinated in which students view lec- thing we can do is continue are required to be tested for tures outside of class time at to follow COVID-19 guideCOVID-19 once a week. their own pace, and then we lines to stay as safe as posThese regulations are a pos- use our synchronous learning sible. It is exciting to be back itive thing, but it does raise time to apply concepts and on campus, and we can only Read the full story on hill- concerns for me that cases put them into action using hope this won’t lead to more will continue to increase. De- real-world scenarios, cases, COVID-19 outbreaks. topviewsonline.com. spite our efforts, the chances and issues,” Hogue said. “This
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BACK HOME ON THE HILLTOP by Chris Pedone
Gone are the days where class is taught through Zoom meetings. Gone is the fear of losing connection during online classes, or the random interruptions or our precious pets barking or crawling on your lap when you are webcam. After a year and a half, students finally are back on campus and learning in person with the use of careful planning and safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Jo’s Coffee is open from 7am-6pm on weekdays in both Ragsdale and Doyle Hall, and on weekends, the Ragsdale location is open from 9am-5pm.
Students perform research and work in the laboratories of John Brooks Williams North Science center after over a year of virtual studies. Campus is filled with students walking between classes, grabbing coffee, or catching up with friends during breaks.
