The Lumberjack -- January 21, 2021

GRAB AND GO! PAGE 15

THE LUMBER JACK

JAN. 21, 2021 – JAN. 27, 2021

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

B

y the time this week’s issue is published I will officially be 21 years old. My golden birthday, meaning I’m turning 21 on Jan. 21 of 2021. If you would’ve asked me a year ago what I would be doing to celebrate, I would’ve told you I’m having a “Great Gatsby” themed party — my favorite book thanks to Mr. Hedgepeth, my high school English teacher. However, these plans are on hold indefinitely due to the ever-looming pandemic.

2020, despite its ups and downs, allowed me to appreciate the small things in life, such as spending time with my parents and dogs, taking my then-9month-old niece Everjane to the beach for the first time and spending time with my relatives in Iowa over Zoom. I also learned a lot about myself: For example, I’m pretty good at knitting, cooking and baking. I also rediscovered my love of big band music and have made some amazing friends on the staff here at The Lumberjack and outside of the paper.

It was also a year of learning how to cope with my anxiety and letting go of things that no longer concerned me, yet continued to hold me back. I’m grateful I had an amazing support system surrounding me through it all. Additionally, KATELYN it was a year of firsts. Last semester was my first time being an assistant editor RODRIGUEZ at The Lumberjack for the culture section, which I hold dear. It was also my CULTURE EDITOR first year voting in a presidential election. Lastly, for myself and many others, it was a year of living through many historical events. I know now not to take certain things for granted, like hugging my grandmother, going to restaurants, attending concerts and sporting events, and telling my family how much I love them.

As I enter my 21st year this Thursday, I’m choosing to make it memorable, to be the best version of myself while continuing to do what I love here at The Lumberjack and by going out on a limb and seizing opportunities I didn’t think were possible a year ago.

If you’re also a 2000s baby turning 21 this year like me, then may I be one of many to wish you a happy birthday. Cheers to us and may we continue to thrive and reach every goal we set our minds to during 2021.

Continuous local and campus covid-19 coverage available at jackcentral.org

Online at Issuu.com Latest Edition & Archive Social media

Thank you for reading.

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 Lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 111 ISSUE 2 Editor-in-Chief Scout Ehrler

Managing Editor Nathan Manni

Copy Chief Nayomi Garcia

Faculty Adviser David Harpster

Print Chief Jacob Meyer

Director of Digital Content Ash Lohmann

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board Director of Social Media Maddie Cohen

Op-Ed Editor Ryan Dixon

Culture Editor Katelyn Rodriguez

Sports Adviser Rory Faust

News Editor Camille Sipple

Asst. Op-Ed Editor Trinity Archie

Asst. Culture Editor Kyler Edsitty

Director of Illustration Aleah Green

Asst. News Editor Mark Fabery

Features Editor Olivia Charlson

Sports Editor Cameron Richardson

Asst. Dir. of Illustration Blake Fernandez

Online News Editor Kylie Soto

Asst. Features Editor Emily Gerdes

Asst. Sports Editor Brenden Martin

Senior Photographer Michael Patacsil

Senior Reporter Molly Brown

2

Director of Photography & Multimedia Shawn Patti

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Senior Photographer Brian Burke

On the cover A worker with the FUSD “Grab and Go” meal program prepares food to be distributed, Jan. 15.

Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Scout Ehrler at see86@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Jan. 11 At 12:55 p.m., NAUPD reported assisting a skateboarder who had fallen near Mountain View Hall.

The subject refused medical attention.

Compiled by Camille Sipple

nonstudent was found in good night and the nonstudent was health. given a trespassing warning.

At 9:54 a.m., a supervisory alarm was triggered at Gillenwater Hall. NAUPD responded and found the alarm to be caused by a heater At 5:44 p.m., NAUPD that was set too high. received a supervisory alarm from Campus Heights.

At 11:18 a.m., FPD NAUPD responded, searched transferred a welfare check the area and found the alarm request at lot 3. NAUPD and was caused by burnt food.

GMT responded. The subject did not appear to be in any At 8:31 p.m., Flagstaff distress and refused medical Police Department (FPD) transport. transferred a call regarding a subject having difficulty At 6:53 p.m., a student breathing and abdominal reported a suspicious person pain at Drury Inn & Suites. in front of Cline Library.

NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire NAUPD responded and one Department (FFD) and nonstudent was booked into Guardian Medical Transport Coconino County Detention (GMT) responded.

The Facility for trespassing. subject, found to be a nonstudent, was transported At 7:31 p.m., a nonstudent to Flagstaff Medical Center reported a fight at lot 62.

(FMC).

NAUPD responded and one nonstudent was arrested for Jan. 12 assault and domestic violence.

At 9:12 a.m., staff at Campus Heights called to Jan. 14 report an odor of gas. FFD At 12:23 a.m., a student and NAUPD responded, at The Suites called 911 to but facilities personnel and report a crime seen on TV. gas company personnel were NAUPD responded and found already on the scene. The the student had been drinking source of the odor appeared to and using marijuana. The be a heater. student was deemed OK and advised to go to bed.

At 6:01 p.m., NAUPD reported citing a nonstudent At 2:17 p.m., a nonstudent for theft and criminal damage at the Science Annex called to off campus. request medical assistance for a broken ankle. NAUPD, FFD At 10:12 p.m., staff and GMT responded and the at Cline Library reported a subject was transported to student causing a disturbance. FMC. NAUPD responded, contacted the subject and warned them At 10:43 p.m., a student of trespassing. at McDonald Hall called to report an unknown female Jan. 13 knocking on their door.

At 7:59 a.m., a staff NAUPD, FFD and GMT member at the Gammage responded. One nonstudent building called to request a and one student who had been welfare check on a nonstudent. arguing were contacted. The NAUPD responded and the subjects were separated for the

Jan. 15 At 4:13 p.m., multiple fire alarms were reported at Gillenwater Hall. NAUPD and FFD responded. The area was searched and it was determined that the alarms were caused by a heater.

Coconino County COVID-19 Dashboard data

Community transmission

At 11:09 p.m., a student at Pine Ridge Village called to report loud music. NAUPD responded and the music was turned down.

Case rate

At 11:24 p.m., a University Safety Aide reported graffiti on the exterior of Old Main. NAUPD responded and an officer took a report.

Jan. 17 At 11:32 a.m., an employee reported graffiti on the Performing and Fine Arts building. NAUPD responded and took a report.

At 12:39 p.m., a student reported car paint on multiple parked vehicles in the Skyview Parking Garage. NAUPD responded and took a report.

880.3 per 100,000 pop.

Positivity percentage

20.1%

Cumulative cases

14,202

Flagstaff Medical Center COVID-19 Resources

In-house COVID-19 patients

Jan. 16 At 2:24 p.m., a student at Skyview called to report a student acting strangely.

NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded. Officers found the student had attempted suicide and was then transported to FMC. At 11:48 p.m., a student reported a verbal disturbance at The Suites. NAUPD responded and three students were contacted. The subjects were separated and a report was taken.

Substantial

Hospital capacity Critical care capacity

Positive: 63 | Pending: 7 206/300 32/55

NAU Staff & Student Cases

Cumulative 2021 cases

197

Resolve to roll up a sleeve this January Kylie Soto

J

anuary is National Blood Donor Month to thank those who have donated blood and platelets to save lives, and to encourage others to do the same.

Anyone in Flagstaff can make a difference during these hard times and donate blood on campus Jan. 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is being hosted by the Cardinal Key National Honor Society and the group is offering free food to all donors.

According to the NAU events calendar through True Blue Connects, “Every semester, Cardinal Key hosts the American Red Cross on campus so that they may run a blood drive. This event allows NAU students, faculty and anyone in the community to come and donate blood.”

Some may be curious about the need for a month dedicated to this cause, but the Federally Employed Women (FEW) organization explained the reasoning for the month-long recognition.

“During the winter months, inclement weather often results in canceled blood drives, and seasonal illnesses like the flu may cause some donors to become temporarily unable to donate.”

The goal, according to FEW, is to ultimately increase the number of blood and platelet donations during winter, as it is vital that hospitals receive blood donations for patients in need.

Heroes come in all types and sizes. Donating blood can make a real difference.

Read more online at jackcentral.org

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

A look back at Former US Preside Mark Fabery

F

ormer President Donald Trump faced an unprecedented second impeachment trial as President Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States.

Throughout Trump’s tenure in office, he kept his signature campaign promise of constructing a wall along the southern border. However, Trump suffered some political missteps along the way.

A new beginning for immigration policy It has been more than five years since Trump announced his presidential bid with a promise to build a “great, great wall” along the United States-Mexico border with Mexico paying the bill.

Although Mexico never paid for the wall, it has become a defining symbol of the Trump administration. NAU associate professor and political science department chair Stephen Nuño-Perez expanded on the impact of Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and hardline policies. “[The construction] has done nothing but damaged the environment, the lives of people seeking a better future for themselves, our standing in the world as a democratic country who cares about human rights, and further vilified poor folks for being victims of American foreign policy,” Nuño-Perez said. “It is quite sad.”

According to ProPublica, the Trump administration spent over $15 billion on the border wall project since he took office, with all of the funding coming from either appropriations from Congress or diverted funds from the U.S. Department of Defense. This has ultimately resulted in 452 miles of border wall that have been constructed as of Dec. 18, 2020, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection report.

In addition to the administration’s touted border wall is the former president’s controversial policy of child separation, dictating that all migrants who cross the border without permission, including those seeking asylum, be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for prosecution. The policy was enacted in late 2017, according to the DOJ website.

In 2016, Trump campaigned on reducing undocumented immigration by pledging to take a hardline approach. He made good on the promise, but was accused of human rights abuses and violating international law by the United Nations General Assembly, as reported

by The New York Times.

The president of the American Academy of Pediatrics at the time, Dr. Ana Maria Lopez, described the practice as “nothing less than government-sanctioned child abuse.”

The policy led to such a plethora of lawsuits that Trump soon ordered an end to family separations on June 20, 2018. However, Trump later issued an executive order allowing the separations to continue in cases where the parents posed a risk to the child.

“The Secretary of Homeland Security, shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, maintain custody of alien families during the pendency of any criminal improper entry or immigration proceedings involving their members,” the executive order stated.“The Secretary shall not, however, detain an alien family together when there is a concern that detention of an alien child with the child’s alien parent would pose a risk to the child’s welfare.”

However, Fred Solop, NAU professor of political science and international affairs, said

“He has been consequential, but different people assess the consequences differently.”

– FRED SOLOP, PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 4

Photos courtesy of the Associated Press

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he believes the former president’s immigration policies have been built around racist prejudice that ultimately failed to fully realize how interdependent the global market works.

“Overall, I believe Trump has cemented his immigration policy in place with attitudes of racism and prejudice toward certain people of the world,” Solop said in an email interview.

“An American First policy fails to recognize how interconnected global markets operate today.”

one for obstruction of Congress over his efforts to stonewall the impeachment inquiry.

At the time, Trump urged Ukraine’s leader to launch an investigation into his political rivals as he withheld congressionally-approved military aid from the country.

Trump was later acquitted in a Senate trial, but he became the third president in U.S. history to be impeached and the first to be impeached in their first term.

The first impeachment Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives Dec. 18, 2019.

The House approved two articles of impeachment against Trump: One for abuse of power over his dealings with Ukraine, and

The COVID-19 pandemic Recent COVID-19 infection data provided

by Johns Hopkins University shows the U.S. with over 23.9 million confirmed cases and over 397,672 reported deaths as of Jan. 18.

Nuño-Perez said Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic will become Trump’s legacy.

“At last count, 388,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. That is equal to the deaths of seven Vietnam wars, or 128 9/11 attacks,” Nuño-Perez said. “That will be his legacy.”

Insurrection: The storming of the Capitol On Jan. 6, as Congress was meeting in a joint session, Trump held a rally near the White House before a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to try to stop Congress from verifying then-president-elect Biden’s victory.

The events at the Capitol soon led to a historic second impeachment for the former president as the House charged Trump for inciting the insurrection seen in the U.S. Capitol.

NEWS

ent Donald trump’s time in Office Although Trump will face a second impeachment trial, Nuño-Perez said it is possible the former president will be convicted as some Senate Republicans have interest in running for the presidency in 2024.

“Some Senate Republicans may have an interest in making [former] President Trump ineligible to run in 2024 because they want to run for office,” Nuño-Perez said. “Others seem privately hopeful he goes away.”

However, it is currently unclear whether Trump will be found guilty in the Senate given the two-thirds majority needed to convict, Solop said.

Moreover, Solop said he believes Trump will use the second impeachment as a badge of honor, just as he did after the first.

“He’s the victim of a Democratic Party conspiracy and his followers have to band together to resist Democratic Party control of government,” Solop said. “The Democrats, together with big tech, want to impose socialism [Trump says] and his patriot forces need to take a stand in defense of democracy. This is the narrative he will put forward.”

Moreover, Nuño-Perez said he believes the country is undergoing a great demographic change coinciding with a shrinking sense of collective responsibility. He compares this period to when former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proposed a Second Bill of Rights at the end of a few disastrous decades of depression and world wars.

The Second Bill of Rights called for economic rights under “a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all.”

“Since then, there has been a massive pushback against this vision, which most modern democracies have embraced in some way or another, but we just have not,” NuñoPerez said. “A big reason why is our continued problem with racism in extending this vision to other communities. Trump tapped into this nerve among whites who see their status falling and their opportunities to maintain some sense of their vision of an American lifestyle dwindling.”

a

A defining legacy Although Trump’s accomplishments and policies were not always popular with his critics, Trump has been one of the most consequential presidents, in large part because of his mannerisms.

“Trump threw out the rule book and broke all the norms of how one governs this country,” Solop said. “Some people applaud his aggressive defense of conservative interests. He has been consequential, but different people assess the consequences differently.”

Infographic By Diana Ortega

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

5

NEWS

Biden takes the helm as president: ‘Democracy has prevailed’ JONATHAN LEMIRE, ZEKE MILLER & ALEXANDRA JAFFE, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, declaring that “democracy has prevailed” and summoning American resilience and unity to confront the deeply divided nation’s historic confluence of crises.

Biden took the oath at a U.S. Capitol that had been battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks earlier. On a cold Washington morning dotted with snow flurries, the quadrennial ceremony unfolded within a circle of security forces evocative of a war zone and devoid of crowds because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, Biden gazed out over 200,000 American flags planted on the National Mall to symbolize those who could not attend in person.

“The will of the people has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.

We’ve learned again that democracy is precious and democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed,” Biden said. “This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day.

A day in history and hope, of renewal and resolve.”

History was made at his side, as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president. The former U.S. senator from California is also the first Black person and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency and the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the U.S. government.

Central among them: the surging virus that has claimed more than 400,000 lives in the United States, as well as economic strains and a national reckoning over race.

“We have much to do in this winter of peril, and significant possibilities. Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build and much to gain,” Biden said. “Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged, or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now.”

Biden was eager to go big early, with an ambitious first 100 days including a push to speed up the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations to anxious Americans and pass a $1.9 trillion economic relief package. On Day One, as part of a push to roll back Trump administration initiatives, he signed a series of executive actions, including to re-enter the Paris Climate Accords and to mandate mask wearing on federal property.

“There’s no time to start like today,” Biden said as he signed the actions in the Oval Office.

Biden, in his third run for the presidency, staked his candidacy less on any distinctive political ideology than on galvanizing a broad coalition of voters around the notion that Trump posed an existential threat to American democracy. Four years after Trump’s “American Carnage” speech painted a dark portrait of national decay, Biden warned that the fabric of the nation’s democracy was tearing but expressed faith that it could be repaired.

“I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart,” Biden said. “This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward and we must meet this moment as the United States of America.”

Biden was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts; Harris by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the Supreme Court. Vice President Mike Pence, standing in for Trump, sat nearby as Lady Gaga, holding a golden microphone, sang the National Anthem accompanied by the U.S. Marine Corps band.

Trump was the first president in more than a century to skip the inauguration of his successor. After a brief farewell celebration at nearby Joint Base Andrews, he boarded Air Force One for the final time as president.

The very moment Trump disappeared into the doorway of Air Force One, Biden emerged from Blair House, the traditional guest lodging for presidents-in-waiting, and into his motorcade for the short ride to church.

Trump, in his farewell video remarks, hinted at a political return, saying “we will be back in some form.” Without question, he will shadow Biden’s first days in office.

Illustration By Aleah Green

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NEWS

The effects of social media bans in the modern age Camille Sipple

O

ver the last decade, technology has paved the way for social media to become the enticing human obsession it is today. Forbes contributor Enrique Dans stated in a 2019 article that social media, as it was originally intended, died once it stopped being social and became hyperfocused on profits.

“We’ve woken up with a hangover amid the wreckage of a decade-long social network party to realize there is no privacy and that sharing generates an immense amount of garbage, all of which will exist forever, and that that blurry photograph of your living room has been sold to the highest bidder, that democracy has been manipulated to the point of the grotesque, that we live in a permanent, sordid popularity contest,” Dans wrote.

Nowadays, social media is a hot-button topic within the world of politics. From debating ethical usage of it, to restricting individuals’ access, social media’s role in modern society is growing by the minute. Stephen Nuño-Perez, NAU associate professor and political science department chair, said when the opportunity arises, there is almost always a chance for lies, propaganda and hate to be spread through social media platforms.

The corporate role In terms of profit, it is often not in a company’s or media platform’s best economic interest to ban users because it lowers the company’s overall revenue margins, Nuño-Perez explained.

“I think there’s some competing forces here.

One force is obviously the attraction of making profits off social media,” Nuño-Perez said. “It is a business and these people are commodifying what you say. And I think businesses are struggling with the balance of commodifying that stuff and taking responsibility for what they’re commodifying.”

Dipayan Ghosh, a writer for Harvard Business Review, stated in a Jan. 14 article that it is inherently natural for corporations, such as social media platforms, to be extremely profitdriven.

However, Ghosh noted that the strategies used by these corporations are unlike any other business model, therefore the same regulation formats are not nearly as effective.

The typical results of the social media business model tend to push users toward more fringe or extremist content, Ghosh said.

Politically polarized media, Ghosh explained, is not a new discussion, but the type of hyperindividualized and politically polarized media model that blankets the world today holds dangerous potential.

“The social media business model relies on leveraging individual users’ data to push highlypersonalized content in order to maximize scroll time, incentivizing more customized, and thus potentially more extremist, content,” Ghosh said.

Essentially, modern social media corporations are having to perform a critical balancing act between platform accountability and revenue, Nuño-Perez said.

He said that the path most corporations wish to take requires less accountability or responsibility but boosts their profit margins exponentially.

“That is a question that we as a society need to address,” Nuño-Perez said. “Because if a company wants zero accountability but 100% flexibility, that doesn’t mean we can allow it as a society and as a government. There’s nothing that says putting regulations on corporations is some big violation of the Constitution.”

Accountability tends to directly translate into gatekeeping one’s service or platform, Nuño-Perez explained. Social media is a societal tool that can reach so many individuals in such a short period of time that it has the potential to be classified as volatile.

“This is not a new conversation, it’s just a different venue,” Nuño-Perez said. “In social media, there is high impact or high potential.

Because if I tweet something or post something on Facebook and it goes viral, millions of people can read it. That’s a new impact whereas in the past it required some sort of broadcasting network that had some of those gatekeeping powers.”

In turn, every company has the right to form its own terms of service as long as the terms are ethical and legal. When a new user signs up for any social media platform, such as Twitter or Facebook, there is a document and a button that first appears, asking the user to agree to the terms of service for that specific platform. If a user then violates any of the platform’s terms, it is well within the company’s rights to sanction or ban that particular user’s access, Nuño-Perez said.

As an example, he explained when one goes to a bar, there are certain behavior and legal expectations, just as there are with media platforms. Becoming too intoxicated and threatening the bartender because they refuse to serve anymore alcohol is nowhere within

those standards of behavior. Therefore, the Perez said. He explained that this inability to establishment has the right to have the individual connect with others is truly frightening within a removed from the premises. democratic society like the U.S. Those who have lost a large portion of Social media bans and freedom of speech their societal connection tend to think only of As of January, social media platforms themselves when making decisions and only care like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, how that decision will affect them personally, Snapchat and more permanently banned former Nuño-Perez said.

President Trump’s accounts, according to The “I think the founding members of our Washington Post. government knew that was a danger within our In additional reporting by The Washington democracy,” Nuño-Perez said. “Once we lose that Post following the companies’ decisions, Trump connection with each other, we lose our empathy publicly commented on the matter, stating the for each other.”

Silicon Valley tech industries had “done a horrible In response to the U.S. Capitol protests, thing for our country and to our country.”

Nuño-Perez mentioned that then-president-elect Alongside the former president’s official Joe Biden put out a statement that emphasized comments, many are calling the social media “this is not who we are” as a country and society. bans unconstitutional, claiming they violate “I really hope someday someone with the one’s freedom of speech and are reminiscent of same importance and stature says ‘this is who we censorship, according to The New York Times are,’” Nuño-Perez said. “We need to look in the article. mirror and say, ‘Yeah, we do some good things, Nuño-Perez said he believes there is quite a but we also do some bad things.’” bit of confusion as to what is truly being violated Social connections through media platforms in this situation. He explained violating a social have, as stated by Dans and Nuño-Perez, become media company’s terms of service and therefore friendships gained through swipes and likes. losing access to the platform does not necessarily However, these platforms have also grown to correlate to losing one’s freedom of speech, be such an all-consuming part of most peoples’ especially for a figure like the president of the lives that there are now uproars whenever media United States. access is limited in any way.

“Some of it makes me think that people are just ignorant about what freedom of speech really is,” Nuño-Perez said. “The more cynical me makes me think they do not have an actual argument about freedom of speech and they are just trying to delegitimize our government.”

As president, Trump had the ability to call every news network to announce a speech or statement he would give, and it is highly likely that his every word would be televised, Nuño-Perez said.

“The First Amendment protects individuals from government censorship,” Lata Nott, the executive director of the Freedom Forum Institute’s First Amendment Center, said. “Social media platforms are private companies and can censor what people post on their websites as they see fit.”

Lost connections In more ways than one, social media has actually lessened our social connections to one another, Nuño-

Illustration By Christian Ayala

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

The double standard for protesters Hayley Bostian

I Trump emboldened white supremacists

T

he storming of the United States Capitol by white nationalists and other hateful groups Jan. 6 was jarring for citizens across the nation.

For some, the attacks served as a wakeup call to the hatefulness perpetuated by former President Trump. However, given his rhetoric over the last four years, it should not surprise us that it culminated in a violent attack on public servants, and by extension, citizens of the U.S. Trump’s xenophobic remarks and glorification of violence have emboldened MARLEY white supremacists and other hate groups.

GREEN Trump’s offensive behavior worsened WRITER in June 2015 when he announced his candidacy for presidency.

During his speech, Trump called Mexican immigrants drug smugglers and rapists. This characterization appeared multiple times during his campaign and presidency. I find no coincidence in that hate crime rates against Latinx individuals increased in 2018 and again in 2019, according to a recent FBI report.

According to The New York Times, the perpetrator of the 2019 mass shooting in El Paso stated his goal was to kill Mexicans and warned of a “Mexican invasion” of Texas.

While Trump said he condemned violence in sinceremoved tweets, it is hard to ignore the fact that he has spent his presidency all but encouraging violence — a deadly concoction when mixed with his consistent racist remarks.

In May 2020, when the killing of George Floyd sparked outrage and protests against systemic racism, Trump responded on Twitter by threatening to shoot looters in Minneapolis.

Twitter flagged his tweets for glorifying violence. After losing the 2020 presidential race, Trump encouraged his supporters to protest the election results by coming to Washington for a “Save America March.” In a speech, he told his supporters to “fight like hell” and peppered violent imagery throughout.

Ultimately, the march led to a rampage at the U.S. Capitol where supporters attempted to stop the confirmation of the 2020 presidential election results, killing a police officer and four protesters in the process, according to The New York Times.

Trump’s outright encouragement of violence at the Capitol is disturbing, but not surprising given the hateful rhetoric and normalization of violence that has been center stage for the past four years. On Jan. 13, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump for the second time largely due to his role in encouraging the riot, a consequence I believe is long overdue.

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n May 2020, many gathered together to protest for George Floyd, a Black man who died while being detained by Minneapolis police. As protests began across the United States, many citizens were met with violence from the police.

Since Joe Biden was elected and now sworn in as president, there has been outrage from those upset with former President Trump’s loss. This frustration spiraled into the recent events at the U.S. Capitol where rioters forced their way into the building.

Although both of these events required police intervention at times, many have noticed the two crowds were met with very different approaches.

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests produced incidents where those who were peacefully protesting were treated in a harmful or harsher-than-necessary manner by the police.

For example, law enforcement used pepper balls, smoke canisters and batons to clear Washington’s Lafayette Square of BLM protesters for a photo-op involving former President Trump, according to ABC News.

On the other hand, far-right rioters blatantly planned violence weeks in advance. Yet, there were significantly fewer citizens harmed by law enforcement during the Capitol attacks than at the BLM protests.

According to a ProPublica article, a MyMilitia.com post prior to Jan. 6 read, “If this does not change, then I advocate, Revolution and adherence to the rules of war. I say, take the hill or die trying.”

The clear difference between the intention of both protests shines a light on the double standard between white supremacist groups and civil rights protesters. One group went into the protests with the intention of being peaceful, standing up for human rights and making a positive change. Members of the other group intended to take any action they could to get what they wanted and promoted hate.

There has also been criticism from leaders, such as thenpresident-elect Joe Biden, who spoke on the topic during the Jan. 7 announcement of the U.S. Department of Justice nominee.

“No one can tell me that if it had been a group of Black Lives Matter protesting yesterday, they wouldn’t have been treated very, very differently than the mob of thugs that stormed the Capitol,” Biden said.

With plenty of evidence of the far-right planning to cause chaos and

violence that day, there should have been more action taken.

According to NPR, Capitol rioters laughed as they stole items out of the building. Extremists had no problem giving their names and personal information to media outlets. They even went so far as to take selfies with police officers.

For them to proudly participate in an event like storming the Capitol, and still be willing to give their names out, makes it clear there is minimal fear of repercussion within the ranks of the far-right.

Trump’s statements regarding both situations display a double standard as well. During the Minneapolis BLM protests in May he tweeted, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.”

He also threatened anyone outside of the White House with “vicious dogs” and weapons.

When it came to the Capitol riot, all he had to say was, “We love you. You’re very special ... but you have to go home.”

Although neither protest was 100% peaceful, only one had ill intent. Yet, even though Capitol rioters antagonized and created violence, they received significantly fewer consequences than those who only wanted to be seen and gain the rights they deserve.

The amount of crowd control at the BLM protests left many people with permanent injuries and trauma after the experience.

One photographer lost her eyesight while taking photos at a protest and a 75-year-old man was pushed by police and suffered a brain injury.

The experience of receiving such violent reactions by police during these protests also put citizens at risk for trauma and longterm mental health issues.

In an article published by online mental health resource Verywell Mind, Jon Elhai spoke on risks of exposure to these forms of brutality.

“If these protests go on for weeks or months, and if an individual has repeated exposure to tear gas, rubber bullets, [and other methods of crowd control], longer-term PTSD could result,” Elhai said.

Unfortunately, it has been made clear that for now there is a double standard based on race for protesters and not everyone’s voice will be tolerated.

Certain groups of people can get away with much more than others in the U.S. Hopefully, one day, peaceful protests for human rights can be held without the risk of brutality and assault.

Illustration By Aleah Green

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Georgia Senate elections bring a new blue wave Tyler Lee

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n Jan. 5, Georgia voters made history by electing two new democratic senators. These runoff and special elections continue the recent blue wave coming from Georgia and officially gave Democrats control of the Senate.

This previews a change in political ideas in the country going forward. In short, it is indicative of a new widespread embrace of traditionally democratic values and a more extensive focus on voters’ rights. This transformation comes with a change in demographics, especially in urban pockets of Southern states.

Both Sen.-elect Raphael Warnock and Sen.-elect Jon Ossoff defied expectations by winning their respective races when the results were called Jan. 6.

Both candidates were considered unusual picks to run for the seats, according to the website FiveThirtyEight. With strong backing from the Democratic Party and significant activism, they proved how a changing South can elect both a Black man and a Jewish liberal activist.

The New York Times reported Stacey Abrams has been credited with helping to register over 800,000 voters in the state.

Through her organizations Fair Fight and the New Georgia Project, Abrams was successful in combating much of the voter suppression geared toward voters of color in her state.

According to the New Georgia Project’s mission statement, People of Color, unmarried women and people 18 to 29 years of age make up 62% of Georgia’s voting age population, but only 53% of those are registered to vote. It is undeniable that without the tireless efforts of Abrams, we would not be able to celebrate such an astounding victory.

Abrams is an inspiration, not only to the people in her own state but to activists in all states wanting to fight voter suppression.

Another important change to consider is the demographic makeup of the state. It is reported that higher education leads to higher rates of democratic thinking. So, as the number of college-educated individuals rises in the South and other historically red states, it is assumed that the number of voters who lean left rises as well.

It is also important to note this is most easily seen in metropolitan areas where the workforce demands a higher education, according to The New York Times.

This trend can be seen in Georgia’s demographics.

Atlanta’s population has grown a considerable amount in the last 10 years, according to the United States Census. With that growth comes the growing number of residents who have higher education degrees.

Atlanta accounts for 57% of the population of Georgia, per the 2018 Census. Illustrating the metropolitan education pattern, 33% of Georgia’s population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to a 2018 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

With this new percentage of the population in Georgia

holding at least a bachelor’s degree, the survey also found that the state now outranks both Michigan (31%), Wisconsin (31%) and narrowly trails California (34%).

This holds a great deal of significance, given Michigan and Wisconsin are both part of the blue wall states that have been traditionally democratic for years. These states helped Biden win the presidency in the 2020 election. As reported by FiveThirtyEight, Georgia’s flip to support Biden in the 2020 election opens a door for other traditionally red states to do the same in the future.

The attempted coup at the Capitol Jan. 6, in many ways, overshadowed the impressive victory that happened the same day in Georgia. However, it is important we give ourselves time to celebrate in the face of this unforgivable cataclysm.

According to NBC News, these two victories tied the Senate at 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the tiebreaking vote. This means Biden will have less pushback when working through his first 100 days agenda and beyond.

This is the first time a Democratic president will be leading with a Democrat-controlled Congress since former President Barack Obama’s first term. That alone is cause for excitement for many U.S. citizens.

Yet another reason for celebration is the hope Georgia has

instilled in many liberals during these elections. Biden was the first Democratic candidate to win the state in nearly 30 years.

A Democrat had not held a Georgia Senate seat in 20 years, as reported by BBC News. These broken barriers are just the beginning of what will be a new age of democratic thinking — both in the South and across the country.

Georgia, thanks to Abrams, has paved the way for more Southern states to advance their activism and work to abolish voter suppression.

The trend of metropolitan areas growing to be increasingly populated by college-educated adults is not exclusive to the state of Georgia. This demographic change can be seen in the 2018 American Community Survey findings in states with large cities, such as Texas and Arizona.

This dramatic shift in Georgia can and will forever impact the political scope of the country, thus lending hope to the fight for civil rights and liberties amid the darkness and struggle that have become a trademark of the past year. Despite the continued hate and violent partisanship that grips the nation, this election is a ray of light and a beacon of hope for many.

Infographic By Tonesha Yazzie

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

Miss Coconino County USA: Holly H Olivia Charlson

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Photos courtesy of Holly Hansen

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lthough several students can say they are a double major in STEM, part of the Student Philanthropy Council or part of NAU’s Ambassadors of the College of the Environment, Forestry and Natural Sciences, only sophomore Holly Hansen, who is preparing to compete in the Miss Arizona USA pageant, can claim all three while holding the title of Miss Coconino County USA. Hansen said she got involved with pageantry when she graduated from high school and competed in the Miss U.S. International pageant. She earned the title of Miss Arizona within that pageant system. From that moment on, she said she fell in love with pageantry and how it has helped build her confidence.

Although Hansen was holding off on competing for a while, she said she had the opportunity to compete in the Miss Arizona USA pageant, which pushed her toward doing another. Hansen said she got to choose her title and she wanted to represent Coconino County.

“They actually [direct messaged] me on Instagram and I was like, ‘OK, I’m just going to go for it,’” Hansen said. “I talked to my parents about it and they support me and everything that I do for it. I am currently Miss Coconino County USA for the Miss Arizona USA pageant.”

Britt Powell is the president of Casting Crowns Production Inc., a company that is a licensee for the Miss Universe pageant. She is also the executive director of the Miss Arizona USA pageant and the Miss Arizona Teen USA pageant. Powell said this will be her 16th pageant she has directed for the state of Arizona.

She said she oversees everything from start to finish, including recruitment.

Powell said her goal is to fill the stage with the most amazing women Arizona has to offer. She said Casting Crowns wants to make the pageant a place for individual growth.

Many people have preconceived notions about pageants, Powell said, but Casting Crowns has been conscientiously crafting a safe and supportive space for young women in Arizona.

She said competitors love the sisterhood they have found within the pageant community.

“So what’s important in life and in this pageant is that every young woman who chooses to be a part of this adventure learns what makes her fabulous,” Powell said. “I want every young woman to dig deep and figure out what makes her unique in this world. There’s only going to be

one Holly Hansen. There’s only going to be one of each individual in this world. So I want each young lady to find and embrace her uniqueness and her individuality.”

Powell said the pandemic has forced her team to adapt and use social media more as opposed to finding people in public. She said social media presented them with a new opportunity to get together virtually and reach out to a broader range of women.

Every competitor can submit different choices for their titles, she said. Hansen chose Coconino County because she wants to represent northern Arizona and she will have pride having that on her sash, Powell said. She said they encourage the competitors to choose titles of areas they are proud to stand for.

Sophomore Mackenzie Gruber has been Hansen’s roommate since they started college and said Hansen has been working to showcase the Coconino County landscape. Gruber said a majority of Hansen’s platform is on environmental improvement. Flagstaff is fairly liberal with its environmental efforts, she said, so Hansen works hard to spread awareness through friends, social media and any other platforms she can find.

Gruber said Hansen has a passion for the environment, science and the people around her.

“She’s very caring and she likes to take care of everyone around her and see how they’re doing,” Gruber said. “She pays attention to you and she’s very oriented with how you feel.”

Sophomore Clay Culpepper, another close friend, said Hansen values trying to help other people and trying to make the world a better place.

Gruber said she has seen the pageant affect Hansen’s confidence because she has been able to showcase herself in a positive light. She does not dwell on what she is not able to change, instead, she focuses on what she has done, Gruber said.

“I want every young woman to dig deep and figure out what makes her unique in this world.”

– Britt Powell, executive director of the Miss Arizona Usa Pagaent

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Hansen puts the passion into pageant Hansen said she is preparing herself for the pageant by practicing her responses to political and controversial questions, and working on her public speaking skills. In this pageant, the competitors are judged on evening gown presentation, swimsuit presentation and the responses given to their interview.

Gruber said she has noticed an improvement in Hansen’s interview skills and that she has taken the abilities she has learned from past pageants and appl them to her life.

“She’s putting her love from the past pageant into this one in hopes to become Miss Arizona and possibly go further,” Gruber said.

Culpepper said Hansen dedicates time to her extracurricular activities. He said with any free time she has, she uses it to take up a new activity and try to help with another cause.

“She really enjoys [her extracurricular activities] and she puts in all of her effort,” Culpepper said. “It’s not like she’s just doing it to do it. She’s not halfway doing anything, she’s fully committed.”

Culpepper said Hansen has tried to better herself and better the community. He said Hansen visited a variety of local businesses in Flagstaff to see if she can help them out with advertisements and if they can help her out with promotion.

Hansen said she is looking for sponsorships from local businesses in Flagstaff and representation in both Coconino County and her hometown of Ahwatukee, Arizona. Finding sponsorships is part of the arrangements made for the pageant because the pageant fees can be expensive, Hansen said. She said she has been contacting businesses since November, but it has been hard reaching out to people, especially during the pandemic because many businesses are struggling with money.

Hansen said one of her biggest concerns is to promote sustainability with her platform. She

“I really just want to be an advocate for climate change awareness.”

said if she does win the pageant, she wants to promote both women in STEM and living an eco-friendly lifestyle.

“I want to implement maybe a program in elementary schools to help educate our youth on how to live more sustainably because I believe it should be taught at an early age,” Hansen said.

“I really just want to be an advocate for climate change awareness.”

Others in northern Arizona can get involved with the pageant as well. The pageant has the Miss section for women 18 to 27 or a Teen section for those who are 14 to 18 years old, Powell said.

Hansen said she is competing in the Miss section along with Miss Flagstaff USA, but the Teen section of the pageant needs representatives from northern Arizona. Pageant directors are looking for more representation from the area because a majority of competitors come from Phoenix and Scottsdale.

“To have someone else to help represent Flagstaff and NAU itself would be really cool,” Hansen said.

There are a variety of different pageant systems within Arizona. The Miss Arizona USA pageant system goes on to the Miss USA and then, Miss Universe system. Both are typically televised and require a talent performance, Hansen said.

Powell said in regard to COVID-19 precautions, until they get close to the event scheduled at the end of May, they are in a waiting period. She said they will accommodate whatever restrictions are in place concerning the the pandemic at that time. Powell said they will do whatever it takes as soon as they know the date and guidelines.

Hansen said she hopes to get her name out there in order to do well in the Arizonalevel pageant. Hansen has dedicated her time to composing herself to be ready to compete.

Many people have misconceptions about pageants, but competitors like Hansen are working to show the benefits of it. She said she has gained confidence from pageantry — that confidence has helped her pick up many other skills. She has worked to honor the title of Coconino County, advocating for what she believes is right.

– Miss Coconino County USA holly Hansen JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

Greek life conducts spring recruitment virtually Emily Gerdes

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here are no more packed buses during rush week, only packed Zoom rooms.

Like other clubs and organizations, Greek life has had to adjust as it begins spring recruitment virtually. Greek life recruitment depends heavily on getting to know someone’s personality and their morals, but with a virtual environment, that is much more difficult.

Despite having to go extra leaps and bounds, sororities and fraternities have made it possible to foster sister and brotherhood through a screen.

Junior David Nielsen has been a member of Greek life since the beginning of his freshman year and now holds the position of Interfraternity Council (IFC) president. Similar to last semester, fraternity recruitment will happen virtually.

Nielsen said last semester each fraternity chapter filmed a video that was then compiled for potential new members (PNMs) to see a glimpse of what Greek life is like. Recruitment this semester will be on a smaller scale and Nielsen said they expect less interest.

He said they typically see 400 to 500 people rushing in fall, but last year there were only about 200 to 250 people that applied who were eligible to rush. The IFC sets requirements to rush at a 2.75 GPA or higher, which Nielsen said eliminated around 50 people last semester.

“Some of the people that were talking to us were hoping that by this semester, [NAU] would open back up and be in person,” Nielsen said.

“Unfortunately, it is virtual again.”

He said their decision to keep rushing completely virtual is due to school regulations and the rising transmission rates in Arizona, but they also want to be as safe as possible and do their part to not spread COVID-19 during the pandemic.

Nielsen said he has been involved in the rush process since the beginning of his time in Greek life, but due to his position, he will have to disaffiliate himself for the week. Members of Greek life temporarily remove themselves to be an impartial guide for PNMs and to avoid persuading anyone toward a particular chapter.

The IFC’s rush week has its first event, the AllFraternity Showcase, which is an introduction to all the chapters Jan. 22, while the official week will kick off Jan. 25.

Getting information out to recruit new members is something that both sororities

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and fraternities are having to learn to live with. Nielsen explained that IFC is posting on social media, as well as encouraging each of the individual chapters to share rush dates, send emails and advertise through word-of-mouth.

The online environment is difficult, but Nielsen said it is possible to get a feel for someone in a virtual space. He shared that PNMs who repeatedly come to events make it easier to have in-depth conversations.

However, Nielsen expressed concerns over the reality that PNMs are not able to see the bond and brotherhood that members within the chapter already have, which is a large part of the experience.

Fraternity brothers within each chapter have a close relationship and those in the same pledge class have an even tighter bond, which Nielsen said is his favorite part of Greek life.

Nielsen described the surrealness of he and his friends maturing from freshmen to now holding executive positions, such as chapter president, vice president, secretary and recruitment chair.

“They are my absolute best friends and it’s crazy to see how far we’ve come from being brand-new little freshmen all excited and brighteyed and bushy-tailed,” Nielsen said. “It’s incredibly special and it’s something that’s just kind of indescribable. It’s like you saw where you were when you rushed and you’re seeing where we’re bringing it with the amount of time and dedication we’re putting into the chapter. It’s just a beautiful thing.”

Nielsen said Greek life is often misunderstood — there is a level of professionalism. He said he has held resume workshops, acquired internships and that fraternity life is for anyone and everyone.

Junior Chloe Kennedy, who is the College Panhellenic Council’s vice president of recruitment internal, said in an email that all nine sorority chapters will be participating in the informal spring recruitment. She said this semester’s recruitment is not much different from other spring semesters, besides the fact that it is virtual.

She said spring recruitment is already drastically different from fall recruitment as there is usually a smaller size of PNMs and fewer events planned. Kennedy explained this gives each chapter more freedom with what they can do.

“Whether this is large Zoom calls with a lot of members of their chapter or one-on-one calls, each chapter is deciding what works best for them,” Kennedy said.

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Photo courtesy of Kylie Brennan

She explained that the chapters are relying heavily on social media to attract new interest, due to the inability to advertise in person.

Despite this obstacle, Kennedy said the chapters are pretty comfortable in an online format.

Junior Jenna Neufeld, vice president of recruitment for Pi Beta Phi, participated in the spring rush of 2019 and said Pi Phi held their recruitment events from Jan. 11 – 18.

Pi Phi held four events that were completely virtual and open to anyone interested. These events had themes such as tie-dye and pajama night that Neufeld said make the activities more fun because everyone dresses up.

Neufeld said each day had a new event, such as yoga or trivia, led by an active member of Pi Phi. The event Neufeld said she is most looking forward to will be learning a TikTok dance led by her roommate.

“I can’t dance to save my life, so I’m sure I’m going to make a fool out of myself,” Neufeld said. “I think if everybody else sees me just making a fool of myself hopefully [they] will feel comfortable to have fun and loosen up.”

She said Pi Phi tries to make these activities fun for active members and PNMs, as well as allowing them to talk one-onone and in large group settings. Neufeld explained that these settings allow women to get to know one another and understand each other’s values better.

“I think [recruitment] is a great opportunity to meet people and I know it’s been hard for a lot of girls, especially freshmen coming in who haven’t really had the chance to go out and meet a ton of new people [due to COVID],” Neufeld said. “So hopefully this is a great way for people to do that and hopefully we get a lot of girls

interested.”

Despite their virtual circumstances, Neufeld said PNMs still have the chance of getting close with their pledge class and enjoying an experience similar to one in person. Junior Kylie Brennan belongs to Kappa Delta and is the vice president of public relations. She has views that align with Neufeld’s on this issue.

Brennan said she spoke with a PNM during fall recruitment when they had a deep and constructive conversation about their definition of what friendship and sisterhood means.

Brennan said she believes that if everyone is open to the process, connections can be made despite being on Zoom.

Brennan said Kappa Delta has gotten creative with the virtual format by hosting oneon-one coffee dates with PNMs, as well as having three virtual events that PNMs can attend where they discuss topics like philanthropy.

In regard to recruitment, Brennan said she encourages PNMs to see Greek life as a way to find a sense of home and stability when the rest of the world is so unpredictable. She said Kappa Delta is heavily based on values, philanthropy and the quality of sisterhood. Brennan said they strive to find women who are passionate about those aspects of Kappa Delta.

“We ask that potential new members stay open to the process, be 100% themselves and they will find a Panhellenic chapter to call home,” Brennan said.

If individuals are interested in Greek life, they can reach out through the College Panhellenic Council’s Instagram, the NAU fraternities Instagram, IFC’s website, Panhellenic Council’s website or reach out to individual chapters through social media.

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NAU’s pet show from home Maria Rodriguez

Welcome home ‘WandaVision’

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he Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) entered its much-anticipated Phase Four with the release of its first original series “WandaVision’’ on Disney+ Jan. 15. This is the first release from Marvel Studios since “Spider-Man: Far From Home” in 2019. The series, which consists of nine episodes, follows Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), aka Scarlet Witch, and Vision (Paul Bettany), an android, through their new lives in the imaginary suburb of Westview.

The couple was last seen together in 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War” before supervillain Thanos ripped the mind stone from Vision’s head and snapped half of the universe’s population out of existence — Wanda included. Wanda and the rest of the Avengers KATELYN that were snapped away returned in 2019’s “Avengers: RODRIGUEZ Endgame” after the Avengers went back in time to CULTURE EDITOR get the infinity stones to reverse the damage done.

However, Vision remained dead.

Now, I know everyone must be wondering how Vision is alive and trust me, I am, too, but that’s something we’ll have to tune in weekly to find out.

However, it’s already known the series will tie into the upcoming Marvel Studios film “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,” which is set to release in March 2022.

Episodes 1 and 2 of “WandaVision” are set in the black-and-white style of classic sitcoms like “I Love Lucy” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” while the intro to Episode 2 pays homage to “Bewitched.” Based on the show’s trailer, “WandaVision” will span over numerous decades as the pair begin to realize Westview isn’t what it originally seemed.

Upon my first watch, I was blown away by the attention to detail and hilarity each episode brought — it truly felt like I was watching a classic sitcom.

Vision stood out as one of the many comedic centerpieces so far, as did nosey neighbor Agnes, played by Kathryn Hahn. However, in true MCU fashion, Easter eggs regarding Wanda’s past — in the form of in-episode commercials and the reality of the situation in Westview — were littered throughout. These scenes provided for some jaw-dropping and head-scratching scenarios, most of which began in Episode 2.

The second episode also introduces viewers to Dottie (Emma Caulfield Ford), who serves as the leader of the fundraiser planning committee, and Geraldine (Teyonah Parris), another newbie in Westview whom Wanda befriends. However, eagle-eyed Marvel fans may recall that Parris was cast to play none other than Monica Rambeau, the daughter of Carol Danvers’ best friend Maria Rambeau, in 2019’s “Captain Marvel.”

Overall, “WandaVision” is an insanely creative show that takes viewers on a wildly hilarious and sometimes confusing ride through the lives of Wanda and Vision, as well as Westview and possibly the Multiverse. It’s safe to say that Marvel fans have a lot to look forward to as episodes continue to roll out through March before the MCU jumps into the world of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”

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he first week of remote learning this semester is officially over at NAU. Due to the stress of the pandemic and remote courses, NAU’s Leadership, Engagement, Activities and Peer Mentoring (LEAP) organization hosted a virtual pet show on Zoom to set a positive end to the week.

Michelle Gardner, ASNAU adviser and assistant director of LEAP, coordinated and hosted a fun, interactive pet show for the entire NAU community, all while staying safe by connecting remotely.

The LEAP organization’s primary focus for NAU students is to implement the tools and opportunities required to strengthen their college experience. LEAP strives to help students develop the essential skills and confidence necessary to thrive and become socially engaged in their daily lives and future careers.

Like the virtual pet show, these opportunities allow students to engage in their community, have fun and become an involved Lumberjack. LEAP’s initiatives provide the NAU community with the outlets and means to cope with some of the struggles students face in light of current events.

“Now that COVID’s here, it’s [about] really trying to figure out creative ways to get people to interact and engage, and have an enjoyable college experience through a computer, essentially,” Gardner said. “[Every institution] is looking for creative ways, since we’ve never had to do this before.”

The event was open to any pets and pet lovers wanting to sign up online to watch or display their animal friends.

The show began with a short Q&A in the chat, asking everyone questions about their dream pets and information about their current pets. Those who wanted to show their pets raised their digital hands using Zoom’s reaction feature as Gardner coordinated each participant’s turn to show off their pet.

Junior Taijel Benton, the proud owner of a Maine coon named Hypnos, volunteered to show off her cat in the hopes to win a prize and meet new people from the virtual show.

“I’m very close with my pet, so I was like, ‘This would be perfect,’” Benton said.

A group of 14 people total attended the event, with 11 members of the group presenting their pets.

Each participant was given two to three minutes to talk about their pet, how they got them, how old they are and show off any talents and special tricks. Students were able to ask questions about their pets in the chat and share any memorable stories. The participants demonstrating their pets communicated their appreciation for their furry friends.

“It’s a nice way to make people feel included,” Benton said. “I went to ASU before for a year, and they do a lot of

things on campus, so this is a good way to make sure that you’re still feeling like a part of the community.”

Dogs were the most common pets introduced during the show, with breeds varying from English mastiffs to golden retrievers. There were few cats among the dog lovers, but the most exotic pet shown on screen was a shy 2-year-old hedgehog named Snuffles.

Junior Aimee Uribe said they are a fully-online student looking to get involved with the university’s community of students both on and off campus. Uribe attended the virtual pet show to show off her tabby cat, Rocket, to the audience of positive pet lovers.

“I’m an online student, so I don’t really get to see or be as involved on campus,” Uribe said. “It was nice to do something even if it was only for an hour with other students.”

Uribe also said the event introduced her to the LEAP organization.

Gardner said she wanted the event to allow students to remove themselves from school life for a brief moment outside of classes to engage with one another on a personal level. This opportunity allowed anyone from NAU’s community to join together in their shared enjoyment of pets.

Continue reading on Jackcentral.org

Junior Taijel Benton showed off her Maine coon, Hypnos, at the Virtual Pet Show hosted by LEAP Jan. 15. Photo courtesy of Taijel Benton

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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LEAP director Joey Ruiz held a virtual vision board event Jan. 14 where students could work together to visually depict their goals for the future. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

LEAP takes on virtual vision boards Caroline Travis

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“new year, new me” mentality is nothing to joke about following the challenges of 2020, and NAU is helping students with the transformation.

NAU’s Leadership, Engagement, Activities and Peer Mentoring (LEAP) office often organizes activities that allow students to create connections with their peers and improve themselves in order to foster a sense of community on campus.

The organization is known for coordinating speakers, comedians, concerts, Prochnow movies and other events. Recently, they held a virtual vision board night Jan. 14 via Zoom. This event aimed to help students plan their goals for the upcoming year.

Vision boards, also known as dream boards, are popular during seasons of change. People create them to help maintain their objectives and visualize what they want to accomplish, similar to New Year’s resolutions. Vision boards are usually posters with pictures and quotes that serve as a physical reminder of goals. This can range from small things like getting up earlier, to something more substantial like learning a new language.

Sophomore Allison Keinz shared a specific example of what she included on her board.

“I added a saying that said ‘just get started’ because one of the hardest things for me is just getting up the courage or will to start something, but once you do, it becomes easier and you get stronger,” Keinz said.

Keinz said she’s an elementary education major and hopes to

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implement vision boards with her students in the future.

Although these vision boards were created in an evening, their effects last far into the future. They are meant to be used as a starting point in a long journey of self-development.

“The virtual vision board activity sounded right up my alley,” Keinz said. “I love to be creative and this activity would allow me to do just that, as well as create a vision board that I will be able to use throughout the year to organize my thoughts and goals in life.”

The virtual vision board activity not only provided an opportunity for students to expand on their goals for the upcoming semester, but gave insight into campus life in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the isolation the pandemic has caused, it has never been more important to look beyond today and to hope for the future. On top of this, it is also important to participate in selfreflection that allows for personal growth that can be seen in goalsetting. This aids people in taking care of themselves during these difficult times. These were topics discussed during the event.

This online event, due to health regulations and precautions, was a look at what gatherings and events on campus look like these days: small and intimate.

With something as personal as resolutions, a small group was an optimal setting for communication to flow. The Zoom call was not only an environment to create something, but also a safe space where participants felt comfortable sharing personal struggles from the previous year and how they want to grow from it.

There was high participation in the event where students

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relied on their peers for ideas and images to represent their goals.

Participants continued to talk throughout the event bouncing recommendations off each other.

Senior Sabrina Serrano joined the event to learn different ways to set their goals and shared their intentions.

“I would like to start a small side job of taking portraits of people,” Serrano said. “This will help me become a better photographer.”

During the session, Serrano sought advice from their peers on what image to use to represent their idea.

Serrano also has other goals of helping their peers around them.

“I started my collegiate journey at the age of 15 and haven’t looked back since,” Serrano said. “My goal is to share my journey with others who may find it useful.”

Director of Student Life Experience Joey Ruiz led the event and facilitated conversation within the meeting. He made it clear throughout the event that LEAP is a resource for students to leverage. Ruiz was inspired to create this activity with his own intentions of creating a virtual vision board.

“For myself, one of my goals is to create a marketing plan that inspires students to get involved on campus,” Ruiz said.

He also went into depth explaining the importance of vision boards and how they can really aid people in prioritizing their goals and different aspects of their lives.

Although the actual event was just a little bit over an hour long, the sense of community created represents what it means to be a Lumberjack for many.

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Left: A box of fruits and vegetables waiting to be distributed as part of the FUSD “Grab and Go” food service, Jan. 15.

Right: Workers with the FUSD “Grab and Go” food service stand ready to distribute meals, Jan. 15. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

FUSD new dinner options added to ‘Grab and Go’ food services Annika Beck

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lagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) adapted to virtual learning over the past year due to COVID-19. On June 11, 2020, FUSD announced it will participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.

According to the FUSD food services website, the program offers healthy meals every school day and now includes the addition of a dinner menu. If students qualify, they may receive free or reduced-price meals. According to the meal charge policy, FUSD’s main goal for food services is to ensure every student is given the opportunity to eat a well-balanced meal.

FUSD also accommodates special dietary needs to ensure the safety and health of students.

Over the course of the 2020-21 school year, FUSD has made it a priority to offer a “Grab and Go” food service available for those 18 or younger, even if they are not enrolled in the district.

Four elementary schools and one high school are offering healthy meals for no cost every school day. According to the Arizona Daily

Sun, meals are provided at Cromer Elementary, Thomas Elementary, Leupp Elementary Killip Elementary, Kinsey Elementary, Sinagua Middle School and Flagstaff High School from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The program’s mobility allows students to receive meals even if they live farther away from the school.

Not only are meals distributed all around the Flagstaff area, but students do not have to be present if parents are picking up the provided meals. The Flagstaff Family Food Center also offers four different mobile pickups every Friday where the community receives meals for the weekend.

Killip Elementary School counselor Samantha Runger emphasized the importance of the food services available.

“Food services have always been important to our families even before the pandemic,” Runger said in an email interview.

“Approximately 96% of Killip’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch, mostly free.”

Runger also said that while some students tend to bring their own lunch to school, many families rely on the food service to provide

steady meals because some children are home alone while their parents work.

The distribution of boxes also permits families to see faculty and staff in a COVIDsafe setting. As cars pull into the pickup zones, staff and faculty will distribute food through the windows, wearing gloves and a mask covering.

“Many of our families feel more comfortable picking it up at our school site because we are familiar with them,” Runger said. “Many food boxes are handed out to families that way.”

Runger said she is happy dinner is now included in these meals because it is known that an individual functions better when their basic needs are met.

The FUSD food services website states in order for a student to qualify for free or reducedprice meals, students must belong to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, belonging to a household that receives public assistance or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway or foster.

FUSD director of food services Tanya Williams said in a Facebook Watch livestream with Flagstaff Resources on May 4, 2020 that serving the community has been great. Williams

also touched on food insecurity that families face within the community and how these meals are a helping hand in a time of need.

“Even families who are not food insecure come to our programs, enabling us to keep our program functioning for those who may be that way,” Williams said. “As of now, FUSD has provided over 60,000 meals for the Flagstaff community.”

According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap for 2018, 20,030 residents in Coconino County are impacted by food insecurity, which is the lack of nutritious food, affecting about 24% of Arizona children.

According to Data USA, about one-fifth of the community in Coconino County lives below the poverty line and COVID-19 took a toll on many community members’ incomes.

With the addition of the dinner menu, FUSD expects the number of meals to rise and will continue to support the community as long as it can. The service is also available during summer when school is not in session. More information on the FUSD food services, times and locations are listed on the district’s website.

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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Is Conor McGregor still the GOAT?

C

onor McGregor has participated in UFC fights only twice since 2017.

However, after serious inactivity and multiple arrests during that span, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor will step inside the octagon Jan. 23 to face Dustin Poirier. With the fight fast approaching, the long-debated question of McGregor’s GOAT status — an acronym for “greatest of all time” — will once again be talked about from the UFC’s Fight Island all the way to the pubs of Dublin, Ireland.

To put it simply, my answer is yes.

McGregor is the GOAT. Nobody since Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz has transcended the sport of DAVID MMA — with respect to Ronda Rousey, CHURCH as her rise to fame came around the same WRITER time as McGregor’s. Whether it’s video games or commercials, McGregor was everywhere you looked.

The man has competed in seven UFC pay-per-view main events, culminating in just under 10 million pay-per-view buys for events where he was the headliner. To put it simply, McGregor is must-see TV. McGregor was the first man in UFC history to hold championships in two separate weight classes simultaneously.

The term “champ champ” was created for him. The idea of being a double champion has recently become the standard barrier for greatness in the UFC, with only three other competitors ever accomplishing the feat: Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo.

I could sit here and list McGregor’s competitive accomplishments for days, but the fact of the matter is whenever you talk about McGregor, you have to discuss his knack for getting in trouble.

The infamous bus attack at UFC 223 media day involved McGregor throwing a metal dolly at the window of the bus.

This culminated in a brawl at UFC 229, where he was involved in a massive scrum after his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

McGregor was arrested in March 2019 for taking a man’s phone and smashing it on the ground, and was arrested in August of the same year for punching a man in a Dublin pub.

I understand that McGregor has had issues in the past.

He’s not the first, nor will he be the last UFC fighter to battle personal demons while fighting inside the octagon. However, for all that he has done wrong, it would be a shame to discredit the legacy, dedication and drive McGregor has shown over a professional MMA career spanning over 10 years.

He put the entire UFC on his back and carried it to the mountaintop of popularity, and on Saturday, Jan. 23 at UFC 257, the greatest mixed martial artist of all time will make his return.

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Junior Daniel Dillon (left) high-fives sophomore Joachim Schaefer (right) during a doubles match, Jan. 30. 2020.

Shannon Swain | The Lumberjack

NAU men’s tennis prepared to defend Big Sky title Will hopkins

T

he Lumberjacks men’s tennis team rang in the new year the right way by being ranked No. 1 in the Big Sky Conference preseason poll. The ranking does come with a caveat, as the team splits the honor with the University of Montana, but nonetheless, the team has high expectations for this season.

The Lumberjacks have been in this position before. Last season, the team was the top dog in the conference following a 22-7 year where they went unbeaten at home and posted a 19game winning streak — the longest in program history.

The main challenger still remains the same as well. Montana and NAU have been the two premier teams in the Big Sky since NAU coach Maciej Bogusz took over in the 2018-19 season.

“I have a lot of respect for that team [Montana],” Bogusz said. “I know the coach is a very process-oriented coach, similar to our program. His team is going to be getting better as the season goes on. We’d love to face them at some point in the tournament.”

The Lumberjacks’ roster is similar to last year’s, but there are some NAU newcomers that could make a difference as they

look to secure their second conference title of the Bogusz era.

Three new faces are big news for the Lumberjacks, starting with Marcus Sulen, who joins the squad as a junior transferring from the University of Louisville. Sulen was sidelined for the majority of last season, prior to the pandemic. However, two years ago, he was one of the top-ranked junior players in Norway, ranking as high as No. 6.

Joining Sulen are freshmen Maciej Ziomber and Dominick Buzonics.

During a year when chemistry may be hard to develop quickly, senior Chris Steele said the newcomers fit in for one particular reason.

“We’ve bonded over our hard work and that common goal of winning a championship, so it was an easy transition when they’re already on board with putting everything on the line,” Steele said.

The Lumberjacks won’t be relying on new players for everything, though. A key contributor will be junior Facundo Tumosa, who was the Big Sky Freshman of the Year in 2019.

Tumosa struggled last season, going 5-8 in singles before the cancellation, and 5-6 when he partnered with senior Eban Straker-Meads, who was 8-4 on his own last season.

Junior Daniel Dillon was the Swiss Army knife for NAU,

SPORTS playing 11 matches on four different courts. His primary doubles partner in sophomore Joachim Schaefer will be looking to improve on a 5-3 singles record.

Sophomore Alex Groves will seek a bounce-back season after a 5-6 record last year, splitting his time between two courts.

Finally, the second senior on the roster, Steele, will attempt to wrap up his college career with a Big Sky title in his hometown of Phoenix.

“I’ve played there my whole life, so I know exactly how those courts are in those conditions and I think we’re ready for it,” Steele said.

He held a 4-7 singles record in the shortened 2020 season.

The list of returning players may be long, but the one key player who will not be returning to the court for the Lumberjacks is David Nguyen, who graduated last year and opted to not return for another season.

“It was a shame losing David,” Straker-Meads said of Nguyen’s absence. “He’s got a lot of experience.”

The schedule for this season has changed in order to limit risk for the players due to COVID-19. While an NAU and Montana matchup would be a highly-anticipated affair, the two will have to wait until May in the conference tournament for their chance to square off.

The conference has been divided into two divisions: North and South. The top two teams in each division will qualify for the conference championships, where the winners of each division will face the runners-up of the other in round one. Then, the winners of those matchups advance to the final.

NAU will likely be the favorite to win the South with their challengers being Weber State, California State, Sacramento and Idaho State. Montana will have to go through rival Montana State, Portland State and Eastern Washington in order to reach Phoenix.

While the two avoid each other, NAU has a considerably harder path than Montana. Weber State and Sacramento State came in at No. 3 and No. 4 in the preseason poll, respectively, with Idaho State ranked ninth. Sacramento State was also the only team other than NAU and Montana to receive first-place votes.

Bogusz was not dismissing any opponents.

“I really feel like this year because of the break and the extra year of eligibility, there are no weak teams in our conference,” Bogusz said.

The No. 1 ranking in the Big Sky is nothing new for the Lumberjacks, but this may be one of the most anticipated seasons for the team in recent history. Not only are they coming back after nearly a year off from competitive play, but the team is seeking to defend their 2019 title in a heavily contested conference.

The matchup with Montana will loom large all season, but the team can’t afford to let that affect their play against opponents. The team will look to replicate their 2019 run and take home back-to-back conference titles when its season opens Feb. 7 at ASU.

“We’ve bonded over our hard work and that common goal of winning a championship, so it was an easy transition when they’re already on board with putting everything on the line.”

– NAU SENIOR CHRIS STEELE

Junior Facundo Tumosa serves the ball during a singles match, Jan. 30, 2020. Shannon Swain| The Lumberjack

JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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Senior opposite Heaven Harris (24) spikes the ball against Idaho State University, Sept. 20, 2018. Bess Valdez | The Lumberjack

Young roster set to shine for NAU volleyball Arthur meyer

T

he COVID-19 pandemic led to the postponement of the NAU volleyball team’s season as the Big Sky Conference moved all fall sports to the spring. For all NAU and Big Sky fans, spring is arriving and sports are returning.

The Lumberjacks has a lot to look forward to this season as they will play a 16-game, conference-exclusive schedule. With the team having only conference play, a sense of optimism is in the air as they finished third last season in the Big Sky with a record of 13-5.

NAU will host eight games this season, which may bode well after posting an 11-1 record at home last season. With modifications from the pandemic, no NAU fans will be able to attend games at the Rolle Activity Center. Fans can still watch all Big Sky sports on Pluto TV. The team, however, looks very different compared to past rosters as it is a young group that lost two key players last season.

Abby Akin and Sydney Lema, two of the team’s former veteran leaders, both graduated. Lema is still with the Lumberjacks as a graduate assistant coach..

NAU will rely on its young stars to help make a push for the postseason. Head coach Ken Murphy spoke highly of the team’s leadership despite its youth, as did senior opposite hitter Heaven Harris.

“The freshmen proved they can play with the rest of us,” Harris said.

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Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Jacobsen, who was named to the 2019 Big Sky second team, excelled last year by finishing second on the team in total kills. Now, with a whole year of experience under her belt, she will look to take her game to the next level. Jacobsen said she wants to step into a bigger leadership role with this team.

“Trying to earn MVP, that has always been a goal of mine, but winning a conference championship is something I really want this year,” Jacobsen said.

Part of that leadership comes from the lone senior on the team, Harris. She was named to consecutive Big Sky AllConference first teams in 2018 and 2019.

Although she missed 11 games in the 2019-20 campaign, Harris is looking to come back stronger than ever, which may be difficult with the success she achieved last season. She finished second on the team in hitting efficiency last season and is seventh all-time in NAU history in hitting efficiency at 30.3%. Even though Harris is the oldest on the team, she likes to view herself more as the “fun aunt” rather than the mom of the group.

Murphy has only one losing season in his NAU tenure that began in 2013, but that team still went 9-7 in conference play during the 2017 season. Murphy has a 69.4% winning clip through seven years at NAU, while winning 73% of the time in conference games.

The Lumberjacks look to continue their strong seasons under Murphy, while only playing in conference games.

“I like what I’m seeing in the gym,” Murphy said. “We are

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getting better and better every day.”

The expectation for this team is a championship. NAU has a leg up on some of the competition as the team was able to practice last semester, while other teams couldn’t.

Murphy said he hopes to lead the Lumberjacks to another Big Sky Championship as they lost in the semifinals of the conference tournament last season. He has led them to two conference championships throughout his NAU tenure. Murphy can lead the Lumberjacks to the Big Dance for a third time with a conference title. The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship will take place in April with the national semifinals and national championship game scheduled for April 22 and April 24, respectively.

There are high expectations for the season and the Lumberjacks will look to make a push for the tournament with the leadership of Harris and Jacobsen.

NAU’s schedule consists of back-to-back games against its Big Sky opponents. The only conference teams NAU will not compete against are the University of Montana and Idaho State University due to the shortened season.

The 2021 season is scheduled to begin Jan. 24 at home against California State University, Sacramento.

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JANUARY 21, 2021 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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