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FOURTH ESTATE February 6, 2017 | Volume 4 Issue 13 George Mason University’s official student news outlet gmufourthestate.com | @IVEstate
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Giant Food reopening
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Students stand up, speak out
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Homecoming calendar
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Fourth Estate Crime Log
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MacKenzie Reagan Sosan Malik Co-Editors-In-Chief
Todd Gonda Copy Chief
Jan. 28
2017-001012 & 2017-001067 / Credit Card/ Automatic Teller Machine Fraud Complainant (GMU) reported receiving fraudulent charges to their credit card. California, USA | Inactive | 11:44 PM
WE ARE HIRING! We are currently looking to fill the following editor positions:
- SPORTS - CULTURE - ONLINE/ SOCIAL MEDIA/ MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT
- PHOTO
Megan Zendek Art Director
Fareeha Rehman Online Editor
Natalia Kolenko Campus Editor
Mia Wise Assistant Campus Editor
Billy Ferguson
Jan. 29
2017-001072 / Hit and Run Complainant (GMU) reported a hit and run of a light pole. PV Lot| Inactive | Unknown
Graphics Editor
Emmett Smith Distribution Manager
Kathryn Mangus Director
David Carroll Associate Director
Jan. 31
2017-001148 / Simple Assault Complainant (GMU) reported being struck in the face by a customer (GMU) at the bookstore.
Leslie Steiger Fiscal and Operations Assistant Director
Alyssa Swaney Sales Team
Wesley Ward Sales Team
GMU Bookstore Lobby | Pending |10:02 AM
Jason Brightman Sales Team
Feb. 1
We are always recruiting new members for our staff teams: - NEWS WRITERS - CULTURE WRITERS - SPORTS WRITERS - COPY EDITORS - DESIGNERS - PHOTOGRAPHERS For inquiries, please email a resume and two clips (or samples of work for visuals) to:
2017-001226 / Hit and Run Complainant (GMU) reported a hit and run of a parking garage gate arm. Shenandoah Deck Level 2 Exit| Closed |6:53 PM
Feb. 1
2017-001220 / Peeping Tom Subject (Non-GMU) was caught in the act of peeping into windows. Subject was arrested and transported to Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Presidents Park (Multiple Locations) |Cleared by Arrest |6:31 PM - 7:51 PM
eic@gmufourthestate.com AND apply online at:
http://c2ms.info/osmapply
ON THE COVER
Photo by Lottye Lockhart.
Fourth Estate is printed each Monday for George Mason University and its surrounding Fairfax community. The editors of Fourth Estate have exclusive authority over the content that is published. There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the Editor-in-Chief should be notified at the email provided. Fourth Estate is a free publication, limit one copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents payable to the Office of Student Media. Mail Fourth Estate George Mason University Mail stop 2C5 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Va. 22030 Phone 703-993-2950
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Campus News
2.6.2017
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Giant Food reopening Grocery store in University Mall set to reopen doors with upgraded additions KEIRSTEN ROBINSON | STAFF WRITER
The newly-renovated Giant Food grocery store in University Mall is reopening its doors since its closure over the summer for renovations. Mason’s proximity to Giant and the large student population it serves were big influences for the new renovations for the store, according to Kathryn Kajfez, the associate account executive for Susan Davis International, the PR firm that represents Giant Food, in an email. “Because it is so close to campus, we
have made many additions that will help Mason students spend less time thinking about groceries and cooking and more time focused on school and extracurricular activities,” Kajfez said. According to Giant’s announcement, the new store includes many attractions to pull college-aged students in, including a sushi bar and a Starbucks café with free Wi-Fi. The new store also has various new features, such as fresh-cut fruit and vegetable stations, a fresh orange juice maker and an expansive selection of prepared food and to-go items. The new store is within walking
distance of camous. The announcement added that the store also has a fully functioning pharmacy with prescription services and vaccinations offered. As an added incentive, Mason students will receive a 5 percent discount on all purchases from now until the end of February to celebrate the grand reopening.
a need to bring my car to school with me,” Feser said.
Junior Molly Feser is excited about the new additions to Giant.
“I will probably start doing my shopping there, because they have a lot of the food options that I would normally go to Target for, but since it’s right there, it’s really convenient for me,” Walter said.
“It’s great for me, because I don’t have a car on campus, so it’s convenient for me to be able to walk across the street to get my groceries. It definitely relieves some of the pressure of feeling
Freshman Lindsay Walter is most excited about the prepared and to-go food section, because “as a heavily involved college student, it can sometimes be difficult to always have enough time to prepare and eat meals,” she said.
Sophomore Sophia Rizzo is happy to have a pharmacy so close to campus and plans to switch to the new Giant pharmacy from the CVS in Fairfax. “Dealing with unreliable rides every time I needed to pick up a prescription was such a hassle, so I’m very excited for a closer pharmacy that I can access within just a few minutes whenever I need something, instead of having to wait sometimes days to find a ride,” Rizzo said. The announcement said the grand reopening of Giant starts Thursday, Feb. 9, at 12 p.m,, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Student Government update Key legislation, discussion and debates RYAN COONEY | STUDENT GOVERNMENT BEAT WRITER
Mason’s Student government met Jan. 26 for its weekly meeting in Merten Hall 1201. Key legislation of the day included discussion on Resolution 29, in support of bettering the relationship between student government and the Fairfax City Council and discussion on Bill 16, which served to amend the code of student government. Resolution 29, which passed unanimously in the Government and Community Relations Committee just days before, served to improve the relationship between Mason and the people of Fairfax. The resolution was created in the effort to extend an olive branch and form a partnership with the city council, according to the committee. Following a half-hour debate, however, Resolution 29 was sent back to the Government and
Community Relations Committee to be reworded.
for State Affairs and Undersecretary for Information Technologies Services.
Bill 16, which provided numerous amendments to the code of Student Government, was also brought back for discussion. When signing the bill, President Nathan Pittman used his line-item veto, or ability to strike certain parts of legislation without vetoing the entirety of the legislation, to veto point Z.
The Senate appointed Greg Warren to the position of Secretary of University Services. Warren cited his two years of serving on the student senate as well as his wish to provide assistance and help to those in campus organizations as the reason he would be a good choice for the position. Warren added that he would help by taking ideas and utilizing his experiences to help influence positive change on campus.
Point Z would have changed the number of people serving on the Elections and Disputes Committee from nine to seven. Pittman cited that currently, the Elections and Disputes Committee has a hard time organizing and running the elections in both the spring and the fall, thus there is a need to keep the present number of people—nine—serving the committee. The veto was sustained by the senate. The senate also served appointments to the offices of the Secretary of University Services, Undersecretary
Blair Schaefer was also appointed to the position of Undersecretary for State Affairs. On why she would be a good choice for the position, Schaefer
cited her interest in state politics since her freshmen year of high school as well as her numerous internships with both lawmakers and private attorneys. The last appointment of the day was Samir Shah for the position of Undersecretary for Information Technologies. Shah has an interest in
technology and a history of helping the student government. Shah said he hopes to create a service that would ease communication between senators and students, create a system for a future bike share program at Mason and overall better Mason for the students and faculty alike.
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Campus News
2.6.2017
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Students protest Trump We asked several students why they joined the protest against Trump’s executive order banning immigrants and refugees SARAH BASSIL | STAFF WRITER
communities across the globe.” -senior Mohammad Abou-Ghazala
Why did you decide to join the protest against Trump’s executive order banning immigrants and refugees from certain countries?
“I came to show solidarity with those being hurt by Donald Trump and the Republicans, to help stop the injustice and in hopes that they’ll stand with me if and when I become the target.” - senior Josh Denty
“I helped organize this, not just because I am Syrian and have family still there, but more fundamentally because it violates basic human ethics and is part of a larger framework of power that marginalizes and oppresses
“I came out today because I am a Muslim student from George Mason from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and I wanted to support my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. Furthermore, my father who is Muslim and is not an American
citizen is under the potential threat of not entering the country if Trump chooses to ban Pakistanis, which will prevent my father from coming to the US and being with his family.” -freshman Dania Laiq “Although I personally am not affected by this executive order, or really any of them, I knew that this was an amoral decision that is rooted solely in hatred, bigotry and fear. As a somewhat decent human being, I couldn’t just stand by and let this happen without a fight.” -sophomore Conor Armstrong
“I am a first-generation Sudanese-American. One of the seven countries that are placed under the Muslim ban is my home country, Sudan. My entire extended family lives back home, so knowing that it will be difficult to see them for who knows how much longer deeply saddens me. My last living grandparent, my grandmother, used to come here to visit us on a green card. We never know when our time is coming, and now with Trump’s ban, my mom may never see her mother again.” -freshman Alaa Ali
“As a child of South African political refugees who moved to the US during their twenties for a chance at better educational opportunities, I find it unacceptable that the U.S. is restricting immigrants on the basis of religious discrimination… Attending this protest is my first step in standing up against this executive order and the bigotry that President Trump is promoting with his actions. ” -junior Dineo Moja
(PHOTO BY LOTTYE LOCKHART / OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA)
(PHOTOS BY NATALIA KOLINKO / FOURTH ESTATE)
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Metro
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Gov. McAuliffe meets with student journalists At luncheon, McAuliffe speaks on immigration ban, education FAREEHA REHMAN | ONLINE EDITOR
On Feb. 1, Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) welcomed a select few Virginia college reporters into the Executive Mansion. Over an intimate three-course luncheon,
Gov. McAuliffe expressed his disapproval of the recent executive order from President Trump that called for a halt on immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries. “Immigrants built this country,” McAuliffe said in response to George
Mason students affected by the ban. “Discriminatory tactics is not who we are as a nation.” The executive order “is just plain unconstitutional,” he added. The ban is also a cause for concern for Americans overseas, and makes him nervous for his son in the Marine Corps, the governor said. The order had “put a target on U.S. citizens travelling” abroad.
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Just five days prior, McAuliffe held his own press conference in Dulles International
Airport and was heartened at the sight of hundreds of protesters. McAuliffe repeated throughout the luncheon the necessity of young people’s involvement in democracy. “Young people got to get in on the game on these issues,” said McAuliffe, speaking on the low number of young voter turnout in the election. “I don’t get it.” The governor then turned to issues specific to Virginia. McAuliffe mentioned that the Virginia General Assembly has “had good, bipartisan agreement” on plans for Virginia’s economy, education and transportation. Education reform is high on McAuliffe’s list or priorities. “Getting credit for
seats isn’t getting prepared for the 21st century,” he said. From K-12 to higher education, students need to learn “the skills to match the jobs open today.” Affordable higher education was on the governor’s mind as well, saying that it makes no sense that student loans are not re-financeable like mortgages and car payments. (For the 2016-2017 school year, George Mason University tuition increased by 2.7 percent.) The luncheon ended with a brief tour, the mansion walls honoring figures such as Virginian Barbara Rose Johns, a 16-year-old who protested segregation in 1951, which paved way for Brown vs. Board of Education.
(PHOTO BY LOTTYE LOCKHART / OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA)
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Culture
2.6.2017
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Valentine’s Day date ideas JAMES STEMPLE | STAFF WRITER
We all know that dreaded feeling: checking your bank account and seeing the equivalent of a tumbleweed rolling through the desert. It’s a common stereotype that college students are broke. For many of us, as sad as it is, that stereotype is true. With car payments, rent, student loans, food and tuition, there’s always something sucking the green away from our pockets. This is quite a problem for those who may be in a relationship, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up. Luckily, not all dates have to be filled with fancy dinners, large bouquets and tons of chocolate. Here are a few ideas that might be a bit easier on your pocket this Valentine’s Day. You could build your relationship by building a blanket fort and having a movie marathon. Forts aren’t just for little kids, you know. This Valentine’s Day, you might consider getting together with your significant other and having a little fun building a fort out of your sheets, blankets and pillows. Create your own comfy castle to cuddle in, lay down with a laptop, or set up a TV and watch a ton of movies. With the weather being a little bit cooler nowadays, it might not be too fun (or romantic) to eat food in the cold. No matter: lay down your picnic blanket indoors and have yourselves a little indoor picnic. Make some
PB&J sandwiches and pack some cheap snacks like trail mix or your favorite chips and hide from the cold together. However, you could always brave the cold and take a day trip to D.C. Round trip Metro ticket—as well as food while you’re there—may cost you few bucks, but there’s nothing like visiting our nation’s capital with someone you care about. The Smithsonian museums are free and quite interesting to look around. Don’t forget your jacket! Your jacket will certainly come in handy if you take a brisk walk through the cold over to University Mall for a movie. The Office of Student Involvement sometimes offers free tickets to movies, which eases your bank account even more. Worried that the movie won’t let you talk to that special someone? Fret not, walking back to campus could allow you to talk all about how good (or bad) that movie was. Or, for a few more bucks, you could stop by one of the many shops near the theater for coffee, a smoothie or some good ol’ greasy food. After your movie finishes, you could always walk to the Mason Pond for a nice view. The Mason pond can be quite the place to just chill out and ease your mind. Why not share the serenity? Bring a blanket at night to bundle up with (and maybe another to sit on, if you don’t want to sit on the benches) and look at the stars. It’s great to ponder how big the universe
is with someone who is your universe. Maybe you’ll even get into a heated debate (all in good fun) about the existence of aliens. Mobius Records is a new and used records store just a few minutes from Mason, and it’s a great spot to hang out with your date and look through the creative cover art from new, old and local bands. They usually play music at the store, the staff is really nice and they have record players set up for people who want the vinyl experience. Warning: this may not be easy on your pocket if you’re a music lover. Few feelings rival the first cup of coffee of the day. Why not have it with someone you care about? For a few bucks, you can take your special someone to the many coffee spots around campus and do what you know in your heart you’re best at: having a delightful conversation. If you get bored, use that warm beverage in your stomach to brave the cold weather and do some people watching around campus. There are
(GRAPHIC BY BILLY FURGUSON / FOURTH ESTATE)
tons of interesting people on campus, and you and your date can make up backgrounds for strangers that pass by —all in good fun. Despite this list, there’s something to keep in mind when planning a Valentine’s Day date: it’s not about
how much money you spend, it’s about what you mean to your special someone and what they mean to you. Any date can be exciting as long as you can turn it into an adventure. Life is an adventure, and it’s a whole lot better when you have someone to take along with you on this crazy ride.
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Sports
2.6.2017
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Happy Homecoming, Patriots! Check out these events planned for the week: MONDAY Feb. 6
6 p.m. Homecoming Parade and Kick-off
TUESDAY Feb. 7
12 p.m. Patriot’s Day of Service 7:30 p.m. Homecoming Groceringo
WEDNESDAY Feb. 8
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Feb. 9
Feb. 10
Feb. 11
12 p.m. Brave & Bold Laser Tag
6 p.m. Homecoming Game Show
3 p.m. 3v3 Basketball Tournament
1 p.m. “Hello, Patriot!” Story Time
7 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Davidson
7 p.m. Alumni Beer Tasting (ticket required)
4:30 p.m. Team Competition Lip Sync Battle
3 p.m. Alumni Indoor Block Party (ticket required)
5 p.m. Regional Alumni Happy Hours (ticket required)
3 p.m. Outdoor Block Party
7 p.m. Wrestling vs. Navy 8 p.m. Onesie Wednesday Movie Screening: “Moana”
6 p.m. Baseball First Pitch Dinner (ticket required)
SUNDAY Feb. 12
2 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs. Richmond
6 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Fordham 8 p.m. Alumni Post-Game Party
8 p.m. Turtle After Dark Happy Hour (21+) (ADVERTISEMENT)