Vol. 65, Issue 10

By Kara Lee

Queer Youth Assemble organized rallies and marches nationwide for this year’s Trans Day of Visibility.

On March 31, protesters gathered in front of the Bexar County Courthouse, which was the starting point of the San Antonio-based march.

Different groups participated in the march, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Veterans for Equality.

The march took place because American lawmakers are currently attempting to pass 449 bills that would harm the LBGTQ+ community. These bills would limit healthcare that would be accessible to trans individuals, ban dressing as a male or female impersonator in

public and discussing sexuality in schools. If even a minority of these bills pass it can still be devastating to the LGBTQ+ community. The Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ+ youth suicide-prevention organization, stated that 71% of LGBTQ+ youth said the debating of these bills has made their mental health decline. The Trevor Project also stated 86% of trans youth said this legislation had negative outcomes on mental health.

Benjamin Clodfelter, a Veterans for Equality member, spoke about bills such as SB 1029 and SB 14 that target the LGBTQ+ community.

“So our group and myself included feel really passionate about trying to defend marginalized people and marginalized groups all across the country,” Clodfelter said. “I also have

By Gauri Raje News Editor

dear friends that are trans, and with the nature of the discourse that’s happening across the country right now, myself and a bunch of other veterans felt motivated. [We said], ‘Hey, I’ve got the training and experience to do something about it and try to step in and help keep people safe.’”

Clodfelter remarked that the U.S. government’s target of marginalized groups is an attack on the people of the United States.

“Several of my close friends have children, and they’re at risk of losing their children to Child Protective Services,” Clodfelter said. “There [are] a lot of other veterans that I know that are trans that will not be able to identify [as such] on official documents. If this legislation passes, these people will not be able to receive the health

care that they need. We already have a huge problem with veteran suicides in the United States, further ostracizing trans veterans that already were [at] great risk of suicide as it is; it’s just asking that they’re saying they want my friends to kill themselves, and I’m not okay with that.”

Ariana Ruiz, one of the march’s participants, talked about the first-hand impact of anti-trans legislation.

“Being a trans woman of color in San Antonio is just really nerve-racking these past couple of months because of all that’s going on with these antiLGBTQ+ bills, and feeling safe in my city is important to me,” Ruiz said. “That’s pretty much why I’m here.”

Ruiz explained why the political spotlight has been focused on the trans community these

past few months and why the lawmakers are attempting to enact these measures.

“I think we’re being targeted because people just don’t understand us,” Ruiz said. “They don’t. They’re afraid to know the truth about who we are. This is a country of diversity, and [it] does not need to be divided anymore.”

Despite the presence of counter-protesters, speakers continued to share personal stories and tales of hardships about what it means to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. As the speakers finished, the march began. Participants made their way to St. Mary’s street before ending in front of Heat, a popular gay nightclub.

New grant will improve OER awareness and engagement

By Gauri Raje News Editor

UTSA recently received a $10,000 grant to “promote faculty adoption and student awareness” of open educational resources, also known as OERs.

OERs are openly licensed educational resources, including textbooks, that are available for free in the public domain.

The university’s efforts to promote OERs began in 2016 with the Adopt A Free Textbook initiative. Since then, UTSA Libraries has been working with faculty to implement OERs into their courses as a way to defer the cost of textbooks.

“It is important to recognize that open educational resources are critical in our pursuit as a multicultural institution in promoting equity in our education,” Zachary Nepote, Student Government Association presidential candidate, said.

This new grant, awarded by the Driving OER Sustainability for Student Success (DOERS3)

Collaborative, will further help the university identify any gaps in its efforts to promote OERs.

“The goal is to basically assess ourselves [with regards to] OER,” DeeAnn Ivie, UTSA’s open education coordinator, said. “We’re trying to see how [we] can do better as far as awareness and engagement with OER amongst faculty and students. But also, how can we leverage OER in more equitable and inclusive ways at UTSA.”

Ivie applied for the grant along with two other campus partners after receiving an email from UT System Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rebecca Karoff. The grant was collectively awarded to UTSA Libraries, Academic Innovation and Student Success.

The assessment will be conducted based on a Creative Commons Licensed rubric created by DOERS3. This means that the rubric can be customized.

“We have the permission to adjust [the rubric] for our institution,” Ivie said. “We can choose and adjust things based on what we feel like works best for UTSA.”

At UTSA, the focus will be on “student and practitioner aspects.” This includes looking at OERs in the learning environment, the impact of OERs on underrepresented groups of students and the general awareness of OERs amongst students to ensure they are aware of classes that specifically use OERs.

“We’re choosing to tailor it and focus on those particular groups because that’s where we feel like we need more help,” Ivie said.

Currently, Academic Innovation, UTSA Libraries and Student Success are working individually to conduct a gap analysis which is due in April.

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

‘Building the Nest:’ A university-wide fundraiser for 1969 minutes

Graphic Artist

Jonathan Porter/The Paisano

Chloe Williams/The Paisano

UTSA

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every year, UTSA initiates a Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign which aims to empower survivors while promoting awareness and support of the survivor community. This year’s theme is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” Throughout the month, the university will hold various events that provide opportunities for Roadrunners to learn more about UTSA’s culture of responsibility and the available support services. The kickoff will take place at the “Start by Believing” table at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5 on the Rowdy Lawn, where students can take a pledge to “Start by Believing” when a survivor of sexual violence discloses to you.

Texas

Last week, a federal judge in Texas ruled that officials of Llano County must return more than a dozen books that were removed from public libraries — many because of their LGBTQ+ and racial content — within 24 hours. CNN reports that the order comes after seven residents sued county officials in April 2022, claiming their First and 14th Amendment rights were violated when the books were removed or restricted.

U.S.

At least 32 people have been confirmed dead after severe thunderstorms and tornadoes tore through Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Tennessee, New Jersey and Arkansas last week. Currently, the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center warns of an “enhanced risk” of another outbreak Tuesday of this week, which may bring more tornadoes as well as hail and powerful wind gusts.

A federal judge in Texas struck down an Affordable Care Act policy last Thursday that required private health insurers to fully cover preventative care services at no cost to patients. The ruling affects dozens of potentially lifesaving preventative services such as drugs that prevent H.I.V. transmission and screenings for adolescent depression, as reported by The New York Times. The ruling, which applies nationwide, went into effect immediately.

World

Saudi Arabia and other major oil producers announced on Sunday that they will be making surprise cuts to crude oil production totaling up to 1.15 million barrels per day starting in May of this year. The production cut is expected to support the price of oil and reduce the global oversupply of crude, which has been a major challenge for the oil industry in recent years. According to Politico, the production cuts could increase U.S. gas prices by roughly 26 cents per gallon.

State of the City — Week of April 4

Continued Giving Day

In an effort to raise funds, UTSA will be hosting Giving Day, an opportunity for the university to raise money, from April 4 to April 5, 2023.

“Giving Days are a best practice in higher education funding,” Heather Green, senior director of Annual Giving, said. “Other universities have been hosting these mega-giving days to attract as much money as possible on those days. UTSA’s effort is modeled after those efforts.”

The event’s theme is “Build The Nest” — a nod to the Roadrunner community.

By Lauren Hernandez Assistant Arts & Life Editor

Misc:

On March 31, San Antonio portrait artist Angel RodriguezDíaz died at age 67. RodriguezDíaz used his portraits to reflect on cultural, political and social issues. His artworks have been featured in multiple galleries and museums across the country, such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago and the San Antonio Museum of Art. He created several public art projects in San Antonio, such as “The Beacon” and “Crossroads of Enlightenment.” These artworks will continue to show RodriguezDíaz’s impact on San Antonio.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, the Pig Stand, a historic Broadway diner that permanently closed in March, auctioned off about 200 prized pigs and other memorabilia that decorated the restaurant. The Pig Stand had been in operation for 101 years, but the former owner, Mary Ann Hill, was forced to close its doors due to her health. The money made from auctioning off the pig memorabilia, which included porcelain pig figures, piggy banks and pig cookie jars, will go to the former employees of the diner.

San Antonio’s Pearl complex has extended its free parking hours until June 30. Pearl visitors parking in the 281 North, 281 South, Greyson or West lots can take advantage of free parking from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. After 2 p.m. on these days, there is

Chloe Williams/The Paisano

a $3 fee. From Friday through Sunday, the first 30 minutes of parking are free and then a $10 fee is required. At the Riverwest and Norwell lots, there is free parking for the first two hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and then a $10 parking fee as well.

Crane flies – long-legged winged insects commonly known as mosquito hawks –have been abundant in San Antonio lately. They are most often found around streams and lakes. Due to the damp weather that the city has faced recently, these insects are being found everywhere in large numbers. Luckily, the myth that crane flies bite similar to mosquitoes is just that – a myth. Crane flies are harmless, but mosquitoes will take their place once they are gone for the spring.

Crime:

On Wednesday, March 29, a San Antonio man’s vehicle was stolen from his Northside home. Using an Apple AirTag, the man was able to track his truck down, finding it at a shopping center in the 3200 block of Southeast Military Drive. SAPD spokesperson Nick Soliz said the man saw his truck in the parking lot and did not wait for the police to arrive before confronting the person inside. The man claims that the person in the truck had a gun, prompting a “firefight.” Police believed that the car thief victim was the only one who fired shots, and they have not confirmed if there was more than one weapon at the crime scene. The suspected thief was shot and pronounced dead, and the shooter is not expected to face charges, although an investigation is ongoing.

Voting information you need to know

By Riley Carroll Arts & Life Editor

Roadrunners, have you registered to vote for the Bexar County municipal elections?

Here is what you need to know about the upcoming voter registration deadlines.

What elections are coming up? What will be on the ballot?

May 6 is Bexar County’s municipal election date. This will cover elections for the mayor, all 10 City Council seats and a police reform charter amendment.

When are the elections, and where can I vote?

The election will be held on Saturday, May 6. If you plan on voting in person, early voting begins Monday, April 24, and ends Tuesday, May 2.

If you plan on voting by mail, make sure your mail-in ballot applications are received by Tuesday, April 25. Completed ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 if the

carrier envelope is not postmarked. If the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day, completed ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 8.

When and where can I register to vote? How do I check my voter registration status?

To vote in the May 6 election, you must register by Thursday, April 6. You can register to vote on the Texas Secretary of State website or the Bexar County Elections Department website. The state of Texas does not offer online or same-day voter registration.

How do I check my voter registration status?

You can check your voter registration status online by following the prompts on the Texas Secretary of State website or the Bexar County Elections Department website.

For a full schedule of votingrelated dates, visit https://www. sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/ important-election-dates.shtml.

“Building the Nest is really all about supporting our students,” Green said. “We tend to focus on students’ success and bringing down economic barriers for students to help them succeed, and [ensuring] Giving Day has a big impact on student success is really our focus.”

The university’s first Giving Day took place in 2021. Since then, the event has been an annual practice. The event will start at 10:11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, and will continue until 7 p.m. the next day — a total of 1969 minutes that pays homage to the university’s founding year. Throughout this time, individuals can donate to the university’s different departments and programs.

Green also emphasized that sharing details about the event on social media and “[talking] about why UTSA is important [and] why people should invest in it” is just as important and helpful.

Donors can choose to donate to participating departments and programs, and other programs.

“The programs that are on the website are the ones that are being highlighted or are actively participating in Giving Day,” Green said.

All the colleges and schools at the university participate in the event alongside programs like the Roadrunner Pantry and UTSA Athletics. This year, there are around 50 projects that are currently listed on the website.

“So, all the major programs and then those efforts that are really important to our students and their success and things that donors like to support [are listed],” Green said.

“Everyone can participate in Giving Day

“Everyone can participate in Giving Day,” Green said. “Even if you can’t give a lot, a little gift counts a lot because we focus on participation. It doesn’t matter if the gift is $5 or $500. It all counts.”

In 2021, a total of 2,217 donors participated and over $344,000 was raised. In 2022, this number increased to 2,747, with a total of over $577,000 raised. For 2023, the goal is to hit 3,000 donors.

“A lot of that has to do [with the fact that] our alumni base is a little bit younger than other institutions who have been around longer than us, so we focus on just getting people to make a gift so that they can make a difference at UTSA,” Green added.

The three programs on the leaderboard with the most donations and donors can earn extra prize money. Last year, the program with the most donations and donors was UTSA Athletics, which received the prize for both categories. This year, the event also offers second and third-place prizes. Departments and programs can use the funds they raised for a variety of things like scholarships and funding for student success centers and student-related programming.

For anyone interested in donating, the event’s website — https://givingday.utsa.edu/ — will be live in the aforementioned window. In addition, more information about different departments and projects and their focus for the year can also be found on the website.

”

Chloe Williams/The Paisano

Shootings and inaction: the continuing trend OPINION

Nashville, Tennessee, suffers school shooting, leaving six dead

Nashville, Tennessee, is mourning the loss of three school children — all just nine years old — and three adult staff members of the Covenant School, after their lives were taken during a shooting on the school’s campus. The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Audrey “Aiden” Hale, was a former student with no criminal records. Hale committed the shooting with three legally purchased firearms, according to ABC News. Police action during the confrontation was swift and concise, ending the shooter’s rampage just three minutes after they arrived on the scene, per CNN. This stands in stark contrast to the police conduct surrounding the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, just under a year ago.

Tennessee, a Republican stronghold known for having loose gun laws, is a prime example of how the only solution for America’s gun violence epidemic is preventive action that ensures firearms do not fall into violent hands. Tennessee lawmakers even worked to further loosen gun laws in the weeks before the shoot-

ing at The Covenant School. The police response was swift; there were good guys with guns on the scene, yet six people still lost their lives in a trend that claims thousands of Americans each year.

Children and teens are dying en masse in America, and little action is being taken to solve the root cause. According to Everytown Research, firearms are now

Texas laws stomp on free speech

Commentary

By Luna Infante Staff Writer

Texas State Representative

Steve Toth recently introduced House Bill 2690, which seeks to restrict online access to information regarding abortion and abortion materials. This bill is known as the Women and Child Safety Act, and if passed, it would make it illegal to “provide information on how to obtain an abortion-inducing drug.” It would also restrict the creation of any “website, platform or other interactive computer service[s]” that provides information on medical abortion materials. Not only would it block online platforms, but it would require internet service providers to restrict internet access to such topics.

HB 2690 targets six websites, Aid Access, Hey Jane, Plan C, Choix Health, Just the Pill and Carafem. These sites provide information about medical abortions and how to obtain them. Texas citizens will lose access to these pages and their resources if this bill is passed. These Telehealth sites will completely lose their right to free speech and commerce, while women will lose access to information regarding their health. Similarly to Texas SB 8, HB 2690 encourages citizens to file lawsuits against any “who merely speak about or provide access to certain information.” As free speech is being threatened, so is women’s health — and possibly their lives. Pushing citizens to sue those who speak on reproductive resources will deny women of their rights. Women should be able to speak on these topics and have access to resources, especially regarding their health. Jennifer Pinsof, staff attorney, states, “Regardless of your stance on reproductive rights, this house bill is denying us our First Amendment rights. Anyone who cares about free speech — regardless of how

they feel about reproductive care — should contact lawmakers considering such legislation and tell them to oppose this bill and others like it.”

This bill also seeks to criminalize Texas abortion funds that facilitate women receiving abortions in other states, making it a felony regardless of “the location at which the elective abortion is performed,” even if the other location protects abortion rights. Under this bill, donors to such funds are also criminalized. HB 2690 will also make it a crime to hide or destroy evidence of “performed or attempted” abortion on a Texas resident, whether it was done in the state or not. HB 2690 is extremist, and if passed, women lose even more reproductive rights to Texas law. Should this bill be passed, it will become effective as of Sept. 1, 2023.

With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we have already lost the constitutional right to abortion. Medical abortion is all some states are left with, and implementing restrictions on them and information on them would be unjust and unsafe.

Kiki Freedman, the CEO of virtual clinic

Hey Jane, wrote to Newsweek, “Antiabortion politicians understand that medication abortion is now the most viable form of safe and effective abortion access, which is why they continue to attack it.” Restricting access to information regarding medical abortions would make it even harder for abortions to be don in healthy, safe ways.

Passing such a regressive bill would stomp on our right to free speech, and it would strip women of resources they should have access to. If Texas wants to completely ban abortion and we seemingly cannot do anything about it, let us at least have access to information about it. Texas refuses to keep its policies off our bodies, and now it wants to put policies on our voices and our minds.

the leading cause of death for children and teens in this nation, yet our elected representatives refuse to take the actions necessary to end this epidemic. According to FOX News, when asked what he thought congress’ role should be in addressing our nation’s gun violence problem, Representative Burchett (R-TN) said, “I don’t see any real role that we could do other than mess things up honestly.”

As citizens, we cannot continue to condone this blatant negligence from our legislators not only in Tennessee, but across the country. Their job is to pass laws and form a government that protects the life and liberty of those they represent. Yet, children are dying, and they still sit on their hands when asked to do their job. We must demand that action is taken to end this epidemic. Every one of the individuals whose lives were claimed in The Covenant School deserves to be alive; their deaths should have been prevented long ago. We cannot become complacent with the idea that gun violence cannot be solved — the deaths can and must end.

Bigotry is sweeping the nation

Commentary

By Naydine De La Fuente Staff Writer

In 2023, according to Trans Legislation Tracker, there have been approximately 492 bills introduced by legislation that aim to block trans people from receiving basic health care, education, legal recognition and the right to exist publically.

Since the beginning of the new year, anti-trans legislation continues to be introduced across the country, doubling the number of bills being passed from the previous year.

Within the past few months, there have been several damaging and inhumane bills that have been introduced and authorized, each dealing with different trans-related themes.

First, there were issues pertaining to bathroom-related bans, which were created to deny access to public restrooms by gender identity. Next, many bills that have been examined deal with healthcare bans. These laws speak out against medical and scientific consensus that gender-affirming care saves lives. This would allow for providers and parents to be criminally charged. There have also been many drag bans introduced within various legislations. This prohibits public drag performances and restricts access to gender non-conforming in-

dividuals. Furthermore, various schooling-related bills have also been permitted, which allow educational institutes to misgender or use students’ dead names and publically out trans individuals to their parents and peers. Lastly, sex designation bills were introduced, which will make it harder for trans folks to have identification that matches their gender identity.

Although various bills have been introduced, there are some in particular that has caused a rise in media attention. According to the Texas Tribune, in the State of Texas, one of

it provides a very disheartening disadvantage for trans kids of future generations.

Another bill that has been heavily debated in Texas is SB 12, which prohibits sexually oriented performances on public properties, and Senate Bill 1601, which relates to prohibiting municipal libraries that host such events from receiving state funding. These laws are targeting the art of drag and drag shows in general, and they purposefully use broad language to attack the LGBTQ+ community and gender-nonconforming individuals.

Kara Lee/The Paisano

the most recent laws that have been given initial approval is SB 14. This bill will ban transition-related surgeries as well as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those who are not currently recieving these resources. This is not only dehumanizing and devastating within the trans community, but

Overall, there is an insurmountable amount of laws that have been introduced recently that focus on attacking and restricting the rights of trans individuals. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the inhumane laws being enacted and bring awareness to the unfair and discriminatory views trying to be enforced within the country.

To learn more about the bills being passed and introduced, visit the Trans Legislation Tracker website. If you or someone you know needs aid in these difficult times, contact Trans Lifeline at (877) 5658860, LGBTQ+ National Hotline at (888)843-4564.

Over-stimulated and over-medicated

Commentary

By Nate Henneke Staff Writer

Distractions are unavoidable. Yet to be successful in our age of over-stimulation, it is necessary to tune them out to be able to focus on the task at hand; a task easier said than done. Social media sites such as TikTok and YouTube have younger generations by their throat with their endless supply of 30-second videos. Hours can easily fly by while

mindlessly consuming media you will not remember 15 seconds later.

With children as young as five years old having unrestricted access to the internet, it is no surprise that the number of children aged three through seventeen being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has steadily increased since 2003. Growing up with constant stimulation is not healthy for the developing

mind of children, and the solution should not be prescribing amphetamines to children as a way to increase focus.

Internet usage is not necessarily unhealthy for children, as it can open them up to new ideas and allow them better access to an education. But it can become unhealthy when an adolescent spends many of their formative years in front of a screen.

Kara Lee/The Paisano

“Passing such a regressive bill would stomp on our right to free speech”

Using misinformation to pursue oppression OPINION

Commentary

By Ahavah Kirwan Contributor

Last week, a mass shooting occurred at The Covenant School, a private elementary Presbyterian school in Nashville, Tennessee. Six people were murdered: three nine-year-old children and three staff members. This was the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. since the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 21 people were killed.

The 28-year-old shooter, who was killed by responding police, was initially identified by their legal name, Audrey Hale, who went by the name “Aiden.” Police also initially identified the shooter as a woman, but then later said that he was a transgender man. Hale was under care for an emotional disorder during the time of the shooting and had legally purchased seven firearms between October 2020 and June 2022. There is debate on whether Hale was receiving hormonal therapy. However, whether he was or was not receiving hormonal treatment is unknown, but it has been confirmed that he was on medication for his alleged emotional disorder.

Hale’s identity as a transgender man in relation to the massacre perpetrated by him has been the subject of controversy within the Republican

ADHD continued

In a 2018 study, the Journal of the American Medical Association found a “significant association between higher frequency of modern digital media use and subsequent symptoms of ADHD over a 24-month followup.” The relationship between media consumption and ADHD symptoms shown by this study reveals the toll that extreme internet use can have on one’s physical and mental health. More children are being diagnosed

Commentary

By Malaki Lingg Assistant Web Editor

TikTok is one of the largest social media platforms, boasting approximately one billion active users globally — eighty million of these users reside in the United States. On January 30, Congress announced its plans to investigate ByteDance, TikTok and its CEO, Shou Chew, on March 23 before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Before the hearing on March 7, Congress announced the RESTRICT Act — a content regulation law with huge implications.

The RESTRICT Act is seemingly meant to protect the U.S. from foreign media containing spyware or similar dangerous properties, deeming them as national security risks. The act will allow the secretary of commerce, in collaboration with the executive branch, to “[enforce] any mitigation measure to address any risk” regarding a “current, past, or potential future transaction.” The act allows the government to investigate virtually any form of digital media from a country deemed as “opposition” and put restrictions or bans on it.

Normally when something is inaccessible in an area or country, internet users will use VPN programs to access the media. Under the RESTRICT Act,

Party; specifically, the theory that him being transgender was his motive for the shooting. Multiple right-wing commentators such as Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson have all expressed the belief that the hormonal treatment the shooter may or may not have received was tied to the crime. Some of these commentators are explicitly claiming that the “transgender movement” is targeting Christianity. The fact is that out of every school shooting in the United States, only three shooters have been transgender. The rest have been men, usually white males. Those claiming that transgender people are violent school shooters are blatantly publishing false lies which are hurting transgender people around the country. As the threat of transgender genocide lurks around the corner, these lies are further motivating lawmakers and the general public to believe that trans-

with ADHD now than ever before, and the internet might be the culprit for these rising numbers.

With diagnoses of ADHD growing at such a fast pace, there needs to be a reflection on the social causes of the disorder before proper treatment can be administered. As treatments like behavior therapy and play therapy have proven to be effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD, drug-free alternatives to medication should be the first step toward improving lives. But the United States has a drug problem, and the potential profit big pharma

gender people should be treated as second-class citizens.

As seen in recent months, antitransgender legislation is being pushed in Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri and many other states by GOP lawmakers based on nonsensical evidence such as this, with these laws and bills being passed at alarming rates. With this only being the third school shooting perpetrated by a transgender shooter, the Republican party is using Hale as a mascot to try and push the idea that Christians are being targeted by transgender people.

The Paisano

Editorial Board

Mason Hickok | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com

Laynie Clark | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com and Gauri Raje | News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Jake Mireles | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com

Riley Carroll | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com

Luke Lawhorn | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com

Chloe Williams | Web and Social Editor Web@paisano-online.com and Socialmedia@paisano-online.com

this will no longer be feasible. Those caught by the government accessing banned content are subject to upwards of $1 million dollar in fines and/or a 20year prison sentence.

Though, if somebody violates the bans, how would the federal government know? The act will allow the U.S. government to investigate “gaming applications,” “desktop applications,” “webcams,” “mobile networks” and

more if they are deemed to “pose an undue or unacceptable risk.” This allows the federal government to access all private digital information of whoever or whatever they deem a national security risk.

can make off the six million children with ADHD has led to more children receiving medication rather than behavior therapy. There is no denying the positive impact stimulants have had on the quality of life of those living with ADHD, but medication can only provide moments of relief. Finding alternative and effective treatments for ADHD needs to start being prioritized and put before prescribing medication. Minimizing symptoms through therapy must become normalized in American culture — not taking pills to feel normal.

Dustin Vickers | Photo Editor Photo@paisano-online.com

Grace Robinson | Graphic Editor Graphic@paisano-online.com

Marcela Montufar Soria | Multimedia Editor Multimedia@paisano-online.com

Jenna Taylor | Magazine Editor Magazine@paisano-online.com

Genevieve Vega | Distribution Manager Distribution@paisano-online.com

The RESTRICT Act, being proposed in tandem with the congressional hearings as a “TikTok ban,” does not even mention TikTok within the bill itself. It is not about TikTok, and it never has been. It is all about controlling the American public. While Congress has ranted in the TikTok hearings about the Communist Party of China (CCP), it is nothing but fear-mongering.

In 2001, after 9/11, Congresspeople spouted propaganda saying that they needed to pass the Patriot Act to protect the American public from the threat of Al-Qaeda and other terroristic threats. The Patriot Act drastically increased the government’s ability to spy on its citizens while reducing its accountability.

The RESTRICT Act is the modern Patriot Act; swap “AlQaeda” with “CCP” and “terrorism” with “spying” and similarities become even more apparent. The government claims this law needs to be implemented to protect the U.S. from foreign espionage, but it is just another way to surveil us. In 2001, the Patriot Act was signed into law, and history seems to always repeat itself. To oppose this unjust law, find and contact your local representatives’ office at https://www.house.gov/ representatives#state-texas.

Staff

Luke DeMario | Buisness Manager Buisness@paisano-online.com Nate Henneke

Advisory Board

Diane Abdo | Advisor

Steven Kellman | Advisor Jack Himelblau | Advisor

Stefanie Arias | Advisor

Sandy Norman | Advisor Sofia Garcia | Advisor

John Helton | Advisor Corey Franco | Advisor Imelda Robles | Advisor

On his Fox News segment, Tucker Carlson claimed, “The trans movement is the mirror image of Christianity, and therefore its natural enemy. one side is likely to draw blood before the other side.” Carlson argues that transgender people have been and will continue to target Christians in the United States. However, in 2022, over thirty transgender people in the U.S. were murdered simply for being transgender, while Christians use their ideology and power in U.S. politics to push laws in the name of God to the praise of the American government and general public, and are not victims of hate crimes, nor targeted or persecuted based on their beliefs, nor murdered as Carlson suggests. The Editorial is the official opinion of The Paisano editorial board. Commentaries are the opinion of the

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‘The Patriot Act’ of the digital age

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ARTS & LIFE

Synth, sax and serenity

Dark Matter takes the stage on opening night of Jazz In The Garden

Arte de San Antonio

By Lauren Hernandez Assistant Arts & Life Editor

On Friday, March 31, the San Antonio Parks Foundation presented the first date of six nights of jazz music in the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park. In partnership with Trinity University’s radio station, KRTU 97.1, the seventh season of Jazz In The Garden features three spring and three fall dates with performances from local and regional jazz bands.

On Friday night, the gardens were packed with hundreds of people sitting on blankets and lawn chairs listening to Dark Matter’s first-ever live performance. Dark Matter is a jazz band from San Antonio consisting of Brandon Guerra on drums and keys, Nick Mery on vocals and guitar, Jason Galbraith and Adam Carrillo on sax and keys, Mike Gomez on drums, keys and synth and Damian Rodriguez on bass. They performed mu -

sic from the albums

“Modern Addict,” “After Now” and “DEATHBLOOM,” which was most recently released on Feb. 15, 2022.

“DEATHBLOOM” was inspired by the winter storm that hit Texas in Feb. 2021, and the songs from this album were insane to hear live. Their sound consisted of electronic synths, intricate saxophone melodies and rambling drums with samples of media such as weather reports and news segments incorporated throughout. For several songs, interpretive dancers from sumRset Dance performed in front of the stage. All of these elements together added to the tranquility of the gardens and kept the audience thoroughly entertained.

Dru Cone, an audience member who came to the Japanese Tea Garden to support the local music scene, said that her favorite song that Dark Matter performed was “100 hours (freezing).” Although this song is one of the shortest on their album, coming in at less than a minute long, Cone explained that she “loved the improvisation of it. They made a short song long enough to connect with everyone in the audience.”

Her husband, Tim Cone, who coincidentally helped design and build The Paisano office, elaborated.

“We think this event is just awesome,” Cone said. “It’s a beautiful night, and it’s great to see so many people out here.”

You will not want to miss the next few nights of Jazz In The Garden. On April 14, Nori, an eclectic modern jazz band from Austin, Texas, is playing, and Three Swings & a Miss is wrapping up the spring dates on April 28. In the fall, CarbonLily will be playing on Sept. 8, Gerry Gibbs Thrasher People on Oct. 13 and The Bluprint on Nov. 3. All of these events, including everything hosted by the San Antonio Parks Foundation, are free and open to the public, so take advantage of the free fun time.

‘The Estate Sale’ brings satisfying end to an era

Reviews

By Malaki Lingg Assistant Web Editor

On June 25, 2021, Tyler, The Creator released his second Grammy-award-winning album, “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” (CMIYGL). After receiving critical acclaim, headlining Austin City Limits and touring across North America and Europe, fans were left entranced by the aesthetic Tyler brought. Nearly two years after the initial release of CMIYGL, Tyler released a deluxe edition named “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale” on March 31, 2023.

The original version of CMIYGL has a runtime of 52 minutes and 50 seconds with 16 tracks in total, while “CALL ME IF YOU

GET LOST: The Estate Sale” boosts the runtime to one hour and 17 minutes with 24 tracks in total. The new tracks included on the album are as follows:

“EVERYTHING MUST GO,”

“STUNTMAN (feat. Vince Staples),” “WHAT A DAY,”

“WHARF TALK (feat. A$AP Rocky),” “DOGTOOTH,”

“BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND

(2020 demo) (feat. YG)” and “SORRY NOT SORRY.”

“EVERYTHING MUST GO” serves as an interlude to “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale.” The track focuses on Tyler and DJ Drama — the introductory narrator across most tracks on CMIYGL — as they reminisce about their success on the “CMIYGL” tour. It is the

album

perfect introduction to “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale,” differentiating between the beginning and end of this musical era for Tyler.

“STUNTMAN (feat. Vince Staples)” gives a glimpse back to the energetic, hype side of “CMIYGL.” Being fairly similar to the tracks “LEMONHEAD (feat. 42. Dugg)” and “JUG-

By Cesar Soto Staff Writer

GERNAUT (feat. Lil Uzi Vert & Pharrell Williams)” through Tyler’s high-impact vocal delivery and the energy that he and his features bring. The tracks

“WHAT A DAY,” “WHARF TALK (feat. A$AP Rocky),”

“DOGTOOTH” and “BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND (2020 demo) (feat. YG)” perfectly represent the mellow side of the

CMIYGL era as a whole. The tracks feel very similar and cohesive to those from the original release; this includes songs such as “MASSA” and “SWEET/I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Fana Hues).”

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Lauren Hernandez/The Paisano

The crowd gathered for Dark Matter.

Lauren Hernandez/The Paisano

Interpretive dancers at the show.

Lauren Hernandez/The Paisano

Calli Recore/The Paisano

Vickers/The Paisano

39th Annual Juried Exhibition features UTSA’s student artists

Arte de San Antonio

By Gauri Raje News Editor

Every year, UTSA students have the opportunity to have their art displayed at the Main Gallery as a part of the Annual Juried Exhibition.

“[Juried shows] give students an opportunity to see how their work as artists is entering into professional conversations,” Dr. Scott Sherer, an art history professor who serves as the director of galleries at UTSA, said. “It’s not a question of judgment, it’s a question of entering dialogue and I think it’s important to enter dialogues. These kinds of exhibits [are] really about creating those opportunities, and I think that’s an important thing to think about. It’s not just the final work in the gallery itself — it’s the whole process of doing it.”

“In the space, you [also] have a lot of viewpoints and I think that’s a great thing, too,” Sherer added. “We really get a wonderful snapshot of what [UTSA students are making], what are they thinking about [and] what are they showing.”

Once applications are open, interested undergraduate and graduate students can submit up to five pieces for consideration. This year, close to 300 works were submitted by a total of 80 students.

Once the submissions are over, a juror then goes through

Local filmmaker, teacher recognized with Arts & Culture grant

Alex Ramirez discusses his work and the grant

By Mason Hickok Editor-in-Chief

Alex Ramirez is a filmmaker that leads with humility and veneration, a true devotee of the arts. Much has changed in Ramirez’s life since last speaking with The Paisano. He screened a film at Luminaria last year, participated in concerted union efforts with SAY Sí, assumed a new role at the organization and was honored with an individual artist grant from the City of San Antonio’s Arts & Culture Department.

With everything happening, Ramirez is intentional about the presence of those around him.

“I’m really just looking to the people around me for inspiration,” Ramirez described. “I’m looking to the workers around me, my family [and] my partner. [To] not only do right by them but try to do right by myself.”

While Ramirez is returning to his roots in filmmaking, there comes a palpable awareness of mental health.

“That means getting back to work as an artist and as a filmmaker,” Ramirez said. “It means coming to work for the students every day and giving it a hundred percent. But, of course, thinking about my capacity [and] my own mental health. Just knowing that it is OK to stumble sometimes keeps me selfmotivated.”

Ramirez and several teaching artists at SAY Sí have worked to have their union status certified and recognized for the last six months.

“The union has been a huge part of my life,” Ramirez shared. “When you come to work as an educator, you come to teach, not necessarily be an activist, even though this is a very progressive organization.”

In early March, the union received voluntary recognition and won its case with the National Labor Relations Board. The dispute was not planned by either Ramirez or the other union members.

“When you get to work for a place that is as wholesome and important as this, you don’t expect to find yourself in a labor dispute, especially with an organization that touts itself as progressive and socially-conscious,” Ramirez said.

While the process continues, Ramirez finds comfort in his fellow staff members.

“Beyond the trauma, we really found camaraderie,” Ramirez explained. “When you cannot do it on your own, you call to the community; sometimes your community is the artist or the staff member right over.”

Recently, Ramirez was one of several local artists honored by the San Antonio Arts & Culture Department with an individual artist grant. This was the second grant from the city that Ramirez had received.

“I have always been a fan of many of the artists who were chosen as grantees,” Ramirez said.

For Ramirez, there is a hope that San Antonio can evolve into even more of an artscentric city.

“I see artists in San Antonio and think about the lifeblood that they bring to the culture of this city,” Ramirez said. “My kind of crazy dream is to see San Antonio become a Paris of the 20s, like an art mecca. That’s what being in this class of artists reminds me of.”

Ramirez screened his most recent short film, “A Life in Technicolor,” during Luminaria last November.

all the submissions to select the pieces that will be on display at the gallery. The juror’s decision is unbiased — they view the artwork without having any knowledge of the artist.

This year, artist and retired professor Delilah Montoya served as the exhibition’s juror.

“[Selecting pieces] was really difficult just because there was so much good work,” Montoya said.

One of the reasons Montoya decided to juror for this year’s exhibition was because of the desire to support students.

“I like to be [in] situation[s] where I can support other students [and their works], and I felt like this would be a very good way of doing that,” Montoya said.

Art pieces selected this year ranged from traditional paintings and self-portraits to lifesize sculptures and new-media works. Out of the pieces selected, a Best of Show Prize and first, second and third place prizes were awarded.

“Mi Chaparrita de Oro” by Claribel Olivas

This year, Master of Fine Arts student Claribel Olivas’ piece was awarded Best of Show.

Like many of Olivas’s work, the piece is created using materials other than paper. It is made entirely from scraps of previous projects and is titled after an affectionate name given by Oli-

vas’ grandfather.

“My grandfather is one of the most positive influences in my life, so every time I look at this work, I am reminded of all those I love,” Olivas said.

“Shaman Staff” by Kelsey Wallace

One of the other pieces featured in this exhibition was by Kelsey Wallace, a senior Bachelor of Fine Arts student. Wallace’s work primarily focuses on nature and paganism.

Out of the five pieces submitted, one of Wallace’s sculpture pieces was selected for the exhibition.

Titled “Shaman Staff,” the piece was created from a tree branch collected while working at a house in Fair Oaks Ranch. The branch belonged to a dead oak tree that had always caught Wallace’s eye. One day, while cleaning out the trash, Wallace noticed a branch on the tree and took it home.

“I saw a branch on that tree, and I just had this overwhelming feeling [that I needed that branch]. So, I took the branch, put it in my car and brought it home. I was looking at it, and I just kind of started putting stuff together. I wasn’t really thinking about it; I was just going off of my feeling [and anything else the branch needed],” Wallace explained.

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10 tips to save money in college

Spare Change

By Chloe Williams Web and Social Editor

The average UTSA student pays $10,966 in tuition each academic year; this cost does not include housing and meals, which can cost a student living on campus an additional $12,934. While implementing small changes will not bring these large numbers to zero, it can provide you with greater awareness and money to spend on items besides textbooks. Follow along as we provide 10 easy tips to implement in your everyday life to lower expenses.

1. Track your spending

You would be surprised by how

volved page or look on RowdyLink.

5. Buy store brand

An easy way to knock off money from trips to the store is to purchase store-brand products. Especially for medicine and food, these products are the exact same for a fraction of the cost.

6. Utilize free shuttle and bus services

As UTSA students, we have access to free VIA bus rides and on-demand VIA Link rides. Avoid paying for parking and gas by utilizing this free service. Find out more information on UTSA’s U-Pass webpage.

7. Shop secondhand

Shopping secondhand is a great way to save money. Thrift stores have ev erything you could ever need for a fraction of the cost. They are inexpensive places to purchase ing clothes, decor, furniture and

search for alterna tives instead of buying from the UTSA bookstore. Popular websites to check are Chegg and Cheapest Textbooks. UTSA is also starting to implement Open Educational Resources which will work to provide textbooks and resources free of cost.

3. Ask for a student discount

More places offer student discounts than you might think. Read our past Spare Change article about online student discounts or check out the popular website UNiDAYS.

4. Take advantage of campus events UTSA provides tons of on-campus events and opportunities, most of which are low-cost or free, and provides items and food for no cost. For weekly events, check out our Get In-

8. Start a side a side hustle can help you make money plete list of side hustles, check out our previous Spare tions include food delivery, selling stickers or photos and freelance work.

9. Plan meals

College students spend an average of $410 a month eating out off campus. This excessive spending can easily be combated by planning out meals each week and going to the grocery store. Even purchasing small items for breakfast or pre-made coffee can significantly reduce unnecessary expenses.

10. Find free events

San Antonio is a beautiful city filled with culture and nature. With this comes a lot of free events in and around the city. Discover free events through Visit San Antonio and Eventbrite.

Jonathan Porter/The Paisano

“I can’t believe this could be the end” by

Brian Wylie.

“It’s Time to Mourn” by Angelica Romo.

“The visitor” by Sarah Coleman.

Arte de San Antonio

Mason Hickok/The Paisano Ramirez was honored with a grant from the San Antonio Arts & Culture Department.

Time to clean the lockers

Jazz send the Spurs home singing the blues in San Antonio’s final game in AT&T Center

By Luke Lawhorn Sports Editor

SAN ANTONIO – There was a point in this NBA season when both Utah and San Antonio were in the playoff race and were even contending for a top-four seed.

Unfortunately for both teams, the season continued after the first month, and both the Spurs and Jazz had to play 70-odd more games.

Utah –– now the 12th seed in the Western Conference –– defeated the Spurs –– who is now the 14th seed ––128-117 on Wednesday evening at the AT&T Center.

Jazz guard Talen Horton-Tucker had a game-high 41 points, scoring 27 in the first half.

The Spurs were once again shorthanded, giving another odd rotation of inexperienced players a chance to grow.

“It’s pretty much been like that all year,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “We’re kind of used to it.”

Keldon Johnson was sidelined with a left foot injury, while Devin Vassell sat next to him with right knee soreness.

While were forced to roll out players such as Julian Champagnie, who made his first start in the big leagues.

“No who’s not playing, other guys are happy to get minutes,” Popovich said. “Trying to get them to learn how to play is what this is all about.”

Jeremy leading scorers on the bench with right knee soreness.

Sochan, given microphones before the game’s start in honor of the team’s final home game at AT&T Center for the 2022-23 season. The two were tasked to give a message to the fans. It

little carried away with the mic.

“We love you all, and any Utah fans here, you’re about to lose tonight,” Sochan said to the crowd.

“You never know what Jeremy’s going to say,” Popovich said after the game.

Sochan may have bitten off more than he could chew with his one-liner, but his team almost backed up his prediction.

San Antonio pulled Utah within two points after trailing by nine with four minutes remaining in the first half.

Devonte Graham hit a 3-pointer to pull the Jazz with two points.

Tre Jones led the team on a fastbreak on San Antonio’s next possession.

After making a cross-over move on a Utah player, Jones found Graham open for another three, putting the Spurs on top 60-59.

The Spurs could not regain their lead, woefully losing their fifth-straight game. “We think we can play better, but I’m

March Madness: Have we seen the last of the Blue Bloods?

like I’m finding myself.”

San Antonio has its final six games in the 11 remaining days of the season, two of which will be home games in Austin at the Moody Center.

Commentary

By

Throughout college basketball history, it can be argued that the same 15 schools have dominated every other year.

Whether it be the storied Blue Bloods or the big program universities, it is always the same group of colleges within the national championship each year. While there have always been Cinderella story-type runs, such as Loyola Chicago in 2018 or Saint Peter’s in 2022, they have always managed to get bounced by the experienced Michigan team or the physically imposing North Carolina.

The 2022 to 2023 preseason seemed to be no different, as countless analysts picked powerhouses such as Gonzaga, Kentucky and North Carolina to reach the men’s Final Four. Although the AP rankings remained primarily steady heading into the men’s NCAA tournament, 2023 has proven to be the year of unimaginable upsets.

Through an incredible month of madness, the sports world now looks ahead to a Final Four consisting of the likes of Miami, FAU, San Diego State and the storied UConn. With the 2023 tournament being the first in history not to feature a single No. 1 seed in the Elite Eight, a lot of casual fans are left asking themselves, “What happened this year?”

Though some choose to believe that is just what happens in March, it can easily be seen that this year’s madness has come as a result of newly integrated NCAA NIL rulings.

With the NCAA allowing players to capitalize off of their name, image and likeness (NIL), collegiate athletes have essentially been given the opportunity to earn a living while playing their respective collegiate sports.

Though it certainly benefits the players, countless lower-level universities have also benefited from the ruling as they can now afford to openly recruit players using various NIL deals. While the rulings have made the rich richer, it has also given smaller colleges the tools they need to recruit incoming freshmen as well as keep existing players.

With the remaining universities within the Final Four, the case is no different.

With offers of a LifeWallet NIL deal worth $800,000 to Kansas State transfer guard Nijel Pack and a $100,000 deal to returning junior Isaiah Wong, the Miami Hurricanes essentially turned their program around almost overnight. The same could easily be said for San Diego State’s program, as they currently have the star-studded senior Matt Bradley under a NIL deal worth up to $370,000 dollars.

It is because of the addition of NIL rulings that small-name universities have been able to succeed at a much higher level than before.

Though it does not level the playing field entirely, it does allow the window of opportunity to crack open just that much more. Soon, men’s college basketball could see many lower-level teams advancing in the tournament at a higher clip than ever before.

While its essential purpose was to benefit the players, the addition of NIL deals within the NCAA has dramatically improved the ability of lower-level universities to compete.

With this season’s March Madness ending, who is to say we will not see another Final Four with lowerseeded teams in next year’s tournament?

UTSA outlasts WKU in game one of conference series

By Rylan Renteria Contributor

SAN ANTONIO – Sammy Diaz’s solo home run in the fourth propelled UTSA to a 3-2 victory over Western Kentucky on Friday night at Roadrunner Field. Pitcher Simon Miller had a .59 ERA and allowed just two hits on 39 pitches in two innings.

“Luke is just so steady; he checks every box as a pitcher,” said coach Pat Hallmark. “And to have Simon [Miller] behind him, the way he pitches it makes it so hard for the other team to get extra bases. It’s a big confidence booster having those two guys.”

UTSA struck first with a sacrifice fly from Antonio Valdez that would bring one baserunner home to give the Roadrunners a one point lead.

A Matt King RBI double would extend the Roadrunners’ lead by one the very next inning.

After a scoreless third inning, WKU would score two points of their own to tie the ballgame at 2-2.

In the fourth inning facing an 0-2 count, Sammy Diaz would retake the lead for UTSA with a solo home run right over the center field wall.

After a strong first seven innings, starting pitcher Luke Malone would exit the game. Simon Miller, who leads the nation in ERA and wins, would come in to replace Malone

and proceed to pitch a shutout.

WKU would threaten to tie late in the ninth, but UTSA would come away victorious 3-2.

This win gives UTSA a 6-1 record against C-USA opponents and puts them back in the win column after a five game road stretch where the team lost three out of five matches.

“We gotta win; we don’t talk about home or road. We just talk about winning,” Hallmark said.

The Roadrunners will play game two of their threegame home series against the Hilltoppers at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at Roadrunner Field.

“We think we can play better, but I’m happy with all of their efforts”

Logan Martinez Contributor

Courtesy of NBAE/Michael Gonzalez