From the desk of the Roundup: Editorial

In the 2016-17 school year, Pierce College had 20,618 enrolled students. 11,260 of those students were women.

According to a Penn Schoen and Berland Associates survey, 87 percent of American women between the ages of 18 and 64 reported at least one experience with street harassment.

If those two statistics are combined, that would mean that 9,796 female students at Pierce College might have experienced some form of street harassment, but even half that number is too much. And that only accounts for women.

According to a national report released by non-profit advocacy group Stop Street Harassment, 25 percent of men, in particular those who identify as members of LGBTQ, experienced street harassment.

Because catcalling affects a significant portion of Pierce’s students, administrators have a responsibility to help combat it.

One way to bring attention to the issue would be to specifically include catcalling as unacceptable behavior in Pierce’s code of conduct. Not only should this be in writing, there should be written repercussions for the violators. Instigators of catcalling have no fear of consequence, allowing this behavior to continue. By creating rules and punishments against street harassment, catcallers might think twice about partaking in this behavior.

Street harassment, or “catcalling”, is mostly defined as people, typically strangers, who attempt to get someone’s attention by making sexually explicit and inappropriate comments and/or gestures.

Forms of street harassment include unwanted whistling, leering, sexist, homophobic and transphobic slurs, persistent sexual or romantic advances, constant requests for personal information like name, address, and phone number, even after the victim refuses, comments and demands, often about the person’s body and physical appearance, following, flashing and

-Corrections-

Volume 127, Issue 3, Page 3: Kira Shteyman's name was misspelled.

Volume 127, Issue 5,

Front Page: Front page story, Anna Clark was labeled reporter, she is Features Editor.

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In many cases, catcalling leaves people who experience it feeling used, violated and helpless. According to a study conducted by Cornell University, street harassment “evokes strong reactions of anger, fear, and anxiety.” The study also found that people who had experienced street harassment, developed long-term damage to their mental health, such as low selfesteem and depression.

In addition to enforcing rules against offenders, there should be a network to support students who have experienced harassment. As a frequent host of workshops, Pierce could have a workshop that allows students to gather and talk about their experiences, but also teaches ways to identity street harassment and how to deal with it. Having workshops on GoDays, could help incoming freshmen identify, combat, and respond to street harassment, and it could also help prevent this behavior from happening and help those who’ve experienced it.

It’s also important to note that many people don’t really know what street harassment is to begin with. According to a YouGov poll, 20 percent of Americans believe catcalls are “complements,” and 24 percent are not sure whether catcalling is a compliment or not. Also, when asked when it is OK to catcall somebody, 22 percent of American men said “always” or “sometimes.” Educating students on how to identify street harassment is a good way to stop it from happening.

When faced with catcalling, targets might not know what actions or precautions to take.

Safety should be prioritized when combating street harassment. Learning how to identify and keep students safe in the face of harassment could benefit many. Workshops on the subject could include tips for dealing with regular catcalling and also incorporate lessons that teach students about their rights. Should they report repeat experiences to the Sheriff's Department? Are there any actions they can take? If a situation escalates, should they defend themselves and could they get in trouble for doing so? What is catcalling, anyway?

Catcalling and street harassment

Pro: Costume my Classmates

JESSICA VAUGHAN Reporter @JVaughanRoundup

Fall has finally arrived. It is the season of scarves, pumpkin spice and decorating for the holidays. This means Halloween is right around the corner. Now is the time for everyone to start planning what epic costume they will wear this year. College students should be allowed to join in on the fun as well.

One of the biggest traditions that goes along with this October holiday is trick-or-treating. Most young people are denied participation in the festivities once they are past a certain age. According to nydailynews.com, some cities across the country have adopted age limits to prevent children, usually over 12, from trick-or-treating. Violators could face a $100 fine. Slate.com had a poll where the majority of people agreed that the age limit for trickor-treating is about 12 or 13.

It may not be socially appropriate for teens or college students over a certain age to go door-to-door for candy. However, college students should be encouraged to continue to express themselves through any means, and Halloween is the time they can express themselves with a standout costume. Whether the costume is made or bought from the local costume store, it is fun to get in the ghostly spirit and show off your ensemble to peers. Sharing a cool costume is something everyone can participate in, regardless of age.

“Itʼskindofsituational, butIthinkanythingthat would make another personuncomfortable isnʼtappropriatepublic behavior and could be called harassment.”

-Sam Koolhoven, 27, Education

College students are adults and should be treated as such when it comes to choice in clothing. Students are generally trusted in their judgement to wear appropriate clothing to class. The expectation should be no different when it comes to Halloween attire. If someone chooses to wear something risque like lingerie with animal ears or even something comical like a hot dog, they should be aware of the decision that they are making and be prepared for any type reaction from their peers.

What to wear is a conscious decision that people make, and it is no different when choosing holiday fashion. People should be allowed to make the decision for themselves about what they feel comfortable leaving the house in. College is meant to be a place where self expression is praised. It can also be a great way to show school spirit, and bring people together through creativity.

Walking around campus and witnessing classmates’ creativity can be enjoyable and inspire others for the holiday season. There can even be ways to integrate campus involvement with costume contests or other related activities. Involvement on any college campus is key to make people feel comfortable and excited to come to class every day. Costumes at school should be encouraged to promote a positive and integrated school environment.

jvaughan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Photographers:

Alan O'hara

Damiesha Williams

Erick Salgado

Rebecca Schulman

Reza Razi is a real issue that thousands of people deal with on a daily basis. Not only is it hurtful, but it is damaging and potentially dangerous if it escalates. Answering all these questions and more, could bring comfort and peace of mind to students and could also bring more visibility to the issue, perhaps inspiring instigators to identify and stop such behavior. newsroom.roundupnews@gmail.com

Con: Costumes Cancel Credibility

JORDAN NATHAN Reporter @JNathan_Roundup

Halloween is just around the corner, and the October holiday is dedicated to trick-or-treating and costume. Costumes help define the holiday, but should not be allowed on campus grounds.

Pierce College allows students to dress up each year in all kinds of costumes, with some minor rules, which state what is appropriate to wear and what is detrimental to the school's appearance. However, Halloween costumes shouldn't be allowed on campus at all.

More and more new students arrive to campus each semester, and a better education and a new learning experience are big draws for students to come and see what is offered at Pierce College. A day like Halloween, however, is not really helping any student who comes to campus to learn or nurture their college education.

Costumes are a huge distraction, which can make it hard for students to pay attention in class. Professors can have a hard time trying to figure out who is who if a costume is blocking a student's face. Masks are not allowed on campus, but some students don't follow the rules and dress how they want.

Though rules are put in place on campus for what students can wear on Halloween, there are always those who come dressed in whatever they feel like wearing, or what they think will grab people's

Cartoonist: Beck Shields Wyce Mirzad attention. jvaughan.roundupnews@gmail.com

Not everyone who comes to campus will wear a costume on Halloween. Some students forget, don't celebrate Halloween, or don't have the time or money to put a costume together. Some students are not able to come to campus with a costume due to religious reasons or because they find costumes offensive.

Some students might not have the time to take part in the holiday when they come to campus due to having a job later in the day, or they have a need to stay focused on their courses. Costumes are what define Halloween, but it's not for everyone.

People go to school to learn and get along in life by picking a major and sticking with their program. Even if it is one day out of the year, students are growing older and getting more mature. Wearing a costume just because it's a holiday is not something that campus life needs.

Going to a costume party with friends after school makes more sense than coming to campus with a costume that isn't built for hot temperatures just to show off to others that they are holiday friendly.

Costumes are a distraction, and though fitting in on Halloween by coming in attire suited for the holiday is fun for some, campus life would be better for everyone if Halloween was just like a typical everyday experience.

“Iwouldfeelharassedif somebodyisobviouslystaring atmeormybodyandistrying togetclosetome.Also,if theyʼreinvadingmypersonal spaceandkeeptryingtotalk tomeeventhoughIalready letthemknowthatIʼmnot interested.”

-RebeccaBecerra,21,Psychology deadline is 11:59 p.m. the Sunday prior to the issue date. Editorial Policy: The Pierce College Roundup position is presented only in the editorials. Cartoons and photos, unless run under the editorial masthead, and columns are the opinions of the creators and not necessarily that of the Roundup.

The college newspaper is published as a learning experience under the college journalism instructional program. The editorial and advertising materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, are the responsibility of the student newspaper staff. Under appropriate state and federal court decisions, these materials are free from prior restraint by the virtue of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Accordingly, materials published herein, including any opinions expressed, should not be interpreted as the position of the L.A. Community College District, the college or any officer or employee thereof.

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Kraus said the food trucks do a good job on campus, and provide quick service to students in a rush.

“Students have a very short period of time to get to their next class. On their way, they may have to visit a vending machine, get a quick snack, and go on to their next class. We're talking about ten minutes, and if we can intercept them into the food court, and get them served quickly all the better,” Kraus said. “But because the layout of the college is so large, they play a very important role in meeting the nutritional needs of the students.”

Kahwajian said he has heard criticisms about using limited vendors as a primary choice. He said that people are concerned that the campus is lacking the “equal opportunity to be able to come in, and compete for the business of people here at Pierce.”

“I haven’t heard negative feedback, but I will qualify with I haven’t heard enthusiastic feedback,” Kahwajian said. “Some individuals think it’s not fair to limit options.”

Kahwajian said he wants to remain neutral despite hearing mixed reviews from colleagues.

“I’m being open to seeing both sides,” Kahwajian said. “I’m trying to keep an open mind and then hopefully gather information personally before I can criticize it or be in favor of it.”

Pacific Dining Manager Brian Robertson said in an email that Pacific Dining’s services have been well received.

“We believe the procedures for getting a quote and placing an order are simple and efficient. As with any new procedures, it takes time for everybody to become comfortable with the process,” Robertson said.

Kahwajian said he will have a better idea of whether this change makes sense after a few semesters with the procedure in use.

“As far as impact goes, that remains to be seen. We will have a better idea of what the track record will be for this new company and how satisfied students and staff and faculty are with the services provided,” Kahwajian said. “At this point, it is too early to really say what the effects will be. We will find out.” nmiranda.roundupnews@gmail.com