Spring 2024 Issue 21

Divest from Death coalition backs pro-BDS resolution

The legislation also directs the SA to recognize Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a genocide.

Tresa Karnati assistant news editor

The Divest from Death campaign, made up of a coalition of 19 student organizations, is supporting a resolution calling on the Student Association (SA) to use its platform to pressure Binghamton University administrators to implement principles of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement on campus.

It also recognizes Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as a

genocide under international law and calls for an immediate, permanent humanitarian cease-fire.

The legislation will be presented to the SA Congress on Tuesday, and its demands include a call for the SA to advocate for the University to end partnerships with and divest its funds from Israel and the defense industry. Currently, the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science partners with Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems for senior year capstone projects, and defense contractors are often present at career fairs.

The campaign has disseminated a petition on Action Network, an online community organizing platform, which has sent over

15,680 letters to SA Congress representatives. One of these letters, obtained by Pipe Dream, said that “while our colleagues are subjected daily to news of bombings and massacres in their homeland, and every single university in Gaza has been destroyed by Israel, Harvey Stenger refuses to even utter the word ‘Palestine’ in his statements.”

The University did not respond to a request for comment about the resolution, though the resolution attempted to tie administrators to the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

BUZO leads opposition to BDS resolution

A petition supported by a majority of BU’s Jewish community calls BDS “divisive and controversial.”

Sara Feinseth news contributor

The Binghamton University Zionist Organization (BUZO) created a petition last week to oppose a Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) resolution that will be introduced to the Student Association (SA) Congress on Tuesday. The petition, which characterizes

the BDS movement as antisemitic, has garnered over 5,800 signatures. If passed, the resolution would prohibit the SA from partnering with organizations supporting the Israeli government, proclaim the SA’s support for an immediate, permanent humanitarian ceasefire and recognize the Israeli military offense in Gaza as an act of genocide under international law. BDS, which was founded in 2005, has come under heavy criticism from pro-Israel advocates, who allege it unjustly demonizes the world’s only Jewish state.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist delivers lecture

Farah Stockman’s talk centered around her 2021 book “American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears.”

Brandon Ng news editor

Farah Stockman, a renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who serves on the New York Times Editorial Board, visited Binghamton University on Thursday to speak

about her career and research. The talk, “What Happens to Workers and Communities When Jobs Disappear,” was the concluding lecture in a series organized by the master of science in human rights program in memory of Lubna Chaudhry, an associate professor of human development who was integral to the program’s founding.

It was co-sponsored by the local University United Professions

chapter, the Human Rights Institute, the Human Development Association, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Latin American Student Union, the Powerful United Ladies Striving to Elevate and the women, gender and sexuality studies, economics, sociology and Africana studies departments.

Stockman was introduced by Suzy Lee, the master program’s director, and Maribel Tineo, a vis-

iting assistant professor in the human development department.

Tineo recalled how she met Stockman when they worked together at Harvard University’s Phillip Brooks House Mission Hill Afterschool Program under SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., who was in attendance Thursday night.

The lecture centered around Stockman’s 2021 book, “American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears,” which she

Five Bearcats record multiple scores as BU ties program record with 21 goals.

Suhiliah Lall sports intern

After defeating Vermont 1110 in overtime last week, the Binghamton men’s lacrosse team extended its winning streak to four games with a 21-10 win over UMBC on Saturday afternoon. After a back and forth start, BU captured the lead late in the first quarter and didn’t look back. Nine Bearcats combined for 21 goals — tying the program record.

“First off, I think our competition level was really high,” said Binghamton head coach Kevin McKeown. “We did a great job

in practice the week prior, and I think it carried over to the game. I just thought we competed really hard and made up for some of our mistakes with that, but the offense played really well.”

UMBC [4-5, 232 America East (AE)] won the first face-off, UMBC scored the first goal of the match off of a rebound. Binghamton (6-5, 4-1 AE) bounced back quickly with a two goals — one from freshman midfielder Jack Mellen, and another from junior attack Matthew Keegan. However, the Retrievers then scoring two consecutive goals to retake the lead at 3-2. This lead was short-lived as the Bearcats ended the quarter with two more goals from Keegan and senior attack Ethan Insinga to bring the score to 4-3.

The fundraiser worked to raise awareness for cancer prevention and early detection.

Alexis Yang Arts & Culture Editor

Binghamton community gathered in the Binghamton University Events Center in honor of those who have had cancer, are currently battling cancer or have been lost to the illness. Relay for Life raises funds for cancer initiatives and awareness, with 100 percent of the money going to the American Cancer Society (ACS) — the leading nonprofit for cancer in the United States. The event funds initiatives

wrote over the four years of former President Donald Trump’s term. Motivated by a question of why Trump had been elected, Stockman, a Michigan native, began talking to voters and hearing their concerns.

She heard one constant concern — jobs. Trump, she said, had tapped into an anger that went unseen by much of America’s political class.

including Hope Lodge, a program that provides housing for cancer patients and caregivers while receiving treatment, and Road to Recovery program, where volunteers drive patients to their medical appointments free of charge. Additionally, funds go toward resources such as free screenings, wigs and emotional support groups.

Nobel page 8

Women’s lacrosse takes

Restaurant Week Spring

Coalition puts pressure on University to divest

“As the death toll of Israel’s invasion and apartheid mounts, the danger of feeder programs and partnerships with defense contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems is undeniably salient,” the campaign’s release read.

“It is for this reason that we, members of the campus community, are organizing for an end to our University’s complicity in genocide.”

On Sunday night, the coalition published a clarifying letter to the Binghamton community, writing that “incidents of antisemitic harassment and abuse should be universally condemned and combatted

[—] they also should not be conflated with the student body’s right to political protest.”

“This resolution and the tactics of BDS do not hold Israel to any kind of ‘double standard,’” the letter reads.

“Our country is uniquely aiding Israel’s ongoing genocide with immense military and diplomatic aid — over $3.8 billion worth.

Our government rightly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but simultaneously provides nearly 70 percent of Israel’s weapons.

Furthermore, our University has offered no assurances that their investments do not support Israel’s atrocities and the weapons manufacturers who seek to profit

from these horrors.”

As of April 13, Israeli bombardments and ground offensives have killed over 33,600 Gazans, mostly civilians. Over the past six months, students and community members, both in Binghamton and across the SUNY system, have held protests, rallies and vigils to bring attention to the growing violence in the region and urge their institutions to call for a ceasefire. SUNY BDS, a group of students, faculty and staff across the state campus system uniting to “[bring] an end to SUNY’s relationship with the state of Israel,” also backed the resolution.

Amari Pavati, the president of the New Yiddish

Bund of Binghamton and a sophomore double-majoring in geography and classical studies, expressed the importance of precision when discussing divestment as a Jewish organizer.

“There is a fear that a lot of Jewish students have on campus of things like this and … as BDS as a form of hate,” Pavati said. “Kind of like a knee-jerk reaction [to] BDS — antisemitism, and I think it’s important to keep the focus on why we’re doing this, on what the impact we want to have is. Because it’s a form of protest against the government, and it needs to stay that way. That is really important, so signing on and continuing to help is absolutely

not an easy decision.”

Though the bill says the SA cannot endorse organizations that support Israel and the defense industry, this does not prevent subsidiaries — including student organizations — from holding career fairs or other events associated with these entities. It also calls for the SA to amplify the resolution by posting it to their Instagram and having the Speaker of Congress send the resolution to a host of state, University and University Foundation officials.

“We are hopeful that our tireless work to make clear the cause of divestment will shift the positions of SA Congress and E-Board members who are undecid -

ed,” the Divest from Death Coalition wrote. “We believe that our joint statement highlights the dire importance of standing against genocide, militarism, colonialism and hatred in all its forms — not only as individuals, but as organizations and elected representatives who are urged to vocally and publicly support such causes.”

Editor’s Note: The BDS resolution’s author, Tyler Brechner, is a Pipe Dream News writer. He had no part in the writing and editing of this article.

“BDS is a movement rooted in antisemitism,” wrote Saul Hakim, BUZO’s president, an off-campus college representative in the SA Congress and a junior double-majoring in political science and Judaic studies. “Instead of fostering dialogue, it is intended to divide our campus and inflame tensions. BDS jeopardizes the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus and has been proven to cause an increase in antisemitic harassment and attacks. It must not be allowed to pass under any circumstance.”

BUZO’s petition says be -

cause the resolution’s authors did not consult the University’s Jewish community, it was not written in good faith. It implores the SA Congress’ representatives to not entertain the effort, also alleging that the effort is designed to divide the campus community against stated SA policy.

“[The BDS movement] is extremely divisive and politically charged, forcing students to ‘take a side’ in a foreign conflict on which they may not be well educated,” the petition reads. “As evidenced by the strong emotions and opinions on both sides of this issue, BDS is divisive and controversial. The point of the SA is not to divide the student body, but to unite them. Passing this resolution is antithetical to that intrinsic value.”

Association

An open letter to the SA, calling on the SA Congress to reject the resolution and co-signed by leaders of the University’s Jewish community was published Friday on Instagram. Addressing representatives in SA Congress, it says, “as elected officials, it is your job to represent all [students], including the Jewish ones.”

“The [BDS] movement claims to use economic and academic means to put pressure on Israel to ‘end the occupation,’ but in actuality, their goal is the elimination of Israel as a Jewish state,” it reads, adding that the movement is antisemitic because of its efforts to delegitimize, impose double standards on and demonize Israel.

Though the SA and University administration have not responded to the petition, the amount of signatures continues to increase. Hakim urged SA Congress representatives to reject the resolution.

“The SA Congress must recognize BDS as the hatefilled, divisive movement it is and ‘SAY NO,’” Hakim wrote.

The petition’s supporters have expressed concerns that antisemitism has increased across college campuses nationwide. The open letter mentioned several incidents across the country, including last month, when a Jewish student was harassed outside of Emory University’s Chabad house. A Rutgers student’s face was printed on posters in their dorm with text reading “vote yes to divest.” The petition argues that these incidents can be traced to BDS activism and says that BU will experience a “significant spike in antisemitism” should the divestment resolution pass.

sourced from @buzo1948

A petition created by Binghamton University’s Zionist Organization has collected over 5,800 signatures in advance of Tuesday’s Student

Congress meeting.

NYT Editorial Board member speaks to students

“One of my big [takeaways] from the whole experience is that we have such a divide between those who make policies, [talk] about the policies and everybody else who has to live under those policies,” Stockman said. “There’s a huge divide geographically, economically and educationally to the point where there had been a whole war against bluecollar work for a generation, and we didn’t even know it was going on. We didn’t even know that we were part of the group that was waging it.”

Stockman’s book followed three individuals employed at an Indianapolis manufacturing plant, an intimate look at their lives before and after the factory closed. She shared that the writing process had shown her “one of the greatest divides in our country is [an] educational divide.”

In an anecdote about Shannon, a single mother who was the first woman to run a dangerous furnace, Stockman referred to a “blue-collar feminism” — an endurance and strength embodying the practical, everyday perseverance of the working class. Addressing skepticism she had faced when writing the book, she said believing in democracy meant that “you’ve got to listen to voters wherever they are.”

Stockman said she had almost titled her book “One of Us,” referencing a recurring concept at the heart of Trump’s victory.

Jobs, intrinsically tied to civil rights and human dignity, are the clearest sign of where loyalties truly lie, she argued.

“Jobs are an expression of political loyalty,” Stockman said. “They are like a part of politics, and if you understand that, the sort of tribal nature the way that people give jobs, to their loyalists and their family members and their compatriots. Then you understand why there was so much rage when factories started moving out of the American midwest to places like Mexico and China. People saw that they had been sold out by their politicians.”

Ending on an optimistic note, Stockman noted increased investments in American infrastructure under President Joe Biden and a resurgent labor movement under the “most pro-labor National Labor Relations Board, probably in history.”

After completing her undergraduate coursework at Harvard, Stockman began her journalism career reporting on Kenya’s presidential election and the international tribunal established in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.

Before joining the Times, Stockman worked at the Boston Globe, where she reported on foreign policy, wrote columns and contributed to the paper’s editorial board. A six-month series focusing on the nuanced legacy of courtmandated busing in Boston won her the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary in 2016.

René Rojas, an assistant professor in the human development department, described why the program chose Stockman to conclude this year’s lecture series, which centered around organized labor and the role of worker insurgencies in promoting justice. He said her selection fit Chaudhry’s vision for the human rights graduate program — an expanded vision of civil rights that includes economic justice and the labor movement.

“Pretty much every society on the planet violates human rights on a massive scale,” Rojas said. “Most people don’t have dignified work. Most people don’t have dignified housing in our country. Tens of millions of people don’t have health insurance and health coverage.”

Despite the heavy responsibility of writing about harrowing human tragedy, Stockman told Pipe Dream she tries to find hope in every story and center them on authentic human experience.

“I do think human stories and hopeful stories are the best way to engage readers,” Stockman said.

Second-annual EcoBlitz celebrates ecological work

It encouraged the campus community to use an app that allows users to share observations.

Sarah Lettieri news contributor

The Center for Integrated Watershed Studies organized Binghamton University’s second-annual EcoBlitz festival on Saturday, kicking off weeks of ecological work.

The event, which brought together several

student organizations, research groups, professors and local conservationists, began in the Appalachian Collegiate Center’s Lounge. The campaign, which ends on May 4, encourages the campus community to use the iNaturalist app, which allows its users to share ecological observations about the area’s flora and fauna.

University experts will then work to verify these observations and make the community data usable for research. iNaturalist will award prizes to whoever

identifies the most species found on campus. The kickoff is one of many “bioblitzes” — events hosted at colleges and universities where scientists organize field studies for local ecosystems.

“These ‘bioblitz’ events are held worldwide to collect biodiversity data using community science efforts,” Kristen Prior, an assistant professor of biology and a key event organizer, wrote in an email. “They motivate the community to get outside and observe nature while collecting data that

can be used in research to understand patterns in biodiversity and how it may change over time.”

The University’s EcoBlitz differed from other campus bioblitzes because it included sustainability and biodiversity-focused student organizations, including Zero Hour Binghamton and the Audubon Society. Several members of Zero Hour’s E-Board, including Stephen Corbisiero, the organization’s president and a senior double-majoring in environmental studies and geography, sat on the

EcoBlitz planning committee alongside Audubon Society leadership.

“We are trying to get as many people exposed to the Nature Preserve as possible to appreciate the value of nature,” Corbisiero said. “Frankly, a lot of people don’t know that the Nature Preserve is here and that it exists. It’s a great resource, so we are trying to get as many people to engage with not only the science aspects, but also spending time out in nature and really engaging with [various] species.”

The Nature Preserve, which is 190 acres and consists of a broad range of ecosystems and local wildlife, faces threats from both human and natural activity and is a secondary forest — meaning it was cleared and had to regenerate. Even with ecosystem regeneration, not all species of plant life have returned, including several local wildflower species, while invasive plants like hemlock trees have spread.

Overgrazing by deer, which prevents vegetation growth, has also negatively impacted the preserve’s ecological health, and polluted water from minerals like salt have also harmed amphibian populations.

Prior and other EcoBlitz organizers highlighted the importance of student awareness of these anthropogenic changes affecting the Nature Preserve. A second campaign goal was to encourage students to spend more time outdoors to appreciate its natural beauty.

“There’s a growing body of research that shows that spending time with nature

is good for people,” said Christina Baer, an assistant research professor in the first-year Research Immersion Program. “It tends to reduce stress, [and] in some cases, reduce anxiety.”

While the event was supposed to be held in the Nature Preserve, it was moved inside due to inclement weather, with the environmentally-themed activities organizers ready to answer questions while groups tabled. Among these tables were representatives from the Onondaga Nation, who were promoting the University’s Three Sisters Garden located in the Science I courtyard. The garden fosters a relationship between Indigenous people and their ancestral land through the planting of three different crops — corn, beans and squash.

Members of Prior’s ecology lab, which focuses on how human activity changes ecosystems , had children’s books about insect life for guests to look through. There was a table serving crickets to those brave enough to try one.

“Bringing in undergraduates to the leadership team who are passionate about and contribute significantly to BU’s biodiversity and sustainability efforts was transformational this year,” Prior wrote in an email. “Working with undergraduates, professors and graduate students to organize this event brought together complementary perspectives and expertise — and has been fun and productive.”

jacob gressin assistant photo editor

Farah Stockman, a member of The New York Times Editorial Board, spoke to students and faculty about her research on Thursday night.

Beauty, Grace, MDMA. Grace and beauty can look like projectile vomiting on to the sidewalk for 10 seconds, catching your breath, then talking about how throwing up is an amazing experience. Miss MDMA, she is an icon! Pupils the size of the sun, with a clenched jaw. I remember the first time I took molly, waiting impatiently for it to kick in, the longest 35 minutes of my life, and then in one step it was like someone had given me a new set of glasses. MDMA is Miss Beauty and Grace, Miss Clarity and, in all her greatness and gloriousness, it’s the best for all involved when she is approached with respect and used well. This molly etiquette is offered to you less as a command and more as a suggestion. This is just my way of rolling around. No party. No E at the

Vaping

OPINIONS

How

to

take molly Guidelines to the perfect experience.

rave. No E ever actually. If you can, it’s so much better to just stick to rock. But no rock at the party either. Let’s not be over-indulgent shall we? I’m kidding, but there is something to be said for unnecessary stimulation. I mean you just took molly — if it’s good quality and you gave yourself a kind and healthy dose, then you’re already set in terms of sensory stimulation. The feeling of the wind on your skin is going to be blowing your mind, the voices of passersby on the street are going to be magnified beyond belief, music from a singular headphone will explode through your ears and make its way down and around every inch of your body and brain. The real party with Miss Molly lies in the mundane, in the fact that regular everyday objects, actions, sights, etc., appear to you as fresh, miraculous, engaging. I remember walking into a crystal store during my first roll and finding a chair that spun, sitting in it and hav-

is on the

Ellie Shuart Opinions Columnist

So, what’s the deal with vaping? We all know someone who does it, even if we haven’t done it ourselves. But why have e-cigarettes become such a hot topic over the years? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) produces so many anti-vaping public service announcements every year, but why has it been deemed a cause worth their time and effort?

Humans have been smoking in some form or another for thousands of years. Some of the earliest records of smoking tobacco date back to the early Americas around 5000 BC, even though it was initially restricted to religious figures

ing my soon-to-be boyfriend spining me around, and I was filled with limitless joy. I kept going “Oh my god I love spinning, oh my god I love that this chair is here, I love that chairs can spin and I can feel dizzy.” That’s the party man.

She’s so perfect that you don’t need to add anything. I know people who have done molly, but only have taken it while already intoxicated, or with the intention of it being one of many substances they indulge in that day. And that’s cool, all fine and well, but you should do MDMA at least once on its own, have an authentic roll through and through. If anything, a little ketamine while you’re waiting for it to hit or coming up will help smoothen your transition into the Happy Crazy Person World, but there really is no need for any other substance. Oh, except nicotine. Smoking will not only tickle you, but it’ll keep your jaw from sitting tight or your molars from gritting on each oth-

er. Start with one pack, but don’t be surprised if there ends up being a second. Don’t play around with hydration. Each person should be accompanied by an absolutely huge water bottle, and you may not anticipate how easily it will disappear. It’s not a matter of chugging water down, but healthy, regulated sips. And you’re going to want the water, because guess what, you’re rolling! You took a drug that is pushing your body into abnormal and excessive chemical production right now — you’re doing the work! Give your body nourishment for its efforts! Oh, and about your bladder — either nothing will come out or you’ll need to find a quiet corner every 30 minutes. I’m usually the camel type, whereas my best friend, who has been my MDMA companion for the last three years now, is the one pulling at my arm to help her find somewhere to pop a squat.

And it’s especially im-

portant to have water at hand because you are about to do nothing short of walking and sitting. That’s it, that’s what’s on the schedule. Just walk around, see where your feet take you and how far you can go. My average is around 10 miles, and I swear to you fatigue only hits when you’re two blocks away from home.

Walking, being an observer on the move, is the best way to appreciate, explore and indulge the effects in cognition, feeling and perception. Like I said earlier, it’s all about the transformation of the mundane. Have fun losing your mind over the feeling of water running down your neck, or gaping at the beauty of the average street lamp, or the plants in the Apple Store. Everything is magic with Miss Molly — there’s nothing you need to look for, and everything you find is meant to be.

Most significantly, remember that you’re here for the whole roll, not just the peak. You’re here for the fun

What’s the deal with vaping?

list

of coming up, the incoherent ecstasy of the peak, the joyful grounded plateauing that follows, and the slow serene coming down. There’s something to be had at each stage, and it is the experience as a whole that is valuable, not just one instance during it. I don’t believe in redosing, and I don’t believe in rolling more than twice a year. Such a unique way of existing should be kept unique! And who am I to be entitled to magic any more often than that?

Views expressed in the opinions pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial.

Editor’s Note: We have allowed this columnist to publish this anonymously as a Drug Issue exception, as this article discusses a personal experience. We have allowed writers to remain anonymous in sex and drug issues before.

of dangerous items that make it hard to be a healthy American.

and ceremonies. While it is true that for thousands of years it was unknown whether or not smoking tobacco was cancer-causing, that knowledge didn’t seem to stop many people from moving away from their smoking habits when the correlation with cancer began being published in the 1940s and 1950s. Although it’s been known for years now that smoking cigarettes is dangerous for your health, in a world full of dangerous things, that alone doesn’t seem to deter people. Today, about 12.6 percent of high school students use tobacco in any form, with 7.7 percent of these students using e-cigarettes. This is still a significant drop in nicotine usage when compared to the year 2000, when tobacco usage among high school

students sat around 34.5 percent.

One of the major factors that attracts young people to vaping is the fact that they’re colorful and fruit-flavored. But a larger factor of temptation is the current quality of life for people, especially young people, in America. In 2023, the number of school shootings in America reached an all time high at 346 school shootings in a year, meaning nearly one school shooting occurred every day. Young people have also lived through COVID-19, which affected many students’ grades, stress levels and social skills. It’s a well-known fact that there is a correlation between unhealthy levels of stress and turning toward drugs or other unhealthy coping mechanisms to han-

dle your worries. For this reason, telling a teenager that they should stop vaping because it’s not good for their health will most likely not prove to be effective. On top of the stress of coming out of a global pandemic and living in fear of their physical safety at school, the FDA — the very organization putting out public service announcements to curb vaping — is the same organization that lets money-hungry corporations control the guidelines for what is allowed to pass as “food” in this country, and lets the American people eat food that is extremely unhealthy for them.

There have been 68 confirmed deaths due to EVALI, a condition in the lungs caused by vaping, as of February 2020. At the same time, according to

the National Institutes of Health, about 300,000 people die from obesity-related health conditions every year. And I’m not bringing up this contrast in fatalities to downplay the seriousness of anyone death due to vaping. There is evidence that proves that it is dangerous for our health, but we need to consider what else the people working so hard to stop young people from vaping are also in charge of. Due to their shadiness surrounding other bad products, if the FDA was in charge of making e-cigarettes, we might not see any public service announcements convincing young people not to vape, just like we don’t see any public service announcements telling young people not to eat junk food or how important it is to exercise.

The FDA doesn’t have the public’s health as the top priority when considering many other bad products. So many things in America are dangerous in one way or another. From e-cigarettes, to driving a car, to eating something from the grocery store, it’s just too difficult to be healthy in this country. The best possible way to curb e-cigarette usage among young people is to create a safer, healthier world for them to grow up in, so they wouldn’t feel the need to turn to drugs to cope. Ellie Shuart is a junior majoring in English. Views expressed in the opinions pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial.

Anonymous Columnist

Social media promotion causes Ozempic misuse

Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics hormones signaling fullness to the brain.

Bella Daidone managing editor

Drugs like Ozempic, a medication that treats Type 2 diabetes, have gained notoriety in the media because of their increased off-label use for weight loss among celebrities.

Its active ingredient, semaglutide, mimics hormones that signal fullness to the brain after eating, causing the body to produce insulin and lower blood sugar. Unavailable in a generic form, semaglutide is branded as Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus — all produced by Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Denmark.

The most notable effect of semaglutide has been weight loss, leading to Wegovy’s federal approval in 2021 for chronic weight management. Researchers have continued to study other potential medical uses for the drug, and it was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to reduce the risks of heart problems in overweight adults.

Many celebrities and influencers have begun using semaglutide to lose weight, generating public interest in the drug and its side effects on

TikTok and other social media platforms. Shortages of Wegovy, the only brand approved for this use, have risen because of the increased demand. Since it has a lower maximum dosage, Ozempic has not been approved for weight loss, though many have obtained it online or from doctors anyway, resulting in a shortage of it and similar drugs.

“Novo Nordisk does its best to ensure patients and health care providers are educated about the appropriate and responsible use of our medicines,” Marie Vedel Kessing, the company’s global media manager, wrote in an email. “While we recognize that some health care providers may be prescribing Ozempic for patients whose goal is to lose weight, we do not promote, suggest or encourage off-label use of our medicines and are committed to fully complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the promotion of our products.”

Side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy can include fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues and decreased appetite. Experts find the decrease in appetite particularly concerning because of its connection to behaviors associated with eating disorders. Michelle Gimbar, MS, RDN, CDN, an adjunct lecturer in Binghamton University’s health and wellness department, said these medications

could affect the ability to eat intuitively.

“How these medications work is by telling your brain you are full and by slowing digestion,” Gimbar wrote in an email. “As a dietitian who promotes intuitive eating, using this medication for weight loss may have a negative impact on understanding your own hunger and fullness cues. I haven’t seen it much in the literature yet, but knowing how the medication works could lead to skipping meals. Additionally, much of the literature does show that weight regain is likely once the medication is stopped if lifestyle changes have not been made.”

Controversy surrounding Ozempic has also stemmed from social media influencers’ promotion of the drug. On TikTok and other platforms, many have described their experiences, highlighting dramatic weight-loss effects. While TikTok allows those interested in the medication to hear real users’ experiences, many worry that its promotion as a seemingly miracle weight-loss remedy can encourage participation in “diet trends” for young audiences.

Lina Begdache, Ph.D., RDN, CDN, CNS-S, FAND, an associate professor in the health and wellness department, emphasized exercising caution when it comes to new drugs, especially when research on

long-term effects has not been completed.

“Back in 1990, Ephedra-based drugs were the miracle weight loss medicine that even doctors prescribed to their patients,” Bedgache wrote in an email. “It took years to learn their negative effects on the heart, blood pressure and mental health among others. Many still suffer from the permanent damage Ephedra has inflicted. Today, Ephedra is a banned substance by the FDA.”

As researchers look to determine other possible treatment opportunities for the drug for several different diseases, semaglutide-based drugs have only started to make what will likely be a lasting impact on modern medicine. But when it comes to its online reputation as a weight-loss fix-all, experts emphasize the importance of careful research and discourage use when not medically necessary.

“Be a smart consumer,

and always ask yourself the question — what are the credentials of the person giving the advice,” Bedagche wrote.

“Influencers are paid agents to promote products, so be careful with what information they are spreading. Successful personal stories do not mean that everyone will experience the same success. Always research facts and use credible sources — stay away from blogs — to learn more about health facts.”

Adderall shortage impacts patients nationwide

Clinicians described the overprescription of ADHD medication as a factor in the current shortage.

Grace Scullin news intern

Stimulant medication shortages have impacted many across the United States seeking treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The national shortage of amphetamine mixed salts, sold under the brand name Adderall — one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD — was first recognized by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2022. Other stimulants have also been undersupplied, including Concerta, Vyvanse and their generic counterparts. The shortage has impacted mental health

providers, both across the country and locally, including Psychiatry Services at Decker Student Health Services Center. Students may have to find alternatives for prescribed medication — or seek new medication entirely.

“In cases where a student cannot get an ADHD medication prescription filled that we have written, we work with them to find pharmacies that may have supplies in stock for their medication or generic or brand-name alternatives,” Ramona Mazzeo, the clinical director of psychiatry services at the Decker Student Health Services Center, wrote in an email. “Sometimes, that means some work in choosing pharmacies in other towns or switching to other forms of stimulant medication that may not be popularly prescribed.”

For students seeking an ADHD diagnosis, Decker Psychiatry Services requires they get tested by an off-campus provider to ensure that they distinguish between ADHD and other psychiatric conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms. Highlighting concerns about overprescribing stimulant medication, Mazzeo emphasized that Decker Psychiatry Services rarely prescribes stimulants. Students previously diagnosed with ADHD that cannot access treatment with their home providers or other off-campus options can be considered for initial treatment while they look toward longer-term care solutions but must be reviewed and receive drug tests, evaluations and frequent check-ins.

Overprescription of ADHD medication has long been a concern for clini-

cians, with some describing it as a cause of the current stimulant shortage. The number of prescriptions for ADHD medications has increased, with prescriptions for stimulants rising 14 percent between 2020 and 2022. ADHD diagnoses have also risen, with a major health care records company reporting that 0.6 percent of patients have an ADHD diagnosis in 2022 versus about 0.4 percent in 2019.

Stimulants are classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as Schedule II drugs, meaning that they have a high potential for dependency, abuse and dangerous side effects. College students often abuse Adderall and other central nervous system stimulants to increase focus and attention span. According to a 2018 study by the National Library of Medicine, around 20

percent of college students are likely misusing prescription stimulants. Mazzeo explained that stimulant abuse combined with overprescription has contributed to the shortage and made ADHD treatment less accessible.

“[The shortages are] why the accurate and thorough diagnosis of ADHD should be required before any controlled substance is prescribed to get the medication to the patients who need it and control the distribution of prescription medication,” Mazzeo wrote. “This is not unlike the opiate crisis, [where] medications that were meant for serious and severe symptoms of pain were overprescribed for common pain, causing an increase in supply in the community and increased risk for abuse of medication and its consequences on the individual and the health care system.”

Supply chain and manufacturing issues are other factors contributing to the shortage. Drug manufacturers say that yearly quotas set by the DEA, which limit the amount of stimulant medication that can be produced, prevent them from boosting supply to address the shortage. The agency, in turn, has previously blamed drug manufacturers for not meeting these goals and producing less medication than legally allowed.

While the shortage has impacted stimulant prescriptions, other resources are still available for students seeking ADHD treatment. Other, non-stimulant medications to treat ADHD — like bupropion an antidepressant sold under the

brand name Wellbutrin — have not been impacted by the shortage. The health and counseling case manager, a new position at Decker Psychiatry Services, is designed to work with students to coordinate treatment options for conditions like ADHD. The case manager also assists in teaching students skills to access and navigate the health care system. Students may also meet with the University Counseling Center (UCC) or Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), which can assist with providing accommodations such as extended testing time. Brian Flynn, the vice president of the neurodiversity club and a first-year graduate student studying biomedical engineering, said these resources can often be hard to find due to confusing website navigation, lack of awareness and inaccessibility.

“While it’s understandable to conserve resources for students who may not need such support — the SSD office, for example, has had only five employees since its inception in the 80s and only recently expanded to seven — it’s a slap in the face for the majority of students who still need them, as 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with ADHD still express symptoms as adults and did not ‘grow out of it,’” Flynn wrote.

sourced from cnn

Produced alongside Wegovy and Rybelsus by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is currently only federally approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Confronting myths about gender-affirming care

Gender-affirming care is a vital aid for those seeking a better quality of life.

Thum

Van

Arts & culture writer

In the last year, a series of almost 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures. The effect of these laws on the everyday lives of transgender people in the United States is far from negligible.

More than 60 percent of transgender adults in the United States say they have heard anti-transgender remarks from someone in their family or community, and almost 25 percent say that their access to gender-affirming care has been disrupted in some way.

Due to the social effects of our legislature, the news cycle and even misinformation within our communities, myths about gender-affirming care are pervasive. In this Drug Issue article, we will identify, break down and confront six myths that surround gender-affirming care.

Myth: All gender-affirming care is medical

There are multiple forms of medical intervention that can be considered gender-affirming care. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is usually taken by transgender or nonbinary people to produce physical changes associated with puberty, also called secondary sex characteristics. This form of care usually involves taking prescribed synthetic estrogen or testosterone, either orally, topically or via injection.

However, medical intervention is not the only form of gender-affirming care. Nick Martin, the associate director of the Q Center at Binghamton University, wrote in an email that many misconceptions about gender-affirming care stem from this myth.

“In my work over the past few years with the Q Center, I’ve found that the myths and misconceptions arise when students, faculty, staff and local health care providers stop viewing gender-affirming care as an umbrella term that can represent a variety of important medications, procedures and treatments,” Martin wrote. “Instead [they] view it as coded language in place of terms like trans health care or gender-affirmation surgery.”

Along with medical intervention, much of gender-affirming care is social. Using the correct pronouns and names for transgender individuals, changing one’s wardrobe or any other change that alleviates gender dysphoria — the stress that results from one’s assigned sex at birth not aligning with one’s gender identity — are also gender-affirming care. These changes are called “social transitioning,” and can also be classified as a form of gender-affirming care.

Myth: HRT poses a significant risk to an individual’s overall health

Some of the biggest myths perpetuated are the potential harms that HRT and puberty blockers pose to the overall health of an individual undergoing treatment. A study pub-

lished in the Journal of Clinical & Translational Endocrinology concluded that current data supports the safety of HRT with physician supervision. Risks of side effects such as blood clots, stroke or diabetes are minimal, but could be elevated. Typically, though, the small increase in risk is offset by improvements in quality of life — the risks are no greater than those posed by any other form of medication, and patients are given the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health care plans before beginning HRT.

Myth: HRT is irreversible, and there is a high regret rate for the treatment Depending on how long an individual has been receiving HRT, the results could be partially or completely reversible. Importantly, though, the regret rate for gender-affirming care and medical transition is incredibly low. A review of 27 studies found that the transition regret rate was 1 percent, and transgender youth who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of gender dysphoria are the least likely of anyone to de-transition, with over 90 percent remaining consistent in their identity according to one study in pediatrics.

Myth: Children are being given hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirmation surgeries

Importantly, HRT is almost always taken by adult transgender individuals. For children who have not reached puberty, no medical intervention is

When it comes to gender-affirming care, we must stop labeling it as trans-specific and recognize it as something that can simply improve the quality of anyone’s life.

available. For those who have, the typical treatment is puberty blockers. These medications are gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues — that’s a long term that describes a medication that temporarily stops the body from producing sex hormones. These medications are not only given to transgender children — Cisgender children who experience puberty too early are often prescribed them, too, and the medications are considered a safe form of intervention that has been used by endocrinologists for nearly 40 years.

Myth: Gender-affirming care is only for transgender people Mansha Rahman, a student manager at the Q Center and

a sophomore double-majoring in chemistry and art and design, wrote in an email that gender-affirming care is not trans-specific.

“Things like breast transplants, hair transplants [and] even hormone therapy are utilized by cisgender individuals for acne and hormonal imbalance,” Rahman wrote.

Indeed, puberty blockers, haircuts and affirming wardrobes — many forms of gender-affirming care — are not specific to transgender individuals.

Myth: Gender-affirming care isn’t generally accessible

If you or someone you know is looking for more information on or support with

gender-affirming care, Martin has several recommendations for students on BU’s campus.

“For current students going into health care looking for additional resources, I highly recommend the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH),” Martin wrote. “Multiple providers at the Decker Student Health Services Center and UHS are WPATH certified and the Q Center can help you get connected to them as needed. We encourage all students to visit the Q Center on the ground floor of [Glenn G.] Bartle Library or email us at lgbtq@ binghamton.edu if they don’t know where to start and need help.”

The ultimate playlist to listen to while high

These tracks are sure to provide you with an immersive experience.

Mia Colangelo Arts & Culture Writer

Many college students enjoy getting high, on life, of course, lounging in their dorms and most important of all — listening to music.

Music can set the tone for any trip or high. It can be the difference between anxiety and relaxation or even just

between boredom and fun.

This means that it’s important to have a playlist queued just for the occasion. Everyone has different music tastes that will make their selection different, but here are some song suggestions for creating the ultimate experience and playlist.

1. A Nostalgic Tune

Everyone enjoys hearing a song that reminds them of their younger days and which brings back an influx

of memories. This feeling can be especially powerful during an “experience,” so you’ll definitely want to include one of these.

A few suggestions are “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson (which was featured in the “Curious George” movie),“American Pie” by Don Mclean and “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye and Kimbra. Depending on your age, you may want to tweak these to find one which really reminds you of

your past.

2. An Upbeat Song Especially early on in the night, you’ll want to have something that’s a pure fun feel-good song — one that you can bop your head to and get lost in.

Some songs that will definitely bring up the energy are “Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes,“Harness Your Hopes” by Pavement, “Lovefool” by the Cardigans and “Gimme!

Gimme! Gimme!” by ABBA.

3. A Groovy 60s and 70s Jam No matter what your taste in music is, it’s important not to forget to include some songs that are associated with one of the most influential times in psychedelic, folk and disco. Some classics from this era are “Strawberry Fields Forever” by the Beatles, “I’ll Be Your Mirror” and “Femme Fatale” by The Velvet Underground, “Althea” by The Grateful Dead and “The 59th Street Bridge Song” by Simon and Garfunkel.

4. A Grunge Legend The 90s were associated with the grunge genre, a subgenre of alternative rock. With music that often features references to getting high as well as a garage-band feel, this is definitely a group of songs you’ll want to include. Some of the most notable grunge songs are “Something in the Way” by Nirvana, “Angry Chair” by Alice In Chains, “Agüela” by Molotov, “Hey” by Pixies, and “Not Allowed” by TV Girl — though not from the 90s, it has a similar vibe.

5. An All Encompassing Song

“Exit Music for a Film” by Radiohead, “The Great Gig in the Sky” by Pink Floyd and “A Running Start” by Sufjan Stevens are some suggestions that are sure to make you get lost in the moment.

6. A Mellow, Sad Track Whether or not to add one of these depends entirely on whether or not you feel you’re in the mood for it. For some, a calm, downbeat song can ruin the vibe and put them in a bad mood. For others, though, it can enhance the experience and make emotions more intense. Tread with caution with these tracks, and only add them if you think they’ll add to a good time.

Some mellow suggestions are “Not Strong Enough” by Boygenius, “This Feeling” by the Alabama Shakes, “Waiting Room” and “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers, “Vampire Empire” by Big Thief, “Hoax” by Taylor Swift and “I Bet on Losing Dogs” by Mitski.

These types of songs, when personalized and assembled together in a playlist, should make for a great time. Remember to be in a good environment with people you trust and have fun.

There are some songs that make you feel a dozen emotions at once and which feel as though they are taking you on a journey. While great to listen to any time, these songs are best when listened to when an hour or more into your “experience.”

caspar carson photo editor

BU ACS chapter honors those affected by cancer

relay from page 1

Relay for Life was founded in 1985 by Gordon Klatt, who walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for ACS. This year marks the 39th year since the founding of Relay for Life. At BU, members of the community including students and faculty, local high school students and Binghamton area residents could register for Relay for Life either as a group or individually. With a $15 required donation for pre-registration and $20 at the door, attendees were welcome to donate any additional amount they wished.

Jenna Stewart, mission and advocacy chair of ACS on Campus and a senior majoring in biology, conveyed the mission of Relay for Life.

“Our whole motto is ‘celebrate, remember, fight back,’ so the whole goal of the night is to celebrate people who have survived cancer and those who have cared for them, remember everyone that we’ve lost due to cancer, and fight back,” Stewart said.

As the BU chapter of ACS, American Cancer Society on Campus aims to fight against cancer through awareness and fundraising initiatives according to Katie Dullaghan, president of ACS on Campus and a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience.

The Relay for Life event began with a speech from ACS on Campus E-Board members, announcing the intention for the event and thanking everyone who came out and supported the fundraiser. Additionally,

E-Board members conveyed their personal reasons for relaying. As of April 14, ACS on Campus has raised $18,687 for the ACS, including donations for Relay for Life and their fundraising efforts throughout the year.

After the E-Board speech, survivors and caretakers were invited to participate in the first lap around the track. Dullaghan elaborated upon the importance of Relay for Life both to herself and others.

“This event is special to me because my mom had breast cancer, and I saw how much she enjoyed Relay for Life events and felt supported at them,” Dullaghan wrote. “I want to encourage that at our events for survivors and their families. We hope that our club makes those in the broader Binghamton community affected by cancer feel less alone, and know that we care so much about them even if we don’t know them.”

Attendees had the chance to donate to ACS at the event, where ACS on Campus and other organizations tabled on the Events Center track. Participating organizations included the B-Healthy team educating students about breast cancer detection methods, the Binghamton Kickline team hosting a bow-crafting station and Sigma Psi Zeta hosting a pie in the face fundraiser.

John Lauricella, associate director of Relay for Life and a junior majoring in business administration, conveyed the importance of supporting those affected by cancer. Lauricella also commented upon the importance of understanding the

disproportionate rates of cancer rates among minority groups and furthering resources to both prevent and treat cancer.

“I relay for my grandma who passed away at the age of 51 from breast cancer,” Lauricella wrote. “This event is also special to me as it has enabled me to hear the moving stories of those impacted by cancer and what it means to them to support this cause.”

The event also included Olympics-themed activities such as mini golf, slap shot, ping pong and a quarterback toss game, along with food provided by The Hungry Bearcat. Nevertheless, the focus of the event remained on those affected by cancer, according to Amy You, vice president of ACS on Campus and a senior majoring

in business administration.

“We have activities centered around a theme every year so everyone can enjoy their time, but we hope to have everyone […] focus on the stories of cancer survivors and caregivers that have been touched by cancer,” You wrote. “I hope that participants can respect and sympathize with those who were brave enough to share their stories.”

Preparation for Relay for Life is nearly a yearlong process in which the ACS on Campus E-Board and Event Leadership Team raise awareness, reach out to campus organizations, send out letters to survivors and reach out to BU faculty and local schools, among many other tasks. In February, ACS on Campus hosted a kickoff event at 20 Hawley St. in Downtown

Binghamton and in April, they held their Paint the Campus Purple Week in advance of Relay for Life.

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to decorate luminaria bags in honor of somebody who is battling, has battled or who has lost the battle to cancer. The bags were then set out along the track and on the bleachers of the Events Center. At 9:30 p.m., ACS on Campus held a luminaria ceremony, in which attendees watched a slideshow honoring those who have beaten cancer and lost the battle. Lights were placed into the luminaria bags and an empty lap was performed around the track in honor of those who have been lost.

When asked what he hopes participants will take away from

the event, Damien Chow, experience chair of ACS on Campus and a sophomore majoring in biology, conveyed his gratitude to this extremely important cause.

“I hope people come away from this event with just that — hope,” Chow wrote. “Hope that they found a cause they can relate to or just a community of good people. Hope for a cure, hope for the future and the knowledge that hope never has to go […] I’m just grateful to be in a place to do what I can to convey a message of hope and positivity, regardless of what time it may be in someone’s life, and hopefully we can all benefit from something like that.”

Lambda Upsilon Lambda hosts annual banquet

Kashif Summers Jr. was awarded with the 2024 Noche Dorada scholarship in recognition of academic excellence.

Sophie Hsu arts & culture writer

On Saturday the 13th, Binghamton University’s La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. hosted their 38th annual “Noche Dorada” — a celebration of honor in Latin culture, community and accomplishments.

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. is a Latino, but not Latino exclusive, fraternity whose philanthropy is to provide access to higher education for those with low income backgrounds and those in need. It is also a brotherhood that represents and values the strong connection and unity of Latin American students and organizations from college campuses all over the country and the world.

Abubakar Kolia, graduate advisor of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda and a first-year masters student studying business administration, discussed the theme of the banquet “Dentro De Las Estrellas” — which translates to “within the stars” — to highlight the brightness, talent and success of students in the Binghamton community.

“We want people to really believe in their imagination and creativity, so that they can pursue whatever endeavor that they choose to do so in their future careers,” Kolia said. “So we want them to

not only shoot for the stars and aim for the moon, but also make sure they do their best in whatever choice that they make.”

The event consisted of various different awards being presented to students and organizations in the BU community and was sponsored by StateFarm and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Additionally, La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. presented their Noche Dorada scholarship to a current Binghamton High School student. The organization based the chosen candidate off of well-roundedness, serving the community and leadership skills.

Alan Perez, vice president of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda and a junior majoring in economics, expressed the organization’s goals.

“Our philanthropy, which is one of our main goals, is to provide access to higher education,” Perez said. “We accomplished this mission today by giving out a scholarship to a Binghamton High School student who was fortunate enough to receive it.”

The winner of the 2024 Noche Dorada scholarship went to Kashif Summers Jr., a senior at Binghamton High School and varsity captain of the football and basketball team. From the organization’s perspective, K.J. fit the criteria in picking the best candidate. He presents his strong academic ability in taking IB and AP classes, along with his leadership and talent in his extracurricular activities.

Kolia shared that the organization had a tough time

choosing among their many candidates, but ultimately chose the winner based on his versatility and his pursuit of academics as well as athletics.

“We feel like as much as you dedicate yourself to books, you also have to really understand how to move socially within a campus and high school because it gives you opportunities for what is to come after,” Kolia said.

Perez explained the motivation behind building an organization like La Unidad.

“Coming from low-income backgrounds, sometimes it can get hard in college to survive, find help from others or find mentors,” Perez said. “We bring in members to try to develop them and help them get through college along with

helping them after college.”

Lorenzo Betancourt, fundraising chair for La Unidad, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, explained the organization’s motto “para siempre,” which translates to “for life.”

“We are a brotherhood for life, no matter what happens, no matter how far you go,” Betancourt said. “You always find brothers anywhere in the world. It is something that we really cherish and take to heart. I know there are a lot of alumni here, especially from [BU] and other colleges and chapters here today.”

The event showcased various acts from students in the BU community such as live music by From the Bronx

and Kofi Waldron, along with a dance performance by Quimbamba Latin Dance Team. Omar Kastra, a member of From the Bronx and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, expressed the band’s motivations in performing.

“For the most part, the reason we play is that there isn’t a lot of multicultural representation,” Kastra said. “And we want to let people know that there is a space for us as well as the majority of minorities. We want to make ourselves known.”

The event concluded with some wise words from keynote speaker, Rich Fernandez ‘05, along with closing remarks from the E-Board with a fun and engaging performance to end the night. Additionally, when asked

about future aspirations of the organization’s legacy, Kolia shared his wish to pave the way for younger generations to come, along with his personal experience of having upperclassmen as mentors who made sure that he had every resource to succeed.

“We just want to make sure that we are passing down that message, and we just want our viewers and audience to know that they can also make a change, and also make a difference,” Kolia said. “They can also help an individual that is aspiring to face future challenges and go on [to] future endeavors, so that they can really attack it with full confidence, so that they can achieve their goals.”

blake derossi contributing photographer

La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. works to provide access to higher education to those in need.

blake derossi contributing photographer

The event brought Binghamton University students, faculty and local community members together to support the fight against cancer.

CSA holds annual Culture Night Banquet

The banquet was inspired by Alice in Wonderland as it featured stacks of tea

Deborah Sridhar arts & culture writer

The Mandela Room transformed into a dazzling wonderland on Friday, April 12, as the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) hosted its highly anticipated annual Culture Night Banquet.

The doors opened around 7 p.m. as members of the association bustled around to set up. Vibrant hues of purple and indigo swept the venue, and round tables dotted the room with a white satin cloth draped over them. Elegant vases of flowers stood on the tables atop a stack of books centered around “Alice in Wonderland.” A towering rack of bite-sized sandwiches for refreshments sat on each table as the DJs blasted a mix of upbeat Caribbean music in the background. Ushers welcomed a lively turnout after 8 p.m., where attendees entered after flashing their tickets for admittance.

Samar Cuff, president for CSA and a sophomore double-majoring in psychology and global public health, delved into how the theme for the Culture Night came to be.

“[The theme] co-activities coordinated, and [the coordinators] came up to us,” Cuff said. “They were like, ‘hey, what if we did

something like a secret garden tea party? Hey, what if it’s Alice in Wonderland?’ And then we just combined it together. We all kind of came up with it as an E-Board, but [they] did come up with the idea of a little tea party theme.”

The event commenced with a speech by two E-Board members of the association, welcoming everyone to the banquet and promising a night of celebration of music, food and dances. Following the speech, Endless Vibrations — a trio of drummers from New York City — delivered a short performance, and were received with a resounding round of applause.

Ashley Marmolejos, activities coordinator for CSA and a junior majoring in nursing, spoke on what Culture Night meant to CSA members.

“The purpose [of the Culture Night Banquet] is to definitely broadcast our culture and what the Caribbean means to us [and] to different students on campus,” Marmolejos said. “I believe it’s super important for us to bring diversity and bring culture to our campus, where sometimes it lacks that. The purpose is to show how much we love our islands.”

Marmolejos mentioned that preparing for Culture Night involved addressing all the challenges that arose in E-Board meetings, such as deciding on the performances and spreading the word on what the event is

really about.

When asked how the costumes for the event were chosen, Marmelejos elaborated on how the dresses were chosen based on the theme of “Alice in Wonderland.”

“We are an all-girl E-Board, so baby blue fits right in,” Marmolejos said. “We’re all kind of Alice in here, and interns wore white, which coordinated really well with our baby blue.”

The Culture Night continued late into the night, with Alice in Wonderland-themed awards given to members of the association, followed by a vocal

performance by one of the organization’s interns. A brief intermission followed the activities, where attendees dined on various Caribbean dishes, after which festivities continued with a game of musical chairs. More awards were given out post-intermission, such as The King and Queen of Hearts, after which E-Board shoutouts were given as they went on stage to take pictures. Interns were invited on stage as well, and the E-Board members for the following academic year were announced.

Alyssa Soto, a sophomore majoring in psychology, voiced how much CSA

means to her.

“I love this organization because it just feels like family,” Soto said. “Since I’m Caribbean, I didn’t grow up with a lot of people who had the same experiences as me […] so this is just a way for me to connect to my roots and have people that are feeling the same way as I am.”

Having been part of CSA since her freshman year, Soto explained how much she learned about her culture through the organization.

“I’ve learned a lot more about the different types of food across the Caribbean,” Soto said. “Whether it be

from my own native country or other countries in the Caribbean, different music types, styles of dancing or just traditions and folklores of other countries.”

Jordanne Gibson, activities coordinator for CSA and a junior majoring in psychology, shared Soto’s sentiment about the CSA and added her anticipations for the Culture Night Banquet.

“I’m looking forward to just seeing people enjoy the space because the whole goal is to share our culture with everybody and put a creative spin on it like Wonderland because the Caribbean is a wonderland,” Gibson said.

DCP presents ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’

The Dickinson Community Players’ adaptation boasts dramatic and comedic scenes that portray Gray’s redemption.

Emily Maca arts & culture intern

On April 12 and 13, the Dickinson Community Players (DCP) put on “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” an adaptation of the classic novel of the same name written by Oscar Wilde. The stage adaptation, written by Merlin Holland and John O’Connor, is a contemporary take on the once controversial novel, now hailed as one of the classics in Gothic literature. The DCP collaborated with the Binghamton Identity Youth Center. This youth center promotes a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in the community, as 30 percent of the proceeds from the tickets were donated to support the youth center.

The play follows the titular character, Dorian Gray, as he indulges in a life filled with hedonistic abandonment with no consequence to his physical form, leaving him ageless. However, his portrait faces the consequences of his chaotic lifestyle, as with each sinful act he commits, his portrait ages and decays while his physical body remains intact. While loyal to its roots, the play focuses on aspects of the novel that had to be censored when it was published back in 1890.

Much of the focus of the play was placed on the tumultuous relationship between Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward, played by Kedra Fowler, a senior double-majoring in English and Africana studies. On stage, Basil’s devotion to Dorian Gray was evident to everyone in the audience, with much of the humor of the play being aimed at Basil’s advanc-

es being constantly rejected by an unassuming Dorian Gray. Fowler executed much of the devotion via longing gazes and words of praise to Dorian Gray, which was how the author of the novel, Oscar Wilde, had originally intended to portray the dynamic between the two characters.

Lyd Wyble, who played the lead role of Dorian Gray and is a junior majoring in mathematics, had much to share about the adaptation of the classic novel into a play.

“This version of the play was actually co-authored by Oscar Wilde’s grandson,” Wyble wrote in an email. “It includes content, particularly Basil’s sexuality, that Wilde had to remove from the original publication.”

Wyble further expressed their reasoning behind why putting on the play was so important, and how they prepared themselves to take on the lead role.

“There’s something very comforting about telling Wilde’s story the way that he had originally intended,” Wyble wrote. “I’m very grateful that we can portray an identity that he wasn’t able to express in his time […] Learning to act as Dorian was something I struggled with until practically opening night. There’s an entire life to share in two hours — naïveté and romance and corruption and redemption.

A lot of people see ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ as a story about corruption, but I think the path to redemption is what matters. It’s ultimately a story about someone trying to be better. There’s nothing more human than that. I wanted to convey that humanity in my acting, and hopefully I portray a Dorian that the audience can see themselves in.”

The play itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, as the actors quickly went from acting out emotional scenes to

comedic scenes that left the audience in stitches. While the play is an exploration into the inner turmoil that the character of Dorian Gray goes through, it also focuses on the relationships between each of the characters, as the actors ardently interact with each other on stage to show the true extent of the impact that Dorian Gray had on the lives of their characters.

The showstopper of the night was not only Wyble’s performance, but the portrait of Dorian Gray itself. Following the novel’s description, different versions of the portrait of Dorian Gray were present throughout the play, as it went from a clear version of Dorian Gray at the beginning to an old and withered depiction of the character by the time the play ended. The audience delighted in each switch of the portrait between scenes, as it was a way for the audience to note both the passage of time and the true extent of Dorian Gray’s sins.

Shirley Wang, a sophomore majoring in computer science, was in charge of the spotlight of the show. When asked about how the DCP tackled their portrayal of the portrait, they explained the surprisingly simple approach to the portrait.

“We had about four different versions of the portrait,” Wang said. “We used photo editing in order to give the portrait the look of an aged oil painting.”

Alexandr Smalyuk, the director and a junior majoring in history, shared his thoughts on the most challenging part of preparing for the play.

“The most challenging part of the show was getting the tech closet door to open in the multipurpose room so we could get all of the stuff that we needed for the play,” Smalyuk said.

Smalyuk went on to describe the feeling of seeing the show come to life.

“The highlight of my experience was really seeing the show on stage for the first time,” Smalyuk said. “Seeing all of the costumes, props and all of the sets was when I realized that we made it so far from where we started in a classroom wing room with a couple of people and having to move back and forth between locations to having an actual show that truly looks fantastic.”

At the end of the night, the audience and the cast mingled, as praises and congratulations were issued to the actors for their final performance of the play. Cast members were congratulated by the audience for their passionate performances, and the stage and tech crew were praised for their quick and efficient work when it came to changing the set props needed for each scene.

Kate Langsdorf, a junior double-majoring in Asian and Asian American studies and philosophy, politics and law, was one of many attendees of the play’s final show. She expressed her delight in getting to see the classic novel on stage.

“Having read the book before, the best part of the show was how much emotion the actors put into their roles,” Langsdorf said. “I hadn’t realized how emotion was in it. [The actors] brought so much emotion and they made it so entertaining. It was a really incredible experience.”

All in all, the DCP certainly put on another successful play that Binghamton students and members of the community were able to enjoy and learn from with their rendition of “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

The banquet included an awards portion where both interns and E-Board members were recognized.

jiminez contributing photographer

Baseball swept by first-place Bryant

Bearcats outscored by Bulldogs 27-7 over three games.

Luca Carrese sports contributor

Coming off a midweek home win over Le Moyne, the Binghamton baseball suffered a series sweep against Bryant in America East (AE) play. The Bearcats dropped the first two games of the weekend after giving up 10 runs in both games before falling 7-2 in the series finale.

“[Bryant] was better than us, bottom line,” Binghamton head coach Tim Sinicki said. “They pitched better, they hit better, they executed better. They deserved to win. There’ll be a day where we get help from our offense,

and our pitching has got to be better. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work out in any of the games.”

In the opener, the Bearcats (13-18, 3-9 AE) evened the score at one, courtesy of an RBI single from sophomore shortstop Mike Stellrecht, before Bryant (22-11, 11-1 AE) scored five runs in the bottom of the third to take a 6-1 lead. As BU trailed 7-1 in the eighth inning, junior third baseman Devan Bade hit an RBI single, followed Stellrecht walking in a run to bring the game to 7-3. The Bulldogs responded immediately, driving in three more runs before holding off the Bearcats in the top of the ninth for a 10-3 win.

“We’re down our one and two starters right now,”

Sinicki said. “[Senior pitcher Gabe Driscoll] didn’t pitch and [sophomore pitcher Ryan Bates] didn’t pitch. We’re trying to [pitch] with other guys. We’re a little hamstrung right now with those guys being down, so we’re trying to get other guys opportunities. We’ve just got to play the hand we’re dealt right now. We’re not going to win any games scoring three runs. When our pitching is down like that, we need help from our offense, and we didn’t get it.”

In Saturday’s game, Bryant opened the scoring with a three-run second inning, followed by another run in the bottom of the fourth. Though Binghamton would add a run with a junior outfielder Logan Haskell RBI single in the top of the third

inning, they would not score again until the top of the ninth. During this span, the Bulldogs added back-to-back three-run innings in the sixth and seventh innings to finish off the win game two 10-2.

“We didn’t get a good enough start, and we got behind the eight ball,” Sinicki said. “Offensively, we didn’t have enough to try and claw our way back [in the second game].”

In the weekend’s final game, the Bearcats kept the game within two runs until the seventh inning, when Bryant plated three runs to take a 6-1 lead. After another Bryant run in the eighth, Binghamton made a lastditch effort in the top of the ninth with an RBI single from senior catcher Kev-

in Reilly, but the Bulldogs held on for a 7-2 win and the weekend series sweep. Graduate student pitcher Theo Farynick provided BU with three shutout innings of relief while only allowing one hit on Sunday.

“It was 3-1 and we dropped a ball at first base [and] that opened the floodgates to give them three more runs,” Sinick said. “[Farynick] did a great job. He threw three scoreless innings out of the bullpen for us. Typically [Farynick] hasn’t gone three innings, so the fact he was able to give us three scoreless kind of kept us in the ballgame with a 3-1 deficit [prior to the seventh inning]. That was good.”

Over the weekend, the Bearcats surrendered 27

runs on 40 hits to Bryant, while scoring just seven runs off their own on 18 hits. Bade led Binghamton with five hits and four runs scored, while senior outfielder Mike Gunning hit his 13th home run of the season on Sunday.

“We gotta get this thing turned around as soon as possible,” Sinicki said. “We’re just not playing well enough in any area consistently. We’ve got to try to use Tuesday as a way to jumpstart us and then get ready for the weekend [versus UAlbany].”

The Bearcats will look to bounce back as they host Cornell on Tuesday, April 16. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Bearcats Baseball Complex in Vestal, New York.

wendy dyro contributing photographer

Senior outfielder Mike Gunning went 4-for-10 with four runs scored as BU was swept by Bryant over the weekend.

“I thought the guys were just playing really, really, selflessly,” McKeown said. “So, I’m excited to see that, and hopefully, we can continue to do that as we move forward.”

Binghamton and UMBC traded goals to begin the second half. With the Bearcats now leading 5-4, they scored four unanswered goals. This started with junior attack Gage Adams finding the back of the net. Twelve seconds later, freshman attack Andrew Girolamo got the ball from senior face-off Ross Chazanow, and put the ball away for BU’s seventh goal of the game. With 38 seconds left in the half, Girolamo fed the ball to Keegan for his third goal of the game as he completed his hat trick. Adams capped off the first half scoring with another goal to give Binghamton a 9-4 going into halftime.

“It’s great to spread [the ball] around like that,” McKeown said. “[Girolamo] is a freshman who has started getting [the ball] more and more. In the past, three to four games, he did a great job feeding. So, I thought the offense, was moving the ball really well and seeing the field well.”

Coming out of halftime, for the first 10 minutes, BU and UMBC traded goals as the Bearcats retained a 13-7 lead. Binghamton then

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Men’s lacrosse defeats UMBC

went on a three-goal run as Keegan, Adams and senior attack/midfielder Liam Ferris all scored to bring it to 16-7. With two seconds left in the quarter, UMBC got one past junior goalie Connor Winters, ending the third quarter trailing 16-8.

“We tied our program record for goals with 21, [with] 13 of those being assisted,” McKeown said. “I think percentage-wise, it was the most amount of assisted goals we’ve had this year. We moved the ball really well and, the guys did a great job of finding [each other].”

During the fourth quarter, with all the momentum, BU continued to control the game. Binghamton scored the first five goals of the quarter to make it a 21-8 game. UMBC scored twice in the final minutes to make it 21-10, but it was too little, too late, as the Bearcats secured a dominant 21-10 victory.

“The unselfishness offensively, how we passed it — that’ll [continue] to be a focus,” McKeown said. “I think we have to tighten up a little bit defensively — and we haven’t watched a lot of Bryant yet — but certainly know that they’re a really good team. [Bryant] had beaten us twice last year — once in the playoffs, so I think it’ll be a battle and certainly a big one to be able to get to potentially start secure post-season birth.”

Nine different Bearcats put points on the board,

including five with multiple goals and four earning hat tricks. With the victory,

remains in a

Women’s lacrosse blows past UNH

Binghamton wins 20-8, extends winning streak to four.

Kyle Beame sports contributor

The Binghamton women’s lacrosse team extended its winning streak to four games with a 20-8 victory against UNH on Saturday morning. After the Bearcats came out swinging with four goals in the first five minutes of the game, they did not look back, cruising their way to a 12-goal victory.

“We talked pregame about keeping our playoff hopes alive [and] controlling our own destiny,” said Binghamton head

coach Stephanie Allen. “I thought the girls really made a statement, especially on the offensive end today.”

Binghamton [8-6, 3-1 America East (AE)] came out of the gates hot, scoring less than a minute and a half into the game on a free position goal from sophomore midfielder Emma Blloshmi. Binghamton then scored three goals, two of them coming from free positions. Those three goals came from senior attack Madison Murphy, Blloshmi and junior attack Olivia Muscolino. UNH (2-10, 0-4 AE) eventually put up its first goal with 5:49 left. Then, Binghamton added two more goals, to take

a 6-1 lead to end the first quarter.

“[Free positions] is something we practice every single day,” Allen said. “Sometimes we’re a little inconsistent in the way the shots fall in games and today I thought we were very locked in and executed well in the free positions.”

The second quarter saw more back and forth between the two teams. The Bearcats started the quarter with a goal from senior midfielder Hayley Weltner, her second goal of the game. Then, the Bearcats and Wildcats went back and forth for a significant portion of the quarter until BU scored five consecutive goals in the last few min -

utes, which gave the Bearcats a 14-5 lead going into the second half.

The Bearcats continued their run into the third quarter, adding two more goals — courtesy of Muscolino and Murphy. Then, the Wildcats scored two goals, making the score 167. The score would remain this way for going into the final quarter.

“We played very well together today,” Allen said. “We have been talking about our systems, our belief in what our units can do when they play together, when they play cohesively and [when they play] in sync.”

The fourth quarter saw the Bearcats continue to

dominate, outsccoring the Wildcats 4-1.Those goals came from Blloshmi, Muscolino, freshman midfielder Mia Forte and senior midfielder Kristen Scheidel. Binghamton kept UNH at bay the rest of the way to capture a 20-8 victory over the Wildcats, extending their winning streak to four games. During each of those four games, the Bearcats have held their opponents to less than 10 goals.

“We really looked to limit teams to below 10 goals and have been able to for the last several conference games,” Allen said. “That is something that is a huge feat.”

In addition to the Bearcats’ success on defense,

their senior goalie Sofia Salgado garnered a season-high 12 saves in the win. She also had more saves than goals, with her 12 saves compared to eight goals given up.

“[Salgado] was the MVP in my mind,” Allen said. “I thought she kept momentum in our favor.”

With two more games left of AE play, the Bearcats will hit the road to take UMBC on Saturday, April 20. First draw control is set for 3 p.m. at UMBC stadium in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Binghamton

tie for first place with two games left in AE play. BU will host Bryant for senior day on Saturday,

April 20. First face-off is set for 12 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.

blake derossi

Senior attack/midfielder Liam Ferris had a season-high six

Saturday afternoon.