Spring 2018 Issue 14 by Pipe Dream

E-Board Where they stand on the issues pages 3 to 5

Thursday, March 15, 2018 | Vol. XCIII, Issue 14 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com

The Free Word on Campus Since 1946

Candidates talk goals, student concerns

Tercero detained

Wuest, Toussaint, Anszelowicz compete for SA presidency Gillian Kenah News Intern

“The National Police received a request from U.S. authorities for the location and capture of the delinquent Orlando Enrique Tercero Moreno, 22 years old, who [entered] Nicaragua on Friday, March 9 at 3:55 p.m. from the U.S.,” Díaz said. The U.S. Department of State has been informed of Tercero’s capture, Nicaraguan police said. Tercero has hired an attorney, and will be represented by Michael Bachner, a criminal defense lawyer in New York City. “Orlando is presently now being detained in Nicaragua, subject to further investigation,” Bachner said. Tercero had been romantically involved with Anderson and left the United States before her body was discovered,

Students packed Lecture Hall 10 on Tuesday night to learn more about the platforms of each Student Association (SA) Executive Board candidate and ask questions about their goals. Candidates for president, executive vice president, vice president for finance, vice president for academic affairs, vice president for multicultural affairs and vice president for programming spoke at SA E-Board Election Sweeps about their platforms for the 2018-19 academic year. Rachel Anszelowicz, a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law; Jerry Toussaint, a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law; and Michael Wuest, a junior double-majoring in history and philosophy, politics and law, talked with students about their plans for the presidency, should they be elected. The presidency is the only position with multiple candidates; all others are running unopposed. In response to student concerns about making the SA more approachable, Toussaint said he would like the SA to start tabling in order to connect with students. “One of the most practical ways I believe this can be done is by tabling,” Toussaint said. “The SA historically does not table, so there’s not necessarily any view of the SA or the different people within the SA. So, I believe that by first tabling and interacting with students we can create more of a sense of personability.” The presidential candidates were also asked how they would differentiate between free speech and hate speech in reference to a recent article published by the Binghamton Review, BU’s student-run conservative monthly publication, which has been accused of using hate speech in their writing. Anszelowicz said she aims to work

SEE TERCERO PAGE 3

SEE SWEEPS PAGE 2

Provided by National Nicaraguan Police

Orlando Tercero, suspected of killing BU student Haley Anderson, was arrested in Nicaragua on March 13.

Suspect apprehended at Nicaraguan hospital Sasha Hupka News Editor

Nicaraguan authorities say they have arrested the 22-yearold suspect in the homicide of Binghamton University student Haley Anderson. Orlando Tercero is suspected of killing Anderson, a fellow 22-year-old nursing student at BU, and fleeing to Nicaragua on an international flight. He was apprehended Tuesday at the Hospital de León and received medical attention for selfinflicted injuries, the Nicaragua National Police said in a press statement. Police said he was transferred to the Directorate of Judicial Assistance, a prison also know as El Chipote, in Managua, Nicaragua.

Students join national walkout Controversial essay sparks SA response

Demonstrators demand reform, end to gun violence

Binghamton Review article denounced by students

Jillian Forstadt

Assistant News Editor

Since Jan. 1, more than a dozen school shootings have occurred in the United States. On March 14 at 10 a.m. local time, students walked out of classrooms across the nation in hopes of sending one message: Enough is enough. The walkouts were a part of the “#Enough National School Walkout” to raise awareness for issues of gun violence and the need for reform. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Binghamton University chapter hosted a walkout in solidarity with students around the country. Approximately 40 students stood in the snow outside the University Union for 17 minutes, one minute for each of the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting. The names of the victims were read by Ra’Vynn Waters, the second vice president of BU’s NAACP and a sophomore majoring in nursing, and a moment of silence was held for each one, as well as for other victims of gun violence. An additional moment of silence was held for former BU student Haley Anderson, a senior majoring in

Amy Donovan

Assistant News Editor

Sidney Slon | Contributing Photographer Binghamton University students walked out of classes on Wednesday morning to honor the victims of the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida and demand gun reforms.

nursing who was killed last week. Those walking out at BU did so in support of the demands on gun reform outlined by the NAACP. The four demands call on Congress to require universal background checks on all gun sales, ban military-style semi-automatic assault guns, ban high-capacity ammunition clips and enact tougher criminal penalties for illegal gun purchases and

ARTS & CULTURE

gun traffickers. The national movement was organized by Women’s March Youth Empower, an offshoot of the national Women’s March organization, in support of the March for Our Lives movement that started following the school shooting in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14.

SEE WALKOUT PAGE 2

A recent controversial article published by the Binghamton Review, Binghamton University’s student-run conservative monthly publication, has led various student groups to speak out against the publication, calling for the defunding of the organization and prompting a statement from the Student Association (SA) Executive Board. On Feb. 21, the Binghamton Review published an article titled, “Standard Fuck Parties, Bug Chasing, and Homosexuality,” in which a writer under the pseudonym “Pino Che” reviewed a documentary centered around a subculture within the gay community. The 2003 documentary, titled “The Gift,” highlights a community of men looking to contract HIV and engage in sexual relationships with no use of protection. The writer went on to comment on the LGBTQ community in a manner many considered generalized and homophobic.

OPINIONS

“This hyper-extensive, egotistical, nihilistic, self-destruction found within the homosexual community is disturbing for most Americans,” the article read. Later in the article, the writer said those who identify as gay or transgender are too small of a percentage of the U.S. population to be garnering the attention they receive. “This micro community has been forced into every aspect of life,” the article read. “One of our major political parties has officially taken up the cause of the .3% to force companies, schools both public and private, to allow this community to use whatever bathroom they want.” The Binghamton Review has since taken down the issue and posted a statement on its Facebook page apologizing for the article. According to the statement, the writer will no longer be a contributor to the publication. “We offer our sincere apologies to those negatively impacted by this article,” the statement read. “We never intend to distress our readers; the hope is that they will walk away with fresh perspectives.” In response to the article, a group of

SEE ARTICLE PAGE 5

SPORTS

Food Co-Op to mix music and art at open mic night,

Fine arts groups fight for rehearsal space across campus,

Contributing columnist Jessica Gutowitz discusses the lack of disability representation in Hollywood,

Pipe Dream’s March Madness preview,

Women’s basketball advances to second round of WBI,

See page 6

See page 8

See page 11

See page 12

NEWS

bupipedream.com | March 15, 2018

Students call for change WALKOUT FROM PAGE 1

Provided by Pipe Dream Archives On March 12, the Binghamton University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted the seventh annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser, where student athletes volunteered and shaved their heads to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research.

Athletes go bald for cancer Annual St. Baldrick's event raises awareness Michael Levinstein Pipe Dream News

Steven Schein shaved his head five years ago at a St. Baldrick’s Foundation event, and continues to do so once a year to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. A St. Baldrick’s head-shaving fundraiser, hosted by the Binghamton University StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), was held in the Events Center on Monday, March 12. BU’s SAAC has hosted St. Baldrick’s fundraisers for the past seven years, raising a total of over $83,000. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-run charity that helps fund childhood cancer research grants and hosts headshaving events to raise money and awareness. The organization was originally created when businessman Tim Kenny challenged his colleagues John Bender and Enda McDonnell to shave their heads to raise money for cancer research. The three organized their first event on St. Patrick’s Day in 2000, coining the term “St. Baldrick’s.” Since then, the foundation has helped plan shaving events around the world. For Schein, a junior majoring in biomedical engineering, the fundraiser hits home. “That’s just something that

I think affects me personally,” Schein said. “My brother had a lot of medical bills when he was younger, and my mom’s had cancer and other members of my family have had cancer, so it’s just more of a personal thing.” Linda Reynolds, a fundraiser organizer and the assistant athletic director for studentathlete development, said the event brings many parts of the greater Binghamton community together. “We’ve kept doing it year after year, because it’s one of those events that’s great because we get student athletes involved, we get the campus involved and we get the community involved,” Reynolds said. Student-athletes from the softball and swimming teams helped volunteer during the event by signing people in and handing out St. Baldrick’s merchandise, such as T-shirts and bracelets. Abby Koerwitz, a sophomore majoring in psychology, said her position as an athlete helped raise awareness for the event. “Because we are athletes, we could easily spread the word,” Koerwitz said. “Tell people in our class, and spread the word and just get St. Baldrick’s out there to help raise awareness and money.” Reynolds said seeing people with shaved heads brought awareness to the event and the problem of pediatric cancer. “I think that this is a unique event because obviously people

shaving their heads from a promotional aspect, you know, gets attention and draws people in to wonder why you shaved your head” Reynolds said. “And I think anytime a woman in particular shaves her head, people take notice and they want to know what’s going on. I think it’s fun from that perspective, but more than that, the money comes back to us locally, which is nice.” Women participating had the option to either shave or cut their hair in ponytails, which were donated to Wigs for Kids and Pantene Beautiful Lengths, charities that create wigs for cancer patients. Carrie Maniccia, a senior majoring in biology and a player for the women’s softball team, cut off 10 inches of her hair for the event. The team “adopted” a young cancer patient as their “adopted teammate,” who goes to practices and games with BU’s softball team. “I think that any furthering on cancer research or being able to help those who have gone through that is important,” Maniccia said. Reynolds said she believes the prospect of raising money for childhood cancer research is what keeps people coming back to these events. “The cause itself, I mean just raising funds for childhood cancer research, I think that in [and] of itself is a reason why anyone should come out and do this,” Reynolds said.

The walkouts were scheduled on the one-month anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. According to the NAACP, while the National Instant Criminal Background Check System has prevented nearly 1.3 million prohibited purchasers from buying guns. Waters said that these measures are crucial not only for students, but also for communities of color, which are disproportionately affected by gun violence. According to Lea Webb, diversity specialist for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and one of the advisers for the NAACP on campus, having discussions about stopping gun violence is necessary for the United States to move forward. “We have to do better as a country, as a community,

to address these issues as they pertain to gun violence and also have more in-depth conversations about the fact that it’s easier to get access to weapons than it is to get access to equitable education,” Webb said. In the remaining minutes of the walkout, a few students discussed how attendees can continue promoting the message of #Enough. Chukwudi Kanu, a senior majoring in systems science and industrial engineering and a member of the MALIK fraternity, promoted an active shooter training with Binghamton’s New York State University Police Department held that evening. While Kanu said the timing was a coincidence, it was beneficial since the walkout energized students and prepared them to be reactive to gun violence and proactive in preventing the issue. “UPD is trained to deal with

these situations, but students are not and I think UPD has the knowledge, so bring that to the students,” Kanu said. Local efforts will continue on March 24 at the Binghamton March for Our Lives, which will start at Binghamton High School and end at the Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Downtown Binghamton. The march is planned in conjunction with hundreds of other marches around the country, including a central one in Washington, D.C. Sarah Merke, an undeclared freshman who attended the walkout, said it is time for students to educate each other in order to end gun violence. “I think all of us should be able to live the way we want to without having fear,” Merke said. “I think it’s sad that most of us have to go to school or walk down the street with the sense that anything can happen to us.”

Candidates voice platforms SWEEPS FROM PAGE 1 with student organizations to define hate speech and supported the way the current e-board handled the situation. “I would advocate very strongly for a definition of hate speech and I would enforce it and make sure that every student organization group would feel comfortable with that definition,” Anszelowicz said. “Additionally, I really respect and I would probably like to echo the actions taken by the current e-board and think it was handled very well.” Wuest responded to student concerns regarding how candidates will choose to fulfill their role, either as an executive or as a representative. “You are both president of the

Student Association and CEO of the Student Association, which is a multimillion-dollar company,” Wuest said. “I know what it takes to find that balance [between executive and representative] because I’m doing it right now as an assistant and an elected congress member. You need to advocate and directly talk about student needs and be accessible.” In the past, candidates would “sweep” through campus communities to attend each of their government meetings, according to the SA Sweeps Viewers’ Guide. Now, sweeps take place in one room, and all undergraduate students are welcome to attend and discuss candidates’ platforms. Each candidate had three minutes for an opening statement, which was followed by rounds of

questions from students separated by their respective communities. Candidates also made a two-minute closing statement. Harry Bittker, SA special assistant for rules and policy and a junior majoring in political science, said the interaction between candidates and students has expanded since sweeps first began. “I think this is a really good opportunity for students not just to hear from candidates, but also to interact with them,” Bittker said. “One of the biggest improvements we’ve made this year in regard to interaction is that we’ve basically created a way, a Google form, for people to ask candidates questions, so people can ask questions without necessarily directly interacting with them.”

Corrections In the March 12 issue of Pipe Dream, the news article “State cuts threaten EOP funding” was misprinted with a different article, “Students face challenges heading home for break.” Pipe Dream regrets the error.

Citizen Action hosts first mass mobilization meeting Organization aims to create neighborly bond

Mobilization,” which will focus on changing the way Citizen Action works as a political force and building its reputation within the community. Citizen Action, a Ciara Gordon Pipe Dream News local grass-roots organization, works to create political change Sixteen people met in in areas ranging from tax reform United Presbyterian Church of to social equality. Binghamton on Wednesday night The goal of “Mass Mobilization” to discuss community outreach, is to create a neighborly bond fostering relationships and through canvassing, which taking Citizen Action of the New will allow the organization to York’s Southern Tier chapter in a form relationships with people new direction. on a consistent basis, not just The meeting was the first of a during elections. Mary Clark, new monthly series, titled “Mass the regional director for Citizen

Action’s Southern Tier chapter, stressed the importance of going door to door on a consistent basis. “How we engage our community is important,” Clark said. “We want to spend April through July going door to door weekly in order to build relationships with people. Once we build those relationships and find out what’s important to them, then we’ll talk about elections.” Much of the discussion also centered on getting different demographics involved

with Citizen Action. Leonna Perreault, a board member of Citizen Action’s Southern Tier chapter, said the group wants to have representation from all communities. “In particular, we tried to reach out to women of color to attend the Women’s March this year,” Perreault said. “It’s not that these women haven’t had an interest in participating, but I don’t think it’s always been an inviting space, so we need to invite these women to want to be a part of the change.” Alex Compton-Monell, a

Binghamton area resident, said he appreciated the stress on being active within government year-round. “I liked the emphasis around engagement mobilizations, not just around the election,” Compton-Monell said. “To really change our political system, people need to not just vote, but hold our politicians accountable.” Mario Muniz, an undeclared freshman at Binghamton University, said he believes the organization should work to recruit more young people. “If you look around the room,

everyone here is around the same age,” Muniz said. “I think Citizen Action should be looking to recruit more students and I think more students have to get involved with their local politics.” Perreault said she hopes these types of meetings help the community expand its activism. “It’s a twofold effort,” Perreault said. “We recognize we need to be a bigger part of the community, and we’re hoping they will embrace us and come to events like this that will inspire them to become a part of other reform groups.”

WHEN?

Thursday, March 22 7-9 PM WHERE?

UU 120

WHAT DANCES?

Salsa Waltz Any questions? Email bingballroomvpres@gmail.com or bingballroompres@gmail.com

PAGE III Thursday, March 2018 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 3,15, 2,5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017

Elections

address: University Union WB03 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 phone: 607-777-2515 fax: 607-777-2600 weB: bupipedream.com

The Current E-Board

Pipe Dream interviewed the current Student Association Executive Board to find out what they've learned and hear about the big issues this election season. Jermel McClure, Jr., president During his campaign, McClure, a senior majoring in political science, pledged to improve SA business practices and Off Campus College Transport outreach and communication. He also promised to focus on off-campus safety, foster collaboration between student groups and the University and encourage student representation. McClure also supported starting conversations on mental health resources, diversity initiatives relating to staff hiring and sexual assault awareness. Before becoming president, McClure served as the SA vice president for multicultural affairs (VPMA).

Glenn Avisado, executive vice president (EVP) While running for executive vice president, Avisado, a senior triple-majoring in business administration, political science and economics, pledged to provide greater mentoring for incoming staﬀ and e-board members and expand the services SA businesses oﬀer to students by exploring the possibility of credit card payment. Before becoming EVP, Avisado was a project manager for the SA.

Rebecca Ho, vice president for finance (VPF) During her campaign, Ho, a senior majoring in business administration, promised to modernize the form submission process by implementing password-protected, encrypted technology, create an idea pool to allow clubs with extra funds to support other SA organizations and assign financial advisers to student groups struggling to manage their money. Additionally, Ho proposed creating budget guides to help educate organizations on budget management. Before becoming VPF, Ho was a SA Congress representative for the apartment communities.

Joshua Gonzalez, vice president for multicultural affairs (VPMA) As VPMA, Gonzalez, a senior majoring in geography, promised to strengthen bonds between multicultural groups, the student body and University administrators. He also proposed an expansion of mental health resources on campus, and pledged to encourage unique programming between diﬀerent organizations. Before becoming VPMA, Gonzalez was a student representative in SA Congress.

Raul Cepin, vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) During his campaign, Cepin, a senior majoring in Latin American and Caribbean Area studies, pledged to advocate for more skills-based classes for students in Harpur College and the College of Community and Public Aﬀairs. Additionally, Cepin promised to increase access to research, internship and enrichment opportunities and create a case competition on academic issues in which undergraduate students could compete for a scholarship. Before becoming VPAA, Cepin was vice president for Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program (JUMP Nation).

Elizabeth Aliberti, vice president for programming (VPP) In last year’s elections, Aliberti, a senior majoring in biology, pledged to enhance the Programming Board’s accessibility and increase internal involvement. She also promised to continue building on previous eﬀorts to keep more detailed record of the Programming Board’s finances.

What have you accomplished during your time in oﬃce?

Responses were edited for clarity and length How has your perspective on your position changed during your time in oﬃce?

What challenges do you think next year’s executive board will face?

I have been able to establish a clear mission statement, a set of core values and goals for the organization. I have established a press secretary position within the SA president’s oﬃce to improve transparency. I have advocated on the behalf of undergraduate students in various capacities, including proposing changes to the University Code of Conduct that protects the rights of undergraduate students. I have appointed three new members to the Student Association’s Judicial Board.

During my time serving as Student Association president, I have learned a lot about the importance of the SA president cultivating strong relationships with fellow executive board members, as well as key stakeholders across the University.

I think some of the major issues are centered around better communicating what we do as an executive board to the campus community. I have implemented the new press secretary position to assist us in our eﬀorts to improve outreach moving forward. Next year this will hopefully be less of a problem.

[I] moved the chartering process online, created new group advisers for clubs specializing in constitution writing, marketing and event planning, created new training guides for incoming e-board and staﬀ members [and] created new internship opportunities for students looking to get involved.

I definitely have a greater appreciation for all the staﬀ members who work for the SA. It’s a big organization, and it takes a lot of manpower to keep it running. The general students will probably never know what half of our staﬀ do, but they definitely see the results.

The biggest issue that every e-board faces is the student body not knowing what we actually do. Hopefully the press secretary position can help mitigate this issue next year.

During my time in oﬃce, I built a voucher-tracking system to electronically track the status of vouchers and notify users throughout the phases of voucher processing. I also hired a team of financial advisers to assist student groups with planning out their finances, as well as an Information Technology Team.

Since taking oﬃce, my goal of progress and automation has remained a driving force in my work to streamline and improve the financial governance of the SA. Over the course of the year, I have learned how empowering it is to have a strong team. I have been fortunate enough to have incredible assistants and advisers that work diligently to handle day-to-day functions.

The prior approval process is the largest bottleneck issue that the VPF oﬃce currently faces and I do not believe I will be able to automate this function by the end of my term. As for the oﬃce as a whole, the new executive board will not have a returning executive board member, so there will be a lack of institutional knowledge.

[I] helped re-establish PRISM, the premier multicultural tabloid, helped establish VPMA positions in each community except Collegein-the-Woods, restructured Multicultural Extravaganza so that it is a more collaborative event, created a multicultural Listserv for promotional purposes [and] restructured the [Intercultural Awareness Committee].

It’s a diﬃcult position, and can be very stressful at times. I think it is the most important position I’ve done in my life thus far. Helping students and organizations stay organized, promoting their amazing events and combating racism [and] discrimination makes it all worth it.

More support for mental health. I originally wanted that to be my main focus, but with everything that has happened over the past few months I only recently have been able to dedicate time to it. I want the fight for more services to continue and to help students find more options to better their mental health.

During my time in office, the team and I have developed a stronger relationship between student groups and the VPAA office. Often the office has been focused mostly on advocacy. I have tried to maintain an open door policy and give the students a voice. [We have also] cemented the SA Spotlight series into the legacy and regular responsibility of the office with the amazing support of the Programming Board.

The position has been structured so that the oﬃce could create more student-initiated academic programming. This year we have sponsored various leadership conferences and speaking engagements including an upcoming conference on individualism featuring students and faculty that is completely student-run.

With the help of my committee chairs, I have brought several successful, diverse acts to campus, including Post Malone, Dave East and Yaeji. I have expanded the SA Spotlights collaboration with the VPAA oﬃce, and we have now had three successful seminars with more on the way. Most importantly, I have continued the mission of the VPP oﬃce by creating and expanding fun, diverse, safe and exciting events for all of our students to enjoy.

At first, I thought I had strict parameters as far as what events I had to put on, but I have learned that the VPP oﬃce is a place for innovation and creativity. I have also learned that as VPP, programming is the main focus, but that I am also here to listen to student opinions regarding all matters on campus and to make change where it is possible.

according to police. He is a U.S. citizen. Anderson, a senior majoring in nursing from Westbury, New York, was found dead at 12:53 p.m. Friday after police responded to a welfare check at 23 Oak St., a student residence on Binghamton’s West Side. Anderson did not reside in the house. Her death was officially declared a homicide following an autopsy performed Saturday, March 10 at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. “This incident and the circumstances of the death [were] not a random act or involving the conduct of a stranger,” a statement from BPD read. “The victim and

male student had a previous domestic/romantic relationship. The investigation determined that the person of interest had left the United States by an international air travel flight prior to the discovery of Haley Anderson’s deceased body.” In a statement, Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell said his office will be seeking an indictment from a grand jury in the case, and after one is granted, will file a warrant for Tercero’s arrest. According to Cornwell, the warrant will be presented to the U.S. Department of State, and his office will call on the Nicaraguan government to extradite Tercero. “Every day, we work to protect Broome County residents, and those living in our community,” Cornwell

wrote. “When a life is taken, we will use all available legal procedures and resources to bring justice to the victim, her family, the defendant and our community.” The investigation is being

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Our executive board has been strong about collaborating and keeping open communication. Unlike other executive boards, we have had regular meetings throughout the semester and breaks to make sure we are on the same page. Challenges faced in the upcoming years would be to continue to increase student participation in the government side, there are amazing student leaders among our various groups that could serve as excellent executive board members and congress members.

Increasing safety at our events, as the frequency of violent acts at events of this nature is on the rise. I think next year’s executive board will be faced with common challenges such as how to effectively collaborate and how to efficiently use student money, but also new challenges such as how to make students feel safer in all aspects on and off our campus and how to engage more students through the SA.

Nicaraguan National Police detain Tercero TERCERO FROM PAGE 1

Spring 2018

— Binghamton, New York/New Jersey HIDTA Program Resources, the Port Authority Police Department of New York and New Jersey and the Nassau County Police Department.

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NEWS

Elections

bupipedream.com | March 15, 2018

Pipe Dream interviewed the candidates to gain perspective on their platforms and what issues matter most to them.

The Candidates Jerry Toussaint, candidate for president and a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law Toussaint received an endorsement from College-in-the-Woods.

What is your platform?

My platform consists of three initiatives: Improving Transparency, Student Advocacy/Representation, and Oﬀ-Campus Safety. All three of these initiatives encompass one overarching theme, which is to create opportunities and foster camaraderie between the student body and the SA.

What do you believe needs to be changed with the way the SA is run?

I believe that what needs to be changed within the SA is its “you seek us, we do not seek you” approach to the student body. I believe that this is where the notion of the SA being an elitist group stems from; where the general student body is unaware of the opportunities within the SA, whereas most students who are involved in the SA got their opportunities through a friend or associate already involved with the SA.

Why did you decide to run for an executive board position?

What issues will you prioritize if you are elected? What issues do you think are most important and need to be solved?

Michael Wuest, candidate for president and a junior doublemajoring in history and philosophy, politics and law Wuest received endorsements from Mountainview College, Hinman College, Hillside Community, Susquehanna Community and Oﬀ Campus College Council.

Working to provide accessible counseling, sustainable parking, foster community relationships and provide a safe and inclusive environment for Binghamton through a proactive Student Association.

Operationally, having regular reports from the e-board to the student body is a must, and the president should interact more with the provided services of the organization … [And] promoting possible involvement opportunities to students will integrate more of campus to the Student Association.

I decided to run because I have the ability to empathize with the needs and issues of students across the different forms of student life as a result of my extensive involvement here at Binghamton, [which] includes being chief of staff to the SA President, a former VPMA assistant, treasurer of the Men of Color Scholastic Society and an Off Campus [College Council] Student Congress representative.

The presidency is a versatile tool of representative and administrative duties. Using the authority of the oﬃce to confront the troubles of students to the University, and providing eﬃcient services for student benefit will only assist student life. Leading by example from the top down to create a better tomorrow.

The issues that I will prioritize the most if I am elected are transparency and inclusion. If elected, I would like to personally appoint and seek out students across the diﬀerent communities and receive their inputs on how to create a better Binghamton for all students, rather than a select few.

Mental health advocacy, parking on campus, community engagement, free feminine hygiene products, transparent administrative sessions, protecting our green spaces and addressing international and domestic inclusion are all focused topics.

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Rachel Anszelowicz, candidate for president and a sophomore majoring in philosophy, politics and law

As president, I will increase SA inclusion and transparency, make Late Nite bus service more efficient, provide free feminine hygiene products on campus, improve on-campus parking through incentivized programs and improve [University Counseling Center] and [Decker Student Health Services Center] hours. I feel very strongly that the Student Association needs to be accessible and responsive to the entire student body. I will compile a comprehensive list of SA resources and distribute it to the student body and publish it on our website. I will implement an anonymous suggestion box to give students a means of providing feedback. Most importantly, I will reach out to every student via their organizations, living communities and other affiliations to recruit them to work in the SA office. I am running for president of the SA because I have become very frustrated with the Student Association’s inclinations to engage with and cater to a very small portion of the Binghamton student body which they deem “qualified.” I am prepared to change that by listening to what the students have to say and getting them directly involved in making positive changes on campus.

Some of my primary initiatives will include providing free feminine hygiene products for all students on campus, improving the University Counseling Center and Decker [Student Health Services Center] hours to be more reflective of student schedules and getting more people directly involved in the SA.

Michelle Dao, candidate for executive vice president (EVP) and a junior majoring in business administration

Kevin Darrell, candidate for vice president for finance (VPF) and a junior double-majoring in accounting and math

Dao has received an endorsement from every community except Dickinson Community.

Darrell has received an endorsement from every community except Dickinson Community.

My platform focuses on improving the relationship between the SA Executive Board and our student groups in addition to the resources we provide. My plan consists of five main goals I plan to achieve and set up for success: communication, collaboration, professionalism, diversity, and small space allocation.

My platform is to improve the efficiency, accessibility and accountability of the vice president for finance office by developing ‘how-to guides,’ workshops and monthly newsletters for our groups. This will lower the number of mistakes made and the time taken to process the various forms submitted to the VPF office.

The main critique I hear from student leadership is that the executive board is too apathetic. I seek to improve our empathy as an organization by ensuring our staﬀ is customer service-oriented while also maintaining the eﬃciency and structural aspects of the executive vice president’s job.

I believe that the SA needs to become more eﬃcient as an organization to better serve our students. Also, the SA should better advertise the various resources available to our student groups and students.

This past year, I have worked under Glenn Avisado in the executive vice president’s oﬃce and I have been able to see such positive change in the SA executive operations; however, after speaking with so many student leaders across campus, I realized that despite the good work we have implemented this semester, there are aspects in which we can improve. I decided to run because I know that I would continue the legacy we have created while also improving in aspects we were not able to address this year.

After working in the VPF office for two years as both an assistant and the head assistant, as well as serving as the vice chair of the finance committee of Student Congress, I have developed a passion for SA finance and for working with the SA’s various groups. Being elected as the next VPF will allow me to continue working with our groups in an area I have immensely enjoyed. Although the current VPF team has done a great job revamping the Financial Policies and Procedures (FPP) and the initial treasurers training session, there is still a problem with presidents [and] treasurers adjusting to their roles to correctly fill out forms such as vouchers and prior approvals. This leads to a significant delay in the time it takes to process these forms. My platform prioritizes these issues by making guides and reference materials that will make it easier to fill out the necessary forms.

I believe trust needs to be reestablished between the student body and the Student Association as a whole. My main priority while maintaining the duties of the executive vice president is making sure transparency and communication with the student body are a priority.

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Endorsements will be online on Friday morning and in print on Monday. Responses were edited for clarity and length Doug Wehbe, candidate for vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) and a junior majoring in computer science Wehbe has received an endorsement from every community except Dickinson Community.

I intend to build upon the groundwork laid by VPAA Raul Cepin for event programming and advocacy while working within the University’s existing infrastructure to implement sustainable, long-term initiatives. Collaborating with student groups and University offices will ensure that advances made during my tenure persist thereafter.

Online contact options would significantly improve SA Advocates’ accessibility, and a formalized procedure for training advocates will allow for smooth transitions from year to year. A constitution for SA Advocates, templates for policy proposals and an increase in personnel will bolster the oﬃce’s structure far beyond my term.

My two terms on Newing College Council’s E-Board have given me a deeply gratifying opportunity to represent my community, not to mention valuable leadership experience. I have also served on the VPAA’s staff for the past three semesters; I hope to use all that I’ve learned to continue promoting the academic interests of my fellow students as VPAA.

Specialized education in topics like computer programming and Microsoft Excel is often exclusive to Watson [School of Engineering and Applied Sciences] or School of Management students, leaving Harpur students with no formal way to acquire these high-demand technical skills. Additionally, every student must have adequate access to information about academic deadlines, university resources and conduct procedures.

NEWS

Andy Jean-Baptiste, candidate for vice president for multicultural affairs (VPMA) and a junior double-majoring in economics and philosophy, politics and law Jean-Baptiste has received an endorsement from every community except Dickinson Community.

My platform is UPSIDE [Unity, Pride, Strength, Infrastructure, Diversity, Equal Opportunity], which is broken down on the SA website, and will eventually be fully explained on a Prezi I am currently working on. My main goal is to increase the collaboration and infrastructure of multicultural organizations. I will also focus on issues relevant to the multicultural community, which is based on what I have heard and eventually surveys as well.

Courtney Mitchell, candidate for vice president for programming (VPP) and a junior majoring in computer science Mitchell has received an endorsement from every community except Dickinson Community.

If elected for VPP, I plan on communicating directly with the student body that the SAPB can be used for as an accessory help for any of their programming needs. I want to change any false presumptions about the SA and SAPB going forward into the future, while raising awareness of the organization, increasing membership and building diversity.

I believe the overall public perception of the SA needs to be changed. Usually, I hear that students don’t understand what the SA does as a whole or that it’s corrupt. As a member of the executive board, I would hope to remove this false perception and better the relationship between the SA and students.

I decided to run for this position on the executive board because I wanted to use my previous experience in leadership to not only evolve the SAPB as an organization for the future, but to also make sure that students at [the] University are being represented by someone who cares deeply for their problems and concerns.

Although the current VPF team has done a great job revamping the Financial Policies and Procedures (FPP) and the initial treasurers training session, there is still a problem with presidents [and] treasurers adjusting to their roles to correctly fill out forms such as vouchers and prior approvals. This leads to a significant delay in the time it takes to process these forms. My platform prioritizes these issues by making guides and reference materials that will make it easier to fill out the necessary forms.

The issues that I will prioritize are expanding the SAPB’s outreach and communication with students and creating a new diversity initiative that will allow for new events and programs to be made for students. I think the most important issue that needs to be solved is the membership and guidance of members in the SA and I believe my positioning will help change this for the future.

Students respond to article, start petition ARTICLE FROM PAGE 1 students created an online petition to defund the publication. Chris Block, a senior double-majoring in sociology and psychology, helped advertise the petition and shared it to the Binghamton University Class of 2018 Facebook group. “Organizations should not receive any funding if they encourage hate speech toward any community, regardless of personal opinion, and I would like to make this clear to the SA,” Block said. “There’s no issue with having a conservative viewpoint; however, hate speech is absolutely detrimental to many people both on and off campus and simply cannot be tolerated.” At the SA Congress meeting on Monday, Sarah Samson, the president of SHADES and a junior majoring in human development, spoke out against the article. According to the meeting’s minutes, representatives of SHADES, a BU organization that acts as a support group for people who identify as LGBTQIAP+ and are of color, demanded a statement from Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger to condemn the publication, and the de-chartering of the Binghamton Review. SHADES was unavailable for comment. According to Patrick McAuliffe, the editor-in-chief of the Binghamton Review and a junior double-majoring in philosophy and political science, the organization is aware of the petition and is currently doing legal research on the matter. “We’ve looked into what can legally be done, under SA bylaws, about defunding or de-chartering an SA organization,” McAuliffe said. “We’ve also already contacted legal help with organizations outside the University to see whether it can be done under state or federal law, as Binghamton University is a state school.” Free Press, a publication that shares

an office with the Binghamton Review in the basement of the University Union, also spoke out against the article and publication in a statement on its Facebook page. “While we respect other writers and publications’ right to express their opinions, we cannot remain compliant with The Review any longer,” the statement read. On Tuesday, the SA E-Board sent out a response to the entire student body about the article, condemning the issue as well as another article about sexual assault published by the Binghamton Review. “We are appalled this blatantly hateful content was produced on campus at the expense of students and community members who fall subject to such bigotry,” the statement said. “The aforementioned rhetoric contributes to a hostile environment for LGBTQIAP+ people as well as survivors of sexual assault.” The Binghamton Review’s office bulletin board was vandalized around midnight Thursday. The comments included phrases like “no platform for fascists.” According to SA President Jermel McClure Jr., a senior majoring in political science, a grievance has to be brought to the SA Judicial Board in order for a club to lose its charter. “If they decide that a rule within our governing documents has been broken, they can choose the proper course of action in reprimanding the organization,” McClure wrote in an email. McClure said the SA is also looking to facilitate educational discussions to avoid future situations. “We also are working with organizations to ensure educational conversations regarding statements like the ones made in the article published by the Binghamton Review are occurring,” McClure wrote. “It is important that students understand why those sorts of comments are problematic.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

For rehearsing student groups, hallways will have to do Fine Arts has five rooms for dozens of ensembles Rachel Greenspan

Assistant Arts & Culture Editor

The Binghamton University campus is pretty quiet at 6 a.m., but on some Thursday mornings, sharp choreography and pop music fill a mirrored room in the Fine Arts Building as the Binghamton Kickline team rehearses their numbers. “[6 a.m.] is usually the best time to get a dance room,” said Meghan Paola, a senior double-majoring in political science and history and the president of Binghamton Kickline. “There’s usually not other groups rehearsing, like the theatre department and [groups] like that.” For some groups, it’s easier to request a time when the building is not yet open, rather than having to compete with the other groups attempting to get space. The Fine Arts Building is home to three mirrored rooms and two large rehearsal spaces without mirrors, making only five spaces for theatre students, dance students, actors in Mainstage and studio productions and students in the over 20 Student Association-chartered dance and music performance organizations to practice. Many organizations are instead forced to use unconventional rehearsal spaces — such as hallways and corridors. Victoria Velazquez, the president

Madeline Mahon, member and former president of Rhythm Method and a senior double-majoring in English and philosophy, politics and law, said that the lack of mirrored rooms creates limited options for the multitude of groups in need of one. “The one time I reserved I got there at 7 a.m. and there were multiple people already in line,” said Mahon, who is also the president of the A Capella Council. Mahon’s problems with reserving space for Rhythm Method have extended beyond just rehearsal time. In March 2017, one year before the group’s 25th anniversary show, she waited outside the Anderson Center office, which opens at 8 a.m., at 5:45 a.m. to reserve the Chamber Hall. “A janitor literally had to let me in, and I was the second one in line,” she said. “It’s an absolutely crazy, competitive process.” Bayait said that, eventually, this issue could be rectified by students bringing their opinions to offices Kevin Peredes | Photography Editor such as the Dean of Students or The Ballroom Dance Association is one of the many student groups that often rehearse in the hallways of the Fine Arts Building due to the difficulty of Student Affairs. This way, Bayait reserving rooms in the building. There are only five rehearsal rooms there, including three mirror rooms, that can accommodate dance groups. said, the University might respond of Evolution Dance Company the necessary steps and still like Quimbamba Latin Dance Team the first priority of these spaces by adding more rehearsal space (EDC) and a senior majoring experienced difficulties. and the Ballroom Dance Association goes to credit-bearing theatre on campus. “What we’re hoping that in biochemistry, explained that “I used to have my rehearsals often resort to rehearsing in courses. This includes rehearsals for each EDC choreographer needs last year on Monday nights at 8, inadequate locations. Mainstage productions, for which happens in the next couple of years to go individually to the Theatre and I would literally have to get “Our dancers are going to show students earn academic credit. These is that enough student groups Collections Office in the Fine there at 8 a.m., and there would up, whether we have a room or not,” reservations are separate from those complain that there aren’t enough Arts Building to reserve a room already be a line of people outside Velazquez said. of student groups — in other words, practice spaces for dance groups to rehearse their dance. When Collections waiting to book a room,” Kari Bayait, the marketing and when Velazquez waits in line at 8 and mirrored rooms,” Bayait said. Velazquez choreographed a dance Velazquez said. promotions manager for the BU a.m., multiple rooms may already be “Really, there just aren’t enough spaces to accommodate everybody.” last year, she said she followed EDC and other dance groups theatre department, explained that reserved for theatre courses.

An open mic on the menu Food Co-op to host annual spring event Noah Broch

Contributing Writer

The Roots Cafe at the Food Co-op is teaming up with OPEN, a student-founded organization that orchestrates open-mic events, for a night of vegan food and student performances on Friday, March 16. Sharon Elkouby, the general manager of the Food Co-op and a junior majoring in sociology, said the open-mic night is part of a series of events that the Food Co-op holds each year. “[The event on] Friday night will really be a way to bring people together in a collective and inclusive way,” Elkouby said. “[Roots] is a smaller space, so our events feel very intimate.” Hannah Burke, a junior double-majoring in English and environmental studies, is the marketing and social media director for Students for Ethical Living and Food (SELF), a club affiliated with the Food Co-op. Burke said that the co-op works to create a fun and welcoming space for all students. “We’re trying to be more of an inclusive space for people,”

Burke said. “People can come eat and do homework [at Roots], but they can also be a part of SELF.” Other events hosted at Roots Cafe and organized by SELF have included yoga nights, movie nights and a Q-and-A with Eric Lindstrom, the author of “The Skeptical Vegan: My Journey from Notorious Meat Eater to Tofu-Munching Vegan — A Survival Guide.” “Our events are always a great way to showcase the diversity of people involved in the Food Coop and show [the Co-op] in a social light,” Elkouby said. “It’s exciting to bring together so many different perspectives.” Burke said she is passionate about the Food Co-op’s united mission of providing students with healthy and freshly cooked food alternatives to those offered on campus. “We have no affiliation with Sodexo, so we’re moving away from a corporation which runs this school’s food systems by providing a space on campus where people can eat food that they feel good about and is ethically sourced,” Burke said. Burke said that the exposure from this first collaboration with OPEN will help promote the missions of the Food Co-op going forward.

Godfrey Fenton, founding member and president of OPEN and a junior majoring in mechanical engineering, said that he is excited to collaborate with the Food Co-op. “This is a pretty interesting time for our organization,” Fenton said, adding that the organization is still in its early phases. Fenton said that the majority of OPEN’s shows consist of an hour of open mic followed by a two-hour art show. “Our art shows usually follow a theme and vary from visual art to music performances,” Fenton said. In the past, OPEN has showcased students performing poetry readings, stand-up comedy, swordsmanship, circus arts (such as juggling and hoop tricks) and aikido, which is a type of martial art, as well as music acts like bands and solo rappers. “This is what I have done my whole life — I draw, I dance, I write,” Fenton said. “I love art, and giving people the opportunity to share their art is the best.” The Food Co-op open-mic event is free to attend and will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 16 in the Roots Cafe University Union Room B30.

Rebecca Kiss | Assistant Photography Editor In this photo from 2017, Jacob Levine, a junior majoring in English, performs as part of last year’s spring open mic night at the Food Co-Op.

Provided by Pipe Dream Archives In this photo from 2017, Jasmine Kennedie performs during the Rainbow Pride Union’s annual Drag Show. This year, the event will be held on Friday, March 16 in Chamber Hall in the Anderson Center.

Crowning queens and kings RPU's 'Drag to the Future' to be held Fri. Gabby Iacovano Arts & Culture

Students and community members will take the stage of the Anderson Center’s Chamber Hall on Friday, March 16 for a night of futuristic fun. Binghamton University’s Rainbow Pride Union (RPU) will be hosting its 16th annual drag show, “Drag to the Future.” Every year, the drag show offers a night of fashion, dance and lip syncing. Previous themes have ranged from fairy tales to decades, and participants usually plan their outfits and performances accordingly. This year’s aptly titled show will have a futuristic theme. Both student volunteers and paid professionals from the Binghamton area will be performing. Katrina, a local queen who has hosted the event for the past few years, will be returning to host. She will be joined by other professionals, including Lady Von Meer, a younger queen emerging on the scene, and Justin Saine, a king from the area. Brandon Bocanumenth, the president of RPU and a senior majoring in psychology, said

that club members connect with local performers through weekly Thursday drag shows at Chatterbox, a tapas spot and oyster bar on Main Street. Bocanumenth said he was especially excited about the variety in this year’s slate of performers. “We usually just have a bunch of queens but never any kings, so it’s cool that we have a couple this year,” he said. The annual drag show is usually planned by RPU’s event coordinator, but this year, the club does not have an event coordinator. Instead, the president and vice president relied on notes and contacts made during previous years, which assisted them in reaching out to performers. Bocanumenth, who has been part of the club since his freshman year, said the planning process went smoothly because of all the connections made through previous shows. He said that student involvement in the Binghamton area drag scene and attendance at venues like Chatterbox have also been crucial to planning. “I go to the Thursday shows occasionally, so I know some of the queens,” he said. “With some of them, I just sent a message on Instagram asking them if they’d want to perform.” Bocanumenth said the most challenging aspect of the planning

process has been set design. The RPU Executive Board and general body members work together each year to build the sets, which are inspired by the theme. They were able to repurpose some of the set from last year, but a lot of new pieces have to be made each year because of the changing themes. “It’s open to anyone who wants to help, so each year we have a lot of people paint, make stuff and bring it to the Anderson Center,” Bocanumenth said. “It’s really cool that general body members come out and help”. The show is structured as a competition, with students and professionals competing in two separate categories. Winners are named based on audience votes, but participants and audience members can expect more lighthearted fun than cutthroat competition. Some performers take the show more seriously than others, but Bocanumenth insists that there is no right way to perform. “Everybody just does what they want,” he said. “The main thing is to have fun.” “Drag to the Future” will be on Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m. in the Anderson Center’s Chamber Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets will be sold in advance for $5 and at the door for $7.

OPINIONS Thursday, March 15, 2018

University expansion leaves UCC behind As more students attend BU, fewer receive the support they need Shauna Bahssin

Managing Editor Annabeth Sloan | Editorial Artist

DON'T IGNORE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE In the wake of senior Binghamton University nursing student Haley Anderson’s death last Friday, it is important to recognize and understand the signs of domestic violence and how to report an incident.

According to Title IX, “Dating/ Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and control over a partner. Dating/ Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.” The Editorial Board reached out to an area expert about domestic violence on college campuses, and although it may seem like the signs of domestic violence are quite obvious, this is not always the case. Domestic violence operates in a cycle that escalates over time — it starts with small, seemingly insignificant events that increasingly worsen. The abuser will usually make a strong effort to alienate the victim from their friends and family in any way they can, and even the people who are closest to the victim might not be able to see there is a potentially dangerous situation. But even though the signs are not always clear, it’s important to recognize them — the person close to you may seem withdrawn, reject invitations to social events and exclusively spend time with their significant other. It’s best to use your common sense and discretion to determine when a situation might be violent. Once you recognize that your

friend or loved one is in a potentially dangerous or violent situation, it can be difficult to determine the best course of action to help them. Some experts suggest talking to the victim privately and expressing your concern and support, but they warn against pressuring the victim into reporting the situation. It’s best to let them know that they have your support and that you’ll be there if and when they decide to seek help or file a report. Although these confrontational situations can be awkward, and it might feel like you’re overstepping boundaries when addressing someone else’s relationship, it’s important to try to look past it and express your concern. Even though you should talk to a friend or loved one if you suspect a violent situation, it’s imperative to make sure you’re not pushing the victim into reporting anything they’re not comfortable with — they know the relationship better than any outsiders, and if they say it might create a more unsafe situation at a given time, it’s best to trust them. You don’t want the victim to be further alienated from their close friends and family and possibly become more vulnerable to the abuser. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in

three college-age women say they’ve been in an abusive dating relationship. Additionally, according to the 2016 Student Campus Climate Survey, 41.43 percent of respondents reported that they did not know how to report dating violence to the University, and 16.16 percent reported that they were “not sure” how to do so. Given these statistics, BU should offer more guidance and education to students regarding how to report incidents of domestic violence. The University should not only educate students on the signs of domestic violence — the more difficult, important and sometimes frightening part is actually reporting acts of violence. And although not every domestic violence case escalates to such a serious level, BU students must know what to do in order to protect themselves and each other as a united campus community. In order to seek help for a domestic violence situation, you can call or visit the Crime Victims Assistance Center at (607) 722-4256, the Rise-NY Hotline at (607) 754-4340, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or the University Police emergency hotline at (607) 777-2222. Don’t ignore signs of domestic violence. There is help available, and it is possible to get out of a dangerous situation.

Views expressed in the opinion pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial, above. The Editorial Board is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, News Editor, Opinions Editor, Sports Editor and Arts & Culture Editor.

Since the time that the UCC moved in this direction, I’ve received more encouragement to reach out to the Center for help than ever before. Each syllabus week per semester, professors pre-emptively encourage us to seek help, many going as far as to put the contact information for the Center in the course outline. University President Harvey Stenger makes his plan of expanding to 20,000 students by the year 2020 ostentatious; I’d like to be equally loud when I ask how the University intends on supporting the mental and emotional needs of the community it houses with the limited method of counseling that has been established. Stenger’s State of the University address from last fall offers a clear picture of the direction in which the University is headed. Many of his interests for BU are aligned with our research opportunities, increasing graduate enrollment and the growth of our STEM and health programs; these initiatives are also a rough sketch of some of the greater consumers of the University’s funding. I don’t think these choices in funding allocation are inherently bad, and I recognize that projects of all sizes and intents at this school have funds that were decided and designated, or locked in, long ago. Yet as I continue through my four-year trajectory at this institution, I feel that we are constantly reminded that the UCC is not a top priority for the University at this time. Personally, I’m perfectly happy with a twicemonthly meeting with my counselor, whom I adore, but I’ve been unlucky this semester. I was only able to get an appointment nearly a full month into classes. My next session got snowed out. Two weeks later, I learned that my upcoming appointment would fall over the March break. Each time, I ask if I can be seen another day, but she’s constantly booked. I hope that other students who are scheduled for every other Wednesday are faring better than I am. There’s a lot of pride that comes along with studying at a growing university, a research university, a public ivy, “the premier public university of the Northeast.” But, with my anxiety, I worry about how the same students who are proud to carry BU’s name are going to continue to have access to one of its most important resources.

I’ve been coping with anxiety for so long, my anxieties have anxiety. Now that it’s the middle of the semester, let me share a small, accessible selection of issues I’m anxious about: Of course, I’m worried about my grades and whether I’ll have an internship this summer, but more personally, as a junior, I’m growing concerned about my loss of interest in academia. When I try to be realistic about these fears, I do think that they’re almost entirely commonplace in a collegiate setting. Here’s something, however, that I feel is unmerited within my anxieties: having to worry about whether I can actually receive help from the University’s counseling resources this semester. I came to Binghamton University in 2015, when, if you wanted to see a therapist on campus, you had the opportunity to go into the University Counseling Center (UCC) once a week and receive private sessions at your prerogative. My second semester was when I had my first meeting with a counselor. By incident, this was the semester that the Center’s long-term counseling method was cut, and students were transitioned toward the current brief therapy model. Despite the University contracting third-party resources like ProtoCall Services, Inc., a company that provides after-hours counseling to students at BU (among other colleges in the United States), the brief therapy model is restrictive in how frequently a student can schedule sessions with the UCC, and it places a cap on how long a student can receive help from the Center before they are referred to a counselor off campus. The clear positive to this model is that on paper, more students can pass through the Center’s doors. In the spring of 2016, though, the change was met immediately with negative responses. For one, the promise of sparser sessions was looming in the distance, but more subtly, I believe the model inherently deters students from making the first appointment at UCC. Making the first move to reach out for help is hard. It’s even harder when you know there’s a limit on how much you can see a counselor whom you’ve — Shauna Bahssin is a junior double-majoring already developed a relationship with. in art history and English.

Why aren't people with disabilities represented in media? The lack of visibility sends the message that disabled people don't belong

Jessica Gutowitz

Contributing Columnist

People are becoming increasingly aware of the lack of representation in media of historically underrepresented groups — women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. Many activists have stepped up to demand more and better roles that contribute to the visibility of these populations. It’s hard to argue against the importance of people, young and old, seeing themselves in media, especially when Marvel’s “Black Panther” has shattered box office records, making over a billion

dollars after being in theaters for less than one month. Discussion of the lack of representation of disabled people, however, has not permeated the conversation in any meaningful way. Few movie stars are disabled. The stereotypical image of beauty is, at its base level, an able-bodied person. Those who don’t fit this criterion simply don’t make it very far in Hollywood. There are few roles that feature disabled people, and the roles that do exist often perpetuate harmful stereotypes. They are often portrayed as villains. Take Darth Vader — he has a prosthetic arm and an oxygen mask, and is one of the most wellknown villains of all time. Captain Hook, the quintessential evil pirate,

is an amputee. Sometimes disabled people are vehicles for pity. In “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens uses Tiny Tim to change Scrooge’s heart, because their abject poverty isn’t sufficient to elicit sympathy from both him and the audience. Another disability cliché is portraying living with a disability as an inspirational journey. It is not a disabled person’s purpose to inspire their able-bodied peers. Plus, these films see “overcoming” a disability as being able to operate as similarly as possible to non-disabled people. Such movies teach people to fear and pity disabled people. When they do not conduct themselves in a manner that is familiar to the majority, they are blamed for being too stupid or too lazy. Obviously

not everyone knows what it’s like to live with a disability, and everyone’s experience is different. This makes it even more important for all people to see disabled people in media. We look to pop culture — television, film, literature, music — to display stories that are different from our own. They make us more empathetic. It’s especially necessary to note that part of the reason we must ask media to take on this job is because educators do not. The history of disabled people, along with other aforementioned oppressed populations, isn’t taught in the classroom. Fields like AsianAmerican studies and Africana studies are considered niche, while the history of able-bodied

white men is simply American history, and taught to students from a young age. I can count on one hand the number of disabled people I learned about in history class. Even here, in college, I have yet to learn about a disabled person, or read scholarship published by a disabled person. Children with disabilities cannot find themselves on TV or in their history textbooks, and disabled LGBTQ children and children of color have an even more difficult time finding their peers. This lack of representation has profound effects. I couldn’t find a study conducted with disabled children (which is telling in and of itself), but when African American children were shown five children,

identical except for their skin color, and asked to pick out the ugliest figure, they consistently pointed to the girl with the darkest skin. A lack of representation teaches disabled people that they are wrong. When you never see people like yourself featured and celebrated, it makes you think you don’t belong, or that you don’t deserve celebrating. I encourage you — disabled or not — to seek out media that is created by or features people with disabilities. Not only will it open you up to a whole variety of stories, but it will show creators that those are the stories you want to see more of. — Jessica Gutowitz is a freshman majoring in English.

If it's not intersectional, it's not feminism

We won't make progress if we don't include all backgrounds and identities Elizabeth Short

Contributing Columnist

It’s 2018 and the landscape for feminism has changed entirely from what it used to be. Women are no longer standing down in the face of sexism and now more than ever, their voices are being heard. However, this really is just the beginning of equality, as there are more issues facing us than just gender inequality. It’s daunting, but how do we tackle so many issues while being inclusive to everyone affected? I believe that intersectionality is the true route

for equality in the future. Feminism in action needs to be about more than just genderrelated issues. Intersectional feminism includes the aspects of economic class, ability, sexual orientation, race, religion and more when talking about who faces what kind of discrimination. The ideal of feminism benefits everyone. Unfortunately, as complex as all social issues are, we can’t just focus on the idea of “women being equal” — we need to step back and ask ourselves if all women are truly benefiting from our actions. Are black women benefiting? Asian women? What about transgender women? The past has often told us: no.

Women of color, LGBTQ women and other marginalized women often face much more blatant and potent forms of discrimination. While white women often make approximately 81 cents to a white male’s dollar, black women usually make about 65 cents and Hispanic women only make 59 cents. As you can see, these topics are not mutually exclusive, and the fight against these issues can’t be either. Intersectionality is being brought to the table more and more, as highlighted by recent events. For example, the #MeToo movement has brought forward all types of survivors of sexual assault. Terry Crews, an African American actor and former NFL

player, stated he felt encouraged to come forward and share his story of sexual assault after seeing so many women come forward as a result of #MeToo. He and many other survivors, the “Silence Breakers,” were collectively named Person of the Year by Time magazine, and the group includes men and women of many backgrounds. But as amazing as these changes are, progress still needs to continue. White men still earn some of the highest wages and are one of the most college-educated groups in the United States. Around the world, women in developing countries face horrifying practices such as genital mutilation, acid attacks and child marriages. In

2017, 28 transgender individuals were violently killed in the United States. Over 80 percent were women and over 67 percent were people of color. Another harrowing example of the need for intersectional feminism is Harvey Weinstein’s response to Lupita Nyong’o’s allegations against him. Weinstein, who currently faces over 50 allegations spanning from sexual assault to harassment to rape, had never directly responded publicly, much less called a victim by name, until Nyong’o joined the long list of his accusers. His representative told E! News, “Mr. Weinstein has a different recollection of the events, but believes Lupita is a brilliant

actress and a major force for the industry. Last year, she sent a personal invitation to Mr. Weinstein to see her in her Broadway show ‘Eclipsed.’” He not only managed to single out a black actress out of all his accusers, but also implied she is to blame for her experience. If the feminism you implement isn’t for all races, sexual orientations, abilities and economic standpoints, it isn’t really feminism at all. It is time to stop moving forward at the expense of another marginalized group. Either we all move forward together, or we go nowhere at all. — Elizabeth Short is a freshman majoring in biology.

F UN

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Sign of the apocolypse

Nate Walker Fly high

Sudoku

Annabeth Sloan

By The Mepham Group

Level: 1 2 3 4 Solution to last issue's puzzle

Spirit of the samurai

3/15/18

FOR RELEASE MARCH 15, 2018

THE Daily Commuter Puzzle 1 5 10 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 25 26 28 31 32 34 36 37

Earth wind and flour

Annabeth Sloan

38 39 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 50 51 54 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

ACROSS Fishing spot Reverie Limbs Elderly Dishwasher cycle Actor Bridges Sequoia or oak Make null and void “And I Love __”; Beatles hit Mayberry man Reigned Knocks to the mat Big __; rival of the Whopper Short-tailed weasels Man at the plate Gingrich and others Forest opening This month: abbr. Imitates Without companions Lively Become firm Strikebreakers Free-for-all On cloud nine Generous ones Abbott or Collyer Singer Travis __ numerals; M, V, L, X, etc. Unpleasantly damp Want __; part of a newspaper Earth-__; very important Border on Contemptible Sudden increase Wingless insect Cookware Derisive smile __ on; have confidence in

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

Monday’s Puzzle Solved

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 35

DOWN Walkway Meanie Bum HST’s follower Beverages Lemon peels Covetousness As clear __ bell Ott or Ferrer Kidnap Not phony Partner Took to court Very angry Goes on stage Breaks a fast Created Obstacle Cone-shaped shelter Prohibits Possessing some job skills Less frequent Thrilled Hit a tennis ball in a high arc Bread varieties

37 __ a test; passed easily 38 Transmit 40 Daring feat 41 Man of the cloth 43 Diminishes 44 Jeopardy 46 Stove

47 48 49 50 52 53 55 56 57

Invitation letters Canton’s state Thick drink Critical; urgent Sword fight Remain Feminine suffix Gallop Kenya’s cont.

SPORTS

March 15, 2018 | bupipedream.com

Pipe Dream's March Madness selections Samuel Ditchek, Sports Editor: “Jalen Brunson is the real deal. ‘Cats over UVA to repeat as national championships.”

Georgia Westbrook, Arts & Culture Editor: “UNC will win. UVA beat them in the ACC championship, but the Tar Heels weren’t far behind stats-wise, and I think they’re the stronger team overall.”

Grace Palumbo, Assistant Sports Editor: “I think Michigan is going to win because that’s where one of my best friends is from and she says they’ll win every year, so I’m going to support her dream.”

Justin Zion, Sports Intern: “Kansas is going all the way this year. The Big 12 was very competitive this season and the Jayhawks still came out on top as they seem to always do. This team can beat anyone.”

Amy Donovan, Assistant News Editor: “I think a Virginia team will win. I don’t know which one, but I have a good feeling!” Jillian Forstadt, Assistant News Editor: “I think Villanova is set to make a comeback for the title after a great season. Also, its logo is killer.”

Nate Walker, Fun Editor: “Syracuse. I know they haven’t been performing well, but I’ve rooted for them since I was a kid.”

Evan Cole, Assistant Sports Editor: “Kansas’ depth, shooting and experience will win them a championship over Arizona. The Jayhawks also won their last championship when the Final Four was in San Antonio.”

How to build the perfect March Madness bracket Evan Cole

Assistant Sports Editor

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Having trouble filling out your bracket? Here’s a guide that can help you win your March Madness pool. Teams that can win it all: Villanova: After winning the 2016 national championship, Villanova had an abrupt exit to last year’s tournament when it was upset by Wisconsin in the Round of 32. Now led by junior guard Jalen Brunson and redshirt junior forward Mikal Bridges, Jay Wright’s squad is poised for a deep run this year. Kansas: Currently banged up, the Jayhawks’ national title hopes depend greatly on the health of sophomore center Udoka Azubuike, who injured his knee in practice last week. Still, the leadership of senior guard Devonte’ Graham and sharpshooting of redshirt sophomore guard Malik Newman and senior guard Svi Mykhailiuk should be enough to keep Kansas’ championship hopes alive until Azubuike is healthy. North Carolina: The Tar Heels are always a threat to advance far into the tournament with head coach Roy Williams at the helm. With 10 losses this season, UNC’s resume is a bit misleading, but it has played one of the toughest schedules in the nation. The tandem of senior guard Joel Berry II and junior forward Luke Maye pose a threat to any defense in its way. Arizona: Having not reached the Elite Eight since 2011, Arizona has fallen short of expectations in nearly every year of head coach Sean Miller’s tenure. Things may be different

for the Wildcats due to the play of freshman forward DeAndre Ayton. Able to dominate on both ends of the floor, Ayton is poised to be a top-three selection in this year’s NBA draft and is capable of carrying his team far into the tournament. Teams that could make a surprising run: Missouri: In a position similar to Arizona’s, Missouri has a player on its roster who can single-handedly change games in freshman forward Michael Porter Jr. Coming off a back injury that sidelined him for all but one game of the regular season, Porter’s scoring ability could carry the Tigers to the Sweet 16 or further. Texas: Freshman forward Mohamed Bamba anchors a deceptively strong Longhorns defense. Boasting a 7-foot-5-inch wingspan, Bamba’s shot-blocking ability has forced opponents to alter their game plans in the paint. Should it advance past Nevada, Texas matches up well with second-seeded Cincinnati in the Round of 32. Oklahoma: After being the talk of college basketball in the first half of the season, almost entirely due to the play of freshman guard Trae Young, the Sooners crashed back down to Earth and then some to close the season. OU finished the year dropping eight of its last 10 games, but earned a shot at redemption by making the tournament as a bubble team. If any of its opponents don’t double-team Young, the Sooners are as explosive as any team in the tournament. St. Bonaventure: After edging out a win against UCLA on Tuesday night, the Bonnies advanced to the second round and will face Florida on Thursday night. Winning 14 of its past 15, St. Bonaventure enters the

tournament red-hot. Led by senior guards Jaylen Adams and Matt Mobley, the Bonnies’ backcourt can give fits to any defense in its way. Teams with upset potential: South Dakota State: Earning their third consecutive tournament bid, the Jackrabbits possess one of the most potent offenses in the nation, having an offensive rating of 116.1. Led by versatile junior forward Mike Daum, SDSU’s attack will put pressure on an Ohio State team that has tended to play down to its competition. Murray State: Making a tournament appearance for the first time in six years, the Racers enter the field with one of the most powerful trios in the field. Senior guard Jonathan Stark, senior forward Terrell Miller Jr. and freshman guard Temetrius Morant lead a small-ball attack that bodes well against West Virginia’s press defense. New Mexico State: Making the tournament in six of the previous seven years, the Lobos have lots of experience being an underdog in the tournament. Playing on the West Coast against Clemson, an East Coast school, gives the Lobos an advantage in terms of location. Additionally, Clemson’s second-leading senior forward Donte Grantham suffered a torn ACL in January, and the Tigers posted a mediocre 6-5 record since the injury. Stephen F. Austin: The Lumberjacks made some noise in 2016 after they beat West Virginia and nearly upset Notre Dame as a No. 14 seed. SFA was given the same seed this year and is looking for bragging rights within the state of Texas when it takes on Texas Tech. This Lumberjacks team is incredibly deep, as it has three players who average double-digit points per game.

MARCH MADNESS

NCAA predictions SEE PAGE 11 Thursday, March 15, 2018

Binghamton downs YSU in first round of WBI Bearcats to face winner of Yale and Northeastern Julian Guevara

Pipe Dream Sports

The Binghamton women’s basketball team traveled to Youngstown State University on Wednesday and captured its first postseason game in Division I program history, in the first round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI). The Bearcats (20-11) earned a victory by 11 points, 70-59, earning their twentieth win for the first time in the program’s Division I era. “We struggled in the first quarter, we had a little bit of a matchup problem and we were a little unsure of their offense with only one day to prepare,” said BU head coach Linda Cimino. “But I thought we did a great job in the second quarter and an even better job in the third and fourth.” Binghamton contemplated the thought that its season was over following a heartbreaking overtime defeat to Hartford in the America East (AE) Tournament approximately two weeks ago, but BU was selected to play in the WBI this past Monday. The Bearcats were determined to come out with a victory, despite getting off to a slow start. Binghamton went into the second quarter trailing the Penguins (16-16), 18-9. The Bearcats, however, showcased their grit and came back to tie the game just before the half at 33 apiece.

“[Senior guard Imani Watkins] made some big shots for us, she hit a couple of huge 3-pointers,” Cimino said. “She’s a competitor. [Watkins] didn’t want this to be her last game, you look at the two seniors and how they played and everyone fed off their energy.” Watkins tied the game on a hardfought layup that earned her a trip to the line. Watkins then sunk the free-throw shot and BU secured its first advantage since it was up 2-0 in the first 10 seconds of the game. “It was amazing, you could just feel the energy,” Watkins said. “All three of us [Watkins, senior center Alyssa James and redshirt junior guard Jasmine Sina] collectively were leaders tonight. We stepped up and hit some huge shots tonight and [James] was amazing tonight — the beast is back.” Unfortunately for BU, redshirt junior guard Nikki Arbanas cashed in on a 3-point shot at the buzzer to give Youngstown a two-point lead at the half, 36-34. Watkins and James made the most of what could have been the last performance of their collegiate careers. Watkins finished with a game-high 27 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. James, on the other hand, scored 18 points, while grabbing eight rebounds, rejecting four shots and adding two steals. James was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball, as she did everything within her power to send BU to the next round of the 16team tournament. “It definitely feels good, I’m hoping that each year this program

Rebecca Kiss | Assistant Photo Editor Senior guard Imani Watkins filled the stat sheet last night, posting 27 points, six rebounds and five assists in Binghamton’s win over Youngstown State.

can get a little better,” James said. “Of course we wanted to get to NCAAs this year and of course that didn’t happen, so this is definitely a step in the right direction for us.” Sina was dominant on offense. She finished the night shooting 100 percent overall with two threes, a two-point basket and two free throws to account for her 10-point performance, while adding six dimes and two rebounds.

“We have grown so much and you can just tell by the players we have brought in, the culture we have developed over the years and the team that we have developed as well,” Sina said. “I’m really proud of this team and to be a part of it.” Watkins turned it on from behind the arc at the end of the third quarter to give BU the offensive production it needed. She connected on two straight

triples to open up a 51-47 lead with just over a minute and a half remaining in the third quarter. This scoring momentum proved to be contagious. Watkins drew two defenders and drove in the paint only to dish it out to Sina, who sunk a three to give Binghamton a six-point edge early in the fourth. Sophomore guard Kai Moon joined in on the fun and added a three of her own,

propelling BU to a nine-point lead and forcing the Penguins to call a timeout. The Bearcats never looked back and held their lead for the remaining six minutes of the contest. Binghamton is set to return to the court on either March 18 or 19. The Bearcats are scheduled to take on the winner of tomorrow night’s game between Yale and Northeastern.

Bearcats prepare for Bruce steps into leading role NCAA Championships

Ariel Kachuro | Contributing Photographer Senior Steven Schneider, with over 100 wins under his belt, will make his final NCAA Championship appearance as a 13 seed.

Garcia, Schneider set to travel to Ohio Yedidya Naiman

Pipe Dream Sports

When redshirt sophomore Frankie Garcia and senior Steve Schneider step onto the mat at the NCAA Wrestling Championships this weekend, up to 20,000 fans will be at the arena watching. For Garcia, this will be his first trip to the big dance since he began his career as a Bearcat. For Schneider, it will be his third and final appearance at the NCAA Tournament before he graduates in the spring. Given that this is such a large event, it can be easy for a wrestler to get lost in the size of it all, but BU head coach Kyle Borshoff urged his wrestlers to focus only on the things they can control. “We control the controllables,” Borshoff said. “Most of the things that are happening out there are things that we can’t change, and

that’s stuff that we can’t be worried about.” Garcia, as a first-timer at the tournament, is trying to view each match as just a normal dual. “[I] see this tournament as nothing different from just wrestling dual meets, other matches,” Garcia said. “Instead of looking at the whole bracket, you just need to focus on the guy you’re gonna wrestle. Controlling the variables that are in front of you.” The season that Garcia turned in thus far has been a vast improvement for him from his freshman year. Entering the current season with 12 wins, Garcia managed to nearly triple his career total by adding 23 victories this year. He also notched 12 victories in dual play alone, which earned him the position of third-best player on the team this season. As a more seasoned veteran, Schneider has totaled over 100 wins throughout his decorated Binghamton career, far more than any other current Bearcat. The senior has acquired a

record of 15-4 up to this point, and has only lost once in dual play this season. “I’m really not treating this tournament any differently than I treat any dual meet or any other smaller-level tournament,” Schneider said. “I just have to be my best self and wrestle my best seven minutes.” Schneider also spoke about dealing with the nerves of participating in such a prestigious event. “Every time I walk out, I just know that I deserve to be there,” Schneider said. “You need to have some sort of attitude to portray that.” Garcia echoed his teammate’s point. “You don’t end up just being [at the tournament] out of nowhere, you have to earn it,” he said. With 33 wrestlers in each bracket, both Bearcats have their work cut out for them as they take to the mats on Thursday. Schneider, who has earned the No. 13 seed in the 184-pound bracket, will start his day off wrestling University of Pennsylvania senior Joe Heyob. He has faced Heyob twice this season, winning both matches. “When you wrestle someone over and over, three to four times, it starts to get difficult to beat them again,” Schneider said. “Knowing that I have an opponent that I’ve faced before, it’s not really about me wrestling them anymore, it’s about just me versus myself.” Garcia will start his tournament against Northwestern’s seventh-seeded redshirt freshman Ryan Deakin in the 149-pound bracket. Both Bearcats are set to travel to the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio to take on the stiff competition in the NCAA Championships. Competition will begin this Thursday, March 15 and last until Saturday, March 17.

Forward turns in best season at Binghamton Samuel Ditchek Sports Editor

When then-senior guard Marlon Beck exited the hardwood for the final time on March 1 last season, the Binghamton men’s basketball program was left with numerous unanswered questions as it sought to fill the void left by one of the franchise’s top scorers. Anyone who witnessed a game during the 201617 campaign could have expected either senior forward Willie Rodriguez or junior guard J.C. Show to carry the load offensively. Not many people, however, could have expected junior forward Thomas Bruce to fill that role. Bruce, who was once considered one-dimensional, experienced a complete revelation in his playing style largely due to Beck’s departure. Fans knew of Bruce’s uncanny ability to force tough shots in the paint and reject layups back into the faces of those who dared to test him at the rim. His array of post moves and aggressiveness on the

boards, however, was still a sight to be seen. Bruce, recalling the first time he took the sport seriously, started playing club basketball in Georgetown, Washington D.C. around the age of seven. He ultimately went on to attend DeMatha Catholic, one of the most successful high schools in the entire country. Befriending current NBA players such as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jerami Grant, Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant and Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz, Bruce was assuredly in elite company. As a result of anchoring a high school team that captured 33 wins in a season while averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds against national top-25 teams, Bruce was recruited heavily by Binghamton. Since his former school is known for producing future NBA players, BU knew it had to make a strong case to recruit him. “Binghamton was recruiting me hard and I liked the atmosphere when I was visiting,” Bruce said. “It was just a nice feeling, it felt homey and I liked all of my teammates and coaches.”

Mia Katz | Contributing Photographer Junior forward Thomas Bruce sits in a position to improve upon an impressive season as the Bearcats rebound from an underwhelming 2017-18 campaign.

Bruce never necessarily struggled in a Bearcats jersey, but he undoubtedly turned in his best season this year. Although he rose his scoring by nearly 75 points and his blocks by 26 compared to his sophomore campaign, Bruce did not attribute his all-around improvement to replicating anyone else. “I wouldn’t say I model [my play] after any current or former NBA player because I just try to be myself,” Bruce said. “I wanna make myself someone that someone else looks at and says ‘I wanna be like him,’ rather than me saying that.” When he isn’t on the court recording thunderous putback dunks or sending shots toward media row, Bruce acknowledged what he enjoys in his rare amount of free time — as with any Division I athlete, a great deal of free time is simply nonexistent due to the demands of collegiate sports. Bruce, however, certainly seeks to capitalize during his days not dominated by basketball. “On a day off, I like to go outside, talk to people and play video games, like a normal person,” Bruce said. “Just have fun pretty much, be around people, be active and not be bored.” With just one year remaining for the 225-pound, 6-foot-9-inch forward, Bruce, who is majoring in Africana studies and minoring in graphic design, is hoping to work for Nike after graduation. Since he has family members who work for the company, he is seeking to utilize his minor as well as his connections to secure a job with the brand. For Bruce and Bearcats fans, the end of the road is thankfully not here yet. After a tumultuous 2-14 America East season in which BU didn’t even make the playoffs, it’s reasonable to assume that Bruce will use his improved game to propel the team next year. With Rodriguez and senior forward Bobby Ahearn set to graduate this spring, Bruce will have his hands full yet again. Showcasing his development this past year, he’s absolutely capable of proving the doubters wrong for a second time this upcoming fall.