Spring 2019 Issue 20 by Pipe Dream

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Thursday, April 11, 2019 | Vol. XCV, Issue 20 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com

The Free Word on Campus Since 1946

FOUR CASES OF DISCRIMINATION BU, SUNY saw civil rights violations, corrective changes Sasha Hupka News Editor A student with a disability taking an exam on the floor. An increased cost for medically required single dorm rooms. At Binghamton University, these are just two of the four civil rights cases that have resulted in violations or corrective changes over the course of three years and five months. But this isn’t just exclusive to BU, although the University has the secondhighest number of civil rights violations and corrective changes in the SUNY system, behind Buffalo State College. From Jan. 20, 2015 to May 2, 2018, 17 total cases were filed against BU with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and resolved. In the four cases that were resolved with violations or corrective changes, the OCR found that the University was violating several antidiscrimination laws housed under Section 504, part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that requires the needs of students with disabilities to be met as satisfactorily as the needs of nondisabled students, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ryan Yarosh, director of media and public relations at BU, wrote in an emailed statement that the University fully cooperated with the OCR while resolving the complaints.

“From January 2015 to May 2018, we worked with OCR on clarification in regards to four specific complaints, and adjustments were made to campus procedures to address those complaints, such as providing additional training for employees,” Yarosh wrote. “Binghamton continues to put the health and safety of our students first. We encourage our campus community to be open and have always endorsed a ‘see something, say something’ atmosphere.” Yarosh also wrote that in two of the four cases, the University voluntarily entered into resolution agreements, pledging to make corrective changes to address complainant concerns before the OCR completed its investigation. “Oftentimes, we are not approached regarding a specific concern before it is filed directly with OCR, and a majority of complaints are dismissed,” Yarosh wrote. “Also, it should be noted that voluntary resolution agreements are just that — the institution entering into an agreement does not amount to a violation — it agrees that it is willing to voluntarily take some action to address a concern raised in a complaint.” As a whole, the SUNY system, which has a total enrollment of roughly 424,000 students, has seen 340 civil

see cases page 3

“THE COMPLAINANT STATED THAT BECAUSE SHE WAS DENIED ACCESSIBLE SEATING, SHE WAS FORCED TO COMPLETE THE EXAM WITHOUT A DESK WHILE SEATED ON THE FLOOR; AND, SHE SUFFERED HUMILIATION IN FRONT OF HER PEERS.” — CASE NO. 02-15-2331 “THE COMPLAINANT ASSERTED THAT SHE WAS TERMINATED FROM THE [REDACTED] FIELD PLACEMENT BECAUSE THE DIRECTOR REGARDED HER AS HAVING A MENTAL IMPAIRMENT.” — CASE NO. 02-16-2193 “THE COMPLAINANT ALLEGED THAT THE UNIVERSITY DISCRIMINATES ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY, BY IMPOSING A HOUSING SURCHARGE ON SINGLE DORMITORY ROOMS PROVIDED AS AN ACCOMMODATION FOR A STUDENT’S DISABILITY.” — CASE NO. 02-17-2010 “THESE TYPES OF BARRIERS MAY DENY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACCESS TO PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND ACTIVITIES OFFERED ON THE WEBSITE AND IMPEDE THE UNIVERSITY’S COMMUNICATIONS WITH PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.” — CASE NO. 02-17-2410

Blocked pipe causes leaks in Union Pi Lambda Phi faces

campus suspension

Backup caused by rust, scale accumulation leads to damage Yuri Lee

Fraternity hazing investigation could lead to expulsion, sanctions

assistant news editor

Due to a large sanitary backup in the University Union, multiple student organizations were affected by leaks in their offices on Saturday afternoon. According to Michael Kukawa, director of operations and construction for Physical Facilities, 11 rooms were affected by the backup, with nine offices in the basement and two rooms on the first floor seeing leaks. After responding to reports of leakage, Physical Facilities, the department in charge of maintaining, operating and protecting the University’s buildings, roads and grounds, was able to determine the root cause of the backup — a blockage in the six-inch house trap for University Union West. According to Kukawa, the blockage was made up of rust and scale that had accumulated in the trap. “The blockage was so severe that the trap had to be cut out and repaired,” Kukawa wrote in an email. “As of Sunday morning, all plumbing repairs have been completed.” The damage from the leakage varied by room, with some organizations affected more heavily than others. Michael Morganti, president of Binghamton Television (BTV) and a senior double-majoring in geography and cinema, said the leak caused significant damage to BTV’s studio, with a large amount of their production equipment contaminated by the leak. “Our office has now been fixed, but we now have limited options regarding our productions,” Morganti wrote in an email. “We have been contacted by the assistant director of the [Student Association (SA)] regarding the immediate steps to follow after the leak. We are still awaiting clarification as to how we will be able to

see leak page 3

Lia Berger

copy desk chief

Binghamton University’s chapter of Pi Lambda Phi has been suspended from campus after allegations of hazing surfaced roughly three weeks ago. On Monday, March 25, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life received a report of potential hazing within the fraternity, leading to the suspension and a full investigation, according to L.C. Coghill, director of fraternity and sorority life at BU. “When we receive credible and

specific allegations of a serious violation of University policy, it is the University’s usual response to suspend activities of the organization pending a full investigation in the interest of safety,” Coghill wrote in an email. The University conducted an independent investigation of the fraternity, which has since been dropped, and the national headquarters of Pi Lambda Phi currently investigating the allegations. According to Coghill, a sorority or fraternity would only be fully removed from campus if allegations are confirmed. “The removal of recognition from an organization or any other sanctions

see suspension page 3

Event aims to highlight disabilities, resources Groups collaborate for second annual “Disability is Diversity” Stephen Anku

contributing writer

kojo senoo pipe dream photographer A severe blockage caused leaks in various rooms of the basement and first floor of University Union West on Saturday afternoon.

ARTS & CULTURE

Student groups and Binghamton University offices collaborated to host the second annual “Disability is Diversity,” an event that aims to promote disability awareness and resources on campus. Held in Old Union Hall on Wednesday afternoon, the event, which was started last year by Trevon Ferguson, a junior majoring in political science, and Alison Lin, ’18, consisted of activities, discussions and exercises geared toward informing

OPINIONS

participants about disability and how it can affect lifestyles. This year, Ferguson was joined by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), Office of Student Conduct, Multicultural Resource Center, Office of the Vice President of Multicultural Affairs, 20:1, Services for Students with Disabilities, Mental Health Outreach Peer Educators, Delta Epsilon Psi, Alpha Phi Omega, Late Nite Binghamton and Mountainview College Council. As an event coordinator, he worked with residential assistants from every community to get other groups on campus to attend and participate in the tabling. “When planning events, it can be

see awareness page 4

SPORTS

Enjoy a night of sweet storytelling with the Food Co-op’s “The Moth”inspired event,

BU alumnus creates impermanent nature art,

The Editorial Board discusses BU’s response to the shooting of Shakeel Khan,

Golf competes at Villanova tournament,

Baseball defeats Cornell in Ithaca,

SEE PAGE 7

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 10

PAGE II Thursday, April 3, 11,2, 2019 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017

Address: University Union WB03 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 Phone: 607-777-2515 FAx: 607-777-2600 Web: bupipedream.com

SPRING 2019

editor-in-ChieF* Emily Kaufman editor@bupipedream.com MAnAging editor* Bridget McCusker manager@bupipedream.com

neWs editor* Sasha Hupka news@bupipedream.com Asst. neWs editors Amy Donovan Gillian Kenah Yuri Lee

oPinions editor* Sarah Molano opinions@bupipedream.com Asst. oPinions editors Savanna I. Vidal Evan Moravansky Arts & Culture editor* Katy Wong arts@bupipedream.com Asst. Arts & Culture editors Gabby Iacovano Nikkolette Sather sPorts editor* Samuel Ditchek sports@bupipedream.com Asst. sPorts editors Evan Cole Justin Zion

LOCAL NEWS

STATE NEWS

Shots fired in Johnson City on Tuesday night

Spring wildfires hit New York state

On Tuesday night, police say a fight broke out around 10:30 p.m. on Grand Avenue in Johnson City that led to two people being shot, according to WBNG. Binghamton University released an emergency notification to students after receiving reports that shots had been fired in the area. One person was taken into custody in connection with the shooting after police searched a home Wednesday morning on Harrison Street. Police say they don’t believe this incident to have any relation to the homicide of Shakeel Khan that took place last week in Johnson City. According to police, more than five people were involved in the incident and patrols will be increased in the area.

State forest rangers and local firefighters battled 22 wildfires across New York within the past week, including three fires that burned nearly 30 acres near Albany and another that killed a 94-year-old man in the Mohawk Valley, according to The Post-Standard. Strong winds downed power lines sparking nine of the fires, which ignited dry grass. Two wildfires were started by house fires that spread to nearby woods. According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, several fires were the result of residents burning debris, a violation of the statewide burn ban, which remains in effect until May 14.

Halal Bites reopens following shooting Halal Bites reopened on Tuesday, 10 days after Shakeel Khan, the owner of the Johnson City restaurant, was shot outside while closing up the business on March 30, according to WBNG. Police have not yet made an arrest in connection with the murder. A GoFundMe page organized by the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier for Khan’s family has raised more than $47,000.

PhotogrAPhy editor* Rebecca Kiss photo@bupipedream.com Asst. PhotogrAPhy editor Ariel Kachuro

Fun editor* Nate Walker fun@bupipedream.com

design MAnAger* Cory Bremer design@bupipedream.com design Assts. Khaled Pendleton Gaoming Lyu CoPy desk ChieF* Lia Berger copy@bupipedream.com Asst. CoPy desk ChieF Valerie Puma

digitAl editor* Jillian Forstadt digital@bupipedream.com neWsrooM teChnology MAnAger* Michelle Tan tech@bupipedream.com editoriAl Artists Annabeth Sloan Max Samson

business MAnAger* Maryam Soomro business@bupipedream.com business AssistAnt Samantha Agnoli

Pros & Cons

Pipe Line

New York City declares measles emergency New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a public health emergency on Tuesday requiring unvaccinated individuals living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to receive the measles vaccine, according to The New York Times. The emergency declaration is intended to fight an ongoing measles outbreak in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in Brooklyn. In New York City, there have been 285 confirmed cases of measles since the outbreak began in the fall. According to de Blasio, the city will issue violations and possibly fines to individuals who do not comply with the emergency declaration.

This Day in History April 11, 1968 U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968 in the wake of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., making it a federal crime to discriminate in housing based on race, religion or national origin.

Pi Lambda Phi sees hazing allegations fraternity from page 1 would only occur following investigation and substantiation of the allegations,” Coghill wrote. If the national headquarters of Pi Lambda Phi finds the BU chapter of the fraternity broke the organization’s anti-hazing policies, the fraternity could also see organizational sanctions. This is not the first time Pi Lambda Phi has been accused of violating the University Code of Student Conduct. At a hearing in April 2013, they were found guilty of admitting members who were not BU

students, placing the fraternity, which had been on disciplinary probation at the time, on final probation. They were also given 20 hours of community service and mandatory educational sanctions to correct their behavior. The most recent Greek life suspension at the University occurred last August, when Tau Epsilon Phi was issued a suspension pending an investigation that found the fraternity had violated the Code of Student Conduct. They were removed from campus, and are unable to return until summer 2020.

distribution MAnAger Laura Staff distribution@bupipedream.com

Pipe Dream is published by the Pipe Dream Executive Board, which has sole and final discretion over the newspaper’s content and personnel. Positions seated on the executive board are denoted by an asterisk. Pipe Dream is published Mondays and Thursdays while classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters, except during finals weeks and academic breaks. The content on the Opinions page with bylines represent the views of those authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Pipe Dream Executive Board. The content of advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pipe Dream Executive Board. We reserve the right to reject ads for any reason. All letters submitted for publication must include the author's name, year and major. Please limit letters to the editor to 400 words and guest columns to 750 words. Pipe Dream reserves the right to edit submissions, and does not guarantee publication. All submissions become property of Pipe Dream. Guest column submissions may be emailed to the opinions editor at opinions@ bupipedream.com, and all letters to the editor may be sent to editor@bupipedream.com. © Pipe Dream 2019

stabilizing:nastyfries

OCR:destabilizing

The Dickinson Community Players present… April 12- 8pm April 13– 2pm, 8pm C4 Multipurpose Room Tickets $5

next to

25% of all proceeds will be donated to The Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier

mike yang staff photographer Service for Health, Inequality reduction, Natural disaster relief and Education (S.H.I.N.E.) held a discussion on antiand pro-vaccine state legislation on Monday night in the University Union.

Police Watch The following reports were provided by Investigator Robert Meddleton of Binghamton’s New York State University Police. Fraud from the Philippines FRIDAY, April 5, 3:24 p.m. — A 22-year-old male contacted UPD to report an incident of attempted fraud. He told officers that around 2 p.m. he noticed he had a friend request from a female on Facebook. He shared two mutual friends with the female and accepted her request. Soon after, she sent him provocative messages via Facebook Messenger. He did not respond to the messages, but accepted a video call from her. The call showed a woman undressing, and the male hung up immediately. Later, he received a second video call featuring his face spliced onto a male body that was performing a sexual act. The female instructed him to go to the nearest Western Union and wire her $2,000. She said if he didn’t, the video would be shared on YouTube and Facebook. The male spoke with a man on the phone that confirmed what the female said. After his phone call with the man, he reported the incident to UPD. Officers looked up the phone number, which originated from the Philippines, helped the student report the account and images and directed him to online resources on how to deal with fraud. Beer, vodka, marijuana SATURDAY, April 6, 1:42 a.m. — An officer responded to Rafuse Hall of Dickinson Community after receiving a call about an intoxicated male. An 18-yearold male was found on the third floor of the building going in and out of consciousness. The officer spoke to the male’s friend, who was also intoxicated, and

Christine DeRosa Pipe Dream News

learned that the male went to a house party where he consumed a large amount of beer and vodka. The male had also smoked some marijuana. The male refused medical treatment. Almost hit SATURDAY, April 6, 12:54 p.m. — Officers responded to Rafuse Hall of Dickinson Community to meet with a 20-year-old male who reported that a vehicle had almost hit him while he was crossing East Access Road. He said he was halfway across the street when a black Toyota Tundra drove through the crosswalk, forcing the male to spin out of the way. He was not hurt. Officers reviewed video footage, which captured the incident, and tracked down the vehicle’s owner, who said she had lent her truck to her sister, a 19-year-old female. Officers contacted the female, who said she had not seen the victim until he spun out of the way. She accepted a traffic ticket and is due to appear in Vestal Town Court. Bad cookies Bad cookies SUNDAY, April 7, 1:23 a.m. — Officers responded to a medical call involving an individual having issues with marijuana cookies. The individual, who was approved to use and purchase marijuana for medical reasons, told the officers who supplied the cookies. When the officers confronted the suspects, a 19-year-old male and an 18-year-old male, they admitted to selling the cookies and told the officers that there were two remaining containers of cookies in the fridge. Officers searched the suspects’ rooms and found two forged IDs, a black box containing a vaporizer and three bottles of THC oil, all of which were confiscated. The suspect who made the cookies was arrested and is due to appear in Vestal Town Court.

bupipedream.com | April 11, 2019

cases from page 1 rights cases filed with the OCR between January 2015 and May 2018, 77 of which resulted in violations or corrective changes — a high number in comparison to other large state university systems across the country. In the University of California system, for example, which has an enrollment of roughly 280,000, 12 cases across the same time period resulted in violations or corrective changes. In the University System of Ohio, which enrolls almost 500,000 students, 17 cases were found to result in violations or corrective changes. All but two SUNY schools, Tompkins-Cortland Community College and SUNY Upstate Medical University, had cases filed against them that resulted in violations or corrective changes. At Buffalo State College, five cases have resulted in violations or corrective change, including a case where the OCR determined that the college failed to “take prompt and effective action reasonably calculated to stop any discrimination [or] harassment, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.” At the University at Albany, the OCR determined men had more opportunities to participate in athletic activities than women for the 2014-15, 2015-16 or 2016-17 academic years, a violation of Title IX, a federal law protecting students from discrimination based on sex. And in a case at SUNY Cobleskill, the OCR found that parking lots near Wheeler Hall, located on the western side of the campus, didn’t meet standards set by the ADA, making it difficult for individuals parking in specified accessible spaces to access the building. Holly Liapis, SUNY press secretary, wrote in an emailed statement that SUNY aims to ensure all campuses are in compliance with federal civil rights laws. “As the largest public higher education system, The State University of New York strives to offer a safe and inclusive learning environment,” Liapis wrote. “The prevention of sexual harassment and assault and discrimination of any kind is a top priority. We have been working to provide resources and encourage students and faculty to make us aware of any issues. We also have ongoing partnerships with government agencies and non-profits to develop better policies, resources and trainings.” It is not the first time SUNY has seen wide-ranging violations, corrective changes and compliance concerns. In 2013, the OCR concluded a compliance review investigation into SUNY that determined the system was failing to respond promptly and effectively to Title IX complaints, both within individual campuses and at the SUNY level. “OCR found that deficiencies in the investigations of these complaints resulted in numerous complainants not receiving prompt, timely [and] adequate

NEWS

investigations of their complaints; the course professor. Although the at no cost or refund tuition for must complete 16 credit hours not receiving notice of the professor denied ever receiving the the course. The University was of field instruction to graduate, outcomes of their complaints; complainant’s accommodation also directed to provide training and cannot receive a failing grade and not being provided equal plan, the OCR determined that on on accommodating academic in any course. The complainant opportunities to attend pre- Feb. 25, 2015, the SSD director adjustments and auxiliary aids failed a field instruction class hearing conferences, to present contacted the professor about for students with disabilities to after her field placement was evidence and witnesses at the the difficulty the complainant administrators, faculty and staff, terminated because University hearing and to file an appeal of had in being unable to sit at the including all teaching faculty and employees at the placement raised the university’s determination,” accessible desk on Feb. 12. teaching assistants within the concerns about her demeanor and states the case’s determination “In a handwritten note philosophy department. reactions to feedback. letter. “OCR also found that the signed by the SSD director, Another case, opened in Following her dismissal universities sometimes from the program, the failed to consider providing complainant filed several complainants with academic appeals, all of Over the course of interim relief during the which were denied. pendency of their Title IX “Specifically, the Binghamton University had investigations.” complainant asserted At BU, one case, opened that she was terminated in May 2015, alleged from the [field placement] filed against it with the Office of that the University failed because the [placement to provide accessible director] regarded her Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, seating to a Harpur as having a mental College student with a impairment,” the letter disability on two occasions read. “The complainant during the spring 2015 also asserted that during semester, according to a the field placement, she letter of determination disclosed to her [field summarizing the OCR’s instructor] her status as investigation. The a [redacted], and believes May 13th complainant, who was that the field instructors enrolled in a philosophy knowledge of her disability Allegations — course, said she was unable could have negatively (1) failure to provide academic adjustment to sit at the accessible influenced her perceptions (2a) harassment (2b) harassment desk in the classroom of the complainant.” on Feb. 12, 2015 and BU voluntarily entered Determination — May 14, 2015, during a resolution agreement (1) violation (2a) insufficient evidence of violation the final examination for prior to the conclusion (2b) insufficient evidence of violation the course. of the investigation. In the first incident, In the agreement, the the complainant said when University pledged she attempted to sit at to conduct a detailed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2015 the accessible desk at the investigation into the beginning of class on Feb. complainant’s allegations, 12, a teaching assistant and if the investigation April 11th October 13th (TA) for the course said found discrimination Allegations — Allegations — she could not sit there. had occurred, offer (1) wrongful dismissal (1) surcharge on housing accommodations The complainant said she the complainant (2) wrongfully denying academic appeals for individuals with disabilities told the TA she needed to reinstatement into the (3) retaliation use the accessible seating, MSW program. It is unclear Determination — Determination — (1) violation however, the TA would not whether that investigation (1) voluntary corrective change allow her to do so. Because uncovered evidence of (2) voluntary corrective change of this, the complainant sat discrimination. The (3) insufficient evidence of violation in a stand-alone chair with University also committed her notebook in her lap. to additional training for On May 14, the faculty and staff regarding 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 complainant said that 2016 discrimination based on she arrived late for the disability, the University’s final examination for grievance procedures May 10th the course, and another and behaviors that student was already seated constitute discrimination, Allegations — at the accessible desk. harassment and retaliation. (1) inaccessibility of website and remote learning The complainant said she In a case filed approached a TA to ask in October 2016, a Determination — where she should sit, since complainant alleged BU (1) voluntary corrective change the accessible desk was was effectively imposing already occupied. The TA a housing surcharge on directed the complainant to single dormitory rooms, sit at an inaccessible desk, charging more for singles and when the complainant and medical singles than 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 explained she could not 2017 other room types, even do so, the TA failed to find in cases in which the Sources: U.S. Department of Education and ProPublica accessible seating for her. housing was provided cory bremer design manager Therefore, the complainant as an approved medical was forced to complete the accommodation. examination while sitting on the she documented that she left a April 2016, alleged that BU The case’s letter of floor, without a desk. message for Professor 1 asking had discriminated against a determination notes the that “The complainant stated that him to speak with his TAs complainant pursuing a graduate documented and approved because she was denied accessible regarding the ‘purpose of the degree in social work and medical single rooms were more seating, she was forced to [disability] desk and their need retaliated against the complainant expensive than most other room complete the exam without a desk to make it [available] for students for filing academic appeals and types at the University. Only while seated on the floor; and, she with disabilities,’” the letter read. raising allegations of disability- single rooms in Newing College suffered humiliation in front of The OCR determined that related discrimination. that provided break housing, her peers,” the letter read. the University failed to properly According to the case’s letter of supersingles in Hillside and The complainant had an accommodate the complainant’s determination, the complainant Susquehanna communities and accommodation plan with the disability on May 14. In a resolution was a student enrolled in the family apartments in Susquehanna University’s Services for Students agreement, the University agreed University’s Master in Social Work Community cost more. with Disabilities office (SSD), to offer the complainant an (MSW) program in fall 2013. All “For academic years 2015which she said was shared with opportunity to retake the course students in the MSW program 2016 and 2016-2017, all students

3 years and 5

months, rights cases

17 civil

4 of which were closed with violations or corrective changes.

who were placed in medical single rooms were charged the published room rate for documented and approved medical single rooms, regardless of whether the housing was provided as an approved disability accommodation and a lower cost room could have otherwise been provided,” the letter read. Yarosh wrote that there was “confusion over the process used for requesting special housing accommodations,” and the University took steps to correct the issue. In the case’s resolution agreement, BU agreed to adopt and publish new policies for housing accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities who are approved for single or medical single rooms are not charged higher rates solely on the basis of their needs. Officials and staff handling housing accommodations would receive training in the new policies. The University also agreed to assess rates charged to students with disabilities in single or medical single rooms during academic years 2015-16 and 2016-17 and provide individual reimbursements as necessary. In a case opened in May 2017, a complainant alleged BU’s website was not accessible to individuals with disabilities, specifically those with low vision and impairment of fine motor skills. According to the case’s letter of determination, the OCR examined several pages on the University’s website, including its homepage and pages providing information about its Admissions Office, Financial Aid Office and SSD. Before the investigation was concluded, the University entered a voluntary resolution agreement, wherein it agreed to several corrective procedures, including an audit of existing content on the University website and a new list of policies for the functionality of new content. According to Yarosh, the University wasn’t aware that its website was inaccessible to those with disabilities until the OCR began its investigation, at which time it quickly made changes to bring the website into compliance. “With the explosion of electronic educational resources — BlackBoard materials, video enhancements to textbooks — it was challenging for all universities to keep pace with ensuring that all such materials were accessible, and the standards by which one would find something to be ‘accessible’ weren’t always easy to understand,” Yarosh wrote. There are also cases pending against SUNY schools that have yet to be resolved — 33 cases, as of March 29, according to the Office of Civil Rights. None of the cases, which have yet to be fully investigated, involve BU. To view the cases resolved with violations or corrective changes filed against SUNY schools between Jan. 20, 2015 and May 2, 2018, visit Pipe Dream’s SUNY Collegiate Civil Rights Record (CCRR) database at ccrr. bupipedream.com.

Event features discussions, activities Leak affects 11 rooms in Union awareness from page 1

difficult to make room for everyone,” Ferguson said. “The whole idea is to make sure that everyone is represented in some way, and everybody feels that they can relate to somebody here ideally.” Some tables and activities focused on raising awareness about specific types of disabilities. Late Nite Binghamton hosted a table centered on educating attendees about dyspraxia, a neurological brain disorder that results in lifelong memory and motor skills impairment. Participants restricted one of their hands with a glove and rubber bands, and were then asked to type a message on a keyboard and tie their shoelaces. Kristen Seward, a sophomore double-majoring in business administration and philosophy, politics and law who tabled for Late Nite Binghamton, said she thought of the activity as a way of demonstrating the challenges people with disabilities often face in everyday life. “It’s something that’s so mindless to us in the day-to-day,” Seward said. “They suffer it a lot more. I like the fact that it is not

just learning about the disabilities but spreading awareness.” The Office of Student Conduct partnered with the CCE and Ask Big Questions, a national organization that works with colleges to facilitate meaningful discussion, to host an activity where people of different walks of life engaged in conversation prompted by questions to think about their similarities and differences. Shaneira DaSilva, liaison for the Office of Student Conduct and a third-year graduate student studying social work and public administration, said the activity was designed to foster discussion of personal differences and help attendees learn how to address differences respectfully. “It’s an opportunity for us to understand ourselves and to understand others,” DaSilva said. “Given that this event pertains to diversity as it relates to disability, we thought it was really important to come and focus on some of the questions that pertain to how we identify individually.” At the Services for Students with Disabilities table, attendees learned to make glitter bottle stress relievers and participated in some

leak from page 1

christine derosa staff photographer Student groups and Binghamton University offices collaborated to hold “Disability is Diversity,” where attendees engaged in activities and exercises geared toward disability education and awareness.

breathing techniques. According to Patrick Talvi, a second-year graduate student studying student affairs administration, the activity has already been implemented in Lourdes Hospital and aims to act as a grounding technique and exercise in mindfulness. Jonathan Rubin, a senior

majoring in computer science, said he attended the event on a friend’s suggestion and found himself gaining perspective on how others go through life. “We shouldn’t take our privileges for granted,” Rubin said. “If people need help, we should be understanding.”

get our equipment replaced.” However, other organizations, such as SA Ink, did not see much damage. Jessica Zhao, a printing clerk for SA Ink and a senior majoring in accounting, said while there was a leak in their office, SA Ink’s printing equipment was not impacted. “All the papers are fine, for the most part,” Zhao said. “There’s really no big issue. Physical Facilities have been coming in and out — the wall was open yesterday and they’re on that and they’re coming back tomorrow.” According to Kukawa, Physical Facilities removed wet drywall and ceiling tiles from the rooms affected by the leakage to avoid mold and other issues. Humidifiers were also placed in some rooms to help speed up the drying process. “We removed wet drywall and ceiling tiles and are allowing the affected areas to dry out before replacing,” Kukawa

wrote. “Estimate for complete restoration is two weeks.” Because of the leaks, the Marketplace also briefly closed Gardentoss and Moghul on Saturday, according to Thomas LaSarso, general manager of retail operations for Sodexo at Binghamton University. No other areas of the Marketplace were affected. According to Morganti, the leak was well handled by Physical Facilities immediately after it happened, but he said it was disappointing that the leak occurred in the first place. “I am, however, disappointed that an event like this happened in a building as new as the University Union West,” Morganti wrote. “These pipes might have required some more inspection, especially since a smaller leak happened last spring in our studio. I now hope that the University will do the right thing in helping us [get] our equipment back as soon as possible, but unfortunately it seems that it won’t be that easy.”

NEWS

bupipedream.com | April 11, 2019

S.H.I.N.E. hosts discussion on racist incidents, inequality Talk highlights student experiences with racism Kimberly Gonzalez contributing writer

In an effort to reduce inequality and facilitate a discussion regarding racism at Binghamton University, the Service for Health, Inequality reduction, Natural disaster relief and Education (S.H.I.N.E.) hosted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instances of Racism on Campusâ&#x20AC;? on Tuesday evening in the University Union. From discussing incidents that occurred on campus to sharing opinions on the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to instances of racism, the event aimed to encourage attendees to freely share their views and experiences of racism and inequality. According to Lauren Reyes, treasurer for S.H.I.N.E. and a junior majoring in economics, the discussion was specifically created to foster an environment of education, while making sure these incidents arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forgotten. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to never forget,â&#x20AC;? Reyes said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, these things happen and they may

or may not get addressed, like [President] Harvey [Stenger] may or may not address them, or the minority community may or may not address them, but we are still aware of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on.â&#x20AC;? The event was part of S.H.I.N.E. Week, a semesterly series of events that aims to educate students on the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main areas of focus. Angel Tatis, vice president of S.H.I.N.E. and a junior majoring in linguistics, said the discussion aimed to promote greater awareness of racist incidents and educate students on handling racism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These issues are still prevalent even though you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear about them every day,â&#x20AC;? Tatis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want people to address or to know of certain situations so they know how to handle it, or what to do or what not to do, or that they feel like they have the support that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to need.â&#x20AC;? The incidents brought up during the discussion were ones that Reyes and Tatis said have gone unaddressed, including the recent murder of Shakeel Khan, bigoted messages and comics written on whiteboards in Newing College in fall 2017 and last

tyler gorman staff photographer Service for Health, Inequality reduction, Natural disaster relief and Education (S.H.I.N.E.) hosts â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instances of Racism on Campusâ&#x20AC;? on Tuesday evening in the University Union.

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s email controversy, when Victor Skormin, a distinguished service professor of electrical and computer engineering, sent a message questioning why a â&#x20AC;&#x153;National Society of White Engineersâ&#x20AC;? did not exist. Students also discussed

how well minority students are protected on campus and whether the University provides enough resources for handling hate-related instances. Jessica Mercedes, a junior majoring in Latin American and Caribbean area studies, said the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

available resources are not enough to produce any effect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of resources on campus you can talk to, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to get anything out of it,â&#x20AC;? Mercedes said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like talking to a wall.â&#x20AC;? Mercedes said she also has

concerns regarding how BU administrators, particularly BU President Harvey Stenger, discuss incidents of racism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He comes too much from a political approach for these situations,â&#x20AC;? Mercedes said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand and I get that he has wants to cater to all students but has no effect for us, minority people. He wants to make a solution for everyone when the problem is not with everyone; it is with one person.â&#x20AC;? Ruby McEwen, an undeclared freshman, said tackling these subjects is important for tackling ignorance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I liked how it was an open discussion because I think it can be awkward talking about racism,â&#x20AC;? McEwen said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about most of these instances that happened. For me, being here is kind of like a reality check for these issues. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really eye-opening and I think a lot of people are ignorant about what is actually going on.â&#x20AC;? Upcoming S.H.I.N.E. events include a discussion on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Operation Varsity Blues,â&#x20AC;? a college admissions scandal, on Thursday, and a de-stress event on Friday.

Research Days showcases student, faculty work at BU Annual series features presentations, lectures Nicole Kaufman

contributing writer

Working under the theme of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rethinking Research,â&#x20AC;? Binghamton Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Research Days commenced on Monday, April 8, highlighting scholarship and innovation happening on campus. Research Days is an annual series that highlights faculty and student research at BU and consists of open labs, poster sessions and speakers. Rachel

Coker, an organizer of Research Days and director of the Office of Research Advancement, wrote in an email that Research Days allows the campus community to expand their knowledge on what work is being conducted at the University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Research Days offers everyone on campus an opportunity to learn about the work going on in Binghamton University labs, libraries, studios and offices,â&#x20AC;? Coker wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hundreds of students present projects. Faculty members get together for seminars. There are open houses and tours where people can go inside

research facilities. We also bring in experts from beyond our campus, like Richard Harris of National Public Radio, to offer inspiration and insight about the research enterprise.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ignite,â&#x20AC;? a speedy presentation series, was one of the events hosted for Research Days, and took place on Tuesday, April 9 at the University Union Undergrounds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Igniteâ&#x20AC;? consisted of presentations by graduate student and postdoctoral researchers, who were allowed 20 slides that automatically changed every 15 seconds, cumulating to create a fiveminute presentation.

Rushui Fang, an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Igniteâ&#x20AC;? presenter and a third-year graduate student studying electrical engineering, said participating in the event allowed him to practice his public speaking skills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spend most of my time in the lab doing research,â&#x20AC;? Fang said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I consider myself to be a very introverted person, so this will be a challenge for me.â&#x20AC;? The topics discussed ranged from Russian collusion in the 2016 election to the difference smartphones are making in the field of psychology. Robert Lawrence, a research development specialist for the

Office of Strategic Research Initiatives, said â&#x20AC;&#x153;Igniteâ&#x20AC;? is unique because of its format, as it challenges the speakers to be clear and succinct for the benefit of the audience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in so many talks today are how different fields of research overlapped to combine and solve new problems,â&#x20AC;? Lawrence said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really exciting to see it in action.â&#x20AC;? Upcoming Research Days events include a student-wide poster session, which will highlight research presentations from both undergraduate and graduate students, on Friday, April 12 in the Mandela Room.

Additionally, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Technologies of Human Rights Representationâ&#x20AC;? will be held on Saturday, April 13 at the BU Art Museum and will discuss the moral guidelines of human rights research. Coker wrote that she is excited to spend the week celebrating the research being conducted at BU. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the University grows and our research portfolio expands, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to have a moment to take stock of the activity around campus and to celebrate our successes,â&#x20AC;? Coker wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always come away from the week feeling excited about the innovative spirit we have at Binghamton.â&#x20AC;?

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OPINIONS Thursday, April 11, 2019

SIX DAYS WITHOUT A STATEMENT After Shakeel Khan was fatally shot in Johnson City on March 30, the Binghamton University administration remained silent about his murder until April 5.

jo myers editorial artist

Khan, who was Muslim, was shot multiple times and killed by a masked shooter outside his business, Halal Bites, while he was closing up for the day. The shooter has not been identified and is still at large. Before we delve into a discussion on BU’s response, the Editorial Board would like to extend our sincere condolences to Khan’s loved ones and anyone impacted by his passing. News of Khan’s murder quickly circulated among community members and BU students, primarily due to a statement released by the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier (IOST) the same night of the shooting. Some Muslim and Desi students expressed feeling unsafe in the aftermath of the shooting.

Many BU students and student organizations shared the news on social media, and at least 70 students met for an emergency meeting April 3 to support one another and to craft a letter to the administration. As the days passed, one question was on everyone’s mind: Where was the response from the University? Decol A released an open letter, co-signed by many campus organizations, to President Harvey Stenger condemning the University’s failure to notify students of the shooting, and it was only then that BU released a statement — six days after Khan’s murder. The Editorial Board questions why the University took so long to release a statement. Stenger wrote that “the University does

not issue B-Alerts in cases when a crime does not occur on or near University property.” We find this strange, though, because Halal Bites is located less than a mile away from BU’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and is frequented by BU students. We also find it improbable that the University did not know about the shooting until it released its statement. If BU is expanding into Johnson City, it should have close communication with the Johnson City Police Department and emergency responders. Additionally, after the murders of two students in spring 2018, the administration said it would prioritize student safety. However, the delayed response from University

officials reflects that BU did not learn from its mistakes a year ago. Underlying this situation is the glaring reality that the University administration is extremely disconnected from the student body. Even if “there was never any immediate threat to students,” as Stenger’s statement said, the fact remains that many students did feel unsafe, and that should have been enough for the University to take action. Once again, BU clearly does not know what students care about or what we need to feel safe. It should not have taken students bombarding the University on social media for it to break its silence. Even Stenger’s statement did not directly address any of the demands in the open letter, displaying a

disregard for students’ concerns yet again. The Editorial Board recognizes that a B-Alert was released shortly past midnight on April 10 notifying students of shots fired in Johnson City, indicating that the University seems to be getting more serious about its alerts. Still, why did it take someone dying for the University to properly utilize its emergency response systems? While the Editorial Board supports Decol A’s letter, we must make mention of the fact that the organization signed some student groups’ names on the letter without their express consent. We understand that this was an honest mistake on Decol A’s part, as many members of different student organizations

attended the emergency meeting when the letter was written, but we hope it will be more careful in the future so as not to detract from the central message of the letter. In an updated letter, Decol A demands the University extend the Safe Ride network and Off Campus College Transport “into areas adjacent to all university buildings in Johnson City and downtown Binghamton,” as well as provide an additional bus stop in front of the IOST mosque during the month of Ramadan. What will it take for the University to finally make safety a priority? The Editorial Board hopes that the administration makes improvements and takes student concerns seriously in the near future — in case another unexpected tragedy occurs.

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.

Recognizing the benefits of socialism Socialism is the solution to a nation plagued with inequality David Hatami Contributing Columnist

Socialism has long been a subject of much taboo here in the United States. Following World War II, the world plunged into a gloomy era marked by the beginning of the Cold War. As a result, words such as “communism” and “socialism” were met with animosity within the United States to such an extreme extent that the ungrounded accusations against many alleged “commies” led them to be blacklisted and lose their jobs. However, there has been an unforeseen increase in the popularity of socialist ideas

in recent years, particularly among millennials. Socialism is a concept in which social and economic inequalities are curbed through means of government programs. It is a system practiced in a number of European nations. While many Americans may claim that the idea is inherently opposed to the concept of American capitalism and financial freedom, nearly half of millennial Democrats say they identify as socialists or Democratic socialists, according to a 2018 poll. Despite the contrasting views of many Americans, socialist ideas could benefit many young adults in the nation, especially those with wealth inequality and soaring college tuition. While baby boomers grew up

in an era of relative economic growth and prosperity, the same cannot be said about millennials. Young people today, particularly college students, are facing a wide variety of unique financial struggles. Since the 1980s, college tuition has more than doubled, with more than 44 million Americans currently burdened with debt from their student loans, contributing to an astounding national total of $1.5 trillion. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for housing have risen 224.33 percent from 1980 to 2019, which is about a $224,325 difference in value. This, alongside the current extreme costs of health care and subsequent wealth inequality, prove that young adults today are living in a nation very different

from what their parents grew up in. It is clear why millennials today have a much less upbeat view on capitalism and are resorting to socialist ideals as a last-ditch effort to achieve economic security and success. Contrary to the beliefs of many contemporary critics, the United States would most definitely benefit from some socialist influences in government. As it is now, the United States is not solely based upon a free market, but practices a mixed-market economy in which free markets operate along with some state intervention. Many other nations around the world seemingly practice the same concept, such as France, Germany, Finland and Norway. However, socialist nations incorporate greater public

enterprise than the United States, such as the inclusion of free college education, free health care and in some cases, free state-sponsored day cares. Ideas like these not only increase quality of life, but spread privileges usually reserved for the economic elite to the whole population. A socialism that allows for more personal freedoms can be superior to a capitalism that permits the pursuit of profit by an elite, manipulating public policy. Furthermore, socialism is innately more sensitive to issues of wealth inequality than capitalism-based systems. While American capitalism boasts complete financial freedom and independence, socialism is far superior in telling us that a member of the electorate is

being left behind and that a gap in the wealth distribution is potentially widening. Although the concept of the free market is foundational to the essence of the United States, modern-day wealth inequality issues, paired with an ever-increasing college student population, demands change in government policy so that the young adults of today will have the same opportunities that Americans have enjoyed for the last century. With the increasing presence of socialist movements and politicians, such as Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, it is indisputable that socialist ideas are not only conceivable, but inevitable in our country’s near future. — David Hatami is a freshman majoring in political science.

Buying local is the way to go Farmers markets build community and provide healthier food options Hannah Gulko Columnist

To me, farmers markets are a haven of delicious smells, of community, of adventure for your taste buds — in some cases, a terrifying plummet down a spicy hole of terror that leaves your mouth on fire, your eyes watering and your whole life flashing before you — and most importantly, of free samples. Although it might seem like the once-a-week pop-up is just an outdoor, hipster version of

a grocery store, it is, in fact, so much more. The farmers market is a powerful focal point for communication and connection between the growers and the eaters of the community. Locally sourced food, produced by your neighbors and community, has a higher chance of being grown in an environmentally sustainable environment. Data has been collected to confirm that money spent at a local business generates 3.5 times more wealth for the local economy in contrast to the money spent at chain businesses. In addition, the health benefits from locally sourced products are well known.

From sustainable farming comes produce that is often pesticidefree, preservative-free, improves nutrition, supports varied dietary needs, encourages well-balanced eating and improves food safety. Having an open platform to speak between the producers and the consumers is an incredible opportunity for education, for discovery and for growth. Trying the different products sold by individual people opens up the possibility for tasting different foods and understanding new cultures. When buying local food, you’re not only supporting the people you get to meet with and speak with, you are supporting the local economy, reducing the

amount of food that could possibly be brought to the store and thereby reducing the opportunity for higher costs associated with transportation and packaging of items (an additional plus for saving the environment). Farmers markets are not an uncommon thing. In other parts of the world, a market-styled grocery is the primary way to shop. In Israel, for example, walking through a “shuk,” or marketplace, is an opportunity to learn about language, to compare market prices and to stroll through numerous delicious smells and tourist-catching artisan shops. This weekend, the Binghamton

Food Co-op partnered with Off Campus College Transport to create a free blue-bus service to the Broome County farmers market, and I was grateful to meet the people who brought me beautifully colored carrots, who passionately spoke about how they grew their potatoes and fragrant mint leaves and whose rainbow chard literally shined under the droplets of water keeping them fresh and clean. Small business owners offered handmade soaps and lotions made from goat milk, suggesting scents that I’d enjoy. There was flavored kombucha sold by a man who animatedly told me the life story of the actor or actress the

flavors were named after and a woman who tenderly cared for her plants as if they were her children, offering them to me with so much trust and care. A farmers market is an amazing way to bring the community together. It’s an aesthetic and social hub for organic foods, arts, crafts, flowers, children, dogs and the very best that life has to offer — all in one beautiful package offering ways to give back. So, for the people, for the environment, heck, even for the fancy cheese, I urge you to buy local. Support your roots! — Hannah Gulko is a junior majoring in human development.

‘In the Works’ to showcase student-directed plays

Two student-directed one-act plays will be performed from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14 in Studio A and Studio B in the Fine Arts Building.

The two shows will be held from April 11 to 14 Patrick Earns

contributing writer

Starting this Thursday, April 11, the Binghamton University Theatre Department will be presenting plays that are “In The Works” as part of their spring 2019 Studio Season. The event will showcase two studentdirected one-act plays, “Seascape with Sharks and Dancer” and “You Belong To Me.” “Seascape with Sharks and Dancer,” written by playwright Don Nigro, is a romantic drama with comedic elements. It tells the story of two imperfect strangers, Ben and Tracy, who meet when Ben rescues Tracy from drowning in the ocean and brings her back to safety in his seaside home. Over the course

of the night and morning that follow, their rival personalities come to literal and metaphorical blows, but their abrasive chemistry leads to a connection that helps two lonely people feel a little less alone. Samantha Goss, a junior majoring in theatre, is the director of this production. She said part of her motivation for picking the script came from a desire to push her boundaries as a director and prepare herself for future projects. “You don’t always get to pick the scripts you work with out in the real world, so I wanted to find a script that did have challenges to it,” Goss said. “The blood and the costume that she’s wearing, it was a very complicated thing to get it to look like that.” Discussing the difficulties of the production, Goss stated that the rushed timeline for rehearsal was an added challenge to an

already difficult show. “As far as the rehearsal period went, we had three and a half weeks, including tech, so that was terrifying,” Goss said. “We had a week before spring break, and then we came back and we had two weeks and then into tech, which was kind of crazy.” Brianna Simpkins, a senior majoring in political science who plays Tracy, emphasized the realism of the play and praised its characters for their authenticity. “The idea of theatre I feel like a lot of people have in their head is a lot of bells and whistles, and they forget that in every piece of theatre you can find some kind of truthful element to it,” Simpkins said. “This is on the more truthful end of theatre.” Aaron Penzel, a senior double-majoring in theatre and business administration, plays the character of Ben. When asked what the play offers to

the student body who might be interested in seeing it, he said the script’s success in presenting a genuine human connection “I think that this is a really good representation of what people are,” Penzel said. “There’s shifts in the show, there’s different wants, there’s different needs, there’s tug back and forth. You get close just to pull away, which is what we do as people.” “See it because it’s real,” Simpkins added. The second play, “You Belong To Me,” is a surrealist dark comedy with all emphasis on the dark. Written by playwright Keith Reddin, it portrays inexplicable violent thoughts that work their way into a person’s psyche, with each scene other than the final one featuring the same three characters in imagined murders. Characters take turns being the victim and the killer or killers as

isaiah king contributing photographer

the play contemplates a variety of ways that an ostensibly happy marriage and friendship could take the darkest turn possible. The play is directed by Jenna Brady, a senior double-majoring in cinema and theatre. She said that while trying to choose the one-act play she would direct, she came across the script at the last hour and fell for its unconventional nature. “I think part of what drew me into it was that when I first read it, I was like, ‘What is going on?’” Brady said. “It’s very surreal and a bit absurd.” Gabriel Pinciotti, a junior majoring in theatre who plays the character of Larry, said he thinks that the rehearsal process has helped the cast and crew become more collective in their vision of the production. “We all went from having preconceived notions of what the show should be and then

all coming together on one joint idea that everybody agrees with,” Pinciotti said. Brady echoed this sentiment and stressed the role that a cooperative atmosphere played in helping her vision come to life. “It was really fun to direct because, especially as a student working with a bunch of other students, it was just a really collaborative environment,” Brady said. “I had an amazing cast and crew, and we were just a bunch of passionate students who wanted to make something great, and really be able to make it ourselves.” “In The Works” will run at 8 p.m. from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14 in Studio A Theater for “You Belong To Me” (FA 192) and Studio B Theater for “Seascape with Sharks and Dancer” (FA 196). It will cost $4 at the door to see both shows.

Day Schildkret talks art and spirituality at Harpur Edge The BU alum promoted his new earth art book Ezra Beede

contributing writer

On Wednesday, April 10, alumnus Day Schildkret, ‘00, sat in the back of the Harpur Edge office wearing a fedora, scarf, ripped jean jacket, metal bracelets, vest, leather pouch, jeans and boots. Earthy and freespirited, he looked exactly how you would expect him to if you opened his new book, “Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit Through Nature, Art, and Ritual.” Around the square table, nine students listened attentively as Schildkret read from his book and led a signing and Q&A session, hosted by Harpur Edge’s book club. In addition to being an author and artist, Schildkret is a public speaker whose talks about spirituality and mental health have been featured in Vice, BuzzFeed and several mental health magazines. He was even invited to speak and

lead sessions in the Google offices in Silicon Valley. His book features images of his “morning altars,” which are works of geometric earth art composed of materials like flowers, leaves, shells and branches. Schildkret also includes images of the destruction of the art’s natural components, like flowers wilting. Alongside these images, there are messages about connectivity with nature, others and oneself, as well as traveling, meditation, prayer, creativity and the process of letting go. During the event, he read sections of the book ranging from tips on connecting oneself to nature to a guided 10-day silent meditation. Sources of quotes scattered throughout the book range from Aristotle to Oscar Wilde to Native American elders. Schildkret said his work comes from learning to let go. “I went through a bad breakup and for five months all I felt was grief,” he said during the talk. “One day, while walking my dog, I came across these beautiful mushrooms. After an hour of arranging them where I felt like

seconds had passed, I realized my sadness had gone. You look up the etymology of the word altar, it means to raise up. I felt like I was putting my grief on an altar.” According to Schildkret, another important part of the “morning altars” is that they are not permanent. Because of this, Schildkret believes they help those creating them learn how to let go and deal with the process of loss. Schildkret touched on this during the talk. “Because my art is impermanent, it forces people to ask themselves, ‘How do you respond to change? Are you in resistance to it? Are you scared of it? Are you in denial of it? What would happen if you had a much better relationship to change, so when it happens in your own life you’re not showing up as an amateur, you’re showing up with more skill?’” he said. Regarding students of Binghamton University, Schildkret said he wanted to speak directly to areas where they could need help. “The most important thing I want to acknowledge is what

rose coschignano pipe dream photographer BU alumnus Day Schildkret, ‘00, sat down with students to discuss his book and art.

[students are] struggling with,” he said. “People these days are struggling with the stresses of being overwhelmed and feeling alone, and feeling disconnected with technology … [and] ‘Morning Altars’ is a response

to all these challenges. The question I want to communicate to students is, ‘What are you going to do with the time you’ve been given, [because] we’re only given a short amount of time, like these altars. What are

you going to do with the short amount of time, with the gift you’ve been given called your life?’ Once we can remember how limited life is, time-wise, it can help us fall in love with life again.”

bupipedream.com | April 11, 2019

ARTS & CULTURE

BU Food Co-op hosts first ‘Moth’-inspired story event Students will share stories based on experiences

open community on BU’s campus and events like “The Moth” continue to promote these values. “We would love to foster an atmosphere of sharing and community and mutual support,” Heit said. “I know the theme is a little tough as it kind of requires people to open up about a tough time they might have had, but like I suggested earlier, the important

to attend an event regardless of their stances on food and food restrictions. “Bonding over stories is Marcus Budashewitz something humans have done arts & culture intern forever,” Heit said. “I think getting away from the whole The life of a college student sphere of texting or rushing is usually one of ups and downs, to get words out and breaking trials and tribulations and away from the format of writing successes and failures. Whether or speaking for a class and just it be failing that telling stories is a organic chemistry wonderful way for test or realizing people to get to that your meal know each other plan has reached and temporarily be single digits, the carried to another struggle is real for world together.” undergraduates. In addition to The Binghamton the contents of the University Food event itself, Heit Co-op is providing said the staff at the a space for Food Co-op hopes students to share that this night their experiences will open some overcoming such people’s eyes to obstacles with a the work done by storytelling event “The Moth.” based on the “’The Moth’ NPR show “The has moved all Moth.” Brought of us that have to listeners by a listened to it, and nonprofit group also publicizing based out of New ‘The Moth’ as York City, “The something that Moth” is a show exists and is dedicated to the art widely available of storytelling. is something The theme of we feel strongly the Co-op’s event about too,” Heit is “When life gives said. “I think our you lemons … ,” storytelling event provided by binghamton university food co-op facebook has the potential which means that stories told will The Food Co-op will host its first storytelling event at 7 p.m. on to bring people relay a time in Thursday, April 11. across campus, the storyteller’s with a variety of life when they turned a negative part is making something sweet different values, all together.“ situation into something positive. of it.” The event will be held at 7 Molly Heit, a junior doubleAside from supporting p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in the majoring in biochemistry environmental justice, Heit said Food Co-op and storytelling will and integrative neuroscience the Food Co-op also hopes to begin around 7:15 p.m. to 7:30 who serves as the operations bring more people through the p.m. Food will be served. For coordinator and a cook for the doors by diversifying their events anyone interested in submitting Food Co-op, said the Co-op has beyond just food. “The Moth” will a story to be told, email long stood as a comfortable and provide an opportunity for people foodcoop@binghamtonsa.org.

Reasons to explore Broome County’s libraries Discover study spaces beyond Bartle Gabriela Iacovano

assistant arts & culture intern

This National Library Week, thousands of students will pass through the doors of the Binghamton University Libraries in search of books, printers or a quiet study space. While most students are familiar with these services, those who live on campus especially might overlook Broome County’s public libraries as similarly valuable hubs for information and community engagement. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons by joining a club, destressing with free events or switching up your study routine, check out Pipe Dream’s list of reasons to patronize our local public libraries. Early weekend hours While they might be a long walk or bus ride away from the West Side, the Broome County Public Library (BCPL) on Court Street and Your Home Public Library (YHPL) on Main Street in Johnson City offer study spaces and meeting rooms for group work. Both libraries open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, whereas Glenn G. Bartle Library opens at noon on weekends. Neither library is open Sunday, but if you’re conscientious enough to get your studying done before the weekend comes to a close, a public library makes the perfect Saturday spot for early birds who are tired of campus and looking for a change of scenery. Free events and clubs For students looking to destress in a new environment, the YHPL hosts movie nights, gardening classes, book sales and signings. The BCPL also offers free events like yoga classes, concerts, book club meetings,

coloring sessions and knitting circles. The Vestal Public Library will even host a group dog walking event Saturday, May 18, the day after finals end. While similar activities and clubs can be found on campus, branching out into the local community can provide new perspectives and resources that could potentially build stronger on-campus communities. YHPL, for example, offers “Book Club in a Bag” kits, designed to help patrons start and execute their own book clubs. Creative and academic resources Libraries can provide physical resources for not only bookworms, but visual artists. Crafty hobbyists who live in Downtown Binghamton and don’t want to trek all the way to the Mountainview STEAM Room in Appalachian Collegiate Center could check out BCPL’s similar space, called the “Creation Station.” The area provides color printing, a sewing

machine, an iron, a Cricut cardmaking machine and access to photo editing software. The public library also offers unique research materials; students doing projects on the area’s history can find newspaper archives, census records and various other historical documents at the BCPL. Volunteer opportunities Broome County’s libraries can be a great space for students to share their skills with the community. The BCPL currently has BU undergraduate students teaching computer classes and graduate students teaching poetry classes, and the library is also in need of volunteers to help maintain their garden area. Friends of the BCPL and Friends of the YHPL are both local organizations that help raise money to fund programs at the libraries. For students interested in local outreach, libraries are a great place to gauge an area’s needs and get involved in projects that meet those needs.

ariel kachuro assistant photography editor Students who want a change of scenery from Glenn G. Bartle Library can leave campus and familiarize themselves with the public libraries of Broome County.

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Thursday, April 3, 11,2, 2019 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017

Based on real events

Daniel Eisenhower

Sudoku

By The Mepham Group

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

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

No time for crime

Horoscopes

Ashley Sanchez

Hannah Nathanson

Aquarius: Say hi to literally fucking everybody. Scream the loudest in every crowd. Dance on top of electric fences. Give birth. Pisces: Dye your hair blonde and download Bumble. You’ll get through it, you’re as fun as a tulip underground. Aries: Try on many different hats. Buy a Stetson hat filled with tequila for your 21st birthday. Learn to play a trumpet. Taurus: If you were a toy you’d be a block with numbers painted on the sides. Let’s get really high. Let’s become teddy bears. Gemini: Addie. Cancer: Pay your dues, hours and hours of someone else’s minimum wage, to become a loser. We love you anyways, but give up your pride for patriotism. Come back to where you came from. Leo: You speak in a constant B flat. You whisper platitudes as if they’re secrets. Biggest nightmare? Growing too much personality. Virgo: Go get her a chair from the break room. Be so sweetly weird they call you creative. Libra: Do you remember? Y’all lay on the ground and the entire earth is on fire. The earth is heaven, the earth is hell, the earth is earth. But only for a moment until the wind blows. Scorpio: It’s Halloween in April. Dress spooky, maybe wear a choker. Holy shit!! Is that a ghost? Sagittarius: You’ve been pickpocketing lately. Grabbing things from other people’s porches. Give it back. Capricorn: Spotlight emanates out from you. You say ‘thank you’ every time someone offers you a utensil.

ACROSS 1 Cleared (of) 4 Tote bag material 10 Down-to-earth 14 Chemical suffix 15 Even though 16 Wrinkly hybrid fruit 17 Teacher on call 18 John D. Rockefeller’s company 20 Cutlery collection 22 Moo __ gai pan 23 Record 24 Umbrella part 26 Grace word 30 Bilingual “Sesame Street” Muppet 32 Bath sponges 34 Most babbling 37 Bunk 38 Woodland goat-man 41 Arraignment answers 42 Kitchen pests 43 Racing Unsers 44 Preparation period 46 German mathematician Bernhard 48 Softening 52 Calf-length skirts 53 61-Across kingpin __ Fring 56 Subtle shade 57 Glass lip 59 Speed trap equipment 61 #3 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time (as of 2016) ... and a hint to what the black squares are doing in four rows of this puzzle 65 Check out 66 “Star Trek” race 67 Mariner’s patron 68 __ Lingus 69 Pineapple center 70 “Mercy me!” 71 Genetic material DOWN 1 One who agrees to a dare

2 “Got me” 3 Ledger entries 4 Italian city whose Royal Palace has been used as a set in two “Star Wars” films 5 Hgts. 6 Net or Knick 7 Starbucks order 8 Give a leg up 9 Antlered animal 10 Ballet great Nureyev 11 Psychoanalysis subject 12 Actor Mahershala __ 13 Rapper __ Jon 19 High-tech worker 21 Affect 25 Pasture cry 27 Pull down 28 Opportunity 29 Former Air France jets 31 Colorado snowboarding mecca 33 “Cotton Comes to Harlem” director Davis 35 Urban Dictionary content

36 Iraq War weapon: Abbr. 38 One to grow on 39 Et __: and others 40 Hand-me-down 42 Group at Asgard 44 Corneareshaping surgery 45 One facing charges? 47 Desert illusion 49 Ready to roll

50 VietnameseAmerican poker star Scotty 51 Biological subdivisions 54 Implored 55 Black 58 Japanese soup 60 Lady of Spain 61 Eng. channel 62 Pal of Piglet 63 Goof up 64 Extreme

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

03/07/19 04/11/19

04/11/19 03/07/19

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Pipe Dream Bearcast FOR INTERVIEWS AND ANALYSIS

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Softball swept by Albany in America East doubleheader Herskowitz ties program record for doubles in game Evan Cole

assistant sports editor

Facing the second-place Albany Great Danes in a doubleheader, the Binghamton softball team dropped two games defined by singular innings in which Albany took over. Junior pitchers Rozlyn Price and Rayn Gibson each put together excellent starts to their respective pitching performances, but allowed a combined 14 runs in their final innings of work. The Great Danes (16-9, 5-0 America East) rode these runs to a sweep of the Bearcats (14-18, 3-5 AE). “We would’ve liked to be a little bit better on the mound,” said BU head coach Michelle Johnston. “If we could’ve worked that one inning, we could’ve controlled everything a little better.” Junior catcher Sara Herskowitz provided most of the power for Binghamton in the first game, going 2-for-3, scoring two runs and recording three RBIs off a home run in the bottom of the first. In the home half of the third, after Herskowitz singled and stole second, she was driven in by sophomore utility player Sarah Benn. Despite extending their lead to four, the Bearcats stranded three runners on base in the third with an opportunity to blow the game open. Things began to fall out of BU’s favor in the top of the fourth inning, in which the Great Danes scored eight runs to take control of the game’s momentum. Price started

rose coschignano pipe dream photographer Junior catcher Sara Herskowitz had five hits in a doubleheader against Albany, including a three-run home run in the first matchup.

the game for the Bearcats and was cruising before the fourth frame, allowing only two base runners beforehand. Albany’s damage in the inning was both started and ended by sophomore infielder Katie Falotico, who led off with a solo home run to right field. After the Great Danes tacked on four more runs via a plethora of singles and a wild pitch, Falotico got to the plate again with two runners on base and capitalized

with a three-run blast to center, making the score 8-5 in favor of Albany. “I think they got a little momentum,” Johnston said. “They’ve got some great bats in the middle of their lineup. They started to feed off each other, and these games are about big innings and taking momentum.” Throughout the inning, Price remained on the mound with sophomore pitcher Chelsea Howard warming up in the

bullpen. Howard relieved Price at the start of the fifth inning. As Binghamton looked to cut into its newfound deficit, the team continued to allow insurance runs to the Great Danes. In three innings of relief, Howard allowed five runs on six hits, three walks and a hit batter. Ultimately, the Bearcats could not keep pace with their SUNY rival, dropping the opener, 13-5. The nightcap featured a stark contrast in offensive production,

highlighted by a pitchers’ duel between starters Gibson and Albany sophomore Maranda Jimenez. After each allowed one run in the first inning, the subsequent four-and-a-half innings were scoreless. The tie finally broke in the bottom of the sixth, when Benn lofted a double just out of the reach of Albany sophomore outfielder Alexis Phillips with the bases loaded, scoring three to take a 4-1 lead.

Despite Gibson surrendering no earned runs through the game’s first six innings, Albany tagged her for six runs in the top of the seventh. Albany loaded the bases on two walks and a single, and Falotico ripped a basesclearing double of her own to tie the game. The Great Danes continued to flip momentum, as junior infielder Kelly Barkevich blasted a go-ahead three-run homer to right field. Down 7-4 in the bottom of the seventh, BU went down in order, concluding Albany’s sweep. Herskowitz continued to make great contact, ripping three doubles and scoring two runs. Her three doubles tied a program record with Christina Quijano, ’07, who accomplished the same feat in 2004 against UMES. She also flashed some leather in the field over the doubleheader, making a couple of clutch plays on pop-ups. “She’s been coming up with some big hits for us,” Johnston said. “I really like how loose she’s playing and relaxed. She’s doing a lot for us offensively, but she’s doing a lot for us defensively as well.” Jimenez proved a worthy opponent for Gibson, pitching five innings with a lone run allowed in the first. Before giving up six earned runs in the seventh inning, Gibson had allowed zero earned runs over a 15-inning stretch. Up next for the Bearcats is a three-game series this weekend against UMass Lowell, capping off the team’s five-game home stand. First pitch of the opener is scheduled for noon on Saturday, April 13 from the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.

Baseball defeats Cornell in Golf rallies to place ninth nonconference matchup at Villanova Invitational Franchi extends hitting streak to eight games

Ottman leads BU with five under final round

Samuel Ditchek

Justin Zion

In the first of three meetings against upstate rival Cornell, the Binghamton baseball team took care of business. The Bearcats (13-12, 4-2 America East) rallied for 10 hits and seven runs in the first three innings alone to take down the Big Red, 8-4. “We came out obviously ready to play and did a good job taking advantage of the opportunities we had,” said BU head coach Tim Sinicki. “We hit some line drives, scored some runs and any time you can do that early, I think it takes a little bit of pressure off the pitching situation, knowing you got a lead to work with. Getting those early runs certainly set the tone for the rest of the day.” BU had its bats going from the start, with redshirt junior outfielder Daniel Franchi and sophomore outfielder Shane Marshall logging opening singles. Redshirt junior infielder Alex Baratta was quick to drive them in off a double to make it three consecutive hits. Later in the first, senior outfielder Sean Trenholm capped off the threerun inning when he singled to center field to allow Baratta to score. Much like the high-firing offense featured in the first, the Bearcats continued to pour in runs at the top of the third inning. The Big Red (7-17, 2-8 Ivy League) surrendered another four runs on four more hits as the Bearcats improved the score to 7-2. Driving in the final run of the frame was Franchi, who singled to left center to plate junior infielder Justin Drpich. Franchi now has a hitting streak of eight consecutive matches, four of

Halfway through the Villanova Spring Golf Invitational, the Binghamton golf team was struggling. A lackluster opening round left the team near the basement of the leaderboard, and the Bearcats’ top golfers seemed unable to find their stride. But just when it seemed like the team was headed for a lowly finish, BU rallied in the final round, surging up the leaderboard for a ninthplace finish out of 20 teams at the invitational. At the centerpiece of the Bearcats’ comeback was senior Zak Ottman, whose individual turnaround in the tournament was reflective of the team’s rally. Ottman had the worst score of the Bearcat golfers in the first round, trailing all of his teammates with a score of six over par through the first 18. In the second and final round, Ottman was by far the best of his teammates, putting together a remarkable round of five below par that featured seven birdies. “We talked as a team after our round on Monday and we really responded well today [Tuesday],” said BU head coach Bernie Herceg, per bubearcats. com. “Zak shot a great round, and the rest of the team played very consistent.” Though Ottman’s improvement was the most dramatic, all four of his teammates also lowered their scores from the first round to the last, playing a consistent level of golf that supported Ottman’s performance and allowed it to carry BU up the leaderboard.

sports editor

assistant sports editor

tyler gorman staff photographer Redshirt junior outfielder Daniel Franchi extended his hit streak to eight games with a four-hit performance against Cornell.

which were multi-hit games, as he improved his season batting average to .347 and his slugging percentage to .510. “[Franchi]’s been great in the leadoff spot,” Sinicki said. “He’s found a way to not only get on base and jumpstart the offense, but he has also gotten some clutch hits and driven in some runs as well. He’s kind of back to the form that he had in his freshman year [prior to sustaining an injury] … I’m glad to see him back to being the player I know he can be.” Binghamton and Cornell each scored one run apiece in the seventh inning to push the score to 8-4, where it was left untouched for the remainder of the game. Freshman pitcher Ryan Bryggman tossed three innings in relief and secured his first victory of the season, and his collegiate career, to bring BU above .500 for the first time this season. “It’s the ebb and flow of the schedule sometimes, where we play some bigger teams early on and learn about ourselves,” Sinicki said. “Unfortunately, a lot of times those result in losses, but hopefully it pays off as we go on later in the year. I just think we’re just playing pretty good

baseball right now and hope to continue to do that over the course of the next six weeks.” Having captured five out of its previous six games, the team will look to capitalize on its momentum when it hosts conference-leading Stony Brook this weekend. The Seawolves (18-10, 7-2 AE) have had nearly double the AE matchups as Binghamton thus far. SBU leads the AE in batting average, hits, RBIs, slugging percentage and runs. Despite the lack of many AE matchups, Sinicki still finds the nonconference meetings valuable as the team heads into its third AE series in 2019. “It’s just business as usual,” Sinicki said. “We treated last weekend, even though they were nonconference games, our preparation was as if they were conference games. We got a routine that we like to stick to, keep our guys focused, on track and it’ll be no different like it has been over the last couple of weekends.” Binghamton’s three-game showdown with Stony Brook kicks off at noon Saturday, April 13 from the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.

Sophomore D.J. Griffiths, junior Ryan Rodriguez, sophomore Justin Lane and sophomore Nacho Glagovsky each turned in rounds of one over par. Binghamton was the only school that had all five of its golfers score one over or lower on the final day. It was a stark difference from what the team did the day prior. Sloppy performances on a few of the holes, combined with an inability to accumulate birdies, kept the team behind on the scoreboard for the entire opening day. The par-three third seemed to be the most difficult for the Bearcats, with four of them earning bogeys on the hole. The overall score for Binghamton in the first round was 298, a plus-14, and tied for second-worst of the day, ahead of only last-place Wagner. But the following day, each of Binghamton’s golfers started with a clean, empty scoresheet, and took full advantage. Holes that the team mostly parred the day before were birdied in the final round, greatly reducing

the team’s score. This trend was particularly evident on the back nine, where the Bearcats had 14 birdies compared to six on the first day. The team’s final-round score was 282, or two below par. It was the fifthlowest round of the day, and the 16-shot improvement from round one to round two was the third-largest among all of the participating schools. Drexel dominated the competition overall, mustering a combined score of 17 under par for the entire invitational to earn a first-place finish. Akron was close behind them at the end of the first round, but a 286 on day two took the Zips out of contention, allowing the Dragons to win comfortably. Drexel junior Connor Schmidt won individually as well. With the season zooming by, only one invitational remains before the Bearcats travel out west for the much-anticipated Big Sky Conference. The Navy Intercollegiate, a two-day event, begins on Friday, April 19 in Annapolis, Maryland.

christine derosa staff photographer Senior Zak Ottman finished his final round five under par as Binghamton finished ninth overall at the Villanova Intercollegiate.