Jan. 31 2023

Red & Black

WHAT’S IN THIS MONTH’S PAPER... CAMPUS

CURRENT EVENTS

OPINIONS

Fall Play Crimes of The Heart Review

T. Kinkley Red & Black Campus Arts & Culture Staff Writer

JAN. 13 - From Nov. 17-19, the production of Crimes of The Heart written by playwright Beth Henley (which was published in 1978) was performed in Olin Theatre. Crimes of The Heart won a Pulitzer’s Prize in 1981 for the drama category and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play.

The show is based on three sisters: Lenny, Meg, and Babe MaGrath. It follows each of their stories and how they come together as sisters again, though we do not get a lot of background about their past family issues. It also includes Doc Porter, a previous love interest of Meg, and Barnette Lloyd who is the child of a local townsperson and Babe’s lawyer, and Chick Boyle who is a cousin of the MaGrath sisters.

In the play, Babe has just attempted to kill her husband, Zachary. Not only are the other two sisters deal-

ing with that, but they are also caring for their grandfather suffering multiple strokes. Meanwhile, Meg has just gotten back from California, where she was trying to become a famous singer, even going so far as to tell her grandfather in the hospital that she was going to be on TV. Lenny is struggling with her grandfather in the hospital and living at their grandparents’ house.

This background information is important due to the casting decisions and some of the rewrites. Canonically, this play takes place in the 1960s. Though it is still very much prevalent now, structural racism was incredibly more prominent during the time of the play’s setting. Due to this, director Carley Lyon decided to change some of the dialogue. The dialogue included a few comments about Babe’s infidelity that originally included a person of color who was also underage. Instead, Carley changed it to be about a queer relationship, thinking this would more appropriately depict an unfairly stigmatized relationship than outright racism through derogatory comments and an inappropriate age gap. While it is important to note the background of the story, our current times have taken more efforts to rightfully denounce racist microaggressions, side comments and predatory relationships, Therefore, Carley rmade the decision to cut out the lines with racist undertones and swap out the underage comments for comments

about the character being a female, as this was better suited for the audience and would prevent the perpetuation of racist narratives in yet another piece of media. Other than that, there were only some minor additional cuts to the script made for a time limit, as well as for a more concise story.

Overall, positive reviews were heard around the school. Many people spoke about it to their friends. The set was on stage as well as seating. There were around one hundred seats, and every night at least half were filled. On the WNJR Red & Black News Hour, Brenden Guesman who hosts the hour had said other professors had said they really enjoyed it and gave praise to the cast. Guesman, on the radio show, said “I went on that Thursday night, and I can say it was a phenomenal play.”

The next show coming up is “Journey’s End”, directed by Professor Dan Shaw. More details about auditions and the cast list will come as they are given. The dates are April 13 through April 15 at 7:30pm.

Emma Mianulli and Gianna star in W&J’s production of Crimes of the Heart. (PHoto Courtesy Regan Carlson, Red & Black Photojournalist)

“this [decision to remove racist lines and underage relationships] was better suited for the audience and would prevent the perpetuation of racist narratives in yet another piece of media.”

Ganiah Bracy playing Babe MaGrath in W&J’s production of Crimes of the Heart. (PHoto Courtesy Regan Carlson, Red & Black Photojournalist)

W&J’s Homecoming Presidents Deserve Recognition

T. Kinkley Red & Black Campus Arts & Culture Staff Writer

JAN 19 - Homecoming is a huge event on Washington & Jefferson College’s campus. Not only does it provide a reason for alumni to come back to the campus, but it also provides the first voting opportunity of the year, a chance for current students to network with the alumni. Many organizations and Greek life houses hosted events for alumni to attend and chat with other alumni and current students. Over the two-day period, there were thirty-six events, not including campus tours and registration. One of the major events that takes place during Homecoming is the homecoming football game. This year, W&J’s football team went against Allegany College. Washington & Jefferson won 66-14. Along with the football game, we got to see the recognition of the homecoming court at halftime. An important part of W&J’s homecoming tradition is the election of the homecoming court and the announcement

Each year, the student body elects seniors who have contributed to the college and its campus over their years at W&J. The race for homecoming Presidents begins with an offer to all members of the senior class to petition for the court. Students pick another senior to make their pair and petition by getting the signatures of 20 other students. The first election allows students to vote for the five pairs that are put onto the homecoming court. The top five pairs are then put into a vote only days before homecoming weekend, allowing each student to choose one pair they would like to be their Homecoming Presidents. During halftime, each member of the court is introduced by name, area(s) of study, campus involvement and their plans for the future. After each nominated student is introduced, they announce the homecoming Presidents for the year and present them with sashes and plaques that commemorate their win. This year’s homecoming court were the following senior student pairs: Jasmine Dey and Kyran Mitchell, Ava Smith and Lucas Watson, Angelo Fratini and Grace DePaul, Neil Pandit and Julia Hurwitz and Jordan Bernard and Isabella Manzari. Jasmine Dey and Kyran Mitchell were the winners of the vote.

I got to speak with Jasmine Dey a few weeks ago and they are extremely involved at W&J. Amongst other involvement on campus, Dey currently holds the positions of president of the Black Student Union, class representative of the Student Government Association, a community lead for the Office of Belonging and Engagement and the resident assistant for Progress House, a new residential learning community here on campus. Additionally, they helped create the change from ‘Homecoming King/

Queen’ to ‘Homecoming Presidents’ in the fall of 2021 with the 2021-22 Student Government Association’s general assembly. When asked their thoughts on the school’s introduction of the Homecoming Presidents over traditional titles like king and queen that most colleges use, they noted the change as a positive step of inclusivity. “The change eliminates the expectations gendered terms like “king” and “queen” usually come with and allows for a more gender diverse group of people to run for the court in addition to boosting school spirit by calling us the “Presidents.” I can say with certainty that if the old model for the homecoming court still existed, I would not have run, so I am happy about the change!”

together, teammates, best friends, siblings, etcetera. It opens the ground for people to run with people they are most comfortable with.

I did not get a chance to speak with Kyran Mitchell, as he is also a very busy person on campus. Mitchell is a double major completing both of his capstones, as well as a player on our basketball team at W&J. He is involved in many other campus extracurricular activities, which only adds to his busy schedule.

When asked if there were any more changes they would like to see for the homecoming court, Dey instead highlighted the changes they’d like to see happen for the student recognition at the college, “Kyran and I are both black student leaders at a historically and currently predominantly white institution. It is not lost on me that our win as a pair signifies a great deal of progress. I will say however, that the lack of recognition of both Kyran and I, as well as the rest of the court via the school paper, the Weekly, and MyW&J, has been disappointing.”

The change that W&J has made has not only created more inclusivity for all genders, but the change also promotes school spirit, and aligns with the idea of people running as individuals being changed to running as pairs. The change creates an inclusive space for those who do not identify in a gender binary, or if someone would rather run as a pair that are of the same gender. It makes more pairs eligible for the running, including sorority sisters or frat brothers that would like to run

Dey’s words are completely true. Their win and the nominations of the rest of the homecoming court should have been further covered than it was at the school, especially with an in-depth article being written about the homecoming football game, with no mention of the homecoming court or winners. For this we apologize and we plan to do a better job in the future of recognizing student achievements within our campus community.

2022 Homecoming Presidents Jas Dey (left) and Kyran Mitchell (right) pose at the Homecoming game. (CourtesyW&JCollege)

“our win as a pair signifies a great deal of progress.

...however, the lack of recognition of both Kyran and I, as well as the rest of the court via the school paper, the Weekly, and MyW&J, has been disappointing.” ~ Jas Dey

“For this [lack of coverage] we apologize and we plan to do a better job in the future...”

Feburary Campus Events

Winter Tales XXI

Feb. 2- Feb. 4 at 7:30pm

Olin Theatre

Visiting Artist: Sidney Mullis

Opening Ceremony: Friday, Feb 3, 6pm

Art Display: Feb 3 through Feb 26

Olin Fine Arts Gallery

Unbought

Thursday, Feb. 16, 7:30pm

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Black History Month Discussion Series:

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Contributing Writers for this issue

Akansha Das

Emma Humphrey

Audrey Kough

T. Kinkley

Auri Moore

Vaishnavi Peyyety

Denver Leslie

Aidan Mendez

Shayla Simmons

Alyssa Pollice

Ejeniaïly Auguste

Dr. Stevie Berberick

Dev Kartan

Jim Irwin

Dr. John Lambertson

Dr. Michael Crabtree

Sydney Spack

Magellan Information Sessions Benefit Students

Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black Current Events Staff Writer

NOV. 20 - Throughout the month of November, Rachel Stalker, the assistant director of the Center for Professional Pathways, hosted various information sessions to learn more about the Magellan Project and the Magellan Franklin Awards. Through these five sessions, Stalker covered topics such as: what is the Magellan Project, the timeline of how and when to apply for the award and where to seek further information.

The Magellan Project allows students to pursue their passions in a creative and original way. The Magellan Franklin award has a similar application process but is specific to internships. Faculty advisors from different departments provide coaching, support and guidance throughout the application process in order to turn students’s project ideas into reality. Students are encouraged to write a proposal, which details their plans for their experience, and a budget for necessary expenses.

If students are approved and funded, they have the freedom to explore their topic(s) of interest without having to worry about financial constraints.

Many students have completed Magellan Projects in the past. Project topics span from Jessica Shieh’s study titled “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Cosmetic Surgery in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan” to Naveen Mansi’s exploration of “The Transculturation of Colonial & Incan Architecture and its Relationship to Indigenous Racism in Peru.” Using this award, students have traveled to many different countries including South Africa, Italy, and Spain in addition to states across the U.S. By exploring the diversity of other students’ Magellan Projects, you may be inspired to discover something new too!

Magellan Funding also allows students o explore new and exciting places. (PhotoCourtesyW&JCollege)

The Magellan Project allows students to pursue their passions in a creative and original way. (PhotoCourtesyW&JCollege)

“By exploring the diversity of other students’ Magellan Projects, you may be inspired to discover something new too!”

Presidents Without Borders Students Volunteer at Free Local Health Clinic

Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black Current Events Staff Writer

DEC. 5 - Washington & Jefferson College senior Rachel Karman is the leader of Presidents without Borders (PWB), a club dedicated to volunteering, fundraising and mentoring students pursuing a science-related degree. This semester, PWB has taken on yet another powerful initiative at Jefferson Avenue Methodist Church where students help local physicians run a free clinic. This local church is only a few minutes away from campus and this free clinic serves residents from Washington county and beyond. PWB members also help with food and clothing donations. This volunteer experience takes place biweekly for two hours. W&J students are able to converse with patients, get to know people of various backgrounds, learn about their medical history, shadow physicians and take vitals including blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels.

history, shadow physicians and take vitals”

~ Rachel Karman

When interviewing Karman, she shared her belief that “It’s so important to learn how you can help your community in areas they are struggling with. I think most students at W&J are privileged in ways we take for granted. This, to me is an experience all prehealth students need to take advantage of because you learn how to have conversations with patients and also learn the ways in which our current mode of health access is falling short.”

Health disparities — rooted in social and economic inequities — are especially prevalent in underserved communities, as seen in parts of Washington county and the surrounding area. “Karman states that ‘It’s also important to realize you won’t always have patients that can afford everything you prescribe to them, so this is a great exposure to necessary medicine compared to accessory medicine.”

PWB on a medical mission trip to Peru in 2017. (PhotoCourtesyPWBSocialMedia)

“W&J students are able to converse with patients, get to know people of various backgrounds, learn about their medical

“Health disparities — rooted in social and economic inequities — are especially prevalent in underserved communities, as seen in parts of Washington county”

W&J Presidents Without Borders celebrates Earth Day 2022. (PhotoCourtesyPWB)

Student Life Hosts RA Information Sessions

Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black Current Events Staff Writer

NOV. 20 - Hosted by the Office of Student Life and the Paraproselection team, the Residential Assistant Information Sessions provide more details on what it means to be an RA. Three interest sessions spanned the month of November and aimed to provide more clarification on the RA position, necessary qualifications and application process.

RAs support and engage residents, foster a warm environment in residence halls, ensure residents’ safety and promote the College’s values. RAs are expected to host programs to build relationships among peers, meet with students 1-on-1, communicate effectively with Residence Life Staff, mediate conflicts, hold floor or building meetings, serve as a resource for students and aid with various assignments.

To qualify for the position, one must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, maintain good disciplinary standing, be a full-time on-campus student and represent the Office of Belonging & Engagement, Division of Student Life and Washington & Jefferson College. To apply, students must have their resume reviewed by the Center for Professional Pathways, complete the application on MyW&J, attend LeaderSHIFT and interview with Residence Life Staff.

While this process may seem extensive, it allows Residence Life Staff to choose students who can truly contribute and benefit from joining the Residence Life team. Speaking from experience, it is important to take one step at a time and ask the Residence Life team any questions you may have.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as an RA so far, but I can understand how this position may not be for everyone. However, if you are interested in becoming an RA, we encourage you to apply!

Resident Assistants Cassie Carr and Hannah Haussmann at 2022 Block Party. (PhotoCourtesyW&JCollege)

Resident Assistants help on move-in day (PhotoCourtesyW&JCollege)

“RAs support and engage residents, foster a warm environment in residence halls, ensure residents’ safety and promote the College’s values.”

“While this process [RA application process] may seem extensive, it allows Residence Life Staff to choose students who can truly contribute and benefit from joining the Residence Life team.”

current events

Has Iran’s Morality Police Activity Ceased?

Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black Current Events Staff Writer

JAN. 22 - For decades, many Iranian women have been subject to the anger of the Islamic Republic’s morality enforcers. Take Mahsa Amini, for instance, a woman who was dragged from the streets of Tehram by the morality police and given lessons on modesty at a “re-education center.” Amini was presumed dead days after the incident.

Who are the morality police you may ask? This group of law enforcement has access to power, weaponry, detention centers, and “re-education centers.” At these facilities, women and (occasionally) men are treated like criminals and held for not complying to state modesty rules. They are “re-educated” on Islam and the importance of the hijab. They are also forced to pledge to abide by the clothing regulations of the state.

According to Hadi Ghaemi, an executive director of the New York based Center for Human Rights in Iran, these centers have “no basis in any law” and since 2019 have “arbitrarily detained countless women under the pretense

of not complying with the state’s forced hijab.” Even before the current Islamic Republic, Iran has governed how women should dress. In 1936, all veils and headscarves were banned, a rule aimed towards modernizing the country. In 1979, the Islamic regime took over and made the hijab mandatory. This rule was officially written into the law in 1983. In essence, the morality police are responsible for ensuring these rules are followed.

When anti-hijab social movements rose, proponents were arrested and persecuted. Nevertheless, citizens and leadership continue to debate the issue of the compulsory hijab. In fact, a research study by MDPI in 2018 indicated that the number of people who believe in the mandatory hijab have decreased. Some believe that instead of forceful implementation of Islamic beliefs, leadership should educate on Islamic values. But what would this education entail?

More recently, a protest involving thousands across Iran has brought to light this issue. Social media footage shows an Iranian woman cutting her hair, chanting “death to the dictator.” Some were heard saying “We are children of war, come on and fight, we’ll fight back.” Ghaemi believes people are protesting for justice, women’s rights, civil and human rights, and a life without religious dictatorship. Will this

movement continue, or will the state eliminate all hope for Iranian citizens?

Tara Kangarlou, an Iranian woman who grew up surrounded by morality police, wrote a book titled The Heartbeat of Iran. She shared how “Growing up as a teenager, we would make sure we avoid[ed] streets that we knew the morality police vans would be parked [on] during the weekend.” Iranians have adapted to the oppressive system, but most citizens are “fed up” with the current situation.

Last month, an Iranian official stated that the country’s morality police have been shut down. However, pushback from social media activists, some believing this was a “PR stunt,” has brought attention back to protestors and this seemingly never-ending fight. At times, regimes make empty, false promises to subdue unrest. Therefore, experts have encouraged people to stay cautious about the supposed eradication of morality police. Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri stated the morality police had been abolished. In fact, Iranian officials stated the hijab law is “under review” though state media activists believe this to be untrue. The final decision of dismantling the morality police must be made by the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution lead by President Ebrahim Raisi.

The Morality Police’s regulations limit the relgiious freedom of all citizens.

(PhotoCourtesyGettyImages)

“women and (occasionally) men are treated like criminals and held for not complying to state modesty rules. They are “re-educated” on Islam...They are also forced to pledge to abide by the clothing regulations of the state.”

Why Does the Cold Bring Sadness with It? Seasonal Depression and Mental Health

Sydney Spack Red & Black Contributor

JAN 18 - As the temperature continues to drop and the days grow shorter, you might find yourself wondering why you’re more irritable, less motivated, always tired, the list goes on. The answer may be simpler than you think. It could be due to the simple change in seasons, a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD.

SAD is described by many online publications, including South Tampa Psychiatry, as a type of depressive disorder characterized by its seasonal pattern, with symptoms worsening during the latter end of the fall season, and improving once the spring sun begins to shine. The Cleveland Clinic explains that “Serotonin in your brain regulates your mood… When serotonin is at normal levels, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer.” During the winter though, reduced amounts of sunlight result in reduced levels of serotonin production. The lack of sunshine also means increased melatonin production creating an imbalance; both of which contribute to seasonal depression.

Dominic Wu, MD, of the Harvard Health Blog explains, “We are governed by circadian rhythms, our body’s natural clock that helps regulate important functions including sleep/wake cycles and mood,” Wu goes on to explain that during the colder months, this rhythm is thrown off its usual course. This shift is also due to a lack of sunlight, which relates it back to the symptoms for those with SAD described above.

To help combat such symptoms, there are minuscule changes that can be made in everyday life. Some of these changes are as simple as the foods you eat. Foods like pineapple, salmon and eggs have high levels of tryptophan, the amino acid from which serotonin is produced, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Other ways to achieve a better mental health are, “Exercising, eating nutritious foods, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining social support systems,” as written by Wu.

Employing even one or two of these techniques will assist in creating a healthier mental state during the dark, dreary months we face each winter. If you are experiencing any troubles be sure to visit the Student Health and Counseling Center on campus, located at the bottom of New Residence Hall.

W&J’s Student Health and Counseling Center offers a 24/7 support line for any mental health emergencis you may experience. (Photo Courtesy W&J Student Health & Counseling)

Pittsburgh as seen during the winter months (PhotoCourtesyGettyImages)

“Serotonin in your brain regulates your mood… When serotonin is at normal levels, you feel more focused, emotionally stable, happier and calmer.”

“Other ways to achieve a better mental health are, ‘Exercising, eating nutritious foods, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining social support systems,’ as written by Wu.”

Asian Student Stabbed in Racially Motivated Attack At Indiana University

Syndey Spack, Red & Black Contributor

JAN 18 - A simple bus ride home turned into a life and death situation for one student at Indiana University. The student, who is of Asian descent, was attacked by Billie Davis, 56, on Jan. 11. Davis used a folding knife to repeatedly stab the unsuspecting student in the head, resulting in multiple puncture wounds, as CNN reported. CNN also reported on an affidavit which detailed that the motivating factor for the attack was the student’s race according to Davis, who is White; she claimed that “it would be one less person to blow up our country.”

In an interview, Jim Wimbush, the vice president of Indiana University’s diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs, stated that “No one should face harassment or violence due to their background, ethnicity or heritage.”

part of American society. A report from the FBI showed that in 2020, Asian hate crimes rose 73 percent while other crimes rose only 13 percent.

Monroe County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeff Kehr told NBC News that “Indiana doesn’t have any hate crime laws.”

Yet it seems violence and harassment like this is becoming a normal

The victim of this hate-filled attack was taken to the hospital following the event to be treated for her wounds, police stated. Online court documents show that Davis is being charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and battery by means of a deadly weapon.

This lack of law means that there is no way to increase the maximum penalty for the crime due to hate being the motivating factor. However, Kehr says it may be argued to the judge during Davis’s sentencing to increase it beyond the midpoint; this may be allowed by judges if biased factors motivated the crime.

“No one should face harassment or violence due to their background, ethnicity or heritage.” ~ Wimbush

“A report from the FBI showed in 2020, Asian hate crimes rose 73 percent while other crimes rose only 13 percent.”

The violent attack against an Asian American woman on the city transit has brought much needed attention to the issue of hate crimes against Asian Americans on Indiana University’s Campus. (Photo Courtesy Getty Images)

Nepal Expeirences Worst Plane Crash in 30 Years

Vaishnavi Peyyety, Red & Black Current Events Staff Writer

JAN 17 - On Jan. 15, nearly 70 people were killed in an airplane that crashed near Pokhara, Nepal, a populous city and entryway to the Himalayas. This aircraft was traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a 129-kilometer trip. This is the country’s most deadly plane crash of over 30 years; this event has deeply affected Nepalese communities, as families grasp with the loss of loved ones. Data from the Aviation Safety Network indicates this incident was the third deadliest plane crash in the history of the Himalayan nations. The deadliest crash took place in July of 1992, in a plane operated by Thai Airways, leaving 113 dead. The Nepal Yeti Airlines plane from the recent crash carried 72 people, including four crew members and 68 passengers. Concerted efforts are

taking place in search of missing passengers. 57 of the victims were Nepalese while 15 were foreign, including individuals from India, Russia, Korea, Australia, Argentina, France and Ireland.

Around 18 minutes after takeoff, the airplane contacted Pokhara airport and then crashed near the Seti River Gorge. Hundreds of first responders were seen at the landing site in a social media video posted shortly after the incident. The director general of Aviation Safety India, Bijender Siwach, believes that the videos suggest that weather and terrain were not factors, however only a definitive, formal investigation can reveal if this is true. An investigative committee has begun their search for answers: why did this plane crash and was there any way to prevent it? A report will be available within 45 days, detailing the answers that people are eagerly waiting for. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the Nepalese Prime Minister, released a statement in which she

detailed her sadness about this tragic accident. Jan. 16 was declared a public holiday to commemorate victims.

Nepal’s Yeti Airlines also cancelled regular flights on this day.

the acceptable benchmark, given that crashes have continued to occur. The plane was a French-Italian ATR 72, which is frequently used in Asia and has a good reputation. Nevertheless, ATR planes have been involved in 11 other incidents including crashes in 2014 and 2015. ATR has responded to this by releasing a statement that reads “Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by this. ATR specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.”

Nepal is no stranger to air accidents as sudden weather changes, difficult terrain, insufficient regulation and inadequate technical capacity can cause great chaos. In May of 2022, a flight operated by Tara Air which carried 22 people crashed into a Himalayan Mountain, Nepal’s nineteenth plane crash in ten years.

In 2022, the United Nations ranked Nepal’s safety protocols at 70 percent. However, it is unclear if this is within

The sad story of Anju Khatiwada arises from this incident. Khatiwada had vowed to continue her husband’s career as a pilot after he passed away in a 2006 plane crash. She switched from a career in nursing to piloting even though her family was against it. It took years of training and flying to receive the title of captain at Yeti Airlines. Unfortunately, she and many others died in this tragic plane crash.

“this event has deeply affected Nepalese communities, as families grasp with the loss of loved ones.”

Examiners investigate the wreckage of Nepal’s deadly plane crash. (Left Photo Courtey SOPA/Getty Images, Right Photo Courtesy REUTERS/Krishna Mani Baral)

Opinion-Editoral: Food Is Culture

Dev Kartan, Red & Black Contributor

OCT. 31 - With the recent change to the funding model allowing food at cultural events, i just wanted to share a little bit of what was happening in those meetings. I’m going to be reading a shortened version of the same speech I gave at fincom

I apologize if some of you find this long winded, but these are all things that I, members of our [ISA] Executive board as well as many other members who contributed felt were necessary to be shared. I have an obligation to my community members to share. So, this is our take on cuisine as culture.

I will try to read quickly

Throughout my entire life food has been intricately woven into my cultural experience. Growing up Brown in a predominantly White area is already an “othering” experience, but the extent to which is often diminished or ignored. I remember a turning point in my life, I had just moved to a new school in third grade. I was so excited to eat my comfort food after a stressful day, Roti and

paneer for lunch. I had, what is not uncommon, more accurately the classic immigrant experience. I was told that my food looked weird, was gross, and smelled disgusting, just because it was unfamiliar. Moments like these are what teach us to subdue our culture and hide integral parts of ourselves. I remember going back to my mother that day and demanding from her to only pack me a brown bag lunch with a pb&j for the rest of the year. The love and effort she put into preparing that meal for me was lost.

That sentiment however is never overlooked in ours and many Indian households. The family dinner is a constant consistent show of our familial love and bonding. Even if my mum and I spend hours yelling at each other over some petty fight we will always sit back down with each other over dinner.

Just from these two anecdotes you can see the pedagogy behind cuisine-based events on campus. We bring new and unique foods for people to taste and give them a space to unabashedly try something they haven’t before. That’s a super vulnerable experience, openingyourself up to learning like that, which is why we believe it is essential to have.

Over the course of our events we bring people into a familial dinner setting where they can put aside differences and be comfortable, allowing them to further their understanding of unique minority experiences. From a structural level, the events work on two planes. The food is a HUGE draw. It’s undeniable that the catering brings in a massive audience to the events. The second is learning by exposure. While they are not only experiencing cuisine, they are getting Bollywood music, henna, carrom, and so many other cute cultural experiences we hold dear. We are able to control how we are perceived on campus, putting our best foot forward.

People all over campus have taken significantly more interest in Indian culture following our events. Our [ISA] Exec board has had so many people approach us individually to ask questions or just to see when the next event is. There is massive campus support for these events.

“The family dinner is a constant consistent show of our familial love and bonding.”

A variety of catered dishes at the ISA Diwali event (top) and homecooked meals (middle and bottom). (Photos Courtesy Dev Kartan)

Opinion-Editorial: Food Is Culture...ctd

Dev Kartan Red & Black Contributor

From a less emotionally educating perspective the food lends itself to geographical and historical understanding. Even within India, there are SO many languages, customs, norms, religions, and people. The culture of our subcontinent is so diverse, extending right into how cuisine is experienced across the country. For example, not even factoring in local and regional recipes, North and South Indians vary widely in their cuisine. From north indians preferring roti and more milder flavors to south indians preferring rice and spicier flavors dating back to farming and meat preservation practices. Cuisine is undeniably tied to how Indian society evolved and by extension how culture developed.

When people can’t differentiate how ethnicity differs from language from religion, confusing Hindu for Hindi for Indian and using all of them interchangeably, it is so apparent that there is a lack of fundamental understanding. When we don’t have the vocabulary, we are rendered unable to em-

pathize with experience. And there are so many experiences we have yet to share, from prasad, to the sweets we get at the temple, to the absolutely amazing street food, to finer culinary gastronomy, and so many flavors and spices it would take forever to name them all.

We feel EXTREMELY strongly about cuisine as a cultural experience. Especially on campus, we strive to do the most good we can and raise the most cultural awareness possible with what limited time we have. Food at events is undoubtedly one of our strongest tools for education.

Although I’ve been speaking only on my own experiences thus far, I’ve asked other members of our exec board to write a few words which I will read off on their behalf.

“In elementary school, I grew up vegetarian just like my parents and was often taunted because of this. One day, another peer threw a piece of bologna at my face and told me to eat it. Not only was this traumatizing but it also made me hesitant to eat Indian food in front of my peers. I spent months eating in the nurse’s office or library just to avoid the comments students would make.”

“Everytime I go back to India, my family asks me for an itinerary of meals to eat. Not where I want to go, or what I want to do, what I’d like to sit down and eat with them, and I don’t know, it just feels like poetry. I miss them a lot, and I want to be able to experience something close to that on campus. Like even chaat and chat was so much fun just being in that space with everyone with the music playing and laughing and, I don’t know it just felt like a taste of home.”

We have many more but for the sake of brevity I’ll digress

I hope through this little writeup you see how important food is to our culture and events. We feel like it is an essential part of our experience as second-gen

generation immigrants and just want to be able to share that with everyone here. Thank you so much for your time and I hope you choose to support more meal-based events in the future, as you cannot separate the cuisine from the culture.

The W&J community enjoyed ISA’s Diwali Event. (CourtesyReganCarlson)

Salary & Benefits Cuts For W&J Faculty Coincide with Administration Growth

Michael Crabtree, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Red & Black Contributor and and John P. Lambertson, Ph.D., Edith M. Kelso Chair, Professor of Art History, Red & Black Contributor”

then were W&J Facilities Workers’ retirement benefits reinstated. The administration retaliated by cutting their hours to 35 from 40 per week. In the interest of accuracy, we note the College later restored those lost hours.

DEC. 5 - As educators who have collectively spent 80 years in the pursuit of knowledge and truth, we aim to clarify and contextualize content presented in the Opinion Section of the Oct. 31 edition of the Red and Black. Here at Washington & Jefferson College, our Facilities workers, who are members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), made a compelling case for a fair contract. We applaud our coworkers for standing up for fairness and truth in face of power. W&J’s CFO Jim Irwin responded, alleging to “set the record straight by providing factual information,” but offered misinformation.

Consider Irwin’s claim that “our Facilities Employees lost no wages or benefits during the pandemic.” In fact, President Knapp and CFO Irwin cut retirement benefits for all employees in September 2020. In response, the SEIU filed a grievance and won; only

Irwin also rejected SEIU’s salary demands, because they were larger than increases provided to other W&J employees. Irwin claimed, “The College does not believe this is fair, as we value all employees equally.” Of course, words are cheap, and actions reveal values. If employees were valued equally, all employees would receive equal benefits. Although union employees had their retirement benefits reinstated after winning a union grievance, the College kept retirement cuts in place for all non-union employees, including faculty, for academic year 20-21. In the following year, the College restored only 25 percent of retirement benefits.

Faculty and non-union staff also suffered cuts to healthcare benefits – not once but twice – drastically reducing the quality of our healthcare and moving us to a high deductible plan. The SEIU has worked successfully to preserve union health care benefits, which are now far superior to non-union employees. To be clear, we are not advocating that the College cut our Facilities coworkers’ benefits. Rather, we point to the disparity to underscore, contrary to CFO Irwin’s claim, that the College does not value all employees equally. Appealing to “equality” to justify its position on compensation is disingenuous.

Severe cuts to non-union retirement and health care coincided with a dizzying rate of growth in administration. The College created several new positions for Associate Deans and Directors, and the total compensation of the top four head administrators is approximately 1.2 million dollars. In contrast, some administrators at other colleges demonstrated ethical leadership by taking voluntary pay cuts during the pandemic to support their employees’ retirement plans.

According to Irwin, the College values all employees equally. If the College wishes to support this statement with actions, President Knapp and CFO Irwin could provide each non-union employee with a onetime payment of 14 percent of their salary to their retirement plan to compensate for the cuts from academic years 202022. Additionally, they could return non-union employees’ health care to the pre-pandemic plan.

Michael Crabtree, PhD has taught psychology at W&J for 48 years, and founded Washington Psychological Services. (PhotoCourtesyW&JCollege)

“Faculty and nonunion staff also suffered cuts to healthcare benefits – not once but twice – drastically reducing the quality of our healthcare and moving us to a high deductible plan.”

“The College created several new positions for Associate Deans and Directors, and the total compensation of the top four head administrators is approximately 1.2 million dollars.”

Response to “Salary Cuts For Faculty Coincide with Admin Growth”

Jim Iriwn, W&J CFO Red & Black Contributor

DEC. 8 - I appreciate the opportunity that the Red and Black staff has provided to have a response published with the op-ed article concerning the union negotiations. First, I am pleased to share that the Facilities Union contract negotiations were amicably completed in early November, and a new collective bargaining agreement was executed on Nov. 11, 2022. With this being written, it is important to keep the context in mind when considering the topics that have been expressed in the op-ed piece by my colleagues. Since Mar. 2020, we were dealing with a pandemic, the likes of which had not been seen in any of our lifetimes. As a result, there were many unknowns, far too many to cover here.

The College suffered financial losses of more than $7 million due to expenses and lost revenue related to the pandemic. These severe budget deficits notwithstanding, the President committed to preserving all employees’ jobs and paychecks during the crisis. As a result, unlike many other colleges and universities, W&J did not furlough employ-

ees nor reduce take-home pay despite staggering COVID losses. In fact, several colleges and universities eliminated faculty and staff positions, but W&J was able to preserve jobs and sustain operations by utilizing cash reserves that had accumulated.

The Board of Trustees worked with the College administration to find other ways to reduce expenses in the face of multi-million-dollar losses. Budgets were trimmed throughout the college, and employer contributions to employee retirement accounts were temporarily suspended. Our Facilities employees belong to a labor union that challenged this decision and secured a federal arbitrator’s ruling to require the College to resume contributions to union members’ retirement plans. As a result, the College was forced to further reduce other campus budgets to achieve the necessary budgetary savings. We were pleased that we were able to reinstate a portion of the retirement contributions last fiscal year for non-union employees, and as of Sept. 2022, the contributions were fully reinstated to 8% without the mandatory 2% employee contribution requirement. Also, in Sept. 2022, eligible employees

received a 2% pay increase.

W&J seeks to treat all employees fairly and equitably, and we are proud that we have put employees first in our priorities by protecting their jobs, offering excellent health insurance plans, and ensuring that no one lost pay during a crisis that resulted in unprecedented financial losses. Clearly, the last several years were financially challenging that required difficult decisions to be made, and we have navigated through the challenges

and have persevered. There is much for which we should be proud.

W&J Facilities Services is listed under the office leadership of W&J College’s CFO

Jim Irwin within Thompson Hall. (Photo Courtesy W&J College)

“the Facilities Union contract negotiations were amicably completed in early November, and a new collective bargaining agreement was executed on Nov. 11, 2022.” ~ Jim Irwin

Letter From the Editor: How Can We Create

More Representative Campus Coverage?

Akansha Das Red & Black Editor-In-Chief

NOV. 30 - It was recently brought to our attention that we failed to provide timely coverage of the Homecoming Court and report on the crowning of this year’s Homecoming Presidents. This year’s Homecoming Presidents were individuals of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community and came closer to representing the diversity of our campus than ever before. We were also alerted that this was part of a campus wide/systemic issue in reporting this recognition of our Homecoming Presidents.

We at the Red & Black sincerely apologize for this oversight and lack of coverage. This Homecoming Court deserved this recognition from their student newspaper. The reasons contributing for the lack of coverage

of the Homecoming Presidents are predictably multifaceted. Reporting on campus news without a Campus News Staff Writer is tough (a position we have been actively recruiting for). Building and training our staff while simultaneously ensuring we are producing representative content and stories is tough. Establishing a regular print schedule and a robust website from the ground up (which ensures we are covering events as soon as possible) is tough. We are here to do the tough work, but we know we aren’t going to get it right 100% of time. When we don’t get it right, we rely on our community members - especially W&J students and staff - to hold us accountable as they did here.

In order to “walk the walk” so to speak, we are currently assessing how to prevent this oversight in the future, including:

1. Altering our story assignment process so that campus events and milestones that are of important to the student body are more accurately covered and represented.

2. Expanding our website chat feature so students can send in story ideas so we can hear about events directly from the student body. Our coverage is better informed when we have contributions and recommendations. If you have any story ideas please feel free to tell us at wjredandblack.org or by emailing redandblackstaff@washjeff.edu

3. Featuring the Homecoming Presidents in our first 2023 issue, if the Homecoming Court is comfortable and willing to contribute their voices

We are using this mistake as an opportunity for us to grow and we call on other platforms across campus to do the same. Ultimately, what transpired was a disservice to students. To our Homecoming Presidents & Court – we truly apologize for not providing this coverage. Your stories deserve to be covered, and we are working to take the steps necessary to prevent this oversight at the Red & Black in the future.

C onta C t E ditorial P oli C y

The Red & Black is the official student-newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published the last Monday of every month in the 2022-2023 school year with the exception of December and May.

Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the College or its students, faculty, or administration.

The Red & Black welcomes all reader contri-

butions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency. The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.

Letters may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name and designations they would like to be acknowledged by. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@washjeff.edu.

“This Homecoming Court deserved this recognition from their student newspaper.”

“The reasons contributing to the lack of coverage of the Homecoming Presidents are predictably multifaceted.”

“When we don’t get it right, we rely on our community members - especially W&J students and staff - to hold us accountable as they did here.”

On Campus with W&J’s Women’s Basketball Team

Audrey Kough Red & Black Campus Sports Writer

JAN. 20 - When the rest of campus headed home for the holiday break after finals, there were a few sports teams who stayed behind to continue their season. The women’s basketball team was one of the teams to stay. Before the holiday, the women had two games. One on Saturday, Dec. 17 where the team secured a win over Franciscan (63-58), and on Monday, Dec. 19 where the team had another successful win over Carnegie Mellon (56-48). The women had a short holiday, as they quickly returned to campus a little over a week later to get back in action for a game against York College. Being on campus, where the only activity to do was play basketball, the team was able to spend a lot of time together and create a strong bond. Sophomore and four-time PAC player of the week, Meghan Dryburgh, says, “During break I feel like our team grew even closer together than it was before.” The women spent every day together over break regardless of if they had practice or not, which is a rare occurrence for the women’s team. Dryburgh continues to reiterate on the bond of the team by saying, “Our team is so close, and I feel like that bond we have really helped us create chemistry on the court.” Stellanie Loutsion, freshman and two-time PAC player

of the week, adds her own take on the closeness of the team by saying, “I think that we are all just so close and we all do everything together and that has been the culture since I got here.” The bond the women have created truly shows on the court as they have 16-1 overall record and a 12-0 conference record (as of Jan. 18). Loutsion explains how their bond translates onto the court, “When it comes to playing, we aren’t afraid to push each other and it’s really easy to feed off of each other’s energy on the court because of the strong culture that was built within us from the start.”

When it comes to playing basketball, many players have earned recognition for their top tier playing. Earning awards such PAC player of the week, PAC rookie of the week, and Presidents of the week.

During the week of Jan. 15, Dryburgh was recognized as USBWA Division III National Player of the Week. That same week, the W&J women’s basketball team was ranked in the top 25 of all Division III teams in the nation. This is the first time that the team has reached the top 25 since the 20092010 season. The women use their skill and teamwork on the court to become such a dominant force with a 14-game winning streak. But the talent they show on the court during games comes from the work that they put into their practice. Dryburgh gave an inside scoop on to how practices have been going.

She says, “Practices and games have been going really well. We make sure that we stay focused and have high energy in practice so it can be transferred to games. So far, we are exactly where we want to be in terms of winning and I think that is because we have confidence coming into these games.”

With the women playing some many different teams, Loutsion explains how they can keep up and outcompete their opponents. She states, “Our coaches do a really good job making scouting reports and repping different breakdowns that apply to each team in practice.” The women try and practice to outplay the opponent that they will be playing next. This strategy has been successful for them.

With the end of the season somewhat in sight, the women are hoping to continue to have a great season and win games. Ultimately, as the defending PAC Champions, they are looking to earn a back-to-back conference championship win. Dryburgh states her hopes for the rest of the season by stating, “Our ultimate goal is to win another PAC championship and I think that is very possible again this season.” Loutsion, hoping to earn and contribute to her first PAC championship, weighs in as well, saying, “I hope to see us continue to win and lead into winning the conference championship. I know we are all striving and motivated into success in the national championship as well.” At the end of the day, the women have made a bond with each other on and off the court.

“...it’s really easy to feed off of each other’s energy on the court because of the strong culture that was built within us from the start.” ~ Loutsion

“...so far, we are exactly where we want to be in terms of winning and I think that is because we have confidence coming into these games.” ~ Dryburgh

Damar Hamlin, Chasing M’s and Changing Hearts

Sydney Spack Red & Black Contributor

JAN. 20 - Bills vs. Bengals. The first quarter of that Monday night football game would forever change the history of America’s favorite sport. Damar Hamlin, number three on the Buffalo Bills, made a quick tackle, one that looked identical to any other. Nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, when he made it to his feet again, he paused for a second before falling flat to his back, where he would lay motionless for roughly fifteen more minutes, as PBS.org reports. It was later determined that Hamlin had suffered a cardiac arrest on the field, but the urgency and skill of the medical professionals saved his life that evening. Through social media, the Bills and the NFL continually released updates concerning Damar’s condition during the period following the injury. Since the game on Jan. 2, Damar has made incredible progress and has since been released from the UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, according to the Bills’s Twitter and Instagram accounts.

During the immediate aftermath of the terrifying ordeal, fans and sympathizers across the country began searching the internet to learn more about this young player. Pro-Football-Reference.com reports the 25-year-old McKees Rocks native attended Central Catholic High School before playing football at the University of Pittsburgh. From there, he was drafted to the NFL and picked up by the Bills with the 212th overall pick in the 2021 draft, as detailed on NFL.com.

Upon reaching the page, the goal of the fundraiser is detailed, which in the case of the Chasing M’s Foundation is $2,500. Once the football community caught wind of the foundation, donations began pouring in. They were not only in support of the honest work being done by Damar Hamlin for the children, but also as a show of support to a football player that caught the attention of the country in a matter of seconds through tragedy.

The foundation has nearly $9,000,000 in donations as of Jan. 17 and the number only continues to grow. One donator, Michele Burgess, wrote, “The feel-good story of the year for me.” Damar Hamlin’s recovery, the solidarity of fans across each organization and the endless donations to

children in need is the feel-good story of the year for everyone, despite it only being January.

As the search into Damar’s life continued, many curious fans stumbled upon an organization titled “The Chasing M’s Foundation”, which hosted a fundraiser for children’s toys. In Damar’s own words, “As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me,” he later goes on to say, “100% of the funds raised will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.” The fundraiser, along with Damar’s entire statement, can be located on GoFundMe.com.

Damar Hamlin celebrating during a game.(PhotoCourtesyTimothyTLudwig)

“Since the game on Jan. 2, Damar has made incredible progress and has since been released from the UC Medical Center”

“100% of the funds raised [by the Chasing M’s foundation] will go toward the purchase of toys for kids in need.” ~ Damar Hamlin

“The foundation has nearly $9,000,000 in donations as of Jan. 17 and the number only continues to grow.”

On Campus with W&J’s Men’s Basketball Team

Audrey Kough Red & Black Campus Sports Writer

JAN 20 - The men’s basketball team stayed on campus over most of the holiday break, while most students left campus. While campus was looking like a ghost town, the men’s team was here practicing and having games. Before the team was able to leave campus, they played a game on Saturday, Dec. 17 against the Franciscan Barons. W&J won that game with a score of 99-81. The men quickly returned to campus, after their break, as they headed across the state to play in Albright College’s Holiday Tournament in Reading, PA. The team played in the opening round of the tournament against Albright College, and they took the win in this game with a narrow margin of 90-88, which sealed the men’s position in the championship game. The team put up a good fight but ultimately lost the game to Salisbury University with a score of 63-78. The team had a full schedule of games to go into 2023. As of 1/18/23, the men had a conference record of 9-3 and an overall record of 12-5.

With how much time the team spent together over break, the men of the team were able to grow as teammates and friends. There were quite a few incoming freshmen, so the team had to create and bond quickly off of the court to be able to communicate and excel while on the court. That is exactly what they did. J.R. Mazza, a junior and recognized PAC player of the week, talks about the chemistry on the team. He says, “We have all been very close since freshman year and the freshmen this year fit right in, we all get along well. It translates [on the court] because we’re all close enough to stay on each other while we’re play-

ing, along with having more trust in each other while we’re out there.” Matt Seidl, a freshman and recognized PAC Rookie of the week, backs up what Mazza said, but gives his intake on the team bond from a first-year perspective. Seidl gives an inside scoop on the team dynamic specifically while they were here over the winter break. Seidl states, “The team dynamic was great. We were the only ones on campus and saw each other all the time but never got tired of each other. I definitely feel it made us closer with how much we were together.” When a team bond has been created it makes playing the sport of basketball easier to be successful.

With the end of the season on the horizon, the men look to hopefully repeat what they accomplished last year: winning the PAC Championships. Seidl, being a first-year member, explains what he hopes to accomplish for the rest of the season for himself and the rest of the team.He says, “Practices and games have been great so far. I’m just trying to keep working hard and pushing our team to be better. For our upcoming games I’m hoping as a team we can keep our intensity up and continue to keep win-

Mazza has the same goal for the team for the rest of the season. When asked the question, “What do you hope to see for the rest of the season from yourself and the team?” He responded, “Just to keep winning games and get back to the NCAA tournament.” No doubt the men’s basketball team has been able to create a strong bond that helps them on the court. Their love for basketball and the will to succeed for themselves and their teammates drives them to keep performing well and winning games.

Another big factor that contributes to the success of the team is game play. Mazza responds on what the team’s game play is and how they handle playing different teams with different playing styles. Mazza says, “We have a different scout for every team we play. We just try and keep the ball moving and whoever has the hot hand or a matchup they usually get a good look.”

Kyran Mitchell driving up the halfcourt. (PhotoCourtesyW&JCollege)

“With the end of the season on the horizon, the men look to hopefully repeat what they accomplished last year: winning the PAC Championships.”

“...we all get along well. It translates [on the court] because we’re all close enough to stay on each other while we’re playing, along with having more trust in each other while we’re out there.”

~ J.R. Mazza

“We [the team] were the only ones on campus and saw each other all the time but never got tired of each other. I definitely feel it made us closer with how much we were together.”~ Matt Seidl

Last Week’s Scores

Women’s Swim and Dive:

W&J vs. Hiram vs. Franciscan

Loss Against Hiram: 130-101, Loss Against

Franciscan: 139-83

Hiram, OH

Men’s Swim and Dive: W&J vs. Hiram

Loss: 147-95

Hiram, OH

Men’s Wrestling: W&J vs. Thiel

Loss: 10-47

Greenville, PA

Men’s Basketball: W&J vs Westminster

Loss: 98-102 (OT)

New Wilmington, PA

Women’s Basketball: W&J vs. Westminster

Win: 65-47

Washington, PA

Next Week’s Games

Men’s Basketball: W&J vs.

Allegheny

Wed., Feb. 1

Washington, PA

Women’s Basketball: W&J vs. Franciscan

Sat., Feb 4

Washington, PA

Men’s Wrestling: PAC Championships at Thiel College

Sat., Feb. 11

Greenville, PA

Women’s Swim and Dive: PAC

Championships at Grove City

Wed., Feb. 15- Sat., Feb 18

Grove City, PA

Men’s Swim and Dive: PAC

Championships at Grove City

Wed., Feb. 15- Sat., Feb 18

Grove City, PA