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s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e w j r e da n d b l ac k . c o m W a s h i n g t o n , P e n n s y lva n i a October 9, 2020
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... CURRENT EVENTS
Student Spotlight: Ava Smith ‘23 PAGE 3
On Sept. 29., the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement pledging to investigate sexual abuse allegations against its health and aid officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). -P.7
DIVERSITY
Heterosexism is the discrimination or prejudice against non-heterosexual individuals on the assumption that heterosexuality is “natural” and “normal” expression. -P.11
OPINIONS Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promptly stated his intention to ensure that [Amy Coney Barrett’s] nomination is brought to a vote before the Senate. But this decision is hypocritical and establishes a dangerous precedent. -P.16
SPORTS
This past week the Tennessee Titans have 16 positive COVID-19 cases. All the positive cases on the Titans caused the NFL to adjust the schedule. -P.19
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Alex Wagner
2 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
9 October 2020
Tree Campus USA at W&J Dylan Bertovich Red & Black Contributor
Washington & Jefferson College, as many can attest to, is a beautiful campus that is covered in various species of trees. This is the culmination of older trees and recent plants, many through the sole efforts of Dr. Jason Kilgore. Through a recent conversation, I was able to gain more knowledge of the past, present and future of the trees on campus. Since 2012, Dr. Kilgore has been working on mapping the trees on campus, which is why you can see the identification tags on many of the campus trees. He credits this work to alumni Kyle Karwatski, who worked to identify the trees on campus, Lindsey Dove, who measured tree height and diameter, and Dan Toski and Hunter Hammil, who remeasured and placed the tags on the trees. These tags list the common and scientific names of the trees and are a great tool if one is studying the trees or just is wondering what that tree is. It turns out, the tree could be one of 1,128 trees from 103 different species that the campus arboretum has hosted. A campus arboretum, or any arboretum, can be defined as a space where trees are intentionally displayed for educational or scientific purposes. One famous arboretum is the US National Arboretum in Washington D.C. A campus arboretum is an arboretum that is on a campus of course; W&J’s ar-
boretum includes all the trees on campus and at the athletic facilities. The mission for this arboretum include: to preserve, manage and enhance a vital and diverse living collection of woody plants, to provide a landscape aesthetic, to promote the conservation of trees and shrubs and to educate the College and surrounding communities through horticultural display, curriculum, scientific research and outreach. Brendan Troesch ‘21 exclaimed, “It is great that W&J can be considered an arboretum, and this is a testament to the hard work of Dr. Kilgore and his dedication.” Since 2013, W&J has been considered a Tree Campus USA, recently renamed Tree Campus Higher Education USA. This is a culmination of the hard work of many people as the designation has many requirements, such as an Advisory Committee of community members, expenditures on tree maintenance, student learning opportunities and an annual Arbor Day event. When asked for a comment, Dr. Kilgore proudly stated, “This is a tribute to the community involvement and teamwork in creating a safe, healthy and educational Campus Arboretum.” Dr. Kilgore has held an Arbor Day event since 2012, in which 33 trees from seven species not found on campus have been planted. Some of these include flowering dogwoods, Himalayan white birches and ginkgoes that were funded by an Arbor Day Grant the school received. These can be found around campus if one takes the time to look. Sydney Fischer ‘21 stated, “I love to walk around and see the trees flowering. It is so pretty.” Dr. Kilgore plans to plant more trees this year, specifi-
cally pine trees. Having participated in the past, I suggest this opportunity to give back to the campus. The future of the arboretum is bright; in 2016 it was awarded a Level I Accreditation by
the ArbNet accreditation group, run through the Morton Arboretum. Dr. Kilgore is now seeking grants to grow the arboretum and attain Level II Accreditation.
Courtesy Dylan Bertovich
The W&J campus is full trees which has earned it as a Tree Campus USA since 2013.
9 October 2020
Red & Black
CAMPUS NEWS 3
Student Spotlight: Ava Smith ‘23 Alexandra Wagner Red & Black Staff
Ava Smith is a sophomore at Washington & Jefferson College and is from Mechanicsburg, Pa. She is a double major in political science and accounting. On top of her studies, Smith is overwhelmingly involved on campus in a myriad of organizations. She is the vice president of mock trial, student government treasurer, equestrian club treasurer and a new resident assistant this year. With these major roles on campus, she still finds time to work in W&J Admissions as an ambassador and hold membership in the history club, Pre-Legal Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. With a clear plan to attend law school, Smith’s involvement on the mock trial team may be her favorite extracurricular. “Our mock trial team here at W&J has truly given me some of my closest friends and has also given me so many amazing memories.” Smith remarks. “Mock trial provides me with the opportunity to see a little glimpse into what I hope the rest of my future life will look like one day.” Although constantly busy, Smith somehow finds some time to relax and hang with her family, friends and her adorable dog, Cody. When she isn’t
spending time with loved ones, she enjoys horseback riding, skiing and swimming. Smith, like most college students, binge watches her favorite TV shows to unwind. “There are too many favorites to pick just one! I love Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, How to Get Away with Murder and so much more.” says Smith. As a sophomore this fall, Smith has been immersed into a very different kind of college experience, especially considering the impact of
“W&J truly has looked into every option in order for us to reconvene on campus in the safest most effecient way possible” - Ava Smith ‘23 the pandemic. “It’s very new to not see everyone on campus and having hybrid learning models. However, W&J truly has looked into every option in order for us to reconvene on campus in the safest and most efficient way possible.” Smith shared that she is thankful to have her in person classes and the ability to see a portion of some of the students, staff and factulty. She feels that they are what make her W&J experience complete.
Courtesy Ava Smith
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4 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
9 October 2020
Poetry Corner Some Advice Before You Fall Alex Wagner ‘22
I find that the worst thing you can think
Such as warm tea,
Is that your happiness is dependent on another.
Or maybe clean sheets.
If you convince yourself this,
That sensation
That ability to be content,
As he delicately curls your stray lock
It will become unachievable, like holding your breath
Behind your ear.
For hours upon hours. Suffocating the self.
Instead recall how your favorite song
I don’t mean to appear hard-bitten
Creates those same chills down your spine.
I merely caution you before his
He uses your full God-given name,
Stern yet soft hands
When no one else will. You adore your middle name,
Persuade you otherwise.
So unused, but he sings it daily.
He has no poisonous intent to,
But reminisce the times your mother also humed this,
But he will do so inadvertently.
She too loved the sound of “Lydia Jane” aloud.
The problem is you
He truly aids
Delight in feeling tiny.
In peppering bliss into your existence,
Your body the artwork, his broad frame
But dear God do not mistake him
Surrounding. He protects you.
As the only thing that does.
Remind yourself of other comforts
9 October 2020
CAMPUS NEWS 5
Red & Black
Upcoming Career Service Events
Event:
WestPACS
Job,
Internship
and
Event:
Graduate School Virtual Fair
Vector Marketing Virtual Information Sessions
Date:
Wednesday, October 21
Date:
Tuesday, November 3
Time:
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Time:
12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Type:
Virtual Event - You can now register at
Type:
Virtual Event
https://westpacs.org/
Description:
Scottie Brown, Division Manager for
Description:
This job, internship and graduate school
Vector Marketing/Cutco Cutlery, will be
fair, usually hosting 160-200 employers
hosting 3 Information Sessions via Zoom
across many fields, will be virtual this fall
to provide students with employment
on Wednesday, October 21 from 11am-4pm.
opportunities.
You can now register at https://westpacs.org/ After registering you will be able to schedule virtual sessions with employers that fit into your schedule throughout the day on Oct. 21. We are hopeful that this virtual event will be of interest to even more students and employers than we typically see in person in Monroeville, Pa. With no need to travel and the ability to work sessions around class schedules, this will provide access to more students. Check out the Handshake Events Calendar to see a full list of Employers that have already registered to attend.
Email careerservices@washjeff.edu for the Zoom link and we will email it to you, along with an online form to register
6 Campus News
9 October 2020
Red & Black
Meet the Editorial Board
Diversity Section Editor: Amanda Fitzpatrick Amanda is a biology and psychology double major and a history minor. She is the treasurer of SAACS, the secretary of SPS, social media chair of German club. She also plays bassoon and canvasses for the Washington County Democrats. Amanda hopes to create “a section representative of the diverse group of students at W&J by introducing a global perspective while addressing the issues that are most important to us, specifically by introducing weekly content on the Black Lives Matter movement.�
Red & Black Established 1909 Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Campus News Editor Current Events Editor Diversity Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Social Media Manager Website Design Manager Distribution Manager Interim Faculty Advisor
Marcy Saldivar Erin Herock Reilly Oliverio Molly Kilbourne Amanda Fitzpatrick Paul Collier Nick Krugh Grace Depaul Raheem Clemons Alex Wagner Kellin Cavanaugh
9 October 2020
Current Events 7
Current Events Red & Black
WHO to Probe Sexual Explotation by Aid Workers
Courtesy MinBane
Lekhya Kollu Red & Black Contributor
On Sept. 29., the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement pledging to investigate sexual abuse allegations against its health and aid officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The statement came after the release of a report by the news website The New Humanitarian and the Thomson Reuters Foundation in
which 51 women accused aid workers from various organizations, including the WHO, of propositioning women and offering them jobs in exchange for sexual favors. The WHO’s presence in the DRC was due to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country. From August 2018 to June 2020, the organization-controlled efforts to curb the outbreak, which infected 3,481 people and killed 2,299. Over the course of the year-long investigation by The New Humanitarian, allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse were made against men serving as aid workers for various organizations taking part in the Ebola response. Thirty of these allegations were against men affiliated with the WHO. Other organizations named in the
allegations include the UN Children’s Fund, Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, World Vision, International Organization for Migration, medical charity ALIMA and the DRC’s health ministry. Most of these organizations have responded that more information is needed before they can begin their own investigations. None of the 51 women involved in the allegations knew of any official method of reporting their concerns. Police in the region had heard rumors of exploitation but received no official complaints. Of the agencies surveyed by the investigation, 18 received no allegations at all in their time in the DRC, and another six received a combined total of 22 complaints. Experts explain this low rate of reporting among women as
the combined effect of a lack of trust in the justice system, social stigmas and a fear of losing their jobs. There was also a widespread lack of education in the DRC about the definition of sexual abuse and how to report it. It was only 14 months after agencies had already begun working in the DRC that a network to prevent sex abuse was set up, and its functioning was slowed drastically by low funding from the UN. In future operations, experts suggest possible ways to reduce the instances of sexual exploitation and abuse would include increasing the number of women in senior roles within the operation, boosting funds for local women’s groups that could help women report allegations and increasing transparency around all allegations received.
8 Current Events
Red & Black
9 October 2020
Germany Tackles COVID-19 with Three Strategies
Courtesy iKnow Politics
Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with scientists to discuss COVID-19 response tactics.
Brendan Troesch Red & Black Staff
Europe is preparing for its second wave of COVID-19 infections while the United States still struggles through its first. Many countries have turned their eyes to Germany whose strategy, while not perfect, has seemingly had one of the highest success rates in the western hemisphere. A slow reopening during the summer months accompanied by widespread caution fatigue seems to be the new cause of a rising trend in coronavirus cases around the globe. German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel is cognizant of the effects of a national shutdown and hoping to avoid another brought on by a second wave of infections. “We want to act regionally, specifically and purposefully, rather than shutting
down the whole country again — this must be prevented at all costs,” said Dr. Merkel to the German news source Deutsche Welle. CNBC International correspondent Holly Ellyatt reports three key aspects mentioned by economist Greg Fuzesi that Germany plans to carry out as the threat of a second wave of the novel coronavirus grows: “A refocusing on existing hygiene and distancing rules, the test-and-trace system and an enhancement of ‘the hotspot strategy.’” She expands on the latter point, stating that a strict 50-person limit will be placed on private events if infections exceed 35 per 100,000 people over a week, decreasing to a 25-person limit should the number of infected people exceed 50 per 100,000, and a 50 EUR fine will be charged to those who give false contact information for contact tracing. Regional and local regulation is also a key factor in the effort to avoid another major national shutdown. Kim Oberbach, Berlin-native who served as W&J’s Fulbright German
Teaching Assistant from 2018-2019 commented on Germany’s handling of the pandemic in her home city: “In Berlin, they’re talking about potentially closing off some boroughs, although I’m not sure how that’s supposed to work. Otherwise there are regulations requiring those recently returning from intentional travel to a risk area to spend two weeks in quarantine without pay or anything of the like, and the corona test is then no longer free. All in all, they tried upgrading schools’ technology and put a lot of money into it, but that is nowhere near sufficient since we have been lagging behind other countries for years in terms of digitalization.” The Berlin-based newspaper Tagesspiegel addresses the inconsistency of regional regulatory measures. Journalist Anke Myrrhe writes “For example, those from the [Berlin] boroughs of Mitte, Neukölln, and Fredrichshain-Kreuzberg who booked a vacation in Travemünde
(Schleswig-Holstein) must, as of today, spend it completely in quarantine… But those who booked a vacation a few more kilometers west in Boltenhagen (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) can enjoy their Aperol Spritz on the beach for two weeks no matter which borough they come from.” Myrrhe also notes that the reason for the chaos isn’t only the federal freedom to travel (which, until reunification, was not guaranteed for citizens of the eastern German Democratic Republic), but also the fact that the Robert Koch Institute is designating Berlin boroughs individually as risk areas. Germany has indeed had much more success in its COVID-19 combat efforts as the country bands together to eliminate the disease for the common good. As of Oct. 4, 2020, Germany has seen 2,176 new daily COVID-19 cases, nearly on-par with southern neighbor Italy’s 2,208, but dramatically below the United Kingdom’s 9,279, Spain’s 10,493 and France’s 11,005.
9 October 2020
Red & Black
Diversity
Diversity 9
Black Lives Matter: The War on Drugs Amanda Fitzpatrick Red & Black Staff
The War on Drugs can, in short, be described as a war on minorities and the poor. Though it began nearly fifty years ago, it continues to have a severe impact on the lives of Black Americans to this day. The War on Drugs was led by President Richard Nixon in the 1970s. His administration intentionally classified cannabis as a schedule 1 drug, the same classification held by heroin. The drug enforcement agency was also formed by President Nixon in 1973. John Ehrlichman, former Nixon domestic policy chief, was quoted saying the following: “The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and Black people. You understand what I’m saying? We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities.” With this statement, the War on Drugs was evidently not waged to save people from the fate of addiction; rath-
er, the war on drugs was created with the intent of criminalizing opponents and in this case the main opponent was Black American communities. Continued by President Ronald Reagan, the War on Drugs continued to intentionally target and destroy Black American communities. In 1986, President Reagan passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act through Congress. This legislation appropriated an additional $1.7 billion to fund the War on Drugs. Imagine what $1.7 billion could have done if used in the right way – combat the school to prison pipeline by improving schools and addressing educational disparities, research addiction and treatment methods, fund after school programs and initiatives to increase student involvement, increase programs to provide housing for homeless people, provide addiction treatment for those who lack healthcare and so much more all would have greater served the supposed goal of the War on Drugs. However, preventing and treating addiction was evidently not the goal. This $1.7 billion, rather than treat addiction as the illness that it is, established 29 new mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. Racist ideas continued to distort the nation’s drug policies during Reagan’s America and criminalize people of color. As such, prison populations skyrocketed due to law enforcement targeting Black Americans. While some may suggest
otherwise, Black Americans use drugs at similar rates as white Americans – it is the criminalization and racial profiling by law enforcement that results in higher prison sentences of Black Americans. To enforce his campaign slogan and “make America great again” (President Trump clearly was inspired greatly by Reagan’s presidency here), Reagan recruited Nancy Reagan, his wife, for help. Nancy Reagan created the “Just Say No” program, which many students today may be familiar with from our own elementary school educations. Despite Nancy’s best efforts, the D.A.R.E. and “Just Say No” campaigns ultimately failed in their intended goal in ending drug use in America. However, all of Reagan’s campaigns were not so innocent. During Reagan’s era, crack was funneled into black neighborhood by CIA with the intent to target Black Americans and decimate an entire generation. Today, the Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for an end to the War on Drugs, estimates that that the U.S. spends $51 billion annually on these initiatives. Not only is the U.S. wasting money that could be put to better use elsewhere, but it continues to destroy lives, particularly those of Black Americans. The War on Drugs is racist and was created with that intention. Communities of color are still being destroyed by these outdated drug policies that
continue to target them, contribute to the mass incarceration system and create free prison labor. With the law enforcement and justice system as it exists today, minorities are arrested at a vastly greater rate and receive longer sentences on average. These sentences for the crimes of minority Americans are 20-40 percent longer on average than the sentences of white Americans. Furthermore, Black Americans are nearly four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white Americans. Again, this is despite the fact that marijuana is built at roughly the same rates across all races in the U.S. Today, the marijuana industry is dominated by white men and worth billions of dollars with eleven states having legalized recreational marijuana, and 47 of the 50 states allow for some form of medicinal use. Despite these facts, people continue to sit behind bars for nonviolent marijuana possession charges that have historically overwhelmingly targeted Black Americans. Regardless of the supposed intentions of battling addiction or the hidden intentions of targeting Black Americans, the War on Drugs has failed. In fact, the supply, usage and sale of drugs within the U.S. have all increased over 300 percent since its beginning. Invented to suppress Black Americans, the War on Drugs must end.
10 Diversity
Red & Black
9 October 2020
Proud Boys Celebrate Presidential Debate Bavi Makkar Red & Black Contributor
On Sept. 29, Donald Trump and Joseph Biden participated in their first debate of the 2020 presidential campaign. This debate has been blasted in the media as the worst debate in U.S. history for quickly becoming nothing but a chaotic crosstalk. However, the debate became even more controversial after the President made his call to violence. From the beginning of his presidency, Trump has always come under fire for repeatedly downplaying the threat of white nationalist violence and for making comments in support of those people. During an exchange during the debate, moderator Chris Wallace asked Trump if he would condemn white supremacists. Now, after saying that he “would” denounce white supremacy, he fell short of doing so yet again. Instead, by telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” he shifted his attention to what he thinks is the radical left. The Proud Boys are a far-right, neo-fascist, anti-immigrant and male only organization, often in coordination with white supremacists, who promote and partake in political aggression. Becoming a critical moment in the debate, there are severe consequences to his words. Dr. Karin Maresh stated that “whether he intended for his rhetoric in the debate to come across as supporting white supremacy, the white
supremacist groups are interpreting it as so and that is dangerous.” Members of the far-right group have regarded his comment as an endorsement and are taking even more pride in their messages. In fact, by dodging the disavow of white supremacists, his words resulted in numerous online celebrations by these far-right groups who saw it as approval and encouragement. On social media, members of the Proud Boys and similar groups were
posting comments such as “Standing by, sir.” They have even fashioned his comments into a logo. His words continue to fuel these hate groups and allow them to further spread their messages. Jillian Curtis ’23 says that “his divisive rhetoric continues to put American minorities in danger as he fuels groups like the Proud Boys.” Though the federal government has deemed white supremacist terrorism as a se-
rious threat in this nation, America continues to criminalize minorities and manages to put them at the bottom of the system. Trump actively speaks against immigrants and has been trying to suppress the votes of minority groups. Minorites are being killed all around this nation and it can only be the start of something worse as these far-right groups “stand back and stand by” without Trump condemning white supremacy.
Courtesy New York Daily News
Following President Trump’s refusal to condemn white supremacy during the first debate and instead telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” Trump claims he does not know who the Proud Boys are.
9 October 2020
Red & Black
Diversity 11
Understanding Heterosexism & Its Manifestation Sammy Massimino Red & Black Staff
Heterosexism is the discrimination or prejudice against non-heterosexual individuals on the assumption that heterosexuality is “natural” and “normal” expression. There are many ways in which heterosexism pervades our
society and individual actions daily. One of those most simple forms of heterosexism is assuming every person is straight. This can be through a simple interaction of asking a woman whether she has a boyfriend, rather than asking if she has a partner. Another way that heterosexism unfolds in everyday life is assuming that every same-gender couple are just friends and alternatively assuming that differently gendered coupling is romantic rather than platonic. These instances may seem minor to some, particularly those who benefit from the privilege of being heterosexual,
but they are what build to more institutionally dangerous forms of heterosexism. Institutional forms of heterosexism occur often in lawmaking and religious organizations. For example, the GOP’s official platform for 2020 describes marriage as between “one man and one woman” and that they “do not accept the Supreme Court’s redefinition of marriage and we urge its reversal.” Such beliefs, invalidating non-heterosexual marriages as well as assuming that a right such as marriage is even a debate, is exemplary of the extreme danger heterosexism poses to
the LGBTQ+ community. The Catholic Church is an example of heterosexism within a religion. Although they have recently determined that the “homosexual orientation” itself is not a sin, they insist that engaging in homosexual acts are sinful. This platform, admitting that such an orientation is natural but insisting that individuals cannot act on it, is especially detrimental to the LGBTQ+ community, making non-heterosexual people believe they are morally wrong for who they are and furthermore endangering them by cultivating animosity for non-heterosexual individuals who are unapologetic about who they are.
Courtesy Human Rights Watch
Heterosexism is defined as a system of attitudes, bias and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships.
12 Diversity
Red & Black
9 October 2020
Women in STEM Spotlight: Lisha Chadda
Courtesy Inside Higher Ed
Akansha Das Red & Black Staff
Whether it’s the predominance of males, the lack of female mentors in highly technical fields or the little encouragement that they receive, women in STEM have not had it easy. Despite all this, Washington & Jefferson College student Lisha Chadda ‘24 is excited to pursue a career within the health professions and is planning on declaring a biology major. Though she is only a first-year student, she has always had a deep interest in science and desire to understand how the world around her works. Chadda has worked to solidify her interest by becoming more involved in STEM activities during her middle and high school years, one of which was Science Olympiad. Along with competing on the team all four years of her high school career, she devoted a summer to the Health Science Scholars Institute with Michigan State Uni-
versity’s Medical School. This experience opened her eyes to the field of medicine and allowed her to examine entire case studies, learn how to interact with patients and even present her own mini research project at a local health fair. But beyond an academic interest, she has a personal interest in the field too. “I am still learning about all the different specialties that are out there. However, I loved volunteering at a Refugee Education Center in my hometown, and I would love to find a specialty that I can use to help people who have access to limited resources.” At W&J she is interested in joining the biology club and doing research as her main goal is to gain as much exposure to the health sciences as she can. As hard as she has worked to get where she is today, she recognizes that like many others, she is standing on the shoulders of giants like Elizabeth Blackwell and other female physicians who have paved the path forward. In her own life, she thanks her parents for being her biggest supporters and encouraging her to pursue what she loves and to work hard to be successful. Additionally, she is incredibly grateful for all her teachers who have taught her to “think critically and keep an open mind” which has given her a “positive and curious mindset” that has helped her immensely at W&J. Chadda is not blind to the fact that medicine is one of the longest and toughest career paths there is – both academically and emotionally. She says that when she becomes stressed due to all her responsibilities, she leans on her support system to who remind her of what she is working towards. “It really helps to surround myself with supportive people to create a collaborative space where we can help each other out.”
Courtesy Akansha Das
Lisha Chadda is a first-year student at W&J who plans to major in biology and pursue a career in medicine.
9 October 2020
Red & Black
Diversity 13
First-Generation College Students: Meagan Whittaker
Courtesy Bingham Counseling Center
Sammy Massimino Red & Black Staff
Meagan Whittaker ’21 is a first-generation college student, majoring in English and minoring in gender and women’s studies. First-generation college students can be defined in different ways, but generally the term refers to students from families in which neither of their parents or any member of the immediate family earned a four-year degree. According to an NCES report from 2018, about a third of college students are first-generation. Being a first-generation college student comes with a unique set of challenges and struggles that can often result in a different experience filled with more challenges than the average college student. Common challenges of first-generation college
students include a lack of resources and support professionally,finanically, psychologically and academically as well as the societal stigma of being a first-generation college student that can prevent many from asking help when it is needed. Whittaker always knew that she wanted to go to college, “I remember being in third grade and knowing I’d go one day. I was influenced by my parents obviously, but that was my dream.” Being a first-generation college student, she had a lot to learn herself. “My high school had a class based on applying to college, which was helpful. But I had a crisis because I had no idea what I wanted to do. I know they say that it’s okay to not know, but I felt like I couldn’t dilly dally deciding what to do because I didn’t want to waste time and money,” said Whittaker. Financial reasons such as this are what brought Meagan to Washington & Jefferson College, who offered the best financial aid package. Being the first in the family to attend college can be challenging in the lack of shared experience with other family members, often with parents. “My parents don’t understand how much work I have, they think college is easy and chalk all my struggles to poor time management or lying about how busy I am. I feel like some of my peers don’t understand these struggles. I’ve also had to work for most of my college career because I have to pay my own bills by myself.” Already looking towards the future, Whittaker is worried about college loans and post-graduation plans. “I have no idea what to do. I only really have career services to help me but I have no idea what to ask. It’s impossible to find answers when you don’t know the questions,” said Whittaker.
Courtesy Sammy Massimino
Meagan Whitaker is currently a senior at W&J, majorig in English and gender and women’s studies.
Opinions 14
9 October 2020
opinions Red & Black
Donald Trump Ignores Lower-Class America Paul Collier Red & Black Editor
The commonly accepted strength of Donald Trump’s presidency is his economic policy. However, while the economy has improved overall under Trump’s direction, he has not fixed many issues that still face lower-andmiddle class Americans. One of the biggest accomplishments Trump has touted is the growth of the Stock Market, prior to its historic downfall at the onset of COVID-19. However, the 32 percent decline as a result of the virus (which was sharper than that of the 2008 recession) should show that Trump’s policies alone do not actually make the stock market go up or down. It is based on predictions, so
while Trump’s policies may affect how sharp this incline or decline is, the stock market is not a good indicator of the overall health of the economy. It is important to remember, though, that while Trump has been in office his presence alone has made the stock market improve. Despite claims by Kamala Harris during the Democratic Presidential Primary Debates that this does not affect the average American, 41 percent of US workers have Union retirement plans placed within the Stock Market, and 52 percent of American families have retirement plans invested in the Stock Market through accounts like 401(k)s. Furthermore, 20 percent of families making under $35,000, 44 percent of families making from $35,000 to $53,000, and 66 percent of families making from $53,000 to $100,000 have money invested directly or indirectly in the stock market. The health of the Stock Market is
vital to these lower-and-middle class families. The supplemental wealth they can gain from a growing stock market can help them survive better now and will assist their retirement plans. It is also important to note that while Trump may be given some credit for the record highs of the stock market, he also has to take some blame for the record declines that reverted the market to where it was in early 2017 due to his failure to respond to COVID-19 in its early stages, and these declines are harmful to families. However, while still volatile, the market has recovered from these losses in record time despite the economy itself still remaining stagnant due to a lack of economic participation; it recovered to its pre-COVID levels in only 126 days. Trump’s refusal to endorse shutdown measures has crippled the economy. The lack of a rapid shutdown has led to extended shutdowns that
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays with the exception of exams and break periods. 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 contributions, 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.
kept small businesses closed, increased unemployment, and decreased participation by choice and government mandate. As a part of this, 10 percent of Americans are now unemployed, and jobs are still being lost. This goes directly against one of Trump’s biggest economic strengths. Twelve months ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics was able to report that since his election, 6.4 million jobs had been added, the unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent, its lowest point since May 1969, unemployment rates matched their lowest ever for the Black, Hispanic and Disabled communities, and the unemployment rate for those without a high school diploma dropped to 4.8 percent, the lowest ever. However, this is also not necessarily because new workers are entering the labor force; 73.7 percent of workers gained new employment while within the Labor Force, indicative of a need (continued on page 15)
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9 October 2020
Red & Black
Opinions 15
Courtesy MarketWatch
Donald Trump speaks on job creation at a campaign rally.
(continued from page 14) to work two jobs because wages have not significantly increased for many workers, and a need to leave minimum wage jobs because Trump does not support increasing the minimum wage in any capacity, though the minimum wage is not a living wage. This is partly because of how Trump’s Tax Cuts were structured in the 2017 Republican Budget. He was correct in claiming that, on paper, America has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, at 35 percent, which is higher than that imposed by OECD statutes. However, the USA also has more tax loopholes, allowing corporations to significantly drop the amount of taxes they pay, with 258 Fortune 500 companies only paying 21.2 percent in taxes between 2008 and 2015, and 100 of these companies paid nothing in federal taxes for at least one year during this period. Trump’s tax cuts left these loopholes in while also decreasing the corporate tax rate, leaving corporations with even more wealth and power than they had before. Meanwhile, while 75 percent of new tax cuts will go to individuals over corporations, itemized deductions and exemptions have also been cut, leading to an increase in taxable income of $16,600 for the average family of four. This erases the tax cut for middle-
and-lower class families, even in the short run. These tax cuts, then, are not anything more than a bailout for corporations while they become increasingly deregulated by Trump. The middle-and-lower classes haven’t received any assistance. There is no increased minimum wage despite an economy that should be able to handle it; COVID-19 has led to a wage decrease as corporations attempt to protect themselves from economic fallout while the wealthiest people in America, such as Jeff Bezos, continues to see skyrocketing wealth. As such, Trump has attempted to assist the economy, and in some cases has partially succeeded. People are working more, so they have some opportunity to make more money and live more comfortably, and the stock market has improved. However, this is a Republican talking point; jobs themselves cannot take anyone anywhere as long as the wages aren’t increasing alongside them. And while Harris might have been incorrect in the debate, the stock market is still not going to be a large enough factor to improve wealth inequality while Trump does not act against the wealthy. Like many of his policies discussed in previous weeks, Trump is leaving behind the most defenseless classes for the advancement of those already doing well.
Courtesy Times Magazine
Donald Trump campaigns for the Coal Industry, a key section of jobs he wants to protect and exand.
16 Opinions
Red & Black
9 October 2020
Senators Confirming Barrett Are Hypocritical
Courtesy White House
Trump Administration and family members applaud Amy Coney Barrett at her Nomination Ceremony.
Cassie Carr Red & Black Contributor
Successful Supreme Court nominations serve as one of the most lasting decisions that a president can make during their time in office. Supreme Court justices serve lifetime terms, meaning that an appointment affects the country for decades to come. With the recent passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump has once again been presented with the opportunity to alter the nation’s highest bench. On Sept. 26., Trump announced Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to assume the Supreme Court vacancy. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promptly stated his intention to ensure that this nomination is brought to a vote
before the Senate. But this decision is hypocritical and establishes a dangerous precedent. As such, it should be reconsidered. In uncovering this hypocrisy, one must look no further than the nomination of Merrick Garland by then-President Barack Obama in February of 2016. While still eight months out from the 2016 election, this nomination was contested as being too close to the election to be considered. The GOP-led Senate dug its heels in, refusing to bring Garland’s nomination to a vote. McConnell led the campaign against Obama’s authority to select Scalia’s replacement. “Given that we are in the midst of the presidential election process, … I believe that it is today the American people who are best-positioned to help make this important decision,” said McConnell in regards to the vacancy. Other GOP Senators endorsed this position. Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey
was amongst those supporters, stating that he thought “it is wise to give the American people a more direct voice in the selection and confirmation of the next justice.” Notably, he also stated that should Garland be re-nominated by the winner of the 2016 election, he would be “happy to carefully consider [the] nomination,” ensuring his supporters that his choice was ‘above politics.’ Contrasting these statements with those made in regards to the Barrett’s nomination, however, and one cannot help but see that these decisions are anything but ‘above politics.’ Toomey, along with several GOP senators who held similar views as him in 2016, stated that they are “happy to…consider” Barrett for the Supreme Court vacancy. This, in conjunction with McConnell’s resolve to bring the nomination to a vote, comes in spite of the fact that we are now less than a month away from the 2020 election. The fact that 11 months
was too close for Obama and less than a month is plenty of time for Trump reveals blatant hypocrisy in Senatorial positioning. Moreover, this behavior is not only hypocritical but dangerous to democracy as we know it. Votes within the House and Senate have become increasingly divided along partisan lines in recent years, making compromise across the aisle a rarity in our nation’s legislative halls. By backtracking on statements made during previous administrations, this divide is deepened, further estranging Democrats and Republicans. In order to ensure that our nation can continue operating with some semblance of unity, such actions must be stopped. Senators should uphold their statements regarding the delay of Supreme Court nominations during a presidential election year. Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination should not be considered by the Senate until after the 2020 election.
9 October 2020
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Opinions 17
The Women’s March Excludes Women of Color Akansha Das Red & Black Staff
In recent years many feminist movements and media from HBO’s “Girls” to Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” and most notably the Women’s March have gotten critiques for their largely homogenous nature or singular goal of advancing the rights of white cisgender women. And for the most part, they have. So, when the society is asked whether the women’s march is still relevant because it’s not actively fighting racism or ableism or transphobia, many will say yes! The claim is that white women making it into the workforce is allowing all women into the workforce or that the movement will be most effective when it focuses on one
issue at a time. I ardently disagree and I believe Ruth Hopkins, a Native American writer and activist said it best. “We have to decide: Do we want equality and justice for a select group, or do we want it for everyone?” The roots of feminism in America have always been about correcting a history of oppression and getting “it” right as we move forward. Feminism is supposed to give everyone the “tableau rassu” that the founding fathers had in mind. But if this blank slate is only being given to white women or is being prioritized to one marginalized group at a time, the message being sent is that white women matter more than Black women or Indian women or Latinas. Therefore, a movement that is repeating the same mistakes of the 1700s rather than tackling the intersectional issues that plague women of color is just as obsolete as the implicitly racist visions and actions of the founding fathers. Each “and”
that is applied to a woman’s identity in regards to sexual orientation, ethnicity, immigration status and numerous other factors brings “privileges due to their socially valued identity statuses and disadvantages due to their devalued identity statuses,” as the Conceptualizing Structures of Power puts it. The core of feminism is all about validating the entire experiences women face and how these privileges or disadvantages impact them. When we talk about domestic violence and calling the police, we have to talk about the ways Black women are disadvantaged in multiple ways with police officers who have a 40 percent abuse rate of their own wives, are less likely to believe sexual assault stories of women and more likely to harbor bias simply because she is Black. When we talk about rape culture and the media, we cannot leave out the
experiences of Native American women whose native clothing has become overly sexualized in the “aesthetics of Coachella” and Victoria Secret’s “Little Geisha” lingerie campaign and how this dehumanization contributes to one third of rapes of Native American women being committed by white men. And as we discuss issues ranging from food insecurity to gun violence, we have to address the experiences of overlooked women - especially working-class women - in order to create a society that is truly equal. Co-president of the Women’s March Board Tamika Mallory has said “We’re looking at all the communities that we seek to engage and work with, and we’re trying to figure out how to deepen those relationships and ensure all the stakeholders are at the table. As a nation, I hope we continue to search for and address these blind spots within mainstream social movements.
Courtesy NBC News
The Women’s March Organization protests in Washington D.C. for social, economic, healthcare and protection equity.
18 Opinions
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9 October 2020
Hulu Show Review: Little Fires Everywhere Akansha Das Red & Black Staff
Set in the typical 90s, suburban, homogenous town of Shaker, Ohio “Little Fires Everywhere” is an eightepisode mini-series following the lives of Elena Richardson (Reese Witherspoon), Mia Warren (Kerry Washington) and the events leading up to the mystery of a house burnt to the ground. Adapted from a book with the same title by Celeste Ng, the series tackles everything from teenage dating issues to microaggressions to complex questions about race, class and motherhood. One of the most predominant themes throughout the series is “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Privilege and the idea of microaggressions are coming to the forefront of many people’s mind nowadays and “Little Fires Everywhere” perfectly encapsulates and defines what these terms mean. Elena truly believes that she is a good person in every action that she does. Her embodiment of the “white savior archetype” and the little comments she makes - whether it is assuming that the only two Black kids at Shaker Heights will have a lot in common because of their race or constantly saying that her mother was on the integration board and therefore she is not racist- build and culminate throughout the show setting “little fires everywhere.” It ultimately proves the eerie point of the show: what can lead to destruction of a family, society, structure or person is often not one singular catastrophic event but the layering and compounding of multiple
issues and irritations. Seeing the numerous contrasts and juxtapositions throughout the show, whether it is the capabilities of immigrant mother Bebe or privileged mother Linda, the parenting styles of Mia vs. Elena or the different privileges of the various children in the show - it was clear that no situation nor person was entirely right or wrong. It forces viewers to abandon an all too easy black-andwhite perspective and instead see in color the choices that working class and disadvantaged people are forced to make with a light of sympathy rather than judgement.From an objective standpoint, it is wrong to leave your baby at a gas station and unfair that a family that has developed an emotional attachment to this baby may have her taken away by the state. What is even more unjust is that the biological mother was given no resources and support to care for the baby as a destitute immigrant and forced into the situation that she was. This is just an example of the numerous debates and questions the show poses. In the end, they all really boil down to one fiery line delivered by Mia to Elena. “It’s not that Elena, as a white, affluent woman made good choices, but that she had good choices.” The privilege and complexity depicted within this line and every single scene in the show stuck with me far longer than the eight-hour binge that it took to watch it. I don’t know whether it’s the fact that it’s adapted from a book, that it was produced by two leading ladies with immense power in Hollywood, or the diverse writing room it had that gave “Little Fires Everywhere” it’s rare authenticity. Its ability to naturally tackle so many societal issues while still managing to keep the plot progressing with depth and beauty was something that I had never seen before.
Courtesy Hulu
Kerry Washington and Reese Whiterspoon pose on the show promo poster for Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere.
sports 9 October 2020
Red & Black
Sports 19
NFL Hit Hard by Coronavirus in Week 4
Courtesy WGHP
Cam Newton is one of several NFL players to test positive for the Coronavirus.
Nick Krugh Red & Black Editor
In the past week the NFL has been hurt by the pandemic for the first time this season. Although players had tested positive earlier in the season and training camp, those players where isolated and quarantined until multiple negative tests. However, this past week the Tennessee Titans have 16 positive COVID-19 cases. All the
positive cases on the Titans caused the NFL to adjust the schedule. The week 4 matchup between the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers and 3-0 Tennessee Titans was moved to week 7 which was originally scheduled to be their bye week. The week 7 Steelers and Baltimore Ravens matchup was bumped back to week 8. Both teams where originally scheduled to have their bye week then, the Ravens will now have their bye week during week 7 and the Titans and Steelers have a forced early bye this past week. The Steelers, who had no positive tests, are hurt the most by these changes. The Steelers now have to play 13
straight after losing their perfect week 8 bye. The Titans have had a few more positives again this week, causing the NFL to have to push the Titans versus Buffalo Bills game from Sunday to Tuesday. The Bills are scheduled to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night week 6 so the National Football League will have to move that game as well. On a positive note, the Minnesota Vikings who faced the Titans week 3 still have yet to have any positive tests. This is encouraging because that means that nothing was missed leading up to that week 3 matchup. Also, the New
England Patriots had one positive test, Quarterback Cam Newton, heading into week 4. Newton was quarantined and the Patriots where still able to play the Chiefs on Sunday night. After that game the Patriots’ star cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive, but again no other positives on either team. It will be interesting to see if the NFL will make some adjustments to their rules and protocols they have in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It will also be interesting to see if they reconsider the idea of a bubble for the playoffs after seeing these early issues.
20 Sports
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9 October 2020
Fantasy Football: Start Them or Sit Them Start Them Russell Wilson Seattle Seahwaks QB
Russell Wilson has been playing at MVP level this season. He has been torching defenses through the air and on the ground all year. The Seahawks square off against the Minnesota Vikings this week, whose defense has horrible thus far. The connection between D.K. Metcalf and Wilson has taken the leap and become one the top duos in the league. Wilson is going to continue his MVP performance again this week.
Cooper Kupp
Los Angeles Rams WR
The Rams face off against the Washington Football Team Sunday afternoon. The Football Team has invested heavily in their defensive line, leaving their secondary much to be desired. Kupp has been dashing every secondary he has faced this year. Kupp is going to be very effective in the slot this week. I like him for a 20+ point performance.
Sit Them
Courtesy Pro Football Rumors
Justin Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers QB
Herbert has been a pleasant surprise so far this year under the circumstances of his starts. However, I don’t like Herbert to have a big game this Monday night against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are sitting at 2-2 this year, and they can’t afford to drop this game to the Chargers. The defense of the Saints is starting to hit their stride and the Chargers are going to be without Ekelar again. I think the lack of run game is going to hurt Herbert’s air attack. Miles Sanders Philadelphia Eagles HB
The Eagles have the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, and I don’t like this match up for Sanders. The Steelers defense is amongst the best in the league against the run and the pass this year. This Philly offense has been off to a slow start already this year, so I don’t like that Sanders will be going up against the Steelers front seven. I think that Sanders will be held in check and the Steelers will make Carson Wentz beat them through the air. Courtesy Section 215
