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WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... CAMPUS W&J Stress Culture Heightens..................2 W&J Student Arranges Ukriane Aid Effort............................................................4 Former UN Official Matthew Hodes Offers Insight Into Ukranian Invasion.....5 W&J Experiences Delays In Student Payments.....................................................6
W&J Stress Culture Drastically Heightens PAGE 2-3
DIVERSITY
Event Review: Drag Queen Bingo............8 W&J International Week Iftar Dinner Review........................................................10 U.S. Abortions Becoming Increasingly Financially Inaccesible.............................11 Social Justice Studies at W&J: A New Program.....................................................12
CURRENT EVENTS
Alabama Restricts Healthcare for Transgender Teens....................................13 Proposal To Reduce Insulin Prices Passes The House..................................................14 Disparities Peresist in Boston’s Asthma Response....................................................15
OPINIONS Letter To The Editor: Petitions & Power..16
STUDENT FEATURES Dr. Nicholas Maradin: Doing Things the Non-Conventional Way...........................19 Courtesy Washington & Jefferson College
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campus Red & Black
3 may 2022
W&J Stress Culture Drastically Heightens observing in her students during the Fall 2021 semester. “Behaviorally, they seemed very stressed,” Dr. Bradshaw said in a November interview. “I’ve had a couple students express this to me.” Dr. Bradshaw said the pandemic has added stress to students, noting the unique unpredictability, accommodations needed, the chronic nature of the pandemic, and online learning. “Students have expressed to me that if they’re sick and need to quarantine or stay out of classes, the Courtesy Washinton & Jefferson College accommodations aren’t October 27, 2020 - Jason Kilgore, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, teaches a class in consistently held across Dieter-Porter on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College. classes, some professors offer online options and regarding world events like climate others do not,” she said. akansha das change and mass shootings. The Pew W&J freshman Kalea Umali agreed Research Center noted that teens rank with Dr. Bradshaw’s statement through Red & Black anxiety and depression as the highest an email exchange. Editor-in-chief of their problems as of 2019. “The most stressful factor related Given the fluid mixture of teen to W&J has to be the uncertainty Stress has taken on a new meaning years and adulthood in college, it’s surrounding virtual options between for young adults in the last couple years, not surprising that similar trends can students and professors,” Umali said. even before the COVID-19 pandemic be seen in college students as well. Umali specified that when she hit. As of 2018, The American Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. needed to take time out of the Psychological Association reported Hannah Bradshaw expressed deep classroom due to COVID exposure or Generation Z having the highest stress concern for the rising levels of stress emergent situations she felt that she among the study’s various age groups and anxiety she was hearing and received very “scattered” responses.
“Some allowed me a virtual option, some offered to meet online later to go over things I missed, and some simply did not,” she said. “It felt as though I was being penalized for things out of my control, even when I was doing everything a student was supposed to do.” “COVID guidelines changed frequently and professors’ lives are very busy, which makes it hard to make accommodations in scenarios such as mine,” Umali added. Dean of Students & Vice-President of Student Life Eva Chatterjee-Sutton stated over email correspondence that there has been abundant communication between faculty and administration supporting a smooth transition, including asking faculty to have policies to accommodate students who may need to miss class. Ultimately, because of the differing demands of each class, Dean Chatterjee-Sutton wrote, “the type of accommodation that best suits the course instruction are determined by each individual faculty member.” Dr. Bradshaw also commented about the toll two years of unpredictability has taken on students, citing research that indicates that uncertainty is often tougher to deal with than sheer harshness. “The lack of consistency is a really big stressor,” she said. Story continues on page 3
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W&J Stress Culture Drastically Heightens...ctd akansha das Red & Black Editor-in-chief However, Dr. Lear indicated that COVID-19 may have a more complex relationship with mental health of students than researchers and mental health professionals may have first predicted. Pulling statistics from the 21-22, 20-21, and 19-20 school years, Dr. Lear mentioned that among students who have sought out Counseling services (which ranges from 15-17% of all students on campus) anxiety (77% pre-COVID, 75% from 20212022) and depression levels (47% pre-COVID and 42% after COVID) dropped a couple percentage points throughout the pandemic. Dr. Lear also noted only 16-37% of students seeking counseling said that they are doing so because of COVID. When asked what W&J was doing to support students’ rising stress levels, Dean Chatterjee-Sutton also pointed to Student Health and Counseling, which offers: • Group/individual therapy (call (724) 223-6107 to schedule) • 24/7 counseling (for emergent situations you may call (724) 223-6032 and ask for the psychologist on call) • Therapy Assisted Online Connect (TAO) for all W&J community members (visit Student Health & Counseling MyW&J to access thepath. taoconnect.org) Licensed Psychologist & Director of W&J Student Health and Counseling Services Dr. Shelly Lear corroborated the availability of these resources, highlighting
TAO Connect as a free resource for learning and practicing self-care techniques for all students, staff, and professors. TAO Connect is.an online service providing meditation and relaxation tools to increase overall wellbeing of users. There are mixed opinions about the availability of such resources. When asked over email, Umali noted these resources were accessible to her. However, Dr. Bradshaw also noted some students have limited knowledge of campus-offered mental health resources. Dr. Bradshaw highlighted first-year students as potentially being unaware, noting that the nature of a one-time, information-heavy orientation may cause some retention failure. Dr. Lear detailed the various ways in which Student Health & Counseling has been attempting to make connections on campus – including: • Presenting at First Year Seminar classes • Serving as Liaisons for FYS faculty and coaches of athletics teams • Advertising through Instagram, Twitter, and MyW&J • Presenting to classes with short presentations to classes on resilience, anxiety, and stress management among other topics. Dr. Lear reasoned that this may be due to students with mental health conditions feeling less lonely in their struggles given increased prevalence of and therefore understanding of mental health conditions during COVID-19. “For students with anxiety, it was kind of like ‘what are you talking about, this is how I felt like all along.’”
Dr. Lear said. While the jury is still out as to whether COVID-19 has exacerbated or simply brought attention to preexisting mental health trends, Dr. Lear does point to the overwhelming stress and productivity culture on campus – pointing to the fact that many students she has talked to can’t even find time to take a lunch break. Dean Chatterjee-Sutton also commented on structural factors at W&J that the administration is considering changing. “We are trying to adjust the course schedules to allow for a common lunch break/time without courses to ensure that all students have the opportunity to have a break,” Dean Chatterjee-Sutton said. “We are looking at the flow of the academic calendar to carefully consider the timing and length of breaks to optimize the pacing of the semesters.” Dr. Lear said that on campuses with a greater drinking culture than W&J and equally rigorous academic standards for students, she has seen higher use of self-care techniques and a lower tendency of burnout from hard work and stress compared to the W&J community. “I have worked at three small, liberal arts college campuses in the past 25 years...never have I seen students with so little flexibility in their schedules than at W&J,” Dr. Lear said. “We need to learn how to be human beings and not just human doings.” This concern also isn’t limited to students alone. “The professors are also very stressed out by teaching in a pandemic, and I think everyone is doing the best that they can with their knowledge and skill base.” Dr.
Bradshaw said. The data supports this assertion as well. An October 2020 Chronicle of Higher Education Study conducted among 1,000 plus college professors found that between 2019 and 2020, the amount of faculty who reported feeling very or extremely stressed increased from 32% to 69% percent. Additionally, more than 2/3 of respondents reported increased workloads and a lower work-life balance, and this was higher among female participants. The general concern for rising stress levels is one Dr. Lear and Dr. Bradshaw share. “People are getting sick, not necessarily with COVID, but because they are stressed, and their immune systems are downregulated...and it’s hard to learn when you’re sick...” said Dr. Bradshaw While Dr. Bradshaw pointed to the connection of stress and immune defenses, Dr. Lear pointed to chronic stress altering physiological pathways and the HPA (HypothalamusPituitary-Adrenal axis). At the end of the Fall 2021 Semester, Dr. Bradshaw concluded “but I don’t know what to do about it... I don’t know if there’s any sort of change that I can enact on a larger basis...” Ultimately, there is a sense of concern and care from faculty and a sense of change among professors that students are noticing. “Rarely was I given a virtual option when I was sick or exposed during the first semester,” Umali said. “My professors have changed since, though, and they have tried their best to help me when I needed to miss class.”
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W&J Student Arranges Ukraine Aid Effort T he
following story is an editorial submited by a student contributing writer
Podolskiy, the town in Ukraine. Last year, I was so grateful to get the position of Town Leader of this town on JewishGen - Ukraine RD (the Ukrainian subdivision of a Jewish genealogical organization). With this new position I decided to form a group of people that were also interested in this town, get documents relating to people that lived there and initiate an effort to get them transcribed and transliterated. Out of gratitude for everyone in Ukraine who helped me not only with this effort but also with getting documents, I realized that it was my responsibility to organize this fundraiser on campus that would help out Courtesy Nickolas Bartel Ukrainians. Nickolas Bartel (left) and Samuel Lerner (right) sit outside of the Commons Dining Hall on March 29th, 2022 to raise money Flash forward, the to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. fundraiser started, and went to two organizations, both the idea of a fundraiser to SGA soon afterward I realized that giving humanitarian aid to and later reserved a table in the it needs to continue. Because Samuel Lerner Ukraine. People bought raffle lobby of the Commons. of that, I made arrangements tickets for $5 each for the chance My connection with Ukraine for a table to be set up for this Red & Black contributor to win one out of five Ukraine- started before this situation fundraiser for the next day and themed W&J T-shirts. came about. Many of my I emailed Dr. Dunn to see if we There are many dates that I This idea started to gain some ancestors were born in what is could combine ALD’s bake sale believe Washington & Jefferson ground when I asked the panel now Ukraine. Both of my mom’s for Ukraine humanitarian aid College holds near and dear, but on Mar. 3 about the situation in parents were born there along with my fundraiser. Thankfully, I propose a new date to add to Ukraine and about how we as with and my dad’s grandmother. it worked out. In total, the that list: Mar. 29, 2022. On that a campus could help improve My mom’s mother was my last fundraiser raised over $150 in date, this campus held its first the situation. I remember Dr. ancestor to be born in Ukraine proceeds which will be going to fundraiser, which was collecting Vdovichenko said that the best She was born on a different 29: humanitarian aid. I want to say humanitarian aid to send to thing to do would be to raise Jul. 30, 1929. For a long time, a big thank you to the Student Ukraine. The fundraiser was a funds for humanitarian aid. I was curious about her early Voting Coalition and Alpha Phi T-shirt raffle where the proceeds From there, I decided to present childhood home of Kamenets Omega for partnering with me.
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Former U.N. Official Matthew Hodes Offers Insight into Ukrainan Invasian To W&J Students power allows any permanent Security Council member like the United States, China Red & Black contributor or Russia to single-handedly stop any proposal made. He Washington & Jefferson responded that he has noticed College celebrated its annual that regional organizations have International Week which been filling in where the United kicked off on Apr. 11 with Nations is unable to and that Matthew Hodes, a U.S. Court the effectiveness of the United of Appeals Mediator for the Nations has declined to a similar 11th Circuit. He met with state as seen in the 1960s. several classes over the week When asked his opinion on and presented a keynote address the potential for mediation focusing on his time specializing between Ukraine and Russia, in conflict resolution in the Hodes responded that he did not believe that, currently, mediation would be effective there until there is a “mutually hurting stalemate,” when both sides believe that they cannot win. At his keynote, he said that the types of weapons that Ukraine requests provide insight into their view of the war’s status. Requesting equipment like tanks, which have greater capabilities to take territory rather than just hold off attacks with anti-tank missiles, would suggest they are preparing to go on the offensive. He notes these Courtesy Nickolas Bartel issues play into systems theory, where the April 11th, 2022 - Matthew Hodes speaks during International week at Washington & changing relationship Jefferson College in Washington, PA. Nickolas Bartel
United Nations. Hodes played a significant role in high-profile mediations such as in Sarajevo, Bosnia during the Bosnian war from 1992-1995. During his visit at W&J, he spent considerable time answering questions from students on topics ranging from the conflict today in Ukraine, media ethics in conflict zones and the impact of climate change on international conflict. Students asked Hodes about the impact of the veto power on the decline of the United Nations. The veto
of one group can impact another. Hodes pointed out that this theory is not exclusive to just those studying international relations. He continued that everyone plays a role in developing “the agenda of peace building,” saying that “there is not a[n] [academic] major in this room that doesn’t have the ability to contribute to the kind of work we’re talking about.” Hodes added that biologists can better explain “how those patterns of behavior exist in nature and apply that in a combat environment” or how psychologists will be able to help better explain “why Putin has decided to invade Ukraine.” In addition to working at the United Nations for over a decade, Hodes has had a diverse background from serving in the 82nd Airborne to becoming an attorney and public defender to advising former President Carter at the Carter Center. He noted that these opportunities often built on one another. With career opportunities for students available through faculty, Center for Professional Pathways and building on their own past experiences, these resources are ripe to be utilized. As global tension rises, the change can start local as young people like those at W&J set the standard of respecting everyone in our daily lives and promoting effective communication to promote a more peaceful future.
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W&J Experiences Delays In Student Payments Akansha Das Red & Black editor-in-chief W&J offers a multitude of jobs for students on campus. Work-study positions budgeted by the government and W&J are available for students to pay tuition. Stipends are offered to Resident Assistants and LINK Mentors serving as support systems to students on campus. Positions designed for students to gain experience are available in the Business Office, W&J Admissions Office, the Library, and other campus offices. Given the rising cost of tuition and growing burden of student loans, campus jobs can help students earn extra money and financially support themselves day-to-day. A 2018 Georgetown report found that 70% of college students hold a job with most college students working 1535 hours per week. While the number of students working full time has decreased over the years (from 40% in the 1980s to 26% in the early 2010s). Yet, data also shows that a decrease in working hours doesn’t indicate a more equitable playing field, as students who are low-income or identify as Black or Latinx are more likely to work longer hours than their peers while attending college. Despite these various opportunities to assist with cost, there have been observations regarding delays in payments
for W&J jobs among student workers and for Student Government Association (SGA)-funded events. A student who preferred to remain anonymous commented that while payment for their work study positions has been “reliable” if timesheets are turned in on time, the same cannot be said for all their campus jobs. “Link Mentors, for example, are not on a particular schedule, and it is at the discretion of our supervisor to submit payment information to the Business Office” they said over email correspondence. “On multiple occasions, we have been told that we would be paid by a certain time, but the actual check would be delivered significantly later than expected,” they said. Susan Smith from W&J’s Business Office’s Accounts Payable (AP) Department commented over email on reasons for such delays. She said these payments must be approved by a supervisor and sent to AP where it is then reviewed for correct account numbers and approval. An error in one of these processes may cause them to wait before processing and signing the check. “These are procedures we are required to follow by our auditing company,.” Smith said. Katie Hahn (‘22), The Red & Black’s manager of photography, also commented over email on receiving a delay in payment due
Courtesy Ava Smith
November 6th, 2021 - Ava Smith, featured right, helped to coordinate “the W&J Experience” event through her job with the Admissions Office.
to her manager of photography receive my last paycheck that position, especially over Spring was submitted on the 21st of break. March).” “...this semester my workstudy checks are almost always behind (it took 24 days to Story continues on page 7
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W&J Experiences Delays In Student Payments...ctd Dr. Stevie Berberick, W&J Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Faculty Advisor to the Red & Black explained supervisorrelated delays in payment. “This delay in payment could be because the supervisor has not approved the expenses. I admittedly have approved late. I don’t mean to, but I also cannot approve the timesheets early.” LeeAnn Spencer (who serves as the Payroll Manger at W&J’s Business Office) commented over email on how breaks affect student payments. “Payroll is not affected by breaks or time off,” Spencer said. “Pay dates will always be constant unless it falls on a weekend or holiday then it is moved to the previous business day.” Smith corroborated Spencer’s statement saying “there is always a check run, even when there are holidays. Check runs are on Wednesdays, however, modifications may be made due to holidays and when they fall.” Smith noted that the only exception is that there are no check runs between Christmas and New Year as the college is closed. However, workstudy payments are not the only instance where Hahn has experienced a delay in payment. “Last [Fall 2021] semester, there was a point in time when an approved check for my SGAfunded event was not approved by the Business Office without any notice to me and my other executive team members.” Hahn said. Smith responded saying
that check processing for SGAfunded events follows the same procedure as payroll, are handled by the Accounts Payable department, and pointed to her previous statement about the process followed being determined by the auditing company.
payment, I must make choices about what responsibilities [such as tuition, bills, organizational dues] I can actually take care of, which usually results in additional fees if I have to skip or submit a late payment,” said the anonymous student. Dr. Berberick expanded on
“When I have a delay in payment, I have to make choices about what responsibilities I can actually take care of...”
Courtesy Washington & Jefferson College
The Business Office is located on the bottom floor of Thompson Hall.
Both Hahn and the anonymous student expanded on the toll these delays have taken on their financial stability and personal stress. “My club was left without funding only two weeks before a massive event and we spent a lot of time trying to coordinate with the Business Office to fix the issue...in order to even host the event that we spent countless hours planning,.” Hahn said. “When I have a delay in
how they need to be careful with when they approve timesheets so students are paid adequately and in a timely manner. “...I once went in to approve the timesheet right away when I received the email that a student entered their hours. The student told me they were not done submitting hours for the pay period and asked me to revoke my approval.” Dr. Berberick said. “I try to wait until the 15th and 30th to approve...I have
noticed on multiple occasions that students also submit their timesheets late.” Hahn commented that the payments for the SGA-funded event the club was sponsoring was eventually “sorted out” without spending “much money out-of-pocket.” “The stress that it caused was a lot to deal with, especially as students.” added Hahn. When asked whether they had comments about the topic of delayed payments to student workers, Smith referred to the Business Office webpage which states: “For a check available Thursday after 3pm, you will need to have all your invoices, payment vouchers, etc. to the AP clerk by 5pm the previous Friday.” The website encourages students to verify all information is correct, and signatures and W-9 forms have been obtained and submitted. It is worth noting that not all students interviewed have noted experiencing delays in payment. “I myself have not experienced any unexplained delays on payment,” Jakerra Lance (‘22), who holds a position in the Business Office, said over email. Ultimately, Hahn noted that she didn’t feel she needed to reach out to the Business Office due to these delays and ended on a note of understanding. “I am already aware that the Business Office has been having a lot of issues with distributing funding through another position I held last semester” Hahn added.
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Event Review: Drag Queen Bingo who were hilarious, outgoing and entertaining. Participants played bingo and won big Red & Black contributor prizes, such as a Nintendo Switch and an Amazon Fire stick. The event was very enjoyable for students who could chat and meet with friends or win a prize. The Gay Straight Alliance also did a phenomenal job planning and picking out prizes that are useful - like a comforter set or polaroid camera. In addition to playing bingo, people were able to watch the drag queens perform, which was very impressive. They exuded confidence and talent as they performed to a couple famous songs in front of many students and faculty. Through this event, people were able to see drag queens in person and learn about the Courtesy Erin Jones art of drag. A drag queen is an A group of students pose with two drag star following the W&J GSA Drag Bingo individual who dresses up as a event that took place on April 9th, 2022 woman to entertain. Drag also allows people the ability to On Apr. 9, students at During this event, students express themselves to the fullest Washington & Jefferson had got to meet two drag queens and celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. Vaishnavi Peyyety
the exciting opportunity to participate in Drag Bingo, an event organized by W&J’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA).
In our society where people are forced to conform to the norm by dressing a certain way or only displaying characteristics of their biological sex, it is important to teach people about non-traditional experiences and perspectives to further progress as a community. The GSA has worked towards doing exactly that on our campus and provides a safe space for people to talk, gain advice, and learn. As someone who has attended GSA meetings before, I can confidently say that they are able to cultivate an accepting environment where students can bring up their experiences and concerns regarding selfexpression on campus. They also host fun events such as a “bring your own presentation” night where members can present something they are passionate about to the group. Drag bingo is just one of many events that students can attend to educate themselves and is a great stress reliever. Plus, who doesn’t like free stuff?
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Thank you to our staff! Red & Black Established 1909
Editor-in-Chief
Akansha Das
Diversity Staff Writer
Emree Downey
Social Media Manager
Grace Depaul
Manager of Photography
Katie Hahn
Website Design Manager
Raheem Clemons
Copy Editor
Denver Leslie
Faculty Advisor
Stevie Berberick, PhD
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W&J International Week Iftar Dinner Review
Courtesy Vaishnavi Peyyty
April 13th, 2022 - the Iftar Dinner hosted by the International Studies Department and the Coordinator of Community & Interfaith Programs, Casey Overton, featured meals from across the globe.
Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black contributor On Apr. 13, Washington & Jefferson College hosted an Iftar Dinner and lecture to celebrate Ramadan, a holy tradition in Islam. This event was coordinated by the International Studies department and Coordinator of Community & Interfaith Progreams Casey Overton. Many students who attended learned about why Ramadan is celebrated and ate delicious food - including kofta, dates, watermelon, naan, vegetables, tofu and baklava.
Dr. Buba Misawa also invited an Imam (a title for a leader at a mosque) who talked about this holy tradition. He described how Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims so that they can connect to God Allah. Essentially, in the Quran, Allah told Muslims that they must fast during this month according to the lunar calendar. They fast from sunrise to sunset; they can break their fast at 8 p.m. and continue eating before their first prayer in the morning. Most Muslims break their fast by eating dates or drinking water. The Imam also mentioned that if you fast for Ramadan you can
do anything, since it takes a great deal of patience and dedication to refrain from drinking water, eating food and partaking in sexual relations for this time period. It also helps people become more appreciative of what they have and makes the months that Ramadan is not celebrated all the more joyous. Several students asked questions about Ramadan, including one student who asked about the Imam’s most difficult experience with resisting food during the tradition. He recalled a time when his cousin offered him candy and he ate it, breaking his fast and feeling
guilty afterwards. The religious leader also talked about how Muslims can make up for days that they missed fasting. For example, women do not fast on their period, so they make up those days later on in the year. The last ten days of Ramadan are especially important, as Muslims engage in intense prayer from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The last and final celebration is Eid, where there is a huge feast to celebrate the end of the month of fasting and to spend time with loved ones. Overall, this event was very insightful and the food was fantastic!
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U.S. Abortions Becoming Increasingly Financially Inaccesible STEVIE GRAY Red & Black Contributor
Courtesy Gayatri Malhotra via Unsplash.com
2021 - A group of women protest the Senate Bill 8.
A continuous stream of anti-abortion policies has contributed to increasing financial obstacles to receiving safe medical procedures, including legislation such as Senate Bill 8 (S.B. 8) in Texas. S. B. 8 outlaws abortion procedures after cardiac activity is detected, which, for many patients, has been a devastating blow due to the significant amount of time that may pass before someone realizes they’re pregnant as well as the time it takes to obtain an abortion. Private insurance policies often do not cover abortion procedures, requiring that patients pay at least partially out of pocket, particularly in Texas. As such, many are unable to afford to immediately obtain an abortion and are forced to wait weeks or months in order to afford treatment. Thousands of Texans have been forced to travel out-of-state to obtain abortions and that number will only grow as voluntary financial support wavers or laws become stricter. S.B. 8 and similar legislation across the nation contributes to growing health disparities; It draws firm lines across the
boundaries of socioeconomic class, making it notably difficult if not outright impossible for people to obtain the care they need for the sake of their own health as well as that of others. Even prior to S.B. 8, high levels of financial hardships and patients traveling out of state to obtain abortions were reported, and this number has risen with the enforcement of this law. According to The New York Times, a large influx of monetary donations to abortion clinics and funds has been critical for the ability of patients to seek out medical care in response to legal adversity. This reliance on public fundraising for essential medical care is alarming yet exists in a normalized state of being within the United States. Increasing accessibility of medical care would require blatant political and economic support. In addition to decreasing out-of-pocket expenditures, an expansion of private health insurance policies as well as Medicaid would be necessary to ensure that medical care is accessible for everyone. While primarily thought of as an issue of public health, this issue extends beyond pregnancies to encompass broader economic concerns as well due to fluctuating incomes, spending and employment.
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Social Justice Studies at W&J: A New Program Katie Hahn Red & Black Manager of Photography
For all students, both newly admitted and rising in the ranks, there’s a new minor being added to the course catalog to expand your studies: Social Justice Studies (SJS). “Over the years of teaching at W&J we’ve come to realize that many students here on campus care passionately about social injustices and are invested in trying to remedy them,” said Dr. Olga Solovieva, associate professor and director of religious studies here at W&J. Dr. Solovieva, along with Dr. Jason Kilgore, associate professor of biology, spearheaded the initiative to implement the new program. The two recognized student passions across disciplines for social justice and began to formulate a comprehensive academic framework to allow students to study a wide range of social justice issues and create connections between theory and practice. What resulted was a program that spans 16 different disciplines, includes 50 different programs, and is contributed to by over 20 different professors.
Courtesy Erin Jones
April 11th, 2022 - The student and alumni panel shared their experiences with social justice during International Week at W&J.
To complete the minor, students are expected to complete five courses (20 total credits) that cover at least three different disciplines. Within these five courses, students must take one core course and four electives, all of which can be found on the SJS page on Mywj.washjeff. edu. Students are also expected to complete an experiential learning project requirement, which can be satisfied with an independent student, internship, research project, or an experience of similar caliber approved by the program coordinator. During the International Week events hosted on campus this past month, student and alumni panelists presented under the advisement of Dr. Solovieva and Dr. Kilgore discussed the importance of a commitment to social justice, intercultural understanding, and interfaith cooperation.
The presentation, titled “Social Justice in a Diverse World: Student Experiences and Perspectives,” demonstrated this passion that Dr. Solovieva points out. “Our students and graduates are committed to making this world a better place, and feel that academic training and community engagement opportunities they have received at W&J can make them more effective contributors to this challenging project,” she said. Shayla Watkins, the first student graduating with the SJS minor, was one of these panelists. Watkins has always had a passion for humanitarian aid and shared her experience participating in a summer AmeriCorps KEYS program assisting children in low-income school districts in the area, as well as her virtual experience with the School of International Training.
“This minor not only emphasizes social justice and your role in that if you’re interested in that but it also forces you to take classes from so many different disciplines that you’re able to open your perspective beyond just the means of social justice,” said Watkins. “It’s applicable to anything - professionally and academically.” Watkins explained that even students who may not be interested in completing this program in its entirety should still look into these particular courses, as they represent a lot of strong core values. Dr. Solovieva offered a similar perspective. “The SJS minor would pair well with many majors, and would be a good fit for students seeking a career in any field requiring them to work closely with other people or work on policies and projects benefitting communities and individuals,” she explained. For more information regarding course requirements and affiliated courses, students can visit the SJS pages of the 2022-2023 course catalog and MyW&J. Students are also invited to reach out to the program coordinators, Dr. Solovieva and Dr. Jason Kilgore, with any other questions.
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Alabama Restricts Healthcare For Transgender Teens Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black contributor Recently, Alabama lawmakers have criminalized providing medical care for transgender people, with the consequence of up to 10 years in prison for doctors and nurses. In the past, conservative lawmakers have approved a number of bills including legislation that limits gender-affirming care, restricts lessons on gender and sexuality in the education system and stops transgender students from participating in sports. In several states, laws were passed to require “students to use restrooms and locker rooms for the sex listed on their original birth certificates”1. However, this new bill is even more discriminatory, preventing physicians from prescribing hormones, puberty-blocking medication or gender-related surgeries. While Alabama lawmakers were debating this situation, many individuals shared emotional testimonies about their experiences with doctors and nurses who saved their lives and therefore should not be punished for helping people express themselves. Various anti-transgender laws have also been enacted in Idaho, Texas, and Florida. Though
other states have similar bills that stop doctors and nurses from providing gender-affirming care, none of these bills have been so far-reaching as to make it a felony-level offense. People who support this legislation believe that it will keep their children safe because parents and children may not “comprehend and fully appreciate the risk and life implications, including permanent sterility, that result from the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures”1.
Advocates for the transgender community and medical establishments are highly against this legislation and argue that this legislation will “endanger children who are already vulnerable as they struggle with their gender identity”1. These laws may also drive people away from living in these states because struggling with gender identity is emotionally taxing and having to deal with that along with a community that is unsupportive of their transition is even more difficult.
Courtesy iStock.com
The Healthcare symbol in the US.
References 1 Rojas, Rick, and Tariro Mzezewa. “Alabama Lawmakers Approve Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth.” The New York Times, 7 Apr. 2022.
Courtesy Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash.com
The Transgender flag, shown above, is a symbol of transgender pride.
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Red & Black
Proposal To Reduce Insulin Prices Passes The House VAISHNAVI PEYYETY RED & BLACK CONTRIBUTOR
Around 37.3 million individuals in the United States struggle with diabetes mellitus, a condition that takes extensive care and expensive medication to treat. Therefore, a bipartisan effort in the Senate to enact legislation to help people afford insulin is looking promising.
In comparison to other countries, Americans pay ten times more for insulin, which is why legislation in the past was aimed towards rolling insulin costs back. Following a vote by the House that limits out-of pocket insulin costs with insurance to $35 a month, senators are working towards finding a compromise that will further reduce insulin prices. This bill aims to bring down prices that pharmaceutical companies charge which will make it easier
In comparison to other countries, Americans pay ten times more for insulin, which is why legislation in the past was aimed towards rolling insulin costs back. for diabetes patients to afford medication. According to a poll, greater than half of the public sees this idea as a “top priority” for Congress1.
Courtesy Pixabay.com
Diabetes meelitus is a condition that affects 37.3 million inividuals in the US - Bipartisan efforts in the United States Senate are currently being made to lower insulin prices in the US.
Nevertheless, tensions are high between the Democratic and Republican parties, so a bill sponsored by our Democratic president may not get enough Republican votes in the Senate. However, this new bill is centered around the concept of a cap on outof-pocket costs which should draw more votes. Opponents of this legislation believe that the “burden of paying for the insulin [shifts] off of the shoulders of insured insulin users, and shifts it on to the rest of all of us who are paying insurance premiums”1. They also believe the uninsured would not benefit from this bill as it aims at easing the tension of Medicare and insured patients. Thus far, this bill has received only 50 votes and 60 votes are necessary to pass legislation. Many Republican representatives are wary that this is a Democratic stunt and are thus hesitant to vote for it. Either way, this legislation could impact many lives and can allow people from low income backgrounds greater access to necessary and life-saving medication. Footnotes: 1 McAuliff, Michael. “Insulin Copay Cap Passes House Hurdle, but Senate Looks for a Broader Bill.” Kaiser Health News, 4 Apr. 2022, khn.org/news/ article/insulin-copay-cap-passeshouse-hurdle-but-senate-looks-for-a-
3 may 2022
Red & Black
current events 15
Disparities Peresist in Boston’s Asthma Response Vaishnavi Peyyety Red & Black contributor
A new research paper has brought light to the issue of how asthma is more likely to develop in people living in poorer, more racially diverse neighborhoods
Courtesy Luci via pexels.com
A new research paper shows that asthma is more likely to develop in those living in poorer neighbors in Boston.
of Boston than in whiter areas. Asthma is an ailment that causes difficulty breathing and is a common condition among young people in our nation. The research paper, published in a journal titled Health Affairs, found that when complaints were made about mold, pest infestations and other housing issues, the City Hall’s responses were “significantly slower, more frequently overdue, and less likely to result in a repair, in both racially diverse and low-income neighborhoods of Boston” (Staff et al.).
When filing a complaint, the wait time for those living in more diverse neighborhoods was about three and a half days longer than in whiter neighborhoods. Adam Haber, who worked on this study, believes that the “working class and people of color are exposed to higher risks for respiratory disease, particularly allergens in the home”1 Nevertheless, these housing issues are either overlooked or ignored by the government in Boston. He also mentions how these findings point to the deep rooted problem of structural racism in the city. Haber states that “the regulatory system isn’t doing enough to correct the legacy of institutional racism [that] is still driving health outcomes”(Staff
et al.). Alarmingly, because “marginalized communities can be reluctant to report even when conditions are dangerous,” this issue can be more widespread than predicted.
Boston has worked towards improving housing conditions, though. This is especially important as better housing can lead to better respiratory outcomes. When this problem is not taken seriously, its effects can accumulate and lead to health outcomes that are more serious than asthma. The government has passed a proactive rental inspection ordinance which ensures greater safety of the tenants and many other helpful policies. However, researchers suggest that these systems need to be stronger to better protect the wellbeing of tenants and the general Boston population. References: 1 Staff, Danny McDonald Globe, et al. “Research Finds Stark Racial Disparities in How Boston Responds to Unhealthy Conditions That Trigger Asthma - the Boston Globe.” BostonGlobe.com, www. bostonglobe.com/2022/04/11/ metro/research-finds-starkracialdisparities-howboston-responds-unhealthyconditions-that-triggerasthma/. Accessed 14 Apr. 2022.
16 Opinions
3 may 2022
opinions Red & Black
Letter To The Editor: Petitions & Power Kevin Carriere, MPP, PhD W&J assisstant professor of psychology
Petitions when well organized build POWER. If you’re thinking about starting a petition, use this quick mnemonic device to ensure that you are utilizing your POWER appropriately “to cultivate the active participation of community members in decision-making to ensure the success of the College” -- to make change.
Petitions are Personal You, dear reader, are an identifiable member of the
Washington & Jefferson Community. Anonymous, we falter. “Together, we thrive”. We need real names on petitions (with graduation years) to be sure that the petition is not a movement concocted by internet trolls. Connected with this, petitions are best delivered personally. 1. Handing over a nicely typeset letter with fifty signatories in person, filming you and your group’s march across campus live on Instagram will always be more impactful than to have some weblink to pass around. 2. You can ignore a link. 3. You cannot ignore someone in front of you. Petitions build you power.
Petitions are On Target and On Message
do I not have any power over the bird, but we are also now all much more interested in the A good petition identifies bird than the difficulty of my not just the receiver, but also class. You’ve lost your audience who has the power to make and your message. Petitions that change. To lobby your build you power. psychology professor to move the exam deadline, you do not Petitions are Well Cited go to your history professor. If you are going to make any Once we’ve identified who is claim, never mind multiple receiving your petition, you serious and defamatory claims, want to focus your efforts on each claim needs to be justified clear, targeted grievances.4 If with citations. National you want to complain that my statistics, stories from the class has increased in difficulty Red and Black, peer reviewed every week, do not also talk research, think tanks, examples about the rainbow bird outside from peer institutions, motions your window that wakes you from the Student Government up in the morning. Not only Association, words on our
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. 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. Letters may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the
C ontac t author’s name, campus box and telephone number. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@washjeff.edu.
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3 may 2022
Opinions 17
Red & Black
Letter To The Editor: Petitions & Power
only does it show the reader that you have done your research, but it also places your target at W&J assisstant professor of risk of contradicting themselves. psychology Website - all are ways to back up (Homework: Identify the three your claims. Without evidence, times I’ve use College slogans). you only hurt, defame, and Petitions build you power. disparage the thing you claim Petitions are Escalatory to love and want to improve. Imagine we want no more Without evidence, you fail in final exams. You might want your “mission to be ethical leaders” and belittle your to ask faculty to hold open office hours to hear student movement. These citations are not just complaints, hold a studentfor why we’re upset, but they moderated town hall, outline are also for why change needs clear changes to the curriculum, to occur. We have values here. and more. Depending on your If your petition doesn’t have the audience, you might call for a words “Together We Thrive”, maximum number of exams, studentyou have missed the mark. led walkouts during exam time, or Draw on mission statements, on a requirement that for every exam vision statements, on our five- given, a faculty member must year strategic plans (and the sit an exam of their fellow strategic plans before that). Not colleague. Each demand within Kevin Carriere, MPP, PhD
Without evidence, you only hurt, defame, and disparage the thing you claim to love and want to improve. @rednblackwj
the petition moves towards your end goal (no more finals), while also giving you ammunition to claim that you tried to achieve compromise. If they act, you have shown how your action makes change. If they do not, they clearly continue to ignore our (reasonable) demands and that necessitates further actions. Both ways, you win. Petitions build you power.
Petitions Are Reactive Finally, your grievances need to have a context. Did something happen recently on campus? Was a statement made, or a policy proposed? Did news break about a topic? Was there recently a national conversation about something? That is, protesting needs to be reactive to current ongoings not hypothetical changes based on rumors and fear. The context under which the petition occurs helps others understand and identify with the movement. If the petition has no identifiable
context, it may come off less like a well-meaning grievance and more like a hearty late night weekend discussion over one too many libations at the local pub.
POWER is not easy. Build your power. But build it well and build it meaningfully. Following these steps is not easy. But improving the things you love is not easy either. Every person on this campus wants us to thrive. Changing who is on campus will not change your ability to thrive. Think about the change you want - not the figureheads, not the leadership - but the actionable changes we could make for the next generation. You are the leadership. You are the figureheads for change. Find where that change is, and act on it with personal, on message, well cited, escalatory and reactive actions. Build your power.
The Red & Black to hear from you! Want to write a letter to the editor?
@rednblackWJ Reach out to us at redandblackstaff@washjeff.edu, or send us a message on social media!
@wjrednblack
18 student features
Red & Black
3 may 2022
Reoccuring Event!
Professional Pathways Pop-Up Time & Location: Every Wednesday of the semester 11am-1pm The Commons Lobby
Description: Have a quick question for the Center for Professional Pathways team? Meet up with us during our pop-up in the Commons every Wednesday from 11am1pm during the semester. Find our table and stop by to chat with Jami Klingensmith or Rachel Stalker to answer your career related questions.
Student feature 19
student feature
3 May 2022
Red & Black
Dr. Nicholas Maradin: Doing Things The Non-Conventional Way Taylor Newton & Nakota Blackelk-noel Red & Black Contributors After some time, Dr. Nicholas Maradin III found that teaching was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life. However, his way to becoming a professor was extremely non-conventional. Maradin grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania. He was in the College in High School program his junior year which led him to apply to the University of Pittsburgh his senior year, where he earned a degree in communications. During his junior year at Pitt, he received a Brackenridge Fellowship, which inspired him to apply to the University of Pittsburgh’s Ph.D. program, but he was not accepted. He then applied for a oneyear M.A. program in English and rhetoric through Carnegie Mellon University. Once he completed the M.A. program at Carnegie Mellon University, he reapplied to the University of Pittsburgh’s Ph.D. program for communication and rhetoric and this time was accepted immediately. Since day one, he worked
part-time in a visiting position to start off his Ph.D. program. After his visiting position ended, he applied to teach public speaking at Washington and Jefferson College. “I think that’s when I realized that teaching at a college is the greatest job. It’s creative, flexible, and different every time, and I realize that I liked it,” Dr. Maradin said. “I think I was good at it, and now I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Maradin said that communication arts are very interdisciplinary and that there are multiple connections to be made no matter what you choose to do in the field but was unsure of where a future in this field would take him. Maradin went through his high school and college careers without holding an internship, which is extremely uncommon in today’s day and age. Colleges now have students applying for internships during their freshman year. Maradin says, “I still tell students to look for internships and think about what you want to do because it doesn’t work for everybody that way.”
Courtesy Washington & Jefferson College
Professor Nicholas Maradin, Ph.D. moderates the Conflict & Resolution Studies Panel during the afternoon breakout sessions of the 2022 Symposium on Democracy February 23, 2022 in the Howard J. Burnett Center on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa
20 sports
Red & Black
3 may 2022
Last Week’s Scores April 23:
W&J Women’s Water Polo @ Grove City: 9-10 L
April 24:
W&J Men’s Tennis vs. Waynesburg: 2-7 L
April 28:
Courtesy Sarah Dudick via Washington & Jefferson College
April 28th, 2022 -W&J Women’s softball players, Kasey Scears (left), and Sarah Labbe (right) cheer during their game against Franciscan.
W&J Women’s Softball vs. Franciscan: 4-2 W W&J Women’s Softball vs. Franciscan: 9-1 W
Next Week’s Games May 4: W&J Women’s Lacrosse PAC Semifinals
Courtesy Sarah Dudick via Washington & Jefferson College
April 24th, 2022 - Nolan Rherig competes during the W&J men’s tennis match against Geneva College.
May 7: W&J Men’s Baseball at Westministe: 1pm W&J Men’s Baseball at Westminister: 3:30pm W&J Men & Women’s Track & Field at WVU W&J Women’s Lacrosse PAC Championship Courtesy Sarah Dudick via Washington & Jefferson College
April 23th, 2022 - Sydney Neumann holds the ball during the W&J Women’s Waterpolo team’s last game against Grove City
