Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 Vol. 134 No. 21 by The Rocky Mountain Collegian

RailJam returns to highlight student snow athletics

Story by Sophia Masia, Photo by Ava Puglisi

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Robin Rothfeder, a professor in the natural resources department at Colorado State University, stands with his didgeridoo Feb. 16. He occasionally surprises his students with a spontaneous performance. “The didgeridoo is a traditional Australian Indigenous instrument,” Rothfeder said while teaching his NR 320 class. “I started teaching myself at age 18. This is the one I keep in my office.”

BY DARYN WHITMOYER THE COLLEGIAN

This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. Approximately 59% of Rocky Mountain Student Media Corp’s income is provided by the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) for the purpose of fostering student careers post-college and greater campus awareness and engagement. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 3,000-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum and is printed on paper made of 30% postconsumer waste. It publishes every Thursday during the regular fall and spring semesters. TheCollegian publishes online Monday through Thursday. Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The first copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each.

CORRECTIONS

Everybody makes mistakes, including us. If you encounter something in the paper you believe to be an error, please contact us at: copy@collegian.com. Lory Student Center, Suite 118

Allie Seibel | Editor in Chief editor@collegian.com

Hannah Parcells | Managing Editor managingeditor@collegian.com

Claire Vogl | Executive Editor copy@collegian.com

Will Engle | Copy Chief copy@collegian.com

Nathan Carmody | Print Director design@collegian.com

Trin Bonner | Illustration Editor design@collegian.com

Aubree Miller | News Editor news@collegian.com

FOCO EVENTS

Love on the Rocks at FoCo Cafe 6-8 p.m. Feb. 21

Pandamonium! 2025 at Horse & Dragon Brewing Company 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 22

Huaxing Chinese New Year Celebration at Huaxing Chinese School 2-5 p.m. Feb. 23

Students demand CSU become sanctuary campus for undocumented peers

By Aubree Miller @aubreem07

Following recent executive orders by President Donald Trump’s administration, deportation has become an ever-growing fear among the undocumented community.

Colorado State University student activists gathered Thursday, Feb. 13, to march for the safety and rights of undocumented students.

CSU’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America organized the march and delivered a petition that collected over 3,000 signatures. The petition, which was posted around campus for around two weeks, demanded that CSU be declared a sanctuary school, meaning Immigration and Customs Enforcement would be unable to enforce policies on CSU’s campus.

Before delivering the petition to the administration building, organizers and attendees gathered on the Lory Student Center Plaza for chants, introductions and discussion of safety information. Many protesters carried signs with phrases such as, “Immigrants built our community,” “Education not deportation” and “Stand for your students CSU,” among others.

CSU student Michael May is the co-chair of CSU’s YDSA chapter and discussed the purpose of the day’s demonstration.

“The student body wants more than empty promises; we demand safety, we demand protection and we demand action.”

“The school must provide all professors, administrators, CSU (Police Department) and other staff with training on how to respond to ICE personnel who are requesting information about CSU students and/or attempting to enter CSU property,” the petition reads. “CSU should refuse ICE personnel access into any part of CSU not accessible to the general public without a judicial warrant signed by a neutral judge or magistrate.”

CSU

STUDENT AND DEMONSTRATOR

“We’ve been trying to show President Parsons that this is a serious issue for students, and today’s showing out really does show that,” May said.

May went on to describe the larger purpose of YDSA and its goal of supporting and representing marginalized students across campus, particularly under the Trump administration.

“We hope to see a better future for all,” May said.

Following the Trump administration’s executive orders, CSU launched a new website that details university guidelines and updates. The site went out via email Feb. 8, and some see it as a good first step on behalf of the university but not as concrete action.

Before the petition was brought inside the Administration Building, students and community members gave speeches, some calling for action from CSU. Some speakers provided names and some did not for privacy reasons.

respectively. Offices such as Student Legal Services and the Associated Students of CSU have been passing out “Know Your Rights” cards to those who need or want them.

“The student body wants more than empty promises; we demand safety, we demand protection and we demand action,” an unidentified student said. “Do not just visit (Cultural Resource Centers) for the pictures, but to actually take time to listen, look (students) in the eyes and tell them their future matters because right now your actions are saying otherwise.”

Officers from CSUPD were present on The Oval, but none appeared to approach protesters.

Among demands from students and YDSA were that professors and faculty be informed of the rights of undocumented students and know what rights the Fourth and Fifth amendments protect — protection from unreasonable search and seizure and protection against self-

Recent executive orders from the federal government have resulted in ICE raids in the Denver metropolitan area, according to local news organizations.

Student Manuel Marquez-Avalos shared his concerns in light of recent immigration raids.

“It’s been a very scary time, especially from the community that I come from,” Marquez-Avalos said.

“There was an ICE raid just across the street from where I live, and there’s a lot of uncertainty.”

Yoseline Rivera, a student and community activist, spoke about the disproportionate treatment of undocumented individuals and how that shows up in everyday interactions.

“I also have another story where one undocumented individual was driving five (mph) over the speed

and he was actually deported because of that,” Rivera said.“Why is it that (undocumented people) are the only ones being targeted?”

Following the litany of executive orders signed by Trump in his first few days in office, many immigration rights advocates are scrambling to figure out how to move forward. However, organizations such as the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition are starting by spreading awareness and information. They also offer legal support, ICE resistance information and federal immigration reform efforts.

Demonstrators emphasized that their goal is ongoing and will continue to be a focus until everyone is safe on CSU’s campus. Rivera pointed out the variety of resources available, both on and off campus.

“If our community can come together as one and unite, we will be unstoppable,” Rivera said.

Reach Aubree Miller at news@collegian.com.

1. Students protest current federal immigration policies and demand Colorado State University protect undocumented students Feb. 13. “My family came to this country in search of a better life and wanted one thing for their children: a world where we can pursue happiness without worrying about the color of our skin or the country of our birth,” an anonymous student said while giving a speech to the crowd. PHOTO BY ABIGAIL BURNS THE COLLEGIAN

2. Ella Smith stands in solidarity with fellow students, holding a sign that reads: “Education, not violent deportation” Feb. 13. “I have family members who survived the Holocaust,” Smith said. “I grew up learning about it for years. What I am seeing here is a direct parallel.” PHOTO BY ABIGAIL BURNS THE COLLEGIAN

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

President Amy Parsons reflects on time at CSU, mission moving forward

By Sam Hutton & Aubree Miller @csucollegian

Now entering her third year in office, Colorado State University

President Amy Parsons took time to sit down with The Collegian Monday to reflect on her tenure thus far and look toward the next 150 years of CSU education.

Operating as the university’s 16th president since February 2023, Parsons has overseen campus redevelopments, staff reshuffling and university emergencies, in addition to the president’s day-to-day responsibilities. Parsons first commended her executive team for their efforts to continue improving the CSU experience for students and solidify the university as a top land-grant institution.

“I’m so proud of this team,” Parsons said. “I would put our team up against just about anybody in the country. I really feel like now, coming into our third year, everybody’s really coming together as a team and we’re really aligned on our mission, our goals and what we want to do with CSU.”

Parsons added that her lengthy experience within the CSU system — both as a former student and current administrator — contributes to her belief in the

CSU mission and has allowed her to make progress in her new position. Parsons said she hopes to continue placing students at the center of her approach to university leadership, evidenced by her frequent visits to campus hubs and student events.

Parsons said her student experience remains fundamentally intact for students today, with her commitment to bettering student lives and personal connection to the university only strengthened by her appointment as president.

“I found that I still feel that way I felt when I was a student here — luckily that hasn’t changed,” Parsons said. “But then you look around, and the physical infrastructure of CSU is always changing. ... We’ve got these great new developments on campus, and CSU just continues to raise the bar academically in research.”

During her time as president of the university, Parsons said she has kept her ultimate goal the same: success of students and faculty.

“My No. 1 priority is always student success; I don’t think that’ll ever change,” Parsons said. “That goal should never change, right, being accessible and not just accessible to anything, but accessible to excellence.”

Another aspect of maintaining student success is not just prioritizing student excellence but addressing how that excellence is measured and how it changes over time.

“Access, of course, is always making sure that students are supported in coming to CSU, keeping tuition affordable, packaging financial aid properly (and) reaching out to students so they have all the information they need to come to CSU,” Parsons said.

“There’s nothing more important than culture all around the university. People want to come to work in a place where they know they are respected and where they know they’re going to be supported and heard.”

AMY PARSONS CSU PRESIDENT

Beyond committing to CSU is how students finish their time at the university and carry that success into their lives after graduation. Parsons also highlighted alumni relations and the lifecycle of student and faculty success, along with

CSU’s status as a Carnegie R1 institution.

“You’re able to be in the classroom with people who are at the top of their game, who are at, you know, the leading edge of their field, doing research in cutting-edge areas,” Parsons said. “We never want to back away from that. ... We’ve been here for more than 150 years, and we will continue to be here for another 150 years.”

A focus of Parsons’ presidency has been her engagement with students and the time she spends interacting with different sectors of CSU’s campus community. A large part of the job is shining a light on students, Parsons said.

“You can shine a light on all these different pockets of the university and all of these different things that are happening there, and that’s my job: ... to shine a light on the great work of the students all around and the student life that we have here,” Parsons said.

CSU’s Principles of Community set the foundation for the university’s mission and everyday operations, both for students and administrators. Parsons said the culture of CSU is embodied by the Principles of Community.

“There’s nothing more important than culture all around the university,” Parsons said. “People want to come to work in a place where they

know they are respected and where they know they’re going to be supported and heard.”

Parsons emphasized the importance of respect and how integral it is to CSU as a place of work and education.

“If you don’t bring that respect to each other, then this is not the place for you,” Parsons said.

“There’s just nothing more important than culture, so I think the Principles of Community really set the culture. It sets the tone for how we expect people to treat each other.”

Reach Sam Hutton and Aubree Miller at news@collegian.com.

Colorado State University President Amy Parsons poses for a photo on the steps of the Administration Building Feb. 17. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

EXECUTIVE INFLUENCE

Federal actions raise funding concerns for CSU, nationwide academic research

By Claire VanDeventer @csucollegian

In recent weeks, students and faculty at Colorado State University have been hit by a flurry of federal actions taken by President Donald Trump and his administration, many of which have raised concerns over the allocation of federal financial assistance, including programs, grants and loans. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget Jan. 27 temporarily froze federal funding to align with the new administration’s efforts to downsize federal agencies.

However, the freeze was rescinded after U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan blocked the order.

On Jan. 20, Trump also signed an executive order titled, “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” The order called for the termination of diversity, equity and inclusion programs as well as the elimination of environmental justice offices and positions.

While this is a rapidly evolving situation with significant uncertainty, students and faculty have begun to voice their concerns surrounding the potential implications of these actions on federal grants given to CSU for research and advancement efforts.

CSU is recognized as a Carnegie R1 institution, reflecting its high level of research activity in critical fields like cancer research, animal science, climate change, forest and wildlife management, engineering and more. Furthermore, CSU is recognized globally as one of the most sustainable universities, underscoring its commitment to providing a top-tier education for students focused on sustainability.

Giovanna Paterno, a CSU senior studying natural resources management and conservation biology, expressed her increasing concerns about the future of research at CSU and her career prospects in sustainability given the potential impact of federal actions on sustainability efforts.

“There’s so much high anxiety in our classrooms right now, and our teachers don’t know how to navigate that because it’s political,” Paterno said. “It’s not political for us. It’s our life; it’s our livelihood; it’s what we’ve just dedicated $100,000 and four years to.”

Paterno also described how her capstone class and research for her major have been impeded by website blockages, particularly those restricting access to environmental and agricultural information, such as resources from the United States Forest Service.

“My group is focusing on silver trident, which is by Winter Park in Colorado,” Paterno said. “We have a bunch of

different goals, some of them being wildlife management of specific habitats there as well as trying to prevent a huge fire from coming through again like we’ve seen. We’ve just been struggling to get access to data that we need. You look up really anything in USFS that would be beneficial to our project, and it’s blocked. It’s super frustrating.”

In response to students like Paterno, along with faculty at CSU who have been growing increasingly concerned over the impact of federal actions, the university administration has addressed the wider CSU community.

On Feb. 3, Cassandra Moseley, the vice president for research at CSU, emailed colleagues with updated guidance on federally funded grants, agreements and contracts. The message specifically informed faculty that all research activities were to resume.

“Work on federally funded awards may resume if activities had been stopped due to the executive orders and related stop-work orders,” Mosely said.

“For the time being, this includes work involving DEIA — diversity, equity, inclusion and access — activities.”

Additionally, CSU President Amy Parsons also sent an email Feb. 8 to address concerns voiced by students and faculty surrounding research and the over $436 million in federal funding that CSU receives each year for research and student programs.

“At CSU, our goal is to support impacted members of our Ram community and to ensure the integrity of our research and academic enterprises while maintaining compliance with the law, which in some cases means awaiting judicial review of legal challenges,” the email reads.

The email also included the announcement of a new website containing information and updates on federal actions and the potential impacts on the university community. This website will be updated regularly to reflect changes in federal policy and guidance.

Associate Professor Matthew Hitt, who teaches American government and politics at CSU, explained how the current uncertainty surrounding federal funding is closely tied to the ongoing debate about the limits of executive orders within the president’s constitutional authority.

“It is very clear from the written text of the Constitution that the legislative branch, Congress, is in power to tax and spend,” Hitt said. “There’s always been this sort of tension over how much latitude does the president get in their executive orders and at what point do they start encroaching on the constitutionally defined powers of Congress.”

Reach Claire VanDeventer at news@collegian.com.

The Colorado State University Administration Building sits against the sun Nov. 17, 2021. PHOTO BY GARRETT MOGEL THE COLLEGIAN

INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

CSU students discuss Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement

By Laila Shekarchian @csucollegian

After 15 months of war, death, destruction and months of negotiations led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, Israel and Hamas have announced a ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire was announced Jan. 15 and began Jan. 19. The agreement is based on one initially proposed by former President Joe Biden last May and is said to roll out in three phases.

During the initial stage, Israeli hostages were exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli forces were to pull out of areas in Gaza strip, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Sixteen days after the initial stage began, officials began negotiating terms for the second stage of the ceasefire. Negotiations included discussion of a permanent ceasefire, releasing remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, returning the remains of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza. As of now, the agreement has remained intact as negotiations continue.

The agreement has sparked a range of reactions among CSU students, with many expressing hope, skepticism and frustration. Student activists and community members involved in campus discussions and demonstrations shared their perspectives on what the ceasefire means and how it has impacted conversations about Palestine and Israel at CSU.

For many students, the ceasefire feels like a temporary pause rather than a step toward long-term peace.

A CSU student of Palestinian origin, who wished to remain anonymous,

described their initial reaction to the agreement.

“I was glad that many lives are going to be saved hopefully, and that the Gazans can finally get some peace to the grief, go back to their houses and start to rebuild their home,” the student said. “I don’t believe that this is going to be the end of it as long as the occupation lasts and keeps violating the agreements.”

Although they want to remain optimistic, the student went on to discuss their personal experiences as a Palestinian and how their perspective differs from those who have not been personally impacted by the conflict.

“As someone who actually experienced this in real life, not only the news, I could see that the peace will not last long with all the new changes in various (Israeli) policies, ... including settlement expansion and legal frameworks,” the student said.

“The use of ‘Judea and Samaria’ instead of ‘West Bank’ is seen as part of these efforts to reinforce Israeli claims in the region.”

The student is referring to a proposal by Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney, who represents New York’s 24th District, to require all official United States documents to use the term “Judea and Samaria” rather than “West Bank” when referring to the region.

Jay Bates Domenech, another CSU student involved in activism on campus, shared a similar perspective, arguing that the ceasefire does not address the root of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which goes back to the creation of the Israeli state in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were ethnically cleansed and displaced from their homes. The event is now known as the Nakba and marks the day Zionist forces captured 78% of historic Palestine.

Bates Domenech said real progress toward peace will require systemic change.

“I honestly think the ceasefire is an

empty promise that has happened over and over again, so I don’t think this is a true step to peace. Even if Israel is saying they won’t be actively murdering people, they still have an apartheid over Palestine,” Bates Domenech said. “Freedom for Palestine means land back for Palestine, and a two-state solution cannot exist for Palestine to be free.”

The ceasefire has reignited conversations about Palestine at CSU, particularly within activist circles.

Ella Smith, a student organizer for Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, noted that discussions have primarily taken place behind closed doors due to safety concerns as a result of President Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at pro-Palestinian activists to combat anti-Semitism.

“I’ve noticed a lot of discussions (about the ceasefire); I’ve been involved with them,” Smith said. “A lot of them have been kept personal and private for safety, especially with the administration. Donald Trump has said that he is willing to cancel student visas for international students and that he has even discussed deporting students who are ‘pro-Hamas,’ which I want to be very clear is not what Students for Justice in Palestine is. We’re in support of the liberation of Palestine from the oppressive regime of Israel.”

Smith, who is a Jewish individual, expressed frustration with how mainstream media has framed the agreement and made the point that this is not a permanent ceasefire.

“A lot of individuals I have been in contact with have expressed disappointment, especially in the way that it has been covered by the media,” Smith said. “Not only the way it’s been covered by the media, but in the fact that this is not a ceasefire, and that although we have continued our activism in support of liberation of Palestinian people, that this

is like a half step forward and three steps back kind of situation for us.”

While student activists have been vocal, several students have pointed out that much of the CSU community remains disengaged or uninformed.

“I don’t think that the general population of CSU is well informed about the situation,” Smith said. “I think that there is a group of students who are well informed. I think a lot of students who are involved in activist spaces are well informed. I don’t think that students have all of the information, and I think it’s incredibly difficult to be able to get all the information, especially with all of the censoring of information we’re seeing right now.”

Haydin Johnson, another CSU student, believes that social media algorithms contribute to the lack of awareness regarding the situation, and students have a responsibility to actively seek out accurate information.

“I think in this age of media, it is easy to get lost in our echo chambers,” Johnson said. “Our algorithms show us only what we want to see, and it makes ignoring the truth and atrociousness of the conflict more palatable. We have to, as a student body, seek out the truth, evaluate our own feelings and values towards them and make judgments based on that.”

Despite frustrations, many CSU students remain committed to advocacy, education and the importance of solidarity when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The people in Gaza may be far away from us geographically, but their humanness is no different from ours,” Johnson said. “They share this one planet with us, and attacks on one human are an attack on us all.”

Reach Laila Shekarchian at news @collegian.com.

A Palestinian flag flies during a freedom for Palestine protest along College Avenue Oct. 13, 2023.

PHOTO BY GARRETT MOGEL THE COLLEGIAN

SHREDDING GNAR

RailJam returns to highlight student snow athletics

By Sophia Masia @csucollegian

Music pounded through the cold air and the bass rattled in students’ chests as they huddled together around the massive snow-covered setup on the Lory Student Center’s West Lawn. It’s not just another campus event, it’s RailJam — bigger, louder and here to stay.

RailJam is an annual event hosted by the Associated Students of Colorado State University in partnership with the CSU Snowriders Club that transforms campus into a high-energy ski and snowboard competition. After multiple years of inactivity, the event was revived after ASCSU President Nick DeSalvo vowed to bring the event back during his campaign. Last year was the first in over a decade, setting the stage for what is quickly becoming a new tradition.

“Last year was all about laying the groundwork,” said Judah Weir, ASCSU’s co-deputy director of traditions. “This year, that foundation was already there so we could focus on growing the event. Snowriders were great partners to work with because of my personal lack of experience with skiing, (so) they were able to bring a lot of the knowledge and fun to the event.”

Held Feb. 13, RailJam brought together skiers, snowboarders and an enthusiastic crowd to celebrate campus ski culture. Riders took turns hitting the custom-built course, performing tricks for spectators to watch.

“Having RailJam back for a second year has been amazing,” said Alexa Torstenson, CSU Snowriders’ marketing

and social media manager. “It’s such an intense event to put on, but seeing how the school receives it makes the whole process worthwhile. We even had snow on the ground this year.”

Now in its second year since its revival, RailJam was at risk of the sophomore slump. But if the roaring crowd and fierce competition are any indication, RailJam 2025 delivered, with more competitors, bigger tricks and an even rowdier crowd than the year before.

“These events bring people together,”

“These events bring people together. Ski culture is a huge part of CSU, and RailJam creates a space where students can feel part of something bigger. Beyond just ski culture, I think that this event allows for students to feel like they are a part of a broader campus community.”

JUDAH WEIR ASCSU CO-DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADITIONS

Weir said. “Ski culture is a huge part of CSU, and RailJam creates a space where students can feel part of something bigger. Beyond just ski culture, I think that this event allows for students to feel like they are a part of a broader campus community.”

One of ASCSU and the Snowriders

Club’s main goals was to highlight the importance of bringing snow sports to CSU’s campus, especially for students who might not have the means to visit resorts. Beyond accessibility, inclusivity was another important theme this year, with diversity, equity and inclusion as well as transgender athletes in college sports being hotly debated recently.

“Including a nonbinary category, even if it isn’t as popular yet, sends a powerful message of acceptance and support,” Torstenson said. “It acknowledges the existence and validity of nonbinary athletes, providing them with a space where they can compete without having to conform to traditional gender categories.”

In only its second year back, RailJam cultivates a community for Rams in winter sports to connect and do what they love. That sense of community was especially present in the women’s division this time around, with all three women on the podium having met at last year’s event, competing as strangers and leaving as friends. This year, they returned together and took home the top spots.

“I heard about the RailJam from a flyer on campus and went solo last year — that’s where I met (Naomi Deitch) and (Kara Koniares),” said Katie White, the skier who took second place in the women’s division. “I love competing with and against my friends, even though it’s scary to mess up with people watching.”

Their reunion wasn’t just about competing but showing how far they’d come together. From pushing each other to try new tricks to sharing the nerves and excitement of competition day, their

bond grew beyond the sport. Standing side by side on the podium, they weren’t just celebrating their individual wins but the friendships they made.

“I had to come back because it was so much fun,” said Deitch, the snowboarder who took first place in the women’s division. “The whole time during the RailJam, I was full of adrenaline. It felt so surreal having all my friends watch me compete and cheer for me. The event also happened to be on my birthday, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend it.”

Despite their success, Deitch and White noted the stark difference in participation numbers — 35 men competed compared to just four women, limiting the number of runs each competitor could participate in. Both agreed that the event was more than just a competition — it was a chance to show up for women in a sport wherein they’re often outnumbered.

“My favorite part is the cheering and hopefully inspiring other women to inject themselves into a mostly male-dominated sport,” White said. “We hope to see more representation in future events and encourage more female participation.”

With another successful year in the books, RailJam is proving it’s not just a revival; it’s a tradition in the making. As ASCSU prepares for leadership transitions, Weir is focused on making sure RailJam has the support to continue. Snowriders are looking ahead to more events this season. Their next big event will be a spring trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and an off-campus RailJam at Cameron Pass.

Reach Sophia Masia at life @collegian.com.

↑A competitor hits a rail during the Associated Students of Colorado State University x Woodward Eldora RailJam on the Lory Student Center West Lawn Feb. 13.

PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI

← Kenneth Schlosser jumps onto the rail while skiing on telemark skis — a ski with free heels on the binding during the Associated Students of Colorado State University x Woodward Eldora RailJam on the Lory Student Center West Lawn Feb. 13.

PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI

VALENTINE’S EVENT

Broken Hearts Club offers unconventional way to celebrate love

By Riley Paling @rileypaling

Fort Collins’ Mugs Old Town became a location for those wanting an alternative way to celebrate Valentine’s Day through art and connections Feb. 14.

Mugs offered a space for those who didn’t have a romantic Valentine this year. The Broken Hearts Club: an anti-Valentine’s Day show was organized by The Art Mart, a Northern Colorado-based event organizer that promotes local artists. They often showcase artists who might not fit into traditional fine art spaces, along with emerging artists who have not previously shown their work publicly.

“It’s just so cool to see the creativity that people have, and everybody is so different,” said Abbey Tscherter, an attendee and Colorado State University junior. “Love is beautiful. Even just, like, hanging out with my friends, that platonic love, I tend to value more on this holiday.”

Mugs Old Town was filled with a unique selection of local art, from hand-beaded jewelry and handmade prints to crochet plushies. This blend of local art embraced the joyous side of heartache. In addition to the different stands, the shop stayed open late to supply coffee and food to vendors and attendees.

From 7-9 p.m., Mugs Old Town was buzzing with energy as people strolled in alone, with groups and in pairs to explore an array of artwork while getting a coffee to sip on. Local artists and self-proclaimed Valentine’s haters showcased their talents.

“I am kind of anti-Valentine’s Day myself,” said Riley Bemelen, a jewelry vendor. “I just feel like it’s kind of cheesy, like, forced. ... You shouldn’t have to have a specific day to show your love — it should be year-round.”

“I am kind of antiValentine’s Day myself. I just feel like it’s kind of cheesy, like, forced. … You shouldn’t have to have a specific day to show your love — it should be year-round.”

RILEY BEMELEN VENDOR

Mugs Old Town amplified the atmosphere by offering themed cocktails and mocktails. Inspired by the hater theme, these drinks offered a fun twist to the night. The cafe, known for its commitment to community and quality, was the ideal backdrop for this unconventional gathering. The booths were unique and filled with skill. One

SHOWCASING

B/AACC’s Threads of Tradition event flaunts fashion, culture

By Janaya Stafford @csucollegian

On Feb. 12, the Black/African American Cultural Center, Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, United Women of Color and RamEvents hosted Threads of Tradition: A Black History Month Fashion Showcase in the Lory Study Center Grand Ballroom.

This event welcomed anyone who chose to attend. There was food, hot chocolate and various vendors, each selling unique items.

“It’s a night for people to come by and relax and just have a good time,” said Ashenafi Paulos, B/AACC liaison for RamEvents.

culture we have here, so it will definitely lead people who don’t go to the B/AACC office or have never been to an event like this to know what we’re about,” said Shaza Mohamed, a CSU student.

The event consisted of three rounds, each having a different category. Round one was radiant rebellion; round two was street to Spotlight and round three was Black royalty. Each contestant had the creative freedom to interpret and artistically express the categories in a way that best suited them. The contestants walked the runway while the crowd returned the energy with cheers.

comfortable with myself, be more comfortable with the world and just present myself the way I like presenting myself in my clothing.”

The top three contestants received prizes and applause from the crowd as they accepted their placements. There were judges present, along with crowd interaction when choosing the winner for audience choice.

The event also offered community members an opportunity to show off their skills. Between rounds, there were singing performances along with a spoken word poem. Talents of all kinds were showcased for watchers to enjoy, and there was unity in appreciating what each person had to offer.

specific vendor, Bemelen, beads necklaces and earrings by hand, and polymer clay is used to make various pieces of jewelry. Some of her earrings were small mushrooms that varied in color. Attendees engaged with the artists, asking questions about their creative processes and materials. Some visitors came to support friends and local artists, while others were drawn by the event’s engaging theme. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged conversation, laughter and appreciation for the arts.

Free and open to all ages, the event invited a diverse crowd to partake in the festivities. The inclusive environment encouraged both singles and couples to connect over shared experiences.

“Every single booth is unique, and everybody has their unique style,” attendee Sabrina Ledford said. “It looks authentic. It’s really nice to, like, be out with friends (and) be in a community. I’m in the art community, and seeing people and the things they’ve made, it’s amazing.”

The vibrant cultural scene within Fort Collins explicitly highlights the cafe and the city’s support for local art. Mugs Old Town and The Art Mart provided a memorable experience for those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day a little differently.

Reach Riley Paling at life@collegian.com.

The designers and models participating in this fashion show are all students at Colorado State University. They each creatively expressed the theme, Blacklight: Brilliance through Resistance, with their clothing.

“We came up with that theme because some things are invisible until you put a black light on them,” Paulos said. “So we basically came up with it because historically, Black people have been overlooked, even though we are brilliant. ... We decided to showcase that by saying Blacklight: Brilliance through Resistance because it’s like, we were in the dark, and now we’re actually being able to shine a light on our brilliance and all the things that we’ve done and things that we have accomplished.”

Attendees excitedly awaited the start of the show. This event brought in new and returning guests.

“I feel like so many people don’t know how big of a

“Allowing

us to do this gets to show we aren’t just certain things that they want us to fit into. We can design. We can do all this, perform, sing, write. We can do everything everyone else can, so don’t count us out.”

For some, this show was about more than fashion. It was an experience of self-expression and growth.

“I’m really inspired by my mom, and I just heard her voice in my head, like, ‘Go for it,’” said Carmen Warren, CSU student and contestant in the fashion show. “With this modeling thing, I think if I put myself out there, I’m going to learn to be more

“Allowing us to do this gets to show we aren’t just certain things that they want us to fit into,” said Deja Sangster, United Women of Color president. “We can design. We can do all this, perform, sing, write. We can do everything everyone else can, so don’t count us out.”

Community was formed among the performers, attendees and the collaborators who made this fashion show possible.

“It’s really fun to be working with people of color, said Shiraz Dahamsha, event programmer at RamEvents and Southwest Asian and North African Club president. “For me myself, I’m an international student. I’m also from Palestine, so I think we all come from struggle. We all come from similar experiences, so it’s always really fun to be working with people with similar experiences, maybe similar backgrounds that understand you.”

Reach Janaya Stafford at life@collegian.com.

A small crocheted stuffy character in the shape of a heart sits on a shelf for display Feb. 14. Anya Marie, owner of Starry Cynders, sold many of their crocheted animals and characters at the Broken Hearts Club: an anti-Valentine’s Day show at Mugs Old Town PHOTO BY SOFIA RAIKOW THE COLLEGIAN

The models for the Threads of Tradition fashion show dance for one last ovation as the judges vote on their outfits Feb. 12. The show was a part of many events put on by the Black/African American Cultural Center to celebrate Black History Month. PHOTO BY ABIGAIL BURNS THE COLLEGIAN

DEJA SANGSTER UNITED WOMEN OF COLOR PRESIDENT

What NCAA’s billion-dollar settlement means for CSU ahead of final approval

By Michael Hovey & Sophie Webb @michaelfhovey

@ sophgwebb

The landscape of college sports is extraordinarily changing.

Back in May 2024, attorneys agreed to settle the NCAA’s three antitrust lawsuits: House v. NCAA, Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA. The settlement resulted in the back payment of approximately $2.78 billion over the course of 10 years, equating to about $280 million annually, among other agreements.

Three main categories were targeted by this change: the payment of damages relating to name, image and likeness for athletes; increased benefits to student-athletes; and alteration of roster limits — while completely eliminating scholarship limits.

But where did the $2.78 billion come from? And how does this affect Colorado State University?

Timeline

The NCAA prohibited studentathletes from profiting from their NIL brands until former West Virginia football player Shawne Alston voiced concerns with this. Alston sued the NCAA in 2014, claiming its rules violated federal antitrust laws.

On June 21, 2021, a decision was made, finding that the NCAA’s compensation rules violated the Sherman Act — a U.S. law prohibiting unfair business practices.

In the beginning of July 2021, the NIL policy went into effect, “allowing for student-athletes to (a) profit from their own NIL through endorsement agreements and business ventures and (b) hire professional representation to facilitate such activity.”

Yet after solving this problem, the NCAA still faced backlash, resulting in the two other cases resolved in the current settlement: Hubbard v. NCAA and Carter v. NCAA.

After not being allowed to receive Alston Awards — education-based compensation for student-athletes — former Oklahoma State University

football player Chuba Hubbard and former University of Oregon and Auburn University track and field athlete Keira McCarrell filed a class action lawsuit April 4, 2023.

The two sought triple damages from the NCAA and Power Five conference members — the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Pac-12 Conference and Southeastern Conference — in regard to an illegal agreement not allowing athletes to receive Alston Awards.

Similar to Hubbard and McCarrell, Dec. 7, 2023, DeWayne Carter, Nya Harrison and Sedona Prince filed a federal antitrust law against the NCAA for its limits on compensation and benefits that student-athletes receive.

All players and lawsuits required action from the NCAA, resulting in the mention of all three in the NCAA’s settlement update.

Issues addressed

This settlement also allows Power Five conference members — along with other Division I schools that may choose to participate — to allocate 22% of the athletic revenue to student-athletes.

“The future model could result in student-athletes receiving $1.5 billion to $2 billion in new benefits annually,” the NCAA’s statement reads.

That is where several fans are raising an eyebrow.

Larger conferences such as the SEC make about $122,170,753 from athletic revenue, 22% equating to $26,877,566. Meanwhile, the Mountain West makes about $19,862,094 per year and, at almost $22 million less than the SEC, can give roughly $4,369,661 to athletes.

Institutions may also pay studentathletes directly for their NIL rights, but this would contribute to the 22% cap; however, NIL payments made from third parties would not.

This new budget is not the only benefit student-athletes are receiving from the settlement.

Potential benefits that athletes could soon be seeing include free tuition, room and board, educational grants, academic support and tutoring, medical and mental health resources and support, nutrition resources, life skills development, superior coaching and

training and extended medical coverage, even after an athlete finishes playing.

“Many A5 schools would be providing nearly 50% of athletics revenue to their student-athletes,” the update states.

Along with the elimination of scholarship limits, athletes attending larger conference schools stand to profit a lot. To keep scholarships in check, roster limits have been added, but fans will not see the effects of this so much as other settlement results.

Colorado State University’s impact

For CSU and other Group of Five schools, the House v. NCAA settlement represents both an opportunity and a massive financial challenge. While the ruling creates a more direct path for athletes to be compensated, it does so within a system that inherently favors wealthier power-conference schools.

Under the new 22% revenue-sharing model, Power Five programs like those in the Big Ten and SEC are expected to allocate upward of $20 million to $26 million per year to their athletes. For CSU, however, that number could be as low as $4 million to $5 million in 202526, putting the Rams and other midmajor schools at a clear disadvantage in recruiting and retention.

In simple terms: When top athletes have the choice between a six-figure payout at a major program or a fraction of that at a Mountain West school, CSU will have a harder time competing at the highest levels.

Beyond financial implications, scholarship and roster rule changes could also shift the makeup of CSU athletics. With scholarship limits eliminated, schools can now distribute aid however they see fit, provided they stay within new roster caps. This flexibility might benefit sports like football, where depth is crucial, but it also raises concerns about how mid-major programs allocate their already limited resources.

Another looming question is the impact on CSU’s nonrevenue sports. If revenue-sharing forces athletic departments to redistribute funds, sports outside of football and basketball could face budget cuts or even elimination in the most extreme case. This has already

become a major concern nationally, as smaller programs brace for potential fallout from the NCAA’s shifting financial model.

With CSU’s move to the Pac-12 imminent, though, the financial and legal landscape will likely look very similar to other Power Five schools.

The 22% cap of revenue directed toward students will comparatively increase from the approximate $4 million share of CSU’s current media deal with the MW — expiring after the 2025-26 season.

A long-term Pac-12 media deal starting in 2026-27 hasn’t received any significant coverage at this time.

However, Sports Illustrated reported that the Pac-12 received offers from Apple and ESPN about media deals ranging from $25 million to $30 million annually to each school in 2022 — just before the fall of the former Pac-12.

If the newly formed conference can approach similar figures in media rights in 2026-27, CSU could effectively increase their media revenue — and subsequent revenue-sharing numbers — six to seven times more than the current MW agreement.

Under these potential conditions, CSU would be allowed to allocate $5.5 million to $6.6 million annually to student-athletes.

New governance

Further steps toward powerconference autonomy have already been taken.

To enforce the settlement terms and manage the increasingly complex world of athlete compensation, the NCAA and its member institutions took steps to create a new independent governance body tasked with oversight.

This unnamed entity — expected to include representatives from power conferences and external auditing firms such as Deloitte or LBi, which are involved in NBA league operations and salary cap management — and NCAA officials will function as a compliance watchdog.

Currently framed in a corporate structure, the release of power from the NCAA is materializing.

Its primary responsibilities will include monitoring NIL agreements to

ensure fair market value, preventing payfor-play schemes and regulating the 22% revenue-sharing cap, which prevents schools from exceeding their allocation and handling disputes over athlete compensation and school compliance.

On one hand, it offers structure and transparency in an area that has been largely unregulated. On the other, it adds another bureaucratic layer to an already strained athletic department budget. Schools with fewer compliance resources than their Power Five counterparts may struggle to keep up with evolving regulations, creating an uneven playing field in enforcement.

Additionally, the governance body will need to navigate the legal gray areas that remain unresolved, particularly regarding state NIL laws that may conflict with the settlement. Without federal legislation to standardize NIL rules, there could be continued inconsistencies in how schools handle athlete compensation across different regions.

For now, the NCAA is still set to regulate issues regarding eligibility and academics.

Future implications

While the settlement provides a framework for revenue sharing and athlete compensation, it does not address deeper questions surrounding employment status, unionization and Title IX compliance.

The biggest unresolved issue remains whether athletes will eventually be classified as employees. If studentathletes are granted employee status, schools may be forced to offer full salaries, benefits and collective bargaining rights.

The increasing financial divide between the haves and have-nots may eventually push the Power Five toward forming their own breakaway league, leaving schools like CSU to navigate an unfamiliar athletic environment.

Additionally, the settlement fails to resolve Title IX concerns, as revenue sharing could disproportionately benefit football and men’s basketball — the highest revenue-earning sports. This could lead to legal challenges from women’s sports programs and Olympic sports alike.

Reach Michael Hovey and Sophie Webb at sports@collegian.com.

Senior Lucy Matheson competes in the 200-yard butterfly at Colorado State University’s Moby Pool against the University of Northern Colorado Jan. 27, 2024. CSU won the meet 194-105. PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

1 2 3 4 5 6

RAILJAM, HOSTED BY ASCSU AND SNOWRIDERS, SHREDS ON LSC WEST LAWN

1. Kenneth Schlosser jumps onto the rail while skiing on telemark skis — a ski with free heels on the binding — during RailJam, which was held on the Lory Student Center West Lawn Feb. 13. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

2. CAM the Ram and Colorado State University President Amy Parsons give a contestant a 1 million score during RailJam. The event was organized by the Associated Students of CSU and CSU Snowriders. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

3. Will Deitemeyer picks up his skis after a run on the rails at RailJam. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

4. Women’s third-place winner Kara Koniares slides down a rail at RailJam. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

5. Kenneth Schlosser hits a jump onto a rail at RailJam. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN

6. Torin Monthathong, a lifelong skiier, hits the rail on a warmup run at RailJam. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

7. A competitor hits a rail during the CSU x Woodward Eldora RailJam. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

8. The 2025 RailJam banner waves against the snow-covered Rockies as the CSU Snowriders Club prepares for the event. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

9. ACSU student repping Bob Ross skis front flips at the open session during RailJam. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN

10. Jack Blees misses his landing and gets thrown onto the snow at RailJam. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN

11. Cody Hundhausen, who has been skiing his whole life, celebrates after a 10/10 run during RailJam. PHOTO BY AVA PUGLISI THE COLLEGIAN

PHOTOS

PUGLISI & LAUREN MASCARDO

KNOWLEDGE RELATIONS

Kelp Lab translates discoveries to public through science communication research

By Katie Fisher @csucollegian

Translating complicated, multidimensional scientific findings into simple language is an intricate process. Colorado State University’s Kelp Laboratory is seeking to understand the science behind effective scientific communication.

Nicole Kelp, an assistant professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and pathology, founded the lab that now bears her namesake in 2020 after arriving at CSU. When determining the research lens, she drew inspiration from a pattern she noticed during her previous appointment at Washington State University.

“I was assigned to teach a science communication course to undergraduate students at WSU,” Kelp said. “That was when I realized a lot of us STEM scientists who have Ph.D.s in some sort of STEM field are trying to do science communication, recognizing the importance of it, but we aren’t communication scholars.”

Science communication is the practice of communicating and properly informing audiences with nonscientific backgrounds of scientific information. The lab’s research is divided into two buckets, science communication and education research, to better identify more effective teaching methodologies — one of which includes evidence to shift away from the traditional model of the industry.

“The traditional model of science communications was called the deficit model, which is, ‘I’m a scientist; I know science. You’re not a scientist; you don’t know things. I need to give you information so you know more, and you should trust me as a scientist,’ which is

kind of how science communication has been done for the last few decades,” Kelp said.

Shifting industry standards have navigated away from the deficit model, citing a lack of trust building and effective problem solving. The Kelp Lab’s research suggests training scientists from a mutual-effort mindset is far more successful.

“We’ve shown that when we teach this (collaborative) approach to science communication, which is more effective, and we say, ‘Hey, different people’s perspectives and backgrounds matter to solve complicated problems in science,’ it helps students recognize, like, ‘Oh, my profession and background matters,’” Kelp said.

“Whatever background, those are all important in science.”

The lab encourages this collaborative mindset across campus, as studies actively engage the Center for Science Communication, various faculty members across the university and the Rockies and High Plains Vector-borne Diseases Center.

The second bucket of research that addresses effectiveness of scientific communication includes ongoing research into effective public health campaigns, especially in the possible face of diseases that are not fully understood at the present moment.

“We specifically look at the kind of things that come up during, like, emerging infectious diseases, things like scientific uncertainty,” Kelp said.

“How do we communicate not-settled science? It’s uncertain. It’s evolving. We don’t know. COVID is a great example of that. If the scientific community doesn’t fully know something, how do we talk about that with the people

whose lives it’s impacting? And then misinformation — how do we address this information that arises during these uncertain, tricky things?”

Several recent publications include explaining the public perception of microbes and microbiomes in the United States, measuring the impact of misinformation on vaccine uptake and the importance for STEM students to learn inclusive science communication.

Regardless of the target subject, the laboratory employs a uniform methodology to gather data.

“The lab would not exist without students there, from conceptualization of projects to execution of projects, data collection, analysis, writing, their faults everything. And so I’m very thankful for everyone in the lab.”

NICOLE KELP KELP LAB PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

“(The) types of methodologies we use in the lab and lots of social science research beyond the lab are quantitative methods, like surveys, and so we either designed or utilized other surveys that have already been designed,” Kelp said.

The lab also uses psychological theories to understand the motivator — positive or negative — behind people’s responses to scientific information and the resulting actions they choose to take.

“The theory of planned behavior is used a lot in science communication and education research, looking at why do people do what they do, and what are the different factors that lead towards that?” Kelp said.

Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities are also housed within the lab, where students perform key tasks that are instrumental to the lab’s daily functioning.

“The lab would not exist without students there, from conceptualization of projects to execution of projects, data collection, analysis, writing, their faults and everything,” Kelp said.

“And so I’m very thankful for everyone in the lab.”

This camaraderie is noted among student research assistants, as biomedical sciences student Jessica Gray explained.

“When the Kelp Lab took me (on), I just found out that they’re the most kind, welcoming people, and they were so willing to help mentor me,” Gray said.

Undergraduate opportunities are not limited solely to STEM degree programs, with current students’ majors ranging from statistics and biomedical sciences to journalism and environmental public health.

“I actually think that having people from diverse backgrounds working in science communication is important because that enables us to bring our different perspectives in, and then we can understand how to collaborate with other people because we’ve got those people thinking on the other side, too,” said Julia Hilliard, a graduate research assistant and microbiology doctoral candidate.

Other opportunities exist for Ph.D. students, including Hilliard, who were

drawn to the laboratory for its unique area of study.

“I actually chose CSU kind of based on the fact that Nicole was here doing science communication research,” Hilliard said.

Hilliard and Kelp are currently working to develop a project to measure mindful metacognition, or the ability to think about one’s own thinking, to better aid scientists in delivering effective communication and overcoming potential fears of public speaking.

“I would like to use a sort of tailored performing arts curriculum, so pulling things from singing, acting, dancing, character building (and) vocal training to kind of help people build a character and facilitate some of their communication to each other,” Hilliard said. “That’s all kind of couched in this concept of being aware of how you think first so that you can even realize how you need to change the way you might be thinking to feel better about your performance.”

In a rapidly changing field in which collaborative efforts and unique perspectives are coming to the forefront, Kelp noted her own background as a molecular biologist, with little formal training in social science research.

“I do this research now, but I wasn’t trained in it originally,” Kelp said. “I had to kind of self-teach, and some of the early work I did in science communication training wasn’t the most evidence-based approach. ... I’m doing research on it and trying to contribute to building that evidence more so everyone can always get better and learn more about it. And that’s kind of what science is, right? To put on something, learning and getting new data.”

Reach Katie Fisher at science @collegian.com.

Nicole Kelp works as an assistant professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and pathology at Colorado State University, where she has her own lab Feb. 12. Kelp works on science communication at a undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. level. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN

MANIPULATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Love bombing: What it is, how it works

By Caden Proulx @csucollegian

Love bombing is a misunderstood phenomenon yet a situation increasingly common for people to find themselves in. While being a form of abuse, love bombing often has easily disguised signs and deep roots in attachment style. However, many individuals who love bomb are not actually aware they are doing it, which makes one consider the motives behind such an unconscious act.

Like most things, it all goes back to our childhood and our tenderest moments with our caregivers. In childhood, we might have received inconsistent care or experienced a lack of warmth or caregiver interest and affection. In this crucial developmental stage, our internal working model receives these messages and internalizes them, which can later manifest into beliefs like, “If my partner is mad at me, they are going to leave me,” or, “I am not deserving of love.”

COMPOUND ANNIHILATION

“What it creates is an unhealthy attachment system for the child and affects their emotional development and can lead them to develop insecure attachment,” said Sofia Gentry, a licensed clinical social worker and social work instructor at Colorado State University.

Gentry explained that someone with a more avoidant attachment style can have their attachment system deactivated in a relationship, especially when the other person has an anxious attachment style. This is because the brain is trying to protect itself, associating this close attachment to those we had with caregivers.

“It’s kind of this back and forth between hot and cold, and (people with insecure attachment) often have a hard time regulating their emotions,” Gentry said. “So they may, you know, have that desire for closeness really quickly and engage in love bombing.”

Individuals with secure attachment do not experience the same fears and anxieties in relationships that love bombing seeks to compensate for, which could be why love bombing behaviors are seen more in people with insecure attachment.

There is no one-size-fits-all risk factor that can predict love bombing, just as there is no single protective factor to

make you immune to it. Similarly, there is no one clear indicator if someone is love bombing or being genuine.

“It’s a little bit tricky at first to identify,” said Tasha Seiter, a licensed marriage and family therapist and CSU instructor. “They’re kind of showering you with love, and it feels really good.”

People who love bomb are impacted by both past and present relationships.

“You have to look at this person’s past history and if they have been in relationships and (if) there is a lot of blame on the past relationships, and they don’t take accountability,” Seiter said. “That’s one really big warning sign that you can maybe identify, OK, this isn’t genuine love.”

Seiter said love bombing is like a rubber band; the love bomber extends themself at the beginning of a relationship to artificially speed it up while simultaneously building a good reputation.

“(Love bombers) can’t stay stretched out that long,” Seiter said. “Eventually they’re going to go back to their original size. ... They want to speed up the commitment so that they can stop working so hard.”

This is often what begins the cycle of abuse. Love bombing is abuse that can act alone or be part of several abusive behaviors, and abuse changes the way

our brains work — even more so when it’s presently happening.

“Getting that kind of love, people get addicted to it and endure the abuse because they know this love bombing phase is going to come afterward,” Seiter said.

Once you identify that you are in a love bombing relationship, it can seem like the only logical next step is to leave your partner, but Gentry said it can be more complicated than that.

“Everyone deserves healing, but healing requires accountability,” Gentry said.

“Work with (the) ambivalence that they feel,” Gentry said. “If both people are willing to work toward healing and accountability, there could be positive growth in the relationship. But every relationship is unique, so it depends on the severity on the situation.”

If you would like further resources regarding love bombing, Gentry suggested the book “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find — and Keep — Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller.

Reach Caden Proulx at science @collegian.com.

CSU research shows promise in destroying forever chemicals

By Ella Dorpinghaus @csucollegian

Originally published in Nature, a scientific paper led by a Colorado State University-based team announced massive strides in technology that can be used to break down perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. These compounds, which damage natural environments and are almost impossible to break down and destroy, are now one step closer to being removed from the environment.

Chemistry professor Garret Miyake explained that what makes these compounds forever molecules is that nature can’t break them down. The carbon-fluorine bonds within the molecules render them especially difficult to break. Currently, scientists use harsh and expensive methods, such as incineration, to destroy these molecules. Miyake’s research has identified a more viable method for breaking them down.

“We developed a photocatalyst, which is a molecule that can use energy from light and work at room temperature to break these bonds and then ultimately degrade PFAS molecules,” Miyake said. This research has been long in the making. Miyake’s research group focuses on developing catalysts, a substance that speeds up chemical reactions, and has been

working on the photocatalysts for 11 years.

Alex Green, a Ph.D. chemist, joined the project as a graduate student and worked with Miyake on photocatalysts.

The group didn’t set out to destroy PFAS; rather, the group was focused on designing catalysts to foster challenging chemical transformations.

“I was working on a really niche subset of photocatalysts where we could exploit this reactivity, but we didn’t exactly know what we could apply it to,” Green said. “So I was like, ‘Oh hey!’ You know, on a chemical level these have CF bonds, and I think that with time and understanding, we can use these chemical tools, these photo catalysts, to basically break these (PFAS) bonds apart.”

Both researchers noted the importance of this work for building foundational scientific knowledge. However, Miyake noted a large gap between scientific findings from academic and consumer perspectives.

“In our laboratories, we’re really focused on fundamental science and contributing to fundamental knowledge and if that fundamental knowledge translates to a commercial technology depends on a lot of factors,” Miyake said.

The work Miyake, Green and dozens of other researchers have explored is only the tip of the iceberg. In order to use this technology to remove PFAS from the environment, technology must first be developed to collect these

molecules from the surrounding area. PFAS are usually found in very low concentrations, and while that may spell good news for the environment, it means that treating the chemicals in a field setting is difficult.

“There’s a little bit of disconnect from academic research to actually getting the new technology into the market and to commercialize it to where it’s in a viable, usable form,” Green said. “The next steps would be to work with CSU’s tech transfer office as well as our spin out start-up company, New Iridium, to make that happen.”

Both researchers are hopeful that continued research will find ways to turn these groundbreaking findings into a widely available PFAS-destroying technology. Through continued effort and collaboration, more research can broaden and strengthen the foundation of the research.

“A lot of technology we have today, like our phones, they’re just kind of common, but in reality it takes years of research and understanding of the fundamentals and fundamental science to actually get there,” Green said.

Collaboration, as both Green and Miyake pointed out, is essential to innovation of any kind. The work these researchers did was only possible because of the dedication of researchers before them and through organizations like the NSF Center for Sustainable

Photoredox Catalysis and the Centers for Chemical Innovation.

“If we can bring our perspectives and join forces with other groups that have their expertise in other perspectives, I feel like we can always do more impactful science,” Miyake said.

Implementing PFAS-destroying technology into a marketable, useable form is going to take a lot of time, work and dedication. It requires more collaboration from other groups and more work from future generations of scientists. Even though a future solution is perhaps years down the road, the

researchers hope their work will spark inspiration in students.

“Hopefully, you know, one day this will inspire someone who is looking into the CSU graduate program, or even CSU in general, and wants to do science,” Green said. “The hope is that someone might read an article like this or see something that demonstrates that we do cool science, and I hope that it inspires future generations to keep going.”

Reach Ella Dorpinghaus at science @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARRET MIYOKE

MOVIE NIGHT

Beginner’s guide: 5 indie films to start your obsession

By Christian Arndt @csucollegian

Movies released in recent years often retain the same, undifferentiated genres. If there’s an action movie released, it typically refrains from diving into subgenres like comedy or body-horror. That’s when independent films come in.

Independent filmmaking takes advantage of this by exploring subgenres freely, without the worry of blurring

FILM REVIEW

and blending typical lines. Here are five diverse independent films to easily immerse oneself in the genre.

‘Whiplash’

Originally a short film directed by Damien Chazelle, who went on to direct big-budget films such as “La La Land” and “Babylon,” “Whiplash” was quickly funded and became a full independent film.

Andrew Neiman, played by Miles Teller, is an aspiring jazz drummer who, with the pressure of his passionate

yet destructive jazz instructor Terence Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons, will go to no end to become the best jazz drummer to grace the genre. The fervent goal to be the best while completely disregarding oneself in order to achieve perfection is no doubt a fascinating character arc, as evidenced by Andrew.

This thriller is popularly regarded as a masterpiece in storytelling and one that has an unforgettable ending. Don’t let “Whiplash” sit on the backburner.

‘Lost in Translation’

One of Sofia Coppola’s first independent movies was the muchbeloved “Lost in Translation,” which is highly regarded for good reason.

The blend of Scarlett Johansson’s performance as a young married photographer traveling to Japan with her successful director husband, played by Bill Murray, who is also a fading movie star on a trip to record whiskey commercials, leaves the audience with an unforgettable experience.

The blend between the drama of human connections made at the wrong time and casual comedy introduced during unconventional situations makes “Lost in Translation” a must watch for those looking for a unique cinematic experience.

‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is widely known to tug at the heartstrings, as it experiments with alternative sci-fi storytelling to explore themes of longing and love.

Joel Barish, played by Jim Carrey, finds out his ex-girlfriend Clementine Kruczynski, played by Kate Winslet, is going through an experimental procedure to erase memories relating to Joel. What follows is a heartbreaking journey of reflecting on couples’ experiences and pivotal memories and how they shape people.

The visual style of the film is experimental and surreal, with an embrace of artistic visuals, adding to the overall storytelling. If you are looking for a good cry and a beautiful movie with a substantial message, look no further than “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

‘The Substance’

With five Oscar nominations lined up for “The Substance,” it’s evident that the movie has accrued an eager fanbase.

With both Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley putting on incredible performances of each of their respective characters, “The Substance”shined through in its storytelling and plot progression. The film highlights

the lengths some celebrities go to remain in the spotlight — even if it’s a detriment to themselves. Other subtle imagery and messages presented in the film allude to other topics, keeping the audience on their toes and ready to unpack each little detail they are provided.

Although not for everyone, this film captures experimental body-horror and a potent message relating to public image and the toll it leaves on celebrities. “The Substance” is a pivotal moment for independent films moving forward.

‘Mid90s’

“Mid90s” is one of those independent movies that balances entertaining visuals with unforgettable performances.

The directorial debut of Jonah Hill, “Mid90s” primarily incorporates a cast of professional skateboarders to tell a coming-of-age story with excellent skateboarding sequences. The combination of both encourages the audience to reflect on their youthful years and the people they surrounded themselves with. The performances are raw and feel incredibly real, which adds to the true coming-of-age aspect of the film.

Whether you appreciate skateboarding or not, “Mid90s” is an independent film a movie fanatic cannot miss.

Reach Christian Arndt at entertainment@collegian.com.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is a brave attempt that falls short

By Riley Paling @rileypaling

There is no denying that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been in a strange place since “Avengers: Endgame.” While some projects like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” have managed to be exciting, others like “AntMan and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Eternals” have felt aimless, stuck in a cycle of diminishing returns.

“Captain America: Brave New World,” is a film that carries the weight of introducing Sam Wilson’s Captain America in a leading role while also attempting to bring political intrigue back to the MCU. The result? A film that has its moments but ultimately struggles under its own ambition.

Anthony Mackie has long been a charismatic presence in the MCU, but unfortunately, “Brave New World” doesn’t give him the material to shine the way he should’ve. Mackie’s version of Captain America lacks the emotional weight and ideological conflict that made Steve Rogers’ journey compelling. While the film tries to establish Wilson’s own leadership style and not

just his struggle of stepping into Rogers’ shoes, it barely scratches the surface. Instead of giving us a layered character study, the movie often falls back on generic action sequences and weak political drama.

As a whole, this movie felt unfinished, as if a bunch of ideas were thrown together without a deep enough explanation. In the same way “Endgame” had multiple movies leading up to it, this movie was a stepping stone to the next “Endgame,” per se.

One of the biggest missed opportunities is the lack of a truly personal conflict for Wilson. The best Captain America stories, such as “The Winter Soldier” and “Civil War,” worked because they challenged the protagonist on a deeply personal level. Here, Wilson’s role feels more reactionary; he’s forced into situations rather than actively driving the narrative forward.

One of the biggest draws of “Brave New World” was the introduction of Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, a recast following the passing of William Hurt. Ford brings a natural authority to the role, and his scenes inject the film with a weight that is often lacking elsewhere.

While the trailer hinted at heavy political intrigue, Ross’ role remained disappointingly surface-level. His

transformation into the Red Hulk was a moment that should have been shocking and consequential but instead felt more like a last-minute addition for spectacle rather than a natural evolution of his character. Although his transformation was hinted at throughout the movie, it still felt sporadic and unnecessary. Red Hulk should have been a gamechanger for the MCU, but instead he comes off as just another third-act monster to fight, and you can’t even call him a traditional bad guy, which makes me question the purpose of Red Hulk at all. There’s little emotional weight behind his transformation, and his motivations feel shallow.

For a Captain America movie, one expects intense, well-choreographed action. While there are some solid set pieces — especially in an early fight sequence involving Sam taking on multiple enemies — none of it feels particularly innovative. “The Winter Soldier” set a high bar for grounded, visceral combat, but “Brave New World” feels more like a standard MCU action flick rather than a uniquely thrilling MCU movie.

At its core, “Captain America: Brave New World” is not a bad movie, but it is an underwhelming one. I am hoping that this movie is going to be used to set up many other — much better —

movies, as there are quite a few Marvel films set to release between this March and May 2027.

This movie had the potential to be a strong, politically driven thriller that redefined Sam Wilson’s role as Captain America. Instead, it settled for mediocrity, delivering a film that is watchable but ultimately forgettable.

If you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, there’s enough here to enjoy. Mackie is still a solid lead, Ford brings presence and there are a few fun moments. But if you were hoping for a return to the high-quality storytelling of “The Winter Soldier,” you’ll likely leave the theater feeling underwhelmed. My overall rating is a five out of 10. Reach Riley Paling at entertainment @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

EMOTIONAL AWAKENING

FKA twigs delivers pinnacle of human experience with ‘EUSEXUA’

By Will Engle @willengle44

Eusexua is a practice; eusexua is a state of being; eusexua is the pinnacle of human experience.

Over four months before the Jan. 24 release of her third studio album “EUSEXUA,” British singer FKA twigs left us with these three mantras at the end of her music video for the album’s title track.

Eusexua is a word coined by the 37-year-old avant-garde artist, whose real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett, in her attempt to describe a state of pure euphoria.

“It’s like when you’ve been kissing a lover for hours and turn into an amoeba with that person,” Twigs said in an interview with British Vogue. “You’re not human anymore — you’re just a feeling. Or that moment before an orgasm: pure nothingness but also pure focus.”

With “EUSEXUA,” Twigs turned this euphoria into an all-encompassing atmosphere, thick with passion and moments of pure bliss.

The album’s title track begins the record with a slow, creeping buildup. Muffled drums and synths grow and swell as the song ramps up, mimicking those precious few moments of walking into a club and feeling the atmosphere wrap around you.

Twigs’ soft vocals define the record’s theme in the opener’s first moments: “Words cannot describe, baby/This feeling deep inside.” “EUSEXUA” is not an album seeking to inform; it is an album seeking to be felt, to be walked within.

The two following tracks — perhaps the closest to Twigs’ previous mixtape “CAPRISONGS” out of the 11 offerings — push that feeling even further. The night is young, and Twigs wants to live within those moments.

On “Girl Feels Good,” Twigs is pulled in by the freedom the club offers her. As the entrancing synths build, she feels pretty — a feeling she declares, “makes the world go ‘round.”

“Perfect Stranger” propounds that same freedom the club offers, only now in the bedroom. Alongside a plucking bass, Twigs finds joy in the anonymity of a hookup. Her stranger has no background, no previous bearing on her life, and that’s what makes him perfect.

As the track explodes into its final club anthem form in its outro, Twigs yearns to stay in place with her perfect stranger and live within the dangerous passion.

After “Perfect Stranger,” Twigs sets her sights on the bohemian and puts her foot on the gas pedal.

“Drums of Death” is almost combative at first listen. Originally debuted as the first half of the “Eusexua” music video in September 2024, the industrial, glitch-filled collaboration with producer Koreless is easily one of the album’s strongest moments. It sees Twigs at her rawest and most carnal as she growls, “Devour the entire world/ Fuck it, make it yours.”

Over its three-minute runtime, “Drums of Death” builds to an ethereal crescendo of passion for a lover, only to be immediately juxtaposed by Twigs’ glitchy vocals cutting through the final moments of the song: “Crash the system, diva doll/Serve cunt, serve violence.”

Twigs is not one to be held down in “EUSEXUA.” Just as “Drums of Death” shifted between an ethereal ballad and industrial glitching in the manner of seconds, each song on the project feels like it’s bursting at the seams, begging to redefine itself as each second goes by.

“Room of Fools” drowns the listener in a waterfall of synths. It lives up to its namesake, pulsating in a way only a dark club room could replicate. Then, in its last moments, that cascading synth disappears, and we are left with swaying, airy vocals that drift through to the end of the song.

“Sticky” does the opposite. Twigs’ soft vocals creep across the track, building to her final cry: “I want to be loved/I’m tired of messing up my life with...” Rather than giving up that final cathartic moment, Twigs cuts off “Overcomplicated moments” and punches the listener with a barrage of gritty synths that growl and fall over themselves.

If “Room of Fools” and “Sticky” were fighting to stay contained, “Keep it, Hold it” is recalcitrance incarnate.

The 4:32 minute track is Twigs at her most avant-garde on “EUSEXUA.”

From her initial whispers over airy piano notes to her choral “Just keep it walking; keep it walking; hold it close,” Twigs builds to an eventual culmination halfway through the track, bursting out into a Björk-esque cry of over danceinfected drums.

After this burst, through, Twigs returns back to her marching chorus, once again chanting: “Just keep it softly; keep it softly; hold it close,” only to return to her inner Björk with an eerie repetition of “close” and “softly” manifesting from all directions.

Twigs’ most controversial track on “EUSEXUA,” “Childlike Things,” is a deviation from the other 10 offerings on the project. The song is by far the brightest on the album, jumping out in its first seconds with Twigs playfully chanting “Dun dun dun,” over catchy drums and jumpy piano chords.

The song is certainly a love-it or hateit endeavor. It’s abrasive; it feels out of place, but once it’s in your head, it won’t be leaving for a while.

The controversy enters with the introduction of North West’s verse. West — a child of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian — raps in Japanese, translating to “Jesus is king/Praise the lord/Jesus is the one and only true God.”

While the song is certainly in pursuit of living in a childlike manner, declaring “Where the wild things are, I will be,” inviting North West to sing hymnic Japanese slightly sours an otherwise undeniably catchy track — as much as it does stand out from the other 10.

“Striptease,” on the other hand, is arguably one of Twigs’ best tracks to date and by far the best on an already stellar album.

Although not released as a single, “Striptease” was one of the first snippets of “EUSEXUA” shared with the public, appearing in Twigs’ promotional video for Calvin Klein’s SS23 campaign.

It’s fitting that “Striptease” was one of the first pieces of “EUSEXUA” Twigs offered to listeners. It isn’t just part of “EUSEXUA,” it is pure eusexua. As the longest song on the project, “Striptease” earns its length by culminating all of the best parts of “EUSEXUA” into one 4:43 minute climax.

From the metronomic alarm pulsating in the background to her cries

of, “I’ve got a birthmark on my mind/I think you’ll like it,” and, “Opening me feels like a striptease,” Twigs makes one thing clear: She wants to be explored inside and out, skin to soul.

This desire culminates in the latter half of the song. The beat begins to break down, and Twigs’ vocals transform into autotuned pulses as she croons, “Late nights/My sternum stretched wide.” Twigs is opening herself up to her lover, and as the beat builds back through her screams, her chorus is revived with new, euphoric life.

The final two tracks on “EUSEXUA” see Twigs at her most low-key and vulnerable. “24hr Dog” follows her as she allows herself to fully submit to her partner, singing within a constricted range, “I’m a dog for you,” and “I bend more than what I thought was possible.”

The album comes to a close with “Wanderlust.” Twigs layers her voice in autotune as she takes on a half-talking, half-singing approach. A somber guitar follows her through most of the track as she sings about how she feels lost sitting still and not exploring life to its fullest extent.

The album’s final moments tie the project off perfectly to its theme. The beat picks up, and Twigs sings, “I’ll be in my head if you need me/Right there if you need me.” As the seconds dwindle, Twigs falls into the distance as she repeats, “Right there if you need me,” in a quieter and quieter voice until her euphoric, 11-track masterpiece draws to a close.

Reach Will Engle at entertainment @collegian.com.

INACCURATE METRICS

The BMI is outdated, flawed

By Audrey Weishaar @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

According to the body mass index, I am obese. The body mass index, more commonly referred to as the BMI, is a measure of the amount of body fat

FRESH START

someone has. It is used in the medical field as a health indicator. I cannot overstate how unbelievably flawed this tool is.

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. Those two numbers don’t say much, or nearly as much as a few questions could, but that isn’t even the half of it.

The BMI was created in 1832 by a statistician named Adolphe Quetelet,

who wanted to define the normal man resting at the center of a bell curve. It was not intended for individuals but for populations. Quetelet wanted to define populations with numbers.

Because the BMI was developed in the 1800s, the demographic the test targets is not representative of all populations. Because this method is based on only one type of person, the results only apply to that type of person. Women, especially

women of color, are misrepresented by the BMI.

Quetelet’s index went ignored for the next 100 or so years until it was adopted by insurance agencies in the 1950s. These agencies created small, medium and large categories to place people into, disregarding other factors like age. With no real science behind it, this method was used to determine policy prices, charging people in the largest category more money.

Because this was adopted by insurance companies, there is no doubt in my mind that these were established only for profit, which makes the categories suspect, to say the least. If an insurance company can charge fatter people more money on the basis of health risks, why would they not categorize as many people as fat as possible?

In 1972, Ancel Keys would take over promotion for the BMI. Keys was a famous researcher and physiologist at the time who created the U.S. military K-ration.

“The best relative weight index is the one that shows the least correlation with body height,” said Keys, acknowledging that the BMI was flawed in comparison to methods like density tests. However, these tests were impractical to be carried out with any sort of frequency. Keys also went on to state that only about half of the fatness measured by the BMI was accurate.

BMI is a large barrier for many people who want to get surgeries. This includes nonbinary and trans people who are

looking for gender-affirming care. If someone wanted to donate their eggs, they would need a BMI between 18-29. When the bar to qualify for certain surgeries is an incredibly inaccurate test, it is time to rethink the health measures used.

The World Health Organization is also a participating force in the flawed nature of the BMI. Before 1997, “Obese” was not a category, at least not for anyone below a BMI of 30. This changed, and the overweight categories were changed to preobesity and obese. The following year, the categories were changed to what they are now: normal, overweight and obese. These changes were adopted by the National Institutes of Health.

As a CNN article stated at the time, “Millions of Americans became ‘fat’ Wednesday — even if they didn’t gain a pound.”

These classifications and their changing qualifications fuel anti-fat bias and perpetuate health myths about fat individuals.

The BMI has an extensive history of being manipulated to fuel anti-fat biases and agendas, not to mention that the data that backs up Quetelet’s index was collected from white men only. By using an index originally made to quantify populations, the BMI is incredibly flawed. The categories of the BMI are set by arbitrary weights, historically used to categorize more and more people as obese. Reach Audrey Weishaar at letters @collegian.com.

Spring semester acts as 2nd chance in college

By Charlotte Seymour @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

As a fresh college student, the first semester can be rough and intimidating. It feels like we’re thrown into a pack of wolves and just told, “You’ll be fine; go make some friends.” But it is not easy.

When we first arrive to college, most people are excited but a little bit nervous about starting a new chapter of life. But what no one tells you is that welcome week determines your fate. At least for me, welcome week was terrible, and it was because I was not prepared for it.

As amazing as welcome week is, it is overwhelming. You are trying to get used to living in a new area and cope with all the goodbyes. You likely know nobody; you are completely on your own for the first time and on the hunt for friends.

Personally, during my first weeks, I was still coping with everything, and I did not have the energy to search for friends. By the time I was settling down, a couple of weeks had passed, and it felt too late for everything.

In the beginning, it felt like everything was a race, and I had to act on any interest I had immediately. I wish I hadn’t approached my first semester this way because it stressed me out and ultimately put me in a bad mindset.

As the semester continued, things began to fall into place. I felt less rushed and forced, but by the end of it, I still felt off. Then winter break happened, which was a great refresh and allowed me to get comfortable and prepare for how I wanted to take on the second semester.

I decided I wanted to become more social, and I would do all the things I didn’t get a chance to do last semester. But mainly, I was approaching the new semester with a new mindset. I felt comfortable with CSU’s campus and how everything runs, so coming back was not nearly as intimidating. With this new mindset, I knew if something was bothering me, I needed to act on it rather than just sit there and let it consume me. I wanted to talk to more people in my classes, get to know the people in my hallway, maybe go to some club meetings, dive headfirst into my classes and only spend time with people who I thoroughly enjoy.

Coming back to campus with these goals was very refreshing. As soon as I settled back in, I began acting on them without even realizing — it

just felt so natural. The fact that I was excited to take a different approach and make the most of what I had completely shifted my mental space. I think other people feel the same way, too, because I have had countless interactions with people in my hallway that I never had last semester. People seem to always smile or say, “Hi,” to me in passing, and it is less nerve-racking to ask someone for help

if I need it. Campus also just seems brighter and fuller — once I allowed myself to open my eyes, I realized there are so many opportunities for greatness here. With all of this being said, change is always possible. You can always choose to alter your mindset if it is not where you would like it to be. But in some cases, like mine, you don’t even know you have the wrong

mindset; all you need is a break away from whatever you’re doing. So if college isn’t going the best for you right now, set some goals for what you want your mindset to be. If you’re someone like me who experienced a tough first semester but wants to use the second semester as a fresh start, then that’s awesome.

Reach Charlotte Seymour at letters @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY LAURYN SMITH THE COLLEGIAN

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY KAYLEE MADSON THE COLLEGIAN

SERIOUSLY

Trump announces replacements for Department of Education

By Emma Souza @_emmasouza

Editor’s Note: This is a satire piece from The Collegian’s opinion section. Real names and the events surrounding them may be used in fictitious/semi-fictitious ways. Those who do not read the editor’s notes are subject to being offended.

During his path to presidency and even after inauguration, between his stints pardoning QAnon shamans who are more loyal and white than his jizz napkins, President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to cut the Department of Education. Just yesterday, he announced his plans to replace the department with “something funner.”

Though not officially released to the public, I have acquired Trump’s list of department replacements. While it is a miracle I found the list, which was written on a crumpled Burger King napkin, it’s more of a miracle that I could decipher it, as the words were written in the popular Crayola shade Neon Carrot. Although Trump looks like a living, breathing neon carrot, I know he’s never been within 3 feet of a vegetable his entire life.

In all honesty, I could get in real trouble for leaking this. It’s no secret that

Trump dislikes the media, whom he so lovingly called “bloodsuckers” — at least, those who refuse to pedal his gospel truths of every-ism. Regardless, I’m no stranger to criticism, and if Trump is criticizing you, that probably means you’re a pretty good person.

The first on his list for the Department of Education replacements is the Department of Pinky Promises. Gone are the days of breaking promises made via conjoined limbs. President Trump and the Pinky cabinet have your back.

The Department of Pinky Promises will ensure the next generation of American youth learns trust, resilience and ownership — three things Trump is still working on himself.

Violators of the pinky promise will be sent to jail, where they will not pass Go and can only escape if they roll a double or are enough of a douchebag to be pardoned by the president.

The second department listed is the Department of Wig. This department is pretty self-explanatory; it provides any bald person in America with a full head of hair. Because, as Trump knows, the worst crime a person can commit in America is being bald. The second worst crime? Having empathy, of course. By those standards, Trump practically has angel wings spouting from his back. It’s

a shame they can only carry him to and from the tanning bed.

The third department listed just says “Mormon Church.” Beneath, in a tiny bullet point, reads: “Multiple wives for everyone!!!!!!”

Besides those main replacements, the napkin has an “honorable mentions” section written at the bottom. This, similar

to everything Trump has said ever, looks like word vomit. In rapid fire, here is what’s listed: “Department of MAGA; Department of Dentists; Department of Mug Shots; Department of People Against Powerful Women; Department of Cheeto; Stilts for Short Men; Toupee Wait No Already Have Wig; Department of Useless Tariffs; Department of Fucking

Over Allies; Department of Fart Haha Fart is Funny Word.”

Stay tuned for which replacement he decides to go with — my vote is for the Department of Impeachment. I’m hoping it will be filled with cartoonish, self-ejecting chairs.

Reach Emma Souza at letters @collegian.com.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22ND 5:00-9:00PM

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

PUZZLES

Sudoku

8 1 1 5 3 64 7 2 6 94 5 6 3 1 79 5 4 9

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By Sophia Masia

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY

(02/20/25)

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

Your new adventure is coming soon, but for now, it’s time to withdraw. You usually love to hit the gas on your whims, but downtime is going to be easier to come by this week. Pisces season is your surrendered breath out, meant to be a time of closure to prepare you for your next chapter. Take it easy, Aries.

4627 583 19 7983 216 54 5139 648 72

surprised if your typical routine feels downright suffocating and you’re itching for more novelty. You’re beginning to feel more confident in yourself and your ability to get things done, so let your mind wander. Spread your wings, Cancer.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)

8 5 7 1 4 3 2 9 6 9245 861 37 1362 974 85

This week, prioritize moving in silence. You’ve been quite the social butterfly recently, but a personal issue may surface that requires solo time to work through. You could experience shifts in your financial situation, problems in romantic relationships or have opportunities end suddenly. Just be careful not to check all the way out, Leo.

important to create some soft and warm moments. You’ll find it easier to let loose this week, feeling more lighthearted when interacting with your nearest and dearest. Spend this week learning for fun, trying new things and meeting people. Let your hair down, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

It’s time to slip into your cocoon and turn your attention to your inner life this week. Do you feel at home in your space? Is your bed as comfortable as possible? Have you cleaned recently? Nurture yourself with soft blankets, bubble baths, home cooked meals and domestic magic, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

6 8 5 4 3 9 7 2 1 3796 125 48 2418 759 63

Your covens, clubs and group chats are sparkling with inspiration this week. The people in our lives can be our greatest muses, so fill up your social calendar and go out a little more than you should. Feedback from someone you trust could play a major role in helping you reach your goals. Creativity strikes when you least expect it, Taurus.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

You’ve been stuck recently, but now it’s time to hit the ground running. Don’t shy away from throwing your hat in the ring, taking on leadership or accepting opportunities; this is your season to shine. Whatever you set your heart on, you have the wind in your sails and the support of the people around you. Go for it, Gemini.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

Although you tend to love being in the house, don’t be

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)

You’ve been caught up in your various responsibilities recently, but now it’s time to redirect your attention to the people you love. If you feel like your bonds could use a bit more reciprocity, this is a good week to speak up and set new boundaries. If you’re single, opportunities for romance may come out of the woodwork. Life is short, so have fun, Virgo.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)

How you spend your days is how you spend your life. This week, remember that you implement routines that either encourage the life you want to live or limit it. If you’ve been wanting to try a new practice or set a fitness goal, now’s your chance. Just be sure to consider what you can cut out in order to make space for the new, Libra.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

In the middle of a cold, dry Colorado winter, it’s

Don’t resist the urge to socialize this week — you can get it all done without working through your lunch breaks. Productivity soars when you pencil in delight; so yap away at the water cooler, study at Alley Cat Coffeehouse with your classmates and send eight-minutelong voice memos without shame. Get your message out, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

At the tail end of your season, it’s time to start making those birthday wishes happen. Draft an action plan, then start speaking, writing and researching your vision. You may struggle with some imposter syndrome, so beware of writing off your ideas as too far fetched. Everybody was a beginner once, Aquarius.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20)

It’s your solar return, and you’ll cry if you want to — or honestly, maybe even if you don’t want to. The sun in your sign is a rebirth to your identity and the way you move through the world. You’re getting older and your frontal lobe is developing, so think about who you want to become. Happy birthday season, Pisces.

Last edition’s crossword solution

“She’s not homophobic; she just hates white, gay men.”

“It’s me and my wood against the world.”

“He looks like he is about to kick a child

“He looks like you put googly eyes on a brick. And I’m sure he’s got the personality to match.” Have

“I didn’t love my ex boyfriend but I dated him”

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025 Vol. 134 No. 21

RailJam returns to highlight student snow athletics

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

CORRECTIONS

FOCO EVENTS

TOP STORIES

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL STAFF

Students demand CSU become sanctuary campus for undocumented peers

ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

President Amy Parsons reflects on time at CSU, mission moving forward

EXECUTIVE INFLUENCE

Federal actions raise funding concerns for CSU, nationwide academic research

INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

CSU students discuss Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement

SHREDDING GNAR

RailJam returns to highlight student snow athletics

VALENTINE’S EVENT

Broken Hearts Club offers unconventional way to celebrate love

SHOWCASING

B/AACC’s Threads of Tradition event flaunts fashion, culture

What NCAA’s billion-dollar settlement means for CSU ahead of final approval

Issues addressed

Colorado State University’s impact

New governance

Future implications

RAILJAM, HOSTED BY ASCSU AND SNOWRIDERS, SHREDS ON LSC WEST LAWN

KNOWLEDGE RELATIONS

Kelp Lab translates discoveries to public through science communication research

MANIPULATIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Love bombing: What it is, how it works

COMPOUND ANNIHILATION

CSU research shows promise in destroying forever chemicals

MOVIE NIGHT

Beginner’s guide: 5 indie films to start your obsession

FILM REVIEW

‘Whiplash’

‘Lost in Translation’

‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’

‘The Substance’

‘Mid90s’

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ is a brave attempt that falls short

EMOTIONAL AWAKENING

FKA twigs delivers pinnacle of human experience with ‘EUSEXUA’

INACCURATE METRICS

The BMI is outdated, flawed

FRESH START

Spring semester acts as 2nd chance in college

SERIOUSLY

Trump announces replacements for Department of Education

PUZZLES

Sudoku

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE