Photo Illustration by Andy Cozzi
Northern Star
• Volleyball player Chrystal McAlpin takes a knee. Read more on Page 8. •
• The Truth Must Bear All Light •
Since 1899
Monday, Oct. 17, 2016
Volume 117
Students protest for justice Protests continue at football game Nicole Scott Staff writer
Atlee Hargis | Northern Star
Students raise their fists and chant, “black lives matter,” after the national anthem at the football game Saturday in Huskie Stadium against Central Michigan University.
Eseer participated in the demonstration. She said she enjoyed being a part of the protest and believed it showed the participants’ unity on campus. “A lot of people on this campus don’t see us as a [community] enough, and that was a good instance to see us all as one,” Eseer said. NIU Police knew the demonstration was going to occur before game day. Don Rodman, NIU Police commander of operations, said he didn’t expect any incidents to occur, so he didn’t increase police presence.
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A lot of people on this campus don’t see us as a [community] enough and that was a good instance to see us all as one.” Tatyana Eseer Junior biology major
No incidents were reported, Rodman said. The protest was peaceful although some attendees were annoyed. Three students sitting together who did not want to disclose their identities opposed the protest. One member of the group said
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Weather Opinion
Musicians return to The House Jesse Baalman Staff writer
DeKALB | Black Lives Matter
protesters raised their fists high and refused to stand during the national anthem at the football game 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Huskie Stadium. In the bleachers, football game attendees stood and sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” but the protesters remained silent and displayed the Pan-African flag. The protest was planned about a month prior to the game by an unspecified group of students. Jaylan Orute, senior public health major and participant in the demonstration, said the protest was open to all members of the campus community. Orute said the students planned the demonstration to come together as a community and be heard across campus and the nation. They displayed cardboard signs reading statements such as “Black Lives Matter” and “Why does my blackness scare you?” Participants also wore black clothes. Once the national anthem concluded, the students began to chant, “black lives matter.” Some protesters stood and danced in celebration of the movement. “[Black Lives Matter] shows our unity and significance of our lives,” said Brandon Rhodes, junior industrial management technology major. “We can stand together strong.” Sitting or kneeling during the national anthem became a controversial form of silent protest against police brutality after Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers quarterback, gained national attention for sitting — which was amended to kneeling — at the 49ers third preseason game on Aug. 26. Junior biology major Tatyana
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Sports Scene
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he believed the protests on campus leading up to the game were creating more separation in the country when they should be trying to bring more people together. An- Don Rodman other member NIU Police said the pro- Commander of Operations tests were going too far, and he didn’t find the protests necessary. “I think [demonstrators] are blaming law enforcement for their problems when their problems are within their own communities,” said one of the opposed students. Chris Ohr, attendee of the game and grandparent of a freshman student, said she shared some of the demonstrators’ concerns about racism, and although she may not agree with that particular form of protest, she supports free speech. “I think [demonstrators] have the right to express themselves the way they want to express themselves,” Ohr said. “It may not be to my liking, but that’s why we live in this country. We
can express ourselves.” Following the demonstration, protesters proceeded to watch the game. “We’re going to enjoy the football game and watch NIU [try to] take this ‘W’,” Orute said.
Protest recap Sept. 22: The Black Student Union leads #ProjectOutline where body outlines were drawn with chalk to represent people who died. Oct. 11: About 100 students gather around a demonstration facilitated by Black Student Union where participants laid across a bridge outside Cole Hall to represent black people who died unjustly at the hands of police. Thursday: About 100 students marched throughout campus chanting, “black lives matter.” Saturday: Students wear black and stay seated during the national anthem at the football game.
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DeKALB | For a celebratory night of music and culture featuring a lineup of local alternative bands, The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, reopened its doors 7 p.m. Friday after several months of being closed, and about 60 locals showed up in support. The House, formerly known as The House Cafe, changed titles under the new management of Martha and Mark Robinson. The establishment opened in 2000 under Sven Hanson, original building and business owner. Since then, the establishment has had four owners: Sven Hanson, Fareed Haque and Jan Pascolini, Brian and Alex Fausett and now, Martha and Mark Robinson.
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It’s a cornerstone in DeKalb culture. I’ve been coming here since I was 16 years old, [and] it’s exciting that it’s starting up again.” Tee Jay Kay Vocalist for Barn Owl Band
The Barn Owl Band, one of the seven bands that played Friday, was excited about the eventful night. Tee Jay Kay, vocalist for the Barn Owl Band and regular at The House, believes the business is needed in the community. “The main thing is that it’s open,” Kay said. “The stage looks nice. It’s a cornerstone in DeKalb culture. I’ve been coming here since I was 16 years old, [and] it’s exciting that it is starting up again.” Adam Linder, 20, of Elgin, has played five times with his solo act at The House. He said it was cool to see familiar names that have been at The House before. Read more about the reopening at NorthernStar.info/DeKalb_Scene/.
Third party voters switch
Students plan to switch their vote from third party candidates to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to make their vote count. Read more about students’ opinions on Page 4.