Echo issue 3 Oct. 25, 2017 by SLP Echo

Echo

FRESHMAN FINDS PASSION

SENIOR PLAYS TWO SPORTS

HORROR MOVIES TO WATCH

Drummer discovers strength in playing her music PAGE 4

Varsity athlete balances crosscountry and soccer PAGE 8

Four movies to add to a Halloween queue PAGE 12

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 Volume 91 Issue 3 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

SLPECHO.COM

Referendum to update district buildings

Photo used with permission from Mathew Thomas

About the proposed referendum High school • • • • • • • •

High school offices relocate to district office space Renovate former high school offices to become classrooms New commons area New link & learning commons/Media Center renovation Renovate weight/fitness room Renovate locker looms 10 next century classrooms Build new centralized kitchen

Middle school • • • • • • •

Classroom addition including science labs Expand lunchroom Expand office & create secure entry New performing arts space & orchestra room Renovate Media Center 10 next century classrooms Update kitchen

Photo used with permission from Mathew Thomas

$100.9 million upgrade to be voted Nov. 7 Claire Kaiserman & Atticus Raasch clairekaiserman@slpecho.com atticusraasch@slpecho.com

ccording to Superintendent Astein Osei, two different referendums will attempt to pass on Nov. 7. Osei said each referendum will address different needs throughout the school district. “We currently have an operating levy in place that’s set to expire,” Osei said. “There is no additional tax impact – it would be the same tax impact that residents are currently experiencing. It would help with funding teachers, staff supplies and just the basic general pieces you need to run a school district.” According to School Board chair Jim Yarosh, a bond referendum is necessary for making improvements to buildings in the district. “(Park is) an inner ring suburb. We’ve got older facilities, we don’t get enough funding every year to do major improvements that buildings require after a while,” Yarosh said. (Bond referendums are) really the only way, under school finance laws, to do something like this.” According to Osei, the proposed bond referendum will put forth $100.9 million to provide renovations to facilities around the district.

“(The referendum) really encompasses all sorts of different projects across the district,” Osei said. Freshman Luci Jensen said she looks forward to the new changes the referendum will bring. “I think (the new referendum will) have a positive outcome,” Jensen said. “If we’re getting new materials, new everything, (the school is) better.” Freshman Ryan Barnett said upgrades such as the proposed large common area would bring the student body together. “It would be nice if we had a central commons area that everyone can go to because it seems We’ve got older like everyone is spread facilities, we don’t out around the whole get enough funding school,” Barnett said. every year to do Osei said the administration will continue major improvements to aid the community that buildings require through the referendum after a while. process and answer Jim Yarosh any questions posed to School Board chair them. “We’re not just sitting back just because the community’s always supported us,” Osei said. “It is important to make ourselves available to answer any questions they have (about the referendum).”

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Elementary schools • • • • •

Remodel Cedar Manor School for Park Spanish Immension School Peter Hobart Elementary School secure entrance Air conditioning in all schools Update furniture in all elementary schools Update kitchens

Early Childhood & Central Community Center • • • • • • • • •

Remodel Park Spanish Immersion School space for new Early Childhood Center Create new Early Childhood center secure entry and parking Relocate district office Relocate Transition Plus Remodel space for Adult Options Maintain Central Clinic Maintain gymnastics gym Maintain swimming pool Update kitchen Infographic Devin Raynor Source St. Louis Park Public Schools

School Board candidates discuss personal values Five candidates run for three spots Anne Casey School Board candiannabellastrathman@slpecho.com date Anne Casey said her mimifhima@slpecho.com experience developing the administrations’ Strategic Bruce Cantor Plan and her urge to bring School Board candidate diversity to the board gives Bruce Cantor said he looks her the proper experience to to meet each students indihold her board position. vidual needs. “I have a big picture “When we talk about perspective from having achieving success one served on the Strategic Plan student at a time, I like team,” Casey said. “I’d like looking at potential. We to bring geographic divershould be meeting every sity to our board because I student’s potential, wherthink it is important for all ever their potential is, that’s of our city to be reprehow we should measure sented.” success. Have you met your Christine Johnson potential, have you met Christine Johnson is also your potential, I think that’s running for School Board really important,” Cantor this election cycle, but was said. unavailable for response. Mimi Fhima & Annabella Strathman

Photo Grace Farley Fresh start: Park School Board member Bruce Richardson speaks about child development during a school board meeting Sept. 25.

Mary Tomback School Board candidate Mary Tomback said she looks to use the position to give voice to those who may not usually have a say in what happens in the community.“I want to be a voice for people in our community whose voices perhaps aren’t loud enough, who aren’t heard,” Tomback said. “We are truly trying to create a leveled playing field for each and every student no matter what their background or their challenges. I want to make sure that our schools

are safe for all of our students they need to come ready to learn.” Karen Waters School Board candidate Karen Waters said the position should be dedicated to serving the Park community. “I believe in the fact that (the board position) is a service to our community,” Waters said. “If you are a service oriented leader, you are thinking about multiple viewpoints, and that’s important to me because I think that that’s how we will remain a top school district.”

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NEWS

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

I think (the Real ID Act) is a little unnecessary, because a driver’s license has all the information you need. Sarah Green, senior

WEB PREVIEW

Photo Brooklyn Donelson

District court rules against Echo

fter motioning for summary judgement July 7, the Fourth Judicial District Court for Hennepin County ruled against Echo newspaper Oct. 7. The decision stated the video footage requested from the alleged incident Nov. 14 is nonpublic educational data, protected by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. “The video is about individual persons, maintained by the school, and related to students,” the court’s opinion stated.

Dani Orloﬀ daniorloﬀ@slpecho.com

Photo illustration Hadeal Rizeq

Journalism society returns to Park

unior managing editor Dani Orloff is looking forward to Echo staffers collaborating with Echowan staffers. “I think it’s a great opportunity for student journalists to be recognized and have (Quill and Scroll) because (it) also includes people that are on Echowan staff,” Orloff said. “It’s a great way for us to be together, since we are all student journalists.” Hadeal Rizeq hadealrizeq@slpecho.com

Photo Grace Farley

Checked: Starting Oct. 10, 2018 Minnesota passengers must carry passports and licenses to get through security unless the state receives another extension. Next year passengers will not be able to travel domestically without these two forms of identiﬁcation.

Minnesota licenses to work until 2018 Minnesota last to comply with security minimums Avia Kaner-Roth aviakanerroth@slpecho.com

ccording to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Real ID will go into effect Oct. 10, 2018, because of the extension granted by the Department of Homeland Security Oct. 18 of this year. The Real ID Act establishes security standards for licenses and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting forms of identification from states not meeting the Act’s minimum

fter a powerful collision in the varsity football game against Benilde-St. Margaret’s Sept. 28, senior Peyton Morrison had to sit out for the rest of the game. “My whole arm went numb for about 15 minutes,” Morrison said. Abby Intveld abbyintveld@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com

Changes: Minnesotans will need to bring in two forms for proof of residency and proof of social security number.

ID due to the financial strain it will put on the State of Minnesota and that the federal government is giving no support,” Meisler said. Dibble said the technological advancements required for Real ID pose challenges. “My objection to Real ID lies within the significant costs to improve technology to accommodate for the new identification process, without

Infographic Avia Kaner-Roth Source Minnesota Department of Public Safety

any funds allocated to states from the federal government,” Dibble said. Senior Stuart Monicatti said he feels Minnesota should not wait to enforce Real ID. “I find (Real ID) very unnecessary although, now (that) it is national law, I guess we should just do it instead of putting it off.”

Public opinion divided on new pipeline

S High school sports lead to injuries

Eﬀective Date: October 10, 2018

Proposed Pipeline 3 prompts debate

Eli Curran-Moore elicurranmoore@slpecho.com

Photo Sophie Olmen

standards, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Democratic Minnesota Senator Scott Dibble said he attributes the beginning of the Real ID debate to the terrorist attack Sept. 11, 2001. “(The Real ID debate) goes back a few years, when Congress began pushing heightened requirements after 9/11, where all 50 states had to bring ID standards and security standards up to push back against terrorism,” Dibble said. Senior Ilana Meisler said she was unenthusiastic about Real ID. “I’m not confident in Real

Minnesota Driver’s License

enior Ryan Lee said he recently attended ‘Hold the Line: March to the Capitol and Public Hearing to Stop Line 3,’ a protest that was Sept. 28 in downtown St. Paul against the proposed Pipeline 3 (Line 3). “(The march) was really cool. Nature lovers, whether they were indigenous or white, all banded together for a common cause,” Lee said. According to Enbridge Communications Supervisor, Shannon Gustafson, Pipeline 3 would replace an older line to provide energy to the Midwest. “Line 3 is a replacement project intended to replace an existing pipeline which provides crude oil to Minnesota and neighboring states’ refineries,” Gustafson said.

Photo used with permision from Ryan Lee

“The existing Line 3 has been in service since the 1960s.” Lee said he opposes the pipeline because of its potential impact on the surrounding Native American population. “I’m against Pipeline 3 because it would uproot families, especially indigenous people from their homeland and violate Native American treaties,” Lee said. “I went to the protest to stand up against it.” Gustafson said the new Pipeline 3 will employ modern technology with emphasis on new safety measures. “We will be using new technology, new construction techniques, thicker steel, as well as coatings that weren’t in use at the time the original line was put into place designed to keep the pipeline safer,” Gustafson said.

Sophomore Ellen Poulter said she is against the pipeline because its location could impact her negatively. “I go to summer camp up at Cass Lake on Star Island, Camp Unistar,” Poulter said. “Unistar is a really special place to me. Line 3 could potentially go through Cass Lake and cause damage to Star Island.” Gustafson said public input is of great value to all Enbridge projects. “We believe it’s important to hear input from all perspectives. Input we’ve heard from landowners, tribal organizations and elected officials have given us the opportunity to make 50 different route changes,” Gustafson said. “(Public input) happened in community meetings, hearings,

one-on-one meetings and also the regulatory process.” Freshman Maya Lee said she opposes the construction of the pipeline because of the environmental impact. “I don’t think (Pipeline 3) should be put in. It would damage a lot of Minnesota and Canada, just the way our ecosystem is set up, up north (the environment) is nice, we shouldn’t change it,” Maya Lee said. According to Gustafson and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, all public and evidentiary hearings are listed and the public comment period closes Nov. 22. Comments can be submitted by email to publicadvisor. puc@state.mn.us or online at mn.gov/puc/line3/participate/ comment.

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“(Volunteering) gives a sense of togetherness between diﬀerent groups of people in the community.

STUDENT LIFE

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Ellie Kent, junior

Photo Beck Bergland

Sock sorting: STEP volunteers Bekah Engstrand and Dannica Olsen sort socks for a local clothing drive. STEP works to respond, care and serve to St. Louis Park families who are in need. For available shifts interested students should contact staﬀ at (952) 925-4899 ext. 16. Because of shift limitations volunteers are required to RSVP.

Volunteering brings unity to community Five places to ﬁnd a calling, make an impact Katie Hardie & Mimi Fhima katiehardie@slpecho.com mimifhima@slpecho.com

STEP www.stepslp.org

The St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) runs an organized program while volunteering. STEP works to identify, respond, and serve the critical needs of St. Louis Park residents. Among other things, volunteers usually help out by assisting with clothing drives or sorting food that has recently arrived to the facility. The staff members give volunteer opportunities to city members who want to make a difference.

6812 W Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55426

Jeremiah Program 1510 Laurel Ave W, Minneapolis, MN 55403

www.jeremiahprogram.org

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The Jeremiah Program offers opportunities for volunteers to assist single mothers in raising their children and improving their lives. The program’s headquarters are in Minneapolis with branches also expanding to other areas of the country. Through five core pillars, the program for mothers offers both childcare and food options while they are counseled in topics such as career paths and finances. The pillars include the importance of accessibility to education the collegiate level as well as early childhood education.

Sholom Home www.sholom.com

The Sholom Home provides assistance and care to those living and working on the premise. The building administers an open setting while still reserving room for residents who may want privacy. The staff is responsible for residents’ well being, as well as conforting residents. Sholom Home supplies many opportunities and tasks for community members who chose to volunteer, such as hospice care, creating activities for residents and even pet therapy.

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3620 Phillips Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55426

Children’s Minnesota 2525 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404

www.childrensmn.org

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Being the biggest pediatric hospital in the Twin Cities, Children’s Minnesota varies in activity throughout the week. Those who volunteer may be needed more frequently for some jobs than others. Staff members help volunteers with duties such as distributing books to patients. Children’s Minnesota aims to comfort and help children around the nation and offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for those interested.

Loaves and Fishes

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721 Kasota Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

www.loavesandﬁshesmn.org

Affiliated with several churches in the metro area, Loaves and Fishes has several locations across the state. This organization is a non-profit meal relief program for families and groups in Minnesota. It operates out of church buildings and mobile trucks while serving the community hot, nutritious meals. Visitors come in groups while working alongside this organization’s volunteer program. Loaves and Fishes aims to steer individuals in the direction of self-sufficiency and independence in terms of nutrition.

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FEATURES

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

"(Police Explorers) opens up a larger view of the world and you get to see real problems. Maddy Schmitz, junior

For what it’s WORTH KJ PrestonPepperell kjprestonpepperell@slpecho.com

My experience with gender

ost people think gender is a line, a definitive object with two ends. On this line, males are on one side and females are on the other. There’s nothing in between them and no way for them to get to the other side. To me, gender is a hazy, cloudy space. People start off in one spot, usually forced to one side and a majority of them choose to stay there. However, in that space they can move around more, switching sides or just moving away from where they started off. I’ve always been closer to the middle. My experience with identifying as nonbinary, one who doesn't identify as either male or female, didn’t start right away. As a child, I used the name my parents gave me, and I played with other girls. I didn’t question why I had to use that name or she/her pronouns. When I moved to Park at 11 years old, everything changed for me. I had to make new friends, and I was surrounded by all different kinds of people. Everyone in Park was different from one another and I think from the start I wanted to be different too. Toward the end of middle school, I came across the terms “transgender” and What’s the “genderPOINT? fluid,” and something You should in my brain learn to accept said, “that yourself even feels right.” if it's not the I stuck to what I “norm.” thought was a shiny, new transgender label and told my friends. I used that label for about one year and it felt better, but never quite right. I think in the back of my mind, that other word (gender fluid) kept floating up, and I never understood what it meant, so I just pushed it down. Once again, I was stuck for a while, until my mom and I finally realized that nonbinary had been the right label the whole time. Merriam-Webster defines nonbinary in a very specific way, but for me, it’s just the word I use to explain to people that I’m floating around in the middle of that cloudy space. Every non binary person is different, but the one thing almost all nonbinary people want is to share their stories and not be afraid that someone is going to hate them or hurt them for just being themselves. We are a lot like the other minority groups out there. To clarify, my identity is not a choice. It wasn’t for me and it never is. I was born the way I am today, it just took me years to find the words for it. Who knows if I’ll ever be done discovering.

Photo Malaika Bigirndavyi

Cuﬃng season: Police explorer senior Maddie Turnquist pats down assistant director in traﬃc stop simulation. Turnquist has been in the Police Explorer program for two years.

Police Explorers inspire future careers Community program helps youth ﬁnd passion in law Avia Kaner-Roth aviakanerroth@slpecho.com

s senior Maddie Turnquist thinks about future careers in law enforcement, she is grateful for the opportunities she has had in the Police Explorer program. “I like (the Police Explorer program) not only because I am going into law enforcement and it gives me experience, but mainly because of what I learn from the people in it and the officers,” Turnquist said. Officer Dennis Hagen, the adviser of

the Police Explorer program, said the program began almost 40 years ago with the intent of connecting with youth in the St. Louis Park community. “The city wanted to reach out to the community, specifically the youth and provide those interested in learning about law enforcement an opportunity to get involved and learn about the career,” Hagen said. Officer Hagen said the program helps to provide experience and an understanding of law enforcement. “(This program) provides prospective law enforcement officers a way to gain experience, and it provides youth who want to understand law enforcement a direct opportunity to experience the profession first hand,” Hagen said. Turnquist said a typical meeting

consists of discussing current events and completing training scenarios. “Each week we will start off with just going over events coming up, then we will do different training scenarios like burglary or traffic stop and stuff like that,” Turnquist said. According to Turnquist, she strongly recommends the program to eligible young adults. “Even if you do not wish to become a cop or other type of law enforcement officer, (the Police Explorer program) is a good learning experience. (Members) learn why officers do what they do and how to interact with officers,” Turnquist said. The Police Explorers meet at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the St. Louis Park Police Station.

to the regular Sadie’s dance,” Brown said. Brown said DECA members help plan the dance, through publicity and decor. “Right now, we are in the process of planning and selling tickets and designing posters to put up throughout the school that (are) barnyard theme, and we are just going to decorate some things,” Brown said. Junior Finnegan Reddan said he looks forward to the barnyard theme's recurrence. “(The theme’s) something, it’s interesting,” Reddan said. “I mean everyone wears a flannel.” According to DECA co-adviser Sophia Ross, although DECA chose a traditional theme, room for creativity still remains. “There’s been talk about possibly try-

ing to have it inside and outside, depending on the weather, like a bonfire (and) going on a hayride around the school,” Ross said. Sophomore Sarah Wojtasiak said she appreciates the non-formal aspect of the dance. “I thought (Sadie's) was a great opportunity (to) see other people’s costumes and how people express their creativity and get to socialize,” Wojtasiak said. Ross said she believes the preparation required for Sadie’s benefits DECA. “I think it’s a really good experience for students to apply their business and marketing skills to communicate to the student body about what’s going on and then just working together as a team to plan a special event,” Ross said.

Sadie's returns to tradition DECA plans a barnyard themed Halloween party Sumaya Mohamed & Dani Orloﬀ sumayamohamed@slpecho.com daniorloﬀ@slpecho.com

s senior DECA officer Lewis Brown prepares for the annual Sadie Hawkins dance, he said the barnyard theme for this year is nothing new. “(Barnyard has) always been the theme, we just like to change it some of the years, but this year we decided to stick

Before buying a Sadie's ticket Ticket price

Theme Barnyard Bash

$10

Date Nov. 2

How to purchase tickets Location

•

High school ﬁeldhouse •

Apparel Barnyard clothing

•

Purchase tickets from a DECA member MondayFriday Oct. 23-27 anytime Tickets will be sold during lunch Oct. 31-Nov. 2 No refunds, cash only

What is the dance like Do you need a date? Attend with a group of friends or a date. Is there a king and queen? Yes. There is going to be a king and queen of the corn.

What music will be playing? DECA will be taking requests during lunch at the ticket table. What can I expect? Dancing, food and friends Activities • DJ • Picture station • Food tasting • Raﬄe Infographic Devin Raynor Source DECA

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"I do like drums, because you can really get into it without having to know how to play.

FEATURES

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Daniel Gnali, junior

In the SPOTLIGHT

For freshman, drumming promotes self-acceptance Kyra Moore ﬁnds strength through music, songwriting and performance

Photo Grace Farley

Kyra Moore, freshman How did you ﬁrst begin drumming? I actually got a pair of drumsticks when I was about 10, and I would sit at the edge of my bed and pretend that I was playing to my favorite songs. I would listen and watch people about how they (play the drums). What kind of drum do you own? I have a normal rock drum set that is actually 50 years old from 1970. (I got my first drumset) from my friend, Liberty Powers and then I upgraded to my set now, which is also bright green. I use Remo Heads (and) Zildjian or Sabian cymbals. What is a fun memory from playing? At my old house my drum set was actually right next to my mom's desk and while she would work she would have to put in earplugs when I would practice. Who inspires you most with your drumming? Josh Dun from Twenty One Pilots has re-

Practice makes perfect: Freshman Kyra Moore practices a Red Hot Chilli Peppers song Oct. 18. Moore uses her drumming as an outlet for self-expression.

ally inspired me my whole life. I found him in fourth grade and other drummers from Queen and Red Hot Chilli Peppers. What experience has made you most proud through playing the drums? Probably when I went to a camp, this summer called "She Rock She Rock," and you pretty much form a band. We got to play a show at a real venue. All of our parents and friends came and it was just really fun and awesome. Are you still connected with the people you met during your drumming trip? There are a few kids that I've been Snapchatting with on a weekly basis. There are great friends and mentors I'll continue Skyping with. Will you plan on pursuing drumming in the future? I would love that (career). I know it isn't the most reliable choice in career paths, so

I'm just seeing where it will take me and what's going to happen with it What are your hopes for performing in the future? I want to be in a band with my two best friends, but I have not done any other live performances. We wouldn’t play huge venues, but shows that keep us going and keep us connected with our fans. How do you think drumming has helped you grow as a person? I have not had the best mental health in my life and playing the drums has just relieved me from that. What are some challenges you have had to overcome in your drumming career? I have not been able to play certain songs. I would get upset because I would look up how to do a song and an 8-year old would be playing it.

How do you feel while drumming? When I’m drumming I feel amazing, I feel beautiful, I feel strong. Drumming is the thing that keeps me going every day. Have you ever considered writing your own music for performing? I have a whole journal full of songs. I think I write my best when I am most in my mind. I always write the lines I think or right away or I know I will forget it. Are the drums an instrument that should be recognized more? You can’t have music without a beat, a background noise. I feel like in today’s music, (drum beats are) getting more subdued through techno music, but it all comes back to the drums and I think being a woman drummer is even more important. Evelyn Nelson evelynnelson@slpecho.com

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IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

“We should better learn what is right and wrong, and really think before we make decisions. Liz Madonna, freshman

Unmasking cultu Halloween highlights larger issue of misrepresentation Alexis Machoka & Ndunzi Kunsunga alexiamachoka@slpecho.com ndunzikunsunga@slpecho.com

s people step into their Halloween costumes this season, many don’t recognize the impact their costume may have.

What is Cultural Appropriation?

unior Zion Chappell said Halloween costumes have the potential to be offensive and seen as cultural appropriation because of their inherent lack of respect. “I think there can be (cultural appropriation on Halloween) especially because a costume is supposed to be a silly thing that you put on,” Chappell said. “When you’re dressing up in a sombrero because it’s a silly hat rather than respecting that it is a part of a culture, I think that’s definitely cultural appropriation.” Senior Ruchmah Borg said the appropriation of cultures lacks consideration for the struggles of marginalized groups. “I think it’s (cultural appropriation) dangerous to ignore it because it dismisses the pain that people of color go through,” Borg said. Lenora White, a human rights enforcement officer at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, said she defines cultural appropriation as the misinterpretation of varying cultures. “(Cultural appropriation is) mocking or misappropriating another person’s culture,” White said. Equity coach Matt Horel said he defines cultural appropriation as a form of oppression that diminishes parts of a culture. “(Appropriation occurs) when a dominant culture, white culture, takes aspects of marginalized culture and makes it their own,” Horel said. Chappell said he views cultural appropriation as the utilization of another’s culture as an aesthetic, disregarding the significance of their customs. “(Cultural appropriation is) taking aspects of a culture without respecting where those (traditions) have come from,” Chappell said. “(In) a lot of very specific instances, it’s people trying to dress like a certain culture or talk like a certain

culture so they feel coo According to Ilana of Gender, Women and nesota, cultural appro “One thing that is a lot of people think (c pens just today, but it’ land and labor though Chappell said he fe round society today ap “You can’t step out cultural appropriation life and a fact of how Horel said cultural between cultures, espe “It’s just one more their history and oppr

Halloween a

unior Ayanna N affects Saint Lou student population. “Saint Louis Park h Jewish population, we significant Hispanic po of those groups in a ne White said it is her feels their human right “Particularly in the discrimination-free env school and the school fensive costumes to be could prompt a charge Beth El Synagogue’ the St. Louis Park com “While it is a time come at the expense o upon us as good neigh Junior Melissa Alca within in the commun “I think it affects o tension between cultur Alcantar said. “Instead mad at one another.” Turner said certain ture into an object.

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I think (cultural appropriation) is a big part of the community in they way that it’s just very oﬀensive.

IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Sanjay Manohar, senior

ural appropriation

ol.” Turner, a doctoral student in the department d Sexuality Studies at the University of Minopriation is rooted within American history. key to understanding cultural appropriation is cultural appropriation is) something that hap’s actually part of a larger history of stealing h colonization,” Turner said. eels cultural appropriation continues to surpart from Halloween costumes. tside your door without seeing some type of n on a daily basis,” Chappell said. “It’s a fact of the world is progressing.” appropriation serves to further the divide ecially those in the minority. thing to minimize their experience or minimize ression,” Horel said.

at Park

Nathan said cultural appropriation directly uis Park because of the schools’ multicultural

has such a diverse community. We have large e have a large Muslim population, we have a opulation. (Cultural appropriation) affects all egative way,” Nathan said. department’s job to get involved if a student ts are violated. e area of education we are tasked to create vironments,” White said. “If you’re in your is allowing racially offensive or religiously ofe worn, and a student complains about it, that e of discrimination.” ’s senior Rabbi Alexander Davis said it is up to mmunity to be watchful for appropriation. of revelry and happiness and joy, it can not of another person,” Davis said. “It is incumbent hbors to think carefully of how we celebrate.” antar said appropriating often creates conflict nity. our community because people cause a lot of res when they appropriate other cultures,” d of uniting people you have people who are costumes can turn aspects of a person’s cul-

“Halloween gives a forum for that type of racism to be expressed, so it’s probably extra important to remember that when you’re dressing up you’re objectifying something. You’re making it into an object that has very little dimension,” Turner said. Spanish teacher Kris Christiansen said she remembers growing up seeing similar Halloween costume trends that were just as offensive as the ones seen today. “When I was a kid in particular, there was dressing up like (Native Americans). (The costumes were) very common and very normal Halloween costumes. If it wasn’t cultural appropriation then it was almost mocking,” Christensen said.

Student poll results Do you think cultural appropriation is a signiﬁcant issue?

73% Yes

27% No

Moving Forward

athan said she feels the best way to combat cultural appropriation is to educate people about different cultures and the harm appropriation can cause. “I think the answer to every problem is education,” Nathan said. “We need to properly be educating everyone on what is okay and what is not okay, culturally, physically, and emotionally. We need to be educating people to bring awareness to the issue.” Alcantar said she feels there is a distinction between appreciation and appropriation of a culture. “People fail to realize that they need to respect other people’s cultures and stay in their lanes,” Alcantar said. “If they want to be appreciative of a culture, do it in a correct way and not act like it’s a costume or something to make fun of.” Horel said he believes addressing problems and facing them directly will help solve the overall issue of cultural appropriation. “For (equity coaches), we bring to light what (cultural appropriation) looks like,” Horel said. “When we take cultures from oppressed people and try and make it our own or try and make it cute, it’s not okay.” White said she encourages students everywhere to be open to the lives and identities of others and seek to learn about other cultures. “(Students should) educate themselves and listen to other people. Hopefully you have people around you who have friends of different cultures. Just listen to them,” White said. “If you have a question or you’re wondering ‘is this costume appropriate,’ just ask someone.” According to Turner, students can make the decision to not engage in cultural appropriation during Halloween. “We can’t change (history), but there are some things we have choices about,” Turner said. “We have the choice whether or not to extend or expand or participate in. Cultural appropriation is one of those things. If we want to heal these really violent histories of slavery and colonization, one of those things we can decide to do is not engage in cultural appropriation.”

Do you think cultural appropriation becomes more evident around Halloween time?

32% No

68% Yes

Have you ever felt like your culture has been appropriated?

26% Yes

74% No

275 students were surveyed during lunches Oct. 17. Infographic Devin Raynor

In their own words

“

I’m Native American. What I find offensive is putting headdresses on everything. It’s a very sacred headwear. Putting it on figures and stuff is demeaning. Zion Chappell, junior

“ “

Costumes that represent diﬀerent cultures or imitate other things are bad. Marian Mohamud, junior

It really oﬀends me when I see people dressing up as slaves and it really hurts me. Amaya Fokuo, sophomore Infographic Hanna Schechter

Photo Illustration Devin Raynor & Sam St. Clair

“

SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

“If (Abati) is putting in time for both and can still keep up with what he has to do then great for him. Alex Peterson, senior

Out of the PARK Racquel Fhima racquelfhima@ slpecho.com

Keeping my head in the game

ental toughness is a skill that comes with hard work and perseverance. My experience with overcoming my mental block shaped the way I think about myself and my tennis game. As an eighth grader, my mental game was at an all time low. It got to the point where I was known to give up after losing a couple of games. I stopped training altogether at one point, but that was only a temporary fix. After that, Natalie Lorentz, the previous tennis captain, helped to make that the low point. As my skills developed and my attitude toward What’s the tennis bePOINT? came more confident throughout the year, I became less focused on my mental game. I pushed myself to get better by playing four to eight hours every day in the summer. While this helped my racquet skills, my mental attitude still created difficulties in matches. At that point, I realized in these matches although my strokes were there, my mental game put me at a disadvantage to others at my level. This rude awakening gave me the determination to work harder, and by the end of freshman year my tennis and mental game was greatly improved. At my first tournament I got to the finals and then lost to a girl that was the same skill level as me because my overconfidence got the better of me. This tournament humbled me and made me realize that while I was still better than eighth grade me, I had a lot of hard work to do. The next tournament, I played one of my best friends in the second round, who I had always admired. I ended up winning which gave me the biggest confidence boost I have ever experienced. Throughout the season I held this win with me, and whenever I was getting down on myself I remembered the tournament where I beat the girl who I had looked up to since I was 12. All it takes is one win, one second, to switch the feeling of hopelessness to resolve and create a mental game of steel. By retraining my mind, I have achieved more than I ever imagined as a sophomore. I still have a lot of work to do concerning my mental game, as well as my racquet skills, but that is all within my reach.

Mental game key in developing success

Varsity athlete takes on two sports

Photo Adam Johnson

Two is better than one: Senior Abati Dedefo winds up to kick the ball in the Orioles’ match against Minneapolis South. Dedefo participates in both soccer and cross country at the varsity level.

Senior follows athletic passion with soccer, cross country Adam Johnson adamjohnson@slpecho.com

hen senior athlete Abati Dedefo prepared to begin his last year in high school, he sought to play both soccer and run cross country. According to Dedefo, soccer has always been an important aspect to his life, but he also wanted to run for the cross country team this fall. “I love playing soccer. I decided to join cross country this season because it is my last year of high school and I thought it would be fun,” Dedefo said. According to Park cross country coach Chris Nordstrom he said he supports Dedefo’s involvement in the two sports.

“(Dedefo’s) focus has more been on the soccer side,” said Nordstrom. “he nice thing with cross country is soccer and cross country do have a lot of similarities,” Nordstrom said. According to Dedefo, he primarily attends soccer practice while running in cross country meets. He said communicating with both coaches is crucial. “I talked to my coaches and we just kind of talked to each other and figured out what we were going to do,” Dedefo said. Senior cross country captain and teammate Colin Perkins said he looks up to Dedefo’s dedication to pursue two sports. “He provides a standard of what you can achieve if you push yourself,” Perkins said. According to varsity assistant soccer coach Pat Hartman he acknowledges Dedefo’s performance in both sports.

Dual-sport accomplishments Scored two goals Placed third out of in the soccer seas 502 athletes in The Griak Invitational Contributed one Ran the two mile assist for the team race in 10:20

Infographic Brooklyn Donelson Source gophersports.com, mnsoccerhub

“The same week that he placed third in Griak, he scored two goals in the next match after that,” Hartman said. Nordstrom said he hopes students will be able to pursue multiple sports in the future. “I hope it’s something that we can work out with coaches in the future,” Nordstrom said.

Ofﬁcer Bill Mathews honored at Vikings game Family accepts Hometown Hero recognition Sam Birnberg & Jacob Stillman sambirnberg@slpecho.com jacobstillman@slpecho.com

t the Vikings-Packers game Oct. 15, U.S. Bank Stadium filled with cheers and applause for the recogPhoto Sam Birnberg Honoring a hero: Wyatt and Shawn Mathews displayed as part of a tribute video made nition of one of St. Louis Park’s own. Park’s assistant athletic director Shawn in honor of Oﬃcer Bill Mathews during a stoppage in play at U.S. Bank Stadium Oct. 15 Mathews and her son Wyatt stood on the after Officer Mathews. He said that the field, receiving the Hometown Hero honor were brought into Winter Park to watch a honors given by both the city of Wayzata Vikings practice. on behalf of her husband Officer Bill and the Minnesota Vikings go a long way “We just thought if there was a chance Mathews, who passed away on Friday, to preserving Officer Mathews’ heroism to bring that story to the Vikings fan Sept. 8 while clearing debris from Highand service. base and have the opportunity to honor way U.S. 12. “Because of how impactful he was, the family, that would be something we The Hometown Hero award honors people want to make sure his memory wanted to do,” Bostrom said. individuals who have made a difference in lasts,” Ewald said. Park athletic director Andy Ewald said their community. Bostrom said the Hometown Hero that although he was not involved in the Greg Bostrom, the Director of Enhonor was created to promote recognition nomination process, he was elated to see tertainment for the Minnesota Vikings, for those who have a major impact on the the Mathews family being honored. said the organization felt the Hometown local community. “I think it is a great gesture for the Hero award was the perfect platform to “There is no more fitting person for Vikings to do,” Ewald said. honor Officer Mathews’ commitment to this recognition than someone like Bill Ewald said the city of Wayzata has the community, and that Bill was chosen Mathews,” Bostrom said. plans to name a stretch of the highway to be honored after Shawn and Wyatt

“

I think it is great we ﬁnally have a good team, and now we are winning.”

SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Jayda Witherspoon, junior

Meet the ATHLETE

Park earns ﬁrst-round bye Orioles reach ﬁrst winning record since 1972 Sam Birnberg, William Phelan & Adam Johnson sambirnberg@slpecho.com adamjohnson@slpecho.com williamphelanb@slpecho.com

Rushing to victory: Senior quarterback Jonny Sorenson scrambles to gain yards against Orono Oct. 6. The Orioles football team earned its ﬁrst winning record since 1972. Who Antonio Olivos-Reyes Grade Senior Sport Soccer

hen senior Skyler Rudelius Palmer looks back at the regular season, he looks fondly on the football team’s 5-3 record. “We worked together as a team more we weren’t focused on individuality we were more focused on team play. That’s what let us break a (45 year) curse of never having a winning season,” Rudelius-Palmer said. Captain Ryan Klaers shared the same positivity when reflecting on the season. Klaers attributed the team’s success to focusing on one game at a time. “The regular season went very well for us. Every week the goal was to play our best game and have everyone doing their jobs and it paid off with our record,” Klaers said Park head coach Ben Wolfe said the team met their own expectations, earning a first round bye in the sections tournament. He said the team reached their goal by staying true to the work ethic set at the beginning of the season. “Our attitude and effort brought us a winning season,” Wolfe said. Rudelius-Palmer said the team looks to carry the same attitude and effort into

How long have you been playing soccer? I have been playing soccer since I was eight years old.

the postseason. “We’ve always sort of been the underdog in the regular season. I think we just have to keep track of that and keep that mentality,” Rudelius-Palmer said. Wolfe said the team is ready to go for their first sections game after finishing the season with three straight wins. “It has been a great journey overall, and we hope that we can continue that journey into the section tournament,” Wolfe said, “It is an 0 and 0 season at this point, so every play matters.” Park plays winner of Irondale-Park Center game 1:00 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Stadium.

What do you enjoy most about playing soccer? My teammates and just the feeling of scoring. (Also) winning and having fun I guess. I mean scoring is nice but assisting also is good because you are contributing to the team. What position(s) do you play? I started playing center mid, but the past two years I have been playing left mid or right mid, but center mid is my position. What teams have you played for outside of high school? I have played with Park Valley United.

Photo illustration Josh Halper

Fall sports wrap-up Girls’ soccer

he Oriole girls finished the season at a 9-4-1 mark, according to MN Soccer Hub. They placed second in their conference and third in section 6AA. The team put up 34 goals on the year and conceeded 22. Junior captain Ellie Kent and senior captain Rafferty Kugler paced the team with seven goals a piece. The team will graduate six seniors and have 15 players returning next year. Jacob Stillman jacobstillman@slpecho.com Photo Josh Halper

Girls’ tennis

he Oriole girls finished their regular season with a 10-2 record, according to gopark.org. The team graduated seven seniors, led by captains Hanna Schechter, Mimi Fhima and Maddie Lund. The team qualified for sections, losing in the second round. All individual players, aside from senior captain Mimi Fhima and junior Suzy Hu, were eliminated in the first round. Coach David Breitenbucher earned the Section Coach Award. Alec Pittman alecpittman@slpecho.com Photo Josh Halper

Boys’ soccer

he boys’ soccer team ended with a record of 9-4-1. The team won its conference and placed second in Section 6AA. The team earned 29 goals during the course of the season and gave up 22. Junior captain Zinedine Kroeten was awarded second team all state. There are eight graduating seniors on the team and 12 players returning next year. The top scorer was senior captain Jacob Stillman with a total of eight goals. Jenna Cook & Sophie Yarosh jennacook@slpecho.com, sophieyarosh@slpecho.com

Photo Caroline Green

How is high school soccer diﬀerent from other clubs or leagues you have played in? I feel like the competition in high school is more competitive. It is a bit better than in club. Who has inﬂuenced you most? My dad since he plays, because he was the one I played with. What do you feel like you have improved in the most? Probably just dribbling a bit, and just looking at the field instead of just dribbling with the ball, looking up and all. What is your favorite memory in soccer? (My favorite high school memory) is scoring playing varsity, so scoring yeah it was nice scoring. Who is your favorite soccer player and why? My favorite soccer player is Messi, because one he is left footed and I am left footed as well, and two he is small and he can compete with any guy. He is very smart and his dribbling skills are just sick. What do you hope you’ll learn from this experience? I hope I’ll learn to be quicker and to know how other players play. Do you want to keep playing soccer throughout your life? Yeah why not? It is a beautiful game.

Jacob Stillman jacobstillman@slpecho.com

“

10 OPINIONS

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Echo

Editors-in-chief: *Mimi Fhima & *Annabella Strathman Managing editors: *Anna duSaire, Alec Pittman, *Dani Orloff & *Atticus Raasch

Copy editors: *Alex Balfour, Elise Riley, *Nicole Sanford & *Sophie Yarosh Design editors: Devin Raynor & Sam St. Clair Photo editors: Caroline Green, *Grace Farley & Emma Kempf Assistant photo editor: Breanna Thompson News editor: Yonit Krebs & Sumaya Mohamed Features editor: Amaia Barajas & Maddie Lund In-Depth editors: Isabel Leviton & Hanna Schechter Sports editor: Sam Birnberg & Jacob Stillman Opinions editor: *Hannah Leff & *Lukas Levin Entertainment editor: *Isaac Wert Diversity editor: Makagbe Kuyateh Web design editor: Josh Halper & Adam Johnson Proﬁles: *Ndunzi Kunsunga Staﬀ: Tjessa Arradondo, Maximillian Bechtold, Beck Bergland, Malaika Bigirindavyi, Chloe Blodgett, Daebreona Byrd, Natalia Caraballo, Culver Carden, Jenna Cook, Eli Curran-Moore, Nietzsche Deuel, Maia Doherty, Brooklyn Donelson, Racquel Fhima, Esther Gendler, Tenzin Gyaldatsang, Katie Hardie, Calvin Hatcher, Marta Hill, Abigail Intveld, Avia Kaner-Roth, Isabel Kjaer, Samantha Klepfer, Eleanor Kline-Olson, Alexis Machoka, Kimon Malone, Kahiro Lara Martinez, Stuart Monicatti, Evelyn Nelson, Sophie Olmen, William Phelan, Carissa Prestholt, KJ Preston Pepperell, Hadeal Rizeq, D’aviyan Robinson, Mariana Sanchez Zapata, Ruby Stillman, Amber Tran, Isaac Wahl, Hayley Westwood & Emma Yarger

Business manager: Yonah Davis

I think (the new referendum) is a ridiculous waste of money, if I am being honest. Ayanna Nathan, junior

Our Perspective

Government referendum is a start for change

n Nov. 7, St. Louis Park citizens have the choice to vote for the $100.9 million bond referendum requested by the School Board. The referendum proposes multiple changes, most notably, more classroom space, a new theater for the middle school and a centralized kitchen for the district. The School Board is also seeking to renew the district’s operating levy of $2,079.99 per student annually. This operating levy covers the current costs for the district’s teachers, classrooms and programs. The referendum will require a tax increase for households in Park. If both the referendum and operating levy are approved, a median household of $250,000 will see a $12 increase in its monthly taxes. The editorial board believes the tax increase is a small price to pay for the improvements the referendum offers to the district facilities. Park schools do not have enough space for its students. The referendum will support the increasing enrollment into the

Photo used with permission from St. Louis Park High School

New spaces: Artist rendering of the proposed theater at the middle school. The new theater is part of the $100.9 million referendum that citizens will vote for Nov. 7. district by creating more classroom space at both the middle school and high school. Because the middle school does not have a theater, the school has to bus middle school students to the high school during productions. The referendum would eliminate the expense of paying for buses and would make coordinating middle school performances easier. The new theater will allow more available performance space, therefore allowing more opportunities for both middle school and high school students to experience theater. The centralized kitchen will be located at the high school. The kitchen allows fresh and healthy lunches to be prepared at the high school and middle school that will then be transported to the other

schools in the district. Because a large amount of Park students depend on school lunch for their meals, the district has a responsibility to ensure students are provided with nutritional meals at school. The referendum will help the district accommodate the increasing enrollment and update the aging facilities. These changes will be beneficial to students in the years to come. The editorial board urges students who are 18 years old to register to vote and consider voting “yes” for the referendum and operating levy. For students under the age of 18, the editorial board encourages them to talk to their parents and other adults in the community about voting yes.

Principal: Scott Meyers Printer: ECM Inc. Adviser: Lori Keekley *Denotes editorial board member

MEDIA POLICIES

The Echo is the official student-produced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School. It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community. The Echo is a designated forum for student expression in which students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials. The adviser will not act as a censor, but will advise students. Students have the final decision on all content. The Echo will work to avoid bias and/ or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers. We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph unless clearly labeled as a photo illustration. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole. The Echo welcomes reader input. Letters to the editor and suggestions must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be emailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275. Emailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to ask the writer to edit for length and clarity. Anonymous letters wherein the Echo does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed. Advertisements will be sought from local businesses and school clubs and sports. We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful. The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements. NSPA All-American and Hall of Fame member; 2011, 2016, 2017 NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015 National Print Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2014, 2015, 2016 Online Pacemaker Finalist; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.

Proposed pipeline unearths controversy New oil line creates frustration and concern Hanna Schechter hannaschechter@slpecho.com

nbridge, a transporter of fossil fuels, has proposed plans for a new pipeline to the Minnesota Department of Commerce that will carry crude oil and tar sands from Canada through Minnesota and into Wisconsin. The manager of the Energy Regulation and Planning department Kate O’Connell said, “Minnesota would be better off if Enbridge proposed to cease operations of the existing Line 3, without any new pipeline being built.” Enbridge’s proposed replacement pipeline would be constructed south of the original line crossing the Mississippi River and intruding onto Native American lands. The proposed line would disrupt Ojibwe wild rice lands, one of the largest in the nation, and the Red Lake sovereign nation located southeast of Leonard, MN. According to a spokesman from the Indigenous En-

Minnesota would be better oﬀ if Enbridge propsed to cease operations of the existing Line 3, without any new pipeline being built.

vironmental Network, Enbridge does not have permission to build the line on their lands. It is not just or right to destroy Native lands that may be holy or important to the tribes living there simply for the sake of Enbridge’s new pipeline. Native leaders and groups, such as Honor the Earth, have threatened to mass protest if the new line were to be approved by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Tribal members said the new line will “have a disproportionate and adverse affect on tribal resources and tribal members.” Not only will the new pipe destroy native land. But Enbridge plans to construct without permission from the reservations or native leaders living on the land. Native Americans should have a right to dictate what happens on their reservations and lands. The United States Federal Government has recognized tribal nations as a “domestic dependent nation.” Furthermore, Enbridge has not demonstrated enough evidence as to why they must deviate from Line 3’s old route. The proposed line will run through Minnesota’s lake country crossing the Mississippi river and if oil were to spill it could be detrimental. Environmentalists and businessmen have attended State-led meetings concerning the new line. The Minnesota Department of Commerce will decide Dec. 11 if the proposed line meets all of the legal requirements. Then April 30 decide whether the department will approve or dismiss the new route.

To horror movies: I thought my grades were scary enough. Art Devin Raynor

To Target: does this mean Alex from Target gets a raise?

What do you think about the new pipeline? “It doesn’t bother me so I guess I don’t know. It’s not personally aﬀecting my life so I don’t have a reason to pay attention to it.” Antoine Raine, freshman “It needs more time to be thought over. More people need to start listening to intellectuals who understand what’s going to happen.” Finnegan Reddan, junior “I don’t agree with it. I think we have done bad enough things to the Native Americans and we shouldn’t take more land.” Anna Moore, senior

To cultural appropriation: Guess I have to be a sexy nurse...

E.N., M.F., E.Y.

“

I think (Target raising its minimum wage) is really awesome because people will be happier to work there.

OPINIONS

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Samyukta Yenamandra, senior

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Target corporation begins to raise minimum wage Salaries increased in October 2017 and will further increase by 2020. This decision is sparking debate between diﬀerent factions in the workforce.

Minimum wage hike detrimental to workforce

Raising minimum wage supportive for workers Target allows new opportunities for workers Hadeal Rizeq hadealrizeq@slpecho.com

arget plans to increase its minimum wage to $15 by the end of 2020, according to Target Corporations. According to an MSNBC report, by the end of October, the company’s goal is to pay employees $11 an hour. This is especially great for states paying minimum wage workers at or below the federal average of $7.25. According to Pew Research Center, the current federal minimum wage is not enough to provide for families who want to make ends meet. Students who need to support their families are able to rely on a corporation like this to help with income and provisions necessary to live. According to the University of Amherst, Massachusettes, higher

minimum wages would reduce poverty by 6 million people for young adults. According to The Economic Policy Institute, if the minimum wage increased to $10.10, there would be an increase in 85,000 jobs in a time span of three years. Especially since Target’s goal is to reach $15 per hour by 2020, with more low-wage workers earning more money, it would help create more jobs in the long run. With Target taking these kinds of steps toward higher minimum wage, there will be an increase of production in the workforce which will contribute to better sales as well as higher profits. According to Melody Hobbs of Ariel Investments, one of Target’s problems is in sales, and mentions how the new minimum wage proposal provides a better likelihood in less millenial employees leaving. For students who want better career experiences, that is where Target is taking a step in the right direction.

New hourly wage

•

In Oct. 2017, Target raised its minimum wage to $11 an hour.

•

Target plans to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020.

•

Target employees hired for the holiday season will be paid the new hourly wage. Infographic Sophie Yarosh Source Target

Target fails to consider impact of raising hourly pay William Phelan williamphelan@slpecho.com

lthough this increase seems beneficial to the economy because it moves entry level workers close to a liveable wage, the impacts are not all positive. According to Target, currently 323,000 workers on its payroll qualify as low-wage hourly employees. Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Target’s annual operating cost will increase by more than $1 billion each year the new minimum wage is in effect. One of the ways Target may make up the cost of raising the minimum wage is by raising prices on their products, which will decrease the buying power of the dollar and thus accelerate inflation.

Another drawback of increasing the minimum wage is with rising labor costs, companies make cutbacks on labor to minimize unnecessary labor expenditures. According to a study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, a 10 percent increase in the minimum wage results in a four percent decrease in the number of low-wage jobs available. In 2016, the minimum hourly wage in Seattle experienced a hike from $11 to $13. Economists from the University of Washington studying the increase reported a 3 percent increase in overall wages by low-wage workers, but a 9 percent decrease in the number of hours worked by such workers. This resulted in a net loss of $125 a month per lowwage worker on average. Not only is increasing the minimum wage ineffective in boosting workers above the poverty line, it actually takes money out of the pockets of low-wage earners who need it most.

DeVos rolls back collegiate sexual assault policy Education secretary endangers students Emma Yarger emmayarger@slpecho.com

Infographic Emma Yarger Source RAINN

PARK TRAIL

ecretary of Education Betsy DeVos risks the safety of American college students by repealing Obama’s “Dear Colleague” letter in Title IX. Title IX disallows federally funded education institutions from discriminating against students based on their sex and gender identity. In 2011 President Obama added to Title IX with a “Dear Colleague” letter. This letter aided victims of sexual assault by guaranteeing their right to a safe campus that is free of sexual violence. By repealing this vital addition, DeVos shows college

students she does not care about their safety. According to DeVos, campus sexual assault legislation put in place by the Obama administration does not give suspects of assault proper due process. The decision to repeal this letter is problematic and a step backward for women’s rights because it gives criminals increased freedom and punishes victims. However, on Sept. 11, 2017 Secretary DeVos decided to repeal Obama’s legislation and stand up for the already privileged group of perpetrators. Victims once again need to have more evidence of an assault to prosecute their offenders. This decision is unsettling because one in every five women enrolled in college has been a

victim of sexual assault, according to the National Institute’s campus sexual assault study. DeVos’s stance proves how patriarchal the government and the education systems are because lawmakers choose to protect criminals instead of writing legislation to help the 20 percent of female identifying students who have been assaulted. DeVos said, on Sept. 7, “the truth is that the system established by the prior administration has failed too many students. Survivors (and) victims of a lack of due process.” DeVos refers to offenders as “victims of a lack of due process.” However, perpetrators are not victims and this statement only supports the entitlement and privilege men already have. DeVos

prioritizes protecting due process opposed to ensuring safety and comfort of victims. Repealing protective legislation that affects students and all women is detrimental, especially in a country that places priority on men’s rights. In reaction to this new policy women have been speaking out on social media using #metoo, which is a movement started by women’s rights activist, Tarana Burke. This movement allows victims of assault to share their stories online as well as support other victims. The outpouring of honesty from #metoo users shows how many people have been affected by sexual violence. It is essential that legislation like Title IX begin to reduce the amount of victims of sexual assault.

Nietzsche Deuel nietzchedeuel@slpecho.com

Twist on Tina’s Death by Freddy Krueger

Who’s there?

Tina!

See, all I wanted was a hug.

“

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Echo Wednesday, October 25, 2017

I like “IT.” The movie has good character development, and it’s not too scary. Bryce Bonine, sophomore

Horror ﬂicks to frighten any Halloween party Four classic ﬁlms to spook your friends David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com

Photo used with fair use from Woods Entertainment

ith Halloween only one week away, immerse yourself in spooky festivities through classic horror flicks. From jump scares to psychological trips, these thrillers are guaranteed to terrify your Halloween party guests. Scream (1996) “Scream,” directed by Wes Craven, is a classic ’90s thriller. The film possesses all the great aspects of slasher films necessary to craft a consistently scary movie-watching experience. The film is about a fictional town called Woodsboro, where a masked murderer known as Ghostface roams the town on a rampage murdering loads of innocent teens with no seemingly obvious motives. With the film’s illusive storytelling and general ambiguity, “Scream” leaves viewers clueless of the killer’s identity until the final reveal, building suspense as the plot develops. This flick may appeal to the typical horrormovie fanatic as well as a more lighthearted viewer. “Scream” brought mid ’90s slasher films back to mainstream. Being recognizable by many, Craven’s iconic Ghostface mask remains relevant and iconic even in today’s pop culture.

METRO AT A GLANCE Isaac Wert isaacwert@slpecho.com

Photos used with permission from Midtown Global Market, Xcel Energy Center, Paramount Pictures, Big Machine Records

More thrillers to electrify the night

Photo used with fair use from Warner Bros.

Photo used with fair use from New Line Cinema

The Shining (1980)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

“The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick, is a surreal thriller. The film follows Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer and recovering alcoholic, and his family as they spend the offseason in the summer-only “Overlook Hotel.” His son, Danny, possesses a power called “the shining,” which gives him psychic abilities to see the hotel’s grim past. While the family spends the winter in the empty hotel, viewers witness the toll of isolation from the outside world. This movie appeals to viewers who love suspense. Kubrick’s genius cinematography effectively communicates to viewers the status of Jack’s perception, as he struggles with distinguishing reality from fantasy.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street,” directed by Wes Craven, is a change of pace in the horror movie genre. The film is a supernatural take on the slasher genre as Freddy Krueger, played by Robert Englund, haunts the dreams of a group of young friends. This film appeals to both jumpscare and slasher enthusiasts. Since the movie’s terror is rooted in people’s dreams, possibilities are limitless to what will happen next. Craven succeeds at shocking viewers with unexpected frights. “A Nightmare on Elm Street’s” pace keeps viewers in the dark, always delivering shocking scares that will undeniably frighten your Halloween party guests.

Photo used with fair use from Orion Studios

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) “The Silence of the Lambs,” directed by Jonathan Demme, is an ominous psychological trip. Jodie Foster stars as FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who’s assigned to interview brilliant psychopath, Hannibal Lecter, on a research case of an active serial killer nicknamed “Buffalo Bill.” Hannibal provides hints to Clarice throughout the interviews they have, twisting and turning as the story develops. “The Silence of the Lambs” appeals to the intelligent and discerning viewer. Throughout the movie, Deeme succeeds at mentally tormenting viewers with disturbing depictions of torture, instead of merely relying on blood and gore for a cheap scare.

Oct. 27

Nov. 10

Nov. 13

Touring his new album “Life Changes,” featuring “Craving You,” country singer Thomas Rhett rocks the Xcel Energy Center this fall. Tickets for the concert start at $49.

From Paramount pictures, Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg return to the silver screen with “Daddy’s Home 2,” following a father and step-father who try to make their children’s Christmas great.

This November, Taylor Swift will release her sixth studio album, “Reputation.” For those interested, the album is currently available for preorder on iTunes and pre-save on Spotify.

The Midtown Global Market will be hosting a Diwali celebration, with dancing, food and crafts. The event will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., and attendance is free.