SHUTDOWN New Jerseyans and Americans are hurting as government stays in gridlock
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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23, 2019
Barchi pauses federal workers’ payments to U. CATHERINE NGUYEN STAFF WRITER
Yesterday afternoon Rutgers President Robert L. Barchi sent an email to students and faculty announcing that the University would temporarily put off collecting unpaid tuition, housing fees and other charges for federal employees and family members who are furloughed. Since Dec. 22 of last year, parts of the government have been shut down because President Donald J. Trump and Democratic politicians have been unable to agree over Trump’s request for more than $5 billion in funding for a wall on the border between the United States and Mexico, according to Al Jazeera. Furloughed employees are considered “non-excepted,” or
non-essential, meaning they are not allowed to work even on a volunteer basis, according to The Washington Post. These employees also cannot substitute annual leave or other methods of paid time off for the duration they are unpaid. Barchi acknowledged in the email that it was a stressful time for federal employees who were being put on temporary leave due to the furlough. “I hope we can eliminate disruption of academic careers while the federal shutdown continues. Although University budgets are constrained, we feel it is better for the University to temporarily carry this burden, rather than our students affected by the shutdown,” he said. Qualified students who have not yet paid their term bills will have their unpaid balances suspended
until the shutdown ends. In order to qualify, Barchi said these students are required to show that they or their parents are furloughed federal employees. Though the shutdown has affected federal workers in nine different departments, funding for the Department of Education, contained within the Appropriations Act of the Department of Labor and Health and Human Ser vices, was approved by Congress and enacted by the president last September. Barchi said ser vices such as federal student loans, grants or work study programs were all unaffected by the shutdown. Assistance to federal furloughed employees and family will also be applicable to any balances regarding federal student aid. The furloughed assistance will be available to qualified Rutgers students at all three branches, as well as Rutgers Biomedical and Health Ser vices. Students who wish to seek assistance are advised to visit Student Accounting, Billing and Cashier Ser vices, Barchi said.
University President Robert L. Barchi is temporarily halting the collection of unpaid fees from federal workers and dependents who are Rutgers students or faculty. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
BRENDAN BRIGHTMAN STAFF WRITER
BRENDAN BRIGHTMAN STAFF WRITER
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Professor organizes local health initiatives
Rutgers expert explains NJ healthcare fee New Jersey became one of the few states in the nation to pass an individual mandate requiring residents to buy health insurance or pay an additional amount on their state income tax. Michael Gusmano, an associate professor of health policy in the School of Public Health, gave some insight to the law’s effects in an interview with The Daily Targum. “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), when passed in 2010, included an individual mandate,” he said. “Which meant that people had to either pay insurance or pay what the law called a penalty.” The Supreme Court later identified the penalty as a tax added to the federal income tax. When the federal Congress passed a new tax law that eliminated the penalty or tax associated with the individual mandate, Gusmano said many scholars think the desire of people to have health coverage coupled with financial subsidies available through the ACA drives most people to sign up and purchase insurance. “Many states became concerned for people who did not have to pay
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New Jersey, under the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), passed a penalty on people who do not purchase health insurance. It is identical to the previous federal version. FLICKR
A wellness initiative throughout New Brunswick, which aims to promote healthier diets for much of the city’s poor and immigrant populations, has been aided by the Rutgers community. Nurgül Fitzgerald, an associate professor at the Department of Nutritional Sciences and an extension specialist in Nutrition and Public Health, has been one of the main organizers of the initiative. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the local corner stores, New Brunswick Community Food Alliance (NBCFA) and the New Brunswick Farmers Market. Fitzgerald helped found the latter two organizations, she told The Daily Targum in an interview. One of the more recent events of the initiative has been the “Community Connections,” which was an event in October showcasing local healthy food at the Lincoln Annex School in New Brunswick. She said the event has been combined with FoodCorps, which has been teaching nutrition classes in the school. “To grow the circle of knowledge and awareness through children, and to reach out to families through that additional layer, and hopefully establish healthier eating patterns, eating habits among children. That’s our goal,” Fitzgerald said.
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When the Farmers Market visited the school in October, it promoted the healthy fruits and vegetables options available, she said. Fitzgerald said for the future, the initiative will continue the FoodCorps classes and will stress physical activity. She also hopes to sponsor a “March Madness” nutritional event and scavenger hunts involving the long-running corner store initiative. “The kids will find the healthier foods in the corner stores,” she said. “Then they will come back to the classrooms and have a discussion to find out the nutritional aspects of the foods.”
LOCAL CORNER STORES
The “Healthy Fresh, Healthy Corner Store” initiative, in collaboration with the NBCFA, is aiming to promote healthier and more fresh options in New Brunswick’s corner stores, Fitzgerald said. Her past research has shown that residents are using these stores quite often. “We interviewed the owners,” she said. “We interviewed the customers of the corner stores, and the customers are there every week. Most of them are there multiple times a week.” These stores are a convenience, especially for lower-income residents with transportation issues, she said. SEE INITIATIVES ON PAGE 5
January 23, 2019
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Campus Calendar WEDNESDAY 1/23 Rutgers University Libraries present “From Cooking Pot to Melting Pot: New Jersey’s Diverse Foodways” at Alexander Library on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public.
Hidden Grounds Coffee presents “Free Coffee Tasting + Some Tunes” from 7 to 10 p.m. at Hidden Grounds Coffee, 4C Easton Ave on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public.
THURSDAY 1/24 Center For Women in the Arts and Humanities presents “Judith K. Brodsky – The Twenty Most Important Scientific Questions of the 21st Century” at Douglass Library on Douglass campus. This event is free and open to the public.
The Rutgers Film Co-op, New Jersey Media Arts Center and the Rutgers University Program In Cinema Studies present “New Jersey Film Festival Spring 2019 Screening” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Voorhees Hall on the College Avenue campus. This event is $10 for students.
Rutgers University Programming Association presents “Interest Meetings” from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Rutgers Student Center on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. FRIDAY 1/25 Center for Teaching Advancement and Assessment Research and TA Project present “Introduction to VoiceThread” from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. at Center for Teaching Advancement and Assessment Research on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY 1/26 Rutgers Geology Museum presents “51st Annual Open House at the Rutgers Geology Museum” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Geology Museum on the College Avenue campus. This event is free and open to the public. Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey presents “NOFA Winter Conference” from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. at Douglass Student Center on Douglass campus. Registration is required for this event.
If you would like to submit an event for the Campus Calendar section, please email marketing@dailytargum.com. For more information please visit www.dailytargum.com. Due to space limitations there is no guarantee that your event will be listed.
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January 23, 2019
UNIVERSITY
Page 3
Interim Chancellor Molloy talks job status, Rutgers’ future BRENDAN BRIGHTMAN & JACKSON THOMPSON
potentially helping growers farm legal marijuana in New Jersey would be complicated, as he does not want to risk losing federal funding for research. He said, if marijuana were to become legal in New Jersey, it would propose some challenges but its impact on safety is unclear. “There are some people who can argue that driving safety can be impacted by marijuana. I don’t think the studies have been that clear on that,” he said. “In my opinion it has been no worse than alcohol, and alcohol has clearly been a problem.” Whether marijuana legalization impacts student behavior is also unclear, he said, as he believes that experiments have been going on for 40 to 50 years.
STAFF WRITER & CORRESPONDENT
The Daily Targum sat down with Interim Chancellor Christopher J. Molloy and a few members of his executive team on Dec. 11 for an interview. Topics such as Molloy’s job status, campus improvements, campus mold, marijuana legalization, student safety and the University’s future were discussed.
JOB STATUS
The Targum reported in September that Molloy would take the position of University chancellor in an interim basis after Debasish Dutta resigned in August. On his current status, Molloy said, “I expect to be in this role for some time, whether it converts to permanent or not that’s really up to the president and the Board, but it is possible that that may happen.” He has worked at Rutgers for 11 years, he said, serving as the dean of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, head of the merger between the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and senior vice president for Research and Economic Development.
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
Molloy said he wants University Career Services to better advertise or market the network of internship opportunities available for students. He wants the office to work with individual schools to talk with students about the opportunities Rutgers can offer. “This is something that we could do better,” he said. Rutgers is also planning to be involved in a project run by Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.), called “The Hub.” Molloy said it would be in New Brunswick at a location
STUDENT SAFETY
Interim Chancellor Christopher J. Molloy said that Rutgers’ campus can be improved in a number of different ways, including increasing student awareness of resources and internship opportunities offered by University Career Services. RUTGERS.EDU with 4,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and will include an innovation or incubator center where Rutgers will be able to carry out or show some research that students have been working on. The building will allow for students to connect with potential employers as well. Environmental sustainability is also an area where he would like to see more action taken by faculty and students, by perhaps having more committees and student-faculty interactions. He said Rutgers has been progressive on the issue, making new buildings Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-cer tified, placing solar panels on the Livingston campus and continuing to conduct impor tant climate research as well.
MOLD
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Salvador B. Mena said that the University has officers and personnel in place to deal with any mold issues in buildings. “We’ve got some buildings where students have to partner with us better,” Mena said. “There are some buildings, for example, where students leave their window
open. And those conditions allow moisture to come in and contribute to mold.” The Targum reported in October that the Rutgers Psychology Department building on the Busch campus had a mold infestation, forcing some faculty and student researchers out of their offices and into tightly packed spaces.
MARIJUANA
While marijuana legalization is up to the state, Molloy said, it does create some problems for Rutgers at the federal level. Although Rutgers has conducted research on the drug in the past,
Molloy said student safety is a concern of his, particularly regarding guns and violence. This January he will participate in exercises that will evaluate how Rutgers handles these situations. He wants the University to remain proactive toward possible incidents. And, with a half a dozen students hit by a vehicle on campus this semester, pedestrian safety remains a concern of his, Molloy said.
UNIVERSITY’S FUTURE
Rutgers has some of the best departments in the humanities and sciences compared to other Big Ten schools, Molloy said. He is looking to talk about that statewide in a more marketed way, to really build some momentum about what is being done. “I’m very interested in Rutgers going from good to great,” Molloy said. “We’re trying to be a Big Ten University like Wisconsin, or Michigan, or Minnesota or Penn State. That includes sports, but that really includes all the academics that go with it.”
Molloy, who took over as interim chancellor when Chancellor Debasish Dutta resigned during the summer of 2018, said that he plans on being in his position for some time. RUTGERS.EDU
Page 5
January 23, 2019
INITIATIVES On average, children have not been getting suggested amount of vegetables for decades CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Nine of the corner stores in New Brunswick have added healthier food items into their inventor y and have been given fresh food baskets near the cash register where the produce is more visible to the customers. Fitzgerald said the stores are also putting signs on the shelves promoting healthier foods for the customers. “These stores become a convenient solution,” she said. “To get what they need, in a short amount of time and near where
they live. So that’s why we have been doing the healthy corner store initiative in New Brunswick in the past few years.”
OUTLOOK
The initiative is funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New Jersey Health Initiative and the New Jersey Healthy Communities Network. Funding has been guaranteed for another year at least, Fitzgerald said. She hopes to implement a system that maintains the activities and nutrition curriculum at the Lincoln Annex School.
FEE NJ’ s individual mandate will add penalty on uninsured residents’ state income tax CONTINUED FROM FRONT
insurance,” he said. “Particularly healthier, younger people, might decide to drop out and not purchase insurance. That would destabilize the risk pool and that would make insurance much more expensive for people who really needed care.” Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) proposed, and the state legislature accepted, a state penalty of equal amount to what the federal government enforced in the past. Gusmano said the penalty would be charged through the state income tax.
STABLE MARKETPLACE
The ACA organized a federal health insurance marketplace, Gusmano said, which allowed people to buy qualified health plans. That also means the plans meet the requirements set by the federal law. The marketplace works as an online exchange, allowing people to look at and compare different health plans available. The plans can differ on coverage, network and price. New Jersey is one of the states that has joined and is currently in the federal marketplace, Gusmano said.
There are no short-term solutions for improving the nutrition for children and adults nationwide, she said. The majority of children, for decades, have not met the recommended intake levels for fruits and vegetables. There has been some improvement in the last decade with children eating whole fruits rather than juice, which does not provide the same amount of benefits. She said the amounts of vegetable intake have remained consistently steady. People’s diets, Fitzgerald said, are affected by outside factors such as families, schools, workplaces and marketing. If these factors are promoting unhealthy diets, it becomes a cycle. “We should not give up,” she said. “This is a long-term struggle, so we have to keep at it.”
Nurgül Fitzgerald, an associate professor at the Department of Nutritional Sciences and an extension specialist in Nutrition and Public Health, started the “community connections.” RUTGERS.EDU
They want to replace the ACA with a program that limits federal requirements and supports consumer choice. The state’s individual mandate shows how states influence the health care system, Gusmano said. DIFFERING OPINIONS “State governments play an “If the ACA is repealed, there incredible role in our federal will be a dramatic increase in the system,” he number of said. “We people without spend a lot insurance, and of time with likely the num“I think the marketplace in New Jersey is quite what Conber of people gress does who declare robust and quite stable.” with federal bankr uptcy policy. But due to health MICHAEL GUSMANO Associate Professor of Health Policy in the School of Public Health if you realcare costs,” ly want to Gusmano said. understand “The ACA has what is hapits problems, pening with like its implementation issues and expenses, tors through narrow networks health policy in the U.S., you and restricted drug coverage. have to pay attention to states.” but overall it has been a success,” “I think the marketplace in New Jersey is quite robust and quite stable,” Gusmano said. “The state has done outreach to encourage people to sign up for insurance.”
Those who oppose the ACA, such as the Republican Party, said the plan has increased drug prices by increasing taxes and requiring lower prices for people on Medicare and Medicaid. The GOP’s website also said insurance offered through government exchanges can limit patients’ access to their own doc-
OPINIONS
Page 6
January 23, 2019
Dems. must not lose moral high ground
O
n Jan. 3, which marked the commencement of the 116th ConASHLEY ABRAMS gress, House Democrats were ostensibly euphoric from their victories in November. Not only had they managed to gain a majority that symbolized a rebuke to President Donald J. Trump, but also they played a pivotal role in breaking a myriad of glass ceilings for descriptive representation. For the first time, Congress will reflect the leadership of more than 100 women, the largest cohort of African-American and Hispanic-American representatives, New Jersey’s first Asian-American representative in Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and the two first Muslim-American congresswomen, among other representative victories. The gains in descriptive representation are not simply an anomaly, or an opportunity to check off a proverbial box — they represent a muchneeded shift in the demographics of our national leadership that aptly mirrors the demographics of the electorate. Scholars have been quick to point out that representatives are considerably more likely to adhere to the interests of certain social groups when the representatives are also a part of those groups, and therefore can relate to their unique experiences. This is not an issue of identity politics — it is about our national leadership being privy to civilians’ concerns. One congresswoman — Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) — represented an unprecedented ascendance to Capitol Hill. A working-class, PalestinianAmerican woman, Tlaib’s intersectionality of identities embodies a conspicuous victory for Americans frustrated by the stronghold of influence that upper-class white men have historically had in Congress. Upon hearing about her election in November, I was excited for the future of not only congressional representation, but also of Democratic Party leadership. That was, of course, until I was left aghast by the disturbing, vitriolic remark Tlaib uttered on Jan. 3, the day she was sworn into office. At a reception sponsored by progressive group MoveOn, Tlaib attracted considerable criticism for, in reference to Trump, emphatically yelling “We’re going to impeach the mother******.” Critics, mostly on the right, have commented that the use of the obscenity was inappropriate decorum given that she is a member of Congress. The Left, meanwhile, has come to her defense. On Jan. 7, The New York Times opinion columnist Michelle Goldberg published “Rashida Tlaib Said Nothing Wrong,” in which she condemned the “media freakout” that ensued following Tlaib’s remarks. Goldberg also vehemently dismissed the possibility that Tlaib’s comment may be similar to those echoed by Trump during his presidency (for example, by calling NFL players who
THANK U, NEXT OPINION
“If Democrats want to successfully challenge Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, they need to present themselves as a morally superior alternative focused on improving the lives of Americans. ” kneeled during the national anthem “son[s] of a b****” in September 2017). She claimed that such a false comparison stems from modern societal normalities for women’s behavior — tacitly hinting at misogyny and disparate standards for decorum held for men and women. She invokes Rebecca Traister’s “Good and Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women’s Anger” to justify her argument: “Cursing has been discouraged in women, as it is considered unladylike and masculinizing,” Traister said. While implicit misogyny and impossibly high standards for women’s behavior (especially women in positions of leadership) may partially explain the immediate backlash against Tlaib, was it still shrewd for Tlaib to stoop to Trump’s level and call him a derogatory name? The New York Times opinion columnist David Leonhardt nailed the answer to that question as he debated Goldberg on a Jan. 9 episode of “The Argument” podcast, in which he referred to the comment as a “gift to Trump” and congressional Republicans. The “gift” that Leonhardt is ostensibly referring to is a Democratic gaffe that both riles Trump’s base and further distances Democrats from Obama-to-Trump voters, disillusioned Republicans and centrists — the voters Democrats will need to target most zealously in 2020. Tlaib’s comment reflects a strategy that Democrats would be foolish to indulge in as the 2020 election season approaches: stooping down to the president’s level. If Democrats want to successfully challenge Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, they need to present themselves as a morally superior alternative focused on improving the lives of Americans through policy and they need to demonstrate how their gains in descriptive representation this year have paved the way for valuable policy accomplishments to take place. These feats will not easily be accomplished, but calling Trump a “mother******” will not substantively aid in their efforts. Tlaib’s election to Congress was historic and a sign of the Democratic Party’s commitment to the interests of all Americans. But she, or any other Democrat, must not add to Trump’s legitimacy by mimicking the behaviors that the Democratic party will need to reference as they seek to make a cogent case against Trump in 2020.
UNIVERSAL UCLICK
EDITORIAL
Gridlock grips nation, causing loss Shutdown puts undue burdens on students, workers, families, Americans
P
olicy differences have formed a seemingly insurmountable wedge locking the rusted democratic cogs of governance in place as the populace bears the brunt of the government shutdown. Bleeding in to day 33, the longest government shutdown has left open wounds across the nation, while also revealing the problematic realities of many Americans. When the gridlock was first constructed, the shutdown resulted in approximately 800,000 federal workers without pay, with nearly half forced to continue their work. The number of people forced to report to work without pay has increased as President Donald J. Trump’s administration redefines long-standing rules of government shutdowns, often focusing these efforts in sectors that benefit the president’s base particularly. Rutgers University has been responsive to the gridlock and supportive of the community in these troubling times. As reported by The Daily Targum yesterday afternoon, Rutgers President Robert L. Barchi sent an email to students and faculty announcing that the University would temporarily put off collecting unpaid tuition, housing fees and other charges for federal employees and family members who are furloughed. Today, Jan. 23, NJCounts is conducting the statewide federally required point-in-time counts of individuals and households who experience homelessness. The 2018 count showed a 9-percent increase in homelessness finding 9,303 homeless men, women and children. This year, NJCounts is expecting to see a newly created variable impact the recorded number: the government shutdown. The shutdown of the federal government places undue strain on housing and homelessness programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while it also puts furloughed government workers living paycheck-to-paycheck at risk of eviction and foreclosure. NJCounts expects that those who were formerly homeless but housed through HUD rental assistance face a higher risk of losing their housing. According to reports from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, 62 rental assistance contracts with 2,952 project-based rental assistance contracts expired
or will be expiring between December 2018 and February 2019 in New Jersey. Were one of these contracts to expire during the shutdown, the recipient may not be able to find support in an emaciated and drained HUD. While we brave the brutal cold that has swept through the Northeast to go from class to class, we ought to remember that some of the most vulnerable Americans — including the homeless, elderly and those on the brink of vagrancy — face this bone-chilling flash freeze without the warmth of a strong safety net and are enduring hardships exacerbated by this shutdown. Thousands of federal workers are filing for unemployment benefits, while many are also starting additional part-time jobs. The Trump administration recently admitted that the economic toll of the shutdown is far greater than previously projected, while at the same time public concerns about the economy are increasing according to a recent poll done for The New York Times. The shutdown has bluntly revealed the unstable reality that many Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck and millions have less than $1,000 in savings. While politicians and pundits have fanned a flame building a claim of urgency and required response to perceived problems in border security, the $1.3 billion Congress allocated for 33 miles of new border wall and fortifications of existing segments has yet to even be utilized. There is already funding available for the wall, but it is not about the actual construction as the wall has simply become a symbolic prop to energize a section of the electorate. The proposed wall would not only cut through wildlife preservations, but it would require the seizure of privately-owned land through eminent domain. And yet, the main proponents of the proposal consist of those whose political platforms claim to value the right to property as a paramount pillar of a democratic and free society. The nation is under attack not by foreign invaders, but rather it is afflicted by gridlocked governance. Americans are hurting. It is time for reasonable solutions to inflated problems.
The Daily Targum’s editorials represent the views of the majority of the 150th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff. Twitter: @Daily_Targum Instagram: @dailytargum
Ashley Abrams is a School of Arts and Sciences junior majoring in political science. Her column, “Thank U, Next Opinion,” runs on alternate Wednesdays.
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January 23, 2019
Opinions Page 7
South Asian Americans need more representation in media COMMENTARY PRIYANKA BANSAL
I
n a highly diverse and densely populated area such as Central Jersey, it is easy to overlook discrimination against certain minorities, especially South Asian Americans. Due to their accessibility and proximity to large international airports, big cities near the coasts are home to many South Asian American immigrant families. According to the 2010 United States Census, more than 528,000 Indian Americans lived in California, while more than 292,000 lived in New Jersey. This statistic is on a constant rise, and “Indians have a higher percentage as a ratio of a state’s total population in New Jersey,” according to the census. These statistics also do not include all South Asian American populations from countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and others. As any Rutgers student knows, South Asian Americans are a prevalent community. So, why are we so often misrepresented and mistreated? There are countless stereotypes perpetuated about South Asian Americans. “The Simpsons” character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon represents many of them, starting with his unusually long last name following a common theme that many South Asian Americans have names that are
impossible to pronounce. The character also owns and operates a convenience store, has a Ph.D. in computer science, began as an illegal immigrant and (most disturbingly) has an unrealistically heavy Indian accent for a naturalized immigrant living in the United States for many years. This accent was, of course, voiced by Hank Azaria, who is not South Asian. “The Simpsons” portrays this minority character badly, pouring all possible stereotypes into one mold. The difficulties ensued by this stereotyping affect all South
South Asian Americans are stripped of their humanity and portrayed to play a simple role as the token minority. In the media, they often do not have personalities or life stories — they are usually criminalized or portrayed as terrorists. This causes a majority of the nation to view them as merely stereotypes. The reality that South Asian Americans face is one of constant dehumanization, treated as side characters in the media and in real life. But, in recent years, there has been more attention brought to this topic. Before
“While it is true that some light has been shed on the difficulties of being a South Asian American, it is not enough.” Asian Americans. As comedian Hari Kondabolu said in an interview with The New York Times, “Everything with Apu is like this running joke. And the running joke is that he is Indian.” This is of course not the only instance in which the community faced misrepresentation. South Asian Americans are rarely ever featured in movies, shows or other media. When they are, they are usually portrayed with aspects similar to Apu — side characters with heavy Indian accents, such as Baljeet from “Phineas and Ferb,” or working in a stereotypical job, such as a call center in “OutSourced.”
the rise of sexual assault allegations against him, Aziz Ansari was a reputable figure in the media for South Asian Americans. His show, “Master of None,” portrayed South Asian American life as it is for most firstgeneration immigrants. Included were his struggles with his parents, as well as his experience facing stereotypes. Hasan Minhaj is another South Asian American artist gaining fame. His Netflix special “Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King” is a rhetoric on facing racism in America, along with the general experience being Indian-American and Muslim. Minhaj went
on to feature as a host at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where he said, “Who would have thought, with everything going on in the country right now, that a Muslim would be standing on this stage?” The recently famous movie “Crazy Rich Asians” featured an all East Asian cast. This movie gained both criticism and support. The support primarily came from the fact that an all-Asian cast was hired — not just as token minority characters to support white protagonists, as per usual. While this was a major feat for East Asian Americans, we have yet to see a similar space with similar fame for a South Asian cast. While it is true that some light has been shed on the difficulties of being a South Asian American, it is not enough. Stereotyping us to be terrorists, convenience store workers and so many more disgracing and derogatory narratives is not okay. South Asian Americans have a history and place in the United States, as do all immigrants. We deserve proper representation in the media, proper treatment in the workplace and an erasure of stereotypes that define our realities. We deserve our discrimination to be recognized and actively confronted. Priyanka Bansal is a Rutgers Business School junior double majoring in business and journalism and media studies. She is an editorial assistant at The Daily Targum.
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Page 8
Egg breaks Jenner's Instagram record, means absolutely nothing JORDAN LEVY CORRESPONDENT
The news cycle is a never-ending flood of information, some of it inspiring and most of it depressing. From TV to radio — and especially with social media — the news, whether political or more lighthearted, is nearly an omnipresent force in our day-to-day lives. Apart from all the news that has broken over the winter recess, there was one story that managed to turn heads and garner amazement, partly due to its sheer absurdity. Not the tiresome persistence of the government shutdown or of Tom Brady's anticipated appearance in this year's Super Bowl, but an egg. More specifically, a picture of an egg, which became the most liked Instagram picture of all time. Posted by the account @world_ record_egg, the picture destroyed the previous record of 18 million and at the time of writing sits at 50.4 million likes. But why? Why an egg? Why did people like it? Who started the account, and for what purpose? All valid questions, but none of those answers really matter after a while. It’s clear that enough people saw an egg, liked it and shared it with others. By making the image so mundane, it’s apparent that people just wanted to be a part of something big, or record-breaking even.
Quickly, let’s rewind. What’s in an Instagram like, and why was becoming the most liked important? Befitting of being a product of social media, a “like” is often a way of ascribing social capital. Celebrities have much more social capital than the average person, and it makes perfect sense why they get the most likes. The previous record-holding photo of Kylie Jenner and her newborn daughter embodies the scenario perfectly. Something newsworthy happened to someone already absurdly famous, so it stands to reason that it became the most popular photo on the platform. But an egg. There’s no reason for the egg, it’s ordinary in almost every way. The picture subverts what we’ve come to expect from social media, flipping the purpose of liking a picture on its head. The social capital, for this post, was generated through being one of the people who helped set the record, who liked the photo. No spectacle, no celebrity. Just an egg. Still, what does this say about people, social media and poultry? When dealing with something so menial, it’s hard not to tr y and ascribe some deeper meaning to it. One could deem it a statement against celebrity culture, showing how meaning-
less a like on Instagram really is. Conversely you could make it a form of self-referential humor, making a meta-joke out of the cultural currency we breed on social media. Maybe it’s a work of art following in the Dadaist tradition. Maybe we should stop pontificating about an egg on Instagram, because it means absolutely nothing. Then again, nothingness is an idea that’s already been explored in detail. Absurdism — a philosophical theor y which centers the struggle between the human tendency to tr y and find meaning in life and the impossibility of that search in a meaningless world — flourished in post-World War II Europe as traumatized veterans and citizens tried to come to terms with rebuilding a world exposed to the worst of humanity. Albert Camus, one of the fathers of absurdism, wrote about the Sisyphean task of living with the hopes of finding meaning. Although this may sound dark, hints of optimism pervade Camus’s work. “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy,” he said. The search for purpose and peace, in an absurdist estimation, may end in the acceptance that those things don’t exist.
The relentless current of news might be depressing to you. Climate change is an existential threat, the social fabric of America is tearing at the seams and a generation of students are being saddled with crushing debt before they can legally buy
a drink. Hope may be hard to find. Among all this, something obnoxiously pointless happened. A picture of an egg became the most liked Instagram post of all time. Now I’m writing about it, and you’re reading it. It’s stupid, but what isn’t?
This is the picture of the egg that broke the record for likes on Instagram. There really isn't much to it. Millions of people just decided to like a post for reasons we may never understand. Try not to think too hard about it. INSTAGRAM
Scott crosses pop star picket line by taking Super Bowl gig BREANA OMANA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Since Colin Kaepernick first sat during the national anthem in 2016, millions of people — including President Donald J. Trump — have argued over the legitimacy and place politics has in sports. From the average family to billionaires, politicians and even celebrities, it seems that the entire country is divided on this issue. But celebrities have shown their support for Kaepernick in many ways. Some of the most talked about and recent incidents regard the many refusals to perform during the Super Bowl halftime show. Artists such as Jay-Z, Rihanna and Cardi B all aimed to show their support for Kaepernick by turning down the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, showcasing their disapproval of the NFL. In the weeks approaching the show, various artists declined the offer to perform alongside Maroon 5. Finally, Travis Scott agreed to perform with Maroon 5 under one condition — that the NFL donate to a charity of his choosing. Initially, this proposal may seem fairly innocent and generous. But, the announcement has been the subject of much debate, as people argue about the principle of the compromise, what Kaepernick's
protest should mean and whether the ordeal was just press exposure for Travis. Superstars such as Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and Kevin Hart have also been criticized
for their conservatism on certain topics. The reason some celebrities choose to be safe with their political opinions in the limelight usually comes down to media notoriety. Celebrities risk losing
Colin Kaepernick's protest brought political issues to the forefront of the sports world. Now, even with him out of the league, celebrities being connected to the NFL is a public relations risk. INSTAGRAM
fans, reputation and money if their political opinions aren't received well. Staying apolitical and career-focused, while not getting involved in a topic as polarized as politics, seems like the right move for a lot of people. Scott’s decision to per form and demand the NFL donate to a charity is being taken as just that, a safe move. But many are criticizing Scott, saying he's not doing enough to bring justice for Kaepernick and is instead looking out for himself and his career. To compound this, Nessa Diab, a Hot 97 host and Kaepernick's girlfriend, said that the "mutual understanding" between Kaepernick and Scott that Travis's team alleged had never actually happened. Diab also tweeted a picture of the Urban Dictionary definition for “sell out,” captioning it “If you’re with them, then you are definitely not with us." Diab is, of course, referring to the fact that Kaepernick has not played football since 2016 and is currently a free agent. While some say this is due to his performance, many believe that Kaepernick brought too much controversy and risk to the NFL, which is why he has not been signed. As a result, those who work with the NFL seem to be condoning what they did to Kaepernick.
Furthermore, TMZ reported that "Our (Scott) sources say based on the blowback he wanted to be 'sensitive to the black community,' and that's when he started thinking of some sort of donation the NFL might make.” Scott seemed to have been conscious of the black community the whole time. Regardless, his decision to work with the NFL, who's turning a blind eye to activism concerning the black community, is not being taken lightly. Kaepernick, and all of the players who kneel, are bringing light to “racial injustice and systematic racism” that's still very much alive and relevant in the country. The similarity between the NFL and celebrities is that at the end of the day, both are controlled by the press. The NFL is a company in search of it and celebrities are trying to live out their dreams through it, and both can’t operate without the support and approval of millions of people. Big companies and celebrities may choose to be apolitical as a form of risk management. While both sometimes find success in being controversial, others tend to practice caution by staying away from difficult issues. Scott's decision doesn't seem to come down to personal morals or notions of justice, but through weighing his options and choosing the limelight.
DIVERSIONS
January 23, 2019
Mark Tatulli Horoscopes
Lio
Page 9 Eugenia Last
Happy Birthday: Honesty will play a big role in how your life unfolds this year. Begin with self-evaluation, followed by an assessment of those you associate with. Look at your attributes and consider how to utilize your talents in order to reach your goals. You can get ahead if you follow proper protocol and concentrate on what it is you are trying to achieve. Your numbers are 3, 14, 21, 29, 36, 40, 43.
Over The Hedge
T. Lewis and M. Fry
Non Sequitur
Wiley
Pearls Before Swine
Stephan Pastis
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take care of your responsibilities before someone complains. You are best to keep busy and to avoid lengthy conversations. Wasting time will leave you feeling unsatisfied as well as make you look bad. Finish what you start. 3 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Strive for excellence. How you approach your work and deal with others will make a difference to the way things unfold. Mingle with people who can help you get ahead. An emotional plea will pay off. Recognition will be yours. 5 stars GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Put the changes you want to make into motion. Own what you do and say, and stand by your promises. How you handle others will make a difference, so refrain from using emotional manipulation, even if it’s tempting. 2 stars CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do things your way. Take a different route to get to where you want to go. Experience new people, places and pastimes, but don’t lose sight of who you are and what you are striving to become. Trust is essential. 4 stars LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t let the changes going on around you throw you off your game. Concentrate on what you need to accomplish and use your skills and experience to reach your goals. Celebrate your accomplishments with someone you love. 3 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get out and do things that will open your mind to new ideas and possibilities. Listen to what others have to say, but don’t buy in to someone else’s dream when you should be focusing on your own. Emotional deception is apparent. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t let someone disrupt your world. Look inward and make changes that will help you be at your very best. Don’t share your thoughts or plans with anyone. Keep passwords and personal information secret. Walk away from indulgent people. 3 stars SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Open your mind and listen to what others say. Once you have all the facts, make a decision based on what you feel you can live with and walk away from anyone or anything you don’t consider to be good for you. 4 stars SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Change begins within. Consider what you want and how best to get it while sticking to a set budget and not jeopardizing your position or your reputation. Don’t believe everything you hear, and stick to the truth to avoid backlash. 2 stars CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Push for what you want. Look at the logistics behind a moneymaking endeavor and consider who is involved before you promise anything. Emotional deception regarding contracts and money will unfold if you are gullible or too trusting. 5 stars AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take care of matters that could hold you back. Update documents and contracts that need to be addressed, and take care of any health issues quickly. Question anyone who shows signs of inconsistency or tends to exaggerate. Don’t underestimate your assets. 3 stars PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Take better care of yourself. Do whatever it takes to limit excessive behavior, and concentrate on a better fitness routine that will encourage you to distance yourself from bad influences and people who are emotionally draining. 3 stars
©2018 By Eugenia Last distributed by Universal Uclick
Universal Crossword ACROSS
58 Slightly early marital restlessness?
1 McMahon and Asner
61 Elected officials
4 Lady in a chocolatier’s logo
62 Innovator’s spark
10 Nightlife spot
63 Gossiped
14 Stroke gently
64 Vote of support
15 Lean toward
65 Org.
16 First-rate
66 “I’m all ears!”
17 Bullfight cheer
67 Roseanne’s husband
18 Baseball film DVD that’s missing the last scene?
DOWN
20 Fashionable
1 Many, many years
22 Nanny animal
2 New ___, India
23 Third Greek letter
3 “Shrek!” author William
24 Celebratory slap that doesn’t
4 It aptly bookends “Google Maps”
quite connect?
5 Mount Hood locale
26 Socialist Marx
6 Deeply religious
27 Tirade
7 “My concern is ...”
28 Frantic scramble
8 Blow off steam
31 Rap or rock
9 Sleeve tattoo spot
34 Rower’s need
10 Duck, to a French chef
38 FedEx alternative
35 4-Down suggestion
11 Appear imminent
39 Fortune 500 abbr.
36 Near-miss remark that’s a
12 E pluribus ___
40 “Later!”
clue to 18-, 24-, 50- and
13 Second Greek letter
45 Nairobi resident
58-Across
19 “Omigosh!”
46 Slurpee kin
41 Santa ___ winds
21 Comedian Rock
47 Simmer with anger
42 Fitting
25 Come to grips with
48 Old Toyota
43 Alpha’s opposite
26 Corn syrup brand
50 Voltaire, theologically
44 Crumb catchers
28 “Geez!”
51 Long Greek story
47 2017 World Series
29 Like bachelor parties
52 Literary uncle
30 Queen on Mount Olympus
53 Buddy who played Jed Clampett
49 At one’s ___ and call
31 Thom ___ shoes
54 Myanmar’s locale
50 Mostly get rid of?
32 Elbow-wrist connection
55 Eye shades?
54 Lacking a partner
33 Political platforms?
56 Wooden train maker
56 Oktoberfest quaff
34 A giant among Giants
59 Stir in
57 “Spare tire”
37 Target of a heist
60 “Good” cholesterol letters
champ, slangily
Yesterday’s Solution
Yesterday’s Solution
January 23, 2019
Page 10 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NO. 14 RUTGERS-NO. 17 IOWA, TONIGHT, 8 P.M.
RU visits Iowa, hopes to extend win streak DELANEY ZUBRICK CORRESPONDENT
As the Rutgers women’s basketball team rises in the ranks, another challenge comes its way. The No. 14 Scarlet Knights (15-3) will travel to Iowa City to face Iowa.
This will be another tough away game for Rutgers since the No. 17 Hawkeyes (14-4) are 9-0 at home. The Knights will be facing a tough Iowa team that has not yet lost a game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. As of Jan. 22, Rutgers has added another guard to its roster.
Freshman guard Alexis Morris, who played her first collegiate season with Big 12 powerhouse Baylor, has decided to transfer to the Banks. She is eligible to play in 2020. Morris averaged 9.4 points, more than three assists and nearly three rebounds per game as a
Senior center Victoria Harris blocked a season-high three shots against Michigan State on Sunday. She also recorded one steal. CURSTINE GUEVERRA / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / NOVEMBER 2018
freshman with the Bears. She was a part of a Baylor team that made the 2018 NCAA Sweet Sixteen. “Alexis is a great player and her accolades speak for themselves,” said head coach C. Vivian Stringer. “Alexis blended extremely well not only with the young ladies on the team, but just as important, her style of play fits the mold of a Rutgers guard.” Moving onto the details of the upcoming game, this could turn out to be one of the closest games that the Knights have experienced so far. In this past season, the Hawkeyes have faced competition like Drake (13-4), on its home court, and have come out with a win every time. Rutgers has also played the Bulldogs, but that game ended differently than when Iowa played them. The Knights lost to Drake on Thanksgiving earlier in the season, in their first game of the Vancouver Showcase. The Hawkeyes went up against No. 21 Michigan State, but lost by 14 points. The same result occurred when the team played Purdue (14-6), but Iowa lost by a closer margin of 5 points. “We (have) an extra target on our back,” Stringer said. “And the greatest fear is that we would feel the pressure, even though we’re here. You can feel the pressure more because we know that the last time we were ranked and proceeded to lose, we never returned to the top 20 again.” While Rutgers has only a .428 field goal percentage, the Hawkeyes have almost a full tenth of a point higher coming in at .522. A positive thing to note on the Knights’ stats is that they average approximately four more steals per game than Iowa. Once again, this game is hard to predict.
“It’s going to be special,” said Hawkeyes head coach Lisa Bluder. “Rutgers is having a great turn-around season. They are shooting the three better than they have been. We have them in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, this is such a great opportunity for us to play the No. 1, undefeated team on our home court and it is our solo meeting.” Regarding individual stats, the most impressive number comes from Iowa forward Megan Gustafson, who has a .707 field goal percentage and has attempted 280 shots this season. On the Rutgers court, senior forward Caitlin Jenkins has the leading field goal percentage with .592 and has attempted 76 field goals. While her percentage may be lower than that of Gustafson’s, there is always room for improvement in the heat of the game. As a team, the Hawkeyes have an average free throw percentage of .757, while the Knights follow close behind them averaging .739 from the free throw line. Senior center Victoria Harris leads Rutgers with a .952 free throw percentage after missing only 1 of 21 attempted free throws. Following right behind is sophomore guard Arella Guirantes with .800 making 28 of 35 shots. “We’ve been here before, and it’s not like it’s the first time we’re ranked,” Stringer said. “We need to act like we’ve been here before. We don’t get excited about it. We should have been here in the first place. We’ve been a gritty, hardnosed team in the first place.This is the way we play.” For updates on the Rutgers women's basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD ONIESHA CLARKE EARNS FIRST-PLACE FINISH IN 60-METER DASH
Knights get into rhythm at Penn 8-Team Select CHRIS TSAKONAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Rutgers women’s track and field team traveled to Staten Island, N.Y. to compete in the Penn 8-Team Select Jan. 19, taking on athletes from Fordham, Monmouth, St. Joseph’s, Providence, St. John’s, Temple and Wagner in the team’s second meet of the indoor season. This offered the Scarlet Knights an opportunity to get into a rhythm in the early part of the season and make progress. An important theme from this meet was the impressive performances from several freshman athletes in several key events, particularly the 60-meter dash, long jump, shot put and triple jump. Watching the continued development of the freshmen will be an important storyline as the team continues the indoor season. Rutgers walked away from the event with a first-place finish, as senior Oniesha Clarke emerged victorious in the 60m with a time of 7.64 seconds. This marked Clarke’s first top finish of the season. The 60m is Clarke’s best event, as she came in fourth at
the Big Ten Championships last season. This victory earned her a qualification to the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship in March. Freshman Iyanla Kollock also made the 60m final, finishing fourth with a time of 7.79 seconds. Kollock was also the Knights’ top finisher for the 200m, as her time of 25.65 seconds was good for 13th place. This marked another strong finish for Kollock, who was the runner-up in the 60m and fifth in the 200m at TCNJ the previous weekend. Sophomore Kayla Jackson was the top finisher for Rutgers in the 400m, as her time of 59.25 seconds was good for 12th place. In the long distance events, sophomore Kaitlyn Bragen finished in eighth in her first 3000m race of the season, recording a time of 10:32.32. Another track event in which the Knights performed well was the 4x400m relays, with a team of Jackson, freshman Mackenzie Prezume and seniors Jenna Sobieski and Phyllis Gordon. They finished fourth in the final with a 3:52.56 time, missing the last spot on the podium to
Monmouth by 0.19 seconds. Despite the close miss, this performance still marked a major improvement over their time at the TCNJ Invitational, which was 3:58.96. In the field events, freshman Zia Barr matched her personal best in the triple jump with a distance of 10.86m, good for fifth place in the event. Rutgers also had two strong performances in the high jump, with junior Rhonda Rogombe and sophomore Courteney Campbell finishing fifth and sixth respectively. Freshman Gabriela Sanchez finished fifth in the long jump with a distance of 5.42m. In the shot put, freshman Zyra Thomas came in eighth, throwing for 12.9m, which is a substantial jump from her TCNJ distance of 12.56m. The Knights will look to build off of the momentum from their performance this Friday and Saturday, as they travel to Massachusetts to participate in the Terrier Classic at Boston University. For updates on the Rutgers women’s track and field team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter
Senior Phyllis Gordon was part of Rutgers’ 4x400 meter relay team that finished fourth in the final round of the event with a 3:52.56 time. THE DAILY TARGUM / FEBRUARY 2016
January 23, 2019
Page 11
SEMESTER
HELP AT THE LINE
Rutgers held Nebraska to 1 point in last 120 seconds CONTINUED FROM BACK nine rebounds, making Monday night his best all-around game in his rookie campaign. Freshman forward Myles Johnson also tied a personal best
with 13 points and 11 rebounds — marking his second double-double this season — along with four assists. Johnson scored 8 of the final 14 points for Rutgers, securing the victory for the Knights in the final minutes.
As a team, Rutgers shot 17-26 from the free throw line, but that doesn’t tell the entire story of how significant the team’s shooting at the line was down the stretch. Eleven of those attempts were taken within the final 2 minutes of the game, as the Huskers flailed on defensive possessions and gave the Knights layups, eventually needing to foul them over and over. Rutgers hit on six of those attempts and held Nebraska to just
one basket in the last 120 seconds to come back from a 15-point deficit and win the game. Omoruyi (4-5) and sophomore guard Peter Kiss (5-5) led the way from the charity stripe and helped keep things close. Kiss is second on the team in free throw percentage (73.9) just behind freshman guard Caleb McConnell (81).
ATTACKING EARLIER
Sophomore guard Geo Baker played a key role for the Knights
in the final 20 minutes of play, scoring 13 of his 16 points in the second half. He finished the game 6-14 and 3-4 from behind the 3-point line, but this stat line is essentially all from that last half of play. Baker took just two shots in the first half — connecting on a 3-pointer — but had no assists to show for the lack of offense he was providing. Baker averages the most minutes on the team, so he should be present and making an impact for more than just what seemed like 20 minutes. He also awoke on the defensive end in the second half, blocking a shot and stealing the ball twice. Complete games from Baker can very well take the team to new heights.
DECISION TO BE MADE?
As a clear leader and someone with the most experience on the team, graduate student center Shaquille Doorson has earned the right to be on the floor and start for Rutgers. But if you look at the production from Monday’s matchup, it seems head coach Steve Pikiell may have a decision to make going for ward. Doorson has averaged roughly 2 more minutes per game than Johnson so far this season, but Johnson has him beat in both points and rebounds per game. This is Doorson’s last year on the Banks, so it’s understandable that he gets those extra minutes. But if the Knights want to tr y and make that extra push to make the NCAA Tournament — which may already be out of reach with nine losses — then Pikiell will need to make adjustments, especially down low and in the middle.
Graduate student center Shaquille Doorson has started in all 18 games of the season. His presence on the defensive end has helped the Knights win games this season. DUSTIN NILES / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / JANUARY 2019
For updates on the Rutgers men’s basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
ROAD Lightweight struggles continue against steepest level of competition CONTINUED FROM BACK over Iowa’s No. 12 Pat Lugo. That bout was the South Plainfield, N.J. native’s fifth defeat of a ranked opponent this season. His 54 dual points and six falls are a team best. Keep an eye on Ashnault’s performance as he is poised to make a deep run in both the Big Ten and NCAA Championships come March.
LIGHTWEIGHT STRUGGLES
The Knights have been inconsistent especially from their lighter weight class wrestlers. This showed against the Hawkeyes, as no lightweight wrestlers for Rutgers earned a win. The first spot in the starting lineup can set the tone for a match and shift momentum early. Sophomore 125-pounder Shane Metzler assumed the starting spot, after No. 3 junior 133-pounder Nick Suriano moved up to his new weight class. Metzler, who last won a bout against Hofstra’s Dylan Ryder in November, did not wrestle against Iowa. Freshman 125-pounder Nick Denora wrestled into the starting lineup, but was pinned 38 seconds into the opening match, by No. 2 Spencer Lee.
Since losing a tough seven-round bout to then-No. 3 Oklahoma State’s Dayton Fix 3-2, Suriano has not come away with a victory in his last two appearances. He lost a close 6-4 bout to Iowa’s No. 8 Austin DeSanto. DeSanto was Suriano’s second straight top-10 ranked opponent. Suriano took a 3-0 lead preceding a quiet first round after he was awarded points for an escape against his opponent. DeSanto started the third period with an escape. Suriano was later hit with two consecutive stalling calls that eventually tied up the match. The Hawkeyes’ 133-pounder showed why he was ranked in the top-10 when he earned a takedown to seal victor y against Suriano. The loss to De’Santa marks Suriano’s second straight loss after starting the season an undefeated 14-0. Junior 141-pounder Peter Lipari has not won since December and did not see a victory against Iowa. Lipari’s opponent, Max Murin, is No. 15 in the nation and defeated the Rutgers wrestler 8-4. For updates on the Rutgers wrestling team, follow @TargumSports and @SchmiedJake on Twitter.
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RUTGERS UNIVERSITY—NEW BRUNSWICK
SPORTS
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We (have) an extra target on our back.” — Women’s basketball head coach C. Vivian Stringer
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 23, 2019
ONLINE AT DAILYTARGUM.COM
MEN’S BASKETBALL MATHIS SCORES CAREER-HIGH 20 POINTS IN WIN
Knights start spring semester with style COBY GREEN SPORTS EDITOR
The Rutgers men’s basketball team welcomed back the spring semester with a bang on Monday night, defeating conference foe Nebraska 76-69 for arguably the best win of the growing season. The Scarlet Knights (9-9, 2-6) picked up their second Big Ten win of the season less than two weeks after picking up their first over then-No. 16 Ohio State during the winter break. Junior for ward Eugene Omoruyi also made his return to the floor against the Huskers (13-6, 3-5) after suffering a knee injur y in the win over the Buckeyes (12-5, 2-4). With just 12 games left to try and raise its conference record in time for the Big Ten Tournament, Rutgers looks to remain as healthy as possible in the coming weeks. Here are four takeaways from the Knights’ spring semester opening win at the RAC:
CAREER KNIGHT
Freshman guard Montez Mathis scored a career-high 20 points on the Nebraska defense, shooting 7-16 from the field and 6-10 from the free throw line — all of which were career highs, as well. Mathis also added a career-high Head coach Steve Pikiell earned his second Big Ten win of the season against the Cornhuskers on Monday evening. The Knights surpassed 70 points for the second time this season. DUSTIN NILES / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / JANUARY 2019
SEE SEMESTER ON PAGE 11
WRESTLING KNIGHTS DROP 2 INDIVIDUAL MATCHES AGAINST TOP-10 BIG TEN FOE
Takeaways from Rutgers’ defeat on road JAKE SCHMIED CORRESPONDENT
The Rutgers wrestling team has had a jampacked schedule to start the new year. The No. 20 Scarlet Knights (7-4, 1-2) have faced four straight ranked teams to open up the 2019 half of the season. Rutgers’ only win in January was an upset victory over then-No. 10 Wisconsin, a match that was decided on criteria. Recently, the Knights faltered in Iowa last Friday, dropping a lackluster 30-6 match against the undefeated No. 4 Hawkeyes (8-0, 3-0). Rutgers managed two individual wins from No. 2 graduate student 149-pounder Anthony Ashnault and sophomore 174-pounder Joseph Grello. Here are several takeaways from the Knights’ last trip up to Iowa City, Iowa:
ASHNAULT SUCCESS
The three-time All-American has been a consistent bright spot for Rutgers this season. He has put together 15 wins in his bouts and has shown no signs of losing his unbroken streak. Ashnault earned his 15th victor y of the season with a 3-1 decision No. 2 graduate student 149-pounder Anthony Ashnault earned his 15th win of the season, a 3-1 decision over No. 12 Pat Lugo. Ashnault leads the team with 54 dual points in 11 matches. CURSTINE GUEVERRA / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER / NOVEMBER 2018
SEE ROAD ON PAGE 11 NCAA M BASKETBALL SCORES
Toledo Kent State
85 87
Minnesota Michigan
57 59
Texas Tech Kansas State
45 58
Villanova Butler
80 72
Notre Dame Georgia Tech
61 63
Clemson Florida State
68 77
EXTRA POINT
C. VIVIAN STRIGNER, the women’s basketball head coach, has recruited guard Alexis Morris from Baylor, as she will be eligible to play in January 2020. Morris was dismissed from the Baylor team for an unspecified violation of team rules.
KNIGHTS SCHEDULE
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
TENNIS
WRESTLING
at No. 7 Iowa
Terrier Classic
vs. Delaware
vs. Michigan State
Tonight, 8 p.m., Iowa City, Iowa
Friday, All Day, Boston, Mass.
Friday, 12:30 p.m., East Brunswick, N.J.
Friday, 7 p.m., The RAC