@tccthecollegian • collegian.tccd.edu Purple and Gold. PG. 4
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – Volume 35 • Issue 21 DISTRICT
Effect of LGBTQ legislation brings concerns
Alex Hoben/The Collegian
NE Pride Club members Reyna Jimenez, Jane Dubrow and Azriel Stevens play on the large chessboard near the NSTU building on NE Campus April 5.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to mimic Florida’s ‘Parental Rights in Education’ bill. JUAN SALINAS II
senior editor juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu
Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” bill gained the attention of Texas’ Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, concerning students and faculty. The legislation prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. Patrick said that passing some-
thing similar in Texas would be a top priority in the next session, according to the Texas Tribune. State lawmakers have proposed a record 238 bills that would limit the rights of LGBTQ Americans this year, according to an NBC News data analysis from the American Civil Liberties Union and LGBTQ advocacy group Freedom for All Americans. “These state legislative attempts aren’t showing up randomly,” NW assistant professor of government Aubree Calvin said. “They’re the result of a Conservative strat-
egy that started over a decade ago. Evangelical Christian groups, like the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Heritage Foundation, are pushing anti-LGBTQ policies to mobilize their political base. Polls show Americans are becoming more accepting of us (gays, lesbians, trans persons), and the pool of religious voters is shrinking. These ‘controversial’ issues are a way to motivate the evangelical base to vote in elections.” This strategy isn’t new, Calvin said. The idea of “parent’s rights” in education was See LGBTQ, page 2
“Inflation is killing many people’s paychecks, children are starving and abused, yet they choose to focus on limiting rights?”
DISTRICT
Jada Bostick SE student
DISTRICT
Student officers working to bring back normalcy Accessibility
made easier by campus service
JUAN SALINAS II
senior editor juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu
Student Government Association elections were held April 12, and now, they’re ready to put their agendas to work. SGA is responsible for managing and overseeing student activities, initiatives and events while determining and setting into motion how it can further the improvement of the respective campuses. “We listen to all student concerns, complaints and ideas,” South SGA President Jalisa Stovall said. “Then we address them with the respective director to solve the issues and help ensure students’ needs are being met.” SGA also decides how funds are allocated between clubs and events. Like many organizations at TCC, returning from the pandemic has been hard for the SGA. “When COVID happened, a lot of clubs shut down because it was so overwhelming, and I imagine it was extremely difficult to maintain,” TR SGA Vice President Grace Kadia said. TR SGA has been working around the clock to restore the clubs across campus. “The extraordinary growth of student involvement in extracurricular activities is
AUSTIN FOLKERTSMA
senior editor austin.folkertsma@my.tccd.edu
Alex Hoben/The Collegian
Students attend the NE Student Government Association Senate forum April 6.
definitely our biggest accomplishment this year, but we can’t take all the credit,” TR SGA historian Milo Norris said. “Club and student organization leaders (and members) have been absolutely invaluable in helping us reach our goal of reviving the campus extracurricular scene as we continue to build back our campus post-COVID closure. We really appreciate all those who have begun attending club meetings, started new clubs or revived old ones.” NW SGA President Sammy Jepsen said his organization is doing better with student engagement. He is excited to see what comes next and hopes students will be interested in joining.
“SGA not only is a leadership opportunity, but it’s the foundation of workplace ethics, communication mechanics, professionalism, and most importantly, the SGA will teach you to care for others,” Jepsen said. “SGA will teach you to see the student’s perspective and accept their point of view over your own.” NW SGA secured NW as a host school for the Texas Junior College Student Government Association convention for the upcoming year. TJCSGA is where other SGAs from different junior colleges come together and learn from each other. “TCC has not served a position in this convention for a See SGA, page 2
NW student Jeremy Glenn Sr. is a retired military veteran and is one of the hundreds of students that receive accommodations for his disabilities through Student Accessibility Resources. SAR is a service offered districtwide to students with disabilities, aiding them through their academic careers. Glenn Sr. suffers from a traumatic brain injury and combat post-traumatic stress disorder, which he sustained during his employment in Iraq. It has affected the way he forms his sentences together, gave him short-term memory loss and made recalling information difficult which makes studying more challenging for him. “When I first got to TCC, I first got in touch with Ms. [NW student accessibility resources coordinator Paula] Manning,” he said. “I was trying to be assertive because I didn’t want to be pushed around because See SAR, page 2
News
Feature
Entertainment
Opinion
Editorial
INSPIRING STORY Guest speaker shares story of triumph. PG. 2
IN TIME FOR SPRING Connect event brings in new season. PG. 3
DRIPPED OUT Fashion designer’s album packed with artists. PG. 4
CHARGING TOO MUCH Insulin’s prices need to be adjusted. PG. 5
CONTROVERSIAL BILL Florida law causes a stir. PG. 5
NEWS
2 • Wednesday, April 13, 2022 DISTRICT
SOUTHEAST
Program aims to assist students of color CONSUELLA RAYNOR
reporter collegian.editor@tccd.edu
Joel Solis/The Collegian
Two South students watch author and motivational speaker Pascuala Herrera’s virtual presentation during the event Not Always a Valley of Tears April 5.
Author, motivational speaker shares story AUSTIN FOLKERTSMA
senior editor austin.folkertsma@my.tccd.edu
TCC hosted an event for author and motivational speaker Pascuala Herrera via zoom where she shared stories and experiences from her newest book “Not Always A Valley Of Tears” April 5. This event is the first collaboration between Student Accessibility Resources and the Intercultural Network offices across the district. “Through this event, we would like our audience to know that although there will be difficult moments in our life, beautiful miracles will still happen today,” Connect coordinator of the Intercultural Network Qing Ricks said. “We hope the students can be inspired by her presentation, find their motivation/purpose and make some connections from this event.” NE SAR coordinator Kim Eason said she’s inspired by Pascuala Herrera. “She made the impossible possible,” Eason said. “Despite having polio and being a female Latina immigrant growing up in poverty, she found her purpose as an educator specializing in accessible learning for college students with disabilities.” Eason hopes students know their paths aren’t predetermined by how other people categorize them. Herrera was born in a rural town with a population of about 250 people to a family of nine children, her being number eight. She was born without a disability, but at nine months, she had contracted polio. “We lived in a community with a lot of low income Latinos, and we were trying to get me to go to school because, in Mexico, I wasn’t able to go to school,” she said. “I was told that because of my disability, I couldn’t go to my neighborhood school.” Herrera had to go to a school for children with disabilities.. “It was very much a therapeutic school,” she said. “They had therapists, they had doctors and attendants to help out, so my whole education was really in special education.” She said she didn’t want to attend the
SGA
special education school because she wanted to be with her brothers and sisters. “Having lived pre- [Americans with Disabilities Act] and post-ADA, I could tell you how fortunate students with disabilities are now in being a mainstream part of your neighborhood, to be a part of the colleges versus being segregated,” she said. For a long time, she felt held down because she didn’t get the education that students with disabilities get now. “However, besides not being challenged enough in my education, I learned skills like how to speak for myself, be independent and make the best out of any situation,” she said. After graduating high school, she attended DePaul University where she achieved her higher education including a masters degree in reading and learning disabilities. Upon graduating from DePaul University, she was hired almost immediately to work at Harper Community College and was colleagues with TCC NE president Kenya Ayers-Palmore. Herrera retired from teaching in June 2020. “I kinda joke around and say when I retired, the world fell apart, and that’s why we went on the pandemic.” Her life was not what she expected after retirement. She said she wanted to travel and spend time with friends, but that was impossible because of the pandemic. “My disability was always in the forefront, but other identities, I’m sure have also impacted my life,” Herrara said. “In my opinion the most discriminated target group and that’s because some personal biases are made about people with disabilities, not just physical disabilities, but in other disabilities.” She was an activist for rights of people with disabilities. She protested and did a lot of civil disobedient activities so that the government could hear her and other protesters' voices. She never imagined herself becoming an author. “It wasn’t in my plans, but the interesting thing about life is that life leads you where you need to go,” she said. “In writing my memoir, it’s really a tribute to my parents, especially my mom.”
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while, so we have reached a milestone that will put us on the map,” NW SGA secretary Allan Barbosa said. Kadia credits her experience in the SGA for her personal growth. “My peers, as well as executive board members Eddie, Savannah, Milo and Emma, have pushed me past my comfort zone to become the person I am today,” she said. “I couldn’t be more grateful for them to be with me in our endeavors.” Norris encourages students that are interested in SGA to just go for it.
LGBTQ
“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, and a whole world of opportunities is waiting for you if you are elected,” Norris said. “Unfortunately, the deadline to apply to be on the TR SGA executive board has passed, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get involved. The SGA also includes club and student organization officers. If there isn’t a club that sounds appealing, create one. The college experience thrives on diversity and a wealth of information, and we will make sure that your voice is heard.”
Inspiring, togetherness and development are three words that describe the Men of Color collaborative program, which aims to increase opportunities and achievements for all students. Larry Jefferson, SE Campus coordinator of intercultural student engagement and academic success, said the Men of Color program displays the inspiring impact that Hispanic and African American males have on one another. The family-style bond and friendships formed among the students demonstrate the program’s togetherness, he said. Developing life skills shows the growth in all individuals that are involved in the program. “The Men of Color program is designed to support, strengthen and promote student success for all male students at TCC,” Jefferson said. “SE Campus has 100-plus males participating in the program.” The goal is to provide Hispanic and African American students with adequate resources to be successful on an academic platform. Men of Color is open to all students without regard to race, gender, national origin or other characteristics. Dantrayl Smith, TR Campus coordinator of intercultural network for the Men of Color, said the program prepares all their male students to be successful in diverse environments inside and outside of the classroom through group and one-on-one mentoring.
SAR
“Students are equipped with the following essential life skills: time management, strategic planning and goal setting,” Smith said. Jefferson said the most challenging aspect of Men of Color is building trust. He said many students lack social support and are leery of trusting others. “However, MCC’s goal is to show consistent support and help eliminate insecurities,” he said. “It’s a great accomplishment for MCC students when they succeed in raising their GPA from semester to semester and graduation is a success because many never thought it was accessible.” SE student Treon Jackson said the MCC program is his safe place where he can come and not be judged. MCC’s resources have greatly impacted his networking and relationship building skills, he said. “Being a part of the MCC program teaches me how important it is to shed light on embracing diversity to other students, especially being the minority,” Jackson said. Men of Color’s efforts focus on five tenets: academic support, career development, leadership development, personal growth and support, and social and emotional support. To join Men of Color, students can visit the Intercultural Network in person at any TCC campus. “For those interested in the MCC program, invest in your future and cash out later in life,” Jefferson said. “Like social media, this platform allows individuals to build networks, socialize and obtain information to better themselves without the ‘likes.’”
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Ariel Desantiago/The Collegian
Student development assistant Adrena Stephney works at her desk in the Student Accessibility Resources office on TR. that’s happened to me at some colleges where they just kind of push you off, but here, she kept reaching out to me.” He said he had an issue with the Online Readiness Test TCC requires students to take before registering for an online course. He passed all of the sections, but he couldn’t pass the reading retention and comprehension part. Fortunately, he was able to get it waived via the NW SAR office. “One of the big standouts in the NW office is [NW student development assistant] Anita Ohrn,” Glenn Sr. said. “She’s the most positive person on that campus, always quick to give a word of encouragement. I can’t say enough about her.” He said adapting from the military to being a civilian has not been easy. “I had a lot of work to do, adapting my new normal to my life,” he said. “You go from being a soldier who has it all together to someone who feels like half a man sometimes, and it’s taken a lot of therapy, support from my veteran community and support from the SAR office.” South student Zachary Chapman said his experience with his disability is positive because people are so much more accepting of him now than when he was younger. “In grade school, people used to think I was strange, and they used to look at me like I was a space alien from Mars,” Chapman said. He said the SAR office has helped him so much and opened so many doors for him in the past few years he’s been at TCC. “They gave me that push I needed to get to where I needed to be,” he said. “Just
the accommodations alone have been a big help for me. I can’t focus very well, so I really like one of the accommodations I get, which is I’m allowed to be in a quiet room to take my tests.” SE student Megan Meier has an undisclosed disability she receives accommodations for. “Getting accommodations was at first a pretty daunting task for me, but the SE SAR office was incredibly helpful,” Meier said. “I was initially hesitant, worried even, going back to school, especially since as an art student, the art studio seating arrangements and equipment are not friendly for people with physical disabilities because of the high tables and stools.” Fortunately for Meier, the SE SAR office was able to work with her and get her equipment and seating arrangements more suitable for her disability. “On campus, I feel like pretty much any other student, and other than a few passing glances, everyone pretty much treats me the same as any other able-bodied student,” she said. Outside of school, she has experienced quite a bit of ableism. “People feel like they have the right to ask you personal invasive questions or make inappropriate comments just because I happen to be disabled,” she said. “A lady once screamed at me to cover up my prosthetic leg while I was picking up some cereal, but thankfully, nothing like that has happened to me on campus. I feel safe to just exist and be myself here.”
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used in the 60s and 70s when white parents opposed busing and attempted to integrate public schools. SE student Jada Bostick said this type of legislation directly threatens her freedom. “Conservatives want nothing more than to restrict and limit human rights from anyone who does not look like them,” Bostick said. Bostick accuses Patrick of being manipulative by using this to distract Texans from more pressing issues. “Inflation is killing many people’s pay-
checks, children are starving and abused, yet they choose to focus on limiting rights?” she said. “Insanity.” NW student Maria Espinosa blames the previous administration for this uptick in legislation. “Many Conservatives feel entitled to force their opinion on others,” Espinosa said. “Many Conservatives know that the Liberals are tired of constantly defending themselves, so now they have forced us into a corner.” She said she doesn’t understand how talk-
ing about sexuality to kids is an issue. “We should just all respect people’s beliefs but make school a safe space for any topics to be talked about without children having the fear of being ridiculed,” Espinosa said. NW professor of government Joseph Ialenti agrees with some parts of the legislation. “Some provisions of the legislation are wildly ambiguous and will certainly be subject to school district, parental and court interpretation,” Ialenti said. “However, introducing young children to sexual subjects is quite un-
necessary and inappropriate.” He said it’s one thing to request an acknowledgment or an accommodation, but it’s different when it’s demanded. “To many, it contravenes personal religious beliefs and parental prerogatives and sensitivities,” he said. “It also smacks of replacing parents with government. You don’t have to be a genius to understand that when you mess with a person’s religious beliefs and their kids that you are going to get a vigorous reaction.”
FEATURE
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 • 3
Connect welcomes students back to campus
Connect Campus President Carlos Morales poses for a photo with students during Spring Fest April 5.
Spring Fest was held April 5 at TR Campus in the outside corridor between the Connect Campus and main buildings. The event included tables manned by different clubs as well as recruiters. Food was provided to the students and staff in attendance with Connect Campus President Carlos Morales giving a commemoration speech welcoming students back.
TR staff Jake Parker talks with students while handing out T-shirts and swag.
TR students Maria Heredia and Nathan Lehr visit the various tables available at Spring Fest April 5.
High school students Thomas Espinoza, Esmeralda Pacheco and Precious Banda listen to faculty member Qing Ricks at the Intercultural Network table. Layout by Hannah Seese/The Collegian
Photos by Alex Hoben/The Collegian
Connect President Carlos Morales giving a commemoration speech for April 5.
High school student Sariya Bird stands in line for food provided by TR Campus at the event. Illustrations by Tj Favela/The Collegian
ENTERTAINMENT
4 • Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Photos courtesy of HBO
Magic Johnson, played by Quincy Isaiah, smiles as he walks through a room full of reporters trying to interview him. “Winning Time” can be streamed on HBO Max.
SHOW REVIEW
Darker side of Lakers dynasty unveiled JUAN SALINAS II
senior editor juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu
Unlike the Lakers’ season, “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” is actually good. “Winning Time’’ is an HBO Max exclusive, and it’s a highly dramatized interpretation of true events. It focuses on Jerry Buss and the Buss family during his first few years running the Lakers. It started with Buss trying to scrap enough real estate and cash to buy the “deep in the red” Lakers organization. This was when the NBA was nearly bankrupt, so it wasn’t as luxurious an opportunity as it would be now. The show highlights major players of the team from Magic Johnson to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and other staff involved in the day-to-day running of the team. Since this is produced by HBO, everything has high production value, which is evident by how the show is shot. One thing that can be uncomfortable is the unnecessary sex scenes and nudity.
I’m not a prude. I don’t mind nudity, but was it really necessary to show Johnson having an orgy when he first arrived in Los Angeles? But you take the bad with the good, I guess. The show does an excellent job of world-building. This series shows LA in all its glitz and glamor but also hints at showing the not-so-sexy parts of LA in later episodes. It really conveys the clashing cultures of the time. As a casual fan of basketball, it was interesting to see the game’s legends in a different light. You get to see the more human side of them, flaws and all. It shows the league’s logo Jerry West as a man haunted by underachieving in his career and Pat Riley down on his luck, trying desperately to return to the game in any form, even if that means being an announcer. My favorite character so far is AbdulJabbar. I didn’t know he was such a badass. Even if he criticized the series for not being accurate with real-life events. His swagger in each episode is contagious. Solomon Hughes does a great
job in his role. Another actor that surprised me was John C. Reilly. To be fair, I only remember him from the weird show on Adult Swim when I was supposed to be sleeping as a kid, so maybe it isn’t that much of a surprise to others. One thing that I love about the series is the fourth wall breaks. I’m a sucker for those. It’s more like a “House of Cards” style than “The Office” fourth wall breaks. Characters would stop the scene just to tell you that the other character is full of it and any other funny comment. It’s amazing, and some of them make you burst out laughing. Overall, “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” is a good time, as long as you don’t mind cringing through some sex scenes. It’s a good series to shut your brain off and enjoy the ride. New episodes air every Sunday on HBO MAX. Magic Johnson walks around, figuring out if he’s ready to play.
ALBUM REVIEW
Fashion designer’s passion project really hits MICHAEL FOSTER-SANDERS
senior producer michael-foster-sanders@my.tccd.edu
Contrary to popular belief, the streets dictate fashion. Don’t believe that all it takes to start a trend is for a designer fashion house to find the new urban trendsetter, grab them some of their pieces and pray they wear them, so attention is brought to the company. Doubly if it’s a rapper in a video letting the masses know what they’re ignorant of or what they need to be wearing. Meanwhile, said rappers can’t get an official endorsement or discounted clothes for the plug into hip-hop culture. Culture Vulture mentality at its finest. Streetwear king Nigo, the creator of the Bape clothing company, sought to change this mentality by building a rapport with super-producer Pharrell Williams and his friends, such as Pusha T, who had a rap beef with Lil Wayne for trying to dress like them. Fast forward a decade-plus, Nigo has sold the Bape brand and created the new brand, Human Made. To raise awareness of the brand, Nigo has enlisted his musician friends for the “I Know NIGO!” music compilation to show the world that Human Made is not just a clothing brand, but a lifestyle. With guest appearances from Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Ferg and the late Pop Smoke, does Nigo have what it takes to pull off the ultimate vibe? Starting up the experience is A$AP Rocky and Tyler the Creator’s “Lost and Found Freestyle,’’ where the tag-team duo suplexes two instrumentals from Slim Thug’s debut album produced by The Neptunes. Rocky delivers his unique down South, New York flow, weaving in and out the beat like a car going through oncoming traffic. Tyler, when the beat changes, reminds the world
Photo courtesy of Victor Victor Worldwide
“I Know NIGO!” is the passion project of Japanese fashion designer Nigo. The album is filled with various artist such as Pharrell Williams and Tyler, The Creator. that he’s a rapper first and foremost, and violates those who would think differently. “Arya,” the lead single from the project, has A$AP Rocky doing what he does best over a beat that’s described as a movie
theme laid over thunderous 808 drums and classic A$AP ad-libs. Rocky gives a haunting performance, transforming into his alter ego Pretty Flacko, letting the audience know the world is his and theirs if they follow his
blueprint for the art of being cool. The Thornton brothers reunited after 13 years for “Punch Bowl,” and it’s a breath of fresh air for the kings of coke rap and helps reintroduce them to this new generation, showing that it’s always substance over flash. Malice bears the responsibility of being a big brother to his little brother’s reckless disregard that Pusha T has no issue displaying, like when he had his issue with Drake. Malice’s words of wisdom are a rarity that doesn’t come off as too preachy. He also does it without cursing, showing that a Christian rapper can spit just as well as a secular one. “Functional Addict” brings Pharrell and Gunna together for an ode to the ladies about having the finest things. The song plays over a simple beat with repeating chords and heavenly reverb on the hook that will have all the pretty girls using it for TikTok videos this summer. Moving to the party side of the tape, we have Kid Cudi contributing with “Want It bad.” It has a rooftop party vibe with a pulsating beat that’s going to get booties wiggling. The Teriyaki Boyz brings “Morë Tonight,” a swanky international jam for sweaty club vibes. The highlight of the tape is Pusha T’s “Hear Me Clearly.” It serves as a warning shot for his upcoming album “It’s Almost Dry.” Pusha shows why he wants respect over fame with razor-sharp bars aimed at anyone who dares to challenge his lyrical ability. It’s why he’s still in the hip-hop game after 20 years. Nigo knows how to curate a vibe, and this tape is definitely one for the books. Press play and lose yourself in it.
OPINION
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 • 5
EDITORIAL
Florida bill could soon be mimicked in Texas The passing of Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education” bill is causing an uproar throughout the nation. The bill, referred to in media as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, has struck a nerve for many people due to its alienation of LGBTQ youth and vague wording. The main preface of it is to remove conversations regarding gender identity or sexual orientation for elementary students from kindergarten through third grade. While many people understand the importance of parents being able to discuss these topics with their children on their own, much of the controversy comes with the lack of specificity of what conversations within these topics are considered “appropriate.” Since the bill emphasizes giving over control to parents to decide on what they deem is OK to talk about in the classroom, even the most innocent of questions can now be the cause for a lawsuit. One thing to note is that people are not upset because they want young children to be spoken to about all things regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, they are upset because the wording of the bill is kept so vague that even a correction of the wrong use of pronouns can now be seen as inappropriate. People are concerned that if parents find anything said by a teacher or in a classroom “uncomfortable,” this bill is the main tool in their arsenal to be able to have them removed. This is cause for serious concern considering that schools are already underfunded. If a parent doesn’t like something their child was taught, they can just take the school to court, digging deeper into
Jimmy Arca/The Collegian the school’s budget. Of all the things the governor of Florida could focus on regarding its school system, it seems arbitrary to choose to create a bill for an issue that isn’t a major problem. What’s interesting is that there was already a lack of mention of anything inappropriate or sexual in the curriculum for these students to
begin with, which is acknowledged by the lack of inclusion in the bill regarding the conversation of sexual acts. It makes you wonder what exactly they are trying to get rid of. The conclusion most people have come to, which is also the reason for the common name the bill has been given, is that the problem lies within the mere acknowledgment
VIEWPOINTS
Working class can’t afford to pay for extreme insulin prices
TCC accessibility needs to be updated by administration now
AUSTIN FOLKERTSMA senior editor
austin.folkertsma@my.tccd.edu
People with disabilities are often kicked to the curb because they’re “different” or not deemed to be “normal,” so society doesn’t want to take a chance on them because they’re the way they are. Society’s definition of “normal” isn’t a person with a disability, but what is “normal” anyway? According to Webster’s Dictionary, normal is something that is considered to be usual, ordinary or average. What is true and “normal” for someone may not be for someone else. All of us are human. Student Accessibility Resources has done wonders in my academic career thus far in accommodating me being in a wheelchair. If some professors I’ve had would adhere to the accommodations I need, my experience would’ve been better. One professor, in particular, was a thorn in my side during the semester. They will remain unnamed, but they didn’t adhere to any of my accommodations. Not to mention that they completely embarrassed me in front of the entire class and made a snarky remark to me as I was leaving after taking the final exam. In a way, TCC is very accessible, but in other ways, there’s room for
of the LGBTQ community. This narrative is not only harmful to the students but also to the adults around them who may be part of the community and are now not able to simply be themselves in their classrooms. Perhaps the worst part about this bill is it implies that the general conversation regarding the LGBTQ
community is inherently sexual. The effects of the bill are now beginning to trickle down into other states as well, with Ohio being the first to follow suit. Although no action has been taken by Texas yet, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has already spoken about his support of the bill and interest in implementing it in Texas. It seems that one after another, the consequences are snowballing from state to state, sending us backward rather than forward regarding our acceptance as a society. The introduction of this bill doesn’t just affect the people of Florida, rather it represents the slow decline of the progress so many people have worked hard for years to achieve. There are ways to keep students in neutral and age-appropriate territories regarding all conversations, but this is definitely not the way to go about it. The job of the government is to protect our students from threats that may affect their lives. The job of the education system is to prepare students for the real world. In the real world, you are surrounded by people of all races, religions, sexualities and gender orientations. Instead of making educators and students alike feel uncomfortable in their personal lives, we should be encouraging students to appreciate the melting pot of people they are surrounded by. Education should not be hindered by the opinions of others, especially when the opinion in question doesn’t affect learning or teaching ability in the slightest.
improvement. When I traveled to the NW Campus for the Celebrating Strides event, there was no button to open the door automatically, so I had to manually open it. Having to get the door open while pushing my chair was a nightmare. There were people around, but it feels burdensome to ask for help sometimes. In my business and speech communications class, all of the students sit in these round desks that have wheels on the bottom of them, and the desk as a whole looks like it’s made of flexible plastic. It’s not sturdy at all. I would fear that if a heavier student sat at the desk, it wouldn’t be able to support them. It’s also on wheels. Sometimes I feel like I have to chase it around and make it stop rolling so I can sit in it. It’s very hazardous for someone with bad balance. The alternative is rolling up to this desk with an adjustable table that acts as a desk. The problem with this is if any weight is put on it, the table falls and crushes my legs. My MacBook has almost fallen off of said desk a few times because of this. I’m sitting there with no desk, so I have to use the table behind me to put my laptop on it to take notes. TCC needs to upgrade its equipment for students with disabilities. Just because the buildings are really old, doesn’t mean the equipment has to be. I don’t know what needs to be done in that area, but maybe investing so much money into the TR Campus needs to cease for a while. There are, in fact, other campuses. Spread the wealth to other campuses across the district.
CAMERON WEBSTER campus editor
cameron.webster@my.tccd.edu
The fight to lower the cost of insulin is the latest issue that signals the American healthcare system needs to be overhauled from top to bottom. According to a report by Mayo Clinic, Americans on average are paying 10 times more for insulin than other developed countries around the world. It costs under $10 for insulin to be manufactured, so it begs the question, why are single vials being sold for prices that range between $300 to $1000? The answer, like so many things in this country, is that corporate greed and profit margins take precedent over the lives of the citizens of this nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 7.4 million Americans require insulin to survive. With prices being as high as they are, some people living with diabetes have been forced to attempt to ration their supply. In an interview with U.S. News & World Report last month, Lisa Murdock, chief advocacy officer for the American Diabetes Association, said that 1 in 4 insulindependent Americans currently ration their doses each month. An extreme result of this occurred in
2017 with the death of 26-year-old Alec Smith of Minnesota. Like so many of us, Alec turned 26 and was booted off of his parent’s insurance. Unlike most of us, he was a Type 1 diabetic that required insulin to survive. When he could not afford a $440 a month insurance policy or the $1300 a month cost of his insulin, he chose to ration his supply until he could afford it. Smith was found dead at his apartment of diabetic ketoacidosis only 27 days after he was forced off of his mother’s insurance. The result was that Minnesota was able to pass legislation, aptly named the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, aimed at addressing the concerns surrounding easier access to insulin. This is an amazing first step because what happened to Alec is unfortunately more common than it should be. President Biden had included legislation to cap the cost of insulin within his “Build Back Better” plan. However, due to it being stonewalled by the Senate, other lawmakers decided to create their own ideas for lowering the ever-increasing price of the drug. Last month, the House of Representatives voted to approve the Affordable Insulin Now Act. The bill follows Biden’s original plan of capping the cost of insulin at a $35 a month copay or 25% of an insurance plan’s agreed-upon price, whichever is cheaper. The bill faces the same challenge as “Build Back Better” once it reaches the Senate. Democrats would need to flip at least 10 Republican votes for it to be passed into law. If the bill stalls out and nothing changes, more lives will be needlessly lost.
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FEATURE
6 • Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Ramadan full of traditions, history, festivities RABBIA MOLAI
campus editor rabbia.molai@my.tccd.edu
The ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar is here, and Muslims worldwide are fasting every day from sunrise to sunset in celebration. For many Muslims, Ramadan is the most important time of the year regarding their faith and spirituality. It is a time to strengthen the bond they have with their religion, give back to their communities and above all, be grateful for all they have. The history of the holy month begins in 600 A.D. when the first verses of the Quran — the Islamic holy book — were released to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Over time, the month began to include traditions such as fasting, prayers and charity. One of the five pillars of Islam is the practice of giving to those who are less fortunate, and though many Muslims practice this year-round, Ramadan is the time to go the extra mile. It is said that by depriving oneself of the luxuries that can seem so common in day-to-day life, such as food and water, they become more appreciative of everything they have been given. Throughout the month, Muslims begin their days with Suhoor, the meal before sunrise, and end their days with Iftar, the meal after sunset. Throughout the day, they do not eat or drink anything, and they also try to abstain from committing any other sins and focus on giving as much time to practicing their religion as possible. It is said that the quenching of a long day’s hunger by the consumption of one meal is representative of the fleeting pleasures of the world. Although fasting is significant to Muslims during this month, there are some exemptions. People with diabetes, women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding are all exempt from fasting. However, not being able to fast doesn’t mean they don’t get to take part in other traditions. One would think that a month of fasting wouldn’t be so food-centric, but it seems the longer people have to think about what they’d like to eat, the more delicious the Iftar creations become. From spiced fruit salads to potato fritters and creamy desserts, Iftar is every foodie’s dream. This Ramadan seems especially important considering it’s the first back in a moderately post-COVID world. With the last two years of social distancing and no group prayers or community Iftars, people are elated to be able to celebrate full out this year. “I’m excited for Ramadan this year,” NE student Shazia Khan said. “I feel like it will be more meaningful to me than last year, which was a muted experience.”
Throughout the month, there are moments at mosques or during meal times that bring a sense of closeness to Muslims in their congregations. “My favorite part of Ramadan is the sense of community you get when visiting the masjid on a daily basis,” NE student Ahsan Khalid said. The process of waking up before sunrise to eat and then immediately after breaking your fast at sunset to go pray can be difficult. However, it seems that throughout the holy month, there is so much joy in the mosques that people feel more inclined to want to fulfill their five daily prayers together. “I really enjoy going to the masjid for early morning Fajr prayer, and Ramadan is the time I can build that habit back,” SE student Yassir Asif said. “My favorite part is the coming together of the community and congregating for prayer.” Although there are moments of celebration throughout the month, the main festivities come at the end. Once the last fast has been broken, and the moon has been seen, it is officially time for Eid. Eid is a three-day holiday celebrating all the efforts and hardships that may have been overcome throughout the month. Traditions during the three days include fancy clothes, food, and of course, giving back as much as a person can. “I’m most looking forward to getting mehndi (henna tattoos) on Eid and dressing up,” Khan said. For many, the night before Eid is known as Chand Raat, or the night of the moon. Since Muslims follow the lunar calendar to know when Eid is, the night the moon is spotted is when the official celebrations can begin. The night is celebrated with henna parties, the giving of charity and lots of food. Ramadan represents many things for the Muslim community. A time to repent for past sins, a time to get closer to your faith and even a time to celebrate with friends and family. Most importantly though, Ramadan represents a fresh start. “This is the time during the year we can come closer to our religion,” Khalid said. “I feel like, during this month, we can cleanse ourselves and focus on what’s important. We can have a clean slate.”
Ramadan Kareem
Garlic naan is usually paired with all other dishes.
Photos by Abbas Ghor/The Collegian
Chicken stir-fry, or chicken manchurian, is an Indian and Chinese fusion dish.
Mishkaki, or beef skewers, is a common dish in East Africa.
Seekh kebabs, or grilled chicken kebabs, is served with a tomato salsa.
Illustration by Abbas Ghor/The Collegian