The Signal: Spring '19 No. 4

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Vol. L, No. 4

February 20, 2019

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

College faculty march for justice

Vagina monologues empower female students

By Diana Solano Staff Writer

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

Professors gather by Green Hall to promote more inclusivity on campus.

By Garrett Cecere Managing Editor Bundled up and waving signs, faculty members marched across campus on Feb. 13 to show their support for members of the College community.

The Faculty Senate organized the march, which began at the bronze lion statue near the Brower Student Center at 11:30 a.m., continued through a slushy Alumni Grove and concluded on the steps of Green Hall after approximately 25 minutes.

“I thought (the march) was terrific,” said College President Kathryn Foster, who walked with the faculty.

“It’s such a sign that affirms our values when something happens on campus, so I thought it was outstanding.”

Professors marched for various reasons. Some marched in support of sexual assault and hate-crime victims, while others marched in general support of the campus community.

Nonna Sorokina, a professor of finance, walked for a safe campus for everybody, no matter their role at the College. “(We are marching for) students, faculty, staff, guests, anybody who happens to be here,” Sorokina said.

The march also became a way for some professors to voice their support for those affected by social biases. One sign read, “be aware of your bias!” while another read, “I support survivors of hate crimes and sexual violence. I believe you.”

While some members held posters in support of assault victims, others walked for inclusivity.

We’re marching to support an inclusive campus for all students at TCNJ and … just show faculty and staff support for the students,” said Nick McBride, a professor in the music department.

One poster had several phrases, some of which included, “not if she

was drunk,” “not if she was queer,” “not if she was wearing a miniskirt” and “not if the victim was male.” In the middle of the poster were the words, “rape is never the victim’s fault.”

Joanna Herres, a psychology professor walked for victims of sexual, physical and racial violence.

“I’m marching in support of women who experience sexual violence and people of color who have experienced violence because of the color of their skin,” she said.

Candice Feiring, also a psychology professor, said she marched for many reasons, some of which included the need to spread more awareness of Anti-Violence Initiatives. “(I march) in support of students who are struggling with assault, encouraging them to come forward, that we want to listen to what they have to say and help them,” Feiring said. “And we do, I think, have a pretty good program in AVI, but it can be better.”

The glowing “V” emanated from the projector on center-stage as crowds of students filled the seats of Mayo Concert Hall. The actors performing in the production sat on the risers and waited to deliver their monologues that touched on topics such as physical pleasures, women’s empowerment and self-love.

The College’s Women in Leadership and Learning program held its annual production of Eve Ensler’s, The Vagina Monologues on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. in Mayo Concert Hall. The event emphasized the importance of reclaiming the word “vagina” and the stigmas that currently surround the concept of women’s reproductive health. Different performers delivered their own monologues that shared how they each learned to value their womanhood.

This event created a space for people to talk and learn about vaginas in a way that some in the audience may have never experienced or thought about in such a setting.

Mary Lynn Hopps, the director of WILL, spoke about the main purpose of Ensler’s play.

“Eve Ensler traveled all over the country and eventually the world talking to women and getting their stories,” Hopps said of the playwright. “The girls have cards onstage because they are telling real women’s stories through the monologues they perform.”

Hopps stressed the importance of a significant turnout for this type of event.

“You receive more consciousness about the issues and violence that women and girls face,” she said.

“It’s a world pandemic. Eve, in the inception of this, had the purpose of raising awareness.”

The audience’s reaction varied depending on the monologue, but most were full of praise for the performers and their courage to talk about vaginas in a public setting. The performers also spoke about topics that addressed sexual assault, gender transition and the right ways to pleasure the vagina. One of the most memorable performances came from Gigi see PLAY page 15

Minorities seek support amid racial tensions

By Camille Furst News Editor

After one racial incident last semester that targeted Marcus Allen, a junior African American studies and journalism and professional writing double major, the student took to Twitter to voice his concerns.

“I am truly disheartened by this experience,” Allen wrote.

Shortly after, Kim Pearson, a professor of journalism and professional writing who knew Allen since his early childhood, responded to his tweet.

“This young man is my student and someone I have known since he was a baby,” she tweeted.

He said that he later reached out to Pearson to communicate what happened and to receive more support.

This was not the first time a student of color has reached out to a professor for help on the College’s predominantly white campus — and certainly not the last.

INDEX: Nation & World / page 7

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Some students felt like a minority from their first day at the College.

“I actually hated the school and felt like I didn’t belong here,” said Andrea Hormaza, a junior public health major, in reference to her time at the College before she joined the PRIDE Mentoring Program.

While Black 18-24 year olds make up 16.9 percent of the citizens in New Jersey of that age range, only 5.6 percent of that demographic are represented at the College. Essentially, Black students at the College are represented 11.3 percent less than Black individuals ages 18-24 who live in the state, according to a study conducted in 2016 by the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center. These statistics earned the College a failing grade for statewide equity compared with other state colleges and universities.

Many students of color have been utilizing both informal

Editorial / page 9

see DIVERSITY page 3 Opinions / page 11

Features / page 13

Meagan McDowell / Staff Photographer

Hailey Weiss writhes onstage.

Arts & Entertainment / page 15

Sports / page 20

Dab Pens Students use cannabis oil vapes

Recital Series Musicians perform in Mayo Concert Hall

Women’s Basketball Lions enter playoffs on seven-game winning-streak

See Features page 13

See A&E page 15

See Sports page 20

page page22The TheSignal SignalFebruary February,20, 202019 2019

SG resolution supports sexual assault survivors

Left: The general body swears in new office members. Right: SG’s new bill ensures more transparent impeachment proceedings.

By Alexandra Shapiro Columnist Student Government approved a new club, introduced a new bill and debated on a resolution during its meeting on Feb. 13.

SG began its weekly general body meeting by welcoming Sean Stallings, the interim vice president of student affairs. Stallings urged students to email him questions or concerns that they may have regarding the processes surrounding student affairs.

The general body swore in the new vice presidents of governmental affairs, senior finance and political science double major Justin Brach and sophomore marketing major Sam Koch. Junior biology major Uyen Vu was sworn is as a senator of science.

Next, SG introduced a new bill titled, “Open Session Impeachments.”

The goal of the bill is “to ensure that all impeachment proceedings of all voting and associate members of student government occur in open session to promote and exemplify transparency.”

There will be more details and a vote taken on this bill next week.

SG introduced a student organization called “Late Night Take.” The governmental affairs committee heard a testimony from the members of “Late Night Take” on why the group should be recognized as an official student organization at the College.

“Late Night Take” plans on hosting events for this semester, which include viewings of TV shows for Black History Month, issues regarding sexual assault, student health and culture and holiday events.

More long-term-goals include expanding membership and cosponsoring with the Black Student Union and other organizations for Black History Month.

After a general body vote, “Late Night Take” passed approval and is taking its final steps for recognition as an official organization at the College.

Next, SG debated on resolution R-S2019-01. This resolution supports survivors of sexual violence and the current procedures for Title IX. It reads, “The SG of TCNJ insists upon the independence in the investigation and adjudication process conducted by our office of Title IX and believes this independence is imperative to the pursuit of justice.”

This resolution, which raises awareness for sexual assault survivors, was passed.

Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Eashwayne Haughton, a senior philosophy major, announced a new project, Spring Diversity and Inclusion Week, which is currently under construction.

SG class council representatives reported on what was in store for each class. The class of 2019 has been focusing on senior send-off, which will be the main priority of the council this semester. The class is also anticipating one more senior night.

The class of 2020 will be holding a Krispy Kreme fundraiser on Feb. 18 and Feb. 19.

The class of 2021 is planning a formal and an apparel sale. The class finished its candy gram sale and is looking forward to electing a new treasurer.

The class of 2022 is still selling apparel for one more week and accepts cash and venmo for payment.

CHANGING MAJORS? The School of Engineering is accepting change of major/ program plan applications for TCNJ students (including current engineering majors) interested in the following programs: Biomedical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Science (Management and Policy & Society specializations) Mechanical Engineering Technology Education iSTEM Change of Program/Plan (Change of Major) forms are available online https://recreg.tcnj.edu/forms/

Completed applications are due by Friday (March 1, 2019) in Forcina 432 or STEM 232 Acceptance depends on available space and previous academic performance.

Decisions will be available to students by March 11, 2019 For more information about our programs, visit https://engineering.tcnj.edu Questions? Please call 609.771.2779

Diversity / Professors provide student mentorship February 20, 2019 The Signal page 3

continued from page 1

mentoring, such as going to a professor’s office for advice, and formal mentoring, such as the PRIDE Mentoring Program and the Cooperman Scholars, as a way to seek a sense of belonging and receive guidance during their time at the College.

Pearson has helped many students at the College with their social justice efforts, particularly students of color and women. Some of them are now her colleagues.

“Mostly my conversations have been checking on them, (asking), ‘are you focusing on you?’” she said. “I’m so proud of them.”

She has met with several students during her office hours who sought advice on how to react to the racist or sexist comments that would come up during their classes. One student mentioned overhearing a faculty member saying that girls would “have a harder time because they have smaller brains,” according to Pearson.

Pearson worked as a support system and helped this student be heard.

Referencing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she said, “‘if I could help somebody … my living will not be in vain.’”

Another mentor whom students often consult in times of distress is Piper Williams, a professor in the English and African American studies departments.

Williams has helped many students, particularly those who are AfricanAmerican, over the course of her time at the College.

“I feel like a lot of my mentoring is helping black kids or kids of color negotiate this white space,” Williams said. “(I) mainly tell them to keep most of the noise of racism out of their heads and try to graduate.”

Her experience as an academic adviser has also contributed to her dedication to helping students. She recalls the satisfaction she felt with being able to help a group of freshmen who reached out to her for advice.

“That was very exciting, (trying) to get them to spread their wings,” she said. “They all did turn into these very confident and beautifully accomplished women.”

For Williams, the difference between

informal and formal mentoring is based on how much the College acknowledges the need for such services.

“This college shouldn’t be so dependent on the invisible labor of their faculty of color to do this work,” she said. “(They) could try to formalize more mentoring things by putting their money where their mouth is ... because it is a lot of work.”

Williams was previously a mentor for the Cooperman Scholars, a highlycompetitive program in which minority students from Essex County are granted scholarships toward a post-secondary education. The College is a partner of this program, which provides a faculty mentor for each student.

The students selected for this program mainly come from low-income communities and school systems. In wanting to ensure these individuals graduate with a college degree, mentoring is a required component of their college careers.

“It’s a really intense kind of mentoring based on a lot of research in how you retain how students can make it through college,” Williams said. “If you can really give them a solid foundation in their first two years, they’re much more likely to graduate.”

Williams has mentored these students involved in this program in the past, but is now only involved in informal mentoring.

The College’s PRIDE Mentoring Program is dedicated to supporting and guiding minority students through their time at the College. Jamal Johnson, the senior assistant director for mentoring and retention, has worked with PMP since its inception and now runs the program on a daily basis.

“Both formally and informally … it could be anywhere between 75 to 100 students a week who are coming through for some type of guidance,” he said. “There’s a lot of different ways you can mentor and have an impact on a student.”

Andrea Hormaza has been one of his students and mentees. She acknowledged Johnson’s support and said that she would have felt lost at the College without his guidance. Hormaza now feels a sense of belonging at the College.

“She wouldn’t have said that her freshman year,” Johnson said, recalling

Camille Furst / News Editor

Students visit Johnson’s office in Roscoe West for support.

his mentorship experience with Hormaza. “I remember our first encounter was actually negative. She didn’t want to give TCNJ a chance.”

Helping minority students with their personal and academic struggles has always been Johnson’s passion.

“It’s my life,” he said. “It is my calling. It’s not a job, it’s not my profession.

It’s a calling,” However, in the wake of the racial incident last semester, difficulties arose for both Johnson and the students he mentors.

“I can tell you that it was an experience I never had,” he said. “I remember driving to work one day … receiving calls and messages. I literally had to pull over, because I was defeated before I even walked in the door.”

He knew that after the incident became known to the campus community, the students he mentored would be flooding his office. He realized it was all about listening and giving them a shoulder to cry on. In terms of possible solutions to prevent another racial incident, Johnson believes that mentoring is a significant factor.

“When people know you care, then they know they can be their authentic selves,” he said. “They can be vulnerable. But if they don’t know you care, they’re always going to have a wall up.”

Hormaza stated that the connection

between students and mentors happens in the office. While Hormaza believes the tension has died down since the racial incident in which Allen was targeted, she still notices the hostility on campus. She believes that, while there is still a lot that needs to be improved upon, nobody is talking about it. That is why she feels professors are the best people to go to for one-on-one informal support.

Since the racial incidents that occurred last semester, the College has continued to inform students and faculty of the steps that the school is taking toward a more inclusive community. While aspects involving the Liberal Learning Program and reforming the Student Conduct Policy are being mentioned as ways to promote diversity and inclusion, mentoring was given little attention in terms of possible solutions.

Hormaza and Johnson agreed that in the aftermath of the racial incidents on campus, there is still much to be done in terms of building a support system for students in need.

“Mentors should be those who enlighten … those who empower and they should be those who uplift,” Johnson said. “That doesn’t take much. Listening, hearing somebody out, can do all of those things. And I think that we’ll be a stronger community and a more inclusive community when people learn to listen.”

SFB funds club trips, musical production

By Erin Flanagan Staff Writer

The Student Finance Board fully funded four events, partially funded two more and withheld funding for another at its meeting on Feb. 13.

The TCNJ Italian Club and the French Club proposed funds for their respective field trips.

The Italian Club is planning to visit Eataly, an Italian marketplace, in New York City and the French Club hopes to make a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. SFB fully funded both trips on the basis that both will be opened up to the entire campus community. The Italian Club received $1,360 and the French

Miguel Gonzalez / Photo Editor

The board hears BSU’s proposal for its annual event.

Club received $1,206.10.

Anisa Douglass, a junior early childhood education and psychology dual major, represented the Black Student Union and proposed two events to the board, one being the “BSU Spring Fashion Show,” which it had also presented last week. In the previous meeting, SFB had tabled funding the designers for the event until it had received further justification for the amount of money needed.

BSU reduced the overall cost of the designers for the event and provided the explanations that the board requested. After some debate, SFB fully funded the fashion show for $7,684.34.

BSU also proposed its annual “Black Excellence Ball” event, which will celebrate the end of Black History Month. The board partially funded this event, giving $2,208.97 and made the motion to table the decorations due to high pricing.

Douglass also presented for

Beta Phi Zeta. She requested funds for its Empowerment Summit. According to the proposal, the event’s workshops will help students build self-confidence and grow into better leaders.

The event received partial funding at $1,752.20 due to the fact that SFB had to table the request for compensation for one speaker.

They requested that the organization find out whether this woman would be working at the school at the time of the event, since employees of the College cannot receive extra compensation for speaking at events.

The board unanimously funded TCNJ Musical Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods” with $33,352.50.

“Having this money is pivotal in order to showcase all the talent our organization has both onstage and offstage,” said Alex

Hanneman, a junior chemistry major and one of the presenters for TMT’s proposal. “‘Into the Woods’ is one of the biggest shows that we have taken on here at TCNJ and to say that we are fully funded is exceptional.”

SFB zero-funded TCNJam’s annual dance marathon and fundraiser for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. This was its first year that funding for TCNJam did not ask Greek life for funding.

In previous years, TCNJam has been funded by the interGreek council, but decided that it wanted to try to reach more people than just those involved with Greek organizations.

After much debate, it was decided that the event went against SFB’s bylaws because it would be indirectly funding the B+ Foundation and SFB cannot fund any event that sponsors another organization.

page 4 The Signal February, 20 2019

February 20, 2019 The Signal page 5

Student complains of bologna on windshield

By Raquel Sosa-Sanchez Columnist CUB funds missing from lock box The College Union Board reported a theft of $506 on Feb. 5 at approximately 8:09 p.m.

The student reporting the theft was made aware of the incident on Feb. 4 by CUB’s student financial director. The theft occurred between Dec. 18 and Feb. 4, according to CUB. The cash from ticket sales is deposited in the office’s portable lock box until a general deposit is initiated. In this incident, the money was received and never deposited at the bank.

Campus Police proceeded to the Brower Student Center and found that there was no evidence of tampering with the main door filing cabinet or the lock box.

Campus Police took pictures of the office for reference.

A list of members who have access to the cabinet was provided to Campus Police. Anyone in CUB or anyone who had access to the office could have accessed the unsecured lock box due to the lack of security procedures.

Campus Police was told that faculty members and the assistant director of student activities have been made aware of the incident. New precautions have been put in place, such as a new lock box and a more secure area to prevent this incident from reoccurring.

Student finds bologna on vehicle On Feb. 6 at approximately 11:10 p.m., Campus Police was dispatched to TCNJ Campus Police Headquarters on a report of criminal mischief.

Upon arrival, Campus Police was met by a female student who stated that a note was left on her vehicle on Feb. 2 at approximately 11:30 p.m. by another individual. The victim stated that the note was in relation to her love for the Disney brand. Campus Police questioned whether she recognized the handwriting, to which she stated she did not.

The student stated that an individual with the same name that was on the note lives in her residence. However, when she asked this individual about the note, he denied having any involvement to the incident.

The student also explained that on Feb. 5 at approximately 2 p.m. she arrived at her vehicle to find a piece of bologna on

her windshield.

Campus Police contacted the individual who went by the same name that was written on the first note.

When he was questioned regarding the matter, the student denied having any involvement. There are currently no suspects in the investigation.

Intoxicated student texts concern friends On Feb. 7 at approximately 1 a.m., Campus Police was dispatched to Travers Hall in response to an intoxicated female. Upon arrival, Campus Police spoke with two friends of the intoxicated student.

They were concerned because she was drinking and came back to the room vomiting. They also received texts stating that she possibly wanted to harm herself.

As Campus Police entered the room, they observed the intoxicated student sitting on her bed and vomiting into a garbage can.

Campus Police then asked her how much she had been drinking, to which she replied, “four or five shots of Bacardi Rum.” She then told Campus Police on which floor where the drinking occurred. The student was then told that her friends had called because they were concerned for her safety.

Professional staff then arrived on the scene where Campus Police informed them of the incident.

The student agreed to go to the hospital for further evaluation and consulting due to the concerning messages she had sent. TCNJ EMS and Ewing Township EMS Squad then arrived on the scene and assumed patient care. She was transported to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation.

Bathroom stall missing from Forcina On Feb. 7 at approximately 8:50 a.m., Campus Police met with a Building Services supervisor in Forcina Hall. The supervisor reported that an unknown person removed two bathroom stall doors from the men’s bathroom on the first floor of Forcina Hall.

Upon investigation, Campus Police observed that one stall door was removed from the frame and that another was semiattached by one hinge. The doors did not appear to have been forcefully removed or pulled off. Additionally, the screws used to secure the stall doors to the hinges were not at the scene.

The supervisor reported that there were

no work orders placed for any repairs or remodeling in the bathroom where the incident occurred.

He stated that he observed the missing doors hours after his morning shift began.

Overnight staff did not report the incident.

The Building Services supervisor believes that the incident must have occurred after the overnight crew finished cleaning.

He was then advised by Campus Police to contact TCNJ Campus Police Headquarters with any additional information that would assist in the investigation.

Campus Police find missing female On Feb. 9 at approximately 2:35 a.m., Campus Police dispatch advised that a local township police department had issued a missing persons announcement for a juvenile female who was supposed to be on her way to the College.

After speaking with the township’s police, Campus Police dispatch told the parents of the missing juvenile that they believed she was with her friend’s sister, a student at the College, and believed that she had been drinking alcoholic beverages that night.

Campus Police then looked up the student’s information and found that she lived in New Residence Hall. They then met with pro-staff, who were updated on the situation before proceeding to the student’s room.

Campus Police and pro-staff knocked on the suspected room multiple times before receiving a response. When the student answered the door, Campus Police and accompanying staff introduced themselves.

The student was initially hesitant to confirm that the missing juvenile visitor was in the room, but eventually proceeded to wake her up. After observing that the student was having a difficult time attempting to wake her, Campus Police entered the room to check on her well-being.

As they entered, they saw that the room was also occupied by two additional people –– one male, who was not a student, and another sleeping male.

Campus Police noted a heavy odor of alcoholic beverages upon entrance, along with empty shot glasses on the ground and table.

Campus Police told dispatch to call the local township’s police department to inform them that they had located the missing person.

They also requested that dispatch call for an ambulance due to the presence of alcohol at the scene. Once the individual woke up, Campus Police asked her if she had been drinking and she said that she had.

She believed that she had approximately four shots of vodka earlier on the evening of Feb. 8 and had stopped drinking at approximately 9 p.m. The other three individuals, one of which included the room’s occupant, were then questioned by Campus Police.

Ewing Township EMS arrived on scene and Campus Police escorted them to the room. They said that they would be transporting the juvenile visitor to a nearby medical facility and did not need police to ride with them.

Campus Police advised dispatch to relay information to the local township’s police department to tell the girl’s parents where to meet her.

After EMS left, Campus Police asked the female student whose room it was to open her mini refrigerator where they believed there to be alcoholic beverages. The student refused to open the refrigerator. She was then issued a summons for underage consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Theft occurs in Campus Town Fitness Center On Feb. 13 at approximately 3:20 p.m., Campus Police met with a College student regarding the theft of $100 from his wallet at the Campus Town Fitness Center.

The student stated that at approximately 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. he entered the Fitness Center and entered the men’s locker room.

Once in the locker room, he placed all of his items in the back left locker. While he was placing his items in the locker, he stated that a male entered the locker room.

He then stated that this male saw the locker in which he had placed his items. He said that the male had a buzzcut, and was wearing a gray and green tank top.

The student stated that when he finished his workout and went back into the locker room, he observed the locker he was using to be open, with his jacket hanging out of it.

He said that a zipper on his backpack was open and that $100 in 20-dollar bills was missing from his wallet. A check of his debit and credit card accounts showed that there had been no faulty charges to his cards.

Campus Police then advised the student to keep an eye on his accounts going forward. The student said that no other property was stolen.

Panel addresses national addiction crisis

By Michael Rodriguez Correspondent

It all started with a hike in the woods, a knee injury and the surgery that followed. Like many who endure serious procedures, the pain afterward can be excruciating. This too was the case for Ryan Hampton, who found that his prescribed pain medication was his only relief. It was not long before he found himself slowly becoming addicted.

On Friday, Feb. 15, in the Education Building Room 212, the College’s Collegiate Recovery Program partnered with Life of Purpose Addiction Treatment Centers to host Hampton, an author and recovering addict who came to discuss his book, “American Fix: Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis - and How to End It.” His book outlines his own recovery process and provides

different solutions to the challenges that national recovery movements continue to face.

The national opioid crisis has become a major concern in recent years, with many falling victim to prescription drug addiction, according to Hampton.

Hampton was a part of the Florida pill crisis in the early 2000s, where providers wrote prescriptions for people haphazardly without regulating the supply or checking patients’ backgrounds and susceptibilities.

“The pain killers were weaponized for my medicine cabinet,” Hampton said, “It was very normalized to walk out of the doctor’s office with these military-grade pain killers.”

This is the case for many individuals addicted to opioids and other substances, as prescription drugs are easy to access and even easier to fall victim to, Hampton explained.

For years, Hampton suffered

from his addiction and constantly went back to his doctor for more, even long after his recovery period ended –– and they gave it to him.

“I was ashamed and didn’t want anyone else to know,” Hampton said. “My family didn’t want anyone to know.”

Hampton was accompanied by community recovery advocates, who served as visiting panel members at the event –– Andrew Burki, John Hulick and Sarah Espenshade work to spread awareness of drug addiction and the importance of recovery.

Hulick, former adviser to former Gov. Chris Christie and former “Drug Tsar” of Florida, was responsible for bringing awareness of the prescription situation to New Jersey officials’ attention. While working in Florida, Hulick tracked the patterns of written prescriptions and questioned pharmaceutical

Facebook

Hampton signs copies of his book for attending students. providers on their abundant sales. He recalled how providers would look at the data and deny that there was a problem.

“I told them ‘you filed that data to the federal government,’” he said. “‘So yes, there is a problem.’”

Espenshade, a counselor who specializes in drug addiction,

runs an outpatient program in Delaware County, Pennsylvania that focuses on patient recovery after treatment. Without this service, other tragedies such as homelessness, relapses and higher suicide rates are more likely, she explained. see OPIOID page 6

page 6 The Signal February 20, 2019

AVI spreads awareness of toxic masculinity

Miguel Gonzalez / Photo Editor

YouTube

Left: Gall highlights the importance of gender equity. Right: The Gillette commercial exposes male privilege in the U.S.

By Luke Vickers Correspondent

The College’s Anti-Violence Initiatives held a workshop in the Social Sciences Building on Feb. 13 to discuss the meaning of toxic masculinity. The psychology department and the women’s, gender, and sexuality studies department cosponsored the event.

The workshop was led by Zach Gall, the office of violence against women grant project director and prevention education specialist, and focused on a recent controversial Gillette ad titled “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be.” The

advertisement challenges certain male stereotypes and serves as a call to action for men to embrace healthy masculinity.

“I think this was the first time in recent memory that we’ve had a very focused reaction to something,” Gall said. “A lot of people had feelings about this ad — good, bad, indifferent. I thought it was a good way to do something really relevant to people right now, but also use the messaging we’ve been going with.”

Gall gave a 45-minute presentation on the subject and stopped often to receive input from the audience. He began the presentation

by defining both toxic and healthy masculinity and then transitioned into explaining the commercial’s role in this conversation.

Gall wanted attendees to walk away with the idea that masculinity is not inherently bad, but that it depends on how it is expressed.

He explained that healthy masculinity is, in part, the actions taken to improve wellness and prevent the harm of others.

“When we’re talking about toxic or healthy masculinity we’re not saying that people who exhibit masculinity are bad, or that men are bad,” Gall said. “We’re saying that there are things in the ways

Vital Signs: Brush away bad dental care

Smoking tobacco or marijuana increases the risk of gum disease.

By Anna Kellaher Columnist

Being away at school may make it more difficult to get to the dentist every six months. You’re away from home for most of the year and your parents are no longer there to nag you about making an appointment.

However, Penn Dental Family Practice reports three risk factors college students face that make an annual trip to the dentist’s office very important.

The first risk factor is alcohol use. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that 80 percent of college students consume alcohol on a regular basis.

Alcohol reduces the amount of saliva produced, which leads to dry mouth.

This not only causes bad breath, but also creates a perfect environment for bacteria, which increases the risk of developing cavities.

Flickr

The second risk factor is smoking tobacco or marijuana. The nicotine in cigarettes and e-cigarettes is associated with increased biofilm production. Biofilms are thin, slimy layers of bacteria that stick to surfaces.

When biofilms form on your teeth, they can cause cavities. Smoking marijuana also decreases saliva production. Changes in saliva production alter the environment of your mouth, which can increase the risk of gum disease and cavities.

The final risk factor for poor oral health is stress and lack of sleep. Your nervous system responds to stress by decreasing saliva production.

During particularly high stress periods, your body may secrete substances called inflammatory cytokines. These molecules cause an inflammatory response that can affect your gums.

To prevent this damage to your oral health, be sure to schedule that dentist’s appointment as soon as you can.

we’ve taught each other to behave that can harm others.”

Gall also spoke about how crucial discussions on toxic masculinity are on college campuses.

“It’s very easy to screen or filter ... what we’re exposed to,” he said.

“So things like this can expose people to things they may not normally take a look at. And then I think for this topic specifically its something I fully believe people on our campus are struggling with.”

Gall’s message was received by a large audience. The event was widely attended — some attendees had to sit on the floor, while others had to be turned

away due to overcrowding.

Attendees of the workshop, such as senior history secondary education dual major Bryan Rothman, reflected on the messages of the presentation.

“I think the biggest takeaway is the fact that being masculine itself is not a bad thing and that everyone has the capacity to change themselves from within and change the society around them,” he said. “There’s still more detailed analysis to be done, but for many people who are unfamiliar with the concepts, this was the best first step on the path toward a better society.”

Opioid / Author recalls road to recovery

CRC helps students renavigate their academic careers.

continued from page 5

“This is not just an opioid crisis,” Espenshade said. “This is a national behavior crisis.”

One of the crucial points brought up during the panel was the difference between treatment and recovery. Hulick believes treatment quantifies medication, therapy and outside support.

Recovery is the period of rebuilding careers, relationships and one’s personal identity. He shared that it is wrong to use the words “treatment” and “recovery” interchangeably and that long-term recovery plans should accompany treatment plans.

“The quality of care should shift from primarily treatment to recovery,” Hulick said. “Long-term recovery is more impactful and allows for better results.”

In the case of Burki, the founder of the Life of Purpose addiction recovery center, an organized recovery plan is of the utmost importance. Reducing the stigma of addiction through long-term recovery plans shows people who are not addicts the positive impact

Facebook

that these plans can have when it comes to overcoming addictions.

“The best way to reduce stigma is to be successful,” Burki said. “(It is) showing that they are not just successful recovering addicts — they are successful citizens.”

As a strong advocate for youth programs combating drug addiction, Burki hopes that younger generations will band together to end the stigma and create programs that help those around them achieve success and have access to proper treatment.

TCNJ CRC is one such organization that seeks to accomplish this goal. As a relatively new organization, TCNJ CRC organized this event to encourage discussion of drug addiction and recovery on campus.

TCNJ CRC President Hannah Lemke, a senior psychology and biology double major, hopes that similar panels and visitors will increase awareness and help advocate for those who might benefit from these services.

“We work with them all the time, hosting discussions and panels with their support,” Lemke said.

February 20, 2019 The Signal Page 7

Nation & W rld

Power outage in Brooklyn jail evokes protests

By Viktoria Ristanovic Nation & World Editor

On Jan. 27, the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center suffered a small electrical fire in a second-floor control room, which caused a week-long power outage in one of its buildings for male inmates, according to NBC News.

This detention center, which mainly houses people accused of crimes who cannot make bail or who are awaiting trial, went a week without heat or electricity during the polar vortex, where temperatures dropped as low as three degrees, reported NBC News.

The Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center houses over 1,600 inmates, some of whom are connected to high-profile drug trafficking and terrorism cases, The New York Times reported.

The power was restored on Feb. 3. at approximately 6:30

p.m by Con Edison and a separate contractor, according to CBS News.

Federal defenders reported that they were flooded with calls from inmates as temperatures began to drop, according to The New York Times. “‘Our phone was ringing off the hook,’” said Deirdre von Dornum, the lead federal defender in Brooklyn. She stated that inmates gathered around telephones on their floors to report about the conditions by using a dedicated line connected between the jail and the federal defenders offices, The New York Times reported.

According to CNN, David Patton, the director of federal defenders of New York and a representative for the union that represents the facility’s workers reported that the cells became pitch black at night and inmates with medical conditions could not read the

instructions on their medications.

According to The New York Times, the heat was either spotty or nonexistent, depending on the floor. There was not much hot water and hot food was not served for several days. One inmate, who kept kosher, said canned sardines were all he received.

These events sparked a powerful protest outside of the jail.

According to CBS News, protesters gathered outside the jail following news reports that the inmates had largely been without heat or power for a week and had not been able to communicate with lawyers or loved ones due to curbed visitations.

Attorneys for the Federal Defenders of New York have filed a lawsuit claiming that the detention center violated the constitutional rights of inmates by suspending legal visits for part of the power outage. They have also called for an independent

Citizens advocate for the rights of prisoners.

investigation of the issue, according to CNN. On Feb. 5, Manhattan federal judge, Analisa Torres, made the visit to the jail as part of a factfinding hearing she held Tuesday on conditions that the inmates had been dealing with, according to The New York Post.

Torres spoke to the neglected inmates and described seeing cells with water leaks peeling paint and mold covered lights.

YouTube

According to a transcript taken of the visit, Torres described seeing in one cell “abundant water damage,” The New York Post reported.

Ezra Spilke, the defense attorney for an inmate who also attended the tour, said that prison officials cranked up the heat and had ample lighting for the tour, but inmates were still not receiving adequate medical care, CNN reported.

President declares national emergency to build wall

YouTube

Trump requests money for border security.

By Garrett Cecere Managing Editor

In an attempt to gain the billions of dollars necessary for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on Friday, Feb. 15, The New York Times reported.

This decision came after lawmakers would not meet the president’s request for funds, according to CNN. Trump and his top officials made the argument that there is a crisis at the Mexican border, while Democrats countered by

saying that the situation is more of a humanitarian than a security issue.

The Washington Post reported that Republicans are split on Trump’s decision, as many of them find the declaration unsettling, while others do not want to challenge it with the upcoming elections in 2020.

Some Democrats spoke out against the president’s actions, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer D-N.Y, who claimed that Trump’s decision is unconstitutional. “‘This is plainly a power grab by a disappointed president, who has gone outside the bounds of the law to try to get what he failed to achieve in the constitutional legislative process,’” Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement, according to The New York Times.

CNN reported that Trump expects challenges in court against his declaration. However, he rejected critics who claim his decision will set a bad precedent and said that he is “on firm legal ground.” Under the National Emergencies Act of 1976, the president can declare a national emergency when he feels the circumstances are appropriate, according to The Washington Post.

Presidents have declared national emergencies approximately 60 times, The New York Times reported.

However, many of the emergencies have been associated

with issues such as foreign crises and blocking trades and exports, as opposed to redirecting money without the approval of Congress.

Past presidents who have spent money without legislative approval include former Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush during the Persian Gulf War and after the 9/11 attacks respectively, according to The New York Times.

The Washington Post reported that presidential scholars said Trump’s declaration could be viewed differently from past presidents’ desperate decisions if he backs up his choice with the National Emergencies Act, since his action comes after Congress refused him funding, rather than in response to a crisis that is evident to American citizens.

The president’s declaration does not automatically guarantee a border wall. The Trump administration could face legal challenges from House Democrats, as well as landowners who would be forced to give up property for barriers, according to CNN. House Democrats could bring in a resolution that repeals the national emergency and vote on it before it goes to the Senate. CNN reported that Trump could veto the decision even if it hypothetically passed through the Republican-controlled Senate.

Ocasio-Cortez introduces Green New Deal to public

By Anandita Mehta Correspondent

On Feb. 7, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), unveiled the first draft of the Green New Deal, according to Time Magazine.

The Green New Deal is a broad reaching manifesto that calls for a plan to combat the country’s carbon footprint and better develop its climate change policy, according to The Washington Post.

The 14-page resolution aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and pollution by using 100 percent clean and renewable energy in energy-efficient buildings and transportation systems and reducing carbon emissions in the agricultural sector, according to CNN. In addition to the greenhouse gas and carbon emissions reduction, the plan aims to revitalize labor laws, by strengthening workers’ rights to unionize as well as guaranteeing jobs with family-sustaining wages and adequate

paid leave time as well as establishing standards with regards to wages and hours worked, CNN reported.

The Green New Deal also seeks to provide training and resources with regards to higher quality and higher education for frontline and vulnerable communities, according to CNN. According to The Washington Post, Republican critics described the resolution as a “non-starter that reeks of socialism,” according to The Washington Post. Some experts have also called the Green New Deal “overambitious and unworkable,” as quoted in The Washington Post.

Even Democrats call the resolution “naive” while simultaneously praising its enthusiasm, Time Magazine reported.

Ken Caldeira, an atmospheric researcher at the Carnegie Institution for Science, stated that the plan’s goals are achievable if the country mobilizes around the cause of climate change as it did around the fight against Germany and

YouTube

The representative addresses possible solutions to global climate change.

Japan during World War II, The Washington Post reported.

President Donald Trump has directly criticized the Green New Deal, tweeting that it seeks to eliminate “‘all Planes, Cars Cows, Oil, Gas & the Military,’”

The Washington Post reported.

The Green New Deal is a resolution about policy priorities, but it has no force as a law, according to The Washington Post. In order to have a legal force, it needs more legislative proposals.

page 8 The Signal February, 20 2019

February 20, 2019 The Signal page 9

Editorial

Students should be eager to join Greek life

As recruitment continues onward in all its glorious chaos, the question I am told to keep in mind is simply this –– why did I join Greek life in the first place?

The answer seems obvious and is filled with quips that have been said a thousand times –– to make new friends, to become a part of something bigger or to help the community.

But for me, none of these answers ring particularly true.

When I began the journey of recruitment, it was mostly out of my “try everything” mentality. I wanted to experience everything college had to offer me, including seeing what Greek life was like.

If I liked a sorority, great –– if not, well then I had the satisfaction of knowing I tried.

Recruitment was tiring and slightly fear-inducing. Some conversations went well, while others did not. Specifically, I saw some people’s eyes glaze over as I went on and on about some topic or another. Not their fault of course, they had been at this all day, but it still took a bit of pep out of my step. I learned the sororities’ names, philanthropies and chants, which was cool, but it was just par for the course. I had no set goal, but I just had to keep swimming.

My recruitment journey took me straight to Tri Sigma in the end.

Out of every sorority I had the pleasure of speaking with, that one became my personal favorite. The girls there seemed to share many of my same interests and many of the sisters had similar personalities to my own –– zany, loud, upbeat and hard-working.

Being welcomed into their ranks was amazing and, again, a bit fear-inducing, mostly because I was soon bombarded with a lot of information about the chapter and its practices. Once again, I was swept up by the tide.

Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one. My fellow new sisters were equally as overwhelmed, which gave us the chance to bond and build new friendships.

Those friends would stick with me through chapter meetings, fun events and some rocky moments.

So, when I’m asked what brought me to this point, my answer is not very conventional; however, it’s the truth –– I joined Greek Life because I wanted to try something new. I dipped into the water and let the tide take me where it may. It took me to Tri Sigma, which was an ocean in and of itself. But I found I liked the waters, choppy bits and all.

So, if you need a reason to keep going during recruitment or perhaps are nervous about joining a Greek life organization, I suggest that you jump in and see where the tide takes you.

— Nicole Zamlout Arts & Entertainment Editor

Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted.

Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.

Sororities and fraternities provide a social outlet for interested students.

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Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu

Editorial Staff Elizabeth Zakaim Editor-in-Chief zakaime1@tcnj.edu Emmy Liederman Garrett Cecere Managing Editors liedere1@tcnj.edu cecereg1@tcnj.edu Camille Furst Nicole Viviano News Editors furstc1@tcnj.edu viviann1@tcnj.edu Christine Houghton Sports Editor houghtc1@tcnj.edu Jane Bowden Features Editor bowdenj1@tcnj.edu Nicole Zamlout Arts & Entertainment Editor zamloun1@tcnj.edu Isabel Vega Opinions Editor vegai1@tcnj.edu Viktoria Ristanovic Nation & World Editor ristanv1@tcnj.edu Lara Becker Reviews Editor beckerl3@tcnj.edu Miguel Gonzalez Photo Editor gonzam23@tcnj.edu Kalli Colacino Production Manager colacik1@tcnj.edu

Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Muhammad Siddiqui Web Editor siddiqm4@tcnj.edu Lily Firth Alexandra Parado Social Media Editors firthl1@tcnj.edu paradoa1@tcnj.edu Len La Rocca Distribution Manager laroccl2@tcnj.edu Emilie Lounsberry Adviser lounsber@tcnj.edu Derek Falci Business/Ad Manager falcid1@tcnj.edu

“Mentors should be those who enlighten … those who empower and they should be those who uplift.

That doesn’t take much.

Listening, hearing somebody out, can do all of those things. And I think that we’ll be a stronger community and a more inclusive community when people learn to listen.”

— Jamal Johnson Senior assistant director for mentoring and retention

“This is not just an opioid crisis. This is a national behavior crisis.”

— Sarah Espenshade Delaware County outpatient program counselor

“I think the biggest takeaway is the fact that being masculine itself is not a bad thing and that everyone has the capacity to change themselves from within and change the society around them. There’s still more detailed analysis to be done, but for many people who are unfamiliar with the concepts, this was the best first step on the path toward a better society.”

— Bryan Rothman Senior history and secondary education dual major

page 10 The Signal February, 20 2019

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February 20, 2019 The Signal page 11

Opinions Career fair should include more diversity Liberal arts options lack fair representation

By Maddi Ference

Resumes are polished, suits are pressed and business cards are stacked.

The only thing this year’s senior class needs is for an employer to take a chance and say, “you’re hired.”

As the College’s seniors, and some underclassmen, begin searching for internships and frantically applying for any opportunities that are relevant to their degrees, the College is working to make the process as stress-free as possible. The Spring Career and Internship Fair features dozens of employers looking for ambitious students who are eager to jumpstart their careers and enter the real world with some security.

But when scrolling through Handshake’s list of employers registered for the event, I find that there aren’t many companies searching for students studying arts and communication. It seems that every other listing has something to do with finance, accounting, technology or engineering. While that’s great for students in those respective schools, it leaves everyone else to fend for themselves and hopefully find a job on their own.

The career fair is geared toward students going into business and science fields, which speaks to the College’s

emphasis on the success of this particular group. The lack of opportunities for students in the humanities, whether intentional or not, feeds into the current theory circulating in basic education systems that the only careers that will bring a candidate success are in business or technology because “that is the way society is evolving.” Although some people are more creatively driven, society discourages students from those professions since there is more of a demand for technology-driven jobs. I, along with my peers studying communication, understand that the world is becoming more technology-driven, but that should not mean that liberal arts and creativity are less important and less likely to bring a person success.

As a society, we should be celebrating all different kinds of success, rather than put such an emphasis on business and technology. Not only should we learn to appreciate the humanities and encourage students to enter these fields, but we should also acknowledge the opportunity to blend technology and liberal arts, rather than separate the two.

Steve Jobs once quoted the importance of liberal arts and humanities in the unveiling of the iPad 2.

The tech guru said, “It is in Apple’s

The College offers a competitive program for creative students.

DNA that technology alone is not enough — it’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the results that make our heart sing.”

If Steve Jobs can understand and emphasize the importance of technology and liberal arts, I am confident that the

tcnj.edu

College can too.

I urge the College to provide more opportunities for those students who want to be successful outside of finance and engineering. This is an institution that is revered for different types of accomplishments by students of all majors— not just business and technology.

Letter to the Editor: Alumni stand with UMF assault survivors We stand united as alumni of The College of New Jersey and speak from our experiences as former community members and leaders to express our unwavering support of sexual assault survivors and University of Maine at Farmington students Chloe Woodward and Sierra. As former students of the institution at which President Kathryn Foster presently serves, we were deeply disappointed to learn that, while at UMF, President Foster overturned a disciplinary sanction that would have created a learning and living environment in which survivors of sexual violence could find safety and justice.

We represent former Residential Education members, campus ambassadors, student workers, Student Government members, student organizational leaders, academic awardees, organizers of multiple social justice initiatives and more. We have seen the impact that sexual assault has on individuals in our own lives and believe that it’s important to acknowledge

the significance of overturning a decision that had the potential to create an environment in which a survivor could begin to heal. For those of us who are survivors of sexual violence, we know what society plants into our subconscious and what we must grapple with as we heal –– the overturning of the reality of being raped into something lesser, something to be quieted, forgotten and rejected for fear of the risk of being told that we are false, drink too much, dress too revealing or that the perpetrator’s reputation is too precious. President Foster’s overturning of the sanction and additional recommendation for Chloe to seek “alcohol counseling” perpetuates a victim-blaming culture that prevents victims of sexual assault from reporting in the first place.

Many institutions, including the College, have spent the last several years working to improve institutional responses to sexual assault. However, efforts to create campus communities in which survivors are supported

and provided justice are harmed when community members –– whether students, faculty or staff –– demonstrate utter disregard for the rights and needs of survivors. Some of us were involved in anti-violence efforts at our alma mater, and that work fuels our determination that President Foster’s actions stand in opposition of the need for students at the College to be served by leaders that prioritize their safety and well-being.

Further, efforts to seek justice for survivors of sexual violence do not exist in a vacuum; we recognize the work of students at the College who we see fighting for racial justice. President Foster recently listened to feedback from the College community concerning racism on the College’s campus. She listened and set out provisions for creating a more inclusive community. We, as alumni, hope President Foster keeps listening to the campus community and look to her to take action to rebuild the trust of students facing and healing from power-based

violence at the College.

We, as alumni, are listening.

To Chloe Woodward and Sierra: We hear you. We believe you.

We stand with you. We hurt for you. We know you deserved better. We thank you for your bravery and your pursuit of justice and truth.

Co-signed, E. Rosie Driscoll, ’18 Meagan Loo ’15 Thelma Teresa Carrera ’18 Yadira Santos ’18 Yuleisy Ortez ’18 Kathryn Bednarsky ’18 Bailey Falco ’18 Tabiya Ahmed ’16 Derek Carper ’17 Erin Shannon ’16 Kayla Termyna ’17 Jessica Van Lorre ’07 Christopher Testa ’17 Mary-Elizabeth Thompson ’17 Alex Sánchez ’16 Gabe Salazar ’18 Vanessa Fiore ’18 Alexander Moskal ’16 Laura Brennan ’18 Jennifer Loughran ’18

Becky Celestina ’16 Taylor Scott ’18 Bridget Quinn ’17 Alli Londres ’18 Jack Marr ’16 Katie Yorke, ’16 Emma Young ’18 Reid Maglione ’17 Michael O’Connor ’18 Katie Yorke ’16 Jenn Resnick ’16 Alyssa Hess ’16 Kyle Greco ’14 Emily Mullin ’17 Chloe Yelle ’18 Emily Bent ’03 Cara Bronander, ’16 Caroline Curtinez ’18 Maria Guerra ’18 Lauren Langbein ’14 Elysia Jones ’18 Emma Van Der Heide ’18 Ashley Van Riper ’17 Jennifer Hill ’10 Sondra Nieradka ’18 Amanda Parks ’14 Nikhil Porecha ’16 Tamara Fuentes ’17 Emily Fuentes ’18 Andrew Fenwick ’18 Aditi Mahapatra ’17 Shaziya Ahmed ’18

Policies

The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors.

The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via email to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office.

Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason.

All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs.

The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or email us at signal@tcnj.edu.

page 12 The Signal February 20, 2019

Students share opinions around campus “Are there equal opportunities in all academic schools?”

Isabel Vega / Opinions Editior

Isabel Vega / Opinions Editor

Jessica Shek, a sophomore English and secondary education dual major.

“Yes, there’s good representation for the arts school. As an English major there is plenty of opportunity for me.”

John Barry, a sophomore computer science and physics double major.

“In general yes, for the school of engineering not as much, but for other schools there is.”

“Can you comment on President Foster’s controversy?”

Isabel Vega / Opinions Editor

Isabel Vega / Opinions Editor

Brookelynn Sullivan, a freshman history and secondary education dual major.

Sydney Janeiro, a freshman communication studies major.

“I had to read through the email twice because I was so shocked and immediately felt unsafe.”

“I thought the whole situation was a poor representation of her character.”

The Signal’s cartoon of the week ...

I rushed every fraternity then went to Greece: Why TCNJ Greek life is a lie

By Tony Peroni and Vinny Cooper Correspondents Whether you spend your Saturdays tucked away in the library or downing alcoholic beverages with your boys in a musty Ewing basement, Greek life is an undeniable staple of college. For every fraternity, there is a set of universal constants –– every fraternity domicile has a “house dog” named something like “Steve” or “Topanga,” there is at least ONE brother in each fraternity with a Jon Belushi “COLLEGE” sweater and whatever fraternity you join, no matter your interests or social standing, brotherhood is ceaseless and family is eternal.

I thought this sounded pretty cool — I love dogs with human names, I already own a Jon Belushi sweater and I only have like 12 sisters at home, so yeah, I’m in the mood for some nice, manly brotherhood. I went on the College’s Wikipedia page and found a bunch of really cool man clubs, like Phi Ayy Dee, Ligma Alpha Epsilon and Delta

Tow Delta. In addition, I also found out about a bunch of even cooler and secret-er off-campus fraternities, such as (REDACTED), (REDACTED) and who can forget about (REDACTED)!! Those guys are literally insane, I heard they made this one guy (STILL REDACTED)!! And then they (REDACTED YET AGAIN)!!

All winter, I sat alone in my room picturing myself hanging with my future boys. The moment TCNJ Snap started posting flyers for spring rush, you bet your sweet patootie that I attended every single gosh darn interest session –– I was extremely interested. I met every single brother, rushed every single org and before I knew it, my sweet baby man charm swooned each and every one of them. To my surprise, I was offered a bid from every single Greek life organization on campus, and surprisingly, did not get hazed once.

Six weeks came and six weeks went. It was finally the day of my big initiation. I was about to become a member of every single fraternity, including Beta Apple Pie, Phi Moo Alpha and the funny bird one where the guys sleep in a big tent on Green Lawn.

Triumphant and proud of my accomplishments, I ordered my Uber immediately and arrived at Trenton-Mercer airport. It was time for me to visit the Motherland.

As I stepped off of the plane, a large man with a thick and luxurious beard greeted me. “Χαιρ και ευπρ. Είμαι ο Σταύρος, ένας ταπεινός shepherd. Ελιβάδι μου!!!” He was smiling very

wide as if I was a long lost sibling or… brother?!?

Is this my Big? I assumed so. I grabbed my Big’s hand and gave it a good shake. I replied, “Hello Big, it is great to finally meet you! Now let us do the things that TCNJ Greek life has promised me would happen by joining a brotherhood!”

My excitement was soon drowned in sorrow. Greek life failed me. Instead of lifting weights with the boys or going to Rho on a Thursday night, my Big, who I later learned was named Stavros, made me herd sheep in the Greek highlands. From the crack of dawn to the brink of dusk, the only nourishment I had for a month and a half was Chobani yogurt and hummus.

What can we learn from this debacle? I rushed every single fraternity at the College, made lifelong bonds and found my place in the heart and soul of Ewing, New Jersey.

Yet, I was also stranded in the Greek countryside for several weeks, forced to learn the craft of the shepherd at the hands of my Big, Stavros. Nobody came to my rescue and I didn’t see a single dog with a funny human name.

Whatever path you choose, I suggest doing your research first, fellow Lions. Before you jump into any extracurriculars, I can tell you this –– Greek life was not at all what I thought it would be.

DISCLAIMER: This is obviously a satirical piece and does not describe a real event.

February 20, 2019 The Signal page 13

Features page 14 The Signal February, 20 2019

Marijuana vaping fad hits campus

By Len La Rocca Distribution Manager

You drop your bag at the lunch table, grab a snack and on the way to class, vape up some clouds of undetectable, concentrated cannabis oil.

Student smokers no longer exude the potent smell of marijuana in its original state, which alarms both College advisors and law enforcement. Smoking methods that require the original flower form of marijuana such as joints, blunts or bongs that emit the alerting smell are seemingly obsolete.

This common routine for students is a concerning phenomenon to Janice Vermeychuk, the nurse practitioner director at Student Health Services.

Smoking concentrated THC oil through a dab pen or cartridge has been the drug of choice for college students for the past year — it is odorless and convenient. Using a dab pen to heat liquid marijuana produces what is called, “ninja smoke.”

Although this has made the product desirable to students, its unknown health implications also put students at risk.

“Because cannabis is federally illegal, there has been almost no solid research about electronically vaping

marijuana oil,” Vermeychuk said.

While there has been little research on cannabis oil vaping, studies on vaping in general have produced negative results. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the aerosol inhaled through vaping can contain harmful substances such as nicotine, diacetyl, which is linked to lung disease, volatile organic compounds, cancercausing chemicals and heavy metals such as tin. Additives and flavoring of cannabis oils are also known to have adverse health effects.

“Oil cartridge vaporization could be harmful,” Vermeychuk said. “There are additives such as polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol and more recently, cannabis terpenes. They convert to carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) at a relatively low temperature.”

These manmade chemical additives are used to extract oil from the flower form of marijuana and give the oil its liquid presentation.

In addition to the unknown health consequences, a dealer looking for a quick buck is another cause for concern. Dealers are able to multiply their profits by diluting the mixture with nicotine vape juice, cough syrup and synthetic marijuana oil –– you never

know what’s in that cartridge.

“Some people fill them in themselves and cut them with (nicotine) vape juice,” a sophomore biology major said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if people are having health problems.”

Even if the product is purchased legally, buying a cartridge from a dispensary doesn’t ensure safety.

“The concern is that the market is being flooded with substandard products with questionable safety,” Vermeychuk said. “They have no idea how serious any of the health threats might be.”

Students have admitted that there has been a difference in their health since picking up the habit.

“I’ve used them on and off for about two years and I’ve definitely been noticing some angina and chest discomfort at times,” the biology major said. “Substance abuse has never been easier. And most packaging is so vibrant. It’s hard to imagine it has any repercussions.”

A freshman business major said that until more research is available, students should avoid vaping.

“Most people don’t look into what is in their cartridge and it’s dangerous,” he said.

Similar to the fruit-flavored nicotine pods from the vape company,

Dab pens release odorless smoke.

Juul, which recently had its popular mango-flavored nicotine pods banned by the Food and Drug Administration for encouraging underage vaping according to CNBC, cartridges also come in many flavors.

“In September 2018, the FDA announced that the use of vapes among youth had reached epidemic proportions due to kid-friendly marketing and appeal of these products,” Vermeychuk said.

These appealing flavors, such as sherbert and birthday cake, come in colorful packaging that are meant to give off the appearance of big company backing.

“They were good and really changed smoking when they came

fun stuff

Flickr

out, but recently there’s more and more fakes laced with cough syrup and K2, or synthetic marijuana,” the business major said.

While some with a more lenient attitude toward cannabis oil may just wait to be presented with more research on the substance, Vermeychuk takes a firm stance against the practice.

“You are inhaling chemicals into your lungs,” Vermeychuk said. “Why would anyone want to do that?”

Some sources in this story have been kept anonymous in order to avoid the risk of possible legal or disciplinary ramifications.

page 14 The Signal February 20, 2019

: March ’98

Campus Style

Dorm decor contest sparks creativity

Photo courtesy of the TCNJ Digital Archive

Spring cleaning inspires students to rearrange their rooms.

Every week, Features Editor Jane Bowden hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.

With spring season just around the corner, students often feel inspired to clean out their closets and rearrange the decorations in their room for a change of scenery.

In a March 1998 issue of The Signal, a reporter wrote that two students won The Signal’s “Cool Room Contest” after decorating their dorm with a couch and 10-foot, plastic bat.

Amy Lopez and Lois Harper think they have one of the coolest rooms at The College of New Jersey. And now, after winning The Signal’s “Cool Room Contest,” they have proof.

Lopez said that she entered the contest after seeing it advertised in The Signal.

She remembers thinking, “Damn it, this room is pretty cool. Everybody likes it.”

The rest is history.

Some of the more notable features of the New Residence Hall room include a 10-foot plastic bat, a couch the roommates claim has an almost magical, sleep-inducing power and, of course, the presence of an imaginary cow.

When asked about the origin of the cow, the two girls were somewhat uncertain.

However, Harper seemed to think it all went back to one night when she mistook

the wind outside for a cow’s “moo.”

Also in the room is a poster of Harper’s rendition of an angel gone bad.

The poster originally depicted a couple of angels leaning on their elbows and looking toward the sky. However, the poster was slightly damaged while being stored, and now the angel, in the words of Lopez, “looks like it’s smoking a joint!”

People “call (the room) ‘heaven and hell,”’ Harper said. After being in the room for more than two seconds, it’s not very hard to see why.

Perhaps the most interesting design aspect of the room is the inadvertent contrast between the roommates’ decorating styles. Lopez’s section is Gothic. There is a black cat and bat garland, as well as miniature black trees. “For me, Halloween is everyday,” Lopez said.

Harpers’ choice of decor is the opposite. Aside from her deformed angel poster, which blurs the line a little, her side is far lighter and happier than Lopez’s.

The roommates signed up for the same room two years ago, hit it off and have lived together since. Sadly, however, this semester will mark the end of an era for one of the coolest rooms on campus.

Lions’ Plate

Left: Tuck your shirt into your skirt to show off your figure.

Right: Infinity scarves add style and warmth to your look.

By Danielle Silvia Columnist

As we journey deeper into the winter months, there have been a few days of warmer weather that have made me excited for spring. Before we know it, sunny skies and fresh air will be here, and if you’re anything like me, you sometimes struggle to find cute outfits as the seasons begin to change. When you clean out your closet this spring, be sure to keep these simple but key versatile pieces in mind for those days that are freezing in the morning and boiling by noon.

1. Stylish skirts. Skirts are a fantastic addition to any wardrobe because they can be worn every season. Personally, I prefer short skirts with flared edges.

However, pencil skirts are coming back in style too, and they are perfect for a professional event or just enjoying a nice spring day. If it’s still a little cooler out, you can wear a pair of tights underneath. Whatever type of skirt you wear, you can tuck in your top completely or leave it half tucked in, which are great ways to compliment your figure.

2. Infinity scarves. Infinity scarves hold a really special place in my heart because they remind me of my grandmother. I really fell in love with infinity scarves because of the versatility they offer. They are perfect for a casual spring day and can add layers to your look. Some of my favorite ways to loop infinity scarves include braiding, crisscross or a loose knot. Infinity scarves come in many colors and patterns that can be incorporated into any outfit to add some extra style. No matter the weather, scarves are a fun way to keep your fashion up to par.

3. Open-toed shoes. After an arduous winter, your feet will be itching to jump out of your socks. Not only is this an ideal time to get a pedicure, but you can jazz up your style this spring with open-toed shoes. You can wear sandals or high heels –– anything that lets your feet breathe and that matches your outfit choice. I have a pair of chunks that I wear all the time in the spring. Having open-toed shoes in a staple color such as black, brown or dark blue are essential for putting together quick spring outfits.

Special Cinnamon Bedtime Drink

Left: Sprinkle cinnamon on top of warm milk for added sweetness. Right: This drink is perfect for cozy winter nights.

By Shannon Deady Columnist

Whenever I had trouble sleeping as a little girl, my mother’s special trick was to give me a glass of warm milk before I went to bed. As I got older and moved off to college, the number of late nights either studying for an exam

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or hanging out with friends threw off my regular sleeping patterns.

Soon enough, I became a night owl who had trouble sleeping any time before midnight.

To combat restlessness on early nights in, I always whip out this recipe of my mom’s perfect bedtime drink. Because I have sworn off cow’s milk,

I replaced the main ingredient with my favorite unsweetened vanilla almond milk as a substitute, and I tweaked it by adding cinnamon and a drop of sugar for a sweeter and richer taste. I have found it to be the perfect simple drink to share with roommates before bed on a cold February night. It can

also be made in a microwave instead of stove-top for those who live in dorms.

Makes: 1 cup Ingredients: -1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond or vanilla soy milk -1 teaspoon cinnamon -1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar

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Stove-Top Directions: 1. Pour vanilla almond or soy milk into saucepan, and add cinnamon and sugar.

3. Cook mixture on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring until ingredients are mixed.

4. Pour mixture into favorite mug.

5. Let cool for 5 minutes.

6. Drink before bed, and enjoy!

February 20, 2019 The Signal page 15

Arts & Entertainment

Recital Series showcases student talent

Left: Holgado sings a solo in a high soprano register. Right: Sardoni performs a piece on the flute.

By Julia Duggan Correspondent

Even through the most frigid weather conditions, the show must go on — and it did on Feb. 12 for the Tuesday Afternoon Recital Series in Mayo Concert Hall. Four students performed at the recital and they brought their own distinctive talent to the stage.

“I believe that an important component of intense music study is the opportunity to share one’s music with others,” said Eric Laprade, a music professor who helped organize the recital.

“The Tuesday afternoon recitals provide the perfect opportunity for our students to share their hard work, and to develop performance skills and confidence in a beautiful performance space.”

Lana Holgado, a junior voice and piano double major, gorgeously sang “A Long Time Ago” by Aaron Copland. She explained that the song forced her

to use her upper register, or the higher part of her voice range, which proved to be a challenge.

Her voice rang in the concert hall and blended beautifully with the piano accompaniment, which was ultimately met with a thunderous applause.

“It is reminiscing on the past and it is about this beautiful girl who is in the forest and you are with her and it is like a summer romance,” she said. “When it turned to autumn she faded away, but it is really pretty.”

Next up was Sarah Sardoni, a freshman music major, who showcased her flute skills with the piece, “Sonata for Flute in C Minor,” by Gaetano Donizetti.

“I think it has all the elements you would probably want in a piece,” she said. “It has the slower section to it in the beginning where you hear the story developing and then it goes into the allegro (faster section) where you have this hop-skip feel where it is a little bit faster

and gets more upbeat.”

David DiGiacobbe, a flute professor and Sardoni’s private flute instructor, was eager to praise his student’s performance.

“She was really spectacular especially because she is a freshman and the Donizetti Sonata she played is a good 7 to 8 minutes long,” he said. “She played beautifully in tune, with gorgeous musicianship, an understanding of the musical line and genre of the Sonata. I could have not been more pleased.”

Ryan Haupt, a freshman music education major, followed Sardoni and took the stage with his trombone, performing “Prelude and Fanfaronade” by Paul Koepke.

“None of it sounds like a fanfare, but it is has two contrasting parts where one is the slow more melodic part,” he said. “It bumps up tempo in the allegro section, and so it gets faster, but it’s the contrast between those two sections that makes the piece what it is.”

Miguel Gonzalez / Photo Editor

Haupt’s sound surrounded the audience members and kept them in awe throughout his performance. The cheers echoed in the hall after he was finished.

Ian Walden, a junior music education major, closed the recital with a trumpet performance of “Supremacy of Right” by Herbert L. Clarke.

Waldman described his piece as a celebration and described how it felt to perform in Mayo Concert Hall.

“The sound is the best sound you will ever hear coming out of your instrument here at TCNJ,” he said. “The whole ambiance it’s amazing.”

After the recital, the audience left the concert hall and proceeded to the lobby where they waited to greet the performers, whom were met with praise.

“It is interesting to hear the different levels from the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors,” DiGiacobbe said. “It is incredible to hear the talent that

we are getting now at TCNJ that the freshmen can play a full Sonata like that. It just shows the kind of talent we are attracting to the music department here at TCNJ, and that is always exciting. What I love to see is the family aspect of the students — the way they react to their peers onstage and the warmth and applause they give them.”

Laprade echoed DiGiacobbe’s pride and love for teaching in such a supportive community full of talented young musicians.

“One of the things I love most about Tuesday recitals, and all department of music events for that matter, is the sense of community and peer support that are present at TCNJ,” he said.

“The audience is always filled with TCNJ students and faculty members who are there to support the performing students. I always look forward to seeing our department come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.”

Play / Performers shed light on female sexuality

Meagan McDowell / Staff Photographer

Amanda Politano delivers a passionate performance.

continued from page 1

Garrity, a senior finance major. Garrity is a member of the WILL program and is also one of the 2019 Vagina Warriors, which is an honor given to a valued student of the

WILL program.

After watching a previous performance of the Vagina Monologues, Garrity knew that she had to be part of the movement.

“I saw the monologue before and I wanted to do it ever since,” she said. “I

had to be confident. If I wasn’t, the audience would have known and that would have made things uncomfortable. I had to convey a character. I had to be funny, painful and emotional to create an impact that would stay with the audience.”

Garrity’s monologue, “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy,” showcased the science of satisfying a woman and the art of moaning.

“I really hope that from this event people lessen the stigma surrounding talking about vaginas,” said Gabbi Petrone, a sophomore psychology and women’s, gender and sexuality studies major when asked what she hopes the audience will take away from this event.

Petrone wanted to see an end to the stigma surrounding the word, “vagina.”

“There really shouldn’t be any (stigma) because so many people have them,” she said. “A vagina is a part of life and it gives life. It shouldn’t make people uncomfortable to hear about it.

It shouldn’t make women uncomfortable to talk about it.”

Leslie Castro, a sophomore Spanish major, spoke of her experience attending this event for the first time.

“I really thought it was empowering and gave a different perspective on the matter of speaking about vaginas,” she said. “I feel like society fails to shed a light on this topic.”

Castro felt that society should develop a more gender-inclusive perspective on the journey of discovering oneself.

She felt women were underrepresented in this process.

“It’s like they want to keep it a secret,” she Castro said. “In society when it comes to the opposite side of the spectrum, I hear more of what satisfies men and their journey to manhood.”

This event did not display a vagina as an organ. It instead gave each vagina a story that the performers relayed to the audience in a way that was meant to honor the vagina, instead of stigmatize it.

Students like Petrone viewed the monologues as a way to lessen the fear associated with discussing what is currently a delicate topic in society.

“The monologues demonstrate that women were scared to talk about their vaginas at first,” she said. “If talking about vaginas makes someone uncomfortable then it’s their problem, not ours.”

page 16 The Signal February 20 2019

February 20, 2019 The Signal page 17

‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ shreds expectations This week, WTSR Music Director Brian Marino highlights some of the best new music that the College’s own radio station, 91.3 FM WTSR, puts into its weekly rotation.

Left: Gyllenhal plays a haughty art critic. Right: The film straddles the line between horror and satire.

By Cody Conrad Correspondent The new film “Velvet Buzzsaw” is caught between a quintessential chick flick and a tolerable horror film. If you take away the thrilling aspects of the new Netflix original, it’s about successful art gallery workers trying to make it big. The horror scenes are decent — they are not as terrifying as major movies like “The Conjuring” and “Hereditary,” but scary enough to make me shield my eyes.

The movie is about the art gallery assistant Josephine struggling to make it big in the art world. She stumbles upon her recently deceased neighbor’s stash of art. The only downside is that anybody who profits from the art, gets killed by it. Throughout the rest of the movie, you see the characters trying to figure out what’s going on. “Buzzsaw” is a satirical piece about the art world and it’s crafted brilliantly to show just how crazy and cutthroat that industry really is while using killer art as its vessel.

The distinct personalities of the characters are what makes the film somewhat memorable.

Morf (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a bisexual art critic, whose reviews make or break the success of exhibits and artists. Josephina (Zawe Ashton) is an assistant to Rhodora (Rene Russo), the overbearing gallery director. Josephina, desperate to be successful, develops a cutthroat no-mercy attitude.

Another notable main character is Gretchen (Toni Collette), an art museum curator who rises above her station and steps on those

underneath her. Some notable supporting actors include John Malkovich (Piers), Billy Magnussen (Bryson), Natalia Dyer (Coco) and Daveed Diggs (Damrish).

The relationships between the art gallery members, such as Morf, Gretchen, Rhodora and Josephina, are defined by betrayals and secrets. Malkovich, who is best known for his dry humor and serious tone, plays an artist who has lost his touch and is trying to come back into fame again. Magnussen, who has previously starred in “Bridge of Spies” and Netflix originals “Maniac” and “Birdbox,” plays the creepy art gallery technician. Dyer, most famous for her role as Nancy in “Stranger Things,” plays a bubbly, overwhelmed gallery assistant. Finally, Diggs, who was made famous by the hit musical “Hamilton,” plays a successful street artist making it into the big leagues.

The acting in this movie has its highs and lows. Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Morf is so exemplary and his emotions are so genuine. In one scene, Gyllenhaal’s character, Morf, goes through a severe mental breakdown and you can feel the power in Gyllenhaal’s performance.

Through yelling and body language, Gyllenhaal’s emotions come rushing out to the viewer and are almost tangible.

Although Gyllenhaal is memorable, Ashton falls short. The way the character is written and the way that the director wants to portray Josephina doesn’t quite match up with the actress’ talent. In one scene, Ashton is supposed to be shocked and devastated, but instead we

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are given a lifeless stare and a monotone voice.

While that part was a little unsettling, the acting is otherwise quite good in the film. Collette, Malkovich, Magnussen, Dyer and Diggs all contribute quality acting to the movie and make it enjoyable to watch.

At times, “Buzzsaw” is a spectacle for its visual artistry. The introduction is an animation similar to that of “Pink Panther” and “Catch Me If You Can.” Its style foreshadows the art that becomes the main subject of the film — when a new exhibit opens the TV screen splits to simultaneously reveal the art and the characters reactions to them.

Out of the hundreds of movies that I have seen, this kind of cinematography is new and quite unprecedented. The audio in the film adds intensity to each scene. It is particularly important in the soundproof room scene, where Morf is examining a new art exhibit.

When inside, his mental state begins to fall apart and he starts hearing voices. The film gives viewers the illusion that these voices are coming from the left, the right and even from behind. This effect creates an intimate and eerie sensation, which allows viewers to experience Morf’s breakdown alongside him. The scene ends with audio of a car skidding, which comes to a crescendo and suddenly stops to symbolize Morf’s fragile mental state, which adds to the eerie atmosphere.

In short, if symbolism, good acting and a great plot are what you look for in a movie, then “Velvet Buzzsaw” provides a lasting escape from reality.

‘Romantic’ pokes fun at love story clichés

By Amani Salahudeen Staff Writer

Romantic comedies have always been both a guilty pleasure and a joyful medium for me to poke fun at, and the new movie “Isn’t it Romantic?” has only reinforced this relationship.

Natalie (Rebel Wilson) is an ambitious Australian architect who has despised rom-coms ever since she was a kid, when her mom (Jennifer Saunders) told her that plus-sized women will never have the chance to pursue the lifestyles that the typical female protagonist in those films so often depict.

Although Natalie is clearly hardworking, she constantly feels a lack of appreciation for her efforts, specifically from her boss, Blake (Liam Hemsworth), who is notorious for treating her poorly.

She begins to accept that she won’t be living the kind of lifestyle she dreams about — how could her fantasies come true when the world seems to conspire against her?

Although she may have valid reasons to hate Blake, Natalie doesn’t seem to dwell on that negativity, especially since she

describes him as being “CW Hot.” Natalie is so caught up in her own thoughts that she doesn’t realize the way her co-worker, Josh (Adam Devine), sees her.

(Will that potential crush bloom the same way it does in every rom-com film? You’ll have to watch and find out).

Work, and her hot boss are the only thing on Natalie’s mind, until one night when she hits her head on a pole while running away from a mugger. Natalie suddenly finds herself living in a PG13 movie where she has a gay best friend named Donny (Brandon Scott Jones), a nicer version of her friend Whitney (Betty Gilpin) and a version of Josh who is entranced by a woman named Isabella (Priyanka Chopra Jonas). There are dance numbers and love galore in this new world, all of which are exactly like everything Natalie expressed such hated for in the beginning of the movie.

As a comedy, the movie is pretty decent, but as far as the plot goes, I’ve seen better. While it mocks the cliche rom-com tropes, it still risks becoming one itself.

As a satire, the movie should have focused more on comedy and less on cheesy romances and

Band Name: Hate Drugs Album Name: Tsunami Soul II Release Number: 1 Hailing From: California Genre: Surf Pop Rock Label: Young Tide Records Tsunami Soul II is for your beach-day necessities. Whether it is a sunny or cloudy, count on Hate Drugs to pump it up with upbeat guitar riffs and smooth vocals. The lyrics help you understand what it would be like to have a literal tsunami soul, where the ocean calls your name.

Each song gives you a different vibe. You’ll hear everything from an acoustic melancholy song to an upbeat head-banging melody. I recommend you play every song because it will guarantee a tune that will forever stay in your head.

Must Hear: “On My Own,” “Afterimage” and “Dizzy”

Band Name: The Aesthetics Album Name: Beat This Release Number: 4 Hailing From: San Francisco Genre: Soft Rock Label: Mountain House Recorders

Natalie finds herself stuck in a colorful rom-com. heartfelt takeaways. It tries to debunk the stereotypes surrounding rom-coms, like the commonlybelieved idea that women in a workplace can’t be friends, but it doesn’t do much to really make it hit home. The film’s main theme, “believe in yourself,” is cute but overused. I’ve seen the same message delivered more creatively

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in films such as, “Shrek” and “Wreck-It-Ralph.”

This is not to say that you won’t enjoy “Isn’t It Romantic,” but it’s definitely one of those movies you just need to see for yourself in order to figure out if you really like it or not. Parts of the film were too cringy for my liking, but I have to admit that as a comedy, I enjoyed it.

Beat This is a conglomeration of all the moods one goes through in a day.

It is filled with long melodies that add great color and variety. The driving and powerful bass paired with the forceful drum hits and slightly twangy guitar licks produce a collaboration of greatness. I can and will see myself listening to these songs anywhere from my bedroom floor to a long and winding car ride — the kind where you pretend you are in the movies.

Must Hear: “Thinking of You”

page 18 The Signal February 20, 2019

Water Bar makes waves in IMM gallery

Left: The exhibit highlights the versatility of water. Right: Students’ artwork reflects water’s role in the ecosystem.

By Alexandra Bonano Correspondent Water, especially the water we drink, never seems to get much of a second thought, but the College has set out to change that. The second installment of the TCNJ Art Gallery’s exhibition, “Springs Eternal: Art, Water, Change,” which was held on Feb. 13 in the Art and Interactive Media Building, included the Water Bar exhibition.

The founders of the Water Bar, visiting artists Colin Kloecker and Shanai Matteson, made an appearance at the opening day panel of the exhibit on Feb. 6. Kloecker and Matteson’s main objective when opening the Water Bar was to bring communities together to learn more about water in an artistic space.

The “Springs Eternal: Art, Water, Change” exhibition will be open until March 31 and will continue to hold many events, including another Water Bar Service on March 13. The artwork will be on constant display and is free for the public to enjoy.

The TCNJ Art Gallery partnered with Water Bar’s creators to foster a space of education, free-flowing conversation and artistry.

Amanda Radosti, the environmental program specialist at the College, and Diane Bates, a sociology professor, served as the “water tenders” for the event. They engaged with participants and assisted them throughout their Water Bar experiences. The exhibit encouraged attendees to contemplate how water is integrated into their daily lives and the process behind its production.

“I had never really thought to taste water that was from one place and then from another,” said Kiernan Dempsey, a junior interactive multimedia and computer science double major. “So it was interesting to think about how each of the waters that I tasted was different because I never thought about it before.”

The display included large jugs of water from three different locations for the public to try and decipher, based on taste, which location each jug was brought from.

The three sources of the water were from the College, Philadelphia and Horsham, Pennsylvania. The

Miguel Gonzalez / Photo Editor

water originating in Horsham is groundwater, or water held deep in the soil and rocks that is brought to the surface through the use of a deep well.

The three jugs were kept at the same temperature so that it could be ruled out as a factor for any detected change in taste. At the start of each water tasting, Radosti or Bates would ask each person what comes to their mind when they think about water. They received a range of answers that included everything from the ocean, to a shower or a cold glass of water on a hot day.

According Margaret Pezalla-Granlund, the director of the art gallery and the Sarnoff Collection, the Water Bar exhibit was doing its part in bringing the campus community closer together.

“I’ve known about the Water Bar and Social Space for a few years, and had been interested in how they’ve been able to build something that’s about having conversations and sharing stories,” she said. “Already at the TCNJ Gallery, faculty, staff and students have met up, and had conversations over little (compostable) plastic cups of water that they probably wouldn’t otherwise have had.”

February 20, 2019 The Signal page 19

Team ends season with crushing loss Men’s Basketball

Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Left: P.J. Ringel looks to charge the basket. Right: Walko dribbles around an opponent to score.

By Jordan Washington Staff Writer The Lions had two big games this week. The team went up against William Paterson University for the final game of the season and played its first playoff game against Montclair State University.

The Lions suffered a tough loss against Kean University on Feb. 9, but they had another chance to get a win at home against William Paterson on Feb. 13.

Unfortunately, a poor three-point shooting night led to a third straight loss. This was a game of runs as each team went back and forth trying to get the best of one another.

Junior guard Randall Walko came out hot making shots and he ended up being the team’s leading scorer with 25 points.

The Lions owned the first half, especially with an 11-0 run to put them up 28-25 at one point.

The Lions felt good going into halftime with a fivepoint lead, but the second half was not a good of a turnaround for the team.

The score was close and it was a tied game with eight minutes left.

After trading threes, the Lions saw themselves down five and never were able to recover.

William Paterson went on an 8-0 run in the final minutes to take control of the game and win 91-78.

This afforded the Lions the sixth seed in the New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament and a date with the three seed Montclair State on Saturday, Feb. 16.

In the quarterfinals of the NJAC conference tournament, the team looked to bounce back following three straight losses in a game that could have ended its season.

The leading scorer in the NJAC, Walko, poured in 31 points, making it his fourth 30-plus point game of the season. It was tight at first and both teams were

firing on all cylinders.

Both teams shot better than 50 percent and each made runs, but Montclair State led by five at the half.

Following the intermission, the College found itself down by 10 points early in the second half.

However, the Lions were not going down without a fight and scored seven straight points.

Walko did what he does best, hitting a three to put the team up.

Following back and forth baskets, the Lions saw themselves down by three. Walko then got a threepoint play to tie the game.

In a tight game, Montclair State came down and hit a clutch baseline jumper with 1.2 seconds left on the clock to seal the Lions’ fate 67-65.

Despite ending the season with a heartbreaking loss, the Lions can look back on some exciting victories and great moments.

Cheap Seats

Wrestling

Lions claim two weight class titles Ball / Athletes deserve salaries

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The referee holds up Falleni’s hand, signifying a victory.

By Christine Houghton Sports Editor

On Sunday, Feb. 17 the wrestling team traveled to Muhlenberg College to compete in the Futures Tournament.

The College placed 12 wrestlers on the day with two winning titles.

At 133 pounds, sophomores Jacob Falleni and Ryan Manahan both placed in their weight class with Falleni taking the title and Manahan coming in fifth.

Falleni had three pins in four matches during his run for the title.

Sophomore Anthony Rua went undefeated during his battle for the 141pound title.

Rua had one pin on the day and battled teammate freshman Steven Schwab in the final round.

Schwab fell to Rua but took second

place in his weight class.

In the 174-pound weight class, the Lions placed three freshmen. Jon Borgognoni, Joe McCarthy and Alfonso Pinto Jr., placed for the Lions, third and fourth respectively.

At 125 pounds, sophomore Christian Deehan was able to place third along with sophomore Thomas Anderson and freshman Matt Surich.

Anderson placed third in the 184 pound category and Surich took fourth weighing in at 149 pounds.

In the 197-pound weight class, freshman Steven Giannios and junior Matthew Cornerly took third and fourth respectively.

Now finished with their regular season matches, the Lions return to action on Saturday, Feb. 23 when they travel to Brockport College to compete in the NCAA Regional Tournament.

NCAA President Mark Emmert believes players should not be paid.

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If Nike wants to approach Duke University superstar Zion Williamson with a $500,000 contract to wear its sneakers, he should be able to accept it.

If the local Applebee’s wants to pay an athlete $1,000 to come to the restaurant for two hours and sign autographs, he should be able to.

This system would be similar to an English student who makes a profit from writing a book or a music student who records an album.

The NCAA has a ridiculous amount of rules for its players — the organization stresses that they are students first and cannot receive extra benefits.

When swimmer Katie Ledecky went on The Ellen Show after absolutely dominating in the Olympics, she was offered

Twitter

a waffle maker but had to refuse the gift because of NCAA’s policy on gift-giving, according to USA Today.

Another argument in favor of not compensating student athletes is that a full college scholarship is enough of a privilege for them.

Although scholarships are extremely beneficial, it is safe to say that the NCAA racks in enough cash to cover the players’ tuition and give them some sort of salary or at least compensation as thanks for all the money they bring the NCAA throughout the season.

It is saddening that the NCAA does not carve out salaries for players, allow them to make money off of advertisements or even receive gifts.

These hard-working student athletes deserve compensation for their dedication, popularity and talent.

Sports

Signal

Lions enter playoffs on winning streak

Left: Barlow charges the basket for a shot. Right: Devitt looks to pass the ball to a teammate.

By Malcolm Luck Staff Writer

Despite already earning a first round bye in the upcoming New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament, the Lions refuse to ease up on their opponents.

On the heels of double-digit-point performances from sophomore forward Shannon Devitt, senior guard Sam Famulare, junior forward Jen Byrne and junior guard Lauren Barlow, women’s basketball dominated conference opponent William Paterson University in the regular season finale by a final score of 64-48 on Feb. 13.

Famulare opened up scoring for both sides by drilling a three-pointer following several empty possessions. After an offensive board on the next possession, she drained one more to tally the sixth of her 11 points on the day.

For the remainder of the quarter, Devitt asserted her dominance on the court, scoring the next 10 points for the College while grabbing five boards in the process.

Barlow sank a three-pointer in the closing seconds of the quarter to put her squad on top 19-7.

William Paterson held close midway through the second quarter, reducing its deficit to as few as eight points with 6:28

Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

remaining in the half. Any attempt at a comeback was quickly thwarted by a hot stretch from freshman guard/forward Rachel Gazzola.

Gazzola drilled a three-pointer 15 seconds later to stretch the Lions’ lead to 11.

After a layup from Byrne on the next possession, Gazzola followed up with a midrange jumper and another three-pointer on back-to-back possessions to go ahead by 14. Another late three from Barlow sent the Lions to the locker room with a 17point advantage.

A closely contested second half was not enough to bring William Paterson back from a deep deficit.

In the end, Devitt, Famulare, Byrne and Barlow collectively scored 54 of the team’s 64 points. Barlow’s 16 points were good for her season high while Devitt also topped her season high mark in rebounds with 20.

Coming up for the Lions is the semifinal round against University of RutgersNewark tonight at home at 7 p.m. Rutgers-Newark is coming off of a 65-47 win over University of Rutgers-Camden in the first round of the NJAC tournament, while the College is looking to defeat RutgersNewark for the third time this season following previous wins at home on Dec. 1 and on the road on Jan. 28.

Cheap Seats

March Madness exploits college players

Twitter

Villanova University tips off during last year’s game.

By Jordan Washington Staff Writer

March is on its way and so is the tradition of scrambling together brackets and rushing to the betting lines for NCAA March Madness, the annual riveting college basketball tournament composed of the best 68 teams

Lions Lineup february 20, 2019

I n s i d e

of the year.

It has become a right of passage for fans to place bets on the scores of each game in the hopes of winning some money.

March Madness money primarily goes to the NCAA, the conferences and coaches, but the group that sees little to nothing in terms of compensation is the players.

Men’s Basketball page 19

The players are considered “amateurs” or “doing it for the love of the game,” which is common rhetoric used to excuse their nonexistent salaries.

There are billions of dollars moving around for everyone except the players, who are the ones putting their blood, sweat and tears on the line.

March Madness is broadcasted on CBS and Turner Sports, who pay the NCAA $10.8 billion over the course of a 14-year deal that is set to end in 2024.

In 2016, the NCAA, along with CBS and Turner Sports, agreed to an eight-year extension worth $8.8 billion. This means there will be $1.1 billion made a year from TV only, according to USA Today.

Gambling on sports games has become a new norm, according to the American Gaming Association. Approximately $10 billion is wagered on the tournament, which is primarily done illegally. ESPN, CBS, Yahoo and many other companies have bracket creating services when tournament time rolls around, which is known informally as “Bracketology.”

Sponsors come from all over the country in order to get a piece of the March Madness pie.

From the team uniforms to the ladder used to cut down a piece of the net, which is a storied tradition, everything is sponsored, allowing the NCAA to make millions from the tournament.

Although it is unrealistic to think the NCAA will ever actually create salaries for college players or allow them to unionize as workers, there still is a more feasible option. see BALL page 19

Wrestling page 19