Breaking news and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLIX, No. 5
September 26, 2018
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Mree mesmerizes CUB Alt crowd
Author underscores importance of free speech By Kelyn Chen Correspondent
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Mree’s guitar melodies complement her mellow, raspy voice.
By Kalli Colacino Correspondent
Students were eager to catch a glimpse of CUB Alt’s third show this semester in the Brower Student Center on Friday, Sept. 21. Opening band Free Cake for Every Creature got the crowd amped up with their indie pop tunes, and conversely, headlining singer-songwriter Mree got the crowd to unwind and relax with her indie
Recovery program helps students find strength
folk music. The crowd was energized and nodding along to the catchy lyrics as the band played. Drums echoed throughout the room, and the crowd loved every second of it. Marie Hsiao, better known by her stage name Mree, stole the show. Mree is a headlining singer/guitarist from Northern New Jersey, who has been writing songs since she was 14 years old. She got on stage with her guitar and plenty of laid-back confidence.
see HOPE page 14
Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor
The café offers a variety of toppings. By Valerie Miko Staff Writer
The long-anticipated Campus Town location of Frutta Bowls café made its debut on Sept. 17, and has been drawing in crowds of students and local residents ever since. Frutta Bowls offers a variety of products including açaí bowls, smoothies and even oatmeal or kale bowls. There are also customizable bowl options which include a base of
INDEX: Nation & World / page 5
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see BEAT page 10
Frutta Bowls opens in Campus Town
By Lily Firth News Editor
Recently, mental health and its relationship to substance abuse has risen to the forefront of nationwide issues on college campuses, and there have been numerous steps taken by both administrations and students to combat addiction. Unhealthy drug use can lead to problems at school or work, physical health issues, neglected appearance, changes in behavior and even monetary issues, according to Mayo Clinic. In 2015, the College took major steps to assist students with substance abuse disorders. According to Christopher Freeman, the community recovery supervisor, the College implemented the Collegiate Recovery Program after receiving a grant from the state. The CRP was conceptualized by a multi-departmental steering committee that worked together to identify the best ways to support students that have been impacted by substance use disorders.
“My name is Marie, and I have some pretty chill songs to play,” she said. The singer opened with her song “The Laundry Bin,” a mellow tune with lyrics about being an introverted person trying to fit in. Hsiao’s airy, high-pitched voice stood out against the soft acoustics of her guitar. The students in the room were leaning forward, eager to hear more.
Editorial / page 7
either açaí, pitaya or kale that customers can add toppings to. Toppings include various fruits, oats, granola, Nutella, peanut butter and honey, among other crunchy and sweet additions. Frutta Bowls offers gluten, soy and dairy-free options, as well as a separate allergy station to accommodate dietary restrictions. The bowls range from $7-$11 depending on topping variety in the bowl. The average price of a smoothie is $7. Katharine Smith, a senior communication studies and women’s, gender and sexuality studies double major, said that Frutta Bowls is a beneficial addition to Campus Town’s growing list of retailers, especially for students craving a convenient snack packed with fruit. “I got a Fiji bowl with Nutella instead of peanut butter,” Smith said. “It was really good! The atmosphere of the place is really cute and service was quick. I also like having the opportunity to get fresh fruit close to campus. I’m definitely going to go again.” According to Frutta Bowls’ website, the company was founded by entrepreneur and wellness guru Brooke Gagliano in 2016. Although it started out as two small stores near Gagliano’s hometown of Freehold, New Jersey, the chain has quickly become a national trend with stores popping up all over the country. Frutta Bowls’ Campus Town location is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Opinions / page 8
Arts & Entertainment / page 10
The College honored Constitution Day with a presentation titled “Inclusive Freedom: The Quest for a Democratic Culture” in the Brower Student Center Room 100 on Sept. 17. Sigal Ben-Porath, a University of Pennsylvania professor and author of the book Free Speech on Campus, offered her insight on safe spaces, political correctness, the significance of the First Amendment and the counter-protest against conservative religious group Bible Believers in Alumni Grove last April. Ben-Porath discussed the history of free speech censorship in higher education, and argued that the Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) court case was the highest water mark of permitting free speech in schools. She mentioned that despite the Supreme Court decision, courts have repeatedly hindered free speech at public high schools. According to Ben-Porath, schools like Hazelwood East High School in Missouri have argued that student newspapers are not welcome to free press in order to protect a productive student society. Ben-Porath suggested that media representation of college campuses through shows like “Tucker Carlson Tonight” put everyday college life under a spotlight by constantly reporting and criticizing student protest and language. In the digital age, any controversial language is immediately recorded and distributed, making it incredibly difficult for students to engage in an honest and open conversation. see SPEAK page 3
Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor
Ben-Porath denounces censorship. Features / page 14
Sports / page 20
WIRED Students perform improvised plays
Simulation Week School of Nursing honors role of artificial intelligence in healthcare
Women’s Soccer Lions shut out FDU and Ramapo
See Features page 10
See Features page 15
See Sports page 20