Print Edition of The Observer for Friday, October 30, 2020

The independent

To uncover

newspaper serving

the truth

Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s

and report

and holy cross

it accurately

Volume 55, Issue 31 | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Groups rally after SCOTUS confirmation Students gather in support of justice’s placement

Hundreds of students protest against Barrett

By MARIA LUISA PAUL

By MARIAH RUSH

News Writer

Managing Editor

Carrying posters emblazoned with phrases like “ND for ACB” and “The Notorious ACB,” and waving the Vatican, Gadsden and American f lags, a group of students congregated to celebrate Notre Dame law professor Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court on Thursday evening.

Sophomore Michael Barrett, secretary of College Republicans, said the gathering was planned by a group of conservative students who promoted the event via Instagram on Wednesday as a means to “show support for a member of our community,” he said.

“Justice Barrett was appointed properly through the legislative process,” Barrett said. “She was nominated by the president and appointed by the Senate, and she represents an extensive background on originalist interpretation of the Constitution, which seems to be supported by a large portion of the student body. And we felt that our voices needed to be heard today.”

With an event opposing Coney Barrett’s nomination scheduled during the same time at Library Lawn, the College Republicans’ secretary said the congratulatory gathering also served as a way to give a voice to all students, despite of their political beliefs.

“While this is not a very vocal portion of campus, since normally [conservative] people are silenced and shunned in social media, we thought if we could come together in presence, we could actually stand and represent our political views,” Barrett said. “We have both sides represented on this campus, not just one side. We’re here to show that there’s balance on this campus. We are here for bipartisanship.”

The group of almost 60 people assembled by the Law School’s archway at 5:30 p.m.

next week cannot attend the Nov. 7 football game against Clemson.

“Next Friday, Nov. 6, the COVID-19 Response Unit will notify the Murnane Family Ticket Office of those students who did not report when called, and their tickets will be

A crowd of hundreds of students carrying handmade signs and LGBTQ+ pride flags gathered on Library Lawn Thursday evening to protest the Monday confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. With security present, demonstrators gathered by the Acousticafe stage to make their voice heard by protesting Barrett’s confirmation and her some of her views involving sexual freedom, reproductive rights and the support of marginalized communities.

A group supporting Barrett’s confirmation marched by and chanted, interrupting the antiBarrett protest. According to security and organizers of the demonstration against Barrett, the counter protesters in support of Barrett never received the permission needed to organize a demonstration in the first place.

Barrett is a Notre Dame law professor and circuit judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. University President Fr. John Jenkins congratulated Barrett in a statement Monday, writing, “On behalf of the University of Notre Dame, I congratulate Amy Coney Barrett on her confirmation today by the United States Senate as a justice of the United States Supreme Court. Recognized by experts from across the spectrum of judicial philosophies as a superb legal scholar and judge, she is an esteemed colleague and a teacher revered by her students.”

This statement provoked a multitude of responses from the student body, some of whom argued Jenkins did not speak for them, and prompted the creation of the demonstration Monday evening.

Co-organizers Matt Heilman and Emma Dudrick, a sophomore and a junior, were on a Zoom call when they heard the news — Barrett had been confirmed in one of the fastest confirmation processes in history, just eight days before the

see TESTING PAGE 4

see PROTEST PAGE 5

NOtre dame xc PAGE 16

FOOTBALL PAGE 16

see SUPPORT PAGE 5

NEWS PAGE 3

MARIA LUISA PAUL | The Observer

The opposing demonstrations clashed Thursday as the group of those supporting Amy Coney Barrett (left) marched from the Law School to Library Lawn, where the group protesting her confirmation gathered.

COVID-19 cases surge at University, in South Bend

By ISABELLA LAUFENBERG News Writer

Follow ing the surge of COVID-19 cases on Notre Dame’s campus in August, the Universit y has developed strategies to control the spread of the v irus on campus. But more recently, cases have been on the increase again.

According to the Notre Dame COVID-19 Dashboard, the universit y is currently at a 15.7 case 7-day mov ing average as of Oct. 28 and a seven-day positiv it y rate of 2.1% . This increase almost triples what the mov ing average rates were at the beginning of October.

Dr. Mark Fox, St. Joseph

Count y deput y health officer and COVID-19 adv isor to the Universit y said that these increases can be attributed to many things, including what he coined as, “the perfect storm.”

“In some ways, I think it was the perfect storm,” Fox said. “It was the first night see CASES PAGE 4

ND urges surveillance testing compliance Observer Staff Report

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Oct. 29.

In light of positive COVID-19 rates increasing both at Notre Dame and in St. Joseph County, vice president of student affairs Erin Hoffmann Harding

VIEWPOINT PAGE 6

urged students to comply with surveillance testing in an email Thursday.

The seven-day moving average of positive cases is 15.7 as of today, and the estimated number of active cases is 133. Notre Dame reported 15 additional cases today.

Students who do not report for surveillance testing

SCENE PAGE 9

2

TODAY

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Question of the Day: ndsmcobserver.com

Have a question you want answered?

Email photo@ndsmcobserver.com

What was your best Halloween costume?

P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556

Jackson Arms

Kristen Aya Geary

sophomore Knott Hall

sophomore Cavanaugh Hall

“Lego brick.”

“Notre Dame football fan.”

Jacob Elwell

Lincoln Vansmoorenburg

sophomore Knott Hall

sophomore Knott Hall

“Bumblebee.”

“Muscular Spiderman.”

(574) 631-6900 ads@ndsmcobserver.com

Sean Cleary

Mac Baker

Editor-in-Chief

sophomore Knott Hall

sophomore Knott Hall

“Mummy.”

“Punctuation mark.”

Editor-in-Chief Maria Leontaras Managing Editor Mariah Rush

Asst. Managing Editor: Maeve Filbin Asst. Managing Editor: Claire Rafford Asst. Managing Editor: Sara Schlecht

Notre Dame News Editor: Saint Mary’s News Editor:

Viewpoint Editor:

Sports Editor:

Scene Editor:

Photo Editor:

Graphics Editor:

Social Media Editor:

Advertising Manager:

Ad Design Manager:

Systems Administrator: Talent & Inclusion Manager:

Serena Zacharias Mia Marroquin Nelisha Silva Hayden Adams Ryan Israel Allison Thornton Diane Park Ellie Dombrowski Landry Kempf Gabby Hong Stephen Hannon Nola Wallace

Office Manager & General Info

Ph: (574) 631-7471 Fax: (574) 631-6927 Advertising

(574) 631-4542 mleontaras01@saintmarys.edu Managing Editor

(574) 631-4542 mrush@nd.edu Assistant Managing Editors

(574) 631-4541 mfilbin01@saintmarys.edu, crafford@nd.edu, sschlecht01@saintmarys.edu Business Office

(574) 631-5313 Notre Dame News Desk

(574) 631-5323 news@ndsmcobserver.com Saint Mary’s News Desk

(574) 631-5323 smc@ndsmcobserver.com Viewpoint Desk

(574) 631-5303 viewpoint@ndsmcobserver.om Sports Desk

(574) 631-4543 sports@ndsmcobserver.com Scene Desk

(574) 631-4540 scene@ndsmcobserver.com Photo Desk

(574) 631-8767 photo@ndsmcobserver.com Systems & Web Administrators

webmaster@ndsmcobserver.com Policies The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper published in print and online by the students of the University of Notre Dame du Lac, Saint Mary’s College and Holy Cross College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is not governed by policies of the administration of either institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse advertisements based on content.

The news is reported as accurately and objectively as possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Assistant Managing Editors and department editors.

Commentaries, letters and columns present the views of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Viewpoint space is available to all readers. The free expression of all opinions through letters is encouraged.

Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include contact information.

Questions regarding Observer policies should be directed to Editor-in-Chief Maria Leontaras.

Post Office Information The Observer (USPS 599 2-4000) is published Monday through Friday except during exam and vacation periods.

A subscription to The Observer is $130 for one academic year; $75 for one semester.

The Observer is published at: 024 South Dining Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 Periodical postage paid at Notre Dame and additional mailing offices POSTMASTER Send address corrections to: The Observer P.O. Box 779 024 South Dining hall Notre Dame, IN 46556-077

Today’s Staff News

Sports

Genevieve Coleman Adriana Perez

Colin Capece Stephen Hannon

Graphics

Scene

Jackie Junco

Aidan O’Malley

Photo

Viewpoint

Junya Kanemitsu

Evan McKenna

Corrections The Observer regards itself as a professional publication and strives for the highest standards of journalism at all times. We do, however, recognize that we will make mistakes. If we have made a mistake, please contact us at (574) 631-4541 so we can correct our error.

MARIA LEONTARAS | The Observer

The Snite Museum of Art hosted “Snite Fright” on Thursday. Halloween-themed activities included a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decorating, a t-shirt giveaway and live music. Sophomore Nolan Fey (center) and senior John Kling (right) performed some music.

The next Five days:

Want your event included here?

Email news@ndsmcobserver.com

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Lecture: “Voting Rights” virtual 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Featuring speaker Eric H. Holder, Jr.

The Big Draw: Exquisite Corpse virtual 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

A spooky-themed drawing competition.

Basilica Mass Basilica of the Sacred Heart 11:30 a.m., 5:15 p.m.

All are welcome to attend.

GreeNDot Sign-Up Drive Duncan lobby, Table A 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Register for bystander intervention training.

Election Day Canvas Kit Giveaway SAO in 315 LaFortune all day Register with SAO to pick up a painting kit.

Film Premiere Notre Dame Stadium 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Screening the film “And There is Nothing New Under the Sun.”

Halloween Spooktacular campus-wide 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Halloween-themed activities and treats.

Film Screening virtual 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Higgins Labor Club will show the film “On the Basis of Sex.”

Mock Election Midfiled Commons 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

The Executive Cabinet will host mock election results.

Election Night Space Coleman-Morse lounge 9 p.m. - midnight Hosted by PrismND and the Diversity Council.

News

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, October 30, 2020 | The Observer

3

SAO, Campus Dining to host Halloween event

By MEGHAN CAPPITELLI News Writer

To celebrate Halloween this year, the Student Activities Office (SAO) and Campus Dining will co-sponsor a “Halloween Spooktacular” event on Saturday. After the success of the Fall Fest, the two organizations are excited to host another evening of festive activities for students.

Alicia Bates, assistant director of student programming for SAO, explained that this event will serve as a way for students to come together to celebrate Halloween, as well as to unwind in a fun, stress-free way.

“Part of SAO’s mission is to enhance the overall student experience through exposure to and participation in recreational and social opportunities that allow students to maintain existing and create new connections,” Bates said.

“It is our hope that by planning these events during a time

when students are looking to celebrate not just a holiday, but a season, we are offering fun and healthy events that assist in creating community for our students.”

In the spirit of Halloween festivity, students and staff are encouraged to come to the Spooktacular dressed up in costumes that are safe and appropriate. Available activities include a Jack-O-Lantern contest, hall-to-hall trick-ortreating, a fog photo opportunity and various crafts. McWell plans to sponsor an Apothecary with essential-oils, and two movies, “Haunted Mansion and Ghostbusters (1984),” will be played on North Quad and Library Lawn, respectively. A full schedule of events can be found on SAO’s website.

SAO has been working closely with Campus Dining to prepare for the event and align the planned activities with the menu in an effort to make the Spooktacular an enjoyable

experience for all. Beginning at 5 p.m., Halloween-themed meals will be served outside North Dining Hall, followed by beverages and desserts served from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. across campus.

Senior director for Campus Dining Chris Abayasinghe expressed his goal to make the event a wholesome, fully-encompassing experience.

“Halloween is a fun time to be able to celebrate everything ghoulish and delicious about the holiday, so from our perspective, it’s to really host an event that provides an opportunity for students to enjoy a version of trick-or-treating,” Abayasinghe said. “We also looked to activate other festivities around campus so that way it’s a more holistic experience than just celebrating with a meal.”

Meals will be pre-packaged in “takeout pumpkin” baskets that allow students to use them for trick-or-treating

afterwards. This method of distribution upholds the necessary COVID-19 guidelines that Campus Dining has been adhering to all semester.

In pre-pandemic years, Campus Dining has celebrated the holiday a bit differently, Abayasignhe explained.

“In years past, we would celebrate Halloween in the actual dining halls,” he said.

“We played to some of the architectural specifics in some of these spaces. For example, South Dining Hall obviously looks very much like Hogwarts, so we had butterbeer and things along those lines. This year, given both the meal service style as well as the need to maintain physical distancing, we had to get creative.”

With this goal in mind, Campus Dining held a chili cookoff this week to identify the best chili recipe. The winning chili will be featured in the Halloween meal package.

Additionally, executive

pastry chef Sinai Vespie recently won the Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship, and the Halloween Spooktacular will feature Vespie’s desserts from her victory.

Abayasinghe hopes that this event will help bring a sense of fun and entertainment to a semester that has been stressful for many community members.

“I understand truly that everything is a part of a new normal,” Abyasinghe said. “I would say that our students have been through one of the most dynamically changing semesters thus far, and just being able to celebrate a holiday like Halloween is incredibly important. I think it’s important for us to acknowledge the semester as it has been and also to help students appreciate Halloween and eat candy. I mean, how cool is that?”

Contact Meghan Cappitelli at mcappite@nd.edu

student senate

Group talks burnout, pass/no credit option

By RYAN PETERS News Writer

The student senate voted on t wo proposa ls Thursday night regarding the pursuance of strategies to attempt to a llev iate campus burnout and on an order to amend the undergraduate constitution to prohibit student union consumption of forced and prison labor.

Student body v ice president senior Sara h Ga lbensk i started the meeting w ith a moment of silence and prayer honoring Va leria Espinel and Oliv ia

Laura Rojas, t wo students who died last week.

Follow ing executive announcements, chair of the Diversit y Council senior Estefan Linares and v ice chair senior Frank ie Tran presented an argument in favor of the Diversit y Council gaining recognition as an organization associated w ith the student union rather than maintaining its status as a club.

Tran and Linares’ argument was focused on the idea that they believe an affiliation w ith the student union

as an organization would help the council better achieve their mission of amplif y ing the voices of margina lized students.

“We want to ensure that [margina lized students] have a voice mov ing for ward in the communit y,” Linares said.

A fter the Diversit y Council’s presentation, Keough Ha ll senator sophomore Ben Erhardt read and opened up discussion on Resolution SS 2021-21, a resolution encouraging the pursuance of strategies to help a llev iate burnout on campus as a result of the

Paid Advertisement

fa ll semester w ith no brea k.

The resolution proposes hav ing rest days throughout the semester, where students w ill have no class, exams or homework due. Erhardt a lso proposed that midterms w ill be prohibited from being administered during weeks w ith rest days.

A n objection was raised that hav ing designated weeks w ith no tests may cause exams to be clustered together and thus cause more stress for students. However, Erhardt said the sponsors of the bill came to the consensus that hav ing

weeks w ith no exams is a better a lternative than hav ing midterms over a five to si xweek stretch.

“So I think [rest weeks] just ensures that ever y thing stays as it is, but ever ybody a lso gets a much needed brea k at some point,” Erhardt said.

The resolution passed w ith unanimous support among the senators.

The next discussion on the agenda was over SO 2021-10, an order to amend the undergraduate constitution to prohibit student union consumption of forced and prison labor. Junior parliamentarian Thomas Dav is presented the order and urged the senators to vote against it. He argued that prohibiting offices and departments from purchasing goods that were contributed to or made by forced or prison labor is something that can not be enforced and is not best suited as an amendment to the constitution.

“I fear that this is one of those good-intentioned amendments that in the long run w ill only hurt the see SENATE PAGE 4 Paid Advertisement

4

NEWS

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Experts discuss Yemeni Civil War, famine

By MEGAN FAHRNEY News Writer

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Oct. 29.

The Keough School of Global Affairs held a virtual screening Wednesday of the new documentary “Hunger Ward: The Last Hope Against War and Starvation,” directed by Skye Fitzgerald. The screening was followed by an expert panel discussion and Q&A. “Hunger Ward“ is centered around the current humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The film follows two women, Dr. Aida Alsadeeq and nurse Mekkia Mahdi, who work in therapeutic feeding centers. The two attempt to save the lives of starving children amidst the Yemeni Civil War. The panel discussion and Q&A were moderated by Denis

Cases Continued from page 1

game. It was absolutely beautiful weather. It was right after midterms and Fr. Jenkins’ White House event. And I think a lot of those factors probably created a scenario where people did let down their guard and blow off little steam.”

This most recent surge could also have been caused by an increase in surveillance testing taking place on campus, Fox said.

“A lot of infections are being picked up on surveillance,” Fox said. “And that’s a good thing, because it does get them out of the dorms—it reduces the risk of transmission through a wing of a dorm. While it does make the numbers look bad, they are better than they would be were that surveillance testing not in place.

[Surveillance testing] has a protective effect that I think is really important.”

Fox said that in order for the University to curb this current surge, students must be looking toward the end of the semester and beyond as motivation to continue following COVID-19 guidelines.

“If students can take that long view of how they want to finish their finals — where they’re as healthy as they can be at that stage of a normal semester — and then be able to go home and enjoy the holidays with your families, then having those end goals in mind hopefully will motivate people to celebrate Halloween and be actively involved in the Clemson game in ways that are that are safe,” Fox said.

Fox also cautioned students to be aware of the impact of not reporting close contacts.

Fox explained how not quarantining close contacts dramatically increases the risk of transmission in not only our

McDonough, former Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama and current professor of the practice of public policy at the Keough School.

McDonough said he helped Fitzgerald access Yemen to help him create the documentary, and this summer Fitzgerald contacted him to let him know it was complete.

McDonough asked if he could show the documentary to students because he is co-teaching a course in the Keough School about topics covered in the film. “[The course is] about conflict migration and climate change, and so [the Yemeni conflict is] not only the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, but it’s also something that’s very topical with the curriculum in our class,” McDonough said.

The event was available

to students by invite-only, specifically for those interested in the crisis in Yemen, McDonough said.

The discussion featured panelists Rahul Oka, research associate professor of global affairs and anthropology at the Keough School, and Nazanin Ash, vice president of global policy and advocacy of the International Rescue Committee, in addition to Fitzgerald and McDonough.

Following an overview of the conflict and remarks by McDonough, each panelist had the opportunity to comment.

Fitzgerald said, when he first began filming, he made a commitment to himself to bear witness and not shy away from showing what he found.

The film showed footage of children dying of

campus community, but in our broader community off-campus.

Part of the increases that the Notre Dame community is feeling come from a broader surge outside of our campus. Fox said he attributes a lot of this community surge in St. Joseph County to Indiana’s move to stage five of reopening and general pandemic fatigue.

“I’m concerned that the transition to stage five, psychologically, has sent a message that things must be better, because of the increasing activity in the community,” Fox said. “There’s just general pandemic fatigue.

But I think that message of ‘We’re moving forward,’ probably has given people a false sense of confidence that, ‘Oh, we don’t have to be as strict with all these mitigation strategies.’ And I think that has been detrimental.”

Along with general community spread, a big increase has been seen in the number of nursing homes affected with COVID-19.

From just 520 infected residents in St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall and LaPorte counties over the first 20 weeks of the pandemic, now there have been 468 nursing home residents affected with COVID-19 in these counties over the last seven weeks.

Sr. Linda Kors, the long termcare ombudsman for St. Joseph and other surrounding counties, said that the increase in COVID-19 infections in nursing homes was “bound to happen.”

Kors mentioned that the way the COVID-19 cases spread throughout the nursing homes was due to chance and that the nursing homes were taking all the precautions they could, including surveillance testing of staff and residents and screening visitors.

Fox said that he believes that the nursing homes struggle with COVID-19 because of a lack of testing and the general layout of the facilities.

“I don’t know that many nursing homes are able to test frequently enough,” Fox said.

“They don’t have the same sophistication in terms of infection prevention and control. And frankly, one factor is even the layout of a given facility can impact the how effectively you can cohort certain patients. If you have a group of COVID patients, can you separate them out from the general population in a way that protects people?”

Kors also explained that sometimes COVID-19 is hard to catch in these settings because of the breadth of symptoms and signs that have been identified. “[The nursing homes are] just continuing to do what they do, and really making sure that they notice any change that anybody complains about, because this disease has changed over the months at first with only about five or six symptoms and now there’s about 15,” Kors said.

Fox said that overall, the way to keep both Notre Dame campus spread and broader community transmission under control is to continue to uphold stringent mitigation methods, especially with the upcoming winter months and family holidays.

“I think that the Notre Dame experience is really instructive, because it shows that you can get a pretty significant outbreak under control quickly and maintain it if people are following all this guidance,” Fox explained.

“I think if people in the community made, you know, even a fraction more effort in terms of not gathering in large groups outside their household, being consistent about wearing their mask appropriately and maintaining physical distance, those measures will have a demonstrable impact.”

Contact Isabella Laufenberg at ilaufenb@nd.edu

malnutrition, their parents wailing upon hearing the news.

It also presented the firsthand account of innocent Yemeni civilians hiding inside a building as missiles struck the city before their eyes. The attack was launched

by Saudi Arabia, who purchased the missiles from an American company and received operational aid from the U.S. McDonough, in response to Fitzgerald’s inquiries on the strikes, said the way we correct a mistake like that is by using our leverage as the U.S. to resolve the conflict diplomatically.

“Malnutrition is one of those outcomes of civil conflict and other forms of conflict, very often not because there is not food in the country but because in the country they are commandeered by … different

Testing Continued from page 1

deactivated,” she said.

Before the end of the semester, students will also be scheduled for exit testing in order to protect family, friends and home communities where students will spend the winter session.

Hoffmann Harding said students are only exempt from

Senate Continued from page 3

constitution,” Davis said.

The senate voted in opposition to the order with 27 senators voting against it.

The final discussion of the meeting was about P2021-02, a petitioned resolution calling for the implementation of an optional pass/no-credit grading system for the 2020 fall semester.

The petition for the optional pass/no-credit grading system was circulated over the past several days and received 1,364 signatures, according to senior and Judicial Council president Matthew Bisner. The only dissent vocalized during the meeting

fighting factions, and so on and so forth, who use the food as a political weapon,” Oka said in an interview before the event.

“Hunger Ward“ is the third movie in the trilogy on humanitarian crises of our time made

by Fitzgerald and his team.

The first movie, “50 Feet from Syria,“ focuses on the civilian impact of the Syrian conflict.

The second, “LIFEBOAT,“ is centered around the refugee crisis from Libya.

“The goal of the screening and of the panel discussion is to just call attention to the suffering in Yemen, for precisely the reason that the U.N. said, which is it is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis,” McDonough said. “And we think that it … demands people’s attention.”

Contact Megan Fahrney at mfahrney@nd.edu

testing if they tested positive for COVID-19 within the last three months, are currently in quarantine or are a student-athlete.

“Surveillance testing is simple and only takes a few minutes, and is a critical way for us to keep our campus healthy,” Hoffmann Harding said. “Please know of our continued prayers for our campus community and your well-being and safety in these last few weeks of the semester.”

was that the optional grading system would “water down” a Notre Dame degree. However, co-sponsor senior Michael Dugan responded by saying that universities such as USC, MIT and Stanford have already implemented grading systems to accommodate difficulties students are facing while learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Editor’s Note: Dugan is a former News Writer and Systems Administrator for The Observer.)

After discussion, the petition passed as 30 senators voted in favor of the order, while four voters opposed it and one senator abstained.

Contact Ryan Peters at rpeters5@nd.edu

News

Protest Continued from page 1

presidential election.

“We spontaneously said, ‘You know what, at Notre Dame people usually say they want to demonstrate, but they usually don’t. So we’re just going to put it together ourselves,’” Heilman said.

Heilman and Dudrick looked into applying to officially plan a demonstration, and organized a meeting with Campus Safety and University Operations.

From there, Heilman said the process was easy — he got approval from Campus Safety, created a GroupMe group chat filled with like-minded people and the event was scheduled.

“I reached out to a bunch of different people, and we formed an Instagram account.

It’s totally a grassroots movement,” Heilman said. “I definitely am one of the people who took the step to organize it, but it’s become so much more than that. We have so many people who are involved in doing things both small and large.”

Prior to the start of the event, volunteers with clipboards walked around with a QR code to join a group of peers interested in activism, and other students passed out condoms, flyers and signs.

As more participants showed up — most wearing pink or white as a message of support — Heilman started the demonstration before four other student speakers.

“Many have asked the question, ‘Why are we here?’” Heilman said. “The

Support Continued from page 1

and then made their way towards Hesburgh Library, chanting “ACB, USA!” as they walked.

The event finished at 6:15 p.m. with a prayer at the Grotto.

Reminiscent of the contentiousness that surrounded the replacement of former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the two groups participating in Thursday’s events — one in support of Coney Barrett and the other in opposition — clashed at Library Lawn.

The cluster of pro-Coney Barrett students initially lined up behind the platform facing the protesters. They were asked to back off to the other side of the ref lective pool by Notre Dame Police Department officials because they lacked permission to gather at that space, Sergeant Derrick Chambliss said.

Freshman Aiden Robertson, who participated in the congratulatory gathering, said the encounter between both groups was nevertheless peaceful.

“As much as I didn’t really appreciate the fact that we were led away even though we were

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, October 30, 2020 | The Observer

5

confirmation vote for Justice Amy Coney Barrett went through this past Monday, and according to some, ‘There is nothing we can do about it at this point.’ Does that mean we should still stay silent? Silent about what we consider to be an illegitimate approval process, a political shame pushed through the senate when there are six million more people in poverty for who another stimulus check would mean whether or not they could pay for their utilities? And yet that did not go through.”

Heilman went on to question Barrett’s record of not supporting marginalized communities and groups. He then turned to Jenkins’ support for Barrett’s nomination, and his statement on behalf of the student body, and reminded participants to social distance and follow COVID-19 guidelines.

“Fr. Jenkins’ outright endorsement of Justice Barrett and her legal history ignores our fears, our perspectives and our rights,” he said.

Anjali Pellegrin, a Notre Dame freshman, then went on the Acousticafe stage to start her speech touching on Catholic social teaching.

Pellegrin began her speech warning protesters that the counter-protest in support of Barrett was moving from their designated spot by the law school to walk by their protest.

She reminded protesters that they should not engage with the other side, and remain peaceful.

“We will not be the people on the wrong side of this protest, we will not instigate and we will not let this story be

turned against us,” Pellegrin yelled into her megaphone.

However, as Pellegrin began her speech about Barrett’s violation of Catholic social teachings, the pro-Barrett rally began to walk by.

Through shouts of, “ACB, U.S.A.,” Pellegrin attempted to continue before eventually pausing to wait out the chants, before deciding to start chants of her own.

Pellegrin began a chant of “ACB, not for me!” and “This is what democracy looks like!” while the pro-Barrett demonstration stood directly behind the stage in front of the reflecting pool.

Security, later confirming the pro-ACB protesters did not have permission to hold their demonstration, directed the counter-protest away from library lawn. Standing further back, the organizers played the “Star Spangled Banner,” and eventually scattered.

Once Pellegrin was able to continue, she dissected Barrett’s views on “family views,” and provided examples of instances in which Barrett decided in court cases that went against marginalized families.

“Where was openness to life when Amy Coney Barrett sided with police officers 11 out of 12 cases of excessive force? She granted qualified immunity in all but one case that she sided in,” she said.

“Because we were begging for openness to life when we were in the streets, when I was protesting in New Orleans, when we were pleading for justice for their murdered brothers and sisters … So where was Amy Coney Barrett when she

was sitting on that bench?

“This is more than one issue, this is everything that matters.”

Next, senior Aiden Summers spoke about the impact of Barrett’s confirmation on the LGBTQ community. Summers said he was immediately worried upon hearing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s death.

“I was worried that I could, God forbid, get in some sort of accident somewhere, and when I’m taken to the ER that the doctor could turn me away and let me die because I am trans,” he said. “That’s ridiculous, and an administration that says that’s okay, and that they’re pro-life … That’s not us. Fr. Jenkins can not speak for us. I knew that he was not on our side already, but this level of disregard for people’s lives … It’s saying people like us don’t belong at Notre Dame.”

Senior Odalis Gonzalez took the stage next. She primarily discussed Barrett’s record on immigration, and the immigrant community’s rights in America.

“ACB calls herself Catholic, but her actions do not support that,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez went on to discuss how, in her eyes, Barrett does not follow the Catholic social teachings.

Finally, Dudrick took the stage to close out the demonstration. She criticized Republicans leaders for pushing a justice confirmation through right before an election.

“The Republican party is attempting to push a hyperconservative justice through the nomination process

because they know that after Nov. 3 they’ll lose their ability to do so,” Dudrick said. “This isn’t right and it isn’t fair and it isn’t representative of the American people … we won’t stand for the breakdown of democracy that’s happening right in front of our eyes. It’s certainly not okay that our University not only allows it to happen, but actively encourages it.”

Ely Rodriguez, a sophomore, said she identifies with many of the communities she feels Barrett has beliefs against.

“As a Catholic daughter of immigrant parents, and a queer person, it’s crazy that someone who is of the Notre Dame community and is Catholic can be so hurtful to my future,” she said. “It breaks my heart, but it helps me to realize there are other people on campus who feel this way.”

Jada Wood, a sophomore, said she felt like it was important to speak her mind and attend the protest.

“Especially in this political climate and with the election days away, we’ve had enough waiting and there are people counting on us to speak up for them and I think it’s a really important thing to talk about … the fact that we’re here at Notre Dame and she keeps mentioning us and playing our fight song at the White House,” she said. “It’s really our call to action to say we don’t stand for the same things she stands for in the name of Catholicism and it’s important to spread love and community in this time.”

still on the other side of the metal fence, I think that it’s still really respectable that they have some show of force to make sure that everything stayed safe,” he said.

Robertson said he disagreed with the scorn Coney Barrett had received from some members of the Notre Dame community, as her confirmation deserved recognition.

“I think people definitely have a very valid reason to not want something like that based on their own political leanings, but to show such disrespect for someone, especially someone that’s really their own,” Robertson said. “We should just respect the fact that even if you don’t like what she stands for, this is a really respectable position that she’s now been promoted to.”

Second-year law student Bridget Bush echoed Robertson in stating that Coney Barrett’s confirmation represented an achievement for the university.

“It’s a huge honor for the University of Notre Dame, especially the law school, and I’m here to express my support for her and for the conservative values that she represents

— the rule of law, originalism textualism and Notre Dame spirit,” Bush said.

Even though many have expressed concerns over the new Justice’s conservative values, especially in regards to women’s rights and reproductive health, Bush said there was “no better model of feminism” than Coney Barrett.

“She’s a mother of seven.

She’s a wife. She was first in her class at the University of Notre Dame law school,” Bush said.

“She was in private practice.

She’s been an exceptional judge on the federal court. And I don’t know how much more successful but women you can find the Justice Barrett.”

Similarly to Bush, freshman Marlot Shorey cited Coney Barrett as a role model for women.

“There’s a lot of talk in this day and age that having a baby is something that takes away from what your life can be, which is ridiculous, because as ACB shows, being a mother is one of the most like impressive things you can do, and that’s what we were made for,” Shorey said.

Though most of the participants said they were

Republican, third year law student, Allie Howell, said she did not consider herself conservative. Rather, her motivation to attend the event was to support her former professor, Howell said.

“I had the privilege of having now Justice Barrett in class for half of the semester, and I just had a wonderful time in the class and can’t speak highly enough of her as a professor,” Howell said. “She taught everyone the importance of respectful dialogue in classes, and I learned a lot from just having really good conversations with people that thought about statutory interpretation differently than I did.”

Despite holding different views than Barrett, Howell said that the Notre Dame professor would not allow her political beliefs to encumber her practice.

“I do not think the judiciary is inherently political,” Howell said. “I think it’s been politicized, but I think Justice Barrett will faithfully apply the law as is the duty of a judge, and she’s not a political appointee.”

In the midst of a time marked by political polarization, as shown throughout Thursday’s events, Shorey said both sides

of the political spectrum had to learn to both respect and listen to one another.

“I think people need to take a step back and think about the perspective that they have, and where they come from, and really think about listening rather than just fighting,” Shorey said.

“All we want to do is scream back at each other rather than listening to the other side and thinking about how everyone has different beliefs and values. That’s something that Notre Dame used to stand for, and we’re kind of failing in that front right now.”

With differences across the political spectrum becoming more salient, to achieve a democratic future, freshman Taylor Batilo had a plea for the Notre Dame community: “Vote.”

“I hope no matter what political ideology that you align yourself with, I hope you go out and vote,” Batilo said. “I hope you support American democracy and American ideals, and I hope we show support for whatever candidate you think is the best for our nation.”

Contact Mariah Rush at mrush@nd.edu

Contact Maria Luisa Paul at mpaulrangel@nd.edu

6

The observer | Friday, OCtober 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Video didn’t kill the radio star

What can Trump give you that Amy Coney Barrett can’t?

Willoughby Thom Scene Writer

The way in which we listen to music has changed dramatically.

It has developed from a physical, tangible experience into one based on accessibility and convenience.

With the streaming revolution, people have ignored the act of listening to music and focused on music’s accessibility. We have become so accustomed to pushing a button and letting an algorithm choose the music; we have succumbed to modern mindlessness through the act of clicking a virtual button and listening without deep consideration of who or what we want to listen to.

This accessibility has proven our disconnection with not only music but also with our present, yet we still strive to reclaim what we once had in the past.

Spotify, one of the most popular streaming services, is an influential platform. It suggests new bands for you based on your listening history, promotes top artists who you may be interested in and creates playlists that are only made of popular songs. Indeed, Spotify makes listening to music easier, but the push of a digital button is an example of the lack of intentionality with music today. The physical flipping of the record to the next side or rolling back the tape creates a physical connection with something that is intangible. Streaming is simply enhancing the unreal.

However, even with our habitual use of music streaming services, society still wants to hold onto the past. People have been collecting records, tapes and CDs with passion, and they take pride in their collections — I am one of those people. Records, preferably, force listeners to experience music. I believe records are the only way music should be listened to, other than live music, because it unifies the mind and body. Vinyl makes the listener experience the album in its entirety and in the order it was intended to be listened to, and it requires individuals to consciously flip to the next side. The act of hearing each song (even if you don’t like each song) and physically interacting with music creates an emotional and spiritual attachment, which is lost through streaming. It also provides a tangible, visual experience by providing record holders with pieces of art: the cover, the sleeve and the record itself.

Despite letting the algorithm take hold of our subconscious, society has somehow preserved radio. I would consider radio broadcasting a somewhat archaic form of media considering it’s not personalized or directly tailored to one’s likes and dislikes, leaving the choices up to the person behind the microphone. Yet, even with humanity’s fleeting attention and constant desire to be removed from the present, we have been able to preserve live radio broadcasting.

With all these considerations, sophomore Owen Gannon and I try to promote these ideas in our radio show MAX & NIGEL on Notre Dame’s premier student radio station WVFI. My co-host and I strive to preserve and foster the spirit of old-school radio while using modern-day technology to share our passion for music with our listeners. Our goal is to pay homage to our favorite DJs of the past and create a new appreciation for music through broadcasting music solely from vinyl.

Instead of sitting in the studio on our computers with a curated Spotify playlist, our show is spontaneous and purely authentic.

It’s a challenge — we can see why humanity would want music to be more readily accessibly — but this challenge of dropping the needle in the right location, timing transitions between turntables and making sure we have enough songs to fill an hour has forced us to be intentional with the music in which we play.

Most importantly, our constant interaction with the records has sparked a deeper appreciation for the music we love and has developed a unique experience that allows us to be fully present in the moment with not only each other but also with the music we love. We hope through MAX & NIGEL we can inspire people to develop a deeper connection to music, promote a greater experience with music, encourage listeners to not be afraid to mix genres and to reach beyond the mainstream music that controls the air-waves today.

To learn more about MAX & NIGEL check out www.maxandnigel.com and on Instagram @maxnigelzine Tune in every Friday 2-3 p.m. EST on wvfi.nd.edu You can contact Willoughby at wthom@nd.edu The views expressed in this Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Clark Bowden Snowflake Standpoint

On Monday night, the United States Senate proved just how fast the legislative body in America can move when they have enough political motivation to do so, as it confirmed judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. One might catch themselves wondering where such expediency could be found when delivering a coronavirus relief package or assistance to the devastating wildfires in California, but such a quandary would only lead to a headache the size of Mount Rushmore. With the Senate adjourned, University President Fr. John Jenkins sent out a congratulatory note to Barrett, and the Notre Dame Victory March was played on the White House lawn. As the final notes of our fight song rang out, a sense of peace settled in the air. The fight was over.

The battle over the Supreme Court had been won.

The true irony of this moment is that Republican leaders across the country are ringing alarm bells claiming that Democrats might try to pack the court if they gain control of the legislature. To be clear, with the confirmation of Barrett, the Supreme Court has now been successfully packed by … checks notes … the Republicans. That’s like a bank robber calling the police on their way out the door with duffle bags of money in their hands because they’re worried someone might try to rob the bank. It makes no sense. President Donald Trump, with his majority in the Senate, put three conservative judges on the court. All three of these judges were appointed by a president who lost the popular vote by almost three million votes, and then confirmed by Republican senators who represent 15 million fewer Americans than their Democratic counterparts. This last-ditch power grab is just the most recent action of a dying GOP. If you feel the need to rush through a confirmation of a conservative justice eight days before an election because you are so afraid that your party is going to be wiped out by democracy, then something has clearly gone wrong. But, credit where credit is due, the Republicans orchestrated this masterfully and stacked the Supreme Court to their liking.

Conservatives now control six seats compared to the liberals’ three, and with it, they now control the destiny of some of their most prized issues. You want to rip healthcare away from 22 million Americans by getting rid of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? No problem, send it to the courts. You want to federalize a state’s right to control a woman’s body and the dignity of her reproductive choices? Too easy; send it to the courts. You want to revoke the rights and the pursuit of happiness from the LGTBQ+ community?

Done; send it to the courts. Yeah, sure those pesky liberals will keep trying to defend the health, dignity and freedom of those who have become disenfranchised by Republican lawmakers, but who cares?

You have the courts, and the law is the law. The fight is over. You won.

So let me now ask you this: What can Donald Trump give you that you don’t already have?

According to a 2012 Gallup Poll, roughly one in six

Americans are single-issue voters when it comes to abortion. Fine. While I disagree with the philosophy of being a single-issue voter, I sincerely respect your devotion to an issue (although I do not respect your crusade to control women’s bodies and reproductive rights). That being said, the Executive Branch has absolutely no control over abortion policies — that power falls to the courts. But good news! You now have the Supreme Court. So, let me repeat my original question: What can Donald Trump give you that you don’t already have?

Maybe you care deeply about healthcare and feel that the entire system should be private and that the Affordable Care Act must be abolished. While I wholeheartedly disagree with you, you now hold the upper hand in this contest. Donald Trump and a Republican legislature proved incapable of repealing the ACA because its constitutionality continued to be held up by the courts by razor-thin margins. The numbers on that court have now shifted, and finally, you can repeal the law. I pray that congress moves swiftly and the President signs a new bill to replace the ACA, but hey, even if they don’t, at least you got rid of one more thing that had Barack Obama’s name on it, right? So, right now, the fate of healthcare is now up to the Supreme Court, which conservatives control, so tell me what exactly can Donald Trump give you that you don’t already have?

Perhaps you are a staunch believer that members of the LGBTQ+ community should not have the same rights or pursuit of happiness under the law as straight people. You might continue to believe that marriage can only be between one man and one woman, even though Pope Francis has now said that there should be civil unions between same-sex couples. On top of that, you might think the whole separation of church and state thing is overrated anyway, so you want to disallow people to get married unless they are heterosexuals. To this belief, I personally have no words to describe my visceral disagreement, but again, you find yourself in the driver’s seat of the issue. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, emboldened by the new makeup of the court, came out of the woodwork to announce the hopes of overturning the 2015 decision Obergefell v. Hodges which, under the 14th amendment, gave same-sex couples the right to marry. Again, the Executive has no control over this issue; it falls to the Supreme Court.

You already know the question I’m about to ask you, but I’m going to do it again anyway: What can Donald Trump give you that you do not already have?

Clark Bowden is a senior political science major. When he’s not sleeping through his alarm or reminding people that he studied abroad, he can be found in heated political debates or watching the Washington Nationals play baseball. He can be reached at cbowden@nd.edu or @BowdenClark on Twitter.

The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Follow us on Twitter: @ObserverViewpnt

7

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Can we live without human contact?

Krista Lourdes Akiki Inquisitor of the Unconventional

I don’t know about you, but I really miss hugging people when I greet them. When I’m having a tough day or I’m feeling overwhelmed, a tight hug has always made me feel better. During the pandemic, I, among many others, I presume, have noticed a strangely stealthy gaping absence in our lives: human touch. From leaning into a friend as you howl with laughter to holding hands or hugging friends to shaking hands with a new acquaintance, human touch has been immensely restricted as we try to adhere to the rules and protocols of the CCD. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and one of the leading experts in the fight against COVID-19 in the U.S., told the Wall Street Journal podcast that he doesn’t think Americans should ever shake hands again. Customs like shaking hands and hugging may be changed forever. The shift in how we physically connect is apparent and will prevail for a long time as our communities struggle to reintroduce in-person interactions without putting anyone’s physical or mental health in jeopardy.

“I think we might be afraid for a while and that’s okay,” Paul Zak, a professor of economics, psychology and management at Claremont Graduate University, said. “Everyone’s not going to return to baseline at the same rate and some people maybe never will and that’s also okay. Everybody should be open to people

being a little more socially distant and not touching as much. Some of it will return and some of it won’t.”

How does this translate in our lives as we struggle to balance literal survival with all the things that make surviving worthwhile?

The New York Times’ research for “What All That Touch Deprivation Is Doing to Us” reveals that when asked what specific touch they missed, the people interviewed mostly answered one thing: “Hugs.”

“Touch is not experienced as a single physical modality, as sensation, but effectively, as emotion,” anthropologist Ashley Montagu claims. Dr. Tiffany Field seemingly agrees with this idea and even calls touch “the mother of all senses.” In her book, “Touch,” she argues that “touch is ten times stronger than verbal or emotional contact, and it affects damned near everything we do. No other sense can arouse you like touch.”

According to Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, a lack of physical touch can affect people in more ways than they might realize. “Touch is the fundamental language of connection,” Keltner said. “When you think about a parent-child bond or two friends or romantic partners, a lot of the ways in which we connect and trust and collaborate are founded in touch.”

Building off of that, it becomes clear that human touch and connectedness play a vital role in improving our mental and physical health. The emotional support provided by social connections can foster a sense of meaning and purpose as well as alleviate stress and anxiety. “This connectedness generates a

positive loop of social, emotional and physical wellbeing,” Dr. Emma Seppala of Stanford Medicine said.

“Big parts of our brains are devoted to making sense of touch and our skin has billions of cells that process information about it,” Keltner said. “The right type of friendly touch — like hugging your partner or linking arms with a dear friend — calms your stress response down. [Positive] touch activates a big bundle of nerves in your body that improves your immune system and helps you sleep well. It also activates parts of your brain that help you empathize.”

As these challenging times test our limits and throw hurdles in our way, it becomes critical to lean on one another and capitalize on the power of community.

Moreover, it is also important that these challenges don’t stray us away from one another all the way into solitude. Social connectedness and human touch will look very different from now on, but with more restrictions and with tougher boundaries we now have to improvise and get creative because no matter what, we all need that tight hug on tough days. No matter what, we need each other — now more than ever.

Krista Akiki is a sophomore at Notre Dame majoring in business analytics. Coming from Beirut, Lebanon, she always enjoys trying out new things and is an avid travel-lover. She hopes to take her readers on her journey as she navigates college life and stands up for the issues she believes. She can be reached at kakiki@nd.edu or via Twitter @kristalourdesakiki The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

We take nothing with us Trevor Lwere On the Other Hand

Death is a brutal reminder of our mortality. Renown economist John Maynard Keynes said that “in the long run, we are all dead.” Unlike Keynes who used the inevitability of death to advocate a greater role for government intervention in the economy, I would like to employ the inevitability of death for a different purpose: a call to justice.

Death reminds us of our temporality here on earth, and our temporality should remind us that there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to make having a good time here on earth a preserve for a few and deny others a chance to “be at home” in the world. It is a truism that when we die, we take nothing with us; then why are we so obsessively and easily predisposed to primitive accumulation here on earth, especially at the expense of others who, like us, are here but for a limited time?

Amongst its many consequences, the ongoing global health crisis has afforded us the opportunity to pause and confront, rather directly, the deep-seated injustices in our world today, among these: racism. Racism denies non-white people a chance to “be at home in the world.” Whiteness as a standard, or white supremacy, seeks to universalize the Eurocentric way as the only way of “being” in the world. This standard is upheld through cultural imperialism, the threat of military destruction, economic dependence and political manipulation. To be non-white, therefore, becomes an illegitimate way of “being” in the world, punishable by dehumanization and death through subjugation, discrimination, destruction and all manner of exploitation. But if we are to take nothing with us when we die, then why delimit the earthly experience of others through racial oppression?

In the struggle against racial oppression, Black people are asking for the very least: to be allowed to “be at home” in the world without any compulsion to conform to some arbitrary standard. All Black people are saying is that “being” Black in the world, “being” in the world in a “non-white” way, should not attract death and dehumanization. Unfortunately, some people

have misconstrued the struggle against racial oppression to be a call for the death of white people. That is mere distortion. The struggle against racial oppression simply condemns white supremacy as evil and does not at all mean that white people deserve death. It is a struggle against sin, not the sinner. This idea is perhaps best expressed by anti-apartheid struggle icon, Nelson Mandela.

While speaking at the Rivonia trial in June 1964 before his sentencing to life in prison for fighting against apartheid in South Africa, Nelson Mandela said: “During my lifetime I have dedicated my life to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against Black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal for which I hope to live for and to see realized. But, my Lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Mandela expressed the simple idea that the struggle against racial oppression is about hating the sin and not the sinner. This struggle is motivated not by vengeance against white people, not by the desire to bring about “Black Supremacy” but the desire to bring about “a [truly] democratic society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” That is to say that this struggle is resolutely opposed to white domination, yet, it is not about vengeance; such would be self-contradiction. Black people know oppression all too well to wish it on anybody else.

In fighting against racial oppression, Black people are simply seeking to “be at home” in the world as they best know how.

Indeed, like Mandela, the ideal of “a democratic society in which all persons live in harmony” is one that those of us fighting against racial oppression and imperialism “hope to live for and see realized.” Yet, as Mandela says, “if needs be, it is an ideal for which [we are] prepared to die.” If our way of “being” in the world is to be deemed illegitimate, then living is as good as being dead. If we have to mute our souls just to stay alive in the world, then death becomes freedom for us.

After all, living illegitimately and in subjugation is no

more different than dying and exiting the world with nothing. Therefore, to borrow that famous revolutionary maxim, for Black people in the United States and all over the world, it is “liberty or death.”

Death is a brutal reminder of our mortality. And if it is a reminder of our temporality here on earth, I pray that death also reminds us that when we die, we do not take anything with us. Therefore, there should be absolutely no reason whatsoever to make having a good time here on earth a preserve for a few and deny others a chance to “be at home” in the world. Black people do not seek vengeance against white people. We hate the sin of subjugation, but we do not hate the sinner who has subjugated us. We know too much about subjugation to wish it on anyone. All that Black people seek through the struggle against racial oppression: a chance to “be at home” in the world as we best know how.

Trevor Lwere is a junior at Notre Dame majoring in economics, with a PPE minor. He hails from Kampala, Uganda, and lives off campus. He is a dee-jay in his other life and can be reached at tlwere@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.

KERRY SCHNEEMAN | The Observer

8

The observer | friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

We mourn together Our community has experienced an unbelievable loss in the deaths of first year students Valeria Espinel and Olivia Laura Rojas, two young women who had just begun their time at Notre Dame. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Espinel and Rojas families, as well as the Badin Hall and Cavanaugh Hall communities. We also send wishes of a swift and full recovery to sophomore Eduardo Jose Elias Calderon.

We especially want to reach out to the class of 2024 and those who knew Valeria and Olivia as classmates, roommates and friends. Freshman year is a time of massive transition; people walk in and out of your life as you navigate the corridors of college. Some stick around and become your lifelong friends, and others fade out to become fond, distant memories. It’s a strange but beautiful way to build relationships and all part of the first-year experience.

Having a close friend for a few short months and

losing them abruptly is a confusing type of pain. And for a first-year class enduring one of the most tumultuous fall semesters on record, there is a sense of impermanence clouding every experience. These feelings are compounded by the uncertainty surrounding Saturday morning’s accident, offering more questions than answers to those searching for meaning in all of this.

Fr. Joe Corpora spoke to this confusion, the weight of pain and loss that is too heavy to bear without support.

“It is too much, too sad, too tragic, too big for us to accept and understand what has happened,” he said at the prayer service held for Valeria, Olivia and Eduardo. “I wish that I could say some words to you that would make everything better. But there are not.”

Know that you are not alone in these feelings. There are resources available and an entire community standing beside you.

Notre Dame’s University Counseling Center (574-631-7336) is open 24 hours a day, and Campus Ministry (574-631-7800) also offers support. At

Saint Mary’s, you can reach out to the Health and Counseling Center (574-284-4805). Holy Cross also offers counseling services (574-239-8383).

Outside of these resources, there are others who will provide support, comfort and a space to grieve.

Talk to your friends, professors and mentors. Let them know if you need to press pause on normal life for a moment, and offer them the same opportunity. We are quickly approaching the end of this semester, but everyone should feel free to slow down and recognize this loss.

There is nothing that can be said to make this tragedy better or make it make sense. All we can do right now is come together and lean on each other as the tri-campus community has always done in times of great tragedy.

Hundreds of candles lit the Grotto from within Saturday, each flickering flame representing another person lifting up thoughts and prayers for the three students impacted by this accident.

Our community will remember Valeria and Olivia fondly, but we will not let them fade.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

To whom it may concern: our concern I am writing to make an appeal on behalf of the student body for our well-being in great concern for our health.

I believe I need not mention the uncertainty of this semester and how the pandemic has affected all of our lives in ways we previously could not possibly fathom. We are reminded of the pandemic’s insurmountable effects through the record-breaking statistics on contamination and deaths; the sobering reminder that the coming months will not return us to what we called “normal” but further from it, lingers. Even more, we are reminded in our daily lives that the normal college experience has ceased to exist.

As the Notre Dame community, we have made valiant sacrifices and adapted to stay HERE. As much as we are grateful for the opportunity to come together, the necessary changes to the semester, campus and life have come at the expense of our well-being. Administrative efforts should thus adapt with the student body to meet our new needs. This involves creating a structured plan to reduce current burnout prior to the finals week, as well as creating an option for pass-fail grading for the semester.

A recent email from Provost Miranda to faculty addressed what the students have been feeling since August 10th — “In a recent survey by the McDonald Center for Student Well-Being, over 50% of Notre Dame students fall into the category of serious distress.”

Firstly, it is disappointing that we, those surveyed, did not receive direct communication about these results nor were we consulted about possible changes to help address this mental health epidemic on our campus.

While the informal requests made to professors to lighten the coursework are commendable, they are insufficient to address the extent of this grave issue.

Furthermore, many professors have not made any changes to the class structure or expectations.

Relatedly, the initiative of Restoration Week did not decrease student distress. From my own experience and that of my peers, with no changes in academic requirements during that time, many could not attend the “relaxation activities” and it did not feel like a week different from that of midterms. In fact, many of my peers were not even aware that it was Restoration Week.

Furthermore, many of the students are concerned about the impact of the pandemic in their personal or familial lives, which in turn, impacts their well-being and academic performance. This includes travel bans, worry over importing the virus home and fear over family members in at-risk groups. I speak from experience when I speak of significantly heightened anxiety over a family member being hospitalized in a foreign country with COVID-19.

We fully understand that having a traditional fall break

would introduce significant risk to our community. As noted, things have indeed significantly changed this semester.

A solution that could have been discussed — and can still be discussed — is having a period of three or four weekdays in which students are still expected to attend classes, but are not assigned homework or examinations.

This would allow for those who have fallen behind due to the pandemic’s mental health implications to catch up on their work and rest prior to the last round of midterms and finals. It would also impede travel.

In a letter from the Office of the Provost in the spring semester of 2020, Jolene Bilinski said that “due to significant alterations to the manner in which classes were taught and course content delivered in this distance learning environment, the University understood that the grading mechanisms utilized by faculty would, for many students, no longer measure or reflect their knowledge of or familiarity with the course content as much as the level of disruption they experienced.”

While we have had access to in-person classes this semester, their structure has been significantly different from that of previous years, where the traditional model of grading was a good reflection of a student’s mastery of the content delivered.

There is, furthermore, a disproportionate ratio of inperson versus remote classes between different grade levels, colleges and majors, in which certain groups of students receive more face-to-face instruction. This discrepancy impedes equitable teaching and grading conditions which would otherwise make the established grading policy a fair assessment for all undergraduates.

Furthermore, some students did not knowingly sign up to take certain classes online, but upon arrival on campus discovered that all in-person sections for the same course were full. This is especially complicated — during the online spring semester, students were able to discover what format bests suited their learning for each subject.

However, despite section-by-section differences in course delivery within the same course, testing expectations have remained the same. If equality in a class’ instruction cannot be guaranteed even within individual sections, how can grading possibly be just across all credits under the existing grading policy?

Divergences in instruction throughout the University, coupled with the new course delivery methods, reflect, as stated in the quote above, how traditional grading cannot accurately assess a student’s knowledge of the given material.

In regard to the grading policy, it should also be noted that the interruption to teaching, which occurred at the beginning of the semester, along with the quarantine

of 10.42% of the undergraduate population, as one in 10 students have tested positive for coronavirus. (This is based only on positive undergraduate cases as of October 26, and does not include students quarantined as a precautionary measure). These numbers have caused great disruptions in learning, consequently affecting student academic outcomes.

As petitioned by the student body, the desire is not to make pass-fail compulsory to all students. Rather, the goal is to make it an option for those who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic knowing that the traditional grading policies, as established in the handbook, no longer serve as a true reflection of their mastery of course content. On the transcript, the University would note that each student was given the option to declare pass-fail, leaving it up to each student to justify their individual needs and reasons for choosing that system.

Given the current pandemic, graduate schools and employers will also need to adapt as many other top tier schools have declared pass-fail options for students. Thus, the pass-fail system will not put Notre Dame students at a disadvantage. They expect changes in grading systems and teaching mediums. This is especially true given there is no single instruction or grading model at the moment in the United States to set a standard for candidate comparison. There are only different adaptations of the teaching and grading systems.

Let us not forget the meaning behind our education in this institution as provided by Blessed Basil Moreau: “We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.”

During these extremely challenging times, to educate the heart and spirit, adaptations to the traditional instruction model and grading policy must be made. We cannot catalyze change through instruction alone.

Mind, body, zeal, family and hope. The pillars of Christian education have never been more relevant to the Notre Dame family than during this crisis.

Notre Dame is truly making history this semester, but let us go further.

Let us not only write the greatest comeback in our University’s history, but a story of compassion, unity and understanding.

Let us serve as global leaders in demonstrating that by choosing to care for our community and its well-being rather than upholding unattainable grading goals, we are stronger and can inspire greater change.

Gabriela Queiroz Miranda sophomore Oct. 27

9

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

By COLLEEN FISCHER Scene Writer

Last year, the Notre Dame music scene was defined by sweaty, damp basements and crowded backyards — bodies slammed together in spontaneous mosh pits as students blared rock, indie and punk music from their instruments.

As students came back under new circumstances this semester, they wanted to recreate this student-centered space in a safe way. Senior and WVFI station manager Sophia Henn seeks to create just that with the WVFI Spookyfest on Friday.

“The best of my college experience has been just going to a bunch of student shows, and we knew that we wouldn’t have that this semester,” she said. “But we wanted to give freshmen and students who didn’t have the opportunity to go to those things the opportunity to see what that was like.”

With music comes community. The community that was built through house shows the last couple of years was suffering while looking for a place to play, meet and welcome in new people.

“We really wanted to have space where people on campus could play together ... They really don’t have a place to play unless its AcoustiCafe, but they can get booked so quickly,” Henn said. “We want something student-organized, with student performers. We

By LEXI KILCOIN Scene Writer

From wearing masks to virtual “Bachelorette” watch parties to Zoom University to the HERE™ campaigns flooding Notre Dame’s campus, COVID-19 has impacted students’ lives significantly.

Entertainment has not gone anywhere, though. It might look a little different, but it manages to find its way to audiences.

Live theater is coming back as well, as the student-run Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Co. (NSR) has stepped off of the thin ice of uncertainty and is performing the first in-person act on Notre Dame’s campus since the spring semester with “Julius Caesar.”

Get ready for tension, manipulation, comic relief and action as Brutus and his conspirators take down the narcissistic dictator Julius Caesar. With a variety of intriguing characters like Marc Antony, Cassius and the eponymous despot, “Julius Caesar” has twists and turns sure to keep you on the edge

wanted to make it happen.”

Senior John Kling chose his band when he read John Steinbeck’s “The Wayward Bus.” He took one of the character’s names — Juan Chincoy — and, inspired by bands like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, threw together a couple of his dorm mates to create Juan Chincoy and the So and Sos. They will make their debut at the event on Friday.

Kling did not have a preference between student and University held events. AcoustiCafe was simply booked for the rest of the semester, so Spookyfest gave them a stage to perform before winter.

The show, which will be held on Library Lawn, is open to new and established performers alike. Juan Chincoy and the So and Sos has a classic rock sound, but some of the other bands performing have indie, acoustic and punk vibes.

“If I had to sum up our sound, we sound mildly rehearsed,” said Kling. “We just figured, why not? It was very casual. We’ve rehearsed three times now, and we sound pretty good. Hopefully we will by Friday.”

Henn talked about how student-run and University hosted events feel different. Describing the University’s events, she said, “Sometimes it feels like we are back in Welcome Weekend.”

Student-run concerts give students who the University might not usually reach out to the chance to perform.

When the University held a music festival this fall, they reached out to more established acapella and affiliated groups, leaving out some established student bands and ignoring the opportunity to feature new bands.

“I think student-run events are important, first of all, to show other students what it is possible to host,” Henn said. “I just think that we [the students] come up with different ideas than the University. It’s not a knock on them. I just think that we reach a different type of person.”

The relaxed attitude surrounding the event was a big reason why Kling decided to perform.

“It’s just encouraging. It provides an audience, but it also doesn’t feel like there is a ton of pressure,” he said.

“This is just more relaxed. There are plenty of people on campus who can play guitar and piano but they don’t feel compelled to do it in a public setting. If people can do it, they should.”

In the end, the event gives students another chance to play music and be together.

“It is all about the music for me,” Henn said.

Spookyfest begins at 7 p.m. and there will be opportunities to support local charities.

“Come to the show,” Kling said. “Listen to other artists. Support your friends who want to play music. It’s cool, and fun and chill.”

of your seat and truly feel the “heat of the moment” as Brutus, played by junior Jenna Rame, states. NSR is breaking barriers left and right, from adapting to COVID restrictions to modernizing the play, creating a unique theatrical experience.

I spoke with Julius Caesar herself, sophomore Mariko Jurcsak, and dug deep into her experience with NSR and her performance. There is no doubt that Shakespeare intended for Julius Caesar to be performed by a male actor, placing Jurcsak in an unprecedented position.

“It’s honestly really empowering,” she said. “It [is] a great way to expand beyond the traditional image of the character. I like how the show breaks the mold like that.”

Not only is NSR breaking the mold of a traditionally male role, but other aspects of the production are changing as well; in particular, the expected swords of Ancient Rome have been swapped out for firearms. According to junior Grace Gasper, the show’s Ligarius, the use of guns is not only practical for staying 6 feet apart but it “makes [the] political

murder more real.”

Director Ballard Powell is proud of NSR’s hardworking team. According to the junior, going to a live performance will “feel like a luxury” because “it’s just better in person.” Of course, there will be restrictions, but the hard work of the NSR team has overcome these challenges.

“It’s a reminder of what we can do in these difficult times,” Gasper said. “Live theater is just so beautiful.

[It’s amazing to see] creative ways that we can come up with solutions.”

The hard work and time NSR has put into producing an intricate performance and supporting fellow students during this time is incredibly important.

So, I invite you, as Powell does, to “come to the show. I guarantee you it will be a pleasant surprise.”

“Julias Caesar” is open to the tri-campus community with performances on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.

Contact Colleen Fischer at cfischer01@saintmarys.edu

Contact Lexi Kilcoin at akilcoin@nd.edu JACKIE JUNCO | The Observer

JACKIE JUNCO | The Observer

DAILY

ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, October 30, 2020 | The Observer

Crossword | will shortz

11

Horoscope | Eugenia Last Happy Birthday: Persistence will pay off. Open your mind to trends and information that can help you broaden your horizons and lead you down an exciting path. You are overdue for a change that will inspire you to use your knowledge, skills and awareness to create a unique lifestyle that will benefit you as well as those who look up to you. Your numbers are 6, 13, 28, 32, 38, 44, 46.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid discord. Don’t waste your time on people and things you cannot change. Look forward, and choose positive outlets for your energy. Align yourself with people who share your beliefs. A partnership requires an adjustment to maintain equality.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Inconsistency will be the enemy. Stick to your plans, and don’t stop until you reach your destination. It’s up to you to take advantage of opportunities while you stabilize your relationship with the people who support your efforts.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Take control of your life, and focus on being the best you can be. Distance yourself from drama and people who play mind games. Do your own thing. Trust in your skills and wherewithal to reach your goals without outside interference.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t take chances. Verify information, and streamline your thoughts to fit the result you are trying to achieve. Be cautious when dealing with sensitive issues; someone will take advantage of you if you get into a dispute.

Protect your assets.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Strive for perfection, do your own thing and stay away from people making unrealistic promises. Don’t let the changes others initiate put you in harm’s way. Use your intelligence to navigate your way to a safer and better future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Implement the changes you endorse, and keep moving forward. Stop worrying about what others do or think, and show strength and courage in the way you handle adversity. Call the shots, and your search for success will be validated.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Push for what you want. Refuse to let someone pressure you into something that benefits them more than you. A physical adjustment to the way you present yourself to others will show off your unique style. Romance is on the rise.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Live and learn. How you process information and put it to use will make a difference in how your day unfolds. When uncertainty sets in, ask questions and move on quickly. Don’t waste precious time; you will fall behind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take the opportunity to make a change at home that will make your life easier. Relax, spend time with someone you love, or explore and expand an idea you have. Personal improvements will lift your spirits and encourage romance.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’ll have to ease into conversations with the people you encounter today. Avoid getting into a disagreement with someone who can influence the outcome of a project. Be sure to keep your distance when out and about. Focus on health and well-being.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay closer attention to what others are doing.

Distance yourself from anyone who appears to be out of control or demanding.

Focus on physical improvements, earning more money and sticking to what works best for you. Romance is in the stars.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Draw information from experts, verify facts and proceed with your plans. A change you encounter will turn out better than anticipated. An innovative idea you present will be well-received. Don’t make promises until you are sure you can deliver.

Birthday Baby: You are ambitious, curious and changeable. You are energetic and enthusiastic.

Sudoku | The Mepham Group

Jumble | David Hoyt and Jeff knurek

Work Area

Make checks payable to and mail to: The Observer

P.O. Box 779 Notre Dame, IN 46556

Published Monday, Wednesday and Friday, The Observer is a vital source of information on people and events in the Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross communities.

Join the more than 13,000 readers who have found The Observer an indispensable link to the three campuses. Please complete the accompanying form and mail it today to receive The Observer in your home.

Enclosed is $130 for one academic year Enclosed is $75 for one semester Name Address City State Zip

12

Sports

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

Sports Authority

Sports Authority

NFL midseason award picks Sam Ouhaj Sports Writer

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Oct. 29.

Can you believe it?! The NFL season is already at its halfway point. In a season many thought would be impossible to play during the COVID-19 pandemic, here we are. It is now time to evaluate who my favorites are to win the various NFL awards with the halfway mark.

Today, I will be breaking down who my MVP, OROY, DROY, DPOY and OPOY are going into week eight.

Most Valuable Player — Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks Can you believe Russell Wilson has never received an MVP vote during his nine NFL seasons? It is hard to believe, but the former Wisconsin Badger quarterback has been lights out this season. After breaking the touchdown record through his first three games in which he threw for 14 touchdowns, Wilson has guided a rather terrible Seahawks team to a 5-1 record. Wilson deserves all the praise even after his poor performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Wilson is currently on pace to break Peyton Manning’s 2013 touchdown record of 55 this season with 59 touchdowns. If he can keep up the rate he is now at, he is undoubtedly the league’s MVP.

Offensive Rookie of the Year — Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers My favorite draft prospect going into the 2020-2021 season, Herbert, has exceeded expectations. While the Chargers record sits at 2-4, Herbert has been phenomenal going up against Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Herbert has 1,542 yards, 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions since taking over the starting role in week two. While Joe Burrow has been great, Herbert has played even better. In my opinion, when facing the three quarterbacks mentioned earlier, he has easily been the best quarterback on the field. The future looks bright in L.A. with this young rookie.

Defensive Rookie of the Year — Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens Taken late in the first round, Queen has been what many consider a steal for the Ravens.

The young linebacker out of LSU has posted 32 solo tackles,

two forced fumbles, two sacks and a touchdown. Whenever I watch the Ravens play, I always notice Queen flying around the field and making play after play. The Ravens defense is among the top three units in the league, and when you add someone like Queen, you only get better. The Defensive Rookie of the Year race will be a close one with the immense talent we have seen this year, but I believe if Patrick keeps up the pace, he will walk away with this honor.

Defensive Player of the Year — Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams You could see this coming from a mile away, but once again, Donald finds himself as the best defensive player in the league. He currently has eight sacks, two forced fumbles and 12 solo tackles. As someone who demands triple teams at times, Donald is a player you cannot gameplan for, and no matter what you try, he is always disrupting the pocket.

The first-ballot Hall of Famer will go down among the best to ever play the game and will more than likely notch his third Defensive Player of the Year award.

Offensive Player of the Year — Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals When you add DeAndre Hopkins to a pass-happy offense, chances are your quarterback is going to flourish. That is exactly what has happened with last year’s offensive rookie of the year, Kyler Murray. Murray is not in the MVP conversation because of his inconsistent performances against the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions, and even then, he was not playing terribly. However, through eight weeks, Kyler has been the most electric player I have watched this season. With 20 total touchdowns (13 passing and seven rushing), Murray is doing it all. This pick may surprise you as you can argue Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes deserve this award more, but no. Murray deserves respect.

Murray went toe-to-toe with the undefeated Seahawks and won. Murray may not be having the same season as Lamar Jackson last year, but he for sure is doing everything he can to put the Cardinals in contention for a deep playoff run.

Contact Sam Ouhaj at souhaj@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Side teams for your college basketball viewing Hayden Adams Sports Editor

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Oct. 29.

It’s getting to be that time.

The time when sports fans shift their focus away from baseball and football to the greatest game God ever bestowed upon His green Earth: basketball.

If you want to know how much I love this game, I can (and probably will at some point) write a quasi-Sports Authority/love letter to the game à la Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball.” But for now, I want to talk about the upcoming college basketball season and what every fan needs to do in preparation.

Suffice to say this year is going to be chaotic. With that in mind, though, I propose a way for fans to get the most possible enjoyment out of this most unique of college basketball seasons.

I suggest every fan gets themselves a few side teams.

Hear me out here. What I mean is that, in times such as these, there is a pretty good likelihood that at some point, the team you root for is going to be out of commission, either because they lose an opponent to COVID-19 protocols or they themselves fall victim to an outbreak.

So, in order to compensate, you need to stock your roster with a few eligible teams with whom you are open to a laid-back, noncommittal relationship. Some CBB watch buddies, if you will.

It’s tough to give specific recommendations because you probably are more inclined to root for or root against a team based on your own personal geography, so I’ll just tell you what my plan of action is. I’m not going to be a bandwagon for any alreadygood teams, and I’ll try not to hop too much on the hype train of any one player.

So with that out of the way, here’s a few guidelines I’m going to follow to make sure I always have something to follow this basketball season.

1. Get yourself someone in each of the Power 5 conferences (and Big East) This one is already pretty easy for me because I have

Kentucky in the SEC and Notre Dame in the ACC. “What about (if and) when they play each other in the non-conference this season?” you may be asking. Well, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

It is very difficult for me to pick a Big Ten team on principle (that principle being that the whole conference can pretty much shove it).

Michigan State is an established blue blood, and Luka Garza at Iowa is already too hyped so I’ll go with Purdue.

They’re a pretty unobjectionable, middle-of-the-pack team and play a fun style of basketball, so I’m riding the Boilermakers train (pun intended).

I guess I have a thing for Indiana teams (outside of the Hoosiers) because I’ll take Butler out of the Big East as well. Maybe it’s a little bit of a holdover from the Brad Stevens/Shelvin Mack/ Gordon Hayward days, but I like the way they play and they’re pretty consistently a fringe Top-25 team.

The Big 12 and Pac-12 are tough ones. I won’t go with Oregon out west because they are tops in the conference, and certainly not UCLA with their history. Instead give me Stanford, because I feel just a little bit sorry that both Kentucky and Notre Dame have poached players from them (Reid Travis and Cormac Ryan, respectively). As for the Big 12, I’ll take Texas Tech.

Despite a national championship appearance two years ago, they aren’t a blue blood and at .500 in-conference last year I think they are just middling enough to make this acceptable.

However, when it comes to all of these conferences, there’s pretty much always a team to root against.

2. Get yourself some teams to root against Everyone loves a good villain. In fact, I would argue that villains make or break movies, and they do much the same in college basketball.

We’ve had several teams who are the subject of scandals in college basketball, whether for strippers, prostitutes or (the relatively benign act of) paying recruits.

Kansas, Louisville, Arizona and LSU fall into those types of categories. You could even throw Duke in there if you

believe Zion Williamson and his family were receiving improper benefits (They were.).

Additionally, aside from teams that broke the rules, there are others that are unlikeable for miscellaneous reasons. For example, root for Northern Illinois to lose every game this season. They were reportedly the reason the MAC canceled football (before coming back, in all fairness), which precipitated the Big Ten canceling football, so their season can be burning dumpster for all I care.

3. Get yourself some under-the-radar squads Have some fun with this.

Find those low-key teams outside of the Power 5 that are almost like snacks in your college football diet. They’re interesting mostly for storylines but interesting nonetheless.

I’ll take Loyola Chicago out of the Missouri Valley based almost solely off of the run they made to the Final Four in 2018. Howard will be one to watch in the MEAC with Makur Maker committing to the HBCU. I like Saint Mary’s in the West Coast Conference because, aside from BYU last season, they’re just about the only team to consistently give Gonzaga problems.

Detroit Mercy will also be on my radar for no other reason than Kentucky coach John Calipari’s son, Brad (who briefly went to my high school’s rival), is on that roster.

And I’ll top it all off with Dayton out of the Atlantic 10. Yes, they were a top three team last season, but they lost Obi Toppin to the NBA and have a cool logo and color scheme, so I give myself a pass on this one.

So there you have it. As you may be able to tell, I’m pretty excited for the college basketball season to get here. When it does, you can bet I’ll be popping a squat on my couch and soaking up all the bouncing balls and squeaking sneakers and screaming coaches I can during a much-needed and (dare I say) well-earned 10 week winter break.

Contact Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer accepts classifieds every business day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Notre Dame office, 024 South Dining Hall. Deadline for next-day classifieds is 3 p.m. All classifieds must be prepaid. The charge is 5 cents per character per day, including all spaces. The Observer reserves the right to edit all classifieds for content without issuing refunds.

Sports

ndsmcobserver.com | friday, october 30, 2020 | The Observer

football

13

football

Pryor finds home Collins exudes optimism, at ND secondary passion before facing Irish

By JIMMY WARD Associate Sports Editor

Ohio State graduate transfer Isaiah Pryor may not have been expecting to be moved around the field when he announced his intent to transfer to Notre Dame, but he has certainly taken it in stride and is by no means complaining about his situation. The shift is not as drastic as transferring colleges, for example, as he just shifted from the safety to the rover position. His choice to play for Notre Dame was driven not only by football, but also by education.

Pryor said the choice to come to Notre Dame was a no-brainer, as it was a perfect balance of his academic and his athletic ambitions.

“I am working on getting my masters. I’m a little over halfway through with that,” he said.

“That was very important to me — making sure that I set up, you know, life after football at a great institution,” he said. “And as far as playing, I did feel like there was opportunity … to play great football with a great team, great coaching staff.”

As far as the shift in his position goes, it is not as extreme as Notre Dame moving players to opposite sides of the ball like in the past, but Pryor is embracing some new roles that he was not accustomed to in Columbus. Pryor has moved a little closer to `the action in the rover position, a role that he played in high school in Lawrence, Ga. The Irish are certainly trying to utilize every bit of Pryor’s athleticism, as he brings the national championship experience Notre Dame had been missing.

“Moving to rover has been a great experience for me after I played a decent amount of it in high school, actually,” Pryor said.

“So it was something that I felt comfortable doing, going in there playing more of like a hybrid position, covering blitzing, doing that

Bauer Continued from page 16

the credit for the interception across the entire defensive unit.

“I just ended up being the right position,” he said. “But we had a lot of guys on the field doing the right jobs: they were covering up people, covering up the quarterbacks first looks. The D-lineman put him in a stressful situation to make that choice, and I just happened to be on the receiving end of the interception.”

But Bauer’s teammates seemed to understand how important the play was for the junior, celebrating with almost as much gusto on the sidelines.

“It made me really happy to see my teammates be that happy for me, and they support me through

type of thing, and also helping out the team any way that I can. When they asked me to make the move, it was … whatever they needed me to do, I would do it.”

In moving to rover, Pryor has been able to expand his football IQ, as he has been thrown into a Brian Polian run special teams group.

“I was always growing up understanding how important special teams are on teams. It is a very crucial part of the team,” Pryor said. “It’s something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially because most of the time it could be the difference between winning and losing the game. So you know, I’m taking it very seriously and I try to do my hardest to make sure that I get my job done and make sure everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to do. And you know being a leader anyway I can get even if it is special teams.”

Although he does value his education and his football career, Pryor didn’t come to Notre Dame demanding to be a starter at his position. As a veteran, he could have been irritated with his role, but he realized what was being asked of him by his team. So far, it seems to have worked out for the best.

Pryor had his best season with the Buckeyes in 2018 when he recorded 31 tackles and an interception on top of it, but when his playing time was cut significantly in 2019 and he announced his intent to transfer.

In addition, Pryor is helping to fill out one the nation’s stoutest secondaries. The Irish are currently allowing the 17th-fewest pass yards in the country and are looking to bolster those numbers against Jordan Yates and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets this weekend.

Contact Jimmy Ward at wward@hcc-nd.edu

my ups and downs,” Bauer said.

“And throughout my time here, it hasn’t been a very straight path. There’s been some ups and downs. But to get to the point where I had a little success like that and to see them celebrate it for me? It really meant the world to me.”

The interception wasn’t Bauer’s only key moment of the day. He also recorded an early-game quarterback hurry on third down that lead to a Pitt punt, in addition to an assist on a tackle.

Through the 2020 season, Bauer has recorded 14 total tackles, a sack and an interception, the first of his career in the latter two categories. He has appeared in all five of Notre Dame’s games.

However, against intuition, it’s been a decrease in intensity that has allowed him to reach his

By HAYDEN ADAMS Sports Editor

Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins opened his weekly presser clad in a black t-shirt with the Georgia Tech logo and four bolded letters spelling out “V-O-T-E.” It is a nod to the NCAA’s announcement back on Sept. 16 that no football activities would be held across the country on Nov. 3 to allow athletes to vote. Collins was one of the early advocates of that proposal.

“I’ll be over there at McCamish Pavilion volunteering,” Collins said of his plans on election day. “[I’m] just proud to be a part of an athletic department that set the standard, that paved the way for the NCAA, giving student athletes across the country that day off to participate in the right to vote and to understand what an honor, what a responsibility it is.”

Collins cares about his players. He wants what’s best for them. In many ways, he’s like a juicer. He takes the approach that he thinks will be best to squeeze as much potential as he can out of his squad.

“If you go into a game, and you’re out there and you’re worried, ‘If I make a mistake, I’m going to get to the sideline, and that coach is gonna yell at me and he’s gonna scream at me and he’s gonna make me look bad,’ I’m not gonna go play my fullest,” Collins said. “So I make sure our coaches let our kids play at a high level. We coach them very hard and the right way, with character and class 365 days a year. When they get out on that field, I want them to cut it loose and play and know there’s a coaching staff on that sideline that loves them. One that believes in

peak.

“I sat down with Coach Lea and we talked about intensity level, and people perform at their maximum performance at different levels,” Bauer said. “I always strive to be 11 on the 10 scale, and I’ve since backed that down to three or four which has allowed me to really breathe and focus on the things I need to and not be so all over the place all the time.”

The transition was against Bauer’s instinct too, but his trust in the coaching staff allowed him to finally find his stride.

“It was a long, hard-fought battle,” he said. “At first, I tried to fight Coach Lea on it. I didn’t like it. I always liked to be the highest sprung, wound guy, but just over probably about a year and a half … [I’ve moved] into this role and found myself naturally

them, will not disrespect them and wants them to have freaking unbelievable success.”

Once Collins got rolling during his Tuesday press conference, it was tough for him to stop. He rambled on about his team’s last game against Boston College, a 48-27 loss in Chestnut Hill, and talked about developing personnel and his coaching method. By all accounts, it might have been difficult for a random passerby to tell that Collins’ squad was gearing up for a showdown with the No. 4-ranked team in the country, a team that could have a chip on its shoulder after dropping a spot in the polls despite a 45-3 win against Pitt last week.

That was mostly because the final question of the presser was the first instance that anyone in the press conference uttered the words “Notre Dame.” Collins himself said those words only twice during the entirety of his press conference, both in answering that final question, otherwise alluding to Notre Dame as “a great opponent.” Of course, when he did speak of them, he spoke in glowing tones.

“It’s a really good roster. It’s a really good coaching staff,” he said. “They play physical, they play hard, there’s a lot of good things that we can say about them, and I will say about them because I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for that program and how they play.”

Headlines frequently gravitate toward the Irish in virtually any of their gridiron matchups, even among the local media of their opponents.

But in this case, the focus — albeit somewhat due to Collins’ often-longwinded answers that allowed for only seven questions in the span of 35

performing at my best there. And I never looked back. I just feel like it’s more natural — it’s never any fake. So, I just found success there.

And it wasn’t a smooth path.”

Bauer went on to say that the defense as a whole unit has become more natural too, as Lea has increased emphasis on a simplified scheme.

“Coach Lea has done a great job of stepping back and realizing that he wants us to play with instinct,” Bauer said. “He always tells us instead of trying to get the perfect defense, the perfect call every single snap, he wants to get us in the call that he knows we can have success in and then just go play football. He’s really just changing the willingness to have fun all the time. He’s promoting us to play fast, physical and free — to our best. It really is a big

minutes — was focused on the Yellow Jackets. That’s probably because, despite what their 2-4 record and record-setting loss to Clemson two weeks ago might suggest, Collins has his team in a position few thought they would be in.

The Yellow Jackets came into the season with several sportsbooks setting the line for their win total at 2.5. They’ve managed to pull out some relatively unlikely victories against Louisville and Florida State, and were it not for a slew of turnovers against Syracuse and Boston College, they might actually have a winning record. And with a team just oneand-a-half seasons removed from running a triple-option offense, the Ramblin’ Wreck have looked better than the 3-9 train wreck they were in 2019.

Despite the fact that this is just Collins’ fourth year as a head coach and he holds a career losing record of 20-23, he has confidence that the methodology he has cultivated — as a former Nick Saban assistant at Alabama and defensive coordinator at several stops — will lead to success.

“It has worked out for us everywhere that we have been, and will continue to work at a high level here,” Collins said of his and his staff’s coaching philosophy. “And as we continue to build depth, and continue to solidify things as we build this program, in the present and in the future, it is going to be the right way to do it. And I’m excited about the way our guys approach it every single day so that they are getting ready to compete and play at a high level against a great opponent on Saturday.”

Contact Hayden Adams at hadams3@nd.edu

difference, allowing us to go play instead of having to think about everything all the time.”

Brian Kelly doubled down on Lea’s call to play freely, encouraging his guys to prepare for championship-caliber play in the coming weeks. Bauer, cognizant of the importance of both the micro and macro perspectives, echoed Kelly’s sentiments.

“Sometimes you have to take a step back, and remember where you’re headed, because if you’re always under a microscope, you can’t really see the big picture,” he said. “So together it’s just really helped us focus on our long-term goals, while not forgetting that being in the moment is key in our success.”

Contact Ellen Geyer at egeyer1@nd.edu

14

Sports

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

W Soccer Continued from page 16

midfielder Camryn Dyck slotted home a 69th minute penalty after a low cross from senior forward Olivia Wingate hit the hand of a sliding Louisville defender.

Dyck earned a spot in Top Drawer Soccer’s Women’s Team of the Week for her performance. In addition to scoring the winner, the Littleton, Colorado, native completed 83% of her passes against the Cardinals, according to Top Drawer Soccer. Junior goalkeeper Mattie Interian also made headlines after being named ACC Defensive Player of the Week. Interian made a miraculous save with her left hand in the 83rd minute when the Cardinals looked certain to bundle home a goal off a corner, but Interian made the best of her three saves for the afternoon to preserve the shutout.

With key figures such as junior defender Jade Gosar, freshman forward Ellie Ospeck and senior forward Eva Hurm all unavailable due to injury, Norman was proud to see players normally used as substitutes such as Dyck, freshman defender Caroline Gray and sophomore forward Kati Druzina all step up in their extended minutes. Although Norman is hoping most of his injured players will be able to return in time for Sunday, he said showcasing this squad depth again will be critical if the Irish want to stay with the Tar Heels. “[North Carolina] play[s] so many players,” said Norman.

“They try to keep [the] game sped up, [so] we’re going to need a lot of players off the bench to match the speed and intensity level that they play

XC Continued from page 16

stiff competition against North Carolina State (No. 4), Florida State (No. 21), Georgia Tech (No. 25) and North Carolina (No. 27).

Sparks commented that defending conference champion North Carolina State looks like the fastest team on paper, but nothing is for sure until the runners hit the course.

Sparks said sophomore Jessica Schneider, who has been the top runner for the Irish this past year, has been limited over the last week and a half in training, but he hopes that she is at her best come Friday.

“Hopefully we will have her back in full strength on Friday,” Sparks said. “That’s the unique thing about this team. Jess has been our number one, but the 1-5 gap has been the smallest of any team in the conference.”

Sparks emphasized how the strong depth of his team is what makes this team so special.

“A 1-5 gap of maybe 20

with for 90 minutes.”

After frustrating losses against Wake Forest and thenNo. 4 Clemson in which the Irish dominated possession but ultimately conceded gamewinning goals in the final minutes, Norman was impressed with his team’s patience against a Louisville team that likes to put lots of numbers behind the ball and limit space in behind.

Although he expects Sunday’s match to be a more open affair, he said his team’s ability to play through North Carolina’s high press will likely determine the outcome.

“I think the times that we’ve been successful against them, [and] I think the times other teams have, is when you are just calm under that pressure,” he said. “You can’t get flustered and just play direct, you can’t turn your back to them, but you have to be able to quickly make angles [and] move the ball.”

Norman did admit this is a stingier and more balanced North Carolina team than in years past, however. At the time of publication, none of the Tar Heels’ eight goal scorers on the year have more than three goals for the season, but North Carolina has kept five clean sheets in the seven games leading up to their penultimate game of the season versus Louisville on Thursday night.

North Carolina has outscored opponents 15-2 in 2020, but Norman said this undefeated Tar Heels squad plays more conservatively than some of the dominant North Carolina teams that preceded it.

“I think in the past, they’ve been so aggressive in getting so many numbers in the attack that sometimes you’ll see scores like 6-1 or 6-2 against them, and now you’re seeing more scores like 2-0 or 1-0,” he

said.

The preseason All-ACC Team reflected North Carolina’s strength at the back, as defenders Maycee Bell and Emily Foxx joined Tar Heels’ midfielder Brianna Pinto on the list. North Carolina is led in both goals and assists by Rachel Jones, who has recorded three of each so far this season.

As this unusual regular season comes to a close, Norman reflected on how his team has been forced to overcome a new set of challenges both on and off the field on top of what is already a difficult lifestyle for student-athletes.

“You always deal with injuries during a season, but there’s another layer of kids getting contact traced or someone

actually getting COVID,” he said. “There’s also the extra stress and anxiety level, just doing all of this and traveling. And how they’re having to operate off the field and kind of secluding themselves and keeping their social circle small and things like that.”

Nonetheless, Norman said his team has been blessed to be in one of the few conferences playing women’s soccer this fall and the season has brought a welcome sense of normalcy.

“It allows us to come together as a group and compete and have success together, but [also] have struggles together, which I think are so important just in life in general and living a life that has some meaning and adventure to it,” he said.

It is perhaps poetic that Notre Dame’s regular season will finish at No. 1 North Carolina after beginning the year on the road against the conference’s other current powerhouse, No. 2 Florida State. Norman is confident his team has learned from that dispiriting 5-0 loss in that curtain-raiser and expects proceedings to go very differently in Chapel Hill.

“Hopefully we can put some stuff together and come out of there with a win because that’s what the plan is,” he said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, and the match will be broadcast live on the ACC Network.

seconds is a unique quality that Notre Dame hasn’t had in a long time,” Sparks explained.

“We have often had the number-one runner way out there and then a 1-5 gap of maybe one minute and 30 seconds or so. I am really confident about our depth. That’s what’s really unique about our team right now. If one person’s down in that top five, our sixth person is not far behind them moving up into the fifth spot.”

Sparks knows that the course on Friday is fast, so he has been emphasizing to his team the importance of running for place rather than time. He also mentioned how his team’s depth should help with this.

“No one cares about what your final time was. They care about what your final place was,” Sparks said. “We are running for place, not time. One thing that I think will help them get the spots that we need to get is working together and finding each other. It helps to have that 1-5 gap, and when you see your teammates you train with everyday, there’s a sense of confidence that comes

along with that. I expect that to hold true again on Friday.”

On the men’s side, the Irish head into the meet ranked No. 6 in the country and appear to be clear favorites. Their top competition will likely be Virginia (No. 16), defending ACC champion Syracuse (No. 17) and North Carolina State (No. 21).

The men have only competed once this season and haven’t raced in over a month, but that has not worried head coach Sean Carlson too much.

“A big thing is that the better your team becomes and the better you become individually, typically the less races you need,” Carlson stated. “If you look at the professionals, all those guys don’t have a bunch of races leading into their major effort. We think of it a lot like that.”

Carlson also has a lot of faith in his team’s maturity.

“I think we have a really mature team for the most part,” Carlson said. “They know what they are doing. If we were a team of freshmen and sophomores, then I’d be a little more worried because they wouldn’t

have had that race experience.”

The main goal for the Irish on Friday is to win, but Carlson also wants to build confidence ahead of a national cross country meet that is currently scheduled for March 15.

Carlson hopes that Friday’s result shows that his team is ready to compete on the national stage.

“The goal is to win and gain more race experience in the championship setting and learn from that,” Carlson said.

“We’d like to see not just if we can win, but how much can we win by? If we want to be one of the top teams in the country, then we should have a little bit of cushion there. So if we score Notre Dame against the conference, that would be a good indicator of where we are.”

As far as race strategy goes, Carlson wants his team to go out somewhat conservatively because there are some hills on the course.

“The course is pretty hilly and pretty narrow because it goes into the woods,” Carlson said. “We are going to be a little bit conservative early on in

that race, and then there will be a point in the race where we try to start taking control of it. When I say conservative, I don’t mean we are going to go out slowly. We are still going to get out with most of our guys to the front, it just might not be in control of that race until a little bit later on. It’s a little bit too hilly to be too aggressive too early.”

A big theme for this weekend’s trip to North Carolina will be the strict COVID-19 protocols that the team will have to adhere to on the trip. Both coaches discussed the bizarre nature of having no spectators at races, having to eat before going to the airport, catering meals to the hotel and spending more time at the hotel in general.

Friday’s race will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. The men’s 8K race will be at 10 a.m., followed by the women’s 6K race at 11 a.m.

The meet can be streamed on ACC Sports Network Extra.

erin fennessy | The Observer

Irish junior defender Brianna Martinez dribbles the ball during Notre Dame’s 3-0 win over Syracuse on Oct. 4, 2019, at Alumni Stadium. Martinez has recorded nine shots this year, three of them on goal.

Contact Greg McKenna at gmckenn2@nd.edu

Contact Nate Moller at nmoller2@nd.edu

Paid Advertisement

16

The observer | Friday, October 30, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com

nd women’s soccer

nd cross country

ND seeks upset against No. 1 UNC

By GREG McKENNA Sports Writer

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online Oct. 29.

The No. 13 Irish will look to put the conference on notice Sunday ahead of the ACC Tournament when the Notre Dame women’s soccer team travels to Chapel Hill to face top-ranked North Carolina in the final match of the regular season for both teams.

Sunday’s match is the 31st meeting between perhaps the two biggest blue bloods in women’s college soccer, though the Tar Heels (7-0-0, 6-0-0 ACC) hold a decided advantage in terms of both national titles and the all-time series record.

Notre Dame (4-3-0, 4-3-0 ACC) is tied with Stanford for second among all NCAA programs with three national championships, but North Carolina remains in a class of its own with a staggering 21 titles. The Tar Heels are 20-7-3 versus the Irish and have won all five national

Squads to compete for ACC Championship

championship games contested between the two programs.

Notre Dame has dropped its last three meetings with North Carolina, including a pair of 3-0 losses last season, but Irish head coach Nate Norman is excited to see whether his team is ready to compete with the country’s best.

“If we really have genuine aspirations to win national championships, these are the tests,” he said. “These [games] are measuring sticks. I think [North Carolina] and Florida State have kind of run our conference for the last four or five years. Those two teams are typically in Final Fours and championship games, and these are the teams that we have to beat if we’re being honest with ourselves.”

Notre Dame took a huge step toward clinching one of the eight spots in the ACC tournament Sunday with a 1-0 win at then-No. 13 Louisville. Chances were at a premium in a tightly contested affair, but senior see W SOCCER PAGE 14

By NATE MOLLER Sports Writer

GRace aubry | The Observer

Four Irish runners compete in the National Catholic Invitational on Sept. 20, 2019. The women’s team is currently ranked No. 12.

The Notre Dame women’s and men’s cross country teams will compete in the ACC Championships in Cary, N.C. on Friday in their last meet of the season. Both teams are nationally ranked and will head into the meet with high expectations.

Head women’s coach Matt Sparks talked about how his team has responded well to having four weeks off from racing.

“We have gained a lot of confidence during this time by just being able to train and worry about workouts and hitting some fast times in practice without having to worry about a race coming up,” Sparks explained. “There’s a lot of positive energy as a result of being able to focus on training over the last four weeks.”

The Irish women are currently ranked No. 12 in the country, and they will face see XC PAGE 14

football

Bauer finds stride by dialing down intensity

By ELLEN GEYER

Observer Staff Report

Senior Sports Writer

Bo Bauer back pedaled at full speed, creeping left, eyes glued to the quarterback. As the ball left Pittsburgh quarterback Joey Yellen’s hands, Bauer was airborne, fully extending his body to snag the pigskin as it flew directly towards his outstretched arms.

Returning to the ground with the ball in his hands, the 6-foot3, 230-pound linebacker took off, sprinting down a right-sideline for 16 yards until sliding to a stop.

Bauer leapt back up, hands in the air, literally jumping for joy as he and his teammates celebrated, making their way to the sideline.

He had just recorded the first interception of his college career.

The resulting Irish possession converted for a touchdown, opening the Notre Dame lead to 21-3 over the Panthers. Though the play was a critical read from Bauer, the linebacker was quick to downplay his own role, spreading see BAUER PAGE 13

Franklin enters transfer portal

CHARLES LeCLAIRE | USA TODAY Sports

Irish junior linebacker Bo Bauer celebrates a play during Notre Dame’s 45-3 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday at Heinz Field.

On Thursday, junior defensive lineman Ja’Mion Franklin entered his name into the NCA A’s transfer portal. He plans to leave Notre Dame after the season.

Several other members of the 2018 recruiting class also left the Irish football program: Phil Jurkovec (Boston College), Derrik Allen (Georgia Tech), Noah Boykin (Maryland), Luke Jones (Arkansas) and most recently, Jahmir Smith, who decided to stop playing football altogether.

Franklin chose Notre Dame over several other offers, including Wisconsin, Louisville, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Wake Forest, Duke, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Northwestern, Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Rutgers. At the time, he was ranked as the No. 57 defensive tackle in the nation, as well as the No. 14 player from

Maryland, by ESPN.com.

Additionally, he was ranked No. 549 overall player nationally, No. 42 defensive tackle nationally and No. 12 player from Maryland by 247Sports. com.

In his freshman year, Franklin saw the field once in Notre Dame’s win against Wake Forest. He played 119 snaps in nine games his sophomore year, making one tackle each against Duke, Nav y, Stanford and Iowa State. This year, Franklin only played 19 snaps in Notre Dame’s first two games.

This year, several players share Franklin’s position, including senior Kurt Hinish, sophomore Howard Cross III, junior Jayson Ademilola and senior Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa.

Franklin’s lack of playing time, paired with the talent of the other players who share his position, may have prompted his decision to transfer.