Distributed every few weeks during the academic school year and online daily, The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. Additional copies can be picked up for free at The Arbiter offices.
ON THE COVER:
Idaho's education system focuses largely on abstinence-only sex education, which leaves women and young adults without necessary health information.
Project 2025, or the “presidential transition project”, is a document created by The Heritage Foundation that outlines the goals of the far right to “reclaim the nation”.
While President-elect Donald Trump has attempted to distance himself from The Heritage Foundation, Vice Presidentelect JD Vance praised the President of The Heritage Foundation, Kevin Roberts, for his work on Project 2025.
Despite this attempt to distance himself, 140 individuals who worked for President Trump have been involved in Project 2025’s creation — including six of his former cabinet members.
Environmental protection and chemical regulation are two of the biggest areas Project 2025 would impact. The document seeks to repeal the Antiquities Act, which would prevent the president from ensuring the preservation of public lands and waters and would no longer classify them as national monuments.
Dr. Monica Hubbard, an associate professor at the School of Public Service and Director of the Master of Environmental Management program shared her concerns for the future of environmental research with Project 2025 in the foreground.
“As far as education, faculty and research it’s going to have a big impact, because if Project 2025 actually goes through what they’re going to do is pull research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), United States Department of Agriculture, any funding directly related to climate change will go away,” Hubbard said.
For students in the school of the environment at Boise State, this could mean limited resources. Project 2025
seeks to eliminate certain offices within The Department of Energy, such as the Weatherization Assistance Program. This could greatly impact the grants environmental researchers at Boise State receive.
Project 2025 seeks to decrease regulations around chemical companies — something Hubbard said could be a major issue moving forward.
Jennifer Pierce, a professor in the Department of Geosciences at Boise State said that Project 2025 could be detrimental to the current climate crisis.
Not only would Project 2025 remove agencies dedicated to climate change research, but Pierce explained the impact the policy would have on federal departments as a whole.
“What we need to think about is that these federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior [and] the National Weather Service,” Pierce said. “These are agencies that provide vital and life-saving information to the American people, things like hurricane preparedness and our clean air, our clean water. These are all protected by those agencies.”
Pierce went on to note how Project 2025 could affect access to clean air.
“[Project 2025] will recommend eliminating something called Endangerment Finding — that’s the legal mechanism that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to curb emissions and air pollutants for vehicles and power plants, this is under the Clean Air Act,” Pierce said. “The repercussions of Project 2025 will actually undermine our clean air in our country, which is the most fundamental thing people need to survive.”
After a series of wildfires from late summer to early fall, Pierce explained that
Project 2025 could increase the likelihood of fires in the state of Idaho.
“If we do not address climate change, and at the same time we undermine the federal agencies, — the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife, these are the agencies that fund the National Interagency Fire Center right here in Boise, Idaho … Undermining our ability to prevent wildfires, while at the same time not curbing carbon emissions will lead to bigger and more devastating wildfires in the state of Idaho that could be deadly,” Pierce said.
Amanda Thompson, an Environmental Studies major with a Climate Studies minor explained in an email to The Arbiter that there is a ticking time bomb on the climate crisis.
“Researchers have said that we have six years left to stop the climate crisis. With four of these years under Trump’s control, we can only expect the state of the climate to get worse,” Thompson said.
“The Inflation Reduction Act is considered to be the largest climate solution in U.S. history, and Project 2025 is guaranteed to repeal it along with other agencies within the EPA and also eliminate government offices that do research on climate change.”
Project 2025 impacts many of the environmental protections that have been in place for decades. With language that downplays the current climate crisis and policy that seeks to diminish regulations, environmental researchers and activists across the nation worry about the plan’s implications.
Illustration of a confused wolf and bear.
Illustration by Sydney Smith
How Boise plans to support a growing unhoused populace in the winter
Shelters in Boise prepare for freezing winter temperatures
Kaeden Lincoln | New Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu
“If you’re experiencing homelessness in Boise and you go hungry, you’re doing something wrong,” one man said at the Cathedral of the Rockies Sunday Friendship Feast.
This weekly event provides free meals to Boise citizens experiencing food insecurity. Cathedral of the Rockies typically sees up to 50 guests, some of whom have come for years.
As guests prepared to leave, many took packed-up leftovers with them, some took enough to feed their families. The Friendship Feast is just one example of how communities and organizations in Boise, Idaho provide support for the unhoused and those experiencing food insecurity.
Earlier this year, The Arbiter wrote about how high eviction rates, record heat, poor air quality and a Supreme Court ruling affected Boise’s unhoused population.
With winter on the horizon, The Arbiter found out what people and organizations dedicated to supporting people without homes are anticipating.
Meeting the need
Cathedral of the Rockies relies on volunteers to put on the Sunday Friendship Feast. Pete Schroeder, local mission and outreach coordinator, said they never have a problem getting volunteers.
“[Our] biggest need for volunteers is the Friendship Feast, it takes about eight people to cook it and serve it and do the dishes,” Schroeter said. “Most people think they’re fun and enjoyable and meaningful, so it’s pretty easy to get volunteers. Friends of anybody, neighbors, are all welcome to come.”
Shelter is necessary for survival, but especially so in the winter. Interfaith Sanctuary is a low-barrier shelter, meaning it does not turn people away if they need overnight accommodations. Working in symbiosis with daytime
shelter Corpus Christi House (soon to be Corpus Commons), they serve many of the people in Boise who lack anywhere else to stay.
Jodi Peterson, executive director for the Interfaith Sanctuary, said one of their major needs during the winter months is propane donations.
“We have a military tent that we put up in the winter,” said Peterson. “We add propane tank heaters so we can get people out of the cold and into that tent.”
Most shelters in Boise accept coldweather clothing like gloves, socks, beanies and coats. Clothing donations are vital as many unhoused individuals go through clothing rapidly. Often dirty clothes are thrown away due to a lack of access to washing machines.
As temperatures drop, shelters like Interfaith Sanctuary and Corpus Christi House have people inside for longer. With such a hot and smoky summer, Interfaith faced a similar problem earlier in the year.
“It was such a tough summer … It was [so tough] because it was relentlessly hot and the air quality was so bad that any of our medically fragile — they were really struggling, anyone who had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, any kind of respiratory issues were getting really sick. We had to find a way to keep people inside throughout the summer,” Peterson said.
The population of people without homes is increasing, according to Peterson.
Don Ruffing works with Corpus Christi House and is President of his own nonprofit, Boise Low Income Support Inc. Having supported Boise’s unhoused population for years, Ruffing strives to get to know everyone he works with on a first-name basis.
Don Ruffing said the unhoused population has grown to an extent that he no
longer recognizes some of the people he interacted with previously.
“Usually I would know 80% of the people. I’ve seen them around, most of them are on the housing list but don’t have housing.”
“I’ve seen a lot of people get housing, but there are just more people now in the last couple of years. I’m probably down to [recognizing] 40% to 50% of people,” said Ruffing.
The increased population calls for more people to help.
Volunteer opportunities in Boise shelters
Every shelter in Boise accepts volunteers. At Interfaith, prospective volunteers apply on their website. Ruffing also mentioned a mission of his own and extended an invitation to anyone interested.
“This [work] is tough, and there’s only a few people that are wired for it. I do this when it drops below 20 degrees: I have a group of us that will walk — it just takes about half an hour — to walk around the alleys and the places around here where I know people stay.”
Ruffing said his group hands out hand warmers, warm clothes and emergency hotel vouchers for those who urgently need out of the cold.
The Cathedral of the Rockies, Corpus Christi House and Interfaith Sanctuary are just three organizations out of many that allow people to volunteer their time to serve those in need. Schroeder offered a sentiment for anyone volunteering, donating or otherwise helping those in need.
“It’s just one of those things, you know you’re doing good stuff, you’re helping people and it usually brings you some sense of satisfaction,” Schroeder said.
As the cost of living increases and the housing market creates more barriers, homelessness is becoming a reality for more and more people in Boise. But there is also no shortage of people willing to help, and they can always use a hand.
Photo of the Cathedral of the Rockies in downtown Boise.
Photo by Jocelyn Browne
Boise State Athletics sets new Graduation Success Rate record
Six women’s sports programs receive perfect graduation success rate scores
Spencer Rentfro
Boise State’s student-athletes are officially breaking records both on the field and in the classroom.
On Nov. 23, 2024, Boise State Athletics announced that the program achieved a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 96% amongst the four most recent graduating classes of student-athletes, breaking their previous record of 94% in 2023.
According to a press release from Bronco Athletics, this year’s GSR percentage is a program and Mountain West Conference record.
The NCAA’s GSR measures the number of student-athletes who’ve enrolled in a university at a certain time and the amount of student-athletes
who’ve graduated within six years of their enrollment. This year’s record-breaking class is from the 20172018 cohort class.
Gabe Rosenvall, associate athletic director for Student-Athlete Academic Services, explained the challenges this class faced such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced student-athletes to abruptly end their season and pivot to attending classes over zoom.
“I was just thinking about that group, they were right in the middle of their college experiences, probably in their third or fourth year, right when that all hit,” Rosenvall said. “They’re trying to figure this all out on the fly and there was every reason to either quit or take a break. Those people
stuck with it, and really did a tremendous job finishing.”
Rosenvall credits the university’s work towards the growing graduation rates at Boise State University.
“There’s a standard report that we have but I just throw that out as something that every student at Boise State should be proud of,” Rosenvall said. “The work that has gone into supporting every student at Boise State, I’m amazed at just knowing how big those numbers have to be and how much of a change has to happen at a university.”
According to Rosenvall, only 10 other universities have a higher annual graduation rate than Boise State Athletics such as Stanford University, Duke University and University of Notre Dame.
Six women’s sports programs earn a perfect graduation success rate score Boise State’s athletic department achieved a score of 100 across six different women’s sports programs: Basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Christina Van Tol credited this accomplishment to the program’s ability to form relationships with their athletes.
“At the core of all of it, what we found is that when people stay at Boise State, they graduate,” Van Tol said. “I think what we do really well is building authentic relationships with our student athletes.”
Van Tol highlighted that this record can bring a lasting impact towards the community and the future of women’s athletics.
“People get curious, they want to know more and they start getting more interested in women’s athletics, they start seeing not only what they’re doing in college athletically but they’re following them as they go out into the world, either in a professional sport or as teachers, doctors, lawyers, they follow them in life,” Van Tol said.
BroncoLife for student-athletes
One of the services offered for Boise State student-athletes is BroncoLife, a program that since 2002, assists in preparing student-athletes for life after college.
Sara Whiles, associate athletic director for Student-Athlete Development and also oversees the BroncoLife program, says their initiative is to provide student-athletes with life skills and development opportunities.The program focuses on areas such as personal, professional and community development.
“The initial goal of the program was life skills to offer to our student athletes in addition to what they learned from their coaches,” Whiles said. “Our goal is that when they graduate, that they know they’re more than an athlete and they’re connected and prepared for life after sports.”
Whiles said BroncoLife meets with student-athletes one-on-one, helping them as they try to “meet their goals” during and after college. Additionally, BroncoLife also focuses on providing student-athletes the opportunity to be involved in the community through volunteer services for non-profit organizations and networking opportunities with business professionals.
“We want them to know there’s life after sports, so not that they wouldn’t play as long as they can, but that someday there’ll be a chance for them to go into a working world,” Whiles said.
Whiles reflected on the student-athletes and services offered at Boise State in light of the record milestone.
“Knowing that more kids are graduating is really encouraging because they are that much closer to goals that they’ve set for themselves and goals that we have for them too,” Whiles said. “I think it’s just a really cool accomplishment for them. We’re very proud of them and want to be mentors and helpers and get them to the next step of life after sports.”
Photo balloons falling at a Boise State graduation ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Boise State/EURECA
Family caregivers work year-round to provide for their loved ones
Family caregiving impacts many students’ educational experiences
November was nationally recognized as Family Caregiver Month, but caregivers work tirelessly throughout the year to provide quality care to their loved ones.
In the state of Idaho, 70% of family caregivers are also working part-time to full-time jobs. Many caregivers manage health concerns, with 73.7% of Idaho caregivers experiencing chronic health conditions and a third dealing with depression according to the Idaho Caregivers Alliance.
Funding for family caregivers
Sheila Weaver is a clinical social worker by trade, a program manager at Boise State University and works with Idaho Caregiver Alliance.
Weaver said that supporting family caregivers saves the state of Idaho money in the long run as long-term care costs upwards of $100,000 a year
“If we can figure out how to support a caregiver, so they can take care of their relative in the home, [it] saves the state a lot of money and is a much more humane solution than what often happens at the state,” Weaver said.
“It’s profound, what caregivers go through on a daily basis,” Weaver said. “Caregivers save the state of Idaho
about $3 billion a year. When that relative steps up and takes care of that person, they’re doing it with no financial incentives, and yet, they are saving the state money.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid compensated family caregivers for their work due to an extreme shortage of workers. Now, Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare is attempting to end the program by Jan. 2025.
Balancing being a student and a caregiver
“There are students that drop out every single semester to [provide] caregiving,” Weaver said. “Every semester I have students who are caring for grandparents, caring for siblings, or translating for relatives, and that’s caregiving — when we think of caregiving, we think of it as something that happens when we get old but really … people are affected as caregivers at every single age.”
Weaver runs a program called Family Caregiver Navigator, which aims to support caregivers and provide financial support through funding.
“We work with caregivers across the lifespan, and we’re kind of unique in that there are other caregiver programs
that are focused on older adults or maybe cancer or some kind of disease … But we work with everybody,” Weaver said.
“Caregivers are a crucial backbone of support in our community, I don’t know that our community could really exist without the unpaid work of caregivers,” Weaver said. “We want to show up for caregivers this month because they show up for their communities and their friends and their neighbors and their loved ones every single day.”
Taylor Neher, assistant professor for the School of Public and Population Health published a journal alongside other scholars titled “Resource Needs of Caregivers and Parents as Students in University Settings.”
Neher said it is important for professors to have a sense of understanding for students who are family caregivers.
“Connect them [students] to resources or build policies that help support resources,” Neher said. “A lot of students say they need better policies around absences and not getting in trouble for missing when they’re doing their family caregiver duties. Universities could make resources around helping students advocate for those policies or advocate within their courses.”
Neher noted that many students who are caregivers pursue online education as they don’t have the time to attend in person.
Neher discussed that many students experience the financial burden of balancing both caregiving and academic responsibilities.
“A lot of those students talk about needing funding support — funding to come to school or funding to pay for care while they’re at school,” Neher said. “Scholarships or grant funding for students to apply for that can help them make their tuition costs.”
One of Neher’s areas of interest is mental health. She explained that balancing school, work and family caregiving can be overwhelming and that establishing community is important for mental well-being.
A family caregiver’s perspective
Emily Ballantyne is a first-generation Boise State graduate who has a masters in social work and is a full-time caregiver for her son. Ballantyne works as a mental and behavioral health therapist.
In an email interview with The Arbiter, Ballantyne said that many aspects of caregiving are undervalued or overlooked by society.
“We are an invisible and often unpaid labor force. It’s not recognized as work by both our society and often by caregivers themselves. Parents of children with disabilities especially are scheduling and taking their child to multiple therapies, researching treatments, fighting with insurance claims, chasing down medical supplies or medical providers,” Ballantyne said.
“Caring for one another is to be human. It’s the essence of humanity. For my family personally, our son has shown such resilience and growth and that’s incredibly rewarding,” Ballantyne said.
Ballantyne said community members can support family caregivers by reinstating personal care services.
Ballantyne said some common misconceptions associated with family caregiving are that it’s temporary, despite many family caregivers dedicating years if not their entire lives to caregiving.
Caregiving is a line of work that is often overlooked and while it’s important to highlight this work during November, members of the caregiving community need support year-round.
Illustration of two hands holding up a heart. Illustration by Sydney Smith
As Christmas grows closer, there’s a mountain of Christmas movies to wade through. The staff of Boise State Student Media put together their favorite Christmas movies to help you find the best ones to watch this holiday season.
Editor-in-Chief’s Pick — “Klaus” (2019)
Kiryn Willett, The Arbiter
“Klaus” follows a spoiled, flippant, self-centered, young Jesper — a postman in training. Tired of his cavalier attitude and lack of work ethic, Jesper’s father sends him to establish a post office in a cold northern town called Smeerensburg with the task of mailing 6,000 letters as punishment.
Upon his arrival, Jesper discovers Smeerensburg is home to two warring clans who have been feuding with each other for centuries. Their bitter rivalry keeps the town and its residents in a per-
PINION
petual state of gloom. In a scheme to get the town children to write letters, Jesper teams up with a reclusive toy maker — Mr. Klaus — under altruistic pretenses of making the children happy by delivering toys. But to get the toys, Jesper has the children write letters to Mr. Klaus, so he can reach his 6,000 letter goal and leave Smeerensburg.
As the story progresses, Jesper and the town undergo a gratifying transformation. With animation that feels straight out of a children’s story book and a sardonic wit that manages to be both wholesome and delightfully dark, Klaus tells a heart-warming re-imagining of Santa Claus’s origin story. Mr. Klaus captures the heart of the movie when he says “a true selfless act always sparks another.”
“I don’t know what to say, but it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.”
- Ellen Griswold (Beverly D’Angelo)
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has been my family’s go-to Christmas movie for years. The relatability of family struggles during the holiday season mixed with the unmatched humor creates something magical: The perfect Christmas movie.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” follows the Griswold family, led by Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase). Determined to have the perfect family Christmas, Clark goes to every extreme to make sure everything goes as planned — even if everyone else is miserable in the process.
This film is packed with quotable moments, hilarious scenes and even though it’s a bit raunchy — “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is still a heartwarming story about the true importance of family.
News Editor’s Pick — “While You Were Sleeping” (1995)
Olivia Brandon, The Arbiter
“While You Were Sleeping” starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher may have a title more akin to a horror movie, but don’t be fooled — this holiday flick will leave you with all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
The film follows Lucy (Bullock), a disgruntled transit worker in New York, who is expected to work holidays due to her lack of family. One day, Lucy saves the life of Peter Callaghan (Gallagher), a handsome stranger she’s admired from afar who fell onto the train tracks and was knocked unconscious.
Getting mistaken for his wife, Lucy doesn’t have the heart to explain who she really is and gets swept up in the Callaghan family’s holiday season. Along the way, Lucy meets Jack, Peter’s sarcastic but sweet older brother and realizes that maybe, love at first sight isn’t always what
it seems. The chemistry between Lucy and Jack is undeniable and the bond she establishes with the Callaghan family makes this the perfect holiday flick.
News Reporter’s Pick — “Four Christmases” (2008)
Spencer Rentfro, The Arbiter
Turn back the clock to a 2000s classic holiday film with “Four Christmases”. The film takes a hysterical spin on the holiday season, as young couple Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) are forced to spend the holidays with their families after their vacation plans get cancelled.
At these gatherings, Brad and Kate’s families uncover secrets about their pasts, jeopardizing their relationship. Vaughn and Witherspoon’s chemistry as a couple meshes well with the romantic comedy genre of the film, eliciting laughter and joy from audiences. Director Seth Gordon’s star-studded cast helps make this film a timeless Christmas classic.
News Reporter’s Pick — “Elf” (2003)
Kaeden Lincoln, The Arbiter
“Why don’t you just say it? I’m the worst toy maker in the world. I’m a
When confronted with an impossible task, Buddy the Elf had a very human response: self-loathing. “Elf” follows Buddy, a man adopted by elves who leaves the North Pole to find his biological father. “Elf” is a movie synonymous with the Christmas season and ironically, it’s full of disappointment.
But don’t let Buddy’s shortcomings as a human overshadow his immense strengths from growing up in the North Pole — he’s a crack shot with a snowball, an unmatched decorator and he uses his inhuman charisma to bring up even the angriest New Yorkers.
Buddy makes mistakes but with his Christmas spirit and determination to find his place in the world, his strengths show through. If it’s not already, Elf should be on your Christmas movie list — multiple times.
Culture Editor’s Pick —
Double feature: “Love Actually” (2003) and “Die Hard” (1988) Emily Gordon, The Arbiter
Hot take — “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. While it lacks Chritstmas carols, Santa hats or even a tender family oriented narrative, it takes place on Christmas Eve and has plenty of cheesy 80s shootouts so it counts.
As an added bonus, watch the best Christmas movie ever created, “Love Actually”, beforehand. With multiple storylines unfolding at once and Hugh Grant’s face, there is not a single risk to take. Plus, Alan Rickman is in both films. By watching “Love Actually” before “Die Hard”, viewers will find satisfaction regarding the karma he earns within the Nakatomi Plaza for his classless behavior in the first film.
As a lover of the “Good Luck Charlie” series that aired for four seasons on Disney Channel, picking my favorite Christmas movie was an easy choice.
“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas!” serves as a good reminder to all of us as we enter into an era of holiday stress. Hang in there, baby!
Digital Content Producer’s Pick — “Happiest Season” (2020)
Jocelyn Browne, Creative Hive Group
Kristen Stewart stars as Abby, a lesbian with big plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) over Christmas — except Harper’s very traditional family has no idea that she’s gay. What follows is five days of sneaky romance, family chaos and the unexpected sapphic energy of Aubrey Plaza who practically steals the movie.
Featuring Dan Levy as the funniest, most supportive best friend you could ask Santa for, “Happiest Season” is equal parts messy and hilarious.
“Happiest Season” serves as a heartfelt celebration of love, family and finding your truth. It’s the holiday movie for anyone familiar with faking their way through the season — and loves some good ole fashioned queer chaos too!
Idaho’s sex education policy has been a point of contention for years. With the state facing high teen pregnancy rates and rising sexually transmitted infections (STIs), many experts argue that the state’s emphasis on abstinence-based programs is insufficient. The lack of comprehensive, medically accurate sex education leaves students ill-prepared to make informed decisions about their sexual
Dr. Amylia Shayne, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Bloom Women’s Health, highlighted the connection between Idaho’s sex education policies and the state’s public health
“Many younger female patients come to us with limited knowledge of basic anatomy, reproductive health, and contraception,” Shayne said. “Common misconceptions include misunderstandings about fertility — such as when pregnancy is most likely to occur — and confusion about STI
Idaho’s sex education landscape
In Idaho, local school boards are responsible for sex education and no statewide mandate requires comprehensive curricula. Idaho State Legislature Section 33-1608 delegates the responsibility of sex education to “the home and the church”, and mandates that the decision as to whether there is a sex education curriculum at all is “a matter for determination at the local district level by the local school board”.
According to Mistie DelliCarpiniTolman, Idaho state director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Idaho’s sex education system is backsliding.
“Before the Idaho legislature effectively defunded comprehensive sex education programs, we offered vital resources to our communities,” DelliCarpini-Tolman said. “These included parent-child sex education classes, training for young people to deliver peer-to-peer education on contraception, STI prevention, consent and fostering healthy relationships.”
DelliCarpini-Tolman explained Planned Parenthood is no longer able to offer these services.
“A few years ago, the Idaho legislature passed the No Public Funds for Abortion Act, a law that prohibits any organization providing abortion services from delivering or assisting in sexual education,” she said. “This policy effectively barred Planned Parenthood — recognized experts in reproductive health — from offering essential,
evidence-based sexual education to Idaho’s communities.”
As a result of these legislative decisions, the content of sex education varies across the state. Many schools rely heavily on abstinence-based programs that offer limited information about contraception, consent and STI prevention.
Shayne explained the detrimental impact of this approach, including delays in care and the occurrence of preventable diseases.
“Inadequate sex education correlates directly with higher rates of unplanned pregnancies and untreated STIs,” Shayne said. “Without proper education, patients are less likely to use contraception effectively or understand symptoms of infections. This leads to delayed diagnoses and complications, such as infertility or chronic health issues from untreated STIs.”
Idaho’s heavy reliance on abstinence-based education limits students’ understanding of sexual health.
“Many students are not given the full range of knowledge they need to protect themselves,” Shayne said. “This creates an environment where sexual health topics are taboo, making it difficult for individuals to feel comfortable seeking information or care.”
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, teen pregnancies alone cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $10 billion each year in lost revenue and public assistance programs. In Idaho, the costs are compounded by rising rates of STIs, which place a burden on the state’s healthcare system.
Ella Van Leuven | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu | Grahics by Naomi Brown
In addition to these challenges, Shayne explained young people in need of sex education face additional difficulties due to the political climate within Idaho.
“In Idaho, conservative cultural and political attitudes heavily influence the curriculum, often prioritizing abstinence over comprehensive education,” Shayne said. “This creates an environment where sexual health topics are taboo, making it difficult for individuals to feel comfortable seeking information or care.”
The lack of comprehensive sex education in Idaho, driven by local control and conservative cultural influences, significantly hinders students' ability to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
The reliance on abstinence-based curricula not only limits access to crucial information but also fosters an environment of shame and silence around sexual health.
As a result, young people face higher risks of unplanned pregnancies, STIs and long-term health complications, highlighting the urgent need for a more inclusive and scientifically grounded approach to sex education in
insufficient education
The effects of inadequate sex education are glaring. Without access to comprehensive sex education, students are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies and to remain unaware of how to protect themselves from STIs.
Shayne cited a real-world example of these consequences.
“A patient came to Bloom Women’s Health seeking fertility support after trying to conceive unsuccessfully for six months with her partner,” Shayne said. “She expressed frustration and
concern, wondering if there might be underlying health issues preventing her from getting pregnant. Through our initial consultation, we discovered that she lacked a clear understanding of her menstrual cycle and ovulation window — a gap stemming from an abstinence-only education background.”
Cami Hurst, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Surgical Technologist and a Certified Sex Therapist with a PhD in Clinical Sexology, shared a similar story from her own practice.
“I can think of women I've worked with who thought sexual pain was normal and were told on their wedding night from their mom to never tell their husband ‘no’, and they've endured decades of excruciating pain,” Hurst said. “That's not okay. That becomes trauma. I've worked with a lot of individuals who had no idea how their body worked, like a 76-year-old learning to orgasm for the first time.”
Students similarly report feeling the effects of their inadequate education.
One Boise State University student, who asked to remain anonymous, shared how their sex education experience left them ill-prepared for adulthood.
“My school in elementary/middle school was a public school, but in a small Republican town,” they said. “I feel like sex was a very taboo and shameful conversation. Even though I postponed sex until later in my adulthood because of the environment I was educated in, it didn’t mean I was having consensual, nor safe sex as a fully grown and aware adult.”
Another Boise State student recounted how many of their peers were unaware of the full range of sexual health topics.
“I feel like a lot of men and sexually active people in general only thought condoms were worn to prevent pregnancy,” they said. “They had no knowledge that condoms are also used to help prevent spreading of STIs. This was also a fact I only really was exposed to after taking microbiology as a Biology major my junior year of college.”
The push for reform
Despite the challenges, advocates for comprehensive sex education are pushing for reform. Dr. Shayne is among those leading the charge for change.
“We need a comprehensive sex education curriculum addressing menstrual cycles, contraception, STI prevention, consent and healthy relationships. The stigma is noticeably stronger in Idaho. This makes it challenging to encourage patients to prioritize their sexual health,” Shayne said. “Many delay care due to fear of judgment, both from their community and at times their families or even their providers. This stigma also means we spend significant time creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for patients to ask questions and voice concerns.”
In contrast to the system in place in the United States, Hurst referenced the Netherlands as an alternative example of what a successful sex education curriculum could look like.
The Dutch curriculum stands out for its inclusivity and thoroughness, beginning as early as age 4, where children are introduced to basic concepts of respect, relationships and boundaries.
This early foundation creates a positive environment for open, age-appropriate discussions about sexuality, fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.
The Netherlands' comprehensive sex education continues throughout a child’s development, addressing topics such as consent, safe sex and gender equality. By integrating these lessons into everyday learning the curriculum prepares students to make informed, responsible decisions as they grow.
“We chose the wrong strategy to get the outcomes we wanted for our youth,” Hurst said. “They're incorporating pleasure. They're incorporating different styles of relationships. They’re talking about red flags in a relationship. They're talking about communication skills in sex.”
Compared to the often fragmented and abstinence-focused approach in the U.S., the Dutch model is seen by many as a more holistic and progressive solution to promoting sexual health and well-being. The Netherland’s teen birth rate is among the lowest in the world.
“We cannot overstate the transformative power of comprehensive, evidence-based sex education in improving individual and community health outcomes,” DelliCarpini-Tolman said.
Current programs, many of which focus on abstinence, leave students without the necessary tools to protect their sexual health. The lack of consistent, factual information leads to higher rates of unplanned pregnancies, untreated STIs and long-term health complications.
Advocates are pushing for a change, arguing that a comprehensive curriculum would provide students with the knowledge to make healthier choices. Addressing topics such as contraception, STI prevention and consent is vital to equipping young people with the skills they need to protect themselves.
In addition to health benefits, comprehensive sex education can help reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health in Idaho. By fostering a nonjudgmental environment, students can feel more comfortable seeking care and asking questions about their bodies and relationships.
Reforming sex education is a practical necessity. By investing in comprehensive programs, the state can improve public health, reduce long-term costs and empower young people to make informed, responsible decisions about their sexual health.
CULTURE
Past lives of Boise as seen through brick
How historic buildings house the heritage of Boise history
Emily Gordon | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
As the city of Boise, Idaho, continues its rapid growth, the local historic buildings stand as enduring witnesses to the city’s evolution.
From the stately sandstone of the Old Idaho Penitentiary to the intricate woodwork of the mansions in the North End, these structures tell stories of a frontier town transformed into a vibrant urban hub.
Yet as modernization surges, the question remains: How do we balance progress with preservation?
Dan Everhart, outreach historian at the Idaho Historic Preservation Office explains that the removal of historic buildings is a nationwide occurrence.
“We know Americans destroy their historic places very regularly and Idaho is no exception to that. This wasn’t something that just happened in the 70s and 80s. It’s something that’s happened in every decade … since we were established in 1863 and it’s still happening today,” Everhart said. “So we shouldn’t feel special that we tear down buildings and other people don’t. But we also should feel like that’s an obligation for us to work a little harder to protect these places.”
What Boise dwellers know as downtown Boise was the first land colonizers settled on within Idaho. History lurks within the very sidewalks and walls that citizens and visitors walk today.
The National Register of Historic Places (NHRP) highlights historic buildings throughout Idaho. The register not only details what these buildings once were, but what purpose they served to the community at the time.
The NHRP offers an interactive map detailing Idaho and its historic buildings. The blue dots signify a building on the registry while an orange dot signifies a building that has since been demolished such as the funeral home that once stood where the downtown Parilla grill patio now stands.
621 W. Main St. — also known as the beloved bar Humpin’ Hannah’s — was built in 1910 and served as a bar called The Buffalo Club before it became the local “watering hole” we now know it as.
Coa De Jima was once a Masonic temple, Strangelove was a German social club and Cactus Bar was a restaurant supply store. Just as rapidly as people change, as do the buildings that house them.
Everhart explained that while it is important to preserve and acknowledge historical buildings, age is not the sole factor. There are many reasons why historians seek to protect and preserve certain buildings. A building must be more than 50 years old, have some sort of important association, and lastly, it must not be unrecognizable compared to its original design.
While all of these buildings are honored as historic buildings, it doesn’t guarantee protection from demolition or alteration.
“Let me just clarify that this is an honorific designation. It does not protect these places. It simply says they are historically or architecturally significant, and they have been listed in the National Register,” said Everhart. “It does not give someone money to fix them up. It does not prevent them from being torn down. It simply says these places have
been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.”
A building is often more than just four walls, it once served a community that no longer exists. People and stories of the past serve as a reminder to modern day visitors of perseverance and archaic lives. A history that is erased is bound to repeat itself.
“The problem that’s identified is that a property owner, a developer, or sometimes the government that is the city or county or the state, says that there is a better use for that place for that piece of land, that the demolition of a building will allow us to build something newer that will meet an additional need,” said Everhart. “Maybe it’s bigger, so it can accommodate more businesses, or maybe it’s, maybe it’s built of more sustainable materials.”
Boise is a profoundly historic city with old buildings and even older stories that have existed since before we did. In the
new age of concrete and glass buildings, the preservation of aged brick and wooden floors is vital to remembering what once was.
“Every part of Boise has historically important buildings. Every part of Idaho has historically important buildings, architecturally significant buildings, buildings that still look like they did during the historic time period,” said Everhart. “Every single part of the city and the state have those places. Some might be fewer than others, but downtown Boise is the oldest part of our city.”
Boise’s historic buildings are more than just bricks and mortar; they are living testaments to the city’s past, offering a window into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us. As Boise continues its rapid growth, it faces a critical choice: embrace progress at the expense of its heritage or find a way to honor and preserve the stories embedded in its architecture.
Photo of buildings on Main Street in downtown Boise. Photo by Jocelyn Browne
Temple of Remembrance event turns devastation into creation
Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder of how essential community can be
Emily Carmela Nelson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
On Nov. 20, 2024, Trans Joy Boise hosted their very first Temple of Remembrance event in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual day of observance dedicated to the memory of individuals whose lives have been taken by acts of violence against the transgender community.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) identified at least 36 transgender and nonbinary Americans who have died from an act of fatal violence in the last 12 months. HRCF stresses that 36 is only an estimate, as many deaths go unreported or involve misgendering — leading to delays in identifying victims.
Trans Joy Boise came up with the Temple of Remembrance event as a way to transform grief into an interactive community experience.
A wooden temple built by community members at Xanadu was the heart of the event. The five by five wooden structure was covered in painted butterflies, photographs and medallions with the names of those 36 lost souls and community members from Idaho who had passed over the last few years. Attendees were invited to write letters to their loved ones and former selves to place in a wooden box next to the structure.
The Temple of Remembrance event was originally supposed to consist of a cathartic torch burning of the entire structure — but plans changed when weather described as a “bomb cyclone” began to approach the Pacific Northwest last week. The cyclone consisted of a powerful storm affecting the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington, bringing heavy rains and winds to Boise.
Preston Pace of Trans Joy Boise described the sudden and uncontrollable change in weather that night as “very fitting of the trans experience” — a reflec-
tion of the challenges that the transgender community continually faces.
“We’re trying to put these things together and we’re just trying to exist, yet we face a disproportionate amount of hardship,” Pace said. “Especially after the election, we’re all afraid and it’s more important than ever for us to come together. All of these people coming [to the event] decked out in all of their winter clothes proves that we are there for eachother and that no matter what, we are a community and family.”
Pushing through the weather, attendees of the event placed the individual medallions into smaller fire pits — honoring the names and lives of those in the community who had lost their lives.
“It worked out really great,” Bonnie Violet of Trans Joy Boise said about the redirection choice. “It caused us to interact more than we had originally planned. I felt more connected with the audience in that way, because I was able to say ‘Hey, would you like to participate in the ceremony? If so, here’s a medallion’. People would want to know ‘Who is this? Can you tell me more about the person’s story?’. It facilitated some really great engagement with one another.”
After the ceremony, community members were given the opportunity to volunteer and speak about someone they were thinking about on Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Dr. Becky Gomez, a nurse practitioner in east Boise specializing in gender affirming hormone therapy shared the story of Samson Matthews. Matthews, a student studying music at the University of Idaho, was one of the first transgender individuals Gomez had met during her practice.
“Sam was not afraid to be themself,”
Dr. Gomez said of the aspiring musician. In 2021, Matthews died unexpectedly in a car accident north of New Meadows, Idaho.
Dr. Gomez described Samson in three words: “joyful, loving and kind”.
Rejji Hyten was another member of the community who spoke at the event. Hyten heard about the Temple of Remembrance event while attending a community self-defense class Trans Joy Boise held earlier that week at Xanadu.
Hyten chose to honor Lou Sullivan, a writer and activist who documented his experience of being a gay transgender man over three decades.
“Reading his journals made me feel like I had family. He made me feel like my future was possible,” Hyten said. “I never met him, but I know that his journals were a huge reason I decided to be myself.”
Hyten described the overall feeling of the Temple of Remembrance event as “emotional”. As a transgender individual living in Idaho, Hyten says being out in public has always made them nervous — but the environment at the Temple of Remembrance event put him at ease.
“It can be pretty lonely to hide a whole part of yourself,” Hyten said. “Knowing that all of these people care and would be upset if I died is not something that I’m guaranteed all the time. Being surrounded by people that see me as human and see the people I love as human is a really cool feeling.”
Although the stormy weather may have altered the original plans for the night, Trans Joy Boise’s Temple of Remembrance event proves that even in the face of unpredictable change, the community remains committed to honoring each other by transforming grief into a force of healing.
Photos taken during the burning of firepits for those who have lost their lives.
Photos by Jocelyn Browne
C ULTURE
Jon M. Chu defies gravity with his spellbinding film ‘Wicked’
“Let us be glad! Let us be grateful! Let us rejocify that …” “Wicked” is a hit!
From discourse online insinuating that movie musicals were dead after the casting of Ariana Grande as Glinda, to an emotionpacked press tour, Jon M. Chu’s 2024 film “Wicked” has been the subject of extreme scrutiny.
“Wicked” is split up into two parts. The first film clocks in at just under three hours — that’s only five minutes less than the entirety of the stage show, including the intermission. “Wicked: Part Two” will be released Nov. 21, 2025. Chu allotted more time to moments that the stage adaptation only spends mere seconds on, or doesn’t give as much emotional weight to.
Casting controversy
Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, won a Tony, a Grammy and several other awards for her role as Celie Harris in the 2015 stage revival of “The Color Purple”. Since Erivo comes equipped with a background in musical theater, fans seemed less apprehensive about her performance, as opposed to Grande who is known for her un-enunciated pop hits.
Before the film began, the theater was practically vibrating with anticipation.
The question on everyone’s mind seemed to be could pop princess Ariana Grande portray an Oz-ian diplomat, or would the musical theater community have to burst her bubble?
A “thrillifying” performance
Well … As Glinda sings in the opening song “No One Mourns the Wicked”, “Let us be glad! Let us be grateful! Let us rejocify that …” “Wicked” is positively emerald.
From the first flash of yellow brick, Grande immediately had theater-goers in the palm of her regal hand.
The respect that each and every actor had for their role in this film is evident.
One of the best aspects of any great Broadway production is anywhere your eye goes there is energy and excitement — “Wicked” on the big screen is no different.
Erivo portrays Elphaba in a way that viewers can’t help but fall in love with her. Her optimism, grit and empathy are all
qualities that make her an unforgettable character. Erivo’s vocals are nothing less than stunning and her deep dedication to the craft is apparent from the first notes of “The Wizard and I”.
The actresses portray Glinda and Elphaba as two sides of the same coin — both seeking goodness, but viewing the virtue completely differently. From their charged rivalry presented through “What is This Feeling” to their heartfelt duet in “Defying Gravity” the progression of their friendship feels natural and raw.
Jonathan Bailey’s performance as Fiyero, a transfer student and playboy, was electric. Bailey captured the audience’s attention any time he was on screen and his chemistry with both Grande and Erivo was undeniable.
The ability to look effortless while spinning from the ceiling and dancing on books is nothing short of a marvel. Bailey illustrated Fiyero’s charm and empathy toward others as, thanks to Elphaba, he slowly realizes that maybe “Dancing Through Life” isn’t always the answer.
“Defying Gravity” and vocal bounds Erivo’s vocal performance for the entirety of “Wicked” was a gift to witness, made even more impressive by the fact that the cast sang live for the whole film. From sweet and somber songs like “I’m Not That Girl” to “Defying Gravity” which showcases Erivo’s incredible belts, this vocal powerhouse can do it all. Erivo did a fantastic job of illustrating Elphaba’s emotional journey as a character through her stylistic choices in songs.
In “The Wizard and I” we see Elphaba get almost guiltily giddy as she belts out the last chorus on a cliff’s edge. By the end of the film, Elphaba is unapologetically herself and leaves audiences with a “Defying Gravity” war cry and a deep desire to see what the witch will do next.
Sets that will make you say “We’re not in Kansas anymore …”
Chu’s sets for both Shiz University and the famous Emerald City were spectacular. Sweeping pastoral scenes of open fields and rows of poppies contrasted with the mechanical and zany architecture of the metropolitan city.
Shiz was built around a huge body of water, separating the colossal dormitories and study halls that the students eventually flee to find the OzDust Ballroom, also known as “the most swankified place in town.”
CGI in this film wasn’t used as a placeholder or a substitute for the magic of set design, but simply enhanced scenes. “One Short Day” was filled with fireworks, stilt walkers, gaudy costumes and of course, green as far as the eye could see. By the end of this film, it feels almost impossible that nearly three hours have passed. “Wicked” is a truly transportive film that was made with heart, passion and a little bit of magic. The only question that remains is … Are you ready for part two?
Image of Wicked leads Cynthia Erivo (left) and Ariana Grande (right) . Image courtesy of Universal Studios
‘MUSTAAAAAAARD’: A dive into the surprise album ‘GNX’ by Kendrick Lamar
Luke Charlier | Music Director for University Pulse Radio | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu
At 10 a.m. MT on Friday, Nov. 22, Kendrick Lamar pulled the unthinkable and surprise-dropped his much awaited sixth LP.
“GNX” is arguably the most important release of Lamar’s career, as he’s sandwiched between the biggest beef in hip hop history and headlining the Super Bowl. So to forgo a typical album rollout in favor of a cold-turkey album release is a bold move considering the amount of pressure on him.
Lamar’s previous album, “Mr Morale & The Big Steppers”, was one of his most high concept and theatrical albums yet. However, his most recent hits, “Not Like Us” and “Like That”, are some of Lamar’s most accessible and digestible tracks he’s ever released.
So going into this album, would we see a more commercialized version of Lamar or the introspective and conceptual ver-
sion of Kendrick Lamar? “GNX” seems to strike an impressive balance between both sides of Lamar.
On one hand, songs like “Squabble Up” and “TV Off” are nearly guaranteed to be massive hits. The west coast inspired vibrant production of “Not Like Us” returns. Lamar’s verses are so animated and polished that it’s hard not to dance along.
Lamar’s fun side is rarely displayed on his LPs, so seeing nearly half the album dedicated to that side is refreshing. His technical rapping on this album is undeniably great. His presence on the mic is always entertaining and commanding — especially when he experiments with new deliveries.
On the other hand, songs like “Reincarnated” prove Lamar’s still here to make densely packed, nuanced, and self-aware pieces of art. Lamar tackles the concept of influence and inspiration through the idea of reincarnation.
He raps through the perspective of his past lives eventually building up to him rapping through his own perspective and God’s perspective.
The song’s main theme is the power of influence, and whether Lamar is misusing his or not. It doesn’t matter that Lamar is about to go perform at the Super Bowl, he’s still here to make music that both challenges himself and the audience.
The juxtaposition of the more arrogant and celebratory tracks to the more introspective and self analytical tracks is what really makes this album great. The production, curated by longtime collaborator Sounwave, also highlights this nuance.
“Man of the Garden” instrumentally feels like a tribute to Nas’s iconic “One Mic”. The minimalist drums and progressive build up matches the self-reflective, yet urgent tone.
Another production standout is “Hey Now”, which is one of the more fun
songs on the album. The style is undeniably west coast, but painted over with an industrial gloss. It’s much more slick and nonchalant compared to the other westcoast inspired songs on the album.
As mentioned above, this is Lamar’s first album since the cataclysmic beef between him and Drake that occurred over the spring of 2024. Many fans were anticipating Lamar to further address this beef and he definitely does on “GNX”. Most of it comes with the first track, “wacced out murals”.
Lamar doesn’t really frame this as a diss track, but he makes it clear that he stands on his prior messages towards Drake, and further saying he doesn’t respect anyone empathetic toward him. There isn’t a “Meet the Grahams” level bomb on “GNX”, but Lamar still shows a level of anger and tenacity against Drake is still well and alive.
However, this does feel like Lamar’s least ambitious album yet. But that also allows this to be Lamar’s most fun and digestible release as well. He uses this album to try out new things that he’s never done before.
For instance, Lamar also uses a substantial amount of this album’s runtime to showcase smaller artists. Guest rapper Dody6 appears on “Hey Now” and only has 35,000 monthly listeners (compared to Lamar’s 60 million).
These features are very respectable in concept, as it shows Lamar is truly genuine about supporting the west-coast hip hop scene.
Overall, “GNX” is great. The short runtime and looser concept allow this album to appeal to mainstream audiences in a way Lamar hasn’t reached since “DAMN.”. For a year where Lamar has dominated the charts, it’s fitting he ends the year off with a victory lap. And Lamar is behind the wheel of his Buick GNX for his victory lap.
Cover art for Kendrick Lamar’s newest album, GNX. Image courtesy of PgLang
SPORTS & REC
December 5, 2024 | ARBITERONLINE.COM
The road to the College Football Playoffs
Boise State set to host UNLV in Mountain West Championship
No. 10 Boise State will face off against No. 19 University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) for backto-back years in the Mountain West Championship this Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. for what could be the biggest game in Albertsons Stadium history.
This upcoming game holds higher stakes than last season because the winner will secure the lone Group of Five (G5) spot in the College Football Playoffs.
“When you play in a championship game you want to play the best,” Head Coach Spencer Danielsen said. “UNLV coming to the Blue we know we’re get -
ting their best. They’ve got a lot of talent and drive to win this game just like us. And now both sides have to earn the right to go play their best.”
Last year the Rebels hosted the Broncos in the championship and Boise State came out on top with a final score of 44-20. In addition, earlier this season the Broncos won with a closer score of 29-24.
Boise State is favored to win the game by 3.5 points according to Fanduel Sportsbook.
“Whenever you play a team twice, you know each other better than any team you’ve played at that point from schematically to personnel wise to
how they’re gonna respond to things,” Danielsen said. “We knew UNLV was going to be a heavyweight fight and round two on the blue is no different.”
It is going to be a battle between the Broncos offense and the Rebels defense as each are ranked #1 in the Mountain West.
Boise State: What to know Boise State stands with a 11-1 record this season with their only loss against the No. 1 team in the country, University of Oregon.
A win for Boise State would not only earn them a spot in the College Football Playoffs but it will likely give them a first round bye. This would mean that
the Broncos would play in a quarterfinal bowl game which has not happened since their victory against University of Arizona in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.
Key Players:
Ashton Jeanty: It’s no secret that Jeanty is the number one running back in the nation right now with 2,288 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns this season. Although the Rebels have an impressive defense, Jeanty should have no problem putting up some high numbers this game.
Maddux Madsen: Madsen stepped up to the plate as starting quarterback this season and now leads the conference with 21 passing touchdowns.
UNLV: What to Know UNLV lost to Boise State and Syracuse University earlier this season bringing their record to 10-2.
If UNLV defeats Boise State in the title game, they will likely secure the #12 spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Key Players:
Hajj-Malik Williams: Williams, a senior transfer from Campbell, stepped up as starting quarterback in game four. He became the first UNLV quarterback in history to throw for at least three touchdowns in each of his first three starts behind center. He has thrown 17 touchdowns since starting, three against the Broncos earlier this season.
Ricky White III: As wide receiver, White leads the Mountain West with 1,020 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.
Score Prediction:
24 (Boise State) 21 (UNLV)
Graphic of a UNLV helmet and a BSU helmet smashing together.
Graphic by Naomi Brown
Backhands and baselines: The rise of pickleball in America
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, building a nationwide community of players from all backgrounds and levels. The sport can be seen as the perfect medium between tennis and ping-pong. Pickleball is played on a badminton-size court with composite or wooden paddles and a plastic ball.
“It’s not as physically taxing for older people because there’s not as much movement,” said avid pickleball player Jake Jarrett. “It’s more about hand eye coordination and technique which can be learned by anyone of any age, unlike if you do something like basketball, there’s going to be a major speed and athletic difference between a 20-year-old and an 80-year-old.”
Pickleball grew 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and 223.5% since 2020; totaling 13.6 million players in the United States, accord-
The goal of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and getting the opposing team to miss the return. The first team (or player) to reach 11 points with a lead of at least two points wins the game, according to the USA Pickleball Rulebook.
Pickleball is easy for beginners to pick up on but can also develop into a fastpaced and competitive game for experi enced players.
The sport originated in 1965, and the hype has made its way from Baby Boomers to Gen-Z within the last couple of years.
Three enterprising dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum invented the sport on a badminton court in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
The idea came to the trio when brain storming ways to keep their children entertained in the summer, according to USApickleball.org.
Joel Pritchard’s
other sports is its adaptable nature and multi-generational appeal.
“I tried tennis growing up and many other sports but they just weren’t as enjoyable and social,” said Boise State’s 2024 intramural pickleball champion, Jillian Deines. “It was really easy to pick up and I also think it’s very age diverse. I would take the kids I babysit to play pickleball as well as play with my family, grandparents and college friends.”
In addition, pickleball has become a social community among players around the world with over 1,000 new locations added since 2023 resulting in 50,003 known courts, according to the USA Pickleball Annual Growth Report.
gotten creative with the concept, building
munity, the future of pickleball seems to only be getting brighter.
For students looking to get involved in the pickleball community, Boise State offers a pickleball class (BRNCOFIT 172) as well as a variety of intramural leagues. Boise is also surrounded by pickleball courts everywhere including an indoor court in the recreation center.
OUR BEST GUESS
THE ARBITER ALIGNS YOUR STARS
CAPRICORN
DEC 22 - JAN 19
TREAT YOURSELF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. PLEASE.
AQUARIUS
JAN 20 - FEB 18
‘WICKED’ IS NOT YOUR BROADWAY AUDITION.
CANCER
JUN 21 - JUL 22
LET THINGS GO FOR A HAPPIER WINTER BREAK.
LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22
YOU’LL GET COAL IN YOUR STOCKING. YOU KNOW WHY.
PISCES
FEB 19 - MAR 20
ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR GIFT LIST.
ARIES
MARCH 21 - APR 19
MAKE ROOM ON YOUR SHELF FOR NEW PRESENTS!
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21
BEING ‘MYSTERIOUS’ IS NOT WORKING. JUST BE HONEST.
TAURUS
APR 20 - MAY 20
TRY TO BE NICE TO ‘THAT’ UNCLE OVER THE HOLIDAYS.
GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20
GO SEE ‘BABYGIRL’ ON DEC. 25. NO, WE WON’T EXPLAIN.
VIRGO
AUG 23 - SEPT 22
REACH BACK OUT TO THAT ONE FRIEND. THEY MISS YOU.
LIBRA SEPT 23 - OCT 22
YOUR SACRIFICES WILL SOON PAY OFF. KEEP UP THE WORK.
SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21
YOU’VE MADE BAD ROMANTIC CHOICES … EMBARRASSING.
SAGITTARIUS
NOV 22 - DEC 21
BEING ‘MYSTERIOUS’ IS NOT WORKING. JUST BE HONEST.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY SYDNEY SMITH
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