The Battalion - September 3, 2020 by The Battalion

COVID-SHAMING ON PG. 7

FALL SPORTS UPDATE ON PG. 4

Young to retire in May 2021

ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING PRESIDENT YOUNG’S TENURE Research expenditures up from $854 million in 2014 to $965 million in 2019 More than 750 National Merit Scholars recruited to campus First year retention rate up from 89.8% in 2015 to 94.2% in 2020 Four year graduation rate up from 54.1% in 2015 to 58.6% in 2020 Enrollment increase from 62,185 students in 2014 to more than 71,200 in 2020 More than 450 faculty added since 2015 Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

On Sept. 2 President Michael K. Young announced his plans to retire after the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year.

Michael K. Young announces he will assume new role at Bush School following his exit from Office of the President By Brady Stone and Hannah Underwood @bradystonex and @hannahbunderwoo

exas A&M University President Michael K. Young announced Sept. 2 he will retire from his position, effective May 31, 2021. According to a statement released by the university, Young and his wife have been discussing his retirement for over a year.

“We concluded that, after almost a quarter century of serving in senior academic leadership roles and an increasing desire to turn back to topics that occupied much of my previous career, this would be our last year,” Young said. Young has served as A&M’s president since 2015, when he was recruited by A&M System Chancellor John Sharp from the University of Washington where he also served as president. “I thank Mike Young for his tremendous service to Texas A&M,” Sharp said. “When we recruited him, we wanted him to help Texas A&M become the best public university in the country and we have made great strides in doing so under his leadership. We appreciate his service and look forward to recognizing his achievements in the months

to come.” Following his tenure as president, Young will join the faculty of the Bush School of Government and Public Service as the director of A&M’s new Institute for Religious Liberties and International Affairs. “I am at heart an academic and I have an opportunity here created last year an institute for religious liberties and international affairs that is an area that I feel passionately about and have been working on for much of my career,” Young said. “[I have] a chance to stay here and really advance that cause both academically and I’m a bit of an activist as well.” Chairman of the University System Board of Regents Elaine Mendoza said Young’s achievements during his presidency include boosting the reputation of A&M and helping

students flourish. “President Young has been a transformational leader, contributing to a rise in Texas A&M’s national and international reputation as a global tier one research institution while meeting the growing needs of the citizens of Texas,” Mendoza said. “Of particular note is his work toward student retention, helping those who come to Texas A&M succeed in fulfilling Texas A&M’s mission to graduate leaders who selflessly serve.” During Young’s five years as president, A&M research expenditures have reached almost $1 billion, almost two million square feet of space have been added to the university and the Student Success Initiative has increased A&M’s first-year retention rate as well as the YOUNG ON PG. 3

SEC on-field restrictions alter traditions Band prohibited from marching, Yell Leaders move into stands By Rebecca Morris @RebeccaSheWrote While the sidelines will seem bare and the field will seem silent during halftime at Texas A&M football games, the Aggie Band and Yell Leader team are finding new ways to keep the spirit this fall. Since the SEC announced restrictions for on-field personnel on Aug. 28, the Aggie Band, now unable to perform a live half-time show, has decided to pre-record their drill and display it on the video screens during their usual performance slot. Band director Timothy Rhea said the band made this back-up plan in early August while considering potential situations for the fall. “I understand this is a decision from the SEC, but am disappointed for the members and supporters of the Aggie Band as well as the other bands in the SEC,” Rhea said. “The current Aggie Band has handled the many adjustments to our fall procedures in the same manner as they approach all things — dedication, excellence and enduring pride in all that we do.” The half-time performance will be virtual, though band commander Ross Beazley said the Aggie Band will continue performing in the stands with added safety precautions like social distancing and specialized band facemasks. “I know the safety of the students, players, coaches, faculty and everything is the most SPIRIT ON PG. 3

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

On Sept. 2, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band practiced on Kyle Field for the first time this fall.

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NEWS

The Battalion | 9.3.20

Suicide Awareness Month goes virtual

Pilar Ibarra — THE BATTALION

The Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office is putting on more events than ever this Suicide Awareness Month.

Week-long observance to feature more events than previous years By Jacob Gauthier @StoryweaverJ The Suicide Awareness & Prevention Office (SAPO) is putting on more events than ever for Suicide Awareness Month. During September, SAPO will host events designed to raise awareness about suicide and facilitate conversation around the issue. All of the events, including a walk challenge and a webinar, will be conducted virtually. The number of events SAPO will host in September has significantly increased compared to previous years. Santana Simple, the head of SAPO and the assistant director of Counseling & Psychological Services, said the office used to only have events on the day of the walk. “In previous years, what we’ve done is re-

ally focused in on the Suicide Awareness Walk on one day,” Simple said. “Where the walk last year was one day, this year we wanted to do a walk challenge that encouraged people to walk with their teams and find different ways to stay connected that way.” Anthony Franzetti, a SAPO graduate assistant, said they wanted to expand from having a one-day event to a week-long schedule this year. However, when the pandemic started to affect the U.S. more seriously, they had to alter their plans. “We were able to take some of the ideas that we had for this week-long event and find either online alternatives or just get rid of some that we didn’t think would be feasible,” Franzetti said. “But some of those week-long event ideas have definitely been incorporated into this awareness month.” The main event, the Suicide Awareness Walk, was turned into a virtual walk challenge where participants can join teams and walk

Aggies believe in

SELFLESS SERVICE

together. “You and a group of up to eight people will sign on as a team, and you obviously don’t have to be in the same area — you can be across cities, states, whatever it may be,” Frazetti said. “You’ll go out and walk and try to remain as socially distant as possible. We encourage you to take photos and upload them on social media. We’ll be having a hashtag that people will log their journey with how many miles they’ve walked and try to get that message of walking for suicide awareness.” SAPO will also offer Campus Connect and Question, Persuade and Refer training several times during Suicide Awareness Month. Warren Wright, a CAPS licensed professional counselor-intern, said the trainings teach people skills for helping at-risk individuals. “With the QPR [training], it’s geared toward helping people learn skills, techniques and strategies to intervene with someone who may be at risk of attempting suicide or dying

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Of Texas A&M University’s six core values, selfless service best encapsulates what makes Aggieland special. Just as often as they say “Howdy!” or “Gig ’em!”, Aggies ask “How can I help?” During the Lead by Example campaign, Texas A&M students recorded nearly:

12 million $280 million service hours

by suicide,” Wright said. “Campus Connect is geared toward more of our student leaders and student population, again learning some similar skills in order to support our fellow peers.” There are many more events SAPO is hosting, such as Legends Program Active Minds and the Thriving Through Uncertainty webinar series. The program emphasizes how important managing mental health is, while the webinar series will cover a variety of topics based on what is currently affecting students. Simple said SAPO’s events provide an opportunity for students to continue improving through self-reflection. “One of the main things that the pandemic has shown us is the ways we’ve not been healthy or the way we haven’t been taking care of ourselves so this is a way to continue that work,” Simple said. “A lot of students have really been engaging their self-care and learning different techniques to do that, so this is an opportunity to increase that knowledge.”

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NEWS

The Battalion | 9.3.20

YOUNG CONTINUED four- and six-year graduation rates. Young said he is most proud of the senior leadership team to which he attributes many of these successes. “I’m really pleased and thrilled with all of that, but I can attach a face to every one of those accomplishments to our senior leadership team and all the way through to the deans, department chairs, staff and faculty,” Young said. “I think the thing that I am most proud of is the people who have joined us in this endeavor over the last five years. These successes really have their name and their picture attached to every one of them.” In his university-wide announcement, Young reminisces about his first visit to Aggieland. “I remember meeting students on my first visit to Texas A&M before accepting the position,” Young said. “While the students were not aware of the nature of my visit, their core values of respect, leadership, excellence, loyalty, integrity and selfless service shined through. I knew what a wonderful opportunity it would be to serve them.” Young said he would like this to be students’ take away from his service as president after his term concludes in May 2021: “Every waking moment, what we’re thinking about [is], ‘How can we ensure that we have the greatest educational opportunity possible?’ I just hope that they always take that away.”

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

President Michael K. Young’s retirement will be effective May 31, 2021.

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Senior Jacob Huffman, junior Memo Salinas, senior Keller Cox, junior Mason Graham and senior Weston Porter will serve as Yell Leaders for the 2020-2021 school year.

SPIRIT CONTINUED important thing so it’s hard to speculate what exactly is going to happen, but we’re going to maintain an optimistic point of view,” Beazley said. “Whatever happens will happen and we’ll take the punches and roll with it, and the Aggie Band will continue to march on until we’re told we’re not able to anymore. Even if football season is canceled, as long as the Corps is alive and the Aggie Band is alive, we’re going to march on as long as we can.” In addition to restrictions on band performances, the Yell Leaders will not be allowed on the sidelines this year, instead motivating the crowd from five risers that will be placed

in the stands, senior Yell Leader Keller Cox said. “I think these risers do a good job of making us more visible, and if each Yell Leader does their job, I think we can still make the atmosphere of Kyle Field as normal as possible,” Cox said. “I think it was sad at first to know that we would not be on the sideline, but on the other hand I was like, ‘Let’s freaking go! We get to be in Kyle Field on gameday, still having a presence.’” Midnight Yell will also take place online for the first home game, as well as for every away game yell practice. After the first home yell practice, leadership will reevaluate if there is a safe way to conduct an in-person Midnight Yell.

“It’ll be very interesting to see how much of a crowd we draw, because some of our biggest crowds are at our away game yell practices with an online presence,” Cox said. “I really think if we spread the word and get people to tune into these online yell practices, we could really have a huge impact on the university and provide some of the same spirit that an in-person Midnight Yell Practice would normally provide.” Despite all the changes, Beazley said the band’s consistency and routine are essential to keeping up the spirit amid the pandemic. “What we do really means a lot to a lot of people,” Beazley said. “Continuing to play in the mornings and letting people hear us for miles away and just doing what we do best and

making sure people see that is really important, not only to us as students as part of this amazing organization, but as Aggies wanting to share the spirit and bring some sort of normalcy to a crazy and unsettling time.” Even with A&M football games looking different this season, Cox said everyone who plays a part in gameday traditions is doing their best to face these challenges with a positive mindset. “A question we must continue to ask ourselves is, ‘How can we make the most of this year?’” Cox said. “But in the midst of all the change, there is one thing that will always remain the same, and that is the Spirit of Aggieland.”

SPORTS

The Battalion | 9.3.20

Brady Stone, Editor-in-Chief Camryn Lang, Managing Editor Julia Potts, News Editor Myranda Campanella, Asst. News Editor Hannah Underwood, Sports Editor Jenny Streeter, Asst. Sports Editor Shelby McVey, Life & Arts Editor Rebecca Morris, Life & Arts Editor Maroon Life Editor

Henry Mureithi, Opinion Editor Joshua Howell, Asst. Opinion Editor Cole Fowler, Arts Editor Meredith Seaver, Photo Chief Kaylee Cogbill, Asst. Photo Chief Mitchell Beddingfield, Multimedia Editor Annie Wells, Asst. MM Editor Cori Eckert, Page Designer

THE BATTALION is published Thursdays during the 2020 fall semester (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of StudentAffairs.Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

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THE BATTALION Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

The Texas A&M soccer team has moved to a conference-only schedule with their season beginning Sept. 18.

Fall athletic guidelines updated @THEBATTONLINE

BATTALION MULTIMEDIA

SEC announces new start dates, formats for non-football sports By Hannah Underwood @hannahbunderwoo

Check Ring Eligibility: By Sept. 15 Order Deadline: Sept. 16 Aggie Ring Day: Nov. 20, 2020

The SEC is one step closer to playing sports this fall. Commissioner Greg Sankey announced new start dates and guidelines for fall sports on Aug. 27. The announcements apply to fall sports such as cross country, volleyball and soccer, as well as golf and tennis. Cross country will be permitted to begin competition on Sept. 11, with the season stretching until Oct. 23. During that span, the teams can only compete in two to three events prior to the SEC Championships, which are scheduled for Oct. 30. The only sport allowed to do so,

the SEC’s cross country teams may compete against non-conference opponents, but only if those schools are following the SEC’s COVID-19 testing protocols. Individual races will be restricted to only 10 teams, and schools may not compete on consecutive weekends. Soccer and volleyball will move to a conference-only schedule. Soccer’s season will begin on Sept. 18 and consist of eight games over a two-month period, with one game per week. Teams will play six divisional opponents and two crossover, with four games at home and four away. The SEC Championship tournament is scheduled to be held Nov. 13 through 22, and all 14 member schools will be guaranteed at least two matchups. Volleyball will also have an eightgame season over a six week span start-

ing on Oct. 16. Each school will compete against four opponents, playing the same opponent twice in the same weekend. Soccer and volleyball will compete in spring games as well. The SEC plans to release further details following NCAA decisions on how to conduct spring championships. For golf and tennis, teams can compete in up to three events after Oct. 1. Competition will be limited to SEC teams or opponents from the school’s geographic region. In July, the conference announced cross country, soccer and volleyball would be postponed through Aug. 31. Fall practice activities and intra-squad games are permitted in baseball and softball, but exhibition games are prohibited for the fall.

LAST CALL

HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON NOV. 20, 2020 If you meet the requirements after Summer 2020: 1. Log in to AggieNetwork.com by Sept. 15. (You will need to create an account on this website.) 2. In the Aggie Ring tab, click on "Order Your Aggie Ring". • Follow the steps to customize your Aggie Ring; your eligibility will be checked after this step. 3. If approved, submit your order online or schedule an appointment to order in person by 5 p.m. CT on Sept. 16. 4. On your appointment day, visit the Aggie Ring Office to s select your size and pay for your Aggie Ring. • FULL PAYMENT IS DUE AT TIME OF ORDER. • Pricing is available online. • Aggie Ring Loans are available to qualified, currently enrolled students at the Short Term Loan Office. Visit AggieNetwork.com/Ring for full details. Important notes regarding Ring Orders: 1. ONLY the person ordering an Aggie Ring will be allowed into the Aggie Ring Office area. 2. Online orders are encouraged. You may visit a local jeweler to determine your Ring size. If available, please ask to use their wide-band sizers. 3. Sizing tips and a paper sizer are also available on AggieNetwork.com. 4. Social distancing practices will be required in the Alumni Center. 5. The number of in-person appointments available has been reduced due to social distancing requirements. 6. Health screening questions will be asked upon arrival. 7. Face coverings (cloth face covering, surgical mask, etc.) must be worn by individuals (faculty, staff, students and visitors) in indoor public areas on the Texas A&M University campus, including the Alumni Center. 8. Sneeze guards have been installed, and Ring stations, sizers and finishes will be sanitized between customers. 9. Our check-in process has been modified to limit contact. You will be asked to scan a QR code on your phone upon arrival. Current Ring order protocols could change at any moment should government guidelines change. Any changes will be communicated via AggieNetwork.com

While it is uncertain at this time, social distancing practices may impact November's Aggie Ring Day.

Visit tx.ag/RingRequirements for information on eligibility requirements for ordering an Aggie Ring.

The Association of Former Students is HERE for Aggies during their days as students and former students, THERE for Aggies as they make their way around the world and EVERYWHERE that the Aggie Network needs us to be.

Aggie Ring Program at (979) 845-1050 | AggieNetwork.com

Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION

Senior defensive back Elijah Blades and junior defensive back Derrick Tucker have opted out of the 2020 football season.

Blades, Tucker opt out of 2020 season NCAA rule allows athletes to sit out of play due to health concerns By Brady Stone @bradystonex Senior cornerback Elijah Blades and junior defensive back Derrick Tucker are the second and third Texas A&M football players to opt out of competition this season. Both players made their announcements via Twitter, with Blades leading on Aug. 31 and Tucker following on Sept. 1. “I have chosen opt out this season,” Blades said in his tweet. “I’ll be back next year. Deuce.” Tucker said he made his decision in support of the Black Lives Matter

movement. “Walk by faith not by sight...It’s only through faith that we can see the impossible become possible,” Tucker said in a tweet. Tucker further explained his decision in a message posted on Twitter. “There is a lot going on in the world and in my life right now,” Tucker said. “I want to do my part when it comes to making a difference and taking initiative in ones personal health. I have chosen to sit out this season in support to BLM.” “If 2020 has taught me anything so far, it is that life is bigger than football. We can’t keep pushing past the fact that there is so much injustice in our world.” The pair’s announcements follow

that of redshirt sophomore quarterback James Foster, whose decision was announced on Aug. 18. Blades played in seven games in 2019, accumulating 19 total tackles before missing the last three games of the season due to injury. Tucker saw action in only four games in 2019. The three players who have opted out will not lose their scholarship or eligibility for this decision, as the SEC announced on July 17 that it will allow student-athletes to opt out of the season due to health and safety concerns without risk. The Aggies are scheduled to begin their season in Kyle Field against Vanderbilt on Sept. 26.

SPORTS

The Battalion | 9.3.20

Rugby club launches

annual team raffle

Aggies look to raise money for competitions, expenses By Jennifer Streeter @jennystreeter3 Despite uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas A&M men’s rugby football club is having its 14th annual raffle fundraiser. The winning raffle ticket for a two-night stay at the 777 Ranch in Hondo will be drawn on Dec. 23. The winner and three guests will receive lodging, meals, beverages, an open bar in the evenings and a trip where a guide will take the winners hunting, fishing and touring in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Rugby coach James Lowrey said the fundraiser is the team’s primary source of funding. “It has allowed us to travel across the country, compete in national tournaments, compete on tours and play some of the best teams in the country,” Lowrey said. “[The] biggest [effect] would be the relief of financial pressure for the players to be able to focus on their education, train and play.” The owner of 777 Ranch, Jeff Rann, has been a supporter of A&M Rugby since his son Jared played on the team as a student from 2006 to 2010. “It has been great being able to help sustain the rugby club and, over the years, keep up with what the club is doing and seeing the rugby program grow,” Jared said. The ranch became involved in the fundraiser during Jared’s second year at A&M. He said his dad saw a need for financial support and knew he could help. “There were limited funds available to the team through the Rec sports, but in order to travel and compete on a higher level, the rugby team had to figure out how to raise the necessary funds,” Jared said. “My dad had purchased the 777 Ranch in 2002, and when I

was at A&M I would travel back to the 777 Ranch from time to time to help out as a hunting and fishing guide, so I think my dad recognized the idea for a raffle as a natural way to help out.” Since this year’s fundraiser began on June 9, it has raised $6,750 of its $30,000 goal, which is helped by the fact that anybody can donate from any place. “The outreach is quite grand,” Lowrey said. “On a positive scale, it’s able to reach a lot of people where they can come and give back wherever they are in the country.” The fundraiser is necessary to provide his rugby players with the funds they need to achieve their dreams, Lowrey said. “It’s very humbling in some aspects, but it also provides us with a lot of confidence and support,” Lowrey said. “We always have an opportunity to give these boys the resource[s] or an outlet to make their sporting dreams come to fruition and make life a lot easier as college students.” The team has kept in shape despite guidelines keeping the players apart. Lowrey said they are ready to play whenever it is safe for them to do so. “This particular group of young men could be the most talented group I have had. This group has benefited from a strong emphasis on a winning culture of work ethic, accountability and fun. That has brought a standard to this team they wish to continue and contribute,” Lowrey said. “So both mentally and physically, with the COVID set back, the club is in good shape. I just hope there’s some normality in the world soon, and we could pursue the luxury of enjoying some sport in the spring.” “It’s our big moneymaker for the club,” Lowrey said. “The more we make, the more we can do with the team… Every penny helps.”

via @aggierugbyfc Instagram

The Texas A&M rugby team practices on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

OPINION

The Battalion | 9.3.20

Kaylee Cogbill — THE BATTALION

The Memorial Student Center serves as a local polling place during election season and is a popular voting location among students.

Students should register to vote in College Station Opinion writer Sam Somogye says the student vote could be pivotal in local elections By Sam Somogye @SamSomogye

n less than two months, Americans will exercise a freedom not every person across the globe has the privilege of experiencing: voting. On Nov. 3, whether it be in person or by mail, we will cast our ballots. For Texas A&M students, where we vote is crucial, and it should be in College Station. I will be the first to admit, voting for a city counselor is not as exciting as voting for the next president of the United States. However, is it any less important? For example, in 2014 one vote in Ohio decided seven local issues. A housing ordinance in College Station is going to have more of a direct effect on students than a proclamation adjusting imports of steel. Many A&M students are probably not registered to vote in College Station. All of my roommates are preparing to vote by mail since they are registered in their hometowns. Not being registered to vote in College Station is a missed opportunity for the student body. If every student

voted in local elections, the student vote would be dominant. The total student enrollment at A&M is 64,300 and the whole population of College Station is 117,911. Doing some quick math, you will find the percentage of students who occupy College Station is roughly 54 percent, a somewhat staggering ratio. Do you ever wonder why you don’t see more effort from local campaigns to reach the student body? This might occur for two reasons. First, local candidates know many students are not registered to vote here. Second, they don’t want you voting in the election in the first place. Recently, the College Station City Council attempted to move the special election for city council place number four to Aug. 18. It seems rather odd that they would try to have the election moved to the week before classes were supposed to start. Of course, the strategy is that if classes haven’t started yet, fewer students have moved in, meaning fewer students could vote. That proposed policy leads me to believe the motive for moving the election date may have been to suppress the student vote.

In case you were wondering, all of the city counselors involved in that decision are running for re-election. Some students may think that since they’ll only be here for four years, it does not matter if they vote here. As we all learned from the 2016 election, a lot can happen in four years — and that’s only on the national scale. In another recent article, I highlighted my opposition to a proposed ordinance by the College Station City Council. I did this because of the drastic negative effect it would have on the student population in terms of housing affordability. That is a decision, like so many others, that can be made in less than a year and would have lasting effects on students for the foreseeable future. If you think you are immune to any effects of local policy because you are a student who will be spending a relatively short time in College Station, you are mistaken. The good news is, college students are starting to vote more. A recent study from Tufts University found the percentage of registered college student voters doubled from 2014 to 2018. To top that,

another study found that 71 percent of college students plan on voting in 2020. For students, these numbers are something to get excited about. Now imagine those numbers reflect the number of students who plan to vote in College Station elections. I am confident that people running for local offices would begin to take students a lot more seriously. As students at A&M, we play a vital role in what makes College Station so great. The contribution students make ranges from the businesses the city attracts to the friendly “Howdy” that is so rooted in our culture. So why should that role stop at who is elected here? If all students voted in College Station, we would have elected officials who reflect our values and champion our beliefs. I urge all students to register to vote in this election. The deadline to do so is Oct. 5. Decisions are made by those who show up. If, as students, we were all to show up, imagine the changes we could make. Sam Somogye is a political science senior and opinion writer for The Battalion.

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TRAVEL

1 Honeydew, e.g. 6 World Service provider 9 Wood sorrel 12 Hogan dweller 13 Salad topper 14 Root beer brand 16 Russian pancakes 17 Blood letters 18 Party pooper 19 V.I.P. 20 City-like 22 Kind of patch 23 Potter’s tool 25 Soft silver-white ductile metallic element 27 Blatant deception 31 Quick on the uptake 32 Wife of Zeus 33 “Drat!” 36 Oven emanation 40 Writer Jong 42 Bishop’s jurisdiction 43 Bounded along 44 Physically weak 45 Cry of pain 47 Org. with a mission 48 Pen point 50 Plaid fabric 52 Park structure 55 Dome 56 Wise one 57 Acquired relative 59 Mine passages 64 Roswell sightings 66 Cup handle 67 Nativity scene 68 Ballet wear

19 23 27

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68 71

69 It has strings attached 70 Exhaustive 71 Strong cleaner 72 ___ capita 73 Cashing in one’s chips

21 24 26 Stag 27 Blackhearted 28 Track assignment 29 Plains Indian 30 Refusals Get on ___ 34 Lettuce variety 35 Waste pipe 37

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 15 20

Eccentric Wrist joints French farewell Peacock network Junk E-mail On pins and needles Sherpa’s home Append Undiluted White hat wearer German mister La Scala highlight “Phèdre” playwright “The Matrix” role Trifle Moonfish

38 39 41 46 49 51 52 53 54 55 58 60 61 62 63 65 67

Arizona city Garden figure Cover story? English ___ Study Just about Joint problem Horrible Bubkes Fruit-peeling device Tahoe, e.g. Supermarket section It’s clicked on a computer Hoodlum Collector’s goal Take to court No-goodnik

OPINION

The Battalion | 9.3.20

as unforgivable sins, and good people can have their lives and reputations ruined with a quick tap on the phone. In the context of COVID-19, this can come in a variety of forms: from Aggies cyber-bullying a sorority member for expressing her frustration about a confusing and stressful quarantine order, to students spreading damaging rumors based on nothing more than hearsay. Instead of being a matter of public health, the mob treats pandemic restrictions like a moral certainty. As such, anything other than strict adherence makes one an undesirable and a danger to society. No one appreciates being labeled a horrible person, especially not by a complete stranger. When someone is publicly scolded, especially when the perceived infraction is innocuous, unintentional or based on changes in scientific understanding, it is likely that they (at best) will stop listening or (at worst) will do the opposite of the scolder desires. It’s this intrinsic component of human nature that makes COVID-shaming and public ridicule ineffective in changing problematic behavior. Much of the attention of COVIDshamers is centered on mass gatherings outdoors (presumably as a result of them being public), with visitors to pools, backyards, outdoor courts and beaches being frequent targets of ridicule. It is unquestionable that the individuals in the Graphic by Gabrielle Shreve — THE BATTALION above examples are not being nearly as Opinion writer Garion Frankel says shaming those not following COVID-19 guidelines does more harm than good. safe as they could be, but they are also much safer than they would have been had the gathering been indoors. The embarrassment of the COVID-shaming won’t encourage them to change their behavior; it will only serve to drive the same behavior into a much quieter, much more dangerous setting. Neither yelling at someone at the grocery store nor posting a viral Twitter treating this semester as if there wasn’t a — on both sociological and epidemioGarion Frankel thread will stop the spread of COVID-19. pandemic going on, rejecting masks and logical levels. Harassing fraternities and sororities won’t social distancing guidelines. Public shaming and humiliation have @FrankelGarion help either. COVID-shaming makes the It’s natural to be angry at those not played a part of self-policing for thouspread of the disease worse, as the negataking COVID-19 seriously. This situasands of years, and they’ve often found he COVID-19 pandemic needs lit- tion is largely out of our control, and the their way into law enforcement. This tive attention forces previously outdoor tle introduction. As of Aug. 26, it control we do have seems to easily slip system has always been cruel and immor- and public gatherings to become indoor has killed nearly 180,000 Amerand private, making them much more away every time we turn on the news. al (even under normal circumstances), icans and rendered our lifestyles susceptible to disease spread. By publicly ridiculing those violating but at its worst, it devolves into mob essentially unrecognizable. Many of us Is it okay to have a conversation with COVID-19 guidelines, through what justice, and in the wrong hands, the have worked diligently to stop the spread has been dubbed “COVID-shaming,” a close friend about their lack of precauresults are chaos and fear. Just consider by wearing masks, social distancing and that control appears to be regained. It’s France’s Reign of Terror, which resulted tion? Sure! If they are truly your friend, more frequently washing our hands. your opinion will matter to them, and a heady feeling. One Texas A&M-based in the deaths of 40,000 people, most of Some of us have gotten tested when you can have a reasonable discussion Twitter account has taken this schadenthem innocent. necessary, donated plasma or, in my thereafter. But before you take a snapshot freude — this pleasure in the public Many societies, including ours, have case, joined an experimental COVID-19 of a volleyball game in order to COVIDhumiliation of others — to the exrightly moved away from this level of vaccine trial. shame them on Twitter, think about treme, frequently posting images of large brutality but have instead embraced a On the other hand, whether walking the necessity and consequences of your gatherings or unmasked groups, many far more subtle form of shaming that’s around on campus or scrolling through actions first, and kindly offer the players a of which are slanderous or taken out of equally damaging to social unity. The social media, it’s almost impossible to context. modern mob may not literally be out for mask instead. avoid people flouting COVID-19 mitigaAside from the possible moral and leblood, but it is in search of moral purity. tion strategies. In Aggieland and around Garion Frankel is a USLA - SEAL junior and gal issues, the fundamental problem with Empowered by the internet and social the country, college students have been opinion writer for The Battalion. COVID-shaming is that it doesn’t work media, even minor mistakes are treated

Unmasking COVID-shaming Shaming people for not wearing masks will not have the effect you think it will

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