The Blue & Gray Press

THE

The University of Mary Washington Student Newspaper

BLUE & GRAY PRESS VOLUME 95 | ISSUE 4

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

Serving the community since 1922

Department of Music denied mask exemption, results in participation and rehersal issues

GRANT CRAGG Staff Writer

Some students and professors in the Department of Music are frustrated by the indoor mask mandates after being denied an exception for rehearsing and performing.

They say the pandemic and COVID regulations have decreased the number of people participating in ensembles.

“Since voices and many of our musical instruments require the transmission of air through our mouths, masks present significant obstacles in that process.”

-Chris Ryder “Our ensembles are subject to the same restrictions as everyone on campus, including wearing masks while indoors,” said Dr. Chris Ryder, director of choral activities. “While this is a great improvement over our situation a year ago, it restricts our music-making ability quite a bit. Since voices and many of our musical instruments require the transmission of air through our mouths, masks present

significant obstacles in that process.”

Currently, the music department is following the UMW’s general campus rules and regulations.

“We had hoped to get an exception to the mandate for very specific lesson, rehearsal and performance contexts, but the institution’s commitment to the health and safety of the community prevailed—and while I’m thankful for that commitment, it is disheartening to see how compromised the musical experience has to be,” said Dr. Brooks Kuykendall, the music department chair.

Matthew Case, adjunct professor of percussion and music technology, said that the limitations and restrictions make it nearly impossible for students to participate.

“Basically [ensemble] is done,” he said. “If you’re a wind player, you basically

“Basically [ensemble] is done. If you’re a wind player, you basically can’t play. Last Semester it was distancing that made it difficult.”

-Matthew Case

The UMW music department has to follow the general mask rules, making some students frustrated.

Jenny Thompson / The Blue & Gray Press

can’t play. Last semester it was distancing that made it difficult.

As an ensemble you expect to be shoulder to shoulder and that’s not necessarily negative, but it’s different.”

Although there have been changes implemented compared to how they practiced and performed last year, the music ensembles at the University

of Mary Washington are experiencing many struggles due to COVID-19 rules and regulations. Last year, ensembles were not allowed to perform for an audience indoor or outdoor. Everything for music ensembles was done remotely. All performances had to be pre-recorded individually by students.

“These recordings were then compiled and arranged into ‘ensemble’ presentations,” said Kuykendall. “While the end product bears a resemblance to a musical ensemble, the experience is not the same at all, since students had no actual, simultaneous performance

•ENSEMBLES| 7

UMW seeks Associate Provost/Chief Diversity Officer Aiyanna Bartley Staff Writer

UMW is in the process of selecting a new Associate Provost/Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). In accordance with the university’s commitment to the One Virginia Inclusive Excellence Framework, the primary goal of the Chief Diversity Officer will be to work towards greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at UMW. According to their website, One Virginia’s plan is to “position the state as a national leader in building a statewide strategy to advance DE&I in [their] services, systems, and operations,” by using the Inclusive Excellence framework “to create collective impact, sustainable change, innovation, and productivity across state government and other sectors of the Commonwealth.”

Amy O’Reilly asked students through email to submit evaluations of the four candidates for chief diversity officer

by Monday, Sept. 20. The new Chief Diversity Officer will be announced within the next few weeks, according to Dr. Anand Rao, chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies

IN THIS

ISSUE

UMW hires a new Chief Diversity Officer and has four candidates for the position.

One Virginia / Virginia .gov

and co-chair of the Associate Provost/ Chief Diversity Officer search.

“We interviewed our finalists on campus last week and have moved to the next stage of the search process,” he said. “We will have to wait until we hear from the Provost’s Office for next steps. Hopefully we will have an

announcement in the coming weeks.”

Dr. Rita Dunston is also the co-chair of the Associate Provost/Chief Diversity Officer Search.

“The Chief Diversity Officer will ensure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices are prioritized and executed on campus,” she said. “Serving as a

diversity champion, the Chief Diversity Officer will have responsibility for guiding efforts to infuse and cultivate diversity into the university community to enact authentic institutional change.”

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 13, four finalists delivered a brief presentation in Dodd Auditorium. All candidates were asked to respond to this prompt: “Please share your vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at UMW, and what would you aim to accomplish in one year, three years, and five years?”

The first finalist for Associate Provost/Chief Diversity Officer at UMW is Dr. Jonathan Wesley. He has a background in diversity, equity and inclusion as the current senior director of equity and inclusion and academic affairs at Southern New Hampshire University. Wesley began his presentation by presenting his five-year plan for the university, and suggested implementing an inclusive leadership badge. This badge would aim to improve the diversity, equity and inclusion within the university and would act as a requirement for all faculty and staff.

•PROVOST| 7

biased bots

Fall recipes

dense nutrients

AI too biased to be integrated into the medical field.

Comfort food for cold weather months.

Rugby players give back to the Fredericksburg community.

VIEWPOINTS | 3

LIFE | 4

SPORTS | 8

NEWS THE

BLUE & GRAY

PRESS

MISSION

The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code.

In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jess Kirby

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Bernadette D’Auria Cosima Pellis

BUSINESS EDITOR Erin Matuczinski

COPY EDITOR Abigail Slaughter

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Scotti Mullen Josephine Johnson

VIEWPOINTS Norah Walsh

LIFE Josephine Good

SPORTS Victoria Percherke

Editors: Josephine Johnson & Scotti Mullen | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

SGA expands their student outreach in attempt to promote involvement priya patel Senior Writer

This academic year, the Student Government Association (SGA) is making efforts to help the rest of the student body feel more connected to their elected officers.

“I hope to achieve reaching more students so that SGA can represent their interests better to the school,” said SGA Vice President and Senate President Chandler Carlson, a senior biochemistry and psychology major.

“I believe that a lot of students don’t know what SGA does and that is something that we are hoping to change this year” -Chandler Carlson This is a change from past years where SGA mostly operated in the background and not many students knew about what they were doing.

“I believe that a lot of students don’t know what SGA does and that is something that we are hoping to change this year,” Carlson said. “One of the things that SGA does is voice student concerns. For instance, two years ago SGA got the school to give students election day off to vote. We then lobbied to the state Congress and, as a result, a law was passed that makes it a state holiday so that all college students can vote.”

Other SGA elected members agree with how important it is to connect to the student body.

“What you see this year as it relates to SGA prioritizing student connections comes from the deep understanding

COVID DASHBOARD

ONLINE Cameron Delean Maggie Mae Young

PHOTO Emily Warren

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

that, without students, our positions mean little to nothing,” said SGA President Brianna “Breezy” Reaves, a senior sociology major.

“It is imperative that all student leaders, especially SGA, know, understand and connect with students and their experiences The SGA has goals this year of getting more student engagement by hosting tabling events. at UMW so @UMWSGA / Instagram as to properly advocate for academic buildings.

Combs Hall, and there are them, amplify their voices and “We also want to get three more coming up. support them to the best of students’ feedback, questions “We will be in Farmer Hall our ability.” and concerns during this Sept. 29, Monroe Hall on Oct. According to Carlson, this series,” said SGA Secretary 6 and Jepson on Oct. 13,” new effort to get students Sophia Hobbs, a senior Hobbs said. more involved with SGA is history major. “Each week The SGA officers partially due to the effects that we will table in an academic encouraged students to attend COVID had on the university building so we can talk to all the events and reach out to as a whole. different students.” their SGA leaders.

“After the pandemic, every With the conclusion of last “I encourage students to organization is rebuilding,” week’s universal elections never hesitate to connect Carlson said. “We also for new representatives for with me or other SGA leaders thought that since UMW is the Student Government should they need anything, rebranding itself, shouldn’t Association, Class Council, even if it is just a place to feel SGA?” Student Conduct Review heard and be seen,” Reaves Reaves also cited the said. “UMW students deserve effects of COVID in SGA’s “I encourage students that in their student leaders, decision to do more outreach. and my only hope is that to never hesitate to “It goes without saying we can be amazing leaders connect with me or that COVID-19 delayed much and friends in providing that other SGA leaders of our ability to connect, but level of safety through our there is absolutely no reason should they need organization which is called to to continue that disconnection anything, even if it is just prioritize students in the first into this year,” Reaves said. place.” a place to feel heard “Students must be able to Carlson also emphasized and be seen.” know, trust and relate to SGA, that students should reach out and as a result we hope to see to their representatives.

-Brianna Reaves SGA becoming a body where “If a student has a concern, all students feel safe to do please reach out to us. We are that.”

Board, Honor Council and here to represent you to our One of the ways SGA is Finance Committee, the SGA fullest ability and will do so trying to connect with more representatives have started happily,” Carlson said. students is through a fourtheir tabling event series. week series of tabling from The first tabling event was 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays in on Sept. 22 in the lobby of

54

Total cases since Sept. 21, 2021

8

Active cases

1.14

38 of 38

7-day average cases per day

Isolation spaces available

226

Student health center tests

10

Positive student health center tests

82 of 82

Quarantine spaces available

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Jess Kirby, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

2

Thursday, September 23, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Norah Walsh | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

AI is too biased to be trusted in the medical field LEIGH HATTON Senior Writer

It has been 65 years since the term artificial intelligence (AI) was first coined, but it still has a long way to go before this technology belongs in medical work. As it exists, artificial intelligence does not meet the intersectional or ethical standards that are needed for the sensitive and specific realities of health care.

AI, in general, refers to algorithms that can interpret given data, learn from this data and then execute tasks and continue to adapt based on new data. However, this is an issue due to the data that is available to algorithms. As Dr. Greta Bauer wrote, “because AI applications ‘learn’ from data produced in biased societies, they are shaped by both information biases and societal biases. This reproduction and intensification of societal biases is therefore unsurprising.”

One well-known example is Amazon’s AI hiring tool, which reviewed candidate resumes and displayed a clear bias against women, especially for technical and engineering jobs. Another example is Microsoft’s Twitter bot named Tay, which posted racist, antisemitic and misogynistic remarks less than 24 hours after it was made public.

If these are the types of AI that are created by some of the most expansive companies in the world, it is not surprising that many health and medical workers have expressed concern about introducing similar technologies in their fields.

Specifically, increased intersectionality is absolutely necessary before AI is used in health fields.

Intersectionality refers to heterogeneity of race, age, gender, culture and economic status, as well as the places where these concepts intersect.

In this case, intersectionality applies to all of the patients in a health system. The data that AIs draw from must be representative of the entire population, not a bare minimum idea of diversity. This will require dedicated work from a range of health and data experts, including many who encompass the scale of social intersections. Without representative data, AIs will perpetuate biases by showing preferences for or against certain groups—similar to Amazon’s tool—or by categorizing them incorrectly in systems, as Dr. Joy Buolamwini’s research concluded. Her work involved the use of different AI to classify faces, and she found that all of them performed the most inaccurately when it came to dark-skinned female faces.

A critical and cautious approach must be taken in terms of ethics. Programmers may aim to create fair AIs, but for medical work, the standard definition of fairness is not just. Bauer explained, “while overall fairness approaches may be utilitarian, generating the least bias on average across a population … maximizing algorithmic fairness does not substitute for addressing historical injustice or protecting the most marginalized.” This type of fairness that may be looked for in AI does not ensure that many groups are being treated justly and equitably.

On the other hand, there are some who advocate for the continued and even increased use of AI in medical work. According to Dr. Jason Morgenstern, “AI applications have matched or outperform physicians in various domains.” Based on this evidence, hospitals and universities have integrated AI into varying daily work tasks, including predictive analytics, identifying risk factors and analyzing records.

Artificial intelligence is not developed enough to be trusted in the medical field.

Maxim Tolchinskiy / Unsplash

Yet, Morgenstern breaks down this argument when he points out that “while considerable attention has been paid to AI in healthcare, there has been less attention on its impact in health.” That is to say, research has almost entirely been focused on how AI can be used in the field, not on how AI affects the patients and workers.

Therefore, there are potentially endless uses in medical fields where AI technology could be a helpful advancement. However, Dr. Lisa Bowleg concludes that AIs will not be able to provide solutions for any of the problems in the medical field without research on their exact impact in addition to “a radical reimagining of intersectional health equity.”

With the current state of this technology, it would be more harmful than helpful for it to be implemented on any level. Until there is solid evidence that artificial intelligence in healthcare has an unbiased and beneficial impact, it should not be used in this context.

Division III student-athletes deserve scholarships MARCELO RUGGIERO Staff Writer

Division III athletes should be eligible to receive athletic scholarships.

Division III athletes are expected to complete the same rigorous workout and academic regimens, yet they have not been granted athletic scholarship eligibility like their Division I counterparts.

In 1964, the NCAA allowed students who played Division I sports for their college to receive athletic scholarships from the NCAA for attending their university. Almost 60 years later, on July 1, 2021, the NCAA granted these high-level athletes the ability to receive money through company sponsorships.

If Division I athletes are allowed to receive sponsorships, Division III students should be eligible to receive athletic scholarships.

Allowing Division I athletes to receive additional financial support through sponsorships while Division III athletes are not eligible for scholarships creates a disparity between the divisions in return for the same expectations.

According to their website, “NCAA Divisions I and II schools provide more than $3.6 billion in athletics scholarships annually to more than 180,000 student-athletes.”

Students on full scholarships have their tuition and fees, room and board

Thursday, September 23, 2021

and course-related textbooks all covered by the NCAA. In contrast, according to Next College Student Athlete, there are 144,062 student-athletes at 418 Division III colleges, and none of them receive such scholarships. The NCAA’s argument is that “Division III schools provide an integrated environment focusing on academic success while offering a competitive athletics environment.”

The biggest difference between Division I and Division III athletics is their emphasis on academics versus sports. Division I schools prioritize students’ athletic performance, while Division III schools focus on success in the classroom.

Hannah Liverman, a freshman on the UMW volleyball team, said, “I do think that it’s a good step for [Division I athletes] to get those sponsorships because I think it’ll open doors for [Division III] at some point, but I wish we did get athletic scholarships here.”

An NCAA Division I women’s volleyball season consists of 30 matches. In comparison, the UMW women’s Division III volleyball team will take on 30 matches this season as well. Being as they have the same number of games to play, it is absurd that only one group of athletes is eligible for athletic scholarships.

If Division III schools provided student-athletes with athletic

scholarships, it would most likely drive enrollment up in the university.

This enrollment increase would bring more money to the school to be reinvested into better sports facilities and equipment. Not only would this look enticing to athletes looking to play sports in college, but it would also attract more students who are looking for colleges with sportscentered school spirit.

Now that Division I athletes can receive sponsorships, they are also afforded stronger connections with sports companies and executives through their athletics. This widens the gap between the benefits of Division I athletes and Division III athletes. Therefore, in order to lessen this disparity, Division III athletes should be rewarded with being eligible for athletic scholarships.

According to the NCAA, only two percent of all student-athletes continue to play in professional leagues for their respective sports, which means that the other 98 percent of student-athletes will rely on their academics after graduation, rather than their athletic history.

In leveling the playing field by offering athletic scholarships to all NCAA divisions, athletes would be able to follow their athletic passions in college while they develop their professional and post-graduate interests.

Krista Rodgers, #8 on the UMW women’s volleyball team, is pictured above.

@umwvolleyball / Instagram

3

LIFE

Editor: Josephine Good | blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Comfort food fall recipes to welcome the new season HANNAH BUCK Staff Writer

Instead of dreading the imminent time change and colder temperatures, it is now the season to embrace cooking dishes that elicit warm and festive feelings. These three recipes are practical and quite easy to make, requiring common ingredients and about an hour of your time. Let’s get started!

Classic Chili Whether you’re cooking in your dorm, apartment or home, this classic chili recipe will serve a sense of warmth and familiarity as the seasons change.

For this recipe, you will need: 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef (vegetarian

substitute: ¾ cup uncooked kasha) 2 ½ tbsp. chili powder 2 tbsp. ground cumin 1 rounded tbsp. granulated sugar 2 tbsp. tomato paste 1 tbsp. garlic powder 1 ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper ¼ tsp. ground cayenne pepper - optional 1 ½ cups beef broth (vegetarian substitute: 1 ½ cups vegetable broth) 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce Shredded cheese (to garnish) - optional

Instructions: In a large soup pot, add the olive oil and let it sit on medium-high heat for 2 minutes.

Add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the ground beef* to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.

Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper (optional). Stir until well incorporated.

Add the broth, diced tomatoes (including juice), drained and rinsed beans and tomato sauce. Stir well.

Bring the liquid to a low boil. Reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. *Vegetarian: Add all ingredients except kasha.

Lightly boil for 10 minutes. Add kasha and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until kasha is tender.

Chili is a classic dish for the colder weather.

Hannah Buck / The Blue & Gray Press

Sweet and Fluffy Cornbread

This cornbread is far from flakey. Its sweet flavor and cake-like consistency are perfect complements to the savory chili dish.

You will need:

½ cup cornmeal 1 ½ cups all purpose flour ½ cup sugar 1 tbsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ⅓ cup vegetable oil ⅙ cup unsalted butter, melted (or butter alternative) 1 tbsp. honey - optional 2 eggs, beaten (or egg alternative) 1 ¼ cups whole milk (or milk alternative)

Instructions:

Cornbread is a side often served with chili or soup.

Hannah Buck / The Blue & Gray Press

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, stir the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Pour in the vegetable oil, melted butter, optional honey, beaten eggs and milk. Stir just until moistened.

Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Watch the cornbread toward the end, it should be golden and starting to show some cracks.

Remove from oven. Serve warm with butter, honey or simply plain!

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Hot apple cider is a traditional beverage that often contains alcohol, but this delicious recipe is a nonalcoholic version that can be enjoyed by everyone.

You will need:

2 quarts apple cider 1 large orange, quartered w/ peel 13 whole cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 15 allspice berries 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1-3 tbsp. brown sugar (adjust to your preference) Splash of cranberry juice - optional

Instructions:

Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan, cover, turn heat on medium-high.

While the cider is heating up, quarter the orange and place into saucepan.

Place cloves, spices and remaining ingredients into saucepan with the cider.

Keep the pan covered and heat the mulled cider mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Using a fine mesh sieve, strain the cider away from the orange, clove and other spices.

Serve hot. Add a cinnamon stick and a splash of cranberry juice, if desired, and enjoy!

4

Hot drinks can keep students warm during colder months.

Hannah Buck / The Blue & Gray Press

Thursday, September 23, 2021

LIFE

“Tender is The Flesh” offers perspective into animal slaughtering

MATTHEW SIMMONS Senior Writer

Imagine waking up to the news that while you were sleeping, an infectious virus had been discovered within all animals, poisonous enough to kill humans upon consumption. As a response, everyone transitions into a life of vegetarianism. However, tensions begin to arise when not everyone can conform to a non-meat lifestyle. As a response, the government then allows citizens to consume a “special” meat: humans.

Tender is The Flesh touches on the topic of cannibalism and the slaughter industry.

Matthew Simmons / The Blue & Gray Press

This is the storyline of the fiction title “Tender is The Flesh,” written by Spanish author Augustina Bazterrica and translated to English by Sarah Moses. After completing this novel, I would recommend it to anyone willing to give it a try.

The novel follows a man named Marcos who works at one of the human meat processing plants, where humans are labeled as “heads” to lighten the load.

Treated terribly, they work their way through the plant until they are approved to be consumed as food by the rest of society.

A friend of mine recommended this book to me a couple of months back and I had to put it off for a small amount of time to make sure I could give it my full attention. She had warned me that it was a lot to take in, but I am always up for a challenge. As I’m sure you’ve gathered from the premise above, it was a journey, to say the least. Although it is a bite-size story, I found myself taking multiple breaks throughout. This was not due to poor translation, as that was spot on in my opinion, but rather the gruesomeness of what I was reading.

As someone who has done their fair share of research on factory farming, I respected the author’s choice to create a dystopian world that places humans in the position of animals. I am a huge fan of literary worlds that are just slightly off from reality, and I was pleasantly surprised that “Tender is The Flesh” gave me exactly that. Aside from the virus and human meat, there wasn’t anything that was all that different from the reality we live in every day. The characters deal with real-life problems surrounding love and friendship that we would expect to see in contemporary fiction. I thought this was a smart move, as it allowed the reader to focus more closely on the things that were not exactly right, what that meant and how it all played into the overall plot.

The main character, Marcos, grew on me throughout the novel. I found myself feeling bad for him and wanting to see some sort of character development as pages continued. However, I could not stop thinking about how much of a hypocrite he really was, being that he was one of the owners of a nearby meat factory. The narration style places the reader in his viewpoint, forcing the audience to see themselves through him and question their own motives and morality.

Quickly, I found myself wanting to share everything I was reading with anyone who was willing to listen. Again, this was an intense read, and it was difficult to only conceptualize on my own. Soon, I was forcing everyone within arms reach of me to read this fiction title, not because it was the best book I’ve ever read, but because I needed someone to help me make sense of what I was consuming.

Everything the author was writing, despite its blunt violence and everything in between, served a purpose by the time the ending rolled around.

“Tender is The Flesh” is one of those novels that really makes a person think in ways they had not before. It made me ponder what does and does not qualify as unconditional love. Its honesty made me rethink how impactful literary works can really be. This title is not for the faint of heart, and there is a good reason for it.

However, nothing proves this more than the horrifying ending that left me with no air in my chest, having to face the harsh realization of what desire and exploitation can lead people to do.

“Candyman” sequel discusses racial injustice through horror of Candyman after learning about his story and becoming obsessed with it.

The movie “Candyman” recently made Back in the 19th century, Candyman, whose very origins are ingrained in racial a comeback as a sequel and modern twist injustice, was killed by a lynch mob after on the classic 1992 horror film with the being found having an affair with a white same name. While this film may be more woman. His death resulted in a curse appealing to an audience that remembers involving his name; if someone looks in a the original, younger audiences can also mirror and says “Candyman” five times, benefit from watching it. Directed by Candyman is said to appear and kill that Nia DaCosta and written and produced person. In the present day, McCoy creates

by Jordan Peele, this new installation of an exhibit for an art show that mirrors the “Candyman” addresses issues of racial legend of Candyman and the racial injustice surrounding his death. McCoy’s piece, interestingly enough, set the wheels in motion for Candyman to appear.

A majority of the movie plays out like one would expect from the horror genre, with Candyman, the slasher, appearing when a character chants his name in a mirror.

Gradually, McCoy’s life draws in more parallels and becomes more connected with the life of Candyman.

Because Candyman was killed by bees, McCoy gets a bee sting on his hand that becomes more severe over time.

However, while many of the ideas from the original movie are seen in this sequel, “Candyman” was a major horror film released in 1992. IMDB.com Peele and DaCosta wished for a different approach. In an interview with the L.A. Times, DaCosinjustice and police brutality. ta said, “The biggest thing for me was The main character, Anthony McCoy, the shift in point of view.

The first film is played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is an very much from an outsider perspective, artist who bases his work on the history KEVIN REILLY Staff Writer

Thursday, September 23, 2021

from a white point of view, and this movie is from the Black perspective and even more specifically from the perspective of Candyman.” While the overall narrative

for this new iteration of “Candyman,” a standout of films written by Jordan Peele.

While these themes are important to not only the overall narrative of “Candyman” but our society as a whole, the film seems to take an abrupt detour toward this at the end of the movie. For nearly the entire first half of the movie, the narrative of racial injustice is evident, yet the focus is on learning about Candyman - the main draw of a film titled “Candyman.”

However, while Candyman himself lingers throughout the movie and into the closing, there is a major shift in narrative focus towards the end.

This focus is turned toward police brutality, which causes such a jarring shift that it feels like a different movie entirely.

Themes like these do have a place in a modern interpretation of “Candyman,” and they are very important to recognize, The sequel to the original “Candyman” talks about racial injustice. but the movie would Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. and BRON Creative MG1, LLC. / have benefitted from a IMDB.com more smooth and gradual transition into the last is roughly the same, the theme of racial section focused on police brutality. While inequality is much more apparent and these messages are important to portray hard-hitting this time around, arguably in modern films, and they are portrayed symbolizing the state of the United States well in the first half, I wish that they were and its race relations. implemented better in the ending of this Racial themes are the standing stones sequel of “Candyman.”

5

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Norah Walsh | blueandgray.views@gmail.com t

Staff Ed: University’s response to spirit rock painting dismisses student concerns about sexual harassment on campus THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD On the afternoon of Sept. 22, white man repeatedly trespassed, students received an email written followed female students on campus that the rock was painted in response to Meanwhile, the email sent on Sept.

by UMW Police Chief Michael Hall and attempted to enter Willard Hall. The 22 discussing the rock only readdressed a man repeatedly harassing feminineand Vice President for Student Affairs University did not inform the student the stickers on campus, completely presenting students near the HCC. Juliette Landphair addressing the body about these occurrences until leaving out any reference of the According to a post that was shared recent repainting of the spirit rock. The three days after the first incident, and predators who feel comfortable enough with us by multiple students, the man email response to the repainting was by then many students had already been is white, approximately 45 years old, to creep on young women in the light dismissive and did not address student alerted through circulating social media “goes by the name Dan” and “has been of day. concerns surrounding sexual harassment posts. In another instance, an older man Our online editors posted on our reported multiple times.” on campus. Students on campus deserve shouted a racial slur at a student in a social media accounts asking for any Other students cited feelings of a more thorough response to these UMW parking lot. Finally, a different information about the context of the danger due to general safety concerns safety concerns, and the University man approached students on campus repainting. Multiple students reported on campus. Last semester, a different should take action to prevent the wearing nothing but a white t-shirt. recurring instances of stalking, These safety concerns are not trespassing and sexual harassment. new—they are reoccurring. We are On the morning of Monday, Sept. frustrated by the lack of actions 20, many individuals in the UMW taken by the University, and we are community noticed that the spirit tired of being told to download the rock was painted red with white RAVE Guardian app. Preventative capital letters reading, “Mr. Paino, measures need to be taken to protect how many reports to catch a few students; reporting safety concerns predators,” and white tally marks should be a last resort. Many of these painted on the sides. instances occur because UMW has a The emailed response should have public, open campus, and predatory come from University President men know that they can find young Paino himself, as he was the person women here. This issue must be addressed in the repainted rock. addressed for the safety of our While we recognize that he is busy students. and has an overwhelming job, one The Blue & Gray Press is currently of his biggest priorities should be working on an upcoming news story student safety. about the spirit rock repainting.

The email that references the We stand with all students who are repainting of the spirit rock is the frustrated with the lack of action by second email that the UMW student the University, as well as anyone who body has received this week, the first has been targeted by the unwelcome being on Monday, Sept. 20 in regard men who lurk around our campus. to the white supremacist stickers that Students were met with a repainted spirit rock that addressed President Paino on Monday, Sept. 20.

Jess Kirby / The Blue & Gray Press continue to appear on campus.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

6

NEWS

CRIME COLUMN JOSEPHINE JOHNSON & SCOTTI MULLEN News Editors

Larceny of Auto Parts

On Sept 16 at 3:00 p.m. there was a case of larceny of auto parts in the Marshall Hall

Underage Possession of Alcohol

On Sept. 18 at 4:55 a.m. there was a case of underage possession of alcohol at the beach at Randolph Hall. This case is pending.

Music Department faces problems performing with COVID-19 guidelines •ENSEMBLES | 1 alongside other musicians.”

“We’re in a better position than we were last year,” said Kuykendall. “We hope to have live audiences [for] at least some of the concerts, and we are able to rehearse and perform outdoors without masks. And this year community musicians (who have often participated in our ensembles) will be allowed to return upon proof of vaccination.”

The Department of Music has adapted to these restrictions in various ways.

“We have been able to make the best of these difficult circumstances with a combination of procedures that include singing with masks and playing instruments with masks and covers specifically designed for that purpose,” said Ryder. “We have also taken opportunities when possible to rehearse outdoors, where masks are not required.”

Although UMW ensembles and the Department of Music are able to hold live performances, they are experiencing difficulties trying to find the best way to attract audiences.

“We are also limited in our ability to perform to live audiences, which will

result in smaller audiences that have to be screened in a similar way to those already in the UMW community, or outdoor performances.

Both of these options present less-than-ideal situations, but they do allow us to hold public performances,” said Ryder.

The UMW COVID-19 Implementation Team has not created exceptions for students in music ensembles who are vaccinated or additional precautions for students that are not fully vaccinated, as they have for student athletes and other extracurricular activities on campus.

Hailey Amick, a junior music major and member of the chamber choir and jazz band, shared her frustration about the lack of accommodations for the music department.

“I feel like people who are in charge of events and extracurricular activities at UMW do not care about the music department and don’t want to put their efforts in,” she said.

Students who sing or play an instrument that requires the use of their mouth have been cleared to use playing masks, but they were not made aware of this in time for the start of the fall semester.

Some in the department believe that mask mandates are limiting participation in ensembles.

Jenny Thompson / The Blue & Gray Press

Playing masks are “masks with openings to allow someone to play a wind instrument—but we didn’t find this out until after the beginning of the term.

We ordered these masks right away, but we’re still waiting for them to arrive, so we’ve lost a lot of valuable rehearsal time,” said Kuykendall.

During this time, some ensembles are experiencing less participation than in past years.

“Right now we are smaller because not as many people feel that they can even take the course,” said Amick. “Mainly it’s just the music majors or minors that are participating in it right now, and previously it was an assortment of people,

even people that were not minoring in music.”

For all students majoring in music, being in a music ensemble group is required to graduate. Some students are feeling discouraged that they will not be able to have the performances they need to graduate.

“This is my career that we are holding [on the line], this is my major and is literally something I’m doing with the rest of my life,” said Amick. “I want to go on and go to [graduate] school.

Am I going to be able to go to [graduate] school if I haven’t had the performance opportunities they are supposed to give me?”

Four candidates interview for new position On Sept. 19 at 3:02 a.m. there was a case of underage possession of alcohol on College Ave. and Payne Street. This case is pending

“The work of DEI is not solely naming identities, nor a simple check within the box,” read one of Wesley’s powerpoint slides at the presentation.

“DEI is soul work. When the work transforms you (individual), it will cause a transformation within us (institution)!”

On Tuesday, Sept. 14, the second finalist delivered her presentation. Dr.

•PROVOST| 1

“In regards to really moving DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] outside of just the James Farmer Multicultural Center, it should be seen in every aspect of UMW.” - Brianna Reaves Shavonne Shorter currently serves as an associate professor of communication and a special assistant to the president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Bloomberg University. Shorter explained what her goals would be as UMW’s chief diversity officer.

“What I really want you to know about me is that I’m a person who values diversity, equity and inclusion

Thursday, September 23, 2021

and knows firsthand how these experiences enhance our professional and personal sense of development.” she said. “Without programs, such as the McNair Scholars Program that many of you all may be familiar with, which is a program geared towards getting minority individuals into graduate education and then going on to become a professor, I wouldn’t be here with you today.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 15, UMW met their third finalist: Fredericksburgnative Dr. Kimberly Holmes. She serves as an associate dean for student affairs at George Mason University, where she also previously served as an assistant dean for student academic affairs.

“I think our primary focus should be on respecting and celebrating one another’s humanity,” she said. “A lot of times we talk about these concepts in abstract, but in reality, we’re talking about people, their lived experience, the way they feel, the way they’re able to engage in a place, so I always kind of go back to that.”

Lastly, the university’s fourth and final open forum was held Thursday, Sept. 16, with Dr. A.T. Miller. After serving at Cornell University as

associate vice provost for academic diversity, Miller is currently working as vice president and chief diversity officer at Central Michigan University.

Miller showcased his background in literature by beginning his forum with a poem. He emphasized the importance of creating inclusion to formulate a safe space to discuss issues of equity.

“In the words of Arthur Chan ... diversity is a fact, equity is a choice, inclusion is an action and belonging is an outcome,” he said. “When we speak of full participation ... it means full participation in everything the institution has to offer for faculty staff and students in every possible program within every facility.”

Junior sociology major, SGA President and NAACP President Brianna “Breezy” Reaves expressed praise for UMW’s decision to hire a Chief Diversity Officer.

“In regards to really moving DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] outside of just the James Farmer Multicultural Center, it should be seen in every aspect of UMW,” she said.

Scotti Mullen contributed to reporting for this article.

7

SPORTS

Editor: Victoria R. Percherke | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Rugby players start Mother’s Microgreens to repurpose Fredericksburg’s food waste

UMW students from the men’s rugby team started the business Mother’s Microgreens in early 2021. These studentathletes collect food waste, compost it and convert it into soil that is used to grow microgreens for the Fredericksburg community.

“Microgreens are like salad greens except far more flavorful, and they contain up to nine times more nutrients,” said senior rugby player and computer science major Jose Reyes.

Senior men’s rugby player and art history major Joseph Ritter works together with Reyes to grow these microgreens.

“We are very health-oriented, and we are

SARAH KHALIL Staff Writer

Fall Sports Schedule and Scores

Generation Compost is a waste management service located in Fredericksburg that assists with proper waste disposal and recycling.

Kaitlin Smyth, a senior biology major, found out about Mother’s Microgreens by

“We would go around and collect food waste from people who buy our microgreens, and recently we’ve partnered with Generation Compost.”

Men’s Soccer (4-1-1)

Sept. 18 T vs. Roanoke (1-1) Sept. 22 W vs. Lynchburg (3-0) Sept. 25 @ N.C. Wesleyan Sept. 29 vs. Stevenson Oct. 2 @ Christopher Newport

-Joseph Ritter coming across their business page on Instagram.

“This is a really unique idea to get the daily nutrients in, and not only is it a healthy meal, but you’re helping the environment as well,” said Smyth about microgreens. “It’s really impressive to see student-athletes doing more for the community outside of UMW, because not only are they managing schoolwork, but they also have to play sports, and I think that is a great way to give back to the Fredericksburg community.”

The business started with Ritter and Reyes growing microgreens for Microgreens are dense in nutrients.

@mothersmicrogreens / Instagram themselves. constantly looking for the best way to get “We were growing our proper nutrients in,” said Ritter. microgreens for our personal They offer different combinations of consumption,” said Ritter. “Then greens; each mix is packed with different we decided that we can turn flavors and nutrients. it into a business. We started “We have several different blends like growing them on a larger scale kale blend, Asian blend and many more,” and selling them to family and friends. We are looking to start selling it to restaurants and businesses.”

These athletes harvest their microgreens every eleven days.

“Microgreens are nutrientdense, quick and easy,” said Reyes. “People should try them because they’re fun and easy to throw into any meal.

Both avid chefs and college students can give them a try in their smoothies, salads, sandwiches, etc.”

For student-athletes, getting the proper amount of nutrients daily can help improve athletic performance, according to an article from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Microgreens growing in the sunlight of Ritter and Reyes’ “If you don’t like your vegetables, this home. @mothersmicrogreens / Instagram will be perfect because you only have to said Ritter. “Each blend has different kinds of greens that have concentrated benefits.”

Composting is a big part of growing these microgreens because it adds more nutrients into the plants and helps the environment.

“Compost makes the plants much more nutritious when they are grown in compost soil,” said Ritter.

Mother’s Microgreens collects food waste from their customers to use for composting.

“We would go around and collect food waste from people who buy our microgreens, and recently we’ve partnered with Generation Compost,” said Ritter.

“Now we are an official drop-off location for the company.”

Thursday, September 23, 2021

University of Mary Washington

Buisness owners Joseph Ritter and Jose Reyes. @mothersmicrogreens / Instagram

“This is a really unique idea to get the daily nutrients in, and not only is it a healthy meal, but you’re helping the environment as well.”

-Kaitlyn Smyth

Women’s Soccer (1-1-3) Sept. 11 L vs. Messiah (0-1) Sept. 18 T @ V.A. Wesleyan (0-0) Sept. 25 @ Bridgewater (Va.) Sept. 29 @ Lynchburg Oct. 3 @ Greensboro

Men’s Rugby (1-1)

Sept. 18 vs North Carolina Sept. 25 @ Southern V.A. Oct. 2 @ Maryland Oct. 16 vs. Virginia Tech Oct. 23 vs. Mount St. Mary’s

Cross Country

Sept. 25 @ Shenandoah Oct. 2 @ Bridgewater Oct. 16 @ Hood Oct. 30 @ Coast to Coast Conference Nov. 13 @ NCAA Regionals

Field Hockey (3-3)

@mothersmicrogreens / Instagram

get a small handful and you will get all your proper nutrients,” said Ritter.

For more information and product purchases, the direct way to reach out to Mother’s Microgreens company is by contact Mother’s Microgreens through their Instagram @mothersmicrogreens.

Sept. 4 L @ Messiah (1-6) Sept. 11 L vs. Franklin & Marshall (2-3) Sept. 15 L vs. Shenandoah (4-5) Sept. 18 vs. V.A. Wesleyan Sept. 22 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.)

Men’s Tennis

Sept. 24 @ St. Joseph’s Sept. 25 @ St. Joseph’s Sept. 26 @ St. Joseph’s Oct. 1 vs. Marymount Oct. 2 vs Marymount

Women’s Tennis

Sept. 25 Southeast Regional Sept. 26 Southeast Regional Sept. 27 Southeast Regional Feb. 5 vs. George Mason Feb. 10 vs. Towson Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletic’s webpage Schedule not listed above.

Bold indicates home game. @mothersmicrogreens / Instagram

8