The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

PRESS

October 17, 2019

VOLUME 93 | ISSUE 7

1922 Marketing agency hired to launch rebranding project

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

UMW’s current brand platform is “solid, but insufficient” that it will detract from the value of UMW’s current brand.

“I believe our current brand is an in-state university with a small student body that’s far easier to adjust to than the massive state schools. I think the university’s competitive tuition rates and intimate environment are what help embody this brand and are a massive positive,” said Garret O’Donnell, sophomore philosophy major. “Rebranding that could have a negative impact on the way the school is perceived if they stray away from what makes UMW special.”

He was also impressed by the it probably is so bland as to be relationships Mindpower was able to ineffective,” said Bowling. “To me, sustain with their clientele. “Mindpower success will take many forms over An email from university president survived as the agency of record through time: our campus community will feel Troy Paino was sent to all students three presidents and over on Oct 1 regarding a new project to more than two decades. It rebrand the university. According to says something powerful Paino, UMW has decided to team with about them,” said Paino. the Atlanta-based company Mindpower When it comes to how to meet this goal. According to students feel about the Mindpower’s website, they are “a fullrebranding project, some service marketing and branding agency students are less than excited that specializes in bringing brands and about the idea. campaigns powerfully to life.”

“I imagine that “Mary Washington’s current brand rebranding will be expensive, so it seems impractical given that the “I believe our current brand is an in-state university with a school is already running small student body that’s far easier to adjust to than the massive into problems fixing some state schools. I think the university’s competitive tuition rates and of its current projects,” said Lipetz. intimate environment are what help embody this brand and are a UMW is enlisting the help of Mindpower to rebrand.

It is not only the price and mindpowerinc.com massive positive.” practicality that concerns Lipetz. “I believe the school needs to heard and well represented, the process -Garret O’Donnell focus on improving some things on will validate how unique UMW is, we campus such as more dining options will continue to raise our sights and platform is solid, but insufficient,” “I don’t think it’s necessary,” and residence hall conditions. I think aspirations as a school, we will build said Lisa Bowling, vice president said Quinn Lipetz, sophomore and that this will make current students feel our strength and reputation among key of University Relations, “It is based economics major, of the rebranding. “I better about the school and support its groups like prospective students and on things we know are true about see our current brand as a small, closecurrent brand,” said Lipetz. employees, alumni and parents will feel Mary Washington: exceptional knit community with strong values, Despite some students concerns, the greater pride than ever, and donors will faculty; dedicated staff; personalized including honor, service, inclusivity and administration has expressed their desire be inspired to support us.” attention for students; an inclusive, learning.” to proceed as a unit, making sure that Mindpower will begin working caring community; academic rigor; Paino said that the university chose to everyone has a chance to give input on with faculty and students to brainstorm and students who have the talent and work with Mindpower for a few reasons. this new endeavor. ideas and hear input starting this agency to change the world. These are “What particularly stood out about “Ultimately a brand has to be month, beginning with an open forum things we are proud of, but they’re also Mindpower was three things: where it adopted throughout an organization to for students at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, characteristics claimed by virtually draws inspiration, how it hones in on a be effective. Of course, no brand will Oct 22, in the Hurley Convergence every other Center Digital school.”

Auditorium.

Paino Mindpower expressed will be on his optimism campus from towards the Oct 22 to benefits he Oct 24, with believes the the goal of project will interacting bring to the and better school. understanding “This the uniqueness branding effort of UMW. is one of the According most strategic to Bowling, the and visible next phase will endeavors of be an online my presidency. survey that will We are be sent out the planning ahead UMW seal changes have been a part of previous rebranding efforts. umwhistory.org week of Nov for a time 10, which she when higher encourages education will be even more susceptible the community to complete. to external forces and internal “This branding effort is one of the most strategic and visible “We also have scheduled challenges, by strengthening our conversations for numerous student endeavors of my presidency. We are planning ahead for a time reputation and focus. As other schools interests, ranging from student when higher education will be even more susceptible to external face dire circumstances, we want government, honors program, athletics, forces and internal challenges, by strengthening our reputation Mary Washington to be in a position arts and cultural programs, multicultural and focus.” of certainty. The commitment we are programs, to clubs and much more,” making is a testament to our belief in said Bowling. “It’s ambitious, maybe UMW and its people,” said Paino. even audacious, but we wouldn’t -Troy Paino Although the administration is undertake such a large and important confident in the positive effects of unique voice, and its willingness to be be universally embraced. If everyone multi-year effort if we weren’t ambitious rebranding, some students are concerned bold,” said Paino. agrees on a brand or its interpretation, for UMW.”

Darcy Spicer Staff Writer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Freedom Ride

Kink normalization

China Controversy

Students choose to get on the bus.

Consent to sex is not consent to murder.

China shuts down NBA broadcast in Hong Kong clash.

LIFE | 5

VIEWPOINTS | 3

SPORTS | 8

NEWS THE

Editors: Kate Seltzer & Abigail Buchholz | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

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 Lauren Closs

Associate Editors Grace Winfield Ginny Bixby

Buisness Manager Lucas Burkholder

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Kate Seltzer Abigail Buchholz

Seacobeck Hall to resume construction Additional allocation still required to close funding gap

an additional allocation to cover the option to keep the Seacobeck project remaining funding gap, which is moving forward pending the allocation estimated at $2.6 million,” Kelly said. of additional funding by the General Construction on Seacobeck Hall will This means that the school will not Assembly,” Kelly said. “The projected resume in early 2020. The project was start of construction is early in 2020 with have to make cuts to the design and previously halted due to a shortage of renovation completion anticipated by resources planned for Seacobeck to funds as a result of market escalation Spring 2021.” reduce costs. earlier this year. Last the student body Carly Rose, a junior in the College “Fortunately, due to the extra funding heard, the school did not have the funds of Education, said she understands the we did not delay in construction. have to “UMW has identified an interim option to keep the “I find it interesting the project was make cuts Seacobeck project moving forward pending the allocation this time delayed because I feel like this school is of additional funding by the General Assembly. The around,” known for education,” Rose said. “But I projected start of construction is early in 2020 with Paino said. get that they only have so much money While since people donate to certain programs, renovation completion anticipated by Spring 2021.” the like science, and it has to be used there.”

Unfortunately for Rose and other changes -Peter Kelly upperclassmen education students, that are to they won’t get to utilize the facility as be made and did not know if or when they would much as underclassmen and prospective Seacobeck were temporarily paused, be able to proceed with the renovation of students due to the delay in construction.

Kelly assures that the future home to the building, which is intended to house “I wish I could use it more but my education students is still underway, the College of Education and the Office experience has still been good without despite not having received the full of Disability Resources. it,” Rose said. “I might be jealous of new funding just yet.

Peter Kelly, dean of the College of students once it is finished though.”

“UMW has identified an interim Education, spoke on the issue of acquiring additional funds from the state.

“The Commonwealth has appropriated an additional $1.1 million from construction pool contingency funding to support the Seacobeck project,” Kelly said.

That addition will still leave the Seacobeck project short by a significant amount.

“The legislature is not in session yet, so we are proceeding with an Administration and legislativeapproved plan,” Paino said.

The plan calls for a request for additional funding that would need to be approved by the General Assembly, which will not meet until early next year.

“The 2020 General Assembly will consider a proposal to provide UMW is waiting on the General Assembly to approve funding for Seacobeck construction. Encirclephotos.com

Cameron Delean Staff Writer

VIEWPOINTS Alicen Hackney

LIFE Cosima Pellis

SPORTS Jack Hagn

ONLINE Meaghan McIntyre Samuel Cobb

PHOTO Cayley McGuire Noah Strobel

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

2

CORRECTIONS for THE Week An article published Oct. 10 titled "Fredericksburg City Council approves expansion plans for Catholic Campus Ministry in College Heights" referred to the Archdiocese of Arlington. This name is incorrect; it is the Diocese of Arlington.

PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

Thursday, October 17, 2019

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Alicen Hackney | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Kink to murder: normalizing sexual power dynamics consensual sex.” It is near impossible to imagine that anyone would consent to their murder during a sexual encounter.

The normalization of choking, through mediums like pornography and social media, is especially of concern.

The “sex game gone wrong” defense, like those used in the cases above, seems more prevalent, and its relation to this normalization of consensual sexual violence, including choking, seems likely. When one is killed during sex, the partner left alive is the only one that can speak for the partner left dead. Questions such as did they consent? If they consented to sex, did they consent to specific acts during sex? Was it truly an accidental death? A “sex game gone wrong”? The partner being questioned, accused of the other’s murder, is the one that will answer for both participants, and, with no one to contest their claims, it isn’t hard to imagine what those claims might be.

The normalization of kink, such as choking, has also been counterproductive: women can now find themselves in situations where they are further shamed

for not wanting to participate in this more extreme behavior. Worse, this behavior is forced upon them during sex, the assumption being made that it is what CONTENT WARNING: descriptions of sexual people want during sex, due to the standards of today’s violence and murder, kink including facets of BDSM pornography.

In today’s culture, sex positivity and kink acceptance While sex-positivity is not a bad thing, kink have become a standard. The feminism of today acceptance has only perpetuated and validated the encourages sexual confidence and acceptance in all victim-blaming narrative that we encounter all too often. genders, and ages young and old. Open discussion of This is the same narrative and social power dynamic that kink can be found all over social media and popular the feminist movement behind kink acceptance actively culture, even in memes. tries to dismantle.

While our sex-positive culture discourages rape Kinks don’t exist in a vacuum. Once the bedroom culture and slut-shaming in many positive ways, there doors are closed, all influence from the misogynistic is one problem that the promotion and normalization society we live in doesn’t disappear, nor does the trauma of sex, particularly kink, has caused: people are getting or mental health issues of those participating. Arousal murdered, and their murderers aren’t being held shouldn’t be an excuse for abuse towards either women accountable. or men, and their consent shouldn’t be taken as consent In Pennsylvania, a woman is on trial for murdering to their own deaths, just in case something does go her boyfriend in 2016. On Oct 3, the woman’s defense awry. attorney compared the sexual relationship of the woman It can be assumed that, at some point, the people and her victim to the popular movie and book franchise that are killed in these “sex games gone wrong” “Fifty Shades of Grey,” and argued that man’s stopped consenting. Kink acceptance has been ultimately fatal beating was a part of the couple’s counterproductive to feminism and equality. The sexual dynamic. sexual power dynamic of kink reinforces gender At the beginning of this month, in Switzerland, roles and normalizes abuse under the guise of what a man claimed that the fatal strangulation of his consent is and encouraging women to reclaim their girlfriend with a towel in April 2019 was a “tragic own sexuality. However, society at large does not sex accident.” The same night of the woman’s death, encourage women to reclaim their own sexuality, so neighbors reported hearing the couple arguing. while kink and what is considered consensual sexual In Germany, a man was given an 18-month violence has become a standard, a woman being vocal suspended jail sentence for murdering his wife, about what she does and does not like and saying no to having injured her severely with a spiked sex toy certain sexual acts, like choking, is still shamed. following a two-day long extreme BDSM scene.

There is kink-shaming, and then there is kinkDespite this man having a documented history critical. I encourage everyone to become more kinkof abuse against the woman he would eventually Crystal Belle is on trail for murdering boyfriend and claims he consented.

Steph Cahmbers / Tribun-Review critical. kill, the judge claimed that “we can assume it was

ELLA GREEN Staff Writer

Ellen and Bush’s friendship inspires positivity

Last Sunday, Oct. 6, well-known comedian Ellen DeGeneres sat next to former United States President George Bush at the Cowboys v. Packers game in Dallas, Texas. Social media erupted, as DeGeneres is a known Democrat and Bush is a Republican. Many questions arose from people who were confused as to why these two completely different people would sit and laugh together while enjoying the game.

DeGeneres took to her daytime talk show the following Tuesday to respond to the controversy surrounding her questionable friendship. To start the show, DeGeneres began with a reality check for her viewers.

“Just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be friends with them,” DeGeneres explained. “When I say be kind to one another, I don’t mean only the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone.

It doesn’t matter.”

Her mic-drop quality dialogue shook up social media again, as people honored DeGeneres for providing a peaceful and understanding lesson for humanity. People in today’s world take their beliefs too seriously, and let them get in the way of friendships and relationships.

Politics has always been extremely prevalent in society and provided barriers amongst people, but it doesn’t always have to be that way within everyday social interaction. DeGeneres uses herself as an example, why would a lesbian democrat be friends with a former republican president?

It’s because Ellen DeGeneres has the right attitude.

Joseph Langley Staff Writer

Politics shouldn’t determine friendships or relationships. Many people in this country, and the world, could take a few notes from DeGeneres.

“I feel like regardless of what you believe in, you should be able to be friends,” said senior communication major Alex Caldas. “People are people regardless of their beliefs.”

This nation, among others, tends to often forget that people are still people no matter their opinions. Citizens neglect to accept one another as fellow human beings, especially with the political chaos that is occurring right now in the United States.

Senior business major Andrew Halmrast agreed with DeGeneres.“I don’t think you should choose your friends the same way that you choose the politics you follow, and the politics you believe in,” said Halmrast. He continued, “Just because someone believes in something different than you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be friends with them or shouldn’t reach out to them. We are all people who think differently.

Perception is everything.”

We all look at things differently due to our different experiences and upbringing and that should be respected. We all have friends who are different from us, and we still call those people friends at the end of every day. Living on a college campus, we live in an accepting community where opinions can be shared safely, and friendships can be made despite different beliefs and backgrounds.

DeGeneres’ commentary was bigger than politics, it’s a basic dissection of moral value. She didn’t ask to be put on a political pedestal either. Senior religion major Sarah Carlton said, “I think it’s unrealistic to put celebrities on a politically-correct pedestal that they didn’t ask to be on.” DeGeneres’ comments weren’t for establishing herself as politically-correct, they were for bringing society back down to earth.

We, as an entire civilization, can learn from Ellen DeGeneres’ words. Instead of revolting and condemning one another, we should soak in the positivity of life on earth with whomever we encounter in our life’s journey.

Beliefs shouldn’t infringe on any relationship; there is enough toxicity and hate in today’s world. Be kind to one another, love one another and accept one another. If you take the time to do these things and remain positive, this world will turn into a much better place in the future.

Ellen got slammed on social media for her friendship with Bush.

Cooper Neill and Ron Jenkins / AP

Staff Ed: Trump video goes too far Last week, at a conference for President Trump’s supporters, a violent video of Trump’s face was photoshopped onto a scene from the film “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was shown.

Donald Trump Jr., Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Ron Desantis, the governor of Florida, were all in attendance at the conference, which was held at Trump National Doral Miami. American Priority, a pro-Trump group, hosted the event.

In the photoshopped video, Trump is shown shooting and stabbing journalists, other media members, his critics and his opponents in the upcoming presidential race. The

Thursday, October 17, 2019

By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD video is full of internet memes compiled into one bloody and brutal depiction of a massacre.

Trump’s distaste for the news media has been explicit and evident throughout his presidency, with him going so far as to labeling the media as the “enemy of the people.”

This disdain for the media is now evident in Trump supporters’ propaganda.

The video has since been denounced by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a spokesman for the Trump campaign for presidency in 2020, and the organizer of the event where

the video was shown. A full day after backlash to the video ensued, White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham condemned the video, but the president has yet to offer commentary.

Some view the video as an incitement of violence, while others call it satirical.

The staff of The Blue & Gray Press finds Trump’s silence on the video reprehensible. His demonization of the press and his calls to violence against critics are a grave danger to democracy. Under no circumstances should the video be normalized.

This editorial was led by Cosmy Pellis.

3

LIFE

Editor: Cosima Pellis blueandgray.life@gmail.com

New book by “Queer Eye” star teaches importance of self-love EVE ALANA Staff Writer

We all know Jonathan Van Ness from Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” but do we really know the true JVN? He’s known for his bubbly personality and his goddess-tier hairstyles, but Van Ness’ past was not glamorous. In his book, “Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self Love,” Van Ness tells the reader everything they may have not expected about him.

Born and raised in small-town Quincy, Illinois, “Jack” as he was known, loved to choreograph gymnastics routines on his trampoline in his backyard. It was then that he noticed he wasn’t like the other boys in his class.

And he was bullied for it, pretty badly.

Being a gay, somewhat chubby kid in the Midwest was not easy, so when he grew up and moved to Los Angeles, he figured it would turn his life around.

Instead, Van Ness faced a series of issues, beginning with a drug use problem and ending with the new knowledge that he was HIV positive.

But this wasn’t the end for him. He

became a well-known hairstylist and the star of a web series entitled “Gay of Thrones.” Then, he went on an audition for a new Netflix show, “Queer Eye.” Something about Van Ness’ story is so compelling. Like he says in the very first chapter, “Sometimes I think people only want to see the side of me that’s power stomping in stilettos or spinning around on figure skates.” I only knew him as the peppy grooming-expert on one of my favorite TV shows before reading his book. But his message in this book extends beyond beard oil and hair gel. He teaches the importance of self-love and self-acceptance in a time when it’s hard to have both.

After moving to Los Angeles, Van Ness faced a debilitating sex addiction that ended a relationship with someone he really loved.

He writes about his experiences and how he “Over the Top” was released Sept 24. was using sex to seek help when they need it, instead to hide his true of pushing emotions down. He isn’t pain. ashamed of his substance abuse issues, However, sex addiction and HIV status. They made instead of focusing on the physical him who he is today: the strong, positive aspect, he shares his willingness to go pillar of love we see on “Queer Eye.” to therapy and even his decision to go to This is an important lesson to teach rehab. Van Ness encourages his readers young people today. Our generation feels

“Life is so much a daily exercise in learning to love yourself and forgive yourself, over and over.”

- Jonathan Van Ness

so pressured to be perfect, despite the stress we feel and the incredible rise in mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Van Ness, an LGBTQ icon who so many young people look up to, isn’t perfect, but he loves himself and accepts himself for who he is.

The book opens with a sensitivity warning; while he mentions topics such as sexual abuse, drug use and sex addiction, he focuses on their effects on his life rather than describing them in unnecessary detail. He closes the book with a detailed list of resources, including The Trevor Project and Phoenix House Amazon “Over the Top” was a quick read, clocking in at under 300 pages, but it was a deep and thought-provoking one. My biggest takeaway can best be summed up in a quote from the book, “Life is so much a daily exercise in learning to love yourself and forgive yourself, over and over.”

Harry Styles single breaks boy band mold, outshines Niall Horan ALICEN HACKNEY Viewpoints Editor

Harry Styles and Niall Horan found tremendous success in 2010 when they became part of One Direction, but when the group broke up six years later they both went their separate ways. Despite the challenges of breaking the boy band bubble, they have both gone on to headline with their own solo careers, having each released their first albums in 2017, and now each releasing their new singles within the last two weeks.

Yet, as much as their careers have paralleled each other, their aptitude for fame couldn’t be more different.

On Oct 4, Horan released his new single “Nice To Meet Ya,” and the music video has since gained just over 11

Niall Horan released “Nice To Meet Ya” on Oct 4.

4

million views. The song details Horan’s attempts to find a beautifully elusive girl that he just can’t seem to catch at the right time, and in the music video, he does just that. All over the streets he walks past beautiful girls, one even sporting angel wings, and just when he almost gives up and goes out with the boys, there she is.

While the song has gained popularity, sadly, Horan doesn’t seem able to escape typical boy band premises. Much like One Direction’s songs “One Thing” and “What Makes You Beautiful” this song is merely a grown-up version of a typical boy band tune. Focusing on this nameless girl who stole his heart, Horan simply plays off the fantasy that all boy bands pander to, the fantasy that any one fan in their audience could be the girl they’re singing directly to, and, of course, the girls always swoon while the song never lands on anything or anyone of interest.

His attempts to hit it big have only worked partially, gaining him a fraction of the hundred million, and even billion, views on One Direction’s videos.

Horan’s views are also a few million short of Harry Styles’ recent Genius release.

Harry Styles released his single “Lights Up” on Oct 10, a gently melodic pop groove that mimics the pure and embellished sound of other popular artists like Ariana Grande and Lana Del Ray. The song expresses the confusing state of being so public yet not being sure who you are in order to properly represent yourself.

In the lyrics Harry Styles released “Lights Up” on Oct 10.

Stereogum read, “all the lights couldn’t put out the while Horan’s upholds an early 2000’s dark, running through my heart. Lights approach that just isn’t as suitable for up and they know who you are.” The today’s audience. message of the song is a clear divergence Notably, each of the original five from the roots of what many people members of One Direction has released expect from him. Unlike One Direction solo singles in the last month. Louis and Horan’s music, Styles goes beyond Tomlinson released his single “Kill My boy band mentality to express the deeper Mind” as the first of the five, followed by issues in his life.

Liam Payne’s “Stack It Up” with rapper The appreciated shift away from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and finally topics of the past hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Zayn Malik released “Rumors” with While the music video for Styles’ R&B artist Sabrina Claudio for which single came out almost a week later that the official music video came out this Horan’s, it has gained millions more past Tuesday, Oct 15. views, now at 18 million and growing.

While all of the former 1D members The music video itself borrows continue to make music on their own, from the modern aesthetic of sexual the parallels between Horan’s and Style’s movement in low, red and blue light releases have appeared particularly that many artists in the genre have been competitive, and the winner is clear. pulling from in the last couple years,

Thursday, October 17, 2019

LIFE

Following Dr. Farmer: students travel route of Freedom Riders Left: Outside the International Civil Rights Museum, which was formerly Woolworth’s Department Store where the first sit-in occurred. This monument honors the four college freshmen at A&T who participated in the first sit-in. The lunch counter they sat at still stands inside the museum. Woolworth’s eventually caved to economic pressure and integrated their lunch counters, paving the way for the movement to spread to the rest of the South.

Above: This mural was painted in Anniston, Alabama in the alley by the depot where a Freedom Rider Bus had its tires slashed by a mob of white supremacists. It was bombed further down the highway, although there is no clear marker for the exact place. Although no one was killed, it still served as a somber reminder of the dangers people working for equality faced.

Photo story

by Lauren Westendorf

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute showcased challenges of the Birmingham’s black community in “America’s Most Racist City,” and how they found ways to triumph against overwhelming odds.

Above: One example of discrimination was the historic example of seperate water fountains.

Right: Part of the exhibit on the racial disparity in education; black teachers had more students and fewer resources, so their students got a worse education than their counterparts.

Above: The 16th Street Baptist Church, a historic place for Civil Rights, that was horrifically bombed on September 15, 1963. Four little girls died in the initial blast, and two little boys were killed by police in the violence that followed.

Above and Below: This is the original Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, which was a hub for Civil Rights activism under its charismatic pastor Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth. The church survived three bombing attempts; one of the bombs also targeted the parsonage next door. No one was killed in any of the bombings, and the church rebuilt each time and continued to advocate for their equality. A new church was built around the block so this one could be preserved as a historic site.

These monuments in Kelly Ingram Park, the site of a march, depict the brutality of police towards the black teenagers and young adults that assembled.

Right: This monument represents a specific image of a policeman and his dog viciously attacking a young protester that was seen worldwide as symbolic of what was happening in Birmingham.

Above: This monument forces whoever is walking the path to maneuver between the attacking dogs, and in doing so see themselves in the protestors shoes, even for just a second.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

5

CONNECT WITH US

Upcoming Events Thursday

The Blue & Gray Press

@theBlueandGray

• Thanks in Advance: Jason Robinson @ duPont Gallery • ACM Smash Bros tournament fundraiser @ HCC 327, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

• Evening with an Expert: Dr. Paula Royster @ Fredericksburg Area Museum, 7 p.m.

• Poetry reading: Carolyn KreiterForonda @ Combs 139, 5 p.m.

• “The Robot Woman in Weimar and Hollywood” with Jennifer Taylor @ Combs 111, 4 p.m.

Friday • Mary Rock @ Ball Circle, 6 - 8 p.m.

• “Nothing About Us Without Us” Autistic Rights and Representation, Combs 139, 1 p.m.

• JADE Halloween Ball @ HCC Digital Auditorium, 8 - 11 p.m.

• Thanks in Advance: Jason Robinson @ duPont Gallery

theblueandgraypress

Saturday

bgpress1922

• Homecoming Tailgate @ Battleground Athletic Complex • Thanks in Advance: Jason Robinson @ duPont Gallery

NEWS

POLICE BEAT ABIGAIL BUCHHOLZ & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Possession On Thursday, October 3 at 2:32 a.m., a student was found in possession of marijuana at Randolph Hall. One administrative referral was issued.

Vandalism On Sunday, October 6, between 12:37 a.m. and 1:00 a.m, a window was vandalized in Virginia Hall.

This case is pending.

Sexual Battery On Saturday, September 28 between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. there was a sexual battery in Eagle Landing. This case is pending. Referrals were issued to the office of Title IX and the Commonwealth Attorney.

Campus accessibility issues addressed during disability awareness events Kate Seltzer News Editor

Mary Washington is celebrating disability awareness this month. UMW has the highest represented population of students with disabilities of any public Virginia university, according to Jessica Machado, director of the Office of Disability Resources.

Students with disabilities make up about 11 percent of the student population, more than double the statistic at other universities, she said.

“We have a huge number of students with disabilities that are attracted to our campus, which is wonderful,” Machado said. “We’re doing something right.”

Despite these successes, a large portion of the campus community remains unaware of the services and supports available for students with disabilities.

“Often I think we see a reaction from folks on our campus to refer to an office

“When you think about how to support a diverse and inclusive community, that involves every member of our community.”

-Jessica Machado

Petit Larceny On Thursday, October 3 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., a license plate was stolen in the Sunken Road parking lot.

This case is pending

Between Friday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday October 6 at 5:18 p.m. a pair of headphones was stolen from the HCC. This case is pending.

Between Tuesday September 15 at 6:00 a.m. and Friday, October 11 there was an incident of underage possession of alcohol in Mason Hall.

One administrative referral was issued.

Stalking On Friday, October 4 at 1:36 p.m., an incident of stalking at Woodard Hall was reported. This case is pending.

Sexual Battery On Thursday, September 26 at 2:30 a.m., there was an incident of sexual battery in Virginia Hall. This case is pending. A referral to the Office of Title IX and the Commonwealth’s Attorney was issued.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

like ours for any disability-related need without an understanding and awareness of what might be an appropriate type of response, even just being to engage and interact and try to learn more,” said Machado. “There’s kind of a knee jerk reaction to refer.”

The Disability Awareness table fair on Oct. 16 included representatives from campus and community organizations who shared information about resources that can be useful to students with disabilities.

“We just really feel strongly that there’s more awareness that’s needed, and so we’re doing what we can with the limited staff and resources that we have to try and educate the community by doing events like this, the disability awareness table fair,” Machado said.

Writing Center tutors Katia Savelyeva and Mady May represented the Writing and Speaking centers at the event.

“We want to put it out there that the Writing and Speaking Center is an accessible place for anyone, regardless of their learning needs,” said Savelyeva, a sophomore English major. “We’re also

“We want to put it out there that the Writing and Speaking Center is an accessible place for anyone, regardless of their learning needs.”

-Katia Savelyeva always thinking about accessibility as a physical space.”

“We all looked at the suite with a Universal Design lens and asked ourselves how we could be more accommodating and more welcoming,” said Gwen Hale, director of the Writing Center. “We examined space in order to

ensure folks could navigate the spaces The resources offered by the with or without walkers, crutches, organizations featured at the table event wheelchairs and so forth. One of the are especially valuable for students with student workers for ODR wrote up a disabilities due to limited resources proposal for us on how to make the within ODR. space more comfortable for people who ODR has three professional staff may not have disabilities, but it would be members: Machado, the assistant universally technology helpful for coordinator everyone. and the We now associate have floor director. sitting “As far pillows, as organized adjustable support and desks, resources that and even are devoted adjustable to protecting footstools.” the rights of The individuals Writing with Eleven percent of the UMW population has a reported disability.

Center disabilities Abigail Buchholz / The Blue And Gray Press on our also offers readers that campus and enlarge text and computers that allow providing supports and services, that’s students to work in a quiet space so they pretty limited given the high need of our can listen to their e-readers. campus,” Machado said. “We’re also a “Ultimately, however, the biggest beautiful historic campus, but with that service we offer are employees who are comes some challenges when it comes to kind and willing to assist and learn,” physical accessibility.”

Hale said. “Still, while we are always Accessibility issues for individuals looking to ODR and others to help us with physical disabilities include a hilly be better, we are always improving and campus, old buildings and inconsistent love when students help us improve Wi-Fi connection necessary for some organically from within.” communication services.

Disability Resource Center intern, Machado said there is a need for Julie Macdonald, worked the DRC table everyone on campus to be involved at the fair. in making UMW welcoming and “We are the center for independent accessible. living for the Rappahannock area, “Because of this great need of our helping people with disabilities live as community and limited resources and independently as they can in an inclusive support, we really do rely on everybody community,” said Macdonald. to be aware of their responsibilities

A Disability Awareness table fair allowed students to explore the disability resources around campus and the community.

Abigail Buchholz / The Blue And Gray Press

Kaila Lohn, a case manager at the DRC in Fredericksburg, said, “We’re here to help and connect people to services, whether it’s here with us at the DRC or another agency can help them.”

The Fredericksburg Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) also tabled at the event. The state agency works to help individuals with disabilities find employment.

“Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office, even if you’re a freshman,” said Shana Chance, a job placement counselor at the Fredericksburg DARS. “There are services and supports we can offer along the way prior to a person graduating, and then they will be already working with us once they graduate and we can help support them with finding employment.”

around accessibility,” she said. “When you think about how to support a diverse and inclusive community, that involves every member of our community.”

Other events for Disability Awareness Month include a talk entitled “Nothing About Us Without Us: Autistic Rights and Representation” on Oct. 18 and a fall social for students with disabilities on Oct. 30.

“We would love for the community to kind of come together and take advantage of opportunities to learn more and do better to support this community,” Machado said.

“By having such events on campus, we take away the stigma that some folks may have been brought up with,” Hale added. “We also see the value that everyone brings to campus.”

7

SPORTS

Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

China censors the NBA following Hong Kong controversy

EDDIE MUSSEY Staff Writer

The National Basketball Association is the most recent item to be censored in China.

The NBA is widely popular, not just in China, but across the world. The NBA has foreign players from around the globe that compete for a living. China possesses a huge fanbase for the NBA, bringing with it massive viewership and revenue.

The NBA started to play annual games in China in 2004, but that wasn’t the start of the NBA in the eastern country. The popularity of the NBA in China started when the NBA finals aired on Chinese state media in 1994.

This introduced basketball to the largest market in the world. Since then, China has fallen in love with basketball and the NBA. Yao Ming, one of the most popular NBA players in the world, was born and raised in mainland China. The Houston Rockets took Yao Ming first overall in the 2002 NBA draft. This gave the country a player who they can support and rally behind, drawing China to support the NBA even more since they were represented within the player base.

Recently though, issues have arisen due to a tweet that was posted on Oct 4 that showed support to the Hong Kong protests. Daniel Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets, tweeted support for the protests that are currently ongoing in Hong Kong to show that he supports free speech. He deleted the tweet which featured an image that reads “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.”

This caused China to react as does not condone the protests in Hong Kong, which they consider unlawful. The protests stemmed from an extradition bill that the Hong Kong government proposed that would allow prisoners to be sent to mainland China to be tried.

This raised human rights concerns, causing protests to spread around the city.

This tweet caused China to put a block on all of the Houston Rockets preseason games. This has also caused issues with sponsors Li-Ning and Anta suspending contract talks with the NBA. Tencent, the digital partner of the NBA, has also suspended business with the Houston Rockets.

China took NBA preseason games between the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets off the national channels following the tweet. A Lakers NBA Cares event was also canceled in Shanghai that was supposed to benefit

University of Mary Washington Fall Sports Schedule

Women’s Soccer (6-8)

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets are popular teams in China.

the Special Olympics. The Chinese Central Television released a statement saying “We’re strongly dissatisfied and oppose Adam Silver’s [NBA commissioner] claim to support Morey’s right to freedom of expression. We believe that any remarks that challenge national sovereignty and social stability are not within the scope of freedom of speech.”

wrvo.com

me since the freedom of speech and being able to say what’s on one’s mind is important to the betterment of the world...I think it’s ridiculous how this ban is even a thing,” said senior Joe Langley. “The NBA is a wonderful organization that provides entertainment worldwide, as it obtains the very best talent in basketball. Politics should not come in the way of sports, as sports have

Oct. 9 W @ Southern Virginia (3-1) Oct. 12 L @ York (Pa.) (1-0) Oct. 16 W vs. Southern Virginia (8-0) Oct. 19 vs. Christopher Newport Oct. @ Salisbury

Men’s Soccer (9-3-2)

Oct. 9 W vs. Southern Virginia (10-0) Oct. 12 L @ York (Pa.) (1-0) Oct. 16 W @ Southern Virginia (6-0) Oct. 19 vs. Christopher Newport Oct. 23 vs. Salisbury

Field Hockey (5-8)

Oct. 2 W vs. Randolph-Macon (5-3) Oct. 11 L @ Christopher Newport (6-2) Oct. 15 L @ FDU-Florham (2-1) Oct. 19 vs. York (Pa.) Oct. 23 vs. Salisbury

Volleyball (11-11)

Oct. 12 L vs. Muhlenburg (3-1) Oct. 12 L @ Johns Hopkins (3-0) Oct. 16 W vs. Salisbury (3-0) Oct. 19 vs. Christopher Newport Oct. 23 vs. Southern Virginia

Men’s Rugby (0-2) China cancelled NBA Cares event due to the tweet by Houston Rockets owner Daniel Morey. scmp.com

This has since caused an issue about what is protected with freedom of speech.. At UMW this is a major issue since UMW offers an environment that encourages people to speak on social injustices and issues that are currently plaguing our world.

“As someone who is a major in English and who takes part in the newspaper this is very worrying to

the power to unite humanity together.”

This shows freedom of speech is something that is important on campus and to be able to voice one’s opinion since UMW offers a safe environment for people. This feeling was also felt by the NBA commissioner Adam Silver who supported his employees to voice their opinion on matters that are important to them and to fight for the right to say what they want.

Senior Andrew Halmrast agreed, “With China taking issue with the NBA just draws more attention to the fact that China has issues with being a very monitored state. This also hurts the NBA though since they lose the second biggest market, they had access to,” said Halmrast. “I just personally see this as an issue that no one wins in and it should be dealt with soon so people can just watch basketball.”

The NBA needs to find a way to quickly end the issues involving China so people can go back to enjoying basketball without having to worry about anything political.

Sep. 7 L vs. Kutztown University (36-8) Sep. 21 L @ Penn State University (22-0) Oct. 26 @ Army Nov. 2 vs. St. Bonaventure Nov. 9 vs. Notre Dame College

Women’s Rugby (3-0)

Sep. 21 W vs. Old Dominion (38-21) Sep. 28 W vs. Maryland (41-5) Oct. 5 W vs. Longwood (81-0) Oct. 19 vs. Alumni Oct. 26 @ William & Mary

Full Schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included.

Bold indicates home game.

There is a huge market in China for the NBA which is in jeopardy following clashes over tweets. nationalreview.com

Thursday, October 17, 2019

8