The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

October 25, 2018

VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 8

PRESS 1922 Students voice concerns about the prevalence of sexual battery cases on campus

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors

In light of a recent report that showed an increase in the numbers of reported rapes on campus and two incidents of sexual battery on campus this semester, students have voiced concerns about the presence of sexual assault and the impact it has on their sense of safety.

“It makes me feel more worried being a female that I can’t simply walk along campus without having the slight fear that someone would approach me like that,” said sophomore accounting major Sophie Cooper.

“I was only shocked that there was an email sent out about it,” said alumna Sierra McCahon. “Sexual assault happens often at UMW, it is just often not reported.”

As UMW witnesses a rise in

reported rapes and sexual batteries, there are students who expressed feeling a sense of unease and lack of safety on campus, particularly at night.

“As a general note, I think that most college students in the U.S. don’t have the luxury of feeling safe on campus like they used to,” said sophomore and communication and digital studies major Andrew Schneidawind. “That includes UMW.” Cooper said she avoids walking home to the UMW Apartments by herself at night at all costs. “[The] emails do affect how I see the safety of the campus at night anywhere outside of campus grounds.”

The second email about sexual battery on campus was particularly concerning to students because it happened in the center of campus at while it was still light out and there were many people around “The one reported by the UC also

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

“Sexual assault happens often at UMW, it is just often not reported.”

-Sierra McCahon

Students have started to speak out and voice concerns about sexual assault on campus.

Young Democrats / Twitter

made me nervous because I walked by there about two hours before it happened and walk near there by myself close to nightfall sometimes after class,” said junior English creative

writing major, Laura Schneider. “That part of campus always felt safe and fun, especially watching people throw frisbees and hang out with friends on Ball Circle. • SEXUAL BATTERY| 11

UMW student opens pop-up LGBTQ+ bookstore downtown Lindsay Ruongrat Staff Writer

Downtown Fredericksburg now has an LGBTQ+ pop-up bookstore, thanks to UMW senior and classics major, Andy Unger. Andy and Elliot’s, named for Unger and his fiancé, is located in Katora Coffee at 615 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg.

Unger has spent the beginning of his senior year working hard to bring his dreams of working with books to life.

“I’ve always been an avid reader, and have known since I was a really little kid that I wanted to work with books when I grew up,” Unger said.

Unger realized during his teenage years he wasn’t cisgender or straight, and finding books that he could relate to as a transgender individual became difficult. “Characters weren’t relatable anymore, especially since so many books for my age group were

romances,” Unger said. But that would all change when Unger was provided a business opportunity during his time attending UMW. With the help of StartUpUMW’s founder, Kelsey Whitman, Unger was able to lift his idea off the ground.

“She stuck with me from the vaguest concept to answering panicked calls about how to deal with realtors,” Unger said. “Susan Ball, who works at the UMW Small Business Development Center, has also been invaluable.”

“Andy is living proof that whatever you put your mind to, you can accomplish.

He self-funded and launched his business while working to support himself, and he’s a full-time student.

He is an inspiration at our office,” Whitman said.

Unger’s bookstore idea began as a short and vague business plan. “He was eager to write his business plan and learn to analyze business decisions. He worked diligently and incorporated the information we •BOOKSTORE | 10

“Andy is living proof that whatever you put your mind to, you can accomplish.”

-Kelsey Whitman

Senior Andy Unger opened a LGBTQ+ pop-up bookstore in downtown Fredericksburg.

Suzanne Rossi / University Relations

IN THIS

ISSUE

PUPPY WALK

BLUE LIGHTS

HOMECOMING RUGBY

PuppyUp raises funds to fight cancer in dogs.

Students feel unsafe in areas lacking blue lights.

Alumni return to UMW and win against current students.

LIFE | 7

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 12

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 Lauren Closs

Associate Editor Ginny Bixby

Managing Editor Ryan Brauch

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Kate Seltzer

VIEWPOINTS Grace Winfield

LIFE Lucas Burkholder

Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Faculty and staff attend presentation about talking to survivors Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination

that they are appropriate but then also for quick tips that everyone can learn on their own.”

On Thursday, Oct. 18, a seminar Professors and other staff members called “Talking To A Survivor” was attended the meeting to learn about the held on campus in partnership with issue. the Rappahannock Council “This topic and this subject Against Sexual Assault is seen so much in the news (RCASA) to teach staff and “We wanted to make sure that we’re nowadays, I really wanted to faculty ways to approach giving resources to students, faculty, or go to something that would students and those seeking be hands on like this where help. staff members across campus to have there could be some discussion RCASA provides all of effective and personal conversations and just provide information its services at no charge. that I might not be thinking They focus on individual and with survivors or victims that come about on a daily basis,” said group counseling, art therapy, forward and report to them.”

UMW Stafford Registrar staff case management, legal and member Kevin Caffrey. “What hospital accompaniment, and I got out of this was thinking outreach.

-Myranda Thomson about the different ways you “A lot of my experience is can respond to someone who in college advocacy, but as a might come to you with a peer and now that I’m more of under any education program or problem.

If you sense that there’s a a community resource with the college, activity receiving Federal financial problem with someone, you would I really enjoy how UMW works so assistance.” want to know the right way to approach well with other community resources.

Standing to protect individuals from it without invading their personal I think it’s just because professors sexual discrimination in educational space or saying anything that might be and staff, especially RAs, for a lot programs, the Title IX department at considered inappropriate or rude.” of people are the first person they’re UMW advocates for the expansion of Some students said that they feel going to disclose to if something education on sexual assault. the information sessions will help happened,” said Alex Weathersby, “We wanted to make sure that create a more welcoming environment Community Services Coordinator. “I to encourage more think it’s just a nice way conversation about these of getting everyone on “We have gotten two emails this semester issues. the same page about “I think that the related to sexual assault so obviously there’s more helpful responses information sessions and they can pair that more that should be done. These informational are a good way to with their universities sessions could be a step in the right direction.” educate faculty and specific rules about staff,” said classics and mandatory reporting communications and while increasing some -Cameron Ashley digital studies double cultural competencies.” major sophomore The presentation Cameron Ashley. covered a variety of topics and points. we’re giving resources to students, “Maybe this is a way that students can It discussed how the term survivor can faculty, or staff members across become more comfortable with talking mean that someone has had a recent campus to have effective and personal to someone.

We have gotten two emails experience, childhood experience, conversations with survivors or victims this semester related to sexual assault or abuse whether that be sexual, that come forward and report to them,” so obviously there’s more that should emotional, physical, or financial. said Deputy Title IX Coordinator be done.

These informational sessions According to the presentation, the for Students Myranda Thomson. could be a step in the right direction.” core steps in helping someone are to “We wanted a way for them to have Anyone needing resources can call listen without judgement, support their appropriate resources so that they can RCASA’s Crisis Hotline is (540) 371decisions, offer resources, and validate refer out to someone if they don’t feel 1666. their feelings.

Joseph Kobsar Staff Writer

SPORTS Jack Hagn

ONLINE Ronic Ngambwe Harry Fisher

PHOTO Cayley McGuire

The “Talking To A Survivor” seminar held on Oct. 18 was planned to teach staff and faculty how to approach students about assault.

CORRECTIONS for THE Week

FACULTY ADVISOR

A Oct. 18 article titled “Students learn Japanese language and culture at new conversation hours” incorrectly stated that the conversation hours take place in South Hall. They occur in Combs 236.

Sushma Subramanian

A Oct. 18 article titled “Mold causes concern in multiple residence halls” stated that one of the causes of the mold in residence halls is air conditioning systems breaking down. This is incorrect. Broken air conditioning units are not a factor to increased mold growth this fall. According to Dean Fleming, some units were found to be on improper settings in the rooms where mold was discovered.

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

2

The Blue & Gray Press

SPORTS

CAC could potentially lose autobid as two more teams leave

Mary Washington is a member of the Capital Athletic Conference, or CAC. The CAC has many regulations and Mary Washington and the rest guidelines, but Mary Washington has of the teams in the Capital Athletic been a part of this conference since the Conference are in danger of losing their beginning. In this academic year they autobid into the NCAA tournament, will lose two schools, which might affect as two more teams plan on leaving the tournaments and game schedules. conference after this academic year. The The Capital Athletic Conference NCAA requires conferences to have covers Division III schools in more than six teams in order to qualify Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. for an automatic bid into the NCAA According to cacsports.com, the tournament. After losing two teams last schools currently enrolled in the CAC year, the CAC is losing Frostburg St. and are Christopher Newport University, Penn St. Harrisburg after this year.

Frostburg State University, Marymount The NCAA defines a Division III University, Penn State Harrisburg, St. school as, “an integrated environment Mary’s College of Maryland, Salisbury focusing on academic success while University, Southern Virginia University, offering a competitive athletics Wesley College, York College of Pa. and environment.” As a Division III school, the University of Mary Washington.

UMW joined the CAC in 1989. Mary Washington is one of the 10 members of the conference, two of which are making plans to switch at the end of this year. Frostburg State stated it is switching to NCAA Division II and Penn State Harrisburg will switch back to their previous conference.

The conference encompasses many sports Frostburg St. is one of the teams leaving the CAC. UMW Athletics from baseball to volleyball; KATIE HIPPLE Staff Writer

however they only accept those sports in certain genders.

They do not accept men’s field hockey, softball or volleyball and women’s baseball.

There is a policy that requires mandatory video exchange in field hockey, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse, and women’s lacrosse. Another policy states cacsports.com UMW is a founding member of the CAC. there must be a 25-75 split on ticket sales for playoff contests. They also state Team, Medal of Inspiration, NCAA if the school gives their students free Women of the Year and Richard C. Cook All-Sport Award. The awards are given admission, the courtesy must be extended to the competing school as well. out no more than 14 days preceding CAC regulations are so outlined the championship. This is with the that there are even rules for presenting exception of men’s basketball, field awards at the Conference Championship hockey, women’s lacrosse, volleyball and Games. The announcer must tell the baseball. Those are either completed the spectators multiple times that there will Monday after the championship game, be awards presented at the end of the the week following the championship or game. The coaches are to be notified one week prior to all regional, according before the game and “after a reasonable to the CAC handbook, Section 3. time for celebration” says the CAC “As a founding member, UMW is handbook, the teams must return and stay very happy with the Capital Athletic until the award ceremony is over.

Conference. It offers a great balance of competition against regionally The conference awards multiple located institutions. Although we are players during their season for their losing two members, the conference is valiant effort as students and players. actively working to secure new member Some of these awards include Player institutions,” said interim athletic of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Senior director Patrick Catullo.

Scholar Athlete Award, All Academic

Equestrian rider discovers new love of horses at UMW KAITLYN MCCLUNG Staff Writer

Sophomore Ruth Wilmot only somewhat recently immersed herself in the equestrian world since joining the UMW team her freshman year. She always had aspirations to ride growing up, but it was not an option financially.

Because there is no cost for riding classes and some gear can be borrowed, The UMW equestrian team has finally given her the opportunity to pursue a new hobby that she has been interested in for a while.

“I wanted to try something new, and I was accidentally signed up, and I was about to pull out, and the coach was like ‘Hey, we actually need people who have never ridden before. You should join us,’ so I did,” said Wilmot.

While looking at colleges, Wilmot was hoping to find one with an equestrian team because she knew it was something she wanted to try in this new stage of her life. She would have attended UMW either way, but the fact that we have an equestrian team was a bonus for her. Wilmot currently competes in walk trot in the flat class, but she has high hopes for jumping in the future. Although she said it may take a while to reach that level, she is excited to learn and have fun while doing so.

The team has the perfect amount of commitment for Wilmot. Practices

take place twice a week: one individual lesson and a team lesson. Practices last for two hours altogether, including the half hour spent before and after tacking up. She wouldn’t consider the team to be low commitment because members are required to do everything else other teams do, such as weight lifting, cardio, and study halls.

“I’d say a bonus is that the classes are arranged around your schedule… Other teams will have 3 hours where they’re not allowed to have class because they have practice, and they know that ahead of time whereas for us, we can sign up for whatever we want,” said Wilmot.

There are eight shows per year. Three to four are typically held in February, and the rest of the dates depend on when other colleges want to host them. UMW hosts two back-to-back in a weekend, usually in February.

When asked about challenges of being on the team, Wilmot listed a common struggle among all athletes: efficient time management. It is especially difficult when UMW hosts the back-to-back shows in February.

“You know you don’t have time to do homework that weekend at all because either you’ll be at the barn or you’ll be sleeping, so definitely planning around like looking ahead and being like ‘I have midterms the week after I have a show, I need to start studying now because I

The team poses after their University of Richmond show.

won’t have time later,’” said Wilmot.

A challenge more specific to the equestrian team would be the fact that team members ride a different horse each time they practice.

“Each horse is a good horse, a great horse, but they each have their own individual quirks, so you have to learn how to work with them as a partner to do your best and look your best [in competition],” said Wilmot.

This mimics competitions in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association.

Wilmot explained that unless your team is the one hosting, the rider competes on a horse they have never ridden as to

UMW Athletics

measure the rider’s abilities.

Wilmot describes Hazelwild, the barn where the equestrian team practices, as having a family atmosphere. Last year, the equestrian team helped out with fall festival, a community event where children go to Hazelwild and ride ponies while being led by two members from the equestrian team. In addition to fall festival, riders at the middle and high school level hold a show at Hazelwild that the UMW equestrian team helps out with, and the team volunteers at a shelter for older horses. The community event for this year is still being planned.

Weekly Scoreboard Field Hockey

Oct. 24 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 1 St. Mary’s (Md.): 0

women's Volleyball

Oct. 24 @ St. Mary’s (Md.) (W) UMW: 3 St. Mary’s (Md.): 0

Woman's Soccer

Oct. 24 vs. Southern Virgina (W) UMW: 5 Southern Virgina: 2

Men's Soccer

Oct. 24 @ Southern Virgina (W) UMW: 10 Southern Virgina: 0

Woman's Swimming

Oct. 26 vs. Frostburg St. TBD

men's Swimming

Oct. 26 vs. Frostburg St. TBD

women's Volleyball

Oct. 27 vs. Penn St.-Harrisburg TBD

m/W Cross Country

Oct. 27 @ CAC Championships TBD

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VIEWPOINTS

Distribution of blue lights should be reassessed

ELIZABETH FINTO Staff Writer

This past Tuesday night around 10:45 PM, I was walking back to my dorm in Jefferson Hall from the Alvey and Arrington parking deck where I had to park my car. I walked on Campus Walk on the way back to my dorm, as it feels like the safest route to walk that late at night. I saw a blue emergency light at the Hurley Convergence Center and the next blue emergency light that I saw was outside of Trinkle Hall. I was shocked that I had only seen two blue lights along my path back to Jefferson Hall. I have never had to use one of these blue lights, however, it is a comfort to know they are there if I need them. But I felt as though there needed to be a blue emergency light every few yards.

After the different incidents that have occurred on UMW’s campus, I have felt anxious about my safety on campus at night. I know the UMW police are there if I need them, however the question arises: will I be able to contact them before something happens?

According to the 2017 Fredericksburg Campus Crime Statistics report from the UMW Police Department, there were twenty “sex offenses” which included “forcible rape” and “forcible fondling.”

There were also five cases of stalking and five cases of dating violence, amongst an additional robbery and burglaries. After reading these statistics, my anxieties only increased.

Senior and communications and digital studies major, Hannah Duncan explained to me that she is not one who spends much time on campus at night,

but when she does she feels safe. “I feel much safer on Campus Walk than I do on the sidewalks of College Avenue because I feel less exposed,” says Duncan. However, she did comment on student concerns pertaining to safety. “I have started to notice students complain about the lack of blue lights on campus walk due to the increase of police reports UMW students have received lately.”

Duncan continued,“I think it’s important that everyone feels safe, so if that means installing more blue lights, it should be done.”

Taylor Malone, a junior who is double-majoring in communications and theatre, explained that she feels relatively safe on campus at night, but has since had concerns. “I had more and more people tell me horror stories about being approached at night.” Like Duncan, she feels especially unsafe on College Avenue. “I always wished there were more blue lights on College Avenue,” said Malone.“I have gone so far as to get a police escort from duPont Hall back to my dorm in the UMW Apartments because I didn’t want to walk alone.”

She explains that it is puzzling as to why there are four or more blue lights at the UMW Apartments, alone, but they are much more than the others spread out across the rest of campus.

Malone commented, “I feel way safer walking from one apartment to the next than I do walking from the HCC back to the apartments. Why is there a need for so many [blue lights] in our little courtyard?”

Chief Hall explained that safety of the UMW community is of utmost importance. The UMW police, as well

as many other members of UMW, are constantly figuring out ways to make campus as safe of a place as possible.

Currently, there are over 130 blue lights across our campus, and each one costs about $10,000, according to Chief Hall.

Some of them are now being equipped with cameras so that the police have a better chance of seeing what is going on. Cameras are being installed all over campus. They are on the University Center, academic buildings, and are on the outside of some residence halls, such as Randolph and Mason. He emphasized that the cameras are not to invade people’s privacy, but are intended to ensure safety outside of residential and academic buildings.

Chief Hall shared that they are currently working on a project that will start in the upcoming spring semester.

“The blue lights have been here forever, and what we want to do is to make sure that we have them placed adequately across campus for the community in which we serve,” said Hall. The evaluation is expected to answer some very important questions concerning the blue light system: are our current blue lights adequately placed, do we have too many blue lights, and do we need some additional blue lights?

There are a number of safety resources offered on campus aside from the blue lights, such as the Police Escort service, the Eagle Patrol golf cart rides, and also the Rave Guardian app that is free for students to use.

After speaking with fellow students and Chief Hall, I still believe that there should be an increased number of safety efforts in places such as College Avenue

Lauren Closs / The Blue & Gray Press

and the neighborhoods surrounding campus. Blue lights should be installed equally across campus. Although there are numerous blue lights on campus already, they should be installed in more external areas of campus where students are more likely to come in contact with potential outside threats. However, the blue lights can’t solve all of our safety concerns. Walking in groups or pairs is always a safe plan, especially after dark.

Students should also share their locations with their friends, their family members, or their roommates. We all have cell phones, and we always have them with us. Taking these precautions can help lead to a safer environment for students while they are on and off campus.

Homecoming week lacks appeal for freshmen, student says RACHEL COOPER Staff Writer

Last year I left homecoming frustrated and confused. It was my freshman year, and I had some expectations for what my first college homecoming would be like. But in reality, I ended up having no idea what events I was allowed to attend and where I would be welcomed at my first homecoming. I expected social events, costume contests, a fun tailgate to enjoy while watching the soccer game, and campus-wide spirit. Instead, I experienced a couple of over-hyped evening events during the week and an overwhelming tailgate where I felt out of place because I was not drinking.

Because of my first-year experience, I didn’t participate in many of last week’s events or attend the tailgate, but I don’t want that to be everyone’s experience. The University of Mary Washington should create more events during homecoming week to encourage underclassmen, freshmen specifically, to be involved in homecoming and express their school spirit.

Initially, I was shocked that there were so few advertisements in general for homecoming my freshman year.

Homecoming seemed like it was a big enough deal that I expected gray and navy banners and streamers, large “Welcome Home Alumni” and “Beat CNU” signs, but instead I only received a few emails telling me what to expect.

The first night of homecoming week last year was on a Wednesday, when UMW hosted its annual Big Ash Bonfire on Jefferson Square. It was nice, but really it was just a lot of people standing around a big bonfire with some funnel cakes and fried oreos and music. I wish

UMW homecoming tailgate.

there had been some kind of interactive games or costume contests to encourage students to get to know one another.

I went to Class Council’s Lip-Sync on Thursday last year. Lip-Sync is arguably the most popular event during homecoming week. It was fun and very entertaining, but it just felt like a show, not part of homecoming. And since it was just a show I didn’t really get to talk to other students who were there.

This year UMW hosted its first “Mary Rock” on Ball Circle with a live band playing on Friday night. Apparently there was food and a beer garden along with the music which is definitely a step in the right direction for homecoming events. I would have enjoyed it very much, but it was poorly advertised so I didn’t know it was happening.

Other students also had issues with event awareness. “They had an email explaining events but I can’t remember seeing anything in person to be honest.

I just went to the soccer game with a group of people,” said freshman Kate Gilmore.

I either wasn’t aware of the events during the week, or they didn’t appeal

Mary Washington Alumni / UMW Relations

to me. After speaking with sophomores who attended last year, I wanted to find ways that everyone could feel included in the homecoming spirit. One way could simply be having a blue and gray day. While we have homecoming shirts, it would’ve been cool to have a day designated that faculty and students could wear blue and gray clothing, or even facepaint, to get into the spirit. The campus-wide spirit day could be hosted by clubs and teams on Ball Circle, and feature food, prizes and coupons. The event would be a great opportunity for clubs to spread awareness, while additionally promoting inclusiveness amongst students of all interests and backgrounds.

All of the events at UMW lead up to the infamous tailgate on Saturday.

I expected hotdogs and hamburgers, cornhole games, and lots of cheering and screaming for UMW teams. However, I was disappointed to find that was not the case. The tailgate at UMW was not about watching the soccer game. The tailgate was a drunken mess. I felt judged and excluded from the crowds for not drinking, and I wasn’t alone.

One student said that because of her freshman experience last year, she did not want to attend this year. “I went to homecoming last year and didn’t have fun because there’s really nothing to do unless you’re drinking and so I made other plans this year and didn’t go to homecoming,” said sophomore and math major Emily Howard.

It’s what happens during the tailgate, the games and lively competition, that the majority of the students I spoke to seem to enjoy the most. “Going to all of the games is more appealing to me,” said junior and biology major Rachel Summers. “I don’t think the tailgate is what homecoming should be all about.

If I can see all my friends and alumni by not having to go into a crowd of sweaty, drunk people surrounded by the smell of alcohol, I’d rather not attend.”

Personally, watching the sports games was my favorite part of homecoming last year, and the only events I attended this year. It was exciting to sit in the stands with my friends and cheer on soccer, rugby and field hockey without the pressure of the tailgate atmosphere.

Expanding the tailgate to include an environment for underage students decreases the separation between freshmen and the upperclassmen/alum.

Small inclusions like face-painting or cornhole games may seem silly, but can be really fun, too. Live music from a local band would have added to the mood, and students who came in small groups or pairs could join the crowd of music-listeners instead of the drinking tailgaters.

Providing more options for students who aren’t into the partying scene would encourage more students at UMW to get involved in homecoming, while also helping them feel included and accepted.

Thursday October21, 25,2015 2018 Thursday, January

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Trump’s reaction to Khashoggi murder is inexcusable

GINNY BIXBY Associate Editor

The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is representative of the greater atrocity of violence against journalists, and the Trump administration’s delayed and inadequate response is indicative of the President’s disdain for the free press.

President Trump waited until Oct. 23 to condemn the Saudi government, when he finally said, “The cover up was one of the worst in the history of cover ups.”

But not only was Trump slow to chastise the Saudi government, but he had initially been critical of other world leaders for their condemnation.

“I think we have to find out what happened first,” he said. “Here we go again with, you know, you’re guilty until proven innocent. I don’t like that.

We just went through that with Justice Kavanaugh and he was innocent all the way as far as I’m concerned.”

Khashoggi was on personal business in Istanbul at the Saudi consulate, picking up documents needed to marry his fiancée, when he was brutally attacked and killed. This is evidence that journalists are at risk even when they aren’t on the job, which is hugely problematic. Journalists are being viewed as, essentially, enemies of the state in some countries. The First Amendment has always been the cornerstone of American democracy. The press is what

keeps our government in check; it is just as, if not more, a crucial part of the system checks and balances as the three branches of government are.

This murder came less than four months after another act of violence against the press, the murder of four journalists and a sales assistant in a shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland.

In addition, there was another attempted attack on the press on Wednesday when a package containing a bomb was sent to CNN’s New York office.

Khashoggi’s last column for the Washington Post was published on Oct. 17, two weeks after it is believed that he died. It is an excellent argument that the Arab world needs more freedom for speech and expression. It is tragic and ironic to read in the wake of his death, and it is arguably one of the most important opinions printed in journalistic history. The article shows the dangers of restrictions of the press. President Trump would benefit from reading it, as he clearly is either ignorant or apathetic to the dangerous impact of his antijournalist rhetoric.

No U.S. President has posed more of an attack on the press than Trump.

At a rally on Oct. 18, Trump praised Montana Republican representative Greg Gianforte for assaulting Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs when he tried to interview Gianforte in May 2017.

and condemn Khashoggi’s murder is incredible evidence of this. Trump needs to be concerned that this could not only happen to reporters abroad, but also at home.

But Trump is more concerned about the so-called “failing New York Times” publishing what he sees as “fake news” about his policies than he is about an American resident’s murder abroad. It is fine to disagree with certain opinions that are published or have concerns about certain reporting methods deployed by some outlets, but Trump sees CNN the media as a whole entity that is a Gianforte, who was running for special singular enemy, which is encouraging a election at the time, threw Jacobs to the mentality of demonizing journalists. ground and punched him. Trump said, Khashoggi’s murder was an attack “Any guy that can do a body slam, he’s on all journalists. The shooting at the my kind of — he’s my guy.” This was Capital Gazette was an attack on all said over two weeks after Khashoggi had journalists. The 2014 beheading of disappeared, and was presumed dead at American journalist James Foley was the time. While this kind of language an attack on all journalists. This is a used against the press is tasteless in wake-up call. Journalism is becoming an general, and it was certainly not the first illogically dangerous career in which you time Trump envoked violence against can be brutally murdered for reporting journalists, as he is known to refer to the the facts if someone simply doesn’t press as the “enemy of the people,” its like the facts being exposed. Journalists timing was particularly disgusting. deserve the respect and support of the Trump’s relentless vendetta against President, even if he does not agree the American press is encouraging not with everything they publish. If Trump only contempt for journalists, but now, continues down the path he has started violence. Of course Trump is not the on, violence against journalists could reason that Khashoggi was dismembered become all too common on American in the Saudi consulate. However, Trump soil, and the U.S. could enter a dystopian isn’t exactly a friend of the press by any reality like that of Saudi Arabia, where means, and his hesitation to investigate the press is silenced.

Developed resumes prepare graduates for job competition EMILY KEEHAN Staff Writer

Graduation is both anticipated and feared by senior students. For some, the day comes too quickly. For others, it can’t come soon enough. Personally, I am counting down the seconds.

College serves as a barrier against the “real world,” a realm where people have jobs, bills and double the responsibility.

While kick-starting a career fresh out of college can be very intimidating and scary, preparation can help put nervous students at ease. Students should begin building their resumes early and continue to develop them throughout

their academic career. A strong resume not only shows others what you have accomplished but can also be used to give yourself the confidence and self-assurance you will need as you begin the next leg of your journey. As a senior who graduates this December, I have gone through every emotion: panic, excitement, fear, anticipation, indifference, forced ignorance, restlessness. The prospect of getting a job and working for the rest of my life with absolutely no fun or freedom does not appeal to me, despite the fact that I know, logically, that is not what the workforce is like. But I fear becoming

Staff Ed: Second recent sexual battery rattles students

By THE BLUE AND GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD On Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, around 7:25 pm, a UMW student reported that she was sexually battered in front of the University Center. This report follows the incident that occured on Sep. 22, 2018 on Sunken Road. It is the second sexual battery that the student body has been notified of this semester. The most recent incident occurred during one of UMW’s new homecoming events, Mary Rock, which was happening out on Ball Circle.

The proximity of this most recent sexual battery to the center of campus in an area surrounded by lights makes this incident especially troubling. The university has a responsibility to make sure all students on campus feel safe. It is unacceptable for students to be afraid to walk around their campus especially while events are going on. While UMW is an open campus, students should be assured that they are protected from these assaults on campus.

The Rave Guardian App is available to assist anyone who feels unsafe walking around campus, and the UMW police also offer several other safety options. One is Eagle Patrol which operates safety escorts during the academic year each night from 6pm or 9pm to 1am depending on the night.

You can also request a safety escort by contacting the University Police by calling 540-654-1025 or 540-654-1129 (evenings only), or by using one of the emergency Blue Light systems on campus.

It is never the fault of the sexually assaulted. There are numerous resources offered on and off campus for those who have been assaulted. The Talley Center, UMW Office of Human Resources, UMW Title IX Coordinator and the Fredericksburg Area Victim/Witness Assistance Program all are options. You can find contact information on their individual websites.

stuck in an unsatisfactory situation.

I don’t want to have a job that feels like a job. I want a job that I am passionate about, that I wake up wanting to do, that always keeps my attention. I found such a job in the state government, working as a crew leader for the Youth Conservation Corp, but that ended up shooting me in the foot somewhat. I loved the job, the work, the people, but it was not a sustainable situation.

It was in my desired field of work—managing teams to complete projects—but the position was seasonal, the wages were impossible to live on, and the opportunity for promotion was non-existent. Most importantly, I spent my summers devoted to this job instead of taking internships with professional companies.

I gained money and memories, but the opportunity cost was great. Money is not as valuable or permanent as a path to my future career would have been, but the experiences I gained are invaluable. I left the position with amazing memories and years of real-world experience that I can now apply to my personal and professional life—but no way to communicate those assets to future employers.

Once the semester began, I spent a month applying for one job. I had to craft, edit and finalize both a cover letter and resume. I had an extensive work history, but I was struggling to write a resume that pandered to the needs and expectations of future employers. The challenge is not writing out what I have done, but doing so in a way that would make me stand out. I was only able to achieve this because my advisor helped me every step of the way. Whenever I went into her office she was always enthusiastic and willing to help me. She gave me a lot of confidence in what I have accomplished, and she helped me translate that confidence onto paper. I could not have applied for that without the help of this school and that advisor.

Chelsie Valencia/The Blue & Gray Press

This got me thinking, do students know the resources on campus available to them? If they do, do they take advantage of them?

Advisors can offer career advice and guidance and help you focus your talents and discover what your future passion could be. Some advisors have extensive experience with resume development, but if they don’t, the Center for Career and Professional Development offers appointments designed specifically for creating resumes. Through Handshake, a website that connects professionals with students, an appointment can be made and the resume can be developed in person or via email. Go talk to your advisor or visit the Center to begin preparing for your future.

I don’t regret devoting my summers to something I love instead of seeking internships that could have assured my future. I want to have had those summers and still manage to attain my career. But I do wish I had begun preparation for the next leg of my journey earlier, so that I might now be less uneasy about the future. I hope you learn from my experiences and are able to weigh the pros and cons of every choice, just as I did.

5

LIFE

Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Rock on: a guide to music venues surrounding Fred

MATTHEW LEIBOWITZ Staff Writer

Fredericksburg is known for many things, including the vast amount of history in the area, yet many people don’t realize how many historic and famous music venues are just an hour’s drive away. With Richmond and DC being about equidistant from Mary Washington and Norfolk only a bit over a two and a half hour drive from campus, many students don’t realize they live in a prime area to be an avid concert-goer.

Each of these venues surrounding the area has their own history and secrets that make them stand out on a national level as some of the best clubs and concert spots in the country.

The 9:30 Club Here you will find one of the most famous venues in DC’s modern history.

Sold to Seth Hurwitz and Richard Heinecke in the mid ‘80s, this venue quickly rose to the prominence it holds today. Made famous by punk and new wave sounds, this venue is one of the best music landmarks in the country, having won awards for best nightclub in the nation multiple times. These days, the club on V Street gets acts from every genre and even hosts live podcasts from time to time. Pieces of the original club on F Street can be found, including the shattered 9:30 glass panel behind the second floor stairwell bar.

The Anthem is located in the Wharf District of DC.

The Anthem The newest big shot addition to the DC music scene, this venue can hold a maximum of 6,000 people. Located in the new Wharf District of DC, The Anthem offers a beautiful experience on DC’s waterfront. Acts that would normally play in stadiums or at Merriweather Post Pavilion can now

DC9 is small, holding only 200 people.

perform much more intimate shows here while also being able to fit in more fans than they would at a nightclub.

The Anthem is a Seth Hurwitz dream-child, taking the large room feel from 9:30 Club and merging it with an almost theatre-like balcony system found at Lincoln Theatre, this spot instantly becomes a mustsee for DC concert-goers. Like the 9:30 Club, the food here is pretty extraordinary with excellent half-smokes, shrimp baskets, crab mac n cheese, and vegan chili dogs with a killer sauce. With a lobby that is truly breathtaking, one will find a mesmerizing collection of hanging drum symbols and, if they look carefully at the ceiling, they’ll realize there’s The 9:30 Club is one of the most famous venues in DC. a see-through bottom of a pool sitting right up top. During their opening tables and always has a few classics.

Foo Fighters show from last October, They even hold pinball competitions and the venue even had people dressed as leagues. mermaids swimming around in the pool DC9 above.

My personal favorite venue in the The Black Cat city, DC9 holds a very intimate concert Opening in 1993, this is another space on the second floor of its threehistoric venue from DC. Smaller than level bar setup. Smaller than 9:30 Club’s 9:30 with a capacity of around 700, this ~1200 person capacity, DC9 offers a space is big enough to feel like a huge truly personal experience with a cap of show while capturing the intimate feeling around 200 people. Despite this, many upcoming and established acts that are rising in prominence will make their way through this spot on tour. It allows for many opportunities to meet those you’ve come to see perform and to feel like you’re a part of the show. One thing to note here is also that the food offered is incredible. I fully recommend the SouthBy Burger with garlic salt French fries.

Operated alongside its sister-venue Rock & Roll Hotel, this duo presents some of the finest shows found in The District.

Strange Matter My favorite venue in Richmond, Strange Matter is one of the coolest spots to catch a show in Virginia. From cheap beer to their incredible array of vegan and vegetarian food options, this spot is a must-see for anyone wanting to see a band perform in Richmond. Jeff Rosenstock boasts of their cheese fries being some of the best and many artists theanthem.com often come through here on their tours you can get at DC9. The checkered print because of how intimate of a space it flooring is iconic and makes this music creates for their crowds. Strange Matter spot feel right at home. One of the main even has multiple arcade machines in the investors of this space is none other than back, making it fun to come early for a Foo Fighters frontman and DC native show, play some games, and grab a bite Dave Grohl. My personal favorite thing to eat before the music begins. about Black Cat is that there is a sweet The National collection of pinball tables when you Richmond’s equivalent to something walk in. It contains a rotating list of like the Black Cat or 9:30, The National stands alone in its own historic presence within Richmond. Feeling almost like a

DC9.com

The Black Cat opened in 1993.

Billboard

theatre, this two-level venue hosts many big level touring acts. Everything from Alice Cooper to Weezer and Queens of the Stone Age to the popular 80’s dance party The Legwarmers, The National always offers a great time to dance, drink and relax. With a capacity of 1,500 people, this venue captures both small and large acts while offering an intimate, nightclub-like experience for both up and coming artists and artists that could easily play a stadium.

The NorVa A bit further away than the rest, yet still easily accessible for students, lies Norfolk’s own renowned nightclub, The NorVa. Easily capturing many of the same acts likely to perform at the 9:30 Club or The National, The NorVa is a really fun spot to hit up near the beach. Named after the abbreviation for Norfolk, Virginia, this music spot used to be a prominent movie theater in the 1970s. With a capacity of 1450, this location offers a fun bit of history alongside a concert experience found at other similar nightclubs. The sound quality is extraordinary and the drinks are tasty.

Regardless of the established music scene, each city also offers a variety of house show venues, thrown together by those in the scene that want smaller bands to be able to play while touring the country. These shows offer very fun, very unique experiences that can be even more memorable of a show than most venues can offer.

Notable mentions for other venues that absolutely deserve to be checked out include Songbyrd, U Street Music Hall and Lincoln Theatre in DC, The Camel Club and The Canal Club in Richmond, and Shakas Live in Virginia Beach.

Billboard

Thursday, October 25, 2018

LIFE

Students reflect on course changes in spring course list

SIERRA HORTON Staff Writer

Since the course offerings for the spring of 2019 were released two weeks ago, students have begun poring over the list to plan and balance their schedules for the next semester.

“When I first saw the courses I was really excited, mainly because there is such a variety of classes that can be taken across the board,” said sophomore Emily Barbery. “Being a biology major and seeing all the fun courses I have lined up for the future is very exciting.”

Compared to past course lists, there are a few changes in the courses being offered and the professors that are teaching them. Among these changes, there are approximately 45 new courses across many departments, according to Evie Sherlock from the Registrar’s Office.

“One of my colleagues, Dr. Ben Kisila, usually teaches a soil science course in the spring, but he has a sabbatical this spring semester to pursue some exciting research full time,” said earth and environmental science professor Dr. Melanie Szulczewski. She noted that Kisila will resume teaching the course next spring.

“I have noticed that a lot of the seminars change based on what the professors want to teach, which is always

really cool to see,” Barbery said. “I think the professors being given the freedom to choose what they want to makes it more engaging for students. As a future teacher I love seeing other educators being able to teach things they are passionate about, and this makes it more engaging for the students this way they can fall in love with the subject themselves.”

The most important factor to consider when looking at the course schedule for each student is ensuring that they are on the right path to fulfilling the requirements for their major. Some students are concerned about a lack of course options pertinent to their course of study.

“I have noticed that there aren’t many religion classes being offered in the spring, even though I need to take some to fulfill my general education requirements,” said sophomore and business administration major Josh Duke.

That said, many students are pleased with the array of courses available.

“I feel like there are plenty of course options offered for my major; however, the only thing I see that could potentially become a problem is that there are a lot of classes that are exclusively offered in the spring or fall,” Barbery said. “For people that choose to change their major, this can sometimes become a hindrance to graduating on time.”

“Timewise, I think getting into many of the general education classes is hard, but, for my major, I think getting into the courses I need won’t be an issue,” said Duke.

Professors have a unique perspective on the course lists. “Our department tries to offer every class in the catalogue at least once a year. Some years we can’t do that because of faculty being on leave,” explained psychology professor Dr. Holly Schiffrin. “For example, I don’t think we offered health psychology this year.”

Schiffrin also discussed how the psychology department chooses the courses they offer each semester. “We have a committee of faculty who meet to determine the schedule, but the department chair has the final say. We typically build the schedule around our core classes and we also need to offer a fair number of general psych sections each year as well as a few FSEMS to help students fulfill general education requirements. After that, we fill in classes from the four primary content areas identified by the APA. Finally, we add elective classes based on faculty availability.”

Even professors are filled with excitement as they look

at the list of courses being offered in the spring.

“I’m most excited about the relatively new elective of Positive Psychology that I added to the curriculum a few years ago,” said Schiffrin.

“I am looking forward to teaching EESC 325 Environmental Geochemistry this spring,” said Szulczewski, “It is usually offered every other year, so that I can offer a study abroad or field course in alternate years. I enjoy teaching this course because I get to share my love for chemistry in a way that makes it more approachable for students. We focus on chemistry concepts that directly apply to the environment around us. I include field trips to a contaminated stream, a wastewater treatment plant, or even a local landfill.”

Lucas Burkholder / The Blue & Gray Press

PuppyUp Walk charity event raises funds to fight canine cancer RILEY DOHERTY Staff Writer

Oct. 28, in Hurkamp Park which is located The PuppyUp Walk is a charity on Prince Edward event that hopes to bring funding Street. Interested and awareness to cancer, not only in participants can prehumans, but also dogs. As described on register until Oct. 26 their website, the PuppyUp walks were for $20 or register created to “promote awareness of canine the day before or the cancer and fundraise for cancer research day of the walk for to benefit both pets and people.” The $25. Children under organization was started by Luke the age of 14 can Robinson, who in 2008 lost his Great walk for free.

Pyrenees, Malcom, to cancer. After Even with the fee, Malcom’s death, Robinson and his two many UMW students dogs traveled from town to town, telling are participating in his story while educating people on the PuppyUp Walk focuses on awareness of cancer the walk. puppywalk.org issue of cancer in dogs. Eventually his in dogs.

“The pricing is efforts picked up steam, allowing him to fair,” said Blaze Hassek, a PuppyUp tickets are $20 each. people are becoming aware of canine start the PuppyUp Charity Foundation. freshman. “There is always puppywalk.org cancer since we started the Foundation, In an email, the Puppy Up Foundation the option of having someone As director of the however there are still many who do not director, Ginger Morgan, said that she sponsor you for the walk. I feel that is foundation, Morgan considers people’s know that dogs get cancer,” she said. started working for the foundation in always a better choice, personally.” understanding of canine cancer as critical According to their website, the August of 2008 when Luke Robinson “I totally agree with the pricing,” said to the survival of dogs everywhere. traveled through Memphis. “More foundation has donated over 1.2 million sophomore Parker Siebenschuh, who is “Awareness and early detection are the to canine cancer research and planning to participate in the walk. keys to having our pets survive cancer,” education and has helped Though most students were she said. fund three major clinical supportive of the price, some trials relating to canine were less thrilled about the price cancer. The trials include a of admission, like junior Rachein study on drug therapy in pet Childress. “[The walk] should dogs with bladder cancer, to be priced lower,” Childress which the foundation donated said. “Awareness for dog cancer $100,000 and a study on is relatively obscure and there canine lymphoma, to which the should probably be more focus foundation donated $100,000. on getting numbers before going In addition, the foundation has to $20.” donated to various universities When asked if cancer in dogs with the hopes of improving gets enough attention, there existing treatments. One of the was a general consensus among main ways PuppyUp raises students interviewed. money is through their walks, “I don’t think it gets enough which take place in multiple notice,” says Blaze, whose states including Arkansas, New childhood dog passed away due York, Tennessee, and now, to cancer.

Fredericksburg, Virginia. The “No, I don’t think it is but Fredericksburg PuppyUp walk hopefully [the walk] will bring PuppyUp has raised 1.2 million for cancer research.

PuppyUp Walk is this weekend in Hurkamp Park. attention to it,” said Parker. puppywalk.org will take place on Sunday, puppywalk.org

7

Weekend Events

Friday

• Are You Afraid of the Art? @Ball Circle, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• Improv Comedy Show @ Combs 139, 6:30-9 p.m.

• Rocky Horror Picture Show @HCC Digital Auditorium, midnight • Crowns: An Exhibition of Ceramic Works @ duPont Gallery • Ready-Made Dream: Sue Johnson @ Ridderhof Martin Gallery

Saturday

• Small Concert Series @Ball Circle, 6:30-8 p.m.

• Rocky Horror Picture Show @ HCC Digital Auditorium, 7 p.m. and midnight • UMW Philharmonic Orchestra Fiddlestix Halloween “Spooktacular” @Dodd Auditorium, 3-5 p.m.

• Crowns: An Exhibition of Ceramic Works @ duPont Gallery • Ready-Made Dream: Sue Johnson @ Ridderhof Martin Gallery

The Blue & Gray Press

@theBlueandGray

theblueandgraypress

Sunday

• Pumpkin Palooza @UC Ballroom, 1-4 p.m.

• Asian Cultural Celebration Keynote Performer: Prem Raja Mahat @HCC Digital Auditorium, 4-6 p.m.

• Geek Alliance Halloween Costume Contest @ HCC Digital Auditorium, 8:30-10 p.m.

• Crowns: An Exhibition of Ceramic Works @ duPont Gallery • Ready-Made Dream: Sue Johnson @ Ridderhof Martin Gallery

CONNECT WITH US NOW ON SNAPCHAT AS WELL

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LIFE

Inaugural Mary Rock concert kicks off homecoming weekend

Freshman and biochemistry major Alexandra Diviney embraces a dog. At the event, numerous pet owners brought their dogs to Ball Circle to enjoy the evening. “It was lots of fun and very enjoyable. The food was great,” Diviney said. “The dog population was amazing.”

PHOTOSTORY BY

BY KAITLIN SWANTON

Sub Radio, a self-described indie-pop band from Washington, DC, made an appearance as the main musical group of the evening. “I thought the concert was really fun to listen to and they even had a song with my name in it,” said Caroline Hanson, a freshman political science and international affairs major.

Freshmen Kaylee Deardorff (left) and Alexandra Diviney (right) look on at the Sub Radio concert with a group of other students. “I thought the Mary’s Rock concert was much better than homecoming events at my high school since it was better aimed at the age range of college students,” said biochemistry major Deardorff. “The food trucks and concert were a great way for students to relax and socialize as the homecoming weekend began.”

Two students wait as a woman serves them kettle corn. Numerous food options were available to those who participated in the festivities for the Mary Rock event, including a Puerto Rican food truck and a kettle corn station.

Student details move to America and experience with culture shock LAURA TAYLOR Senior Writer

After living in Venezuela for 17 years, Maria Herrera moved to Houston, Texas, by herself for the first time in her life.

Maria Herrera is a senior at the University of Mary Washington and knows all too well the taste of independence abroad without her family.

“I spent about six months in Houston learning English,” said Herrera. “After that, I moved to Fredericksburg and have been here for three years.”

Living in the United States for the first time by herself, Herrera experienced her fair share of interesting encounters.

Herrera has traveled across the globe.

“While I was studying English in Houston, I was surrounded by people from all over the world,” said Herrera.

“One day, I was talking with one of my friends, who also is Venezuelan and he told me he was ‘arrecho,’ which means ‘angry’ to Venezuelans. Our friend from Colombia was listening to the conversation and she suddenly got really mad and uncomfortable. After a few seconds of confusion, she told us that ‘arrecho’ means ‘horny’ in Colombia. We were so uncomfortable.”

When visiting France, Herrera experienced something similar. Her friend ordered her steak well-done and the waiter got angry. According to Herrera, the French don’t like to have their orders customized or changed.

Herrera noticed that in Italy they never serve cold drinks.

Having family in Italy, Herrera was also told that some Italians think Lifehacker driving with

the windows down will cause a cold.

Studying business administration and economics, Herrera has only been in the United States for nine years and is still very new to some of the customs of Americans.

“One of Wikipedia the things that Herrera moved from Venezuela after 17 years. surprised me friendly sometimes. They do not shy the most when I moved here was how away from asking personal questions, fast people move out of their parents’ things that here a stranger would never house,” said Herrera. “ In Venezuela, ask. In the US people are very polite both men and women usually don’t move but sometimes come off as rude or cold, out until they get married. Even after especially to someone who is used to graduating college people go back to such friendliness.” their parent’s house.”

One thing that stood out to Herrera Moving to a new country puts a is that Americans are some of the most person into the path of culture shock patriotic people she has come across. especially if this is the first time traveling “Not to say that people from other outside of their home country. The way cultures do not love their countries,” people interact varies across borders. said Herrera. “But I hadn’t seen such “Another thing that stood out to me proudness [sic] and love for a country was how different people are here,” said before.”

Herrera. “In Venezuela and in the other Over winter break, Herrera will be countries I’ve been in South and Central visiting Venezuela and then going on a America, people are very friendly – too trip to Europe.

9

NEWS

POLICE BEAT UMW theatre productions lack ASL interpreters MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Hit and Run Between Tuesday, October 16 at 10 p.m. and Wednesday, October 17 at 5 p.m., there was a hit and run that resulted in property damage at the William St. Apartments. This case is pending.

On Sunday, October 20 at 4:24 p.m., there was a hit and run that resulted in property damage at 1100 block, Hanover St. This case is pending.

Possession On Friday, October 19 at 3:44 a.m., there was an incident of underage alcohol possession at Mason Hall. One administrative referral was given.

Sexual Battery On Friday, October 19 at 7:25 p.m., there was an incident of sexual battery at the sidewalk by Seacobeck Hall. This case is pending.

Addie Hinton Staff Writer

In the recent run of the UMW Theatre Department’s play, The Amish Project, no American Sign Language interpreter was present for any of the performances. In the past, ASL interpreters have been available at specific performances of UMW Theatre productions.

“Accommodations in Higher Education are determined by the individual functional impact of a disability, which is determined through the student’s documentation and their own self-report. Providing ASL would not be an appropriate accommodation to the entire hearing-impaired community, especially if the individual does not know the language,” said Assistant Director of Disability Resources, Alison Grimes.

Since there is no “one-size fits all” when it comes to a person’s accessibility in their environment, not every student who is hearing impaired may want to have an interpreter present at events but instead prefer alternative forms of translation, such as closedcaptioning, Grimes said.

While the Office of Disabilities is doing their part in offering accommodations to the hearingimpaired, Grimes said that students also need to be a part of this. “Providing an accessible, inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility,” said Grimes.

The demand for ASL interpreters on a wide spread level has been on the rise in recent years, not just in college communities, but around the globe.

According to an article from The New York Times titled “Interpreting the Theater Without Speaking a Word,” the standard for having sign language interpreters present for performances is growing across the nation. Theater Development Fund courses have been put in place for interpreters to learn

more about not only how to become experts in using sign language in the theater, but also of its importance.

In the article, Frank L. Dattolo, a deaf actor, spoke of how interpretations opened up the world of music and acting to him.

Financial limits may cause this to not be as feasible at the college level.

UMW began offering signinterpreted performances in the fall of 2014 due to the parents of one of the cast members being deaf.

“We offered the interpreted performance so his parents could be a part of our audience,” said Gregg Stull, chair of the UMW Theatre Department.

This practice would continue for three years, but financial constraints resulted in the inability to continue it.

“Despite an aggressive audience development effort, we were not able to attract an audience of people who needed interpretation to justify the cost of this service,” said Stull. He went on to state that no one has ever complained about there not being a sign language interpreter present.

The College Guide for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students states that, “9 million people in the U.S.

“Despite an aggressive audience development effort, we were not able to attract an audience of people who needed interpretation to justify the cost of this service.”

-Gregg Stull “I was able to identify with hearing people and to understand why people in general love musical plays,” Dattolo said.

•ASL | 11

Financial constraints have prevented Klein Theatre from having an ASL interpreter at the majority of its performances.

Cayley McGuire / The Blue & Gray Press

Student plans to grow business outside of Fredericksburg •BOOKSTORE | 1

provided, both in counseling sessions and through our research network, to make informed decisions,” said Susan Ball.

Once the plan became more concrete, Unger was able to register the business with the government, obtain a tax ID to purchase books wholesale, and register as a proper business.

Months later, Unger was given the go-ahead to start the pop-up shop in the storefront of Katora.

“We stress the lean start-up method and building relationships with other businesses that serve the same clientele,” Ball said. “Andy incorporated both of these concepts into opening the pop-up. He built a professional relationship that allowed him to get his business up and running sooner and with less risk than he would have faced by starting a stand alone business right away. The pop-up is allowing him to test the market and build a clientele before making a larger

10

investment.”

Unger’s bookstore has expanded to around a hundred titles specific to the LGBTQ+ community. Unger is always on the hunt for new books to add and uses multiple different resources to stock his shelves. “It’s one part recommendations, one part Google

HERStory,” a book about prominent women and non-binary historical figures, as well as “On a Sunbeam,” a sci-fi graphic novel about found families.

Unger is still in the start-up phase and is continuously learning the ins and outs of running a business and what it

“I’ve always been an avid reader, and have known since I was a really little kid that I wanted to work with books when I grew up.”

-Andy Unger searches, and three parts luck,” Unger said. “Sometimes finding one book’s publisher will lead to a treasure trove.”

Some of the newest additions to his bookstore include “Modern

entails. He is constantly working with booksellers and wholesalers to make his bookstore a continued success.

With the shop now off the ground and growing, Unger is eager to open

up his doors as a full community space. In due time, readers will have the ability to check out books, attend movie nights and author readings and signings, and much more.

In the future, Unger said that he loves the thought of adding more locations in other places that, like Fredericksburg, have an up and coming and artsy feel. “I’d love to open a branch in Carytown, or Alexandria, to name a couple. A huge goal is to open a store in Asheville, North Carolina, if possible,” Unger said.

Andy and Elliot’s currently only carries LGBTQ+ oriented books but is in the process of adding a line of “Your Story Matters” stickers and buttons.

Once in a more permanent location, Unger looks forward to expanding his selection of books and adding local art for sale.

Andy and Elliot’s is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12-8 p.m., Saturday 10-8 p.m., and Sunday 10-4 p.m. Hours are subject to change.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

NEWS

UMW community reflects on issue of campus safety after observing increase of sexual batteries

•SEXUAL BATTERY | 1

I feel more vulnerable there now, and that’s not a good feeling.”

The first email alerting students of a sexual battery drew criticism from students because it mentioned that alcohol can impair the judgement of potential victims. Although in a previous article for the Blue and Gray, Chief Michael Hall asserted that this was not the intent of the statement to victim-blame, some students still felt it could have been better stated.

“I did not like the way the police officers noted in the email that the alcohol and drugs impaired the victim,” said sophomore and psychology and English double major Claudia Woods. “The language used definitely placed fault on the victim, whether that was their intention or not. It does not matter if you are sober, drunk, wearing a tight dress or pajamas, sexual violence is never okay.”

Some students felt the University is not doing enough to both prevent sexual assault and educate students

about consent.

Woods suggested taking a more personal approach to the topic, as

and very amazing therapists in the Talley Center,” said McCahon.

Others also referenced the outside sources that exist if students wish to speak to someone off campus. “There are many resources out there, Empowerhouse, RCASA, FAHAAS...

RCASA provides FREE counseling services, group therapy, hospital accompaniment and 24 hour hotline so if you don’t want to go to someone on campus because you’re afraid for your privacy there are outside resources,” said Woods, who volunteers with the organization.

Some students felt that the #MeToo movement has contributed to a rise in reported rapes and sexual assaults.

“I’m a survivor of sexual assault myself and was terrified to report it at first, but I was given a lot of support by family and friends,” said Schneider, who noted that her assault did not take place at UMW. “I feel more brave to talk about it now that more people are coming forward.”

Chief of UMW Police Michael Hall agreed and added that he thinks the school has been influential in creating a more comfortable environment for students to report.

“[The] emails do affect how I see the safety of the campus at night anywhere outside of campus grounds.”

-Sophie Cooper opposed to the virtual training students complete. “I don’t think the online training we did before freshman year was impactful enough,” she said. “It could be a lot more effective if you are in a classroom with a professor and many different people of all backgrounds and different perspectives around you.”

“We can’t obviously prevent every single case of sexual battery, but we sure as hell can do a lot better at educating people than we are now,” Schneidawind said. “Even the best systems of teaching consent can be improved.”

But, other members of the UMW community said they appreciated the resources the university already has in place.

“I will say that UMW has an excellent support group for survivors

“Some days will be harder than others, but you are a survivor and you are stronger than you think.”

-Anonymous

“I think a lot of that is contributed to the me too movement which is a great thing and the other component is working with the Title IX office on campus, making students aware of their options and hopefully making them feel comfortable coming forward and telling their story,” said Chief Hall.

“We want them to know they have the support of the university and the university police department.”

A junior who wished to remain anonymous voiced her empathy for her fellow survivors.

“I’ve been where you’ve been or currently are. It’s not easy and it took me a few days to process what happened to me. I wanted to deny it but I couldn’t because I knew I had to show the person who hurt me that it is not okay to cross the line.”

She said she stands in solidarity with them, and offered advice that she had learned from her own experiences.

“It is not your fault at all. It was not because you had something to drink. It was not because of the clothes you were wearing. I’m sorry for what you have either been through or are going through. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it.

Processing it will take time, so take it as fast or slow as you need to. Some days will be harder than others, but you are a survivor and you are stronger than you think.”

“That part of campus always felt safe and fun, especially watching people throw frisbees and hang out with friends on Ball Circle. I feel more vulnerable there now, and that’s not a good feeling.”

-Laura Schneider

Financial constraints limit UMW Theatre’s ability to provide ASL services at plays •ASL | 10

are either functionally deaf or hard of hearing.

Of these, about 100,000 are aged 18-44, but how many attend college?

The National Center for Educational Statistics reports somewhere around 20,000 deaf and hard of hearing students attend post-secondary educational institutions each year.”

Stull said that if a student does rely on ASL, “we will work with Disability Resources to provide a sign-interpreted performance of that production.”

According to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at UMW, the theatre department may be required to have more ASL interpreters at plays in the future. On their website it states that services include ASL interpreters, as well as real-time speech-to-text transcription and closed-captioning services.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Despite these services being in place, some students feel that they are rarely used.

“I have personally never attended any event that had any ASL interpretation, including graduation, which surprised my friends and I [sic],” said senior psychology major Hayley Tuck. “I would like to see more of this on campus.”

Those hoping to learn more about the University’s efforts can also attend a class offered by the Office of Disability resources called Accessibility 101, which is available to faculty, staff, and students.

“We want to engage everyone in the discussion around accessibility and what this actually means,” said Grimes.

The next Accessibility 101 class will be held on Friday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. in the UC Capital Room in 314.

Klein Theatre works with the Office of Disability Resources when they need an ASL interpreter.

Noah Strobel / The Blue & Gray Press

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SPORTS

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

Women’s rugby alumni return to UMW, win homecoming game JOSHUA STALEY Staff Writer

Homecoming has and always will be an important time of year for both current students and alumni. The camaraderie and spectacle as Mary Washington students and alum converge on the rugby fields to watch the men face off against a grueling opposite never seems to get old. However, while supporters gear up for the men’s match, the UMW women’s rugby team takes a different approach when it comes to their homecoming game. Rather than facing off against another school, our Lady Ruggers go head-to-head with players of the past.

“I love seeing all the alumni who come back, both the ones I played with and the ones who graduated before I started playing. It is a testament to the depth of the program that we will have alums coming back to play who graduated ten plus years ago,” said senior math and international affairs major Gail Crunkhorn.

Since the homecoming of 2005, women’s rugby plays their annual alumni game, as Mary Washington hosts alumni from all ages. The idea was originally stolen from the men’s team, as

Amy Kingsbury pushes through a tackle.

equal the required number of players competitive atmosphere, but with that women’s rugby’s own head coach played per team. As a result, each quarter of comes the ability to learn from them for Mother’s Rugby during his time the game, current students would switch and have a great time while doing it,” attending UMW. Unfortunately, the men sides and compete with the alumni, said sophomore biology major Alexie no longer host an alumni game, opting going up against their own teammates.

Burleson. to play against another school during Even though these current students While the alumni game can be homecoming instead. 13 years ago, after wanted their own team to win, they competitive and high-stakes, both teams a playful debate about who could win played as well as they would have tend to bond over mutual respect and a game, Coach Kabza decided to bring against any other opponent. The alumni passion for the sport. These are people back the old tradition with his women’s and current player mix eventually won who care deeply for their sport and their team. team and in the end, regardless of who the game with a final score of 69-5 in the According to Kabza, UMW has wins, the friends they make on the field alumni’s favor. seen upward of 50 ex-players return are friends they will have for life. In fact, to the pitch at any given game. Not all “Homecoming is a great experience graduate Mary Wash Women’s Rugby alumni play, but rather use this time as because you get to see all of the former players and friends since they players have a motto: “I am, and always an opportunity to support their alma graduated. The alumni game is a very will be, a Mary Wash rugger.” mater and the sports program they so passionately played for during their time at UMW. “The program is so special, [the alumni] want to come back and see their friends again,” says Kabza.

Amazingly, in the 13 years since this tradition began, the alumni have won 12 times. The only game won by current students was in the fall of 2013. This team was the 2014 second division women’s rugby national champions.

This year’s game ran a little differently, as the alumni who returned Brianna Berling is hit by Beth Haden as she runs down the pitch. Mikey Haw / UMW Women’s Rugby Facebook and were willing to play did not

Mikey Haw / UMW Women’s Rugby Facebook

Sydney Casey spins to evade two alumni inside centers.

Mikey Haw / UMW Women’s Rugby Facebook

Mikey Haw / UMW Women’s Rugby Facebook

Shelby Sencindiver leads an offensive scrum for the current student team.

Club Sports Scoreboard Club Women's Soccer Oct.27 vs. George Mason TBA Thursday, October 25, 2018

Club Swimming Oct.27 @ George Mason TBA

Club Softball Oct.27 @ William and Mary TBA 12