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VOLUME 97 | ISSUE 16
February 16, 2024
SJP Watermelon Project promotes solidarity and safety
Norah Walsh Editor-in-Chief On Friday, Feb. 9, Students for Justice in Palestine started the Watermelon Project to indicate which spaces are “safe zones” for Palestinian, Jewish, Arab and Muslim students on campus. This is one of many projects that SJP has been working on after months of protesting, holding vigils, chalking Campus Walk and meeting with administration about safety concerns and their demands relating to the University’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war and genocide in Gaza. The project centers around the image of a watermelon slice, which has become an image associated with Palestinian advocacy, as the black seeds, green rind and red pulp symbolize the colors of the Palestinian flag. Similar to the UMW Safe Zone Program, the Watermelon Project involves faculty, staff, administrators and student clubs joining SJP to show solidarity with these affected groups. By displaying a watermelon sticker on their office door, computer case, or in other visible locations, individuals can convey their solidarity with students who have been impacted by the international effects of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack and the genocide in Gaza. According to Amirah Ahmed, a junior political science major and the president of SJP, the bearers of these watermelon stickers indicate that they offer a “safe space for Arab Muslim and Jewish students on campus and that they stand in solidarity with [SJP’s] demands.” UMW Safe Zone differs from the Watermelon Project insofar as students, faculty and staff can attend workshop
trainings to “become more informed and supportive allies for the LGBTQ community,” according to the Program’s website. The student-led Watermelon Project does not have such training, and the students in SJP and Radical Student Union—one of the student clubs that advocates for SJP’s demands and stands in solidarity with their cause— hope that this expression of solidarity can help further some of the demands that they have proposed to the administration. According to SJP’s Instagram post from Nov. 13, 2023, two of their demands explicitly relate to student safety on campus. The first demand pertains to the creation of “a safety and support framework for Arab, Muslim and Jewish students on campus affected both directly and indirectly by Israel’s violence.” Another demand, posted on the same account on Dec. 6, 2023, adds a sixth demand for the “protection and respect for student activists and their organizing both on and off campus,” which highlights the issues that SJP—and the clubs affiliated with them, such as RSU—has faced in light of their pro-Palestine advocacy. The original demands were posted on SJP’s Instagram page on Nov. 13 of last year following a meeting between UMW President Troy Paino, several members of the UMW administration, SJP, RSU and Arab and Muslim students who have been affected by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, according to Ahmed. In the meeting, students sought to express their concerns regarding the administration’s response to the ongoing violence, Paino’s Oct. 12
Students for Justice in Palestine painted the UMW spirit rock earlier this semester, calling for a ceasefire. Norah Walsh / The Weekly Ringer
email, and some comments from the panelists who spoke during the “Middle East Crisis” community forum on Nov. 1. The email that addressed the Oct. 7 attack began, “Like many of you, I watched news of the recent terrorist attacks by Hamas and the unfolding war in Israel and Gaza with great sadness. We condemn any violence that targets innocent civilians, and we grieve with those whose loved ones were killed, injured, or taken hostage.” According to Sasho Radoulov, a junior geography major, the email sparked backlash from SJP. He said, “The fact that [Paino] omitted the word ‘Palestine’ from [the email] is kind of telling. And he’s spoken
SEE PALESTINE, PAGE 7
UMW Tuition Promise offers support to Pell-eligible students to improve student retention rates on campus
Martina pugh Staff Writer
As of Dec. 11, 2023, the University of Mary Washington will offer a tuition promise to Pell-eligible students in Virginia, according to UMW Voice. This promise will enable students to receive financial assistance to fund their tuition during their time at UMW, and it also provides short-term assistance for emergencies that affect students’ ability to pay for tuition. Pell eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and students who report an annual gross income below $100,000 are encouraged to apply. Those who qualify will be eligible to receive full tuition assistance toward their undergraduate degree, though this assistance does not include the cost of hous-
|2 INSIDE News UMW’s Great
THE
RINGER
Lives Series welcomes Scott Harris as co-director
ing or meal plans. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) awarded Mary Washington $4 million, which will help further the support of Pell Grant recipients. In addition, the University has created the Student Transition Access and Retention Services (STARS). STARS will act as an extension to the established student transition program that gives access to 50 students from underrepresented communities the ability to live on UMW’s campus over the summer and earn credits while getting accustomed to college life. The development of STARS will not only increase the number of students who participate in the transition program but also introduce a financial advisor and a retention specialist for all students.
“We wanted to make sure that we are servicing our students beyond that first year to continue making sure that they have the support, the resources and all the things they need up until graduation,” said Justin Wilkes, the director of the student transition program at UMW. The financial advisor will work within the STARS department as a direct facilitator to help students understand their aid packages and meet the requirements to retain their aid, even if the students are not involved in the student transition program. “The Tuition Promise and the other investments in student retention are ways that we can ensure our students have support mechanisms in place that are both proactive to planning their four years at UMW as well as reactive
SEE TUITION, PAGE 7
Opinion | 3
Life | 5
Sports | 8
Animal testing at UMW should be replaced with innovative research tools
Valentine’s Day sparks strong sentiments about love, relationships
Kansas City Chiefs make history during Super Bowl LVIII overtime
News
Friday, February 16, 2024
Page 2
Weekly Ringer Scott Harris joins former professor William B. The
Editorial Staff
Crawley as co-director of Great Lives Series
IRENE castellet Staff Writer
more, and we just let that process unfold.” The series, which began in 2004 as an academic course in the Department of History On Feb. 1, UMW’s Great Lives Series wel- and American Studies, hosts lectures to concomed alumnus Scott Harris as co-director. tribute to student’s educational experiences Harris, who is also the executive director of and careers at UMW. In the beginning, the Associate Editors UMW Museums, joins his former profes- speakers were UMW professors, but due to Callie Harkins sor and advisor, William B. Crawley—the the popularity of the series, they started to Emma Brennan founder of the lecture series and professor host well-known speakers, such as Johnette weeklyringer.associate@gmail.com emeritus of history and American studies— Howard, a Pulitzer-nominated columnist in this role. who collaborated with Billie Jean King on Leading up to his co-directorship Harris her biography. News Editor spoke with Crawley about his retirement The course was taught in Monroe Hall, Ky Huynh plans and the future of the Great Lives series. but as the lecture series evolved, it moved weeklyringer.news@gmail.com “For the last couple of years, we’ve talked to Dodd Auditorium, which can seat over about how he is looking ahead to when he 1,200 audience members. The lectures seek Opinion Editor will return to do his second retirement—he to cover a wide spectrum of topics to attract retired from teaching [and] he’s been doing a diverse and interested crowd, and as a comMargaret Jackson weeklyringer.opinion@gmail.com this for 20 years,” said Harris. “And so as a mon point, these speakers visit every week way of seeing if I might be able to help with to deliver a lecture about a relevant historical that in the future, we hit upon this idea of me figure from an array of fields. Life Editor being a co-director with him this year.” “What we try to do is construct it so that Charlie Li Harris’ co-director position involves there are topics that have wide appeal,” said weeklyringer.life@gmail.com working with administrators, meeting with Crawley. “And I think Scott has this ability authors so they feel prepared for their pre- to see the big picture and to recognize figures sentations and talking to sponsors and do- who might be good topics across the watch Sports Editor nors to ensure their support in the future. spectrum.” Abbey Magnet “I’m helping right now with the adminisFurthermore, with an endowment from weeklyringer.sports@gmail.com tration of this year’s lectures, which will go John Chappell in honor of his late wife, until March,” he said. “So, in many ways, all Crawley was able to invite “bestselling biOnline Editor the things that Dr. Crawley has done as di- ographers who provide illuminating insight Davy Washington rector by himself for 20 years.” into the lives of the world’s most prominent weeklyringer.online@gmail.com But this isn’t Harris’ first rodeo in a lead- personalities,” according to UMW Giving. ership position. In 2011, Harris became the “Almost every field has some outstanding Photography Editor director of the James Monroe Museum, and figure person, so we decided to focus on biin 2018—when the James Monroe Museum ography,” said Crawley. “That’s something a Abbey Magnet weeklyringer.photos@gmail.com combined with Gary Melchers Home and lot of people still I think don’t understand … Studio—he became the executive director of that it’s really about individuals.” museums. His experience, in addition to his He continued, “When you study the indiFaculty Advisor familiarity with the university and the Fred- vidual, you study times—the situation and Sushma Subramanian ericksburg area, set him up for success, even the conditions in which they lived and so ssubrama@umw.edu as he learns the ropes with Crawley’s assis- forth.” tance. In addition to offering open lectures to the He said, “[Crawley] almost might say public, the Great Lives Series also provides I’m an apprentice, and I can learn more and an opportunity for UMW’s Honor Program use my contacts, my experience—I can help students to complete Advertisement their co-curricular reflections—assignments Please direct all advertising that Honors scholars inquiries to Norah Walsh at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com. must complete once a semester to remain in good academic standing with the Program. Corrections “The Honors Program really emphasizes Please report any corrections to Norah going beyond the classWalsh at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com or room and engaging Sushma Subramanian at ssubrama@umw.edu with the community,” said Nick Remish, a senior economics and political science major. “And since Fredericksburg is such a historical place, it’s really an awesome foundation Bell tower logo designed by to learn about George Bernadette D’Auria ‘22 Washington and other The Great Lives Series began in 2004 as an academic course in the Department of great leaders.” History and American studies. UMW Voice
Editor-in-Chief Norah Walsh weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com
Harris became the executive director of museums in 2018. UMW Voice
Remish, who attended the Feb. 6 lecture about George Washington, spoke about Harris’ new role as co-director. “I think it’s a great addition,” he said. “He really helped organize everything and based on the turnout, he’s clearly doing a great job.” The purpose of the lectures is to provide additional avenues for academic learning that take place outside of the classroom. While some of the lectures educate audience members about literary figures they may not be familiar with, they can also make students consider what they learned before college in a different light.
“That’s something a lot of people still I think don’t understand ... that it’s really about individuals.” - William B. Crawley Yonatan Asfaw, a junior computer science major who also attended the talk about George Washington, commented on how his impressions of the Founding Father altered after attending the lecture. “I was really surprised by George Washington’s acceptance of slavery,” said Asfaw. “I always thought of him as a person who loved freedom. Based on what I learned when I was young, this made sense of course.” The popular lecture series returned on Jan. 16 with a reading on Lewis and Clark and will end on March 28 with their final lecture about Edgar Allan Poe.
Friday, February 16, 2024
Opinion
Page 3
Animal testing conducted in UMW laboratories should be replaced with innovative, humane alternatives
Erika Lambert Staff Writer At UMW, particularly in courses focusing on animal behavior, some departments use animals such as mice and hermit crabs for research purposes. Beyond the specific research goals, there arises a moral question of animals’ rights being violated in the pursuit of knowledge and whether it is ethical to conduct research with the potential to induce stress or cause harm to a living being. Animals deserve to live free from research tests that frequently yield insignificant outcomes, and the research conducted at UMW has had inhumane consequences on the tested animals, including heightened stress levels and fatalities.
“Animals deserve to live free from research tests that frequently yield insignificant outcomes.” - Erika Lambert According to a UMW student who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid classroom retaliation, the conditions where these animals are kept are less than ideal. They described the spaces where these animals are kept, which they saw when a professor gave their class a tour. “I saw that there were roughly 20 rats occupied in small containers, housing two rats each, with only bedding to occupy the confined space,” the student said. “It was obvious that the rats, eager to stretch and explore, were limited by the lack of room to move freely and the absence of any toys for entertainment.” “Despite our professor’s reassurances about the animals being well cared for and having humane testing, the living conditions showed otherwise,” the student continued. “I don’t think it meets the standards of a proper, healthy environment for the rats when they are confined in a small container without space to roam or engage in playful activities.” Despite guidelines recommending larger cages that accommodate a minimum of 370 square inches per mouse, the mice at UMW are confined in small cages that provide approximately 130 square inches per mouse. The student weighed in about what changes they would like to see in these laboratory environments. “Ideally, I would like to see UMW steer away from exploiting animals altogether. But at the very least, I would like to see a significant improvement in their living
conditions,” the student said. “Larger cages equipped with enriching toys and an overall more caring environment would go a long way in ensuring some form of well-being of these animals.” David Stahlman, an assistant professor of psychology at UMW, said that UMW does consider the ethics of their tests by submitting their plans to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. However, there are multiple issues in UMW’s IACUC committee, including real-time oversight—as veterinarians are mandated to check on animals for only two hours every six months—and bias from a policy that requires those with conflicting interests to leave during discussions and voting. Most crucially, though, UMW’s IACUC lacks AAALAC accreditation—an organization that evaluates institutions against legal standards and promotes standards for animal care excellence. Attaining AAALAC accreditation would affirm UMW’s commitment to elevated standards in animal research. Other public universities in Virginia, such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, are accredited by the AAALAC. Supporters of animal research defend these experiments by emphasizing their potential and history to drive scientific progress. “Research using nonhuman animals is critically important,” said Stahlman. “Any honest examination of the history of science and of medical technology shows this to be true.” However, while animal testing was deemed necessary in the past, there have been significant advancements in scientific methods in recent years. Innovations like in vitro cell testing, computer simulations and organ-on-a-chip technologies now provide valuable data without resorting to animal exploitation. Research methodologies constantly evolve, which was exemplified by the transition from animal testing for cosmetic safety to more humane and reliable alternatives, which led to 10 U.S. states banning the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical realm, approximately 89% of drugs that pass animal tests fail in human clinical trials, and 50% of these failures are attributed to unforeseen human toxicity. While proponents of animal testing argue that the benefits justify potential harm, a growing number of scientists and animal advocates question the scientific validity of such experimentation. These ethical concerns extend to mice, which are sentient beings that experience emotions akin to those felt by humans. In a study conducted by UMW’s Department of Biological Sciences, researchers found that intermittent exposure to cat urine-
The current treatment of animals involved in various scientific experiments at UMW do not align with the University’s ASPIRE values nor current trends regarding animal testing. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
soiled litter significantly induced anxiety-like behaviors in the mice. During this study, the mice began to display defensive behaviors when exposed to cat odor, even when the litter wasn’t present through retreating, attempting to hide and becoming more rigid. One student noted that after three or four procedures, the mice would still display these behaviors, thus indicating that anxiety lasted beyond the initial experiments. The mice in these experiments were then killed using cervical dislocation to dissect their brains. The study discovered that exposure to cat urine increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice, however, there were no changes measured in the brain factor they considered. In another study, students separated mice into three groups with four mice in each unit, and another four mice were housed individually. The project’s primary objective was to assess the level of corticosterone—the principal stress hormone released in response to environmental challenges—in mice. Although the study found no observed effect of social rank or isolation on corticosterone levels, it acknowledged the potential for environmental changes to induce stress, raising ethical concerns about exposing mice to situations that cause stress or harm. Similarly, another study sought to inform how changes in mouse living spaces
and exposure to overstimulation affect their memory and other brain chemicals. In the study, experimental mice were subject to daily habitat disruption for a week and then underwent the “Y-maze test,” which measures working memory. The mice were then euthanized through cervical dislocation to excise their hippocampus. The researchers concluded with statistically insignificant data, thus, ending the lives of the mice without achieving any meaningful outcome. Encouragingly, a positive shift to initiatives that equip students with essential skills without causing harm to animals is apparent in U.S. universities. According to PETA, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine successfully implemented humane and effective curricula for students, demonstrating the possibility of conducting research without the need for animal harm in veterinary education. UMW’s website proudly declares that the campus experience “links a community of compassionate individuals who are ready to comprehend and contribute to the world.” Considering this, tolerating inhumane animal treatment at UMW does not align with the values of a compassionate community, and the University should pursue innovative alternative avenues for their students.
Unlike some other public universities in Virginia, like the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University, UMW is not accredited by the AAALAC. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Friday, February 16, 2024
Life
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Volunteering with shelter dogs relieves academic stress
rachel bliss & Abbey magnet Staff Writer | Photo & Sports Editor When students come to Mary Washington, they often leave their pets at home, and the absence of their furry friend can contribute to feelings of homesickness. Old Dominion Humane Society offers a reprieve for all dog lovers to get their fix of puppy love while away from their pals back home. Just a 10-minute drive from Mary Washington at 3601 Lafayette Blvd., ODHS offers many ways to get involved, particularly as a volunteer at the shelter. As students may not be in a position to adopt a dog of their own, they can volunteer in a variety of capacities from completing paperwork to taking the dogs on walks and other adventures in the Fredericksburg area. Additionally, ODHS offers an animal welfare internship, which is an opportunity for aspiring veterinarians to work hands-on and gain educational experience in the field. ODHS houses surrendered and rescued dogs of all different breeds, ages, sizes and personalities that are available to adopt or foster. As they care for over 100 dogs, they
Since this photo was taken, this playful pup has been adopted from ODHS. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
also accept donations and update a list of the most in-demand items on their website. Jessica Bronski, a sophomore biomedical sciences major, volunteers at ODHS from time to time. The process of becoming a volunteer is simple, according to Bronski, as students can easily accommodate their volunteer hours around their schedule. To become a volunteer, those interested can register for an orientation session where a more experienced volunteer teaches them about the ins and outs of the shelter— cleaning the cages, filling dishes and doing laundry. After orientation, students join a Facebook group that provides them with information about ODHS and their events, along with the passcode to the shelter door that gives volunteers 24/7 access. The volunteers at the society are committed to the safety and wellness of each dog that comes through the shelter, and they take necessary precautions to ensure that all volunteers and animals stay healthy. For example, new puppies are off-limits for less experienced volunteers until they have been fully vaccinated for both the animals’ and volunteers’ safety. The shelter itself is filled with large kennels to ensure that each dog has a safe and warm place to stay. Additionally, there are two fenced-in outdoor areas where volunteers can take the dogs for some fresh air and enrichment. The shelter offers various activities to give the dogs exercise and a change of scenery, as well as to increase their chances of adoption. For example, weekly adoption events take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The organization also plans hikes, holiday parties and “puppy parties,” where up to 40 guests can celebrate birthdays or other significant events by playing with the dogs in the shelter. Additionally, ODHS will be running an educational, hands-on summer camp for the first time this year, where participants will receive hands-on educational experience. With over 400 members on their volunteer Facebook page, ODHS has been able to make a substantial impact on these often unwanted animals. The organization rescues dogs from kill shelters to prevent unnecessary euthanization, giving them a second chance at life. They also work to educate the community on the importance of animal rescue. Volunteering at ODHS is a reciprocally beneficial experience for the dogs and volunteers alike, as volunteers
help the dogs by playing with them and taking them out for adventures, and the dogs offer their comforting presence. According to the American Heart Association, “studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety, depression; ease loneliness; encourage exercise and improve your overall health.” Along with this, they say that “just playing with a dog has been shown to raise levels of feel-good brain chemical oxytocin and dopamine, creating positive feelings and bonding for both the person and the pet.” Kate Hartman, a sophomore communication and digital studies major, is a regular at the shelter. She shared why she enjoys taking dogs out of the shelter for the day. “I like it because every dog I’ve picked up has had twhe chance to be around many people, and it’s always clear how happy the dog is. It’s also fun just because I get to hang out with a dog and it makes me happy,” said Hartman. “Dogs are fun to be around and play with, so it’s like getting a break from my academic responsibilities and focusing on giving that dog a good day.” Academic life can be stressful for all of us with exams, quizzes, papers and difficult assignments. However, it’s important to participate in activities that give our brains a break and help put us in a positive mindset. Furthermore, the opportunity to interact and spend the day with a dog is a rare treat, particularly for those who are away from home and miss their pets. In all, Old Dominion Humane Society provides students with another outlet that is not only beneficial to society but also to one’s mental health.
Abbey Magnet, The Weekly Ringer’s sports and photo editor, enjoys a day with Wonderbolt. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day: How do we know love is real in the absence of a Hallmark card?
grace wagner Staff Writer
Valentine’s Day comes and goes, filled with sugar highs and lonely lows, and many students have mixed feelings about this love-centered celebration—and rightfully so. As a traditionally couple-focused holiday, Valentine’s Day can feel pretty isolating. However, the issue with Valentine’s Day is the focus, as the familiar commercialization of the holiday and centralization of romantic love between significant others draw media attention and leave single individuals to buy ourselves our own chocolate. This leaves us questioning: How do we know love is real if it doesn’t come from a Hallmark card or an Instagram post? The love/hate relationship around Valentine’s Day has been going steady for as long as I can remember, and the pressure to perform shallow acts of affection makes the version of Valentine’s Day that we know and
hate feel so out of touch with what the holiday should really be all about. Is the love for Valentine’s Day justified, or is it just a means to break our poor, single hearts? More than just one day There are many things amiss with Valentine’s Day but many students reflected on some specific changes they would make regarding how we celebrate. Most commonly, students opined that love and affection should get more than just one day. “I think love should be celebrated every day,” said freshman Mathew Cabrera. And it’s not just love that students think should be celebrated every day, but their significant others as well. “I think it’s just like an exaggerated celebration of love,” said sophomore communication and digital studies major, Kennedy Brooks about Valentine’s Day. “I think if
While one person’s Valentine’s Day can have a fabulous turnout, others live in a stark reality. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
SEE VALENTINES, PAGE 5
Friday, February 16, 2024
Life
Valentine’s Day: Loving and profiting or loving profit?
FROM VALENTINES, PAGE 4 you have a partner or anything, you should be celebrating your partner every day. This is a specific day that you can really emphasize how much they really mean to you, but the love should exceed twenty four hours.” Similarly, freshman Beka Robinson said, “I feel like it shouldn’t be that you wait for a certain day to tell somebody that you love them. I feel like there should be a lot of small acts throughout your time with them.” If the only time your partner tells you that they love you is Valentine’s Day, is that love truly real? Profiting from “love” Having a specific day centered on love makes it easy for companies to influence people’s interest in the holiday, as consumers feel pressured to buy something for their significant other or else be deemed a “bad Valentine.” The insane marketing that stores do this time of year not only benefits corporations but also makes it impossible for single people to feel any sense of peace. On top of that, this commercialization of love makes the real thing seem simple and shallow and influences people to think that love
can be bought. “It is very overly commercialized in my opinion,” said Brooks. The material display of love through gifts that are often expected on Valentine’s Day is also part of the issue, as a gift is not a sufficient replacement for genuine love connections. “People should be doing more meaningful things for their loved ones than just buying material things,” said freshman Amanda Donovan. “Valentine’s Day has been commercialized to the point that it seems really superficial, but people should remember that the focus should really be on love and not get caught up in just buying things for the sake of buying them.”
What it should really be about After all this talk about everything that is wrong with Valentine’s Day, it’s important to recognize what the holiday should celebrate and what we could change to make this day more worthwhile. Students expressed how the day should be celebrated by everyone rather than limiting the festivities and attention to those with significant others.
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“Valentine’s Day should be about going the extra mile and just showing people that you really love them,” said Donovan. Students also suggested celebrating Valentine’s Day as a form of self-love or a way to express love to friends in addition to the traditional celebration of a significant other. “I think Valentine’s Day could be really meaningful because you can have time to celebrate for yourself or with your girls—like Galentine’s Day—or with your significant other,” said junior psychology major Aspen Arnett. She continued, “It doesn’t have to be like a big thing, you know, just have fun.” Freshman Alex Williams expressed similar sentiments, sharing that the day should be dedicated to love in a general sense, not just for a particular person. “It’s the one day a year that you should really, really be focusing on anyone in your life that deserves love, and that includes yourself,” said Williams. All in all, Valentine’s Day could use some work, but there is still hope to make this holiday better for everyone. We must focus on what it is truly about—appreciating everyone we love—and not get blinded by the vibrant pinks and reds or crash from our sugar highs.
Eagles flock to New York Pizza & Deli to taste new menu
nORAH WALSH Editor-in-Chief
Abbey magnet Photo & Sports Editor
Charlie li Life Editor
Norah’s gluten-free nourishment On Monday, Feb. 12, the Eagle’s Nest rang with renewed sounds of hope and happiness as the mouth-watering aromas of New York Pizza & Deli wafted through the air during their soft opening. Students followed the smell of hot pizza, mozzarella sticks and garlic knots like moths to a flame, and liveliness was restored to the space that was left morose and sparsely attended following the departure of the beloved campus staple, Vocelli Pizza. As I entered the Nest, I had no idea what to expect from the offerings, but I had heard mention of their gluten-free options, so I had an inkling of what I would order. Little did I know, I would find the best gluten-free pizza right here on campus. To be honest, gluten-free pizza crust—and many other gluten-free foods as well—taste like cardboard, so I braced for the unsatisfactory experience I was familiar with, but I was taken by surprise when the crust was soft but not too chewy with the perfect crispiness on the crust that would be perfect to dip in some extra marinara sauce or something of the ilk. I ordered the pepperoni topping in anticipation of a weak and awkward-to-eat slice that isn’t conducive to myriad toppings, such as an array of vegetables, but now that I’ve tested out the durability of the crust, I look forward to being able to add more toppings that better suit my preferences.
Abbey tries the knots… with a bite of garlic I have never been the biggest pizza fan, but in recent years I have grown to like it more. On the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 13, I ventured to New York Pizza & Deli and ordered a pepperoni pizza with garlic knots, both of which I took to-go. The service was slow, and I felt that the staff could have been a bit more attentive, though I received my correct order and took it back to my dorm for later. I ended up eating my food later on, so I had to reheat it, which was not ideal; however, it still turned out to be quite delicious. The crust itself was soft and fluffy, which is what I look for in a good pizza slice. As I tend to gravitate towards thicker pizza crusts, I enjoyed that it wasn’t paper thin like a lot of New York-style pizzas are. Oftentimes, pepperoni pizza skimps on the pepperoni, but this was not the case for New York Pizza & Deli, as there was a plethora of pepperoni spread evenly on top of the slices. Overall, the pizza itself lived up to my expectations. On the other hand, the garlic knots were quite a disappointment. I expected to bite into a savory garlic knot but was surprised when I tasted very little flavor, and my much-anticipated garlic knots soon turned into bland balls of bread. Though the knots came with marinara sauce on the side, it was not enough to save its lack of flavor, as there was hardly any garlic taste like I had been expecting. In my opinion, these garlic knots were simply just knots with a bite of garlic. Overall, I had a pleasant experience with New York Pizza & Deli but would make a few minor improvements.
Charlie’s take on the bake “Immaculately impressed” is how I would describe my reaction after tasting New York Pizza & Deli. While I originally didn’t think I would be able to taste a difference in the pizza, I could. The cheese-to-sauce ratio was perfect, allowing the slice of pizza to stay together rather than droop down or break apart on top, and the side crust was crisp and distinctly different from the pizza’s bottom layer of crust. One of the main differences I noticed between Vocelli’s pizza and New York Pizza & Deli’s pizza was the thickness and overall size of the pizza. New York Pizza and Deli has a much thinner slice which I prefer personally. It was better in the sense that it didn’t gather an enormous puddle of grease under the slice, something that I had found common in Vocelli’s pizza. There was a major emphasis on the quality and freshness of pizzas being put out for students. Heated containers have now replaced the insulated bags for grab-and-go, which has helped innovate the space into something more. To access your food order being kept warm, a small kiosk asks you to scan or enter in a code, provided to you by Grubhub. After inputting it, your container’s door pops open, allowing you to access deliciousness. My first experience was great and I look forward to stopping by more often; whether it be for a delicious slice of pizza on the go, or to order a hot sub off their menu.
The gluten-free pizza that left the editor-in-chief speechless and yearning for more. Norah Walsh / The Weekly Ringer
Students line up for the soft opening.
Norah Walsh / The Weekly Ringer
New York Pizza & Deli’s menu ranges from delicious hot subs to fresh salads and pizzas. Norah Walsh / The Weekly Ringer
Friday, February 16, 2024
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Friday, February 16, 2024
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Student activists express safety concerns to administration
FROM PALESTINE, PAGE 1 on it already. And it’s really past the point of being political right now; it’s just a full-fledged genocide.” In response to the community forum, SJP demanded “An apology to Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim members of the community for the statements made during the November 1st ‘Middle East Crisis’ Panel that was framed as a counseling event, but turned into an environment of grossly genocidal rhetoric,” which was posted on their Instagram account with the other demands. According to a post that was collaboratively uploaded by the SJP and RSU Instagram accounts, “A speaker referenced ‘The innocent who died as we bombed the Nazis out of power,’ relating it to what’s happening now to Palestinians.” In the same post, the clubs wrote, “The speaker compared their overcoming cancer to Israel’s cleansing of Palestinians from their land for Israel’s gain. In reference to Palestinians, [the speaker] said: ‘We have to use radiation and chemicals to make the necessary sacrifices’” about the comments made by one of the panelists who was invited to speak at the forum. The underlying link that connects these events, statements and actions relates to student safety, hence the initiation of the Watermelon Project. Myca Lester, the president of RSU has been the target
The Watermelon Project involves faculty, staff, adminstrators and student clubs. Norah Walsh / The Weekly Ringer
of a hate crime on campus and explained how they were met with little University support as well as their feelings of safety on campus. “There was no real communication. There wasn’t a formal apology. There wasn’t a meeting or anything—It was just sort of the initial meeting to ask what happened and it was like they just forgot,” they said. “So that’s another reason why it’s genuinely not really a safe space, especially if you’re a student activist.” During the November meeting, Ahmed explained her perspective on campus safety for Muslim students to members of UMW administration, including Paino. She said, “UMW isn’t obviously the most diverse place, so there’s not a super expansive community of us, and other Muslims on this campus … there are a lot of us that we don’t even know they’re Muslim because they don’t
feel comfortable enough, and I think that this situation has definitely exacerbated that.” Students who have been affected do not feel safe, and Ahmed and Lester both have been doxxed by the site Canary Mission, which has publicly listed their personal information. According to Lester, names are submitted to the site, which has raised a concern, as they do not know if the person who submitted them is located in their area or merely found them on the internet. Professor Nabil Al-Tikriti, who teaches in the History Department and is SJP’s faculty advisor, expressed his thoughts about Canary Mission. “It’s really unfortunate that Canary Mission exists, and I don’t think it should exist, and I don’t think they should engage in doxxing, and I think that’s outrageous,” he said. “At the same time, everybody knows what Canary Mission is doing, so I don’t know that it has as big of an effect as it used to have because employers, the general public, [and] other folks who might see it are not likely to be persuaded by it as much as they were persuaded by it a few years ago.” Nevertheless, safety remains a key element of SJP’s demands, as their activism on campus has garnered unwelcome attention that the University meets with recommendations to visit the Talley Center or contact UMW Campus Police.
UMW offers aid to students eligible for financial assistance FROM TUITION, PAGE 1 when emergencies happen so we can see them successfully cross the stage at graduation,” said Melissa Yakabouski, the dean of admissions and associate vice president. Moreover, the promise is intended to “reach prospective students who may initially avoid pursuing a four-year college option due to perceived out-of-pocket costs,” said Yakabouski. This comes after last year’s 3% graduate tuition increase and the 5% increase in housing, dining and auxiliary comprehensive fees for all students that caused many students to feel disgruntled with the sudden change and increased cost. “It’s a very stressful environment, which I totally understand because in my freshman year, I never wanted to step foot in the financial aid office,” said Haley Cotton, a junior history major who has worked in
the financial aid office for two years. The struggles with financial aid often come with a lack of knowledge about the system, according to Cotton. “[The] literacy that they give you I feel like isn’t truly telling you the extent of what’s going to happen and what’s going on,” she said. The grant will enable the school to be better equipped to handle student financial instability in an effective way that allows students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial stressors. Yakabouski spoke on the grant for students with financial challenges. “UMW will fill the remaining gap in tuition for Pell-eligible Virginians who enroll at UMW,” she said. “These are among our most at-risk students who face ongoing financial challenges where even the smallest unplanned event can derail their education.”
Yakabouski advised students to still sign up for scholarships through the school, even if they are Pell Grant recipients. “Students will be required to file the FAFSA annually,” she said. “Pell eligibility is required to receive the tuition gap-filling funds. The amount per student will be determined by the gap in their tuition.” For some students, their Pell eligibility may not stay consistent during their time at UMW due to changes in the annual income they report. As the FAFSA is completed every year, students will know if they qualify on an annual basis. “Should a student no longer qualify, there may be additional aid and opportunities we could consider,” said Yakabouski. “We are committed to meeting this gap while intending to work within the limits of the SCHEV grant program.”
Pell eligibility is determined by the FAFSA annually. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Crime Column Ky Huynh News Editor The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Feb. 7 – Feb. 14.
Trespassing
Trespassing
On Feb. 12 at 7:48 p.m., there was a case of trespassing reported at Alvey Parking Deck. Trespassing Notice Served Twice.
On Feb. 14 at 9:12 a.m., there was a case of trespassing at Eagle Landing. Trespassing Notice Served.
Sports
Friday, February 16, 2024
Super Bowl LVIII makes history in overtime
Nahom Wendweson Staff Writer On Sunday, Feb. 12 the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. The Kansas City Chiefs took home victory during a historic overtime that ended in a final score of 25–22. With this triumph, the Chiefs established themselves as a contemporary NFL dynasty with their second Super Bowl win in two years and third in five seasons. Some students, such as senior business administration major Rushil Irfan, predicted the Chiefs to win. “As much as I want to say the 49ers, I think the Chiefs are gonna take it. I think big man Mahomes got something up his sleeve,” he said. This is not the first time the Chiefs and the 49ers have faced off in the Super Bowl, as the two teams went head-to-head in Super Bowl LIV and the Chiefs were victorious with a score of 31–20. The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy, entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 1 seed, showcasing a season of stellar performance. “The coach for the 49ers, his father won a Super Bowl several years earlier, and some of the players that used to play for his dad are on the coaching staff, so I just thought it was gonna be a full circle moment,” said Roman Robles, a senior majoring in business administration. On the other side, the Chiefs—under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid and
quarterback Patrick Mahomes—made their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, demonstrating their excellence in the league. The Chiefs, overcoming a 10-point deficit, showcased their never-say-die attitude—a characteristic that has defined their recent playoff runs. Mahomes, with his ability to perform under pressure, connected with wide receiver Mecole Hardman for the game-winning touchdown in overtime with only 13 seconds left on the clock. This victory not only underscored Mahomes’ legacy as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks but also highlighted Andy Reid’s strategic brilliance. “It’s like Tom Brady 2.0—the guy just keeps coming back,” said Alex Rokow, a senior business administration major. “Mahomes never stops.” The 49ers, despite their loss, proved why they were regarded as one of the top teams in the NFL. Their journey to the Super Bowl, led by Purdy, was a showcase of skill and determination. Shanahan’s innovative coaching and the team’s overall performance throughout the season have set a high standard for future campaigns. Sunday’s game was only the second in Super Bowl history to go into overtime, and viewers were shocked. The only other time an instance like this occurred was in 2017 during Super Bowl LI when the New England Patriots beat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in an overtime comeback victory. “I really think it was history in the making,” said Robles. “I don’t know how many
On Saturday, Feb. 10, the men’s lacrosse team made a valiant effort to rise from the ashes of their 0–7 first quarter against Randolph-Macon College but ultimately lost the match. “We definitely came back, but we just didn’t have enough time,” said Jake Furman, a senior marketing major who plays attacker on the team. According to Head Coach Drew Delaney, the Eagles had an amazing performance in the spring preseason and last week’s scrimmage; however, they had a rough start on Saturday as they ended the first quarter without scoring any goals. Meanwhile, Randolph-Macon dominated with seven scores by the end of the first, leaving the UMW team frustrated and with a heavy weight on their shoulders. Despite this lack of momentum, the Eagles managed to come back strong and adjust to their opponents’ aggressiveness within the second quarter where they scored three goals in a row and four in total. According to Jay Hooker, a sophomore accounting major, the team will review gameplay recordings, work out at the gym and analyze scouting reports to identify their opponent’s weaknesses in addition to practices on the field. These techniques help the team to work on their personal development and strategize for their upcoming games. “We’ll look at their team, and we’ll try and pick apart which one of our guys fits best with them,” said Hooker. “And then, hopefully, we have what we need on game day. But clearly, we didn’t match today.” The third quarter was the most balanced, with UMW scoring three goals and Randolph-Macon scoring two. This nearly brought
University of Mary Washington
overtime Super Bowls there have been, but I guess it was special to see an overtime Super Spring Sports Schedule Bowl for the first time.” The game also had its share of moments for those who may not care as much about sports, with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and other notable stars in attendance. Similarly, this year’s Super Bowl halftime show was headlined by Usher. During his performance, the R&B singer brought out several talents such as Alicia Keys, Lil’ Jon, Ludacris, will.i.am and H.E.R. Leading up to the performance, UMW students anticipated an entertaining halftime Abbey Magnet show. Sports Editor “It’s Usher, right? Yeah, yeah, I think he’ll put on a good show,” said Rokow. Men’s Basketball (16-8) The Chiefs’ victory further cements their Feb. 10 vs. Chris. Newport (80-71) legacy as a dynasty in the making, but the Feb. 14 vs. Salisbury (65-64) 49ers’ quest for glory is far from over. As the Feb. 17 vs. Hampden-Sydney dust settles on this epic showdown, both teams look forward to the future, ready to Women’s Basketball (14-8) write the next chapter in their storied histo- Feb. 11 vs. New Jersey City (71-57) ries. Feb. 15 vs. Hood
Men’s Tennis (0-0)
Feb. 13 vs. Belmont Abbey Feb. 17 vs. Averett vs. Washington College
Women’s Tennis (0-0) The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers face off in Super Bowl LVIII. Mick Haupt/ Unsplash
UMW men’s lacrosse falls short in first game
Emma Kingkeo Staff Writer
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Feb. 10 vs. George Mason Feb. 17 vs. Washington College Feb. 24 vs. Vassar
Men’s Baseball (2-0)
Feb. 10 vs. Mt. St. Mary (NY) (18-7) vs. Mt. St. Mary (NY) (5-2) Mary Wash into the lead, and the teams finished the quarter with a Feb. 11 vs. Mt. St. Mary (NY) Feb. 17 vs. Washington College score of 7–10. vs. Susquehanna Though UMW was able to squeeze in one last goal, Randolph-Macon stayed consistent in their offensive efforts as they scored three Men’s Lacrosse (1-1) back-to-back goals in the final quarter. Despite their honorable attempts to combat Randolph-Macon’s Feb. 10 vs. Randolph-Macon (13-8) energy, UMW’s men’s lacrosse team was defeated 8–13. Head Coach Drew Delaney provided insight into the difficulties Feb. 14 vs. Shenandoah (13-8) Feb. 17 vs. Roanoke that affected the team’s performance. “We got a young group with a lot of new guys in new roles,” Delaney said. “And we clearly have to adjust how we prepare because Women’s Lacrosse (0-0) what we did leading up to this game didn’t get us what we needed.” Feb. 17 vs. Lynchburg The Eagles have faced Randolph-Macon as an opening game in the Feb. 21 vs. Randolph-Macon past, and last year UMW was victorious against them 20–14. As a result, Saturday’s loss was especially disappointing and tough on the entire team, and multiple members expressed regret about how they performed at the beginning of the game. “The game went pretty good for the last three quarters,” said Games are available to watch via Hooker. “The big problem was going 7–0… that’s not the start we relivestream on the UMW Athletics ally wanted.” webpage The discouraging start to the season provided the team with the www.eagles.com/composite opportunity to identify what they have to work on and how they can improve to ensure future success. “I definitely feel more confident [for the next game],” said Furman. “Because we know we need to push ourselves more, and we’ll Full schedule not listed above. be back.” Most recent games included. UMW’s men’s lacrosse team has a busy season ahead, and their Bold indicates home game. next game will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17 against Roanoke College.