The Brandeis Hoot - 3/21/14

Volume 11 Number 9

www.thebrandeishoot.com

Brandeis University’s Community Newspaper • Waltham, Mass.

Concerns voiced but barely adressed in forum

By Jess Linde Editor

On Thursday, March 20, a group of students and other members of the Brandeis community gathered in the Shapiro Admission Center’s presentation space to participate in a public forum between representatives of the university’s administration and themselves. Thursday’s forum centered around contentious issues including student meal plans, tuition, executive compensation and Brandeis’ transparency around such topics. Students asked a diverse set of questions, though the administration’s answers seemed to follow a general pattern.

The event was announced by Student Union President Ricky Rosen ’14 via email, citing “a number of concerns from [the student body] on some prominent issues” as the reason for holding the forum. Rounded out See FORUM, page 2

Editor

On Sunday, March 9, the Brandeis Student Union Judiciary reached a verdict in a Mar. 6 trial brought against the Brandeis LibertarianConservative Union club. The charge was brought on by another club, the Brandeis Libertarians, who had argued that the now-former BLCU were improperly using the word “libertarian” in their name. The Judiciary ruled that because BLCU represented a wider range of political opinions, the club had to change their name to

Anita Hill opens up about power in ‘Anita’

By Emily Stott Editor

name to the Brandeis LibertarianConservative Union in order to be more inclusive, and BL, then called Young Americans for Liberty, followed suit soon after. “We’re the only libertarians [on campus]” said Fried.

“We brought up the issue several times at BLCU meetings … it should have been a quickly solved issue.” In an interview, BLCU President Joshua Nass ’14 confirmed that both Gilliat and Fried had “attended many BLCU meetings and events.”

But to Nass’ knowledge, “neither

Over 20 years ago, a young AfricanAmerican woman named Anita Hill faced a panel of 14 older white males of the Senate Judiciary Committee during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Hill endured uncomfortable and awkward questioning from the panel as she testified against Thomas for sexual harassment that occurred while she worked as an aide in the Department of Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the 1980s.

Now, Hill’s story will be available to a new generation of people who were born after the hearing. A documentary based on her life, “Anita,” opens Friday, Mar. 21, in theaters in Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Hill is a senior advisor to the provost and a professor of social policy, law and women’s studies at Brandeis’ Heller School for Social Policy and Management. She joined Brandeis in 1998. Though few students on campus were alive during the hearings, they will have the opportunity to learn from her experiences and see how circumstances around claims of sexual harassment have or have not changed.

According to The New York Times, Hill felt that, in 2010, it was the right time “to revisit this, and for people to understand who I am.” She spoke with Academy Award winner Frieda Mock about making the documentary, and Mock directed the film.

“People misunderstand [and they

See CONTROVERSY, page 3

See ANITA, page 5

photo by emily reich/the hoot

controversy Students filled Lown Auditorium to hear Max Blumenthal speak.

Clubs battle over more than just a name

By Jess Linde

March 21, 2014

fit said spectrum. The decision was handed down by Chief Justice Claire Sinai ’14, and members of BL were informed of the decision via a listserv email on March 17.

“We first brought up our issue with the [BLCU] name in the fall of last year,” said Brandeis Libertarians President Nelson Gilliat ’14 in an interview with The Hoot. “We wanted it to be clear BLCU did not represent libertarianism on campus … they’re conservatives, not libertarians.” According to Gilliat and BL Vice President Aaron Fried ’14, Brandeis Libertarians was started to represent “a

political ideology completely independent from the spectrum of just Republicans and Democrats.” Libertarianism is usually associated with decrying the two-party system and desiring a focus on individual liberties, though recently Republican politicians such as Paul Ryan have associated themselves with the idea.

“Politicians in Washington call themselves libertarians in order to pass legislation,” said Gilliat. “But Brandeis Libertarians just wants to provide a space for truly libertarian-minded students.” In 2010, the Brandeis Republicans changed their

Brandeis improves Prospect St. studio’s safety

By Dana Trismen Editor

The actions of Fine Arts majors in the past month prove that these students remain as committed to the vitality of their department as they are to their art. Students’ efforts combined with an article published in The Hoot on Feb. 14 have inspired major safety improvements for the dilapidated Fine Art building on Prospect St. “The article made a huge difference. It caused a massive stir among the administration and opened up a real discussion about solving some of the issues surrounding the transportation to and from the building,” said Vikki Nunley ’14, the Fine Arts major interviewed for the previous

Hoot article.

A month ago, Fine Arts majors who work and take classes at the Prospect St. studio (mainly upper-classmen and Post-Baccalaureate students) suffered not only because of the poor condition of the building, but also because of transportation. The studio is a significant distance away from Brandeis, and the BranVans had previously not been running to the studio. This led to student safety concerns.

It was not only The Hoot article that led to improved safety conditions for Fine Arts students—it was the actions of the students themselves.

Janet Jun Zhao ’14, a Fine Arts major and Undergraduate Departmental Representative, sent impassioned See FINE ARTS, page 5

prospect st. studio Vikki Nunley ‘14 stands outside the Prospect St. Studio. There is no indoor staircase, and it

takes 30 minutes to walk from Rabb Graduate Center to the studio.

Inside this issue:

News: Worship space still needed for Hindus Page 3 Arts, Etc.: Senior theses take over Spingold Page 9 Opinion: Hill defies hypocrisy at Brandeis Page 12 Sports: Judges baseball wins over Wash U. Page 11 Editorial: Admin. fails to meet students halfway Page 10

Chum’s gets funny.

Arts, etc.: “Mondays with Morrie” took place this week in Chum’s, filling the room with the comedy community.

Page 9

Crimea should be out of U.S. sphere

Ops: U.S. should refrain from Crimean intervention Page 12

photo by dana trismen/the hoot

NEWS

2 The Brandeis Hoot

March 21, 2014

WSRC scholars and students discuss reproductive rights

By Shayna Korol Editor

On March 12, scholars from the Women’s Studies Research Center (WSRC) and students gathered in Liberman Miller Lecture Hall to watch the short film “Roe at Risk: Fighting for Reproductive Justice.”

Dr. Shulamit Reinharz, the founder and director of the WSRC, and Dr. Paula Doress-Worters, a scholar from the WSRC, were among the key speakers. After the film, audience members engaged in a discussion on reproductive rights and threats to the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which legalized abortion in the United States in 1973.

Students in the audience were mostly members of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA) and NARAL, a pro-abortion organization. They were introduced to the scholars, who asked how the students came to be interested in the issue of reproductive rights.

Once everyone had settled in, the scholars were asked to stand up. Dr. Helen A. Berger, a resident scholar who studies witches and pagans, sat on a table adjacent to the chairs and said, “[The scholars] are sitting up front because they’re older than you and want to hear.”

Many of the scholars were among the founders of feminism’s secondwave, and their children are old enough to be the parents of this generation’s college students.

“It is disheartening for us to realize that you have to re-wage the fight for reproductive freedom that is tonight’s topic,” said Reinharz. “But it is heartening, on the other hand, to know that you are here—we know you are willing to learn from us, but you should also know that we are equally eager to learn from you.”

She stressed that Roe v. Wade, as momentous as it was, is a temporary achievement. The history of women indicates that female successes must be achieved again and again. DoressWorters, a “lifetime activist” who was involved in the publication of “Our Bodies, Ourselves,” a book on women’s health issues a panelist called “the feminist left’s most valuable contribution to social change,” took her place in front of the screen.

“It’s always a pleasure to put on my ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves’ hat,” Doress-Worters said. Written around the same time as the passage of Roe v. Wade, the book espoused the core belief that control over her body is central to control over a woman’s life. “Reproductive rights encompass freedom of choice of sexual partners,

preference, procedures,” she said.

The film itself covered the challenges of maintaining an abortion clinic in the conservative South. Less than 20 minutes in length, it was followed by group discussions, conversations called “consciousness raising, an extraordinary experience where you learn about others and yourself through trust-building exercises.”

Students and scholars joined groups, participating in a “deep listening” period that lasted about two minutes and then giving feedback.

A sheet was handed out with suggested discussion questions, but most groups preferred to speak about their own experiences with abortion. Many of the students spoke of mothers who, before having them, had terminated their pregnancies and were deeply ashamed. Some of the scholars spoke frankly of abortions that they had themselves, illegally and without anesthesia, before the passage of Roe v.

Wade.

“We couldn’t make noise, and we didn’t,” said one scholar.

After a half hour, everyone returned to the lecture hall for a debriefing on practical measures that could be taken in the fight for reproductive justice. The floor was open to both students and scholars. However, most of the audience members preferred to

let the women with many more years of life experience speak their piece.

The issue was brought up in the discussion that anti-sexual violence initiatives on college campuses had taken the spot of reproductive free-

dom as the most championed cause, a fact that belied the need, as the scholars saw it, to shift the dialogue.

“After all,” said a scholar, “what could be more violent than forcing women to have babies?”

photo from internet source

Public forum discusses university concerns FORUM, from page 1

by apple cider and brownies, the forum was formatted in two hour-long parts; the first hour consisted of a contained panel discussion, and the second hour was a question and answer session between guests and the panel.

The panel was made up of three members of the Graduate Student Association (GSA), three members of the Student Union, including Rosen, with Senior Vice President of Students and Enrollment Andrew Flagel and Brandeis Senior Vice President for Communications Ellen de Graffenreid representing the administration. The panel began with a discussion on student concerns with the Brandeis dining system, focusing on the large changes brought with the university’s provider switch from Aramark to Sodexo, as well as problems with meal plans reported by students.

One of the most significant issues discussed by the panel was the uneven equivalency between Brandeis

currency and actual money, something Flagel said the administration was “hugely dissatisfied with.” Another concern was the issue of students living off campus and in Ridgewood suites, who rarely use on-campus meals and often pay more for housing, yet will still be required to have meal plans. Flagel asserted that such issues were all part of “creating a great and memorable dining experience.”

“There has been a huge improvement in student participation,” added de Graffenreid. “But people in my and [Flagel’s] position would prefer if the Student Union started submitting thoughtout systems for those kinds of issues.” She said that this way there would already be a student-friendly system in place, rather than the Student Union simply waiting for complaints to come in.

Flagel also said that the administration is at the moment “trying to spread [the dining] model to as many students as possible.” “Remember, we’re talking about a system that doesn’t yet exist,” he concluded. “There are going to be a huge amount of changes in the public forum Administration members, Student Union representatives and the Graduate Student As-

sociation met with students face to face.

next two years, what with renovations to all the dining halls.”

The next topic brought up by the panel was the issue of budget transparency, specifically around Brandeis’ executive compensation policy and the large amounts of money given to former president Jehuda Reinharz. It was announced that current President Fred Lawrence received close to $1 million per year in 2012 and 2013.

As reported by The Hoot this January, Brandeis now provides information on said payments to the faculty almost immediately after the Board of Trustees approves them, though the student body still has to wait for Brandeis to release its tax information for the year to see the full numbers. The policy, which has been met by increasing student opposition,

including recent protests and online petitions, was defended by Flagel and de Graffenreid, the latter stating “[Brandeis is] possibly the most transparent when it comes to executive compensation.” Flagel supported this, adding that Brandeis’ budget is unaffected by the policy.

The question and answer section of the event yielded similar answers from the panel. Questions came from different groups, including student senators, regular students and clubs.

The most vocal of these groups was the Brandeis Labor Coalition, represented at the forum by Andrew Nguyen ’15 and Marissa Budlong ’14.

Nguyen and Budlong both asked detailed questions about issues such as executive compensation and student debt, even questioning if Brandeis

courted executive faculty with money, rather than social justice.

These sentiments were echoed in other students’ questions, including those from Charles River Senator Michael Stein, who wondered why President Fred Lawrence rarely attends public forums and similar events.

Flagel and de Graffenreid reiterated several times that Brandeis has lower averages of student debt than most universities, and that students should reach out to their representatives, who voice concerns directly to the Board of Trustees. They also mentioned that though President Lawrence is currently in New York, he holds office hours during the week and is available by appointment.

The forum ended with a reception and refreshments.

March 21, 2014

The Brandeis Hoot

NEWS

3

Hindu community still in need of permanent space for worship ByEmily Belowich Editor

Members of the Protestant and Hindu communities, along with other faculty and staff, sat down in early February to talk about options for the religious group, Namaskar, to have a place of worship. The discussion, which took place in the Harlan Chapel, was sponsored by the Interfaith Chaplaincy to have an open discussion about faith and space after members of the Protestant community raised concerns about having the Hindu community using the Chapel to hold their new Hindu altar. Weeks later, a temporary Hindu prayer space has been established in the ICC. Discussions are still being held about allocating the Hindu community a place to worship, including a place to hold a ceremony as a dedication of their alter. The Protestant Chaplain, Rev. Matt Carriker, said after an email was sent to the community about sharing the space, some students and professors voiced concerns over the legal issues relating to a shared space and being comfortable with it.

“I originally didn’t see any problems with it,” Carriker said. “But there are thousands of dimensions to the Protestant faith, all with different beliefs. As we started to publicize the date, there were some concerns about having the ceremony in the Protes-

tant Chapel. Legally, we’re still trying to figure out if there was somewhere in the contract that says the Chapel is solely for Protestant worship.”

Carriker said that they have lawyers helping them look into this issue, but in general that there is a larger issue presenting itself in this situation regarding faith.

“I think there’s not as much knowledge about Hinduism so there were concerns about what it means to establish this Hindu altar with the deities in the Protestant space reserved for Protestant worship and prayer,” he said. “And so this made some students share their objections to it based on their own faith and their interpretation of faith.”

In the long term, Carriker hopes that they can build another chapel. As of now, the school has three chapels, but there are more religious groups represented here in the community.

Carriker thinks that Brandeis should look to other schools for new ideas such as Northeastern University, which has a multi-faith sacred space that all religions of the community can share.

Carriker said that the recently hired Hindu adviser, Vaishali Gupta, is helping to look for a permanent space for Namaskar, a group on campus established to promote Hindu, Jain and Sikh culture and spiritual heritage.

Co-President of Namaskar, Sharada Sanduga ’14, said that Carriker

protestant chapel In the long term, Protestant Chaplain Rev. Matt Carriker hopes Brandeis will build another chapel to accomodate

Hindu students.

and Gupta have been very helpful in trying to find a permanent space for the group. She said she said that she is glad that people in the community voiced their concerns about sharing a space.

“They were very compelling arguments, and it’s hard to deny what people feel,” Sanduga said. “I would rather have people bring these issues to the table than having people sitting with it and being uncomfortable with it.”

Sanduga also stressed the importance of having a space where her own community feels safe and comfortable.

“With religion, you need to be open, so we understood why there was an issue but we were glad there was an honest and safe discussion about it,” Sanduga said. “We want to be comfortable in our space of prayer, and we don’t believe we have the right to be denied of this space.”

Sanduga, Carriker and Gupta have worked together to establish a temporary space in the Multipurpose Room of the Intercultural Center (ICC). On

Monday evenings from 5-7 p.m., Hindu services will be held in this space.

It has a kitchen, which is something that the chapel lacks, and it is a large space that Sanduga said “works for everyone.”

“So far, there have been no conflicts of interest,” Sanduga said. “Hopefully in the long run we can have our own space where everyone can come and learn.”

Monique Gnanaratnam, the director of the ICC, said the Namaskar

group and all members of the community are more than welcome to join for an opportunity to learn, worship and unite as a group.

“I am pleased that Hindu Services will be held in the Intercultural Center,” Gnanaratnam said. “Students have anticipated the opportunity to have services at their home institution. It is wonderful to see the opportunity to worship and to provide inter-faith education for our community come to fruition.”

Dispute over club name reveals union bias CONTROVERSY, from page 1

of them ever spoke up,” at least not immediately. “We had no problem with YAL, we didn’t even care that they wanted to change their name to Brandeis Libertarians,” said Nass. “[The clubs] had no conflicts until BL abruptly brought [the name issue] to the senate.” After the case was first brought up, the Union Judiciary sent it back to the Student Union Senate for a vote, where both clubs argued their cases. “Except for maybe one senator, the vote was unanimous in [BLCU’s] favor,” said Nass. Unsatisfied, BL were able to bring the case back to the Judiciary for an official appeal. “It never should have gone to the Senate,” Gilliat said. “The fact that this became so complicated is amazing to me.”

That the case was brought back to the Judiciary for appeal is indicative of the lack of knowledge about libertarianism on campus, said Fried.

“Brandeis is traditionally completely divided down the lines of left and right,” he says. “But libertarianism means refusing to conform to either path,” adding that “BLCU does not understand that you can have one or the other.” Again, the Judiciary ruled in favor of BL, requiring BLCU to draft a new name and constitution

within 10 academic days, and barring BLCU from including the word “libertarian” in the new name, though “liberty” is acceptable. BL is pleased with the decision. “[The clubs] have two definitions of freedom, all we wanted was that to be completely clear,” said Gilliat.

Nass says he holds no ill will toward the heads of BL specifically, but for him the issue is much more than a lack of clarity between two clubs. Rather, it is about an abuse of power in the Student Union. In his interview, Nass provided information hinting the final decision from the Judiciary was decided before BL and BLCU even entered the court on the sixth. “A friend who I trust heard [Chief Justice] Sinai [allegedly] say that she was going to rule against me [and BLCU] because she had a bone to pick,” Nass said. “She is apparently incredibly manipulative, and for whatever reason wants to go after me and the club.” Also at the interview was Union Associate Justice Luky Guigui ’15, who had agreed to attend to respect Nass’ allegations on the record, though Guigui did not speak about the issue himself.

Nass also provided emails between himself and Sinai to The Hoot that gave further credence to claims of inconsistencies in the ruling. The first

email to Nass confirms the Judiciary’s decision to make BLCU change its name, as well as the conditions that the club could only use “liberty” and not “libertarian” in their new name.

Nass’ subsequent response contains

the new constitution for the Brandeis Union for Liberty. In apparent denial of the Judiciary’s own ruling, Sinai’s reply denies the name for not fitting the requirements set by the court, suggesting “Brandeis Pan-Political

Union” or a similar title instead.

“This is a blatant and pathetic abuse of power for clearly personal reasons,” said Nass. “The Brandeis student body need to know this, because it’s so absurd.”

photo from internet source

4 ADVERTISEMENTS

The Brandeis Hoot

State of Sustainability: a recap

By Dora Chi

Special to the Hoot

The Student Union Senate Sustainability Committee held the first State of Sustainability address, giving environmentally-minded groups and individuals an opportunity to share how they are paving the way for a legacy of environmentalism throughout campus this Tuesday, Mar. 18. A series of speakers—representatives from campus environmental groups, former Chair of the Environmental Studies program Professor Laura Goldin, and notably, Jay DeGioia from Sodexo dining services—took turns showcasing their combined efforts in implementing initiatives, which range from dual flush toilets in first-year dorms to a frying oil recycling program.

Sustainability Committee Chair and Class of 2015 Senator Anna Bessendorf and Non-Senate Chair Nate Shaffer ’16 opened the discussion.

This year, the Committee installed 90 dual-flush toilets, which reduce each flush by a half-gallon of water, in Massell and North Quad dorms. Eco Reps Deanna Heller ’15 and Margaret Hoffman ’15 explained the Mug Save program, which grants reusable mug owners a 45-cent discount on drinks from campus vendors such as Starbucks, Peet’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts.

TapBrandeis project leaders Jeremy Goodman ’14 and Emma BalmuthLoris ’14 spoke about installing hydration stations—two outdoor, seven indoor—and their current initiative, the water bottle pledge, where they ask students to pledge to reduce plastic bottle usage and present pledgers with a stainless steel water bottle to jumpstart their efforts.

A recipient of a 2012 and 2013 Brandeis Sustainability Fund award, TapBrandeis has secured enough stainless steel water bottles for the current and incoming student body.

Students for Environmental Action Vice President Stephanie Weinstein outlined the club’s current initiatives and collaborations, which relate to bottled water, composting, real food and energy.

Goldin introduced her Greening the Ivory Tower class, an experiential learning course in which students ultimately design and work of sustainability projects. The class in 2012 created projects including TapBrandeis and DeisBikes, a student-led bike sharing program.

Divestment Committee member Rohan Bhatia ’14 explained the importance of living within the carbon budget and reflected on the events which led to the committee’s formation, such as the “March 4th for Climate” rally last year and an overwhelmingly positive student vote for divestment.

Sodexo District Manager Jay DeGioia was the final presenter. DeGioia acknowledged that dining services produce a significant quantity of waste and said they will be conducting a sustainability audit to gauge areas of improvement.

He said they are working to counteract their climate impact by bringing in local food vendors such as Russo’s Market and Gifford Ice Cream, implementing a frying oil recycling program and working with the campus’ new waste system company, Casella.

He announced Sodexo will soon roll out the green to-go container program, which has been absent since Sodexo replaced Aramark last summer, but he expressed uncertainty over whether the program will continue after restructuring the dining system for next fall.

photo from internet source

March 21, 2014

Rosen’s amended constitution finally comes to vote

By Dana Trismen Editor

When Ricky Rosen ’14, student union president, was elected in April of last year, one of his top priorities was amending the Student Union Constitution.

“It was one of my more prominent initiatives, but I wasn’t the only one that saw the need to move forward with these constitutional amendments,” Rosen said in an interview with The Hoot this week. “But I am definitely excited to see it be pushed through. It is something I will be able to look back on [after graduation].”

Rosen’s vision is about to come to fruition. The Constitutional Review Task Force (CRT), assembled early last semester, finalized a list of proposed changes this week.

“The constitution is one of the most important documents in regard to Brandeis,” said Rosen.

Of the major changes set out in the new constitution, one of them is that the Finance Board will now be known as Allocations Board (supposedly, so that students will no longer confuse the F-board and the Treasury). There will also be an addition of a senate representative onto F-board. According to the official CRT list of changes, this alteration will “ensure that the Senate has a liaison in the allocations process, and if students have concerns with their club’s funding, they can bring the concerns to their class or quad senator, who is their closest link to the Union, rather than the Allocation Board.”

Another major change is in regard to the Community Enhancement Fund. Currently, the Union Finances section of the constitution includes a Capital Expenditures and Emergency Fund (CapEx), which includes $150,000 reserved for emergencies.

This money is taken out of the Stu-

dent Activity Fund, thus each student contributes some of it. Over time, it has been drastically underused. The new constitution will rename this fund, the Community Enhancement Fund, increase it to $250,000, and only $50,000 will be reserved for emergencies. “[With the old constitution] we have a lot of funds that students pay for that they don’t have access to. We are hoping to make the funds more accessible,” said Rosen.

Other changes include requiring senate approval for F-board decisions, and altering the language of the constitution overall. Rosen reported that previously, the constitution was 25 pages long, which was not convenient for students looking to read it.

“We reduced more than 50 percent of excess language in each section of our Constitution by simplifying terminology and making phrasing more concise,” stated the CRT list of changes.

They also proposed adding IntraUnion Meetings to the Constitution, so that Union branches could more easily collaborate.

While these changes are still not finalized, Rosen insists that they have been well thought over by many branches of the union.

“Although they are proposed, we have been doing correspondence with students, with clubs, and more to ensure support,” he said. The CRT board itself also has members from different areas of the union serving on it.

The altered constitution will be presented to F-board on Friday morning, in case the board has an objection to any of the proposed changes. Then, if all goes well, the constitution will pass in front of the Senate on Sunday.

If approved, the student body will then vote, potentially as early as Friday, March 28. Students may also vote Monday, March 31, out of respect for students observing Shabbat.

March 21, 2014

SECTION 5

The Brandeis Hoot

Anita Hill opens up about power dynamics in documentary ANITA, from page 1

think] that harassment is about the sex. It’s really about control and power, and abusing it,” Hill says in a preview of the upcoming documentary.

“About four years ago, I realized that an entire generation of people had been born since the hearings and they were going to go into the workplace, into universities, into the military … and they didn’t quite know how we got to that place,” Hill said in an interview on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on March 13. She hopes people can understand the history and learn from it.

She never meant to become a symbol. When the Senate held hearings for Thomas, they approached her and asked if she had any information to share.

“I just realized, you have this information, it’s relevant to the process, you have to come forward. You owe it to yourself, but you owe it to the integrity of the court and the profession that you’re part of,” she said on “The Daily Show.” “They called me!”

“I can’t even imagine a hearing today where a woman would come forth with an accusation of sexual harassment and it would be ignored,” Nita Lowey (D-NY) said to The New York Times. Lowey was one of the women who spoke to the Senate in 1991, demanding that Hill act as a witness to her testimony.

On “The Daily Show,” she talked about how an unrepresentative group of people in the Senate causes issues to be debated among people who know nothing about other people’s lives.

In 1991, there were only 2 female senators in the Senate, and there were 34 women in the House of Representatives.

Today in 2014, there are 20 female senators and 79 women (of 435 total members) in the House. While women are still highly underrepresented, it is certainly a significant change.

In 1991, many women encountered sexual harassment, but few made their claims public.

Men seemed to not think there was a problem and harassment was not a popular topic of conversation. “Even if they acknowledged that it happened, they refused to acknowledge that it mattered,” Hill said on “The Daily Show.”

The documentary comes at a time when many people are becoming more aware of the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault.

On Jan. 25, President Obama spoke about establishing the White House Task Force on Protecting Students from Sexual Assault. This fall, Brandeis has hired a sexual assault prevention specialist, Sheila McMahon. Most recently, students have created a website to share stories of sexual harassment and assault, called SpeakOut!Brandeis.

anita hill The movie “Anita” opens in Waltham and Cambridge on April 4.

photos from internet source

As The Hoot reported in Oct. 2010, Justice Thomas’ wife, Virginia Thomas, called Anita Hill and left a voicemail, demanding an apology for her accusations. In an interview with The Hoot, Hill said that she had “no intention of apologizing or explaining my testimony.”

On Thursday, April 3, Hill will participate in a Q&A at the Landmark Embassy Cinema in Waltham, open only to the Brandeis community for $8. “Anita” opens in Waltham and Cambridge on April 4.

Improvements made on Prospect St., but more changes necessary FINE ARTS, from page 1

emails to Ed Callahan, chief of public safety, and to Waltham Police Captain Donald Feeney, who is in charge of the Patrol Division. She also got in contact with administration members. Likewise, Nunley spoke with Ed Callahan, and Rubert Thomas ’14, head coordinator of operations for BranVan, to improve transportation to the studio. Dean Lisa Boes also contacted her.

In her initial email to Callahan, Zhao detailed the fear she felt when standing outside the Prospect St. studio at night. The studio is over a half an hour walk from Rabb Graduate Center. BranVans were scarce at night.

“To demonstrate how dangerous this neighborhood is, I am going to tell you the story that happened an hour ago,” said Zhao in her email to Callahan, which she later forwarded to The Hoot. “I was standing out in the dark waiting for the Waltham BranVan to pick me up. A SUV stopped right in front of me, caught me completely off guard. Two males in their twenties opened the door and asked me if I was doing OK…they went on asking who I am waiting for.

I lied that the Brandeis campus police is coming to pick me up but they clearly do not believe me…I demanded them to leave me alone,” she wrote.

Zhao has even more stories to tell.

In an interview with The Hoot this week, she said, “I was harassed, and I hate the experience. I had to wait in the van with a can of spray paint and a brick in order to protect myself. I was angry about the fact that a Brandeis property is largely neglected

by Brandeis, and we are still required to go there on a daily basis.”

Nunley shared similar experiences of harassment with The Hoot in the article published in February.

Fortunately, over the past month, given discussions mainly with Callahan and the Waltham Police Department, safety at the studio has been

made a top concern.

Callahan discussed how he was prompted to meet with students and address the problem as soon as possible. “I happened to read The Hoot article and decided to reach out to one of the students quoted in the article.

Subsequently we met with my Escort Safety Head Coordinator of van services. Transportation concerns were discussed, reviewed and solidified based on additional student needs, which were communicated during the meeting and email exchanges,” he said.

Officially, the Prospect St. studio is in the domain of the Waltham Police.

“Brandeis police may respond to concerns within the building interior but would also request assistance from the Waltham police since the Brandeis police jurisdiction does not include exterior sidewalks or street areas,” Callahan said. He chose to reach out to Captain Feeney of Waltham Police.

“I was contacted by email by Chief Callahan on March 8, 2014. He forwarded me an email from a student who was reporting a suspicious incident to him that had occurred one hour before,” said Feeney in an interview this week. “The Chief forwarded the email to me and asked for increased Waltham Police Patrols in the area of 157 Prospect and Sharon streets Area for nights and weekends.”

Feeney has advised the night patrols to give extra attention to the Brandeis off-campus location, and instructed that if students encounter assaults or specific activity they should report it to the Waltham police.

“Try to follow the basic rules for personal safety when walking or waiting alone. Try to walk with someone else, keep your phone available but keep your head up, and be aware of where you are and who is around. Call 911 if you feel threatened or need help.

We have officers available who can come to campus and talk about personal safety and are RAD instructors as well,” said Feeney when asked for suggestions about how students can travel safely.

In regard to BranVan transportation, the situation has progressed according to many reports.

“BranVan service has improved greatly, with reliable service to and from the building for classes. That was a huge step,” said Nunley.

There is another, even more drastic safety improvement that Callahan has planned for the near future.

“I met recently with staff from Telecommunications/LTS who will be installing two RED ring down phones. These phones will be placed inside the building. One will be located near the main doors facing Prospect Street. The second phone will be installed near the Sharon street exit doors. Both phones will ring directly to Brandeis Police for any emergency which may occur within the building.

These phones will be installed in the near future within the interior locations,” Callahan said.

Nunley has hopes that Brandeis may even improve the building itself.

“There have been Brandeis facilities people sort of lurking about the building lately, but I don’t really know what they’re up to. One of the days I did see a bunch of them gathered around the rat traps under the stairs and making harrumphing noises though,” she said.

Not all students are satisfied with the changes, and expect more from the university. “Some students told me that they have seen Waltham police around for the first few days, but that’s it. The campus police might have been here but I have never seen them personally, so I cannot say anything for sure. However, BranVan is still like what it has been. They still, on many occasions, tell us to wait somewhere else ‘because we didn’t train drivers to go to the studio.’ I still don’t feel that much safer,” Zhao said.

Despite all of these changes both proposed and enacted, both Zhao and Nunley hope the studio is eventually moved on campus.

“I really hope they can give us a place on campus so that we don’t need to go to that place any more

(even though I know this is impossible for now because Mr. Flagel said Brandeis don’t have the money for new buildings). If they insist on us going there, at least renovate the building and make it look like a studio, not a haunted dump garage,” said Zhao, a sentiment echoed by fellow majors.

For now, Nunley has stated that she appreciates the outreach by Brandeis administration and by the campus police.

“Brandeis can further support Brandeis Fine Arts majors by continuing to fund grants and classes,” she also mentioned.

photo by dana trismen/the hoot

bad neighborhood The Prospect St. studio surroundings leave many students worried

about their safety.

6 The Brandeis Hoot

ARTS, ETC.

March 21, 2014

St. Vincent just keeps getting better

By Shikha Chandarana Staff

Indie music is usually considered a “boys’ club.” While it is easy to talk about St. Vincent as a female art-rocker, she transcends the gender barriers of music. She is not just a groundbreaking and talented musician—she is one of the best songwriters of the genre.

Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) has proven herself numerous times before with her ability to play 13 instruments and add pure, raw emotions to her songs. This time she has produced an album that could be called flawless, with every song being one sublime experience after another.

St. Vincent’s self-titled fourth album starts off with “Rattlesnake,” a dance-rock number with gorgeously written post-apocalyptic imagery and jarring synthesizers that are artfully done. With this album, St. Vincent edges dangerously close to the dance-rock genre without falling prey to the clichés that surround it. “Birth in Reverse” contains experimental dance-rock music with a string bass influence. Its lyrics talk about the boredom of modern life.

The released single “Digital Witness” has a strong ’80s R&B influence, but her unpretentious playfulness with the production of the song makes it sound like something brand new.

Like Arcade Fire, St. Vincent has mastered the dichotomy of writing truly depressing lyrics while maintaining the contagious movement that

intensity St. Vincent poses, hip and modern.

her songs have. Win Butler once said that his aim was to produce music that makes people dance with a tear in their eye. With this album, St. Vincent has managed to do that.

While most of the album has strong roots in the dance-art-rock genre, its shining gems are those that are far away from that style of music. Clark’s readiness to be freaky and audacious has translated into her songwriting, which is riskier than ever, and out to connect. Her song “Prince Johnny” is a comparatively slow song which tells the story of a modern-day Pinocchio

photo from internet source

doing coke in bathroom stalls, like a twisted coming-of-age story. It has an infectious melody and a haunting harmony that stays with you long after the song is over.

An interesting ballad, “I Prefer Your Love to Jesus” has a fascinating style of singing and instrumentation.

It is one of the slowest songs of the album and the most romantic. The song could be considered a weak link in the album, but its softness and the emotional impact elevates it to another level.

The album ends with “Severed

Crossed Fingers.” Although it is a cliché to say the she left the best for last, that is exactly what has happened on this album. The three minutes and 42 seconds of this song are quite an experience. Not only was this an apt end to the album, it is a promise for what will come next in the world of St. Vincent.

Critics first said that she couldn’t do better than her album “Actor,” and then she blew their minds away with “Strange Mercy.” Now with “St. Vincent,” she has proven that it is almost useless to say that the album is her

best because St. Vincent keeps getting better with every release.

It would be wrong to point out the must-listen song on the album, because all eleven songs in this album could be equally good single releases because of what they promise and how different they are. She has managed to produce an album that has doesn’t even have a single weak song, all of which are an artistic tribute to how far she has come from her first release. She is now the reigning queen of indie music, whom no one can dethrone.

Korean art diversifies campus

By Shikha Chandarana Staff

As I entered Slosberg, the stage was beautifully decorated with Korean art and five musicians sitting in front of a gorgeous wall divider with their fascinating instruments.

The audience was a diverse crowd, consisting of students, families and academics who were all ready to be united by the traditional music of Korea, which was unfamiliar to a few of us. The event started with the musicians together playing the “Sangryeongsan,” which is a form of an aristocratic chamber music that is supposed to be gentle and slow.

Even though all of the instruments were used, the sound was very soft and soothing, which was the perfect beginning and introduction to the traditional sounds and the mood the music is supposed to create.

The second piece, which was definitely my favorite piece in the show, was a gayageum and janggu duet of a piece called “Silk Road” by Byungki Hwang. The gayageum is a traditional Korean string instrument, which usually has 12 strings, and the janggu is a type of drum. One of the reasons this piece stood out to me as one of my favorites was because of the unique and hypnotic sound of the gayageum. Yiseul Park and Sori Choi played the instrument effortlessly and gracefully. The entire crowd was enchanted by the music and did not want that experience to end.

The next piece changed things up a little bit by making the event more interactive. The form of music is known as a pansori, which features

photo from internet source

a singer telling an epic tale with the accompaniment of a drummer. The vocalist Yi-ho Ahn had a powerful voice and gave quite a performance while telling the tale of the Battle at Red Cliffs, which was a satirical tale of war. Even though the singing was in Korean, it was surprising how easily the musicians managed to involve everyone with the tale. The audience was supposed to cheer the singer on from time to time, but that did not really happen. Nonetheless, the performance was very effective in exciting everyone for the rest of the night.

Saenghwang and Danso are wind instruments that were the highlight of the next performance, which was wind instrument duet. A saenghwang is the only Korean instrument that can harmonize, which was interesting to see as the combined sound of the instruments was a lot louder than ex-

pected when you first see them. In a continuation with the theme of wind instruments, the next performance was a Piri solo by the immensely talented Gamin. A piri is an oboe-like instrument that looks very quaint but its sound is majestic. The sound of the piri captured an essence of joyousness in the surroundings. The name of the piece “Yeomyangchun” means “warmth of the mid spring,” which accurately describes the emotion that the song evoked.

As a change to the calmness of the wind instruments, the sinawi again added a sense of activity to the stage.

A sinawi is an improvisational music genre, which used all the instruments and the vocalist who aims to mimic the sound of the instruments. It starts off with one of the instruments playing a certain melody and then the others adding layers of sound to it.

The interaction and the dynamic between the musicians was a highlight of the performance as it made the whole process of making seem very natural and organic.

The last piece was a high-energy interactive duet between the janggu and the taepyeongso (a trumpet-like instrument), which involved a little bit of folk dancing by Sori Choi the janggu player. She was so lost and ecstatic while performing and the energy that the musicians had was so infectious that everyone was almost forced to tap their feet to the music.

It was the best way to end the night of mind-blowing music.

Dr. Hillary Vanessa Fichum-Sing did a great job as a presenter as she managed to explain the difficult concepts of Korean music to an audience that was a little unfamiliar with it in the a simple and effective manner

without taking anything away from the intricate nature of the music. Her expertise in the field was evident, which made it for an even better experience.

“I thought the concert was wonderful. It gave the audience a nice taste of a few of Korea’s very diverse musical traditions, from P’ansori to Pungnyu, including my personal favorite, Gayageum Sanjo. Hearing the music performed live really brought to life what we learned about it in class, especially with P’ansori and Sinawi. I only wish more people had shouted out chuimse,” said Brandon Shapiro ’17, who takes a class on World Music. I was unfamiliar with Korean folk and traditional music before I walked into the concert; walking out I realized how unforgettable the concert was, and I can easily say that now I am a fan.

March 21, 2014

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Brandeis University Consulting Club

photos by wenxi zhao/the hoot

student competition Six teams of participants were involved in the challenge, from Brandeis to North-

eastern. Each presented their business case recommendation.

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March 21, 2014

Levine aspires to share love of violin after graduation

By Michelle Kim Editor

Like most college freshmen, Rachel Levine ’14 came to Brandeis with an open mind. “I wanted the options. I liked that I could explore my major,” she said.

Although Levine, a Music Performance major, has been studying the violin since she was four years old, she did not plan on studying music when applying to universities and therefore did not look at music conservatories, which, being extremely competitive and intense, are for those who are not only driven but also know they want to be music performers or professors.

She knew that she wanted to attend a college that had a good music program in addition to providing a liberal arts education.

Levine explained why she chose Brandeis over other universities that are affiliated with music conservatories: “I wanted to explore. I really did enjoy the courses I took outside my major. I am also studying International and Global Studies as a minor, which I considered as a major for a while. I liked having that extra knowledge. Undergrad is a very important time; it’s when you can really explore a lot of different areas. After Brandeis, I’m not going to have such easy access to all these different fields of study.”

Despite wanting to become a violin instructor, Levine hasn’t been able to teach yet. “Being isolated on the Brandeis campus without a car makes teaching violin difficult. I would also feel irresponsible teaching without being trained,” she said. Brandeis doesn’t have a music education program, so Levine hopes to start her training as

photo from internet source

photo courtesy rachel levine

soon as possible so she can begin a career in teaching the Suzuki method of violin.

After graduating from Brandeis, Levine wants to eventually move to Israel to teach the Suzuki method ( which is also known as the “mother tongue method”) and hopefully start a school someday. Students who are taught with the Suzuki method usually start at an early age and are trained to play at a high standard without being subjected to the harsh environment that often accompanies classical musical education. There are a few teachers who use the Suzuki method in Israel, but they, unlike American and European instructors, don’t have a school or belong to a Suzuki association.

“There is so much musical talent in Israel, and they have different methods of teaching. From my experience, when you start children young, it cre-

ates some incredible results, sort of like how kids can easily learn their native tongue,” Levine explained.

Levine, however, is not going straight to graduate school. Instead, she will take a gap year and take time to focus on the violin. “I think that it is important to be really good at whatever you’re going to be teaching.”

Like many music majors at Brandeis, Levine values the liberal arts education provided by the university, but naturally finds it time-consuming.

She gives as “close to a hundred percent as I can to my personal craft,” but believes that that is not what it means to be a liberal arts student and to have a valuable well-rounded education.

In addition to more focused training during the next year, she also plans to research graduate schools that have a Suzuki training program.

It took some time for Levine to

decide her post-graduation plans. “I think it was a gradual process. A lot of things happened at once … I was asking myself what all of it meant for my future and my career. I knew I was interested in music and that I loved to play the violin, but also did not want to become a soloist. It’s an extremely high pressure and crazy kind of lifestyle.”

Something very interesting about Levine’s past music education is that she was taught by her mother, who is a Suzuki instructor and taught Levine for most of her life. Contrary to what some may think, Levine was never forced to play the violin. Similar to most instrumentalists, there were a few years, like in middle school, when she did not want to continue playing the violin. She soon overcame that sentiment, however. When Levine told her mother that she wanted to be-

come a Suzuki violin teacher, she also had to explain that her decision was completely her own.

For those who are interested in pursuing a Music Performance major, Levine advises taking full advantage of the music courses that are offered at Brandeis. “There are a lot of requirements. I would start on them as soon as possible. Even if you end up not becoming a music major, you’re still going to have a lot of fun. I really love the theory classes. I find it so interesting to look at pieces at such a detailed level. As a performer, it’s important to know all the aspects of the music you’re studying.”

Levine is currently working on the Bach unaccompanied G minor sonata, the Beethoven spring sonata, in addition to others, all of which will be performed at her March 30 senior recital.

New Foster the People album criticizes consumerism

By Clayre Benzadon staff

Foster the People, an American indie pop band, came out with their new album “Supermodel” on March 18. Their new songs seem to capture a sort of alternative style. Listening closer to the lyrics actually demonstrates, however, that the music isn’t as relaxing as it should be. As he looked back at some of the songs, lead singer Mark Foster said, “Wow, I must have been really angry when I wrote that!”

The biggest themes in this album are consumerism and the dark side of capitalism, as most of the songs seem to criticize society on these issues.

With the lyrics of the songs containing words such as “war,” “blood” and “surrender,” it seems as though the band views capitalism as a certain “game” full of “debt,” “fear” and “enemies” that they must avoid as they try to move forward. The title of their most popular song, “Coming of Age,” suggests just this, and Foster claims that the song is “like a kind of a confession. It’s kind of like that moment of clarity after getting off a tour and looking around for the first time peripherally, and seeing … the people that were close to me in my life that I’d hurt along the way, in my hyper-focus of trying to survive the tidal wave that came at me and my band.”

The struggle that Foster the People try to voice is their contempt towards the expression that “you can do whatever you want as long as you set your

photos from internet source

voicing the struggle Foster the People’s new album came out March 18.

mind to it.” They refute this in the song “Ask Yourself ” with the ironic question, “Who says dreamers always get what they want?”, essentially calling the American Dream a lie. So many people try to live up to it that in the end they are disappointed because no matter how hard they try, there will always be competition and trickery, leading them to lose their sense of pride, hopes and dreams. The band is most likely reflecting upon its own experiences, as the members work endlessly to try to fulfill their expectations of becoming rich, famous and successful, but end up dismayed by falling short after all their tedious efforts, with debt still an issue even though they are a widely recognized

band.

The cover art of “Supermodel” also displays the sadness that revolves around this theme. With an original, artistic portrayal of a woman with her head down, alone and standing on top of gold, we can see tears falling down her face, which are expressed as phrases that criticize capitalism such as “working-class hero.” The fact that she stands on top of money symbolizes that she dreams of reaching the top of the economic ladder but can’t, represented by her handcuffed hands that conveys the oppression of the economic system. We can tell that this success is her fantasy because of the ridiculously exaggerated hands that are trying to reach out to the woman

with cameras, videotapes and notepads, waiting for autographs. All these hands symbolize the fans, anxiously awaiting for the band to come greet them.

Foster the People, however, might feel as though they cannot face the crowd because they feel as if they have disappointed them with a new album that does meet the standards of what their fans expect. These high expectations also lead the band to feel restrained and stressed. They may feel as though the harder they try, the more frustrated they become after not achieving the success that they deserve.

The songs contain popular influences such as the psychedelic high-

itched voices akin to Passion Pit, the same sounds as Vampire Weekend and a similar style to that of U2, which causes some people to criticize the album for following so closely along the same lines of these bands, overly resembling the typical mainstream songs. But it has become very difficult for indie bands to find innovative melodies that don’t sound too harmonic (to the point where it just sounds like a classic pop song) or so dissonant and new that everything clashes and falls apart (to the point where the music breaks down so much that it is not a song anymore). Foster the People’s newest album captures the dark mood of the band members as they struggle for success.

March 21, 2014

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Senior Festival showcases seniors in theater

By Theresa Gaffney Editor

Every year, theater majors at Brandeis are given the opportunity to apply for a senior thesis in the form of a senior festival show, now in its third year. The performances are free and open to the public and as the 2014 Senior Thesis Festival begins, seniors are excited to showcase their hard work.

This year’s festival features work by six seniors. The approach that each student took to the thesis varies from having written a play to directing a piece to starring in one. The seniors are Lizzy Benway, Jason Dick, Grace Fosler, Justy Kosek, Emma Lieberman and Levi Squier.

Fosler, Lieberman and Kosek all wrote their respective plays. Fosler’s “The Elephant in the Room” deals with the theme of animal cruelty in American culture. The experience was a difficult one, Fosler explained in an email to The Hoot.

“It was extremely challenging to write this play. Since it isn’t based on my personal story, it involved months of extensive research. I wanted to make sure the information I portrayed was accurate and based on fact, rather than propaganda or my own speculation.” Fosler’s cast will be performing her 15th draft of the play.

By the time it is performed at PortFringe in Portland, Maine this summer, Fosler expects to be on at least her 17th version.

Kosek’s play “All You Need” is a grim take on an evening many audience members remember fondly: prom night. The Brandeis Theater Company describes the play as one that“darkly explores the world and mind of a young man as he and the people closest to him struggle to understand their own ideas about love, family and the difference between reality and memories.” Kosek not only wrote the script, but will also star in

come one come all to the senior festival

the performance as the main character, David.

The third play written by a Brandeis student is “My Morning” by Emma Lieberman. This piece appears just as original as the others’ as it deals with the difficulties of being close to somebody with a mental illness. “My Morning” is a one-woman show, starring Lieberman herself.

Other seniors will direct and star in performances as well. Jason Dick selected the show “Make Me a Song” for his senior project. Rather than a straightforward play, Dick chose to perform a song cycle featuring work

by William Finn.

“His music touches on such emotionally charged and poignant themes, such as sickness, death, rela-

photo from internet source

tionships and self-acceptance. Most importantly, everything this show deals with, from its extreme musicality to its beautiful, haunting subject matter, hits very close to home for me,” Dick said.

In explaining why he chose a musical piece rather than a play, Dick simply said, “I never feel more comfortable on stage than I do when I’m singing.”

Other performances featured this week are “MICHAEL BROKOWSKI,” directed by Levi Squier and “Necessary Targets” directed by Lizzy Benway. Squier’s show is a coming-of-age story of sorts. It is unconventional in that the story (stories) itself was put together not only himself, but by every member of the show during

rehearsal. “We’ve been working with the idea of the community of the story, that inexplicable bond between a storyteller and their audience that has made stories the dominant mode of expression since before written language,” Squier wrote on the “Inside the Rehearsal Room” blog set up for the senior theses participants. “‘Necessary Targets’ is a timely reminder of how America struggles to define its relationship to the rest of the world,” says the BTC site. “The soul of this play,” wrote Sarah Brodsky ’15, a star of Benway’s thesis on the blog, “is centered around genocide and anger and fear, [it] comes from its moments of lightheartedness and the cultivated connections between its characters.

So, too, has our experience working

with this play come to reflect that.”

This isn’t Benway’s first time working on “Necessary Targets.” Six years ago, she worked on the show as a high school light board operator. “It’s the show that truly made me realize the impact theater can have on an individual. I couldn’t stop thinking about the struggles of these characters, and the history behind the piece,” she wrote in an email to The Hoot.

For the most part, seniors are happy so far with their shows.

“I never expected this script to end up as humorous and sincere as it currently is. I worked through so many different concepts and characters, and I honestly can’t believe it has evolved into what it is today. While there is plenty of room for it to grow and further evolve, I’m still thrilled at how far it’s come,” Fosler said.

Dick echoed the same excitement, saying “Honestly, this show has exceeded my wildest dreams. I could not have asked for a more talented, committed and unique group of people with which to do my senior project. I am so proud of what we have accomplished. I cannot wait any longer to share our amazing work with an audience.”

“I wanted to share a very real and very raw experience with a talented group of people,” Dick said of the process, “and then with an audience.

That’s what theater is to me.”

Every senior has put the knowledge that comes from the work of their years at Brandeis and of doing theater into these theses. Free shows throughout the week and weekend give the community an opportunity to support these students and all of their hard work.

The Senior Festival started on Tuesday, Mar. 18 and will run through Sunday, Mar. 23 with three performances of each show in the Laurie Theater in Spingold. The schedule can be found on the Brandeis Theater Company’s 2013-2014 season’s page online.

A funny and relaxed night at ‘Mondays with Morrie’

By Cheshta Singh special to the hoot

This past Monday night, Chum’s hosted “Mondays with Morrie,” a semi-regular campus comedy show.

The night featured performances that ranged from stand-up routines to improv games, all performed and run by students in the comedy community.

The topics ran the gamut from religion to hangovers.

For those who don’t know, Chum’s is a cozy coffeehouse nestled in the corner of the Castle. It’s a very homey environment at times and the perfect spot for low-key events designed to reduce stress like this comedy show, which ran from 9-11 p.m.

The first performer was Jason Kasman ’16, who did stand-up comedy.

The audience, while still small so early in the night, had a good time laughing at his jokes. His routine revolved around a kid who tried to convert to another religion when he was in elementary school. At one point, Kasman stood away from the microphone and performed a magic trick where he stuck a coin into his ear and then sneezed it out of his nose.

Sam Daniels ’16 performed standup for the first time, announcing during her set that she was a “stand-up virgin” no longer. Daniels elicited laughter from the audience through-

comedy night Stand up and improv at Chums was fun and exciting.

out her routine as she cracked jokes about her love life and common college experiences.

Fiona Merullo ’16 also had a memorable stand-up comedy performance. She made very relatable jokes and discussed everyday experiences, offering an interesting perspective on what most people consider to be mundane matters. Although I don’t watch the TV show “Breaking Bad,” I’ve heard enough stories from other people to know that the show is dramatic and full of tension. Merullo explained that she is very on edge while she watches it. Given that most people have already seen the episodes and

posted about it on Twitter, she said, she gets hysterical while watching the show, unsure when dramatic and pivotal moments will occur. “Walter’s making a sandwich. Ooh, something bad’s going to happen! It’s probably going to explode, or maybe he’s going to combust and die,” she exclaimed and the audience laughed.

Another funny tidbit she mentioned was how hangovers might not be such a bad thing, because they are a physical reminder of how you shouldn’t have done something.

If you wake up without a hangover, she explained, you don’t realize that that there are consequences to your

photos by emily reich/the hoot

actions—unless you sent some late night text messages while you were drunk, in which case that would be a substantial reminder. Merullo performed halfway into the night, keeping the mood up and the comedy great.

After the stand-up performances, some members in the audience participated in some improv games.

Many people were willing to participate and there ended up being fewer members remaining in the audience than there were participating on stage. It was entertaining, and I was surprised that the show was so active and intent on audience participation.

Participants gave very simple and witty answers to the statement “I like my men/women like I like my (the audience supplied nouns such as ‘hats’).”

It was exciting to see how fast people were able to think on their feet.

“Mondays with Morrie” (a play on the title of Brandeis alum Mitch Albom’s best selling “Tuesdays with Morrie”) had a very laid-back environment. Although most people who attended the event were already involved with comedy on campus, the very easygoing atmosphere provided for an entertaining night where newcomers could take risks and participate in the show if they so chose.

EDITORIALS

10 The Brandeis Hoot

March 21, 2014

Administration failing to meet students halfway “To acquire wisdom, one must observe.”

Editors-in-Chief Emily Stott Dana Trismen Andrew Elmers Opinion Editor Dani Chasin Sports Editor Theresa Gaffney Arts, Etc. Editor Mia Edelstein Copy Editor Julie Landy Copy Editor Jesse Zeng Photography Editor Jun Zhao Graphics Editor Katie Chin Online Editor Michelle Kim Deputy Arts Editor Jess Linde Deputy News Editor Emily Belowich Deputy News Editor Nate Rosenbloom Senior Editor

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T

he Student Union sponsored a round-table discussion Thursday, March 21 to try to address the numerous concerns being put forth by students over the past year. Attempting to reply to questions concerning executive pay, future dining services and tuition costs, the Student Union and Administration came together to make university policies more transparent to students. The Hoot applauds this effort on the surface. It is excellent that administration wishes to communicate with students face to face, yet, as what happens all too often with these sorts of events, it degenerated into Andrew Flagel, senior vice president of students and enrollment, and Ellen de Graffenreid, senior vice president of communications, offering the same manufactured statements.

As time wore on, the promising event began to go downhill, as administration members gave opaque answers. While the administration brought up the large overhaul renovations and other, unnamed big changes to the dining service within the next two years, the representatives failed to provide any qualitative answers. This turned this promising

event turned into a long talk without substance. Attempting to shallowly placate students’ concerns without offering any real solutions is unfair to the student body that these representatives claim to desire the best for. While the average Brandeis student’s postgraduate debt may be lower than students’ from most other colleges, that excuse does not address the fact that many students will be leaving Brandeis with up to $200,000 in debt.

Neither does this response in any way relate to the issue of Brandeis’ “Executive Compensation” policy. During the forum, de Graffenreid offered the familiar argument that new levels of transparency in the policy was a good thing, again comparing Brandeis’ stance on the issue to that of other schools. This misses the point of complaints against the policy. Brandeis undergraduates did not brave a winter storm to physically protest a lack of transparency. They and like-minded students who started online petitions and spoke to administrators about the issue wanted a justification for the substantial payments given to executives, both current and former. They wanted to know how a school dedicated

to social justice could continue such a policy while simultaneously raising tuition.

Brandeis’ administration has consistently failed to provide a satisfactory answer to all of these questions. As seen in Thursday’s forum, representatives of the administration dedicated to the satisfaction of students apparently only have one way to respond. If it is not already clear, The Brandeis Hoot does not believe that this response is acceptable.

The university must take substantive action to meet its own mottos of fairness and social justice, and it must work with students to do so. While students are able to reach the administration through the Student Union and other representatives such as Andrew Flagel and Dean of Student Life Jamele Adams, many students desire a more direct way to make their voices heard. Students have the ability and the will to create proposals to the Board that will address their concerns, but that ability is hampered if the university is only willing to meet at a point they designate, rather than halfway. Brandeis students know what they want. All they need is an administration willing to look them in the eye as equals.

SPORTS

March 21, 2014

By Charlie Romanow

The Brandeis Hoot 11

Baseball team 2-6 in UAA Tournament

Staff

The baseball team managed one win in the final half of their eight game University Athletic Championship in Florida. They defeated Washington University in St. Louis on Thursday 5-3. They had lost to them three days earlier 8-3. The first run of the game came from the Bears in the bottom of the third. They loaded the bases with no outs on a hit batter and two singles. Chris Lowery knocked in Stewart Martens on a groundout to third base. The Judges also put up a run in the fourth on an opportune balk, but ended the inning with Tom McCarthy ‘15 being thrown out at home on an attempted sac fly by Dan Gad ‘14. Brandeis had another chance in the sixth but Sam Miller ‘16 was thrown out on an attempted suicide squeeze. The small ball finally paid off in the seventh as McCarthy tied the game on a fielder’s choice by Greg Heineman ‘16 after reaching on a double to right field. Bears starting pitcher Kunal Patel had the Judges controlled over his seven and a third innings allowing only three hits, but Brandeis was able to strike ahead off

relief pitcher Brad Margolin. McCarthy began with a single to left center, allowing Ryan Tettemer ‘17 to come in to pinch run. Dan Gad singled to left, and Heineman was able to reach on the next at bat as Gad and Tettemer advanced on a throwing error.

With one out and the bases loaded Rob Trenk ‘15 singled down the left field line to score Gad and Tettemer.

Trenk and Heineman then each advanced on a wild pitch. After Max Hart ‘16 struck out, the Judges still had two runners in scoring position with two outs. Miller singled to right center to score both runners, later ending the inning with a 5-1 lead.

The Bears roared back in their final chance loading the bases with no outs on a double, single and walk off of starter Bring Ing ‘14. Elio Fernandez ‘15 came in to minimize the damage and secure the win. A runner scored on a fielder’s choice and another on a single to right field. With the leading run at the plate, Fernandez got Zack Kessinger, last years’ tournament’s most valuable player, to fly out to left field and end the game.

McCarthy was solid on offense going 4-4 with a run. Ing received his

first win of the year after lasting eight innings allowing ten hits, three runs and two walks. Fernandez earned the save. Margolin left with the lost.

Brandeis took advantage of opportunities on offense, being outhit by Wash U. 11-7. The Bears were un-

able to bring runners full circle, leaving ten runners on base. Brandeis is now 6-8 overall and 2-6 in the UAA. Wash U. is 5-7 overall, 4-4 in conference. Case Western Reserve University and Emory University are each conference champions, going 6-2 in

the tournament. Brandeis’ scheduled games against Bridgewater State University and Wentworth Institute of Technology were canceled this week due to weather. They return to the field at home on Friday against Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

photo by sportspix

Softball team defeats 9th ranked emory

photo by firstname jan volk/sportspix

By Charlie Romanow Staff

The softball team left the University Athletic Association tournament 3-5

but ended on a high note, defeating ninth ranked Emory University 1211. Brandeis had lost to them 14-6 in six innings last week. The offensive rush began quickly as the Eagles Megan Light hit a two-run homer in

the top of the first. Brandeis scored in the bottom of the first as Amanda Genovese ‘15 reached on a bunt, stole second and reached home on a single to right by Madison Gagnon ‘16. They took the lead in the next inning as the

first four batters reached base. Melissa Nolan ‘14 drove in Danielle Novotny ‘16 on a single to left field and Madison Hunter ‘17 drove in Madison Sullivan ‘16 on a fielder’s choice. They had a chance to further the lead in the inning with the bases loaded with two outs but left all three runners on base.

The team had a similar opportunity in the following inning; bases loaded with two outs, but responded differently. Cori Coleman ‘15 walked to bring home Novotny, Sullivan scored on a wild pitch and Genovese tripled to center field to bring home Coleman and Hunter. The Brandeis offenses power was evident in the fourth as Anya Kamber ‘15 doubled to right, scoring Jordan Buscetto ‘16. Sullivan subsequently hit a two-run home run to lead 10-2. Seeming like an upset blowout, the Eagles came back with their own surge of runs in the fifth, scoring four runs on a single grand slam swing by Hannah Sendel. This came after an intentional walk with runners on first and second. Emory took the lead 11-10 in the five-run sixth which featured three doubles, a balk, walk, error, illegal pitch and three-run home run. Hunter tied the

game in the bottom of the sixth on a walk after reaching on a single to left as five batters reached base with two outs. The Eagles offense was halted in the seventh with nobody reaching the bases. Brandeis won the game in the bottom of the seventh. Kamber reached on an error and stole second.

Leah Shapiro ‘17 came in to pinchrun and scored on a double down the right field line by Novotny.

Nolan earned the win, pitching a one-two-three final seventh inning.

Sullivan led the offense going 3-4 with three runs and two RBI’s. Genovese, Gagnon, Nolan and Hunter each had two hits. Genovese, Gagnon and Sullivan had two RBI’s apiece and Novotny and Hunter each had two runs. Washington University in St. Louis and Emory share the UAA Tournament trophy. Emory slipped down in the rankings to 14th. This is Brandeis’ first defeat of Emory since 1999, a 30 game losing streak. Wash U. and Emory share the UAA Tournament trophy. Brandeis leaves at 9-5 overall. They have two doubleheaders this weekend; on Saturday at Clark University and on Sunday at Norwich University.

Women’s tennis wins two, men narrowly lose

By Charlie Romanow Staff

The 24th ranked women’s tennis team had a much easier time against NYU on Saturday, defeating them 8-1. In doubles competition Carley Cooke ‘15 and Simone Vandroff ‘15, Allyson Bernstein ‘14 and Marissa Lazar ‘14 and Roberta Bergstein ‘14 and Sarita Biswas ‘16 each won by large margins. The third through sixth seeds of the singles portion also won fairly easily in straight sets.

These winners were Vandroff, Emily Eska ‘16, Alexa Katz ‘14 and Hannah Marion ‘16. The match of number one pairings featured the only threeset competition of the event in which Bernstein defeated Alison Wang 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. The Violets fall to 0-2 this year.

The Judges dominant performance came a day after their 5-4 defeat of 30th ranked Wellesley College in Waltham. Cooke and Vandroff won the number one doubles match 8-4 and Bernstein and Lazar won at the

second spot 8-5. Brandeis’ 2-1 advantage in doubles allowed them to split the singles matches 3-3 to win overall.

Cooke and Eska each won their first and fifth placed matches in straight sets. Cooke won the final six games of her second set. Vandroff won a hardfought fourth seeded match 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. NYU falls to 0-2. Brandeis moves to 3-5. They face Bentley University at home on Friday and travel to Babson College next Thursday.

The men’s tennis team lost a close match, 5-4 this Saturday in the Bronx against 24th ranked New York University in each team’s first conference match of the season. Brandeis took a 2-1 lead after doubles matches. Brian Granoff ‘17 and Michael Secular ‘16 won in the number two spot and Jeff Cherkin ‘17 and Alec Siegel ‘15 won in the third pairing, each match ending 8-2. Siegel and Secular continued to play well, winning the fifth and sixth spot matches, 6-4, 6-4 and 6-1, 7-5 respectively. NYU won in the top four singles spots but received some challenge in the third and fourth pairs that each went three sets. Dan-

ny Lubarsky ‘16 and Ryan Bunis ‘17 each lost the first set but responded in the second by winning 6-1 and 6-4

respectively before losing close final sets 6-4 and 7-5. NYU extends their perfect season to 3-0 and Brandeis

falls to 4-3. They will face the Coast Guard Academy this Saturday on the road.

photo by jan volk/sportspix

12 The Brandeis Hoot

OPINION

March 21, 2014

University can offer more than hypocrisy

By Andrew Elmers Editor

I like to watch “The Daily Show.” As it name suggests, I tend to watch it every day, usually while eating a bowl of cereal the morning after a new episode airs. This past Friday, after finishing my classes and getting something to eat, I sat down to watch the latest episode. Now I usually skip past the guest, because I like to laugh when I watch something, not think about what someone wrote about or is trying to promote.

Yet with this latest episode I felt I was obligated to sit through the interview, because it was my Brandeisian duty to hear what Anita Hill (HS) had to say.

She was on the show to promote a documentary recently released that covers her experience after accusing Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment during his 1991 Supreme Court confirmation hearings. During the interview with Jon Stewart, Hill said that since the hearings, public perception around sexual harassment has changed to allow women “to tell what their experiences have been like and what the personal toll is on our lives.” She also mentioned that after the hearings, the number of reported sexual harassment claims doubled within a few years, showcasing the empowerment women gained because she spoke out.

Something that was so rare at the time, to speak out publicly about sexual harassment or assault, has now become a more acceptable and encouraged act.

The SpeakOut! Brandeis Tumblr

photo from internet source

has recently become the most accessible medium for students here at Brandeis to do so. Browsing through the responses, one common theme arises from a good portion of the victims.

They say that they felt unsupported by the administration in their confessions and that no one listened to them. Even if the administration has been forthright in some individual cases, the lack of a general response to this flood of anonymous confessions is telling.

Maybe the administration is unwilling to respond to such allegations that have not been put through the necessary procedures on campus to report a harassment or assault. Perhaps they are wary of making light of this concern on campus that is now public after years of be-

ing kept in the backs of people’s minds. Yes, sexual assaults occur, but if they aren’t occurring to me or someone I know personally, then I tend not to think about it as being an issue.

With this Tumblr blog, the facts become clear to everyone; the crimes are brought right to our faces, and there needs to be a response to it.

With such a courageous and admirable woman like Anita Hill as a member of the faculty, one would think that the administration would be more supportive of a group of students confiding in each other about their experience. Yet there is a clear divide between what the administration promotes and what it does.

This sort of hypocrisy doesn’t just end with these recent overt confessions. Numerous other

decisions made by the administration have counterbalanced the education and values the school has tried to instill in students.

Consider the buy-out plan offered to university staff older than 60 to retire and receive a severance package for doing so.

This arrangement could coerce staff members to make decisions based on the present circumstances and offer at hand without taking to mind their overall goals for their career. In a fear that this offer might not still be on the table when they do decide to retire, a staff member might choose to simply take the money and run. This ultimately asserts the university’s dominance over the staff, a group that contributes to the Brandeis community just as much as the faculty or stu-

dents. While this proposal can be extremely beneficial to some who have been planning to retire and now have the incentive to do so, others are faced with the implication that they are no longer endorsed as employees if they turn down the offer.

These are the types of actions the school preaches against in its eternal proverb of social justice. Groups in power should not be trying to gain more power by forcing others with an ultimatum. A sociology class offered titled Protest, Politics, and Change: Social Movements covers these types of situations involving an embattled group against the controlling body, specifically the California Farm Workers movement. Students See HYPOCRISY, page 15

Advocating for a more prudent approach to Crimea situation

photo by Janet Jun Zhou/the hoot

By Dennis Averin Special to the Hoot

A few weeks ago, Brandeis Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) hosted keynote speaker Max Blumenthal, a widely known journalist who recently wrote a book about the state of affairs in Israel. While he spoke about apartheid in Israel, a stone’s throw across the Mediterranean there were different talks of “separateness” occurring. In Ukraine,

threats of civil war and secession have rocked the country for weeks. This all started in November when thousands of Ukrainian citizens gathered in Kiev’s Maidan square to protest President Viktor Yanukovych’s refusal for closer European integration. Many in Western Ukraine believed closer economic integration with the European Union would force the country to solve its massive corruption problem. For Yanukovych, the decision was either to accept European money with strings attached or take Russian

money with no strings attached.

Of course, Yanukovych signed an agreement with Moscow for loans and prices on Russian gas which are cheaper than those offered to other countries. The almost four-monthlong protests ended with Yanukovych being ousted and a Western-leaning interim government coming to power. Quick as lightning, Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, struck. He sent Russian troops to occupy the Ukrainian southern peninsula of Crimea.

The peninsula is strategically impor-

tant to Russia because the Russian Black Sea fleet is stationed at the port city of Sevastopol. The situation is the same as the U.S. having a naval base at Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay. Currently, Russian troops occupy the peninsula and are essentially holding the Ukrainian military personnel hostage.

In this huge mess of political, social, economic and military issues, what is the United States to do? Are we to charge in with the cavalry and respond to Russia’s force with force?

Should we pressure European leaders

to impose harsh economic sanctions on Russia such as a trade moratorium on Russian natural gas, the country’s main export to Europe and a pillar of its economy? Or maybe we should use our political axe and deny U.S. visas to Russian citizens and freeze their bank accounts in the U.S.? Here is what I think we should do: mostly nothing.

As a country we have no large interests in Ukraine. The U.S. conducts little trade with Ukraine and even less money is invested in Ukrainian businesses. Besides acting as a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe, Ukraine has no geopolitical value to the U.S. either, but to Russia, Crimea does have huge value. With little connecting us to the country, why should we intervene? Naively, some may argue that it is the U.S.’s job to uphold democratic ideals and support popular revolutions around the world that try to create a more just society. While we should help countries when we can, this is not one of those cases. Ukraine’s problems are deeply rooted and not clearly understood by the West. If we intervened, nothing would be solved, and one more region of the world would hate the U.S. First, political corruption cannot be eradicated from Ukrainian politics by ousting Yanukovych and his allies because it is rampant everywhere. As I have learned from family and friends See CRIMEA, page 14

March 21, 2014

OPINION 13

The Brandeis Hoot

Virtues of a diverse campus

By Nabi Menai

Special to the Hoot

Diversity is a unique word. It is extremely versatile and is often used in many different contexts. At the core, diversity literally means “having variety,” or “range.” Taken at face value, then, one would assume that diversity can be attributed to almost anything, whether it is a group of people or a collection of cars.

Deeper within the meaning, however, the word takes on more importance. It is easy to spot diversity or to strive toward it, but it is harder to realize where it leads you. Realizing the essence of diversity should inform you about something rather than just telling you that particular thing is different. When diversity leads you past something, it has accomplished its goal.

It is not news that Brandeis is teeming with diversity. Diversity, as well as a plethora of other qualities, is what makes everyone at this school special. The diversity exhibited here, however, is not because people have different socioeconomic backgrounds, religion or culture, but because they have individual traits and perspectives. These traits, such as passions and interests, have been honed for years and viewpoints have developed in light of them.

One’s background and exposure definitely influences these perspectives and interests, but they differ from individual to individual. It is easy to conflate diversity with religion or culture, but the crux of diversity transcends these barriers and only serves to sharpen individuality.

One of the ways in which diversity is exhibited here is

photo by Janet Jun Zhou/the hoot

through the array of opinions people have about issues they hold dear. Whether they pertain to social justice, the environment or the arts, everyone has a voice.

One of the caveats that often comes with diversity, however, is trying to polarize other’s viewpoints. Opinions are not actually “diverse” when they are simply completely different from someone else’s opinion on the matter.

Having a diverse opinion means

that you have taken into account the other side and evaluated it for yourself. It is for the individual to decide whether they concur or disagree with a certain view.

During the Israeli-Apartheid week, for instance, there were many polarized opinions despite that the issue is not clear-cut.

There are perspectives to be considered from a broad spectrum, and it is crucial not to label any one idea as completely one-sided.

When pointing out this flaw, diversity loses its importance as it just serves to divide the populace and not assist in evolving its thinking. When debating about such complex political or global matters, it is always important to take into account how opinions are formed. People’s backgrounds differ and their ideas have been influenced in several ways. It is not wrong for ideas to mesh and then to reach a common solution.

As long as that solution serves the common good or leads to something better, it doesn’t matter how it conflicts from another point of view.

Diversity isn’t solely evidenced through opinions, though. One of the main ways in which it is shown is through the skill sets that people possess, the skill sets that are the result of different interests sparked by one’s environment and background. When growing up in a certain culture or environment one may develop a strong penchant for music and this may lead them to pick up a violin or guitar. As they pursue these different avenues they may find they have a passion for it.

The same is true of academia, the arts, books and sports. How we develop our passions and the skills that we acquire through pursuing our interests is what makes us diverse. Even if it is on a trip to a new place or through immersion in a foreign culture, a passion may be sparked.

Just immersing yourself in new cultures and traveling does not reinforce diversity, though. Taking something meaningful away from each unique experience and pursuing it is what does.

The concept of diversity is intricate. It cannot be applied to everything. For something to display diversity or for someone to have a diverse viewpoint, it has to make a statement. Sometimes, this point can be made through artistic expression or debate or even other modes of communication, but in the end it helps us evolve as people. When diversity reinforces the virtue of a collective society, only then can we fathom its true meaning.

Drivers must be more conscientious on Loop Road

By Maryanne Cai Special to the Hoot

It is five minutes until class starts, and you are running toward the Rabb Steps to make it on time. As you try to cross the road to get to the Rabb Steps, a car suddenly speeds through. You are surprised that the driver drove so fast and feel lucky that you are safe and sound.

You remind yourself to look for a car coming before you cross Loop Road next time.

It is not surprising to hear that people are driving too fast at Brandeis. Many people do drive fast on South Street, to the point where the city of Waltham had to place a pedestrian crossing signal near the Foster Mods. However, many drivers also speed on Loop Road. Unlike South Street, there is no crosswalk light slowing down cars. This is a problem as many students have to cross Loop Road often. They cross Loop Road to get to the Rabb Steps or to the Mandel Center or even to East Quad.

I cross Loop Road at least five or six times a day to get to class, my dorm and Usdan. I do not like it when drivers speed on Loop Road.

If a driver does not hit the brakes on time when someone is crossing, it can lead to a very serious accident.

Many car accidents have occurred on South Street over the years. The most recent one was this past February, when three students were struck by a car on the crosswalk. No one wants this to happen again, so

Brandeis is taking many measures to ensure the safety of the Brandeis community. However, the issue with cars speeding around Loop Road still remains unaddressed. It is better to address this problem now rather than wait for a car accident to occur and respond to it afterwards.

There are a few solutions to solve this problem. One possible solution is to install a pedestrian crossing signal next to the Rabb Steps since many students need to get to the Mandel Quad for class. This way, students can press the button for the light to signal and alert drivers to stop when they might not exactly see a student about to cross. However, this solution is not that practical as it would be expensive to install a traffic light next to Rabb steps and maintain it. Also, it would be inconvenient for students to press a button and cross Loop Road as they are rushing to class, and they might not want to wait to safely cross.

Installing a motion sensor traffic light would make it more convenient for students to cross Loop Road. But Loop Road is only one way. Unlike South Street, which is a two-way street, it is easier to see when a car is moving or see students wanting to cross. Having a traffic light near the Rabb Steps might be more troublesome than not having one.

Another possible solution is to encourage drivers to slow down when driving around campus, either through an increased police presence or more signage alerting

photo by Janet Jun Zhou/the hoot

them to the speed limit. This way, students do not have to fear for their lives walking out into the street if a driver is going too fast on Loop Road. Some drivers might wind up pleading ignorance if they accidentally cause an accident, claiming that they weren’t aware of the speed limit.

Although there are many drivers who go too fast around Loop Road, students should also be cautious

when crossing the street. Students need to be cognizant of their surroundings while crossing, making sure nothing is coming around a blind corner. If students suddenly ran across Loop Road, it could surprise drivers and they might not be able to stop in time.

It is important to keep an eye out for cars coming down Loop Road, even if it means waiting a few minutes for the cars to pass through.

If we all did our part in being safer around campus, Loop Road would be a bit safer for everyone to walk and drive. Rather than hoping for no car accidents to occur, we should take action and encourage drivers to slow down while driving around campus and students to look both ways before crossing the street.

While this may seem a bit immature, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

14 OPINION

The Brandeis Hoot

March 21, 2014

U.S. would be wise to stay away from Crimea CRIMEA, from page 12

tion is rampant in almost all echelons of government in the European nation. Politicians can be corrupt across all parties because it is simply the way things have always been done and the way they still are. Secondly, supporting “Svoboda,” one of the parties of the coalition in charge of the new government, would be to support a party of nationalist and fascist antiSemites. To do that would be hypocritical of U.S. policy.

It is up to the Ukrainian people themselves to remove the culture of corruption and bribery from their society. Some might also argue that we should intervene to prevent Crimea from splitting off from Ukraine and joining Russia because the referendum seemed coerced by the occupying military and was not sanctioned

by the Ukrainian government. Once again, this does not matter for two reasons. First, the U.S. does not have any foreign interests in Crimea. Second, to oppose this would be to oppose the UN charter that the U.S. and over 140 countries support, that is to a nation’s right to self-determination without outside interference. In this case, it was the Crimean people’s choice to secede and join Russia.

If anything can be gleaned from this situation it is that the era of the U.S. being a major superpower and having a hand in all international affairs is over. We should not adopt an isolationist policy, which is absurd in today’s interconnected world, but rather we should pick our battles more wisely. America must use its resources and direct its people to address more pressing issues, like our domestic economy and troubles.

photo from internet source

How to deal with professors, roommates and boyfriends

Eliana’s Advice

By Eliana Sinoff Staff

Eliana, I was trying to email my dad a question about my chemistry class, since he is a professional chemist at a pharmaceutical firm and has been able to help me out in the past. After posing a rather boring question about covalent bonds, I included a bit about how annoying my professor is, how unfair his grading policies are and some pretty mean things about what I think he does after class. In my ever-sofortunate luck, as I was typing in my dad’s email, I accidentally auto-filled my professor’s email instead. The very professor I was mocking in the email.

Completely embarrassed about the situation, I haven’t been to class in the past few days. My professor answered my question about bonds, but didn’t mention anything about my theories on his love life. Should I even bother going to the class anymore, because I’m sure he’s probably going to fail me because of what I said? If I do decide to stay in the class, how should I talk to my professor about this? Or should I act like it never happened?

Embarrassed and Ashamed Dear Embarrassed and Ashamed, Oh my, that is quite a pickle. I completely understand the urge to release some steam by theorizing about professors’ love lives. First things first, I would start going to class again. Missing lectures is not going to help with your concerns about failing the class.

If it’s a big lecture, I wouldn’t be too worried. There are a lot of students to blend in with, and if you’re still con-

photo from internet source

cerned, just sit in the back and keep a low profile. Then, you need to apologize and get past it. Your professor seems to have decided to ignore your comments and go on with his life, so he might be somewhat understanding and possibly won’t fail you for them. I would go to him, or at least send him an email explaining your mistake, and say sorry. You could just pretend it didn’t happen, but then you won’t know where you stand or what to expect. Hopefully, your professor knows how to be professional and not take it too personally. Own up to your mistake and be brave. Everything should turn out fine.

-Eliana Eliana, Over the course of the year living in a forced, or should I say cramped, triple, I’ve had to withstand being so

close to other people. While I’ve been able to endure so far, and have a lot of fun sometimes, I’ve reached my breaking point. My two other roommates are driving me crazy. One of them eats all the food my mom makes me when I go home for break, as well as the Pop-Tarts that I eat for breakfast, without really asking. We all said at the beginning of the year that “what’s mine is yours,” but that doesn’t include my mom’s Rice Krispie treats.

My other roommate is a lot more considerate, but still gets on my nerves when she brings home some random guy, which happens a lot. I walk in to the room late one night, and she’s asleep with someone I’ve never met, and I feel awkward with a strange man in my room when I want to change and go to bed. How do I talk to my roommates about these problems I’m having, and how does it not come

photo from internet source

across bad if I’ve appeased these prac- I’m the one putting in all the work tices all year so far? looking at places, getting prices and Awkward and Hungry talking to landlords now. He can be inconsiderate sometimes, but I don’t Dear Awkward and Hungry, even want to think about breaking up Good job keeping it together this with him over such trivial things. How long! It’s totally normal to be annoyed do I talk to him about this and get him at people after living in confined to understand my point of view? spaces for long periods of time. You Sick of His Habits really just need to sit down with your roommates and tell them what’s going Dear Sick of His Habits, on. With the food, just tell her you’re That sounds pretty frustrating. All I willing to share, but you would prefer can really suggest is telling him what if she asked first. With the roommate you told me. It does not sound like who brings home random dudes, tell you need to break up with this guy her that it makes you uncomfortable if you really care about him and enand you would prefer that if she feels joy being with him. You just need to the need to spend a night with a guy help him get into some better habits. that she does it at his place. I think Go to him, and say that you wish he your main problem here is communi- would help out a bit more because you cation. Just remind them that you all feel as if you are doing all the work for need to be respectful of each other’s both of you and he is not contributing. space and belongings.

Don’t be angry or nag about it, but just -Eliana calmly say that you want to work on this with him. There is nothing wrong Eliana, with asking for help from the person I really like my boyfriend, and I love who is supposed to be your partner. to spend time with him whenever I You two should be fine. can, and I am really enjoying living -Eliana with him this semester. But some little things get in the way of the overall Dear Readers, If you can’t already good times. First of all, he never wash- tell, this is an advice column and I’m es the dishes. I don’t know if he’s lazy here to help you with any questions or he just has some antiquated and that you might have! If you want more out-of-date views of domestic roles, exciting questions, send them in and but I would really appreciate it if he I will do my best to answer them. could help keep the apartment clean. Whether it’s relationships, social Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one problems or just life in general—send who cares. Also, we live in Grad this them here. I can’t wait to start hearing year and are looking for off-campus about everyone’s problems (how often housing next year, but my boyfriend do you hear people say that? Oh yeah, doesn’t want to be bothered looking never). Send questions to Elianasadfor an apartment. He thinks things vice@gmail.com. will work themselves out. Meanwhile, Thanks! -Eliana

March 21, 2014

OPINION 15

The Brandeis Hoot

Classes teach one thing; univ practices opposite HYPOCRISY, from page 12

are taught that they should stick up for those without a voice, for those being intimidated, yet the university is behaving in the directly opposite manner.

The university’s investment in fossil fuel companies can also be an example of the school asking students to do as they say, but not as they do. With an entire department for Environmental Studies, the school understands the necessity of teaching the importance of protecting the environment and combating the effects the human population has on it with everyday practices.

Beyond that, there are campus programs aimed to promote an overall green environment, asking students to make sure they turn lights off and use washable dishes while eating instead of paper products.

However the Board of Trustees has turned away from these ideals and invest a majority of the university’s assets in fossil fuel companies, which directly contribute to the problems that students are trying to combat here on campus. Though there have been strong efforts to divest pushed by the student body and the formation of a committee to examine the financial impact of divestment, it is expected that the Board of Trustees will not completely divest funds from fossil fuel corporations. It’s unfortunate to think that the Board

photo from internet source

of Trustees, whose primary goal is to make sure the university is a respectable institution, will continue this policy of hypocrisy.

Yes, there are other reasons why these policies have been put in place and why it would be difficult to suddenly back out of them due to an outcry. Investing in fossil fuels is a prudent decision currently, although that might change soon, and some staff members are receiving the buy-out with open arms. But the school has a set of ideals and val-

ues already in place as evidenced by classes offered and campus programs advocating for social justice and green living. The administration expects students to be well-versed and cognizant of these issues in the global sphere and make an attempt to change them. It is then fair for students to expect the same of the administration, but they have let them down.

As for the response to these new confessions of sexual harassment and assault being presented

each and every day, the administration needs to make an attempt to reach out to these victims and support them in overcoming the attacks. Numerous strides have already been made to help those who have experienced an assault or been harassed, with the hiring of a dedicated specialist, Sheila McMahon, to support those in need. Still there is a disconnect between the administration and the confessors on the SpeakOut! Brandeis Tumblr, or else they wouldn’t be turning to that me-

dium to confide in. The school needs to recognize that in this modern world; someone turning to Tumblr to speak out is just as effective and apprehensive as being subpoenaed to Congress to talk about your experience in 1991, as Anita Hill was. Students are finding the courage to share with the community their experiences, and the school should make an honest effort to be attentive to these claims and help those in need, instead of turning their backs to the issue.

Lown fire alarms in need of update

By Shayna Korol Staff

On Wednesday, March 12, the fire alarm went off in Lown. At least that’s what I have been told, because a bell clanging like it’s announcing high school passing period and some flashing lights does not a fire alarm make. “Do you think it’s the carbon monoxide detector?” a classmate asked me as we walked, slowly, towards the front doors. The foyer smelled vaguely of smoke, like a glue gun had misfired. “Nah, CO is odorless,” someone else said.

I took part in the least urgent exodus of all time. Students in

my journalism class, myself included, took the time to put away our computers and chargers, put on our coats and grab our bags, because no one took this seriously. We’ve all been victim to a host of false alarms. Last semester, everyone living in Shapiro dorm was herded unceremoniously outdoors into the freezing cold at four in the morning because either some idiot didn’t know how to microwave their popcorn or it was yet another illtimed drill. I understand that fire alarms don’t discriminate, and that where there’s smoke there may well be fire, and that we’re better safe than sorry. I get that.

It’s been drilled into my head deeper than “stop, drop and roll” when it comes to safety around flammable items.

The fact that we weren’t sure if it was a fire alarm in the first place speaks to the need for a replacement alarm in Lown at the very least. It’s an older building, serviceable enough to do without renovation, but an alarm system is not where costs can be cut.

An update is in order.

I found out later from a classmate that a piece of photography equipment misfired, so my original glue gun theory wasn’t too far off. People crowded right outside the front doors, some even sit-

photo from internet source

photo from internet source

ting up against the glass. It wasn’t a big deal this time because an all-out fire didn’t start, but if it had, there were serious safety violations. Very few people put distance between themselves and the building, and while the nonchalant response didn’t hurt anyone this time, people were too complacent.

In the case of a real fire, that attitude is disastrous. I blame what passes for an alarm in Lown. As irritating as the deafening noise and flashing lights are during drills in other buildings, they’re impossible to ignore, and that’s what makes them effective. At the risk of sounding like a fire safety video or pamphlet, there should be no delay in evacuating the premises, no pause to put away valuable electronics and get papers in order. An audible alarm helps contribute to an atmosphere of urgency, of actual emergency.

“Do you think we can go back in?” another classmate wondered, before being told that the alarm was still going off. It was almost impossible to tell, standing outside the building. A lot

of people wandered off and left before the fire department arrived, none too hasty. Class time was cut into, and on that day I had a course that only met once a week. That’s not the fault of the administration, of course, but time was lost, and no one was entirely sure why.

I’m no expert, but crowding in groups around the entrance of a building in which an alarm has just went off seems like a terrible idea, but there we were. If the noise from the alarm were near deafening and the lights more persistent, that would not have been the case.

The Lown fire alarm fiasco, for most students, served as a chance to leave class early. While that was all well and good for those looking to get out of class, it was only benign because there was no fire. Habits are hard to break, and underestimating the situation could lead to a repeat of this behavior in higher stakes. There’s a simple fix, simpler than not setting off the smoke detector over something inconsequential, and that is updating the fire alarm so that it is up to standards.

March 21, 2014

ARTS, ETC.

The Brandeis Hoot 11

A sweet cup of culture at K-Nite Café

By Jamie Wong

special to the hoot

Levin Ballroom, usually drab and more like a gym than a formal space, transformed into a chic café last Saturday night. Brandeis Korean Students Association (BKSA) went all out and made sure the guests really felt like they walked into a café instead of a shabbily decorated ballroom. From the well-decorated tables to the wood paneled backdrop, coupled with a gold sign spelling out “K-Nite Café,” the atmosphere was set. The theme introduced all of the guests to Korea’s contemporary café culture and the light-hearted, almost flirty mood that comes with it.

One of the most common ways an event can go wrong is with a boring host, but BKSA avoided that blunder with their dynamic duo MC Grace and MC Eugene. Armed with witty skits about ideal types and Eugene’s charming but ineffective attempts to win Grace’s favor, the pair started the night off on a sweet note and continued to entertain the crowd through the night. Next came the usual EBoard Video, introducing all of the members of the E-Board, which let the guests go on a speed date with each member. Ranging from cute to funny, each introduction had the crowd laughing, cheering, aww-ing or all of the above.

The performances started off with a bang with the one, the only, WONE. A guest rapper with a dream, he delivered verses in both Korean and English. One of the catchier tracks, titled “Rain,” had a hook any guest could appreciate and a mixed track of “Rocketeer” by Far East Move-

photo by katie chin/the hoot

mhmm, coffee BKSA danced the night away.

ment had the crowd singing along.

After his high energy performance, the next act from “The Acafellas” directed by act leader Tammy Chung ’14 left the crowd with smiles on their faces after their sweet tunes and short charming skits about the two lead singers and their unrequited love. Even sweeter were the red bean bun treats from Tours Les Jour, one of the more popular Korean bakeries.

K-Nite then took a cultural turn with a Korean Traditional Fan Dance called Buchaechum. Led by Brontte Huang ’15, the girls spun around in brightly-colored traditional Korean

dresses called Hanboks. It was a gorgeous performance rife with bright visuals, elegant movements reminiscent of waves or flowers and grace.

At the end, Huang spoke about Brandeis Liberty in North Korea, LiNK, and their mission to spread awareness about the troubling situation in North Korea. She also announced their upcoming event on Apr. 10 where a group from the main LiNK group will hold an interactive presentation about the challenges the North Korean people face and how they can be helped. True to the Brandeis spirit, activism is always present at events and activists for

World Slum Day were also there encouraging students to join the movement and silence their voices so that urban slum dwellers can be supported, empowered and heard.

Everyone’s heard of Korean Pop, more commonly known as K-Pop, at least once. It’s one of the most wellknown parts of the “Hallyu” (Korean) wave that swept the world. If not, now’s the time because the songs are insanely catchy, the idols perfectly poised and crafted for the camera and the dances are always impressive to watch. The Modern Dance act kicked off with the girl group and their charming cover of Apink’s “NoNoNo”

dance, which was accompanied with the loud screams of their male fans like a true Korean music show. Next was a sexy rendition of 4minute’s “What’s Your Name,” the ever-popular Girl’s Generation’s “I Got a Boy,” and then an explosive co-ed dance to Dynamic Duo’s “Three Dopeboyz.” Act leaders Grace Huang and Mark Borreliz ’14 clearly trained and taught their dances well because all of them were in sync, entertaining and looked like K-Pop stars.

If all of the events so far don’t pique any of your interests, the Three Drum Dance would’ve blown away any dissatisfaction. Chanhee Park, the founder of the Boston Korean Dance Group, and Hanah Yoo ’14, stunned the crowd with their impressive coordination and rhythmic moves. It was a performance made from years of practice and a spectacle the guests were lucky to experience.

With our hearts still pounding, KNite took us back to contemporary Korean culture with their impressive Rock Band. Abraham Woo ’17 kicked it off, with a rock cover of “Run Devil Run,” which had the crowd cheering.

The night ended with a heartwarming duet and if you regret missing them, make sure to look for the Rock Band at Culture X. If I could, I’d give K-Nite Café a fivestar review on Yelp for a great ambiance, uniquely Korean performances, delicious Korean food catered from Bonchon and Bibum and an enjoyable experience overall. Polished, thematic and entertaining, BKSA knows how to put on a show that showcases both contemporary and traditional Korean performances. Like all cultural events here, K-Nite was open to the public and was a night dedicated to sharing, and celebrating, Korean culture.