SEE INSIDE: Housing Fair Feb. 26 connects students with on and off-campus The options. See guide inside. living Chronicle
PAGE 9-10: Chicago mayoral race heats up as city approaches Election Day.
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Volume 54, Issue 20
February 25, 2019
Students tackle antiblackness in AsianAmerican culture
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2019 618 S. MICHIGAN AVE. STAGE TWO | 12PM-4PM GIVEAWAYS | FREE FOOD | SPECIAL DISCOUNTS | STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF WELCOME
» ALEXANDRA YETTER STAFF REPORTER ONE ASIAN STUDENT’S mother tells her to lock the door when black people are around. Another Asian student is uncomfortable with his father’s use of the N-word. A black student’s Asian professor once called his sci-fi film idea, which had an all-black cast, “Wakanda in space.” These were just some of the experiences brought to the Feb. 19 discussion about anti-blackness in the Asian-American community, hosted by the Asian Student Organization and the Black Student Union in the 618 S. Michigan Ave. Building. “We’ve been conditioned to feel like we are being pit against each other,” junior graphic design major Jess Oh said. “You know you’re
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living in a bubble, but then you leave and actually see how much of a bubble it is.” When defining anti-blackness, students shouted out terms such as racism, ignorance, stereotypes, misrepresentation and appropriation. Anti-blackness can include micro-aggressions, such as subconsciously not associating with black people, or macro-aggressions like using the N-word. “One has to be [intentional] about doing something within the realm of anti-blackness,” said Khalid Long, visiting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion scholar-in-residence in the Theatre Department. “That doesn’t mean that we all haven’t been systemically ingrained to perform anti-blackness ... but there is an intent by continuing to believe [those] notions.” Junior musical theatre major Tori James said it was frustrating to have black culture appropriated while black people are put down for their own culture. Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for the full story.
» HALIE PARKINSON/CHRONICLE
Khalid Long speaks to members of BSU and ASO regarding Anti-Blackness within their communities during a meeting at 618 S. Michigan Ave. Feb. 19.
CTA pilot program to transform transit experience
» KENDALL POLIDORI STAFF REPORTER LUNCH ON THE go, passport or souvenir photos and mobile charging packs will soon be available for passengers waiting on the train. The Chicago Transit Authority is introducing a pilot program at various rail stations across the city with these three new amenities. The program, announced Feb. 13, is scheduled to launch this spring with vending machines, including MobileQubes, DNP Photo Booth and Farmer’s Fridge. The vending machines will be placed in stations distinguished as high-traffic areas, according to a CTA press release. They will mostly be at Red Line stations, but will also be found at Indiana (Green), Damen (Pink), O’Hare (Blue), Midway (Orange) and stations where various lines intersect, such as Belmont, Fullerton and Washington/Wells.
Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for the full story. » IGNACIO CALDERON/CHRONICLE
editor’s note
Support needed for Loyola Phoenix amid media policy disputes » ARIANA PORTALATIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
T
he Loyola Phoenix, the student newspaper at Loyola University Chicago, gained recognition nationwide for its coverage of disagreements between the newspaper staff and college, stemming from a restrictive media policy enforced by Loyola’s communication spokespeople. According to a Feb. 13 editorial by the Phoenix Editorial Board, a reporter emailed several professors for interviews in pursuit of a story. The reporter did not receive a response from the professors, but instead heard from Communication Manager Evangeline Politis, who called their methods “disrespectful and unacceptable” because the communications office was not contacted first. The editorial stated that the media policy created a burden for reporters seeking interviews and information directly from sources. A Feb. 22 update on Loyola’s website from UMC Vice President Jeremy Langford stated the school was actively evaluating its media policy. The policy was revised to state that media personnel, college administrators and faculty were welcome to directly engage with each other. Although revisions are not complete, even this small change is a step forward from the previous policy. Not only did the university force its employees to seek approval before granting reporters interviews, it spread false information about newsgathering on its website in an attempt to back the policy. Some of this includes claims that “off the record” is “virtually nonexistent” and that journalists purposefully alter quotes or will pause at the end of a source’s answer during interviews in search of negative details or stories. Not only were these false claims a slap in the face to journalists, they were an insult to professors and mentors who work hard to educate others on ethical practices. The university also blamed the policy on liability concerns and inaccurate reporting by the Phoenix. Although they have been asked to clarify the inaccuracies and liabilities, the university has yet to respond. The good news is the school has created a task force of stakeholders and experts—including professional 2 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 25, 2019
MANAGEMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITORS
Ariana Portalatin Blaise Mesa Molly Walsh Zack Jackson Micha Thurston
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AD & BUSINESS MANAGER
REPORTERS
NEWS EDITOR REPORTERS
OPINIONS EDITOR
journalists—to revise its policy. Hopefully, the university will be able to COPY CHIEF see how journalists operate and what COPY EDITORS an appropriate policy should look like. This will require a self-reflection by the college on how it has previously handled media requests. GRAPHIC DESIGNERS The student publication began keeping a list of unanswered questions asked of Loyola’s administration, which included questions about safety, tuition and Ald. Ed Burke’s (14th Ward) con SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR nection to the university. Answers to STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS these questions are essential to Loyola’s campus, and the Phoenix pursuing these answers is what journalists are supposed to do. Answering these questions would have helped to avoid any “inaccuracies.” Fortunately, many recognized the VIDEOGRAPHERS flaws in Loyola’s media policy, and the student publication has gained support and recognition nationally. Apart from nationwide media coverage, two online petitions were created by alumni and MEDIA SALES REPS faculty in support of the Phoenix. Loyola said its media policy was in the it puts the BRAND MANAGER university’s best interest, but campus community at a disadvantage. It keeps Phoenix staff members from being able to do their jobs. It makes the WEBMASTER administration seem untrustworthy and deceptive. Worst of all, it keeps information from the people who need it the most—tuition-paying students, faculty GENERAL MANAGER and staff. FACULTY ADVISER If the university wants to protect its brand like it says it does, it should be transparent with information and serve its community. Support for the Phoenix should continue through the policy revision process, and the university should be held accountable to create an appropriate and beneficial media policy. @c cchronicle
aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com
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The term “N-word” is used in an article on the front page, referring to a student’s personal experience discussed during an on-campus event. The Chronicle does not condone or promote the use of this term nor the word it refers to; however, the content of the article requires its use for clarity. The Chronicle warns of its use and apologizes for any discomfort the printing of this term may cause.
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Students raise $1,000 for upcoming web series » ColumbiaChronicle.com
Columbia community members celebrate film successes
» KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER
» COURTESY JACKIE SPINNER
COLUMBIA IS NO stranger to success in the arts, and four members of the college community are currently celebrating the exposure and acclaim of their work in the film industry. Associate Professor in the Cinema and Television Arts Department Dan Rybicky’s documentary “Accident, MD” was made in June 2016, but he said it has only recently reached a peak in industry interest.
“To make a film in 2016 and have it resonate, be shared worldwide and seen more than anything I’ve ever made in 2019 has really been surprising,” Rybicky said. The documentary centers around the healthcare struggles of the small town Accident, Maryland. Rybicky got the idea for the project from a previous film he worked on and from his own personal struggle with large hospital bills. “[I wanted to] continue the conversation and make a film that was playful in title and
Associate Professor Jackie Spinner spent last summer editing her documentary “Don’t Forget Me” in the film building, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. Spinner is one of many in the Columbia community gaining recognition in the film and television industries.
style but really serious and trying to get at what is a crisis in our country,” Rybicky said. To create the film, Rybicky received two Faculty Development Grants from Columbia, one for $4,000 and another for $4,500. A few months ago, Independent Lens—a television showcase of independent documentary films that airs on most PBS member stations—approached Rybicky about the possibility of airing the film. He said the only stipulation was that it be cut down to eight and a half minutes, from the original 19. After cutting the film, it aired on Independent Lens Jan. 28. Rybicky was soon approached by Vimeo, which is now including the documentary as a staff pick with an editorial on the film. Rybicky added that Vimeo will exclusively play the full version on its website. Fellow Associate Professor in the Cinema and Television Arts Department David Tarleton also recently released a film, a thriller with elements of action, horror and romance titled “The Hunter.” The film is now available on streaming platforms, including Amazon, and will also be available on DVD from Redbox. The film focuses on a young homeless man “haunted by demons real and imagined,” Tarleton said.“[He] grapples with the brutal cold of a Chicago winter and the brutal truth of supernatural figures that slaughtered his family. He rises above being the victim and becomes the hunter.” The film took about four years to finish from when they started shooting, Tarleton said. While it was low-budget, Tarleton always had high aspirations .Since finishing the film last year, it has played in festivals and has won multiple awards, he added. The film was shot in Chicago with the aid of many Columbia faculty, alums and current students, Tarleton said. “There’s a lot of Columbia in this film,” Tarleton said. “As a faculty member, being able to bring members of the Columbia family into the project is just exciting.” A ssociate Professor i n t he Communication Department Jackie Spinner is also receiving attention for her a documentary, “Don’t Forget Me,” which received the Mike Covell Award at the Big Muddy Film Festival in Carbondale, Illinois. The documentary follows three Moroccan families with children on the autism spectrum. Their parents are struggling to educate them in a country where children with disabilities are not allowed to attend school. Spinner said the documentary was inspired by her own experience with her
sons, whom she adopted from Morocco and were later diagnosed with autism. “In America, we have a law that gives all children a right to go to school, regardless of whether they have a disability,” Spinner said. “The goal of the film is to be a part of that conversation, both in Morocco and in America. I want the law to change in Morocco.” Spinner started working on her documentary in August 2017 and spent three months shooting the film in Morocco before returning to Chicago to edit it. “Columbia was a key part of the film,” Spinner said. “I spent much of last summer at 1104 [S. Wabash Ave.] working on the film with a fantastic crew of Columbia staff and students.” “Don’t Forget Me” will have its official U.S. premiere March 9 at Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. The screening is free to all who register in advance. Junior cinema art and science major Quentin Sanders is currently celebrating recent projects of his own. Sanders starred in a feature-length film “A Chance in the World,” which was released digitally Jan. 1. Sanders’ most recent role was as a patient on the Feb. 20 episode of “Chicago Med.” While he is focused on studying directing, Sanders said his passion for acting led him to pursue it professionally. “I act on the side because I feel like, as a good director, I need to know how my actors are thinking, and I need to know what is going on in their heads and how to direct them correctly,” Sanders said. “There’s no better way to direct someone than if you’ve been in their position before.” While it was not Sanders’ first time seeing himself on screen, it was his first time on a TV show. “I [didn’t] feel nervous. I [felt] like I was ready to go. I [was] excited to see my decisions put on the screen. It [was] an honor to be on set with such amazing actors.” According to Sanders, his Columbia experience has helped him during his outside roles, and he plans to continue pursuing acting. “My plans are to keep going,” he said. “Maybe get on some shows that put me in the position to [win] awards, such as Emmys, and put myself in a position to audition for bigger movies that will potentially get nominated for Oscars. [I want to] keep building my resume up and making it as easy as possible for me to jump into the director seat when I am ready.” kwatt@columbiachronicle.com
FEBRUARY 25, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 3
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» YASMEEN SHEIKAH STAFF REPORTER THE MUSEUM OF Contemporary Photography will host its annual Darkroom fundraiser Feb. 28 in an effort to bridge its funding gap. The event will honor an acclaimed Moroccan-born photographer and feature an artist auction plus cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Retired faculty member and former Photography Department Chair Bob Thall has participated in the auction on numerous occasions and is auctioning his work once again during the event. Thall started working at Columbia in 1978. “I saw it develop from a little Photography Department gallery in an empty classroom when we were on Ohio Street,” he said. “I have watched it grow into a really important institution.”
Manager of Development at MoCP Brenna Quinn said the museum is still in need of additional funds beyond what the school already provides. Columbia does not fund the museum in its entirety. According to the MoCP’s annual records, the college provided $758,636 last year. When the MoCP held its Darkroom event in 2018, it raised more than $200,000. “We do a significant amount of fundraising through grant writing and special events, such as the upcoming benefit,” Quinn said. The money received goes into the museum’s operating fund, which supports exhibitions, community programs and pays student workers, Quinn added. Regular tickets are priced at $150 and VIP tickets are $300. The auction is now live on the MoCP website.
Manager of Marketing and Community Engagement at MoCP Marissa Fox said the museum holds a significant collection. “The museum has been around since 1976,” she said. “We have over 15,000 works of art [and] photographic works in our collection. Some of the pieces are by famous historical photographers, such as Dorothea Lange, and then we collect mid-career and emerging photographers as well.” Senior photography major Maxwell Johnson is employed at the MoCP and said it needs room to expand. “I would love for the museum to eventually be able to grow out of the space it is currently in,” Johnson said. “The space we’re allowed is restricting, [but expansion] would take a lot of money.” Johnson also would like to see renovations especially consid-
ering that people come from all over the world to view the exhibits. With the current size of the museum, there is not enough room to display all of their photographs, which disappoints visitors often, he said. “If we had more space, we could put on more shows,” he said. “We have four a year, and those four shows, for the most part, take up the entire exhibition space.” Photographer Lalla Essaydi will be honored with this year’s Silver Camera Award for her work based on her cultural upbringing.
» FERNANDA WEISSBUCH/CHRONICLE
Darkroom fundraiser looks to keep the light on at Museum of Contemporary Photography
Essaydi will give a talk during the VIP reception the day of the event and will do a public lecture Feb. 27 at Stage Two, 618 S. Michigan Ave. ysheikah@columbiachronicle.com
The Music Center at Columbia College Chicago 1014 S. Michigan Avenue
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D e p a r t m e n t
Friday March 1 Cherchez la Femme in Concert at the Sherwood
4 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 25, 2019
E v e n t s
2:00 pm
arts culture
Photo Gallery: Skela at Schubas Tavern » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia
Bluewater Kings reign during monthly showcase SHOWCASING THE FUN and excitement of live music for parties and events, the Bluewater Kings Band put on its free monthly show and played a wide range of music Feb. 20 at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave. The free show at Chop Shop was started by the Bluewater Kings to promote live music and give potential clients the opportunity to see them before they are hired for a performance, band manager Molly Parlier said. Band members said
Bluewater Kings’ free monthly showcase at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Feb. 19.
Chop Shop has been the perfect venue for them for two years. The band belongs to the International Musicians League, an organization that advocates for musicians and bands by finding venues, setting up shows and making sure musicians are paid, according to Michael Edward, administrative assistant for the organization. Edward said musicians become part of the International Musicians League through invitation or recommendation. The organization has locations all over the world, including London, Paris and Sydney, as well as cities in Canada, the U.S. and other countries. “The cost of entry is nothing, so you have nothing to lose by checking out live music,” Edward said. “Live music is a completely different beast compared to a recording. We are trying to steer people away from using DJs and show why a live band is so good and why it’s going to add an extra element to their party.” The Bluewater Kings Band is comprised of a collection of musicians from the Chicago and Detroit areas who have
» STEVEN NUNEZ/CHRONICLE
» KENDALL POLIDORI STAFF REPORTER
played in various bands before. In 2013, the musicians decided to put together a larger cover band specifically to fill dance floors in place of DJs. The band holds auditions for new members on the free showcase night, and Parlier said some of the core members in the group were Columbia students. “Believing in yourself and advocating for yourself is The Bluewater Kings’ monthly showcase at Chop Shop, 2033 W. huge,” said Maggie Vagle, North Ave., Feb. 19. a singer in the Bluewater Kings Band come to the free events. Their goal is to and Sidewalk Chalk, and 2008 vocal get people to loosen up and dance. jazz performance alumna. The Bluewater Kings perform in a numVagle has been singing in the band for ber of cities in the U.S., but according to four years since a friend suggested she Edward, they play Chicago and Detroit audition in 2015. She said her favorite the most. part about performing with the band is “Chicago and Detroit have particularly that she has the opportunity to sing and good music scenes,” Edward said. “[Some] perform for weddings. of the best in the world.” Parlier said the band wants more people from the public—not just clients—to kpolidori@columbiachronicle.com
FEBRUARY 25, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 5
arts & culture
» EDEN BUNNA COPY EDITOR STROLLING INTO A packed theater, an air of light-hearted anticipation fell on a crowd sporting “Friends” merchandise and clutching mixed drinks made for the show, rightfully named “How You Doin’?” after Joey’s catchphrase. “FRIENDS! The Musical Parody,” opened Feb. 12 at Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St. The show began quickly, affirming the rumors of its fast-paced storyline. The cast—Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe—walked onto the stage carrying umbrellas in primary colors, a nod to the opening of the ‘90s sitcom. They welcomed the audience with a bubbly song about being friends—the only way to introduce themselves. The following scene presented Rachel stumbling into the “only
coffee shop in New York City,” Central Perk, in a drab wedding dress, having fled from the altar where she almost made the mistake of marrying the terrible, and terribly rich, Barry. Every scene that followed this introduction of Rachel to the group presented snippets of the sitcom’s most important moments in fast-forward. The musical, which runs through March 3, took no breaks as the cast ran on and off stage, switching between Central Perk and Monica’s apartment. Gunther was introduced early but only appeared enough to profess his love for Rachel or pick up her slack while she was on the job. Other characters were introduced throughout the show as needed, including Janice, Marcel the monkey and Richard. Their appearances were short-lived but came as a pleasant surprise, thanks to
actor Aaron C. Rutherford, who managed to play them all in addition to Chandler Bing. Most of the performances were strikingly similar to those in “Friends,” especially Sami Griffith as Rachel Green and Domenic Servidio as Joey Tribbiani. Other performances just missed the mark and became lost in the flow of information and unfiltered sexual humor. That aside, each character’s catchphrase was reinvented perfectly and then beaten to death over the course of the musical. But that just made it all the more hilarious. Each character had a moment in the spotlight with their own sweet song, whether based on a trait, saying or, in Phoebe’s case, based on “Smelly Cat” because using the actual song is legally “not allowed!” The cast’s vocal talent did not go unnoticed, either. Every voice was powerful when needed,
» COURTESY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
REVIEW: ‘FRIENDS! The Musical Parody’ reflects highs and lows of ‘90s sitcom
all jokes aside, which was even more of a pleasant surprise for a parody musical. As the show continued, exaggerated takes on “Friends” piled up high: the lack of progression in certain storylines, unrealistic character transformations, Monica’s wild dating life and the show’s overly emphasized focus on Ross and Rachel’s up and down relationship. These moments were manifested through songs and poked fun at the show’s deepest flaws in the most loving way.
Before seeing the show, I worried there would be too much going on, but the flow of the musical numbers and cheesy jokes created a perfect balance of humor and appreciation for the TV show. Constantly pulling laughs, the musical was a realized version of “Friends.” While it didn’t exactly stick to the script of the TV show, I enjoyed seeing my favorite friends on stage, belting ballads about love and friendship. And humping. ebunna@columbiachronicle.com
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opinions
The Chronicle endorses Susana Mendoza for mayor » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Opinions
Hillsong dresses up hate
H
illsong, an evangelical Christian megachurch with more than 100,000 members worldwide, has come under fire once again for the anti-LGBTQ stances it tries to keep under wraps. The church’s California locations are known for their celebrity attendees, including: Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Hailee Steinfeld and, most notably as of late, Chris Pratt. The church has been involved in a variety of media storms centered around its history of conversion therapy and traditional conservative Christian viewpoints, including its stance against marriage equality and its views against abortion and birth control. More young people are leaving organized religion than ever before, with 35 percent of millennials identifying as having no particular religious affiliation, up from only 16 percent in 2007, according to the Pew Research Center. Mainstream Christianity—led by the
same heteronormative, wealthy and white leadership for thousands of years—has become unappealing to many young people who are embracing and pushing for equality across the lines of gender, sexuality, race and socioeconomic status. Hillsong appears to present a solution to the church’s dwindling population. Tattoo-covered 21-year-olds attend in beanies and jeans. Rock music from a live band blasts over speakers while everyone sings along and dances. The pastors are charismatic and enthusiastic, dressed in T-shirts and leather jackets. Finally, attendees think, an environment where young people can worship without putting on a tie and standing stiff next to their parents at 8:30 a.m. But make no mistake: Hillsong has done nothing more than update the church’s brand. Introducing celebrities and pop music are pointed tactics to appear modern and innovative without doing any meaningful work to combat the toxicity that sits at the core of conservative
America doesn’t need that $1,000 » ALEXANDRA YETTER STAFF REPORTER
W
hat if everyone in America— from the Mark Zuckerbergs of the nation to the nice homeless guys who sit in front of Starbucks—received $1,000 from the federal government every month?
It sounds like a nice concept. That could be a full month’s rent, a pair of Jimmy Choos or maybe a video game console. At the very least it could pay bills, student loans, mortgages or credit card debt. In actuality, it could destroy our economy. Andrew Yang, a tech billionaire and recently-announced Democratic candidate for the 2020 presidential election, wants to do just that if elected. Yang has proposed “The Freedom Dividend,” which would provide every adult in America a $1,000 monthly universal basic income similar to those in Europe and Alaska. Americans would receive the money—no matter their economic status—as a way of alleviating poverty, creating jobs and reducing income inequality, Yang argues. Finland had a two-year trial initiative where it paid 2,000 unemployed Finnish citizens aged 25 to 58 more than $600 every month, even if they found a job.
Christianity. Instead of adapting to the times by embracing and affirming the LGBTQ community or abandoning outdated ways of thinking, Hillsong has taken a much more insidious path: deception. Despite its outdated ideologies, Hillsong still manages to attract thousands of young, cool and modern congregants who line the church’s wallet and bring in more members. By doing away with the trappings of traditional churches— cramped pews, stuffy outfits, hymns in droning harmony—Hillsong has crafted a careful brand. When young people feel like they are attending a rock concert alongside their favorite celebrities once a week, dangerous and hateful ideologies become secondary, though they fester just beneath the surface. Making public statements that LGBTQ people are welcome to attend the church means nothing when current senior pastor Brian Houston wrote on his blog in 2015 that the church “[does] not affirm a gay lifestyle and because of this [does] not knowingly have actively gay people in positions of leadership, either paid or unpaid.” The church is presenting the same old, oppressive ideals in a shiny new wrapping so they are palatable to a In Alaska, every resident receives an annual $1,000 to $2,000 dividend from the Alaska Permanent Fund based on oil price fluctuations which impact those in the area. Yang’s proposal is wildly idealistic at best and could create another recession at worst. If the federal government gave everyone $1,000, the price of basic necessities, such as toilet paper and bread, would likely rise. It is wrong to give $1,000 of the government’s tax revenue to people like Kylie Jenner, whose company is worth $900 million and who regularly buys luxury cars for herself to match her neon rainbow wardrobe. If Yang wants to dole out thousands of dollars to Americans, he should give it to people who can’t afford to buy diapers for their babies. The federal government needs to cut taxes on the working poor and increase taxes on the uber wealthy, not throw money at America’s problems. Instead, Yang should follow the example of Bolsa Família.
EDITORIAL younger generation. There is nothing innovative about that. Saying LGBTQ people are welcome in a place where their identity is made invalid is appalling. It is not a sanctuary if people are oppressed when they walk through the doors. chronicle@colum.edu
» FERNANDA WEISSBUCH/CHRONICLE
COMMENTARY Bolsa Família is a conditional cash transfer program enforced by the Brazilian government that provides money to families who make less than $68 per month. Certain conditions apply, such as mothers being required to enroll their children in school. Bolsa Família has changed people’s lives in developing countries, allowing them to feed their families, start their own businesses, enroll their children in school and stifle the symptoms of poverty. The U.S. government needs to raise the national minimum wage, increase job opportunities and enforce regressive taxes if it hopes to make any positive impact in alleviating poverty. If Yang’s sole goal is to help people climb out of poverty, he should focus his efforts on countries whose economies need that $1,000 basic income or go back to the drawing board. ayetter@columbiachronicle.com
Editorial Board Members Jay Berghuis Opinions Editor Kendall Polidori Staff Reporter Alexandra Yetter Staff Reporter Kaci Watt Staff Reporter Katherine Savage Staff Reporter Kristen Nichols Copy Chief
7 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 25, 2019
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Mayoral Candidate bios » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia
Illinois legislator pushes for rape kit electronic tracking system to end backlog
» ALEXANDRA YETTER STAFF REPORTER
said the tracking system is not enough for sexual assault victims. “Without that assurance of lowered turnaround time, I feel these other recommendations are a false hope about how soon the victim will have resolution to her case,” Poskin said. In 2016, Illinois enacted a law requiring an annual, statewide audit of rape kits. It also enacted a law requiring officers to complete written reports of sexual assault complaints, as well as granting victims the right to know the status of their kits. Having forensic teams test DNA before physical evidence and outsourcing kits has also sped up turnaround time, but it can still be improved, McDermed said. However, McDermed has concerns with the system’s ability to end backlog entirely.
“There are a lot of hand-offs with these kits,” McDermed said. “It’s not any good if health providers don’t use the system.” A top priority following the tracking system implementation should be improved resources and additional staffing for the testing of rape kits and, most importantly, reducing the testing turnaround time to a maximum of 90 days, Poskin said. “Minimizing the significance of the rape kit ... is over,” Poskin said. “Nobody can ignore any longer how important it is, how many people have been so adversely affected and how the priorities of our nation need to shift to value the lives of women, to value the lives of victims ... and to see to it that justice is done.” ayetter@columbiachronicle.com
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enforcement agencies across the state to determine how many kits are backlogged. NEARLY 400,000 RAPE kits nationwide have Knecht said kits often get stuck at law gone untested, creating backlogs and forcing enforcement agencies due to officers’ bias or victims to sometimes wait years for justice. inexperience on the job, allowing untested In Illinois, legislators are working to pass kits to pile up. a bill to establish an electronic rape kit “It comes down to a combination of a lack tracking system to tackle a processing back- of understanding about sexual assault log, but Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking victims and DNA, coupled with the lack and Reporting Commission members say of resources,” Knecht said. “The crimthere is still more to be done. inal justice system has not prioritized “It’s not like the [Illinois] State Police have sexual assault.” been sitting on their hands, doing nothing,” Of the 3,580 kits obtained by the Chicago said Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Frankfort). Police Department, 3,224 have been tested “Murder [kits] always go first, so if you’re and 356 have not, according to a Jan. 25 the victim of sexual assault who was not Freedom of Information Act request also murdered, you have to wait. Victims response by the CPD to The Chronicle. want to make sure their kits are not lost in Polly Poskin, executive director of the the system. You don’t want to wait two to Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, three years.” In August 2017, former Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a state bill to create a commission with the goal of developing an electronic tracking system for rape kits. In January, McDermed, chair of Rauner’s commission, proposed House Bill 1440 that would institute the commission’s recommended tracking system. The bill is expected to pass by May 31 and be in effect by Jan. 1, 2020. It includes no funding as it will come from the Illinois State Police budget, McDermed said. The bill does not include a mandated turnaround time limit for the kits. McDermed said she thinks the bill has a 90 percent likelihood of being passed and expects Gov. J.B. Pritzker to sign it, based on Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s support of the bill in the past. Ideally, physical evidence from a sexual assault is compiled in rape kits by healthcare providers and is then sent to a local police department. From there, investigators send the evidence to a laboratory for testing and, further down the line, possible use in the prosecution of an assailant. That is not always the case, though, according to Ilse Knecht, director of policy and advocacy at the Joyful Heart Foundation. The Joyful Heart Foundation advocates for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and houses End The Backlog, which works to identify solutions to backlog. The organization is contacting law
FEBRUARY 25, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 8
MAYORAL RACE
GERY CHICO
BOB FIORETTI
LA SHAWN FORD
JOHN KOZLAR
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
We can’t have students visiting Columbia, or presently enrolled, worried about safety. We have to make our communities safe, especially for kids going to college who may not be from this city. Making the city safe around Columbia is critical. We have to keep this city affordable so students living in apartments, taking transportation or trying to get jobs have an ability to live here ... without the taxes driving rent sky-high [and] the cost for a cab or a meal being so high. As we recruit talent from your ranks to join the government, I’d attract them ... by paying some college debt if they work for city government. Students are walking around with debt. If the city government ... can help, that’s a darn good recruiting tool. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
I do fantastic impressions.
When I was the alderman in the 2nd Ward, most of the 16 universities were in my ward. I made sure we had opportunities for everybody, and we even had job fairs. We had items that attracted young folks to come to our colleges. If it wasn’t for the university system here, I think the downtown area would never have survived. The universities [have] created this system that [has kept] a robust downtown area. We owe a debt of gratitude to the past students, and we need to keep attracting more of them here. We need to look at jobs and economic opportunity and good areas. I ... was involved a lot with Roosevelt, same thing with Columbia. I will continue to make sure it happens.
The City of Chicago has ... to expand free tuition at city colleges so college students can start and take their prerequisites at a free rate or make sure that when they take their FAFSA or Monetary Award Program grants that it will cover their tuition, books and fees at city colleges. That’s critical going into a successful college career. As mayor, [I would] work with Springfield to make sure that we increase MAP grants for city colleges. That would be very helpful in making sure that college students finish at a four-year university. I don’t have one. I can’t dance.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
I am a really good cook.
RACE TO REPLACE:
I was a college student in 2011. I’ll be able to relate to students better compared to the other candidates who are potentially 20–30 years out of their undergraduate experience. The big thing is listening to community members. That includes people in college because we all have a voice when it comes down to the future of our city. We elect people who don’t take young people’s opinions seriously. I would include college students in my decision making and also have them [be] a part of my administration. I just completed my first triathlon. I think that’s a secret talent. When you hit 30, things go downhill [in terms of] your talents.
THE CANDIDATES BELOW DID NOT RESPOND TO THE CHRONICLE’S INTERVIEW REQUESTS
14 CANDIDATES VYING FOR MAYOR’S SEAT » KNOX KERANEN, KENDALL POLIDORI & ALEXANDRA YETTER STAFF REPORTERS WITH THE FEB. 26 mayoral election just
a day away, Chicago residents may need to brush up on their politics to figure out which of the 14 candidates they will vote for to replace Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel announced he would not seek re-election Sept. 4 after two terms in office.Emanuel’s time as mayor was met with anger following school closings. But it was the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald that led to calls for his resignation. Polling data has several candidates flip-flopping between the top spots as some come in with little political experience, while others have held local and statewide office.
For a candidate to win the election, they must gain more than 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a runoff will be held April 2 between the top two vote-getters. The Chronicle contacted the mayoral candidates to discuss the essential questions on voters’ minds, including how they will help college students in the city and what they would have done about the McDonald dashcam video. Plus, they were asked to share a fun fact about themselves. Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for additional reporting, or listen to the Feb. 25 epsiode of “Chronicle Headlines” for biographies of every candidate. chronicle@colum.edu
9 THE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 25, 2019
BILL DALEY
AMARA ENYIA
Bill Daley, 70, was the chief of staff to former President Barack Obama from January 2011 to January 2012. Daley is the brother of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and son of former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. Both Daleys served a combined 43 years as mayor. He was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune Feb. 13.
Amara Enyia, 35, is endorsed by Chance the Rapper. Enyia founded the Institute for Cooperative Economics & Economic Innovation. Enyia underreported her income on her taxes and failed to report $21,000 she received after consulting on Chris Kennedy’s governor campaign. She said it was an oversight.
MAYORAL RACE
SUSANA MENDOZA NEAL SÁLES-GRIFFIN WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
There are a couple things wrong that I want to fix. Number one: We’re losing a lot of college students to out-of-state universities ... in the last couple [of] years. As comptroller, I’ve done my best to try to prioritize payments to our universities so that our kids can continue to get their MAP grant funding. Secondly, as candidate for mayor, what I’d like to do is leverage some of our own city’s finances and create an asset to capitalize on the ability for us to offer opportunities for students to refinance their student loan debt. We’d be able to potentially offer them an opportunity to refinance at a lower rate and that would hopefully be able to keep some of our students here in Chicago. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
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I have been working with college students for the better part of a decade, helping them make progress and figuring out what they want to do with their lives ... and get great jobs. I plan to continue that at scale. My whole career has been helping people who are graduating from high school and college figure out how to live the most awesome life possible. That work will continue, just at a much larger level. Not only will there be additional vocational programs and more resources for educating students, ... but on top of that, having someone that can relate to what they are experiencing more directly is going to be a very powerful opportunity for folks to have a greater say for how they want their city to run. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
I am torn between saying that I am a snowboarder or that I am an introvert, so I will give you both of those.
WILLIE WILSON
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
My strategy for City Colleges [of Chicago] will be that each college should have the same core of high-quality programs so that no area of the city is discriminated against. Each college will be granted broad autonomy and be encouraged to recruit students aggressively and establish relationships with potential feeder schools and business and industry partners. I also have a three-point plan for college and university student debt, [which is] to help existing and former college and university students refinance their debt. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
Make sure that, number one, the City of Chicago [sets aside] “x” amount of dollars for those who cannot afford college and put it into a trust fund to help students get through school. Then, when they get out, they can have a low-interest loan to pay it back. Entrepreneurship is the spirit of making yourself able to afford to have a family, take a home and pay your way through college as well. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT OR FUN FACT?
I know how to balance my own budget. My other talent is that I am a gospel singer.
I am a huge movie fan!
TUNE INTO WCRX 88.1 FM FOR LIVE ELECTION COVERAGE ON FEB. 26 FROM 7 P.M. – 8 P.M. » TOP ROW PHOTOS COURTESY CANDIDATES » BOTTOM ROW: GETTY IMAGES EXCEPT WHERE NOTED
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I may be the only candidate, or elected official, to have ever crowd surfed at Lollapalooza.
WHAT WILL YOU DO FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS?
PAUL VALLAS
JERRY JOYCE
LORI LIGHTFOOT
Jerry Joyce, 49, served in the Cook County State Attorney’s office. He was a member of the school board at Marist High School and is part of the Knights of Columbus, a men’s organization through the Catholic Church. He was a key player in Mayor Richard M. Daley’s political strategy team.
Lori Lightfoot, 56, served as president of the Chicago Police Board. She was also the chief of staff and general counsel for the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication. A lawyer and former assistant U.S. attorney, she is the only openly-gay candidate and has been endorsed by the Chicago Sun-Times.
GARRY MCCARTHY TONI PRECKWINKLE Garry McCarthy, 59, is the former Chicago Police Department superintendent who was fired by Mayor Rahm Emanuel due to his handling of the Laquan McDonald shooting in 2015. Before working in the CPD, McCarthy was deputy commissioner for operations in the New York Police Department.
Toni Preckwinkle, 71, has been the Cook County Board president since 2010. She spent five terms as alderman for the 4th Ward and has been endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union. Preckwinkle came under fire for her 2016 soda tax, which was repealed by the Cook County Board the following year. FEBRUARY 25, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 10
PRESIDENT KWANG-WU KIM IS PLEASED TO OFFER
STUDENT OFFICE HOURS FOR THE SPRING 2019 SEMESTER Do you have a suggestion about how to make Columbia better? Want to share your story and experience with President Kim? Appointments are 20 minutes and are held in President Kim’s office, on the 5th floor of 600 South Michigan.
Please RSVP for a date February 15, 2019 March 15, 2019 April 26, 2019 To register for a time slot, please visit: about.colum.edu/president/student-office-hours Space is limited so register today! Limit one slot per student. If you have any questions, please contact officeofthepresident@colum.edu