PAGE 5: More scholarship money and new majors on the horizon for Columbia
PAGE 7: REVIEW: Italian comfort food warming chilly Chicagoans at BAITA
PAGE 10: EDITORIAL: U.S. maternal death rate reflects flaws at every level PAGE 13: College communities weigh in on mayoral election Volume 54, Issue 16
January 28, 2019
ColumbiaChronicle.com
New program to improve college services, student experience » ARIANA PORTALATIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
SEE PROGRAM, PAGE 3
STUDENTS ENTERING THE Fall 2019 semester can expect improved services in multiple areas of the college as the result of an incoming restructuring designed to benefit students and staff. According to Cynthia Grunden, assistant vice president of Student Financial Services, Columbia is in the process of revising enrollment-related student services, currently being thought of as a “one-stop” service. “There are a lot of examples where we see students whom maybe we’re not serving as well as we want to,” Grunden said. “Many of us have been talking about this and brainstorming ways to better serve students. One idea that came up is what a lot
of colleges have been doing, which is to put enrollment-related services in one location and cross-training staff to provide students a more integrated service experience.” The change will merge parts of SFS and the Office of the Registrar and include collaboration from additional areas of the college. The goal of the new program is to streamline services, increase student satisfaction and retention and promote intensive student advising, Grunden said. When launched in the fall, the combined services will include: student record management, registration assistance, financial aid services, bursar services, veteran services, U-Pass services, cashier services and campus card services.
» ORLANDO PINDER/CHRONICLE
editor’s note
Support student media in honor of Student Press Freedom Day » ARIANA PORTALATIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
I
n April 2018, student newsrooms nationwide used #savestudentnewsrooms to advocate for student journalists and stress the importance of campus media. The campaign was launched in response to several problems, including backlash from schools— who often punish students for their coverage in the form of budget cuts, suspensions and censorship—and the same revenue declines facing city newspapers. It became evident that something needed to be done. So on April 25— unofficially known as Support Student Journalism Day—student media outlets including The Chronicle published content and led social media campaigns discussing why student press matters. The Student Press Law Center, a legal resource for student journalists and advisors of high schools and colleges, initiated #StudentPressFreedom to demand support on Jan. 30. Campus community members may feel unable to make a large enough impact outside of vocal support or donations, but there is actually a simple way: talk to us. One benefit of a campus news organization is its ability to shed light on important issues. However, many of these stories remain untold if not shared with journalists. Students are left out of pretty much all things related to academic processes and faculty-related issues. If you don’t tell us, it’s unlikely we’ll know about them. Options to do this include submitting news tips, letters-to-the-editor or guest op-eds, and being willing to grant us an interview. Sometimes an emailed statement doesn’t allow for follow-ups or full context and understanding of a topic. Additionally, many organizations have sourcing and interview requirements for each story. Depending on the story, The Chronicle typically requires at least three live sources, meaning interviews with people either in person or over the phone, for a story to be published. While each organization is different, these requirements help ensure the accuracy, fairness and objectivity of a story. Employees are sometimes hesitant to speak to reporters for fear of retribution, even if a story is not controversial. It’s understandable that faculty and staff would be reluctant to be interviewed. 2 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 28, 2019
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However, interviews help stories get published, which means you are help COPY CHIEF ing us inform our campus and become COPY EDITORS better journalists. Punishing employees for speaking out is also not in the college’s best interest. The college would face criticism when GRAPHIC DESIGNERS word gets out, especially in the era of social media when stories go viral quickly, and the possibility of coverage from a larger news outlet increases significantly. Essentially, the college would be placing SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR itself in a PR crisis. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Additionally, academic freedom enjoyed by tenured faculty, staff and other employees is also protected. The 1935 National Labor Relations Act protects lower-level, non-managerial employees from abusive employment VIDEOGRAPHERS practices in response to advocating for better workplace conditions. The NLR Board has previously interpreted the act to include speaking to media because this is seen as a way of gaining public support MEDIA SALES REPS for their cause. A white paper released this month by Center for BRAND MANAGER legal staff from the Brechner Freedom of Information at the University of Florida details how the act applies to different businesses. According to the WEBMASTER report, private educational institutions are exempt from the NLRA if they receive less than $1 million in gross annual revenue or are religiously-affiliated, neither of GENERAL MANAGER which apply to Columbia. FACULTY ADVISER An important role of journalism is to give a voice to the voiceless, and a story’s impact is dependent on the voices it amplifies. Helping us publish meaningful work not only contributes to our educational experience, it contributes to the overall success of the organization and cements its significance on campus. @c cchronicle
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Columbia student talks Chicago Hip-Hop scene. » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia
New program to improve college services, student experience
» HALIE PARKINSON/CHRONICLE
campus
One-Stop Director Barbara Ebert-Balzano, Registrar Keri Walters and Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services Cynthia Grunden have worked together to create a new program Columbia will introduce in the Fall 2019 Semester that combines several areas of the college to help improve students’ educational experience at the college. PROGRAM, FROM FRONT
“There are a lot of examples where we see students whom maybe we’re not serving as well as we want to,” Grunden said. “Many of us have been talking about this and brainstorming ways to better serve students. One idea that came up is what a lot of colleges have been doing, which is to put enrollment-related services in one location and cross-training staff to provide students a more integrated service experience.” The change will merge parts of SFS and the Office of the Registrar and include collaboration from additional areas of the college. The goal of the new program is to streamline services, increase student satisfaction and retention and promote intensive student advising, Grunden said. Grunden said discussions about starting
the program—which does not yet have an official name—began in March 2018. After doing research and speaking to other colleges, the idea was approved by the college in November 2018. Registrar Keri Walters said while the program will have its own space in the SFS Office when it officially launches, they are planning on moving it to its own area. Students in the Interactive Arts and Media Department will begin working on a new portal for this program that will take the place of Oasis, she added. “Imagine you’re a student who has a financial services hold, an immunization hold and maybe you’re returning after an absence; you could now go to one counter with this new model, or one website, and take care of all those concerns in one place,” Walters said. “Everything related to enrollment, you can get done with one person—one stop at one site—whereas
now, you have to go between two or three different offices to get that done.” Barbara Ebert-Balzano, formerly the college’s director of Outreach and Education and Financial Planning, was named the director of the new program. In addition to her position, the program will consist of “one-stop counselors,” positions that will consist of internal and external hires. According to a job description posted on Columbia’s website, counselors will provide customer service to students and families, monitor financial and academic progress to help students maintain the lowest possible amounts of debt and help eliminate barriers to degree completion. They will also collaborate with departments to assist students with their educational experience at the college and participate in student recruitment events, such as Admitted Student Day, Open House
and New Student Orientation. Eight counselors have already been hired by the college, but Grunden said they are looking to hire two more. According to the college directory, the eight counselors hired so far are: Amro Aly, Flor Carabez, Michelle Ferguson, Sean Nevils, Matthew Rillie, Cynthia Rivera, Tene’ Robinson and David Sparacio. Ebert-Balzano said all counselors will go through a “rigorous” training process beginning Feb. 11, which will focus on customer service and student advocacy. “The emphasis is really on empowering the counselors and leadership to serve as student advocates,” Ebert-Balzano said. “It’s more than just solving some transactional problem for the student and moving them on; it’s really going to be their role to say, ‘How do we set you up for success?’” aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com
JANUARY 28, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 3
campus
$5,000 scholarship takes students to the Big Apple » BRIDGET EKIS STAFF REPORTER
more importantly on the money we give out in scholarships. We touch a lot of lives,” Colletta said. According to Connell, this year had the highest number of student award recipients. Junior fashion merchandising major Andrea Menendez was the youngest of the four recipients and did her case study on Latin American designer Sandra Weil expanding to Paris. “The actual money is awesome, but it wasn’t what I was going
for,” Menendez said. “The money is [the lesser] of the benefits we have right now.” Winners have opportunities within YMA FSF, such as access to its internship placement program, mentorship program and connections through its alumni association. “The money is great ... but it’s just their foot in the door with us,” Colletta said. bekis@columbiachronicle.com » COURTESY DANA CONNELL
FOUR COLUMBIA STUDENTS spent the Spring 2018 Semester working on a case study about global retail expansion, and after months of research and a semester of peer review, their work resulted in each of them winning a $5,000 scholarship. The four winners were Andrea Menendez, Rhyarna McBride, Kendall McDermott and Cassidy Hofschulte. Young Menswear Association Fashion Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization with a mission to encourage young people to pursue careers in fashion, design, merchandising and business. The students competed in a case study competition, with the prompt of global retail expansion. Each student selected a retailer and
wrote a 10–15 page case study discussing how that retailer could survive if it expanded to a different part of the world. Hofschulte, a junior fashion studies major, chose ASOS, an online retailer based in London, and moved it to Miami in her study. Based on Miami’s fashion trends, market research and financial projections, Hofschulte determined the city would be a good fit for ASOS because the market is not as saturated as New York City or Los Angeles. Hofschulte said she would have been grateful for the class and experience regardless of whether she won because she can now include her research in her portfolio and on her resume. Students submitted their work in October 2018 and attended the 2019 Fashion Scholarship Fund Awards Gala in New York City on Jan. 10.
In addition to the gala, YMA FSF hosted an internship fair and other career development opportunities for the winners. All four students enrolled in “Special Topics in Fashion Studies: FSF Scholarship Case Study” in Spring 2018 to prepare and increase their chances of winning the competition. Associate Chair of the Fashion Studies Department Dana Connell has taught the course for the past three spring semesters and has had winners each year. To qualify, colleges must be considered a Fashion Scholarship Fund member school. In order to meet this criteria, background checks are done, and the school must have disciplines which fall into one of the following categories: design, merchandising, supply chain and analytics or product development in the fashion industry, according to Marie Colletta, the education director at YMA FSF. “We pride ourselves on the money we raise at this gala, but
Associate Chair of the Fashion Studies Department Dana Connell (center) stands with her four award-winning students (left to right), Kendall McDermott, Cassidy Hofschulte, Rhyarna McBride and Andrea Menendez.
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» BLAISE MESA MANAGING EDITOR COLUMBIA PLANS ON creating new majors and offering concurrent enrollment, with hopes of awarding more scholarship money, among other initiatives, to
help attract more students in the coming years. Vice President of Enrollment Management Michael Joseph said affordability, accessibility and new programs are three key parts to increasing enrollment.
Since 2013, Columbia’s enrollment has decreased by 2,830 students to 7,312 students in 2017. “What are students looking for? What is it that we could do with existing programs to re-engineer them so that they’re more relevant?” Joseph said. “We know there are things on the horizon that are going to be the programs of the future, and we should be on the forefront.” The college is also looking to start guaranteed admissions programs for its partner schools in the spring semester, according to Holly Herrera, associate provost for transfer initiatives and academic partnerships. Guaranteed admission ensures students who fulfill the necessary requirements, and graduate from community colleges with an associate degree, are admitted into certain programs at Columbia.
Associate professor to spread history to Oxford
» KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER
samples of syllabi for courses I would teach at Oxford, research, samples of my writing ssociate Professor in the Art and Art and letters of recommendation from my History Department Amy Mooney peers. They narrowed it down to a series has a common thread throughout of candidates, and then they invited me to her career: working with the Terra Foun- come to Oxford for an in-person interview. dation for American Art. The Terra Foun- The interview itself was intense. That night, dation is dedicated to fostering exploration, after my interview, they called and offered understanding and enjoyment of visual me the position. It moved quickly—it’s kind arts in the U.S. for national and inter- of unusual, I have to say. national audiences, according to its mission statement. What work have you previously done with This connection has ultimately led the Terra Foundation? Mooney to her newest journey as a visit- The Terra Foundation supported a dissering professor at the University of Oxford. tation completion fellowship through the Mooney’s year-long appointment as a visiting American Council of Learned Societies, so, professor will begin in September. when I finished my dissertation, I had the Mooney reflected on her career, the Terra opportunity to present my work through Foundation and her next step at Oxford. Terra. I had the opportunity, as I advanced in my career, to help Terra by reviewing difTHE CHRONICLE: How did your visiting ferent applications for grants or fellowships professor position begin? colleagues were applying for. I was able to MOONEY: This position is sponsored by the apply for a Terra Foundation grant through Terra Foundation, and one of their main goals their initiative Art Design Chicago that just is to ensure that American art and visual ended; this was a beginning grant. I have a culture are examined in a global context. The new project I am putting together—a digapplication process included a letter of intent, ital humanities project with the esteemed
A
“Sixty percent of students take courses at multiple institutions,” she said. “Transferring is becoming normal. It gets rid of that question, ‘Am I going to get in?’” Columbia is also working to accept more credits from community colleges to become more transfer friendly, Herrera said. The Office of the President has scheduled a presentation of a plan
to grow enrollment from 9–10:30 a.m. Jan. 29 at Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 8th floor. For additional reporting, stream the Jan. 28 episode of “Chronicle Headlines” on The Columbia Chronicle’s Spotify, Apple Podcast and Podbean. bmesa@columbiachronicle.com
photography historian Deborah Willis. This project looks at African-American photographers who were active here in Chicago from the 1890s into the 1930s. I’m grateful for Terra Foundation funding so many things that happen at Columbia.
» PATRICK REPONSE/CHRONICLE
someone you should know
» SHANE TOLENTINO/CHRONICLE
Coming to Columbia: College has plans to increase enrollment
What will you teach at Oxford? One class will be a survey of American art for undergraduates. The survey will focus on a nexus of American art and politics. We will look specifically at works of art that sparked controversy and debate. The second course will focus primarily on the research that I’ve been doing and writing for my forthcoming book on portraiture, so it will be looking at American portraits through a global lens. At Columbia, a course we offer called “Portraiture + Self + Society” is a source of inspiration. It looks at portraits and the idea of self-portraiture. Columbia is really interdisciplinary in terms of the student body it attracts. At Oxford, it will be a bit different because I will be teaching graduate students who are mainly studying art history, so the students will approach [the course] differently.
Associate Professor Mooney was accepted as a visiting professor at the University of Oxford.
medieval friar’s house right next to a spectacular 18th-century Georgian hall. I was taken by the aesthetic presence and how radically different it is. I love Chicago architecture. Our What are you most looking forward to? Columbia buildings have all these interesting The beauty of Oxford, from the architec- quirks, but this is a different scene. ture to the way they set one period running kwatt@columbiachronicle.com into the other; the juxtaposition between a JANUARY 28, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 5
campus
6 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 28, 2019
arts culture
Chicago cafe offers hope to customers » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia
REVIEW: Delicious food thaws winter blues at BAITA » KATHERINE SAVAGE STAFF REPORTER
AS TEMPERATURES PLUMMET and snow
covers the city, warm comfort foods are in demand. Look no further than BAITA at Eataly. BAITA is serving up Italian-style food inspired by the cuisine found in Alpine ski lodges, which is fitting considering BAITA means small ski lodge in Piemontese. The decor perfectly correlates with the Alps’ atmosphere. Wintery and simple, with snow-covered branches across the ceiling, the restaurant feels like a winter wonderland. Located on the second floor of 43 E. Ohio St., BAITA will only be dishing up comfort foods until March. During my visit on a Wednesday
afternoon, BAITA was not crowded, and I was immediately greeted by my server. With so many options to choose from, he recommended the sampler special, which allows diners to choose one item from the appetizer, entree and side sections of the menu. Since Eataly is made up of small restaurants, such as La Pizza & La Pasta and Osteria di Eataly, there is no central kitchen. Our server warned us that because of this, the food could come out at different times, but it was not an issue. First up were the appetizers, arancini and raclette. The arancini were fried rice balls with minced mushrooms inside. Because this was a sampler, it only came with two. One bite of these had me wishing for more. The outside was crisp and fried to
perfection, with a sweet aftertaste. The raclette—melted cheese over potatoes served with bread—was the opposite: savory but still delicious. Raclette is a traditional dish found at a lot of ski lodges. When tasting this food, it became obvious that there is nothing better than warm cheese and potatoes after a snowy adventure. Next were the entrees, gnocchi al forno and speck e fontina pizza alla pala. The gnocchi was served in the cutest rustic dish with gold handles. It was incredibly indulgent, covered with cheese and oil. It completely melted in my mouth and sent me to gnocchi heaven. When one thinks of pizza, it usually involves some sort of sauce, but it was not missed on the speck e fontina pizza alla pala. Topped with cured and smoked ham
and fontina Val d’Aosta cheese, it had a salty punch. The fontina Val d’Aosta cheese was creamy and stretched for miles when pulled apart. The sides, cavoletti di Bruxelles and patate, were served with the entrees. The cavoletti di Bruxelles were Brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese. The smell was pungent, and the flavor matched. The patate were potatoes with roasted garlic that was not really strong enough. If these potatoes had a more powerful flavor, it would have completed the meal. With all the cheese and potatoes, the meal was gluttonous in the best way. BAITA’s deliciously decadent and warm food is a savory cure for the winter blues. ksavage@columbiachronicle.com » HALIE PARKINSON/CHRONICLE
BAITA, a new restaurant at Eataly, brings the Italian Alps to Chicago with dishes inspired by food served on top of the mountains.
Italian-style pizza—a crispy, crunchy and savory entree—served as the main course from a specialty menu at BAITA.
BAITA brings a cool and collected atmosphere to Eataly where restaurants surround the seating and smells of wine, meat and cheese fill your nose.
JANUARY 28, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 7
arts & culture
» MOLLY WALSH MANAGING EDITOR
M
uch to his father’s displeasure, Charlie Price inherits the struggling family business, a shoe factory, and with the help of some new friends, takes his business to new heights and learns to strut his stuff. Former musical theatre student Andrew Malone plays Simon Sr., as well as the Lola understudy, in the national tour of “Kinky Boots.” The musical was in Chicago for a short engagement before continuing in Indiana. Malone spoke with The Chronicle about his time at Columbia from 2005 to 2007, breaking gender bias and the physical demands of being a part of the “Kinky Boots” cast. THE CHRONICLE: How did your time at Columbia impact your career? MALONE: Oh, it was wonderful. It definitely
gave me the skills and confidence I use today. Was there anything from the musical theatre program you take to heart with the show?
There’s a lot of focus on inclusivity. My first year, I was a part of a huge musical in the Getz
Theater Center that was directed under the late Sheldon Patinkin. It was the musical “Ragtime.” There was a group there that was blind; we had to perform for them. They felt the exact same emotion that everyone who had the ability to see [felt]. At that time, I was a freshman, and I was being exposed to performing for any type of person who was not my mom, my family or my peers. Touring across the country now, I know I have a story to tell.
perform in high heels. We do have heel etiquette; not just how to walk in them but how to take care of your heels. I would have never known the best way to take a break when your feet are hurting is to never take off your heels because your feet are going to swell. Take off your heels at the end of the day. We also have been given physical therapy during the show ... to help correct our posture because sometimes we put our weight on the wrong side.
Why do you think this show is important for audiences now?
mwalsh@columbiachronicle.com
» COURTESY MATTHEW MURPHY
Theatre alumnus stands tall in ‘Kinky Boots’ musical
Andrew Malone attended Columbia from 2005 to 2007 as a musical theatre student and is now a part of the national tour of “Kinky Boots.”
I believe this show is very, very important today, not just because of gender bias or gender phobia but also going all the way up to our current political climate. I have the luxury of playing both sides. No one is born bad or evil, everyone has a heart. In order to get to that heart, this show teaches our audiences, and our audiences are able to spread the word to their peers ,of how to get along and how to walk side by side with people who have different perspectives instead of condemning each other.
Was there any physical preparation needed for this show?
This show is the very first show I had to
“Kinky Boots” is the winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography. Former Columbia student Andrew Malone is part of the current national tour.
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Keyaria Lovett Freshman journalism major
“I just pick what I like, sometimes it doesn’t match—I don’t really care. If I like it, I like it!”
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR FASHION? Maceo Berg
Sophomore fashion design major
“I notice when I actually impress myself. It’s addicting—I want to do it again. That’s what’s inspiring.”
Jasmyn Evans Junior acting major “I feel like everyone has their own style, and I feel like everything is honestly dope.”
The
Chronicle
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meOUT
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opinions
T
he maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is the highest of any developed country. A 2015 Lancet report found that 26.4 women per 100,000 die due to childbirth and complications, compared to 9.2 in the U.K. and 3.8 in Finland. According to the Maternal Health Task Force, at least 60 percent of these deaths were preventable. In addition, 65,000 women nearly died due to complications, according to a 2017 NPR investigation. This is unacceptable. To combat this, we need to address that it is a problem which must be examined and understood. We have created a culture of mysticism around pregnancy and birth, emphasizing the “magic” of the female body and how women “glow” during pregnancy, to the detriment of pregnant people. Confronting the fact that pregnancy and birth can be dangerous, scary and sometimes fatal is the first step toward creating the resources necessary to prevent negative outcomes.
Women are simultaneously dehumanized and objectified throughout pregnancy, on the one hand being told that this is a miraculous time they should be thankful for, and on the other hand not having access to necessary prenatal information. Women’s health concerns are routinely dismissed by those who are supposed to provide care. In addition, sexual education is severely limited across the country, with information focused on avoiding pregnancy at all costs. High-risk pregnancies, hemorrhages and infections are rarely discussed; knowing what signs and symptoms to look for could prevent tragedy. Information that could save lives is taboo. This toxic combination of restricting information and dismissing concerns disempowers women before, during and after pregnancy. Women who are socioeconomically disadvantaged likely will not have access to insurance that covers routine screenings and tests, much less prenatal vitamins and hospital monitoring after
The issue of gun violence needs systemic solutions
O
n Jan. 17, freshly-inaugurated Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a new bill into law targeting illegal gun trafficking. A similar bill was vetoed
» SHANE TOLENTINO/CHRONICLE
by former Gov. Bruce Rauner last year on the basis that it would put too much pressure on gun sellers without increasing safety. The bill requires firearms dealers to be licensed by the Illinois State Police. Additionally, gun sellers must have a state license, video surveillance installed in their store and employee training to spot “straw sales”— when a person buys a gun for someone who cannot do so legally. Critics of the bill, including the Illinois State Rifle Association, argue that gun control legislation such as this makes weapons sales “a bureaucratic
Editorial Board Members Jay Berghuis Opinions Editor Bridget Ekis Staff Reporter Knox Keranen Staff Reporter Alexandra Yetter Staff Reporter
10 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 28, 2019
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birth. The medical system is set up so that the poor cannot afford private suites and 24/7 monitoring for several days after birth, when it is most needed to combat dangerous complications. Many women are forced to continue working during this high-risk time because they cannot afford time off and because there is no set maternal leave policy in the U.S. Mothers deserve our country’s best, and that is not what they are getting. To lower our obscenely high maternal death rate, we must approach it at every level. Hospitals need a diverse staff equipped to handle emergencies and respond to questions that deserve answers. Laws must ensure proper funding goes to investigating maternal deaths, guaranteeing maternity leave and enforcing standards of care. We need to demand universal healthcare so every pregnant woman has
chronicle@colum.edu
» ZACK JACKSON/CHRONICLE
To save mothers, we must empower them
EDITORIAL access to care throughout their life. As a culture, we need to view pregnancy and birth not as magic, but as a human process that requires strength, education and support. If the measure of a society is how it treats its mothers, it is well past time to look long and hard at what our maternal death rate says about us.
» INFORMATION COURTESY THE LANCET MEDICAL JOURNAL
nightmare” for both seller and purchaser and that it will not actually reduce gun violence, just overburden sellers. In a culture obsessed with guns, this criticism is not valid. This bill does not go far enough. This measure is a step toward meaningful gun reform in a city shaped by gun violence, but we need to see it for what it is: a first step. With a Democratic governor in office, there is possibility for change. It is critical that Pritzker signs off on more laws that go further to curb gun violence and trafficking. However, this is a systemic issue that needs systemic solutions. According to an Oct. 30, 2017, NBC story, 60 percent of guns used in crimes in Chicago were trafficked from out of state and nearly a third of those were from Indiana. Illinois laws can only do so much to deter gun trafficking until Indiana tightens its own gun regulations or the federal government steps in. Chicago gun violence in particular is inextricably tied to inequality based on
EDITORIAL race, education and many other socioeconomic factors. All of these elements compound on each other to create communities where gun violence is a tragic reality of life. These communities deserve better from their representatives. During his campaign, Pritzker promised to invest in education, mental health and resources in underserved communities, according to his campaign website. It is the public’s job to hold him accountable. Signing more bills to ensure guns do not end up in the hands of dangerous people will help. Creating a system that serves the mentally ill and rehabilitates instead of punishing them will help. Setting disadvantaged children up for success by giving them the resources they need will help. Making education and opportunities accessible will help. All of these actions working in tandem will change the structure of gun violence in Chicago and nationwide. chronicle@colum.edu
Did you catch a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or have strong beliefs about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia? Why not write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of Page 2, you’ll find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you. —The Chronicle Editorial Board
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Education must overcome discrimination » KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER
S
You know you know an , so them for the
DEADLINE: February 4, 2019:
We invite faculty nominations from students and from Columbia College Chicago peers. To nominate a faculty member, send an email to ETA@colum.edu and include the following information:
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•Your name and status (student or faculty) •The nominee's name and department •Briefly explain how this faculty member made a difference in your educational experience or significantly contributed to student learning at Columbia.
» FERNANDA WEISSBUCH/CHRONICLE
econd lady Karen Pence is openly supporting sexual discrimination by accepting a position at a school known for homophobic beliefs and practices. This is inexcusable, especially for someone of such high status. Pence accepted a position as an art teacher at Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, Virginia, according to a Jan. 15 White House press release. The school bans gay and transgender students and forces employees to state on their applications that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. When applying for a job, abilities and experience should be number one, not views on sexual orientation. No one should be forced to check a box stating that their sexual activities align with the employer’s morals when filling out a job application. Immanuel lists its core mission as partnering with families to inspire students to lead purposeful lives of learning, godliness and service. Students aged 5–14 must denounce homosexuality. The school even reserves the right to expel a student if they engage in “immoral activities,” according to a Jan. 18 Washington Post article. Sexuality should have no inf luence in the education system, whether for students or employees. The top priority should be education, not enforcing discrimination. It is unsettling and disturbing that an elementary-age child should have to succumb to a life of heteronormativity because of the inf luence of their education. It is not a school’s place
to be involved in personal matters of sexuality. There is a line crossed here, one that promotes an extremely toxic environment for children. As the second lady, Pence should not condone open discrimination, and we should be very troubled by her choice to do so. Since the news of Pence’s position broke, the second family has received widespread backlash. Vice President Mike Pence stated he was “deeply offended” people were attacking Christian education. This is not an attack on Christian education; it is rightful outrage at sexual discrimination being forced on American children. Mike Pence claiming to be offended is outrageous considering he is openly intolerant of the LGBTQ community. Policies allowing religion to intersect with education should be eradicated because a child should never be prematurely shoved into a checkbox. It is ironic to see the holier-thanthou Pence family backing someone as immoral as President Donald Trump. Human sexuality is not a crime and not in the same realm as Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct, racism, misogyny, corruption and dishonesty. But in the Pences’ eyes, Trump’s offenses are minute while simply being LGBTQ reigns as evil.
Office of the Provost JANUARY 28, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 11
opinions
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
12 THE CHRONICLE JANUARY 28, 2019
metro
Chicago Restaurant Week features South Loop locations » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Metro
Race, representation and repression: Chicago voters are looking for changes
»YASMEEN SHEIKAH
in office that may be most remembered for police shootings, school closings and an exodus of residents, Chicago’s mayoral race is wide open. A diverse pool of 14 candidates are vying to replace Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Issues of police abuse of power, neglected neighborhoods and a justice system that many see as broken are at the front of Chicago voters’ minds. The election is Feb. 26 with a runoff scheduled for April 2 if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. There was immense pressure created by activists to have Emanuel resign. That didn’t happen, but Emanuel announced in September he would not seek a third term. Robert Bruhl, a political science professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, said there are long-term problems that need to be addressed and voters will have to make sure candidates provide solutions they can deliver. “We have not been creating a lot of jobs, and because of that, we have people moving out of the city,” Bruhl said. “A rising economy helps a lot of things, and we have not had a rising economy in Chicago.” College students have their worries as well. Madeline Dodge, a sophomore film and television major at DePaul University, is concerned for Chicago Public Schools. “Our public schools are going in the garbage,” she said. “The rate that they pay teachers is awful. They really don’t offer too many programs for children, especially in lower-income areas.” Ariel Lott, a freshman journalism major at Columbia, said she is excited about the idea of electing a female mayor in order to increase representation in the city’s controversial politics. Jane Byrne was Chicago’s only female mayor, serving from 1979–1983. With four out of 14 candidates being female, young women feel this may be the moment for the second female mayor. “I want to see a bit more equality, to take in everyone’s opinion,” she said. “Every time an election comes around or someone comes into office, there’s only one race or class of people being focused on.” There is a higher chance there may be another black mayor, or the first black
» FERNANDA WEISSBUCH/CHRONICLE
STAFF REPORTER
AFTER TWO TERMS
woman elected to the position, as six of the 14 candidates are black. There have only been two black mayors in Chicago history. Harold Washington was elected as the first black mayor of Chicago in 1983. After his death, Eugene Sawyer was elected by the City Council to finish his term. Sawyer was defeated in 1989 by Richard M. Daley. Kinnedy Marie Broughton, a junior marketing major and student organization representative of the Black Student Union, thinks a black mayor should be elected, and believes it will happen.
“A lot of people are looking toward a black mayor,” Broughton said. “A lot of the neglected neighborhoods are primarily minorities, and we need a minority who genuinely understands the issues and how those communities work.” The 2014 fatal shooting of 17-yearold Laquan McDonald made national headlines, after former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke opened fire and shot the teenager 16 times. This caused an uproar across the city, and hit home for black communities nationwide. When Van Dyke was sentenced to less
than seven years for McDonald’s murder earlier this month, many Chicagoans were outraged. “I feel the city of Chicago has scrambled to find answers and excuses for Van Dyke,” Broughton said. “It is very easy for us to find sympathy for white people who [commit] crimes, but not for people of color who are murdered for their idiotic actions.” Broughten does not know who she will vote for yet, but urges voters to carefully evaluate the candidates and get out to vote. ysheikah@columbiachronicle.com
JANUARY 28, 2019 THE CHRONICLE 13
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» KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER STAYING CONNECTED DURING your commute has been simplified. The mayor’s office announced in a Jan. 13 press release that free Wi-Fi is being offered to the CTA’s Blue Line Clark/Lake stop. CTA Spokesperson Jon Kaplan stated in a Jan. 23 email to The Chronicle that the stop was chosen because it is the second most-heavily traveled station on the system. Clark/Lake is a transfer point for six of the eight rail lines in Chicago’s ‘L’ system, he added. “Many of those traveling through this station are either on their way to [or] from work, school, the airport or [are] visitors from out of town,” Kaplan said. The service is ideal for those who want to quickly download media, large files or access the internet without using data from
their monthly wireless service packages, the press release stated. American Sign Language English interpretation major Lauren Pincus said she views the addition of Wi-Fi as a positive. But she thinks there are other advancements needed on the ‘L’ system. “I’m pretty impressed with the CTA compared to New York subways,” Pincus said. “[But] I know on the Red Line, some of [the stops] don’t have the time [screens] because they’re older stations. Start updating [stations] to make sure everyone knows when the train is coming because [some commuters] don’t have phones or the app.” According to Pincus, she does not use her phone or computer while on the ‘L’ due to safety concerns but witnesses many who do. During her commute to campus, she encounters many elementary to high school-aged
kids whom she feels the Wi-Fi could benefit. Kaplan added that customers should be aware of their surroundings while using smartphones on the CTA. While there was no observed need for Wi-Fi in the stations, the addition was set in place to enhance customer experience, Kaplan said. He added that the $600,000 funding comes from CTA’s operating budget. “By adding Wi-Fi service, we are helping keep commuters connected in the fast-paced, digital world,” he said. By early February, customers can expect to see Wi-Fi added to the Blue Line’s Washington, Monroe and Jackson stops as well, according to Kaplan. As of now, there are plans to expand Wi-Fi services to all Blue and Red Line stops in the near future. Senior interdisciplinary documentary major Maria Meade also uses the Blue Line for her commute
$5 OFF A D M IS SI ON wi th t h is A D
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» GRACE SENIOR/CHRONICLE
CTA Blue Line connects Wi-Fi
to campus and expressed her skepticism of the addition due to its distractive nature. “I guess [it] is helpful,” Meade said. “[But] the point of public transit is to get where you’re going fast, so it’s interesting that they would want something like that.” While Chicago is not the first major U.S. city to introduce Wi-Fi on public transportation, it is the only city to have introduced a 4G network throughout its system, Kaplan said. Customers who have
4G service through their provider have access to it throughout the ‘L’ system. Meade said adding Wi-Fi would create an even more technologically-distracted public. “It bothers me when people are on their phones on the train,” Meade said. “Even when you’re waiting, you don’t really talk to people, so it’s straying away from human interaction even more.” kwatt@columbiachronicle.com
Proposed legislation could grant leniency for youth crimes » YASMEEN SHEIKAH STAFF REPORTER HOUSE BILL 531 may soon become a law, potentially freeing those in prison charged under the age of 21 once they serve 10 years of their initial sentence. Introduced in 2017, the bill would give juveniles with longer sentences the right to parole if they have already served 10 years of their initial sentence. The bill passed both houses in November 2018, and it is now up to Governor J.B. Pritzker to sign the legislation. The legislation would not apply to those serving sentences for some serious, specified crimes such as first degree murder or predatory criminal sexual assult of a child. Illinois State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) was enthusiastic about the bill. “This will bring back the
opportunity of parole for people who committed important crimes when they were under the age of 21,” she said. “It’ll be some time before the system goes into effect, but it seems to be very important to give people an opportunity for a second chance.” Flynn Currie also said these individuals’ judgement may not have been matured at the time of their crimes and this should be taken into consideration. “The idea that they have a chance to come back and rehabilitate themselves should be a very important part of our justice system,” Flynn Currie said. Many organizations, such as the Juvenile Law Center, believe youth should be given the right to redeem themselves. “Research also demonstrates that most youth will naturally desist from criminal behavior by their mid-20s,” according to a
Jan. 24 email statement from Riya Saha Shah, managing director of the Juvenile Law Center, an advocate for rights dignity, equity and opportunity for youth in the child welfare and the justice system. “Life-without- parole sentences and other long sentences keep youth in prison well after they have demonstrated that they can safely return to their communities,” the statement said. Other organizations also advocated for the legislation. Jobi Cates, executive director of Restore Justice—an organization that works on criminal justice reform—was also supportive of the HB531. “We started working on this issue because we were aware how many thousands of young people are serving what we would call de facto life sentences for things they did before they fully matured,”
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metro Cates said. Cates said the Supreme Court has cases that indicate a difference in young people’s brains. “Most of the brain science says that until you’re 25 years old, your
brain hasn’t fully matured” she said. “Your ability to manage those kinds of decisions is very different until you are over 25.” ysheikah@columbiachronicle.com » ZACK JACKSON/CHRONICLE
COMMENTARY: If media outlets spent less time on high school and middle school sports and more time on professional female athletes, women in sports would have a larger fanbase, says Blaise Mesa.
The Columbia Chronicle @CCChronicle
COMMENTARY: If media outlets spent less time on high school and middle school sports and more time on professional female athletes, women in sports would have a larger fanbase, says Blaise Mesa.
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