The Chronicle, October 1, 2018

PAGE 3: Campus focuses on making voter registration easy for students

PAGE 7: “Midnight Circus” performs to raise money for various parks in Chicago

PAGE 8: Rahm Emanuel names 2019 “Year of Chicago Theatre” PAGE 13: Open Textbooks pilot program secures $5 million in funding Volume 54, Issue 5

October 1, 2018

ColumbiaChronicle.com » PHOTO ILLUSTRATION / SAMANTHA CONRAD, KEVIN TIONGSON & STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Young people more depressed, anxious Than ever

WHEN SENIOR ILLUSTRATION major Becky Boer transferred to Columbia for her junior year, she had a difficult time adjusting.

The combination of moving away from her family for the first time and trying to navigate a new environment put a strain on her, she said.

“I had symptoms for as long as I can remember, it’s just that they worsened

once I came on campus and moved away from home—basically my entire support system,” Boer said.

Visiting home after her first semester at Columbia, Boer said her anxiety did not lift.

“I was relieved [to be home], but I was still very much not happy,” Boer said. “I was still [experiencing] that depression, which I thought would alleviate once I got home, [but] it actually remained there.”

After speaking to her mom and seeking help from her doctors and therapists, she

said she was then diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 43.8 million adults experience mental illness each year, with half of all chronic mental illnesses beginning by the age of 14.

This year, World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10, will focus on young adults, according to the World Federation for Mental Health.

According to a survey done by WHO World Mental Health Surveys International

College Student Project, about one in three freshman students report having signs of a mental illness leading up to their college years.

“It’s important to know this is really common, and we can all relate to this idea of stress impacting our mental wellness,” said Associate Director at NAMI Chicago Jen McGowan-Tomke.

Boer said it is important to talk about mental health for students because a lot of people do not believe it is a real issue.

SEE WELLNESS PAGE 5

» TESSA BRUBAKER NEWS EDITOR

editor’s note

Columbia seeking ‘accomplished, progressive’ new provost » ARIANA PORTALATIN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A

ccording to a new job description posted on multiple sites Sept. 26, Columbia and national search firm Isaacson, Miller, are looking for an “accomplished, progressive” leader as the college’s new senior vice president and provost. The 10-page document boasts Columbia’s achievements but fails to accurately portray its ongoing struggles. Leaving out major details could possibly set up the selected candidate for failure in a position crucial to the success of the college.

Columbia has positive attributes to brag about, many of which are included in the job description: a strong reputation in creative industries, top-rated programs, expert faculty and staff and a diverse student body. But there are also serious issues administration, including the provost, need to address or are already work to improve. Although the search firm was hired to attract candidates, job descriptions should include enough information so potential candidates can know the full scope of the institution they are applying for.

The job post states the college is transitioning into a more selective institution but the transition has come with challenges, including controversial curriculum changes, faculty credentials reviews and significant budget cuts due to declining enrollment.

The college has made several changes as part of its Strategic Plan goal of creating a 21st century curriculum, including canceling and adding multiple programs in various departments. While the college is searching for a provost who can build programs to meet the needs of students, the job posting also noted institutional surveys that reported student opinions that the college should improve the consistency of its programs.

Students were displeased with the spring 2017 merger of the former cinema art and science and television departments. Students from these departments criticized the decision because they felt the industries were too different to be lumped together. Students and faculty were also unhappy in spring 2018 when administration began to consider canceling the creative arts therapies and education programs due to low enrollment and financial complications.

2 THE CHRONICLE OCTOBER 1, 2018

MANAGEMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITORS

Ariana Portalatin Molly Walsh Blaise Mesa Samantha Conrad Micha Thurston

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AD & BUSINESS MANAGER

REPORTERS NEWS EDITOR REPORTERS

Tessa Brubaker Olivia Deloian Jermaine Nolen Madison Keller Katherine Savage Kaci Watt Alexandra Yetter

COPY

With students complaining about

COPY CHIEF inconsistency, Columbia must create a

COPY EDITORS clear plan for program review, be transparent about the process and include faculty and students in the discussions.

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Students will not want to attend a college ` GRAPHIC DESIGNERS that brags about some programs while cutting others.

The post also touted the college’s faculty and explained that while students were previously taught almost entirely

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS by adjunct professors, the college grew

to have highly-accomplished full-time faculty. Not mentioned were multiple layoffs and buyouts of faculty and staff, and two strikes initiated by the P-Fac

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR union in November 2017 and April 2018

MULTIMEDIA REPORTERS in the midst of contract bargaining to denounce what they called “bad faith bargaining,” unfair labor practices and other collective bargaining complaints.

One of the main duties of the senior MEDIA SALES REPS vice president and provost is to work closely with faculty and administrative officials. Tensions are high between the BRAND MANAGER two groups, and the college needs a provost who is aware of these issues so they

can work on improving relationships for WEBMASTER the betterment of faculty and students.

“A challenge for the next provost will be to highlight and build on the college’s distinctive strengths,” the job post

FACULTY ADVISER stated. “There is no established road map

for this kind of work, and it will require a leader with an innovative mindset, a healthy tolerance for ambiguity, and a deep curiosity about the ideas of others.”

Whoever the college search committee selects as the new provost will be faced with immense challenges in their new position, and the college’s history and ongoing struggles must be made clear to them in order for them to succeed. @c cchronicle

aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com

@c cchronicle

Jay Berghuis Eden Bunna Kristen Nichols

GRAPHICS Jocelyn Moreno Patrick Casey Jeremy Marynowski Grace Senior

PHOTOGRAPHY Steven Nunez Halie Parkinson Orlando Pinder Mike Rundle

MULTIMEDIA Zack Jackson Bridget Ekis Miranda Manier Kevin Tiongson

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campus

Artists discuss creative presentation during campus panel » ColumbiaChronicle.com

Columbia celebrates democracy with voter registration day » JERMAINE NOLEN STAFF REPORTER THE LIBRARY, IN collaboration with the Office of the Registrar and College Assembly, hosted a voter registration drive on campus Sept. 25 in recognition of National Voter Registration Day. The holiday is recognized every fourth Tuesday in September and is a celebration of U.S. democracy.

According to a 2017 Tufts University study, 48.3 percent of college students voted in the 2016 presidential election.

This percentage is higher than the 45.1 percent reported in the 2012 election.

The study suggested students are motivated to vote or not vote based on what they learn in college from faculty or peers.

The Washington Post published an essay Sept. 24 by Michael Peshkin, an engineering professor at Northwestern University. In his essay, Peshkin states the most effective method to encourage college-age voting is person-to-person contact. He also says research shows that voting is a habit best aquired at a young age.

“My parents always instilled in me the need to vote. My parents [would say] you have a vote, you have a voice and you need to let it be known,” senior broadcast journalism major Kendall Hyde said.

When new students arrive on campus each year, connecting with them and talking about their voting choices is the most effective way of reaching new potential voters, professor Michael Peshkin said.

“During our student convocation with

incoming freshmen for the Communication Department, we decided to try to get everybody registered to vote who wanted to be,” said Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin, associate professor in the Communication Department and Michael’s sister. “In other words, approach every single student, one on one and say, ‘Are you registered to vote?’ [And if not], ‘Would you like to register to vote?’”

The U.S. Elections Project estimates indicate that 58 percent of eligible voters voted in the 2016 election.

This number is on par with the percentages of the previous election in 2012.

“There is this myth out there that students aren’t civilly engaged. There is no evidence to support that. There is evidence that students vote at the same percentages as anybody else who just moved. [When]

you dislocate people, they tend to drop off on voting,” Bloyd-Peshkin said.

Out of the 107 students that were expected at the event, 93 registered to vote.

It is important that students stay in the loop and ask questions when they come up, said Jazmin Bryant, cinema art and science major and president of the Student Government Association. If students don’t know how to register or are from out of state and would still like to vote, it is important that they ask questions, she said.

Peshkin’s essay asserts that it is important to register young out-of-state voters right away. If they chose to vote by mail, streamling the process of voting by mail for students is the goal.

Envelopes with stamps are provided for students in case they do not have them. “[Voting] is important because we are the ones who are going to make change,” Bryant said. There is a lot of power within voting, and the youth sometimes don’t realize the power that we hold.” jnolen@columbiachronicle.com » PHOTOS STEVEN NUNEZ/CHRONICLE

The percentage of college students who voted in 2016 increased 3.2 percent compared to 2012. Voter registration drives hosted in the library and around campus support this upward trend.

OCTOBER 1, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 3

campus

» OLIVIA DELOIAN STAFF REPORTER

and emphasis on allowing survivors to be heard as a result of the Me Too movement, more allegations of sexual abuse are revealed every day. Students have resources such as Title IX, as well as outside options, to help them if they were to be abused.

“A lot of students don’t know what [Title IX] resources are because you don’t want to think they apply to you, and you don’t end up having to find out what they are until you need to,” said Sasha Solov, coordinator at VOICES, Violence On Illinois Campuses Elimination Strategies.

VOICES is a joint effort between Life Span—which provides services for women and victims of domestic violence and WITH RAISED AWARENESS

sexual assault in Chicago—suburban Cook County and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to increase services for students who are victims of sexual abuse and increase accountability of offenders.

“We just want more students and administrators to know what they have at their disposal. A lot of students don’t know what Title IX is or how it works,” Solov said.

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally-funded education program or activity, according to the the Education Amendments of 1972.

Janely Rivera is Columbia’s Title IX coordinator and director of Equity Issues, and she said she was appointed in July after previously working as the investigator and deputy coordinator from January 2017

total college students » COURTESY NSVRC »C

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until May 2018.

She replaced previous Title IX Coordinator Rabia Khan Harvey.

Rivera said the college is seeking an investigator to take on her previous role while continuing to plan events that raise awareness of resources designed to help students who might be victims of sexual assault.

Upcoming events held by the college and other organizations include “Legal Options Beyond Title IX” Oct. 9 at 623 S. Wabash Ave., VOICES Fall Symposium Oct. 19 at Northeastern University as well as a “Sexual Misconduct Conference” event Nov. 9 at the University of Chicago, Rivera said.

The Music Center at Columbia College Chicago 1014 S. Michigan Avenue

M u s i c

D e p a r t m e n t

Tuesday October 2 Athanasios Zervas Saxophone Quartet

Wednesday October 3 Wednesday Noon Guitar Concert Series at the Conaway Student Piano & Strings Recital #2 at the Sherwood

»C

R T E S Y R A INN

OU

RTE S Y NSVR

Solov said the Oct. 19 symposium, held at 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., has two sections.

“The first half is targeted at Title IX coordinators and other administrators who work with students, and the second half is more generally about victim blaming and changing our culture around that and how we talk about sexualized violence,” Solov said. “That presentation will definitely be pertinent to students.”

Rivera said she especially hopes students attend the Oct. 9 event because it will communicate options beyond the college. “[It] is something we are hosting internally,” Rivera said. “[It focuses on] what options

C

students have if they were to go and file a civil no-contact order or a stalking no-contact order with the courts.”

Jacqueline Theodore, a confidential advisor and coordinator of student organizations, is a member of the Sexual Assault Awareness Education Committee—an organization of students and staff responsible for educating the student body on the topic of Title IX and sexual assault— which is involved with Columbia’s Oct. 9 event.

Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for additional reporting. odeloian@columbiachronicle.com

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campus WELLNESS, FROM FRONT

“[Students] don’t take it seriously enough because school is stressful. It always has been,” Boer said. “People are kind of like, ‘Oh whatever, you’re just stressed—it’s school.’ But they might not realize that maybe it’s actually not just school. Maybe it is something that’s more lifelong or long-term.”

Raising awareness for mental health in young people is important because they may be facing big changes, such as moving to college, which can impact their mental wellness,McGowan-Tomke said.

“It’s important to think about how that change of environment or that change of stress might impact young people and students,” she said. “We also know that mental illness typically begins in the teenage or young adult years, so it’s an opportunity to focus on early identification and early treatment of symptoms that can help young people with recovery.”

Guadalupe Ceja, a junior English literature major at Loyola University Chicago, said she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school and had to take time off from school to learn how to manage her illness.

“I took the spring semester off my sophomore year,” Ceja said.

“I had to do that and develop a routine. It’s really important [for] anyone who has a mental illness to develop a good medication schedule and just add in the therapy.”

Like any physical disability, mental illness needs to be taken seriously by colleges. Students should not be penalized if they need a break, Ceja added.

“I had to take sick days for that before, and they weren’t considered sick days because it wasn’t a physical [illness],” Ceja said.

Boer said college professors should understand that if a student is motivated one day but struggling the next, it is not for a lack of trying, passion or talent.

They might be dealing with something difficult.

» PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/SAMANTHA CONRAD, KEVIN TIONGSON & STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

“If you have the means to, go to a therapist,” Boer said. “If you have the means to, go to your doctor, because even if it doesn’t seem like much is wrong, it might be more beneficial to you to go before it gets that bad.”

There is still stigma surrounding mental illness, McGowan-

Tomke said. A student should find someone to confide in, she added. They should also look for resources on campus, find outside providers in Chicago or call their local NAMI. “Talking about mental health and wellness and raising awareness in the community about

these experiences is one of the critical ways we reduce the stigma around mental health conditions,” McGowan-Tomke said.

“We say, it’s OK to reach out for help, other people are experiencing this, too, and you’re not alone.” tbrubaker@columbiachronicle.com

YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

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TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES! RATED R FOR LANGUAGE THROUGHOUT, SOME SEXUALITY/NUDITY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit one pass per person. Each pass admits two. Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

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arts culture

Musician combines genres to create new sound » ColumbiaChronicle.com

Under the big top of Chicago’s Midnight Circus

» KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER

“One park used the funding to help supplement their after-school tutoring program because a lot of the kids who would frequent that park needed help,” Jenkins said. “[Another] one of the playgrounds we helped fund was a fully accessible playground at Independence Park.”

Chicago native and sophomore computer animation major Sabrina Velazquez said she admires the work Midnight Circus does. “[Chicago’s] Parks are something to take care of,” Velazquez said. “I have lived here all my life, and more money and more care going into the parks and recreation system is really important to me.”

Unlike traditional circuses, Midnight Circus only includes rescued bully breed dogs in their shows, Jenkins said. The inclusion is often a highlight for attendees, especially children, he said.

kwatt@columbiachronicle.com

» PHOTOS COURTESY MIDNIGHT CIRCUS

WHAT STARTED AS a performance in a Chicago storefront theater that held only 50 people, blossomed into a traveling circus that has raised nearly $1 million for Chicago parks.

Midnight Circus of Chicago is a traveling big top that produces an annual performance at various parks throughout the city. Founded by Jeff and Julie Jenkins, Midnight Circus arose from the couple’s desire to pursue a fun way to become more involved in the Chicago community, as well as their love for the entertainment realm, Jenkins said. “[Midnight Circus] came out of a collaboration between my wife’s background and my background,” Jenkins said. “She was a theater major, actress and dancer. I was a

clown at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.”

The goal of Midnight Circus is not only to bring live entertainment to various parks around the city, but to inspire Chicagoans to get out into their communities, Jenkins said.

“We always like the opportunity for folks in Chicago to meet their neighbors,” Jenkins said. “Because [the circus tent is] a circle, you’re staring across the ring at your neighbors. We love that people get to know each other throughout the course of the show.”

A portion of profits from each performance goes directly to the Chicago Park District’s advisory councils, Jenkins said.

The money was typically used to restore playgrounds, but following 12 years of the show, many playgrounds are up to date.

Today, the money is used where it is needed.

“It’s a really interesting approach,” said sophomore computer animation major Emma Schober. “Usually, when you think of circus, you think of lions and stuff like that, [but] to have a pit bull there is sweet.

I certainly appreciate their focus on using these stigmatized animals in an already stigmatized industry.”

Each year brings a new narrative to the circus, Jenkins said. “[The shows] are intimate, exciting [and] they really hit on all the emotions. There are world-class acrobatics, beautiful storytelling, live music elements [and] it is visually stunning,” Jenkins said.

According to Jenkins, ticket pricing is based on whether the park is deemed tier one or tier two. Tickets for shows in tier one parks cost $22 per person, and tickets for tier two shows cost $5.

“We wanted to make sure that every community we played [in] people could afford to see the circus. It doesn’t matter how good the show is or how much money potentially could be raised if people can’t afford to see it,” Jenkins said. “We always say [Midnight Circus] is as accessible as it is exciting.”

Midnight Circus will be traveling to various Chicago parks during their 2018 tour. This year’s tour goes through Oct. 21. A portion of the proceeds from shows will go back to the parks for restoration.

OCTOBER 1, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 7

arts & culture

Chicago to take center stage in 2019 » ALEXANDRA YETTER STAFF REPORTER

walk away with something different. Once they’re aware of [theater], they’ll certainly appreciate it.”

The project will focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, according to the press release. Clapp said the groups will accomplish these goals with connections to leaders in diverse neighborhoods.

Being a part of theater for more than a decade, Brill said the importance of diversity cannot be understated. Shows such as “Hamilton” bring attention to the benefits of a wide variety of voices, perspectives and experiences for everyone involved in the production.

Brill said there is a lack of stories that reflect black, Latino and other communities.

“Are we presenting theater that is representative of our current population?” Brill said. “Or, are most of the stories being told written by white men, and being produced for a white audience?”

Executive Director of the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance

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MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL announced a year-long focus on local theater, which will include $200,000 in financial grants, promotions and special showcases from the smallest shows to the biggest extravaganzas in the city, according to a press release from the mayor’s office.

Emanuel declared 2019 “the Year of Chicago Theater” Sept. 19.

This initiative is in conjunction with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the League of Chicago Theatres,and is designed to grow Chicago’s already considerable theater scene.

In Chicago, people can see a wide array of performances, from a contemporary play at the Steppenwolf Theater, a Broadway musical at the Oriental Theater and an intimate storefront show the next block over, said Deb Clapp, executive director of the

League of Chicago Theatres. She called Chicago the theater capital of America.

Justin Brill, assistant professor of Instruction in the Theatre Department and former cast member of shows such as “Wicked,” “Spamalot,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Rent,” said this new initiative will raise awareness of theater productions around the city for residents and tourists.

“If you were to take a poll on the streets, most people know the big names, but have they seen a show at the smaller companies that are really the heart and pulse of Chicago theater?” Brill said.

Brill added that he hopes investments in theater will trickle down to small theaters, rather than just support the larger marquees.

“The initiative is about making sure all Chicagoans feel welcome to a theater and all visitors are aware of this important cultural asset Chicago has,” Clapp said.

“People who see [each show] will

Myrna Salazar said the mark of equity and inclusion in theater will be when characters like Marie Antoinette can be played by actresses of all different races or ethnicities.

Indifference, ignorance and excuses are some of the many reasons there is a lack of diversity in the theater industry, Salazar said.

Her goals for the initiative is to bring Latinos to the forefront, create mentorships across communities and a space Latino theater fans can call home.

Salazar said she intends to call out any local theater company that does not comply with the initiative’s focus on equity and inclusion.

Brill said he would like to see smaller shows and companies get a boost from the project.

“The great diversity that we have in Chicago is vital to keeping theater alive, present and viable as a means to bring about change,” Brill said. “The ways we create societal change is to tell stories that hold [the] mirror up to society.”

top five

arts & culture

HALLOWEEN SEASON PERKS

LANA DEL REY LOOKS

FALL FOOD

BROADWAY MUSICAL SONGS

» EDEN BUNNA COPY EDITOR

» VIVIAN PIÑA MEDIA SALES REP

» HALIE PARKINSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

» KATHERINE SAVAGE STAFF REPORTER

Colors:

“Born to Die” music video:

Pumpkin pie:

“She Used to be Mine”

I am always looking for an excuse to wear excessive amounts of orange and black together. Fashion guru Tim Gunn would NEVER. Any other time of the year, he would send me right back to the workroom. But around Halloween, I’m sure he would tell me to “make it work!” Don’t be afraid to do just that, Halloween queens.

This is what most people think of when they picture Lana: the flower crown, elegant white dress, sitting on a throne with tigers at her feet, projecting a goddess-like aura perfectly.

Fall means the onset of spices, savory and sweet, all of which are represented in pumpkin pie, a staple of the season. It is the perfect dessert to eat at a party with friends or share at a family event.

“Waitress” tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and pie maker stuck in relationship with her abusive husband.

“She Used to be Mine” is about Jenna’s life and the pregnancy she didn’t want.

2012 Met Gala:

Chicken noodle soup:

“Don’t Rain on my Parade”

This Met Gala look evokes the witch image Lana adopted after the 2016 election. The dark lipstick and long, chic black cape make me want to join whatever coven she’s in.

Besides being a good home remedy for coughs, colds and flu, chicken noodle soup is a comfort food anyone can appreciate. The steam, salt, seasonings, noodles, veggies, broth and chicken make a healthy and savory meal on a brisk day or cool night.

Fanny Brice navigates her love life while trying to become an actress in New York City in “Funny Girl.” “Don’t Rain on my Parade” is the perfect anthem for anyone feeling down about themselves.

Acorn squash: Acorn squash is one of my favorite side dishes or snacks during the fall months. It is a healthy alternative to chips, and you can make it sweet by adding brown sugar and melted butter.

“Bandstand” centers around American World War II veterans who form a band and enter a competition to be in a musical. “Right This Way” tells the story of their hardship in the war and after the war. This song has so much emotion and is perfect for any mood.

Roasted chicken, apples and onions:

“Don’t tell Mama”

This meal does the trick for me every autumn. I learned the recipe from a friend of mine and fell in love with the garlic chicken and onions combined with the sweetness of apples.

“Cabaret” follows the life of singer Sally Bowles in Berlin during the 1930s. “Don’t tell Mama” describes how Bowles’ mother is the only one who doesn’t know exactly what she is doing in Berlin.

Everything chili:

“The Night They Invented Champagne”

Home decor: You don’t have to clear away those spiderwebs in the corners of your apartment. Let them be, and they will make your decoration plans for Halloween that much easier.

Socks: We all love fun socks. Particularly those from the Target dollar spot. Why not spice up a pair of Docs or loafers with some ghost, pumpkin or bat socks? Your other pairs probably needed a break, anyway.

Treats: It is finally acceptable to keep kettle corn and apple cider donuts in your backpack at all times in case you get hungry during class. When packing a lunch this season, opt for something a bit more festive.

“Ride” music video: Lana’s curly mane combined with jean shorts and cowboy boots makes me want to scream at random bikers in the desert, just like Lana did. The look captures freedom, wildness and summertime.

Lust for Life album cover: The daisies scattered about her hair, the flowing white dress and her bright smile remind me that “Age of Aquarius” is still dawning. This look is a “mystic crystal revelation” if I’ve ever seen one.

Music:

“Mariners Apartment Complex” music video:

Only listen to Halloween music during this time of the year. That includes using “This Is Halloween” as your alarm each morning. Get the heebie-jeebies during your morning commute, in between classes and before you go to bed each night.

In the first music video released for her upcoming album Norman F---ing Rockwell, Lana’s casual style showcases the plain beauties in life. Lana’s look reflects the simple American charm she’s always possessed.

I learned to love this dish during Friday and Saturday football games. There is nothing better than homemade chili covered in salty crackers and melted cheese while you watch your favorite team win the game.

“Right This Way”

“Gigi” is about a free-spirited young girl living in Paris. “The Night They Invented Champagne” is a whimsical song about Gigi first discovering the wonderful effects of champagne.

OCTOBER 1, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 9

opinions New alert system gives president too much power

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and lead them to safety if a public crisis were to occur, but we should not give President Trump the authority to decide what warrants sending out an alert.

President Trump is notorious for sending out erratic tweets that continually raise eyebrows. If this alert system is inaccurate and contains mistakes by him or someone within his administration, this could lead to widespread panic.

Emergency alert systems have been known and proven to falter in the past.

In January, Hawaii residents received an emergency cellphone alert which read, “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” However, it was a drill, and it took authorities 38 minutes to let residents know that.

The future crumbles as bullying rips childhood away However, recent headlines show the youthful bubble of innocence has popped too soon for many. From Aug. 23–31, two elementary school boys faced tragic conflict and were forced to make painful decisions way too early in their lives.

A few days after fourth grade began in Colorado on Aug. 23, 9-year-old Jamel Myles died by suicide after a year of bullying. The bullying escalated once he came out as gay.

Four days later in California, 10-yearCOMMENTARY old Aiden Vazquez was hospitalized after refusing to fight his bullies. » VIVIAN PIÑA Their tragedies stem from the same MEDIA SALES REP evil—children preying on each other. lementary school children in 2018 Vazquez’s innocence is heartbreakare the comical, silly kids they ingly apparent in his decision to refrain should be: dancing while dabbing, from fighting back. As he told KMIR watching “Teen Titans Go!” and having fun. News Aug. 27, “[It is] not the Jedi way.”

As they explore the world around them, they This statement brought praise continue to learn basic life skills: choos- from Mark Hamill—Luke Skywalker ing their own breakfast cereal, picking out himself—and other members of the their own clothes and studying multipli- franchise’s community. Although this cation tables. support is heartwarming, it’s hard to

E

forget the photos of Vazquez with tears running down his face and an open head wound. This is a kid who should be playing with “Star Wars” action figures after school, not getting stitches in his forehead because of bullying.

Myles’ story ended in the worst case scenario. The lives of his family will never be the same. His mother honored his youth by watching Myles’ favorite cartoons next to him at the funeral. No parent should have to mourn their child.

Vazquez and Myles had to face these horrors at such a terrifyingly early age.

It pains me to my core and makes me anxious for young people. The heartbreak I feel with cases like these is a reflection of the relationship I have with my own 8-year-old brother. I see him in Vazquez and Myles—their smiles, their giddiness and their boyhood exuberance. Seeing what happened to Vazquez and Myles rips my heart in two as I fear what could hurt my brother.

The tragedies that plagued these

odeloian@columbiachronicle.com

» PATRICK CASEY/CHRONICLE

he federal government will conduct its first nationwide test of a new emergency alert system called the “Presidential Alert” Oct. 3. The alert will send notifications to approximately 75 percent of cellphones in the country, according to a Sept. 21 news article.

According to FEMA, the Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that provides the president the capability to address the country during an emergency. The alerts will be similar to Amber Alerts or severe weather warnings.

According to the article, the Department of Homeland Security will not track the alert’s performance, but a DHS official said the agency would ask DHS and FEMA employees to report when they receive it.

Presidential Alerts could be a good way to alert the American people of danger

Hawaiians and tourists had no way of knowing this alert was a false alarm, which led to widespread panic. If a nationwide alert was sent to everyone and was a false alarm, the mania and confusion that would follow would be devastating.

Another problem is that alerts are not going to be monitored by DHS and FEMA. Without prior review from the departments that deal with these situations directly, the Presidential Alerts can lead to an imbalance of power.

While the alert system is meant to be used for public good, giving this heightened authority to one individual is flawed. DHS and FEMA are designed to keep the American people safe, and we should keep it that way.

The Presidential Alert System should not give sole authority to any president to send out whatever he pleases. In a government with checks and balances, we must have a system that allows these alerts to be reviewed beforehand

EDITORIAL to ensure accuracy and control the level of power in the highest office.

elementary school boys resulted from societal conditions that past generations, and our own, have permitted.

This cannot continue as a norm within society. To reduce this suffering, we can provide easier access to counseling for bullies and victims, stronger anti-bullying programs integrated into school systems and a public understanding of how to treat others with respect. We can avoid becoming bystanders when we see, hear or recognize bullying. vpina@columbiachronicle.com

» JOCELYN MORENO/CHRONICLE

Editorial Board Members Olivia Deloian Staff Reporter Blaise Mesa Managing Editor Kaci Watt Staff Reporter Jermaine Nolen Staff Reporter Alexandra Yetter Staff Reporter Katherine Savage Staff Reporter

10 THE CHRONICLE OCTOBER 1, 2018

Madison Keller Staff Reporter Jay Berghuis Copy Chief Jocelyn Moreno Senior Graphic Designer Patrick Casey Graphic Designer

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 Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board

opinions

COMMENTARY

Fatness doesn’t need permission » JAY BERGHUIS COPY CHIEF

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ess Holliday, a size-22 model, will grace the October cover of Cosmopolitan UK. Noted commentator Piers Morgan criticized Holliday Aug. 30 after the cover’s preview release, stating the magazine’s choice to feature her is dangerous because it glorifies obesity.

This charge is routinely leveraged against fat women who have the gall to be seen and to love their body, especially on social media. To this I respond: What is so wrong with glorifying a woman’s body, even if it is called “obese”? Why shouldn’t fat women celebrate the bodies we live in?

Critics of the fat acceptance movement say this is an issue of health, ignoring that current health sciences such as the BMI scale are f lawed, according to a March 8 Business Insider article.

These critics have turned “fat” into the opposite of healthy, setting thinness as the standard of health. Many fat women think the right counter-argument to the charge of glorifying obesity is showing that it’s possible to be fat and healthy. Mainstream body positivity holds up “good” fat women who do yoga, eat salads, wear fashionable clothes and don’t speak too loudly.

They are almost always branded plus-sized instead of obese because thin people only say “fat” when they mean it as an insult.

It pushes down those who refuse to be acceptably fat: the butch, the queer, the loud, the disabled. Health is used as a proxy for goodness. Fat is used as a synonym for lazy, uneducated and ugly, while healthy is used as a synonym for motivated, productive and beautiful.

Health is not a virtue, and fat people do not need the permission of thin people to exist as we are.

Unscientific diets, yoga, green smoothies posted on Instagram and Kim Kardashian’s appetite-suppressing lollipops should not be pushed onto everyone, and much of the time trying to force your body into a mold it doesn’t fit into comes at the cost of both physical and mental health. Many fad diets encourage excessive calorie restriction and obsession with appearance. The obsession that everyone should strive to be healthy is one that is inherently ableist, classist and controlling.

Personally, I live with chronic pain and an anxiety disorder. If I were to do yoga or cycling, I likely would not be able to walk the next day. An attempt to begin an intense diet can launch me into obsessive cycles of self-hatred and destruction. This is the case for many who live with both visible and invisible illnesses. Not everyone’s bodies have the same capabilities, and holding all individuals to the same standards creates divisions where we should aim for acceptance.

Whether an individual lives with a chronic illness or not, they should not be expected to alter their diet or exercise routine if they don’t want to. And no one has the right to tell others how to manage their health and their body.

The choice to dedicate your life to physical fitness and health is wonderful if that is what sustains your spirit, but everyone must navigate their own relationship with food and their body for themselves. We deserve to do this without pressure, shame and fear.

Living a healthy lifestyle by any definition does not make an individual more good, moral or worthy of love and public recognition than those who are not healthy. We are good and moral by the content of our character, and we are worthy of love and acceptance because we are human, not because we are thin.

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jberghuis@columbiachronicle.com

» GRACE SENIOR/CHRONICLE

OCTOBER 1, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 11

opinions

PRESIDENT KWANG-WU KIM IS PLEASED TO OFFER

STUDENT OFFICE HOURS FOR THE FALL 2018 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 You must be available within a 10:00 a.m. − 11:40 a.m. window.

September 21, 2018 October 26, 2018 November 30, 2018 To register for a 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 OCTOBER 1, 2018

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Staff members discuss Super Bowl curse » ColumbiaChronicle.podbean.com

Textbook fund could open access to educational materials » BLAISE MESA

MANAGING EDITOR COLLEGES WILL SOON be awarded grant money to help pay for textbooks after an additional $5 million in funding was allocated to the Open Textbooks Pilot Program.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the program in September 2017. The legislation states that “the cost of college textbooks continues to be a barrier for many students in achieving higher education,” according to Congressional Legislative Records.

Undergraduate students borrow $3 billion per year in financial aid to purchase textbooks, according to a February 2016 report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.

“There are many students across the country who’ve worked hard, earned good grades, figured out a way to pay for college— who are then hit by the unexpectedly high cost of textbooks,” said Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN).

Smith helped lobby for the additional funding and said in a Sept. 25 email statement to The Chronicle, “this pilot is an opportunity for us to help students save money by securing resources to provide students free, open access textbooks.”

Grants will be awarded to expand access to open textbooks, free online textbooks for students, according to Congressional Records.

Institutions of higher education or a group of institutions of higher education are eligible for the grants.

The pilot program has yet to award any schools grant funding as of press time.

The press release stated money would be awarded soon, but did not give a more specific time estimate.

Senior multimedia journalism major Vex Quintero said they purchased a textbook for every class that required it; two classes did this current semester.

Quintero said they purchased the books because they did not want to risk not passing classes.

According to a January 2014 report by the U.S. PIRG, 65 percent of students decided not to purchase a textbook because it was too expensive. The report also found 94 percent of students who elected not to buy a textbook were concerned it would negatively affect their grade.

Textbooks make up approximately 5-10 percent of the annual cost of college attendance, said George Gately, president of the board for the National College Advocacy Group.

Gately said he supports the program, but added that the discount will not make the difference between a student attending or not attending college.

“A 5-10 percent discount is appreciated, but it doesn’t make a significant difference

in the bottom line in terms of a person’s individual budget,” Gately said. “It may help free up some discretionary funds for other things.”

Senior fashion business major Alexandra Ivy does not usually purchase textbooks and said price was one of the reasons why.

In his work with college students, Gately said students are usually able to find other methods of purchasing or renting textbooks for class to save money.

Several companies, such as Amazon and Chegg, offer alternative options for purchasing or renting textbooks, which might come at a reduced rate compared to prices on the bookstore.

The “Marine Biology” textbook at Columbia costs $127.50 used, and is listed as a required textbook for the “Marine Biology” course. Chegg offers an electronic version of the textbook for rent at $35.00.

Some textbooks in Columbia’s Library can be found at similar prices, such as a chemistry e-book that costs $31.49 at the Library and on Chegg.

Ivy purchased a $150 textbook in the past and said the amount of money was probably about a month’s worth of groceries.

“If [textbooks] weren’t so expensive, I would probably buy them more often,” she said. bmesa@columbiachronicle.com

» PATRICK CASEY/CHRONICLE

OCTOBER 1, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 13

metro

» KACI WATT STAFF REPORTER MORE CHICAGO PUBLIC Schools’ graduates are enrolling in college now than ever before.

According to a Sept. 24 press release from the Office of the Mayor, 64.6 percent of graduates from the class of 2017 enrolled in a two or four-year institution, compared to 53.7 percent in 2010.

The increase was credited to various programs designed to aid college-bound CPS students.

“The increase is just exposure.

The more we’re talking about it— the more it is visible—the more students are getting a chance to talk and see that it is something that is obtainable,” said Charles Anderson, principal at Michele Clark Magnet High School.

Some of the programs include GearUp, OneGoal and the Star Scholarship.

OneGoal and GearUp share a common goal to help CPS students

pursue post-graduation opportunities. GearUp helps more than 14,000 students in 36 CPS high schools with workshops, guidance and support, according to the release. OneGoal offers guidance to students from junior year through their freshman year of college.

The Star Scholarship helps CPS graduates who plan to attend the City Colleges of Chicago.

According to the organization’s website, City Colleges will waive the remaining cost of tuition and books not covered by federal aid.

Not only has the number of students attending college increased, but the number of students staying in college after freshman year has increased. The release noted 72.3 percent of CPS graduates who enrolled in college in 2015 remained enrolled in 2016.

While CPS offers various avenues for aid during the application process, CPS graduate and junior animation major

Cassidy Romero said CPS could have focused more on what students should do after the initial application process. “[They could have] shed more insight on what to expect from college,” he said. The financial aid stuff was confusing when I went through it. They could’ve put more emphasis on that. “ Columbia will also offer new scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year, according to Senior Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment Derek Brinkley.

“Across the board, we know that scholarships tend to be a little challenging for many of our students,” Brinkley said.

One of the Columbia scholarships for CPS students is based on GPA. Scholarships will range up to about $13,500 for the year, according to Brinkley.

A second scholarship for CPS students is targeted to specific schools known to have a higher

$5 OFF A D M IS S I ON w ith t hi s AD

14 THE CHRONICLE OCTOBER 1, 2018

» INFORMATION COURTESY MAYOR’S OFFICE

CPS college enrollment reaches new heights

» JOCELYN MORENO/CHRONICLE

number of students interested in creative industries, he said.

This scholarship will range up to $15,000.

Columbia is trying to increase outreach to CPS students, Brinkley added.

“There is something to be said about going to high schools and talking to high schoolers about

what we have to offer at Columbia,” Brinkley said. “There is also something to be said about going to high schools and talking about the college process in general and being able to serve the community, even if it isn’t always directly related to Columbia.” kwatt@columbiachronicle.com

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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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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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