The Columbia Chronicle, March 26, 2018

Columbia’s campus filled with historic landmarks PAGE 25

PAGE 11 Volume 53, Issue 24

March 26, 2018

ColumbiaChronicle.com

No Pets Allowed » OLIVIA DELOIAN CAMPUS REPORTER

SEE DISCRIMINATION, PAGE 8

A STUDENT ALLEGING discrimination by the college has asked a disability law activism group for help after Columbia denied her request to keep an assistance dog and cat in her dorm room.

Lindsey Barrett requested a second animal in December 2017 after her psychiatrist recommended a dog to help alleviate her severe panic attacks.

Barrett, a sophomore business and entrepreneurship major, said she was diagnosed with depression in 2013, and anxiety was added to her diagnosis shortly after, she said. In 2017, she was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with social anxiety.

» KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE

Comic book to bring LGBTQ, people of color representation

editor’s note

The rules have to change with the times

MANAGEMENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITORS

T

he world changes. Even though it doesn’t change as quickly or as often as many of us would like, there are few things that are the same as they were a few decades or even a couple years ago.

And as the world changes around us, Columbia must change, too.

The idea of an emotional support or assistance animal would have boggled the minds of most of our great-grandparents, but it’s a fairly common concept today.

It’s common enough that, in 2013, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released a notice clarifying its Fair Housing Act, stating that housing providers have an obligation to provide reasonable accommodation to tenants who need assistance animals, including those that provide emotional support.

And while reasonable accommodation may mean something different to one person than another, colleges have even more of a responsibility to make their students feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

This absolutely includes doing everything in the college’s power to help students’ mental health.

As reported on the Front Page, Columbia denied accommodation to a student who was requesting a second assistance animal to stay in her fully paid-for student housing at The Arc. This student had already been approved for her therapist-recommended assistance cat, and though she had documentation from her therapist for an assistance dog, the college decided it would not grant this second request on the grounds that the animals would perform the same function—something both the therapist and the student refuted.

Who are these Columbia representatives to think they know more about what is best for a student’s mental health than both the student and her therapist?

The 2013 notice states that a housing provider can’t deny a tenant’s reasonable accommodation request because the provider is uncertain or doubts the tenant’s need for the assistance animal.

The provider may request documentation from a doctor, psychiatrist, social worker or other mental health professional if the need for the accommodation is in question. It goes on to state, “Such 2 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR AD & BUSINESS MANAGER

CAMPUS REPORTERS

CAMPUS Tessa Brubaker Olivia Deloian Molly Walsh

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS

documentation is sufficient if it estabMETRO REPORTERS lishes that an individual has a disability and that the animal in question will provide some type of disability-related assistance or emotional support.”

OPINIONS EDITOR That is exactly what this student provided. And Columbia cannot claim it

denied the request due to what behaviors the notice COPY CHIEF the dog might exhibit because

COPY EDITORS bars that as well.

So really, Columbia is attempting to play therapist and lawyer and not doing a great job because I found this information

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS after a quick Google search and perusal of HUD’s records.

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Beyond just denying this student’s request, Columbia is responsible for the stress of the process that has caused the

SENIOR PHOTO EDITORS student’s mental health to suffer and her grades to fall. She has also had to move

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS out of the aforementioned fully paid-for student housing into an apartment, so she could get her therapist-recommended assistance dog and still keep her cat—a MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

MULTIMEDIA REPORTERS cat that Columbia representatives said she could get rid of if she wanted to switch it out for a dog.

This is one of those times that makes

MEDIA SALES REPS students realize that despite Columbia’s attempts to be accepting and progressive,

MARKETING ASSISTANT it doesn’t do the best job. From having procedures requiring faculty to learn and use students’ preferred pronouns but WEBMASTER the same faculty not making the effort to

ONLINE CONTENT PRODUCER use them correctly, to having a disability office to make learning easier for students with disabilities—mental and physical— working to OFFICE ASSISTANT but office representatives not accommodate students in the way they need, Columbia needs to reevalu GENERAL MANAGER ate how it’s adapting.

FACULTY ADVISER Younger generations are usually

ASSISTANT FACULTY ADVISER the ones pushing and pioneering these societal changes, and as a college, Columbia needs to be a safe, understanding and accepting place for students, even if the college doesn’t understand them. zeitel@columbiachronicle.com

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campus

SAA: Columbia’s most valuable players

» MOLLY WALSH CAMPUS REPORTER

STUDENT ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION aka the Renegades is up to the challenge of scoring more recognition on campus.

Launching four new teams and collaborating with student-run television station

Frequency TV to highlight Columbia’s sports, the Student Athletic Association has been working hard to raise Renegades spirit all across the college’s campus.

The SAA board spoke with The Chronicle about the benefits of playing sports, managing an athletic organization on campus and the aspirations for the Renegades. and spiritual needs, and that’s what we are here to provide.

SAA President and senior audio arts and acoustics major Matt Coyle said he joined the Quidditch team as a freshman to help cope with depression. After playing Quidditch, Coyle wanted to become a driving force in strengthening Columbia’s athletics teams.

THE CHRONICLE: How do you manage being in charge of an athletic organization on an urban, artistic campus like Columbia’s?

MATT COYLE: Persistence is the best way I can describe it. We run into a lot of attrition and a reluctance to change. The thing with Columbia is that our school’s motto [was] “create change.” We want to give students an outlet for their physical

What are your aspirations for the future of SAA? The 7-Eleven attached to the [University Center] has a Renegades banner up, and I didn’t even ask for that. That’s what I want. I want our branding to be accepted.

We want to be on a campus where we are not a joke. We don’t take ourselves as a joke, and if you sit down with us in a meeting, we take ourselves very seriously. The end goal for my presidency is to get us to be a part of the Columbia marketing team, so when they go to prospective students, they have the Renegades emblem on the pamphlet saying we do have sports here.

Sophomore music major Jacob Schmidt joined SAA after starting the basketball team his freshman year. He realized he enjoyed being a leader on campus and successfully ran for election and started this school year as the organization’s community representative.

As finance director for SAA, junior theatre major Sareh Maani manages the budget for the 12 Renegade teams and assists with fundraisers.

Maani has played field hockey for 12 years and decided to continue to play sports in college for fun and to interact with other students.

How do you think being a part of SAA benefits your future?

JACOB SCHMIDT: I learned how to practically run a business when I started basketball. It’s a lot of paperwork, busy work and hard work. It’s stuff you do not learn in a classroom. It’s hard to explain it, but I’ve learned so much from SAA, especially in a leadership standpoint.

Why do you think Columbia students should join SAA? SAREH MAANI: It adds a lot to the college experience, not because of playing a sport specifically, but because of the whole putting yourself out there, meeting new people, constantly competing against other people and teams and of course staying active and healthy.

What are some of the strengths of being in a sports organization at Columbia compared to other schools?

We have a lot more to it that makes it creative. We make sure to branch out of just practices. We have our own bonding events that are fun. When everyone is also an artist, it’s extremely creative. We can work together on stuff outside of athletics.

I found people on the basketball team that can help me get my homework done. It’s not just athletics.

What’s your advice for students who are not athletes?

We have athletic-heavy sports like basketball and soccer, but we also have dance teams for people who are dancers and we have the Quidditch team for more nerdy people. Now we have E-sports, which is competitive gaming.

We have Marching Band and now Outdoor [Collective]. You don’t have to be a stereotypical athlete to participate in it. mwalsh@columbiachronicle.com

You said SAA helped you cope with your depression. How else can athletics benefit students?

I can’t say for sure if I would be here today without athletics. Quidditch gave me a family. All of my friends derived from Quidditch. Going out and networking like that is integral for you to stay mentally healthy and physically fit. All of our teams and clubs offer practices every week just to help you turn off your brain, hang out and do what you want to do. I came to Columbia, giving up wanting to play football, but I found Quidditch where I still get to tackle people. Just because your journey ended in high school with sports doesn’t mean it has to end in art school.

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 3

Do you know your credit score?

How students can ensure good credit » OLIVIA DELOIAN CAMPUS REPORTER

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she is unaware of her credit score, she understands the responsibility that comes with owning a credit card.

Zelenz said she typically uses her credit card for essential purchases, such as groceries and textbooks, and saves her debit card for non-essentials. After purchasing items on the credit card, her mother pays them off, she added.

Jake Lunduski, community outreach director at Credit Card Insider, said he advises students to keep track of their monthly spending and review purchases to see whether they were actually necessary. “[Reviewing your spending habits] will open your eyes,” Lunduski said. “Then you can see where you can cut out some

will take seven years to go away,” Ganotis said.

Zelenz said for other students like herself who are just starting to use credit cards for the first time, “Keep track of your money, and don’t buy anything you know you would not be able to afford in the near future. [Just] spend wisely.”

»J

BY GETTING CREDIT cards and borrowing student loans, college students are building credit histories with lasting consequences.

But are students well-informed about what can go wrong and how to safely build their credit scores?

John Ganotis, founder of Credit Card Insider, a company that encourages people to use credit cards safely, said many individuals, even college graduates, do not necessarily grasp the importance of establishing credit.

“There are a lot of people who leave college and don’t understand how to use credit or how big of an impact it can have on their lives,” Ganotis said. “Our mission [at Credit Card Insider] is to help people understand credit and use it to their advantage.”

For students seeking credit cards, Ganotis encourages them to first learn about the credit scoring system and how their credit history will affect their futures. “[Credit cards] can be a problem that leads to debt, so it’s up to each individual student to research and decide, ‘Is a credit card right for me?’” Ganotis said.

The average credit score in the country is currently at an all-time high of 695, according to ValuePenguin, a personal finance website that conducts in-depth research and analysis on such topics as insurance, credit cards and spending.

According to Value Penguin’s website, a credit score of 720 or more is considered excellent, while 660 to 719 is considered average or fair.

Kayla Zelenz, a junior broadcast journalism major, said although

spending and try to improve month over month.”

For students who have fallen into debt, Ganotis said the greatest step they can take in the future is working toward decreasing the debt and spending responsibly.

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MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 5

CCCPay update features new services » ARIANA PORTALATIN MANAGING EDITOR NEW UPGRADES TO the college’s CCCPay service were announced to students March 7, providing account holders a mobile-friendly site, text alerts, real-time view of payments and balances as well as customer service assistance from the Student Financial Services’ vendor, Nelnet.

CCCPay is the college’s online payment and direct deposit service used by students and third parties, which receives and credits financial aid and tuition payments.

Nelnet is a financial service company working with more than 400 higher education institutions, according to Marci Mueller, implementation project manager at Nelnet. The company also acquired Great Lakes Educational Loan Services in February, so it now

handles more than 40 percent of all nationwide student loan payments.

The most recent additions were implemented in response to student feedback, said Christine Tvedt, assistant director of Outreach and Education and Financial Planning. “[The upgrade] will take us steps ahead into allowing text messaging, a friendly mobile view and will have the option where our systems will talk to each other in real time,” Tvedt said. “Students [are] able to go to CCCPay and see pending aid, what aid has already come through and what’s the balance as of today. And it will be [in] real time with what the college has on record.”

Tvedt said the upgrades use technology by Jenzabar, a company providing student information services and software to higher education institutions, which

Nelnet partnered with in 2015 to provide new payment processing solutions to clients.

Mueller said the newly added features will make students’ payments easier to understand.

“There was no integration between our systems, so it was hard for students to know what their balance was when they wanted to set up a payment plan,” Mueller said. “Now when a student comes in, we’ll show them what their balance is for each term, so there’s no gray area to figure out how much they owe.”

The new text alert upgrades keep students and authorized third-party payers updated on their account information and makes sense for college students because they use their phones all the time, Mueller said.

Although the updates are already implemented, Tvedt said students will need to take several steps before they can put the updates to use. They will need to reauthorize third-party payers, opt in to text alerts and add Nelnet as a safe email contact, so future

» PHOTO ILLUSTRATION ZOË HAWORTH/CHRONICLE

Student Financial Services announced upgrades to the college’s CCCPay service to improve communication and make account information more accessible.

emails about account information do not go into spam folders.

Direct deposit information and current payment plans for the spring semester will transfer to the updates, she added.

Nathan Polak, a junior audio arts and acoustics major, said while he does not have a payment plan, he still sees benefits to the updates because his information will be more accessible and easier to follow.

“The text alerts will be useful for people [with payment plans] so they can get a reminder,” Polak

said. “Real-time integration will help because I’ve had times where I’m [wondering] ‘Did my payment go through or not?’ because they take awhile to update.”

Tvedt added that students can expect additional changes throughout the semester.

“We do have some more changes coming up that we’ll be announcing, just a service change happening,” Tvedt said.

“We’re wanting to make it more accessible, intuitive, transparent and improved customer service.”

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD You have the opportunity to enter one of three competitions that will feature your work during the commencement ceremonies. Applications are open to undergraduate and graduate students who will be graduating May 2018.

All applications are due Monday, April 2nd, 2018 by 12 AM (midnight)

Apply at: www.students.colum.edu/commencement/competitions 6 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

• You must attach an outline of your proposed speech, along with a brief personal statement setting out the reasons why you wish to speak on behalf of your fellow graduates and how your Columbia experience has shaped what you might want to say • 3.0 cumulative GPA required • You must submit two letters of reference, one from a Columbia faculty or staff member and the other may be from a professional leader in the arts and communication industry

aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com

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Please contact Pattie pmackenzie@colum.edu or Kim klivingstone@colum.edu MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 7

campus

Student accuses college of disability discrimination

Lindsey Barrett, sophomore business and entrepreneurship major, was denied an accommodation for a second assistance animal after her request in December 2017. » PHOTOS KEVIN TIONGSON/CHRONICLE DISCRIMINATION, FROM FRONT

The DSM-5, or The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, defines adjustment disorder as “the presence of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to identifiable stressor(s) occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor(s). In addition to exposure to one or more stressors, other DSM-5 criteria for adjustment disorder must be present. One or both of these criteria include distress that is out of proportion with expected reactions to the stressor, as well as symptoms must be clinically significant—they cause marked distress and impairment in functioning.”

Adjustment disorder can come with other disorders such as anxiety, which has been Barrett’s case, and the severity of the stresses lead to her diagnosis.

Barrett said although she loves having her assistance cat Leo, whom she has had for two years, she and her psychiatrist realized the cat was not enough to help treat her most recent diagnosis and decided to request a dog to live with her in The Arc, 37 W. Van Buren St. After filling out the required paperwork for the Services for Students with Disabilities Office on Oct. 1, 2017, and including her 8 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

therapist’s recommendation for a second assistance animal, Barrett was then denied the accommodation.

She believes the decision is contrary to housing and disability law.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Persons with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation for any assistance animal, including an emotional support animal, under both the [Fair Housing Act] and Section 504 [of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973]. In situations where the [Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990] and the FHAct/Section 504 apply simultaneously—a public housing agency, sales or leasing offices, or housing associated with a university or other place of education—housing providers must meet their obligations under both the reasonable accommodation standard of the FHAct/Section 504 and the service animal provisions of the ADA.” Rebecca Wisch, associate editor and staff attorney for the Animal Legal Historical Center at Michigan State University College of Law, explained that emotional support animals are technically a subset of assistance animals.

“A person with an emotional disability can establish that emotional assistance

animal provides therapeutic benefit in terms of calming them, lifting their depression, reducing anxiety, all sorts of things,” Wisch said.

A person can request an assistance animal if the housing complex does not usually allow pets, including campus housing requests, Wisch noted.

“That housing provider can determine based on that request, whether to grant the reasonable accommodation,” Wisch said. “That’s always based by looking at the specific assistance animals in question.”

In a Jan. 5 email provided to The Chronicle by Barrett, Assistant Director of SSD Jeanne Kelly said the college only grants student housing accommodations for one emotional support animal at a time.

“If you do choose to replace your cat with another animal, you will be required to submit all documentation required under the policy for that animal,” Kelly said. “Since the request is less than 60 days from the date of your move to campus, the accommodation for the new animal may not be met if there are any roommate or other logistical issues that cannot be resolved.”

Kelly declined to comment in a Feb. 20 email to The Chronicle, citing federal laws that protect student information.

Barrett said after the denial, she scheduled a meeting with Kelly and Associate Dean of Student Health and Support Beverly Anderson. “[During the meeting, they] essentially told me that my documentation wasn’t sufficient enough to warrant having multiple animals,” Barrett said.

Wisch said the legality of the situation is unclear because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regulations may not necessarily be applicable to Barrett’s case.

“I don’t know if a court has said—based on this fact pattern—a person can have an emotional support animal for this aspect of their disability, and then the additional emotional support animal for this aspect of the disability,” Wisch said. “It’s difficult because there’s not a lot of precedent out there to establish which way a decision would go.”

In a Feb. 19 email to The Chronicle, Anderson also declined to comment, once again citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act that is protectant of student information.

On Feb. 2, Barrett received an email from Dean of Students John Pelrine, which was once again provided to The Chronicle by Barrett.

campus had each of them send a letter to him saying that they would be OK with it.”

Barrett said she views the college’s actions as discriminatory and has asked Equip for Equality, a disability law and activism group, to take her case.

Despite Pelrine’s alleged claims of crowding issues, her roommates Anna Malek and Molly Bockmeyer sent emails to Pelrine assuring the college they consented to having the animals in their apartment.

Malek, a senior cinema and television arts major, said she sent the email Feb. 5 because she found the school’s decision unfair and troubling.

“Throughout this whole process, [it] has been really stressful for all of us because we see how much her emotions are getting haywire and all the stress she’s going under,” Malek said. “She’s not getting the care that she needs.”

Morgan Chojnacki, a sophomore dance major, said she has also had similar problems within the Services for Students with Disabilities Office.

Chojancki said she filled out paperwork in spring 2017 requesting that her cat Chester serve as an assistance animal to alleviate her homesickness when she would be returning in fall 2017.

On June 29, 2017, Chojnacki and her therapist filled out the required paperwork explaining her diagnosis of depression and anxiety and how the assistance cat would alleviate those symptoms.

Cuong Chau, coordinator for SSD, told her to send any paperwork over the summer and she would be set to have her cat when returning in the fall, Chojnacki said. After filling out and sending required paperwork on her diagnosis to Chau on July 17, 2017, she said she did not receive a response.

After sending proof of her animal’s vaccinations on Aug. 14, she received an automatic email response from Chau explaining that he was out of the office and would return Aug. 17. Chojnacki sent another email on Aug. 21, checking if Chau had received the email about the vaccinations and received no response.

When she returned in September, Chojnacki said Chau no longer remembered who she was or her request.

“I went to the office after returning in the fall of 2017 and asked why [I] hadn’t heard back from [him]. He acted as if he

had no clue who I was,” Chojnacki said. “I also brought the paperwork in case he had no recollection of it and he didn’t. He didn’t even see the email, he took photo copies of it right then. He didn’t even remember that we had met.”

On Sept. 21, she sent another email including a picture of her cat and his carrier to Chau and did not hear from him again until mid-November, Chojnacki said.

“I didn’t hear back from him until I went to his office the week before Thanksgiving break. I went down there and he’s like, ‘Oh yeah, you can bring him back whenever now,’” Chojnacki said. “I thought it was the most poorly planned thing ever.”

In a Feb. 26 email to The Chronicle, Chau declined to comment, stating that the case is being handled by department heads.

Kelly also declined to comment on the situation in a March 13 email to The Chronicle, again stating that she is unable to discuss specific student matters.

Chojnacki said she hopes awareness is raised about her experience to help other students going forward.

“I hope [the SSD office] thinks about how they’re approaching everything that they maybe start becoming more efficient and develop a better system,” Chojnacki said.

Barrett said her experience has resulted in more panic attacks, and to help, she bought her assistance dog and moved into a studio apartment in Bronzeville to alleviate her stress.

Overall, Barrett said she would settle for a refund of her housing costs and tuition for the Spring 2018 Semester based on the stress the experience has caused her.

“I am so far behind, I don’t even know where I am in half my classes at this point,” Barrett said, “because this has been going on for three months and it could have [just] been resolved in a timely manner.”

odeloian@columbiachronicle.com

“Your therapist advised that the dog would assist by providing comfort and physical proximity,” Pelrine said in the email. “The medical documentation and other information you provided in writing and in person demonstrate that the animals serve the same function— emotional support alleviating symptoms of your anxiety. We affirm our decision to deny your request for an additional assistance animal.”

According to Barrett, her psychiatrist said the animals provide two different forms of care. The cat provides isolation and motivation assistance to get out of bed and begin her day, which ends up aiding her in the completion of everyday tasks. The dog helps with panic attacks and anxiety by offering comfort and physical proximity as well as helping to contain the effects.

In a Feb. 23 email to The Chronicle, college spokeswoman Anjali Julka provided a statement on behalf of Pelrine and the Services for Students with Disabilities Office emphasizing the difference between emotional support and service animals.

“We continuously work to address the needs of our students and help ensure their well-being. A student with a disability may request to keep an “assistance animal” in housing as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, if certain conditions are met. Emotional support animals do not fall within the definition of a “service animal” as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. Columbia’s student housing policies and procedures are consistent with federal and state law, including without limitation the FHA pertaining to assistance animals, and the ADA, which governs service animals. We carefully review each situation on a case by case basis. Additionally, we adhere to regulations that govern student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Barrett said after receiving Pelrine’s email, she went to meet with him in person.

“I explained to [Pelrine], ‘Hey, they’re going to be doing different things,’ and he claimed that it would be a disruption in the dorms,” Barrett said. “He tried to tell me that it would be a crowding issue, that my apartment is not sufficient space to have both of these animals and that it would be disrupting my roommates even though I

Throughout this whole process, [it] has been really stressful for all of us because we see how much her emotions are getting haywire and all the stress she’s going under. She’s not getting the care that she needs.

ANNA MALEK MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 9

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arts culture

When life gives you lemons... bite them » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia » PHOTOS COURTESY COW HOUSE PRESS

Kickstarters and ‘Lemonade’ stands FLIPPING THROUGH COMIC books as a child, Gabi Mendez, a first year graduate student at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, never found relatable characters. As a queer person of color, Mendez struggled to accept her identity because she did not see herself represented as her peers were.

Her concern led her to craft “Lemonade Summer,” a seven-story comic collection about kids and young adults of color within the LGBTQ community with everyday issues and adventures.

“It is important for kids to see themselves in books, [to] see themselves having adventures that aren’t necessarily related to their identity but confirm it and celebrate it,” Mendez said. “My story is not being told, so I can’t relate, or you are forced to relate to whatever the norm is that isn’t you.”

The book is in the final days of its kickstarter campaign and has raised more than $3,000 as of press time. The campaign was created to print extra books to donate to youth centers, schools and libraries,

according to Sheika Lugtu, founder of Cow House Press, the book’s publisher.

As an independent comic book creator for five years, Lugtu said she had noticed other independent creators struggling to reach a larger audience. She decided to create Cow House Press, a Chicago-based comic book publisher, in 2017.

Despite societal perceptions, Lugtu said most comic books are often marketed to adults. She often had young kids at her table during comic book festivals who wanted to read comics, but there were not many created for them.

“I would have these conversations with [kids] where they don’t see themselves represented in these books. [I would say] ‘You are, but [you] can’t read them yet,’” she said.

Along with a lack of representation of the LGBTQ community in books, Lugtu has also noticed a lack of representation in race.

Lugtu is also an art teacher at Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., and said she noticed several of her students would create characters based off stereotypes when they were asked to create a comic book because they are embedded in their consciousnesses.

“I have had many experiences with younger kids who have these thoughts ingrained into them,” Lugtu said. “My students who are girls or people of color will create [comics of] superheroes or princesses and will create them as white. That it is natural, something that is normalized by the media we look at.”

It was those experiences in the classroom combined with her life experiences that led Lugtu to want to publish Mendez’s “Lemonade Summer,” she said.

Liv Hanson, content curator for youth at Chicago Public Library, said representation within the LGBTQ community has gotten better in young adult books, but there is still room for progress.

“There are kids who are LGBTQ, and it is important for them to see other kids who are like them,” Hanson said. “For kids who don’t fall into that spectrum, it is important for empathy and for understanding.”

Lugtu said because of the wave of LGBTQ representation in books and film, she hopes children will now grow up seeing characters like them. “[Kids] will see these characters and people making work that are themselves and

it will normalize to them that they too— queer kids, kids of color, or anyone—will see themselves and normalize that they too can make it,” she said.

kvilliesse@columbiachronicle.com

» KENDRAH VILLIESSE ONLINE CONTENT PRODUCER

“Lemonade Summer,” by Gavi Mendez, is a comic book consisting of seven stories with characters representing LGBTQ people of color.

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 11

arts & culture

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12 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

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was not a romantic situation, the public’s responses after the episode aired have been mixed.

Many have correctly pointed out that Perry’s actions are inappropriate because they were nonconsensual, but some think Glaze should have enjoyed the kiss because of Perry’s stardom, and it’s not everyday someone gets to kiss a celebrity. However, the kiss caught Glaze off guard and he was not OK with it. Glaze said he could not kiss a girl unless he was in a relationship and Perry went on to kiss him anyway instead of respecting his beliefs.

If a male judge had kissed a female contestant without her consent, there would have been an uproar and no question about the moment’s inappropriateness.

Being a male does not exclude Glaze from his right to consent.

Additionally, Perry is there to be a judge on the show, which means critiquing performances and helping contestants hone their craft, not meddling in their personal affairs. Glaze was there to perform a song but was instead put at a disadvantage because of Perry’s kiss, while her co-judges happily filmed the moment, which was what likely led to him being rejected by the judges.

Those who disagree will only perpetuate and justify Perry’s wrongful actions, and during the time of the Me Too movement, it’s important to continue and support conversations about consent and holding people accountable. This should not only be a conversation applied to females but everyone. aportalatin@columbiachronicle.com

Free Pool !!!

n a failed attempt to be nice and funny, singer and judge Katy Perry kissed a 19-year-old before his audition on the March 11 season premiere of American Idol, not only showing an example of nonconsent, but opening a dialogue about double standards.

In the segment that seemed scripted by producers beforehand, Benjamin Glaze’s audition begins with Perry asking what kind of job Glaze has, to which he replies that he’s a cashier who enjoys his job because he gets to meet girls.

Singer Luke Bryan, who is also a judge on the show alongside Perry and singer Lionel Richie, conveniently asks Glaze if he’s ever kissed a girl. Glaze then says he’s never been in a relationship and can’t kiss a girl unless he’s in one. The seemingly staged conversation set Glaze up for an unexpected moment that went viral.

Perry tells Glaze to come toward the table where she’s standing, and Bryan and Richie pull out their phones to film Perry getting a kiss on the cheek from Glaze. Not pleased with the first, Perry asks for a second one but turns her face at the last second to kiss Glaze on the lips. Glaze stumbles back but seems to play off the moment well.

However, he then gets nervous when it’s time to perform and asks for water before telling the judges the moment caught him off guard. The smiles immediately leave the judges’ faces when the performance starts, and all three decline to move Glaze forward in the competition.

Not only did the unexpected kiss weaken Glaze’s performance, but he told New York Times Reporter Katherine Rosman in a March 14 article that he was not happy with the incident.

“Would I have done it if she said, ‘Would you kiss me?’ No, I would have said no,” Glaze said. “I know a lot of guys would be like, ‘Heck yeah!’ But for me, I was raised in a conservative family, and I was uncomfortable immediately. I wanted my first kiss to be special.”

Although Glaze also said the audition brought more attention to his music and that the kiss didn’t really count because it

arts & culture

No Stellas, Stanleys or Blanches here:

mmanier@columbiachronicle.com

dominate his more famous plays, and respect for Williams as Bertelsen said. For instance, the a writer.

1941 one-act “At Liberty,” which “I’m hoping that’s someis included in the festival, focuses thing the audience can walk on a mother-daughter relationship away finding ways his work is that is a precursor to the one that relevant [to them],” Bertelsen was 58, may be a good show, but appears in “The Glass Menagerie,” said. “He’s written some great it does have flaws, Bertelsen said. which premiered in 1944, he added. characters, some great scripts Audiences might find it intriguBertelsen said he hopes that that we’re showcasing. There ing to see that brilliant people can exposure to these plays gives are nuances in the scripts that produce imperfect work, he added. people a better understanding highlight the world today.”

“It’s a good learning opportunity for anyone to see that we don’t always create something perfect, but that doesn’t mean we’re not talented,” Kasper said. “It’s beneficial [for] people to know, ‘Hey, you do your work, you put your all into it, and you move on.’”

Bertelsen said he thought this might add to the relatability for audiences.

“Toward the end of [Williams’] career, he wasn’t the hit that he once was, and that’s something anyone can relate to,” he said.

“You’ve always got these ups and downs, and toward the end of his career, he had some downs.”

Several of the one-acts bear AstonRep Theatre Company’s Four By Tenn one-act festival, running until April 4, traces of elements that would later highlights four overlooked one-acts by Tennessee Williams.

Festival showcases Tennesee Williams’ lesser-known works » MIRANDA MANIER ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

YOU AND A GUEST ARE INVITED TO SEE MONDAY, APRIL 2 7:00PM

STOP BY THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE OFFICE TO PICK UP A PAIR OF PASSES WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! 33 EAST CONGRESS, SUITE 224 CHICAGO, IL 60605 Screening passes valid strictly for Columbia College Chicago students with a valid student ID, staff, and faculty only and are distributed at the discretion of the promotional partner. Those that have received a screening pass or promotional prize within the last 90 days are not eligible. *No purchase necessary.

Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Please refer to screening passes for all other restrictions.

Paramount Pictures, all promo partners and their affliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a ticket. Participating sponsors, their employees & family members and their agencies are not eligible. This film is not yet rated. Theater is overbooked to ensure capacity.

Seating is available on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed.

» COURTESY ASTONREP THEATRE COMPANY

ASTONREP THEATRE COMPANY is celebrating playwright Tennessee Williams’ 106th birthday with Four By Tenn, a one-act festival featuring four of Williams’ lesser-known works.

One-acts including “Fat Man’s Wife” and “I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow” will be featured at Strawdog Theatre Company, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., until April 4. According to Derek Bertelsen, Four By Tenn’s producer, the festival is meant to expose audiences to Williams’ more obscure plays.

“He is such an important playwright,” Bertelsen said. “[This] gives audiences a chance to experience his lesser-known plays and gives actors an opportunity to work on plays that they might not have a chance to do otherwise.”

Dana Anderson, director of “Fat Man’s Wife,” said she is drawn to Williams’ language, while Bertelsen said he enjoys the playwright’s strong characters. Amy Kasper, director of “I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow,” said she is excited by Williams’ sense of drama.

Although much of Williams’ work is more than 50 years old, his writings still resonate with audiences today, Bertelsen said. Kasper added that themes Williams explores are universal.

The four one-acts are from different periods of Williams’ life, which Kasper said she appreciates.

The plays’ varied perspectives shine a light on Williams’ process as a playwright whose worked declined as his career progressed, according to Bertelsen.

“I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow,” written in 1970 when Williams

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MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 13 COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

arts & culture

April 4 & 5 11AM–2PM 1104 S Wabash Avenue 8th Floor

Search jobs and employers attending by clicking the Fairs tab in Handshake.

Employer list and jobs will be fully updated by March 31st.

Register now on

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14 THE CHRONICLE MRCH 26, 2018

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PREPARE FOR THE FAIR WITH HELP FROM THE CAREER CENTER 3/28 | Job Fair Prep Session from 12–1PM 4/2 | Last-Minute Resume Reviews from 12–4PM 4/3 | Last Minute Resume Reviews from 12–4PM 4/3 | Job Fair Prep Session from 2–3PM 4/4 | Pre-Fair Prep Session from 10–11AM 4/5 | Pre-Fair Prep Session from 10–11AM For more information and job fair prep, visit: colum.edu/jobfair

arts & culture

‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’ ready for Broadway

Led by Samantha Barks (Vivian) and Steve Kazee (Edward), the ensemble is outstanding. Barks and Kazee individually are brilliant vocalists and together are a match made in harmony heaven.

Barks plays the strong, gracious princess type well and has fairly decent comedic timing. She reenacts many of the iconic moments from the movie as if she was with Julia Roberts during filming.

As the shy, wealthy and vulnerable male lead, Kazee balances the rest of the energetic cast. Kazee “Pretty Woman: The Musical” made its world premiere in Chicago at the Oriental and Barks have chemistry on stage, Theatre before heading to Broadway, where it will open in July. but some of the blocking in the is necessary from Kazee to show Edward’s lawyer a nice balance more intimate scenes them could his sexual interest in Barks. between creepy and funny. be changed to deliver more characOther members of the ensemble Both are strong actors playing ter and relationship development that deserve recognition are Tony powerful principal roles. between the two. In particular, the Award-nominee Orfeh, portraying “Pretty Woman: The Musical” iconic and intimate scene on the Vivian’s supportive best friend Kit, will be adored by fans of the piano seemed a bit more aggressive and Jason Danieley, playing the movie. For a screen-to-stage compared to the film. show’s main antagonist, Philip adaptation, the cast and It’s easy to vocalize emotions Stuckey. Orfeh’s comedic timing creative team kept the film’s with facial expressions on screen, is on point and her deep, powerful artistic integrity but added but when it comes to this stage voice demands attention. Danieley their own fantastic twist to adaptation, more body language gives the misogynstic character of the characters and style.

INVITE YOU TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

Stop by the offices of the Columbia Chronicle located at 33 East Congress, Suite 224 (312) 369-8999

for your chance to win a pass for two to the special advance screening on Tuesday, April 3.

mwalsh@columbiachronicle.com

TRADE THE GLASS slipper for a thigh high black leather boot and a pumpkin carriage for a sleek black limo and you have the “Cinderella” of Hollywood Boulevard.

Based on the 1990 film of the same name, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” made its world premiere in Chicago March 13.

“Pretty Woman: The Musical,” which will run until April 15 at The Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., tells the story of how Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward falls in love with her client, businessman Edward Lewis, and lives happily ever after.

Despite the difficulties of screen-to-stage adaptation, the cast and creative team make the musical as fun, charming and romantic as the movie. While keeping the film’s plot intact, the music, choreography and directing enhance the story. And the cast

delivers creative and entertaining performances throughout the entire show.

The artistic choices made

by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, the musical’s director and choreographer, make the musical an entirely different experience than the film. One stand-out scene is the dance number led by hotel manager and fairy godmother character Mr. Thompson, portrayed by Eric Anderson–a fresh twist that conveys the sweetness of the relationship between Thompson and Ward.

Equally memorable is David Rockwell’s set, which transports the audience all over Los Angeles, from Rodeo Drive to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The scenes are also elevated by Grammy Awardwinning Bryan Adams and his collaborator, Jim Vallance’s score.

Adams uses rock ‘n’ roll to create catchy tunes and memorable lyrics.

Regarding music, each member of the cast is a vocal powerhouse.

» ERIN DICKSON/CHRONICLE

» MOLLY WALSH CAMPUS REPORTER

Now Hiring!!!

Apply on our website:

sugarshackon26th.com or in person 630 West 26th Street, Chicago

Seasonal help wanted April through October Immediate Positions Available • Shift Manager • Cashier/Scooper • Runner/Busboy/girl

No purchase necessary. One pass per person.

Screening passes valid strictly for Columbia College Chicago students, staff, and faculty only and are distributed at the discretion of the promotional partner. Those that have received a screening pass or promotional prize within the last 90 days are not eligible.

IN THEATERS APRIL 6 MiracleSeason | #LiveLikeLine

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 15 COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

audiofile Matt and Kim stay upbeat after challenging year » MIRANDA MANIER ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

M

THE CHRONICLE: What advice would you give to college students who are looking for creative collaborators?

Despite a difficult year, your music is still as upbeat as ever. What causes that juxtaposition?

Juxtaposition is important. We do like upbeat and melodic [music], but if you write those songs and make them about swing sets and lollipops, it will be vomit-inducing. Even

even if you hated the song, you could still like the music video. But we had a bit of advice that I was ready for, which was to just make it about the music. That’s something I never did before. If you didn’t like the song, there’s not a reason for you to be watching [this video]. It’s the most classic music video [we’ve ever done], but for us, [it] was a brand new concept.

Indie-pop duo Matt and Kim will play at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., April 17 as a part of its “Almost Everyday” tour.

WHERE

FRESH & FAST MEET

®

WE DELIVER! VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU 16 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

» COURTESY CALEB KUHL

att Johnson and Kim Schifino went from college sweethearts at Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute to an indie-pop duo with Matt and Kim’s 2009 single “Daylight,” certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

After Schifino injured her leg in March 2017 during a performance in Mexico, the pair went on hiatus from touring to give her time to recover. In January, they released their first single since 2016 and have a full album coming soon. They also launched a tour earlier this month, which will make a stop in Chicago at the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave., April 17.

The Chronicle spoke to Johnson about creative collaboration, “immaturing” as artists and music videos.

MATT JOHNSON: Kim and I were dating when you’re talking about [more real things], for three years before we played any music, we can make the music seem more upbeat and for us, we were just two people who and positive. worked well together. Frankly, when you work in collaboration with someone, even The music video for your single if they’re really skilled, you need to spend a “Forever” is very bare bones and simple. lot of time with them.

Where did that come from?

If you know a little bit about our music video How has your sound developed since history, we’ve always tried to come up with your last release in 2016? clever concepts. I always had this theory that, We’ve spent a long time trying to not mature as a band. You know how bands go along and they’re like, “Oh, they’ve really matured.”

We’re like, “F--k that, we want to immature as a band.” There might be some slightly more mature elements about this upcoming music [though]. It stems from a difficult year, both on a personal and universal front.

mmanier@columbiachronicle.com

arts & culture

arts & culture

ARE YOU THE NEXT MANIFEST CREATIVE DIRECTOR? Are you looking for a job, exposure and the opportunity to build your body of work? If so, apply to become the Creative Director of Manifest Urban Arts Festival 2019. Submit one or more pieces of original work that can be used as the look, feel and identity of Manifest utilizing the prompt “AMPLIFY” Your design should convey Manifest as edgy, innovative, unique, diverse and ambitious while keeping with the theme:

am · pli · fy 1.

2.

3.

4.

To To To To

make larger or more powerful (as in amount, importance, or intensity) increase the strength of; especially : to make louder expand in stating or describing, as by details or illustrations; clarify by expanding discourse at length; expatiate or expand one's remarks, speech, ideas, etc.

The chosen entry will win a year-long paid student worker position as the 2019 Manifest Creative Director. Instructions, examples and additional information can be found at colum.edu/manifest.

D E A D L I N E

:

M A R C H

3 1 ,

2 0 1 8

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 17

arts & culture

RECIPE

4-INGREDIENT PROTEIN BALLS Ingredients: •1 cup dry oats •1/4 cup peanut butter •1/4 cup honey •1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir. Make sure it’s combined well.

2. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so mixture is easier to roll.

EL YN

OC

•1/2 cup chocolate chips, other sweets or dried fruit (optional)

»J

This snack is a great post-workout nutrition or pick-me-up between meals. With only four ingredients, this treat is a saving grace. While the original recipe calls for regular oats, I used gluten-free ones for mine, and they turned out just as tasty. These protein balls are also handy for an on-the-go snack or for a convenient party spread.

lcarlton@columbiachronicle.com

» LAUREN CARLTON COPY CHIEF

M

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&

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AR

YK

ELT

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3. Form into about 12 bite-size balls and enjoy!

EENG! R F KI R PA

/CH R

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Are you shy?

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18 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

• Are you overly concerned that you may do or say something that might embarrass or humiliate yourself in front of others?

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If you are between 18 and 64 years of age and feel that these problems interfere with your goals or to enjoy life fully, you may be eligible for a study at the Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders at Rush University Medical Center.

Participation in the study is completely voluntary. If you qualify, you will receive a medical evaluation, study-related medication and transportation at no cost.

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arts & culture

YOUR CA YOUR VISMPUS. YOUR FES ION. TIVAL.

Plugged In IN THE YEAR OF

COME CELEBRATE, GET INVOLVED AND BE MANIFEST! FRIDAY, MARCH 30TH | 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. 731 S PLYMOUTH, PLYMOUTH COURT, 1ST FL. Learn about performance and volunteer opportunities at Manifest.

Manifest inspired craft activities powered by The Workroom.

Drawing Party featuring the Manifest Creative Director.

Music provided by DJ Club.

Free food, food, food!

COLUM.EDU/MANIFEST

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 19

top

arts & culture

our staff’s top 5 picks:

Album Review: Lil Yachty’s ‘lil boat 2’ » LAUREN CARLTON COPY CHIEF

S

lcarlton@columbiachronicle.com

ince catching everyone’s eye in 2016 when he was featured on DRAM’s song “Broccoli,” Lil Yachty released his newest album lil boat 2. Anticipating the album’s March 9 release, Yachty deleted his entire Instagram feed and posted the artwork for lil boat 2 on Feb. 21. This 17-track album has few solo tracks and features various artists, such as 2 Chainz, Quavo, Offset and Lil Baby.

The album starts strong with its first track, “Self Made.” Its catchy beat and motivational lyrics tell you that your success depends on you.

The song “She Ready,” featuring PnB Rock, to some may sound similar to “Broccoli,” but the lyrics are deeper and more meaningful an do a better job of storytelling. Yachty slows it down with his solo track “Love Me Forever.” With a smooth beat and sentimental lyrics, this song belongs on everybody’s sex playlist.

Songs like “Count Me In” and “Das Cap” fall short with beats that are a little too thick and choppy melodies.

However, props to Yachty for exploring new styles and trying to keep it fresh.

“66,” featuring Trippie Redd, closes the album on a positive note with a respectable back track and lyrics telling you to never stop “flexing”—or working hard.

Overall, it’s worth it to listen to the entire album at least once. While some hip-hop albums tend to be repetitive, this one has variety and can serve multiple purposes. Play lil boat 2 at your next kickback or in your car driving late at night.

20 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

‘BAD MOVIES’

ONEREPUBLIC SONGS

BRUNCH PLACES

» GRACE SENIOR MEDIA SALES REP

» SARA WOLCZYNSKA MEDIA SALES REP

» KAMI RIECK MEDIA SALES REP

“Pride and Prejudice Zombies” (2016):

“Apologize” (2006):

Little Goat Diner:

Imagine the romance of our queen, Jane Austen, with the action of an impending zombie apocalypse, and you have “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.” Prepare to snort-laugh, ugly-cry and hope for a zombie-slaying Darcy of your own.

This OG OneRepublic song combines piano and cello to truly encapsulate the band’s signature soulful tonality. With 10,394 radio plays in its first week, it’s a song every 2000s kid grew up with and one we will never forget.

From the crack of dawn until dusk, you can indulge in gourmet comfort and breakfast food by Chicago’s own Stephanie Izard. Grab some friends, head over to the West Loop dining hood and support the first female to win Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” (2013):

“Secrets” (2009):

Lula Cafe:

Hansel and Gretel grew up in a major way. The gore and supernatural frights might make you pee your pants, but you’ll barely notice because of the intense plot.

Lead Jeremy Renner delivers the Hawkeye origin story you always wanted in a way you never knew you needed.

With its stellar cello intro, “Secrets” is a song that brings to light all of our internal struggles. With references to self-harm and Hollywood deceptions, lead vocalist and frontman Ryan Tedder does an amazing job of articulating common secrets we all hold and encouraging his listeners not to be afraid of letting go.

Can you think of a better way to start your day than with coconut brioche French toast covered in banana pastry cream, macaroon and kaffir lime? The service in this Logan Square cafe is unparalleled, and the staff is willing to cater to your vegetarian requests. An added bonus is that all products are made from scratch with a farm-to-table cuisine.

“Shark Night” (2011):

“If I Lose Myself” (2013):

Seven college students plan a fun weekend escape that turns into a bloody battle for their lives. “Shark Night” is the movie equivalent of the nightmare you had every night while on vacation at the lake, with a twist.

Despite not being the strongest in lyrical composition, this song makes up for it with an energetic dance beat and catchy chorus. This lead single from the band’s Platinum-certified Native album is sure to make you get up and move.

“Troll 2” (1990):

“Stop and Stare” (2007):

Avec:

First, never do a home exchange without a thorough Google search of who you’re switching with. Second, don’t assume that a movie called “Troll” has anything to do with actual trolls. Jazzercise and cringe your way through this classic film; just remember, don’t eat the green food.

Another hit from its Dreaming Out Loud album, “Stop and Stare” merges the soft acoustic guitar with the power of electric to illustrate the instability of one man’s experience. This was OneRepublic’s first non-remixed song.

Who says you can’t have a Mediterranean twist for Sunday brunch? From shakshuka with moroccan spiced chickpeas, feta and cilantro, to brioche donuts, this restaurant will expand your perspective on typical American breakfast food, all while providing you with handmade dishes crafted by some of the best chefs.

“Halloween” (1978): The original slasher movie’s unrealistic slashing will make you laugh and then scream because psychotic murderers in masks are horrifying. Prepare for cringeworthy horror music, 1970s film techniques and never trusting anyone in a mask ever again.

“Truth to Power” (2017): A hidden gem in OneRepublic’s discography, this single was produced for “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,” a movie about fighting for climate policies.

With lyrics such as “Dust don’t turn to flowers / Skies don’t disappear,” it’s a heartfelt ballad dedicated to our beautiful planet.

Longman and Eagle: Another Logan Square stand out, this Michelin-starred restaurant will exceed all of your culinary expectations. The creative dishes taste as impressive as they look and will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Wood: With a frequently changing menu, Wood assures you that all ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. The cozy and relaxed ambiance is the perfect spot to catch up with your girlfriends and experience Lakeview’s superb culinary scene.

arts & culture

SCALE

MUSIC

VIDEO

VIRAL

RANDOM

THE DECEMBERISTS’ ‘ONCE IN MY LIFE’

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 16 PREMIERE

BTS REALITY ALLERGIES SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT

» MIRANDA MANIER ARTS & CULTURE REPORTER

» SAVANNAH EADENS METRO REPORTER

» BROOKE PAWLING STENNETT DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR

» TESSA BRUBAKER CAMPUS REPORTER

The Decemberists’ second single off its new album, I’ll Be Your Girl, is a perfect example of everything I have missed about their music. The track tugs on my heartstrings while listening to the singer longing for “something to go right.” It still manages to explore touching, relatable themes with upbeat melodies. The lyrics may be simple and repetitive, but to me, this just drives the desperation and hopefulnesses of the song home.

Some cancelled TV shows should never be rebooted, and “American Idol” is one of those that should’ve stayed in the 2000s.

The vocal talent show was cancelled in 2016 only to return March 11 with new producers and judges who just don’t convey the same excitement as the original.

While it was a pioneer in talent show entertainment, the reboot doesn’t seem as if it will stand a chance against programs like “The Voice.”

It was announced March 14 that YouTube Red will release the documentary series “Burn The Stage” March 28, and people are freaking out. The show will have unreleased footage from BTS’s 2017 nearly one-year-long world tour. Rumors have been circulating for months about this, and now that it’s confirmed, I’m ready to get wrecked with emotions. This will provide an huge global platform so BTS can continue to take over the world.

Spring is pretty, but when the weather gets warm and flowers start to bloom, my sinus pressure and allergies emerge.

It’s horrible and it makes getting through the school day even more strenuous. One moment I am breathing with ease, and the next I get a massive headache and horrible chest pains. Not to mention all the money spent on medicine is not my idea of fun. I know I’ll survive, but it’s an annoying nuisance I wish I didn’t have to deal with.

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 21

opinions

Update still loading: Online privacy has a major glitch

O

ur right to privacy is under constant threat, and we don’t seem to mind.

In January, the online chat service Discord shut down a group used to distribute doctored content of female celebrities in pornographic videos made without their consent. The members of the “deepfakes” group created the videos with FakeApp, an artificial intelligence program allowing users to place images of people onto footage.

Members had rules to only create these videos with celebrities or other public figures. But the program has been used against private citizens on other sites such as Reddit, where users openly stated they used the program on friends, classmates or ex-partners.

Reddit shut down the thread dedicated to deepfakes Feb. 7, but even though

platforms are now working to remove such content, there is no sure way to prevent more of these doctored videos from appearing elsewhere on the internet.

It is also a serious concern that the victims of such content are limited in the legal action they can take. One cannot sue on the basis of defamation, for example, because many of these videos’ creators acknowledge they are fake. Although there has been progress in enacting revenge porn laws, those laws only apply to pornographic content that depict an individual—not the individual’s simulated likeness.

Such misuse of technology has been a continuing problem, even by police departments.

Chicago startup company Geofeedia, which analyzes social media posts for

Radical beliefs are not fashion statements

COMMENTARY » TYRA BOSNIC OPINIONS EDITOR

C

an you really hold progressive politics if you don’t sell a $30 product that says so?

For generations, people have staged sit-ins, strikes, riots and boycotts and have risked jail time, tarnished reputations and even death in fighting for equality.

Many continue to fight to expand marginalized people’s rights, and as the world’s progressive thinkers strive to change the world, others have taken their radical ideologies and watered them down into uncontroversial brands.

In honor of International Women’s Day, toymaker Mattel released The Inspiring Women series, a line of 17 Barbie dolls representing women that young girls can look up to, such as gymnast Gabby Douglas and aviator Amelia Earhart.

Although young girls should be encouraged to have such role models, Mattel corrupted the feminist ideals of one member of The Inspiring Women series: famed artist Frida Kahlo.

Kahlo vehemently rejected sexist, Eurocentric beauty ideals, which is why she proudly displayed her signature unibrow—something Mattel failed to include in its replica. Kahlo’s family also noted the toy company gave the doll lighter

clients, worked with police departments in Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, to track protesters as demonstrations against police brutality erupted across the country.

Such invasive means of surveillance by police departments have become all too common. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, police in Boston had been using Geofeedia to track citizens since 2014 without informing its city council.

Despite the mounting instances of invasions of privacy—either by lone users bent on using technology for malicious intent or by police departments under the guise of security—many seem to have accepted these intrusions of privacy.

One of the most popular current memes jokes about users being spied on by the FBI, which shows we are aware of what is happening but have done little to voice our opposition.

We do not have to forfeit our rights to privacy and security to exist in the digital age, but we must push for society to seriously address these concerns.

EDITORIAL Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, which passed in 2008 and is the most stringent law of its kind in the U.S., can be a model for the rest of the country to adequately safeguard online users. The law protects residents’ biological information such as fingerprints, facial images and iris scans, and gives plaintiffs the right to sue if their privacy is violated. If an Illinois resident has fallen victim to a deepfakes video creator, they can find justice.

Online platforms also have a responsibility to ensure their users are safe using their services. Many do not even know how much of their information is available online, and the public must push for these platforms to be transparent and become resources for their users to learn about their online privacy to make the internet a safer place.

Governments and online platforms can act to protect privacy, but individuals still have to be practical and cautious with the information they share.

Our lives largely exist online now, and we must work to ensure our virtual wellbeing.

features, blatantly white-washing the artist and erasing her Mexican heritage.

Besides the completely inaccurate portrayal of Kahlo, it is ridiculous that Mattel is profiting from a $30 doll made in the likeness of a staunch anti-capitalist who devoted much of her work as a feminist artist to critiquing American consumerism.

Mattel’s release on International Women’s Day is another example of how the holiday, which only exists because of radical women who went on strike against dehumanizing work conditions more than a century ago, has become an opportunity to profit from progressive politics rather than making it an ideology for which to fight.

Multiple brands heavily advertised sales on the holiday as if buying products from big businesses is a feminist act honoring working-class women.

Such unabashed efforts to profit from social movements have occurred time and time again. A viral example is the April 4, 2017, Pepsi commercial in which Kendall Jenner notices a protest and uses the soft drink to ease tensions between police and demonstrators.

The ad was an insensitive attempt to profit from the current political climate

in which Black Lives Matter activists fight against racism and police brutality.

The public quickly condemned Pepsi for making light of such serious issues, and the ad was pulled a day later after it incurred widespread criticism.

Many mistakenly assume that if large corporate entities include progressive politics in their branding, it signifies social acceptance of those ideals—an argument used to discourage demonstrators who protested the presence of large banks such as Wells Fargo at LGBTQ pride parades nationwide.

But these faux-progressive advertising strategies are just a means to appeal to consumers by pretending corporations share our interests when they are only concerned with how these political and social movements can benefit them.

We must recognize these efforts as nothing more than self-indulgent, money-making shams. Otherwise, we will degrade our political activism and treat it as a means of gaining social clout rather than a struggle for equality for marginalized people.

A Barbie or a can of Pepsi may not bring needed change, but a wholehearted commitment to our beliefs can.

Editorial Board Members Tyra Bosnic Opinions Editor Jay Berghuis Copy Editor Blaise Mesa Metro Reporter Mayan Darbyshire Arts & Culture Reporter Molly Walsh Campus Reporter Erin Dickson Staff Photographer

22 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

Zachary Keltner Staff Photographer Zack Jackson Graphic Designer Hawk Thottupuram Multimedia Reporter Kami Rieck Media Sales Rep Eric Eldridge Webmaster

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

Let’s continue to show diverse characters in children’s media » TESSA BRUBAKER CAMPUS REPORTER

S

o far, 2018 has proven to be a strong year for diverse movies.

With historic releases such as “A Wrinkle in Time” by director Ava DuVernay, the first woman of color to direct a live-action film with a budget exceeding $100 million, and record-setting “Black Panther,” Hollywood is finally starting to move in the right direction.

Diversity is particularly important for the young audiences for whom these films are marketed.

It is important for children to see different cultures and backgrounds represented in the media they consume.

In today’s TV shows and movies, children are starting to see more diverse representation than ever before.

“Black Panther” featured the first titular black superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as King T’Challa’s younger

tbrubaker@columbiachronicle.com

COMMENTARY

sister, Shuri, a relatable teenager all kids can look up to. “A Wrinkle In Time” features a dynamic cast that includes Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling with a child protagonist, Storm Reid, who is a person of color.

Other important forms of diverse representation in children’s media include The Disney Channel TV show “Andi Mack,” which featured character Cyrus Goodman’s coming out, making him the first openly gay main character on Disney Channel.

The Nickelodeon show “Loud House” was praised for its portrayal of an interracial gay couple that focused on their being overprotective parents rather than the relationship itself. Now with the release of “A Wrinkle in Time,” movies and TV shows are giving children a variety of characters to see and consider as role models.

However, children’s media hasn’t always been so progressive. A study done in the 1970s by Boston University Communications Professor F. Earle Barcus showed a large disparity between female and male characters and white and nonwhite characters. Barcus looked at 1,100 characters in 20 children TV shows and found that only 42 were black and 47 others belonged in some group other than white.

Although recent developments are encouraging, we still have a very long way to go before children’s media is close to being equal and diverse. According to researchers at the Children’s Television Project at Tufts University, female characters account for just under one third of all characters and black characters account for 5.6 percent in a study of 1,500 characters.

Some of the TV shows that have featured same-sex couples, as in the final season of Disney’s “Good Luck Charlie,” generated considerable backlash from viewers, but writers and directors should not be afraid.

It’s important to continue to fight for diverse representation even if some parents don’t agree with what is shown.

Kids need to see fair representation.

» JOCELYN MORENO/CHRON ICLE

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 23

opinions

STUDENTS – Grab your FREE Manifest t-shirt starting March 26th through May 9th from the Loft and the Workroom.

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24 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

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Chicagoans join national march for strict gun control laws » ColumbiaChronicle.com/Multimedia

Look around: Landmarks preserve Chicago history and that is what is important,” DiChiera said.

The Old Main Post Office will likely use its historic designation for tax incentives such as Class L, which is a property-tax reclassification, DiChiera said. Developers pay a lower tax rate for 12 years provided they invest half the property’s value into rehabilitation, according to the City of Chicago’s Historic Preservation website.

Chicago also has additional incentives for landmarked buildings that waive the building permit fee, DiChiera noted.

The Arc at Old Colony, 37 W. Van Buren St., which now serves as a residence center for Columbia students, used a large tax incentive during its renovation called the 20 Percent Historic Tax Credit, which covers 20 percent of costs as a credit for the developer, DiChiera said. The Arc was built as an office building in the late 19th century and was added to the national register for historic places in 1976.

“This city is such an architectural destination for a reason, and it is because we have such a collection of important, high quality buildings,” DiChiera said. seadens@columbiachronicle.com

unusual street pattern of long narrow blocks meant the buildings received an abundance of light, which was necessary for engraving and typesetting.

After the printing businesses began relocating in the 1960s, the printing houses were renovated for commercial and residential » SAVANNAH EADENS preservation consultant on the project, said use. Several of the buildings, including the METRO REPORTER they expect it to be complete in about five Dwight Lofts and Plymouth Court, are now years. It will include office spaces in what occupied by Columbia students.

IT IS HARD to ignore the massive Old Main was once the industrial section of the post “We are always cognizant to try to help Post Office that spans Congress Parkway. office and a gathering space in the lobby, people understand that when a building The 2.3 million-square-foot building that Ramsey added. changes use, it does not lose its historical has been vacant since 1996 was recognized “The design of the building is respecting significance,” DiChiera said. “You’re giving

by City Council as an official Chicago land- the historic nature of the post office and a historic building the opportunity to have mark in February. [celebrating its history],” Ramsey said. a new life and that is absolutely critical for Built in 1921 by influential Chicago archiLisa DiChiera, director of Advocacy at a building to be able to live through [yet] tecture firm Graham, Anderson, Probst & Landmarks Illinois, said the Old Main Post another generation.”

White, the structure is already listed on Office developers will convert the space that Vacant buildings can negatively affect the National Registry of Historic Places. once served only one purpose into a versatile communities, DiChiera said. Many sites The 12-story art-deco-styled building was site, just like the South Loop’s Printer’s Row. are given landmark status because of their bought by 601W Cos., a New York City-based Printing House Row District was devel- historic significance, but the designation company that is implementing a $292 mil- oped in the late-19th and early-20th centu- helps encourage developers to renovate. lion rehabilitation plan to create office and ries by printing and publishing firms that “When those buildings are repurposed, retail space. constructed facilities near the Dearborn often there is a domino effect that is beneEmily Ramsey, who is working with Street railroad station, according to the ficial to a neighborhood or commercial disMacRostie Historic Advisors as a historic city’s historic landmark website. The area’s trict that gives others an impetus to invest,

Columbia students pass by historic landmarks on campus every day. Included are some of the buildings and sites in the South Loop that are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places as well as Chicago’s designated landmarks.

» PHOTOS ZACHARY KELTNER/CHRONICLE

The Old Chicago Main Post on 433 W. Van Buren St.

Dearborn Station, 47 W. Polk St., was built in 1885 and Blackstone Hotel at 636 S. Michigan Ave. became The Pontiac Building, 542 S. Dearborn St., was built in 1891 known as the “Hotel of Presidents,” serving as host is Chicago’s last remaining of the early downtown staand is Chicago’s oldest surviving work designed by architions. The station closed in 1971 and, after years tects Holabird & Roche. The building’s architectural signifi- to a dozen U.S. Presidents, including Woodrow of neglect, began a new life in the 1980s as a cance landed it a place on the National Registry of Historic Wilson, Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and commercial center.

John F. Kennedy.

Places in 1976.

MARCH 26, 2018 THE CHRONICLE 25

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CALL FOR WORK

STUDENT WORK FOR MANIFEST EXHIBITION The Columbia College Chicago Library invites students from all disciplines to submit samples of artwork for exhibition during Manifest.

All visual formats will be considered.

This is exhibition is for any non-graduating student.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MONDAY, APRIL 23RD, 2018 AT 5 P.M. Please visit colum.edu/manifest to apply.

Select Library Exhibition Program, and for program title, enter Manifest 2018

26 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

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» BLAISE MESA METRO REPORTER WHILE PLANS FOR the $8.5 billion O’Hare International Airport expansion are in development, City Council’s Black and Latino caucuses are pushing for increased minority representation in job contracts.

The expansion project will generate an estimated 60,000 construction jobs by 2026 and will work alongside of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s O’Hare 21 project, which is expected to generate an about 460,000 jobs over the next eight years, according to a Feb. 28 city press release.

The project includes a new international terminal, renovation of domestic terminals and improved check-in, security and baggage systems, the release stated.

The new airport expansion plan is supported by both United

Airlines and American Airlines, which are footing part of the bill for the expansion, but some of that money is reimbursable by the city, according to Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th Ward), a member of City Council’s Black Caucus.

While Emanuel has emphasized the economic advantages the expansion will bring Chicago, some aldermen remain concerned about the workforce’s diversity.

The two caucuses are collaborating “minute by minute” to ensure the O’Hare expansion provides jobs for minorities, Hairston said.

“The minorities in Chicago have historically been left out of these contracts in a significant way when [they] remain a majority of the population,” she said.

In order to ensure the expansion has a diverse workforce for both temporary and permanent jobs, aldermen are discussing the issue with airline boards of directors,

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Hairston said; however, she is uneasy about the progress made during the talks.

“If [there] wasn’t [a concern], these talks wouldn’t be going on,” she said. United and American do not have very diverse boards, which can lead to a lack of job representation throughout their workforce, she added.

The two caucuses are merging their political muscle to ensure minorities do not get shortchanged job contracts during the project, said Ald. Milly Santiago (31st Ward), a member of City Council’s Latino Caucus.

In Cook County, people of Hispanic or Latino descent make up 25.3 percent of the population, and people of black or AfricanAmerican descent make up 24.2 percent as of July 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

However, the census was not able to accurately calculate the number of Latino and Hispanic or Black and African-American people in Chicago alone.

The request for increase representation in the O’Hare expansion

project is reasonable, said Dick Simpson, a political science professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a former alderman of the 44th Ward.

Chicago does “reasonably well” employing minorities in large city projects but can do better, Simpson said. A multi-billion dollar project like this is a strong opportunity to pursue that, he added.

The benefits of hiring a diverse workforce go deeper than just minority representation, said Sarat Ali, chairman of the board of directors for the Airport Minority Advisory Council.

“When you see there is no diversity on contracts, you are limiting your opportunity for building a better community,” Ali said. “Those people live in the community, they buy homes, automobiles [and] services in the community. You can hire people who are diverse and can build their community and simultaneously provide a great business resource.”

Aldermen were able to speak with airline representatives again during a March 15 City Council Committee on Aviation meeting, according to Hairston.

Construction on the $8.5 billion expansion project could be delayed if these issues are not resolved, she said, adding she is uncertain if or when the aldermen and airlines will reach an agreement.

“We can’t anticipate exactly what could happen,” Hairston said. “We generally work well into the evening on these types of situations. Something might be good at 5 [p.m.], but by 8 at night, it might change.” bmesa@columbiachronicle.com

Aldermen push for minority representation in O’Hare project

» SAMANTHA CONRAD/CHRONICLE

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Cubs, White Sox look to build in 2018

» BLAISE MESA METRO REPORTER AS THE COUNTDOWN to opening day of the 2018 MLB season continues, both Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans have reasons to be excited.

After being eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017

National League Championship Series, the Cubs have renewed hope as the team heads into 2018.

In order to punch another ticket to the World Series, the Cubs bolstered their roster in the offseason by signing highly touted free agents including former Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish, Brandon Morrow and Steve Cishek.

28 THE CHRONICLE MARCH 26, 2018

However, these players can break out of their slumps and contribute to the Cubs’ success in 2018, Castle said, adding that players can get better when they are older because they are able to continuously work on and fix the problems that keep their numbers down.

Visit ColumbiaChronicle.com for additional reporting.

bmesa@columbiachronicle.com

RBIs and 16 home runs, according to MLB.com.

Along with Russell’s struggles, outfielder Kyle Schwarber saw a major drop in his production last season and was even sent down to the Iowa Cubs—a Triple-A minor league team—midseason. It is not rare that players get sent down to the minor leagues, but Schwarber’s previous level of success made the move surprising.

» FILE PHOTOS

The Cubs head into the 2018 season with a new pitching staff and look to make another run toward a World Series Championship.

These signings will provide the Cubs with answers to problems that plagued the team in the regular season and playoffs, said George Castle, a sports journalist of 40 years and sports author.

Last season, the Cubs dealt with inconsistent starting pitching from former Cubs pitcher John Lackey, who had the highest earned run average of any Cubs starting pitcher in 2017. Lackey allowed five earned runs or more in six of his 31 starts, according to MLB.com. But the recent signing of Darvish bolsters the team’s pitching rotation, Castle noted.

“Darvish allows everybody else in the rotation to slide down to their natural spots,” Castle said.

“Nobody has to be the ace, [and] nobody has to be a strong number two starter.”

Another issue during the Cubs 2017 season was that of under-performance by young players. When the Cubs won the World Series in 2016, shortstop Addison Russell had 95 runs batted in, 23 home runs and a .238 batting average.

But in 2017, Russell only had 43

Even though the White Sox are not expected to make the World Series, fans still have reason to cheer as top prospects could be playing in the MLB this season.

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» SAVANNAH EADENS METRO REPORTER

E

lsie Hector Hernandez and her family moved to the U.S. from Haiti in the 1960s when she was a young girl.

Though she was not raised in Haiti, Hernandez embraced its culture as an adult and started the Haitian American Museum of Chicago, 4654 N. Racine Ave., in 2012.

The Chronicle spoke to Hernandez about her passion for educating the public about Haitian heritage and culture.

THE CHRONICLE: When and how did you decide to start the Haitian American Museum of Chicago?

ELSIE HERNANDEZ: [When I visited Haiti] in 2000, I was touched and wanted to know what to do to help the Haitian people and have an input as a Haitian person living in the United States.

I figured out that the media is concentrating too much on the negative side of Haiti because they are always saying that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but they never tell us why. They never really highlight anything else, so I said to myself that instead of concentrating on poverty, I would concentrate on the beauty and other positive aspects of Haiti.

It dawned on me that I like to go to museums, and museums have a way of impacting learning without imposing on individuals.

When you go to a museum, you learn at your own pace, decide what you want to get out of it, and nobody is telling you what to learn.

I started doing the investigation on how to open a museum but I had to concentrate on [my son] and family, so I put the file away and I forgot all about it.

In 2010, I went back to Haiti as a nurse to volunteer after the earthquake. To see the humility

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» MACKENZIE CROSSON/CHRONICLE

Elsie Hector Hernandez embraced her heritage by founding the Haitian American Museum of Chicago, where she hopes to teach the public about Haitian culture.

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of humanity right there in front of me was incredible, and [to see] the resilience of the people and how no one was whining or blaming God for their disaster. These individuals had lost everything in their lives—they only had their bodies. They were not complaining.

Then it dawned on me: Didn’t I have an idea of opening a museum?

This is the time. I decided to start it all over again. I opened the museum in November 2012.

What is the Haitian population like in Chicago?

According to the consulate general of Haiti in [the Chicago] office, there are 30,000 [Haitians in the city].

It’s difficult to have a Haitian come to the museum for various factors. The mission of HAMOC is to promote and to educate the citizens of Chicago and the United States, so our main audience we want to educate are non-Haitians.

The Haitian community in Chicago is very different than other

communities in the United States.

[The Haitians here have] dispersed, there is not a cohesive community.

They are mostly found in the southeast of Chicago [and] in Rogers Park. A lot of them [are] in Evanston, Naperville and all over the suburbs.

What are the stereotypes or stigmas about Caribbean people and Haitians in particular that you attempt to dispel with the museum?

The main [misunderstanding] is the Vodou religion, and that comes from the American occupation of Haiti. They occupied Haiti during the big film openings of Hollywood, so they just took advantage of cultures that they did not know and did not appreciate. They took portions [of the culture] like zombies and all that crap, and they blew it out of proportion.

Read the rest of Svacier’s Q&A at ColumbiaChronicle.com.

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