The Cord January 24, 2018

THE CORD THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926

VOLUME 58 ISSUE 18 • JANUARY 24, 2018

ELECTIONS

WOMEN’S MARCH

AMAZON SHORTLIST

PRESIDENTIAL LISTENING

TIME TO PUT DOWN THE POD

A FIRST FOR THE CWHL

500+ rally together for human rights

Toronto in the runnings for new HQ2

Top picks from your candidates

The newest meme craze is just toxic

Laurier alum comes out as transgender

News, page 10

News, page 10

Arts & Life, page 16

Opinion, page 16

Sports, page 28

PHOTOS BY GARRISON OOSTERHOF

TANZEEL SAYANI/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

2 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

VOCAL CORD

What would your presidential meal be at Wilf’s?

The Cord

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@cordwlusp

CordNews

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“Janini.”

–Jenny Nguyen, thirdyear communication studies.

“Cali-bro rolls.”

–Caleb Crichlow, fourth year philosophy and religion major.

ERIN ABE/LEAD REPORTER

Roughly 500 individuals showed up for the Waterloo Region Women’s March that took place on Saturday, Jan. 20. and began at Carl Zehr Square.

Did you know

“Mozzarella stick poutine.”

–Brittany Whelan, fourth-year film and English major.

“Kristen Shorwarma.”

–Kristen Shorer, fourthyear communication studies.

The Cord has a podcast?

Our host Karlis Wilde has the rundown for you.

Every Wednesday. Without fail.

THECORD.CA/PODCAST

Compiled by Erin Abe Photos by Sadman Sakib Rahman NEXT ISSUE JANUARY 31, 2018

CORD STAFF

FEATURES EDITOR Karlis Wilde features@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER Erin Abe news@thecord.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Shyenne MacDonald arts@thecord.ca

LEAD SPORTS REPORTER Abdulhamid Ibrahim sports@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kurtis Rideout editor@thecord.ca

OPINION EDITOR Emily Waitson opinion@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tanzeel Sayani creative@thecord.ca

SPORTS EDITOR Pranav Desai sports@thecord.ca

WEB DIRECTOR Garrison Oosterhof online@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Alan Li graphics@thecord.ca

NEWS DIRECTOR Safina Husein news@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Luke Sarazin photos@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Jake Watts news@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Sarah Tyler video@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Nathalie Bouchard news@thecord.ca

WEB ASSISTANT Kate Weber online@thecord.ca

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sadman Sakib Rahman photos@thecord.ca SENIOR COPY EDITOR Michael Oliveri copyeditor@thecord.ca SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Danielle Deslauriers socialmedia@thecord.ca

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Victoria Berndt Caitlyn Lourenco Tyler Currie Megan Pitt Sara Burgess Nicholas Quintyn Alex Pham Chris Luciantoni Madeline McInnis John McMorran Luke Burrows Sarah Spragg Evangeline Hunt

“The first openly transgender player in the CWHL” by Pranav Desai

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES All advertising inquiries can be directed to Care Lucas at care.lucas@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.

COLOPHON The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community.

Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors.

Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used

for principal photography.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com.

The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 4,500 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.

PREAMBLE The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly.

The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy.

The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly.

When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to

reply at the earliest time possible.

Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff.

The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body.

The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.

Quote of the week: “Sarah, that’s my coat...”

- News Editor, Jake Watts, to Video Editor, Sarah Tyler, as she proceeded to put on his jacket before leaving.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

News

• 3 NEWS EDITOR NATHALIE BOUCHARD news@thecord.ca

NEWS DIRECTOR SAFINA HUSEIN news@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR JAKE WATTS news@thecord.ca

STUDENTS’ UNION

PRESIDENT & CEO I am a 5th year Concurrent Education student seeking election for the role of President & CEO of the Students’ Union because I believe in creating the best student experience for all students.

My platform is categorized into 5 pillars: Student Experience, Accessibility, Safety & Wellness, External Relations and Looking Forward. If elected, I plan to focus on giving students their voice, offer more opportunities for students to get involved, and improve the support and resources for the operations of the Students’ Union in order to improve programming

and services to students.

I have gained a lot of experience from my time at Laurier. From being an Orientation Week Volunteer to being a Don to my several positions within the Students’ Union, I want to use my experience in order to serve the community that has given me so much over the years.

It’s time to Make Fletch Happen. makefletchhappen.ca

RYLEY FLETCHER Efficiency, Effectiveness, and a Positive Change are what I will be striving for when I become the President and CEO of the Wilfrid Laurier University’s Student Union. My goal as your future President and CEO is to ensure that all your needs and concerns as undergraduate students are addressed with efficiency and effectiveness. My experience with an institutional and non-for-profit board of directors, involvement with the Student Union, and life experience are all assets for

me to accomplish our goals. I have spoken to students, both domestic and international about the experiences they have had on campus and know how to ensure their voices are heard. This goal will achieve by opening communication between student, professors, and staff members. My goal is to not only make the Student Union better but to make sure that you are included in the decision-making process. WE STAND WITH IDRIS.

IDRIS OMAR HASSAN CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

TARIQUE PLUMMER “empower to achieve” My slogan is a quote from the Students’ Union strategic plan. It encompasses exactly the purpose of the union for me. I believe the union can empower students by fostering relationships and reducing obstacles for growth. Transparency is the key for developing a strong relationship with students. I’d recommend initiatives such as monthly town hall meetings run by the president. Internally, if elected, I will ensure clear communication of goals within the union and that

As a 2018/2019 SU Presidential Candidate, my platform is built on community cohesion & helping others. If elected, under my presidency, I will focus on assisting the Laurier cohort for present and future generations of students through a series of tangible initiatives: 1. An integrated Wellness Centre- Expanding the building for students to improve their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

2. Laurier App- a centralized information hub with real time updates about club events, meetings, and executive positions.

3. A diversity & inclusion program for members of the following diversified groups: international students, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, LGBTQIA and indigenous peoples.

4. Modeled after Make A Wish Foundation, the SU Successful Students Application will be Laurier’s very own! My agenda continues with a focus on study spaces, Brantford Wilf’s, scholarships, Greek-Life re-integration etc.

See the full platform at www.ahelpinghandwithtarique.com Tarique Plummer, a helping hand.

our volunteers are given every chance to develop their talents and work on exciting projects. There are obstacles for growth we can work on immediately. Greater efforts in developing programs for free academic materials, i.e text books, should be a priority. Another obstacle is the outdated reimbursement process which I hope to update in order to reduce waste of resources.

Learn more about me and my platform at empower2achieve.net

ALI SAGHARI All platforms were cut off at 150 words.

All platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

LAYOUT BY KURTIS RIDEOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PHOTOS BY LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

4 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

STUDENTS’ UNION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OSMAN ALWI My name is Adam Beck and I am running for election to become a Director of the Wilfrid Laurier University Student’s Union Board (WLUSU). I am in the 3rd year of my Political Science degree with Social Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement Options.

These fields of study have helped and will continue to help me develop skills that make me a prime candidate for the 2018 WLUSU election.

With the Laurier student body growing rapidly, I want to make sure that the way our school functions grows with it. A vote for me is a vote that guarantees Laurier’s ability to effectively adapt to the constantly evolving expectations of a university experience. Working with other directors, I will ensure that the voices of ALL students are heard and will represent the student body with integrity, accuracy and equality.

OWEN BOURRIE My name is Christopher Donnelly and I am doing a double major in history and political science. I am running for both a position on the Board of Directors as well as the Senate.

The Students Union and the Senate interest me because I want to give the most to our members, the students, in both academics and student life. Through passion, dedication, transparency, and accountability I hope to ensure that the student’s interests as well as

My name is Osman Alwi and I am a first year Criminology student at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus. I am running for a position in the board of directors to reassure improvements in the strategic direction of students’ union. My goal is to provide all Laurier Golden Hawks with the best university experience by ensuring the amelioration of current policies.

If elected, I will use my position to provide further communications through social media and other plat-

forms. These platforms will be utilized to further the improvements in both Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I will ensure to work with other members of the board efficiently to accomplish desired goals set out for the students’ union. Ultimately, one of my main focuses will be to enhance the benefits of all Golden Hawks, work to strengthen the community and build the future of Wilfrid Laurier.

ADAM BECK

My goal is to look at the future of Laurier and improve it to the best of my abilities. I want to make the university an environment where all students can not only survive, but thrive. In order to do this, I want to advocate for more study spaces on a permanent basis, not just during exams and midterms. I want to expand the writing centre appointments and drop in hours so more students can get help. Additionally, to the future of Laurier I also have goals that are attainable

for my current time on the Student Board of Directors. Wi- Fi improvements all across campus as that is one of student’s largest complaints. There can be improvements to mental health facilities so students who are non-emergent still have help available. Lastly, improvements in club resources for all students’ union clubs, including accountability to the students’ union itself for budgeting.

the management teams are both noted and followed.

I want to continue to be a role model and an advocate of the social responsibility at Laurier. Through my previous experiences in my first year, and my experiences so far in my second year, I deeply care for the Laurier Community and the Laurier Students. I strongly believe that if elected we will make our home an even better place than it already is.

CHRISTOPHER DONNELLY

KAREEM ELLIOT

According to Jose Rizal, “The youth is the hope of our future.” I, Kareem Elliott as a first year Kinesiology student seeking a position within the Board of Directors will make a future that is resourceful, rational, and inventive.

My will and dedication to ensure the greatest Laurier experience for every student drives me to commit myself to the Laurier community in a larger capacity. Unfortunately, many first years or international students are unaware of the responsibilities within

the Students’ Union and their ability to be involved. I believe that you should elect me because I will: 1. Work to bridge the gap between Students’ Union and those who are oblivious to their roles.

2. Increase the amount of first years and international students involved in committees and jobs around campus.

Maintain the integrity of our President and hold them accountable for their decisions with your best interest in/

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

My name is Sameed Hussain and I am a first year Criminology student at Laurier! My love for this University has encouraged me to run as a candidate for the positions of Students’ Union Board of Directors and the Senate. As a Director of the Board and Senate member I will undertake the strategic direction of the organization to allow for critical discussion which benefits the student community. Additionally, I will work with the president to make sure they act on their

promises, while monitoring the president through executive limitations. As a senator, I will work towards applying the perspectives of students and my own personal experience to make decisions with fellow senators. My goal is to utilize my skills and past experiences in ensuring communication between campuses by promoting more multi-campus initiatives. With just your votes, I will be able to improve the Laurier Golden Hawk experience.

SAMEED HUSSAIN

LAYOUT BY KURTIS RIDEOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PHOTOS BY LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

NEWS • 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

ADAM KOVACS* Hi, my name is Kawuki Jerome Lukwago. I am a BBA student seeking election for the Board of Directors.

Since I began schooling at Laurier, I realized not too many students know of the B.O.D, let alone know the difference between it and the Senate. A true shame, since these organizations were created to represent the student body to the best of their abilities.

In my term, I Intend on tackling some major challenges. First, I aim on creating a transparent board,

where most students are informed of the B.O.D and its decisions. Second, better over sight of the president’s actions, financially and ethically to ensure as an employee of the student body, they are not misusing their power. Third, create a B.O.D that is unified internally in-order for effectiveness and efficiency in policy decision making.

Choose me and await a more transparent, vigilant and unified era in Laurier.

MUDDASSIR RAZA My name is Shukan Shah and I am a first-year Kinesiology student, running for a seat in the Board of Directors and the position of Student Senator. In my experience at Laurier thus far, I have taken on a leadership role within various departments, including House Council, Kin Kouncil, Society of Undergraduate Research and Outreach, and Residence Athletic Council, while also being a delegate on DECA, and a member of Sports Management Laurier. These

PIRRANAVAN VIGNESWARAN

the country for a very good reason: the students. While in Laurier, I quickly noticed the cordial and hospitable characteristics within Laurier students. The student embodiment of a Laurier student is truly of excellence, and is a great representation of justice and positivity.

As a director or senator, I intend on being an envoy of the students; a voice on the board that speaks of student interests.

SHUKAN SHAH

My name is Brody and I hope to represent all fellow Golden Hawks on the Board of Directors. Helping those around me is not only the main pillar in my campaign, but also my life. At every turn, I seek new ways to give back to those around me, and I hope to ensure every Golden Hawk has an equally GOLDEN experience while attending Laurier.

Formerly, I worked as the Managing Director of GradeUp Laurier, an organization that aimed to provide

Representative on the Faculty of Science Students’ Association (FOSSA), to the club I co-founded. I will do all that is in my means to provide solid representation that all Laurier students deserve.

If I am elected to the board, I will be the voice of the students and always put your views forward. I will encourage transparency and use my experience to better the development of the Students’ Union. It is my/

we look at the current election policy and change it to reflect our current values and encourage more leaders to run. I want the election to be more publicized, so people know what is at stake and be excited for the election. Finally, I want to bring back the Board of Directors Vision Committee to interpret what the strategic vision is and the best way to work towards it.

KAWUKI JEROME LUKWAGO

My name is Muddassir Raza, and I am running for a seat on the Board of directors and the appointment of a student senator. As a first-year student enrolled in BBA, I have taken various roles within and outside the Laurier community. For example, I am the Director of Marketing for the Regina Rexes, a representative of the Red Cross Youth Program, and a Beyond the Hurt Youth Facilitator. Furthermost, Wilfrid Laurier University is known for having the best student satisfaction in

involvements allow me to garner many different group opinions across our campus, regarding student experience, as well as department specific concerns. As a director on the board, I would like to use this knowledge to connect Laurier students to the Students Union to continue building upon the Laurier culture, while also advocating for positive change and guiding actions that result in the enhancement of the student experience, to keep Laurier as #1 in student satisfaction.

BRODY SPOURDALAKIS My name is Lana Toameh and I am one of your candidates for the Board of Directors.

Just a bit about me, I am a first year Health Science student with a strong interest in community development. My platform is encompassed by three primary things: transparency, quality advocacy and enhanced student experience. I know I will be able to deliver because I have been greatly involved in Laurier because I genuinely care. My experience extents from First Year

Laurier is a community that has experienced events trying to divide us. With what has happened recently we need leaders to act as role models to unite us.

However, the people we have elected to be our role models and help show we are united are divided themselves. That is why, I, Adam Kovacs am running to be apart of the Board of Directors and on the Board of Governors. To recruit better role models, I propose

Laurier students with affordable and accessible tutoring. From that I have learnt the importance of listening to student concerns, and addressing them head on.

That is why I will aim to open more lines of communication between the union and the students. Bridging that gap is imperative to our ability to work together and foster a diverse and enjoyable culture at Laurier.

LANA TOAMEH

My name is Pirranavan Vigneswaran and I am a firstyear BBA student, currently running for the position of Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors and a seat on the Student Senator. Within Laurier, I have taken the active initiative to obtain a position as the Director of Training, Development, and Communications on House Council and the Volunteer Liaison Officer on the New Democratic Part of Wilfrid Laurier University. Additionally, I have engaged an active role as a volunteer with Autism Ontario, Tri-FUN Kids, and

Peel District School Board Parkholme. Additionally, I had the privilege of being the Student Body President of Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School. With the various interactions in the school and community environment, I hope to gain a position on both the Board of Directors and Student Senator in order to apply my personal knowledge and experience towards ensuring Laurier pertains its exceptional title for student satisfaction.

LAYOUT BY KURTIS RIDEOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PHOTOS BY LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

6 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

STUDENTS’ UNION

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

ADAM KOVACS* My name is Karan Sarathy, and I’m a 4th year Biology student running for the WLU senate position. As a member of the WLU senate, I assure you that your voices will be heard. Through senatorial processes, I seek to bring forth policies that can help students achieve their Academic goals as well as introduce a new set of courses that prepares students for Graduate or Professional school. Furthermore, I plan to advocate for a new Law School which can enhance

Laurier is a community that has experienced events trying to divide us. With what has happened recently we need leaders to act as role models to unite us.

However, the people we have elected to be our role models and help show we are united are divided themselves. That is why, I, Adam Kovacs am running to be apart of the Board of Directors and on the Board of Governors. To recruit better role models, I propose

Laurier’s reputation in Canada. My vision is to help make Wilfrid Laurier University more competitive, while maintaining and improving student satisfaction.

As for personal experience, I’ve been proactive in multiple organizations throughout my undergrad career.

Having been an executive in the WLU Pre-Dental Society, I understand the importance of good governance.

Based on this experience, I’m confident in my ability to lead. With your vote, we can bring change!

KLAUDIA WOJTANOWSKI

we look at the current election policy and change it to reflect our current values and encourage more leaders to run. I want the election to be more publicized, so people know what is at stake and be excited for the election. Finally, I want to bring back the Board of Directors Vision Committee to interpret what the strategic vision is and the best way to work towards it.

KARAN SARATHY

My name is Klaudia Wojtanowski and I am a second year business student aspiring to minor in both Political Science and French. Currently I am a Residence Life Don and serve on the Board of Directors for the Students’ Union where I represent and advocate not only for first year students but the entire undergraduate population of both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I would like to earn the position on the Board of Governors to provide the perspective of the

undergraduate student as it relates to the strategic direction of the university. I would strive to ensure that the Students’ Union acts in the best interest of students by promoting a safe, inclusive and accessible experience both academically and socially. It would be an honour to represent the voice of undergraduate students as Laurier endeavors to grow and strive for the ultimate student experience.

SENATE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORM SUMARIES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT THECORD.CA All platforms were cut off at 150 words.

All platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

LAYOUT BY KURTIS RIDEOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PHOTOS BY LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

NEWS • 7

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

TERRENCE MROZ

During my time as an undergraduate at Wilfrid Laurier University I have had the pleasure of holding several positions within WLUSP including: Arts & Life writer for The Cord, Radio Laurier DJ, Radio Laurier Program Director, and now Station Manager of Radio Laurier.

These experiences have allowed me to create and maintain strong relationships across all departments and publications. These experiences have translated into considerable knowledge in producing both on-air and print content, generating profit, executing administrative tasks, and leadership skills.

WLUSP is one of Canada’s premiere student publication bodies and is a home for Laurier students and community members to express and develop themselves through their creativity. Additionally, WLUSP has become a second family to those who belong to it.

I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to work with our wonderful volunteers and assist publications in achieving their respective goals.

Looking forward to next year, I will take the skills I’ve acquired in my years as a senior member and continue to make WLUSP a haven of creativity and professionalism. Specifically, I will and increase the presence of smaller publications on campus and in the community, increase revenue through local events, and maintain changes implemented this year by the current President & Publisher, and publication heads. I’ve already personally seen the positive impact as a result, and will continue this trend of growth.

I look forward to the opportunity to prove myself as your next President & Publisher of Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications.

WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY STUDENT PUBLICATIONS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS I have been working for WLUSP for two years, as a member of The Cord. First as a News editor and now as the Arts and Life editor. Because of this my values and vision work in tandem with the conglomerate values and vision. Such values are freedom of the press, an understanding of our service to the community, the pursuit of the truth. As well, a vision to be the premier student media organization in Canada. As Director of

the Board, I will help to ensure that WLUSP does not stray from our mission to engage and challenge Laurier University, that we remain a trustworthy source of media for our community, and we continue to strive for accessibility. This will be accomplished by holding President and Publisher, as well Executive Director accountable and ensuring we are all in compliance with our values, visions, and mission along with the law.

SHYENNE MACDONALD I am eager to announce that I will be running for a position on the Wilfrid Laurier Student Publications Board of Directors. I strive to utilize my strong administrative skills in order to continue building upon the Student Publications organization. My organization, determination, and critical thinking skills provide me with the tools needed in order to successfully develop and help guide the board into future directions. As both a leader and team member, I understand the im-

portance of maintaining the integrity of the board and of fellow students, and so, my goal is to ensure that the students’ voices which have projected their values and needs are being met and respected. As a student on the Brantford campus, it is also my goal to further integrate and incorporate ideas from both campuses in order to provide students with insight which has been developed from many Laurier perspectives.

MAIYA MISTRY CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

GARRISON OOSTERHOF As an outsider from the WLUSP team I aim to bring more than a fresh perspective to the decision making process. I will be a representative of the student body as a whole, giving a voice to students who do not find themselves involved with WLUSP operations. My goal as director is to foster and promote an atmosphere of inclusion, equity and integrity. I will do this by

Laurier’s student publications are integral to the structure of the university as a whole. From the responsibilities of the campus and community newspapers to the services of the yearbook and day planners, Laurier would be lacking without the presence of each publication. Personally, WLUSP has given me the experience necessary to focus my academic learning. I am currently in my second year of working with The Cord and throughout that time I have found my university

experience beginning to trend in a meaningful direction. If elected to be on the Board of Directors I will be proud to preserve the integrity of the organization and will enable each publication to create the best possible content. I will rely on my passion for journalism and my organizational skills to serve the Laurier community and be critical of the direction of the organization for our continued success.

ensuring that every motion passed embodies the ideal values representative of a forward minded and intellectually driven campus. Furthermore, I will provide a focus on accountability and balance to any decision I face in order to ensure the continual growth and good function of WLUSP throughout the year.

DANIEL VANDENBOR All platforms were cut off at 150 words.

Platforms are as is and not edited for spelling, grammar or structure.

Disclaimer: Shyenne MacDonald is the Arts & Life Editor at The Cord, Garrison Oosterhof is the Web Director.

LAYOUT BY KURTIS RIDEOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PHOTOS BY LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

8 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

Professor is put on leave after ridiculing student in lecture SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS DIRECTOR

A professor at the University of Guelph, Edward Hedican, is being investigated after allegedly making inappropriate remarks towards a student in his first-year anthropology lecture who identifies as having severe anxiety.

According to CBC, the professor is being accused of calling the student’s aid worker his “handler.”

Other students in the lecture also said that the professor allegedly told the aid to “control” his student in class.

The situation became publicized shortly after the lecture when details of the incident were posted to an unofficial University of Guelph group called Overheard at Guelph.

For anyone to display this behaviour, let alone an authoritative figure at a university that is to be accepting of everyone ...

-Regan Devlin, on the Overheard at Guelph Facebook page

“For anyone to display this behaviour, let alone an authori-

tative figure at a university that is to be accepting of everyone, and for someone who is a ‘cultural anthropologist’ to act this way is disgusting. After the student and his aid had left the class, people started packing up and Ed asked if the class was over. A girl in the back stood up and said ‘It is for me!’ and the majority of the class stood up and left,” said Regan Devlin in a post in the Overheard at Guelph page.

Allegedly, Hedican ridiculed the student for chewing gum — an apparent coping mechanism for the student when in an anxiety inducing situation.

Hedican also questioned whether he was enrolled in the course and apparently called the student “annoying” when he took part in the class discussion. The student and his aid left the lecture early as a result.

Hedican has been placed on a paid leave of absence until further investigation can be complete.

Courtney Orser, a third-year student at the University of Guelph, told CBC that other students were also clearly upset by the altercation, indicating that one student actually walked out of the class in tears.

Orser also said that she felt the need to leave the class early.

Before she left, however, she said she stood up to Hedican, stating that he was being disrespectful.

To this, other students in the class are heard clapping for Orser’s

The incident is under investigation, and the professor involved has been placed on leave while we look into the situation ...

-University of Guelph, in a statement

words, as seen in a short clip which was released of the lecture in question.

Another student in the class, Alex Weeks, posted a note onto his Twitter account pertaining to a different perspective and his recount of the lecture.

In the post, Weeks said that he stayed after class to speak with Hedican about what happened.

Weeks suggested that the student who was ridiculed by Hedican had been repeatedly responding to the lecture’s information by “interrupting him mid sentence.”

“The student wasn’t raising his hand or waiting for the prof to respond (which is relevant to the story) and the prof seemed to be getting more annoyed with the situation and eventually responded telling the student to stop talking as he was not having a 1 on 1 discussion in a lecture with 500+ students,” the post read.

SADMAN SAKIB RAHMAN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Weeks also alleged that the student, who was sitting in direct line of the professor during the lecture, was “apparently making faces and noises at the teacher.”

“I made this tweet and took the time to write this because I felt the teacher is now being attacked by people who didn’t really know what happened or weren’t even there at all … I was not the only student who felt this way,” the post concluded.

The University of Guelph released a statement to The Cord regarding the situation: “Tuesday morning I learned about an incident involving a professor making inappropriate comments to a student and an educational assistant during a night class Jan. 15. I find this situation troubling. The University of Guelph is committed to ensuring a positive

learning environment for our students; therefore, I am taking the matter seriously. We are an open and inclusive university that respects and welcomes all members of its community, especially our students,” the statement read.

“The incident is under investigation, and the professor involved has been placed on leave while we look into the situation and take the appropriate actions. The University of Guelph is a community whose members respect and care about one another. We are committed to civility and diversity. I appreciate the care and concern demonstrated by students who have reached out to me and to other U of G administrators and faculty about this situation. I believe this was an isolated incident; we will remain vigilant to ensure openness, respect and inclusion at U of G.”

LAURIER VOTES

Elections season sees decrease in female candidates ERIN ABE LEAD REPORTER

This year’s Students’ Union election has seen a significant decrease in female candidates.

The 2018 elections have only two women running for a position out of all Students’ Union positions.

This is drastically lower in comparison to the 2017 elections which saw total of five elected females for the board of directors.

“We, unfortunately, see a significant decrease this year,” Muhammad Talha Naeem, current director of the board, said.

“Certainly there should be a strategy developed to address this concern in the upcoming years.”

This year the two female candidates are Lana Toameh for the board of directors and Klaudia Wojtanowski for the board of governors.

There is a total of 22 candidates for all positions. There are no female presidential candidates.

“I was really shocked when I first heard this because I knew that before there were a lot more women [that were] a part of the Students’ Union,” Lana Toameh said.

“To find out there was only two of us … and I was the only one running for the board of directors and

[Klaudia] is the only one running for the board of governors … I was shocked that there weren’t more females running.”

Elections of 2016 had three women elected and the elections of 2015 had only one female director elected to the board.

“The difficulty of having females run for public office isn’t just something happening at Laurier; this is a prevalent issue in society,” Klaudia Wojtanowski said in a statement.

“When I pursued an elected position for the Students’ Union last year, I ran because I wanted to represent the student body at the University level; this hasn’t changed.”

“If I am able to get this position I can do my best to make sure that the female voice is heard,” Toameh said.

Despite the low number of female candidates, the involvement of female students in elections remains significant.

“We see a large number of female students campaigning for candidates,” Naeem said.

This year, both chief returning officer and deputy returning officer are female student leaders.

“I know that all candidates running are excited for the impact

they’re going to make during their terms,” Wojtanowski said.

This year has a larger pool of diverse candidates when considering racial representation, which is similar to the group of candidates from last year’s election.

“This year the trend has continued in a similar direction and we have a larger pool of diverse candidacy,” Naeem said.

The reason for why there are few female candidates is unclear.

“I would encourage all students from various experiences to come forward and accept my invitation to join board meetings and have your voice heard,” Naeem said.

“Board meetings are open to all students. Students have a chance to raise their concerns and voice their opinions.”

When considering the future of elections and encouraging more women to run for positions it is suggested that the inspiration comes from everyday peer to peer interactions.

“In my experience [inspiration] can be primarily gained from active leadership peers who can further inspire students and motivate them to participate in the elections and run for a position against competitive candidates,” Naeem said.

LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

Klaudia Wojtanowski is a female candidate running for board of governors.

LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

Lana Toameh is the sole female candidate running for board of directors.

NEWS • 9

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 STUDENTS’ UNION

From chair and CGO to the campaign trail Tarique Plummer has recieved various critiques after announcing to run for presidency this year KURTIS RIDEOUT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

To say that Tarique Plummer is a polarizing figure is probably underselling it.

People generally fall into two camps when it comes to the current chair & CGO of the Students’ Union: staunch support or fervent opposition.

Rightly so, I should say, as — depending on who you are and where you stand — Plummer could seem like either a man on a mission of self-interest or a man with a vision for the student body.

Upon announcing his intention to run for presidency at a board meeting this past summer, Plummer received criticism from various board members.

“I understand that part of my job as chair and CGO of the board is to run the elections process,” Plummer said of potential conflicts of interest that might arise in the campaign process.

“The board’s reception was not the best; people were angry, which I’m still trying to understand because the constitution encourages all students to exercise their right to run for office, so I’m doing nothing wrong,” Plummer said.

“By declaring that I wanted to run I wouldn’t necessarily be [excusing] myself from the entire [elections] process overall, and the board would have to select someone that was for it, so I did that.”

In the previous year, a clause was added to the constitution that stated the chair and CGO could not

run for president, but according to Plummer and the resulting discussion, this was not a constitutional clause, as it is clearly stated that any undergraduate student can run for Students’ Union president and CEO. “Historically, in the early 2000’s, we had an individual who ran for Students’ Union presidency while he was chair and won and the year afterwards our lawyer right now, Eric Davis, ran as chair for presidency but he lost,” Plummer noted. “Historically, it has been

The board’s reception was not the best; people were angry, which I’m still trying to understand ...

-Tarique Plummer, Chair and CGO of board of directors

happening.”

For Plummer, announcing his intention when he did was crucial.

“I believe that announcing that was the definition of transparency because I did not touch any electoral processes during the summer.”

That very meeting in which Plummer announced his intentions came to a stand still and, con-

sequently, the decision was made to silence the gallery — which, evidently, was put forward by Plummer to speed up the decision making process.

The silencing of the gallery has been a contentious issue for both members of the board and members of the student body and, as anyone who follows @ElxnWatchWLU on Twitter will note, it has been a point that is frequently brought up to discredit Plummer as a candidate for president.

Additionally, some have pointed to Plummer’s attendance to board meetings in the 2015/16 year, when he was a director of the board.

In response to these claims, Plummer had the following to say: “I’m a bio-technology and bio-chemistry student; you don’t see students with my program out often, I had six courses that particular year I had three labs almost every single week.”

“In our student circle, we should put academics first and then anything else comes afterwards,” he said.

“I don’t discourage people asking that question … I’m an individual who just recognized that, as a student, I’m here first and foremost for my degree,” Plummer said.

“So essentially, when you didn’t see me at an event, when you didn’t see me at open forum, when you didn’t see me at a debate, when you probably didn’t see me campaigning [in 2015/16], I was probably in class or in a lab.”

Plummer was also quick to note the fact that, that very same year,

LUKE SARAZIN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

he was also named the Students’ Union coordinator of the year.

Ultimately, as the potential only returning board member campaigning, Plummer feels that his experience as chair and CGO, and with the Students’ Union more generally, should speak for itself.

“I love the policy and gover-

nance and the overall process of it all but, based on my experience as CGO, I have an understanding of what students need and I have a vision for the student body,” Plummer said.

“It would be sad not to offer my candidacy and give the students a choice, so I decided to run.”

given project is deemed workable for any construction team is the manageability.

The average manageability in the Waterloo region is approximately 20 days per month.

The construction season in the region typically runs from April until November.

This time period takes into account all factors needed for the completion of a project.

“In this particular case, the factors represent malleable factors, as the trees can be removed without the need for large additional expenses to supplement the current project,” Brisbois said.

ENVIRONMENT

Residents share concerns over oak trees being cut down Trees axed due to construction project on Weber Street NICHOLAS QUINTYN STAFF WRITER

A road reconstruction project on Weber Street between Borden Avenue and Queen Street in Kitchener will result in the axing of 19 English oak trees.

The actions come in response to the highly anticipated project which will see Weber Street rebuilt in two phases.

Phase one from Borden Avenue to Cameron Street will see the axing of trees and reconstruction of the road.

Phase two from Cameron Street to Queen Street will see the same process completed.

“The trees are estimated to be 40 to 50 years old through the estimation of the landscape architect,” Ken Brisbois, project manager of design and construction at the Region of Waterloo, said.

Brisbois and his team were left with no other choice but to cut the trees due to the need for excava-

tion to occur on both sides of the trees. In addition they were being hit by double decker GO buses.

“The Region of Waterloo must

The trees are estimated to be 40 to 50 years old through the estimation of the landscape architect.

-Ken Brisbois, project manager of design and construction at the Region of Waterloo

work diligently in collaboration with private construction companies to ensure logistics which enable the completion of the project are completed,” Brisbois said.

The removal of these trees represents a significant step forward

in the completion of this project.

In light of this, the region recognizes that a vocal sentiment has been expressed against these actions in the community.

In situations such as this, it’s extremely difficult to appease both sides involved in the debate.

“The region can best mitigate losses, which is why they’re working with a landscape consultant to do replanting on Weber Street between Borden and Queen,” Brisbois said.

Nonetheless, residents have inevitably expressed concerns ranging from air quality, visibility and construction inconvenience.

In addition, residents have also expressed concerns, particularly over the staggering process of the project which has been split into two phases.

“We were told that the manageability in construction season requires it be split into two phases,” Brisbois said.

The number of days that any

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

10 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Women’s March in KW

ERIN ABE/LEAD REPORTER

ERIN ABE LEAD REPORTER

On Jan. 20, 2017, 500 individuals joined together to march for women’s rights in downtown Kitchener.

The Women’s March of the Waterloo Region is one of the many worldwide protests that advocate for human rights.

“Women’s rights are human

rights and I think that my main lens is that women can be leaders,” Carolina Miranda, coordinator of the Waterloo Region Women’s March, said.

“We wanted to make sure we show that female leadership is something that is very important for our society; if you don’t have female leadership then you exclude half of our human perspective.”

The march began at Carl Zehr Square and participants marched to the Kitchener Market and then back to the square for speeches and music.

“The women’s march protests against women’s rights being taken away,” Sarah Wiley, speaker and host for the Waterloo Region Women’s March, said.

“Racialized people’s rights and

Indigenous peoples’ rights being taken away, we’re supporting immigrant women, Muslim women, women with disabilities and [protesting against] the right-wing movement that is taking those rights away.”

Speakers included MPP Kathryn McGary, Councilor Jane Mitchell, Catherine Fife, Robyn Hobbs, Pamela Rojas-Perez, Laura Mae Lindo, former director of Laurier’s Diversity and Equity office, as well as many more activists.

Music featured the Women to Women Choir and the Positive Percussion Presence.

“I think it is an event that validates and gives women and men a voice,” Heather Majaury, artist and activist speaker of the Women’s March, said.

“Believing women and trusting women is vitally important to the future of our city, the future of our country and the future of the world.”

The Women’s March of the Waterloo Region also focused on advocating female leadership and educating the community on the issue of all women’s rights.

“Another part of our event is the importance of our own diversity as women,” Miranda said.

“Not all women are mothers and not all women have the same stories. It’s really important to start coming together and understand that we as women are diverse and it is in our diversity that we find our

richness,” Miranda said.

The women’s march highlighted many important political and social issues that exist today and promoted future changes.

“We’re on the cusp of change in terms of transformation in addressing women’s issues,” said Sarah Casselman, executive director of the sexual assault support centre, speaker at the march and a Laurier grad.

“A political will [is] starting to build and to start addressing women’s equity issues, violence against women and so more and more attention is being paid to the issues,” Casselman said.

People from all over the region gathered together in protest of what they deemed to be important.

Many marchers held signs or wore clothing that reflected their beliefs and what they were protesting for.

“I am a teacher and I think that as an educator it is also my duty to educate — not only my students, but their parents — about the importance of equity in all realms,” Miranda said.

“When we start becoming more compassionate and understanding of each other, that’s when those issues go away.”

The march was a considered a major success and peaked at around 500 individuals who attended the event.

“I think this is the beginning and not the end of something,” Majaury said

gion, a phrase they use to refer to the “cities of Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton and the Regions of Durham, York and Halton as well as the neighbouring municipalities of Guelph, Waterloo Region, and Hamilton.”

The proposal emphasizes Canada’s open immigration policies as well as the abundance of science and technology oriented post-secondary institutions in the Greater Toronto Area, which could potentially bring talent to Amazon.

Specifically, the proposal singles out three of the major universities within the GTA and Waterloo Region: McMaster University, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo.

The proposal highlights their high stature in global university rankings, and also places an emphasis on the University of Waterloo’s large and robust co-op program.

Unlike a number of other cities that made the shortlist, however, Toronto did not offer Amazon large subsidies as incentive. “[It’s] critical to remember that the Toronto Amazon HQ2 bid did not offer subsidies as a way to get at the table. Our proposal touted our quality of life, openness to immigration and current/forthcoming transit investments as the key reasons to come,” Jennifer Keesmaat, former chief city planner for City of Toronto, said in a tweet on Jan. 18 following the announcement.

Excited by the announcement was Toronto mayor, John Tory, who tweeted the potential economic boost which Amazon could bring to the region.

“We have incredible homegrown

success stories and Amazon would further accelerate our success by investing more than $5 billion in construction and creating as many as 50,000 high-paying jobs. We are excited to have this opportunity and to be able to tell Toronto's unique story,” Tory said in a Jan. 18 tweet.

Amazon has said that they plan on making their new headquarters equal in size to its current headquarters in Seattle, which it claims to have made a tremendous contribution to the local economy.

“Amazon estimates its investments in Seattle from 2010 through 2016 resulted in an additional $38 billion to the city’s economy — every dollar invested by Amazon in Seattle generated an additional $1.40 for the city’s economy over-

JOBS

Toronto on Amazon’s Shortlist

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

JAKE WATTS NEWS EDITOR

Toronto was recently shortlisted

by Amazon as a candidate site for the company’s massive new headquarters.

Alongside Toronto — which was

the only Canadian city shortlisted — there are 19 US cities, including Austin, Boston, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Over 200 cities began vying to be selected when last year, the e-commerce giant Amazon issued a call for cities to submit proposals

to be the potential location of the company’s second headquarters.

In response to Amazon’s call for cities to submit their proposals, Toronto Global — a not-for-profit organization established by the government — put forward a proposal on behalf of the Toronto Re-

Amazon would further accelerate our success by investing more than $5 billion in construction and creating as many as 50,000 ... jobs.

-John Tory, mayor of Toronto via Twitter

all,” reads a statement on Amazon’s website.

The next steps for the selection process include more direct communication between Amazon and prospective cities as well as a deeper analysis of each city’s proposal, per an Amazon press release.

NEWS • 11

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 REPRESENTATION

NIRUPAM SINGH/CORD PHOTO

Brantford candidates in the SU election ALEX PHAM CORD NEWS

This year’s Students’ Union election sees more candidates and more participation from students over last year’s election, especially from Brantford.

With two Brantford candidates in the running for president, two for the board of directors and one for the senate, Brantford has a total of five members of their campus in the race for positions within the Students’ Union.

Tarique Plummer, Waterloo candidate in the running for president and CEO of the Students’ Union, is excited that there are more students at Brantford taking an active role in student politics.

“I feel like more individuals are becoming aware that there is an election process taking place,” Plummer said.

“Now I am hoping that there will be a higher voter turnout, not only at Brantford campus but also at the Waterloo campus. With more candidates comes further engagement and I am excited to see what that brings.”

Ali Saghari, another candidate from Waterloo also in the running for president and CEO of the Students’ Union, shared his thoughts on the increased student participation at Brantford.

“I think Brantford has always been involved in their own community,” Saghari said.

“We’re working more as one unit and we understand the Students’ Union is the main glue that sticks to the two campuses together.”

Saghari and Plummer have been working hard in both Brantford and Waterloo to reach out to students and connect with them.

“The Brantford campus is smaller than the Waterloo campus, the perception plays a part in terms that the Waterloo campus may forget sometimes that the Brantford campus exists, because of how small it is,” Plummer said.

“The geographical distance also plays a part in how these two campuses can unite”

Nevertheless, Plummer noted that students between Brantford and Waterloo share a common identity.

“We’re all students, two different campuses but one university,” Plummer said.

We’re all students, two different campuses but one university.

-Tarique Plummer, candidate for SU president and CEO

Saghari expanded on some similarities between the two campuses, while encouraging both to celebrate their differences and diversity.

“I think what it boils down to is that both student groups are extremely passionate, it’s just what they are passionate about is slightly different. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Brantford needs to have its own identity, Waterloo needs to have its own identity,” Saghari said.

“I would like to bring about factors where we have more commonalities, but also encourage the differences that come about due to the different programs that each campus has,” continued Saghari.

On facing the greatest challenges between representing two student bodies between two campuses, Ryley Fletcher, a presidential candidate from Brantford, noted that Laurier is just one large student body rather than two separate campuses with two separate student bodies.

“I look at it as representing one student body that goes to Laurier rather than two different campuses. If I were to look at it differently from one student body I would look at it as 17,000 bodies of stu-

NIRUPAM SINGH/CORD NEWS

dents if you will,” Fletcher said.

“One way I would like to approach that is by the representation groups pushed forward by my platform so that I can have students who can bring their voice to me so that I can best represent them as a group of students.”

“I think it’s a challenge representing anybody that’s not yourself, but its just important to recognize that, although we have two separate campuses, whether you went to school in Brantford or went to school in Waterloo, you have to represent 17,000 students either way,” Fletcher said.

NIRUPAM SINGH/CORD PHOTO

12 •

FEATU

FEATURES EDITOR/KARLIS WILDE/FEATURES@THECORD.CA

How / When / Why did you decide to run for Students’ Union president?

“I think based on my experiences from the last four and a half years at Laurier eventually led me to have a huge passion for the student experience and mental health as well. So I think that through my experiences is what made me want to run for the position of president and ceo of the Students’ Union.”

“Last year I was the associate vice president of finance and administration with the Students’ Union, so I worked with the management team, the president, the vice presidents. And that’s where I realized that being the president of the Students’ Union is something that I could actually do.”

“In the past, it’s always been like that person that you see in The Cord or in The Sputnik, you see them walking around campus and it’s like the president, like some far away kind of like, not distant person, but like super professional individual whatever. But working with the management team last year is when I realized that it’s an actual person first off, and a lot of the qualities that the president, over the past few years, have had are some similar qualities that I think I have, and that I would be capable of doing the role.”

“So while I was an AVP last year, before I was wrapping up my term in April is when I started meeting with students to ask them what they would like to see from the Students’ Union. And throughout the summer and throughout fall term, I had a lot of meetings with more students, with Students’ Union staff—both management team and the full-time staff—and then also with university officials, so David McMurray, Dan Dawson, Adam Lawrence, Leanne-Holland Brown, I have a meeting with on Monday just to talk about different things that students want, see their feasibility, kind of what I would be able to do for the students within reason, because I know that it’s not necessarily possible to spend millions of dollars on a project within a year and get it done for students within in a couple.”

“I based my platform around principles. So, for example, I know that students are wanting more access to the student Wellness Centre on both campuses I’ve had that feedback. So rather than saying, ‘okay what I would like to do is a, b, and c,’ I said I would like to find a way to make the student Wellness Centre more accessible for students, and then I’ve pitched a couple ideas of how that might be able to work, so that I then am not then bound to my platform in a year if I am elected. Sorry, I would be bound to the platform, but I wouldn’t be bound to that specific idea if I ended up finding out another way that was even more financially feasible so students didn’t have to pay more money or more time sensitive so we could get it done quicker so we could serve students quicker.”

“So it’s through like the meetings that I’ve had with people that I helped develop that platform and all of those ideas coming together made me realize that I think that I would be a good candidate for Students’ Union president.”

Meet your c

News Director, Safina Husein, News E Kurtis Rideout sat down with to ask the impor

Why are you the best candidate for this job?

“I think that my, based on platforms alone, I think that my platform is, A, it’s shown that it’s accessible because anybody can find my platform online or on my Facebook page or on Twitter, you can find it where you like. Or at my booths and stuff. But also, reading through the platforms I really want students to read through all platforms and think about, not only what they want from the Students’ Union and what would be great for student services, but also what’s feasible. I’m not going to come in here and propose that we’re going to spend like three million dollars on the building of a project because the Students’ Union has an over ten million dollar operating budget, but three million dollars is nearly a third of that, and it’s unrealistic to expect that students are going to be able to have those additions if they’re not going to be paying more money towards these projects.”

“So look at what you want from the platforms, but also think about the feasibility, and if each of these candidates are elected, is it actually going to happen? Ask the important questions at open forums, message each of the candidates individually if you have questions about their platforms.”

“I think that one of the biggest things that makes me the best candidate for the role is my determination. So I might not know everything about the Students’ Union right now, and I would argue that none of the four of us do, or even the people who are currently in their positions because it’s tough to do that. But, I will learn everything that I need to in order to make critical decisions, this is where I have made a platform based on principles not on tangibles, because I have offered potential tangibles, but if a different thing comes up that is more feasible, that is the option that I’ll go with because I want students to be best served and in order for them to be best served, we have to spend their money properly.”

“And also, I have a personality for the role that would be able to work with other people, and I think that I would ultimately represent students in the way that students would want to be represented, not the way that I think students want to be represented, if that makes sense.”

Ryley Fletcher

If president, how are you going to advocate for students on the Brantford/ Waterloo campus?

“So I think that it does pose a bit of a difficult situation because the president’s main office is in Waterloo, right. And the president will be in Waterloo a majority of the days, but it’s important to recognize that it’s equity, not equality that we’re going for. So I wouldn’t want to split my office hours 50/50 because that’s unrealistic.”

“So being able to be in Brantford and have a presence there is something that I would absolutely want to do, but recognizing that there’s fourteen-plus thousand students in Waterloo, and there’s three thousand plus students in Brantford, so being able to split it up equitably is kind of how I would do that.”

“And in addition to that, one of the points of my platform is about representation groups. So one of these representation groups would be having the presence of the faculty associations come sit around a table and talk to the president about what concerns these students are seeing or anything they want their voice heard about, and there are five faculty association presidents from Waterloo and there are two faculty association presidents from Brantford, so that’s another way that I could incorporate all students, both Waterloo and Brantford in on the same kind of opportunity.”

“I think it’s important to recognize that—not to separate students between Brantford and Waterloo— ultimately we’re all golden hawks and we’re all Laurier students who are here to get an education and we have services offered to us by the Students’ Union that we can all use, so I think it’s important to recognize that as president, you’d be advocating for all students, not just students on one or the other campus.”

Can you critique one aspect of the current president’s performance?

“Yeah, so several times I’ve had this question, but I think that it’s important to recognize that Kanwar is probably the most knowledgeable person that’s not Phil Champaign—which is the executive director of the Students’ Union—about the organization.

He’s brilliant. I think that, if asked to critique him, I would say that I would do some of the stuff that he’s doing differently. So he has a big passion for advocacy and working with government, so he’s been to a lot of different stuff with the university affairs department, for example, working on advocacy.”

“Where that I think that it’s important to have a really good relationship between the Students’ Union and other departments of the university and other organizations, for example like WLUSP and student publications. I think it’s important to keep open communication so that when things come up for student publications for example, you’re able to chat with the Students’ Union, kind of get the information you need, we’re able to provide that for you. And then you can write your story and we can go on with our day, rather than—almost like cutting off ties or it’s not really cutting off ties. I think working with departments and organizations internally is something that I would focus a little more on than the Students’ Union has this year.”

Some answers have be For full transcription

URES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 • 13

candidates

Editor, Jake Watts and Editor-In-Chief, h your presidential candidates rtant questions.

een edited for length. ns, go to TheCord.ca

Idris Omar Hassan

Can you critique one aspect of the current president’s performance?

Why are you the best candidate for this job?

How/When/Why did you decide to run for Students’ Union president?

"While I was sitting in the Students’ Unions board of directors as a director of the board, I’ve noticed that there are quite a number of different changes that I would like to bring in to the general functioning of the organization. Just around my very first term of me being a part of the board of directors, that’s when I kind of decided that I want to take a bigger position with in the Students’ Union and since then I’ve been thinking about it. The more I think about it the more I come up with better ideas. Then, when I started having conversations with undergraduate students; especially those that I know individually. Then I took it a little further and I’ve had conversations with different groups and clubs and associations, including international students. Then I decided I need to run for presidency because I think I can bring better change into the function of the organization to assist more of the undergraduate students."

"I mean let’s face it, there are quite a number of different things that make me very different than the other three candidates that are running for this position. The first one is that I am more mature than them, I have more life experience than them and I have more professional experience than them. I have had quite a number of other professional experiences, such as working with the provincial and federal government. Working within other institutional settings as a director of the board, working for non-for profit organizations. Those outside institutional experiences that I am bringing to to the table is absolutely a huge asset for me to be the best candidate for this position. Because when an issue comes onto the table from undergraduate students or from the organization itself, I am not only going to be looking at my experiences within the university, I will be looking at my experiences that I’m bringing from different stakeholders that I was part of in my time for the past number of years. that’s why I believe that I am the best candidate for this position as president and CEO of the Students’ Union at our university, Wilfrid Laurier."

If president, how are you going to advocate for students on the Brantford/ Waterloo campus?

"The first thing I look at is that we are all undergraduate students.

If I get elected as president and CEO, I am a president and CEO for not only one campus but all undergrad student regardless of their campus. With that being said, there is one challenge that most of the executive team, including the president and his team, normally faces which is the multi-campus.

It’s under my platform to ensure that both students in both campuses will receive the exact same, equal — or very similar equal — in to my time, ideas, to sit down with them, to ensure that two days I will be in Brantford, maybe three days I will be in the Waterloo campus because the Waterloo campus has just little more students than the Brantford campus. But that doesn’t mean that they’re less equal or more important than the other. I will ensure that I am available to both students regardless of their campus and I will ensure I have the time to sit down and listen and at the same time to work with them for the best interest of all undergraduate students at our university."

"The president is doing a great job currently, because I have seen and I have noticed quite a number of great leaders within the functioning of the organization.

However, as I mention in the open forum and the other interviews that are being conducted for the last couple of days, I believe that as president and CEO it is your responsibility to ensure that the staff that you are responsible for should completely know with what they should involve themselves and with what they shouldn’t involve themselves. Generally speaking, what I mean by that is that there are two important units within the organization. One being the board of directors, and the other one being the operational staff. As president and CEO you are responsible for the every day operational staff an you report to the directors of the board. So the one thing I’m critiquing for this current president is that somehow I felt based on my experience that he was lacking to separate the relationship between the board of directors as well as the operational staff. I’ve noticed at times that the day-today operational staff was getting involved into the day-to-day staff of the board of directors which is sometimes, in my opinion, very unprofessional and in violation of the chain-of-command. But the two units are supposed to be functioning differently. Each unit is responsible for a specific direction of the success of the organization.

Other than that, generally speaking, he’s been doing pretty well."

TANZEEL SAYANI /CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHOTOS BY GARRISON OOSTERHOF

14 •

FEATU

FEATURES EDITOR/KARLIS WILDE/FEATURES@THECORD.CA

How/When/Why did you decide to run for Students’ Union president?

“Since first-year I have thought about running for Students’ Union presidency. But I didn’t officially make the decision until this past summer after being elected as chair and chief governance officer and thought about my love for politics and governance. The rational that went into me deciding to run for president is simply this; for any individual who has been involved since first-year until this very moment, an individual who has come to understand the culture of Laurier, who has come to understand how the Students’ Union functions, who understands the policies and procedures, where the red tape exists and how to make certain things happen; I feel like one of the best individuals to be put into that capacity is someone who has the knowledge; someone who has the experience; someone who will be able to get the job done because they have an idea of what the system looks like and how to navigate the system itself.

Another reason why I decided to run for Students’ Union president is because I genuinely care. I genuinely care for the students; I genuinely care about the concerns of students which can be seen in my platform. I try my best to have programs that have direct benefits to students. I believe at the end of each year, students must be able to say at least one thing a Students’ Union president has done for them ... Another reason why I want to run for Students’ Union president is because I wanted to represent all groups on campus. There are certain groups on campus that have been neglected, have been marginalized, have been completely forgotten and I want to be the individual to bring them back into the fold to say ‘hey, we know you’re there. Let us help you, let us be there for you, let us give you the support that you need.’ And by doing that, that will essentially get more individuals involved in the process. Something that has been on my mind for the longest time is that how can we have one of the highest involvement rates but one of the lowest for voter turnout?

What’s the correlation? Why is the voter turnout not equivalent to the level of involvement that we have around campus. I think it’s time for Laurier to have a leader who is willing to make big decisions.

Not only sitting in the office and doing their routine and going to meetings. An individual who can introduce innovative programs, an individual who’s going to say ‘I don’t care what the culture or tradition has been, I’m going to do it this way because students need to see direct benefit from this.’ I think Laurier and the Students’ Union needs a leader who will essentially be the president and CEO — not just on paper, but one who walks into the office and runs the office as though it’s a business and students as a customer and to satisfy them. I feel like based on my public track record of performance, I am the individual for the job as I’m the individual who thinks of individuals, thinks of the people, gives you the benefits that you need and has a track record of leadership.”

Why are you the best candidate for this job?

“One, when it comes to overall involvement in a Laurier fabric I feel like my list of activities that I’ve been involved with — clubs, organizations, associations — far surpasses that of my opponents.

I’ve done so many different things, and I’ve grown and I’ve learned and I understand a great deal of what the culture at Laurier truly is.

And I know the needs and desires of the people. That is what makes me a strong candidate. Something else that makes me a strong candidate is my involvement with the Students’ Union. From first-year as a general volunteer, I’ve worked my way up to an executive, to coordinator, to being given coordinator of the year award, to being on the board of directors, to being chief governing officer of the board — an individual who has been involved for a long time knows the organization and knows the system, and knows how to get things done with the system that’s currently in place.

And, even knows how to alter the system as it currently stands. So familiarity is a key thing, and with familiarity one might say because this individual has been involved since day one, the learning curve will be shorter than the learning curve of anybody else. Realistically, the president and CEO of the Students’ Union has five months.

Five effective months to get the job done. After that, from May to September, after that process you’re thinking about the next election period. Now, many people will not know that, many people think they have the entire year — but you really do not. For me, transition might be two weeks for someone who might have a transition of two months to understand board procedures and policies and the range of your power and authority, that’s something that gives me an advantage over my opponents. Something else, is the relationship I share with numerous campus partners on both campuses. Because i’ve been involved with so many different organizations, associations and different departments, I have developed a relationship with them and I know their desires and I know their needs. We’re already on a professional-friend level. I don’t have to work to create those things because they already exist.

Another thing that puts me above my opponents is in my platform, the ideas I put forward are not political. Some initiatives are long term, because I believe in planing for future generations, but some of them can be actualized during my year as president ... My platform, I believe, comes close to being so broad that each student can find something that they’re passionate about and I feel like because I’ve done the research and I know that all the things I’ve committed to can actually actualize, I feel like those are things that make me a strong candidate, I have the experience, I know the system, I try my best to represent all the major groups on campus, I’m an individual who truly cares about them and wants to be there for them, an individual who has feasible plans for the long term and short term and looks at the overall development of the entire Laurier student body. An individual who is a leader and who has a vision.”

Tarique Plummer

If president, how are you going to advocate for students on the Brantford/ Waterloo campus?

“If you have a look at my platform, you’ll notice that ideas are either labelled multi-campus, or Brantford specific or Waterloo specific. We have presidential candidates that are saying that they are going to listen to the students, honestly, you should have listened to the students before you decided to run. You should already know exactly what their needs are before you decided to run. And I’ve done that way before I decided to run, and those are the needs I put in the platform, with proposals on ways to address those needs. My physical presence will be on both campuses. Not just presence; my approach will be that I’ll be physically there, I’ll be involved in events that you have occurring.

I will be physically there, I will be making an input in these events, I’ll be associating with you and I won’t just be confined to an overall office. The plans I’ve made in my platform are ideas that I’m committed to, and committed to actualizing. So you can hold me to a standard, you can hold me to that as a measure, you can hold me to what I put to you as my absolute promise, to see if I can come good on that. So for representation I’ll be in both Waterloo and Brantford all in platform, all the ideas that i’ve committed myself to, the presence I want to have on both campuses, with involvement I want to have with different faculty associations and clubs, interacting with people, and not just be in a general office space. I’m not super man, so I can’t promise things that are outside my perimeter, but what I can promise you is that I’m going to be there.”

Can you critique one aspect of the current president’s performance?

“Whenever I’m asked this question I always say this and some may say it means nothing, but in fact I’m giving you everything. If you ask 10 students on campus what one thing the president and CEO has done for you this past year, let’s see how many students can actually even answer because my best guess is that maybe one out of the 10 who would be able to tell you what the president has done for you. If you can’t have at least half the student body say what the president has done for you, then the president and CEO would have failed. You had an entire year to publicize and to reach students, you have a whole host of volunteers at your disposal — why don’t people know what you’re doing? And that raises questions about transparency, that raises questions about approach and about what you’re actually doing.

So when you ask for a critique of the president, I say direct that question to the people. Ask them to tell you one thing the president has done for them, if they can tell you, then I accept responsibility that I’m wrong. If they can’t tell you, then we have our answer right there.”

Some answers have b For full transcription

URES

been edited for length. ns, go to TheCord.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 • 15

Ali Saghari

If president, how are you going to advocate for students on the Brantford/ Waterloo campus?

Why are you the best candidate for this job?

How/When/Why did you decide to run for Students’ Union president?

“I learned about the Students’ Union in second-year when I started joining clubs. I was more and more interested in the projects that they do and the initiatives that they run. I thought that it served a very important purpose at our university. When I became more involved in the Students’ Union by joining AUS, I was more intrigued in holding a leadership position at the union. When I was elected to run AUS, over the summer is when I seriously considered the possibility of being able to run for president of the Students’ Union and this first term, everything I’ve managed to do at AUS and all the positive experiences I’ve had at the school before that have sort of led me to wanting to take the year off next year and dedicate myself to the Students’ Union and improving it in any way that my skills and experience can offer me.”

“I believe I make the best presidential nominee this year due to the fact that my experience both inside and outside of school have practically prepared for exactly what my platforms hopes to accomplish. My experience in publications and student clubs have taught me what the students need and what is lacking from the Students’ Union. My experience in leadership through things such as AUS and managing two startups have taught me the difficulties and the challenges that come with management and project development. Being a political science with a legal studies option is also going to be a great resource for me.

Because of my interest in politics I’ve been a part of two different parliament candidates campaigns for different parties. I’ve also been involved with University Affairs and talking with local MPP’s regarding several of the issues that are actually on my platform. I’m familiar with a lot of what the job is going to ask and I’m also very much prepared because of my experience here at Laurier. Whether it be in school, outside or even academically.”

“As someone who started their school year in Brantford, I can tell you first-hand the most significant thing that we need to consider when making decisions as a union for either campus or decisions that affect both of them tat the same time is that these schools’ have completely different dynamics even though they share the same student body. Brantford is integrated into the downtown core and Waterloo is in a slightly more secluded area in the city. I think there’s important lessons to be learnt from both campuses and I think that’s the most important thing that, as president, I need to promote and make clear that it is a huge advantage for both campuses to have … for example, there’s projects in Brantford with mental health where it’s a lot more integrated into the community just because of the dynamic of the campus there. Where, here in Waterloo, again it’s a little more isolated within the campus itself and definitely room for growth and expansion into the community when it comes to mental health resources or when dealing with sexual assault. Of course, Waterloo also has incredible resources for Brantford. How I plan to advocate for both campuses is to show that the students that, again, that this is a positive relationship that we have, this is a unique position that we’re in and we need to use the resources that we have on both campuses to help the university grow as one collective unit. Whether that be improving things in market square so when students from Waterloo go to Brantford have a social that they can feel comfortable in. Or, if it’s allowing for bus transports from Brantford to Waterloo so the students in Brantford can come to classes here and use the resources that have been built into Waterloo campus.”

Can you critique one aspect of the current president’s performance?

“I would just like to preface that Kanwar, as a person and as a president, is someone I very much look up to. I got to know him a little bit through political science.

He’s a very smart student — I’ve seen him in board meetings and he’s a very capable leader and very intelligent when it comes to the polices and guidelines when it comes to the Students’ Union.

I believe that during his term, if I had to critique one thing, is that he could have been more ambitious with his projects and start new initiatives that would impact the student body directly. By this I mean, projects such as revamping and updating a lot of outdated Students’ Union processes. And just in general, working with some more internal affairs within the school as opposed to advocacy. Even though advocacy has been very big this year and I’m proud of the work the Students’ Union has done under Kanwar’s leadership.”

TANZEEL SAYANI /CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHOTOS BY GARRISON OOSTERHOF

16 •

Arts & Life

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 ARTS & LIFE EDITOR SHYENNE MACDONALD arts@thecord.ca

The Presidential Mixtape

In an effort to get to know each presidential candidate Editor-In-Chief, Kurtis Rideout, quizzed eac on their go-to songs for some specific scenarios.

Ryley Fletcher Celebration song:

“What Do I Know?” by Ed Sheeran

Debate pump-up song: “Knocking at the Door” by Arkells

Favourite song to study to: A Beethoven symphony – or something without lyrics that I can’t sing to

Campaign theme song?

“Treasure” by Bruno Mars

Go-to corny love song?

“Loving You Easy” by Zac Brown Band

ARTS & LIFE • 17

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

Ali Saghari

Idris Omar Hassan

Celebration song:

Celebration song:

“Island in the Sun” by Weezer

“Waving Flag” by Knaan Abdi Warsame

Debate pump-up song:

Debate pump-up song:

“Waving Flag” by Knaan Abdi Warsame

“Icon” by Jaden Smith

Favourite song to study to:

Favourite song to study to:

“Oh Devil” by Electric Guest

“See You Tonight” by Scotty McCreery

Campaign theme song: “Come Together” by The Beatles

Campaign theme song: “I Am Yours” by Stevie Wonder

Go-to corny love song?

“Treat Her Better” by Mac Demarco

Go-to corny love song: “I Love You This Big” by Scotty McCreery

Tarique Plummer Celebration song: “Rockstar” by Post Malone

Debate pump-up song: “Tek Time” by Aidonia

Favourite song to study to: “River Flows in You” by Yiruma

Campaign theme song: “Man in the Mirror”

by Michael Jackson

Go-to corny love song: “Honey” by Kenzie May

LAYOUT BY KURTIS RIDEOUT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, GRAPHICS BY ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

18 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

LITERATURE

Exploring the fantastical LUKE SARAZIN/PHOTO EDITOR

Looking into what lays beyond the text and what we can ultimately learn from fantasy literature SARAH SPRAGG STAFF WRITER

What do you associate with the word “fantasy”? Do you think of the typical images of witches, wizards, goblins; and creatures that only exist in an imaginary world?

Or like me, do you think of it as being so much more?

Honestly, one of the most frustrating things as a person who loves Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and other books/movies in the realm of fantasy, is when people scoff at the mention of these passions as being more than just for kids.

In the class “Tolkien and Fantasy” taught by Professor Richard Nemesvari, we looked into J.R.R. Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy-Stories” and debunked many of the preconceived notions related to Fantasy.

Although I have always loved

fantasy, I think that I have often fallen victim to the separation of this genre into the realm of the “unreal”.

And also, not applied the lessons that I learned into my world outside of the books, movies, or shows — but here I am, saying that my perception of fantasy was not living up to what the genre is truly capable of for its readers.

“Tolkien wishes to challenge people’s ideas about the Realm of Faërie and to find truth in fantasy,” Nemesvari explained of Tolkien’s essay.

“Tolkien believes that our primal desire is to have a sense of wonder — deep down we all desire this: to be taken outside of our normal life,” Nemesvari said as he continued talking about Tolkien’s idea.

I think that sometimes you just need someone to tell you exactly why something sticks with you.

Such as my connection to

Tolkien believes that our primal desire is to have a sense of wonder — deep down we all desire this: to be taken outside of our normal life.

-Richard Nemesvari, Professor of “Tolkien and Fantasy”

fantasy — because after reading Tolkien’s essay and listening to the lectures, my whole perception as to the reasoning behind my love for hobbits and fantastical worlds beyond my own, seemed a lot

more concrete. The ultimate lesson to be learned is that the immersive experience of fantasy, if you allow it, gives you something greater than just an escape, as many refer to it as.

In “On Fairy-Stories”, Tolkien separates the idea of escape from fantasy. He says that by strictly calling this genre, “escapist”, you are “mixing up the Escape of the Prisoner with the Flight of the Deserter.”

There’s a major difference between being released from a pessimistic or close minded point of view and using literature to escape reality.

I know that many may still laugh at the idea of fantasy being able to “change your perspective”.

But like many other types of literature, it’s what you allow the novel or story to do.

“Fantasy provides us with the

opportunity to see things differently,” Nemesvari said.

If you wish for the enchantment to stay in what you’re reading than that’s what’s it going to do.

However, as Tolkien wants people to understand, that doesn’t have to be the end-all.

As readers and watchers, we can become a part of the worlds that authors such as Tolkien wish to create.

And then can go back into reality, with something that we didn’t have before: a sense of wonder that can help us to live better because we are open to the possibilities.

So, as a final note, let yourself be child-like and open up to fantasy in a way that maybe you haven’t before.

What you often thought could only exist in other worlds may just find a place in your own imagination and reality.

CLUBS

Conrad Birdie, and company, are a gas!

EVANGELINE HUNT STAFF WRITER

On Jan. 19, I spent my Friday evening watching a production of Bye Bye Birdie, performed by Laurier Musical Theatre.

Blue Monday vibes were lingering, so the thought of some musical theatre was exactly what I needed to shake them off.

Upon arriving at the theatre auditorium, I was shown to my reserved seat which happened to be in the front row, right in the middle.

The best seat in the house. I felt like a real film critic and was embarrassed by my messy hair and bright blue sweater.

The orchestra sat in a pit below the stage, hidden from view by a black fence which was decorated with red, white and blue ribbon, as well as red glittery stickers of luscious lips.

The set consisted of several three-sided platforms that were rotated to reveal different scenes.

As well as things like chairs and

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

tables that were carried on and off by the actors.

The platforms were recycled from the group’s performance of Footloose last year.

The classic musical followed the story of Conrad Birdie, a rock and roll performer who was drafted into the Army in 1958. Birdie, played by Colin Watts, was inspired by the real-life conscription of Elvis Presley into the Army in 1957.

Birdie had wide flares and a huge collar, and the iconic rock

and roll “uhhhh huhhhh” was successful in making all the girls, includes the Mayor’s wife, faint in excitement.

It was Birdie’s manager, Albert Peterson, and his love interest, Rosie, who were the protagonists in the show.

Jack Ford Stevens and Bay Gerlings played these characters, whose rocky relationship captured the heart of the audience – all of whom were rooting for a happy ending.

Upon Birdie’s conscription into the army, Albert and Rosie devised one final publicity stunt that they hope would solve their money troubles. Birdie was to give one lucky member of the Conrad Birdie Fan Club “One Last Kiss” before his heroic and patriotic departure for the Army. That lucky young lady happened to be Kim MacAfee of Sweet Apple, Ohio, played by Hannah Carlson.

Shortly before being informed that Birdie wanted to kiss her,

MacAfee resigned from the Conrad Birdie Fan Club to “settle down” at the age of fifteen. Of course, this resignation was immediately revoked after hearing the news of “One Last Kiss”.

The performance had us all laughing out loud, particularly at the character of Mrs. Peterson, played by Camille Dehghan.

Mrs. Peterson’s exaggerated hardships and dry sarcasm made her the star of the show in my eyes, an opinion shared by many, if her particularly loud cheer at the end is anything to go by.

Another favourite of mine was the quartet of singers who started serenading Rosie during the performance of “Baby Talk to Me”.

Unbeknown to us, three of them had been hiding under a table throughout the whole scene and randomly popped up and jumped into song.

Overall, a wonderful take on the classic musical.

The students of Laurier Musical Theatre performed faultlessly and had us all grinning from ear to ear.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the announcement of next year’s show.

If their performance of Bye Bye Birdie is anything to go on, it won’t be one to miss!

ARTS & LIFE • 19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 MOVIES

Three thumbs up for Three Billboards

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

MADELINE MCINNIS STAFF WRITER

From a small premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September to headlining wide-release theatres this week in the United Kingdom.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is this year’s breakout, runaway hit looking into awards season, and it was just announced as a nominee for best picture at the Oscars. As well as best actress in a leading role, best actor in a supporting role, best original score, best original screenplay and best film editing.

It cleaned up at the Golden Globes, grabbing the awards for best actress, best supporting actor and best drama film, among others. And honestly, it did so with good reason.

The only question left is why?

Three Billboards is an art film. It’s not a nice, neat little package that you leave the theatre satisfied with.

If you’re going looking for a crime thriller and a chase scene with the bad guy just out of reach, this is definitely not it.

The grandiose plot — small town mom tries to find the criminal who raped and murdered her daughter — is only the backdrop for other

events to happen. It’s the spark that lights the (often literal) fire behind the character’s actions and throws their little haven into chaos.

And chaos reigns as it’s a wild ride from start to finish.

But there was not a single moment in this film that I got frustrated with a character’s actions or thought that they were unrealistic.

Three Billboards, in its entirety, is all about how grey morality really is and the consequences and guilt that can come from those grey moral decisions.

I got sad, I had to gasp at some parts and I cringed at others.

But the motivations were always credible.

It’s not what you’ve seen a thousand times before; the writing is superb and unpredictable and, thank God, the trailers don’t give anything away. It’s a film that could have multiple trigger warnings — many of which I can’t get into without spoilers — but handles its content tastefully.

I never felt like I really needed much of any warning, despite topics that really hit close to home.

The film went into the consequences of these actions on the characters themselves and those around them — in fact, that’s the entire point of the movie.

It goes much deeper than making you feel something and makes you seriously question your own decisions.

Three Billboards, in its entirety, is all about how grey morality really is and the consequences and guilt that can come from those grey moral decisions.

What’s the best decision for one character has enormous negative effects on another.

This theme is hammered home in the last few lines of the film.

Even by the very end, there’s no answer as to what a right or wrong decision or action is.

Everything is grey and everything depends on your perspective.

Should Three Billboards be the best film at this year’s Oscars?

I don’t think I’ve seen enough of the nominees to properly comment.

It’s not the best movie I’ve ever seen, but it’s certainly up there in the best crafted.

Alongside Three Billboards other known nominees are The Shape of Water and Call Me By Your Name.

Which can be served as proof that there’s a wider market for what was previously considered niche.

20 • GAMES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

ELECTIONS WORD SEARCH

BOARD DIRECTORS SENATORS GOVERNORS PRESIDENT FLETCHER HASSAN PLUMMER SAGHARI ALWI BECK BOURRIE DONNOLLEY ELLIOT HUSSAIN KOVACS LUKWAGO RAZA SHAH SPOURDALAKIS TOAMEH VIGNESWARAN BLASI FRITZ PINTO SARATHY WOJTANOWSKI

SUDOKU

GAMES • 21

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

Dear Life Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum.

All submissions to Dear Life are anonymous and therefore do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Cord or WLUSP. They should be no longer than 100 words and must be addressed to your life. Submissions can be sent to dearlife@thecord.ca no later than Monday at noon each week.

Dear life, I was originally excited to see multiple WLUSU presidential candidates run this year, since the more candidates means the more selection.

Unfortunately, two candidates (to my knowledge) haven’t released a detailed platform, and one of them is promising the world without costing or understanding WLUSU’s financial position. Plus, 3 out of the 4 don’t seem approachable. I was hoping to have to make a tough decision, but it seems like my decision is just as easily made up as it was when there was only one candidate.

Sincerely, Love me some pink.

Dear Life, If everything that @ElxnWatchWLU is saying is true, I am very worried if a certain individual becomes WLUSU President.

Sincerely, Do it for the students, not for yourself.

Dear Life, There is no one to choke on my wicked farts when you are not around.

Sincerely, Let me hotbox you again Dear Life, When I was in high school, I dreamed of going to university to start a new life, to be myself, to prosper in a new community and begin the next stage of my life. I’d never had trouble making friends previous-

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ly in my life, I had a great cohesive group of friends in high school, that threw parties and social events, that got together after school and on the weekends, that introduced me to others in the social sphere. I expected no less than to go to university and have a wonderful time, enjoying the fruits of young life in a university town. But when I got to Laurier I haven’t had the experience I’d imagined.

During the first few weeks of living in residence I had begun to realize that Laurier was not full of open people willing to invite others into social circles, in fact it was very closed off.

For someone like me who is not from Toronto or the GTA, there was very little opportunity for me to make friends outside my residence. Even within my residence, the friends I met, already knew 5 or 10 friends that also went to Laurier. I was blindsided by cliques, in a place that I previously thought would be devoid of such immature practices.

In the beginning I wrote off my lack of acceptance into other social groups as a lack of effort to include myself on my part. After tagging along as much as I could, making myself more agreeable, hanging out with people more that had a bigger group, hoping I could mesh into this group and maybe become one of their own, I realized this was not the case. I would like you to keep in mind that this was not an isolated incident; I tried many a time with a few different groups of friends to try and become a part of a bigger friend group in my first year, even doing things that I didn’t really want to just because they were doing it, in an effort to boost my chances at having them want me to stick around. All of my attempts failed. I was faced with a feeling I had never had before; the feeling of loneliness in a building of hundreds of people my age.

This may seem like a cry for pity, but it is not. This submission is simply an attempt to speak out against how sincerely saturated this school is with people from Toronto and the GTA, with predefined friend groups, that make it extremely difficult for people from other cities to assimilate and join. I am in no way saying that these people are bad, or should be punished, maybe I just had a bad bounce. What I am saying is that for me, life at Laurier has felt extremely exclusive for people that haven’t come to the school with a friend group already, and I know that oth-

ers from places other than Toronto will agree with me on this. Sometimes, you should throw someone a bone that doesn’t look like they’re having a good time, invite them over, have a beer with them, invite them to the party, introduce them to your friends, it will make their day.

People may look at this submission and think that I may just be not a very agreeable or fun person to be friends with, lackluster perhaps, and that’s why I’m in the situation that I’m in, but I don’t think that’s the case.

In my opinion, Laurier hasn’t done enough for me to encourage networking and allow people to meet others. Even in my second year I still have this struggle. As a politics student, in first year at my residence, there wasn’t a single person from my residence floor in my program, or in any one of my classes. It seems that if you are not in BBA, it is not in the schools best interest to make sure that you are networking or adjusting well to university life. Every person on my floor was a business student; they all had classes together, they studied together, became friends and branched out to other students in their faculty. I even took all the first year business courses, which gave me an opportunity to fit in with some friends at residence, but it didn’t last for long.

I was an alienated student on my floor. I was called an idiot for being in an arts program rather than being in business, and although that is incorrect, it wears you down after a while. When you start to see people forming groups that don’t involve you, people going to class together and working together, and you’re in class alone, in your room alone, working on things that nobody but you knows about, sometimes you start to think they’re right.

This submission may sound like a runaway train, but in conclusion I would just like to say: shout out to everyone that’s not having a great time here, to everyone with strong FOMO every Friday night, to the people not getting invited to that party, to the first years at KSR who are in their concrete cell of a room, eating food from the dining hall every day sitting alone at their own table. Don’t forget that this isn’t forever and that everything gets better with time.

Sincerely, A guy from out of town

Dear Life,

Sincerely,: Pretty please

I don’t give a fuck what Laurier’s Monica Lewinsky says so stop telling me.

Dear Life,

Sincerely, who the fuck cares Dear Zach and Sourabh, Thank you for being the best roommates ever.

Sincerely, Your boi Dear Kurtis, You’re legit the chillest boss ever.

Thank you for all your help.

Sincerely, The sports guy Dear sports guy, It is all of the wonderful people behind The Cord that make this work possible, including you. My job would not be as fun, rewarding, interesting or hilarious without the constant support and fun that y’all bring in to my life. Sometimes I wish I could individually put all of you on the spot and tell you how dope you are but I think that will happen soon enough. JUST KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ME ALWAYS SO I CAN WATCH YOU BECOME SUCCESSFUL BADASS JOURNO PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely, EIC I would like to write a song, but my words come out wrong.

They’re lies anyway Now what do I say?

All I can think to rhyme is “dong” Sincerely, Notsogoodatlimericks Someone needs to do me a solid and get me that 2018 pen of the year “Imperium Romana” Sincerely, Pretty please Someone needs to do me a solid and get me that 2018 pen of the year “Imperium Romana”

I’m not like them But I can pretend The sun is gone But I have a light The day is done But I’m having fun I think I’m dumb Or maybe just happy Think I’m just happy My heart is broke But I have some glue Help me inhale And mend it with you We’ll float around And hang out on clouds Then we’ll come down And have a hangover, have a hangover Skin the sun Fall asleep Wish away The soul is cheap Lesson learned Wish me luck Soothe the burn Wake me up I’m not like them But I can pretend The sun is gone But I have a light The day is done But I’m having fun I think I’m dumb Skin the sun Fall asleep Wish away The soul is cheap Lesson learned Wish me luck Soothe the burn Wake me up I’m not like them But I can pretend The sun is gone But I have a light The day is done But I’m having fun I think I’m dumb Sincerely, What?

Dear Life, wishing everyone a happy election season SZN good vibes solid Sincerely, My dude

22 •

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

Editorial

OPINION EDITOR EMILY WAITSON opinion@thecord.ca

Playing the game situations.

For example, when referring to Trudeau and the way he responds to criticism I often find myself making the same point.

Like, yeah, that’s what I expect from politicians, I feel like it has always been this way.

If I could give a piece of advice, better yet, just a little suggestion, try to remember that these types of people really care about how you see them.

Sometimes that is literally all they care about.

A lot of them are kind of like salesmen peddling platforms. And that’s not to say that none of the candidates are trustworthy or truly concerned with problems affecting the student body, but at this point, it’s a tough call to make, to be honest.

Over the next few weeks we will get to see how candidates respond on their feet to questions they have not approved, first at the Waterloo Open Forum, and afterwards at the presidential debate.

I would use these occasions as opportunities to get to know your candidates. I have spoken to all of them personally, and I can say that they are all approachable people.

To that end I would encourage any of you interested in learning more to hit them up. Last week in this space I mentioned the importance of reading platforms and staying informed. This week I am telling you that it doesn’t have to stop there.

Maybe you have some questions that have gone unanswered or some concerns that were not addressed by any particular candidate. If that is indeed the case, all I can say is that your opportunity to confront people is riper than ever.

This is the time to ask the tough questions and this is the time to expect thoughtful and intelligible answers.

At the end of the day, regardless of who wins, we will go through the same thing next year and the year after that.

I just really hope that, as we move forward, it becomes easier for the general population to discern the candidates who “know how to play the game” from the candidates who actually give a genuine fuck about the student body at Wilfrid Laurier University.

KURTIS RIDEOUT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I think at this point in the year — and also in a more general sense — it’s a really good time to hold people accountable.

As both the Students’ Union and WLUSP gear up for the elections process, staying informed and in the loop is incredibly important for the students that they plan on representing.

As an undergraduate student in journalism, obviously I sought many opportunities through WLUSP and am very thankful for that. Simi-larly, students in various disciplines have the Students’ Union to thank for the many opportunities provided there, and that, first and foremost, is objectively true.

Student politics and student media, while both being somewhat contentious and routinely challenged, are incredibly valuable for both the opportunities provided as well as the platforms provided to voice student concerns. The organizations work in tandem to address the concerns of students in real time.

Essentially, this is why I care about them, and this is why I think you should. Plenty of people have their own reasons, but for the purpose of this argument, I’ll just leave my justifications there.

What I would really like to say is that, while obviously many people pursue these roles to give back because they are super selfless, there will always be a measured amount of candidates who are just hella opportunistic, which is totally fair and understandable from my perspective, too.

But there is a term that I like to use when I refer to politics, though it applies to many disciplines — especially in a changing world where the norms are being constantly challenged — it is best used to describe a public figure in general.

That term goes “something something knows how to play the game,” and I’ve found myself repeating it in various contexts and

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ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Student elections matter SAFINA HUSEIN NEWS DIRECTOR

When I was in first-year, I was scarcely involved within the Laurier community. As someone who lived off-campus, I wasn’t enticed by orientation week and didn’t pay close attention to many of the events and activities that were taking place.

Even as a consistent writer for The Cord, I somehow managed to completely miss the Students’ Union elections that year.

It wasn’t until my second-year, when I was a part of covering the elections for The Cord, that I realized how important it is to pay attention to the Students’ Union and elections in general.

Having been exposed to what the Students’ Union does, the decisions they make and how it effects me has enlightened me on why all students should be informed.

The Students’ Union makes a myriad of decisions that directly effects every undergraduate student.

They make decisions pertaining to funding and the fees we pay with our tuition, they decide on school

events and initiatives that take place and much more.

They are the people who advocate on behalf of all undergraduate students. If you want more initiatives surrounding mental health, better study spots or more parking options — the individuals elected this month are the ones most likely to either make or not make that happen.

Another important aspect which the Students’ Union decides upon is referendum questions.

This past December at a board meeting, the board of directors actually discussed a referendum question pertaining to pro-choice rights. A group of students were rallying for the union to take on a pro-choice stance as an organization and the board decided whether or not this would be implemented. Ultimately, the ballot was dropped.

Without attending the meeting or closely watching their Twitter feed, this information isn’t widely known to students. In fact, I’m sure that some students aren’t aware that referendum questions pertaining to such topics could be discussed amongst the Students’ Union.

This election season, the voting ballot will include two referendum questions in addition to candidates running for the various positions.

For example, one of the questions that was passed by the board pertains to a new fee which would be charged to all incoming firstyear students. The fee is to allow for further implementation of transition activities and mentoring initiatives for incoming students.

As an undergraduate student, you can have a say in this.

The Students’ Union commonly advocates that they are the voice for us, the students. However; if we, the students, aren’t listening or conveying to them what we would like advocated on our behalf, then the things the Students’ Union decides upon will be solely based on their opinions and not the student body as a whole.

Last year, only 22 per cent of the undergraduate student body voted. This statistic could not be stressed enough since 22 per cent is far from an accurate depiction of the entire student body.

This year, there are four presidential candidates who have brought forth really interesting ideas within their platforms.

As someone who is far more informed than I was even a year ago, I can honestly say that it is so important to take the time to read these platforms to see which ideas resonate the most with what you feel would make your experience at Laurier more positive.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

Opinion

• 23 OPINION EDITOR EMILY WAITSON opinion@thecord.ca

Losing faith in humanity, one Tide Pod at a time EMILY WAITSON OPINION EDITOR

What started out as an oddly popular internet joke that circulated various meme websites — and was the focus of a satirical article published by The Onion in 2015 — has now transformed into a cautionary tale about what not to put in your mouth.

Just when I thought humanity could not lower itself any farther and the limit for depravity had been reached, teenagers and young adults seemingly banded together to prove the world wrong once again.

Tide Pods have become the prime target for multiple morons who think that biting into these laundry detergent capsules will lead to hilarity and harmless entertainment.

To this I only have one thing to say — what the fuck?

I guess if I looked at this optimistically, I could argue that if the herd must be thinned in some way or another and, if this is the way it happens, then so be it.

If Darwin was alive today he’d probably be shrugging his shoulders.

But I can’t wrap my mind around how anyone with a functioning brain could possibly think

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

this would be a good idea. Not only doing it to begin with, but filming it and proudly sharing the experience online.

To add insult to injury, I’ve seen several mommy-bloggers and argumentative simple-minded nobodies blaming Tide, of all things, for making the pods to begin with.

Angry accusations have cropped up in comment sections that point shaky fingers at P&G, saying Tide Pods are made to look too “delicious” and appealing to the apparently flimsy resolve humans have for not shoving brightly coloured poison packs into their mouths.

The culprit out of this whole trend is clearly a laundry detergent company and not the magpie consumers who are too distracted by swirly colours and 90s infused nostalgia about their similarity to Fruit Gushers to notice the numerous warning labels on the packaging.

I’m going to hazard a guess and say that the folks at Proctor & Gamble Co. never expected adult customers to be willingly shoving their non-edible clothing cleaning products into their mouths and inadvertently putting themselves in danger.

Containers of those pods have always had warnings on them (like any poisonous product), but those warnings were presumably aimed at children under the age of three who unwittingly shove anything their little hands can grab into their greedy mouths.

I read an article published by Buzzfeed the other day called This Is What Will Happen To Your Body If You Eat A Tide Pod and I skimmed the detailed description of what could potentially happen to you if you bit into one of these suckers for a laugh.

The picture really isn’t pretty and

it shouldn’t take a Buzzfeed article that quotes a doctor to convince people not to eat a poisonous substance.

Regardless, it has to be said apparently in order to hit home for the pea-brained individuals who consider this a harmless past time and internet joke akin to participating in the cinnamon challenge or playing chubby bunny on camera (both of which people have died and sustained injuries from).

Those other internet “challenges” didn’t involve ingesting a bunch of concentrated chemicals though, so I’ll give credit where credit is due and say that this one is considerably more risky for your unsuspecting insides to even attempt to accomplish safely.

These pods have a significantly higher level of chemicals in the liquid that’s inside of them, which is far worse to consume than normal

Yet, this struck a sour note for the event that resonated with the recently completed AGDQ 2018.

Gamers by and large have to begin to accept that their communities, no matter how tight-knit and protective, are behind the times if they still gate-keep against trans people, and no amount of money raised for charity can excuse that behaviour.

Gaming is a space where many of you found your identity, selfworth and a sense of community, and to prevent others from experiencing this based on their pronoun preference – even when they are working towards the same goals you are – is despicable and inexcusable.

The underlying theme of GDQ as an entity has been always about showing how gaming could be applied to a more public-spirited and unselfish end, and when you take

up the archived videos comment section to spout ignorant hatespeech about gender, how are you not a part of the problem?

laundry detergent.

Most ignoramuses that attempt doing this don’t realize that your instinctive reaction to tasting chemicals and feeling the burning sensation of cleaning products against your tongue, is to gag, cough and inhale what you’ve just stupidly bitten into.

By doing so, you can cause internal damage depending on how much of it you ingested, along with chemical burns and severe diarrhea, all for the sake of a meme and a College Humour video that was clearly intended to be a joke and not a how-to, step-by-step cure for momentary boredom or a way to curb weird cravings.

As though I’m being caught up in an episode of The Simpsons and the punchline is lurking somewhere around the corner, I’m still waiting for the anticipated hilarity to make itself known at any minute.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to accept the fact that people will continue participating in these nonsensical internet fads and video click bait schemes all for the sake of some views and laughter directed at their own idiocy.

If you’re dumb enough to actually do this, be sure to call poison control or 911 depending on the severity of your symptoms.

And while you’re on your way to the hospital foaming at the mouth and shitting your pants, make sure you take some time to self-reflect and ask yourself if it was all really worth it.

Bigotry in gaming CHRIS LUCIANTONIO STAFF WRITER

Games Done Quick is a semiannual charity stream where speedrunners (gamers who compete to finish games as quickly as possible), pool their esoteric talents across several days to collect donations for organizations, namely the Prevent Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders.

Running steadily since 2010, the event has raised more than $15 million total for its organizations of choice.

It has expanded over the years from its humble origins — filmed in the founding organizers living room — to the sponsored event hall that brings hundreds of runners and spectators on Twitch annually.

Beyond this, the altruistic event has become a bright spot for the gamer community to point to help dispel the common negative opinion that gaming culture is sheltered, selfish and inherently toxic to itself and others adjacent to it.

Here is an example of people who use gaming to an inherently noble and selfless end and who form a community around their shared idiosyncratic talents for beating games at ludicrous speeds.

Where is the harm you may ask?

Two years ago saw one of the first trans “runners”, known as Protomagicalgirl, make an appearance on stream, running Super Mario Land, and in a completely unsurprising twist the gaming community once again let their toxicity out in full force.

From spamming an insensitive emoticon of a bearded man in the Twitch chat whenever she was on the stream broadcast, to harassing her on Twitter, to levying libelous claims against her suggesting she was cheating, profiting, or bullying her way onto the schedule to fill a “diversity quota.”

Even when they are helping the cause the typical gamer cannot contain their irrational, bigoted hatred of trans people.

Not to say all gamers reacted this way, as the staff and attendees at the event in question were supportive of her brave visibility in this overbearing toxic atmosphere, even bringing the veteran streamer on in subsequent events as a host and interviewer.

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Even when they are helping the cause, the typical gamer cannot contain their irrational, bigoted hatred of trans people.

AGDQ 2018 saw multiple trans runners feeling comfortable enough to participate despite what

occurred in 2016, so the projected reality is they will be a fixture of the community from now on.

By virtue of its content and demographics, the gaming community cannot help but breed toxicity in its ranks, but it shocks even more to learn that they just couldn’t help themselves — even when doing good for a change.

Beside bemoaning how “SJWS” and trans people are ruining their precious video games by existing and liking them too, they’ve pushed back against the expansion of GDQ because it no longer is a thing they can claim exclusivity over.

This is the attitude that needs to be abolished, plain and simple, in order for the ugly opinion most people have of gamers to dissipate.

You cannot own video gaming, no matter how many bucks you raise for cancer prevention.

24 • OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 content from less popular users and slightly altering it to pass it off as their own in a textbook case of indisputable plagiarism.

And, oddly enough, this amounted to little in terms of preventative action. Though the evidence was damming, the worst that came of it was @spookperson lost a couple of their 53 thousand followers and Twitter remained a deeply flawed platform.

It might seem petty and incredulous to care this much about what, to many, would seem like a typical example of “Twitter Drama,” but the implications of this incident are much more nuanced than that.

Content theft is currently a

ALAN LI/GRAPHICS EDITOR

No laughs with joke theft CHRIS LUCIANTONIO STAFF WRITER

Twitter is this wonderfully horrible hell-of-a-website where the delineations between being famous and anonymous do not matter at all.

Through virtue of posting funny, witty, or just downright bizarre content, any user can build a brand

and rise to the highest echelons of “weird twitter” and equate something close to fame.

In this odd space where everyone has the same chances to go viral and all content is free, how do we factor in the action of plagiarism and content theft?

With a system like Twitter where, according to their own policy, you can only report content pertaining to “sensitive material” and “abuse” — and anybody who has tried to do this will tell you how helpful this is — what do we do with accounts that claim other people’s

content in the lawless hell-scape that is Twitter? I ask because an account I have followed for some time has been exposed as a serial content thief and, since this revelation has been made, nothing has been done in the slightest to mitigate it. The popular “weird twitter persona” @spookperson made a name for themselves with their Goth-culture cynicism, irreverent jaded humour and critical meme responses to politics and culture.

Not long ago independent artist @OneTrickTofani uncovered a storied history of this account lifting

In this odd space where everyone has the same chances to go viral and all content is free, how do we factor in the action of plagerism...

problem Twitter does not have a suitable answer for. Although quality tweets can only earn you likes, retweets and followers, there are many instances of people using social media to propel their careers forward through writing opportunities, sharing art, or what have you. When an account like @spookperson repurposes content as their own, it robs those

Though the evidence was damming, the worst that came of it was @spookyperson lost a couple of their 53 thousand followers...

smaller accounts of the sweat on their brow that they are entitled to because some larger account who doesn’t need it gets the credit.

For many, social media is how you build a brand and connect with new opportunities. For others, being weird or funny online is the sole facet of their personal enterprise. Yes, they post it for free and broadcast it into the abyss that is the Twitter-verse. But, regardless, authorship matters even in a space like Twitter. @spookperson is not the only offender unceremoniously lifting other peoples handles off tweets and pasting their own in its place to enjoy another day in the viral spotlight. Meme pages and the like make a cottage industry out of passing off other people’s work as their own and websites like twitter still have no answer for this.

It may seem asinine to discuss authorship when it comes to 280 characters of text, but this case shows what even the most popular accounts can get away with no repercussions, and something about that is just wrong.

When in doubt, just mind your own business MADELINE MCINNIS STAFF WRITER

For one of the courses on my exchange, I’m doing a presentation on Christ Crowned with Thorns, a Northern Renaissance painting by Hieronymus Bosch.

It’s housed in the National Gallery, London, so I made a sort of pilgrimage to go see it before I delved headfirst into research, effectively ruining any shine it would have previously held for me.

Being new to the museum, I got a bit mixed up — effectively ending up at the opposite end than where I should have been.

That was fine, I ended up surrounded by Michelangelo, Bernini and Botticelli, figures I not only admire, but have often searched out in other museums.

“Did you know that Michelangelo didn’t finish paintings because he was against showing idols?”

Thank you, random man who has no idea what he’s talking about and thinks he knows more than me.

Even just feigning a “that’s nice” must have been an expression of my deepest sexual desires for this greying Italian. I was asked out several times in the span of twenty

QIAU LIU/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

minutes as he followed me through the galleries.

I left, made up an excuse, but couldn’t escape before the promise to contact him on Facebook. I blocked him as soon as I was out of the shadow of Trafalgar Square.

I still haven’t seen the Bosch.

Furthermore, when I got home a few days later and told the young women in my residence that I had travelled down to London by myself, I got called things like ballsy, adventurous and brave.

I didn’t feel like any of that — I was doing what every exchange student does: travelling.

In fact, I know quite a lot about the history and geography of London — obviously more than the

men who attempted to “help” poor, naive, little me.

But it’s not the city and travelling itself that’s seen as brave: it’s the promise of facing my friend, the art historian.

As a young woman, unwanted attention is everywhere.

If you’re vulnerable for even a moment, even just getting lost in a painting of a rolling ship by Turner, you’ve got some creep breathing down your neck.

If you think it has nothing to do with gender, when’s the last time that you’ve heard of a middle-aged woman targeting a young man and trying to explain to him that the Tate Modern is now in a building that was once on the cover of a

Beatles album?

The Tate Modern is in the Bankside Power Station, the one on the album cover is Battersea Power Station, and it was Pink Floyd, not the Beatles.

Thinking about it, I’ve never been approached by a woman in this way, either. It’s always a middle aged man.

There’s no exception that I can think of on the contrary to this rule.

There’s this assumption that we young women need the world explained to us, where as young men are allowed to stumble and make mistakes — to learn on their own.

Middle aged men are apparently the ones to teach us.

I don’t need your protection.

I don’t need your explanation.

Unless you’re a tour guide — or if I ask — just leave me alone.

Don’t romanticize meeting your partner at a museum, a book store, a coffee shop or anything of the sort. Women who go places by themselves are not asking for a date. Contrary to popular belief, we exist independently of men.

Don’t assume you know more than anyone else. Don’t let your confidence supersede anyone else’s knowledge. You just come off as an asshole.

But the biggest thing to remember? If she’s uncomfortable in the first thirty seconds, it’s not going to work. Move on. Don’t follow her around.

I can’t believe that really needs to be said. It’s awful that we can’t even go to an art gallery — a museum, a national monument, a train station — without unwanted attention.

For the record, Michelangelo often didn’t finish paintings because he was a perfectionist, funding fell through or his relationships with the patrons deteriorated.

He hated painting with a passion, and would much prefer to sculpt.

He was the best — a master of his work.

I would hope all men put as much effort and passion into something in their lives rather than harassing women.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

Sports

• 25 SPORTS EDITOR PRANAV DESAI sports@thecord.ca

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Hawks finding their formula for success ABDULHAMID IBRAHIM LEAD SPORTS REPORTER

It’s been a rough 2018 for the Wilfrid Laurier University women’s basketball team.

Going into the New Year 6-4, they were in good position not only in the OUA West, but also as far as getting time off to continue their momentum. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go the Hawks’ way.

The Golden Hawks would go on to lose 4 straight, falling to 6-8 and the sixth seed of the OUA West at one point. What can separate the good teams from the bad teams sometimes, is the ability to overcome bad stretches and adversity.

... we can win by 30 points if we really commit to playing team defense ... offense just definitely flows by itself.

-Nicole Morrison, Laurier women’s basketball guard

This weekend, the Hawks showed they might possibly be turning things around going into the home stretch of the season.

Playing the Algoma Thunder-

birds at the University of Waterloo Physical Activities Complex, due to a flooding incident at Laurier’s Athletic Complex, they dominated with ease.

The first game on Friday night was an easy win as a close first quarter led to the flood gates being opened in the second quarter.

The Thunderbirds would never recover from there, losing 67-50.

Saturday afternoon brought about the second game of the back-to-back as well as a similar storyline: a close first quarter followed by a dominant second quarter.

With their largest lead having ballooned to 30 points as the Hawks won in dominating fashion, behind Morrison’s 31 points, to the tune of a 75-48 final score.

When asked about this weekend and what it’s done for them as a team, coach Falco said, “I think as a whole, we had a positive weekend.”

“I think we’ve had a tough stretch in the schedule and we’ve also had a few tough breaks in some games and I think the girls needed a little shot of confidence and I thought they played well,” Falco said.

Now sitting at 8-8 and fourth in their division, the question becomes ‘can they find consistency in what’s been kind of an up and down year?’

Now, going into the final third of their season, they will have to find a balance between improving and

finding consistency.

“I think just playing together and playing with confidence and knowing that we’re a good team and we can win by 30 points if we really commit to playing team defense and then just out of that, offense just definitely flows by itself,” Nicole Morrison said.

“So, I think that’s something we definitely need to work on. Just be more consistent that way.”

With their confidence no longer wavering after two blowout wins, and seeing what they are really capable of on both ends – especially on defense – the only thing now is being able to put it all together to make the noise they hope to make come playoff time.

“I think we’re slowly getting better defensively. If we can get more consistency on the defensive end, it’s going to take a lot of pressure off of our offense where we don’t have to get into a shootout and try and score a high number every game,” Falco said.

“I think the second thing is choices offensively. If we can make better decisions, like we were talking about, move the ball better, wait for a high percentage shot, then that’ll pay dividends down the road.”

With a rematch in place for their next game against the McMaster Marauders, who they lost to 81-59 on Jan. 13, the Hawks will be tested and they will have to be at their best to compete with one of the best teams in the conference.

SHARAN RANA/CORD PHOTOGRAPHY

CURLING University of Toronto Varsity Blues, which resulted in them being put in the consolation bracket.

It’s important for the Hawks to keep piling up the good results and carry this momentum into the OUA championships ...

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Starting the season off with a bang PRANAV DESAI SPORTS EDITOR

Both the men’s and women’s Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawk

curling teams excelled at the Brock Invitational tournament this past weekend.

The men’s and women’s teams picked up three wins each and finished with a respectable 3-1-1 record.

The men’s team started the tournament with a 6-6 draw against their cross town rivals, the Waterloo Warriors.

They followed that up with an emphatic 8-1 win against Rochester which gave the Hawks all the momentum they needed to win their next game against Brock, winning by a final score of 4-1 which qualified them for the playoff round.

Laurier then faced Trent in the semi-final and the Hawks would continue to ride their momentum,

winning 4-2 to qualify for the final against McMaster.

Unfortunately, the Hawks couldn’t cap off the Invitational with a first place finish, as they would lose 5-6 to the Marauders.

The women’s team, coincidentally, also opened with a 6-6 draw against the Warriors.

They would go on to lose their next matchup 5-6 against the

But the Hawks finished strong, as they picked up a 5-1 win against Brock, a 6-1 win versus McMaster and another 7-1 win against Brock to round off the invitational.

Both curling teams have a quick turnaround with the McMaster Invitational coming up this weekend in Kingston.

It’s important for the Hawks to keep piling up the good results and carry this momentum into the OUA championships happening next month at Algoma university, beginning on Feb. 15.

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SPORTS • 27

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018 MEN’S HOCKEY

A tough road ahead LUKE BURROWS CORD SPORTS

The Wilfrid Laurier University men’s hockey team was in Guelph on Thursday night to play in their second consecutive Frosty Mug game against the Guelph Gryphons.

Laurier fell to the Gryphons 2-1 in last year’s contest, and the Golden Hawk team was looking to spoil Guelph’s festivities as well as to extend their own three game win streak.

Unfortunately, this outcome was not in the cards.

Seemingly fueled by the roaring Guelph crowd of 4,715 people, the Gryphons exploded from the gate and took command of a fast paced and hard-hitting game.

Come the closing buzzer of the first period, the Gryphons were leading Laurier by a score of 3-0 and the home crowd was only growing louder.

Following the harsh opening frame, Hawks goalie Chris Festarini would get the hook after allowing three goals on 19 shots.

Colin Furlong would take his place to start the second, in hopes of turning things around for the Laurier team.

The Laurier offensive seemed to perk up a bit in the second period, as the Golden Hawks outshot the Gryphons by a tally of 12-6 and pushed back against their powerful opponents.

This being said, they couldn’t solve Gryphons goalie Andrew Masters and the second period would end with Guelph leading 4-0.

Come the third, Laurier ran into the same troubles, and would eventually find themselves on the wrong end of the first shutout in Frosty Mug history.

Guelph would take the game by a score of 5-0, outshooting the Golden Hawks 29-26.

“We did not match or exceed Guelph’s intensity to start the game,” head coach, Greg Puhalski, said.

“We simply needed to be ready for a tough battle.”

In wake of the unsightly first period, the Golden Hawks still managed to outshoot the Gryphons 19-10.

When we have played hungry, our game has been very good.

That’s what we need to win in the playoffs.

-Greg Puhalski, Laurier men’s hockey head coach

Despite the shooting efforts on behalf of the Golden Hawks, three of Guelph’s five goals came on the man advantage, as Laurier only successfully killed off one Gryphon power play.

The Hawks then played the Waterloo Warriors on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Although the game was a hard fought battle, with the Hawks coming back from an early deficit, Laurier ended up falling in a shootout.

Laurier settles to a 6-8-3 record on the road, which contributes most of the losses in their 14-10-4 overall record.

Following this weekend, Laurier finds themselves in third place in the Western Conference, right behind York University.

With six games remaining in the regular season and playoffs on the horizon, the Hawks are looking to enter the post-season in a comfort-

SADMAN SAKIB RAHMAN/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

able position.

“We need to play with more desperation in our game,” coach Puhalski said in regard to success in this final stretch.

“When we have played hungry, our game has been very good.

That’s what we need to win in the playoffs.”

Laurier heads to London this Thursday to take on the Mustangs, before playing host to the Gryphons again on Saturday afternoon.

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To learn more about these programs and other graduate certificates visit mohawkcollege.ca/gradstudies

28 • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2018

ALUMNI

The first openly transgender player in the CWHL PRANAV DESAI SPORTS EDITOR

Wilfrid Laurier graduate Jessica Platt, who currently plays as a forward for the Toronto Furies in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), recently came out as transgender.

The former Hawk publicly announced her decision to come out through an Instagram post on Jan. 10, 2018.

Platt is now the first openly transgender player to ever compete in the CWHL. It’s been a long and interesting journey for the Sarnia native, to say the least.

The medical transition for Platt started in 2012 and since then she hasn’t looked back.

Although she is now competing at the highest level, Platt never played varsity hockey for the Golden Hawks.

“At that time in my life I was still trying to figure everything out. I started my transition when I was in second year,” she explained.

“So hockey and sports wasn’t really a priority. I would have loved to [play for Laurier] but I think logistically it didn’t quite work out and I was just more focused on making myself happy and getting to where I wanted to be in life.”

After graduating from Laurier in 2014, Platt eventually started working at The Zone Training in Waterloo and that is what helped reignite her passion for hockey.

“I started working at The Zone Training, [which is] a training facility in Waterloo where teens skate and play hockey. When I started

have any sort of inherent advantage.”

Even with the growing movement towards trans issues and trans rights over the past few years, going public about your transition is still seen as a big deal – especially in the sports world where you are constantly under the microscope.

I want people to keep chasing their dreams, I want them to think that they can do anything they want to do.

-Jessica Platt, Toronto Furies forward

CHRIS TANOUYE/CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

teaching the kids and passing on my knowledge to the younger generation, that kind of made me want to get back out there.”

In 2016, Platt declared for the CWHL draft and was selected with the 61st overall pick.

It’s hard enough for aspiring athletes to get selected in the CWHL draft, but to get drafted without playing hockey at the collegiate level speaks volumes about the tremendous amount of hard work and dedication that Platt put into getting better at her craft.

As difficult as it was for Platt to get drafted in the CWHL, the decision to go public with her transi-

tion was that much tougher.

When asked if it was harder for athletes to come out, Platt pointed out that everyone has their own story.

“It’s hard to say if it’s harder for an athlete [to come out]. Everyone has a different situation in terms of where they’re living and who they’re surrounded by. It’s more different [for athletes] than other people because it’s more public,” she said.

“So we have to worry about the potential backlash from the media.

It’s mainly different for athletes because you have more publicity surrounding you.”

Although most of the public and media reaction to Platt’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, there are definitely individuals out there who aren’t quite as accepting.

Platt was quick to dismiss the idea of having an inherent physical advantage over her competition.

“I don’t think I have a physical edge at all. I’ve followed all the policies and guidelines. So if anyone says that I have more testosterone, that’s not true,” she explained.

“People might say guys are bigger than girls but that’s just a generalization because everyone has different bodies. I don’t think I

Platt’s courage should be commended and her decision to come out as a transgender woman will only serve to inspire.

“I’m hoping that people will have a solid example that they can look at because I know I didn’t have a ton of people to look up to when I was going through my transition. I want people to keep chasing their dreams, I want them to think that they can do anything they want to do,” she said.

“Even if someone’s having trouble coming out, maybe they can see the positive reactions that people have shown towards me and that, in the end, it’s all going to be okay.”

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Happy, not satisfied JOHN MCMORRAN STAFF WRITER

“Be happy but not satisfied.”

Justin Serresse, head coach of Laurier’s men’s basketball team explained that this quote is the attitude he wants from himself and his players, no matter what is happening on the court.

“When we lose we're learning and when we win, we're happy but not satisfied.”

Of late there have been plenty of reasons for the Golden Hawks to be happy — namely a five-game winning streak that began with a shootout win (98-91) over the Windsor Lancers on Jan. 6 and continued on to see Laurier thrash Algoma University 80-53 and 62-52 on back-to-back nights.

What’s more, the team is now practicing and playing entirely on the road, since the gym in Laurier’s Athletic Complex was damaged due to flooding.

It would be easy for a young team with a young head coach, displaced from their home gym — with a losing record in the conference and coming off a four game losing streak to end the first semester — to call it quits for the season.

Instead, Laurier has responded to adversity by attacking the second half of their schedule, regardless of the obstacles in their path.

External factors aside, coach Serresse was asked about the abrupt turnaround in play and he explained as follows: “It was a matter of getting back to what works well for us. We're a young team that needs to play with a lot of energy, and pace, and just trusting each other. It's not a one man show, it's us together.”

That cohesion has shown up on the hardwood in a big way, especially in Laurier’s suffocating defense. During their five game streak only one opponent put up more than 65 points against the purple and gold, and Coach Serresse credits this lockdown play to a team that, rife with young talent but short on experience, is finally coming together.

“Give credit to the guys trusting each other. Trusting that the guy behind you is going to have your back,” Serresse said. “Trusting that if you need help, somebody else will be there ... better chemistry.

Guys are moving in-sync, rotating better, there's more urgency.”

Combine a relentless, swarming defense with some young up-and-

FILE PHOTO

coming contributors, and suddenly, a season that seemed as though it might be slipping away has turned into one where Laurier is charging toward playoffs with momentum, confidence and growing faith in one another.

But the playoffs are still a long way away, with eight games left and none of them walkovers. And this fact has not escaped the notice of Coach Serresse who explains that, although winning creates

happiness, he won’t allow it to create lethargy. “[I] remind them all the time why we're successful, and when we're not doing well, [I] remind them [of ] the reasons why.”

The team is still young and there are plenty of tough games to be played; all of them on the road for the foreseeable future. The Golden Hawks have already demonstrated their resiliency with early-season stumbles, but as the playoffs loom,

games will only get more difficult.

Still, a hungry young coach, an energetic roster bursting with potential, a locker room full of positive energy, all of these ingredients are a recipe for a deep playoff run.

But to take a page from coach Serresse’s book, we shouldn’t look too far into the future. We should be happy with what the Hawks have already accomplished. Happy but not satisfied, because the Golden Hawks aren’t satisfied. Not yet.