SGA comes to a stand still, no elections this semester
ANNA MONROE SENIOR STAFF WRITER @CURLY._.TOP11
March 5, the Student Government Association convened for a special season to announce the possibility of the organization being held at a stand still.
Student body rejects new constitution
The SGA presented the student body with an updated version of the constitution. In the email, they stated that this constitution presents an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s structure, functionality and relevance.
On Feb. 26, students could vote to either agree or disagree with the updated version. The results came out to 381 for disagreement and 71 for agreement, according to former Sen. Jesus Nieto.
Many students on campus found an issue with the updated constitution. One of those opposed voices, Deeds Not Words at UH, urged students to vote no due to the lack of transparency with the student body and radical expansion of executive powers.
“This constitution is a gross overstepping of UH administrators and SGA executive branch members to undermine fair representation for the student body,” DNW said.
Future of SGA
The SGA cannot continue to hold elections due to the failed agreement between the student body and the constitution.
HEALTH
If no changes are made between now and the end of the 61st administration’s term, March 31, the SGA will not exist during the summer and elections will resume presumably during the fall.
Without elections, the current members will have to leave their positions at the end of the term. No extended time in the office will be allowed.
As of now, the SGA is in a find-out phase, said Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell.
If the constitution is not agreed upon, a consulting company will be hired to help draft one over the summer.
“I mean at this point our next option is just lay down and just die, or we put it back up and we are going to have to actively fight and campaign with facts,” Cockrell said.
Even if the SGA were to pass a new constitution through the administration, senate and the student body, there will be a period without any student representation.
SGA presented multiple solutions to Vice Chancellor Paul Kittle on how to continue the work of the organization if dismantled.
These solutions included creating an advocacy board or bringing students together to meet with the admin. The ideas were rejected by Kittle and would not be recognized as any official channel.
“There is no other organization on this campus that has the direct connection to the administration and the ability to make the change that we have,” Cockrell said.
Election plans by the Senate
After much disagreement on how to continue with the short time, senators still
wanted to show the administration that the SGA is election-ready and will not give up.
A plan to continue the elections was tentatively suggested as well.
In the possibility that SGA would put together an election, they would have to approve an Attorney General and an Election Commissioner candidate.
This could take an unspecified amount of time. The election itself would consist of a two-week registration period and 48 hours of voting. There is no specific time for a campaign period.
Multiple members of the chamber mentioned the past failings of SGA up to that point.
The Legislative Branch Advisor pointed out that SGA could have started the election process, assuming it was going to be passed, rather than waiting.
“As much as I want to be like ‘Yes, guys, we need to fight to keep SGA, this great
institution, I can’t say that without laughing,” said Sen. Jason Jacobs. “As much as I want to do that, I feel like we’ve kind of lost that ability. We had the chance and I think we lost it.”
New bills
The Black Student Leadership Council Bill was passed to provide spaces for all Black student organizations on campus. The goal is to bring leadership and create bonds between the community.
The Life Skills and Campus Success Act was passed to help connect with incoming freshman and transfer students.
This act is based on education and involvement, creating a smoother translation for students who have never lived away from home.
news@thedailycougar.com
UH offers free self-defense classes for students at the Rec Center
BRILIE LYNN CORNELISON
STAFF WRITER
@BRILIE_CORNELISON
The campus recreation and wellness center introduced self-defense classes where students can learn escape-based techniques, striking, ground game, weapon defense and other important techniques.
This is a 4-week class that meets twice a week and a crash course that meets every Friday, at 1:30 p.m. There are 20 spots available for each class.
The instructors guide students through realistic attack scenarios, enabling them to practice effective escape techniques as well.
“I want each student to have the confidence to walk around knowing they can defend themselves,” said instructor and kinesiology and exercise science junior Andrew Roy.
Roy says that gaining the feeling of security is important for each and every student. As a staff member of the CRWC, he hopes sharing these skill sets with others will benefit them in the long run.
Originally, there was only supposed to be one class offered, priced at $76. However, in response to the crime activities earlier on campus this semester, the fitness program decided to cut the fee and make it free for everyone to attend.
The program also found it necessary to provide more in-class opportunities, adding an extra class to the schedule.
The concerns for students’ safety and
providing a healthier and better campus life influenced these changes.
“We should continue to have this class available because it is an important set of skills to learn,” said UH research student and attendee Bilquees Fatima. “I want to attend further to make myself more equipped.”
Fatima had the campus disruptions on her mind when she attended the first class. However, after the class, she said it exceeded her expectations and would
definitely be interested in coming back. She also expressed the importance of adjusting the prices of the class, emphasizing how important these skills are for students.
Students can attend the next one-day class on March 21 and March 28.
To find out about more programs, students can also visit the CRWC website, or the CRWC building.
news@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Instructor Andrew Roy teaching the self-defense class. | Courtesy of the Campus and Wellness Recreation Center
Instructor Andrew Roy teaching the self-defense class. | Courtesy of the Campus and Wellness Recreation CenterOrganization
CAMPUS
UH pauses construction projects, cites financial uncertainty
JOSHUA VASQUEZ
NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR
@JOSHVASQUEZNEWS
The University paused all new capital construction projects and enhanced its safety and security initiative, President Renu Khator announced in an email to faculty and staff Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025.
“You are probably aware of many changes taking place at the federal and state levels that directly impacted the financial landscape of higher education,” Khator said. “Budgetary pressures compiled from all directions, whether from the reduction in federal grant funding, the freeze on institutional enhancement funding or the Texas House settlement regarding Name, Image and Likeness. What we know at this point is only overshadowed by what we do not know.”
The University’s Centennial Campus Enhancement Project will be paused for the next three months or until May 31.
Projects funded by donors or the legislature through capital construction funds are exempt from the pause.
Other exemptions include the Campus Lighting and Security Enhancement Project, Wilhemina’s Grove Improvements, the Hobby School of Public Affairs Academic Building and the renovation of Agnes Arnold Hall.
Any project currently under construction will continue to proceed per the scheduled timeline, said Khator. The decision came as universities
SAFETY
and governmental institutions across the nation grapple with cuts to federal funding.
In February, the Trump administration announced deep cuts to National Institutes of Health grants for research institutions, a shift that could reduce funding to some universities by more than $100 million, according to the Associated Press.
While Congress is considering longterm cuts to these grants, which typically fund about $48 billion worth of research annually at 2,500 universities, medical schools and other research institutions.
Trump’s administration also vowed to pull federal money from colleges that defied his agenda on issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion programs, transgender athletes’ participation in
women’s sports and student protests he deemed illegal.
In response to the cuts, universities have implemented measures similar to those UH has, including hiring freezes. This is a developing story and The Cougar will continue to update on it. news@thedailycougar.com
Security, risk management consulting firm hired by UH
GAURAANGI GUPTA NEWS
President Renu Khator provided an update to the UH community about the safety and security initiatives through an email on March 11.
The University has hired a security and risk management consulting firm to help
review the safety systems on campus and recommend improvements.
The firm specializes in university security and has worked with several large universities across the nation, according to the email.
“I have also established a sevenmember ad hoc Presidential Advisory Task Force on Campus Safety to assist
me and my cabinet in working with the consultant and developing future strategies,” Khator said through the email.
The members of the task force include faculty senate, President Holley Love, staff council President Karl Hearne, Student Government Association President Diego Arriaga, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine student Olga
Botwinick, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Department of History Associate Professor Todd Romero, Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership Dean Dennis Reynolds and Associate Provost of Education Innovation and Technology Jeff Morgan.
Khator also advised everyone to familiarize themselves with the facts about safety on campus. She also invited and requested that readers provide their thoughts and solutions that can be shared with the consultant.
Parents and students can send their thoughts to faculty senate President Holley Love or Staff Council President Karl Hearne by March 23.
“Your input will be valuable as the consultants prepare for their campus visit in late March,” Khator said. “Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue to build a stronger, safer campus.”
Khator also mentioned how earlier in February she had informed the UH community about the increased security measures like police patrolling and adding more officers. It also came with decision to expedite the long-going campuswide lighting project.
news@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelos/The Cougar
UH President Renu Khator and Board of Regents chairman Tilman Fertitta speak to the press about campus safety, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
MEN’S BASKETBALL
The Cougars’ journey to third straight No. 1 seed
CAMRYN ALBERIGO SPORTS EDITOR @CAMRYN.ALBERIGO
Before the season even tipped off, Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson made one thing clear: “The journey has always been more important than the destination.”
Now, months later, Houston sits atop the Midwest Region, a No. 1 seed for the third straight season and for the first time in program history, both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament champions.
The team’s work behind closed doors made the moments even sweeter.
“Nobody knows how much time we spend in this gym. It’s great to see that pay off,” said redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp.
A 4-3 start to the season and two overtime losses at the Players Era Festival in Vegas were enough to drop Houston to No. 17 in the rankings.
It was Houston’s first time outside the top 10 in over two years, but Sampson and his crew saw it as a chance to learn and grow.
“There’s nothing to panic about that,” Sharp said.
After all, the grueling practices that followed molded Houston into the battle-tested powerhouse it is today.
A month later, the Cougars began their Big 12 climb, securing their first legaue win against Oklahoma State on Dec. 30, 2024. They endured the fatigue of a grueling 20-game conference schedule, often playing Saturdayto-Monday turnarounds, which prepared them for the one-day breaks between some rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
“You tell yourself you’re tired, ‘I can’t go anymore,’ but you’re not playing for yourself, you’ve got four other guys on the floor with you,” said graduate forward J’Wan Roberts. “I feel like when you’re tired, you have to push through that adversity and break through it.”
The Cougars began home conference play in January, blowing BYU out by 31 points. It was not a fluke, as the teams later met in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament and Houston passed them by with a 20-point victory.
Later that month, Houston snagged a historic double overtime win over Kansas inside Allen Fieldhouse.
There were plenty of other close calls along the way, like Houston’s narrow one-point win over UCF. The Cougars rarely found themselves on the wrong side, with their only conference loss coming in the form of a one-point overtime defeat by Texas Tech.
“We shouldn’t walk around here thinking we own the basketball universe and we’re never going to lose a game,” Sampson said after the game. “If you play in the Big 12 and you play 20 games, you’re going to get nicked.”
It was Houston’s only blemish to its otherwise perfect 19-1 record in league play, which included a historic 10-0 road record. Still, they never lost the humility that Sampson instills in the program.
“Those things come as a result of how we do things. It’s not that we have the greatest team ever, because obviously we don’t,” Sampson said. “I think being humble as a program gives you the opportunity to learn each game.”
Houston hopes those lessons translate as it begins its march to the finish. The Cougars need six more wins to bring home their first elusive national title.
Houston opens the tournament against No. 16 seed SIU Edwardsville on Thursday at 1 p.m. A win would set up a secondround matchup against either No. 8 seed Gonzaga or No. 9 seed Georgia on Saturday.
Houston has advanced to the Sweet 16 in five consecutive NCAA Tournaments, but injuries
have often kept it from reaching its ultimate goal. For Roberts, who plans to return from a sprained ankle for Thursday’s game, this tournament is his final opportunity to deliver a championship to Houston after spending six years with the program.
“I’ve been to the tournament every year I’ve been in college, and this one feels different,” he said. “I don’t want to jinx it, but I really believe this might be the one.” sports@thedailycougar.com
Houston guards Uzan, Sharp and Walker Jr. laughing while waiting for the team placement during NCAA Selection Sunday, on March 16, 2025. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
Milos Uzan’s rise to comfort, confidence, conquest
ALEJANDRO COMPEAN STAFF WRITER
@ALECOMPEANNN
With less than a minute remaining in a 62-59 contest between No. 4 Houston and No. 10 Texas Tech at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, the entire college basketball world was watching.
Graduate guard L.J. Cryer had the ball stripped on a drive, but he quickly recovered possession and swung it to junior guard Milos Uzan, who relocated to get himself open on the left wing.
A late closeout wasn’t enough to alter the 3-point shot, which rattled in and drained the venue of all its energy along with it.
The shot was more than just a dagger: it was the biggest shot of Uzan’s career.
Not because of his then career high 22 points that the 3-pointer gave him, but because it showed that his confidence ascended to another level.
“I just think that this team has so much belief in me when my shots are there they want me to shoot it,” Uzan said. “Shoot, I feel like I can knock down any shot at any time during the game, so for me it’s about continuing to have the right mindset and continuing to be aggressive.”
It was one of his best performances in his rise to prominence, which all circles back to when Big 12 Conference play began on Dec. 30, 2024.
A strong conference start for Uzan
Houston opened conference play at Oklahoma State, where Uzan had one of his best allaround outings of the season to that date.
He scored 12 points and shot 50% from the field while dishing out four assists to only one turnover.
His decision-making was on full display, from his passing to knocking down open threes with zero hesitation and attacking the basket off the catch.
On a night when graduate forward J’Wan Roberts put up 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Cryer contributed 18 points alongside four 3-pointers, coach Kelvin Sampson was quick to point out how far Uzan was coming along.
“The guy I was most proud of tonight was Uzan,” Sampson said. “The guy that grew the most from those losses [Auburn, Alabama and SDSU] was Uzan.”
Adjusting to Houston’s system
There’s nothing quite like the demands of playing under Sampson. While it’s true that it brings out the very best in players, getting used to the intensity, physicality and grittiness it takes to thrive in Houston doesn’t happen overnight.
In Uzan’s case, he was also coming in with the lofty expectations of replacing a beloved fan-favorite in point guard Jamal Shead.
“I talked to Jamal a little bit before I got here so I had an idea of what it was. I just think it took me a little bit to actually understand it better,” he said.
To compound matters Uzan suffered a broken nose that required surgery in October. This sidelined him for three crucial weeks, during which he would have been getting more familiar with his new teammates.
“I had to get my conditioning back. At that time in October too, we were playing a lot, getting up and down and I missed out on that,” he said. “Just finding chemistry with the guys, that’s probably where I was a little slow.”
One common theme in
Houston’s three early nonconference losses was that Uzan was still getting accustomed to playing a Cougar brand of basketball on both ends. He fouled out in all three November games against Auburn, Alabama and San Diego.
Uzan also committed eight turnovers in those three losses while only distributing eight assists.
“The thing we’re emphasizing to Milos is that it’s not easy to come here and be the point guard after what we’ve seen around here the last 10 years,” Sampson said after a 79-51 win over Butler. “There’s a tendency to want to rent. And he’s gotta realize that he owns this.”
To Sampson’s point, Galen Robinson, Dejon Jarreau and Jamal Shead were all point guards that elevated their teams and left a long-lasting imprint on Houston basketball. But all of them did it in different ways.
In the final four non-conference games that remained, Uzan showed more ball security and comfortability, averaging 4.5 assists to only 0.8 turnovers per game in that stretch, where the Cougars went 4-0.
Even still, for Uzan to find the success he sought when he transferred from Oklahoma, he had to stand out instead of fitting in.
Where Uzan could stand out was with his ability to efficiently score on all three levels: beyond the arc, in the midrange and at the basket.
Finding consistency
After Uzan’s outing at Oklahoma State, he continued improving his assist-to-turnover ratio across Houston’s next five conference games.
Though he got others involved with his 22 assists to only three turnovers in those five games,
Uzan’s scoring was still a step behind his progress as a passer. Then came Utah.
Uzan scored a then season-best 14 points while shooting 66.7% from the field, matching his second-best mark of the season efficiency-wise.
“I’m just trying to get better every day, and trusting in my craft. And I think it’s showing,” Uzan said after the Cougars’ 70-36 route of Utah in January.
His season-high wouldn’t last long, as he would go on to surpass it in Houston’s improbable 92-86 double-overtime victory over No. 12 Kansas.
Uzan’s growing impact was evident everywhere. He was one assist and one rebound shy of a triple-double, and his deflection on Kansas’ inbound attempt set up graduate guard Mylik Wilson’s game-tying three to send the game to double overtime.
Sampson patted Uzan sitting to his right and noted how far he had come from the beginning of the season as he morphed into a more well-rounded guard.
“He couldn’t do that in November. He wasn’t ready. He was deferring, almost apologizing for not passing the ball to somebody,” Sampson said.
Catching national attention
As Uzan continued to improve in all facets and take the reigns on Houston’s offense, he began to garner the attention of prominent analysts around the country, including members of ESPN’s College GameDay panel ahead of Houston’s Feb. 22 top-10 matchup against No. 8 Iowa State.
“It took (Milos) a little bit of a transition period to understand what this program encompasses, and how hard you have to play,” ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg said. “Watching tape from early in the season, and then watching tape now… it’s just amazing the way he’s grown.”
Jay Williams, former point guard turned analyst, who had a decorated three-year run with Duke from 1999 to 2002, couldn’t say enough about Uzan adapting to a new style of play and coach while praising his rising confidence.
‘That permeates through the rest of the team. When you have a teammate that is looking out for your best interests and is an orchestrator on the floor, you want to play for a guy like that,” Williams said.
The following day, Uzan validated their praises with a very efficient 19 points on 70% shooting alongside four rebounds and one assist as a part of the Cougars’ 68-59 win over the Cyclones.
As the Big 12 regular season
conference schedule came to a close, Uzan’s assist numbers declined, while his turnover totals took a jump.
It can be attributed to numerous reasons: an increase in on-ball reps and volume of shots, and defenses keying in on him as he looked to create more for himself.
Either way, it didn’t stop Houston’s momentum. The Cougars finished the regular season 26-4 and 19-1 in the conference, bringing home a second consecutive Big 12 Conference title.
A March of firsts
Uzan never advanced past the second round of the Big 12 tournament with Oklahoma, but didn’t let his inexperience deter the winning attitude that’s been ingrained in everything the Cougars have accomplished in their 2024-25 campaign.
“The culture here is to win, compete, in everything you do,” Uzan said after Houston advanced to its seventh consecutive conference title game.
24 hours later, his career-high 25 points led Houston past Arizona to capture the Cougars’ first-ever Big 12 tournament championship.
Those casually tuning in, especially at this time of the year, maybe taken aback by how far Uzan has come since November, but it’s no surprise to those who he’s around every day, especially Sampson.
“I think the season for him based on my experience has been exactly the way I thought it would go. I thought he’d struggle early, get confidence as he went and play his best basketball later,” Sampson said.
Uzan, for the first time, will have the opportunity to play his best basketball in the NCAA tournament, which eluded him in his two years with the Oklahoma Sooners.
He couldn’t hide his elation as he sat beside his teammates on Selection Sunday, where Houston was announced as the No.1 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament.
“It was definitely exciting,” Uzan said. “I’m excited to be here, can’t wait to get going and see what we do.”
Sunday gave Uzan and the Cougars the satisfaction that their hard work had paid off, beginning in practice last June.
“We worked the whole season to become a No. 1 seed, to win the Big 12. I feel like we’re reaching every goal we’ve set for ourselves so far, and we got one more we’re trying to get,” Uzan said.
sports@thedailycougar.com
Houston guard Milos Uzan smiles with the team after winning the Big 12 championship, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
opinion
POLITICS
RFK Jr. should never have been confirmed as HHS secretary
PARKER H-B
OPINION EDITOR
@ALASTFAIR
On Feb. 13, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, despite massive outcry from both sides of the political aisle.
As plenty of President Donald Trump’s choices since the beginning of his second term have, Kennedy’s appointment for this position spells danger for the future of public health.
Even before his nomination, Kennedy had a history of spreading egregious medical misinformation. This includes claims that COVID-19 targets certain races, sparing Jewish and Chinese people, blasting fluoridated water and processed food and a myriad of either misleading or false statements about vaccines.
One of these was brought to question during his Senate confirmation hearing when Sen. Alsobrooks reminded Kennedy of
his comments regarding vaccines and race. Kennedy had claimed that Black people should be on different vaccine schedules, citing a study by Greg Poland in 2014.
Not only did this cause an argument with Sen. Alsobrooks, but also brought pushback from medical experts. One expert is Andrea Love, an immunologist who has fought against much of Kennedy’s rhetoric.
“This claim was based on a false manipulation of a study conducted by Greg Poland at Mayo in 2014,” Love said.
“Even Dr. Poland has stated RFK Jr’s claims distort his study and have no science to support them.”
Further, Kennedy’s past statements on vaccines causing autism were
brought forth, though this claim is something that has been scientifically disproved time and time again.
This rhetoric calling vaccine safety to question is not a simple game of devil’s advocate. In reality, someone of such high standing making these misinformed claims will only serve to erode trust in vaccines and sow anxiety regarding medical research.
Over time, this means that more parents may refuse to vaccinate their children altogether, resulting in more of the sorts of outbreaks we’ve seen within recent months.
Despite vaccines having basically eliminated preventable diseases, the threat of global outbreak worsens with every lie Kennedy perpetuates.
It’s important to keep in mind that Kennedy’s bizarre claims aren’t just out of a supposed concern for public health.
Kennedy actually profits from his fear-mongering, though he lied about earning anything as the
chairman of the Children’s Health Defense.
This sort of disingenuous attitude, consistently ignoring scientific studies and delegitimizing medical practices, is going to harm millions in time. Kennedy is not a medical professional, and questioning where his rhetoric is coming from is more than necessary.
“These claims—and RFK Jr. on the whole—are a current and future threat to health of Americans and the planet,” said Love. “I would say RFK Jr. is the most unqualified individual for the role of HHS secretary.”
Kennedy’s appointment as HHS secretary was a mistake. His priorities clearly lie with profit, he has no medical training and his history is a mess of misinformation and conflicting statements.
Public health is no joke, and one can only hope that Kennedy’s legitimacy is questioned at every step.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Why short-lived boycotts fail to make a dent in corporate giants
ANAYA BAXTER
OPINION ASSIST
@ANAYABAX
Following one of President Trump’s early executive orders, Target, Amazon, Google and other corporations quickly dropped diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives. As other companies rejected proposals and defended their DEI pledges, consumers took note of those who laid down without a fight and canceled programs as quickly as possible.
Economic blackouts and boycotts have garnered attention as a potential solution. Ranging from a single day to forty, consumers are looking to reclaim their purchasing power. Though efforts are noble, they are short-lived; to successfully hold companies accountable, consumers must re-evaluate their consumption and spending habits.
The boycotts intersect with increased anti-consumption sentiments. From “underconsumption core” to “no spend January,” people are looking to own and spend less. Both efforts, however, struggle to translate offline.
In late February, numerous social media posts calling for an economic blackout day, reaching millions of viewers. The results, however, did not mirror the substantial digital turn-
out. Target, which has received the most backlash, only saw 11% fewer in-store customers. While lower than the average number of visits, it is nowhere near enough to meaningfully impact the powerhouse chain.
Boycotts are not equipped to shut down Fortune 500 companies. The damage they bring to revenue is minimal and rarely lasts beyond a few weeks.
Short lived boycotts, such as upcoming and past ones, are harmful. It is not enough to reject Target on Friday and purchase household items from them on Tuesday. Doing so prepares companies to wait out until consumers eventually give in and allows participants to remain half in and half out.
Just as companies are criticized for performative support, the same must be done for boycotts. Few are calling to permanently reject companies who have rolled back their DEI.
The root of performative boycotting and long-term change can be found in re-evaluating consumption patterns. Spending has steadily increased with each passing decade as it has never been easier to shop since the popularization of online buying.
Shoppers also use purchases and their accompanying experiences for emotional and spiritual fulfillment.
The dopamine from a clothing purchase is seen as a supplement for therapy, and a quick trip inside a retail store is the highlight of someone’s day. These emotional attachments make boycotting much harder.
If people want to reclaim the power of their dollar, they must learn to question the necessity of their purchases. Boycotting is easy when one realizes they can live without another t-shirt or gadget that will be forgotten about months from now. Long-term boycotting also requires a rejection of convenience.
Finding second-hand items or paying a hefty price for ethically made goods is not a common practice. It is often rejected, despite being a favorable alternative to pouring into disappointing corporations. However, it must be understood that disruption cannot exist alongside comfortability.
Boycotts will not dismantle our economy, but that does not render them entirely ineffective. They put pressure on companies, but that pressure must be sustained.
To those looking to align their purchases with their morals, challenging personal spending behaviors is nec-
essary. From there, one should find alternatives to loved and convenient companies.
For real change to occur, individuals must not only resist the allure of convenience and instant gratification but also actively support smaller, ethical businesses and sustainable practices. This requires a commitment to redefining what it means to live a fulfilled life. Only then can consumers truly wield their purchasing power as a force for meaningful change.
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Jose Gonzalez-Campelos/The Cougar
life and arts
April’s Angle: Fashion trends for Spring
APRIL BADMUS
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi, and welcome back to another issue of April’s Angle, where I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. You can submit questions or opinions through the link in the April’s Angle highlight on @thedailycougar or message me personally.
Q: What are some fashion trends you would like to see as the hot weather comes back?
As the weather defrosts for the spring season there are definitely some fashion trends I think we should leave in 2024– head to toe animal print being one of them, it’s time to make way for newer, more creative styles!
One of my favorite styles I’ve seen are sequined or embroidered pieces! The colorful array of beads and patterns are sure to make the upcoming spring/summer nights stand out that much more. I especially love when these pieces are paired with simpler colors and patterns, a sequined pair of shorts with a solid colored bodysuit just seems like the perfect summer
night outfit!
Comeback of pastel
I think we’re going to see a comeback of pastel colors–personally, they never left.
The color yellow really sticks out to me. Kitchen aid actually chose ‘butter’ to be their color of the year–a beautiful yellow that’s sure to catch the eye, whether on a kitchen appliance or an outfit.
Pale pinks and blues will continue to make their way around fashion, especially styled monochromatically.
Heels , casuals
This one might be a little
controversial but I love the idea of heels with casual outfits. By heels I don’t mean 6 inch stilettos but more like 2-3 inch pumps– extra points if they’re brightly colored or have a funky design.
I know in recent years It’s been frowned upon to wear heels casually but this is such a cute and stylish way to elevate an outfit. Keeping up with the shoe trend, I think ballet flats are rightfully popular. They match such a wide array of outfit combinations and give off an “it girl” vibe, I can see them being paired well with sundresses and bows this spring. Jewel it up
Heavy accessories will always reign in the summer. Chunky gold jewelry and over accessorized outfits give off such a unique summer vibe. Last year, gemstone heavy jewelry was very popular but this summer I hope to see more unique pieces. Chunky wrap around bangles and rings with some teeth jewelry to match are the perfect combination for a beach day or dinner. I created a Pinterest board to help you see all these styles come to life! Look for the spring/summer 2025 board on my Pinterest @ aprilbadmus1. news@thedailycougar.com
Take the time to investigate the details of any project you want to pursue. Being well-informed will save you time and money and ensure that you get what you seek. Simplify your routine and budget wisely; you’ll look like a genius when everything is said and done. Use your insight and imagination when it comes to money matters.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Take a fresh look at something you want to pursue. Set lofty goals, but don’t be disappointed if you fall short. Even a modicum of progress is something to celebrate.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Step up and do your part. You will impact everyone you encounter if you share your knowledge and listen to the responses you receive. Be true to yourself and thrive.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Focus on the good aspects of your life, and you will attract valuable support. Embrace personal changes wholeheartedly. Keep moving; now’s not the time to slow down. Finacial gains are ahead for you, be open and ready to accept them.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
-- Be careful about making lofty promises. Bide your time, survey the situation and methodically move forward with a concrete plan. Today is not the time for iffy decisions.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -An interesting detour will take you in a new direction. Follow the road that motivates you to use your attributes uniquely, and revel in the spotlight.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Remember past mistakes, and you’ll figure out how to navigate a tricky situation.
Stick to the facts, initiate what’s necessary and move forward with dignity. Rely on your experience in a pinch.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
-- Be the one to lead the way. Put yourself out there for all to see. Change what isn’t working for you anymore, and you’ll find the path to peace of mind and personal happiness. Fine-tune your lifestyle.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
-- Your insight will guide you forward if you stick to the facts and figures and what you know and do best. Avoid physical confrontations and situations that put your health at risk.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Mental, physical and spiritual travel will lead to an epiphany. Breathe deep, digest what you see, hear and feel, and discard negativity. A passionate performance will
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR
attract quality support.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Revisit your plans and adjust your path to ensure you don’t head in the wrong direction. Refuse to let someone control your destiny. Gather facts and make the right move.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Be selective, decrease your spending and negotiate on your own behalf. Refuse to let anyone manipulate you into doing something you don’t like. Take control before someone else does.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Refuse to buy into someone else’s dream. Build a foundation that gives you hope for a better future. Declutter your space and mind, and you’ll gain insight into new possibilities.
— Eugenia Last
SENIOR
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