Vo lum e 129 · N o. 8 0
E s t. 18 87
AWAITING ANSWERS T hu r s d ay, Fe b r u a r y 25, 2 021
Husch Blackwell’s report on LSU’s Title IX system to be released as early as next week.
Read on
page 2 PHOTO BY KRISTEN YOUNG
NEWS
p ag e 3
LSU’s attendance policy was revised in October to accommodate students amid COVID-19.
ENTERTAINMENT
p ag e 5
“‘Framing Britney Spears’ gives viewers a crash course on her conservatorship and the #FreeBritney movement surrounding it.”
SPORTS
p ag e 9
After opening day at The Box, LSU baseball looks to solidify starters in a pair of positions.
OPINION
p ag e 11
“The mounds have been subject to decades of abuse from generations of students, alumni and rowdy tailgate goers.”
L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le
page 2
‘THE REPORT WILL SPEAK FOR ITSELF’
Husch Blackwell concluding Title IX investigation at LSU BY MADELYN CUTRONE @madelyncutrone After a Nov. 16 USA Today article accused LSU of widespread mishandling of sexual assault cases, University administration hired law firm Husch Blackwell to conduct an independent investigation into its Title IX office and LSUPD to determine if such misconduct exists. Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider described the firm’s review of the University as “multifaceted” and said a team is interviewing a wide range of students, employees and faculty, particularly those whose names were made public in the USA Today story and other newspieces. Interim President Thomas Galligan said Husch Blackwell would review 60 cases from 2016 to 2018 in its investigation, according to a USA Today article. The firm is not limited to 60 cases, Schneider said, but the number “feels about right” to him as an estimate. The team is also reviewing numerous files from more recent years, not just those within that time period. Schneider said the team will use the 60 cases to identify any trends or patterns present within the University’s Title IX system, rather than reviewing every case. These cases were either chosen by the firm or put forward by the University. Schneider also said no cases were considered “off limits,” and the team was never denied any requested information by the University. Husch Blackwell’s report will “point out areas where folks made mistakes” and determine “who knew what and when.” A detailed analysis of the effectiveness of University programs that address sexual assault, such as LSU Cares and Lighthouse, will also likely be covered in the report. The Husch Blackwell investigation has already revealed a settlement between former LSU head football coach Les Miles and a former student intern who accused him of sexual harassment years ago, the Advocate reported Wednesday. Husch Blackwell requested interviews with any students willing to share their perspectives with the firm in a Feb. 8 email sent to all students. Students are able to register for either individual or group interviews through links in the email. In the interviews, several students raised questions about where an incident should first be reported to, including LSUPD and
the Title IX office, according to Schneider. He said this confusion “needs to be addressed.” “We want to give students confidence [in the system],” Schneider said. “We’re doing the best we can. The report will speak for itself.” Several student organizations, including Student Government and Tigers Against Sexual Assault, have called for the immediate resignation of any officials who were involved in covering up the sexual abuse of students. “I want people to be fired. I want people to be punished to the harshest degree for not only breaking LSU policy but for breaking federal law,” Angelina Cantelli, co-president of Tigers Against Sexual Assault, said. “If this report doesn’t do that, I’m going to be really disappointed.”
alumna Elisabeth Andries, who had been abused by the same individual on the same night. During the investigation process that eventually led to a University Hearing Panel trial, Schroeder said the University made a number of Title IX violations that she would like to see addressed in the Husch-Blackwell report. The violations Schroeder witnessed included the University’s decision to not offer interim protection measures to a third victim who had three classes with her alleged abuser. Instead of Schroeder’s investigation lasting 60 days, as per the office’s protocols, it lasted 130 days. Schroeder and Andries were also advised against filing a report by administrators in the Title IX office, being told to “move on” and “let it go;” Schroeder said this could qualify as
COURTESY OF ACG PORTRAITS AND PHOTOS
Husch Blackwell is a law firm with extensive knowledge of and experience with Title IX cases in higher education. Schneider did not indicate that the firm’s report would recommend firing anyone and said that “no person can violate Title IX laws.” Under current Title IX law, only educational institutions can be penalized for violating Title IX procedures, not individual employees, Schneider said. Schneider clarified that Title IX is a disciplinary process, not a legal one. When a student reports a sexual assault incident to LSUPD, they have the choice to pursue a criminal investigation, which could result in jail time for the perpetrator, or a Title IX investigation, which could result in academic disciplinary actions such as suspension. “LSU does not have the authority to throw people in jail,” Schneider said. “And that’s a good thing.” LSU alumna Caroline Schroeder was sexually assaulted by a student in October 2016 as a freshman. She filed with the Title IX office three years later with
intimidation, which is prohibited under federal policy. “I’m not super confident in the Husch Blackwell report,” Schroeder said. The University Hearing Panel found the student guilty on both counts of sexual assault. He was suspended for a year and banned from campus during that time period. Schroeder spoke to Husch Blackwell in January 2021 about her Title IX experience after tweeting that she hadn’t been contacted for the investigation yet. The University Hearing Panel is the final stage of a Title IX appeal and can be sought by either party in a case if they find the Student Advocacy and Accountability ruling unsatisfactory. “The University Hearing Panel serves as a rehearing in the accountability process,” Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said. “Students have the right to request a panel after their accountability meeting if they do
not agree with the decision and/ or outcome issued by their hearing officer.” The UHP consists of over 70 faculty, staff and students that are rotated every semester. Each hearing panel is made up of at least one faculty member and one student, with a quorum of three individuals total. Cantelli, a psychology and English junior, and her co-president Angel Upshaw met with Husch Blackwell twice since the investigation began in November. Cantelli and Upshaw received a message from a student at Colorado State University shortly after a USA Today article surfaced that Husch Blackwell allegedly swept her Title IX case under the rug during their investigation of CSU, so the organization was concerned the same may happen at LSU. “Our fears were kind of calmed because the people we met with were legitimately great,” Cantelli said. “They were very honest about how they [couldn’t] speak to other people’s work at the firm but that they were here to find the truth. That was refreshing.” Biochemistry junior Laiba Iqbal said she is not necessarily distrustful of Husch Blackwell as an organization, but she is concerned LSU will not take the firm’s recommendations as seriously as they should be taken and the firm’s report will, in turn, not enact any major change at the University. “[I’m] very suspicious,” Iqbal said. “The history of how these things turn out has never been as radical as it needs to be, and I’m not sure if it will be any different this time even though I’ve seen Angelina [Cantelli] and all my friends tirelessly campaign for measures to be taken against what has happened.” Political science, Spanish and international studies junior Abbie Grace Milligan also spoke to Husch Blackwell in her role as director of the Department of Safety in Student Government. She also serves on SG’s new Sexual Violence Prevention Committee. “I believe that they will make a great report, but they essentially said it would be up to students to encourage administration on how to adapt their recommendations,” Milligan said. “We don’t know how committed LSU is to changing anything or following their recommendations.” Husch Blackwell’s report could be released early next week, according to The Advocate.
B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803
NEWSROOM (225) 578-4811
Editor in Chief BAILEY CHAUVIN Managing Editor LARA NICHOLSON Digital Editor BROCK SANDERS News Editor KATHERINE MANUEL Deputy News Editor NICK FREWIN Sports Editor NATASHA MALONE Deputy Sports Editor REED DARCEY Entertainment Editor ENJANAE’ TAYLOR Opinion Editor GRACE PULLIAM Production Editor JENNIE DELATTE Multimedia Editor ABBY KIBLER
ADVERTISING (225) 578-6090
Layout /Ad Design SARAH FRANCIONI Layout/Ad Design EMILY POOLE Layout/Ad Design SAMIRA AWAD
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS The Reveille holds accuracy and objectivity at the highest priority and wants to reassure its readers the reporting and content of the paper meets these standards. This space is reserved to recognize and correct any mistakes that may have been printed in The Reveille. If you would like something corrected or clarified, please contact the editor at (225) 578-4811 or email editor@lsureveille.com.
ABOUT THE REVEILLE The Reveille is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. A single issue of The Reveille is free from multiple sites on campus and about 25 sites off campus. To obtain additional copies, please visit the Office of Student Media in B-39 Hodges Hall or email studentmedia@ lsu.edu. The Reveille is published biweekly during the fall, spring and summer semesters, except during holidays and final exams. The Reveille is funded through LSU students’ payments of the Student Media fee.
NEWS
page 3
REVISED REQUIREMENTS Make-Up Day Schedule
Canceled Days
Make-Up Days
February 15
March 6
February 17
April 10
February 18
March 25
February 19
March 12
LSU’s official attendance policy was revised in October 2020 to better accommodate students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Faculty Senate Coordinator Susannah Knoll said. Policy Statement 22 was issued in 1997 to make allowances for University-approved student absences, such as serious or infectious illness, emergencies involving immediate family members, weather conditions and other needs that could qualify as a valid reason to miss an inperson class. Due to COVID-19, the Office of Academic Affairs deter-
mined that some revisions to the policy were necessary. A clause was added that now requires professors to provide make-up assignments if a student has to miss class, which was previously optional. “It is the instructor’s responsibility to develop a make-up policy for excused absences that allows a student to specifically make up the work missed,” PS-22 reads. “It is the instructor’s obligation to include a clearly stated make-up policy for excused absences in course syllabi.” Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Matthew Lee said previously if a student had an excused absence and missed a quiz, some professors would count it as the
lowest quiz grade that was already going to be dropped at the end of the semester instead of allowing the student to take the quiz at a later date, which puts them at a disadvantage. “That’s not allowed under the new policy,” Lee said. “They have to give you an opportunity to make up that missed work.” In addition to this change in the policy, faculty have been asked by Academic Affairs to be as understanding as possible with students regarding necessary absences due to the pandemic. Because documentation showing that someone may have been exposed to COVID-19 is not always available, professors are not required to have documenta-
Field House to receive renovations BY BRYANT RANDALL @Bryant_randall5
tion for an excused absence this semester. “To the extent they can get documentation, they should,” Lee said. “But in every case it’s not practical to be able to do so.” If a student has a complaint regarding a professor not giving an excused absence or not letting them complete a make-up quiz or assignment, they should send an email to Academic Affairs with the course code and section number and explain the situation. Lee said Academic Affairs will contact the department’s chair of the dean’s office to remedy the situation and remind the professor of what the expectations are for
LSU officials began a 16-month long renovation project for the Huey P. Long Field House this year, aimed to be completed in 2022. Assistant Vice President for Planning, Design and Construction Roger Husser said the building’s age and lack of consistent renovations throughout its history make these renovations all the more necessary. “The original building was built in the 1920s and the building has never undergone a full and complete renovation,” Husser said. “This project is to completely renovate the building from inside and out, top to bottom, a full scale renovation of the historic building.” Husser said it is a $25 million project funded by the state legislature and private funds. “We’re seeking additional private funds that would allow us to enhance part of the project that we otherwise would not be able to do,” Husser said. Paul Favaloro, LSU Director of Capital Project Management and Development, said there have been obvious problems with the current state of the building that put the idea of renovation at the
see ATTENDANCE, page 4
see FIELD HOUSE, page 4
Revisions made to University attendance policy for school year BY MADELYN CUTRONE @madelyncutrone
CONSTRUCTION
NEWS BRIEFS
LSU Board of Supervisors approves LSU announces changes to spring semester schedule joint energy contract BY JOSH ARCHOTE @JArchote The LSU Board of Supervisors approved an energy contract meant to modernize the University’s aging campus energy systems that heat, cool and power the campus during a special meeting of the board Tuesday. Board members unanimously agreed, except for Jimmie Woods, who abstained. The contract will be split between LA Energy Partners - a joint venture between Bernhard Energy Solutions and Johnson Controls - and the Canadian company Enwave Energy Corporation. The decision ended a dispute between the two companies fighting for the contract since September. Board Chair Robert Dampf
said LSU will yield benefits from both providers’ areas of expertise. “We are pleased to reach this monumental agreement, which is projected to save LSU and the State of Louisiana approximately $90 million over the next 30 years,” Dampf said. “Both LA Energy Partners and Enwave bring outstanding technical, financial, operational and development experience to LSU, and we look forward to working together with both partners.” LSU General Counsel Winston DeCuir said LSU took the best aspects of both proposals from the companies and put them together in a strategy to modernize its utilities. Both companies had previous ties to LSU. Enwave provides energy services for the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans
and LA Energy Partners involves Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard, adoptive father of LSU football wide receiver Drake Davis. LSU is estimated to spend over $800 million on the contract over decades, according to The Advocate. According to a University press release, Enwave will maintain the LSU’s energy plants and distribution systems for the next 30 years. LA Energy Partners will design and build energy plant improvements. LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard said the contract will not affect tuition. “This project will have no impact on tuition and fees,” he said. “It is designed to provide for optimization within the current budget for utilities and maintenance.”
REVEILLE STAFF REPORT The end date of the spring 2021 semester, May 1, will not be pushed back after four class days were cancelled due to hazardous conditions relating to the winter storm, Vice Provost Matthew Lee said. The University announced in an email Feb. 22 that makeup days are as follows: • Saturday, March 6, will be the make-up day for Feb. 15 • Friday, March 12, will be the make-up day for Feb. 19 • Thursday, March 25, will be the make-up day for Feb. 18 • Saturday, April 10, will be the make-up day for Feb. 17 According to the email, the University will delay posting midterm grades by one week to March 16. All other academic calendar deadlines are unchanged.
“We’re not going to push the semester back — we know people were trying to plan for graduation, they were ending their leases for the end of April — so the end of the semester will hold,” Lee said. According to the email, faculty will decide whether to hold make-up classes in-person or virtually. A few Saturday make-up days will be issued throughout the remainder of the semester, and some one-day breaks that were originally scheduled will be rescinded, Lee said. “I totally understand not everyone is going to be happy about it, but it’s just an act of God where four days were missed that have to be made up,” Lee said. Academic Affairs reviewed sev-
see SPRING, page 4
Thursday, February 25, 2021
page 4 ATTENDANCE, from page 3 attendance this semester. “It is apparent not everybody is reading or consuming this information, because we do get questions about things that are pretty obvious sometimes,” Lee said. “But for the most part, I think people have been working quite hard to make things come together under pretty difficult conditions, on both the sides of students and faculty.” Lee said the department has not received any complaints so far this semester about professors being unwilling to accept student absences or that anyone is being uncooperative in provid-
ing make-up assignments. Mass Communication Assistant Professor Ruth Moon Mari said that while the new policy makes logistical sense, it has added an extra layer of work for professors. “We’re being asked to be really flexible with students who have to miss class due to COVID, which totally makes sense from a public health standpoint,” Moon said. “But in terms of teaching instruction, it does put a lot more burden on faculty to come up with alternatives for things that we didn’t have alternatives for in the past.” Moon said that the Manship School has strongly encouraged
KRISTEN YOUNG / The Reveille
Students take notes Jan. 21, while in French 1001 class in Lockett Hall.
faculty to alter their grading systems and not count for attendance this semester to help students as they cope with the pressures of COVID-19. Associate Professor of Geography and Anthropology Jill Trepagnier said she supports the new PS-22 revisions and tries to be as accommodating in her classes as possible to help alleviate any extra stress students may be experiencing during this time. “There are students who have missed due to COVID and they have always provided documentation without my asking about it,” Trepagnier said. “There are students with COVID that really want to attend so they come anyway [over Zoom]. Then there are students who use anything as an excuse to not attend - and yes, COVID is one of them.” Trepagnier said she still takes attendance as usual because it motivates students to come to class and participate, but she does allow for excused absences as PS-22 dictates. She didn’t need to alter her syllabi this semester because the provisions she made for students already matched LSU’s new policy. “I think it’s important to be compassionate and understanding, and excusing attendance and providing them with the work they missed is an easy way to make whatever they are dealing with a little less intense,” Trepagnier said.
SPRING, from page 3 eral solutions for the new academic calendar and determined that this was the best route that would disrupt everyone’s schedule the least. “We reviewed three or four solutions, not everyone was going to be happy with all of them, so we had to come up with something that held us to the same start and end dates for the semester and try to work with what we have in the middle there,” Lee said. Lee said that Academic Affairs kept students’ schedules in mind
FIELD HOUSE, from page 3 forefront of many University officials’ minds for years. “It was lacking in its facility systems’ components, abandoned in certain areas of the pool, an area of lockers and racquetball courts on the back end, so portions of the building were not being used,” Favaloro said. “It’s well overdue for a renovation and restoration.” Favaloro said that renovating some aspects of the building would just require improvements. In other areas, such as windows of the building, Favaloro said they would require a complete modern transformation, as the original designs are not very well suited in a modern setting. “Some of the windows from the building are original,” Favaloro said. “They are going to be
while making this decision, trying to be respectful of the pre-planned engagements many of them would have. “People have summer plans — ending their leases at the end of April, families have already made plans to come in at the end of the semester, as they frequently do, people start internships at co-ops and often those are out of town,” Lee said. “It’s complicated, you start moving the end of the semester around and it causes all kinds of problems. We had to make a call.” removed and restored with more modern insulated double pane window glass.” Favaloro said the University is planning to do a gut renovation of the building’s interior, which aims to give the building a more modern setting. “We’re basically stripping down the gut anteriors of the building to its bare structural components and reusable systems to renovate a space to make it more in line with today’s needs,” Favaloro said. One change that will come with the renovations is the removal of the pool to make more space for student activities, Favaloro said. “Pools are very expensive to maintain, and there’s additional options to using this space other than a pool,” Falvaloro said. “What we hope to do is renovate it into a common area, a gathering space, as well as outdoor classroom use.”
What Will You
BECOME?
PROGRAMS WITH GUARANTEED ADMISSION* Pre-Licensure Nursing Radiologic Technology Respiratory Therapy Medical Laboratory Science *Applicants must meet all of the requirements to be eligible for Guaranteed Admission. For a full list of requirements, please visit:
franu.edu/guaranteed-admission
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
ENTERTAINMENT
page 5
REV R ANKS
MOVIE
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH Shakaking
Overall, this is a quality film worth watching if you already know the history of Hampton and the Black Panthers. It is also an introduction for those who want to learn more about that history. It’s a tragic story, but it is still insightful about the state of America after the Civil Rights Act. Britney Young @byoun99 TV SHOW
TINY DESK CONCERT: MILEY CYRUS NPR
Cyrus has been doing rock covers even before she moved into the era and somehow her voice is perfect for all of them. In this Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, Cyrus picked a wild card for her cover, and I think I love it more than when she covered “Heart of Glass.”
Olivia Deffes @liv_deffes
TV SHOW
MTV UNPLUGGED: BTS
MTV
BTS brings the aesthetic, the talent and the passion every time. Everything they do is so meticulously great. Each member has a moment to shine. They use literary devices and tell stories in their music. There is a BTS Universe based on their music videos and concepts. My bias is showing, but BTS is phenomenal. I wish more people were more open to them. Ariel Baise @arielbiancaa MOVIE
THE LITTLE THINGS John Lee Hancock
When I first saw the trailer for this, I was not hugely thrilled by it. It looked atmospheric, eerie and well-acted, but not entirely original. I spent the entire runtime of two hours and eight minutes waiting for something of interest to happen. When something did happen, it was rare and remained inconsistent with its storytelling throughout. Seriously, just watch “Se7en” instead.
Connor McLaughlin @connor_mcla Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment
‘Framing Britney Spears’ discusses the star’s conservatorship and the #FreeBritney movement BY CONNOR MCLAUGHLIN @connor_mcla
Ever since I was a kid, the name “Britney Spears” always garnered a certain look from my family that can best be described as disapproval. Whenever she would come up in discussion, she as a topic was always met with apprehension and Jim Halpert-esque stares from family members. Naturally curious, I distinctly remember asking my mother in 2008 why we never spoke of Britney Spears. “Well, it’s because we’re related. She’s your cousin,” my mom responded. “She’s our distant cousin.” In 1948, my great uncle, or my grandmother’s mother’s brother on my mom’s side, married a Spears which is how the relationship manifested. I have never personally met her nor any member of the Spears family, so being related to Britney Spears has primarily been a fun fact that I keep in my back pocket. Nevertheless, I believe that Britney Spears is genuinely cool, empowering and badass. Plus, her music is undeniably iconic. I mean, “Toxic” is a total bop. Like c’mon. However, after watching “Framing Britney Spears,” this factoid now means more to me than it ever did before. Released as a special edition of The New York Times Presents docuseries, “Framing Britney Spears” revolves around the titular celebrity and how her conservatorship has affected her life. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, a conservatorship is a court-sanctioned legal concept that allows for a guardian or protector to manage another’s financial affairs due to physical or mental limitations. In the case of Britney Jean Spears, she is a ‘conservatee’ under her father, Jamie Spears, who has maintained complete control over her finances since 2008. Her net worth is estimated to be about $59 million. The documentary offers a
COURTESY OF NBC NEWS
sobering look into the blatant sexism that arises in the media whenever a female personality is depicted as hysterical. Much like Monica Lewinsky (who serves as a parallel to Spears in the doc), Spears was maligned by the press in 2007 for her tabloidlevel actions, such as shaving her head or beating a celebrity reporter’s truck with an umbrella, which occurred as a result of losing custody of her two children. The documentary demonstrates how the media refused to look at the bigger picture by viewing her as another psycho celebrity instead of acknowledging her as a woman dealing with the plight of losing her heart and soul. It was truly despicable journalism, which is what makes “Framing Britney Spears” such an infuriating watch. While riveting, the documentary gives viewers a crash course on her conservatorship and the #FreeBritney movement surrounding it. I personally challenge anyone and everyone to watch this and find a way to not be angered by her situation. Spears has been oppressed by her family, my distant family, since 2008 even though she has been working and recording new studio albums
throughout her conservatorship. She is a 39-year-old superstar that has captured the hearts and minds of individuals around the world, but she is also a mother, fighter, philanthropist, activist and musical icon that has earned the title of the “Princess of Pop.” Does it sound like Britney Spears is a woman who needs looking after? It shouldn’t. In fact, the documentary alleges that Spears has been fully capable of being in control of her own finances since her 2007 meltdown. The New York Times attempted to contact Britney, Jamie and other members of the Spears family for interviews, but it is unknown if they received the requests. With “Framing Britney Spears,” the world is now given a comprehensive understanding of the antagonistic relationship the media has against Spears and how her own personal life has been completely twisted in 75 minutes or less. It is a compelling and enraging depiction of slander that resonated with me not only as a fan, but as family. In conclusion, #FreeBritney and watch “Framing Britney Spears.”
Thursday, February 25, 2021
page 6
Thursday, February 25, 2021
page 7
BY ABBY KIBLER
Above view of the overgrown field house pool on Feb. 22.
A construction worker works on the pool on Feb. 22.
FORGOTTEN FIELD HOUSE
BY MARCUS MILLS
BY ABBY KIBLER
BY ABBY KIBLER
The Huey P. Long Field House is undergoing its first complete renovation since it was built in the 1920s. Here is a glimpse into its current state before the building gets a facelift.
BY MARCUS MILLS
BY ABBY KIBLER
BY MARCUS MILLS
BY MARCUS MILLS
Game opponents line the walls of the hockey rink on Feb. 22.
Below view of the overgrown field house pool on Feb. 22. BY ABBY KIBLER
BY ABBY KIBLER
Classifieds
Monday, February 25, 2021
page 8
Now twice a week. To place your ad, visit www.lsureveille.com/classifieds and click Submit an Ad
Costs: $0.34 per word per day. Minimum $3.75 per day. Personals free for students
For Rent
make a
splash with YOUR business!
Let Your Business Bloom
Place a Classified
LSUReveille.com
Help Wanted Small CPA Firm ISO Tax/Accounting Intern for part-time seasonal work. Email resume to fillastrecpa@gmail.com
Place your
classified
Condo in Capital Heights 2BR 2BA $1200/mo email leslie. smith3@gmail.com or call 225485-1523.
LARGE 1 BR APT! TIRED OF ROOMMATES? YOUR OWN 1 BR APT! WALK TO LSU! SMALL COMPLEX WITH MOST UPPER GRAD STUDENTS. 225 266-8666
Deadline: 12 p.m., three school days prior to the print publication date
place a classified at
LsuReveille.com!
{ { HE RE REEL IN
Place a classified at LSUReveille.com
Boil Up
Some Interest!
Place a Classified today! LSUReveille.com
SOME
business!
place a classified at
LsuReveille.com!
smawe’re the rte st Place a classified at LSUReveille.com
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 25, 2021
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 At __ with; unable to agree 5 Injures by rough handling 10 __ to; increases 14 Half of a fortnight 15 Reach a consensus 16 Kauai cookout 17 Catch a glimpse of 18 Lawful 20 __ John Gielgud 21 Sup 22 Movie parts 23 Kick out 25 Prefix for stop or skid 26 Point the finger at 28 Bamboo shoot munchers 31 Slammer 32 Rock or Noth 34 __ tree; cornered 36 Yellowish wood 37 Sandbar 38 Male animal 39 Took a load off 40 Ostentatious 41 Roger or Dudley 42 Sister’s son 44 __ up; recapped 45 “If I __ a Hammer” 46 Carved gem 47 __ up for; defended 50 Use foul language 51 Paper sack 54 Bodyguards 57 Shine’s partner, in phrase 58 Anise-flavored liqueur 59 Mysterious 60 As __ as a pancake 61 Pegs for Tiger 62 Finished 63 Mattel’s boy dolls DOWN 1 Has bills 2 Lucie Arnaz’s brother 3 Fall in value
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
4 Blue expanse 5 Ill will 6 Secret __; spy 7 Try to persuade 8 Flowery ring 9 __ out; begin a trip 10 Nut variety 11 Twofold 12 Go out with 13 Hauls into court 19 Actor Jeremy 21 Piece of office furniture 24 Rubbish 25 Tack 26 __ like; pretends to be 27 Spotless 28 Pastor’s advice 29 Car 30 Bowler’s achievement 32 __ mein; Chinese dish 33 “__ Are Things in Glocca Morra?” 35 Middle-__; neither old nor young 37 Cast off
2/25/21
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
©2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.
38 Suffix for bother or burden 40 Window covering 41 “__ the word” 43 Snapshots 44 Was impudent 46 Pierre or Marie 47 Classic dog’s name
2/25/21
48 “__ Grit”; John Wayne film 49 Leak out 50 Drape puller 52 As strong __ ox 53 Acquires 55 Bee follower 56 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 57 One of JFK’s brothers
SPORTS
page 9
FIELD DAY
BASKETBALL
LSU hoops readies for March BY PETER RAUTERKUS @peter_rauterkus
Louisiana Tech in place of DiGiacomo, but was removed from the lineup pregame after colliding with Gavin Dugas during batting practice. So sophomore Mitchell Sanford started in centerfield instead. Drew Bianco also got some time there after some defensive adjustments when the game was all but over late Monday night. Moving forward, Mainieri plans to use a platoon of Sanford
Despite the recent disappointing loss to Georgia, it appears to many that LSU basketball is peaking at the right time. Coming into the Georgia game, LSU had won its last three games in a row by an average of 17 PPG. Offensive efficiency was the story for the Tigers during the win streak as they averaged 92 PPG and shot over 55% from the field. Scoring in transition has been a point of emphasis for LSU, and Head Coach Will Wade believes this has been the key for LSU’s offense to get back on track. “We’ve gotten a lot better in transition,” Wade said. “That’s where we’ve had the biggest uptick in our transition offense and being able to get some easy baskets.” Cam Thomas led the way for LSU during the streak, averaging 25.7 PPG and putting up elite offensive ratings of 153, 117 and 142, respectively. This was a refreshing stretch for Thomas, who has been inefficient during stretches of the season. Thomas believes that getting adjusted and acclimated was the key for him. “I’m just playing my game,” Thomas said about his recent
see BASEBALL, page 10
see BASKETBALL, page 10
LSU baseball continues to work on starting lineup ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille
LSU baseball freshman right-handed pitcher Garrett Edwards (43) pitches Feb. 21, during LSU’s 6-1 win over Air Force at Alex Box Stadium on Gourrier Avenue in Baton Rouge, La. BY TAYLOR LYONS @taylorjlyons After game two of the 2021 season ended with a 6-5 LSU loss at the hands of Air Force, questions about the future of two positions — third base and centerfield — emerged. Freshman and converted pitcher Will Hellmers started the first two games at third and combined for four errors before he was pulled late in his second start in favor of Jordan
Thompson. “I’ve pretty much moved him back to being a full-time pitcher,” Paul Mainieri said of Hellmers. “He threw a tremendous bullpen yesterday and looked like the Will Hellmers of old.” In centerfield, starter Giovanni DiGiacomo suffered a hamstring strain chasing down a fly ball. Mainieri expects him to be out “at least a couple of weeks.” Thompson started at third base in Monday night’s win over
Louisiana Tech and did enough to secure the position for at least the near future thanks to his goahead home run in the sixth inning and the reliability he offered defensively. “I’m going to give Jordan Thompson a chance to be the everyday third baseman,” Maineri said Tuesday, also noting sophomore Collier Cranford has been practicing there as well. In the outfield, freshman Will Safford was slated to start against
GOLF
LSU women’s golf takes silver at ICON Invitational tourney BY JOE KEHRLI @ joekehrli9 The LSU women’s golf squad finished 19-under-par and shot 8-under par Wednesday. The Tigers fell by four-strokes to Baylor, who shot a final round 12-under. The strength of the sophomores: Ingrid Lindblad and Latanna Stone, propelled the team to its fourth second place finish this year. Stone, who stole the show last week at the Moon Golf Invitational firing off the eighthlowest 54-hole total at 9-under, 207 in the LSU record book, continued her prowess this week in Houston, Texas. In her third round, Stone was able to execute something phenomenal that is worthy of claiming some jargon-y term, perhaps
‘stoned’ rolling in ten pars, eight birdies and no bogeys. This is quite the feat. Stone finished the whole tournament with only three bogeys and one doublebogey for all 54 holes. Stone was able to capture a tie for fifth place with a low score of 8-under. Stone has been performing at such a high caliber this year that there is a true struggle for the one spot on the roster. Her roommate and friend, sophomore Lindblad, who is ranked in the top-3 by WAGR and 12th by Golfstat, might have more to prove. Lindblad finished the tournament in seventh place with a score of 7-under. Her round consisted of two birdies, one double-bogey and one bogey. She was in sole possession of
see GOLF, page 10
COURTESY OF LSU ATHLETICS
Ingrid Lindblad slaps a shot from the fairway at the Liz Murphy Collegiate in November 2020.
page 10 BASKETBALL, from page 9 hot streak. “I’m settling in better and getting more acclimated.” The consistent efficiency has been something that LSU as a team has lacked during stretches of this season, and it is critical for this efficiency to continue into the postseason. Although LSU showed that it can put together a dominant run, the Georgia game showed that there is still work to do. Wade echoed this message. “I think there’s still eight to 10 things we can do better,” he said. We’ve got two or three guys we can still get more out of.” Getting more out of the whole roster has been another key factor for LSU down the stretch. Josh LeBlanc Sr. and Eric Gaines have both stepped up in a big way for the Tigers off the bench. In the game against Auburn, Leblanc Sr. recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds quality rim protection for the Tigers. Gaines has also made an impact off the bench with his perimeter defense and playmaking ability. “Eric Gaines is somebody that’s a low hanging fruit. He can really take us to another level,” Wade said. “You see how good he is defensively, but he can really help us offensively too.” The return and resurgence of Darius Days was also a huge key for LSU during its win streak. Days suffered a knee injury during LSU’s game against Texas Tech that forced him to
Thursday, February 25, 2021 miss the rest of that game and the game against Alabama. Both games resulted in losses that highlighted Days’ importance to
“We’re just sharing the ball and trusting each other a lot more the last couple games.” DARUS DAYS
LSU basketball player this LSU team. Days leads LSU in rebounding at 7.6 RPG and also can stretch the floor, shooting 41.3% from three. Days is a player that LSU must continue to get the most out of, and he believes that trust from his teammates has been key for him. “We’re just sharing the ball and trusting each other a lot more the last couple games,” Days said after the Auburn game. “They trust me to take these shots because we see each other work every day.” As a team, adjustments on offense and getting everyone to understand their roles have been the biggest keys to LSU’s success down the stretch. Putting an emphasis on sharing the the ball and scoring in transition have been the most noticeable adjustments for LSU on offense, and Wade believes this has been key for his team. “When teams adjusted, we needed to adjust,” Wade said. “Some of it is just a matter of me putting guys in better posi-
ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille
LSU men’s basketball freshman guard Cameron Thomas (24) makes a jump shot on Jan. 16. tions and making sure we’re adjusting to what other teams are doing.” Getting everyone in the locker room on the same page and understanding their role was another key factor for Wade and his team that has made a noticeable difference on the court. “I was very clear a couple of
COURTESY OF WALT BEAZLEY
Ingrid Lindbland gets ready to tee off at the Blessing Invitational in October 2020.
BASEBALL, from page 9 and Safford at the position until DiGiacomo can return. Currently, Sanford has the leg up on Safford and is in place to start Wednesday. Safford still isn’t 100% from his collision with Dugas. In his first start of the season in Monday’s win, Sanford went 2-for-4 with two singles and reached home both times. Mainieri said he’s been looking to get him into the lineup more
frequently anyway, but hasn’t yet been able to with such a deep outfield and Cade Beloso manning the DH spot. “I don’t have any doubt Sanford can hit,” Mainieri said. LSU heads to Lafayette Wednesday to take on the Ragin’ Cajuns for its first away game and first mid-week game of the season. Making the start on the mound for the Tigers will be freshman Garrett Edwards. It’ll be the right-hander’s first start,
but not his first appearance. Edwards was the first man out of the bullpen on opening day in relief of Jaden Hill, going one inning and collecting two strikeouts. “I wanted to get him his first outing out there to break the ice and get rid of some of those nerves so he can get himself properly ready to pitch Wednesday,” Mainieri said after the season opener. As for Wednesday, Mainieri doesn’t know how long Edwards
weeks ago about what everybody’s going to do,” Wade said. “Everybody is well aware of what the expectations are and what happens if the expectations aren’t met.” It’s safe to say that these expectations were not met against Georgia. With the SEC tournament just two weeks away, it is
imperative that LSU regroups and gets back to playing how it did in the previous three games. Although the loss against Georgia was a very disappointing one, this team has shown that it is capable of adjusting and coming back stronger, and at their best the Tigers can compete with anyone.
GOLF, from page 9 the No. 1 spot prior to play on Tuesday. Lindblad finished seven strokes off the lead, Rina Tatematsu of Oklahoma State. Freshman Carla Tejedo Mulet finished tied for 10th with a score of 4-under. This is a young player to keep an eye on. She has played in all five tournaments this year and continues to improve with time and experience. Her round Tuesday consisted of five birdies, three bogeys and one double-bogey. Senior Kendall Griffin tied for 25th with a score of 1-over. Her senior season is shaping out to become one of her more impressive years with the purple and gold. Her third round consisted of 16 pars, one doublebogey and one birdie. Junior Presley Baggett, native of Mississippi, finished the tournament tied for 44th with a
collective score of 6-over. Her third round consisted of two birdies and two bogeys. Senior Kiana Oshiro and Junior Alden Wallace — both playing as individuals, — both finished tied for 54th, with scores of 10-over. This was the first time this season that either one of them saw a competitive field. This tournament was exciting for the Tigers. The team was in and out of the lead, several players were atop the individual leaderboard and the weather was not the most favorable. Additionally, this tournament might be an anomaly to the four other tournaments that have been played this season. The host team, Houston, placed seventh, 27 strokes off the lead. The Tigers will travel to Columbia, South Carolina. March 1-3 for the Gamecock Invitational.
will be able to go, but will be ready to go to a rested bullpen earlier than planned if needed. “I’d like for him to go out there and pitch for a while,” he said. “I expect Garrett to pitch well and be a battler out there. He won’t be afraid, I’m certain of that.” “I’m sure he won’t go beyond five innings. If he could go that far, it would be awesome, but if he doesn’t, we have enough bullpen to make up for it.”
That bullpen features preseason All-American closer Devin Fontenot, who will be going into Wednesday on four days’ rest having not pitched since the opener on Saturday. “We have a locked and loaded bullpen for this game,” Mainieri said. “We haven’t used Fontenot since Saturday, so he’s well rested and he’ll be ready to go. We’ve got a lot of other guys that are going to be available. We’ll just play the game by ear.”
OPINION
page 11
University should take more active role combatting addiction in our community GOING SOUTH TAMIA SOUTHALL
@tamiabrem_
It’s no secret that our country is facing an opioid crisis, but not many people realize this is a growing issue in our own community at the University. During the pandemic, the number of drug overdoses skyrocketed. Isolation combined with grief and fear drove many people to drugs. Overall, our country reached a record-breaking number of overdose deaths in May 2020. In 2020, 245 residents died of overdoses in East Baton Rouge. There have already been 21 more overdose deaths in our community since the start of 2021. The University should be taking an active role in helping our community decrease the rising number of drug overdoses in East Baton Rouge Parish. Drug abuse has not received the attention it deserves, so few are aware that it is even a problem in our community. This is an issue
that the University should treat proactively rather than reactively. Although college students are a heavily impacted demographic of drug usage, many schools, including our own, do not join local authorities’ efforts in combating drug addiction. The University has lost multiple students to drug overdoses that seem to be swept under the rug. In 2017, a 21-year-old student died of an overdose after ingesting fentanyl-laced Xanax pills. In total, eight students at our University have died of drug overdoses since 2015. There are very few resources for students struggling with addiction. Even the survey the University forces freshmen and faculty to complete is a waste of time if there are no follow-up procedures to make sure we stay on the right path or guide us back to safety if we fall off track. The East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office recently partnered with the University’s Social Research and Evaluation Center to further dissect the crisis in our community.
This is a great step in the right direction, but our community deserves a more active approach from University officials. No one likes to address drugrelated issues and addiction, especially if they can’t see it in their community. However, this is something that has affected students on campus in the past. It is only a matter of time before another tragedy occurs. According to the Addiction Center, stimulants like ecstasy and
Adderall have been the primary choices for college students, along with benzodiazepines like Xanax. College students also consume these drugs with alcohol, a contributing factor in many of these accidental overdoses. This is the type of behavior that is killing our peers mentally and physically. The University should require all students to complete the survey each semester to ensure reinforcement. But that’s not enough. It should also hold more open
seminars to educate our community of the dangers of these drugs. The University has a responsibility to do more to actively address the growing problem on campus rather than wait for it to hurt more of our students. This is our community and we cannot allow drugs to infiltrate and destroy our neighborhoods. Tamia Southall is a 20-year-old mass communication junior from New Orleans.
COURTESY OF FLICKR
Fear about the future is natural, but we cannot let it consume us DOM’S UNCANNY DISCOURSE DOMENIC PURDY
@tigerdom16
Two millennia ago, Marcus Aurelius wrote, “It is not death that a man should fear. He should fear never beginning to live.” We all experience the fear of not reaching our full potential — at least I do. The quarter-life crisis. The existential breakdown. The panic attack about where we will end up in the future. All of these are uniquely human experiences, especially common in an age when time seems both to move at a rapid pace and slow to a standstill all at once. To me, there is no greater fear than thinking about the future. It’s not the future of the Earth that worries me — just my own. Will I ever break the familiar chains of Louisiana and settle as a journalist in a city like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago?
The future paralyzes me cles at us? Have we missed the matter how tantalizing it may when I think too intently about proverbial boat that will bring seem. If we compare our own expemy role in it. Will I be able to suc- us away from indecisiveness and ceed in a world so saturated with into clarity? riences to those of our peers, esothers like me, so concerned These questions, as hard to pecially in a setting so rife with with making a difference? What face as they may be, are natu- change as college, we will never will I do to set myself apart from ral. We all strive to find some- progress past these harmful nothe crowd? What legacy will I thing that proves that our lives tions of which path is “right” for have meaning beyond just sub- us. We are not other people and leave behind? These are the things that sistence. I can’t think of a single they are not us. soul that would be content with Comparison is almost cerkeep me up at night. tainly what causes this exisAs a sophomore entering my living a life without purpose. The journey to find that tential dread. We must be confifth semester this fall with nary an internship secured, I hardly purpose, though full of anxi- cerned with our own agendas in such a vast world and feel prepared for understand that our the world waiting own journeys will lead for me beyond We have to realize that no matter what us all to very different the University’s places, each impactful walls. life throws at us, we will persevere. in their own ways. I wonder if I Even then, our imam behind my DOMENIC PURDY pact on this world peers in our sophomore journalism major is not entirely about shared journey bounding toward the future. I eties, is a quest we all must whether we succeed in a career we choose or are thrust into. We worry that I will just be another embark on. The journeys each of us find each have an effect on everyone nameless cog in a machine that keeps society moving forward. I ourselves on are all unique. The who enters our lives. Sometimes it’s terrifying to don’t want to be a cog in some way my future unfolds will be global machine: I want to make completely different than that think about whether the people of my neighbor or friend, so if we know right now will be by a difference. Are we living our true call- we are to alleviate this existen- our side in the future. ings or are we just skating by as tial dread, we need to stop comBut we cannot exhibit control the world volleys endless obsta- paring ourselves to others — no over everything in our journeys,
Editorial Policies and Procedures EDITORIAL BOARD Bailey Chauvin Lara Nicholson Katherine Manuel Nick Frewin Grace Pulliam
Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor
The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.
and the chronophobia — or fear of the future — some feel is irrational by nature. We must understand that the future may not go as planned. What you thought was your destiny in life may turn out to be a necessary diversion on your path to where you truly belong. The friends and family we make on our journey help reassure us that everything is alright. To quote Bob Dylan, “The times, they are a’changin.” We have to realize that no matter what life throws at us, we will persevere. No matter how eventless the future may look, no matter how much of a failure you may feel like in the moment, there is light. You will fulfill your own destiny because it is just that: your own. Do not let fears of the unknown or unnecessary comparisons to others drag you down from realizing your potential. Domenic Purdy is a 19-yearold journalism sophomore from Prairieville.
Quote of the Week “The time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.”
Bertrand Russell Philospher 1872 — 1970
Thursday, February 25, 2021
page 12
Sledding incident on Indian Mounds signals need for administrative action EVAN ON EARTH EVAN LEONHARD
@evan_leonhard
Early last week, as we were enduring the worst of our recent freeze, I was surprised to find certain University-centered pockets of the internet ablaze with passionate discourse in response to a semiviral video taken on campus. In the clip, a small group of students gathered atop the campus mounds on Dalrymple as they watched one of their peers hurdle down the slope in a kayak. A handful of local group chats, comment sections and Facebook communities erupted into a rather volatile debate, going head-to-head on what to make of the event. Many were quick to dismiss the incident as harmless student shenanigans. After all, we almost never have snow days down here — what could be so wrong with a few students making the most of the unique conditions? From what I could tell, many in this camp were alumni who seemed to be citing their own student experiences as justification for the debacle. Some even went as far as to argue that the students had done nothing wrong because the mounds were, in their words, nothing more than “a pile of dirt.” Others, keeping in mind the
age and cultural significance of the mounds, were infuriated that not only such a thing could be allowed to happen but that a video of the incident could be happily passed around and laughed off as innocent college fun. Admittedly, the news hit rather close to home for me. The precarious predicament of the campus mounds is a topic that I have been thinking and writing about for quite some time now. Having spent my first year of undergrad at North Hall, the mounds were a constant fixture of my daily life and routine. I would walk down the sidewalk in between the two every day on my way to class. Although I certainly had a basic idea of the mounds’ significance as an ancient religious site, it was not until I began noticing others interacting with them so carelessly that I began to do more research and write about the urgent need for their preservation. Clearly, last week’s debacle was not an isolated incident. It is simply the most recent iteration of a long history of relentless neglect and disrespect. The mounds have been subject to decades of abuse from generations of students, alumni and rowdy tailgate goers. It was not until somewhat recently that the site received gameday fencing and relatively clear
historical demarcation. While obviously a step in the right direction, the events of last week have proven that the occasional fence and a measly sign are not nearly enough. Recent statements issued by both the Native American Student Organization and Democracy at Work LSU did the necessary work of laying out and confronting this history of neglect, even demonstrating how this specific fiasco is inextricably tied to much larger social and historical frameworks. I had the honor of speaking with some of the student leaders at the forefront of this battle to hold the wider community accountable to its responsibility for the mounds. Communication disorders senior Shea Ferguson, an active member of NASO and the Delaware tribe of Oklahoma, was appalled but not surprised by the viral video, remarking, “It shows how uninformed the community is about the mounds. They are important and fragile.” Ferguson went on to detail her experience in trying to muster support for the cause: contacting administration to request appropriate protections and even personally reaching out to LSUPD to keep people off the mounds. “I’ve seen verbal support, but we need action now,” she said, insisting that the continuous niceties and pats on the head from the ad-
ministration have long grown old and needs to be backed with substantive action. Political science freshman and University College Center for Freshman Year senator John Griswold is a recent addition to the wave of student support for the mounds. “The behavior of students... sledding down the mounds was irresponsible and destructive.” Griswold noted. “As of late, I have been asking the rhetorical question: ‘Would you allow someone to play on Stonehenge or the pyramids?’ We must think of the mounds in the same light. The sledding debacle, as well as this coming Student Government resolution, will serve as a wakeup call.” Having been born and raised in southern Louisiana, I understand and sympathize with the desire to make the most out of snow days that are so few and far between. However, to dismiss any defense of the mounds as mere prudishness or over-sensitivity is clearly ridiculous. In all honesty, I cannot believe that this is actually a conversation that needs to be had. The mounds are an ancient archeological site with immense cultural significance. Is it not common sense to think that they should be set apart and preserved? Like Griswold mentioned, would we not do the same for other sites of such stature?
As gross and ignorant as those remarks about the mounds being nothing more than “a pile of dirt” may be, I have trouble seeing this problem purely as an issue of individuals. Rather, this is the failure of an entire community. It seems to me that the University is responsible for fostering this dismissive attitude over the years. Why should people see the mounds as more than a pile of dirt when the institution tasked with their protection has done so little to make them seem otherwise? Yet, on perhaps an overly optimistic note, I have hope that this could be a turning point in the long pursuit of justice for the mounds. This recent sledding incident, although incredibly unfortunate, has managed to spark a long overdue community-wide discussion. For the first time in my recollection, the University’s obscene neglect for these landmarks is being actively considered and deliberated by a large portion of the student body. Following the lead of student leaders like Ferguson and Griswold, perhaps the publicity of this moment can be seized as an opportunity to hold the University accountable and demonstrate just how dire this situation is. Evan Leonhard is a 19-year-old English and philosophy sophomore from New Orleans.
Why do we love period dramas like ‘Pride & Prejudice’ ‘most ardently?’ EMILY ON CAMPUS EMILY DAVISON @ichigoemily It’s no secret that streaming services have skyrocketed in popularity since the onset of the pandemic. I can’t be sure how many hours I’ve wasted on Netflix and HBO Max since last March, but I’m willing to bet the numbers are a bit concerning. With this surge in viewership, there’s been a lot of Internet buzz about new releases. Most notably, I’ve seen Regencyera drama series “Bridgerton” garnering serious online attention since its addition to Netflix this past December. The 2020 theatrical release of the recent “Emma” remake based on the 1815 Jane Austen novel also turned a lot of heads around this time last year and received considerably positive critical reception. I love to see period dramas rising in mainstream popularity and have to admit that I myself am drawn to watching the sometimes ridiculous and always romanticized depictions of the past, hoping to be transported to a different time. The appeal of this TV time travel has proven itself irresistible for most — but why? Why are we so obsessed with
the idea of being transported back in time? What’s the reason for such hype when modern-day fantasies are just as abundant on seemingly countless streaming platforms? The more I’ve considered the implications of idealizing the past, the more I’ve realized how often this sort of thing is problematic. Most well-known and wellloved period films and series take place in eras and settings where marriage is an economic proposition, women and children are still considered the property of men and racism and classism are loudly and openly characteristic of society. For instance, the 2005 masterpiece “Pride & Prejudice” (starring the one and only queen of period dramas, Keira Knightley) is based on Jane Austen’s 1813 novel about a mother trying her hardest to marry her young daughters off to rich men. I frequently tout this as my favorite movie of all time, but thinking about the morally confusing situations, including the part where Mrs. Bennett shames her daughter for not accepting a cousin’s marriage proposal, has caused me to consider why I admire it and other period dramas so much. To be frank, I think it’s simply because it’s different. “Pride & Prejudice” and other period
dramas are far from 2021, meaning viewers are not subject to facing our less-than-stellar present situations. Not only does it allow us a drastic change of scenery, it’s a prospect of a world wherein our eyes aren’t blurry from reading PDF textbooks and our hearts aren’t sickeningly lonely from self-isolating. It’s a refreshing “new” aesthetic and an oftentimes soothing (albeit overly-romanticized) lifestyle and worldview. Isn’t it easy to romanticize something so far away and distant from ourselves? It’s almost like building our own imaginary paradises through the rose-colored lens of the privileged Bridgerton siblings or the headstrong, empowered Bennett women. It’s undoubtedly important to be aware of the social, political and economic situations of the stories we fall in love with and the characters we tend to idolize. But despite moral dilemmas and problematic pasts, period dramas and their idealized little worlds have undoubtedly bewitched us, body and soul, and I don’t think they’re going away any time soon. Emily Davison is a 19-yearold anthropology and English sophomore from Denham Springs.
COURTESY OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005)