March 16, 2012

American University’s student voice since 1925

theEAGLE

March 6, 2012 Volume 86 – Issue 20

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AU CONSIDERS SMOKING BAN

STUDENT LEADERS SAY AU BEGINS POLICY TALKS PAGE 3

INSIDE: WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS TO HOLY CROSS PAGE 24

AU DEMS PRESIDENT RESIGNS PAGE 19

GYM CLASS HEROES PAGE 12

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THE 21ST CENTURY URBAN DISASTER 7 - 8:15 p.m. / MGC 1 / Courtney Brown, one of the first responders to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, will talk about the disaster almost one year after it happened. AU alumna Emi Kolawole from the Washington Post will moderate. / Sponsored by the Roosevelt Institute and the CHF International / Contact Anna Sczepanski at as3494a@student. american.edu.

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PAP SMEARS Health Center refutes pap smear myths 4

OFF THE RAILS Metro may increase bus and rail fares next year 5 TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

News

GRAY GOES GREEN D.C. mayor signs sustainability pledge 5

3

AU considers smoking ban on campus

By ZACH C. COHEN AND HEATHER MONGILIO EAGLE STAFF WRITERS

AU may ban smoking on campus, according to student leaders.

“They are still looking for student input looking for what the best thing to do would be,” Student Government President Tim McBride’s chief of staff, Palak Gosar, said.

University representatives did not respond to requests for comments by press time.

AU President Neil Kerwin has gathered members of the University Council, which includes student leaders, faculty, staff and an alumnus, as well as other student leaders to ask them to measure student input on the possi-

bility of banning smoking, according to a student familiar with the conversations, who wanted to remain anonymous because the information is not yet public.

“President Kerwin cares very deeply about the issue,” Elliot BellKrasner said, executive chairman of the Graduate Leadership Council.

SG and the GLC sent out a survey Dec. 2 via email, asking the student body about AU’s smoking policy.

About 47 percent of polled undergraduates said the SG should “advocate that campus be smoke/tobacco free.”

About 53 percent of graduate respondents were in favor of AU becoming a smoke-free campus,

Reported by Student Government

(Top graph) SG polled students on whether SG should tackle the issue of a smokefree campus.

(Bottom graph) The Graduate Leadership Council asked students on whether AU should be a smoke free campus.

By ZOE CRAIN

Four AU students were arrested at an Occupy-organized protest at the offices of Monsanto Co., the leading producer of genetically engineered seeds, on Feb. 29.

Courtney Anker, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, and Sophia Miyoshi, a freshman in the School of International Service, were both suspected of crossing a police line. Chris Golembeski, a freshman in the School of Communication, and Leo Zausen, a freshman in SPA, were suspected of disorderly conduct.

“Anytime we go into a

protest, we know this is a possibility,” Zausen said.

“Whenever there’s police presence, there’s always a chance there will be arrests.”

All four were released within several hours of being arrested.

Students from Occupy AU met at American Legislative Exchange Council at 7 a.m. and participated in “mic-checks,” the Occupy practice of shouting speeches written by protestors. They then walked to Monsanto’s offices on I Street, Miyoshi said. She estimated about 50 protestors were present at Monsanto.

“People quickly put up painted wooden boards

Student leaders and administrators also considered restricting smoking to outlying parts of campus. Some recommended regularly enforcing the rules already in place, such as prohibiting smoking on the steps of Mary Graydon Center, the anonymous student told The Eagle. Signs on the MGC steps currently ask smokers to move 25 feet from the building entrances.

AU is not the first school to consider a smoke-free campus. There are at least 648 U.S. campuses that ban smoking. However some of these are medical campuses, according to no-smoke.org.

to the building’s entrances, Zausen said.

Confrontations between the police and the protestors began when the chain began to break.

Anker and Miyoshi were caught in the chaos as police officers moved into the crowd and protestors tried to move out.

“When I got out [of the mob] I realized the cops were combing through the crowd, one pointed at me, and then three of them grabbed me and threw me on the ground,” Anker said.

“I had no idea what I did; I hadn’t done more than anyone else, yet they inexplicably targeted me.”

Miyoshi said her experience was similar as she was grabbed by police officers after breaking free of the crowd.

“Everyone was enraged, and it was ridiculous that they were using so much

effort to get me,” Miyoshi said. “As I walked to the paddy wagon, the policemen were asking each other if I was the right one.”

Occupy DC organized the Monsanto protest in response to Occupy Portland’s day of action against corporations, Anker said.

Occupy DC chose to protest at the American Legion of Economic Councils and Monsanto.

“We were there to show them that we would not sit idly by as they harm the masses for the profit of the few,” Miyoshi said. “They would not be able to go on without further opposition.”

Participation in this protest was another example of the collaboration between Occupy DC and Occupy AU, the arrested students said. Zausen said news of the protest was passed by word of mouth from Oc-

cupy DC participants in McPherson Square.

“We’ve been working with Occupy DC since the first day that it started,” Zausen said. “Occupy AU has had a pretty large presence in working in solidarity with the movement down in McPherson.”

Zausen said his arrest would not deter him from continuing work with Occupy AU. “It’s just another step,” he said. “I think civil disobedience is just a rejection of the status quo, and part of the way we convey our message is showing ordinary people that we’re willing to go to jail for these causes.”

Anker said she wasn’t at all inconvenienced by the events of that morning.

“After all of this, I still made it to my 2:35 class,” she said.

Neutral 19%

Disagree 12%

Strongly Disagree 22%

Agree 30%

Strongly Agree 41% Agree 12% Neutral 9% Disagree 11%

according to Bell-Krasner and McBride. About 700 undergraduates and 900 gradu-

Five students arrested at Occupy D.C. protest EAGLE STAFF WRITER

ates completed the survey.

“There are a number of students on this campus who are very vehement

about the issue,” BellKrasner said.

About 10 percent of graduate survey respondents identified as smokers, Bell-Krasner said. SG’s undergraduate survey did not ask students whether they were smokers.

“I am personally very appreciative of the fact that we have been, Tim and I, been included in the conversations with regards to this, because if this had been another university, the administration might not have been bothered,” Bell-Krasner said.

Administrators would implement the changes no sooner than fall 2013, the anonymous student said.

People should not assume that the changes will occur “overnight,” BellKrasner said.

Strongly Agree 17%

in front of all the entrances while others pasted signs about Monsanto’s misdeeds on the posts,” Miyoshi said.

Occupy DC’s grievance against Monsanto stems from the company’s use of engineered seeds, which force farmers to buy seeds rather than using seed-producing plants, according to Occupy DC’s website.

Farms face financial loss when they have to continuously pay for seeds.

Once the police removed the Occupy blockades, the protestors formed a human chain around the building. Zausen and Golembeski were arrested while maintaining the chain that blocked access

Strongly Disagree 27% Reported

by GLC

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theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

4

Health Center Students lend a hand in disputes pap neighborhood trash cleanup smear myths

By MARISSA CETIN

EAGLE STAFF WRITER

By KATIE FIEGENBAUM EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Student Health Center does not require students to get a pap smear to obtain birth control, despite recent discussions about the issue, according to Michelle Desalvo, health practitioner at the SHC. This clarification comes as a response to multiple Eagle Rants that said students were required to get a pap smear to obtain a birth control prescription.

“There is absolutely no requirement, and the two have nothing to do with each other,” Desalvo said.

“However, a pap smear is highly encouraged and recommended, and staff may be a little pushy because we value gynecological health.”

A pap smear is a medical test in which a medical professional swabs a woman’s cervix for abnormal cells that can lead to cervical cancer, Desalvo said.

The SHC recommends that women 21 years and older should have a pap smear every two years, mirroring the guidelines set forth by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Pap smears are the best way to test for an early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, which has no symptoms, Desalvo explains.

Mariel Kirschen, programming director of Women’s Initiative and a senior in the School of Public Affairs, heard about the issue and contacted the SHC to find out the official policy.

“The Health Center has the right policy, but what probably happened is that a student went in, was strongly recommended to get a pap smear and felt like it was construed as a requirement,” Kirschen said.

The Undergraduate Senate has also looked into the issue. Senator Rory Slatko, a freshman in the School of International Service who headed the investigation, wrote an Eagle Rant on Feb. 24 that said SHC does not required pap smears.

Though the test is not required, SHC staff use appointments about birth control as a “gateway” to talk about cervical cancer, STDs and personal health, Desalvo said.

“Personally, I understand why it’s highly recommended, because it’s important to have pap smear and STD screening to make sure all is OK down there,” Kirschen said. “However, people should be able to opt out for financial, religious or other reasons.”

The cost for a gynecological exam, which includes a pap smear, is $30 at the SHC. Pap smear lab results may be free or cost $50 at most, depending on insurance coverage. An appointment to discuss and obtain a birth control prescription costs $20.

Birth control pills offered through the SHC cost $15 for a month’s supply.

Desalvo said he has not heard of any students being required to get a pap smear before obtaining a prescription. She said students encountering any problems should leave a comment in the SHC suggestion box in person or online.

The SHC website does not describe this policy, but Desalvo said it was something the office could post on its website.

“We’re actually starting to look into pulling all the rules and regulations regarding students into a handbook to make students more aware of their rights,” Slatko said.

NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

On the walk north on Massachusetts Avenue toward campus, the sidewalk, grass and bushes are littered with cigarette butts, empty cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon cans and torn plastic bags.

Scott Berman, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and former president of student sustainability group EcoSense, decided to do something about the litter.

Berman organized the AU Community Trash Cleanup on the sunny afternoon of March 1, targeting the areas around Ward Circle and the Department of Homeland Security.

He plans on making the community cleanup a weekly event.

“There are enough AU students that live over this way and that use the shuttle stop that should be identifying with this as sort of their home,” Berman said.

“And I don’t think anyone would tolerate somebody going into their backyard and dumping trash there.”

Berman reached out to Student Government and the Community Service Coalition to promote the event and help Eco-Sense in the cleanup. The cleanup will also contribute to AU’s ongoing battle to win Recyclemania, an annual national competition that encourages students to recycle.

AU ranked third in Recylemania in 2010.

“Picking it up by myself won’t change anything, but having people and groups join in can make more of a difference,” Berman said.

SG President Tim McBride and Secretary Kevin Sutherland lent a hand to the cleanup effort.

“This is where we live,” McBride said. “It’s not just for the neighbors, it’s for us.”

After 30 minutes of clean up, the group of seven students collected enough Solo cups, Natural Light cans, soda bottles, chip bags, a margarita mix bot-

to AU. Berman said he wants to extend the weekly cleanup’s reach on New Mexico Avenue and possibly on campus.

“As AU students it’s

“This is where we live.

It’s not just for the neighbors, it’s for us.”

- Student Government President Tim McBride

tle and more to almost fill two garbage bags.

Eco-Sense often organizes trash cleanups, tree planting and other environmental community service activities off-campus.

Berman hopes the trash cleanup will connect the club and its goals directly

important for us to keep our area clean, and be responsible for our neighborhood,” Jenna Mitchell, a sophomore in CAS said.

“And any trash in any sort of environment is not beneficial.”

Mitchell was walking from campus on Massachu-

setts Avenue when she saw Berman and company picking up trash and decided to help out. Berman said that was the main goal of the cleanup — for other students to notice the cleanup, see the amount of trash on the ground and join in.

“Each week we can do this clean up and hopefully reduce the amount [of trash] there,” Berman said. “But over time if people notice that it’s there and feel that they don’t want to put anything there in the first place, then that would be even more ideal.”

Camille Bogrand, a senior in CAS and a member of EcoSense, also joined the trash cleanup efforts to give back to the AU area.

“I can make a difference, even if it’s a small difference,” Bogrand said.

“It adds up.”

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theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

5

D.C. mayor signs green pledge at AU D.C. the greenest U.S. city last September, and the city’s universities have D.C. Mayor Vincent since led the effort as one (SBZ "6 1SFTJEFOU /FJM of the biggest employers in Kerwin and the presidents the District, he said. of the nine other D.C. “This is an exercise in schools signed a sustain- saving the planet for the ability pledge Feb. 29 at AU generations to come,� Gray as part of Gray’s initiative said. to make Washington the The universities will greenest city in the United publish sustainability comStates. mitments at the end of the The pledge calls on year and report on their D.C. schools to achieve progress in August 2014, Leadership in Energy and according to O’Brien.

Environmental Design cer“We are now developing UJmDBUJPO PO BMM OFX CVJME- a sustainability plan that ings, reduce waste and use will be more overarching,� tap water instead of bottled he said.

RACHEL DEVOR / THE EAGLE water among other goals, These efforts include The Department of Education held a discussion on education reform in the Abramson Family Recital Hall March 2. according to copies of the building more green roofs pledge handed out by Uni- and rain gardens on camversity Communications. pus to prevent polluted The pledge was signed storm water from overflowin a ceremony in the School JOH JOUP UIF 1PUPNBD 3JWFS of International Service O’Brien said.

Founders Room. “We’ve already made a “We were able to show- lot of progress,� he said.

By ZACH C. COHEN Villaraigosa com- my or we’re going to strug- tion is about a teacher case in part what this Uni- “We buy 100 percent reEAGLE STAFF WRITER NFOEFE 1SFTJEFOU #BSBDL gle,� Duncan said. “We’re looking a kid face-to-face. versity has accomplished,� newable energy. We’re the Obama’s State of the Union at a fork in the roads right And so, if you care about Kerwin said. “I think this third-largest school in the U.S. Secretary Arne address, in which he said now.� the quality of education, building was a magnet. country to do that.�

Duncan urged colleges to he wanted all Americans 1BOFMJTUT TBJE QBSFOUT you have to care about the To sign this pledge in a The SIS building re“keep down their costs� at to commit to one year of need to focus more on quality of the teacher.�

-&&% (PME DFSUJmFE CVJME- ceived LEED Gold certia panel discussion at AU higher education. their children’s education Duncan defended the ing makes a great deal of mDBUJPO JO OPU MPOH on March 2.

The panelists agreed to promote education re- Obama administration’s sense.� after other D.C. colleges Duncan joined New that any form of post-sec- form despite bureaucratic $4.35 billion Race to the AU is pursuing LEED also received LEED Gold York City Mayor Michael ondary education should obstacles.

Top program, started in DFSUJmDBUJPO GPS FYJTUJOH DFSUJmDBUJPO GPS CVJMEJOHT Bloomberg, Chicago May- allow students to get a job. “A lot of times, when 2009 to enact education buildings on campus and on its campus. or Rahm Emanuel and Los About 5 percent of col- this discussion takes place, reform through states, ac- JT UIF mSTU TDIPPM UP VTF 5IF -&&% DFSUJmFE 4*4 Angeles Mayor Antonio lege graduates are unem- when the battle takes cording to a Department LEED volume, according CVJMEJOH PGmDJBMMZ PQFOFE Villaraigosa to discuss the ployed, according to the place, it’s always about the of Education. to AU’s Director of Sustain- Sept. 23, 2010, The Eagle education reform needed 2011 U.S. Census Bureau. adults,â€? Walcott said. “We actually think there ability Chris O’Brien. previously reported. to ensure national eco- Comparatively, one-third Emanuel echoed that has been an over-emphasis “LEED volume is a way i* BN EFmOJUFMZ NPSF nomic prosperity. of those with only high sentiment, saying the Chi- on testing under No Child of certifying all of our build- UIBO TBUJTmFE XJUI "6 T “We’re trying to walk school degrees were un- cago schools are “a system Left Behind,â€? he said, ings as green buildings all level of sustainability,â€? the walk in very tough employed in 2011, accord- [that] was set up for the SFGFSSJOH UP 1SFTJEFOU at once, which is a new said Katherine Sibel, a SIS economic times ‌ but we ing to the Bureau of Labor parents, without any of the George W. Bush’s educa- phenomenon,â€?

O’Brien freshman and member of can’t do it by ourselves,� Statistics. kids in mind.� tion reform. said. “Greening our exist- UIF 0GmDF PG 4VTUBJOBCJMJUZ Duncan said.

Emanuel said only a Chicago public schools But Bloomberg did de- ing buildings has a tremen- student group Green EaThe panel, organized four-year college degree are in session 3,000 hours fend testing, saying it pro- dous impact.� gles. by the U.S. Department XJMM USVMZ IFMQ QFPQMF mOE less per year than L.A. vides a measure to see if Both Gray and Kerwin George Washington of Education, took place in jobs in today’s economy. schools and 8,000 hours children are learning what acknowledged AU’s lead- University became the the Abramson Recital Hall. Even a two-year commu- less than NYC schools, they need to learn to suc- ership in sustainability mSTU % $ DPMMFHF UP SFDFJWF Other speakers includ- nity college degree “does Emanuel said. ceed. in their comments at the -&&% (PME DFSUJmDBUJPO JO ed: not have the economic valThe other key aspect of “We have a saying that, event.

2010 when two of its dorms t /:$ 4DIPPMT ue that [a degree from] a education reform is focus- ‘In god we trust, every“We were in a position to XFSF -&&% DFSUJmFE BDChancellor Dennis Wal- four-year institution does,� ing on teachers, panelists body else has to bring sign the document relative- cording to a flyer handed cott, he said. said. Bloomberg said that, data,’� he said. “Teaching ly easily because it’s con- out by a GWU media rept $IJDBHP 1VCThe mayors also urged if teachers aren’t doing for the test is exactly what sistent with commitments resentative at the signing lic Schools CEO Jean- school districts to focus their jobs, they need to be we should do as long as this institution has already ceremony.

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Those commitments in- Building was Silver certiSchool District Superin- and ensure “accountabil- that government works ZCOHEN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM clude making AU carbon mFE JO $BUIPMJD 6OJtendent John Deasy ity� from administrators is we throw money at all neutral by 2020, he said. versity also has an LEED t .4/#$ T "OESFB “We’re going to educate problems,�

Bloomberg Gray launched the sus- DFSUJmFE EPSN Mitchell, who moderated. our way to a better econo- said. “In the end, educatainability initiative to make RMIGEED@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

By RYAN MIGEED

EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Rahm Emanuel, Bloomberg and others call for high school reform

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

6

Union reps, faculty discuss adjunct issues

By ELIJAH MERCER EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

No desk. No space to meet students. No extra salary to help students after hours. No guaranteed job.

AU Professorial Lecturer of History Claire Goldstene said most tenured professors do not face these issues very often. However, she said some adjunct professors face these problems every day.

“One of the features of being an adjunct is an incredible sense of isolation and disconnection from the university,” said Goldstene, who is not an adjunct professor. “Many of us adjuncts have PhDs just like some of the tenured professors.”

The Student Worker Alliance hosted a panel Feb. 28 in the School of International Service Founders Room to educate students about the issues faced by adjuncts across the nation.

Tiers and hierarchy exist among non-tenured AU professors as adjuncts receive $2,900 for teaching one course a semester and do not receive health care benefits, Goldstene said.

Some adjunct professors teach at multiple universities just to get by, Goldstene said. They are also not welcome to attend faculty meetings or social events and do not have a seat on the faculty senate, Goldstene said.

The University did not offer adjuncts a position on the Faculty Senate because they feel adjuncts have little time and interest in the University daily affairs, The Eagle previously reported.

AU has: 153 full-time professors, who have full benefits, must complete administrative duties and are often tenure professors 158 associate professors, who have multi-year contracts but do not need

to complete administrative duties 236 assistant professors, who do not necessarily teach full-time Adjunct professors, who teach part time The University does not list numbers for adjunct professors.

This issue is not only applicable to AU but is also an issue faced by many colleges nationwide, said Dr. Esther Merves, director of Research and Special Programs at the nonprofit New Faculty Majority and an adjunct professor at George Washington University.

Approximately 70 percent of public and private university faculty members are not tenured, Merves said. About 75 percent of AU faculty members are either not tenured or adjuncts, above the national average, she said.

“What hurts so much is the invisibility,” Merves said. “Why doesn’t everyone see or know about it?”

Adjuncts used to make up a small portion of university educators in the 1970s, said Anne McLeer, director of research and strategic planning for the union SEIU. Now adjuncts are the majority of most university faculties nationwide, she said.

Merves and McLeer helped establish the advocacy organization now called the New Faculty Majority since adjuncts have become the majority.

The group began as a Listserv forum for teachers to vent about the problems they faced as adjuncts and contingent faculty. Now, NFM has grown into an independent national nonprofit that supports adjuncts and contingent faculty at any type of university or college.

Merves said the group is also expanding to include students’ needs.

“When you say faculty, it also implies students,” she Continued on Page 10

ANA SANTOS / THE EAGLE

AU students protested Syria’s recent human rights violations at the nation’s embassy on Wyoming Avenue.

AU STAND members rally at Syrian embassy over human rights abuses

By MARIE ZOGLO EAGLE STAFF WRITER

AU’s chapter of STAND protested at the Syrian Embassy March 4 over the country’s ongoing human rights abuses. STAND is a nationwide, student-run organization dedicated to fighting genocide and mass atrocities.

About a dozen AU students marched from the Dupont Circle Metro to the Wyoming Avenue embassy to put pressure on the Bashar-al Assad regime and to raise awareness about the current situation in Syria.

“With the recent crackdown in Homs, it’s necessary for us to speak up and be a voice for the voiceless,” said Co-President of STAND Cassie Wiegmann, a sophomore in the School of International Service.

Students protested at the embassy and during the nearly one-mile walk

to and from the Dupont Circle Metro stop. They shouted slogans such as “Hey hey, ho ho, the Assad regime has got to go!” as bystanders shopping at the farmer’s market and sipping coffee outside Starbucks cheered them on.

A police officer on duty stood outside the Syrian embassy, but did not act against the protestors.

Thaddeus Maine, a freshman in the Kogod School of Business, came out to protest for the cause although he is not a member of STAND. “I think it’s going to energize some of the students at American University more to get more involved and find more ways of supporting the Syrian revolution,” he said.

“I also think that it’s quite possible we’ll have an effect on the people we pass by who see that this is still going on, that this wasn’t something that ended with

Libya.”

While the overall tone was hopeful, the protesters acknowledged the difficulty involved in creating change in Syria.

“It’s true that maybe we as students do not have too much leverage over the Assad regime directly, but even just raising more awareness within our school, within the community, about what’s going on helps to hold him accountable, even just locally,” Wiegmann said.

During the chant, “What do we want? Peace in Syria! When do we want it? Now!”, a few protesters replaced the “Now!” with “a politically viable timeframe,” in a nod to the complicated nature of the Syrian conflict.

The group lobbied on the Hill last year for passage of the Syrian Human Rights Accountability Act, said STAND Co-President Aaron Alberico, a senior in the School of Public Af-

fairs. The act, which would impose further sanctions on Syria in response to human rights abuses, is still pending. The group lobbied by visiting various Senate members in their offices.

Alberico said STAND wants “heightened sanctions on international firms, especially Russian technology and transport firms, that are providing tacit or direct support to atrocities in Syria, as well as a more forceful, sustained effort to bolster moderate players within Syria.”

Many of the protesters who participated in STAND’s March 4 demonstration will continue to show their support for the Syrian people by attending an Amnesty International candlelight vigil at the Syrian Embassy March 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

COURTESY OF TYLER SADONIS

AU students found this mouse on the seventh floor of McDowell Hall.

Halls continue to fight mice infestation

By PATRICK BURNETT EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Complaints about mice have decreased significantly in Hughes Hall following several initiatives to reduce the hall’s mouse population, according to Stephanie DeStefano, AU’s grounds operation coordinator.

Hughes Hall residents have filed two 2-Fix reports regarding mice during the past week, DeStefano said.

In response to the rise in mouse complaints in Hughes during the fall semester, Facili-

ties Management has completed several inspections of the building and closed several openings that mice had been using to enter the building, DeStefano said.

Facilities Management also trapped and baited mice in the ceilings, she said.

However, Facilities Management did receive a rise in mouse complaints between Feb. 8 and 10, according to a Feb. 6 memo sent to Hughes residents.

In response to the increase of mouse reports, Facilities Management completed another building inspection of Hughes to

cover up additional openings.

However, Hughes residents continue to report mice sightings throughout the building.

Elyse Collat, a freshman in the Kogod School of Business, relocated to a different room in Hughes in early February after reporting 12 mouse sightings in her room. Collat said the majority of those sightings were before winter break, but she found several mice near her food in January.

Kelly Mertz, a freshman in the School of International Service, reported a mouse sighting in her room in late February.

Helen Brumley, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences, reported seeing two mice in the seventh floor lounge March 3.

Facilities Management plans to improve the mice situation in Hughes and other buildings around campus during future renovations.

Pest control contractors are coming to campus twice per week to continue monitoring and responding to the mouse situation, DeStefano said.

She also said mice problems have been reported across campus, not only in Hughes.

DeStefano recommended that students keep clutter to a minimum and store food in sealed plastic containers.

PBURNETT@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

University increases President’s Circle donation levels

By SAMANTHA HOGAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

AU will increase the minimum donation level for President’s Circle recognition by $1,500 starting May 1.

This is the first increase since 1986, according to an article by Thomas Minar, vice president of development and alumni relations, in the January 2012 edition of American magazine.

President’s Circle recognizes the University’s top donors.

Claire Taylor, coordinator for stewardship and donor relations in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, explained the changes in a Feb. 9 article on AU’s website.

The article outlined the new monetary groupings for each new recognition level: t +PIO ' ,FOOFEZ "TTPDJates: $2,500–$4,999

t )FSCFSU $ )PPWFS "Tsociates: $5,000–$9,999 t 5IFPEPSF 3PPTFWFMU "Tsociates: $10,000–$24,999 t 8JMMJBN .D,JOMFZ "TTPciates: $25,000–$49,999 t #FOKBNJO )BSSJTPO Associates: $50,000 and above President Harrison signed the congressional act chartering AU in 1893.

The decision to increase the recognition levels occurred in December 2010 after AU concluded its AnewAU Campaign, Sarah Petrie, director of stewardship and donor relations, said in an email. “It is [a] customary practice of universities and other organizations to re-evaluate recognition levels after concluding fundraising campaigns,� Petrie said. “Similar changes have been im-

plemented recently at several of [AU’s] peer institutions, to name a couple: Bucknell University and the George Washington University School of Law.�

A majority of AU’s donations come from alumni and friends of AU. However, the University also receives funds from external sources including corporations and foundations, Petrie said.

One of the goals for next fiscal year includes renovations to the McKinley building for the School of Communications, Minar said in his American article.

AU will launch its next phase of the Campaign for SOC Feb. 22 to raise $13 million to restore McKinley for SOC, Petrie said.

The project will cost approximately $26 million and will consolidate SOC in one building instead of the six current locations it occupies on campus, accord-

7

Undergrad Senate backs voting rights for D.C.

By HEATHER MONGILIO EAGLE STAFF WRITER

The Undergraduate Senate voted to support Congressional voting rights for D.C. at their March 4 meeting.

Student Government Sen. AtLarge Joe Wisniewski proposed the resolution after School of Public Affairs freshman Josh Matfess, the president of the AU student group Students for D.C. Statehood, approached Matfess looking for support of D.C. voting rights. “I’m simply trying to give an on-campus organization the tools they need to spread their message, to spread it to the student body and, more importantly, spread it to the Board of Trustees to get their support,�

Wisniewski said.

Class of 2012 Sen. and D.C. native Nicholas Anders was one of the 16 senators to support the resolution. “Imagine if growing up in Texas, California, wherever you grew up, throughout life, every law that your town passed literally had to be approved by the federal government,� Anders said. ing to AU’s website.

The University hopes to recognize more meaningfully the funds that are donated to the University through raising donation levels, Taylor said in the Feb. 9 article. “We took a close look at one of our beloved traditions, the President’s Circle, which revealed a concerning trend: declining gift impact given the rising expenses of solicitation and stewardship,� said Minar in American. “After a study of peer institutions, analyses of current support and consultation with University leadership, we made the decision to increase membership levels.�

Taylor also noted that donors who continue to donate in the $1,000--$2,499 range will be invited to new recognition events in spring 2013.

Events for donors at the $1,000-$2,499 level include regional reception-style recognition events and two larger events that will be hosted in D.C. and New York City in the spring, Petrie said. “The events are an opportu-

“They’ve never had a voice in the federal government to have any input at representing them.

Imagine that.�

Kogod School of Business Sen. Al Robinson said historical precedent indicates that D.C. was never meant to be a state.

Robinson voted against the resolution.

Some senators were also wary that the addition of two new senators to the U.S. Senate would upset the balance of political parties. “If you’re going to create two whole new senators, that is a massive deal at the federal level,� said Class of 2012 Sen. Roger Deming. “The amount of power a single senator has over control of not just policy in different areas, but also national policy, is immense. So I’m always kind of hesitant that we want to go down this route because the influence they have over other national policies by virulent fact that the capital resides within their borders.�

The resolution passed by a vote of 16-4-1.

HMONGILIO@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

nity to show our appreciation, provide opportunities to interact with and learn from University leadership and faculty, network with each other and keep our donors engaged in the life of the University,� Petrie said.

Donors who meet and exceed the $2,500 mark in the new fiscal year will be invited to the October 2012 President’s Circle dinner and will be formally recognized as contributors to AU in fall 2012 recognition material, according to the Feb 9. announcement. “We would not be where we are today without philanthropic support from gifts small to large,� Minar said in American.

The Office of Development and Alumni Relations does not advertise, but the University has made investments in alumni outreach and has kept donations from dropping during the recession through this outreach, Petrie said.

AU has raised $1.5 million more in donations this year than at this time last year, Petrie said.

SHOGAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

8

Metro rail and bus fares may increase if the Board of Directors approves the proposal.

EAGLE STAFF WRITER The operating budget is separate from the budget funding conMetro rail and bus fares may struction of the Metrorail, includincrease significantly on July 1 to ing the new Silver Line, Lukis said. cover the deficit in the Washington “Fares are likely to stay at the inMetropolitan Area Transit Author- creased price,� Lukis said. “When ity’s budget. they will decrease is not definite, The proposed increases for but it all depends on whether we SmarTrip users include: see an increase in revenue.� t *ODSFBTF PG .*/*.6.

WMATA will hold public hearfare during off-peak hours ings to gain feedback from the from $1.60 to $1.70 for Metro- community until March 7 in D.C., rail Maryland and Virginia. The Board t *ODSFBTF .FUSPCVT GBSF of Directors will review comments from $1.50 to $1.60 from these sessions in April. t .BYJNVN GBSF PG UP Despite the fare increase, Colfarthest points during peak lege of Arts and Sciences freshhours for Metrorail, up from man Becky Royer said she will still $5 use Metrorail and Metrobus. t .BYJNVN GBSF PG “I don’t think it will make me to farthest points during off- take the Metro any less, but it is peak hours for Metrorail, up frustrating to see prices go up,� from $2.75 she said.

Peak hours are 5-9:30 a.m. and School of Communication 3-7 p.m. on freshman Lawweekdays. rence Kubli Metrorail said WMATA customers is targeting with paper students who fare cards will have no other be charged a -- CAS freshman Becky Boyer transportation. flat rate of $6 “It’s a form during peak of entraphours and $4 ment,� he said. the remain“They know der of the time. Metrobus custom- that D.C. is a city with a large stuers will be charged $2 for a local dent population which need the stop bus and $4 for the express Metro in order to get around.� bus.

The Metro Board of Directors Metro construction to stop will vote on the fare increase and WMATA will stop most conother changes to the fiscal year struction work on the Metrorail 2013 operating budget in June. during cherry blossom season to accommodate visitors. This will Increase to cover deficit include: WMATA may need to increase t /P XFFLFOE USBDL XPSL fares to cover the deficit in the from March 24-April 15 current budget to operate and t /P NJEEBZ USBDL XPSL maintain Metrorail and Metrobus, from March 26-April 13 WMATA Director of Media RelaAll other scheduled track work tions Caroline Lukis said. during this season will take place Subsidies and passenger fares after 10 p.m., according to the Feb. primarily fund WMATA’s operat- 22 press release. ing budget, which pays for personStudents can stay informed nel, supplies and other services to about Metrorail announcements operate MetroAccess, Metrobus through WMATA’s updated and Metrorail, according to the MetroAlerts, which alerts customfiscal year 2013 budget proposal. ers by email or text about upcomWMATA is looking to increase rev- ing changes or delays. enue from both sources to meet a Lukis said customers can now larger operating budget for fiscal receive information regarding year 2013, a WMATA spokesper- Metrorail and Metrobus as well as son said. specify which updates they want to The operating budget will in- receive. crease by 8 percent to $1.6 billion NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Bon Appetit adopts animal friendly practices

By MISHIEL AYUB AND PAIGE JONES

By JOE STE.MARIE

EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND

EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“It’s frustrating to see the prices go up.�

AU’s food services company Bon AppÊtit will eliminate all food produced using practices that harm animal welfare.

The new program will probably not raise prices next year at Bon Appetit’s dining services, according to the director of communications for Bon AppÊtit Bonnie Azab Powell, .

Bon AppĂŠtit will eliminate eggs produced by hens living in battery cages and pork produced with gestation crates by 2015. Gestation crates and battery cages are among the most significant abuses to farm animals, according to a statement from the Humane Society.

Eggs raised without battery cages cost less than a cent more per egg, Balk said. Pork produced outside of gestation crates might save money too, Balk said.

Bon AppĂŠtit plans to “menu carefullyâ€? so that meal plans stay the same price, Powell said. “Bon AppĂŠtit is setting itself apart from its competitors in the industry by creating this

historic animal welfare initiative,� said Josh Balk, director of corporate policy at the Humane Society.

Hens in battery cages receive a small amount of space to move, Balk said. “Egg laying hens are confined in barren wire cages in which they can’t even spread their wings,� he said. “Each hen is given less space than a sheet of paper on which to live for her entire life.�

Balk said gestation crates for pigs are so small the pig is unable to fully move for years at a time. “[The crates are] barely larger than the pigs own bodies ‌ for as long as most students are at American University, a pig will never be able to turn around,â€? he said.

Bon AppÊtit announced Feb. 21 that it would begin searching for producers who meet some of the industry’s strictest animal welfare standards.

Bon AppĂŠtit hopes to drive its suppliers to change their practices, according to a company press release. “We couldn’t wait anymore,â€?

Powell said. “We needed to

Today@AU gets new Web-based format

By REBECCA ZISSER EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Today@AU is getting a technological makeover.

The new format will still be sent out in an email and will be viewable online. The look will be similar to the old version, but the technology will be Webbased instead of email-based.

The redesign will launch March 9. “This is a workflow that’s more efficient and streamlined,� Maralee Csellar said, associate director of Media Relations.

Submitters will now be able to choose a target audience from students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff or all, Director of Web Communications Barbara Emshwiller said, who works for University Communica-

tions and Marketing.

Users will see the announcements that are most relevant to them when they log onto their my.AU portal. All Today@AU announcements were previously viewable to everyone.

People will still be able to view all of the announcements by clicking the “digest� button on the left-hand navigation bar in the portal.

Submitters will also be able to request that their announcements run for up to seven days, according to the memo.

Other changes in the new system include: the option to submit an announcement that targets a specific part of the AU community, longer posting time frames and the option to view announcements from previous days, according a March 2 memorandum from UCM

make the requirement and hope that would galvanize more action to go on in the supply chain.�

If the company can’t find suppliers who will meet the standards, students may have to eat other meats beside chicken, Powell said. “We may have to make some adjustments,� he said. “You may have to eat a few more turkey sandwiches. Right now, the supply doesn’t exist.�

Some students from the AU student group American Vegan Outreach said they do not think the reform goes far enough. “If nothing else, saying ‘they’re not in crates anymore’ doesn’t keep them from dying,� said Taylor Kenkel, School of Communications sophomore and co-president of the group. “It just sugarcoats it.�

However, School of International Service freshman Katherin Sibel said she is proud of Bon AppĂŠtit’s step forward. “Bon AppĂŠtit is taking an initiative,â€? she said. “They’re incredible compared to other cafĂŠs and foodservice companies.â€?

Bon AppĂŠtit operates over 400 cafĂŠs at 31 universities nationwide, according to a statement from the company.

NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

and the Office of Information Technology.

The submission form has also changed, including an addition of dropdown menus to determine the announcement’s category to make the approval process more streamlined and further specify to whom each announcement is directed.

The current process for creating a Today@AU entry includes submitting an announcement through my.AU, which is then sent to UCM for approval. E-News Coordinator for University Publications Suzanne Bechamps edits and assembles the announcements into the email that is delivered to the AU community each morning. “It’s been like this for 10 years,� Emshwiller said. “It’s somewhat of an outdated tool.�

Daily Today@AU emails will continue to be sent out to the entire AU community until the implementation of a system Continued on Page 10

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

College insurances must cover contraception costs

By HANNAH BLATT, SAM JACKSON, AMANDA MUSCAVAGE AND ANNA SCALAMOGNA EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

D.C. colleges will soon be required to offer health insurance policies that provide birth control at no cost to employees and students, as part of recent developments in a bill that was vetoed in the U.S. Senate March 1.

The bill would have made it optional for employers and religiously affiliated institutions, including colleges, to deny insurance coverage for contraceptives on religious or moral grounds, according to The Washington Post.

The Blunt Bill, named for its creator Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., challenged President Barack Obama’s mandate requiring all institutions, regardless of religious affiliation, to provide insurance policies that cover birth control in early February.

The bill would not have applied to AU’s Student Health Center, which dispenses birth control at $15 for a month’s supply.

AU’s Student Health Center dispensed 2,109 units of birth control from January to December 2011, according to the health center’s records.

If the Health Center does not carry the brand of birth control a student requests, the student can get a prescription to be filled at a nearby pharmacy.

Students can find additional contraception at the Wellness Center, which offers condoms, dental dams and information regarding both sexual health and abstinence.

“For college students, the Health Center is the one-stop shop for condoms and birth control,” said Hayley Miller, a senior in the School of Communica-

tion.

About 8,000 students visit the Health Center each year. About 70 percent of those students are female, according to Student Health Center Director Daniel Bruey.

“AU is pretty open about [birth control and sexual education],” said Nora Morse, a senior in the School of Public Affairs and an executive board member of AU’s Students for Choice.

Birth control should be offered at every student health center regardless of their religious affiliation, Morse said.

“It doesn’t encourage people to take birth control, it doesn’t encourage people to have sex, it’s just a basic health care need,” Morse said.

Catholic provides limited contraception George Washington University’s Student Health Services also provides students with information on and access to various types of contraceptives, such as birth control, condoms and Plan B. They also include a survey that gives students the ability to determine the best birth control prescription for them.

“They’ve always done a good job of helping students with whatever their needs may be on this issue,” said Daniel Meighan, a senior at George Washington University.

“Throughout my time here, I’d say the consensus is that the health center is doing a good job.”

However, Catholic University of America’s Student Health Services provides students with very limited contraceptives on campus on the basis of the Catholic Church’s teachings on premarital sex and birth control.

CUA students are required “to live in accordance with Catholic values

and expectations,” according to the CUA Student Conduct Code.

This means students are expected to heed the Catholic Church’s bans on contraceptives and premarital sex. CUA can pursue disciplinary action for any violation of the policy.

“If a student living on campus has any form of birth control or condoms, they can be written up and fined for it, and it will be taken away,” said Alyson Stapleton, a sophomore at CUA. “While the school promotes abstinence, I would argue that the rate of sexual activity on this campus is incredibly high and much higher than what its administrators think it is.”

CUA Medical Director Dr. Loretta Staudt said Student Health Services provides prescriptions for oral contraceptives only if they are intended to treat medical conditions, like ovarian cysts, endometriosis or dysmenorrhea.

If students look for any service that is not provided at CUA’s Student Health Services, they are directed to find a local provider who accepts their insurance through their health plan’s provider list, Staudt said.

Callie Otto, a senior at Catholic University and president of CUA’s student group Students for Choice, said the group recently collected signatures for a petition in support of students having access to birth control on campus.

CUA asked the group to leave campus. The university does not officially recognize the Students for Choice group, which has 10-12 active members and 65 students on their Facebook group.

NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

9

New deals site offers D.C. discounts

By JESSICA MARSALA EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sebastian the SalesVote Squirrel is cracking open some good nuts, or deals, in D.C. with the new social networking company SalesVote.

SalesVote is similar to LivingSocial and Groupon because it offers discounted deals. However, it mainly uses social network websites such as Facebook and Twitter to tell people about deals, and it updates weekly rather than daily. The site gives users the opportunity to win money by sharing the deals through Facebook and Twitter.

SalesVote CEO Zak Kidd said SalesVote targets people living in D.C., especially those who are active on social networking sites. Kidd said the company reached out to colleges like AU and George Washington University through fliers and outreach to sororities and fraternities. SalesVote also takes interns from local

colleges.

“On the merchant side it’s different because we are locally owned and operated, that helps; we’re small, that helps,” Kidd said. “We also create a lot of media for our merchants that other competitors do not.”

The company recently launched the game “Last to Share” in November. In this game, the last customer to share one of SalesVote’s weekly deals by Facebook or Twitter every day wins a cash prize depending on the number of shares, according to Kidd.

As more customers share the deal, the cash prize accumulates more money and time. After each new share, 20 seconds are added to the timer.

The customers who choose to purchase the deal instead of sharing it are not able to win money.

Kidd said he launched SalesVote in May 2011 and chose a squirrel for the company’s mascot due to the animal’s versatility.

“We like the squirrel be-

AU Dems meet with U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen

By IULIA GHEORGHIU EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., didn’t have time to speak to AU College Democrats on campus. So AU College Democrats came to him.

Nine AU College Democrats visited Van Hollen’s Capitol Hill office March 5 on Van Hollen’s invitation to discuss fiscal policy.

The congressman spent 45 minutes with the students, postponing another legislative meeting and

offering his own office to another group that had reserved the conference room where they met.

“He was not able to come to campus because he is very busy, but he invited us to come,” said Benjamin Ritz, director of AU Dems’ Fiscal Policy Caucus.

Van Hollen spoke to the students about the increasing budget deficit that will need to be dealt with after the presidential elections and the need to respond to expiring tax-cuts and heightened partisan ten-

cause we kind of feel like if you are in any city you do run into squirrels and they are always trying to find nuts or acorns or food, you know, kind of like a deal, so we felt that there’s a nice similarity there,” Kidd said.

School of Communication sophomore Rebecca Fuger began interning at SalesVote this semester to help promote the company.

“I also enjoy … being the mediator between a business and the press,” she said.

Groupon Director of Communications Julie Mossler said Groupon did not wish to comment on SalesVote. LivingSocial did not respond to an email asking for comment.

“We never comment on other companies,” Mossler said. “Washington, D.C. is one of Groupon’s strongest markets with a very loyal merchant and customer following, and we truly enjoy supporting the local economy.”

Kidd said SalesVote is currently in the process of patenting its “Last to Share” deal and may expand to other locales. However, SalesVote remains restricted to the D.C. area for now.

NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

sions in Congress.

“There’s minimal support from the Republican side for a balanced approach,” Van Hollen said.

Van Hollen also talked about political tensions between Republicans and Democrats and the budgetary issues posed by the end of the Bush-era tax cuts.

Ritz was put in contact with Van Hollen’s scheduler after the congressman’s office invited members of AU Dems to be part of Van Hollen’s entourage during the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Van Hollen served on the Congressional Joint Selection Committee on Deficit Reduction, or the Super-Committee.

“The Not-So-Super Committee,” as Van Hollen Continued on Page 10

theEAGLE NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

10

Students protest at Dept. of Education

By JAMES BOONE AND PAIGE JONES EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER AND EAGLE STAFF WRITER

About 40 AU students protested perceived flaws in the education system March 1 at the Department of Education.

A line of cops blocked students from AU and other local colleges from approaching the Department of Education. The students began sharing their personal stories of debt in front of the police as a Department of Education aid listened to their grievances.

School of International Service professor Cathy Schneider said she attended college for $250 during her time.

“I think the main problem is that the government has stopped funding higher education,” she said. “It is good for this country to have educated people, but it is not good for this country to have people graduating so in debt.”

One woman shared her story of moving from Guatemala to

America to receive a better education at her parents’ encouragement. Now she is $7,000 in debt after taking out student loans.

College of Arts and Sciences freshman Niusha Nawab said he is already $50,000 in debt after attending AU for a semester.

“As a whole, my parents make enough money that we don’t qualify for any financial aid, but not rich enough to really afford this school,” he said. “I’m paying for college on loans and I’m going to have to spend my summer looking for scholarships.”

Students cheered as the Education Department aid said he identified with the protestors since he went through the public education system. He elicited more cheers when he said he was from Chicago.

Before marching to the Department of Education from Dupont Circle, the protestors stopped at financial loan company Sallie Mae on Pennsylvania Avenue.

They shouted “no funding cuts, no fees, education should

Revamped Today@AU to launch March 9 Continued from Page 8

that will let one choose to opt in or out of a Today@AU RSS feed, according to the memo.

“We’re going to continue to push it out through email as well,” Emshwiller said.

March 2 was the last day to submit Today@AU’s before the relaunch, and March 5 was the last day of the old Today@AU format. There will be no Today@AU’s from March 6-8 until the new format goes live March 9.

“I think the decision to make it an Web-based platform is a really good idea,” said Peter Namie, a sophomore in the School of International Studies.

Other students expressed a similar sentiment.

“I’ve had trouble submitting announcements in the past so I’m glad they’re making it easier and that I will be able to track the progress of my announcements online,” said Nellie Mitchell, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences.

RZISSER@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

be free!” and “Education is a right, we won’t go without a fight!”

Some bystanders shook their heads while others began chanting with students and joined the march.

Several protestors told their personal stories outside Sallie Mae, revealing their struggles with student loans.

One woman shared her personal story of working hard to get into college despite losing her parents, calling Sallie Mae’s practices “predatory.”

Sallie Mae representatives listened to the protestors’ grievances, but removed signs saying “Sallie Mae Go Away” when the protestors taped them to the building. Protestors continued their march to the Department of Education, shouting “We’ll be back!” to Sallie Mae representatives.

After an hour, the protestors debated whether to “occupy” the space in front of the Department of Education, but decided against it.

The protestors claimed education is a fundamental right instead of a privilege, according to a flyer handed out at the event.

NEWS@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Congressman invites AU Dems for fiscal policy talk Continued from Page 9

called it, did not achieve a compromise.

“I actually fought for them; I fought for a good amount of that time that we actually could get a compromise,” Van Hollen said.

“I wasn’t waking up and thinking about going through the motions.

I remember thinking, ‘let’s try and find a way to get this done and work with my colleagues.’”

Given Van Hollen’s position, the meeting was an opportunity for the FPC to learn about “what happened in those close-door meetings,” Ritz said.

Philip Scranage, press secretary for AU Democrats, was interested in meeting Van Hollen to learn about addressing disagreements, calling Van Hollen a “real compromiser.”

“He is intent on finding compromises with Republicans and Democrats, to move policy forward,” Scranage said.

The absence of cooperation was part of the reason Super-Committee failed, Van Hollen said.

“He had a lot to say about …

Students praise adjuncts Continued from Page 6

said. “It’s a reciprocal relationship.”

Student groups such as the Student Worker Alliance have been trying to change the tide on this front. The group advocates for the lives of all and any workers on campus, according to College of Arts and Sciences junior and panel event organizer Ethan Miller.

“We’re here at AU; this is our college,” Miller said. “To be able to help others realize what’s happening here with contingent faculty and adjunct professors’ struggles are significant.”

Other students feel the same way about their adjunct professors.

“Everyone is usually surprised because they don’t think adjuncts are qualified,” said Student Worker Alliance member and CAS sophomore Carmen Mason.

“Sometimes my adjunct professors are my favorite [professors] because they are the most dedicated ones you can have.”

SIS and CAS junior Téa Sefer

said only one of the 21 professors she has had so far has been a full time professor. Of the 20 adjunct professors she has had for classes, only a few disclosed they were adjuncts during teacher evaluations.

Sefer said some of her favorite professors have been adjuncts such as Dr. Leah Perry, who moved to New York after she was offered a full time, tenured position at State College of New York Empire State College. Perry taught Gender and Society classes at AU. “How are we supposed to find mentors when these people leave because they don’t have time for office hours or have to leave because they find a better job?”

Sefer said.

RZISSER@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

the strategies that we can use when you’re talking about issues of fiscal policy,” Scranage said.

Scranage said the congressman treated the Democrats as constituents. Van Hollen extended their meeting for 15 minutes longer than scheduled, addressing all questions the students had.

While the Democrats that attended the meeting appreciated the opportunity to meet Van Hollen, Ritz recognized that such opportunities may not come for a while because of a busy campaign season.

“It would probably have to happen after the election,” Ritz said.

AU Democrats has organized other opportunities for its members to meet with staff members on Capitol Hill, but this is the first time an AU Democrats’ caucus is meeting with a congressman.

“We think that actually speaking directly to the representatives about our interests regarding fiscal policy is a lot more productive than other means, like protests,” Zack Carroll said, a freshman in the School of International Service who attended the meeting.

theEAGLE TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

11

Week of

Social Entrepreneurship Where business and innovation meet progressive ideas and social change. / $"+". 0&,+ . &/"! &+ 0%" # /0 - "! +! &+0". ,++" 0"! 3,.)! ,# $), )&6 0&,+ 3" As a generation raised in the fast-paced and interconnected world of globalization, we can leverage tools like never before to + )"2". $" 0,,)/ )&(" +"2". "#,." 0, !.&2" /, & ) % +$" 0 &/ 0&*" #,. /01!"+0/ 0, ',&+ 0%" % ) &# " ' & ' ! #% &'( "'& '# # " ' ($ " #! " . # # "'% $% " (%& $ , ! % " 1- +! ,*&+$ #&")! ,# , & ) +0."-."+"1./%&- %" "2"+0/ )"! 5 *".& + %& * " ) %& ',-& ## # "' %" ' #" %) " % % ( ' #(" ! % " " ) %& ', ( & " !$(& +&2"./&05 / %,,) ,# +0".+ 0&,+ ) ".2& " +!".$. !1 0" ,1+ &) +! , /-,+/,."! 5 #! '# ' % '# #&' * # ) "'& & " '# % & * % " && " ' % #% ' & + ' " " * .

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A leading social entrepreneur in the DC-area will Open to the public, students will submit and display speak about what SE is, and what it’s like taking on a social entrepreneurship proposals to a panel of + #&+! 0%" --)& 0&,+ 0 0%" +!".$. ! ,1+ &) 3" - $" 0%.,1$% 01!"+0

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$ $

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They will also be resources to answer students’

Friday, April 13th Benefit Concert in Downtown DC $ " the Delta Phi Epsilon Professional Foreign Service

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alum’s SE initiative: Scholarships for Burma

Saturday, April 14th Service for Burma Service day in DC in conjunction with Scholarships for Burma and Alternative Break Trip: BurmaPromoting Democracy and Freedom Through

D.C. CHILLIN’

The best ways to explore D.C. over spring break 14 TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

Scene

AUDIOPHILE

The Scene talks to afrofunk band Chopteeth 16

12

SUB to bring Gym Class Heroes to AU on March 24

By MAEVE MCDERMOTT EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Gym Class Heroes will bring their radio-friendly rock to the Tavern March 24 for the Student Union Board’s first concert of the semester.

The show is free for students with AU IDs and limited to the first 500 students who line up on the day of the show.

The group formed almost 10 years before they hit it big with the 2006 single “Cupid’s Chokehold,” when singer/emcee Travis McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley met (where else?) in gym class at their high school.

After beefing up their lineup with a few more members, the band hit the Warped Tour circuit, playing small shows and festivals across the country.

Along the way, Gym Class Heroes attracted the attention of former Fall Out Boy and scene golden boy Pete Wentz, who signed them to his label Decaydence Records.

Wentz’s Fall Out Boy bandmate Patrick Stump produced the band’s breakthrough al-

bum, “As Cruel As School Children.” Stump also lent his vocals to what would become the group’s biggest hit of their career, the Supertramp-sampling radio hit “Cupid’s Chokehold.”

On the success of “As Cruel As School Children,” Gym Class Heroes rose from scruffy Bamboozle upstarts to rising stars, and McCoy in particular gained visibility as the band’s high-profile frontman, dating Katy Perry and appearing on the “Snakes on a Plane” soundtrack.

The band disbanded for a few years for the members to pursue their own projects, but reunited last year to make “The Papercut Chronicles II,” which yielded the popular single “Stereo Love” featuring Maroon 5’s Adam Levine.

If you loved We the Kings last semester, make sure to check out fellow Warped Tour alums Gym Class Heroes in the Tavern March 24.

COURTESY OF CARTOON NETWORK

TV PICK: REGULAR SHOW

By DAVID KAHEN-KASHI EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MMCDERMOTT@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

COURTESY OF LAST.FM

AU Students for Choice screen ‘The Coat Hanger Project’

By CASEY BRAND EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A knitting needle. A laundry pin. A coat hanger.

In 2012, these objects are ordinary.

But before 1973, the year that abortion was legalized by the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, even the coat hanger was a symbol of illegal abortion.

On Monday Feb. 27, the AU Students for Choice screened “The Coat Hanger Project,” a documentary by feminist filmmaker Angie Young. The documentary is a brief history of abortion and the reproductive justice movement in the years before Roe v. Wade.

The title of the film is a reference to the use of coat hangers in illegal, “do-it-yourself” abortions that often led to the deaths of the women involved. These women attempted to terminate their pregnancies by piercing their membranes with a coat

hanger or other sharp object, inducing labor.

The film touts statistics: Currently between 60,000 and 80,000 women die annually due to complications from illegal abortions according the film and website.

Since the legalization of abortion, less than 1% of all legal abortions in the United States have complications.

The film features interviews with medical professionals, pro-abortion rights activists, students and professors. Founders of pro-abortion rights organizations speak about their experiences as both activists and women. Students in the film discuss their generation’s role in the pro-abortion rights and anti-abortion movements.

The documentary also depicts the protests and counter-protests that occur outside of clinics that perform abortions.

Members of the AU Students for Choice had first-hand experience with anti- protesters when they counter-protested the

March for Life, an annual march from the National Mall to the Supreme Court in support of the repeal of Roe v. Wade.

After the film, AU Students for Choice executive board members answered questions about the film and shared their personal experiences as pro-abortion rights advocates.

Tea Sefer, a junior in the School of International Service and College of Arts and Sciences, is on the AU Students for Choice e-board. Sefer explained that AU Students for Choice wanted to show the film to increase awareness about abortion as it existed before Roe v. Wade.

“I think there are a lot of misconceptions about abortion, and we thought it would very powerful for students to see the history of abortion, especially as the debate has gotten more polarized,” Sefer said. “We wanted to get people thinking.”

The film, which is very graphic at times, certainly does that. Its intense nature kept viewers lingering afterwards to discuss the implications of the film’s message.

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Weird, quixotic and subversive are only a few of the words that could be used to describe the provocative program “Regular Show.”

Far from the usual adventures common to the animated worlds of Cartoon Network, this show chronicles the lives of a virtuous blue jay named Mordecai and the mischievous Rigby the raccoon, 23-year-old best friends who work at the local park as groundskeepers in constant pursuit of inspired ways shoot the breeze.

From the mind of J.G. Quintel (“Camp Lazlo,” “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack”), the show switches gears from quirky rom-com to supernatural action.

Mordecai and Rigby fend off personified summer pop songs and rappers with magical beats, in the form of Tyler, the Creator and Donald Glover (“Community”), and fight for the love of Margaret, a robin who works at the local coffee shop.

Featuring a peculiar yet lovable cast of characters, including Skips the Yeti (voiced by Mark Hamill); Pops Maellard, a balloon headed man who often offers avuncular advice to the heroes; and Benson, a high-strung gum ball machine who manages the park.

With an ’80s soundtrack that underscores the characters’ surreal exploits, the show delivers laughs with quality writing and vivid animation. Fans of “Parks and Recreation” will find plenty to love here.

This season, its third, features more offbeat adventures, like possessed computer glitches and embarrassing accidental phone messages. Robert Englund (“Nightmare on Elm Street”), Carl Weathers (“Rocky”) and voice acting royalty Steve Blum (“Cowboy Bebop”) also guest star.

Tune in to Cartoon Network Monday nights at 8 p.m. for more “Regular Show.”

It’s anything but.

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

LOOK OF THE WEEK

MenswearforSpring MADELINE BEARD — FASHION When it comes to men’s fashion, there is a lot more to putting a look together than meets the eye. With spring just around the corner, the time is right to ditch the old high school tees and upgrade to something more your age and less your shoe size.

Tyler Brown, a sophomore studying public health in the College of Arts and Sciences, keeps his style simple and sophisticated year-round by balancing his wardrobe between second-hand pieces and investment items.

“My style is very relaxed and preppy,” Brown said. “I am always inspired by the style of old men walking down the street. They own years on years of clothes, so they’re always wearing the coolest stuff.”

He cites local thrift stores like Goodwill, Montgomery County Thrift, Georgia Avenue Thrift and Reddz as essential places to stock items for his wardrobe.

“I love finding men’s shirts and cardigans at thrift stores,” Brown said. “I’ll buy my jeans, sunglasses and shoes full price because they’re good investment pieces.”

The warmer months also mean packing away your heavy jeans and opting for a lighter approach when it comes to pants. Brown gives some guidelines on how to keep your look polished in the heat.

“Guys should never wear cargo shorts,” he said. “Jorts (jean shorts) are only OK if you know what to pair them with. Chino shorts are ideal, because they look exactly like cargo shorts except without the pockets. And definitely no pleats.”

Brown also suggests transitioning footwear from wet weather boots to flip-flops, Sperrys and sneakers during the spring season. However, he gives an adamant reminder that not every shoe is appropriate for every occasion.

“Stop wearing your tennis shoes everywhere, unless you’re an athlete and you’re

going to practice,” Brown said. “Invest in nicer shoes, people actually pay attention to your feet sometimes.”

While Brown likes to maintain his own personal style, he does acknowledge a few trends he is looking forward to trying as the temperature rises.

“I could see myself rocking a pair of pink chinos with a denim button down,” said Brown. “I’m also all about the sunglasses that flip up with the hinges on them. In my opinion, those are a very hot-to-get item for spring.”

Although seasonal trends come and go, there is one must-have item Brown believes will always remain current.

“Invest in a full-length mirror, that’s a big deal,” Brown said. “It’s important that you’re fully aware of proportions and fit before you leave the house.”

Throughout the changing seasons, Brown stands by the idea that men’s fashion can be as expressive as women’s.

“With men’s fashion, while, yes, it is a bit more limited than women’s in the most conventional sense, I believe you’re really only as limited as you let yourself,” Brown said. “You’re only as limited as your closet.” mbeard@theeagleonline. com

HeadtoToe THRIFTED CARDIGAN

Christian Dior

THRIFTED POLO L.L. Bean

JEANS Uniqlo

BOOTS

Red Wing

Photo: MADELINE BEARD / THE EAGLE

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE. LET @THEEAGLEONLINE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE ROCKING THIS WINTER.

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

14

D.C. CHILLIN’

By CHELSEA CLAYS / EAGLE COLUMNIST

While some of your friends may be heading back home for spring break, going on an alternative break or living it up in [insert tropical destination here], some of us (myself included) are stuck in the nation’s capital next week.

Instead of being down in the dumps, get excited for five whole days of free time to explore everywhere in D.C. that you have not had the time to take advantage of this semester. By following this must-do guide, you can make this week one of your best spring breaks.

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

SILVER SCREEN ‘Undefeated’ beats the Oscar competition GRADE: ABy CASEY BRAND EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

TRY A NEW BITE

With TDR closed during spring break, take this as an opportunity for a culinary expedition into D.C.’s restaurant scene. Try Shophouse, Chipotle’s new Southeast Asian street food concept store. (The banh mi with chicken/pork meatballs is out of this world.)

If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner, make reservations for Founding Farmers, a nationally renowned restaurant that strives to bring the best locally sourced products to be incorporated into their menu. Be sure to order their Popcorn of the Day. For our animal lovers, try Sticky Fingers Bakery, a vegan bakery in Columbia Heights whose cupcakes have won Food Network’s show “Cupcake Wars” not once, but twice. Animal friendly AND delicious? Win.

Winning the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, “Undefeated” sets itself apart from the many mediocre sports films that plague the industry today.

The documentary tells the story of a losing football team at Manassas High School in Memphis, Tenn. In a community devastated by the loss of jobs, the Manassas Tigers struggle to stay in school, not to mention on the football team.

The film focuses on the Tigers’ coach, Bill Courtney, and three very different players — Chavis Daniels, Montrail “Money” Brown and O.C. Brown, a student with a criminal past who struggles with anger issues, preventing him from being a team player. O.C. has all the makings of a football star, but his grades threaten

his rising status. “Money” is an academic who is discouraged by an injury on the football field.

The varied struggles of the football players drive the film. Viewers quickly become invested in the fate of these strangers.

The film draws much of its emotional heft from the relationships between Coach Courtney and the players. Courtney sacrifices much of his time for the team, often putting the Tigers ahead of his own family. While this sacrifice is characteristic of many sports films, Courtney acknowledges negative consequences of giving up time with his family. The kindness he shows the football players is genuine.

“Undefeated” does not shy away from issues of class or race. In a twist that harkens back to “The Blind Side,” one of the other football coaches offers to house O.C. so he can see a tutor and improve his grades. O.C.’s reflections on the differences between his own neighborhood and

the coach’s significantly wealthier neighborhood are striking; he relates his observations candidly and without spite.

Courtney undoubtedly has an effect on the lives of the players.

In an unquestionably symbolic gesture, Daniels changes his number from “0” to “35,” reflecting his changed attitude.

Throughout the film, Coach Courtney emphasizes the importance of character by giving an award to the “Uncommon Man of the Week.”

The documentary is effective because it displays the personal struggles of the players, not only their struggles as a team.

On the football field, the Manassas Tigers are not, in fact, “undefeated.”

The title of the film instead seems to refer to their personal successes.

“Undefeated” is not the story of a football team but a depiction of individual lives and the ways in which they intersect. As Coach Courtney says in the film, an individual’s character is more important than wins or losses, not only in football, but in life.

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

FUN FACT FINDING Maybe you already have a favorite museum after exploring D.C. during Welcome Week or prior visits to the city (mine is the Museum of Natural History), but during this spring break, how about showing the lesser-known museums some love?

Try the Postal Museum with its insanely large collection of stamps, or the American Art Museum to see an original Georgia O’Keefe or the Annie Leibovitz exhibit before it closes.

For information on these museums, visit www.si.edu/ Museums

BIKING AND BAGELS One of the most beautiful and well-maintained bike trails runs right near AU’s campus: the Capital Crescent Trail. This trail runs from Georgetown to Bethesda and is open to runners, bikers and rollerbladers. The closest trail entrance for AU students is at the end of Arizona Avenue and goes for six miles before reaching lovely downtown Bethesda.

After sweating through that bike ride (or run or rollerblading session), treat yourself to a Georgetown cupcake or a Bethesda Bagel.

You’ve earned it.

For more information on the Capital Crescent Trail, visit www. cctrail.org.

TURN A NEW PAGE For the students looking for a more mellow break, try searching D.C.’s fantastic bookstores for literary work to devour during your free, albeit limited, time this spring break. Student favorites include Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café in Dupont Circle, Barnes & Noble in Georgetown or Busboys & Poets in U Street.

Whether it’s rereading an old favorite, trying out a suggestion from a friend or reading “Hunger Games” before the movie comes out later this month, kick back and relax with a good book over your spring break.

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

15

SILVER SCREEN

COURTESY OF NICOLE RIVELLI

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN GRADE: A

By KENDALL BREITMAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

COURTESY OF BETH DUBBER

PROJECT X GRADE: A-

BY JANE MORICE EAGLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As much as we all hate to admit it, the superficiality of high school can really cut us to the core; the desire to be well liked is ubiquitous. Therefore, one of the best ways to get noticed is to throw an epic house party, right?

In the film “Project X,” that is exactly what three high school outcasts decided to do, and let’s just say it worked in their favor.

On their best friend’s birthday, Costa (Oliver Cooper) and J.B. (Jonathan Daniel Brown) decide to plan a party that Thomas (Thomas Mann) will never forget, especially since they recruited the help of an A/V Club member named Dax (Dax Flame) to document the whole night.

The film’s cast was chosen on a nationwide talent search, so the main characters were newcomers to the big screen. Neverthe-

less, their performances were so believable that the viewer may even think it really was a documentary.

This point is exacerbated by the shaky camera work, making it seem like Dax really was filming the whole movie himself.

Produced by the director of “Old School” and “The Hangover” (Todd Phillips), it’s no surprise the film is filled to the brim with laugh-out-loud moments.

It is safe to say that the audience will certainly not be bored at any point during “Project X.” The crude humor, uncouth language, nudity and liberal drug and alcohol use throughout the movie add to the film’s humor but also guarantee that this film is definitely not one to see with one’s parents.

In fact, even the more unbelievable moments of the film (like busting a gnome open and finding a ton of ecstasy or the untamed use of a flamethrow-

er) just add to the shock factor and keep the audience engaged throughout.

One of best parts of the film was actually the soundtrack. From hardcore gangsta rap to some incredible party songs, like the Steve Aoki remix of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” and “H.A.M.”

by Jay-Z & Kanye West, the audience was having (almost) as much fun as the kids at the party. Limiting the music to songs that are well-known and liked was definitely a smart decision.

The fun and games don’t last forever, however, and the party ends up in mass chaos on a level that the audience does not see coming. It goes without explanation, though, that these previously outcast high schoolers achieved their goal: throwing the craziest party Pasadena, Calif., has ever seen.

THESCENE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

“We Need to Talk About Kevin” explores the ageold nature versus nurture question in a captivating psychological thriller.

Director Lynne Ramsay, whose last feature length, “Morvern Callar,” premiered in 2002, is back with a gripping story of a mother attempting to love her son whom she actually fears.

“We Need to Talk About Kevin” follows the relationship between Eva, played

by Tilda Swinton (“Adaptation”) and her son, Kevin, played by Ezra Miller, from his birth to the day he committed a massacre at his high school and onward.

Despite the title and plot, the film surprisingly does not follow Kevin but, instead, Eva and the psychological torment she endures as she begins to realize there is something wrong with her son. But as Eva begins to fear the worst, she realizes that her husband, played by John C. Reilly (“Stepbrothers”), has already become victim to his manipulation.

The casting for this movie could not have been more fitting. Swinton spun a beautiful portrayal of a concerned and frightened mother before the school massacre and an emotionally distraught and fragile mother of a killer. Although the two roles depicted two completely different women, Swinton played them in a believable and powerful

way that was heartbreakingly realistic.

At first, casting Reilly in such a disturbing film did not seem like an obvious choice, but witnessing him playing this new type of role was surprisingly relatable. The best casting choice came with Miller, who played the eerie portrayal of a disturbingly evil teenager.

Throughout the film Ramsay juxtaposes the past with the present of Eva’s opposite lives through flashbacks. At first it may seem hard to keep up with the movie, but that’s the point. Eva’s life has fallen to pieces and it is hard for even her to keep up.

It’s not just the big things that make “We Need

to Talk About Kevin” so gripping; it’s the details. Aspects as small as the background music transformed the feel of the film. Upbeat folk music overlapped with scenes of Eva witnessing her son bowing in front of a crowd of screaming onlookers and police officers after the massacre creates a bizarre contrast. No second or shot was wasted throughout the entire film.

“We Need To Talk About Kevin” is definitely not a feel-good movie, but it explores a complex relationship that is rarely examined and that will leave you pinned to your seat wondering what will happen next in Eva’s perpetual downward spiral.

KBREITMAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

16

AUDIOPHILE

Chopteeth to tear up U Hall stage

By SEAN MEEHAN EAGLE STAFF WRITER

The stage at U Hall will be a little more crowded than usual and the dance floor a little more alive March 10 thanks to 12-piece “afrofunk orchestra” Chopteeth, who will be doing their best to move every booty in attendance.

Chopteeth, who have won several local awards for world music, combine afrobeat with other bigband African sounds, native D.C. funk and go-go in an effort to create the perfect dance party.

“We play a lot of the bigband African sounds from the ’70s, the kind of hot dance floor that’s hard to come by these days,” lead singer and guitar player Michael Shereikis said in an interview with The Eagle. “The music is for dancing, that’s the key.”

Shereikis first became interested in the African sounds that would eventually become Chopteeth during his time at college in Africa, where he not only learned different styles, but also a different approach to live music.

“I was inspired by my

time living in the Central African Republic with the Peace Corps and later in the Ivory Coast for research on my dissertation,” he said. “It wasn’t about a show in Central Africa, it’s not focused on the performers there; it’s about everybody.”

This philosophy bleeds into Chopteeth’s live shows, during which no member of the band rises above the others, but rather they all play, and dance, together with the audience.

Although they started out focusing only on afrobeat, the band has expanded into other genres in an effort to create an even more danceable groove.

“We’re shooting for a very joyful, easy vibe,” Shereikis said. “We play some very intense, politically charged afrobeat, but we also try to play more joyful stuff like Tabu Ley Rochereau,” the man sometimes described as the African Sam Cooke.

Part of their sound experimentation caused Chopteeth to look more locally, drawing on the D.C. funk and go-go traditions and combining that with their traditional African

Concert pick of the week: White Rabbits/Tennis at Black Cat, March 7

By MAEVE MCDERMOTT EAGLE STAFF WRITER

White Rabbits make straightforward indie rock that sticks to the basics: skittering percussion (via the band’s two drummers), tightly controlled guitars and svelte, so-generic-theywork male vocals.

The Brooklyn six-piece group is currently touring in support of their darker, more expansive third album, “Milk Famous,” released today on TBD Records.

White Rabbits’ sound may not be radical enough to spur you toward the Black Cat this Wednesday, but luckily their tour is bolstered by two acts that make their set worthy of your time.

First, there’s Tennis, the husband-wife duo whose charming debut album “Cape Dory” chronicled their seven-month sailboat trip with slowburning surfpop. The band followed their breakthrough year with last month’s release of their second LP “Young

sounds.

“The afrobeat and gogo audiences don’t always overlap, but when they do, the funk audiences definitely get what we’re doing and they like it,” Shereikis said. “We fit right in with that, we’re just coming at it from a different perspective.”

The show on Saturday will be Chopteeth’s last before making their first trip to New Orleans, and they hope to bring the same energy and danceability that they consistently bring to their local shows.

The All Mighty Senators, a similar afrofunk band who shares a trombone player with Chopteeth, will open the show.

“This is our first time playing with the Almighty Senators, and they are not to be missed,” Shereikis said. “They’re playing first which is silly because we should totally be opening for them.”

Regardless of who opens for whom, both bands promise to make even the most detached hipster shamelessly boogie.

SMEEHAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

and Old,” which paired their airy, vintage sound with beefed-up production from The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.

Also appearing that night is Daughter, the indie-folk project of English singer-songwriter Elena Tonra. Daughter’s second EP “The Wild Youth” was released in the U.S. Feb. 29, and her dramatic lyrics and sweeping melodies are destined for crossover success. Catch her live before she turns into Florence Welch.

Will this White Rabbits live show change your life?

All signs point to no. But if you’re looking for an evening full of pleasant, inoffensive indie rock to take your mind off midterms, the Black Cat can be your safe haven Wednesday night.

MMCDERMOTT@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Looking for new music? DJs at WVAU share their thoughts on a range of recent releases.

THE MAGNETIC FIELDS LOVE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA

When it comes to The Magnetic Fields, you can almost always count on leader Stephen Merritt to deliver concise, wellcrafted pop songs that feature his gloomy yet humorous lyrical bent.

Such is the case on his band’s latest effort, which also marks a return to the band’s signature synth-dominated sound.

And while it’s no “69 Love Songs” (though to be fair, few albums can compare to that

DELTA SPIRIT DELTA SPIRIT

There is an odd similarity between Delta Spirit and Dr. Dog. Both bands started off as roots-rock/psychedelic-esque bands, they attract similar crowds, and their latest albums are similarly most successful when approaching newer and delay-laden sounds.

Delta Spirit’s self-titled third LP has a very strong alt-radio sheen thrown over it, so don’t be surprised to hear any of these tracks surfing the FM waves anytime

FRANKIE ROSE INTERSTELLAR Jangle-pop veteran Frankie Rose (of Vivian Girls, Dum Dum Girls and Crystal Stilts) makes a bold foray into the intimidating world of solo releases with her debut LP. And given the material presented here, it is a wonder as to why she hasn’t ditched the backing bands earlier.

This is an echo-y kind of music, awash with synthesizers and reverberations, yet

LAMBCHOP MR. M Between the elegant string arrangements, jazzy piano, light drums and standup bass, the music on Mr. M sounds like something you could play for your grandparents without any objection. Then singer Kurt Wagner begins the album with the lyric, “Don’t know what the fuck they talk about.” These opening seconds are the entire album in a nutshell: Wagner delivering pessimistic quips in his quaver-

landmark record), “Love At The Bottom Of The Sea” has its share of great tracks.

The best examples of Merritt’s talents are perhaps most evident in the album’s first two songs, the chastity-ridiculing “God Wants Us To Wait” and the oddly sweet single “Andrew In Drag.”

Although some filler is scattered throughout the album, this is a solid addition to Merritt’s revered catalogue.

Recommended If You Like: Jens Lekman, Future Bible Heroes or any synth-heavy project with Stephen Merritt

By CAMERON MEINDL, RHYME AND REASON,” SUNDAYS NOON-2 P.M.

soon. Particularly strong is lead single “California,” filled with a sunshiny-beat and watery feel with slightly heartbroken lyrics to maintain its humanity.

Closing track “Yamaha” is another highlight, combining a My Morning Jacket-esque piano line and vocal melody with a hint of synth.

Overall, don’t be surprised if Delta Spirit takes on a Kings of Leon-style metamorphosis — scruffy roots-rockers turning into bona fide stars — over these next few years.

RIYL: Dr. Dog, The Morning Benders, Dawes, newer Kings of Leon

By MIKE CREEDON, “GRANDMASTER FLASH GORDON LIGHTFOOT,” SUNDAYS 10 A.M.-NOON

it exudes an undeniable confidence the entire way through that feels entirely organic. Much music of this style tends to be entirely devoid of personality, making it unable to really dig into an artist, a fate that Rose avoids with adept songwriting and masterful use of her voice.

“Interstellar” is an album that you can delve deep into but also allow to simply let its glow wash over you while you slip away from the world.

RIYL: Dum Dum Girls, Best Coast, Zola Jesus

By RICHARD MURPHY, “LIONHEART JAMES,” THURSDAYS 2-4 A.M.

ing voice, with the blows softened by the often beautiful instrumentation.

While Wagner’s vocal style isn’t so much singing as it is speaking, the arrangements are undeniably gorgeous, best showcased in the wonderful instrumental “Gar.” Still, this is an album that demands patience. The songs can sometimes drag in places and might even lull a listener to sleep. Regardless, the craftsmanship on display here is something to appreciate, even if it’s not your pace.

RIYL: Wilco, Bill Callahan

By CAMERON MEINDL, “RHYME AND REASON,” SUNDAYS NOON-2 P.M.

theEAGLE SCENE TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012 FOR RELEASE MARCH 8, 2012

AUDIOPHILE

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

Looking for new music? DJs at WVAU share their thoughts on a range of recent releases.

SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS GHOSTORY With bands like M83 and Porcelain Raft leading the cluttered dream-pop scene, it’s increasingly hard for bands to make a name for themselves these days, especially if their shoegazy sound leans more towards electronica.

Enter School of Seven Bells, a band already subject to the “Oh yeah, I’ve never really given them a listen” syndrome.

Unlike others in the electronic shoegaze scene (let’s call it synthgaze), Seven Bells is constantly trying to dance on this new album.

ISLANDS

A SLEEP AND A FORGETTING The Canadian indie rock group’s fourth fulllength album is by far the most honest to date.

Simple guitar strumming and open piano chords complement heartbreakingly earnest vocals

17

Between “Ghostory” pumping in dreamy layers and waves of synths, dry bass and drum machine rhythms, you’ll feel like you’re jumping apathetically in some checkerboard club from the ’80s to Siouxsie and The Banshees.

Sadly, this album isn’t nearly as catchy as it needed to be. Initially, you’ll be quick to praise tracks such as “The Night” and “Lafaye,” but they just won’t register later on. Although the album is impressive in its dark and dreamy nature, School of Seven Bells doesn’t do much to overcome the amnesia associated with them.

RIYL: Porcelain Raft, newer M83, “Drive” Soundtrack, Glasser

By MIKE CREEDON, “GRANDMASTER FLASH GORDON LIGHTFOOT,” SUNDAYS 10 A.M.-NOON

that detail the disintegration of band member Nicholas Thorburn’s marriage. Each song is a carefully constructed lament full of lyrics so sincere it hurts. Songs such as “In a Dream (It Seemed Real)” have a subtle ache to their lackadaisical style, as though something about them is too fast, too slow or just too truthful.

The brutally authentic songwriting is the resonant quality on this album as the vocal arrangements and lyrics bounce between melancholy melodies and nostalgic, nearly desperate falsetto.

The sparse use of percussive instrumentation and the slow, heavy bass help to underscore the doom and gloom.

The simple beauty present in every tuneful line and the almost sprite-like anguish of “A Sleep and a Forgetting” makes it a lovesick yet pleasant album.

RIYL: Mister Heavenly, Of Montreal, Wolf Parade

ACROSS 1 Condiment often mixed with soy sauce 7 Cowboys-andIndians toys 14 Help, metaphorically 15 Scrape together 16 Bobby __: '40s'50s adolescent girls 17 Teen dieter's target, perhaps 18 "Stop right there!"

19 Classic pop 21 Start of a personal trainer's motto 22 ASCAP competitor 24 Phrase from one who sees 27 __-wop music 28 Song of thanksgiving 30 Workaholic's personality pattern 31 Talk on the street?

32 Zoom 33 Santa's laughs 36 And the following, in a bibliog.

37 James Bond's outfit 38 Given to gloom 40 Spot for a snooze 41 Asian soup noodle 43 Trump's "The __ the Deal" 44 Vex supremely 46 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao architect 47 OPEC measure 50 Campfire treat 51 Dogfish Head product 52 Sought-after group 54 Courtroom cry 56 "That's the spot!"

59 Watchman 62 Much-anticipated time 64 Like Little League World Series qualifying games 65 Dealer's demand 66 One who decks the halls, say 67 Tachometer part DOWN 1 Household chore

By Julian Lim

2 Healthy smoothie ingredient 3 2000 Ben Kingsley crime drama 4 __-appropriate 5 "Who shot J.R.?" e.g.

6 __ dixit: unfounded claim 7 Hosp. area for heart patients 8 Alsatian dadaist 9 People, for one 10 Male people 11 Needing nourishment 12 Marsh of mysteries 13 Squabble 15 Piquant sushi choice 20 Google success 23 Hair very apparent?

25 Zenith 26 Field for a fold 28 Infinitesimal division of a min.

29 Middle harmony part 33 Easily angered, or what the answers to 3-, 5-, 9- and 15-Down appear to be?

3/8/12 Wednesday ’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

34 Stink 35 "Ghost Hunters" network 37 Dog in Kansas 39 Sports analyst Hershiser 42 River project 45 Mystery writer Josephine 47 Iraqi seaport 48 Go through the page

3/8/12

49 Techspeak, e.g.

53 Cup-a-Soup direction 55 Abba of Israel 57 Lug 58 Publicist's job 60 L.A.-to-Helena dir.

61 Kernel holder 63 Merged comm. giant

Level:

By BRENDAN PRINCIPATO, “THIS RADIO SHOW WILL

1

2

RUIN/SAVE YOUR LIFE,”

3

4

MONDAYS MIDNIGHT-2 A.M.

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE

Check out more from The Scene online by scanning the QR code with your smartphone.

3/8/12

© 2012 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

STAFF EDITORIAL

Opinion

18

AN UNNECESSARY BAN According to sources within Student Government, SG and AU administrators are seriously considering a campus-wide smoking ban.

The Eagle opposes this ban on principle and urges both parties to consider simple alternatives already in effect.

The justification for a smoking ban is not at all clear. If it is a sustainability issue, we fail to see the impetus behind an absolute measure. Smoking has a negligible effect on air quality, and it is not as though students who

smoke are engaging in disruptive behavior.

If the administration believes smoking negatively affects the school’s image, we disagree; in fact, allowing smoking may attract students who enjoy a campus that respects their lifestyle choices.

A larger issue, however, is the precedent of paternalism that such a ban sets.

Unlike alcohol, which is illegal for most students who live on campus, smoking is legal. By banning cigarettes, the University is actively attempt-

ing to regulate a legal activity and overstepping its bounds. Such a ban assumes that AU students cannot be trusted to make autonomous lifestyle decisions or are not cognizant of the negative effects of smoking.

We believe a campuswide smoking ban would be at best impractical to enforce and at worst absurd.

Does the administration intend to send yellow-vested Public Safety officers on Segways out to chase cigarette-wielding students across Ne-

Pronouns: beyond the gender binary FRANCESCA MORIZIO | SPEAK MY LANGUAGE We’re lucky that English doesn’t force us to always think about the world in terms completely framed through the binary of gender.

Nouns aren’t gendered, and we have the ability to think about individuals outside the constraints of a masculine or feminine adjective.

English does, however, have several major binaryinducing terms; girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife are all examples.

The English language problem of pronouns, specifically, is the way in which the majority of third person singular referring takes place in English. “He,” “she,” “him” and “her” are four words in which the binary of gender, specifically the way in which these words reinforce the binary idea that only two genders exist, enters into our worldview.

We can’t help it; it’s the way in which the language

grew and developed.

But understanding that this binary is not the case when it comes down to a personal sense of self and identification, it is important to understand that there are other options when referring to individuals other than these gendered words.

The pronouns the majority of the population uses on a daily basis have been in English for at least the past 500 years. “She” and “he” show up in Chaucer, and even before then English has been subjected to the binary of gender.

Gender identification is the personal sense of self, regardless of the biological traits one is born into or the outward appearance one projects to the world.

This sense of self cannot be placed in the binary context of she/he or him/ her. The choice of an individual to use a gender neutral pronoun to refer to themselves or others is de-

claring, linguistically, that they choose to reject this binary system and provide a place for the wide range of gender identities that encompass much more than man or woman.

A quick primer on some of these gender neutral pronouns: These pronouns are all about personal identity, and they seek to allow a space in language for individual identity.

Just because an individual is projecting external qualities that society has deemed to be “feminine” does not necessarily mean that the individual identifies with the pronouns “she” or “her.”

A genderqueer individual, or any individual for that matter, can choose a pronoun that they feel best reflects their individual sense of self and personal identity.

There are several types of gender-neutral pronouns an individual can choose to

braska or Massachusetts Avenues or into the surrounding neighborhoods?

Would they remove smoking poles, forcing students to throw their cigarette butts onto the ground?

And where would the ban apply – could smokers use the parking lots or would they be forced to leave AU property completely?

Any option would increase tension with local residents.

The University’s relationship with the surrounding area is cordial at best. Pushing smokers off campus would simply

give neighborhood leaders another issue to complain about and another opportunity for hostility. A Fox 5 story promo would be written within hours of the ban’s passage.

The Eagle encourages the University to instead consider regularly enforcing a D.C. ordinance already in place that allows businesses to ban smoking within 25 of their outer walls. This way, those who feel campus secondhand smoke is bothersome could avoid it, and smokers would still be able to smoke as they please.

identify with or use. One set uses “ze” or “they” for first personal singular instead of “she” or “he,” and then uses “their” or “hir” for the objective form as opposed to “him” or “her.”

Another possible set is the Spivak Pronouns. They drop the “th” off the front of “their,” “they,” “them” and “themselves.” So the singular subject pronoun would be “e” derived from the singular “they,” and the possessive adjective would be “eirs” instead of “theirs.” The reflexive pronoun “themself” becomes “emself.”

These words grant the space for personal identification of the individual and can refer to any individual without making an assumption based on their appearance.

There are, of course, other options available, but these two major sets cater to a larger audience and are more commonly heard in conversation.

An individual using these pronouns, however, cannot be assumed to identify as genderqueer.

One can simply realize the situation created by English pronouns and choose

to not make assumptions based on outward appearance and identity.

Advocates of these pronouns want to see this linguistic shift take place across society.

The usage of these words allows for a selfauthorship; they give the individual a space in which to choose how they wish to be identified without the oppression that gendered pronouns can force on an individual.

Calling an individual “he” could place them in a potentially uncomfortable situation in which the individual then has to explain their identity.

These pronouns are not meant to be inflammatory, in fact, the exact opposite.

They are simply a way of alleviating any assumptions, assumptions that themselves, are inflammatory.

The University would attempt to regulate the legal behavior of its students but instead utilize existing laws. In doing so, the University would respect students’ autonomy and intelligence.

We hope that student leaders and administration officials alike will reconsider this paternal, unjustified and impractical ban and instead consider regularly enforcing existing guidelines. ≠ E EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

OP-ED

AU should not tolerate Brewer

Morizio is a double major in CAS and Kogod.

Many of the opponents of the action taken against Gov. Jan Brewer are quick to raise the issue of support for free speech, as if free speech existed in a legal vacuum separate from the social norms and pressures by those who wished to exercise that right.

Within those oppressed groups that feel the racist pressures meant to silence them, social forces cannot soon be forgotten.

Certainly, it is a privilege of the white race to forget the intersection of race and the exercise of our legal rights.

However, when racism is allowed to spread unchecked, it will inevitably deprive those racial minorities of the de facto right of free speech, even if the de jure right is preserved.

EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Continued on Page 20

A very special thanks to Matt Bruno and the GLBTA resource center for their help on this piece. Without them this author would be stuck in a sea of pronouns.

theEAGLE OPINION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

19

OP-ED

Peddling for respect AU Dems president and courtesy resigns CONOR SHAPIRO | SMARTER THAN I LOOK Maybe Shawn Streiff is at fault. Maybe the truck that crashed into him tried everything possible to avoid him. Maybe the driver didn’t see him at all.

Maybe Streiff was cycling recklessly and is responsible for the accident.

I don’t know, and at this point, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that Streiff regains his health and life back after sustaining a horrific accident that has him presently in the ICU in immense pain.

I learned of this tragedy through The Eagle’s Twitter feed.

Streiff, an alumnus of AU, was hit on 11th Street and U Street NW last Tuesday.

Coincidentally, I had just returned from a 30-mile training ride for triathlon when I read the news. While riding, I was thrice honked at by motorists.

Thankfully, they passed without further escalation, but a few miles down the road a tow-truck flirted with my handlebars, forcing me off the road. A couple inches closer and my name could be linked directly with Shawn’s.

Cycling is dangerous.

No matter where I ride, when bikes share traffic lanes with cars, the cyclists are always vulnerable.

Yet, somehow that aura of vulnerability sometimes gets lost in transit-lation as some motorists find it permissible to harass, intentionally danger or ignore the pedaling traveler.

While most motorists are considerate and patient, there remains a fuming sect who cares for bikers about as much as they care for pink slips. And

the results are often disastrous.

While this is not an antimotorist diatribe (I drive much more than I ride), it is deeply concerning that some folks have such disdain for cyclists. There’s evidence in the accidents, in the close calls and in online forums.

Thus far, the princeofpetworth.com story on Shawn’s accident generated 150 comments. It reminds me of another

me is, why the hostility? There’s a reason Mike Tyson won’t fight Justin Bieber. Even the most ridiculously inconsiderate cyclists who weave in and out of cars would immediately be rendered paralyzed or dead if a car thought it was prudent to teach a lesson by swerving into her.

And what would that accomplish? I don’t know a single person who wants the inconvenience of being in an accident (even if they’re not at fault) or, moreover, wants the burden of a slain or injured cyclist on their conscience. It’s just not worth it.

There will always be stupid cyclists, just like there will always be stupid drivers.

But the discrepancy between the two should yield a smidgeon more concern and deference to the rider. While I’ve never met a motorist who claimed to want to hurt cyclists, I’ve also never heard of the reverse.

If you’re driving and notice a bicyclist, please be careful and patient.

Cyclists may be erratic at times. We notice road hazards more clearly than vehicles and adjust accordingly. We also don’t have the luxury of plowing over large potholes or other hazards.

There’s plenty of blame to be shared in accidents like Streiff’s, but also much to learn. Here’s wishing Streiff a full and speedy recovery.

While most motorists are considerate, many care for bikers about as much as pink slips.

local blogger who wrote a thread denouncing cyclists in Ballston that also spawned 150 comments.

Why the rift? Why such animosity for the momentary delays bikes cause motorists? It’s not like cyclists sport Mitt Romney bumper stickers (much worse in my opinion).

Maybe it’s because a few thoughtless cyclists endanger the bunch by flying through stop signs and stoplights or refusing to yield while blocking traffic.

I understand the ensuing frustration. Many cyclists are motorists too and, trust me, it aggravates us the most because we know that it only enhances the divide, ultimately putting us at greater risk.

What I think about sometimes while a car leans on the horn behind

Conor Shapiro is a graduate student in the School of International Service.

EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

First I wanted to introduce myself, for the majority of campus who probably doesn’t know me. My name is Chris Litchfield; I am President of the AU College Democrats, and a proud AU Student.

That is, I was until today.

Two Fridays ago, American University College Republicans invited Gov. Jan Brewer to speak on campus. In response to her presence, a number of individuals, myself included, organized a demonstration against the legislation she has implemented in Arizona. As Governor, she has supported not only SB 1070, the controversial bill that codified racial profiling into the Arizona criminal justice system, but additional legislation HB 2281, which bans the teaching of multicultural studies.

In both instances the laws have been crafted to place immense pressure on enforcers of the law, police officers and schoolteachers and to conform to a racist ideology which vilifies Latinos as ‘illegal’ because of their immigration status.

This culture of racism has directly affected students at AU and across the United States, and to show opposition to this culture, we disrupted her event.

Controversy ensued.

However, this is really the beginning to the story, a story that while not unique to The American University, defines our campus every day.

This academic year, organizations on campus such as the College Republicans and the Youth for Western Civilization have organized multiple events targeting certain demographics with hateful programming and consistently pushed rhetoric that targets AU students with personal attacks.

On the Jewish New Year

of Rosh Hashanah, the AUCRs hosted a pig roast on the Quad titled the Carnivore Initiative, affirming their “right to eat meat.” I suppose this was a show of bravado against the vegetarians and vegans on campus trying to “force feed” them greens or the folks of the Jewish faith who were observing a High Holiday “too faithfully.”

On the first day of Latino History Month, AUCRs fliered the campus with posters as part of their Anti-Che Day. While there perhaps needs to be a discussion of Che Guevara’s status in pop culture, the event was targeted too specifically to be anything less than racism and intimidation.

We are a campus that prides itself on our diversity. Many voices exist at AU, and allowing them to be heard is of the utmost importance. But there is a difference between free speech and intimidation – dialogue and hate.

AU students on the whole vehemently oppose racism, but in practice we refuse to admit our hand in perpetuating it. It happens every day in our classrooms, dorms and apartments. But we instead blind ourselves with the next electoral race or internship on the Hill or prestigious speaker. It’s easier, and we have all done it, but we can no longer make those excuses. Not if we care about our fellow students.

I am not immune either.

As College Dems President, no matter which issue we faced I tried to argue that the organization should stand by the principles of the Democratic Party to stand up for those marginalized by economic inequality, racism and gender and sexuality norms.

And yet time and time again, be it in the call for sexual assault education on campus or in the face of

targeted racism, the organization I love stood silent. It was easier to play politics, to spin the story or dodge the question, than it was to stand up for our beliefs.

We did everything that Congress does, and then we went back to our dorms and wondered about our spineless politicians: how the agency of a woman could be rolled back, how fair access to health care be challenged and how laws limiting the freedom of Americans, be them undocumented workers in Arizona or union firefighters in Wisconsin, could be passed.

But it starts here. It starts with our own attitudes. The politicos on AU’s campus, myself included, saw it only as a game to be played and a line on a resume – not the very future of our country.

We took the easy path and oppression perpetuated itself.

Our campus should be a safe place for all of our students. However, it isn’t when certain groups continually harass certain demographics of students.

Gov. Jan Brewer’s unchallenged presence on campus represented this tacit approval of hate.

After a semester of feeling abandoned by the campus at large, disrupting Jan Brewer’s speech seemed like the only way to send this message. How do we live by the beliefs we all are so quick to espouse? Paul Wellstone once said, “If we don’t fight hard enough for the things we stand for at some point we have to recognize that we don’t really stand for them.”

As of today, I am resigning from the College Democrats, an organization I dearly love but of which I am also ashamed.

Our political lives begin today, and I know the AU community can address the real issues of oppression here on campus, if we stand by our beliefs. They run much deeper than a single banner or speech or op-ed.

Chris Litchfield is a Junior in SPA/CAS.

theEAGLE OPINION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

20

Time to take SG elections seriously DOUGLAS BELL | WRITER OF OUR DISCONTENTS So, what’s on your mind right now? You’re probably studying hard for midterms or finalizing your plans for Spring Break.

It probably hasn’t crossed your mind that on March 7 a handful of students will be filing as candidates for this spring’s Student Government election, and that they’re going to start campaigning for your vote the minute you get back from spring break.

The phrase “Does the SG even do anything?” is well known throughout our campus culture.

Yet, we seem to forget when election season rolls around that the Student Government is a government of the students, a government that represents us.

Last year, the presidential race saw perhaps its most interesting lineup of candidates in a number of years.

Six students ran for SG President; four of them did not come from inside of the SG. Each had unique backgrounds and positions. The campaigns were vibrant and engaging and placed a renewed emphasis on student outreach.

Even so, only 1,804 students voted in the SG election last spring, representing less than 30 percent of the undergraduate student body.

It is disheartening that so few students can be bothered to care about who should represent them in their Student Government.

Like it or not, the SG is the most important and most influential student organization we have. It is responsible for the majority of the programming on campus; it provides vital services that students depend on; and it is more capable than any other student organization of effectively advocating on behalf of the student body for the implementation of our ideas and the rectification of our concerns.

The Student Government also receives 72 percent of the Undergraduate Student Activity fee funds. That means that each year, $105 of your money is allocated to the SG. Why would you not want to have a say in who is responsible for spending those funds?

Whether or not you think Stu-

dent Government is visible or relevant, the truth is that its executives work tirelessly to keep the organization running and support its initiatives. They put in well over 20 hours a week to fulfill their responsibilities; they oversee over a dozen departments; and they are our representatives to the AU administration.

These are important jobs, and the students running for these positions deserve our attention and consideration.

In government, you get what you pay for.

If you would rather have a Student Government that is more responsive to you, then you need to get involved in this election.

Watch the debate. Talk to the candidates. Find out about their positions, and make sure you tell them about the issues that matter to you. And, most importantly, vote. It only takes a few minutes, yet it is the most fundamental way that you can ensure that you have a voice in determining the leadership of your Student Government.

I ask all AU students to vote in this year’s SG election on March 27-28 and encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same.

I challenge the student body to have at least 3,000 of us vote, representing a 50 percent turnout. If we expect any less of ourselves, then we do not deserve to be considered among the most politically active campuses in the country.

I have written before about my affinity for the story of Mississippi civil rights leader Vernon Dahmer and his mantra, “If you don’t vote, you don’t count.”

It’s time that we live up to that mantra here at AU. Because, in the end, there’s no point in complaining about a Student Government that “doesn’t do anything” if you don’t do anything about it.

Douglas Bell is a junior in the School of Communication.

Disclosure: The author is the producer of the 2012 SG Presidential Debate, co-presented by ATV and The Eagle.

EDPAGE@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

OP-ED

CASJ stands by protests The Community Action and Social Justice coalition (CASJ) has a long and rich history here at AU. Our goals are to provide resources for various social-justice based student organizations and to help coordinate campaigns fighting for a socially responsible university where everyone, regardless of race, class, gender, sexual identity or ability, can feel safe.

Unfortunately, just as that environment was threatened when the Westboro Baptist Church came to our school last year, the same atmosphere was threatened when Gov. Jan Brewer stepped onto our campus.

Through her destructive policies, Brewer has victimized and marginalized minorities in our nation.

Arizona State Bill 1070 is a law that specifically targets Latinos living in the United States as being suspect by law enforcement based merely on their ethnicity.

Furthermore, her statewide ban on ethnic studies and multicultural views on history are an affront to educational facilities everywhere.

As a university that takes pride in the diversity of our student body and our curriculum, we feel that Jan Brewer’s presence on campus was a threat to everything this University stands for. Toward the end of her

speech, this feeling proved to be well warranted.

A number of students took a stand once the governor finished her speech. As the governor was about to respond to a question asked by the audience, and preapproved by the event organizers, the protestors started to mic-check.

On top of this, the crowd began to loudly chant “USA!” over and over again in an attempt to drown out the mic-check, thus creating the disruptive environment that caused the governor to leave.

This is not to say that it wasn’t the protestors’ will to have the governor exit the premises; however, the exact circumstances of her fleeing the premises have often been skewed.

Furthermore, a silent form of protest was attempted earlier when the students held up signs that read “Do I look undocumented?” and “How can a human being be illegal?” Public Safety officers responded with orders that the signs be put down, thus effectively making any form of meaningful protest impossible in compliance with what was “allowed.”

Not only do we feel the actions taken last week by students against Gov. Brewer were acceptable, we feel they were absolutely necessary if this institution is going to place any true impor-

Intolerance of Brewer Continued from Page 18

Brewer’s actions go beyond merely spreading racist rhetoric, however. SB 1070 degrades an entire group of people and codifies white privilege. The “reasonable suspicion” provision, allowing police to detain a person upon suspicion of being an “illegal immigrant,” creates an entire class of suspects based on the color of their skin or the language they speak. (The term “illegal immigrant” degrades a person into a felony.)

A separate ban of ethnic studies in Arizona public schools has deprived Arizona Latinos of the chance to learn their own heritage in schools, a privilege currently enjoyed by white students in that state.

Certainly both of these policies exacerbate the struggle felt

by Latinos in Arizona, and both act as a means of reinforcing the notion that whites can decide for Latinos how they are to exercise their speech and that Latinos are to be held in suspicion.

This will undoubtedly lead to a chilling effect on those who may be detained by police, and a silencing effect on those who feel the social pressure to remain silent, lest they be caught speaking a socially unacceptable language or show socially unacceptable comfort with their own identity.

Free speech cannot coexist with racism. When the oppressors are allowed to spread their message of hate, the oppressed are silenced.

tance on student empowerment.

What happened was not the work of club presidents or paid professionals, but was the product of pure student will and the belief that their voices had to be heard, especially in the presence of someone who has built a career on exploitation and intolerance.

At the end of the day, CASJ stands for the students. Although there has been criticism and derision from the student body directed toward the protestors who stood up against the governor, we will always defend the right of students to have their voices heard, especially against those who promote racism, ignorance and hatred.

What kind of a society, much less collegiate learning environment, are we to promote if we cannot accept individuals and groups criticizing elected officials to their faces? Since when has “respect” become a term that entails the acceptance of institutionalized racism and hate?

If we are to place the convenience of politicians over our own deeply held beliefs and ideologies, then we deny ourselves an effective voice in the world around us, something we here in CASJ feel is an inalienable right, rather than a privilege.

Tom O’Connor, Dakota David, Mary Donoghue, Mitch Ellmauer, Chris Litchfield, Ethan Miller, Carmen Mason, and Sean Riley Wood make up the organizing collective of the Community Action and Social Justice Coalition.

Jan Brewer’s racist policies have subjected racial minorities to persecution for nothing more than being the wrong color or speaking the wrong language.

By hosting Jan Brewer at this University, we are legitimizing her rhetoric and her policies. By allowing her to justify her policies, we are tacitly admitting that there may be justice in the policies that are harmful to a whole race of people.

In her speech, Brewer stated that she was “fighting against the tyranny of the Obama administration.”

By showing our intolerance of her and her policies, we are fighting against the tyranny of racism and white privilege in our society that deprives its targets of the exercise of speech.

Matthew Metcalf Class of 2012

theEAGLE SPORTS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

Women’s lacrosse off to fast start in 2012

By TYLER TOMEA EAGLE STAFF WRITER

A balanced scoring attack propelled the AU women’s lacrosse team to a 16-10 victory over Old Dominion University March 3 at Jacobs Field.

The win marks the first time the Eagles have started a season 3-1 since 1999, when AU finished 9-7 overall and 1-5 in conference play while part of the Co-

lonial Athletic Association.

Bernadette Maher led the way for AU (3-1, 0-0 PL) with three goals after missing the previous two games. Five Eagles scored twice on the afternoon, while three picked up one goal.

Rebecca Reymann and Emily Austerberry guided the Monarchs (1-1, 0-0 CAA) with two goals each, while six players tallied one score.

The Eagles used a key second-half run to pick up their third victory of the season and end their four-game homestand on a high note.

Leading 8-5 at halftime, AU scored seven of the game’s next eight goals to take a commanding 15-6 lead with 11 minutes remaining. Maher and Paige Lin scored twice during the spurt that secured the victory for the Eagles.

The Monarchs outscored the Eagles 4-1 late in the second half, resulting in the 16-10 AU final.

The Eagles have been outscored 10-3 in the last seven minutes of the past four games, but have built big enough cushions in three of them to coast to victory.

After letting up the game’s first goal, the Eagles scored the next four to hold a 4-1 advantage midway through the first half.

Emily Burton scored twice in that stretch and Kimberly Collins scored once, as the junior tandem continues to sit atop

theEAGLE

21 the team leaders in goals scored. Burton leads the team with 13 goals, while Collins has 10. The duo has combined for 43 percent of AU’s offense this year.

The Monarchs fought their way back into the game, evening the score at 4-4 following the second of back-to-back goals from Austerberry. Once Reymann’s goal made it 6-5 AU with three minutes until halftime, the Eagles turned it on.

Lauren Schoenberger and Emily Maher recorded goals before halftime, and the Eagles opened the second stanza on the criti-

cal 7-1 run that opened up a nine-goal lead at 15-6.

While Maher paced the offense, Emily Stankiewicz headlined the AU defense by picking up two ground balls and forcing two turnovers. Kaska Komosinski made seven saves in 60 minutes in goal to pick up the win.

The Eagles will be on the road for their next three games, starting with a March 7 match at Virginia Tech. Patriot League play begins March 10 at Holy Cross.

TTOMEA@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

Featuring: Laura Evans, Chief Experience Officer at The Washington Post

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ONE YEAR PRIOR EXPERIENCE WITH THE EAGLE NECESSARY TO APPLY APPLICATIONS DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 9 Product development has traditionally occurred in silos—with input mainly from internal audiences and a fervid eye on competitors’ movements. Rarely have consumers’ voices been heard, until it was too late. Learn from Laura Evans, SPA/BA ‘99, MA ‘00, how companies’ intangible assets, such as customer interaction data, can offer insight into product creation.

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EDITOR@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

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22

theEAGLE TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

theEAGLE SPORTS TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

23

SCHEDULE

PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGS WOMEN’S LACROSSE

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PATRIOT LEAGUE SEMIFINALS

MEN’S BASKETBALL PATRIOT LEAGUE SEMIFINALS

Lafayette 0-0 PL, 3-2

No. 5 Holy Cross defeats No. 1 American 67-52

No. 1 Bucknell defeats No. 5 Lafayette 79-52

Lehigh 0-0 PL, 2-2

No. 3 Navy defeats No. 2 Lehigh 64-59

No. 2 Lehigh defeats No. 3 American 85-66

Holy Cross 0-0 PL, 1-4 Bucknell 0-0 PL, 1-5

PATRIOT LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP (MARCH 10)

PATRIOT LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP (MARCH 7)

Colgate 0-0 PL, 0-4

No. 5 Holy Cross @ No. 3 Navy , 6 p.m.

No. 2 Lehigh @ No. 1 Bucknell, 7 p.m.

Navy 0-0 PL, 5-1 American

0-0 PL, 3-1

SIDELINE SCHOLAR

Playoff baseball a possibility for Nats Michael Morse to left, if first baseman Adam LaRoche comes back healthy afAround this time last ter having surgery on his year, I wrote that with left shoulder last season. some luck, the WashingSeeing how last year’s ton Nationals could comteam had an outfield of pete for a playoff spot in a Werth, Roger Bernadina/ few years.

Rick Ankiel and a left field I was wrong. platoon of Laynce Nix and With upgrades to the Jerry Hairston Jr., this starting rotation and an would be a major improveultra-talented young outment. fielder ready You also have to come up, to believe that With upgrades to the starting it’s conceivWerth will not able that the be as terrible rotation and Bryce Harper waiting, this season.

Nats could make the While he’s the Nats could make the playoffs. playoffs this certainly beginseason. ning the declinThe Naing stages of tionals finished a game unIn 12 starts with the his career, players do not der .500 last season, with a St. Louis Cardinals last often drop 60 points in batrotation consisting mostly season, Jackson posted a ting average in just one of pitchers who, at best, 3.58 ERA. If the Nats can season. would be fourth or fifth get that from a guy who is I am not saying the starters on playoff teams. expected to be a third or Nationals will make the As a general rule, if Livan fourth starter, they should postseason. There are Hernandez is a regular in be very pleased. still many question marks. your rotation, you’re not Washington’s rotation They have a below-average making the playoffs. appears to be one of the shortstop in Ian Desmond, Well, Livo is gone, as best in the NL, with Jor- both offensively and defenis Jason Marquis, who is dan Zimmermann, Gonza- sively. While second basebasically a slightly less lez, Jackson and whoever man Danny Espinosa had terrible Livan Hernandez. wins the fifth starter spot a surprisingly good rookie Replacing them will be Gio between John Lannan campaign, he must continGonzalez, who the team and Chien-Ming Wang. ue to get better at hitting received from the Oak- Ah, right, there’s also this righties. And LaRoche’s land Athletics in return for Strasburg guy. health is no guarantee. four prospects, and Edwin The Nationals offense The odds are that the Jackson, who the team mi- should see an upgrade at Nats still won’t make the raculously signed to a one- some point this season playoffs this year, but with year deal. as well. There’s a certain major rotation upgrades Gonzalez made his outfielder you might have and a big bat already in the first all-star appearance in heard something about. organization waiting for 2011, winning 16 games His name is Bryce Harper. his time, October baseball with a 3.12 ERA. While he If they call him up, they is a definite possibility in ranked ninth in the Ameri- can move right fielder Jay- D.C. can League in strikeouts, son Werth to center and BLASKY@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM

By BEN LASKY

EAGLE STAFF WRITER

Gonzalez led the MLB in walks. He has the potential to be dominant, but also has the potential to get himself into trouble.

For a pitcher who will not be asked to be the ace of the staff, Gonzalez is well worth that risk.

As for Jackson, a pitcher who seems to be on a new team every year, what you see is what you get.

MAR. 7 MAR. 8 MAR. 9 MAR. 10

Women’s lacrosse @ Virginia Tech at 1 p.m.

MAR. 11

No games scheduled

No games scheduled No games scheduled Women’s lacrosse @ Holy Cross at 4 p.m.

No. 1 Flores, No. 13 Mariacher claim EIWA conference crowns draw due to injury.

In the semis, Tao edged Penn State’s SteNo. 1 Ryan Flores, No. phen Robinson 3-2, before 13 Matt Mariacher and his run came to an end in Kevin Tao shined for the the championship at the AU wrestling team at the hands of Lehigh’s Shane Eastern Intercollegiate Welsh.

Wrestling Association No. 3 Ganbayar SanChampionships at Princejaa posted a third-place ton University March 3-4. finish in the 157-pound The nation’s topgroup. After making it to ranked heavyweight, Flothe semifinals, Sanjaa lost res renewed his rivalry to Walter Peppelman of with Lehigh University’s Harvard University. In the Zach Rey in the finals. Rey consolation finals, Sanjaa got out to a 1-0 lead with picked up an 8-3 decision an escape with 1:45 left in over Princeton’s Daniel the second period, before Kolodzik.

Flores got on the board Thomas Williams at with an escape in 125 and the third to tie the D a n i e l match 1-1.

Mitchell at The match 197 each went to extra time Flores and Mariacher became p l a c e d and with seven sixth for seconds remainthe fourth and fifth wrestlers in the Eagles. ing, Flores got As a the takedown to program history to win multiple team, AU claim the match finished 3-1.

EIWA Championships. in third The win for place with Flores marks 103 points, the third EIWA which is a championship of his col- cord multiple EIWA cham- program-best at the EIWA legiate career and his pionships.

Championships. Cornell second with the Eagles.

While Flores and Mari- won the event with 151.5 The heavyweight also be- acher took titles, Tao had points. came the first AU wrestler one of the event’s most The next and final test to win the Billy Sheridan notable performances. for the wrestling team will Memorial Trophy, which Despite starting out as be at the NCAA Champiis awarded for the most an eight seed, Tao placed onships in St. Louis. Flofalls in the least amount of second in the 149-pound res, Mariacher, Tao and time. Flores will enter the weight class.

Sanjaa all earned automatNCAA Championships at The junior pulled a ma- ic bids with their perfor17-0. jor upset when he beat mances over the weekend.

Throughout the tour- top-seeded (and No. 6 in The Eagles could receive nament, Flores showed the country) Mario Ma- additional entrants when the skills that have made son from Rutgers Univer- the at-large bids are anhim one of the country’s sity in the quarterfinals. nounced March 7. best. He won his first Tao got out to a 2-0 lead, ESALTZMAN@THEEAGLEONLINE.COM three matches all by pin- before Mason had to withBy ERIC SALTZMAN

EAGLE STAFF WRITER

fall, and in his semifinal match against Cornell University’s Maciej Jochym, Flores recorded the pin in only 40 seconds.

The fifth seed at 141 pounds, Mariacher won his second straight EIWA championship when he defeated second-seeded Michael Nevinger of Cornell, 6-4. Mariacher always led in his championship bout, never looking back after earning an early 2-0 lead en route to the title.

Flores and Mariacher became the fourth and fifth AU wrestlers to re-