The Flat Hat September 19, 2017

Vol. 107, Iss. 16 | Tuesday, September 19, 2017

The Flat Hat The Weekly Student Newspaper

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of The College of William and Mary

College burned by FIRE

“A” rating

Zero universities

47

“B” rating

Two universities

74 percent

percent Percentage of surveyed universities that require fact-finders to be impartial

Percentage of surveyed universities that do not explicitly presume accused students’ innocence

Civil liberties group awards College’s sexual misconduct policy “D” rating MEILAN SOLLY // FLAT HAT CHIEF STAFF WRITER

T

he Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting civil liberties on college campuses, awarded the College of William and Mary’s sexual misconduct policy a D rating in its Sept. 5 survey of due process at the nation’s 53 top universities.

FIRE defines due process as an individual’s right to fair, unbiased and equitable treatment during a judicial hearing. In the context of FIRE’s survey, a D or F rating indicates that a university fails to adequately provide the accused party with 10 due process safeguards (for example, the right to counsel and right to appeal).

FIRE rated 103 disciplinary policies at 53 universities. All but three schools maintained separate policies for cases alleging sexual misconduct. Out of the 50 sexual misconduct policies studied, 14 received an F rating, 25 received a D, nine received a C, two received a B and zero received an A. Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct Dave Gilbert said he disagreed with the College’s rating, as well as FIRE’s criteria.

“I would assert that the fact that the vast majority of the universities assessed were scored a D or F provides evidence that their rating system is out of the mainstream,” Gilbert said in an email.

The College uses an investigative model that aims to resolve sexual misconduct cases within 60 days of

BOARD OF VISITORS RESOLUTION ON DACA STUDENTS, SEPT. 15, 2017 WHEREAS, the protections provided under the Deferred Action Child Arrivals (DACA) program are slated to be phased out in March 2018, creating intense uncertainty for students enrolled in higher education under this program; and WHEREAS, William & Mary currently enrolls 23 students as well as those who enrolled under this program before them have been and remain exemplary and valued members of the university community; and WHEREAS, “Who comes here, belongs here” remains a hallmark of the university community, the students who came to William & Mary under the DACA program belong at the university as much as any other current or former student.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Visitors of The College of William & Mary in Virginia expresses its steadfast support of all students enrolled at the university under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Visitors of the College of William & Mary in Virginia expresses its support for the ability of all students enrolled in higher education institutions throughout the United States of America under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to continue their studies; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Board of Visitors of the College of William & Mary in Virginia calls on our elected officials to work together to find a bipartisan solution that will allow our students to continue their studies uninterrupted at the university; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Board and the President share this resolution with the university’s student body and the campus community.

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an initial report. If the College’s Title IX review team believes the report warrants further action, a group of investigators begins collecting evidence. Once investigators have compiled a final report, the dean of students or an appointed designee reviews the evidence and determines if a policy violation has occurred. Disciplinary measures include probation, suspension and expulsion. The dean’s decision may be appealed to the provost by either the reporting party or the accused.

According to FIRE’s survey, the College’s sexual misconduct policy meets two of 10 listed criteria: use of impartial fact-finders and right to appeal. The College received a mixed mark for prohibition on conflicts of interests and zero credit for the presumption of innocence, written notice, time to prepare, access to all evidence, cross-examination, right to counsel and unanimity for expulsion.

Title IX Coordinator Kiersten Boyce said she believed FIRE’s general criteria were fair but questioned the accuracy of the group’s definitions and overall methodology. She noted that several safeguards –– written notice, time to prepare, no conflicts of interest, access to all evidence and right to counsel –– are detailed within the College’s sexual misconduct policy but were not acknowledged

Partly Sunny, High 84, Low 67

How does the College of William and Mary rank?

X X X / ✓ X X X ✓ X

Presumption of innocence Written notice Time to prepare No conflicts of interest Impartial fact-finders Access to all evidence Cross-examination Right to counsel Right to appeal Unanimity for expulsion

39

universities

FIRE studied due process at 53 of the nation’s top universities and awarded ratings based on adherence to 10 safeguards. The College’s sexual misconduct policy received a “D” rating, or 5/20.

GRAPHIC BY MEILAN SOLLY / THE FLAT HAT

The visuals above were created using data from FIRE’s 2017 due process survey.

See FIRE page 3

BOV

Board of Visitors responds to DACA, DeVos speech Future unclear for College’s policies following actions by Trump administration SARAH SMITH FLAT HAT NEWS EDITOR

In recent weeks, various decisions announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and his cabinet members have raised concerns on college campuses nationwide.

While these decisions are still playing out on a national stage, they have created waves at the College of William and Mary as students, faculty and administrators work to determine how Trump’s decisions will impact life in Williamsburg. During last week’s Board of Visitors sessions, these national conversations also influenced the discussions and outcomes of committee meetings.

Trump’s Sept.

5 announcement that he plans to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program sparked student protests on the Sunken Garden, as there are currently 23 College students protected under the act.

Following Trump’s decision, College President Taylor Reveley released a campus-wide email

echoing sentiments he has shared since Trump’s election in November. “[DACA students] belong here, and we strongly believe they should be allowed to finish their educations,” Reveley said in an email. “William & Mary will keep doing all we can to support them.”

Friday, the full Board introduced and passed a resolution affirming the BOV’s support for students protected under DACA. This resolution highlights that the College supports the ability of DACA students to continue their studies and calls on elected officials to find a bipartisan solution that will allow these students to continue their studies without interruption.

“William and Mary currently enrolls 23 of these students,” BOV member Lisa Roday said.

“These students belong here just as much [as others]. We want support for them to stay and continue their studies uninterrupted.”

Beyond the passage of this resolution, the Board discussed

existing campus resources for students protected under DACA. During the Committee on Student Affairs meeting, presentations focused on how the Wendy and Emery Reves Center for International Studies has been working with DACA students since the beginning of the program. Following Trump’s announcement of plans to phase out DACA, the Reves Center has “ramped up” efforts to protect students.

Moving forward, the College will also offer information sessions for students with DACA status, confidential access to immigration attorneys, town hall sessions, counseling and sessions with local police and the university registrar.

While Trump has taken no official action regarding the Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 protests in Charlottesville, Va., that occurred when white nationalists rallied against the city’s plan to remove Confederate statues, his unofficial response was to blame the violence on both sides of the rally. This response drew criticism for failing to clearly

condemn the white nationalists who attended the protest. In the days following the rally, Reveley responded to these instances by affirming that the College supports free speech as well as compassion.

During Provost Michael Halleran’s report to the BOV Thursday, Sept. 14, he discussed how the events in Charlottesville should and would influence the College throughout the academic year.

“We can’t promise personal safety, but we can promise to do everything conceivable to keep people safe,” Halleran said. “We want every student, staff member and faculty to feel welcome, and it is important to extend that welcome.”

He also said that the College prides itself on academic freedom and freedom of expression, and that therefore, disinviting people or shutting down events goes against what the College stands for.

“If a safety argument is given in good faith — if we honestly See BOV page 4

Inside Sports

Inside Opinions

Fitting in as a WaMStA

2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10

Nine universities

Number of university sexual misconduct policies (out of 50) that received a “D” or “F” rating in FIRE’s due process survey

STUDENT LIFE

“C” rating

FIRE due process survey

Meilan Solly ’18 discusses the William and Mary/St. Andrews Joint Degree Programme and why she feels — and doesn’t feel — like a part of each school. page 5

College tops Bucknell 30-9

Freshman tailback Nate Evans burst on to the scene in the Tribe’s home opener. page 10

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News Editor Nia Kitchin News Editor Sarah Smith fhnews@gmail.com | Tuesday, September 19, 2017 | Page 2

THE BUZZ

We learn in history about Hitler, who is the worst. We hate Hitler.

Hitler isn’t a person. If I saw baby Hitler I would punch him in the face.

— Camryn Easley ’20 speaking about racism at the Charlottesville anniversary event

Now it’s easier than ever to stay upto-date on all on-campus news.

Flying into authorship Colin Sargent discusses writing, piloting education

Page 2 Spotlight

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Colin Sargent, a poet, playwright, novelist and founder of Portland Magazine, began teaching English at the College of William and Mary just this semester, but he is already inspired by the rich history and traditions that he has observed while on campus.

“I am having the same kind of exceptional feeling when I’m on campus, the kind of mystery that maybe only a stranger can get excited about because you already know about it,” Sargent said.

Sargent was born in Portland, Maine in 1954 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1977. After graduation, he edited the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Safety Magazine, ‘Approach’, before returning to his hometown of Portland and founding Portland Magazine in 1985. The motto of the monthly magazine is “extraordinary perspective,” and Sargent said that it is partly his experience growing up in Portland and wanting to further understand this extraordinary piece of geography that led him to found the magazine.

“I grew up in Portland, Maine and as a senior in high school I was at some sort of awards ceremony and the person beside me said, ‘I’m leaving Portland forever because the largest skyscraper on the Portland peninsula is Maine Medical Center, where we’re all going to die.’ Portland Magazine is an argument against that, it overarches time,” Sargent said.

Sargent said that another reason why Portland inspires him is that it is isolated and a little strange, topics he touches on frequently in his writing. He said “Portland can’t be reduced to lobsters and lighthouses,” which echoes his novels, in which he writes about people who the world has attempted to pigeonhole.

“I love studies of absence, most of my writing focuses on people left out, sometimes left out of what they call the ‘great conversation,’ Sargent said. “I’m always searching after the beauty of the exile. I think that everyone on reflection can articulate some way he or she doesn’t fit into a pattern and my heart always goes out to those individuals ... In so many stories the main character can be identified as someone who breaks out, even accidentally, of the pattern of expected.”

Sargent’s debut novel, “Museum of Human Beings,” explores the adult life of Jean-Baptiste

NIA KITCHIN // FLAT HAT NEWS EDITOR Charbonneau, the son of Sacagawea. Sargent said that he wanted to write about JeanBaptiste because he had only ever been shown as an infant in Sacagawea’s arms and Sargent was curious about the adult Jean-Baptiste. He said that the world was only comfortable with Jean-Baptiste as a baby and so the adult man had to convince himself there was more to life than who he was at 20 months old. “[I wanted to write about Jean-Baptiste] because he’s left out of the story,” Sargent said.

“Sometimes it’s only fiction that can let unusual voices be heard. Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau was a metaphor for America because America had to grow up too. In many ways Sacagawea was America’s first working mom and her son Baptiste was America’s first child star.”

Sargent said he studied the child stars of 1950s black-and-white television shows about family to better understand Jean-Baptiste’s struggle. These included “Father Knows Best,” “The Partridge Family” and “Ricky Nelson.”

“There are so many people culture encourages to be sad because they’ve grown out of their snapshot moment,” Sargent said.

Sargent also researched reading as an outof-body experience. He became interested in this when he observed that sometimes people became so engrossed while reading that they have to be shaken to come back to the real world.

“And I know you’ve seen, when you see a reader engrossed in a story where they’ve slipped out of their body, because it’s an outof-body experience to lose yourself in fiction that sometimes or even a great newspaper article, sometime you have to shake a person to awareness to bring them back to their body while they’re in this altered state of being a reading human,” Sargent said.

Sargent then discovered that there is an actual state of being that readers can go into, called homoglens, or the reading human.

Sargent completed his Ph.D. from Lancaster University in cognitive literature to study this concept thoroughly. He said he wanted to understand what makes readers enter this state so that he could become a better writer. Sargent said he always wanted to ground his research in something he was writing so that he could feel he was a part of the research.

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English professor Colin Sargent began teaching at the College of William and Mary this semester.

POLICE BEAT

“I realized what I really love is the daring of readers who dare to shapeshift into and become part of the story they’re reading,” Sargent said.

“So I realized that I think people suspending their disbelief and going through a portal into a story is one of the best, magical acts that we’ve been able to put together as humans.”

“

I think that everybody has an interior life and flying lent itself to being a writer. I flew over a forest fire, not able to help anyone and it looked beautiful, like a horrible matador’s cape and so I can still see some of the things that I saw while flying.

—

English professor Colin Sargent

Sargent said that his experience at the Naval Academy also shaped his writing, and some of the things that he saw while flying he is still “coming to grips with” as an author.

“I think that everybody has an interior life and flying lent itself to being a writer,” Sargent said. “I flew over a forest fire, not able to help anyone and it looked beautiful, like a horrible matador’s cape and so I can still see some of the things that I saw while flying.”

Sargent majored in English at the Naval Academy and wrote poetry all through college.

He also published his poetry while getting his degree, and had the opportunity to go on television and read some of his poetry while in uniform.

“I was called the poet pilot because people just needed a handle for me and there were plenty of people around ready to step forward and say I was neither a poet or a pilot,” Sargent said. “And so I think I was starting to reconcile those two ideas way back then.”

Sargent said that this merging of ideas, ever present in life and in his work, is present at the College as well and part of the reason he enjoys his time here.

“I think everyone has a sense of a life unlived and it’s a real pleasure to be with the English department,” Sargent said. “What struck me when I went to the convocation is that William and Mary is intertemporal, where the present, past and future somehow occupy the same space so it’s this convergence of different overlays that is exciting to me.”

Sept. 15 - 16 1

Friday, September 15 — A maiming was reported on Second Street.

2

Friday, September 15 — A simple domestic assault was reported on Merrimac Trail.

3

Friday, September 15 — Aaron Ervin was arrested on a charge of strangulation on Merrimac Trail.

4

Saturday, September 16 — Larceny was reported on Richmond Road.

The Flat Hat

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Page 3

CAMPUS

Students discuss Charlottesville anniversary Campus leaders organize conversation about violence in Charlottesville NIA KITCHIN FLAT HAT NEWS EDITOR

Students came out to Washington Hall Wednesday, Sept. 13 to discuss the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. a month ago and to offer support to one another. The event was hosted by The Black Voice, Black Lives Matter W&M, W&M Student Power and William & Mary Young Democrats.

Statewide core team member for W&M Student Power Renee Liden ’20 began the discussion by asking everyone present to describe their reaction to the White Supremacist rally in Charlottesville in one word. Reaction words included “unsurprised,” “disappointed,” “scared,” “sick,” “shaken” and “angry.”

Students then spoke out with longer responses to what happened in Charlottesville and how they could make change going forward.

Liden said that her perspective had changed since coming to the College and she realized that she was part of the problem.

“Coming to William and Mary and learning more, it was a huge wakeup call realizing that the entire society is infected with racism,” Liden

said. “And recognizing that I’m a part of that and my existence is a part of white supremacy.

I’m still learning what I can do about it.”

Annika Hackfeld ’19 said that it is not enough to believe racism is bad, but that individuals must be actively speaking out against racism.

“If you disagree with racism, if you think racism is a bad thing, that means you’re human,” Hackfeld said. “If you think racism is good then you’re less than. You can’t just not be racist, you have to be anti-racist.”

Some students present disagreed with Hackfeld’s statement that people who believe “racism is good” are “less than,” saying that dehumanizing those who do not have similar values to theirs is just as bad as white supremacy.

Editor-in-Chief of The Black Voice Camryn Easley ’20 disagreed with this sentiment. Easley said that she did not think it was logical that people today believe it is not acceptable to condemn those that express pro-white beliefs while society condemns Hitler for his pro-white convictions in the past.

“We learn in history about Hitler, who is the worst,” Easley said. “We hate Hitler. Hitler isn’t

a person. If I saw baby Hitler I would punch him in the face. But if you think about what Hitler was doing, creating the ethno-state, killing non-whites, that’s literally what neo-Nazis and white supremacists are saying today and I find it very interesting that all of a sudden now, we can dehumanize Hitler, but this is the present and we need to consider how people feel. But I don’t agree with that. You can’t tell me to respect people who are telling me I shouldn’t exist.”

Sydney McCourt ’20 said that she thinks there are limits on freedom of speech, specifically hate speech. She also said that because the people rallying in Charlottesville a month ago did not display respect for the counter-protestors that nobody should have to respect them.

“No violence was ever taken down without counter-violence,” McCourt said. “Technically, yes, they are humans too, but they don’t deserve my respect or basic human rights because that’s not how they’re acting.”

The second part of the discussion focused on what students at the College could do to take action against hatred and racism.

Easley read a letter she had written that

began “dear white people,” outlining how white people have to take responsibility for their privilege and creating concrete steps that people can take if they want to improve.

“You individually may not be a white supremacist or a Nazi or a member of the KKK, but these people are fighting for you and the domination of your people over everyone else,” Easley said. “If you don’t work against it, you are working with it.”

The steps for improvement she laid out included finding out what Black Lives Matter is doing on campus and getting involved, listening to people of color, educating family and friends, and speaking up when something is said that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Easley also emphasized that individuals must work on their own racism and said that it is essential to give oneself room to improve in thoughts and in actions.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort and collaboration,” Easley said.

“But we are a young generation of activists. If you’re willing to put in the work we can combat racism and white supremacy on our campus, in our country and worldwide.”

BOV

Presidential search enters second stage, releases leadership profile Diversity discussed as priority in nominations, confidentiality required as process proceeds SARAH SMITH FLAT HAT NEWS EDITOR

The College of William and Mary’s search for a 28th president continues with the release of a presidential leadership profile outlining what the search committee is looking for in candidates. During last week’s convening of the Board of Visitors, the Presidential Search Committee met to review the leadership profile and discuss the coming phase of the search, which is commonly referred to by the search committee as the “silent phase.”

Following the April 2017 announcement of College President Taylor Reveley’s June 30, 2018 retirement, the Search Committee has conducted 155 listening sessions — meetings where members of the search committee gather input from students, alumni and others in the College community. 1,602 individuals have participated in these sessions thus far.

In the coming months, the Search Committee will work in conjunction with Witt/Kieffer, an executive search firm, to gather and review nominations and interview candidates. At the end of this phase, the Search Committee will present two or three final candidates to the Board of Visitors for review.

College spokesperson Brian

Whitson said that leadership profiles vary based on the institution, but he believes that the College’s profile found the perfect balance for what he hopes it will achieve.

“Some profiles are short, and candidates can go on and look at links to other information,” Whitson said.

“We wanted to do a mixture of that. If

“

Above all, the president must be attuned to the pressing issues of the day as they impact the university and community constituents.

— The

leadership profile for the new college president

you look at this profile, we are hitting the high points. We wanted to hit that mixture, the balance between too long and too much information but wanting to make sure we are presenting something that William and Mary would want to present to a potential candidate.”

The development and release of the leadership profile is designed to attract potential candidates and provide these individuals with information about the College’s history and traditions, plus details regarding what the Search Committee is looking for in applicants.

According to Vice Rector of the Board of Visitors and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee Thomas Watkins ’74, diversity was one priority that he hoped was apparent in the leadership profile.

“Could the way we have discussed diversity and inclusivity been louder?”

Watkins said. “Sure it could, but it’s definitely up there as a priority, and I’m pleased with that.”

Throughout the 36-page leadership profile, diversity is referenced as an important value in the College community and quality that potential candidates must value as well. During public Search Committee forums held in the spring, diversity was listed by participating students, faculty and staff

as a desirable trait in the future president, although Watkins has maintained that “diversity of experiences” may be just as important in the hiring process.

“Above all, the president must be attuned to the pressing issues of the day as they impact the university and community constituents,” the leadership profile states. “The president will embody a commitment to diversity and inclusion and will have a demonstrated track record of creating and nurturing diverse, welcoming communities and teams. The William & Mary campus community will be best served by a leader who wholeheartedly cares about each of its members and who seeks, values and respects the viewpoints of its students, administrators, staff, faculty, alumni and friends.”

Moving forward, the Search Committee will transition into a more confidential and “secret” phase.

Members will conduct interviews but keep the names of candidates and number of nominations considered under wraps. Still, the committee expressed a desire to maintain transparency with the College community, especially with young alumni and current students.

According to Whitson, a large aspect of this initiative will be expanded outreach over digital media.

The Search Committee has launched a website, added widgets to College web pages and begun using a hashtag, #wmPresident, to share updates on the search process. Additionally, Whitson said the committee has decided to create Instagram Stories that share information about the leadership profile with current students, who predominantly are engaged with the College through Instagram’s platform.

Some Search Committee members are still concerned that the silence during this next phase of the search process will raise concerns. BOV and Search Committee member Doug Bunch ’02, J.D. ’06 said he has received questions from young alumni wondering what the next phase will look like and hopes there are ways to continue reassuring community members throughout the process.

Currently, the Search Committee’s plan is to share fun, informational videos and graphics about the silent phase. One of these videos will portray a mock candidate interview with the Griffin mascot.

“While sharing numbers just welcomes comparisons, we need to find other creative ways to let people know what’s being done,” BOV and Search Committee member Lynn Dillon ’75 said.

Civil liberties watchdog criticizes lack of due process at nation’s 53 top universities Disciplinary procedures strive to balance rights of accused, accuser; nonprofit awards 39 out of 50 sexual misconduct policies failing grades FIRE from page 1

in FIRE’s survey.

Susan Kroth, FIRE’s senior program officer, said the survey did not credit institutions for overly ambiguous policies. For example, many colleges provide notice of a charge but fail to specify if the student will be told in writing which policies they violated and by what alleged actions, where and when the actions happened, and who was involved. The College’s policy states that notice will be sent by email or mail but does not specify the exact contents of the message.

“Institutions may be disappointed by their scores because they alluded to a safeguard but didn’t clearly enough guarantee it,” Kroth said in an email. “We’ve found that where policies can be read in a way that infringes on student rights, they are very often applied that way.”

Kroth particularly criticized the College’s single-investigator model, which allows the dean of students or a designee to determine an outcome based on the final investigation report. Kroth said that hearing evidence inperson is critical for sexual misconduct cases, as they often hinge on two parties’ conflicting testimonies.

Additionally, Kroth said that the College’s failure to explicitly state the presumption of innocence represents a fundamental due process oversight. Gilbert, in comparison, said that the College applies the standard of innocence implicitly — for example, accused students are generally allowed to remain enrolled during an investigation, and they have

access to university resources throughout the process.

FIRE’s report arrives at a critical point in the nationwide debate over Title IX, the federal law that prohibits unequal treatment of the sexes in educational spaces and has long been associated with university sexual assault policies.

During a Sept. 7 speech at George Mason University, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced plans to revise the government’s approach to campus sexual assault, which derives from the 2011 “Dear Colleague” letter, an unofficial but strict set of procedural guidelines.

The letter encourages colleges to rely on a preponderance of evidence — the College’s policy states that preponderance means it is more likely than not the misconduct occurred — allow accusers to appeal not-guilty findings and complete adjudications within a 60-day timeframe. FIRE opposes the “Dear Colleague” letter and is sponsoring a lawsuit challenging its legality.

“Survivors aren’t well served when they are re-traumatized with appeal after appeal because the failed system failed the accused, and no student should be forced to sue their way to due process,” DeVos said in the Sept. 7 speech.

Brendan McDonald ’18, head of outreach for 16(IX)3, a group dedicated to ending sexual violence in the College community, said that many of the concerns raised by DeVos and FIRE seem to be influenced by the criminal justice system — but, as Boyce explains,

“

university investigations differ from criminal prosecution.

Survivors aren’t well served when they are re-traumatized with appeal after appeal because the failed system failed the accused, and no student should be forced to sue their way to due process.

— Betsy Devos during a speech about campus sexual assault at George Mason University

“We are addressing reports of violations of university policy,” Boyce said. “Due process in school conduct proceedings is not the same as due process in a criminal prosecution.”

Both Boyce and Gilbert said the College’s policy sufficiently protects the rights of accusers and accused; Gilbert added that the College exceeds the due process requirements required by law.

“In our process, students receive notice of the matters being investigated and a meaningful and robust opportunity to respond, the fundamental tenets of due process,” Gilbert said. “There are many ways institutions can meet their due process obligations, and there is no one right way to meet them.”

Elizabeth Cascone, director of The Haven, a resource center for individuals affected by sexual violence, further explained that many aspects of the College’s investigation process, particularly the preponderance of evidence, are common in civil rights and student conduct cases.

Ensuring due process on college campuses is ultimately a balancing act between protecting the rights of the reporting party and the rights of the accused. Sexual misconduct cases are complex, emotionally-charged proceedings, and McDonald said that these circumstances often create a need to provide leniency for one party over the other.

“It’s better to be more supportive of the victim than the accuser in every situation,” McDonald said. “When only [about] five percent of all reported rapes are falsified, that just means … the victim is probably right.”

Page 4

The Flat Hat

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg changes stance on rentals Proposed ordinance to allow short-term rentals on Henry, Scotland Street

CALEB YORK THE FLAT HAT

With the recent advent of tools such as Uber and cheap ticket-finding websites, technology is making it easier and less expensive to travel. More than ever, online hospitality services like Airbnb, FlipKey and HomeAway have become part of a traveler’s technological repertoire. These services are a popular way for travelers to connect with inexpensive, short-term housing while traveling. Typically, these sites act as brokers, connecting potential renters with property owners.

These sites seem to be growing in popularity. According to the Travel Technology Association’s estimates, only eight percent of leisure travelers used short-term rentals in 2010, but by the end of 2016, that number was above 30 percent and was still increasing.

The Brookings Institute think tank predicts that the broader sharing economy, of which short-term rentals make up a part, will grow from a $14 billion industry in 2014 to a $35 billion industry by 2025.

The data also suggest that people using such rentals stay over twice as long as those who don’t and often bring money to new locations outside of hotel districts. These rental sites has proven popular among college-aged individuals, where it serves as a cheaper alternative to hotels.

“Every host I’ve met through Airbnb has been very polite and hospitable, but I was also careful on which Airbnbs I’ve selected to go to by looking through online ratings,” Anna Westerhaus ’18 said.

“I don’t know how [Airbnb] would do in Williamsburg, though, because I don’t think of Airbnb as catering to families, which I

think is what most of the tourism in Williamsburg is.”

Currently, Williamsburg only permits short-term rentals through hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts and timeshares.

However, in March 2017, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed legislation sponsored by Virginia State Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment (R-James City County). The legislation, SB 1578, allows local governments to create ordinances that would allow for the regulation and taxation of short-term property rentals. While many in the hospitality industry voiced their support for this bill, some users of Airbnb and similar sites said that they feared this would allow local governments to levy high taxes on online rentals.

This relaxation has prompted the City of Williamsburg’s city council to consider drafting an ordinance to allow online short-term property rentals in Williamsburg. According to City Councilman Benny Zhang ’16, the city council members are just now discussing these relaxations — not because they were uninterested in allowing Airbnb, but because of the need to comply with the Dillon rule.

“It’s not necessarily because the City wasn’t interested in doing that,” Zhang said. “It’s actually because Virginia did not allow it. Virginia — we are under a Dillon rule state — the idea is that localities cannot do anything without express permission from the state.”

Named after the writings of Judge John Forest Dillon, the Dillon rule is used in determining whether a local government has a certain power. The rule states that if there is any reasonable doubt over whether a local government does have a certain power, then that power has not been granted to that local government. The state of Virginia routinely applies this rule, which can make it a barrier to new local government responses.

“In order for us to allow this, we had to ask the state, and the state just passed something this year allowing all localities to adopt short-term rentals,” Zhang said. “There was a bill that got passed by Senator Norman that allowed, by ordinance, counties to allow short-term rental registries, making them legal. Long story short, it’s a relatively new thing, and that’s why we’re only just now considering this.”

Zhang said that the City Council is currently discussing restricting these short-term rentals to certain addresses, including parts of Henry and Scotland streets, where there is already a significant amount of renters.

“That’s like kind of in the outskirts of the city; it’s already highly rented out and wouldn’t really detract from the singlefamily [home] neighborhood around the College,” Zhang said.

“They want to make that with a special exception. I think the main concern with the City is that we actually care more about the land use than the potential revenue because mostly counties are doing this to generate money. For us, we have the challenge of balancing land use regulations … we place a high premium on our neighborhoods.”

The draft ordinance also would only allow short-term rentals in single-family houses that are occupied by the owner and would disallow the use of a specified rental properties for a short-term rental. Under the draft ordinance, no more than two bedrooms in a given property would be available for rent.

According to Zhang, while revenue matters, the City Council is primarily concerned with making sure that positive qualities of the City’s neighborhoods are not affected by allowing rentals through Airbnb, FlipKey or HomeAway.

CAMPUS

Community members gather, hear forum on Trump, Supreme Court Panelists discuss new Justice, potential Kennedy resignation, possible group dynamic changes MADELINE MONROE FLAT HAT ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR

Students, faculty and community members gathered to hear a forum on the U.S. Supreme Court under U.S. President Donald Trump Sept.

15, part of the two-day 2017 Supreme Court Preview held annually at the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, which provides law students an opportunity to earn six CLE credits.

“Trump and the Court,” moderated by Adam Liptak, the Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, featured three panelists from different backgrounds in the legal field who discussed how the Court would be affected under Trump. The panel discussed the arrival of a new justice, Neil Gorsuch, who replaced the late Justice Antonin Scalia and the potential resignation of Justice Anthony Kennedy looming in the future.

Donald Verrilli, panelist and partner of Munger, Tolles & Olson, acknowledged there are similarities between Gorsuch and Scalia.

“You can think about it as Justice Gorsuch basically replacing Justice Scalia,” Verrilli said.

“How different are they really? Both [are] very committed to textualism as a matter of statutory interpretation. … [Gorsuch is] very committed to originalism as a method of constitutional

interpretation, as Justice Scalia was and generally a judicial conservative, as Justice Scalia was.”

Verrilli noted, however, that between the two judges, “there’s potential for differences in certain places.”

“The one everyone is focused on … is the relationship between the judiciary and the administrative state,” Verrilli said. “That relationship was changing anyway. I think it was pretty evident to people who were paying careful attention that the whole idea of the Chevron Doctrine was eroding and in fact disappearing before Justice Gorsuch arrived. You almost never see it cited now. … That trend seems to be likely to really solidify because Justice Scalia, at least in theory until the end of his time, was really a believer in that doctrine.”

Verrilli also said that the arrival of Gorsuch could affect the Supreme Court’s overall functioning as a group, with Gorsuch’s assertiveness playing a key role in altering the present group dynamic. “[Gorsuch] is being very assertive from a very early time,” Verrilli said. “But he didn’t come to the bench, at this point in his career, with the same esteem that Justice Scalia attained eventually. ...

I’m not sure that you could just step into that role as a new justice without upsetting the dynamic.”

Kannon Shanmugam, panelist and partner of Williams & Connolly, agreed with Verrilli,

acknowledging both the new justice’s level of assertiveness and his activity level compared to other first-year justices as factors in the changing dynamic.

“From the starting gun, he was incredibly active, incredibly forthright in expressing his views in oral argument, and that was reflected in, I think, a noticeably significant number of separate opinions coming out of that sitting,” Shanmugam said. “His level of activity on the Court really contrasted with that of say, Justice [Samuel] Alito, who really for his first year on the court was relatively quiet at oral argument.”

Co-Director of Stanford Law School’s Supreme Court Litigation Clinic Pamela Karlan said she believed that more would account for Gorsuch’s impact on the interpersonal dynamic of the court than just his activity level and assertiveness.

“I think the most extraordinary thing was his separate opinion in Pavan [v. Smith],” Karlan said.

In Pavan v. Smith — a 2017 case which reversed an Arkansas State Supreme Court holding that discriminated against same-sex couples in the one partner’s status as a co-parent on birth certificates — Gorsuch wrote a dissenting opinion alongside Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas.

Karlan said that the new judge’s younger age would solidify his legacy as a Trump appointee.

“He’s 40 years younger, which means that

he’s going to be around on the Supreme Court long after Donald Trump is gone, even if Donald Trump makes it through four years,” Karlan said. “[Gorsuch is] a different kind of Conservative because he came up in a different stage of the Conservative legal movement.”

During the past term, Verrilli said that the justices were intent on finding common ground.

The most notable of these instances, according to Verrilli, was during the Trinity Lutheran v.

Comer case, in which Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the majority opinion, included Justice Elena Kagan and Justice Stephen Breyer to further that effort. However, Verrilli said he believes that Gorsuch made it apparent that he would not partake in the effort to find common ground.

“One of the very first things that Justice Gorsuch did was say, ‘No, I’m not doing that,’ on what was probably the most important case of the term,” Verrilli said. “That sure seems significant to me.”

Liptak and the panelists discussed how the Court would be impacted if another nomination would occur to fill Kennedy’s seat and what precedents were at risk.

“Affirmative action is at risk,” Karlan said.

“Abortion is at risk. Not because it would overturn Roe v. Wade itself directly but because they would whittle it down to a doorstop. You’d never see any burden that was undue.”

In wake of Trump’s announcement to phase out DACA, BOV affirms support for Dreamers Committee members discuss uncertainities regarding Trump presidency, sexual misconduct policies following DeVos speech BOV from page 1

can’t handle the security for an event or speaker, then that’s fine, but it must be given in good faith,” Halleran said.

This discussion comes at a crucial moment, as college campuses nationwide have debated disinviting speakers or fellows because of their backgrounds or potentially offensive subject matter. While many of these debates are centered around altright speakers or white nationalists, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government rescinded Chelsea Manning’s fellowship offer Sept. 15 after receiving criticism from the public.

Additionally, during the convention of the full board, BOV member Chris Little said that during the meeting of the Committee on Audit and Compliance, there was a discussion about U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos’ Sept. 7 speech regarding plans to revise the government’s approach to campus sexual assault. Currently, the “Dear Colleague” letter acts as an unofficial set of procedural guidelines.

This letter, as followed by the College, means disciplinary procedures rely on the assumption that it is more likely than not that alleged misconduct occurred and allows accusers to appeal not-guilty findings. DeVos said in her speech that survivors are not well served

by the appeals process and that no student, particularly those accused of sexual misconduct, should have to “sue their way to due process.”

While it is not clear how exactly DeVos plans to replace these Obama-era campus sexual assault policies, her comments have sparked concerns nationwide and at the College about what this could mean for those reporting instances of sexual misconduct.

Earlier in the week, during the Committee on Student Affairs meeting, members of the Board discussed how DeVos’ speech had generated concern and a “great deal” of anxiety for the student body, and how it needed to be a priority to educate campus about sexual assault policies and respond to allegations.

Chief Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator Kiersten Boyce said that DeVos’ statement was simply a statement, not a legal change. While this statement has spurred debate, Boyce said the College does not currently know what it means for the future, but the administration needs to stay on top of any developments. Reveley added that it is also unclear what processes DeVos’ comments might create and whether they will result in formal rules.

One element of the policies deriving from the “Dear Colleague” letter is that many interpret them

to give more rights to the accuser than to the accused. Secretary of the Board Sue Gerdelman ’76 said that she thinks that equal protection should go to the accused and the accuser in all instances.

Another BOV member, Little, said that the accused need to have more rights because they are in a different situation.

“The accused and the accuser are in different situations,” Little said. “We have to give more rights to the accused. The current guidance requires a quality of rights for both parties. The quality of rights is mandated.”

While it is not clear how exactly DeVos plans to replace these Obama-era campus sexual assault policies, her comments have sparked concerns nationwide and at the College about what this could mean for those reporting instances of sexual misconduct.

Earlier in the week, during the Committee on Student Affairs meeting, members of the Board discussed how DeVos’ speech had generated concern and a “great deal” of anxiety for the student body, and how it needed to be a priority to educate campus about sexual assault policies and respond to allegations.

Chief Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator Kiersten Boyce said that DeVos’ statement was simply a statement, not a legal change. While this statement has

spurred debate, Boyce said the College does not currently know what it means for the future, but the administration needs to stay on top of any developments. Reveley added that it is also unclear what processes DeVos’ comments might create and whether they will result in formal rules.

One element of the policies

deriving from the “Dear Colleague” letter is that many interpret them to give more rights to the accuser than to the accused.

Secretary of the Board Sue Gerdelman ’76 said that she thinks that equal protection should go to the accused and the accuser in all instances.

Another BOV member, Little,

said that the accused need to have more rights because they are in a different situation.

“The accused and the accuser are in different situations,” Little said. “We have to give more rights to the accused. The current guidance requires a quality of rights for both parties. The quality of rights is mandated.”

opinions

Opinions Editor Brendan Doyle Opinions Editor Kiana Espinoza fhopinions@gmail.com // @theflathat

The Flat Hat | Tuesday, September 19, 2017 | Page 5

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

How Title IX changes will affect the College

MEILAN SOLLY / THE FLAT HAT

STAFF COLUMN

Fitting back into a familiar world as a WaMStA

Meilan Solly

FLAT HAT CHIEF STAFF WRITER

The College of William and Mary campus has undergone notable changes over the past two years: Millington Hall and the Lodges are remnants of the past, Tyler Hall and the Integrated Science Center are fully-functioning buildings rather than fenced-in construction zones, and many of the students who populated the College’s brick paths two years ago have graduated.

Those who witnessed these developments firsthand are probably used to them, but as a senior returning from two years abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, I find the changes just perceptible enough to be disconcerting.

Sometimes, walking around campus feels like reliving my freshman year at the College.

I still live in Yates Hall and eat most of my meals at the Caf, and my time in Scotland is an enticing but distant prospect.

Other days, the College is an unknown entity filled with strange new places and, more importantly, strangers. I’ve been back in Williamsburg for nearly a month, and I’m still trying to find a happy medium between these extremes.

You might think the question “where do you go to school?” is a simple one, but any member of the College of William and Mary/University of St. Andrews Joint Degree Programme will tell you otherwise. Whenever I’m asked this question, I follow one of two routes: omit the name of the school I feel less emotionally attached to in the moment or offer a convoluted explanation that quickly devolves into rambling.

Essentially, the JDP offers students — collectively known as WaMStAs — the chance to split their four

years of university between two schools. I spent freshman year at the College and am back on campus after spending sophomore and junior years in Scotland. Upon graduation, I will receive a Bachelor of Arts (International Honours) degree with the insignia of both institutions.

I could write a book detailing my reasons for enrolling in the programme, but the short version is I wanted a “different” university experience and have always loved the United Kingdom. I found it difficult to leave my friends at the College following freshman year, but I embraced life in the tiny seaside town of St. Andrews. Instead of constantly comparing the two schools, I learned to appreciate their unique aspects: for example, Raisin Weekend — a St. Andrews tradition characterized by drunken revelry, a giant foam fight, fancy dress (Halloween costumes) and academic families — and the persistent sounds of cannon fire emanating from Colonial Williamsburg.

This strategy helped me acclimate to St. Andrews, and I assumed it would prove equally useful during my transition back to the College.

I was nervous about returning to a school I hadn’t called home since 2015, but I calmed these fears by reminding myself I’d successfully navigated an arguably more difficult transition. Instead of starting over, I would simply be returning to an old school, or as I told a friend during more cynical moments, attempting to fit back into a life I’d created two years ago.

In actuality, senior year has been eerily similar to sophomore year. I miss the friends and places I’ve left behind and feel somewhat lost in my new reality. Every day is a disconcerting mix of deja vu and the unfamiliar, but, as I reminded my terrified 19-year-old self during the first days in Scotland, it will get better.

The JDP is intrinsically challenging, but becoming a WaMStA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I can’t imagine college without picturing my homes on both sides of the Atlantic; from nights in the Yates first south lounge to surprise Thanksgiving dinners thrown by my British flatmates, the College and St. Andrews are equally integral aspects of my identity.

Email Meilan Solly at mmsolly@email.wm.edu

“

You might think the question “where do you go to school?” is a simple one, but any member of the College of William and Mary/University of St. Andrews Joint Degree Programme will tell you otherwise.

COMMENTS @THEFLATHAT

“I couldn’t agree more. Historical symbolism helps the brand maintain its panache.”

— Don Doherty on “Defending the Coat of Arms of the College”

Sept. 7, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the need for changes to campus sexual assault enforcement, criticizing the Obama-era guidance in place since 2011. Now, administrators and sexual assault prevention and response advocates across the nation are anticipating what this may mean for the policies and procedures already in place at institutions.

What we know right now: We know that change is coming but anticipate it will be limited. The DeVos announcement has not changed the law known as Title IX. Schools still have the same responsibilities and survivors the same rights. The College of William and Mary will continue to address allegations of sexual misconduct as it currently does by protecting survivors from unnecessary re-traumatization and holding a fair and equitable investigatory process. Additional federal laws, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Clery Act, define and dictate the type of incidents to which institutions are obligated to respond, outline rights and options for reporting parties and respondents, and prescribe prevention programs intended to reduce and prevent harm.

We hope to have an opportunity to weigh in on any changes.

Secretary DeVos spoke of pursuing a notice-and-comment process, which involves proposed regulatory action being publicized and public comment solicited prior to new rules or guidance being finalized.

“

The College of William and Mary will continue to address allegations of sexual misconduct as it currently does by protecting survivors from unnecessary re-traumatization.

What are the College’s commitments?

In 2015, the College’s Task Force on Preventing Sexual Assault and Harassment developed recommendations to improve both response infrastructure and prevention initiatives on campus. Since that time, the Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Assault and Harassment has been implementing those recommendations. In the last three years, William and Mary has made substantial changes to the sexual misconduct reporting and investigation process, strengthened advocacy services and support for survivors, and begun developing a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention plan. This past spring, William and Mary conducted a sexual misconduct climate survey that was completed by 1,899 students. The results of this survey confirm what we know.

Sexual misconduct at William and Mary is far too common.

We join countless other campuses and communities across the nation in working toward shifting our culture in order to reduce perpetration of sexual violence.

William and Mary is committed to fair, thorough investigation of reported sexual misconduct. Our procedures are designed to respect the due process rights of respondents as well as the civil rights of reporting parties. We continually assess and revise our procedures and practices and will continue to do so during this period.

Depending on future guidance and directives from the Department of Education, it is possible that William and Mary may be required to make changes to policies or procedures, as will all institutions that receive federal funds. Regardless of these changes, William and Mary is committed to the progress it has made and will continue to collaborate with students, faculty and administrators to improve its prevention and response systems. William and Mary will continue to support survivors by being transparent about survivors’ rights and options, holding accountable those found responsible for sexual misconduct, and conducting sexual misconduct investigations in an equitable and fair manner for all parties involved.

—W&M Collaborative Title IX Staff For more information regarding sexual misconduct at W&M, please visit www.wm.edu/sexualviolence. Contact Liz Cascone, Director of The Haven, at emcascone@email.wm.edu.

The Flat Hat

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Page 6

Voting where your voice counts the most: registering in Williamsburg

Kevin Richeson

FLAT HAT ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR

“Hi, are you registered to vote in Williamsburg?” I am sure that most students have been asked this question at some point at the College of William and Mary . While it may be frustrating to have to answer this question repeatedly, the student volunteers that are working to get people registered to vote are doing a commendable service. I was asked this question for the first time only a week into my freshman year at the College last fall. I was already registered to vote in Henrico, Va., my hometown, but I filled out the necessary paperwork to change my registration address to the City of Williamsburg. There are

“

I am concerned by the current national and international political climates, but also believe that losal government is tremendously impactful and sets the tone for ... higher levels reasons to stay registered in your hometown as well, but I felt strongly about voting in Williamsburg.

My ideology is left of center and I have voted for all Democratic candidates in the three elections that I have been allowed to vote in since turning 18. I try to stay politically informed and involved and I am a member of Young Democrats on campus.

I am concerned by the current national and international political climates, but also believe that local government is tremendously impactful and sets the tone for government at higher levels. Virginia has become a purple state over the last couple decades, meaning that there is relatively equal support for both the Republican and Democratic parties statewide. Despite this, the Virginia House of Delegates is currently comprised of 66 Republicans compared to only 34 Democrats. One reason for this discrepancy is gerrymandering, the practice where uneven and nonsensical district lines are drawn to favor a certain party. Unfortunately for me, the local elections in my hometown are usually won by Republicans, partly due to this deplorable practice. The 93rd district in Williamsburg is one of the few districts across the state that has consistently competitive House of Delegates campaigns.

I want my vote to matter in important local elections. The competitiveness of campaigns in this district leads me to want to vote in Williamsburg. Just last November, my vote helped to elect State Senator Monty Mason in the 1st district and Delegate Mike Mullin the 93rd district. I truly felt that my vote mattered and that those two candidates have represented my interests in local government.

Furthermore, I moved onto campus barely over a year ago, but I consider this to be my home. I care about the people on campus and have formed close bonds with many unique and fantastic people. I also have fond memories of and truly believe in the mission of Colonial Williamsburg. I have been to events, restaurants and stores all around Williamsburg and care deeply about the well-being of my campus, the city and the surrounding areas. Policies in local government directly impact these areas and I want to do my best to put people in office that have similar values to me and will help to preserve and strengthen this wonderful area.

I also have many opportunities to meet and campaign for local politicians on campus. I feel a personal bond with the local candidates in Williamsburg because of the opportunities that the College and Young Democrats provide to meet and support local politicians. I have heard Mullin and Mason speak on multiple occasions and hope to assist in Mullin’s campaign through phone banks and canvasses this fall.

I understand that some people have a strong connection with their hometowns and do not want to sacrifice their votes there to vote in Williamsburg or that elections in their hometowns are competitive, and that is completely acceptable.

As long as you are voting somewhere, you are making your voice heard. However, I personally feel that I have the best opportunity to make a difference here in Williamsburg, a place that I love, and therefore I made the decision to change my voter registration to Williamsburg.

Email Kevin Richeson at kmricheson@email.wm.edu.

GRAPHIC BY KIANA ESPINOZA / THE FLAT HAT

The easy and logical choice: registering in Williamsburg

Rob O’Gara FLAT HAT GUEST COLUMNIST

government, and in 2016 received 12.8 percent of its operating revenue from the state.

The governor is also responsible for appointing members of the Board of Visitors at William and Mary, which serves as the governing body of the College. The 17 members of the Board of Visitors have an incredible impact on the lives of students at the College. For instance, the Board of Visitors approves the William and Mary budget. And right now, the Board of Visitors is overseeing the Presidential Search Committee that seeks to find the next president of William and Mary.

If you are a United States citizen over the age of 18 and a full-time student at William and Mary, you can register to vote right here in Williamsburg. Registering to vote in Williamsburg carries several advantages. First, you will be casting your vote for the candidates that will have the responsibility of representing you and the College.

Indeed, the various candidates, from both major political parties, come to William and Mary and are interested in the wellbeing of the College.

From a logistical standpoint, voting in Williamsburg is also very easy. I’ve probably annoyed you at least ten times this semester to register to vote as you try to get dinner at Sadler. But there’s a reason behind the madness. It only takes five minutes to register to vote in Williamsburg, and once you’re registered all you have to do on Election Day is to walk to either the United Methodist Church on Jamestown Road or the Williamsburg Community Building at 401 North Boundary Street.

Both locations are a five to ten minute walk from the Sunken Gardens. It’s that easy.October 16 is the deadline to register to vote. Please register if you have not done so already. And if you ever have any questions, odds are you can find me in Sadler tabling on your way to dinner.

Please just stop by and ask me.Your vote matters. Your voice matters. I hope that you take advantage of one of the greatest freedoms we have as Americans and will cast your ballot this November.

Email Rob O’Gara at rhogara@email.wm.edu.

“

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the people of Virginia will go to the polls to vote in the 2017 state elections, casting their ballot to select their governor, state senator, and state delegate.

Here at William and Mary, we can cast a ballot of our own and make sure our voice is heard in Williamsburg and across Virginia.

William and Mary, let us come together and commit ourselves to vote this November in Williamsburg.

The candidates for election, while not as widely covered as the candidates for President in the 2016 election, are running for extremely important offices, nonetheless.

The governor of Virginia is the most important official in the state, as he or she has the power to veto bills passed by the General Assembly and propose the state budget among other responsibilities. The delegates and state senators of the General Assembly are also important as they create and ratify the bills that become laws in Virginia.

At William and Mary, we ought to concern ourselves with the affairs of the state government. The governor and General Assembly work together on creating a budget for Virginia, a budget that sets state funding for public universities in Virginia. William and Mary is one of those public universities that receives funding from the state

At William and Mary, we ought to concern ourselves with the affairs of the state government.

Voting with your community: registering at home

Brendan Doyle FLAT HAT OPINIONS EDITOR

here, there are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to determine where your priorities are.

First off, it’s imperative to consider your hometown’s political climate. Are the races back home competitive? Do you feel like your vote matters?

I answered yes to both of those questions. Fairfax is one of the most important counties in both state and national elections. I also live in a close school board district and feel like my vote can help swing the tide there.

Another question you should ask yourself is how much you care about local government in both your hometown and in Williamsburg. Both my parents work in public schools, so local government in Fairfax can impact them immensely. For example, this year, a Fairfax County School Board member resigned, leaving an open seat. I felt strongly about the special election to fill the seat, so I made sure to have an absentee ballot sent to Williamsburg.

Lastly, do you have any connections to local election candidates either in your hometown or in Williamsburg?

I personally don’t, but I have friends who have worked in campaigns both back home and here at the College. If you are one of those people, then you should vote in their district.

Of course, if the answer is no to either or both of those questions, go ahead and vote in Williamsburg.

But don’t just change your voter registration because you feel guilty ignoring the people outside Sadler.

The most important thing about voting is that you’re making a difference in a locality that you care about, not where that locality is.

Email Brendan Doyle at bpdoyle@email.wm.edu

“

Last year, I was excited to vote in my first election ever. I know this is a very William and Mary thing to say, but it’s true. The culture of political engagement and activism on campus is unlike that of many others in the state, and maybe even the country, and there’s one form of activism that seems to be everywhere, from the Terrace, to the Caf, to Swampy Memes, even to Tinder. Say it with me: “Hi, are you registered to vote in Williamsburg?”

Yes, those people with clipboards are annoying. But I’m not arguing that you shouldn’t vote just to spite them. Voting is a civic duty and one I take seriously.

We, as citizens, get the chance to make our voices heard in our local, state and national politics, and it’s important to do so.

However, it’s perfectly acceptable to vote at home instead of in Williamsburg.

I personally am registered back home in Fairfax County. Even so, I don’t feel guilty when a person tabling asks me if I’m voting in Williamsburg.

If you’re not sure whether you want to vote at home or

The most important thing about voting is that you’re making a difference.

variety

Variety Editor Akemi Tamanaha Variety Editor Heather Baier flathat.variety@gmail.com // @theflathat

The Flat Hat | Tuesday, September 19, 2017 | Page 7

Going Global With

COLL 300 IRIS HYON / THE FLAT HAT

Tripathi performed at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall as a part of a broader component of the campus COLL 300 curriculum. Tripathi was a plaintiff in a 2014 Indian Supreme Court case that gained legal recognition for a “third gender.”

Center for Liberal Arts hosts first COLL 300 speaker: Laxmi Narayan Tripathi AKEMI TAMANAHA FLAT HAT VARIETY EDITOR

Wednesday evening, hundreds of students poured into Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall to watch a performance by Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and listen to her discuss her life as a hijra and a trans-activist.

Tripathi was one of the plaintiffs in a 2014 Indian Supreme Court case that established legal recognition of a “third gender.” Tripathi is also the author of the book “Me Laxmi, Me Hijra,” which was one of the first texts in South Asia to be written from the perspective of a transgender person.

Tripathi’s performance and the following conversation was part of a broader component of the campus COLL 300 curriculum. This semester, 426 students are enrolled in 30 available COLL 300 classes. Each semester, the Center for Liberal Arts will host three visitors that relate to the COLL 300 theme. This year’s theme is “IN / EXclusion.”

Courses and speakers will look at the processes of inclusion and exclusions within communities.

This is the first semester the COLL 300 curriculum is being taught at the College , as the first social class of students to be on the COLL curriculum rather than the GER system are now juniors.

“This is the first full pilot semester of this vision we had for COLL 300,” Chancellor Professor and Fellow with the Center for the Liberal Arts Eugene Tracy said.

The evening was broken up into three different sections. First the audience was treated to a dance piece performed by Laxmi and some students from a Modern III class. After the performance, Tripathi was interviewed about her life experiences and on other topics relating to gender and sexuality. Then the audience was given an opportunity to write down questions they had for Tripathi, which she answered on stage.

The event began with a few opening remarks from Tracy, who explained the COLL 300 curriculum to the audience and jokingly compared himself to Indiana Jones.

“My job up here is like Harrison Ford in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ which is basically to get the ball rolling and then get out of the way,” Tracy said.

After Tracy’s opening remarks, Tripathi and students from Professor Morris’ modern dance class performed a dance for the audience. Tripathi had only one hour to choreograph the performance and two hours to rehearse with the dancers.

After the dance, Tracy brought Assistant Professor of World Theater, Claire Pamment, on stage to interview Tripathi. Pamment proposed that the Center for Liberal Arts invite Tripathi as a guest and helped arrange her visit to campus.

Pamment met Tripathi in 2015 and was grateful to have an opportunity to reconnect with her.

“I’m very thankful to CLA and all the many sponsoring departments ... to have this opportunity for me to meet Laxmi again and to share her with all of you,” Pamment said.

Pamment and Tripathi opened the interview with a discussion of what it means to be a hijra.

Tripathi recalled a time in 2006 when she had to introduce herself to several important political figureheads at an International AIDS conference.

“I said, ‘I’m hijra,’” Tripathi said. “‘I’m neither man nor woman.’”

Tripathi said that many people she has met do

“

IRIS HYON / THE FLAT HAT

To open the event, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi performed a dance with students from Professor Morris’ Modern dance III class.

What would be the biggest sorrow? The sorrow of being unloved, and that is the sorrow my community faces.

- Laxmi Narayan Tripathi

IRIS HYON / THE FLAT HAT

Professor Pamment met Laxmi Tripathi in 2015 and suggested that the Center for Liberal Arts ask her to come perform.

not understand what she means by “neither man nor woman.”

“We enjoy the world, the nature,” Tripathi said.

“The nature’s femininity is that which we enjoy, so that’s why our title is feminine, and we pull the femininity out of our souls to live feminine in this world, but we don’t relate ourselves to be women.

We are third gender.”

According to Tripathi, hijra translates to mean a person who leaves their own tribe in search of their own self. However, hijras don’t normally leave their homes willingly. Often, they are forced out because their families make them feel unwelcome. Tripathi said she was blessed to have parents who loved and accepted her. They did not wish to see her leave home. “[My mother] said, ‘I can’t see my child begging on the street. I can’t see my child selling his or her own body in the night,’” Tripathi said.

While Tripathi expressed gratitude for the love and support she received from the people in her life, she said it saddened her to think that other hijras might not receive that same support.

“What would be the biggest sorrow?” Tripathi said. “The sorrow of being unloved, and that is the sorrow my community faces.”

Pamment and Tripathi also discussed Tripathi’s activism and her opinions and on topics of gender and sexuality. Toward the end of the interview, Pamment asked Tripathi about her opinions on sex work. They discussed whether or not sex work should be legal in India. Tripathi said that she believes legalizing sex work would create lots of problems but that it should at least be decriminalized.

Although Tripathi has largely become known for her activism, one of her main passions is dance. She is a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer and has danced in numerous venues around the world, including dancing in front of the UN. According to Tripathi, dance helped her deal with many of the problems she faced.

“Dancing always gave me a sigh of relief,” Tripathi said.

During the audience-question portion of the event, an audience member asked Tripathi if being a hijra made her dance career more difficult. She insisted that being a hijra was not a problem and added that the biggest challenge was convincing her teacher to come out of retirement. Throughout the evening, Tripathi made it clear that she did not let the stigma of being a hijra dictate the way she lived her life. An audience member asked if she worried that society would judge her for the way she dressed, and she replied that she did not care.

“I do not care about society,” Tripathi said. “They aren’t buying me clothes.”

Recently, Tripathi was awarded the highest level of Hindu spiritual guardianship. Some people worried that her new religious role would keep her from fighting for LGBTQ rights. Tripathi said she assured them that she would not judge members of the LGBTQ community who came to her looking for spiritual guidance.

“I am not one to judge,” Tripathi said. “It is between the child and his god.”

Pamment and Tripathi discussed several controversial and emotional topics throughout the evening. At the end of the event, Tripathi reminded everyone to treat people with kindness. “[Whoever] you meet, treat them with dignity, love and respect,” Tripathi said.

The Flat Hat

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Page 8

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Don’t kink shame me, bro

If your partner has a kink, let them know your limits and make it work for you

Elizabeth Barto

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS COLUMNIST

“Meet me in the play room in fifteen minutes,” my freshman hallmates and I quoted, putting on our most seductive voices, waggling our eyebrows and then doubling over with laughter for weeks after a large group of us went to see the first “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie at the Movie Tavern on Valentine’s Day. Although BDSM and kink continue to have a heyday in pop culture, many people (especially those not informed about, involved in or interested in kink) like to joke about fetishes and fantasies. So what do you do when, as one anonymous reader asked me this past week, your partner takes you into their confidence, shares one of their kinks with you, and you’re super not into it?

Here’s my vanilla disclaimer: I’m not exactly the most kinksavvy individual, so I’ve had to do a little research for this article. I’m also not a sex therapist, just your friendly neighborhood feminist. But I do know about the power of opening dialogues about sex in a patient and respectful manner. Are consent and open conversation kinks? If so, I’m on board.

1. Do not shame them for having a certain kink. Period. Their interest in a little role play does not make them immature; their interest in BDSM doesn’t equate a twisted mind and a tortured past (*cough* Christian Grey *cough*). If your partner has shared their kink with you and you don’t understand it, don’t tear them down for it, ask questions.

Know that just because your partner is a very kinky girl/guy/non-binary/gender-queer individual, the kind you don’t take home to mother, doesn’t mean that they’re a super freak.

But you already know this. You want to support them, you don’t want to kink shame them, you want them to be having good sex that feels good and excites them. But if you’re not kinky, or kinky in the same way that your partner is, you’ll need to identify which aspects of their kink make you personally uncomfortable, and voice your discomforts clearly and kindly, without implying that they should be uncomfortable or feel bad about having a certain kink. After all, they’ve shared a very vulnerable part of themselves with you.

2. Do not shame or degrade yourself (unless you’re into that).

Especially if your partner has a strong interest in a particular kink, you may find yourself wondering: what about me as I normally am isn’t enough for my partner? Please, please know

that your partner’s kink does not mean that anything is wrong with you, or that you are lesser or not enough just because they want to experiment with adding a new twist to sexual activities.

Furthermore, if you don’t want to try out their brand of kink “play,” that doesn’t make you closed minded or cruel, and it certainly doesn’t make you bad at sex.

3. Turn-offs and “I” statements: Try to explain what about your partner’s kink turns you off or makes you uncomfortable or hesitant. For example, “Being covered in chocolate sauce during sex is a turn off for me. It would make me feel messy and you know how I feel about cleanliness. I would be more focused on how I was going to get the chocolate stains off my sheets than the sex.” Or, “Being tied up is a turn off for me because being unable to have full control of my body makes me feel used and objectified.” As an aside, when discussing domination/ submission-based kinks in particular, you may want to discuss with your partner how your intersecting experiences of power/ powerlessness, privilege and oppression affect your comfort levels during sex, as well as how they may turn each of you on or off of certain fantasies.

In general, it may take some more discussion for your partner to fully

you are still uncomfortable with, it’s still okay to say no. It is always okay to say no.

4. Turn-Ons. Offer alternatives! For example, “I’m not comfortable being in a threesome, but I’m super turned on by mutual masturbation. Is that something that you would be interested in?” Or, “As a vegan, the idea of wearing leather during sex is uncomfortably unethical for me, but I’d be down to wear stockings or high heels. Do either of those things turn you on?”

5. Checklists. Before trying anything tremendously new, make like “Fifty Shades of Grey” and exchange a checklist (I’d hesitate to recommend a binding contract … pun absolutely intended) of sexual acts/behaviors that you both would be comfortable either giving or receiving to help facilitate conversation about exactly what you are and aren’t comfortable with. There are some great lists to be found online, and all are as customizable as you’d like to make them. Maybe you’ll find yourself intrigued by some elements of your partner’s fantasies but not others. Like Anastasia Steele, you too can say yes to light power play, but no to fisting. As one movie-goer cried out Rocky Horror-style, during the non-disclosure agreement scene of the original “Fifty Shades of Grey,” a few years ago at the Movie Tavern, “Yes! You go girl!

You set your boundaries!”

6. What if your partner finds that they cannot be aroused without the object of their fetish? Your partner may have a diagnosable fetishistic disorder. **Note: sexual fantasies are completely normal to have, and having kinks does not mean that you have a fetishistic disorder. According to Psychology Today, “A diagnosis of fetishistic disorder is only used if there is accompanying personal distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning as a result of the fetish.” The key word there is distress. If you or your partner’s kinks aren’t distressing either of you, then don’t worry about it. But if your partner does find their kink distressing, inhibitive to normal interactions or disordered, consider opening a gentle, supportive dialogue with them about seeking help from a sex therapist. There is nothing COURTESY PHOTO / PIXABAY shameful about anyone seeking out the help they need if it turns out they do need it.

7. What if you and your partner are just not sexually compatible? Not sharing kinks should not have to be the end of a sexual relationship, but if it’s a real deal-breaker for you understand the or your partner, you both need to be honest with yourselves and exact lines and nature as well as your boundaries and feelings each other about what you want out of a sexual relationship. If about a fantasy, just as it may take you time to understand their your partner will really only feel sexually liberated if they can reasons for being turned on by a specific fantasy. They may offer regularly release their inner dominatrix and you’re not into that, compromises, such as, “Okay, well, if cleanliness is the problem, it’s probably for the best that you both seek out different partners. would you be comfortable getting drenched in chocolate sauce Elizabeth Bartop is a Behind Closed Doors columnist who in the shower instead?” And if they do offer a compromise that supports getting kinky and exploring sexual fetishes.

Student tunes for a cause Journey to an education

Students play for childrens philanthropy

A review of Brenda Marie Osbey’s poem

WILL ALLEN FLAT HAT STAFF WRITER

HEATHER BAIER FLAT HAT VARIETY EDITOR

This past Thursday, Nu Kappa Epsilon, in partnership with Alpha Phi Omega Nu Rho, encouraged student artistry and supported the national charity Songs for Kids at their NKoachElla event. In Trinkle Hall, students were treated to a show of student led entertainment and even a surprise proposal with the ticket sales going directly to charity.

According to NKE’s philanthropy chair Emmel El-Fiky, NKoachElla raised $1,200 for Songs for Kids and sold over 100 tickets.

Student musical groups Passing Notes, Bhangra, The Gentlemen of the College, Dull Ache, Ashley Mitchell, Pilot Speaking, Emma and Josh and Talk to Plants performed from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Photo booths, a raffle and snacks kept donors entertained between shows.

Nu Kappa Epsilon, the only music sorority on campus, has been a long-time partner of Songs for Kids. NKE has usually had smaller events like bake sales in support of the philanthropy.

“We wanted to do something more serious with them,” Catalina Rubio ’19, vice president of NKE, said, referring to Songs for Kids.

In order to host a larger event, NKE looked

Thursday, Sept. 14, students, faculty, alumni and Williamsburg community members gathered in Tucker Hall to hear the reading of Brenda Marie Osbey’s poem commemorating the 50th anniversary of African Americans in residence at the College of William and Mary.

Yet to be titled, Osbey’s poem took listeners through the journey of the first AfricanAmerican students to attain a residential education at the College.

Dressed in all black with a straw hat and dark sunglasses, Osbey set the stage for a harrowing journey through the AfricanAmerican struggle for education. Aside from Osbey’s soft, breathy voice, the only sound in the theater during the recitation was shuffling seats.

Three epigraphs laid the foundation for the poem. A quote from Plessy v. Ferguson established that no race is inferior to another, regardless of segregation laws. A second quote declared that all people should have the right to an equal education, and a final epigraph set forth the idea that segregation has a clear effect on education.

The poem began with an analysis of Supreme Court rulings and their lasting effects.

Osbey discussed how making policy not only determined the law, but it determined the course of history. She then delved into the experiences of “negro girl children” who dealt with racism and abuse daily. After addressing this, Osbey took aim at the experiences of male African-American teenagers.

Osbey’s use of repetition and lists reinforced ideas she meant to highlight within the poem.

“

It allows them to express

themselves, really, at a time when there is so much focus on their illness.

to APO. The large on-campus service fraternity was happy to partner with NKE. “They thought we would be good as far as providing manpower and sponsor financially,” APO President Dana Baraki ’17 said. “They

COURTESY PHOTO / Roshan Manjaly

reached out to me over the summer about potentially sponsoring the event.”

Songs for Kids is a nation-wide philanthropy working in children’s hospitals across five states. The philanthropy gives children a creative outlet to help deal with their illnesses through song and musical performance. Josh Rifkind, the founder and president of Songs for Kids, attended NKoachElla.

“It allows them to express themselves, really, at a time when there is so much focus on their illness,” Rifkind said. “Like most of the people who are dealing with them are tending to very important health needs, and we offer more than just a diversion. It allows them to remind themselves [the parents and the kids] that they’re still kids,” Song for Kids does not currently operate in Virginia, though Rifkind is currently considering expanding the program.

Caroline Semmelmeier ‘18, the president of NKE, was particularly passionate for the cause of Songs for Kids.

“I think the hard thing particularly about children is that when you’re terminally ill you have no childhood sometimes,” Semmelmeier said. “To bring even a smile for 10 minutes to somebody can change a kid’s week,” NKE made a point of bringing together a diverse group of student performers for the event to highlight the talent of the student community.

“It brings the whole community together,” Rachel Blanco ‘18, the president of Passing Notes, which performed at the event, said.

“

Part two took listeners back to the histories of Portugal and Spain and the Christianization of Native-American children before broaching the history of the College. Osbey explored white and Christian ideas that changed the course of education and etiquette in the United States.

She detailed the tasks of slaves and African Americans whose work kept the College clean, functioning and orderly.

Possibly the most hard-hitting part of the poem was Osbey’s recitation of the College’s letters to African-American students trying to gain acceptance to the College, plus letters to students already in attendance. The letters detailed the denial of a “negro school” supervisor students at the College requested.

A list of names haunted listeners with the sheer amount of African American application refusals and the return of $5 application fees.

The poem concluded with the acceptance of the first African-American women who lived at the College - all three resided in Jefferson Hall. Osbey ruminated over the number of letters and refusals that had gone by and the list of states where African-American students had been denied acceptance to colleges. She warned listeners not to hide behind the names of the first African-American residents and think that celebrating an anniversary is enough.

She also cautioned the audience against getting too comfortable with their understanding of the history of African Americans at the college.

Osbey chose the right words to encapsulate the African-American struggle for education, and her tone and dress further accentuated the mood of her words. Readers and listeners felt drawn in as they became part of her historical, profound poem.

Osbey set the stage for a harrowing journey through the African-American struggle for education.

sportsinside

The Flat Hat

| Tuesday, September 19, 2017 | Page 9

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Tribe drops winnable match vs UNCG

College fails to capitalize on numerous second half chances in 1-0 loss KEVIN RICHESON FLAT HAT ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR

Sunday, William and Mary squared off against North Carolina-Greensboro. The Tribe was looking to end its four-game losing streak and get some momentum back as conference play approaches.

Despite dominating possession and having more chances, the College fell to the Spartans 1-0.

The Tribe (4-5) had an early chance in the second minute when the defense cleared the ball down the field. The Spartans (3-5-1) were caught out of position, and junior midfielder Mackenzie Kober outran the Spartans’ defense to have a one-on-one opportunity against Spartan goalkeeper Aiyanah Tyler-Cooper. However, TylerCooper was able to run out and meet Kober at the ball, and the shot deflected harmlessly out of bounds. The Spartans responded with a shot of their own in the sixth minute, but senior goalkeeper Grace Smith was able to make the save and hold onto the ball, preventing a corner kick.

Additionally, there was a lack of sustained attack for either team. Instead, each team was using a lot of short passing outside of the boxes, and sloppy play led to lots of early turnovers. In the 19th minute, the ball fell in a dangerous position in the box for sophomore midfielder Charlotte Hyland. Hyland blasted a shot on goal, but Tyler-Cooper was able to punch the ball over the net and out of bounds. The College had its first corner kick of the game, but the ball was easily cleared by the Spartan defense.

The Tribe was able to keep the ball in the Spartans’ attacking half and keep some pressure on their defense for the

COURTESY PHOTO / TRIBE ATHLETCS

Sophmore midfielder Charlotte Hyland and the rest of the Tribe must find a way to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the attacking half.

next three or four minutes. The College was unable to score during this stint of pressure, but it gained some momentum.

The Spartans produced some pressure of their own, and in the 28th minute, Spartan forward Isabel Pearce made a run to get behind the Tribe defense. The pass was too long and rolled harmlessly over the line for a goal kick. A few minutes later, the Spartans had their first corner kick of the match, but it was kicked into the outside of the net.

The College nearly got the first goal of the contest when freshman forward Courtney Miles dribbled herself open and bent a shot with her left foot that just rose over the crossbar. The last 10 minutes of the half were uneventful, with

very few chances for either team. The buzzer sounded at the end of the first half with the match still deadlocked at zero.

The Tribe came out strong in the second half with consistent pressure and multiple chances in the first 10 minutes. In the 50th minute, the College was able to get a good cross into the box, and freshman midfielder Erin Dailey flicked a header on goal, but it was easily handled by Tyler-Cooper. Two minutes later, senior forward Sami Grasso got behind the defense and fired a low shot toward the far post. The ball got past the outstretched hand of Tyler-Cooper but bounced just wide of the net and went out for a goal kick.

“We have to keep pressing no matter

FIELD HOCKEY

how many aren’t going in,” Grasso said.

“We just have to keep shooting.”

The Spartans were finally able to give their defense a break when they earned a corner kick in the 58th minute. After the ball was originally cleared out of the box, the Spartans were able to knock it back toward the goal, and Spartan forward Quiqui Hita flicked the ball past Smith into the right side of the goal to put the Spartans up 1-0, despite the Tribe dominating the second half thus far.

In the few minutes following the goal, neither team was able to carve out any chances, but the College continued to control possession of the ball.

In the 67th minute, the College forced a corner kick after sophomore defender

Hannah Keith attempted a long shot that required a save from Tyler-Cooper, who punched the dangerous shot over the crossbar and out of play. The ensuing corner kick was cleared harmlessly by the Spartans. The Tribe earned another corner kick in the 73rd minute, but once again it did not lead to any chances.

A minute later, Miles crossed the ball dangerously into the box, and Grasso was able to get on the end of it, but the ball bounced off of her foot and out of bounds.

As the match entered the last 15 minutes, the College got increasingly desperate to find an equalizer and avoid a fifth straight loss. In the 78th minute, the Tribe won a free kick from just outside the box, and Grasso flicked the ball toward the goal, but once again it was just wide of target. With seven minutes remaining in the match, it had been a while since the College had put a shot on net to challenge Tyler-Cooper and create a chance to tie the match. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Grasso kicked the ball into the box, and it deflected off a defender toward the goal, but TylerCooper was able to grab the ball, and the Spartans held on for a 1-0 victory.

“We have to improve on everything,” head coach John Daly said.

Thursday, the College will return to action and take on James Madison to start Colonial Athletic Association play.

The Tribe looks to secure a win after five straight losses. The start of conference play will give the College a chance to reset as it tries to save its season with a strong showing in the CAA. “I think mentally, starting the CAA’s could not come at a better time,” Hyland said. “These [games] are when the stakes are higher.”

VOLLEYBALL

College falls to UVA, Boston College College drops three straight matches Tribe drops hard-fought games against ranked opponents

Tribe wins just one set all weekend, falling to dismal 2-11

JOSH LUCKENBAUGH FLAT HAT ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR

ALYSSA GRZESIAK FLAT HAT SPORTS EDITOR

Nationally ranked for the first time since 2012, no. 18 William and Mary dropped two games against ranked Atlantic Coast Conference opponents this week, losing 7-2 to no. 5 Virginia Friday before falling at home 3-0 against no. 10 Boston College.

The Tribe (5-3) headed into Friday’s road matchup with the Cavaliers (7-1, 1-0 ACC) brimming with confidence as the winner of its past five games. However, Virginia’s potent offense made sure the College’s streak would not extend to six, the Tribe allowing a season-high seven goals.

Both teams traded goals to begin the first half, two goals by Cavaliers forward Greta Ell canceled out by senior forward Cammie Lloyd’s team-leading fifth goal of the season and senior midfielder Estelle Hughes’ 14th-minute goal.

The College did not score again for the rest of the game, Virginia tallying five unanswered goals, three of them coming before the halftime whistle.

The Tribe actually outshot the Cavaliers in the first half 11-7, but Virginia proved to be the far more clinical side, taking a 5-2 lead into halftime.

The Tribe continued to create chances the rest of the way, ending the game with just four less shots than the Cavaliers, but the hosts continued to score goals. Ell finished off her hat trick less than 10 minutes into the second half, Virginia tacking on one more about five minutes later to secure the 7-2 final scoreline.

Sophomore goalkeeper Morgan Connor made all seven of her saves in the second half after she replaced redshirt junior goalkeeper Hughes Meredith Clay, who made her first career start against the Cavaliers.

The Tribe received no respite after the lopsided loss to Virginia, soundly shut out Sunday by Boston College (6-2, 0-2 ACC) in its first home game since Sept. 1.

The Eagles controlled the pace from the outset, putting the Tribe back line under constant pressure with its high-tempo offense. College head coach Tess Ellis said she had anticipated the fast pace of play.

“I said to the [Boston College] coach before the start of the game if they had a speed requirement for this team, because they’re very quick, a top-

ten program that plays with a lot of speed,” Ellis said. “We knew that their attack up front would go to cage with speed, and that we needed to meet them outside the circle and meet them early where possible.”

The Tribe defense held off the Boston College attack until the 24th minute, with Eagles midfielder Fusine Govaert beating Connor with a shot following a penalty corner. The College had nearly taken the lead against the run of play earlier in the half, finding the back of the Boston College net, but Connor the referee disallowed the goal.

The visitors continued to enjoy the majority of goal-scoring chances into the second half, the Eagles finishing with 24 shots compared to eight fired by the Tribe. Connor recorded 14 saves, the most by a College goalkeeper since 2009, with Ellis lauding her performance afterwards.

“Morgan has grown so much,” Ellis said.

“She’s able to set the defense up in front, and sort of be that last line of defense, which you can tell she pulled a few and then the girls jumped in to help. So I think that’s a huge plus to have Morgan there this year.”

With the Tribe unable to score an equalizer, Boston College added two insurance goals in the game’s final 10 minutes to polish off the 3-0 win. Her team suddenly losers of two straight games after its five-game winning streak, Ellis said facing Lloyd such strong opposition now will help the team down the road.

“I think this weekend, playing number five and number 10, it’s really going to set us up for the next couple of games,” Ellis said. “To play that type of game is really going to set us up for hopefully success when we come to conference play, which we need to do well in.”

The Tribe will return to action Friday when it hosts Pacific, tied for 24th in the national rankings, at Busch Field. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.

This weekend, William and Mary traveled to Tucson, Ariz. to compete in the Wildcat Classic.

Despite its efforts, the Tribe (2-11) dropped all three matches, securing just a single set victory against Arizona.

Friday afternoon, the College fell 3-1 to Arizona (63), picking up its only set victory of the weekend. The Cats won the first set 25-21 after a lot of alternating between short burst runs.

There was a momentum shift in the second set despite Arizona stealing the first two points.

The Tribe came back and took the lead 15-9 with a block by freshman middle hitter Taylor Heishman and senior hitter Sydney Biniak. Unable to hold on, the College let the Cats take off on a four-point run followed by three more consecutive points, tying the set 21-21. Despite the lapse in accurate play, the Tribe managed to come back and take the set 27-25 after nearly losing at 25-24 thanks to a kill by freshman hitter Kate Dedrick.

Like the previous set, Arizona started with a 2-0 lead. The third set was essentially back-and-forth play until the Cats took a 15-10 lead. Despite its efforts, the College was unable to come back from this deficit. A three-point run put Arizona up 20-13 and the Tribe could not keep up. The last College point of the set came from Biniak off an assist from sophomore setter Autumn Brenner. The Tribe dropped the third set 2519.

The fourth and final set of the match began 3-0 in favor of the Cats. The Tribe occasionally managed to interject points between Arizona runs, mostly due to good hits by Dedrick, but the College ultimately fell 25-13 in the final set, handing the Cats the first win of the classic.

Biniak led the offense with 16 kills, followed by Dedrick with 13. Freshman middle hitter Julia Brown, Heishman and Biniak each contributed two blocks.

Brenner contributed 40 out of 44 assists. The Tribe scored no service aces compared to two by Arizona.

Friday night, the College fell 3-0 to Illinois State (7-6).

The Tribe scored the first point of the set with a kill by Brown. The Redbirds retaliated with a six-point run broken up only by a service error by freshman opposite hitter Kendal Meier. The Tribe managed to close the gap to 12-9, but Illinois State took off on another long run with only a one-point attack error to break up the seven-point streak. The Tribe fell 25-14 after a final five-point run by the Redbirds.

Starting the second set with a 4-0 lead, the Tribe struggled to keep up with the Redbirds’ energy. Kills

by Heishman and Biniak tied the game up 6-6 and the College held strong until Illinois State took a 1310 lead. At this point, Illinois State scored the next 12 points with only two Tribe points interjected. One of the final two points was a block by Brown and Dedrick, the other an attack error by the opposing team. The College lost the second set 25-12.

The third and final set was by far the most competitive. Throughout constant back-and-forth scoring, the Tribe tied the score three times with two four-point runs, the most the College had seen against the Redbirds. One run was composed solely of alternating kills by Brown and junior hitter Heather Pippus. The College ultimately dropped a close contest 25-23.

The Redbirds nearly doubled the Tribe’s total points, 58-30; they also outplayed the College in service aces, 9-2, and blocks, 7-2. Biniak led the offense again with 12 points while Brenner contributed 24 of 25 assists.

Saturday afternoon, the College took on New Mexico State (7-5). The Aggies won all three sets, resulting in another 3-0 loss for the Tribe.

The first set was marked by the Tribe’s continuing trouble when it comes to stopping long runs. The College only took the lead once, 14-13, with a block

by Pippus before igniting a four-point Aggie run in retaliation. The Tribe fell 25-19 on a service error by Brown, who also scored the College’s final point of the set on play prior.

New Mexico State got an early run on the Tribe, putting them up 3-1. The College managed to take the lead four separate times before inevitably dropping the set 25-22.

Despite the high-energy play the College showed in the second set, the Aggies came out with a 3-0 lead to start the third set. The Tribe did not manage to tie or take the lead once during the final set. The College lost in a tragic 25-12 final set.

No different from the rest of the weekend, Biniak led the Tribe offense with 12 kills; however, Pippus and Brown closely followed with 10 and nine, respectively. Biniak also contributed three blocks in addition to two each from Brown and Heishman.

Brenner contributed 33 of 37 assists.

The Tribe will return home this week to kick off conference play. The College will welcome Delaware to Kaplan Arena Sept. 21 in its first Colonial Athletic Association matchup of the season. This weekend, James Madison and Towson will take on the Tribe at home Sept. 23 and 24, respectively.

sports

Sports Editor Alyssa Grzesiak Sports Editor Chris Travis flathatsports@gmail.com @FlatHatSports

The Flat Hat | Tuesday, September 19, 2017 | Page 10

FOOTBALL

COMMENTARY

Cautious Optimism Improvement necessary for CAA

Kevin Richeson FLAT HAT ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR

COURTESY PHOTO / TRIBE ATHLETICS

McKee performed well in the second half against Bucknell, finishing 12 of 17 passing for 105 yards and a touchdown, leading the Tribe to a 30-9 victory.

College spears Bison 30-9 Tribe tops Bucknell with strong second half CHRIS TRAVIS FLAT HAT SPORTS EDITOR With just under eight minutes left in the third quarter and William and Mary (2-1) holding a slim 16-9 lead, senior linebacker Nate Atkins sacked Bucknell quarterback Matt Muh, ripping the ball out of his hands.

Sophomore safety Corey Parker recovered the fumble, taking it 19 yards to the house to give the Tribe a 23-9 lead and put the game out of reach.

The College relied on a powerful secondhalf effort with stingy defense and an undercontrol offense to defeat Bucknell (1-2) 30-9 Saturday in its home opener at Zable Stadium.

After the Bison methodically worked down the field with a balanced combination of rushes and passes, Tribe senior captain and defensive tackle Isaiah Stephens came up with a huge sack on 3rd and 5 to force a punt.

On the Tribe’s first possession, after a series of short rushes from junior quarterback Tommy McKee and redshirt freshman running back Noah Giles, true freshman tailback Nate Evans burst onto the scene with a huge 34-yard rush. Two plays later, Evans was into the end zone with his first touchdown for the Tribe, pushing it to a 7-0 lead with just over four minutes left in the opening quarter. “[Evans]’ a true freshman and we didn’t want to throw him in there too early,” Laycock said. “He’s been performing really, really well in practice. I mean, not just the physical part but also the mental part of it, which is the biggest adjustment coming from high school to college.”

On their next possession, the Bison failed to convert on a short 4th and 1 in Tribe territory, handing the ball back to the College in relatively good field position. However, after the College methodically worked into Bucknell territory, a three-yard loss by Evans on first down was followed by two incomplete passes, and the Tribe was forced to punt.

Yet again, the College’s defense came up with a huge third down stop on the next Bison possession, this time as senior captain and defensive end Matt Ahola sacked Muh for a seven-yard loss after a swarm of Tribe blitzers reached the backfield.

On the ensuing punt, sophomore wide receiver Jalen Christian swung the momentum even further in the Tribe’s direction as he returned the kick 48 yards to set the College up at the Bucknell 20-yard line. Despite being forced to settle for a field goal, the Tribe remained solidly in control of the game with a 10-0 lead with seven minutes left until halftime.

Fired up and looking to put points on the board, the Bison stormed down the field, relying on a fast-paced passing offense and a big penalty against the College to cut the lead to 10-6. Sophomore defensive tackle Bill Murray blocked the ensuing extra point, leaving the Tribe’s lead at four.

After an extremely quick three-and-out for the Tribe, Bucknell marched down the field and looked poised to take a lead. However, on third and goal from the two-yard line, Muh couldn’t handle the snap and was forced to fall on the ball at the 16-yard line. Although the Bison made the field goal to cut the lead to 10-9 right before the half, their inability to get into the end zone came back to hurt them.

After the teams traded three-and-outs to open the third quarter, McKee appeared to settle in more on the following possession, as he completed several passes in traffic, including a huge 29-yard gain to senior tight end Andrew Caskin. Giles punched in a powerful run from 15 yards out to give the Tribe a 16-9 lead even after the extra point was blocked.

On the following Bucknell possession, the momentum changed for good, as Atkins stripped Muh on a sack and Parker dashed 19 yards to the end zone, which pushed the lead to 23-9 after a successful extra point.

“We went in at halftime and we weren’t satisfied giving up nine points,” Ahola said.

“We got challenged by Coach Laycock and the defensive staff that it’s on the defensive line. And we really let it loose. We got in the pass rush mentality and really got after it.”

The Bison’s chances were squashed even further on their next possession, as Murray sacked Suh on third down, one of a whopping six sacks for the College for the game.

McKee kept the Tribe offense rolling on the next possession, balancing rushing and passing plays brilliantly to result in a four-yard touchdown pass from McKee to redshirt-freshman Tyler Crist, pushing the Tribe lead to 30-9 with 44 seconds left in the third quarter.

The deflated Bison did not put up much fight in the fourth period, and the Tribe was more than content to run down the clock.

The final score remained 30-9.

McKee, who looked shaky at times in the first half, performed well in the second half to finish 12 of 17 passing for 105 yards and a touchdown. For the first time this season, McKee wasn’t the team’s leading rusher, as Evans rushed 18 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, while redshirt freshman Jaret Anderson ran four times for 33 yards.

Atkins and junior linebacker Josh Dulaney dominated on the defensive side of the ball, each finishing with seven tackles and a sack.

Overall, Laycock was pleased with the team’s play, but wants to see more improvement out of his offense in particular.

“We don’t stay in rhythm enough on offense,” Laycock said. “We’ll work on it.

Hopefully get some guys healthy too.”

The Tribe enters its bye week with a 2-1 record and will next face Stony Brook at 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at Zable Stadium, looking to have impact players sophomore running back Albert Funderburke and senior wide receiver DeVonte Dedmon back in the lineup.

CROSS COUNTRY

College mediocre at W&M Invitational Women come in second of six, men come in fifth JACOB ROSS FLAT HAT STAFF WRITER The women finished runner-up and the men placed fifth in their respective six-team fields at the W&M Invitational Friday evening. Despite All-American Regan Rome not participating in the invitational, the Tribe fell just two points short of team champion UNC-Charlotte.

The 49ers, led by individual winner Caroline Sang, scored 61 points while the College sat at 63 points. Sang assumed control of the lead early and never looked back, covering the 5K course at Eastern State in a quick 17:23.

Redshirt sophomore Kathryn Eng led the Tribe with her fifthplace finish in 18:24. Senior Molly Breidenbaugh finished in ninth (18:34) and redshirt-senior Molly Applegate finished in 11th (18:45).

Sophomore Karina Tavares and junior Hope Bloxom both clocked

19:21 to finish 21st and 22nd, respectively, and round out the scoring for the College.

On the men’s side, redshirt sophomore Andrew Cacciatore crossed the line in 25th place (19:36) to lead the charge for the Tribe. Fellow redshirt junior Matt Heinicke-Peart finished 32nd in 19:47 and redshirt-freshman Kyle Hammer finished 46th in 20:19.

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Onders placed 51st (20:30) and sophomore Jack Ehlenberger placed 61st (20:53) to round out the scoring for the men.

In addition to the women’s team race, UNC-Charlotte won the men’s race as well, with an incomperable score of 19 points. 49ers redshirt junior Tom Nobles won the men’s 6K run in commanding fashion, clocking in at 18:07. The second place finisher, George Washington, trailed behind with 50 points.

The Tribe will travel to Charlottesville, V.A. to race next at the U.Va. Panorama Farms Invitational on September 23rd.

Saturday, William and Mary football ran away with its home opener over Bucknell with a 30-9 victory. The College moves into its bye week with two straight wins after a season-opening loss to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Virginia Cavaliers. The Tribe has yet to lose to a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent, but there are still many questions to be answered and areas that must be improved before the Tribe kicks off its conference schedule Sept.

30 against Stony Brook.

The College benefitted from some timely plays on defense and special teams against the Bison that helped them to avoid falling behind early and to eventually extend the lead later in the game.

In the middle of the second quarter, the Tribe was only leading 7-0 when its struggling offense was given a short field after an electrifying 48-yard punt return by sophomore wide receiver Jalen Christian.

The College started that drive at the Bucknell 20-yard line.

Even though the Tribe failed to move the ball much and did not capitalize with a touchdown, it was still able to finish the drive with a short field goal from sophomore kicker Kris Hooper, due nearly entirely to the brilliant special teams play that set the College up with a short field.

The Bison cut the lead to 10-9 going to the half, the Tribe clinging to the smallest of leads due to a blocked extra point after the Bison’s only touchdown of the first half. However, the Bison could have easily been ahead had it not been for those two big special teams plays and a typical solid performance from the Tribe defense. The College once again scored points due to defense and special teams in the third quarter.

The Bison had the ball in a one-possession game, 16-9, when sophomore linebacker Nate Atkins sacked the Bucknell quarterback Matt Muh and forced a fumble on the play. Sophomore safety Corey Parker scooped up the fumble and returned it 19 yards for a Tribe touchdown. The Bison never threatened to make the game close after this momentum-shifting play. The defense and special teams of the Tribe helped make up for an inconsistent offense Saturday. However, the offense may not always get this much help as the College moves into conference play.

The Tribe offense has certainly made significant strides since the beginning of the season just two short weeks ago. The College relied a lot on short passes and junior quarterback Tommy McKee’s ability to scramble in the first two games. The coaching staff had seemingly been hesitant to take any shots downfield and open up the playbook for the new starting quarterback. While McKee made several plays with his legs Saturday — finishing with 25 yards — he seemed more focused on getting the ball to his receivers.

The running backs for the Tribe stepped up in a big way, with freshman running back Nate Evans leading the way with 89 yards.

This allowed McKee to focus more on passing. I was impressed with McKee’s ability to escape the pocket and still keep his eyes downfield looking for receivers until the last possible second, often finding an open man for a completion instead of running and taking a big hit from the defense.

In the second half, McKee took a couple of shots downfield, something that will be necessary if the Tribe is to have a chance of doing well in conference play. While some of these longer passes were incomplete, McKee also completed some of them or forced interference penalties on the Bison’s defensive secondary. On the Tribe’s last touchdown drive, McKee launched a deep pass intended for junior wide receiver Jack Armstrong and drew a 15yard pass interference penalty, keeping the scoring drive moving.

One note of concern from the first two games was the Tribe’s punting situation. McKee had been handling the punting duties along with playing quarterback. This had arguably led to some short and wobbly punts because McKee was getting tired and beaten up while playing quarterback and then had to stay in to punt. This was setting up the Tribe’s opponents with better field position and putting more pressure on the College’s defense.

Saturday, freshman punter Will Michael assumed the punting duties and did a good job. On his first punt of the game, he pinned the Bison inside their own 10-yard line and consistently launched 35- to 40-yard punts throughout the day. Hopefully Michael will continue to punt for the Tribe and allow McKee to focus on improving at the quarterback position.

I believe that the College has a chance to continue to be successful this season. If the Tribe plays well in conference play, it has a chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015. However, the College must continue to improve by leaps and bounds each week for that dream to be realized. The defense must continue to be stellar — only giving up 15 points the past two games — in order to help an inexperienced but improving offense.

While turnovers and big plays on special teams will be key for the Tribe, the offense must generate points for the College to have a chance to put up a good record in the Colonial Athletic Conference.

McKee still only attempted 17 passes against Bucknell and threw for just 105 yards. He must continue to develop more of a downfield passing game to supplement the much improved running game.

I would describe my expectations for conference play as cautiously optimistic. I think that this team can continue to improve and become a playoff-caliber team, but if the College does not improve in the aforementioned areas, it could result in another losing season.

The team that we saw in the first three games will not be good enough to compete with the top teams in the CAA, but I believe that improvement is both possible and likely and that the Tribe will be competitive in CAA play.