Fall'17 issue10 final1

THE

Hudsonian PRESIDENT RAMSAMMY Hud.

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OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Volume 72, Issue 10

THE

www.thehudsonian.org

Dr. Roger Ramsammy appointed new president of Hudson Valley

COURTESY OF SUNY

By: Julio Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief

November 21, 2017

Newspaper theft on campus

OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE By: The Hudsonian Editorial Board

cations across the nation.

Publishing a student newspaper is an expensive endeavor.

Week-to-week, our printing expenses are funded through the student Records and Activities fee. So, the perpetrator stole from The Hudsonian as well as the student body who, in a way, pay a subscription fee to read the newspaper each week.

All too often, newspapers are subject to instances similar to our predicament. The intent was to prevent the dissemination of campus news, information and opinion. The newspaper plans to pursue reparations for the theft.

We hope to continue to receive the same support and appreciation expressed by members of the community for years to come.

Hudsonian

THE

Roger A. Ramsammy was appointed the seventh president of Hudson Valley this past Wednesday by the SUNY Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Ramsammy has impressive leadership qualifications and an outstanding reputation,” said SUNY Chancellor Katherine Johnson at the SUNY Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 15. “We feel he is immensely qualified and the right person for the job. I’m pleased to move forward with the recommendation to the board.”

Ramsammy has 23 years of experience working in higher education. He previously served as an administrator at three of the largest multi-campus colleges in the U.S. Ramsammy previously held administrative positions at nu-

Pictured from left to right: SUNY Chancellor Katherine Johnson, President-elect Roger Ramsammy, SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Carl McCall and Hudson Valley Board of Trustees Chairman Neil Kelleher.

merous institutions of higher learning. He served as provost and chief academic officer at Northern Virginia Community College with 70,000 students and held positions as associate dean

of STEM and dean of Academic Affairs, as well as chair of the biology department at Palm Beach State College, which serves 59,000

SEE PRESIDENT PAGE 3

The Hudsonian feels it is necessary to make the community aware of an instance of newspaper theft that occurred here on our campus.

On Nov. 16 at approximately 6 p.m., a student was caught on camera removing our newspapers from stands located in the campus center and placing them into his backpack.

Until now, we believed ourselves to be immune from censorship by members of the community in the form of newspaper theft.

Newspaper theft is not only a problem, but a crime — a crime that negatively affects the mission of numerous student news publi-

‘Board sides with alleged rapist’ sparks up discussion By: Julio Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief & Grace Sgambettera Creative Editor Many students had something to say after last week’s article “Board rules in favor of alleged rapist”, including another former student who came forward with her own allegations.

“They told me if I dropped the case through the school, I could go to the police to continue it, but refused to let me drop the case,” said former social work student Emerson. “So it wasn’t so

much as them encouraging me to keep it away from the police as it was them not letting me. They presented the option to me, but didn’t give me the choice to take it.”

On Oct. 9, 2016, Emerson was allegedly raped by another student who she said she considered to be a friend.

“I didn’t want to go to the cops because I don’t trust police and I knew they wouldn’t do anything about it. I still haven’t gone to them,” said Emerson.

Emerson agreed to meet with school officials last fall and described the interaction as “intimidating.”

“The overarching vibe was that no one in the room believed me or even wanted to be there, but that it was their duty or something so they had to be. Despite me saying over and over I didn’t want to go through [with the] case,” said Emerson.

Emerson says she then experienced a “kangaroo court.”

“It was a kangaroo case in March through April, because it never went before the actual court at school. They told me at our last meeting he wouldn’t be kicked out of school,” said Emerson.

A kangaroo court is defined

SEE DISCUSSION PAGE 4

“I want to reiterate to our community that we remain committed to an immediate and impartial response in all matters that involve sexual harassment or violence.”

- President Matonak

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INSIDE NEWS: Unpaid Interships: Would you work for free?

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INSIDE CREATIVE: Album Review: Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation’ PAGE

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November 21, 2017

NEWS

HOW CAN YOU SAVE THE EARTH?

This Week’s Events

Tues 21

Yoga 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Wellness Center, Siek Campus Center Suite 270 Holiday- College Closed

Wed Voices lecture series closes with ‘Climate Change and Climate Justice in NY’ 22 College By: Nick Fisk Thurs HolidayClosed Staff Writer 23 Happy Thanksgiving Former attorney and judge Fri 24 Sat 25 Mon 27

Tues 28

Wed 29

from the Hudsonian!

Holiday- College Closed Holiday- College Closed

Transfer Information Table: Manhattan College 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Siek Campus Center, first floor lobby Animal Outreach Club Meeting 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Brahan Hall, Room 214 Student Senate Meeting 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Siek Campus Center, Room 150 Transfer Advisor Visit: SUNY Plattsburgh 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Siek Campus Center, Room 290 Yoga 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Wellness Center, Siek Campus Center Suite 270 Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Guenther Board Room Instant Admission Day 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 223 “Reversing the Stigma” Documentary Viewing and Panel Discussion 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Bulmer Telecommunications Center Auditorium

PHOTO BY RICHARD DECKER | HUDSONIAN

Eleanor Stein addressed climate change, its effects on the Earth and how people can help during a presentation in the BTC auditorium last Tuesday.

After earning her J.D. and LL.M., Stein participated in and created many projects in an effort to help sustain the environment.

She recognizes how much has changed since she began her involvement.

“I come to you today realizing your generation is inheriting a much different earth than the one I grew up in,” Stein said. “In fact, nobody really knows all of the ramifications.”

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has drastically increased throughout the past 200 years. However, Stein says that on a global scale, the climate remains relatively stable.

“No part of nature exists outside of human influence. Based on research, humans are the most influential and decisive factor of climate change,” Stein added.

“The nations of the earth are dealing with hurricane damage and heat wave damage, and it’s directly because of how we industrialized in the last 200 years,” she

explained.

She sees this as a human rights issue. “A billion people in the developing world lack drinking water. [Life and access to nutrition] are rights every single human being has.”

Stein went on to explain that those in developing countries

lack the resources and materials to contribute nearly as much as developed countries have. It is people in these places who suffer most.

She also focused on the “realm of law,” and gave examples of ways in which people have challenged those who threaten to COURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

Weather TUESDAY 11/21/17 High/Low 52/38

Eleanor Stein described the basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled in conjunction with climate change.

Stein closes out The Voices lecture series as the sixth and final installment.

WEDNESDAY 11/22/17 High/Low 41/24

The Hudsonian Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Ave. Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-629-7568 Email: hudsonian@hvcc.edu Editorial Policy All views expressed in this paper are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the The Hudsonian or the College.

Editor-in-Chief Julio Rodriguez Copy Editor Emmy Farstad Layout Editor Isabella Kokoszko News Editor Hunter Wallace Creative Editor Grace Sgambettera

THURSDAY 11/23 /17 High/Low 39/27 Sports Editor Skylar Blankenship Staff Writers Richard Decker Brian Dengler Nick Fisk Jacob Pitts Matthew Saunders

FRIDAY

11/24/17 High/Low 39/28

Staff Photographers Richard Decker Thomas Marra Faculty Adviser Rachel Bornn

greatly harm the planet.

“If you were to go to court … there are certain things the law would require you to show,” Stein stated. “One is that the government took action knowing this would intentionally hurt or injure you. You have to establish that the government owed you a duty to protect you. Finally, you have to show that the court could do something that would help you.”

Stein pushed further, asking what we can expect wealthy nations to do and how to hold them accountable for their actions. She also spoke of how people in the past have successfully taken the U.S. government and several large companies to court, pointing out one situation she believed always works.

“Once major corporations see investors pulling out, that’s when it will affect them,” she said.

Finally, Stein acknowledged the audience and gave everyone suggestions of ways they can help further the cause.

“Frankly, take to the streets, stand up and be counted,” Stein said. “”Stand up in your community. As more and more people see us, they’ll take heart.”

SATURDAY 11/25/17 High/Low 42/30

Letters to the Editor Letters can be delivered to CTR 291 or emailed to hudsonian@ hvcc.edu. Readers may have their letters published anonymously as long as their identity can be verified. Letters will be edited for grammar, style, libel and length.

SUNDAY 11/26/17 High/Low 36/24

The Hudsonian is the exclusive student newspaper of Hudson Valley Community College. It is published every week. To join The Hudsonian, attend our weekly meeting on Mondays at 2 p.m. in ADM 107.

November 21, 2017

NEWS

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Automotive Program receives latest and greatest equipment By: Matthew Saunders Staff Writer Students in the college’s Automotive Technical Services program can now learn from diagnostic equipment, thanks to donations from long-time supporters.

The purchase is “a big boost to our department,” said Assistant

Professor Randy Howarth.

The two new pieces of equipment are a Solus Edge scan tool and an infrared imaging camera used in the Senior Automotive Lab. The Solus Edge is about the size of an iPad and can give a current diagnostic of the car with relative ease. The infrared camera allows students to view internal

parts of car engines and gauge its temperature.

These tools are the same devices being used in car dealerships and garages today, and they allow students to practice on what they will actually use in their career, instead of older, outdated tools.

Randy Howarth, an assistant professor in the Automotive, Manufacturing and Electrical EnCOURTESY OF HVCC.EDU

An automotive student uses the Solus Edge device to run diagnostics on a car with the help of infrared technology.

PRESIDENT FROM PAGE ONE

students.

Ramsammy joins Hudson Valley after most recently serving as president of Miami Dade’s West Campus, which serves 165,000 students.

“As a strong supporter of the community college mission, it will be my responsibility, as well as my goal, to build upon the already significant accomplishments and traditions seen at HVCC and continue its legacy with the ultimate objective of creating an even more powerful experience that will endure for years to come,” Ramsammy said. “I, along with the entire HVCC community, look forward to a brilliant and productive future.”

The Hudson Valley Board of Trustees arrived at their final decision to recommend Ramsammy to the SUNY Board of Trustees after a yearlong presidential search.

“This is the culmination of a process we started over a year ago when we first started talking about the search for a new president,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Neil Kelleher. “I’d like to say it was as smooth as glass,

[but] it wasn’t. There were some bumps along the way.”

Ramsammy commended Hudson Valley’s efforts in the past.

“HVCC is no ordinary institution, but rather one of considerable achievements and many important aspects of education and public benefit,” Ramsammy said. “[Hudson Valley] can take considerable pride in its reputation — both locally and nationally — as one of resilient commitment to serving its students and its community through successful efforts in enhancing retention, student success, fiscal responsibility, community engagement and innovation.”

Ramsammy also made references to the college’s future under his tenure.

“Over the next several months and years, we will have the opportunity to discuss many strategies, initiatives and programs aimed at further developing and enhancing current accomplishments, as well as utilizing them as the basis for future exciting endeavors.”

At the appointment, Kelleher discussed the process behind the lengthy process to find a new president.

“The Board of Trustees went way out of their way to make sure everyone had a voice in this process,” Kelleher explained.

“We wanted our new president to come on campus and be welcomed by everyone on campus and not be nervous about one sector of the campus not being open and excited. I’m delighted to say we pulled that off.”

Kelleher was highly confident in the board’s decision to recommend Ramsammy.

“Dr. Ramsammy — you listen to his resume and you wonder why we bothered to interview anybody else, quite frankly,” Kelleher said.

Kelleher addressed concerns that the newly appointed president is coming from a considerable distance to work as president of Hudson Valley. “[President Drew Matonak], in a way, paved the way for Roger, in that there has always been a certain amount of doubt about bringing someone from a distance onto campus,” Kelleher said.

“There was certainly that trepidation when Drew came from the midwest. He has since been nothing but an outstanding success.”

Ramsammy expressed his gratitude to the board shortly af-

gineering Technologies department, met with Hudson Valley Foundation member Kimberly Berry, and others, in February of this year to ask for help in securing the equipment.

The budget of the Automotive Program at that time was about $1,000, but the equipment would cost around $5,000. Collaborating with Berry and The Foundation, Howarth was able to acquire enough donations to secure the equipment. The cost amounted to lower than what was estimated, allowing The Foundation have around $340 left over.

The Donations, which the Automotive Program received, came from two longtime supporters of Hudson Valley’s Automotive Program.

Eastern New York Coalition of Automotive Retailers (ENYCAR) has supported the program for over a decade and helped secure funds and scholarships for students. Howarth received $2,000 from ENYCAR to purchase the equipment. At ENYCAR, president of the corporation Deborah Dorman contacted a fellow organization to help with the funds.

Leader Auto Resources is a Canadian dealership, the largest purchasing cooperative of new car dealers in North America.

Offering a donation of $2,000 to match ENYCAR, the program

had enough funds to purchase the equipment they wanted earlier this semester.

Howarth expressed his gratitude for all the help he received in pursuing donations to make the purchase.

“It’s a great team to work with, and we get great support from our department chair,” Howarth said. “Our main goal is to support our students when they leave here to be in the workforce. It was a collaborative effort between our department and The Foundation to find what would best benefit the students, and the scan tool and imaging camera is what we decided on.”

Students in the program are finding the equipment very helpful in diagnosing problems when that notorious check engine light comes on in a vehicle.

The new equipment will also be functional and up-to-date for years to come, and will undoubtedly help new students forge their path into the automotive workforce.

If not for the collaborative efforts of Howarth, Berry and numerous others, the program would still be using old equipment. Hudson Valley is proud to be home to such dedicated professors and staff members that have the students best interests in mind.

COURTESY OF MARIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dr. Roger Ramsammy, the seventh president of Hudson Valley.

ter the appointment.

“At this time, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who devoted considerable time and effort to the election process done by the chair Neil

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

Kelleher and all other members,” he said. “Please know I’m going to do everything I can to dedicate my all and live up to the expectations that this committee have in me.”

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November 21, 2017

NEWS

Should unpaid internships be illegal?

By: Richard Decker Staff Writer Hudson Valley students are barreling towards the end of the semester with the anticipation of spring internships on the horizon. However, will they be paid for their work?

Although they provide an opportunity to explore career options, it is often difficult for students to reconcile the hours put in and the lack of compensation.

Unpaid internships have become a controversial topic, as the financial needs of college students have changed while the practices of college internships have not.

“I think people that go into an internship are looking for experience, but they also have to make ends meet, make time to be at that internship and pay just to live in general,” said Emily Nappi, a sophomore biology major. “So, yes, I think some internships need to be paid.”

Angela Wilk, a freshman business major, argues that unpaid internships provide invaluable opportunities for college students to learn about an industry.

She feels that the knowledge they receive is in direct correlation with the effort they put forth.

“Internships are giving you an opportunity to create a background in that field of work.

Interns get a lot of direction, instruction and attention. So, really, it’s a give and take for both parties. Some should be paid, but others are perfectly fair not [being] paid,” said Wilk.

However, other students, like freshman English major Hailey McLaughlin, contend that while internships provide vital experience, the opportunity cost of time lost as an adult is underestimated.

“I’ve done internships where I help with research and spend hours organizing data and getting data. I didn’t mind not getting paid because I was so young, but once you’re older and have to support yourself, it gets more difficult,” said McLaughlin.

McLaughlin also brought up the issue of the amount of work interns do in comparison to a full-time employee. “When you’re doing work that any other person in the field would get paid for, it’s almost like slavery. You’re doing the [same] work for them and it’s unpaid work,” she said.

The topic of unpaid internships has been one of mixed opinions on the fairness, or even legality, of interning without pay.

PHOTO BY RICHARD DECKER | HUDSONIAN

Students interested in government and politics can apply for Hudson Valley’s “Internship in Politics and Govt.” which provides the opportunity to work as an intern at the New York State Legislature.

Some students believe unpaid internships should be allowed based on circumstance.

“If [the internship] is not done through the school and through a private company, I feel like it must be a paid position,”

said Tyler Slaver, a freshman networking and administration major. “However, if you are getting credit for it, then you’re already getting what you need,” he continued.

Nappi agrees but says a dif-

ferent way of measuring compensation is needed.

“It depends on the experience you receive as an intern, how much work you put into it and how productive you are. [You just have to] really show you want it.”

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FROM PAGE ONE

DISCUSSION

as an unofficial court held by a group of people in order to try someone regarded, especially without good evidence, as guilty of a crime or misdemeanor.

Emerson moved away after the situation was handled by the judicial system at the college.

“I didn’t want to continue going to a school that was ok with protecting rapists, and I really didn’t wanna risk running into him or any of our friends after the case was done because I was getting really thinly veiled threats,” said Emerson.

In a campus wide email sent to students on Thursday, President Matonak assured the community that Hudson Valley complies with state and federal law in their judicial proceedings on

campus.

“I want to reiterate to our community that we remain committed to an immediate and impartial response in all matters that involve sexual harassment or violence,” wrote Matonak.

Matonak reminded the community that students have the option to report within the school judicial system and with local law enforcement.

“We also make it very clear that each student has the right to make a report to local law enforcement while our internal judicial process may also take place.

Regardless of a student’s decision to do so, we must follow procedures that comply with state and federal law to determine if a violation of our Student Code of Conduct occurred,” wrote Matonak.

Matonak continued, “The process may then lead to a judi-

cial board hearing, where a fair and impartial review of the facts takes place, and all parties may be heard with their chosen advisors present. A college sanction, up to suspension or expulsion, may be an outcome of the case,” wrote Matonak.

Other Hudson Valley students have also been inspired to speak up about the situation, and share their own perspectives.

Fine arts student Jan Redman said he feels that the school is “grossly mishandling” the rape cases it sees.

“Multiple victims have been told not to go to the police, who could be instrumental in collecting evidence. It’s despicable,” said Redman.

After reading the article, Redman said he went to Title IX coordinator Sandra McCarthy’s office to gain some insight into the

judicial process at Hudson Valley and share his concern about the allegations.

“When I went to see the title IX coordinator she basically pointed at the school’s ‘complaint’ handling process. She read me pamphlets while shrugging, like it was out of their hands,” he said.

Redman is concerned that the college is pushing students into a kangaroo court.

“They won’t acknowledge that they’re actually pushing vulnerable people into this watered-down kangaroo court,” said Redman.

Students are not all in agreement about the situation, or even the coverage it was given by news media outlets.

Individual studies student Joseph Lyle emailed to say he disapproves of The Hudsonian’s coverage of the story.

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

“It appears that the authors were automatically siding with Ashley based on how the article was written,” said Lyle. “There are no quotes from the accused and appears to push the narrative of him being guilty after a unanimous determination from the judicial hearing that he had not violated the Student Code of Conduct based on Title IX.” Lyle continued, “Using the headline ‘Board sides with alleged rapist’ is misleading and should have been changed. It makes the school look bad because it didn’t deal with the alleged rapist the way that Ashley had wanted.”

November 21, 2017

FEATURES

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Student Senator Kyle Hudson uses knowledge of business to lead By: Richard Decker Staff Writer Student Senate Secretary Kyle Hudson has been using his business and innovation skills long before stepping foot on Hudson Valley’s campus last year.

In high school, he participated in Hudson Valley’s early college Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies, or TECSMART, program.

“For the 17 high schools that participated, we all sent representatives and for half the day you [did] research-intensive projects rather than lectures and classes, in addition to taking two Hudson Valley classes per semester,” said Hudson.

Hudson gives a great amount of credit to TEC-SMART for providing a foundation to be a college student and Senate Secretary. Although Hudson has many goals for Hudson Valley and the Senate, he has a very simple legacy in mind “I want to leave a lasting impression of what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Hudson.

“We can’t change everything in one year. It’s a continuous and transparent operation so that the people that come behind us can

easily take over and make changes necessary for the future,” he said.

While the intricacies and procedures of a Student Senate body are endless, Hudson follows his own guiding principle for making decisions that have a wide-reaching and multi-generational effect on the College.

“I can’t change yesterday, I can only hope for a better tomorrow… I use what I learned yesterday, apply it to today and make a better tomorrow for the next person,” he said Now, the senate is working on a revision of the by-laws, a document that has not been updated since 2011. The revision could include no changes at all, minor changes like word changes or even warrant a full reconstruction of the by-laws. As part of the committee, Hudson recognizes that every action he takes must be in the best interest of the incoming class.

“When I stop and look at [a decision that must be made], I have to say, ‘okay, I won’t be here next year, and I need to have the attitude of what next year’s representatives can work with,’” said Hudson, who certainly works with the future in mind.

“Every decision I make this year needs to benefit those I may not know [and] those I may never meet. They may never know my

name, but something they get engaged with or involved in [might come] from something I did this year,” said Hudson.

The foundation of Hudson’s model of leadership is attributed to his time at TEC-SMART. For one of his projects there, he presented a business model for a fingerprint scanner and Interpol monitoring system to track terror cell movement around the world at the Center for Economic Growth Start Up Challenge.

“Even though it was a hypothetical company, I reached out to people in Europe and around the world with the initiative of making a better tomorrow,” said Hudson.

Hudson elaborated on the product, explaining that in the milliseconds it takes to unlock your smartphone with your fingerprint, the system could track terrorist movement across the border.

He also noted the system’s practicality in the European Union, which has open borders, and stated he believed it could have prevented the Paris terror attack mastermind striking again in Brussels after counter-terror agencies were unable to track the suspect’s movements in time.

“What if we could have done it 48 hours faster? What if in six minutes [the system] could tell

PHOTO BY THOMAS MARRA | HUDSONIAN

Student Senate Secretary Kyle Hudson makes every decision with the benefit of the incoming class in mind.

everybody in the world this man had moved from France into Belgium?” asked Hudson.

Hudson related this experience to his leadership style and his ultimate goal of contributing to a better tomorrow by learning

from yesterday and applying it to today.

The Student Senate Secretary applies this ideology to his work in the senate in the hopes of creating a lasting impact on the community.

STUDENTS ON GUN CONTROL By: Richard Decker Staff Writer

The Las Vegas shooting at the ‘Route 91’ music festival near the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Oct. 1 left 58 people dead and hundreds wounded. It was the country’s deadliest mass shooting, surpassing the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting death toll of 49.

Just 35 days later, on Nov. 5,

26 people were killed by a gunman at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. This act of terror became the country’s fifth-deadliest mass shooting.

In the wake of these tragedies, the country is left debating the topic of gun control legislation, and this debate has reached the community of Hudson Valley.

Gun control has been widely debated in both federal and state

congress. New York State has taken a strong stance against civilian use of what may be viewed as militarized weaponry (such as AR-15s) with certain stock restrictions and the removal of pistol grips on certain weapons.

“In New York, the gun laws have become so strict [that] they are impossible to enforce. My father’s business is right next to a gun and ammo store, and right COURTESY OF THETRACE.ORG

before the NY Safe Act [New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013] passed, the place was selling like crazy,” said Garrett Moss, a sophomore political science student.

However, even considering the rights granted by the Second Amendment, some students believe the potential consequences of gun ownership outweigh the need for deadly weapons.

“I think there should be [stricter] gun control because there are more suicides and unintentional shootings than there are justifiable reasons for owning guns as self-defense [weapons],” said Catherine Johnson, a sophomore marketing major.

Emily Nappi, a sophomore biology student, also believes the heavy presence of guns in America has far more consequences than justifications.

“I come from a family that owns guns, I have been hunting before, I have used a gun, but I do not see the appeal. I understand it for sport, that’s fine. However, at the same time when American has 90 percent of the world’s shootings, I can’t stand behind it; not when I have two little brothers that go to [public] school that

THEHUDSONIAN.ORG

I now must worry about,” she stated.

Furthermore, Nappi believes modern gun reform needs to reevaluate what weapons civilians can legally own.

“The rules are too loose, too many people get access to guns too easily,” said Nappi.

“I’m not that well-versed in guns, but anything that is high-powered and is capable of releasing a lot of rounds at once [should be taken] away,” she said.

“They should not be legal for a civilian to own.”

Countless mass shootings have occurred in the last decade alone. Despite recent tragedies, like the Sandy Hook shooting, which claimed 20 lives, many of which were elementary children, gun reform remains stagnant.

Mario Mascaro, a second-year political science student, said, “As with many other political issues now, the loudest voices in the room represent the most extreme positions. We need adults in the room who are going to be able to craft common-sense legislation to address the very real problems.”

November 21, 2017

OPINION

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ALBUM REVIEW By: Jacob Pitts Staff Writer A legal battle with the American Civil Liberties Union is never a good look during album launch week, but on “Reputation,” Taylor Swift compensates for bad publicity with quality tunes.

Three years after Swift’s massive 1989 era success, the singer has become highly polarizing, releasing her lead single “Look What You Made Me Do” last August, which is featured on this al-

T-Swift attempts rebellion with ‘Reputation’ bum.

“The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now...why?

Because she’s dead!” is a line spoken during the bridge of the song that’s particularly cringe-worthy, because you can feel how hard she’s trying to make it sound effortless and natural. Swift clearly wanted to make an edgy, rebellious comeback, but it just fell flat.

The petty, vindictive lyrics in “Look What You Made Me Do” are something to be appreciated, however. Taylor has notorious-

ly caused a stir over the last few years for playing the victim both in her music and at the center of various celebrity feuds (Katy, Calvin, Kanye & Kim, to name just a few.) It hit me on this track she has transformed from victim to villain.

The song samples “Operate”

by Peaches, recognizably a song featured in the movie “Mean Girls.” This could be a subtle wink to Taylor’s critics, who have branded her the “Regina George” of pop music.

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Swift’s latest release strays from her “good girl” image and portrays an edgy and rebellious aesthetic.

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She finally owns up to being a drama queen and milks it for all it’s worth, something nobody saw coming from her, and it works surprisingly well.

This newfound self-awareness is definitely one of the highlights of Reputation. One of Taylor’s past flaws was often taking herself too seriously, but the album is sprinkled with self-referential Easter eggs in which she has no reservations about poking fun at herself here. This is especially evident on the catchy earworm, “Gorgeous,” where she quips about being a lonely cat lady.

Sound-wise, the album continues what 1989 started. It delves deeper into electronic pop, with pulsing bass-lines dominating “I Did Something Bad,” “King Of My Heart” and the adrenaline rush of “...Ready For It?” which wouldn’t sound out of place in a James Bond car chase scene.

The only acoustic song on the entire record is the closing track, “New Year’s Day,” which is the first Swift song being played on country radio since the Red album dropped in 2012.

One of the weaknesses of Reputation is definitely Taylor’s talk-singing. Most distracting on the second single and album opener “...Ready For It?” and the

Ed Sheeran/Future collaboration “End Game,” I felt myself wincing at a flaw that felt similar to the “Look What You Made Me Do” bridge.

It’s also not clear if Swift is really as enlightened and selfaware as she suggests. I can’t help but wonder if this is just what she thinks her critics want to hear from her. Either way, it’s clear that she still doesn’t think she did anything wrong to warrant all of the media backlash she’s been getting.

On “I Did Something Bad,” she sings, “They’re burning all the witches even if you aren’t one, so go ahead and light me up.”

The present-day Taylor Swift, who brags about having a hit list, being trusted by nobody and starring in the nightmares of her enemies, is such a far cry from the Taylor we used to know. I find this character development to be nothing short of fascinating.

Overall, Reputation has plenty of fun moments and it’s refreshing to see Swift embrace the media’s perception of her as a cold, calculating mastermind.

It’s questionable whether Swift herself even believes this persona she’s selling, but it’s worth a listen regardless.

CLUB LEADERS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GAIN NEW MEMBERS?

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November 21, 2017

Sports Schedule Tue. Nov 28 Women’s Basketball (Home) Monroe College @ 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. Nov 30 Men’s Basketball (Away) Orange County @ 7 p.m.

Sat. Dec 2 Men’s & Women’s Basketball

(Home) Finger Lakes Women’s @ 1:00 p.m.

Men’s @ 3:00 p.m.

Sun. Dec 3 Men’s & Women’s Basketball

(Home) Corning Women’s @ 12:00 p.m.

Men’s @ 2:00 p.m.

Vikings Scoreboard Men’s Basketball Sat. Nov 11 HVCC v. Herkimer

69-88 Wed. Nov 15 HVCC v. Adirondack

94-65

SPORTS

7

The basketball team goes 2-0 against SUNY Adirondack By: Brian Dengler Staff Writer

PHOTO BY MIKEY BRYANT | HUDSONIAN

The men’s and women’s basketball teams secured two wins last Wednesday against SUNY Adirondack in an impressive fashion.

Men’s Basketball Wednesday afternoon, the men’s basketball team stood toeto-toe with SUNY Adirondack at home in a much closer battle than the score may appear, with the Vikings snagging the W, 95-65.

“All the games are important.

You always try to take them as they come up and deal with them, as the cliche goes, one at a time.

There’s just so much truth in that saying. You have to put the last game behind you and look to see how you’re going to approach the next game coming up. Right now, our focus is on Schenectady, who we play on Sunday,” Head Coach Mike Long stated.

The first half ended up being the most competitive out of of the two, with only a 17 point differential, ending with a score of 52-35 in favor of Hudson Valley.

Sophomore forensic science major Mitchell Dame had the best performance of the half, as he scored 12 points for the Vikings, 10 of which were two-pointers and two points from free throws.

Early on in the second half, Hudson Valley made their offensive presence known, scoring six straight two-pointers.

Adirondack’s offense was slowed down to a near halt by the Vikings defense, and by the end of the second half, it was too late.

Hudson Valley finished out strong with a final score of 95-65, taking the win.

The men’s basketball team snagged a win at their game against SUNY Adirondack.

Hudson Valley (3-2) looks ahead to their Sunday away match-up against Schenectady County Community College (15).

Women’s Basketball Moments after the men’s game ended, the women’s basketball team took on SUNY Adirondack as well, in a battle that was even tighter than the men’s game, as Hudson Valley took home the win 76-70.

Hudson Valley came out swinging, as they took an early lead into the second quarter with a score of 25-18.

Adirondack fired back in the second quarter, scoring 21 points compared to Hudson Valley’s 15, with an extremely close first half, 40-39, in favor of the Vikings.

Hudson Valley wanted to make sure that this lead was theirs for the keeping, as they outscored Adirondack 20-12 in the third.

Women’s Basketball

The fourth quarter was the closest of the bunch, with only a three-point differential, with Adirondack outscoring Hudson Valley 19-16. Luckily for us, it wasn’t enough, and Hudson Valley ended up victorious, with a final score of 76-70.

Hudson Valley (3-1) looks ahead to their Saturday away matchup against Kingsborough Community College (1-5).

COURTESY OF ATHLETICS.HVCC.EDU

Sat. Nov 11 HVCC v. Herkimer

73-71 Wed. Nov 15 HVCC v. Adirondack

76-70 Men’s Football Sat. Nov 11 HVCC v. The Apprentice School

27-28 For more information, visit athletics.hvcc.edu

Women’s basketball ended the game against SUNY Adirondack last Wednesday 76-70.

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November 21, 2017

SPORTS

8

Baseball team is under new management Have you always been a pitcher?

By: Skylar Blankenship Sports Editor Jabin Weaver was named head coach of Hudson Valley’s baseball team earlier this fall.

Weaver earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University where he also played baseball. As a freshman, he had a 3.96 ERA, finished with a 2-1 record and fanned 20 batters.

He then received his Masters in Sports Science and Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University. Weaver also was a Graduate Student Assistant and the Director of Player Development with the university’s baseball program.

His coaching career began with his position as head coach of of the Morris J. Edwards Post 168 17U Legion team. Weaver held several other coaching positions afterwards.

Weaver also played baseball in high school at Dolgeville Central and Fort Plain.

When did you start playing baseball?

“Probably about 5 or 6 firstyear, little league t-ball.”

What do you really love about the game?

“I like the competition-type aspects. I like the life lessons. And just an added motivation piece to get me to do things unrelated to baseball.”

PHOTO BY GRACE SGAMBETTERA | HUDSONIAN

“I played different positions in high school, but in college I was always a pitcher.”

What’s your fastball?

“It was high 80s in college.”

Do you have any plans for the program?

“I want to put a big emphasis on developing the guys to make sure that they’re leaving here better than when they came in.

It doesn’t matter what level they play at. I want to make sure [the players] get their degrees and that they’re leaving here and graduating from their four year schools.”

What are your goals for the season?

“Just competing. I won’t set goals too high. It’s basically up to the guys if they want to put in the work. We’re just going to put in the work that we need, one day at a time, so we can compete.”

What do you expect of your players?

“They need to go to class.

They need to get good grades.

They need to graduate from here and if they don’t they need to have intentions to graduate from their four-year. That needs to be the top priority for them while they’re here,” said Weaver.

Weaver continued, “They still need to come in and do the things that we expect of them, as far as the weight room, strength conditioning, running and taking care

New head baseball c oach Jabin Weaver joins Hudson Valley with the hopes of inspiring players to receive their degrees.

of their bodies. Even if they don’t have the ultimate dream of going pro, they still need to have the desire and passion to get better while they’re here.”

How have you and the team been preparing?

“We had a really good fall season. We had a five-game Fall

World Series that the guys competed in. We split the team into two. They compete against each other. It was really good, really competitive,” said Weaver.

Weaver continued, “We had a lot of practices, about four or five days a week. Now we are lifting three days a week, making sure

that we’re getting stronger, putting weight on and just taking it one day at a time. We’re working individually right now on our positions. Even though the fall season is over and the spring season feels a long way away, it’s not. It goes super quick.”

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