January/February Issue

Page 1

LightningStrike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High • 1410 Countyline Road • Miami, Florida 33179

www.lightningstrikenews.com February 10, 2017 • Issue 3 • Volume 19

Trump issues ban hindering immigration President’s act brings tension and protests in a move considered prejudiced by many Hilly Yehoshua co-entertainment editor Following a promise made throughout his presidential campaign, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order hindering travel to the United States from seven nations. Syria, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran and Yemen, the countries listed under the travel ban, were noted by Obama in a previous attempt to control immigration. In a White House statement, Trump cited legislation signed by former president Obama in 2011 which issued a six month ban on Iraqi refugee visas and labeled all seven nations as “countries of concern” for terrorism as reasons for issuing the order. While both presidents’ orders forbade refugees from entering the United States, Obama’s act was longer and more lenient. Under Obama’s 2011 act, refugee admissions were slowed, but

under Trump, Syrian refugees are banned. Although Obama released his executive order in response to an Iraqi terrorist attempt on American soil, Trump’s order was not a defensive policy. Out of over 40 Muslim majority nations, Trump excluded larger ones that are involved in his personal business and many say pose a greater threat to the U.S. Many critics even point to the fact that none of the countries have ever personally attacked the U.S. Trump’s executive order halted all refugee admissions for four months and banned U.S. entry from citizens of the seven countries for 90 days. The suspension extended the lengthy process of vetting, which usually takes 18-24 months. The order prioritizes entry of people of minority religions residing in the listed nations, allowing Christians into the U.S. before Muslims. Additionally, the De-

partment of Homeland Security announced that “legal permanent residents” can enter the U.S. on a case-by-case basis. All seven countries under the order have experienced human rights abuse, conflict and destitution, especially Syria, Yemen and Sudan. Over 400,000 Syrians have been killed in the civil conflict for political authority. Nearby lies Yemen, where it’s “forgotten war” has left millions malnourished, uneducated and caught in a multi-front war. In Sudan, an oppressive government has created severe corruption and ethnic tensions. While these three nations are deemed by experts as currently experiencing civil wars, the other countries in the ban have their own share of instability. Ever since former dictator Saddam Hussein was ousted in the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, it’s been a worn-torn, divided country. Libya wreaks havoc with

militias and extremist groups controlling vast areas. Aside from being one of the poorest countries on the list, Somalia’s internal government structure crumbled following its dictator’s expulsion in 1991. While the order received positive feedback from supporters who claimed it would aid national security, it sparked outrage in others. National protests in states like California, Massachusetts and New York as well as abroad in England and Scotland featured thousands gathering. “We cannot let our fear of being persecuted allow us to undeservedly and inhumanely persecute an entire group of people” junior Christina James said. “There is no greater safety than comes with tolerance, love and acceptance.” Commotion filled airports on Saturday as passengers were detained by TSA, and government officials struggled to de-

cide who could or couldn’t pass security. A federal judge from Seattle issued a restraining order in a U.S. District Court on Feb. 3 that halted Trump’s immigration order nationwide. Everyday citizens weren’t the only ones protesting the ban. Politicians like Charlie Dent and John McCain are speaking out against the ban, and CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg are doing the same. “We need to keep this country safe, but we should do that by focusing on people who actually pose a threat,” Zuckerberg said. “We should also keep our doors open to refugees and those who need help. That’s who we are.” In response to the criticism, Trump firmly stood with his decision. “America is a proud nation of immigrants and we will continue to show compassion to those feeling oppression, but we will do so while protecting our own citizens and border,” he said.

RUMORS

Don’t believe everything you hear The truth behind what really happened on campus Nathaniel Manor feature editor Today, rumors aren’t just names of Adele songs or Fleetwood Mac albums. Whether it’s chatting with your friend about the latest cheating scandal or fake news insinuating lies about our politicians, the spread of rumors is a never-ending cycle of hate that landed on Krop’s doorstep last month. Since December, rumors about the safety and integrity of the school have spread like wildfire. Local newscasts and parent complaints forced administrative offices to deal with a stressful two months, garnering much Kaysser Kayyali

Araixa Ruiz

More inside:

to debunk. But the stories you might have heard were most likely passed down the grapevine and proven highly inaccurate. To clear up the myths and mysteries about the school’s last few months, here are the facts. Dec. 14 marked the beginning of the whirlwind of rumors for the marred two weeks. The off-campus fight among a group of students made headlines on ABC’s Local 10 News as reporters were sent the footage. Before long, parents were calling administration fearing reports of severe injuries and lack of disciplinary punishments, all of which were false. “It was a situation that all parties knew was brewing, yet they

did not seek assistance or report any issues,” Principal Allison Harley said. The brawl was instigated by verbal arguments in school, but occurred off-campus and after 2:20 p.m. in the Ives Estates area outside of the gate by the bus lane. The fight create a blurry gray area for administrative action since the event did not occur under school supervision. Rumors of arrests and even charges of murder spread online and throughout the halls the next day, when, in reality, the situation was already taken care of. “Before the video went viral, the administrative team had identified every student involved and

issued the highest disciplinary action allowed by school board rules,” Harley said. In the same week, Krop saw an arson-induced fire in the bathroom by the auditorium from a roll of toilet paper set on fire, along with a special delivery of feces on a teacher’s desk. To ease the worries of the week’s insecurities and rampant rumors, two additional security guards are being hired for an extra set of eyes, according to Harley. But that isn’t the primary way to stop these school outbursts. “The reality is that it has to start with the kids,” Harley said. “Make a difference and ask for assistance instead of standing by,

LIFE after KROP

• The biggest issue facing today’s feminists- page 4 • Students experience FLL airport shooting- page 7 • Celebrity opinions in politics - page 12 • Is the membership worth the price- page 15 • Future of the World Cup in question- page 18

as well as being cautious on social media.” Speaking of social media, the latest, and arguably most upsetting, issue at Krop is the vacancy in Room 2-239 — AP and Honors English teacher and department chair Elton Lewis. On Dec. 22, only a day before Winter Break, Lewis’ now-infamous seven-minute video rant was leaked to the student body. Although it was swiftly removed from YouTube after an hour of Lewis finding out, the damage was already done. By the next morning, the video had reached administration and action was taken immediately.

continued on page 2 Brandon Ramsey

Pages 10 - 11

The perfect gift for every occasion!

• Fake news has real consequences- page 5 • Remedios embraces gender identity- page 8 • Films to look out for in 2017- page 13 • The science behind taking “ugly selfies”- page 16 • Lightning go on to district championship- page 19

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January/February Issue by Lightning Strike - Issuu