Happy Fall Break, Angels!
The Meredith Herald
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October 6, 2021
Hispanic Heritage Month at Meredith
By Aminah Jenkins and Rachel Van Horne, Associate Editors
Hispanic Heritage Month originated as a celebration of the Hispanic communities who are largely responsible for several contributions to American society. It is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year and was first introduced in June of 1968 as a commemorative, week-long celebration by California Congressman George E. Brown. The Herald recently interviewed several Hispanic and Latine students on Meredith’s campus to get their perspective on this important month. In regards to what Hispanic Heritage Month means for them, Amanda Duran, ’23, stated, “I grew up loving who I am and loving who I come from. That being said, I always loved sharing parts of my culture with people and I still do! Hispanic Heritage Month gives me a chance to share what I love about being me!” Similar sentiments were shared by Daniela Cruz Reyes, ’23. She explained, “I'm often reminded
of my parents' sacrifices in order to provide us with the American dream.” On Sept. 15, Meredith College announced in an Instagram post that they are “being intentional in acknowledging cultural commemorations'' on their social media. However, not all students felt that the post was beneficial. Charlie Hatch, ’23, described the College’s post as “a perfect example of performative activism.” They explained that they feel the lack of support Hispanic and Latine students receive in academics as well as in situations where their identities are threatened makes the College’s words ineffective. “Until the institution itself fully embraces and protects Hispanic and Latine people, I will never take their posts or their words seriously,” she said. Duran echoed these concerns, saying that they have not felt supported by Meredith as an institution due to the lack of accountability for students
who make insensitive comments our communities.” about Hispanics and Latines. All three students agreed Hatch touched on how that Meredith could and should be difficult it can be for members of doing more to celebrate and supthe Hispanic port Hispanic and Latine and Latine community to students. Duran simplify these suggested that emotions into Meredith open a few sentitheir platform ments, sayup to students ing, “These to share these months important signal that the experiences. United States Cruz Reyes has somewhat explained, acknowledged “We’re almost that it has at the end of oppressed our the month and people both haven't seen The image that was posted on Meredith domestically any [other] posts College social media and internationfrom Meredith.'' ally. However, She believed the U.S. continues to create these that including additional posts of months so it doesn't have to go Hispanic and Latine culture, acthrough the laboring process of complishments and heritage would creating legislation that protects allow people to learn more.
What to Know About Meredith College COVID-19 Vaccination Exemptions By Jayce Perry, Staff Writer
On Sept. 16, 2021, Merfrequently asked questions about edith College announced via email the vaccine requirement, but The that students, faculty and staff will Herald interviewed Dr. Jean Jackbe required to get the COVID-19 son, Vice President for College vaccine by the start of the Spring Programs, and Dr. Mary Johnson, 2022 semester. Director of The email to Health Services, students and to get more employees said details about the that the advaccine requireministration’s ment. “guiding con When asked cern” in decidabout what ing to require will happen to the vaccine students who are was the safety not vaccinated of the entire and have not community. been granted an Students who exemption by wish to request the Jan. 4, 2022 an exemption deadline, Dr. for religious or Jackson stated physician-docuthat “students mented medical must be vacciPhoto by Ally Cefalu reasons can do so nated or be granted through an online an exemption in portal beginning on Oct. 15. order to enroll or remain enrolled Meredith’s Staying Strong at Meredith in Spring 2022.” She website answers many of the most also said that since conditions
related to COVID-19 continue to change, the College “will continue to monitor those conditions and [make] decisions about formats of classes closer to the start of the spring semester.” Dr. Johnson provided information about how students can obtain a vaccine exemption. She said that there is a statewide medical exemptions form that “outlines the specific contraindications to immunizations.” This form has to be completed by a physician. For religious exemptions, Dr. Johnson said, “A religious exemption must accurately reflect a student's sincerely held religious beliefs which are contrary to the practice of immunizations.” Dr. Johnson said that Meredith College is working on a “streamlined form to help students navigate this process” and that this form will be available after Oct. 15 when the portal for exemption submissions opens. Dr. Jackson stated that “if exemptions are found to have no basis,
then they will not be granted.” With fake COVID-19 vaccination records circulating on other college campuses according to WRAL, some Meredith students have wondered how the College will prevent the use of false vaccination records. Dr. Jackson said that “Student Health Services closely examines all vaccination documentation submitted to them.” If documentation is suspected to be false, it will be reported to the Community Standards Task Force, she explained. “If found to have provided false information,” Dr. Jackson said, “a student would face sanctions issued by the Community Standards Task Force up to and including removal from College.” Dr. Johnson said that Health Services is planning to offer another vaccine clinic later in the semester. Students or employees who need help finding vaccine providers can contact Health Services or Human Resources.
Rooting for the Home Team During COVID-19 By Jayce Perry, Staff Writer
For many years, Meredith College students have attended NC State football games and other sporting events, and this semester is no different. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some Meredith students have expressed concern about their classmates participating in large events like
these. The most recent NC State games were on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 and many Meredith students were in attendance, which brings up the concerns of NC State’s COVID-19 protocols for some. The Herald interviewed several Meredith students to get their opinions on COVID-19 protocols at sporting events.
Kasey Wilkins, ‘23, had attended every home football game so far this season when she was interviewed. She said she feels safe attending since she is vaccinated. “If I were not vaccinated, I would probably not feel comfortable attending...or if I lived with people that weren’t vaccinated, I
would not feel comfortable attending,” she stated. Wilkins said she didn’t notice any safety protocols in place besides masks being required in restrooms. Read the full story on our website.
News
Meredith Launches Application for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Position By Anna Prince, Staff Writer
On Sept. 24, Meredith College listed a job for the Coordinator and Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). The description for this position is listed as “support[ing] people from a rich diversity of backgrounds—including but not limited to diverse academic experiences, socioeconomic levels, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, genders, races and ethnicities.” Once the application period ends, on-campus or Zoom interviews will be held depending on pandemic conditions, according to an email from President Jo Allen on Sept. 28. More information about the interview phase will be
released to students in the beginning of November. To gain more insight on the college’s search and how they see this position enhancing the college’s journey to racial equity, The Meredith Herald interviewed Dean of the Library Laura Davidson and Assistant Dean of Arts and Humanities Dr. Alisa Johnson. Dean Davidson and Dr. Johnson are both on the selection committee and were eager to provide more information to the student body. “In the academic division, we have been talking about a position like this since pre-pandemic,” Dean Davidson said when asked about what events caused the
Meredith Organizations Partner for Afghan Refugee Donation Drive By Jeanine Carryl, Staff Writer There are a projected 1,169 Afghan refugees coming to six cities in North Carolina over the next six months, including Raleigh and Durham, following the crisis in Afghanistan. Organizations within the Triangle have taken action to support Afghan refugees, and several clubs and organizations at Meredith College have joined in this effort. The Chaplain’s Office, Student Government Association (SGA), Sisters United, Meredith International Association (MIA) and Meredith Immigrant and Refugee Club have come together to start a basic goods drive. The Chaplain’s Office will be collecting donations until Oct. 15, and donation bins can be found in the Cate Center, Joyner Hall and Jones Chapel. Items requested include hygiene items, cleaning supplies, bottled water, paper products like
paper towels and toilet paper, diapers and wipes, non-perishable food items and pantry staples. Launa Steward, the Chaplain’s graduate student intern, told The Herald that “the Chaplain’s Office is thankful for [campus] support in welcoming new families to Raleigh.” Items collected from the drive will be donated to the Raleigh Baptist Association (RBA), specifically to their Afghan Refugee Resettlement Emergency Mission outreach program. They intend to support Afghan families and translators with their transition. Additional things that RBA is asking for are donations, gift cards for clothing, devotional books and furniture or housing items. Those additional items can be dropped off to RBA directly.
college to create the DEI position. “It’s been an area of concern [for us]. This is not a new topic, it’s just [that] the Black Lives Matter movement gave us some additional [motivation] to finally create it.” Dr. Johnson shared her hopes for what this new specialist will contribute to Meredith. “It’s really hard to anticipate what we should be doing when we are really looking at bringing somebody new into our community with a completely fresh vision of what our future could be like,” she said. “On the other hand, I will say, I know there are a lot of groups that are working on DEI issues within their own circles, and I think that is very,
very exciting. I want to see that continue, and I’m fairly sure that when we get our DEI specialist, that person is going to encourage groups to keep working.” Both Dean Davidson and Dr. Johnson expressed excitement for this specialist to begin their work on campus, but the search is still ongoing. Dr. Johnson would like to include that any students who are concerned about the search or have any questions about the process are more than welcome to email her or any member of the search committee.
PEARLS Recognizes World Mental Health Day By Maggie Barnhill, Staff Writer Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. This internationallyrecognized event is meant to bring awareness to and educate on mental health with the hope of advocating against the stigma of mental illness. This event was first recognized in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation of Mental Health. In 1994, it was decided that each year the day would be surrounded by a theme; this year’s theme is “Mental Health in an Unequal World.” The World Health Organization supports this day annually, advertising the campaign and providing resources for those who may need them. Meredith College’s Peer Educators Advocating for Responsible Lifestyles (PEARLS) organization will be recognizing World Mental Health Day by setting up a pop-up booth in the Cate Center on Wednesday, Oct. 13 during the 10 o’clock hour. PEARLS is a club
on campus that trains members to become peer educators who may help the student body make informed decisions concerning their health and wellness. According to Rania Abushakra, ‘24, the PEARLS Publicity Chair and Historian, this booth will have “information about mental health, free wristbands [and] a student promoting her mental health podcast.” Students are encouraged to visit the booth and receive information from their peers concerning how to recognize and maintain mental health. World Mental Health Day supports a concept that should be practiced year round as maintaining one’s mental health is important. Erasing the stigma against those who struggle with their mental health will allow more social acceptance and the possibility of more resources being created.
Technology Services Holds "13 Days of Cybersecurity Events" By Haileigh West, Contributing Writer
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Technology Services at Meredith College is holding “13 Days of Cybersecurity Events” from Oct. 13-29. The Meredith Herald interviewed Lauren Hickey, ‘17, Student Technology Outreach Coordinator, about the importance and purpose of the event. Hickey said, “October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in an effort to promote safe online practices, the Student Technology and Training (STAT) Team will participate in a social media campaign, pop-ups and giveaways on campus about topics that students should know about, including two-factor authentication, setting up your NetID accounts for Self-Service, creating strong passwords, the importance of antivirus and more.” Over the course of the 13 days, there will be three in-person
events taking place on Oct. 13, 22 these events, the STAT Team “will and 27, each during the 10 o’clock be active on all the MC Tech social hour on the Cate Center Patio. media platforms [during] those 13 The indays and person will be events sharing on these new tips three and topdays will ics daily.” include a “STAT During Team “STAT Trivia Team Hour” Trivia on Oct. Hour” 13, a and “Staying “Staying Safe on Safe on Photo by Ally Cefalu Social Social Media” event on Media” event, stuOct. 22 and a “Gone Phishing with dents will get to spin a trivia wheel the STAT Team” event on Oct. 27. and win prizes. The “Gone PhishHickey stated that in addition to ing with the STAT Team” event will
focus on educating students on what phishing attacks look like, Hickey said. Students will also be able to sign up for Meredith College Cybersecurity Training at these events. Meredith College’s COVID-19 Community Standards and social distancing will be in place at all of these events, and while pre-registration is not required, attendance will be taken at each event. If you have any questions or are looking to get connected with Technology Services, Hickey said, “The STAT Team runs the Technology Services Helpdesk and is ready to help students with their technology needs while at Meredith. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for phone, email and appointments.”
Arts & Entertainment
How to Keep Your Cornhuskin' Co-Chairs Sane and Safe By Freya Dahlgren, Staff Writer
As Cornhuskin’ gets closer, now just under a month away, The Herald interviewed a few of this year’s Cornhuskin’ Co-Chairs to see how they’re doing during this stressful time. Cornhuskin’ is a campus-wide celebration of the fall season and has included skits, dancing and performances by the Oddballs and Bathtub Ring in the past. This year is the 71st Cornhuskin’ at Meredith. When asked how she is doing, Consepcion Cruz-Valencia, ‘23, said, “My co-chair, Aminah Jenkins, and I are doing fine so far as we are planning for an inperson Cornhuskin. Obviously, planning for Cornhuskin’ now is way different than planning it in 2019 because we have a lot to take into account.” Jeanine Carryl, ‘22, added, “We’re re-examining how we think of Cornhuskin’ and how to best support Cornhuskin’ Co-Chairs, especially freshmen, during this time.” The freshman Cornhuskin’ Co-Chairs, Ella Cannon and Savannah Stainback,
stated, “We’re super excited for what this year holds in store for us since this is our first Cornhuskin’.” Cornhuskin’ can be a stressful and anticipatory time for campus members. Because of this, Cornhuskin’ Co-Chairs need help from their class members. When asked how class members can best help, Cannon and Stainback emphasized that checking email for Cornhuskin' information and staying informed would be most helpful to them. Carryl wanted to stress that Cornhuskin’ isn’t meant to be a stressful tradition, and the stress associated with Cornhuskin’ is something that needs to be rethought. She said, “This should be a time to meet new friends, be creative and dance way too long in parking lots at night. We need to not only be thinking of our physical health but our mental health as well.” Cruz-Valencia said that class members can best help her by “checking their emails frequently, following COVID-19 guidelines set by Meredith, being flexible with us
Space Girl: Out of This World
because everything is still up in the air and lastly to just have fun.” Cornhuskin’ hasn’t happened in-person since 2019, and when Carryl was asked about what to expect from this CornMcIver Amphitheater, where huskin’ she said, “Expect Cornhuskin' is usually held; very laid-back in-person some changes as to how photo by Olivia Slack Cornhuskin'.” Cornhuskin’ is traditionally Cornhuskin' will be a novel done. We need to promote unity, experience for the Classes of '24 accommodate those that need it and '25, and the Classes of '23 and and ask questions to make sure '22 will also be experiencing this that everything we do for Corncornerstone tradition in a new huskin’ is meant to promote unity way. Participation in Cornhuskin' and a sense of belonging on-camactivities this year will require pus.” Cruz-Valencia added that masks and social distancing as “Cornhuskin' has not always been well as adherence to Meredith's a positive experience for [many community standards. More inforof] us, especially our [class's] mation on this will be released at a freshman year. Our class should later date. expect inclusivity, and overall a
By Anna Prince, Staff Writer
In the spirit of bringing live costumes, a set and a live audience. theatre back, the Meredith College Traditionally, a radio play is a play Theatre that one Departcan only ment reexpericently put ence via on Space audio, Girl, a but the play by Theatre Mora DepartV. Harment ris. This took this play was meadapted dium to Photo courtesy of the Meredith College Theatre Department into a radio play, a whole new level. complete with Space Girl follows
a Zlagdorian girl named Arugula and her father Nancy as they explore Earth and humanity in order to convince their superiors to save Earth from climate change. For this production, the stage was decorated with floating planets and detailed lights, such as twinkling stars above the actors’ heads. The director and cast also created a language for the Zlagdorians composed of clicks and other noises, which truly brought the play to life. The costumes and actors immersed the audience in the world of the play. From begin-
ning to end, this play was full of laughs, a love story and the story of trying to find yourself in a world where you feel like you don’t belong. The playwright, Mora V. Harris, visited Meredith to attend a performance. When asked how she felt watching her play come to life as a radio play, she said she was “very impressed and enjoyed the visuals,” along with “how immersive the readings were.”
Upcoming Concerts in the Greater Raleigh Area By Aminah Jenkins, Associate Editor
As the world begins to reopen, concerts are making a comeback. Below are a list of upcoming concerts coming to Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Because of COVID-19, each concert has their own protocols for entry. Pitbull: I Feel Good Tour * Oct. 9, PNC Music Pavilion Ticket prices vary Harry Styles: Love On Tour *
Oct. 12, PNC Arena Prices vary Jonas Brothers: The Remember This Tour * Oct. 12, PNC Music Pavilion Ticket prices vary All Time Low* Oct. 16, The Ritz Raleigh $34 The Backseat Lovers Oct. 18, Cat’s Cradle $18 LANY: gg bb xx tour *
Oct. 23, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre Ticket prices vary Isaiah Rashad: Lil Sunny’s Awesome Vacation * Oct. 30, The Ritz Raleigh $35 beabadoobe Nov. 9, Cat’s Cradle $18/$20 at the door Jesse McCartney: The ‘New Stage’ 2021 Tour Nov. 22, The Ritz Raleigh
Ticket prices vary Delta Rae: The Light & Dark Tour * Dec. 10, The Ritz Raleigh $20 Dreamville Festival * Apr. 2 and 3, Dorothea Dix Park Ticket prices vary, presale available
Starting out strong, this is my first recommendation because what better song to get you in the mood for fall then this iconic single? With the opening drumbeat, the story line and that soft crying guitar whisper that we all know and
love, this song truly does wonders in making you into a main character for the fall.
*Indicates that this concert has a COVID-19 vaccine or negative test requirement for entry.
Six 2000s Tunes to Get You Ready For Fall By Sofia Gomez, Podcasting Director It's almost that time where we all start to dress a little warmer and start making memories in the cold. Though summer is my favorite season of the year, fall is a close second because I enjoy looking out the window and acting like I'm in
an early 2000s film. So, in honor of the new upcoming memories, here are my top six (in no particular order) indie songs from the early 2000s for fall. “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood
Read the full story on our website.
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Opinion He Doesn't Even Go Here By Rachel Van Horne, Associate Editor Hello fellow Meredith students—I am writing today to inform you of some rather distressing knowledge I’ve come to hold. Men are walking among us in greater droves this semester than we have ever seen before. They are taking up space in our SMB and Harris homes, eating at the BeeHive, walking in packs of two to five at a time and, perhaps most deplorable of all, breathing our precious Meredith air. The absolute audacity of this has left me speechless until now. Naturally, my first question came to be why? Why are they here, encroaching upon our fortress of solitude and strong education? They already have plenty of colleges and spaces that uplift their wants and needs, so what is here at Meredith that has drawn them to our beloved campus? Several people have informed me of the new post-graduate programs in the STEM, Business and Communication departments that have seen a dramatic increase in registration from the male
kind. While I think this is a wonderfully educated guess, I figured I’d put into circulation three other theories I have regarding this new male presence on our campus. Spies Sent From NC State to Get an Inside Perspective on Cornhuskin’ Don’t you think it’s just a little bit strange that all these men appeared on our campus shortly before Cornhuskin’ 2021 is set to start? Several of my inside resources from NC State have questions on what Cornhuskin' is, what kind of activities transpire at this corn-themed event and why corn? These are all important questions; however, I never thought they would go as far as sending their men gallivanting onto the brutal battlefield that is our campus. Alien Assassins Sent to Exterminate Us and Steal Our Precious Resource While I will be the first
to admit this one may be a bit far-fetched, I still believe we should explore it as a theory. These men aren't actually men at all; rather, they are alien assassins sent to prune us of our most precious resource and then exterminate us. What is this resource? Our beloved onyx. The alien species enjoy this beautiful stone and noticed we have an abundance of it on our campus. The Earth is Actually Flat and They Are Flat Earthers Sent to Test This Theory Now hear me out—I too believe the world is a round and beautiful orb, but it must be considered that flat earthers believe that we are all continuously walking in patterns of never-ending circles and never actually walk one straight line. Where would be the best place to test this theory? Meredith College, of course. The students here are always walking in elaborate circles to get from building to building (with the exception of the rare occasion
they walk from north to south or east to west with no stops). However, they believe this is just to throw them off our trail. Whatever the reason is, there are men among us and we must remain cautious at all times, no matter their motive. Do not share our secrets or precious resources, and don’t walk in circles. Maybe then they will leave us alone in peace. Disclaimer: This is satire; no part of this article is to be taken seriously. Another important item to note is that Meredith’s campus is home, at both the graduate and undergraduate level, to women, men and nonbinary individuals who identify all over the gender spectrum. It is our responsibility as Meredith students to make everyone feel welcome here. Please be kind to all.
Using Capitalist Critiques to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy By Aminah Jenkins, Associate Editor, and Sofia Gomez, Podcasting Director As the world begins to reopen, the question of how vaccines will play a role in them has been a popular topic of discussion. The pandemic has thrust the intentions of major corporations and the American government under a spotlight of intense scrutiny. Because of this spotlight, society has begun to analyze and understand the mechanics of inner workings of what it means to be a community divided. A common reason why people distrust the vaccine is because of the belief that the government is trying to harm people. However, vaccines are one of the few ways that employers can ensure the safety of their employees, and it brings the U.S. one step closer to economic recovery. The economic implications of the pandemic have created a strong desire to return to normal. In addition to the loss of profits and supply chain shortages, many businesses have seen a drop in the labor pool. Fewer workers are
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reentering the workforce—especially in the service industry—for a variety of reasons. Some of it can be attributed to finding other jobs or sources for income that meet their needs better than others, but a large part of it is safety of work conditions. For service workers especially, constant social interactions with customers for pay that doesn’t reflect their hard work is exhausting. People just aren’t willing to put their lives on the line for jobs and a government that doesn't respect their presence—and companies are working double time to incentivize people to come back. The vaccines being provided for free isn’t a coincidence, either. It’s a coordinated effort between the government and businesses to create a functioning workforce. However, this explanation doesn’t fully address this mistrust. The reasons why certain communities are
hesitant about the vaccine sheds more light on the complexity of the issue. For Black and brown people especially, the fear behind the intentions of giving free vaccines stems from the centuries of mistrust, inhumane and harmful behaviors that have taken place within these communities. Since the foundation of this country, the medical community has subjected Black bodies to abuse, exploitation and experimentation. The most recent and notorious exploitation of these communities is the 1932 Tuskegee Syphilis Study. 400 sharecroppers were denied treatment for syphilis over 40 years and the U.S. Public Health Service allowed the citizens to die even after a cure was found. The discovery of the experiment was made public in 1972. The study participants won a $10 million class-action settlement in 1975 as well as an apology from President Bill Clinton in 1997. The heightened sensitivity of Black and brown com-
munities is warranted, and there is a desire to keep their communities safe—just not at the expense of their own health. However, in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s end goal is not medical experimentation or exploitation. Their focus on economic recovery has centered the preservation of people’s lives in ways they never have. The government rarely considers the needs of the most marginalized in our community unless it benefits their initiatives directly, and co-opting sentiments is not a new thing for a government and economic system that prioritizes profits over people. However, ulterior motives don’t discount the importance of collectivism during this time. So yes, providing the vaccines at no cost is a major incentive for people to go back to work. But doing what we can to keep other members of our community safe can be separate from these intentions.
STAFF
Olivia Slack and Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editors in Chief. Rachel Van Horne and Aminah Jenkins, Associate Editors. Ally Cefalu, A&E Editor. Molly Perry, Features Editor. Hannah Porter, Opinion Editor. Staff Writers: Rania Abushakra, Maggie Barnhill, Jeanine Carryl, Freya Dahlgren, Jayce Perry, Rylee Petty, Anna Prince, Mia Russell, Hannah Taib. Contributing Writers: Shae-Lynn Henderson, Rachel Johnson, Angelina Morin, Haileigh West. Podcasting Director: Sofia Gomez. Copy Editor: Erin Wendorf. Staff Photographer: Madison Sholar.