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Volume XXVII, Issue 18
Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Beyond Blackface Panel to Discuss Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Following Fall ‘Aida’ Protests
Professor Michael Allen, special advisor to the dean on diversity initiatives, addresses his acting class.
Awije Bahrami Entertainment Editor The first panel discussion prompted by last semester’s student protests alleging blackface in “Aida” will take place on Friday after a readthrough of an African-American play performed with an all-black ensemble in honor of Black History Month.
Awije Bahrami | The Montclarion
“We need to take a better look at what we are planning for our season selections to include shows that are more designed for African-American or Latino students.” - Professor Michael Allen
The panel discussion is part of a larger initiative to have more diversity and inclusion in the Department of Theater and Dance. According to Andy Stover, the literary manager of the department, the initiative will include “choosing plays from a diverse roster of writers, from different ethnicities, racial backgrounds and to also address the broader issue of inclusion and colorblind casting.” Five months ago, a group of students held a series of demonstrations outside Memorial Theater, saying that white actors were using “blackface” in the production of “Aida,” a musical about an Ethiopian slave princess. Faculty from the Department of Theater and Dance dismissed this charge at the time, saying some actors were simply using stage makeup to depict tanned skin. Nevertheless, the chairperson of the Department of Theater and Dance, Randy Mugleston, promised to host discussion forums to promote open conversation about inclusion and the arts. The debate for more inclusion in the department has Aida continued on Page 2
‘A Day Without Immigrants’
Posters Annoucing LASO’s Participation Defaced particularly in the restaurant business, supported their employees who adhered to the march by closing their shops and restaurants for the day. Other business owners, far from being supportive of the cause, fired every worker who did not show up to work on that Thursday. The members of the LASO hung flyers outside their office, announcing their support and participation in “A Day Without Immigrants.” Despite the support of some students, someone in the Montclair State community clearly disagrees with the message, since at least one of the flyers put up by LASO was vandalized with the message “Go back to your country.” It is not known as of now who vandalized the signs that the organization hung
Lucia Godoy Assistant Web Editor Thousands of people marched during the protests held in major cities across the country Thursday, Feb. 16, which was declared “A Day Without Immigrants.” Montclair State’s Latin-American Student Organization (LASO) was among the participants who united against President Trump’s plans for building a wall along the Mexican border, the Muslim ban and other immigration measures he has announced are in his agenda. During the march, thousands of immigrants skipped school and work, and refrained from shopping in order to participate in the protest and show how much of an impact their absence would have in America’s daily routine. Many business owners,
NEWS
p. 4 Class of 2014 Alumni’s Wedding
A vandalized sign the LASO executive board made for “A Day Without Immigrants.”
FEATURE p. 6 “Passionate” English Professor: Dr. Jeffrey Gonzalez
Thomas Formoso| The Montclarion
Immigrants continued on Page 2
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
p. 13 Changing Body Image One Week at a Time
p. 14 Montclair State’s Production of ‘West Side Story’
p. 24 Carol Blazejowski: A Montclair State Legend