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Oct. 8, 2020 | Vol. 95, No. 7

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Fall 2020 commencement moves online

Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s fall 2020 commencement ceremony has officially been moved to a virtual setting. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the graduation ceremony will officially take place online. The Universit y ’s official website added that additional details are forthcoming. Spring and summer 2020 graduates will also be celebrated during the virtual ceremony. While the announcement is still new, responses haven’t been positive toward the idea of a virtual graduation ceremony. Chelsea Tucker, TV production major and spring 2020 graduate, voiced her disapproval of the arrangement. “I feel like the class of 2020 has been cheated,” Tucker said. “I believe there are precautions that could be taken to have a safe, traditional graduation. Whether we limit guests, have it at the football stadium or split it into a series of smaller graduations, I feel like something could be done.” Tucker said she doesn’t think the virtual graduation will allow the graduating class to adequately celebrate this important milestone. Tucker doubts she is the only one who is disappointed

Murray State‘s Fall 2020 Commencement Goes

Virtual

Brooklyn Burnett/ The News

at the circumstances and cannot help but wish for an alternative method of commencement. “ When the class of 2020 walked out of our classrooms for S pring Break, we didn’t know that would be our last time on

campus,” Tucker said. “For many of us, graduation was going to be our chance to say goodbye to our prof essors and fr iends we ’ve made at Murray S tate. ” W hile the information on the commencement page

COVID-19 Case Breakdown Murray State VS. Calloway County

33.4%

233 Murray State related cases since Aug. 1

66.6%

697 Calloway County cases since Aug. 1

Sources: Calloway County Coronavirus Facebook Page, Calloway County Health Department and Murray State University

o n t h e U n i v e r s i t y ’s o f f i c i a l website is minimal, the announcement details a closing statement detailing Mur r a y S t a t e ’s e x c i t e m e n t t o be celebrating the achievements of the Racer graduates.

COVID-19 cases surge Staff Report

As Cal loway Count y enters the red zone and cases continue to rise on campus, in the Murray community and across the state, local medical providers are reminding students that tests are available and affordable. According to Chief Medical Officer Bob Hughes, Calloway County has had a total of 697 cases, with 593 recovered, 91 isolated at home, three hospitalizations and ten deaths. Included in the Calloway Count y total are the 201 Murray State related cases. S i n c e Au g. 1 , 5 2 8 n e w c a s e s have been repor ted in Cal lo way County. Murray State accounts for 233 of those, which i s a p p rox i m a t e l y 3 3 p e rc e n t . Nicholas O’Dell, chief medical officer of Murray-Calloway Count y Hospital, said he has heard several students were avoiding being tested because of concerns regarding costs or access.

see COVID-19 page 3

Brooklyn Burnett/ The News

News Sports Opinion Features

page 2 page 4 page 6 page 7

Faculty Senate to draft resolution in support of monument relocation page 2

Morant donates new recovery room for Racer athletes page 4

COVID-19 guidelines have no exceptions

page 6

Art students put together professional exhibit page 7

News

Oct. 8, 2020

Faculty Senate to draft resolution in support of monument relocation Super said she made an Gage Johnson area where faculty memEditor-in-Chief gjohnson17@murraystate.edu b e r s c o u l d v o i c e o t h e r i d e a s along with the poll as well. O n Tu e s d a y, O c t . 6 , M u r - A n o t h e r p o l l w a s m a d e f o r r a y S t a t e F a c u l t y S e n a t e the global language and them e t a n d d i s c u s s e d a r e s o l u - a tre a r ts de par t ment and t he t i o n r e g a r d i n g t h e r e l o c a - results were 100 percent in fation of the Confederate Mon- vor of advoc at ing f or t he reu m e n t o f R o b e r t E . L e e. location of the monument. The Special Joint Resolu- Roach said President Bob t i on S J R - 2 0 - 2 1 - 4 o r i g i n a t e d Jackson and the Board of Refrom the Executive Commit - g e n t s h a v e a l s o v o i c e d f o r t e e o f t h e Fa c u l t y S e n a t e. I t t h e i r s u p p o r t f o r t h e re l o c awas agreed upon by the Facul- tion of the statue in the past. “ Pre s i d e n t J a c k s o n a n d t h e t y S enate and it suppor ts the re l o c a t i on o f t h e m on u m e n t . Board Regents have made priIt is currently in a 30-day or statements in support of d r a f t i n g p e r i o d w h e re f ac u l - the reloc ation of the S tatue, ” t y senators are able to sub- Roach said. “ The University m i t s u g g e s t e d re v i s i o n s . A f - suppor ts the autonomous ac t e r w a r d s , t h e E x e c u t i v e tion of the Facult y S enate to C o m m i t t e e w i l l f i n a l i z e a make statements that ‘promote draf t. S ince it is a Joint Res- t h e g ro w t h a n d g e n e r a l w e l olution, the document will go fare of the university ’ (Faculty t o t h e S t a f f C o n g r e s s n e x t . Handbook, 1.4.2.1 Faculty SenT h e F a c u l t y S e n a t e w i l l ate Constitution) as part of the v o t e o n t h e f i n a l i z e d v e r - shared governance str ucture.” sion of the resolution on Nov. Speaking as a faculty 10. If it passes, a letter inmember, my hope is cluding the resolution will that this resolution and be sent to the Fiscal Court. other similar statements Professor David Roach, presalready made will ident and chair of the Exresult in the relocation ecutive Committee, said the of the statue to a more need for a resolution supportappropriate location that ing the relocation of the statstill honors the soldiers ue was brought forth this past of Calloway County but summer after push from asremoves the imbalanced s i s t a n t c o a c h S h e r m a n Ne a l . eleveation of the “ The idea of a resolution confederate cause in our community. started with faculty expressing the need for a statement sup- David Roach, president and chair of porting the relocation originatthe faculty senate executive committee ing from coach S herman Neal’s efforts this past summer,” Roach said with this resoRoach said. “ The Senate took a straw poll at our last meet- lution, his ultimate goal is to i n g w h i c h r e s u l t e d i n a d e - have the statute relocated from c i s i o n t o m o v e f o r w a rd w i t h where it currently resides at the some statement in suppor t of corner of the courthouse square. the reloc ation of the statue. ” “Speaking as a faculty memJanice S uper, assistant pro - ber, my hope is that this resof e s s o r i n t h e d e p a r t m e n t lution and other similar stateo f m a n a g e m e n t , m a r k e t - ments already made will result i n g a n d b u s i n e s s a d m i n i s - in the relocation of the statue tration, made an anonymous to a more appropriate locap o l l a n d s e n t i t t o h e r d e - tion that still honors the solp a r t m e n t t o g a t h e r o p i n i o n s diers of Calloway Count y but f ro m o t h e r f a c u l t y m e m b e r s . removes the imbalanced eleva“It was about 50-50,” S uper tion of the confederate c ause said. “Half the people in my de- in our community,” Roach said. partment thought that the fac- The Faculty Senate will meet ulty senate should not do any- v i r t u a l l y on No v. 1 0 a n d d e thing and take no position and cide on if the resolution wil l then half were in support of the p a s s a n d b e s e n t t o t h e C a lresolution, so it was interesting.” l o w a y C o u n t y F i s c a l C o u r t .

Gage Johnson/The News Faculty Senate and Staff Congress plan to work on a joint resolution in support of the relocation of the monument.

MyGate password requirements updated Sarah Mead Staff Writer smead@murraystate.edu Beginning Oct. 19, new password requirements are mandatory for all Murray State myGate accounts. The University has updated the password requirement system this semester to create passwords that are both secure and easy to remember. The new passwords must be 16 characters in length, cannot be the same as the previous four passwords and cannot contain a first name, last name or username. Those with passwords that already fit the new requirements will not have to change their password. The University is also offering a password self-service system for Murray State passwords. The self-service system consolidates passwords for all single signon systems, such as myGate, Canvas, wireless networks and library resources. Users will also be able

to use this feature to reset forgotten passwords. Registration for the password self-service system is available in myGate on the home tab. The password consolidation service does not currently include RacerMail or Murray State Google accounts. These passwords are scheduled to be incorporated into this format in spring 2021. Passwords that are compatible with the new requirements will never expire. However, it’s still a good idea to update passwords in cases where accounts might have been compromised, a different account has been hacked, devices have been lost or a phishing email has been received. Service Desk hours will be extended this semester until Nov. 20. For questions about the new password system or any other technological issues on campus, the Service Desk will be available Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Service Desk Hours Monday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm Tuesday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm Wednesday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm Thursday: 4:00pm - 11:00pm Friday: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: 1:00pm - 11:00pm

Brooklyn Burnett/ The News

News

Oct. 8, 2020

Get Your

FLU SHOT Students

Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon

Drive up clinic - Between the CFSB Center and Wellness Center (enter off KY121) Insurance form needed

Oct. 15 from 2-5 p.m.

Walk-up clinic - Hart Residence Hall lawn (Winslow side) Insurance form needed ***Proof of insurance is required, and students should complete and bring a completed insurance form. A self-pay option (no insurance) is available for $40, payable by cash, check or credit card.

Faculty Oct. 8 from 7-10 a.m.

Walk-Up location outside of Wrather Hall ***Higher-dose flu shots will also be available for employees age 65 and over. Please complete the registration form and bring it with you. You can contact Human Resources with any questions at 270.809.2146 or email msu.racerwellness@murraystate.edu.

COVID-19 From Page 1 MCCH is also still offering drive-thru testing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, w h i c h d o e s n ot require an office visit. Testing is also available at Murray State Health Services, which is operated by Primar y Care Medical Center. The fees vary depending upon where a student is tested. While the hospital charges an administrative fee for test collection, the laboratory test itself, which is usually a $100 charge, is free. The administrative fee is $23 with insurance and is 100 percent covered by a majority of insurance carriers. O’Dell said this fee helps offset the expenses of personal protective equipment and staffing the drive-thru testing operation. MCCH is also enrolled in a special program offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser vices. If students or other members of the community who do not have insura n c e ge t t e s t e d a t M CC H o r other facilities enrolled in this program, the fees will be covered by the federal government. Shawn Tourney, executive director of marketing and communication, said Murray State Health Ser vices, Primar y Care and Village MD works with ever y student who needs to be seen or requests a visit. “ The first pr ior it y f or test ing is given to individuals who are at high-risk of exposure to COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19,” Touney said. “Like all health facilities in the community, MSU Health Ser vices, Primar y Care and V illage MD first asks for and accepts insurance; however, if an individual cannot pay for a COVID-19 test, the University will cover these costs in full.” To u n e y a l s o s a i d s t u d e n t s are not charged an administrative fee by Murray State when

Brooklyn Burnett/ The News

they are tested for COVID-19 through Health Services. “At MSU, we don’t charge but let the testing company bill their insurance for which there is to be no co-pay, balance billing or student liability,” Touney said. Prior to testing, Tourney said Health Ser vices will conduct a tele-visit to obtain key medical information about the student’s health, pre and post planning based upon the results of the COVID-19 testing for treatment and possible quarantine purposes and the collection of data the University is required to report. Touney said regardless of where a student chooses to be tested, it is important that the University and Health Services receive the results in a timely manner. Some are concerned the increase might have to do with the students traveling on the weekends, specifically to bars in Tennessee as the state lacks some of the restrictions that Gov. Andy Beshear has implemented in Kentucky. Kentucky’s mask mandate was scheduled to expire on Wednesday, Oct. 7. However, during a media briefing on Tuesday, Oct. 6, Beshear extended the mandate for another 30 days. According to the official website for Tennessee’s government, facial coverings are not mandated. “Facial coverings are strongly encouraged for all persons (employee and guest) in all public places where close proximity to others is anticipated,” according to the website. “Businesses and organizations may determine to require the use of face coverings by those on premise.” While Kentucky bars were allowed to reopen in August, Beshear established a curfew and a 50 percent capacity limitation to deter people from staying late and potentially spreading COVID-19. Bars are allowed to have last call at 11 p.m. and close at midnight. Meanwhile, Tennessee bars have no set curf e w s o r c a p ac i t y re s t r i c t i on s .

Flu shots offered on campus Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu On Monday, Oct. 5, Murray State Vice President Don Robertson sent out an email to college students reminding them of the importance of getting a flu shot. Robertson addressed students directly to inform them of the opportunity to receive a flu shot on campus. “ With flu season fast approaching, we are encouraging all students to receive a flu vaccine, ” Rober tson said. “ Mur ray State University is offering two student flu shot c linics. ” The first clinic will occur on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. until noon. The CFSB Center and Wel lness Center wil l act as the dr ive-up loc ations where the vaccine will be administered. Individuals com ing to this clinic are encouraged to enter off KY Highway 121. The second c linic wil l take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 2-5 p.m. The clinic will be set up on the Hart Residential Hall lawn on the Winslow Dining Hall side. Robertson left details in his address to remind students that proof of insurance is required. Students are encouraged to fill Under the restaurant guidelines section of the website, restaurants are recommended to take venue capacities and physical characteristics into consideration to socially distance, but they are not required to do so. Touney said that the university is aware that students are traveling into Tennessee to visit bars where there aren’t as strict COVID-19 guidelines. He said that students have to make the best decisions possible in order to ensure safety on campus and in the community. Other democracies have figured this out. Tragically, the United States of America has not. Our nation for its many wonderful attributes, unfortunately, is a spectacular failure in this regard. Our results for this disease management are really embarassing frankly and we should be humiliated as a country that we haven’t been able to come together better to get this done well. - Steven Stack, public health commissioner

“Again, this ver y much boils down to [students] making good decisions, for our camp u s a n d b ro ad e r c om mu n i t y. ” D u r i n g B e s h e a r ’s m e d i a b r i e f i n g o n M o n d a y, O c t . 5 , Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack interpreted gr aphs and data of the increase of COVID-19 cases in Kentucky and across the country compared to posi t i v e r a t e s i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y. “Other democracies have figured this out,” Stack said. “ Tragically, the United States of America has not. Our nation for its many wonderful attributes, unfortunately, is a spectacular failure in this regard. Our results for this disease management are really embarrassing frankly and we should be humiliated as a country that we

With flu season fast approaching, we are encouraging all students to receive a flu vaccine. Murray State University is offering two student flu shot clinics. - Don Robertson, vice president of academic affairs

out an insurance form, but a selfpay option of $40 is available for those who don’t want to use insurance. Robertson also noted that Murray State Health Services can administer a vaccine for students who choose not to attend either of the two clinics. Murray State Health Services operating hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2-4 p.m. “It is imperative that each of us continue to make good decisions, both on and off campus, in order to successfully complete the 2020 fall semester,” Robertson said. “Each day, let us do our best for each of us and for each other.” Rober tson conc luded by reminding students to take a look at the R acer Restar t official webpage for tips for Racers who are dedicated t o s t a y i n g s a f e a n d h e a l t h y.

haven’t been able to come together better to get this done well.” Stack used specific examples of other countries to show how the rate of COVID-19 in the United States compares. “ We h a v e 2 2 , 0 0 0 c a s e s p e r million people in the United States,” Stack said. “ You go d ow n t o C anad a and Ge r many… they ’re at 4,000 [cases per million people]. We are five and a half times worse on a population adjusted metr ic for the number of cases we have in the United States of America… We gotta get our act together, folks, as a countr y. This is not just ‘ Team Kentucky,’ but obviously ‘ Team Kentucky ’ plays a role because now we’re a leading contributor to our new cases.” Stack also discussed the rates of death because of COVID-19 in the United States compared to Canada, Germany and New Zealand. “ The United States here is number one, and we are number one in an absolutely saddening and tragic way,” Stack said. “ We are three and half times as high in terms of death per million people as Canada, six and a half times as high as Germany and New Zealand apparentl y doesn’t have deaths, for all intents and purposes, we’re 650 times worse than New Zealand.” S t u d e n t s a re e n c o u r a g e d t o re vie w and continue adher ing to the Racer Restart P lan and Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines to ensure classes can continue in person until Nov. 20. The guidelines can be reviewed at murraystate.edu/racerrestart/. “Making good choices is p a r a m o u n t , ” To u r n e y s a i d . S tudents who do not follow the guidelines r un the r isk of disciplinary actions being taken, up to and including suspension. “S imply put, we need ever yone to do their part in making good decisions to successfully complete the fall semester on No ve m b e r 2 0 , ” To u r n e y s a i d .

Sports

Oct. 8, 2020

Photo courtesy of Racer Athletics and Hyperice

Former Racer and 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant donated a new rest and recovery room to his alma mater.

Morant continues to leave mark on Murray State Grizzlies guard donates new recovery room for Racer athletes Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu

Former Murray State basketball star Ja Morant continues to give back to the Racer Nation with the donation of a brand new recovery room for Racers to enjoy. The NBA Rookie of the Year teamed up with Hyperice, a recovery and performance technology brand, to design the recovery room, which will be dubbed the “Murray State Recovery Zone.”

The room will feature NBA-approved recovery technology for the benefit of Murray State Athletics. The Daily Memphian described Morant’s announcement as a surprise, as he appeared only for a brief Zoom call to tell Murray State Athletics about the room’s design and construction. “I’m just here to say congrats on the [Murray State Recovery Zone],” Morant said. “Hopefully it’s done soon. Use those items to

recover faster and move better.” The room will feature the same professional equipment used by Morant himself, in addition to a mural of the phenomenal player. “I always tell myself that my body makes my money,” Morant said. “I always try to go out and play the hardest that I can. This is just a congrats and a good luck on the season. I will be there supporting wherever I can. Keep working!” Racer basketball Head Coach

Matt McMahon appeared on Twitter to thank Morant for his generosity. McMahon’s post included a picture of the room’s design and a shoutout to Hyperice as the “official recovery technology partner of Murray State Basketball.” “Special thanks to Racer Legend [Morant] for continuing to generously give back to Murray State,” McMahon said. “Our basketball program is thrilled to partner with [Hyperice]”

Oct. 8, 2020

Sports

Murray State rifle kicks off 2020 season Gage Johnson Editor-in-Chief gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

Following the abrupt end to the 2020 season, Murray State rifle boasts a young roster with high hopes for the upcoming season that was in question weeks ago. The Racers shot a season-high aggregate of 4685 to qualify for the NCAA Rifle Championship in February. As they prepared to compete on the biggest stage, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and led to the cancellation of the season. Fast forward to the summer of 2020 and their upcoming season was in question as well. However, as other sports were postponed, Head Coach Alan Lollar and his crew waited for an announcement and finally got it in early August. They were handed the guidelines from the NCAA in how to handle the season amid the pandemic and got to work. The team has to wipe down the tables before putting their gear out, limit the number of people in their team room and wear a mask while shooting. With these guidelines in mind, the Racers started training in the middle of August and while the season was already going to look much different, so was their roster. Key contributors Meike Drewell and Shelby Huber graduated after last season came to a close, leaving Murray State with a much younger roster. While this is a big blow, Lollar said the team is merely reconfiguring rather than rebuilding thanks to the talent they have on this young roster. “You don’t replace people like Shelby and Meike, the leaders that they were and everything,” Lollar said. “Every year it’s a different chemistry experiment if you will, you know you’re trying to make it work with different elements.” With 11 players on the roster, only three are upperclassmen with five of the eight underclassmen are freshman. Given that COVID-19 guidelines have also affected practice, it has presented even more challenges for the young team. Murray State doesn’t have full team practices often in order to minimize close contact as much as possible, so creating team chemistry has been a challenge. “It does affect the team part of it,”

Photo courtesy of Racer Athletics Freshman Emily Endecott prepares her shot in practice at Pat Spurgeon Rifle Range.

Lollar said. “Because part of being a team is actually being together and they’re not together as often doing things and getting to know each other as it might’ve been.” However, Lollar feels that the few upperclassmen have been solid leaders for their new teammates despite them facing a new environment because of the pandemic as well. “I think our upperclassmen have done a good job of making them feel part of it and probably going a little farther than they might have on a normal time just to make sure that they were as comfortable as they could be,” Lollar said. “Because as bad as it is for the upperclassmen, the freshmen are in a new environment that is hopefully a one-year environment that is all screwed up for the most part.” In their first match, the work Murray State rifle put in showed as they defeated UT Martin 4633-4577 on the road. Freshman Scott Patterson led all scorers with an aggregate score of 1162 while freshmen Emily Endecott and Kylie Delany followed with scores of 1161 and 1159, respectively. After waiting throughout the off-season and then the short period of training before the start of the season, Endecott was thrilled to get to the range and shoot. “Last week was our first match and all the way up until then we didn’t know if we would actually have a season or not,” Endecott said. “So to be able to shoot that match last weekend

[was great] because it basically told us yes we’re going to have a season and all of our hard work was going to pay off.” Endecott admitted to some pregame jitters, but felt good about her performance after relaxing prior to shooting and is already looking to improve before the Racers’ next match. “It was a little stressful to start out with,” Endecott said. “I got a little nervous before the match started, but once we actually got to get on the line to shoot I calmed down and it was really fun. I know a few things we have to improve on. Each person has to improve by at least one point a week to get to where we want to be and I think our team is good enough to get there.” After a long off-season in which they couldn’t train with practice facilities closed and the inability to do much over the summer, Lollar was excited to see his players compete. “We were really, really thankful to get to compete,” Lollar said. “It’s funny how thankful you get for the little stuff. Being able to train everyday and actually getting to compete when other teams aren’t getting to; it’s amazing how thankful you can get for the little things that a year ago you took for granted.” Considering how the off-season went and such a young team having so little time to get prepared, he was pleased with how they performed against the Skyhawks. “I was really proud of them,” Lollar said. “It was a match where we took our underclassmen down and I wanted to

see how they would compete and how they would react to the match pressure. We were able to do that and they were able to perform to a level that got us the win.” Lollar said the best way to see if training is paying off is to turn the lights on and play and his team stepped up to the challenge. With their first win under their belt, the Racers have some takeaways from the match and are ready to take that knowledge and build off their solid season-opening performance. “The way we look at it is every match we’re trying to learn something for the next match,” Lollar said. “If we can build on that and adjust our training to what we need to do, then by the end of the year we have a chance to be pretty good.” With that in mind, Lollar and company have one goal for the foreseeable future—an NCAA title. “Our goal is always to play on the last day of the season,” Lollar said. “If they let us play on the last day of the season which is the NCAA Championships then we got a chance to win. That is always our goal. Along the way we need to improve, along the way is the OVC Championships that is always one of our goals, but our basic goal at the start of every year is to be one of the eight teams playing on the last day.” Murray State rifle will compete in its second match of the season at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, as they host Morehead State University at Pat Spurgeon Rifle Range.

Racers 2020-21 football schedule released Gage Johnson Editor-in-Chief gjohnson17@murraystate.edu

Months after the postponement of the 2020-21 football season to the spring, Murray State, as well as the OVC, has released its schedule. The schedule consists of seven games, all against OVC opponents. As of Wednesday, Oct. 7, the Racers do not have any non-conference games on their 2020-21 slate. Of the seven games, four will be played at Roy Stewart Stadium. The Racers will hit the road for the other three on the schedule. Times are not yet released for these games. The Racers will open the season on the road, taking on SEMO on Feb. 21. Murray State will then return home a week later to battle on the gridiron with UT Martin on Feb. 28. After about a week and a half off, the Racers will travel to Cookeville, Tennessee, to take on Tennessee Tech on March 14. Murray State will then return for back-to-back home games, taking on Tennessee State on March 21 and EIU on March 28. The Racers will take on Aus-

Lauren Morgan/The News Murray State’s defense lines up before a play against EKU.

tin Peay in a Battle of the Border matchup on April 3 while closing out the regular season on April 11 against Jacksonville State. Athletic Director Kevin Saal thanked the coaches and players for anxiously awaiting a schedule announcement and said he is excited to see the Racers compete in front of their fans at Roy Stewart Stadium. “It is with great excitement and anticipation that we announce our

upcoming football schedule,” Saal said. “I want to thank our student athletes, Coach Hood and his staff for their patience, persistent preparation and commitment to Murray State despite challenging circumstances. We look forward to playing four home games and competing for an OVC Championship in front of Racer Nation at Stewart Stadium this spring.” Newly-hired Head Coach Dean Hood also voiced his excitement,

saying he and his team are ready to compete. “We are excited about this schedule and are looking forward to the football season,” Hood said. “We are appreciative to everyone that has worked so hard to put us in position to play, while keeping our players and staff safe. The vision of running onto the field at Stewart Stadium and seeing Racer One run around the track has kept us going during these trying times.”

Opinion

Oct. 8, 2020

COVID-19 guidelines have no exceptions The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. DISCLAIMER: It has come to the attention of the Editorial Board that several individuals within the campus community believe they are the exception to campus and state COVID-19 guidelines. To commemorate this, we felt it was necessary to make a formal list of these exceptions. While it is unclear if and how university administration can prevent certain off-campus activities from occurring, the city and campus community sees the selfish behaviors of certain Murray State students. If members of our campus community continue to view themselves as the exception to the rules, the spread of the coronavirus will only get worse. As a campus community, we must do better. With half of the semester completed, The News’ Editorial Board would like to propose the following exceptions to the Racer Health & Safety Guidelines. The following list is based on the practices of certain individuals within the Murray State community. While these exceptions may lack any sense of legitimacy or logic, the repeated behaviors of others prove that some portion of our campus has been following these exceptions for some time. 1. The risk of being infected with COVID-19 only extends to the campus gates. Once a student has left campus, they have left behind any likelihood of being infected by the coronavirus. Therefore, mask requirements and social distancing do not need to be followed. Nevermind the renewed statewide mask mandate announced by Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday, Oct. 6, or the record-breaking increase in cases in Kentucky last week...

Cade Utterback/The News

as soon as a Murray State student steps off of campus, COVID-19 guidelines no longer apply. 2. COVID-19 is only capable of infecting students, faculty and staff from the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Mondays through Fridays. Because of COVID-19’s strict 40hour work week, there is no need to follow the Racer Health & Safety Guidelines in the evenings or on the weekend. 3. The spread of COVID-19 can be prevented by going to bars in Tennessee instead of locally. Allegedly, the coronavirus is incapable of following someone into another state so once you cross the border, any risk of transmitting the virus to others vanishes. 4. COVID-19 cannot be spread when taking photos. If there is anything the death of over 210,000 Americans has taught us, it is that the coronavirus is very

CHEERS....

Editorial Board

turn to a semblance of normalcy. Those who refuse to take this seriously must be held accountable for their actions. “Per our Student Life Handbook and Student Life policies, the University will take disciplinary action–up to and including–suspension of any student in violation of health and safety guidelines,” President Bob Jackson said in his weekly email to the campus community on Monday, Oct. 5. Additionally, incidents of non-compliance to the Racer Safe & Healthy Guidelines, concerns or violations can be reported by emailing msu.racersafeandhealthy@murraystate.edu. For resources about preventing the spread of COVID-19, visit murraystate.edu/RacerRestart or kycovid19.ky.gov.

JEERS....

CHEERS

JEE

to the 2020 football schedule coming out! It’s time for some Racer Football!!! Shoes Up!

considerate about achieving a certain Instagram aesthetic. 5. Contrary to popular belief, being categorized as a red zone by the White House Coronavirus Task Force means that an area can officially stop adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. Fortunately, Murray and Calloway County have once again achieved this milestone, according to a state report published on Sunday, Oct. 4. Despite recent events, certain individuals continue to act as if they are the exception to the spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, those who have been diligently adhering to COVID-19 guidelines continue to be impacted. The sooner the entire campus community can come together and adhere to state and campus COVID-19 guidelines, the sooner we can re-

to the countless midterms students have all at once.

JEERS

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Features

Oct. 8, 2020

Dionte Berry/The News Pictured on the left is art student Malcolm Fife’s “A Good Haircut” ceramic piece and on the right is Utarious Rose’s oil on canvas “Feeling.”

Art students put together professional exhibit Dionte Berry Staff Writer dberry11@murraystate.edu Murray State’s Art 399 is a course meant to prepare students for their art career, and one of the main ways Timothy Michael Martin, associate professor of art and design, implements this is through an exhibit. By allowing students to fashion the exhibit Professional Blend IX, they generate the skills needed to move forward and be successful. They work together to properly install pieces in the Clara M. Eagle Upper Gallery, with various types of multimedia art. Martin has had plenty of experience with helping students create Professional Blend IX. “Each semester I create room in the gallery exhibition schedule to allow for the students enrolled in my professional practices course to have the hands-on practical experience of installing their artworks in a group exhibition that they arrange,” Martin said. Beyond being able to create art, artists need to know how to display their art, as well as the techniques to properly install their pieces which can vary depending on the mediums. “Understanding these techniques amplifies the skills young artists will need to assist them with future exhibitions during their careers,” Martin said.

Other than being able to present their art the students learn about resources, methods, business practices and skills employed by visual artists and designers in a range of professions. “The course provides an opportunity for students to discover how to promote themselves as well as how to find and apply to career and exhibition opportunities around the skill-sets they have acquired through their studio practice,” Martin said. The exhibit was composed of students’ self-chosen best works, and they presented a wide range of mediums. Malcolm Fife, junior studio art major with an emphasis on painting and printmaking, had four pieces on display in the gallery. Fife’s pieces have a morbid touch to them and are historically reminiscent. He had a self portrait in oil on canvas, a ceramic vase inspired by the Greeks, a lithograph that brings a Latin phrase to life and a pen illustration based on the book “The Three Imposters” by Arthur Machen. All are very diverse pieces, but they maintain the theme of the revitalization of older styles that aren’t as prevalent as they once were. “Ink on paper is my go-to because it’s what I’m most familiar with and have used for the longest compared to other mediums,” Fife said. “The

style that I use was popular around the 1900s and I’m trying to revive it.” Fife has had work showcased before in the Murray State art galleries, but he’s never had this much work on display at once. Fife is proud of the exhibition that he and his classmates arranged. “We have a very good selection of work this year, and I am very pleased to have my work presented along with the work of these students,” Fife said. “I feel very honored.” Along with Fife, fellow classmate Utarius Rose also showcased four pieces of work in the exhibit. On display Rose had two canvas oil paintings, a relief print, a charcoal and a pencil drawing. The overall themes of Rose’s works are emotional experiences and using those around him to explain them. “The art I create is inspired by what I am dealing with at the time, so it’s usually an emotional thing or something I’ve dealt with growing up,” Rose said. Rose depicts friends, family members and others around him to explain moments or feelings through his art. In one of his pieces called “Bloom,” Rose depicts a moment where he found the right major for him that would allow him to grow. “I made this piece during freshman year, and it was inspired by my change from an art education major

to an art and design major,” Rose said. “Nobody else’s judgements matter but your own, and that’s why it’s called ‘Bloom’ because if you follow the path you want to you’ll bloom into the person you want to be.” Rose’s art is a big part of him and letting the public see it is nerve-racking for him because of how his work may be perceived. “Criticism can be hard to take because I put so much into my art,” Rose said. “All of my art is a piece of me. It’s my feelings.” This was Rose’s first time having his work showcased in an exhibit. Despite the nerves, he said it’s a good feeling to have his work seen and judged, and he wants the audience to take away something from the exhibit. “I think more people should come look at art, and I don’t mean just come and appreciate it but take away that anybody can do art,” Rose said. “Art is whatever you want it to be. It’s your way of expression.” Overall, the exhibit gave the students an experience to prepare them for their post-graduation careers. “Many of the students have never been exhibited before in a gallery setting, so they’re getting important experiences,” Martin said. “This exhibition allowed the students to obtain an increased level of confidence and gain knowledge with the skills necessary to succeed as an artist.”

Students honor late actor through cancer presentation

Ciara Benham Staff Writer cbenham@murraystate.edu

Two nursing students are hosting a presentation on colon cancer and a showing of “Black Panther” to honor the late actor Chadwick Boseman and educate the Murray State community on the cancer. Partnered with a representative from the Kentucky Cancer Program, senior nursing students Kaitlyn Foster and Sydney Edge have been working on a project designed to raise awareness and educate the public about a variety of cancers. When the project was first assigned, Foster and Edge were unsure of what type of cancer they wanted to focus on. “I knew I was going to an education session over cancer earlier this year,” Edge said, “But I didn’t know exactly which cancer I would do until I learned of Chadwick’s passing due to colon cancer.” On Aug. 28, Boseman, known for his role as King T’Challa in Marvel’s “Black Panther” and his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in “42,” passed away after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

In Honor of

Chadwick Boseman Thursday, October 8th 5:30 PM at Mason Hall Two nursing students are giving a cancer presentation followed by a showing of the “Black Panther” film Questions? kfoster6@murraystate.edu https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/chadwick-boseman-black-representation-wakanda

The death of Boseman shocked many, including Edge and Foster, as Boseman did not reveal his diagnosis to the public. After the news broke, Edge and Foster were inspired to honor his memory for their project. “I had not even been aware he had colon cancer,” Foster said. “When I learned that he had even been acting after being diagnosed, my admiration for him only grew.”

Brooklyn Burnett/ The News

Both of the students admired Boseman’s work, so they wanted to use this opportunity to make this project personal and a memorial to him. “We don’t want it to be another presentation where the audience is bored and does not care about the content,” Foster said. “ We want people to learn about colon cancer, how it can easily affect anyone and take back what they learn to their

loved ones. Maybe by learning more about this disease, their respect for Chadwick will grow just like ours did.” Although Edge and Foster know colon cancer generally doesn’t affect people under 50, they wanted to educate the campus community about the risk factors. “Students can take steps now to eliminate or at least decrease their risk for getting [the] cancer,” Edge said. “Some risk factors that may be more relatable for students include having a family history, having a GI issue, smoking, using alcohol excessively and obesity/sedentary lifestyle.” The presentation will include a variety of topics including some background information on colorectal cancer, risk factors, some signs and symptoms to look out for and screening and treatment methods. “I know colon cancer may not seem applicable to our lives now given how young we are, but we can take this information and share it, possibly preventing a cancer diagnosis in the process,” Edge said. Foster and Edge will give the presentation on cancer and showing of “Black Panther” today, Oct. 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Mason Hall.

Features

Oct. 8, 2020

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