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Oct. 22, 2020 | Vol. 95, No. 9

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Students vocalize opinions on political signage policy especially the male student after Gage Johnson he was told that his sign was a Editor-in-Chief gjohnson17@murraystate.edu safety hazard in case of an emergency or fire where authorities Students want to let their voices needed to look into the window.

“Yes, I wholeheartedly believe be heard as the General Election t h i s i s i n f r i n g i n g on m y f re e nears, but two students who live in Springer-Franklin Hall on campus speech,” the male student said. feel as if their First Amendment “Not trying to get historical but rights are being infringed upon. when the constitution was writAs many across the country do, ten I believe these are the types of Ashlen Grubbs and a male student things it was talking about when who wishes to remain anonymous it comes to free speech. It is not wanted to show their support for an endangerment to people (ex. the presidential candidates of their shouting fire in a room when there choice with signs in their window is none) and it is not hate speech, and on their doors. However, some so I just quite do not understand complications have come of it. why political signs are an issue.”

Grubbs and the other student In the Murray State Handbook, were told to take down the po- Housing Regulation five, section litical signs by residential college seven, expands on the rule for personnel because of the negative window and exterior door decattention their signs were drawing. orations in residential colleges.

S ome students bothered the “Residents should give consida n o n y m o u s s t u d e n t l i v i n g i n eration to the uniqueness of the S p r i n g e r - Fr a n k l i n b y c o v e r - university and the diverse popi n g u p h i s s i g n o r k n o c k i n g ulation it serves, if the resident on his window, while Gr ubbs chooses to decorate the windows s a i d t h e on l y n e g a t i ve a t t e n- and/or doors of the room,” action has come from universi- cording to the handbook. “Det y a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ‘c o n s t a n t - signs for exterior room doors and ly pestering’ her about said sign. windows will have to meet the Both students feel as though approval of Housing and Resthe University is tr ying to re- idence Life Departments. Prostrict their freedom of speech, posed designs should be discussed

with and approved in writing by the Residence Director prior to being put on the door or window. Residents must monitor any bulletin boards and white boards they place. The Housing Office will contact the students regarding inappropriate objects or decorations in the windows or on doors facing hallways or public areas. Unapproved items are subject to removal and confiscation.”

In regards to hanging objects, the handbook states that the University reserves the right to remove, or have removed, any foreign object, attached in any way to the inside or outside of any residential college room door or window, that is a potential safety and/or maintenance hazard or is deemed harmful/ detr imental to the community environment in the residential c o l l e ge s a n d C o l l e ge C o u r t s .

Director of Communications S h a w n To u n e y s a i d t h e c o l leges and University alike have implemented rules and regulations like the aforementioned policies and that eac h i n s t a n c e i s d i f f e re n t w h e n i t comes to decorations on campus.

“A customary practice for years, politically-affiliated signs are not

allowed in windows and this is consistent with many peer institutions,” Tourney said. “Decorations associated with the holidays have been allowed, as well as door decorations. Students will be contacted by the Office of Student Affairs or the Housing Office if there is a policy violation.

The University will not comment on matters of individual conduct.”

Despite these rules, the male student still feels as though his opinion is being silenced by the University.

“I really can’t say I am in agreement with the Universit y f or making me take them down,” the male student said. “Colleges, especially public universities, are supposed to be culturally inclusive. So with that thought, it just makes me feel as if Murray is being kind of subjective to certain things or ideas. I have lived in the residential colleges for almost two and a half years and I have never seen this be an issue for anything placed in windows.

Hence, that is why students have had issues with the decision made during such an important year.”

,

see SIGN page 3

Photo courtesy of Ashlen Grubbs Ashlen Grubbs, junior from LaRue County, hung up her “Move the Monument” sign.

News Sports Features Opinion

page 2 page 4 page 5 page 7

Murray State PD discusses marijuana charges on campus

page 2

Esports surging through pandemic

page 4

BioBlitz program at LBL brings biodiversity fun

page 5

Letter to the Editor: McGrath can serve us on the world stage page 7

News

Oct. 22, 2020

9/29

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5:59 P.M. Curris Center

Theft was reported after a wallet/pouch was stolen. The theft was under $500.

11:51 P.M. Springer College Parking Lot

Multiple crimes were reported. An individual was issued a citation for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Murray State PD discusses marijuana charges on campus Ben Overby Staff Writer boverby2@murraystate.edu The News periodically reports what crimes have occured on campus in our weekly paper.

Af ter noticing a difference in punishments for possession of marijuana, The News sat down with Interim Chief of Murr ay S t a t e Po l i c e J e f f G e n t r y.

Murray State’s crime and fire log provides a record for all criminal activity on campus. Marijuana possession is one of the most common crimes on the list can result in two different punishments: being issued a citation or being referred for administrative action.

Since Aug. 1, there have been five reports of possession of marijuana and three reports of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Of the eight total reports, citations were issued for five of them and three were referred for administrative action from T itle IX, student affairs or Housing. Three of the citations were issued for the three reports of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, while the other two citations and three referrals were for the five reports of possession of marijuana.

Gentry said the decision between which punishment is issued is deter mined on a case-by-case basis, rather than by a strict set of criteria.

When a citation is issued and criminal charges brought forth, the punishment is determined by a judicial court, not the Murray S tate Police Depar tment.

Murray State’s 2020-21 handbook c ategor iz es alcohol and drug policy violations into four categories based on severity. The levels of severity vary from A, the lowest level, to D, the highest.

Marijuana possession is categorized as a category B violation.

According to the handbook, the first offense of a category B drug violation is a $100 fine. This is followed by a $150 fine on the second offense and a $200 fine, as well as suspension, on the third offense. A charge often connected to marijuana possession is possession of drug paraphernalia.

Possession of drug-related paraphernalia is considered a categor y A offense. The punishments for this offense are more lenient than those for marijuana possession. The first offense is a

$50 fine. The second offense is a $100 fine. The third offense is a $150 fine and the fourth offense is a $200 fine and suspension.

T h e M u r r a y S t a t e Po l i c e Department adheres to the same definition of drug-related paraphernalia as all Kentucky law enforcement. “‘Drug paraphernalia’ means all equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, har vesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body,” according to Kentucky Revised Statutes 218A.510.

The list of paraphernalia provided in the statute is a wide range. Examples that apply to marijuana inc lude kits des i g n e d f o r g ro w i n g m a r i j u a na, as well as isomerization devices used to increase potency and scales intended for use in weighing or measuring controlled substances. Capsules, balloons, envelopes and other containers intended for packaging small quantities of controlled substances are also inc luded.

The statute also pro vides a detailed list of objects considered paraphernalia used for ingesting illegal substances, inc luding mar ijauna.

“O bjects used, intended for use or designed for use in ingesting, inhaling, or other wise introducing marijuana, cocaine, hashish or hashish oil into the h u m a n b o d y, s u c h a s : m e t a l , wooden, acr y lic, glass, stone, plastic or cer amic pipes with or without screens, permanent screens, hashish heads or punctured metal bowls; water pipes; carburetion tubes and devices; smoking and carburetion masks; roach clips which mean objects used to hold burning material, s uc h a s ma r ijuana cigaret t es, that have become too small or too short to be held in the hand; miniature cocaine spoons, and cocaine vials; chamber pipes; carburetor pipes; electric pipes; air-driven pipes; chillums; b on g s ; i c e p i p e s o r c h i l l e r s , ” according to the statute.

V isit TheNews.org to see the Murray State crime and fire log.

11:02 P.M. Physics Building

Criminal mischief was reported after a vending machine was damaged. The investigation is still open.

3:03 P.M. Stewart Stadium

Theft was reported after a bicylce was taken on Oct. 8.

11:57 P.M. Hart College

An individual was reported for being in possession of marijuana. The subject was referred for administrative action.

9:19 P.M. Springer College/Residential College

An individual was reported for being in posession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The subject was issued a citation.

12:22 A.M. Gilbert Graves Drive

An individual was reported for being in possession of marijuana. The subject was issued a citation.

10:59 A.M. Winslow Dining Hall Theft was reported after contents were taken from a building on Oct. 18. The investigation is still open.

Police Beat is compiled with material from the Murray State Crime and Fire Log. Not all dispatched calls are listed.

Colton Colglazier/The News

Oct. 22, 2020

News

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Murray State plans modified Homecoming celebration Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu While COVID-19 has taken its toll on the traditional college experience, Murray State plans to maintain the Homecoming tradition by inviting alumni all over the world to take part in socially-distanced activities.

The Murray State Office of Alumni Relations teamed up with the Student Activities Board to make an unforgettable Homecoming experience, even in the midst of a pandemic. Murray State will be hosting an abundance of Homecoming activities, both virtual and in-person.

Murray State acknowledged the statewide Healthy at Home initiative by incorporating the precautionary slogan into the Homecoming scene: “Healthy at Home(coming).”

This year’s theme is “We are Racers,” and while Homecoming 2020 might not feel the same as in years past, Murray State Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis is determined to make the most of the unprecedented situation.

“Homecoming 2020 provides us with the unique opportunity to engage with alumni all over the world,” McGinnis said. “We are not limited by location and travel.

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is. We all have a heart for Murray State, even when we are separated by a global pandemic.”

McGinnis said how the unconventional circumstances have made the Homecoming process more difficult for her and her staff.

“This year obviously feels very different,” McGinnis said. “It is new territory for all of us. It feels different for the community, for the students and for all of us on the faculty and staff as well.”

Despite the hardships a pandemic Homecoming poses for McGinnis and her team, she was pleased with the combined efforts from everyone involved to make this year’s Homecoming as good as it can be.

“I could not be more proud of this team,” McGinnis said. “The Office of Alumni Relations is a pretty small team. There are only three of us so we have reall y worked hard to provide a well-rounded list of events that would be of interest to students and alumni. I am reall y proud of the team as far as what we’ve been able to accomplish.”

The celebrations, which will span the week of Oct. 26-31, will be pac ked full of in-person, virtual and hybrid events.

W hile the itinerar y is subject to change, the events revealed to the public are as promising as ever. The traditional 5k run has been moved to the virtual platform. A virtual wine tasting event will be hosted by Randall Black from the College of Fine Arts and Humanities on Thursday, Oct. 29, and a Greek Night is scheduled virtually on Friday, Oct. 30. The Murray States Esports team is hosting an alumni vs. students esports tournament on Oct. 30 as well. The Virtual Tent City is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Murray State President Bob Jackson and First Lady Karen Jackson will be prov i d i n g a v i r t u a l c a m p u s t o u r.

Despite the abundance of virtual activities, Homecoming 2020 promises plenty of in-person events as well. The Student Government Association will be displaying a Parade of Banners on S aturday, Oct. 31, at 16th Street at 9:30 a.m. The Coronation Ceremony for the Homecoming King and Queen is scheduled at 11 a.m. that same day. The Coronation Ceremony will be streamed to viewers live at murraystate.edu/streaming.

Over 100 students receive SIGN From Page 1 flu shots on campus Jakob Milani Staff Writer jmilani@murraystate.edu Flu season is here, and it is the time of year that scientists have been wary of, not because of how many flu cases there could be, but also because of the pandemic currently sweeping the nation.

Universities across the country have made flu shots mandatory for their students in order to help fight the flu. Some universities are not enforcing these flu shots, but are simply recommending them to their students in an attempt to help.

Murray State has not made it mandatory for students to get a flu shot, but offered a two-day flu shot clinic for the students. This was the first time Murray State offered these clinics.

Jennifer Caldwell, a member of the student affairs office and a professor at Murray State, coordinated the flu shot program.

Caldwell said for a first-time event, the turnout from students was good.

“It has been reported that 185 students attended the two-day flu shot

clinic for students,” Caldwell said.

“This is the first time we have offered this event, so there is no way to gauge if this is more than usual.”

She then talked about how the event came to be and how it worked.

“The University decided to offer the flu shot clinics for the students as part of the Racer Safe and Healthy guidelines,” Caldwell said.

“The clinics gave students the opportunity to either drive through or walk up to get their flu shot at a convenient location… Students had to provide insurance information or pay cash for the flu shot. The shots were not provided free of charge.”

Caldwell also said the goal of the event was to help ensure students stay safe during the fall season. “ We are tr y ing to help encourage students to take one more step to staying safe and healthy this fall,” Caldwell said.

The University said it will not offer the flu shot clinic again this year. However, if students still wish to get a flu shot, they can contact Health Services so that they may receive one on campus.

Grubbs agrees that the University is putting a damper on free speech, stating that she should be able to voice her opinion at her “second home.” “ I t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o b e a b l e to express our opinions because the residential side of campus is our house,” G r u b b s s a i d . “ I t ’s o u r l i t tle slice of Murray and being able to make it our own makes it feel more like a home.”

After much deliberation Grubbs was able to get her sign cleared to be put back up.

“It was upsetting to be forced to take the sign out of m y w i n d o w, b u t a f t e r b r i n g ing attention to the lac k of a c lear code of decoration conduct, they finall y let me keep the sign on my door,” Gr ubbs s a i d . “ B u t I h ad t o re ac h o u t to higher-up administration to get the issue resolved, who never even followed up with me, but rather dropped the issue to avoid bringing attention to their unfair treatment.

While the week of Homecoming is crammed with events for all participants to enjoy, the economic advantages Homecoming typically brings is likely to be hindered by the pandemic. To comply with the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing, in-person events will be heavily inhibited. Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership Development Haily Anderson shared her concerns with local businesses who depend on Homecoming week.

“From the businesses perspective, I know a lot of our business have been hurting in this time in general,” Anderson said. “So not having those alumni and families coming into town, shopping at our businesses, staying at our hotels, eating at our restaurants has a huge impact. I know they depend on Homecoming weekend to bring in a big crowd. That’s when they do a lot of their sales for the year so I know they’ll be missing that.”

To remedy the situation, Anderson recommended that virtual participants partake in shopping online to support the local economy.

Those who wish to participate in any of the Homecoming 2020 events can find more information at murraystate.edu/homecoming.

I t ’s m o s t l y b e e n i n c r e d i b l y frustrating having to combat the campus administration for equal treatment regarding my decorations.”

The male student, howe v e r, d i d n o t h a v e t h e s a m e luck and is upset that he c an’t express his opinion, es p e c i a l l y i n a n e l e c t i o n y e a r.

“Being able to have door decorations or politic al signs i s a n o t h e r w a y o f e x p re s s i n g o n e ’s s e l f, ” t h e m a l e s t u d e n t said. “ With this being an election year, I personall y feel as if it is important for students to share vie ws regarding certain topics that are relevant t o t o d a y ’s s o c i e t y. A l l a c ro s s the town of Murray or even the county as a whole, you can see signs about certain topics, so I see no difference in myself or others having the same things placed in the dorms.”

Fo r fu r t h e r i nf o r mat i on regarding Murray State policies and decorations on campus, you can visit the h a n d b o o k a t h t t p s : / / w w w. murraystate.edu/headermenu/administration/StudentAffairs/policies.aspx.

Sports

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Oct. 22, 2020

Photo courtesy of Jacob Mitchell Murray State Esports has rearranged its lab in order to practice social distancing.

Esports surging through pandemic

Rachel Essner Contributing Writer ressner1@murraystate.edu

While the pandemic has negatively affected sports across the country, Esports has been on the rise at Murray State.

Jacob Mitchell, the student president of the club, said Racer Esports has had an increase in views on its livestreams and interest in joining the team from several students on campus.

Across the nation, many schools are beginning to recognize esports as an official sports team. While Murray State is not one of these schools, the Racer Esports team is hoping for enough recognition to make them official.

Mitchell said the team has grown by using the streaming service

Twitch to gain money and funding from outside sources. Though the majority of the funding comes from Murray State, Mitchell said the money earned from Twitch goes straight to their club without having to go through any other processes.

With the use of Twitch, Mitchell said the Esports team has gained exposure to people across the globe. The views per video have gone from 10-15 to approximately 30 with one video even having 5,000 views.

With the new exposure the team has gained more recognition, causing more people to donate money to their organization.

During the pandemic, the Esports team has grown in popularity.

The team’s views have gone up as

major sports organizations such as ESPN have been covering esports games.

A big advantage and reason why esports is growing is the lack of in-person events. The Murray State team is able to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic while playing their games entirely virtually.

The Esports team competes against other universities in many tournaments for each type of game.

“The team typically competes in smaller tournaments with the occasional major tournaments against other teams who are considered varsity level,” Mitchell said.

This gives the Murray State Esports team more experience and helps them improve, which will hopefully lead them to becoming a varsity level team rather than a

club team.

The many games that the Esports team currently participates in include Overwatch, Rocket League, League of Legends, Hearthstone and CS:GO. With the constant growing and addition of new games, the Esports team is looking for new people to join.

“The Esports team is a great place for all the avid gamers who are looking to explore their passion to go,” Mitchell said.

To check out the Murray State Esports team in action, visit twitch. tv/raceresports. The team can also be found on Twitter (@raceresports), Instagram (@racer_esports) and Facebook (Murray State Esports). To contact the team, email msu.esports@murraystate.edu.

Student-athletes make a difference through SAAC

Simon Elfrink Staff Writer selfrink@murraystate.edu

Murray State student-athletes are doing their part to make an impact for fellow athletes across the country by taking part in the NCAA’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

SAAC, founded in 1989, is a committee of student-athletes to allow what the NCAA calls “insight on the student-athlete experience.” SAAC’s purpose is to supply input on the NCAA’s rules and regulations, especially those the SAAC feels directly impact the lives of student-athletes.

Murray State’s SAAC is also dedicated to serving the community. Under the leadership of Kelsey Riggins, Murray State SAAC advisor and assistant cross country and track & field coach, the Racer’s SAAC has plans laid out to lend aid to students at Murray State and Calloway County residents alike.

The two softball players on the Racer SAAC, redshirt junior outfielder Jensen Striegel and redshirt sophomore utility player Lindsey Carroll have planned to maintain

the traditional Can Drive to support the local Need Line branch.

Racer golfers sophomore Payton Carter and senior Charli Doss have their own plans to adjust the Weaver Center’s itinerary with initiatives like the Student-Athlete of the Month program. Other initiatives include Racer Report Information, the Racer Road Challenge and Racer Restart guidelines.

Several other SAAC members are collaborating on the group’s official Instagram page to promote additional initiatives. The first initiative revolved around Mental Health Week, which began on Oct. 4. Junior soccer forward Abby Jones, redshirt senior tennis player Sara Loncarevic, volleyball senior libero Becca Fernandez and senior golfer Quinn Eaton have all appeared on the social media platform to let the Racer Nation know that no one is alone, as well as offering some tips about managing stress and mental health.

Carroll also appeared on the SAAC’s Instagram page on Oct. 7 to testify the importance of Mental Health Awareness Week.

“I think it’s super important to spread the awareness of mental

Photo courtesy of Racer Athletics Jarad McCray was recognized by the SAAC on instagram for his contributions on and off the field.

Racers who want to see what the health,” Carroll said. “We want these people who deal with men- Murray State SAAC is up to are tal illness to be accepted instead of encouraged to follow them on Instagram at @murraystatesaac. thinking of it as a weakness.”

The Alpha Sigma Phi Philanthropy Challenge

On October 24th, 2020

Challenge a friend Offer them a to participate dollar amount in an activity

All Proceeds will go towards Home

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Send the money to @Delta-Tau-1 via Venmo after completion

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Make sure you record and post to www.facebook.com/groups/aspphilchallenge

Brooklyn Burnett The News

Oct. 22, 2020

Features

5

Olivia Underwood/The News Murray State’s Watershed Studies Institute and Friends of Land Between the Lakes are hosting a BioBlitz where people can use an app to identify and observe animal, plant and fungi species.

BioBlitz program at LBL brings biodiversity fun Dionte Berry Staff Writer dberry11@murraystate.edu Spreading over both Tennessee and Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes is home to many plants, animals and fungi, and a new BioBlitz program is providing people the oppor tunit y to explore LBL’s biodiversity.

Murray State’s Watershed Studies Institute is partnering with the Friends of LBL to host a fall BioBlitz. This serves as a great way for folks to get out of the house and into nature, and provides an opportunity to safely learn about different animals and plants.

The BioBlitz uses the iNaturalist app, which lets people set up scientific projects. For BioBlitzing it allows users to upload and identify their finds while keeping track of observations and species identified.

Though it started as a class activity, Murray State biological sciences professor and Watershed Institute director Howard Whiteman saw how he could expand the BioBlitz to the community.

“I used iNaturalist in my class in the beginning of the semester

as an exercise in biodiversity to see how muc h biodiversit y is in Murray,” Whiteman said. “It worked so well that I thought it was a no-brainer to expand it to LBL and do it and right now in particular.”

W hiteman belie ves that the BioBlitz is a useful and fun activity people can do in nature while easily being 6 feet from one another. The activity only requires a trip to LBL and a device to take and upload pictures. “ With COVID-19 having everyone stuck indoors it ’s a great way for them to get outside to do something new, and they’re able to do so with what they are most comfortable using right now: their smartphones,” Whiteman said.

Beyond helping people get outdoors, the BioBlitz serves as a hands-on opportunity to get people more familiar with the sciences.

“Today, a part of our country is not following scientific guidelines and having trouble understanding the difference between science and not science,” Whiteman said.

“I think exposure to being citizen scientists and participating

in scientific research makes science more understandable and less elitist.”

Whiteman said the more people understand science, the less they are scared of it and more likely to listen to it. Between COVID-19 and climate change, W hiteman said it is important that people listen to scientists who are giving warnings about these problems.

Another important aspect of the BioBlitz is that it acts as a citizen science project that’s gathering important research. A citizen science project is a project with so much data that multiple researchers are required to collect it all.

W ith the public ’s help, analyzing LBL’s biodiversity will be much easier, which is something that Friends of LBL worker and naturalist Monica West is looking forward to.

As a naturalist, West cares for animals and teaches guests about many of the different organisms that call LBL home. “ The BioBlitz is a great way for us to get a picture of what life there is here during the fall for us and for those at Murray State,” West said. “Identifying and

teaching people about what lives in LBL is my job and there’s no way I know ever ything, so the BioBlitz has been great.”

West also has the goal of helping Murray State students with their studies by giving them a clear picture of the biodiversity LBL has to offer.

“If someone wants to study elephants they won’t come to LBL,” West said. “I’m sorry we don’t have any, but if they want to study Loblolly Pine then LBL would be a great place for them.”

If students want to do a research project over a specific animal or plant, the BioBlitz will give them a clear picture of what is in their area.

The LBL Bioblitz lasts until No v. 1 5 a n d c a n b e f o u n d by searc hing “ L and Bet ween the L akes (LBL) BioBlitz ” in the project search bar on the iNaturalist app or www.inaturalist. org. “ You don’t need any prior exper ience for the BioBlitz and it ’s great for beginners and all ages,” West said. “By going out, taking pictures and uploading them you’re helping science.”

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Features

Oct. 22, 2020

Colloquium challenges philosophy of religion for queer inclusivity Ciara Benham Staff Writer cbenham@murraystate.edu A visiting assistant professor of philosophy from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is presenting their paper to the Murray State community on making philosophy of religion queer-friendly.

On Friday, Oct. 23, Blake Hereth will be giving a colloquium talk titled “Queering Philosophy of Religion” to challenge Christain philosophers to make space for queer people in the philosopy of religion.

Hereth got their doctorate degree in philosophy from the University of Washington in 2019. Their interest in philosophy developed after struggles with feeling blame over their brother’s disability, as well as searching for answers to larger-than-life questions.

“I felt extreme guilt about my brother’s disability, fearing it to have been caused by a vengeful God for my queerness,” Hereth said. “Like most anyone with such guilt, I wanted answers, and philosophy offered them.”

Hereth thinks that inclusivity is vital to philosophy for two main reasons. The first reason is that they believe our philosophically rich experiences and intuitions are shaped by our identities.

The second reason Hereth believes philosophy should be inclusive is because everyone, not just privileged people, are curious about and have philosophical interests.

“Of course, traditionally underrepresented people can do philosophy, but the kinds of philosophy they do are often frowned upon,” Hereth said. “There are traditionally few venues and little funding for Black or disabled philosophers, for

Photo courtesy of Blake Hereth Blake Hereth will present their paper on queerness in philosophy of religion via Zoom tomorrow.

example, to bring their interests as Black and disabled people to center stage.”

The colloquium talk stems from a paper Hereth wrote after being invited to contribute to a special journal issue on the future of philosophy of religion. Hereth based their contribution on the esteemed Christian philosopher Alvin Plantinga’s research agenda for Christian philosophy titled “Advice to Christian Philosophers.”

“I don’t think Plantinga went far enough when he encouraged Christian philosophers to serve the Christian community by analyzing the Incarnation, Trinity and all that,” Hereth said. “It’s imperative that Christian philosophers, as philosophical representatives of their broader Christian community, do

justice by elevating voices and perspectives the Christian Church has traditionally oppressed, including queer ones.”

Hereth wants their colloquium talk to focus on Christian philosophers, since they dominate philosophy of religion, and their duty to aid queer people in shaping the philosopy of religion.

“One reason they have this duty is because the Christian Church has frequently (and unjustly) repressed queer people and their perspectives,” Hereth said. “And this is true even by the lights of many conservative Christian philosophers, who, for example, oppose the violent silencing of queer people.”

Inclusivity in the philosophy of religion can begin in the classroom for many philosophy students. Hereth

said Murray State already has a lead on inclusivity with the help of their friend and colleague.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t compliment Dr. Michelle Panchuk, who is ever a glowing example of allyship for queer people and queer philosophy,” Hereth said.

The next steps for colleges to make philosophy more inclusive is for faculty and staff to educate themselves on queer-friendly education, Hereth said. They encourage faculty and staff to stop expecting queer people to do the work for them and instead of always debating, opting to listen.

“Don’t ‘out’ queer people or pressure them to share, but also don’t pressure them to stop sharing,” Hereth said. “And if you are queer and want to pursue projects of importance to you as a queer person, do it. Find a faculty member who supports you and your project, like Dr. Panchuk and others, and then pursue it with maximal excellence.”

Hereth also offered advice to queer studens who are interested in philosophy. They clarified that while they aren’t a “queer sage,” they want to encourage students to challenge traditional philosophical thinking.

“Philosophy has not been made in our image,” Hereth said. “Many of the dominant debates in philosophy were shaped by cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, able-minded, white men of economic privilege. This can cause us queers to feel like misfits in philosophy--as if we didn’t already feel like misfits in every other context.”

Hereth’s colloquium talk, Queering Philosophy of Religion, will be from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. The event is taking place via Zoom and you can register in advance from this link: uark.zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_ITuiHwc4SkOfkBcX-DVNFw.

Gage Johnson/The News Stay tuned to The Murray State News social media pages for updates on the first homecoming reunion.

The News set to have virtual Homecoming reunion

Mason Galemore Contributing Writer mgalemore@murraystate.edu Alumni of The News have been invited to reconnect for The News’ virtual Homecoming reunion.

Assistant professor and The News adviser Stephaie Anderson and professor Elizabeth Wright organized the event in coordination with the Murray Alumni Office.

Along with other well-known Homecoming reunions, the goal is to make this reunion an annual event. Because of COVID-19, this reunion will kick off unlike any other Homecoming reunion since it will be in a virtual format over Zoom.

“Alumni are used to coming back to campus for Homecoming, so we felt it would be a great time to reconnect with our alumni during this time, even if it’s virtually,” Anderson said.

Anderson, who has been an adviser since 2016, is an alumna of The News and worked as a sports writer during her undergraduate days.

She said being an adviser is a wonderfully challenging job and she loves the hands-on experience she gets to provide to student journalists.

Wright, who often coaches features writers and assists with trainings at The News, is also an alumna of the paper.

Wright said she has been around The News since 1985 when her mother returned to be an adviser. Wright joined the staff as a freshman in the early 1990s and remained throughout her college career, obtaining various editing positions and gaining lots of experience.

“I loved every moment of my time at The News,” Wright said. “We spent so many Wednesday nights in the newsroom on production nights. It could be stressful at times, but we had a lot of fun, too. And we made lifelong friendships.”

Wright started as a staff writer and worked as an assistant news section editor, news section editor and associate editor. She said The News taught her real-world experience of covering stories on campus and in the region on a deadline and producing a weekly newspaper.

“We joked about seeing the sun rise over Wilson Hall after production night, but production nights used to be very late,” Wright said. “We stayed in the newsroom until the wee hours of the morning to design our pages and write our stories, but we also joked around quite a bit as we worked.”

She said they didn’t have the technology that students have now, so the production nights were more labor intensive. They had to write articles on video display terminals in the newsroom rather than on laptops and stuff the inserts, or ads, into the paper at the old Printing Services building.

“Some of our best memories were made during these experiences,” Wright said. “I tell the freshmen in my classes that they will make the best friends of their lives when they work at The News. We’ve had se veral couples that have met at The News and later gotten married.”

During the event, they plan to allow everyone to simply discuss

and share about their past experiences, funny stories and memories.

Wright said she may even Zoom from the newsroom and show everyone what the newsroom looks like in 2020.

Wright explained that she and other alumni have tried to have a reunion for several years but it has been difficult because people are busy with jobs and families. W ith a virtual event, Wr i g h t h o p e s s e v e r a l m o r e alumni and past advisers can hop on and laugh about past adventures in college. Wright said it will be nice to see their faces and hear their voices even if over Zoom.

“Zoom sometimes gets a bad r a p, b u t i t a l l o w s u s t o c o n nect more easily,” Wright said.

“I hope that eventually we can meet up again in person to exchange stories and laugh about the things we did in college.”

The reunion is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.

Opinion

Oct. 22, 2020

7

Letter to the Editor

McGrath can serve us on the world stage In this age of uncertainty and crisis, American voters have been given the critical task of choosing their leaders through the democratic process. The growing number of COVID-19 cases, and the economic ramifications of the pandemic, have taken center stage.

In our own commonwealth, we have entered the dreaded “red zone” as cases have spiked, and the outcome of how this will impact the citizens of our state is fluid and uncertain.

Through this unprecedented period, we are asked to choose our leaders at the national and state level. In Kentucky, we have been given a clear choice of who will represent us in the United States Senate for the next six years; the stakes could not be higher for our state,

our country, and the larger world order.

In recent years, Senator Mitch McConnell has failed the test of leadership time again.

He has spoken up when discretion was needed, and he has been silent when his influential voice was called for.

Without question, the current administration’s foreign policy has been a series of poor decisions, equally disastrous policy assumptions, and dangerous miscalculations. Senator McConnell, who has served under every American president from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama, had been an influential voice in crafting American diplomacy.

But now, he has somehow lost his voice as our country’s alliances have become frayed and our standing in the world

CHEERS....

diminished.

Thus, Senator McConnell has forfeited his right to serve Kentucky, and our country, in the United States Senate.

By contrast, retired Lieutenant Colonel Amy McGrath clearly understands the world and the issues facing our country in the 21st century.

As a United States Marine fighter pilot, and an astute student of American foreign policy, she brings the skills necessary to be an influential voice in the Senate. She would be an excellent addition to either the Foreign Relations Committee, as well as the Select Committee on Intelligence or Armed Services. Her keen understanding of the existential threat that Russia poses to the national security of the United

JEE

RS

Signed by,

Brian Clardy

JEERS....

CHEERS

to the beautiful fall leaves decorating campus.

States would be a valuable contribution to the legislative body as she brings practical common-sense solutions to this current problem.

McGrath’s take on the status of Sino-U.S. relations is as equally creative, as she sees China as overly ambitious in Pacific Rim politics, but also recognizes the critical avenues that Washington and Beijing could and should work together on to curtail North Korea’s nuclear program, bring about sensible solutions on trade, and work cooperatively to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

&

to it getting dark at 6 p.m. Let there be light!

JEERS

Got opinions?

We want to hear from you!

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor.

We are also hiring for an Opinion Editor.

Contact Gage Johnson at gjohnson17@murraystate.edu.

Comic Strip

Editorial Board

Gage Johnson Cady Stribling

Dr. Stephanie Anderson Editor-in-Chief

Features Editor

Faculty Adviser gjohnson17@murraystate.edu cstribling1@murraystate.edu sanderson37@murraystate.edu Jenna Carnes Allison Manning Chief Copy Editor Ad Sales Manager

jcarnes2@murraystate.edu amanning4@murraystate.edu

Kalea Anderson Elizabeth Erwin

Chief Videographer Public Relations Manager kanderson29@murraystate.edu eerwin1@murraystate.edu

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Submissions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the University. The News reserves the right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Monday of each week via email to mreynolds12@murraystate.edu.

Jillian Rush Contact Us Photo Editor 2609 University Station jrush4@murraystate.edu Murray State University

Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 John O’Neill

TheNews.org Online Manager

joneill4@murraystate.edu

Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News. The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies.

The News strives to be the University community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate.

The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official publication of Murray State University. The first copy is free. Additional copies are available for 25 cents at 111 Wilson Hall.

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Oct. 22, 2020

Week Long Activities Global Week of Service Virtual 5K Reunions

Single Day Activities 10/27/2020---- Trivia Tuesday 10/30/2020 ---- Alumni vs Student 10/31/2020 Esports Tournament 10/31/2020---- Student Activities

n Parade of Banners, Coronation and virtual Tent City

Shop online and in-person at the Murray State Bookstore for Racer gear.

College, program and organizational reunions