March 31, 2022

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022

Town hall held in response to racist hate crimes PG 6 The biomechanics of baseball PG 12-13 Interesting OU classes to take this fall PG 21

A Party to Remember

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Meet the 2022-2023 executive editors of ‘The Post’ While the seasons around us change once again, it’s also a season of change for us at The Post.

A new trio of executive editors has been chosen, and with that means time for training, additional hiring and preparing for the summertime, when the reins will be handed to new leadership.

Though the semester may be winding down, things are kicking into a new gear for The Post, and the excitement in the newsroom is palpable.

It’s a strange feeling knowing that my time at both Ohio University and The Post are coming to a close. Nonetheless, I’m incredibly excited for what the next editors have in store for this publication. They are and bring so many new ideas to the table.

Now, I’ll allow them to introduce themselves to our readers in preparation for the upcoming year: Ryan Maxin, editor-in-chief Hi, I’m Ryan! I’m a sophomore studying journalism and publication design, and I’ll be The Post’s 2022-23 editor-in chief, something I’m so proud and honored to be to hold the position in a number of years, I’m extremely energized to do my part to

make The Post the best it can be.

My love for this publication does not distract me from its shortcomings, though. The Post has historically struggled with a lack of diversity and equity — in its staffers, its sources, its stories and more.

Because of that, it has oftentimes not been able to accurately cover nor represent the communities it serves. The Post is taking several steps, which will be announced soon, to ensure equity and open communication are prioritized in the newsroom.

The Post’s future stems from the talented people leading it alongside me: Kayla, our managing editor; Jack, our digital director; the yet-to-bedecided person who will be equity director and, of course, every other phenomenal staffer who works tirelessly behind the scenes to get things done. The Post will undoubtedly face hurdles under our leadership but, at the end of the day, it will continue to stand as a voice for those who need it.

Kayla Bennett, managing editor Hey, everyone! My name is Kayla Bennett, and I am currently a junior studying journalism. I can’t wait to be The Post’s next managing editor. I knew The Post was the place for me when I felt included and

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Abby Miller MANAGING EDITOR Bre Offenberger DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Matthew Geiger EDITORIAL NEWS EDITORS Emma Skidmore, Ryan Maxin ASST. NEWS EDITOR Molly Wilson PROJECTS EDITOR Taylor Burnette SPORTS EDITOR Jack Gleckler ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Ashley Beach CULTURE EDITOR Riley Runnells ASST. CULTURE EDITOR Kayla Bennett OPINION EDITOR Mikayla Rochelle ASST. OPINION EDITOR Hannah Campbell THE BEAT EDITOR Madyson Lewellyn ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Emma Dollenmayer COPY CHIEF Anna Garnai SLOT EDITORS Anastasia Carter, Will Cunningham, Bekah Bostick, Isabel Nissley ART ART DIRECTOR Olivia Juenger ASST. ART DIRECTOR Trevor Brighton DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Nate Swanson PHOTO EDITOR Jesse Jarrold-Grapes DIGITAL WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Brianna Lender AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Jack Hiltner ASST. AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Claire Schiopota DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA Noah DeSantis BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Andrea Lewis MEDIA SALES Grace Vannan 2 / MARCH 31, 2022

connected despite being home due to the The Post two years ago, I fell in love with telling stories about the people and places in Athens. It felt like home even from miles away.

Having the opportunity to be the next managing editor is nothing less than exciting. I am looking forward to improving communication between staff at The Post and fostering an inviting atmosphere. It’s important to have our different staff communicating with each other in order to produce the best content we can. I hope as managing editor, I can be a face our staff can come to with questions or concerns, and I hope they know I am there to support them through their work. Knowing and growing our current staff is crucial to creating a strong, diverse publication.

I am looking forward to working with Ryan, Jack and our soon-to-be equity director to help build The Post as a publication and as a voice for students. I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for this publication that I absolutely love.

Jack Hiltner, digital director Hello! I’m Jack Hiltner, and I’m a senior studying journalism, marketing and computer science. I’ve spent the last year serving as The Post’s audience engagement

POST THE

ISSUE 19, VOLUME 112

ONLINE thepostathens.com FACEBOOK thepostathens TWITTER @ThePost INSTAGRAM @thepostathens

editor, curating content for our readers while occasionally chiming in for other sections. I’m extremely proud to serve as The Post’s digital director, and I cannot wait to share the innumerable opportunities with my fellow Posties.

I joined the publication back in 2019, and I haven’t looked back yet. It’s been an absolutely wonderful experience thus far, even if it wasn’t smooth sailing. Over the course of the last year, I’ve been actively monitoring every social media page of The Post and segmenting audiences to provide content that interests and informs our readers.

As digital director, I hope to bring the insight I gained from reading every piece of input online from our readers to our digital presence and advance The Post online. We’ve never had a larger readership than we do now, and I’m ecstatic to continue working alongside my talented peers.

If you would like to talk to Ryan, Kayla or Jack you can email them at rm554219@ohio. edu, kb084519@ohio.edu and jh396418@ ohio.edu, respectively. Please note that the The Post.

COVER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NATE SWANSON

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Configuration of Athens’ pickleball, tennis courts yet to be decided due to cost ADDIE HEDGES FOR THE POST The Athens Arts, Parks and Recreation Department’s, or APRD’s, request for City Council to allocate $250,000 for the construction of new tennis and pickleball courts was referred back to the City and Safety Services Committee, or CSSC, due to an increase in the expected costs, but the project is still underway.

The project currently includes the construction of two tennis courts and four pickleball courts. The construction of the tennis and pickleball courts was originally expected to cost $250,000, but during the March 7 City Council meeting, Athens City Service Safety Director Andy Stone announced the total cost would increase to an estimated $375,000.

The increased cost estimate was due to the amount of groundwork and preparation that would need to be done at the building site in consideration, which is located west of East Park Drive, Stone services also played a role in the esti-

mate’s increase.

After the updated estimate was shared with members of City Council, it was referred back to the City and Safety Services Committee for further consideration.

Micah McCarey, D-At Large, introduced the original ordinance for the pickleball and tennis courts during the Feb. 21 council meeting. Despite his approval of the original construction price estimate of $250,000, the increased cost convinced McCarey to support referring the ordinance back to the CSSC. “When you have so many community members with different interests and thoughts on what should be prioritized, it’s a balancing act,” McCarey said. “I think it would be really disappointing to a lot of people if we put all of our resources into pickleball and didn’t have enough for repairs to tennis courts, for example.”

The APRD is now reevaluating the origcrease the price estimate.

Currently, there is not a set location for the courts, Katharine Ann Jordan, the director of the APRD, said. However, the land located on East Park Drive would

have the most space for a number of tennis and pickleball courts. The exact conAPRD advisory board decides a smaller number of courts would be the best option to decrease costs, Jordan said.

The construction of the pickleball courts would allow for more recreational activities for people of all ages, Greg Lavelle, the U.S. pickleball district ambassador of Southern Ohio, said.

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and we currently have no dedicated outdoor pickleball courts other than the two that are painted on the very old and decrepit tennis courts behind the rec center,” Lavelle said. “To build new pickleball courts that are dedicated for (pickleball) and not shared on a tennis court would be absolutely wonderful.”

Ohio University has a total of eight pickleball courts painted on the indoor and outdoor tennis courts, which community members sometimes use. However, players would like the city of Athens to

dium-sized towns that are cashing in on the explosion of pickleball, and they’re hosting tournaments,” Woodser Rouse, a local pickleball player, said. “In order to be a part of that type of scene, at any point to have some dedicated court space that would accommodate an event like that.”

Rouse said he hopes the city will account for the growing number of pickleball players in the community when they The city is aware of the pickleball community’s anticipation for the courts and is committed to seeing it through, Stone said.

Although plans are still up in the air as to the number of courts and their location, Stone said local pickleball players may be able to use the new courts in the spring of 2023.

@ADDIEHEDGES AH766719@OHIO.EDU

“There’s a lot of small towns and me-

Lazaroff Lecture in Jewish History

Sex, Racial Purity, & Imperialism: German Genocide in Africa and the Third Reich

Wednesday April 13th | 7 pm

presented virtually by:

Dr. Elizabeth Baer, Research Professor of English and African Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota

SCAN TO JOIN via Teams

sponsored by: This event is open to the public. For more information contact: Mirna Zakić at zakic@ohio.edu.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 3

NEWS BRIEFS

Congo, High Fests return after 2 years; City Council discusses new projects EMMA SKIDMORE NEWS EDITOR

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City Council discusses parking enforcement, new city projects

Students gather for High Fest despite freezing temperatures

Congo Fest returns after two years

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@E_SKIDMOREGS ES320518@OHIO.EDU

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POLICE BLOTTER

Man found sitting in dumpster at Piggly Wiggly, woman reported for continuously calling her boyfriend’s father MOLLY WILSON ASST. NEWS EDITOR

False alarm

Piggly Wiggly dumpster diver -

Car sighting

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Girlfriend gone (phone-call) wild -

Broken down

Landlord, renter disagreement

4 / MARCH 31, 2022

After-hours nap

Stolen vehicle found

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@MOLLYWMARIE MW542219@OHIO.EDU

‘It’s not real’

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Athens, OU gun experts react to new permitless concealed carry law KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill known as the “Constitutional Carry” law March 14, which will change gun carrying goes into effect June 13.

After the bill goes into effect, anyone who is legally allowed to purchase a handgun in Ohio is allowed to carry in a concealed manner without going through training or a second background check, in certain places.

“As long as you’re able to buy a handgun within the state of Ohio, you’re allowed to carry that handgun outside of your home and in your car in a concealed manner,” Michael Herner, president of Ohio University’s Second Amendment club, said.

With the updated provisions, anyone who is 21 years of age or older can carry a handgun — loaded and concealed — without going through training or a process at gun, citizens have to go through a backCurrently, the state’s guidelines require citizens over the age of 21 to complete eight hours of training, which includes time on a gun range and in a classroom to learn about handling and operating a gun.

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could take it to a county sheriff’s departcheck is performed, which helps the department determine if someone is able to own and carry a gun, Herner said. anyone, but if approved, they could go back to the department and receive a card similar to a driver’s license that enables them to carry. the second background check when purchasing and owning a handgun.

Ohio is now among several other states in the country to pass a law loosening gun like the Ohio Gun Owners organization.

Rows of .45 caliber handguns remain on display at Forty-Five and All LLC in Coolville, Ohio.

(NATE SWANSON | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

“Our organization has been lobbying in front of the legislature and committees … and has been in constant contact with tion.” Chris Dorr, director of the Ohio Gun Owners organization said. “Quite frankly, gun owners are owed a whole lot more by this Republican supermajority than what they have been delivered.”

Both Herner and Dorr believe training is something all people should seek before operating a weapon, but being told to be trained isn’t necessary.

People don’t need a state mandate to go get training in order for gun owners to realize that it’s common sense to get training, Dorr said.

Kevin Martin, chief instructor at the

Hilltop Gun Club in Athens County, and Jim Salzman, a board member, disagree with Dorr.

“I think the best thing I ever did was take a concealed carry class, to be able to feel safer about carrying,” Salzman said. “12 hours (of training) was reduced to eight hours. I didn’t even like that reduction.” ry Weapons instructor and explained how he’s seen the most dangerous mistakes take place in a controlled range.

“Now Ohio’s legal citizens can just strap on any handheld weapon and hide it away upon themselves and go about their business anywhere in our great state packing heat,” Martin said in an email. “I don’t think we will revert back to the Wild Wild

West of the 1880s, but I can assure that handgun operators getting into a shootout will be sending bullets off target.”

Salzman said those who decide to purchase and carry a gun have a responsibility to learn how to safely use it.

“If you want to carry, you have a responsibility to train and to be safe in your message.

@KENDALLKWRIGHT KW229520@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Black student town hall uplifts BIPOC voices in response to hate crimes DONOVAN HUNT FOR THE POST The seats in the auditorium of Morton ganized by Ohio University’s Black student body in response to the recent hate crimes committed on campus. the stairs to listen and speak about expeto see from OU administration. Mya “Bunmonitored a Microsoft Teams call and said ly Black alumni. instances of racist acts on campus. racial and misogynistic slurs left outside -

response to his door being urinated on.

a previous Post report..

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hall to address faculty and administrators.

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Lexie Tillery speaks to the crowd at the Black Student Union Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 28, 2022, in Morton Hall. Tillery noted the lack of support toward the Black student community at the university and how the faculty and students have the option to opt. out of multicultural training and experiences. “For people of color, we do not have the option to opt. out,” Tillery affirms. (ZOE CRANFILL | FOR THE POST)

to see a good turnout and to see administrators in attendance but remained skeptical of their intentions.

“The truth is Ohio University puts on a

brought up many times by students. Ben -

ulty spoke about ideas like mandatory diversity and inclusion training for students

there is no point in addressing the problem if there is no solution.

more diverse staff and faculty.

Harper said she is optimistic OU ad-

is this campus continually asks students of color to forgive and forget the microdents.” dents the ability to move rooms after a

happened to them.

6 / MARCH 31, 2022

Linkel at his upcoming court date.

Harper said.

the baseball team be suspended for the rest of the season and for an investigation to be done in regard to the trash bag incifrom the audience.

Seeing emails and signs of support

@DONOVANHUNT9 DH322621@OHIO.EDU

gathering here today.”

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GAMES

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the Post is hiring Sales and marketing interns to work on the revenue generation team for student media on campus.

This is a paid position open to current OHIO students. interested individuals should email resume and cover letter to postadvertising@ohio.edu

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FRIDAY NIGHT 6PM: BILL FOLEY

The perfect place to gather ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! we have 32 Beers on Tap & Don’t Miss Tuesday night trivia.

PLUS

NEW MENU ITEMS & DRINK SPECIALS @EclipseBeerHall Open to All

DON”T MISS

DOG SEES GOD Putnam Playspace

Backpack Theatricals DEBUT SHOW. Dog Sees God: Confessions Bert V. Royal is a modern day take on the Peanuts names though there trade mark personalities are very much the same. But now they are dealing with drugs,

BLOOD DRIVE Various locations

This show directed Morgan Beck and Charley Peck starring Kekoa Hui-Hui.

The need is constant, the need is urgent, sign up and give today. Enter your zip code to search for a drive.

April 14th-16th 7:00pm April 17th 2:00pm

EVENT DATE , 2 10 pm- 2 am

OPEN MIC NIGHT The Front Room

r All are welcome to join and share your talent each Friday at the Front Room

Friday, 6-8 pm

THE PAJAMA PARTY MURDERS Stuarts Opera House

Put on your pajamas and join Athens Sunrise Rotary for The Pajama Party Murders, an audience participation mystery at Stuart’s Opera House!

Bartholomew T. Cosmo, creator of the world famous

Cosmo’s trusty attorney, tasked to collect the true heirs with the help from Lola McMartin, the housekeeper.

In order to inherit the Cosmo prepared to survive the night at Cosmo Manor. But for those who do not make it through the night we need your help to

scan to schedule a donation

ATHENS FARMERS & ART MARKET The Market on State

are limited reserve your ticket

Locally grown, raised and

Scan the QR code for details

items + plants and seeds and locally made artistic goods.

Find us in the parking lot and inside the Market on State

EVENT DATE

Saturdays 9am - Noon

, April 1 st

6:30 pm- 10 pm THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

ILLUSTRATIONS BY OLIVIA JUENGER

KATIE MILLARD FOR THE POST Content warning: This article discuses sexual assault and sexual violence.

In 2018, outrage spurred by three reported sexual assaults between Aug. 25 and Sept.

2 enveloped Ohio University’s campus. Former OU President Duane Nellis said of the incidents: “In our community, we will not tolerate such behavior. Not today. Not tomorrow.

Not ever.”

Three years later, sexual assault is still a problem at OU. Many students experience unwanted sexual contact during their time in Athens.

Lydia Perry, a freshman studying journalism, said students often don’t see unwanted sexual contact as a form of assault because of its normalization in campus culture.

“Talking about touching, walking by and grabbing or bad hand placement as somebody’s walking by, those kinds of things I do see a lot,” Perry said.

Perry said she often goes out with her boyfriend, which makes her feel safer, but she has still experienced unwanted sexual contact. She recalled being at a party with him when she felt a hand on her hip. Perry and her boyfriend were both upset to realize they didn’t know whose hand it was and that whoever had touched her had disappeared into the crowd.

8 / MARCH 31, 2022

For Perry, it hurt even worse because that invasion would not happen to her boyfriend.

“They wouldn’t even touch him,” Perry said. “I couldn’t even imagine a guy coming by and touching his back. But then if it’s me or one of my friends, it’s back touching, grabbing both shoulders and it’s very moreso touchy.”

This is one of multiple incidents Perry has experienced during her short time on campus. During Halloween weekend, she said she was harassed and assaulted. Perry recalled constant catcalling when she and her friends walked around in their Halloween costumes.

Perry said later that weekend, she was approached by a strange man who grabbed her by the hips and held her to his body. She pulled away but said he kept coming around her and her friends, doing the same thing to several other girls she could see near her.

“It’s scary because you don’t expect that to happen, especially when you’re not used to that kind of mentality,” Perry said.

Tim Ryan, staff lieutenant for the Ohio University Police Department, said OUPD took seven sex offense reports in 2021, two of which were sexual contact crimes. OUPD also issues alerts to students, employees and others in the area of any ongoing reported crimes that may indicate an ongoing campus since 2019, four of which were rape or sexual ed only what has been reported to them, so

it differs from the Clery Act, which requires government-mandated reports of crime on college campuses to be released annually, and he expects numbers have been affected

by COVID-19.

From 2018 to 2020, as reported by OU under the most recently updated Clery Act report, there were a total of 1,114 on-campus offenses, 915 of which were related to drug and alcohol use. Of the remaining 199 incidents, 122 were related to sexual violence in some form. These offenses included rape, fondling, statuatory rape, domestic violence and dating violence. There were also 34 stalking offenses, which can be a form of sexual violence.

According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, only 310 of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, and only 20% of college-age female students report assaults. Additionally, there are many assaults that students may not think to report, such as sexual impositions, a misdemeanor in Ohio in which offenders ing of another’s erogenous zones, is offensive and out of the victim’s control. Sexual imposition made up two of the three reports that sparked protests in early September 2018.

Madelyne Moore, a senior studying social work, said in her four years at OU, she’s witnessed a lot of students, particularly men, crossing boundaries and making others uncomfortable.

“I’ve seen girls and younger people, like young women especially, being a little more intoxicated, going home with a sober guy,” Moore said. “And there have been times where I’m like, ‘Is that guy her boyfriend? Is she safe? Or is he trying to take advantage of her?’”

The normalization of these offenses means they frequently go unreported.

Jennifer Seifert, executive director of the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program, or SAOP, a local resource serving survivors in southeast Ohio, said some sexual assaults are in forms that have been almost expected in campus culture.

“It’s become so normalized that … you (seem to) just have to accept that this is a risk you take right by participating in these different campus activities,” Seifert said. “It’s just unfortunate because it makes it less safe. And not only is it not fair, but it’s harmful, it’s dangerous and it creates environments where we normalize things like catcalling and groping and these unsolicited types of (contact), it starts to make us numb to when people are crossing boundaries.”

One normalization was called out by Seth McBee, a former computer science student at OU and a current Athens resident involved in the local music scene. McBee posted on social media condemning “girls drink free” policies at house parties as a normalization of assault in campus culture.

women to just protect themselves without falling onto men to stop harassing women.”

Seifert said much of this is because of socialization of men, who she said disproportionately perpetuate violence against women, other men and children.

ibly, but widely used as resources and partnering with our campus partners and other departments on campus to problem solve and to make the community safer.”

Some students, particularly students of

survivors, and that’s not wrong,” Seifert said.

“That’s not a wrong thing to do. But at a cer-

to discomfort with police. According to the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, 58% of multiracial women, 49% of Native American women, 41% of Black women, 36% of His-

wrong with how we’re socializing our men and boys that they’re perpetrating so much Encouraging healthy masculinity and consent among boys and men is one way sexual assault can decrease, Seifert said.

However, sexual assault can happen to and be committed by anyone.

“I think that, historically, we talk about male and female, and we talk about males doing that to females, but it goes the other pendent social worker and advocate at the Survivor Advocacy Program, said. “And it really impacts people across the spectrum. It’s

“(Houses) often use ‘girls get in free and guys have a cover charge’ as a way of weeding out and making it easier for them to be able to prey on women, particularly underage,” McBee said.

Of the four sexual crimes reported in the past two years through OUPD crime alerts, all of them involved a female victim, and three involved a male suspect, with one suspect’s sault impacts every gender. Moore took care to mention how transgender individuals, particularly trans women, often come up in discussions of sexual assault. Moore said there is a misconception that trans women will assault other women and children if they use female restrooms, but the reverse is more common, as many trans women are victims of assault.

According to RAINN, 23% of transgender, genderqueer or nonconforming college students have been sexually assaulted. Moore said while she knows sexual assault can happen to and be caused by anyone, she said she often sees straight men as perpetrators on OU’s campus. She noted the differences she perceives between straight culture consent, adding that many queer people she knows have experienced trauma connected to sexual assault.

“I think there’s an understanding in a lot of (queer) spaces that you ask for consent and you normalize that kind of behavior,” Moore said. “I think in straight culture, that falls onto

Seifert said gender isn’t the only factor in high campus assault rates, explaining frontal lobes do not fully develop until age 25, which can contribute to impulsive behavior and asm to try new things is part of what makes college an incredible experience, she added this biological factor may contribute to actions of perpetrators on college campuses.

Drug or alcohol use is often associated with campus assault cases, but Moore stressed these incidents can happen anywhere to anyone.

“I don’t really drink, but I still have to have my guard up,” Moore said. “I still have my keys in my hand and mace on me and an alarm on my backpack. And it’s just the fact that it’s called paranoid, and a lot of other people get called paranoid for having all these security measures, but in many ways, our culture has taught us to be paranoid and nervous.”

However, if something happens to a student while they are impaired, they are still stressed that OUPD does not go after underage drinking when someone is trying to report a sex offense.

“Underage drinking is not anywhere near as important as a sex offense, and we understand that, and we don’t want that barrier to exist for people to report,” Ryan said. tize trauma-informed training for interviews, and they have even made a documentary to provide transparency about what a survivor could expect by coming to OUPD. Even if the incident is not in the bounds of what is illegal, Ryan said OUPD can help connect affected individuals with support and information.

“Our most visible job on campus is to do proactive patrol and to interact, deter and

Islander women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lives. However, according to the National Center on Violence every one Black woman who reports a rape, 15 Black women choose not to report.

Ryan acknowledged distrust between people of color and police, and he said OUPD prioritizes building trust with marginalized communities. He said OUPD has worked with multicultural groups on campus, including the Multicultural Center and the LGBT Center.

If students would like support without pressing charges or interacting with police, OU and other local organizations also offer resources. The Survivor Advocacy Program, or SAP, through OU offers conexperienced any form of sexual violence, harassment or assault. help because they feel their experience is not as severe as another’s.

“My answer to that piece is that everybody deserves to be supported and to have a space where you can talk and process someStudents can set up meetings online or day through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“I’ve been going to the Survivor Advocacy Program for myself, not for something that happened on campus, rather something me a lot of support,” Moore said.

If students would prefer to receive help sity, SAOP is another local resource. SAOP offers assistance to anyone who has suffered or is supporting someone who has suffered any form of sexual assault, violence or harassment. Like SAP, all services provided by SAOP are entirely free, including counseling and legal support for survivors. discussions and bystander help are crucial in culture change, adding she knows it can be frightening to be in a bystander situation.

Even if one feels unsure about direct intervention, she requests bystanders take indirect action, such as causing a distraction or checking on survivors after the incident.

McBee feels oftentimes people are hesitant to call out their friends for fear of social repercussions or because they have

done similar things but invites others to break the cycle.

Take Back the Night, an annual event for all students to come together against sexual and domestic violence, occurring April 7 at 6 p.m. and convening at Athens First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., to learn about sexual assault and garner support.

“I think a lot of people think that sexual assault is just rape, and it’s not,” Perry said.

“There’s a whole line of things that fall under that umbrella of sexual assault.”

No matter how common sexual assault or harassment is in campus culture, these actions should not be tolerated or minimized, MaryKathyrine Tran, interim director for the wanted sexual contact is never acceptable.

“Violence is violence and we need to name what is happening to those in our communisurvivors’ experiences by diminishing what has happened to them and we do a disservice when we compare someone’s trauma against someone else’s trauma because they are never the same.”

@KATIE_MILLARD11 KM053019@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

A tradition as old as time A brief history of OU’s fest culture somebody to get into a party, and that just wasn’t the way that OU tended to operate.”

Katie Ryan, class of 2011 alumna, and John Ryan, class of 2010 alumnus, who are married, enjoyed participating in an event called “Numbers Fest” while they were students.

In 2004, OU students decided to add an altered version of the 1980s’ “Spring Fest”

ADDIE HEDGES FOR THE POST Despite falling in the nation’s rankings in recent years, Ohio University’s party school reputation lives on through fest celebrations that can be traced back decades.

Something bigger than a few house parties strung together down residential streets came to mind when alumni recall the fest seasons of their college years at OU. “Spring Fest” accompanied warmer weather in Athens in the 1980s. Students were able to attend an organized concert arranged by the Spring Fest Committee, according to a previous Post report.

“Equipped with beer-laden ice chests, was socially acceptable, thousands of people braved the scorching heat to make a massive assault on the Mill Street intra10 / MARCH 31, 2022

The Spring Fest of 1982 took place in May, and the 93-degree weather prompted students to cool off by jumping into the Hocking River, which was conveniently loScott Hunter, who graduated from OU in 1987, remembers the 1980s spring fests fondly. Most vividly, he can recall the number of beer kegs present at the event.

The party had 200 to 300 kegs at the taps on the side was also present.

At some point, the spring fests celebrated by students of the ‘80s disappeared, and street fests gained popularity in the ‘90s, Hunter said, though he didn’t know street fest, and others, including High Fest and Congo Fest, followed.

By the late ‘90s and early 2000s, OU student fests were reserved to residential

streets and weren’t considered organized events, Justin Schwartz, OU class of 2001 alumnus, said.

“It felt like just a bunch of people on the street that happened to be coordinated in the sense that we’re just going to be walking up and down streets, walking to different houses, chatting,” Schwartz said.

“I vaguely recall maybe some signs on Palmer Fest but, otherwise, it just sort of seemed like a loosely coordinated bunch of people.”

Despite the moderate nature of fests in the late ‘90s, Schwartz said he could remember the camaraderie between OU students whenever fests would take place.

“There were oftentimes just a party happening, and you would just walk up and people would invite you in, whether you knew them or not,” Schwartz said. “I’ve been to other campuses where it was not that at all: going to Miami once and … you had to pay for a cup or you had to know

2000s spring fest took place, the proceeding fests were named by the number of years after the original took place. The resulting fests were named Two Fest, Three Fest, Four Fest, etc., John said.

The event was eventually nicknamed “Numbers Fest” and evolved into an annual music festival, which took place in dents had to purchase tickets and arrange rides to get to and from campus and the festival site.

“We had like legit school buses that would … shuttle you to and from and you had to pay,” Katie Ryan said. “For one way, (it was) $20 per person, so … if you had a vehicle, you could make a ton of money taking people to and from.”

During the time the Ryans attended OU, Numbers Fest hosted artists such as Mike Posner, Kid Cudi and Machine Gun Kelly. The event was discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the concert era of fest season has yet to return. However, Hunter hopes it can be resurrected by current OU students.

“I’d like to see an organized event like (what) Spring Fest used to be in Athens 25 years ago,” Hunter said. “(It would) bring everyone together … with better music that you can charge, (and) everyone could pay $15 and get some regional bands at a There is currently an Instagram account that is dedicated to Numbers Fest, but it has not posted since Sept. 7, 2021.

Although years have gone by, the Ryans said OU fests bring feelings of nostalgia.

“It’s bittersweet, I think, looking back on it,” Katie said. “Thinking back on the fests, all I can think of is how much fun and excitement (there was). I miss it.”

@ADDIEHEDGES AH766719@OHIO.EDU

Lavandula grows with social media support LINDSAY WIELONSKI FOR THE POST

recording their music, which they hope to share on streaming services in the near

Isaac King looked to the shaggy-haired cap and pushed his glasses closer to his

inal song in the spring of 2022.

Lavandula has a unique style of mu-

Backseat Lovers. King and the drummer slow melody that mirrored the left-outfeeling lyrics of the song. King looked fore each chord. As the intensity of the instrumentals increased, he and the other die-rock music more and more.

Although King just recently started fooled. A freshman music production major at Ohio University, King is one of the

Negrete and Zach Winkleman, who all met

have the computer there, and the cam-

then within four days, we had like 1,500 advertising and stuff.”

Lavandula plans to host Fridays Live, a Saturday Night Live-style show at OU,

their instruments together in Lincoln Hall, ter hearing them, another guitarist came

gernails to his chin. favorite kid,” King said.

After a moment of thought, though, he said “psychedelic funk.”

started playing together every day and short months, Lavandula would post its

switch to online learning, he decided to at home. He scoured the internet and purmusical curiosity. He optimized his practice time when his high school went online, which allowed him to speed through

support in the arts is often a hard thing to

time without limited performance opportunities and strict regulations. Although

ed while pursuing their passions. Although most will likely have to supplement their artistic work with other sources of inknow pursuing a career in the arts is tan-

continually come to the rescue. Without the power of moms on social media, Latime they have making music together.

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Throw to grow

OHIO UNIVERSITY FACULTY DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF BIOMECHANICS FOR PITCHING

ASHLEY BEACH ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

B

aseball cannot be played without pitchers. They are an integral part of the game and rightfully so. Pitchers can control the pace of play and change the entire outcome of a game.

But, pitching can be risky business. The body isn’t made to move in that pattern.

Casey Grimm, a professional pitcher for the Florence Y’alls of the Frontier League, learned that during his recovery from a torn ulnar collateral ligament, a vital connective tissue in the elbow, and subsequent Tommy John surgery while playing college baseball at Wright State Lake Campus.

Tommy John surgery takes a ligament, or connective tissue, graft from another part of the body and repairs the torn ligament, named after pitcher Tommy John.

John tore his UCL 11 years into his MLB career, but after undergoing an experimental surgery by Dr. Frank Jobe, John was able to play 13 more years. John was the

director of the school of applied health sciences and school of rehabilitation and communication, said.

Since the motion is unnatural, baseball and health care professionals have turned to studying biomechanics to better train pitchers.

Biomechanics is the study of biological systems, particularly their structure and function, using methods derived from mechanics, which is concerned with the effects that forces have on the motion of bodies, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Each individual has different movement patterns and mechanics. The makeup of all the muscles, ligaments, bones and tendons in the body move in patterns unique to each individual.

Pitchers especially have to be in tune with the arm and how it reacts to the forces being applied to it. The pitching motion

heavily relies on the shoulder and elbow.

The main ligament in the elbow is the UCL. It connects the humerus to the ulna, holding the two bones together on the medial, or inner, side of the elbow. The UCL has three bands and creates stability within the elbow. It makes the snap of a pitching motion. Three ligaments begin

the pitching motion, and two slow it down.

While most injuries happen on deceleration — or slowing — motion, it is different for all athletes because of their biomechanics. The body can only accelerate as fast as it can decelerate.

However, there can be a different snap: a ligament tear.

fully after such ligament surgery.

As of 2013, one-third of MLB pitchers have had Tommy John surgery. A healthy recovery is no longer miraculous, but common.

Grimm began to throw again. He threw a few times a week and changed the distances at which he was throwing when he felt comfortable. He did every exercise prescribed by his doctors and physical therapists to ensure he could return to baseball.

Technology played a role in Grimm’s recovery and continues to play a role in his training. It helped expand his knowledge about what his body was doing when he pitched.

“A lot of people, they throw to get loose,” Grimm said. “But it’s more like getting loose to throw.” during toddler stages. As they get older, the motion becomes second nature, especially for pitchers. Even though throwing is a foundation of both baseball and pitching, it’s not something that the body naturally does.

“Overhead throwing is one of the most unnatural motions we have,” Dr. Chad Starkey, director of the division of athletic training at Ohio University and interim 12 / MARCH 31, 2022

ILLUSTRATION BY TREVOR BRIGHTON

Pitching, and overhead movement in general, can attack the UCL. One of the toughest injuries the UCL ligament can face is valgus extension overload. In that, the pressing forces on the lateral UCL overload it. Forces enacted by pitching cause the elbow group to shift and move, causing stretching. Some UCL injuries can be sudden, though.

“

It’s like an old pair of jeans or house pants if you wear them to the point where the elastic stretches out and they end up falling down.”

- Chad Starkey, director of the division of athletic training at Ohio University

Elbows aren’t always the root of the problem. A majority of elbow injuries start in the shoulder region because of an athlete’s biomechanics. If someone does not have strong biomechanics, their pitching “Even though the pathology may be at the UCL, it is an upper extremity and whole body biomechanical problem,” Starkey said.

Pitching is a whole-body movement.

The act relies on the kinetic chain according to kinetic chain theory, meaning body parts working in tandem, said Dr. Neil Evans, an assistant professor in the division of physical therapy. The kinetic chain plays into the interdependence theory, which explains how none of these body parts work in isolation.

“During a functional movement, like an overhead throw, the entire kinetic chain, from the foot all the way up to the tip of portant in transferring energy from one position to the next,” Evans said.

While the kinetic energy starts around the lower back region of the body, or in the lower trunk, that energy created by the pitching motion is channeled in the shoulder and elbow region. The higher the velocity, the higher the kinetic values of these will be, adding more strain.

Power created by the lower body is channeled at the shoulder and the elbow.

“The mobility and strength that (pitchers) have in their hips and in their trunk and how much spinal rotation they have to be able to put the shoulder in a good position, and therefore the shoulder puts the elbow in a better position,” Evans said.

When all of those pieces are applied, it sets a pitcher up to control the forces. It

also sets them up to better control their arm slot, where the arm comes around in the pitch. The lateral trunk tilt helps create a pitcher’s arm slot, and it may remain the same for each pitch.

Even if it does, the kinematics of each pitch is different. Kinematics is the branch of mechanics concerned with the motion of objects without reference to the forces which cause the motion.

In a study published in Sports Health, it was found that six of the nine kinematic variables, including velocity and acceleraup versus a fastball. The study also found unique kinetic patterns, or joint movements, for the fastball, curveball, changeup and slider in collegiate pitchers.

An athlete cannot wake up one day and throw a fastball at 85 miles per hour. It is not mechanically possible. Human nature and physics does not allow for it.

But, athletes can train to do so.

It’s like running a marathon. Preparing to pitch in a season takes patience and a well-organized training schedule with a bility work and actual throwing, which is called the ramp-up process.

“When we ramp them up, it’s to get them into throwing shape,” Ohio pitching coach Tim Brown said. “Then we get them into pitching shape.”

Pitchers must throw to grow.

Brown runs his throwing program on a backward calendar to ensure that each day is used wisely. He starts his calendar on the last day of the conference tournaWithin the program, the pitchers throw a mound for bullpen work.

The program has multiple phases that include pre- and post-throw recovery each day. The point of the regime is to simply prepare the body for the beating it is going to endure in the regular season.

To keep the body from adapting, Brown shifts around the exercises. No two days in the three-day rotation are the same. The main goal of each day is to activate the arm from the shoulder to the elbow.

Starting the throwing process off of a mound allows pitchers to understand the importance of the kinetic chain. Injury is most likely to happen at full weight-bearing foot strike because of the intense forces being applied to the elbow. Being late when the lead foot, or striking foot, hits the mound can make these worse.

In a recent study published by the Society for American Baseball Research, researchers used the MVN Biomechanical Body Suit by Xsens technology to idention biomechanical data. The MVN Biomechanical Body Suit is a full-body motion capture suit with sensors that can provide a kinematic analysis of the body’s movements and center of gravity.

The researchers applied the suit’s sensors to a NCAA Division III pitcher to test his pitching performance. The pitcher was granted a 15-minute warmup period before stepping onto a mound. When on the mound, he started on the same line each time and threw ten pitches per four quadrants of the strike zone.

In the three best pitches, the front foot was horizontally closer to the midline drawn on the pitching rubber. In the three worst pitches, the foot was further away.

The researchers found that although velocity may have soared for the bad pitches, the placement of the lower trunk and the pitcher’s center of gravity was not in an ideal location. The pitcher was able to throw the ball hard despite the body not being in the best position.

However, in the end, the researchers found that using technology to identi-

trainers to understand why his body was moving differently and did what he needed to in order to preserve his health.

“I got in depth with it all and I think that’s a big reason why I continued to be healthy,” Grimm said.

@ASHLEYBEACHY_ AB026319@OHIO.EDU

that could affect pitching performance is worthwhile because it could improve pitching performance.

Technology continues to change the way pitchers, coaches and health care professionals look at the recovery process, too. Virtual reality has become a part of helping physical therapists identify how the mind reacts to the body and vice versa.

When injured, the body responds to centralized pain and begins to reprogram itself when there is a structural issue. This is called neuroplasticity.

“

When you have structural problems, your body makes adaptations to that and then there’s changes in the brain and the nervous system,”

- Dr. Neil Evans, an assistant professor in the division of physical therapy Oftentimes, when athletes come back from injury, they perform in a manner they hadn’t before the injury. This is due in part to the reprogramming of the mind and body, as well as the athletes working recovering.

For Grimm, it is his understanding of the importance of listening to his body that keeps him successful.

By the time he was ready to return to the mound, Grimm realized that his mechanics had been altered. However, altering his mechanics helped him add longevity to his career. He worked with his THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Women-led medical organizations create role models for younger generations MCKENNA CHRISTY FOR THE POST More women are applying to medical school than men in the U.S. The trend more than 50% of medical school applicants were women.

Women’s History Month, according to a previous Post report, is a valuable time to observe the motivations and efforts of women who are changing trends, such as the number of women in STEM industries. The increase of women in medicine is a critical feat for normalizing women in medical roles.

Despite the fact that more women are entering medicine, they still experience the challenges of being a woman in a male-led and -founded industry. rolling in medical school also applies to Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as to osteopathic medicine in the U.S. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, or AACOM, reported 53.4% of applicants for the 2020 academic year were women, which made history as the largest number of female applications ever recorded. Heritage College saw more women enroll than men during the 2020 school year as well: 54% of enrolled students are women.

Osteopathic medicine differs from allopathic, or more traditional, medicine. Medical Doctors, or MDs, practice allopathic medicine, and doctors of osteopathic medicine, or DOs, practice osteopathic medicine.

According to Medical School Headquarters, MDs and DOs are similar in that they are ever they want in medicine.

Osteopathic medical schools teach osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, which emphasizes a holistic approach to treating patients. DOs focus on preventing disease by observing the whole body and how parts of the body function together and increase of DOs over the past six years, and 67.4% of active physicians are MDs while 7.3% of active physicians are DOs. The two types of medical schools are distinct, and students receive different titles afWomen are also the majority in both schools, which can be encouraging to other women who are considering medical school. Alyssa Lambrecht, who is in her second year of medical school at Heritage College and the president of Ohio Women in Medicine, noticed there are more women than men at the 14 / MARCH 31, 2022

school and regards it as empowering.

“I feel like a lot of our club presidents in general are a lot of women,” Lambrecht said.

“And just seeing people not afraid to take on those leadership roles is really inspiring.”

Although there are women taking on leadership roles, a mindset can prevent place. Lambrecht said Ohio Women in Medicine emphasizes the harm of imposter syndrome, which is the feeling of doubting one’s skills and feeling like a fraud. Women may downplay their skills and potentially hold themselves back from chasing their goals, and the organization wants to help female medical students identify imposter syndrome when it arises to stop it from afHistory Month presents an opportunity to learn about and prevent imposter syndrome.

Organizations founded to advocate for women can help women continue to pursue medicine. Lambrecht joined Ohio Women partially for this reason.

“I felt like the skills … they help instill ly men,” Lambrecht said. “It really helps you women are doing it, so you can, too. I stayed in (the organization) to (be) on the exec board because I felt there were some ways that we could learn more about our self empowerment and the ability of women to stay younger students learn that.”

Lambrecht pretty much always knew that she wanted to be a doctor. She is currently interested in oncology and cancer care because of a doctor’s role in supporting people during vulnerable stages of their life.

She chose Heritage College because of the school’s approach to helping patients.

“We talk a lot about different social determinants of health and how people’s back-

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER when you see how recent it really was and even how prenatal care has changed and all that stuff, I think that it’s only going to change more,” O’Connor said. “I think that makes me excited about the future of it because it’s honestly a pretty new and growing

them and how to do that best with their certain situation,” Lambrecht said.

that long ago, people didn’t used to have the same women’s health rights, women’s health care and stuff like that.”

Since women’s health is a growing med-

student at Heritage College and a member of Ohio Women in Medicine. She, similar to Lambrecht, always wanted to go into medicine. O’Connor’s grandma was a paramedic, and her mom was a nurse. She said she had great role models to follow and was exposed to the fast-paced parts of medicine, which she found exciting.

O’Connor said something that sticks out to her regarding women’s history is how new the subject of women’s health is.

“It’s always been a part of our lives, but

medical school, there is a need for role models. Alyssa Kendrick, a second-year medical student at Heritage College and the vice president of the Association of Women Surgeons, has interests in becoming an orthopedic surgeon. She wants to be a role model for other women who are interested in orthopedic surgery. geon,” Kendrick said. “I just want to be that role model and say, ‘Yeah, it is possible to go into that.’”

The number of women physicians in the U.S. is rising but still low. The Association of American Medical Colleges recorded 36.3% of women physicians out of the total number of physicians in 2019. In 2007, it was 28.3%.

The increase is partly due to the rise of female medical students. Female medical students in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine plan to be there for younger women with dreams of becoming doctors and to give back to the people and places they care about.

“I really wanted to come here because I have a lot of family in Ohio, especially southern Ohio, that helped raise me,” Kendrick said. “And I really want to learn as much as I can so I could give back to them one day.”

@MCKENNACHRISTY1 MC957019@OHIO.EDU

OU has never had a female president; women thrive in other positions TATE RAUB FOR THE POST Ohio University has been around for over 215 years. In that time, it has seen 22 presidents, including President Hugh Sherman, but not one of them has been a woman.

Looking at other universities in the state of Ohio, there are several that have had women presidents. Kent State University had from 1991 to 2006 and its second, Beverly Warren, from 2014 to 2019. Bowling Green with its second being Mary Ellen Mazey from 2011 to 2017. Other public universities in Ohio, including Ohio State University, University of Akron, Miami University and University of serve as president, leaving OU as an outlier.

While a university’s president is a key role that keeps it running, there are plenty of other roles at OU that are just as important that women have held.

Eddith Dashiell, director of the school of journalism, is an established woman in journalism and at OU. Dashiell worked as a broadcast journalist for seven years prior to coming to the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism to teach in 1992. Since then, Dashiell has held the titles of associate director for undergraduate studies, associate dean for un-

multicultural graduate affairs.

Dashiell’s work as a professor has earned her many titles as well, including versity Professor Award, the 2013-2014 L.J. Hortin Faculty Mentor Award from the standing Advisor Award.

“If (women and people of color) are paid attention to and they’re taken seriously, their input can help shape students’ experience because it’s not all from one point of view,” Dashiell said. “I can look at an email or policy, and my interpretation is completely different than someone else’s. (When) understanding those differences and how other people think or might perceive that decision, I think it helps to be inclusive and to have more females and people of color at the higher levels.”

Julie White is a professor of political science as well as a core faculty member of the women’s, gender and sexuality studies department at OU. White’s work has focused a lot on the ethical and political aspects of carework and has authored or contributed to multiple published books and has had articles published in several academic journals.

Additionally, White has received the Uni-

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& Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award and the Grasselli Brown Teaching Award as well as both the Outstanding Tutor and Outstanding Mentor Awards from the Honors women’s, gender and sexuality studies related courses in addition to a collaboration with the opportunity to gain India-based study “It’s interesting that in a context where, nationwide, we have about one-third of university presidents identifying as female, that Ohio University has not yet had a female president, especially because we have had strong leadership from women in the position of provost here,” White said in an email.

“I think it is also important to recognize that the struggle to see women in these positions is not merely symbolic. It is about the hope that with more diverse leadership, we make an institution that is attentive to concerns of a diverse university community.”

the University of Arkansas and has since seen the men’s basketball team bring home win and the women’s basketball team at the Women’s National Invitation Tournament

“I think it’s important that all leaders are able to understand the experiences of the our leaders to be able to empathize with and support and lead a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences.” job and despite the pandemic, OU has confundraisers to improve facilities, such as Field and Bob Wren Stadium. One of the social justice-focused group Bobcats Lead The university should continue its commitment to diversity, especially in the roles that make the day-to-day decisions for the university, Dashiell said. Roles in the vice places where having people of color and/or women would have a big impact because of “You have to demonstrate diversity on a campus,” Dashiell said. “The university has a responsibility to not only hire people but (have) inclusion. I’d like to get to the point in our society where it’s not newsworthy anymore. Having a female president at a university should be so commonplace that it doesn’t need to be pointed out.”

@TATERTOT1310 TR602819@OHIO.EDU

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EDITORIAL

OU delayed sending us salary information on its employees. Then it provided incorrect data.

As a public institution, Ohio University owes its community transparency, accountability and reliable information.

However, the university failed to live up to the appropriate standards at multiple points when The Post put together its third annual Salary Guide.

On Oct. 12, 2021, The Post records request to obtain the name, title, academic title, organization and salary of all university employees for the past year.

The request was acknowledged the next day — Oct. 13 — and marked the beginning of a long waiting game.

Executive leadership of The Post followed up with OU Paralegal Shelly Bean and OU spokespeople on multiple occasions about the status of the request.

Emails were sent, and the topic was brought up in Microsoft Teams meetings Post editors have with OU’s University Communications and Marketing Team on a monthly basis.

We were told the data would not be ready until the new year, and then, not until early March 2022. The data was given to The Post on March 4, meaning The Post

waited over 130 days for 2021 salary information.

It is unfathomable how over 130 days could be considered a “promptly” preparation of public records under the Ohio Revised Code — especially considering The Post has made public its intention to produce a Salary Guide every year since 2019.

Requesting this data is nothing new.

UCM then alerted The Post there was an error with the way the Salary Guide was portraying compensation.

The Post originally added together the provided base salary and additional compensation for each university employee in order to best illustrate their total earnings.

However, data provided to The Post by OU’s Human Resources department listed the “base salary” for hourly workers as one hour of wages, skewing the total earnings.

The data we published was identical to what was published on OU’s website. It took a phone call between UCM and The Post where UCM wrongly assumed we — not the university’s HR department — made the mistake. The Post’s Salary Guide has since been updated with medicare

taxable wages in the total earnings column We are disappointed that our university would provide us with inaccurate data and then blame us for their error. We are even more disappointed by the fact that we waited over 100 days to put together this guide in order to give OU students and faculty a valuable source of information, just for it to have an error upon launch. Why were hourly salaries not accurately portrayed in the data compiled by HR when there were over 100 days to get it right?

Access to public records is essential to the work of all journalists. It’s our right, as it is for any private citizen, to gain access to information from institutions that we all pay for and support with tax dollars.

When OU delays sending us information, it delays our reporting, leaving the entire community in the dark on important issues and topics.

We’re not sure why the university took so long to get us this data, and it’s not our job as journalists to make assumptions.

However, every student should be worried

about how the university dragged its feet in providing us with crucial information that matters to every single Bobcat.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post’s executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Abby Miller, Managing Editor Bre Offenberger and Digital Managing Editor Matt Geiger. Post editorials are independent of the publication’s news coverage.

MOMENTS WITH MIMI

BIPOC students are exhausted MIMI CALHOUN BIPOC people are exhausted. Especially at Ohio University with the recent hate crime in Sargent Hall, as well as the one in James Hall, students of color have had to raise their voices to be heard. Now, that’s nothing new. People of color have been decades, but it’s tiring that we still have to continue to do so.

BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and refers to the community that racial minorities have created in response to the whiteness of the U.S. Even though OU advertises diversity and inclusion with its “Make Respect Visible” campaign, the Athens campus is about 79% white. When I look around in my classes, it’s rare that there is another person of color, let alone another Asian.

Despite a lack of focus on uplifting and helping the BIPOC students already here on campus, OU has decided to plas16 / MARCH 31, 2022

ter signs and decals around in a performative manner to increase enrollment of students of color instead. In order to have successful diversity, equity and inclusion, the university should begin by working internally before trying to bite off more than they can chew and trying to consciously recruit BIPOC students.

I believe to be successful in diversity, equity and inclusion, one must not atpercentages of racial ethnicity of the student body. Instead, the main goal should be inclusivity and equity, as those appeals will allow for diversity to follow. OU has faltered in the sense that once BIPOC students have decided to enroll, they are brushed to the side. They have done their duty for the university by being a person of color and are then no longer needed.

Leading that back to the recent protest that occurred on March 24, students marched from Peden Stadium to Cutler Hall in a peaceful demonstration in response to the university’s inaction to the hate crimes. Once more, BIPOC students have had to take the initiative in making sure that they are listened to, as all OU had

done about the crimes was a copy-paste statement sent to student emails. Many students, mainly from the Black community, spoke out at the march and voiced that OU needs to be more proactive instead of reactive.

Standing in the crowd in front of Cutler Hall, I couldn’t hold back tears as I watched Black students speak out about their feelings of fear and lack of safety on a campus that is supposed to be their home.

It’s the BIPOC community connection that made me ache for them. It was evident in all of their eyes that exhaustion, sadness and frustration were prevalent, but also, Those are usually the emotions that BIPOC activists feel: tiredness over having to constantly voice that we deserve to live as freely and as equally as anyone else, acand not be silenced. It’s a double-edged sword. We want to tell our stories and experiences, but it’s also emotionally draining and exhausting to have to be the ones that non-POC people turn to when they’re not sure how to support the community.

If you’re white, these are some of my

personal tips to help support the BIPOC community: Educate yourself. It’s on you to be informed, and it can get burdensome for us to have to tell you our thoughts and feelings about topics that you can take the time to research. Listen. We don’t always want to hear your opinions. Sometimes, we just need an ear. Be a support system.

Similar to just listening, we may just need to know that non-POCs have our backs.

Don’t get me wrong — I love OU and being a student here, but that doesn’t mean needs to improve upon. I think my love for the school means that I want it to be the best it can be, but OU has to take the time and energy to push action forward.

The BIPOC community and I will continat OU, but it will be tiring, and we’ll need support.

Mimi Calhoun is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columThe Post. Do you agree? Email Mimi at mc300120@ohio. edu or tweet her @mimi_calhoun.

HOCKEY

The Bobcats’ bench looks toward the action as the offense attacks the goal in BIrd Arena. (JOE TIMMERMAN | FOR THE POST)

MOLLY BURCHARD FOR THE POST The Southeastern Ohio community has given so much to the hockey program over the past few years. And on Sunday, Ohio was able to give back.

Ohio partnered with the First Respond-

However, the face-off was unlike a normal hockey game. There was no aggressive play and hardly any penalties. Instead, the game was friendly and about more than a win or a loss.

the game of hockey, has held events all over the state of Ohio. Sunday’s game was

Nelsonville for seven years before August 2021, when he was killed in a car accident while on duty. Dawley was a beloved member of the Nelsonville and Athens community.

After his death, Dawley’s family set up a

The face-off took place between the Ohio Hockey Alumni Team and the Columbus Police and Fire Department. Many recent alumni from both Ohio’s Division I and Division II programs came back to support — and bring home a 4-3 win.

graduating high school seniors who want to pursue a career in public safety. The proceeds from the charity game on Sunday went toward the scholarship as well as Dawley’s family.

responders charity hockey game at Bird Arena on Sunday. The foundation, which

17 / MARCH 31, 2022

Being able to give back and support the community is something that is super important to both Jackie and Greg Forquer, the president and secretary, respectively, of Ohio’s Blueline Boosters. Greg Forquer’s especially important to him. When thinking about the possibility that he could have lost his father during his time as an “You don’t think about it when you’re a little kid,” Forquer said. “When your parent puts on the uniform and goes out for the day, that might be the last time you see them. The older you get, the more it gets to the back of your head.”

Ohio coach Lionel Mauron was also glad Ohio could give back to the community that has given so much to it. He’s glad many alumni, including some of his former players, could come back to be part of it as

well. Current players, including Blake Rossi, did not play in the game but helped out.

Rossi helped serve as a referee.

“It’s what it’s all about,” Mauron said.

“The community does so much for us (by) supporting us, supporting the program and the players. Doing little things like this just brings everything together, and I think that’s the type of program that we want to build, so I’m really proud of what we’ve done today.”

@MOLLY_BURCHARD8 MB712319@OHIO.EDU

TRACK AND FIELD

Ohio competes in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Cedarville, Ohio EMMA ERION FOR THE POST

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The Raleigh Relays hosted an eclectic assortment of college track and

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tial they hold.

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@ERIONEMMA EE646020@OHIO.EDU

GOLF

Zach Mandry, Sam Hogan lead Ohio to tie for 5th place in Golfweek Any Given Tuesday Intercollegiate BOBBY GORBETT FOR THE POST

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FILM REVIEW

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘driving home 2 u (a Sour road trip MAGGIE PALMA FOR THE POST Olivia Rodrigo’s career has been an absolute whirlwind since the release of spots where each song of her debut alSOUR

aesthetic.

tion for the song as well as clips of her in Ford Bronco and where she displayed -

Harry Potter series.

it created a lot of self doubt. When creat-

song.

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an interview that it was her favorite song

@MAGGIEPALMA01 MP359120@OHIO.EDU cause she is still learning and growing up. tary about “deja vu” that her intention was

chat with others several days before the

try and create a narrative that she was hating on other girls or wanted her fans to do so.

led her to create the angsty song.

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viewers are able to see the creation and

band running into the ocean to cap off the

8 fun and easy OU classes that don’t require prerequisites GRACE BREZINE FOR THE POST Being in college can be stressful with there is a plethora of courses offered through Ohio University that are enjoy-

JOUR 2230 (Podcasting Survey) Podcasting has become extremely popdesired topic and share their experiencThis podcasting survey course dives deep into the history of the podcasting indus-

hobby, there is an endless number of en-

also learn about the importance of journalistic podcasts and how to reach a large

The best part is: These courses do not

This course is planned to meet twice a

have to worry if you are eligible to register for the class you may be interested

of these interesting courses that will be offered this coming fall: PBIO 1000 (Plants in the Global Environment) For those who need a science credit and are non-science majors, this course is ious students at OU for majors that require

This class is perfect for those who want to learn more about podcasting and how to MKT 2020 (Marketing Principles) For non-business majors who would

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA JUENGER well as a focus on realistic problems of a little lengthy and slightly confusing, it

es on how to protect plant resources and

industry and better understand global

extremely engaging and enriching on the topics of how to be more climate-friendly MUS 1240 (History of Rock Music I)

deeper into the power of the photograph, said he is entertaining and engaging in

under the description, “This course focuses on the power of the photograph to

PAW courses ways to improve physical hobbies and

roll or simply want to learn more about you learn about the early to current stages of this legendary music genre, but you will also discuss its impact on youth culture

a new or simply unpopular course, it has RFM 1100 (Fashion and Culture) This course is perfect for those who love to shop and are interested in fashion

describe it as “a moderately easy class

uses the interesting approach of focus-

ists and bands and the impact they had on

adoption of fashion — in other words, why

engineering technology and management,

also get the opportunity to learn about fashion trends from early decades, which

was interesting to learn about different genres of music, the history behind it and Overall, this class is a fun switch of content from other basic courses and is

sic yoga poses and implements a relaxing

REC courses room, try one of the recreational courses

new hobby, try out the archery course,

of these courses that will be offered in the fall, and some are half-semester courses,

There is even a two-day trip within the ART 1130 (Selfies, Posts, and Fading Paper: Our Family Album)

@GRACEBREZINE GB194519@OHIO.EDU

this course might be a secret gem in the THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

the weekender Athens Sunrise Rotary fundraises with silly night of mystery ANASTASIA CARTER SLOT EDITOR

Silliness and pajamas are what’s in store for Athens Sunrise Rotary’s “The Pajama Party Murders.”

Guests will have to survive a night in the Cosmo household after the death of Bartholomew T. Cosmo, the creator of the world-famous “Cosmo Inflatable Neck Pillow.” Cosmo’s attorney is tasked with collecting the five heirs and involving the audience to solve the murder mystery.

“Each of the characters are played by members of our club,” Jenny Stotts, chair of the murder mystery event, said in an email. “It’s always fun to see familiar local leaders up on stage for a great cause.”

Directed by Patty DeBruin, the performance will take place Friday at Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville. Tickets are on sale for $55 for main floor seats and $45 for balcony seats. Stuart’s no longer requires proof of vaccination, and masks are optional. Guests are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the theme.

“Every year, we pick a theme where guests are encouraged to dress up and participate with a theme,” Kristi Kinnard, club president of Athens Sunrise Rotary, said. “And we’ve had some hilarious themes in the past, but this one was the pajama party.”

The murder mystery event is a key fundraising event for the Athens Sunrise Rotary, directly benefiting its monthly event, Drafts for a Difference. Each month, the Rotary teams up with a different local charity and runs a donation matching program. This year, they’ve worked with Devil’s Kettle Brewing, which donates $1 for every pint sold.

Athens Sunrise Rotary then matches that.

“Our fundraiser had been successful. We ended up just giving away $500 to each organization plus whatever the happy hour site raised,” Kinnard said.

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“So, for example, this year we’ve been able to give between $550 to $650 to every single organization each month.”

Kinnard said this event is what funds all of the organizations and partnerships that they work with throughout the year. Some recent partners of the Rotary include Community Food Initiatives, Ohio Valley Summer Theater, Live Healthy Appalachia, Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program, Athens HOPE, Athens CASA and the Athens ART Guild.

“As an organization, we support the organizations that are already doing great work, and that’s where the fundraising comes in — the financial support,” Kinnard said. “It’s up to us to funnel that money and give visibility to those organizations who are already doing great things in the community.”

The Rotary, specifically, is a social services club that anyone in the community can be a part of. Starting in April, the club will meet every Thursday at 7 a.m. in the backroom of Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St. “We enjoy bringing our community together through service projects and giving back,” Becky Fulks, communications chair for the murder mystery event, said. “It’s just a great opportunity to feel connected at a local and global level.”

After last year’s performance that occurred via online streaming, the rotary members are excited to be back interacting with the audience. Typically, the experience takes place in the lobby of Stuart’s Opera House.

“This will be the first time that we are hosting our murder mystery on the historic Stuart’s Opera House stage,” Fulks said. “It will not be in their normal social setting. We’re actually going to be on the main stage, which will be really, really cool.”

For guests planning to attend, an interactive cocktail hour will begin the event with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s not supposed to be another stuffy, dress up, go to a fundraising

event,” Kinnard said. “It’s supposed to be a place to laugh and have fun and be casual.”

@ACARTER3602 AC732319@OHIO.EDU

IF YOU GO WHAT: Athens Sunrise Rotary’s “The Pajama Party Murders” WHERE: Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville WHEN: Friday at 7:30 p.m.

ADMISSION: $55 for main floor, $45 for balcony

WHAT’S GOING ON? Enjoy live music, watch Micheal Carbonaro lie on stage

CARMEN SZUKAITIS FOR THE POST FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Athens Jazz Festival is hosting a concert at ARTS/West, 132 W. State St. The show will start at 7 p.m. with the Jazz Ensemble II, which is comprised of Ohio University students, with direction from Sean Parsons. After the opening performance, there will be a faculty performance with special guests.

Judge Russo, Golomb, Cellar Dwellar and Big Fat Head are performing at The Union. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and performances will start at 8 p.m.

Admission: $8 for 21+, $10 for under 21 MG Bailey and his one-man band will play at Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St. The show will start at 10 p.m.

Bailey has been performing for 10 years in the Chicago area and surrounding states in the Midwest. Come support this solo artist and enjoy his music.

Admission: Free SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Michael Carbonaro: Lies on Stage at MemAud at 7 p.m. Join Carbonaro as he tricks your mind with incredible magic and offbeat shenanigans.

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Admission: Free Fiesta Latina is hosted by the Latino Student Union at The Union, 18 W. Union St. Doors open at 8 p.m. Join them for the last Fiesta Latina of the semester for Latino music, drinks and a good time.

Admission: $5 for 21+, $3 for under 21

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 Lost Flamingo Company Presents: The Children’s Hour at 7 p.m. at ARTS/ West. The play shows the dangers of hate and intolerance as it follows two women who have been accused of homosexual activity in 1930s New England and the problems that ensued once outed. The play is based on a true story and authored by Lillian Hellman, and the themes she stresses are tolerance, forgiveness, healing and mental health.

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SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

APRIL 2022 Well-Being Calendar 3

Turn on music for a mood boost.

4

Want to make friends? Check out student orgs on Bobcat Connect.

5

Take action on that passion project.

10 Reach out 11 Spend time 12 When

to a loved one who might be lonely right now.

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outdoors for greater peace of mind.

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you want to complain, look for something to appreciate instead.

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6

Give to others. Donate extra food to the Cats’ Cupboard.

7

Restore yourself with a mindfulness practice.

13 You’re well 14 Try

into the new year now, check that your goals are still in line with your priorities.

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a walking meditation along the Hocking River.

21

FRIDAY

1

Find your inner calm with a yoga session at Ping.

8

SATURDAY

2

See the cherry blossom trees bloom.

9

Call someone you care about.

Find a way to give to others.

15 Spread

16 Share your

good vibes. Give a compliment to the barista at your favorite Campus Café.

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troubles with a friend.

23

Think about the ways you’ve been lucky in life.

Do a kind deed for a fellow Bobcat.

Cope with dark moods by getting some exercise.

Plan to do something pleasant today.

Maybe a walk across the greens!

Be mindful of suffering; try not to resist or deny your pain.

Offer help to a coworker or classmate when they need it.

Feel like you need somewhere to talk? Join Togetherall.

24 Look for

25 Notice

26 Reflect

27 Give

28 Take

29 Teach

30 Remember

values you have in common with people who are different from you.

experiences of awe, wonder, and beauty in everyday life.

on your hopes for your college experience.

yourself care and compassion, because you deserve it.

a moment to reflect on your experiences this year.

FOLLOW THE WELL-BEING CHALLENGE: INSTAGRAM.COM/BOBCATWELLBEING

someone how do something you love — cooking, knitting, skateboard!

that achieving your goals takes time and perseverance.