Oct. 18, 2023

OCTOBER 19, 2023

ATHENS IS SHIVERING WITH...

Legalizing weed and what Issue 2 means for OU pg. 2 President Gonzalez Gets Inducted pg. 5 Pop-punk sounds are back on the rise pg. 20

Marijuana merchandise sold at Import House located in Athens, Ohio, Oct. 5, 2023. (JENNA SLYMAN | FOR THE POST)

OU’s marijuana policy not dependent on Issue 2

AVERY ST. GEORGE FOR THE POST

T

he City of Athens has decriminalized marijuana laws since 2017. Now, Ohio might follow its lead as Issue 2 – which will legalize the sale of marijuana for adults who are at least 21 years old and also legalize homegrown plants – will be on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson said someone possessing marijuana will get a minor misdemeanor charge, but there will be no added fines with the charge.

Since the city has decriminalized its marijuana laws, Patterson said Athens Chief of Police Nick Magruder indicated that there have been approximately 12 citations associated with marijuana in Athens in the last six years.

If Issue 2 passes, marijuana sales would be taxed at 10% on top of the existing state and county sale taxes, generating an influx of annual revenue for state and local governments.

The increased tax revenue will be used to increase funding for public safety, road improvements, drug treatment and prevention, and investment in areas disproportionately affected by past marijuana-related criminal charges.

“If it goes legal, the system better catch up and start saying, ‘We’ve made it legal,’” Patterson said. “Why would anybody (continue) to be held within the correctional system on

something that is now legal?”

After Athens passed the decriminalization laws, other cities – including Glouster, Jacksonville and Trimble – in Athens County followed its lead to pass similar bills.

“I am not surprised,” Patterson said. “The legalization of recreational marijuana has come up in the past, and (I) had been expecting, at some point, for it to come back up again.

The city has been going down this road for many years for a long time, in terms of looking at various ways in which we can decriminalize marijuana here in the City of Athens.”

Even if Issue 2 passes, the Ohio University Code of Conduct, which all OU students signed, states that students are prohibited from the use and/or possession of marijuana or substances derived from marijuana unless expressly permitted by law.

The rule applies to all students attending the university, both on and off campus, but regulating the use of marijuana off-campus is mostly left to the Athens Police Department.

Ohio University Police Department Staff Lieutenant Tim Ryan said marijuana has not been a problem for OUPD, and he does not foresee Issue 2 – if passed – being an added issue.

However, since OU is a public university, it isn’t required to follow state and federal laws regarding marijuana use.

“Marijuana of all forms remains illegal at the federal level, and Ohio University must comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. All forms of marijuana, cannabis products and paraphernalia are not permitted to be on campus at any time for any reason,” Dan Pittman, senior director of communications for OU, wrote in an email.

Since the university receives federal funding, it is required to implement a program aimed at preventing students, faculty and staff from using illicit drugs and abusing alcohol. If Issue 2 passes, then it would not affect OU’s current marijuana policy because it is not a federal law.

However, the university could reevaluate its policy if new federal laws or amendments were to be passed that would affect the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Patterson said he hopes to see the federal government start taking the initiative to make a change to its current laws on marijuana, too.

“It would be great if the federal government would deschedule marijuana as a controlled substance, and because by doing that, it makes it easier and legal on the revenue side for the banking of the monies that are generated through medical (and recreational) marijuana,” Patterson said.

@AVERYSLIFE365 AS781522@OHIO.EDU

COVER PHOTO BY MEGAN VANVLACK | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

OU professors, student leader call for peace in Israel PAYTON DAUGHERTY FOR THE POST The long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has intensified following an attack committed by Hamas in Israel Oct. 7.

The attack was carried out as a part of a much longer conflict between Israel and Palestine. Amnesty International, a human rights–watching organization, labeled Israel an apartheid state and said their system of domination against Palestinians is a crime against humanity, according to a report.

At least 1,400 Israelis were killed by Hamas during the incursion and more were taken as captives, according to a Washington Post report. The Israeli government responded by formally declaring war on Hamas and firing artillery on Gaza.

The report, which was published Oct. 17, included that Israeli artillery strikes have killed 2,778 people in Gaza and wounded 9,900 others, according to Palestinian officials.

Loren Lybarger, a professor of classics and religious studies at OU, said the land has always had various religious groups living in it, which has caused long-standing religious competition.

“When the Byzantine Christian empire existed, they expelled the Jews from Jerusalem,” Lybarger said. “When the

Muslims conquered Jerusalem, they allowed the Jews to return and really saw themselves as reestablishing the religion of Abraham.”

Lybarger said both Israeli and Palestinian lives have been lost in the conflict, and neither side should be minimized or dismissed.

“Hamas now is the face of the Palestinians, and this is deeply unfortunate in my opinion,” Lybarger said. “You don’t get to claim the moral high ground of international law and international conventions and then immediately carry out a massacre of civilians. (You) immediately cede the moral ground, relinquish it, forfeit it when you do this sort of thing.”

Molly Cohen, a junior studying communications and president of OU’s Chabad, said she went on her birthright trip last year and visited Israel for the first time. She said she felt a connection to the land, especially because she was there during Hanukkah.

Cohen said it is hard not to feel helpless without a clear solution to the conflict apart from faith. She said conversations on social media have oversimplified an incredibly complicated issue.

“The main message, which is what most people want … is just peace, and just so we can all get along,” Cohen said.

Lybarger said the reason Hamas committed the attack was because of the failures of international diplomacy, the failure to establish a meaningful, viable Palestinian state and

the failure of the Biden administration to take the Palestinians seriously.

The Post was unable to reach The Muslim Students Association at OU for comment at this time.

Tom Hayes, a professor of film at OU, organized a pro-Palestine protest in the middle of the intersection of Court Street and Union Street Wednesday. He stood in the middle of the intersection carrying the Palestine flag to spread the “Free Palestine” message.

“This is something that lives in me,” Hayes said. “These are my friends. I just don’t know what else to do besides at least hold the flag for these people.”

He reiterated prior sentiments about wanting shared democracy and peace for all.

“It's time for the United States to have an even-handed single foreign policy,” Hayes said. “If we stand for democracy, then we should stand for democracy and human rights for Palestinians, just as we do for Israelis, just as we do for American citizens. We should have one foreign policy for every human being on this planet.”

CAMPUS EVENTS October 19th - October 31st October 19 Law Fair 11:30 -2:00 pm Ping Rec Center October 19 OU Women’s Baseball Cherry Bombs Cage Night 6:00 - 7:00pm Walter Fieldhouse

SCAN

for more events

Bobcat Hockey

Social Engagement & Student Org Events

October 19 Bobcat Tabletop Legacy Game Night 5:30 - 11:00pm Living Learning Ctr

October 20 Friday’s Live Host Ben Hooper 8:00 -11:45 pm Studio C (RTV 515)

October 19 AVW Film Lighting Workshop 6:00 -7:00 pm RTV 281

October 22 Self Defense Seminar OU MMA Club 12:00 - 2:00pm Ping Rec Center

October 20 Costume Contest & Games OU Extra Life / Magic the Gathering 7:00 -11:00pm Schoonover Center

October 22 Phi Delta Epsilon Anatomy Fashion Show 2:30 - 5:00pm Baker Ballroom

October 22 Mindful Hike - 2mi 10:00 - 12:30pm Ridges Yellow Trail *For carpool meet in Patton parking lot at 10

October 29 Pioneer Tournament 5:15 - 8:00pm Little Professor Book Ctr *Arrive before start-time to participate

Ben Palmer 7:00 -8:00pm Baker Theatre

Admin 6:00 - 7:30pm Grosvenor W109

CIC October 31 Networking Event October 24 10.25 Opportunities in Health UPC PresentsX 4.75 October 27 Student Affairs Appy Hour 1:00 - 3:00pm Baker 3rd Floor Atrium

@PAYTONDAUG PD162120@OHIO.EDU

Sorority & Fraternity Life

October 19 OHIO Greeks 101 Baker 237 12:00 - 2:00PM

October 27 Ohio vs Adrain Bird Arena 7:00 PM

November 3 & 4 Ohio vs Syracuse Bird Arena 7:00 PM Campus Rec & Wellbeing

October 24 Pleasure Activism Discussion Part 2 Women’s Center/Baker 403 12 PM – 1 PM DADS WEEKEND

2023 events

* To have your event included on this calendar make sure it is registered on Bobcat Connect!

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 3

OU holds investiture ceremony for President Gonzalez

Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez during her induction ceremony at Memorial Auditorium, on College Green in Athens, Ohio, Oct. 18, 2023. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

PAIGE FISHER NEWS STAFF WRITER Ohio University held an inauguration and investiture ceremony at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium Wednesday for the institution’s first female president in 219 years, OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez.

Faculty Senate Chair Sarah Wyatt began the ceremony with an academic processional and welcome. She also introduced James Andzulis, secretary of the faculty senate, who carried the ceremonial mace.

After everyone took their places, Jennifer Bennett, chair of the OU administrative senate, gave an introduction and a video presentation of the student-made movie, “Place,” which celebrated the event’s theme.

Chair of the OU Board of Trustees, Peggy Viehweger, made remarks about Gonzalez and what they were looking for while searching for OU’s 23rd president.

“We wanted someone who understood our university and the region it serves, but also could bring perspective from other institutions across higher education,” Vierweger said. “Someone who shared our commitment to student success as the number one priority.”

Randy Gardner, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, also shared some remarks about his feelings toward Gonzalez and how her presidency will benefit OU. “I have specific evidence that President Gonzalez's pres4 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

idency is supportive of this campus,” Gardner said. “I was at a statewide conference just last Thursday, and I saw an Ohio University faculty member on an elevator … I informed him I might see him at the investiture this week, and he responded without hesitation, ‘She's fantastic.’”

He noted that Gonzalez is already off to a “tremendous start” in her new position and thanked Gonzalez for promising to be a part of OU’s future.

A poem called “The First” was written and recited by poet laureate Kari Gunter-Seymour in honor of Gonzalez being OU’s first female president.

Introducing Gonzalez was her former colleague, Douglas Craddock, vice president for community engagement at the University of Louisville.

In his introduction, Craddock notes the importance of student success to Gonzalez and how she would take time out of her day to meet with students, even if that meant skipping meals at times.

“She always improved upon our team,” Craddock said.

“Her goal isn’t always within the system, it’s in achieving the academic but also personal goals—working to remove barriers to success, fostering a culture of inclusive innovation and in providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel in life.”

He reflected on the kindness shown to him by both Lori and her husband, Randy Gonzalez, and how much strength and confidence she will bring to OU, even introducing her as the “Michael Jordan” of presidents.

Following her introduction, Gonzalez was sworn in as president, promising to uphold the rites of investiture, and she was presented with the seal of office and OU’s charter.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to lead this incredible university and to work alongside my Ohio colleagues, as we preserve our heritage and chart a course for the future,” Gonzalez said.

In her presidential address, Gonzalez spoke about her dedication to education and expanding opportunities to the Appalachian region, having grown up in the region herself.

“My own immediate family believed in education as the pathway to opportunity,” Gonzalez said. “I've learned during my years of service at public institutions that education offers economic mobility, drives innovation, and improves lives and community.”

To conclude her speech, Gonzalez talks about the Alumni Gateway, located at the intersection of Court Street and Union Street, and what the inscription means.

“We come in to learn, and we leave to serve; I'm honored to steward these words to carry forward the investment that our founders, students, faculty, staff, alumni in the state of Ohio have made and will continue to make and to protect the vision inscribed in the gateway,” Gonzalez said.

@PAIGEMAFISHER PF585820@OHIO.EDU

Stolen cat, man caught with stolen motorcycle KENDALL WRIGHT FOR THE POST Oink oink A loose pig on state Route 56 in New Marshfield was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

The complainant said the pig was running around the neighborhood, but once officers arrived on scene, no pig was located.

Drinking and driving in the dark … great idea A suspicious vehicle on University Terrace was identified by the Ohio University Police Department.

During contact, officers determined that the individual was intoxicated and cited the person with an OVI. The individual was also cited for not having headlights on.

Storage wars Two males attempting to break into storage units in The Plains were reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate the suspects or any evidence that would support breaking and entering.

They’re never carpooling again A stolen vehicle from the state Route 550 Park & Ride was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

The caller, an Athens resident, told the Sheriff’s Office that someone had stolen their vehicle from the location over the past weekend.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol located the vehicle, which was found crashed. Deputies filed a report.

False alarm OUPD deployed its K-9 explosive detection team on an unattended backpack in parking lot 105. No threat was found.

GIVE THEM THEIR CAT BACK A cat was stolen from Luhrig Road in Athens, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Officers filed a report.

Keep it to yourself fam A drunk and disorderly male in Glouster Park was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, deputies arrested the man and took him to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail for disorderly conduct by intoxication.

Back that bumper up

OUPD patrol car sits outside of a set of dorms in Athens, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2023. (JOE HALLQUIST | FOR THE POST)

A vehicle backing into a gas pump at the Marathon gas station in Guysville was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, the driver’s information was collected and a report was filed.

Dorm drinkin’ An alcohol offense in Mackinnon Hall was reported to the Ohio University Police Department.

An individual was charged with underage consumption of alcohol and intoxication.

Harassment is so overrated A complaint of threatening messages over Facebook on Main Street in Jacksonville was reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies filed a report, and as of last week, the investigation is pending.

Safe disposal Narcotics located at the Dollar General

in The Plains were reported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

The narcotics were collected and as of Monday, the incident is under review.

If you steal, don’t make it obvious A reckless motorcyclist in Chauncey was reported to the Sheriff’s Office. Officers were informed of the possible location and description of the driver.

Road in New Marshfield was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon arrival, officers determined a suspect and arrested an individual on means of assault. Officers transported the individual to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

@KENDALLKWRIGHT KW229520@OHIO.EDU

Deputies arrived at the residence provided and located the man in possession of the motorcycle. It was found that the vehicle was stolen from Fairfax County in Virginia.

The man in possession of the vehicle was arrested for receiving stolen property and transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.

Always prepared An individual who was sprayed with pepper spray at their residence on Gun Club

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

Citizens discuss the importance of casting a ballot DISHA HOQUE FOR THE POST With the Nov. 7 election quickly approaching, politicians and advocates are gathering supporters and spreading information about the issues at stake on the ballot.

The 2023 Ohio election ballot includes positions and topics on both a state and local level. At a state level, citizens of Ohio are heading to the polls to vote on Issues 1 and 2, which could have major effects on citizens.

Issue 1 deals with abortion rights and the right to privacy in the state of Ohio. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, states are now able to vote on abortion access and other reproductive rights. Issue 1 proposes an Ohio constitutional amendment that would enact Section 22 of Article 1.

As the Ohio Secretary of State’s Statewide Ballot Issues document states, the passing of this issue would establish “an individual’s right to one’s own reproductive medical treatment, including but not limited to abortion,” along with other reproductive safeties.

Students at Ohio University hold strong beliefs about the issue at hand.

Autumn Warren, a senior studying outdoor recreation and education, argued the rejection of Issue 1 will have catastrophic effects on minority populations.

“Abortion is health care, and people will die if access to abortion is limited more significantly than it already is,” Warren said. “The people that are going to be affected by it are going to be people that are already oppressed in other ways, like women of color and people in poverty.”

Warren is not the only one who held this perspective. According to a poll taken by Spectrum News, 58% of Ohioans are likely to vote in favor of Issue 1 in November.

On the flip side, those against the installment of Issue 1 advocate for the potential dangers of accessible abortion and reproductive care.

Emma Gobert, a senior studying biology, is a member of Ohio University Students For Life. The organization works to spread information on facts related to abortion and reproductive rights, as well as resources for students.

Gobert emphasized the importance of looking at political issues from different perspectives. “(It’s important) to look at someone in favor of the issue and someone not in favor of the issue and kind of looking at both of those sides and why they believe in both of those sides,” she said.

The other statewide issue on the ballot this fall, Issue 2, revolves around the legalization of marijuana. Issue 2 would legalize and regulate adult use of cannabis. The passing of the issue will establish a Division of Cannabis Control and install regulations for the legal cultivation of marijuana.

Aside from these two state issues, local elections are also important, although much less discussed.

The Athens local election ballot includes many local officer positions including mayor, council member and Board of Education member. A proposed Athens School District bond issue and county tax levy will also appear on the ballot.

Regardless of political opinions, many feel strongly about the importance of voting.

6 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

An election sign in the window of the Athens County Board of Elections. Oct. 10, 2023. (ETHAN HERX | FOR THE POST)

Matthew Layton, an associate political science professor, discussed the impact voting in local elections has on citizens.

“Local communities are where we live our day-to-day lives,” Layton said. “While federal policy shapes our daily experience, the quality of our day-to-day life is largely driven by local factors. A lot of the things that shape the very specific details of our lives are often determined by local officials.”

Although finding reliable and educational sources when researching local topics at stake can often be difficult compared to nationwide and presidential elections, resources are still available to those who need information before casting their vote.

For those voting in Athens this fall, the Athens County Board of Elections website offers profiles for elected officials, candidate and voter tools, as well as information on polling sites.

“We sometimes have to work a little bit harder to get information about our choices for local elections,” Layton said.

“But if you want to participate in that process of making your community a place that you want to live, it's probably worth it to get yourself informed about the local candidates—what their proposals are for how to improve the community and the direction that they want the policies of their local community to go.”

From local officer positions to statewide issues, the importance of a vote still remains the same for eligible citizens as it allows Ohioans to speak and utilize the rights democracy offers, said Layton.

Seda Feldman, a sophomore studying social work, held passionate views regarding utilizing the right to vote.

“If you have the privilege to be able to vote, I say it’s silly to not use that privilege because not everybody has that ability,” said Feldman. “Even if it feels like you're not (directly) impacting, it's kind of more just the idea that you have the ability to.”

Although the deadline to register to vote has passed, it is still critical that those already registered remember to cast their ballot at their respective polling location Nov. 7, whether it is in their hometown or Athens County. Early voting and mail-in voting are also available for those unable to make it to a voting center Nov. 7.

“Even if it feels like you're not impacting, like directly, just the idea that you have the ability to do so, you should use that power,” Feldman said.

@DISHAHOQUE05 DH390522@OHIO.EDU

Athens offers support to survivors of domestic violence KAYLIN PICKETT FOR THE POST October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it is an opportunity for people to educate themselves on the signs of domestic violence as well as how to seek help. The City of Athens seeks to provide survivors with support and resources.

Domestic violence affects more than 12 million people every year. That includes being a survivor of intimate partner violence, being stalked by an intimate partner and experiencing sexual violence, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline describes domestic violence as “a pattern of behavior of a partner that is used to maintain power and control over another partner.”

Taylor Ebert, a survivor advocate of the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program, said there are certain signs to look for in a relationship if abuse is suspected.

“Definitely if that person seems isolated,” said Ebert. “That is a very common thing with domestic violence, the abuser will isolate them from friends and family.”

In Athens, there are multiple resources for people to learn more about the subject and for survivors to find support.

For students at OU, both the Women’s Center and Survivor Advocacy Program offer services and support for people who have experienced domestic violence.

The Women’s Center offers a wide range of programs and events to help support women in any way possible.

“Our focus is on gender equity, education, advocacy and support,” said Chris Fowler, the director of the Women’s Center.

Though its focus is not solely on domestic violence, it will partner with the Survivor Advocacy Program and host events like the upcoming event “What Were You Wearing?” in November.

The Survivor Advocacy Program is another resource for anyone who has experienced domestic violence or knows someone who has.

It is a free and completely confidential resource for OU students.

Its staff consists of licensed social workers who provide support and

resources for survivors and co-survivors, who are people who know a survivor. It provides many different services to help survivors get access to the resources they need.

“We provide individual advocacy services,” Ebert said. “We can provide courtroom advocacy, we walk people through the legal process. We also provide medical advocacy, and we can send an advocate with someone who experienced sexual assault to help them through the hospital process.”

An appointment can be scheduled with an advocate on the Survivor Advocacy Program’s website or it can be reached through its hotline at 740-597-7233 There are also services that are offered in Athens that are separate from the university

like My Sister’s Place, a domestic abuse support agency.

It offers a wide variety of services for anyone who is a survivor.

“We have an emergency shelter for any victim of domestic violence,” said Kelly Madewell, the executive director. “We have a 24/7 hotline, outreach counseling, case management and transitional housing.”

The best way to get in contact with My Sister’s Place is to call its hotline at 1-800443-3402.

My Sister’s Place also offers an animal shelter program called My Sister’s Paws, a resource for people to use to house their pets while they are staying at the emergency shelters.

It is important to remember that anyone can try to do their part to combat domestic violence just by checking in with their friends.

“Asking (a friend) ‘How are you?’ and ‘How are you really?’ and just being patient,” said Letitia Price, the assistant director of the Women’s Center. “So it’s good to just allow people to feel comfortable.”

@KAYLINPICKETT KP240121@OHIO.EDU

MIA PISHOTTI | FOR THE POST

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

Students debate over OU dietary accommodations MAGGIE VALENTINE FOR THE POST Ohio University’s two main dining halls, Boyd Dining Hall and Nelson Court, often provide a sanctuary for many students as they can come together and socialize or study, all while enjoying an easy meal. Although most students can easily come and go, enjoying the luxury of an all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, the students who require special accommodations due to allergies or dietary restrictions may not always have the same experience.

One option for students searching for accommodations is “Margaret’s Made for You” at Boyd Dining Hall which offers made-toorder meals for those with dietary or allergy restrictions. Ally Parker, a sophomore studying visual communications, cannot eat gluten and finds going to Margaret’s challenging due to the distance from her dorm and the lack of selection they provide.

“I live on South Green, so I’m never over in that direction, and my classes are normally in Schoonover,” she said. “I only go a couple of times, and they mainly just have the gluten-free pasta and stir fry and then one specialty item. They don’t have a ton of diverse options there.”

Another student, Nathan Turner, a sophomore studying biology, is a vegetarian and also struggles when going to Margaret’s.

“Every time I go, they have a non-gluten infused meatloaf or non-gluten infused chicken,” said Turner. “I never see really a vegetarian option unless I want to get the stir fry which isn’t always appealing.”

On South Green, Nelson does not have a

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dietary restricted section but still often puts out a variety of vegetarian options, such as salad or pasta, that can be prepared without meat. They also offer gluten-free items, such as pizza. However, they are often not clearly labeled, which makes it difficult for students to identify what they can and cannot eat.

“I’ll go in and there’ll be something on

the menu that I saw (that) I can eat, and then it’s not there,” Parker said. “And then there’s something else but I don’t know what’s in it. I can’t try it.”

This makes Turner nervous as well about the possibility of mistakenly consuming something.

“I’m always just like kind of worried that something’s actually not going to be what’s shown on the menu,” Turner said. “That happens a lot.”

According to Culinary Service’s online special diets page, there are occasions when ingredients have to be substituted day-of due to commercial manufacturers changing things without informing culinary services or other unforeseen circumstances.

OU’s Culinary Services has a dietitian, Angie Bohyer, whose goal is to help students navigate the dining halls safely regarding their dietary needs. Parker has reached out to Boyher and found her information helpful but the results were disappointing.

“She said that you can call ahead and they’ll give you a gluten-free box or tell you what they have but the only thing really is bread,” Parker said. “I tried to ask one time, I went in and asked for a gluten-free bun for a cheeseburger and they said, ‘Oh, we’re all out.’”

Students have also noticed dining halls seem more prepared and organized when there are special events or big weekends, such as the recently celebrated Homecoming.

“There were little pieces of paper saying what each dish was and it had the (dietary) symbols on it,” Parker said. “They don’t do that regularly. Why don’t they have this all the time?”

Turner said this fosters a feeling of exclusion and negligence.

“I feel kind of excluded every time I am there, and there’s not something always available, and then I do go on the weekends and I see so much more of everything that is available,” he said.

According to the Culinary Services’ 202021 Food Allergy and Special Diets brochure, Culinary Services is committed to providing inclusive service in a caring environment.

Parker and Turner said they believe the dining halls and the culinary team are capable of making these accommodations, yet see their lack of commitment and feel as if they are missing a crucial part of the college experience which is the dining hall.

“I feel like they’re trying just so they can’t get people mad at them and stuff, but they aren’t doing a ton, and I feel like if they just did something at Nelson that would help,” Parker said.

@MAGGIEAVAL MV070921@OHIO.EDU

Cult-ivating a classic

Athens ‘shivers with anticipation’ for

‘Rocky’

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 9

Lost in the lips

ALYSSA CRUZ CULTURE EDITOR

The Lost Flamingo Theatre Company, or LFC, would like, if it may, to take their audience on a strange journey. Something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong, but LFC is hoping everything will go right for this year’s production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

LFC’s “Rocky” is a fan-favorite of many Athenians and Ohio University students alike. After all, there are not many chances to parade around uptown Athens in thongs,

lacey brassieres and over-the-top accessories.

This interpretation of “Rocky” is a shadow show, which means the performance will be done with the 1975 movie projected in the background. However, the choreogra-

Portrait of Riff Raff, played by Heylea Allen, for the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 6, 2023.

(SKYLAR SEAVEY | FOR THE POST)

Portrait of Audri Wilde and Lily Sellers for the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Oct. 6, 2023. (SKYLAR SEAVEY | FOR THE POST)

10 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

phy—or in this case, the whoreography—is original to the cast.

The story centers around two sweethearts, Brad and Janet, who come across the twisted mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Frank-N-Furter’s latest experiment is the living muscle man, Rocky, whom he creates in his laboratory. The erotic and kinky nature of the film is iconic, as well as the plethora of memorable characters.

According to the BBC, the movie was originally a box office flop. However, a devout fan base started a cult following for the movie and holds the record for the longest continuously-running movie release of all time.

The entire cast of LFC’s “Rocky” is comprised of current and former OU students.

This includes the director, Maxwell Levitsky, a senior studying music production at Hocking College. This is Levitsky’s third year being involved with the production, but his first as the director. He said the position has been a goal of his for a while due to his love for the show.

“It was something that I always wanted to do,” he said. “I started watching “Rocky” when I was 11, and it has always been one of my favorite things.”

LFC’s “Rocky” operates under a grandfather rule where cast members who previously starred in the production are welcome to return to the role they were originally

cast in. Because of this, the cast is usually tweaked only moderately every year.

However, this year is different because the principal characters of Brad and Janet are played by first-timers.

Additionally, the role of Brad was gender-bent, and a woman was cast in the place of a man who would traditionally play the role. Levitsky was pleased with how this decision made it possible to discover more depths of the character as well as allow the actor to make it more their own.

“It has shown what our production has to offer, which is just allowing people to feel out some aspect of themself that isn’t always seen,” he said. “We just want people to feel comfortable and put everything they have into it and feel confident in themselves. It really helps that our cast is just so dedicated.”

This “new” Brad is played by Lily Greiser, a fifth-year studying political science, and this is her first year as a part of the “Rocky” cast. She discussed how she approached the audition process differently due to her goal for the role.

“I was nervous going into the audition process because I felt like it was another kind of barrier to cross (because) I had to kill it but I also did that with the boys, and I had to stand out,” she said. “But I’m really grateful to be here, and I’m really excited to play the role.”

She has approached the character by leaning into specific energies that already exist as well as igniting more.

“I’m bringing classic Brad Mahors energy to it,” Greiser said. “He’s a lesbian now. It’s exciting to be able to portray that because I feel like the queer community in Athens is so supportive of this production, so I’m

Heylea Allan, Riff Raff, sings with the Whorus at their dress Rehersal at The Union, Oct. 18, 2023 (ZOE CRANFILL | FOR THE POST)

really excited to be representation for everybody.”

Regarding the looming show night, she said she had mixed feelings but is mostly looking forward to the audience’s energy. “(I’m) nervous but I’m also excited just to see the energy,” Greiser said. “(The energy) is known to be just amazing for ‘Rocky.’”

Alex Cairney, The Lips, at Quinn Bennett, a senior studying environ- their dress rehearsal at The mental sciences, is not new to the pre-show Union, Oct. 18, 2023. Rocky jitters but still anticipates the fueling anxiety. will be perfomred by the Lost This is his second year playing the lead char- Flamingo Theater Company members three times startacter, Frank-N-Furter, but not his last. ing on October 19 with their “It’s such a feeling of good anxiety,” he said. opening night. (ZOE CRAN“It’s such a driving feeling of ‘I’m ready to per- FILL | PHOTO EDITOR) form, and I’m ready to have a good time.’”

Everyone’s motivations for doing “Rocky,” as well as everyone’s favorite memories from doing the show, vary. For Bennett, he associates the show with the friendships he has made.

“The story of “Rocky” is great because it’s about accepting who you are and accepting that pleasure is important in your life,” he said. “For me, my memories of “Rocky” are all getting to do it with my best friends.”

Maeve Turner, a sophomore studying film and entrepreneurship, is the assistant director for the production. This is Turner’s second year on the cast of “Rocky,” and she is excited to leave her mark as the assistant director.

“Rocky is a living, breathing production,” Turner said. “It’s something that can always change. Even though we’ve been doing it for years, it looks very different.”

This year is extra special because it marks 20 years of LFC performing “Rocky.”

Quinn Bennett, For many, the story of “Rocky” is more playing Frank-nthan just a musical. Not only is it a beacon Furter, reaches for many queer people, but it also serves as up toward the an opportunity for many to express their lights during the sexuality. dress rehearsal “I think that this movie was definitely of The Rocky Horror Picture ahead of its time and did a lot of things for Show, produced the gay community in terms of acceptance,”

by The Lost FlaTurner said. “I see people get comfortable mingos Theater with themselves in their own skin in a differCompany, at The ent way than I think in any other production Union, Oct. 18, 2023, in Athens, or any other movie.”

Ohio. (MEGAN For some, the show is bittersweet. MakenVANVLACK | zie Price, a fifth-year studying communicaSTAFF PHOTOGtions, is portraying the character of Magenta RAPHER) for the final time.

“I’m really excited to do this for the last time,” she said. “This role has changed my life coming here. I would have never expected to do this. It’s weird to be doing this for the third year, but I knew I needed to do it one more time, and now I’m ready to say goodbye to the role.”

Price wanted to go out with a bang and achieve her goal of providing the audience with a safe space to get in touch with themselves.

“I’m just excited to allow people to feel they can be themselves again, and allowing people to be who they are and feel who they are with coming to the show,” she said.

Additionally, Price said the Magenta character has allowed her to discover more about herself.

“I really love this show because I can express my sexuality and never have before,” she said. “I just love that the show allows all sexualities and all genders, and it’s just you being you in any way you want to be.”

Hosted at The Union, located at 18 W. Union St., the audience will have three chances to attend the performance on Oct. 19, 20 and 21. Tickets are sold at the door for $8 for those above 21 and $10 for those below 21.

The Post would like to acknowledge there are paid staffers who are members of the “Rocky” cast. However, none of these paid staffers were involved in the interviewing, writing or editing process of this story. @ALYSSADANCCRUZ AC974320@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

The man behind the defense, Spence Nowinski ROBERT KEEGAN III SPORTS EDITOR Throughout the 2023 season, Ohio has featured one of the best defenses in not just the Mid-American Conference but throughout all of college football. When some think of the dominance of the Ohio defense, names like Bryce Houston and Keye Thompson understandably come to mind, but few think of the mastermind behind it all: second-year Defensive Coordinator Spence Nowinski.

Nowinski took the job as DC ahead of last season, coming to Ohio from MAC rival Miami. The Wisconsin native was attracted to the Ohio job as a result of his relationship with Ohio Head Coach Tim Albin.

“Coach Albin, I said I’ve known for 20 years, he’s been a pretty incredible friend and an incredible mentor to me,” Nowinski said. “He’s different than me in a lot of respects, not just offensively and defensively, but I burn pretty hot and my fuse is pretty short and Coach is much different. Coach is very calm, very cool…he’s very fatherly to everybody. When I burn hot, he extinguishes that.”

A native of a small town in central Wisconsin, Athens feels like home for Nowinski and his family. The town where he grew up was a bit smaller than Athens, but the people were largely the same.

“I’m from a real little town in North Central Wisconsin, it’s much smaller than Athens, but it reminds me of Athens,” Nowinski said. “You know, tough, hard-nosed, gritty people that work really, really hard, but they enjoy life. They have personality, they like to celebrate good things and they like to rally around things that are important to them.”

Nowinski’s relationship with Coach Albin is at least partially to the team’s success over the last two seasons. However, it’s not just Albin who Nowinski aims to have a relationship with—it’s everybody in the program whom he works with.

Houston and Thompson have each played major roles as leaders for the team so far this season, and both accredit Nowinski as the best coach they’ve ever had.

“He is my favorite coach I’ve ever had; I would say that for a lot of the people on the defensive side of the ball,” Houston said. “It’s not just how intense he is; he really does love us and we know that. We know that that’s a bad dude; he gives off his swag and his confidence and it feeds on us just knowing how confident he is in us to make plays; we owe it to him to be able to do that for us. We see he’s a great father, we see how he is with his kids and he doesn’t change. He acts like me

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ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

and Keye (Thompson) are his sons, just like his own two sons.”

Nowinski will be the first to tell you that he can be a little bit hot-headed in nature, but in the end, he wants the team to have fun playing football and enjoy showing up every day just like he does.

“A lot of weeks, guys are bumped and bruised and beat up and it just can’t be miserable all the time,” Nowinski said. “I want to see us play hard and I want to see us play physical so that mental side can’t always

be hard and physical; there has to be some levity there. That’s been my approach for 29 years and that’s what I love about it. I do blow my top at times but I will laugh every day too and make the guys laugh.”

If you strictly see Nowinski coaching on the sidelines, you’re never getting the whole story. Who he is on the field is just a glimpse of the way his players see him off the field.

“I yell, I tell them the truth, but then I will hug them,” Nowinski said. “You talk about Bryce and Keye and the first thing I do when

I see them in the morning is hug them; that’s important. You have to coach the guys really, really hard, but you have to love the guys really, really hard; the relationships is what it’s all about for me.”

@ROBERT_KEEGAN BK272121@OHIO.EDU

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THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 13

Week 7 Student Media Poll picks from ‘The Post’ ROBERT KEEGAN III SPORTS EDITOR BOBBY GORBETT SPORTS EDITOR Each week, the Sports editorial team selects its Top 25 FBS college football teams for the Student Media Poll.

The SMP is a nationwide poll featuring 97 student journalists from schools across the nation.

The Post Sports will break down its ballots each week.

Here are the top five, those it dropped out of the Top 25 and those it added.

Washington is the only team to enter my top 5 this week following a thrilling win against top-10 opponent Oregon.

Michael Penix Jr., Washington’s quarterback, is the favorite for the Heisman right now and has helped the team enter the top 5.

Georgia may appear at No. 1 on most polls, but I remain unconvinced after the team allowed 20 points in a win against Vanderbilt.

Who I added Florida, Iowa Iowa continues to have one of the worst offenses in the nation, but it keeps winning. The Hawkeyes are sitting at 6-1 and may not lose a game the rest of the season given the easier nature of the rest of their schedule.

Florida continues to be up and down but keeps winning some of the big games on its schedule. With wins over Tennessee and now South Carolina, the 5-2 Gators are worthy of a spot in the Top 25.

Who I dropped Wyoming, Louisville Wyoming’s matchup with Air Force was one I was excited for going into the weekend, two of the best out of the Mountain West squaring off with major Group of Five implications. Wyoming just couldn’t pull it out against an Air Force team that may find itself to be the best Group of Five

14 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

team at the end of the season.

Louisville entered the week 6-0 and left with a terrible loss to Pitt, one of the worst teams in the ACC. The team will have to rebound against a good opponent in order to find itself back in the Top 25.

the volunteers are without a Top 25 win, the team has handled business against unranked opponents.

Keegan III, Top Robert Sports Editor

Gorbett, Top Bobby Sports Editor

5

1. Michigan 2. Ohio State 3. Georgia 4. Washington 5. Florida State

All top-three teams took care of business over the weekend, defeating conference opponents by three scores or more. Washington pulled off a close win in a top-10 clash against Oregon. The Huskies have consistently been one of the nation’s best teams throughout the season but finally have a signature win.

Like Michigan, Georgia and Ohio State, Florida State was dominant over the weekend and remains undefeated.

Who I added Air Force, Iowa, Tulane, Tennessee Air Force earned its spot in the Top 25 with a win over one-loss Wyoming. The Falcons are one of the FBS’ only remaining undefeated teams and have a chance for one of its better seasons in recent memory.

Iowa has already reached six wins, including one over previous Big Ten West favorite Wisconsin. Although the Hawkeyes need to make serious improvements on offense, the defense has continued to be one of the best in the country.

Tulane has continued to stack wins after its lone loss to Ole Miss.

Tulane’s most recent win, Memphis, is one of its best of the season.

Tennessee’s win over Texas A+M finally has it in my Top 25. Although

Who I dropped Wisconsin, Maryland, Wyoming, Washington State

5

1. Michigan 2. Georgia 3. Ohio State 4. Washington 5. Florida State

Wisconsin’s loss epitomizes the flaws that have held it back from national contention in recent memory. The Badgers simply didn’t have the offensive efficiency to win against Iowa.

Maryland’s loss against Illinois was one of the most surprising of the season. The Terrapins’ second loss in a row means the team will have to pull off a huge upset against Penn State or Michigan later in the season to reenter the Top 25.

It is difficult for any two-loss Group of Five team to stay in the Top 25 this early in the season, but Wyoming was very close. It didn’t play poorly by any means on the road against Air Force but it undoubtedly missed a significant opportunity to pull off the upset.

Washington State’s blowout loss to Arizona was too ugly to keep the team in the Top 25. The Cougars certainly have the opportunity to pull off a couple of upsets the rest of the way, but as of right now, they don’t look like a Top 25 team.

@ROBERT_KEEGAN BK272121@OHIO.EDU @GORBETTBOBBY BG238320@OHIO.EDU

Ohio looks to establish itself as dominant team against Penn State LOGAN ADAMS FOR THE POST Throughout the DII hockey season thus far, Ohio (3-1) has looked like it could be one of the ACHA’s most dominant teams, outscoring opponents by three or more goals in all of its wins.

On the other hand, a middling Penn State team (5-3) is looking to maintain a winning record following the conclusion of this weekend’s two-game series, establishing itself as a team to be reckoned with. Through eight games, the Nittany Lions’ porous defense around the goal has largely been a reason for their up-and-down season. They’ve tried two goalies so far between Josh Ferry and John Seifarth, returning different results.

In terms of raw save percentage, Seifarth seems to have the edge, saving 91.5% of the shots against him in his 178 minutes on the ice, while Ferry has saved at a rate of 63.6% in 305 minutes. The confusion, however, begins when you look beyond that. With Ferry in goal, the Nittany Lions boast a 4-1 record, allowing 12 goals over that span. In contrast, Seifarth has allowed 8 goals over the course of his three games, leading Penn State to a 1-2 record.

While the goalie situation for Penn State will be something to keep tabs on entering this weekend’s series, here’s everything you need to know entering the Bobcats’ fifth and sixth games of the season.

Game Information Opponent: Penn State (5-3) Location: Pegula Ice Arena (University Park, Pennsylvania) Date and Time: Oct. 20, 2023 (9:45 p.m. EST) and Oct. 21, 2023 (8:00 p.m. EST) Where to Watch: Ohio University Hockey D2 on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@ ohiohockeyd2) Statistical Leaders: Total Points: Matthew Knizner (8) Goals: Knizner (4) Assists: Nathaniel Schuman (5) Game-winning goals: Knizner, Sebastian Kiely, Ethan Szymanski, Luke Raymundo, and Schuman (1) Penalty minutes: Liam Egan (17)

Player to Watch Matthew Knizner–As one of the smaller players on the ice, and typically one of the most productive ones, Penn State’s freshman sensation, Knizner is one to watch. He leads the team in total points (8) and goals (4), while being tied for second in assists (4).

At 5’10” and 155 lbs, Knizner is never going to be the largest guy on the ice, but hold-

ing him scoreless could be the catalyst for Ohio.

@LOGANA_NBA LA486821@OHIO.EDU

Ohio University sophomore Xander Danner (25) fights for the puck against Bowling Green University in Bird Arena Oct.14, 2023. (AMBERLEE GLADWELL | FOR THE POST)

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 15

Pride and Pony Prejudice in ‘My Little Pony’

Alesha Davis Like many others, I grew up watching "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," also known as MLP: FiM. I love the show dearly and will happily pronounce myself a proud pegasister. However, the series has its issues, just like all media. MLP: FiM struggles with the same thing nearly every piece of fantasy work has a problem with fantasy racism.

Many pieces of fiction use fantastical races instead of real-world races to explore issues surrounding prejudice. However, it is usually handled clumsily or the fantasy races perpetuate harmful stereotypes, leading to unsavory associations between fantasy races and their real-world counterparts. Sadly, MLP: FiM is no stranger to painting minorities in a strange, unappealing light. Let's take a look at the episodes that best exemplify this issue: Season 1, Episode 7: "Dragonshy" If you know the show, you might think I will start with Zecora's introduction in season 1, episode 9, due to the other ponies' behavior and comments about the Zebra. However, I propose the problems begin in season 1, episode 7, "Dragonshy." This episode contains the first time the ponies speak about

dragons beyond a brief, passing mention.

There are no serious offenses in this episode, but the ponies displaying general ignorance about other creatures begins here.

Twilight calls the dragon a "wild animal."

This is a bit strange, considering she is well aware that Spike is also a dragon but does not treat him as an animal. Right after this comment, she reveals that she is having Spike watch over Fluttershy's animals while she is gone. They use Spike later when trying to convince Fluttershy to confront the dragon, reasoning that if she isn't afraid of him, she shouldn't be afraid of an adult dragon.

Fluttershy pushes back, telling the girls that there is a big difference between Spike and a scary, full-sized dragon.

I understand dragons are fantasy creatures that should be scary and the ponies had good reasons for their ignorance and their fear. Additionally, it is very possible that Lauren Faust had not yet decided to have dragons have their complex society, as this is in the very first season. Nonetheless, remember this behavior for what we will discuss later.

Season 1, Episode 9: "Bridle Gossip" It's not a stretch to say this episode depicts the ponies displaying prejudice toward a different race. Zecora is the closest we get to a different "race" of pony for many seasons, essentially being a pony with a different coat and customs. Twilight and Applebloom are the voices of reason in this episode, while the rest of the ponies believe her to be sinister.

Their fear of Zecora is based on absolutely nothing, which the episode openly acknowledges. The episode does not have many issues since it presents racism on purpose, serving as a lesson to the ponies not to judge others for being different from them.

However, this episode shows that the ponies can be openly hateful toward others when they don't understand them, and it is a good point to refer back to. The ponies absolutely do not learn their lesson about judging other people's way of life.

Season 1, Episode 21: "Over a Barrel" This episode might be the worst offender out of all of the episodes in all nine seasons of MLP: FiM. The description of this episode is, "The ponies settle a complicated land dispute between the Apple-loosans and a herd of buffalo, who are both fighting over the same territory." The word "territory" is the keyword here. The Apple-loosans, who are ponies, have taken over the Buffalos' sacred lands. As the chief explains halfway through the episode, the buffalo used the land long before the Apple-loosans arrived. The buffalo are clearly supposed to represent native tribes as their "chief" wears a feather headdress. Many other buffalo are depicted wearing feathers and live in tipis.

The ponies are essentially colonizers in this episode, settling on lands they have no right to claim while pushing the natives out.

They even call themselves "settler ponies." It could not be more obvious what conflict this episode is representing. This episode would be relatively fine if the ponies admitted their wrongdoing and gave the land in full back to the buffalo. Unfortunately, even the natives in this made-up world cannot get their land back.

It is reasoned that both groups have "good reason to use this land," even though the settlers should have chosen elsewhere to live, and the buffalo are forced to share the land.

They get a share of the town's produce in return, but I am left feeling unsatisfied. The media reflects life, but sometimes I wish we could be better in cartoons. Even with MLP: FiM, this is not the case.

Season 2, Episode 21: "Dragon Quest" This episode is the crux of the dragon issue. While watching the dragon migration, the ponies make fun of Spike for not being fierce like the other dragons, giving him an identity crisis. Due to the ponies not knowing anything about dragons, Spike goes off to live with other dragons to learn more about himself against the ponies' protests.

The ponies' refusal to acknowledge Spike's status as a dragon and dismissal of

other dragons' tastes looks like a particular brand of prejudice I have seen before. Sometimes, when someone is the sole minority in a white space, they are treated as a separate entity from the rest of their race. Comments such as, “Oh, well you aren't like them," are common in this situation. This is how the ponies treat Spike, and they often treat dragons on par with rabid animals. However, the dragons, although messing with Spike, didn't outright harm or ostracize him like the ponies feared and accepted him rather quickly.

The dragons have rituals and values, and although they are still seen as a crude race at the end of this episode, dragons are clearly more complex than the ponies give them credit for. There will be more on this at another time, but the episode ends with Spike stating, "What I am doesn't define who I am … my pony friends have taught me to be kind, loyal and true." Spike basically shuns his dragon-ness entirely.

This leaves a funny taste in my mouth, considering the episode is accidentally representing the struggle of a kid who is a minority attempting to reconnect with their cultural heritage when they've been raised in an all-white space.

Already, a pattern is beginning to emerge, and we are only partway through the series.

These episodes set ponies at the apex of the social order, and later episodes continue this pattern as ponies begin crusading, thanks to the introduction of the Cutie Map. How other creatures are seen in comparison to ponies only worsens as the seasons go on.

We will delve into the developmental plateau that is the dreaded season 8 and conclude our venture into "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" in a second column coming soon.

Alesha Davis is a senior studying journalism and English at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Alesha by tweeting her at @AleshaTDavis.

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Understanding the historic importance of McCarthy’s removal

Claire Schiopota The historic removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is sparking a search for a new House speaker. The significance of his removal cannot be understated, as it comes at a time when Congress needs to make some big decisions.

The Republican speaker was removed from office Oct. 3 in a 216-210 vote, according to USA Today. Fellow Republican Representative Matt Gaetz from Florida led a movement of hard-right conservatives to remove the speaker. The retaliation came after McCarthy worked with Democrats to secure a temporary funding bill and stop a government shutdown.

McCarthy is the first speaker to be removed after 269 days in the position. This moment in modern history is a true marker of how intense polarization has grown, even between members of one party. The party’s internal issues are stopping the government from continuing to function.

For Congress to pass a budget and stop a government shutdown, a house speaker must be in place. Until then, the country is at a standstill. The temporary budget will only stand until Nov. 17. If you want to learn more about how a government shutdown would affect us in Athens, read my column about the potential shutdown.

Passing a budget will only get more complicated as fighting in Israel continues. A conversation will need to be had on funding that war effort, but lawmakers cannot do so right now.

Now, there’s an ongoing debate about who will fill the speakership. Moderate Republicans are struggling to find common ground with far-right Republicans, and they all want different representation from their house speaker. Many assumed Majority Republican Leader Representative Steve Scalise from Louisiana would fill the seat. The Associated Press reports Scalise left the race last week after being rejected by the hardliners.

Ohio Representative Jim Jordan is now the main candidate running for the speaker seat. He seemed to have enough votes, but with a rejection Tuesday, he proved unsuccessful; 20 holdouts stopped Jordan, but the representative is not giving up yet. Jordan told AP that he will continue working on winning them over. Another vote is planned for Wednesday.

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed the representative on Truth Social, but some of Jordan’s closest allies are not convinced. It’s unclear how he plans on getting their votes.

This whole process feels like it has gone on for too long. It has been a few weeks, and unless Jordan can get the votes, the search for a speaker will start all over again. With so many important decisions to be made, this must be figured out sooner rather than later.

The country cannot afford the government to remain in gridlock for extended periods of time.

Claire Schiopota is a senior studying journalism. Please note that the opinions expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want Claire to cover a certain topic or talk about her column? Email her at cs123719@ohio.edu or tweet her @CSchiopota.

Halloween in Athens 10.28.23 10.29.22 Join us uptown starting at 1:00 pm for Special programming between Union and Washington streets organized by the Arts, Parks & Recreation department.

Scan for Athens Uptown

Halloween Schedule

1:00-5:00 pm Family Activities Featuring:

RockinHalloween Reggie, Face-Painting, Kids Bouldering Wall, Musical Petting Zoo, Uptown Scavenger Hunt, Arts & Crafts, Children’s Costume Parade, ACPL Bookmobile, AFD 10.25 X 4.75 Fire Safety Trailer, and APD Athens Uptown Trick or treat, Honey for the Heart Parade & MORE

6:00-11:00 pm ADULT Block Party AthensHalloween.com

Detention, DJ Toph+DJ Voski, Arachnid, Featuring: B-FUNK, Double Jack, and Brick City Records Showcase Limited parking is available on the street and in the Athens Parking Garage.

PLEASE READ ALL PARKING SIGNS ON OHIO UNIVERSITY CAMPUS RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE AND VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AT OWNER’S EXPENSE

For questionscontact Deputy Service-Safety Director Andrew Chiki achiki@ci.athens.oh.us 740-592-3340.

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 17

Looking at the importance of Free Speech Week This year, Free Speech Week is Oct. 16-22. The purpose of this weeklong event is to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of free speech and free press, according to News/Media Alliance. We at The Post acknowledge the significance of free speech as journalists, as our lives would be drastically different without our First Amendment protections.

As Walter Cronkite once said, “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.” It is the responsibility of journalists to hold the government accountable by serving as watchdogs by utilizing their right to investigate the officials elected to serve their constituents’ best interests. The First Amendment ensures the government will not interfere with journalists and their mission to share the truth.

Shield laws allow journalists to protect themselves and their sources by giving them the ability to legally refuse to reveal the names of their sources. There is no federal shield law, but all states–except for Wyoming–have statewide shield laws. As of May 2023, Hawaii is the most recent state to establish a shield law by reinstating its previous one. Many journalists are pushing

for a federal shield law; however, members of Congress have been attempting to pass such a law for half a century without avail.

While we have protections in the U.S., free speech and the free press are at risk worldwide. There is a present threat for journalists—especially those reporting on sensitive, complex topics—of being harmed or killed on the job. This is even more true for female-identifying journalists, who are more frequently harassed, stalked, doxxed and threatened.

In addition to serving as a government watchdog, free speech allows for “a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a vehicle for ordinary citizens to express themselves and gain exposure to a wide range of information and opinions,” according to the ACLU. This also applies to the journalism industry, as not every single journalist is a political reporter. Many journalists’ passions lie elsewhere, whether it's feature writing or working on a sports beat. There are endless stories that need to be told that are just as important as what the government is doing.

There is so much going on today, and it’s up to journalists to provide the public with digestible yet informative content.

To protect yourself as a journalist—and those around you who are journalists—it’s crucial to be educated on the topic of free speech. Democracy hinges on this right and therefore makes it important for society as a whole to commit to protecting free speech.

This Free Speech Week, The Post encourages you to stay alert of threats against the First Amendment and take some time out of your day to educate yourself on the importance of journalism in everyday life.

Do this by not only glancing at headlines on social media but actually watching and reading the news every day. Glancing at quick excerpts about what is going on in the world can only get you so far.

You can also make a difference by simply paying attention to local journalism. The reporters working at your town’s newspaper are probably churning out excellent work for way less money than they deserve, but do it because they are passionate about serving the public. Staying informed not only shows you care about your community, but also the people whose livelihoods revolve around informing you. In a world where people respond to the idea of jour-

Editor-in-Chief | Katie Millard Managing Editor | Emma Erion Digital Director | Anastasia Carter Equity Director | Alesha Davis EDITORIAL News Editor | Madalyn Blair Asst. News Editor | Donovan Hunt Culture Editor | Alyssa Cruz Asst. Culture Editor | Abby Jenkins Sports Editor | Bobby Gorbett Sports Editor | Robert Keegan III Opinion Editor | Tate Raub Asst. Opinion Editor | Meg Diehl The Beat Editor | Grace Brezine Asst. The Beat Editor | Grace Koennecke Projects Editor | Hannah Campbell Investigative Editor | Alex Imwalle Copy Chief | Addie Hedges Slot Editors | Arielle Lyons, Ashley Pomplas, Aya Cathey, Tre Spencer ART Art Director | Abbie Kinney Asst. Art Director | Emma McAdams Director of Photography | Alaina Dackermann Photo Editor | Zoe Cranfill DIGITAL Director of Web Development | Tavier Leslie Audience Engagement Editor | Logan Jefferies Asst. Audience Engagement Editor | Jenna Skidmore Director of Multimedia | Cole Patterson Asst. Director of Multimedia | Kendall Timms BUSINESS Media Sales | Gia Sammons, Molly Wilson Director of Student Media | Andrea Lewis 18 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

nalism with a quip about how the industry is dying, do your part to lift up the hard-working reporters who uphold your First Amendment rights and educate yourself with the work they publish daily.

Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post's executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Katie Millard, Managing Editor Emma Erion, Digital Director Anastasia Carter and Equity Director Alesha Davis.

Post editorials are independent of the publication's news coverage.

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Lauren Lakis displays a strong will in her music

EMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

GRACE KOENNECKE ASSISTANT EDITOR FOR THE BEAT SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY FOR THE POST Unlike the days when women were forced to be polite within their music, the current rock scene has welcomed Lauren Lakis for her unapologetic approach to writing and creating music for the masses.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, the singer’s musical foundation is rooted in themes about fatalism and growth, inspiring her listeners to reset their minds and attitudes.

Receiving acclaim from music publications— Wonderland Magazine, Flaunt and LADYGUNN—in the past for her previous works like 2018’s “Ferocious” and 2021’s “Daughter Language,” Lakis has returned to the music scene with her newest album, “A Fiesta and a Hell.”

Recorded, produced and mixed alongside Carey McGraw (Wild Child, Josie Lockhart), Elliot Frazier (Ringo Deathstarr, Blushing) and Christopher Colbert (Mazzy Star, Starflyer 59, Leon Bridges) in Austin, Texas, the new release dropped Oct. 6. Starring nine emotive tracks, the singer seems to have found inspiration from the 1980s punk-goth scene.

“Take My Hand” is one of the recent

breakout singles on the album, with Lakis telling Guitar Girl Magazine it’s about “forgetting what you thought you knew, letting go, bravely opening your mind to something radically different.” With dark synths and the singer’s gravely echoes, it feels like you’re entering a new world, one that isn’t judgmental or worrisome. Using simple lyricism, it’s a great way to introduce the first half of the album.

Meanwhile, “Terror Tears” and “Keep Your Woman Down” are more upbeat, integrating bass guitar riffs and eerie production to emphasize Lakis’ message of wanting to separate oneself from the real world. She sings, “Believe happily ever after / Certain wounds cut deep / Force fed words I never stood by / I don’t wanna die / I don’t wanna succumb / No, I don’t wanna go,” which alludes to the ways in which society forces norms onto women.

Similarly, the latter track sticks with this theme, as Lakis cries out about the hardships of womanhood. It’s one of the heaviest songs on the record, making its impact worthy of praise and attention, especially from a female-identifying perspective.

"Loud Voices" is another upbeat song that subtly borrows from the punk genre.

The track beautifully demonstrates Lakis’

vocal control with meticulously practiced riffs in a broad range. The imagery of the song aligns perfectly with the track’s name, featuring unrelenting guitar and bass melodies that distinctly accompany the singer's defiant voice.

The last original song on the album, titled "Leave Your Window Open," shifts to a slower tone, while still simmering with passion. The pounding drums and halftime breakdowns in the chorus create a sense of urgency that affirms the song's goal of putting a sinister twist on a typical love song. Lakis’ vocals are presented through a translucent sheen that is emblematic of altpop princess Lana Del Rey. She defies the norms of female singers by showcasing her alto sound as opposed to a lofted, soprano tone, which furthers her dedicated feminist agenda.

The last track is similar to the album’s first track, "Watch You Run," an ethereal song that highlights the aesthetic of music rather than the technicality of it. Both numbers are immersive listens and demonstrate Lakis’ truly unique ability to create a musical world using her talent and skills.

The last three tracks on the album are remixes of “Terror Tears,” “Take My Hand” and “Keep Your Woman Down,” featuring Ringo Deathstarr, Shallow Waves and Drew

Scott, respectively. Each remix adds intensity to already fervent numbers, whether through an electro-pop addition or extra drums to increase the pace of the song.

While Lakis is a brilliant artist in her own right, collaborating with artists of differing genres only allows for a further demonstration of her range of abilities.

Lakis is succinct in conveying her personality through her music. The artist said, “It’s hard to be a loving, open-hearted person in a world that can be so cold and alienating. Many facets of life have felt devoid of warmth and care; many people have felt devoid of warmth and care. And yet, because you can’t have hell without heaven, I’ve been simultaneously shown unconditional love on a scale I’ve never before experienced, too.”

This sentiment is exemplified by the fact that listening to “A Fiesta and a Hell” feels like taking a glimpse into the musician's soul, which is replete with female power, a strong will and undeniable creativity.

@SOPHIAROOKS_ SR320421@OHIO.EDU @GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

Pop-punk music reemerges with a vengeance

MIA PISHOTTI | FOR THE POST

GRACE KOENNECKE ASSISTANT EDITOR FOR THE BEAT Within the last few years, artists have been heavily influenced by the sounds of the early 2000s. Evident with figures like Machine Gun Kelly and Olivia Rodrigo, poppunk music has reemerged into the mainstream with a major influence on younger artists.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the artists who were essentially the founders of this genre, as in the past, credit has not been given to its pioneers.

The genre garnered mass appeal in the late 1970s and early 1980s due to iconic bands like the Ramones and the Buzzcocks.

The genre lost some of its momentum due to mainstream pop and disco sounds and died out in the early 1990s due to the grunge-rock revival led by groups such as Green Day and Sum 41.

Thanks to the internet and the rise of digital streaming platforms like MySpace and YouTube, pop-punk grew popular well into the mid-2000s. It also became a fan-favorite because of catchy hooks and 20 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

introspective lyrics, focused on subjects like teen angst, heartbreak, rebellion and societal norms.

With its reliability to music listeners, pop-punk music became a commercial success with artists like Paramore, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco, all of whom are still beloved music groups to this day because of hits like “Misery Business,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.”

Other artists, particularly female-identifying ones, also became dominating forces in pop-punk during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Icons like Alanis Morrisette, Avril Lavigne and Hayley Williams proved that women could be taken seriously as lead vocal powerhouses, showing off their individualities with box-dyed hair, pixie cuts and daring makeup looks.

At the time, this was seen as a departure from societal norms in music, as women were not supposed to look masculine or edgy, which is now becoming more prominent in the revival of pop-punk. Speaking of this revival, upcoming musicians have notably been pulling inspiration from this era of music, from performing covers to using

similar production techniques and themes to express their inner thoughts.

Most recently, Olivia Rodrigo has gained a massive following over the recent debut of her sophomore album “GUTS,” which seems to be heavily inspired by Lavigne and Morrisette, both of which the singer has remarked in the past as some of her musical inspirations. It’s clear on songs like “ballad of a homeschool girl” and “bad idea right?” that the singer is trying to imitate the annoyances that come with being a young woman, using heavy guitar riffs and lyrics about feeling inadequate to relate to her teenage audience.

Another artist who totally transitioned into the pop-punk genre was Machine Gun Kelly, who has released two albums in this genre, including 2020’s “Tickets To My Downfall” and last year’s “mainstream sellout.” In these albums, the former rapper switched from trap beats to singing similarly to noteworthy punk frontmen such as Gerard Way and Patrick Stump, also lamenting about heartbreak and wanting revenge on his exes.

Additionally, artists like Miley Cyrus and WILLOW have also reinvented their sounds

to fall into the pop-punk genre. They became overnight sensations for songs like “Midnight Sky” and “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l (feat. Travis Barker).” Without the influences ranging from the 1970s to the early 2000s, none of these artists would’ve made the jump to a genre that is renowned for its distinctiveness.

With the re-emergence of pop-punk fully back into the mainstream, it’s interesting to see how a new wave of artists have interpreted and been influenced by the genre, evidence that it will continue to be repurposed and reimagined for the masses. If you haven’t noticed this trend, it will only become more prominent, especially as younger artists borrow its catchiness and relatability.

@GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

EVENTS

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Listen Live anytime from our website

Join us for FREE LUNCH every Wednesday.

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Saturday, October 28

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Athens Uptown Business Assoc Court Street • 2:30-4:30 pm

FALL PROGRAMMING

Chauncey • 5:30-7:00 pm Nelsonville • 6:30-7:30 pm

114 Grosvenor Street

ATHENS KRISHNA HOUSE

Mantra, Music, and Meditation &

FREE VEGETARIAN FEAST

Sunday, October 29th VoreRidge/Salem Rd • 3:00-4:00

Monday, October 30

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Haunted Hampton 986 E State St • 5:00-7:00 pm

Every Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm Scan below to join our group on Facebook, and stay up to date on our programs and events

ATHENS FARMER’S & ART MARKET Athens Community Center

Same great vendors in a NEW space. Now located at the Athens Community Center. Parking Available at the Community center and the City Pool lot. If walking to the market, PLEASE use designated crosswalks to cross East State Street.

Get Locally grown, raised and prepared food and beverage items. Plants, dairy, baked goods,seeds, and meats. PLUS locally made artistic goods.

Wednesdays & Saturdays 9am - Noon

Tuesday, October 31st City of Athens • 5:30-7:30 pm Stewart/Guysville • 5:30-6:30 The Plains • 5:30-7:30 pm Coolville • 6:00-7:30 pm

Click HERE to Join Krishna on Facebook!

Click for a list of vendors

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 21

Album Review: Drizzy comes back to his original R&B sound DIVY BOSE FOR THE POST Drake’s new album was not all bark and no bite as “For all the Dogs” was released Oct. 6. His desire to give his fans new music that resembles his older music from his albums “Thank me Later,” “Take Care” and “Nothing was the Same” was what brought back his R&B style. During his It's All A Blur tour, Drake announced that he was fed up with his fans asking for “that old Drake man,” so he promised to bring the old Drake back to life, doing exactly that.

Because Drake kept delaying the release date, expectations were that much higher for the album. But with collaborations with other R&B artists such as Bad Bunny and SZA, it was almost impossible to disappoint. The 23-track record had 514.01 million on-demand official streams in its first week, making his album hit No. 1 on the 200 album chart. Through the heartbreaking lyrics that Drake sings, fans relate more to this album than the dance techno era of music that he was stuck in with “Honestly, Nevermind” or “Her Loss.”

Fans demanded for the old Drake to come back because his songs began to lose meaning. Drake is known for his catchy rap verses that sum up his experiences with women or hardships he has had, messages that were lost after “Certified Lover Boy” dropped. His new album has confirmed that he has rebounded not just with his music, but within himself.

His first track “Virginia Beach,” starts off the album with a fiery comeback to his past relationships that yearned for better treatment. The viral lyrics, “I could have treated you better that’s crazy … NO,” ties back to the heartache and guilt he specifically raps about in “Marvins Room” from the album “Take Care.” The song is meant to replicate Drake’s self-realization that the problem within his relationships was not his fault, which is what resonated with fans, especially during heartbreak season.

Drake’s collaboration with R&B artist PARTYNEXTDOOR on the song “Members Only,” raps about trust and loyalty within a relationship, which relates back to their last collaboration, “With You” on his album “Views.” He refers back to his past relationships and expresses his desire to move on to another exclusive “member,” which is another woman who gives him passion and support.

His fiery attitude, though, in this album is no coincidence because he talks about a woman of his past being with one of his good friends in “What Would Pluto Do.” Drake

22 / MONTH, DAY, YEAR

LAUREN ADAMS | FOR THE POST

uses the planet Pluto to compare his success rate since Pluto is the smallest but most beloved planet in the solar system. This song is meant to be an ultimate confidence booster because people might see him as Pluto due to his other albums receiving hate, but he is “still the man” that his fans praise.

Drake’s brotherhood with another R&B artist, J. Cole in the song “First Person Shooter,” has fans raving. Because J. Cole has supported Drake since his rise to fame, both R&B artists have grown closer throughout their music careers. Both artists have similar styles of music, as J.Cole brings out the old Drake in their collaboration as they compare their success to a “first-person shooter” video game. While J. Cole’s music career took

off after he went on tour with Drake, it is clear that he brings the best out of Drake.

Even with Drake’s undeniable confidence, he openly admits certain flaws or times of embarrassment in his relationships in the song “Drew A Picasso.” Drake is even more of a credible artist as he describes his battles of not being able to let go of a relationship he values so much. His vulnerability is what fans are used to listening to in his albums, which is what he exhibited in this solemn song.

The past is written all over his album as he collaborates with singer-songwriter SZA, who was in a relationship with Drake in 2008. Their partnership for the song stirred up controversy as “Slime You Out” was released as a single to later launch his album

and get fans excited.

Their back-and-forth history was finally put to an end, but the irony of creating a song about ongoing toxic exes remains. Both artists have similarities in their music such as SZA’s 2017 album being named “Ctrl” and Drake having a song called “Controlla.” Despite the weird coincidence, SZA and Drake are partners and nothing more; however, bringing up the past seemed to help bring Drizzy back to who he was and who fans have been asking back for.

@DIVYANA.BOSE DB639322@OHIO.EDU

Halloween help:

introducing some of the best costumes for 2023

CLARA LEDER FOR THE POST

options available at discounted rates, or raid a friend’s closet for these simple staples.

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s important to find the perfect costume. Whether you’re going out or spending time with your friends, picking a costume can be a little stressful. For Ohio University students, you may even need two or more costumes.

From group outfits to solo ideas, this guide has it all. Many of these costumes won’t break the bank and items can be reused in the future. Here are some of the best costumes this season that you can easily replicate.

Princess Diaries A twist on the classic princess costume is the iconic Princess Mia from “The Princess Diaries.” Mia’s outfit is relatively simple. The easiest way to recreate her look is to dress up like the movie poster from the original movie. For starters, you’ll need a white dress. Mia is wearing a strapless one in the poster but any white dress will work perfectly. You can even switch it up and wear a white top and pants. Next, you’ll need some small black sunglasses and black wire headphones. White gloves and a crown complete the costume and then you’re Princess Mia. The beauty of this is that you can make it with items you already own. It’s creative and easy to do.

Barbie The hit movie is inevitably going to be a popular costume this Halloween. The good news is, with the vast array of Barbie dolls on the shelves, the options for costumes are endless. Whether you’re more of a sporty Barbie or a beach Barbie, there is undoubtedly a costume for you. You can also easily turn it into a group costume with each of your friends being a different Barbie.

First, you have to decide which Barbie you’re going to be. You can replicate one of the Barbies depicted in the movie, or create your own Barbie look with a pink outfit. If you’re choosing to recreate a Barbie from the movie, Amazon is the best place to find a costume, with options to ship typically costing between $3040. Ranging from western Barbie to the classic Margot Robbie skating outfit, there are some decent options.

Wizard of Oz A great idea for a group costume is the Wizard of Oz characters. This costume is perfect because there is so much versatility in the characters’ outfits. From Glinda in all pink to the Tinman covered in silver, the variety of characters allows for so much creativity.

You can easily use this as a solo costume, by dressing up as your favorite character. This can also be a couple’s costume with two of the characters. You and your friends can even make it a group costume and dress up as the whole cast.

Costumes range depending on who you are choosing to replicate. If you are Dorothy, grab a blue dress and some red shoes to make a simple look. If you are the scarecrow, wear plaid and a straw hat. Pick which character you want to be and have fun creating the look. Marshalls on East State Street may have

Men in Black This is a perfect costume for a last-minute idea. Taking inspiration from the hit movie, you can find items in your closet to put together

the perfect alien-fighting ensemble. The center of this costume is the black blazer. Pair your blazer with a white top — you can do a button-down like in the movie or just a simple white shirt. If you do not have these items already, Uptown Costumes, 12 S. Court St., typically has pieces to choose from.

Once you have the blazer and top, the bottoms are up to you. You can choose a black leather skirt to edge it up or tailored black pants. If you want to look the part, get some black sunglasses and a black tie. All of the items needed for this costume can be found in your closet or borrowed from a roommate.

Couples costume: Hailey and Justin Bieber These two took the internet by storm when making their appearance at Hailey’s Rhode event. The pair showed up in opposite outfits which not only makes for great pop culture news but a great costume. For Justin, you’ll need a gray sweatsuit. You can either wear shorts like he did or pants to keep warm. If you want to replicate his iconic, relaxed look you’ll need yellow Crocs and a pink snapback. This look is perfect for a last-minute idea and is super comfortable.

Walmart on East State Street will likely have the ensemble for under $30.

For Hailey’s glam look, the costume is red from head to toe. She is wearing a red strapless dress, red heels and a red clutch.

While replicating the look exactly can be fun, you can also mix it up and wear a red pantsuit. If you’re feeling crazy you can even get a silver B necklace like the one Hailey is rocking, or match her strawberry earrings. Amazon will have all of these items and can ship quickly, with red dresses averaging $30. This costume is unique, creative and sure to get as much attention as the Biebers did.

CL125221@OHIO.EDU

MIA PISHOTTI | FOR THE POST

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 23