Only 33% of students believe Temple does enough to keep them safe, but most find its safety resources effective, according to a TTN poll.
Read more on Pages 14-15.
WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS, Page 3
Temple and its faculty union are meeting to resolve sick leave contract confusions.
FEATURES, Page 17
The Temple News recaps a year of on-campus activism.
Samuel O’Neal Editor-in-Chief
Sidney Rochnik Managing Editor
Claire Zeffer Managing Editor
Anna Augustine Co-Chief Copy Editor
Valeria Uribe Co-Chief Copy Editor
Evelyn Blower News Editor
Nurbanu Sahin Assistant News Editor
Kylie Sokoloff Assistant News Editor
McCaillaigh Rouse Opinion Editor
Bradley McEntee Assistant Opinion Editor
Bayleh Alexander Features Editor
Mike Nonnemaker Assistant Features Editor
Jadon George Features Staff Writer
Ryan Mack Sports Editor
Colin Schofield Assistant Sports Editor
Sienna Conaghan Assistant Sports Editor
Jaison Nieves Sports Social Media Manager
Leah Duffy Investigative Reporter
Kennedy Brown Investigative Reporter
Julia Anderson Director of Audience Engagement
Oliver Economidis Public Engagement Coordinator
Isabella Farrow Audience Engagement Editor
Rai Ganesan Audience Engagement Editor
Jack Larson Co-Photo Editor
Jared Tatz Co-Photo Editor
Noel Chacko Staff Photographer
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Ava Campbell Assistant Multimedia Editor
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Juan Colon Graphic Design Editor
Ava Fitzgerald Data Editor
Pablo Rouco Podcast Editor
Cara Kishter Newsletter Editor
Nadia Bodnari Web Editor
Lolade Kola-Adewuyi Advertising Manager
Matthew Eaton Advertising Manager
Daivik Bewtra Business Manager
The Temple News is an editorially independent weekly publication serving the Temple University community.
Unsigned editorial content represents the opinion of The Temple News.
Adjacent commentary is reflective of their authors, not The Temple News.
The Editorial Board is made up of The Temple News’ Editor-inChief, Managing Editors, Chief Copy Editor, Deputy Copy Editor, News Editor and Opinion Editors. The views expressed in editorials only reflect those of the Board, and not of the entire Temple News staff.
ON THE COVER
A police officer on Main Campus during an SJP rally in August 2024.
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The union is attempting to secure a full 10 days of sick leave as it meets with Temple.
BY NURBANU SAHIN Assistant News Editor
Temple and the Temple Association of University Professionals, a union of full and part time faculty, librarians and academic professionals, are in talks regarding an improved sick leave policy, pay increase and job security concerns, following their recent contract agreement ratified Oct. 15, 2024.
An improved sick leave policy was a key issue left at the table during previous negotiations after the union and the university could not come to terms on changing the policy.
The university’s current sick leave policy includes 10 paid sick days per year for full-time employees. However, TAUP members have said the university disciplines staff after the fifth day they use, which the union says can intimidate employees from using their sick days.
This past semester, a group of TAUP members, alongside Temple Law Professors’ Collective Bargaining Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, wrote an open letter to President John Fry.
“[The sick leave organizing group] wrote about the issues and asked them to consider changing the policies, which we think is punitive, bad for staff morale and resows distress between managers and employees,” said Josué Hurtado, coordinator of public services and outreach at Temple Libraries and a TAUP member.
The union hopes to work with the administration following Fry’s appointment to resolve the issue of sick leave. The October 2024 contract was agreed upon prior to Fry’s Nov. 1, 2024 start date.
Now, the university is reviewing TAUP’s sick leave request to decide if adjustments are needed. There has been one meeting between the sick leave group and the university, Hurtado said.
“There are certain departments that I want to make sure still have the ability to manage attendance,” said Vice President of Human Resources Sharon Boyle. “So we’re just talking about how they apply the work rule, how they use it. Whether it’s a useful tool, whether or not it’s something that might need to be updated. We’re working with a group of managers on that now. TAUP also asked if we could talk to a group of employees and get their input.”
TAUP and other unions are waiting for additional meetings with HR and managers on the issue, Hurtado said.
“We’re making efforts to grow that group of unions, who might be willing to join in this [sick leave] effort,” Hurtado said. “It’s definitely cross-union solidarity on this one topic.”
Along with sick leave, the union is also working through other contract issues. Since the contract’s ratification in October, union leadership has initiated a contract enforcement process due to concerns surrounding pay increases and job security, The Temple News reported.
On Dec. 11, TAUP claimed the university had not issued correct back pay or applied the $10,000 across-the-board salary increases agreed upon in negotiations. The union posted again to social media on Dec. 17, stating the expected raises had arrived.
However, Boyle said the promised raises were applied to the payroll of all faculty that qualify in November 2024.
Both sides met on Jan. 16 to address concerns surrounding the new contract.
“Whenever there’s a new collective bargaining agreement, there are always little kinds of details, whether it’s things the parties didn’t think of when we were negotiating it, or language uncertainties that you need to talk through,” Boyle said.
On Jan. 10, TAUP President Jeffrey Doshna wrote an open letter to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the Associate Director of the Intellectual Heritage program condemning recent “layoffs” of adjunct faculty within CLA.
Part-time adjuncts are hired on a semester-to-semester basis. According
to the university’s guidelines for the appointment and formal evaluation of adjunct faculty, “No adjunct has a reasonable assurance for re-appointment until an appointment letter is issued by a hiring department.”
During the past year, the Intellectual Heritage department has contended with job security, an issue that was addressed in the recent five-year agreement. In February 2024, many IH adjunct professors were informed that fewer class sections will be available for adjunct faculty to teach. TAUP referenced the same issue in its letter.
TAUP also claimed the university’s enrollment concerns do not align with the recent increase in admissions and do not justify the “lay-offs.”
“We also know that the decision to cancel sections for Spring 2025 was in part due to late enrollments by returning and transfer students, and tied to issues of state funding transfers and financial holds,” Doshna wrote in the letter.
“These temporary administrative policies should not result in termination of long-serving faculty and the resulting impact on students.”
Full-time faculty are given priority when class sections are made available. Any remaining sections after that are given to part-time adjuncts, Boyle said. Following the union’s latest contract, adjunct faculty will be eligible for multi-semester appointments depending on seniority.
“I feel like we’ve said our piece,” Hurtado said. “[The administration] understands where we are right now and so I’m hoping it’s just understandable. It does take a while too, it’s a large institution and there’s a lot of stakeholders. We are definitely one of the stakeholders as well.”
nurbanu@temple.edu @nurbanusahinn
TEMPLE STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Two and three STAR clubs will receive between $500 to $1,000 less in allocations.
BY EVELYN BLOWER News Editor
Temple Student Government plans to change its club allocations guidelines for its Student Training and Rewards System, or STARS, effective for the Fall 2025 semester, to encourage more club activity between TSG and the clubs it supports.
“The main thing we were seeing is there was not a lot of engagement, we were trying to see if we could bridge the gap,” said Aneesh Sondur, a junior finance major and TSG’s chief financial officer.
Clubs are assigned one to four STAR ratings based on their involvement with the student government. TSG then allocates around $100,000 in university funds to STARS-rated clubs. Previously, two, three and four STAR clubs would each receive a $2,500 allocation. Effective Fall 2025, only four STAR clubs will receive $2,500 in allocations; one STAR clubs will receive $500, two STAR clubs $1,000 and three STAR clubs $1,500.
“The changes in STARS configuration were made because there was a consensus that after level 2 you leaped extremely quickly into large sums of allocations,” wrote TSG President Ray Epstein in a statement to The Temple News. “You’re disincentivized from climbing the rankings in STARS and continuing to attend workshops once you reach level 2 as it was.”
More than 370 clubs and organizations are registered on Main Campus, with a minority of clubs that do not receive allocations. Popular STARS-accredited clubs include professional fraternities, recreational clubs including music and dance and volunteering-based initiatives.
“When I saw the change, I was a little bit excited because I thought it was
going to be an increase in funding, especially with the recent new height of admitted students into the university,” said Yasseen Rouni, a junior computer science major and president of Temple Breakers, a two STAR club.
TSG hosts 12 “Town Halls” throughout the semester and require STARS clubs to attend at least five throughout the year. Clubs also must complete a course and workshop about allocations and organization administration. TSG approved approximately 200 requests for allocations for a total of around $40,000 last semester, Sondur said.
Each tier entails different requirements, including writing reflections about different workshops in topics like diversity and inclusion, community engagement and leadership. They also must attend two more town halls, write an end of semester reflection and transition plan after the spring semester to receive a two STAR rating.
Three STAR clubs are required to fulfill the two STAR guidelines, attend
two more workshops, have an event planning meeting with the student involvement team and have an officer attend TSG’s Inclusive Leadership Conference.
Four STAR clubs, which is the highest level, must complete all of the above and do an external community service event with a certain number of club members, collaborate with another STARS organization for an event and complete an end of year report.
With $60,000 remaining in allocations and a majority of the clubs being in the two to three STAR range, clubs will have to make the decision to step up their STAR ratings or figure out alternative allocation resources if they don’t have time or the resources for a STARS coordinator, which many larger clubs have.
“If there was a change that happened this semester, I would like it to reflect the admissions change that we had that allowed for a higher admittance since we have more students than we had in
the past four years since COVID,” Rouni said. “Now all I’m seeing is reduced allocations for smaller clubs, so [transparency] is something I’m interested in seeing. I want to see the reasoning of why they made that decision.”
Since the changes will be effective starting during the Fall 2025 semester, clubs can use the spring semester to try to raise their STAR rating. Sondur recommended that clubs try to go level-to-level per year instead of skipping levels.
“Sometimes allocations can come off as a bit challenging, just because there are sometimes where we would have to deny requests because they’re not within the guidelines,” Sondur said. “But I would just say, always just try or reach out to any of the members of allocations. Our main job is to serve the students, that’s why we’ve committed ourselves to being a part of TSG.”
evelyn.blower@temple.edu @evelyn_blower
A number of incidents went unreported during break despite TUPA sending its own alerts.
BY VALERIA URIBE & NURBANU SAHIN
A number of public safety incidents near Temple’s Main Campus did not receive TUalerts during winter break but did get posted by the Temple University Police Association, leading The Temple News to examine what incidents call for a TUalert to be sent by the Department of Public Safety.
The Clery Act, passed in 1990, mandates schools to quickly notify the community about serious threats on college campuses. Temple’s Department of Public Safety uses TUalerts to inform the university community about immediate incidents on campus and within Temple’s patrol zone, which goes from Susquehanna Avenue to Jefferson Street and 18th Street to 9th Street.
The alerts come via text message, phone call and email and include the necessary information for the community to avoid danger, including location and type of incident.
Under the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Communications and Timely Warnings policy, there must be “an emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees requiring immediate action on the part of the campus community” for a TUalert to be sent.
In order for an alert to be issued, the incident must occur on campus or adjacent to campus, or on a non-campus property that the university owns or controls. In cases of an arrest, an alert is not sent out, according to the Department of Public Safety’s website.
”If we [TUPD] respond, if it’s within the patrol zone and we take a report, obviously it’s in the crime log, but we don’t send out an alert on everything that goes on in the crime zone if it doesn’t require immediate action,” said Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer Griffin.
Before issuing a TUalert, President John Fry, Chief Operating Officer Ken Kaiser or Griffin, or one of their designees, will evaluate the situation and determine the necessary emergency notification.
During winter break, TUPD only issued one TUalert, leaving some students confused about the systems’ function.
On Dec. 19, two people were murdered inside a home on Diamond Street. Even though the incident occurred in an area that falls in TUPD’s patrol zone, no report of the incident was posted to DPS’ daily crime log and no TUalert was sent.
After the victims’ bodies were discovered and the Philadelphia Police Department and local news outlets publicized the murders, DPS decided not to issue an alert because the situation didn’t require students, staff or faculty to take any immediate action, Griffin said.
“We are getting the information out and that’s important, so hopefully because we are getting the information out we’re being as timely as possible, that’s fulfilling what the students’ expectations are of the alerts,” said Denise Wilhelm, deputy chief of operations in the Depart-
ment of Public Safety.
In addition to TUalerts, TUPD releases updates on its Daily Clery Crime Log, which informs community members of any other activities that haven’t been published as alerts or occurred in areas considered non-patrol zones.
The TUalert system is for immediate action so students and faculty avoid a certain area, whereas the crime log is information people may want to know, Griffin said.
The crime log reports incidents like harassment, theft and threats. The reports include locations, the time of the incident, the time it was reported and if it was cleared. But it doesn’t indicate if TUPD issued a TUalert.
The crime log malfunctioned from Dec. 31 until Jan. 10 and the most recent incidents weren’t being displayed on the first two pages as a result. Now, the crime log is functioning as a PDF document that describes the latest incidents in the last pages.
DPS’ investigations unit is responsible for updating the crime log and the information is taken from their records management system. DPS worked to
fix the daily crime log, said Director of Communication for Public Safety Matt Petrillo.
Students can filter the incidents in the crime log by different categories including campus, building and status of the incident.
More than 70% of students believe TUalerts and communication about safety need to improve, according to a January 2025 poll conducted by The Temple News.
On Dec. 10, TUPA issued a statement on its social media accounts calling for “significant changes” in TUPD’s leadership. The letter included complaints about reduced staffing and a lack of open communication between TUPD, TUPA and the Temple community.
TUPA issues its own safety warnings on its social media accounts, even if DPS decides not to issue a TUalert or record the incident on the daily crime log. During winter break, TUPA used its safety advisories to inform followers on its social media page of incidents like a robbery that occurred on Cecil B. Moore Avenue, which didn’t get a TUalert.
Continued on page 6.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
“We are going to put out anything that happens within our jurisdiction,” said TUPA Vice President Andrew Lanetti. “That’s our criteria [to issue safety advisory posts]. Anything that we believe could endanger the community at large is going to get put out by TUPA to the best of our ability.”
Leonor Ferreira warned her friends about a shooting that took place last semester within the patrol zone before Temple issued a TUalert.
“The other day there was a shooting near [The View] and it took a [while] to the TUalert to get out,” said Ferreira, a first-year graduate student. “So that was kind of concerning because I had to tell my friends that the stuff was going on before the TUalert was on our emails or our phones.”
TUalerts often include the location
and a short description of the incident, and DPS will send an update regarding the status when it’s necessary. Students also use other apps like Citizen App or social media accounts like KeepUsSafeTU, an Instagram account that has been inactive since August 2024, and TUPA’s X account to get safety updates and information.
Around 48% of students believe the Citizens App is more reliable for crime and safety updates, while only 20% think TUalerts are more efficient, according to the same TTN poll.
On the other hand, Sarah Kruah believes TUalerts provide proper information despite not including extensive details about the incidents.
“Even though the TUalerts are not that detailed, I would say the app [Citizens App] doesn’t really keep me safe,”
said Kruah, a freshman computer science and biology major. “I will say the TUalert does a better job on letting me know what goes on on-campus and around campus because that immediate text message that comes through lets me know not to go in that area.”
Jadon George and Evelyn Blower contributed reporting.
nurbanu@temple.edu @nurbanusahinn valeria.uribe@temple.edu @valeriauribea
The Temple News is eagerly accepting letters to the editor from students, faculty, administration and community members.
letters@temple-news.com
Wednesday, January 22nd | 5:30 PM
On Jan. 10, President John Fry announced Temple’s potential acquisition of the University of the Arts’ main building, Terra Hall, located on South Broad Street. With an $18 million bid on the building, Temple plans to house its Center City campus in this location if approved in court.
Temple also announced plans in November 2024 to expand Main Campus with the Klein College of Media and Communication and Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts on North Broad Street. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be completed by the Fall 2027 semester.
As Temple pushes forward with expansion efforts across Philadelphia, the Editorial Board urges Fry to make conscious decisions regarding community relations. Further, Fry and his administration should focus on immediate concerns on existing campuses before acquiring more property. Although it’s unrealistic to not further the development of Temple, it’s important to prioritize improvements that can be made on campus.
For example, 73% of Temple’s peer mentors and resident assistants submitted a letter to former President Richard Englert announcing their unionization in September 2024. The union remains unrecognized by the university as students demand more sufficient compensation and working conditions. The university should make communicating with these student unions a top priority.
Recent concerns with public safety also surfaced on Dec. 10, 2024, after the Temple University Police Association President Sean Quinn announced the force’s trouble with hiring and
officer retention, The Temple News reported.
The union states they have lost nearly 50 officers in the past two years; though this number is not yet confirmed by the Department of Public Safety, TUPA’s allegations have raised concerns about whether the department could function in the coming year. As safety remains a concern for the Temple community, the new administration should prioritize fixing the inner issues within TUPD.
Temple’s expansion into North Central has already contributed to gentrification and the removal of long-term residents. For example, during Paul Anderson’s presidency in the midto-late ‘60s many North Central residents were displaced using eminent domain. The university must recognize these past mistakes and go forth diligently by being mindful of community concerns.
As Temple plans to expand past its current campus into the Center City area and further into North Central, Fry should communicate consistently with nearby communities amidst expansion to mitigate the harm to vulnerable communities. Fry must also prioritize current issues facing Main Campus, as the top priority of university affairs should be the prosperity of existing facilities and students.
A student reflects on the recent LA Wildfires and the Impact Climate Change has on the environment.
BY MCCAILLAIGH ROUSE Opinion Editor POLITICS
In early January, several wildfires erupted in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, unprecedented for their size, spread and the time of year they appeared.
The cause of the fires was a combination of factors, including the drought-like conditions in California. In addition to powerful coastal winds, Southern California has received 10% less rainfall than average since October, leaving the region arid.
As a hue of apocalyptic smoky air engulfed parts of Los Angeles, fire officials told civilians to leave their homes instead of waiting for evacuation orders if danger felt imminent. More than 20 million have been affected, with approximately 100,000 individuals forced to flee their homes located in the direct line of danger, PBS reported.
The tragic scenes and live broadcasts of the fires remind many Americans, including myself, that climate change is no longer a distant threat — it is unfolding now.
Civilizations are seeing cataclysmic natural disasters all across the globe. Human-induced climate change has affected the weather and environmental catastrophes worldwide, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These atypical climate events, from the Australian bushfires to flooding in the Sahara desert, underscore the need for action.
While viewing the images and videos of flames enveloping homes and businesses I had two thoughts: the first being whether others are connecting how frequent these climate change disasters have become.
Within the last year, natural disasters have grown in ferocity, damage and death tolls. In September 2024, the Appalachians in North Carolina were hit by Hurricane Helene causing irreversible damage and flooding leading to hundreds of fatalities and towns being destroyed.
The second thought that crossed my mind was anger that stems from how helplesshelpless I individually feel to hinder the effects of
climate change.
On a grand scale, 72% of carbon dioxide emissions come from around 100 companies worldwide. However, this does not absolve me or anyone else from responsibility. Citizens should not feel guilty about the events occurring across the globe, but ignorance of climate change is inexcusable.
While systemic change is critical, individual action matters too. Steps like conserving energy, recycling and using public transportation can significantly impact the environment around us.
There are also opportunities to get involved in sustainability and environmental consciousness across campus. Initiatives like Climate Action and Temple Green Health provide opportunities for students to take action, like advocating for Temple to divest from fossil fuel companies and learning about ways to improve individual carbon footprint. Education on sustainability — whether personal or career — can also give students knowledge and empower individuals to advocate for change.
At the same time, political advocacy is essential to drive large-scale impact. With a Republican-dominant Congress and Supreme Court, investments in clean energy and climate action may be repealed under new leadership. The Inflation Reduction Act from 2022 invests in domestic energy production while prioritizing clean energy. It has since been threatened with repealment under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
A step in protecting climate action initiatives is voting for officials with policies that address climate change. However, there are ways to influence political leaders into addressing concerns about climate change, like writing and calling elected officials.
Within Philadelphia, organizations like Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which provides resources and training to advocate for climate-focused legislation.
The Los Angeles wildfires are a wake-up call that climate change is our current reality. The time to act is now, individually and collectively, to ensure a safer, sustainable and existent future for all.
mccaillaigh.rouse@temple.edu
BY MCCAILLAIGH ROUSE Opinion Editor
On Nov. 20, the Temple Union of Resident Assistants sent a letter to newly-instated university President John Fry requesting union recognition. In the letter, TURA asked Temple administration to work toward a bargaining process.
The union originally sent a letter to former President Richard Englert and the Board of Trustees on Sept. 30 demanding recognition. In November, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board announced it would not direct a hearing in TURA’s filing because TURA’s collective doesn’t meet PLRB’s standards for a union election.
The union claims they have yet to receive a response from university officials. Recognition from the university would automatically trigger contract bargaining sessions, according to the National Labor Relations Board.
TURA is a collective of undergraduate student workers supported by more than 80% of Temple’s resident assistants and peer mentors, according to the union. It was formed through the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 153 to improve working conditions including adequate compensation and consistency through worker treatment.
Temple must recognize TURA as a union following PLRB’s denial of an election because it’s the only remaining route for the student employees to gain union protections. This includes the ability to strike, the collective bargaining process and negotiating contracts with employers.
RAs and PMs are a vital part of the university and acknowledging TURA as a union would be a great step for Fry’s early presidency in the face of PLRB’s denial.
Being an RA comes with a hefty time commitment and a long list of responsibilities; RAs start working in early August and train to be Campus Security
Authorities and mandated reporters for Title IX violations. Once classes start, RAs can only commit 10-15 hours a week to outside obligations and are oncall at least once a week. They also must assist with residence hall operations during breaks.
Shannon Raymer, a second-year RA in White Hall, feels University Housing and Residential Life members aren’t fairly compensated for their work.
“I feel like every single week, especially this year, we’ve had a lot of issues with roommate conflicts, mental health issues, financial instability and worry from students, and this job is incredibly difficult as well,” said Raymer, a junior psychology major.
Temple officials say they support UHRL student workers but haven’t expressed plans to communicate with them following PLRB’s ruling against assisting in a union election.
“The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board has the responsibility to assess requests by unions to represent groups of employees and whether those requests are appropriate under the law,” a univer-
sity spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Temple News. “We understand that the Professional Employees International Union is asking the PLRB to reconsider this decision. While the PLRB considers their request, the university will continue to work with and support our students.”
UHRL student workers’ compensation currently includes free housing, an unlimited meal plan and a $200 tuition stipend. In previous years, UHRL student workers also received a $1,000 equivalency in Diamond Dollars, a discontinued on-campus currency.
The current financial compensation is insufficient for students to cover expenses like books, food and other necessities. Workers experience limited flexibility to find additional sources of income, making it dire for RAs to get proper compensation from Temple, Raymer said.
Given the nature of the job, RAs and PMs put their well-being on the back burner for the care of other students and should be compensated for doing so.
Mario Rodriguez Canuto, a sec-
ond-year RA in Morgan Hall South, wants Temple to recognize TURA and for the union to develop a positive relationship with the administration.
“We are hopeful that [Fry] will listen to what we’re asking and then voluntarily recognize our union, and then also, negotiate in good faith with us so that we can have a good relationship with Temple, and be heard about, what our needs are and how Temple can help meet them,” said Rodriguez Canuto, a senior media studies and productions major.
TURA members deserve better benefits as essential workers on campus. Temple should acknowledge TURA as a union and meet with them to create the best possible conditions for their student workers.
Nurbanu Sahin contributed reporting. mccaillaigh.rouse@temple.edu
BY MCCAILLAIGH ROUSE Opinion Editor
I’ve always hated running. It reminds me of wheezing through elementary school gym class when I was the stout kid struggling to finish the mile run. But during Thanksgiving Break, I downloaded Strava to record my runs and track my progress. It’s a neon orange app designed to push an individual to take on physical activities like running, biking and weightlifting. The app’s name is a direct translation of “to strive” in Swedish.
My primary goal was to stay consistent with tracking my running progress — focusing on metrics like speed, distance and the combination of the two. Although running was not a resolution I made in the New Year, it felt apt to take steps to push myself and improve.
While Strava functions like most fitness apps, it has a unique, social media-like component that stood out to me. Users can follow others, view their activities and even give them “kudos,” or a virtual thumbs-up.
I didn’t start running until college because I stopped playing school sports and needed some form of physical activity. I still vividly remember those early attempts: out of breath and stopping short of a mile.
During the years, my relationship with running has been sporadic — phases of interest followed by complete indifference and distaste for the activity. I consider myself an athletic person and am constantly active, whether through sports or other forms of exercise, but I’ve always hated running because I never felt like it came natural to me.
Strava’s competitive, social-media-like features introduced a new sense
of accountability and motivation. For the first time, I wasn’t just running for the sake of running — I wanted to improve because I knew others were watching.
My experience with Strava mirrored a deeper issue in many facets of my life. The dual-edged impact of social media — a competition I’ve created by comparing myself to others.
On platforms like Strava, Instagram or LinkedIn, connection with other people has been a powerful source of insecurity. But as I have taken on this relationship with Strava and running, I wondered if this constant comparison is healthy.
LinkedIn had a natural passage in my life. I don’t frequent the app as often as others, but I find a slight obsession with professional and educational improvement. Every time I open LinkedIn I’m met with a sinking feeling when I see my peers’ polished profiles and announcements of job offers that make my achievements feel inadequate.
As a soon-to-graduate college student, I’m obsessed with applying for jobs
and internships, and seeing the success of others feels like a competition I am constantly losing.
On Instagram, I see individuals posting snapshots of their life which always look better than the one I’m living. Although most photos on Instagram are just the most palpable and fascinating moments, I often find myself comparing my own life and feeling inadequate in comparison.
The feeling of inadequacy I found on LinkedIn and other social media platforms crept into my relationship with Strava. My running became a silent competition with strangers’ achievements, and I started questioning whether my motivation to improve was for myself or some external validation.
Since this realization, I’ve taken a step away from Strava and other social media platforms. Running has become quieter now that I’m not measuring the success of others before personal joy.
I no longer compete for a faster time or go further than I have in the past –when I run now it’s about finding fulfill-
ment in the act itself.
Running may never come naturally, but it has taught me to redefine success on my terms. I’m beginning to understand I can improve at running without chasing badges, virtual “kudos” and superficial approval.
As I step back from measurements and comparisons I realize that both in running and life success is not about the achievements of others, so far it’s about finding joy in the process.
mccaillaigh.rouse@temple.edu
A student reflects on living across from Philadelphia’s most infamous cold case.
BY BRADLEY MCENTEE Assistant Opinion Editor
When I cook my breakfast each morning, I look outside my kitchen window and lock my eyes on the monument for “America’s Unknown Child.”
In 1957, the body of a young child was found lifeless, beaten and stuffed into a box in that very spot across the street. He was dubbed “The Boy in the Box” by the American media, remaining unnamed until 2022 when his identity was officially revealed to be Joseph August Zarelli.
I had lived in my home on Susquehanna Road for nearly a decade before Philadelphia officials decided to place a historical marker at the site where he was found in 2017. Since the monument was erected, strangers to my block have come in droves to pay their respects and spread their love to the spirit of a notoriously neglected boy.
Many choose to leave gifts — a spiritual offering of sorts — like stuffed animals, plastic cars and action figures. Others simply walk by exchanging words about the tragedy of the boy who was found beneath their feet.
It’s always been a strange feeling to live across the street from the site of such devastation, even if it was almost 70 years ago. I used to pick pine cones with my sister near where he was found, oblivious to the macabre site we were prancing through.
My sister and I always heard the story of the Boy in the Box and knew he was found somewhere near our house, but we expected the tragedy to have happened at least a few blocks away. It never occurred to us that it could’ve happened on the same grass we played in.
We were ignorant of the abhorrent history that occurred just outside our window.
As I’ve grown older, it’s become impossible to ignore the tragedy. The marker is an anomaly in a long stretch of trees, forcing me to pay attention to it whenever I pass by. It’s a physical reminder of the violence that happened right outside our door.
When the parking spots on my street are all taken, I’m sometimes forced to park directly next to the Boy in the Box, which always makes me uneasy.
Although it’s important to my neighborhood and our history, I don’t like to think about Joseph too much because his story is far too sad to be reminded of.
Constantly seeing the physical monument forces me to reckon with the dark side of humanity, which often feels suffocating. I’d like to revert to my childhood state where Joseph’s story felt like a distant calamity but I know it’s impossible.
But during the last few months people have started to leave things that
make the historical marker less unbearably dark. Two specific additions completely changed my perspective.
As the base of the sign began to run out of room for offerings, people started to tie their gifts and messages to the pole holding up Joseph’s historical plaque. On the pole now were a Christmas tree and a chain adorned with a small Pennsylvania license plate with the boy’s name.
The first time I noticed the tree and the license plate, tears welled up in my eyes. I don’t know who put them there, but the simple fact that strangers cared that much for such a distant loss is the reminder I need. Maybe the love humanity shares is worth sticking around for.
In a society I consistently find too vindictive to bear, the toys and childhood artifacts placed on the grass symbolize the enduring love that makes living worthwhile. At Joseph’s Historical Marker, that sadness ceases to exist and all that matters is the declarations of love for a boy who presumably lived without it.
The community’s love radiates from the rain-soaked stuffed animals like a beacon — a constant reminder of the love that lurks underneath the seemingly permanent vitriol.
The perpetrator is still unknown, as they have evaporated without a trace into the convoluted landscape of time. It feels like a distant fantasy that Philadelphia Police will be able to identify the person responsible for Joseph’s death, which makes the tale of the Boy in the Box all the more dejected.
So when I’m making eggs in the morning, or simply filling a glass of water at the sink and see the distant silhouette of the Christmas Tree at Joseph’s memorial, it reminds me of the love we all share and the promise of love in the distant future.
bradley.mcentee@temple.edu
Everest Makalu Lhotse Cho Oyu
Dhaulagiri Manaslu Kangchenjunga Nanga Parbat
Gasherbrum Broad Peak Annapurna Himalchuli
DOWN
2. Only country that is also a continent
4. Continent home to the world’s largest mountain range, the Himalayas
5. One of the longest rivers in Africa
7. Country home to the Taj Mahal
9. Number of countries the Amazon rainforest stretches across
Andrew Santino: Freeze Peach Tour at The Met
SATURDAY, JAN. 25
Looking for something to do this week? Here are some upcoming local North Philly events.
858 North Broad Street
Comedian Andrew Santino performs his new comedy tour at The Met this Saturday.
JAN. 15 - MARCH 30
1425 North American Street
The Clay Studio has premiered three new free exhibitions by its Resident Artists. Find out more on their website theclaystudio.org/exhibitions
ACROSS
1. This country records the most earthquakes of anywhere else in the world
3. Biggest country in Africa
6. Largest lake in North America
8. Youngest country in the world
9. This country has more bicycles than people
THURSDAY, JAN. 23
1009 Canal Street
Brooklyn Bowl, in partnership with Relix, presents the New Orleans quintet Galactic, featuring Jelly Joseph with supporting act Parlor Greens.
FRIDAY, JAN. 24
7152 Ogontz Avenue
Comedians on Da Run with host Poundcake presents comedian Lamarr Todd featuring comedians Yoob Brown and Josh Kosh.
The Institute of Contemporary Art hosted an opening celebration for Carl Cheng’s new exhibit.
BY JACK LARSON Co-Photo Editor
Carl Cheng, a contemporary artist based in Santa Monica, California, quietly moved through the crowd of viewers observing his art at the Institute of Contemporary Art on 36th Street near Sansom Street. Cheng almost went unnoticed as chatting visitors eyed his work across both floors of the ICA that were transformed into his world of technology and sculpture.
“It all represents me at different times of my life,” Cheng said. “The me who made work 30 years ago to the me that made work yesterday.”
Cheng’s exhibit, “Nature Never Loses,” opened with a free celebration on Jan. 17 for guests wanting to get a first look at the new installation. The event lasted three hours, complete with catering and upbeat DJ music. Many people lined the stairs to get a bite of food while others explored the ICA, exhibiting reactions of surprise and astonishment at the peculiar pieces they found.
“It’s so cool and immersive in here,” said Grace Jennings, a visitor to the exhibit. “My favorite thing is probably the avocado display,” gesturing to the smallscale greenhouse structure in the middle
of the room.
Inside, trays upon shelves contained palm-sized sculptures made of aged avocado skins. Many resembled the gaping face of a mask, while others spiraled into intricate formations.
Cheng’s interdisciplinary art style, which he has been developing since the 1960s, incorporates a wide variety of techniques and materials. While some pieces are various sculptural works, others become his “nature machines,” an artificial world perspective through man-made products. “Nature Never Loses” centers on the role of technology through the decades and reflects environmental change and political unrest.
Even the name of Cheng’s studio, John Doe Company is a comment on the
commodification and branding of art. It also serves as a critique of the racism he faced as an Asian American during the Vietnam War era.
Cheng’s studies in fine art and industrial design at The University of California, Los Angeles helped shape his displays set around the ICA. From miniature ecosystems inside of a small ‘70s commercial television set to an intricate layout of sand on the floor designed by a mechanical rake, Cheng’s work finds ways to use technology to incorporate nature as an art form.
Cheng’s work is free for guests to view at the ICA until April 6.
jack.larson@temple.edu
Cheng’s Alternative TV series, 1979-2016, uses technology to interact with environmental materials to create art.
Visitors observe photographs of Carl Cheng’s work on the walls of the ICA.
ICA visitors view the synopsis of Carl Cheng and his work positioned at the beginning of the exhibition.
A visitor observes one of Cheng’s quotes of wisdom displayed on the walls throughout the museum.
Human Landscapes - Imaginary Landscape 1, 2025, uses a mechanical rake to sculpt designs into the surface of sand laid out on the floor of an exhibition space.
PUBLIC SAFETY
A survey of 120 students reveals most rely on the Citizen app instead of Temple’s resources.
BY AVA FITZGERALD Data Editor
Nearly 90% of surveyed Temple students said the university’s Department of Public Safety needs improvement, according to a recent poll conducted by The Temple News between Jan. 4 and 16.
The 120 respondents’ opinions differed on their perceived safety and how they felt the university should improve. While 90% of surveyed students noted the need for change at Temple, only about 47% said the university does not do enough to keep students safe.
DPS currently alerts students about crime with TUalerts, a system that communicates to students via text, email and the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
However, approximately 48% of surveyed students find the Citizen App, a service that provides safety alerts in real time based on location, more reliable for neighborhood crime updates compared to only about 21% who rely on TUalerts.
Ekta Shah, a junior marketing student, believes TUalerts are effective, but thinks the department can shorten the time it takes to release an alert. She often hears of incidents in real time through friends.
“I think they could be more on time because I hear something and then I get notified about it [through TUalerts] 10 minutes later,” Shah said.
Zoe Bouge experienced late alerts firsthand during the Spring 2024 semester.
“I was walking and then someone started shooting, and people had to duck behind cars,” said Bouge, a junior legal studies and finance double major. “It was
on 16th [Street] and there wasn’t an alert for like an hour after.”
TUalerts are released in the event of immediate threats to students’ safety within the Temple University Police Department’s patrol boundaries and require an officer at the scene of the crime to confirm the incident report before the alert is published, The Temple News reported.
TUPD’s patrol zone extends from 9th Street to 18th Street and Susquehanna Avenue to Jefferson Street.
About 63% of students who wanted DPS improvements felt TUalerts and communication needed changes. Many students rely on the Citizen App due to firearm usage off campus, which they feel TUalerts fail to report.
“TUalerts are few and far between actual crimes being reported,” wrote an anonymous survey respondent. “The Citizen App is the only way to truly stay informed on what’s happening ON and AROUND campus.”
Only 20% of surveyed students said they approve of the performance of Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer Griffin, but about 48% of respondents said they were unfamiliar with her. When Griffin was appointed in 2022, she declared a commitment to safety and communication.
In December, the Temple University Police Association said more than 50 police officers have left the department under Griffin’s leadership in the last two years and there are now just 41 patrol police officers. DPS has not confirmed these numbers.
The union claims that Griffin’s leadership has neglected officer safety and shared inaccurate staffing numbers on the DPS website.
Approximately 44% of surveyed students believe there could be more officers within the TUPD patrol zone.
“There are NOT enough officers to keep this amount of students safe in
North Philly,” wrote an anonymous survey respondent. “That’s just a fact, the officer to student ratio is terrible.”
Temple also maintains different programs for students safely traveling within the TUPD patrol zone like FLIGHT, a fixed-route shuttle system from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., and the Walking Escort Program, which is available 24 hours. A majority of students said they find these tools effective, TTN’s poll found.
A few survey respondents wrote that FLIGHT should reach off-campus students outside of the bus loop, past Susquehanna Street and further down Broad Street However, FLIGHT is restricted to the TUPD patrol zone, which cannot extend its boundaries due to jurisdictional agreements with the Philadelphia Police Department, Griffin told The Temple News in April 2024.
Other survey respondents argued that the FLIGHT system should change to dropping off students at a specific location to ensure safety. Sara Al Haffar, a senior psychology student who lives almost 20 minutes away from campus, also shared this sentiment.
“Ever since they went from an ‘Uber’ system to a bus system where they go on a loop, I feel like it has been inefficient,” Al Haffar said. “I feel like every time I have to go to a FLIGHT, they’re usually 25 minutes away.”
When Al Haffar was a freshman, FLIGHT ran on a need-based system. She wants the shuttles to operate on a similar system to avoid a scenario where she has to walk home by herself.
“It does get really infuriating, especially during the wintertime,” Al Haffar said. “I have to either risk having to just walk back to my apartment, because there’s no point in having to really wait for that long, or I wait in the Tech Center vestibule, because that has adequate heating, and I don’t want to risk having to wait outside in the cold.”
While Al Haffar has used the Walk-
ing Escort Program situationally, she believes investing in FLIGHT would be more beneficial for students. Conversely, some survey respondents expressed discontent with the program.
“The issue is that what 20-yearold male is going to admit to calling a walking escort program to walk him 10 minutes home from wherever he is at night?” wrote an anonymous student. “They would rather walk by themselves than do that, so why not get rid of the program and have more officers on the streets while it’s dark?”
The Walking Escort Program utilizes Allied Security staff, not TUPD officers. Allied Security maintains communication with TUPD, but cannot act in the same way as law enforcement officers as private security guards.
Students were divided on TUPD presence. Some survey respondents wrote that there needs to be more police and security guard presence on and off campus.
After Bouge’s personal experience with an off-campus shooter, she believes TUalerts should not only be time efficient, but they should also be a higher level of patrol outside of campus.
Other survey respondents noted that solving the issue of gun violence would require community outreach. Currently, the Department of Public Safety has an initiative to establish community partnerships through the Temple Community Gateway hub, created in Fall 2023.
“This is a community/North Philadelphia issue and not one reserved strictly for Temple students,” wrote an anonymous survey respondent. “Temple needs to work together with the neighborhood that it resides in to improve the safety and relationships of both their students and the people already living in the area.”
ava.fitzgerald@temple.edu
Most surveyed students are not familiar with Griffin
Q: Do you approve of the performance of Temple’s Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer Griffin?
Citizen App is more reliable than TUalerts, according to surveyed students
Q: Which service is more reliable for keeping up with crime and safety updates around Temple’s campus?
Surveyed students are divided on Temple’s ability to keep them safe
Do you think Temple does enough to keep you safe as a student?
Do you think TUPD currently has enough officers to keep Temple students safe on or near campus?
TUalerts/Communication
Police Force (TUPD)
Response Time
Community Partnerships
Safety Tools (Walking Escort Program, FLIGHT, TUSAFE App)
TUalerts need the most improvement, according to survey Q: In what areas should improvements be made to?
(For those who answered yes to if improvements should be made to the Department of Public Safety)
Number of Students
Students and faculty have spoken out on a variety of issues during the past year.
BY MIKE NONNEMAKER Assistant Features Editor
Ray Epstein’s college career has been characterized by activism. In her sophomore year, she refounded Student Activists Against Sexual Assault at Temple, a club that had gone dormant for four years before she arrived on campus.
“When I imagined college, I imagined activism and advocacy work,” said Epstein, a senior English and communication and social influence major. “I envisioned that would be something waiting for me, but it wasn’t at Temple. And so, I thought, if we had one in the past, why not restart it?”
During her junior year as SAASA’s president, Epstein coordinated a grant with Uber and It’s On Us, SAASA’s parent organization, to get students hundreds of thousands of dollars in free ride shares to increase safety. Now, as president of Temple’s Student Government, she continues working to improve campus life for students.
Epstein’s efforts reflect a broader wave of activism at Temple during 2024, where students and faculty made their voices heard by tackling a variety of issues.
From fighting for improved labor conditions and campus safety to advocating for international human rights, Temple’s activist community held a number of on-campus protests and demonstrations, hoping to drive meaningful conversations and change on campus and beyond.
Students quickly migrated to SAASA after it was revived in 2022. The organization grew to around 300 members in its first year and boasts 500 students involved today. SAASA consistently hosts events to empower individuals to share their stories. For Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, club members encouraged the Temple
community to wear purple in support of survivors on Oct. 25.
The Temple Association of University Professionals launched a campaign in August 2023 to secure a fairer union contract for faculty and staff. The union reached an agreement with Temple in October 2024 after 14 months of negotiations. TAUP president Jeffrey Doshna stressed the importance of solidarity and the right to organize.
“I think that every worker deserves the right to organize and advocate for better working conditions at Temple,” Doshna told The Temple News in December 2024. “We will support all workers that want to do that.”
Through its campaign, the union successfully negotiated for wage increases, expanded benefits and greater job security for part-time faculty and librarians. However, an improved sick leave policy – one of TAUP’s main goals – was not included. Union leaders have stated their intention to revisit the issue in future discussions on a broader platform.
Activism at Temple has also extended to global issues during the past year, with students rallying to raise awareness
about international crises like the Israel-Hamas War. Among the most visible efforts on campus in recent months has been the work of Students for Justice in Palestine, who have organized protests, vigils and educational events in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
SJP marched from Main Campus to City Hall in April, advocating for Palestinian liberation and demanding Temple take action through financial divestment. They also protested at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign at The Liacouras Center in October 2024. Rishi Arun, SJP’s former president, urged attendees to rethink their vote, critical of Harris’ policies on the Israel-Hamas war.
“You don’t have to vote,” Arun told The Temple News in October 2024. “You don’t have to participate in this f—ed up system. There are things you can do that don’t involve voting for genocide. You can still organize, you can still build mass movements that aren’t directly involved in funding genocide.”
SJP’s demonstrations have sparked debate across campus, drawing both sup-
port and criticism from students, faculty and community members. The group was placed on interim suspension after an altercation with police at a career fair for the College of Engineering in September 2024. While many students commend SJP for shedding light on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, others argue the group’s methods – like protests during university events – can be polarizing and divisive.
The efforts of groups like SAASA, TAUP and SJP reflect a new generation of students willing to raise their voices and demand change. Many students are finding new and innovative approaches to activism, Epstein said.
“I think when you first get involved in advocacy work as a person of this generation, your instinct is to be adversarial,” Epstein said. “The first step isn’t necessarily to turn against the person that you think is perpetuating an issue. The first step is to confront them, give them the opportunity to respond and work with you to change and solve it.”
mike.nonnemaker@temple.edu
Temple is working to maintain positive relations with its North Central neighbors.
BY BAYLEH ALEXANDER Features Editor
Ruth Birchett has seen Temple expand its facilities and buy land deeper in the North Central neighborhood during her many years living in the neighborhood. In the ‘80s, she recalls feeling concerned about the university’s vast and inflated land ownership in her community.
But upon learning that Temple’s newest construction endeavor will be for education, Birchett, a block captain and lifelong North Central resident, is relieved to hear the land will be used for a greater purpose than its current parking lot, she said.
“Whatever funding that they received to do this building is funding to further advance the mission of educating students,” Birchett said. “Which is fine and which is what we’d like to see.”
In November, Temple announced plans to begin construction this spring on a new facility for the Klein College of Media and Communication and the Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts. The 199,000-square-foot building will be located directly across from Polett Walk and house classrooms, theater space and an integrated student media facility. Community members are largely supportive of the new build and look forward to seeing how it will benefit the neighborhood.
Temple’s relationship with North Central residents has seen its ups and downs, with tensions largely surrounding the university’s presence in a residential space.
In 2015, the university’s plan to build a football stadium in the area was strongly opposed by North Central residents. After conducting a $1.25 million feasibility survey, Temple decided not to move forward with the project to avoid disrupting the community.
Many locals have urged new university President John Fry to focus on
improving safety and communication rather than inconsiderate expansion into residential spaces, The Temple News reported.
During planning for the new Klein building, Temple officials said they engaged with registered community organizations and collaborated with residents to highlight the importance of community involvement. The university also ensured the project would benefit both the university and the surrounding area.
Andrea Swan, Temple’s director of community and neighborhood affairs, is hopeful the university’s new building will encourage residents and their families to consider attending Temple after high school and experience its programming benefits.
“With that location, it creates more visibility,” Swan said. “And I think it will create more of an opportunity for folks to be curious about what will be taking place in that school and how they can learn and how they can connect with the institution.”
Temple has already begun the North Central high school recruiting process, most notably with its neighbors at Carver High School of Engineering and Science, located near Main Campus on 16th Street near Norris Street. Temple police officer Leroy Wimberly created a presence in the school and helped mentor 42 students to join the university as freshmen this past fall.
CHS principal Darryl Johnson is thrilled by the high school’s partnership with Temple and hopes the new facility will further encourage community involvement and higher education opportunities for his students.
“I think it’s amazing that [Temple] gets to expand their campus,” Johnson said. “I’m very happy for them. Whatever brings more skills and resources to students, to give them better access to professional careers is always a great thing. I would love it to kind of even dig deeper and to see how this could truly support Carver in a very intentional way.”
Building construction is expected to be completed in 2027, giving the
university and residents time to prepare for further community engagements. Birchett urges Temple to preserve green spaces and build in an architecturally consistent way.
“I think Temple has done a pretty good job from a design standpoint of having the buildings on the campus, they’ve done a good job with design,” Birchett said. “And they’ve done a superb job with landscaping. And so I would expect that this building is gonna look pretty nice.”
Swan echoes Birchett’s desire to fulfill an educational mission and takes pride in the effort and resources Temple pushes for their students and surrounding community.
As a Klein alumna herself, Swan is passionate about expanding Temple’s resources to neighboring communities. Her children have benefited from Temple’s programming, and she hopes to share these resources with nearby families who can profit in similar ways.
“A new and improved client building will enable Temple to reach a wider audience of students in high school and in college,” Swan said. “There are programs that are geared for high school students that students can enroll in. And hopefully, these programs will continue to stoke the interest of potential journalists, hopefully encourage more students to want to attend Temple and certainly Klein by association.”
bayleh.alexander@temple.edu
Temple reflected on King’s work — and Trump’s return — as the two men’s legacies collided.
BY JADON GEORGE Features Staff Writer
Temperatures lay well below freezing as a crowd of more than three dozen people clustered in the shadow of Main Campus’ Bell Tower on Monday to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Professors David Mindich, David Brown and Linn Washington from Klein College of Media and Communication delivered brief remarks. Then, attendees took turns reading lines from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life began Jan. 15, 1929 in a two-story Victorian mere blocks east of downtown Atlanta. A brief, epochal 39-year life saw King become the voice of the Civil Rights Movement, embodying the principles of nonviolent protest and sparking the end of Jim Crow racial segregation across the South. An assassin’s bullet ended his life in April 1968. By 2000, governments across the nation celebrated the Georgia pastor’s work the Monday after his birthday.
King delivered “I Have a Dream,” his most famous address, in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, to the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In it, he put into words his vision for a world remade, where racism and other bigotries would no longer mar humans’ ability to treat each other fairly.
Two miles east of where King laid out his vision for a just America, Donald Trump on Monday articulated one of his own after taking the oath of office. In a half-hour inaugural speech and a blizzard of executive actions, the new president moved to end government explorations of racial equality and narrow the ranks of those who could count on federal authorities to safeguard their rights.
Africology professor Molefi Kete Asante led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at UCLA. His passion landed him a front-row seat for
the march and King’s address.
“It was historic,” Asante said. “I was extremely happy at that moment, because we thought the revolution that was coming would bring about social justice.”
Support for King and his cause proved only temporary after the march, and collapsed altogether after his death, Asante said. He later became an architect of the Black Power Movement — and believes the rise of Trump proves his point.
Trump paved the road to the top of American politics with a series of racial controversies. In the 1980s, he ran an ad in The New York Times calling for five Black teenagers to be executed for the rape and bludgeoning of a Central Park jogger — and refused to backtrack after the case against them fell apart. He burst into the national Republican scene in 2011 by helping revive claims that
then-president Barack Obama was born not in Hawaii but in Kenya.
And Trump’s first and third GOP campaigns focused on immigration — on who did and didn’t deserve to call themselves American. The second, his failed 2020 reelection bid, claimed U.S. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker — a Black man — planned to “destroy” the suburbs with “low-income housing.”
Trump sparked controversies, racial and otherwise, on his path back to power. Yet he’s increased his support with Black Americans — especially men — every four years.
Much of Trump’s coalition comprises white people who don’t think other racial and ethnic groups belong in the U.S., Asante said. The rightward movement of Black and brown voters, he argued, arose from a push to confuse Black voters — especially online.
“What you had in the African Amer-
ican community is confusion,” Asante said. “And you had this confusion deliberately.”
The presidents remembered for backing King’s vision in the 1960s are John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, said Temple Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership director Nu’Rodney T. Prad. Kennedy, before his November 1963 assassination, called on Congress to outlaw many forms of racial discrimination; Johnson oversaw the bills’ passage.
But that’s a shortened version of the link between the Movement and the politicians of the era, Prad said.
Both presidents belonged to the Democratic Party — at the time a fractious coalition of liberal northern urbanites, moderate working-class families and southern white supremacists bent on preserving the region’s system of
Continued on page 20.
racial division. To upset the latter posed an enormous risk to both presidents’ political futures, Prad said.
But Kennedy isn’t remembered as a reluctant reformer: When Prad would visit his grandmother in Montgomery, Alabama, the 35th president’s image sat alongside King’s on her mantlepiece.
“There was a perception that Kennedy was doing, you know, a certain type of thing,” said Prad, who participates in the annual reading of the Massachusean’s advocacy. “But there was a reluctance in what he was doing.”
Anti-Trump forces’ third — and likely final — campaign often used the catchphrase, “We’re not going back!”
Intentionally or not, it echoes a line from King’s speech to the March. “We cannot walk alone,” he declared. “And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we will always walk ahead. We cannot turn back.”
Yet the nation now finds itself in a familiar place: Gazing up at the Capitol stairs as the once-then future-president becomes the current chief — half the country tingling with excitement for an era of upheaval, half shuddering with dread.
Kristy Crocetto, a project coordinator for Temple’s Institute of Disabilities,
argued that if King were here today, he’d greet the occasion by urging the country to unite around a shared sense of moral purpose.
“We need to think about [King’s] words and put aside our own ideas of what is right and what is wrong and come together for the greater good,” Crocetto said in front of Beury Hall. “And that’s what’s missing. So if we can try to do that in Dr King’s honor, that would be something I think he’d be proud of.”
The MAGA legions’ longings for a mythic past were most apparent in Republicans’ stance towards transgender and nonbinary people — terms describing people who might not conform to the norms or categories of the gender assigned them at birth.
Their preoccupation seems destined to continue with Republicans now in power. Among more than 100 first-day executive orders, Trump moved to end legal protections for trans people in prisons, in the immigration process and in the military.
Fewer than 2% of Americans say they’re trans or non-conforming. That hasn’t stopped so-called red states from moving as one to bar them from their chosen sports leagues, bathrooms and
How do you expect Trump’s presidency to impact you?
medical care regimens.
Trump often targeted his messaging on the issue towards Black and Latino men. But gendered traditions often weren’t traditions at all. They were fantasies, accessible to only a privileged few — and wielded not just against LGBTQ communities but against Black women and people living in poverty, said gender, sexuality and women’s studies professor Jason Shapiro.
“The breadwinner-homemaker idea only existed in the 1950s for a few white Americans,” Shapiro said. “Not at any other time in human history — including afterwards.”
Many conservatives might find a rollback of civil rights-era gains unimaginable. But the president’s early statements portend an all-out federal brawl with “woke leftism” — often a pejorative for explorations of racial equality and reckoning.
Utterly defeated and thoroughly exhausted, liberalism’s remaining advocates say they wonder just how far that fight might go.
“I’ve been teaching all day, so I’m very much in a Professor Persona; I don’t want to be too, like, doom-and-gloomcatastrophe,” Shapiro said. “But when I’m home, I am terrified of it and often
Junior information science & technology major
“ I’m not entirely sure how it will affect me, but I am worried about my friends and minority groups who will be impacted by his new policies. ”
Freshman nursing major
“ As a woman, I think about the rights that we would have with contraceptives and birth control. He did leave it up to the states, but some states are leaning towards banning it. ”
going, ‘Oh my God — what could happen, and how quickly?’”
King’s killing in Memphis, Tennessee, effectively ended the Movement. In the years to follow, Asante came to believe that its work left much unexplored, unredressed and unrepaired — including the unity between Black Westerners and the African continent. But recent trends in technology and culture hearten him: People of African descent are now starting to make common cause — and their work may repair much of what has thus far been left undone, Asante said.
“This consciousness is growing, it’s developing,” Asante said. “And I have a lot of optimism for the future.”
Bayleh Alexander contributed reporting.
jadon.george@temple.edu @jgeorgescribe
Freshman mechanical engineering major
“ I’m really not into politics as much as I should be, but I’m a bit skeptical. ”
Freshman political science major
“ We have different beliefs, me and Trump. ”
Temple guard Quante Berry has taken a leap in his second season.
BY RYAN MACK Sports Editor
Heading into the 2024-25 Temple Basketball season, Quante Berry’s role in the lineup was up in the air. The Providence transfer averaged just 10 minutes for the Owls in his first season last year and the offseason cast even more doubt on his playing time.
Temple hit the transfer portal to acquire more back court depth, hauling in impact players like Jamal Mashburn Jr., Lynn Greer III and Jameel Brown. The trio also joined returners Zion Stanford and Shane Dezonie, further clogging the depth at the guard position in head coach Adam Fisher’s lineup.
However, when Fisher traveled to Dallas for the annual American Athletic Conference media day, Berry was among the players he raved about most.
Berry didn’t take long to show why he earned Fisher’s praise. Despite a slow start to begin the season, he quickly found his footing following an 18-point performance against La Salle on Nov. 30. Since then, Berry has found his way through a crowded guard room and become one of Temple’s best players this season.
“I think [Quante] Berry has made some really big steps,” Fisher said. “Everyone knows that when you’re in our program, you have to fight for everything. This year’s team is deeper and the practices are competitive. I think [Berry] knew [he’d] have to come in and fight. He’s hungry, that’s for sure.”
After transferring to Temple during Fisher’s first year, expectations weren’t too high for Berry. He redshirted his freshman year at Providence under then-head coach Ed Cooley and went to North Broad looking for a fresh start. However, before the season even started he had surgery that left him watching the Owls’ summer practices from the sidelines while the brand-new roster was
able to gel. The result was just 2.6 points per contest and only entering games in clean-up time.
Greer was expected to be one of the Owls’ starting guards but was suspended for the first nine games for an incident that occurred at his previous school. The situation caused Fisher to turn to Berry to take his role and he immediately impressed the staff and his teammates with his abilities.
“I think it was 30 practices before our first game that really established everybody in their roles and what they could bring to the team,” Berry said. “So I think those couple practices with my teammates just showed me what I could do.”
Berry started in the Owls’ season opener against Sacred Heart on Nov. 4 and he has kept the role since then. While Mashburn has been the team’s offensive engine, Berry has become the spark plug of the offense. Through the team’s first 18 games, he’s averaging 9.8 points per game and most have come in
critical points for Temple.
Most of Berry’s buckets come in bunches when the Owls find themselves in a squeeze and in desperate need of a spark. Against Buffalo on Dec. 29, Berry became the main catalyst for the offense that needed a boost. He rattled off 13 second-half points to keep the Bulls in the rearview mirror in a 20-point victory.
“[Quante is] a big part of our team,” Mashburn said. “I’m always in his ear about something, because I see the potential in him and how good he can really be. He’s great and he’s going to continue to be great.”
Berry’s efforts have also transitioned to the defensive end of the court. Fisher has emphasized improving on defense all season and the guard has quickly turned into one of the better perimeter defenders on the roster.
Berry has effectively come up with steals against players he has guarded all season, earning the praise of Fisher in the process. He leads Temple in steals with 1.4 per game. The extra possessions
have helped Temple flip the switch on the offensive end and pushed them to a 12-6 record.
Berry’s emergence also speaks to his commitment to Fisher and the program. Despite his role being unknown in the offseason, his decision to stay at Temple has paid dividends for a team looking to make noise in March.
“How many guys are staying [at their school] now?” Fisher said. “I’d love to see a project on guys that stay in a program with all this transfer portal and people moving around. [Berry] stayed. He continued to know our system, so now you’re not learning concepts. You’re just working on your game. He did an amazing job.”
ryan.mack001@temple.edu @Ryan_mack18
MEN’S TENNIS
Temple finished last season with seven wins but are hopeful with a new coach.
BY AMARNA MILNE Men’s Tennis Beat Reporter
After a rough 2024 season, Temple is hoping to turn the page this spring with a new coaching staff and a fresh outlook. The Owls ripped off an impressive 19 wins in 2023, but took a leap back last season with just seven wins, marking their worst record since 2008.
Now with new head coach Jeff Brandes leading the charge, Temple is aiming to climb back to the top of the American Athletic Conference in 2025.
The Owls experienced significant turnover during the offseason, but a cohort of fundamental performers has returned. With seniors Dante Russo and Martim Marujo alongside sophomore Adam Kresina, the Owls will rely on a combination of youthful enthusiasm and veteran leadership as they prepare for the start of the Brandes era.
“As a team, we’re working hard to create a winning culture and build on our chemistry, which was a struggle when I first arrived here,” Kresina said. “We all want to represent Temple in a good way, it’s about elevating each other and achieving something we can all be proud of.”
Temple enters the spring season after a promising fall slate where Marujo and Kresina become a standout doubles duo. The pairing made a run to the AAC round of 32 in October, before bowing out to the UAB squad of Noah Malige and Ondrej Valek.
Marujo returns as the Owls’ singles anchor, but the chemistry he formed with Kresina will aid Temple in the court. The pair hopes to build on their success and continue to be a force in doubles play.
“Martim and Adam had a very good fall together and the plan is to keep them together to begin the spring,” Brandes said. “The fall is all about preparing for the spring and we got a good amount of data from it. Martim separated himself as No. 1 and Adam will start the season as
Marujo has a chance to rebound from last season where he struggled with a 6-17 record after transferring in from Grand Canyon University. He made his way to the quarterfinals in the AAC tournament and now he enters the spring hoping his fall season success can carry into his final year of eligibility.
“I have high hopes for this season,” Marujo said. “This is my last semester so I want to do my best and as a senior try to be a bit more of a leader even though my personality is more reserved.”
Kresina returns after finishing 2024 with a team-leading 9-7 singles record during his freshman year. He joined Marujo with an AAC tournament run, but his ended in the round of 16. Kresina managed only three wins in doubles action last season but showed signs that he is working to improve.
The return of Russo is another benefit for the Owls heading into the spring campaign. The senior brings a wealth of experience from last season where
he notched eight singles victories and a 6-11 dual record, including a 5-9 mark from the No. 1 position. Russo was also a bright spot in doubles action with 10 wins, ranking second on the team and continued the performance into the fall, finishing 2-1 in tournament play.
“I’m extremely excited to get back out and play. It’s my last year and I’d like it to be my best one,” Russo said. “Our goal as a team is to improve on our record from last year and we’re really excited to go to California for spring break, we have a few matches planned out there.”
Despite being ranked lower in singles action, the two conference tournament runs give the Owls a sense of optimism for the future. With a renewed sense of confidence and approach to training, Temple is looking to build off that momentum and go farther into the postseason.
The Owls will begin the spring season with a competitive schedule, which kicks off against cross-town rival Saint Joseph’s on Jan. 23. The slate is high-
lighted by a greatly anticipated trip to California in March. As they gear up for a demanding stretch of dual matches, the team is focused on building off the lessons learned during the fall and making a statement on the court.
“Our conference is really difficult,” Brandes said. “We’re not Power 4 so people don’t realize, but the AAC is the sixth-ranked conference out of 30 conferences. A lot of the teams are ranked and lots of players have individual rankings. We treat every match like it’s the most important match and we know that the best players can win on a below-average day.”
amarna.milne@temple.edu
Temple competed in a difficult schedule and it’s showing its benefits.
BY COLIN SCHOFIELD Assistant Sports Editor
At the conclusion of non-conference play, Temple sat at a pedestrian 6-5 record just a year removed from winning a share of the American Athletic Conference regular season championship.
On the surface, it was a disappointing start for a team that had sky-high expectations. However, the 6-5 record was not a concern for head coach Diane Richardson and it can actually help the team for the rest of the season.
Richardson and her staff purposely crafted a treacherous non-conference schedule to help her team prepare for conference play, and it is paying off so far. The schedule featured eight teams that played in a postseason tournament last season. Despite the struggles, Temple has grown from the early challenges and hopes to be in the mix once again come March.
CONTINUED FROM 24 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
“Mentally it was tough,” Turner said. “I started all the games last year and to come here and not, it was a little tough. But, you don’t grow unless you’re in a different environment and you have a challenge. That’s something I’m still overcoming and it’s helping me grow.”
Turner has made a strong impression in her first season on North Broad Street, becoming Temple’s third-leading scorer by averaging nine points per game. On a team that struggles with offensive efficiency, Turner is shooting a refreshing 42% from the field and 43% from three.
Turner’s primary role this season has been coming off the bench which was an adjustment she had to make after starting in 29 of 31 games for Alabama A&M. Turner also struggled to adapt to the fast-paced playstyle Temple’s offense
“I knew that we needed to be challenged in the non-conference so that we’re ready for our conference play,” Richardson said before the season. “Our conference is very packed. There are teams that are really good, so I want to be challenged. It’s a true testament to us and we can get through these games, I think that it’ll make us prepared for conference play.”
The Owls are off and running with a 5-1 start in AAC play, their best start to conference play since Richardson was hired. Most teams go through growing pains to start a season, but Temple went through those growing pains while also facing top competition.
The cream of the crop in the Owls’ schedule were nationally-ranked opponents West Virginia and California. Temple lost by more than 20 points in both games, but its players gained invaluable experience by facing the nation’s best.
Once conference play got underway, the benefits of playing the intense schedule were showcased immediately. The Owls raced out of the gate with a 97-74
thrives in.
The adjustment led to frustration for Turner when the constructive criticism she received from coaches was perceived as personal attacks. However, Turner’s mindset eventually changed as she found confidence in learning the Owls’ system while developing trust in her coaches, Richardson said.
“When she first came, if we corrected her or something she took it kind of personal,” Richardson said. “She’d get down on herself and our biggest thing is instilling confidence in our players. She’s embraced that now and she knows it’s nothing personal, strictly business.”
As Turner has continued to find her confidence within the program, the comparisons to Nelson have increased. In Nelson’s two years with the Owls, she was known for her speed and ability to finish creatively in the paint while still knocking down jumpers in big moments.
win against UAB on Dec. 29 and have continued to build on the early momentum. Temple’s only setback came in a 6556 loss to South Florida, where the Owls were outmatched from the opening tip.
Temple has the second-best scoring offense in conference play, which was its Achilles heel in its non-conference games. The Owls still have just the ninth-ranked scoring offense in the AAC, but the early improvements are an encouraging sign for the team. The defense has also remained strong in conference play, forcing the most turnovers in the AAC along with the second-best turnover margin.
While the Owls have improved as an overall unit because of their non-conference schedule, individual players have also started stepping up in conference play.
Guard Kaylah Turner and forward Jaleesa Molina have each stepped into larger roles since conference play started and have been crucial in the Owls’ hot start. Turner has especially increased her production, averaging more than 11 points per game in conference matchups.
Turner’s speed and ability to create space for mid-range jump shots has become a staple of her game that resembles Nelson and has allowed her to excel this season.
Turner showcased her abilities in Temple’s 75-69 overtime win against FAU on Jan. 8 where she scored a career-high 25 points, going 8-14 from the field. The guard came up big for the Owls in overtime, scoring seven points to close out the win. Her performance has made her one of Temple’s go-to players in late-game scenarios.
“We need a player like that,” said guard Tarriyonna Gary. “We need somebody who we can count on that is not afraid to take that shot [at the end of a game]. And I feel like she’s shown several times that she’s not afraid to take that shot.”
Now that Turner has found her rhythm in Temple’s system, she is expected to play a crucial role for the rest
She has emerged as a true scoring threat, offering Richardson another weapon in her “equal opportunity offense.”
The Owls still have to face other conference leaders in UTSA, North Texas and Tulane so the road ahead will not be easy. However, the difficult non-conference schedule has set Temple up for success and will continue to prove beneficial for the remainder of the season.
“That non-conference schedule set us up to be resilient,” Richardson said. “We’re going to see that for the rest of the season, where we may get punched, but we’re not going to lay down.
colin.schofield@temple.edu @Colinschofield9
of the season. The Owls came into the season looking to build on their success from last year which saw them claim a regular season American Athletic Conference title. As Temple enters the bulk of conference play, Turner’s talents will be needed for the team to reach its goals and compete in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017.
“Kaylah was a baller coming in but I think she’s learned it now and is more comfortable,” Richardson said. “You can see in games that she’s fearless and we like that about her.”
jaison.nieves@temple.edu @JaisonNieves1
Following a successful freshman season at Alabama A&M, Kay lah Turner had a big decision to make.
Turner became a standout for the Bulldogs, averaging 11 points and three rebounds per game en route to earning South Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year. Despite the suc cess, the Jacksonville, Florida, native wanted to find a school that matched her playstyle and allowed her to reach her full potential as a player.
Temple checked both boxes and Turner transferred to North Phila delphia after falling in love with the coaching staff and clicking with the team. While it seemed like a perfect fit, Turner struggled to adjust at first and needed time to
After a slow start, Temple Women’s Basketball guard Kaylah Turner is thriving as a spark plug off the bench.
BY JAISON NIEVES Sports Social Media Manager
adapt to a new system and role as a bench player.
Despite Turner’s early struggles, head coach Diane Richardson viewed the sophomore as the heir apparent to former Temple all-conference guard Aleah Nelson. Richardson believed in Turner and knew she just needed time to grow her confidence. As the Owls advance in conference play, the guard has become a pivotal part of the Owls’ rotation and a spark off the bench with her offensive scoring prowess.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL