The Tower April 29, 2021.

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Apr 29 | 2021 WWW.KUTOWER.COM

TH E I N DEPEN D EN T VOI C E O F KE AN U N IV E R S IT Y

Kean University Students and Alumni Spotlight Art in Memory Of George Floyd

By Tasha Dowbachuk A powerful activist art exhibit by Kean University students and alumni honoring George Floyd was opened this month, representing the deep emotion of many on campus as the world watched former Minneapolis police officer Derrick Chauvin found guilty on all three counts for his murder.

Unveiled in a virtual tour just five days before Chauvin’s guilty verdict on April 20, the collection of 14 art pieces in the the Human Rights Insitute illustrates an assembly of reactions not only towards Floyd’s murder, but also the lives that were taken at the hands of police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. A video recording taken by a 17-year-old bystander captured footage of Floyd on May 25 in police custody, with Chauvin shown kneeling on his neck as Floyd gasped that he couldn’t breathe.

The video garnered outrage and launched protests around the world.

The virtual art exhibition was curated by Dr. Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg, Kean Art History professor of 17 years, as part of her personal commitment to support students in exploring the historical power of imagery.

“The creative act of making art and discussing art has special power to express personal, genuine and sincere feelings and thoughts, [and] the hope is that these artists' voices for change will encourage other students to engage visual art to explore

“The creative act of making art and discussing art has special power to express personal, genuine and sincere feelings and thoughts.”

Photo Courtesy of Tasha Dowbachuk

Dr. Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg, Art History professor and exhibition curator, standing beside Tino Cook’s artwork titled, ‘Sun-Another’

their own reaction to racism,” Dr. TuerkStonberg said.

As the nation continues to protest in the fight towards ending racial inequality, the

backbone of the exhibition is demonstrated through the passion and commitment of 14 artistic voices unified in their call for racial justice and to support one another in the

midst of public violence.

Kean University President Dr. Lamont Repollet commemorated the exhibit on April 15 with an opening address followed by a nine-minute virtual tour produced by TuerkStonberg, featuring oil, acrylic and mixed media artworks as well as photography of a student and alumni activist group called, Just Some Bums and Mary Clare.

The event -- sponsored by Kean’s History Department and its Art History program, as well as University Relations, Kean Galleries and The Human Rights Institute -- also included guest speaker, Dr. Ruth Feldstein, author and associate producer of PBS American Master series “How It Feels To Be Free,” which documents the lives of famous female entertainers, Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier.

Over 100 people attended the virtual event and listened to the artistic descriptions of four artists within the student and alumni group: Cheyonne Thompson, Marielena Guthrie, Mary Clare King and Tino Cook.

At the start of the presentation, viewers were introduced to a total of nine portraits of Cook’s artwork featuring the faces of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, George Junius Stinny Jr., Tamir Rice, Elijah McClain, Aiyana Mo’Nay Stanley Jones and Heather Heyer.

Cook said that his artwork is in direct response to the hypocrisy, disenfranchisement and bloodshed of his people in the continued on page 5

President Repollet Hosts Concern for Student Mental Health After Year-Long Remote Learning Spring Semester Town Hall

By Cindy Lazo

learning,” she said, “and I know that it’s been difficult for quite a few.”

As the spring semester is winding down, and Michael Rado, a junior majoring in Supply Kean University officially transitions back to Chain and Information Management, said he’s in-person learning, there’s a growing concern had no trouble with remote learning. He was on how the year-long able to keep his partlockdown and remote time supermarket job learning has impacted as an essential worker student’s mental and continued all his health. other activities.

A Pew Research “I was able to Center survey revealed keep up with my that 32 percent of studies, be an active young adults from member of student ages 18-29 showed government, work, high levels of distress, teach confirmation with experts saying classes at my church,” that fear and isolation he said. “And my in connection to the family members were pandemic could be also able to keep their causing factors. jobs. Everything has And an Active been a blessing so far.”

Minds, a nonprofit Once in-person organization that classes begin next supports mental semester, students health awareness will face the familiar and education for stresses such students, survey as parking and from last year saw commuting, with the 20 percent of college added pressure of students who say their perhaps not knowing mental health has Photo by Ashley Campbell Photography is licensed under CC BY 2.0 whether peers or significantly worsened Stress employees are going under COVID-19 and to be vaccinated, Dr. that 8 in 10 students Keil said.

She said many students have vocalized are struggling with focus on school or work and their opposition to the COVID 19 vaccines. avoiding distractions.

“The stressors, while they might be alleviated, Dr. Jacqueline Keil, associate professor of are not going to disappear.” Dr. Keil said, “I political science, said there are both pros and would hope that the University continues to cons to remote learning for students. On the maintain its level of service when it comes to plus side, she said participation in her remote things like psychological counseling and things classes has been more frequent than in faceto-face classes, and online meetings has made like that because there’s going to be demand for scheduling more accessible for students. it.”

However, she has been seeing students While no word for the next semester, the experiencing increased stress.

University’s Counseling Center services is “I have had students talk to me about the currently providing remote services and invarious challenges they’ve experienced outside person services on a case-by-case basis for of Kean University that does impact their students.

“I have had students talk to me about the various challenges they’ve experienced outside of Kean University that does impact their learning and I know that it’s been difficult for quite a few.”

Photo by Chelsey Jaipersaud

Student Discussion with President Repollet

By Chelsey Jaipersaud President Lamont Repollet addressed student concerns about the return to campus, safety protocols and the possible mandate for student vaccinations at the Spring semester virtual Town Hall.

Students were invited to attend the event and provide feedback on issues that arose from the Spring 2021 semester along with suggestions on how the University can fix the problem. Each speaker that signed up was allotted three minutes and if they were not selected to speak due to time constraints, they had the option to submit written comments.

“We may not have all the answers right now because we may be developing those Announcement for Town Hall answers or be in the process of coming to some resolution,” Repollet said.

Repollet ensured that he would be trying to answer the questions to the best of his ability and anything that was not answered in that

moment will be answered soon.

Sophomore Alexandria Calpo addressed her concern for the safety of students being that commuters will also have the option of returning in the Fall.

Repollet referred to the University Restart Plan which talks about risk mitigations and encouraged social distancing especially in the classrooms. Repollet further explained that the CDC required six feet last year and are now requiring three feet, therefore the university will be in the middle, to about four feet.

Along with basic precautions to keep everyone safe, Repollet also encouraged vaccinations, but has not yet decided whether they will be mandatory or not.

“If I’m going to move to mandate, I’m now Photo by Kean University Website providing people an opportunity to have that vaccination done here on campus,” Repollet said. “Then I feel more comfortable saying that I have the environment for you and you have an opportunity.”

Repollet explained that the biggest fear continued on page 5

2 THE TOWER

May, 2021

Interviewing a police detective – The cause of street shootings in the USA

By Alejandro Arcos The Kean Forensic Science Club held a meeting with Captain Patrick Murray of the Paterson Police Department to discuss how the Paterson Police Department handles crime in the city, specifically in regard to nonfatal shootings in the area.

Photo by Cougar Link, Forensic Science Club gallery

Patrick Murray examining a bullet casing

The captain of the detective for the PPD, Patrick Murray is a part of the cease-fire unit, a specialized unit in the Paterson police force that investigates non-fatal shootings, as in, anyone struck by gunfire and survives to be questioned about it.

“We treat the non-fatal shooting investigations as seriously with the same importance as a homicide investigation,” Murray said. “The only difference is you don’t have the opportunity to speak to the victim of a homicide.”

According to Captain Murray, the crime rates and number of shootings has increased significantly around the country over the course of the past year.

police investigate, gang violence appears to be commonplace as a source of shootings in the city, usually in the cold seasons of the year where firearms are easier to conceal.

Comparatively, gun violence decreases in warmer seasons where concealing such weapons wouldn’t be as simple.

“Here in Paterson, we don’t see the usual,

“Years ago, these arguments ended up in a physical assault but because the proliferation of firearms would’ve been a small speck 15, 30 years ago, now become shooting incidents.” your Crips, your Bloods, we tend to see neighborhood groups who give themselves their own names within the city. ‘So Icy’, the ‘Glock Boys’, they become territorial, and when they do become territorial it’s mostly to protect the turf where they’re selling narcotics. In this present environment, it’s heroin.” Murray said.

According to Captain Murray, the trade of narcotics continues to be a driving force for gun violence in Paterson, and the United States at large, with gang violence overshadowing even domestic violence cases.

“A lot of the problems with shooting incidents here in the Paterson area are groups

Photo by Cougar Link, event page

“In 2021, we had approximately 100 nonfatal shooting incidents within the city of Paterson. It was an anomaly for us, we usually have it between 60-70. New York city has seen a rise in gun violence, and it seems to have followed suit throughout the country.”

Murray said.

In regard to the incidents that Paterson

or gangs driven by the narcotics trade.”

The Kean Forensic Science Club may be contacted through their page on Cougar Link during open hours. Captain Patrick Murray may be contacted through his email pmurrary@patersonpd.com. The Paterson PD may be contacted through their department’s website.

Three University Departments Discuss Recognizing Hate Speech & Symbols

By Christian Grullon In an effort to address hate speech and recognizing its symbols, The Human Rights Institute, Holocaust Resource Center/Diversity Council & the School of Communication, Media & Journalism held a virtual presentation titled “Recognizing Hate Speech & Symbols”.

Topics such as Alt-Right ideologies and what hate speech is, were all shown on the presentation as well as how hate persuades.

Briefly the First Amendment of The United States Constitution was discussed regarding what speech is protected from it.

Graduate Assistant of the HRI Tiffany Case started off the presentation about a group called the Alternative Right, commonly known as the Alt-Right.

The Alt-Right is a movement of far-right ideas, groups and people who center their ideologies on “white identity”, which Case said the reactionary right has reached the mainstream in ways as we don’t see with

Next was Professor of the Communications department Dr. Eric English in which he titled his presentation “How Hate Persuades: The Strategy of Hate Speech Symbols.”

He started off by explaining what hate speech is. He also briefly explained what speech is protected in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Just like Case, English used a PowerPoint presentation.

“Hate speech is any public speech that attacks, humiliates, or dehumanizes members of groups on the basis of things like race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and disability.” English said.

English then said that in ‘almost every state there are hate crime laws on the books but there are not hate speech laws because in the U.S. it is a form of protected speech under the supreme court’s current interpretation of the First amendment.’

The First amendment states that ‘Congress shall make no law respecting

Photo by Shahid Abdullah is marked with CC0 1.0

"Social Media Keyboard"

Photo by ATLAS Social Media is marked withCC PDM 1.0

"Social Media Koppelingen"

the far-left “white identity.”

Case then spoke about the farright, which is slightly different from the alt-right.

The far-right is a Neo-Fascist, rightwing ideology that invariably invokes anti-Semitism, ultra-nationalism, authoritarianism, Nazi influence and white supremacy.

“Over the past 20 years, the site has become more and more right leaning.” Case said.

In her last slide, Case talked about why the alt-right and the far-right emerged. A few reasons she gave was that the ‘internet has allowed for more instant communication and our generation’s concept of identity has changed.’

an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.’

English also made it a point to ‘not to confuse hate speech with hate crimes’ because hate speech does not have exceptions with inciting violence.

English briefly went into the purposes and audience of hate speech, which targets an audience to terrorize, persuades to radicalize and adherents to mobilize explained how hate persuades and that ‘it’s a process.’

The presentation was held on April 13 on the Zoom website.

“Hate speech is any public speech that attacks, humiliates, or dehumanizes members of groups on the basis of things like race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and disability.”

New Student Planner Replacing Keanwise Gets High Marks

By Ruben Nieves

at first. Ferrari said when registering, she did have trouble at first finding the agreements required to use the program.

“I did have trouble but only to find the agreement we need to agree to,” Ferrari said.

“A classmate did assist me and now I know how to do it for future reference.”

Alexander Salazar,a junior majoring in

This month Kean officially switched the way students register for courses from KeanWise to an all-new program called Student Planner.

April 6 was the first day to start registering for courses in the new program.

To access the student planner, students log in to their KeanWise account and the student planner will be found under the academic profile. Lethicia Ferrari, a freshman whose major is undecided, found this way of registering more useful.

“The new student planner is more efficient and clear when it comes to registering for courses,” Ferrari said.

The student planner can help track and also plan Photo by Kean University Youtube your academic progress The new student planner towards your degree.

It allows you to search and register for courses, create a plan for degree completion and reach out to the academic adviser in your major.

The university has communication/ media & film, said he has provided a step-by-step tutorial on how to used the Student Planner at other schools. register for courses using student planning on “No problems, I already had experience KeanWise.A few students had a bit of trouble using this student planner before,” he said “I

love the new student planner and think it’s a great implementation of how to register for classes,” Salazar said.

Robert Giuffra, a freshman majoring in computer science, thinks the student planner is a much simpler way of registering for courses.

“I like how simple and clean it is,” said

more simple way of registering for courses.

“I like how simple and clean it is,” said Giuffra.

The student planner helps make registering for courses much easier by displaying an empty schedule of the week. Students are able to see how courses can fit into their schedule.

Salazar thinks this is an easier way to plan for next semester.

“What I like the most is that it's easier to plan with,” Salazar said. “I can check all of the classes at once and see how it fits into my schedule.classes and how to line up our schedule.”

Like Salazar, Ferrari said what she liked the most about the student Photo by Kean University Youtube planner was how easy it is This is where to find student planner in KeanWise to use and how clear it is to schedule her classes for next semester.

“What I like the most about the student planner is how you are adding courses, you have a clear calendar of how your Giuffra.I do it find it more useful than the day would look,” Ferrari said. “This makes it original way of registering.” Giuffra said. easier to decide which class is best at a certain Giuffra, a freshman majoring in computer science thinks the student planner is a much time.”

“I love the new student planner and think it’s a great implementation of how to register for classes”

May, 2021

THE TOWER 3

The Tower changed my life and now I have to say goodbye!

By Valerie Sanabria If someone would have told me 10 years ago when I moved to the U.S. that I, who couldn't understand not even one word of English, was going to be the editor-in-chief of an award-winning student newspaper I would have laughed.

I’m one of those super emotional but powerful women, which means I’m crying as I’m typing. I never would have thought that I could be The Tower’s editor-in-chief.

I knew I wanted to be a journalist ever since I turned nine and I was still living in Guatemala. I never abandoned that dream. I always knew it was going to be difficult but look at where I am and what I'm doing.

English is not my first language and it has been a difficult but exciting and beautiful journey.

I can easily remember the first time I wrote an article for The Tower. I was extremely nervous, and it got worse when it was returned to me with a lot of suggestions. I can also remember when I grabbed the print edition from the library and saw my article in it. I brought four copies home; I was extremely proud. My mom even took a picture of it and posted it on Facebook.

My first semester as a reporter was so complicated that I did not go back to The Tower the following semester as expected. I felt that I was not enough. I always sat away from everyone and close to the window. I wanted to write but I was scared.

When I finally decided to go back I was more mature. I knew how everything worked and what I had to do. I worked hard, and each of my stories had fewer errors. I still did not talk much to anyone, but I was trying and enjoyed it. Whenever my articles were returned I had to ask my sister to look at it first because I

Photo by Valerie Sanabria

Valerie Sanabria, The Tower’s editor-in-chief for the Spring 2021 semester

Photo by Valerie Sanabria

Valerie’s first article as The Tower reporter

I haven't stopped crying yet but I know I have to.

Being part of The Tower helped me become the strong, independent and powerful woman I am today. couldn’t bear to read that it was not good.

I was surprised when Craig Epstein, The Tower’s former editor-in-chief, asked if I wanted to be the features editor after my second semester with The Tower. I couldn’t believe it. After I processed it, I took a screenshot and sent it to my mother and sisters, my best friend and my boyfriend.

I remember my mom screaming from the kitchen asking me to translate what I sent to the group chat and then hugging me after I told her, and all I asked was “Should I say ‘Yes’?”

I doubted myself a lot. I never thought that I was enough or capable.

I enjoyed my time as the features editor.

I got called bossy and I sent thousands of emails in the process, but I was just doing what I knew I had to. At the end of the semester I got an email from another amazing former editor-in-chief who helped me a lot, Zoe Strozewski, who asked me if I wanted to take her role.

This time it was harder to believe. I sent screenshots again, but this time I was not sure if I could take the position. I couldn’t stop thinking that there were thousands of things I did not know that I still struggle with like trying to differentiate “in” and “on” or that before sending an email I have to show

Kean University to Hold First Annual Lavender Graduation

By Emily Robles Starting this spring semester, Kean University will recognize and annually hold a Lavender Graduation in honor of students who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Like the African Heritage Graduation Ceremony, the Lavender Graduation at Kean will be a special pre-graduation event that celebrates graduating seniors at the University.

The ceremony will include a presentation by all the participating students as well as a keynote address from Dr. Ronni Sanlo.

The history of Lavender Graduations goes back to 1995 when Dr. Sanlo organized the first ever Lavender Graduation at the University of Michigan. Dr Sanlo, who is a selfidentified lesbian, was denied attendance at the graduations of her own children because of her sexual orientation. Because of this, Dr. Sanlo created the special graduation and since then many colleges and universities nationwide have started participating in Lavender Graduations.

“We want to promote a campus that honors all identities and empowers our students to

“We want to promote a campus that honors all identities and empowers our students to live authentically.”

Photo by Kean University website

LGBTQ+ grad hat

live authentically,” the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion said in a statement.

Due to Covid-19, the ceremony will be held

virtually this year, but plans to be in person one day. Graduates who were interested were able to register for the ceremony online.

“In future years, we plan for the participation to grow into a ceremony intended to be in person or hybrid when we return to campus,” said the spokesperson for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Students participating in the graduation ceremony will also receive a lavender cord that they can wear at their in-person graduation ceremony.

“Lavender Graduation does not replace the general University commencement. This is something additional,” according to a Kean News press release on the matter. “It's another way that we can show that we care about these students, who can be marginalized and discriminated against.”

The ceremony was to be held on Zoom on Friday, April 23.

“We believe that recognizing the achievements of all sectors of our community is important as we continue to climb higher,” said a spokesperson for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

it to my sister or boyfriend to make sure I don’t have any errors. I also used to copy and paste everything into Google Translate to see if it made sense. I still do it sometimes. I was scared, and I didn’t think that I was capable.

Of course, I had to say yes but I was terrified.

My journey as the editor-in-chief this semester was short, but I loved it. I learned so much. I found ways to make friends even during the pandemic. I was able to put great issues out with the help of an amazing team.

I cannot thank enough The Towers advisors, Lois DeSocio and Pat Winters Lauro, for helping and trusting me during this entire journey. They gave me the strength I needed, and they always believed in my capabilities, even when I doubted myself.

The editors and the staff helped me a lot.

Chelsey Jaipersaud always read my articles before posting them and Lenny Mata Cuevas texted me every day since I was made the features editor and we became really close in the process.

I’m sure The Tower will continue to get awards and be an excellent newspaper with the guidance of the new editor-in-chief, Cindy Lazo. She is passionate about her writing, organized and a great reporter. I’m extremely happy to be passing along the position to her.

I haven't stopped crying yet but I know I have to. Being part of The Tower helped me become the strong, independent and powerful woman I am today. It helped me to believe that I can do anything if I work hard.

I’m still the woman with an accent, but the woman who is in charge and as a feminist who feels inexplicable.

I’m scared about the future, I have always been scared but I still take risks and that is what keeps me going. Please be scared but do it and enjoy it.

Features Editor Wins Award

Photo by Chelsey Jaipersaud

The Tower's Features Editor, Chelsey Jaipersaud, has been awarded second place for Column/Opinion Writing in the annual New Jersey Collegiate Press Association competition among New Jersey's college student newspapers, both public and private. Jaipersaud is a junior majoring in Communication/Journalism.

RELATIONSHIPS

One Relationship that Runs Deep

By Chelsey Jaipersaud Someone once asked me why do I believe in God? I simply replied “because I’ve seen too much not to believe.”

I grew up with a lot of sadness surrounding my heart, constant worry of what bad thing was going to happen next. I struggled with making friends; I struggled with finding my worth; and I struggled with my faith.

I often questioned God. I questioned why good people suffer. I questioned why, at such a young age I faced so many obstacles at once.

I questioned why things kept constantly falling apart.

I grew up thinking that blessings had to consist of big houses, fancy cars, lots of friends and all of the materialistic things of this world. In reality, I was surrounded by blessings my whole life.

Despite these hard times I have had a roof over my head, a mother who stopped at nothing to ensure the safety of her kids, and I attended good schools. And every day I woke up I was given a new chance.

Covid-19 has led many people to turn to their beliefs and fulfill a need for

“For me, it has become difficult to express how I feel and speak my truth when the world is constantly telling me to be someone else.” connectedness.

According to the American Psychological Association, religious reframing can help people transcend stressful times by enabling them to see a tragedy as an opportunity to grow in their faith.

Kean student Christian Grullon has developed his own connection with God

Photo by By nigelhowe is licensed under CC BY 2.0

"Sunrise Manly"

that has become stronger throughout the pandemic.

“I’ve learned that it’s important to be devoted to spending time with God because you get consumed with all the chaos in the world,” Grullon said.

I, too, have found that my relationship with God has given me a chance to break away from the negativity and to see the world in a new light. It is so easy to get clouded by all the heartbreak, but the minute I turn to my faith I see a chance for change and opportunity.

Christian influencers across all social media platforms have shared their experiences which allowed others to open up about their experiences. People have created blogs and youtube videos sharing how their lives have changed in the span of one year.

Despite this, every day people are ridiculed for their religious beliefs. For me, it has become difficult to express how I feel and speak my truth when the world is constantly telling me to be someone else.

I’ve had friends tell me that those who believe in God make them feel judged, which is understandable, but I’m here to tell you that as a Christian I’ve felt judged too at times like continued on page 7

4 THE TOWER

May, 2021

Concerns For The Fall 2021 Semester

Department of Communication Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0470; Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu; www.kutower.com

By Davaughnia Wilson

first in the country to announce it will require students to be fully vaccinated to attend classes.

The university is planning to re-open its Kean has not made any announcement on doors fully to the Kean community for the Fall requiring vaccines.

2021 semester and has scheduled all classes for Annie Dreitser, a sophomore majoring in in-person instruction, with the exception of Elementary Education K-8 and lead ambassador Kean Online courses. for tours in the Office of In an email to the Admissions, said she was Kean community, vaccinated.

President Lamont “As someone who is Repollet said Kean fully vaccinated I do feel is currently making safer but I am concerned preparations to ensure for those who are unable that students return to to get vaccinated,” she a safe campus. said. “Since there are “This is the message students who are unable I’ve been looking to get vaccinated there forward to sending should be online options for months,” the email for them.” said. “I am pleased to Dreitser said Kean announce that Kean is giving tours to University plans to fully prospective students, return to in-person however, they follow instruction, research, very strict guidelines to residential life, and ensure that all parties Photo taken from Kean University’s Instagram page activities in Fall 2021.”

Stop the Spread of COVID-19 involved are safe and are The email did not socially distanced. state exactly what Dreitser explained students should expect that during tours, for the Fall 2021 prospective students semester. and their parents raised President Repollet concerns regarding stated that the protocols for the Fall university is expecting 2021 semester. She to offer COVID-19 Photo taken from Kean University’s Instagram page explains that she vaccines on campus COVID-19 always reiterates the for members of the information that Kean community who was provided to her are not yet vaccinated department by the and intends to follow the president, notifying them guidelines and protocols that classes are scheduled from the Center for to be in person.

Disease Control and “We have received Prevention and the New concerned phone calls and Jersey Department of emails from parents but Health. at the end of the day, the “With millions of only information we can additional vaccines give them is what we have becoming available this been told. Everything is so spring and summer, we uncertain and all we want have every confidence is more answers,” Dreitser that Kean will be able said. to bring our students, McCorry said as the faculty, and staff back to university develops its campus safely,” the email plans for the Fall 2021 stated. semester, the wellbeing Through its and safety of the campus partnership with the community is their top County of Union in its priority.

COVID-19 response, the “Kean is monitoring state and federal health university has conducted testing for resident and safety guidance, which continues to evolve, students and athletes this academic year along and will continue to follow all recommendations with making vaccines available to employees, carefully, including those covering building said Margaret McCorry, associate vice president and classroom capacity, social distancing and for University Relations.

In March, Rutgers University was among the testing,” McCorry said.

“Kean is monitoring state and federal health and safety guidance, which continues to evolve, and will continue to follow all recommendations carefully, including those covering building and classroom capacity, social distancing and testing.”

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication. The Tower is not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. The Tower is a public forum and is free from censorship and advance approval of content by the university administration. The Tower staff is responsible for its content.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: VALERIE SANABRIA NEWS EDITOR: CINDY LAZO FEATURES EDITOR: CHELSEY JAIPERSAUD SPORTS EDITOR: STEVEN MERRILL ONLINE EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: EMILY ROBLES ONLINE EDITOR: LENNY MATA CUEVAS

REPORTERS DORIAN ALERTE

RUBEN NIEVES

TIYE BRACY

DAVAUGHNIA WILSON

TYLER CLARK

ALEJANDRO ARCOS

CHRISTIAN GRULLON

OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Tower welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from any source.

Such material should be submitted to thetower@kean.edu or left at The Tower’s offices. To verify sources of written material, submissions must include the writer’s name and contact information. Students should include their class (sophomore, graduate, etc.) and major. Faculty and staff should include campus title or position. On request, names may be withheld from publication if The Tower staff determines there is a legitimate reason to do so, but no anonymous letters will be accepted for publication. The Tower reserves the right to edit, and refuse publication of any submission.

Spring-to-Spring and Covid in Between: The Tower Edition!

By Lenny K. Mata Cuevas How many times have you read Coronavirusrelated articles in The Tower within the last year?

All of those stories are known, thanks to the willingness of administrators, staff, faculty and students to share their journey of hardship, trauma and perhaps loss of loved ones in the year of the pandemic.

Now, with hope abounding, The Tower’s staff shared what it was like dealing with their own environment while reporting on everyone else during the first full year of COVID-19.

It was March 14, 2020 when the first online article about the announcement of remote education due to the growing spread of COVID-19 was published on The Tower’s website, www.kutower.com.

On March 21, 2020, the NJ Collegiate Press Association announced The Tower scored Number 1 in the state for the coveted “General Excellence” award , effectively naming it the best college newspaper in New Jersey, public or private.

At the same time, News Editor Cindy Lazo was covering a story about the total suspension of “all in-person classes until the end of the semester.”

Suspension of in-person classes marked the beginning of quarantine, online classes, discussion questions, Zoom, Google Meet and so many emails. “I don’t think I ever sent so many emails,” said Lazo, who was going through her first semester as News Editor of The Tower.

But Lazo was confident it would all pass quickly.

“Personally, I thought that COVID wasn’t going to last as long as it did,” Lazo continued.

“I assumed that it was one of the issues that was going to be debated on as the Presidential Elections were a few months away and it would slowly decline.”

Unfortunately, Coronavirus did not decline

and by April 15, 2020, in New Jersey alone, there were a total of 71,030 COVID cases, according to online newspaper NJ.com.

Four days later, Emily Robles, The Tower’s social media and online editor, reported on Kean University becoming an official testing Center for COVID-19, which nowadays is also a vaccination center.

“When this story was given to me, I was so excited to write it,” Robles said. “I was just happy that my campus was involved in helping people get tested safely.”

Regardless, Kean University was closed and so was The Tower’s office. Robles, who graduates in May, explained that she “will sadly not see the return of face-to-face instruction.” She misses the newsroom and like an old-time reporter, she misses the print edition of The Tower, which has been publishing a digital edition only since the pandemic began.

“I miss being able to attend The Tower meetings in person and hanging out with the other editors in the Tower room,” she said. “I miss actually passing out the printed edition of our paper to people on campus and being able to interview people in person for stories.”

Like many others, The Tower’s staff sometimes felt anxiety and the pressures of social restrictions. Features Editor Chelsey Jaipersaud shared that quarantine affected her motivation and her writing.

“I lost a lot of motivation and I struggled to write my articles. I felt like I was letting down the professors, the editors and myself,” Jaipersaud said.

Loss of motivation, due to the abrupt changes in working and studying style, was one of the many issues Americans had to deal with during the year of the pandemic.

According to a paper published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the biggest challenges of doing everyday tasks from home “include not being able to unplug

after hours, difficulties collaborating and/or communicating with colleagues, and a lack of motivation.”

On September 22, 2020, Jaipersaud’s article about the transition to remote learning and the difficulties of keeping up with the assignments ended her writing struggles. She decided to push herself like any student should and any journalist must.

“I did feel like an extra weight had been added, but I was really motivated to get myself together especially when it came to The Tower,” Jaipersaud said.

It obviously worked. Jaipersaud was awarded second place Column/Opinion Writing in the 2021 statewide college journalism competition by the NJCPA. Jaipersaud’s push forward mentality was the culture that the rest of The Tower’s staff had too, although the advisors recognized the challenges everyone faced throughout the year as writers and as students.

“It’s hard to concentrate on schoolwork when you feel your world is falling apart,” said Professor Pat Winters Lauro, resident faculty adviser for The Tower. “But the editors, staff and advisers never stopped working. I think The Tower showed true grit.”

The Tower’s Editor-in-Chief Valerie Sanabria knows about grit. This year has been particularly difficult to get good stories and interviews, considering that most of it was by email.

“Not everyone is willing to reply and type long responses,” Sanabria said. “We were at home struggling with anxiety and as a reporter I wanted to keep writing and finding interesting topics to show to the readers that there was much more than just Covid, but it was hard.”

Even so, Sanabria managed to publish an article about the positive side of COVID. The story published on December 9, 2020 was about Sammy, a Kean student balancing

entrepreneurship in the middle of the pandemic.

“I was inspired by Sammy's story and I was happy that there were still hopeful people out there.” Sanabria said. “With Sammy's story I found a way to say, hey, there's this student who is also an entrepreneur and covid changed her plans, but she is trying to find a way to follow her dreams even during a pandemic."

For Steven Merrill, The Tower’s sports editor, things were different but not impossible to overcome.

“I was able to make the best of the situation and I’m taking this pandemic one day at a time.”

Merrill said.

The same way events and parties were cancelled so were college sports until further notice. But for Merrill the hardest part of being a college student during the pandemic is ‘closer to home’.

“The hardest part of this pandemic is not having family gatherings to see my relatives during all the different holidays we celebrate and cherish,” Merrill said.

Professor Lois R. DeSocio, co-adviser of The Tower, admitted that there was a moment of fear of getting sick, but the hardest part of the pandemic has been not knowing what the aftermath will be until the very end of it.

“When I think about “the hardest part of survival,” it was this gut feeling that I had from the onset that I couldn't shake -- that I might not realize the scope of what will be lost until we get fully trenched into some sort of postCoronavirus world,” DeSocio explained.

Overall, publishing the news on a college newspaper during Covid was a challenge but we editors and reporters are expecting a safe return to classes in September. We expect to have those interviews with fellow students once again, hear their stories and return to news meetings in person -- or in the case of this writer, attend my first in-person Tower meeting.

May, 2021

THE TOWER 5

Kean University Students and Alumni Spotlight Art in Memory Of George Floyd continued from Cover

United States and around the world.

“I want to bring truth to how far we have come and the things we have achieved being under a foundation of slavery and terror,” he said. “These things sound like they’re back

African American oppression and to affirm black visibility, as all of you have done so powerfully with your art,” Feldstein said.

Feldstein’s documentary series formulates the same call for racial justice through the

activism was and could be.

The revolutionary acts of activism through songs and performances by black women entertainers was transformative for both black and white audiences through the

towards the arts and culture to help demand change and to do the everyday work of healing.

The “Kean Student and Alumni Protest Art Exhibition, in memory of George Floyd”

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg and Tino Cook

Protest portraits created by Tino Cook, on virtual display during the event

in the 1800s, but they’re not. It's things tracings of how the six African American carefully selective representations of the exhibit is part of a larger effort to react to that's going on all the time, my father lived entertainment icons left their impact on and black community to overcome discriminatory Floyd’s murder through art. It began two it, now I have to live it and my grandparents off stage to help advance the Civil Rights roles in the media. weeks after Floyd’s murder in May 2020 lived it even worse.”

Movement and to reshape expectations As Feldstein listens and sees the art that when a group of concerned Kean students He continued by stating that when the of how black women are represented students and alumni have created, she and alumni organized a public protest in public discusses racial matters and says they in an industry which perpetuates racial continues by stating that she sees so much of Jersey City on Newark Avenue, using their are getting better, he believes that people stereotypes. what the artists today have in common with artworks, which are presented in the Human have been trying.

“To most people in that era that I write the women she writes about. rights Institute art exhibit.

“What the young generation is doing about [the 1950s and 60s], most Americans “Both groups across decades have stoked In July, the group today, I see them then held a protest intermingling on Kean University’s in college and campus called everybody is dealing with “Art As Protest In e v e r y b o d y,” The Art, Race And Cook said. “I Protest HistoryTalks think that's one Community Form,” of the answers sponsored by the and to realize History Department [th at] ju st and viewable on b e c au s e I ’m YouTube. In August Black, that don’t 2020, the movement mean I don’t Photo Courtesy of Dr. Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg developed beyond Photo Courtesy of Dr. Jacquelyn Tuerk-Stonberg have feelings, Kean Student and Alumni Protest Art Exhibition in Memory Of George Contributing students and alumni of the art exhibition and group, Just Some Bums and Mary Kean through the emotions or Floyd Promotional Zoom Event Photo Claire: Marcus Beckett, Brandon Bravo, Tino Cook, Dante, Alfonzo Gonzales, Marielena Guthrie, Mary Claire King, Destiny Rodriguez, Jasmine Ramirez, Brianna Scotti, Kasia Sierant, youth rally to action, care for my Cheyenne Thompson, Tyshaun Williams and Jennier Zuniga targeted towards children or want high school students an education; in Verona, Cedar Grove, and Montclair titled, didn’t march, they didn’t boycott, they didn’t citizen engagement and encouraged everyday I want the American Dream.” join civil rights organizations,” Feldstein said. people to reimagine what is possible,” “How Students Can Protest Racism.”

Dr. Feldstein congratulated the artists Feldstein explained that what they saw Feldstein states. through their courageous call to action and Kean’s exhibit runs through April in the on stage in theatres, or television screens “Both groups across decades have attended stated that the student alumni group is now hallway of The Human Rights Institute. The in their homes, in films where they bought to issues with intersectionality as they make a part of a long tradition of artists who have Kean community is invited to share their records and listened to music, is considered art and culture essential to the black freedom made similar choices that drew attention to photography and artworks of activism with an uniquely powerful force through which struggle.” racial injustice.

Dr. Tuerk-Stonberg by emailing their work to they engage in black politics, where the public Dr. Feldstein called for students and “Across centuries, artists have used jtuerk@kean.edu. different forms and mediums to challenge has learned for the first time what civil rights viewers of the event to continue to turn

President Repollet Hosts Spring Semester Town Hall continued from Cover

he had was asking everyone on campus to get the vaccine and not being able to provide access to get it done.

However, because the University has a strong partnership with the county of Union and the fact that they are hosting a vaccination site, they have been working to try to get an opportunity for faculty, staff and eventually students to receive the vaccine at Kean.

Repollet said he will have answers about whether or not the university will mandate the vaccine within the next few weeks. There will be an announcement regarding vaccinations for the faculty and staff and they will continue that conversation about vaccination opportunities for students.

Students also questioned if having remote sessions during the Fall semester would still be an option.

“We made a decision to go in person next semester and we do offer online courses, I’m

class had in regard to not receiving their cap and gowns on time.

“It is my expectation there will be caps and gowns for students delivered at the appropriate time,” Repollet said. “I

a commencement ceremony and made it clear that the University will make sure students have their cap and gowns. Repollet was very confident that students would receive their cap and gowns.

All further information regarding student concerns will be up within 72 hours. Anything that was not answered during the meeting will be answered within the next few days and it will be posted on the University website: www.kean.edu .

“I really hope and pray that whatever decision we make in regard to inperson instruction and vaccinations, you feel comfortable enough that this school is doing their very best to provide a safe learning environment,” Repollet said.

“I really hope and pray that whatever decision we make in regard to in-person instruction and vaccinations, you feel comfortable enough that this school is doing their very best to provide a safe learning environment,” Repollet said. never going to say that we will not have a hybrid,” Repollet said.

Tanvi Tandan, serving as Senior Class Secretary addressed a concern the senior

have not had that conversation with the commencement committee to talk about that, but that’s one thing we will look into.”

Repollet stressed the importance of having

6 THE TOWER

May, 2021

RELATIONSHIPS One Relationship that Runs Deep continued from page 3

when I choose not to participate in activities that others consider fun.

I’ve been called boring and a prude.

Some people hear that I’m a Christian and automatically assume that I don’t believe in equal rights or that I can’t relate to their experiences.

My relationship with God is mine. I don’t

expect everyone to understand it, but I do expect for people to respect it.

My relationship with God is personal. I remember when I was a child that my mother took me to a church that to me was unlike any other. There were no crosses, no saints, and no stained glass windows, just white walls and an assortment of flowers that surrounded the

altar. I never thought you could feel so much love and peace just by walking into a simple room. This is just what I feel.

To say that I haven’t made mistakes would be a lie. To say that I have an extreme amount of patience would also be a lie. And to say that I’m a perfect Christian would be an even bigger lie.

Truth is we all believe in something and during these strenuous times my faith has not faltered; it has grown stronger. I was hesitant to write such an article, but my relationship with God is stronger than the criticism I sometimes get for believing.

New Executive Board President Plans to Build Transparency

By Davaughnia Wilson After weeks of campaigning and a rush of anxiety, Jason Pleitez was named Executive Board President for the 20212022 academic year. Of the 568 students who voted in the 2021 Student Government Elections, 53 percent of the votes were in favor of Pleitez for Executive Board President.

Pleitez is very involved on campus and is passionate about his work, connecting with students, and building a level of trust and transparency.

“As soon as I found out, I was just excited to get to work. I knew there was a lot on the line for the upcoming academic year,” Pleitez said.

Pleitez is currently a junior majoring in Business Management. He is on the Kean University Board of Trustees, where he serves as the Voting Student Trustee, a position that ends in May.

Pleitez expressed that working with students is something that he enjoys and is passionate about, which is why he pursues so many positions on campus.

“I have always wanted to build transparency, build a connection with all students. I need to also advocate for students who do not advocate for themselves,” said Pleitez.

“I've always wanted to build transparency, build a connection with all students. I need to also advocate for students who do not advocate for themselves.”

Photo taken from Jason Pleitez campaign Instagram page @jp.prez

Jason Pleitez Instagram campaign page

Photo taken from Jason Pleitez campaign Instagram page @jp.prez

Jason Pleitez

Pleitez explained that what propelled him to run for Executive Board President is the fact that students are expected to return to campus in the fall. While continuing the work he had done as Student Trustee on a higher level, he wants to ensure that all students are being represented.

“I wanted students to know who was representing them at these tables where decisions are being made,” Pleitez said.

Pleitez is an intern in the Office of President Lamont Repollet, he works for the Center for Leadership and Service, serves on the President’s Advisory Council, and lives on campus as a Resident Assistant. He is a Community Service Specialist, an Orientation Leader, and a gold leader in the Leadership Institute.

Photo taken from Jason Pleitez campaign Instagram page @jp.prez

Jason Pleitez

Pleitez announced his candidacy with a very short yet informative introduction. He stated that his goal has always been to represent and voice the concerns of students to ensure that they are heard. He added that as Student Government Executive President, his mission remains the same.

He's expressed that he wants to bring the Kean community back together and encourages students to get involved on campus. He encourages students to apply for positions on campus that hold leadership roles while bringing light to Student Organization and its many positions.

Pleitez plans to bring the campus back to life, allowing students to enjoy their college experience. A big goal of his is to have in-person events while also having a virtual option.

He explains that everyone might not feel comfortable doing things at the moment, but he strongly believes that he is on the right track.

“I feel like we have had a level of disconnect, but within the past year, I've been able to see a lot, and I want to bring those experiences over in the new role as president,” said Pleitez.

Pleitez created an Instagram page when he started his campaign. The page is targeted at keeping in touch with the student body and for students to get to know him. It is his way of virtually connecting with students and letting them know how much power their voices have at Kean.

“We do have a lot of power. That's why we that have to advocate for each other and with that page, I wanted to make sure people knew who I was, what I did, and what made me qualify for the position,” he said.

Tennis Returns as Kean Sees All 14 Sports in Action “Returning to campus in general, I definitely enjoyed that because it gives you something to do, which is what I missed.”

By Dorian Alerte Women’s tennis is among Kean's 14 spring sports teams to successfully return to play after a fall semester that was canceled due to Covid-19 regulations.

As with all of the athletic teams, the tennis team followed an eight game regular season format. Athletes were able to return to campus in order to attend training, practices, and games.

“Returning to campus in general, I definitely enjoyed that because it gives you something to do, which is what I missed,” said sophomore tennis player Samantha Luu.

Photo by Kean Athletics

Samantha Luu, sophomore for the women’s tennis team

Photo by Kean Athletics

Samantha Luu serving the ball

The women’s tennis season normally runs through the fall semester, with two other tournaments that take place in the spring. The spring tournaments were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team did not have a fall season either due to the NJAC deciding to not play fall sports at the time.

“I was really looking forward to Boston [last spring],” Luu said. “I was really excited… It was really disappointing when the season was cancelled.”

Throughout the duration of the pandemic, athletes have had to find ways to stay active and make sure that they continued to practice their sport, just in case they had a season.

“On my end, I continued to play tennis,” Luu said. “I would hit around and even now I still hit around.”

The women’s tennis team began playing on April 7 and has played in several matches in their shortened season. The current record of the team is 1-4. They are continuing their season through the end of the spring semester. The team will ultimately return to campus in the fall when all Kean students return for what they hope will be a normal season.

“For sure, I definitely want to play tennis again,” Luu said. “I really like my teammates… In my first season we were able to have some really good team bonding.”