The Tower - Oct. 2017

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Farahi’s contract extended to 2020

By Joshua Rosario Kean University’s Board of Trustees, with a unanimous vote of 10-0, agreed at the Sept. 11 trustee meeting to extend University President Dawood Farahi’s contract until June 2020. Farahi’s contract was set to end in June 2018.

The decision was made behind closed doors, without any public discussion, before the meeting returned to open session. The board’s decision was based on allowing Farahi’s Vision 2020, his strategy plan for the university’s future growth and development, to come to fruition.

Farahi will also receive a two-percent raise, which brings his annual salary to $314,571.

“Working with the Board, President Farahi remains focused on strengthening Kean University and its programs, developing new academic programs tied to job opportunities in the global economy, and expanding resources and opportunities for Kean’s students to earn a world-class education that is a firm foundation for professional success,” said Margaret McCorry, Kean University’s Director of Media Relations.

The plan was unveiled by Farahi in 2011 and approved by the board in 2013, according to Kean’s website.

“Years ago we set a course with Vision 2020 and I am proud that much of it has been realized,” said Farahi in his 2017 opening day address at Kean.

But this recent vote comes amidst, and in spite of, continued criticism from the Kean Federation of Teachers (KFT) of both Farahi’s continued tenure as president and his priorities for the future of the university.

In 2012, Farahi faced charges of misrepresenting his academic credentials on his resume. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education placed the university on probation for numerous violations

until it was reaffirmed in 2012.

“We’re concerned about additional attentional accreditation problems,” said KFT President James Castiglione. “ The faculty have clearly expressed their voice in the past that the university needs a new direction and you can only get the sort of new direction that we need with new leadership.”

Also in 2013, all 13 university sports teams were placed on probation for four years by the NCAA, and the women’s basketball team was banned for that whole season after it was disclosed that some academic classes were being invented and grades were adjusted to benefit basketball players.

Castiglione is also concerned the university will continue spending on new buildings that go unused, excessive spending over beautification of the campus and groundskeeping, excessive spending on public relations, and excessive spending on legal fees. “ All of these expenditures divert money away from the classroom,” said Castiglione.

Farahi’s contract won’t be up for consideration again until June 30, 2020.

“Years ago we set a course with Vision 2020 and I am proud that much of it has been realized,” Kean President Dawood Farahi

Photo: AD Photography

Kean University President Dawood Farahi.

Photo by Margaret McCorry

The 10 main goals Vision 20/20 hopes to accomplish: 1. To locate Kean University as a focal point of ongoing and transformational educational engagement for all by offering undergraduate and graduate (including doctoral) programs that are responsive to local and national needs while building upon our strengths, and utilizing best practice in the disciplines/professions.

2. To attract and retain more full-time, firsttime undergraduate students, transfer and graduate students.

3. To retain and further attract world class faculty and non-teaching staff.

4. Recognizing our historical excellence in diversity, to build further a campus environment that reflects our institutional commitment to equity, inclusivity and social justice.

5. To provide world-class external opportunities to members of the Kean University community, thereby widening our community beyond the physical campuses, by substantially augmenting our academic, cultural, economic and community partnerships at three distinct levels: the local; regional and national; and international* 6. To become a globalized university: uniquely global, uniquely Kean.

7. To establish a revenue flow, and financial planning and resource allocation processes that are sufficient, dependable, and consistent to support Kean University’s ongoing financial obligations and future ambitions, in light of ongoing reductions in public funding.

8. To enhance and build facilities that will support the growth of Kean as a multi-campus,

increasingly residential and partner-oriented institution situated in multiple and diverse communities.

9. To ensure that all students, faculty, and administrators at all Kean sites are provided with the technological resources and innovative technological solutions required to meet Kean’s fast changing and increasingly complex instructional, research and administrative needs.

10. To develop, operationalize, and sustain a forward-thinking culture of public health and safety awareness rooted in adherence to all external and internal standards (fire, safety etc.), and reaching out to every aspect of Kean University life (personal, educational, and institutional).

Kean’s Clery Act crime stats show increases in 2016

By Sara Ridgway The Kean University 2017-2018 Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report was released to the public in late September of 2017, with the data revealing some changes in two areas of on-campus crime -- sex offenses and liquor law violations.

The report consists of information regarding the student code of conduct, safety precautions, student resources and the statistics for the past three years of on-campus crimes in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act. The Clery Act was signed into federal law in 1990 by President George Bush in response to the lobbying efforts of the parents of Jeanne Clery, a student at LeHigh University who was murdered by a fellow student in 1986 in her dorm room. Before the Clery Act, colleges and universities were not held accountable for monitoring campus crime and standards for reporting crime statistics were not uniform.

As per the CleryCenter.org., the act is defined as “a consumer protection law.” The purpose is to provide a transparent view of campus crime policy and coinciding statistics.

“In order to comply with Clery Act requirements,” the website states, “colleges and universities must understand what the law

entails, where their responsibilities lie, and what they can do to actively foster campus safety.”

Kean’s 2017 report provides statistics for crimes coinciding with the Clery Act for Kean University’s main campus in Union, Kean Ocean and Wenzhou-Kean University campuses for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 school years.

Several categories of Clery crime statistics for Kean’s main campus in Union have changed in 2016 as compared to 2015.

Two areas of crime that stand out are sex offenses, specifically rape, and number of persons referred for campus disciplinary action in regards to liquor law violations.

In 2015 there were four rapes reported. In 2016 that number increased to seven reported incidents.

Kean University Director of Media Relations, Margaret McCorry provided that in March of 2015, the Federal Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act took into effect, thus imposing new obligations on educational institutions in regards to alleged sexual assault reporting.

“Specifically, in addition to incidents reported directly to police, Campus safety Authorities must report sexual misconduct incidents for purposes of the Annual Security Report, which is required under federal legislation known as the Clery Act ,” McCorry said. continued on page 4

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2 THE TOWER

October, 2017

Kean graduate’s life as a Dreamer

By Rafaela Teixeira Thainara Ramos, graduated from Kean University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2016. She recently shared her story as a Dreamer under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Born in Brazil, Ramos came to the U.S at five years old along with her parents by Visitor Visas (B-1, B-2), a temporary staying in the US for business and pleasure.

Instead, they overstayed their welcome.

Her parents have a low chance of being deported because of their second daughter having been born in N.J. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declined to pursue her parents’ case by exercising prosecutorial discretion despite them overstaying their Visa.

However, Ramos received a deportation letter on the month of her 18th birthday. She went through a twoyear process in immigration court to prove that she was eligible to reside in the U.S. She had a lawyer present to insure the court recognized her as a suitable citizen. Together, they gathered notarized letters from friends, teachers and coaches. The letters described the kind of person she is.

During this process, she mentioned that she was a student athlete, she did not have a criminal record and was employed.

Ramos’s case was set to be finalized in Aug. 2012, but former President Obama signed DACA just two months before.

“You can only imagine my heart through all this,” said Ramos. “As a young girl I had no idea what was going on and I was definitely not as calm and understanding as I am now.”

DACA has allowed her to drive, attend college without any issues, own a car and she is not restricted to certain jobs. Ramos can also invest her money and have a career with her degree.

“I feel like DACA, in a way, recognized me as part of the American community”, said Ramos.

President Trump has given Congress six months to

find a replacement on the matter, reported The New York Times on Sept. 3.

“I believe Trump’s intentions are to change a few things around but permanently make DACA part of immigration law,” said Ramos.

If Congress fails to do so, she will potentially face deportation and move to a country she only knows through the internet and the experience of others.

She recognizes how different her life would be if she is forced out of the U.S. “There is a slim chance I’d be able to drive, I wouldn’t be able to go out after a certain time, I wouldn’t be able to go out to eat as often or when I like. Making good money is close to impossible especially because I’m not very literate in Portuguese,” said Ramos.

Normal things in America like washing machines, air conditioning and long showers are only available to those of higher economic class.

Although Ramos is active in the Brazilian American culture in N.J, she will face culture shock and have to readjust herself to a different life that she doesn’t know first hand.

Other limitations she will face is the possibility of obtaining a job. She is fluent in speaking Portuguese, but only has a third grade level in reading and writing skills.

The academic aspect of her life in America will be of little value in Brazil because of different laws and education.

The thought of being deported lingers in her mind, but she doesn’t allow herself to be afraid of what might happen.

Ramos doesn’t believe that the government can deport 800,000 young immigrants. However, she understands that anything can happen in the future and she will continue to pursue a degree in nursing and build a life in the U.S. “It’s scary to think that you have no exact control of your future. Being dependent of so much really does affect your mental state,” said Ramos. “I often ask myself if it’s even worth doing everything I’m doing, but then I snap out of it because I know everything will work out for the best.”

Photo by Rafaela Teixeira

Above: Thainara Ramos, a Kean graduate with a bachelor’s in Psychology.

Finish your degree in the summer. Get $1,000.

By Joshua Rosario

Photo by: Zeete

Kean Hall.

is between $4,077 to $5,436 if you are an in-state student. An out-state student’s cost would be between $5,976 to $7,968 for nine to 12 credits.

It’s common for financial aid to not cover summer sessions, but exceptions can be made depending on the case.

In a discussion with a few Kean students, some of them were asked about the possibility of earning the $1,000 bonus and finishing their degree

in the summer of their fourth academic year. “ My mother gave me no choice but to take summer classes but summer classes are better,” said Alyssa Larcruz, freshman criminal justice student speaking about summer classes in general.

The specific details of this program are being developed, according to McCorry. “ $1,000 is $1,000,” said Nabee Ray, sophomore criminal justice student. “ I’m not saying no.”

Police Blotter

The Kean University Board of Trustees passed a resolution at the Sept. 11 meeting to create a Graduation Incentive Program for students who complete their degree requirements in the summer sessions. Students who qualify can receive a $1000 bonus.

The university recognizes that students don’t always complete their degrees in the traditional four years and might fall nine to 12 credits short by the end of their fourth academic year. The students that fall into this category sometimes finish in the summer sessions of their fourth academic year, according to the resolution.

“Universities across the country are addressing the graduation rate issue, and Kean University is one of them,” said Margaret McCorry, Kean University’s Director of Media Relations. “We know that it is in the best interests of students to graduate in four years, and we expect that this program, when in place, will support students as they do that.”

To qualify for the incentive you have to have started in September. You must be taking nine to 12 credits during the summer sessions of your fourth academic year in order to earn your undergraduate degree. And you have to finish by Aug. 31 of said year.

“Students who take more than four years to graduate college incur tens of thousands of dollars in additional debt and also miss out on the wages they could be earning as college graduates,” said McCorry. “ In addition, students prolonging their college education could be at risk of losing financial aid.”

The summer session runs in two parts. In 2018, summer session I is from May 21 to June 28 and summer session II is from July 2 to Aug 9.

The cost for nine to 12 credits during the summer

Kean Department of Public Safety police blotter

By Jasmin Kee Kean University in this week’s blotter reported a number of accidents, medical emergencies and thefts. At least three people have been arrested.

On Oct. 5 around 1 p.m. in the Green Lane Lot a male was arrested for drug paraphernalia. Then on Oct. 7 two people were arrested at Green Lane for possession of a controlled substance.

On Oct. 3 around 10 a.m. in the Green Lane building a female experienced sudden loss of consciousness and struck her head on a table and fell to the ground.

On Oct. 7 around 1 p.m. in the Hardwood Arena parking lot a male fell in the lot appearing to be intoxicated and in Burch Hall

around 2 p.m. a male was having seizures.

On Oct. 2 in the library an unknown person takes Amazon Echo Dot from a desk drawer.

On Oct. 3 in library an unknown person takes victim’s cell phone from purse. On Oct. 4 in Sozio Hall an unknown person takes victims gift card from mail.

In other blotter news: Oct.2: Found Chase Visa debit card in Kean Lot

Oct. 3: Verbal dispute in Hennings Hall Parking Lot

Oct. 4: Hit and run accident in Hardwood Arena Parking Lot

Oct. 7: Person was in possession of alcohol inside Burch Hall that was confiscated by housing and poured down the drain before police arrived

Oct. 10: suspicious package found at Green Lane that was found to be unattended book bag that owner retrieved

October, 2017

THE TOWER 3

Crime and justice: where the 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial candidates stand

By Dr. Connie Hassett-Walker Come Election Day this Nov. 7, New Jersey residents will select the state’s next governor. While crime may not rate high as a specific concern for voters this Election Day (it has declined in recent years), it is worth considering where the two candidates – Republican Kim Guadagno and Democrat Phil Murphy – stand on crime and justice issues.

Of the two candidates, Guadagno – a former prosecutor, assistant attorney general, and (the first female) sheriff of Monmouth County – has the stronger crime and justice background. She is currently Governor Christie’s Lieutenant Governor. Murphy has a business background, and has worked at the investment bank Goldman Sachs. His website touts his work with charities, including those that support crime victims (e.g., domestic violence).

Here’s a synopsis of where each candidate stands on the big issues: Policing Murphy: Murphy states his desire to tackle “structural racism in our criminal justice system.” And according to his website, has “brokered the first meeting between the head of the state PBA and the state chapter of the NAACP.” (The NAACP’s vision is “to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.”)

Murphy supports having police wear body cameras so as to “promote transparency and accountability”. The National Troopers Coalition –representing the National Association of Police Organizations, the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, and the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association, among others – has endorsed Murphy for governor, according to Insider NJ .

Guadagno: According to an April 29, 2016 story published in the Daily Record, Guadagno stated at a Community Policing Seminar at the College of Saint Elizabeth that, “It’s not just black lives matter, not just police lives matter. All lives matter.”

Gun Violence and Gun Control In the wake of the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history in Las Vegas, Nev.

on Oct 1, the issue of how to prevent future tragedies of this nature has taken center stage in national news.

Guadagno: The Lieutenant Governor would not change any of New Jersey’s existing gun laws or propose new laws, should she be elected governor, as reported by Politico.

Guadagno has observed (correctly) that the state already has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Instead, she would work to improve background checks for mental illness of prospective gun buyers, and make penalties harsher for law violations.

Murphy: On his website, Murphy states his intention to sign gun control legislation vetoed by Governor Christie; require attendance at a gun safety course for anyone purchasing a firearm; and place an additional tax on gun sales.

Deporting Illegal Immigrants The issue of protecting vs. deporting undocumented people living in the U.S. was thrust into center stage when President Trump announced last month his intention to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), which began in 2012 under President Obama. Of specific concern should DACA end is the fate of Dreamers, young people who were brought into the U.S. illegally as children, and who have lived most of their lives in the U.S. Murphy: Murphy supports the Dreamers remaining in the state, and notes that he will oppose efforts by state and local police to help with deportation of any Dreamers. Murphy also pledges to provide statewide ID and drivers licenses to undocumented residents, as well as financial aid for Dreamers.

Guadagno: Kim Guadagno opposes municipalities designating themselves as sanctuary cities for immigrants, calling this a “political stunt, ” according to Christian Estevez on NorthJersey.com on March 23.

And a 2017 USANEWS piece stated that when Guadagno was sheriff in Monmouth County, she arranged for a federal partnership that permitted local authorities to begin deportation proceedings against individuals believed to be in the country illegally, who had committed felonies.

Marijuana Legalization Many states allow the use of medical marijuana (e.g., for cancer patients, to lessen the negative side effects of treatment), and some states, such as Alaska, Colorado, Oregon have passed laws allowing the cultivation, sale, purchase and use of recreational marijuana.

New Jersey may be next, depending on who becomes governor.

Guadagno: It’s been reported that Guadagno opposes legalization of recreational marijuana use, noting that it would put the state at odds with federal policy. Other times, however, Guadagno has stated that while she opposes legalization, she would favor making access to medical marijuana easier for sick individuals. Elsewhere, she has commented that she favors decriminalizing possession of small quantities of marijuana so that drug offenders could avoid jail.

Murphy: Murphy supports legalizing

recreational marijuana in order to free up police resources so that law enforcement can focus on more serious crime, according to his website.. He has also commented on the potential revenue to the state through taxing legal marijuana.

Opioid Addiction Both candidates offer various steps to tackle the state’s opioid problem, including diverting addicts away from jail and prison (Guadagno), and making the drug Narcan more available statewide (Murphy). Narcan counteracts the effects of opioids, and police in some municipalities carry it to administer to drug addicts that overdose.

Dr. Connie Hassett-Walker is an Associate Professor in Kean’s Criminal Justice department. She blogs about crime & justice and social issues at http://njcriminologist. blogspot.com/. Follow her at https://twitter. com/chassettwalker.

Homecoming 2017 recap

By Jennifer Padilla Superheroes, greeks, athletes, alumni and students came together last weekend for a lively and animated celebration of Homecoming 2017.

“The atmosphere was festive and fun,” said Danielle Ford, a member of the Homecoming organizing committee. “Many greek organizations participated.”

Tents with children’s activities, food, and games filled Kean Hall lot. Meanwhile, the tailgate event, the scene of superheroes taking photos with attendees, screaming greek life members, and NJ101.5 entertained Hardwood lot promoting school spirit.

“Great crowd, great campus,” said Bill Spadea, Host of NJ101.5. “Outstanding student and alumni participation.”

In the tailgate competition— in which judges choose the best or most school spirited greek organization set-ups— OMEGA SIGMA PSI & SIGMA BETA TAU received third place, NU DELTA PI & THETA PHI ALPHA second place, and NU SIGMA PHI & DELTA PHI EPSON won the $200 first place prize.

Fatizenebu Oyibo, a Psychology and Public Administration double major and member of the Epsilon Epsilon Omega Honor Society, was named the 2017 Homecoming Queen.

“What I hadn’t expected was the outpour of support from the crowd,” said Oyibo.

“I was looking for a way to make AfricanAmerican and Muslim women more visible on campus.”

Senior Representative of the Student Government, Kevin-Roenian Macalos, was named 2017 Homecoming King. Macalos is

also a member of the Portuguese American Club, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Lambda Alpha Sigma Honor society.

“It was very emotional when I was at the center of the football field and heard the host announce that I was Homecoming king”, said Macalos. “Even now, I still can’t believe it.”

Kean Expedition stationed its booth at Hardwood lot, which read “Win a free semester on us!” in large, bold, yellow writing. Hailey Perez took home the $500 Barnes and Noble gift card; Joseph Laurino walked away with the MacBook pro; Danielle Marinan got a reserved parking space; while Katrine Germain won the grand prize of a free semester.

“I was surprised and shocked,’ said Laurino. “The odds of winning the MacBook were not great in my mind. Luckily, I did win and I am grateful for it.”

With parking being an aged issue at Kean, Marinan sees the convenience of winning a reserved parking space.

“I travel home a lot on the weekends and come back with more stuff than when I left,” said Marinan. “It’s always hard to find a parking spot that is close. I’m super excited to have won!”

Winning athletic teams kept students and alumni cheering in school spirit. Kean’s Women’s Soccer team defeated William Paterson, 2-1, after the football team’s big win, 56-0.

“A large crowd of students, alumni, family, and friends cheered for the football team,” said Ford. “The Cougar’s first shutout since 2009.”

Photo from KU Twitter

Above: Kean Expedition contest winners; Hailey Perez, Danielle Marinan, Joseph Laurino and Katrine Germain.

Below: Students and alumni at Homecoming 2017

Photo by: Jennifer Padilla

4 THE TOWER

October, 2017

Liberty Hall Museum opens its doors and shuts its lights for ghost tours

By Jennifer Padilla

A pet cemetery was pointed out where former families that resided the home buried their pets. The tour guide also added a more spooky element to the garden trail by sharing a legend of possible human remains buried on the property.

Once inside the house, paintings of former inhabitants occupied the walls, including Colonel Kean, who was a staff of New Jersey’s Governor Pennington.

Meanwhile, the dining room was adorned with Halloween decorations from the 1800s.

Two groups of nine were escorted by the tour guides. Goldberg warned guests to watch their steps, emphasizing that it was “very dark” inside the house.

As guests were prompted towards the second floor, they walked past a room containing a headless mannequin that left them startled at the sight and one screaming. A child’s playroom filled with antique dolls was also an exceptional exhibit for the guests.

“It was so dark,” said Sue Zishock, a nearby resident who was attracted to the event by her own experiences with the supernatural. “But the darkness added more of a creepy, authentic vibe.”

Goldberg informed that the month of

Both skeptics and believers gathered at Liberty Hall Museum for a ghostly encounter of Friday the 13th.

Liberty Hall, with over 200 years of history—including New Jersey’s first elected governor, William Livingston, and the Kean Family— possesses generations worth of artifacts; including furniture, clothing, dishes, and a dollhouse built in the 1800s.

“The house has so much history, that we’ve had experiences like the unexpected smell of cigar,” said Rachel Goldberg, Liberty Hall Museum Tour Guide. “No one is even allowed to smoke in the house.”

The museum regularly operates from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM. However, during the month of October, ghost tours operate at 7 PM and 9 PM— allowing visitors to experience the spooky event in the dark.

Prior to the tour, guests were gathered for a brief historic presentation of the house and surrounding grounds. Thereafter, guests were prompted towards the garden trail leading to the mansion, which was only marked by candlelit lanterns that made it difficult to see.

Candlelit tours ad on Liberty Hall’s instagram page.

October brings more paranormal “energy” to the mansion. Not only is it Halloween at Liberty Hall Museum, but also the month in which the most people died in the house.

Wakes, in fact, were held in the living room.

The Ghost Tour made its last stop at the

only brightened space— the mansion’s sun room— where guests shared their thoughts of the experience over donuts and hot apple cider.

To book a candlelit ghost tour, go to kean.edu/libertyhall/events

Halloween

Celebrations beyond Trick-or-treating

By Monica Sudfield 2017 will be a record year for Halloween merchandise sales, at an expected $9.1 billion according to USA Today. This is a record Kean students will be a part of as they purchase for their “halloweekend”.

“Halloweekend” is a term used to describe the whole weekend of Halloween events.

Trick-or-treating, dressing up, and sweet treats are around the corner for youngsters as we approach the holiday, but what is in store for the older generation?

“Most people say my age is too old for trick-or-treating,” said Courtney Glynn, communications major. “I find a good way to still enjoy the old holiday tradition is by taking the young kids that I do know door-to-door.”

Although trick-or-treating is commonly associated with smaller children, a survey conducted by Today.com revealed 73 percent of participants believe children should stop this activity between ages 12-17.

“Going out with my friends [trick-ortreating] when I was younger will always be some of my favorite memories,” said Josh Altman, senior majoring in communications.

Since it seems this Halloween past time is truly in the past for college students, the celebration continues in other ways.

“I plan to go out and celebrate with friends the weekend before, but the night of I’ll probably stay home and watch horror movies while giving out candy,” said Andrew Molnar, Junior majoring in History-Secondary Education.

Crime stats

In 2015, horror movies earned $255 million in Box Office earnings, according to CNN. Although Halloween is associated with horror, some young adults take a different route to celebrating.

“One year I dressed up as Britney Spears’ ‘Oops!... I Did It Again’,” said Jordyn Leder, a non-matriculated student. “Everyone around me at the club knew who I was dressed as and some even started singing the song to me.”

Eventbright.com refers to clubbing as the grown up version of Halloween. Of course, many clubs require guests to be 21 and over, so young adults that are too old for trickor-treating, but too young for clubbing find alternatives to display their Halloween spirit and enjoy the holiday.

When Glynn was in high school, she would work at the event “Halloween at the Hills”, a walk through that her school hosted.

“Each room was decorated to portray a different theme and all the volunteers were urged to dress up,” said Glynn. “Costume guidelines had to be followed since the event was set up for little ones to come with their families, get candy, and enjoy the scenery. We didn’t want them to leave frightened.”

Just because trick-or-treating is in the past for the students here at Kean and young adults all over, doesn’t mean the spirit of Halloween is behind us.

However you plan to celebrate Halloween this October, hopefully it leaves you with spooks and memories to last a lifetime.

A few events taking place right here on

Photo by: Monica Sudfield

Decorating your house with spooky signs and cute jack-o-lanterns is a fun way to ring in the festivity.

campus that can add some extra spirit to your halloweekend are “Ghost Tours” at Liberty Hall Museum on Oct. 27 at 7 and 9 p.m.; “Pumpkin Patch Day!” at Liberty Hall Museum on Oct. 28 from 10-5 p.m.; “Halloween Bake Sale” in the student center atrium on Oct. 31 from 3:155:30 p.m.

(Continued from page 1)

Under the Clery Act, CSA’s are defined as individuals other than University Police who are also held responsible for campus security.

Faculty and staff, student group leaders, faculty advisors and resident assistants, among others, are considered Campus Security Authorities and are required to submit a CSA Form upon becoming aware of an alleged incidence of sexual assault, regardless of when it had occurred.

The CSA Form only provides statistical information and does not include personally identifiable information in appropriate circumstances as per McCorry.

“The increase in the statistics for 2016 reflects incidents reported for the first time through the Campus Security Authority Form,” McCorry said.

She specified that there were four sexual assaults reported directly to University Police by victims in 2015 and 2016, but three incidents were reported through CSA Forms in 2016,

leading to the total of seven reported rapes.

McCorry added that the data for 2016 reflects when the incidents were reported, not when the incident occurred. Therefore, of the seven sexual assault cases reported in the 2016 calendar year, two occurred in 2016 and one in both 2015 and 2013, while the dates of the other incidents were not specified.

“The cases reported directly to the police may be investigated and sent to the county prosecutor’s office, depending on the preference of the victim,” McCorry said. “Cases reported on the CSA Forms do not include victims’ names and are not meant to be investigated.”

No matter what channel is used for reporting alleged sexual assault, all those reporting as well as those accused of partaking in the alleged incidents of sexual assault are offered accommodations and support services.

For the Union campus in terms of liquor law violations, the number of persons referred for campus disciplinary action increased from 112

to 115 between 2014 and 2015 while dropping to 16 in 2016.

The drastic decrease in numbers from 2015 to 2016 is accounted for by Kean University’s clarification of Clery requirements for reporting liquor law violations.

“University Police now report only those incidents that violate state and local law,” McCorry said. “In the past, the University was including cases that violated University administrative policies or the University code of conduct.”

In other words, the Clery Act only requires reporting liquor violations that violate state or local laws, not Kean University specific policies.

“You can think of it this way -- a 21-yearold is allowed to drink under the law, but is not allowed to drink in the residence halls,” McCorry said. “Kean had been reporting those cases, which are not Clery reportable offenses.”

As for Kean Ocean, there were two hate crimes committed in both 2015 and 2016. In

2015 there were two incidents of vandalism, indicating a racial bias. And in 2016 there were two incidents of simple assault based on sexual orientation and intimidation based on a racial bias.

Also for the Ocean campus, the number of persons referred for campus disciplinary action in regards to liquor law violations was one in 2014, and two in both 2015 and 2016.

There were zero crimes reported for the Wenzhou-Kean University campus in all categories for 2014 through 2016. McCorry stated that while Wenzhou-Kean University is responsible for reporting on-campus crimes that correlate with the Clery Act, she confirmed that “WKU did not experience any of the Clery reportable crimes.”

To read the Kean University 2017-2018 Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report in its entirety, visit the Kean University website.

Under the “Campus Life” tab, choose “Policies” to access the report.

October, 2017

THE TOWER 5

Kean History: Newark Normal School

By Leanne Manna Michael Crichton said “If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything.”

While a bit extreme, he is right. In order to understand the present, the past must first be examined. Kean University itself has a vast and interesting history that most of its students and even faculty do not know.

The University was founded as Newark Normal School in 1855 in Newark, New jersey. At this point in time Newark’s population was growing and the city was home to 40% of the state’s school aged children. The need for teachers was great, so the public school district decided to set up a teacher’s College so graduates would teach in Newark.

Stephen Congar was the first Superintendent of the Newark Public School System and was the one who pushed for the opening of the school. The Normal School met in the high school building every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tuition was free. The program lasted two years and students would receive a diploma in general education, kindergarten-primary, or manual training, which was a male only program.

For those who are wondering, the university has almost always had a majority of females within the student population. The first graduating class in 1859 had seven men and ten women. At the time, this was the most men to ever graduate from a Normal School. The photo of the class of 1900 (shown here) is another great example of that. There are only two men in the picture, and one of them is the custodian.

In 1913 the school was moved to a new building located on Broadway and 4th in Newark which is now Technology High school. The new building had the school’s

motto engraved above the doorway, “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” At this time the school moved from being under the control of the City of Newark to the state.

By 1937 the school was now known as New Jersey State Teachers College at Newark or more commonly Newark State Teachers College. Student’s now earned degrees instead of diplomas and the coursework and number of credits increased. The curriculum was extended too and now consisted of General Education, Kindergarten-Primary, Industrial Arts, and fine arts.

Ernest Townsend was the last principal of the school and the first president of the College. He was the one who oversaw the transition from a Normal School to a College and believed in attending to student’s emotional as well as educational needs.

During World War I the College had twenty-six students and faculty members leave to serve in the war.

According to the War Bulletin put out by the College in 1920, those who stayed at home also contributed and “collected thousands of dollars, made thousands of useful articles, and gave thousands of hours in various war activities with unhesitating cheerfulness, loyal determination and generous devotion.”

Some of the female students became farmerettes and spent their summer months on a farm in Summit helping to produce food for the people in Europe and the men in the service.

The College’s arguably biggest trials were still to come though with the Great Depression, World War II and the moving of the campus to Union.

Thank you to the Kean University Archives and Special Collections for the Images and information.

Photos courtesy of Kean University Archives and Special Collections

Kean class of 1900.

Stephen Congar

Ernest Townsend

Tower Profiles:

Brittany Pavlichko

By Cody Louie Brittany Pavlichko took prideful strides across the graduation stage and locked eyes with the people she cared about most. A tidal wave of emotion crashed down on her in that moment.

From online editor for The Tower last spring to assistant web producer at NJTV News, this Kean graduate fought hard to get where she is.

Through three academic major changes, two jobs, two internships and full-time credits she confidently looks back at her time spent at Kean. Graduating Cum Laude, Pavlichko found a way to even have a social life and personal time as well.

“I reserved 30 minutes a night for myself to sit back, relax, catch up on candy crush and breathe,” said Pavlichko. “I also made my Saturdays free for homework and studying,” No stranger to the trials and tribulations of a commuting college student and worker, Pavlichko got to where she is today through hard work and determination.

“To get where I wanted to be in life I worked two jobs, went to school full-time and worked two days a week interning,” she said.

Every story has a beginning, middle and end. Nursing, radiography, education and communication were the four majors Pavlichko studied as a student at Kean.

During her time as an English education major, Pavlichko became a substitute teacher in Carteret public schools.

However, as time went on, she found that education wasn’t her true calling.

“Communication majors run in my family and it’s in my blood,” said Pavlichko. “My cousin is a sports broadcaster and a journalism professor at Rutgers.”

After her switch to a degree in communication with a concentration in journalism, she found herself at home.

Pavlichko quickly got involved with The Tower and in her second semester participating she was given the position of online editor.

“When I decided to join The Tower, it wasn’t something that I took because I had to for credit,” said Pavlichko. “It was because writing and researching are hobbies that I’m passionate about.”

She encourages students to go and get what they want in life because nothing in life is free.

“Internships won’t just fall into your lap, you need to be the one to approach and pursue them,” said Pavlichko. “Apply everywhere, never hold back, give it everything you’ve got and never give up!”

In addition to internships, she explained that students should join organizations which assist them in achieving their aspirations. Organizations like The Tower, PRSSA, Student Organization and honors societies are some examples.

Her first internship was as a sports writer/blogger for SPORTalk, a sports coverage startup in New York City. Under SPORTalk, she covered games for the New York Mets and New York Giants in blog posts all from home.

It was a volunteer based internship, however, Pavlichko used it as a resume builder and a stepping stone towards her future.

For her second internship, Pavlichko found herself at NJTV News in Newark, a PBS affiliate where she is currently

Photos courtesy of Brittany Pavlichko

Pavlichko practicing her anchoring skills employed. She started off as a production intern which allowed her to assist with both pre and post production.

This assistance was not limited to the newsroom though, she was also able to work in the control room and in the field, producing work.

“I am proud to say that I am the first intern to have worked with the digital team to produce my own Facebook short,” said Pavlichko. “From the script, to shooting and editing.”

All of the pieces that form the puzzle of a live news broadcast entranced her while interning with NJTV News. She got to work alongside every team, where her input was valued and taken into consideration.

She even got to work the teleprompter some days and even practice her voice and perception as a professional anchor which she enjoyed immensely.

But things were not always as bright and sunny for Pavlichko.

She spoke about her time applying for internships in depth and explained the strain she went through before landing her spot at NJTV News.

“I also applied to ABC and got an interview,” said Pavlichko.

“But I didn’t have enough experience. I was at the lowest point in my life, it was like someone stabbed a knife in my back and I felt I wasn’t good enough.”

Even at her worst, Pavlichko showed perseverance and never gave up.

She said, “There’s a saying I once heard from Denzel Washington, ‘You hang around the barbershop long enough, sooner or later you’re going to get a haircut.’”

Pavlichko knew one day she would end up where she wanted to be and it came to fruition in due time. The interview with

ABC brought her down a lot and it was difficult, however, she made sure to keep aiming high.

Doing exactly that is what got her the internship with NJTV News. Even though she felt under-qualified, she applied anyway.

When Pavlichko got the call for the interview, she immediately started research on the company. In addition to knowing the background information, she compiled a portfolio of her clips from The Tower to bring along with her.

“This put me over the top, at the interview I was very nervous on the inside,” said Pavlichko. “But I displayed myself confidently and had the information about their mission statement, past packages and news to further back up my claims.”

Pavlichko explained that the internships made her grow as an individual. Every experience she had, whether good or bad, was treated as an opportunity to learn.

Looking back at her time at Kean, she paid homage to Professor Lois DeSocio, Professor Pat Lauro, The Tower and the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism.

She believes that they all contributed to shaping the person she has become.

There are plans for her to return to Kean one day, for a masters degree, with the goal of becoming a journalism professor.

“Life is hard, but it’s even harder when you’re not trying,” said Pavlichko. “You’ll look back on graduation day and feel inside that your work has paid off, thank yourself and start crying when you look up to your family. That moment will be priceless.”

6 THE TOWER

October, 2017 Photo: Craative Commons

It’s flu season. Did you get your flu shot?

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

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.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

By Dr. Josh Palgi

relationships

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), annual vaccination is the best way to reduce the chances that an individual will get the flu. Yet on U.S. college campuses, flu vaccination rates remain strikingly low, hovering between 8 percent and 39 percent and falling dramatically short of the 70 percent Healthy People 2020 target recommendations, as well as the American College Health Association (ACHA) Healthy Campus 2020 target goal of approximately 50 percent.

Motivating college students to get an annual flu vaccination remains a public health challenge.

On college campuses, flu viruses are known to circulate rapidly through constant exposure in close quarters like common living spaces, classrooms, shared restrooms, and through social activities.

Findings from a number of studies support the need for public health interventions to educate college students about the seasonal flu vaccine, particularly with respect to the safety and relevance of the vaccine among this population. Increased efforts to educate college students about the risks and importance of the vaccine may serve to minimize widely held misconceptions about the vaccine.

Successful education efforts may lead to important reductions in morbidity and mortality related to flu among students and their families. The CDC promotes annual vaccine as the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu.

Exactly when the flu season starts and ends is unpredictable, so health officials recommend that people get their flu shots in early fall, preferably by the end of October. Flu activity typically peaks in January or February The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus.

The three types of flu viruses that affect people are called Type A, Type B and Type C. Usually, the virus is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching surfaces contaminated by the virus and then touching the mouth or eyes. A person may be infectious to others both before and during the time they are showing symptoms.

Reasonably effective ways to reduce the transmission of flu include good personal health and hygiene habits such as not touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and frequent hand washing with soap and water or with alcohol- based hand rubs.

The infection may be confirmed by testing the throat, septum or nose for the virus. A number of rapid tests are available, however, people may still have the infection if the results are negative.

December through February is the peak flu season in the U.S. It spreads around the world in a yearly outbreak, resulting in about three to five million cases of fever illness and 250,000 to 500,000 deaths. Twenty five thousand people die each year from the flu in the U.S. Death occurs mostly in the young, the old and those with other health problems such as asthma, diabetes, and heart diseases.

Adults can be contagious from the day before symptoms begin through five to 10 days after the illness starts. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and vomiting/diarrhea.

People with the flu are advised to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid using alcohol and tobacco and if necessary, take medications to relieve the fever and muscle aches associated with the flu. Children and teenagers with flu symptoms (particularly fever) should avoid taking aspirin during an influenza infection. Antiviral medication may be effective, if given early.

According to the CDC, mild side effects from the flu shot include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and aches. Only about one percent to two percent of people who get a flu shot will have a fever as a side effect, Schaffner said.

Rare but serious side effects can occur, including allergic reactions. Symptoms of serious side effects include difficulty breathing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, racing heart, dizziness and high fever. If you experience serious side effects, you should seek medical care immediately, the CDC says.

For children, side effects from the flu nasal spray can include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever. For adults, side effects include runny nose, headache, sore throat and cough. These side effects last a short time compared to the actual flu illness, the CDC says.

The effectiveness of the seasonal flu vaccine depends upon several factors including how well the flu strains in the vaccine match the strains in circulation. Some studies show that when strains in the vaccine are a good match with the ones that are circulating, vaccinated

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: SARA RIDGWAY MANAGING/SOCIAL MEDIA:

MONICA SUDFIELD ONLINE EDITOR: CODY LOUIE SPORTS EDITOR: CRAIG EPSTEIN NEWS EDITOR: JOSHUA ROSARIO FEATURES/AE EDITOR: KIARA MAYS

WRITERS CAMERON BEALL

JENNIFER PADILLA

GREGORY PATUTO

JASMIN KEE

RAFAELA TEIXEIRA

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.

individuals are 60 percent less likely to catch the flu than people who aren’t vaccinated. The vaccine tends to work best in healthy adults and older children, and less well in older adults.

Exactly when the flu season starts and ends is unpredictable, so health officials recommend that people get their flu shot in early fall, preferably by the end of October. Flu activity typically peaks in January or February.

For more information, search at: flushot.healthmap.org United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: www.atsdr.cd.gov United States CDC Travelers’ Health: www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx) United Centres for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/fightflu and www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus

By Kiara Mays “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus,” a relationship panel, is making its way to the Miron Student Center’s Little Theater at Kean University on Dec. 4 at 7:45 p.m.

According to Evan Hewitt, one of the panel’s coordinators, although it shares the same title as the 1992 book written by American author and relationship counselor John Gray, there is no correspondence between the two.

“The event is simply bringing together two of the opposite sex to discuss questions that come up often,” said Hewitt, senior, communication studies major at Kean. “[An] example question would be ‘what gender should pay for the first date?’”

To get a gist of what you can expect from attending the event, a few of Kean’s students and faculty members weigh in on the question: who should pick up the tab on a date?

“I think the guys should always offer to pay,” said Bill Kolbenschlag, communication studies professor. “There’s some instances where the woman can pay, but the guy should always offer.”

Isabella Arroyo held a slightly different viewpoint.

“The first date, yeah, [he should pay], but if we’re in a relationship, it should be 50-50,” said Arroyo, 21, senior, psychology major. “I couldn’t possibly expect him to pay for every date.”

Like Kolbenschlag, Ethan Sherman, a student at Kean, held a more traditional way of thinking.

“It’s nice if the woman offers, but I always pay,” said Sherman, 21, senior, accounting major.

That being said, attendees will play a major role at the “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus” event as they will be able to voice their

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

opinions just as the panel speakers, according to Hewitt.

Scheduled to speak include a few Kean students, members of PRSSA, Women of Excellence, Men of Excellence and Student Government members. More details will be revealed nearing the event, but until then, Hewitt advises all who plan on attending to “bring a charged phone.”

The event is free of charge to all Kean students, however, no outside guests are allowed. For more information or if you have any questions, contact Evan Hewitt at hewitte@kean.edu.

SPORTS

October, 2017

THE TOWER 7

Kean women’s volleyball looks to capture that elusive NJAC championship

By Craig Epstein After falling just short of reaching last year’s New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) finals, the Kean women’s volleyball team has entered this season with a chip on their shoulders. With three seniors on the squad, the Cougars are looking to advance even further than they have in the last few years.

Kean leads the league with three returning all-conference players in junior outside hitter Vikki Stec, and middle hitters senior Sara Ridgway and sophomore Jesse Larkin.

Being selected to finish fourth in the 2016-17 NJAC Coaches poll, last season saw Kean finish with a 21-12 record. Between Larkin earning NJAC Rookie of the Year and Ridgway being named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District Team, the Cougars proved to be one of the top teams in the NJAC. Now more than halfway through the season and with a record well above .500, Kean has seen Ridgway become the all-time blocks leader for the program as well as pick up their first win over Stockton University since 2001. And with a positive record home, away,

Jay Sgaramella holding his prestigious award

Photos by: Larry Levanti

So far this season Kean has plenty to celebrate about

Photos by: Larry Levanti

All-Conference player Vikki Stec.

and on a neutral court, they are showing that they can win just about anywhere.

“I think our team has overcome so many obstacles this season and we get stronger every practice,” said Larkin. “We’ve had some great accomplishments this season in our conference and I hope to see us become NJAC champions and go to the NCAA tournament.”

Since taking over the women’s volleyball program in 2009, Head Coach Don Perkins has many achievements. His teams have made the NJAC tournament semifinals every year since 2012. They have also accounted for three appearances in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament, with one of them resulting in a championship (2013).

“This team has proven its ability to play at a really high level,” Coach Perkins said when asked about his team’s performance thus far.

“First place in the conference and we’ve done it with a variety of systems and styles.”

Coach Perkins is also appreciative of the the fact that he has such a deep roster that is loaded with tons of talented players.

“Some teams rely on the same one to two players every night,” said Perkins. “But with this team if you try to stop one to two players,

two more can step up and beat you and that’s really not common for Division III volleyball.”

Much like last season, Kean was once again selected to finish fourth in the NJAC Coaches Poll. Except this time around, they were tabbed as the coaches’ dark horse selection.

Despite their rating and recent history, Coach Perkins is confident in the skill of his players and encouraged by the way they play together.

“Almost every hitter in the gym is capable of being the top scorer at another school,” said Perkins. “This season it’s just worked out beautifully, how they’ve come together and played for each other without ego.”

Going forward, Coach Perkins is excited for what the rest of the season holds but he knows it’s going to be a tough challenge.

“They’ve worked very hard to get to this point and I’m excited to see what the rest of the season brings,” said Perkins. “If there is anything to work on with this group it’s just being consistent and responding to every challenge that will come considering teams are seeing our success and starting to gun for us a little more and we need to be ready for everybody’s best shot.”

Women’s Softball Players Take on South Africa

By Cameron Beall This past June, Kean University women’s softball players Olivia Zengel and Shannon McMahon went on a trip to Cape Town, South Africa.

The opportunity came about through an organization called Beyond Sports, who sent an email out to their head coach. The organization recruits softball players from all over the United States based on their stats and performances from prior seasons.

The players were split up into four separate teams and played against some of the top professional teams in South Africa. They only played in four games, however, they were there for a much bigger reason than simply playing softball-- to help those who are less fortunate than them.

“It was more than just playing games,” said McMahon.

“We held clinics for the kids and then we’d play games after that.”

McMahon completed her last year of softball just before going on the trip in June and is scheduled to graduate in December. She’s been playing since she was five years old.

The Beyond Sports Foundation, based out of HighLand Park, IL, started out working with student-athletes coming from underprivileged families in low-income communities in 2009. They use the power of sports to transform others’ lives by turning athletic ability into a lifetime opportunity.

“We brought any softball gear or equipment we didn’t use anymore to Cape Town with us and gave it to the people who held the clinic for the kids,” said McMahon.

“Softball cleats, bats, gloves, batting gloves, balls, and any other equipment we wanted to give away.”

It gave them a satisfying feeling inside to know they were helping out and contributing to the lives of those who had less than them. It may have even helped give Olivia Zengel extra motivation for this upcoming season.

“Honestly, I think it helped me because I had a somewhat rough season last year so playing in a place where they don’t have the things that we have I see how they still have so much fun,” said Zengel who is entering her junior season at Kean. “Now coming back I just appreciate it so much more.”

The bar has been set even higher for the Kean softball team after capturing the NJAC championship last

Photo by: Shannon McMahon

Shannon McMahon taking a group selfie with her, Olivia Zengel, and the young aspiring softball players from South Africa.

season.

Zengel’s goals include not only being herself all of the time, but to also win another NJAC championship.

With a little extra motivation and drive from a humbling experience in South Africa, Olivia Zengel looks to have her best season yet as a Cougar.

“Personally, I just want to, but as a team the goal is definitely winning the NJAC again.”

“It was more than just playing games.”

Photo by: Parent of one of the kids from the clinic.

Parent taking group photo of the kids at the clinic, and the instructors, including Zengel and McMahon.

SPORTS

8 THE TOWER

October, 2017

Kean athletics has victorious Homecoming

By Craig Epstein

October 7 was a day to remember for Kean athletics. With four of the five teams that played claiming victory, there was a lot to remember for the alumni that returned to their alma mater.

Perhaps the most impressive win came from the football team. Coming in at 1-3, the Cougars trounced William Paterson by a final score of 56-0. It was the program’s first shutout since November 7, 2009, also against William Paterson. In addition, it was their most points scored in a game since 2012.

Another quality win for Kean came from the women’s soccer team.

Rallying from a one-goal deficit, the Cougars defeated William Paterson by a final score of 2-1. The win propelled the team to a 9-4 record overall (3-2 NJAC).

“It was the biggest win of the season to this point,” said Head Coach Brian Doherty. “It gave us sole possession of fourth place as we started the day in a three-way tie for fourth; the team really stepped up, played hard, and executed well.”

The field hockey team proved themselves once again when they defeated SUNY New Paltz by a final score of 2-1. Kean not only outshot the Hawks 23-7, but also held a 12-10 advantage in penalty corners. With the win, the Cougars improved to a 13-0 record overall, one win shy of a program record

that was set just last year.

“As the season progresses, it becomes increasingly more difficult to maintain our undefeated streak because everyone is scouting online and this allows coaches and players the opportunity to make adjustments prior to game day,” said Head Coach Leslie LaFronz. “New Paltz has always been a difficult opponent for us and it was their senior day which makes their players even more motivated to win.”

For LaFronz, it was through “Cougar perseverance” that Kean was able to come out of the game with a hard-fought victory.

The final team to pick up a big win was the men’s soccer team. Kean was able to get on the board early with a seventh minute goal by senior back fielder Eder Solano. It wasn’t until the 52nd minute that the Pioneers were able to tie the game with a booming shot from JP Gonzales.

Behind four saves from Derek Phells, junior forward Vinceroy Nelson was able to seal the deal for the Cougars with a goal in 71st minute. With the thrilling 2-1 victory over rival William Paterson, the Cougars improved to a 5-5-1 record overall (1-4-0 NJAC).

Homecoming weekend is not only a special time for the returning alumni, but for the current batch of Kean students as well. So, to have most of the athletic teams that played claim victory made the weekend even more memorable.

Photo by: Larry Levanti

Behind a rushing touchdown from senior running back Brian Matthews, the Cougars trounced the Pioneers by a final score of 56-0.

Will NFL protests spread to the younger generation?

By Greg Patuto Tuning into a sporting event used to mean nothing but rooting for your team or watching for the love of the game.

Recently in the NFL however, people are now tuning in to see what players are doing before the game, not during.

Sitting or kneeling during the national anthem is now happening all over the league and people are starting to take notice.

It all started on August 26, 2016 when former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was seen sitting during the national anthem. He said after the game that he is “not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country to oppresses people of color.”

Despite being out of the league, Kaepernick’s message has stuck. Players, coaches and owners from all teams are now seen before games locking arms, kneeling or sitting during the national anthem. Professional athletes are big role models and icons to younger athletes so it is only a matter of time before this spreads to all levels of sports.

It comes down to the fact that aside from gaining publicity through their sport, there are very few things being done by NFL players about this issue.

They all claim that there is a reason

Kean football scoreboard

Photo by: Greg Patuto

“I think every sports figure are role models for children who not only watch them but idolize them,” Garrett said.

“There should be a bigger responsibility to hold a higher standard.”

behind it but with them being such big celebrities, there are different paths that can be taken to fix these issues like taking part in protesting off camera.

NFL athletes have enough money where they can go out and actually make a difference where it is needed like poor neighborhoods and communities.

When asked about the new epidemic, Kean head football coach Daniel Garrett said that sports and politics should be separate.

“I think every sports figure are role models for children who not only watch them but idolize them,” Garrett said.

“There should be a bigger responsibility to hold a higher standard.”

On September 23, Bruce Maxwell of the Oakland A’s became the first player in the MLB to kneel during the national anthem.

No one in any other sport has decided to protest like NFL players. But with basketball starting soon, keep an eye out to see if it has spread to other sports.

As for Kean’s football team, they have no intention on kneeling this season.

“I think our team has enough respect for each other and our locker room,” Garrett said. “It’s not about one man, it is about the guy to the left and the guy to the right, a big family.”