The Towerlight (November 19, 2019)

Towson’s campus and community news source

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November 19, 2019

Towson students create a docuseries to rewrite the narrative of Baltimore, pg. 10 Photo by Brendan Felch, Illustration by Victoria Nicholson/ The Towerlight

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November 19, 2019

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THANKSGIVING BREAK

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Arts & Life Editor Meg Hudson

I don’t know where I’m going thanksgiving break but it just can’t be here.

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Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editors Jordan Kendall Muhammad Waheed

@Chrissyd0610 I’m cooking a big thanksgiving dinner and everyone I love is invited I cannot wait

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@naomibb_ Doing keto again until Thanksgiving so I can pig out in peace

Staff Writers Alex Best Ashley de Sampaio Ferraz John Hack Grace Hebron Lauren Heyl Suzanne Stuller Aaron Thomas Brooks Warren Kayla Wellage Marcus Whitman

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NEW AND Q MONTHLY LUNCHEON

TRANSGENDER REMEMBRANCE VIGIL

SMOKE OUT BONFIRE

MOVIE NIGHT: UNPLANNED

A CAPPELLA FALL CONCERT

Join New and Q - a new CSD program designed for LGBTQ First Year & Transfer students to meet, connect, get resources, and learn more about TU’s LGBTQ+ programs and organizations.

International Transgender Day of Remembrance is celebrated each year to memorialize individuals that were murdered as a result of transphobia.

Join the ATOD Peer Educators and the Counseling Center in celebrating Great American Smoke Out—a day dedicated to educating people about the impact of tobacco use and encourages them to quit smoking.

Join Tigers for Life and Catholic Campus Ministry as we watch Unplanned, the true story of Abby Johnson.

Towson University’s Original Blend a Cappella is hosting their annual Fall Semester concert! Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided. Come enjoy a night of music and fun!

University Union 313, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

WVC Ballrooms, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ward and West, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Lecture Hall 238, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Van Bokkelen Auditorium, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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Opinion

November 19, 2019

Mitch McConnell needs to do something Transgender Day of TYRONE BARROZO Columnist

As American news outlets continued to milk more Trump antics— granted, this time being the public hearings for presidential impeachment—life was still going on in the rest of the country. That is to say, on Nov. 14, a teenage gunman killed two students and wounded three others at his high school in Santa Clarita before committing suicide.

I wish that this sort of news fazed me but, after growing up a little, this is nothing more than a new normal—a solely American expectation. Not only that, there’s another expectation that follows tragedies like the one that took place in Santa Clarita, in Newtown, in Blacksburg, and in other parts of the country where there have been school shootings.

That expectation that follows those tragedies is, simply, that nothing will be done to prevent the situation.

Now, especially during this trying time in U.S. politics, I try to distance myself from all of the juvenile trauma that happens at Capitol Hill and try my best to stay up to date with relevant issues—lest I, or

a loved one, nearly get screwed by whatever policy is up for voting at the moment. However, it’s become clear to me that being cordial and remaining respectful to the last survivors of a bygone era who are content with only working to benefit themselves while in office will not suffice in terms of eliciting any sort of response.

So, in all honesty, I was somewhat glad to see the GOP’s resident do-nothing, Senator Mitch McConnell, get dragged out on Twitter after the Santa Clarita shooting.

Deep down, I know that McConnell will continue to do nothing, but seeing people on Twitter properly outraged at someone and something that are proper targets for online complaints made me feel just a bit better somehow.

Back in February of this year, the House of Representatives actually managed to do their job and passed a bill— the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019—and other legislation which would provide the FBI more time to conduct background checks on gun buyers. The swift and agile pile of papers seeked to close what some referred to as the “Charleston loophole” which allowed a white supremacist to purchase automatic weapons and mow down nine

churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina. The next step after getting passed through the House would’ve been to run the bills through the Senate for voting—guess who’s the majority Senate leader.

Apparently, McConnell is uninterested in holding any sort of vote for any of the bills approved by the House, meaning that they would all perish much like every other victim that needlessly perished in preventable school shootings. According to McConnell back in September, he’s waiting for an answer from the president.

“I said a few weeks ago that if the President took a position on a bill so that we knew we would actually be making a law and not just having serial votes, I would be happy to put it on the floor and the administration is in the process of studying what they are prepared to support if anything,” McConnell said. In short, he says to the unimaginable amount of people affected my these shootings that he’s not going to do anything.

Now, he also mentioned that he supposedly supported background checks and laws which enabled firearm confiscation from possible threats but emphasized that those checks and laws wouldn’t have done anything to prevent mass shootings in the U.S. Going back to what I expected, it seems that I was right.

Nothing’s going to happen with McConnell at the wheel because he doesn’t believe in change and, therefore, possibly changing the future.

Remembrance is here JASPER GRISWOLD Columnist

On Nov. 20, 1999, a group of people gathered together to mourn the loss of a loved one. This gathering was facilitated by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, to mourn the loss of Rita Hester. Rita was murdered. Why did someone feel the need to murder Rita? There was likely no reason, other than the fact that she was trans and someone had a problem with that. The murder remains unsolved to this day, like many other transgender murder cases that are not taken seriously. Now, the day to honor Rita has become a holiday for remembering transgender people that have been killed - Transgender Day of Remembrance.

According to Smith, “Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost.

With so many seeking to erase transgender people – sometimes in the most brutal ways possible – it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”

This time of year always scares

me, due to thinking about its reason for existing. This day reminds me that violence could very well happen to me, or one of my friends.

Luckily for me, I am not in the highest risk group, which is trans women of color. But I still must worry about my friends, and the friends I haven’t met yet or may never meet.

They all deserve to feel and be safe and protected.

It is my personal belief that if people were more educated on transgender identities, there would be less violence against the community. People fear and hate that which they don’t understand.

I feel if people learned how gender identities work independently of sex, they wouldn’t have so much hatred towards trans people just for existing.

It’s important for everyone to become educated, so if you are an ally reading this then you’re doing just what you should. If you see misinformation, it’s important to share the truth if it is safe for you to do so. It’s important to fight against a culture of transphobia. Another good thing to do around this time is to simply be extra kind to your trans friends, shoot them a compliment or invite them to hang out.

This time is hard for many of us, even if we may not show it.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com

The Misadventures of Towson: Holiday Stress

Comic by Nyasha Marufu/ The Towerlight

Opinion

November 19, 2019

Practicing thankfulness throughout November can get stressful, isn’t it great that you are receiving an education, and have the brains to study, and possibly excel, on an exam?

My advice for you is, at least The word “thankfulness” is for the rest of the month, atthrown around a lot in Novemtempt to reframe your “Why ber. Usually, the only time you me?” thoughts to thoughts of apthink about the things you’re preciation for what you do have. grateful for are when you are One way you can practice asked at the Thanksgiving dingratefulness is to tell those ner table, when you’re too foaround you how much they cused on the intoxicatmean to you. ing cinnamon smell Think of someone wafting from in your life who your sweet pohas genuinely tato casserole made your life to come up better and with a legitmore enjoyimate anable and let swer. them know So, you of your apend up saypreciation ing somethrough a thing quick note or kind and easy like gesture. Has a “my family” or professor been “my health” and extremely underthen proceed to stuff standing of your recent yourself until the button on absences? your jeans is forced to dislodge Has the custodian’s warm itself from your waistband. smile and daily act of openIf you’re reading this coling the door for you brightumn, chances are that you are ened your day as you entered a among the luckiest humans on dreaded three-hour lecture?

Earth. If you have a warm bed Let these people know that to crawl into at night, food to sithey are appreciated and vallence a rumbling stomach, and ued – I am positive it will make the opportunity their day, week, to receive an month. education, you Kindness and have a lot to be positivity can Be the change you thankful for. cause a chain When you reaction. By a wish to see this stop to really simple note or November and start comment, you think about it, some of the isusing your thoughts, can turn somesues that we one’s entire day actions and words to around, deal with every and day are really appreciate, thank and that person will blessings in distake their good brighten the world. guise. mood and rub it Does your MIRANDA MOWREY off on another week consist Columnist person. of back-to-back Especially exams? Instead nowadays, it is of thinking, “Why me? This is so common that people victimize unlucky!” or reference the fact themselves and focus on what that your horoscope warned they don’t have. you of a bad week ahead, think Be the change you wish to see about how awesome it is that this November and start using you have the opportunity to atyour thoughts, actions, and words tend college in the first place. to appreciate, thank, and brightAlthough sometimes things en the world.

MIRANDA MOWREY Columnist @mirandamowrey

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News

November 19, 2019

Presidential Address hails Towson’s progress Schatzel discusses current construction updates and next steps TIM KLAPAC Senior Editor @pacofkla

Towson University President Kim Schatzel talked about the University’s future, including giving some construction updates, and praised students and staff during her presidential address Nov. 12.

“It is a great time to be a Towson Tiger,” she said. “TU is a university on the move with great momentum and it is evident in so, so many ways.”

In a 37-minute speech, Schatzel shared highlights of the University’s progress, honored faculty members for achievements in their field and thanked donors for their support while putting forward the University’s plans for the future. The recent accolades given to TU were not lost in Scahtzel’s address, as she praised the recognition Towson University has been receiving.

“TU continues to achieve recognition from the major national ranking services in higher education,” she said. “This past year, Towson University was listed as one of the top public universities in the nation by Forbes Magazine.”

The university’s first-ever placement in the top 100 public universities

by U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 Guide to Colleges and Universities was a point of pride for Schatzel.

“This new top-100 ranking truly reflects a University on the rise and points to the excellence of our academic programs, our faculty, facilities, and TU’s commitment to world class research,” she said.

Schatzel also provided an update to the current construction on campus and announced

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the next steps in the University’s transformation. With the new science building still on track to open in the fall 2020 semester, Schatzel discussed the creation of a building for the College of Health Professions.

“Both planning and design funding have been secured by the state,” she said. “This new building will soon be taking shape, anchoring the northeast side of campus, toward downtown Towson and is expected to open by the spring of 2024.”

Schatzel gave an update on the Dr. Julius Chapman Quad that is replacing the now-demolished Stephens Annex.

“Next fall, the space where the Stephens Annex once stood will become the Dr. Julius Chapman Quad, a most befitting renaming for a space that will become a place for students, faculty and staff to gather together,” she said.

Schatzel also discussed the opening of TU’s first business engagement center, which will replace the armory on the corner of Washington and Chesapeake Avenues in uptown Towson.

Expected to open in the fall of 2020, this building will be known as “The Start Up” for its ability to connect executives and entrepreneurs to TU’s programs.

“This will be a business-first space where leaders will network

and showcase their businesses,” she said. “It will become a onestop experience that will raise the bar for successful University business engagement.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” said Thomas Dacruz, a freshman business student. “Connecting students to real world businesses and stuff that they could actually use after their career at Towson.”

Schatzel also announced the purchasing of a 12-story building on 401 Washington Avenue. Schatzel said the building will be used for non-academic University functions to free up space on campus.

Schatzel congratulated faculty members for their KIM SCHATZEL hard work and success, TU President including Jayne French and connect with peers and accelfrom the Center for Student erate their business ventures, Diversity. French was recentfind their next strategic hire, ly selected by the University develop new solutions for pressSystems of Maryland’s Board ing challenges, attract investment of Regents to receive their

It’s a great time to be a Towson Tiger. TU is a university on the move with great momentum and it is evident in so many ways.

Amanda Bosse/ The Towerlight

Towson University President Kim Schatzel spoke of the future of campus as well as praising recent recognitions and ranking including TU being listed as a top public university in the nation by Forbes Magazine. highest honor for her impact in inclusion, multiculturalism and diversity.

French is the first person to receive two staff awards from the Board of Regents.

Schatzel also announced the plan for differential tuition for the College of Business and Economics and the Departments of Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences.

Differential tuition is an increase in a student’s tuition based on the programs they are studying.

“It makes sense,” Dacruz said.

“If you’re in a harder program, it requires more resources so I think it makes sense to pay more tuition.”

Schatzel stressed that no students currently enrolled in these programs will be affected by this decision.

“The differential tuition will be phased in over three years and will not impact any students that are currently enrolled in these programs,” she said. “The total revenue from these differentials will go back to these colleges and

provide funding to continue the requisite investment in faculty facilities and support.”

“The school of business and economics could be improved so to see them allocating resources based on the students that are in the program, I think it works,” Dacruz said.

Schatzel thanked TU’s donors for a record year in fundraising, as the University received more than $14 million in gifts, a 34% increase from last year.

With the University undergoing changes on campus and the enrollment increasing each year, Schatzel views Towson University as an institution on the rise and is excited for the future.

“Our institutional momentum and our historic investment being made on our campus can be seen in the work we are doing together each and every day,” she said. “Each and every day, remember, there is much to be proud of at Towson University and, working together, there are indeed great things ahead.”

News

November 19, 2019

Veteran reads of his military past MARCUS WHITMAN Staff Writer

Award-winning, Baltimore-based author and military veteran Anthony Moll came to campus Nov. 14 to hold a discussion on what people imagine when they think of a veteran and/ or service member. Moll also held discussions on all the diverse groups that serve in the military, and read sections of his book “Out of Step.”

The event was run by Director of the Military and Veterans Center Dario DiBattista for Veteran’s Week.

According DiBattista, he wanted to find a way to provide outstanding support and services to both military veterans and their qualified dependents. He also wanted topics of diversity and inclusion as well as the shared experience of being in the military to be discussed. “[Moll] is a good writer, so I think it is beneficial all around,” DiBattista said. “I also know from teaching a long time what an amazing experience it is to be able to read a book and then actually engage with the author of that book. And

I wanted to make that experience as successful as possible, with any interested parties, but also the military veterans and also the people who are members of the Center for Student Diversity community.”

Moll had two discussions with the audience before the book reading. One was what comes to mind when thinking of a veteran and veteran activism.

Moll read from his book with one passage emphasizing his camouflage uniform making everyone look alike and undisguisable from others when in the military.

“We call the gear were wearing full battle rattle, helmet, armor vests, mesh camo vests were wearing over that,” Moll read. “Black gloves, black boots, olive drab gas masks, attached to carrier. We’re wearing bright green, hash green safety glasses, I found them in a dust covered box in the back of our storage conex a week prior.”

Towson student Emily Seth described the book reading as “an informative experience” and “it makes me want to go to more readings in the future.”

“The reading itself is what really

got me because I haven’t read the book yet,” Seth said. “One of the lines that he read just really hit me hard -- ‘It’s almost always when we’re young, isn’t it?...fighting for something we think we believe in.’ That line especially really hit me hard. The two pieces that he read from were very artfully done.

Seeing the art in creative nonfiction is wonderful.”

DiBattisa mentioned one thing he hoped people took away from the reading is “a new empathy, a new understanding, a new perspective that they hadn’t had before.”

“That is my favorite thing about storytelling, when you do it well it enhances somebody’s overall life experience to learn from others,” DiBattisa said. “I think there might be some challenging conversations to come up on matters of identity and sexual orientation, but I think that is okay because, what other unique opportunities to have those conversations again at a learning institution.”

Towson University’s Military Veterans Center hosted the event in conjunction with the Center for Student Diversity.

Campus walk through for safety TIM KLAPAC Senior Editor @pacofkla

Members of Towson University’s Facilities Management, Office of Public Safety, TU Police and Student Government Association participated in a walk through of the university’s campus on Nov. 14. The walk through, which usually happens annually but did not take place last year, addresses multiple issues regarding student safety on campus.

“Typically, we look for any areas that appear dark or unsafe,” said David Mayhew, Director of University Architecture. “Sometimes it’s an opportunity to identify lights that are out. For the most part, it is to help identify areas that need additional lighting or landscape trimming.”

TU President Kim Schatzel announced the walk during her bi-weekly email sent to students with updates on campus safety and the well-being of students.

“The walk will allow members of the community to identify and address poorly lit or potentially unsafe areas of campus,” the email read.

While proper lighting was the pri-

mary focus of the walk through, the landscaping of the campus has been a concern for students as well.

“Places where we could cut down some bushes where people can’t see over,” said SGA President Naimah Kargbo. “Places where someone could be hiding in those are some of the main things we’re looking for.”

Two TUPD officers helped investigate dark areas of campus that could be concerning to students while Kargbo addressed additional spots that students have previously felt unsafe.

Beginning at Burdick Hall, the group walked through West Village, pointing out lights that were not functioning and find areas where additional blue lights and street lights could be installed. Areas that are not directly on campus were also discussed, including the sidewalk along Towsontown Boulevard.

“I think it’s cool to see them actually do what they said they would do,” senior Heather Critchfield said.

“A lot of places say they’ll do something and then never get around to it so to see [the university] makings changes is good.”

Facilities Management discussed the possibility of placing a blue light at the corner of Emerson Drive and

Towsontown. This area was noted as a possible location for a blue light in Schatzel’s Oct. 31 safety email.

“Additional blue light phones are being added in the area of Auburn Drive between the Auburn House and Osler Drive and at the intersection of Emerson Drive and Towsontown Boulevard,” the email read.”

Schatzel’s safety emails are sent bi-weekly to keep students updated with the newest safety measures being taken by the university.

“It’s nice to know that every higher up also has an idea of what’s going on around campus,” said Heather Meyer, a sophomore studying human services.

According to Kargbo, there are still areas that aren’t in the core of campus that the university is looking to improve.

“University Village is one of [those areas] and some of the streets that we can’t touch is something we’re looking into,” Kargbo said.

With the Daylight Savings Time change occurring a few weeks ago, the timing of the lights was something that Facilities Management has been paying attention to.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com

Nov. 15: A campus security authority reported an incident of fondling in William Paca House.

Nov. 11: A call for the odor of marijuana resulted in the seizure of paraphernalia with residue in Residence Tower.

Nov. 8: A campus security authority reported an incident of rape that occurred in Towson Run. Nov. 8: A campus security authority referred three students to Student Conduct for underage possession of alcohol in Prettyman Hall.

Nov. 8: A campus security authority referred two students to Student Conduct for underage possession of alcohol in Scarborough Hall.

Nov. 8: A campus security authority reported an incident of stalking in Cook Library.

Nov. 7: TUPD was notified by a campus security authority that seven students were referred to Student Conduct for underage possession of alcohol in Prettyman Hall.

Nov. 7: A commuter student made a verbal threat against a resident student in the University Union.

Nov. 5: A physical altercation between two persons was witnessed at 7800 York Road and was upgraded to aggravated assault based on injuries.

Nov. 5: A vehicle tag was reported stolen in parking lot 26.

Nov. 4: An unattended bag was reported stolen at Cook Library. The bag was recovered as found property. No theft took place.

Nov. 4: Money was removed from a wallet turned into the lost and found in the University Union.

Nov. 2: TUPD referred a resident student to Student Conduct for public urination at Osler and Cross Campus Drive.

Nov. 1: Unknown persons were witnessed trespassing in the Science Building construction site.

Nov. 1: TUPD is investigating an assault of a resident student at University Union.

The Towerlight’s “Police Blotter” is a representative sample of crimes occurring on and off campus. The blotter is not intended to be all inclusive.

For a list of local crime reports, visit www.towson.edu/police or https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/PoliceNews/ iWatch?from=7&to=9.

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Arts & Life

WE ARE Baltimore In November of 2020, Antoine Dupree, a senior communication studies major at Towson University along with a group of Towson University students and community members, will be releasing a docuseries to showcase the positive aspects of Baltimore alongside the negative.

In July, President Trump tweeted at late Maryland congressman Elijah Cummings saying “Cumming[s’] district is a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess. If he spent more time in Baltimore, maybe he could help clean up this very dangerous and filthy place.”

Dupree, after seeing Trump’s tweets about Baltimore, he said that he felt inspired to find a silver lining.

“I built my own production company in which I work with a lot of Towson University students,” said Dupree.

The name of his production company is Creator Source Studios, which strives to bridge the gap between creativity and media.

He has worked with Towson University students in the past on projects such as the YouTube channel Nerd Culture, a film project of his which features fun videos on everything “nerdy.”

“My main focus has always been to do three things: educate, entertain and inspire,” said Dupree.

Alabama, and Tennessee, he says rated the team into business, marketthat people will come together to ing, creative and production departclean up or take initiative in other ments. They all meet on a weekly ways for their city. basis on campus at 8 p.m. to ensure However, in Baltimore, in his opinthat everyone is in the loop, and that ion, this doesn’t happen to the same every team is working together. degree. He believes that the media’s Ben Mehr is a junior at TU studynarrative of Baltimore plays a major ing business administration-marrole, a narration clearly expressed in keting, and minoring in electronic Trump’s tweet. media and film. He is serving as the “For me, I just wanted to change head of production for the team. the narrative that the media has “Right now, I’m working on equiptowards Baltimore and to change ment and what we want to use at the narrative that different budgets, I’ve seen in dochoping for the highumentaries about est, planning for Baltimore,” said the lowest,” said Dupree. “There’s Mehr. “[We are also more to the story.” planning] at differThe docuseries ent levels what we will be focused would use, making on showcasing sure we have what positive aspects of we need,” Baltimore along According to with the negative.

Mehr, he’s also pay“With this subing attention to film ANTOINE DUPREE ject matter that Senior/ Founder of Creator Source Studios requirements set we want to talk

by Netflix, Amazon, about, we would have to spread it and other platforms, to ensure their out,” said Dupree. “We can’t put it all ability to make it onto any one of in one video because that would be those platforms. For example, Netflix a five or six-hour documentary and requires cameras have a true 4K nobody wants to watch that.”

UHD sensor (equal to or greater than He shared that glossing over topics 3840 photosites wide), as well as to fit the film into a one-hour documany other technical requirements mentary will not make a substantial for filmmakers to be mindful of. impact on the current narrative.

“Right now I’m helping Ben “We want to talk about the differ[Mehr] with the equipment list, tryent facets of Baltimore,” said Dupree. ing to make sure we meet all the “We want to break it down into subrequirements and are doing it withsets of history and culture, the arts, in a budget,” said Josh Kleinman, how Baltimore was a port-city... We a senior EMF major, and head of

“When the stuff [tweet controversy] happened with Donald Trump, it inspired me to see the opportunity that was there. A lot of people wait for something to do something.”

Dupree grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and has lived in a lot of urban areas since then. He shared that in these areas, he has seen people come together to work on issues each community was facing.

From Texas to Louisiana, Georgia,

will talk about Freddie Gray, and we will talk about the Baltimore riots… and ultimately figure out solutions.”

The team plans to showcase the good, the bad and the ugly of Baltimore through interviews, walk-throughs and narrations with individuals, local businesses, and anyone else willing to contribute to the conversation.

Right now, the docuseries is in the planning phase. Dupree says he sepa-

MEGHAN HUDSON Arts & Life Editor

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I want to change Baltimore, which goes beyond this documentary.

editing. “I’m also working with the other departments to get some old stock photos of Baltimore to show what it used to look like versus what it looks like now.”

According to Kleinman, one goal of this docuseries is to unite Baltimore and its surrounding communities.

“A lot of people who live in the county don’t necessarily consider themselves Baltimoreans, so we want to bring everyone

together as a whole to address issues,” said Kleinman.

Mehr added that learning more about the city and about who we are as residents of the county, and sparking difficult conversations is important for finding solutions that address the problems the city may be facing.

“Being not political and not picking sides, I feel like it’s a really safe atmosphere to have uncomfortable conversations, and to address that there are problems,” said Mehr. “We may disagree on how to fix them, but we can talk about them.”

The team is still looking for people with passion to get involved.

“We’re all going on the assumption that we aren’t getting paid,” said Mehr. “I mean if we get a really nice budget and are able to be paid for our work that would be great. But, we’re all willing to do it for free.

We’re doing this because we’re passionate about it.”

Dupree shared that his ultimate vision extends further than the docuseries itself.

“There are so many talented creators, that if we came together to

work on movies like how Tyler Perry is in Atlanta, we should be able to do something like that in Baltimore,” said Dupree. “I want to change Baltimore, which goes beyond this documentary. This documentary is the start to show what we are capable of doing, and then after that we can implement more change and really make this city better.”

The team is officially launching all of its social media sites today, and can be found (@Baltimore_TIWWA) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

They will also be releasing a website soon, where people can make donations, and sign up for events to meet the team and learn more about their vision. Updates will be posted on their socials.

“Having the support of the community and knowing that they’re behind us too would really go a long way,” shared Mehr.

If you can’t make a donation, attending one of their events, or simply sharing their story with a friend, is still helpful.

“We just need people to see us and know that there are ways to make positive acts,” said Mehr.

Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Antoine Dupree, the founder of Creator Source Studios, is currently producing a docuseries focused on the beauty of Baltimore.

Arts & Life

November 19, 2019

SGA hosts rape culture talk ASHLEY DE SAMPAIO FERRAZ Staff Writer

Sarojini Schutt, a community educator visited Towson University to speak to students and spark conversation about rape culture and gender based violence last Tuesday.

Schutt, who works for Turnaround Inc., a Baltimorebased nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals that are suffering from domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse, and sex trafficking, explained what rape culture is and how students can help stop the spread of sexual violence in today’s society. “[Rape culture is] a phrase used to describe a society in which rape is common and acts that might contribute to rape go unchallenged,” said Schutt.

She explained that rape culture doesn’t mean that rape is legal, or even approved, but instead is normalized or excused through media and societal norms.

“The things we say, the things we

do, the things we read and see are fueling this murder, this rape, this brutality,” she added.

Schutt also provided students with some interesting statistics about rape and sexual violence.

“Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults, 995 perpetrators will walk free,” Schutt said. “230 of these sexual assaults are reported to the police, 46 reports lead to arrests, nine cases get referred to prosecutors, five cases will lead to a felony conviction, and 4.6 rapists will get incarcerated.”

Elexzene Plain, a sophomore pre-nursing major, said that she was surprised to learn how often minority women are targeted for acts of sexual violence.

“One thing that really stuck out was the percentages of ethnic and racial groups that had been sexually assaulted in their lives,” Plain said. “The fact that those populations are [about] 10 and 12% of the U.S. population, and then their percentage doubles for being sexually assaulted is a really big thing.”

Schutt provided students with tools and tips to not only help their friends who have been sub-

jected to sexual violence, but also to make a change in their community as a whole.

“Hold your friends accountable and speak out when someone says something you don’t like,” Schutt said. “Educate yourself.”

One way students at Towson University are trying to impact their community is through adopting the “It’s On Us” initiative. Jessica Kapoor, SGA’s Director of Health and Wellness, explained what this social movement is and how it came to Towson. “‘It’s On Us’ is a social movement that was created by the Obama/ Biden administration and the White House Council on Women and Girls to raise awareness and fight against sexual assault on college campuses for both men and women,” Kapoor said. “We decided to start a chapter of this at Towson University as an initiative under SGA’s Department of Health and Wellness to promote the culture of consent, bystander intervention and survivor support within Towson’s community.”

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com.

The Met celebrates 150 years GRACE COUGHLAN Arts & Life Asst.

Remember when Claire Danes wore that stunning blue Cinderellaesque gown designed by Zac Posen?

Or when Zendaya wore that eccentric orange floor dress by Dolce and Gabbana Alta Moda? How about when Blake Lively wore that maroon gown with the golden headpiece by Atelier Versace? All of these looks have one thing in common: the Met Gala.

Get ready fashion lovers because the gala’s latest theme has been released!

The Metropolitan Museum of Art released the name and date of the Costume Institute’s fashion exhibition on Nov. 7.

In honor of The Met’s 150th anniversary celebration, “About Time: Fashion and Duration” will be open to the public on May 7, 2020, and will serve as the theme for the 2020 Met Gala. The exhibit will be centered around time, exploring la durée, or a concept of duration developed by Henri Bergson, as well as looking at fashion from the 1870s to the present time, while offering a perspective for the future.

The Met Gala is one of the most talked about nights in the fashion industry. It’s particularly known for its extravagant red carpet walks by Hollywood’s biggest stars. Renowned fashion icon and editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, has been a chairwoman of the gala since 1995.

The purpose of the gala is to raise money to support the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s

Costume Institute exhibition.

The Costume Institute exhibition determines the theme for the gala, setting the precedent for what celebrities should wear.

Last year’s Met Gala theme.

“Camp: Notes on Fashion,” was based on Susan Sontag’s essay “Notes on ‘Camp’” (1964).

Camp was one of the most interesting themes in Met Gala history due to the various perceptions designers took on what “camp” is.

According to Sontag, camp can be defined as “it’s love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration” and “esoteric - something of a private code, a badge of identity even among small urban cliques.” It’s a big bite to chew for those new to the fashion world.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

11

Conquering College

How to manage your menstruation VICTORIA NICHOLSON Art Director @ToriNickel

Did you just ovary-act? It’s that time of the month again. You’re either dreading your upcoming Shark Week or excited that Aunt Flo is coming to visit. Either way, welcome to the complicated period (literally) of time that is navigating your menstruation (or the lack thereof).

At a young age, children learn about their bodies in a divided health class. In the fifth grade you get handed a singular pad and a cliché handbook and then are sent off on your own path of self-discovery.

However, the problem with these courses is that they are largely not inclusive of non-female identifying menstruators, and females who do not menstruate.

Luckily for me, I grew up in a household where you were celebrated when you first got your period. I got promised a trip to Panera to start off my womanhood. However, not a lot of people are that lucky. Some don’t have fundamental menstrual health access for themselves.

Having access to menstrual health and hygiene products is a right. I didn’t ask to bleed every month. So why am I stuck with buying an overpriced and over-taxed box of tampons over twelve times a year? Overall, I am blessed I have access to even buy these expensive products because most people don’t. In the country of Uganda, and many others, young girls are missing school simply because they can’t get products. Having this happen affects a whole society, with consequences of a poor physical, emotional and social well-being.

Last week, the Office of Inclusion Equity, and the Center for Student Diversity (CSD) hosted an event called “It’s That Time of the Month: Menstrual Health Day.” Seeing these bright pink flyers around campus got me excited, and eager to be apart of the 40 people to win a free menstrual cup. This menstrual-power intensive event included DIY heating pads,

period care packages, and access to health questions you may not normally ask.

“I think it definitely promotes an inclusive environment, especially for those part of the LGBTQ community or those that don’t always have a support system to go to for things,” said TU student Nina Scheiderer.

After discussing topics like the stages of your period, resources on campus, transgender inclusion and special hygiene products, and a demonstration of inserting a disk frame, attendees of the event were offered a free menstrual cup or a decorative pin of a uturus at the end.

Offering these events on campus allows students to participate in an educational yet fun setting that allows a group of people to bond over something that is inevitable for most. Being able to distribute multiple forms of hygiene products for free is beyond helpful to students who just don’t know what’s best for their bodies.

If you missed the event, here’s a recap of some period hacks and facts to get you through the week: DIY heating pad: Do you have terrible cramps and don’t own a heating pad? Build your own! Three simple ingredients: a sock, one cup of rice, and an essential oil, preferably lavender. After you gather everything up, throw everything into your sock and pop that life saver in the microwave for a minute to a minute and a half.

Menstrual cups: Tampons and pads are the most common form of period hygiene products -- but did you know that tampons carry harmful chemicals? Not only are you damaging your body by inserting them, but you’re leaving a serious footprint on our friend called Earth.

Menstrual cups reduce risks of harm to your body, are easy on your wallet, and reusable!

Diet tips: I know your body is telling you to eat that bag of salt & vinegar chips, but you would probably be better off without it. What you put into your body is going to affect how the rest of your cycle goes, so drink lots of water or tea and avoid high saturated fats and caffeine.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

12 November November19, 19,2019 2019 12

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Sports

November 19, 2019

perfect caa season for tu Tigers finish season with a 20-game win streak

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Solutions for Puzzles on page 12 Amanda Bosse/ The Towerlight

Senior outside hitter Annie Ertz registered 11 kills in Towson’s win over William & Mary on Sunday. The win clinched a 16-0 record in conference play for the Tigers who are the No. 1 seed in the CAA Tournament.

KAYLA WELLAGE Staff Writer

The Towson Tigers recognized their five seniors before their match against the William & Mary Tribe.

Towson won its last regular season match 3-1 before the CAA Tournament next week.

After their defeat of the Tribe, the Tigers (26-2, 16-0 CAA) finished the regular season with 16 straight CAA wins.

“We were the first team in CAA history to go undefeated in the new 16 game format,” head coach Don Metil said. “This team also set the longest Towson winning streak ever in the program’s history.”

The scores were close in the fourth set. Neither team led by more than four points until midway through the set when the Tigers took a six-point lead after kills by redshirt sophomore middle blocker Nikiya Mitchell and senior outside hitter Olivia Finckel. Towson took advantage of four Tribe errors.

Junior defensive specialist Camryn Allen had an ace in this set which extended her streak of 24 games with an ace.

Sophomore outside hitter Emily Jarome added to the Towson lead with a kill and helped the Tigers win the set 25-18.

Towson’s victory ensured an undefeated CAA record, something senior outside hitter Annie Ertz takes pride in.

“We made a huge statement and it was awesome,” Ertz said.

The third set consisted of a back and forth battle in the beginning of the set. The teams tied five times until Towson took a three-point lead after kills by senior middle blocker Silvia Grassini and Ertz.

The final point of the set was acquired from a block by Grassini and Ertz as the Tigers won 25-19.

In the second set Towson took a commanding 15-5 lead as the Tigers scored seven straight with five coming off William and Mary errors. The Tribe struggled in the set, committing an additional nine errors as Towson won 25-13. Senior setter Marrisa Wonders contributed two aces in the set.

Despite the Tigers committing six errors, Towson came back from a five point deficit in the first set with a 5-2 run. Ertz had two kills during the run, two of her 11 in the game.

The Tigers trailed 23-21 but two errors allowed the Tribe to win the set 25-21.

Senior night marks the end of an era, and the team knows next year won’t be the same.

“It’s going to be really tough to not have as many of the older players, so the younger players are going to have to step up,” Mitchell said.

“What they bestowed in us is going to carry on for years.”

The Tigers added another win to their streak with their 3-0 victory against the Elon Phoenix.

Towson entered the game with a 19 game win streak, and SECU Arena was filled with over 550 enthusiastic fans, the third most for a

volleyball match.

“The amount of energy we've had, rallying around it, was just a great way to go out,” Ertz said.

Mitchell made her first career start as a Tiger. She contributed three kills and three blocks, including her first career block.

“This was the moment I’ve been working for all year, so it was good to finally get that chance,” Mitchell said.

“It’s amazing to work so hard and get a chance to show what I can do.”

The third set included an eightpoint run by the Tigers. Six of these points were Towson kills, half of which were by Grassini.

The Phoenix trailed Towson for the entire set. Four of their 12 points in the set were the result of Tiger errors.

Freshman defensive specialist Asia Goins earned a career best 17 digs.

These last few games are seen as positive experiences as Towson prepares for the conference tournament.

“Even though we beat every team twice, everyone has played us twice and have a different game plan coming out, so we’re making sure we’re focusing on what we can do to get better.” Ertz said.

The third set concluded with a three-point run by the Tigers which consisted of a kill and an ace by Grassini and a Phoenix error. Towson won the set 25-12.

Grassini made her 200th kill of the season against Elon. Her career kills increased to 315, which tied her for the third most in the 25 point rally scoring era as a Tiger.

- To read the rest of this article online, visit thetowerlight.com

13

14 November 19, 2019

Sports

defense shines in road win janke leads tu at Towson holds William & Mary under 100 rushing yards ncaa regionals Sophomore finishes with the best showing in recent program history MUHAMMED WAHEED Asst. Sports Editor @MuhamedKWaheed

File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

The Tigers have won three consecutive games heading into Saturday’s season finale against Elon. A victory over the Phoenix could be enough to put Towson in the FCS playoffs for a second straight year.

JORDAN KENDALL Asst. Sports Editor @jordankendall54

Towson used a strong performance on the ground to control the clock which led to a 31-10 victory over William and Mary, their third straight win. Senior running back Yeedee Thaenrat rushed 24 times for 157 yards and a touchdown.

The Tigers (7-4, 4-3 CAA) had nearly a 20 minute advantage in time of possession and had three drives that lasted over six minutes.

Towson’s defense did not allow a touchdown and held the Tribe (4-7, 2-5 CAA) to 87 rushing yards.

“I’ve been saying it week after week, defense is improving,” head coach Rob Ambrose said. “The red zone defense was improving.

We’ve given up less big plays and then when we got into the red zone we got them to turn the ball over twice. Defense didn’t give up a touchdown, the offense did they fumbled the ball. Defense gave up three points against a CAA team, that’s pretty darn hard to do.”

Redshirt senior quarterback Tom Flacco threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Redshirt senior wide receiver Shane Leatherbury caught both of Flacco’s touchdowns and recorded 49 re-

ceiving yards.

William and Mary’s offense had multiple chances to get back into the game, but the Tiger defense made two defensive stops in the red zone as the Tribe managed just three points offensively.

Thanks to a 24-3 halftime lead, Towson was able to use a quiet second half to coast to victory.

In the second half, Leatherbury capped off Towson’s first drive of the half with his second touchdown. The Tigers used nearly seven minutes of game clock.

“If we were going to have a chance to win this game we were going to have to be able to run the ball, possess the ball, control the clock a little bit better than we had done in the past and we did that and that’s a testament to the kids up front.” Ambrose said.

Redshirt sophomore running back Adrian Feliz-Platt fumbled to begin the fourth quarter and the Tribe recovered. Despite a red zone opportunity, William and Mary failed to score on fourth down and Towson took over.

Senior kicker Aidan O’Neill added to his CAA-record field goal total with his 61st career made kick.

The Tigers defense shut down freshman quarterback Hollis Mathis in the first half. Mathis failed to complete a pass in the first half; however, he did com-

plete one to a Tiger defender as junior safety S.J. Brown II grabbed the interception.

“We had to play great defense against the run,” Ambrose said.

“We had to keep that young man (Mathis) in the pocket and make him relatively one dimensional. In the second quarter, Towson used a short field resulting in Leatherbury catching a touchdown.

Late in the first quarter, Feliz-Platt scored a touchdown capping off a 70-yard drive.

“AP (Feliz-Platt) and Yeedee (Thaenrat) ran really, really hard and as a former player I don’t think I’d wanna tackle them.” Ambrose said.

On the Tigers opening drive, Thaenrat’s longest rush of the year went for 51 yards. He scored on the next play.

Towson returns home for their regular season finale against the Elon Phoenix. This game will likely determine if the Tigers are selected for the FCS Playoffs, and Ambrose is well aware of the importance.

“If you’re not focused for the last regular season game of the year, you’re not a football player,” Ambrose said to Towson Sports Network.

Kickoff from Johnny Unitas Stadium is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

Towson placed 19th at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional on Friday morning at Lehigh in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

This was the team’s best finish since 2016 where the Tigers took 18th place.

“The first goal for conference was to be in the top five and we were that,” said head coach Mike Jackson. “So excited about the progress and the young team and excited for coming back next year.”

Sophomore Olivia Janke was the first Towson runner to finish the race. She placed 20th with a time of 20:45.3. Her time was the highest in recent program history.

“It’s hard to run well at the highest level with other great competitors and she did that,” Jackson said.

“I think the most important thing for her is that she realizes how good she is, how great she can be and I think she’s only going to get better.”

Freshman Kylie Anicic finished 76th overall with a time of 21:50.5.

“Around this time last year she was playing soccer at another university and so in her first cross country season with us she’s definitely shown that she belongs and has some potential leadership

qualities,” Jackson said.

Janke and Anicic finished in first and second place for Towson in each meet this season.

“It’s hard to be consistent,” Jackson said. “In cross country there’s so many different factors and so many people to run and compete against. And, so, for them to stay in that spot is impressive and looking forward to them competing like that next year with the rest of our next recruits that are coming in.”

Sophomore McKenzie Delahanty finished the meet timing 22:26.5 while freshman Alison Betler timed 23:01.

“McKenzie Delahanty has had an outstanding year,” Jackson said. “If you look at her performances totally from last year compared to this year there is no comparison.”

Freshman Nicole Bezborodko timed 23:18.6 which was nearly a one minute improvement from last year.

Sophomore Elizabeth Vaughn finished with a time of 23:21.6 while freshman Faith Loftus timed 24:11.5.

The Tigers had two runners in the top 100 for the second consecutive season.

Towson’s cross country season came to an end, however, the team’s attention moves to the indoor track season. The indoor track team’s first meet is at the Bucknell Bison Open on Saturday, Dec. 7.

File photo by Brendan Felch/ The Towerlight

Sophomore Olivia Janke (right) was the top performing Tiger at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regionals on Friday in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Sports

November 19, 2019

Load management may be coming soon ANDY PALM Columnist

The term “load management” has become somewhat of a hot topic in the past couple of weeks in regards to the NBA. Many star players now have scheduled games where they will not play, in an effort to conserve health and energy for the postseason. Forward Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers has become the face of this movement, after he took the Toronto Raptors to the finals last year. During the regular season, Leonard missed 22 games for rest.

It’s hard to argue that it isn’t helpful for the players. Less wear and tear in somewhat meaningless games so that they are healthy and energized for the games that really matter. This is something that I be-

lieve could benefit a lot of players in the NHL. Hockey, more than any other sport, has a lot of older players.

Older players tend to take shorter shifts, but the game takes a toll nonetheless. Another big effect on players is the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

When teams go deep into the playoffs, it cuts their offseason time significantly. Last year with the Washington Capitals, and the year before with the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was clear that fatigue was playing a role in the team’s performance. Last year, the Capitals played a close first-round series with the Carolina Hurricanes that ultimately ended in a double-overtime loss.

Multiple Capitals players talked about how they felt their championship run two seasons ago played a part in their sluggish performance in last year’s playoffs. The biggest argument against load

management is the actual entertainment aspect. Not only do fans pay to see top talent when they attend a game, but some fans also pay to only see specific players.

Also for nationally televised games, it can be bad for ratings if the best players are taking rest days. However, if winning championships is the ultimate measuring stick for the success of a season, and is also how a player’s career is reflected upon; missing a few regular season games isn’t of the utmost importance.

Another reason load management could be beneficial to all players is the possibility of extending careers. If older players are only playing around 60 games a year, not only will they be able to play longer shifts come playoff time, we could see a lot more players who play into their early 40s.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com.

15

USTORE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Myasia Jones Women’s Basketball Sophomore guard Myasia Jones was the leading scorer in Towson’s 73-57 win over Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday. Jones also grabbed four rebounds and recorded two steals and two blocks. Jones is the team leader

GEAR UP FOR THE with free throw shooting at 81 percent.

The Raptors are looking like the champs JALON DIXON Columnist @jalonsworld

After helping lead the Toronto Raptors to their first championship in franchise history, forward Pascal Siakam and the Raptors may have the chance to make even more history after a hot start to this season.

In a breakout season last year, Siakam averaged 16.9 points, 3.1 assists and 6.9 rebounds as the third option on a championship caliber roster. Going from averaging only 11.5 points per game combined in his first two years in the league to becoming a near 20-point per game scorer, Siakam was awarded the Most Improved Player award and was seen as one of the league’s rising stars.

Now as a 6-foot-9, 230-pound power forward with the measurables to be a top two-way in the league, Siakam came into this season with a newly embraced role and the chance

to really shine with the departure of all-star forward Kawhi Leonard.

This season, Siakam has been asked by Toronto’s head coach Nick Nurse to step up as the team’s primary scoring option. Not only has he done that so far this season, but he is exceeding expectations. With five games of 30+ plus points, Siakam has improved even more and is doing it at an outstanding rate.

Averaging 27.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists, Siakam is amongst the top scorers in the league as he is ranked eighth in points per game. At the pace that he is on right now, he has the chance to be the first back-to-back Most Improved Player award winner in league history and may even be up for consideration in the MVP discussion as we progress through the year.

Not only has Siakam improved and exceeded expectations, but so has the entire Raptors team. Despite it only being less than 20 games into the season, Toronto has had a better start to the season than most would have assumed. Having no

Kawhi Leonard, an aging guard in Kyle Lowry and a roster full of older veterans on the back end of their primes, this team was supposed to be a team in massive decline.

Instead, young players like guard Fred Vanvleet and forward OG Anunoby have stepped up as double-digit scorers and have really embraced their enhanced roles, showing that despite all the age on the roster, the Raptors have a reliable young core to build around for the future.

With no truly defined superstar, the Raptors have excelled while relying on their depth and team-oriented style of play. Toronto has five players averaging double figures in points and eight players averaging 20+ minutes played per game. Similar to comparable teams in the league like the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs, this team is succeeding on the back of elite coaching, ball movement and the development of the team’s young players.

- To read the rest of this column online, visit thetowerlight.com

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November 19th, 2019 | 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 2nd Floor Lobby | University Union