October 17, 2016

Vol. CXXXVII, No. 6 October 17, 2016 thevarsity.ca —— The University of Toronto’s Student Newspaper Since 1880

Dissonance and discord

Speech becomes action

BLC speaks up

A free speech rally at Sid Smith featured

The Black Liberation Collective protested

controversial professor Jordan Peterson,

the UTSU office, accusing the union of

right-wing commentator Lauren Southern,

perpetuating anti-Blackness. Grievances

and bouts of violence that warranted a police

were laid out in a 3,000 word statement

presence. Tensions flared as white noise

that criticized a perceived lack of funding

disrupted speeches, a fire alarm was pulled,

for the Black Students’ Association, the

slurs were hurled, and physical altercations

“tokenization” of Black students, and the

occurred — what was supposed to be an

union’s lawsuit against former Executive

“agreeable afternoon” quickly went awry.

Director Sandy Hudson.

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2 • THE VARSITY • NEWS

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Letter from the Editor: False balance does not belong in The Varsity Given the divisive events of last week, it is important to remember that not all disagreements are balanced Many members of the U of T community have remarked to me lately about a sense of division on campus. Drawing on my own observations, I have to agree. What has concerned me most lately is the highly divisive and accusatory rhetoric that seems to have been amplified following last week’s politically and emotionally charged events.

As I observed the unfolding of last Tuesday’s event called “U of T Rally for Free Speech,” I was struck by the unyielding, unforgiving categorizations that many people inflicted on those whom they wished to present as their opposers. These categorizations have resulted in many people declaring ‘sides’ — the so-called ‘Social Justice Warriors’ and the so-called ‘Free Speech Warriors.’

Supporters of free speech and of social justice need not exist in opposing categories. Many people rightly defend the principle of free speech, while also rightly advocating for the rights of marginalized people to be free from oppression and discrimination.

The construction of this false dichotomy has provided a framework for individuals to accuse inhomogeneous groups of affronts, rather than engaging with the plurality of people with myriad backgrounds, opinions, and insights.

Despite the potential congruity of the subjects of free speech and social justice, it is undoubtable that Tuesday’s rally drew a significant crowd of people whose interest was to co-opt the principle of free speech for the purpose of disseminating hateful rhetoric. A counter-protest group, comprised of many members of the trans and non-binary community, the Black community, and others, seemed to anticipate this and came to the event in protest of attitudes that undermine their rights.

The tension between these groups became the defining characteristic of the event. In light of this, I feel compelled to comment on the considerations involved in providing news coverage of these kinds of disagreements.

First of all, it is clear that physical assaults took place at this event, provoked by individuals on both sides. These actions were wrong.

But these sides are not equal. I am firm in my conviction that to present them as such would create a false balance — dishonesty in the form of portraying assuredly unequal forces on the same footing.

The people who came to that rally to propagate hate speech were wrong to do so. It is heartbreaking and enraging that someone came to our campus and shouted “We need more Michael Browns.” This is hate speech, and it would be wrong to position it otherwise.

Those who came to the rally advocating for social justice engaged in a range of protest activities, which included blasting white noise over the sound of rally speakers. While the tactics this group employed are not beyond scrutiny — in a free society, almost nothing is — it is essential to recognize that the cause of this group is legitimate in a way that the cause of those propagating hate speech will never be. Those who would have The Varsity present the former’s cause on equal footing with the latter’s will be disappointed.

It is important to remember when contemplating all of this that those advocating for free speech and social justice have been falsely dichotomized. Many people — I believe, the majority at U of T — believe firmly in both.

Last month, The Varsity’s masthead developed a mission statement for our organization, in which we stated: “We commit ourselves to innovation, openness, and accessibility; to the development of our contributors; and to the provision of meaningful, just coverage for our readership.” This is a mission to stand by, and false balance does not exist within it.

— Alex McKeen, Editor-in-Chief

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 3

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Tensions flare at rally supporting free speech, Dr. Jordan Peterson Event on campus devolves into conflict, isolated incidents of assault Jack O. Denton Varsity Staff

The past two weeks on campus have been comprised of the release of Professor Jordan Peterson’s YouTube videos and remarks about gender, anti-racist activism, and “politically correct” culture.

A rally entitled “U of T Rally for Free Speech” by organizers, with the subtitle “Jordan B. Peterson, Lauren Southern & Students On Political Correctness, Bill C16, HR & Equity Policy” was held on the steps outside Sidney Smith Hall. Bill C-16 and U of T’s HR equity training requirement were the topics of Peterson’s first two YouTube lectures in his series called “Professor against political correctness.”

The event came to an end around 2:30 pm, after audio equipment failed and students amassed outside Sidney Smith in the wake of a pulled fire alarm. The Toronto Police had arrived to deal with both the crowd and isolated incidents of assault.

Notable speakers included Peterson as well as Lauren Southern, a commentator for The Rebel Media, a right-wing online media outlet.

The rally took place six days after trans and non-binary activists held a teach-in and rally in response to some of Peterson’s remarks on gender. Southern had attended that rally, and was met with chants of “shame” when she made to defend Peterson while pretending to be transgender.

ponents of free speech who wished to speak at the rally had their opinions drowned out.

Ali told The Varsity that “the goal with the noise disruption, which is a tactic that has been used before, is not to suppress anyone’s free speech but rather not to take some speech lying down. These people were yelling homophobic slurs, transphobic slurs, referring to us as ‘things’ and ‘its’ — we were hoping to make that a little harder to hear.”

Liew expressed disappointment with the presence of white noise. “I have empathy for the struggles of transgender people and minorities, but that does not mean that they can shut down the discussion,” he said.

White noise and physical confrontations Rally organizer Geoffrey Biffo Liew told The Varsity, “The event was intended to be an affirmation of freedom of speech, which includes contrary views. We could’ve had a peaceful, agreeable afternoon which would’ve made it look like there was no issue at all. Instead, we faced disruption, shouting down, cord pulling, and white noise.”

Peterson opened the rally and was drowned out by blasts of white noise coming from speakers set up behind him. Protestors of the event came to disrupt the rally and oppose what they viewed as hate speech.

“Myself and others were keeping an eye on the situation, as we had concerns that the event might attract people like white supremacists, like Neo-Nazis, because at previous such gatherings people like that have shown up,” said Qaiser Ali, one of the organizers of the trans and non-binary teach-in, told The Varsity.

Many of the protestors came from the trans and non-binary community, including University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) VicePresident University Affairs Cassandra Williams.

Members of the Black Liberation Collective, who had been protesting the UTSU for its lawsuit against Sandra Hudson earlier that day, were also present among the protesters.

Peterson began to speak after a rally attendee kicked over one of the speakers blasting white noise. The professor shifted the conversation away from the remarks he made in his YouTube lectures: “I’m not here to talk about sexual politics, it’s not my concern. What I’m going to talk about is freedom of speech.”

He continued without a microphone, “With Bill C-16 and surrounding legislation, it’s the first time I’ve seen in our legislative history where people are attempting to make us speak their language.”

The blasting of white noise proved to be a major point of contention at the rally, as some pro-

Racism and transphobia Transphobic slurs could be heard as the protestors continued to blast white noise and confront rally attendees.

In one confrontation with BLC protesters, a man shouted, “We need more Michael Browns,” in reference to the 2014 fatal shooting of the 18-year old unarmed black man by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri.

“Certainly there are some extremely rude and bigoted people out there. It doesn’t really imply that we should hush them or silence them, that only drives their bigotry underground. If their opinions are truly ignorant then let it face the light of day,” Liew said in response to these remarks.

One attendee brought three dogs to the event and was openly criticized by many people for what was interpreted as an aggressive move.

Near the end of the rally, this man was seen assaulting Ali by trying to crush their head and body in a door at the southeast side of the building. The police arrived shortly thereafter and spent time interviewing the man.

Roxane, a student who was protesting the rally as an independent dissenter, shared her feelings on the intentions of the rally: “I think [it was about] holding up standards of white supremacy and I think that a lot of arguments were steeped in fear, which was really concerning for me,” she said. “I think that this forum dissolved really quickly into speaking to people’s fear and vulgarities rather than articulating themselves and articulating their arguments.”

Steven Ainneta wore a “Support Local 81” jacket — the Downtown Toronto chapter of the Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club — and was isolated by police after a physical scuffle; he later left the rally to jeers. In regards to Peterson, he said, “Some guy kinda told me that he didn’t want to use certain nouns or whatever.”

Almost an hour into the event, the atmo-

Geoffrey Biffo Liew takes the microphone at the rally.

STEVEN LEE/THE VARSITY

sphere at the rally became more tense, and outbursts of violence became evident from attendees of the rally and its counter-protesters.

One man, who asked to only be identified as Bryan, told The Varsity, “A guy came up to me and tried to grab my binder, but I wouldn’t let it go, so he pushed me. He then put his hands around my neck until Campus Police came and separated us.”

Another rally attendee, Connor Johnston, told The Varsity that he saw Southern and spectators involved in a “small brawl,” and Southern had her microphone taken away.

Video footage shows that Southern also had glitter thrown at her and was shoved by a protester before a large scuffle ensued. Southern has stated publicly that she will be pursuing charges.

One student, who asked to only be identified as Ben, told The Varsity that he “was accosted by two separate older men with no affiliation to the university. One was wearing Hell’s Angel’s clothing, and the other, along with his wife, seemed to be identifying themselves as white supremacists. Both shoved me unprovoked, while my hands were up, and used racial, homophobic, and transphobic slurs and epithets with myself and other protestors on separate occasions — one grabbing me for being in the way of someone he was about to punch.”

Speaking with The Varsity after the event, Peterson commented on the presence of representatives of the ‘far-right’ at the rally. “It doesn’t surprise me. All of this agitation and noise risks making the right rise. It’s all happening, and why would that be surprising? For the first time in my life, I’m seeing young men turn to the right. It’s not good, and there are being people called out of the woodwork that you seriously do not want to meet,” he said.

Aftermath Althea Blackburn-Evans, Director of Media Relations at U of T, told The Varsity that two incidents of alleged assault at the rally are currently under investigation by Campus Police.

Constable Craig Brister of the Toronto Police Services told The Varsity that they were not handling any charges related to the rally.

Video footage taken by The Rebel Media and other rally attendees became viral through social media and online message boards.

Some view the presence of Williams’ participation in the white noise campaign as inappropriate, given her role in the UTSU. An online petition is being circulated for her impeachment from the UTSU executive, which as of midday Saturday had over 360 entries.

The petition is unlikely to hold water with

the UTSU itself. According to the UTSU bylaws, in order to trigger an impeachment referendum, a requisition signed by 5 per cent of the union’s membership to a maximum of 500 members from a single constituency must be signed and submitted to the union.

Neither Williams nor UTSU President Jasmine Wong Denike could be reached for comment.

On the topic of behaviour at the event violating the student code of conduct, Blackburn-Evans said she “can’t speculate on that at this stage; the university is still receiving and reviewing information related to the event.”

Some of the trans and non-binary protesters at the event have been the subject of social media targeting. A number of posts on the event’s Facebook page identified and threatened violence against some of the protesters.

In an email sent out by the university on October 14, Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr and Vice-President Human Resources and Equity Kelly Hannah-Moffat condemned the threats against trans members of the university community and confirmed that both Campus Police and Toronto Police Services are involved.

On Sunday, the UTSU executive committee released a statement accusing U of T Campus Police for “[refusing] to intervene when they knew of and saw trans folks being assaulted.

The union is calling for a public inquiry into the Campus Police by “an unbiased party” independent of the U of T administration.

“We affirm the value of freedom of expression, but there can be no freedom of expression without dignity for all, and trans students cannot truly enjoy freedom expression [sic], let alone participate in debate, when they are not treated with dignity, especially by those in positions of power,” reads the statement.

Blackburn-Evans told The Varsity that a response from the university is pending review.

On whether Peterson has been the subject of formal complaints from students, BlackburnEvans said, “A number of members of our community have expressed concern to various offices, and we are now in the process of determining which of those are formal complaints and how we’ll best address them.”

As the controversy continues, Peterson indicated that he continues to stand by his original remarks: “I regret not formulating them more precisely, but the thing is, as I said before, when you first start to discuss something, you’re going to do it badly — it’s a sort of scattershot approach. I’m trying to be more precise, so no, I don’t regret it.”

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Black Liberation Collective stages protest against UTSU, calls for boycott Group calls for union to end lawsuit against Sandra Hudson Tom Yun News Editor

Members of the Black Liberation Collective (BLC) are calling for a boycott of University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU).

The group occupied the Union’s office at Hart House Circle with microphones and speakers and called on the union with three demands: to drop its ongoing lawsuit with former Executive Director Sandra Hudson; to increase funding for Black student groups; and to hold a town hall for black UTSU members to address what they call systemic anti-Black racism within the union.

The UTSU Executive released a statement Sunday evening regarding the demands, in which they “commit to a town hall on antiBlack racism, as well as to a series of public consultations on the role of the UTSU as an institution,” as well as a review of clubs funding that will introduce “guaranteed funding for Level 3 clubs at the point of renewed recognition.” The statement says that the executive “urges that all individuals affected by the current legal dispute, including all parties to the lawsuit, be treated with respect.”

During the protest, the interior and exterior of the UTSU office was plastered with posters that list the BLC’s demands. Some of the posters called out former President Ben Coleman, former Vice-President University Affairs Pierre Harfouche, current President Jasmine Denike, and current Vice-President Internal & Services Mathias Memmel by name.

“BEN, WE SEE YOU,” one poster read. Others read, “UTSU your antiblackness is SHOWING,” “UTSU IS ANTIBLACK PERIOD,” and “#IMWITHSANDY.” The grievances The BLC outlined its grievances in a nearly 3000-word statement published online. A BLC member read out the statement through

a megaphone inside the UTSU’s office. In the statement, the group accuses UTSU executives since the 2015–2016 year — which is the year that the Brighter UofT slate swept the UTSU elections — of ignoring UTM, which it describes as “a campus comprised of predominantly racialized students, with a significant population of Black students.”

“In the year prior to getting elected, some of these executives worked to demonize the Mississauga campus and treat students from UTM like they were second-class citizens at UofT,” a part of the statement reads.

The group’s statement also discusses the Black Students’ Association (BSA), which, according to the BLC, did not receive full funding from the UTSU. The BLC says that because of this, the BSA was “unable to provide secured resources to host events and initiatives for Black students that year, including the BSA’s Black History Month educational trip to New York, which was nearly cancelled due to a lack of funding from the UTSU.” In addition, the BLC claims that during the UTSU’s Annual General Meeting in October 2015, the union rejected proxy forms from BSA members and did not discuss a student’s motion to support Black Lives Matter — Toronto. The Black Lives Matter motion was pushed to a Special General Meeting in January, but that meeting failed to reach its required quorum attendance.

The statement also discusses lack of attendance of UTSU executives at the BLC’s rallies.

The BLC criticizes the 2015–2016 executive for not attending the rally for the University of Missouri, which was held on the same day as a UTSU AGM. Denike, Memmel, and Vice-President University Affairs Cassandra Williams did attend a BLC demonstration while they were candidates in the UTSU elections; the BLC said this was a “tokenistic and problematic act, in consideration of the continued racist violence UTSU has perpetrated.”

When discussing tokenization, the BLC’s statement claims that the UTSU consulted

Threats issued against members of trans community on campus Email sent to students, faculty, staff by U of T HR & Equity department Tom Yun News Editor

The University of Toronto is warning of threats made against individual members of the trans community on campus.

On Friday, an email sent to students, faculty, and staff by Vice-President & Provost Cheryl Regehr and Vice-President Human Resources & Equity Kelly Hannah-Moffat explained that the university, along with Campus Police, Toronto Police Services, and the Community Safety Office, is offering support to the individuals affected.

“The University of Toronto is proud of our diverse community and supports a safe environment for all of our members,” a portion of the email reads. “As expressed in our Statement on Prohibited Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, we deplore the targeting of individuals and communities on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, race or any other ground of prohibited discrimination.”

U of T Media Relations Director Althea Blackburn-Evans declined to comment on the source of the threats, as the situation is still under investigation.

LISA POWER/THE VARSITY

The UTSU is in the midst of a lawsuit with Hudson over allegedly fraudulent severance payments. one Black student for its Black History Month programming: “This will enable them to checkmark permissibility and wade off criticism of not having Black voices organizing about Black lives. This vile tokenizing of Black organizing continues to be the prop that UTSU uses to uphold the image that they care about Black students as they simultaneously systematically entrench them further into violence and marginalization through their continued anti-Black racism.”

The BLC statement also takes aim at The Varsity, saying this newspaper “has neither written about these incidents of anti-Black racism nor engaged in impartial journalism to fairly report on the activities of the students’ union.” The statement also mentions a racist image that this newspaper ran as a part of its satirical issue in November 2007.

“The Black Liberation Collective has refused to give comments to the Varsity on any stories they write that only tokenize Blackness,” the statement says.

Dropping the lawsuit The Varsity’s coverage of the UTSU’s lawsuit against Hudson is also discussed in the statement. The BLC alleges that the UTSU “colluded” with this newspaper to “assist in the character assassination of Sandy, leaking the lawsuit to the paper, prior to Sandy being served.”

The UTSU is currently in the midst of a lawsuit with Hudson and accuses her of improperly arranging severance payments for herself totalling $247,726.40 or approximately 10 per

cent of the union’s budget. The union also alleges that Hudson deliberately destroyed confidential documents and improperly logged 1,974.5 overtime hours that were recorded in a single entry.

The UTSU Executive statement iterates that the litigation is the responsibility of the Executive Committee.

According to the BLC, Hudson was entitled to that severance payment and it “does not reflect the tireless hours of service she has contributed and dedicated to students at UofT and across Canada.”

The BLC calls Hudson a “mentor for student leaders and marginalized students,” and highlights her work in social justice activism.

The group alleges that Hudson, who is a Black woman, endured “anti-Black and anti-woman sentiments, harassment, public threats that she would be fired upon Brighter UofT’s election, repeated public humiliation, character assassination and coercive bullying and intimidation.” Hudson is making similar accusations in her $300,000 countersuit against the union.

Hudson told The Varsity that she did not have prior knowledge of the protest and had no part in the events, but said that she “understand[s] and deeply appreciate[s] the support to myself personally and for Black students generally.”

Current UTSU Executive Director Tka Pinnock — whom the BLC characterized as “significantly disempowered” — declined to comment. The BLC did not respond to The Varsity’s requests for comment.

UTM introduces all-gender washrooms Campus hopes to have at least one all-gender washroom in all buildings Mahrukh Ali Varsity Contributor

Multi-user all-gender washrooms are now open at the UTM, an initiative announced

by Professor Ulrich Krull, UTM interim Vice President and Principal.

Six single-gender washrooms have been transformed into multi-user all-gender facilities in the Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, Deerfield Hall, and the Communication, Culture, and Technology building. The initiative is intended to make all members of the UTM community feel comfortable, including transgender people and families with young children.

Nic Westrate, the UTM interim Equity and

Diversity Officer, told The Varsity that the project was carried out due to feedback from students, staff, and faculty. “[They] expressed the need for a working and learning environment that has more washroom options, including multi-user all-gender washrooms that are conveniently located,” he said. The plan is to install multiuser all-gender facilities at every building at UTM. This is only the beginning of the project, and Westrate says that planning for the next phase is underway.

“We’ve moved closer to embodying U of T’s institutional commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive community that is welcoming of diversity,” he explained.

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 5

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Trans, non-binary individuals share experiences at rally Rally held in response to U of T Psychology Professor Dr. Jordan Peterson’s comments on gender Jack O. Denton Varsity Staff

Over a hundred listeners crowded the steps in front of Sidney Smith Hall on October 5 for a teach-in and rally on issues affecting non-binary and trans individuals.

The event was held in response to the public remarks and YouTube videos released by Psychology Professor Dr. Jordan Peterson.

According to Qaiser Ali, one of the rally’s organizers, the goal of the event was to “humanize the issue” and “show that these are people you could walk by on the street, have a class with, or be your neighbour.”

The teach-in featured trans and non-binary speakers sharing personal experiences, struggles with institutional discrimination, and challenging interactions with Jordan Peterson. The crowd was introduced to stories of suicide attempts, fighting institutions, and personal triumphs over trauma.

Peterson’s videos criticize what he describes as “politically correct” culture on campus. In his first video, which was initially reported

by The Varsity, Peterson criticizes the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s protections against discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression and indicates that he would decline to address non-binary students by pronouns other than ‘he’ or ‘she.’

Peterson’s second video decries the mandatory anti-racism and anti-bias training for human resources staff at the university.

The teach-in prioritized people of colour amongst its speakers to push back against his comments, and the Black Liberation Collecive, who consulted the university on the training, was present at the event.

by your emotional relationship to it, and that is what makes it hate speech.”

In a video directed at the people attending the rally, Peterson expanded upon his earlier remarks, saying that he does not deny the existence of trans and non-binary gender identity. “If you’re going out tomorrow to this demonstration because you want to indicate your discomfort with my disbelief in the very existence of non-binary people ,you might as well just stay home,” he states.

Ali, in their speech to the crowd, said: “As long as there are Homo sapiens in existence, there will be beautiful variance. We are inevitable.”

A crowd gathers at the steps of Sidney Smith. NATHAN CHAN/THE VARSITY “In addition to the educational aspect, we want to draw attention to and call out the university for supporting and enabling people who are causing harm to trans people,” said Cassandra Williams, Vice-President University Affairs of the University of Toronto Students’ Union. Williams told The Varsity that she “wants the university to uphold its commitment to ensuring that we have learning environments in the university that are free from discrimination and harassment.”

Ali believes that the teach-in

was a success and that the goal of spreading trans and non-binary experiences was met. They told The Varsity that they aimed to “create a space for people to be able to air their stories with one another, with cisgendered people, and potentially even with some of our opponents, and in doing so make a personal impression.”

The event was interrupted by Lauren Southern from The Rebel Media, a right-wing online media outlet. Southern, pretending to be transgender, took to the microphone to defend Peterson and

was quickly shut down, having not identified herself as a media correspondent. Her comments were met with chants of “shame” from the crowd. The Varsity reached out to the The Rebel Media for comment on Southern’s actions and received a satirical response from the media outlet’s founder Ezra Levant.

Organizer Lane Patriquin said, “Some of the things [Peterson] says in his video are actually non-factual. You’re not talking about something that’s an academic opinion, you’re talking about something that is falsehood and is validated

You Decide organizers paying entirely out of pocket for campaign No reimbursements offered by UTSU, CFS

NATHAN CHAN/THE VARSITY

You Decide organizers have spent about $400 out of pocket.

Aidan Currie Varsity Staff

U of T students may have noticed sponsored advertisements on social media platforms like Instagram and

Facebook from You Decide UofT, the group campaigning for a referendum on the University of Toronto Students’ Union’s (UTSU) continued membership in the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).

You Decide organizers have been paying out of their own pockets for these advertisements, according to campaign organizer Daman Singh, who confirmed that the cost of the campaign so far has been approximately $400.

The campaign has not been actively soliciting donations.

Singh commented, “While this is not an outrageously high amount, it is difficult for a group of full time students to be putting forth this sort of funding without any reimbursement.”

Campaigns for the UTSU executive elections include reimbursement and usually cost approximately $6,000. “$400 may not seem like a lot, but it is important to remember that the You Decide campaign is significantly longer and does not include reimbursement,” said Singh.

The UTSU has not endorsed the You Decide campaign, and Singh confirms that You Decide has “no interest in being formally endorsed by the UTSU. There is no involvement from the UTSU in this campaign and we will not compromise our autonomy in order to receive funding.”

Singh added that You Decide has applied to the Student Initiative Fund, a grant offered by U of T Student Life for community projects, but admits it is “a bit of a long shot” that their group would receive the funding required to keep up their social media campaign.

When asked about how You Decide targets U of T students with their ad campaign, Singh stated, “The Facebook ad campaign is targeted at Local 98 members through Facebook’s internal demographic

targeting options. Facebook allows users to limit the scope of their ads in various ways, from location, to age, and even the school that a person attends.” Creating a Facebook ad is a relatively simple process; one could turn a Facebook post from a page into a sponsored post in “a few clicks,” said Singh. Candidates and slates for the UTSU executive elections have also previously placed Facebook ads.

The social media advertisements are meant to draw student attention to the movement without the benefit of an online petition. Because of the size of the campus, Singh told The Varsity that “large scale mobilization efforts on campus have a very small audience of students who are already engaged in extracurricular activities on campus.”

6 • THE VARSITY • NEWS

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LGBTQ lecture series at Regis College sparks concern Event for Catholic school staff encourages celibacy for gay students

The Regis College building located at 100 Wellesley Street West. JIAYUE LI/THE VARSITY Lesley Flores Varsity Contributor

Regis College — a theological school affiliated with the University of Toronto — is holding a lecture series to train Catholic school board staff on supporting the mental health of LGBTQ high school students. The series, titled That They May Have Life to the Full – Accompanying LGBT Youth, has drawn criticism for its usage of the Pastoral Guidelines to Assist Students of Same-Sex Orientation as its core text.

The series held its first session on October 13 and will hold two more sessions on October 20 and November 3.

Concern has centred on the doctrinal stance of this policy document, published by the Education

Commission of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, which states that gay and lesbian adults should remain celibate in order to live moral lives.

According to the Pastoral Guidelines, this stance is based on the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching that “homosexual orientation is not sinful,” but “homosexual acts are immoral.” “Homosexual acts” are defined as “genital sexual activity and erotic relational behaviour with a person of the same sex.”

The Varsity spoke with Father Gilles Mongeau, Professor at Regis College, who is presenting the lecture series. He insisted that the Pastoral Guidelines’ policies are focused on supporting LGBT students, stating, “If you read through all of them, you see where

they’re saying ‘be compassionate, be careful, don’t use power.’”

Mongeau said that the aim of the lecture series is to help Catholic high school staff to “understand what the [Pastoral] Guidelines are about,” because “implementing the guidelines requires that each of the actors in a Catholic high school understand the responsibilities and the limits of their roles.”

“It will not be a part of this lecture series to suggest that the experience of homosexual or non-cisgender gender identity is wrong,” he said. “What we’re trying to prevent by having this [lecture series] is instances where religious authority or any form of power is used to oppress the young person or cause them to have a distorted psychological or psycho-spiritual

Students vote in favour of $8 levy increase

The student body at UTSC voted to raise the Scarborough Campus Community Radio (Fusion Radio) levy from $4.85 to $12.85.

The referendum was held on September 30 and October 3. A total of 59 students voted, with 43 voting ‘yes’ and 16 voting ‘no’.

The increased levy will allow for Fusion Radio, UTSC’s only community radio station, to allocate more resources towards expenses, such as marketing and promotions, renovations, pay roll, and scholarships.

“The increased fees will be allocated towards new jobs... more event and news coverage, bigger and better campus events, [terrestrial] radio expansion, technical upgrades and our recording studio,” writes Ramisa Tasfia,

fifth-year student and President of Fusion Radio, in an email to The Varsity.

Tasfia said that in her two years as President of Fusion Radio, “I have had many students ask me why Fusion Radio hasn’t been able to host more events, contests and giveaways.”

Fusion Radio also sponsors clubs such as dance teams and musical events.

Marc Laurin, Station Manager at Fusion Radio and fourth-year student at UTSC, expressed his excitement on the decision and its implications for Fusion Radio.

“It’s hard to connect with students sometimes, but I think the range of services targeted to our student body will help increase overall campus awareness and strengthen our network and community for years to come,” Laurin said.

While only 59 out of the 13,000

negative effects of the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality on LGBTQ students, Mongeau responded: “It’s just not possible in a Catholic school to propose alternative moral paths… The challenge is to present that teaching in a way that remains psychologically sound.”

He emphasized that “a healthy psychological life is the basic condition for the possibility of make healthy and fruitful moral choices for one’s life. If anyone makes moral choices from a place of psychological or spiritual unhealth, that’s not a good thing and I would never suggest that’s a good thing.”

The Varsity reached out to Althea Blackburn-Evans, Director of News & Media Relations at U of T, for a statement on the lecture series. She pointed out that “[the university’s] relationship with Regis and other colleges who are members of the Toronto School of Theology is strictly related to the conferral of conjoint degrees, and TST and its members are solely responsible for creating and running their academic programs.”

Blackburn-Evans emphasized that this lecture series “appears to be continuing education/notfor-credit, so these are entirely separate from the conjoint degree programs.”

This is not the only time this issue has come up: in 2013, the Newman Centre, a Roman Catholic parish located on U of T campus, made national headlines after it hosted a group program encouraging gay students to be celibate.

U of T student detained in Dhaka cleared of charges

Fusion Radio referendum passes

Aaron Panciera Varsity Contributor

development.”

Describing the content of the lecture series, Mongeau outlined the appropriate roles of Catholic school staff. Administrators, for example, should “ensure that homophobia and transphobia are overcome and prevented in the school,” by establishing a “safe environment” to prevent bullying and making sure that LGBTQ peer support groups exist in the school.

While Mongeau claims to teach Catholic school staff new strategies for healthier engagement with LGBTQ students, others argue that continuing to teach high school students that sexual and romantic same-sex relationships are immoral is entirely incompatible with creating a safe or psychologically healthy environment for LGBTQ students.

Matthew MacDonald, a University of Toronto alumnus, found the lecture series via the Toronto School of Theology (TST) Twitter account. Regis College is a Jesuit school that is a member of the TST, which is affiliated with U of T regarding their conferral of joint degree programs. Upon reading the event description and the Pastoral Guidelines, MacDonald described the stance on homosexuality as “appalling” and “pure bigotry.”

In an email to The Varsity, he said, “The aims of this course… make no student safe or encourage them to live a full life.” His email went on to say, “This course is harmful and damaging — as a bisexual man who grew up in a christian household, I can attest to the inner torment and anxiety these kinds of programs and teachings cause in youth and LGBTQ people of all ages.”

When asked about the possible

Tahmid Hasib Khan still facing charges for lack of co-operation

Tom Yun News Editor MAISHA ISLAM/THE VARSITY

Fusion Radio is the only oncampus radio station that does not broadcast over the air. eligible student-voters cast their votes, Tafia believes this to be a typical turnout: “I have seen similar patterns of few voter turnouts at other student society elections at UTSC.” The referendum results are pending approval by the university and campus governing bodies, UTSC Community Council and Governing Council.

After over three months in custody, U of T student Tahmid Hasib Khan has been cleared of charges in connection with his alleged involvement in the siege in Bangladesh.

Khan, a student at U of T studying Global Health, was at a café with friends in Dhaka’s diplomatic quarter when militants stormed the café and held patrons hostage. Twenty people, who were mostly foreign citizens, were killed; Khan was one of the 13 survivors. Khan’s whereabouts were unclear until August 4, when Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced his arrest.

On September 28, Khan was granted bail. The Canadian Press

reports that Khan is now facing separate charges for allegedly not co-operating with police.

In July, U of T President Meric Gertler sent a letter to Global Affairs Canada, offering the university’s support for Khan’s case. Global Affairs Canada indicated that its power was limited due to the fact that Khan is a permanent resident, not a citizen.

Khan’s friends and family set up a Facebook page called Free Tahmid, which has amassed over 67,000 likes.

“We are grateful that the authorities have concluded their investigation and have confirmed Tahmid’s innocence,” the latest post on the Facebook page reads.

It remains unclear if or when Khan will return to Toronto.

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 7

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First-year student alleges assault during Bed Races

U of T report highlights gradual improvement on faculty gender equity

Blue and Gold Committee apologizes for incident, denies that it was assault

Women still underrepresented among senior faculty hires and ranks Lesley Flores Varsity Contributor

BERNARDA GOSPIC/THE VARSITY

The Bed Races are an annual event in which different divisions compete.

George Moshenski-Dubov Varsity Contributor A first-year Woodsworth College student was reportedly assaulted during orientation activities last month.

The Bed Races are an annual event hosted by the Faculty of Engineering, in which different divisions on campus build a bed on wheels and race down King’s College Road.

During the event, the engineers fire off their official mascot, Ye Olde Mighty Skule Cannon. A first year student at Woodsworth college, who has asked to remain anonymous, recalls being approached by two of the cannon guards while they were marshalling the crowd out of the way to transport the cannon to a safe location to fire.

According to the student, one of the guards aggressively told them to move, to which the student responded, “No,” because she did not know who he was.

“He said move again, but before I could do anything, he put his arms out to push me and [the guard] to his left also got his hands out to push me,” the student said. She added that they did not let go until one of the female guards told the other guards to stop.

After the cannon was fired, the guards dispersed. The student later reported the assault to members of Woodsworth Orientation, and they offered her support.

Alyy Patel, one of Woodsworth College’s Orientation Coordinators, told The Varsity: “The student was extremely upset and immediately reported it to a Woodsworth Orientation Executive, Stephanie Sianco.

Stephanie reported it to me, and I advised her to tell the Blue and Gold Committee Co-Chair, Ozan [Coskun], immediately as I was under the impression that he would take action. Instead, he responded to Stephanie by saying, ‘well she shouldn’t have been in the way’ and didn’t acknowledge the fault of their cannon guards.” The Blue and Gold Committee runs many activities within the engineering community, including the firing of the cannon.

Coskun has since denied having made these statements.

The student received an email from the Blue and Gold Committee a week later, which read: “We wanted to apologize for the distress you felt during the Bed Races as it was not at all the intentions of us or any of the other participants in the event.” The email did not use the word ‘assault.’

In an interview with The Varsity, the Blue and Gold Committee cochairs Coskun and Joshua Calasato stated, “From the story that was told to us, we do not think that ‘assault’ is an appropriate term for the situation. There was no intention to hurt the student, and no injuries resulted from the event.”

They also added, “[The Cannon Guards] were looking out for her safety, as well as the safety of other students, during the event. To call this an assault, we think there would need to be more serious disregard for the students’ safety, a lack of stopping when the student yelled stop, or any injury to the student.”

When asked what changes should be made in order to prevent further incidents, the Blue and Gold Committee wrote, “We believe that the best way to prevent events like this from happening in the future is to provide education to other college/ faculty OCs, Orientation Leaders, and first years. The Cannon Guards are all leaders at U of T, and all are kind people who undergo equity trainings just as the rest of the Orientation Week leaders do.”

Patel stated that better communication and planning is needed. She added that “cannon guards should be told that this isn’t okay and let this be a precedent of behaviour that is unacceptable. If it isn’t recognized now, instances such as these will continue to go unrecognized and that isn’t fair to anyone involved — especially not those who are assaulted.” Patel believes, “The way engineering is handling this situation is an extension of male privilege that is present in their faculty.”

The student stated that she would like “an internal investigation for who the guys were.” She said her next step might be to report the incident to Campus Police.

U of T has released a 25-page report on gender equity among full-time, tenure track faculty and administrators, comparing percentages of female faculty between 2004–2005 and 2014–2015.

The report found that seven out of 18 divisions had achieved gender parity, which is defined in the report as faculty employment of 40–60 per cent female. These divisions are the Faculty of Nursing, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, the Faculty of Social Work, the Faculty of Information, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Law, the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design.

However, equality in the university as a whole has progressed to a lesser extent, with women’s representation in faculty increasing from 30 per cent in 2004–2005 to 35 per cent in 2014–2015.

The uneven nature of female faculty representation becomes clearer as the data is disaggregat-

ed. While the proportion of women across all three non-clinical professorial ranks improved, with Assistant and Associate Professor positions having reached the report’s definition of gender parity with 43 per cent and 42 per cent respectively, women are still underrepresented at the senior level with only 35 per cent employed as Full Professors.

In among clinical faculty, only 14 per cent of full professors are women. The report addresses the dearth of women in senior faculty roles by emphasizing that improvements in gender parity at the senior level are expected to occur over time as new faculty hires progress to senior positions in the tenure track.

The report also touches on hiring data, with findings reflecting areas of further improvement.

While the proportion of female applicants called in for interviews has increased from 35 per cent of interviewees to 41 per cent, which is greater than the proportion of females in the overall applicant pool, the percentage of women hired is lower than the percentage of women interviewed for these positions,

especially for senior positions.

Within academic leadership, the percentage of women in higher ranking academic administration roles of ‘Associate/Vice Dean’ and ‘Dean and Above’ has risen from 31 per cent and 26 per cent respectively in 2004–2005 to 42 per cent in both rankings in 2014–2015.

Gender equity between faculties has also progressed unevenly.

While the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design both had 8 per cent female faculty in 2004–2005, the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design has made rapid progress and achieved gender parity with 44 per cent female faculty in 2014–2015, while the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering made more humble gains, with 17 per cent female faculty in 2014–2015.

The report does not analyze gender with race and indigeneity, as more comprehensive data from the U of T Employment Equity Survey has not yet become available.

CFS National Executive approves reforms Changes include making it easier to leave the CFS, online financial statements Tom Yun News Editor

The Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) may soon see several major policy changes implemented — including one that may make it easier for local member associations to leave the federation.

In September, the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU); the Carleton University Students’ Association; the Cape Breton University Students’ Association; the Ryerson Students’ Union; the Laurentian University Students’ General Association; the University of Regina Students’ Union; the Kwantlen Student Association; the Laurentian University at Barrie Students’ Union; the University of British Columbia Students’ Union – Okanogan; and the OCAD Students’ Union were the signatories of a letter criticizing the federation’s structure, defederation process, and lack of availability of online documents.

The aforementioned student unions, along with the University of Prince Edward Island Students’ Union, the Students’ Association of George Brown College, the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Students’ Union, and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, submitted a list of 14 reform motions to the National General Meeting (NGM). The reform motions included lowering the required

NATHAN CHAN/THE VARSITY

The reform motions are pending approval at the National General Meeting in November. threshold of petition signatures for a defederation referendum; introducing online voting for referendums; making documents available online; and other policy changes.

During its October 6 meeting, the CFS National Executive approved a motion to lower the threshold of signatures required to trigger a referendum on continued membership with the CFS. Currently, a referendum is possible only with a petition with signatures from 20 per cent of a local member association’s membership. The motion would reduce this threshold to 15 per cent and needs further approval from the CFS’ NGM, which is scheduled for November.

“This proposal is being suggested to members as an answer to the question that’s asked almost every year around the current difference

in threshold,” CFS National Chairperson Bilan Arte told The Varsity in an email statement. “While it is still normal for many unions or similar organizations to have different processes to join and to leave, we’re listening to students’ concerns and chose to propose a 15% threshold for both petitions.”

The National Executive also voted to post audited financial statements on to the CFS website; such documents were previously not available online. This motion became effective immediately without needing approval from the NGM. “Our executive felt this was a practical measure to ensure that this information could be more readily accessible to our membership,” said Arte.

Comment

October 17, 2016 var.st/comment comment@thevarsity.ca

Presidential prizefight Two contributors reflect on Trump and Clinton at their first two debates Maryam Rahimi Shahmirzadi and Adina Heisler Varsity Contributors

The third presidential debate will take place on Wednesday, October 19 at 9:00 pm.

Though jabs were made on both sides, Clinton easily wins the first debate on policy questions

The first of three United States presidential election debates took place on September 26.

This was also the first face-off between the two presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, which gave audiences the opportunity to see them go head to head.

The two candidates debated on a wide array of issues, from trade and security to Trump’s tax returns and Clinton’s emails — the issue of Trump questioning President Obama’s citizenship even made an appearance.

Trump scored some points by bringing up Clinton’s email scandal and by accusing her of thinking of solutions to political problems only after 30 years of dealing first-hand with American politics. However, as the night went on, it became evident that Trump had not prepared sufficiently for the debate. At some point, he even mocked Clinton for preparing in advance, to which she fired back with the snap-worthy response, “And you know what else I prepared for? I prepared to be president."

As the debate proceeded, Trump resorted to character shaming, lying and denying, and discourteously interrupting his opponent throughout the night, all while continuously sniffing.

In the clash over policy issues, Clinton emerged the clear winner.

Clinton criticized what she calls Trump’s “trumped-up trickle-down economics,” which aims at producing jobs by favouring wealthy businesses

via tax reduction. Clinton also pointed out the architect in the audience whom Donald Trump had refused to pay after he had done work for him.

In response to Clinton's criticisms regarding trickle-down economics, Trump did not deny supporting economic policies that ultimately led to the housing crisis and recession of 2008. This should raise serious concerns among voters about his judgement regarding the American economy.

Clinton further escalated her attacks against her rival by accusing him of a lack of trustworthiness and good judgment, both of which are prerequisites of serving as the next commander-in-chief of the US. She maintained that “a man who can be provoked by a tweet should not have his fingers anywhere near the nuclear codes.”

Clinton’s claims that Trump is not trustworthy hold water — for instance, despite ample evidence to the contrary, Trump said that he never supported the invasion of Iraq in 2001, attributing these accusations to “mainstream media nonsense.”

It is no secret that Clinton did an incredible job unnerving her opponent and getting under his skin. The former secretary of state is capable of outsmarting and outclassing her rival.

Maryam Rahimi Shahmirzadi is a thirdyear student at St. Michael’s College studying Political Science and International Relations.

CORALS ZHENG/THE VARSITY

Trump once again proves he is not fit for the presidency in the second debate

As a dual American-Canadian citizen, I have a pretty major stake in the upcoming presidential election. I watch the debates with a great deal of interest and trepidation over the possibility that Donald Trump may become the next president of the United States.

The Toronto Star recently reported that he made 33 false claims during the second debate, which took place on October 9. Aside from downright inaccuracy, a number of key points that arose during this debate further prove that Trump is wholly unfit for the presidency.

Firstly, contrary to what he may say, Trump demonstrated he is far from a “gentleman” in this debate. Early on in the debate, an audience member posed a question to both candidates. Clinton offered Trump the chance to go first, but he declined, saying that he is a “gentleman.” Yet, he spent much of the debate interrupting Clinton and complaining that she got more speaking time than he did — she didn't.

Trump's manners, however, are a relatively minor concern in comparison to the deplorable way he has behaved toward women. As debate moderator Anderson Cooper put it, Trump “bragged that [he had] sexually assaulted women.” And despite his claims that this was mere “locker room talk,” it is without question that in the 2005 video released last week, Trump bragged about grabbing a woman’s genitalia without consent. Since then, many women have come forward with accounts of Trump having sexually assaulted them.

In response to questions surrounding his taxes, Trump stated that Clinton should have been responsible for closing any loopholes

that would have allowed him to avoid paying his dues while she was senator. Not only did Clinton vote to do exactly that, but Trump doesn’t seem to understand that a senator, especially one working under a president who disagrees with them, cannot single-handedly enact the kind of change he described.

This lack of basic understanding of the American legislative process is disturbing.

Any Canadians watching the debate may also have noticed that Trump brought up the Canadian health care system, calling it “catastrophic” and claiming that Canadians often come into the US for medical procedures because Canada's system is so slow. While it’s true that waiting times can be longer for certain procedures in Canada, his claim that many Canadians would travel to the US for treatment is likely overstated, since out-ofpocket costs for health care in the US are far too high to justify the trip for most Canadians. Canadians also took to Twitter to defend their health care system during the debate, pointing out instances whereby public health care in Canada had major positive impacts on their families.

Trump’s repeated denouncement of the Affordable Care Act — more commonly known as 'Obamacare' — and of how the current administration is fighting ISIS and virtually all other policies under the Obama administration is reflective of the fact that he finds plenty to criticize but is unable to offer any tangible solutions of his own. US citizens would be wise to keep this in mind on voting day.

Adina Heisler is a second-year student at University College studying Women and Gender Studies and English.

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 9

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Hoarding entertainment Ticket scalpers are spoiling the music industry, but solutions lie within reach

MAX XI/THE VARSITY

Music enthusiasts suffer from the hyperinflated prices caused by scalping.

Sam Routley Varsity Contributor

Anyone who has bought — or at least attempted to buy — tickets to music events recently has likely experienced the frustration of dealing with online ticket scalpers.

Regardless of how long one waits or how one chooses to buy tickets, a common occurrence is to lose out to computer algorithms operated by scalpers, who instantaneously sell out shows and sell back tickets at far greater prices than they are initially worth.

Consequently, with the exception of a very small group of fortunate people, those who want to buy tickets to the show are forced to agree to the scalper's prices, which are of-

ten absurdly high. Tickets for Adele's 2016 concert in Toronto, for example, skyrocketed from an original price of $70 to around $9,000 on StubHub. Ticket prices for The Tragically Hip and the Red Hot Chili Peppers concerts this year also experienced significant inflation.

Clearly, this has become a multi-faceted problem. For most, resold tickets simply become altogether unaffordable. This has turned large-scale concerts that should primarily be celebrations of fans into rewards for the highest bidders. The artists and venues themselves are also affected, as they lose the ability to choose their own prices.

Though scalping has always been a problem, it only became a major problem last July

Food for thought Veganism is not a fad — it is a viable solution to environmental problems

MEET THE COMMENT TEAM Jenisse Minott Varsity Columnist Second-year student, Communications, Culture, Information, and Technology and Professional Writing, UTM Interested in communications, political economy, feminism, race politics, and creativity as commodity

From planking to Pokémon Go, this generation has seen numerous fads infiltrate our culture — some of them far-reaching and some of them short-lived. These social trends, though seemingly trivial, serve to depict where social interest lies. Fads, of course, are not the kind of material that is packed tightly into history books or analyzed on the news. Instead, most fads get pushed to the side, deemed to be interesting but unworthy of further investigation.

Yet, what happens when a trend that is worthy of intellectual discussion and debate gets sidelined because of its affiliation with more trivial trends?

Veganism has been unfavourably criti-

cized in recent years on the basis of assumptions made about the people advocating for the lifestyle. On one hand, vegans have often been portrayed as angry activists who consider animal rights to be just as inalienable as human rights and aggressively seek to impose this view on others. On the other hand, veganism has been painted as a somewhat inane dietary restriction, popularized by the privileged upper middle class out of an arbitrary obsession with cleaner and leaner food.

These skewed perceptions cause some to equate veganism with fads like infinity tattoos and excessive indulgence in pumpkin spice lattes. However, discrediting veganism as a mindless trend prevents further exploration of the strengths of the vegan lifestyle.

There are countless reasons why people would seek to cut out meat and animal products from their lifestyles: animal rights, religious and cultural beliefs, and digestive sensitivities or allergies are just a few that come to mind. However, these concerns are unique to individuals rather than the whole set, and they do little to speak on behalf of the call to veganism beyond its niche trendiness.

Instead, let’s look at veganism from an environmental standpoint. A decade ago, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization produced data reflecting the implications of livestock on phenomena such as climate change, air pollution, and water depletion. According to the data presented in the report entitled Livestock’s Long Shadow, the greenhouse gases that are produced

due to changes in the Ticket Speculation Act by the Ontario government. The regulation, which originally would issue up to $5,000 in fines for reselling tickets at increased prices, was amended to make ticket scalping legal in Ontario.

According to the Office of the Attorney General, the change was put in place as a means to protect the consumer. Simply put, a ban on ticket scalping would drive consumers to the black market for high-priced and often-forged tickets. Instead, as reported by the Toronto Star, “Consumers could go to legal, legitimate resellers who could provide assurance that the ticket they bought could get them in the door.”

However, the government's argument underestimates the degree of difference between authorized and illegal ticket resales. If ticket scalping was banned, the black market would continue to exist, but perhaps it would not flourish to the extent that it does now.

Yet, in the case of legal ticket scalping, the black market has become close to the only option for consumers who want to see highly sought-after shows, and this is happening on a very large scale. A recent study published by the New York Attorney General's office called ticketing a “fixed game” — scalpers and industry officers, through the use of bots, can siphon off as much as over half of the tickets from the general public to be resold.

Without regulation, the problem persists by nature of the market. Tickets can be sold at $9,000 a piece because somebody is willing to buy at that price; so goes the principle of supply and demand.

However, this is not a truly fair or free system under which scalping operates. Online resellers, such as StubHub, TicketMaster, and LiveNation, have been given an unfair advantage over the general public through favouritism and algorithms. Further, scalping takes proceeds of ticket sales away from the artists and affects the integrity of the shows.

Music should be enjoyed and experienced for what it is. It serves as art and poetry; it represents fun, community, and stress relief.

It is not intended for the generation of corporate profit, but the current system identifies ‘fans’ on the basis of money, not on their love of music or the artist.

The tension between expression and profit has always been at the heart of the music industry — and always will be — but the scalping system is no way to resolve this tension.

To find solutions, the music industry or resale sites cannot regulate themselves; government steps need to be taken in order to afford the general public greater access to initial sales.

Reselling tickets online can remain legal, as long as scalpers are prevented from buying tickets in large quantities. Through this approach, the government can fix the problem while still adhering to their claims of protecting the consumer, and ticket prices can remain affordable and outside the control of the highest bidder.

when feeding animals and disposing of their waste makes up for 50 per cent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the land use, land-use change and forestry, and agriculture sectors, and 80 per cent for agriculture as a whole.

Moreover, livestock accounts for 35–40 per cent of the world’s manmade emissions.

The overproduction of animals and animal products is contributing to the greenhouse gas problem and propelling climate change.

Due to the sheer number of animals being produced, a large amount of land must be used for feed crops, and a large amount of water must be used to ensure that the crops produce the food necessary to keep livestock healthy. This prevents land and water from being used for more efficient purposes.

When considered alongside attention to these concerns, veganism is about so much more than trendiness — as such, it deserves to be discussed more honestly than it sometimes has been of late.

At its core, veganism is a means of holding

one's self accountable for the present environmental conditions of the world and actively seeking or facilitating changes that will improve it. Even those who pursue veganism for personal reasons are contributing to this positive change. In this sense, all degrees of veganism are useful, be it cutting out meat or even simply reducing your intake of meat and animal products.

Those who offer censure for the impracticality of veganism should be reminded of other cases where productive practices drew ire before becoming mainstream.

There were certainly people who had low opinions on recycling, before it became so ingrained in Western culture as a common practice. Veganism cannot be shelved because of the imagined identities of its advocators, but instead it should be explored and embraced as an idea reflective of our society, our ideas, and our shared understanding of the world.

Sam Routley is a second-year student at St. Michael’s College studying Political Science, History, and Philosophy.

One more reason to eat your veggies. RACHEL GAO/THE VARSITY

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Peripheral struggles In the pursuit of reconciliation, we must keep in mind that Indigenous communities and labour struggles are inherently connected Ibnul Chowdhury Varsity Contributor

DIANA PHAM/THE VARSITY

On September 27, 2016, the MaRS Discovery District on College Street — a hub for public-private partnerships — held a panel discussion on “Reconciling the Indigenous-Industry Relationship.” A few days later, across the street at Queen's Park, thousands of labourers marched up to the Ontario government’s front door with demands for '$15 and Fairness' and 'Decent Work.'

These events are intimately connected, for any confrontation between such parties and institutions — industry, Indigenous peoples, labour, and government — concern them all simultaneously.

At the MaRS event, Indigenous leaders and corporate executives discussed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which confronted the legacy of residential schools.

The ninety-second Call to Action specifically demands that the corporate sector pursue economic development with the consultation and consent of Indigenous peoples and that their communities be the primary beneficiaries in such interactions.

As such, Indigenous chiefs on the panel at MaRS emphasized the need to restore treaty relationships in the form of 'fifty-fifty equity partnerships'; the goal in doing so would be to respect Indigenous sovereignty and ownership, as well as to share revenues accumulated from resource extraction and development. The corporate executives reciprocated, urging the need for 'corporate social responsibility,' as they pursue 'opportunity' at the 'open door' of Indigenous land.

Yet, this reconciliatory language of Indigenous capitalism hardly seems possible in a larger context, when the Indigenous-industry relationship continues to be secondary to another relationship: that between government and industry. Since 2015 — the year in which the terms of reconciliation were released and a new Liberal government that promised a “renewed relationship” with Indigenous peoples came to power — not much has changed despite the recommendations made.

Through law, capital, and privatization, Indigenous treaties and interests continue to be systematically violated.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has endorsed or sanctioned several controversial energy projects, including

the Keystone XL pipeline, Energy East pipeline, the Site C Dam project, the Trans Mountain pipeline, and the Pacific Northwest LNG project. In opposition, more than 50 First Nations in North America recently signed an anti-pipeline treaty alliance.

Evidently, in continuing to develop environmentally detrimental ventures, industry and government elites prioritize profit-oriented capitalism at the expense of the land, air, and water sovereignty and the well-being of Indigenous peoples.

Corporate social responsibility must take the form of more than self-congratulatory, symbolic events that showcase dialogue with Indigenous peoples. It must go beyond shaking the hands of Indigenous chief leadership to concretely consult the real needs of the Indigenous masses.

Ironically, one of the MaRS panelists, Richard King, is a partner of Osler, Hoskin, & Harcourt LLP, which represents Kinder Morgan, the energy company behind the Trans Mountain pipeline, further calling into question the legitimacy of such events.

In the context of ongoing state-capitalist aggression, the credibility of such a panel dialogue is doubtable. Industry is not reconciliatory, but instead it is a neocolonial adversary.

At the Queen's Park demonstration, labour union members waved colourful flags and banners in solidarity with a common cause: one that represents better wages, working conditions, and job security. Indeed, the Ontario government’s recent increase of minimum wage to $11.40 per hour — the result of a government regulation that ties the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index — is still minute when compared to real costs of living.

Like the federal Liberal government, its Ontarian counterpart is notorious for its disregard for the public interest. In recent years, several teachers’ strikes and the privatization of Hydro One have accentuated the Liberal government’s neoliberal, anti-labour agenda. Meanwhile, labour continues to face insecurity amidst global trends of de-industrialization, offshoring, and automation — a sentiment that clearly resonates in the United States, given the rhetoric of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.

Students are among the labour victims. Along with crippling tuitions and heavy workloads, we are expected to work to finance school, while as graduates we face more job insecurity than previous generations. The demand for better wages and work is our fight too. Even more noteworthy than the plight of students, however, is that of Indigenous youth, who face the brunt of current economic conditions in terms of educational and employment gaps; they are even more heavily affected than non-Indigenous youth.

Our generation thereby inherits a two-pronged situation: we face economic insecurity as future entries into the labour market and a responsibility to reconcile with Indigenous peoples as future Canadian leaders and decision-makers.

This is not a responsibility to be taken lightly — not in spite of, but because of our present conditions. “With reconciliation, we have arrived at an epiphany of conscience,” claims Professor Amos Key Jr. of the Centre for Indigenous Studies.

“We screwed up the first 150 years. Let’s not screw up the next 150.”

Indeed, heading towards Canada’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary next year, the paths for labour and Indigenous peoples is one of mutual, common interest. The conversation of reconciliation to pursue, however, is not with industry or Liberal governments, which clearly collude to undermine democratic interests. Rather, the conversation must be in pursuit of solidarity between their greatest common victims: Indigenous peoples and the labour force.

As students, we must be cognizant of peripheral struggles: how they relate to each other, how we relate to them, and how they relate the broader forces. Under the threats aforementioned, we are at a pivotal moment to reconcile an Indigenous-labour relationship and re-imagine an inclusive, democratic economy that works for us all.

Ibnul Chowdhury is a second-year student at Trinity College studying Economics, International Relations, and South Asian Studies.

Editorial

October 17, 2016 var.st/comment comment@thevarsity.ca

Addressing a deep divide

Letters to the Editor

During the creation of new policy, USMC President Mulroney should be careful not to lose touch with students Re: Free speech rally devolves into conflict, outbursts of violence “As someone who was there, this is an incredibly casuistical account of what went on at the event. There were certainly some despicable people who turned out in favor of Peterson, but this is no surprise - and the fact that a cause is supported by a despicable person says nothing about the quality of the cause. This article has presented a sole perspective on the white noise - and even if there were certain insults shouted out by the crowd, disruption of the entire event is hardly an appropriate response.

If you want my opinion, while I met some lovely adversaries of Peterson who were eager to have an honest conversation about the issue with me, the majority of Peterson’s opposers behaved disappointingly, and childishly. Their actions will cause any undecided observer to shy away from their cause. This was the true nature of the event, and my perspective is powerfully supported by hours of YouTube videos taken on site.”

- Gershom Maes (from web)

SMC has evolved considerably from its traditional roots. ANTHEA WEI/THE VARSITY The Varsity Editorial Board On September 19, 2016, the University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) President David Mulroney announced his intention to present a report to the USMC’s Collegium — its highest governing body — outlining a plan for the renewal of St. Michael's College (SMC). The report was written two days later and posted to the SMC website.

Mulroney’s announcement, delivered in a piece that was inauspiciously titled "Two Solitudes no More," painted a severely divided picture of SMC in which student life at the campus diverges from the president’s expectations of a “Catholic intellectual community.” The solution, Mulroney wrote, is to break down the silos and develop a new policy governing the relationship between the university and its main student groups.

While some aspects of the current SMC situation seem to call for a policy response, Mulroney will have to be cautious of how those policies are written so that they do not, inadvertently or otherwise, have a deleterious effect on the college’s vibrant student life.

Some of what Mulroney proposes is promising. In an interview with The Varsity, Mulroney described his intention to formalize financial accountability for levycollecting groups at the SMC. This may provide the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) and other groups with the necessary framework to avoid repeating past financial woes.

Accountability policies already exist for most levy-collecting groups at U of T. As this newspaper has argued before, groups that operate in an open, accessible, and democratic manner should welcome this oversight, as long as the policies in question do not impede on their autonomy.

Mulroney should consider this when drafting the policy.

As president of USMC, it is also true that Mulroney has a responsibility to set out priorities for the university according to his understanding of its mission. He has clearly

outlined his intention to realign life at SMC with his view of what makes a good “Catholic intellectual community.”

Some of the ways Mulroney plans to do this seem to offer positive opportunities with few drawbacks. He proposes the advancement of a social innovation space called 'Angel Lab,' which seems to fuse a commitment to intellectual development with spiritual aims. In his report, he also refers to renewal and recruitment within the Faculty of Theology, a scholastic endeavour that is important to the college.

Yet, while he attempts to revive the college’s traditions, Mulroney risks losing touch with how the college has evolved past its legacy of being a strictly Catholic institution, particularly with respect to student life.

If, as Mulroney describes, “SMCSU’s program of activities had almost nothing to do with the life of a Catholic intellectual community,” perhaps that is because the interests of the student body are much broader than that description allows.

It is reasonable to assume that the presence of a Catholic community at their college is a low priority — or not a priority at all — for many St. Mike's students.

Indeed, not every St. Mike’s student is a practicing Catholic, and it is the job of the SMCSU to provide services and advocate for the student body that it represents.

It is fitting, therefore, that while some events sponsored by SMCSU are connected to Angel Lab and other seemingly traditional aspects of life at SMC, others have no connection to Catholic intellectualism whatsoever; social gatherings that could unite the SMC community still have a role to play in the union's offerings.

Inasmuch as SMC may be considered a ‘party college’ — a reputation that Mulroney denounces — there are many students who not only enjoy the social fabric of SMC but also take pride in it.

In addition to his comments on the unsuitability of SMCSU’s events, some of Mulroney’s comments on the union were disparaging. He said that he witnessed

the union’s leadership promote an elitist culture and “adopt — and enforce — a lifestyle and practices that would be more suitable at a fraternity house.” He also had a pool table removed from the SMCSU-run student hub Brennan Hall, after having received reports that the spot attracted unwelcome behaviour.

Despite the president’s concerns with the operations of the SMCSU and the behaviours displayed in Brennan Hall, it is essential that he recognizes that the leaders of SMCSU should be held accountable primarily by the students that elect them, not by restrictive policies placed on the union by the university’s president or collegium.

Promoting the kind of intellectual community that Mulroney envisions should not mean expunging the existing culture at the college. In promoting his vision of Catholic intellectualism, he must be careful not to create an exclusionary reputation for the college — eroding the array of opinions and backgrounds that are currently present at SMC would be a loss for everyone involved; students, faculty, and alumni.

Moreover, it would be infantilizing and inappropriate for Mulroney to attempt to police the behaviour of students on the campus. For example, removing the pool table from Brennan Hall was likely more punitive than it was productive. While it may be appropriate for Mulroney in his capacity as USMC president to advise SMCSU on how to create a welcoming environment at the college, he should not use his position to discipline students for the way that they socialize — taking away their table was a particularly crude way of doing so.

It is clear that Mulroney is concerned about the divisions that exist at SMC. While his proposal to correct these divisions through the formation of a new policy is within his purview as president, and even though they may be promising in some regards, he must continue to assure the autonomy of student groups and respect the fact that the culture of student life at the college has evolved far beyond tradition.

The Varsity's editorial board is elected by the masthead at the beginning of each semester. For more information about the editorial policy, email comment@thevarsity.ca.

Re: U of T student detained in Dhaka granted bail “This is very good news and I’m glad a U of T student is no longer trapped in some horrible prison. However, his story should provide a basis for discussion of the consequences of “Stockholm Syndrome” and similar happenings, which may be relevant in this case. Over forty years ago a precedent was set with Patty Hearst, and she did have to pay a penalty for her actions. It is likely, from what we’ve heard, that Mr. Khan helped save the lives of a number of people, but the issue then is to what extent can collaboration or the semblance of collaboration be permitted even if the goal is survival of oneself and of others.”

- Stefan Mochnacki (from web) Re: A tale of three campuses “I graduated from UTSG and took courses at both UTSC and UTM. Courses are, in fact, generally easier at the other two campuses. For example, STA220 at UTSG are significantly harder than the same course at UTM and UTSC if one checks the past exams. Another example is the Virology course offered at UTSG is much more difficult than the equivalent courses at other campuses and covers more content.

What most UTSG students say is not entirely biased but actually based on personal encounters.”

- Justin Ng (from web) Re: Threats issued against members of trans community on campus “It’s regrettable that these threats — vaguely described as they are — have been made, and the university is right in condemning them. One only wishes they would also condemn the acts of physical violence that actually occurred on campus this week. (Or even better, provide an adequate campus police presence at such events to prevent any violence in the first place.)”

- Emmett Choi (from web) Re: Black Liberation Collective protests UTSU “Protests like this demean protests of actual value.

Just because black people are often unfairly accused of crimes, that does not mean that EVERY time a black person is accused of something it is unfounded.”

- Christopher Chiasson (from web)

Letters to the editor should be directed to comment@thevarsity.ca. Please keep submissions to 250 words; letters may be edited for length and clarity.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Why Canadians care so much about an election in which they cannot vote

Elise Wagner Varsity Contributor

“

Please welcome to the stage former election cycle. As the hundreds of interSpeaker to the House of Representa- national relations and political science tives… Newt Gingrich!” The audience students will readily inform you, paying erupted with applause as the 73-year- attention to American politics is imporold American politician walked on to the tant for Canadians. stage. This was not, however, Republican The United States is Canada’s largest presidential nominee Donald Trump’s trading partner, a close military ally, and rally in the heart of Pennsylvania. a member of several important treaties, Gingrich, in fact, was standing on such as the North America Free Trade stage at Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Agreement (NAFTA). Whether Canadians Toronto at the September 30 US election like it or not, having the world’s longest Munk Debate: be it resolved, Donald undefended border suggests that Canada Trump will make America great again. and the United States are very close.

Rudyard Griffiths, the moderator for the debate, introduced Gingrich and his Campaign without borders fellow debaters to a full audience. Before It seems logical for Canadians to draw the the debaters began to spar, he revealed line of their involvement in the American the results of a poll taken earlier in the election at watching late night talk shows evening by the assembled attendees. or killing time during a TTC delay by read“Let’s finally review the 3,000 people in ing The New York Times’ “Politics” secRoy Thomson Hall who voted on tonight’s tion. Yet, there are Canadian university resolution coming in to the debate.” The students that have taken the time, energy, audience began to laugh and Griffiths, in and money to travel to the United States on the joke, proclaimed, “It’s downtown to participate in the electoral matchups Toronto… Canada!” The results of the poll between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinshowed that 86 per cent of audience mem- ton, and later Clinton and Donald Trump. bers disagreed that Donald Trump could Amanda Harvey-Sanchez, a third-year make America great again, while 14 per student studying Anthropology and Envicent agreed. ronmental Studies, may have said it best: The audience laughed again, likely 86 “I’m way too into American politics to not per cent out of entertainment over their be a citizen. I’m not even voting.” current situation and 14 per cent out of Harvey-Sanchez is a Canadian citizen, the incredulity of sitting in a hall with her parents are Canadian citizens, and 3,000 Canadians who paid to watch four she only lived in the United States for people, none of whom were presidential one year at the age of four. Last April, benominees, debate a single facet of an fore the New York Democratic primary, election in which they cannot vote.

Amanda travelled to the state to volunteer Canadians have a habit of gawking at for the Sanders campaign. Recalling her the goings-on of our southern neighbour. decision to get involved, she said, “I think Interest in their domestic affairs tends Bernie inspired me so much and I don’t to ebb and flow with the presidential think we have a candidate in Canada like

that. And if we don’t have a candidate like ing, a lot of standing, a lot of buses, just that in Canada, I need to go down and be to get to the arena. There was an armed a part of that.” guard on each bus. In America, they don’t She canvassed for the Vermont senator, do things subtly.” and a friend working on the campaign got He also spent a significant amount of her into the front row of a rally with an time in New Hampshire a week before the estimated 27,000 people in attendance. September primary vote. He saw many Sanders subsequently lost the primary to Republican candidates speak, including Democratic nominee Clinton.

Trump. After a hesitation, Cohen added, Harvey-Sanchez only recently got in- “New Hampshire is probably more Disvolved in American politics. Developing neyland than the DNC. [The candidates] a passion for environmental justice and are all spread across a very small state climate change in university prompted and you can just roll up to one of their her to pay more attention. events.”

“When I came to university, I got more Both Harvey-Sanchez and Cohen involved and more aware… especially would consider themselves politically acbecause I’m involved in climate activism,” tive in Canada. Cohen is a past president she said. “Obama’s decision on the Key- of the U of T Liberals, while Harvey-Sanstone [XL Pipeline] and various climate chez has worked with New Democratic policies made me want to be interested, Party politician Olivia Chow and focused and then I paid attention to it more.” on activist work.

Alex Cohen is a fourth-year Political Both were involved with the DemoScience student. He has been involved cratic Party, which is typically seen as the in politics for as long as he can remem- left-of-centre party in the United States. ber and is a self-professed political nerd.

In a 2015 study, the Broadbent InstiWhile originally a Sanders supporter, tute surveyed over 8,000 Canadians and Cohen says he would support Clinton found that a person was more likely to if he could vote. “I’m a fan of President be left leaning, if under the age of 35.

[Barack] Obama and even Bill Clinton,” Being from Ontario, attending univerhe added. sity, and living in a large city also inHe travelled to Philadelphia in July to creased the likelihood that a Canadian attend the Democratic National Conven- would lean more to the left. tion (DNC), where he was in the audience That does not mean that no one at U for speeches by President Obama, First of T supports Trump. In late September, Lady Michelle Obama, and the Khan fam- the Toronto Star reported that Calvin ily, as well as other headlining speakers. Vaughan, a quarterback for the U of T He also attended the DNC in 2012 when Varsity Blues football team, was a Trump Obama was up for re-election. supporter, after he was photographed While Cohen described the convention wearing a Trump t-shirt. Vaughan is as the Disneyland of politics, “it wasn’t all quoted in the article, saying, “If I wore fun,” Cohen said. “There was a lot of wait- this in Toronto, I would get beat up.” This

statement may suggest that there may be others who share Vaughan’s perspective, but they are concerned about vocalizing their support for Trump in a fairly liberal city like Toronto.

The power and influence of the United States is a common reason why HarveySanchez and Cohen believe it is important to be a part of American politics.

“It’s the largest advanced nation in the world, and I think a model in many ways for other countries,” said Cohen, when discussing how American politics affected him.

Harvey-Sanchez echoed this sentiment: “Everyone to some extent has to pay attention to US politics because of their position on the global stage,” she said.

If only Canadians voted

*Canadians cannot vote in the American presidential elections.

Liberals Conservatives

Congress to Campus Former US congressmen Martin Lancaster, a Democrat, and Steven Kuykendall, a Republican, were sponsored by the US State Department, the US Mission to Canada, and Congress to Campus — a program by the United States Association of Former Members of Congress to increase political literacy among youth — to visit several Ontario universities in late September.

As soon as they walked into Bar Mercurio flanked by three aides, you could immediately tell who they were. Both wore expensive, dark suits that were perfectly tailored, if a little loose fitting. Every gray hair was in place, lapel pins were perfectly straightened, and they were confident and relaxed despite their packed schedules.

Kuykendall quipped, “[Congress to Campus is] fun but much like Congress, the worst part of the job is travel.”

When asked what he thinks the cause for international fascination with American politics is, Kuykendall’s answer was simple: “Of course, by virtue of who we are,” he said. “The United States is influential: economic, academic, military or pick one, it has influence.”

Kuykendall was delighted by his interactions with Canadian students. “I’m just astounded by the degree of interest… and the people studying the political system.”

“Interest and knowledge,” chimed in Lancaster through sips of tea. While Kuykendall has visited Canada and England several times as part of Congress to Campus, it was Lancaster’s first foreign trip with the organization.

“This morning, we had a question that was top of the line,” Kuykendall elaborated. “It was all students, probably about 50 of them and they were asking questions for about an hour.”

For the love of celebrity Yet, so much of this election — really any election — hinges on domestic rather than international policy. For example, back in the primaries, Sanders advocated for free college education. As a Canadian student, Cohen said, “I know that free college would not benefit me.”

Granted, addressing these domestic issues may have an impact on international policy, but that does not necessarily explain Canadians’ inspiration to be involved.

Perhaps there is a different underlying reason that creates a desire to get in-

volved. Celebrity is an important factor of the perception of American politics. In talking about her experience at the Sanders rally, Harvey-Sanchez described it as a “star-struck moment” for her.

Cohen was even more enthusiastic: “I definitely think that the thing with American politics is that it’s entertaining, it’s a big show. It’s television, it’s Hollywood.”

Even members of Congress can sometimes lose themselves to the grandeur of the American political system. Kuykendall recalled a private, formal dinner held in the Statuary Hall in the Capitol building.

There is a stargazing aspect to American politics, due in part to the popularity of series like House of Cards and The West Wing

“I thought ‘oh boy,’ and I’m looking around at all these statues of important people and sitting on the floor of what was the old House Chamber. I guess I’m not in Oklahoma anymore,” he said.

There is a stargazing aspect to American politics. Television shows such as House of Cards, which is a dramatization of the American political system, have a Canadian audience. Lancaster commented succinctly on the show: “I found it very unrealistic. That would never happen.”

Even older fictional television shows still have fan bases, such as The West Wing, which details the everyday lives of fictional White House staffers. Kuykendall recalled, “When I was in Congress, when The West Wing was on television, my staff knew that I was supposed to be home on Wednesday nights by 9:00.”

American political competition is especially unique in the eyes of Canadian students. Kuykendall described their perception of it as “exotic and unusual. Not many places have a government like ours,” he said.

While domestic American policies cannot directly benefit Canadians, they cannot have a direct negative effect on Canadians either. It’s like going to Vegas and gambling with someone else’s money. You can brag freely if you win, and you can also easily shrug off the loss, since it wasn’t your own money.

Yet, this argument only holds up for so long. The difference between a president and an A-list movie star is that everything a President or government official says or does is likely to have tangible implications.

So for those Canadians who enjoy the rush of politics and the high stakes game of power and polls, the pull of the American presidential race is great.

For some Canadian students, this manifests itself as becoming directly involved with American politics, while for others it’s relaxing in Roy Thomson Hall on a Friday night and taking bets on who they think will make America great again.

COMPOSITE ILLUSTRATION BY VANESSA WANG/THE VARSITY. PHOTOS VIA GAGE SKIDMORE/CC FLICKR

Arts&Culture

October 17, 2016 var.st/arts arts@thevarsity.ca

Poetry, comedy, and political commentary come to Toronto The Whistle Stop tour lands on October 19

Justin Karcher performs at Syracuse University. PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUNDLINGS POETRY ZINE

Kassandra Hangdaan Varsity Contributor

On October 19, The Whistle Stop Poets and Comics ’16 Elections Tour will land in Toronto at The Steady Café and Bar. Hosted by poetry magazine Foundlings Poetry Zine, the event will be an evening filled with political commentary and spoken word.

Notable artists include Justin Karcher, author of Tailgating at the Gates of Hell; Aidan Ryan, an adjunct professor of English; Robert Priest, a Canadian children’s author; Dane Swan, author of A Mingus Lullaby; Benjamin Brindise, a Buffalo-based spoken word poet; and Megan Kemple, a Buffalobased actress, playwright, and poet. We caught up with them to learn more about the tour and what they hope it will achieve.

Founder of Whistle Stop Aidan Ryan discussed the beginnings of the project. While on a trip to the Bahamas, Ryan had read Gerry Crinnin’s book Haiku to the Chief — a collection of haikus for each American president. Ryan was impressed with the collection and described it as “intelligent, sensitive, and worth hearing.”

Ryan further explained how this inspiration led him to organize a launch party at the

Founding Father’s in Buffalo: “I… brought together some readers to ‘open’ for Gerry — this was on August 28th — and it was such a success that we thought we might take the ‘show’ on the road. Immediately the [presidential] debates suggested themselves as an organizing principle. We’d have four stops in four cities on the nights of the presidential and vice-presidential debates... Whistle Stop was born in a flurry of emails and phone calls over the course of the next month.”

One of the poets of Whistle Stop, Brindise explained his initial motivations for participating in political commentary. After conversing with another poet, Brindise was inspired by the idea that perhaps poets have a responsibility to be “record keepers of our time.” This sentiment seemed to align with the purpose of the tour.

Priest added that the force of political commentary lies in its social influence. In particular, he notes that poetry can serve as a catalyst for cultural movements, especially when like-minded artists are able to find each other and collaborate. In order to start cultural movements, Priest advocates the idea that political poetry be “launched more frequently into the mainstream media,” since engaging poetry can galvanize its readers.

On the humanitarian value of political commentary, Karcher noted that it can serve

as a tool to share collective experiences. “[It’s] that so many people feel catastrophe, but are ultimately numb to what that might really mean, like the struggles that the person sitting next to you might be going through on any given day,” said Karcher.

Swan views political commentary as a conduit for social justice. He is primarily concerned with racial injustice, particularly the plight of African-Americans and white privilege. Swan referred to the disproportionate rates of incarceration of Black Americans and noted the incongruity of Black education and incarceration rates: “Statistics that I’ve read suggest that Black people are more likely to have postsecondary educations in North America than whites. Yet, we are disproportionately incarcerated.”

Though each poet understands the underlying values of poetry, the dissemination of poetry is not without its own critics. Poet Kemple understands the acerbic criticism that may follow the publication of her work.

Kemple finds value in criticism; she gives critiques consideration because “the best advice comes from the most unexpected places.”

The Whistle Stop tour began on September 26 in Rochester, New York. The Toronto event will be its final installment.

Tuning in to Tonality Tonality Records’ Julian Seth-Wong is just your average 19-year-old who owns a record store Edgar Vargas Varsity Contributor

Tucked into the tip of the trendy Roncesvalles area sits Tonality Records. Located at 2168 Dundas Street West, the shop is now in it’s second year.

It’s a brightly lit space with albums and guitars adorning the walls. Crates of records are set out around the store for patrons to peruse, while vintage record players are proudly displayed on a table near the entrance. The layout is reminiscent of someone who has spent their whole life dedicated to music, and indeed this is true of founder Julian Seth-Wong who is just 19. We sat down with him to talk about owning a business at such a young age, creating a following, and ditching labels.

The Varsity — How did it originally come into fruition? How did you decide ‘I’m going to open a record store’?

Julian Seth-Wong — It wasn’t really in its entirety a record store to begin with… Records were going to be one part of it. It was supposed to be vintage audio [and] collectibles… It’s definitely taken a turn to focus more on the records, which I’m happy about because that’s always the way I sort of wanted it to go. But originally I just didn’t think anyone would be interested enough to have a store packed of just indie releases… It wasn’t really that long after the store opened that the idea came up. Those things just kind of happened very fast… It was supposed to be like a father-son project to begin with. My dad is really into guitars, instruments, and that kind of stuff… But I was more into the finished product of music. It was supposed to be a half and half between the two of us, but as time went on, we realized that the record thing was really catching on and it became the focus.

TV — What do you hope to do with it in the future? Do you hope to make a bigger store, another location?

JSW — I’m planning on having another location, I think that would be really cool. Ideally it would be really nice to be able to have a record label as well, because that would be going straight to the artist in order to support them right from the source, rather than just supporting them through carrying their music… If we were to have another store location aside from in the city [of Toronto], there may be one in Montreal or another in the US somewhere.

TV — What’s a normal day like in the store? Are there a lot of regulars?

JSW — There are a lot of regulars, surprisingly we’ve been getting more and more foot traffic in the last little while. I think people are realizing

The Shine Theory: Finding female fraternity at U of T The theory outlines how women can forge communities at university Gabrielle Warren Associate Arts & Culture Editor

Read the rest online at var.st/shine

EDGAR VARGAS/THE VARSITY

Tonality Records owner Julian Seth-Wong sits amongst his records. that we exist… We never really focused a lot on advertisement, it’s more just word of mouth.

And we’re in an area that’s up and coming too.

When we first opened up it was kind of dead around here. But in the last couple years, things have kind of turned around.

TV — Do any big Toronto musicians come in? Have you ever seen anyone famous or semi-famous?

JSW — We’ve had a couple people. We had a guy from Blue Rodeo come in and sell his solo project… We’ve got a couple copies here. Not like the super big names yet, but it’s been pretty fun. We’ve got a lot of smaller artists that I would have known about for a while, since we’ve carried their music. They’ll come in and never even realize that we had their stuff stocked, and they’ll be like, “Oh! This is our record!”

TV — What do you think has been the hardest part of starting the business almost entirely by yourself?

JSW — I think that keeping a good collection is a big thing. Just kind of constantly moving forward, making sure that we always stock new releases.

TV — You now have [Tonality organized] by sub-genres. That takes a lot of dedication too. When did you decide to that instead of umbrella terms? You have an ‘Ethereal’ category, which is very specific.

JSW — Yeah, straight off the bat when we switched over from label to genres, I kind of knew that we wanted to keep it slightly more diverse, a little bit more kind of zeroed in on smaller genres, so people would know exactly where to look.

TV — Makes it a bit easier [ to look] here.

JSW — Over the course of the two years that we’ve been open, we kind of realized that some things are not ideal. There are a few genres that you can’t really define. There are a few things that we’re going to be cutting out, a few things that we’re going to be adding as well in the next little while.

TV — What are your top three albums?

JSW — Top three albums of all time would probably be... fuck [laughs]: Radiohead’s OK Computer… UNKLE’s War Stories... and The Unicorns’ Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone?... A cult classic from just over 10 years ago.

TV — How do you balance owning a fullfledged business in Toronto [and a social life]?

JSW — It’s difficult… Thankfully I’ve got two very hard working employees, [Sinead and Mac], that can take up a lot of the shifts here, which means I have some time to myself as well.

But even then I’m constantly keeping an eye on the store, and I’m constantly doing something related to work.

TV — What hot stuff has come out this year you would recommend to those reading The Varsity?

JSW — Crystal Castles’ [2016 self-titled LP] is great because they’re Toronto based too or at least they were. I don’t know whether they still are. The new Blood Orange is really good as well, Freetown Sound.

Three years ago around this time, I was playing a war game to demonstrate strategic skills in history class. At the table sat three girls and four boys. Before we had begun to play, the boys had conspired to take over the game. I thought the girls would do the same, but the opposite happened. Instead of coming together, they became hostile towards each other.

We began, and every time I made a risky move, I was criticized by the girls. If a boy praised me for my ‘guts,’ the girls would follow suit. In one strategic play, my army was overthrown because a girl betrayed me in the last moments. The boys seemed oblivious, while I became increasingly irritated. I had seen this behaviour many times before.

If these boys were going to stand together, why couldn’t we?

A couple days later, I came across an article entitled “Shine Theory: Why Powerful Women Make the Greatest Friends.” The author, Ann Friedman, spoke about the concept of women encouraging each other and holding each other up, rather than bringing one another down.

As I read the article, I began to believe that Shine Theory had the ability to beget a revolution of sorts; it presented a new way for young women to view leadership and female fraternity. It seemed to me that if young women began to put this theory into practice at university, the results could be transformative and lasting.

In the article, Friedman claims, “In many industries, women are still perceived to be token hires — which means that other women can feel like our chief competition… When we

The Side Piece

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 15

var.st/arts

Did you know?

The Academic Success Centre offers many resources to help students learn the skills to succeed at U of T. Workshops like Write Now! are designed for creative and reflective writing and partnered with other campus groups like Poet in Community. First in the Family helps prepare first generation university students for what to expect, and the Fresh Start Conference is for anyone who may be struggling with academics.

Protip: It might seem intimidating at times, but you should make an effort to talk to your professors during their office hours or by sending them an email. It can make a huge difference to your educational experience.

Most are helpful, informative, and willing to answer any questions you may have.

Events: Toronto Chocolate Festival October 15 to November 6 Multiple locations, including The King Edward Hotel Backpack to Briefcase: The secrets to great leadership October 19 William G. Davis Building (room 3130), UTM Architects of Justice: Stories from The Justice System October 21 Hart House Great Hall Margin of Eras October 21–25 876 Bloor Street West — Super Wonder Gallery Art Creates Change: Black Lives Matter October 26 OCAD The Caucasian Chalk Circle October 27–30, November 4–6 Erindale Theatre Studio

hate on women who we perceive to be more ‘together’ than we are, we’re really just expressing the negative feelings we have about our own careers, or bodies, or relationships.”

Her solution to this is to flip the script: “When you meet a woman who is intimidatingly witty, stylish, beautiful, and professionally accomplished, befriend her. Surrounding yourself with the best people doesn’t make you look worse by comparison. It makes you better.”

The culture of competition amongst women has historical roots in Western society. As women flooded the workplace in the 1980s, the prevailing model of leadership was masculine; women have been working since then to change that, and it has been an uphill climb.

16 • THE VARSITY • ARTS & CULTURE

arts@thevarsity.ca

Forms hits the ground running in Toronto New festival merged artists from various disciples and backgrounds William Goldie Varsity Contributor

From September 27–30, Toronto was home to the first-ever Forms Festival, a “multidiscplinary experiment” presented by Endless City. It showcased talks, installations, and performances from people working at the intersections of art, design, technology, and other creative fields.

The events were divided between largescale evening shows and smaller ‘summit’ talks scheduled throughout the day. The evening events, “Forms1” and “Forms2”, were the biggest draws of the week, allowing visitors to explore interactive installations throughout Queen Street West’s Great Hall, alongside live multimedia and music performances. The evening experience — and the crowd it attracted — was heavily reminiscent of the Long Winter shows that have become a staple of the Toronto arts landscape.

Summit events, which took place in both Great Hall and the nearby Rally Ossington, included more intimate presentations from artists, designers, and technologists, each providing background on the festival’s various installations and related work.

Participants came from a wide variety of vocational backgrounds, like academia, fine art, science, technology, entertainment media, DIY culture, urban planning, and architecture; many participants identified themselves as experienced in multiple fields.

Despite the lack of a convenient catch-all term to describe the category of arts and media that the festival was centred around, Forms felt surprisingly coherent. Many of the

artist talks reflected on the process of synthesizing overlapping involvements in traditionally disparate disciplines, and the variety of lenses used by speakers to analyze their work was refreshing. Talks oscillated between the specific, gritty electronics techniques used to build interactive installations to how changing demographics in urban centers are driving works preserving community history.

Unfortunately, juxtaposed on this vocational breadth was a strikingly narrow range of racial and ethnic diversity in Forms’ summit events. Only a handful of minority speakers were represented among over 30 summit presenters. In the face of all the effort the organizers presumably went to in order to bring artists and designers to the festival from all over Canada, the US, and Europe, one has to wonder why they couldn’t have showcased more creators who actually represent the population of Toronto.

The lineup of live music felt somewhat more like home, with local artists like Bambii, Lee Paradise, and Eytan Tobin playing alongside international visitors. Parisian duo NONOTAK put on a standout set, projecting shifting, luminescent forms attuned to their musical performance on a translucent, walllike structure dividing their stage.

The “VS.VS.” project was also particularly memorable, where pairs of musicians competed over the course of the night, blasting audio at one another from opposing stages.

Though it wasn’t an explicit theme of the festival, both of the headlining installations at Forms integrated elements of research surrounding cognition with contemporary art practice. Nick Verstand’s “ANIMA” installa-

Interactive designer Matthias Oostrik. YOHAN CREEMERS/CC FLICKR tion, a humming, planet-like sphere wrapped in animated flows, presented a meditation on the nature of dialogues among humans and between humans and machines. As viewers moved nearby, the projected flows reacted to their presence and behavior, building a discourse between viewers and the environment created by the imposing sculpture, which was described as an “AI metaphor.”

“The Mutual Wave Machine” — the result of a collaboration between Matthias Oostrik, an interaction designer, and Suzanne Dikker, a neuroscientist — explored the idea of synchronicity between two people sharing an eye-to-eye gaze. EEG monitors inside

the installation searched for similarities between the brainwaves of the two participants and projected shifting images of their locked stare — it intensified when the participants’ brainwave patterns were correlated.

Forms was part of a three-city collaboration with Brooklyn’s Northside festival in June, and Amsterdam’s N-Festival earlier in April. Endless City simultaneously organized with the month-long CU Gallery exhibition.

The group has announced a follow-up event, and it will be fascinating to see how Endless City chooses to evolve and define their programming as they establish a place in Toronto’s creative landscape.

In Review: Toronto Palestine Film Festival The festival included live performances and panel discussions

A scene from A Magical Substance Flows Into Me. PHOTO COURTESY OF JUMANA MANNA Farida Rady Abdelmeguied Varsity Contributor

Late last month, the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Lula Lounge, and District Oven hosted the ninth annual Toronto Palestine Film Festival (TPFF). The TPFF is a volunteer-run, nonprofit event dedicated to shedding light on

Palestinian cinema, music, art, and cuisine.

It encompassed various eye-opening films and performances that worked to increase knowledge and awareness of the situation in Palestine.

While the TPFF was largely a screening of films, it featured a performance by worldrenowned Palestinian activist and perfor-

mance poet Rafeef Ziadah with special guest Phil Monsour. A pop art exhibition, a talk by Larissa Sansour, a Palestinian brunch, and a panel titled “Boycott, Censorship, and the Arts” were also included.

Ziadah and Monsour performed at Lula Lounge to an audience that was engaged and mesmerized by Monsour’s guitar skills and Ziadah’s powerful, emotive language.

Some notable films shown included: 3000 Nights, Occupation of the American Mind, A Magical Substance Flows Into Me, and The Idol.

3000 Nights, a drama, focuses on the imprisonment of a newly married Palestinian teacher who is accused of aiding a terrorist in an Israeli prison. She finds out she is pregnant and must consequently make several difficult choices. The film explores the relationships of female Palestinian political prisoners and Israeli criminals, the idea of resistance and sacrifice, and the conditions of Israeli prisons.

Occupation of the American Mind is more academic in nature than the other films. It features professors and dignitaries in conversation on the representation of Palestinian-Israeli relations and Israel as a state in American media, in an attempt to criticize the supposed one-sidedness of American media.

A Magical Substance Flows Into Me has an interesting combination of real-life shots, cartooned animation, silent scenes, and chaoti-

cally loud ones, while expressing an intimate, personal, and comfortable sentiment that isn't as blatantly political as the other films. It follows the journey of Palestinian artist Jumana Manna, who was inspired by Robert Lachmann’s studies on music in Palestine throughout the Palestinian territories and Israel.

Lachmann hosted a radio show in the 1930s called Oriental Music that portrayed the musical traditions of Palestine as performed by different religious, ethnic, and national groups.

Manna travels through the area with recordings from the show and asks various groups, including Moroccans, Samaritans, Bedouins, and Coptic Christians to perform their songs.

Lines are blurred between the groups and the focus becomes the music. This theme of breaking down barriers between people is fitting for a film festival in a diverse city like Toronto.

A film based on a true story of the Palestinian artist Mohammed Assaf, The Idol follows the Gaza native and his passion for singing but lack of access to any formal musical training. The film follows his story of success, from singing on the streets and at weddings in Gaza to winning Arab Idol. His victory is shared by Palestinian people everywhere.

Overall, the festival was immersed in the language and attitude of resistance; it celebrated Palestinian art and culture and was definitely worth checking out.

Science

October 17, 2016 var.st/science science@thevarsity.ca

Biosynthesis on-the-go: just add water A portable form of biomolecular manufacturing could help solve the global health crisis Aditya Chawla Varsity Contributor

Imagine life-saving therapeutics for diseases that were previously deemed incurable.

Imagine these products being available only in well-funded hospitals and research centres in limited geographic areas.

This is the unfortunate reality in many cases and is largely the effect of rigorous supply chain requirements for transporting therapeutic compounds. Without the large-scale refrigerators necessary for transporting frozen medicines and vaccines, these life-saving therapeutics are difficult to deliver to those in need.

To tackle this issue, researchers from the University of Toronto Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have devised a method to deliver therapeutics in a freeze-dried form.

Simply by adding water to pre-synthesized powders, these compounds can be produced on-demand in an efficient, precise, and scalable manner. With this process, biomolecular manufacturing may take place with a chemical reaction that can be performed at room temperature.

Surprisingly, this molecular reaction does not require cells or any living form. This not

PAULINA PETROVA/THE VARSITY

Researchers have found a way to synthesize therapeutics on the go. only removes the costs of maintaining bacterial or cell cultures in remote environments, but it also eliminates any regulatory hurdles involving biosafety, disease transmission, or specialized handling.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are proteins that the cell uses to defend itself from infection. AMPs are a tool often useful for therapy.

These compounds could be effectively synthesized in a freeze-dried, cell-free manner, retaining their ability to combat bacterial growth.

With this technology, vaccines on-demand are made possible. This newfound portability lights a path for disease prevention, a critical step in the war against devastations like

the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Further research could extend this innovation to the synthesis of more complicated molecules and proteins, including DNA or RNA for gene therapy.

From cost to scalability, this technology offers great advantages in therapeutics delivery. A driving force behind this research was the hunt for a low-cost biomolecule production platform. The current method for cell-free biosynthesis falls anywhere between three and 68 cents per microlitre, whereas this technology could cut costs to one-tenth of that original value. This new method would also reduce the waste of vaccines in the developed world by providing on-demand solutions to hospitals and clinics, potentially reducing health care costs.

Freeze-dried cell-free systems hold possibilities in the field of diagnostics. Earlier this year, a team from U of T’s Faculty of Pharmacy, along with researchers at the Wyss Institute of Harvard University, devised a low-cost detection method for the Zika virus using a paper-based sensor. A similar ‘just add water’ approach can be used to activate the molecular machinery that detects minuscule levels of the Zika virus in blood.

The flexibility of this technology offers a tremendous scope of applications and presents a tangible possibility for the distribution of low-cost biomolecular methods.

Why bad science persists Understanding how misleading scientific studies continue to be published Govind Mohan Varsity Contributor

We have all come across scientific studies that, when reported in the media, elicit strong reactions. Some may inadvertently encourage questionable practices like increasing personal wine consumption or completely avoiding genetically modified organisms.

Consumer behaviour is linked to scientific reporting. If a scientific paper concludes, for example, that a product is detrimental to health, the demand for it is likely to instantly decrease. This seems to indicate that there is a high degree of trust placed on researchers by consumers. Sadly, there are many instances in which a high level of trust may not be warranted.

Jacob Cohen, a psychologist from New York University, analyzed the statistical power — the likelihood of an experiment to detect a real effect — for 70 research papers in 1962, and he found that the likelihood was about 20 per cent, despite the fact that all of the papers had reported significant results. He consequently urged researchers to improve their methods to ensure that the integrity of research is upheld.

This September, Paul Smaldino of the University of California, Merced, and Richard McElreath of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology conducted a similar study. Published in Royal Society Open Science, the results they found were grim. Based on a sample of 44 papers published between 1960 and 2011, the statistical

MIRKA LOISELLE/THE VARSITY

power had gone up a mere 4 per cent since Cohen’s paper, indicating that researchers may not have paid adequate attention to his warning.

To determine why, Smaldino and McElreath built a computational model in which an arbitrary number of laboratories compete for the prestige and funding that is received as a result of being published. Each laboratory has the ‘power’ to identify a relationship between variables, where increasing this power also increases false positives unless ‘effort’ to be accurate is increased. However, doing so decreases the productivity of the lab as this takes a greater amount of time. The result of this simulation was that bad science was ‘naturally selected’ in the Darwin-

ian sense, meaning that this trend may not indicate conscious strategizing or cheating on the part of the researchers.

They quote the maxim of well-known economist Charles Goodhart, who says, “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.” In this model, labs that were better able to characterize new results got published more often and received pay-offs, but they tended to record more false positives. On the other hand, labs that did more thorough research could not publish as much and thus their results — although more accurate — resulted in the lab not receiving as much funding.

Smaldino and McElreath modified the model to include replication, which is an

attempted repetition of a published result within the same parameters to ensure accuracy. Each lab would get a boosted reputation for a successful replication and a penalty for a failure. Though this would seem to be a good control system, poor practices still prevailed but at a lower rate; this was still found to be true when the penalty was raised to a hundred times the original pay-off given to the lab.

The authors state, “Some of the most powerful incentives in contemporary science actively encourage, reward and propagate poor research methods and abuse of statistical procedures.” This leaves modern science with the daunting task of curtailing rewards given to high output researchers in favour of high quality results.

This may seem very grim, but the tide is turning in support of good scientific practices. The host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, John Oliver, recently brought this issue to light in a segment that has garnered over 8 million views on YouTube.

The prevalence of PubPeer, which is a message board that allows anyone to post anonymous comments on scientific studies, provides further hope that this practice can be curbed. At least three highprofile scientists in the past few months have had their papers retracted by journals, after anonymous commenters on the website pointed out discrepancies.

It is clear that there is a strong desire to increase accountability within scientific publications. For consumers and those working in the field of science, this should be encouraging.

18 • THE VARSITY • SCIENCE

science@thevarsity.ca

Shooting for the stars Two U of T undergraduates invited to the International Astronautical Congress Alexander Gomes Varsity Contributor

A mecca of collaboration and a catalyst of interactions, conferences allow scientists and budding researchers to explore the trials and successes of others, gather inspiration, and receive and reflect upon critical feedback.

Two University of Toronto undergraduate students set out to do just that at the 2016 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Guadalajara, Mexico this September, as part of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Student Participation Initiative.

Katie Harris, a third-year Astronomy and Physics student, and Jeremy Wang, a fourth-year Engineering Science student, were selected by the CSA among the pool of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral researchers. They represent two of 10 individuals invited to present their respective research papers at the IAC. The IAC bills itself as being “the one time of the year where all global space actors come together. Covering all space sectors and topics, it offers the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.”

Leaders of every significant national space agency attended the sixty-seventh IAC. Space luminaries like Buzz Aldrin and Bill Nye; space pioneers like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Lockheed Martin Space Systems’ Wanda Sigur; and hundreds of space lovers, students, and journalists from every corner of the world flocked to Guadalajara.

Musk’s aerospace manufacturing company Space X unveiled their plans for human trav-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATIE HARRIS & JEREMY WANG

U of T students Katie Harris (left) and Jeremy Wang (right) attended the International Astronautical Congress this year. el between Earth and Mars — it includes a 49.5 metre long spacecraft that may one day carry up to 100 people.

Harris presented her investigation of the viability of Digital MicroMirror Devices (DMDs) as programmable slit masks for multi-object spectroscopy. Multi-object spectroscopy allows astronomers to measure the light spectrum emissions of multiple objects at the same time. To view multiple objects at the same time, a mask with precut slits that correspond to the target objects’ position is placed in front of a telescope.

Currently, these slit masks pose efficiency problems for astronomers: custom masks would need to be produced for every pointing.

This process is expensive, time-consuming, and wasteful. Harris explored an alternative

method, one that would bring reusability and customizability to the telescope masks.

The DMDs that Harris investigated are made up of an array of microscopic square mirrors, each of which can be turned on and off thousands of times per second, allowing for ease of adjustment. Each mirror corresponds to a single pixel in the displayed image, meaning that slits could be produced by simply turning off certain mirrors in the array.

Harris demonstrated that this customization allowed DMDs to effectively act in a manner similar to slit masks. When asked about the future of this development, Harris explained, “The DMD system needs to be fitted for actual telescope use, but it looks to be a viable alternative to conventional slit masks.”

Harris conducted her work under the supervision of Professor Suresh Sivanandam, through the Summer Undergraduate Research Program of U of T’s Dunlap Institute.

The 16-week summer program pairs undergraduate students in Astronomy, Physics, and Engineering with astronomers from the Dunlap Institute or the Canadian Institute for Astrophysics, allowing them to conduct an independent project related to on-going astronomical research at U of T. Wang, the president of the University of Toronto Aerospace Team (UTAT), presented two papers at the IAC, both of which discussed the development of an engine for UTAT’s rocket Deliverance this year. The first paper concerns the computer modelling of a rocket’s performance when using an uncommon engine that uses solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer.

The second paper explored the potential of employing ‘space tugs,’ remote-controlled spacecrafts that pull rockets from the low Earth orbit into outer space. “Our calculations showed that if the satellites belong to a certain mass bracket, using a small rocket and a tug may be more efficient than the traditional use of a larger rocket,” said Wang.

The IAC imparted a profound experience to the two U of T undergraduates. “The CSA’s initiative was incredibly rewarding, because it allowed me to engage and interact with the leaders and policymakers of the space industry,” said Harris. “Their support gave me the opportunity to see space’s future, the world’s future, and, potentially, my own future.”

Can better nutrition labelling curb Canada’s sugar consumption?

U of T researchers find high levels of hidden sugar in prepackaged foods Meghan McGee Varsity Contributor

Researchers at the University of Toronto are calling for better nutrition labelling after finding high levels of hidden sugar in the Canadian food supply. Dr. Mary L’Abbé, Chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine at U of T, led the study, conducted by PhD student Jodi Bernstein and colleagues.

They discovered that free sugar, also known as added sugar, contributed to 20 per cent of total calories in prepackaged foods and beverages and as high as 70 per cent of total calories in beverages.

The authors analyzed over 15,000 prepackaged foods and beverages and found that most of the free sugar came from desserts, sweets, bakery products, and beverages. They found free sugar in 64 per cent of the foods analyzed.

Their results elucidate the overwhelming presence of free sugar in the Canadian food supply.

“Having detailed information on the amount and sources of free sugars in prepackaged foods is integral to [supporting] interventions to limit consumption of excess free sugar and can be used by researchers, policy-makers, healthcare practitioners, and consumers,” said first author Jodi Bernstein.

Under current Canadian nutrition labelling guidelines, the Nutrition Facts table must include total sugars, but it does not need to distinguish naturally-occurring sugar from free sugar. Naturally-occurring sugar is found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and some grains. Free sugar refers to table sugar and the sugar found in honey and fruit juices, as some examples.

Excessive consumption of free sugar, but not naturally-occurring sugar, is associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dental carries, and current guidelines recommend that no more than 5–10 per cent of calories come from free sugar. However, there are many names for free sugar — the authors found 152 terms used to describe free sugar in foods — and they are often scattered throughout the ingredient list.

Moreover, current nutrition labels do not identify a per cent daily value for total sugar.

This makes determining the free sugar content in foods problematic and confusing for consumers who are trying to limit free sugar intake.

“Without information on the free sugar content of foods, it’s hard for consumers to know how much free sugar is too much,” said Bernstein in a statement to U of T News.

Free sugar in particular has been under fire for its link to chronic diseases and has been de-

monized by scholars. Researchers go as far as to state that rising sugar consumption has had a profound negative effect on health. Nutritional researchers emphasize the positive correlation between sugar consumption and obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly in children.

With that said, one can argue that consumers have the right to understand the amount and type of sugar in their foods, in order to make informed decisions about the products they consume.

The muddled presentation of sugar on the Nutrition Facts table is not unique to Canada.

Food labelling policies differ globally. There is a need to develop simpler, more illustrative versions of the nutrition label with more details about sugar content.

One proposed modification to the nutrition labelling in Canada is listing ‘sugars’ in the ingredient list followed by all sugar-based ingredients in parentheses in descending order based on combined weight. This would allow consumers to distinguish sugar from the rest of the ingredients and may lead to more informed decisions.

Due to recent changes by the Food and Drug Administration, food labels in the United States will require that added sugar and its per cent daily value be explicitly stated on Nutrition Facts labels starting July 2018.

GLORIA ZHANG/THE VARSITY

L’Abbé told U of T News, “While Canada and the United States generally have very similar food labelling requirements, it’s unfortunate that we haven’t taken a similar step in this instance.”

By distinguishing free sugar from naturallyoccurring sugar in Canadian foods, trends in product formulations, reformulation efforts, and Canadian intake of free sugar can be measured and evaluated. The authors suggest incorporating free sugar information into food composition databases to measure free sugar intakes of participants in national nutrition surveys.

The results of this study can be used to inform reformulation of products in order to decrease sugar content and will hopefully lead to more cognizant sugar consumption.

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 19

var.st/science

UTM to get new Centre for Medicinal Chemistry A $7 million donation from Orlando Corporation will fund the project Nicole Sciuli Varsity Contributor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATRICK GUNNING

Dr. Patrick Gunning’s lab is a beneficiary of the donation from Orlando Corporation.

The laboratory of Dr. Patrick Gunning at UTM has received a $7 million dollar donation from the Mississauga-based Orlando Corporation. This donation will fund a new Centre for Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences at UTM. Orlando Corporation’s philanthropy will pioneer medical advancements in cancer therapeutics that Gunning and his team specialize in. Gunning, along with four new principal investigators will be the core team of the centre, which will focus on cancer biology, computational chemistry, medicinal chemistry and stem cell biology.

Gunning is a native of Scotland and grew up on the island of Bute.

He received his Bachelor of Science and PhD in Chemistry at the University of Glasgow and went on to do post-graduate work at Yale in 2005, leading his career path to medicinal chemistry. In 2007, Gunning accepted an assistant professorship at the Department of Chemistry at UTM in 2007. There, he developed a medicinal program focused on protein-protein interactions, specifically the interactions involved in cancer cells.

Gunning’s research specifically focuses on creating molecules or inhibitors to target protein-protein interactions found in cancerous cells. Proteins called ‘signal transducers and activators of transcription’ (STATs), like STAT3 and STAT5, carry genes that have been associated with some of the deadliest cancers. These cancers include brain cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma, the cancer of white blood cells.

STAT3 and STAT5 are key proteins for cell growth and cell survival. When the proteins attach to a healthy cell, they bind to the cell to help it grow, then they switch off and disconnect from it. The proteins on a malignant cell, however, latch onto the cell but do not turn off, therefore, making the cell expand until it becomes a tumor.

What Gunning and his team have done is create small molecules that bind to these targeted proteins and knock them out, causing the cancer cells to die. STAT3 and STAT5 are also proteins that are drug resistant, and if those are targeted, then the cancer cell itself can be terminated. This chemical process targets cancerous cells, while maintaining healthy cell production.

Gunning has succeeded in eliminating cancerous tumours in leukemia mice models with his molecule.

The new centre will help further research about these molecules, in hopes that they can one day be produced into drugs. Gunning hopes that with the additional faculty added to this facility, new molecules can be generated for pre-clinical candidate drugs. He also notes that the new centre places special importance on medicinal chemistry — specifically the molecules that target human disease — for the clinical development path.

Four of the molecules Gunning researched have been licensed for advanced pre-clinical trials and one molecule for advanced clinical trial.

If Gunning can move the developed drugs past clinical trials, the drugs will only target the cancerous cells, while maintaining low generalized toxicity. This could change existing cancer treatments and decrease the

use of highly toxic treatments, like other chemotherapies or radiation.

Chemotherapy kills not only the cancerous cells but other healthy cells. As a result, the immune system of the patient becomes significantly weaker, thus creating a likely chance that the patient will die due to an infection. A new treatment could improve the life expectancy of cancer patients greatly.

multiple departments across UTM, U of T and with other institutions in Canada and the USA. It will result in [the] formation of a cluster of researchers that will be appointed to provide breadth and depth to the core team, new academic programs, new science infrastructure and a significant expansion of graduate student activity at UTM,” remarks Dr. Ulrich Krull, Principal of UTM and Professor of Analytical Chemistry, Biological and Bioanalytical Chemistry.

Gunning can expand his research team to graduate students with an interest in medicinal chemistry.

With other schools working together on the foundation of Gunning’s research, scientists will be able to build strong and rescourceful research teams to advance these molecules to clinical trials.

“I believe that the establishment of the new Centre for Medicinal Chemistry will provide an ideal collaborative research environment in which break through discoveries will be made against unmet clinical challenges,” said Dr. Fettah Erdogan, one of the graduate students Gunning has worked with at UTM. Gunning and his team continue to meet and surpass medical expectations, in hopes of providing insight into deadly diseases.

Science Around Town Lego Mindstorm Robotics BattleBots!

In this epic robot building jamboree, learn to use Robot Commander App, create a bot, and witness it come to life!

Date: October 17 Time: 3:30–5:00 pm Location: Wychwood Library, 1431 Bathurst Street Admission: Free with registration MaRS Consumer & Commerce Presents: An Evening with the CEO of Unata MaRS Discovery in partnership with Unata, eCommerce grocery solution company, presents a seminar featuring Chris Bryson, CEO of Unata.

Bryson will be sharing his experiences with the company from its humble beginning to becoming a multi-million dollar company in just three years.

Date: Tuesday, October 18 Time: 6:00–8:00 pm Location: MaRS Centre Auditorium, 101 College Street Admission: Free with registration Health, Medical, and Fitness Apps Toronto Reference Library hosts a hands-on workshop this week focusing on health, fitness, and wellness apps.

Bring your own devices to download the apps or borrow one with your library card.

Date: Friday, October 21 Time: 1:00–2:00 pm Location: Toronto Reference Library, third floor Discussion Room, 789 Yonge Street Admission: Free with registration

Gunning’s research has earned him many awards, including the 2013 University of Toronto Inventor of the Year and U of T’s 2015 McLean Award, and he was listed on the Toronto Star’s “13 People to Watch in 2013.”

Gunning’s research in cancer therapeutics will also create conversation among other academic societies and universities. “The Centre for Medicinal Chemistry will be a locus for interactions of

Thanks to Gunning and his research team, new cancer cures could be made a reality. With Orlando Corporation’s donation and an earlier contribution of $5.9 million dollars from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund, Gunning can further his research on protein inhibitors and cancer therapeutics.

Voyager’s Odyssey: A small probe’s adventures into interstellar space The U of T Planetarium showcases two probes, Voyager 1 and 2, and their journey into interstellar space, the furthest that any artificial objects have travelled from Earth. Come find out what we have learned since their launch in 1977.

Date: Friday, October 21 Time: 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and 9:00 pm Location: Astronomy and Astrophysics Building, 50 St. George Street Admission: $6

Sports

October 17, 2016 var.st/sports sports@thevarsity.ca

Exercise can fight cancer Research shows that exercise can play a role in cancer prevention, slow tumour growth Stephanie Ntoukas Varsity Contributor

Twenty-three years ago, I underwent radiation therapy and surgery to treat my cancer.

At the time, physical therapy for rehabilitation purposes was not considered an option, neither during nor following treatment. For recent and current cancer patients, however, exercise is becoming a more common element in treatment regimens and rehabilitation plans.

Many people engage in regular exercise as a way of helping to prevent cancer. If the prevention of a first cancer is not an option, as was the case of my childhood diagnosis, then regular exercise can still improve prognosis or even prevent a reoccurrence of a second.

Research has demonstrated that during and after standardized treatment, exercise can decrease the chance of developing cancer.

Exercise has been proven to play a role in reducing the risk of breast, colon, prostate, lung, and endometrial cancers.

According to Dr. Daniel Santa Mina, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, “Exercise, as a therapeutic modality, has established itself in the scientific literature across a broad spectrum of clinical scenarios… Exercise in the post-cardiac injury and diabetes has somewhat paved the way for the examination of exercise in other chronic diseases, like cancer.”

Santa Mina, who has published a number of papers detailing the effects of exercise on chronic disease, adds, “With mounting evidence describing the benefit of exercise across a variety of cancers and treatment set-

tings, clinical care has shifted to adopt recommendations, if not comprehensive programming, for exercise.”

Exercise slows tumour growth, increases treatment effectiveness, and benefits prognosis, but Santa Mina feels there is still a need for more definitive trials within this branch of cancer research. An example of this type of research is a recent article in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which assessed tumour growth; delivery of blood to bodily tissues or ‘perfusion’; lack of oxygen or ‘hypoxia’; new blood vessel formation, known as ‘angiogenesis’; and cell death, known as ‘apoptosis’, in two groups of mice implanted with breast cancer cells that were randomly assigned to exercise or sedentary control groups. Quantitative results concluded that exercise significantly reduced tumour growth and hypoxia, and it was associated with an increase in apoptosis, microvessel density, and perfusion.

Furthermore, the efficacy of chemotherapy was evaluated when combined with exercise and shows prolonged growth delay compared to chemotherapy alone. The study suggests that exercise may play a role in cancer treatment when combined with conventional treatments in patients with solid tumours.

Incorporating exercise with conventional

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treatments into a patient’s treatment plan has been put into practice by facilities such as Wellspring’s Cancer Support Network. Kate Smith, program manager of the four GTA locations and exercise facilitator comments, “There is substantial evidence that exercise can improve physical abilities, balance, activities of daily living (ADLs) performance, self-esteem, and quality of life while decreas-

ing muscle atrophy, risk of osteoporosis or blood clots, anxiety, depression, treatment related side effects, and risk of recurrence.

The psychosocial support is also beneficial to patients; to interact with others who are going through a similar experience, they are able to discuss issues and support each other through this difficult time.”

While “research indicates a number of cancers, but not all, are significantly reduced among those with the highest volume of physical activity,” Smith emphasizes the importance of being cautious when beginning a new exercise regime.

“We suggest a supervised program like Wellspring’s Cancer Exercise program with health care professionals with expertise in oncological emergencies, side effects of treatment and who can make accommodations for this population.”

The role of exercise in preventative medicine and conventional cancer treatments has progressed greatly. Exercise as a therapeutic strategy to dramatically reduce incidences of cancer may have even more of an impact than what has already been discovered.

For the love of sport Does sex before sport affect your performance?

Kasi Sewraj Varsity Contributor

The longstanding myth that having sex before a big game or a competition could negatively affect performance has been passed around by coaches and players alike. But it is questionable whether there is any truth to this belief. A recent study by Laura Stefani and her colleagues at the School of Sports Medicine in Florence sheds some light on the subject.

The belief may have originated in ancient Greek and Roman times. At the time, the physicians’ recommended method of ensuring peak athletic performance was to find the perfect communion between the body and the spirit, which was thought to be obtained through sacrifice.

Refraining from sex was considered a sacrifice, and the increased sexual frustration was thought to increase aggression and cause an athlete to perform better on the field. Aretaeus of Cappadocia, a first century physician, wrote: “A man’s strength could be enhanced by retention of semen.”

The belief in refraining from sex before sport is far from universal. Some great athletes argue that sex before a competition is a good thing. The former UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey was quoted in an interview saying that sex for women “raises testosterone,” which allows for greater performance during a fight.

Bringing science into the ring, Stefani reviewed nine different sports medicine papers to reveal that there was an overall positive impact to having sex the night before a competition. In marathon running, it was observed to relieve competition stress, and in archery, it was shown to help improve concentration.

Contrary to Rousey’s comment, both men and women have increased testosterone during sexual intercourse, but those levels decrease afterwards. Both women and men typically see increases in estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol levels during sexual arousal, which is maintained throughout sex and takes a few hours to taper off post-coitus.

While there is no negative physiological effect of sex before sport, prolonged abstinence

Sex is no longer believed to affect athletic performance. LIANNE VIAU/CC FLICKR can actually promote the desire to focus more on sport, whereas indulgence can actually reduce that drive. Sex can, for some, reduce the level of alertness or anxiety during a performance. In general, sexual satisfaction is linked to a higher quality of life, whereas prolonged abstinence can lead to depression.

On average, sexual intercourse burns around 25 calories, so athletes shouldn’t be worried about wasting too much energy before a big game. Additionally, the type of sex that athletes have before games differs. Ath-

letes who compete in teams are more prone to pre-marital sex and more sexual partners than athletes who compete in individual sports.

The nature of the studies Stefani studied are a bit scattered. Although these general conclusions have been made, there is still more investigation that must be done in order to solidify findings on this topic. It would be safe to say that the ultimate answer comes down to the individual athlete.

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 21

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First transgender professional athlete makes his debut Harrison Browne laces up his skates to play for women’s hockey team Buffalo Beauts Isaac Consenstein Varsity Contributor

Last week, Harrison Browne became the first transgender player to compete in a professional sport in America.

The National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), which began in 2015, accepted him with open arms, as the Buffalo Beauts fans erupted in applause after his pregame introduction.

While Browne is the first transgender professional athlete, in the realm of amateur sport, Chris Mosier became the first transgender athlete to earn a spot on Team USA sprint duathlon team. He also became the first transgender athlete to pose nude in ESPN The Magazine Body Issue. However, Mosier wasn’t able to make it to the professional level because of restrictive rules that did not accommodate him as a transgender player.

In an interview with Vice, Browne referred to one of Mosier’s comments that really touched him: “He said that you don’t have to change who you are to play the sport you love. You can still be your authentic self and play the sport you love... He mentioned that you can’t play at your best when you’re thinking of other things.” Browne realized that “being called by the right name and gender pronoun is one stepping-stone to being the best player I can be.”

Throughout college and even in the pros, Browne noted widespread acceptance; he commented, “Overall my team was amazing.

My coaching staff was great, too.”

In the recent weeks, numerous articles and interviews have been released regarding Harrison Browne’s emergence in the NWHL. In almost every interview, Browne was confronted with the fact that he identifies as a man, but is not medically transitioned.

His opportunity to be recognized as a man and to play in the NWHL has allowed him

Harrison Browne from his YouTube broadcast “FTM, TRANS AND ESPN OHMY!” VIA HARRISON BROWNE/YOUTUBE

to further his hockey career. However league rules have halted his desire to medically transition, which he admitted is difficult in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.

“I haven’t started testosterone, I haven’t gotten surgeries… there’s no chance of me doing that or I would have been disqualified.”

This limitation lends insight into how sports leagues define gender. If Browne medically transitions, the NWHL will no longer accept him because professional sport identifies gender based on biological sex.

Browne hinted at his desire to go through with a medical transition in his video: “Maybe I could continue playing, obviously not in the same league that I’m playing, but it’s possible.”

As of now, professional sports leagues across the board seem to abide by the idea that biological makeup defines gender cat-

egories. The emergence of a professional transgender athlete forces the pro sports community to reconsider this — a topic that for many years has been avoided.

In order to help clear this up, Browne released a Youtube video, where he says: “I don’t have big muscles or my voice hasn’t dropped but that doesn’t make you any less of a man, and I’m here to show you that you can be a man without going through all those things.”

There is a wealth of trans people who do not make the medical transition for a variety of reasons, including the physical and emotional tax it takes on the body. For those who can’t medically transition, recognition of Browne’s ‘he’ pronoun by the NWHL can be an enormous source of inspiration.

Although the acknowledgment of his pronoun has shown trans people that his league,

teammates, and coaches can recognize him as a man, Browne still remains in the NWHL. The ease at which Browne has been able to play in college and the NWHL is a powerful example to the transgender community. He has shown many sports lovers and athletes that any person, regardless of gender, should feel comfortable accepting who they are and be able to continue doing what they love.

However, Browne describes remaining in “limbo as a transgender man on a woman’s team.” Moreover, he still has to struggle with his decision on whether to make the medical transition that he has expressed interest in, especially considering that, based on the current rules, it would mean the end of his participation in the NWHL.

Emotions can lie, numbers don’t The sabermetric revolution is not quite Copernicus, but sport will never be the same Sam Calderon Varsity Contributor

In the last decade, most professional sports have undergone a remodelling, with teams scrambling to change their strategies to accommodate new trends in statistical analysis. There haven’t necessarily been major rule changes, nor have there been any substantial changes to the venues or the equipment. Instead, the renaissance has been keyed by an unconventional process known as sabermetrics.

The term sabermetrics was coined by Bill James, a baseball writer and statistician. He defines sabermetrics as the “search for objective knowledge about baseball.” Sabermetrics, a form of advanced metrics, is not limited to just baseball. It can identify trends, make predictions, and determine the real value of players using advanced mathematics across a variety of sports.

Warren Kosoy, a reporter for Raptors Republic, writes that sabermetrics “challenges our perceptions which are often misguided from emotional bias.” Essentially, one can use sabermetrics to gauge a player’s value.

Sabermetrics became widely known thanks to the book and film adaptation of Moneyball written by Michael Lewis. Moneyball follows the Oakland Athletics’ front office and General Manager Billy Beane, as they use sabermetrics to evaluate their players, free agents, and potential draft picks, in order to determine their true value.

The Athletics, due to their minimal payroll, were forced to think differently in order to compete with teams in larger markets.

While conventional baseball wisdom favoured easily quantifiable statistics, such as hits and stolen bases, Beane found that using more complicated statistics, such as on-base percentage, could produce better overall value at a cheaper price.

Sabermetrics, page 22

ELHAM NUMAN/THE VARSITY

22 • THE VARSITY • SPORTS

sports@thevarsity.ca

Sabermetrics, from page 2 1 Sabermetrics is an unlikely marriage between mathematicians and jock culture. Advanced metrics created by statisticians have dominated pro franchise’s front offices, from the NBA’s Houston Rockets to the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes.

The Rockets’ approach, spearheaded by General Manager Daryl Morey, places the most value on three-point shots or shots near the rim.

The logic behind this decision is that the midrange jump-shot is statistically the most difficult shot that yields only two points. As a result, that part of the game has been eliminated from the Rockets strategy almost entirely.

This particular use of metrics is known around the league as ‘Moreyball.’

Sabermetrics don’t guarantee better results though. The Rockets have usually been among the NBA’s elite teams over the last few seasons, but they still struggled last season. However, the team’s approach to the game is emblematic of a change in NBA philosophy.

Since Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance in the 1960s, NBA teams have generally desired strong, back-to-the-basket players in order to win championships.

The school of thought at the time was that a team that relied on jump shots couldn’t win — jump-shooting teams were too inconsistent.

The problem with that outdated belief is the underestimation of how good

three-point shooters could be. The Golden State Warriors, arguably the best team of the last two years, have relied heavily on the jump-shooting prowess of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

They used a strategy that sacrificed their traditional big man Andrew Bogut for smaller player Draymond Green, who can provide increased versatility, and free agent superstar Kevin Durant — a lineup so effective it was nicknamed the ‘death lineup.’

Basically the Warriors are gambling that the defensive versatility of Green, Durant, and a host of other long, wingtype players will be enough to compensate for losing their prime rim defender of the last two seasons. Oddsmakers have faith: the Warriors are listed as 2–3 favourites to win the 2017 NBA championship.

Traditionalists may not like advanced metrics, but they appear to be here to stay. Old school techniques, which rely on eye tests and basic measurements, are too subjective.

While sabermetrics began as a baseball phenomenon, it quickly spread, revolutionizing sporting philosophy wherever it went. As the numbers get more complicated, it will be fascinating to see what advanced metrics can come up with next.

Notice of Referendum The University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) is seeking consent from its members on the St George Campus for the establishment of the UTSU Dedicated Clubs, Events, and Services Fee. Each member of the UTSU would pay $3.75 sessionally (including the Summer session), beginning in Fall 2017. The collection of this fee would continue for five years (until Spring 2022), after which, a referendum will be required for continuation.

The UTSU would be required to spend all of the collected fees exclusively on 1) funding for student clubs, 2) events held for students, and 3) services provided directly to students. The UTSU would not be permitted to spend any of the collected fees on salaries or executive honoraria.

YES ( ) I am in favour of the establishment of the UTSU Dedicated Clubs, Events, and Services Fee as described in the preamble.

NO ( ) I am not in favour of the establishment of the UTSU Dedicated, Clubs, Events, and Services Fee as described in the preamble.

ABSTAIN ( ) Other Information: Voting Days: October 18, 12:00am - October 20, 6:30pm Vote online: from anywhere by visiting utsu.simplyvoting.com

Campaigning Period: In Person: October 10, 9:00am - October 17, 11:59pm Online: October 10, 9:00am - October 20, 6:30pm

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 23

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Laurier takes the annual Turkey Bowl. NATHAN CHAN/THE VARSITY Sam Calderone Varsity Contributor

It was a perfect night for football. The air was crisp — as the darkness set in, the lights came on. The only problem? The crowd.

Maybe the decidedly pro-Laurier crowd was due to students leaving early for the Thanksgiving break. Maybe the crowd seemed more supportive of Laurier because Varsity Blues fans didn’t have much to cheer for in a humbling 54–3 loss. Regardless, in

the Blues’ sole night game of the season, the fans simply didn’t show up.

While the Blues have not posted a winning season once in the last 10 years, there isn’t any real reason why fans shouldn’t show up in droves for a night game. If you’re a student, and you’re looking for a fun, free, and safe thing to do on a Thursday night, I can’t think of a better option than a Blues football game.

Even if the sport isn’t your thing, there are many other incentives to draw you to the Varsity Centre. There are plenty of give-

aways of free merchandise. The cheerleading team and dance squad work hard to keep the attendees entertained, even in the throes of a blowout. There is the element of school pride. There is the fact that it’s located on campus within walking distance of plenty of bars.

The Varsity Blues have only one nightgame per season. This game has varied in dates: this year it was on a Thursday.

Although most games are played during the day on Saturday, the Blues have rarely played on Saturday nights.

Perhaps the games would see a rise in attendance if more games would be played on Saturday nights. After all, the inconsistency of the night game’s date is confusing; if students could reliably know that the night game would be on a Saturday night, maybe that would help. Furthermore, if the Blues scheduled a team easier than the top ranked Laurier Golden Hawks, maybe the game wouldn’t be such a lopsided affair.

There weren’t very many positives for the Blues on Thursday night. The Blues had 5 turnovers, the offensive line struggled to get any kind of push, and Laurier quarterback Michael Knevel absolutely carved up the Blues’ defence to the tune of 274 yards and three touchdowns on 19 passing attempts.

But the atmosphere felt right. The weather was cool. Pump-up music blasted through the speakers. The cheerleading squad flipped and tossed and performed gymnastics. These nights have potential. Even if you don’t like football, or any sport at all, you could still have fun at the Varsity Centre for a night game.

So You Think You Know Sports?

Kabaddi: where tackling meets tag Arman Gill Varsity Contributor

The world of sport is far more diverse than what you see offered at sports bars. This series will profile the lesser-known, the more interesting, and the downright peculiar sports that you haven’t heard of until now.

One of the greatest things about sports is their ability to showcase athletes’ physical capabilities. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping hit, an undressing juke, or a play executed with masterful precision, these displays of skill and talent captivate us. Against a simplistic backdrop and without any equipment, Kabaddi is a perfect example of a sport that displays athletes’ raw physicality.

Kabaddi is an ancient Indian sport that has remained a popular pastime in South Asia and holds a place within the culture. Kabaddi has only recently migrated out of the local region and gained notoriety on a worldwide scale.

The rules of the game are simple. Each team occupies one side of a court and they take turns sending one ‘raider’ at a time into the opposing team’s side of the court. Raiders earn points for their team by crossing the mid-court line, tagging an opponent and returning to their respective side without getting hit. But if the raider gets tackled before he can make it back, the point is rewarded to the tackling team.

The beauty of the sport lies in its simplicity. No additional equipment is needed, just

two teams and a playing field. It is reminiscent of childhood games like tag or red rover but with the athleticism and talent typical of a professional sport. Strength, speed, and agility take priority over top of the line gear.

The players and how they move are the sport’s sole focus.

There have been two previous Kabaddi World Cups, one in 2004 and one in 2007.

And as of October 7, the third such contest

is now underway in Ahmedabad with 12 nations competing for the title. A professional league, the Pro Kabaddi League, was formed in India in 2014 and has since provoked increased interest in the sport.

If you want to watch Kabaddi, World Cup games are available on YouTube. Or, you may be able to find local tournaments and watch as contestants juke, tackle, and attempt to score points.

round

wn To

If there’s no one there to watch, do the Blues still lose?

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Sport

U of T doesn’t seem to care about football

Come Back League Starting this week, the Come Back League is a U of T based year-long initiative that provides opportunities for female students to become involved in women-only sports. Visit tinyurl.com/ comebackleague to register and find out more.

Date: October 17, 2016 to April 7, 2017 Varying events U of T men’s ice hockey Cheer on the Varsity Blues as they face off against the Lakehead University Thunderwolves in this frosty affair.

Date: October 21 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Varsity Arena Cost: Free Soccer Day in Scarborough Hosted by the Scarborough College Athletics Association, this jam-packed day of soccer will feature four different games, with snacks, warm drinks, and a BBQ provided. Be sure to check out the UTSC Cheerleaders in action!

Date: October 23 Location: UTSC Valley Time: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm Cost: Free Men’s Maroons vs. Skule Time: 11:00 am Men’s D-League Time: 1:00 pm Women’s D-League Time: 1:00 pm Alumni team Time: 3:00 pm Drop-in volleyball There is no better way to spend your Friday night than serving, volleying, and spiking a ball over a net. Until October 31, the Athletic Centre and Goldring Centre will be holding dropin volleyball games at a variety of times throughout the week; check out physical.utoronto.ca for full details.

Date: October 21 Time: 6:10–10:50 pm Location: Athletic Centre Cost: Free MoveU Chopped Up: Money Smart Edition This round of Chopped Up focuses on ‘money smart’ meals for students, as MoveU and Nutritional Health present a hands-on team cook off competition for UTSC students. Search ‘chopped up’ to register on Intranet by October 18.

Date: October 25 Time: 5:00–7:00 pm Location: Residence Centre, UTSC Cost: Free

Korea in international Kabaddi action. PAUL B/CC FLICKR

OCTOBER 17, 2016 • 24

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Varsity Publications

Board of Directors By-Election: Notice of Elections

Who can vote?

Any full-time U of T undergraduate who pays the Varsity Publications levy.

Elections information: Eligible students can vote for a candidate online at voting.utoronto.ca beginning on October 31 until November 2, 2016.

Candidates: UTM Director, one (1) seat — Christina Kefalas — Cassy Latchman General Director, two (2) seats — Mohamed Hammad — Aidan Harold

Voting period:

October 31 to November 2, 2016

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY, TRINITY COLLEGE

41st ANNUAL BOOK SALE October 20 - 24, 2016 www.trinity.utoronto.ca/booksale

Thurs. Oct. 20: 12 PM - 9 PM $5 admission for opening day only

Fri. Oct. 21: 10 AM - 9 PM free

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Sun. Oct. 23: 12 PM - 8 PM free

Mon. Oct. 24: 10 AM - 8 PM free 416-978-6750

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Varsity Publications is the not-for-profit corporation that publishes The Varsity newspaper. There are two (2) vacancies for general director seats and one (1) vacancy for the UTM director seat on the Corporation’s Board of Directors. A by-election to fill the vacant seats will be held online from October 31 to November 2, 2016.