UCO's The Vista, Feb. 27, 2024

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In

wake of Owasso death, senator refers to LGBTQ community as ‘Filth in Oklahoma’

Matilda Harvey Copy Editor

State Senator Tom Woods, R-Westville, of District 4 is making national headlines for comments about the LGBTQ community.

“We are a Republican state – supermajority – in the House and Senate. I represent a constituency that doesn’t want that filth in Oklahoma,” Woods said at an event in Tahlequah after commenting on the death of 16-year-old nonbinary Owasso student Nex Benedict. Woods co-authored SB129, which has not progressed past introduction, in March 2023. SB129 would prohibit the use of public funds for gender transition.

State Representative Mark Vancuren, who represents Owasso, voted in 2023 to pass SB613, which banned gender affirming healthcare for minors. Vancuren did not respond to a request for comment.

Oklahoma has the highest number of anti-LGBTQ bills currently introduced or advancing in legislation at 54, according to the ACLU. The vast majority of these bills are focused on healthcare and schools.

Movement Advancement

Project, a nonprofit organization out of Colorado that gathers data regarding anti-LGBTQ legislation, ranks Oklahoma as the fifth worst state for LGBTQ protections or legislation.

Oklahoma hate crime legislation includes protections for “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability.” Gender identity, sexual identity, and sexual orientation are not protected identities under Oklahoma law.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2023-20 Aug. 1, 2023. EO 2023-20 declares official definitions of female, male, woman, girl, man, boy, and sex. EO 2023-20 defines sex as one’s biological sex at birth, thus prohibiting the use of non-binary gender markers on drivers licenses, as well as prohibiting an individual from changing the sex marker on their drivers license.

Conversion therapy, a discredited practice of “converting” LGBTQ people to cisgender and heterosexual, is banned in 22 states and Washington, D.C., but is not banned in the state of Oklahoma. One city, Norman, partially banned conversion therapy for minors through a city ordinance in 2021.

Theater students attend UCOSA to support anti-Buss resolution

Students from the UCO Theatre Arts Department came out in support for legislation CR24-201 on Feb. 12 and Feb. 19, standing in solidarity with alleged victims of Professor Kato Buss’ alleged sexual harassment.

There were 25 students present on Feb. 12 when the legislation was first introduced and submitted to the Academic Affairs Committee, and 19 students sat in for the fourth meeting on Feb. 19, when UCOSA voted on the legislation.

“During my time in this university and UCOSA, I’ve never seen so many students come out and support a piece of legislation,” said Chair of Congress Izzy Barry.

Several students from the Theatre Arts Department who sat in the meetings commented on the importance of the legislation for the entire department and the greater UCO community.

how unsafe his class felt because Buss was there.

Buss currently teaches classes online, most of which are freshman and introduction classes, such as Beginning Acting and Introduction to Theatre.

“Incoming freshmen may not know about his situation going into the program. even if they are theater majors,” said Bailey Carpenter. “The senior class right now were freshmen when this happened. We’re worried that this would get swept under the rug.”

“I can speak to my own experience and of many others that there was an air around that this was not a safe place to be,” said Cole Shoemaker, who was a freshman in 2021 when this was an ongoing issue. He remembered a number of people who did not attend UCO due to the bad press the university received following the six Title IX complaints filed against Buss in May 2021, and

“This affects students with him still being able to teach classes online due to the fact a lot of students enrolling to his online courses are non-majors, so they are unaware of his situation at all,” said Rainey Denison. “He also offers office hours and that is an unsafe scenario given the circumstances around this situation.”

CR24-201 was passed by UCOSA Congress with a unanimous vote, the results of which will be distributed to the offices of President Todd Lamb and Charleen Weidell, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design.

“It doesn’t only affect our safety but also our education because he’s still hired on as faculty,” Carpenter said. “It affects the professors that we now have and they have to take on jobs that they shouldn’t have to, which affects our classes. Some of our classes aren’t taught effectively or some don’t even happen.”

TEDxUCO Page 4

Titus Leong Contributing Writer

Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed legislation targeting transgender rights as well as the nation’s strictest abortion ban. (SUE OGROCKI/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

UCO Theatre Arts students show support. (TITUS LEONG/THE VISTA)

Rep. Mark Vancuren’s office is room 243 in the Oklahoma Capitol. Vancuren voted against gender-affirming care. (OFFICIAL/PROVIDED)

Sen. Tom Woods’ office is room 529.2 in the Oklahoma Capitol. Woods said the LGBT community was “filth.” (OFFICIAL/PROVIDED)

Hundreds of people hold candles aloft at a vigil at Point A Gallery on 39th Street for Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teen who died Feb 8. (NATE BILLINGS/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Weekly Horoscope

An old way of thinking is kicked to the curb as you realize there’s something better for you. As March swings in and the Moon waxes, lucky days begin to stack up. Your season is coming, Aries. We’re almost there! Your song is “Goodnight Moon” by Shivaree.

A Mars-Jupiter square means old patterns release again. Embracing your power means that the next chapter will be even more bright. A sextile on Leap Day means that your plans are on the right track now. Your song is “Wasted Summers” by juju<3.

May

As next week starts, you’ll get a boost of intellectual energy so you’re ready to solve any problem that comes your way. This week you have the opportunity to find a balance between drifting with the flow and holding fast. Your song is “Circles” by The Snuts.

This week’s challenge is to see through to the other side of the mist. Stay grounded and focused even as uncertain energy shifts your way. The upside is that a magical energy surrounds the last few days of February. Your song is “Pastels” by My Kid Brother.

VIR GO

August 23- September 22

We are halfway through Pisces season and the challenge is to stay grounded in your spark. Your creative energy is about to receive a boost as we wind towards March. Make sure to take time before responding if something hits you the wrong way. Your song is the Nouvelle Vague and Alonya cover of “You Spin Me Round.”

LIBR A September 23-October 2 2

Your people-centered nature works with the push-pull energy of this week. You are good at going with the flow, just make sure your decisions are in alignment with your intuition. This week could throw a curveball, but you’ll be ready. Your song is “Sanctuary” by Super City.

The aftermath of the Full Moon and solar flare particularly focuses on you, adding a focus towards embodying your higher self. A few monkey wrenches could fly your way this week, but a boost of Mercurian energy gives you all the tools you need. Your song is “Eyes Wide Shut” by Alfie Templeman.

A bright start to March is here with lucky days, introspection, and the opportunity to drop an unhelpful thought pattern. You may have the opportunity to be someone’s lighthouse this week. Your song is “So I Go” by Feed The Biirds.

Emphasis flows to the home and family this week as planets in Pisces take a spin. Staying grounded like a rock in a storm is your vibe this week. Surprises lay ahead! Your song is “Elevate” by Public Theatre.

Week of 2/26/24 - 3/3/24

January

The emphasis is on transformation yet again, sweet Aquarius. Making the world a better place starts with you. Staying grounded leads to great success. Your song is “Fences” by Magic Bronson.

The opportunities for growth are plenty now as the Full Moon dropped some character development on you last week. Lucky days grace the beginning of March. Your song is “1000” by Your Neighbors.

Don’t get lost in your thoughts this week. A Sun-Mercury conjunction means that the challenge is to stay grounded. This will lead to your hard work paying off as an exciting surprise swings towards you. Your song is “Queen Cobra” by The Orphan The Poet.

Sam

Purple flyers everywhere: Students share their thoughts on the Fizz app

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

You may have seen hundreds of purple flyers in the parking lots on campus, or even a goose chewing on one the past two weeks. Advertisements for Fizz, an anonymous social media app, have been growing on campus after being marketed towards students earlier this month.

The app was created by Stanford students in 2020, but has just started receiving attention here for starting drama. Like Fizz, the campus has had another unofficial, anonymous social media in recent years,Yik Yak. “Not everyone is rude, but anonymous apps I guess enable people to say rude things without having to take the consequences and responsibility,” student Jack Woodward said. “It’s a little shallow.”

“It’s giving high school in a way that I don’t think is productive or helpful for anyone. There are more appropriate means to go about communicating information,” University of Central Oklahoma Student Association Chair of Congress Izzi Barry said. “I did not feel that the whole ‘Post on my story advertising Fizz for $15’ felt very safe or secure. There were flyers all over the place.

That’s litter, which creates work for other people and students.”

On the contrary, student Noah Dobson said, “I don’t think too many people are taking it seriously. More people just think it’s funny and I personally think it’s hilarious.”

“It has potential for good and bad. It’s a good app because you should be able to tell others about [experiences with people on campus] before you get to know them, but at the same time, people should find out about others on their own,” Ari Maloi said.

The app has not only been used to spread drama. In one post, an anonymous user said “Just a

reminder, there are literally free clothes in Thatcher Hall 106 please take them at this point we need all the donations we can get.” However, lying defeats the purpose of using the app to spread helpful campus information. The truth is harder to verify and rumors are harder to trace.

The legality of whether or not Fizz can market towards students and have them advertise on campus is unclear. Despite being unverified by the university, Fizz is yet to be in any trouble. Local laws and individual campus rules create a wide variety of possible consequences for the app here on campus in the future.

Rural access expands to broadband internet; changes lives

Abbi Avers

Contributing Writer

Rural Oklahomans are closer to receiving highspeed internet after the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board authorized broadband infrastructure expansion projects to take place in 57 counties.

Almost 85 percent of Oklahomans currently have access to broadband services, but with the new $374 million in grant funds, more than 55,000 Oklahoma homes and businesses will soon add to that percentage. The Oklahoma Broadband Director of Communications & Media Relations Tim Allen says, “The state government has never awarded any grants for expanding high speed internet. This is a huge milestone for Oklahoma.”

For rural Oklahoma residents like Kayla Miller, a realtor located in a remote town, access to reliable broadband internet had long been a distant dream. “In the past, slow internet speeds and frequent outages were the norm,” Miller recounted. “Running my real estate business online was consistently challenging and I often felt like I was operating at a disadvantage compared to realtors in more urban areas.”

With the recent expansion announcement, residents are ready to experience this new online era. “This is a game-changer for us,” remarked Miller. “Having fast, reliable internet opens up a world of opportunities for businesses like mine and I’m very excited for the opportunities that broadband will bring to my children’s

STAFF

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

education.

Miller isn’t alone in her opinions, with many residents across rural Oklahoma ready for the expansion to come their way. Beyond the convenience of streaming entertainment or browsing social media, broadband expansion represents a lifeline to essential services and opportunities previously out of reach, more specifically in the area of education.

Bailey Ramsey, a current college student, shared her experience of living in a rural area

with limited internet access. Reflecting on her high school years, Bailey described the challenges she faced due to the lack of reliable broadband options.

“When I was in high school, I lived in the middle of nowhere, a couple of miles down a dirt road,” Ramsey said. “The only options for internet were very expensive for extremely slow speeds.”

Ramsey went on to explain the impact of inadequate internet access when the COVID-19 pandemic forced her schoolwork to transition to virtual platforms. “When COVID-19 hit and my schoolwork turned virtual, it was not only a struggle for me, but for my whole community as well,” she said. With her town consisting of approximately 600 people, Ramsey highlighted the difficulty of obtaining broadband access in rural areas. “My town has about 600 people in it so we weren’t really the priority for Broadband,” she explained. Ramsey emphasized the challenges of adapting to the new normal of virtual learning without reliable internet access. “It was really hard to adapt to our new norm,” she concluded.

Regarding the affordability aspect of broadband access, Tim Allen has an answer for those concerned about financial barriers. “Fortunately, there are grant requirements and among those are that affordable plans would be offered to the costumers, this really is a historic moment for Oklahoma.”

State leaders are confident that 95 percent of Oklahomans will have access to high-speed internet by 2028.

UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903

Jake Ramsey Managing Editor

Taylor Horner Photo Editor

Matilda Harvey Copy Editor

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

Zak Royka Reporter

Britton Summers Reporter

Victor Lopez Photographer

Troy Isbell Photographer

Ethan Brown Photographer

Tess Peters Graphic Designer

George Lang Adviser

VISTA 2022-23 layout design by Kevin Davis

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EDITORIALS

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

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GABE PEREZ SPRING: “I seen one of the gooses chewing on one earlier.” In reference to the flyers littering the campus.

NOAH DOBSON: “Its kind of in the air right now since it’s a brand new thing.”

JACK WOODWARD: “Peope could say some pretty ugly stuff.”

UCOSA CHAIR OF CONGRESS IZZI BARRY: “There are definitely way more appriate means to go about communicating that information.”

HEATHER SCHLICHER: “For the most part I don’t think it’s anything bad I think its something we can all just share what everyone’s thinking.”

Oklahomans who have previously only been able to access the internet through slower resources are now upgrading into the digital age. (SAM ROYKA/THE VISTA)

TEDxUCO: inspiration, political deepfakes and love-struck jazz

Sam Royka

Editor-In-Chief

Todd Barnes wants you to be delusional. This is what he told the crowd gathered on Feb. 22 for TEDxUCO in Constitution Hall.

TEDxUCO is an annual student-run event that holds inspiring speeches to encourage critical thinking. The first two speakers offered their perspectives on how to expand consciousness with this year’s theme, “Think Beyond.”

Barnes’ early career as a high school football player came to an abrupt stop when he injured his neck on the field in 1992.

“A teammate hits me head on.

And I’m laying there on the ground. I was knocked out, I was knocked unconscious. I can hear him yelling still, to this day, ‘Don’t touch him. Don’t touch him.’ I realize the coaches and teammates are scared,” he said.

On the hospital bed, Barnes tried to stand, and the surgeon came back to tell him not to move, saying that they would tape him down if they had to, and this was crucial. To stand at that point would risk his life.

Unsure if he would ever hit the field again, Barnes was stuck at home to heal. His friend brought him a one-pound weight while

he was laid in bed at his parents’ house, unable to move much at all. He wasn’t asking him to get better overnight, just to be a little better than he was the day before.

This mindset, Barnes emphasized, is how he became a walk-on for the OU Sooners. This mindset is what changed everything. To make progress, first you have to dream.

“If we’re going to be dreaming, and we’re going to go beyond, we’ve got to be resilient with that delusional effort. Because that effort was going to come into play,” Barnes said. It was because he tried, however delusional, that the opportunities found him.

Another session hosted by tech speaker Ashley Coffee covered the dangers of AI during an election cycle, and how voters can identify deep fakes. She emphasized that AI has trouble with patterns. Though these generated images and videos can often be scarily realistic, the clues are in the little things, she said.

Check the hands, she said. AI often has trouble with hands and fingers.

Additionally, text can be a huge clue. What seem like functional letters from far away can sometimes be gibberish up close.

If all else fails, Coffee said she always cross-references her sources. If

a headline or image is only available in one place, that could be a sign that the information is fake.

Coffee recommended digital literacy education.

“There are a lot of organizations and institutions out there that provide free resources and online education to help you understand how to be an informed consumer of digital information. But more importantly, it is a responsibility for us to take time out of our daily lives to understand digital literacy, whether that’s 30 minutes a day, 30 minutes a month, we must start setting time aside to understand how technology is impacting our lives, especially in the age of artificial intelligence,”

Coffee said.

At the end of this session was a surprise.

UCO’s reputation as a jazz college precedes the TEDxUCO events, so it was only natural when the sessions broke to a live jazz performance. Nick Cockerill, a senior majoring in instrumental music education, was on piano. John Torres, a junior majoring in kinesiology, was on the saxophone. The pair delighted the crowd with rising brass tones accompanied by dark and wandering piano notes that wound together to tell a unique kind of love story. The musical experience capped the morning session.

‘Orfeo Ed Euridice’ is an operatic portrayal of romantic Greek tragedy

Matilda Harvey Copy Editor

The UCO School of Music will be performing three shows of the Italian opera, “Orfeo Ed Euridice” from March 1 to March 3.

“Orfeo ed Euridice,” an operatic adaptation of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, dates back to 1762 and was originally created by Christoph Gluck with an Italian libretto by Ranieri de’ Calzabigi. It was highly influential in the world of opera in the eighteenth century and continues to be an important part of theater.

“The beginning of any foreign language show, one of the first things we’re supposed to do is go through all of the text and make sure we know what it means,” said Rob Glaubitz, director of the School of Music. He also said that Italian language and diction is a core part of the training for all vocal performance students. While the opera has a history with varying vocal types in the male lead, Glaubitz says that the UCO production has two casts, both utilizing a female mezzo soprano for the role of Orfeo. The role of Amore, the god of love, has been altered for this production to add the personality of Hades in traditional Greek mythology. Amore is portrayed by

“Orfeo ed Euridice” puts a large emphasis on dance as a part of the storytelling. For this production, the choreography was done by Alexander Oliveri and Tina Campbell, two dance professors at UCO. The show is traditionally choreographed in ballet, but Oliveri and Campbell have opted to change that.

“[Our show] has a lot more modern dance influence, which makes it really cool because you can kind of depict those Furies and Underworld creatures in a different way than if it was just straight up classical ballet,” said Glaubitz.

Opera may seem inaccessible to most students, as it has a reputation for being exclusive. Glaubitz says that’s not true of opera at UCO. There are supertitles projected above the stage during the show so the audience can follow along in English, bypassing the issue of the show being in Italian. Additionally, Glaubitz says there’s no difference between attending the opera, the ballet, or Lyric Theatre.

“We just want people to come and enjoy the show and that’s the most important thing. Doesn’t matter what they look like, what they were, who they are,” Glaubitz said.

“Orfeo ed Euridice” will be shown at Mitchell Hall Theatre on the main campus of UCO. There will be shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, and a show at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Tickets range from $10-$20 and are free for students with a valid UCO ID.

a tenor male student in one cast and a soprano female student in the other.

“Orfeo Ed Euridice’” poster (PROVIDED/SCHOOL OF MUSIC)

Coffee describes how you can protect yourself from misinformation and artifical intelligience deepfakes at TEDxUCO. (TAYLOR HORNER/THE VISTA)

In this AI-generated image actually used by a GOP pollster, you might want to look a little closer. In the second image, the voter on the right has three hands. (PROVIDED)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Feb. 22

UCO - 56

Rogers State - 54

Casey Young carried the day with 14 points to set up Alexis Martin for the game winning free throws with one second left and boost UCO to their seventh win of the year. Now 7-18, the Lady ‘Chos look to finish strong.

Feb. 24

UCO - 57

NSU -73

Karly Wadsworth’s 15 points were not enough to carry Central over the Riverhawks, as the team struggled, shooting less than 40 percent from the field. They now fall to 7-19 on the year.

TENNIS

Feb. 24

UCO - 4

UT Tyler - 1

Feb.25

UCO - 4

#14 St. Mary’s - 3

Across both matches, UCO played stellar in their non-conference showing over the weekend. Now 3-2 as a team on the year, the Lady ‘Chos are starting to capture some attention outside of Edmond as they vie for a great 2024.

OKC THUNDER

Feb. 22

LA Clippers - 107

Thunder -129

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 31 as the Thunder held every Clippers player to 20 points or less in the 22-point routing Thursday night. They now climb to 38-17 after the All-Star Break.

Feb. 23 Washington Wizards106

Thunder -147

SGA led the way with 30 points and Chet Holmgren followed up with a strong 25 points of his own as the Thunder routed the Wizards by 41 points, moving them to 39-17.

Feb. 25

Thunder - 123

Houston Rockets - 110

SGA, Holmgren, and Jalen Williams combined for a staggering 87 points as the stars showed out to get the Thunder their 40th win of the season. Now set to make a push for the number one seed in the west, the young team is galvanizing down the stretch.

Broncho baseball holds its own against No. 3 Central Missouri

Bradie Gray Sports Editor

Following a scorching-hot 11-0 start to the season, No. 9 UCO baseball experienced its first true test of the season over the weekend at No. 3 Central Missouri. In the first game Friday, UCM showed why they are one of the true national favorites. The Mules had their way with UCO, exploding for eight runs by the start of the fifth. In that inning, UCO finally got on the board with a home run by

Orlando Gonzales cutting the deficit to 8-1. However, in the same inning, Central Missouri really opened it up, scoring four more runs themselves and flexing a 12-1 lead. After three more UCM runs in the sixth, the Bronchos hit another homer in the seventh, this time from Cameron Uselton. Central Missouri had four home runs in the contest, winning convincingly 15-2 and handing the Bronchos their first loss of the 2024 season.

In game two Saturday, things finally got interest-

ing. UCO’s Ty Hammack scored on a sacrifice fly ball in the first to open the game 1-0. UCM quickly answered in the second by taking the lead back, 2-1. After a scoreless third and fourth, the ‘Chos lit up the fifth with three runs batted around, retaking a 4-2 advantage. The Mules got one run back in the sixth that the Bronchos recouped the next inning making the score 5-3, but Central Missouri took control in the bottom of the seventh by scoring three more runs that would prove to be the

difference in the game. UCO could not make up the one-run difference, making the final 6-5 UCM and dropping the Bronchos to 11-2 on the year.

In the third and final game Sunday afternoon, UCO finally got going like normal. After three innings, the ‘Chos led 4-0 behind several sacrifice hits. Following an RBI triple in the fourth by Kaleb Glass that he would score on due to a Mules error, UCO led 6-0. The Bronchos poured it on in the fifth, scoring five runs behind home runs by both Uselton and Hammack, making it now an 11-0 lead. UCO would score one more run in the seventh before UCM would finally score in the bottom of the inning with three runs. Five more Broncho runs in the eighth made the final four runs by UCM in the same inning feel marginal, leading to the eighth-inning run-rule by UCO. With a final score of 17-7, Central Oklahoma enacted a bit of revenge against the number three team in the nation, capping off the 1-2 weekend and moving to 12-2 on the season.

Vallerie makes UCO history at MIAA championships

Bradie Gray Sports Editor

UCO freshman Treasure Vallerie set two individual school records and helped set a third at the MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships over the weekend.

In a meet that saw UCO finish in a modest ninth place as a team, one young Lady Broncho runner had a career day. Freshman Treasure Vallerie carved out her own place in UCO history in the 400-meter and 200-meter races, breaking both school records on the same weekend.

In the 400-meter race, Vallerie finished with a time of 55.40 seconds, narrowly beating the UCO record by 0.45 seconds. This was good enough for a third place finish at the meet. Then in the 200-meter, she ran a

24.04 second race, breaking her own record from earlier in this winter. This was also good enough for a third place podium finish, netting UCO a huge piece of their overall team points. Later on in the meet, Vallerie was a part of the UCO 4x400-meter team that also broke the school record. Alongside UCO’s Sai Brookins-Fleming, Jakayla Swanson, and Deriayah Lee, the team ran a time of 3:51.87, almost seven seconds faster than the 2012 UCO record. The time would be good enough for seventy place overall at the meet.

Between these performances, a second place finish by Kelsey Drape in the long jump, and a sixth place finish by Dahsauni Lyday in the shot put, UCO finished with 25 team points and a ninth place team finish. With wrapping up the indoor track season, the team now sets their eyes on the outdoor schedule, starting March 15.

Broncho Basketball goes 1-1 in two road trip nail biters

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

The 19-9 University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team went 1-1 last week, ending with a clutch win against Northeastern State University.

The Bronchos bounced back after losing 99-102 in a double overtime thriller Thursday, against the Rogers State Hillcats.

Against 14-10 Rogers State University, guard Jaylin Turner and forward Caiden Punt started off scorching hot with a quick nine points and 13 points respectively, with both shooting over 80%. On the other hand, star guard Jaden Wells was having an off night with only five points on 20% shooting in the first half. It wouldn’t last for long though as Wells scored 33 points in the second half alone, and finished with 38 on the night.

Despite the loss against the Hillcats, UCO made more field goals than RSU and shot a better percentage from the field. However, UCO fouls leading to RSU free throws helped the Hillcats hang on throughout the game and eventually defeat the Bronchos.

UCO defeated NSU 74-68 on Saturday. Fueled by a clutch Jalyn Turner three, the Bronchos were final-

ly able to pull away with the lead on the RiverHawks in Tahlequah.

Jaden Wells put up a game-high 26 points with scoring support from Luke Haasl with 18 and Danquez Dawsey with 17. Aside from those three players, no other Bronchos

First baseman Paul Kropf helps hold off Central Missouri. (CENTRAL SPORTS/PROVIDED)

UCO’s Treasure Vallerie took the lead in three new school records. (CENTRAL SPORTS/PROVIDED) Luguentz Dort (ERIC CHRIS-

made more than one field goal, as they managed to scrape by.

The Bronchos face another huge test against the 22-4 Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Thursday, February 29 in Hamilton Field House at 7:30 p.m. Before the MIAA Championship or the NCAA Division II playoffs, the ‘Chos will play the 8-18 Newman University Jets in their last game of the season.

No. 3 Danquez Dawsey keeps Northeastern State at arm’s length. (CENTRAL SPORTS/ PROVIDED)

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024

Men and women take Washburn in basketball blowout

UCO Basketball Scores

Men

Feb. 17: UCO vs Washburn, Win, 79-69

Feb. 22: UCO vs Rogers State, Loss, 99-102

Feb. 24: UCO vs Northeastern State, Win, 74-68

Women

Feb. 17: UCO vs Washburn, Win, 82-68

Feb. 22: UCO vs Rogers State, Win, 56-54

Feb. 24: UCO vs Northeastern State, Loss, 57-73

Broncho organizations get rhythm for Cheer and Dance

Perla Tovar

Contributing Writer

UCO organizations have staged Cheer and Dance since 1996 and it soon become one of UCO’s biggest traditions. This year, Cheer and Dance celebrates the 28th year of this event at 8 p.m. March 8 in Hamilton Fieldhouse. This is when Greek Life, Leadership Central, and other student organizations on campus come together to create three-minute routines to showcase the university and community.

“Cheer and dance is one of the biggest events during the spring for UCO. The best way for faculty and students to engage is by inviting your organization, friends, and family to come out to fill the gym.” said Nik Nelson, director of recruitment.

This year’s competition will be judged on cheer, dance, stunting, overall im-

pression and entertainment. Teams will be split into two groups: small, with six teams of 19 or fewer members, and large groups with five teams of 20 or more. In previous years, judges were selected based on their backgrounds in dance or cheer.

In addition, the executive board chose a different approach by refraining from imposing a specific theme for the competition — teams now pick a theme on their own to follow. Participants can practice up to 12- 15 hours per week, often scheduling late-night sessions on weekdays. Many participate without prior experience in cheer or dance, but that’s part of the enjoyment of the event.

Over the past few months, the executive board has dedicated significant effort to prioritizing participant safety, preventing injuries, and ensuring an enjoyable experience for all involved.

“Cheer and Dance isn’t just a fun night for students to unwind and seek relief from the hustle of the spring semester; it’s also an opportunity for collaboration with Bronchotron,” said Blair

Majors, director of Cheer and Dance. “ A portion of the proceeds generated during Cheer and Dance will contribute to supporting the Children’s Health Foundation.”

Washburn guard Zaid Dajani, left, defends UCO guard Danquez Dawsey during the Feb. 17 win for the Bronchos. (BRAYDEN BIGHEART/THE VISTA)

UCO guard Jaden Wells attempts a lay up during the Bronchos game against Washburn at Hamilton Field House, Saturday afternoon. UCO beat Washburn 79-69. (WANDERLEY VILLALOBO/ THE VISTA)

Bronchos guard Gracee Miller (13) protects the ball against Washburn guard Aubree Dewey (3) during the first half of the basketball game between Bronchos and Washburn on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Hamilton Field House, Edmond. (QUYNH NGUYEN/THE VISTA)

Head men’s basketball coach Bob Hoffman argues with a referee at the Feb. 17 win for the Bronchos. (BRAYDEN BIGHEART/THE VISTA)

Cheer and Dance is a chance for UCO groups to dance like everyone is watching. (CHEER AND DANCE/PROVIDED)

Black History Month

Shanice Hopkins Contributing Writer

celebration began with honoring Douglass and Lincoln

It is a question often asked every February: why is Black History Month designated for the shortest month of the year? The answer is not found in its short length, but its meaningful origins.

Black History Month, observed each February, is not just the celebration of African American success and history in America; it is evidence of recognition and progress.

“Black History Month is a reminder of the influence our race has. It reminds me of the impact of the roots we have and where we are headed,” said UCO student Sheradon Jenkins.

Its origins begin with historian and educator Carter G. Woodson. Born in 1875, Woodson, although not alive to observe the first Black History Month, played a pivotal role in its creation. After being excluded from American Historical Association meetings, he became determined to highlight the successes of his heritage, stating that he felt “overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them,” according to the NAACP’s website.

Woodson then went on to form the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Through this organization, Woodson laid the foundation for what would become the first Negro History Week in 1926.

The second week of February was selected, according to the NAACP, to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures significant in the history of African Americans.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s had

a dramatic effect on the study and celebration of Black history. As support for recognizing African American contributions to society grew, Negro History Week expanded into Black History Month. By 1976, President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month.

“It is most appropriate that Americans set aside a month to recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by our Black citizens,” Ford said at the time.

Today, Black History Month serves as a platform to celebrate the many achievements made by Black Americans despite adversity. But for many, Black history is not confined to a single month, let alone one week out of the year: it is a daily acknowledgment. From the creation of many inventions used today to the brave contributions made by civil rights leaders, America is constantly reminded of the progress made by African Americans.

“Black History Month means pride, love, reflection and progress,” said UCO student Ahneycia Deon.

At UCO, where the student body is predominantly white, Black History Month holds a special significance. It is a time when Blacks on campus feel valued.

“Black History Month is a month to learn and soak up all the knowledge you can,” said Aaliyah Morris, co-vice president of Breaking Barrierz.

With numerous events and support from groups like the NAACP, the Black Student Association, and the African American Staff and Faculty Association, the reaffirmation of honoring Black History Month serves as a reminder of strength and the lasting influence of the Black community — not just in February, but every day of the year.

Edmond Public Schools ask OK Supreme Court for guidance on book complaints

In an effort to clarify whether the state or individual school districts control their own curriculum, Edmond Public Schools filed a petition against the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

This is following OSDE’s accusation that the school district is distributing what it calls “pornographic content” through its curriculum, namely from the books “The Glass Castle” and “The Kite Runner.”

In the face of this dilemma, EPS is trying to balance the best interest of students while keeping their good accreditation score. Edmond Public Schools referred to the Oklahoma Supreme Court last week, so they will make a ruling on what exactly EPS must do. School accreditation is a reviewal process ranking the quality of educational standards for an academic institution.

According to EPS Superintendent Angela Grunewald, the district has two paths: remove the books from the library, which the 25-year standing EPS policy, No. 3600, and federal law prevents her or the school board from doing, or tell the state board that it will not remove the books, putting the school district’s accreditation at risk.

“Our accreditation is something that has to be protected. That transcript is worth nothing if it comes from a non-accredited school. It is very important that your child is going to an accredited school,” she said.

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls tells the story of life as a poor, nomadic family in America, mostly during the 1960s and 1970s. Throughout the book, Walls describes her and her brother living through some instances of sexual abuse by older family members.

Khaled Hosseini’s 2003 novel “The Kite Runner” tells a fictional story with autobiographical elements of Sohrab, a young orphan living in the Taliban-controlled capital city of Kabul, Afghanistan. Sohrab escapes with his

adoptee Amir to America after being sexually exploited for his ethnicity by a Taliban official.

“It is well settled that an agency may only exercise the powers expressly given by statute,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond in a prepared statement. “An agency cannot expand those powers by its own authority,” he said regarding OSDE’s rulemaking authority in 2023. “The Legislature is vested with policymaking authority. I will not allow any state agency, board or commission to usurp the Legislature’s rightful role, even if they have the best of intentions.”

“U.S. Supreme Court decisions have also found that local school boards and superintendents may not unilaterally remove materials from public school libraries without following the policy of their district. Our legal counsel has advised us that following the directive from the State Department of Education to unilaterally remove the books could violate those rulings and our existing EPS policy,” Grunewald said in a statement for Edmond families, which can be accessed on edmondschools.net.

Deer Creek Public Schools Superintendent Jason Perez issued a statement Wednesday supporting EPS’ decision to petition the Oklahoma supreme court, “When districts are not given the opportunity to intervene at the local level, it undermines [their] policies as well as the authority of the governing body elected by its community.”

Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel, who submitted his resignation Feb. 26, said, “OKCPS supports the right of Edmond Public Schools or any other school district to challenge actions that they believe do not serve the best interests of their students and community…Communities deserve to have local issues addressed at the local level.”

Norman Public Schools superintendent Nick Migliorno issued a statement regarding the situation, as well.

“We believe having a diverse and wide range of literature available to our students is incredibly important. As we’ve stated, it is our job to teach students to think critically. Norman Public Schools has not banned any books. We also know and believe that parents and guardians are ultimately responsible for their child.”

After being sued by Edmond Public Schools, OSDE opted against putting an action item regarding the legal issue on its public agenda for its regular February meeting.

If a parent does not want their child reading a specific book for class, teachers are required to offer alternative reading/viewing assignments of equal merit and value. Grunewald said she believes that school problems should be dealt with at the lowest possible level first, and contact up the chain of command should follow only if necessary.

A singular complaint filed through Awareity, a reporting platform used by parents to object to school content, was received by OSDE and EPS

in August 2023. However, in January 2024, the Edmond school district was notified for the first time of four additional Awareity complaints that were received between April and September of 2023. These complaints stated that two books were against EPS curriculum and requested their removal from the library.

In October 2022, OSDE adopted the Awareity platform in an effort to improve child nutrition, civil rights, curriculum or bullying problems. The online form is available for anyone in the nation to use.

“Edmond Public Schools has never included pornography in any of its library collections. Please know our Board Members and I have the interests of our entire district at heart and will continue to fight to protect the rights of Edmond students, parents and staff members,” Grunewald said.

Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters released a statement Wednesday. “This is an ongoing subversion of accountability. Edmond Public Schools not only allows kids to access porn in schools they are doubling down to keep pornography on the bookshelves. Parents and kids should have the confidence of going to schools to learn. Instead of focusing on education, EPS has chosen to peddle porn and is leading the charge to undermine parents in Oklahoma.” Walters then said in a Thursday state board meeting, “Edmond is trying to make it about these two books — that’s not the issue at hand,” Walters said. “We have been trying to work with Edmond Public Schools on ensuring that certain books were in the hands of age-appropriate kids in school. And that district decided to sue us on the entirety of our rules that ban pornographic material and sexually explicit material from minors.”

Both books are taught at the high school level.

EPS’ policy No. 3600, Letter C states, “Materials selected as part of the curriculum of the Edmond Public Schools and as provided by school libraries and classrooms are chosen for their literary, cultural, historical, artistic, technical, and scientific merit…Any parent has the right to request that his/her child be exempted from reading, viewing, or participating in any portion of the curriculum if it conflicts with that parent’s values and beliefs. Individual parents may not, however, restrict what other children may read, view, or do.”

Letter D of policy No. 3600 states, “If a parent has a complaint about some aspect of the curriculum, or any library media holdings, he/ she should first meet with the teacher or media specialist involved and with the building principal. Most problems can be resolved at this level. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the first step, he/she shall submit his/her complaint in writing, using the #3600F form available from the building principal.”

Frederick Douglass was a key figure in 19th century abolition (PUBLIC DOMAIN/PROVIDED)

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has served in this position since Jan. 9, 2023. (OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE/PROVIDED)

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and key in abolishing slavery (PUBLIC DOMAIN/ PROVIDED)

Following six-year wait, MGMT delivers punchy and melodic ‘Loss

American psychedelic pop duo MGMT released their first album in six years, “Loss of Life,” and got the combo between out of this world riffs and spectacular synths. This album doesn’t feel harsh, but has all the hallmarks of late 60’s psychedelic infused with a good dose of modern composition.

The lead single, “Mother Nature,” sings sweet of nature forgotten in the daily bustle, but its lyrics are spacey enough to fit right into whatever interpretation might please the audience most. The whole track is overwhelming by design, stadium style guitar chords

meet with amped up synths and lots of acoustic instruments blaring to create a layered kaleidoscope of sound.

The only feature on the album, “Dancing In Babylon,” calls on the talents of French act Christine and the Queens and leans into Meat Loaf balladry and the romantic synths of the 1980 film, “Xanadu.”

This beautiful and melodramatic number would feel right at home in any sci-fi musical.

“Bubblegum Dog” is easily the most jarring experience on this album, but to quote the song, “None of this seems like fun, but isn’t that the point, man?” The whole song is full of impenetrable and unhinged lyrics describing an ethereal state of mind, and its minor-key tonality which just presses an uneasy feeling.

The slow and consistent pace makes the whole album blend together into a glowing soup of rainbows, which will be palatable to those comfortable with the band’s work but completely alien to others. This dreamlike mixing crunches the time together, letting the 45 minutes feel like an eternity for some but a single track for others.

“Nothing Changes” features the most decipherable lyrics of the whole album, although it still in-

vokes the Pleiades. It’s a slow-burning acoustic track at first that slowly grows into a booming orchestral piece singing about sisyphean tasks.

“Loss of Life” captures the magic MGMT is known for, with incredible production that works to transport the audience into a kaleidoscope of sounds. This album lines up well with the recent Oklahoma heatwaves, creating a dreamlike experience for anyone brave enough to listen.

LISTEN UP FOR LIVE SHOWS

FEBRUARY

Dylan LeBlanc, Feb. 27, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Tow’rs, Feb. 28, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Tana Mongeau and Brooke Schofield, Feb. 28, Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com

Langan Band, Feb. 29, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Mojo Brookzz, Feb. 29, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

MARCH

JR De Guzman, March 1-2, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Mania: The ABBA Tribute, March 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Sexy Unique Podcast, March 1, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Keith Sweat, SWV and Pretty Ricky, March 2, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com

Them Dirty Roses, March 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Veeze, March 2, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Whitey Morgan and the 78s, March 2, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

The Brook and the Bluff, March 3, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Kristin Key, March 3, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Tab Benoit, March 3, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Living Colour, March 4, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Riki, March 5, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Gareth Reynolds, March 6, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Katie Thurston, March 7, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Grant Lee Philips, March 8, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Ms. Pat, March 8, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Craig Ferguson, March 8-9, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Night Lovell, March 9, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Dan + Shay, March 9, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com

Van Full of Nuns, March 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Max and Heather Stalling, March 9, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Guster, March 10, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com

Flipturn, March 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Ben Bailey, March 10, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Fall Out Boy and Jimmy Eat World, March 11, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com

Letterkenny Presents: A Night of Standup, March 11, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Rene Vaca, March 13, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Sunny Day Real Estate, March 14, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Canterbury Voices, “For All the Saints,” March 14, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, okcciviccenter.com.

Clancy Jones, March 14, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Katt Williams, March 15, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter. com

Bruce Bruce, March 15-17, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

The Damn Quails, March 15, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

South Austin Moonlighters, March 15, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Kolton Moore and the Clever Few, March 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, March 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Nabihah Iqbal, March 16, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Zzzahara, March 16, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Voivod and Prong, March 16, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

Jay Leno and Rita Rudner, March 16, Riverwind Casino, 1544 Highway 9, riverwind.com

Nick Shoulders and the Okay Crawdad, March 16, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Vortxz, March 18, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Drake and J. Cole, March 18-19, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com

Jonathan Richman, March 19, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Dale Hollow, March 19, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Hannah Wickland, March 20, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Otis VCR, March 20, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are MGMT. (MOM+POP/PROVIDED)

MGMT, “Loss of Life” (MOM+POP/PROVIDED)

Veeze performs March 2 at Beer City Music Hall. (WARNER BROS./PROVIDED)

Nabihah Iqbal performs March 16 at Ponyboy. (NINJA TUNE/PROVIDED)