UCO's The Vista, March 28, 2023

The votes are in for UCO’s student government

Harman-Adams presidential ticket wins UCOSA

Sam Kozlowski

Contributing Writer

Two new leaders of the University of Central Oklahoma Student Association won election last week, in post-Spring Break campus-wide voting. Lauren Harman and Saveion Adams were elected UCOSA’s 2023-24 president and vice president, respectively.

UCOSA’s purpose is to carry out the needs of students by addressing their concerns, allocating funds for school organizations and improving the quality of life for all at UCO. Both campaigns faced off to answer questions about their goals at a forum held March 10, just prior to Spring Break, at Constitution Hall.

Harman and Adams were selected to answer questions first at Constitution Hall.

The Harman-Adams campaign is pushing to enhance equity, strengthen transparency and cultivate a sense of community that is inclusive for all.

Building a strong relationship with interim President Andrew Benton is essential to their campaign, they said.

Harman and Adams said they hope to strengthen transparency, including holding conversations with people directly affected by the ongoing problems. This would include

meeting with disabled students and hearing their voices, similarly with foreign students on foreign-related issues and more.

Harman, a junior, has previously served as a public relations senator and secretary for UCOSA. She is majoring in professional sales with

a minor in leadership. Her aim is to actively listen to students after empowering them to speak up about problems on campus. Adams, vice president and junior, plans to be a voice for those too intimidated to speak up and for those without the means to reach out.

“I work with high schoolers with dreams of going to college and graduating,” Adams said. “With TRIO, I mentor these students and give them tips to maneuver through college.”

TRIO was established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1965 to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

As vice president, Adams wants to improve the college experience for African-Americans and increase awareness about UCOSA for those who may be intimidated by civic involvement. Student engagement is an important issue to tackle, and Harman-Adams aims to get more people involved in events.

“It starts with student engagement,” said Logan Boyd, the election commission chair. “If students are not involved, it starts to taper off and the university dies. We are already seeing that with our numbers in retention and enrollment.”

Students running for president and vice president — Harman, Adams, Izzi Barry and Lauren Berry — are all members of Leaders of Tomorrow.

Both campaigns discussed improving marketing and advertising for UCOSA to increase student knowledge about the organization and upcoming events.

Rep. Turner urges rural marginalized citizens to enter politics

Sam Royka Managing Editor

On March 7, the state House of Representatives voted to censure State Rep. Mauree Turner, the first Black, nonbinary Muslim state legislator in U.S. history, after Turner offered a protester the use of her office during protests at the Capitol against anti-transgender legislation.

Turner, D-Oklahoma City, said it is important for everyone, especially marginalized communities in rural areas, to become politically engaged if they do not see themselves represented by their legislatures.

“Get involved, because there is a good chance that your rural representation isn’t even talking to your community about the things that matter to your community,” Turner said. “The best time to get started is yesterday, the second best time is today,” they said, emphasizing that the officials who make up the legislature are not a representation of the actual population.” Turner said that many officials are making it more difficult to access the same rights held by cisgender white men.

“That is inherently political, and so even if you don’t feel like you are being directly attacked, it doesn’t mean you don’t join the fight. It doesn’t mean that you wait until they bring it to your front door,” they said. Turner stresses that in the movement, “there is a place for everybody.”

“The sooner you get involved on that rural level, the more you get to provide that for other folks in your

community, but also because the folks who work in the Oklahoma legislature specifically – because this is where I work – they are not indicative of the people who make up Oklahoma,” they said.

Turner said there are pockets of progressivism everywhere in Oklahoma.

“Some of the most progressive conversations I have had have been at doors, knocking doors in rural Oklahoma, because when you meet people where they are with language, and you will hear from a lot of the other elected officials in the legislature that don’t actually talk to their constituents,” they said.

It is not required of elected officials to have conversations with the people who live in their communities.

“A man gave a retirement speech in 2022 last session, and he was proud about the fact that he had only knocked seven doors and he termed out, so he worked all 12 years and only knocked seven doors,” they said.

In response to hearing numbers like this, Turner’s office “started doing a little research on everybody who voted for or authored anti-trans legislation, trying to see what their quality of life in the districts that they represented looked like,” they said.

Many of those districts had quality of life scores of “Cs and Ds at a national level,” Turner said. “There are resources that we could be providing to Oklahomans,

Oklahoma Supreme Court rules constitutional right to abortion in life-threatening situations

Sam Royka Managing Editor

On March 21, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in favor of a petition that would protect abortion under life-threatening circumstances.

The new ruling struck down SB612, which was previously known to news outlets as ‘the nation’s strictest abortion ban.’

While the new ruling also upheld an abortion ban from 1910, this old law still upheld the right to terminate a pregnancy in cases where it would threaten the life of the pregnant person. Under Article II, section 7 of the Oklahoma Constitution, it states that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty,

or property, without due process of law.”

Both historic abortion cases, Roe and Casey, were overturned by Dobbs in 2022. Here’s a brief history to recap the current situation. When Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, SCOTUS ruled that a right to privacy in the Fourteenth Amendment’s definition of personal liberty included the choice whether to end or keep a pregnancy.

It trimester were an “undue burden” on the legislature.

Throughout Roe and Casey’s effect on abortion rights, the right to terminate has always been protected “for the preservation of the life or health of the mother.”

and instead, we are making sure that Oklahomans have less access to healthcare overall, right, because we ban trans healthcare, we ban healthcare for all Oklahomans,” Turner said.

House bans corporal punishment for students with cognitive disabilities

Georgina Jones

Contributing Writer

The Oklahoma House passed House Bill 1028 on March 20, a bill seeking to ban corporal punishment on students with intellectual disabilities. The measure failed the first round of voting, when verbiage only included students with “significant cognitive disabilities,” which would’ve been determined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The bill then passed when the language was revised, and now includes any student with any disability identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2015. The measure was authored by Rep. John Talley (R-Stillwater), who said physical punishment on students with special

needs does not belong in the classroom. “I don’t think corporal punishment is beneficial in any way. It really shouldn’t be used on students with disabilities,” said Evan, a former student who asked The Vista not to use his full name. “While some of them might understand why they’ve been smacked, some of them would have no clue why they had been hit.”

Corporal punishment is physical punishment intended to cause pain to a person. When inflicted on minors, in home or school settings, its methods can include spanking or paddling. Oklahoma currently only prohibits corporal punishment when a child has “the most significant cognitive disabilities,” unless a parent or established guardian signs a waiver allowing the physical Continued on Pg. 4

Marijuana plants are pictured at a growing facility in Oklahoma City, Feb. 26, 2020. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/SUE OGROCKI)

Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, said it is important for everyone, especially marginalized communities in rural areas, to become politically engaged if they do not see themselves represented by their legislatures. (PROVIDED)

The biggest shift this month was Pluto settling into your sign. We will get a taste of what this revolutionary placement will bring until the end of the year when it takes a pause to retrograde. Mars in Cancer could feel foreign, heightening emotions around your daily life, but rest assured that all the Taurus energy will balance it out. Next Monday has an interesting aspect between Mercury and Pluto that emphasizes deep thought of the future. Your song for the week is “Modern Love” by David Bowie.

Saturn continues to settle into your sign this week, bringing a more grounded, focused energy as dreams change form into concrete goals. The First Quarter Moon in fellow water sign Cancer presses fast forward on your intuition. Pay attention to what emotions start to build during this time: they could portend what happens next. Your song for the week is “Thirty” by The Weather Station.

Happy birthday, Aries! The sun in your sign matches up with the stirrings of spring. Don’t overdo it on the caffeine if you’re looking for an extra energy burst next week! Take it slow on Tuesday as the First Quarter Cancer Moon graces the sky. A lucky Venus-Uranus conjunction could bring out an unexpected connection on Thursday. Right after, the Moon slides over to Leo for a fun and exciting weekend. Your song for the week is “Sunday Funday” by TOLEDO.

With Venus now in your sensual sign, love affairs become more stable and plans become easier to create. A long night with your tea kettle could be overdue! More good news: as Mercury enters your sign next Monday, communication with others becomes more intuitive too. Watch what happens Thursday as Venus and Uranus meet in the sky – this aspect is lucky for matters of both love and business! Your song for the week is “Soulfight” by The Revivalists.

With Mars out of your sign you could be feeling a bit drained as we readjust. Realigning with what your heart wants may be a crucial part of finding motivation as we finish the semester. Good news: the Moon in fiery and royal Leo over the weekend could provide just the energetic boost you need. Next Monday’s Mercury-Pluto aspect could also affect you more heavily than other non-Mercurian signs as we wonder about the future.

Your song for the week is “Shinin” by Mackeson.

VIR GO

August 23- September 22

After Mars went into your sign last week, motivations became softer and more heart-driven. This week starts out with the Moon waxing to a First Quarter in your sign as well. This marks the first steps being taken towards any manifestations begun at the New Moon. Thursday’s auspicious Venus-Uranus conjunction could throw an unexpected boost of luck your way, likely in terms of friendships and networking. Your song for the week is “Laughter” by Astrocolor and Wendy Rene.

The Moon enters your fiery sign over Medieval Fair weekend, so even if you don’t plan to show any ankle at the turkey leg stand, rest assured you’re in your glow. Aquarius is your sister sign, so this Plutonian move could have stronger effects for you. Look to see where Aquarius lands in your birth chart to get a sense of what areas of your life it might affect! Mercury’s move into Taurus may have you deliberating a little more on your texts, but don’t worry! Whatever choices you make will be the right ones.

Your song for the week is “Master Hunter” by Laura Marling.

With Venus and Mercury both moving into earthy Taurus, this week brings a slow and nurturing energy. Especially with Mars in Cancer, you may find your attention focused more on the home for the time being. A weekend with the Moon in Leo brings a little fun, a little drama, and increases entertainer energy. This is perfect for working on creative projects like podcasts or radio shows. Your song for the week is “Togo” by Huntertones.

With Venus feeling right at home in Taurus, you may be feeling an enhanced sense of clarity and realignment.

A period of upcoming ease is also indicated by Pluto’s move into Aquarius. Thursday could bring some fun from unexpected places as Venus conjuncts Uranus. This is the perfect time for a little bit of spontaneity. Three days with the Moon in sociable Leo start on Friday, putting some exciting energy into your weekend. Your song for the week is “Quilted” By MonoNeon and George Clinton.

This week begins with a First Quarter Moon in watery Cancer, turning up the dial on your intuition, manifestations, and emotional side all at the same time. This could sound overwhelming, but rest assured you have the ability to sense your own needs very deeply. Make some time for yourself this week. Internal work done now as we shift into spring will bring far-reaching effects as the seasons turn. Your song for the week is “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive.

After last week’s astrological hurricane, this week should be a breeze! New beginnings continue with Pluto in Aquarius and a waxing moon.

While the recent astrological shifts may have felt a little bumpy, a period of ease and rest could soon be on the way. With more planets moving into Taurus some aspects of life may begin to move a little more slowly than you’d like, but there is wisdom in slowing down too. This weekend puts the spotlight on fire signs when the Moon moves into luxurious Leo. Sing your heart out if you get the chance! Your song for the week is “Lady, You Shot Me” by Har Mar Superstar.

Earth energy ramps up this week as Venus luxuriates in Taurus. As Mercury finishes up its stay in Aries, communication begins to move to a slower pace. When it moves into Taurus as well, we reach a better time for drawing up contracts and agreements. For this reason, it may be wise to wait until next week to make any long term decisions. Thursday’s lucky aspect could boost your luck in terms of anything ruled by the fifth house! Your song for the week is “Smoking Section” by Stevedreez.

Bill proposes expanding laws on legal gun usage

Friday,

24,

universities. (THE VISTA/HELMUT OTZOY)

Georgia Jones

Contributing Writer

Oklahoma legislators are on the defense in the ever-growing battle to determine safe and proper gun laws across the state. The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2049 on March 9, which would redefine self-defense, expanding the definition of private property to anywhere on a physical property – not just inside an individual’s home. The bill received its first reading in the state senate March 13.

Organizers have gathered at the Capitol for the last few weeks to advocate for stronger gun laws, building the debate on self-defense and how we structure laws surrounding arms.

“The law is too cumbersome,” Don Spencer, President of the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, said. “Citizens should be encouraged to carry firearms for self-defense to reduce the will of perpetra-

tors who can attack in No Gun Zones with impunity. No Gun Zones like universities, colleges, elementary and secondary schools, many government buildings should have the right returned to the people.”

Oklahoma currently has “stand your ground” laws, meaning Oklahomans can use physical, and even deadly, force in self-defense. The proposed law would expand on the grounds for “protecting your property” and would increase protections for gun owners. While many advocates believe this new law would bring the power back to the people, others believe the line for private property is too vague, and could potentially be dangerous to other citizens.

“There’s one thing to say, you’re protecting your castle,” said Rep. Regina Goodwin of Tulsa. “It’s another to say, ‘Now, I’m protecting the green grass.’”

The debate over the right to arms and the safety of individuals has been a hot topic for decades, especially with the rising discussion of how they impact the

youth. The current No. 1 cause of death in children from ages 1-19 in the United States is firearms, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With a rising toll being taken on children for the rights of adults, many are wondering how these new laws will improve the safety of others.

“Education with young kids is the best way for families to learn that a firearm is a tool and not a toy,” Spencer said. “Firearms in the hands of good citizens thwarts more than a million crimes a year. Guns save lives.”

“If more guns made us safer, we would be the safest nation on Earth, and we’re not,” said Cacky Poarch, a Moms Demand Action volunteer. “I think responsible gun ownership correlates with responsible gun laws.”

The current Oklahoma Legislative session will adjourn on May 26, after hearing hundreds of proposed bills such as HB 2049.

House hopes to increase film opportunities in Oklahoma

Kaleb Gonzalez

Contributing

Writer

The Oklahoma House of Representative voted March 9 in favor of House Bill 1362, which would increase the film incentive cap by more than double, advancing the bill to the Senate in hopes of creating more film opportunities in Oklahoma.

If approved, HB 1362 would increase the annual film incentive cap from $30 million to $80 million. The bill received its first reading in the Oklahoma State Senate March 13.

Director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office Jeanette Stanton says this is a big step in the right direction.

“There are many competitive states that have an incentive program, and Oklahoma wants to be a big player in that. More increased funds mean more film productions can apply,” Stanton said.

HB 1362 would also lower the cash rebate to 30% on project expenses, compared to the current 38%. To apply for the incentive program, the

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minimum budget remains at $50,000.

Stanton said that more film productions create job opportunities and economic growth because of all the

jobs needed to produce a single film.

Before a film is released, there are three tiers of production that require many jobs. Preproduction requires people such as directors, producers, contractors, and much more. Production requires cast and crew, composers, designers, beauty artists, and more. Postproduction requires video editors, VFX designers, colorists, and sound designers.

About 11,000 jobs were created with a direct fiscal impact of $170.4 million from film and television productions utilizing the incentive program in the last couple of years, reported the Oklahoma Film and Music Office.

Stanton says there are more opportunities now than ever for students interested in filmmaking.

“Once a student has graduated, they can apply to be an apprentice, and every film is required to hire apprentices. There are tons of organizations and festivals for filmmakers to submit their work and meet other filmmakers. Right now is a great time, and opportunities seem to be everywhere,” Stanton said.

UCO’s Student Voice Since 1903

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free.

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.

The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

LETTERS

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be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.

Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO:

Editor, The Vista 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209

Or, deliver in person to the editor in the Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.

University of Central Oklahoma’s Sam Sykes (12) faces off against University of Oklahoma’s William Baird (17) during an American Collegiate Hockey Association game on

Feb.

2023, in Edmond, Okla. The rivalry of these two teams begins to flare as the game continues to play on, having both teams playing their hardest for their

Filmmaker Cedric Ikpo is interviewed for the release of their film, “The Seeds of Greenwood,” an OKC Thunder-produced movie in Tulsa, Okla., Friday, June 17, 2022. The Oklahoma House of Representative voted March 9 in favor of House Bill 1362, which would increase the film incentive cap by more than double. (STEPHEN PINGRY/TULSA WORLD VIA AP)

Not made in Oklahoma

Volkswagen takes the offramp to Canada, passing the state due to ESG policies

Oklahoma failed to convince German automaker Volkswagen to construct a factory in the state earlier this month.

The Volkswagen group ultimately decided to construct the plant in Ontario, Canada. A spokesperson for the company said Volkswagen ultimately chose the location for its tax incentives, proximity to raw materials, and access to clean energy, according to The Oklahoman. Another factor that influenced the carmaker’s decision was Canada’s strong ESG practices.

ESG (environmental, social, and governance) refers to investment practices that account for non-financial factors as a part of business analysis. For the most part, ESG is mentioned in contexts of sustainability and transparency.

Days after Volkswagen’s decision, Gov. Kevin Stitt, alongside another 18 Republican Governors, released a Joint Governor’s Policy Statement denouncing ESG practices, and President Joe Biden’s March 23 decision to veto Congress’ disapproval of the Department of Labor rule relating to “Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholders Rights.”

The rule states retirement plan fiduciaries may account for climate change and other ESG factors in selecting retirement investments and determining shareholder rights. House republicans failed Friday to tally enough votes to override the veto.

The Joint Statement from the nineteen governors said that maximizing shareholder value should be the only motivation for corporations, fiduciaries, and funds, rather than the proliferation of ESG practices, which the statement refers to as “woke ideology.”

“The proliferation of ESG throughout America is a direct threat to the American economy, individual economic freedom, and our way of life, putting investment decisions in the hands of the woke mob to bypass the ballot box and inject political ideology into investment decisions, corporate governance, and the everyday economy,” the statement said.

The coalition of governors pledged to lead state-level efforts to protect taxpayers from ESG influences in state systems, and to protect citizens from ESG influences in the financial sector. “Among other actions, this may include blocking the use of ESG in all investment decisions at the state and local level, ensuring that only financial factors are considered to maximize the return on investment, protecting retirees and taxpayers alike,” the statement said in regards to ESG in state systems.

The statement suggested that, in order to protect the financial sector, states should prevent the consideration of “Social Credit Scores”, something the statement defines as “banking and lending practices aimed to prevent citizens from obtaining financial services like loans, lines of credit, and bank accounts.”

“This may also include stopping financial institutions from discriminating against customers

for their religious, political, or social beliefs, such as owning a firearm, securing the border, or increasing our energy independence,” the statement clarifies.

Proponents of ESG practices say that corporate activism is the American Economy’s best chance at offsetting its own detrimental impacts. Harvard Professor of Business Administration George Serafeim wrote in a 2020 edition of the Harvard Business Review that ESG practices have both moral and practical benefits.

“The most fundamental reason to try to raise your company’s ESG performance is that all human beings—in and out of corporate settings— have an obligation to behave in prosocial ways. But apart from the moral case, there are very real payoffs for focusing on ESG issues. And those extend beyond the benefits companies might enjoy because of productivity increases due to higher employee engagement, or sales increases due to more loyal and satisfied customers.”

Serafeim wrote that an ESG focus can reduce capital costs, boost shareholder satisfaction, and improve and protect a firm’s valuation as more global regulators and governments mandate ESG disclosures.

Governors Stitt, DeSantis, and other signees said Serafeim’s characterization is incorrect, and that ESG practices jeopardize retirement savings for millions of Americans in the pursuit of “far left priorities.”

Oklahoma lawmakers are finding themselves frustrated as state economic success is being increasingly determined by the ability to attract mega-projects. Volkswagen isn’t the first automaker to consider Oklahoma for a new factory. In 2020, electric automaker Tesla considered a site in Tulsa before ultimately deciding to build in Austin.

If the trend continues, and companies continue to adopt ESG practices, Republican politicians like Stitt and DeSantis will have to decide between wooing potential progressive economic partners or doubling down on the status quo of financial reporting. The Joint Statement suggests they will choose the latter.

The emergence of ESG practices and the politicians opposing them signify a burgeoning political frontier: state and federal investments. For better or worse, Democratic state governments are beginning to favor investments that promote ESG practices, and Republican state governments are directing asset managers to avoid investments in corporations that promote ESG practices and sustainability. The next decade will almost assuredly see a rapid increase in the politicization of state and federal government trusts, deposits, and funds.

Bill restricts physical punishment in schools

Continued from Pg. 1

punishment to be used. The United States is one of only three developed countries that still allows corporal punishment in schools, while the practice is entirely banned in 128 countries.

“Through most of my school career they had corporal punishment,” Evan said. “Every year, until you turned 18, they would send a piece of paper home with you for your parents to sign: to either give them or to deny them permission to spank you with a paddle. My parents signed the paper giving the school permission

to smack me every year until I turned 18. They always threatened to smack you, but I’d only ever heard it done for something maybe two times.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has always ruled that corporal punishment in schools is constitutional. In the 1977 ruling for Ingraham v. Wright, the court acknowledged the historical tradition of corporal punishment in U.S. schools, as well as the common-law principle that the action is permissible as long as it’s “reasonable but not excessive.”

If HB 1028 becomes law, it will be enacted on Nov. 1.

Quinn Daugherty Reporter

An e-Golf electric car with the VW logo on a rim is pictured in the German car manufacturer Volkswagen Transparent Factory (Glaeserne Manufaktur) in Dresden, eastern Germany, April 28, 2017. Volkswagen announced Monday, March 13, 2023, it plans to build a major plant for electric vehicle batteries in Canada. The start of production is planned for 2027. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, File)

UCO’s annual Big Event brings volunteer opportunity April 1

One of UCO’s biggest philanthropic events will be happening on April 1st. Big Event is a day that students can go out into their community and help give back to those needing a little extra help this spring. Big Event averages between 600-800 students and 100 service sites each year.

UCO has a number of different opportunities for its students to give back to those in need, but Big Event focuses on giving back to the community that supports UCO unconditionally. Big Event also puts on a smaller version in the fall called Little Event.

“Our mission is to give one big thanks to the OKC Metro/Edmond community for supporting our school,” said Big Event’s executive director, Evelyn Enriquez Baez. “During Little Event 2022, we had over 1,000 hours of service done in the community. Big Event is a great opportunity for organizations, individuals, alumni, and faculty to serve alongside one another, and meet people in the community.”

Sophomore Alysa Andoe has volunteered for the past two years with the organization and shares her experience with it.

“Coming into college volunteering was never something I thought I would want to do during my free time,” Andoe said. “After learning about all of the amazing opportunities UCO has to give back to people in need, my mind has changed. I’ve loved participating in Little and Big Event the past couple of years. It’s one of my favorite ways to volunteer because I get to be

with my friends and it makes it fun. Last year we went to a donation center where we helped organize clothes for a donation center, and it felt really good to be giving back to the community in that way.”

Big Event is not only open to students, but it is open to non-student members of the community such as teachers, alumni, and community members. Some of the services that students can help with while participating with Big Event include painting, cleaning, planting, and other activities community members and metro residents may need. Sign up for the event is on UCore.

Macey out of ring for CLA dean, accepting new job in Kansas

Sam Royka Managing Editor

David Macey, current interim dean, is no longer a candidate for the dean of the college of liberal arts. Instead, he will be taking a new position at Fort Hays State University in Fort Hays, Kansas.

The Vista will have more information about Macey’s move next week.

The remaining candidates are Catherine Webster, professor of French and former CLA dean at

UCO, Rozilyn Miller, associate dean and professor of mass communication at UCO, Scott Palmer, professor for the department of history at the University of Texas, Arlington.

UCO is hosting interviews via public forum for the finalists at the following scheduled dates and times.

Miller’s will be 4-5 p.m., Monday, April 10, in liberal arts south, lecture hall, room L01.

Palmer’s will be 4-5 p.m.,

Friday, April 14, in the business building, Troy Smith lecture hall, room 112.

One forum has already passed. Catherine Webster, professor of French and former CLA dean for UCO, was interviewed Friday, March 24.

Macey’s was scheduled next for 4-5 p.m., Monday, April 3, in liberal arts south, lecture hall, room L01 but will likely be canceled since he is going elsewhere. Watch the emails for more details.

and Leadership.’

Have superhero movies lost their Shazam? The future of men in tights

Kaleb Gonzalez

Managing Editor

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” performed poorly at the box office with about a $30 million opening weekend March 17-19. With “AntMan and the Wasp: Quantumania” receiving a 47 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, are superhero movies losing their magic?

Reviews and ratings tanked for the “Shazam” sequel compared to its predecessor, and fans are starting to experience fatigue from the superhero genre.

“Hardly a month goes by that you don’t have one,” said Matthew Price, owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman. “I think it’s in a strong place, but the question is, can we keep making these movies forever?”

Price, the former features editor at The Oklahoman and current author of “Word Balloons” at Substack, said Marvel plays a vital part in the future of superhero movies. Marvel has dominated the genre for over a decade and has announced new plans for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I think people have experienced some fatigue, but people like the same but different. There is sort of a desire for familiarity, and that’s why

I think comics have been so helpful, because there’s all this source material out there,” Price said.

Although there may be fatigue, Price said that people still want to see good overcoming evil or have a baseline desire for those types of stories. The future could expand to more than just DC and Marvel, but rather original content produced by others.

“I would love to see more people that will try to create original material and create their own superheroes,” Price said.

The steady decrease in profit for these big-budget superhero films like the second “Shazam” and the third “Ant-Man,” money must be considered for the future success or failure of the genre.

“Just because a movie is good or bad, it doesn’t mean it will make money,” Price said. “We’ll see how long Marvel can keep putting out hits because they’ve had so many hits in a row, they’ve made money.”

Service for the Big Event might include cleaning up trash, doing yard work, and many other kinds of light activities that can be indoor or outdoor (Provided).

Kelanie Robertson

Contributing Writer

Billy Batson’s alter ego was not a Shazam finish at the box office. (Provided.)

Palmer is a history professor in Texas specializing in the history of Russian technology, culture, science and art.

Webster, professor of French, previously led the UCO department of modern languages, literatures, and cultural studies.

Macey, who has been with UCO since 1999, is serving as the interim dean until a new candidate is selected.

Yukon vet adopts ‘Ralphie’ following emergency amputation

Madelyn Fisher Contributing Writer

Last December, Dr. Caitlin Hennessey, DVM, agreed to see an early morning emergency walk-in at her veterinary clinic in Yukon. The barely year-old Australian shepherd mix would come to be a whole lot more than a walk-in.

The dog who became known as Ralphie found himself in luck when a client brought him in after discovering him on the side of the road. Soon, he was being hoisted into the radiology room to determine the extent of his injuries.

“I remember looking at the x-rays with my techs. He was being so cooperative despite what he’d probably

gone through, I said at that moment that I think I need to take this dog.” Hennessey said.

The x-rays revealed that Ralphie had sustained a significant injury to his right rear leg. “He had a through and through gunshot wound that caused a comminuted fracture of his right proximal femur.” said Hennessey. A comminuted fracture results in the bone being broken into more than two pieces and often refers to a bone that has been shattered.

Hennessey said she knew there would be no way to save the leg and Ralphie would need to undergo amputation to have the best quality of life moving forward. That Friday, Dr. Hennessey and Ralphie headed home where he rested by her side through the weekend getting ready for his big procedure that following Monday.

“The surgery went as well as possible, he was already non-weight bearing on the leg before it was amputated so he had no serious reaction to waking up and getting around without it.”

Within six hours of his procedure he was up and moving around like nothing had changed. Ralphie was on the road to recovery and Hennessey was on her way to accepting that her temporary addition was going to become a permanent one.

Ralphie was greeted by his three brand-new siblings Indy, Smiley Joe, and Paisley. He was welcomed

quickly and made himself at home even quicker. He spent the next week on kennel rest as he healed before being allowed to roam freely for the first time in his new home.

“I’m so glad I took the risk, he’s been the perfect addition to my life and my other three are more than happy to have him around.” Hennessey said.

Female first responders to take part in diversity discussion March 30

Taylor Mckittrick

Contributing Writer

In honor of Women’s History Month, the College of Liberal Arts is hosting a Female First Responders Panel from 6-7:30 p.m March 30 in the Liberal Arts South Lecture Hall (LAS LO1). There will be a reception where light refreshments will be served from 6-6:30 p.m. followed by the panel discussion.

The seven panelists include FBI agent Jessica Rice, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OBSI) agent Janice Jolly, Mabel Bassett Correctional Center Acting Warden Tamika White, Oklahoma Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Officer Latoya High, Edmond Police Officer Torrey Rowe, Oklahoma County Detention Officer Kimberly Ervin, and Oklahoma City Fire Department Officer Chelsey Dillon.

Elizabeth Maier, director of the School of Criminal Justice at UCO, said the event is important to her personally, and that it will describe the importance of diversity in these different agencies as well.

“Diversity in public service agencies is important. In many agencies,

females weren’t hired until the Sixties, the Seventies or later,” Maier said. “For example, at the event we will mention [former UCO Professor] Dr. Elaine Bartgis, who was the first female police officer in Edmond in 1974. It is almost the 50th anniversary of Bartgis becoming the first female police officer in Edmond.”

Bartgis also worked for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and retired as one the highest-ranked female officers in the department. After she retired, Bartgis started teaching criminal justice at UCO, where she was involved in many program initiatives.

This will be the first time UCO holds this panel, and Maier said that the event is very important for anyone that is wanting to know more about the life of what these panelists do.

“Guests will learn what is required to get a job in those different agencies, what each person does as part of their job, the importance of mentorship, etc. We will have an opportunity for guests to ask the panelists questions,” Maier said.

This event is free and open to the campus community and public. For

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Watchhouse, April 5, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Saliva, April 5, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Cadillac 3, April 6, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Felipe Esparza, April 7, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Copeland, April 8, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

The Last Ten Seconds of Life, April 8, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc. com

Young Nudy, April 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

JXDN, April 11, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Pedro the Lion, April 13, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Micky & the Motorcars, April 14, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Shinyribs, April 27, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Hardy, April 28, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com

MAY

The Psychedelic Furs, May 3, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Kidd G, May 5, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Joseph, May 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

The National Parks, May 12, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

MARCH

Caloncho, March 30, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

The Heavy Heavy, March 30, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com

Dan Deacon, March 31, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Underoath, March 31, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

APRIL

Kenny Chesney, April 1, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com

Dameon Allensworth, April 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall. com

Hayes Carll, April 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Pop Evil, April 4, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Waveform*, April 4, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstreetokc.com

Silverstein, April 15, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

Bendigo Fletcher, April 15, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc.com

Knuckle Puck and Real Friends, April 16, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Judah and the Lion, April 16, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly. com

Lucero, April 19, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Keathley and the Burning Bras,

49 Winchester, April 20, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Walker Hayes, April 22, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com

Molchat Dolma, April 23, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

August Burns Red, April 25, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.com

The New Pornographers, April 26, Tower

This x-ray shows how Ralphie’s rear leg was injured. (CAITLIN HENNESSEY/PROVIDED

Ralphie recovers following his surgery. (CAITLIN HENNESSEY/PROVIDED

Dan Deacon performs March 31 at Beer City Music Hall. (DOMINO RECORDINGS/PROVIDED)

Felipe Esparza performs April 7 at Tower Theatre. (DOMINO RECORDINGS/PROVIDED)

Women’s wrestling rises in Oklahoma

Cal Haydon Sports Reporter

At any level of competitive wrestling, Oklahoma is considered a national powerhouse. From hosting some of the nation’s biggest tournaments at the high school level to having an in-state collegiate program as prestigious and decorated as the Oklahoma State Cowboys. And with one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States being women’s wrestling, Oklahoma wanted a part in the movement.

Following a trial run in 2020, the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) completed the third official season since the sanction of a girls-only division in the high school state tournament. Since, the sport has gained traction and grown rapidly. According to OSSAA figures, last month’s two regional tournaments included 119 schools and a total of 517 women athletes, which is up from the participating 60 schools and 124 wrestlers in 2020.

El Reno High School, about 30 miles west of Oklahoma City, is widely considered one of the more historic and dominant wrestling programs in the state. El Reno’s head wrestling coach and two-time Big XII Champion (2001, 2004) for the OSU Cowboys, Tyrone Lewis, helped guide this year’s first female wrestler in school history, Cadence Dare, to not only place at state, but also become the first state champion at the girls’ division.

“Every year, girls wrestling has been growing and it’s such a good thing for the sport to have this girls division,” said Lewis. “It’s a great thing for the sport to have this in our program. For our school it’s going to be incredible

for the future.”

However, the unfortunate and underlying storyline to the rapid growth of this sport is that there are few opportunities for women to wrestle at the next level. While women’s college wrestling in Oklahoma is not a novel concept, there currently only stands two women’s wrestling collegiate programs in the state. Oklahoma City University at the NAIA level is one of the colleges, which has had a women’s program for nearly 17 years that, over the course of that time, won four Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association championships. The other college with a women’s wrestling program is Carl Albert State at the NJCAA level.

With only two collegiate programs offering women’s wrestling, those 517 high school female athletes welcomed at the regional tournament only have two options to stay in-state and wrestle at the next level. And of course, of those options, there is only a select number of scholarships and roster spots.

Last November, Fort Hays State University in Kansas announced they will be adding a women’s wrestling program. This makes them the first institute to add the sport in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, the same conference as Central Oklahoma.

Director of Athletics for UCO, Stan Wagnon, is familiar with this subject after being heavily involved in the expansion and addition of women’s wrestling when he was commissioner of the NAIA’s Sooner Athletic Conference. Although this announcement doesn’t mean anything directly for UCO, there are talks of other schools in the conference that could look to add the program soon. However, UCO has made no comment on this matter.

Obviously, the future of women’s wrestling is brighter than ever throughout the nation. But for the girls wrestling in Oklahoma, having another college program with the history of UCO along with many of other colleges instate, could be the driving force to continue the rapid growth of the sport from youth leagues to colleges.

Ritz puts it on the field for UCO softball

Terin Ritz, a sophomore from Deer Creek, has made headlines since she walked on Central Oklahoma’s campus. Ritz was a two-time Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference and District 6A-1 Player of the Year and led the Antlers to three consecutive state appearances. She was a starter as a freshman for the Bronchos last season, even after returning from an arm injury midway through March. Ritz totaled 34 starts finishing her first year with a .290 batting average with 3 home runs and 24 runs batted in. She is a pitcher and a first baseman for Central, finishing last season with a 3.61 ERA and 33 strikeouts.

“Last year was a lot — and not — at the same time,” Ritz said. “I have a lot of roles to take on, I pitch, I hit, and I play first base. But I had everyone to help me get through it and adjust to it.”

After last season’s injury, Ritz has returned fully and is already making a

strong impact for the 2022-23 season. The sophomore has pitched in nine games for a total of 39 innings pitched. So far, Ritz has an ERA of 4.31 with 21 strikeouts and only allowing 7 walks. Her fielding statistics are just as impressive. She has caught a total of 66 throws to first with 53 outs, making her completion percentage 80% at first base. Ritz is also a powerful offensive player; she has hit in every game this season for the Bronchos. Currently, she is totaling 16 RBIs, four home runs, eight walks, and one double. Her current batting average is a .269.

Ritz is a young player who still has two and a half seasons to play. She will be known for her extremely successful collegiate career, but that is not the only thing that Ritz wants to leave behind for the Central softball program.

“I want to be able to close out and not just be remembered as a player on the team, but as someone who can lift a teammate up,” Ritz said. “I want to be known for my characteristics and personality more than my abilities on the field.”

Spark to call UCO home for first six games

Oklahoma City Spark, the new women’s professional fast-pitch softball team, just announced that the team will be playing its first six games at the Gerry Pinkston Softball Field at UCO.

The owner of the OKC Spark, Tina Floyd, has discussed several times why it was so important to her bringing a professional softball team to Oklahoma. Oklahoma is the home of the USA Softball Hall of Fame as well as the host for the NCAA Women’s College World Series.

The head coach position at the Spark was earned by OU standout Amber Flores. Flores was a threetime All-American at the University of Oklahoma. She played one year of professional softball before starting her coaching career. Flores

coached at Seminole State Community College for 10 years and was named the NJCAA Region 2 Coach of the Year five times. She took that title back-to-back in 2021 and 2022.

Spark is currently building its team for the first game in June.

Nine players have signed to play this season: Chelsea Alexander, Jocelyn Alo, Lynnsie Elam, Fa Leilua, Michelle Moultire, Keilani Ricketts, Keely Rochard, Sydney Sherrill and Sami Williams. The team is having tryouts to expand their team in early April.

The 2023 schedule opens 7 p.m. June 15 with the Spark playing against the Vipers at the Gerry Pinkston field. Spark is scheduled to play a total of 35 games before entering semifinals. The team has 18 games in Oklahoma, six being played at UCO and the other 12 at the USA Hall of Fame Complex.

USA’s Tamyra Marianna Stock Mensah, left, and Japan’s Sara Dosho wrestle in the 2020 Summer Olympics. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Brooke Niver Contributing Writer

Central Oklahoma’s Terin Ritz slides into home plate (CENTRAL SPORTS/PROVIDED)

Brooke Niver

Contributing Writer

Amber Flores former Head Coach at Seminola State College is now the Head Coach for the Oklahoma City Spark. (Seminola State College Sports/PROVIDED)

‘Creed III’ plays like live action anime

Director Michael B. Jordan accentuates the action in the latest sequel

Britton Summers Reporter

Despite my unapologetic nerdiness, I actually do like my fair share of sports. Thanks to my dad, I have loved football since I was a young kid, but I also love fighting sports such as boxing and MMA. I love the thrill, adrenaline, and the rush that you get from watching two athletes fighting it out like warriors in the ring and, at its best, it can be truly riveting entertainment.

I grew up watching the Rocky films when I was a kid, and it’s lasted for as long as it has because it’s the ultimate underdog story. We identify with Rocky (as played by Sylvester Stallone) because we’ve all been the underdog at one time or another, but because of his heart and his tenacity, he succeeds. But “Creed III” is different in how Stallone doesn’t appear in the movie, and this is the first Rocky-related film that he has not appeared in. This is not just Rocky’s story anymore, it is Adonis’ (played by Michael B. Jordan.) There is also the fact that “Creed III” has become the fifth highest grossing film of 2023.

I will be the first to admit that “Creed III” is flawed. If one has a keen eye, they could compare this film to the excellent 2011 MMA film Warrior, and I definitely saw the comparisons. “Creed III” has Adonis and his old friend Dame (played by Jonathan Majors) fighting for the Heavyweight World Championship, which is made personal by the demons in both of their pasts. There are holes in this movie that one could pick out, and I call it a live action anime because it has the intense melodrama and over the top action that one would find in a sports anime. This is no surprise considering Jordan is a big anime

fan, and cited anime such as Naruto as an inspiration for this film. One can also see it in the fantastic action sequences in the film, especially towards the end.

My favorite aspects of this film were the acting and the aforementioned action sequences. Michael B. Jordan continues to prove himself as one of the most gifted actors of his generation, and he goes up against stiff competition with Jonathan Majors, who is also proving to be one of the most dynamic emerging players in the acting game. The two work well off of each other, and one can feel the tragedy of their broken friendship while wanting to see the two of them fight it out in the ring. As for the action sequences, they have the same raw intensity of the

original Rocky films while not being afraid to go into new directions as well, and Jordan handles the fight scenes with finesse.

But what makes this film intriguing out of all of the Creed films is how it inverts the original Rocky story, while not getting rid of what made it successful in the first place. It’s almost as if “Creed III” is a retelling of Rocky from Apollo Creed’s perspective, except this time it is from his son’s perspective as he fights an up and comer, except this time it is Dame, who is not as loveable as Rocky is. Sadly, I find that this film didn’t go as deep as it could have. They could have gone deeper with the themes and characters, and sadly they didn’t take the chance to flesh out the fractured

relationship, aside from giving us the basic gist of it.

Again, take Warrior. While it’s a martial arts film, it’s also a deeply moving film about a fractured relationship between a family, trauma, and eventually redemption. “Creed III” could have taken more notes from this film and further explored the relationship between Adonis and Dame, and could have made it much more impactful. But sadly they didn’t, and I think they missed an opportunity there.

I still find that the first Creed film is the best of the Creed movies. But “Creed III” is yet another strong outing from the Rocky franchise, and I am looking forward to seeing where this franchise goes next.

Swift runs through 10 ‘Eras’ at Arizona opening concert

Swift’s setlist was over three hours long and included 44 songs from her past 10 albums, including those she has yet to re-record. There were nearly 70,000 fans gathered to watch Swift as she walked the crowd back through the last 17 years of her career, one era at a time. The Eras Tour concept focuses on Taylor and fans revisiting and reimagining songs as old as “Tim McGraw,” from her self-titled debut album, to songs as new as “Lavender Haze” from her most recent album, Midnights.

Swift opened the concert with “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince,” transporting the crowd back to 2019 when she released “Lover,” dedicated largely to her long-time boyfriend Joe Alwyn. From there, she took everyone nine more years backwards as she broke into “Fearless,” followed by one of her biggest hits, “You Belong With Me,” both of which were featured on her 2008 release.

Then Swift catapults her audience forward to her surprise 2020 release evermore, which dropped just five months after folklore. Taylor announces the arrival of the evermore era with “Willow,” followed by “Champagne Problems,” in which she asked, “Is it just me or do we have a lot to catch up on?”

Taylor Swift’s 52-date ‘Eras Tour’ kicked off March 17 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Glendale’s Mayor Jerry Weirers welcomed Taylor and her Swifties by temporarily changing the city’s name to ‘Swift City’ for her two-night stay in the desert city. Opening night came just 16 hours after Swift released four re-recorded singles, including “Safe & Sound,” which she wrote for the Hunger Games trilogy, and “All Of The Girls You Loved Before,” which had been leaked by fans just a week prior. The Eras Tour marks her first world tour since her Reputation Stadium Tour. COVID-19 canceled the “Lover Fest” tour before fans could even get tickets.

Swift then takes a sharp turn from the storybook-like sound of evermore into her Reputation era most famous for being the album released after her three-year hiatus and near total disappearance from the media. She appropriately opens this era with “...Ready for It?” clad in her iconic snakeskin attire.

‘Enchanted’ was the only song Swift performed from her 2010 release Speak Now, skipping huge hits like “Back to December” and “Mean.” She did, however, quickly make up for the missing songs when she performed “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” for the first time in concert. She followed up the heartbreak from her ‘Red’ era with tracks from folklore like “Betty” and “August.”

Swift closed the event with “Karma” from Midnights. Long story short, the anti-hero knows how to leave her audiences enchanted.

Glover’s ‘Swarm’ explores a scary world of toxic fan culture

Kelanie Robertson

Contributing Writer

Amazon Prime Video recently released “Swarm,” written by Donald Glover, also known as musical artist Childish Gambino, is a psychological thriller about toxic fan culture.

The show follows Dre (Dominique Fishback), who is fascinated with the pop star Ni’Jah. Dre is a part of Ni’Jah’s fan base called “The Swarm,” as her fans refer to themselves as bees. Sound familiar? This

is not a coincidence: every episode starts off with the following statement: “This is not a work of fiction. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is intentional.”

The similarity to Beyonce and her fanbase is uncanny, even going so far to follow the timeline of Beyonce’s album releases and birth of her twins. The show begins with Dre purchasing Ni’Jah tickets for she and her sister, who also is a Ni’Jah super-fan. It soon becomes

apparent something is seriously wrong with Dre. This is a show about how far some fans will go to protect their favorite artists.

Toxic fan culture is not discussed enough, but with huge tours coming up with Beyonce and Taylor Swift, this is the perfect time for “Swarm” to come out. Fan culture is not the only topic it covers however.

“Swarm” brings up heavy topics as well such as racism, abusive relationships and the foster care system. The casting for this show is also

incredible, featuring stars like Billie Eilish, Paris Jackson and Chloe Bailey.

You never know what is going to happen in the next episode.

“Swarm” explores this issue from both the celebrity and fan’s perspectives perfectly. As Glover said, “Beyhive, don’t kill us. It’s not that bad, it’s actually pretty cool!”

All seven episodes of the first season of “Swarm” are now playing on Amazon Prime Video.

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors face off in “Creed III.” (MGM/Provided)

Madelyn Fisher

Contributing Writer

Taylor Swift started her “Eras” tour March 17 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (ASSOCIATED PRESS/ASHLEY LANDIS)