9 March 2020

a student newspaper of the University of Tulsa

March 9, 2020 issue 20 ~ volume 105

TU soccer wins again, p.3

Sanders and Biden emerge from Super Tuesday neck and neck, p. 11 International Night highlights Tulsa’s talent and diversity, p. 15

cover by Emma Palmer

Meet your Student Association candidates, p. 6

Sports

The Collegian: 2

9 March 2020

TU wins last home game over Houston Basketball journalist Hannah Robbins discusses the team’s 71-64 final home win of the season led by Destiny Johnson against the Houston Cougars.

In their penultimate game of the regular season, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane women’s basketball team, led by Destiny Johnson’s 23 points, surged past the Houston Cougars in the fourth quarter to snag a win on Senior’s Night.

The Monday night game was the Golden Hurricane’s second win in a row, and the team fought back from a trio of tied scores to beat the Cougars against a home crowd.

The game started off slow.

Tulsa and Houston traded possessions — and misses — back and forth before Addison Richards hit a jumper four minutes into the game.

For the next three minutes, the only points added to the board were a pair of layups by Johnson.

With three minutes left in the quarter, Houston finally got on the board with a three, but a layup and free throw by Kendrian Elliott had Tulsa up 9-3. Tulsa and Houston traded layups, and a Houston jumper was met with a three by Johnson.

As the quarter drew to a close Houston hit back-to-back layups and a jumper by Houston was only met with a free throw by Elin Hrafnkelsdottir, leaving Tulsa only up by two at the end of the quarter.

The game once again took a while to get going in the second quarter.

Johnson’s layup finally put points on the board three minutes in, points quickly followed by a jumper from Hrafnkelsdottir.

Houston responded with a three, then, after some back and forth, a jumper.

The teams were neck and neck, making layup after layup back-toback, but Houston was unable to make a dent in Tulsa’s three-point lead until Houston put up a final three with 30 seconds left in the half to narrow Tulsa’s lead to two points.

After halftime, the teams continued on even footing, with a layup by Houston off the top tying up the game.

Rebecca Lescay responded, but a three by Houston gave them the first lead of the game. The lead was quickly taken away by Elliot, and a pair of free throws from Johnson gave Tulsa momentum.

Richards’s layup put the Golden Hurricane up by five, but back-toback layups by Houston made the game competitive again.

A jumper by Richards and a free throw by Johnson kept Tulsa ahead as the quarter wound down, but a pair of free throws and a

jumper from Houston left the score tied 38-38 heading into the fourth quarter.

Tulsa was dominant off the top of the fourth quarter, scoring six points in a row to give the team the lead.

Houston hit a three, but Tulsa didn’t slow down, making a pair of free throws.

Houston responded with a jumper, but Desiree Lewis responded in kind.

Tulsa continued to increase their lead, sandwiching a Houston layup with two of their own, then adding a three by Morgan Brady to boot.

A trio of layups by Houston shrunk their deficit, but Tulsa continued to fight, making layup after layup to keep the team on top.

As the game drew to a close, a free throw by Brady and a pair of free throws by Lescay put the team up by seven to end the game.

The team had a solid showing, but it seems like they took too long to hit their stride.

If the team had been playing like this all season, they would have had a chance to surge upward in the conference rankings like the men’s team did. Instead, they finish the season ranked last in the conference.

photos by James Taylor Rebecca Lescay goes up for a layup (top). Kendrian Elliot dribbles around defenders (left). Rebecca Lescay defends the ball (right). Destiny Jonhson heads downcourt (bottom).

9 March 2020

Sports

The Collegian: 3

Tulsa dominates Oklahoma Baptist TU sports writer Brayden McCoy captures the action from TU's big win over OBU 3-0

A Tulsa player struggles for the ball (left). Adam Habib hustles between defenders (right). Adam Habib makes a stunning play on the ball (bottom).

photos by Brayden McCoy

Tennis beats ORU, loses to TCU and UT Sports photographer Tommy Reid brings the action from TU's dominant 4-0 win over ORU before their 0-7 and 1-6 losses to TCU and Texas, respectively.

Jaun Pablo Cenoz makes a play (left). Boriss Kamden returns the ball (right). Jarod Hing sends a backhand (bottom).

photos by Tommy Reid

The Collegian: 4

Sports

9 March 2020

Astros may get hit by pitches in 2020 Student journalist Zach Short weighs in on the possibility of violent retaliation in the MLB. Coming off the recent explosion of news regarding the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, much of the baseball world wonders how the disgraced team will fare in the hands of vigilante justice — that is, in a court of their peers.

Baseball fans and curious onlookers alike have intrigued themselves with the possibil-

Indians. To compare these numbers with last year, the Astros were only hit 41 times in the 2019 regular season — 15 below the MLB average.

Outside of formal betting, other modes of interest have sprung about.

There are currently Twitter accounts appearing rapidly that promise to track the As-

"... a move to protect the offenders might result in greater controversy than the players just getting thumped most days." ity of a surge in hit-by-pitch (HBP) numbers for the Astros’ roster. While the numbers in spring training have actually appeared to show that a populist revolt against cheating will not occur, that has not stopped any speculation.

ESPN writer David Schoenfield draws attention to the fact that, despite seven Astros taking a hit in spring training so far, only two actually have any connection to the scandal, and even they were hit with breaking balls.

Regardless of this, CBS sports has published betting odds for the number of HBPs the Astros receive this year, as produced by the bookmaker William Hill.

The numbers place the over/under betting point at 83.5 HBPs, a number only nine teams have surpassed in the previous five seasons, and the most likely number range (in increments of 10) as 81-90 HBPs at three to one odds. Currently, the record for most HBPs stands at 103 for the 2008 Cleveland

tros’ woes throughout the season, and public interest shows like “Today” have discussed the potential of an HBP-riddled season for the Texas team. While analysts like Schoenfield suggest the excitement will subside shortly after opening day (March 26), the surrounding hype seems determined that a very interesting season awaits.

Astros manager Dusty Baker has already appealed to the MLB office to set in place protections for his players, but given the seemingly lax sanctions placed against the Astros, a move to protect the offenders might result in greater controversy than the players just getting thumped most days.

However, the expectations may alter the course of the 2020 season on their own without the assistance of an unstated common vendetta by players who feel cheated.

Releasing betting odds and frequently publishing stories on the prospects of a painful season for Houston may force league action.

Astros are facing a dangerous new reality.

After all, player safety is a league responsibility and, should any Astro find himself able to legitimately claim targeting and perhaps an injury, a lawsuit may land on the doorstep of the MLB’s highest executives.

With all the popular discussion, the MLB may have no choice but to protect the perpetrators of what now looks like the biggest baseball cheating scandal of the 21st Century.

Currently though, it remains ambiguous at best as to whether or not players across the league will actually give any truth to the rumors.

graphic by Brennen Gray

The distinct possibility that most teams are content with turning the other cheek has yet to die, and more radical conspiracies even suggest a common desire among professional players to just let the story die, as many more cheating operations may lurk just beyond public perception.

Regardless of those possibilities, if ever there were a movement to exact revenge upon the Astros, the widespread speculation may force players to reconsider their slight attacks and just play baseball.

17-game NFL season?

Student journalist Zach Short covers the prospective changes to the NFL season and what they mean for the players.

For years the NFL has toyed with the possibility of adding more playing time to their schedule.

Suggestions have ranged across a wide variety of possibilities, most of which died before they were even close to implementation.

Recently, however, a new plan began showing promise of actually changing professional football. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) would not only add an extra game to the schedule, with no additional bye week, but would also restructure the postseason, raise salaries for players and adjust the way players are judged and penalized for their conduct off the field.

As perhaps the largest change, the additional game in the regular season typically receives the most attention.

Supporters point at the potential of a colossal increase in revenue that would allow for more player pay, higher minimum pay for rookies and expanded rosters and practice squads.

The proposed CBA directly stipulates the latter two changes while providing that 48 percent (eventually 48.5 percent) of new revenue must be shared with players, dictating an increase in player pay overall. Critics, however, point to the increased risk of injury and fatigue that comes with the additional game.

The NFL is facing a number of changes in the new season.

More than that, player careers could shorten with the additional play — a big problem for the already brief stints of linemen.

In another part of the CBA, a new postseason plan would expand to hold 14 teams, as opposed to the current 12, and would only grant the top seed in each conference a first round bye. Arguments on this topic reflect similar ideas to the regular season change. Those in favor would point at the additional two games — playoff games, at that — capable of collecting immense amounts in additional revenue. On the flip side, the plan adds a single extra game to both conferences, most negatively affecting conference two-seeds who would no longer receive a first round bye.

Whereas they would, in theory, have a relatively easy match with the new bottom seed, they would still have to play an extra game in the playoffs. Statistically speaking, teams who earn a first round bye are much more likely to make a Super Bowl appearance. While the high caliber of teams there likely contributes to that fact, some threeand four-seeds in any given postseason are always considered about equal to the higher seeds.

Not all of the plan seems so controversial, though. Few NFL policy analyzers have publicly come against the new plan

for judging player misconduct off the field.

First and foremost, the CBA promises to relax policies on player use of marijuana. As more and more teams exist in states with legalized recreational marijuana, the league needed to address the evolving political climate as it impacts its players.

The other half of the penalization policy would shift discipline overall out of the hands of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to a third party arbitrator. In all, the policy looks to address the frequent critiques of player policy.

Domestic abuse charges against NFL players make news headlines with a frequency found in no other professional sport, and league action is often deemed too lax.

If nothing else, inadequate penalizations of offenders would at least, in this plan, fall to the third party arbitrator and take the heat off Roger Goodell and the NFL. Most, if not all, of the criticism for the new plan comes for the heavier burden placed on players.

Fortunately, the players themselves currently possess the final say in the matter as the last step before implementation demands a vote of the players’ union at large, currently unscheduled. Should the union reach a simple majority in favor, the new plan will likely take effect for the upcoming NFL season this fall and winter.

courtesy Wikimedia

I have risen from the dead! It is my first Bleacher Creature of the year, and possibly my last of ra while. I am very sorry for my absence, but I frankly could not help the issue.

Without further ado, here we go!

One thing I want to talk about is Astros scandal. Yes, I know that I am beating a dead horse here. Everyone is talking about it. But there is one aspect of that is not being talked about enough.

Is cheating in sports more common than we think? Think about it. The Astros got away with a ridiculously complex and involved form of cheating for a long period of time. How many other teams are getting away with smaller and shorter types of cheating right now?

Like all crime, the best examples are ones that we will never know about, and that is really unfortunate. For all we know, the greatest achievements of sports could be crooked. A game rigged for ratings for example.

But then again, that is simply part of the game.

There are a lot of things in sports that are considered cheating adjacent, or at least scummy.

From intentionally losing NFL games to get a better draft pick, all the way down to intentionally fouling a basketball player before they can shoot so they have to make two free throws instead of one layup.

There are simply times like these where jeopardizing the integrity of the game, or minorly breaking the rules with a small foul, are advantageous.

And maybe that just is not okay.

Another thing I want to talk about is Liverpool. They are my favorite soccer team and have been for a few years never: ever since Lebron bought a portion of them.

During that time, Man City had formed a dynasty in the Premier League with Manchester United quickly behind.

And Real Madrid were dominating the world.

Now Liverpool is arguably the world’s best team. And they deserve it.

Not only has it been decades since Liverpool has won the Premier League despite being perennially one of its best teams, but Liverpool fans are also great people.

Liverpool is famously a working class city, hub for punk music, a mecca for the sport of soccer, the home of the Beatles, a bastion of progressive politics and many other great things.

All their recent success is well-deserved, and it makes me a very happy creature to see.

Anyway thank you all for tuning in this time. I hope you all enjoyed reading this little island of my sports writing since it is so rare these days.

Also everyone stay healthy!

Sports

9 March 2020

The Collegian: 5

How pricey are TU sports tickets?

Investigative sports journalist Myranda New compares prices for TU sports between men's and women's events and with those of other colleges and professional leagues.

Calculating the prices for sports tickets is a complex business, one that must take fan interest, supplies and scholarships into account as well as many other factors.

Every year, the prices for tickets differ, increasing or, on the rare occasion, decreasing, but even within the same year, ticket prices vary between teams, states and competitions.

For example, tickets for championships are hundreds of dollars more than the initial rounds of a tournament. The difference

fancier, though, a box is between $1,000 and $1,750.

One can argue whether the ticket prices for college football games are a good deal by comparing them to the University of Tulsa.

At the University of Georgia, tickets were as expensive as $490 per person, but there are also small schools where football tickets are $75, both throwing off the average. The same is true for professional football in the National Football League (NFL), where the

are $97 and $18 respectively. The average among colleges is closer in comparison — $65 for men’s and $50 for women’s — but the difference is still shocking: men’s tickets are 5.39 times the price of women’s tickets in the professional league.

All other TU sports price both the men’s and women’s team the same, $5 for soccer games and free for tennis, cross country, and track and field.

Women’s golf and women’s rowing are also free to the public. Despite the equal-

Overall, the University of Tulsa’s sporting event tickets are significantly cheaper than the ticket prices for other universities as well as professional leagues, especially considering that all students are already getting in free.

This is most likely due to how our stadiums are smaller than those of other universities. We are a small, private university in Oklahoma, not an enormous public university with 50,000 students.

It may seem that the opposite should be

“Overall, the University of Tulsa’s sporting event tickets are significantly cheaper than the ticket prices for other universities as well as professional leagues ...” between sports is also quite noticeable, but what is arguably most shocking is the price difference between a men’s sport and a women’s sport.

At the University of Tulsa, all games are free to students, something that is rare compared to other universities.

At large state universities, student tickets are discounted, but there is no such thing as free. At the University of Missouri at Columbia, for example, students can pay $150 for a season pass to all sports games.

This is cheaper than the average ticket price for Division I college football games of $200, but around the same price for University of Tulsa games. At TU, general admission is $100 while a season pass is between $100 and $330. If you feel even

average ticket price is $120, but outrageous Super Bowl ticket prices as well as championships and tournaments compared to initial games need to be taken into account.

Games between rival professional teams also heavily increase ticket prices.

There is no college women’s football team, but one sport that has both men and women to compare is basketball. At the University of Tulsa, men’s basketball tickets range between $15 and $44 depending on the section with season passes for $150. For the women’s basketball team, all tickets are $5 for general admission and season passes are $50.

This difference is also obvious in the National Basketball Association (NBA) compared to the WNBA, average ticket prices

ity for soccer ticket prices here, in the professional field with Major League Summer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), men’s soccer tickets are 2.4 times more expensive than women’s tickets: $48 and $20 respectively.

It is also important to note that while a good handful of colleges have free women’s tennis matches, the US Open for reference is $247 per ticket on average, while for men’s tennis it’s more than a $100 over that.

There are two more sports only hosted by women at the University of Tulsa: softball and volleyball. Softball tickets range from $5 to $15 while volleyball tickets are $5, prices much cheaper than other colleges, where the average is $25 to $45 for softball and $130 for volleyball.

true, since other universities have so many more people attending games, prices should be cheaper since more people can build up the average. Supply and demand must be taken into consideration, as opposed to a profit equation.

These universities are huge, with even more fans than students; they all want to attend the games, therefore tickets are increased to where the fewer number of seats is worth it.

Either way, ticket sales are complex and ever-shifting, a Google search that requires a lot of investigation depending on the university and the time into a tournament, but if you are a student at the University of Tulsa, all of your tickets are free, so go support our fantastic players.

graphic by Emma Palmer

Ticket prices with standard prices compared with standard prices at every event.

March 9 - March 15 Monday

Tues.

9

W Tennis vs. ORU 3 p.m.

Wednesday 10

No Events

11

Softball vs. WIU 5 p.m.

M Tennis vs. OU 6 p.m.

Thurs.

12

Friday 13

M Tennis @ OSU 5 p.m.

No Events

Softball @KU 6 p.m.

Sunday

Saturday 14

15

Rowing Rowing M Soccer @Lousiville @Lousiville @USL Pro TBA TBA 3 p.m.

Softball M Basketball AAC @KCU Championship 12 p.m.

4 p.m.

M Basketball AAC W Tennis Championship vs. WSU 8:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

Softball @KU 5 p.m.

Softball @KU 12 p.m.

M Tennis @Baylor 21 p.m.

M Basketball AAC Championship 2:15 p.m.

The Collegian: 6

News

9 March 2020

Meet your Student Association candidates

Staff Writer Lindsey Prather asked Student Association candidates a series of questions before the upcoming Student Association vote.

President

Faith Nichols Why are you running for SA? I want to be the president of Student Association because I want to advocate for the student body of The University of Tulsa. I believe that my experience, connections and leadership can be used to help focus the leadership of SA to create positive, meaningful change at TU. What is the most important issue facing students? The most important issue that students face at TU is the lack of dialogue between communities and groups on our campus. There is a huge opportunity for growth in terms of developing ways to make students feel heard and to make their needs known.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? My favorite event from this past year was HallowQueens. I loved learning about the historical art of drag at the first event of Pride Month! I appreciated the event because it’s unlike any other that is hosted at TU. Props to PRIDE at TU for creating the event years ago!

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? I believe the role of Student Association is to create and promote social, educational and cultural opportunities for students and to advocate for the interests of the entire student body. Further, I believe it is the role of Student Association to provide avenues for information, ideas, concerns and expectations to be communicated throughout and within TU. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? I was once told that “No one will manage your life for you.” This simple sentence is a constant reminder to be aware of my limits and to remember that it’s okay to say “no” to some of the good things in order to make time for the best things.

Neb Esayas Why are you running for SA? I’m running for SA because I have had the leadership experience to bring real change to TU. I’ve attended more than one university and I want to bring what works in other places here. I know what it’s like to feel unengaged and have no connection to the school.

What is the most important issue facing students? There are a number of issues facing students, but the number one problem is the lack of socialization opportunities. TU lacks school spirit. We don’t have traditions and culture like other institutions and I want to change that.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? I’m a big fan of watching the TU tennis teams. We have a wonderful facility and a great men’s and women’s tennis team. I can’t remember one particularly memorable event, but tennis is always fun. Orientation Week was a blast, but that was not within the past year.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? The role of SA is to serve the students. SA needs to understand the campus climate and what all students are feeling, not just those usual suspects. Instead of focusing exclusively on funding guidelines, SA has to work to convey what students are thinking to those in the administration who can make a difference about it.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Those closest to me have said that if I believe that something is incredibly important, I should pursue it regardless of whether the odds are in my favor or not.

Kareem Ihmeidan Why are you running for SA? I believe that attitude reflects leadership. And in order to see the change we seek it is our job as student leaders to set an example for the student body. And if our leadership is vouching for all types of students then we can slowly

change the culture of SA and create a more welcoming environment for all students on campus.

What is the most important issue facing students? Students feel as if they are not being heard or that their voice has no value to it. The student association is meant to provide a platform for all students to express their opinions and ideas. This problem needs to be addressed and further actions need to be taken to give students the proper representation that is needed in order to bring about positive growth on this campus.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? My favorite TU event was Mr. and Mrs. International. It provided great insight to other cultures and celebrated people of all backgrounds.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? The role of SA is to provide a platform for students of all backgrounds to express their ideas and opinions, as well as providing students with the ability to bring about change for whatever concerns they may have.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? “Trust yourself when all men doubt you.”

Vice President

James Smith Williams Why are you running for SA? I am running for Vice President of SA to help enhance the quality of life for students at TU. I see SA not as a bullet point on a resume, but as a platform to improve our campus and help fulfill the needs of students. I hope to partner with students and productive members of the administration to better student resources, organizational opportunities and student engagement.

What is the most important issue facing students? The most important issue facing students is their lack of representation on campus, including the SA Senate. During the Senate election this semester, the representatives of several seats ran unopposed and two seats were not filled. SA cannot fulfill its purpose of giving a voice to students if not every constituency is represented.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? My favorite TU event that I attended this past school year was the International Bazaar hosted by the Association of International Students. I really enjoyed the delicious food and the impressive performances of students in the Parade of Nations. The event was extremely well-planned, informative and fun.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? I think that the purpose of the Student Association is strongly encapsulated in our mission statement: “to create and promote intellectual, social and cultural opportunities, to act as a catalyst for change within the university, and to advocate for the interests of the student body.” The Student Association should be a stable advocate that our students can always rely on. SA should act as a strong ally for students, rather than a hindrance to progress.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? The best advice I have been given comes from my family: “Treat others the way that you want to be treated.”

Although this phrase is used consistently in society, it has struck a chord with me since I was young. This taught me that every single person has value and that they should be treated with kindness and respect.

Eric Aplis Why are you running for SA? I am tired of students and organizations paying the price for unproductive leadership. In the same time that the SA budget has been slashed,

events and activities have not changed to be more effective. Leaders continue to campaign on identical platforms year to year rather than focusing on specific issues that need to be addressed as we — as a University — change.

What is the most important issue facing students? The biggest issue facing us as students is the break down of the campus culture. We are angry and hurt by the current state of TU, and as a result, the bond that unites us as students feels non-existent.

TU will not get better unless we as students recognize the importance of contributing towards a constructive campus culture.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? My favorite event I attended this year was the Mid-Autumn Festival hosted by the Chinese Student Association. Not only does this organization do a great job in providing a unique experience to students, but it is one of the first large events of the year that freshmen get to see. The standard for large events is set for the year, and students are encouraged by this great demonstration of communities coming together.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? The purpose of Student Association is to advance the student experience. Whether it is providing distinct opportunities for advancement outside of the classroom, or providing resources for the students to succeed, the focus should be about creating an atmosphere that is undeniably beneficial for the student body.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? “Your ability to have difficult conversations will directly determine how successful you are.” Not only has this guided me through difficult decisions, but it is among the most relevant quotes that could help our campus. When we as leaders fail to admit that there are issues or fail to address issues with others, the students bear the negative externalities. As a Vice President, I will have the opportunity to have the difficult conversations not only within the Senate and Cabinet, but with the TU administration about the challenges that we as students face every day.

Treasurer

Misia Paszkowiak Why are you running from SA? I want to make the funding process more efficient and overall be a point of contact for students for planning events, reviewing OSPs or helping them resolve issues. Office hours are going to be set in my schedule so that anyone with any question or need can come by for assistance.

What is the most important issue facing students? I personally believe that the most important issues for students are actually having a voice in the things that SA does and knowing how to make the most of SA’s resources. I want students to feel comfortable approaching members and voicing their opinions so we can make the changes within the rules that would benefit them.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? Most likely, my favorite event this past year was street painting during homecoming because everyone collaborated to create some amazing designs. It was messy and a lot of work but at the same time, really fun to watch and help with.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? The role of SA is to work in the interests of students in order to promote their college experiences and goals. We are funded and run by students, so we should in turn reinvest in them and their plans.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? “It’s hard to ignore when people judge you, but if you can, your life will be way more fun. You’ll be able to treat yourself and not feel bad about it. Like riding a lime in a onesie.”

Katarina Michna Why are you running for SA? I am running for Student Association because I genuinely believe that I have the skill set needed to propel the organization through this time of uncertainty and change. I plan to make SA something that the students are proud of and that they can rely on, all while working to improve transparency with the student body, something students are expressing the importance of. Ultimately, TU students work hard in their academics and organizations and I want to do what I can to make their lives easier through a streamlined and transparent funding process.

What is the most important issue facing students? I believe the most important is-

sue facing students is the uncertainty that seems to be surrounding campus. It is no secret that students, whether passionate about the changes being implemented or not, feel that there is a sense of uncertainty weighing down the University’s potential for growth.

What SA can do is to act as a liaison between the students and administration, fighting for students’ ability to have their voice heard.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? My favorite event was probably the TU Men’s Basketball game against Wichita State this season! The energy in Reynolds Center was contagious and something I definitely won’t forget.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? I feel that the Student Association exists purely to serve the student body. Everything that SA does is to enhance the college experience for students, whether that is through programming (the primary focus of Cabinet), chartering and funding student organizations (primary focus of Senate) or holding all branches accountable and having an unbiased party in SA decision making (primary focus of Judicial). SA works to uphold the student experience through continuing TU traditions and constantly evolving to meet the students’ needs.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Before leaving for school when I was little my mom would tell me, “Do the right thing even if it’s not fun, easy, or popular.” I still strive to live with this integrity.

Secretary

Sean O’Brien Why are you running for SA? I’m running for Secretary of Student Association because I believe that the best way to increase the access students have to SA is through documentation. Our minutes, agendas and general club resources are difficult to find use. If elected, I want to make it easier for students to see where their money is going through our documentation. I also would work to help them have a say in their Student Association, through more public access to Senate and Cabinet meetings.

What is the most important issue facing students? I believe the most important issue facing students today is the lack of transparency within Student Association. All students pay a fee once a semester, but very few actually know where that money ends up and how Student Association decides where to spend it.

What is your favorite TU event you have attended in the past year? My favorite TU event from this past year was homecoming, specifically the sidewalk painting. I enjoyed it because it was a lot of fun getting to hang out and just paint the sidewalk whatever way we wanted with a lot of my friends. I enjoyed getting to see the final product created by everyone at the end of the day.

In your opinion, what is the role of SA? I believe that the purpose of Student Association is to serve as the bridge between the student body and the administration here on campus. Our work focuses on keeping the fires of TU tradition and student spirit burning strong. We do this through working with campus clubs and organizations to provide funding for events and meetings, as well as through planning events of our own to serve the TU community and bring pride and joy to TU. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? If you try, you will WILL learn. If you are willing to fail, you have a chance to succeed through that failure. The world will still turn if you fail at something, so it is better to fail early and to learn than to over emphasize a possibility of failure.

SA Executive elections will take place on Harvey. They will be live from 9:00 a.m. on March 11 to 9:00 p.m. on March 12.

9 March 2020

News

The Collegian: 7

International Women’s Day celebrates firsts at TU At the University of Tulsa, Janet Levit holds the title of the first appointed woman president and provost.

Karelia Alexander Student Writer From struggle to success, frustration to determination, women have fought for equality. International Women’s Day on March 8 is a day not only of focusing on the past achievements made by women around the world but also of looking toward the future. Though there have been some tremendous changes over the several decades, the fight for equality is far from over, and there is still much to accomplish globally.

Looking locally, this past January, Janet Levit was named the president of the University of Tulsa, making her the first woman president. This Sunday, March 8, to celebrate International Women’s Day, The Collegian is interviewing Janet Levit.

According to the United Nations’s official website, International Women’s Day was first established a national holiday in the United States on Feb. 28, 1909. The Socialist Party of America established the day in order to recognize the garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against the work conditions they were under in 1908. Gradually this spread to Europe.

In 1910 Copenhagen, Denmark, the Socialist International recognized the struggle for women’s rights, which was the start of International Women’s Day. According to the UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) website, in 1975 the United Nations recognized and celebrated International Women’s Day. In December 1977, the General Assembly used a “resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.”

As of 2020, International Women’s Day is celebrated in several countries with continuous plans for innovations in the near future.

Whether it’s international or local, the achievements made by women and for women are groundbreaking, especially as we celebrate International Women’s Day. The University of Tulsa is no exception to making history for women’s rights, either.

As mentioned on the school’s website, before TU was established in 1894 as Henry Kendall College “at the request of the Synod of Indian Territory,” the college founded a boarding school: the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls in 1882.

Later on in the 20th century, women became more recognized, prompting a new look at Tulsa’s history with women’s rights and innovations, going beyond their roles at the time. Judith Jaeger, the author of “Pathfinders and Way-Makers: A Women’s History of Early Tulsa,” began her research on Tulsa’s history, where it showed a lesserknown portion of the females that helped shape the city.

As she looked further into it, she saw most of the documented people were men.

She stated that if someone “read a lot about the early history of Tulsa,” they would see that most of it would be about the “bankers, the oilmen, the ranchers, the doctors.” She then went on to explain that “if the women in their lives are mentioned at all, it’s usually just a couple of lines about their marriage and how many children she had.”

Nevertheless, Jaeger was interested in finding more out, which she did. She discovered a woman named Lilah Lindsey, who Judith Jaeger described as “truly one of the ‘founding mothers’ of Tulsa. She was involved in more than 30 organizations and wrote for such papers as the Indian Pioneer Papers.”

Women like Lilah Lindsey and Judith Jaeger are leaders, as they notice their surroundings and decide to something that could affect their community positively.

One of those women is Janet Levit.

Growing up, she was immersed in law.

“My father is a lawyer who practiced civil rights law for his entire career. My grandmother had a law degree from Northwestern, which was remarkable for the late

courtesy University of Tulsa Janet Levit, the first woman president at the University of Tulsa, was a human rights lawyer in Uganda.

1930s,” Levit fondly recalled.

“I am not surprised that I forged a career combining teaching and the law,” she later added. With this, she found her true passion — helping her community reach its fullest potential.

This led her to a few of her most recent and major accomplishments. Levit was also named the first female provost and the first female dean of the TU College of Law. When asked about her amazing accomplishments, Levit shared that her hard work is “a product of a faculty of trailblazers.”

Later she stated that, “However, if I am ‘trailblazing’, it is only possibly because of those who came before me.”

Though she is deeply thankful for the people who forged a path for her, she understands what role it plays in her life: “I appreciate the extent to which being a ‘first’ carries responsibility.”

With this in mind, she has taken every aspect into consideration with the invaluable experience she has had over her career.

Aside from her work here at TU, President Levit remains adamant about her pas-

sion for women’s rights globally. “I intend to dedicate significant time over the next decade of my life to women’s rights, equality for women and combating implicit gender bias,” Levit explained.

A few years ago, she committed herself to her goal to help women outside of the United States.

“In 2015, I started working with a group of human rights lawyers on maternal mortality issues in Uganda,” she said.

Within the University of Tulsa as well as the greater Tulsa area, as she contemplates her next move, Levit stated that, as she progresses in her presidency and women’s rights activism, she plans on bringing a positive change with the work she’s done.

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the success of women, both past and present. Nevertheless, it should be a time of reflection and appreciation of what women have struggled for as well as a moment to have hope for what the future brings.

How is Campus Parking pass prices to increase for first time in 13 years Security equipped?

Campus Security boasts 28 officers who are each equipped with a sidearm, handcuffs, pepper spray and an expandable baton.

Brennen Gray Sports Editor The University of Tulsa’s Campus Security is a sizable force for a campus this size.

Every day, students can see officers in vehicles, on bikes and walking about campus to do their job of keeping all students safe.

On their page on the university’s website, Campus Security describes their own work: “Campus Security officers comprise the department’s patrol, investigations and administrative divisions and are authorized to arrest and detain individuals on universityowned or controlled property per Oklahoma state statute Title 22, Section 187.”

While they are authorized to arrest and detain, Campus Security is a security force, not a police force.

This is a large distinction between a security agency and a police force, since, “State law prohibits security agencies from carrying “long rifles” such as AR-15s.

However in case of a dangerous situation like an active shooter, “Campus Security officers have extensive active shooter training with tactics and sidearms similar to those used by the Tulsa Police Department (TPD).”

On top of that, “Campus Security coordinates with TPD in emergency situations, and TPD can provide additional equipment, if needed.”

Furthemore, “Campus Security has a secure armory.”

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is a reliable source for accurate information on topics like these, but their last update on this topic on their website was from the 20112012 school year.

At the time of its release, the BJS reported “about seven in 10 campus law enforcement agencies had a memorandum of understanding or other formal written agreement with outside law enforcement agencies.”

“While they are authorized to arrest and detain, Campus Security is a security force, not a police force.”

The site also states security patrols campus year-round, even during the summer.

So what does Campus Security have with them to perform their duties? How large is the force exactly?

We had the opportunity to ask a few brief questions about how Campus Security is equipped.

Campus security states that they have “28 patrol officers who serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are 11 patrol vehicles and eight bicycles.” This is actually quite a lot of security for a school that spans only one block.

As far as how they are all equipped, “the officers are equipped with a sidearm, handcuffs, pepper spray and expandable baton.”

Although they are able to carry all of these items legally, “Campus Security does not have any other equipment beyond what is listed due to its status as a security agency.”

The University of Tulsa is currently in the majority there with “a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tulsa Police Department that establishes collaboration on reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking victims, including off-campus incidents that involve members of the TU community where Tulsa Police provides the law enforcement capabilities on campus.”

The TU campus security team also wanted to make known that “Campus Security officers are available to provide violent critical incident training on how to prepare the campus community in case of active violence on campus. If a student group wants to set up training, it can send a request through the webpage https://utulsa.edu/campus-security/contact/ and it will be contacted to set up a time and location.”

Per a university-wide email, the University of Tulsa is changing the price of parking permits to help resolve the financial deficit.

Alex Leeper Student Writer Last week, the University of Tulsa sent out a mass email titled “Student News” that announced a change to the rates for parking passes, the first time since 2007. While this was sent as a brief notice that flew past some students’ radars, many students reacted with surprise and alarm at how the rates would affect them for next semester. Let’s take a look at how much the rates have changed, why they changed and what this means for us as students and as a university.

The rate for motorcycles and motorized scooter parking passes stayed the same at $26 for an academic year, after a $1 processing fee. Next, the rate for commuter lot passes has changed from $26 to $41. While the rate has increased almost twofold, only around 15 percent of students live off campus. Students have complained about the availability of parking in commuter lots, with many students simply parking on sides of streets adjacent to campus or other areas.

lots are the smaller lots around campus, and they include the lots beside Harwell Hall, Lorton Hall, Phillips Hall and Case Tennis.

This will definitely change how the university will bring in more money, and according to the “Student News” email, will resolve the current budget deficit the university faces. The email states that the raise in prices will raise approximately $250,000 in additional revenue, and that the Faculty Senate Parking Committee will review the fee structure once more for the upcoming academic year.

This raise in parking pass rates could mean that the university is still trying to overcome its history of alleged poor management resulting in the deficit. According to an archive of the Parking & Card Services website from 2007, the year when parking pass rates last changed, “It’s been 30 years since any changes have been made to the TU parking fee structure, and the campus has undergone significant changes during that time — especially during the past decade.”

The only major changes that the University of Tulsa has seen since then have been the building of the Lorton Performing Arts Center, Hardesty Hall and, more recently, the TU Esports Gaming Lounge, according to the school’s website. Before that time, from 1987 to 2007, the university saw the creation of all of the new student apartment complexes, and many other new facilities.

“For perspective, parking passes at OU are $275 for commuter and student parking ...”

The largest change is the adjustment to residential parking passes, from $51 to $131 for an academic year. This is almost three times as expensive, and because the majority of students are on-campus, will create a vast amount of funding for the university.

After that, dual-purpose lot passes have increased twice as much from $101 to $201, and “premium” parking passes have increased from $501 to $801. These premium

For perspective, parking passes at OU are $275 for commuter and student parking, and a whopping $1,245 for reserved permits in their two parking facilities. The high price, according to the university’s website, is due to the university being self-supporting. Another perspective is the fact that Oklahoma’s minimum wage has increased only by 70 cents since then, and has been 7.25 dollars an hour since 2008.

The Collegian: 8

News

9 March 2020

Biden wins every county in Okla. Democratic primary

Joe Biden won 10 of the 14 Super Tuesday states, now leading the total Democratic delegates ahead of Bernie Sanders.

Sara Serrano Satire Editor

With only seven months to go before the general election, it’s peak presidential primary season. Last Tuesday, residents of 14 states — including Oklahoma — and one U.S. territory went to the polls to vote for their preferred candidate. Aptly named “Super Tuesday,” more states hold primaries on this single day than any other in the quadrennial presidential cycle.

Here are the results, as reported by the Associated Press: Alabama Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Arkansas Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump California Democratic Primary Winner — Bernie Sanders Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Colorado Democratic Primary Winner — Bernie Sanders Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Maine Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Massachusetts Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald

graphic by Sara Serrano The Super Tuesday states pictured with who won the state, with the total number of delegates available listed.

Trump Minnesota Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump North Carolina Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Oklahoma Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Tennessee Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Texas Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump

Utah Democratic Primary Winner — Bernie Sanders Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Vermont Democratic Primary Winner — Bernie Sanders Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Virginia Democratic Primary Winner — Joe Biden Republican Primary Winner — Donald Trump Although Biden won most votes in every county in Oklahoma, he did not receive all of Oklahoma’s 37 delegates. This is because unlike in the general election, delegates are awarded proportionally to the amount of votes they win. Winning 38.7 percent of

the Oklahoma vote (117,552 votes), Joseph Biden gained 20 delegates. Bernie Sanders won 25.4 percent of the vote (77,302 votes), with 13 delegates pledging themselves to him. The only other Democrat candidate to receive a (singular) delegate from Oklahoma, Michael Bloomberg, won 13.9 percent of the vote (42,243 votes), narrowly beating out Elizabeth Warren, who only won 13.4 percent of the vote (40,676 votes).

Interestingly, approximately 26,076 Oklahomans voted for Democratic candidates who had already dropped out previously to Super Tuesday. While some of these votes might have been from early voters, particularly in the case of Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg who both dropped out after early voting ended in the state, many of the candidates have been out of the race for months.

Zooming out of Oklahoma, March 3 marked one of the U.S.’s fifth presidential primary. As the point of U.S. primaries is to award delegates to candidates, a simple majority is necessary to secure them their party’s nomination, let’s break down how each candidate is faring now: Democratic Primary (1,991 delegates needed to win nomination): Biden — 624 Sanders — 556 Warren [DROPPED OUT] — 57 Bloomberg [DROPPED OUT] — 37 Buttigieg [DROPPED OUT] — 26 Klobuchar [DROPPED OUT] — 7 Gabbard — 2 Republican Primary (1,276 delegates needed to win nomination): Trump — 833 Weld — 1 Of those Democratic candidates that have dropped out, all have endorsed Biden besides Warren, who has yet to endorse anyone.

The next batch of primaries will be held this Tuesday, March 10, featuring Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington.

Harvey Weinstein charged with first- and third-degree rape the culture of disbelieving assault survivors throughout the history of criminal justice cases, the Weinstein convictions set a new precedent for how these types of cases can be prosecuted. In previous similar situations, if a woman had continued a professional relationship with someone that they had claimed attacked them, their case would never have made it before a jury; it would have been dismissed out of hand.

The New York prosecuters anticipated such dismissals of victims’ testimonies and brought to the stand a forensic scientist who explained the aftermath of sexual assault as well as its many manifestations and implications. The psychiatrist testified that contact with an attacker is the norm following an assault. There is so much that has been learned and continues to be discovered about the dynamics of sexual assault, particularly within the work place, and these two convictions can be seen as the first steps towards a more understanding and aware United States justice system.

courtesy Wikimedia Alyssa Milano, one of Harvey Weinstein’s accusers, popularized the term “Me Too” when she told people to post the phrase on social media if they had ever experienced sexual harrassment.

The case that sparked the “Me Too” movement is finally coming to an end after media mogul Harvey Weinstein is charged on two counts.

Tori Gellman Student Writer Harvey Weinstein used to be known as one of the most prolific and powerful executives in Hollywood. Today, his name conjures up images of scandal, abuse and maltreatment of female coworkers and employees. His sentencing is set to take place on March 11.

The public’s attention was first called to decades of sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein by The New York Times on Oct. 5, 2017. Throughout the month of October, Weinstein denied all allegations against him, issued an acknowledgement apologizing for the amount of pain he has caused and was ultimately removed by the board of his company.

Women spoke out about Weinstein sexual harassment. Claims included forced sensual massages, discussions while Weiinstein was naked, inappropriate propositions and forced sexual encounters. On Oct. 14, 2017, Rose McGowan publicly claimed that Harvey Weinstein raped her. This accusation opened the floodgates for dozens and dozens of women to speak up about their own assaults, which would lead to the hefty charges brought against the movie mogul.

Hollywood began expressing disappointment and disgust with Weinstein on social media, and many actors walked away from projects involving the moviemaker. Weinstein attempted to buy the silence of several of his accusers, to no avail. Organizations such as The Television Academy and The Producers Guild of America have banned Harvey Weinstein for life.

In February 2018, New York State prosecutors filed a lawsuit against the Weinstein Company for failing to protect employees from Weinstein’s abuse. Three months later, Weinstein turned himself in for sexual misconduct and was subsequently charged with rape and sexual abuse. Over the following months, many more women filed charges against Weinstein, who pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him. The outpouring of survivors proceeds throughout 2019 and the entirety of the Weinstein scandal comes to a head with the beginning of trial on January 6, 2020.

On Feb. 24, 2020, following five days of deliberation, the jury presented their verdict: Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of a criminal sexual act in the first degree and third-degree rape. He was acquitted of his most serious charges — first-degree rape and two counts of sexual predatory assault — which could have sent him to prison for life.

Through Twitter, one of Weinstein’s victims, Alyssa Milano, started the hashtag “Me Too” and encouraged other individuals who had experienced sexual violence to utilize the tag in solidarity with other survivors. In light of the Me Too Movement and

President and CEO of the Time’s Up Foundation, Tina Tchen, states that the jury’s decision “marks a new era of justice, not just for the Silence Breakers, who spoke out at great personal risk, but for all survivors of harassment, abuse, and assault at work.”

Weinstein now faces separate sexual assault charges in Los Angeles. Although the majority of the charges did not lead to a conviction--and most women were actually unable to press charges due to the statute of limitations on sexual assault case--most of the women who spoke out, as well as the prosecutors in the case, see the outcome of the entire trial as a major victory for sexual assault survivors. A group of women who accused Weinstein said, “While it is disappointing that today’s outcome does not deliver the true, full justice that so many women deserve, Harvey Weinstein will now forever be known as a convicted serial predator.”

@TUCollegian

tucollegian@tucollegian.org editor-in-chief

Ethan Veenker managing editor

Emily Every news editor

Madison Connell sports editor

Brennen Gray variety editor

Piper Prolago commentary editor

Chris Lierly satire editor

Sara Serrano photo & graphics editor

Emma Palmer

business & advertising manager

Brian Kwiecinski

social media & web manager

Anna Johns

distribution managers

Alaina Nauman Mary Bergwell copy editor

Hana Saad

The Collegian is the student newspaper of the University of Tulsa. It is distributed Mondays during the fall and spring semesters, except during holidays and final exam weeks. The University of Tulsa does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristics including but not limited to the classes protected under federal and state law. Inquiries regarding implementation of this policy may be addressed to the Office of Human Resources, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-9700, (918)631-2616. Requests for accomodation of disabilities may be addressed to the university’s 504 Coordinator, Dr. Tawny Rigsby, (918)631-3814. To ensure availability of an interpeter, five to seven days notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accomodations.

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Letter Policy: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words and can be sent to tucollegian@tucollegian.org. Under no circumstances will anonymous letters be published. The name of the person submitting the letter must be published with the letter. We reserve the right to edit or reject all letters. The deadline for letters is 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to publication.

Editing Policy: The Collegian reserves the right to edit all copy submitted by all writers. This editing may take place in many forms, including grammar corrections, changes in paragraph structure or even the addition or removal of sections of content.

Editorial Policy: Columnists are solely responsible for the content of their columns. Opinions expressed in columns may not represent the opions of the Collegian staff, the administrative policies of the University of Tulsa, the views of the student body or our advertisers.

News

9 March 2020

The Collegian: 9

10:05 p.m.

Officers, Tulsa Fire, Tulsa Police and paramedics responded to a single vehicle accident at 5th Pl. & S. Harvard Ave. It was determined the driver might have suffered a medical emergency that caused them to suddenly veer off Harvard Ave. and strike a university-owned light pole and fence.

The driver was treated at the scene by responding paramedics and transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead. Tulsa Police are investigating the accident and cause of death at this time.

Feb. 23 3:05 a.m.

Officers were dispatched to Brown Village Apartments for a noise complaint. Officers located the apartment emitting the noise and conducted a party shutdown due to it being during quiet hours. Officers also confiscated a bullet found in the residence as contraband that is a violation of Housing policy. No weapons were found and a housing contact card was issued.

Feb. 25 1:30 a.m.

Officers investigated suspicious activity reported at Keplinger Hall. Officers identified 2 contract workers who had been discussing personal issues they were going through and provided resource information to them.

10:40 a.m.

A University School employee reported a suspicious person with a dog trying to interact with students on the playground. The individual left prior to officers’ arrival and could not be identified.

2 p.m.

A student reported their bicycle wheels had been stolen from their bicycle while locked up at the Sigma Nu fraternity sometime between 23 – 25 Feb 2020.

5:45 p.m.

A student reported their vehicle missing from the Mayo Village Lot. Officers investigated and determined the vehicle had been repossessed.

Feb. 26 7:50 a.m.

Officers documented a non-injury motor vehicle accident involving an employee driving an university-owned vehicle that rear-ended another vehicle at 2600 S. Harvard Ave. 10:15 a.m.

A student reported items missing from their Law School locker that were taken between 24 FEB 2020 and 25 FEB 2020. Some of the items were anonymously returned between 25 FEB 2020 and 26 FEB 2020. Suspects are unknown at this time.

10:25 a.m.

Officers responded to a fire alarm at the Delta Delta Delta Sorority house caused by smoke from a grill in the kitchen.

The officers determined there was no fire or signs of a fire.

Tulsa Fire Department was canceled and the fire panel reset without incident.

Feb. 27 5:05 p.m.

Officers responded to a call about a suspicious subject talking to kids through the playground fence at the University School. Officers spoke with the subject and advised against speaking to the children when walking by after checking for warrants and prior contacts.

Feb. 28 1:30 a.m.

Officers responded to a noise complaint at Mayo Village Apartments and located an apartment emitting loud music.

Officers spoke with the resident who agreed to keep the volume down and a housing contact card was issued.

Chris Lierly Commentary Editor Lindsey Prather Staff Writer US conducts airstrike against Taliban in midst of crucial peace talks When the United States and Taliban forces agreed to peace talks on Feb. 14, it marked the closest that the two have come to peace during the 18 year conflict. However, a U.S. strike against Taliban forces in Afghanistan on March 4, the first hostilities between the two since the verbal agreement to hash out conditions of the peace, may have put any such deal in jeopardy.

U.S. military spokesman Col. Sonny Leggett labeled the attack “defensive” and said it was ordered in response to Taliban attacks on Afghan government forces. The Taliban have yet to take credit for the attacks but a spokesman for the group did state that the week of reduced violence due to the peace talks was now over. President Trump reportedly called one of the Taliban leaders making him potentially the first U.S. President to have had direct communication with the group.

Coronavirus continues to worsen; Italy quarantines all of Lombardy, Venice and Milan The number of cases of novel coronavirus has reached over 100,000 as the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health agencies attempt to combat it. China, South Korea, Italy and Iran are the four nations most heavily affected by the disease, although the spread of the virus continues internationally. In order to better control the proliferation of the virus, Italy has declared a quarantine for most of its northern regions. These mark the most radical measures taken by any country outside mainland China, as Italy’s policy cripples such economic hubs as Milan and Venice.

Although extreme, this reaction is to be expected; cases in Italy have topped 5,000 and continued to increase in the past week. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that in order to control the spread of the virus, preventative measures such as hand washing should be used extensively. This strain of the coronavirus started in the Wuhan province of China and though preventive measures like the ones instituted in Italy soon followed the virus spread rapidly.

Ebola outbreak in Congo nears official end The nineteen-month long Ebola outbreak in Congo could be reaching its end. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the last Ebola patient in the region was discharged March 3, marking an important milestone in the second deadliest outbreak ever recorded. This wide-scale epidemic is overshadowed only by the exceptionally deadly West Africa outbreak which killed over 11,000 people.

Beginning with the first cases in August 2018, the disease has killed over 2,264 people and affected 1,200 more, making it the second-worst Ebola outbreak in history.

The region has enjoyed a period of over 21 days without any new cases. According to WHO, the outbreak will officially be declared over after 42 days have passed, marking two full incubation periods with no confirmed infections. Following this declaration, resources would then be freed to further combat the coronavirus.

March 1 1:30 p.m.

Officers responded to an injured person at the Practice Soccer Field who suffered a knee injury while playing soccer.

Medical transport was refused and the person left campus on their own.

9:15 p.m.

Officers investigated a hit & run vehicle accident in the McFarlin Lot after a witness reported seeing a vehicle strike a parked vehicle. The suspect then parked in a different location in the lot and left the scene. Officers were able to identify both drivers and facilitated the exchange of information.

March 3 2:30 a.m.

Officers identified a student’s vehicle in possession of a former student’s permit. The student will be contacted to relinquish the permit during business hours.

1:10 p.m.

Officers conducted a pedestrian check on a reported suspicious person sitting behind a dumpster in the Mayo Village Lot. Officers identified them as an employee who was taking their break.

2:10 p.m.

Officers met with a TU affiliate at Campus Security who reported an on going legal issue with a non-TU affiliate. They were advised to file a report with the Tulsa Police Department regarding incidences which occurred off campus.

March 6 1:15 a.m.

Officers observed an individual urinating in public near Mayo Village Apartments. Officers made contact with the individual and determined they were a guest of a student who was also present. A check for prior contact and warrants came back negative. The individual was informed that such actions could result in being trespassed from the property. The individual was not trespass warned. A contact card was created.

The Collegian does not produce or edit the Campus Crime Watch except for content and brevity.

Monday, March 9 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tyrrell Hall The Art of the Short Story: Panel Discussion and Reading Have you always wanted to learn more about the nuances of short fiction? Do you have questions about publishing in literary journals and putting stories together to form a collection? In collaboration with the Oklahoma Center for the Humanities and Magic City Books, The University of Tulsa’s English Department will host a discussion featuring acclaimed short story writers Claire Jimenez, Molly M. Backes and Christa Romanosky. TU visiting assistant professor Simon Han will moderate the discussion.

Following the 2 p.m. panel discussion, Magic City Books will host a special reading from the three authors at 7 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Monday, March 9 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Lorton Performance Center 12th Annual Spring Film Festival The Annual Spring Film Festival welcomes entries of short films by TU students and recent alumni, regardless of major, to be viewed by a distinguished panel of judges.

These films are viewed at a private screening on campus, during which awards in various categories are given. Attendees of the festival also vote for the Audience Choice Award. Light refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, March 10 2:10 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

Hardesty Hall, Room 1100 Whole Foods Dreams on a Meal Plan Budget In honor of Nutrition Month, we will be discussing ways to be healthy, even when you are on a budget, as well as the basics of how to read a food label while grocery shopping.

Spring Break

Monday, March 16 Friday, March 20

Monday, March 23 Monday, June 1 McFarlin Library Special Collections Images from the Burning; the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Special Collections After a successful two-day exhibit last October, McFarlin Library Special Collections is excited to present a more focused public exhibition featuring photographs of the massacre and the neighborhood destruction.

Thursday, March 26 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Allen Chapman Student Union, Great Hall A 2020 WLC Empowerment Conference Women’s Law Caucus is hosting its first-ever conference. Bringing together women in the legal community with women currently pursuing a law degree to join the legal community! We plan to open the event with a keynote speaker, have two break-out sessions, and close the event out with a Judicial Panel!

Friday, March 27 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 28 1 p.m.

Tyrrell Hall AI, Creativity, and Copyright Join us for a day and a half devoted to exploring the role that artificial intelligence plays in the music industry. From copyright laws to taste-making algorithms, artificial intelligence is presenting both challenges and exciting new breakthroughs in the way we listen to music.

The Collegian does not produce all event descriptions in the Community Calendar.

Contact us at news@tucollegian.org with events.

The Collegian: 10

Commentary

9 March 2020

The Legislative Digest is your weekly look at the happenings of Oklahoma’s state legislature, upcoming bills and the terms to know.

Justin Klopfer Student Writer

HR1030 This House Resolution aims to declare the Choctaw Nation, located in southeastern Oklahoma, as “the home of Oklahoma’s treasured rivers and lakes.“ The land was a historically valuable region, being one of the few places where water was abundant.

Despite this, the resolution feels like such a vacant platitude in the face of Oklahoma’s disastrous history of behavior towards both the environment and Native Americans. Oklahoma’s continued practice of fracking alone should make anyone scoff at the implication of environmental respect, particularly when the resolution comes from the Republican Party.

The feigned respect for Native communities is also laughable, given the history of Oklahoma’s relations to native populations and the poverty many communities still face.

The resolution isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it needs to be backed up by actual helpful measures to protect the environment and aid Oklahoma’s native communities.

SB1903 This bill concerns domestic violence and the criminal justice system’s handling of it.

Recent changes supported by both parties would add stipulations to inform victims of particularly awful violence of their right to a lawyer, determined via a “lethality assessment.”

The bill also adds that all victims, regardless of the lethality assessment, shall be given information on shelters and programs for domestic violence victims.

Hopefully this bill comes to pass, as it provides much needed help and advocacy for victims of an incredibly heinous crime.

SJR16 This Senate Joint Resolution seems to reiterate the terms of the Second Amendment, desiring to create an amendment in the Oklahoma Constitution that also guarantees the right to “keep and bear arms.” The proposal mimics the standard ravings of right-wing gun nuts.

I should clarify that I am not personally against a citizen’s right to own guns, but the right-wing obsession with these rights seems so absolutely out of touch and disregards all the other rights being denied today. Most Americans would agree that healthcare is a human right, yet no sweeping legislation has been adopted by a party to address the immense lack of it for so many people. The same goes for food, housing and employment.

This amendment isn’t a particularly dangerous one, but it really shows the degree to which the right wing is willing to delude itself into thinking they are protecting the liberty of the people.

TU’s raising of parking rates won’t solve budgetary issues

The University of Tulsa still charges less than other major Oklahoma universities for parking.

Adam Walsh Student Writer Fun fact: parking rates at the University of Tulsa have gone up!

Surprise!

Passes for the Commuter Lots jumped from $26 to $41, red tag parking lots (dual purpose) for both commuters and residents increased from $101 to $201 and normal resident-only lots more than doubled from $51 to $131. If you happen to have a great uncle who has left you a decent inheritance, you may be interested in the super special premium lots, which have moved from $501

to $801. Yikes, but who wouldn’t want to park behind Zink Hall?

As for staff and faculty, you get an employee discount! Such a discount means you can purchase those extra great red tag lots for $161, aka four commuter lot passes! These numbers also contain the $1 processing fee, a fact that generates confusion among the populace, with two sets of numbers floating around. Of course, because TU has a bad habit of trying to hide information from the enquiring eye, the old numbers came from me using the Wayback Machine to look at the parking rates in early February 2019.

Perhaps TU does charge far less for parking, but while money talks and tries to distract me, I can’t help but see charging one’s own faculty to park as exploitative. I understand that letting people park for free doesn’t jive with the budget, but some professors already buy commuter lot passes over the other options, and I see this move by the university as exacerbating an already existing and deeply frustrating situation. Making the faculty passes four times the price of a commuter pass says that the university doesn’t mind forcing their employees into what I affectionately call Plebland, which in

“... raising the parking pass prices by over 50 percent seems counterintuitive.”

While I don’t relish the idea of paying more for the opportunity to go to my classes, I do understand that TU charges less than other universities. For example, the University of Oklahoma charges commuters $274 for a full academic year, which makes the TU price of $82 for the same time period look pretty good. Continuing to Oklahoma State, their residential lot price of $125 doesn’t compare favorably to TU’s.

turn indicates they don’t mind the potential issues of raising prices too high.

The university needs to be very careful with moving parking pass prices, because if the red tag lot prices are too high, more people will purchase commuter passes, which will fill up the commuter parking lots and cause issues with overcrowding.

Since we all trust the administration to fully do their homework when changing things,

this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if the extremely intelligent and clairvoyant happen to be wrong, the parking standards will degrade into a demolition derby, with cars muscling into spots and parking on the side of the road.

As for the residential lots, moving the price just sucks. For a university that attempts to court first-generation college students, the non-monetary basis behind True Commitment, raising the parking pass prices by over 50 percent seems counterintuitive.

Honestly, I can only afford to go to this university because of scholarships and the fact that I can commute from home — deciding which pass to buy takes real planning and thought. I can’t be the only one who doesn’t have the liquid cash to spend on a severalhundred-dollar spot in a decent lot, so I hoof it from Plebland to my classes. This increase might break the bank for too many students and cause them to look into dropping a pretty red pass for a yellow one. Of course, the university happens to have a teensy weensy budget issue, and the $250,000 they plan to make off of this price hike would help to close the deficit, but why should we raise prices instead of cutting somewhere else?

Perhaps administrative costs? Perhaps we could have a public audit to see just how much money is spent in that area?

China’s choice to close theaters smart in light of coronavirus spread

Disney’s “Mulan” remake will no doubt suffer from the closures, but will still release in the U.S. Tori Gellman Student Writer Disney continues its live-action remakes of classic animated films with “Mulan”, set to hit theaters March 27. However, with the ever-mounting threat and infection toll of a strain of the coronavirus, this monumentally important film for China may not even get to be released there. This is extremely devastating for new films, as China has the second largest movie market after the United States. Since the start of 2020, all 70,000 cinemas in China have closed in attempts to prevent the spread of the virus. Despite the economic implications the coronavirus outbreak may have on the box office showing for Mulan, I think it’s wise for populations and communities to be cautious and wary of

Global box office losses are estimated to be as significant as $4 billion by the end of this month.

Although this Disney remake should perform well globally, if “Cinderella” (2015) and “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) are any indicators, the relevance of the Chinese market cannot be understated when it comes to the live action remake of “Mulan.” Star of the film, Liu Yifei, said that while the outbreak is extremely heavy, she’s pleased to see people “doing the right thing” by being cautious and engaging in preventative health measures.

Boxoffice.com Chief Analyst, Shawn Robbins, commented on the fact that there are so many unknown elements in play: “Will audiences be eager to get out and start seeing movies again once given the all-clear? Will there be a temporary hesitation?” There likely will have to be a lot of strategic discussions surrounding the delayed releases of postponed films.

While it’s very unfortunate that the film may not be shown in China, I fully support the decision to keep movie theaters and other public establishments closed in an attempt to prevent further spread of this currently incurable illness. Countries like Italy and South Korea have followed suit and closed down their cinemas and theaters as part of their public health plans. Disneyland has also shut down its theme parks in Hong Kong and Shanghai for the foreseeable future.

“Countries like Italy and South Korea have followed suit and closed down their cinemas ...” close-quarter public establishments during this time of health uncertainty.

“Mulan” is the most expensive live-action remake Disney has undertaken thus far, ringing in at $200 million. Disney’s live action remakes haven’t done particularly well in China before, but “Mulan” was anticipated to change that trend. The film is risky, as it’s Disney’s first film with an all-Asian cast and is rated PG-13. These risks are only heightened in the wake of the coronavirus.

“Mulan” and other new release films are set to premier on an indefinitely delayed schedule in China and other affected regions. A Disney spokesperson claimed that the situation is being monitored constantly and carefully and that the main concern on everyone’s mind is how this virus is impacting people and spreading seemingly without boundaries.

Price hikes to parking passes were announced via email last week.

graphic by Emma Palmer

Commentary

9 March 2020

The Collegian: 11

graphic by Emma Palmer

Sanders and Biden face challenges Moderates never stood a chance on the other side of Super Tuesday against Biden and party norms

The two are neck and neck, but the Michigan Primary and a debate in Phoenix are fast approaching.

Brett Tyndall Student Writer Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Mike Bloomberg and Elizabeth Warren have all dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination. All within five days of each other. Everyone but Warren has now endorsed Joe Biden. Warren, having just suspended her campaign on Thursday, has not endorsed anyone yet. The moderates coalesced behind Biden just two days before Super Tuesday, while Warren waited until two days after the 14 primaries to officially end her bid. The decision was understandable after finishing third in her home state of Massachusetts and fourth in her birth-

breakaway from Biden, a long primary will likely ensue.

This consolidation could be a benefit for Biden, as the endorsements of the three other moderates stands to gain him potential new voters across the country. However, this could also be a disaster for Biden, as he now has to debate Sanders one-on-one in the CNN/Univision debate in Phoenix on March 15. This means Biden is going to have to, you know, talk more. Biden has said some odd things on the campaign trail.

The Declaration of Independence mishap, the sister-wife thing, Corn Pop, etc. Joe Biden is a walking, talking gaffe machine, and the strategy of limiting his talking up to now has done him a lot of good.

All of these candidates dropping out can only be good for Sanders if he gets a Warren endorsement in the near future. Given that they’re both progressives with the same policy goals in mind, it’s possible that this happens. However, she could also remain silent until a winner has clearly been chosen from the primaries. This would be a disaster for Sanders, as it would mean his only endorsement from a former candidate would be none other than Marianne Williamson.

The others will have figuratively cast him out to sea. However, a one-on-one debate with Biden is an opportunity to shine a light on Biden’s spotty record on trade, gay rights and the Iraq War.

“All of these candidates dropping out can only be good for Sanders if he gets a Warren endorsement ...” place in Oklahoma. This consolidation has pros and cons for both Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders.

With the math still close and with delegates left to allocate from Super Tuesday, Bernie Sanders is not as far behind as the media narrative insists. It is likely that fewer than 70 delegates separate the two with over 3,000 left to be contested the remaining primaries means, barring some unprecedented

Before the next debate, however, the next set of possibly decisive primaries are this Tuesday, with all eyes on Michigan.

Michigan presents an opportunity for Biden to cement a sizable lead or for Sanders to begin his charge to the nomination. It also provides a litmus test on who swing state voters can trust. Voters seemingly have an easier task when arriving at the polls, since their choices have gone down from six to two.

Party outsiders like Warren and Bloomberg ended their campaigns on their own terms.

Hannah Robbins Student Writer After the South Carolina primary on Feb. 28, the Democratic primary, which had been so constant since Iowa, changed. It started with Pete Buttigieg dropping out of the race on Sunday. Then Amy Klobuchar did the same thing on Monday. Finally, Klobuchar, Buttigieg and Beto O’Rourke all endorsed Joe Biden on the eve of Super Tuesday.

These endorsements and dropouts are a visible version of the political science book “The Party Decides,” which argues that political party insiders and leadership use endorsements to signal which candidates that the party establishment picks should be elected for the job. This time, the Democratic Party isn’t even subtle about it. The candidates dropped out within days of Super Tuesday, the biggest primary day of the cycle, and all endorsed Biden on the same day. If there was any assumption that this was the candidates’ choice and they obviously did it of their own free will, the timing of it was after Biden proved he could win somewhere (South Carolina). This means that one moderate Democrat finally proved they had staying power over the other two, and the establishment finally made a decision to have the rest of the candidates coalesce around one. By pushing all of the

moderate candidates out in favor of the one who had had the best showing so far (and was winning the endorsement race), the party decided that they wanted Biden — and the voters got in line.

This visible signaling was most apparent in Minnesota. Before dropping out, Amy Klobuchar looked like she had the race in her home state on lock. She was leading in polls and had the advantage of being the homestate candidate. Bernie Sanders was next in the race, trailing by a lot. Then, Klobuchar dropped out. Logically Bernie would be most likely to win since he was doing best in the race after Klobuchar, right?

Nope.

Biden snagged the win after Klobuchar endorsed him. This upset makes sense if voters paid attention to Klobuchar’s endorsement and threw their support behind the candidate she supported.

After the duo of dropouts, it became clear to most people that the race was going to be a duel between Bernie and Biden, with Bloomberg and Warren positioned as the spoiler candidates on the center and the left respectively. However, unlike Buttigieg and Klobuchar, Bloomberg and Warren were not establishment Democrats. They had no stake in a second race and had no party leaders strong arming them to get out, so they didn’t until after Super Tuesday. The party decided for Buttigieg and Klobuchar, but Bloomberg and Warren left on their own terms.

The race looks completely different after Super Tuesday, which most people expected. However, few people expected the Democratic Party to pull in favors and strongarm candidates to drop out in favor of supporting the standard bearer in hopes of avoiding a 2016 Republican repeat. The party has played their cards, and Bernie supporters now have more reasons to claim the system is rigged against their candidate, further alienating general election voters.

The Democratic Party made a large, public stand. Was it the right decision? Everyone will know before November is up.

Unification the name of the game for Sanders campaign

Endorsements from more than just progressives would add legitimacy to the grassroots effort.

Zach Short Student Writer For most supporters of the Vermont independent, Super Tuesday was a disappointment. Bernie Sanders showed potential to all but secure the nomination, but last-minute exits from the race turning into endorsements for Joe Biden from both Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar proved almost

fatal for the most progressive campaign in the race. However, they did not receive the most ire from Sanders’s most faithful supporters. That deep honor goes to Elizabeth Warren, who stayed in the race just long enough to split the progressive vote and give another boost to the Biden campaign.

For Sanders, one question remains: where do we go now?

First and foremost, stop and assess. Can Sanders still win the nomination? All indicators point to yes. Despite not gaining as much traction as the campaign hoped for, Super Tuesday was not a complete failure. Biden and Sanders are neck and neck, and with all other viable candidates exiting contention and leaving the nomination to be decided between the two of them, a Sanders surge is absolutely plausible. As for electability, often considered the most vital quality needed in a general election against Donald Trump, Sanders still appears in good standing. He consistently polls not only ahead of Trump in national polls but does so better than Biden and other candidates now gone. Assessment proves mostly positive.

Next, the Sanders campaign and its supporters need to look as to how Sanders can win the nomination. As a first step, the cam-

The two candidates emerged from Super Tuesday as the only two viable candidates.

paign should have already shifted efforts to a tremendous scale for the six states voting Tuesday, March 10, and to the large zones of Illinois and Florida that vote March 17, the latter of which leans heavily toward the moderate side of the scale so far. After that the campaign can have a little space to breathe with only a handful of primary action, all from smaller states, until April 28, at which point the nominee is essentially, if not formally, concrete.

Simultaneously, the campaign needs to heavily invest in seeking endorsements from prominent Democrats — a weakness evidently exploited for Super Tuesday. So far, Sanders’s biggest endorsements have come from young (and, at times, controversial) progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, alongside less-appreciated Democratic primary dropouts Bill de Blasio and Marianne Williamson.

Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, frequently identified as a decisive voice for many of the state’s voters, recently drew public attention by saying that Sanders never even attempted to court an endorsement. That move (or lack thereof) may have contributed to the crushing defeat Sanders suffered to Biden in the South Carolina primary, in which many news organizations

declared Biden the winner the very moment that polls closed.

Now, Sanders needs to get a nomination from Warren. His potential to win hinges entirely on his ability to unify a large progressive movement, which he can only do if he gains massive support from Warren’s crowd. Outside of that, he should look to individuals near and dear to specific states preparing to vote. Personally, coming from Missouri, I know that an endorsement from former Senator Claire McCaskill (strongly adored by Democrats across the state) could heavily swing an electorate that, as of the most recent polls, has a large majority of its voters split between Biden and Mike Bloomberg.

Despite a disappointing Super Tuesday, Sanders can still win the race. His campaign may have to adapt to strengthen the odds, but he can win this race and, most importantly for me and for millions of Democrats, defeat the autocrat-in-chief. The Democratic Party currently stands at the crossroads of the neoliberal policy that they have used to get in office for years and a new wave of progressivism, and Bernie Sanders might just be the key to changing the direction of the party and of the country as a whole.

courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Commentary

The Collegian: 12

9 March 2020

Anti-True Commitment students should correct chalking facts

The Board of Trustees and SA are unlikely to act, so misleading facts do very little to effect change.

Adam Walsh Student Writer While we all continue to wonder and worry about the future of the university, a select group of individuals still hold true to the foundational characteristics of this intellectually hallowed ground. I refer to this group as “The Inner Circle” — a cabal made up of students and faculty, pooling ideas and information in order to either convince the administration and Board of Trustees to rethink True Commitment or waylay it long enough that the powers that be give up on

As for the vote itself, one simple question remains: what does it do? As far as I can tell, nothing? Student Association (SA) doesn’t want to pick a side, saying that their role only consisted of facilitating the vote, and according to some conversations SA leadership doesn’t seem all that concerned. Similarly, why would the Board or the administration care? The vote had 26 percent of the study body show up, and of that 26 percent, 805 students voted No Confidence. With a little math, one can say that around 20 percent of the student population voted No Confidence — a minority amount. Words of praise abounded after the results came out, with exclamations of joy at the number of voters, citing the massive number in relation to the notoriously poor SA election turnouts.

However, if I were a member of the Board and had to talk about this seemingly important vote, I would say, “Approximately 20 percent of the study body disagrees with Interim President Levit,” then proceed to ignore it. What some call a victory seems more empty and useless than the strategic plan it attempts to block.

Another, perhaps embarrassing, question asks, what’s actually going on? As a commuter student, I may not be in a prime position to hear everything, but I don’t think

Polanski has continued to amass accolades while in Europe.

Protests of Polanski hopeful sign that Me Too has gone global

“What some call a victory seems more empty and useless than the strategic plan it attempts to block.” its implementation. Even though their noble goal remains an important step in preserving and hopefully restoring TU’s declining reputation, we must also hold The Inner Circle accountable for their slip ups and inconsistencies.

The recent No Confidence vote in Provost/Interim President Janet Levit shows one such instance for analysis. With 26 percent of the study body participating, 805 students voted for No Confidence and 264 voted for Confidence. However, some of the chalk writing around the campus claims that 76 percent of students voted No Confidence — an incorrect statistic that one could assume to be an accident, but one that should have been corrected immediately.

While it may seem like a small issue, improperly reporting statistics through the group’s most public medium presents a front that relies on deceit and trickery to manipulate the public, which casts a poor light on the anti-True Commitment efforts as a whole. Of course, one could suppose that the chalk graffiti artist was a rogue agent with no connection to The Inner Circle, but that does not change the fact that The Inner Circle could have fixed the drawing with the addition of a simple word: voters. Saying “76 percent of voters voted No Confidence” rings true. It’s a true statement.

I nitpick, but writing something that misconstrues the truth shouldn’t happen and shouldn’t remain in an unfixed state for several weeks.

I’ve missed any huge several-thousand person rallies. Are we attempting to outlast True Commitment, attempting to slow its implementation and hope our adversaries give up? If so, The Inner Circle should be extending its membership, bringing in and training new individuals to continue on after they graduate, which would require centralizing the group and maintaining a dominant presence in the student body’s conscience.

Are we hoping that our minority of a minority vote will force the Board to rethink its policy? That seems rather unlikely. If it were to happen, it would have occured after the faculty vote of No Confidence, which presents a much stronger voice because of the inherent reliance of a university on its faculty. A university can get more students, but finding good quality scholars lies in another league of difficulty. The goal remains to fend off the implementation of True Commitment, but now I see some individuals lumping in various facets of shared governance, which complicates the situation.

Which goal is primary, which is secondary? So much confusion clouds this topic of conversation that it forces me to realize why people don’t care about it. I support the resistance of True Commitment, but without direction, guidance and an actual flow of information, I have no clue what the next step is or why I should continue investing my mental fortitude in a seemingly lost cause.

courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Multiple actresses walked out of the César awards when the PolishFrench director’s film won.

Tori Gellman Student Writer On Friday, Feb. 28, the César Awards were broadcasted live from France. Equivalent to the Oscars in the United States, the Césars are the national film award of France and have been a staple of the film community since 1976. The award ceremony garnered much attention over the weekend when Roman Polanski won Best Director for “An Officer and a Spy,” which prompted some female actors and filmmakers in the audience to leave the ceremony. Adele Haenel, star of the recently released “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” led the storm out and has spoken extremely openly about why she did so, explaining her own abuse within the film industry and the lack of transparency from the César’s executive board.

Outside the award ceremony there was even more outrage as approximately 400 anti-Polanski protesters carried signs and cried out against the filmmaker and his accolades from the evening. In Los Angeles in 1977, Polanski was charged with five offenses against 13-year-old Samantha Geimer: rape by use of drugs, perversion, sodomy, lewd and lacivious act upon a child, and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor.

the U.S. justice system.

Roman Polanski was nominated for 12 awards at the Césars and won three of them.

The controversy surrounding Polanski and the award ceremony began upon the release of nominations, and Polanski didn’t actually attend the ceremony for fear of a “public lynching.” Prominent figures within the French cinema community began calling for a “complete overhaul” of the organization in hopes that there would be a new era of inclusivity and more discerning judgement.

In the days following the ceremony, all 21 members of the board announced their resignation in solidarity with survivors. “What we want is more democracy, more transparency, diversity and parity … these demands are overdue.”

It is truly appalling that there is still recognition and praise around the globe for grown men who commit heinous crimes.

Not only does it condone their behavior, but it sends the abhorrent message to their victims that they aren’t as important as what these powerful men create. I completely agree with Haenel when she spoke to reporters after storming out of the ceremony: “Distinguishing Polanski is spitting in the face of all victims. It means raping women isn’t that bad.” I’m immediately reminded of other individuals who have been essentially rewarded for assaulting women.

Casey Affleck, Harvey Weinstein, Woody Allen. Where does it stop?

There has been progress, no doubt. The open dialogue that has been created surroudning the issue of sexual assault has expanded over the last few years in ways that have changed how victims are treated in their daily lives and in the criminal justice system. But the César Awards, other award shows,television shows and popular culture outlets continue to reinforce the long standing precedent that rapists and predators are more entitled to space and safety than oth-

“... hours before his sentencing, Polanski fled to France to avoid serving prison time and has remained there ever since ...”

Polanski ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser crime — unlawful sexual intercourse — in exchange for the other five charges being dropped. However, mere hours before his sentencing, Polanski fled to France to avoid serving prison time and has remained there ever since, carefully avoiding countries that would extradite him to the United States. He has faced several other accusations of similar nature since his fleeing from

The no-confidence vote stats were chalked on paths around campus.

graphic by Emma Palmer

ers. While I understand that ceasing to acknowledge the creative endeavors of men like Polanski and Weinstein will not solve the issue, I think it as an obvious and simple step in the right direction that would have an incredibly hefty weight with the Me Too movement and assault survivors around the world.

Haenel was the first to walk out of the awards in protest of Polanski.

courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Variety

9 March 2020

The Collegian: 13

TU Winds perform solemnly and in solidarity

The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds groups delivered a transformative show.

Karelia Alexander Student Writer The TU Music Program presented the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds concert — a slight departure of what they are used to doing. Instead of having a list of pieces put together in order to make the show, there was a running theme of solitude, both in religion and nature in the March 2 show. The ensembles brought each piece to life, connecting all the notes with phrases.

Though the underlying ideas were solidarity and finding oneself beyond the silence, as a whole the ensembles were united in forming the sound to convey strong emotions that lingered from one song to the next.

Through the silence at the beginning, the concert hall grew with sound from the first piece of the night, “Konigsmarsch,” the Royal March, by Richard Strauss (1864-1949).

As it swelled, the piece intensified, placing the harmony and thunderous rhythms not as the supporting roles, but as the leaders. This

set the tone for the rest of the first half of the concert, as well as the night.

The second piece, though it resonated intensely like the “Konigsmarsch,” softened the mood. “O Magnum Mysterium,” composed by Morten Lauridsen, created a strong feeling of holiness. Its beauty segued into the next piece, “Amen” by Frank Ticheli, smoothly. Both of these pieces mirrored each other so well that it felt as if they were written as two parts instead of two different compositions.

self could have been placed in multiple categories: modern, programme and symphonic winds. Listening to the piece was almost a glimpse of what it would feel like to be in complete silence in the middle of nowhere, only to all of a sudden feel and hear the vibrations below a dark sky. “Lightning Field” felt like a confrontation against nature and oneself, rather than acknowledgement of being alone. Nevertheless, with its melodies striking in certain parts and ultimately fading away, the piece was gorgeous.

“... the ensembles were united in forming the sound to convey strong emotions” Toward the end of the first half of the concert, the mood shifted from bliss to awe from the watching nature at its most destructive yet beautiful. Aside from the solidarity and the discovery through silence, “Lightning Field” by John Mackey, which was inspired by the lightning fields in New Mexico, instilled a confrontational feel. The piece it-

The second half of the concert was a sharp departure, as it focused more on the inward emotion and the true feeling of loneliness within nature rather than finding comfort in nature. “Equus” by critically acclaimed composer Eric Whitacre established the tone. With the piece never ceasing to produce smooth phrases and sharp dynamic

contrast, the piece was a search for isolation.

“Equus” served as the perfect introduction for the piece afterwards, which solidified the idea of having no comfort in both oneself and in nature, only coming in contact with bleakness.

“Monk by the Sea” by Michael Markowski was inspired by a painting of the same name by artist Caspar David Friedrich. The piece captured what it means to be truly alone, against the serene sea, showing no sign of life around, just water. Unlike the previous pieces, the melodies held its own identity away from the harmonies underneath, not intertwining, symbolizing isolation.

The final piece, “Give Us This Day” composed by David Maslanka (1943-2017), gave slight hope. It combined the ideas of being alone, but finding comfort that no one is really alone when being surrounded by nature. The piece tied everything back together, this time playing up the melodies and harmonies to work together, making it as one resonating statement.

The next wind ensemble concert will be on April 20.

Luba Lukova displays “Designing Justice” at Zarrow Center Lukova’s print exhibit was a fan favorite at the March First Friday

photos by Piper Prolago

Lukova visited TU and Tulsa high schools to engage with student artists. Several student works were also on display at Zarrow.

If you’re feeling concerned:

If you’re feeling inquisitive:

If you’re feeling passionate:

courtesy Harper Perennial

courtesy Penguin

Tori Gellman Student Writer In preparation for next Monday’s short story author panel at Magic City Books featuring Molly M. Backes, Claire Jiminez and Christa Romanosky, this week’s book column will feature exclusively collections of short stories.

Whether you’re feeling passionate for life, love, people or anything else, you are sure to find that passion kindled and cared for in the pages of “Dear Life.” Alice Munro is arguably the queen of the short story, and this collection is evidence. She has received the Nobel Prize in Literature, the International Booker Prize, the Giller prize and many other accolades. These stories discuss beginnings, endings, imagination, reality and numerous other aspects of everyday life. Munro does this, however, with an unparalleled unique flair that seeps from every word. “Dear Life” will have you crying, laughing and wanting to call everyone you love in your life just to say hello.

Much like Monro, Tessa Hadley has long been praised for her innate ability to discuss the human condition and shed light on interpersonal relationships, no matter how obscure. Though Hadley is perhaps more well-known for her novels, her short stories are consistently featured in The New Yorker and contain just as much nuance and commentary as her longer works. I am particularly impressed with Hadley’s ability to accurately portray so many facets of life.

In the title story, “Married Love,” Hadley immediately intices authors with the blunt statement: “Lottie announced that she was getting married.” Hadley goes on to introduce us to Lottie and her family members as well as the formational house and environment in which she grew up. All this is done with intention and beautiful description that somehow doesn’t feel like overkill or too flowery. Even across stories, there is an authenticity with which her characters speak and operate that is really inviting and engaging. This collection is definitely one that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

courtesy Little, Brown and Company

I distinctly remember the first time I read “A Perfect Day For Bananafish,” one of the classic stories within J.D. Salinger’s, “Nine Stories.” Perhaps just as subtle, if not as infused with irony and teenage angst, Bananafish is a war commentary similar to that of “The Catcher in the Rye.” Though that is by far my favorite selection in this collection, the other stories are of just as high a caliber.

Salinger uses his innate ability to weave the unbelievable into the everyday within each and every story. I think what I’m always so drawn to in Salinger’s work is the way he flips normalcy on its head. There is always a sense of conventional human reality, and yet everything feels new, fresh and previously unexperienced.

Variety

The Collegian: 14

9 March 2020

TU professors perform “Four Handed Piano” compositions Professors Allyson Eskitch and Dana Fitzgerald Mahler played a diverse program of duets.

Karelia Alexander Student Writer On March 5, TU’s Music Program presented “Just Duet: Music for Four-Hand Piano” as part of their Concerts with Commentary series. The duet was between two highly accomplished piano professors, Allyson Eskitch and Dana Fitzgerald Maher.

With their background in piano studies and their extensive repertoire both in Tulsa and across the United States, their musicality shone through the pieces. Through the silence of the hall their performance spoke the loudest with the interweaving melodies and anchoring harmonies. As they immersed in the music, concentrating on their portion, Eskitch and Maher were a mirror image of each other. They knew the pieces by heart.

The first duet performed, the “Petite Suite” from Claude Debussy (1862-1918), consisted of a set of character pieces which are pieces that have a story, yet are connected to each other in order to make a musical plot. The set correlated within itself; the

pieces depicted nature and the movement of the human body, setting the tone of impressionism. This was evident in the names of the characters pieces: “En Bateau,” “Cortège,” “Meunet,” and “Ballet.” As both pianists were playing individual parts, it synched together so impeccably that it sounded like there was one combined pianist instead.

The next piece played was “Vier Klavierstücke zu vier Händen,” by Fanny Men-

pianist, she is an accomplished composer.

The piece, titled “Four Fables for Piano,’”’ was unique. Although it was a set, it could stand alone or pair up with another piece as a fun commentary or introduction to a performance.

The other pieces segued into each other, that without the entire set it would be confusing for the audience. Like the Debussy suite, it was programme music. The music

“... it sounded like there was one combined pianist instead.” delssohn Hensel (1805- 1847). Though the translation of this title is “Four Pieces for Four Hands,” it sounded more like a piano sonata. Its continuous movement going into the following piece, the set blended well together with the slight breaks in between.

As the set progressed, the pieces blended seamlessly. With the musicality in each part of the duet, Eskitch and Maher captured the notion of Romanticism.

The surprise of the concert was a composition from Maher. Aside from being a

painted a picture of a simpler, rustic time.

The piece moved, guiding the audience from tenderness, humor, and wholesomeness all with mischievous twist. “Four Fables for Piano” ‘’was entertaining as the plot unfolded musically, with its main image of nature and innocence. Like the previous sets, the piano was the ultimate commentary for the concert. The duet was a voice, acting out the different melodies, yet firmly holding the consonant harmonies.

The Concerts with Commentary series featured duet compositions for two pianists, performed by two professors in the music department.

The final piece was “Dolly, Op. 56,”

by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924). The set of pieces felt more an art song arrangement composed for piano than it did a duet (as most did it feel for the other sets). Eskitch and Maher highlighted the beauty of each piano work carefully. With their individuality on the piano, they easily connected with “Dolly, Op. 56,” making it the most soothing piece in the concert.

Though this was the title of the performance, after hearing the music resonate through Meinig Recital Hall, it should have been called Astounding Synchronized Movements on the Piano. As both Eskitch and Maher switched hands, and occasionally lead piano roles in the music, they always were intuitive in listening to each other, taking their time in order for the audience to hear the beauty. As the concert was for four hands, they completed each gap, creating a complementing sound, making it a wonderful way to close the Concerts with Commentary series.

The next concert will be on April 16, with the TU Jazz Ensemble.

graphic by Emma Palmer

“STOMP” brings energy and comedy to Tulsa PAC Dancer Riley Korrell recounts his experiences with the “STOMP” troupe in interview.

Tori Gellman Student Writer On Friday, March 6, the international sensation, “STOMP,” came to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. The show is a completely original and unique experience that combines elements of music, dance and comedy to create an ultimately unforgettable performance for audiences.

Originally from Maryland, Riley Korrell — one of the eight members of the “STOMP” troupe — is a tap instructor and has performed at numerous iconic venues including The Discovery Theater at the Smithsonian and the Kennedy Center Honors. Korrell represented the United States in national competitions as a member of the American Tap Team and has a strong passion for performing arts. Korrell auditioned for “STOMP” for the first time about three years ago, and although he made it to the

month-long training session, he didn’t get a spot in the show. However, last September, he was recommended for a callback where he auditioned again with 11 other dancers and he got the job. He has now been in the company for two and a half months.

terms of dancing. He said that traveling the country and getting to really bond with his amazing castmates has been indescribable.

As for Korrel’s plans for the future, the “STOMP” tour is currently scheduled until May 10 of this year. After that it’s possible

“ ... a completely original and unique experience ...”

Korrell became interested in dancing because his mother owned and ran a studio in his hometown in Maryland. He grew up dancing, first and foremost as a way to stay out of trouble. Tap caught his attention after an injury in the fifth grade, after which he was unable to walk for six months and lost essentially all of his flexibility. When he came back to dancing, he chose to focus on tap and hip-hop rather than be an allaround dancer as before. Korrell said that “STOMP” has been by far the most rewarding experience he’s been involved with in

“STOMP” incorporates several styles of dance and music, blending them seamlessly with comedy.

to get another performance contract in New York, or, if there’s a start up tour somewhere, that could have potential for him as well. He currently has no idea what his future holds and said that he’s just going to savor every moment of “STOMP.” The name “STOMP” may hint at a strictly dance-based performance, but in reality the show is so much more than that. The opening number featured percussive melodies made entirely with brooms and segwayed into a tap dance routine with the entire troupe. If a broom broke, the dancers merely threw the

pieces off stage and were tossed a new one.

It was a truly multi-sensory experience.

There was lighting specifically designed to play up the shadows of the performers on the auditorium walls. There was an entire segment of the show that focused on making beats with flip lighters, which also played upon the aspect of visual performance. The show was extremely comedic, despite there being no spoken words the entire evening.

There was a dialogue between the performers and the audience that existed solely out of mimicking patterns with clapping.

These performers are incredible. The genuine talent is one thing but also the need for rhythm, musicianship, artistry and athleticism made this show one of the most entertaining and evocative performances I’ve ever experienced. The iconic moment where members of the troupe were hanging off of the rafters playing a myriad of used items — trash cans, PVC pipes and empty pots and pans — left my jaw dropped for a full ten minutes. The Boston Globe sums it up best: “If you haven’t seen ‘STOMP,’ go!

If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!”

courtesy Steve McNicholas

9 March 2020

Variety

The Collegian: 15

Soccer Mommy’s “Color Theory” frontloaded

The indie pop artist’s newest album has authentic lyrics, but loses momentum in the second half.

Justin Klopfer Student Writer

Female-led indie rock groups seem to have blossomed in the last couple of years, with artists like Japanese Breakfast, Snail Mail and Clairo blasting onto the scene and quickly gaining raving fans. One of the youngest of these artists, Sophie Allison, better known as Soccer Mommy, has re-

she goes through in moments of sadness.

She is “Watching TV alone / ‘Til my body starts aching / And I think there’s a mold in my brain / Spreading down all the way”; she is slowly becoming more isolated as she falls down the metaphorical drain.

Her depressive tendencies coalesce in “royal screw up,” which contains the hopeless lines “And I want an answer / To all my problems / But there’s not an answer / I am the problem for me, now and always.”

Allison’s brutal self awareness has spiraled into self hate; the problems she laments all throughout the album are ultimately her own doing.

blue tracks, which represent debilitating sadness and depression. Yellow songs like the seven-minute track represent the anxiety and self-doubt within her. The album’s final handful of tracks are gray, dealing with mortality and death, particularly the ongoing sickness of Allison’s mother.

Musically, the album does use relatively simple melodies and chord structures, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a boring listen. Rhythmic guitar lines are constantly fluttering in the background, and the new use of digital instrumentation provides some

well-needed variety. The first three tracks in particular use catchy rhythms and varied drum machines to create interesting songs.

However, in the second half of the album, these tools often feel underused in favor of overly simplistic tracks.

Overall, this album is certainly worth a listen, even if just for the amazing first half.

It may not hold up through repeat listens due to the derivative songwriting, but Allison’s vulnerability and authentic way of expressing her sadness should not be missed.

“... a heartfelt album that is much darker and more fine-tuned than her 2018 release ...” leased her fourth album “color theory” on Loma Vista Recordings.

Recording “color theory” gave her a chance to utilize more resources than any previous musical effort. Having gone from recording in her dorm room years ago to having full access to a studio gives her a large amount of control over the music; this album is authentically her own. The result of this opportunity is a heartfelt album that is much darker and fine-tuned than her 2018 release “Clean.”

The opening track on “color theory,” “bloodstream”, is one of many wherein Soccer Mommy describes her experience with depression, singing “There’s someone talking in my forehead / That says ‘I’ll never be enough.’” The lyrics feel genuine, and Allison only goes deeper into her personal struggles on later tracks. The song “circle the drain,” one of the singles released before the album, reflects the sedentary episodes

The album is centered around the sevenminute track “yellow is the color of her eyes,” a beautifully melancholy song about Allison’s sick mother. Swirling guitar licks paired with gut-wrenching lyrics make this track the absolute best on the album. It leans in most heavily to the dream-like sound most tracks on the album try to evoke.

In the final part of the album, Allison confronts her own mortality and the mortality of her increasingly sick mother. Many tracks do feel like filler, with “stain” being particularly boring. There are still high points, such as the grim line “I’m watching my mother drown” closing out the album. However, these final tracks do begin to lose the personal and direct emotionality that made me love the first half.

Allison has claimed in interviews the title of the album is a reference to the three colors, meaning moods, of the album: blue, yellow and gray. The album begins with the

“Color Theory” followed Soccer Mommy’s last album, “Clean,” by two years.

courtesy Loma Vista Recording

International Night showcases diversity and talent Student photographer Tommy Reid captures photos of Tulsa community members displaying skills representing countries including Venezeula, China, Vietnam and India.

photos by Tommy Reid Students and community members showcased songs, dances and theatrical performances at International Night.

The State-Run Media

9 March 2020

The

StateRun Media

FRE E!

WORLD EXCLUSIVE!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

LOOK AT THIS WOMAN

JOE BIDEN

SPACE VAMPIRE SORDID COMMENTARY EDITOR X SPORTS EDITOR

AFFAIR!

OH YOU WANNA

GRADUATE?

Has Biden absorbed the lifeforce of younger Dems?

Brett Tyndall Vibe’pire

Who is former Vice President Joe Biden? After Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination last week, no one has seen either of them. But I, the intrepid student journalist that I am, know the truth. Biden sucked the life-force out of both of them because he is, in fact, a space vampire. Just like that movie from the ‘80s, Biden hasn’t aged well, but not for lack of trying.

However, not all space vampires are the same. There are different ways to extract one’s life-force. Regular ol’

bal gaffes. Determined to teach Biden how to speak in meaningless platitudes like a professional, he endorsed Biden.

Since Mayor Pete was in close proximity, Biden gave Buttigieg a final handshake before stealing his life-force.

With Klobuchar, it was inevitable.

One hug was all it would take. But Joe Biden had to get a quick whiff of Amy’s perfectly shaped hair before extracting her life-force as well. May the two budding establishment cogs rest in peace.

Biden’s next target was Bloomberg, but he soon discovered that the only source of life emanating from Bloomberg was his money, so he just took that instead.

Based on the quantity of lifeforce Joe Biden has stolen over the years, it can be safely assumed that other life-forces do not improve cognitive abilities.

CORONAVIRUS: Pence decides who lives and who dies

Trump has promoted his VP to Virus Spreader-in-Chief.

Brennen Gray Prefers Heineken

TOO BAD! 18 REASONS WHY YOU DON’T DESERVE IT

space vampires pull electricity from the orifice of a much younger human, typically the mouth. Biden doesn’t seem to do that. Space vampires also tend to entrance their victims before taking their life-force. Joe doesn’t really have a way with words, even though Corn Pop is a bad dude and all men and women are cre— … you know … you know the thing.

Biden probably steals life-force via sensory receptors or something. Let’s see, senses, there’s sight. Nah. Taste?

No. Sound? Nope. Tou— …uh-oh. Touch.

TOUCH. All those creepy interactions with children. This goes far beyond Pete and Amy. Sme— …oh no. All that hair he smelled! He might be too powerful now.

What probably happened is that Biden lured Mayor Pete in with his ver-

Vice Supreme Leader Michael Pence has been named the CEO of Coronavirus, the hot new trend sweeping the globe!

Trump came out and made the decision public recently citing the usual amount of logic for his decision. As the nation watched on, Pence gave a speech on his new position of power.

“It seems Heaven and Trump have decided to nominate me as the man who gets to decide who lives and who dies from Coronavirus. This is a great day for White Evangelicals, and a great day for the virus.”

Pence has already started rolling out his new plan for the virus, which includes systematically infecting all the pro-vaxxers to prove them wrong.

A local student spoke her opinion on Pence being the head of the virus.

“We’re doomed.”

Pence has already started implementing his plans to spread the virus. Over Los Angeles last week, a giant Coronavirus mothership appeared and began to spray the virus all over the city, and other cities quickly followed. There appears to be no rhyme or reason as far as how Pence chooses his targets, but it seems around 100 percent of them are left-leaning cities.

Pence also released a statement for appropriate action under his campaign against public health.

“Cough on everyone. If they are gay, do it twice. If they are brown, $&@# the peace signs, cough on them three times!”

“Furthermore,” Pence continued, “make sure you cover your mouth when you sneeze...with someone else’s elbow. That’s right! If you feel a real doozy coming on, grab the nearest individual, and throw that sneeze right on the kisser.”

Some pundits are worried that this newfound power will go to Pence’s head. Others are utterly certain of it. White House correspondents have stated that Pence has run amok in D.C., demanding to be called “Virus Mike” and nothing else.

Others say that he was never qualified for the position anyway. But that is a little ridiculous. Pence has probably had all sorts of positions that have prepared him for this role. Of the millions of doctors in America, there are probably none that know more about the virus than Pence.

The CDC would also have been a great place to find someone to be head of Coronavirus. After all, who knows more about how a virus spreads than them?

But then again, Pence just has that way with things that are toxic and unhealthy.

As it happens, the Virus Spreader-in-Chief himself has an increased likelihood of dying from the disease. But that is just speculation.

Regardless, Pence is heading up the virus as long as he is around. Good luck, America!