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Tufts sees drop in racial diversity for Class of 2028 after affirmative action ban

Tufts reported a decline in the racial diversity of its incoming first-year class, who represent the first wave of students to be admitted after the Supreme Court’s ruling last year to overturn racebased affirmative action in college admissions. 44% of the Class of 2028 identify as students of color, down from 50% last year.

The announcement comes as several other universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Amherst College,

have revealed similar declines in the diversity of their incoming class — at MIT, the percentage of incoming Black students dropped from 15% to just 5%. With data only beginning to trickle in from universities across the country, it remains unclear how much of this drop in diversity is tied to the court’s affirmative action ban versus other factors in the admissions process, such as a decrease in the number of students of color applying to certain schools. But Tufts’ data provides one of the nation’s earliest indications that the court’s decision has changed

the racial composition of college campuses.

Breaking down the data

Black students experienced the heaviest drop in their share of the first-year class, dipping from 7.3% of the Class of 2027 to just 4.7% of the incoming class. Nearly all other racial and ethnic groups on campus experienced declines, with Asian American students dropping to 19.7% from an earlier 20.3% and multiracial students dropping from 11.4% to 8.0%.

According to Tufts, there was also a decrease in the enrollment of

Carpenters union protests against wage theft as firstyear students check in

Workers claiming wage theft protested outside the Joyce Cummings Center on Aug. 23 and 28, as incoming first-year students arrived on campus. Throughout the demonstrations, organized by the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, protesters handed out flyers accusing Tufts of hiring contractors who exploit construction workers at Eaton Hall, Blakely Hall and Halligan Hall.

During the demonstrations, workers held signs reading “Stop Wage Theft” while others drove trucks with the attached signs around the Cummings Center. One truck carried a large inflatable rat as a symbol of protest against unfair practices by employers, especially ones using nonunion labor.

Somerville City Council endorses November ballot question legalizing psychedelic-assisted therapy in Massachusetts

Nicholas Prather Deputy News Editor

The Somerville City Council passed a resolution on July 11 to endorse the “Natural Psychedelic Substances Act,” an upcoming proposition on the November ballot that would legalize the usage of psychedelics in Massachusetts. If enough voters vote “yes” to the act, which will appear as Question 4 on their ballots, it would allow adults 21 and older to legally grow, possess and use specific amounts of psychedelics that have been shown to have therapeutic benefits for certain mental health conditions.

In recent years, Somerville has emerged as a leader in the fight to legalize psychedelics in Massachusetts, voting unanimously in January 2021 to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi. The city is the first in Massachusetts to endorse the “Natural Psychedelic Substances Act,” introduced to the council by

Councilor Willie Burnley Jr. The Cambridge City Council followed suit on Aug. 5.

The act intends to decouple psychedelics from the black market and provide safe and supervised access with appropriate regulation and taxation. Under the measure, a regulated framework would allow the supervised use of psychedelics at licensed therapy facilities throughout the state. While the bill does not allow for retail shops or storefronts that sell psychedelics — meaning that individuals cannot take the products home — it removes criminal penalties for limited personal use by adults 21 and older.

Proponents of the measure argue that psychedelic therapy contains tremendous potential for those dealing with conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, addiction and cluster headaches.

“Using psilocybin was life-changing for me and allowed me to take control of my life from

mental illness,” Graham Moore, educational outreach director for Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, explained. Massachusetts for Mental Health Options is responsible for leading the “Yes on 4” campaign that collected enough signatures to put Question 4 on the November ballot.

Jamie Morey, the Community Engagement Director for MMHO and the founder of grassroots advocacy group Parents for Plant Medicine, shared her sentiments on the power of psychedelics, particularly her experience with psilocybin, a compound found in certain species of mushrooms.

“It was profound in a way that’s hard to describe in words,” Morey said. “It feels like a factory reset or 20 years of therapy in a day.”

While there is much anecdotal evidence around the effectiveness of psychedelics in treating mental health, concrete research has lagged behind as a result of the drugs’ Schedule I classification.

“We know which receptors these drugs bind to. We know some limited information about how they affect metabolism of different parts of the brain, but we’re really at a very preliminary understanding of how they actually work,” said Mason Marks, a visiting law professor at Harvard Law School who leads the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation at Harvard’s Petrie-Flom Center. “But I do think that, after a while, you read so many reports, you hear so many stories from people, you do think, “Okay, there’s something to this.”

Aaron Gruen Executive Investigative Editor

Somerville City Hall is pictured on March 12, 2012.

Estelle Anderson Executive News Editor

UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

‘Yes on 4’ advocates for legal psychedelic usage

PSYCHEDELICS

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Many in the mental health community are optimistic about psychedelics’ therapeutic potential. Tahlia Harrison is an Oregonbased therapist who has had first-hand experience working with patients after the state began implementing psilocybin-based therapy in 2023.

“The overall research is finding that what psychedelics do is … [allow you to] view your experiences or your trauma in a way that is more open,” Harrison said.

And while most in the psychedelics community in Massachusetts agree on the general principles of decriminalization and legalization, there has been disagreement over the exact substance of the bill, with some arguing it would corporatize plant

medicine to an extent where services would be out of reach for those in lower income brackets. In Oregon, the cost of legal psilocybin-based treatment can surpass $2,000 for a single session.

“If psilocybin isn’t affordable, then it’s not really legal, right?”

argued James Davis, the co-founder of Bay Staters for Natural Medicine, an organization that opposes the Natural Psychedelic Substances Act in its current form.

“If people can’t afford something, it’s a stretch to call it legal.”

Another issue with the bill some have raised is found in Section 3a, which stipulates the creation of a Massachusetts Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission to oversee the implementation of the new law. Commissioners only need to move to Massachusetts within the 90 days following their appoint-

ment.

“I think Massachusetts voters should be offended that people could literally be appointed having never set foot in the state,” Marks said. ”[The lack of a requirement to be from Massachusetts] was clearly put in there so that someone can bring in their chosen people that they want to work with. Clearly, there is no shortage of intellectual capacity in Massachusetts.”

Moore refuted these arguments by pointing to the precedent set in Oregon.

“Appointees running the program is very standard,” Moore asserted. “In Oregon, the public health authority that runs the program is still a government agency with leaders not directly elected by the public, so I don’t think it’s so different than what we have here.”

In regards to the financial argument against the measure,

Union workers demand fair practices

UNION

continued from page 1

According to Raheem Shepard, President of the NASRCC and a carpenter by trade, contractors hired by Tufts used subcontractors who compensate their construction workers with below-standard wages and benefits.

Shepard said that the subcontractors have a known history of violating wage and tax laws by misclassifying their workers as independent contractors — a practice sometimes used by employers to avoid having to pay benefits and minimum wages to employees.

“The general contractors for these projects relied on subcontractors that do not pay their workers the wages and benefits that are prevailing in the area, so they violate community standards,” Shepard wrote in a statement to the Daily. “There’s a deeper issue, and that is that many of the subcontractors that appear on these jobs have a history of engaging in the violation of labor and tax laws by misclassifying their workers, as evidenced by the statements of their own workers.”

In a statement to the Daily, Tufts’ executive director of media relations, Patrick Collins, defended the university’s hiring practices.

“Tufts works with many vendors and contractors – using best practices for vetting, hiring, and engaging with these third-party companies,” Collins wrote. “In all our relationships, our goal is to support our mission and to follow a set of principles, including providing quality learning and research opportunities, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment, individual and institutional accountability, efficiency, and flexibility.”

According to Shepard, one of the NASRCC’s demands is for Tufts to ensure subcontractors with a history of misclassifying their workers as independent contractors are not used on campus construction projects.

“We’d like a commitment that

Somerville City Councillor Jesse Clingan, who endorsed the 2021 resolution to decriminalize entheogenic plants, urged against letting the pursuit of a better bill undermine efforts to enshrine this one into law.

“It’s like baby steps, right?” Clingan suggested. “Don’t make perfect the enemy of the good. This is a move in the right direction.”

When asked about the best ways to work to break the stigma surrounding the usage of psychedelics, Morey commented on the power of open conversations on the issue.

“I think it’s just people speaking up and telling their stories, and not being afraid,” she said. “I think that’s what’s going to change the conversation — people being brave enough to have the conversation.”

on these renovations, Tufts not use subcontractors that have a history of avoiding various wage and tax law obligations by misclassifying their workers, because it’s particularly the subcontractors who have been charged with these violations by their own workers,” Shepard wrote.

In his statement, Collins also wrote that “questions pertaining to compensation or subcontractors on construction projects should be directed to the relevant general contractor.”

Although the NASRCC does not represent any university employees and Tufts is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements with the union, the council seeks to spread awareness about unfair labor practices.

“One of the roles that the union plays in the industry that a lot of folks don’t recognize is we go out and represent non-union workers as well,” Bert Durand, communications director at the NASRCC, said. “We talk to them about the wages they’re getting, the treatment they’re getting on job sites, how the contractors treat them in different ways. We do this because we believe all carpenters deserve the standard that the union established in the industry.”

Durand explained that they support workers who have been

cheated out of wages by connecting them with enforcement mechanisms and putting public pressure on institutions and contractors.

Catherine Pena, a business representative for the Carpenters Local 330 union who was at the Aug. 23 protest, stressed that a goal of the demonstration was to make every worker aware that they are victims of alleged wage theft.

“The workers that we talk to on these job sites don’t even know that their wages are being stolen,” Pena said. “Especially on prevailing wage jobs, there’s set rates that they’re supposed to get, and some of these workers are not getting those rates and don’t even know it.”

Because construction projects are usually short-term, Durand explained that it can be difficult to hold contractors accountable for wage theft or other improper practices.

“The [Attorney General’s] office [and] Department of Labor, if they do come out and investigate, by the time they finish their investigation, the workers might be gone,” Durand said. “We try to talk to end users, developers, institutions, general contractors, and say, ‘This is what’s going on in the industry. We’re watching, and we don’t want it to happen on your job site. So please don’t stick your

head in the sand and pretend it doesn’t exist.’”

Shepard also called for Tufts to enlist contractors who participate in registered apprenticeship programs, which help women and minorities — who are traditionally underrepresented in the construction workforce — gain jobs in the industry.

Liz Skidmore, a member of the NASRCC and Local 327 who was present at the protest on Aug. 23, explained that she got her start as a construction worker through an apprenticeship program.

"[Apprenticeship] is paid training,” she said. “The union basically spends about $50,000 to train you as a carpenter.”

“Economically, if you want to bring people into a traditional male occupation, the only way you’re going to do it is through a devoted effort,” Shepard wrote. “And so we’re looking for two things: One is no more disreputable contractors whose business model relies on worker misclassification and underpaying their workers, and secondly, positively, let’s have some contractors that participate in legitimate apprenticeship programs.”

Gus Gladstein contributed reporting to this article.

PHOTO BY AARON GRUEN/THE TUFTS DAILY

Workers demonstrate at the Joyce Cummings Center on Aug. 23.

Drop in Tufts’ racial diversity after affirmative action ban

DIVERSITY continued from page 1

Indigenous students, although the university did not disclose exact percentages in their original statement nor when asked by the Daily.

By contrast, the number of white and Hispanic/Latinx students in the Class of 2028 has risen from last year. White students, who represented 46.8% of the Class of 2027, now compose 49.3% of the Class of 2028. For Hispanic/Latinx students, the increase was more modest: 11.6% of the Class of 2028 identifies as Hispanic/Latinx, up from an earlier 10.5%.

The number of students who chose not to report their race or ethnicity also rose from 3.3% to 6.7%. Tufts’ Director of Admissions, JT Duck, said that this increase could help explain recent shifts in racial demographics.

“The actual size of the decline in certain groups is not as clear as the data might suggest because of this, and we would recommend resisting comparing one group’s increase against another group’s decrease given that context,” he wrote in a statement to the Daily.

In his statement, Duck wrote that the national ban on affirmative action directly impacted his admissions team and contributed to them admitting a less racially diverse first-year class. He explained that admissions officers plan to increase their outreach to underrepresented, low-income and first-generation high-school students, as well as their recruitment in small towns and rural areas.

“As for why certain groups went up or down, we’re continuing to examine the data, which only became visible to us late in the summer after the entire

admissions process had concluded,” Duck wrote.

Students react to drops in diversity at Tufts

In conversations with the Daily, students expressed concern about the ramifications of decreased racial diversity on campus. Most, however, said they were not surprised at the data.

“I think when the affirmative action decision was repealed by the Supreme Court last year, all of us were just holding our breath, especially a lot of us in the Black community,” Rhoda Edwards, TCU Africana Community Senator and the President of the Black Student Union, said.

Edwards is also a coordinator for the pre-orientation program Students’ Quest for Unity in the African Diaspora, which introduces incoming first-year students to the history and community of Black students at Tufts. According to Edwards, the percentage of students enrolled in the program dropped by nearly half this year, which she said reflects the drop in Black first-year students.

To Edwards, drops in racial diversity should be understood as a threat to all students on Tufts’ campus, not just those from marginalized groups. She stressed that a

diverse campus provides opportunities for people to cultivate “cultural consciousness,” or the practice of learning how to accept and coexist with people from different cultural backgrounds.

“But there has to be diversity for you to do that to begin with,” Edwards said. “If there’s no longer a presence of any racial group, identity group, on campus, there’s nothing to be culturally conscious of, because there’s only one culture.”

TCU Diversity Officer Donovan Sanders stressed that as racial diversity declines on campus, students from marginalized groups begin to feel increasingly alienated.

“I’m not surprised [by the data], but it still impacts me as someone who’s a Black student and a minority student here at Tufts … not being able to see students who look like me walking around me,” Sanders said.

But students were wary of blaming recent demographic shifts entirely on the Supreme Court’s ban of affirmative action. Declining diversity amongst the student body is also a reflection of Tufts’ efforts to create a welcoming campus for marginalized groups, students argued.

“College access as a whole

is a really large field,” Nessren Ourdyl, Vice President of the TCU Senate and a volunteer with the Tufts College Access Mentoring Initiative, said. “I think Tufts can play a better role in … promoting a better campus culture and campus experience for those who are already here, in order to ensure that students do feel like that they can apply and get in and attend a school like Tufts — and graduate as well.”

Sanders and Ourdyl said that many students of color are deterred by Tufts’ low social mobility ranking: on the Wall Street Journal’s 2023 social mobility index, Tufts ranked 391 out of 400 colleges. Students of color are also discouraged from applying, they said, because of Tufts’ history of low retention rates for faculty of color: Between fall 2022 and fall 2023, for instance, the percentage of Black full and part-time faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences dropped from 5.8% to 4.8%.

“If there are no faculty and staff [of color] here, students [of color] are probably not going to want to be here, because they don’t see people that look like them represented in places of

power,” Sanders said.

The students expressed hope that, going forward, Tufts increases programming that caters to students of color, provides more support to identity centers on campus and hires and retains a more diverse slate of faculty members. Ourdyl stressed that as the university steps up its efforts to recruit applicants from underrepresented communities, it should adopt a more personal, individualized approach. As a volunteer for the Tufts College Access Initiative, Ourdyl works closely with students in underserved areas of Massachusetts to help encourage them to apply to Tufts and guide them through the college process.

“It’s really powerful that it’s coming from students and undergrads like us. Because when we talk to students, they see reflections of themselves in us,” Ourdyl said. “Sometimes the work and the responsibilities … lay on the people who are most deeply affected by those [demographic] changes, like students of color. I’m hopeful that in the future, the university can be a little bit more supportive of that, too.”

Bendetson Hall is pictured

GRAPHIC BY RACHEL WONG

Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven to face off against challenger Kathleen Hornby during today’s primary

In what has become a heated battle for Somerville’s 27th Middlesex District, former legislative staffer Kathleen Hornby is seeking to unseat Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven during today’s primary election. Uyterhoeven, a self-described Democratic Socialist who has served on Beacon Hill since 2021, represents an area that includes parts of Tufts’ lower campus, Davis Square, Magoun Square and Spring Hill.

As the incumbent, Uyterhoeven has enjoyed the advantages of more name recognition, a slew of endorsements including from Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Ayanna Pressley and a track record from her two terms as legislator. But Hornby, a long-time Somerville resident who has stressed her deep ties to the community, has emerged as a formidable challenger, winning the endorsement of the Somerville Democratic City Committee on Aug. 16.

Hornby and Uyterhoeven, both progressives, are running on similar platforms focused on affordable housing, public transportation reform and climate change. The key difference between their campaigns, as the candidates expressed in interviews with the Daily, lies in their approaches to politics.

Uyterhoeven, who worked as a political activist and antitrust economist before assuming her government role, said that rep -

resentatives should settle for nothing less than the sweeping reforms she says her district deserves.

“I am clearly much more progressive than my opponent. I think she checks the box enough, and I don’t think that this district is enough to just check some boxes and say, ‘I take this position’ and call it a day,” Uyterhoeven said. “I think that this district, being one of the most progressive districts in one of the bluest states in the country, needs to have someone who’s going to fight for bold, transformational change in the legislature.”

But Hornby argues that an overly ambitious approach is not a realistic way to get laws passed. As a former chief of staff to Reps. Marjorie Decker and Alice Wolf, she says her years of crafting bills and negotiating budgets taught her the value of a more pragmatic, consensus-building approach.

“My approach is about getting things done,” Hornby

said. “I am focused on meeting people’s immediate needs, whether that’s constituent services, budget appropriations or policy being enacted, while we work towards larger, very important progressive goals.”

In their letter endorsing Hornby, Somerville Democrats argued that Uyterhoeven “subscribes to the idea that progressives should take unyielding stances on policy issues,” calling this philosophy “fatal to her work at the State House” and noting that none of the 62 bills she has sponsored have passed.

But Uytehoeven says that she has racked up numerous accomplishments during her two terms in office. On the campaign trail, she has consistently highlighted her efforts to protect reproductive rights in Massachusetts, increase investments in public education and pass major laws including the Affordable Homes Act.

“I do have a proven track record,” she said. “The support I’ve received in this campaign

is truly humbling … and I think that’s really a testament to my work, not just my policy platform, but what I’ve championed as a legislator.”

When it comes to the issues, Uyterhoeven and Hornby have similar legislative priorities. Both agree that housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing Somerville, where nearly 40% of homeowners spend 30% or more of their income on housing alone. The candidates both support increasing funding for the construction of affordable housing and implementing measures including rent stabilization.

“We need to set specific goals for boosting our housing supply. We need to include real estate transfer fee,” Hornby said. “We also need stronger protection for tenants and more funding for affordable development.”

Uyterhoeven and Hornby have also made labor rights central to their campaigns, with both candidates standing by Somerville Municipal Employees and their years-long fight for fair wages. In her interview with the Daily, Hornby highlighted her experience working with labor organizations on issues such as pandemic relief for workers and expanding access to childcare.

Uyterhoeven, who recently filed a bill to restore public sector workers’ right to strike in Massachusetts, said that her fight for labor justice is a deeply personal one.

“My mom had to go on strike when I was in the womb,” she said. “Throughout my childhood, I’ve seen firsthand growing up how corporate America has just completely dismantled and tried to attack organized labor in America. … Now that I’m in this position of power, it’s just unacceptable for me to not have their back in these difficult times.”

Yet despite these similarities, the candidates diverge on several issues in ways that highlight their distinct brands of progressivism. Hornby says she hopes to expand MassHealth coverage for income-eligible children and young adults, while Uyterhoeven supports fully expanding the program to universal health care coverage. Only Uyterhoeven indicates support for a Massachusetts Green New Deal on her campaign website. And Uyterhoeven is a fierce advocate for making the T free, while Hornby has pledged to focus on more short-term public transportation improvements.

“As much as I would love free public transportation for everybody, it doesn’t matter if the bus is free if it’s not running. [It] doesn’t matter if the train is free if it’s on fire,” Hornby said.

Polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Pressley and State Sen. Patricia Jehlen, all of whom are running uncontested, are also on the ballot for Somerville’s 27th Middlesex District.

Tufts modernizes its laundry system with new mobile app

In an effort to make the process of doing laundry on campus more efficient, Tufts has installed a new laundry system in its residence halls that allows students to track and pay for their loads through a mobile app. Over the summer, the university replaced all old laundry machines with new ones from the commercial laundry service provider CSC ServiceWorks, which provides millions of laundry machines to colleges, hotels and other locations throughout North America and Europe.

Previously, students could only use JumboCash or coins to pay for laundry and would often have to create timers on their phone to alert them when their load was finished. Now, on the CSCPay Mobile app, students can view how many washers and dryers are available, pay for laundry and receive notifications when a cycle is done.

“The new laundry system includes changes to the laundry payment system so students no longer need to worry about finding coins to do their laundry as well as consistency in laundry services –— equipment and payment methods — across residences,” Associate Director of Auxiliary

Services Scott Rosario wrote in a statement.

Students are able to use credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, JumboCash or the CSCPay Mobile App itself to make laundry payments. Through the app, students can also request service or a refund for their laundry.

“There are over 70 laundry locations and over 300 pieces of new laundry equipment across Tufts University. The new washers and dryers are modern, energy efficient machines produced by Speed Queen,” Rosario wrote. “With the new equipment, all new payment terminals were installed on each machine to allow for the new payment system.”

Sophomore Jonathan Manta shared his experience using a similar laundry system while traveling.

“I think it’s great, because a lot of students just have everything on their phone — if not everyone,” he said. “This summer I used a similar system when I was visiting my friend in Colombia where I could just pay through my phone.

… I think it’s definitely something everybody’s [going to] like.”

First-year student Leah Munoz, whose class year is the first at Tufts to try out the new system, expressed excitement about the mobile app.

“This shows how awesome technology can be in terms of the convenience factor. I totally appreciated [seeing] where my laundry is at, how much time I have left … especially because that can be sometimes a bit of a hassle,” she said.

But Munoz stressed that, with the new ability to connect more payment methods to the app, she plans to be careful about how much money she puts towards laundry.

“I’m going to be very conscientious about making sure that I’m spending the appropriate amount on laundry,” she said. “I don’t want this app to somehow jeopardize my finances or my debit card or anything like that.”

In recent months, CSC ServiceWorks has been plagued by a series of cybersecurity issues. Most recently, on Aug. 9, the company revealed that over 35,000 individuals in its systems had their data breached in 2023, including their social security numbers and financial information.

In May 2024, the company also made headlines when two students at the University of California Santa Cruz were reported to have discovered a major security vulnerability that allowed students to bypass security checks and run

laundry cycles for free. Students could remotely send commands to the machines and trick them into running loads without them having to pay. The security flaw even enabled students to code millions of dollars into their laundry accounts.

However, Alexander Sherbrooke, one of the students who discovered the security flaw, informed the Daily that the system used at UC Santa Cruz — MyCSCGO — is different from CSCPay, which is used at Tufts.

“There may still be vulnerabilities [with CSCPay] - but I can’t really look into it. I urge people to

try, though: anyone can find a vulnerability, it just takes focus and curiosity!” Sherbrooke wrote. Rosario wrote that Tufts is confident in the security of its new laundry system.

“The vulnerability was addressed, and the company has made changes to their process for identifying and addressing vulnerabilities,” Rosario wrote. “There are no cybersecurity concerns with the new system. Tufts Technology Services conducted security and accessibility checks to ensure all standards are met by the vendors providing these systems.”

Estelle Anderson Executive News Editor

Josue Perez

The Harleston Hall laundry room is pictured.

COURTESY RACHEL LIU/THE TUFTS DAILY

Assistant News Editor

COURTESY KATHLEEN HORNBY AND ERIKA UYTERHOEVEN

Pictured left to right are Kathleen Hornby and Erika Uyterhoeven.

FEATURES

From beginnings in Soviet Kyiv to the forefront of post-communist scholarship: Professor Oxana Shevel’s journey.

Sam Berman Staff Writer

“I remember as a kindergartner, watching [the] news with my grandfather. … [The] Soviet government presented [a] certain image of Western news, that everything was bad,” Associate Professor of Political Science Oxana Shevel said, reflecting on her upbringing under communist rule in Kyiv, Ukraine. “As a young child, you don’t question it.”

Today, as Director of Tufts’ International Relations Program, a scholar of comparative politics of the post-Soviet region and an authoritative, scholarly voice on the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Shevel studies the political dynamics that so meaningfully shaped the environment she grew up in.

Looking back on the conditions that set her on the path to where she is currently, Shevel specifically emphasized the importance of Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika and glasnost reforms. Those reforms, especially the glasnost policies, ended state censorship and introduced freedom of the press during her teenage years, providing new opportunities to think critically about the world around her. As her intellectual curiosity developed, her personal experiences drew her to questions of political identity.

“My grandfather [and] my father were members of the Communist Party. ... At the same time, they thought of themselves as Ukrainians,” she explained. She went on to discuss Russification during the Soviet period — an effort to assimilate minority cultures within the USSR into the dominant Russian one.

“I knew that we spoke Ukrainian at home, but that was kind of less prestigious,” she said. “I think that’s partly what motivated me to study nationalism … these changes in identity, including [those] I saw in my own extended family.”

“I sometimes even use vignettes from my family history to illustrate theoretical points that I teach in class,” Shevel added.

Despite the opportunities presented by Soviet reforms, Shevel faced significant barriers when it came to studying politics. As an undergraduate, the closest discipline to political science available to her was “Scientific Communism.” The Soviet field of international relations was reserved almost exclusively for men.

With the options available to her, Shevel studied English and French as an undergraduate at Kyiv State University. During her final year there, political events changed the course of her life.

“The year I graduated, the Soviet Union collapsed, and that’s when various opportunities appeared to study abroad. … I was one of the first recipients of the George Soros scholarship for students from Ukraine to study in the U.K.,” Shevel said.

At the University of Cambridge, Shevel completed a master’s degree in international relations. She then went on to earn a doctorate in Political Science from Harvard University, specializing in the comparative politics of the post-communist region, which remains her academic focus today.

Shevel relished the opportunity to finally study nationalism in a serious academic setting. ”[It] was really kind of revelational to read literature about it,” she said.

Going through the American education system for the first time, Shevel noticed major differences from her experience in the Soviet system.

“Sometimes Americans, in Europe in particular, have this

reputation of not being very erudite [in] geography and facts,” she said. “In the Soviet Union, … you summarize[d], you memorize[d] … but [were not] really taught to critically assess.”

Shevel provided a personal anecdote from graduate school to illustrate her point.

“We had to write [a] critique of some set of books,” she explained. “I got a comment back that said, ‘this was a good summary, but what do you think?’ And I was like, ‘Oh, I’m supposed to think something critical about these scholars for all these famous books.’”

Today, Shevel has two decades of experience as a professor in the United States under her belt, and the diversity of her educational background still informs the way she teaches.

“Having had intellectual history in both systems, … as I teach here [at Tufts], I try to combine the best of both. Yes, I have to have a map quiz, … but that by itself is not going to be enough,” she said.

Discussing her time at Tufts in further depth, Shevel expressed that the university has offered a rich intellectual community in her area of expertise since she arrived in 2007.

One way Shevel has taken advantage of that community is through her collaboration with Associate Professor of Political Science Kelly Greenhill in teaching the course “Migration, Refugees, and Citizenship in a Globalized World.”

"[We] both have studied migration and refugee questions,” Shevel said. “She studies … security concerns, foreign policy concerns. … My work has been more [about] how these policies are made domestically in non-western countries.”

Greenhill commented on her experience co-teaching with Shevel. “Every time we’re in the classroom together, I learn something new,” she said.

Shevel mentioned exchanging ideas with faculty from other departments, too, including Associate Professor of History

Rachel Applebaum, who teaches a course on Eastern European communism.

Shevel also reflected more specifically on teaching Tufts undergraduates, highlighting her efforts overseeing senior thesis projects.

"[Students] were using the theories that we read in class, including some from my own work on citizenship, but then applying them to completely different cases,” Shevel said. “This intellectual growth from the students is very, very gratifying.”

Outside of her undergraduate teaching, Shevel has become extremely busy with speaking engagements and media appearances since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as an authoritative scholarly voice on the subject.

She spoke to the challenges of communicating to a broader audience.

COURTESY OF PROFESSOR OXANA SHEVEL

Professor Oxana Shevel is pictured.

Professor Shevel’s scholarship in constant development

SHEVEL continued from page 5

“To strike the balance of [being] able to summarize in a short, accessible way to the general public but still that the point itself would be valid given the complexity that you, as an expert, know about … is actually a really hard skill,” Shevel said.

According to her, the book she published with co-author Maria Popova this past January, ”Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States,” intends to strike just this balance.

Over the course of the text, Shevel and Popova argue that the “growing domestic political divergence between Russia and Ukraine post-1991” is a root cause of the current RussoUkrainian conflict.

Shevel noted that even as she has become busier and has had to communicate to more diverse audiences for projects like her collaboration with Popova, key components of her work have stayed consistent.

“As far as [the] intellectual focus of my work, it actual -

ly hasn’t changed that much because, if anything, the war reinforced these very ideas that I’ve been thinking about and working on,” Shevel said.

She went on to offer an example, dissecting Putin’s claim — intellectually inaccurate in her view — that Ukraine is not a real nation.

"[Nations] are constructed in this process of various social, political, economic changes. … After 1991, the elites, … and then also more gradually, the public [caught] up with this idea that Ukrainians are a distinct nation. … Russia completely refuses to accept this idea,” she said.

To Shevel, this interpretation of recent history offers a much better explanation of the present conflict’s origins than alternative theories that focus on NATO enlargement. She also believes that these dynamics underlie the unpromising prospects of a negotiated compromise or swap of land as paths to peace.

These themes will be the subjects of the new course that

Shevel is teaching during the fall semester, called “Ukraine In Peace & War: Identity, Society, Democracy.”

“The fact … that now I can actually teach a class specifically on the politics of Ukraine is also something that I’m grateful for, even though it in some sense happened for tragic reasons,” she said.

The social and political intricacies of Ukraine through time that Shevel covers in her courses have been apparent in her real-life experiences with the country’s diaspora in the Greater Boston Area.

Harvard University’s Ukrainian Research Institute, where Shevel is an associate, serves as a prime example. Shevel expressed that the institute provides a vibrant intellectual hub for the Greater Boston area’s small Ukrainian community and has its origins in Eastern Europe’s tumultuous political history.

“Ukrainians who came to the U.S. after the Second World War, many of them escaping communist rule, … they felt very strongly the need to pre-

serve Ukrainian culture [and] Ukrainian language. And they fundraised to establish this Ukrainian Research Institute,” she said.

Shevel also noted communism’s effects on cultural differences within Boston’s Ukrainian population. Ukrainians in the diaspora whose families left the country generations before them, according to her, are more religious, while Ukrainians who grew up under Soviet anti-religious rule are less so.

“After the fall of the Iron Curtain, I started meeting Ukrainians who grew up abroad,” Shevel said. “One time I was invited to a Christmas celebration. … It was all very nice, but I could not relate.”

In this instance and many others, Shevel’s life, the course of her career, and the narratives of identity that she bears witness to have been shaped in particularly evident ways by the very social and political dynamics that she studies for a living.

With all this in mind, one might expect that for Shevel,

the interrogation of the narratives that she has internalized herself, and their connections to social and political realities, would be almost second nature. According to her, however, this expectation would be mistaken.

“The invasion made me realize in particular that certain things that we think that we know, we have to question, ‘How do we know them?’” she said. “I kind of remind myself when I think about the countries of the region [that I] know less about — I have certain stereotypes. … state power creates a lot of these narratives, and what was the state power at the time?”

Given her life trajectory and area of scholarship, Shevel’s articulation of her own need to continue questioning the sources of her knowledge should serve as a reminder to the Tufts community that our intellectual responsibility is an active one and demands conscientiousness. How we fulfill that intellectual responsibility shapes the world we live in.

ARTS & POP CULTURE

Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ dismantles anxiety fear-mongering

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for “Inside Out 2” (2024).

In 2015, Pixar Animation Studios released “Inside Out,” an animated coming-of-age film centered around the mental landscape of Riley, a young girl who just moved from Minnesota to San Francisco. The protagonists are the personifications of Riley’s basic emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness; whichever emotion controls the central console determines what emotion Riley was feeling. The film was considered a massive success, grossing $858.8 million at the box office against its $175 million budget, cementing itself as one of Pixar’s most influential and successful children’s films. At the end of the movie, the emotions gather around a large button that appears on the central console labeled “Puberty” to which Joy dismisses, saying “Things couldn’t be better! After all, Riley’s 12 now. What could happen?”

In “Inside Out 2,” we find out. In the midst of now 13-yearold Riley’s entrance into high school, Joy and her friends are joined by several new emotions: Embarrassment, Envy, Ennui and the film’s central villain, Anxiety. Anxiety, short, wild-haired and orange, walks in physically carrying her emotional baggage. As

Riley experiences puberty, the original emotions struggle to manage the new changes. Once joyful moments –– such as hanging out with her friends –– are now stressful as Anxiety takes control of the console, inhibiting Riley with so much anguish that at the film’s climax she experiences a full-on panic attack in the penalty box during a hockey game. When Joy and the other emotions take back control of the console, Anxiety relents, tearfully delivering perhaps the most cutting line of the film: “I was just trying to protect Riley.”

Teenage anxiety has reached record highs in the U.S., with an estimated 31.9% of adolescents suffering from some type of anxiety disorder. The condition is often accompanied by an overwhelming stigma that is not only a barrier to seeking treatment but also connotes a fear around the term –– simply acknowledging anxiety is too much. Many teens associate the term anxiety with the word “bad;” however, this false equivalence has only promoted shame and distrust surrounding the emotion.

“Inside Out 2” directly tackles that misconception, dismantling the fearful rhetoric surrounding anxiety in a way that is accessible to teens and adults alike.

According to director Kelsey Mann, in early drafts of the film, Anxiety was supposed to morph

into self-loathing. However, that left her “almost like a cardboard villain … [that] wasn’t very likable. And I didn’t understand why she was doing what she was doing.” It’s a good point. Why does anyone experience anxiety? What purpose do “bad” emotions serve while occupying space in our brains?

After speaking with several professionals and conducting some of his own research, Mann clarified something that ultimately became the most important facet of the film: Anxiety never had any malicious intent. In fact, she had the exact same motivation as Joy: keeping Riley safe.

“My job is to protect [Riley] from the scary stuff she can’t see,” she informs Joy during their first meeting. And at times, this is true. There are moments in the film where Anxiety is helpful, ensuring that Riley is prepared for a worst-case scenario. Other times, however, when she is given too much time at the console, she is debilitating and bears Riley down with intense amounts of stress and fear. But by pinpointing the shared goal between Joy and Anxiety, Mann has coupled an emotion seen as “good” with an emotion seen as “bad,” directly highlighting that emotions have no moral quality. At their core, they are simply there to help you.

Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist and an advisor for the film, noted that uncomfortable emotions “help keep us safe [and] help to guide us.” The film aims to highlight that anxiety is not a villain or a ‘bad’ emotion. A little bit of anxiety is healthy. Damour added that the franchise “treated those uncomfortable emotions as factory settings that are necessary to overall health.” Emotions and feelings are not villainized –– they are almost mechanical. Oftentimes, positive mental health is associated with constantly feeling good. But Damour challenges this notion, saying mental health is about “having feelings that fit what’s happening and then managing those feelings well.” It is not about getting rid of anxiety; it is about managing

it. “Psychological distress, on its own, is not grounds for concern … it’s how you’ve survived to this point.”

At the end of the film, Anxiety attempts to once again manage the console and worry about the endless possibilities of the future before retreating to a chair, drinking some tea and thinking about an upcoming Spanish test instead. There is still space for her, even though she is not entirely managing the console, and it is an important moment that young adolescents visualize. Emotions have no moral quality; sometimes they are useful, and sometimes they are too much. Sometimes, they can help us win a spot on the hockey team, and sometimes they need to take a step back, sit down and drink some (anxie)tea.

The summer of ‘brat’: Unpacking the cultural phenomenon

Erin Zhu Executive Arts Editor

The cover of Charli XCX’s latest album is instantly recognizable, with the word “brat” pasted carelessly in a blurred resolution on a pane of lime green. Careless, indeed, is the word that comes to mind for this album — and that is its greatest success.

This lime green has served as key branding for pop sensation Charli XCX’s recent release, “Brat,” and has planted its flag in the zeitgeist, expanding beyond the music industry, most notably in Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Almost immediately after its release, “Brat” was met with universal critical acclaim. The internet filled with praise for the album and Charli, with netizens chanting a battle cry for “Brat summer.” These are no small feats for a pop album and beg the question: What is it about this album that has created not just critical and commercial success, but also the momentum to propel itself into a pop culture symbol?

Charlotte Emma Aitchison, known professionally as Charli XCX, first gained traction on Myspace in the early 2000s, where her music caught the attention of a promoter. The latter invited Charli to perform at several (illegal) warehouse raves located in East London where she then adopted her stage name: Charli XCX.

In 2010, Charli signed to Asylum Records and later gained international prominence for her collaboration with Icona Pop on their hit single “I Love It” (2012). Charli continued to find popular success with “Fancy” (2014), a collaboration with Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, and “Boom Clap” (2014) which was used in the soundtrack to the coming-of-age romance “The Fault in Our Stars.”

It’s difficult to overstate the immensity of “Brat” in internet culture this past summer, and even harder to provide an answer to the question of “Why?” There are a few possible explanations: Perhaps the aforementioned carelessness that permeates “Brat” and its blatant disregard for all that is holy in the realm of musical aesthetics satisfies the contemporary appetite for the “postmodern”

and the “ironic;” perhaps its kitsch artlessness and maximalism is its own aesthetic.

But put more simply: “Brat” is cool. “Brat” is fun. “Brat” is flattened cigarette butts on concrete, a tight dress pulled up to the hips, sleepless eyes between smudged kohl. “It’s okay to just admit that you’re jealous of me/ Yeah, I heard you talk about me, that’s the word on the street/ You’re obsessing, just confess it, put your hands up/ It’s obvious I’m your number one,” sings Charli in warbled auto-tune on “Von dutch” in an embodiment of a stumbling, grunge popstar-diva.

This self-indulgence, apathy and insolence in Charli’s world-building is the key to the album’s success and popularity. It fulfills a maximalist fantasy for many young people, serving as a

sonic tour de force that embraces the chaotic, maximalist ethos of hyperpop. At the same time, its cracks reveal emotional authenticity and vulnerability, providing the album a sense of dimension and purpose. “Girl, so confusing,” explores themes of competition, envy and uncertainty in female relationships: “Yeah, I don’t know if you like me/ Sometimes I think you might hate me/ Sometimes I think I might hate you/ Maybe you just wanna be me.” Upon its release, listeners speculated that Lorde was the subject of the track, and on June 21, Charli released a remix of the song with the addition of a self reflective, vulnerable and masterfully metered verse from Lorde herself: “‘Girl, you walk like a bitch/ When I was ten, someone said that/ And it’s just self-defence/

Until you’re building a weapon.” On “I think about it all the time,” Charli opens up about her hesitancies and desires surrounding motherhood after a visit to a friend: “Standing there/ Same old clothes she wore before, holding her child, yeah/ She’s a radiant mother, and he’s a bеautiful father/ And now they both know thesе things that I don’t.” Yet, following this moment of intense confusion and emotional vulnerability, Charli pulls us back into a head banging, light-strobing beat once again on “365,” a clever call-back to her opening “360”: “Who the fuck are you? I’m a brat when I’m bumpin’ that/ Now I wanna hear my track, are you bumpin’ that?”

This sort of emotional leftand-right head-banging may feel extreme, but never does it feel unintentional or wasteful. The album evokes feelings of shame, pleasure, fear and indifference; the push and pull of the “here and now” that defines youth and club culture, while still reminding us of the crippling uncertainty and longing that coincides with young adulthood. “Brat” is fun, yet toys with its own artificiality without taking itself too seriously. Here, Charli leaps between grasping insecurity and narcissism, ecstasy and self-disgust, and so do we, jumping and sweating along to the tempo of an early 2000s club beat.

Annika Pillai Arts Editor

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The logo of Inside Out 2 is pictured.

JULIETA GRANÉ

Charli XCX is pictured next to the cover of her album “Brat.”

Summer 2024 movie round-up

This summer seemed to fly by, especially if you spent half of it at the movies watching film after film. Films came out every weekend between June 1 and August 31, from scifi to coming-of-age to Marvel releases. While many films were highly anticipated, a few stood out.

Here are some of the notable films of summer 2024 (with no spoilers!):

“TRAP”

If you’re looking for a good movie with impactful writing, fun plot twists and an overall understanding of world-building, “Trap” is not the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a thriller mixed with pure fun or are trying to soak up the dregs of summer vacation, give it a try. “Trap” follows father-daughter duo Cooper, played by Josh Hartnett, and Riley, played by Ariel Donoghue, as they attend a pop star’s concert. During the concert, Cooper discovers the FBI are closing in on him for the murder of several people, and while Riley is entertained by her idol, he continues to find new ways to escape custody and defy authority. None of it actually makes sense, despite director M.

Night Shyamalan’s attempts. However, while it’s full of unexpected and unearned twists and turns, “Trap” is a perfectly good summer movie to watch with your friends — and it doesn’t hurt that the original music performed in the film is amazing and available to listen to anywhere.

“ALIEN: ROMULUS”

An incredible addition to the “Alien” franchise, “Alien: Romulus” manages to blend sci-fi and horror in a riveting way. Directed by Fede Álvarez, “Alien: Romulus” follows a crew of space laborers who explore an abandoned ship in hopes of finding a way out of their perpetual contracts. Things quickly take a turn when they unknowingly awaken something deadly on the ship. Plot twist after plot twist grasps and holds onto your attention, yet the characters themselves are what make this a truly great film. The cast is full of amazing performances, from the empathetic Kay, played by Isabela Merced, to Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, who brings the entire crew together. David Jonsson steals the show as Andy, Rain’s synthetic brother, with his sweet, well-intended dad jokes and cutthroat survival decisions. Between the brilliance of the

high stakes and the relatability of the characters, “Alien: Romulus” easily takes its place as a top movie of the summer.

“DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE”

No one can discuss the movies of the summer without mentioning the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, “Deadpool & Wolverine” — and it is fantastic. Highly anticipated for the right reasons, this team-up between Deadpool,

ously and that’s what makes it “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

and a captivating premise, “Blink Twice” is a must watch.

“BLINK TWICE” “TWISTERS”

Joining us late in the party is “Blink Twice,” Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut. In the psychological thriller, Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, and her best friend Jess, played by Alia Shawkat, join tech billionaire Slater, played by Channing Tatum, and his friends on his private island in a seemingly unending summer. While the

“PLOT TWIST AFTER PLOT TWIST GRASPS AND HOLDS ONTO YOUR ATTENTION, YET THE CHARACTERS THEMSELVES ARE WHAT MAKE THIS A TRULY GREAT FILM.”

played by Ryan Reynolds, and Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, was a win for the summer — and for Disney. This movie is vulgar, dirty, actionpacked and full of cameos that will have any Marvel fan on the edge of their seat. While the villains are mediocre, Deadpool’s witty humor and middle finger to Disney make this movie a topnotch experience — the opening sequence alone is worth the movie ticket. Simply put, this film does not take itself seri-

film starts off slow, a sense of unease is quickly present as the island summer becomes more and more unsettling.

As the women on the island begin to put the puzzle pieces together, the film’s tone almost completely shifts to thriller.

The film is baked with many powerful performances and emotional moments, and the final twist will quite literally make you blink twice from shock. With creative storytelling techniques, beautiful shots

In an effort to save the best for last, the standalone sequel to the 1996 blockbuster hit, “Twisters,” is a thrilling ride fit with a dynamic cast, beautifully terrifying visuals and an amazing soundtrack. The sequel follows Kate, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, a former storm chaser who leaves Oklahoma for New York after a science experiment gone wrong results in the death of three of her friends. However, when an old friend calls her for help, she returns home to test a new tornado scanning system. “Twisters” does the sequel right, as it helps to elevate the ideas of the original. The 2024 film updates key parts of the 1996 classic, with fully realized characters, the horror of a slew of tornadoes and the humanity that hangs in the balance of a society destroyed by a seemingly unstoppable monster. “Twisters” manages to breathe fresh life into the movie-going experience, and is truly worth your buck. And if you have a chance to catch this film before it leaves theaters, run, don’t walk to the nearest 4D theater to experience “Twisters” in all its glory.

The posters for "Twisters," "Trap," and "Blink Twice" are pictured.

Odessa Gaines Arts Editor

SCIENCE

Mpox outbreak highlights the importance of information in medicine

Ten thousand doses of mpox vaccines arrived in Nigeria on Aug. 27, courtesy of the U.S. government, in response to the World Health Organization’s Aug. 14 declaration of a public health emergency of international concern regarding an outbreak of a new strain of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Previously, the WHO declared a PHEIC in response to a global outbreak of the disease in 2022 that lasted 10 months. This new PHEIC was explained by WHO DirectorGeneral Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in an Aug. 14 WHO press release: “The emergence of a new clade of mpox, its rapid spread in eastern DRC, and the reporting of cases in several neighboring countries are very worrying.”

Mpox is the name of the disease caused by the monkeypox virus first discovered in Denmark in 1958 via research monkeys. This makes mpox a zoonotic disease, meaning that the monkeypox virus is able to be transmitted from non-humans to humans. The WHO notes that “cases [are] often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus.”

However, outbreaks of the disease are largely the result of the spread from humans to humans. According to the WHO, this method of transmission is sustained “through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.” The resulting infection can cause fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. The rash that accompanies mpox consists of painful blisters that can develop all over the body including on the groin, genital areas and the anus. The name “monkeypox” simply reflects the animal origin of the virus and its status as a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus responsible for the disease smallpox. The eradication of smallpox in 1980 was one of the greatest achievements in public health history, and the success of the effort is due in part to the fact that the disease existed on every continent for centuries and posed a clear danger, with a 30% fatality rate, to all demographics.

In contrast, mpox had its first human case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, and it has remained endemic to Central and Western Africa since. Additionally, mpox does not carry as severe of a prognosis as smallpox did. Both of these facts contributed to

a lack of global attention to mpox compared to smallpox.

Mpox eventually gained worldwide recognition in 2022 with the global outbreak of clade (or strain) IIb mpox, which was previously known as the West African clade of monkeypox. Aside from the pictures of those infected, many people’s first impressions of the disease came from both its name and reports that the disease spread quickly through sexual contact. Moreover, it was clear that the disease disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly men who have sex with men. Existing discrimination against these groups served to both limit factual information about the disease within communities and discourage men who have sex with men from seeking medical care.

Discussions of the global outbreak were prone to errors and prejudice that further stigmatized LGBTQ+ individuals and African nations. For its part, the WHO worked to reduce stig-

ma by formally adopting different nomenclature. This included referring to the disease as mpox instead of monkeypox and replacing the use of African regions in naming clades, with the disease’s two major strains being instead referred to as clade I and clade II mpox.

Additionally, the WHO and numerous qualified medical professionals, including those in the Tufts community, have made it clear that mpox can affect anyone regardless of sexuality or gender. Having multiple sexual partners does increase the likelihood of infection, but pre-exposure vaccination exists for those at potential risk living or working in Massachusetts, with some eligibility requirements listed on the Mass.gov mpox vaccination webpage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the global outbreak of 2022 was the result of a subclade of clade II mpox, which is endemic to West Africa and has a 99.9% survival rate.

The ongoing outbreak is

largely the result of a new subclade of clade I mpox, clade Ib. Clade I mpox is far deadlier than clade II, with a 10% fatality rate in some outbreaks, and is endemic to Central Africa.

Early signs suggest clade Ib is even more easily transmissible, but more accurate testing in the affected regions and a lot of extensive research is needed to understand the true nature of mpox in general.

Some of this important work is currently ongoing at Tufts.

The Martinot Lab at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, headed by Associate Professor in the Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health Amanda Martinot, has the aim of “researching the mpox virus in endometrial tissues to raise awareness of the potential increased risk of mpox virus for women.”

In a Mar. 28 news release from the Cummings School, Dr. Claire Lyons, an anatomic pathologist working in the lab, explained how the students and faculty at the lab work to address critical

research gaps into the disease’s effects on women. “No research has been published for human women showing monkeypox in the reproductive tract anywhere other than the outside surface of the cervix,” said Lyons. “This research brings attention to the potential for the virus to travel outside the uterus.”

On the whole, one part of experts’ concerns regarding the ongoing outbreak is the lack of complete information. Information is indispensable in medicine for determining which diseases gain global attention, how research is conducted, where resources are delivered, and who receives treatments. Effectively addressing the current outbreak of mpox necessitates a well-informed global community capable of exercising compassion and international cooperation. Whether or not one gets directly involved in disease research or in humanitarian activities, everyone can play a role in sharing facts over fear.

Jaiden Rodgers Science Editor

VIA FLICKR

A microscopic image of the monkeypox virus.

HOROSCOPE

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Dear Tufts community,

Letter from the Editor in Chief: Welcome to Tufts

My name is Julieta Grané, and I am honored to welcome you to Tufts. As is traditional of the editor in chief, I would like to use this space to introduce you to The Tufts Daily.

When I was new to Tufts, I had little idea what I wanted to major in, let alone what clubs to join. I remember meandering aimlessly through the Student Organizations Fair, pausing to hear from students promoting pre-professional clubs, community service groups and sororities. Many causes compelled me, but the Daily’s table caught my eye more than any other. The group of smiling and talkative students welcoming newcomers struck me as different from my stereotype of what people who produce newspapers looked like.

In many ways, the Daily is traditional. As Tufts’ student-run, financially independent newspaper of record since 1980, our organization aims to provide accurate, inclusive and thorough coverage of news concerning Tufts and our host communities of Medford and Somerville. We publish every weekday and print weekly. Because Tufts does not have a journalism major, we also offer

professional growth opportunities in journalism and media.

The Daily consists of three pillars: editorial, production and business. Within the editorial department, we have eight written and four multimedia sections that regularly produce content ranging from local politics to popular culture to scientific research stories. The production department

works primarily to design the weekly print edition but also includes copy editors who catch each Oxford comma and dangling modifier in our content. Finally, the business department ensures the Daily’s financial independence and works closely with our alumni council to preserve the long-term stability of our organization. The many avenues for engagement in the Daily mean that whether you were your high school paper’s editor in chief or speak English as a second language, there is a place for you here.

Unlike my stereotype of a gray office full of cubicles and men in suits, the Daily embraces modernity. As both a media organization and student club, the Daily’s efforts to promote equity range from intentional coverage in the newsroom to inclusive recruitment of new

“WITHIN INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS BUILT UPON THE PROCESS OF PITCHING, EDITING, PRODUCING AND REFINING CONTENT. WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION AS A WHOLE, WE CELEBRATE SUCCESSES AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER THROUGH CHALLENGES.”

members. In May, we published The Tufts Daily Diversity & Inclusion Report 2023-24. This report contains data about the Daily’s staff, insights into their experiences in our organization and recommendations for how to improve.

I am proud to share that the vast majority of respondents to the survey reported feeling comfortable and included in the Daily. The aptly named

“Dailmunity” represents the warmth that members of our organization feel when working together. Within individual sections, a sense of community is built upon the process of pitching, editing, producing and refining content. Within the organization as a whole, we celebrate successes and support each other through challenges.

However, there is still work to do in promoting the Daily to everyone at Tufts.

The Diversity & Inclusion report indicates that the Daily is, generally, less diverse than the Tufts community — specifically in the underrepresentation of students on financial aid and racial, ethnic and gender minorities.

With a contentious presidential election coming up, our coverage will require diverse perspectives this semester more than ever. The Daily aims to bring people together by delivering stories from across the political spectrum, but that coverage depends on our staff

and contributors. Even if you don’t want to join the Daily, I hope you will lend your voice to campus conversations by submitting an op-ed to our opinion editor at opinion@ tuftsdaily.com.

While I have found a beautiful community and fulfilling experience here, the Daily is far from perfect. We aim to produce fair and accurate reporting without causing harm to any individual or group; however, we sometimes fall short of that goal. When we make mistakes, we depend on our readership to provide feedback and present perspectives that may have gone unconsidered. I encourage you to reach out to us by submitting a letter to the editor, an anonymous tip or emailing me directly at julieta@ tuftsdaily.com. We val]ue your perspective and admit that we have room to grow.

If you’re interested in joining, please scan the QR code on the front of this newspaper and attend any of the recruitment events listed on the calendar. On behalf of the Tufts Daily staff, welcome to the Dailmunity. Pax et Lux, Julieta Grané Editor in Chief, Fall 2024

ADVERTISEMENTS: All advertising copy is subject to the

VERONIKA COYLE

The Tufts Daily office is pictured on Apr. 6.

Danish Pastry House

Tasty

Sadie Roraback-Meagher Opinion Editor

When Republicans from around the country gathered in Milwaukee, Wis. this past July for the Republican National Convention, they were greeted with a sign reading “Welcome Future Fake Electors.” The poster referenced the attempt made by several states, including Wisconsin, to keep Donald Trump in power by substituting the legitimate electors with fake ones. The sign was not, as one might expect, displayed at a progressive non-profit or another likely site for liberal dogma. Instead, the message came from the storefront window of Penzeys Spices.

Penzeys Spices is a Wisconsinbased spice company that has made a name for itself with its unrelenting anti-Republican stances. In addition to chicken rubs and herb mixes, the company sells politically themed spice collections like a “January 6 Box” and individual spices such as “Justice” and “Twilight’s Last Gleaming?” Penzeys has come under scrutiny in the past for their newsletters, which have dubbed Republicans as the “#1 threat to this country” and “the party of open ‘textbook’ racism.” It may seem unorthodox for a spice company to be political -

When politics gets spicy

ly outspoken, but Penzeys isn’t alone: Many companies are increasingly using politics in their marketing. For example, Nike received backlash in 2018 for its advertising campaign featuring former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who often kneeled during the pre-game national anthem in protest of racial injustice. Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s first ad campaign in over a decade focused on issues such as gay pride, gun violence and racial justice, calling on consumers to “Make Some Motherchunkin’ Change.” Target has also sold pride-themed merchandise for over a decade.

As corporations continue to engage in politics, consumer purchases have become more nuanced. Now, supporting these companies can also mean endorsing the values they align with. A person’s morning cup of coffee can indicate whether they side with the conservative ideals of Black Rifle Coffee or support the liberalism of Starbucks. Cracking open a Bud Light may indicate your support for the LGBTQ+ community, whereas sipping on Conservative Dad’s Ultra Right Beer indicates the opposite. Seasoning your pizza with Penzeys salt transforms it into a progressive pie.

Commentators have described the evolution of companies from mere proprietors to political juggernauts of liberal social values as “woke capitalism.” Such a phenomenon can perhaps be attributed to the changing demands of consumers, especially younger buyers. One study found that Millennials and Gen X are more inclined to support brands that affiliate with progressive beliefs. Another survey showed that Gen Z believes brands should be making a social impact.

Evidence indicates that companies do benefit by aligning themselves with progressive issues. SP Global found a

VIEWPOINT

positive correlation between a company’s financial performance and its alignment with environmental, social and governance issues. For instance, Nike’s ad campaign starring Colin Kaepernick won the company an Emmy and increased their stock’s value by 5%. Following a Penzeys newsletter that criticized Republicans, the company’s sales rose nearly 60%.

On the other hand, companies can quickly pivot when they receive backlash for their stances. This past summer, Target scaled back its pride selection significantly follow -

ing criticism and threats from conservative customers. Such a willingness to forgo their political beliefs raises questions over the legitimacy of the brand’s alleged values. After all, couldn’t a multi-billion dollar company such as Target not only withstand boycotts, but even donate some of their pride merch revenue to an LGBTQ+ nonprofit?

The unfortunate reality is that corporations are entangled in a perilous balancing act. They not only have to satisfy the preferences of consumers, but also meet the demands of stakeholders, shareholders and employees. The result is often milquetoast stances that are hollow of legitimate conviction and fueled by a fear of otherwise disengaging consumers with their apathy. Certainly, there are non-adherent companies — such as Penzeys — that forgo satisfying the masses and instead carve out a niche market for themselves. Given that corporations are inherently economic actors, however, one must question the end goal of their political activism: Is it to encourage change or to merely sell products? As such, consumers must take every corporation’s advocacy with a grain of salt.

Trump and RFK Jr.’s alliance is more dangerous than it seems

Dylan Tanouye Deputy Opinion Editor

Throughout the 2024 election cycle, no candidate has been more of a laughingstock than Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who entered the presidential race as a third-party alternative to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. While he initially polled as high as 15% nationally, the strongest performance from a third-party candidate in decades, many skeletons began to emerge from his closet. From having a parasitic worm die in his brain to leaving a dead bear cub in Central Park, stories spread throughout the media that turned him into a complete joke. While this may be the final impression he leaves on many voters, following his exit from the race last week, his endorsement of former President Trump has opened the frightening possibility of Kennedy. serving as America’s next Health and Human Services secretary. Given his history of spreading anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and suggesting that HIV isn’t the cause of AIDS, the harm that he could do in this position is something that every voter must consider when filling out their ballot.

Kennedy’s support of Trump is a far cry from how he began his presidential campaign. He first entered the race as a Democrat in a long-shot attempt to challenge Biden for the party’s nomination. Despite the notoriety that the Kennedy name

has among Democratic voters, he failed to gain traction and dropped out. While he continued his campaign as an independent candidate, Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris was the final nail in the coffin. Kennedy’s poll numbers subsequently dropped to 5%, and Republicans began to pressure him to drop out since his support was primarily pulling from Trump. This is when Kennedy’s campaign began to take a right-wing turn. Trump began privately coaxing him to drop out and join his campaign, and in a leaked call he even seemed to play into his vaccine conspiracies. Trump’s strategy paid off, and Kennedy has now joined Trump’s campaign as part of his presidential transition team. Given that Kennedy broke his original promise to be inde-

pendent of both parties, it’s clear that his campaign was nothing but a play for power.

If Trump wins this November’s election, Kennedy will have a significant influence over the second Trump administration’s policies. Given his active interest in serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, voters need to be made aware of the danger that Kennedy poses to our public health. Before he ran for president, Kennedy founded an organization called the Children’s Health Defense, which has grown to be the most well-funded anti-vaccine organization in the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they launched a widespread misinformation campaign that spread false claims about the COVID-19 vaccine to millions of Americans. In fact, Kennedy

was found to be part of the “disinformation dozen,” a group of 12 people who were responsible for the majority of vaccine misinformation on social media. While the Children’s Health Defense more than quintupled its revenue through the pandemic, the misinformation they spread contributed to over 300,000 COVID-19-caused deaths that could have been prevented if the victims had received the vaccine.

Kennedy’s harmful influence stretches outside of the United States too. After visiting Samoa in order to perpetuate fears of the measles vaccine, 83 people died of an outbreak due to a decrease in vaccination rates. To this day, he still claims that it was the vaccine and not the disease itself that led to these unnecessary deaths. If Kennedy has already managed to induce this much harm just as an anti-vaccine influencer, imagine what he could be capable of if given a legitimate role in government. In fact, he’s already laid out his plans for a possible health secretary stint, where he would have control of 13 important health agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. He has expressed a desire to flood these agencies with like-minded individuals, who would have complete control over our nationwide health policies. He

would likely also work to hinder new vaccine research and eliminate vaccine mandates, which could lead to thousands of preventable deaths. There is one key conclusion that should be drawn from this dangerous, newfound TrumpKennedy alliance: The presidential election is not just about the candidates that are on the ballot. A vote for the former president now has far greater implications than just putting him back in the Oval Office. It would greenlight Kennedy and the rest of Trump’s allies to wield unprecedented levels of power within the Executive Branch regardless of which party wins control of Congress. This wouldn’t just be limited to Kennedy’s dangerous public health overhauls. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative group that contains several of Trump’s former advisers, outlined their plan for Trump’s presidency in Project 2025, which proposes taking control of the entire federal bureaucracy and replacing industry experts with political appointees, as well as dismantling or even completely eliminating important agencies such as the FBI and Department of Education. With all this in mind, casting your vote in November could not be more important. Even if you like what Trump has to say when put in front of a camera, consider the implications of what his allies are planning behind the smokescreen of his campaign.

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pictured.

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

A sign outside Penzeys Spices on the day of Kamala Harris’ first rally in Milwaukee, Wis., is pictured.

Liam Chalfonte Executive Opinion Editor

When I was first applying for college, I remember obsessing over acceptance rates. I curated a small selection of schools to apply to that I thought fit my taste and would sound good any time I was asked the inevitable “Where do you go to school?” Sending off my applications, I felt sure that I’d be a strong enough candidate to get into most of these schools. When March of my senior year arrived, I instead received rejection after wait-list after rejection. I was suddenly facing down the reality that I’d be attending my safety school.

A year later, I thought I’d had it figured out — with my new transfer application cycle, I didn’t have one top school, I had eight; I was sure I would get into at least some of them and I would be able to pick from that list. Again came rejection after wait-list after rejection. People often ask me, “Why Tufts?” I do love this school — I love my friends, my professors, my classes, the Daily — but honestly, the real reason is just that this is the only one of those schools that accepted me.

My first week here, I was overwhelmed with imposter syndrome; it seemed like everyone else had attended prestigious high schools or transferred in from well-known colleges and was already so smart, involved and experienced. I felt like I didn’t belong here,

Why Tufts?

that there had been some mistake in allowing me to attend. The pendulum hit its other apex: I’d felt both the elitism and self doubt that the college admissions process can unlock.

When people think of college admissions, the first checklist items that come to mind are often grades and test scores. These are supposed to be accurate measures of a student’s ability to succeed in college, a way to compare the merit of different applicants. This way of viewing college admissions encourages the idea that a person’s merit is inherently tied to the college they attend — as we can see in our society’s obsession with the Ivy League, or in the U.S. News college rankings, exclusivity comes with perceived superiority.

However, college admissions decisions are increasingly based on factors outside of merit. Since many selective colleges can see thousands of applicants with qualifying grades or test scores, students’ only hope is that something — a good essay, a good recommendation, a good bank account — will randomly stick out to the admissions counselor and help them gain admission; making admissions more of a lottery than a science. Many colleges are overwhelmed by applications, especially in recent years. One needs only to look at the example of Northeastern University, which, from 2020 to 2024, had an increase in

applications from 64,459 to 98,373. These insane numbers create a highly flawed and cursory admissions system, as shown in a video produced by Amherst College’s admissions team. In the video, they admit that only about 1,000 applicants even get reviewed by the full committee. One member of the admissions team goes so far as to say that “there are times where I am not sure why I put my hand up or fail to put my hand up, I’m kinda going with my gut here.” As such, getting into a college often says less about you as an applicant and more about the college admissions counselor as a person.

This fallacy of merit has very real implications, as evidenced by the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned Affirmative Action. Many who oppose affirmative action say that it allows less qualified applicants to gain admission over more qualified ones. But this argument is based on the idea that grades and test scores are accurate measurements of college success, both of which have had their validity questioned. This merit-based concept disproportionately favors people coming from more privileged backgrounds, preventing colleges from allowing many people to create a better, more financially secure life for themselves. Top colleges often cater to the ultra-wealthy in hopes of gaining donations, upholding things like legacy admissions that help wealthy families

to attend schools for generations. On the flip side, many minorities, particularly Black and Hispanic students, are punished for having lower grades or test scores that have a lot more to do with system barriers to their education than their actual ability.

So what does this all mean for us here at Tufts? Well, it means that we all lucked into being here, whether we consider it good luck or not. Whether we’re at the college we always wanted to go to, or here because we didn’t get in where we wanted, or because this was the place where we got the best aid or because we just needed to get away from somewhere else, we’re all here essentially by chance. We shouldn’t define ourselves by our schools: we are not better or worse, more or less intelligent due to where we are. There’s no reason to feel imposter syndrome — everyone is here just because we happen to be.

What matters instead, then, is what we do with it. No matter where you are — whether it’s the best or perfect place for you at this time or not — there are so many experiences to have and lessons to learn. Your college doesn’t define you; you define it — through what you choose to do here, the community you help to create. Learning this lesson is what allowed me to make peace with my admissions process and finally take hold of everything these next few years have to offer.

KATRINA AQUILINO / THE TUFTS DAILY

Bendetson Hall, the location of the Tufts Office of Undergraduate Admissions, is pictured on March 29, 2022.

Women’s rowing and men’s lacrosse celebrate national championships at the White House

Max Druckman Deputy Sports Editor

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., more commonly known as the White House, is one of the most exclusive addresses in the world. To reside there, one has to win a presidential election, and to work there, one has to be appointed to a highly prestigious cabinet position. There is a third method of garnering an invitation to the Executive Mansion, and it may be the most difficult of the three to achieve: winning an NCAA national championship.

It was through the latter track that the Tufts women’s rowing and men’s lacrosse teams secured their invites to the White House this summer.

On Monday, July 22, the White House celebrated NCAA College Athlete Day, inviting all 90 NCAA champions from the 2023–24 academic year to Washington. It was only the second time that champions from all three NCAA divisions were included. Students, family members and coaches all attended, as the student-athletes’ academic and athletic achievements, character and dedication to their sports were honored.

“We were all shocked. Coach [Casey] D’Annalfo sent a message to our team channel saying … pretty cool news — we’ve

been invited to the White House. … Instantly, everyone just started making plans. It’s not something you can really miss or ever want to miss. So [it was a] pretty once-in-a-lifetime experience,” junior midfielder Declan Murphy remarked.

Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the student-athletes to the White House and delivered remarks to the champions on the South Lawn. It was her first public appearance since President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his 2024 presidential run and endorsed Harris for the Democratic Party’s nomination. Biden was still self-isolating at his home in Delaware following his testing positive for COVID-19 the previous week.

“It was definitely a really cool experience. … It was a very inspiring speech, and I think a lot of us really enjoyed being able to see her up close… especially since that was her first time being out in public as the presidential nominee,” junior coxswain Hannah Jiang said.

The Jumbos men’s lacrosse program is no stranger to success, as they entered their 2024 season having won the NESCAC championship each year since 2010, apart from 2017. The Jumbos had also made it to the NCAA Tournament Final Four each year since 2021. However, they had not clinched a national title since 2015. After fin-

ishing the regular season 18–2, the Jumbos were shockingly knocked out of the NESCAC Tournament in the first round, losing 14–13 to the Hamilton College Continentals in overtime. Nonetheless, the Jumbos secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Once the tournament began, the Jumbos went on a tear. They trampled the Illinois Wesleyan University Titans, the Stevenson University Mustangs, the St. John Fisher University Cardinals and the Washington and Lee University Generals, setting up a matchup in the final at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field with the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers, a team they had lost 16–11 to earlier in the season. Following a back-and-forth game which was tied at thirteen goals entering the fourth quarter, the Jumbos roared back to beat the Tigers 18–14, securing their fourth national championship.

“No one on that team had felt that experience before. … So, it was just awesome to see kind of the final culmination of all the coaching staff’s work …, since we’ve been there, [since] we’ve won one. And, just being all together and knowing that it’s taken eight or nine, however many years of Tufts lacrosse alums to get us back into this spot was pretty cool,” Murphy reflected.

Similarly, the Jumbo women’s rowing squad experienced a sea-

son for the ages en route to the White House.

“Everyone had this in the back of their mind, knowing how well we did the past couple of years. …We know we’re fast, we know we’ve trained and just getting a chance to go race, … to just show everyone the work that we’ve put in was honestly probably what pushed us to do really well. And I think a lot of people were just really hungry and we got really gritty in order to race it,” Jiang said.

Early in the season, the women’s first varsity won the Collegiate Eights competition at the renowned Head of the Charles Regatta, taking down several Division I teams in the process.

When the spring season kicked off, the Jumbos continued their success, winning 15 out of their first 16 races on the Malden River.

At the New England Rowing Championships in May, Tufts took home the points trophy, with their score of 87.10 besting Division I Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s 85. One week later, at the National Invitational Rowing Championships, Tufts repeated the feat, posting a regatta-high 207 points, beating second-place Williams by 28 points. The total meant that the Jumbos clinched the NESCAC championship for the first time.

At the Division III National

Championships at Harsha Lake in Bethel, Ohio, the first varsity squad won its heat, while the second varsity squad came second in its race. The combined total of 54 points meant that the Jumbos clinched their first national title.

On the moment the Jumbos clinched the title, Jiang remarked, “A lot of it was relief and, … of course, a lot of excitement from our teammates from home, our teammates that were there, our coaches, parents, family. It was just a lot of really good energy. And just everyone was like, ‘yeah, you guys did that.’ It happened.”

So while the White House might not have explicitly been the goal for either team entering the season, it was a fitting conclusion to two phenomenal seasons. Both the rowing and lacrosse squads will go down in the Tufts record books, the former as the initial national championship for a powerhouse program and the latter as a continuation of a decadelong dynasty.

Whatever one’s politics are, it is incredible to visit the White House in an election year, and also to be up close to a major party nominee for President of the United States. So, apparently, all it takes to get into “The Room Where It Happens” is winning a national championship. Who knew?

Men’s lacrosse and women’s rowing on the South Lawn.

Sarah Firth

The Round-off Roundup

What is the right way to choose an Olympic team?

Both the 2024 Paris Olympics U.S. men’s and women’s gymnastics teams were two of the most successful in recent history. The teams were chosen using completely different methods. This year, the men’s team was selected through a new pre-defined algorithm solely utilizing scores from the U.S. National Championships and Olympic Trials, while the women’s team was selected by a discretionary committee based on performances throughout the whole competition season. Which is the better method?

The men’s selection strategy was controversial because it resulted in Worcester, Mass. native and pommel horse specialist Stephen Nedoroscik being named to the team. As a specialist, Nedoroscik only competes in one of the six events. On a five person team, that meant there would only be four team members to choose from for the five other events. Nedoroscik also does not have a strong history of consistency. The team the algorithm selected was a much riskier team than the U.S. would have traditionally sent. But, there is no doubt that this team selection paid off in a big way.

For the first time since 2008, the United States won a medal in the team competition. Countless Americans watched the “pommel horse guy” concentrating on the side as NBC displayed a countdown clock until he would compete. Nedoroscik became an unlikely hero after nailing his routine to secure a team medal for the U.S. He was also the only American to pick up an individual medal with a third-place finish in the pommel horse event finals. Following these Olympics, gyms around the country couldn’t keep up with the demand for boys who wanted to start gymnastics. At the opposite end of the spectrum,

the women performed selection by committee. With the exception of the top finisher at Olympic Trials, who would automatically make the team, the remaining four members were picked based on their performance at domestic and international elite competitions from September 2023 through the Olympic Trials. The committee considered overall scores, along with difficulty ratings, how hard the routines are, and execution, how well the athlete does the routines. Notably, the committee also considered consistency, defined as a percentage of “hit” routines, and composite strength. With three of the top contenders suffering season-ending injuries at Olympic Trials, the women’s team selection this year proved to be very clear cut from the remaining athletes, but usually there is at least one top performer left disappointed.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each method. An algorithm is most of all objective. There is no room for personal bias or favoritism. It is clear to the athletes exactly what they need to do to make the team, and it also shows who can hit under pressure. But, humans are not computers. An algorithm leaves no room for evaluating non-score factors. It doesn’t take into account injury status nor does it ensure “back-up” plans. A selection committee can take into account all these other factors, allowing for what some consider a more well-rounded evaluation. But, it consolidates power into a small group and gives them the power to make subjective decisions. An athlete can “do everything right” and still not make the team.

Personally, I’m in favor of using an algorithm. For all its downsides, an algorithm removes power from the hands of only a few people. Ultimately, an algorithm improves transparency and leaves opportunity solely to the performance of the athletes.

Sarah Firth is senior studying quantitative economics. She can be reached at sarah.firth@tufts.edu

Henry Blickenstaff Extra Innings

MLB's lifeline

During this summer’s Olympics, I watched Katie Ledecky absolutely demolish her competition in the women’s 1500 freestyle final, breaking her own Olympic record and winning the gold medal by over 10 seconds. Ledecky has been so dominant in the event throughout her career that the race was over before it began and everyone knew it. And yet, I was absolutely captivated. Knowing what the outcome would be didn’t take away from the joy of watching one of the most dominant athletes of all time excel at her craft.

But, since the race was over 15 minutes long, my mind wandered, as it often does, to baseball. I realized that baseball will never make me feel the way I did watching Ledecky that night, because excellence is never a sure thing in baseball, no matter how talented a player is. Even the best hitters reach base in fewer than half of their plate appearances, and even the best pitchers give up a couple of runs for every nine innings they pitch.

While the other major American sports aren’t quite as predictable as the women’s 1500 free, it’s not unreasonable for fans to expect excellence from stars nearly every time they step on the rink, court or field. Connor McDavid, Nikola Jokic and Patrick Mahomes will rarely ever have bad games.

Baseball is different. In Shohei Ohtani’s American League MVPwinning 2023 season, he went hitless in 38 of the 135 games he played, and only managed a single in 23 games. That’s more than 45% of games where he couldn’t manage more than one total base, and this is one of the greatest players of his generation in an MVP-winning year.

This is baseball’s greatest challenge. People watch sports for their superstars because watching greatness is fun. Knowing that a great athlete will do great things on any given night is comforting. Meanwhile baseball, like a rebellious teenager, angrily rejects any attempt to predict it. Not everyone enjoys this irrationality, and, for this reason, MLB has always struggled to market its star players.

Pitchers offer MLB a great opportunity. Great starting pitchers are about the closest thing baseball has to a quarterback. The pitcher has a monopoly over the baseball, and good pitching always beats good hitting. If fans clamor for guaranteed excellence, the natural response is for MLB to focus on marketing superstar pitchers. And this season, they’ve done just that with Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skenes.

If you’ve followed baseball at all this year, you’re probably tired of hearing about this kid. But get used to it, because Skenes is the perfect poster boy for MLB. He has it all: former first overall pick, blistering fastball, devastating off-speed pitches and a social media-famous girlfriend. His electric mix of pitches gives him the ability to strike out anyone, so he can be entertaining even on an off-day.

Skenes is exactly what MLB needed — a player so entertaining that people will watch a pedestrian Pirates team just to see him pitch, one who will be exciting in nearly every start. Starting pitchers are the only players in baseball who can take over a game, and that’s what today’s sports fan lives for. Even if he’s not Katie Ledecky, MLB has hit the jackpot with Skenes, and if the league is smart, they’ll keep focusing on pitchers.

Henry Blickenstaff is the Daily’s executive sports editor. He is a senior studying history, and you can reach him at henry.blickenstaff@tufts.edu.