Issue 16, Volume 117-- February 9, 2022

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 9, 2022 Volume 117 — Issue 16

ucanews.live Sports:

Campus Life :

TODAY’S FORECAST CONWAY

Culture: Gospel night celebrates Black History Month in Ida Waldron.

Women’s Track: Bears best the Stetson Hatters, 79-75.

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Entertainment: New release: “Jackass Forever” is nostalgic, but not for the squeamish.

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UCA blood drive organized amidst national blood shortage

Sunny

64/32

By Madison Ogle

THE NEWSDESK

Campus Life Editor

The American Red Cross FROM THE ASSISTANT declared a national blood NEWS EDITOR shortage Jan. 11, encouraging

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

the public to donate blood if they were eligible to do so.

“The Red Cross is experiencing the worst blood shortage in over a decade.

The dangerously low blood supply levels have forced some hospitals to defer patients from major surgery, including organ transplants,” the American Red Cross wrote on their website.

“Your donation is desperately needed.”

UCA’s most recent blood drive took place Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. Students were able to donate between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Ronnie Williams Student Center Ballroom.

Jaclyn Austin, Assistant Director of Student Life and Advisor of Bear Den said, “The drives happen as often as they can, based on the donation guideline of 56 days (or 8 weeks) between donations. This usually means that we have drives at UCA in February, April, October and sometimes December. Dates are set on this cycle so each year we have them at approximately the same time of the month.”

ISIS leader dies in US attack in Syria

In a US military raid on Thursday, the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi alQurayshi, died as American special operations forces assaulted his hideout in northwestern Syria, President Joe Biden said. It was the second time in less than three years that the U.S. took out a leader of the group that at the height of its power ruled over 8 million people.

First responders report that 13 people had been killed at the raid, including six children and four women.

N AT I O N A L

Biden visits NY for gun violence wave

President Joe Biden pledged to New Yorkers on Thursday to fight against gun violence by working more closely with police and communities to stop the surging bloodshed Biden’s crime-fighting strategy relies heavily on buy-in from state and local officials as he suggests ways to spend federal dollars and expands on initiatives already underway. Biden came to New York a day after the funeral for the second of two New York City cops shot and killed during a domestic violence call on Jan. 21.

trend continues as the Omicron variant takes over,” the Red Cross website wrote. “All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis.

If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supply.”

To give blood, the Red Cross’ website says teenagers and college students must be in good health, have an adequate iron level, be at least 17-yearsold (16 in some states with parent’s consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and have not donated blood in the past 56 days.

The blood drives tend to be graphic by Madison Ogle organized around other campus The American Red Cross recently declared a national blood shortage, coinciding with the rise of the omicron COVID-19 events in order to get the highest variant. UCA organized a blood drive, advertised by Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. student turnout possible.

The Arkansas Blood This year, members of work to get rooms reserved in 40% of the nation’s blood and Institute chose a music theme Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha the Ronnie Williams Student has experienced a 10% decrease for their upcoming blood drives, Inc. have assisted in advertising Center,” Austin said. “It’s not in the number of those donating. opting for the slogan “Turn It for the drive as well as getting always the ballroom, but we try This decline began at the Up!” Central Arkansas donors volunteers checked in for the for adjacent rooms to facilitate beginning of the pandemic and get one of two t-shirt designs, drives. waiting and donation areas. Then has failed to increase since.

“Basically, the planning is we do advertising and [Arkansas “The Red Cross has as well as a free ticket to the pretty straightforward: we know Blood Institute] brings the experienced low donor turnout Museum of Discovery and a the dates from the Arkansas machines and their staff.” ever since the delta variant began coupon for Nothing Bundt Blood Institute, we at UCA The Red Cross supplies spreading in August, and that Cakes if they donate.

COVID

SPREAD

Students concerned mask rules not specific enough or enforced by

Lindzie Lunsford

Staff Writer

Meta stocks plunge

Only three full weeks into the semester, UCA is on red status, which requires masks to be worn indoors, yet some professors have not been following mask protocol.

Director of Media Relations Fredricka Sharkey said that professors are to keep their masks on unless “there is sufficient space between them and the students.”

Sufficient space is a distance of six feet, Sharkey said.

Mask protocol, directly from UCA’s website states, “Masks are required in all indoor spaces on campus,” with no mention of exceptions for sufficient space.

For sophomore Sierra Shipman, catching COVID-19 is a real danger for herself and her family.

One of Shipman’s professors takes off his mask in class and does not maintain a 6-foot distance.

“He’s walking really close to others,” Shipman said. “There’s people at my house that are [highrisk], so I get worried about that stuff.”

Senior Resha Fowler said that her professors were not wearing their masks correctly in the classroom. “Their nose would be showing… but I’ve never seen them completely take it off their face.”

“I caught COVID before, so I kind of felt uncomfortable… [when masks] were below their nose,” Fowler said.

Both Shipman and Fowler said that the mask policy should be changed.

“I think it should be more exact than what it is [right now],” Shipman said.

This exactness, Shipman said, would include enforcing the mask protocol more and having professors “lead by example.”

Fowler said, “I feel as though professors should just wear their masks.”

Shares of Meta, formerly known as Facebook, saw a historic plunge Thursday after the social media giant reported a rare profit decline due to a sharp rise in expenses, shaky ad revenue growth, competition from TikTok and fewer daily U.S. users on its platform. Over the past year, Meta invested more than $10 billion in CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to transform Meta Platforms into a virtual reality.

S TAT E Federal courts to hear AR redistricting case

A federal judge will hear arguments Feb. 2 over a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ new state House maps. The New House boundaries were drawn last year by the state Board of Apportionment, which is comprised of Governor Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston. U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky will hear the arguments.

Rudofsky said the three elected officials don’t have to attend or testify in the hearing, granting a request by the state to quash subpoenas issued for the three.

WHAT’S AHEAD

“Germs can still travel. Say another class comes and sits close to where the professor was talking. They could get sick,” Fowler said.

Sharkey said that if students notice their professors not following mask protocol, “the student can speak with the department chair,” and that “requests [for] anonymity should be respected.”

Students may also file an official report for “situations in which others are not adhering to the mask/face covering mandate,” through the Dean of Students, which handles student conduct.

The DOS form requires the reporter’s name, phone number and information about the incident.

“It is imperative that we receive the name and phone number of the person reporting so that we may gather additional information if needed,” UCA’s website said.

The Dean of Students, a sector of the Division of Student Services, states “We strive to foster inclusivity and a safe campus environment.”

In addition to students, faculty and staff may report nonadherence to the mask mandate through a similar form on the website.

UCA has a color-coding system – which is emailed to students and faculty every Sunday – indicating whether masks are required for the week.

The status of the university is decided based on community transmission levels from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 data tracker for Faulkner County and the surrounding region.

Community transmission levels are decided by the number of cases in the past week per 100,000 population, combined with the number of positive tests within the same time frame.

UCA has been on red status since Aug. 15th, 2021.

screenshot from Change.org

A petition to move classes online was created in response to the omicron variant. In response, President Houston Davis said that the university has no plans to move online.

Davis: “We have no plans to move online”

by

Bennett Tinnerman

Associate Editor

An online petition urged the University of Central Arkansas to switch to online classes over concerns about the omicron variant of COVID-19, but UCA President Houston Davis said there are no current plans to go virtual.

The petition, started by junior Ashley Hanson on Change.org, had 395 signatures Feb. 7.

“With Omicron being a far more contagious variant than we’ve seen previously, we feel it to be increasingly important that we move to online instruction in order to prevent unnecessary contact with each other,” the petition said.

“At this time, we have no plans to move to online instruction during the spring semester due to COVID-19.

With Omicron cases rapidly dropping in Arkansas and nationally, we are confident that we have put our bubble back together on campus as we have done during the past three semesters,” UCA President Houston Davis said.

UCA continues to offer classes in-person and online.

While the positivity rate of COVID-19 cases in Arkansas has dropped from 35% Jan. 24 to 29.7% Feb. 4, according to the Mayo Clinic, the University of Central Arkansas has seen an increasing positivity rate since the first COVID-19 testing and tracing data update of 2022.

UCA’s last update to their COVID-19 dashboard displayed a positivity rate just above 6% Feb. 2, totaling 1,320 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and marking the highest positivity rate seen at UCA so far. There have been 366 positive cases at UCA since the spring 2022 semester started almost a month ago.

UCA is following updated CDC guidelines that suggest isolating for five days from the onset of symptoms and when fever-free for 24 hours without medication, regardless of if the positive test resulted from an at-home test or through the Student Health Center.

Arkansas Department of Health spokeswoman Danyelle McNeill said that

the ADH is no longer doing contact tracing, reported by the Arkansas DemocratGazette.

UCA continues to conduct contact tracing through the Student Health Center to test and trace those “who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or those who believe they may have been in close contact with an infected person(s),” according to UCA’s website.

McNeill also said that statewide totals of COVID-19 in schools no longer include numbers from colleges and universities and instead only lists the K-12 cases, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

UCA and other colleges currently independently display their COVID-19 updates on their websites.

More information about COVID-19 testing and tracing at UCA along with the university’s communications can be found at uca.edu/ coronavirus. Appointments for COVID-19 tests and vaccines can be scheduled through the Student Health Clinic at uca.edu/studenthealth.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

City of Conway holds special election for community center.

Index: 4 Police Beat 4 People of UCA 4 Students Say

Contact Us: 2 44 44

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6 Opinion 7 Entertainment 5, 8 Sports

Social:

Inside:

Opinion :

Banning books does nothing.

E-mail: ucaechoeditor@gmail.com @ucaecho The Echo ucaecho © 2022 The Echo, Printed by The Courier, Russellville, Arkansas.

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Police Beat

NEWS

ucanews.live

The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports

by Assistant News Editor Kathryn Thornberry

Man confesses to Hit and run in rape in dorm lobby UCA parking lot

Students caught smoking in car

On Jan. 30 Officer Steve Pointer was dispatched to Conway Hall. Nathan Gabbert said he spoke with an a male in the lobby who was crying and confessing to a rape. Pointer reviewed footage from security cameras, and identified the male as nonstudent Christian Arthur who said he had been hanging out with friends in Conway hall. Arthur implied that he may have assaulted a man while on campus. Officer Boyd and Pointer went to the room where the men had been hanging out, which had several empty whiskey bottles and beer cans. Both were banned from campus. The alleged victim said he was not assaulted by Arthur.

On Sunday, Jan 30, Officer Tommy Wise ordered a campus drug violation to students Kaylan Sykes and D’mareon Daniels. Wise approached a vehicle that smelled of marijuana in the school parking lot. There were three young men in the vehicle. After identifying the two students, Wise also identified a nonstudent as Dtrick Reeves.

Wise searched the vehicle and found an ashtray with several burnt ends of marijuana and ash in the console of the vehicle.

The two students were advised that they would receive a drug violation.

The non-student was released. The ashtray and its contents were seized and taken into evidence.

On Monday Jan. 31, Officer Foley was dispatched after student Jaci Bessent said her car had been hit, causing damage. Bessent said that she had parked her car in the gravel parking lot north of the Integrated Health Sciences Building.

After returning to her vehicle, Bessent noticed significant damage to the rear driver’s side door, left rear quarter panel, and left rear tire of her car.

Bessent also noticed a note that was left by student Tatiyana Johnson. Bessent gave Foley the note, which stated that Johnson had hit Bessent’s car while pulling into a parking spot next to it. Foley spoke with Johnson, who confirmed the information in the note.

BOOK

graphic by Mia Waddell

President of Student Affairs Robin Williamson authored a chapter in the book “First-Generation Professionals in Higher Education.” The chapter is aimed at helping first-generation college students.

Chapter helps first-generation students by

Delaney Van Wilpe

Online Editor

Along with 15 contributors, UCA’s Vice President of Student Affairs Robin Williamson published a book chapter to help firstgeneration college students navigate a career in higher education.

The book, titled “Firstgeneration Professionals in Higher Education: Strategies for the World of Work,” was announced to be released March 15, 2022 by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation.

The book’s primary author — Mary Wallace, assistant vice president for Student Experience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham — looked for contributors who not only work in the field of Student Affairs but are also first-generation students themselves.

The book is divided into three sections: Professional Identity, Purposeful Interaction and Career Path.

Williamson’s chapter, which is featured in the Purposeful Interactions section, is titled “Empowerment Through Mentoring.”

During Williamson’s writing process, she had two mentors that she drew inspiration from: Anne Grove, who worked as the hall director at Williamson’s undergraduate university at Loyal, Chicago, and Mary Janz, who was a

colleague of Williamson during her time at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

As a first-generation student, Williamson emphasized how important it is to have different mentoring relationships to navigate all phases of a career.

“I think a lot of times in higher education when we talk about mentoring, we think about it from a faculty or staff perspective with a student, like we mentor students or we create mentoring programs for students to help them adjust…

But it’s really important to actively seek out and nurture mentoring relationships at all levels of the professional career,” Williamson said.

The different kinds of relationships can be mentoring, sponsorship or a role model relationship. Williamson said it’s important to understand these different relationships to ensure clear expectations.

A mentoring relationship is “meant to be mutually beneficial for both parties,” Williamson said. The mentor guides and provides wisdom, but a protege can provide input and new ideas as well.

A sponsorship relationship is important for professional growth and development, but it’s a different type of relationship,” Williamson said.

She used Janz, who gave Williamson her first professional job out of graduate school, as an example. “[Janz] has always been a mentor, but she also kind of turned into a

sponsor and helped me find the next step. She was willing to make those informal calls… and advance my career,” Williamson said.

The role model relationship “may not even be a direct interaction,” Williamson said. “Maybe they admire you because of the way you present yourself in a classroom or in a public setting.”

Williamson started writing this chapter before the pandemic, so that not only made the process more complex but it added a different element to the book.

“I hope that we can continue talking about mentoring, not just for my profession, like the profession of Student Affairs, but I think when we’re thinking about this pandemic, and the impact it has had on all of us,” Williamson said. “I think mentoring could also be another helpful tool to kind of think about how we make up for lost experiences, lost time. How do we help students think about feeling underprepared for academic success, professional success?

Mentorship could go a really long way.”

Williamson said she would be interested to engage in conversations on UCA’s campus to promote mentoring relationships.

Williamson is hoping to be in-person for a conference in Baltimore in March, where the authors will be signing books and a half-day workshop on the contents of the book.

photo by Delaney Van Wilpe

Secretary of State candidate Josh Price spoke with UCA’s Young Democrats chapter about the importance of voting.

In his speech, Price claimed that AR is not a red state, it is a non-voting state.

Candidate encourages students to vote

By Delaney Van Wilpe Online Editor

Josh Price, candidate for Arkansas Secretary of State and a UCA alumnus, spoke to UCA’s Young Democrats about the importance of voting and his mission to make voting more accessible.

Dalton Thompson, president of Young Democrats, said that the RSO asked Price to come because he is an active campaigner.

“He has a lot of energy, and I feel like he resonates with a younger crowd,” Thompson said.

The Secretary of State’s role is to “ensure the integrity of the elections and make sure that they are fair, they are free, they’re accessible and that everybody can vote,” Price said.

Price’s mother is an integral reason why he decided to run for Secretary of State.

Price shared that his mother came to the United States from the Philippines at a young age to escape martial law and have the freedom to vote. After the chaos of the 2020 election, Price said, “[My mother] turned to me and she said, ‘Gosh I saw the same thing happen in the Philippines in the 70s, and I never thought it would happen here,’ and that really struck me.”

Working as an Election Commissioner in Pulaski County during the 2020 election, Price saw the chaos firsthand and even received personal threats for counting

graphic by Mia Waddell

The logo of UCA’s Student Government Association. The student group, led by President Mya Hall, meets weekly with concerns of students.

SGA donates $1000 to lactation suites, Health Center: cases down to 20% Kathryn Thornberry

Assistant News Editor

RED STATUS Masks are required in all indoor spaces. clean your hands often cover coughs and sneezes avoid close contact wear a mask clean and disinfect graphic by Mia Waddell

vote, that’s fewer facts. So, it’s easier to predict and potentially manipulate the outcome of an election… Arkansas is not a red state, it’s a non-voting state,” Price said.

“So, at the end of the day, no matter where we came from, what color we are, we are all in this together. And we all should have the same equal right to vote, and our voices heard, and we should have the same right for communities to be heard,” Price said. “I just want everyone to go vote. I would love to see our voter registration and voter turnout be over 90%.”

Young Democrats plan to bring more candidates in the future and have invited Rep. Monte Hodges, Senate candidate Natalie James and candidate for 2nd District Congress Quintessa Hathaway to come speak.

“Our mission is to promote the Democratic Party and progressive values at UCA. And what better way to do that than to have candidates who are running to be the Democratic nominee for statewide office come and share their experience, share their story,” Thompson said.

Thompson said this is a great opportunity for candidates to meet people who will potentially elect them and for students to meet people who will represent them.

For more information, Young Democrats can be found on Instagram and Twitter @yd_uca.

Y E L L O W S TAT U S

by

CAMPUS:

the votes.

“So, I told my mom, I said, ‘I’m going to promise you right now [that] I’m not going to let that happen in Arkansas.

Not only for you but for all the people of Arkansas,’” Price said.

While working as an Election Commissioner, Price learned that Arkansas has the highest rejection rate of mail-in ballots in the country.

“We rejected 1,500 ballots… [for] small human errors,” Price said. They were rejected because, for example, a zip code or an apartment number was forgotten.

“That really bothered me because every vote is sacred.

Every vote is somebody’s hopes and dreams for a better future, and these people took the time to vote during a pandemic,” Price said.

To alleviate this mishap, Price is working on a bill with Arkansas Sen. Clarke Tucker to create a cure period for ballots in Arkansas, which will allow the Election Commissioners to call and ask voters about errors on their mail-in ballots.

Currently, Arkansas does not have a cure period, “so, if you don’t fill out your mail-in ballot perfectly, the first time.

That’s it. There’s no chance to fix it. And that’s really problematic because that is a form of voter suppression,” Price said.

Arkansas is last in both voter registration and voter turnout. “If fewer people

On Monday, Feb. 7, SGA donated $1,000 to lactation suites, discussed possibilities of mask status turning to yellow and gave updates on the African/African American studies program.

The senate passed a motion with all 36 votes to donate up to $1,000 from the SGA reserves for the lactation suite that is getting built in the 3rd floor of Irby, as well as the remodel of the lactation suite in Estes Stadium.

Vice President of Student Affairs Robin Williamson spoke at the meeting, expressing her care for students.

“We know that being a college student is complicated and hard,” Williamson said. “You’ve got a lot going on. There’s a lot of things happening. You’re trying to figure out who it is you want to be in this world and get all these things done.

Then we add in a pandemic, and it makes it even harder.”

Williamson introduced a new care team model and its leader, Kelly Owens. Owens said the team

is going to be made of faculty and staff that are able to respond to any of the concerns turned into them.

Owens said there is a team related to this same process — the Behavioral Intervention Team.

However, by the time the BIT gets a report, the situation has elevated to a crisis.

“We don’t want to respond to student concerns once they’re in a crisis,” Owens said. “So what the care team will do, I will have a team of faculty and staff that will be able to reach out once we get a report.”

Owens said that students, faculty and staff can turn in a student of concern report.

“And if we get a student of concern report on a student, we can assign a case management to one of our team members,” Owens said.

Owens said the team should start accepting reports in the fall of 2022.

Randy Pastor also spoke at the meeting, addressing covid-related concerns.

“Our positivity rate the first week back to school, when you all came back to classes, was 45%,” Pastor said. “Then the next week,

we went to 35%, then 25%. Last week, we were at 20%.”

Pastor said he is happy about where the university stands when it comes to positive tests.

“So probably for the first time in two years, there’s a real good chance that you’re going to be able to get rid of your mask and not have to put it back on again,” Pastor said.

“As soon as we reach a positivity rate less than 5% on campus, with our caseload being less than 50 per 100,000, then we go to the yellow [status] mask,” Pastor said.

The Chair of Academic Affairs committee, Makenna Goss, gave an update on the African-African American Studies program.

Goss said that there is a working group of faculty that will send progress reports to the president on how the program is doing and what they can do better. She also mentioned getting advisors involved to help spread awareness of the program.

Goss said that regardless of what happens with the major, UCA does not plan to cut classes that are offered in the major and minor right now.

Campus Life

3

February 9, 2022

Around Campus:

Valentines Soiree

From 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, Dancers United and Ebony Models will be hosting a Valentine’s showcase in the Ida Waldron Auditorium where dancers, singers, poets, and models will showcase their talents.

Artist in Residence From 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, Chad Bradford will be giving a public presentation in the Bridges Larson Theatre in the Snow Fine Arts Center.

The presentation is called “Understanding Transmedia Storytelling.”

Networking with a Pro: Music Edition From 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, Students for the Propagation of Black Culture will be hosting a Networking with a Pro event on zoom where students can have conversation with Girl Gang Entertainment’s songwriting, production and artist duo, Dazz & Brie

Dance Around the World

From 7:15 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and BearX will be hosting a Dance Around the World: Indian Edition event in Student Center room 213 where students from the Indian Students Association will send in representatives to share about their culture and teach dances for others to learn.

Sigma Cinema

Photo by Madison Ogle

A member of UCA’s Gospel Choir sings in the opening performance for the Student for the Propagation of Black Culture’s gospel event. The event took place Feb. 1 and was the first of five, hosted by the SPBC in celebration of Black History Month.

Gospel Night leaves legacy at beginning of Black History Month by

Brayden Bailey

Staff Writer

The Students for the Propagation of Black Culture held their Gospel night Feb. 1, in the Ida Waldron Auditorium, showcasing Gospel choirs and numerous speakers to commemorate the beginning of Black History Month.

Leaving a Legacy was the theme of the night as the University of Central Arkansas Gospel Choir and the University of Arkansas Little Rock Love Gospel Choir each performed their A&B pieces, one upbeat piece followed by one emotional piece. Tangela Willis, a contemporary gospel singer, was the guest soloist and performed three pieces for the event.

The celebration had a variety of events, such as scriptures,

prayers, testimonies and encouragement from many local and guest speakers, all raising awareness to the gospel and the many African American men and women throughout history.

Student Services Pastor Dyjuana Davis gave a reflection that encouraged those that are young to not be hindered by their predisposition.

“You may be young, you may be in college, but you have a voice, and you have a testimony,” Davis said.

An example of young leaders in the African American community on campus is Nia Kelley, Miss UCA 2022.

Kelley has used her performing art abilities — vocal work, in particular — to gain the achievement of Best Vocal or Instrumental Performance, earning herself a total of $6,300 in scholarships.

Kelley welcomed the crowd and set the tone for the message of the night’s purpose.

“So tonight, we are not going to sit back and relax, we’re going to get up, give prayers and give God the glory,” Kelley said.

George Parks Jr., the senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Little Rock, was the guest speaker of the night, giving encouragement to young African Americans, showing them how to leave a long-lasting legacy.

“We have to stop being the number one consumers and become income generators, start opening businesses and owning property, and not always have to depend on the banks to fund your business, but learn how to save your own money and have your own cash,” Parks Jr. said.

Pushing for a difference, Parks Jr.

distinguished the importance of a degree and an education and emphasized on time being young to learn and listen.

“I want to tell somebody, do more than simply get a degree, make sure you get an education.

A degree simply says that I have skills in a certain field, but an education suggests that I am in tune with the world around me,” Parks Jr. said.

Parks Jr. also showcased a biblical character of a young African American figure, Shulammite, who was “Black and beautiful,” taking that statement and comparing it to James Brown, an American funk singer and songwriter of the late ‘60s, with his statement, and song title, “I am Black and I’m proud,” Parks Jr. said.

Parks Jr. ended with a send-off for young African Americans to be loving and to remember where they

came from.

“And once we get our house on the hill and once we get the degree on the wall, we have to make sure we reach back and help somebody else,” Parks Jr. said.

The Students of the Propagation of Black Culture are hosting more events to celebrate Black History Month.

The SPBC is hosting Networking with a Pro - “Music Edition,” a Zoom about songwriting production with Girl Gang Entertainment Feb. 10, 6 p.m., and Love/Poetry: “Can We Valentalk,” poetry and spoken word event at Ronnie Williams Student Center, room 205A Feb. 16, 6 p.m.

The SPBC can be found on Instagram @uca_spbc and on CubConnect to see their upcoming events for Black History Month, and throughout the semester.

SNOW DAY

Health Screenings

Show your Love

From 1:40 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday Feb. 15, American Chemical Society will be hosting a Show your Love event in Manion Hall room 104 where students can make borax crystal hearts and learn about other upcoming events.

Single, Taken, Or It’s Complicated?

From 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, the Minority Mentorship Program will be hosting a panel event in the Student Center Ballroom where 6 men and women will talk about their relationship history and give advice to others.

Photos by Madison Ogle

Pictured above: snow and ice covers UCA’s campus after below freezing temperatures hit Central Arkansas. The weather impacted UCA’s campus late Wednesday night, resulting in all classes being virtual for Feb. 3. Road conditions remained hazardous through Thursday, Feb. 3, resulting in remote instruction for Feb. 4 classes as well.

4/ February 9, 2022

CAMPUS LIFE

ucanews.live

STUDENTS SAY did you do during “ What the snow/ice days? ” Graphic by Madison Ogle

CWC offers help with students’ writing needs through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

On Tuesdays and The Center Thursdays, the center for Writing and offers time from 6 p.m. to Communication provides 9 p.m.; their hotline aligns students with any help with all hours of service. needed when it comes “Students still use the to writing, offering inhotline pretty regularly, person appointments but, as you can imagine, and a hotline service for the number of calls we those not wishing to leave receive now is far lower home. than it was 15 or 20 years The CWC, located ago--simply because of in Thompson Hall room the increase in online 109, is overseen by resources for writing and Associate Professor of presentation help,” Clark Writing and Director of said. the Center for Writing The center offers and Communication, assistance on writing Carey Clark. projects and oral Clark said the center presentations to students. receives a good amount of “We offer in-person interaction from students, tutoring in Thompson leaving 80% to 100% of 109, as well as email, their appointment slots IM, and Google Meet filled. tutoring appointments,” “The number of people Clark said. “Students we help per week really come to the CWC to get depends on where we are help with a variety of in the semester. We start class assignments from out more slowly at the across the disciplines. beginning of the semester, In addition to those but after students get their assignments, though, we first assignments, we pick also help students with up quickly,” Clark said. scholarship application The hours for the essays, graduate school center are Monday application essays, novels

by Madison Ogle Campus Life Editor & Cartoonist

and resumes and cover letters.”

Graduate students also receive help on their theses and dissertations.

Faculty can also receive assistance on book projects they might be working on for publication.

The center gains feedback from those assisted in the center.

As of Feb. 4, 2020, the CWC has received 332 feedback responses through an anonymous survey.

86.75% of those who made an appointment with the center chose “strongly agree” when asked whether their tutor’s advice was helpful.

83.13% chose “strongly agree” once again when asked whether they would return to the center for future assistance. Overall, 87.65% of those who made appointments rated their experience as “very good.”

One response from a survey participant said: “Even though it was required by my professor

to go there, I definitely was very pleased about my review. Cody was very professional and really knew what he was doing.

He got me in the direction of my research paper and gave me some good pointers in regards to my topic. Thank you so much, Cody!”

Though the number of appointment slots can vary, the center averages 20 slots per day and six appointment slots on their Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

All are tended to by the CWC’s undergraduate peer tutors.

All tutors go through what Clark regards as a “rigorous” application and interview process.

These students must then complete a semester of WRTG 3315: CWC Practicum before being eligible to work in the CWC. Students can apply for this process through uca.edu/cwc/jobopportunities.

Applications are reviewed each fall semester.

Story and photos by Olivia Snelson and Will McDonald

Senior Alexis Villalobos

Freshman Denasia Hardin

“I pretty much just stayed inside the entire time.

I cooked a lot of things I’ve been wanting to cook and watched a lot of movies and TV shows.”

“I helped salt and unthaw the ice in Bear Villiage.”

Sophomore Grayson Pinson

Senior Sabrina Cheri

“I did not go to class for any of it and I walked around in the snow and it was the best two days of college thus far.”

“I didn’t go outside at all.

I barely left my bedroom.

And I was just on the computer spending time with friends and getting some work done.”

Junior Nicole Hill

Junior Ryan Bird

“We debated on going to Nature Reserve and we thought it’d be kind of muddy. I read some class work and caught up on a little bit of stuff, and play video games for the rest of the time.”

“I really just stayed home.

I caught up on some work. My teachers just gave us free days off, but extra time to like catch up on like assignments that we already had out.

So that’s pretty much what I did.”

SEMINAR

Kaylon Blake shares tips for student success aren’t putting anything in for yourself, you’ll see that reflected in your grade at UCA’s First Generation the end of the semester,” Scholars Society hosted its Blake said. first event of the semester, Blake’s third tip Life Hacks for Success for success was to use with guest speaker Kaylon your resources because Blake, in the Student successful students ask for Center on Tuesday, Feb. help, cultivate contacts and 1. develop networks.

Blake shared a “There are people on presentation with this campus that get paid students, which included to stress out for you. If 11 of Blake’s top tips for you’re having a bad day, go reaching your highest to the Counseling Center. potential as a student.

If you’re feeling sick, go Blake’s presentation to the Student Health aimed to motivate Clinic. If you’re struggling students to maximize their to pay for school, go to collegiate experience, the Financial Aid office,” equip students with skills Blake said. to enhance their academic The fourth success tip performance and inspire Blake shared was to focus students to finish strong. on time management.

The first success tip “Know where you need Blake gave was to “know to be and when you need your why.” to be there. Allocate your “It’s important to time responsibly, even if keep your why front and you need to make time for center. Do a reality check a nap,” Blake said. internally and figure out Sophomore Janie Lee why you’re here,” Blake said, “I wholeheartedly said. agree with Kaylon’s tip Blake’s second success about time management. tip was to do your part to Keeping a planner with reach your goals. all my due dates has “You have to push helped me avoid missing through and know what’s assignments.” expected of you. You get Blake’s fifth tip for out what you put in. If you success was to get involved

by Sydney Cyr Entertainment Editor

because the more active students are on campus, the more likely they are to graduate.

“The people you surround yourself with in college on a daily basis will impact your decisions for better or for worse,” Blake said.

Blake’s sixth success tip was to think big.

“Know that things are within your reach. You can do anything you set your mind to if you are willing to put in the work,” Blake said.

Blake’s seventh tip for success was to stay optimistic.

“Challenge negativity with positivity. Don’t lose your momentum. Just because you get a bad grade, it doesn’t mean you have a bad life,” Blake said.

The eighth success tip Blake shared was to keep the end in mind because lasting success beats momentary gratification.

Blake’s ninth tip for success was to develop willpower.

“Sometimes you have to be willing to say no to plans if you have other commitments. Willpower is about doing things even if you don’t want to do them.

Don’t make a long-term decision on a short-term feeling,” Blake said.

The tenth success tip Blake shared was to extend yourself grace.

“Successful students are good to themselves and others by showing kindness, even when it’s not always deserved,” Blake said.

Blake’s final success tip was to keep trying.

“Don’t quit. You have to stick to it, even when it’s extremely tough,” Blake said.

UCA has many resources available to students who need assistance such as the Office of Student Success, Success Coaching, the Financial Aid Office, Campus Recreation and Wellness, the Food Pantry, the Disability Resource Center and more.

Students can stay connected on campus by joining Registered Student Organizations, going to events hosted by the Student Activities Board or volunteering with UCA’s division of Outreach and Community Engagement.

Students can find upcoming UCA events at cubconnect.com.

People of UCA: Brennan Price

by Sydney Ambrus Staff Writer

Brennan Price is a student who has a passion for helping others and making a difference.

Price, 21, is a junior majoring in physical science and considering a minor in Family and Consumer Science.

His dream job is to be a world-renowned doctor of physical therapy, where he plans to work with not only regular patients but also NFL and NBA players.

Price also hopes to one day open his own clinic and create his own forms of rehabilitation through clinically trialed experiments.

Price grew up job-shadowing doctors, nurses, dental hygienists and several other positions in the healthcare industry. He also watched his mother, a registered nurse with over twenty years of experience.

“After watching my mom be a hero for so long, I just knew it was for me as well,” Price said.

He ultimately decided on his decision to pursue physical therapy after meeting Gabrielle Peele, a cardiovascular surgeon and friend of his mother.

Price watched Peele’s patients transform after their surgeries and complications.

“Seeing results was all I needed to confirm my destiny. I knew then, physical therapy was the route I wanted to take. Boy, has it been a rewarding challenge,” Price said.

Price was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, but chose to come to UCA due to its physical therapy program being top five in the nation.

“After being in the major for so long, I can see why. The work is rigorous, but hard things do not come easy nor do worthwhile rewards,” Price said.

Even though his physical therapy courses can be discouraging sometimes, Price said he reassures himself that he can do anything he puts his mind to.

“I remember how far I have come and how hard I have worked, and it seems all worthwhile all over again,” Price said.

Along with being a part of UCA’s Physical Therapy club and Exercise Science club, Price is involved in Black Male Achievement Challenge, Ebony Models, Student Government Association and UCA’s Ambassadors.

At SGA, Price is the Chief of Staff for the 21’-22’ school year, where he is the manager of the SGA office. He also serves on the committee for Student Allocation Funding.

“I also have a few very exciting projects that I am working on,” Price said.

His most recent project with SGA is a Valentine’s Day week, where he hopes to see everyone come out for prizes, food and to support SGA. Price also recently competed in the annual Mr. Esquire Scholarship Pageant sponsored by the Theta Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

It was his first time competing in a pageant and he placed 2nd.

“It was an extremely rewarding opportunity and I do not take it for granted. Who knows, I might even start competing in pageants regularly,” Price said.

Outside of his several school activities, Price enjoys traveling, spending time with his girlfriend Adriane, friends, family, watching sports, working out and shopping.

“I guess you could say I am a jack of all trades,” Price said.

Photo courtesy of Brennan Price

Brennan Price is majoring in physical science hopes to become a worldrenowned doctor working with athletes as well as regular patients.

Sports

5

February 9, 2022

Upcoming Games Women’s Basketball 4 p.m., Feb. 9 at Kennesaw State Men’s Basketball 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9 at Kennesaw State Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Feb. 11 at Pittsburg State Softball 10 a.m., Feb. 11 vs.

South Alabama

Editor’s Take

Prediction: Rams win Superbowl LVI by

Will McDonald

Assistant Sports Editor With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, many sports have canceled games or postponed travel. However, the NFL is at the height of its season as Super Bowl LVI gets near, and the NFL has stopped testing their players for COVID-19.

Unless a player exhibits symptoms, they will not be tested.

The NFL’s official comments on their testing policy are, “This comprehensive, symptom-based approach to testing reflects our recent experience with the omicron variant and conforms to current public health recommendations... ” Fans will be required to wear masks and provide either proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative test in order to enter the stadium on gameday.

Other than these requirements, Super Bowl LVI will be organized normally. However, some players could be out of the game if they contract COVID-19. For instance, for the Bengals, the game would change drastically if Joe Burrow or JaMarr Chase could not play. The Rams could be in trouble if they were missing stars like Matthew Stafford or Andrew Whitworth.

The Bengals and Rams will have an exciting matchup. The Bengals seem to be the “fanfavorite.” I expect both offenses to really shine; however, the Rams’ defensive line is ultimately stronger than the Bengals’ offensive line. This will lead to a win for the Rams. Although I am not a big fan of either of the teams, I will pull for the Bengals since they haven’t been in the Super Bowl since the year 1989.

Many people are excited about the Bengals’ 2020 first-round pick– Joe Burrow. If he were to win a Super Bowl within his first two years in the league, he would make history.

Here is what one NFL fan on campus said about their overall predictions for Super Bowl LVI. Freshman Matthew Moix said, “I’m rooting for the Bengals to win it all. I won’t be surprised if the Super Bowl results in many new COVID-19 cases because it is hard to put any precautions on a crowd that large, and the Super Bowl is likely seen as too important of an event to place any kind of major restriction.”

Fans like Matt and I recognize the health risk but believe the Super Bowl will be played no matter what. I’m rooting for the underdog, who are you rooting for?

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Junior Fuka Nonoyama discusses strategy with junior Chunxi Xin during their doubles match against the University of Alabama at Birmingham Dragons. The women won their doubles match along with their other UCA teammates who won their doubles matches.

Tennis smashes doubles, falls short in singles by

Maci England

Staff Writer

The UCA Bears were defeated 2:5 by the University of AlabamaBirmingham Dragons on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Courington Tennis Pavilion in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Bears played two doubles and six singles against the Dragons, dominating during the doubles but falling short in the singles.

Junior Chunxi Xin was a highlight of the match as she claimed the first singles match 6:4, 3:6 and 7:5.

Junior Fuka Nonoyama played the second match with a score of 4:6, 6:4 and 6:7. The third match, played by sophomore Jeaun Lee, resulted in 4:6, 6:4 and 4:6.

Freshman Sumomo Hamanaga played the fourth match 0:6 and 2:6. The fifth match was played by sophomore Maja Gledic, resulting in 0:6 and 4:6.

Lastly, junior Mei Ishimura scored 4:6 in both games of the sixth match and the Bears swept the doubles round 6:4 and 6:3.

Despite the Bear’s loss, Xin is proud of what she and her team accomplished during UCA’s second matchup with the Dragons. Their last meet was in January 2020, where the Bears lost 1-4.

“I don’t think we did bad today as a team who just got two or three team

practices in the past five days,” Xin said.

A sudden cold front of ice and snow brought the Bear’s practices to a halt last week.

Because UCA doesn’t have an indoor tennis court, whenever it is cold, raining or snowing, the team cannot practice unless they use another facility.

“I think if our practice was consistent last week, the results would be different,” Xin said.

Tennis coach Casey Wharton agrees that practice is essential to the success of the team.

“We try to compete and practice consistently, and also individually manage our health, classes, and time off-court, as best we can,” Wharton said.

The future of the season is hard to predict since the team is still early in it, but Wharton believes it will end in success.

“I think our fans can expect us to prepare well, play hard, and learn from what happens, so we can continue making improvements as we go. If we do this, I think we will have a successful season.” Wharton said.

Fans can catch the Bears play the Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks Saturday, Feb. 19th, in Columbia, Missouri. The Bears currently have a 5-win streak against the Redhawks.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Junior guard Carley Hudspeth (r) dribbles towards the goal and away from Stetson Hatter Jamiya Turner. The Sugar Bears lost to the Hatters by 18 points. Hudspeth scored nine points followed by Randrea Wright with eight. Their next game will be Feb. 9 against Kennesaw State.

Sugar Bears lose by 18 in second half to Stetson Hatters by

Amber Austen

Staff Writer

UCA’s women’s basketball Sugar Bears came up short with the final score of 45-63 in their game against the Stetson Hatters on Saturday, Jan. 5.

To start the game, the Sugar Bears won the tip-off and entered an energetic first half despite it being the team’s first time competing against their new opponents.

“We wanted to stay focused, execute our game plan, and be confident in who we are as a team,” junior guard Carley Hudspeth said.

The players made moves on both the offensive and defensive ends in the first quarter.

The first shot of the game was a three-point shot by Hudspeth while junior forward Lucy Ibeh racked up 6 rebounds off the board throughout the period that resulted in a three-point lead of 10-7.

Entering the second quarter, UCA was determined to keep its advantage.

The Sugar Bears continued to utilize their defensive skills by upping their defences and forcing Stetson into a few turnovers.

They kept the same momentum while dominating the board as they collected eight offensive rebounds compared to their opponent, who only tallied one.

“We executed our defensive game plan well, and we hit some crucial outside shots. We also grabbed some huge rebounds, which helped to give us momentum as well,” Hudspeth said.

By the end of the second quarter, Ibeh, senior Savanna Walker and freshman Randrea Wright had put up six points each, contributing to the half-time lead of 24-21.

The second half of the game is when the Sugar Bears started to stumble.

The Hatters entered the third quarter with the same determination UCA had at the start, which changed the direction of the game.

Stetson began working its offensive plays by scoring points back to back inside the paint.

As the Hatters’ points went up, the Sugar Bears

began to fall behind.

By the end of the third quarter, UCA had only scored five points, putting Stetson in the lead with 44-29.

The downhill slope continued in the fourth quarter as the pressure to catch up became too much for the Sugar Bears, and their number of turnovers reached double digits.

Even though UCA reestablished their offensive grit and started putting up shots towards the end of the fourth, it was not enough to make a comeback.

“We started off really well, but unfortunately dug ourselves into a bit of a hole [in the] second half and just did not have enough time to get out.

We will learn from this, keep our heads up, and focus on getting some wins on the road this next week and get back on the right track,” Hudspeth said.

The Stetson Hatters are ranked third in ASUN’s Eastern division, while the Sugar Bears rank fifth in the Western division.

The Sugar Bears will be on the road for their next game against Kennesaw State on Wednesday, Feb. 9.

Opinion

6

February 9, 2022

The Voice UCA does not want students to organize with each other

The Echo Staff Addi Freeman Editor-in-Chief Bennett Tinnermon Associate Editor Mia Waddell News Editor Kathryn Thornberry Assistant News Editor Madison Ogle Campus Life Editor/Cartoonist Olivia Snelson Assistant Campus Life Editor Milo Strain Opinion Editor Sydney Cyr Entertainment Editor Emilee Hagewood Sports Editor Will McDonald Assistant Sports Editor Delaney Van Wilpe Online Editor Olyvia Gonzalez Assistant Online Editor

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Books should not be banned from schools I was encouraged to read daily in my youth, first by my mother — an avid book reader — then by teachers and librarians.

In school, books exposed me to different cultures and their customs, dialects, inventions and the rise and fall of civilizations.

Books took me on wild adventures while teaching me to tap in to my imagination.

Books are more than just words on a page — they’re a means for escapism into a world outside of your own.

Some books encourage readers to question events, realities, ideas and life experiences outside themselves.

It seems books are now at the forefront of a political battle being waged in school board meetings.

Challenges to books and book bans are nothing new from either side of the political aisle.

by Edmund Burke But they have become Staff Writer more prevalent by conservative groups and the GOP at an increasingly alarming pace.

Objections to content such as inappropriate language and sexual content are just two of the reasons behind book bans, but it seems objections to ideology are fueling conservatives across the country.

The people screaming about “freedom” on social media are the same people banning books — make it make sense.

The latest surge in book bans in public schools and libraries across the country seeks to prohibit a younger generation of readers from being exposed to diverse content and different ideologies.

GOP lawmakers in 22 states have introduced legislation that would limit the teaching of race and sexuality in public schools.

In Oklahoma, legislation was introduced in

December of 2021 that would allow parents to ban books in schools perceived as anti-religious with a $10,000-a-day penalty per banned book that isn’t removed from library shelves.

The Oklahoma legislation also seeks to ban books that reference identity, sex and gender from school libraries.

In Mississippi, a mayor is withholding $110,000 from Ridgeland’s city library because LGBTQ books are on the shelves and will not release funding until the material is removed.

In Tennessee, a school board recently banned “Maus,” Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel about the Holocaust, over language and nudity.

In Arkansas, Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to be an Anti-racist” is classified as indoctrination by certain conservative groups.

More than 800 books have been put on a watch list in Texas — many of the titles dealing with race and LGBTQ issues.

Across the country, many of the books being challenged in school boards run counter to conservative beliefs, which is the fuel behind the fire.

People are entitled to their beliefs and opinions, but banning books from library shelves that oppose individuals’ beliefs won’t make the ideas contained on the pages disappear.

It’s time for the lens of storytelling in books on library shelves to reflect more than the white, cis, straight, able experience.

I wholeheartedly believe that parents should be vocal when it comes to their children’s education and should be aware of what their children are learning and reading in school — but if parents think books are the problem, they aren’t paying attention.

Don’t pressure young people to go to college Throughout middle school and high school, be insufferable too. Taking on the strenuous college remains a steady focus superiors instill workload in a subject that you’re not passionate in students, but just because they instill the idea about can take a toll on your mental health. that college is how we will succeed in life does It’s hard to stay engaged with something that not make that good enough reason to attend. you’re not interested in. This can lead to bad Parents, grandparents, teachers, family grades, poor attendance, and less engagement friends, the list goes on and on of individuals who in class. push and sometimes force the “importance” of As young adults and children, we do college onto us. But does that make it an not know who we are. We’re still trying actual important reason to attend? to navigate ourselves and figure out Nowadays, there are a plethora of who we are. It’s unfair to label one ways to have an income and so many pathway in our future as better than different fields to choose from, many others. of which don’t require going to I think that everyone should college. The fear of failure from not have the opportunity and support attending college shouldn’t still to follow their passions and be affecting newer generations experience different subjects as they go throughout their that they’re interested in. younger education with the We, as a people, tend to number of options and think in a “now or opportunities available. nothing” perspective,

by Felicity Auxier The most important but the truth is we Staff Writer reason to attend college is have plenty of time if you truly want to pursue to figure out what we it. If you don’t have the want to do or who we passion and want to pursue something, the lack want to be. of it will only stand in your way.

For example, attending trade school Trade school, cosmetology school, upon high school graduation instead of going construction work and retail, the list goes on straight to college still leaves you with time to and on of different segue into a career path. go to college after that if that’s what you end With the pressure of attending college and up deciding what you want to do. Universities holding college at the top of the hierarchy, will still be standing and accepting students no students who may have preferred a different matter what you decide to do with your path. route will unhappily follow a course they may Our youth should be released from the not want, leading to an unhappy future. societal pressure that college is essential and Not only could this lead to an unhappy the best option, so they can be free to live a life future, but it can make attendance in college of their choosing and find their true passions.

February is Black History Month, coming in hot off the heels of the UCA administration trying to strangle the life out of the African American Studies major.

While the administration didn’t succeed in doing away with the major this time, the two-year extension the major was granted really feels like UCA is just kicking the can down the road in order to try again in the future.

One key takeaway from the debacle that few people seem to be discussing is the fact that when students organize with each other, UCA gets scared. It’s no coincidence that the announcement of the two-year extension on the African American Studies major came just before the planned demonstration in front of the Student Center.

UCA wanted to take as much steam out of the demonstration before it happened, so they somewhat gave in and begrudgingly extended the African American studies major.

The administration knew the eyes of the news were watching as well, and if they really care about anything, it’s making UCA look good. It’s a business to them, after all.

The most important thing we as students can learn from this is that we can do it again, and we don’t have to wait for anything to happen before we start. Rather than being a reactionary force to the policies of the UCA administration, we, as students, can become a proactive force for positive change on our campus. We live here, not the

Rather than being a reactionary force to the policies of the UCA administration, we, as students, can become a proactive force for positive change

administrators.

For example, we could all protest UCA’s involvement with the Aramark Corporation. Aramark, a $16.2 billion international company, uses prison labor to manufacture food, paying inmates next to nothing.

Prison labor is essentially slavery, and this could potentially be a PR disaster for UCA if we as students organize and protest against it. Nobody likes the cafeteria food anyway.

Or if we’d all gotten angry and protested about the parking meters earlier, we wouldn’t have to deal with the horrendous ParkMobile app now.

There are a number of things we can improve if we force the administration to acknowledge us.

The traditional channels for enacting change don’t work for students. There is no mechanism or system for addressing concerns raised by students.

The Student Government does little more than allocate the budgets for campus organizations and throw parties.

Organizing is the only real power we have as students that actually works, yet we never do.

Why is that? Is it a lack of motivation or an overwhelming sense of futility in the face of power? Is our campus community too fractured by politics and the atomization of our society to unite against a common enemy? It is unclear but not hopeless.

The spontaneous organization fueled by the African American Studies situation doesn’t have to be spontaneous. We can harness that energy again, we just have to work for it.

Complain about what you don’t like about UCA to anyone who will listen.

Go hold up picket signs somewhere. If you’re angry about something on campus, odds are there are probably other students angry about it too.

Have an opinion? Everyone does.

Write a letter to the editor at ucaechoeditor@gmail.com Letters to the editor don’t just have to be about Echo content.

If you’ve noticed something on campus that’s positive or negative, we want to hear about it.

The Echo is printed weekly by The Courier. Decisions about content are made by the student editors.

The views published are not necessarily those of the University of Central Arkansas. All material is subject to respective copyrights.

Entertainment ‘And Just Like That...’ completely misses mark 7

February 9, 2022

New This Week Movies

by

Sydney Cyr

Entertainment Editor

The season finale of the “Sex and the City” Feb. 11 — Death on the Nile reboot, “And Just Like That…,” aired on HBO Max (PG-13), directed by Kenneth Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022.

Branagh, starring Adam Garcia, “And Just Like That…”

Alaa Safi, Ali Fazal, Annette Bening, follows the “Sex and the City” characters as they and Armie Hammer transition from navigating the relationships of their 30s to navigating the complex realities of their 50s in a post-pandemic New Feb. 11 — Marry Me (PG-13), York City. Sarah Jessica Parker returned as Carrie, directed by Kat Coiro, starring Cynthia Nixon returned as Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Brady Miranda, and Kristin Davis Noon, and Sarah Silverman returned as Charlotte.

“And Just Like That…” was highly anticipated by “Sex and the City” fans, many of whom were excited for the spicy sex jokes, Feb. 11 — Blacklight (PG-13), funky fashion elements, and directed by Mark Williams, starring New York ambiance of the original show to be revisited.

Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Adrew “Sex and the City” showed Shaw, and Zac Lemons that women didn’t need to settle down to be happy, but it also showed extremely insensitive portrayals of minority groups. “Sex and the City” has been heavily and rightfully Music criticized for its offensive jokes and lack of diversity, specifically during scenes Feb. 11 — The Dream — Alt-J that negatively depicted

Photo courtesy of www.hbomax.com

“And Just Like That...” premiered on HBO Max Dec. 2021. It is the newest addition to the “Sex and the City” franchise since the 2010 movie “Sex and the City 2.”

transgender people, perpetuated the “angry black woman” stereotype, featured homophobic language and more.

Anyone watching “Sex and the City” now would find the harmful depictions of minority groups absolutely unacceptable.

Viewers expected the reboot to celebrate the true culture of New York City, honor diverse characters and correct the negative representations of minority groups from “Sex and

the City.” It’s strikingly obvious that “And Just Like That...” aimed to right the wrongs of the original show, but they failed to do it gracefully. However, there are some areas in which the reboot succeeded.

The reboot introduced three new main characters, which are all women of color. Sarita Choudhury played realtor Seema Patel, Nicole Ari Parker played mom Lisa Todd Wexley, and Karen Pittman played professor Nya Wallace.

FILM Feb. 11 — Earthling — Eddie Vedder

Feb. 11 — Everything Was Forever — Sea Power

Feb. 11 — Heterosexuality — Shamir

Feb. 11 — Lucifer On The Sofa — Spoon

Feb. 11 — Still Jealous — Tegan and Sara

Netflix Feb. 11 — Bigbug, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Claire Chust, Elsa Zylberstein, Isabelle Nanty, and Dominique Pinon

Feb. 11 — Tall Girl 2, directed by Emily Ting, starring Ava Michelle, Griffin Gluck, Sabrina Carpenter, Clara Wilsey, and Steve Zahn

Feb. 11 — Inventing Anna, directed by David Frankel, starring Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Katie Lowes, Arian Moayed, and Laverne Cox

Feb. 11 — Love Is Blind (Season 2), directed by Chris Coelen, starring Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey

List compiled by Edmund Burke Staff Writer

MUSIC

Jackass: nostalgic but not for the sqeamish by

Madison Ogle

Campus Life Editor & Cartoonist

“Jackass Forever” rocked its audience during its Feb. 4 release, commanding, perhaps, more cringes than laughs.

The film was the Jackass franchise’s fifth installment for the series, coming 20 years after “Jackass: The Movie.”

The film opens with a surprisingly cinematic tone, something not associated with the idiocy of the Jackass name.

A city is under attack, but not by any standard Godzilla or King Kong.

Terror instead comes in the form of Chris Pontius’ manhood, painted green and accessorized to resemble a dinosaur.

Don’t worry, this won’t be the first time the audience gets a healthy dosage of fullfrontal nudity.

For exaple, later in the film, Steve-O offers his family jewels to a full swarm of bees.

Though the dazzling good looks of Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O are comforting to an extent, the gags throughout this movie make it difficult to not look away.

Human ramps, scorpion stings, public pranks, spider bites and vomit are all here and on display.

A peak stunt might be “Marching Band,” where we see the Jackass cast members don full marching uniforms and walk onto a treadmill at top speed, all in a single-file line.

Instruments and bodies are sent hurdling, leaving Knoxville bleeding from the head and concussed.

Later, Knoxville is rammed by a bull, leaving him with a broken wrist, a broken rib and a concussion.

At a point, you can’t be sure if it feels right to laugh at the pain, given Knoxville’s age of 50.

1. Countless Cards

Top 5 reasons Valentine’s Day is an overly commercialized holdiday

Since the franchise waited so long to include women of color as main characters, their storylines were shortchanged compared to the returning characters, but they are still represented as classy and glamorous.

Charlotte’s supportive nature is shown through a compassionate storyline involving her child’s wish to be referred to by they/them pronouns, representing a child exploring their gender identity in a positive way.

The reboot also explores

grief through Carrie’s storyline, illustrating the raw pain people experience when dealing with loss.

Other than these instances, the reboot is a flop.

Kim Cattrall, who played Samantha in “Sex and the City,” didn’t return for the reboot, which changed the dynamic of the entire show since Samantha brought the raunchy but funny sex elements to the franchise.

The reboot character of Che Diaz, a nonbinary comedian with an intense, occasionally narcissistic personality, represents the nonbinary and Latinx community in a jarring way.

Miranda’s character is another instance where the reboot leaves more to be desired. Miranda was portrayed as an intelligent, boss-lady in “Sex and the City,” but is portrayed as reckless and disrespectful to her husband in the reboot.

Overall, “And Just Like That…” is an inauthentic, forced attempt at political correctness and has a false sense of “wokeness.”

Not only does the reboot clumsily overcorrect for the original show’s mistakes, but it also neglects many elements the original show was complimented for.

The popular “money can’t by love” expression need not apply to the yearly celebration of every shade of red. Step into any department store — usually within days after Christmas — and you are guaranteed to find more than one aisle dedicated to Feb. 14. According to Hallmark, 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged yearly.

If you’re a person who likes options, the retailer has you covered with 531 Valentine’s Day greeting cards this year.

It is estimated $1 billion will be spent on Valentine’s Day greeting cards this year, only for those cards to end up cold and alone in a keepsake box at the top of a closet.

The rest of the original cast falls closely along this spectrum of age, with most being in the fifties or a few years from it.

This is where new cast members take some of the blows for veteran members.

Jasper Dolphin, Rachel Wolfson and Zach Holmes take some of the harder hits, which can leave the audience feeling a bit relieved.

The sheer shock value from most stunts will have you feeling genuinely nervous.

When someone hits the ground and doesn’t immediately get back up, a healthy dose of anxiety is to be expected.

Thankfully, no lifethreatening injuries were sustained by the cast.

Tyler the Creator, Eric Andre, Rob Dyrdek, Tony Hawk, Machine Gun Kelly and other guest members accompany a handful of gags throughout the film.

Rest assured, “Jackass Forever” lives up to the hype.

However, it would be wise to catch the flick alone to avoid the awkward car ride home with any significant other or, god forbid, your parents.

For long-time fans of the series, this film is a strong chapter to close out on.

During the end credits, we see unused gags, sideby-side comparisons of new gags to old, and finally, a tribute to the late Ryan Dunn, an original member of the Jackass cast who died in 2011.

“Jackass Forever” is as shocking as shocking gets, far from any other film you’ll catch in theaters this year.

While the idea of Jackass sounds moronic, the execution of it is enjoyable and only gets better with increased budgets.

Somehow, it just works.

“Jackass Forever” is available to watch only in theaters.

2. Abundance of Ads

“Love don’t cost a thing,” according to JLO, but the onslaught of television commercials, billboards, magazine ads and even Instagram ads leading up to the big day will have you remembering that love does, in fact, cost a thing — usually in the form of jewelry — no doubt partially for the nine million marriage proposals estimated to be made on the Valentine’s Day this year. How original.

It is estimated that 22% of American consumers will spend roughly $6.2 billion on jewelry. Live in a different tax bracket than the 22%? Maybe consider a Ring Pop in place of a diamond. It’s the gesture that counts, right? Right.

Photo courtesy of www.mitski.com

Mitski’s album is comprised of 11 songs. The songs explore themes such as depression, uncertainty, dependence and separation.

New Mitski album makes solid comeback after four-year hiatus

by

Estefania Mojica

Staff Writer

Indie rock singer, Mitski, released her sixth studio album, “Laurel Hell,” Feb. 4, 2022.

Mitski is known for producing indie, pop and rock music. Yet, with “Laurel Hell”, she adds more elements of the electronic music genre, making this album stand out.

Making a comeback after a four-year absence, Mitski met every expectation with this outstanding album release. Similar to her previous albums, “Laurel Hell” is just barely at the average length of musical albums with 11 songs, totaling just over 32 minutes long. In this short amount of time, Mitski shares a deep message and countless emotions.

Mitski includes many variations of instrumentations and tempos throughout each song in the album. The lyrics of every song feel personal and significant, and they flow with the music so easily.

The opening song, “Valentine, Texas,” starts 3. Candy and Flowers

Does your “Lover” have a sweet tooth? An estimated $2.2 billion will be spent on candy this year. More than 36M heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold each year. What better way to say “I love you” than with a box of unidentifiable chocolates?

What’s worse than a heartshaped chocolate box?

Apparently, Cupid Corn is now a thing. Candy and flowers go hand in hand when it comes to the big day. $2.3 billion is expected to be spent on flowers this year, with more than 250 million roses produced yearly for Valentine’s Day. The average cost of roses varies from $10 to $100 depending on where they’re bought, only to eventually wilt and die.

off slow and with an almost dark feel to it, and suddenly at 1:07, it drastically changes.

Listeners can hear more upbeat instrumentation in the background that continues throughout the rest of the song. This opening song only grabs the attention of the listener, urging them to listen to the rest of the album. This style of not knowing what to expect from each individual song carries out through the entire album, in one of the best ways ever.

“Laurel Hell” had been greatly anticipated by fans since Mitski’s last album “Be the Cowboy” was released in 2018.

Mitski released the first single of “Laurel Hell” in October of 2021. This single, “Working for the Knife” created a commotion among fans with everyone creating their own ideas and expectations of what the 2022 album would sound and look like.

Some may believe that “Laurel Hell” doesn’t compare to her previous work, but ultimately this album is a meaningful project to Mitski after she nearly quit music.

4. Pointless Spending

The problem with Valentine’s Day is the overall message — everything about the day revolves around spending money — to either show someone you love them or win over someone with materiality. If you find yourself “Drunk in Love,” maybe don’t wait till one day of the year to express it.

Instead of splurging for roses on Valentine’s Day, maybe do it on a Wednesday in March for spontaneity. If you’re dating someone who waits for an arbitrary day on a calendar like Valentine’s Day to show you how much they love you – it’s time to expand your dating circle.

Mitski has had a devoted following since 2012 when her music career began after releasing her first album, “Lush” which was selfrecorded and released.

In the past decade, her fan base only increased, giving her over 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Mitski will be going on tour later this year starting Feb. 17 in North Carolina.

She is scheduled to hold over 40 shows throughout the U.S. and the U.K. with nearly every show already sold out.

This summer, Mitski will also be opening at five shows for Harry Styles on his upcoming U.K. tour.

To say that fans are thrilled to see her perform would be an understatement.

Her most streamed songs come from her 2018 album “Be the Cowboy,” but this new addition could change that.

After four years of silence from Mitski, fans are now able to indulge and enjoy the emotions and work that she has put into this album.

“Laurel Hell” is available now on most music streaming platforms.

5. Dating Apps

Single on Valentine’s Day and looking? Don’t worry; there are plenty of dating apps with ads aimed at helping you believe in “The Power of Love” or at least find a date for the night — sleepover debatable. Not into the dating scene and enjoying the single life? Marketers will make sure to remind you of Single Awareness Day on Feb. 15.

It’s okay if you don’t buy into the yearly hype.

Estimates from a 2022 WalletHub analysis

ucanews.live

SPORTS

8 / February 9 , 2022

UCA STATS CORNER SPORT

OPPONENT

RESULT

RECORD

Men’s Basketball

Stetson

79-75 W

7-15, 4-5

Women’s Basketball

Stetson

63-45 L

8-13, 3-7

Tennis

Samford

4-3 W

3-3

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Junior guard and forward Eddy Kayouloud goes up for the shot as a Hatters guard trys to block him. Kayouloud was a strong offensive force, scoring 24 points in the game.

Aggresive second half leads Bears to three-point victory

by Felicity

Auxier

Staff Writer

The Bears offensively outplayed the Stetson Hatters to secure a 79-75 win on Saturday, Feb. 5, leaving the Bears with a record of 4-5 in the ASUN Conference and 7-15 overall.

“We were able to contain their best players the majority of the game. Us doing that allowed us to regain our lead in the first half and keep our lead throughout the second half,” sophomore guard Masai Olowokere said.

The Bears finished through well enough in the first half, giving them a 33-31 lead. But the second half is when the Bears came out aggressively and dominated the court.

“The team’s strongest aspect of the game was coming out of half time with the same energy we had in the first half,” senior forward Jared Chatham said.

UCA put up 17 points at the beginning of the second half, taking a 50-35 lead. The Bears did not allow Stetson to score for the first four minutes of the half.

The Bears had a field goal percentage of 47, while the Hatters had 48 percent.

“I would say our presence in the paint, offensively and defensively put us ahead,” Chatham said.

The Bears were able to force 16 turnovers on the Hatters, while the Hatters only forced 14 against the Bears.

The Bears also held 35 rebounds compared to the Hatters 33.

The Hatters were down by three in the last 15 seconds of the game, but they couldn’t compete with the numerous free throws the Bears laid out earlier.

In the last 8 seconds Colin Cooper scored a free throw, ending the game three points ahead in their first match up with the Hatters.

Junior forward Eddy Kayouloud was a major key in offensive play for the Bears along with Chatham.

“The Hatters really didn’t have an answer for Eddy and I,” Chatham said.

Kayouloud scored 24 points and added 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists.

Chatham secured 18 points

FEATURE

and 11 rebounds for the team. Freshman point guard Camren Hunter made 16 points, and sophomore guard Masai Olowokere secured 10 points.

“What we have that not only the Hatters but a majority of teams in our conference lack is our pace after a rebound or allowing the other team to score. This tends to tire our opponents out,” Olowokere said.

“We have a team full of conditioned guys that can play many positions and are conditioned enough to run up and down the court.”

This game sets a precedent for the rest of the season and will help the team push forward in the conference, especially working without key player Darious Hall, a guard for the Bears.

“It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward, especially with a player like Darious Hall out,” Chatham said.

The Bears play Kennesaw State on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Jacksonville State on Feb. 12 at 4 p.m.

Olivia Snelson

Assistant Campus Life Editor

when I came to visit,” Stumbough said.

Outside of volleyball, Stumbough is a psychology major and wants to be a real estate agent when she graduates.

Coleman reflects on final season, looks forward to life after college

by

Ashlyn Little

Staff Writer

Taylor Coleman is a UCA senior who currently holds four school records in track and field. She represents the Bears in the women’s long jump, triple jump and four by four hundred.

In each of these events, Coleman holds a school record. Her records include indoor long jump at 5.93 meters, indoor triple jump at 12.32 meters, outdoor triple jump at 12.79 meters, and indoor 4x4 with a time of 3 minutes and 48.95 seconds.

Coleman said that she was elated after breaking her two most recent records, but she stayed focused on preparing Volleyball is not the to break her own personal only sport Stumbough has records. ever played.

Aside from breaking “I have not always records, her proudest and wanted to play volleyball. most memorable moment When I was younger, I in her collegiate career was used to play softball. In when she made it to the first middle school I begged my round of NCAA nationals parents to let me play in the 2021 outdoor season volleyball because all for triple jump. She said competing with high-level my friends played, and I absolutely fell in athletes made for a fun experience. love with the game,” During her time in Stumbough said. the UCA track and field However,

Stumbough looks back on love of volleyball and team support by

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Senior Taylor Coleman looks back on her time at UCA and her college athletic career coming to a close. Coleman broke two school records at her last meet in Lubbock, Texas at the Texas Tech Open.

Alexis Stumbough is a junior at UCA and plays as an outside hitter for the Sugar Bears’ Volleyball team. Stumbough has played at UCA her entire college career and has been an outside hitter every year.

Stumbough began playing volleyball much sooner than college Stumbough realized though. she preferred “I have been volleyball early on. “I playing since 7th like volleyball more grade. I love this than softball because sport because it is so there is always fast-paced and very action,” Stumbough active,” Stumbough said. said.

Stumbough loves Stumbough has being a part of a won several awards team. “The thing for playing volleyball.

I love most about “In high school, Photo courtesy of ucasports.ccom my team is how I won a bunch of Junior outside hitter Alexis Stumbough has been playing supportive we are of first-team, all-district for UCA for three years. She has multiple awards and each other not only awards, along with recognitions. on the court but also honorable mention off the court as well,” for defensive player Stumbough said. of the week and offensive “I chose my major This past season, player of the week for the because I have always been Stumbough had 17 kills southland conference a few super interested in how and a total of 19.5 points times at UCA,” Stumbough the brain works. My sister in a single game against said. is also special needs, so I Lipscomb. She also had Stumbough is originally wanted to try to learn more her season-high of 16 from Houston, Texas, but insight in what she deals digs in the game against received a scholarship to with,” Stumbough said.

Missouri State last season. play at UCA. She also enjoys other Among her entire “I received a activities other than career statistics, from scholarship to play volleyball. “I enjoy hiking the 2019-2021 seasons, volleyball here in Arkansas, and exploring the outdoors Stumbough had a total of and I absolutely fell in love of Arkansas in my free 603 digs and earned 487 with the campus and school time,” Stumbough said. points.

program, Coleman has seen growth both personally and athletically.

“I started off my collegiate career very unmotivated and lost. I was underperforming and not reaching my goals.

Now, every goal I have made has been met if not overachieved,” Coleman said She said that she is grateful for the ups and downs because they made her the athlete she is today.

Track and field coach Beau Theriot said if he had to describe Coleman in one word, he would choose “dedicated.”

“She’s very dedicated to her craft, and she wants to make herself better in any way she can. Coming in as a freshman she had a lot of growth potential, and she has well exceeded our expectations. Not only that, she puts the work in the classroom as well,” Theriot said.

Coleman is a health science major who dreams of becoming a veterinarian.

She currently works as a veterinarian technician and plans on going through veterinarian school after

graduation.

As of right now, Coleman has no plans of continuing her athletic career after graduation; however, she said she would if the opportunity presented itself.

“It makes me pretty sad knowing my collegiate career is coming to an end when I have been playing this sport for 15 plus years.

Although, I am very proud of myself for finishing strong and accomplishing so much before it all came to a close,” Coleman said.

Theriot said having athletes like Coleman is what every coach wants. There is no doubt that Coleman has had a successful athletic career over her past four years with the UCA track and field program. She is a recordbreaking athlete who has worked hard to accomplish goals and represents the track and field program well.

“To my family and friends, thank you for the unconditional love and motivation through these years at UCA, To my coach, thank you for never giving up on me, and to my fans thank you for the support! Go Bears!” Coleman said.

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