The Argonaut | Jan. 30

JANUARY 30 , 2019

UIARGONAUT.COM

DIVERSITY

EXPERTS EXPERTS OF OF THE THE WORLD WORLD UI international students speak about their experience studying to the U.S. Angela Palermo

ARGONAUT

Samragyee Gautam grew up moving around frequently, and in 2016 she moved again — to America.

Gautam, an international student at the University of Idaho, came to Idaho from Nepal. She grew up learning both Nepali and English, and with her interests in politics she decided to move abroad to explore opportunities she didn’t have as a woman back home.

Aside from Gautam’s experience, UI has seen a steady decline not only in international student enrollment, but a decline in the range of

Hatim Eujayl | Argonaut

countries students are coming from.

In 2015, UI had 766 international students from 79 different countries.

As of 2019, the numbers were reduced to 652 international students from just 70 countries according to UI’s Fall Census Overview.

President Donald Trump’s executive order 13,769 — otherwise known as the travel ban — has been a factor in students studying abroad.

According to a Washington Post article, citizens of countries such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria and Yemen have been barred from entering the U.S. Though exceptions are being made for students from Iran, Libya and Yemen.

Alex Brizee | Argonaut

SEE INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 4

Nepalese international student Samragyee Gautman poses.

COMMUNITY LIFE

UI polling location to be possible as soon as May Bruce M. Pitman Center could be UI’s first polling place since 2016

could ask for an adjustment, Lockhart said.

When the five years are close to over the parties would decide if they would like to renew for another set number of years.

Alex Brizee The agreement allows for the use of ARGONAUT the Bruce M. Pitman Center’s (the Pitman University of Idaho could see a polling Center) Vandal Ballroom four times a year place on campus as soon as May for three days at a time, Henrianne — this would be the first polling Westberg, the Latah County place on campus since 2016.

Clerk, Auditor and Recorder, said.

Latah County and UI are Westberg said the 8th finalizing an agreement that Precinct and 16th Precinct would make the Bruce Pitman would likely be moved to the Center a polling location for at Pitman Center. least the next five years ASUI She has been working with President Jacob Lockhart said.

UI to create a polling place Five years is the length of Jacob Lockhart on campus. Westberg has UI’s and Latah County’s current been involved in this issue since the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center agreement, but Latah County

polling location removal. The location wasn’t Westberg held the 2016 presidential elections used again after 2016 due to accessibility and there. She said she wasn’t able to make sure her ballots were secured, as they have to safety issues. leave the polling equipment overnight. Other “Some people have felt that I have not reasons varied from student-athletes and moved fast enough, and there are other the marching band still using the facilities, people who feel that I shouldn’t allow accessibility issues for the elderly students to vote — much less and people with disabilities, and provide them a special polling the inability to hear voters due to place,” Westberg said. “I can’t the size of the space. move people’s polling places Westberg described a scene erratically.” from the 2016 presidential election, Westberg said she has been where the Marching Band began trying to make a decision on a playing in the middle of the campus polling place carefully. day. She said poll workers were She said she wants polling places shouting at voters, and nobody to “potentially be permanent.”

Henrianne Westberg could hear each other.

The Kibbie Dome was not a viable option for a permanent SEE POLLING, PAGE 4 polling place due to the lack of security when

IN THIS ISSUE

TabiKat celebrates 25 years of safe and inclusive spaces.

LIFE, 5 News, 1

Life, 6

Sports, 9

Opinion, 12

Treyvon Allen puts his name in the 1000 point club.

SPORTS, 7

Recent immigration policies make international enrollment even more difficult.

OPINION, 9

University of Idaho

Volume 121, Issue no. 49

Recyclable

PAGE 2

ARGONAUT

Vandal Health Education

JANUARY 30, 2020

A Crumbs recipe Frank’s RedHot Sticky Fingers

Sticky fingers are a delicious and easy snack to have at your Super Bowl party this weekend. This easy recipe is a perfect addition to your viewing party.

Ingredients • 6 chicken tenders • ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce • ½ brown sugar

Intramural Sports

Directions 1. Mix the hot sauce and brown sugar together until they’re fully combined.

2. Cover cooked chicken tenders with mixture completely in a saucepan.

3. Remove tenders from heat and serve.

Outdoor Program

Nicole Hindberg can be reached at crumbs@uidaho.edu

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THE FINE PRINT

An article in the Jan. 23 issue of The Argonaut incorrectly identifies Jon Newlee’s career win record as 200 home wins rather than career wins.

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Nicole Hindberg | Argonaut

Argonaut Directory Brianna Finnegan Editor-in-Chief argonaut@uidaho.edu

Alex Brizee

News Editor

arg-news@uidaho.edu

UI STUDENT MEDIA BOARD The UI Student Media Board meets at 4:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public.

Questions? Call Student Media at 8857825, or visit the Student Media office on the Bruce Pitman Center third floor.

Nicole Hindberg

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JANUARY 30, 2020

ARGONAUT

PAGE 3

BITESIZED

This week an all-staff budget meeting, Faculty Senate meeting and ASUI took place.

Read our news in bite.

Haadiya Tariq & Alex Brizee

ARGONAUT

BUDGET MEETING | Jan. 27 President C. Scott Green addressed issues of UI’s budget deficit, public-private partnerships and next academic year’s tuition freeze. Green has been addressing faculty and colleges as well. Monday’s meeting was an update to UI’s staff.

Employee contract non-renewals: • UI has decided to go forward with employee contract non-renewals, rather than renewing contracts of certain UI employees whose positions are not affordable anymore, Green said.

• “These are our friends and our colleagues. My hope is that in better times everyone comes back, most of these folks love the university — and again they’ve done nothing wrong — other than these positions, need to be eliminated because we just don’t have the money to carry them,” Green said.

Vacant Positions: • In some cases, vacant positions will not be filled unless absolutely needed Green said.

Public-private partnerships (P3): • Green said they are looking into doing P3 agreements for some of UI’s assets. P3 agreements are UI using assets like the District Energy Plant, also called the steam plant, and putting them into legal contracts which would allow them to be leased to companies outside of UI, Green said.

• These companies then run the asset

for a set amount of time before FACULTY SENATE | Jan. 28 they are returned to UI. Planned budget reduction per Faculty Senate held their second executive office for the Fiscal Year meeting of the semester on Jan. 28 at the University of Idaho.

2021 (FY21): • President’s reduction of 8% • Provost reduction of 13% Program prioritization: • Note the Office of the Provost and • The Academic Program Executive Vice President includes Prioritization taskforce is still colleges and departments. considering how programs will • DFA reduction of 12% be evaluated. Senate Chair Terry • ITS reduction of 13% Grieb said the task force is looking • Research reduction of 12% specifically in areas with a lack of • Advancement reduction of 0% student enrollment.

• University Communications and Curriculum changes: Marketing reduction of 0% • The Master of Arts in Teaching Tuition Freeze: English to Speakers of Other • UI has agreed to not raise Languages (TESOL) program tuition, enacting a tuition freeze for the next academic changes were confirmed year along with and it will be moved from Boise State, Idaho the College of Letters and State and LewisSocial Sciences to the To read our additional and Clark State. future coverage on UI’s College of Education.

Mandatory furloughs budget deficit visit o After being dormant www.uiargonaut.com and university-wide for a few semesters, cuts: the program will be • Green is considering brought back under the mandatory College of Education, furloughs and university wideassociate professor salary reductions as a last option.

Jodie Nicotra said.

Mandatory furloughs would force • Students will no longer be able to employees to take unpaid time off and university wide-salary receive a B.S. in Music: History reductions which would lower the and Literature Emphasis. And only salary of all UI employees. Green a B.A. will be available with the understands that forcing employees department wanting to focus the to take a salary reduction, some degree more on language. faculty and staff would leave UI • The Master of Education in for a more competitive rate.

Rehabilitation Counseling and • “This is the least attractive, but Human Services and the Master it is one that I will consider if, at of Science in Rehabilitation the end of the day, nothing else Counseling and Human Services works,” Green said. degrees will no longer be offered Program prioritization • Green said he is still waiting to at UI. hear back from the deans of each o The degrees fail to meet college before a decision is made. standards of the Council for Accreditation of

ASUI | Jan. 29 ASUI Senate met Jan. 29 for their weekly meeting at the University of Idaho.

Hong Kong protest awareness ● A resolution was passed to support the Free Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Movement through a published statement to educate students on protests and to condemn the brutality of the Hong Kong police force.

ASUI urges President Green and UI administrators to produce a similar statement.

Senator position to be filled: ● One senator position is now open. Applications are being accepted and should be submitted through Engage UIdaho.

Haadiya Tariq and Alex Brizee can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

Do you Green Dot?

COMMUNITY LIFE

•Bad Boys For Life R Daily (3:35) 6:50 9:45 Sat-Sun (10:20) (1:10) •Doolittle PG Daily (4:20) 7:05 9:30 Sat-Sun (11:15) (1:45) 1917 PG13 Daily (4:10) 7:00 9:50 Sat-Sun (10:30) (1:20)

To see our full photo gallery of MLK Day of Service, visit www.uiargonaut.com

•

Counseling and Related Educational Programs. o No new students are being accepted into the programs and current students within the program are expected to finish their degrees Spring 2020.

A new graduate certificate in Nuclear Decommissioning and Used Fuel Management was introduced. o This change will allow for an academic certificate for students with prior nuclear experience or have completed NE 450 Principles of Nuclear Engineering.

•The Rhythm Section R Daily (4:00) 6:40 9:15 Sat-Sun (10:45) (1:15) •Gretel & Hansel PG13 Daily (5:10) 7:30 10:00 Sat-Sun (12:30) (2:45) •The Turning PG13 Daily (5:00) 7:20 9:55 Sat-Sun (12:00) (2:30) •Bad Boys For Life R Daily (3:50) 6:50 9:45 Sat-Sun (1:10) •Dolittle PG Daily (4:20) 6:45 9:20 Sat-Sun ((11:15) (1:45) 1917 R Daily (4:10) 7:00 9:50 Sat-Sun (10:25) (1:20) Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker PG13 Daily (3:25) 6:30 9:35 Sat-Sun (11:45) Jumanji: The NextLevel PG13 Daily (3:45) 6:35 9:30 Sat-Sun (12:45)

Direct Delegate Distract

Come to our training on February 22 or March 7

Register today: uidaho.edu/greendot For more information, email: greendot@uidaho.edu

PAGE 4

ARGONAUT

INTERNATIONAL FROM PAGE 1

“The travel ban has put a damper on a number of countries that have traditionally sought an education in the United States,” said Dana Brolley, the Director of International Student, Scholar and Faculty Services for the International Programs Office at UI. Brolley, who works with international students on a daily basis, said there have been changes not in the regulations themselves, but in how the regulations are being interpreted and applied.

“There has been a significant decrease in the number of visas that are being issued,” Brolley said. “To stay here once they’ve arrived, they have to follow a lot of regulations. They’re tracked very closely by the Department of Homeland Security.

Within the last five years, they have begun using a computerized tracking system.”

With the new system, international students’ passport and visa numbers are being tracked. Officials can see when and where a student comes into the country and when and where they depart.

Emily Wesseling, an international student from Canada, came to the U.S. for athletics. Like the bulk of other international students, Wesseling has an F-1 student visa.

The process for acquiring an F-1 visa, which is given to those planning to study in the U.S. for education purposes, can vary from each country. But according to U.S. Department of State website, after the student is accepted to a university, they have to fill out an application with

POLLING FROM PAGE 1

“There’s just too much going on there,” Westberg said. “We need a polling place on the west side of town. I can’t just say, ‘This year you’re going to vote here, next time you’re going to vote over here, and I’m not actually sure where you’re going to vote the year after that’ — that’s actually voter suppression in my opinion.”

Lockhart said he understood why the polling place had to be removed from the Kibbie Dome in 2016 but is happy they

the U.S., submit a photo, attend an interview and more.

The F-1 visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. and applying for a student visa does not mean you will receive a visa.

“I don’t have anything in my passport,” Wesseling said. “There’s a lot of people that have an actual visa in their passport and they go through this whole interview process. I didn’t have to do any of that. I basically just submitted a form, paid the fee and they accepted my visa.”

According to the U.S. Department of State, Canadian residents hoping to attend the U.S. for education purposes do not have to file for a variation called an F-120 form which is a less extensive process.

For Gautam, the process proved to be more extensive.

“I had to show proof of my family’s income, proof of property,” Gautam said.

“They just want to know I can invest money in the education system here.”

Another international student at UI, Rechelle Meade, came from Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory. To get her student visa, Meade made her way to the U.S. embassy in Barbados — about a full day of traveling.

“It was this massive building,” Meade said. “You can’t turn back because all the doors lock behind you.”

Both Meade and Gautam described the visa process as scary, because there is no guarantee you will be accepted.

“It’s very hard, I remember my friend who didn’t get it,” Gautam said. “We had the same scores, the same documents, but I got accepted and she didn’t.”

Wesseling said she assumes the reason Canadians seeking a student visa are exempt

from some restrictions other international students face is because our two countries sit so close together.

“Canada really has had a lot of international students, because they’re more welcoming and open to student visas,” Brolley said. “They also allow students to work, and our regulations don’t.”

Most jobs in the U.S. require applicants to be either citizens or green card holders, and as an international student under F-1 status, Gautam doesn’t qualify. She said her difficulty getting a job under various visa requirements and the ensuing financial burden is something she carries with her every day.

“If you want to work off-campus, you can’t. The job has to have some connection to your major, you can’t just work as a waitress or barista,” Gautam said.

And aside from their work environments, international students can run into issues in their personal and daily lives. Everything takes international students longer because of the sheer amount of new things they must learn to navigate, Brolley said.

“Lately, with the Department of Motor Vehicles, students have been having difficulty getting ID’s there,” Brolley said. “I always tell them, you don’t really want to be carrying your passport around because if you lose it, that’s not great. But they have to have some form of ID. So, if they have difficulties with getting an ID because the DMV is telling them they have to get a denial from the Social Security Office first — which is only in Lewiston — they then have to figure out how to get to Lewiston to apply for a social security card, which they’re not eligible for because

JANUARY 30, 2020

they’re not citizens.”

Brolley said the number one challenge international students face is making friends and connections with American students.

During her freshman year, Meade said she hardly spoke to anyone at all.

“My accent was really strong, and I speak really fast,” Meade said. “I hated repeating myself like 20 times for someone to understand one sentence.”

Luckily for Gautam, UI has enough Nepali students to form an association that celebrates their holidays and culture together.

“Every February, we have this event called ‘Taste of Nepal,’ where we do cultural dances and eat cultural food. It’s just one of the ways we connect back to where we came from,” Gautam said.

Brolley said she wants people to know that international students are experts in different parts of the world.

“They know Nepal, they know Bangladesh, they know Nigeria, they know India, they know China,” Brolley said. “They know things that we can’t possibly know. They have so much to give to our community. Without them, we’re not as rich.”

Like Gautam and Wesseling, Meade said she doesn’t mind being of a different culture. But Meade said she would have preferred to have people here that are of a similar culture to hers.

“I can never 100 percent be me, and that is the biggest struggle,” Meade said.

Angela Palermo can be reached at angelap@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @angelapalermo7

are working toward a more suitable space.

“It’s important to vote wherever you think it’s important to vote, but voting here makes a big difference,” Lockhart said. “This is a small town and literally every vote does matter.”

Alex Brizee can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @alex_brizee Alex Brizee | Argonaut

Henrianne Westberg, the Latah County Clerk, Auditor and Recorder, addresses the League of Women Voters meeting at 1912 Center on Jan. 22.

Argonaut Religion Directory Sunday Services Pastors:

Mr. Kirk Brower - Senior Pastor Mr. Kim Kirkland - Assistant Pastor Mr. Nate Anglen - Assistant Pastor

960 W. Palouse River Drive, Moscow 208-882-0674 www.bridgebible.org

Meeting at Short’s Chapel 1125 E. 6th St., Moscow

Sunday Worship Service — 10 a.m.

Christ Centered

www.moscowbible.com Pastor Josh Shetler 208-874-3701

Augustana Lutheran Church 711 Fairview Drive Moscow, ID 208-882-2015 Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. www.trinitymoscow.org College Dinner + Study at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday 10am 1015 West C St. Moscow moscowlutheran.org .

If you would like your belief-based organization to be included in the religion directory, please contact Student Media Advertising at

JANUARY 30, 2020

PAGE 5

LIFE

A space for all for 25 years Riley Helal | Argonaut

COMMUNITY LIFE

Creator and performers from TabiKat Productions look back on 25 years

relationships. You know, there’s always naysayers, but we’ve continued on. We have learned a lot of lessons and we have built an incredibly strong show and being a part of that is gratifying, humbling, and I’m just flabbergasted.”

Sprague said she enjoys seeing the performers’ relationships grow as they perform together. She said it’s “not a competition, this is family.” She also said she enjoys seeing performers grow individually in their craft.

“Every year I see young queers who are just discovering themselves, and watching them grow and find themselves through drag is amazing.

To be a part of that is amazing,” Sprague said.

Performers Aquasha DeLusty and Claudia Stubblemeyer will be hosting the 25th anniversary show.

Nicole Hindberg

ARGONAUT

On Kathy Sprague’s 30th birthday, 25 years ago, TabiKat Productions had their first show.

The name of the company is a mashup of Sprague and her wife, Tabitha Simmons, nicknames that they hate. The name is an inside joke between them.

However, the origin of the company came from a sad event. On Sprague’s 28th birthday, someone close to her passed away from AIDS complications. Two years later, as a way to move forward, TabiKat was born in order to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQA people.

Today, TabiKat shows are a community staple. Some of their events include Drag Bingo and I Slay Cabaret, an annual drag show put on at the University of Idaho.

Saturday, Feb. 1, will mark 25 years of having that safe and inclusive environment.

“I am a little flabbergasted,” Sprague said. “It feels great that we have this support and that we’ve built these

Emily Pearce | Argonaut

Hibiscus performs at the I Slay Cabaret show in October.

SEE DRAG, PAGE 6

COMMUNITY LIFE

Making professional writing development available to all Local group to hold first writing contest Nicole Hindberg

ARGONAUT

President of the Palouse Writers Guild, Khaliela Wright, understands the importance of having a writing group that allows for professional development.

Even though there are many writing groups in Moscow, Wright said she felt those groups didn’t give her the connection or feedback she was looking for in order to progress her writing forward. To try and remedy this, in 2016 Wright decided to bring those groups together to host workshops and bring in a large audience of writers.

“I know there are a ton of writers in the area that would love to have workshop opportunities nearby instead of having to travel to Boise or other places farther away,” Wright said.

Today, the Palouse Writer’s Guild has 258 members. Anyone is welcome to join the group and the membership is free; they just need an email for notifications when there are workshops.

“I think part of the reason that we don’t charge (for membership) is that we’re trying to make writing a hobby that’s accessible to everyone,” Wright said.

Wright said many first-time writers may feel excluded from the writing community, because most workshops and conferences are expensive or are in big cities. Those who live in small towns might not be able to travel or afford those things.

Right now the Palouse Writers Guild is holding their first writing contest. The

contest is open to everyone, regardless of whether they’re in the group or not.

In order to remain impartial, because members of the group have expressed interest in submitting to the contest, it will be judged by librarians from the Latah County Library District and the Neill Public Library.

To be considered for the contest, two copies of the first chapter of a novel of any genre must be mailed to: PO Box 52, Viola, ID 83872. Submission fees are $10 per entry. Multiple entries can be submitted and must be postmarked by Feb. 15.

The first place prize is $100, second place is a $50 Book People of Moscow gift card and 3rd place is a $25 Book People of Moscow gift card.

The full contest rules can be found on the Palouse Writer’s Guild website.

Winners for the contest will be announced on June 27 during the group’s “Books & Brews” event. On that day there will be a writing workshop in the morning and “Books & Brews” will be held in the evening.

Wright said if a writer wants to get better they have to practice or take a class, and sometimes that might not be an option for everyone.

“Our goal is to really make professional development and access to writing available to as many people as we can so people can improve upon their craft in an accessible and affordable way,” Wright said.

Nicole Hindberg can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @HindbergNicole.

Books about creative writing.

Nicole Hindberg | Argonaut

ARGONAUT

JANUARY 30, 2020

DRAG FROM PAGE 5

DeLusty has been doing drag for 18 years and 16 of those were with TabiKat. She said the environment at TabiKat shows are so unique you have to see it in order to experience it properly.

“Whatever preconceived notions you have, you have to let them go because they’re probably not true,” DeLusty said.

DeLusty said these shows are not only important for this community because it brings people together, but it also provides a safe environment for those who may not be comfortable with their sexuality yet.

“There’s always someone there where it’s their first time feeling comfortable, (the shows) are there for that purpose,” DeLusty said.

Stubblemeyer started performing with TabiKat in spring of 2004 and continued to perform with them until the end of 2015 when she moved to Boise. Stubblemeyer is coming back to Moscow in order to co-host the show.

Stubblemeyer said if anyone is interested in performing, they should just try it out. She also said to try out whatever you want, because everyone’s expression is different than what many people view the stereotype of drag is.

“There is no right or wrong way to do drag,” Stubblemeyer said.

Stubblemeyer said a unique aspect of TabiKat shows is they are 18 and over shows. Typically drag shows are held in bars and taking out that factor changes the atmosphere of the show.

“With these shows you really have an environment of people who want to be there and enjoy themselves (and) want to be entertained, as well as a safe space for people who may not be out in a different environment yet,” Stubblemeyer said.

TabiKat asks all people wanting to perform with them attend a session of Drag 101. These sessions cover character creation, music submission and policies specific to their shows, according to their event page.

Performers Jena Sepa and Maxwell Edgelord performed their first duet the same month after attending a Drag 101 session. Sepa’s first session was two years ago, and they have been performing with TabiKat ever since.

Sepa not only performs with TabiKat, but they are also a photographer for the company. They take photos of other

PAGE 6

performer’s sets and helps run TabiKat’s Instagram page.

“I have never found an environment where I’ve been more empowered at every turn,” Sepa said.

They added people should come to the shows because the environment can’t be described, it has to be experienced.

Edgelord said an important part of the show is the beginning, when hostesses explain the ground rules of the show.

Edgelord said he loves the audience at every show.

“The audience is always so amped, even when it’s a smaller crowd,” he said.

“Everyone has high energy and is excited to be there and participate in the art that we’re creating.”

Edgelord said he is grateful for the multiple spaces similar to TabiKat in this community and the opportunities Faye Queen at the I Slay Cabaret show in October. they provide.

“TabiKat “You know, my 80th birthday is going shows are really a special space in this to be awesome,” Sprague said referring to community, and we’re lucky in today’s her plans for the future. day and age to have more than a couple The 25th anniversary show will be held queer spaces that are challenging norms at the 1912 Center. The show is 18 and and ideas and (are) overall creating a safe environment for trans and queer people in over with a separate bar for those 21 and over. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the first set general,” Edgelord said. begins at 10 p.m.

Sprague is excited to continue putting Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on these shows for as long as she can, at Safari Pearl for $8 or for $10 at the door. and she hopes people come and check out their shows.

The show is hosted by Claudia

Vandal

Daily

Emily Pearce | Argonaut

Stubblemeyer and Aquasha DeLusty and features performances by Roderick VonSchlong, Lily Longlegs, Miss Demeanor, Ty Grass, Jena Sepa, Maxwell Edgelord and The TabiKat Toms.

Nicole Hindberg can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @HindbergNicole.

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JANUARY 30, 2020

PAGE 7

Sports MEN’S BASKETBALL

Trevon Allen and his historic 1000 points Interim Head Coach Zac Claus speaks highly of Allen’s career at Idaho Armin Mesinovic

ARGONAUT

In a career-defining moment against Eastern Washington University, senior guard Trevon Allen hit a three-point shot to solidify his name in Idaho Vandal history, as the 17th player in school history to score 1000 points.

Allen moves his name up the list as he continues to perform throughout the rest of his senior season.

He gave his appreciation to teammates and coaches from the past and present who helped him grow and become a better player and leader.

“Credit to all my teammates that I have played with. Every day going at them in practice, making it tough and holding me accountable to do good things every day in practice and trusting me on the court,” Allen said.

“I think it has helped build my confidence and get me to where I’m at.”

The Lapwai, Idaho, native started his career at Idaho in the 2016-2017 season, where he appeared in all 33 games and

what he can do to try and help the team,” Blakney said. “On game day, he’ll have his headphones on, locked in and ready to go and that’s something I always see Trevon doing that carries on to me that it’s time to lock in and play.”

Interim Head Coach Zac Claus has been coaching Allen throughout his career in Idaho and has been involved with his progression and growth throughout the years.

“His ability to score in what we’re doing as a five-man group on the floor, as opposed to feeling like, ‘I’m going to do this by myself,’ he has relied on teammates to get him great passes, set screens to get him open and he’s scored in the structure of what we’re trying to do as a team,” said Claus.

“It’s a tribute to his

started in 11. He averaged 5.1 points and 2.1 rebounds. He scored 169 points on the year; the second-best performance by a true freshman under former Head Coach Don Verlin.

Allen scored a career-best 25 points and shot a perfect 14/14 from the free throw line on senior day. It was the third-best performance in team history.

Since his freshman season, Allen’s numbers have continued to grow with him.

He averaged 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists his junior season with a 29 point career best.

Halfway through his senior season, he has recorded 20 points per game and leads the Big Sky Conference.

One of Allen’s teammates, junior forward Scott Blakney, played against Allen in high school and his decision to play at Idaho was influenced by the opportunity to play with his former opponent. Blakney has noticed certain aspects of Allen’s game preparation that have helped him.

“He is a different guy on game day, he is completely locked in on what he needs to do on game day, he knows what he needs to do as far as the scouting report and

work ethic, his patience and his continued improvement to his own game.”

Now as the head coach, Claus talks about the impact Allen has made and the experience he had coaching him.

“He’s one of the most eventempered guys I’ve ever been around,” said Claus. “He’s got the ability to be coached, he’s going to help the group on a daily basis and his leadership is more so by example than anything else, and the guys know he’s going to show up on time, have good energy and do whatever he can for the team.”

After his senior season, Allen will continue to play basketball at a professional level.

“That’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, being able to play as long as I can so hopefully after this, with God’s blessing, I can go somewhere to continue playing,” Allen said.

As Trevon Allen finishes up the season and continues contributing points for his team, his name will keep rising in the record books at the University of Idaho.

Armin Mesinovic can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter arminmesinovic

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Vandals look for their first away win Vandals look to break their losing streak with more intensity in upcoming games Armin Mesinovic

ARGONAUT

Since the beginning of Big Sky Conference (BSC) play, the Idaho Vandals have posted a record of 1-7 in their last eight games without a win on the road.

Interim Head Coach Zac Claus looks to rally his team in the final half of the season by focusing on hard work in practice, studying scouting reports and tightening offensive possessions to allow for more scoring opportunities.

“We’ve got to continue to work hard each and every day in practice, ramp up the attention to detail to, honing in on scouting reports and understanding who you’re guarding each and every night, execution offensively, setting great screens and taking care of the ball so we finish every possession taking a great shot. And if we can do those things then we can start winning games,” said Claus.

The Vandals have five losses within four points or less. The recent loss of 28 points against Southern Utah is the biggest point deficit they’ve had in conference play this season.

Senior guard Trevon Allen has led the way for the Vandals, averaging 19.5 points and in the BSC he has raised it to 20.3.

Idaho is on a five-game losing streak with a threegame road stretch coming up. The team will look to capitalize and win its first away game against Northern Arizona on Saturday.

The Vandals are averaging 43.8% shooting from two-point field goals with most of their points coming from inside the paint. They will continue looking for that success in upcoming games. Their three-point shots are still being developed; they are shooting 30.5% from behind the arc.

Bench scoring and second-chance points have been a factor all season and will continue as the season goes on.

“It’s been huge, we’re trying to get the ball in the paint whether it be on post touches or penetration. We’re trying to get ourselves to the line so we can score with the clock stopped and hit free throws,” Claus said. “At the same time, we’ve got depth now, because we’ve become more healthy, and we rely on all of our guys that are expected to be ready to go in a moment’s notice. We just got to do a little bit more to finish off games.”

The Vandals are currently last in the BSC and will look to turn things around in February.

Saydee Brass | Argonaut

Idaho coach Zac Claus talks to the team during a timeout on Jan. 25 in Cowan Spectrum, the Vandals played Northern Colorado.

Armin Mesinovic can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @arminmesinovic

PAGE 8

ARGONAUT

JANUARY 30, 2020

Zack Kellogg | Argonaut

Kobe Bryant memorabilia in Coach Jon Newlee’s office.

BASKETBALL

Remembering a legend With the passing of an NBA legend, fans reflect on the impact of Kobe Bryant.

Zack Kellogg

ARGONAUT

There are always people that appear larger than life. These people are seen as a symbol and everyone, even their peers, admire them.

The late basketball legend Kobe Bryant was one of those people — he was larger than just the game.

Bryant was renowned for not just the highlight plays, accomplishments and records, but for the work he put in every day at practice. He would often stay for hours after others had gone home to perfect his skills.

Idaho Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jon Newlee always admired Bryant, preaching his commitment to the sport to

the teams he’s coached.

“I just gave our team his book, ‘The Mamba Mentality’, right after Christmas break,” Newlee said. “I always reference (Bryant’s) work ethic and his killer instinct; his ability to close games out.”

Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” was a signature catchphrase that encapsulated the mindset of locking into your goals and never stopping until they are reached.

When the news broke on Jan. 26 that Bryant, his daughter and seven others died in a helicopter crash in California, it shocked Newlee and the world. “(It was) so tragic. It was crushing news for me,” Newlee said. “Heartbreaking for me and millions of people. Just because I think everybody did admire (Bryant’s) ‘Mamba Mentality’ and the things he brought, not just on the court, but off the court as well.”

The untimely passing of the 41-year-old former NBA legend has left a hole in the

hearts of millions who grew up watching the Black Mamba dominate the league.

“Growing up in Southern California, for 20 years, (Bryant) was my guy, I watched the Lakers as a kid. I’ve watched him my whole life,” Newlee said. “When I found out it was true, just my heart was broken for him, his family.”

The day after his passing, many honored Bryant’s life and career during games.

Idaho Men’s Basketball senior guard Trevon Allen wore a pair of Bryant’s shoes. The message “R.I.P 24” was written on the heel, along with several other teammates as respect to Bryant.

Bryant’s passion for the game and willingness to inspire others drove players like men’s basketball sophomore center Jack Wilson through life’s toughest obstacles.

“When I was out on my injury, I was constantly just watching Kobe videos,” Wilson said. “His motivational talks, his

workouts, anything just to stay in love with the game.”

Newlee had the chance to witness Bryant workout first-hand while coaching in Hawaii, watching Bryant perfect the smallest things and shooting hundreds of shots after practice had been long over.

That work ethic drove Bryant to finish his career as third on the NBA all-time scoring list and labeled one of the clutchest athletes ever seen in sports.

Bryant will always be remembered in the hearts of fans everywhere and will be missed by the sports world for everything he lived by: love for the game, love for the work, love for family and everyone close to you.

Zack Kellogg can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @kellogg_zack.

could offer.

Jennifer Lopez does a Selena cover during the halftime show (+225) Again, this one is a slam dunk to root for. Lopez’s career was first catapulted by her portrayal of the late Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 film “Selena,” and Lopez’s constant stardom in the ensuing years would be difficult to imagine without this first step.

Add in Selena’s continuing cultural impact with a forthcoming Netflix series due to release this year along with the 25th anniversary of her death, and there is plenty of reason to pay tribute to one of the first truly mainstream Latin artists that paved the way for acts like Lopez and coheadliner Shakira.

At least 3.5 commercials will feature a dog (-135) At this point in our social media existence, I wouldn’t be surprised if every advertising pitch considering the Super Bowl started with some form of dog-focused approach. There are no true one-size-fits-all tricks that can get all

100 million viewers to remain focused during breaks in the action, but those that include some puppy or rescue are usually the safest bets. I personally have trouble maintaining composure whenever I see the 2015 Anheuser-Busch commercial that features a cross-species bond between a golden retriever and Clydesdale that could warm even the Grinch’s heart. If you can’t bring yourself to root for a team, at least root for as many dogs as possible. If you only want to root for dogs, Animal Planet is also running the 16th edition of the “Puppy Bowl” on the same day to highlight shelter dogs that are up for adoption.

With an expected $6.8 billion wagered on this year’s big game, there’s no shortage of money on the line in increasingly bizarre bets. Whether you choose to add your change to the pot or simply need an imaginary interest, there’s something entertaining to be found for all on Super Bowl Sunday.

Jonah Baker can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu

COLUMN

Super Bowl idiosyncrasies Jonah Baker Column

ARGONAUT Each year, the NFL’s climax becomes more and more of a spectacle in spite of itself. The growing acceptance of sports betting has caused plenty of growth in what was a niche industry, elevating the ever-interesting prop bet.

Whether it be something simple like an over-under on the length of the national anthem or something more exotic like whether or not any player ends with exactly 69 yards, there is something for everyone to root for. Here are a few of the best props I could find in terms of entertainment (not investment) value.

Anytime touchdown scorer Kyle Juszczyk (+500) and Anthony Sherman (+800).

This is an easy one. Football is

exponentially more fun when it’s weird, and fullbacks with a meaningful role in the offense almost always make things weird.

Add in the fact that the head coaches Kyle Shanahan for the San Fransisco 49ers and Andy Reid for the Kansas City Chiefs are some of the most creative offensive minds in the game, rooting for the oftforgotten fullbacks of either team to score a touchdown is both an entertaining and possibly productive endeavor.

If a fan runs on the field, who will tackle it first - Another fan (+650).

Given the special atmosphere that comes with a Super Bowl hosted in Miami, all possibilities are on the table for fan debauchery.

Yes, the NFL banned tailgating at Super Bowl 2020, but I still believe in the dedication of fans to get rowdy and risky.

A fan running on the field is a glorious gift by itself, but the thought of a righteous (and equally misguided) second fan taking it upon themselves to enact some form of justice would be infinitely more memorable and entertaining than anything the game itself

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Newlee & co. continue to dominate the Big Sky With a change in power sweeping the Big Sky, Idaho women remain at the top.

Zack Kellogg

ARGONAUT

Despite losing two hall of fame players last season, Idaho Women’s Basketball has not stepped off the gas pedal in the Big Sky Conference (BSC).

The Vandals (12-5, 7-1 BSC) are one of the top teams in the conference thus far, sitting just one win behind Montana State (12-6, 8-1 BSC).

After suffering a disappointing loss on the road against Portland State (12-8, 6-4 BSC) on Jan. 2, 74-53, Idaho has rattled off five-straight wins; its best streak this season.

“Our defense is really fueling our energy and just keeping that up will hopefully just keep the season going,” junior guard Janie King said. “We bring a lot of energy and effort every game. That’s what we kind of try to do as a team every night.”

In recent years, the Vandals have been an offensive juggernaut, but

have put a great emphasis on the defensive end.

Associate Head Coach Krista Sanford has been praised by Head Coach Jon Newlee for the defensive strides the team has made.

King was recruited as a threepoint specialist. She grabbed some tips from Mikayla Ferenz and Taylor Pierce, two of the best shooters to ever play at the college level, to elevate her game to the next level.

King has now moved in the direction of expanding her defensive game, the team “working on defense every day” has allowed King to grow. “(King is) feeling very confident shooting the basketball when she came back from her concussion,” Newlee said. “(King has) really played at a higher level defensively for us – that’s where her minutes started to, you know, to pile up a little bit and then of course shooting the basketball at a high level.”

Idaho has the top defense in the conference this season, keeping games close and allowing the winning streak to grow.

Despite taking a slight step back

offensively, the Vandals still have plenty of ways to get points.

Going into Saturday’s game against Northern Arizona (9-9, 6-3 BSC), Idaho will have a tough test against one of the best offensive teams this season.

Junior post Khiarica Rasheed is the team’s leading scorer, but redshirt sophomore transfer from University of California Santa Barbara, Nina Radford, is seen as the x-factor who could end the winning streak. “(Radford is) a hard guard, tall kid who can score inside now,” Newlee said. “This year (Northern Arizona is) scoring at a high level.

But defensively, we’ll do what we’ve been doing—get back and keep our energy high.”

The Vandals play Northern Arizona at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in Cowan Spectrum.

Zack Kellogg can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @kellogg_zack. edu

JANUARY 30, 2020

PAGE 9

Opinion EDITORIAL

Bringing in the international community Perspective on immigration policies affecting International Student population

There is no doubt international students make up an important part of our campus population. Adding diverse perspectives to the University of Idaho, our campus relies heavily on international students.

Recently, there has been a decline in student enrollment, specifically within the international student population.

In 2015, UI had a steady population of 766 international students from 79

GUEST VOICE

countries. A more recent report in 2019 stated that UI had a reduced population of 652 international students from 70 countries according to UI’s Fall Census Overview.

Due to immigration policies, such as the various travel bans enacted by President Trump international students are enrolling not only outside of Idaho but the United States as a whole. The bipartisan atmosphere that politics has inherited has led to an intense separation of views – creating a more hostile environment.

Hong Kong for thought

A rundown of what’s happening in Hong Kong and why Americans should pay closer attention

Aaron Bharucha ASUI Senator

While America was watching fireworks hit the sky on New Year’s Day, almost 400 protestors were being arrested in Hong Kong.

This uproar, which has been ongoing for the past year, is in direct response to a bill brought forth by the Hong Kong government. This bill would allow the extraditions of fugitives to mainland China.

Due to the lack of transparency in China’s legal system, the protesters and other critics of the bill had expressed concerns that Beijing could use the bill to prosecute people for political reasons.

As the protests have progressed, the dissidents had developed five main demands: 1. Fully withdraw the extradition bill.

2. Set up an independent inquiry into

The university does a good job at creating a safe space for all students, but politics isn’t the only challenge international students have to face.

Students face all sorts of stress from being able to receive an education, finances and judgments from being a non-US citizen.

Not all students are guaranteed a work visa which makes finding a job hard. Most jobs require citizenship, a work visa or green card. Financing essentials, such as food and living costs, can become tricky to

those who do not fit job requirements.

It isn’t hard to see why students are deciding to pursue education elsewhere.

We may not be able to change the inner workings of the administration, but we can change how we perceive and treat others.

As a community, we can make students feel accepted and welcome as they navigate their new environment. We should be concerned about these numbers going down, and we should ask for change but the work shouldn’t stop there.

– Editorial Board

POLITOON

the alleged police brutality occurring during the protests.

3. Withdraw previous characterizations of protests as “riots.”

4. Release those arrested at the protests.

5. Implement universal suffrage in Hong Kong.

While the bill was suspended in June 2019

by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, the other four issues are still demanding redress.

In June 2019, Amnesty International reported 14 incidents of excessive use of force by the Hong Kong police.

“The use of force during the protest violated international human rights law and standards,” the Amnesty International report said.

Furthermore, video and photo evidence has shown that the Hong Kong police are freely and liberally using tear gas as a deterrent – a method contrary to what the Hong Kong Police Tactical Unit (PTU) training manual suggests “(Tear gas) not only affects the target (but) can also spread to nearby and even relatively far-off places and people,” according to the PTU training manual.

The manual goes on to say, tear gas becomes deadlier in business districts and

Mic Dougherty | Argonaut

densely populated areas, because it can contaminate the central air conditioning systems in office buildings as well as the subway ventilation fans.

The only inquiries into this abuse have been by the Independent Police Complaints Council, run by the Hong Kong Police Force. This is counteractive, as results published will always be in the best interest of the police department. An independent inquiry by a party that does not rely on police cooperation is key to reveal the truth of the misconduct.

More than 1,000 of the 7,000 arrested protestors have been charged – 12 of those receiving sentences. The charges include rioting, arson and possession of weapons.

Amnesty is crucial, because rioting is one of the most serious charges, where an individual can face up to 10 years in prison.

Implementing universal suffrage in Hong Kong is a crucial step toward a transparent, fair and permeable government. The current process for electing the chief executive is dominated by pro-establishment people and/or members of special-interest groups.

Together, these demands represent a long-standing call for full democracy — something Hong Kong lacks due to its exclusive, opaque process for electing leaders. The United States Congress has openly condemned the acts of Hong Kong police and shown support for the Free Hong Kong Pro-Democracy protests. To understand what exactly the people we elected are taking a stance on, the American public should further educate themselves on this complex, controversial issue.

GUEST VOICE

The future of student space The importance behind renaming the ISUB Jacob Lockhart ASUI President

It is no great secret that something is greatly lacking at the University of Idaho.

Take a stroll across any modern university and one will inevitably find the student union building. In almost all cases, these buildings serve as the heart of the university. Student unions act as incredible centers of student life and epitomize the pride of any university.

Even the name, student union, calls upon each of us to engage with something greater than ourselves, to look outward and explore the powerful feeling of belonging we all strive for.

The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) clearly state the role of the student union in 2020, “The college union advances a sense of community,

unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We bolster the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners by delivering an array of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs, services, and facilities.”

Take a stroll across the University of Idaho campus and people won’t find a building that quite embodies this vision. That is, not yet at least.

Let’s take a look at where we have been and where we are going for the future of student space at the University of Idaho.

Renamed the Bruce Pitman Center in 2014, the original Student Union Building (SUB) started as the Blue Bucket Inn and was officially named the SUB in 1937. It served as a significant center for campus activity for many years, housing restaurants and a bowling alley into the 1990s.

When the Idaho Commons opened in 2000, it served as something of a joint union, though the then-SUB started to slowly serve more as a functional office building and less a space for daily student life. Eating

establishments disappeared, so did the bowling alley and eventually student life shifted closer to the center of campus.

It is uncommon to find those who remember the Pitman Center as the SUB, though it had not been anything resembling a true student union for many, many years.

The Idaho Commons was designed as a central campus hub. Its original, and noble, intention was to be a place for all to gather and spend time during the day between classes and appointments. Yet in many ways, it has not been able to uphold that original intention. Something needed to change.

The renaming of the Commons to the Idaho Student Union Building (ISUB) is the most recent step in a long march to actualizing a true student union building here at the University of Idaho. This has been a multi-year effort to revitalize the heart of our campus and to put students at the center of that revitalization.

This is more than a renaming – a structural overhaul that now provides a governing board represented almost entirely by students. The ISUB board will

work to put student voices at the forefront of the decisions and happenings of the ISUB space. The opportunities this board offers are profound and flexible enough to meet the needs of students now and for years to come.

The ISUB is not the end of a long mission. In fact, it is merely the beginning.

The ISUB is synonymous with the future of the University of Idaho.

In relation to the ASUI, the ISUB means a student-centered organization that engages in shared decision making, holistic development and advocating for inclusivity and equity by valuing all individuals. The ISUB also means educating students in leadership and social responsibility by offering firsthand experiences in global citizenship. Finally, the ISUB means providing gathering spaces to encourage formal and informal community interactions that build meaningful and long-lasting relationships.

The ISUB means a lot, but more than anything, the ISUB means the future of student space here at the University of Idaho and I invite you all to be part of that future.

PAGE 10

ARGONAUT

GUEST VOICE

Idahoans Deserve a Second Chance Working to remove barriers to employment.

Representaive Ilana Rubel and Senator Dave Lent

Our criminal justice system is intended to ensure an appropriate penalty associate with crime. We refer to this as paying one’s debt to society. However, under some of Idaho’s current laws, the payment never seems to stop.

Courts assign formal penalties including prison time, probation and fines, but these can often be the least of a former offender’s difficulties.

The bigger problem is collateral consequences, which follow individuals far beyond the end of any time served.

It isn’t hard to link these collateral consequences with the high rate of return to the correctional system.

People affected by collateral consequences are friends or family members of those who committed relatively minor offenses. Unfortunately, these records follow them forever and can severely affect their ability to find housing or a job.

Their criminal record will follow them to every job and housing application. It can be the first and last question companies ask before turning them away.

The resulting higher rates of unemployment, underemployment and homelessness for these individuals increases the risk they will reoffend.

Without money or a roof over their head, it’s no surprise Idaho’s recidivism rate is 35% for felony offenders.

In Idaho, if you are over 18 at the time of the offense, everything stays on your record however, most states don’t operate this way. In fact, 41 states and the District of Columbia offer some mechanism for record-sealing for adults.

The most comprehensive study showed for those with relatively minor offenses, that are 22% more likely to be employed. If previously employed, their wages are 25% higher after sealing. Most

Letter

TO

the

importantly, this was accomplished with no threat to public safety.

The recidivism rates for these former offenders are extremely low and arrest rates with sealed records are 29% lower than the public at large. This study showed a 1% felony recidivism rate for those who successfully had their records sealed.

When given a chance to get their lives back on track, they did not want to blow their opportunity by reoffending.

Only infractions, misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies below a defined threshold would be sealed. This means law enforcement and judges would still have access to ensure repeat offenders are accounted for.

It’s time for Idaho to seriously start addressing reform of our criminal justice system.

Many of these folks deserve a second chance, but we continue to hand out collateral life sentences.

We are proposing legislation referred to as “Clean Slate” bill. This bill would allow those who have committed nonviolent, non-sexual offenses to petition to have their public record sealed.

Former offenders whould have to have completed their sentence and have at least three years without reoffending to petition a court to have their public record sealed.

If they can make a case they are no longer a threat to society, they can earn a real shot to get their lives back on track.

We need those with criminal records to succeed, not reoffend.

Taxpayers are footing the bill every time a person is reincarcerated, it’s better for all of us when more of our citizens are employed.

Let’s work to remove barriers to employment and empower them to learn from their mistakes instead of setting former offenders for a life of frustration and desperation.

Editor

JULY 17, 2019

NUTRITION

Get that beef My relationship with vegetarianism

Emily Pearce Column

ARGONAUT I throw a soy hotdog into the microwave uncovered and nuke it for 30 seconds too long. Unlike regular meat, my burnt, plant-based hotdog is bubbled and stretched. But I still put it into a bun and drench it with ketchup. It tastes the same as always, and after my meal I am left with two things: a guilt free conscious and eight grams of protein.

I have been eating plant based off and on for roughly five years. My relationship with vegetarianism is as complicated as the ingredients in beef hotdogs.

In high school, I started to experiment with being a vegetarian. I cut all meat out of my diet, and it was relatively easy to stick to.

Throughout my life, I haven’t been much of a meat fan. Cutting out meat only changed where I choose to eat out and what substitutions my friends’ parents made when I came over for dinner. It was when I came to college that I got a lot of unexpected backlash from my peers.

People asked me why I would want to be a vegetarian. My answer would be a combination of using my picky appetite as an excuse, concern for my health and because I wanted to. Their response is usually a list of nags and excessive taunts with food I don’t crave anymore.

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There is a lot of stigma around vegetarian and vegan diets. It raises questions of: is it sustainable, is it cost effective and does it provide enough protein?

Harvard Health states in their article, “Becoming a Vegetarian,” that a plant based diet is “not only nutritionally sufficient but also as a way to reduce the risk for many chronic illnesses.”

Practicing portion control, eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and replacing trans fats with good fats is a great way to achieve good health. They also point out that “a diet of soda, cheese pizza, and candy, after all, is technically “vegetarian.’” Even though vegetarianism is considered to be “healthier”, it is still important to be conscious about what food we are consuming.

Being vegetarian can also be cost effective - meat is expensive. Cutting it out of recipes or replacing it with certain vegetables can make meals less expensive.

As a college student I’m able to make most of my meals with the little budget I have. I’m also relatively healthy.

People often ask me, “is it exhausting moderating your diet?”

My answer - we should all be aware of what we put into our bodies - plant-based or not.

Being vegetarian has changed how I view my health and what I put into my body.

It is important to be aware of what we are consuming and to be content with our health.

Emily Pearce can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu

ARGONAUT

When I was younger, I used to spend hours glued to the television at my grandparents’ house, casually flipping through the channels but usually ending up on three important ones. Channels 34, 44 and 46 were my holy trinity of Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and the History Channel. In the mid-aughts, one could rely on each for a combination of awe-inspiring content and genuine education about anything from sharks to chivalry. However, I was always taken by the entertaining and informative approach to the past and conquests I could get from the History Channel.

Of course, the days of such programming are long past, and I would bet that few consumers give any real time to those networks nowadays. However, Netflix’s original-content binge has rediscovered and reinvigorated a niche of storytelling beholden to our near-truths which are sometimes stranger (or at least more entertaining) than fiction.

Netflix’s forays into historical dramatization began in 2016 with the first season of “Roman Empire.” As a true-tofacts documentary, it almost assuredly comes short, but the production value is clear and brings often untaught stories of the Empire to light in an entertaining manner. With dramatized investigations into lesser-known but fascinating emperors like Commodus and Caligula, Netflix takes advantage of a gap in our general knowledge as an excuse to make use of Sean Bean’s skills as a narrator and produce a fascinating look into Roman politics in a digestible format.

At the end of 2019, and in the early days of 2020, Netflix released two more dramatized versions of historical turning points. “The Last Czars” covers the final years of the Romanov dynasty and the remarkable failings of Nicholas II at almost every turn imaginable. Personally, I remember very little teaching from any point in my education about the fall of the Romanovs. Prior to going through the

series, my understanding was that Russia retreated from the first World War and magically transitioned from dynasty to Leninism in a short period of time, and there might have been some guy named Rasputin involved.

Four and a half hours later, I was decidedly less ignorant and terrified of anyone with as dangerous a mixture of charisma and influence as Rasputin existing ever again. By positioning the fall of the Romanovs over a relatively short span of material, their descent from opulence to exile and termination is far more effective than any combination of words on a page in a similarly digestible medium.

“Ottoman Rising” chronicles the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 that toppled the remains of the Roman Empire and catapulted the Ottoman Empire onto the world stage. Much like those of the lesser-known Roman Emperors and final Russian monarchs, the story of Mehmed II and his history-altering conquest of the Middle Ages’ largest city was unjustly footnoted in the minds of most. The Ottoman Empire in general gets a backseat in our history books, and productions like this help bridge the information gap in a meaningful manner.

Like the other series, “Ottoman Rising” features asides from accredited experts to provide context at the expense of suspending belief. However, for me, this is probably the best approach to take in a genre that has a defined ceiling. One can feel the authenticity in the story derived from accurate castings, costumes, and just enough special effects to add enough war movie spectacle to what is truly an educational exercise.

Barring natural inclination to history, it can be quite difficult to find the time and determination to parse through monotonous Wikipedia pages (or even worse, textbooks) to get a clearer picture of the world that was. Netflix has been ominously clear in its desires to monopolize streaming content, which gives the viewer plenty of reason to fill in the blanks and errors left by each show in exchange for narrative value. While not perfect, this approach to making history digestible is worth commending and recommending as an introduction to the stories we forget and lessons we may not have learned otherwise.

Jonah Baker can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu or on Twitter @jonahpbaker