The Argonaut | February 1, 2024

February 1, 2023

UIARGONAUT.COM

FOR, OF AND

BY THE STUDENTS SINCE 1898

‘I don’t want to be ashamed to be a vandal’ Volleyball player details alleged abuse by coach Joanna Hayes ARGONAUT

Three weeks into the season, hope seemed lost. Three weeks into the season, the alleged abuse started waving its red flag.

Three weeks into the season, she wondered if she wanted to quit.

A player from the 2023-24 University of Idaho women’s volleyball team shared her personal experience and accounts of the alleged abuse from Head Coach Chris Gonzalez with the Argonaut. The scandal made headlines initially in the Orange County Register in late December, when several anonymous and named volleyball members told their stories to the California

news outlet.

They detailed physical, emotional and mental abuse as well as experiences on and off the court with Gonzalez, a former Olympic volleyball coach who has had 15 coaching positions in 21 years.

One player decided to tell her story as a Vandal, and as someone who hopes and desires to stay a Vandal. She told the Argonaut that she saw the signs three weeks into her time as a Vandal athlete. The Argonaut granted her anonymity in telling her story, because of the sensitive nature of the issue and an ongoing investigation into the matter by UI. After spending her freshman and sophomore years at a different college,

the former Idaho assistant coaching staff recruited the player. She had little to no interaction with Gonzalez before signing to the university and arriving in Moscow for summer training. A few weeks after her initial commitment, the assistant coaching staff, those who she had interacted with, and learned about the program from, left.

She says she almost never saw Gonzalez during summer training. The season seemed bright and hopeful. She had made the leap, crossed the river from a different college to a NCAA Division I school. She was ready for the competition to rise exponentially.

She was prepared for higher expectations, for grueling training. She was ready to be a Vandal.

James Taurman-Aldrich | Argonaut

All that changed after the team’s third tournament of the 2023 season. The Idaho volleyball players travelled to Edwardsville, Illinois, where they would reach a record of 1-9 (the team’s record over the last two years in 5-51). She said that Gonzalez put Idaho in this tournament to win. He thought they would win these games, and then they didn’t.

“He freaked out on us on the bench,” the player said. “He took us aside and threw the line up at us and said ‘I don’t even know who wants to f---- play.’ It kind of felt like at that point he had given up on us.”

Hope wanes The Sept. 8-9 tournament was the moment this player’s vision for the season blurred red. She could only see warning signs, signs to leave, after that moment. A coach she barely knew, barely interacted with, gave up hope three weeks in, she said.

“I’ve played the game for 14 years, and I’ve never had a coach behave like that. And I’ve had some hard a-- coaches,” she said.

The signs and alleged abuse became ever more frequent as the season went on, as the losses piled up and the players became exhausted. She said after the team traveled to Northern Arizona University on Sept. 23, Gonzalez held a team meeting. This was nothing out of the ordinary. However, at this meeting Gonzalez reportedly proceeded to show a failure montage video of a single player, a video of mistake after mistake one player made.

The player said the team has an audio recording of this meeting. The NAU incident motivated players to approach administration. They brought forward audio recordings, video evidence and, as the player put it, an approximately 26-page long document that details any and all accounts of physical, mental and emotional abuse they allegedly were victims of at the hands of Gonzalez.

SEE VOLLEYBALL, PAGE 3

Players celebrate a point against Montana State University

Reaction to King Road Demo Law Students on ui school opinion decision sued Rebekah Weaver ARGONAUT

three students claim discrimination Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT

The University of Idaho College of Law is facing its third lawsuit in the past few years.

Three students filed the lawsuit in September of 2023. The original lawsuit has been amended in December of 2023. The three students in the lawsuit are referred to as Jane Doe, Kelly Doe and John Doe. According to court documents and public records, the University’s Law Department receives federal funding. Due to this, they must follow non-discrimination laws.

According to the plaintiffs, this policy has not been met.

The plaintiffs are current and former students at the College of Law and claim that they have endured discriminatory treatment from the staff, fellow students, and the university itself. The plaintiffs also claim that these actions have caused them to leave Idaho for their safety.

All the plaintiffs identify with the LGBTQIA+ community and have disabilities. Furthermore, two are people of color.

Kelly and John Doe currently attend school remotely, and Jane Doe has switched schools.

SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 4

News, 1

Life, 6

Sports, 8

Opinion, 10

The demolition of the King Road house, site to the crime scene where four University of Idaho students were murdered last year, took place in the early morning of Thursday, Dec. 28, during the university’s Christmas break. This led to an array of different reactions from current students at UI. Despite the victims’ families issuing a statement that begged for it not to be done, the university still went ahead with the demolition as planned. The school aimed to reduce the effect of the demolition on students by scheduling the demolition to occur over the break, as opposed to during the semester.

Students had varying reactions to the news that the demolition had occurred over the break, ranging from strong agreement with the timing of the demolition and the need for healing to questioning if it was truly the right call.

Jorja Darrow, a sophomore at UI, gave her opinion as to why she believed it was a mistake.

“It was demolished a little too soon, because it’s an ongoing investigation and the trial hasn’t even begun,” Darrow said.

“I know they [the university] wanted to do it for healing purposes but I think it’s more important to have the evidence than tear it down.”

Darrow also expressed her concern towards potential lack of evidence, with a trial date for Bryan Kohberger not having been set thus far. She commented on how she thought the demolition of the house did not make a big difference in the healing process.

Samantha Shaffer, a senior at UI, had a varying point of view.

“The scene was already contaminated enough with how many people were in and out of there. I think it gave the parents a little bit of relief and resolution,” Shaffer said. “There is no resolution for the parents with a trial right now, since it hasn’t started yet, and a jury wouldn’t even be able to go in there, so they would have to go off the pictures anyways.”

Shaffer continued to agree with the university as to how the destruction of the King Road house will only bring about more healing. She added that students do not need to be constantly reminded of what has happened.

“I don’t think we need a reminder [of the murders] up and still standing,” Shaffer said.

The demolition of the house was also

remarked upon by Erik Brown, former UI student.

“I understand their desire for healing within the student body, regarding what happened, but I’m more concerned with a suspect actually being convicted,” said Brown.

Brown described how he felt it made more sense to wait until a conviction happened to ensure there is no longer a need for the house. He thought it would be smart to give the police and jury every chance to convict a suspect.

“Even if they are determined that they have gathered all the evidence they need, it would have made more sense to me to wait.

I think that starting the trial would bring much more closure and healing than just tearing down the house,” Brown said.

Ben DeWitt | Argonaut

Construction crews were able to bring down the house in about 90 minutes University of Idaho

Volume 125, Issue no. 5

Recyclable

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February 1, 2024

ARGONAUT

Kohberger’s defense pushes for a summer 2025 trial date No official trial date has been set Ben DeWitt ARGONAUT

The defense team for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students more than a

Zach Wilkinson/Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP, Pool | Courtesy

Bryan Kohberger listens during a motion of discovery filed by Anne Taylor for access to three pieces of crucial evidence.

year ago, has pushed for a summer trial date set in 2025.

This comes after the prosecution pushed for a trial date for this summer, to avoid interfering with Moscow High School and other Moscow students.

In a pretrial court proceeding on Friday, the defense asked the judge to reconsider their earlier motion to dismiss the grand jury indictment against Kohberger.

Defense attorney Jay Logsdon argued that the Idaho Supreme Court should decide whether the standard of proof should be set at “beyond a reasonable doubt” or “probable cause.”

Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye, who is a member of the prosecution, argued that even if the defense won the appeal, there would be no positive advancement in litigation and that doing this would put a significant pause in litigation.

Judge John Judge was confident in his prior decision not to dismiss the Grand Jury indictment. He also added that there was no differing opinion on the matter across Idaho. He denied the reconsideration.

The next part of the hearing discussed future trial scheduling. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Tompson said that the

prosecution is ready for a summer trial date for this year. Kootenai County public defender Anne Taylor argued that the defense is not ready for a 2024 trial date.

She explained that the defense has more than 51 terabytes of data to review before a trial can happen. She also discussed some of the difficulties surrounding discovery, hiring experts, interviewing witnesses, and alibi defense that would increase the amount of time they would need to prepare for a trial.

Taylor stated that a trial date set for the summer of 2025 is the soonest possible date

that the defense could be ready for a trial.

The prosecution then agreed Taylor was not exaggerating and was in fact correct about the extensive wait times to collect evidence and analyze data. The prosecution then agreed that a trial date of summer 2025 would be appropriate.

Judge Judge expressed concern about the trial date, stating, “I’d rather have this sooner than later.”

Judge Judge did not officially set a trial date.

Additionally, he commented, “It’s demoralizing to think we will have a case so far in the future.”

UI LEASES LAND TO HOME SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS: UI’S RECYCLING REBOOT DEPOT FOR FUTURE STORE A step toward a more a part in that.

The University of Idaho has leased land for Home Depot to begin construction Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT

The University of Idaho has leased land to Home Depot, and residents in Moscow can expect it to be completed in 2025. The proposed Home Depot will be a 136,000 square-foot retail store and have a garden center according to the lease documentation.

The land that is being leased was originally acquired by the university in 1926, and at that time was 248 acres of land only a mile from the center of campus.

The land historically has been used for crops by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The university is unconcerned about the operations of their dairy farm near the site and expects it to continue as normal.

Comparatively, this land has been leased out before back in 1978 when 45 acres of the land was used for the construction on the Palouse Mall.

“The lease will produce more than $2.2 million over the 20-year initial term of the land lease,” Jodi Walker,

John Keegan | Argonaut

Construction will begin soon.

executive director of communications for the university wrote.

The proposed lease that both the university and representatives of Home Depot have agreed on is at least 20 years.

“We were contacted by Home Depot, and they expressed an interest in finding a site in Moscow and were particularly interested in property that UI owned out on the north farm immediately adjacent to Palouse Mall,” Gerard Billington, the university’s real estate officer said. “They were interested in Home Depot leasing 12 acres of land to generate that revenue in an area that the U] university had designated for commercial development if opportunities come up.”

Walker continued to write, “The proceeds from this lease provide a new revenue stream to support students, supporting our efforts to keep tuition as low as possible.”

While there is much support for this by the university, through public meetings the town has held, residents seem to express their concerns. Even so, the university seems hopeful that this will have a positive impact on the community.

“I think anytime a business comes into a community, there’s tax revenue that’s generated,” Billington said.

“Competition, and variety that’s provided to the customers, so I think in that way it is a positive.”

According to an article by the MoscowPullman Daily News, a community meeting where representatives

Staff Members

of Home Depot and community members discussed the proposed building, there were many concerns about a large box business coming into a small community.

The article described how one resident, the director of operations of MoscowPullman Building and Supply store, Alan Espenschade, and his concerns with regards to his employees and competition from Home Depot. He expressed that the store may have to hire less full-time employees, and a quote from the article states, “which goes against our entire [Moscow Building] culture.”

Moreso, there has been some concern surrounding students about bigger corporations, like Home Depot, coming into Moscow.

“I feel like there are already plenty of corporations on university land,” an anonymous student said. “So far it seems like the school tries to put emphasis on supporting small businesses, but I feel like in the school itself, that isn’t being shown.”

Despite these concerns, the university remains positive that Home Depot will have a positive impact on the community.

“The University of Idaho is a local business committed to its community,” Walker wrote. “It supports business development, employment opportunities and economic stability. The university is tasked with providing access to and affordability of higher education to the students of Idaho. In turn, those students, their families and alumni supporters add to the economic viability of Moscow businesses.”

Home Depot did not respond to requests for comment before publication.

THE FINE PRINT

sustainable future Rebekah Weaver ARGONAUT

“Individual actions can empower your personal activism – and if recycling is a part of that, that’s great,” Weber said.

However, she does not think that recycling is the only way to become sustainable and that the university could be taking a different approach.

“Dumping thousands of dollars into a recycling program isn’t the solution to building climate resiliency on our campus,” said Weber. “The University of Idaho’s 2022 Sustainability White Paper outlines a $35,000 budget – just for marketing – for their Recycling Reboot project. The White Paper’s recommendations do not serve the same purpose as long-term action plans that include tangible steps to achieve goals and serve as a way for students to hold the university accountable. From prioritizing community investments rather than mutual funds with big oil companies to publishing a climate action plan with steps and metrics, it’s not too late for the university to address the climate crisis with the urgency science demands and our community deserves.”

While Weber may be right–promoting a recycling program does not fix all the sustainability issues on-campus–students can still make a difference by recycling, leading to a decrease in air pollution, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The University of Idaho continues to work on finding sustainable solutions that promote a healthy future for the environment.

More details can be found at www. uidaho.edu/sustainability/waste/ recycle/how-to.

Since restarting its recycling program in April 2023 after a threeyear-long cancellation, the University of Idaho has placed a large emphasis on the importance of students recycling on campus, showcased by the implementation of a campus recycling ambassador initiative.

The recycling program was initially shut down due to the pandemic and, at the time, practiced multi-stream recycling. Multi-stream recycling is the recycling method where individuals must sort multiple kinds of recyclable materials into different bins. This method caused contamination rates to become as high as 90%, resulting in less materials being recycled overall.

Now, UI has made the switch to single-stream recycling, which allows recyclable materials to be grouped together and reduces the number of contaminants. This change highlights the ease of recycling as one step towards a more sustainable campus.

Sarah Dawson, the UI sustainability director, encourages students to recycle to help keep finite materials out of landfills and reduce the need to extract new, raw materials. “Recycling… reduces the amount of carbon being emitted to the atmosphere, it reduces air and water pollution, it protects biodiversity, and it creates jobs,” Dawson said.

The change from multi-stream to single-stream recycling follows the UI Recycling Initiative, as listed in the 2022 Sustainable Solutions Plan. This document also emphasizes how the university is committed to sustainability and responsible stewardship of the natural environment and estimated that the annual waste diversion on campus is around 100 tons.

Ella Weber, ASUI director of community and civic involvement, beJohn Keegan | Argonaut lieves that a more sustainOutdoor bins will be relabeled to show they are for able campus is possible trash, not recyclables and that recycling can play

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February 1, 2024

VOLLEYBALL FROM PAGE 1

After team captains approached members of the University of Idaho administration in September 2023, among them, the athletic director Terry Gawlik, another team meeting ensued. The player told the Argonaut that Gonzalez verbally threatened them, saying he heard what the players said about him and told them to stop lying. The player said everything brought to the university was “absolutely the truth.”

Knowing that their formal complaints, ones dating back to November 2022 when a parent of a former player sent a letter to Gawlik, according to the Orange County Register, were reaching Gonzalez’s ears, the players felt hesitant to reach out to the university for help.

Afraid of retaliation The player said fear infiltrated every practice, game, meeting and scouting session Gonzalez was at. They didn’t know what he was going to threaten, who he was going to bench, who he was going to make play through an injury or what he heard when they reported on him. Silence seemingly ensued.

Players were afraid to say no. The player told the Argonaut she had a teammate officially on the injured list, and therefore not cleared to play in a game. The trainer walked away from the bench during the game and Gonzalez subsequently subbed in the injured player, leading to further and more damaging injuries, according to the player interviewed.

Practices started being led by players. Gonzalez asked the players to draw up practice plans and conduct drills for their three-hour practice period while the coaching staff did drills off to the side, the player said.

When he was participating in coaching, it led to many players feeling uncomfortable.

“Good girl” comments were

ARGONAUT

made after a successful play, a statement the player said they told him was not okay.

Gonzalez allegedly lifted the player by the hips during a blocking drill and proceeded to say “That took a lot more to get you up there than I thought,” the player said. She referred to comments and actions such as these as a way for Gonzalez to “belittle them” and “assert his dominance as a male.”

The player said that Gonzalez would repeatedly refer to a way he knew would fix their problems, but it wasn’t a punishment allowed under NCAA guidelines. The coach, who spent many years as an international coach, used this as an “open handed threat” that lingered in the players’ minds, the player said.

When traveling to games, the coaching staff would drive the vans that transported the players. The player said there is video evidence of an assistant coach speeding and then getting pulled over by police on two separate occasions, instances the player said they were to keep a secret from Gonzalez.

The stories and accounts this player detailed to the Argonaut are the same stories and accounts brought to the university, the player said. But, in her perspective, the appropriate support and action is not being taken.

She is afraid that if Gonzalez is allowed to stay in this position, he could clear the roster for a third time.

“Wiping” the roster “It felt like they (the coaches) thought ‘you’re not who I thought you were as a player so let me belittle you into leaving,’” the player said.

“He’s wiped his house twice now. He wiped it in 2022, and right now there’s six girls practicing.”

The player said that from an 18-person roster, only six players returned in the spring of 2023. Out of the 2023 fall roster, only six are currently practicing, five of which are

international players. The player said there was a line that divided “domestics and internationals” and Gonzalez supposedly did nothing to erase it.

The player went to one week of practices in support of the international players who decided to return, as she felt the foreign players deserved the opportunity to attend university in the United States. However, after seeing how “beyond fake” Gonzalez began acting now that a case manager, Beth Ropski, attends, she couldn’t return. The Argonaut contacted Ropski, Gonzalez and Gawlik for this story, but all declined comment, citing the ongoing investigation. (See story on page 3.)

UI ensures scholarships In a memo sent out by President Scott Green on Jan. 19, the players can choose not to attend practice without fear of losing their scholarship. The player said their scholarships are renewed every academic year, meaning that they are ensured their scholarship through May even if they don’t practice, but they have no guarantee their scholarship will be waiting for them for the 2024-25 season.

They don’t know if Gonzalez will be allowed to coach for the final year of his three-year contract.

The player is apprehensive that the university is trying to “cover it up” and “sweep it under the rug” so that they don’t have to deal with the payment legalities associated with ending a contract. She said she hopes the university won’t side with Gonzalez and wait out his three-year contract.

Gonzalez signed a three-year contract that extends from Jan. 18, 2022 and ends on Dec. 29 of this year, with an annual salary of $90,001.60.

His contract reads, “In the event of termination for good or adequate cause, the University’s obligation to provide compensation and benefits to Coach, whether direct, indirect, supplemental or collateral,

Page 3

shall cease as the date of such termination, and the University shall not be liable for the loss of any collateral business opportunities for other benefits perquisites, or income resulting from outside activities or from any other sources.”

The player said she and others are concerned that since Gonzalez’s contract only extends until Dec. 29, it could influence the outcome of the investigation and subsequent decision by the university.

“A lot of them (international players) don’t know any better.

These girls are coming from third world countries that are used to this type of behavior. They are coming from a place where they can’t speak up. They are coming from a place where women don’t have any rights. They don’t have a voice,” the player said. “So he (Gonzalez) is bringing them here, isolating them alone and treating them the exact same way, if not worse. That’s not okay.”

Disappointed with Athletic Director The player said she has been disappointed with the response from the university, namely Gawlik. The player referenced Gawlik’s 14-year career as the designated senior woman administrator at the University of Wisconsin, a job in which Gawlik “managed and monitored the Wisconsin Athletic Department’s strategic plans and its policies and decisionmaking processes, including gender equity and diversity issues, coaching staff evaluations, recommendations and contract extensions. Gawlik also oversaw the department’s implementation and compliance with policies and procedures regarding Title IX, gender equity, diversity and sexual assault and violence training,” according to her University of Idaho biography.

She felt like Gawlik especially should have stood up for the volleyball team because of her previous work at the Uni-

versity of Wisconsin.

“I thought a woman in authority would have our back.

She should protect her female athletes,” she said.

“It feels like the school is just trying to cover it up,” the player said. “I understand, at this point, the investigation has to go on, but we don’t feel like we are being supported at all by the authorities or the administration. What Scott Green sent out, what Terry has said, it doesn’t feel like a genuine “we care about our athletes ‘at all.’”

Green memo ineffective The player said the memo sent out to students from Green on Jan. 19 was eerily similar to the one the players received from Gawlik earlier in the year.

“We had to take this to a news source in California to be heard. It’s not like we didn’t try to be heard here at the university first. Emails were sent to President Green. Terry had been informed about this.

We went to OCRI here. We filed harassment claims here.

None of it came to light until the Orange County piece came out,” the player said. (See story, page 3.)

The player conceded that the team did ask for the investigation to be placed on hold until after they finished the 2023 season because “we were scared of retaliation. We just wanted to finish the season out.”

The results of the investigation will heavily influence this player, and many others, decision to return to the university in the fall.

“I want my degree to say University of Idaho,” she said.

“I don’t want to be ashamed to be a Vandal.”

A petition on change.org has reached 534 signatures as of Tuesday evening calling for the dismissal of Gonzalez.

A separate petition calling for Gonzalez to be fired has reached 318 signatures.

“This will make or break the volleyball program,” the player said.

Investigation continues into UI Volleyball Program Players allege abuse from Head coach Chris Gonzalez Ben DeWitt ARGONAUT

An investigation into allegations of abuse by the University of Idaho’s women’s volleyball Head Coach Chris Gonzalez toward his players over the last two seasons continues as spring practices for the team have begun.

Gonzalez has been accused of physically pushing a player, pressuring injured players to play against orders of school medical staff, deprived players of food, body shamed players, made racially insensitive and

inappropriate comments to players and pressured sports medicine staff to share confidential information about the players’ weight, according to an article published in The Orange County Register in Southern California on Dec. 30, 2023, and confirmed by a volleyball player who spoke with the Argonaut. (See story on page 1) Several volleyball players filed complaints about Gonzalez in November of 2023 to the UI’s Office of Civil Rights and Investigation, and an investigation from OCRI led by interim director Jackie Wernzbegan shortly after.

In the original Orange County Register article, Gonzlez stated in an email response that “these allegations are unfounded, displaced and dishonest.” The

Argonaut contacted Gonzalez for comment, and he said he couldn’t comment now due to the investigation but would comment “when the findings come to light.”

ASUI issued a statement on Jan. 18 on the allegations and UI’s investigation, stating, “The Associated Students of the University of Idaho stands firmly with our fellow students on the UIdaho volleyball team’s right to a respectful and healthy college experience.”

The statement outlined that the reports from the Orange County Register in no way reflect what the student experience should be for anyone at UI and that the reports are of great concern. ASUI also emphasized that they hear these concerns and will ensure that student’s voices are represented. They

James Taurman-Aldritch | Argonaut

Head volleyball coach Chris Gonzalez talking to a referee

also emphasized that they want all parties involved to receive fair treatment going forward.

“We as students must support one another in advocacy for the campus environment we all deserve.”

The statement also congratulated the women of the UIdaho volleyball team for showing strength and courage in standing up for themselves against harassment and bullying.

ASUI President Tanner McClain commented further on the investigation, stating: “These processes are complicated and very bureaucratic.

They must ensure protection of both parties affiliated with the investigation.”

President Scott Green addressed UI’s response and ongoing investigation into the matter in a Jan. 19 memo to the campus community.

“Our students are why we exist as an institution, and we treat their concerns with the utmost seriousness,” Green wrote. “As such, and as with all such complaints, we thoroughly investigate the claims made and at the conclusion of an investigation review the findings and take appropriate action.”

Green wrote in the memo that Gonzalez was fully supportive and cooperative with the investigation, and that climate and culture issues that are not generally covered by law are also being addressed.

UI has hired the Texas law firm of Thompson & Horton to investigate the complaints, and it’s unclear when the investigation, which started in late November, will conclude. Wernz, the interim director of the OCRI, is also listed as a partner with Thompson & Horton.

Green also wrote that the university is taking several steps to ensure the well-being of student athletes.

A case manager, Beth Ropski, has been assigned to

support the volleyball team by the office of the Dean of Students and will attend all practices and activities where the coach is present, or whenever requested by an athlete.

Mental health support is also being provided to all student athletes. A psychologist from the Counseling and Mental Health Center is being assigned to work with student athletes.

Student athletes will also not be penalized for missing classes because of counseling sessions.

Student athletes were also provided the contact information for the university ombuds to provide them with support.

Ombuds provide confidential, informal and impartial assistance to help facilitate a fair resolution to all parties involved.

Volleyball players are also being given the option to opt out of practices while the investigation is ongoing. They will not be penalized for missing practice. All player scholarships are secure throughout the investigation.

The volleyball team met with athletics and student support leadership and the assigned case manager to go over all support available to them and to answer any questions that they might have had about the investigation.

Green wrote, “Our primary goal remains to uphold our values and the principles of an inclusive, supportive and nurturing learning environment that all our students rightfully deserve. We are committed to a timely, but fair and thorough investigation.”

The Argonaut reached out to Dean of Students Blaine Eckles, Jodi Walker, the Senior Director of Communications, and Athletic Director Terry Gawlik for comment. All declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

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February 1, 2024

Ui students SPend semester in thailand ABroad ADVENTURE OF CULTURAL IMMERSION Sophia Newell ARGONAUT

Twenty-eight students at the University of Idaho traveled across the world to live in Thailand from August to December.

They came back to UI filled with education, culture and new mindset on the world.

The study abroad program at UI has several plans, dates and majors that equip students with the needs and desire to educate and explore many places around the world.

Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles,” is one of the study abroad locations offered to UI students during the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Students travel to study Thai or Chinese language, culture and sustainability.

One student, Koby Johnson, a senior at UI, explained how he found himself in Thailand. He was drawn in by his love of the culture, the inexpensive pricing and the desire to travel.

“Interacting with a whole other culture and seeing a different view on the world made everything seem so life-

Koby Johnson | Courtesy

Elephants roaming around in Thailand

changing,” Johnson said.

Grace Eterl, another senior, made it as a part of her final lap in college to travel and explore while she still could. She made it her goal to get everything and more done while taking part in the excursion. She even went on a few trips of her own.

The main reason for Eterl choosing to visit Thailand came

Koby Johnson | Courtesy

Statue at entrance to the White Temple

LAWSUIT FROM PAGE 1

Kelly and John still face current discrimination and claim that the university is not providing accommodations for their disabilities.

One of the plaintiff’s student records were released illegally by a university staff member which contributes to the anonymity needed for the students.

Due to this, the plaintiffs want to seek relief for the harm they have endured and to ensure that safety that is afforded to other students at the university.

They seek this on the grounds of violations of 13 different counts.

The defendants for this case are: C. Scott Green (President of The University of Idaho), Johanna Kalb (Dean of the University of Idaho College of Law), Jackie Wernz (Interim Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations of the University of Idaho), Cory Voss (Director of the University of Idaho Center for Disability Access and Resources), Richard Seamon (Professor of Law at the College of Law) and a former student.

Kelly Doe was a third-year law student at the university.

Kelly identifies as LGBTQIA+ and also is a person of color.

She has been medically

diagnosed with disabilities which are also related to the events outlined in the lawsuit and the discrimination she faced at the university.

According to the lawsuit, within the first two months Kelly experienced racist and homophobic behaviors from law school staff, professors and students. She claimed that this had isolated her and affected her educational experience.

She also claimed that she was not allowed to share her own experiences as a person of color in class or in discussions. Kelly goes on to state that students would intentionally shun, avoid and exclude her.

According to the lawsuit, when talking with Dean Kalb about the things she had experienced, Kelly told her: “It is hard enough being one of two Black people in the class of 2024, but the added ignorance and hatred we get from students and staff makes me feel even more like an outcast and like I should not even be here.”

Dean Kalb told Kelly the school would be acting against this. Throughout the lawsuit, Kelly did not believe any action had taken place, since no changes were made, and they never followed up with her claims.

The other plaintiff, John Doe, is Pacific Islander and has disabilities as well as

from a long-time friendship she had since she was 16. Eterl met her Thai friend on a family vacation. They have been keeping in touch ever since.

“She said that if I was ever in town that I would definitely have a place to stay,” Eterl said.

Eterl spent three days with her friend after the program but was surprised at where she was staying.

“Her place to stay was, out of all places, a sanctuary with four elephants,” she said.

This was the most emotional part of Eterl’s trip. She was able to connect with an old friend and also gain more of an understanding of the life there.

“I got to not only visit the elephants but hear all of her stories on the proper care the elephants need, and not what everyone sees,” Eterl said. “It was honestly a dream come true and felt very full circle.”

The students stayed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at Chiang Mai University in the dorms. Students went to classes four days a week in uniforms of white and purple to learn about Thailand’s cultural studies, environment and religion. Ertel explained her favorite classes were learning how to meditate, the history of monkhood and the values of meditation from

monks in the region every Johnson and Eterl gave some Thursday. tips that made their experiences “We learned how to cross abroad great. your legs and why they cross “Don’t be scared to take their legs in a certain way, as action,” Johnson said. “Be well the importance of all the super open-minded to all the stepping movements,” she said. opportunities and experiences On the weekend, the students you can get from traveling shed their uniforms as they abroad.” traveled to learn and experience “Embrace your surroundings the civilization of Thailand. because you’re not going to The students went on a total experience the same things in of five field trips for the first your hometown,” Eterl said. few weeks there, all led by “You can possibly see yourself two of the campus’s advisors, fitting in somewhere or finding Sirisorn Sittirin and Araya a passion you didn’t know you Amaekngan. The adventures had.” they experienced included bamboo rafting, biking, trucking tours and two hill field studies.

The most memorable aspect of the trip for these students was the food. Johnson expressed his love for fried garlic pork over rice, topped with an omelet, saying he ate it almost every day of the week, while Eterl was more fascinated by the coffee freshly made and grown by villages they had visited.

“I have had a lot of coffee before, but this was 100% the best I have ever tried,” Eterl said. “One of the villages was famous for their coffee. They showed us the entire process from growing, to Koby Johnson | Courtesy harvesting and finally The sun sets over the jungle in Thailand making the coffee.”

identifying with the LGBTQIA+ community. He joined the university through a diversity program called Council on Legal Education Opportunity.

An incident shared in the lawsuit by John described an occurrence in September of 2021. John hosted a social mixer to get to know his fellow law students. One of the students who attended was a member of CLS (Christian Legal Group), which according to the lawsuit, is a Christian group that is known for discriminating against sexual orientation and gender identity.

One CLS member and a classmate called John a slur and outed him to his classmates during the mixer. In doing so, his sexual orientation became known throughout the student body. John reported the incident to the College of Law within a couple of days.

The response was a nocontact order between John and the classmate who assaulted him. However, the classmate was still allowed to attend classes and even ones that John was attending remotely.

Throughout the year after the incident, CLS members continued to harass John, Jane and other students.

In February 2022, John was invited to a social gathering off campus. He had gone unaware that most of the attendees were

CLS members. One was the CLS chapter’s president, who repeatedly asked John to drop his complaints against the classmate who had previously assaulted him. When he refused, the CLS members began harassing him and John quickly left.

John Doe was not the only one who faced continual harassment from CLS members according to the lawsuit.

Kelly Doe attended the university from August 2021 until July 2022.

While she attended the university, she faced discrimination and retaliation that affected her education and safety according to the lawsuit.

Following an incident of a homophobic slur written on a community board, Dean Kalb sent an email to announce that a Moment of Community to support LGBTQIA+ students, would be held.

The lawsuit states that when Jane and Kelly attended, CLS students had “hijacked” the event. They forced Jane and Kelly into a prayer circle without their consent, and when Jane asked a CLS member why they were there, they proceeded to make homophobic comments to Jane and harass her.

Others who witnessed the incidents, such as faculty members and professors, failed to address and stop the remarks,

according to Jane and Kelly.

On April 4, 2022, LGBTQIA+ students participated in a walkout due to the incidents that took place at The Moment of Community.

On April 5, 2022, while Jane was studying, she found a note from the CLS president.

Jane felt unsafe by the note and requested to leave campus since she felt like she was being targeted by CLS students and her safety was being threatened.

Three CLS members were issued with a no-contact order by the university. In response, the CLS members filed a lawsuit against the University of Idaho on April 26, 2022. They claimed that the university had violated their freedom of speech and religion. This is documented in the “CLS Lawsuit”.

Due to the CLS lawsuit, Jane’s emails were released and, subsequently, she felt unsafe to return to campus after finishing the Spring 2022 semester remotely.

The plaintiffs for this case are demanding a trial by jury through the lawsuit and the proceedings are still ongoing.

Access to this information is available through public records and online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system.

ARGONAUT

February 1, 2024

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62. A lyrical poem, written to a particular subject 63. Obey 64. Stepping down from 65. Of this Mesoamerican culture, originating in central Mexico from 1300-1521

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Across: 1. Cautious 7. This "branching" home decoration can hold all sorts of headwear 13. The Roman Colosseum, for example 14. Unimportant agitation, "much ___ about nothing..."

16. Founded in 1869, this company's condiments are a household name 17. Have given rise to previously; brought about 18. Watered-down 19. This "study" is the perfect back-up 20. Dehydration may lead to this head ailment 21. The price of sidewalk furniture 22. Adele, Cher, and Gladys Knight- vocally 23. "You're under ______!"

27. Commonly known duck species due to the bright pigmentation of the male's head 29. Abbr., most movie sets have at least one of these working along-side the hair and costuming departments 31. Mr. Reacher? No, Mr. Ritchson!

35. Intraday buyers and sellers of financial instruments and stock 37. Genre of song originating from eastern Cuba in the 19th century; different from the older, Spanish dance of the same name 39. To help, to Spanish speakers 40. Popularized by the Harry Potter series, this drink has deep-rooted notes of butterscotch, rum, and cream 43. A shorter dinosaur 44. Break-out star of the hit Netflix series, Sex Education 45. This "top" cut of beef makes for a deliciously tender, grilled steak 47. Small chocolate confection 48. In folklore, a man-eating giant 52. To have previously vocalized, musically 53. This "pack" carries belongings 55. Stuart _____, assisted in the third mission to land American astronauts on the moon. While in orbit, conducted experiments from the Command Module, coined "Kitty Hawk"

1. Resort-city on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula 2. Present tense, to be 3. Magnificent, royal 4. To put into action 5. Two yards, as a distance 6. Enforcable rule of court systems 7. Popularly sold cakes 8. In Sunday-first convention, this is the fifth 9. 2020 Christopher Nolan science fiction thriller, one word to save the world 10. "You must be 42" or taller to ____ this ____..."

11. In organic chemistry, a suffix used to form the names of hydrocarbons having one or more double bonds 12. This American Miller first rose to stardom after The Perks of Being a Wallflower 15. The title of this crosswords' namesake, prior verbiage 21. Ford competitor, in a 2019 film 23. This misnomer "mode" was adapted by Americans from the French; to top with ice cream 24. To tattle, as a rodent would 25. Central Islamic religious text, organized into 114 chapters consisting of verses 26. First name of the slug-like political gangster from the Star Wars series 28. Showing profound love for 29. In Latin, etymologically, the middle 30. Abbr., an anti-submarine rocket 32. External, wingless, parasitic insect 33. Famous for its snowy slopes, this Utah ski-resort banned snowboarders in 1984 34. Has fewer holes after ripping a new one 36. A failure 38. To appeal emotionally with or to 41. "GTG- ___!"

42. A length of unimaginable time 46. The fluffy version of this confection is the primary selling point of the "3 Musketeers" candy bar 47. Of having a pH level greater than 7 49. Travel the world in a spin 50. An artifact 51. To poke incessantly 52. Cries uncontrollably 54. A prophetic portent of significance 56. The raw, extractable form of metals and materials 57. A simple gesture to mean a lot of things 58. Body of salt water 60. The administration responsible for American, economic development. Attempts to cultivate growth and prepare rural areas for population influx

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ARGONAUT

February 1, 2024

Paradise Audubon Society provides community for birders on campus New club for birders hopes to create a lasting legacy at UI Grace Giger ARGONAUT

The Paradise Audubon Society, formerly known as the Ornithology Club, is new to campus but is already making a big difference. Founded by University of Idaho law student Tyler Coleman, the Paradise Audubon Society is a group of students interested in bird watching, known as birding, and provides a commmunity for likeminded UI students. The club aims to promote education about birds and works towards the preservation of native bird species and habitats.

After moving from Texas to Moscow for law school, Coleman explained that he was looking for a way to meet new people. He decided that starting a club around one of his passions, birding, was the perfect place to start.

“When I moved here from Texas, I didn’t know anybody here, and I really wanted to meet people who are also super into birding. So, I thought, what better way than to just start a club?” Coleman said.

Coleman founded the Ornithology club in November of 2023, and is currently the president. Soon after its founding, the club became

affiliated with the National Audubon Society through the Audubon on campus program.

After becoming associated with National Audubon, a society dedicated to protecting and preserving birds across the world, the goals of the club shifted from just a birder community to one dedicated to bird education and preservation in our area.

“Our mission changed a little bit from just wanting a group of birder friends to something a lot bigger. Our club is dedicated to education about birds. Education about the importance of native habitats and preserving our native species, we have a lot of projects coming up with National Audubon,” Coleman

said.

Currently, one of the primary events the club hosts each month is a bird count in the Arboretum. Club members and anyone interested spend a Saturday morning walking the Arb and searching for as many species of birds as they can find.

“The bird count is just an opportunity for people who are really into birds or people who don’t know anything about birds, people who just maybe want to get out and have an opportunity to learn about something that they haven’t learned about before. To get out with a with a group of people and just have a nice morning and afternoon looking for birds,”

Courtesy | Argonaut

From left to right: Blake Mahaffey, Club President Tyler Coleman, Dr. Greg Lambeth, May Brown, Scott Cambell and Seanna Wittler

Courtesy May Brown | Argonaut

Pine Grosbeak spotted on a bird count

Coleman said.

There is a regular bird count planned for the second Saturday of every month, and the event is free to attend so anyone is welcome.

“It’s a good opportunity for people who might be kind of interested but maybe don’t want to go out on a whole field trip, to see birds when they might not know anything about birds,” Coleman said.

The club is also working towards several projects to improve the habitats of birds in this area. One such project is the Plants for Birds’ program, in which the club hopes to create native plant gardens on campus to support birds and bees.

“One project that Audubon is passionate about is Plants for Birds. This is a really cool initiative where all the campus

chapters are supposed to create native plant gardens on campus,” Coleman said. “So, it’s our goal to have several different locations on campus, where we can plant and maintain native species.”

With 31 current members, Coleman explained that the club is beginner friendly and students with no previous knowledge or interest in birds are welcome.

Anyone looking to get involved is encouraged to attend one of the monthly bird counts at the UI Arboretum or reach out and find more information on the Engage page.

“I would say just check it out, go to one of our watches or one of our field trips. This is a fun community, everybody is super cool and the club is thriving for being only two months

UI Theatre Department Presents: ‘Go. Dog. Go!’ Album Review: 21 Savage’s “American Dream” Hattie The Dog explained, “You dogs, each dog has a unique A Whimsical Musical play for the Whole Family Jack DeWitt ARGONAUT

The UI Theatre department is gearing up for their production of “Go. Dog. Go!” With opening night on Thursday, preparations have been ramping up. From pop-up sets to unique costume design, the show is hoping to bring a unique musical to the Palouse. The play opens Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m and runs until 8 p.m. After that, the show runs for two weeks on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The show times are 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Sundays. General Admission for students is free, $25 for adults and $5 for anyone under the age of 18.

“Go. Dog. Go!” is based on the children’s book of the same name. The musical, which features only 62 words in its entirety is a two-act story with a 1.5-hour runtime, including the intermission.

Luke Owen, who plays the lead role of MC Dog, says the show “brings the simple joys back to life” and is “a show for everybody to come see.”

The show, which is geared towards a younger audience, has come as a challenge for some of the actors. When talking about the biggest challenge surrounding a show with such little dialogue, Kylie Morris, who plays Blue Dog, explained that getting the message across was a challenge.

“The difference is in communication, everything must be bigger,” Morris said. But it has been a “really fun process” to find the right way to get the messages the cast wants across to the audience.

Kari Wilcey, who plays

have to be big and expressive and precise.”

A distinct mark of the show will be the score. Adhering to the 62 words of dialogue that are in the book, the music features something that some cast members called “Precise Scatting” and is a cornerstone of the sound in the musical. Mayson Beall, who plays Yellow Dog, believes the show has a “catchy score” but said it was “harder to

costume whose differences can be seen even in the material used to create it.

McKinley Kirk explained that “there are no costume changes, but each dog has their difference.” Kirk also stated her excitement for this production as she has “never done anything like this before.”

The plot of the show is the same as the children’s book, but Director Kate Pemberton

Courtesy | Argonaut

A fun play the whole family can enjoy

learn” than your usual musical when discussing the unique sound of the show.

James McGaughey, who not only plays Red Dog but is also the sound designer for the show, talked about how being a cast member and part of the production team was a unique experience.

“It’s beneficial as a whole because you can make adjustments in real time,” McGaughey said.

While the show does not feature a live orchestra, McGaughey stated that he “wants something live and actual on stage” and has added “several live sound effects” to liven up the stage for the show.

The costume design for the show is also something that the cast and production team are proud of. Besides the difference in color in the costumes for the

said that “the action has been expanded” and that audiences can expect “lots of hijinks and slapstick” from the show. For Pemberton, who is a community member, “Go. Dog. Go!” is the first show she directed for the UI Theatre Department, but far from her first as director. She is especially proud of the setwork for the show and her aim was to “bring the book to life with the sets.” The sets for the production have a pop-up effect that mimic the same feature from the book.

“Go, Dog, Go!” is bound to be an unforgettable theater experience for all who attend, and it’s family friendly nature makes the show perfect for kids and UI students alike. If interested in seeing the show or any future production, please visit the UI theatre website: https:// www.uidaho.edu/class/theatre.

Savage’s third album does not disappoint Tanner Allen ARGONAUT

21 Savage, returns to number one with his third solo studio album “American Dream,” January 12, 2024.

Kicking off 2024, Savage’s album features 15 tracks, 14 of which earned their place in the Billboard Hot 100, putting the album at number one in the Billboard 200. Two of the Hot 100 making top 10: “Redrum” and “Née-Nah” featuring Travis Scott.

The intro track, “American Dream,” is a monologue

by Savage’s mother, Heather Carmillia Joseph, which sets the scene for the album by describing her decision to emigrate from the United Kingdom to the United States of America with her son’s best interests in mind.

Other notable collaborations appear throughout the album, featuring tracks with long-time collaborator, Metro Boomin and appearances by Young Thug, Brent Faiyaz, Doja Cat and more.

Building upon the vibe from his sophomore album, Savage seems to embrace a more mature stylistic approach to his professional career, tapping into a more thoughtful side to the rough and gang-associated persona that we have come to know.

Throughout the LP we see a range of styles and purpose further explored by Savage, while maintaining his perspectives as a younger man growing up surrounded by a lifestyle of violence and crime. The tracks deliver generally catchy beats topped with classic Savage bars and ad-libs, yet not all hit like they should.

Despite dynamic duo, Metro Boomin and Savage, “Pop ur Shit” is mostly underwhelming. The line, “Uncle Snoop, it

smell like gas I think somebody pooped” comes across as an immature copout for a bar by Savage, while Young Thug’s feature seems lazy and without much purpose or relevance.

Other songs are more successful, such as “Redrum” (murder spelled backwards), fifth on Hot 100, which gives us the classic 21 Savage experience deeply leaning into a violent perspective of his life.

Perhaps the centerpiece of the album, “Née-Nah,” delivers strong raspy bars right away from Travis Scott, supported by extremely bouncy beats by Metro Boomin.

“Letter to my Brudda” takes a more insightful and reflective approach to his past lifestyle while painting Savage as a relatable figure for others stuck in the gang-life that are struggling to survive and make it out.

“Dark Days” may be the most humility we have seen from Savage yet. In this song, we find Savage reflecting on his past and what he has come up from while advising young listeners to stay out of the street life and pursue greater endeavors.

Verses like “I know it might sound lame, but just stay in school” and “you gon’ lose a lot of friends and that’s what hurts the most” show us a more introspective and mentor-like Savage which is a breath of fresh air.

Featuring a smooth chorus

by Mariah the Scientist and prayer-like outro from his mother, this track proves a perfect conclusion to the life of Savage presented to us from his “American Dream.”

The album takes listeners on a surprisingly emotional journey through Savage’s life and the struggles he has overcome to get to where he is now. For 21 Savage fans, or even anyone looking to branch out into a new genre of music, “American Dream” is a worthwhile listen.

February 1, 2024

ARGONAUT

Page 7

Movie Review: “Saltburn” Dark and twisted thriller not for the faint of heart Lilly Giger ARGONAUT

“Saltburn,” directed by Emerald Fennell, was released on Nov. 17, 2023, with a running time of 2h 7m. It quickly made its mark on social media. The film stars Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike and Berry Keoghan, who plays Oliver Quick, a student at Oxford who becomes fixated on fellow student Felix Calton (Jacob Elordi) and goes to incredible lengths to become close to him and his family. The film has made over $20 million in the international box office so far This thriller/comedy takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster from the very first scene to the last scene. As you follow the life of Oliver Quick, you watch as he goes from social outcast to a member of the ‘popular’ group of students in his school. But most importantly getting incredibly close to Felix Calton, a rich fellow student with a very high social rank who ends up inviting Oliver to stay the summer with him and his family at his home, “Saltburn.” As Oliver

quickly evolves to the lifestyle of the family he is staying with, we start to see a dark side of him that didn’t show as much while he was at Oxford. This dark side emerges in some of the more popular scenes that are going viral on social media such as, ‘the vampire scene,’ the ‘bathtub scene’ and the ‘graveyard scene.’

The ‘bathtub scene’ helps the viewer see the intensity of Oliver’s obsession with Felix and the lengths he would go to feel closer to him.

Because of its morally grey and unsettling aspects, this scene leaves the viewer very disturbed.

The ‘vampire scene’ leaves the viewer just as disturbed and disgusted as you see the lengths Oliver will go to become close with the whole family, getting very intimate with Felix’s sister Venetia Calton, who is played by Alison Oliver.

Throughout the whole movie you watch as Oliver fights Farleigh, a cousin of the Calton family, who is played by Archie Madekwe. Both are trying to attain the favor of the father and stay close to the family.

Because of lies told by Oliver, a series of unfortunate events unfolds leading to the most popular scene currently trending on social media

which is the ‘graveyard scene.’

Fennell gave actor Keoghan free artistic license over this scene, and it turned out more disturbing than anyone could have imagined. He took the scene to another level of obsession over Felix causing the viewer to be greatly uncomfortable.

I think this was a very well produced movie in terms of acting and the camera work, the landscapes throughout the film and how each shot was placed was very artistic and well put together.

From Elordi’s presentation of Felix, which made him very lighthearted and kind, causing viewers to fall in love with his character, to Keoghan’s ability to improvise intense scenes that adds so much to his character and the movie, the actors went above and beyond to make this a special and different film that draws you in.

I would warn anyone who is thinking of watching this movie to be aware of the many disturbing scenes that may leave the viewer very uncomfortable and put off.

If you look past the morally grey scenes, then it’s well put together movie that is cinematically beautiful.

Entertainment Weekly | Courtesy

Actor Barry Keoghan mishievously planning takeover

but more so fitted, tailored pants. Perhaps, we’ll even see a mix of low-rise in there too.

7. Fun/patterned tights Tights are going to be a big accessory in 2024. Embellished, patterned, and overall fun-looking tights are going to be the craze. Obviously bows on tights are going to be big as well. We’ll see tights styled under skirts, dresses, and even jorts.

8. “Old money” aesthetic This aesthetic was already trendy in 2023, but we’ll see a bigger style emphasis in men’s fashion with this aesthetic. That doesn’t mean women can’t wear it because we’d love to see it on everyone! It’ll be heavy on trousers, Oxford loafers, and polos.

9. “Grandpa core” Once again, this style is heavy in the men’s fashion realm, but we will definitely be seeing it in women’s fashion as well! This style is heavily influenced by Tyler the Creator, and it encompasses comfort, cool details, cardigans, mohair sweaters, trousers/wide-leg jeans, sweater vests, loafers and “dad sneakers.”

10. Sheer/lace clothes We already know that tights are going to be in this year, but we’ll also see a lot of sheer and lace clothes. They’ll be present in shirts, dresses, and layers, and there will be a lot of layering clothes over a sheer or lace base.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN FASHION FOR 2024 Our fashion predictions for this year Brooklynn Jolley ARGONAUT

It’s that time of the year when everyone is scouring their social media and Pinterest to see what the next big trends are going to be. Trends obviously come and go and sometimes they go as quickly as being in style for only a month. It can be hard to keep up with it, right?

Well, here’s some predicted fashion trends of this year!

Always keep in mind that you do not have to follow trends; make your own style and dress however you want!

1. Floral prints for spring Floral prints are going to remain trendy in the spring!

Although, there is going to be a new trend emerging in the realm of floral prints, 2024 is going to be heavy on roses.

Whether that is a rose print, rosettes sew onto clothes, or even as bold as 3D roses, they’re all in and trendy this year!

2. Leopard/cheetah print Leopard and cheetah prints are going to take over in 2024.

We’re going to be seeing them on everything: tights, shirts, pants, shoes, accessories, and more. There’s going to be an emphasis on leopard/cheetah

printed fur coats. Maybe that style inspiration comes from Ken’s iconic fur coat in Barbie, but whatever the reason, they’re going to be in this year!

3. Cut-outs We saw a trend of cut-outs in 2023, but the cut-outs for 2024 are going in a different direction. Fashion is going to move away from the circular cut-outs and gravitate toward angular ones that are heavy on silhouettes.

4. Pop of color Pops of color are going to be huge in 2024! We’re going to see a lot of red, specifically bright red and deep maroon.

Red itself is going to be trendy, but especially as a pop of color, along with cobalt blue. This trend is going to be a staple in shoes, bags, glasses, tights, and other accessories.

5. Bows The coquette style was trendy in 2023 and is still in now. 2024 will emphasize the bows from coquette. They’ll be seen as a hair accessory, on jewelry (especially earrings), clothes, bags, and shoes.

6. Slim-fit pants 2023 was the year of baggy, wide leg jeans. Now, that isn’t going to evaporate from the fashion world in 2024, but there is going to be a bigger trend of slim-fit pants. That doesn’t necessarily mean skinny jeans,

HOROSCOPES: FEBRUARY OVERVIEW Grace Giger ARGONAUT

Aries (March 21 – April 20) Don’t put too much pressure on yourself this month.

You are making progress toward your goals, even if it’s hard to see right now, so don’t give up and keep moving forward. Prioritize rest and spending time with people you love. They will help you find the motivation to keep moving forward.

Taurus (April 21 – May 20) It’s important that you embrace this period of your life for what it is. Endlessly working toward the perfect future will leave you overwhelmed and constantly unsatisfied. Rather, slow down and look at what’s around you. Enjoy where you are right now and live with gratitude in the present moment before it’s gone.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Sometimes the key to moving past whatever obstacles are holding you back is simply a change of scenery.

If you find yourself becoming frustrated with your lack of progress, perhaps it’s time to change up your routine and try something new. Branch out from your comfort zone and take a chance on a new opportunity, because it might be just the change you need.

Cancer (June 21 – July 20) Do not allow yourself to slip back into a negative mindset this month. It’s important that you stay positive and keep looking for the silver lining. While it may be challenging, reframing your attitude when circumstances don’t go as planned will help you recover more easily and move on to better things instead of getting stuck in the past.

Leo (July 21 – Aug. 20) Prioritize relationship building this month, now is the time to reach out to your friends and loved ones that you’ve lost touch with recently. You may think that your busy schedule doesn’t allow for quality time with friends, but not making time for the ones you love now will lead to regret down the road when you need support and community to build you back up.

Virgo (Aug. 21 – Sept. 20) If you are feeling out of control and overwhelmed, this month may be the perfect opportunity to create an intentional routine and form healthy habits. Never underestimate the healing power of consistent sleep, eating well and avoiding procrastination in your work and personal life. Take a hard look at your life and what you want to change. Make achievable goals and hold yourself to them.

Libra (Sept. 21 – Oct. 20) Embrace your creative side this month, and don’t be afraid to express yourself openly. Let your inner child out by engaging in something you enjoy simply for the sake of having fun. Don’t let your to-do list keep you from making time for yourself. You deserve to enjoy life, so make the most of any opportunity to escape the stress and find joy.

Scorpio (Oct. 21 – Nov. 20) When it comes to relationships, it’s important that you trust yourself this month and refuse to lower your standards for anyone. You know what you want and need better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and make the right choice for you without worrying what other people will think. It’s your life, so don’t be bogged down by what others expect of you, be confident that your next steps are the right ones.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21 - Dec.20) In February, remember that you do not need to prove yourself to anyone. You are enough just as you are, so carry on living as you see fit without feeling pressured from anyone else’s opinions. Embrace the confidence that comes from knowing your worth. Doing so will draw the right people to you naturally.

Capricorn (Dec. 21 – Jan. 20) You may find this month to be emotionally challenging or even draining, allow yourself to feel everything that comes to you rather than trying to put on a brave face and weather the storm. Lean on the ones you love to hold you up and don’t be afraid to open up to your close friends. You gain nothing by pretending to be strong when you are not. Instead, take advantage of the support you have and look towards the good things to come.

Aquarius (Jan. 21 – Feb. 20) If you’re finding that your relationships and goals seem to keep falling flat, perhaps it’s time you did some introspection and considered how you can focus on bettering your own mental health and wellbeing.

You can’t truly find happiness in a significant other or achievements until you have made peace with yourself and are content just as you are.

Pisces (Feb. 21 – March 20) This month may be your chance to prioritize alone time and take a break from the stressors of life. Don’t feel guilty about taking a much-needed break. Rather make the most of any time you have to yourself for rest and relaxation before life picks up speed in the coming months.

Page 8

ARGONAUT

February 1, 2024

Saying Goodbye to a few Vandals The future is bright for Idaho’s departing players Jack DeWitt ARGONAUT

After years of struggling to even have a positive record, the University of Idaho Vandals’ football team have made a complete turnaround in recent years.

Under new leadership from Head Coach Jason Eck and breakout seasons from young

John Keegan Argonaut

Hayden Hatten, Gevani McCoy and Anthony Woods sit on the bench together for the final time

“Eighmey Objective” for a three-game homestand Idaho will play three games over five days James Taurman-Aldrich ARGONAUT

The Idaho women’s basketball team returns home at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1 to take on the University of Montana.

Idaho lost to Northern Arizona and beat Northern Colorado over the weekend for its first win since Jan. 6.

Following the game against Montana, the Vandals will stay home to take on Montana State on Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sacramento State on Feb. 5. The games will be at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively.

“The three games in five days stretch is challenging,” Head Coach Carrie Eighmey said during a press conference. “I think the important thing to remember is that everybody’s doing it, or will have had to do it at some point in the season.

It doesn’t really change anything other than our schedule.”

Montana State – Space Jam Night After Idaho takes on Montana, another school from Big Sky Country, Montana State, will travel to ICCU Arena. Similarly to Montana, this game also has kind of a rivalry feel around it.

It all started back on March 9, 2022, when MSU beat Idaho to advance to the Big Sky championship game in Boise.

From that game, junior guard Ashlyn Wallace is the only Vandal still on the roster. Meanwhile, MSU still has three from the 73-67 win.

Since that game, the two teams have split their matchups, with each team getting the home win. Needless to say, Space Jam Night could provide a better matchup than the Tune Squad taking on the Monstars.

Sacramento State – Tribal Nations Night

“The hopeful thing is that our third game on Monday (at) Sacramento State is a game we’ve already played, so the scout preparation is a little different Montana – Teddy for our coaching staff,” Bear Toss Eighmey said.

The Vandals will Although the first game wrap up their homeof that stretch isn’t a true stand against the John Keegan | Argonaut “rivalry” for either team, Carrie Eighmey Hornets of Sacramento Montana is about as close State. Idaho took this as it gets to a rival for Idaho outside of matchup 88-51 in the conference opener.

Idaho State. UM leads the all-time series Since then, Sac State has won one game 15-11, and they beat Idaho in the final against California State – Northridge and game of the 2022-23 regular season. lost to 11 other teams.

“I think there is a rivalry,” Eighmey While the Hornets have only played said. “I haven’t experienced it yet, but two games that ended in a 10-point or I feel that a little bit just with players less loss, they also enter this game well that are returning, and just from conrested. Sacramento State’s last game was versations that I’ve had with various an 84-57 loss to Montana on Jan. 27. people. For me personally, it’s probably Idaho will have two very tough no different than any other game, but I matchups to kick off the weekend, and think for the players, there’s definitely a with Hope Butera being out for the rivalry that’s maybe developed over the season, the whole team will need to step years.” up.

This will also be the final time that The Vandals will also have to make former Vandal Gina Marxen will have a sure they don’t fall for a trap game when chance to play in ICCU Arena. The fifth they face Sac State in their final home year guard played at Idaho from 2018game until Feb. 22.

2021 before going to play for the Griz.

players, the Vandals finished the season with a playoff loss to UAlbany, a heartbreaking, yet hopeful defeat for the refreshed team.

Not long after the loss, many of the Vandals’ standout players from this season entered the transfer portal or declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

Gevani McCoy, who posted an impressive 2,900-yard season this year, led the Vandals to a 9-4 record (including playoffs). McCoy, who received the Jerry Rice Award after the 2022 season, passed for over 5,800 yards in his stint with the Vandals, while also posting an impressive 65% completion percentage including 43 touchdowns during his time on the team.

On Dec. 11, 2023, McCoy decided to take his talents to the transfer portal, and on Dec. 23, 2023, he announced his commitment to the Oregon State Beavers. McCoy will be entering the 2024 off-season competing for the starting QB position in Corvallis after their own starting QB entered the transfer portal not long after their season ended.

Hayden Hatten, McCoy’s favorite target, posted insane numbers this year as well as accruing a second team All-American selection for the 2023 season. Hatten, a five-year veteran, led the entire Vandals receiving core with 1,226 receiving yards.

No stranger to the long ball, he also passed for two touchdowns on trick plays, all the while hauling in nine touchdowns of his own. On Dec. 15, 2023, Hatten decided to try and take his talents to the NFL, declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.

Hatten was also selected to the Hula Bowl, which selects the 100 best seniors in all divisions of college football to compete in an all-star game in front of more than 100

scouts representing the NFL, CFL, XFL and more. Hatten hauled in two catches and a touchdown while competing against some of the best competition the NCAA has to offer.

Anthony Woods, the Vandals’ number-one choice to carry the ball, ran for an impressive 1,155 yards this season, averaging just under 100 yards a game and 5.6 yards per carry.

He also punched in 16 touchdowns during the 15th 1,000-yard season in the team’s 100-year-old history.

On Dec. 11, 2023 Woods announced his entrance into the transfer portal, and on Dec. 19, 2023 announced that he would be taking his skills to the University of Utah.

Ricardo Chavez earned some fame for his name this season. The Vandal kicker, who kicked field goals with his right leg and punted with his left, booted in 19 field goals and 39 extra points this year, scoring 96 points for the Vandals.

As a punter, Chavez punted for almost 1,147 yards, pinning teams within their own 20-yard line nine times. Chavez boasted a season-high 70-yard punt against Nevada, as well as seven more that traveled over 50 yards this season.

On Dec. 19, 2023, Chavez revealed his plans to enter the 2024 NFL draft, looking to take his ambidextrous talents to the big leagues.

These four are not the only players who have announced their intentions to leave for other opportunities.

In December of 2023, cornerback Marcus Harris entered the transfer portal then subsequently committed to the University of California, Berkeley. WR Jermaine Jackson and tight end Teron Ivy JR both declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

“Pribble Plan” for a long road trip The Vandals are headed to Montana and California James Taurman-Aldrich ARGONAUT

“This is the finale in terms of making it through the whole conference one time,” Head Coach Alex Pribble said to open his weekly press conference. “Montana and Montana State have been perennial powerhouse… (and) we start again with the second time around conference with that Sac State game being the third game in five days.”

Sacramento State

Montana Idaho kicks off a three-game road trip across the border in Missoula, Montana, to take on the University of Montana on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. The Griz are 14-7 (5-3) and third in the conference. Meanwhile, the Vandals are 7-13 (1-6) and last in the Big Sky. Montana has struggled in their past two games, losing 72-46 to Portland State (13-8, 4-4) on Jan. 25 before going to the wire with Sacramento State (6-15, 2-6) in a 70-67 win.

However, they’re still on a better run than the Vandals, who are on a seven-game losing streak, which started with a 77-72 loss to PSU. Montana State Following their trek over to Missoula, the Vandals will take a three-hour trip southeast to Bozeman, Mont., to take on the Bobcats at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Montana State holds the same conference record as UM but are 10-11 overall, including a loss to Rocky Mountain College, a NAIA school.

Last season, Idaho ended a six-game losing streak with a 74-70 win over MSU. However, both rosters look vastly different than they did in 2023, with only three players who played minutes returning, all for the Bobcats. “(They’re) experienced groups of guys, so we’re going to have to do a good

job of matching their physicality and making it a possession-by-possession game,” Pribble said.

While both of these games will be challenges for the Vandals, it’s also going to be a special trip for Juice Mims. The junior forward hails from Billings, Montana, which is a two-hour drive to Bozeman and a fivehour drive to Missoula.

“There’s going to be a big Juice Mims cheering section there, at both of those games,” Pribble said. “He’s the kind of kid that attracts a lot of fan support, not just because of his play, but (also) the type of young man he is.”

After a brief homecoming for Mims, the Vandals will head down to California to take on the Hornets of Sacramento State. Idaho’s one win in conference play was against the Hornets, but Sac State is a better team than they were in December.

“It’s ultimately the third game in five days, so it’s going to be a mental and physical challenge for the guys,” Pribble said.

“Sac State has (also) been playing better basketball recently.”

The Hornets will also have the benefit of not having played since Jan. 27 when they play the Vandals.

Idaho and Sac State will look to put on yet another show when they face off in The Nest at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5.

John Keegan | Argonaut

Alex Pribble discusses a call during a game against Cal Poly

February 1, 2024

ARGONAUT

Idaho loses to Northern Colorado The Bears scored 40-plus points in both halves to dominate Vandals Bryce Norwood ARGONAUT

The Idaho Vandals lost to the Northern Colorado Bears 89-68 in a Big Sky matchup on Saturday.

Idaho was absolutely dominated on the glass, getting out-rebounded by UNC 38-21. UNC limited Idaho’s offensive rebounding ability, as the Vandals only posted four offensive boards.

Both teams shot fairly well in the game, with Idaho shooting 26-for-56, and Northern Colorado shooting 36-for63. Idaho was able to find their rhythm from range, as they shot 44% from three, which was the first time in five games that the Vandals have shot above 30% from three.

Idaho held two leads all game, which came with the opening basket, and a 15-14 lead early in the first. Northern Colorado was able to consistently match Idaho’s makes and capitalize on the misses, and they slowly grew a first half lead.

Idaho was able to make it close going into halftime only down four points 43-39, thanks to a late half effort lead by redshirt junior Terren Frank, who finished the game with 13 points on 5-11 shooting, and 2-for-4 from three.

“I just wanted to be aggressive on offense and defense and give us a boost the last couple games,” Frank said during the post-game press conference.

“We went down and kind of got deflated

and didn’t fight back. So, I wanted to be a person that makes sure that doesn’t happen to us.”

Idaho’s leading scorer was junior guard Quinn Denker, who had 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting, and posted six assists as well.

The second half continued to be a problem for the Vandals, as Idaho was outscored 46-29 in the half. Idaho’s shooting percentage dropped from 51.6% to 40%, and their three-point percentage went from 54.5% to 35.7%.

Northern Colorado had four players score a dozen or more, with junior forward Saint Thomas posting a near triple double of 20 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. Junior guard Dejour Reaves posted 18 points of his own on 7-for-10 shooting.

Idaho was able to go back and forth with Northern Colorado for the first eight minutes of the second half, but Thomas and Reaves scored 12 straight to make the score go from 60-55 to 72-58, and the Bears kept on pulling away, winning 89-68.

“That’s what we’ve been trying to work toward is making sure we put together a complete game,” D’Angelo Minnis said. “In the second half we’ve kind of seen that drop off, so all that has to do with is coming back to the film, going back to practice and just learning from our mistakes, learn from our breakdowns. If we just try to chip away at it every day by getting better we can keep it from happening.”

Idaho’s next game is on the road against the 14-7 Montana Grizzlies on Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. The Vandals will look to win their second conference game of the year and end their winning drought.

James Taurman-Aldrich | Argonaut

Terren Frank shoots a free throw against Northern Colorado University

GET TO KNOW ASPEN CALDWELL Caldwell is one of two freshmen on the Idaho women’s basketball team Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

Motivated, dedicated, hardworking and reliable are four words that freshman guard Aspen Caldwell uses to describe herself. Caldwell hails from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and is one of only two Idaho natives on the University of Idaho women’s basketball team.

Growing up, Caldwell enjoyed other sports but mainly focused on basketball because of her dad.

“Growing up, my dad put me in basketball because he loved sports. I also played many other sports when I was younger, but I liked basketball the best and felt I was the best at it, so I decided to quit all other sports and focus on basketball,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell committed to Idaho during her junior year of high school and could not wait to get here.

“I chose Idaho because I loved the culture and the general support I got here.”

In college basketball today, whenever a coach leaves a program, a recruit tends to follow. However, Caldwell stayed the course after the departure of former Vandals’ Head Coach John Newlee.

“When Coach Newlee left, that was a hard adjustment for sure, but as the season went on, I had a good feeling to stay and stick with it.”

Caldwell came to Idaho after a stellar career at Thunder Ridge High School.

Caldwell, a three-year starter for the Titans, averaged 11 points per game in

her sophomore season, helping them to their best record in school history at 21-5 and booked their first-ever state tournament trip.

In her first state tournament game, she put on a show, posting 26 points against Meridian and leading the Titans to victory. She scored 11 in the next game, and in the State championship, where the Titans fell short 62-55 to Mountain View. In three state tournament games, Caldwell averaged 16 points.

Caldwell followed up her sophomore season with an excellent junior year. In her junior season, Caldwell averaged 18 points, five rebounds and three assists per game, leading the Titans to a 22-4 record and a date with their bitter rival, the Rigby Trojans, in the 5A district championship. Caldwell scored 25 points in the game and led the Titans to the first district championship in school history.

Caldwell also reached 1,000 points in her junior year. In her senior year, Caldwell had the best season of her career. She averaged 21 points, six rebounds and four assists per game in the wake of the Titan’s 21-0 regular season.

The Titans would fall in the first round of the State tournament 55-52 to state runner-up Rocky Mountain.

Caldwell ended her high school career with over 1,500 points. She was voted High Country Conference Player of the Year in 2023, a three-time all-state tournament team and an all-area first team in 2021.

Caldwell also broke school records for most points in a season, doubledoubles, career points, career steals and career three-pointers. Now, Caldwell is a true freshman for the Vandals. She has

Page 9

Vandals survive thriller in the Mountains The Vandals ended their four-game losing streak in a nailbiter against the Bears Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

took over the last few minutes of the game. With the Vandals leading 52-47 and badly needing a basket, Schmitt came through.

Schmitt received the ball on the left wing, crossed her defender over, and laid the ball up to extend the Vandals’ lead. Free-throw shooting is a huge part of winning games, and the Vandals’ leaders stepped up when it counted.

Schmitt made the last four free throws for the Vandals and helped them escape Greeley with a 60-56 win, ending the four-game losing streak.

The Vandals struggled in the second half, being outscored 41-27, and were not as efficient on the offensive end.

Idaho finished the game 18-for-45 from the field, an impressive 6-for12 from beyond the arc and 18-for-21 from the free-throw line. The Bears were down and not out and gave the Vandals all they could handle for twenty minutes.

Northern Colorado finished 15for-45 from the field, 2-for-14 from beyond the arc and 24-for-29 from the free-throw line. The Vandals had another outstanding defensive performance, holding the Bears to 33% shooting and senior guard Simental to 2-for-7 shooting and five points.

Sophomore forward Aniah Hall led the Bears with 19 points and six rebounds to keep them in the game.

The Vandals were led by Schmitt, whose excellent 10 point fourth quarter had her end up with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Johnson helped Schmitt with 14 points and five rebounds to help secure the Vandals’ third conference win as Idaho improved to 10-9 overall and 3-4 in conference play. Northern Colorado fell to 9-9 and 4-3 in conference play.

Idaho will be back home on Thursday, Feb. 1, as they host the 14-5 Montana Grizzlies looking to extend their win streak and get back in the Big Sky race.

Coming off a loss to Northern Arizona on Thursday, the Vandals looked to respond in the second game of their road trip. Behind a big first quarter, Idaho defeated Northern Colorado 60-56, ending a four-game losing streak.

There is some familiarity between the two teams. Head Coach Carrie Eighmey spoke about it during her weekly press conference.

“I have quite a bit of familiarity with the Northern Colorado staff and Hannah Simental. I coached her sister at Nebraska Kearney. Kristen has done a phenomenal job building that program and the continuity they have,” she said.

The Vandals jumped on the Bears early, and after a 4-0 run in the last 42 seconds, they led 21-4 at the end of the first quarter. The Vandals kept their defensive intensity up in the second quarter and outscored the Bears 12-11 to take a 33-15 lead into the break.

The Vandals found their groove early and finished the half shooting 11-for-21 from the field, an efficient 4-for-7 from three and 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Northern Colorado’s dreadful offense continued as the Bears finished 3-for-24 from the field, 0-for10 from beyond the arc and 9-for-12 from the free-throw line (all in the second quarter).

Coming out of the locker room, the game changed, and the Bears came out of hibernation. The Bears found their rhythm and went on a 12-0 run to close the Vandals’ lead to 33-27.

Junior forward Kennedy Johnson ended the almost five-minute drought with a three-pointer to put the Vandals back up nine points.

Northern Colorado kept the pressure up, and after their best offensive quarter, the Bears cut the once 18-point lead to 44-31 to end the third quarter.

Graduate guard Sarah Schmitt came out and hit a threepointer to extend the Vandals’ lead to 16.

The Bears kept fighting, and behind some tremendous free throw shooting, cut the lead to as John Keegan | Argonaut less than five. The Vandals gather before a shot against Texas A&M - Commerce Vandals experience appeared in all 18 games and averages 2.5 points per game.

Caldwell has found the adjustment from high school to college to be much different.

“It’s been a lot different for sure, the speed and the size of all the girls, but I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been a lot of learning.”

There are plenty of meaningful moments in a basketball career and for Caldwell, that is no different.

“My favorite basketball memory would have to be my junior year in high school when we won the district championship against Rigby,” Caldwell said.

Outside of class and basketball,

Caldwell enjoys health and fitness.

Caldwell wants to continue with health and fitness after her college career.

“After college I want to be a health and fitness coach and help individuals succeed athletically and physically,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell is one of the critical pieces of the Vandals’ future and will be a pivotal piece to the Vandals for the foreseeable future. Her aggressive and determined style of play will make her one of the most exciting guards and players in the future of the Vandals and the Big Sky Conference.

John Keegan | Argonaut

Aspen Caldwell prepares to move the ball past EWU’s Jamie Loera

Page 10

ARGONAUT

February 1, 2024

A power play by the patriarchy Ken being nominated without Barbie is an atrocity The Academy has long been known to deliver serious snubs and ouright atrocious nominations. Years and years of injustice roll out once the nominations are announced, and this year was no different.

Frontrunning films like “Oppenheimer” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” led the race in most nominations, and rightly so. Everybody saw those coming. Those nominations were assured.

The stars were crossed for those films. Still, we all thought other stars were aligned as well.

Surely the highestgrossing film of the year and most impactful pop culture phenomenon will see a clean sweep of nominations. Surely Barbie and Ken will both get nominated.

Their duo was unstoppable. Their duo is still making waves in the media circuit, promoting the groundbreaking feminist film. Surely the Academy Awards will recognize that. They didn’t.

They only recognized Ken and left Barbie in the

artists in a year of so many great films. And I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m also incredibly honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken. But there is no Ken YouTube | Courtesy Ryan Gosling’s reaction after winning his award for “I’m Just Ken” without Barbie, and there is mance of “I’m Just Ken.” shadow of the patriarchy. no Barbie movie without I’m sure the difficulty of Ryan Gosling raked in his Greta Gerwig and Margot third Oscar nomination for solely bearing the entire Robbie, the two people patriarchy on his shoulhis portrayal of Ken. He most responsible for this also raked in a nomination ders while it took hit after history-making, globally hit from every other charfor making literary geniuses such as “Kenough” acter in the film must have celebrated film. No recognition would be possible been excruciating. and “Mojo Dojo Casa for anyone on the film The artistic gravatas House” legendary. without their talent, grit it must have taken to acHours and hours of and genius. curately portray the job excruciating research To say that I’m disapof “beach” are evidence about playing, in his pointed that they are words, “a crotchless doll,” enough that Gosling paid off. This performance clearly deserved the Oscar not nominated in their respective categories nod. is getting the same nod would be an understateGosling took a public from The Academy as stance on the nominations, ment. Against all odds, his portrayal of Sebastian with nothing but a couple saying that it goes against in “La La Land,” a role of soulless, scantily clad, where he had to learn how everything the movie set and thankfully crotchless out to do. His full stateto seamlessly play the dolls, they made us laugh, piano through months and ment reads: they broke our hearts, they “I am extremely months of lessons. pushed the culture and honored to be nominated I’m sure Gosling had they made history. by my colleagues alongsimilar preparation for Their work should be side such remarkable his showstopping perfor-

IS THE ROM-COM BACK? “Anyone but You” brings back the mid-budget Rom-Com One of the biggest normal, day-tohits of the 2023 day stories of the holiday movie run rom-com did not. was the one and As effects like CGI only Sony-backed and the multi-movie “Anyone but You,” narratives of the and everyone is Marvel franchises surprised, especially took over our box after its low-key offices, they edged opening weekend. out the rom-com And this simply begs and its compatriots. the question: Is the Many people thought mid-budget rom-com that was the end of back? the rom-com.

Before we answer Then, Netflix that question, let’s Originals came onto go over where it the scene. In an went. When you ask interview with The people what their Hollywood Reporfavorite rom-com is, ter, Netflix Films the movie they name co-producers Matt was Brodlie and probably Ian Bricke released say that they sobrought back mewhere the rom-com between after seeing the late that they 80s with were still “The paying Princess out large Bride” amounts of Abigail Spencer or “When licensing for ARGONAUT Harry these movies, Met but no one is Sally” and the making new ones. late 2000s with “Where’s “My “Mamma Mia” or Best Friend’s “The Proposal.”

Wedding” now?

These movies, many Where is “The of which the young Holiday”? Where are people around us these films now?” grew up on, came said Brodlie in the about during a boom interview. So, they of rom-coms being made them, and a lot written, put out, and of them. produced by studios There are multiple as their mid-budget series of rom-coms movies, with no laravailable under the ge-spending graphics Netflix Originals or practical effects banner, with book but lots of charm. adaptations like “All Still, these movies of the Boys I’ve got the axe with the Loved Before” or the advent of the 3-D holiday-based “The movie, where techPrincess Switch.” nical showstoppers Many of these wowed audiences movies are some of in a way that the the most beloved in

the studio, having multiple movies in each series. But these movies are low-budget movies.

They have cheap costumes and low-value sets and often end up with less-than-stellar acting (sorry, Vanessa Hudgens).

And that exact low budget is what “Anyone but You” turns on its head.

The vast majority of the movie is filmed in real locations, with beautiful sets and actors with a sparking chemistry so alive that it brought about rumors of a real-life affair between the actors.

The script is funny and references the Shakespeare play it is based on while still feeling like its own, instead of feeling cookie-cutter cut out.

And people loved it. The movie’s international earnings have now exceeded $100 million.

Not to mention the reviews pouring in that the movie is extremly loved, even if it may not be a kind of movie that breaks the steryotypical mold in any way.

Honestly, in today’s cinematic universe, people are getting sick of superhero movies and I think that this genre may be the future of the overall movie and cinema experience.

recognized along with that is far enough on the edge of the other very deservof the film industry to ing nominees. receive accolades. (Okay Having said that, I am wait, who has even heard so happy for America of this movie?)

Ferrera and the other I’m not arguing that incredible artists who The Academy should contributed their talents have given the broom to to making this such a “Barbie,” letting it sweep groundbreaking film. the Oscar stage.

A billion-dollar success I’m just saying that isn’t enough money to nominating Ryan Gosling pay off The Academy. for his satirical perforThey are going to choose mance of the all-powerful serious films. patriarchy is a bit of a They are going to power play from that same choose eclectic films. patriarchy.

They are going to choose Nominating “I’m Just films on the edges of the Ken” for Best Origimainstream. “Barbie” nal Song is borderline is too mainstream for a disgraceful. It reinforces Best Actress and Best the notion that we all Director nod. But it was have been thinking for just successful years now that enough to get the Oscars are a recognized for joke. We can’t Best Film and, take these nomiof course, a nations seriously nod to the male when Gosling’s character in the performance of film.

Ken is acknowlNo way edged. Period. would the ninth The end of the nomination sentence. But Joanna Hayes ever of a female it is even more ARGONAUT in the Best Direcoutrageous that tor category go “I’m Just Ken” is to someone who made a getting recognition. Those movie about a plastic doll. two nominations, comJustine Triet was nomibined with Robbie’s and nated for Best Director Gerwig’s snubs, are proof for “Anatomy of a Fall,” that the Academy has no making her the eighth credibility. woman to be nominated In Ken’s own words, “I in that category in all of love patriarchy.” history. Because this film

TRUE VICTOR OF UFC 297 Wow, that fight was a doozy, so who really won?

Ultimate Fighting Championship 297 took place on Jan. 20 at Scotia Bank Arena in Toronto. This fight was the one UFC fans were anxiously waiting, determining who would continue to hold the UFC middleweight championship title. Both Sean Strickland DAZN | Courtesy and Dricus Du Plessis walked into Sean Strickland (left) and Dricus Du Plessis (right) the cage with the mindset of having that belt. Strickland gained the stance of UFC Plessis in my opinion. middleweight champion back in SeptemThe fourth round started out rough for Du ber 2023 but was struck down during his first Plessis when Strickland found success with his defense against the number two fighter, Du right-hand hits in the first 90 seconds of the Plessis in UFC 297. round. But let’s not forget: at that point, StrickThere has been much controversy over the land was dripping blood thanks to Du Plessis’ split decision which resulted in the fight. So various shots. let’s break it down. Right off the bat, looking A big controversy on this fight is whether at both fighters, we can see they have a lot of Du Plessis headbutted Strickland in this round. similarities. Close in age, same height, same If you play back in slow motion, you can see reach and Strickland is a whopping half pound at minute marker 4:31 the punch that caused heavier than Du Plessis. These two could basiStrickland’s bleeding. You can even see blood cally be twins. leaking at marker 4:23, right before the soRound one was quite competitive; you could called headbutt. feel the tension flying between each fighter.

As for this “headbutt” itself, it looked more Strickland came in with a strong jab (pushing like Du Plessis went up Strickland’s through with power from his shoulleft side, where he grazed his face der) and constant contact throughout in comparison to the headbutts I’ve the five minutes. Du Plessis landed given my sister. Du Plessis then two takedowns in this round and had another takedown, and I know gave a gnarly head kick, but I would takedowns don’t score points, but it say what really caught a lot of fans’ is no easy task, and it gave Du Plessis attention would be the lead hand and a good amount of control time. Du control of Strickland. Du Plessis’ Plessis also landed his right hand on takedowns were solid, but not enough Strickland’s face multiple times in to give him control over Strickland. this round, convincing me he took it Round one, I would give to StrickPresley Zimmerman this time. land.

ARGONAUT The fifth round of the fight is a Round two continues with Strickbrutal one. Strickland used his jab land landing his jabs, to the point consistently until the end. I think this is where where you could see it in Du Plessis’ face, he really picked up the pace. At this point, swelling up his left eye. However, Du Plessis both fighters are bruised, bleeding, and tired. landed yet another takedown, making him But I would say at the 30 second mark is when successful in three of his four attempts at this Strickland really takes this round in his favor. point. This takedown put Strickland on his butt He throws punches and they land more conand pinned him right on the cage; you’ve got to sistently than Du Plessis’. In the last 10 seconds give him points for that. Though it was a close round, probably the closest of the fight, I would of round five, Strickland keeps pushing Du Plessis back more and more with purpose and have to give the round to Du Plessis. precision to the final seconds. I would give this Once round three started, Du Plessis began round to Strickland, hands down. to diversify his hits. He kept on pushing All in all, did Du Plessis deserve to win the action and bringing out the offense. Strickland title?

I replayed this fight, slow motion and all, is known for being dangerous when pressthe highlights were reviewed and considered. ing forward, so Du Plessis stopped that from The split decision was made correctly; Du happening. The man was changing it up every Plessis won UFC 297. Now, I will say this fight second: kick, head, body, head, kick and now spin. To be honest, Du Plessis was fun to watch; was a little too close for a title win, but with Du Plessis’ pressure throughout the fight and it would have been more exciting if more of his limited step backs, it lands in his favor. It’ll these moves landed, but it works at throwing be interesting to see how long he lasts. Who Strickland off. Due to Strickland’s constant knows, there could be a rematch in the future. back-pedaling, round three would go to Du

February 1, 2024

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University staff Must Investigate Gonzales Swiftly Editorial Board ARGONAUT

The University must finish the investigation before contracts expire The University of Idaho released a memo on Jan.19 expressing support for the Vandal volleyball players regarding the investigation into volleyball Head Coach Chris Gonzales.

“Our primary goal remains to uphold our values and the principles of an inclusive, supportive and nurturing learning environment that all our students rightfully deserve. We are committed to a timely, but fair and thorough investigation,” the memo stated.

The Editorial Board hopes that the university keeps its word, and truly gives the members of the team all the support possible and resources available within their power in what is surely a difficult time.

Yet, in an Argonaut interview with an anonymous player on the Vandal volleyball team, the sincerity of this memo is brought into question, with the memo being compared as “eerily similar” to a memo sent out by Vandal Athletic Director Terry Gawlik to the volleyball team last year.

The investigation needs to be completed urgently, especially due to the upcoming expiration of both Gonzales’ and Gawlik’s contracts—for Gawlik in July and for Gonzales in December.

It is also unfair to the volleyball players and the volleyball program to let this linger. Any unreasonable delay past the end of the school year would only make the university look like it is not planning on addressing the situation.

The Law and the Suit And yet, even the investigation itself is being questioned as truly being fairest toward the students involved. The firm hired by the university to conduct a supposedly independent investigation is the Texasbased Thompson & Horton LLP, a firm that specializes in education law, and is known for representing universities who get in hot water for sexual assault on campus.

The firm’s most well-known case was representing Texas’ private Baylor University in a suit lodged by a group of anonymous female students that ended in the ousting of the university’s president for attempting to cover up the many reports of assault on campus.

In fact, the firm is known for being downright abusive in their questioning during that suit, with court documents claiming that the firm “attempt(ed) to brand a scarlet letter on someone unfortunate enough to be raped,” according to an article in the Texas Lawyer.

But that’s not even where the concerns about the involvement of this firm end. Last June, UI installed Jackie Gharapour Wernz as the Interim Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations, the very office that hired Thomson & Horton LLP. Yet, when you go onto the

firm’s website, Wernz is listed as a partner for the firm, specializing in both higher education, and Title IX and Sexual Harassment cases.

This is a clear conflict of interest.

There is no way that the OCRI office could claim that Thompson & Horton will provide an unbiased and independent investigation of these allegations or of Gonzales and Gawlik while one of their partners is currently employed as the head of a university department.

OCRI and the Athletics Department However, the saddest part of all of this, is that this is not even the first time we are hearing of a failure from the university in protecting its students. In September of 2022, the Argonaut published an article about the lack of support for students who experience sexual assault and stalking on campus. In that article, students are quoted saying that the OCRI caseworkers involved with their cases did

not truly care about them, even making snide remarks saying that they were not as affected as they appeared by their experiences.

There was even a blog post back in 2018 by a Vandal Athlete about how specifically the athletics department misdealt with an assault case between two athletes, much less with the power imbalance present between the Vandal volleyball players and Gonzales.

Overall, it is clear first and foremost, that something

needs to happen as soon as possible. While the scholarships of all team members have been secured through May, the investigation must be conducted thoroughly and swiftly, with any doubts as to the veracity of the investigation addressed by the university before these contracts expire and before the incident slips away into obscurity. The time to act is now, and if the university would like to make a statement—they know how to reach us.

Coquette Core is a step in the Right Direction for Feminism have increased 190% in January. On TikTok, the hashtag #coquetteaesthetic has 291.6k posts and almost five billion views.

Bows are not the only way to feel coquettish. Anything that symbolizes romance and soft femininity will do.

Think of kitten heels, dresses, tights, The resurgence of the 2010 Tumblr ruffles and lace. The style takes inspicoquette aesthetic, characterized as soft, ration from the Victorian Regency or romantic and playful, is one of the most the Rococo Era. Japan also popularinfluential fashion trends in 2023. The ized it before reaching the U.S. Last trend itself and consumers’ rapid adaptayear, Barbie, Taylor Swift, “Girl Math” tion of it show how far our perceptions and Priscilla set the tone for feminine of feminism and inclusivity have come. empowerment in the media. The National The classic portrait of a coquette is of a Public Radio named 2023 the “Year of master seductress who uses psychology the Girl” due to the several displays of to manipulate their victim—a sort of society proudly celebrating girlhood maneater trope. culture.

Robert Greene Historically, the femidescribes a coquette’s nine ideal expresses itself power in his book “The through fashion, like in the Art of Seduction.”

1980s, when power suits According to Greene, and shoulder pads were the “coquettes seem totally staple. In the early 2000s, self-sufficient; they do being a ‘girly-girl’ was not need you, they seem cool; wearing pink was to say, and their narciscool and we can probably sism proves devilishly thank Paris Hilton for attractive. You want this. The Y2K style, while to conquer them, but iconic, was problematic in they hold the cards,” he many ways. The desirable wrote. girl portrayed in the media Jacey Coleman The Oxford Dictionwas unhealthily small ary has redefined the and eating disorders were ARGONAUT French term “a woman widespread. Girly-girls who flirts,” and this rewere perceived as ditzy and flects the more modern brainless. Modern femistyle by providing a sense of confidence nists pushed back hard on this stereotype through taking care of one’s appearance. and misogyny turned into internalized The overwhelming popularity of “comisogyny. quette core” is due to the viral bow trend In response to this movement, the on social media platforms. The videos ideal girl was the “girl boss,” who did feature users ironically romanticizing not care about putting on make-up or practically everything with bows—dogs, trying to be girly in any way. The phrase ice cubes, breakup texts and even fried “I’m not like other girls” was painfully chicken—over the audio of “Let the used against women, implying there was Light In” by Lana Del Ray. According something wrong with them. Although to Buzzfeed, searches for “bow outfit” this was an empowering time to be an

The viral bow trend shows that women are “just girls” and proud of it.

independent career woman, there was an undertone of pressure to lose one’s feminine side to fit in with the men in the workforce.

The counter-reaction started in November 2021, when “coquette” searches on Pinterest began to surge three times higher than normal. The COVID-19 pandemic most likely launched the coquette style into the mainstream media because most people were no longer going to work and the atmospheric pressure to be a girl boss was gone.

Now, the message behind hyper femininity is found in sharing in the collective experience of being feminine. Gen Z’s willingness to discourse gender roles in society has led to more discernment on stereotyping genders by physical traits.

This led to creating the hyperfeminine coquette: a combination of the unapologetic demonstration of early 2000’s ‘girly-ness’ but more inclusive with different body types, races and gender identifications.

“I think that the Y2K and girly-girl aesthetic in 2022 is all about taking the best and most fun aspects of 2000s fashion and making it inclusive for everyone in a way it wasn’t back then, which, as a woman of color myself, is really great and encouraging to see,” said Amira Mohamed, a fashion filmmaker, in an article with Nylon. Some users on TikTok have critiqued the trend, arguing that women are infantilizing themselves and sexualizing the style of young girls.

But the inspiration for modern coquettes is based more on historical fashion and Y2K than childhood nostalgia.

It’s important to add that men never seem to be criticized for this. “Men are allowed to keep loving seemingly frivolous and childish things well into adulthood, like Star Wars, comic books, video games, but grown women who admit to still enjoying Barbie films or loving romcoms are mocked,” wrote Nylon. The power of coquetry is the freedom from

compromising oneself to please others. It is unapologetically loving to be feminine after years of misogyny.

Another problem is that people are annoyed by the aesthetic because so many people have participated in it.

Once everyone does something, people get tired of seeing it. This is why some fashion enthusiasts predict the irrelevance of the coquette style in 2024 due to its mainstream adaptation last year. “I think we’re all going to have to untie our bows on Dec. 31. It’s a great trend. I’ve loved every second. We’re all bowing out,” said an interviewee on the TikTok account @iluvurfit.

However, the fashion industry is not indicating that the inevitable fallout of these trends will occur anytime soon.

During the latest Spring 2024 Haute Couture Week in Paris, several fashion powerhouses used coquette elements in their collections. Chanel, Dior and Giambattista Valli all used bows as accessories to tie the models’ hair.

According to Vogue Runway, Maison Margiela was inspired for its collection by portraits of Parisian nightlife in the 1920s and 30s. The romanticism and corset silhouettes of the collection emulate the historically accurate idea of a modern coquette. Ready-to-wear brands like Reformation, Kimchi Blue, For Love and Lemons and Motel Rocks have recently listed more coquettish pieces on their websites. The trend’s role in the industry is still at its peak and will likely persist in 2024.

The coquette style is based more on an idea of an attitude than the style itself and it can be expressed differently through clothing as we continue to grow.

The main lesson the coquette can teach us is that women are still fighting against societal expectations. Whether it’s cool at the time to be a girl boss, a ‘girly girl’ or both at the same time, women want to enjoy the things they like freely.

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February 1, 2024

Sunset palette

Early spring brings beautiful light to the Palouse John Keegan ARGONAUT

Tuesday evening, the sunset over the Palouse was fantastic. Dogwalkers on the path at Magpie Forest in Pullman bore witness to the wonderful display. The sky was painted in oranges, purples and blues that lit up the houses below. The warm temperatures also brought small birds out from their nests, filling the air with their song.

John Keegan | Argonaut

The sun sets over Pullman on Jan. 30