Is your smart phone making you less smart?
A reflection of the UNC community.
The UNC community
Story by Makalah Emanuel on page 5.
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! REVIEWS
The Vagina Monologues { Page 8 }
Kendrick Lamar “To Pimp a Butterfly” { Page 4 }
Coachless team goes National:
RUGBY >> Page 10 <<
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April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
IN THIS ISSUE: OPINION 4
:
NEWS
“This idea of, ‘I want to be protected from serving a gay couple religious freedom,’ is also saying, ‘I deserve the right to discriminate.’”
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THE MIRROR STAFF 2014-15 Katarina Velazquez
Manuel Perez
Chelsea Hinspeter
La’Asianee Brown
Jacob Scott UNC programs achieve national ranking
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ARTS & CULTURE 7
Bears showcase talent in Big Apple
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Harmony Newman, UNC assistant professor of sociology and gender studies on Senate Bill 101 Story on page 12.
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Opinion
“Overly Dedicated.” His rhyme schemes have remained untarnished by the trends of southern rap voice inflections and trap beats. Although the club continues to jam along with these common style devices, no one can deny hip-hop has been craving something that would knock the rap game off its pivot, bringing something complex yet easy to bump in your car. Litsha Says Lame Stuff Lamar brought fervor to this album, mixing the same By Litsha Leeper things that made the Harlem Renaissance a part of history and an essential tipping point. Kendrick Lamar’s album “To Pimp a Butterfly” is the The album “To Pimp a Butterfly” is laced with funk, most thought-provoking, culturally progressive, innova- blues, jazz, neo-soul, old soul, poetry and straight street tive, new age renaissance album we’ve had in at least the rhymes. The fact that he was able to mix all of this last decade. together and be a hit to the viral, sensation-prone, new The world is beyond impressed, but dedicated Kend- generation youth is absolutely incredible. rick fans are not surprised. The album exhibits a man who is documenting his Lamar has been lyrically pressing the envelope since growth from a caterpillar to a butterfly from a guy who he emerged on the hip-hop scene with his 2010 EP
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
only knows what the world has given—his society has labeled him as a butterfly who truly understands his beauty and power. It is more than necessary that the black community and the Anglo-Americans who appropriate black culture received this body of work—it addresses the true meaning of the n-word, which is originated from the word “Negus,” meaning God or king. The album also confronts issues of color, gang violence, white supremacy and still provides that much needed head bobbin’ funk. Thank you, Kendrick Lamar, for not being corny, for being relatable and for using your platform to push the hip-hop culture toward growth and true beauty. —Litsha Leeper is a senior philosophy major and an opinion columnist for The Mirror. She can be reached at editor@ uncmirror.com.
Editor: Chelsea Hinspeter Assistant Editor: Makalah Emanuel
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
News
Are you smarter than an iPhone user? Study reveals iPhone users aren’t as intelligent when separated from their phones By Makalah Emanuel news@uncmirror.com
What if there were a world where men and women were more focused on a device than anything or anyone else? What if having that device within arm’s reach not only gave a sense of comfort to the user but also heightened the user’s intelligence? According to researchers at the University of Missouri, this isn’t just the plot line to a sci-fi flick—it’s reality. A recent study conducted at the University of Missouri found that separating a group of iPhone owners from their smart phones, in fact, made them less intelligent. To test this hypothesis, researchers gathered a group of 40 iPhone users and told them they were testing a wireless blood pressure cuff. The researchers then asked the subjects to solve word puzzles, with and without their phones. In order to get the users to surrender
their phones, researchers told users the phone signals were interfering with the blood pressure cuff. “Our findings suggest that iPhone separation can negatively impact performance on mental tasks,” said Russell Clayton, the study’s lead author. “Additionally, the results from our study suggest that iPhones are capable of becoming an extension of ourselves, such that when separated, we experience a lessening of self and a negative physiological state.” Mackie Stuart, an iPhone user and undeclared freshman, said she does not agree with these findings. “I think they should probably do some more research,” Stuart said. “I feel like lots of people have iPhones, and we can’t all be stupider without them.” Abbi DeCosse, a freshman sport and exercise major, said she found the findings from the study questionable. “I don’t think it helps to have it by me,” DeCosse said. “If I’m bored or not doing anything, then I’ll use it. But if I’m with other people, I don’t think about it or use it at all.”
By Tommy Simmons news@uncmirror.com
There are a few common denominators that go into a solid academic program at any university—qualified, caring instructors, an engaged student body, availability of materials and resources to students. US News & World Report routinely ranks various programs at colleges according to some of these criteria, and recently, the publication put two UNC graduate programs –rehabilitation counseling and online graduate education– at rankings of 15 and 13 in the country.
15th in U.S.-Rehabilitation Counseling: Size: Around 22 students Admission requirements: 3.0 GPA and two letters
NEWS CALENDAR
MON 4/6 Fall Semester Registration Opens Summer Session Registration Opens
TUE 4/7 Cassius Vasquez | The Mirror
A study suggests dependency on iPhones may result in decrease of mental capabilities.
Patrick Morales, a senior majoring in physics with a secondary education emphasis, said he just made the switch from an old-fashioned Nokia to an iPhone. Though the difference in phone types is large, Morales said the amount of time he spends on his new iPhone isn’t at all more than he did with his Nokia. “I rarely use it,” Morales said. “I only use it when I’m bored. When it comes to school, though, I put it away.”
Morales said the conclusion drawn by the study isn’t necessarily wrong or right. “Your phone is a safety net that you have,” Morales said. “When you lose that independence, then you tend to be a little bit more scared about it, and it makes you a little nervous. I don’t think you’re necessarily stupider, and you’re probably not dumb—you just haven’t learned how to be without it.”
UNC programs achieve national ranking of recommendation. In the marketplace: Rehabilitation counseling jobs are expected to grow by 20 percent from 2012–2022. Additional information: From 2010–2013, alumni from this program had a 100 percent employment rate. “We deal with every kind of disability you can imagine,” said Juliet Fried, one of three professors in the rehabilitation counseling program. “Everything from developmental disabilities to spinal cord injuries to substance abuse.” Rehabilitation counseling is designed to help a disabled person function in his or her community just like anyone else would, Fried said. Students learn how to help individuals with disabilities achieve their maximum potential—finding meaningful employment and living independently.
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The program is also accessible to non-traditional students, which is an advantage in graduate-level classes. “Half of all the required classes are online, and that attracts people who may be working,” Fried said. “We also offer classes in the afternoons and evenings, and we try hard to schedule and make it so you don’t have to come to campus every day.” The program requires students to take the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam as a final exam for the program. As a result, when students leave UNC, they are certified and ready for the workplace.
13th in U.S.-Online Graduate Education Programs: Size: 279 students Admission Requirements: Varies. Most commonly 3 letters of recommenda-
tion. Some programs require a valid teacher license and teaching experience. In the marketplace: There is an increase demand for teachers with another level of education, especially in more culturally diverse environments. Additional information: This is the graduate education program’s third year ranking nationally. Students who earn a Master’s of Arts in Teaching have the option of four separate emphases. All of these emphases are under the umbrella of a MAT degree, and the online component for them is very important. “Most of our students are teachers who are already working in schools, so the online program allows them to take courses around the edges of their day and in spare time from their day jobs,” said Thomas Griggs, who coordi-
nates the culturally and linguistically diverse emphasis. Online classes for these programs also have the advantage of being able to reach students across vast geographic distances. “I have students in my online classes that are on the east coast and a few from Asia, even,” Griggs said. “And that will continue to diversify as we get more established in this area.” Griggs said a large part of the program’s success was due to the commitment and passion of the people involved, in addition to UNC’s past as a teacher college. “It’s good to hear we have a national reputation,” he said. “And we of course have the advantage of UNC’s long history as an education school. I just see this as a continuation of what we’ve been doing for over 100 years.”
8 a.m. (Multi-Day Event) Student Senate Elections University Center 7-8 p.m. Student Literary Voices (The Crucible) Meeting University Center 7-9 p.m. Transgender Day of Visibility University Center
WED 4/8 All Day (Multi-Day Event) Student Senate Elections University Center 5:30-8 p.m. Student Senate Meeting University Center
THU 4/9 End Time 5 p.m. (Multi-Day Event) Student Senate Elections University Center 4-5 p.m. Research Excellence Awards University Center
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News
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Why taxes don’t have to be taxing in Colorado
D
TAXES DUE: APRIL 15th Dependant: Under 24, full-time student, unmarried without children and parents provide financial support equal or greater than half of annual income.
4/15
W2: Basic statement from employer, income and taxes already withheld. 1098-T: Tuition statement from university or college, amount billed as well as any aid received
1040EZ Form (Read IRS manual!): For unmarried college students without dependents Free File Software: HR Block Free File, Tax Simple, Turbo Tax and many more from the IRS at: http://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/jsp/index.jsp?ck
By Ye In Morris
news@uncmirror.com
With age comes more responsibility: paying rent, living independently, dealing with school and the dreaded word that all young adults fear—taxes. Once thrust into the work place and out of the house, young adults learn to file their own taxes. But filing taxes isn’t always as painstaking as it may seem. Colorado is rated as one of the best states to file taxes, according to a study by WalletHub. Colorado is rated as the 10th best state to file taxes, with Colorado’s annual state and local taxes being $5,674 in comparison to the highest state, New York, at $9,718. “I usually use TurboTax, with parental help of course,” said Kevin Keegan, a junior biology major. “But it’s not like the IRS is going to audit a
22-year-old.” Colorado was also ranked as the fifth most helpful state for taxpayers. There are many resources available to students and young adults who are still learning how to file taxes. There are many resource websites, like GoCollege, that provide helpful tips and step-by-step instructions on everything from applying for student loans and building a good credit score to a breakdown of how to conquer one’s taxes. While many people dread tax season, some don’t find filing taxes as taxing as others, like Nick Hennig, a sophomore music major. Hennig said he has mastered the art of tax payment, seeing it as just another necessary chore like paying rent. “I actually think doing taxes is pretty easy,” Hennig said. “I don’t understand why people bother spending money getting other people to do it for them—might as well just get them over with.”
Editor: Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Asianee Brown
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Arts & Culture
Education in the art of Henna Henna Fun Facts! t )FOOB EBUFT CBDL 9,000 years, depending on what the definition of Henna. t )FOOB JT B DPPMJOH BHFOU When applied to the skin, there is a cooling sensation similar to icy hot. t )FOOB IBT CFFO VTFE CZ rich and poor as jewelry for the skin.
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ARTS CALENDAR
MON 4/6 All Day Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition (Multi-Day Event) Guggenheim Hall- Mariani Gallery All Day Student Foundations Art Exhibition (Multi-Day Event) Crabbe Hall- Oak Room Gallery
Brianon Burke | The Mirror
By Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Asianee Brown arts@uncmirror.com
Very few people know where the origins of Henna lie. Thursday night in the University Center ballrooms, UNC students learned Henna was originally used as a cooling agent in the hotter places of the world. Henna was usually placed on the hands and feet, and the cooling affects would last as long as the Henna stain was on the skin. People later recognized the staining could be used to beautify the skin. Henna would be used by people from all different socioeconomical backgrounds as an alternative to
expensive jewelry. UPC Diverse event coordinator Anaisa Lua explained Henna as a culturally appropriate activity for people to participate in. While Henna has been adapted as part of some religious practices, it did not start as sacred. Unlike other Henna programs, this Henna was a hands-on tutorial for students. Students and the University Program Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff gathered in the ballrooms to learn about the origins of Henna, while being able to practice Henna on themselves and their friends. Students first practiced their designs on paper, then they created a stencil on their skin with white eyeliner. After this, they then were able to grab a Henna cone and create the design on their skin.
While some had steady hands and natural talent, others looked for friends to help create intricate designs. This program was the last of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Culturally Curiousâ&#x20AC;? series hosted by UPC. Other programs held were â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to... Salsaâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to... Street Art.â&#x20AC;? Each event was created to expose University of Northern Colorado students to other aspects of cultures through art. Katryn Bowdle, a graduate assistant for UPC, said the programs were aimed to focus on cultural education, and more events will be implemented in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a lot of education and events about things like alcohol awareness, which are really valid things college students should be aware about, but there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really much education
about culture,â&#x20AC;? she said. While students enjoyed snacks and drew their Henna designs, they described further events they would like to see hosted through UPC. Shayna Dix, a freshman elementary education major, said she thoroughly enjoyed the event. She also said that in the future she would like to participate in â&#x20AC;&#x153;how-toâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? for cultural foods and that UPC should incorporate cultural cooking programs. This was a common suggestion amongst many participants who were at the Henna event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a whole lot I know about Eastern cultures, like different holidays and definitely different cultural foods,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never tried any Indian foods, so that would be a cool experience.â&#x20AC;?
Bears showcase talent in Big Apple By Antonio Hill arts@uncmirror.com
With towering buildings, stage lights and critics everywhere, nothing could stop the Bears from having one of the strongest showings from UNC yet. Less than a month ago, on March 10, the senior theater class went to New York City to perform at the New York Showcase. After spending months fundraising through special events like movie nights for students and concessions at theatre productions, the students finally had the chance to perform. All 19 students in the class got to perform twice. The first performance was solo, and the second was a duet. The songs were chosen by the students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choosing a song was a long and intense process,â&#x20AC;?
said Brittany Shaffer, a senior theatre major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You want to find a song that expresses all your best qualities and makes an impact on the agents. Sometimes it can take months to find the perfect song.â&#x20AC;? That was just the first day. On the second of this three-day adventure, the students gave a private showing of their showcase at Telsey and Company casting studios, which is one of the major casting studios in New York. The performances were done in front of four agents, who then gave them feedback and advice. Rachel Hoffman, a casting director for Telsey and Company, worked with the students before they leave for New York, then set up everything at the Snapple Theater, where the students perform. On the third and final day, the students perform the whole showcase twice a day. Hoffman, along with directors from the University of Northern Colorado, such as John Leonard and Da-
vid Grapes, invited agents and casting directors and other people of importance in the business to see the showcase along with alumni, friends and family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We each got sheets the next day with feedback,â&#x20AC;? Shaffer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some people got some agent appointments and had people asking for them to send their head shots and resumes to the agency when they move out to the city,â&#x20AC;? she continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the boys got callbacks for the Book of Mormon. Some of us have also gotten appointments for the national tour of Bullets over Broadway, including myself.â&#x20AC;? Some students got their feedback immediately, but usually the casting directors hold onto the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; head shots and resumes and contact them later for a different project. To see these students in action, keep an eye on the Performing Arts calendar at: http://www.arts.unco. edu/calendar/.
TUE 4/7 7-9 p.m. Transgender Day of Visibility University Center- Spruce B & C
WED 4/8 7 p.m. International Film Series: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Berlin Callingâ&#x20AC;? Michener Library- Lindou Theater
THU 4/9 7 and 9 p.m. International Film Series: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Berlin Callingâ&#x20AC;? Michener Library- Lindou Theater 6-9 p.m. UPC Presents: Greeley Night Out Off Campus
Arts & Culture April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com Play review: Experiencing The Vagina Monologues 8
By Antonio Hill The lights faded, the crowd went silent and, suddenly, the women who had been frozen on stage came to life to deliver their monologues. I was immediately captured. The Vagina Monologues are in celebration of V-Day. V-Day is a global activist movement to stop violence against women and girls. The monologues were originally written by Eve Ensler, a Tony Award-winning playwright. Not knowing anything about it before the event, I was worried that being a man, I wouldn’t understand a lot of the stories or humor. The free shirts, stickers and chocolate vaginas were cool, but left me more confused of what to expect from this. Before the event started, I asked a student who had already
seen it what she thought about it. “I absolutely love it,” said Kate Levin, a junior English major. “This will be my second time seeing it, and I’m so excited. The monologues are just so funny, and some are sad, but overall they’re just so raw. And that’s why I like them so much.” After having this conversation, I felt a little more assured about the event. During the opening chorus, while the women herded to the center of the stage, one by one, each with a unique monologue to share, I couldn’t help but laugh at the hilarious takes on stories I didn’t think I’d ever hear. The sad stories were also just as powerful. I didn’t realize all the different ways a woman could be hurt because of one part of her body. By the time all the actresses stood up on stage for the final message, I was surprised at how fast time had passed. I wanted more funny stories and perspectives on situations that I couldn’t necessarily relate to. I could easily imagine with how well the monologues were portrayed. “This was my first time seeing this, and I really liked it,” said Emily Kaufman, a junior international affairs major. “I like how they took something that seems so taboo and made it easy to talk about. It spreads awareness in a powerful way.” I may never know exactly what it feels like to have a vagina, but
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through these stories, incredible acting and intense themes, I now know at least this: Vaginas make women powerful. V-Day brings the issue of violence against women and girls to the center of the culture and community, and I think it definitely has made an impact. If you haven’t seen The Monologues yet, try your best to make it a goal.
—Antonio Hill is a journalism and mass communications major with a film studies minor and an opinion columnist for The Mirror. He can be reached at editor@uncmirror.com.
5 OUT OF 5
Editor: Jacob Scott Assistant Editor: Dylan Sanchez
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Sports
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For next-day game recaps, check UNCMIRROR.COM
Strange looks to continue basketball career after UNC By Makalah Emanuel sports@uncmirror.com
“I actually started playing soccer—I was a soccer lover, and my dad just took me out of soccer was like, ‘No, you’re going to play basketball because you’re tall enough to play,’” said D’Shara Strange, the UNC women’s basketball team’s leading scorer. “I ended up falling in love with the game.” Strange said being the school’s leading scorer was a huge accomplishment for her. “I just feel blessed to have the opportunity to do that,” she said. “That was big for me.” Before becoming the leading women’s scorer at the University of Northern Colorado, Strange said she was just a movie-loving, sports-playing girl growing up in Fountain. She’s one of six siblings, sketched in as the third of the bunch. Her family, Strange said, may be large in size, but they’re extremely close. She gave a lot of credit to her parents for her success in the sport, even though each one of them played a different role in contributing to that success. “My family are my biggest supporters ever,” Strange said.
“My father got me into basketball and guided me all the way. He’s one of my favorite coaches. I’ve learned so much from that guy. “My mom is definitely someone I’d want in my corner in the war,” she continued. “When my dad is in my ear talking about all this stuff, like ‘You should have taken her to the right,’ my mom is the one to say, ‘Chill down with all the basketball talk.’” Coming from a large family has also tied into Strange’s love for the game. She said it made being on a team easy, because being from a big family is similar to being on a team. It taught her to work together to get things done, she said. “I love getting on the court and doing something that I didn’t think I had the ability to do,” Strange said. “I think that is the beauty of the game. If you put in the hard work, the results will happen.” But just like with all other aspects of life, where there’s joy, there is also discomfort. “The most challenging part of playing basketball is dealing with injuries,” Strange said. “I sat out last season with an injury. Dealing with injuries is tough. It’s mentally draining. When you’re not playing well or you’re having a bad game
or you get into this slump, it’s just draining. That’s the biggest challenge.” When the basketball talk comes to a halt and she isn’t on the court playing or practicing, Strange said she’s at home doing what most every college student does in his or her free time—indulging in TV therapy. “I’m a big movie fan and TV show fan,” Strange said. “I love ‘Scandal,’ and I love ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’” Strange also said she enjoys watching men’s basketball, and when it comes to her pick for this year’s NBA championship, Strange said she is putting her money on the Golden State Warriors. “I love the men’s game and how aggressive and fast they are,” Strange said. “I like Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving and Kobe Bryant.” Though Strange followers players like Stephen Curry today, she said as she was growing up, her role models included players like Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and Seimone Augustus. “They’re just great individuals and great players on the court, and they’re extremely talented,” Strange said. For someone who has accomplished so much in as
SPORTS CALENDAR YELLOW = HOME GAME BLUE = AWAY GAME
TUE 4/7 3 p.m. Baseball vs. Air Force Academy Jackson Field
FRI 4/10 1 p.m. Softball at University of Montana Missoula, Montana 3 p.m. Softball at University of Montana Missoula, Montana
Breelyn Bowe | The Mirror
Senior guard D’Shara Strange finished second on the team with 580 in points and led the team with 104 steals with this season.
little as four years, Strange said there’s still much to do. Five years from now, Strange said the place she’ll be is the same place she’s been for most of her life. That place is, of course, on the court. “In five years, I would like to be playing basketball professionally—whether it’s overseas
or WNBA,” she said. “I like the thought of being overseas. I’ve never been out of the United States, so I’d like to have that opportunity and know that basketball has given me that opportunity. In five years, if I had my way, I would still be doing what I’m doing now: Playing basketball.”
This week in Northern Colorado sports Staff Report
sports@uncmirror.com
Baseball
UNC baseball began their away week with a 9-2 loss at the Air Force Academy on Tuesday. The Bears (8-16, 5-3 WAC) then travelled further south to take on New Mexico State University’s team over the weekend. On Thursday, UNC’s offense fired on all cylinders, defeating the Aggies 10-4. The 10 runs were scored by five dif-
ferent players, with senior outfielder Jensen Park and freshman catcher Payton Tapia leading Northern Colorado with three runs each. On Friday, UNC continued to show its offensive power defeating NMSU (4-23-1, 1-6-1 WAC) 10-1. Park earned four of those 10 runs again, leading the team in runs. Park also had one RBI with one homerun. To finish the weekend, the Bears successfully swept the Aggies after defeating them 13-5 Saturday afternoon. The 13 runs came off of 14 hits and Park earned five RBI’s.
Softball
UNC softball took on Portland State University for a three-game series starting Friday afternoon. Portland State was able to edge out the Bears 4-3, getting their last two runs in the seventh inning. Sophomore infielder Erica Dick had two hits, including a homerun. After the loss, UNC (9-18-1, 3-4 Big Sky) turned their game around in game two, dominating Portland State 10-3. The Bears secured their lead in the final inning, scoring four runs and holding Portland State scoreless to finish out the game.
Women’s Tennis
On Friday, Northern Colorado defeated Division II Colorado Mesa University (10-6, 1-0) 7-0. UNC was able to take all six single sports over Colorado Mesa. The Bears also took two of the three doubles matches that day. The duo of junior Hilary WaltersWest and sophomore Marissa Baca earned their eighth win of the season after defeating Colorado Mesa’s Natalie Martin and Katie Metz 6-1.
6:30 p.m. Baseball at Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona
SAT 4/11 10 a.m. Women’s Tennis at Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho 1 p.m. Softball at University of Montana Missoula, Montana 1:30 p.m. Baseball at Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona
SUN 4/12 1:30 p.m. Baseball at Grand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona
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Sports By Dylan Sanchez sports@uncmirror.com
In the fall semester, Northern Colorado men’s club rugby struggled to record a single win in three games. With lacking enthusiasm and practices consisting of 50 percent attendance, the direction of the program appeared unclear. Things appeared to get worse when the coach left the team at the end of the semester, leaving the players to dictate their own practices. This put the responsibility on the players and changed the whole mantra for UNC men’s club rugby. The team has since rallied behind their new name, “Bad News Bears,” and is now set to travel to Pittsburgh, Pa. for the Division II Nationals. “We hold each other accountable to be at every practice,” junior flanker Erik Smith said. “The dedication and drive along with excellent communication across the team has allowed us to overcome all adversity we have faced the past year.” After a tough start to the season, the Bears came together and reestablished themselves as a dominant force. They were playing for each other and coming together as a team, despite much adversity in-games, including not having jerseys for every player. “Against UCCS, we had a guy making a substitution, and he was
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
taking his jersey off to give to another guy, and the referee didn’t realize we were making the substitution, so the play kept going, and our guy just made the tackle without a jersey on,” sophomore scrum-half Sam Murphy said. “We’ve had to put a coach’s name down, because we can’t travel without a coach, so we got our captain’s dad to sign and come down with us.” In the spring semester, UNC has gone 4-0, including a win against Southern Methodist University (SMU), the powerhouse of Texas rugby. “There is an aspect to it where we just like doing it for each other,” Murphy said. “Everyone is being a little more committed to it, and the chemistry we have out on the field when we play is incredible.” Despite not being the most prevalent sport on campus, the team has managed to find more recruits through athletes that used to play other sports in high school. “Rugby is not a popular sport here at all, and you have to have guys that know what they’re doing,” said Murphy, who came from Plymouth University in England where he had to go through tryouts for the rugby team. “In Plymouth, we would have 100 guys show up to tryouts, with 20 guys trying out for the same position as you. Here, there is no competition—they will literally take everybody they can get.” Finding athletes was the first task, but the other has been finding athletes that understand the game of rugby.
“We have had many raw athletes learn all the aspects of the game,” Smith said. “They are now some of the best college rugby players in the state and nation. We are not cocky—just confident that we have the athletic abilities and skills to beat anyone we face.” With so many players having never played rugby, Murphy and Smith said the lack of experience played a role in the slow start to the season. “There are so many people who might have just played football in high school, and they just want a sport to play,” Murphy said. “Some guys can’t embrace it fully, but most of the guys say, ‘Oh, I wish I would’ve played this in high school!’ and they realize what they’ve been missing out on.” Even though the Bears have completed the task of making it to Nationals, more difficulties lie in physically getting there. With nearly $3,000 already made through a GOFUNDME page, the team still has much to go to reach their goal of $10,000. That money will be used to not only get the team to Pittsburgh but to buy jerseys as well. Northern Colorado takes on Washington & Lee University on Saturday April 18th, and the winner will advance to the Championship game. If you wish to donate to the men’s club rugby team’s trip to nationals, you can visit their GOFUNDME page at: http://www.gofundme.com/UNCO-Mens-Rugby.
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
Fun & Games y
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The Average Life of Nicci Bee By Nicole Busse
He was too far out!
What did the duck say when he bought lipstick? “Put it on my bill.”
Why does Humpty Dumpty love autumn? Because Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
What do computers eat for a snack? Microchips!
Why shouldn’t you write with a broken pencil? Because it’s pointless!
The Cheater’s Station
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News Senate Bill 101:
“Religious freedom restoration. Prohibits a governmental entity from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the governmental entity can demonstrate that the burden: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. Provides a procedure for remedying a violalaw applies to the implementation or application of a law regardless of whether the state or any other governmental implementing or applying the law. Prohibits an applicant, employee, or former employee from pursuing certain causes of action against a private employer.” - Information from Indiana General Assembly
April 6, 2015 | uncmirror.com
By Suzanne Evans news@uncmirror.com
Last week, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana signed Senate Bill 101 into law. The original bill “prohibits a governmental entity from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion.” The language of the bill was vague and prompted opposition. Some believed it would open the door for businesses and other public servants to legally discriminate against social minorities who might not appear standard as part of any religion, like same-sex couples. “I see it as a backlash to an increase in rights,” said Harmony Newman, an assistant professor of sociology and gender studies. “We know that there’s been a great deal of successful activism from the LGBTQR community that has produced a number of laws supporting same-sex marriage across the country.” Currently, Newman said, there are federal laws prohibiting discrimination against anyone on the basis of race or gender, but there’s no
federal clause protecting sexual orientation. “This idea of, ‘I want to be protected from serving a gay couple because it affects my religious freedom,’ is also saying, ‘I deserve the right to discriminate,’” Newman said. Businesses like bakeries and pizza places have gained attention for refusing to cater gay weddings, for example, and Senate Bill 101, in its original form, would have made that completely legal. However, the vague language of the bill could have gone more than one way, allowing those who intensely believe religion is wrong to discriminate against those who are religious. “As soon as someone discriminates against someone who is religious, it’s going to backfire,” said Mikey Sulpizio, a former student of the University of Northern Colorado and current psychology student at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Intense opposition from across the United States—with the mayors of cities like Denver and Seattle banning government-funded travel to Indiana—prompted the Indiana senate to revise the language of the bill to make it clear that “religious freedom” does not allow for businesses to refuse services to gays or minori-
ties under the guise of religion. “There will be some who think this legislation goes too far and some who think it does not go far enough, but as governor, I must always put the interest of our state first,” Pence said about the revised law. “I believe resolving this controversy and making clear that every person feels welcome and respected in our state is best for Indiana.” Perhaps the controversy surrounding “religious freedom” is not all bad, Newman said. “I would hope that these kinds of law passages encourage us to maintain a reflective society, even if it’s a back-and-forth, backand-forth type of battle that encourages us to think about, ‘What does individual freedom mean? What does social freedom mean? What does discrimination mean? How are we interpreting this language that we’re bound by?’” Newman said. “I think it’s good for us, as a people who are interested in progress, to remain reflective, to remain cognizant of the various ways in which our policies at the big level, as well as actions at the small level, can be interpreted or misinterpreted and where power is being held and not held,” she said.