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T h u r s d a y, F e b r u a r y 9 , 2 0 1 7 | U s i s h i e l d . c o m | v o l . 4 7 i s s u e 2 2
illustration by philip Kuhns | The Shield
Reaction and response Iraqi Young Leader, International Programs provost discuss travel ban by Sarah Loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
Heidi Gregori-Gahan was in Washington D.C. when the executive order regarding immigration and refugees was announced. Gregori-Gahan, Assistant Provost for International Programs and Services, was attending a leadership conference for international educators. “I think our reaction was similar to the way we all felt on staff (last) Monday, which is shock and much dismay over what it said, how it was rolled out, how it may have been thought through or not thought through,” Gregori-Gahan said. She said then the thoughts jumped to how this would affect current international students and scholars, as well as the effort to recruit in the future. “I think our initial reaction was one of shock and then sort of helplessness,” she said. The uncertainty regarding the order was the scariest aspect for Gregori-Gahan. “That’s the thing that has us all feeling kind of sick to our stomachs,” she said. “We don’t know when the next shoe is going to drop. We also don’t know if other countries, predominantly Muslim countries or countries in that region, are going to say ‘well never mind we won’t send our students to the States.’ We just don’t know.” One program which has sent students to the university in the past is the Iraqi Young
Leaders Exchange Program. Iraqi Young Leaders is an undergraduate and high school program sponsored and funded by the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Youth Programs Division, and implemented by World Learning. According to the program’s website, it has provided opportunities for over 2,000 students to participate in the program since its start. One student who spent time at the university as participant in the program was Nawras Mahmood. Mahmood was on campus during the summer of 2010, and at the time was a nursing student. She now works in public relations for Kurdistan Save the Children, a local branch in Kurdistan of the national charity Save the Children. As a result of the travel ban, Mahmood cannot come back to the United States, something she had been planning. Mahmood said ultimately she was not surprised when she heard about the travel ban, but she did find the exclusion of Saudi Arabia ‘funny.’ “When you study the history of terrorism, the roots are in Saudi Arabia,” Mahmood said. “You understand this is not something related to a Muslim ban or to keeping terrorism away from America. It is just a random decision to shock the world and to shock everyone else.” For Mahmood the shock came long before the announcement of the executive order Jan. 27.
She said it was disappointing to see the election come down to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. “It was interesting to me he won the election,” Mahmood said. “The shock was there, not here with the Muslim ban.” She said she always saw Trump as a businessman who created a character for himself in the media and became famous because he worked on his image. “Is that really what the American people want?” Mahmood said. “Maybe, I don’t know. Maybe they get bored with a lot of diplomacy and this kind of political diplomatic statement.” Mahmood said from the news and even her own social media she sees Americans who are not pleased with President Trump. But she said if people respect democracy they must also respect the result. “I’m not a person that reacts to things very quickly. I don’t believe in reaction. Reaction is built on an emotional state,” Mahmood said. “I do believe in response. Responses are usually built on logic.” Mahmood said in some ways it’s easier to accept the order because of the part of the world she lives in. She lives in a region of Kurdistan, located in the northern part of Iraq. The people of Kurdistan are not Arab, but instead Kurds. Though Kurdistan is stable, it is close to other parts of Iraq which are not. “The situation here is very dynamic,” she said. “You are in the heart of the war area. A couple months ago ISIS was a couple hours away from me...When you live in an area like the United States, which to an extent is very stable, and you have a
system, it’s hard to accept this, but for me it’s easier.” Mahmood said this is just a show for President Trump which she doesn’t see continuing, but even if it does last his four or eight years, it will end. “Later on American people will decide what they want,” she said. The reaction is what interests her the most. “I don’t care about the decision itself; I care about the reaction,” she said. “...It will be interesting to see what the American people do; will they be silent?” Mahmood said it was during the Iraqi Young Leaders program that she learned a little about her own diversity at home. While making a timeline about their history, the students from Kurdistan and the other parts of Iraq found themselves arguing. Despite being from the same country, the Kurds and the rest of the Iraqi people have different histories. She said when they all returned home it helped them to question why they saw their differences as weakness and not strengths. “Diversity is what makes America very special,” she said. Mahmood said the people in her community follow the changes and news of the United States closely, especially when it affects international policy. “America is not close as a country where we live, but they are close in politics,” she said. “They are here.” She said the situation right now makes her want to say ‘okay, let’s watch this.’
Reaction, PAGE 3
Expos to highlight cultures Tennis starts season strong
Photo Courtesy of Photo services Photo by The Shield
Mpho Mashabe (left), a graduate student studying public administration, stirs ingredients for the dish, jollof rice, that will be representing Ghana as Kow Pik Yok (right), a freshman English teaching major, prepares her food, bak kut teh, for Malaysia Thursday in The Loft’s kitchen. Both dishes will be served at the International Food Expo Friday in Carter Hall.
by Megan Thorne photo@usishield.com @MeganRThorne
Alexander Lopez believes the International Food Expo. breaks cultural stereotypes. “People can not only see how different we are, but also how similar we are,” he said. “The differences between religion and culture don’t matter because we are all people.” Lopez, the publicity coordinator for the International Club, said the club started preparations for the
International Food Expo. about three months ago. This year the exposition will represent 23 countries, and include a fashion show, cultural performances, singers, dancers and food. “I like everything about the Expo,” the senior marketing major said. “Every student comes from another country and is really proud to show the Americans and other internationals where they come from. I think it’s a great space to display where you are from.” Lopez said this is the first year the U.S. will have
a booth to share the American culture. “People think the International Club is only for international people but it’s not,” Lopez said. “We are open to every person on campus, if you’re American or international. We welcome [everyone] in the club.” Nicole Vernon, the club adviser, said the event is an opportunity for students to show their culture and doubles as a fundraiser for iClub, where they donate all the proceeds to a local charity.
Food Expo, PAGE 5
Junior Kelsey Shipman returns the ball during a match during the 2015-16 season. Shipman was voted as a captain this year by her teammates.
by Sarah Loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
The women’s tennis team started its spring season with a 9-0 win over IU Southeast this past Friday. Junior Kelsey Shipman said the match was a good one to start the season and allow the team to figure out being mentally prepared. Shipman and her doubles partner Kymberly Brannon earned an 8-1 win in number one doubles to help lead the team toward its win. Brannon, a senior, and Shipman are co-captains this year, something Ship-
man takes seriously. She moved from tertiary captain to secondary captain and now to co-captain this year. “As a leader you just have to be a positive role model and always be ready to play and have a good attitude,” Shipman said. “...I want to be the person that makes everyone the best they can be.” Shipman said she hopes when players who are playing in the fifth or sixth spot of the lineup see her giving it her all, it reminds them to do the same. Head coach Keely Porter said Brannon is an inspiring and motivating
leader. “She’s done a great job,” Porter said. “The team voted Kelsey as co-captain. She just leads by example. She continually does the right thing.” Porter said the other senior on the team, Brenna Wu is playing some of the best tennis of her career. Wu partnered with freshman Lauren Hambrock at the number two doubles spot for the first match of the season. They won their match 8-0. Porter said both Hambrock and fellow freshman Alex Jamison are fitting in with the team quite well.
Tennis, PAGE 7
The shield | february 9, 2017 | Usishield.com
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Reaction
continued from Page 1
“For me it’s just like this,” she said. “It’s very obvious that it is temporary; it can’t last.” Here on campus, the uncertainty of the ban expanding or extending and its effect on the university are at the forefront for GregoriGahan. She is worried this could hinder other countries’ interest in students coming to the United States. “People grab onto pieces of information and that becomes the reality,” she said. “That image of what we as a
country are saying and what we should be standing for is just really troublesome.” Gregori-Gahan said there should be a good process in place for vetting people who want to come to the United States, but she doesn’t feel the administration looked into current practices. “What scares me is this decision might not have been based on the full picture,” she said. “Refugees go through years of vetting to get here, international students have to go through a large vetting process for a
visa.” One thing she said she did appreciate was the response of universities across Indiana and the rest of the United States. “We need this talent; the international students and scholars that come here are usually the best and brightest that their countries have to offer,” she said, “and aren’t we so fortunate they choose to come to the United States to learn and to share, to grow and contribute.”
Boston physician to keynote Symposium on Homelessness by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
The university will host the fifth-annual Symposium on Homelessness Monday, Feb. 20 in Carter Hall. Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing Julie St. Clair said the Symposium will teach students about the challenges they may face when entering the workforce. “I hope that they will come away with more information on homelessness and the statistics of homelessness related to our county,” she said. “I also hope that they dispel many of the stereotypes surrounding homeless people. It’s not just the guy on the side of the road or under a bridge that is homeless. The face of homelessness is so diverse.” St. Clair said she expects over 600 senior-level students from USI, the University of Evansville, Indiana University School of Medicine and Ivy Tech Community College to attend the Symposium scheduled from
7:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. The keynote speaker will be founding physician of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program Dr. Jim O’Connell. O’Connell’s presentation “Lessons from the Streets: Three Decades Caring for Boston’s Rough Sleepers,” will recapture his experiences with homeless people on the streets of Boston. The Symposium will not be open to the public, but O’Connell will repeat his presentation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. that night. St. Clair said the idea for the event originated from a presentation heard from Destination: Home, a movement committed to ending homelessness in Vanderburgh County. There are 445 people on average in shelters or transitional housing every night in Evansville, according to auroraevansville.org. In the 2011-2012 school year, the Evansville Vanderburgh County School Corporation reported 520 students had experienced homelessness.
St. Clair teaches a population focused nursing Practice for the Undergraduate Nursing Program in the fall semester. She said many of the projects include serving the homeless population in Vanderburgh County. “It’s a high-need population, and we have a lot to offer,” she said. After the keynote speech Monday morning, students can move to the volunteer fair to get involved with local community organizations that offer help to homeless people. The organizations attending the fair include the United Caring Services, the Evansville Rescue Mission, the Evansville Veterans Association and the Echo Housing Corporation. “We found in the past that people get really fired up by our keynote speaker,” she said. “They want to go out into the world and really make a change, so we decided to have a volunteer fair where they can turn their motivation into action.”
Faculty Senate looks to revamp evaluations by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
Grant Edwards said there isn’t much that would make him want to do the course evaluations that students receive at the end of each semester. “They send you a bunch of emails near the end of the semester and you’re in the middle of studying and working on other things and you just don’t have time to fill them out,” the sophomore political science major said. The Faculty Senate is in the process of updating and possibly replacing the course evaluations after low participation rates among students and much discussion. The chair of the senate Nick LaRowe said participation rates are between 20 and 40 percent of students on average. Edwards said he believes the evaluations need “a lot of work” before they can become effective. “I think they should try and make it so that students have more to say about a class or a particular professor,” he said. Edwards said he answers his evaluations honestly and has only given one bad evaluation. “When I attended Greenville College, I had a cotaught class and it was a mess,” he said. “They did paper copies right after the exam and I gave them a really bad evaluation because I was so upset with the way they taught.” Course evaluations at USI switched from paper to online in 2012 with the university’s intent of obtaining more accurate data and making it easier to evaluate. LaRowe said they are not looking to switch back to paper evaluations because they are too expensive. Faculty Senate referred the course evaluation
charge, a formal request to the senate for action, to the university assessment committee Nov. 11. The committee is analyzing data gathered from faculty focus groups and identifying concerns and issues. They are expected to present their findings to the full senate sometime this semester. Faculty Senate will then create a committee composed of faculty to update the student evaluations. LaRowe said faculty want to figure out what they’re measuring and find out whether the questions accurately measure it. “Once we figure out what the specific problems are, we will then draw on professors that have the necessary expertise to fix those problems,” he said. LaRowe said some of the problems are that certain questions don’t apply to all courses and some students aren’t qualified to answer some questions. “As students there are some things that you are capable of evaluating, but other things may be an expert judgment where based, on the question, the student may not be capable of making a judgment because they don’t have training in teaching,” he said. “They can be critical that’s fine, but if they are saying, ‘I hate you, you suck,’ that doesn’t help me figure out how to improve my course. I don’t know what the particular objection was.” LaRowe said as a tenured faculty member he feels less pressure from the responses on course evaluations. “There can be a tendency to live and die with them when you are untenured, because you are always being evaluated to see whether you’re going to get tenure,” he said. “I think it makes a difference in just that you can focus on the problem without also worrying about its impact on your case for
tenure.” LaRowe said the faculty receive the results of their own course evaluations which are also reviewed by their department chairs. He said the dean of each college also has access to them. “We as faculty take it seriously,” he said. “I am tenured. I could get terrible evaluations for the rest of my life and still keep my job, and I take them seriously still myself, and I know everybody else does too. If you’re here you care about teaching even if you’re tenured.” Assessment committee chair Tamara Hunt said that the purpose of the student evaluations is to improve teaching and learning. “In order to improve teaching and learning, we have to have data that gives us valuable information. In other words, the data has to tell us something that we can use,” she said. Hunt said the committee will review the information gathered from faculty and determine what they need from students. “As a teacher, one of the things we want to know is are our methods working for the students?” she said. “So if we have particular activities in our classes, do those activities promote student learning in the way we think they do?” Hunt said course evaluations are important part of the tenure review process. “Every review committee I have ever sat on there is an entire three ring binder full of teaching evaluations and the committee looks at those,” she said. “This is one of the ways we determine whether someone is an effective teacher or not. So one of the questions with the course evaluations is are we really getting a clear picture of what is going on in the classroom?”
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SGA to release letter to international students know each of you better.” Chief Justice Katie Stahl said SGA chose to send the letter to all international students and not just the ones affected by the order. All members of SGA signed the letter. “In the realm of being an international student, [The executive order] is probably affecting you in some way,” Chief Justice Katie Stahl said. Stahl said she contacted Assistant Provost for International Programs and Services Heidi GregoriGahan three days after the order was passed to ask how international students were dealing with the order and if any of them seemed upset. “I asked her if she thought it would be ben-
by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
SGA voted to pass a resolution Thursday to release a letter to international students regarding the recent executive order barring refugees and immigrants from seven countries from entering the United States. “The Student Government Association of the University of Southern Indiana would like to remind every student who is studying from around the world, that we are grateful you chose to be apart of our community,” the letter stated. “Our fellow students are better because you are with us. Our doors are always open and we look forward to getting to
eficial to have any SGA involvement and that’s when we tossed around ideas and I came up with the letter,” she said. Stahl said after the letter passes she hopes SGA can do a weekly or bi-weekly check-in on international students to “make sure that their voices are being heard.” “I just wanted to make sure that if I know that even one of them or a few of them are feeling a certain way, that they don’t have to be scared here and that they don’t have to be worried here,” she said. “I think as the student government it is our responsibility to make sure that they feel welcome.”
Former student promoted at Foundation
sage about it’s importance in the university. I will be directing fundraising and campaigns for the Foundation. It won’t differ that much from my last job, but I will be meeting with donors more and taking on a more administrative role.
by Riley Guerzini
news@usishield.com @rguerzini
The Shield reached out to Andrea Gentry who was promoted to Director of Development for the university Foundation Feb. 1. Gentry began working at the Foundation immediately after her graduation from the university in 2005. She has been promoted three times since she started working for the Foundation.
Gentry
The Shield: What was your original reaction to being promoted? Gentry: I was very grateful for my promotion within the Foundation. As a former student at USI, the university transformed my life. At the end of my college career, I was given the opportunity to work in the Foundation and advance my career in the university. Again, I am just very grateful for the university’s confidence in me.
like my quality of education was at a high level. During my experience at USI, the faculty saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself. I was a student worker and I gained valuable experience about how the university works and how it operates. The Shield: What new role will you be taking within the Foundation? Gentry: I will definitely be taking on a additional responsibilities within the Foundation. I think the promotion of David Bower to Vice President of Development really increased the awareness of the Foundation and gave sent a mes-
The Shield: How did the university “transform your life?” Gentry: I had incredible faculty members that opened my mind and I feel
The Shield: How have your past experiences with fundraising prepared you to become the director of development? Gentry: The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CRFE) designation was a rigorous process. Passing the exam gave me the confidence and fundraising knowledge to succeed in the Foundation. Also the Certificate in Fund Raising Management I obtained through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy gave me experience outside of the educational system and in non-profit organizations. It also gave me different management skills that helped me outside of the Foundation. My love for fundraising really began when I worked as a student worker in the Foundation for a whole semester. It was the first time I was exposed to the Foundation and I really loved it.
USI Security Incident Log 1/31/17 - 2/7/17
Code of Conduct - Cohabitation 208 Governors Hall 1/31 1:01 p.m. Code of Conduct - Alcohol Violation Religious Life Office 2/1 2:42 a.m. Code of Conduct - Failure to Comply Mahrenholz Road 2/1 3:52 a.m. Traffic Violation Mahrenholz Road 2/1 3:52 a.m. Code of Conduct - Tobacco Smoking Arts Center 2/1 3:52 a.m. Injury Report University Center West - The Loft 2/1 12:21 p.m. Code of Conduct - Disruption Roommate Dispute 209 Newman Hall 2/1 10:57 p.m. Theft 209 Newman Hall 2/1 10:57 p.m.
Code of Conduct - Deception/ Falsification/Misrepresentation OʼDaniel North - Townsend Building 2/2 8:08 a.m. Fire - Alarm - Cooking OʼDaniel South - Wallace Building - 8070A OʼDaniel Lane 2/3 7:16 p.m. Alcohol Offenses - Underage Possession University Boulevard 2/3 10:01 p.m. Drug Offenses - Manufacture/ Possession of Paraphernalia University Boulevard 2/3 10:01 p.m. Drug Offenses - Possession University Boulevard 2/3 10:01 p.m. Illness Report University Boulevard 2/3 10:01 p.m.
Illness Report OʼDaniel North - Townsend Building - 7948B OʼDaniel Lane 2/4 2:36 a.m. Alcohol Offenses - Underage Consumption OʼDaniel South - Jennings Building - 8016B OʼDaniel Lane 2/6 12:00 a.m. Illness report OʼDaniel South - Jennings Building - 8016B OʼDaniel Lane 2/6 12:00 a.m. Suspicious Circumstances Business and Engineering Center 2/6 3:45 p.m. Illness Report Forum 3 2/6 7:53 p.m. Suspicious Circumstances OʼDaniel South - Jennings Building 8015A OʼDaniel Lane 2/7 2:52 a.m.
Alcohol Offenses - Underage Consumption OʼDaniel North - Townsend Building - 7948B OʼDaniel Lane 2/4 2:36 a.m.
Information gathered from USIʼs Public Crime Log, provided by USI Safety and Security.
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Features
The shield | february 9, 2017 | Usishield.com
A CROWNING MOMENT Evan Stieler, a senior biology (pre-med) major, embraces Virgillio Paulino, a junior political science and philosophy double major with a pre-law minor, after he won Homecoming King. The Homecoming Coronation took place during the Men’s basketball game Saturday afternoon in the Physical Activities Center after a week of festivities to celebrate. Students were able to go to a hypnotist, participate in a craziest fan contest, Eagle Madness and a Homecoming Dance. 12 students were on Homecoming Court, including Homecoming Queen, Angela DeCosta, a junior biology (pre-med) major.
Photos by Jordan Auker and Jenna Bowman | The Shield
USISHIELD.com NEw content online daily
The shield | february 9, 2017 | Usishield.com
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REVIEW
‘Shadowhunters’ improves with new showrunners New Episodes Mondays at 8pm on Freeform Changing the showrunners and writers of a show can definitely bring change. The fourth episode of the second season of “Shadowhunters,” the showrunners and writers had been replaced, and it’s safe to say that it was definitely for the better. With the premiere of the fourth episode “Day of Wrath,” I immediately noticed the changes the showrunners had made. As promised, they delivered a more character-driven plot rather than smacking the audience in the face with action sequences one after another. While there is plenty of action throughout the story,
it’s important to develop the characters who drive the plot. My favorite thing about the new episodes is how the audience gets to delve deep into the lives and relationships of the characters. In the first season we didn’t really get the chance I cannot express how relieved and happy I am to finally enjoy the scenes between Clary and Jace. Whereas I repeatedly cringed in the first season at the cheesy romantic scenes between the two that happened way too quickly, I am pleased to see that the chemistry between the two is improving now that their romance is taking a breather
and they have some major complications. I am also glad to see Alec and Magnus’s relationship growing slowly so we can stop and appreciate the sweet and genuine scenes between them. Adding to the great character developments , the introduction of Maia was pretty satisfactory, except the fact she transformed into a werewolf in the middle of a hospital (which
is just reckless and confusing for a Downworlder to do when surrounded by humans). In episode six, “Iron Sisters,” we even start to see the upcoming friendship between Simon and Maia start to take root, which was very enjoyable since I was always intrigued by their friendship in the books. Although I am pretty satisfied with the way episodes
four through six have gone, there are still a few flaws and plot points that I am a bit confused about. There should be no possibility of bringing the dead back to life within this world other than changing into a vampire. The death of a certain character that did not take place in the books was probably the most shocking. However, I suppose the writers want to surprise the book fans as well as TV fans. But even so, the main character that died played an important role in the books, so certain plot points will definitely have to be modified. Although there are still some changes that are being made
to the show that are not exactly my cup of tea, I am very pleased so far with the way the second season of “Shadowhunters” is going. The new showrunners and writers have very much kept true to their word that characters would be further developed, and it is certainly satisfying to watch that play out on the screen. With the way the past three episodes have gone, I am very much looking forward to future episodes and to see what else the new showrunners of “Shadowhunters” bring to the table for fans of the books and show alike.
Rating 4/5 BY Darrian Breedlove
Freshman overcomes adversity
Photo by The Shield
Clifton Jett, president of the Black Student Union introduces Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
by gabi wy
features@usishield.com @GabiCWy
Immediately after high school graduation, Clifton Jett’s mother sat down with her son and asked if he wanted to pursue college. “I was diagnosed with a learning disability in the second grade and was held back,” Jett said. “Since then, I’ve struggled academically. I decided to come to college because there were too many opportunities for me to say ‘no.’” The freshman theatre major said he takes whatever opportunities come his way, whether that’s running his own theatre company or becoming president of the Black Student Union. “Coming to college is something I don’t regret at all,” Jett said. “God led me in the right direction.” In the face of obstacles and setbacks, Jett calls himself a self-motivator. “It’s a matter of pushing myself,” he said. “Sometimes I’m not successful, but what matters is knowing that I tried.”
As BSU president, Jett wants the African-American community on campus to grow. “My biggest goal is to recruit,” he said. “My second goal is to make a difference. I want our BSU to create an impact on those who need it the most and create a safe zone for people of color.” So far, Clifton said BSU has about 15-20 people. “When I toured USI, the biggest thing I noticed is that there’s not many African-Americans,” he said. “The school isn’t really known for its AfricanAmerican community. I hope the university works on increasing our number.” Jett said race isn’t the only aspect of diversity he’s concerned with. “I would like to see more of the LGBT community,” he said. “USI is accepting, but our LGBT community is segregated. I think we should bring everyone together.” As a gay male, Jett has taken the adversities he’s faced and put them into a show called “Behind the
Scenes.” The show tells the narrative of a teenage boy trying to navigate being gay while dealing with a Christian family. Jett will star in and direct the show in August in Indianapolis through his theatre company, Jett Theatrical Productions. “It was challenging for me to remind myself of what I’ve been through, but I remind myself that it’s something a lot of people are going through,” he said. “When I think I could help someone, I feel so much better.” Jett said he’s been busy with the pre-production of his play as well as BSU duties and class. “There’s so many things I can do at USI,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ve been here long enough to explore everything.” While Jett has a number of commitments to juggle, Multicultural Center Assistant Director D’Angelo Taylor said Jett’s been incredibly successful. “My proudest moment for him was when
he introduced the NAACP President at the MLK Luncheon,” Taylor said. “He got up and spoke in front of 400 people without missing a beat.” Taylor said Jett had the highest GPA last semester out of the MCC’s Collegiate Men of Distinction, which is impressive for a freshman who is also serving a resident assistant for campus housing. “He was excited, but Clifton is very humble,” he said. “He doesn’t take it for granted.” Taylor said Jett understands leadership and is learning the ropes early. “He works hard in the classroom, and he manages his obligations,” he said. “He understands how to manage his time.” When approached for names of students to represent the Multicultural Center, Taylor said Jett is his go-to guy. “He’s humble, hardworking and a leader,” he said. “Everybody likes Clifton.”
Food Expo
continued from Page 1
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for anybody on or off campus,” she said. “Sometimes if you haven’t experienced cultures first hand you might not understand different cultures and religions. It gives a chance for somebody to experience that on campus without having to leave.” Vernon said they usually have a good turnout at the event with participants and volunteers, which she feels means a lot to the students. “When they are coming here they are learning about our culture, but they want to share their culture with others too, and they have that chance,” she said. “They want to do it; their eyes get brighter and they get happy to have a chance to do this.” Cailan Walters, the social coordinator for the club, said she always remembers her first year going to the Expo. Even though she didn’t know anyone, Walters said, she tried the food, learned about cultures and enjoyed
the fashion show, which she participated in her sophomore year. “It’s cool to think about going from being barely new to now organizing it,” she said. Walters, a junior social work major, said it’s really important to have this expo in the wake of the Trump administration. “International students don’t know if they can come into the country and stay or leave or what’s going to happen,” she said. “So for them to get to celebrate their diversity on campus is great.”
FASt FACTS What: International Food Expo When:
Friday, February 17
Where: Carter Hall Cost:
$10 in advance $15 at the door
Have you completed at least three (3) semesters of coursework at USI completing a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework? Do you hold a minimum, cumulative GPA of 2.5?
The SGA is looking for a new President! The rest of the qualifications and responsibilities for the position are stated in our Bylaws or you can find them on the application. If you are interested in applying please visit our OrgSync page and fill out an application!
Opinion
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The shield | february 9, 2017 | Usishield.com
SCREAGLE CALL Question: “What is your opinion on the recent travel ban?
Name: Taylor Jennings Major: Exercise Science Pre-Occupational Therapy Grade: Junior Answer: “I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing. Our policy was in need of updating.” The Diggins say goodbye | philip kuhns | The Shield
Not a ‘real’ fan by Sarah Rogers
opinion@usishield.com @suruhgrace
I am a poser. By society’s standards of what a true fan is supposed to be, I am a cheap cardboard imitation, trying hard to act enthused as others passionately talk about the latest “Grey’s Anatomy” season. I have yet to decide if I am an anomaly. I was in elementary school when my best friend at the time lived and breathed “Twilight.” I tried so hard to share her passion—I wanted to
love it. I read the first book, watched a few of the movies and moved on with my life. I enjoyed them, don’t get me wrong. That whole tortured vampire thing. But I recognized there was a difference in the way I appreciated it as a movie and book, and the way my friend fell asleep staring at Edward Cullen’s poster every night. Growing up, I was faced with much of the same problem. People would ask me what kind of music I listened to. My answer was an awkward ramble of 15 different artists who had no correlation to one another. Some of them I only liked
for one song. I just can’t get attached. I hear people all the time get belligerently angry when they see someone wearing a band t-shirt they don’t feel deserves to. “They probably couldn’t name five songs!” I see things on Facebook all the time about people shaming others for acting as “posers.” It’s as if you have to be completely infatuated with something to say you like it. It’s as if you need to know every single song created by Nirvana to say you like the band. I don’t see why we need to shame other people just
Know the word ‘no’
to feel a little personal validation. Because if we are being honest with ourselves, everyone has been on the receiving end of this type of talk. We perpetuate it by turning around and doing the same thing to someone else just to feel better about ourselves. It’s no different than when my sister and I separated the room we shared with a line of duct tape. We want to divide ourselves up into sections and we hate for ‘those people’ to cross into our territory. As someone who is a scattered compilation of
Failure for religious freedom by Bailey Meenach
by Gabi Wy
features@usishield.com @gabicwy
For 11 years, I believed my “no” was meaningless. Today, I know differently. I spent my childhood free time roaming the streets around my apartment complex with a boy I thought was cool. I trusted him and wanted him to like me. He was older, more outspoken and physically stronger than I. On occasion, I’d race around the block with him and his friends, jokingly, of course, because everyone knew I’d never win. His mother would make me peanut butter sandwiches without jelly, because I hated it. She had an accent I thought was pretty, and she welcomed me into her home like one of her own. “Go have fun,” she’d say as we left the kitchen. Sometimes we’d go into his room, and he’d tell me to undress for him so he could do with me whatever he pleased. One day, when I was seven, I said “no.”
He frowned, “Why do we always do what you want to do?” Again, I said “no,” but quieter this time. “But we’ve done this before,” he said. “No,” I whispered. He told me we’d compromise. He’d race me around the block, and whoever won could pick what we’d do. His words deceived me-the blame was flipped, and I felt selfish as I hopped on my bike. Pedaling as fast as I could, I was at least five feet behind him all the way around the street. I fell behind even further as I swerved to avoid crashing into a mailbox. I said “no,” but I couldn’t win. It’s taken me 11 years to realize it wasn’t my fault I couldn’t beat him at a bike race. It wasn’t my fault I didn’t run away or advocate for myself relentlessly. I wasn’t asking for it. I wasn’t dressed provocatively. I said “no,” but he didn’t listen. Scrolling through Facebook, I see a number of posts about how women should take self-defense
classes or even wear protective underwear to prevent sexual assault. Should we have to? Perhaps I, at seven years old and younger, should have been taught to yell and run away if someone ever tried to touch me. Perhaps I should have been taught to be assertive or shown ways to physically defend myself. Or maybe people like the boy from my neighborhood should be taught the meaning of “no” and how to not become sexually abusive. To parents, educators and influencers: let’s be proactive, not reactive. To anyone who has been or could be taken advantage of: do what you can to feel empowered, whether that’s taking self-defense classes or wearing ripproof underwear. For me, it’s writing pieces like this and helping others in need. But if something happens or has happened to you, it’s not your fault. It took me over a decade to realize my “no,” however much the boy ignored it, had power. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
many interests, we need to allow people to be what they are and like what they like. We shouldn’t be surprised when a cheerleader listens to screamo. We shouldn’t be shocked when someone wearing all black likes to knit while watching “Downton Abbey.” Hobbies, art and music are created to be appreciated. Who are you to choose who is allowed to appreciate it?
bemeenach@eagles.usi.edu
I have heard the term “freedom of religion” every day since I started school. It is a right granted by the United States Constitution. Lately, I have noticed a downward spiral of rights granted by the Constitution, leading me to wonder who actually has religious freedom? I experience being unable to speak of my faith and beliefs at work because it can cause guests and fellow employees to feel uncomfortable. I have felt the disapproving stares on my back as I carry my Bible or pray on campus. During a Christmas event, I was even asked not to sing carols that refer to Jesus, because this too can make others uncomfortable. My Muslim friends’ experiences have been worse than mine. They are subjected to terrible stereotypes because of their religion. They are called names, spit on and sometimes even physically hurt because of what they believe in. In America, we have the right to believe whatever religion we choose. Why are people walking around afraid for their lives because they have different beliefs
than others? In 2015, Oregon Umpqua Community College was home to a shooting that specifically targeted Christians. Eight students and a professor lost their lives, while eight or nine more were injured. To me, it’s starting to look as though freedom of religion means that your beliefs must be private and never public. Religion is something that should be celebrated, talked about and explored. Religion should not be something you lock in a box until you are alone. Freedom of religion isn’t something that is just being taken away from one particular religion. Christians, atheists, Muslims, Buddhists and many other religious groups are all being victimized based on their beliefs. We need to band together, respect one another and learn to live in a united fashion. Pope Francis once said, “It’s the duty of everyone to defend religious freedom and promote it for all people.” Notice how it doesn’t say “defend and promote religious freedom for only yourselves.” If we want religious freedom, we have to want it for everyone.
Name: Tyler Land Major: Accounting Grade: Sophomore Answer: “I don’t agree with it.”
Name: Kierra Conklin Major: Kinesiology Grade: Freshman Answer: “I think it was a little extreme. We shouldn’t have sent people out just because of their ethnicity.”
THE
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Sports
The shield | february 9, 2017 | Usishield.com
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Eagle Madness added for Homecoming This year as part of homecoming activities students were able to participate in Eagle Madness. The event was put on by Archie’s Army, the university student section, and the Homecoming committee. The event took place in the Physical Activities Center this past Friday to wind down the week of activities which included a homecoming dance, hypnotist David Hall and other events for students, faculty and staff. This year Eagle Madness included corn hole, Zorb and hamster balls for students to enjoy. There was also free food for attendees.
Tennis
continued from Page 1
She said the change from high school tennis to collegiate tennis is quite drastic, something Shipman agreed with. “[In collegiate tennis] it’s all about mixing it up,” Shipman said, “not necessarily who can hit it hardest.” Shipman said both
Jamison and Hambrock have become more comfortable and experienced since the start of the fall season. “They are going to improve and that will help us immensely,” Shipman said. She said when Coach Porter finds the set order for the season
the team will be successful. “I think we are going to come out on top,” she said. The team will face Lindenwood University next, followed by Division I University of Evansville.
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Scores Men’s basketball
Men’s Tennis
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Feb. 2 78-86
USI
Indiana University Southeast
Feb. 3 0-9
USI
Drury University
Feb. 4 51-77
USI
Eastern Kentucky
Feb. 4 5-2
USI
Butler University
Feb. 5 6-1
USI
Women’s basketball Missouri University of Science & Technology
Feb. 2 73-99
USI
Drury University
Feb. 4 78-84
USI
woMen’s Tennis Indiana University Southeast
Feb. 3 0-9
Upcoming Games Men’s Basketball
Men’s Tennis
Feb. 9 7:30 p.m. University of Missouri-St. Louis St. Louis, MO
Feb. 10 TBA Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN
Feb. 11 3:15 p.m. Maryville University St. Louis, MO
Feb. 11 4:30 p.m. Lindenwood University Evansville Tennis Center
WOmen’s Basketball Feb. 9 5:30 p.m. University of Missouri-St. Louis St. Louis, MO Feb. 11 1 p.m. Maryville University St. Louis, MO
Men and women’s Track and field Feb. 10-11 1 p.m. GVSU Big Meet Allendale, MI
USI
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The shield | february 9, 2017 | Usishield.com
Hockey team provides hands on experience
Photo Courtesy of Blake Bruner
The Evansville Thunderbolts, Evansville’s semi professional hockey team, are providing opportunities to current USI students through internships with the organization. Blake Bruner, the assistant general manager, said interns are currently helping with ticket sales, merchandising and other game-day operations. He said the internships offer students experience and credit for courses in their individual majors. The team currently has 10 games left for the season, but Bruner said some university students will be staying on over the summer with the team. The next game will be Friday when the Thunderbolts face the Mississippi River Kings at 7:30 p.m. at the Ford Center. The game will be the team’s Susan G. Komen game.
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