TRATION S INSENSITIVITY. STUDENTS OF COLOR, MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED STUDENTS, LGBTQIAA+ STUDENTS AND G DER R NONCONFORMING NONC NO NCON NC ONFO ON FORM FO R ING STUDENTS, ST NON-CHRISTIAN AND RELIGIOUS MINORITY GROUPS EXPERIENCED A HOSTILE AND UNWELCOM CAM CAMPUS MPUS CLIMATE THIS THI H S 20 2015-2016 YEAR. FURTHER, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TOWARDS THE INCLU OF S STUDENTS TUDENTS OF COL COLOR, LOR, LGBTQ+ STUDENTS, AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.WE FURTHER ASK THAT THE UNIVERSITY TAKE FOLLOWING FOL LLOWING G ST S STEPS TEPS TO TO, O, IN THE SPIRIT OF THE OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, MAKE THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, K VILLE VILL LE A CAM CAMPUS MPU US THAT T IS WELCOMING TO ALL AND HOSTILE TO NONE.GENDER-NEUTRAL PRONOUN POST PRESIDENT DIPIETRO CHANCELLOR CHA ANCELLO OR CHEEK MUST MU ISSUE AN OFFICIAL APOLOGY FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE INFORMATIONAL GENDER-NEUTRAL PRON POS POST, ST, PUBLI PUBLICLY ICL LY ACKNOWLEDGING ACKNOW THE DAMAGE THAT THE POST’S REMOVAL DID TO THE CAMPUS CLIMATE AND THE SAFETY OF BTQ BTQ+ Q+ STUDE STUDENTS, ENT TS, PAR PARTICULARLY RTIC TRANS AND NONBINARY STUDENTS.PRESIDENT DIPIETRO AND CHANCELLOR CHEEK MUST IS A PUBLIC, PU UBLIC, EXPLICIT EX XPLICIT S STATEMENT TATE OF SUPPORT FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS. THE GENDER NEUTRAL PRONOUNS P MUS MUST ST BE PUT BACK CK ONLINE, CK ONLIN WITH THE ABOVE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT ATTACHED. OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WEB THE E ADMINISTRATION ADMINIST STRA ST R TION N MUST MUS RETURN THE AUTONOMY OF THE OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: VICE CHANCELLOR HALL M HAVE HAV VE CONTROL CONTR ROL OVER HIS OWN WEBSITE. STOP BIAS HE ADMINISTRATION MUST MAKE THE BIAS REPORTING PROCESS TRANS ENT T AND MORE MO ORE E VISIBLE, VISIBLE E, B BY CLARIFYING:TO WHOM EXACTLY STUDENTS ARE REPORTING WHEN THEY FILL OUT STOP BIAS REPO AND D THE SPECIFIC SP PEC CIFIC OFFICES OFF FIC AND PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH STEP IN THE BIAS RESPONSE SEQUENCE. ADDITIONALLY, STOP STO OP BIAS TEAM TEA AM MUST T BE B MORE PROACTIVE BY REPORTING IN THE WEEKLY VOL UPDATE IF ANY LEGITIMATE BIAS INCIDENTS CURRED CUR RRED IN THE THE E PREVIOUS PR REV E IO OU WEEK, BY MAKING PUBLIC STATEMENTS AGAINST INCIDENTS OF BIAS WHENEVER APPROPRIATE, AN BRINGING BRIN NGING IN NO ORGANIZATIONS RGA GANI N ZA ATI LIKE THE PRIDE CENTER AND THE OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT LIFE TO HELP CREATE AP PRIATE PRIA ATE PUBLIC RESPONSES RE R ESP SPONS SPO AS NEEDED. VOL VISION THE UNIVERSITY MUST UPDATE VOL VISION 2020 TO INCLUDE MORE SPEC MEA MEASURES ASURES REGARDING REG GAR ARDING THE T INCLUSION OF LGBTQ+ AND BLACK STUDENTS, SPECIFICALLY: THE UNIVERSITY MUST ADD LGBTQ A CA CATEGORY ATE TEGO GORY RY O OF FT THE HE DIVE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVE UNDER VOL VISION 2020. THE UNIVERSITY MUST LAY OUT SPECIFIC ST N VOL VO OL LV VISION IS SIO ION ON 2 20 2020 020 020 20 TO TO IMPROVE IM CAMPUS CLIMATE FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE. THESE CHANGES TO VOL VISION 2020 MUST BE DESIG AND IMPLEMENTED BY AN LGBTQ+FOCUSED GROUP, EITHER: THE COMMISSION FOR LGBT PEOPLE WITH A WORKING GROUP OF DENTS ATTACHED, ATTACHED OR A WORKING W GROUP OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE AT THE UNIVERSITY ASSEMBLED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS PURP THIS GROUP, WHICHEVER FORM IS CHOSEN MUST BE AT LEAST ONETHIRD STUDENTS, MUST REFLECT THE RACIAL COMPOSI OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND MUST REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AND ESPECIALLY MUST INCLUDE TR AND NONBINARY PEOPLE. THE UNIVERSITY ADD INCREASING RETAINMENT OF BLACK STUDENTS TO THE VOL VISION INCLUS TRAINING THE UNIVERSITY MUST PROVIDE MANDATORY RACE, RACISM AND PRIVILEGE TRAINING FOR ALL INCOMING STUDE FACULTY AND STAFF WHICH MUST, INCLUDE A REVIEW BOARD THAT IS REPRESENTATIVE OF STUDENTS OF COLOR TO OVERSEE CURRICULUM INCLUDE AN ANALYSIS OF OPPRESSION, PRIVILEGE, AND INTERSECTIONALITY. INCLUDE AN ANALYSIS OF SYSTEMA NTERNALIZED, AND INTERPERSONAL OPPRESSION THE UNIVERSITY MUST PROVIDE MANDATORY LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVITY TRAI FOR ALL INCOMING STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF, WHICH MUST, BE DEVELOPED BY THE LGBTQ+ WORKING GROUP DESCRIBE ARTICLE 6 AND INCLUDE DISCUSSION OF HISTORICAL VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBTQ+ PEOPLE, INCLUDING ST SPONSORED VIOLENCE AND LEGAL DISCRIMINATION; DISCUSSION OF CURRENT ISSUES FACED BY LGBTQ+ PEOPLE, INCLU HOMELESSNESS, JOBLESSNESS, VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT, AND SUICIDALITY; DISCUSSIONS THAT ACKNOWLEDGE AND EXPL THE SPECIFIC EXPERIENCES OF DIFFERENT GROUPS UNDER THE LGBTQ+ UMBRELLA, SUCH AS BI-ERASURE OR TRANSPHOBIA, ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TRANS PEOPLE, LGBTQ+ PEOPLE OF COLOR, AND ESPECIALLY TRANS WOMEN OF COLOR ARE PARTICULA TARGETED BY VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION. FOR STUDENTS, THIS TRAINING COULD BE EITHER DURING ORIENTATION OR IN FORM OF AN LGBTQ+ HISTORY COURSE ADDED AS A MANDATORY PART OF THE GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM. THE UNIVER MUST REQUIRE ALL FACULTY AND STAFF WHO INTERACT WITH STUDENTS IN ANY MANNER, DURING ANY TIME OF DAY, TO COMPL A COMPREHENSIVE SENSITIVITY TRAINING COURSE. THIS COURSE MUST INCLUDE SENSITIVITY TRAINING FOR HOW TO SPEAK CONDUCT ONESELF RESPECTABLY TO DISABLED STUDENTS. IT MUST INCLUDE A SEGMENT WHICH IS SPECIFICALLY DEDICA TO WHAT LANGUAGE IS AND IS NOT APPROPRIATE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE USE OF ABLEIST SLURS AND LANGU HOUSING THE UNIVERSITY MUST RENEW ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS IN EVERY RENOVA AND NEW BUILDING ON CAMPUS AND TO IMPLEMENT GENDER-NEUTRAL HOUSING, AND MUST PUBLISH A PUBLIC PLAN TO DO THE UNIVERSITY MUST DESEGREGATE HOUSING. HISTORICALLY, HOUSING AT UT HAS BEEN DIVIDED ALONG REGIONAL, CLASS, RACE LINES, AND HALLS HAVE ACQUIRED RACIST NICKNAMES. FOR EXAMPLE: CLEMENT HALL’S NOTORIOUS NICKNAME “NO L CLEMENT” DEMONSTRATES THE CAMPUS’S NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE RESIDENCE HALL THAT HOUSING MOSTLY WEST NESSEAN STUDENTS OF COLOR. HOUSING SHOULD BE SENSITIVE TO STUDENT ECONOMIC STATUS, BUT THERE SHOULD NOT VISIBLE DIVIDE IN HOUSING BASED IN REGION, CLASS, OR RACE. THE UNIVERSITY MUST CHANGE BACK THE LANGUAGE ON THE CAMPUS MAPS WEBSITE FROM FAMILY-STYLE RESTROOMS TO GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS. FRIESON BLACK CULTURAL CEN THE UNIVERSITY MUST EXPAND THE FRIESON BLACK CULTURAL CENTER TO INCLUDE A SAFE AND WELCOMING SPACE FOR DENTS OF COLOR ON CAMPUS WHICH MUST, PROVIDE SUPPORT FROM THE CENTER FOR HEALTH EDUCATION AND WELLNESS THE COUNSELING CENTER THAT SPECIALIZES IN TRAUMA FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR.CROSSWALK ACCESSIBILITY AT EVERY CR WALK ON UT CAMPUS, INCLUDING THE FOUR-WAY ON CUMBERLAND AVENUE WHICH LEADS TO MELROSE, THERE MUST BE MAI NANCE PERFORMED ON ALL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNALS SO THAT THEY COMPLY TO THE GUIDELINES SET IN THE 2009 MAN STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ARE FIGHTING BACK AGAINST DIVERSITY ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (MUTCD) AND THE DRAFT PUBLIC RIGHTS WAY-OF-ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (PROW .E. THE APS (ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS) MUSTCUTS. HAVE BOTH AUDITORY AND VISUAL SIGNALS TO INDICATE WHETHER OR >>SEE PAGE 6 FOR THE STORY AND LIST OF DEMANDS S IT SAFE TO CROSS THE CROSSWALK. FHWA REQUIRES THAT PUBLIC ENTITIES WITH MORE THAN 50 EMPLOYEES AND THOSE T USE FEDERAL FUNDING FOLLOW TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY UT MUST UPDATE THE ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES OF ALL BUILDINGS USED BY STUDENTS WHICH ARE CURRENTLY FULLY ACCESSIBLE. ALL BUILDINGS USED BY STUDENTS, INCLUDING DORMS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, MUS FULLY ADA COMPLIANT WITH WORKING PUSH-BUTTON ACTIVATED DOORS, FUNCTIONAL RAMPS, AND WORKING ELEVATORS. IN utdailybeacon.com Volume DORMS ON 131 CAMPUS, THERE MUST BE A “POINT OF RESCUE” ON EACH FLOOR STUDENTS OCCUPY, SO THAT IN THE EVENT Friday, January 29, 2016O
“WELCOMING TO ALL AND HOSTILE TO NONE”
Issue 10
@utkdailybeacon
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The Daily Beacon • Friday, January 29, 2016
Humans of Knoxville
THE DAILY BEACON STAFF
EDITORIAL
INSHORT
Editor-in-Chief: Jenna Butz Managing Editor: Bradi Musil Creative Director: Katrina Roberts Chief Copy Editor: Hannah Moulton News Editor: Tanner Hancock Asst. News Editor: Alahnah Ligon Sports Editor: Jonathan Toye Asst. Sports Editor: Taylor White Arts & Culture Editor: Megan Patterson Asst. Arts & Culture Editor: Michael Lipps Online Editor: Cara Sanders Asst. Online Editor: Altaf Nanavati Multimedia Editor: Hayley Brundige Photo Editors: Esther Choo, Alex Phillips Design Editors: Lauren Ratliff, Justin Keyes Copy Editors: Breanna Andrew, Sara Counts, Trenton Duffer, Courtney Frederick, Jared Sebby, Shelby Tansil Editorial Production: Laurel Cooper, Amber Dalehite, Rachel Incorvati,Caroline Norris, Cameo Waters Training Editor: Troy Provost-Heron
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“I’m a fourth-year art student. I like working in the a+a because it’s flexible, and I can just go upstairs to finish my assignments when I’m not working.” — Santiago Ortiz-Piazuelo, senior in studio art Akshata Dusa • The Daily Beacon
CRIME LOG Date: 1/22/2016 Location: North Carrick Hall, 1021 Francis Street At approximately 1:02 a.m., UTPD officers responded to North Carrick Hall in reference to an odor of marijuana inside the building. The odor source was located down to a specific room, the occupants refused consent to search and a suspicious activity report was filed. Date: 1/23/2016 Location: Volunteer Hall, 1545 White Avenue At approximately 3:15 a.m., UTPD officers responded to an active fire alarm at Volunteer Hall. A pull station on level P3 at stairway 2 had been activated. No fire or smoke was observed in the vicinity.The alarm activation caused the residence hall to be evacuated.
Date: 1/24/2016 Location: Morrill Hall, 1028 20th Street At approximately 12:35 a.m., UTPD officers responded to a call of an intoxicated person vomiting in Morrill Hall. Individual was transported by Rural Metro to UT Medical Center.
Date: 1/25/2016 Location: Alpha Omicron Pi, 2509 Ann Baker Furrow Boulevard At approximately 3:50 p.m., unknown suspects entered the victim’s vehicle and took items belonging to the victim.
CAMPUSNEWS
Friday, January 29, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
Student fights for rights Grant Currin
Staff Writer With only her voice and a keyboard, Andrea Richardson, senior in anthropology and Spanish, is seeking to create a better world. The Memphis, TN native has written about and protested injustice with a number of organizations and independently while at UT. In addition to being a “semi-active member” of the Progressive Student Alliance, Richardson has organized and participated in a number of demonstrations on campus and around the city. Richardson says that he was emboldened after participating in a demonstration protesting the non-indictment of Darren Wilson, the white police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, a black teenager, in Ferguson, Missouri. It was that moment Richardson first saw the power of civil disobedience, displayed in the support for Brown and the protest against racist police violence. “(It) made me feel like this is something that actually has substance, something that’s actually important,” Richardson said. “(It) made me confident in my desire to organize, act, speak out against white supremacy, injustice and police brutality.” Sylvia Turner, associate director of the Chancellor’s Honors and Haslam Scholars Program, has known Richardson since she came to UT in fall of 2012. “She has emerged as an activist over her
ACTIVISTS on ROCKY TOP undergrad career,” Turner said, noting that Richardson truly “found her rhythm” after switching from engineering to anthropology and Spanish. “She has a very sharp gender, racial and class analysis that allows her to integrate her personal and academic experiences,” Turner said. Richardson demonstrated her social analysis and criticism last year as a columnist for the Beacon, where he wrote on social justice issues like inequality and women’s rights. She continues to write on those topics on his blog (philosofyre.wordpress.com), which chronicles life as a student through the lens of black feminist thought. Last year, she and fellow activist Summer Awad organized a protest against racist symbols on campus. Their anti-Confederate flag rally met opposition from a group that organized a simultaneous Confederate flag parade. Richardson feared conflict when antagonists “got on our Facebook event page and posted all sorts of nasty stuff,” though the group only consisted of seven or eight individuals. Richardson’s experiences of study and
struggle have also influenced her spiritual life. Working alongside other people of faith and experiencing oppression “reawoke my faith — or at least the way I wanted to reapply my faith,” he said. Richardson plans to dedicate a year between graduation and graduate school to working with a social justice organization, and she plans to eventually pursue an advanced degree in the history and philosophy of anthropology.
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(It) made me confident in my desire to organize, act, speak out against white supremacy, injustice and police brutality.”
PSA open house restates groups future plans Maria Amalla
Contributor On Wednesday evening, the Progressive Student Alliance held an open house to discuss this spring semester’s campaign priorities. This grassroots student organization has been known to fight for benefits and living wages of campus workers and students. In 2013, PSA was able to raise the minimum wage for UT campus workers from $8.50 to $9.50 an hour. Currently, PSA is opposing Governor Bill Haslam’s privatization initiative with the #Tnisnotforsale movement. The #Tnisnotforsale campaign is state wide and calls for the cease of Gov. Bill Haslam’s privatization of public goods such as universities, prisons and parks. PSA noted Haslam’s intention to save the state money, but according to Shea Lewis, one of PSA’s leaders,
Haslam’s mission will result in “10,000 workers losing their jobs” instead. PSA also argued the privatization methods performed at Tennessee Technological University ended with negative results such as lack of worker’s benefits. In addition, Lewis stated, “they only saved on five worker’s benefits,” which is minuscule in comparison to their larger custodial faculty. The group speculated that putting the state system through the privatization changes would only be at the benefit of Gov. Haslam and major corporations and not the citizens using public goods. While a decision on the proposal has not been made, PSA, along with partnered organizations, said they believe they had a part in delaying the privatization decision that was supposed to take place in October. PSA’s leaders said they believe an official decision will be made by August 2016.
Although there are many issues afflicting UT’s campus, PSA duly noted that they will primarily be focusing on the #Tnisnotforsale project. PSA will also still be supporting the #UTdiversitymatters campaign as it aligns with their ideal of “none of us are free until all of us are free,” as stated by one of PSA’s leaders, George Habeib. PSA holds their consistency through “the belief in collective liberation and continuous strive against intersecting systems of oppression including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, classism, ableism, homophobia and transphobia.” PSA will be rallying with #UTdiversitymatters on Jan. 29 at 3:00 p.m. in Thompson Boling Arena: dining room C and D. They will also hold weekly meetings every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in HSS 53B.
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ARTS&CULTURE
The Daily Beacon • Friday, January 29, 2016
Band creates connection with audience in energy-filled environment Elyse Kolbaba Contributor
1991 was quite the year — “Home Alone” premiered, “Full House” was as big as ever and most importantly Guster was formed. Can you believe the band came together 24 years ago? I was apprehensive before attending the concert at the Bijou Wednesday night and skeptical due to the band’s age. But they brought a performance filled with energy and alternative class along with their laid-back style. Unfortunately, the opener did not serve as a good start to the night. Maybe Guster planned it that way, because when they finally came to the stage, it gave the audience a sense of relief to be rescued from the misery we sat through beforehand. The crowd welcomed the band to the stage with enthusiasm. You could tell loyal fans were everywhere, which made the atmosphere rather intimate. Ryan Miller, the band’s lead singer, told the crowd to stand right off the bat, which I commend. There is nothing worse than wanting to stand in a crowd full of awkward faces, unsure if it is acceptable to get up and let loose. It raised the energy of the audience and connected them with the band even more. Miller pulled his microphone, complete with its long cord, through the crowd and down the aisles during the first song. Pushing past security guards, he danced closely with the crowd before conclusive-
ly nuzzling a large bearded man. This was the moment I knew that I never would have known the age of the band if I had not researched it before I left my house. Aside from their down-to-earth persona, effortless vocals and discernible passion for their own music, my favorite part of the band’s performance was their utilization of often forgotten instruments. The guitar, bass, harmonica, drums, bongos, keyboard, ukulele, trumpet and trombone were all played in different syntheses throughout the night. Two drum sets were used: an intricate set in the center containing some bongos with smaller wooden drums and on the right, a more traditional drum set. At times, only one was played, while at other points both pounded through the theatre. Miller played the keyboard at center stage from time to time instead of statically sitting down at the keyboard. A harmonica solo was featured along with a trombone and trumpet duel. All instrumentals were modified to meld with the alternative vibe of the group. The tone of the night was fairly neutral. No high highs and no low lows. Some breaks in the status-quo had to be when the band played popular hits — “Come Downstairs and Say Hello” and “Two Points for Honesty and Satellite” just to name a few. The concert made for a prime Wednesday night. If you did not attend, you missed out. Effortless, unique and fun — Guster is timeless.
Guster performed to an enthusiastic crowd at the Tennessee Theatre on Jan. 27. Austin Prevost • The Daily Beacon
Band brings new bluegrass sound to the Old City Chelsea Trott
Contributor Priding themselves on being bold and distinguishing their music from the rest of the bluegrass community, the Yonder Mountain String Band has been a part of the music business for over 17 years. Since the band formed in Colorado in 1998, they have been defining and finetuning their sound ever since. While they do incorporate the sounds of traditional bluegrass influences such as Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers and Doc Watson, they also allow their music to take on a modern vibe with anything from rock and roll to punk influences. Bass player and vocalist Ben
Kaufmann explained how the band goes about finding an equally strong balance between the two that their audience will appreciate. “It’s quite honestly the way we naturally do things,” Kaufmann said. “We like all different styles of music and allow ourselves to be influenced by anything, provided it’s interesting or compelling.” Kauffman added that a venue like The International will be the perfect setting for their performance because of the large dance floor and ample room. “We like to keep the energy high and the tempos fast,” Kaufmann said. “The vast majority of our shows are played to an audience that stands and dances.” The International, a widely known venue located outside of the Old City, has
been accepting and showcasing artists from all genres for many years, although under different venue names. Once called the Valarium, The International hosted the Yonder Mountain String Band years ago. However, this will be the first time that the band will debut their new Black Sheep album in Knoxville. Kaufmann promised an even newer, unique sound to their fans and audience. “It feels more and more that we are presenting an alternative musical experience for people who haven’t quite found a home with very traditional music or modern popular music,” Kaufmann said. Brian Coakley, current owner and talent buyer of The International, spoke on the sound that the venue strives to
attract. “The International always hosts a variety of shows, but we’re primarily centered around rock, metal and electric dance,” Coakley said. Kauffman says that is exactly what the band will bring. “At the end of the day, our job is to throw a party. We like to send people home smiling and having made new friends,” Kaufmann said. Yonder Mountain String Band will be at The International this weekend on Saturday, Jan. 30th. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $2545 with an age limit of 18 or older to get into the show. For more information, visit internationalknox.com.
ARTS&CULTURE
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Friday, January 29, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
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Knoxville festival calls for lovers of chocolate Jake Albright
Contributor “Are there any college students that don’t like chocolate?” asked Jennifer Johnsey, manger of Knoxville’s third annual Chocolatefest. Chocolatefest Knoxville is the town’s backstage pass into all things sweet. Visitors will be exposed to more than 15 of Knoxville’s vendors, giving them an insight into what the town has to offer. With the purchase of a tasting pass, festival participants will journey from booth to booth sampling the desserts Knoxville has to offer. With a little splurging for a VIP pass, they can also gain access to the full experience of being seated at a table while waiters deliver the vendors’ chocolates to them, one by one. Although this is technically the third annual Chocolatefest Knoxville, the event has been in town for over two decades. For 25 years, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation hosted the event. But when the local chapter dissipated, the event went with it. Then three years ago, Johnsey, a former B97.5 midday anchor, felt the event needed to be resurrected and brought back into the city. “I had the privilege of being a judge for Chocolatefest for eight years,” Johnsey said. “I was sad to see it go.” Therefore, Johnsey, with the help of others, was able to bring
With the purchase of a tasting pass, festival participants will journey from booth to booth sampling the desserts knoxville has to offer.”
the event back but in a different way. “We brought the event back with a new location and a new way of doing the event,” Johnsey said. “We didn’t want to copy or disrespect the former event, so we brought back the familiar
with some fun new changes.” One of the ways they are keeping the event familiar to its annual visitors is in its donation to a local charity. For a second year in a row, the chosen charity will be the Ronald McDonald House, an organization that supplies shelter for family members while their loved ones are in the hospital. “(The Ronald McDonald House) need(s) constant support to continue to provide the services,” Johnsey said. “I like to help every way that I can, and Chocolatefest is a big way to do it.” As for the actual chocolate in Chocolatefest, participants will be exposed to some of Knoxville’s small business bakers. One of these businesses is Sugarbakers, whose owner, Larry Clark, was not only a co-contributor in helping Johnsey recreate the modern Chocolatefest but was also a vendor for its first 25-year history. “For any new dessert type business it is a great fit; you cannot top getting over 2,000 sweet lovers in your demographics in one building to talk, while passing out your samples and business literature,” Clark said. Clark gave a sneak peak of what Sugarbakers will be offering this weekend - bark candy that consist of three separate flavors using Guittard chocolate shipped in from California. Espresso, lemon and heath toffee and other candy crunches will be blended into the milk, white and dark chocolates. Admission to the event will be free on Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. But if guests would like to sample the chocolate, they can purchase a tasting pass for $15 or $30 for the full experience.
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CAMPUS
The Daily Beacon • Friday, January 29, 2016
ASK THAT THE ADMINISTRATION APOLOGIZE TODAY TO MARGINALIZED STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ADMINISTRA NCONFORMING STUDENTS, NON-CHRISTIAN AND RELIGIOUS MINORITY GROUPS EXPERIENCED A HOSTILE AND UNWELCOMING CAMPUS COLOR, LGBTQ+ STUDENTS, AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.WE FURTHER ASK THAT THE UNIVERSITY TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEP WELC G THE UT Diversity Matters is a broad, diverse coalition dedicated to intersect RT FO behalf of diversity and inclusion at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. NOMY We ask that the university take the following proactive steps towards the ACTLY dents of Color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities on this cam steps to, in the spirit of the Office for Diversity and THE W the University of Tennessee, Knoxville a campus th D THE to all and hostile to none. Q+ AN S CLIM Gender-Neutral Pronoun Post ORKIN n President DiPietro and Chancellor Cheek must D MU apology for the removal of the informational gender-n IVERS post, publicly acknowledging the damage that the post’s removal did “You’re supposed to be a buffer between us and the M INC Tanner Hancock climate and the safety of LGBTQ+ students, particularly trans and nonb legislature,” Stanfield said of school’s administration. TRA News Editor nPresident DiPietro and Chancellor Cheek must issue a public, explic “Take us as seriously as they take the legislature.” AINST support for the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Rep. Micha Van Huss and Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, nThe gender neutral pronouns post must be put back online, with the a ICIDA both vocal opponents of UT’s Office of Diversity of support attached. ith the new legislative session well underBTQ+ and Inclusion, could not be immediately reached for way in Nashville, legislators are making BTQ+ comment. Office for Diversity and Inclusion Website good on their promise to de-fund the NSITIV Looking towards the future, Kristen Godfrey, a nThe administration must return the autonomy of the Office for Diversit University of Tennessee’s Office of Diversity and T APP graduate student and member of the OUTstanding Vice Chancellor Hall must have control over his own website. Inclusion. A bill recently introduced by State Senator PLEME Planning Committee, said that while she doesn’t Frank Niceley would cut the University of Tennessee know what to expect, she knows exactly what to CKNAM Stop Bias school system’s diversity related funding to $2.5 milhope. Outlined in the list of demands, Godfrey IVE TO nThe administration must make the bias reporting process transparen lion, a 75 percent decrease from the the nearly $20 hopes student action will lead to an apology from NDER ible, by clarifying: million the school system currently recieves for its Chancellor Cheek and President Joe Di Pietro, as BTQIA a. to whom exactly students are reporting when they fill out Stop Bia diversity efforts. well as increased sensitivity training on matters relatb. the specific offices and persons responsible for each step in the WARD Primarily a response to the diversity office’s past ing to LGBT+ and minority issues. She sees failures sequence. gender neutral pronoun and holiday inclusivity postNNESS in the little things too. Before the break, the the UT c. Additionally, the Stop Bias team must be more proactive by reportin ings, the bill would succeed in greatly diminishing ONOU interactive map site had a searchable section for Vol Update if any legitimate bias incidents occurred in the previous w funding to the diversity office, which receives a UBLIC gender-neutral bathrooms. Now, it’s been changed to public statements against incidents of bias whenever appropriate, and portion of the approximately $2 million allocated to MINIS “family-style restrooms.” organizations like the Pride Center and the Office of Multicultural Stud diversity programming. It would also likely affect the RE VI “That is complete erasure,” Godfrey said, who create appropriate public responses as needed. nearly $16 million in diversity scholarships granted asserts that the fight for diversity on campus must ST BE to minority students and students with disabilities. necessarily include all those underrepresented comE THE Vol Vision The bill presents several other stipulations, includmunities whose voices are not being heard. “I think LGBT nThe university must update Vol Vision 2020 to include more specific m ing prohibiting the university from holding Diversity that one of us can’t get free without the other. All of R LGB ing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ and black students, specifically: Week, yet the legislature’s intentions are set on our liberation is tied together.” a. The university must add LGBTQ+ as a category of the diversity and OPLE completely restructuring how Tennessee schools Over the past semester, much of the legislative under Vol Vision 2020. The university must lay out specific step approach the handling of diversity. BTQ+ ture’s discontent has been aimed at Chancellor for 2020 to improve campus climate for LGBTQ+ people. While Nashville vies for cuts, members of many VILEG Diversity Rickey Hall, who was asked to resign by nThese changes to Vol Vision 2020 must be designed and impleme student organizations at UT are approaching diverTY. IN several members of the legislature. In the wake of mittee specifically formed for this purpose. sity from a very different perspective. This Friday, Q+ WO the holiday inclusivity post, a range of Tennessee stua. This committee must be approved by the Commission for LG members of The Progressive Student Alliance, SEAT, BTQ+ dents of differing backgrounds rushed to his defense. b. This committee must: volOUT and many others will present to Chancellor Now, it seems an even larger mix of students is ANSP 1. be at least one third students; Jimmy Cheek a list of demands, which the Daily organizing to express their dissatisfaction with both IN TH 2. reflect the racial composition of the university; Beacon has printed here in full. the state government and the school’s response to ETE A 3. represent a wide range of the LGBTQ+ community; and For senior and SEAT member Elizabeth Stanfield, legislative pressure. NGUA 4. especially include trans and nonbinary people. the list of demands represents the frustrations she “We are customers at the university. I’m a cusb. The university add increasing retention of black students to the Vo CAMP and many other students hold towards the administomer and I deserve to feel safe no matter where nThese changes to Vol Vision 2020 must be designed and impleme tration for what they see as a lack of representation. QUIRE I go,” said JT Taylor, a senior and member of the mittee specifically formed for this purpose. During her four years at UT, Stanfield said she G SHO Progressive Student Alliance. a. This committee must be approved by the Commission for Bla has witnessed the administration bow down to the STRO Like the other crafters of the list of demands, b. This committee must be: will of the state legislature on matters of diversity. LED S Taylor envisions a future where students, rather than 1. at least two thirds students, and She remembers the administration’s decision to cut OACT politicians, choose how to define the campus culture. 2. entirely composed of black people. funding to Sex Week in 2013 and the removal of “Only we can tell you what our campus climate is E UNIV posts suggesting gender neutral pronoun usage and like,” Taylor said. “We can handle a campus climate GEND Inclusivity Training holiday inclusivity practices. Now in her final year, on our own.” R CHE nThe university must provide mandatory race, racism and privilege Stanfield said it’s time to take a stand. CLUSIO incoming students, faculty and staff which must include: a. a review board that is representative of students of Color to oversee ANSPA E STO G IN O GARD IMPROVE CAMPUS CLIMATE FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE. THESE CHANGES TO VOL VISION 2020 MUST BE DESIGNED AND IMPLEMENTED BY ORKING GROUP OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE AT THE UNIVERSITY ASSEMBLED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS PURPOSE. THIS GROUP, WHICHEVER FOR
Students present diversity demands contrary to state bill
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NEWS
Friday, January 29, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
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ATION’S INSENSITIVITY. STUDENTS OF COLOR, MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED STUDENTS, LGBTQIAA+ STUDENTS AND GEND S CLIMATE THIS 2015-2016 YEAR. FURTHER, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS TOWARDS THE INCLUSION OF STUDEN PS TO, IN THE SPIRIT OF THE OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, MAKE THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE A CAMPUS TH ISSUE AN OFFICIAL APOLOGY FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE INFORMATIONAL GENDER-NEUTRAL PRONOUN POST, PUBLICLY ACKNOWLED RANS AND DIPIETRO MUST ISSUE A PUBLIC, EXPLICIT STATEMENT OF SU b. an analysisSTUDENTS.PRESIDENT of oppression, privilege, and intersectionality; and AND CHANCELLOR tional action on NONBINARY fully CHEEK ADA compliant with working push-button activated doors, functional ramps, and VE STATEMENT c.OF SUPPORT ATTACHED. OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WEBSITE THE ADMINISTRATION MUST RETURN THE A an analysis of systematic, internalized, and interpersonal oppression. working elevators. OP BIAS HE ADMINISTRATION MUST MAKE THE inclusivity BIAS REPORTING PROCESSb. TRANSPARENT MORE VISIBLE, CLARIFYING:TO WH nThe university must provide mandatory LGBTQ+ training for all incoming inclusion of stuIn all dorms on campus, AND there must be a “Point of Rescue”BY on each floor students LE FOR EACHstudents, STEP faculty IN THE BIAS RESPONSE SEQUENCE. ADDITIONALLY, THE STOP TEAM MUST BE MOREarePROACTIVE and staff. mpus. These are occupy, so thatBIAS in the event of an emergency, all students able to swiftly and BY safelyREPORTI a.AGAINST The training must be developedOF by BIAS the committee described inAPPROPRIATE, Article 6 and Inclusion, make evacuate the building. These “Points of Rescue” will be activatedLIKE by pushing a button IC STATEMENTS INCIDENTS WHENEVER AND BY BRINGING IN ORGANIZATIONS THE PRIDE CENT include: at is VISION welcoming THE UNIVERSITY to alert emergency responders in the area that a student is unable to evacuate the OL MUST UPDATE VOL VISION 2020 TO INCLUDE MORE SPECIFIC MEASURES REGARDING THE INCLUSION OF L 1. discussion UNDER of historicalVOL violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people,MUSTbuilding without assistance, and must have instructions large print well ND INCLUSION INITIATIVE VISION 2020. THE UNIVERSITY LAY OUT SPECIFIC STEPS INclear VOL VISIONin 2020 TOasIMPROVE CA includingGROUP, state-sponsored violence and legal discrimination; as braille.WITH A WORKING GROUP OF STUDENTS ATTACHED, OR AN LGBTQ+FOCUSED EITHER: THE COMMISSION FOR LGBT PEOPLE of current issuesBE facedAT by LGBTQ+ including homelessness, HICHEVER FORM 2.ISdiscussion CHOSEN MUST LEASTpeople, ONETHIRD STUDENTS, MUST REFLECT THE RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE UNIVERSI joblessness, violence, harassment, and suicidality; issue an official NBINARY PEOPLE. THE UNIVERSITY ADD INCREASING RETAINMENT OFInterpreters/Transcribers BLACK STUDENTS TO THE VOL VISION INCLUSIVITY TRAINING T 3. discussions that acknowledge and explore the specific experiences of neutral pronoun nThe two-week policy to request interpreters or transcribers is preventing disabled ULTY AND STAFF WHICH MUST, INCLUDE A REVIEW BOARD THAT IS REPRESENTATIVE OFtheSTUDENTS TOpeers OVERSEE 4. different groups under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, such as bi-erasure or transphobia, to the campus students from having same access asOF theirCOLOR non-disabled to meetings THE and CURRIC SIS OF SYSTEMATIC, INTERNALIZED, AND INTERPERSONAL OPPRESSION THEonUNIVERSITY MUST MANDATORY and acknowledge that trans people, LGBTQ+ People of Color, and especially trans events campus. As this time periodPROVIDE is unreasonably long, this policy isLGBTQ+ unfair and INCLUS binary students. YcitTHE LGBTQ+ WORKING GROUP DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 6 AND INCLUDE DISCUSSION OF HISTORICAL VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATI women of Color are particularly targeted by violence and discrimination. discriminatory. statement of ISCUSSION OF CURRENT BY during LGBTQ+ PEOPLE, INCLUDING HOMELESSNESS, JOBLESSNESS, VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT, A b. For students,ISSUES this trainingFACED could be either orientation or in the form of an LGBTQ+ history course added as a UMBRELLA, mandatory part of the general education cur- EventOR above statement Accessibility FERENT GROUPS UNDER THE LGBTQ+ SUCH AS BI-ERASURE TRANSPHOBIA, AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT TRANS PEOP riculum. mustBE be a EITHER policy requiring ALL public events (no matter OR what IN kindTHE or how TED BY VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION. FOR STUDENTS, THIS TRAININGnThere COULD DURING ORIENTATION FORM OF must requireINTERACT all faculty and staff who interact with students any manurgent,DURING including both university student be posted A three weeks ALL FACULTYnThe ANDuniversity STAFF WHO WITH STUDENTS INinANY MANNER, ANY TIMEand OF DAY,group TO events) COMPLETE COMPREHENS during any timeSTUDENTS. of day, to complete comprehensive Sensitivity course. WHICH in advance to provide sufficient time for disabled students express LANGUAGE their interest in IS AND SPECTABLY TOner,DISABLED ITa MUST INCLUDE ATraining SEGMENT IS SPECIFICALLY DEDICATED TO toWHAT This course must include sensitivity training for how to speak and conduct oneself attending so transcriber or interpreter requests can be put in place two weeks advance. ty and Inclusion: NEW ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS IN EVERY RENOVATION AND NEW BUILDING ONin CAMPUS AND respectably to disabled students. a. Alternatively, the university may remove the two-week policy and honor any G. HISTORICALLY, HOUSING AT UT HAS BEEN DIVIDED ALONG REGIONAL, CLASS, AND RACE LINES, AND HALLS HAVE ACQUIRED RAC a. It must include a segment which is specifically dedicated to what language is and is requests for interpreters or transcribers for meetings or events, including the lastTTITUDE TOWARDS THE RESIDENCE HALL THAT HOUSING MOSTLY WEST TENNESSEAN STUDENTS OF COLOR. HOUSING SHOULD BE SE not appropriate, including but not limited to ableist slurs and language. minute or emergency ones. CE. THE UNIVERSITY MUST CHANGE BACK THE LANGUAGE ON THE UTK CAMPUS MAPS WEBSITE FROM FAMILY-STYLE RESTROOMS nPublic campus events must be accessible. nt and more visAVE BEEN AFFECTED THE ADMINISTRATION’S INSENSITIVITY. STUDENTSa.OF COLOR, AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED STUDEN Housing andBY Restrooms Public events mustMENTALLY be held in accessible buildings and A reports, HOSTILE UNWELCOMING CAMPUS THIS 2015-2016 FURTHER, THEchecklist. ADMINISTRATION MUST TAKE PROACTIVE STE nThe university must renew its commitmentCLIMATE to implement gender-neutral restroomsYEAR. in b. must pass an access as and AND every renovation new building on campus andTO, to implement gender-neutral housing, c. If an event to pass the access checklist, the event organizers mustTHE consultUNIVERSITY with response Ee bias UNIVERSITY TAKE THE and FOLLOWING STEPS IN THE SPIRIT OF THE OFFICE FORfails DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, MAKE must publish a publicCHEEK plan to do so. Office of Disability Services and theINFORMATIONAL event accessible. DIPIETRO ANDand CHANCELLOR MUST ISSUE AN OFFICIAL APOLOGY the FOR THE REMOVAL OFmake THE GENDER-NEUTR nThe universityPARTICULARLY must desegregate housing. ng in the weekly STUDENTS, OF LGBTQ+ TRANS AND NONBINARY STUDENTS.PRESIDENT DIPIETRO AND CHANCELLOR CHEEK MUST ISS a. Historically, housing at UT has been dividedSTATEMENT along regional, class,OF and SUPPORT racial lines, Office week, by making of Disability Services ST BE PUT BACK ONLINE, WITH THE ABOVE ATTACHED. OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WEBSITE T and HIS halls have acquired racist nicknames. example: Hall’s notorious bringing in OVER nThe university honor inclusivity by following the Disability-centric approach. Ed by CONTROL OWN WEBSITE. STOPForBIAS HEClement ADMINISTRATION MUST MAKEmust THE BIAS REPORTING PROCESS TRANSPARENT A nickname “No Limit Clement” demonstrates the campus’s negative attitude towards “Nothing About Us, Without Us” is the Disability community’s motto that must be dent Life to help ECIFIC OFFICESthe AND PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH STEP IN THE BIAS RESPONSE SEQUENCE. ADDITIONALLY, THE STOP BIAS TE residence hall that houses predominantly West Tennessean students of Color. embraced by the university on a systematic level. A plan must be implemented in ensurS WEEK, BY MAKING PUBLIC AGAINST OF WHENEVER ANDstaff BYis comprised BRINGING IN ORGANIZATIO b. Housing should be STATEMENTS sensitive to student economic status, INCIDENTS but there should not beBIAS a ing that the majorityAPPROPRIATE, of Office of Disability Services of Disabled people EEDED. VOL VISION UPDATE MORE SPECIFIC MEASURES REGARDING THE INCLUSI visibleTHE divideUNIVERSITY in housing based in MUST region, class, or race. VOL VISION 2020 TO INCLUDE themselves. Deaf people must lead the services provided to Deaf students, Blind people ON INITIATIVE UNDER VOL VISION 2020. THE UNIVERSITY MUST LAY OUT SPECIFIC STEPS IN VOL VISION 2020 TO IMPROVE CAMPUS CLIMA nThe university must clearly label gender-neutral restrooms as gender-neutral (rather must leading the services provided to Blind students, and so on. Disabled people must measures regardEITHER: THE than COMMISSION FOR label) LGBT WITH A the WORKING GROUP OF STUDENTS OR Adelivery WORKING the current “family-style” bothPEOPLE on campus maps and on restrooms thembe the ones to determine theATTACHED, benchmark for effective of servicesGROUP and conductOF LGBT selves. evaluations accordingly. d inclusion initiaAST ONETHIRD STUDENTS, MUST REFLECT THE RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND MUST REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF T ps in Vol NT OFVision BLACK STUDENTS TO THE VOL VISION INCLUSIVITY TRAINING THE UNIVERSITY MUST PROVIDE MANDATORY RACE, RACISM A Frieson BlackOF Cultural CenterTO OVERSEE THE CURRICULUM INCLUDE WeAN ask that the administration apologize today to marginalized students who haveINTERSECTIO been ATIVE OF STUDENTS COLOR ANALYSIS OF OPPRESSION, PRIVILEGE, AND nThe university must expand the Frieson Black Cultural to include aSTUDENTS, safe and affected by the administration’ s insensitivity. StudentsMUST, of Color, mentally and physically dis- BY THE L ented by a com-LGBTQ+ NDATORY INCLUSIVITY TRAINING FOR ALLCenter INCOMING FACULTY AND STAFF, WHICH BE DEVELOPED welcoming space for students of Color on campus which must: abled students, LGBTQIAA+ students and gender nonconforming students, non-Christian LGBTQ+ PEOPLE, INCLUDING STATE-SPONSORED VIOLENCE AND LEGAL DISCRIMINATION; DISCUSSION OF CURRENT ISSUES FACED a. provide support from the Center for Health Education and Wellness and the and religious minority groups experienced a hostile and unwelcoming campus climate this GBT People. WLEDGE AND EXPLORE THE SPECIFIC EXPERIENCES OF DIFFERENT GROUPS UNDER THE LGBTQ+ UMBRELLA, SUCH AS BI-ERASURE Counseling Center that specializes in trauma for students of Color. 2015-2016 year. E PARTICULARLY TARGETED BY VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION. FOR STUDENTS, THIS TRAINING COULD BE EITHER DURING ORIENTATI VERSITY MUST REQUIRE ALL FACULTY AND STAFF WHO INTERACT WITHSigned, STUDENTS IN ANY MANNER, DURING ANY TIME OF DAY, TO CO Crosswalk Accessibility CONDUCT ONESELF TOincluding DISABLED STUDENTS. ITAvenue MUST INCLUDE A SEGMENT WHICH IS SPECIFICALLY DEDICATED TO WH nAt every RESPECTABLY crosswalk on UT campus, the four-way on Cumberland The UT Diversity Matters Coalition: UNIVERSITY MUST RENEW ITSthere COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT GENDER-NEUTRAL RESTROOMS INatEVERY AND NEW BUILDI which leads to Melrose, must be maintenance performed on all pedestrian crossSexual Empowerment and Awareness Tennessee RENOVATION (SEAT) ing signals so that they comply with theHOUSING guidelines set inAT theUT 2009HAS ManualBEEN on Uniform Progressive Student Alliance (PSA)CLASS, AND RACE LINES, AND HALLS HA ol Vision. SEGREGATE HOUSING. HISTORICALLY, DIVIDED ALONG REGIONAL, Traffic Control Devices TOWARDS (MUTCD) and the Draft Public Rights Way-of-Accessibility UT Women’ s Rugby ented by a comMPUS’S NEGATIVE ATTITUDE THE RESIDENCE HALL THAT HOUSING MOSTLY WEST TENNESSEAN STUDENTS OF COLOR. HOU i.e. The APS (Accessible Signals) must THE have both Black Student ON, CLASS, ORGuidelines RACE.(PROWAG); THE UNIVERSITY MUST Pedestrian CHANGE BACK LANGUAGE ONUnion THE(BSU) UTK CAMPUS MAPS WEBSITE FROM FAMILY-STY andBEEN visual signals to indicate whether or notADMINISTRATION’S is it safe to cross the crosswalk.INSENSITIVITY. VolOUT ack People. TUDENTS WHOauditory HAVE AFFECTED BY THE STUDENTS OF COLOR, MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY D a. FHWA requires that public with more than 50 CAMPUS employees andCLIMATE those that oSTEM UPS EXPERIENCED A HOSTILE ANDentities UNWELCOMING THIS 2015-2016 YEAR. FURTHER, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST TA federal funding follow Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section Master’s Social Work Organization (MSWO) THER ASK THATuse THE UNIVERSITY TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO, IN THE SPIRIT OF THE OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, MA 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. OUTstanding Planning Committee 2015 UN POST PRESIDENT DIPIETRO AND CHANCELLOR CHEEK MUST ISSUE AN OFFICIAL APOLOGY FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE INFORMATIO Filipino Students Association MATE AND THE SAFETY OF LGBTQ+ STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY TRANS AND NONBINARY Building Accessibility UT College Democrats STUDENTS.PRESIDENT DIPIETRO AND CHANC RAL PRONOUNS POST MUST BE the PUT BACKfeatures ONLINE, WITHused THE ABOVE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT ATTACHED. OFFICE FOR DIVERSITY A nThe university must update accessibility of all buildings by students OUTGrads training for all ELLOR HALL MUST HAVE CONTROL OVER HIS OWN WEBSITE. STOP BIAS HE ADMINISTRATION MUST MAKE THE BIAS REPORTING PROCE which are not currently fully accessible. Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) a. AllSPECIFIC buildings used OFFICES by students, such as dorms and recreational facilities, must be FOR EACH STEP IN THE BIAS RESPONSE SEQUENCE. ADDITIONAL the curriculum;AND THE EPORTS, AND PERSONS RESPONSIBLE RRED IN THE PREVIOUS WEEK, BY MAKING PUBLIC STATEMENTS AGAINST INCIDENTS OF BIAS WHENEVER APPROPRIATE, AND BY BRIN PUBLIC RESPONSES AS NEEDED. VOL VISION THE UNIVERSITY MUST UPDATE VOL VISION 2020 TO INCLUDE MORE SPECIFIC MEASUR F THE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVE UNDER VOL VISION 2020. THE UNIVERSITY MUST LAY OUT SPECIFIC STEPS IN VOL VISION 20 Y AN LGBTQ+FOCUSED GROUP, EITHER: THE COMMISSION FOR LGBT PEOPLE WITH A WORKING GROUP OF STUDENTS ATTACHED, OR RM IS CHOSEN MUST BE AT LEAST ONETHIRD STUDENTS, MUST REFLECT THE RACIAL COMPOSITION OF THE UNIVERSITY, AND MUST R
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SPORTS
The Daily Beacon • Friday, January 29, 2016
SOFTBALL
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Bria Bush ready to immediately contribute after decorated high school career David Bradford Staff Writer
Buford, Georgia — just one hour outside of Atlanta— claims perhaps the most dominant high school softball team in the country. And one of the most dominant players from that team is now a Vol. Tennessee’s softball team was able to lure decorated pitcher and Buford High School alum Bria Bush to Knoxville, where she has an opportunity to immediately bolster the Vols’ pitching staff. “She’s very competitive,� Tennessee pitching coach Marty McDaniel said, “I guess if you win four state championships you’re gonna be competitive.� Over her four state-title winning seasons, Bush won 71 of her 79 starts, posted a career ERA of .90 and recorded a Buford-record 29 shutouts. Bush credits her success to her solid work ethic. If it is not a game day, she is practicing her craft. Thanks to her production and work ethic, Bush has already worked her way up the ranks as one of the Vols four primary pitchers. “She’s one of our top four pitchers,� McDaniel said. “She complements the pitchers.�
Bush has been praised not for her pitching power, but for her precise location as well as her repertoire of pitches. When asked what Bush’s single best pitch was, McDaniel could not name one but rather praised Bush’s curveball, screwball and changeup. Proving that she offers more than just her arm, Bush showed her coaches she is a student of the game. “She knows hitters. She understands her body when she throws,� McDaniel said. “When she does things wrong she knows.� Despite the consistent success and immense praise from former and current coaches, Bush remains down to Earth and refuses to simply play for herself. When she was in high school, she played for the seniors, wanting to give them one more championship before they graduated. “I’ve always been one to pick other things to play for,� Bush said. “ I never want to think I’m better than I am, because you never know what could happen.� Bush is also humbled by representing the University of Tennessee, which became her dream school after she was mesmerized by the bright orange UT athletes wore on their jerseys. “I was really little. I was like eight
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freshman is just a title... I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want it to be a growing year. I want to play to win.â&#x20AC;? Bria Bush, freshman
years old, and I was like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wow, those are pretty colors,â&#x20AC;? Bush said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś and it kind of became one of my dreams to play here.â&#x20AC;? After her senior year at Buford commenced, the recruiting process led Bush to decide between Tennessee and Auburn. The decision was simple. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was my dream school, and it kind
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of had the family atmosphere that Buford had â&#x20AC;Ś it felt like home,â&#x20AC;? Bush said. With the season two weeks away, Bush finds herself as a freshman pitcher on a roster featuring 10 additional freshmen. But this is Tennessee, where expectations are always high for softball. This year is no different, as Tennessee begins the season ranked No. 9 in the USA softball preseason poll. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want us to go out there and play our hardest and not worry about half the team being freshmen,â&#x20AC;? Bush said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being a freshman is just a title â&#x20AC;Ś I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want it to be a growing year. I want to play to win.â&#x20AC;? If Bush wants to play to win, she will have to do it solely on the mound after a dramatic incident as a batter during her junior season at Buford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was pitching a game â&#x20AC;Ś I had struck out the first nine batters,â&#x20AC;? Bush said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They let me hit in that game. The pitcher hit me, and it was so obvious â&#x20AC;Ś it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t close to anyone.â&#x20AC;? The Vols have used pitchers as prominent bats in the lineup in the past, but Bush will not be one of those players. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ralph (Weekly) wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even give me a bat,â&#x20AC;? Bush said. He probably will not object letting her in the circle.
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PUZZLES&GAMES
Friday, January 29, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
9
Get Fuzzy • Darby Conley
NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD • Will Shortz ACROSS
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Hurdle for a doc 7 Deadeye’s asset 10 Short cut 14 Performer of the “Green Hornet” theme in 1960s TV 15 Label for 14-Across 16 Hole maker 17 Scylla, e.g. 19 “Not to mention …” 20 Red moles 21 Stable color 22 Midwest transportation inits. 23 Quick hit 24 ___ law 27 Impetuous 31 Chinese dynasty following the Han 32 Old-fashioned attire at 33-Across 33 Where Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” premiered T O P C O P S O N E A C R E S H O R T I E H I P P O C R E R L E I S S E E T H E I S L A R I S T O E V E N S C O N C O C T O W E C A T D E M O P I N D A R A L B A N Y P L A Y S
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I’m Not A Hipster • John McAmis
Cartoons are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
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Inveigles Like much court testimony Holy ___ “There’s nothing more to say” Abbr. on a car sticker Rain, rain, rain Open ___ Lutheranism in 1521, e.g. Campaign planner Like the Hyundai logo Latin American soap Prime-time time, informally Ayaan Hirsi ___, author of “Infidel” Opposite of the point? Traditional Yule gift Zing Relayed
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SPORTS
The Daily Beacon • Friday, January 29, 2016
MEN’S TENNIS
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A young Tennessee team learns important lessons from matches last weekend Rob Harvey
Contributor
The Tennessee tennis team had to grow up in a hurry last weekend at Wake Forest. The Vols’ best player Igor Smelyanski sat out both matches with an unspecified injury, forcing younger players to assume a bigger role. Tennessee split its two matches over the weekend, defeating Cal Poly 4-2 and losing to host Wake Forest 4-0. The tournament was originally supposed to be on Saturday and Sunday but was pushed back to Sunday and Monday due to inclement weather. That did not seem to affect the team, however. “We were prepared to play two matches this weekend,” sophomore Luis Valero said. “It just got extended. The only thing we had to worry about was classes.” A young team became even younger when the Vols moved Valero and last weeks SEC freshman of the week Timo Stodder
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to the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in singles. Both players responded well to the change, recording wins in the victory over Cal Poly. “I don’t care about my position in the lineup,” Stodder said. “I just want to play for the team and want to help the team win the match whether I’m playing two or three.” “Somebody gets injured, so someone has to go in and fill that place,” Valero added. “We are starting to see what positions we are going to play at different matches, so I think it was a good experience.” The team also got wins in singles from freshman Srdjan Jakovljevic and doubles from the teams of Jack Schipanski and Valero and Stodder and Marshall Sullivan. Tennessee struggled Monday against Wake Forest. The Vols got up early in doubles and looked poised to get the doubles point, however, they were not able to close things out. They were then shut out in singles where they did not win a set. “It’s definitely something to learn from,” Valero said. “They’re a very good team. We came in with a good plan. We just have to
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Tennessee hopes to foster confidence in weekend matches Contributor
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they are things you learn about for next matches.” The Vols can apply those lessons as early as next week when they face two ACC opponents in No. 24 ranked Duke (1-2) and No. 11 Wake Forest (4-0) again next week. Duke comes in having lost to San Diego in its region of the ITA Kick-Off weekend. The Blue Devils will face No. 7 Illinois and No. 21 Northwestern this weekend before facing the Vols. Wake Forest comes in just winning its region of ITA kickoff weekend over the Vols, qualifying for the ITA championships. The Demon Deacons will face No. 25 Oklahoma State and No. 2 Oklahoma before facing the Vols. The Vols hope to rebound against these two opponents. “We still practice well,” Stodder said. “Now we have to focus on the weaknesses from last weekend. Igor is probably back from his injury, and I see a lot of chances then if Igor is coming back in doubles and singles.” They will face Duke on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. and Wake Forest on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.
With six freshmen and four upperclassmen, the Tennessee women’s tennis team has a good mix of young talent and veteran experience. The Vols will rely on both this weekend when they play four matches. The freshmen dominated in doubles but struggled in singles against Wake Forest last weekend. In doubles, Ashley Bongart and Kim Kermet defeated Samantha Asch and Emma Davis 6-1, while Mary Caroline Meredith and Gabby Schuck defeated Courtney Meredith, Meredith’s older sister, and Kasey Gardiner 6-2. Freshman Sadie Hammond and junior Eve Repic also defeated Anna Ulyashchenko and Kimmy Guerin 6-4. Hammond, ranked No. 60 in singles headed into the match, fell to Guerin 7-5, 4-6, 6-2. Kermet was the only freshman to record a win in singles after coming back to defeat Ulyashchenko 1-6, 6-2, 6-4. “Hopefully every girl can have a solid win and a solid weekend,” Kermet said. “The more we have, the more we can build off
of as a team.” Tennessee lost 4-3 to Wake Forest, but coach Mike Patrick thought his team’s potential was evident. “We’ve had some hard-hitting teams, but this one takes the cake. Now it’s a matter of learning how to harness that power.” Patrick said. “The next couple years will be real fun working with these guys, because if they stay healthy, they can be awfully good players.” The Vols have a full schedule this weekend. Tennessee (0-1) will play UT-Martin at 10 a.m. followed by Western Michigan at 4 p.m. at Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville on Saturday, Jan. 30. On Sunday, they will head to Chattanooga to play Lipscomb at 2 p.m. and Chattanooga at 6 p.m. Sunday’s matches in Chattanooga were originally scheduled for last weekend in Knoxville but were canceled due to inclement weather. “It’s a lot of matches in a short period of time and having to travel will be a challenge. Everybody’s good, so you have to play as hard as you can play,” Patrick said. “Talent wise, we should be fine. It’s a matter of endurance and focus.”
VIEWPOINTS
Friday, January 29, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
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The journey is actually the most important part for an artist
Peter Kates
For Pete’s Sake
So, I’ve been working in production for a play. We have faced what feels like endless obstacles, but it’s been a really fascinating process to fundraise, piece together the show and logistically handle the cast, crew and creative direction. That said, two days ago we had a major setback beyond our control. We were supposed to open in two weeks but this obstacle has become an insurmountable issue. Last night, we announced to the cast that we had no option but to fold the show. Investing a significant amount of work into something that doesn’t come to fruition is disappointing to say the least. Altogether, everyone involved easily put in thousands of hours over the last months and for that to be unraveled by one or two decisions feels like a crushing blow. So sitting with the cast and crew of dedicated workers and coming to realize it’s over without warning made for an emotional night. The general consensus, however, was that the experience of creating was beautiful in itself. Pause here for tired groans over amateur artists speaking overzealously about what they do. It’s okay. I really don’t mind. In fact, anybody who likes to create things has had to sit through that groan followed by the art-is-nice-for-a-hobbybut-you-can’t-make-a-career-out-of-it speech at least a hundred times. And almost every time I’ve heard the speech, it starts with, “Well you know, I once wrote some poems in high school that got put in the school
newspaper, and I really thought that’s what I wanted to do as a career too” or “Yeah, but can’t anyone be a ‘writer?’” or “What can you even do with an English degree?” and I get it. You are a well-intentioned parent, teacher, friend, boss, uncle or random guy I literally just met, and you don’t want to watch someone with “so much potential” throw his life away. I think you’re meaning to be kind. But there’s this really compelling Ira Glass quote that I’ve seen several times. It basically says good artists start with good taste while the artist makes uninteresting work, but it’s only by pushing through that gap between recognizing good art and creating good art that we become artists. Everyone has to go through it, and the only solution is to keep creating. I look at the well-meaning advisers in my life, and I’m so grateful that I have other people who care about my future. But their fear that my potential is being wasted on writing is unfounded. Potential is not what my job will be. I have potential to create important and striking things that I want to make simply because they’re worth it, so I intend to keep creating. I look back at the last four months that I’ve been working on this play, and it would be so easy to think of those things as a waste. But that doesn’t feel fair or honest or accurate. It wasn’t a waste because I got to come together with fellow artists to make something meaningful that was worth the time and was genuinely interesting.
I think there’s a misconception that good art is seen widely and bad art is overlooked. I have been lucky enough to be shown good art that often goes unappreciated or, even more commonly, unseen. To say that it’s less valuable is to put the value of art in the eyes of the viewer rather than the art itself, which is as ridiculous as saying people have worth based on what other people think of them. I am lucky enough to research and write as a job right now, and I’m also getting to write for this lovely newspaper. These opportunities are incredibly encouraging as I look forward to potentially making a life as a writer. Though, if I never “make it big” as a writer, so be it. But I hope that I get to create insightful, meaningful, beautiful work whether or not anyone looks at it. And I sure am glad I got to see one of the most unique and gorgeous performances last night as the cast performed the show just for themselves and the few of us on production staff, despite it being over. We kept creating. I am thankful that I got to see good art, and I am so sad more people didn’t get to see it too. But we created something. And it was beautiful. Peter Cates is a junior in English. He can be reached at pcates4@vols.utk.edu
Seasonal Affective Disorder could be affecting fellow Vols
Katie Scott Vol Well
I hate winter. I mean, I hate winter with a passion. I have to wear way too many layers of clothes. My feet are never warm enough. It’s always either wet, windy or both; none of which do good things for my hair. Worst of all, the electric bill doubles from the norm. Yet, as much as I hate winter, I know that there are those who struggle with the season more than I do. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that occurs during winter months when exposure to sunlight decreases. Because SAD is a result of variation of light throughout the year, symptoms tend to abate during seasons with more sunlight. Mental Health America’s website notes that, while spring and summer months may show less symptoms, SAD typically arises between September and April. Peak months for SAD are December through February. Tim Newman, author of the Medical News Today article “Does seasonal affective disorder actually exist?” pointed out that SAD, as a diagnosis, is somewhat controversial. SAD has traditionally been viewed as a seasonal flux in symptoms of pre-existing depression or bipolar disorder. Recently though, some researchers have argued that SAD is a valid, stand-alone diagnosis Newman’s article concluded without a firm answer, noting that further research must be done to prove or disprove the validity of SAD as a diagnosis. However,
what is known is that those who are currently diagnosed with SAD are battling depression. They will experience heightened symptoms during episodes, and episodes may or may not increase in number during the winter. Symptoms of SAD look similar to symptoms of depression. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus database, symptoms can include feeling sad or anxious, hopeless, pessimistic, guilty or worthless, irritability, loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, change in sleep habits, change in weight and difficulty focusing or making decisions. In severe episodes, thoughts of death or suicide may occur. The Suicide Awareness Voices of Education’s website noted that the second leading cause of death for Americans ages 15 to 24 years old is suicide. While mental illness, like SAD, is a risk factor for suicide, prolonged stress and sleep deprivation are also risk factors. To point out the obvious, many college students fall in the age group of 18 to 24, are under prolonged stress and are sleep deprived. It is so important to practice self-care. If you notice that you are experiencing symptoms of depression or SAD, or if you just feel burnt out, look for resources. Whether you approach family, friends, the Counseling Center on campus or a counseling resource in the community, remember that you are not alone. There are people who are eager to help.
If you are a family member or friend and you notice signs of depression or SAD in a loved one, do not be silent. Check in with them. Be a resource to them or find another resource that can provide support if you cannot. You can support a loved one who suffers from depression by simply opening a dialogue. It is important not to be judgmental or belittle their experiences with their symptoms. Remaining calm, using positive reinforcement and exercising compassion are good ways to offer social support. Should your loved one mention suicidal thoughts, you may not be equipped to help them. Recommending a mental health professional on campus or in the community is the next best step. However, you cannot force them to utilize this resource. Arguing or threatening them in the effort of getting them to seek help is likely counterproductive. Some other resources are 974-HELP, a referral line housed in the Center for Health Education and Wellness and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Both of these numbers are available 24/7. Remember, Vols help Vols — but Vols also practice self-care. Katie Scott is a junior in communication studies and a Vols 2 Vols Peer Health Educator for the Center for Health Education and Wellness. She can be reached at katdscot@vols.utk.edu
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The Daily Beacon â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, January 29, 2016