100720 The Daily Beacon by UT Media Center

Volume 139, Issue 7 Wednesday, October 7, 2020 utdailybeacon.com @utkdailybeacon

Strong start, dominant run game push Tennessee past Missouri RYAN SCHUMPERT Sports Editor

Tennessee started fast and didn’t look back Saturday as they improved to 2-0, beating Missouri 35-12. The Vols were able to dominate on the ground and showed growth with their third down offense. Here are three takeaways. Tennessee starts fast Tennessee started slow a week ago in its season opener against South Carolina. That wasn’t the case Saturday, as the Vols dominated Missouri in the first quarter and change. Tennessee received the opening kickoff and went straight to work, marching 75 yards on 14 plays as Ty Chandler scored the game’s first touchdown from three yards out. The drive spanned 4:59 and was Tennessee’s first opening drive touchdown since last season’s win over UT-Chattanooga. The Vols’ defense was great in the opening quarter, allowing just one first down. Tennessee’s offense marched down the field on its second drive but couldn’t convert as Brent Cimaglia missed a 39-yard field goal. The first quarter would end before Tennessee’s third drive ended, but the Vols offense

pounded the ball down the field and finished it off with an Eric Gray 20-yard touchdown run 14 seconds into the second half. “It was huge,” linebacker Henry To’o To’o said of the Vols’ first quarter. “We try to keep momentum going. We try to keep our foot on the gas, and we try to not let up. … It was huge for us to be able to keep that going.” In total, Tennessee out-gained the Tigers’ 167-13 in the first quarter with Missouri starting quarterback Shawn Robinson failing to complete a pass. Vols establish run Tennessee’s offensive line was expected to be the strength of its offense this season. That was made even more prevalent this week when Georgia transfer Cade Mays became eligible. Tennessee leaned on that group Saturday as the Vols leaned on its running game to get past Missouri. The Vols played nine offensive linemen with Wanya Morris, Trey Smith, Brandon Kennedy, Jerome Carvin and Cade Mays earning the start. Darnell Wright and Javontez Spraggins earned playing time off the bench, and Cooper Mays and Riley Locklear played in Tennessee’s jumbo, seven offensive linemen formation. Tennessee used the formation frequently and successfully against the Tigers. “It’s like running behind a Mack truck,”

Tennessee running back Eric Gray (3) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. Calvin Mattheis / Pool via News Sentinel Gray said of the jumbo set. “You get the ball and everything’s wide open. … It feels great to be able to get those easy yards like that.” It was a strong day for both Ty Chandler and Eric Gray who each tallied over 85 yards. Gray rushed for 105 yards on 16 carries, recording a rushing and receiving touchdown. Chandler turned in 90 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. “We ran the ball 51 times,” head coach Jeremy Pruitt said. “The ﬁrst part of being good in the run game is, you have to do it. You have to say you’re going to establish the run game, and we did that today.” The Vols’ offense ran for a total of four touchdowns Saturday and was four-for-four on fourth and a yard or less Saturday. Improvement on conversion downs, red zone

Tennessee running back Ty Chandler (8) runs the ball as Missouri safety Martez Manuel (3) and Missouri safety Tyree Gillespie (9) defend in the second quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020. Calvin Mattheis / Pool via News Sentinel

Tennessee’s third down offense was a major reason for concern in its opener against South Carolina. Tennessee went just 1-of-13 on third downs in Columbia but turned the tide against Missouri, converting 6-of-13 third downs. On top of that, the Vols were aggressive on fourth down, converting four fourth-and-shorts, all on quarterback sneaks from Guarantano. The Vols’ offense stayed ahead of the sticks

all night, with their average third down distance being six yards. The Vols’ had just three third downs over eight yards and had four third downs two yards or shorter. “We were 6-of-13 so that’s ﬁve more than we had last week,” Pruitt said. “We got to continue to work hard to be a good third down team on both sides of the ball. A lot of it has to do with ﬁrst and second down. It’s a lot easier to convert third-and-six inches than thirdand-16.” Tennessee’s offense was also excellent in the red zone, something they struggled mightily with a year ago. The Vols found the red zone four times Saturday, scoring a touchdown each time. “I think that was our emphasis going into this year,” quarterback Jarrett Guarantano said. “Red zone, we were one of the worst teams going into the season. Myself and Coach Chaney had a lot of sit down talks and that was the biggest thing, we wanted to be a lot better in the red zone.” Up Next Tennessee will travel to Athens to face No. 4 Georgia. Kickoff from Sanford Stadium will be either noon or 3:30 p.m ET. The broadcast will be on ESPN or CBS.

CAMPUS NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

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Student-made ﬂyers spreading encouragement, motivation DANIEL DASSOW Staff Writer

At strategic spots around campus, pieces of paper have appeared taped to telephone poles and electrical boxes with the conspicuous headline “Wake Up Today!!!” written in large print. In a numbered list, the flyers give suggestions to passersby for three things they can do today to help them navigate the isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic: get in touch with an old friend, create something and do a good deed. Most notably, however, is what is written in small print at the very bottom of the flyers. After all the entreaties for readers to take control of their own lives is the name “Josh,” a phone number and the words “Text me anytime.” Who is this stranger who has doxxed himself on motivational pieces of paper all around campus? “Josh” of the flyers is Josh Kentof, freshman studying pre-law, whose advice to pandemicweary students turns out to be a fraction of the ruminations he has on the current state of affairs. And for some, “Josh” is not quite anonymous. He announced himself on campus by playing a spirited violin version of “Rocky Top” alongside his father outside Hess Hall, a moment that made its way onto several local news websites in the days before the semester began. Kentof says that the idea for the flyers came to him in March, when he began to observe the fear and idleness around him as the pandemic set in. Now, they serve as a way for him to connect with those who use his phone number to text or call him and tell him their story. He estimates that around 25 people have done so. “I like to see how people respond to this,” Kentof said over the phone. “The impact I’m able to have is limited on a piece of paper. But the impact I’m able to have in-person, from a telephone or through text is technically unlimited.” “If they reach out to me, which many have, I’m able to listen to their stories, I’m able to understand what’s going on in their lives, and to have a greater impact than I would otherwise. … I like to hear other people’s stories.” By his own telling, Kentof’s to-do list draws inspiration from the Kantian formula for what a person needs to be truly happy: something to do, something to hope for and someone to love. Ashley Martinez, staff psychologist at the UT Counseling Center, says that Kentof’s advice is sound from a psychological perspective. “In research and in therapy, it is important to find protective factors, as they reduce the likelihood of a negative mental health outcome and/or reduce the impact of a negative experi-

ence,” Martinez said in an email. “Time and time again we see that supportive relationships, spirituality, a sense of belonging, gratitude and healthful coping mechanisms are key protective factors against depression, stress, anxiety and suicide.” “During a global pandemic that includes a 24-hour news cycle, social distancing and, at times, isolation, finding our own unique protective factors is crucial,” Martinez said. In their own ways, Kentof and Martinez both speak of the importance of social connectivity at a time when it is easier than ever to eschew human contact. “We are social beings that are wired to work in patterns, so sprinkling in things that provide a sense of joy, validation or connection allows us to break a negative cycle and acknowledge the good that is always around us [even if it’s hard to see],” Martinez said. “This is an act of self-compassion and can allow us to ‘fill up our cups’ in order to tend to all of the responsibilities in our lives without burning out completely.” It is no surprise that Kentof’s flyers align with recommendations made by professional psychologists. In a short phone call, he said he is striving after the peak of Maslow’s pyramid, he made references to evolution and the universe and compared Gen Z to the Lost Generation, ambling purposelessly across the pages of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. He casually mentioned the Greek root of the word “theory” and what it tells us about how we ought to live our lives. Kentof’s personal mantra may best be summarized in the sentences printed in bold near

Daniel Dassow / Daily Beacon

the bottom of his flyers. “IT IS NEVER TOO LATE,” the flyers read. “FIND YOUR PASSION, FIND WHAT ENERGIZES YOU, FIND WHAT MAKES YOU TICK.” It is advice that Kentof seems to have put into practice in his own life. He speaks of his personal clothing brand New Age, which has recently accrued thousands of followers online, and about the humanitarian work he hopes to do after graduating from law school. He has certain commitments, like calling his parents and grandparents almost every day, that he believes constitute a meaningful life. “All the things that easily can corrupt a human being do eventually, unless you stay true to your foundation, you stay true to your faith, you stay true to learning the truth about the world, to observing yourself, challenging your own thoughts and your own beliefs and your own actions, and going forward from there and only learning more,” Kentof said. “That’s the story of life, is growth and evolution.” Over the phone, Kentof’s voice carries the earnestness of a young Jimmy Stewart who sees the world as full of possibilities, if only we reach out to take them. After speaking with him, it became clear that the flyers he has put up around campus are not really a call to small actions, but rather an invitation into a different way of living. “Even as small as my life may be in the grand scheme of the universe. … What I do within that span of time is indefinite,” Kentof said. “You can touch so many people indirectly and you don’t even know it. You simply do not know how many people you touch if you talk to people.”

CITY NEWS

Wednesday, October 7 2020 • The Daily Beacon

Biden 2020: The Democratic candidate’s beliefs, campaign explained DANIEL DASSOW Staff Writer

Remember when Joe Biden was just an aviator-clad meme on the background of your friend’s phone? This was just one iteration of the Democratic senator turned vice president turned presidential front-runner, who has been around a long time. Joseph R. Biden Jr. was first elected as a senator from Delaware in the 1972 elections at the age of just 29, after having served on the New Castle County Council in Wilmington. He credits the Civil Rights Movement and the presidency of John F. Kennedy as his earliest political influences. “During my adolescent and college years, men and women were changing the country — Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy — and I was swept up in their eloquence, their conviction, the sheer size of their improbable dreams,” Biden said. Visitors to the Biden campaign website can follow a little cartoon train as it chugs between two columns of text and photos that tell the details of his life story. These details include how, just after being elected as one of the youngest ever senators, Biden lost his first wife and his only daughter in a tragic car accident that also injured his young sons, Hunter and Beau. The cartoon train represents all of the time Biden spent over the next years commuting between D.C. and his home in Wilmington as a newly single father of two grieving sons. About five years later, Biden remarried. His wife of over 40 years Jill Biden still stands by his side at campaign events as a former second lady and passionate advocate for education reform. Democratic strategists are hoping that the

tragic details of Biden’s biography, including the death of his son Beau from a brain tumor in 2015, will help Biden to come across as a more empathetic candidate than President Donald Trump, as a husband and father who understands loss and what it means to rebuild a life. The biography includes Biden’s pioneering work on climate change and gun control legislation while in the Senate, as well as his experience as chairmen of both the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It also portrays him as the ubiquitous buddy of President Barack Obama, highlighting his work as vice president on healthcare reform and racial equity. The campaign’s website, for obvious reasons, skirts past Biden’s support of the invasion of Iraq, which he now fervently attempts to distance himself from, his history of incautious remarks on issues of race and the unverified allegations of sexual misconduct by former staffer Tara Reade, all of which are sure to feature in the last five weeks before the election. But what is Biden’s platform and what does he want to accomplish if elected? If his website is any indication, Biden has quite a few plans. In fact, under the label “Joe’s Vision,” there are a staggering 48 detailed policy plans, ranging in subject from bankruptcy reform and small business support to the opioid crisis and environmental justice. Out of all of the policy plans, however, the centerpiece of the Biden platform is the slogan “Build Back Better,” which corresponds roughly to four central areas of policy: economic recovery for the working class, racial economic equity, support for caregiving and education workers and sustainable energy and infrastructure. Emphasizing the economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be one of

Courtesy of joebiden.com Biden’s central jabs at Trump leading up to the election, he proposes a plan that focuses on job creation, with particular focus on technology and clean energy. Biden wants to raise the minimum wage, provide universal paid sick days and ensure 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to all working families, who, the website notes, are “essential at all times.” To pay for some of the broad reforms and investments that his administration would make, Biden also proposes changing tax codes that give cuts to high-income earners and corporations. The campaign’s tax reform plan will likely receive a boost from a recent New York Times investigation that found that Trump himself went years without paying a penny in federal income taxes — and paid only $750 in income tax the year he was elected. In an interview with Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC on Monday, Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris, who is an avid supporter of raising taxes for high income earners, expressed incredulity over the report.

“I honestly couldn’t believe it. Literally I thought that someone left out the three zeroes, you know, after a comma,” Harris said, in reference to the $750 figure reported by the Times. “You’ve got people who are doing God’s work to protect and lift us up paying more in taxes than the self-professed billionaire? It’s inexcusable.” As far as racial equality goes, the Biden campaign focuses its policies on creating fairer hiring and housing policies and investing in black colleges and community centers that give crucial academic and economic support to Black and Latinx families. The campaign also proposes college debt forgiveness and tuition-free public college for those earning under $125,000 a year and a public healthcare option that would move America firmly in the direction of a universal healthcare system, if not Medicare-for-All. And as can be expected of any Democratic candidate in the last decade or so, Biden is an expansive supporter of abortion rights and LGBTQ rights. It is important also to note that Biden’s running mate, Harris of California, is widely expected to have more influence in this administration than any vice president, especially considering her status as a charismatic figure and young counterpart to the oldest prospective president in U.S. history. Though she is considered a moderate by many, Harris has one of the most liberal voting records of any senator and is in fact more consistent with the progressive wing of the Senate in her voting than even Sen. Bernie Sanders or Sen. Elizabeth Warren. To learn more about the various policy plans of the Biden campaign, visit the website and tune in to the presidential debates.

Trump 2020: The president’s beliefs, platform for reelection NATASHA MCKAMEY Staff Writer

Donald J. Trump has served as Commander in Chief and President of the United States since the 2016 election, where he propelled his campaign by the “Make America Great Again” slogan. Now, it seems he is working to implement an “America First” platform as he seeks reelection with his newest slogan of “Keep America Great.” The “America First” platform seeks to focus on four central areas of interest: the economy, jobs, immigration and foreign policy, as debuted in his inaugural address in 2017. However, his recent slogans have been deemed “Keep America Great” and “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” Trump’s campaign website states, “Presi-

dent Trump is working hard … continuing his promise to the American people to lower taxes, repeal and replace Obamacare, end stifling regulations, protect our borders, keep jobs in our country, take care of our veterans, strengthen our military and law enforcement, and renegotiate bad trade deals, creating a government of, by and for the people.” During his current administration, Trump has been active with executive orders, dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and seen the ongoing tensions surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement as it surged once again earlier this year. Trump’s campaign, as mentioned, focuses on putting America first. His website continues, “He is making America First, again, restoring our nation’s faith, ushering in a bright, new future now and for generations to come.” Vice President Michael R. Pence will continue to be his running mate for reelection. With the recent death of Supreme Court

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there is a vacancy to fill. On Sept. 26, Trump announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee for associate justice of the Supreme Court. The judge graduated from Rhodes College and Notre Dame Law School as well as clerked for the late Justice Antonin Scalia. In an interview with “Fox and Friends” cohost Pete Hegseth, Trump explained his decision to appoint Barrett. “Mostly, I’m looking for somebody that can interpret the Constitution as written. We say it all the time and [Judge Amy Coney Barrett] is very strong on that,” Trump said. With the election coming up in November, there has been much debate surrounding how quickly this nomination will pull through, if it does before the election. Trump and democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Biden took part in their first one-on-one debate earlier this week. During the debate, the president addressed a

wide variety of topics, including the economic shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. “They think they’re hurting us by keeping them closed. They’re hurting people. People know what to do … social distance … wash their hands, they can wear masks … but they got to open these states up,” Trump said. As the debate continued, moderator Chris Wallace opened the floor up for discussion on why voters should trust either candidate to deal with “race issues” over the next four years. The president was given an opportunity to speak after Biden. “I’m doing better than any Republican has done in a long time because they saw what you did,” Trump said. “As far as the church is concerned and as far as the generals are concerned, we just got the support of 250 military leaders and generals.”

STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

CITY NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

STORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Trump remains reliant on his previous platform to win this upcoming election. In August, his campaign announced the agenda of his second term: “Fighting for you!”

O�cial portrait of President Donald J. Trump, Friday, October 6, 2017. (O�cial White House photo by Shealah Craighead) Courtesy of The White House

The administration seems hopeful that Trump will be reelected. In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” the president’s campaign adviser Steve Cortes spoke about his own expectation for the upcoming election – with the president trailing but coming out victorious. “I would concede that it’s probably going to be a similar scenario where, when we look back retrospectively, we will probably see that the president was down into Election Day, and then won Election Day itself by an incredibly wide margin,” Cortes said. With respect to COVID-19, Trump aims to develop a vaccine by the end of this year, return the country to normalcy in 2021 and hold China “fully accountable for allowing the virus to spread around the world. Additional goals for his reelection are to provide school choice to every American child and defend the police by fully funding and hiring more police and law enforcement ofﬁcers. Ultimately, Trump has said he will defend American values by supporting anti-abortion policies, defending religious freedoms and supporting second amendment rights, according to his personal website. More information may be found on his personal and campaign websites as well as in future debates.

Daily Beacon Poll Results (%) 9/28: If you utilize on-campus dining, have you been satisfied with dining procedures this semester?

10/1: Students: did one or more of your professors grant you the option to have class online or in-person?

COMING OCTOBER 28, 2020

The Election Guide will be a combination of political and voting information, political analysis and discussions about how voting and politics a�ect a college campus. It will give brief overviews of candidates running for o�ce and make connections as to how candidates’ policies could a�ect Knoxville and UTK. It will also focus on various aspects of voting and the political engagement of college-aged students.

DB Online

DB Twitter

Yes

29.4%

38.5%

Yes

23%

Yes

70.6%

61.5%

77%

No Yes

DB Instagram

37.9%

62.1%

This Week’s Questions: 10/5: Have you tested positive for COVID-19 this semester? 10/8: Have you been tested for COVD-19 at least once this semester?

Yes

55.6%

44.4%

Yes

53%

47%

OPINIONS

Killer Conversations: The Watts family murders MOLLIE CHAMBERS Columnist

Last Wednesday, Netﬂix released a new documentary called “American Murder: The Family Next Door.” This documentary follows the murders of Shanann Watts and her two daughters Bella and Celeste. Upon watching the trailer, I was instantly intrigued by their story. On Aug. 13, 2018, Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife and two daughters. This horriﬁc event shocked the nation, causing this story to gain a lot of attention from the media. However, the most interesting coverage of this case did not come from the media, but instead was captured on the body-cam of a police officer. These are the three most interesting things the body cam footage: Chris’ attempts to stall police On Aug. 13, 2018, Nickole Atkinson called the Colorado police to report her friend Shanann Watts and Watt’s two daughters missing. This phone call came after Atkinson attempted to reach Watts multiple times throughout the day and received no response. This radio silence was out of character for Watts and caused Atkinson to grow weary. Atkinson showed up to the Watts residence in an attempt to reach Shanann in person, but still received no response. A frantic Atkinson called Chris who blew off his wife’s disappearance by claiming she had taken their daughters to a play-date. His story seemed highly unlikely to Atkinson, seeing as though Shanann’s car was still in the driveway. Chris’s suspicious behavior led Atkinson to get the police involved. Once the police arrived, it was clear — based on the body-cam footage — that Atkinson was distraught about her friend’s

disappearance. Atkinson can be seen talking with police about possible ways to enter the house and look for her friend. However, once Chris arrived home, his energy regarding Shanann’s disappearance did not match Atkinson’s. Chris’s behavior is bizarre from the moment he arrives. After getting out his truck, the first thing he does is walk to his passenger side door and put something away. This is strange behavior, as the officer is standing just feet away from him waiting to search his house. Another red flag is raised when Chris goes to let Atkinson and the police officer into his home. Chris enters the house first through the garage and walks to the front door to let the others inside. However, it takes Chris a full minute to get to the front door after entering the garage, a trip that should only take a few seconds to complete. While a minute does not seem like a long time, I believe this was a last-minute attempt made by Chris to cover up any evidence of foul play before letting the police in. Chris’ behavior both when arriving home and when letting the police officer and Atkinson into his home raised red flags for me. I believe his strange behavior shows his attempts to stall police before they began searching his home. Chris’ bad acting After entering the home, Atkinson and the police officer begin searching around the house for Shanann and the children while Chris trails behind. The search comes to a stand-still after a few minutes of searching when the police officer realizes no one is home. After this realization it appears as though Chris begins to put on an act. In one part of the body-cam video, Chris emerges from one of the bedrooms holding Shanann’s phone. In my opinion, this is a turning point in the search. This means that wherever Shanann is something is wrong. However, instead of reacting the way a worried husband would, Chris seems to shake off his findings as if they mean nothing. While Atkinson and the police officer begin to brainstorm where Shanann could be, suddenly Chris turns around and rushes into the bedroom. This is seemingly the strangest part of the footage because when Chris returns he is holding Shanann’s wedding

band; however, he has it held as far away from himself as possible. From my perspective, it appears that finding Shanann’s phone and wedding ring were Chris’ attempts to make himself look innocent, when in actuality, Chris’ bad acting made him look all the more guilty. Chris’ change in body language In the final minutes of the body-cam footage, Chris can be seen in the living room with Atkinson and his neighbor. His neighbor had brought over the footage from his security camera to see if it could give any clues to Shanann’s whereabouts. This is when Chris begins to act differently. The once calm and collected Chris can now be seen pacing around the living room and fidgeting. His sudden change in body language is an admission of guilt, in my opinion. Once the video begins to play on the television, Chris can be seen loading things into his truck early in the morning. The neighbor then points out to the police officer that this was the only activity his camera caught, meaning if Shanann had left the house it had to have been when Chris was loading things into his truck. This revelation causes Chris to act more franticly than before. At this point in the footage, he can he seen placing his hands above his head and breathing heavily. While I believe all Chris’s prior actions made him look guilty, his actions while watching the security footage definitely make him look the worst. Overall, what Chris Watts did to his family was terrible; however, his lack of empathy revealed in the body-cam footage is even worse. I hope that “American Murder: The Family Next Door” reveals more interesting facts such as these about this case. Mollie Chambers is a sophomore majoring in journalism and electronic media. She can be reached at mollcham@vols.utk.edu.

Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.

wutk

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

“THE 7”

BOB MOULD

2 CULTS

3 NEW ORDER

4 BUTCHER BROWN

5 THE BUDOS BAND

6 THROWING MUSES

7 FLEET FOXES

CITY NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Local businesses support continued independence of the Knox Board of Health NATASHA MCKAMEY Staff Writer

A large number of small-business owners in Knoxville collectively signed a letter earlier this week in support of the Knox County Board of Health’s current and independent autonomy. This letter seems to be in response to a video released the week before from a group known as Freedom Forward. The video featured narration by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. During the video, Jacobs referred to the board as, “Unelected bureaucrats who cast down edicts which carry the force of law with no accountability and no recourse.” The letter signed by more than 90 Knoxville business leaders called for and supported the continued independence of the Knox County Board of Health. The letter read, “The current Board members act based on data … and in the best interest of all businesses [and residents] of Knox County.” These leaders believe that if the Board of

Health is altered or dismantled, the objectivity and science-based nature of COVID-19 laws and regulations will be compromised. They stated that this possible change has the potential to damage the safety and health of the community, with respect to COVID-19. Benny Smith, program director and general manager of WUTK, a non-profit, noncommercial radio station owned and operated by the University of Tennessee, was one of the business leaders that signed the letter. He urged that safety is of utmost importance. “We simply cannot take the decision-making process out of the hands of medical professionals and put into the hands of those who make decisions due to political influence,” Smith said. “That approach has caused more sickness and death in our country that should not have happened, and we do not need to follow that example, locally.” “With deejays and students coming and going throughout our broadcast day, it makes it an even bigger risk that one may bring it into the station if the proper, scientific-based deci-

sions and policies are not implemented to keep everyone safe,” Smith said. “If me, or if one of my other two full-time, non-student staffers fall ill with COVID, we would have to isolate, and shut the station down for two weeks, which would drain us of important revenue that we need to generate in order to bring in the money to stay on air.” The tension surrounding the Knox County Board of Health reaches businesses and leaders from all fields. Businesses which have signed their name to the letter include Yassin’s Falafel House, Maple Hall, Law Office of Ursula Bailey and Culture Hair Studio, along with many more. Robyn Jarvis Askew, a local lawyer and member of Knoxville’s business community, offered her individual support to the Board as well. “I try to read about what is going on the community on a daily basis. I have always been impressed with the Knox County Board of Health, the work that gets done there and the number of people they help,” Askew said.

With recent events calling into question whether or not the Board will be altered or dismantled altogether, many business owners have expressed a sense of fear for what could happen to the community, especially if the board were to become politicized. “My fears are that without science-based direction, our infection rates [will] go through the roof and people [will] get very, very ill, and either die or have life-long consequences from the impacts of COVID-19,” Askew said. “My fear is that we act irresponsibly. To me, if we practice social distancing, mask up and practice cleanliness, we will get through this quicker. My fear is politicization of the Board is to get rid of health and safety guidelines.” There are many people on both sides of the spectrum when it comes to having an opinion on this matter. However, dozens of Knoxville business leaders have spoken out for what they believe in, and there seems to be a consistent call for efforts that support the health and safety of the Knoxville community as a whole.

‘Irreparable damage’: The roles of UT, local bars in handling COVID-19 MADELYN MUSCHEK Staff Writer For nearly five months, bars around Knoxville were closed due to COVID-19. Now open again, they face new complications as cases surrounding the university skyrocket and the campus area struggles to keep outbreaks under control. Regulations by the Knox County Board of Health seek to place curfews and restrictions on bars in hopes of bringing down case numbers, but these only seem to make the issues more complex as bars try to run their businesses successfully. Nathan Queen of UpTown Bar and Grill spoke about his experience opening his bar back up in late August, the struggles he’s faced throughout the pandemic and the measures he’s taken for health and safety. Queen and his wife own UpTown and have been in the bar and restaurant industry for 25 years. “We’re requiring everyone to wear a mask as they come inside, we’re taking everyone’s temperatures as they come inside, we’ve got about 13 hand sanitizer stations in the building, we’re sanitizing every surface and every door handle and we’re operating at half capacity,” Queen said. Yet, with just a quick drive past UpTown on a Friday or Saturday night, anyone can see the line of hundreds of students waiting to get inside the bar, with very few masks in sight. Queen also spoke at length about his feelings of responsibility to keep students safe. “The biggest thing to me is to provide a safe environment for everybody to come out and have a good time, and if I can’t do that, I’m not going to open my doors,” Queen said.

Still, it’s difficult to create a safe environment during a pandemic at all, let alone one where students seem careless, openly gathering in large numbers and in close proximity outside of UpTown. There’s no question that COVID-19 has put an immense financial burden on bars and restaurants during this time, and Queen shared that his only financial goal is to break even this year. But where is the line drawn between financial support and reckless decision-making? It’s important to note that the Daily Beacon reached out to multiple bars in and near Knoxville, and UpTown was the only one that was willing to interview for this article. Cool Beans, LiterBoard, The Half Barrel and The Cotton Eyed Joe all declined to either respond or interview. One question that’s come up time and time again over the past months: who’s to blame? Who is responsible for the increase of cases and how can this be remedied? It seems easy to believe that bars should not open at all, and this alone would decrease cases. Unfortunately, the issue isn’t that simple. The true question of responsibility lies in the gray area of conversations around COVID-19 and is far more complex than placing blame on any one entity. It’s not an easy question to answer, and it’s clear from the discourse on social media and during the weekly Knox County Board of Health meetings that both students and citizens are divided. Jordan Rogers, a senior majoring in Economics, spoke about the realities of going to bars amidst a pandemic and the role that alcohol plays in decision-making; something that the Board of Health has also tried to mitigate with regulations. “Even if you are trying to be socially distant

Uptown Bar & Grille on Cumberland Avenue during a night of constant rain despite the worries of COVID-19 on Sept. 24, 2020. Sydney Goodsell / The Daily Beacon

and wearing your mask and everything, I don’t see how anyone can actually abide by those rules after you’ve been drinking any amount of alcohol,” Rogers said. “At some point they have to acknowledge that their actions are hurting people in the long run.” Rogers also spoke about the complex issues the UT community faces, and his opinion on the question of responsibility at this time. “My main worry is that the damage that’s already been done is irreparable. If the university had actually put the students’ health first and foremost, classes would have been totally online from the beginning,” Rogers said. “There’s some blame to be put on the bars, but it’s the university’s fault for allowing it to happen in the first place.” The decisions made by UT administration

have impacted students and the surrounding community greatly, and Tyra Haag, spokesperson from UT, briefly discussed administration’s support for bar regulations. “The chancellor has communicated with the Board of Health with regards to the bars along Cumberland Avenue. She sent a letter to the board in July, urging best practices, and on Sept. 15, spoke in favor of alcohol restrictions,” Haag said. Regardless of placing blame, it’s clear that students and Knoxville residents have been put in a tough situation during this pandemic, as have many people across the country. It’s important that rather than direct blame or anger, we try our best to come together as a community to protect the safety of others during this difficult time.

THE

PRIDE LIST

2020

PRIDELIST 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Introducing the PRIDEList: A note from Coordinator Bonnie Johnson BONNIE JOHNSON Pride Center Coordinator

Dear Volunteer Family, Happy LGBTQ+ History Month! From all of us at the Pride Center, we are excited to share the 2020 edition of the PRIDEList. “What is the PRIDEList?” you may be asking: it is a signature campaign intended to raise the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Complementing our campus focus on mattering and belonging, our goal is to ensure that our LGBTQ+ students feel welcome, supported and at home here on Rocky Top, which begins with visibility and awareness! This year’s list, with 1,132 signatures, represents many areas within our campus community. The names listed here are from faculty, staff, current students, friends of the university and alums who

want our LGBTQ+ students to know that they are not alone during their time here at Rocky Top. It is important to note that the PRIDElist is not the only way that folks show their support for the community—allyship looks different for every person depending on their identities and life experiences. We hope the list ﬁlls your heart, educates your soul and prompts reﬂection on the beautiful, diverse LGBTQ+ community here at UT and the part that each of us play in making our campus welcoming to all. Have a great October ahead. We have several events going this month. We hope to see you at one soon! With pride, Bonnie Johnson she/her/hers Coordinator, Pride Center

PRIDELIST 2020

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

ALUMNI Sarah A Jordan Achs Natalia Acuña Lauren Adams Lucas Alexander Emma Allish Addie Allison Michael Almond Aparna Annamraju Caroline Arias Kelly Armstrong Cynthia Arnold Jennifer Baker Ali Ballard Tonya Barnette Riley Bernard Maya Bian Terry Bird Jennifer Bishop Jillian Blueford Milo Boggan Beth Borromeo Susan Bourdeau Sean Bowers Garrett Boyd Michael Breeden Maria Bruce Amanda Bryant Jessica Campbell Annie Carr Blake Chambliss Emily Chapin Hayden Chaple Caylie Chapman Alexandra Chiasson Mark Clark Johnathan Clayton Sara Compher-Rice David Conrad Joyce Coombs Carolyn Grace Corley

Rosie Cross Peyton Cross Anthony W Crunk Hannah Culbertson Amanda Dalton Audrey Davis Vicki Davis Jenna Davis Sinead Doherty Teresa Dulaney-Dewald Courtney Edwards Daniel Ellis Ryan Fisher Owen Flomberg Natalie Frankel Feroza Freeland Selina Gaia Rebecca Gaither Laura Galloway Jessica Ganick Shannon Gibbons Tori Gilooly Katie Gouge Meghan Gragg Madison Grebe Courtney Greene Richard Gretsinger Shelbi Hall Shane Hardin Abigail Harr Laura Harris Tanner Hartman Emma Heins Alexis Herrington Taylor Hiner Stefan Hodges-Kluck Julie Holt Avery Howard Minttu Hukka Gracyn Husband Reilly Jackson

Morgan Johnson Nathan Kabir Justin Keyes Alex Kilby Elliott Kim Maddie Kind Kyndal Kind Leslie Kurtz Sarah Lang Patrick Lee Michaela Leib Stephanie Leonard Lauren Lindback Caitlin Lloyd Nancy Love Owens Michael Lussier Juvi Therese Mallari Mike McCay Haley McGonagle Lindsey McInturff Eleanor McMurray Dan Morgan, Jr Brance Moss Troy Murray Sean O’Connor Elizabeth Owen Samantha Peach Eli Pearson Ashley Perkins Taylor Phillips Alex Piper Abby Plemmons Sarah Plemmons Brett Price Erica Redd Steve Reddick Ley Rideout Al Roberson Lennie Robertson Sarah Rogers Stamp Lynn Ryan Lia Sams Lee Sanders Kennedy Elaine Sanders Syd Shelby George Shields Chad Sisk

Marc Sloan Jartavious Small Leighann Smiley Shaye Smith Jeremy Spiers Taylor Spradlin Phillip Stephenson Emily Stevens Jack Sturm James Swart Candace Tanner Sarah Tanner Sierra Teta Nancy Thacker Tessa Thibodeau Tett Marie Thurman Jennifer Fitzwater Tomasetti Laura Trott Maria Valerio Olivia Wann Ashleigh Watson Kat Waxstein Troy Weston Anna White Eric White Chelsea Williams Caleb Williamson Lindsey Williford Elizabeth Wilson Sidney Wilson Taylor Wolfenbarger Korrie Xavier

PRIDELIST 2020

The Daily Beacon â&#x20AC;¢ Wednesday, October 7, 2020

CURRENT STUDENTS Courtney Agnew Jack Anderson Madeline Auge Caitlin Ault Chevelle Avery Emily Ayers Darcy Ayers Zoe Babyar Aubrey Bader Hannah Bain-Selbo Elaine Ball Ashley Barrows Jessica Beaven Inshira Bediako Gavin Belfry Noah Bell Bret Berry Brooke Berry Ameera Bhatti Megan Biles Marlo Black Bailey Blackford Michelle Blackwell Nathaniel Blalock Sarah Blalock Michael Bloodworth Jenae Bluhm Ellen Bobo Bruce Boles Kassidy Boone Emma Boyle Miles Bradley Anna Bray Conor Brennan Drew Bridges Emma Brocato Brianna Brookes Promise Brown Jordan Brown Jonah Brown

Brandon Brown Savannah Brown Jupiter Brown Natalie Harper Bryan Nevin Bulut John Burns Katherine Burroughs Julia Buschbacher Evan Bushart Benji Butler Shane Byerley Nikki C Ash Cable Jamie Cahill Madeline Cain Dana Calamusa Grace Caldwell MaKenzie Caldwell Lily Caldwell Natalie Campbell Elizabeth Campbell Josie Campbell Carolyn Cantrell Brody Carmack Amber Carmody Will Carr Amanda Carson Davis Carter Mackenzie Casteel Nicki Caswell Jada Chambers Anselm Chaney Alisha Chapman Aiden Chehade Joanne Cheng Grace Christenson Kamryn Christopher Finn Church Lauren Claxton Leslie Emeline Conduff

Sierra Conn Kayla Cooper Kelsey Copeland James Coppage Abegale Costilla Sadie Counts Presley Cowan Sophia Cowell Stephanie Cox Brody Cox Olivia Crawley Brooke Creasey Katie Creech Elsie Crisp Jess Croll Rachel Crosslin Leah Crowley Hadley Curry Julie Dahlhauser Sherrice Dale Bryn Rose Dalrymple Diana Dalton Daniel Dassow Kiley Davan Hunter Davis Alexandra DeMarco Taylor Dempsey Ashley DeRegis Sarah Desai Amber Descheneaux Elliott DeVore Ara Dillard Rainey Dinsmore Reed Dixon Mika Donahue Claire Donelan Alexander Dowd McLane Driskill Taylor Dugger Jack Duncan Laken Dye Ekramul Ehite Lauren Eller Ashley Epstein Kari Essary Jordan Ezzell Andrea Faggioli

Olivia Fairweather Grace Favier Alex Faye Sterling Field Amanda Flanigan Alenna Belle Fletcher Kendall Flores Erin Flynn Brian Forbes Chloe Ford Quinn Forney Mary Fouts Chloe Freeman Sydney Fritts Hunter Fugate Katherine Fulcher Alisa Garner Juliet Gear Maggie George Alex Gifford Jayna Gilkey Arden Gillchrest Jonathan Glenn Simeon Glover Ben Goldberger Julia Goncalves Katie Goss Annie Graham Nadine Grambling JB Graves Rachel Gray Dom Green Nilo Greenacre Sarah Greene Kaya Griner Kyler Groner Ellie Gunn Leah Gutzwiller Kai Hackney Mikayla Hadlow Savannah Hall Heather Hall Emma Kate Hall A Hallenbeck Timothy Hambly Mark Hancock Asya Hangul

PRIDELIST 2020

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Covington Hanley Makayla Harmon Grace Harris Noah Harris Rachel Harville Mattie Hayden Alyssa Hayes Lauren Hayle Claire Heatherly Robyn Helms Alex Henderson Madison Henniger Emma Hessock Jennifer Hightower Ryker Hill Arianna Hill Saydie Hillis Chris Hilton Jaime Hippe Mackenzie Hobbs Claire Hodson Joey Hoernlen Shaun Holloway Emily Holt Blake Honeycutt Haley Hopkins Julia Horras Emma Howard Samantha Huang Brayden Huff Alex Hughes Brooke Hunley Felix Hursey Zaky Hussein Amanda Hyman Soomin Im Nikita Iyer Cassidy James Joelle Jarjoura Chrissy Jensen Holly Johnson Erin Johnson Simon Jolly Arden Jones Trent Jones Karmen Jones Keeva Jones

Sam Jurek Kensi Juszkiewicz Amie Kahovec Beant Kapoor Eva Karnowski Hansen Karyakose Ainsley Kelso Bailey Kemper Skenne Kennedy Micah Ketchens Emily Khan Maureen King Lucy King Courtney Kinsey Carson Kirby Taylor Kirkland Trey Klaas Jessica Klabnik Maddy Knoth Alexandra Kokkoris Payton Krumholz Sreya Kumpatla Katherine Kurth Sara La Haie Jenna LaBree Hanson Lam Alex Lamie Lindsay Lankau Hollyann Larson Catrin Latham Jenna Laughlin Ella Lawrence Abigail Lawrence Olivia Lawson Emma Ledford Vivian Lee Abby Lee Sophia Lee Christopher Lemons Jessie Li Maggie Limbeck Maggie Lingle Sarah Link Annie Liu Sarah Lloyd Thais Lloyd Jonathan Lochner

Drew Long Aled Long Aeryn Longuevan Dani Lopez Kate Lorenz Anne Lovell Paige Lowe Melissa Lozano Lykes Courtney Lucca Matthew Luck Bailey Ly Paul Macharia Kaylyn Madahbee Alayne Mahler Aria Majerus Hannah Malcomson Kiersten Malone Grey Mangan Kyra Manis Kaitlyn Marek Jackson Marshall Isabelle Marshall Cori Martin Kayli Martin Elizabeth Martinez Will Martinez Ben Marx Jason Mastrogiovanni Luis Mata Alyson Matushek Adam Maughan Mia Mauk Roger May Evan Mays Bret-Ashley McAlister Skyler McAllister Alex McAllister Clayre McCallister Clay McCammon Delia McDevitt Gavin McDonnell Bryce McGeorge Aleksandr McGovern Brandon McGrath Makenna McGuire Wendy McLean Cooke Bryson McMahan

Brock McPherson Kaitlyn Meadows Kelly Melvin Dailee Metts Johnny Miller Georgia Miller Caroline Louise Miller Nathan Millner Swati Mishra Swasti Mishra Sarah Moler Noé Monárrez Jyotirmoy Mondal Stephen Monroe Caleb Moon Rebecca Mooney Sarah Moore Haley Moore Kealy Moriarty Sierra Motiee-Moore DeMauri Mumphrey Caitlin Munn Taylor Murmann Michael Murphy Natalie Murrah Michelle Murry Addy Myers Autumn Myers Nia Myrthil Hunter Nelson Lynnette Neu An Nguyen Zach Nolan Emily Norris Carolyn Norris Julia O’Reilly Jessy Olatt Nicholas Oldham Evan Oliver Carla Ortiz Brand Owens Jordan Oxendine Oriana Palumbo Lily Parker Kayla Parker Jerica Parks Reagan Parrish

11 11

PRIDELIST 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Katie Parrott Kristin Parrott Trent Parsons Joseph Paschall Riya Patel Rue Patel Raj Patel Tori Patton Sam Peay Margie Peeler Katie Pendergast Christina Perkins Laney Perry Anna Perry Anja Peterson Katie Peterson Bethany Peterson Maggie Pettit Jeremiah Pham Ben Pham Morgan Phelps Aubrey Pittman Bailey Porter Victoria Porter Kara Potts Chelsea Price Aslynn Price Samuel Purdom Nolan Ragland Sarah Rainey Cody Ramangkoun Regina Ratkovich Maddie Raughton Douglas Raybuck Maggie Redding Minka Reed Emily Reed Kara Remington Seth Reynolds Haley Reynolds Sophia Rhoades Sascha Richey Karen Richters Tara Rickman Jason Rizk Mary Beth Robbins Katherine Roberts Aubrey Robinson Haley Robinson

Jerrod Robinson Caitlyn Rodefer Joshoua Rodriguez Sarah Roe Laura Roesch Caroline Rogers Chloë Rose Chloe Rose Kelli Ross Kelly Roth Abbi Rountree Kailey Rowin Danica Rozmenoski Caleigh Rozmenoski Ella Russell Miranda Rutan Mustafa Salameh Megan Samples Jared Sanchez Kinley Sanderson Candace Sapp Sophie Sapp Diann Sarabia Tressany Sawyers Ashton Sawyers Janet Schwartz-Micheaux Mars Seay Diba Seddighi Matthew Seward Kody Sexton Bri Sexton Laura Shannon Clara Shattuck Lindsay Shaw Raja Shazmn Kayla Shea Kaylee Sheppard Danielle Shine Sam Shoffner Alexandra Shows Audrey Shrewsbury Brooke Sibert Fritz Siegel Gavin Simone Sierra Sims Kayla Sims Luke Sivley Beatrice Skrip Aria Skyler

Sophie Smallman Avery Smith Mary Smith Shelby Smith Amy Smith Evan Smoak Christian Solberg Sabrina Sowell Joseph Sowell Johnny Spurlock Abby Srisavath Robert Sroka Sheridan Stanford Luke Stanley Aaron Stapleton Kathryn Stapleton Sarah Steakley Alaina Stem Kaitlyn Stocks Caden Thomas Stokes Claire Stout Shelby Stover Matthew Stuckey Kian Sullivan Jenna Sullivan Joseph Syracuse Cooper Tentler Claire Terrell Jake Tessier AJ Thayer Cora Thomas Riley Thompson Maddy Thompson Elliot Tillman AJ Tomlinson Adri Tompros Roddrick Tooles Kate Totten Solomon Trapp Anna Trevathan Erynne Turner Katie Upchurch Maria Urias Avery Vantrease Shelby Vaughn Kaitlin Via Anna Vickers Zoe Vlk Thomas Wahl

Diandra Walker Rachel Ward Zoe Ward Anna Ward Wes Ward Rebekah Warner Destiny Warner Mariah Webb Paityn Webb Veronica Webb Sean Weiland Andrew Weinstein Carl Weinstein Anna Weis Karen Wemhoener Joseph West Troy Weston Carolyn Wheeler Hayley White Gregory Whited Lauren Williams Chrystina Williams Cate Williams Savannah Williams Sarah Williams Cailey Willingham Mattie Wilson Abby Wilson Chloe Wilson Reagan Wilson Virginia Wilson-Patton Joseph Winberry Benjamin Winiger Ashlyn Wood Billy Wood Madison Woods Victoria Worthington Sarah Wright Ariana Wright Anna Wright Mary Wynn Lawand Yaseen Specter Yates Reagan Yessler Jake Yoder Kerrigan Young Caroline Znachko

PRIDELIST 2020

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 โ ข The Daily Beacon

FACULTY/ STAFF Steve Abel Jessica Adkins Samara Akpovo Abdullah Almsaeed Bilqis Amatus-Salaam Adria Amos Joel Anderson Madeline Anderson Robin Anderson Amy Anderson Roger Applegate Chelsea Atkins Cassie Austin Dr. Gina Austin Jacqueline Avila Misty Bailey Casey Bain Melanie Barts Zoe Bastone Jennifer Beals Becky Becker Mandie Beeler Lisa Bell Stefanie Benjamin Ernest Bernard Charlotte Berry Morgan Billups Moira Bindner Ashley Blamey Matt Blaylock Matthew Blondell Jennifer Bolden Kylea Boutwell Karen Boyd Holly Brabazon Caitlin Branum Thrash Wendy Braun Kate Brimer Sally Brogden Randall Brown Annie Brown

Shannon Brown Jason Brown Shannon Bruce Abigail Brumfield Laura Bryant Michelle Buck Byron Buckley John Buckley Cierra Burnett Jerry Bush Cierra Bussard David Butler Leia K. Cain Chris Caldwell Brittney Cannon Jessica Cantu James Cantu Hunter Preston Carlheim Whitney Caruthers Joy Chambers Claire Chernowsky Regan Christenson Michelle Christian Christopher Clark Wayne Clatterbuck Jamie Coble Allison Cole Jennifer Collins-Elliott Kiley Compton Staci Conner Clay Culp Erin Darby Casey Darby Heather Davis Jennifer DeBruyn Michelle Dennis David Donovan Bob DuBois Lori Duncan Pamela Durban

Lauri Dusselier Neal Eash Dr. Liz Eckelkamp Nicole Eggers Sarah Eldridge Augustin Engman Meg Erlewine Jillie Eves Colleen Farrell Lauren Fessler Susannah Finley Kathy Fitzgerald Leticia Flores Mark Fly Carla Foust Jennifer Fowler Casey Fox Brian Francis Alyssa Franck Todd Freeberg Jordan Frye Shields Katherine Fullerton Ciara Gazaway Rick Gerhold Judi Gibbons Jeremy Gilbert Tyger Glauser Nicholas Christa Gloster Diane Goble Hans Goertz Claudio Gรณmez Kirsten Gonzalez Kristina Goodacre Emily Gore Patrick Grzanka Betsy Gullett Denita Hadziabdic Guerry Meredith Hale Tara Halstead Lindsay Hansen Zachariah Hansen Kim Hardaway Rebecca Hardman David Harper Andrew Hart Megan Haselschwerdt Jiangen He

Joan Heminway Lindsay Herrell Kimberly Hinchey Jennifer Hixks Anne Ho Don Hodges Katie Hodges-Kluck Travis Holsapple David Horton Laura Howes Sally Hunter Jennifer Jabson Tree Becky Jacobs Meghan Jagnow Alyssa Janssen Tanisha Jenkins Chris Jerger John Johnson Hannah Johnson Danielle Johnson Elizabeth I. Johnson Bonnie Johnson Lacey Johnston Nicole Jones Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes Kelley Kain Gregor Kalas Kristen Kaldenberg Jeremy Kanter Josefin Karlsson Kristy Keel-Blackmon Maggie Keene Katherine Kidd Kerri Killgore Lovegrove Lisa King Stephanie Kit Joel Kramer Ryan Kuster Michelle Kwon Nicole Labbe Chris LaFever Anne Langendorfer Stephanie Langley Sarah Larsen Maritza Laureano Megan Laverty Theresa Lee

PRIDELIST 2020

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Benjamin Lee Curtis Lee-Perez Tyler Lewelling Joan Lind Katy Locke Joanne Logan Johnni Logue Rebekah Long Mikhael Loo Grace Loy Mary Lucal Jenny Ludwig Landin Lynd Mary Mahoney Katy Malone Beth Maney Kam Manuel Tamara Marcum Xylina Marshall Dr. Kelly Brooke Martin Ashley Martinez Alicia Martinez María Martínez Katie Mason Kristen Massey Marti McClard Shaun McComas Merilee McCurdy Emily McCutcheon Tenea McGhee Frankie McGinnis Amanda McLean Margaret McMillan Holly Mercer Alyssa Merka Kelly Mihalik Joe Miles Janet Miles Mitsunori Misawa Jeremy Mobley Morgan Moody Jason Moody NaQuaina Moore Mary Jane Moran Spencer Morris Jules Morris Jennifer Morrow Scott Moser John Moulton Ashleigh Moyer Ellie Mulherin

Lisa Muller Tony Murchison Samantha Murphy Daniel Murphy Jordan Murphy David Ndiaye David Nelson James Newburn Elizabeth DeMartino Newton Robin Nicks Christopher Ojeda Margaret Oliver Lisa Oliver Bonnie Ownley Hannah Palko Kaitlin Palla Sammy Parcell Rachel Parcell Njyhalo Pavati Ashly Pearson Kristi Pearson Mia Pearson-Loomis Elizabeth Pemberton Kelly Phillips Stephanie Phillips Jennifer Pierce Thomas Grace Pietsch Merritt Piper Kirsten Pitcock Zack Plaster Magen Poindexter Neelam Chandra Poudyal Charissa Powell Jordan Prewitt Jay Price Hunter Pritchard Tara Prizito Olivia Prosper Margaret Quinn Mark Rash Amy Rauer Amber Rayborn Tammy Renalds Janet Reynolds Harry Richards Jennifer Richards Audrey Robinson Jen Roder Julie Roe Mia Romano Dani Rose Thibus

Julia Rowinski Kelly Rubin Lauren Rucker Jennifer Russomanno Avigail Sachs Tory Salvador Amanda Samsel Rosie Sasso Jennifer Scagnelli Janet Schmitt Jennifer Scott Erin Seaberry Kendhl Seabright Max Seisser Amber Sewell Courtney Shaffer Ami Sharp Andrew Sheehy Elizabeth Shepherd Phyliss Shey Leigh Shoemaker Chris Shuping Erik Simons Kandis Sisson Ahou Skibba Izetta Slade Ashlee Smethers Alexandria Smith Linda Smith Melissa Smith Renee Smith Jordan Smith-Porter Sonja Spell Rob Spirko Jana Spitzer Cassandra Sproles Brooke Squires Margaret Staton Andrea Stedman Andrew Steen Carrie Stephens Maddie Stephens Karmen Stephenson Sammy Stevens Gregory Stuart Brooke Swart Shel Swenson Marian Sykes Corinne Tandy Jeannie Tennant Taylor Thomas

Jada Thompson Dixie Thompson Duren Thompson Sarah Thompson Amanda Tompkins Tracy Trentham Becky Trout Fryxell Jennifer Tsuruda JaNay’ Turner Brynn Voy Anna Wade Merrill Walker Lexie Walker Jenny Ward Melissa Wauford Stephanie Weathers Blake Weiss Molly West Paris Whalon Laura Wheat Jennifer Wheeler Adam White Ryan Whitener Greg Wiggins Katie Wiley Steven Wilhelm Adam Willcox Emma Willcox Annastasia Williams Laura Williams Bethany Williams Brittany Williams Ronni Williams Beth Willis Bradly Wilson Michele Wilson Mikayla Electra Wilson Rebekah Winkler Emilie Wise April Wolford Lacey Wood Carrie Worley Jared Worsham Suzanne Wright Brittney Wright Annette Wszelaki Lisa Yamagata-Lynch Sheng-I Yang Jill Zambito

SPORTS

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

Women’s Tennis looking to pick up where they left off last spring JEFFREY RUSSELL Staff Writer

Head coach Alison Ojeda during the women’s tennis match against Auburn on Mar. 29, 2018. File / The Daily Beacon On Sept. 25, Tennessee’s women’s tennis announced its 2020 fall schedule. In accordance with SEC rules, the Lady Vols will play SEC schools that are in close geographic proximity. Before their spring schedule got cut short due to COVID-19, the Lady Vols were 10-3 with a 1-2 record in conference and were starting to hit their stride. “I thought we were moving along in the right direction, it’s wild how even though it

was multiple months ago it feels like yesterday just because we had a huge turnaround,” head coach Alison Ojeda said. “We played Mississippi State and Ole Miss on the road, we had a heartbreaking loss against Mississippi State, and the team had a really good two-hour chit chat on the way to Ole Miss and then we went out and came from behind to beat Ole Miss. So I think we had actually turned a pretty big corner with the team and then things end and here we are.” When the Lady Vols take the court on Oct. 10 in Nashville for the Music City Scrabble against Auburn, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, it will be their first competition in 216 days with most of their time in between being spent quarantine. Ojeda believes her team has handled the time off well and used it to better themselves and stay ready for whenever they were going to take the court again. “The team has done an incredible job of handling it,” Ojeda said.“I think these younger college-aged students are just resilient. I mean they’re always gonna try to find a way to do what they want to do but with that said during this pandemic it actually worked to their advantage. I think they’re good, I think some of our kids have gotten better during this time and some of our kids’ bodies have been able to heal up.” “The sports of tennis are year-round. I am 40 years old and this is the longest I’ve been off

the tennis court since I was eight and it’s been the same for my team. It just gives you a chance to mentally and emotionally recover, analyze and regroup and start over,” Ojeda said. “I think we’ll start over in a place that, in my opinion, is a little higher than when we left off because mentally we can’t wait to get on the court and compete.” Lady Vols tennis will host Georgia, South Carolina and Vanderbilt from Oct. 16 to 18 for the UT Fall Invite before closing out the season with a return trip to Nashville on Oct. 30 for the three-day June Stewart Invitational. The Invitational will include Auburn, Kentucky and Vanderbilt, along with the Lady Vols. National powerhouses like Georgia and Vanderbilt will test the Lady Vols. However, Ojeda believes her team will step up and rise to the occasion. “I think Carly Briggs is playing outstanding tennis right now, and we’ve only been on the court a few weeks,” Ojeda said. “She’s someone who really took advantage of the months of March to August when we got back here. She lives in the state of Georgia so she was lucky they were competing and she was able to compete in a safe way, and it shows because she is a little bit ahead of the pack right now.” “Rebeka Mertena, who is already a really good tennis player, but she’s also stepping up her intensity every day in practice. We’ve added

a couple of new players to the team. We got Daria who transferred in from Pepperdine and she already brings a wealth of knowledge and won in Poland.” Ojeda said. “She’s just good and on top of that she’s already stepping up vocally with the team in workouts and practice. Once we get to competition we’ll figure it out, but in terms of stepping up on the tennis court, I think everyone on our team will be playing at a higher level than they have been.” A strong schedule in a condensed amount of time like this will require good leadership and a solid bond in the team on and off the court. The Lady Vols will hope to find that perfect chemistry as they go through the season. “The way our team is aligned right now, we’ve got Johanna Silva who is now a fifth-year who is meant to be done with her eligibility, but because of last season, she has another year and she really did a fantastic job in terms of where she’s at with her tennis compared to where she came from and just from an overall maturity standpoint,” Ojeda said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Johanna steps up. We have Tenika McGiffin who is a junior, we have Rebeka Mertena who is a sophomore and Kylie Duckworth who is a sophomore. Everyone else is a freshman, Daria is a sophomore but it’s her first year here. I wish I could tell you the answer but the good news is we are gonna go out and compete and sort through it.”

Vols, Lady Vols, rest of SEC golf begin fall 2020 at Blessings RYAN CREWS Sports Editor

Both Tennessee golf teams will start off the fall 2020 season tomorrow in the inaugural Blessings Collegiate Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Vols and Lady Vols will join the other 13 SEC golf programs in the three-day 54-hole tournament that will be live on Golf Network all three days at the par-72 course. The Blessings Golf Club has cavalier zoysia fairways with bent grass greens. The men will play at 7,527 yards while the women will play at 6,171 yards. “Knowing how much work our conference and university leaders put in to give us this opportunity has shown once again that it just means more,” men’s head coach Brennan Webb said. “Our entire team is extremely thankful and we can’t wait to get started …” “I’m really excited,” women’s head coach Judi Pavon said. “That we’re going to compete this fall and want to thank our administration, the SEC and our medical staff for making it possible.” This year’s SEC tournament will feature a bit

of a different format in the groupings on the course. Instead of foursomes containing one player from each school, this tournament will be organized into fivesomes, composed entirely of the five players from each school. The Vols will be led by Hunter Wolcott, who was a major part of both of their team wins last year. Joining him will be a pair of All-America Honorable Mentions, Spenser Cross and Rhys Nevin, who share the team record for rounds of par or better. Rounding out the fivesome for Tennessee will be Bryce Lewis and Brayden Garrison, both of whom were solid contributors for the team last spring. The Lady Vols will feature Micheala Williams up front, who enters her fifth year on Rocky Top and will look to make a third consecutive NCAA Championship appearance this year. Also featuring for the Big Orange will be Mikayla Bardwell, the 2020 Tennessee Women’s Amateur Champion, and Waverly Whiston, both of whom were major contributors for Tennessee last year. The two youngest to make the trip are Nicole Whiston, who carded the team’s lowest scoring average last year, and Vanessa Gilly, who will be making her collegiate debut in Arkansas. On Monday, the Vols will tee off at 12:32 p.m. ET and at 10:49 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The Lady Vols will be the opposite, going off at 10:54

Michaela Williams lines up for a swing at the Mercedes-Bens Collegiate Championship at the Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, TN on Sept. 18, 2018. File / The Daily Beacon a.m. ET on Monday and at 11:59 a.m. ET. All tee times for the third and final round on Wednesday will be decided following the conclusion of Tuesday’s round.

The television coverage of the tournament can be seen on the Golf Channel starting at 3:30 p.m. each day. This will be the first of three tournaments for each Tennessee team.

CAMPUS NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Diversity Dialogue explains how political oppression is race-based BEN WINIGER Staff Writer

At the time of the Diversity Dialogue on Oct. 2, the nation was 32 days away from the 2020 presidential election. Tennessee’s voter registration deadline was even closer, with registrations closing on Oct. 5. In an effort to get students more involved with the election, UT’s Office of Multicultural Student Life dedicated one of its Diversity Dialogue Symposiums to the election and voting information. The symposium, titled “The Reality is … Your Vote Does Matter,” was split into two sessions. The first was a question and answer session with two guest experts. One was UT journalism professor and former Associated Press writer Michael Martinez, and the other was Tunisia Holley, an election officer for Knox County Election Commission and the Community Outreach Director for the Knoxville-Knox County League of Women Voters. The second session was a guest lecture by UT history professor Robert Bland. Bland covered the history of African American voting rights, dissecting racism within American democracy. After introductions and explaining the event’s format, the first session began in earnest. Most questions concerned how to find accurate information about a candidate and the state of the nation — specifically, the two provided details on how to confront misinformation throughout the election season. To start, Holley and Martinez reframed news media’s role in the election. According to them, the media isn’t meant to influence people’s opinions, as those are only informed by one’s personal beliefs. Instead, news media determines which issues are important and worth focusing on. However, Holley believes this focus hasn’t been present lately. “The media has an important job. They drive the narrative,” Holley said. “An example would be in the last week. We went from a presidential debate, to talking about taxes, to now who’s been infected by COVID. The media can’t seem to walk and tiptoe at the same time. They can’t concentrate on more than one thing. There’s a lack of focus. Martinez attributes this to the 24-hour news cycle. In the past, news presented information in limited time slots. This limited the information presented at one. With social media and the 24-hour news cycle, this is no longer the case. Furthermore, he points to politicians also driving news narratives. The times when politicians make announcements and the way they phrase those announcements can shift focus onto topics that they wish were covered. “This [lack of focus] is a byproduct of the in-

ternet. Pre-internet … we lived on news cycles. Morning newspaper, afternoon newspaper, six o’clock news, 10 o’clock, 11 o’clock news — between that, we had time to digest what was going on. Now, we live in a 24-hour cycle,” Martinez said. “Politicians drive the narrative. There’s a reason they make announcements when they do. They try to push their agenda on the media. Honestly, we fall into it.” This has led to misinformation. Some news organizations prioritize writing quick stories over writing ones with accurate information. “What used to be the practice in media is ‘get it first and get it right.’ We still had cycles at that point. Now that it’s a 24/7 news operation, or information distribution operation, some organizations have moved from ‘get it first and get it right’ to ‘get it first, and we’ll correct it later.’ Only the corrections may not catch up,” Martinez said. One must understand the important issues if they’re to make an informed decision come election night. To do this, Martinez recommends media literacy: always consider where your sources are coming from and what they’re trying to tell you. “Challenge and question whatever you run in to. Who’s the source? Who’s saying this? How credible are they? Is it a fringe source? A government source? Multiple sources? Is it a rumor? What’s the track record of the medium you saw it on,” Martinez said. “Some sources are inherently more credible than others.” Misinformation is one of the Information Age’s biggest concerns. Distinguishing fact from fiction and news from opinion has become difficult with so many sources expressing such differing viewpoints. Some news organizations provide information via pundits. However, Martinez says all important information is fact-based. According to him, many information distribution sources may not base their content in facts, but rather in opinion. “You need to figure out what’s real and what’s not, and it’s not always a simple task. It’s not something someone can tell you. It needs to be fact-based information, not opinion. People take in opinion and say it’s fact without asking ‘how do you know this?’” Martinez said. The pair were asked how one can take in multiple viewpoints without giving a podium to blatant misinformation. “That’s editorial judgement that all news organizations have to make. Honestly, I think some fall down a little bit when trying to make those editorial judgements,” Martinez said. “I get into this conversation a lot, about whether or not you have to give equal time for opposing viewpoints, because not all viewpoints have the same value. I’m nervous about saying this, but for example, I don’t think it’s necessary to give Proud Boys the same amount of airtime as you would give Black Lives Matter. They’re just

not the same. One has value and one doesn’t.” Though the decision comes down to individuals and new organizations’ editorial staff, the pair believe that not all viewpoints need equal representation as some aren’t based in facts. Holley used the current pandemic as an example, with fact-based reporting struggling to combat reports based on opinion. “Think about COVID-19. It was first reported in December, but we didn’t start to hear more about it until March. So, even as we sit here in September, there are still some who say COVID-19 isn’t real,” Holley said. “You’ve got people in media reporting based on opinions reporting … that COVID-19’s not real, and that if it is real it’s not that serious. Then you have science-based [sources] saying that it’s serious and that we need to do these things.” They again encouraged viewers to seek factbased information while researching elections’ candidates. Search for information based on tangible data and separate it from the opinions of the source to make your own decisions.

People in Pennsylvania will have the option of requesting and submitting an absentee ballot under a new law during an in-person visit to county elections offices. Robyn Beck/AFP / Tribune Wire Service

The final leg of session one dealt with third parties, registration and the role of young people in elections. When asked if voting third party was an effective strategy, both experts recommended doing what makes you feel best represented and uses your ballot in the most effective way. However, they don’t believe a third-party is the most effective use. “Is your vote most effective voting for a third party, at this point when we’ve a twoparty system? One of the two parties, whether it’s the Democratic candidate or Republican candidate, is actually going to win,” Holley said. “Voting for a third-party candidate, to me, is just voting against one or the another.” Martinez echoes this. “You have to play the odds. If there’s no way a third-party candidate is going to win, then all that candidate will do is take away from one or the other majority candidates. It hurts all the

way around,” Martinez said. Holley wrapped up the session discussing young voters and their role in American democracy. Voters of high-school and college age make up America’s largest voting bloc. Yet, there can come a general feeling of apathy when looking at pre-election polls. Though polls are important, Holley points out that they’re also inaccurate. “Right now, we have 32 days left until the election, and all you hear about is what the polls say. You listen to what these polls are saying … and think that [your] little vote won’t matter. It’s not just young people who think that. The polls can be wrong,” Holley said. In the end, Holley encouraged young voters to register by Oct. 5 and vote in the election. Though a single vote may feel worthless, they all come together to make your voice heard. “We don’t worry about it, or we feel like our vote won’t affect change. That’s the biggest thing. What you need to understand is that you [young people] are the biggest voting bloc. If you don’t go to the polls, then your voice is not heard,” Holley said. A brief intermission followed before session two began. Professor Robert Bland presented a lecture. He summarized Black Americans’ struggle to gain political rights and have their voices heard in the elections. After the Civil War, the 14th amendment gave former slaves the right to vote. The First Reconstruction was centered around rebuilding the defeated south and implementing the newly free population into the country’s political system. However, domestic terrorism from the Ku Klux Klan and systemic racism kept the newly freed men from exercising their rights, rendering Reconstruction a failure. The Second Reconstruction came during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s through 70s, when Black Americans fought against oppressive, anti-democratic measures like racial segregation, poll taxes and literacy tests. He described equality movements as a “Third Reconstruction,” where oppressed minorities struggle to assert their right to live without fear in America. As the event came to a close, Bland encouraged modern activists to keep up their work. “Movements are difficult. We saw a number of protests and marches over the summer in the midst of a pandemic, which is no small thing,” Bland said. “There are folks who are organizing and who’re fighting. The cause is never lost. There’s a tremendous force that’s always trying to mobilize against us. That force has power … but never forget that you’ve the numbers. The popularity of the movement is by your side, the struggle is on your side, if you understand that you have to reach out and build with other people.”

PUZZLES & GAMES

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

the daily beacon

crossword & sudoku

your morning coffee’s best friend.

ANGELES TIMES CROSSWORD • Edited by Rich Norris and JoycePuzzleJunction.c Lewis DailyLOS Egyptian 9/14 Crossword 8

STR8TS No. 509

Easy

1 8 6 9

Previous solution - Medium

8 9 7 6 4 7 6 8 5 1 5 7 2 3 2 1 6 1 3 5 4 2

6 4

4 3 7 2

8 9

8 3

3 4 5

You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

4 3 3 1 2 2 3 6 9 8 4 5 6 8 7 6 2 7 9 5 3 1 7

5 9 8 7 6 4

7 8 9 1 2

6 5 4 2 3 7 5 9 4 8 6

Across

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

SUDOKU No. 509

Tough

6 5 7 9

9 6

Previous solution - Medium

9 1 4 2 5 8 7 3 6

3 5

4 7

4 3

8 9

1 9 1

7 6 1 4 5

The solutions will be published here in the next issue.

7 6 2 1 3 9 8 4 5

4 8 5 7 9 6 3 2 1

6 2 7 4 1 3 9 5 8

3 9 1 8 2 5 6 7 4

8 7 9 5 6 4 2 1 3

2 5 6 3 7 1 4 8 9

1 4 3 9 8 2 5 6 7

5 3 8 6 4 7 1 9 2

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org If you like Str8ts, Sudoku and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store at www.str8ts.com

1 Tricksters 5 Put on board 9 After coffee or paper 13 Blow the whistle 14 Ambience 15 Gibson garnish 17 Asia’s Trans ___ mountains 18 Surefooted goat 19 Type of jet or shrimp 20 Soup type 22 Leafy shelter 23 Heretofore 24 Artist Bonheur 27 Night before 28 Listening device 30 Islet 33 Cut short 36 Merit 37 Fizzy drink 38 Solidify 40 Good form 42 Soft shoes 43 Kind of club 45 Drifts 46 Chemical ending 47 Sweet wine 49 Driver’s helper? 50 Bread spread 51 Rooﬁng material 54 Mutineer 57 Unabridged 59 In pieces 60 Losing proposition? 63 Woodwind 64 Code name 65 Farm division 66 Intellect 67 Spring purchase

26 29

30 37

49 54

28 33

50 57

56 60

68 Brewski 69 “Piece of cake!” Down 1 “Enchanted April” setting 2 Free-for-all 3 Factory 4 Narrow opening 5 Jack-tar 6 Spa spot 7 It needs reﬁnement 8 Car wash option 9 Death Valley locale 10 Habituate

11 12 16 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37

Life’s partner Timber wolf Postal creed word Choleric Witch whammies “So that’s it!” Feminine sufﬁx Units of work Trying experience “The Last of the Mohicans” girl Reunion attendee, brieﬂy Tubers Crowning point Blessing ___ and for all Refrigerate

puzzles Wednesday. NewNew puzzles every every Monday and Thursday.

39 Malarial fever 41 Antigone’s cruel uncle 44 Preﬁx with system 47 Thawed 48 Wobble 49 To the point 51 Leg bone 52 “Reversal of Fortune” star 53 Poverty-stricken 54 Ewe’s mate 55 Heroic poem 56 Empty 58 Hefty volume 60 Apply gently 61 Curling surface 62 Bard’s “before”

THE DAILY BEACON

CAMPUS NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

College Radio Day: Supporting WUTK 90.3 FM The Rock station NATASHA MCKAMEY Staff Writer

World College Radio Day is an international event but began in the United States. Because many college radio stations are primarily selfsufficient when it comes to funding, the day was enacted as a way to celebrate and bring awareness of college radio. College Radio Day was organized by the College Radio foundation, a 501 ©3 charity. It is a volunteer organization formed by college faculty and advisors, and its founder is Dr. Rob Quicke who serves as the General Manager for WPSC 88.7 FM at William Patterson University. As stated on the College Radio Day website, the event is non-political and invites college radio stations to celebrate together for one day throughout the year. WUTK 90.3 FM The Rock is UT’s local radio station. It is an educational, non-profit radio station which is licensed to the Board of Trustees at UT. It had its beginnings in 1982 and was originally known as Album 90. The station played alternative rock and jazz. According to their website, “WUTK paved the way for many now popular acts such as REM, The Clash, Elvis Costello and The Cure.” In the late 1980s, the radio began using New Rock 90 as its moniker. In its time, WUTK was

the first Knoxville radio station to play music from U2, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Crowes and Metallica. The station, then and now, prides itself on its airing music before it hits the mainstream. In present day, the station covers a 30-mile radius of the campus. However, for those not within radio distance may stream 24/7 via WUTK’s website. According to WUTK’s general manager and program director Benny Smith, revenue for the station has been down 20-40% because of COVID-19. Smith stated that college radio is important not only because it supports local art and music, but because the station provides students experience and helps to jump start careers. “WUTK puts our students in a network of decision-makers in our community, allowing them to impress these employers before they even graduate, and many times leading to a job before or after they graduate,” Smith said. Smith went on to describe the personal importance of college radio, as he has been in the business since he was 16. “College radio and WUTK, specifically, mean so much to me. … I know the positive influence we have on our campus and Knoxville communities. I know bands and musicians who have benefitted greatly from WUTK’s support,” Smith said. “Seeing a student come through WUTK and

figure themselves out and figure their future out is the most important thing,” Smith said, with respect to the value college radio brings to students. Darius Williams, senior studying communication studies with a business administration minor, is a co-host for one of WUTK’s specialty shows: Edutainment Hip Hop Show. His experience in radio has helped him discover his passions for media and entertainment. This outlet has also provided Williams with a sense of purpose. “This is the only place where I can spend hours of my day, every day, and not get tired of it. I’ve got to meet so many cool people, got to so many cool places and do so many cool things that I wouldn’t have been able to do had I not gotten involved with WUTK,” Williams said. Williams stressed the importance of College Radio Day and the importance of those who listen to their radio station. “College Radio Day is very important, especially for WUTK since we don’t get funding from the university like most other college stations do. That’s the beauty of this station because we have such a loyal and supportive fan base. … Without the listeners, there would be no WUTK,” Williams said. Because of the pandemic, WUTK is losing approximately $3,000 a month. This money would come from live concerts and events that the station is not able to hold. College Radio

Day is a reminder that listeners and supporters are needed for college radio stations to stay on the air, especially during a time that is difficult for many of us. Nearly 90% of WUTK’s annual budget must be raised by its staff, currently including three people at WUTK. These funds are raised through underwriting, sponsorships and fundraisers. The station must earn more than $120,000 a year to remain on the air. Smith emphasized the importance of College Radio Day as a way for listeners to remember all these college stations have to offer as well as to remind them that without their support, they would not exist. He also wanted to give a personal thanks. “We thank Dr. Luther, Dean Wirth and so many other for their support. But we truly thank our listeners and our underwriters and sponsors for helping to keep us on the air,” Smith said. Smith has high hopes for the future of the station. “We also have a goal to one day have a studio inside the Student Union so that the UTK students can see what we do … which would be a great way to involve more students, faculty and staff, as well. If, and when that happens, WUTK will truly be on top of Rocky Top,” Smith said. In aims to celebrate this day on the UTK campus, WUTK is accepting donations online and via phone call at (865) 974-5242.

Office of Sustainability brings free menstrual cups to UT students NATASHA MCKAMEY Staff Writer

Do you have a use for menstrual products? Do you love, or maybe have never tried, menstrual cups? Are you interested in pursuing more sustainable acts for the environment? Do you want to be more conscious of what is going into your body? Well, great news. UT’s Office of Sustainability is hosting a campaign called CampusCup – an initiative that allows OrganiCup to partner with campuses across the United States to distribute free menstrual cups. The event is as simple as signing up for a link with the Office of Sustainability and filling out an online form. You will then receive a free OrganiCup, while supplies last. OrganiCup is a Danish menstrual cup brand, a product that replaces pads and tampons. The product is made from 100% medical grade silicone and may last up to two years. In the same amount of time, someone may go through approximately 528 pads and tampons. The cup may be worn for up to 12 hours at a time compared to the four-to-eight hours of usage for tampons. OrganiCup has won “Product of the Year”

twice and received the “Excellence Award” from BuyMeOnce in the sustainability category. It is allergy certified, vegan and United States Pharmacopoeia Class VI certified with the Food and Drug Administration. This certification is provided based on testing of end use, type and time of exposure of human tissue to plastics – Class VI being the most stringent class. CampusCup started at UT when OrganiCup reached out to the Office of Sustainability, as this project is something the company does with many universities. This project is headed by Amber Heeke, UT graduate and social impact coordinator at the Office of Sustainability, and Katie Stapleton, senior studying political science with a minor in sustainability. Stapleton heard about the initiative elsewhere, though. “I was introduced to this project by the President of the Student Basic Needs Coalition, Mikayla Prince,” Stapleton said. The CampusCup project speaks directly to the Office of Sustainability’s goal: “[We work] to Make Orange Green by promoting a sustainable and equitable campus community.” OrganiCup seeks to “make periods on campus more sustainable,” according to their 2020 CampusCup brief.

“OrganiCup reached out to us. … We get the opportunity to reduce waste, educate on sustainable options and address student needs in one fell swoop of student service,” Heeke said. Stapleton has been and is currently working on having free menstrual products made available to students on campus. “I have lobbied for free menstrual products in women’s and unisex bathrooms now for about a year. Administration has been receptive to the idea, but we needed a department to help us organize data on what the need for this type of program really is,” Stapleton said. CampusCup at UT may help in determining that data based on student turnout. Stapleton has said that this project will also provide data on people who are willing to seek out these products. With that being said, discussion of periods and of period products can often be stigmatized or looked down upon. Heeke and Stapleton both seem hopeful in encouraging the destigmatization of periods. “I hope that giving students the opportunity to try the products risk-free and at no cost to them may be the incentive some might need to give it a try – what have you got to lose?” Heeke said. At the same time, not only is this an opportunity for those who have periods to try some-

thing new or to take advantage of something they already have experience with, it offers an opportunity to limit the waste generated by single-use period products. According to OrganiCup, “a medium-sized university uses as much as 2.9 million disposable period products per year. The OrganiCup, however, is reusable for years and has a minimal impact on the environment.” The scale for the university being mentioned had an approximate population of 10,000. This project is another way that the Office of Sustainability and the UT campus attempt to bridge the gap between needs versus accessibility and find the opportunity to create less of an environmental impact. For the sign-up link, check out the Free Store (@freestore_utk) or Office of Sustainability (@sustainableut) via Instagram. In the words of Heeke herself, she is also open to receive emails. “They can email me for the link if they aren’t on the ‘gram,” Heeke said. She may be reached at lheeke@vols.utk.edu. The project began on Monday, Oct. 5 and will go through Sunday, Oct. 18 and is open to students only. The cups may be available for pickup at the Student Health Center any time during November. No appointment is needed but a confirmation email will be required.

CITY NEWS

Wednesday, October 7, 2020 • The Daily Beacon

Knoxville Horror Film Festival 2020 brings scares to the drive-in CONNOR HOLT Staff Writer

The 12th annual Knoxville Horror Film Festival will be screening horror classics all weekend from Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 25. Though the event will have its hosting split between Maryville, Tennessee’s Parkway Drive-in, The Bird & The Book and the festival’s typical locale at Central Cinema in Knoxville, festival goers can expect a bone chilling weekend that revives the nostalgia of the drive-in cinematic experience. The Knoxville Horror Film Festival is operated by Programming Director William Mahaffey and Festival Producer Nick Huinker. In 2018, the KHFF team opened Central Cinema, a single screen theater that now acts as the festival’s base of operations. “Horror is a rich genre with a broad and passionate fanbase,” Huinker said. “There are a lot of filmmakers doing inspired work in that realm.” “I couldn’t have said it any better,” Mahaffey added. “It’s gratifying to be a part of an event that exposes these artists and audiences

to one another, especially on the big screen.” However, uncertainty was the team’s biggest hurdle when organizing this year’s events. “We spent the summer unsure it would even happen, and even at this late stage there are various minor unknowns,” Huinker said. Despite the interference with their standard procedures, the team remains excited and enthusiastic, remaining the longest running film festival in Knoxville. Founded back in 2009, they’ve grown the festival from a short film program to a two city, triple-venue event that highlights and uplifts the cinematic art horror has to offer. Friday night’s lineup includes Sam Raimi’s 1987 film “Evil Dead 2,” a horror-comedy that received critical acclaim, and J.P. Simon’s 1982 film “Pieces,” a horror-mystery that garnered a cult following and has long been a popular screening for drive-ins. Following that, Friday night will conclude with the regional premiere of “The Stylist.” The film is the debut piece of festival alum and collaborator Jill Gevargizian. This gory, psychological horror follows actress Najarra Townsend in her role as a hairdresser hiding a disturbing and grotesque secret life. Saturday night will run a 35th anniversary double feature event screening the 1985 films “Return of the Living Dead” by Dan O’Bannon

and Lamberto Bava’s “Demons.” Wrapping out the night, the recently restored and finalized edition of the 1983 film “Grizzly II: Revenge” will make its debut. The film is a once abandoned sequel to William Girdler’s 1976 B-movie “Grizzly” that played at last year’s festival. “Grizzly II: Revenge” features a mama grizzly taking vengeance upon an outdoor rock concert for the murder of her baby bears. Actors and actresses that appear in the film include John Rhys-Davies, Louise Fletcher, Charlie Sheen, Laura Dern and George Clooney. “We’ve put together something of a dream lineup, so hopefully it’s shaping up to be a strong year,” Mahaffey and Huinker said. In spite of the hurdles they’ve had to face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the temporary shutdown of Central Cinema, Mahaffey and Huinker are ethusiastic about this event. Saturday night’s event will also feature a special “Grindhouse Grind-In” edition of the festival’s regular Grindhouse Grind-Out film contest. In this competition, local teams who signed up have been tasked with fabricating and producing a movie trailer or drive-in advert. Festival goers who have purchased full passes will be granted exclusive access to tours

and viewings of short films produced by locals. A live kickoff episode of the locally produced podcast Nerdy Laser, one of the festival’s sponsors, will also air. “Filmmakers are thankful for every view on YouTube, but they didn’t produce these labors of love to have them watched in a browser window,” Huinker said. These events will be hosted by The Bird & The Book pub and eatery in Maryville and Central Cinema north of downtown Knoxville. The short film blocks will be limited to 30 guests and will each run at least twice through the weekend to prioritize both safety and comfort. “This year will be more intimate for full pass holders since capacity precautions at our indoor venues limited us to 60 weekend passes versus the 90 we usually sell. ... But there’s plenty of room for everyone at the drive-in Friday and Saturday night,” Huinker said. The Knoxville Horror Film Festival is considered to be the southeast’s utmost respected genre film event, running this year under guidelines outlined by public health officials. Passes to the festival are available in limited number, both for weekend and single night tickets, and are purchasable through KnoxHorrorFest.com.

4 things you can do to help make Election Day smooth and fun SETH CHAPMAN Staff Writer

We are a month away from the presidential election on Nov. 3, and naturally, there are a lot of emotions surrounding this campaign. If you’re worried about the election, that is okay. This election is shaping up to be a monumental one, and there are plenty of opportunities for how you can get involved and help with the election. Taking action can help give you a sense of control over your anxieties and will also provide a chance to help your local community. Vote! It might seem obvious, but the best way to help get involved with an election is to exercise your right to vote. Make sure you are registered to vote. You can check on tn.gov to see if you are already registered to vote. You can also visit govotetn.com to learn more about the voting process. Be sure to check what your voting district is and where you will be voting on Election Day. Also keep in mind that the early voting period in Tennessee starts Oct. 14 and will run until Oct.

29. If you want to beat the rush of Election Day, consider early voting. Request an absentee ballot Mail-in voting is an important part of the electoral process and can help so many voters for which in-person voting is impossible. Whether you might have concerns about the coronavirus or you’re a student who will be outside of their voting district, it isn’t a bad idea to keep mail-in voting as an option. You can check on TN.gov for more information about absentee voting and see if you are eligible. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 27. Be sure to also fill out and return your ballot as early as you can as, in order for your ballot to count, your county election commission must receive the ballot by the close of the polls on Election Day. Even if you don’t need to personally vote by absentee ballot, consider helping a friend or family member who might need some help. It can be a difficult and confusing process for some, so helping them through it makes it all the easier. Talk with your friends and family One of the most important things you can do besides voting is to also encourage those around you to vote as well. It might

be intimidating to bring up politics with those you are closest with, but having these conversations is important not only for the election, but also for your own personal well-being. Speak honestly with your loved ones and let them know why you believe this election is so important to you and be open to listening to their side of the conversation as well. You might be surprised what you learn. Consider making plans after voting on Election Day or early voting. Order out food, rent a movie or visit the park after you vote. Making an event as part of the voting not only makes it more likely your friends and family will vote, but it could also make it a fun activity as well. Sign up to be a poll worker It’s no secret: COVID-19 has thrown a big wrinkle in the election process. Poll workers have been hit rather hard. Most poll workers are over the age of 60, and because of the risk posed by the virus, many poll workers who typically work during the election year are opting out to protect themselves. With few poll workers, some polling stations are being forced to shut down, and this makes it even more difficult for voters to get their votes in. So what can you do to help? Simple: you

can check govotetn.com to learn more about applying to be an election poll worker. Poll workers have to attend at least one training day before election day, and poll workers will work the whole day on Election Day. It can be exhausting work, but it is necessary in order to ensure our election goes as smoothly as possible. Not to mention, poll workers are compensated for both the training course they attend as well as working on Election Day. The pay will vary depending on which election county commission you will work for, but most of the time, the pay for working on Election Day is $100 or higher. With the lead-up to Election Day ramping up, its perfectly understandable to be anxious and overwhelmed by everything, especially with so much that has already happened this year. However, you have a chance to take control of those negative emotions and put them toward productive work that will not only benefit you, but also your community. If you feel frustrated and worried lately about the state of things, remember that there is no better time to have your voice heard than on Election Day.

CITY NEWS

The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Voting Rights Film Series spotlights on Native American voting struggles NATASHA MCKAMEY Staff Writer

The upcoming presidential election this November reminds us all of the course of action the past has taken in attaining voter equality among all people. The University Libraries Department featured a double-header as a kick-off for their Voting Rights Film Series, which will conclude on Oct. 29. The films highlighted included “The Right to Vote,” which addressed attempts of voter suppression against Indigenous populations in North Dakota and “MIGUEL TRUJILLO DAY Indigenous Votes Matter!” centering on the passing of House Memorial 45, which honored and memorialized Miguel Trujillo and codified the day as Native American Voting Rights Day. The first film, “The Right to Vote,” featured many different speakers from North Dakota and reflected on the attempts of the government to suppress the votes of Native Americans as well as the implications of such attempts and how the Indigenous population fought back.

According to the film, in 2011, the South Dakota legislature passed a law that would not allow citizens to vote unless they had the required identification card with a registered street address. However, many Native Americans lacked residential street addresses, lived in homes that were unmarked or were subject to a housing crisis and, therefore, lacked a consistent address due to frequent moving from home to home. Originally, the bill had been rejected on a bipartisan basis due to fears of voter disenfranchisement. Yet, the voter ID bill was passed later that year. This left many Native Americans in North Dakota without the proper and required items to legally vote. Indigenous populations were turned away at the polls. In response, a lawsuit was filed by the Native American Rights Fund but it was struck down by the Supreme Court as they upheld the voter ID bill. This didn’t stop local tribal governments; they became mobilized and attempted to educate Native Americans on their rights and their ability to vote. Local governments worked together to ensure people had identification

cards with a physical address so that they could vote. The following film, “MIGUEL TRUJILLO DAY” reflected on Miguel Trujillo and the impact of his legacy on Native Americans in New Mexico. Trujillo was a member of the Pueblo of Isleta and is a United States World War II Marine Corps veteran. Miguel Trujillo was raised by his mother and with his brother, Bartolo. The film’s narrator stated he was serious about his education – receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Mexico and embarking on a master’s degree. Trujillo also served as a recruiter during World War II. However, on Aug. 3, 1948, he brought a lawsuit in federal court against Valencia County, New Mexico. This lawsuit was filed because Native Americans living on reservations, such as Trujillo, were not allowed to vote in the United States’ elections despite citizenship being granted to Native Americans in 1924. This was because, according to the law, they did not pay taxes on the land on which they lived. Trujillo’s inability to vote, among other Native Americans, led to a lawsuit which was won in his favor. The three judges on the case voted this law to be in violation of the 14th and 15th

amendments of the Constitution – citing it as racial discrimination. Many New Mexican Native Americans spoke on the effect and legacy of this lawsuit and the vote which granted suffrage. The film ended with Trujillo’s grandson reflecting on his experiences with his grandfather – referencing the importance of education and how Trujillo’s being an educator influenced people throughout the country. Trujillo’s grandson said his grandfather wanted everyone to have rights and to be independent and to carry on with traditions and culture as Indian people – not to be governed by a ruler or government that didn’t allow them to be independent and free. The film series will proceed weekly, ending on Oct. 29 before the general election on November 3. The next film to be featured is “Suppressed: The #FightToVote.” The early voting period in Tennessee is Oct. 14-29. There will be a 30-minute virtual workshop on the process of voting beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8. More details about this event and the film series may be found on the UT Events (https://calendar.utk.edu/).

Students hesitant to report positive COVID-19 test results to UT ASHLEY JACKSON Staff Writer

Reporting positive test results is essential to the University of Tennessee in limiting the spread of COVID-19 on campus as well as in the community. At UT, faculty, students and staff are expected to notify the university as well as the UT contact tracing team when they have tested positive for the coronavirus. The university has made it a goal to keep the information and identities of those who have received a positive test result confidential as it relates to their safety, as well as to create a safe and comforting environment for those who do decide to come forth with their results. Given these precautionary measures that the university has laid out, many students are still choosing not to notify the university when they receive a positive test result. With the recent uproar surrounding limited spots for isolation on campus at UT, many students, several being out-of-state, have decided not to come forward with their positive results due to a fear of having to return home for the remainder of the semester. Returning home to self-isolate or quar-

antine is not always an option for everyone. Whether it be that a student does not have a car at college, preventing them from having the ability to travel home, or their home environment simply is not the best to complete online schooling in, there are many factors that come into play when making a decision to come forward or not. Some students have decided for themselves that it may not be necessary to report their test results. Reed Cannon, sophomore in business analytics, shared a reason for not reporting positive results. “For me, my reason for not reporting my positive test result to the university was because I live off campus. I didn’t think it was necessary for me to report it. Not only that, I only had to go on campus one time out of the week. So, my contact with others was essentially slim to none,” Cannon said. “I quarantined in my apartment, but I was still not completely isolating myself. I was still hanging out in my apartment with my roommates, [who] I had told that I tested positive of course. They didn’t seem bothered by it and would still invite friends over.” Cannon was honest in what happened due to these decisions and realized the rapidity of the virus’ spread.

“Needless to say, all of my roommates ended up with COVID, and a few of our friends, too. So, I guess in hindsight I would say it is important to notify the university because this experience in itself goes to show how quickly the virus is really spreading,” Cannon said. On Sept. 29, the university officially stated that one of its dormitories, Massey Hall, will now be used as an isolation space. Although numbers are trending downward with the confirmed tests being brought forth, this is yet another step the university is taking as it relates to informing students on the measures that are still in place to ensure they have a place to quarantine and overcome COVID-19. Braxton Anderson, sophomore in business marketing, said that the policies UT had set forward were frightening, even though he had taken necessary precautions. This caused him to avoid reporting his positive test result. “For me personally, there were a few reasons as to why I didn’t report my positive COVID-19 test results to the university. The number one reason was that the university policies scared me,” Anderson said. “I did not go out and party. In that aspect, I knew I would not be in trouble, but when the university starts threatening expulsion, I did not want to have to go through the steps of how I got the virus.”

There are many ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 on and off-campus. It is up to all students, faculty and staff to do their part. It is also crucial for students to fully understand the university’s policies regarding COVID-19 and to consistently keep themselves updated. Students should be sure they are wearing masks when necessary, continue to social distance and complete self-screenings prior to campus visits. These are just small steps in cracking down on the rise of COVID-19 on UT’s campus.

Lewis Walton, Contributor / The Daily Beacon