BEHIND CL SED DOORS
SEX SCENES OF UT
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Shelby Wright
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You are not alone: Mental health, crisis resources
SHELBY WRIGHT Editor-in-Chief
College can be a stressful and lonely time for so many students. Despite having over 30,000 classmates, it can be hard to make friends and find your place at UT.
There is an active mental health crisis among students. A study done by the American Psychological Association showed that during the 2020-2021 school year, more than 60% of college struggled with at least one mental health issue.
Struggling with your mental health is not uncommon. Know that several resources and people can help you feel better.
As humans, we must ensure we are all loved and cared for. It can be easy to get wrapped up in college life, homework and the constant preparation for your future career. However, your mental health and well-being must come first.
If you are struggling, know that you are not alone. Know that you are cared for. Know that you are purposeful. Know that it will get better.
If you know someone who has expressed hurting themselves or commented that they may not be in the best place, reach out to them. Check on them. Help them and encourage them to get the help they need.
If you or someone you know would like to speak to someone for help, here are some local resources:
The Student Counseling Center
The Student Counseling Center at UT offers dedicated mental health professionals to guide students through life’s challenges. They are there to help you feel seen, heard and understood.
Whether you’re dealing with personal struggles, academic stress or just need someone to talk to, they can help you.
Prior to your first appointment, you will attend an initial triage appointment to ensure you are presented with the best treatment for you. To make an appointment, call 865-974-2196.
Therapy through the Student Counseling Center is paid for through students’ tuition and fees and does not accept insurance or payment for services. Individual therapy and group counseling are available.
Students are also encouraged to call the Student Counseling Center at 865-9742196 if they are met with an urgent mental health need or crisis and need confidential support. Here, you can schedule a crisis appointment.
They are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, in cases of emergency or immediate harm to oneself or others, call 911.
The Center for Care and Resilience
The Center for Care and Resilience at UT offers a team of professionals who work with students who are experiencing distress of any kind. They meet with students and help them develop a plan that supports growth and self-advocacy.
Students and staff can refer themselves or other fellow students through 974-HELP.
The McNabb Center
The McNabb Center helps people in Knox County and surrounding counties find the necessary resources. Whether you are struggling with mental health, substance abuse or violence and are seeking shelter, the McNabb Center can help.
For urgent services, call the McNabb Center Mobile Crisis Line at 865-539-2409.
Crisis Stabilization Unit
CSU offers voluntary short-term care in a nonhospital setting and works to facilitate a level of stabilization, helping to prevent psychiatric hospitalization. You can call at 865-541-6958.
Peninsula Behavioral Health
Peninsula is a division of Parkwest Medi-
cal Center: Covenant Health. They provide inpatient and outpatient services for mental health and chemical dependency. You can call them at 865-970-9800.
Cherokee Health Systems — Primary and Behavioral Care
Cherokee Health Systems provides medical and behavioral health services, including primary care, psychiatry, therapy and case management. You can call them at 865934-6734.
Local and national crisis and hotline resources: Text “HOME” to 741741
LGBTQ+ Students Hotline: Text “START” to 678678
Students of Color Hotline: Text “STEVE” to 741741
Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 865-522-7273
Contact Care Line: Call 865-584-4424
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat to 988
Suicide Hotline: Call 800-784-2433
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255
Call 911 (emergency)
UT Police Department: Call 865-974-3111 (emergency)
Prioritizing yourself during school is essential. Never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help if you are struggling. Here are some resources to help students find the help they need. Shelby Wright / The Daily Beacon
Letter from the Editor: Giving love the ol’ college try, but failing miserably
SHELBY WRIGHT Editor-in- Chief
This week’s newspaper is a little different than usual, which is very intentional. As I was preparing special issue topics, I knew I wanted to create something that would push the boundaries of news and discuss the issue of relationships and sex. As a college newspaper, we have a unique opportunity to discuss issues that wouldn’t typically be discussed in newsrooms.
It is important to me that the Beacon serves UT students as more than just a newspaper. It should also serve as an advocate — to let others know, through our coverage, that their voices and concerns are heard and valued.
I know all too well the ups and downs of college romances. Over the last four years, I have tried and failed a few relationships.
Even so, as I write this, I’m learning how to embrace my “new normal” after just recently ending a long-term relationship.
As I talk to my friends, I’m reminded of how lonely so many feel. When you’re in a relationship, it can be hard to recognize this, and even harder to talk about, since so much language surrounds love, and all that comes with it is seen as controversial or taboo — not to mention awkward.
It’s hard being vulnerable.
Looking around, sometimes it feels like everyone is either getting married or is actively involved in hook-up culture. Where are all the single people just trying to figure out themselves and their careers?
While it may not seem like it, they are all around you, probably asking the same questions.
We aren’t as alone as we seem.
My heart has been stomped on, beat down and shattered as I’ve attempted dating in college — Yet, I would not trade my experiences for the world, and I wish all the boys I’ve known the best, and I thank them for teaching me all the lessons about love that I’ve learned.
Even if it hurt at the time.
I have every reason to think that men suck. I have every reason to believe they are all bad and “only want one thing.”
However, I do not believe this. I still believe there are good men out there, and just because I didn’t “find the one” doesn’t mean he isn’t out there and doesn’t exist.
I think many women my age put a lot of pressure on themselves to find their husbands in college, but I’m here to tell them that it’s OK if they don’t.
As one who has fallen victim to this unspoken social pressure, I get it.
So, if you’re like me and have given love the ol’ college try and failed miserably, this time of year may be hard for you, but you’re not alone.
You are strong, you are beautiful and there is someone out there for you. This world is much bigger than this campus — college is only the beginning, not the end.
As you continue reading, know that all stories were written with the intention of making students here more informed about all the stuff that
happens “behind closed doors.”
That being said, I applaud all our Beacon editors, staff members, students and professional sources for being willing to be vulnerable and venture into topics that may be hard to discuss.
bouquet of flowers in front of a handmade sign that reads, “bloom with joy.” This is a nice reminder that despite your circumstances you can still bloom with joy, finding happiness in all kinds of love, whether its from friends, family or a significant other.
Letter from the Managing Editor: Redefining the two-way street
When we began to work on this special issue that was centered around love, relationships and sex, I initially thought that I did not have anything to say about it. As any good journalist should be, I was a little too occupied with what other people thought, and a little too disinterested in my own thoughts. While this may have worked against my bias, it also worked against my growth as a human. I think it’s important to remember that we, as student journalists, are people, too.
If nothing else, my 1.5 years at college so far have taught me that relationships are tricky, tricky, tricky. It does not matter whether it is a boyfriend, roommate or sibling back home — a relationship can be one of the most fragile and yet unbreakable things we experience.
Fragility is around every corner — it’s knowing that at any moment, a person you love could turn their back on you and care nothing about your life anymore. It’s feeling required to offer up vulnerability that you may not feel comfortable giving just yet. It’s carrying the weight of the past — maybe you were abused, leaving you
needs, feelings or wants above your own.
This definition is good because it does not require you to bow down to someone else’s wishes at the drop of a hat, which many expect in their relationships. Instead, you might simply be willing, but it is not required. When you think of someone you genuinely respect, would you not be willing to consider their opinion on something and esteem it above your own?
Let’s also look at trust — I actually liked Merriam-Webster’s definition for this one, and I’ll leave it here.
Trust — assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
emotionally and perhaps physically scarred.
But there can also be incredible stability in a relationship — watching their daily actions, listening to their words and feeling the warmth of their hugs.
Whatever your circumstances, relationships need two things — respect and trust.
What is respect? Well, Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines respect in this context as “high or special regard.” I don’t like that definition very much, so I made my own.
Respect — to hold something or someone in such a regard that you are willing to consider its
I think I might only have to add that in relationships, you need assured reliance on someone’s heart as well.
But the rest of the definition is excellent. How much you rely on the truth of another person’s statement will indicate mutual trust within the relationship. Judging someone’s character and then being able to give wholehearted reliance upon that character throughout the relationship will completely change the way you view the world. I can speak from experience on this: Once you have encountered someone who does what they say they are going to do and is actively trying to become a better version of themselves, you can never go back to anything less.
One more note before I go — I have said that respect and trust are the two most important things in a relationship. I feel the need to clarify that these elements must go both ways if you want the relationship to succeed. If you have the emotional maturity to respect the person you are dating, you will, in turn, be able to recognize instances when they do not hold you in that same regard. Your trust in them as a partner, lover, friend or confidante will undoubtedly be broken once you realize they do not trust you. A relationship of any kind is a two-way street. I know this is a long letter, and for someone who initially thought that they did not have anything to share on the topic of relationships, I think I have thoroughly outworn my welcome. Please enjoy this issue. The entire newsroom worked so hard on it, and it was all for you, Vols. We had you in mind every step of the way — from tabling on Ped Walkway and asking you what your questions were so that “sexpert” Renee Hamlin could answer them, to taking a deeper dive into an organization that works to eradicate any form of sexual assault, and literally every article in between, we want this issue to be about you and for you.
If there is anything I or any other member of the Beacon can do for you during the semester, please let us know. Our office is open, and our inboxes are waiting.
CADEN DYER Managing Editor
Caden Dyer and friend Morgan King pose in Panama City Beach, Florida. Monday, May 20, 2024. Used with permission. Courtesy of Caden Dyer
A
Shelby Wright / The Daily Beacon
Sex is not a bad word: Overcoming stigmas about sex ed as a college student
EMMA CASKILL Arts and Cultures Editor
The outcome of public school education on sex created a misunderstanding of what it is and how to do it safely and also pleasurably. Organizations at the University of Tennessee, such as Sexual Empowerment at Tennessee, the Center for Health, Education and Wellness and others, want to help educate students about safe sex and expressing their sexuality in whatever way that may look like for each individual.
The misconception we were taught at such a young age affects the way we conversate and interact with sex. Renee Hamlin, co-president of SEAT, explains that while sex is practically all around us, it is negatively taught.
“Sex is more common and accepted in media and discussions, but it is not talked about in a way that is safe or informative,” Hamlin said.
The thought of sex shouldn’t be followed with a question mark, according to Hamlin. As young adults, we should be able to
feel empowerment through sex, whether we are sexually active or not, and also with whomever we choose to do it with, no matter the gender. Not only that, but we should be able to openly talk about it without using the word “intercourse” to make it seem less vulgar.
We all remember sitting awkwardly in a classroom that probably smelled like body odor at the age of 14, listening to an underqualified gym teacher talk about sex or merely the adverse outcomes that can happen — sexually transmitted diseases, teen pregnancy and for some reason steroids were included in this chapter. If you attended a school where sex education wasn’t a part of the curriculum, you should feel lucky that you didn’t have to stare at very graphic pictures of STD-infected genitals.
Sex education in schools is either not taught at all, or you are instructed not to do it, and if you do, you will face the consequences.
Tennessee law requires local education agencies to develop and implement a family life education program and promote “sexual risk avoidance” as their primary
goal. These programs are only implemented in “counties whose pregnancy rates exceed 19.5 pregnancies per 1,000 females among ages 15-17,” according to Sex Education Collaborative.
“If you can’t even say the word ‘sex’ in front of a classroom, that’s a problem,” Brooke Ion, co-president of SEAT, said.
Ashleigh Gideon, a junior at UT studying psychology, talked about an experience she had in a classroom this semester.
“In my child family studies class the other day we were talking about conception to birth and the teacher asked, ‘how does fertilization happen?’ and everyone was saying ‘intercourse,’ they wouldn’t say sex,” Gideon said.
Ion explained how social norms taught in schools alter the way we think about sex.
“The word sex is this bad word that you’re not allowed to say in public, much less have a discussion about sex and sexuality and what that looks like for different people,” Ion said. “And that is definitely what we’re here to do as organizations, especially SEAT, is to break down that stigma and show people that you can have plea-
surable sex that is also safe and that is not a bad thing.”
So next time you get a flashback to sitting back in that classroom listening to your teacher scare you into abstinence, know that you never have to feel as uncomfortable as you did in that room when talking about sex or doing the act — safely, of course.
Title IX at UT: Current protections, potential threats under Trump administration
SAMANTHA FULTON Staff Writer
In June 1972, President Richard Nixon signed Title IX of the Education Amendments, a federal law removing sex-based barriers to educational and career opportunities. It states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Public law and judicial politics scholar Kirsten Widner teaches political science at UT. She understands the role of Title IX within university systems.
“It prohibits discrimination in admissions and then in opportunities once you are a student,” Widner said. “The point of Title IX is that everybody should have the same opportunity to participate in educational opportunities regardless of sex.”
According to Widner, UT’s Title IX office primarily focuses on ensuring protection against sexual harassment, violence and retaliation. Laura Bryant, UT’s deputy Title IX coordinator for prevention, training and evaluation, provided additional insight into the goals of UT’s Title IX office.
“The mission of the Office of Title IX is to serve the University of Tennessee com-
munity by ensuring access to education through our commitment to policy, prevention and education, supportive measures, investigation and resolution, and monitoring patterns and trends,” Bryant said.
Widner, who sometimes teaches Title IX in her political science courses, noted the variation in student experiences with and knowledge of Title IX. She explained that students have a general awareness of the protections that Title IX provides but that usually only students who have had direct experience know the specifics.
Emphasizing the importance of student familiarity with Title IX, Widner discussed potential ways to spread awareness about Title IX protections within UT’s student body.
“One of the ways we as faculty can help is to bring it up whenever it’s relevant and reinforce that information,” Widner said. “I think the Title IX office tries to do that by having posters and information wherever they can have it, but I think student organizations can also help.”
Under the new Trump administration, it is particularly important for transgender students at UT to be aware of the legal protections available to them under Title IX. Regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order that there will only be the distinction of biologically male or female, which could impact transgender inclusion in Title IX, Widner underscored the limita-
The Office of Title IX panel taking questions from the audience. Joshua Johnson / The Daily Beacon
tions of presidential power when it comes to unilaterally changing pre-existing protections.
“We have supreme court cases, for example, Bostock v Clayton County from 2020, that very clearly say that trans discrimination is discrimination on the basis of sex, which Title IX prohibits,” Widner said. “The law clearly protects trans people against discrimination even if the current administration doesn’t want to read it that way.”
It remains to be seen how President Trump’s recent actions surrounding Title IX will impact the transgender community at UT. Still, Widner believes the university is responsible for protecting all of its students, regardless of gender identity.
“We still have to follow the larger body of law that exists as a university,” Widner said. “I think that gives us an obligation to provide safety and protection for our trans students.”
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, President Trump signed an executive order barring transgender student-athletes from participating in women’s sports and threatened to pull federal funding from schools that fail to comply. Following the Trump administration’s new interpretation of Title IX, the US Education Department plans to enforce the order.
Ansley Graves/ The Daily Beacon
Modern feminism, relationships: How equality, transparency can benefit men, women
that ‘this is what all guys do or what all girls do’ can help relationships so much.”
There is a hurtful misconception that has long stood as a barrier between feminists and skeptics — the idea that feminism only aims to better the lives of women. Some of the greatest detractors of the movement even go so far as to describe it as “anti-man.”
One long-standing tenet of feminism has always been fighting for visibility and security in a world that seeks to quiet marginalized groups. And while more options are available to women now than ever before, that doesn’t mean the problem is solved.
David Moorfield Frank, a professor of feminism and the environment at the University of Tennessee, said that movements like #MeToo serve as milestones in the fight for security and visibility. But that doesn’t mean things are perfect.
“In particular, women who face intimate partner violence or other forms of abuse are much more likely to be believed and supported by others than in the past, although there are often still struggles with this in many communities,” Frank said. “With a lot of these issues, I think we have to hold both the idea that things have gotten better along with the idea that we still have a long way to go.”
Frank, who speaks on behalf of his personal scholarship, said that older feminism brought forth an era where women are at least heard. Now, it’s up to modern feminists to maintain their opportunities and keep pushing for baseline equality.
McKenna Zebracki, treasurer of Leading Women of Tomorrow at UT and a junior studying speech pathology, said women now have visibility, which is key to building a good foundation in a relationship. She said that setting clear boundaries can help both partners thrive in the long term.
“Empowering women is super important in relationships because it helps them set healthy boundaries,” Zebracki said. “When they feel confident, they can communicate their needs better, leading to more respect and understanding.”
Having boundaries and free-flowing communication in place can increase feelings of safety, and Zebracki said the best thing a partner can do is listen. Sometimes, that can be difficult to find, though.
Ella Miller, president of Leading Women of Tomorrow at UT and a senior studying psychology, said that the digital age makes finding genuine connections more difficult. She said being more empathetic can help by dismissing preconceived notions and fostering spontaneous connection.
“Both men and women sometimes feel—because of our societal standards—that they have to push things down or bottle them up, and that can be so harmful to personal and professional relationships, “Miller said. “I think being willing to hear someone’s circumstances and not assume
Miller said that recognizing how the ideas of empathy and communication cross gendered lines and apply to all people could help society grow as a whole. She said that lifting women up eventually lifts those around them up as well, so all people should embrace feminism.
Frank argued that patriarchy harms men as well as women, since it socializes them into a particular form of masculinity that alienates them from their feelings and relationships with others. “Instead of a masculinity based on dominance, she discussed a masculinity based on empathy and love of self and others,” Frank said.
When men let go of their traditional attachments to dominance and strength, it allows for growth in their emotional intelligence and in their relationships. With that comes a greater level of autonomy that partners may need when faced with challenges like maintaining personal wants, raising children or planning futures.
Miller said that feminism teaches women to be autonomous, and from that self-sufficiency, they learn how to accomplish their personal goals and choose who they want to be with. From there, she said better relationships can be built.
“On the whole, mutual respect and freedom for women to choose when they want to be in a relationship—there’s not a necessity anymore for women to get married to move forward in society—are hugely important to contributing to authentic relationships,” Miller said. “I hope we continue to see the trend of women setting out for their own goals in the future and respect from their partners continue to rise.”
Miller said that consent is the starting point for authentic relationships and can only be reached when both parties are on equal grounds. She said promoting feminism within relationships can help society move toward that authenticity.
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21 Walkman insert 23 Midterm, e.g.
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New Tennessee laws impacting students take effect in January 2025
PERRY Staff Writer
This article mentions sexual assault and domestic violence. Please be advised.
On Jan. 1, a variety of new laws took effect across the state of Tennessee, including age verification for porn sites, a law requiring sexual assault and human trafficking awareness training for bar staff members, and an expansion of birth control access for people on TennCare. In times of heavy division, these three laws were met with bipartisan support, passing with large margins.
The Protect Tennessee Minors Act
SB1792, or “The Protect Tennessee Minors Act,” passed unanimously in the Tennessee Legislature in April 2024. Sponsored in the Senate by State Sen. Becky Duncan Massey (R-Knox County), the legislation requires adult websites with 33% or more of “content harmful to minors” to show proof of age via ID or other identifiers. Adult websites must verify both the ID and a picture of the viewer to grant access.
“I sponsored and passed this legislation unanimously because I genuinely believe that it will have a positive impact on the lives of Tennessee’s children,” Massey said. “Access to pornography in childhood has been proven to harm their mental health, as well as their ability to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives.”
The United Nations Children’s Fund backs Massey’s conclusion, stating that usage at a young age “may lead to poor mental health, sexism and objectification, sexual violence, and oth-
er negative outcomes. Among other risks, when children view pornography that portrays abusive and misogynistic acts, they may come to view such behavior as normal and acceptable.”
A National Institutes of Health survey found that 68.4% of adolescents in the United States had been exposed to pornography. The NIH also reported that 35% to 66% of adolescents were unintentionally exposed to adult videos, while 19% to 37% reported intentional use. According to their research, pornography use has increased due to “increased access to the internet and other online platforms.”
The Institute for Family Studies reported that “93% of boys and 63% of girls report being exposed to internet pornography before the age of 18, with the average age of first exposure being 12 years old.”
“Restricting children’s access to adult-oriented material is also not an unheard-of concept,” Massey said. “Children are already prohibited from entering adult entertainment establishments and from buying explicit adult materials in person at commercial sites.”
She said it made sense to bring those same protections to cyberspace platforms. If the government already restricts physical adult materials, she argues, it does not violate freedom of speech protections to restrict online pornography.
However, concerns over freedom of speech violations arose in December 2024. A Memphis federal judge paused the law’s implementation due to a pending case brought by Free Speech Coalition, an advocacy group representing adult entertainers. They argued that requiring age verification violates the First Amendment by pro-
moting censorship.
The lawsuit also raised concerns that even those over 18 may not want to enter their information to access pornographic content. The judge noted that the law could be ineffective at preventing minors from accessing content due to VPN use, which can alter a user’s location.
However, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected those arguments, and the law was implemented.
“As for the lawsuit challenging the law,” Massey said, “it is never something that you anticipate when you pass legislation, but I am always aware that any legislation we pass is subject to challenges.”
Nineteen other states have implemented similar laws restricting pornography, including Texas, which faced a similar lawsuit. Free Speech Coalition, the same plaintiff in the Tennessee case, brought an almost identical case against a Texas law passed in 2023.
The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court in early January. While the court has yet to issue a ruling, justices appeared to favor restricting minors’ access to harmful sexual material. A decision is expected in early summer.
“I am working on a bill that addresses some concerns with the Protect Tennessee Minors Act this legislative session. This bill (SB 0448) would edit the law to mirror a similar law in Texas,” Massey said. “At the end of the day, I stand by this legislation and do not consider it a violation of freedom of speech protections.”
Sexual Assault Prevention Training
While the legislature has been focusing on protecting minors and pushing back against legal issues, they’ve also been addressing sexual assault and human trafficking in bars. This new law requires alcohol awareness training for servers and bar staff. The goal of the law is to prevent sexual assault and human trafficking in bar settings.
It aims to make servers and bar staff more aware of potential warning signs and train them to address such situations if needed.
Madison Meek, a bartender at The Hill, has always been on the lookout for issues this law addresses.
“Personally, since I’m a girl and I’ve been raised with sexual assault awareness and looking out for others, I don’t think it will benefit me a huge amount,” she said. “I will say it may benefit security and barbacks, as they’re all guys, and they do look out for that stuff now, but they will have a better understanding of what to look for and how to handle it after the new training.”
Many bars had already implemented their own training before the law took effect. In 2022, the Knox County Health Department began working with the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee, the Title IX Office at the University of Tennessee and the Family Justice Center to bring an initiative called Safe Bar training to Knox County. Yee-Haw Brewing Company, a partner
of the Tennessee Volunteers, implemented the program in 2023.
According to the National Institute of Health “58.0% (of people) had ever experienced sexual violence whilst on a night out. In adjusted analyses, sexual violence was higher amongst females,” the study found. On a more conservative estimate in research specific to females, 25% of American women have experienced sexual assault, including rape.
“The bar I work at already looks for this stuff, especially when people get visibly too drunk and can easily put themselves in danger — we ask them to leave,” Meek said. “(Drunk) college students think we’re just being mean and kicking them out because we can … but we’re constantly surrounded by drunk people. If I can recognize that you may have had enough and that someone might hurt you, I’d rather ask you to leave or walk you out than have someone assault you in or after the bar.”
Meek has sat with intoxicated girls outside the bar many times as they wait for an Uber to ensure no one takes advantage of them. It’s something she has always been aware of and keeps at the forefront while working.
The law aims to make this a universal priority for bars across the state to prevent sexual assault and human trafficking from Nashville to Knoxville.
Birth Control Expansion
The Tennessee Legislature also passed Senate Bill 1919, which expands birth control prescriptions to up to 12 months at a time for people using Tennessee’s Medicaid program. The law also allows people to pick up their prescriptions at their doctor’s office instead of requiring a separate pharmacy visit.
According to the National Public Library of Medicine, women who received a one-year supply of oral contraceptives had a 30% reduction in unplanned pregnancies compared with women who received a one- or three-month supply.
Birth control is used for more than pregnancy prevention — hormonal contraceptives can also help with acne, migraines, cancer risk reduction and other health issues.
The law was sponsored by Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) and received bipartisan support. In the House, 80 representatives voted in favor, including three from Knox County:
* Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville)
* Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville)
* Sam McKenzie (D-Knoxville)
Representatives Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) and Justin Lafferty (R-Knoxville) were present but did not vote.
All three laws are now in effect, and policymakers will track their impact to determine if the laws are effective or require adjustments to achieve their intended goals better.
LOUIE
Ending sexual violence
How Tennessee’s Sexual Assault Center works toward this goal through education, advocacy and support services
ANDI JONES Contributor
This article mentions sexual assault and domestic violence. Please be advised.
“A world void of sexual violence.”
Someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, according to the RAINN, a national anti-sexual violence organization. However, this better world is the vision of the Sexual Assault Center, and they have a mission to turn it into a reality.
SAC was founded by two Vanderbilt University students in 1978. Starting with its Crisis and Support Line, SAC has since expanded to include counseling, financial aid, assistance with understanding the potential legal action and the SAFE Clinic — which offers rape kits and additional medical services.
While based in Nashville, they strive to provide support throughout Tennessee, as discussed by Lorraine McGuire, vice president of community relations at SAC.
“Our mission is to provide healing for children and adults and families affected by sexual assault and to end sexual violence through counseling, education and advocacy,” McGuire said.
The 24/7 Crisis and Support Line, (866) 811-7473, offers support for survivors of sexual violence as well as the people around them as well.
“It’s not just if you’re in your immediate crisis, it can be if you’re triggered by something you hear, by something somebody says to you. You can call and get the support, and they’ll talk through with you how you’re feeling and processing and also let you know of resources in your area to receive counseling,” McGuire said. “It’s also for somebody who’s asking, ‘How do I support somebody who’s just been assaulted? Whether that’s a child or a friend, what do I say?’ It really is a support line as well.”
There is also virtual counseling available through SAC for anyone living in Tennessee.
At SAC, education is seen as the most important element to preventing sexual violence, driving them to offer programs
that start as young as elementary school.
Rather than just focusing on unhealthy relationships, SAC teaches healthy relationship aspects to look for, such as consent. SAC also provides college outreach programs, including presentations to faculty, staff or students.
Have you heard of the “Red Zone”? SAC works to raise awareness about this critical period between the first day of class and the last day of Thanksgiving break when freshman female students are most likely to be sexually assaulted.
SAC has worked with various universities across Tennessee, including UT, offering staff education programs, discussions with Greek life communities and on-campus police training based on the wants of the colleges. Within UT, SAC has worked
collaboratively with UT, compiling data from the Safe Bar program.
Safe Bar aims to reduce the risk of drinking through education, such as bystander intervention training or what to do when you see something happening in a bar or public setting. SAC also equips bars with drug-detecting cards and various other tools.
Alcohol does not cause sexual violence, but it can be a risk factor as it can reduce inhibition and increase aggression. Nearly one-half of cases where women have experienced sexual assault involved alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both, according to a 2001 study published in “Alcohol Res Health.”
Here in Knoxville, there are in-person resources for survivors of sexual assault.
The McNabb Center’s Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee offers 24/7 services for in-person care, and all services are free. SACET’s 24/7 crisis hotline, (865) 522-7273, can connect callers with trained advocates. SACET offers comprehensive support to survivors, including advocacy, therapy, sexual assault forensic exams and educational outreach.
“SANEs (sexual assault nurse examiners) are also available 24/7 to conduct hospital-based evidence collection after an assault, accompanied by an advocate who provides resource information and explains options for reporting to law enforcement,”
Jordan Deshler, a sexual assault advocate at
SACET said.
The Knoxville Family Justice Center offers connections to 33 organizations, such as the YWCA and the SACET, for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Further, the Knoxville Family Justice Center can provide information about the potential routes of legal action and help reduce the barriers that can make it hard for victims of domestic violence to leave their situation. Their support line is (865) 5216336.
On campus, the Office of Title IX offers support and instruction about medical, safety and investigation options.
Title IX and the Center of Health and Wellness co-chair the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention team, which consists of 30 members both on and off campus.
“Together, we work to move upstream to prevent prohibited conduct before it occurs. The RSVP team is instrumental in lending their expertise to planning Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is held annually in April. This year, Vols Walk for SAAM, the on-campus awareness walk, will be held on April 16,” Laura Bryant, the deputy Title IX coordinator for prevention, training and evaluation, said.
A world without sexual violence is a tall order, but the efforts of SAC and these other originations help to create a safer, more educated community in Tennessee and beyond.
Andi Jones says, “A world without sexual violence is a tall
more educated community in Tennessee and beyond.” Ansley Graves/ The Daily Beacon
Understanding the cycle: Sexual health at UT
EMILY HURST Copy Chief
Sexual health is a term that comes with its own set of stereotypes and stigmas — especially on a college campus. One aspect of sexual health that faces significant stigma is menstrual health. At the University of Tennessee, two campus resources — PERIOD and the Women’s Health Clinic — are working to bridge this gap by advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare and breaking down the stigma surrounding these topics.
PERIOD is a national organization with a local chapter at UT, established in 2022 for the purpose of raising awareness about menstrual health and period poverty. According to Sophia Webber, president of PERIOD, lack of access to menstrual products can significantly impact student’s physical and mental health.
“The lengths that people have to go with the products they have, like wearing tampons for an extended period of time … those can cause toxic shock syndrome,” Webber said. “Students on campus have missed class and missed work, that kind of stuff, and that I think really takes a toll on their mental and emotional health too.”
Though PERIOD is a relatively new chapter to UT, the national organization has been around
for over 10 years and seeks to make policy changes at the national level. The UT chapter focuses on on-campus initiatives and collaborates with organizations, like Flex, that promote reusable and sustainable menstrual products. PERIOD also tables around campus, with educational materials and interactive games to engage the campus in an open conversation about menstrual and sexual health.
“We want menstrual health to be talked about more openly. It’s not gross or taboo. We all came from an egg and sperm. We are all here because of it.” Webber said.
Webber spoke about her lack of sex education in high school, saying that it mostly consisted of STI prevention and little else. This lack of sexual education is viewed as a pitfall of the education and healthcare system by registered nurse Melissa Hessock, advisor to PERIOD and faculty at the Women’s Health Clinic.
“It’s a human rights issue, having access to health and to safe hygiene, products, facilities and education about your body,” Hessock said. “We don’t have consistent and evidence-based sexual or reproductive healthcare.”
Hessock said that the biggest sexual health concerns on campus right now are uncertainty and misinformation. With the new presidential administration, access and funding for reproductive rights are held in the balance. Regardless of this uncertainty, Hessock remains hopeful that
legislative changes will not affect students.
“I hope that we are able to continue to drive the care that we’re giving based on evidence and based on basic human rights,” Hessock said. “Know that those of us who are providing this care are continuing to provide evidence-based care and continuing to advocate for our students so that they can access the care that they need.”
Although the state of sexual healthcare on campus may feel uncertain, Hessock remained optimistic about the generational stigma that the younger generation is breaking. Hessock started her work for UT in 2020 and has noticed that students are eager to have productive conversations and learn about their bodies.
“Generationally, while there is still stigma and lack of education, they’re no longer willing to accept that, and they’re learning to advocate for themselves and to ask questions,” Hessock said. “My favorite thing is sharing my passion for normalizing sexual and reproductive health and creating safe spaces. I like to have those difficult conversations.”
Hessock’s passion for these conversations extends to her work at the Women’s Health Clinic, where students can seek guidance and support.
The Women’s Health Clinic has existed since 2011 and has grown alongside the student body, offering services that range from cervical cancer screenings to birth control and STI treatment. Their mission is to create a judgment-free space
Gen-Z Volunteers opt out of online dating
NICHOLAS WRIGHT Staff Writer
Dating apps have become a massive part of our cultural zeitgeist in recent years. Apps like Tinder and Bumble have forged a billion-dollar industry with massive marketing budgets pushing their products on all platforms.
Millennials, more than any other generation, have flocked to these dating apps. A 2023 study from Statista reported that 61% of dating app users were aged between 30-49.
The same report showed that the younger generation, those who were 18-29 at the time, made up only 26% of users active on dating apps. This massive disparity between generations does not bode well for established industry titans like Tinder.
Members of Gen-Z are finding more romantic success the old fashioned way. A 2023 survey from The Generation Lab found that over half of college students in a relationship met through in-person connections and that 79% are not actively using any dating apps. Students on campus seemed to resonate with this response as well. Emma Placentia, a senior studying marketing, talked about her preference for meeting new people.
“I personally haven’t used any dating apps … I think finding someone the more traditional way is way better,” Placentia said. “Online dating just seems unnatural and kind of forced to me.”
College students listed several other valid reservations they have regarding the use of these dating apps. Some mentioned safety, while others questioned the actual purpose of these apps. One thing is clear, though — most of Gen-Z holds no love for dating apps.
Graham Witherspoon, a senior biology major, talked about his experience with dating apps and what caused him to lose faith in them.
“I had Bumble for like a week, but I got off pretty quick,” Witherspoon said. “I think the main problem was that I realized actually finding a partner ends up being worse for the app, so I didn’t really trust that they would work.”
This fear is not entirely unfounded. At the end of the day, these apps are run by massive companies with obligations to many shareholders. They need people on the app to pay for the service, and creating meaningful relationships will not provide that.
In 2023, the Pew Research Center reported that 49% of all Americans and 57% of women felt that dating apps were not safe for meeting
where students feel valued and supported in their questions about sexual health. Maggie Farley, a healthcare provider with the clinic, wants students to know that the clinic is there to help.
“If there’s anything you are worried or unsure about, come talk to us. We’ll explain why your body is doing what it’s doing. We are here to help.”
The state of sexual healthcare on campus can sometimes feel uncertain. Raising awareness and understanding “the cycle” is important to help break down harmful stereotypes and assumptions.
Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
new people.
Placentia identified safety as one key reason she would not want to create an account on any online dating app.
“Another big thing is the safety concern. It’s probably not a huge deal in college because people have mutual friends, and you can usually find them online. But if you’re in a new place trying to meet people, going off with a random stranger just seems really unsafe in my opinion.” Placentia said.
There could be another explanation for this lack of interest in dating apps. A 2023 report from the Survey Center on American Life found that 44% of Gen-Z men reported never having been in a relationship during their teenage years.
While some may interpret this data as apocalyptic, it could be the result of changing priorities. In past generations, people married much younger and put a more significant emphasis on having children.
Gen-Z has instead prioritized professional and educational advancement or socialization over personal relationships. If personal relationships are, in large part, not a priority, it makes sense that young people do not typically use these apps.
Whatever the underlying reasons for this aversion to online dating, the industry is not
likely to disappear anytime soon. It will continue to adapt and evolve and maybe even see a resurgence as members of the Gen-Z age begin to look to settle down.
For now, however, college students are opting out of online dating and choosing to pursue a more traditional path to find companionship.
Student looking at their phone on campus. File / The Daily Beacon
Stories behind shirts: Student peer health educators share support for ‘Consent Is’ campaign
SARAH PORTANKA Engagement Editor
We have all seen the Center for Health Education and Wellness’ ‘Consent Is…’ shirts on campus. Maybe you have even worn one yourself. Perhaps you know the message, but few know the story behind the one wearing it.
We see these shirts on campus all the time, yet many students view consent as an uncomfortable or taboo topic. Sharing uncomfortable conversations or personal experiences with an older adult or professional can be overwhelming. This is why CHEW offers peer health educators — fellow students passionate about these issues to relate to and grow with, each with their own stories and reasons for prioritizing consent.
Finding your ‘why’ Shawn Hoppes, a freshman majoring in biology with a minor in public health, struggled with finding his passion while in high school. It wasn’t until he opened a book about public health and statistics that he discovered his deep interest in it. Upon arrival at UT, Hoppes knew he wanted to get involved with public health services in his community. Becoming a peer health educator with CHEW allowed him to do just that.
“It kind of opened my eyes,” Hoppes said. “This is a place where we can really talk about these things that are so stigmatized in society. This is so amazing that we can voice
our opinions. So, I knew I wanted to get in on giving people the shirts and spreading that word.”
The campaign’s goal is not to lead the way or spark chaos on campus. It is simply to get students thinking and talking about consent, not shying away from it.
“To me, one of the most important parts of public health is that educational intervention,” Hoppes said. “Just spreading the word and letting people know it’s not something to be quiet about. It’s not something to be shied away from. It’s not an awkward subject. I mean, it is for people, but I hope one day we get to a part of society where it’s not awkward to talk about.”
Marina Pellicciari is a junior majoring in social work and peer health educator with CHEW. For her, the shirt is a visual reminder for students that there are people who care about the things they may be struggling with.
“Maybe it helps one person if they’re going through something with sexual assault or something similar,” Pellicciari said. “It helps even one person to realize, ‘OK this is something I can do to help myself and better myself and maybe feel better about my situation. I know that people care and are aware of the situation,’ even if it’s just one person.”
When Hoppes wears the shirt, he knows people see him as just another student rather than a face of the campaign.
“When I pick up that shirt, I am just a very small part of this big moment that
is just trying to simply end that stigma,” Hoppes said. “I know walking through this big campus, and I go to this big school, I know I can feel confident that one person looked at my shirt today and felt a little bit easier about talking about consent.”
Mischa Patel is a sophomore majoring in public health and a peer health educator with CHEW. Like Hoppes, the shirt’s power is in the thoughts and discussions it can spark.
“Seeing a fellow student wearing the Tshirt would make me feel so much more comfortable about it,” Patel said. “Just knowing that other students are thinking about consent and making that a part of their life and one of their priorities.”
Misconceptions about consent
Students involved with CHEW and the “Consent Is…” campaign have noticed many misconceptions surrounding consent on campus. The primary issue is the lack of conversation surrounding the topic. While experiences with consent in relationships can be private, it is equally important to make the subject public, especially on a college campus.
Students may be having their first encounters with an intimate relationship or struggling with sexual violence. It is important to create an atmosphere that welcomes these conversations so students can adequately seek support.
Hoppes has noticed that many students view consent as a one-sided action rather
than a mutual agreement.
“I think that people think about consent and automatically assume ‘I could get someone to consent. I could be the reason someone consents,’” Hoppes said. “People take it upon themselves to be the one to change that decision. … If it did come from your pressuring or your manipulation, then it wasn’t real consent.”
One misconception that Pelicciarri noticed was that some students see CHEW offices as unapproachable or intimidating.
“This is all about promoting awareness of the offices, too,” Pellicciari said. “Even if you have an unlucky or unsuccessful experience, that’s not the end-all-be-all. We’re around to support people, make them aware, and learn with and from them too.”
What consent looks like in a relationship
Consent means something different to everyone. Understanding what consent means for you and your partner on a mutual level is an essential first step toward establishing a healthy relationship.
“It’s all about just respecting your partner,” Patel said. “If you have the respect to say ‘no’ because you know that you don’t want to, then they should respect that you dared to say no to them, which should be enough. If ‘no’ is not enough and the respect isn’t there. Then something needs to be addressed in the relationship.”
“Consent is human understanding and respecting one another,” Hoppes said. “Coming back down to earth and realizing that you’re also a human, you have a voice and you have autonomy over your decisions.”
“Understanding between two people, mutual understanding, kindness and being willing to learn from each other and accept each other — that’s sort of my idea of consent,” Pelicciari said. “Finding that compromise and middle ground is important.”
Learn more
The campaign encourages students to be open-minded about consent and what it may look like for you within your relationships. Consent is not something to be ignored on campus. If you find yourself avoiding consent in your relationships, take the initiative to learn more and perhaps sit down for a conversation about consent with your partner.
For more information about consent and the campaign on campus, visit the CHEW website. If you need someone to talk to — whether a professional or a fellow student — visit the CHEW office on the second floor of the Student Health Center. If you are interested in helping others and bringing awareness to issues like consent, which are many like it on campus, consider applying to be a CHEW peer health educator.
UT’s College Republicans face backlash over controversial Instagram post on ‘Consent Is’ campaign
Tuesday, Feb. 4, the University of Tennessee College Republicans, posted a screenshot of the University Center for Health and Wellness’s “Consent Is” campaign T-shirts on their Instagram story with the caption, “These shirts are so gay and libtard coded. Wait until marriage!”
This post has received scrutiny and backlash from the student body and alumni.
Following this, a screenshot of the College Republicans’ Instagram story was posted on UT’s subreddit with the caption, “The level of unprofessionalism is unacceptable, use of homophobia, attacking the official university Instagram, and no less about body autonomy. There needs to be action taken against organizations like these that are officially registered yet are actively making the community feel less safe.”
The post received over 200 replies before the moderators of the subreddit locked it, but the general consensus was disgust from sexual assault survivors, alumni and the campus community. Users asked how they could file a report to Student Conduct and Community Standards, and many users claimed to have submitted reports and emailed various campus officials.
Reddit user InsaneXynN_YT, commented, “Absolutely disgusting, rude and disturbing. Emailing student conduct as we speak.”
“We just wanted to show that we’re willing to criticize them beyond the safety of anonymity,” Jordan Lamb, a senior studying political science, said. “It’s easy to spew harmful rhetoric from the comfort of one’s keyboard, but much harder to have the courage to answer your critics face-toface.”
Student Conduct and Community Services responded to Lamb’s complaint submission.
“We understand these events elicit a range of emotions and perspectives along with feelings of discomfort,” Ciara Gazaway, the Program Director for the Office of the Dean of Students, said in an email. “Despite what took place, we continue to encourage respectful discourse and open dialogue. At UT, we champion the principles of free expression, encouraging our students and campus community to openly voice their opinions, whether in support or against various actions or viewpoints. By law, students and student organizations are able to express themselves freely on social media.”
A student leader with the Reddit username Synasticks of a campus organization also shared their opinion about the post.
“As a person who is a student leader in a campus org, we are trained to not discriminate any cases of beliefs, values, gender, religion, or ideology. This is insane that some student body, who has access to their account, is willing to post that for who knows what (ragebait? Starting a fight?),” Synasticks said.
They also questioned if the post was rage bait, which, as defined by Collins Dictionary, is content designed to elicit anger to increase internet traffic or engagement.
However, some users rebutted the user’s complaints by questioning the post’s authenticity or defending the College Republicans’ right to free speech. One user wrote, “I will be sending an email in support (of) their free speech.”
On Feb. 5, the College Republicans posted a follow-up post on their Instagram story of the UT’s Student Code of Conduct’s section that protects students’ constitutional right to free speech with the caption of a laughing and finger-pointing emoticon.
Students who submitted a complaint to Student Conduct and Community Services allegedly received similar responses, citing the organization’s right to free speech.
Free speech is an important area of interest to the University of Tennessee College Republicans. They claim on their 2024-2025 interest form to be a “contrary and often isolated voice on a Tennessee campus.”
The College Republicans also wrote that by “fighting for free speech, we provide students with an outlet for their perspective and a social support network that does not require them to censor their truth to avoid being socially ostracized.”
The College Republicans hold meetings weekly on Thursday nights, and as the story developed, many students expressed interest in attending the meeting to share their viewpoints on the controversial behavior.
On Feb. 6, the College Republicans posted another Instagram story asking, “Are there any normal straight guys that are offended or is it all just washed women and effeminate men.”
Oliver Dattilo, a freshman geology major who identifies as a straight male, responded to this.
“They are the ones who are offended by the concept of consent before anyone else. ‘Normal’ people ask for consent anyway,” Dattilo said.
Following this questioning of the reactions to the original post, the College Republicans wrote on their Instagram story that the original post was rage bait and utilized this admission to question the Center for Health and Wellness’s motives for producing the “Consent is” project Tshirts from a Christian viewpoint.
The College Republicans wrote, “The
problem lies not in consent as a concept but consent as a moral replacement to a (illicit) sexual morality, which is the covenant between man and a woman in the sacrament of marriage governed by Jesus Christ.”
“I think that the use of Christianity as a shield against bigoted viewpoints is against the teachings of Christ,” Carver Dickens, a sociology major, said. “He told us to love our neighbors. You can be a Christian and push progressive ideals. Insulting people for being for consent is against the teachings of Christ.”
Some students agreed that it could have been rage bait.
“I concur with the purported theory that the rage bait allegation is a cop-out,” Airic Rosenbalm, a senior studying history, said. “It’s clear he’s trying to make this a deal, and he believes what he said.”
Although College Republicans have referenced Christian ideology in response to the backlash to their comments, in the College Republicans constitution and bylaws, the College Republicans do not have an official religious standpoint and even write that members should not be limited based on their religious beliefs.
The College Republicans were initially scheduled to meet at Humanities and Social Sciences 106 from 6 to 7:30 on Thursday, Feb. 6. However, the organization changed the time and location of the meeting without publicly announcing the change.
Nick Gass, leader of the Swashbucklers Guild, announced the meeting time and location change on his Instagram story. Gass wrote, “Ahoy mateys! I were listenin’ to a sirens song earlier, and she told me
that the mateys moved their meetin’. It be held in Walter M401 from either 5-6 or 6-7:30.”
However, the College Republicans group did not show up for either of these registered time slots or the room they booked in Humanities and Social Sciences.
Gass discovered the location through 25Live, a website registered student organizations can use to register event space for their groups.
“I’ve always believed that if you have beliefs, you should stand by them, not hide behind a face, so I figured, at the very least, people should know where they meet … I think changing the location is a coward’s move,” Gass said.
Bridget Hanlon Waldron, a junior studying biological sciences, was one of the students who waited two and a half hours for one of College Republicans’ scheduled meetings.
“I think it’s telling of their character that they would say something that is so knowingly polarizing and then,” Waldron said. “Not show up to either of their meeting rooms. It shows that they are not actually as confident in what they say they believe.”
On Feb. 7, the day after the meeting was scheduled to occur, the College Republicans posted on their Instagram story “Great meeting tonight — so close College Dems!” No one discovered the meeting location, as it was unregistered on 25Live.
College Republicans did not respond to requests for comments, and the Center for Health and Wellness declined to comment on the matter.
CHLOE CARMICHAEL Contributor
A group of students waited outside HSS 106, where the College Republicans were expected to meet. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. Courtesy of Chloe Carmichael
5 pregnancy resource centers for expecting mothers
CADEN DYER Managing Editor
Pregnancy during college seems to be a topic that remains largely untouched — meaning, no one talks about it, or it can be seen as taboo.
But facts remain: As a college degree rapidly becomes easier and more accessible to mothers via the internet, it is not unlikely that you will encounter a pregnant student at some point.
As the National Institute for Health wrote, “about 40% of young women become pregnant before reaching 20 years of age,” meaning by the time you graduate, you might know someone personally who was pregnant while in school, or you might even become pregnant.
Here is a lits of resources within Knoxville and also specific to UT — for those experiencing pregnancy.
Hope Resource Center
Located on Painter Avenue, Hope claims to be Knoxville’s only “holistic reproductive healthcare center for women.” They provide pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STD testing and general exams for women. Many of their services are free and comply with HIPAA,
meaning your information will be kept confidential. Licensed professionals perform tests and exams. Their website includes resources in Spanish.
Catholic Charities of East Tennessee
Becoming a parent can be scary and overwhelming. Catholic Charities of East Tennessee understands this, so they provide parenting classes and material assistance. Attending classes (both moms and dads can join!) gets you “credits,” which can be used to buy newborn and toddler essentials, like car seats. They also offer free and confidential services. CCET also houses a program called Standing with You.
Standing with You
Not sure how to tackle pregnancy with all its ups and downs? Standing with You has a list of tips for pregnant women, specifically those who are also trying to get their degree. Keeping healthy snacks right by your bed in case of a craving, eating lemon ginger candy to scare away the nausea and getting a few extra hours of sleep each night can make all the difference. Standing with You also ensures that you know your Title IX rights — pregnant women are entitled to the same educational opportunities as other students.
This includes keeping your campus housing and any academic or athletic scholarships. Standing with You can be located at 119 Dameron Avenue or visit their website.
The University of Tennessee Medical Center
UT’s medical center specializes in labor and delivery. According to their website, they deliver more babies than any hospital in the region. They suggest pre-registering for your hospital stay online. A helpful resource they offer is a list of items you should pack in your hospital bag, including comfort items specifically for labor. They also offer classes such as Newborn Care, Infant Safety and CPR, and Childbirth Prep.
Women’s Health Clinic
The Women’s Health Clinic is another excellent place to check out if you or a friend is expecting. Their staff of licensed professionals works to serve the “gynecologic and reproductive healthcare needs of (the) student population.” They provide cervical cancer screening, preventive health examinations, birth control prescriptions and health counseling, among others. Appointments should be made over the phone in advance. The Women’s Health Clinic is housed within the
Student Health Center at 1800 Volunteer Blvd.
As always, reviewing your rights under Title IXis a good idea, and remember that you don’t have to tackle pregnancy, motherhood or fatherhood alone. These resources are only a tiny portion of the help Knoxville has to offer. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Women who find themselves in the situation of unplanned pregnancy may need help, but not know where to turn. Here are five local pregnancy resource centers that help ensure new moms are well taken care of.
Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
Love from afar: UT students in long-distance relationships
Editor
Valentine’s Day is the most romantic holiday of the year as it is the designated time to show your significant other that you care and appreciate them. Yet, several students at the University of Ten-
nessee who are in relationships may be celebrating Feb. 14 from far away.
In fact, National Library of Medicine stated that college students in long-distance relationships were approximately 34% more prevalent than students involved in long-term relationships.
Julianna Lisi is one such student — what once began as a typical friendship sprouted into a committed relationship for Lisi, a junior studying finance. She has been dating her boyfriend for over a year, and to say that she and her boyfriend are loving from a distance is an understatement, as he went off to boot camp for the National Guard.
To make the situation more complex, their communication was limited at one point in their relationship as he was only allowed to have his phone — their only source of communication at the time — for one hour a week.
Given that the restriction of communication put a strain on their relationship, Lisi created hobbies for herself.
“Some ways I would cope is by spending time with family and friends, writing in a journal, doing some self care and working out,” Lisi said.
Carly Pineda, a sophomore studying public health, went through similar
complications regarding her relationship with her boyfriend of two and a half years.
Pineda and her boyfriend’s significant challenges are working around their busy schedules to make time for each other and to find suitable communication styles to make each other feel seen.
To combat this, Pineda and her boyfriend have scheduled virtual dates and switch who plans them. Pineda and her boyfriend take one of their shared passions, Bible study, and practice that together over the phone.
“One time we DoorDash each other food for dinner, and it was a surprise to see what you got,” Pineda said. “It was fun to do something a little different and still feel like we can have dates.”
Though maintaining a relationship from afar has disadvantages, it takes on a deeper meaning when it comes to love. Having a partner miles away makes you realize you are worth the distance. While you and your partner may be physically apart, the distance can strengthen the emotional bond.
“Long distance makes the time we have in person together so much more meaningful, and I am truly blessed to have someone to miss, and that missed
me,” Pineda said.
Healthy communication and mutual prioritization reflects genuine commitment and demonstrates mature relationship skills among partners.
“Doing something other than texting and calling can keep your relationship alive,” Lisi said. “Don’t stop putting in the effort and do anything you can to show them you love them.”
Alexis Buchanan, a junior studying marketing, is currently going on four years with her long-distance boyfriend, Max Hoener, as they go to different colleges.
To make their relationship worthwhile, they never go a day without saying good morning and goodnight. Buchanan sheds light on a positive perspective about being miles away from Hoener.
“What makes long distance worth it for me is knowing that four years without the person I love is nothing compared to the lifetime we will have together,” Buchanan said. “Every time I get to see him at the airport when I get off the plane and he smiles, it’s like there has been no time apart at all.”
SAMANTHA WHITLEY News
How UT students handle long distance relationships. Feb. 9, 2025
Samantha Whitley / The Daily Beacon
9 college date night ideas for Valentine’s Day
JED BASO Contributor
What exactly makes a date romantic? Is it the amount of money you spend or the places you go? Well, here’s a list of nine date ideas that range from completely free to put a little dent in your wallet, from picturesque scenic locations to parking lots that show that you don’t need tons of money or the perfect spot to have a romantic night together.
No Cost
Gaze Up At the Stars ($0)
From Greek mythology to Romeo and Juliet, the stars have always been a symbol of eternal love. The best part is that it doesn’t cost a penny to look up at the stars. Try to escape the light pollution and the noise of the city to get the best view and a peaceful night. From there, all you have to do is just lay back and take in the vast beauty of the starry sky together. Away from the commotion of life, a date night spent looking up at the stars
together can be peaceful and give a way to get to know your date better. It’s as simple as that.
Watch the Sunrise or Sunset from the Bluffs ($0)
There’s no better time of the day to make memories than watching the sun rise or fall over the horizon. And there’s no better place in town to watch the sunset than the Bluffs. Located on the south side of the river, the Bluffs stand over 200 feet tall and overlook the city of Knoxville. Although it takes a little hike to reach, the Bluffs are by far the prettiest spot in town to share the beauty of a sunset together.
Go to Cruze Farm for a Drive-In Movie ($0+)
The drive-in movie is a go-to classic date. Drive-in movie dates let you go out somewhere special to enjoy a movie, while also leaving enough space for you
to have a special moment alone together. The good news is you don’t have to travel back to the 1950s to enjoy the romantic experience. Cruze Farm doesn’t just sell ice cream but also hosts regular drive in “Moovie Nights” on Fridays and Saturdays, completely for free! And embracing the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Cruze Farm will be showing movies such as “The Notebook” and “Finding Nemo” this month.
Low Cost
Take a Trip to Cades Cove (~$5)
Does your date like the outdoors? Or maybe you want to go on a little adventure together? Cades Cove is a little valley nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with everything you need for an outdoor adventure. Together, you can take in the beauty of the mountains while hiking various trails, riding bikes through the woods, or even saddling up on one of the horses. If you want a less exhausting trip, there’s also a drivable loop where you can still take in the scenery and the wildlife. In addition, you can explore the old cabins, play in the creeks, or even stay the night and camp in the woods. Whatever path you choose to take, Cades Cove is the perfect backdrop for a romantic adventure out in the wild with your date.
Have a Picnic (~$20+)
While a picnic is the farthest thing from a romantic dinner date at a fancy restaurant, its simplicity doesn’t make it any less romantic. A good date is about the quality time spent together, about get-
ting to know each other, and about connecting with each other on a deeper level. The plainness of a picnic date makes the experience solely about enjoying the moment with each other and not about waiting for food or raving out to your favorite artist. It’s just you and them.
Cook a Romantic Dinner Together (~$25+)
Half the cost and twice the fun of a typical fancy dinner date, making a romantic dinner yourself gives you an opportunity
to bond in a special way that waiting for your food just doesn’t offer. The challenge of measuring ingredients, making sure you have everything you need and the delicacy it takes to cook the food just right makes a date night far more interesting than choosing between the chicken alfredo and the grilled salmon. A date night where at every corner something can go wrong provides the opportunity to bond with your date in a way you typically never would.
High Cost
Build Flowers Together (~$15-$60)
The most unusual date idea on the list, building Lego flowers together, offers the same twists and turns of cooking a romantic dinner to-
gether, except this one leaves you with more than an empty plate. This date ends with a cute bouquet of Lego flowers at the end of the night, and the shared memory of painstakingly putting each piece together. It’s not the most extravagant or the cheapest, but it’s one that leaves behind a gift that’s even more special because of the story of an amazing night behind it.
Watch the Sunset on the River (~$56)
Another sunset date, but this time, it’s aboard a steamboat on the Tennessee River. The Tennessee Riverboat Company offers the chance to set sail and admire
the beauty of Knoxville from another perspective. TheTennessee Riverboat Company andThe Volunteer Princess both have the option to have dinner aboard as well, but they do cost significantly more. Whether you decide to grab dinner or not, a night spent sailing and taking in the beauty around you draws you away from
the scramble of everyday life, slows it down, and draws you and your date into your own little world together.
Take a Day Trip to Gatlinburg ($0+)
It’s an hour’s drive from Knoxville, but Gatlinburg could be where your next adventure together takes place. From skiing to playing mini golf, from riding mountain coasters to seeing the fish at the aquarium, Gatlinburg has an infinite amount of possibilities for you to bond and get to know your date better. Anakeesta is offering a special couple’s package for Valentines that includes general admission, tickets to their stargazing show, two free deserts, and a stuffed black bear to take home. But the most romantic opportunity has got to be wandering the Parkway strip. With dozens of shops and restaurants that have everything from candy to swords, pancakes to wood-carved mugs, there’s a limitless possibility for a fun adventure just exploring everything Gatlinburg has to offer.
Some Final Advice
The hardest part of compiling a list of romantic dates is that every couple is different, and everyone has their own idea of romance. Volunteering at a soup kitchen might not be one couple’s idea of a romantic getaway, but it might be for another. So make your date personal, and do things you know your date would enjoy. Maybe there’s an artist they’ve always wanted to see, or maybe they love it when you get them flowers. Whatever it is, doing what your date loves on Valentine’s Day can make the night that much more special and memorable.
Finally, it’s not about how expensive the date is. What makes a date romantic is just having a moment where you connect; that moment is unique and can never be repeated exactly the same way ever again. That passing moment, the fact that moments only happen once in a lifetime before they become memories, is what makes a night special. So finally, find love in the small moments, and really embrace all the time you spend together on your date.
OPINION: Ask the Expert: Answering your burning questions
RENEE HAMLIN Columnist
On Feb. 5, students anonymously submitted their burning relationship and intimacy questions to The Daily Beacon members tabling on Ped Walkway, and some submitted questions through Instagram. Those questions were then passed along to me, the resident sexpert.
Together, we’ll explore these questions and hopefully, the askers will be able to get some clarity.
Submitted questions will be sorted into one of three categories: relationships, sex and self-love (there are only a few of these questions, but it’s an important topic). Let’s get started, y’all.
Sex
What is too high of a body count?
In my personal, humble opinion, body count is a metric that should not matter. In most cases,knowing the number doesn’t impact how your partner treats you. In those cases where telling a partner your “body count” results in relationship strain or intimacy issues, you should both take some time to explore where the discomfort is coming from. No one should feel ashamed about their sexual history, nor does that history have any relevance to your current relationship.
How often should couples have sex?
This is a very subjective question. The only real answer is, “Whenever y’all feel like it.” There is no magic number that tells you how often you should have sex in your relationship. Everyone’s libido is different, and there will be times when you’re in the mood and your partner isn’t (and vice versa). That’s an entirely normal part of relationships. Statistically, most couples have sex at least once a week. I think you should have sex when it’s comfortable and convenient for both of you.
Relationships/Dating
What is the best date to take a girl on?
This is another (incredibly) subjective question. No one woman is exactly like another. Ideally, you want to get to know her and plan a date that caters to both of your interests. However, there are some fun ideas such as going roller skating, going to an escape room, going to a drag show or having a picnic. Teen Vogue has a pretty extensive list of date ideas if you’re feeling stumped.
Why do men on dating apps have commitment issues for going on dates?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a perfect answer to this question. There is a good chunk of people on dating apps only looking to hook up. Or maybe they’re just not ready for the commitment of a relationship. Perhaps they just wanted a simple, digital night of flirting. The truth is that I don’t know. But you do. The best thing you can do is be transparent in your expectations and ask the people you talk to. You’ll find your match.
How do you tell if they are the one?
Admittedly, I have little firsthand experience in “finding the one.” I’ve done some research, and the leading sign is having a sense of comfort and home around the other person. Can you imagine building a life and growing old together? Do you feel like you bring out the very best in each other? Many people describe it as feeling like you’re in the right place and time. It’s up to you to decide if they’re “the one.”
Thoughts on a situationship? Are they a waste of time?
Again, this is my personal opinion — situationships are a complete waste of both of your time. Even the name is unwieldy and difficult to define. In the world of dating and relationships, you should be putting time and effort into someone doing the same for you. It’s best to move on and protect your peace if there’s any onesidedness. If, for some reason, you’re both interested in a concrete relationship and are using the guise of a “situationship” to avoid feelings (or something else), explore that discomfort. You could be missing out on something good.
How long do you have to be together to get married? How do you know when to get married?
Now, the average relationship length before getting engaged is around 2 years. But, the question of how long you should be together is intensely personal and different for every relationship. I would refer to the questions that I posed in response number five. If you both feel like you’re ready to start a life together and see yourselves being together for a long time, there’s no time limit on marriage.
How high should I keep my standards when dating?
Well, very? Everyone should strive for the best match for themselves when it
comes to dating. You’re looking for someone who you’ll spend a lot of your time with, who you’re putting effort into. It’s important that you’re doing this for someone looking for the same.
How do I break up with someone?
Do it in person. Be honest with them. Don’t expect friendship immediately after. Essentially, give the other person the grace that you would want for yourself. Breaking up is a difficult thing to do.
Self-love
Are soulmates real? Or is love coincidental?
Time for yet another personal opinion. I think that, in reality, it’s a little bit of both. You have to commit to the idea of soulmates and believe that you’re meant to be with the person you love. I don’t think that everyone has just one perfect soulmate or that soulmates are always romantic (I couldn’t imagine my life without my best friend). However, I do believe that you can’t be the best soulmate to someone else unless you see the worth in yourself.
How can I have a better relationship with myself?
This advice is coming from my own therapist and Psychology Today, so you know I’m not making anything up. First, you should know that this goes beyond standard self-care. You can have spa days and work out and take care of your body while having a poor relationship with yourself. Self-love takes a level of commitment and intention that the odd spa day can’t solve alone. You should set both short-term and long-term goals — be mindful of the allure of instant gratification. I don’t mean to say that self-care should take the back burner as it’s an important part of this process. Overall, be kind to yourself. Remember, everyone deserves love. That love can be familial, platonic, romantic, etc. You’re worth the effort. Love, Ren
Columnist Renee Hamlin says, “Remember, everyone deserves love. That love can be familial, platonic, romantic, etc. You’re worth the effort.” Ansley Graves/ The Daily Beacon
My relationship with Catholic high school: Never looked back
BYLINE NAME
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As someone who attended an Episcopalian school for the majority of my life, I was unfamiliar with the concept of a strict religion.
In my opinion, the Episcopalian faith is truly one of the more ‘laid back’ religions, as the ordinary practice entails simply believing and practicing the works of Jesus Christ. If you’re like my family, you did your best to get to church on Sundays, but for the most part, going to the Christmas and Easter service was enough for the year.
When I decided to (literally) take a leap of faith and attend a Catholic high school, I had no idea of the harsh reality check I was in for.
At first, the thought of attending a school that practiced the Catholic faith was not a huge deal to me. I was involved with the middle school cheerleading team there, and my older sister was a student at the time. Looking back now, why she or I chose to go to a school that affiliated strongly with a religion we were completely unfamiliar with I will never know. Nevertheless, it was one of the top high schools in the area, and most of my friends had also chosen to attend it, so I was not too worried about what my future was going to look like there.
I dreadfully remember having to go to the uniform store and trying on a navy blue and deep green long plaid skirt, in addition to the thick cotton-white collared shirt. I stood there looking at myself in the mirror, feeling bulky and awkward, with my skirt lingering far past my knees. I quickly asked when my mom could take me to get it hemmed, to which I was abruptly met with the uniform store lady replying, “Oh no, sweetie, that is the shortest you can go at this school.”
I knew this was going to be a long four years. Spoiler alert: I didn’t last four years.
The first few weeks were an adjustment, to say the least, and a lot of praying. I was thrown for a loop when it became apparent that a morning announcement prayer, praying before every class, taking required religious studies courses and reading from the bible was a daily occurrence — not excluding weekly mass every Wednesday. Mass entailed 2 hours of worship in a hot, sticky gym eating water wafers and drinking wine while watching others occasionally pass out while trying not to
Opinions editor Ansley Graves says, “I don’t think the Catholic religion is wrong. I don’t think that this school was corrupt due to the sole reason of being a Catholic school. I do, however, think that it was a contributing factor.” Ansley Graves/ The Daily Beacon
do so yourself. However, when it came time for me to approach the altar and receive communion, I always crossed my arms over my body to symbolize a polite decline. Plus, I didn’t like how the wafers tasted.
Not only was there a great deal of praying, but it was all Catholic prayers, something I had never practiced or recited. I should have been somewhat prepared for this. I willingly chose to go to a Catholic school. However, it was instances like breaking out in the “Hail Mary” prayer in unison when an ambulance passed that felt a little uneasy. I reminisce about my younger self standing there, with an itchy sweater vest and long skirt, looking around, trying to act like I knew what everyone’s next word would be in the prayer.
During the whirlwind of emotions I was experiencing during the transition period of my freshman year, it is safe to say I went through a little bit of an emo phase. Black nails, chunky chains and dark hair started becoming a norm for me, but this was not in accordance with the school’s strict uniform handbook. The handbook ruled that jewelry,
multiple piercings and nail polish were apparently distracting to wear at school for reasons I still cannot make sense of.
I remember being in French class trying to tuck my bulky chains into my collared polo as we did our daily roll, to which my poor teacher’s kind reminders eventually had to result in action. I apparently wasn’t bothered by this and racked up enough detentions to earn myself what the school called “Saturday school.” Saturday school was a disciplinary action once a student had received a certain amount of detentions, where we spent 6 hours on the campus doing manual labor.
Picking up trash, cleaning rooms of various buildings and praying for our sins were just a few tasks that really made me think about what I had done and come out of this a better person … not.
Sometimes earning yourself Saturday school was a lot easier than we prepared for. For one, the school’s phone policy was extremely harsh, as we were not allowed to have a cellular device for the entirety of the day.
Looking back, I think about if some-
thing at home could have happened, or if a loved one was in trouble, there wouldn’t have been a thing we could have done. If we were, however, caught with our phones out, we received three detentions on the spot, no questions asked.
Let’s just say my Saturdays early freshman year of high school weren’t precisely spent frolicking in a flower field.
Phones were not the only top priority of this school, as they also cared greatly about the appearance of our uniforms. The uniform guidelines for young men seemed pretty attainable, merely having their hair sitting no further than the ear, and their light khaki pants were expected to surpass their ankles. However, the guidelines so graciously paid particular attention to the women students’ uniforms and wasted no time taking action if need be.
“Skirts must reach the length of the top of the knee,” as stated in the student handbook, was actually the start of an entire movement.
While the school had warned us women countless times to check the length
of our skirts, this did not really seem to be a top priority. Ignoring their warnings, a plethora of detentions were given out in mass numbers.
Detention became the new hangout spot.
I think it is also important to add that if women received a certain number of detentions due to the length of their skirts, they were forced to wear pants for three consecutive months. Yes, pants. While I did receive my fair share of detentions from miscellaneous infractions, I never earned enough from my skirt to wear the pants— I was too scared of that fascist fashion statement.
I remember walking down the halls trying to make my way to class, where teachers stood at their doors, most of them glaring right at our knees. Many of them actually had rulers or post-it notes to ensure that our skirt was not too short, as this obviously would be a distraction to our learning and others. They yanked us from the hallways while trying to make our way to class if they suspected our skirts were not in compliance with what was acceptable in the eyes of the Lord.
Soon after the great skirt scandal, I’ll never forget coming out of my class to see sticky notes posted on the walls, lockers, and doors, leaving no room to question that someone was fed up.
The notes ranged from statements like, “Is this distracting now?” and “I want to learn, not get in trouble for my skirt.” It was not only incredibly brave but necessary. I understand Catholic schools are very particular about their uniform, but targeting young women who were there for the sole purpose of getting an education was uncalled for.
I’ll never forget one of my teachers, who was not a particularly warm woman, snatching one of the sticky notes from the hallway, bringing it to class, and crumbling it up for the garbage. She was a part of the faculty members’ side that was not for this certain feminist movement and even made a few colorful sticky notes of her own.
I remember people were not happy when they saw her clashing notes next to theirs, reading something along the lines of, “Why don’t you go to another school where you can dress like a slut.” While not the warmest or perhaps the most approachable woman, she was good at her job.
It is safe to say the lady from the uniform store wasn’t kidding.
With these harsh rules put in place, it could make the pressures of being a high school student feel far more unbearable than usual.
While not encouraged by any means, it is no secret that young adults might feel inclined to experiment with drugs and alcohol around this time, and being at a strict Catholic school certainly does not stop that.
The school had a very strict drug and alcohol policy. Every so often, a pink sheet would be slipped under the door of classes around the 7th or 8th period. Everyone would hold their breath. If you were so lucky to have been summoned on the pink slip, you were obligated to report to the gym for a random drug test. If, for whatever reason, you tested positive for any drugs or alcohol, you were placed on a contract stating that you agreed to be regularly tested from now on, and if guilty of violating this contract, you would be expelled. The school also required a lengthy rehabilitation program for anyone who was caught.
Arguably, this was a great way to ensure students were safe and held accountable, but it was excessive to a certain degree. A student’s future shouldn’t be ruined due to an insignificant slip-up as long as that is all it was. However, students were just as proactive as they were scared about this entire drug policy. I will never forget seeing some of the upperclassmen hiding bottles of urine that were clean of any incriminating substances of course, in case of random testing.
Smart, but desperately gross.
In addition to the contracts, there were also drug dogs that we became pretty close with. I mean, they had full access to all of our belongings, lockers and backpacks. If they smelled something that seemed off, you reported to the gym for testing. Thinking about the poor students who merely had food in their possession and were put through a disciplinary emotional rollercoaster still makes me laugh. Some students were so scared of getting randomly tested that if they had any inclination that today would be their fate, they just wouldn’t come to school.
It is sad to think that a student would be more concerned about jeopardizing their future and getting in trouble than their education. However, that was the slippery slope of this high school.
I saw many of my good friends end up in rehab or suffer from drug-related issues during this time. I remember when a fellow student of mine went to his guidance counselor and expressed that he was struggling, and what was her response?
“Why don’t you try to focus more on your studies, I think you might be overreacting.”
And yet, I still hear about former students of this school being troubled today. Do I think that this school had any responsibility for this? Yes and no.
At the end of the day, people are going to make some stupid decisions. Being a young adult with high pressures and anxiety from the place they are supposed to learn and be valued definitely causes more unwarranted decision-making than normal, in other words, to choose to drink or do drugs.
On the other hand, choosing to partici-
pate in illegal acts that we were profusely warned about is just that— illegal.
However, I think that if my Catholic school cared more about the well-being of their students rather than how our uniforms looked or if we were doing drugs, everyone would be collectively happier. I think that so much more could have been done to contribute to a more positive environment, and maybe some of the teachers or administration wanted that but could not voice it due to there being religious practices or protocols preventing them.
I don’t think the Catholic religion is wrong. I don’t think that this school was corrupt due to the sole reason of being a Catholic school. I do, however, think that it was a contributing factor.
My relationship with this religion was deceitful, and that is just my humble opinion.
I mentioned previously that I did not last the whole four years — there was no way I could’ve. I felt like an outsider as it was, but when I witnessed the well-being of myself and others clearly deteriorating, I knew it was time to take some initiative. Right before the pandemic, I transferred to a local public school, where it changed my life forever. Funnily enough, I was not alone in transferring out of this school, some of my peers dropped like flies from there, too.
At my new school, I felt valued and listened to. It was an instantaneous difference. Many more mental health measures were taken seriously, I met my best friends still to this day there, and did not have to wear that itchy and uncomfortable uniform anymore.
I am still in contact with some of my teachers from there today, too, and I owe the last two years that I spent there and eventually graduating everything. What to take away from this?
Listen to your gut. Whether it be in a social situation, a significant other, a teacher or a toxic environment, if you feel it is wrong, then it probably is. Leaving what I had known to be my only experience of high school was terrifying, but I’ll never regret it.
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.
Ansley Graves is a junior at UT this year studying journalism. She can be reached at agrave24@vols.utk.edu.
Do you feel safe on campus? Survey results
The Beacon conducted a short survey which was designed to understand how students feel about safety on campus. This survey was available in-person on Ped Walkway on Wednesday, Feb. 5, as well as online via The Daily Beacon’s Instagram account.
Have you ever encountered a situation on campus
that
made you feel unsafe? 56.3% of responses answered No Yes No
43.8% of responses answered Yes
This survey was not designed to understand the full population of UT students. Rather, it was created to hear the individual voices of our peers and measure common feelings toward safety at UT.
Our survey asked students to rate how safe they feel on campus on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 feeling the least safe and 10 feeling the most safe.
“the
“The strip”
“Strip, parking garages, alleyway” “Pres Court”
What are the areas on campus where you feel the most unsafe (if any)?
“As
and more of the
public which I consider to be the more
”
“The Fort”
“Frat parties”
“the strip, near the train tracks/after frat row”
“the courtyard behind the presidential post office”
“i just feel like i might get jumped at night”
“Women get targeted by frat men ”
What students have to say:
“I am a woman and felt threatened by a man ’ s sexual interest in me ” “Women are disproportionately affected by sexual assault, and sexualized much more frequently than men Since we are put in this vulnerable situation, it’s much harder to feel safe on a campus of men who remain unpunished for sexual assault and harassment ”
“obviously being (a) woman makes you wayyyy more wary of unknown men walking around a one at night especial y older men ”
parts closest to cumberland and on the outskirts of campus really”
campus begins to fade into downtown Knoxville, the population becomes less of students
general
unsafe area of campus
“around the fort, on the strip at night”