CAMPUS RALLIES AFTER DACA THREATS
VTCYNIC.COM
Protest in response to dismissal of DACA brings together campus groups and spikes support of undocumented students Kassondra Little Senior Staff Writer The clanking of spoons against pots and pans echoed the words of the chanting crowd at the Defend DACA rally. Protesters gathered in support of undocumented students at 3 p.m. on Friday in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement last Tuesday that he would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. In the announcement, Trump said he would give Congress a six-month window to make a decision on whether DACA would be repealed, according to a Sept. 5 CNN article. “My sister came here undocumented when she was 6 years old and is a DACA recipient,” said sophomore and Black Student Union President Harmony Edosomwan. Edosomwan said she is concerned with how the president’s repeal will affect her sister. As a member of an undocumented family, she was fearful that she would come home from college and her mother would not be there after Trump was elected, she said. “The topic of her being undocumented was really a hushed thing because we were always scared of our family being outed,” she said. Edosomwan addressed the crowd and expressed her solidarity. “If you are a DACA recipient, we stand with you,” she said. Since 2012, immigrants approved for DACA have been able to enroll in college and legally secure jobs, according to the CNN article. This program is no longer accepting requests as of Sept. 5, according to the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services website. There are currently over 800,000 DACA recipients in the U. S., according to the website. These recipients will be eligible for deportation this coming March, according to a Sept. 5 New York Times article. The BSU joined other organizations like the Mosaic Center, Alianza Latina, the Womyn of Color Association and the LGBTQA Center to organize the rally. Students chanted in between speakers, alternating from English to Spanish for each chant. “The people united will never be defeated,” they chanted, then repeated in Spanish,. “Hey hey, ho ho, deportation has got to go.” The students continued these chants as they marched from Central campus to Waterman building. UVM will continue to protect undocumented students as much as possible within the federal law, President Tom Sullivan stated in a Sept. 1 press release. “I want [DACA students] to know that we understand the anxiety and special set of challenges they and their families may face,” Sullivan stated. “We stand united in our efforts to ensure their welfare and academic success at UVM.” On Thursday, Sullivan joined over 600 other university and college presidents who have publicly signed an agreement to uphold the DACA policy. “To our country’s leaders, we say that DACA should be upheld, continued and expanded . . . This is both a moral imperative and a national necessity,” the declaration states. Edosomwan said that the student body plans to hold Sullivan “to his word.” “If one student leaves
[UVM] because of DACA, you’re going to see our faces again,” she said. After President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions said immigrants in the country illegally are taking the wages and jobs of Americans, protests broke out in front of the White House and Justice Department, according to the New York Times article. Rally leaders junior Z McCarron, sophomore Jordan Ciccone and Edosomwan all said they were happy and impressed with the turnout of the event. The event was mainly to show “solidarity with DACA students and all undocumented folks in our community,” McCarron said. To conclude the rally, members of the crowd locked arms and held hands as Ciccone led them in a song: “What a time to be alive, what a time to be alive, The revolution has come. What a time to be alive, what a time to alive, When we stand up, we’ve already won.” “It is about demanding humanization for everyone,” Ciccone said. “If there is dehumanization going around, everyone is dehumanized.”
Students protest outside of the Davis Center and Waterman building against President Trump’s plans to end the DACA program. President Tom Sullivan published a letter supporting the program. KASSONDRA LITTLE/The Vermont Cynic
NEWS
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The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
Barbecue event welcomes the LGBTQA community JP Reidel Senior Staff Writer Ellyn Lapointe Cynic Correspondent Despite a gray forecast, students, alumni and community members gathered at the Allen House, UVM’s LGBTQA Center, Sept. 9. The House hosted an annual “welcome back” barbecue for students who identify as LGBTQA, their families and alumni at UVM. “I felt like I already knew everyone there,” sophomore Cai Shapiro said. People came together to eat, make crafts and kindle friendships under rainbow flags and decorations. The barbecue gives a feeling of home for the community and allows people to make meaningful connections, Shapiro said. Organizations such as Free2Be and the Pride Center of Vermont were tabling at the barbecue. “For many people, college is the first time they’re being exposed to the LGBTQA community,” said junior Luis Garcia, president of Free2Be. “It’s really cool to see people grow.” Free2Be is the SGA-recognized LGBTQA organization on campus. The organization is built on fours pillars of intersectionality, social awareness, advocacy and activism, Garcia said. Garcia’s organization is just one of many that work with the LGBTQA Center to raise awareness and activism in the
community, said Kate Jerman, LGBTQA Center director. “I want people to know this is their center, and if we don’t offer something already that interests them to let us know if there’s something new we can do,” Jerman said. The barbecue is just the beginning of several events the Center holds throughout the year to bring the community together, she said. “We do an event called Crockpot Comfort for people to come and just share a meal,” Jerman said. The Center works to make people feel welcomed from all different backgrounds, she said. “One of the awesome things about the barbecue and Pride Weekend is the visibility,” Jerman said. “Students from all different areas and backgrounds come together here.” Karen Butt, tabling for the Pride Center of Vermont, said she felt the welcome back barbecue and similar events are important for the queer community. “I’m representing two groups here: one is for parents of transgender kids and the other is the trans kids themselves,” Butt said. Butt and her husband moved to Vermont several years ago to support their daughter who is trans, she said. “The barbecue looks awesome and I’m just glad to know this is here,” Butt said. Events like this are important for the greater community as well, she said.
Members of UVM’s Free2Be group table at the annual LGBTQ barbecue Sept. 9. The event is hosted by the Allen House and serves as a welcome back to campus for members of the community. OLIVER POMAZI/The Vermont Cynic
Preacher on campus sparks conversation along with controversy Kim Henry Staff Writer On Sept. 1, a preacher who introduced himself as Gerald waved his bible outside the Davis Center, drawing a group of students who challenged his ideals. For the past several years, early fall and spring have attracted street preachers to campus. Though Gerald, from Alabama, had never been to Burlington before, he has traveled to preach in college campuses across 16 states, he said. Students ignored Gerald for most of the day, sophomore Molly Humphreys said. But between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. a crowd collected around the preacher. Humphreys said the mass of students was heckling the preacher. One student shouted, “f--- science,” she said, and another, “I’m gay, am I going to hell?” Junior Will Lynch said he and his friends wanted to make the whole scene look stupid, so they laid on their backs with their bikes near the crowd, peddling upside down. The biker continued until sophomores Harmony Edosomwan and Eloho Obaro-Best passed the scene on the way to the library. According to Lynch, Edosomwan walked up to the preacher. She said she was a gay Christian. Gerald threw
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Edosomwan walked up to the preacher. She said she was a gay Christian. Gerald threw down his hat and said“people like her are the problem.”
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down his hat and said “people like [her] are the problem.” Edosomwan, a member of UVM’s InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, continued to talk with the preacher. “I asked him, ‘What is your purpose? Are you here to debate or spread the gospel?’”
Edosomwan said. “He said ‘Gospel,’ so I told him you’re supposed to do that with love and in love.” By 4:30 p.m., the large crowd of students had split into two smaller factions. In one group, Edosomwan, Obaro-Best and people of var-
ied beliefs discussed theology. In the other group, students, now seated, listened to and debated Gerald’s sermon. The group of multi-faith students shared their journeys toward religion. Obaro-Best laughed while recounting a story of how Jesus
kindly treated a prostitute. “If that were today, she would’ve been a ‘THOT,’” she said. Sophomore Lauren Posklensky shared how she hated learning Hebrew, but loved being able to teach young kids at a summer camp to sing “You Are My Sunshine” in Hebrew. After talking for nearly an hour, the interfaith group dispersed. Some of them returned home, while others joined the group seated around the preacher. Later, sophomore Flora Dewar introduced herself to Lynch, who identifies as gay. She invited him to an InterVarsity meeting. Gerald looked away and said, “Oh please, ma’am. Please don’t do that.” Gerald said he hated to see Christians approving of others’ sins. By nearly 6 p.m., Lynch was the last student left talking with Gerald. After over two hours of discussing whether homosexuality was a sin, Lynch mounted his bike. Gerald said, “I love you.” Lynch said, “I think you’re a bad person,” and biked away. The whole conversation lasted about two and a half hours. Once the preacher left, the remaining students said they did not get anything out of the conversation with the preacher.
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Sept. 12, 2017
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The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
VT prepares to face climate change Staff Editorial Recent worldwide environmental catastrophes have finally forced needed attention on climate change and the negative impact we humans have made on our planet. The magnitudes of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Katia as well as countless tornadoes and tropical storms are irrefutably correlated to our disregard for the planet’s well-being. Now we’re paying the price. Hurricane Irma officially broke the record as the most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic according to the Observer. According to a Sept. 1 NY Times article, Hurricane Harvey is estimated to cost between $70 and $108 billion. For reference, Hurricane Sandy cost $70.2 billion. The most expensive natural disaster in the U.S., Hurricane Katrina, cost $160 billion. Even Vermont has seen quite a few unnatural natural disasters. Mountainous terrain is supposed to make tornados nearly impossible– historically, Vermont doesn’t have a tornado season. We have an average of zero tornadoes per year. But about a week before movein day, we had a tornado watch and a massive downpour. Honestly, talking about climate change at UVM is like beating a dead horse. The vast majority of UVM faculty and students fervently believe the scientific fact that our species has created a very new, very unnatural form of climate change. But the onslaught of these natural disasters– so many that it has grown difficult to keep up with which storm is devastating with community– is a reminder that we must not sit and accept our fate. UVM’s commitment to sustainability is not simply a publicity pitch. Our LEED-certified buildings, though beautiful
and energy-efficient, are not the reason the University invests people, money and time into environmental research. Our community hosts climate summits and offers environmental sustainability classes because we know that the generation about to graduate is going to need the skills to solve massive, complex climate issues. And these global issues have a local, maple-flavored impact. Vermonters have already adjusted their crop rotations to changing growing seasons. When winters are weak and snow coverage at Stowe and Sugarbush is low, it isn’t just UVM winter sports fanatics who suffer. The people who work in the winter sports industry lose their jobs. According to 2014 research commissioned by the National Resource Defense Council, up to 27,000 people lost their jobs between 1999 and 2010 due to low snowfall seasons. It isn’t just the livelihoods of our neighbors that are at stake when the climate is unpredictable. The last few weeks have reminded us that the lives of our friends in Florida, Louisiana and Texas are at risk, too. Scientists have warned us for years that our planet is at risk. In the last 60 years, the average high temperatures have increased while average low temperatures have decreased at an accelerating rate. According to AccuWeather, the number of intense rainfall events has increased significantly in the past century. Their 2013 research study showed that the number of climate-related disasters and meteorological events (such as floods, tropical cyclones, local storms, heat/cold waves, drought and wildfires) has increased by nearly 400 percent since 1950. We were warned years ago
KIRA BELLIS that “natural disasters, particularly floods and storms, will become more frequent and severe because of climate change,” according to the New England Journal of Medicine. The same article warned that the need for international relief would grow as natural disasters brought on by climate change grow more and more frequent. But while we’re “going green” and priding ourselves on our sustainable efforts, the greater issues lie outside our kale-infused bubble. We all believe in climate
change in Vermont, but our White House does not. Our commander-in-chief labeled climate change as a “hoax.” We cannot let the attention to this massive issue subside. We call on all students– environmental studies and finance majors alike– to keep the conversation going. Beyond the conversation, members of the UVM community must take their education and broach the major issues facing our generation. It’s never been clearer how many lives depend on it.
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LILI TRAVIATO
The Vermont Cynic
OPINION
Sept. 12, 2017
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POINT/COUNTERPOINT
GENEVIEVE WINN
THE DEBATE ON DACA
We have a moral duty to defend the Dreamers
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Matthew Hagberg
mmigrants have been and continue to be the backbone of the nation. Still, Donald Trump announced his decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. But why? DACA is a just and beneficial program. Rather than judge the undocumented children of undocumented workers, called Dreamers, based on their parents’ past, the act allows Dreamers to be legally allowed to work and live in the U.S for two years. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Service, an estimated 1,451,195 deferral requests have been accepted from 2012 to 2016. All of these applicants are required to be in school, have a high school diploma or GED, have served in the military or be completing some form of technical or trade school. These applicants do not fit the stereotype of the tax-evading, sneaky immigrant. In fact, illegal immigrants pay around $11 billion in taxes annually, as reported by CNN Money this month. If DACA were to end, we would be shutting the door on current and future doctors, lawmakers, politicians, teachers and more. The majority of Dreamers have lived here almost their entire lives, so sending them back to a country they have little contact with is nonsensical. If we do deport Dreamers, according to the Center for American Progress, the United States would lose an estimated $460 billion dollars over the next 10 years, as 91 percent of Dreamers are currently employed. These are people working in
nearly every faction of business; in fact, 6 percent of Dreamers have already launched their own companies, which employ American citizens. Even Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump’s actions. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said in an official statement that we as Americans “do not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parents.” Just like how we don’t hold the president accountable for his actions. At least these immigrants are required to show us their tax returns, right? Although owned by New York City, the Statue of Liberty currently resides in the waters of Jersey City, New Jersey, which I and around 21,000 Dreamers call home. Just as she stands steadfast out of the darkness, so will Dreamers: the people we know as our friends, neighbors and fellow Americans. Matthew Hagberg is a first year political science major. He has been writing for the Cynic since 2017.
But we are obligated to uphold the constitution James Simpson
President Barack Obama said: “America is a nation of laws… am not going to argue whethWith respect to the notion that er it would be just to deport I can just suspend deportations illegal immigrants who came through executive order, that’s here as children. The fact is dejust not the case, because there porting every single illegal imare laws on the books that Conmigrant would be cost-prohibigress has passed.” tive and impossible. Then in 2012, in response to I also will not deny that many Congress rejecting the DREAM illegal immigrants contribute to Act, the Obama administration the economy, and removing all usurped Congress’ authority by of them would cause more harm unilaterally changing the law to than good. defer deportations and allow ilRather, my argument against legal immigrants brought here DACA will focus on the fact that as children to obtain work perimplementing it was a flagrant mits. violation of the Constitution That is a blatant violation of and the separation of powers it the separation of powers. prescribes. “Congress passes the law. According to Article 1 SecThe executive branch’s job is to tion 1 of the Constitution: “All enforce and implement those legislative Powers herein grantlaws,” Obama said. “I swore an ed shall be vested in a Congress oath to uphold the laws on the of the United States…” books… I know some people The Constitution does not want me to bypass Congress and grant legislative power to the exchange the laws on my own… ecutive, apart from him either That’s not how our democrasigning or vetoing a bill. He does cy functions. That’s not how our not have the power to change Constitution is written.” the laws as passed by Congress. The the legislative branch is Who better to ask than the separate from the executive to former president himself? ensure that a single person is During a March 28, 2011 innot unilaterally creating policy. terview with Univision, former That job belongs solely to our congressional representatives. KATI KIRSCH No matter how good or popular DACA may be, the ends do not justify the means. A president that bypasses Congress to enact his agenda, especially an agenda item that Congress rejected, sets a dangerous precedent. I hope Congress resolves this issue soon. But even if it fails to do so, it is not up to the executive branch to change the law.
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James Simpson is a junior political science major. He has been writing for the Cynic since 2016.
ARTS
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The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
Art Hop fashion show displays local designers’ work Isabella Alessandrini
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n Saturday, models traipsed down a gleaming runway to the DJ’s beat as cameras flashed and spectators swooned. The glamorous, high-energy atmosphere could have been found in any fashion capital– New York, Paris, Milan. But this was no typical fashion week show: this was STRUT! STRUT! is a fashion show put on during the South End’s annual Art Hop. This was STRUT’s 13th year and was organized by the show’s director, Gina Tron. Tron worked for several months to coordinate everything to create the best show possible, she said. The wide variety of styles, textures and models at this year’s STRUT! reflected the inclusive and eclectic diversity of the Burlington fashion scene. The show featured 13 collections made by 15 local designers of various ages. Some of the designers are high schoolers with plans to develop their portfolios in order to get into a fashion school, Tron said. Senior Zoe Crane made sleek, abstract art-inspired garments. She taught herself to sew from YouTube videos. Many of the other high schoolers’ designs looked like clothing UVM students wear on campus: sophisticated blazers, trendy off-the-shoulder tops and high-waisted denim skirts. Other STRUT! designers have careers in fields unrelated to fashion and create their collections in their spare time. Lillian Dean works as a speech pathologist at a local
high school and has participated in STRUT! for two years. “It took me a few months to put together this collection because I love to hand sew,” Dean said. “I make thematic, high concept collaged costumes you wouldn’t really find on the street.” She said that her designs are for sale and that she also makes garments upon request. Some models wore the whimsical designs of Katarina Lisaius, who works in education for Bernie Sanders. Her designs were decked out in pom poms, bright colors and tutus, and were accompanied by a parade of bubbles. There were also several other established designers, such as hat maker David Melech and menswear designer Lee Cornell, whose pieces are sold in local boutiques and online. Tove Ohlander, the designer behind a brand called T by Dem, assisted the Burlington High School men’s soccer team in creating a line in memory of one of their teammates who passed away this summer. Their touching designs and on-stage backflips had the crowd on their feet applauding. From haute couture gowns to ready-to-wear outfits to menswear, the show featured a diverse set of styles and body shapes. “We’re not trying to compete with New York Fashion Week at all,” Tron said. “Pretty much everyone can be a model, there are no gender or size limitations.” Young girls, teenagers, adults, soccer players and a dog were just a few of the models who strutted down the catwalk with their heads held
Models walk up and down the runway during the 13th annual STRUT! Fashion Show Sept. 9. The show featured 13 collections made by 15 local designers of various ages. AUTUMN LEE/The Vermont Cynic high. Each model strutted to upbeat music, applause and cheering from the audience. Most models grinned as they walked.
“It’s all about our community, showing real people wearing real clothes and having fun with it,” Tron said.
Isabella Alessandrini is a junior. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2016
ART HOP TIMELINE
First Art Hop takes place
1986
1993
SEABA founded (as Greater Pine Street Business Organization)
First STRUT fashion show
1994
SEABA begins organizing the Art Hop
1998
2006
Juried art show moves out from the train car where it was originally based
2013
First Art Hop ale (in partnership with Magic Brewing Company)
Burlington celebrates the 25th anniversary of local artist festival Addie Beach Staff Writer Visiting Burlington’s South End 25 years ago, people walking around would have seen empty warehouses and crumbling buildings. Unless you were one of a few artists, that is—then you saw potential. Last weekend marked the 25th anniversary of Burlington’s South End Art Hop. The three-day event featured the work of over 600 artists at more than 100 locations, according to the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA) website. Adam Brooks, executive director of SEABA, said the art
ranged anywhere from sculpture to music and performance pieces. SEABA brought back annual events including the Juried Art show, STRUT! fashion show and classes on how to make sunglasses and mold chocolate into sculptures. Brooks said that Art Hop hadn’t forgotten its roots. This year, the festival brought back some of the artists and businesses from 25 years ago that “activated” the South End into what it is today, Brooks said. The original event had only 300 attendees. Now, the weekend attracts about 30,000 attendees a year, according to a Seven Days article published on Sept. 7.
The goal behind the first Art Hop was simple: a group of artists got together to see how they could show their studios and artwork to the Burlington community, Brooks said. Rich Arentzen of AO Glass was one of these artists. “It was a good opportunity to show my work in a collective space,” Arentzen said. The event featured amateur and professional artists alike. Arentzen said he believes the Art Hop has been particularly valuable for the amateurs. “They are often very talented, and it’s a good way for them to show the community what they like to do and what their skills are,” he said. There weren’t many issues
putting together the first Art Hop, but the fact that there weren’t similar events to emulate made the first year a challenge, Arentzen said. Over the years Art Hop has spread across town, now encompassing much of Pine Street and spreading into other areas of Burlington. Arentzen said this expansion is a positive force for Art Hop. “Some people say it takes focus away from the art,” he said, “but I think it adds much more energy and life.” Brooks also sees the sprawled-out nature of Art Hop as a key part of its fun. “You just never know what you’re going to find around that corner, in that door, through that alley,”
he said. Both Arentzen and Brooks said they hoped to see more of the UVM community at future Art Hops. Brooks said it gave students a chance to try something new and interesting. “Whether you take up glass blowing or painting as a hobby,” he said, “the South End is open to any and all possibilities, and Art Hop helps those artists start, grow and thrive.” Senior Elizabeth Whalen said she was happy to attend Art Hop. “It’s good to support local art,” she said. “The community can always use more culture.”
The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
ARTS
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WRUV DJs relax in the booth during a break. WRUV will hold a training for anyone looking to get involved with the radio station at 5 p.m. Sept. 15 in Billings Lecture Hall. PHIL CARRUTHERS/The Vermont Cynic
Radio station opens doors to potential DJs Kati Kirsch To start off the fall semester, UVM’s very own radio station, WRUV, is holding DJ training for anyone looking to get involved, regardless of experience level. WRUV provides the opportunity for students, faculty and Burlington locals to have their own radio show. At the station, they meet a welcoming and diverse group of people who share one thing
in common: their “passion for music,” said junior Gabby Battaglia, WRUV program director. Junior Corey Pettengill, business director at the station, said it was “the perfect environment to talk, listen and learn about music.” The first DJ training meeting for students looking to get involved is at 5 p.m. Sept. 15 in Billings Lecture Hall. DJ training is spread out over about two months and includes five steps. It begins with
an in-station session followed by a brief exam. Afterward, prospective DJs must spend six hours shadowing other DJs and then create their own 15-minute “demo tape,” which contains a taste of the songs they would play on the radio. The final step is the completion of four “graveyard” shifts, from 2-4 a.m. or 4-6 a.m., Battaglia said. Once those shifts are completed, more opportunities are available.
DJs can “have a weekly time slot, run for a position on the executive board, table at events, help with interviews and in-station performances, review music and so much more,” she said. According to Battaglia, it is not intimidating to learn how to have your own radio show. Battaglia said she is a “human development and family studies major who’s never played an instrument in [her] life and had no idea what levels were before joining WRUV.”
Pettengill said he remembers not even wanting to attend the first meeting. “Now I couldn’t even imagine not being a part of the station,” he said. “It is such a great environment and once you start, it is so easy to fall in love with WRUV.” Those who would like to get involved but cannot make the initial meeting can contact Gabby Battaglia at programdirector@wruv.org.
Hip-hop boy band takes personal approach to new album Dahls Maleh
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merica has never been more ready for a new boyband, and BROCKHAMPTON is ready to fill that void in all our hearts. The 15-member ensemble changes the standards for what a rap group should be in 2017. Only 45 days after dropping their first album, “SATURATION I,” they blessed their fans with “SATURATION II.” The 16 songs, all of which are stylized with all capital letters, did not disappoint. The group exudes excitement and enthusiasm, ready to share their work. BROCKHAMPTON, whose members include artists, producers, creative visionaries, designers and photographers, met in a way as unconventional as the artists who comprise it. They connected on a Kanye West fan forum called KanyeToThe.com. Kevin Abstract, a rapper and Texas-raised internet artist, brought them together to create the collective. The album starts off with a string quartet melody that could be heard in a Disney movie, but the dreamy intro is interrupted by the harsh sound of a jail cell buzzer. Abstract sets the bar high with his first verse in the opening song “GUMMY.” A completely different side of the artist is on display. While his lyrics usually come from his heart and ex-
plore his feelings, this time he called out his critics. The song QUEER, a standout on the album, refers to both sexuality and the original meaning of the word, as in “odd.” The five main rappers of the group each have a confessional verse where they embrace their true weird selves. The artists and lyrics are so relatable that they seem like an approachable group of friends. The catchy chorus ,“Where we’ll go is far away, I don’t even mind/As long as you stay right here, right next to my side”, encaptures the group’s dynamic perfectly. The album is filled with both catchy bars and meaningful, deep lyrics. “JUNKY” has a hypnotic beat produced by Romil Hemnani and covers topics like homophobia, suicide and drug abuse. Abstract answers his own rhetorical question when he says, “Why you always rap about bein’ gay? Cause not enough n---- rap and be gay.”
Dahls Maleh is a first-year public communication major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2017.
BROCKHAMPTON’S third studio album, “Saturation II,” was released Aug. 25, just 45 days after their second album. Photo courtesy of BROCKHAMPTON
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LIFE
The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
Burlington boasts pride in rainbow parade Kailey Bates Staff Writer Hundreds of people showed off their true colors as they marched down Church Street together, waving rainbow flags and cheering in Vermont’s Pride Parade. The event kicked off Sep. 10 in the parking lot of the Hood Plant. Rainbows, glitter and smiles were everywhere. Several organizations, including Ben and Jerry’s, Hannaford’s and different churches held up their banners, showing their support. Lucy Samara, director of outreach at the First Congregational Church of Burlington, took pictures of her fellow church members holding up their banner. “We are an open and affirming church, which means we officially celebrate everybody equally and completely,” she said. “Many of the United Church of Christ churches believe that love is love, no matter who you are.” She looked over at her friends. “There are some older folks here who have waited– well, I can’t even tell you how long– to celebrate who they are,” she said. “Every year, members share that they never thought they’d be able to step out in public, say who they are and feel loved.” Emma Charow, a senior at Lyndon State College, marched with friends alongside Johnson
State College students. “Our colleges are unifying to become Northern Vermont University, so we’re marching together to show solidarity,” Charow said. Charrow, who is cisgender and straight, was happy to share in the celebration with her friends who identify as LGBTQA. “It’s important to me that I have the ability to support this community which allows my friends to be uniquely and totally themselves,” she said. Becky Swem, the education and outreach coordinator at the LGBTQA Center, said Burlington residents were exceptionally accepting. “Growing up, I didn’t have this community,” she said. “It’s awesome that a small state can host a big event like this, showing people just how many of us there are in the community.” Swem said the parade was important because it gave the local queer community visibility. Susan Hartman, director of the Pride Center, volunteered to help organize the pride parade, something she’s done many times before. “I’ve been in parades in Texas, Arkansas, Arizona– all over,” she said. “Phoenix’s parades are huge. They’re about three hours long!” Hartman spoke of the importance these parades have had not only on her life, but the country overall.
“Pride is about two things: celebrating the fact that we are living authentically, and reminding the country at large that we are here and not going away,” she said. “It reminds everyone that we’re not going to stop working for full equality.” She looked around at the crowd of people. “The LGBTQA community is so diverse, but we’re brothers and sisters in this world,” Hartman said. “This is our family reunion.” Burlington community members gather in downtown Burlington to celebrate pride Sept. 10. Celebrations kicked off in the South End and moved down to Battery Park. MO QUIGG/The Vermont Cynic
LGBTQA gives big welcome back BBQ Libby Camp Cynic Correspondent Despite the dreary weather, spirits were high and smiles were bright at the annual LGBTQA Center Welcome Back Family Barbecue. From 1-3 p.m. Saturday, UVM students gathered at the Allen House, home of UVM’s LGBTQA Center, to celebrate the beginning of the new school year. The barbecue boasted plenty of delicious food, ranging from hamburgers and hot dogs to the yearly favorite caramel apple station. There were arts and crafts for all families, students and alumni in attendance. Queer community members turned out to promote pride weekend and their own organizations. Sophomore Cai Shapiro was one of many students there from the Free2Be organization, an LGBTQA club on campus. They were most struck by the sense of community and the automatic connection, Shapiro said. “It’s great to put different members of the LGBTQA community all in one place,” said sophomore Olivia Avery, Free2Be’s social media manager. It can be overwhelming and hard to find a community centered around something you identify with at a school as large as UVM, Avery said.
Pregnancy...
UVM students gather at the Allen House for the annual LGBTQA Center welcome back family barbecue. The event is for making connections among the queer community on campus. CAROLINE SLACK/The Vermont Cynic Becky Swem, the education and outreach coordinator for the LGBTQA Center, said she wanted the event to bring a family feeling to the community. “It’s supposed to be like a family barbecue,” Swem said. Her goal was to to connect first-years with the LGBTQA community on campus, she said. “UVM has this really welcoming and inclusive community,” said Kate Jerman, newly-appointed director of the LGBTQA Center. “To get to be a part of that is really awesome.” First-years Zoë Holdorf and Sam Parmekan said they were both excited by the prospect of getting more involved with the queer community at UVM. “I don’t know a lot of stuff
about this so far,” Holdorf said, “but I’m interested in learning more and being part of the community.” Sarah Heath, a representative of the Career Center, said she tabled at the event because she felt it was important for her organization to communicate openly with queer students about their career paths. “Whether it be ‘should I come out in the interview,’ ‘how do I tell my boss if I’m transitioning,’ or anything else, we just try to guide and help our students,” Heath said. Interested students can contact Free2Be at Cai.Shapiro@uvm.edu or L.M.Garcia@uvm.edu, or find them on Facebook or Instagram with the handle @UVM_Free2Be.
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The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
LIFE
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BRIGITTE RIORDAN
Promoting a safe space for LGBTQ students at UVM UVM LGBTQA Center Fast Facts
Established in
1999
3
Full time employees
200+
Students in attendance at last year BBQ Next LGBTQA event at the Allen House is Wednesday at
5 p.m.
Katie Brobst Assistant Life Editor With the start of a new year, UVM’s LGBTQA Center readied itself to welcome new members the UVM queer community. Since its formation in 1999, the LGBTQA Center, located in the Allen House on Main Street, has been responsible for a lot of the University’s queer accommodations. “UVM is often known as one of the top LGBTQ friendly schools,” said Becky Swen, the Center’s education and outreach director. “We were the first university to use the banner system which allows students to put preferred names and pronouns on class rosters, cat cards, etc. and I think that draws a lot of folks to campus.” While the Center at UVM is small– it has only three fulltime employees and a few student workers– it has a huge impact. “I’ve worked at our welcome back barbecue and admitted student visit days for four years, and I’ve seen the number of people who attend those introductory events exponentially increase,” said senior Charlotte Gliserman, one of the center’s student employees. The center has become such a hub for incoming students that its small size is becoming noticeable, she said. “We can’t fit all of the students who want to be at our admitted student visits in our student lounge right now,” Gliserman said. “It’s clear that UVM has things people want in their lives and we need to make sure that we give that to them.” According to Swen, last year’s welcome back barbecue had over 200 students in attendance, most of them new students and first-years who wanted to meet the queer community. The LGBTQA Center hosts a variety of social, fun, educational and community-building events. “I think what we really need
EMMA PINEZICH
“UVM is often known as one of the top LGBTQ friendly schools.” - Becky Swem, education and outreach director to put attention towards is fulfilling the needs of the more marginalized portions of the LGBTQ+ community on campus,” Gliserman said. “There’s a lot of food insecurity in our community, and there are a lot of issues with finding housing where people
feel safe,” she said. Gliserman believes that a focus needs to be given to making queer people of color feel at home on UVM’s predominantly white campus, she said. “They are just as important as anyone else,” Gliserman said.
The center held its welcome back barbecue for the community Saturday. The Allen House will host the first monthly crockpot dinner, a home-cooked meal open to anyone, at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
SPORTS
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The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
5 UVM ATHLETES TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SEASON Locria Courtright Assistant Sports Editor
As the fall sports season begins, UVM sports teams welcome new players to bolster their lineups. Here’s a look at five new student-athletes to watch out for in the 2017-18 season.
Ra Kbedi
Geo Alves
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, first-year Ra Kpedi is the biggest player on the men’s basketball team. With a composite three-star rating, he is UVM’s highest-rated recruit, according to VerbalCommits.com. An experienced player who can play the power forward or center positions, Kpedi’s biggest strength is his rebounding, averaging 11 rebounds a game. He was also named to the IndyStar’s SuperTeam Second Team.
Sophomore Geo Alves transferred from Division III Dean College. He started his UVM soccer career strong, scoring two goals in the season-opening 4-1 win at Hartwick College and the tying goal in a 2-1 overtime loss to San Diego State University. For his efforts, the São Filipe, Cabo Verde native was named America East Player of the Week for week one. The Catamounts were faced with the task of replacing forwards Brian Wright and Bernard Yeboah ‘17. Alves stepped up and began contributing right away.
Valerie Caldwell
Photo courtesy of UVM Athletics.
Brice Misley In his final year of hockey with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Oakville Blades, firstyear Bryce Misley put up 62 points in 46 games. Misley followed up with 14 points in 16 playoff games while nursing a foot injury. He was drafted in the summer by the Minnesota Wild in the NHL Entry Draft. With his playmaking skills and careful stickhandling, he will replace some of the offense UVM lost to graduation. Photo courtesy of Twitter.
The winner of an Illinois state championship with Loyola Academy, first-year Valerie Caldwell starred with the Ramblers for four years. She reached the state championship game each year. Caldwell graduated as the program’s all-time leader in goals with 112 over four years. Caldwell “can turn scoring into an art form,” according to The Daily North Shore. She also played at USA Hockey’s U18 Girls Development Camp in 2016, posting three points in four games, showing that her scoring totals in Illinois were no fluke. The women’s hockey program has been on the rise at UVM in recent years. New players like Caldwell are a part of the team’s building success.
Photo courtesy of The Daily North Shore.
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Danni Lozzi A native of Horsham, England, Dani Lozzi joins UVM after starring in her native country with the Sevenoak Suns. With the Suns, she made back-to-back U18 national championship games and lost both. However, she did win a Women’s British Basketball League championship with the Suns in 2017. Lozzi showed she can step up in big games, hauling down 18 rebounds in the 2016 final against Peckham. UVM is in the midst of a rebuild for its women’s basketball program. Lozzi could be a solid contributor this year.
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The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
SPORTS
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Men’s soccer beats Yale in second shutout of season Sabrina Hood Senior Staff Writer The men’s soccer team secured a 1-0 win against the Yale University Bulldogs Saturday at the Rally Against Cancer game. This is the second shutout win in a row for UVM, giving the team a 3-2 record for the season thus far. This was the first time UVM played against Yale in 20 years, according to UVM athletics. The only goal of the game was scored by junior forward Geo Alves three minutes before the end of the first half. Redshirt first-year goalkeeper Alex Popovich said it was “one of the best halves [they’ve] had.” This was Alves’ fifth goal so far this season, according to UVM athletics. The Bulldogs were a difficult competitor because they ran a great defense, head coach Rob Dow said. “We didn’t get to keep the ball much,” Popovich said. “Throwing the ball in the box was their game plan.” UVM did not let this intensive defensive strategy deter them from maintaining a solid lead. During halftime Dow addressed the team. “We needed to be ready to respond,” he said. “Eventually we did but it could’ve happened quicker,” he said. As first seen during scouting, Yale has a strong defense. “Once we [won] the ball, we needed to hold onto it better,” Popovich said. When junior midfielder
Mikel Kabala stopped the ball in transition, it was a primary example of strengthening defense and making a key defensive play, Dow said. However, the Catamounts combatted this difficult defense in the second half with a key play. Sophomore defender Ivar Orn Arnason did a diving scissor kick inside the goal box to deflect a shot attempt by the Bulldogs. It one of the best moments of the second half, Dow said. The crowd gave Arnasson a standing ovation after this play. “Ivar really helped me on the back post,” Popovich said. “The defense really did their job.” UVM had four shots on goal whereas Yale only had three, according to UVM athletics. “[As a team] we need to
take more chances. We need to shoot,” Dow said. “We did have a lot of the ball but needed to convert some of our chances and take more shots in the goal.” Now UVM will have the chance to take more risks. The next couple of games are away games on the west coast. With this second shutout win in a row, it “really prepares us to go out there and make some noise” Popovich said. The next men’s soccer games games are 7 p.m. Friday at California State University, Fullerton and 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the University of California, Riverside, according to UVM athletics.
Junior midfielder Mikel Kabala (top) and junior forward Geo Alves (bottom) steal the ball away from Yale players Sept. 9. The Catamounts won 1-0. SABRINA HOOD/The Vermont Cynic
Champions League starts season with all eyes set on Real Madrid The Soccer Report Eribert Volaj
T
he 63rd season of the UEFA Champions League will kick off this week, over three months after Real Madrid won their 12th title. Real Madrid became the first team since AC Milan in 1990 to win back-to-back Champions League titles after defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final. Led by forward Cristiano Ronaldo and featuring worldclass midfielders like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco, the Spanish champions will be the team to beat this season, too. Real Madrid’s Spanish rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, are the two main contenders to dethrone the champions. During the summer transfer window, Barcelona lost Neymar and missed out on several targets. The attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and newcomer Ousmane Dembele may prove too much for opponents to handle. Atletico were banned from making any new signings this summer, but the team has plenty of chemistry. Beyond the Spanish giants, the biggest contenders are Par-
is Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich. All three teams have been successful domestically in the past year, but have failed to replicate that success on Europe’s biggest stage. French champions PSG may be Real Madrid’s biggest contenders after signing Brazilian star Neymar for €222 million, the most expensive transfer in history. They bolstered their attack with 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe who is considered by many fans and experts to be the most exciting talent in world football. PSG will face Bayern in Group B in what could be the most exciting matchup in the group stage. The German giants have signed Colombian star James Rodriguez. They feature top players in every position, including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and forward Robert Lewandowski. Like Atletico Madrid, Juventus have also lost in the finals in recent years. Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon still does not have a Champions League winners’ medal.With Argentine forwards Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain improv-
ing, he can still have a chance to win before he retires. The English Premier League’s five teams may move far this year. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have both improved significantly over the summer. Both coaches are under pressure to start bringing prestigious titles to Manchester. The Manchester teams and Liverpool have been handed favorable draws in the group stage. The same cannot be said of the London teams. English champions Chelsea will have to get past Atletico Madrid and Italian side Roma. Tottenham Hotspur will have it even harder. They go against reigning champions Real Madrid and German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund. With so many teams seeking to dethrone Real Madrid, and with so many exciting matchups coming up in the
group stage, the Champions League season promises to be a memorable one. The competition will kickoff Tuesday, September 12, with the final set to be played May 12, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine.
ERIN BUNDOCK
Eribert Volaj is a junior business administration major. He has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2015.
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SPORTS
Featured Photo
The Vermont Cynic
Sept. 12, 2017
UVM SCOREBOARD Week of Sept. 4 - Sept. 10
W
Men’s soccer vs. Yale
1-0
Women’s soccer at American
W 1-0 OT L
Women’s field hockey vs. cornell
0-1
Next Week Sept. 11 - Sept. 17 Women’s soccer vs. Marist Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. Home Women’s cross country at Stampede Invite Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Buffalo, NY Men’s soccer at Cal State Fullerton Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. (4 p.m. PST) Fullerton, CA
Junior forward Justin Freitas battles for the ball against a Yale player Sept. 9. SABRINA HOOD/The Vermont Cynic
Women’s field hockey vs. Dartmouth Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. Home
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