The Commonwealth Times; February 2, 2022

VCU RESCINDS VACCINE MANDATE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION ‘IT’S JUST UNACCEPTABLE’

KATRINA LEE News Editor

MAE OETJENS Contributing Writer

VCU ENDED ITS POLICY REQUIRING FACULTY and students to receive the COVID-19 and booster vaccine on Jan. 31, according to the ONE VCU Together Website.

“Our high vaccination rates and ongoing mitigation efforts – combined with the recent legal opinion from the Attorney General for the Commonwealth that COVID-19 vaccines cannot be required for students – has led VCU to end requiring student vaccinations and boosters for the spring semester,” according to an email from ONE VCU Together.

VCU decided to lift the vaccination requirement on students seven days after Attorney General Jason Miyares gave a legal opinion about the requirement at the request of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

“I conclude that, absent specific authority conferred by the General Assembly, public institutions of higher education in Virginia may not require vaccination against COVID-19 as a general condition of students’ enrollment or in-person attendance,” the opinion states.

Before ending the vaccination policy for students, the university ended the policy

for faculty, following the executive order issued by Youngkin.

The executive order, signed by Youngkin on Jan. 15, lifted vaccine mandates for state employees and the requirement of disclosing of COVID-19 vaccination information to employers. As a state institution, VCU falls under this order.

organization has a petition on change.org that currently has 1,110 signatures as of Feb. 1 at 9:30 p.m.

Gian Tigreros, a junior studying theater technical production and an organizer of Walkout VCU, said VCU changing its vaccination policy is one of many reasons they are asking for hybrid options.

“I disagree with the court’s opinion and VCU’s decision to follow it. It’s simply an opinion and sure, VCU can follow it and can put us all at risk. We are going to fight against it,” Tigreros said. “Or VCU could do the right thing and they can continue to require students and faculty to be vaccinated.”

Walkout VCU organized a student walk out on Jan. 26, before Miyares’ opinion was released, to voice its concerns over the university’s COVID-19 response. Around 30 students gathered and walked around campus with signs that read: the students of VCU request that the admin offer a hybrid option for all spring 2022 classes.

It’s not like we just don’t want to go to class, it’s for our health.”

Bo Belotti, a senior who attended the walkout said he disagreed with Governor Youngkin’s COVID-19 response.

“I think that he’s putting out really divisive plans that hyper-politicize public health issues that never needed to be political,” Belotti said. “I think it’s a grave mistake on the American political sphere to have ever made it like a political game or a political talking point.”

VCU spokesperson Michael Porter said decisions on class operations are made by the Public Health Response team, when asked about his thoughts on students advocating for hybrid classes.

“The PHRT considers the prevalence of COVID-19 on campus and in the community, the availability of testing, available hospital space in the region and the availability of space on campus for student isolation and quarantine,” Porter stated.

Some students have expressed their frustration about the new policies. Walkout VCU, a student run organization, has been advocating for all classes to offer a hybrid option during the spring semester. The

At the walk out, Tigreros said they are concerned for their own health and are frustrated with VCU’s COVID-19 policies in light of the Omicron variant.

“When so many students are asking for a hybrid option and they’re just not listening to us. It’s just unacceptable,” Tigreros said. “This is our school, we’re paying tuition.

VCU still encourages its students and faculty to get vaccinated and receive their boosters according to the ONE VCU Together website.

The university will continue voluntary testing for free for all employees and students. Masks will still be required indoors, according to the website.

Art studio receives grant to raise vaccine awareness within Richmond community

I disagree with the court’s opinion and VCU’s decision to follow it. It’s simply an opinion and sure, VCU can follow it and can put us all at risk. We are going to fight against it.”

Gian Tigreros, Junior theater technical production student

VCU students speak about COVID-19 and class modalities on Jan. 26 at the student walk out organized by Walkout VCU Photo by Isaiah Mamo.

Richmond’s Studio Two Three recently received a grant to raise COVID-19 vaccine awareness through art. Photo by Lily Doshi

Stories of the week

national: The United States national debt surpasses $30 trillion for the first time.

international: 99 million-year-old flowers found perfectly preserved in amber were discovered in Asia.

KATRINA LEE News Editor

VALENTÉA LOPEZ Contributing Writer

SENATE BILL 439, CALLED “Adam’s Law,” passed unanimously through the Virginia Senate on Jan 26.

‘ADAM’S LAW’

Senate Bill 439 passes unanimously through the Virginia Senate

“Today. it was 380!!!,” stated Eric Oakes in an email in regards to senate votes on the bill.

“Adam’s Law,” named after Adam Oakes, is one of the two anti-hazing bills the Oakes family have been working on since Feb. 2021. Adam Oakes, who was a freshman at the time, died on Feb. 27, 2021 at a Delta Chi Fraternity house on West Clay Street, according to a statement made by VCU.

Oakes’ cousin, Courtney White, said she has been working on anti-hazing legislation alongside legislators and hopes to use his story to address the issue of hazing on college campuses.

“We have been able to utilize Adam’s story for every single part of both bills, everything that we have modified in terms of education and punishment, we have used Adam’s story as the ‘why,’” White said. “This is why this is important. This is why this is crucial.”

Eric Oakes, Adam Oakes’ father, has been working on the legislation with White. Eric Oakes stated that representatives from some Virginia colleges have worked with the family on the bills.

“I would like to add that VA Tech, UVA, James Madison, Radford, ODU and Longwood all had representatives there that met with us and we were able to work out some slight changes and make amendments in support of this legislation now,” Eric Oakes stated in an email. “Take notice who wasn’t present, at least if any others were present they didn’t connect with any of us.”

VCU spokesperson Matt Lovisa did not comment on the two anti-hazing bills, due to the university’s policy of not commenting on pending legislation, he stated in an email.

In an email from James Madison University spokesperson Mary-Hope Vass, she stated that the university does not comment on pending legislation, but “appreciates the efforts from the bill patrons and the family.”

White said she hopes the preventative measures set in place by the bills

will help protect other students and families from hazing.

SB 439, will require universities to publicly report hazing and other misconduct beginning at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

“Every university will have to put found incidents of hazing, of misconduct, of all these things that we wished, as Adam’s family, we had known about Delta Chi,” White said. “They would have to publish all of this on a website so other students can see.”

The bill requires an adviser present at all official organization events, with some exceptions. Advisers will be required to educate Greek life members and new members about hazing.

SB 439 will allow amnesty from “disciplinary action based on hazing or personal consumption of drugs or alcohol” for those who report an act of hazing during or after another individual has endured serious bodily harm.

“When you look at that amnesty clause in this bill, that is to say when you see something you say something, you get someone help,” White said.

SB 440, the other bill the Oakes family has been working on, makes hazing a Class 5 felony if it results in death or serious bodily injury to any person. Hazing that does not result in a death or injury is still a Class 1 misdemeanor. This bill includes a similar

amnesty clause to SB 439. SB 440 is yet to be brought to the senate floor.

Eric Oakes said in an interview that he felt it was important to hold the larger organization responsible if it is aware of hazing.

We have been able to utilize Adam’s story for every single part of both bills, everything that we have modified in terms of education and punishment, we have used Adam’s story as the ‘why.’ This is why this is important. This is why this is crucial.”

Courtney White, Adam Oakes’ cousin

VCU’s Delta Chi chapter was suspended for four years in 2018 due to multiple infractions. The university ended up lifting the suspension after only one year,

despite the chapter’s history of rule breaking, according to an article by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

“Had they not rescinded that four-year suspension … Adam would be alive today,” Eric Oakes said.

The bill states that organizations which are aware of hazing and do not intervene will receive civil penalties.

One of the 11 arrested for hazing Adam Oakes, Andrew White, pled guilty in December to two Class 1 misdemeanor charges of unlawful hazing of a student and buying alcohol for a minor.

Andrew White’s sentencing is scheduled for March 1, at 9 a.m., according to the Virginia Judiciary Court Systems website. Andrew White is not related to Adam Oakes’ cousin, Courtney White.

Ten other former Delta Chi brothers were charged with unlawful hazing of a student and are awaiting future court dates and jury trials according to the Virginia Judiciary Court Systems website.

White has worked closely with legislators such as Del. Kathleen Murphy, D-McLean, and Virginia Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Herndon, to push for the bills.

“In the senate, Jennifer Boysko who is really patroning, she has been crucial in pioneering this and really getting it to fruition for us. And then Kathleen Murphy of course in the House of Delegates has too and even Sen. Jennifer McClellan has played a big part,” White said.

White extended her thanks to the students of VCU for helping the Oakes family during this difficult time.

“The students at VCU have been instrumental in ways they don’t even understand. That vigil, creating that vigil for Adam meant so much to our family,” White said.

CORRECTION

The full version of the story is available online at commonwealthtimes.org

‘Adam’s Law’ is named after Adam Oakes, who died of alcohol poisoning on Feb. 27, 2021 at a Delta Chi Fraternity house. His family is currently working on two anti-hazing bills. Photos Courtesy of the Oakes Family.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko, Eric Oakes and Courtney White discussed Adam’s law at the Virginia Senate Subcommittee of Higher Education on Monday, Jan. 17. Photo Courtesy of the Oakes Family

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Courtney White wanted to thank VCU. She wanted to thank the students of VCU.

Stat of the week

Senior forward Vince Williams Jr. was named the A-10 Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for games played Jan. 24-30. Williams racked up a career-high of 22 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and the gamewinning three-pointer versus the Richmond Spiders on Jan. 27.

ARRICK WILSON Sports Editor

EBRON JAMES HAS HAD pressure to be great his entire life. The Akron, Ohio native was put into the spotlight at the young age of 18 and scouted as one of the greatest NBA draft prospects by many analysts. The spotlight has amplified as the Lakers are struggling to stay on track to the NBA playoffs.

James became the first-ever NBA player to score a record of 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 9,000 assists in a career, on Jan. 19, according to Basketball-Reference.

Even with all these personal accomplishments and accolades, the Los Angeles Lakers are still struggling to stay in playoff contention.

Popular ESPN writer and commentator Stephen A. Smith commented on the Lakers struggles expressing they were a huge disappointment.

“I’m bringing my brooms because it’s a mess. That’s what the Lakers are, they’re an absolute mess,” Smith said on his show “First Take.”

It wasn’t always like this. In 2020, the Lakers won the NBA Finals versus the Miami Heat, defeating teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets. James spent another season in his hyperbaric chamber, defying age limits while earning the NBA finals’ most valuable player accolade. After winning the title, James went on to say how difficult it was to come on top during a press conference.

“It’s probably been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as far as a professional, as far as committing to something and actually making it through,” James said.

The Lakers have hit its lowest of lows, currently ninth in playoff contention in the Western Conference. Now, who should fans point the finger at for this series of awful playing? One may say Russell Westbrook, or as NBA fans know him, “Westbrick,” for constantly missing shots. The former MVP was once in his prime, averaging double digits in three categories, known as a triple-double, finishing last season with an average of 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game, according to Basketball-Reference.

This season, Westbrook has fallen off. Fox Sports One television personality, Shannon Sharpe, criticized Westbrook after his horrible performances landed him on the bench in a game.

“How about shoot with a better efficiency? How about turning the ball over at not a

higher rate as you’ve been doing?” Shannon said during his television show Undisputed. “The guy that was an MVP, the guy that’s been an All-NBA player.”

Not only has Westbrook played horribly, but James’ counterpart, Los Angeles Laker forward Anthony Davis has been fragile like glass, getting injured frequently. The three-time leader in blocks per game has been inactive due to lingering injuries and a recent Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain, according to Basketball-Reference. It just seems as if Davis cannot stay healthy, constantly being injured and playing inconsistently.

Something simply has to give with this horrendous midseason push that the Lakers are going through. Here’s a solution: trade Westbrook for some promising and efficient players who will play well consistently.

Players like Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant or Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield, who are both key players and have averaged double numbers this season, according to Basketball-Reference.

The Lakers organization should also look at the possibility of firing head coach Frank Vogel. Vogel has been given a very talented roster filled with four future NBA Hall of Famers, and besides one championship, what has he accomplished?

More recently, he benched Westbrook. Westbrook hasn’t been the best but benching him isn’t the solution. To put it simply, Vogel has to put the Lakers in a position to win, and he has not done that at all.

Sportswriter and television sports talk show host Tony Kornheiser criticized Vogel for benching Westbrook

“You can’t bring Russell Westbrook to your team, and then bench him in crunch time. He’s played in the league for 14 years and he’s going to the Hall of Fame. You can’t humiliate him,” Kornheiser said on ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption.”

James said he’s always endured a heavy responsibility since joining the league, when asked about taking on less burden for his team given Westbrook’s recent performances and Davis’ injuries.

“So, workload – I was 18 years old saving a franchise, so I don’t really understand a light workload,” James said in a press game conference.

The Lakers need to make a move, something needs to be done to preserve this season. At this point, it seems as if the Lakers are wasting the last years of James. Lakers Nation, fix it.

ARRICK WILSON Sports Editor

MEN’S BASKETBALL AND INdoor track have had early success in the season. Here’s an updated list of events to look forward to this week, with a mix of non-conference and conference matches.

The Women’s Capital City Classic against the Richmond Spiders will be held at The University of Richmond’s Robins Center. The rivalry between the Rams and the Spiders is still alive and well, as a loss against the Spiders ended the Rams’ fourgame winning streak last season.

The four-time Atlantic 10 champions will go against nationally ranked No. 11 Kentucky Wildcats. The black and gold were unable to face the Wildcats last season due to COVID-19 cancellations, accord ing to VCU Athletics.

The black and gold defeated the Dayton Flyers in Dayton, Ohio on Jan. 5. The highly challenging contest was back and forth, but the Rams prevailed.

On Feb. 2, the Rams will host a rematch against the Flyers at the Siegel Center. The Rams are coming off a victory against formerly nationally ranked Davidson. It should be a good one in the “Stu.”

The reigning Atlantic 10 women’s tennis champions will face the Liberty University Flames from Lynchburg.

The Rams defeated the Flames 7-0, according to the Liberty University athletics, last season on April 7. VCU looks to defeat the Flames again, this time at VCU’s Thalhimer Tennis Center.

From Feb. 4-5, the indoor track program will head to Virginia Tech for the Doc Hale Elite Meet in Blacksburg, Virginia. After five successful meets, both programs look to further improve against multiple teams in Blacksburg.

Graduate student Taya Robinson drives to the basket against the North Carolina Central defense on Nov. 17.

Photo by Jay Stonefield.

Former NBA MVP LeBron James plays in various games versus the Washington Wizards. Photos Courtesy of All-Pro Reels and Keith Allison via Wikimedia.

Photo illustration by Bailey Wood

ART STUDIO RECEIVES GRANT TO RAISE VACCINE AWARENESS WITHIN RICHMOND COMMUNITY

MIKAYLA HEIGHTSHOE Contributing Writer

HE UNMISTAKABLE SMELL OF INK INvades the nose upon entering the glass door of Studio Two Three. Up ahead artists are smoothing vibrant shades of orange, pink and red on matrices, to transfer onto paper or fabric, soon to be merchandise, prints and banners.

The Center for Disease Control Foundation announced in December 2021 that it was granting Studio Two Three $75,000 to utilize printmaking to promote vaccination within the Richmond community, according to co-founder and Executive Director of Studio Two Three Ashley Hawkins.

“The idea is to do on-site printing with food and drinks and music,” Hawkins said. “Bring the prints out and distribute zines with accurate information on vaccinations and boosters from trusted members in the community.”

Studio Two Three’s zines are self-published booklets that are mass-produced with a “high-volume, low-cost printing method using a risograph duplicator, which is a kind of copy machine that produces prints with a similar look to screenprinting,” Hawkins stated.

The studio and 30 other art-based community organizations nationwide received a total of $2.5 million in grants on Jan. 6 from the CDC to advocate and “build COVID-19 vaccine confidence,” according to the CDC Foundation’s website.

Studio Two Three got its start in 2009 when Hawkins and three of her peers from VCU’s painting and printmaking program wanted to create a space that was affordable and accessible to new artists. The studio operates as a community art space with individual and communal studios, classes, workshops and an artist residency program, according to Hawkins.

In addition to equipping local artists with the necessary tools and aid, Studio Two Three’s intends to maintain a healthy

and diverse organization that reflects the Richmond community and utilize printmaking as a tool for civic engagement, according to the studio’s website.

Hawkins said due to the nature of printmaking and the studio’s community efforts, the CDC reached out to her and Director of Partnership for Studio Two Three, Kate Fowler, for a vaccine initiative geared toward children and their families.

RPS that it was a “great fit” and a useful way to provide up-to-date information on vaccines.

The studio will tackle this project in three ways: production and circulation of 25,000 zines for RPS students, 10 community print days located throughout the city for RPS students and families and five sets of large-scale banners for installation around various sites in the community, Hawkins stated.

On this day

It’s [printmaking] one of the most democratic art mediums you can make. Instead of one painting, you can make hundreds of prints. It’s historically been a medium for disseminating information and sharing resources and really getting messages and work out into the community in a big way.”

“In the most direct way, we hope to just get our community vaccinated. That is our number one goal, to instate that vaccination can help protect families,” Fowler stated. “The more external goal is to challenge the myth-building. So a lot of the work we’re doing is showing how we can bring data to a community with more play.”

Hawkins stated she “immediately” reached out to Richmond Public Schools for the project, agreeing with

“It’s [printmaking] one of the most democratic art mediums you can make. Instead of one painting, you can make hundreds of prints,” Hawkins said. “It’s historically been a medium for disseminating information and sharing resources and really getting messages and work out into the community in a big way.”

Printmaking and pop-up printmaking events provide a great tool to reach

people, according to Studio Manager KB Brown.

“It’s always kind of like this ‘Aha’ magical moment when someone sees a screenprint fold. And it’s the dissemination of information that’s really important there — that you can make this really cool interaction between someone who’s never ever seen printmaking happen before,” Brown said.

A large part of the community initiative includes Studio Two Three producing zines with accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters for RPS students. The studio will make one set of zines specifically for grade school students and their parents, and another for middle and high school students, according to Hawkins.

In addition, the studio will produce pop-up events in conjunction with distribution of the zines at the Arthur Ashe Junior Athletic Center vaccine clinics, but their schedule was delayed due to the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, according to Director of Advocacy and Outreach for RPS Matthew Stanley.

“There’s going to have to be a lot of continued education about vaccines because of the variants of boosters and different age groups, so there’s a lot of information out there for people to digest,” Stanley said. “And this just feels like a way to make it like a little bit of fun and friendly rather than like the sterile page of the CDC.”

The CDC grant will also cover Studio Two Three’s plan to design and install large vinyl banners promoting vaccinations around Richmond, mostly in high-traffic areas that the organizers have yet to determine, according to Stanley.

Studio Two Three and RPS hope to get the community events running by March and eventually move these events from vaccine clinics to school premises, according to Stanley.

“We really appreciate the tie with advocacy at Studio Two Three and how they’re using this partnership to advocate for our community,” Stanley said. “By people printing a poster, that’s talking about vaccines and educating about vaccines. That’s advocacy for our community.”

In 1990, the South African government released Nelson Mandela from prison, marking the beginning of the end of apartheid.

Ashley Hawkins, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Studio Two Three

Artist Richard J. Becker, also known as RawJawBone, prepares to screen print a board with designs from his “Good Luck Cat” series at Studio Two Three on Jan. 28. Photo by Lily Doshi

Artist David Eaton labels and prepares his prints from a 10 piece series called “What’s the Worry?” at Studio Two Three on Jan. 28. Photo by Lily Doshi

MYA HARRISON Contributing Writer

A FEW MONTHS AGO, WHILE WORKING at a grocery store and minding my own business, one of my white co-workers came up to me and ran her fingers through my natural hair. Even though I am Black and live in a predominantly white area, I didn’t think this could happen to me.

“Wow your hair is so pretty,” she said. In this case I knew she meant well because she genuinely liked my hair, but I still felt uneasy. While I laughed and smiled uncomfortably, I was not okay with the situation.

Quote of the week

“Hypersexualization is ubiquitous, so visible as to be nearly invisible: it is the water in which girls swim, the air they breathe.” — Peggy Orenstein, girls & se x: navigating the COmPliC ated ne w l andsC aPe

1.

DON’T ASK TO TOUCH MY HAIR AND DO NOT TOUCH IT.

I know when you see my natural hair, it can be interesting to look at. Yes, my hair is kinky, curly, big and perhaps different from what you normally see, but that doesn’t give you permission to touch it.

It invades my personal space, and it gives a perspective that as a Black woman I am just an object to you. By being curious, you are saying my hair is not the “norm” in societal standards and you want to point that out for everyone to see.

My hair is a part of me. It is a part of my Blackness, not a circus act and it is certainly not for you to touch.

3. DON’T TELL ME I AM PRETTY FOR A BLACK GIRL.

To many people, this comment can be seen as just a compliment and nothing more. But saying I am pretty for a Black girl is saying that being pretty and being Black is not a common thing. You are saying that Black women are not conventionally pretty, but I am. I am Black and I am a woman. You are talking about me as well.

On top of these, I am sure you have heard, “I don’t see color,” “I’m not racist, I have a lot of Black friends” or “You probably got a scholarship to come to this school.” These phrases are much more negative than you might think.

2.

DON’T SAY YOU ARE SURPRISED HOW WELL-SPOKEN I AM.

While every marginalized group experiences microaggressions, the Black community is especially affected by them. In a 2020 study, it was concluded that African Americans reported being faced with more microaggressions than any other racial group, according to The Gallup Poll.

These small comments or actions are microaggressions, defined as “everyday, subtle, intentional and oftentimes unintentional interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups,” according to Kevin Nadal, a counseling psychologist at City University of New York College of Criminal Justice.

As a Black woman, it’s safe to say that I’ve experienced more microaggressions than one can count. These hurtful comments and questions have made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin many times.

Here is a quick and digestible “DON’T DO” guide when it comes to microaggressions.

Saying that you are surprised that I am well-spoken exacerbates the stereotype that most Black people are not well-spoken. When you have that assumption in your head, you are undermining the intelligence of the Black community.

When I was younger some of my close non-Black friends would call me an “oreo,” referring to a person who is Black on the outside and white on the inside.

Being made fun of because I talked and acted a certain way was common. I didn’t act like the one-size-fits-all image they had created of what a Black kid should be, talk or act like.

MICROAGGRESSIONS ARE NOT SO MICRO ‘EUPHORIA’S’ OBSESSIVE HYPERSEXUALIZATION OF CASSIE HOWARD IS PROBLEMATIC

MONICA ALARCON-NAJARRO Contributing Writer

This article contains spoilers from season two of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

High school drama, love triangles, dramatic makeup looks and trendy fashion are all a part of what makes HBO Max streaming services’ hit series “Euphoria” so enticing for viewers like myself. As the new season streamed on Jan. 9, viewers globally tuned in to watch what would happen in the new episodes.

There have been many theories about each character’s background and questions about the amount of nudity in each episode circulating throughout social media with four episodes out so far. Though, there are some parts of the show that leave me questioning the director and producers’ decisions when it comes to the portrayal of certain characters, such as Cassie Howard.

“Euphoria” primarily focuses on protagonist Rue Bennett’s battle with drug addiction, as well as the lives of and drama surrounding a group of teenagers. Drugs and sexual encounters drive the show forward, with characters instigating tension within their friendship circles.

As body parts are shown heavily in this new season, one character who has recently gotten a lot of publicity is Cassie. I was personally shocked when Cassie and Nate, an athlete at the high school, hooked up and there was a bathroom scene with a shot of Cassie’s breasts, one of multiple scenes where Cassie’s body is shown in “Euphoria.”

Cassie’s body is mostly shown in scenes where her and Nate are having sex, which gives the impression that Nate is only using her for her body. It seems to me that Cassie is being hypersexualized because of the numerous times her body is shown while Nate’s isn’t. Not to mention that there are instances where the male gaze — the idea that men look at women in a degrading, sexualized way — is evident through Nate. There are many scenes where a guy’s body is shown, but it’s less exaggerated and not as sexual as the scenes with women.

In episode three, Cassie is seen waking up as early as 4 a.m. to get ready before school just to see Nate. Cassie is portrayed as insecure and seeking male validation. Her peers constantly comment on how Cassie has never been single; this season is the first time she has gone without a boyfriend for a long period. This suggests that she is sex deprived, which could be a reason why she has many nude scenes.

It makes me uneasy that “Euphoria” is based in a high school setting and many characters are shown nude. In addition, many of these actors and actresses are in their mid 20’s, making the accuracy of the show’s high school characters quite unrealistic. In a sense, I’m glad that the actors are older so it doesn’t feel weird to see their nude bodies, but their looks don’t match up

to how high schoolers in real life look like. This can create unrealistic expectations for impressionable young audiences.

Zendaya, an executive producer and lead actress in “Euphoria,” tweeted about the show being for mature audiences as it goes over sensitive and triggering materials. Her initiative on this topic should be supported by other actors, producers and cast members of the show.

Sydney Sweeney, the actress who plays Cassie’s character, opened up about how sex scenes are perceived.

“There’s a stigma against actresses who get naked on screen,” Sweeney said in an interview with The Independent. “When a guy has a sex scene or shows his body, he still wins awards and gets praise. But the moment a girl does it, it’s completely different.”

Responding to a microaggression can often be hard. According to Harvard Business Law, the best ways to respond to a microaggression are to let it go, respond immediately or respond later. These options are acceptable, but you should also think about what type of situation you’re in at that moment. Pick one that makes you feel the most comfortable.

I think the best way to respond is to educate the person. I know it can be hard to have to explain something that should be common sense, but going the extra mile can change someone else’s perspective for life. It’s important for all Black people and minorities to continue to stand up for ourselves when faced with microaggressions.

“Euphoria’s” screenwriter, Sam Levinson, respects Sweeney’s boundaries and lets her choose whether or not she is comfortable with specific nude scenes, Sweeney said.

There is a fine line between the purpose of having actors and actresses nude to play their role and doing it too much to the point where there is no purpose. This line is the boundary between very triggering situations and symbolism. So far, the amount of nude scenes are starting to get out of hand. We get it, Cassie and Nate have tons of sex.

With still more episodes to be released, we’ll see whether or not Cassie’s body will serve a purpose on how the hypersexualization of women’s bodies is a metaphor about today’s society or used mainly for men’s sexual endeavours.

Illustration by Sarah Brady

Illustration by Olivia Mccabe

It’s About Drive by Anthony Duong

by H Smith

Worm

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

By Matt Skoczen

By Matt Skoczen

Fix

“The most striking figure in Starkfield,” in a Wharton classic

Twelve, half the time

African antelope

Polished off

“The most striking figure in Starkfield,” in a Wharton classic

Alpine lake 70 Weena’s race, in a Wells classic

IRS agent 74 Bit of talk show self-promotion

One may fall over a crowd

Weena’s race, in a Wells classic

Bit of talk show self-promotion

One may fall over a crowd

Something specific, informally 79 Heels

of the Year for 2021: Abbr.

One-named bodyimage advocate

Showing support for 81 Take a limo, say 83 Special occasion service 84 Sofia’s home: Abbr. 86 Some NCOs 87 Arafat’s gp., once 89 Group for ex-GIs 90 Brings forth 91 Recycling receptacle 92 How deals are usually sealed 94 Kissing at the bar, briefly 95 Hit the jackpot 97 Protestant denom.

Where it all started

Something specific, informally 79 Heels 80 Showing support for 81 Take a limo, say 83 Special occasion service 84 Sofia’s home: Abbr. 86 Some NCOs 87 Arafat’s gp., once 89 Group for ex-GIs 90 Brings forth 91 Recycling receptacle 92 How deals are usually sealed 94 Kissing at the bar, briefly 95 Hit the jackpot 97 Protestant denom. 98 Group of experts 99 Geek Squad member, for short 100 Burns a little 102 Parts of gigs 104 Word from a coach

Group of experts 99 Geek Squad member, for short 100 Burns a little

Parts of gigs

Word from a coach

Where to find words for words

Label giant

Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

Mepham Group