V THE VIDETTE
What comes next? After several ‘wake-up calls,’ what are next steps for ISU?
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 Vol. 133 | No. 4
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KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
W
hile the Black Lives Matter movement has grown stronger since George Floyd’s death on May 25, the call for more support of African American students and the elimination of racial injustice at Illinois State University’s campus has soared. Over the past year or so, students have expressed their thoughts and shared their experiences with racism at ISU on social media and during local protests that have sparked in the Bloomington-Normal area in recent months. These students remain consistent as they have continued to call on ISU and its administration to take action about the racial injustices that have crept through the entire campus, especially within the past year. This includes the most recent events where the Black Homecoming Committee had a concert in Redbird Arena canceled for an extra volleyball practice in October 2019 and when ISU Athletic Director Larry Lyons used the phrase “All Redbird lives matter” in August. Both sparked large protests that circled around campus and social media threads with students sharing their thoughts about the lack of support they feel they receive from the university, including many posts from October 2019 using the hashtag “#AntiBlackISU.” Since the university’s cancellation of the Black Homecoming Committee concert and the incidents and conversations between administration, faculty and the students that followed, both parties knew it would take more than protests or attending Academic Senate meetings to make the changes that students continue to push for. “It really was a good wake-up call for us, even though a number of areas we had been working on but to really call our attention to the fact that we can’t drag our feet. We really have to be intentional on those demands that students are making,” Interim Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion Doris Houston said. See NEXT STEPS on Page 5
ILLUSTRATION BY FLYNN GERAGHTY | ART DIRECTOR
FEATURES 6
THIS SEASON’S FASHION FAD: MASKS
SPORTS 8
HICKEY: MENTAL HEALTH AN ‘INVISIBLE COMPETITOR’
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
Mastering male mental health
NEWS IN BRIEF
Student Health Services encourages breaking the stigma for mental health JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
Mental health is a difficult thing to talk about for nearly everyone, but there is a sentiment going around that it is much harder for men to have their mental health struggles taken seriously compared to other genders. Recent events have displayed this trend, such as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott opening up about the depression and anxiety he struggled with in the wake of his brother’s suicide, for which he was lambasted by prominent sports pundit Skip Bayless on a recent episode of his show “Undisputed,” stating that he had “no compassion” for Prescott’s struggles. It is a common sentiment that many men have heard over and over: showing emotion is showing weakness, and men cannot show weakness. This mindset falls under the umbrella of the term “toxic masculinity,” which encapsulates certain norms and rules that are detrimental to society at large and men themselves, such as aggression and bullying simply being seen as normal male behavior (boys will be boys), and violence against others being excused as showing dominance. “I think the way males are raised in our society causes a lot of the issues we see today in regard to male mental health,” Jim Almeda, a coordinator for Health Promotion and Wellness on campus,
said. “We’re either not taught about how to talk about our feelings, or explicitly told not to talk about our feelings or we’re seen as weak. This can result in men developing a mindset that prevents them from opening up, which leads to further problems.” Dr. James Mental health is a comTerfruchte plicated issue, that much is certain. These societal norms that men like Bayless have internalized exacerbate the issue for both men and women. But is there a potential for debate that men suffer from mental health struggles more than women, or vice versa? “I can’t say if men or women suffer from declining mental health more — just differently,” James Terfruchte, a staff psychiatrist for Student Health Services, said. “Men are less likely to receive mental health care than women, likely due to societal and individual factors. A chilling fact which tends to be overlooked in the U.S. is the fact that men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women.” What is most important is the prevention of a downward spiral that will lead to something like substance abuse or suicide, and that starts with
developing healthy coping mechanisms. For people who do not feel their mental health will be taken seriously, this can be a difficult but worthwhile undertaking. “There are many different ways that men might deal with emotional struggles. Wellness strategies, like exercise, having leisure activities, seeking the support of others and avoiding turning to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse are obvious, but important,” Terfruchte said. “It can be difficult for men to acknowledge or admit emotional pain or vulnerability. Males may be especially attentive to concerns about staying/ being in control while seeking treatment and can have a lot of concerns about trust.” “I think it’s important for everyone who is struggling with mental health issues to talk with someone about. Preferably, someone who is trained to help other with mental health problems, such as a counselor or therapist,” Almeda said. “Anyone though, who they have a positive relationship with and who they feel would listen to them is a good place to start. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and having the wisdom to know that we sometimes need others to listen to our problems and help us find effective ways to deal with them.” If you’re having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
COVID-19 by the numbers in McLean County and ISU as of Monday 2,938 cases in McLean 24 new cases on Monday in McLean 0 new cases at ISU 6.6% seven-day positivity rate thru Sept. 13
6.6% positivity rate at ISU. 1,383 students at ISU positive for COVID-19
61,300 total tested in McLean County
1,412 individuals in home isolation in McLean County
7,587 tests conducted at ISU so far Courtesy of ISU Coronavirus Dashboard
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Mayor Koos asks residents to ‘mask up’ Mayor of Normal Chris Koos launched the #maskupNormal campaign Sept. 4, responding to multiple requests from Normal small business owners and citizens. “We’re asking people to take responsibility for the role they play in helping stop the spread of COVID19 in our community. We don’t want businesses shut down again. We want to keep them open,” Koos stated. “This is about safeguarding the health of citizens and the economic health of our community. We want everyone doing their part.” The campaign urges visitors and residents to protect themselves, their peers and the Bloomington-Normal community by following safety and health guidelines in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus. It includes an online pledge on the Town of Normal Coronavirus Hub in which residents can add their name to the list of those working to keep the community safe. Participants can also show their dedication on social media with photos and videos of them wearing masks, washing hands and properly social distancing use the #maskupNormal hashtag. KELLIE FOY | News Editor
BloNo adds mobile COVID-19 testing site The state of Illinois and Ferrero USA are working together to host a three-day mobile COVID-19 testing site in Bloomington. The testing site will be open 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Testing is free and will be outside the Ferrero USA facility at 2501 Beich Road. The site is drive-up and open to Ferrero employees along with members of the Bloomington-Normal community. The site can test up to 300 people per day. GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECAP
‘Too little too late’
Board of Trustees discusses impact of COVID-19 on the university and how to further mitigate the spread GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @Gkinnicutt
T
h e Illinois State University Board of Trustees held a working session meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday over Zoom, providing an update on the fall semester. The main area of concern was the university’s response and actions toward COVID-19 outbreaks on campus. Public comments from ISU students and professors started the meeting. The overall concern the speakers discussed was the lack of communication and handling of COVID-19 as the university reopened and invited students back to the Bloomington-Normal community. Brian Rejack, associate professor in the department of English, pointed out that ISU lacks in responding to outbreaks. Rejack mentioned that universities such as Bradley or University of Illinois implemented some type of lockdown measure to help contain the virus and that ISU needs to do more to contain the spread of the virus on campus. Rejack focused on two issues when it came to ISU’s lack of response to COVID-19 spiking among college students. “First, I found the communication strategy of the ISU administration to be deeply troubling focused on as is downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak through misleading information and number two, there’s been nowhere near as a strong enough response to the alarming rise of COVID cases during the first four weeks of the semester,” Rejack said. Graduate student and member of the graduate workers union, Trevor Rickerd, expressed his concern that the university is “too little, too late” in its response to containing COVID-19 on campus. “It seems clear to me that the university should have had the foresight to understand that a lack of testing and a lack of mandates before even having students come on campus would have led to large spikes of COVID19 on campus,” Rickerd said. “We should have expected that and that’s exactly what happened.” Rickerd does mention that funds for testing at ISU were reallocated to other agencies in need but brings up the fact that other schools such as U of I had other means of testing available. ISU President Larry Dietz responded to the claims of the university’s lack of response and action toward the COVID-19 outbreak among students by saying that not nearly as much testing is being done at other Illinois colleges nor are they being as transparent, compared to ISU. Dietz said he holds weekly calls with other university presidents and states they all believe they are doing what is best for their college during this unprecedented time. “Indeed, I would say that we are transparently reporting more and more information than the others.” Dietz also mentions the ISU coronavirus dashboard is changing to include more information in the reporting of numbers. John Baur, chemistry professor and lead coordinator for COVID-19 testing at ISU is working on getting the saliva-based test used at U of I at ISU for the spring semester. Baur also discussed what else will be added to the ISU COVID-19 dashboard within the next week. The dashboard only reports the number of positive tests done and not the active positive cases. It also does not show those who have retested positive two weeks after initial infection. Baur mentioned that about 80 students have retested positive which does not accurately show the current, active cases among students. Some students are also tested repeatedly such as those in clinicals who might come into contact with COVID-19 and athletes. “With the new dashboard that will be coming out next week hopefully, we are going to switch to reporting by cases so that means each positive case will be a person and not a test,” Baur said. Active and recovered cases will also be added onto the dashboard. Baur emphasizes nothing is being removed from the dashboard, just added
Board of Trustee members along with President Larry Dietz and other ISU faculty and staff met Saturday via Zoom to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the university so far. They also provided updates on what to expect and plan for as the academic year continues.
Highlights from a busy session of the Board of Trustees No resolutions were voted on during the meeting of the Board of Trustees. Members discussed the impact COVID-19 has had on the Illinois State University campus, financial impacts for this fiscal year, discussed enrollment and the current status of classes.
COVID-19 on campus
The main topic was COVID-19 on campus. including the impact on classes, disciplinary actions being taken for those who put themselves and others at risk and the change to ISU’s COVID-19 dashboard to show positive cases instead of positive tests. COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated this week to show positive cases instead of positive tests, self-reported cases among faculty and staff, active and recovered cases. About 1,900 tests are performed each week. Faculty/staff have to get tested elsewhere and report results themselves. Some students such as athletes or those in clinicals who might come into contact with a COVID-19 carrier are retested. Students can be tested for free at the university testing sites in the Brown Ballroom or the Old Firehouse. Students can also go to the Interstate Center to be tested. Testing capacity to increase once ISU is able to set up its own saliva-based testing lab using the U of I program model Disciplinary actions to be taken for students who do disregard the code of conduct and gather in large parties Former university spokesperson Jay Groves stated that sending students home is not an option to address local infections because they contribute and are a part of the community. Students to help contact-tracing on evenings and weekends. to be more transparent in COVID-19 cases. Faculty and staff numbers will also be added to the dashboard, except those numbers that are self-reported by the individuals themselves since ISU does not offer testing to faculty and staff like they do for students. Tuesday night’s party with YouTube pranksters Nelk at The Lodge was discussed after videos surfaced across social media showing a crowd of hundreds of students with no masks and no social distancing. Vice President for Student Affairs Levester Johnson told the board that as of Saturday, the university has already started the process to contact the individuals who were in attendance.
Enrollment and status of classes
Most classes were switched online about two weeks before the start of fall semester to help de-densify and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 further. Despite the pandemic, ISU’s enrollment stayed about the same. Enrollment for the fall semester is 20,720 students Less than a 1% decline compared to last year Third most radically diverse incoming freshmen class in the past 20 years. (31%) More than half of faculty and staff are working remotely and a vast majority are teaching in a virtual environment 10.5% hybrid 79.9% online 9.5% face-to-face Spring semester planning has begun and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Aondover Tarhule hopes to have it finished sooner rather than later A chance spring semester might start later than Jan. 11, 2021 Spring break may be canceled to limit travel and the spread of COVID-19. Spring semester more than likely to be similar to fall semester
Financial impact
Due to the financial impact COVID-19 has had, the university has faced a loss of $44,219,714. For fiscal year 2020, the university lost about $24 million. The FY21 is expected to take a loss of about $20 million. Student refunds in the spring cost about $18 million. COVID-19-related expenses and IT upgrades are expected to cost about $9.6 million through the end of FY21. “There is no time frame because we have already begun. We have been receiving information specifically on people who allegedly were involved in that incident,” Johnson said. “We are also receiving help from the Normal Police Department and our own police department as far as identifying individuals.” As of Friday, about eight students have received letters from the conduct office asking them to come in for a meeting regarding their behavior. “We are expecting we are going to have 100 or more individuals that we are following up with, and if those individuals are found responsible, the sanctions span the spectrum
ISU received $16 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to help with the financial impact. $8 million for students to apply for through the CARES act application on the ISU financial aid website. $8 million to the university to help across different campus entities. Housing and dining has taken a loss in revenue due to more students living at home or off campus for the fall semester with classes mainly online. Housing is at 61% capacity. Loss revenue for housing is about $6.5 million. Dining contracts are at 58% capacity. Loss revenue for dining is about $7.9 million
Athletics for winter/spring
Fall sports are currently being worked into the spring sports schedule. As of now, all dates are tentative as the Missouri Valley Conference finalizes key dates. Football championship game to be in May. Practice will start early to mid-January. Games begin mid to late February. Volleyball, soccer and cross country will share a similar schedule to football. Schedule for winter sports expected to be released Wednesday. Basketball games to start around or after Thanksgiving. Expecting it to be a shortened non-conference season. Capacity for fan attendance has to follow the Restore Illinois guidelines COMPILED BY GRACE KINNICUTT NEWS EDITOR | @Gkinnicutt
and include being required to undergo educational training,” Johnson said. “But if they are found to have been responsible for actually forming those social gatherings, they could face suspensions.” Board of Trustee member Kathy Bohn does believe most students are doing what is right and expected of them to keep themselves and the community safe but that it is the minority of students who are ultimately ruining it for others. ISU is working toward having more testing available within the upcoming months and is hoping that Redbirds will continue to follow the guidelines and hold others accountable moving forward.
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
Viewpoint
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
Influencers should use following for greater good
S
omeone’s follower and view count does not mean they can get away with partying and ignoring the rules and guidelines set in place. On Sept. 8, YouTube celebrities the Nelk Boys came to Illinois State University to party at a few off-campus locations, including The Lodge. The parties resulted in a crowd of hundreds of students. The YouTubers were traveling to Chicago and decided to make a stop in Normal on the way there. Of all the places to visit right now, why a college campus that has over 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases? Not only are the Canadian YouTubers traveling during a pandemic, but they’re also stopping at a random university and encouraging students to gather and party in a large crowd. Throughout quarantine, multiple social media influencers have been breaking social distancing guidelines by partying and traveling. They haven’t faced too many repercussions for it either. Do people think influencers can get away with disregarding public health guidelines just because of their following? Over the summer,
multiple popular YouTubers like James Charles, Tana Mongeau, Nikita Dragun, Charli and Dixie Damelio and more were seen at a large party disregarding safety guidelines in July. These influencers were able to make a public apology and then basically get off scot-free. Imagine what these influencers could be capable of doing if they were promoting wearing a mask and staying distant? A lot of these influencers, the Nelk Boys included, have tween and teenage audiences. A lot of younger audience members look up to these Youtube celebrities.
If they see the influencers they look up to partying and not wearing a mask, they’re more likely to follow suit. However, if audiences see their role models wearing a mask, staying at home and encouraging safety guidelines, then they might do so as well. These influencers have millions of subscribers and followers. They could help so many people follow public health guidelines by posting about how they’re following them. Especially if younger audience members are struggling with not wanting to wear a mask, seeing their favorite YouTuber promot-
ing the use of a mask can help tremendously. We need to start calling out influencers who are disregarding the health and safety of themselves and others. Even if the creator is someone you are a fan of, don’t be blissfully unaware of what they are doing. Audiences need to be critical of those they are a fan of. As a supporter of someone, you need to call them out when they’re being irresponsible because it shows that you care about them. Fans are what make the influencer, without them they lose all of their power. Express the opinion that these influencers need to be held responsible for their actions. A follower count does not mean safety guidelines do not apply to you. Influencers should be using their title of “influence” for a good purpose. Right now, all they’re influencing is for people to break social distancing guidelines and travel and party. They should be using their following and title for a good cause, and help influence people to stay safe, wear a mask and not travel to a university just to party. It’s time to push trends in the right direction and promote the safety and Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director health of others.
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by GRACE KINNICUTT, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the university.
Turning a new leaf on fall traditions MY VIEW JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor
T
h e weather has begun to cool, pumpkin spice is available at your favorite store, Halloween decorations are out; while this would put most people in the fall spirit, it did very little to me. Usually, the fair weather would put me in enough of a good mood, but this year it was just not doing it for me. But over the weekend the spirit of fall officially came to me. Fall officially began for me when I bit into the first Pillsbury Halloween sugar cookie of the year. The
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crunchy outsides and the gooey insides instantly made me know it was fall. This is the first time in a long time I have looked forward to the seasons changing. I, like a lot of other people, feel as if spring and summer were stolen. Spring was robbed by the first wave of quarantine sweeping over the country, putting most people inside. Similarly, this summer felt unlike any summer before. Gone were the concerts, ball games, road trips and beach days and in their place closures, uncertainty and quarantine. While the two previous seasons were downers, fall looks to be different. While things are still not anywhere close to where they were this time last year, fall almost seems normal. But this fall feels different than
the two seasons prior. While we are seemingly still in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak, this fall season seems almost normal even though we know it is not. But we can experience fall almost to the fullest. With states more open than they have been in past seasons, people can experience fall like in years past. Fall will be fine with socially distanced events. With less capacity allowed, your wait for that pumpkin spice latte will be much shorter, fewer people at Rader Farms and Curtis Orchard means you should have no problem getting the ideal pumpkin, with fewer kids you will not have to fight as hard for candy on Halloween. While past holidays like Easter and the Fourth of July might have been put on the back burner to the pandemic, crucial fall holidays Hal-
NOTABLE NUMBERS
consumed, cards to be played and good times to be had. One bright side to this pandemic is that it will likely cancel the stupid yearly trend of Black Friday. Major stores such as Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy and Kohl’s have already announced they will not be open during Thanksgiving weekend. I have one thing to say to that: good. America does not need a huge outbreak because of greedy people trying to get cheap deals the day after a holiday celebrating thankfulness. Fall should shape up to be closer to normal in a world that some normalcy should be gladly welcomed. JAKE SERMERSHEIN is a Sports Editor for the Vidette. He can be reached at jrserme@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @JakeSermersheim.
THEY SAID IT
? 62
rushing yards from Jacksonville Jaguar and Redbird alumnus James Robinson. That is the most for an undrafted free agent rookie in the first week. Robinson was a running back at Illinois State University from 2016 to 2019.
$6.5
loween and Thanksgiving should be mainly untouched. Likely it will look different than years past, but surely the population will be glad to get something that resembles the two best holidays of the year. A holiday like Halloween that already calls for masks is made for a pandemic. While some parents may be wary about sending their kid to take candy from strangers in a national health crisis, protocols can be taken to ensure safety. Gloves and masks should be a must to ensure safety for kids and those handing out candy. When Thanksgiving rolls around, it will surely be affected in some households. Larger family get-togethers may be gone in some circles trying to protect older relatives. But for the most part, Thanksgiving should look normal. There will still be mounds of food and beer to be
SEE SPORTS, PAGE 8
million in revenue loss from University Housing this year. The loss comes from students canceling contracts and the limit placed on dorm capacity this semester. Currently University Housing is at 61% capacity. University Dining has lost $7.9 million in revenue.
SEE NEWS, PAGE 3
“
Students are using masks as a fashion statement and have been finding different masks that match their style. Personally, I have at least 15 masks of different colors so I can match my mask with my outfit for the day,” Gianna Fagust, FDMA vice president
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor | @BesteKatherine MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor | @maiawrites
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
ISU Alumni Center parking lot set aside for testing
A state of Illinois mobile COVID-19 testing site is set up in the Illinois State University Alumni Center parking lot until 5 p.m. Wednesday. ABOVE: Bloomington-Normal community member Kristen Knite receives a COVID-19 test from worker Shaniqua Horne. TOP LEFT: Worker Kanisha Clements cleans a table for the next test. LEFT: Bloomington-Normal community member Kiran Knite receives a COVID-19 test from Clements.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAIA HUDDLESTON | PHOTO EDITOR | @maiawrites
NEXT STEPS
Continued from Page 1
Students at the protests held over the past year have brought awareness to what they believe ISU lacks when it comes to diversity and inclusion across the entire campus, stressing how important and impactful it is to stand up to racism and its injustices. Others are echoing this by putting emphasis on the importance and impact of doing the research about racism and the Black Lives Matter movement themselves instead of expecting the Black community to inform them. “I think it’s important for myself as a white person to listen [and] to be receptive to the stories of those in the Black community,” senior early childhood education major Elizabeth Seabert said. “While it’s very important for me to listen though, I also think it’s even more important for myself and other white folks to seek out information about how they can be a support for the BLM movement rather than expecting Black people to inform us. We must seek out the knowledge for ourselves.” The administration’s immediate initiative to the #AntiBlackISU movement and its protest was to create working committees that included many of the students and faculty speaking out about the racial injustices. This allowed these students and faculty to have a louder voice and more of a say in the change they wanted to see happen moving forward. ISU President Larry Dietz and his administration have been meeting with these working committees on a regular basis over the past year, providing an open door to discussion about these changes and the other initiatives that are going to come. “I’m going to continue to work with this student group and other diverse leaders on the campus to try to improve things here,” Dietz said. “I may not be able to do a whole lot to make any kind of a global impact, but the bottom line is that all of us do whatever we can to improve the situation in the areas where we live and work.” While the ISU administration implemented a campus climate task force a few years ago, created the working committees in fall 2019 and hired Doris Houston in February, a
While the Board of Trustees’ special meeting followed Dietz’s annual State of the University address Thursday, the president discussed equity and diversity in his speech. Dietz emphasized that leaders in higher education need to listen and learn from “the students From left: Illinois State University President Larry Dietz, Interim voicing their frustration, Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion Doris Hous- trauma and pain,” referton and Illinois State University Police Chief Aaron Woodruff encing the #AntiBlackISU protests that took place in larger push for making change to the campus October. community regarding racism came after “Equity is not an easy road. It pushes Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd against a centuries-old narrative that things in May, sparking the national protests that are supposed to be a certain way. It means followed and continue to happen daily. admitting that our history, and the systems Students across the athletic department established throughout that history, can be and the administration’s working committees flawed, can be brutal, and can be perpetuated have presented lists with demands, recomin how we see the world today. Leaders in mendations and on-campus changes they higher education are trained to find solutions, want to see through social media threads and fix problems, serve as good stewards of the sent to the administration, remaining consispublic trust and care for students, faculty and tent in the standards. staff,” Dietz said. This includes, but is not limited to, chang“It can be difficult for us to hear of a stuing the names of the houses and floors within dent’s pain and not want to act. But we are Watterson Towers, training and online learning that when it comes to addressing courses for administration, faculty and staff, disparities in race, economics, ability — we recruiting more diverse faculty, all colmust first listen and understand before we leges within ISU developing an anti-racism attempt to assuage the pain.” committee and the ISU Police Department In response to the demands and recomacknowledging, addressing and investigating mendations, Houston has been planning to anti-Blackness. spend her first year as the interim assisstant Some students are going beyond their to the president for diversity and inclusion by social media platforms and the meetings with prioritizing the most important areas, startthe administration to continue holding the ing with equity and social justice training for university accountable. all members of the university. This includes #AntiBlackISU representa“There are the consistent themes [with the tive senior Ashley Dumas attending the ISU demands], and themes that we are taking Board of Trustees special meeting Saturday, seriously, are things like the hiring of diverse claiming that there is a lack of communicafaculty, staff and administrators [and] ensurtion between the administration and the ing that there [is] adequate support outreach public about the progress being made. to ensure that there is retention of students “I’m here to acknowledge that we have had that come to the campus,” Houston said. direct communication with administration “One of the important areas that each since October. Our progress was cut short in of the student groups and faculty groups spring and seemed to only have resumed due that have either offered demands or recomto nation unrest. In summary, progress has mendations that training around equity and not been sufficient nor measurable,” Dumas inclusion and social justice has really been at said. the top of the list. I’m really pleased, I have to “Work like this takes time, we know, but say, to have been a part of a number of those almost a year later and we still need tangible trainings.” plans for years to come.”
Already having this training for all officers, ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff highlights that the department signed up for the 10 shared principles developed between the state of Illinois, the Illinois chapter, the NAACP and the Illinois Association of Chiefs in 2018. The department continues to review the principles and have each officer sign a commitment to follow the 10 shirt principles, reaffirming its dedication to transparency and accountability to these issues. “We have a very good relationship with the local chapter of the NAACP, and we meet regularly as part of the minority employees partnership. It’s not something necessarily new to us [and] it’s something we’ve always been doing. We’ve just been reaffirming the values that we say that we’re committed to,” Woodruff said. Woodruff went on to highlight the other aspects that the department has already been working toward with the hiring of diversity within the department and the training sessions that are in place for incoming officers. “We are a fairly diverse department for a police department and that’s pretty much reflective of the ISU community. When you talk about the training that we get from the very beginning, our officers get kind of an introduction into topics such as microaggressions, privilege [and] power intersectionality as well as implicit bias [and] procedural justice,” Woodruff said. “[We] go through a number of different trainings initially as an incoming officer. I view it like an inoculation process, so you don’t just get it and be done with it. There’s regular trainings, so the expectation is that our officers continue down that path of educating themselves and that includes training.” While administration, faculty and staff members acknowledge that the university is far from finished when it comes to eliminating racial injustice and fulfilling the ISU diversity and inclusion mission, the goal for administration is to spend time this year implementing some of these demands and recommendations across campus. “We’re a large campus of more than 20,000 students. So even in the short-term areas, things don’t happen overnight. Certainly, policies that are important [have] a fairly twisted response to [them],” Houston said.
“I’m here to acknowledge that we have had direct communication with administration since October. Our progress was cut short in spring and seemed to only have resumed due to nation unrest. In summary, progress has not been sufficient nor measurable. Work like this takes time, we know, but almost a year later and we still need tangible plans for years to come.” Ashley Dumas, senior and #AntiBlackISU representative
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
Couture coverings Students use face masks as self-expression ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
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O V I D - 1 9 has changed our world, and a new way of life has come along with it. Washing hands more frequently and wearing a mask have become necessities to staying safe. Having masks in different colors, patterns and styles to fit an outfit is becoming normal as the pandemic has been going on, and as mask wearing continues for the foreseeable future. Fashion design students have been implementJennifer ing mask designs Banning to the clothes that they are creating. “We are making a mask in two of classes while students are learning to sew,” family and consumer science associate professor Jennifer Banning said. Zoe Wood | Staff Photographer | @zoe_rae10 Some ISU students are making the best of the mask mandate by using face masks as a form of self-expression. Junior mass media and interactive Illinois State University has cremedia major Mary Kloser works in Fell Hall during her only in-person class for the semester, while wearing a tie-dye face mask. atively gotten students to wear a mask and keep everyone in the Redbird Fagust, fashion design and merchandising association vice may have an earlier start on a new trend for students and community safe. president, said. “Personally, I have at least 15 masks of differpeople around the world. Having a mask that matches their outfit could make stuent colors so I can match my mask with my outfit for the day.” Style and image are important to some; they will buy and dents want to wear a mask. It could cause students to want to Masks are now more prevalent in everyday lives as stores wear a mask made to go with an outfit, and that can mean wear that mask more because it may make them feel like they and restaurants will not allow admittance into the establishgood business for students who are designing them. are not being forced to wear one. ment without one. “Hopefully, after learning to sew them, they will start to Students expressing themselves through the mask could Many have also turned masks into a way to promote themwear a mask and match them with outfits,” Banning said. give them freedom and maybe even a bit of control during a selves and different groups. chaotic time. “Some sororities have made branded masks to match outALEXIS PLUMMER is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She “Students are using masks as a fashion statement and have fits for recruitment day themes,” Fagust said. can be contacted at amplum1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitbeen finding different masks that match their style,” Gianna Fashion design students making a mask in their classes ter at @Lexi1Oliver.
Digital events allowing accessibility Cars under stars UPB to host drive-in movie night
ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
Many events and classes have had to switch to being held virtually, offering remote options for those who are staying at home. This gives students who have limited access to some places a chance to attend and participate in more events. With that, some wonder if this will be the case all the time. Will the option of participating in events digitally stay after COVID-19 ends? “Because of technology, no impact will happen what we will do going forward,” Student Access and Accommodations Director Tammie Keney said.
Tammie Keney
ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
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Mara Best | Staff Photographer | @marabest_
The Student Access and Accommodations office is located in Fell Hall. With most events being held virtually or offering remote options, more students are allowed to participate even if they can’t physically attend.
Having remote options for events allows more students to participate, who may not be able to attend the event in person. Online events can also help students feel more included with campus activities. Some might think that things could change after the world turns back to normal and everything goes back to normal with
access being more difficult for some. “We can accommodate students. It depends on what it looks like post-COVID. We should still be able to do that even after COVID,” Keney said. ISU Student Access and Accommodations helps students with disabilities and/or medical and mental health conditions. The office assists individuals in functioning independently by providing equal opportunity. Along with helping students, the office also helps provide accommodations to university guests.
l l i n o i s State University’s University Program board will be hosting a socially distant movie night for students. The Cars Under the Stars Drive-In will be from 7–9:30 p.m. Friday and will feature “Us,” directed by Jordan Peele. In order to attend the free event, students must RSVP their vehicle ahead of time at Redbird Life. The location will be provided in reservation confirmation. Only ISU students can make a reservation. The student reserving a space will be sent a confirmation which must be presented in order to enter the movie night. The event has a capacity of 50 vehicles. There will also be a drawing to win an Amazon Fire TV Stick, and five winners will be selected. Film sound will be broadcast on a FM transmitter. Attendees must stay inside their vehicle during the entire film. Sitting on top of cars, in a truck bed, using lawn chair or blankets will not be allowed. Attendees may only exit the vehicle
to use the restroom. Attendees are also expected to stay until the end of the film. Limited concessions will be provided, so guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks for the show. No smoking is allowed, and alcohol is not permitted. UPB is working on hosting a variety of events throughout the semester while also following safety guidelines for COVID-19. The drive-in movie night allows students to leave to go to an event while still staying safe in their own vehicle. UPB also hosts a variety of virtual events that students can attend remotely. Those interested in learning more can visit the UPB Facebook page.
IF YOU GO WHAT: UPB’s Cars Under the Stars Drive-In WHEN: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday WHERE: The location will be provided in the reservation confirmation. COST: Free SPECIAL NOTES: Students must RSVP on Redbird Life before attending.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Robinson rushes for history
Redbird alum’s 62 Week 1 yards most for an undrafted rookie
Lacking the game, thankful for the history
JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @jakesermersheim
added one catch for 28 yards. After the catch, Robinson made a highlight-reel play leaping over a pair of Colts defenders. f you ask anyone about what former "I have done that a couple of Illinois State University running back times during my senior year of James Robinson brings to the field, college," Robinson said. "I don’t one way people often describe him is as think I jumped like that before, a team player. but it was kind of like a little Even while making his NFL debut hurdle. Yeah, I have a few.” during the Jacksonville Jaguars' 27-20 Some people were surprised win over the Indianapolis Colts, Robinby Robinson's breakout person was looking to help his teammates. formance, but his former head “Honestly, just being out there, first coach at ISU Brock Spack had NFL game as a rookie undrafted, it felt seen performances like that amazing," Robinson said. "But I also just plenty of times. wanted to help my team win any way I "I thought James played could. Obviously, a score would have extremely well in his first opporbeen great, but the plays that I think I tunity in the NFL," Spack said. made helped my teammates out – even "He seemed very relaxed and receivers told me, ‘You made it easier for looked like he hadn’t missed a us.' It was great. I think, we as a whole, beat from when he was domiwe all wanted the same goal, just have nating in the FCS playoffs for a lot of energy and not have that many us. He showed a lot of explosivemistakes." ness carrying the ball, was great Head coach Doug Marrone saw this in pass protection and showed when he named Robinson as his Week his athleticism with that 28-yard 1 starter. catch and hurdle play." “You’re looking at someone that, at "It’s all stuff that many of us least from my view, is very high charhere have to seem him do many acter, very team-oriented, very much times before, but now he’s showtrying to do it the right way, really being a good example because like I said, he’s Tribune News Service ing in on a national stage. If he not a ‘rah-rah’ type guy,” Marrone said. Former Illinois State University and current Jacksonville Jaguars running back continues to get more opportunities and reps as a starter, "When you watch James in the building, James Robinson hurdles over Indianapolis Colts defenders during his NFL there’s a confidence about him but not debut. The undrafted free agent rushed for 62 yards with a 28-yard reception. I have no doubts he will continue to get better as the cockiness. I think there’s a really good balseason moves on. We are all ance for him and nothing seems too big, Despite this being his first game in the NFL, very proud of him here and I know a lot of our nothing seems too small.” Robinson was not nervous for the challenge. In his first game, Robinson made history. The "I wasn’t surprised I played well," Robinson fans and supporters were backing him on social 5-foot-10 running back was the first running said. "The way the O-line blocked was amazing, media and showing their pride in one of their back in 30 years to start at running back as an and just having guys like that upfront and open- own doing well with the Jaguars as well.” Robinson and the Jaguars will be back in undrafted rookie free agent. Robinson's 62 rush- ing up those holes like that, that makes it easier ing yards marked the most from an undrafted for our running backs. I really thank those guys action noon Sunday in Tennessee against the Titans. free agent rookie running back in Week 1, set- up front.” ting a record. Along with 62 yards on the ground, Robinson
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Honestly, just being out there, first NFL game as a rookie undrafted, it felt amazing. But I also just wanted to help my team win in any way I could. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Practice makes perfect for Black ZACH STANGEL Sports Reporter | @zstang5
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or Illinois State University senior golfer Becca Black, practice is key in her golf game. “I believe practice makes perfect, I focus on the weaknesses and try to make them strengths,” Black said. Black has practiced to become one of the best golfers in the Missouri Valley Conference. Black has earned countless awards and is the heart and soul of the Illinois State University women’s golf team. While at Elizabethtown High School, Black was named to the KHSAA All-State Golf first team. She was a regional champion and finished top five seven times. Black has been playing golf since the age of 6 and knew it was the right sport for her. “I played a lot of sports throughout Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics my childhood, midway through high Illinois State University senior school I found that golf was the sport golfer Becca Black reads a putt last for me,” Black said. “There were a lot season. Black is the leader of ISU’s of opportunities for me if I continued golf team. playing golf.” Being successful in the sport and
CLASSIFIEDS
in the classroom comes with dedication. Black is a hard worker in the classroom as well as on the course. Breanne Hall, the coach of the women’s golf team, has high praise for Black’s hard work. “The way she approaches things in life, you can see why she is successful. She is disciplined and focused when it comes to studies and the weight room, which is why it makes her the player and person she is today,” Hall said. Before Black came to ISU she went to UNC Asheville. She and Hall were both key components and started the women’s golf team at UNC Asheville. “My experience at UNC Asheville was good, we started a team and I had great teammates,” Black said. Black transferred to ISU in her junior year. Her major heavily influenced that decision. “The main reason I transferred was for biology. UNC Asheville did not have certain biology classes,” Black said. In the 2018-19 season, she averaged a 77.8 over 28 rounds. She finished top five in four of the eleven
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tournaments she participated in. Her best 18-hole round that season was a one-over 71 par at the Rid Verde Collegiate Invitational. In the 2019-20 season, she was named All Missouri Valley Conference, which awards the best golfers of the conference. She was honored by the award. “I worked very hard for it and was thrilled to be able to put my name on something like that,” Black said. Having experienced seniors like Black on the team helps the incoming freshman prepare for collegiate golf and Hall says Black has been a great role model. “She is a vocal leader and leads by example. She has spent countless hours becoming who she is, and the incoming players see that. She is the first to come and last to leave and people follow her,” Hall said. Black has earned everything she has gotten. She has worked and grinded to become the player that she is today. Black has been a great leader at ISU and talks about how practice and dedication made her who she is today.
Reliving ISU-EIU tradition
Special Report: Videtteonline.com
MY VIEW JAKE FOGAL | Sports Editor
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our weeks ago, the glimmer from my eye may have disappeared just as sports did from Illinois State University’s campus. Anticipation fell lifeless from the sky when it was announced that zero athletic events would take place this fall. I won’t sugarcoat it; I was truly sad. No offense to my teachers, but all of my desires and hope went to covering Redbird sports this fall. As the wait that had begun in March was set to continue, a sudden appreciation was met while covering a recent story of mine. The story I am referring to is "A tribute to a classic Midwest rivalry: ISU vs EIU." This project took a while to piece together, as my prior knowledge on the subject was subpar at best. A challenge was presented in finding the right people to talk to on this topic, and I managed to find way more sources than I bargained for; but that was OK. The near dozen of former and current sports information directors, coaches and media members who revealed their experiences and memories helped me recognize the importance of not only the MidAmerica Classic rivalry, but for sports in general. Without Ted Schmitz and Mike Williams, I wouldn’t understand the true meaning of this rivalry. As both men spoke candidly sharing their stories, I couldn’t help but continue to be drawn closer. Schmitz finding time on both sidelines allowed for an envious perspective. Both men had stories that could go on for days, many that allowed me to understand the times during their respective time periods associated to the two teams. ISU and Eastern Illinois University coaches Brock Spack, Adam Cushing and Adam Gristick gave me an insight to the importance of the rivalry. Eastern may be down in the all-time series, but each coach made it amply clear that this game is looked forward to by each side on each year’s schedule. Without the countless memories spoken of by Bill Lair, Dave Kidwell, Tom Lamonica and Roger Cushman, the major moments and dominant streaks would all be voided in my mind. From Darrell Mudra to Andy Fladung, I value the stories shared by these men. This story may have never been pursued without a friendly nudge from General Manager of The Vidette John Plevka, as we walked past Hancock Stadium on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in August. I may have never stumbled upon the great 108year history of this special rivalry. To all those listed above who were able to lend a hand in the research that went into digging this fascinating rivalry up, I thank each and every one of you. So, whether the next game is a 28-0 blowout, or a tight-knit double overtime classic, you can count on me tuning into the next edition of the Mid-American Classic game in 2021. JAKE FOGAL is a Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_jpfoga1@ilstu.edu. Follow Fogal on Twitter at @jfogal5.
Sports Mental health stigma acts as an invisible competitor
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
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icture this: two athletes sit out on the bench, sidelines, etc. One is internally struggling and suffering from depression, while the other bears a leg brace and crutches, having just had an ACL surgery. Now let me ask you, which seems more detrimental to the athletes’ performances? Blatant social stigma held by many would immediately suggest the athlete with the physical injury, but mental illnesses are equally — if not at times more — destructive to one’s performance on the court, field, etc. More often than realized, today’s student-athletes are constantly battling their greatest competitor within themselves rather than on the playing field. In fact, Drexel University researchers found that, on average, one in every four collegiate student-athletes reported “clinically relevant” levels of depressive or anxious symptoms, and that number is rising. So, why is this topic not dis-
MY VIEW RACHEL HICKEY | Sports Reporter cussed openly among the NCAA, universities, coaches, athletes, etc.? Yes, society is doing better, and the ever-present topic of mental health is gaining attention in general, but why is it still swept under the rug in athletic contexts? The answer: that blatant social stigma mentioned earlier. Athletes are still expected to be these mentally superior beings — possessing mental toughness beyond that of their non-athlete counterparts. Showing depressive symptoms such as crying, and lack of motivation or interest is labeled as “weak” or “lazy” in the world of collegiate athletics. Studentathletes must be on their A game at
all times, leaving no time to cope with internal struggles. Thus, it makes perfect sense that athletes are hesitant to speak out or even seek assistance for their illnesses. Many athletes instead bottle up their demons until they become too much to handle alone, often leading to mental and/or physical burnout. The internal competition beats the athlete down to the point where they become demoralized, and eventually throw in the towel. Over the years, the NCAA has improved its efforts in tackling the stigma. Every four years, the association releases what is called the GOALS survey, which analyzes data from willing participants from member institutions on the wellbeing of current collegiate studentathletes. The association’s webpage also contains information and resources for struggling athletes. However, there is still much room to improve. For starters, so much can change in a four-year period. How relevant
is research data from 2016 today? Depending on the topic, not very, and mental-health related topics are no exception. With environmental circumstances constantly changing and increasing athletic demands, data should be collected, analyzed and released to the public every two years, if not annually. Additionally, not many studentathletes are made aware of the resources available to them. A simple poll within my own team revealed that a majority of athletes did not realize the NCAA even had a webpage dedicated to mental health in collegiate sports. At Illinois State University, however, we are constantly reminded of the resources we have available on campus — including a registered, on-staff sports psychologist. This should be the norm: universities actively supporting their athletes and encouraging openness in communication. Within my track and field team here at ISU, the coaches have made it abundantly
clear that they are here for us to listen and urge us to talk about our internal struggles. Our coaches prioritize our overall well-being, not just our physical fitness, because they recognize the toll mental illnesses can take on our performance. This should be the norm. The “norm” should be doing away with the stigma altogether and recognizing that student-athletes are not machines; we are complex human beings with emotions and struggles, both internal and external. The “norm” should be understanding that athletes, like any other person, often fight battles that cannot be seen, and those battles can impact physical performances. Although these illnesses cannot be seen, that does not mean they should be left untreated. This should be the norm. RACHEL HICKEY is a Senior Sports Reporter for The Vidette. She can be reached at rehicke@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @r_hickey15.
From the field to the frontlines
ISU track and field athlete Jordan Wilkerson devotes more focus toward Black Lives Matter movement DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @DarnyshaM
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creams and chants of “Black Lives Matter”, “George Floyd”, “no justice, no peace” from restless, emotionallydrained, sweating-profusely, and visibly heartbroken citizens flooded neighborhoods. Tear gas, mace, pepper balls and rubber bullets dispersed into large crowds of protesters. Streets filled with scuffles between protesters and enraged law enforcement dressed in riot gear, shields, helmets and batons. This was the scenery of a protest in Indianapolis, where Illinois State University track and field athlete and Indianapolis native Jordan Wilkerson stood anticipating the final moments of his life. “In that moment, I was willing to die that day and take my last breath,” Wilkerson said. “For everyone in this, every Black person in this country who had been fighting tirelessly and have died.” For Wilkerson, these events have fueled a flame in his heart to join the frontlines of the movement, both at home in Indianapolis and on ISU’s campus. Wilkerson has become one of the more vocal leaders on campus for Black Lives Matter. He’s become a go-to voice for news outlets across Illinois, demanding ISU Athletics and the entire university acknowledge and support Black student-athletes and the Black student population while calling for change. “After I experienced that, I know, there was nothing that could limit me from going all the way,” Wilkerson said. “And I’ve told [ISU Athletics], if you kick me off this team, I will sleep perfectly fine. I’m willing to go to the extremes.” Recently, ISU Athletics Director Larry Lyons said “All Redbird Lives Matter” in a meeting with the students in athletics. The comment sparked concerns from student-athletes and “In that moment, I was willing to die that day and take my coaches supporting their players. Wilkerson, who was in class and not in attendance for the last breath. For everyone in this, every Black person in this meeting, found out about Lyon’s comment country who had been fighting tirelessly and have died.” from his teammates on social media. “That’s how you know how impactful that Jordan Wilkerson, ISU track and field athlete statement was,” Wilkerson said. “I didn’t even hear it live. I saw it on Snapchat and my supporting this,’ then they show something different.” teammates were mad about it. So, it was it was hurtful. And it While the students have gotten an outpouring of support, was insensitive.” some, along with administration, have remained silent and Wilkerson said in the first meeting with the students, Lyons deviated from conversations surrounding Black Lives Matter. remained silent. He heard little to nothing from Lyons up until Wilkerson said he believes people see the movement as politithe meeting where he first made the offensive statement. cal rather than a way to empathize with the pain and experi“For his first statement to be something like that, that ences of the Black community. He said it’s frustrating that almost [portrayed] what he felt,” Wilkerson said. people lack the empathy for those experiencing trauma even “I felt like [we] got spit in our face. And especially for me, when Black students are explaining their pain. because I told everyone, and I’ve said this in multiple inter“We can’t explain, or they can’t feel the same pain that we views, that I didn’t want to be a part of any movement that feel, but let’s educate them on those matters,” Wilkerson said. was not genuine and real. I didn’t want to be a face of any“And I thought we did that. And to a degree, I feel like it’s not thing, because that’s not who I stand for. And I stand hard for our job as oppressed people to educate the oppressors.” my people. I’m not going to be a poster child; I’m not going Following Lyon’s statement, ISU student-athletes announced to be a token Black person, so it looks like ‘This is what we’re a boycott for the upcoming season and a short list of demands doing. These Black figures in these places, and we actually for administration to meet to call off the boycott. The demands
AT LEFT: Illinois State University track and field athlete Jordan Wilkerson shows excitement at the MVC Indoor Championships at the UNI Dome in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, earlier this year. Wilkerson would go on to win the heptathlon for the second-straight year and set a new school record. ABOVE: Wilkerson performs the high jump at the MVC Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Courtesy of Bob Higgins | Illinois State Athletics
call for minority representation in administration, athletic trainers, mental health resources geared toward minorities, and public support for Black Lives Matter from the athletics department. Wilkerson said they kept the list short for athletics and administration to initiate a conversation with them about other demands and next steps. “We don’t have any Black representation or not even minority representation in this administration,” Wilkerson said. “My biggest thing when talking to the administration, it’s like, how are you guys formulating progressive acts and making plans for an athletic environment to be more beneficial for Black athletes if you have no one on your board who’s Black? Where are you getting these plans from? You don’t even know what it feels like to be Black. So, it’s no way that you can accurately give us a plan and accurately implement a system that’s going to be beneficial to us if you don’t even know what it’s like.” Fast forward to Sept. 4. ISU student-athletes, dressed in all black, led about 300 students, staff and community members on a march for Black voices from the north entrance of Redbird Arena to the steps of Hovey Hall on the Quad with an overflow of “Black Lives Matter” and “no justice, no peace” chants. Wilkerson, who spoke for about 14 minutes, was the last speaker of the evening. He spoke on a number of topics. “It takes a different type of people to get killed, enslaved, hung, spat on, restricted from resources and opportunities, ridiculed, used and to be treated less than humans to get back up and fight for equality and is something that I’ll always be proud of as a Black man,” Wilkerson said. “We are a special type of people.” Mid-speech, Wilkerson paused for a moment, becoming emotional. Applause and a “take your time, Jordan” came from the crowd as Wilkerson wiped his tears and continued speaking. “What greater time than right now,” Wilkerson said. “We don’t know if anyone’s going to have a season. What do we have to lose? Right now, we’re just regular people. We’re always regular people. And that’s the thing with the “All Redbird lives matter.” I’m a Black man before anything else. That’s why I’m not wearing athletic stuff, because that doesn’t define me.” uEXPANDED STORY on @ Videtteonline.com