Washburn University
News
Volume 142, Issue 17
Features
February 10, 2016
Arts & Entertainment
Opinion
washburnreview.org
Sports
Students join URGE for advocacy at Capitol Bill would prevent concealed carry Andrew Shermoen WASHBURN REVIEW
On Monday, Feb. 8, the Kansas branch of Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity met at the Kansas Statehouse to discuss reproductive rights and recent legislation attempted by Gov. Sam Brownback. Over 50 students from different universities across Kansas attended the programs held at the Statehouse. Rep. Gail Finney, representative of Kansas’ 84th district, also joined in on the conferences, as well as supporters of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri (PPKM) and representatives of Trust Women. The day started with many of the students having group discussions and becoming acquainted before the day’s activities began. The organization held a press conference with many different speakers discussing the state of reproductive and female health care in Kansas. One speaker in particular was Finney, who had plenty to say about her disappointment with her fellow legislators. “These legislators are flat out tripping,” Finney said. “Kansas has been chipping away at access to reproductive health care for a long time. Recently, some of my colleagues have upped efforts to do everything they can to make it harder and more expensive to access vital and
Faith Hadley
WASHBURN REVIEW
“The city should try to allocate some money to try and save [the store],” Brummett said. “They’ve got to make sure their people are fed.” Another student at Washburn, Mike Smalley, who is majoring in computer science, is also dismayed at the closing of the store. “I know some people back in Lawrence who would need rides from other people just to go to
Recently proposed Senate Bill 248 would prevent conceal and carry on college campuses across the state, but the odds are not in favor of its passing. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “In 2013, five states introduced legislation to prohibit concealed carry weapons on campus. None of these bills passed.” Prospects look grim to those desiring a repeal or revision of the law. “...From what I know of the Kansas Legislature, I would doubt it,” said Jim Schnoebelen, a Washburn professor of communication who also teaches political communication. Should the current law go into effect on July 1, 2017, it is up to the administration of each university to set policies that regulate guns on campus. Faculty have voiced concerns to administration in open fora, however concrete decisions do not seem to have been made yet. “Lots of questions, not a lot of answers,” said Jennifer Ball, Faculty Senate President and economics professor at Washburn. Jennifer Ball shared that there was a small study done of campus faculty, but the response rate was so low that it was untrustworthy. Her personal opinion is that the majority of faculty would prefer guns not be allowed on university property. Staff and students alike feel uncomfortable with this situation according to surveys recently released by the Docking Institute. Unless students, faculty and concerned citizens let their voices be known, the current law
CITIZENS: continued on page 4
BILL: continued on page 4
Photo by Andrew Shermoen
Speaking Out: Haley Miller is a Midwestern field agent for URGE, Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity. She and many other students from universities all over Kansas gathered at the Kansas State Captiol to speak about their dissatisfaction with women’s health care in Kansas.
constitutionally protected health care.” Finney also commented on the large amount of restrictions made by Kansas in recent years. “Kansas has passed more restrictions on abortion than any other state over the last four years,” Finney said. The representative had to
leave quickly after her speech, but she set the stage for many other speakers to speak on their dissatisfaction toward recent events in Kansas Legislature. Another key speaker was Erendira Jimenez, the student leader of URGE at Wichita State University. Her location has given her knowledge of the
difficulty of not having access to proper care. “I know from experience, living in Western Kansas, that it is very difficult to have access,” Jimenez said. “There aren’t many providers.” She spoke specifically on the URGE: continued on page 4
Citizens petition to save grocery store Anna Ciummo
WASHBURN REVIEW
Recently, many citizens of Topeka have been protesting in a petition against the closing of a Dillon’s store. The Dillon’s grocery store on Huntoon Street is one of the only sources of food for many Topeka residents. Because the store is located within a vast, tightly-networked neighborhood, it is easy for many in the area to simply walk to the store
and buy what they need. Some do not have cars. However, it was announced earlier in 2016 that the store was to close. Once this happens, the nearest place offering food sales would be fast food places and gas station convenience stores. Kimberley Brummett, a freshman studying finance, volunteers at the Harvester’s food pantry and has firsthand experience working with families who don’t have access to proper food. “A lot more people would be
hungry,” Brummett said, in regards to the store’s closing. “I think many people would even desert the area.” The petition online explains that the area depending on this grocery store would soon turn into a food desert. The USDA defines a food desert as “parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets and healthy food providers.”
IS IN THE THE ICHABOD • •LOVE • • • •AIR •AT• • • • SHOP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Find us on social media! Facebook: ichabodshop Twitter: @ichabodshop Instagram: @ichabodshop
Visit our Valentine’s Day Booth in the Main Level of the Memorial Union!
Open from February 10th to the 12th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Also, on February 11th there will be a Valentine Make and Take from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.