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September 18, 2023

Boston College Not to Rename McElroy Commons BC High is relabeling its McElroy Hall, citing its namesake’s ties to slavery. BY WILL MARTINO Asst. News Editor

Boston College High School is renaming McElroy Hall, the school’s first building, citing Rev. John McElroy’s, S.J., historical ties to slavery, according to a story published by The Boston Globe.

Boston College has no plans to rename McElroy Commons—also dedicated to John McElroy—in light of BC High’s decision, according to Associate Vice President for University Communications Jack Dunn. “John McElroy, S.J., is recognized at Boston College for the

work he did in founding BC in 1863,” Dunn said in a statement to The Heights. “Because of his indispensable contributions to BC’s history, we are not planning to remove his name from McElroy Commons.” While there are no plans to rename the building, Dunn said

BC is funding research to examine McElroy’s life through a biography that BC historian Seth Meehan is writing. “The biography will fully examine Fr. McElroy’s Jesuit years, while also considering him within the context of the times in which he lived and the full scope of his

life experiences and accomplishments,” the statement read. Until Meehan’s research or future campus construction plans pose the need for change, McElroy Commons will retain its name, Dunn said.

See McElroy, A2

Email Calls for ResLife Union

Newton Dispensary Opens

BY NATALIE ARNDT News Editor

BY ANNIE LADD REID Asst. Newton Editor

Boston College Residential Life Workers called for the establishment of a ResLife student workers union in an email sent to resident assistants (RAs) and graduate student assistants on Sunday night. The email encouraged all ResLife student workers to organize and demand better compensation and working conditions. “We have heard time and time again from RAs how clear it is that we are undervalued and treated unfairly in the face of a wealthy institution,” the email reads. “Essentially, by fighting to establish a union for ResLife student workers, we are asking for a voice in our jobs on campus.” An Instagram account for the proposed union was also created on Sunday night, and the first post asked all ResLife student workers to fill out a Union Authorization card. To hold an election for a union, 30 percent of employees must complete a Union Authorization card. “BC continues to disregard and undervalue the critical role that RAs fill around the clock at our university — it’s time for that to change,” the post reads. “We are fighting for fair compensation, workers protection, and a voice in our jobs on campus.”

us, not only us but our families,” McBarnett said. “We thank you for the opportunity to be here at Boston College and what they’re allowing us to do this evening—this is so special to us that we can celebrate each other’s cultures.” McBarnett’s prayer kicked off a lineup of speakers and performances to commemorate the first day of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

A new type of family business has set up shop in Newton. With a recently redesigned, modern white facade, the Green Lady Dispensary celebrated its grand opening with a three-day block party to commemorate its status as the first woman- and minority-owned dispensary in the city. “People from all walks of life enjoy cannabis,” said Cleantha Campbell, the general manager of the Newton store. “It’s not specific to one age group. So, that’s why we chose Newton. We felt like it was a diverse, welcoming neighborhood.” The Campbell family is used to working together. Parents Rupert and Nicole started out in the fertilizer business, but they decided to make a leap with their daughters when Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana in 2018, according to Nicole. “Massachusetts was just coming out with the regulations and laws to do cannabis recreationally,” Nicole said. “So we decided to get involved in this brand new emerging industry that, you know, … young people, rightfully … think is very exciting.” The family’s first location—which was located on Nantucket—was the 23rd dispensary to open in Massachusetts. But, it was the first woman- and minority-owned dispensary in the state, according to Cleantha. “[It] feels good, you know, being not only a family-owned business, but a women-owned business and a minority-owned business,” Cleantha said.

See Heritage Month, A3

See Dispensary, A4

See Union, A2

BC Wins 27 Straight Sets BY LUKE EVANS Asst. Sports Editor

While the culmination of Sunday’s two games against Stonehill and Merrimack resulted in 27 straight set wins, a Boston College volleyball program record, the Eagles did not seem to be fazed by the accomplishment or the streak when the final point was scored. Rather, the team immediately rushed toward the sideline to celebrate its win with Leah Tran, BC’s Team IMPACT Player. “Leah has been a part of our program now for a few months, and I think we added her officially in April, and she’s been a great addition,” BC head coach Jason Kennedy said. “Everybody’s rooting for her. She’s an inspiration to all of us.”

See Volleyball, A9

ALINA CHEN / HEIGHTS STAFF

“This Is Special to Us” BC celebrates community at annual Hispanic/ Latinx Heritage Month kickoff.

BY LUCY FREEMAN Asst. News Editor

Silence filled a crowded room in Gasson Hall on Friday night as colorful flags and golden balloons lined the front of the room. Students and faculty bowed their heads as Yvonne McBarnett, director of the Thea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center (BAIC), led a prayer to begin the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month celebration. “Dear God, you’re representing every one of

Eagles Fall Short of Upset Against FSU BY JACK BERGAMINI Assoc. Sports Editor

After last week’s narrow three-point win over Holy Cross, Boston College football head coach Jeff Hafley delivered an intense and emotional press conference, proclaiming BC would clean up its act on penalties, especially personal fouls. “Two weeks in a row, we kept teams in the game,” Hafley said regarding the Eagles’ penalties in Week Two. “It’s not going to work like that. It’s not.” While the Eagles didn’t have as many blatant personal fouls on Saturday against No. 3 Florida State, BC set a program record with 18 total penalties for 132 lost yards. Despite the self-inflicted wounds,

the Eagles (1–2, 0–1 Atlantic Coast) put up a fight for the ages against the Seminoles (3–0, 1–0 Atlantic Coast) in the 10th annual Red Bandanna Game, storming back from a 21-point deficit to have a chance to win the game with possession of the ball. BC couldn’t finish the job in the late stages of the fourth quarter, falling to FSU 31–29. “We didn’t come in this game to be close with them,” Hafley said. “We came to win the game.” But on 3rd-and-7 with 1:08 left in regulation, needing a stop to get the ball back, John Pupel received a facemask penalty that handed the Seminoles a first down and the victory.

See Football, A8

Magazine

Opinions

After being diagnosed with celiac disease and learning to navigate eating on BC’s campus, staff writer Lily Boyd shares insights from her experience.

Columnist Mary Perez, a resident assistant for first-year students, talks about her role and stuctural issues within BC Residential Life.

KELLEN DAVIS / HEIGHTS STAFF

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEWS........... A2 OPINIONS.. A6 NEWTON....... A4 A R T S . . . . . . . . A7 MAGAZINE.. A5 S P O R TS . . . . . A8