Emerald THE DAILY
INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM PRODUCED BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS
MONDAY, NOV. 18, 2024 CAMPUS NEWS
ASUO passes resolution supporting peace and human rights center See pg 5 for story
ARTS & CULTURE
Women in Psych Club: creating a community By Jackson Buckley Arts & Culture Writer
The psychology program at the University of Oregon is renowned for its cutting-edge research and work in machine learning with great leadership in the field. Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, it allows students to gain a deeper knowledge of the human brain, personalities and scientific studies. But for a lot of students, the vastness of the program can induce anxiety and discomfort. Luckily, the Women in Psych Club was formed to help all students, especially women, with the intimidation factor of getting into the diverse field of psychology. Late last spring term, the Women in Psych Club was approved by Associated Students of the University of Oregon to become an organized group on campus. The club was founded by a group of students to combat the lack of psychology clubs and clubs catering to women on campus. Club membership started with their executive board — a president, vice president, public relations chair, treasurer, secretary and recruitment officer. A total of 12 members came to their very first event and now the club has grown to over 50 members. “When we were creating the club, we were looking at each other for advice on classes and
See pg 8 for full story
OPINION
The increase of political polarization and its impacts By Daniela Pia Ortega Opinion Columnist
In my senior year of high school, nearly three years ago, I took a class on the U.S. government. I learned about the political spectrum and how America has gone from moderate to two opposite sides of the spectrum. l saw the split between Republicans and Democrats, and observed how especially after Trump’s presidency this gap became increasingly large. See pg 8 for full story
SPORTS
Athlete of the Week: Deja Kelly See pg 11 for story
CITY NEWS
Eugene’s early restaurant closing hours See pg 9 for story
STUDENT CULTURE
Diwali: A festival that illuminates By Seira Kitagawa Arts & Culture Writer
Diwali, a South Asian festival celebrating light over darkness, was hosted on Nov. 10 at the University of Oregon Erb Memorial Union Ballroom by the South Asian Cultural Alliance. Roughly 250 students and community members filled the space, gathering for food and local performances throughout the evening. “Diwali is meant to show love,” Saisha Rajpara, a UO junior who performed a dance during the event, said. She also serves as a secretary for SACA this year. Rajpara’s involvement in SACA began with Diwali her freshman year. “I fell in love with the way SACA fostered a community,” Rajpara said. Diwali is translated as a row of lights, which symbolizes triumph over darkness, or good over evil. Although this celebration has ties to Hindu religion, Rajpara said the event is for anyone to give and share with family and community. Rajpara performed a dance at Diwali with one of her close friends, Gayatri Misra, UO junior from India. Both of them were classically trained in dance growing up, and their smiles beamed throughout their performance, showing their love of dancing. “Dance tells a story,” Rajpara said. During the performance, both dancers used facial expressions to deliver the story and to interact with each other through gestures and eye contact. Not used to being in a large South Asian community, Rajpara said she was nervous at first at the event, but sharing and celebrating her culture at Diwali opened her eyes. “This is not just a predominately white institution. People are so accepting and loving,” Rajpara said. Sree Sareday, a junior at UO, started serving as the president of SACA this year. “I don’t feel like I See pg 6 for full story