August Edition 2024 - PantherNOW

Why didn’t FIU have any printers last summer?

Magali Zoghaib | Staff Writer

Since June 1, 2024, FIU has been without on-campus printing services due to the permanent closure of Ricoh which operated at the main printing store in Graham Center and provided printing kiosks around campus.

With the fall semester approaching, this leaves over 56,000 students without a vital resource.

As a top ranked university, according to the America’s Best Colleges 2024 rankings, FIU provides reliable oncampus printing and mailing services to prevent students from facing the inconvenience of off-campus alternatives.

“We wanted a more professional environment with stocked merchandise, more services, quick turnaround and an overall positive experience,” said Jeff Krablin, former associate vice president of business services , according to Ricoh’s case study in 2015.

“That’s what we got. I have nothing but praise for Ricoh.”

So, what went wrong?

In an interview with PantherNOW, Roger Clegg, assistant vice president of Business Services at FIU explained that immense

reliance on online services led to a decline for printing services, particularly after the pandemic.

“The business in Ricoh went from a pretty high point pre-COVID to an extreme low point in terms of transactions and revenue coming into the business,” said Clegg. “After noticing that Ricoh’s business was low, we decided to look elsewhere.”

As Ricoh’s contract came to an end following several extensions the previous years, FIU initiated a competitive solicitation for new vendors, attracting interest from companies like UPS and FedEx

The solicitation process began late 2023 with the intention of completing it by mid-spring of 2024.

However, throughout the process, Ricoh notified FIU that they would not be taking part in the solicitation and declared their withdrawal as of May 31, 2024.

“They basically told us that the business wasn’t enough to be on-campus anymore and they gave us a May 31 date that they were leaving, however we still felt comfortable because we had the solicitation and all these interested parties,” Clegg said.

Nonetheless, by mid-March it became evident that none of the submitted proposals met the university’s contract requirements set by the office.

This led to issues since it caused a delay in securing a suitable replacement vendor, leaving FIU without printing services with no immediate solution in sight.

“We know this is a service the students need, so we had to pivot and we had to scramble really quick,” remarked Clegg.

“The Office of Business Services suggested a few alternatives, shown in this graphic below.”

Upon engagement with local printers that some departments at the university already utilize, FIU secured two new vendors to replace Ricoh’s services. The university will soon have both student print stations distributed throughout campus such as at the Green Library and a print center in Graham Center.

Toshiba, which already has a contract with the university to provide the offices of staff and faculty, agreed to set up accessible print kiosks for students on-campus.

“Toshiba has hundreds of machines on campus, and they have technicians available all

day, every day, which is great because, unlike Ricoh, if they didn’t have someone free to fill paper or check the ink, the printer would be down,” explained Clegg.

“So I think not only are we going to get higher quality machines, but we’ll also have better service, and the printers will be in working condition much more often than they used to be.”

Additionally, Quality Print Service will take over the retail space in the Graham Center previously operated by Ricoh. In the meantime, the company

has set up a dedicated website for anyone needing on-campus printing services, guaranteeing delivery within 24 hours at no extra fee.

“They offer many more print services that Ricoh didn’t provide in the past. Since they have a store near campus capable of handling largeformat and bulk printing, they can better serve students,” he added. The store in Graham Center is currently undergoing construction and is expected to open in early September.

Police Chief returns from leave

Brian Olmo | Editor-in-chief

FIU Police Department Chief Alexander Casas returned to duty on July 1 after being placed on leave by the university back in May.

PantherNOW obtained a memo sent out to FIUPD staff from James Mesidor, the acting chief during the leave, announcing Casas’s return. The memo was later confirmed in a phone call to FIUPD.

Details surrounding Casas’s leave are still unknown. Allegations that Casas was groping

staff members while posing for pictures surfaced in April.

As of now, no official reason for the leave has been given.

In an email sent to PantherNOW, Casas expressed gratitude for being able to return.

“My recent experience has taught me that as leaders we can never stop learning and improving,” wrote Casas. “I’m happy to be back at FIU serving as always and working to keep our FIU community safe.”

Protests in Bangladesh leave students distressed

Fariha Tasnim Amir | Staff Writer

With the ongoing quota protest in Bangladesh taking a violent turn, international students here on campus are expressing their concerns over the chaotic situation.

The students of Bangladesh have been subjected to deadly clashes with the country’s government organizations since they started protesting against the top court’s ruling for more

than half of the country’s lucrative government jobs being reserved for certain groups. The government’s reckless tactics to repress the movement has claimed the lives of over 900 people in less than 10 days.

The homeland’s unstable state has left FIU’s 600 Bangladeshi students distraught and distracted with no end in sight.

PantherNOW collected responses from Bangladeshi students at FIU. From the spontaneous and quick

participation of over 50 students here on campus, it’s evident that the ongoing crisis back home has all of them deeply troubled.

Most especially, with the recent shoot-on-sight curfew and ongoing government imposed internet blackout for over 80 hours now, students are unable to confirm the safety of their families back home.

“Students are now being treated worse than any other incident that happened both before & after the war of 1971.,

The general students are being attacked by both the goons of the ruling party’s student body and the police. Innocent teens have lost their lives and the bloodbath continues,” said PhD student Asif Mahbub.

“Though I’m far away, the events occurring have a striking impact on me and my mental health. The photos and videos of violence are causing mental stress and I am concerned for the victims. It’s evoking my helplessness, fear, or anger,” said PhD student Sarwar J. Minar when asked how the situation back home is impacting him.

Minar’s not the only one whose loved ones’ safety is being compromised amidst this bloody unrest.

MBA student Islam Ashraful shared, “Among the victims is the son of one of my former teachers, whose heartbreaking call for justice has resonated with many”. His own father is at risk because of the current vexing situation too. “I fear for my father’s safety, who commutes daily from Dhaka to Gazipur for work. It’s overwhelming”.

“I’m emotionally and mentally distressed, my study, normal activities are being hampered,” said Sohely Jahan, a PhD student.

“Anxious, concerned, distracted” is how another

Florida loosens child labor laws

Danette Heredia | Staff Writer

Florida passed 167 new bills targeting proper overtime compensation and teens in the workplace to accommodate for the rising prices of living, along with blocking counties from enforcing heat exposure safety standards.

Effective July 1st, Florida will be widening the threshold for employees to earn overtime, increasing the salary exemption from

$684 per week to $844 per week – more employees are now going to be eligible for earning overtime pay.

Child labor laws have also weakened since passing House Bill 49, allowing teens to work more than 30 hours a week with parent permission, and no more than eight hour work days.

House Bill 917 around teens in the home construction industry now allows them to work in the field, although under the supervision of an adult 21 years or older that maintains an OSHA-10

certification and minimum 2 years experience.

The teen must also obtain an OSHA-10 certification to remain within OSHA compliance, but if a business is found out of regulation, they can face serious legal repercussions and hefty fines from the state of Florida.

House Bill 197 also places strict restrictions on teens working in hazardous jobs like scaffolding, roof, superstructure, or using a ladder six feet or above.

Florida has now restricted counties from developing and

enforcing their own standards on heat exposure procedures, requiring them to follow state and national standards.

Counties like Miami-Dade County for example, had already been making efforts into establishing a countywide standard for heat exposure safety procedures, making sure that workers received proper water breaks when the heat index reaches 90.

But because of aforementioned state law, these programs had to be shut down.

Bangladeshi PhD student Salman Jamal described his current mental state to be.

“Frustration over the lack of communication,” said Rashed Nibir, an undergraduate student when asked about his feelings about the internet blackout in his home country.

“The government’s cutting off of internet connections prevents me from communicating with my family or staying updated, which is incredibly distressing,” Fatama Huda, a PhD student voiced.

The general atmosphere of uncertainty and reports of violence intensifies my anxiety. Seeing images of young children who have died and their grieving parents is emotionally devastating and has deeply impacted my mental well-being, making it difficult for me to sleep and concentrate on my studies,” Huda explained further.

“It is disheartening to see young voices being suppressed through violence and intimidation,” PhD student Md Al Adib Sarker shared.

“The things happening in Bangladesh are totally diabolical, against democracy and all laws of humanity.

Shooting unarmed people, let alone students, is the worst crime that I can think of for the leader of a country,” Sharika Marjan, a PhD student shared.

With more than 26,000 ER visits from heat-related illness between 2018 to 2022, local governments are not able to respond to these crises’ or support their outdoor employees.

Rising temperatures, combined with Florida’s growing elderly population, will increase the likelihood of heat-related hospital visits for the forseeable future.

More bills are expected to be drafted throughout the year, signaling a loosening of previous labor policy priors.

Football Stadium becomes

Brian Olmo | Editor-in-chief

On Aug. 6, American rapper Armando Christian Perez, known as Pitbull, held a press conference in Tamiami Hall on Modesto Maidique Campus to announce an extensive collaboration with FIU Athletics.

Pitbull Stadium:

Athletic Director Scott Carr announced during the press conference that the football stadium will be officially renamed to the Pitbull Stadium as part of a five-year deal. The rapper will pay $1.2 million a year for the naming rights and there’s an option to renew for five more years.

“It’s my great honor to officially announce a partnership unique to the 305 with a worldwide brand. FIU football stadium will now be called Pitbull Stadium,” said Carr.

This makes the Pitbull Stadium the world’s first-ever athletics facility to be named after a music artist.

But the sign isn’t the only thing that’s changing.

Pitbull is also creating an FIU anthem to be played at all Athletics events and his vodka company, Voli 305 Vodka, will be distributed in the stadium. He’ll also have two reserved suites for all home football games.

Additional terms of the contract require Pitbull to post on social media 12 times a year and attend one athletics fundraising event per year.

Pitbull is also officially recognized as the “Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics.”

Pitbull spoke on his reasoning for partnering with FIU.

“What it boils down to is Miami is always known for being under dogs, no matter what we do and what level we take it to,” said Pitbull.

“Being underdogs is what I always felt about FIU — fighting, clawing their way to just be seen, to be recognized, whether it be from education, business, through sports.”

The artist also emphasized his connection to the university and to the city of Miami.

Pitbull Concert:

Carr also mentioned that there will be a Pitbull concert held in the stadium.

“This will be the first time an athletics venue has ever been named after a world-renowned musician. So picture this: Pitbull in concert at Pitbull Stadium. I know I’m going to be there. We’re going to be there to see history made when that happens,” said Carr.

No exact date for his performance has been given.

“This is history in the making. You’re going to see that every other university wants to do the same thing. But the difference is, we don’t do this propaganda.”

- Armando Christian Perez

NIL Funding:

It was mentioned by Carr during the press conference that Pitbull will be involved in assisting FIU with name, image and likeness.

“He’s going to help with NIL for our student athletes. That’s something that he wants to do outside of his contract.”

How Pitbull will contribute to NIL has not yet been specified.

President Kenneth Jessell reflected on the impact that the collaboration will have on the university.

“This is truly a transformational all about our students, our munity. Armando mentioned story is the Miami story.”

South Dade KIA Field:

The football field within South Dade KIA Field as part dealership.

“We have been proud supporters ognize the significant role that with young people and students,” vice president and co-owner

“When we found out about initiative, we immediately wanted delighted to announce our commitment to innovation tion and athletics, creating

Vice Night:

It is also confirmed that Vice Night event. This year, thers game against Sam Houston casted on ESPNU.

becomes Pitbull Stadium

transformational opportunity for FIU,” said Jessell. “It’s faculty, our staff, our alumni and this commentioned that this is the Miami 305 way. The FIU

within Pitbull Stadium will also be renamed to the part of FIU’s partnership with the local car supporters of FIU Athletics because we recthat education and sports play in connecting students,” said Lucy Benedetti, the executive co-owner of South Dade KIA. about FIU Athletics and Pitbull’s outstanding wanted to contribute and participate. We are collaboration, demonstrating our collective in Miami. Together we will enhance educaa brighter future for our students.”

that Pitbull will participate in the football team’s year, a new uniform will be debuted in the PanHouston on Oct. 22. The game will be broad -

EDITORIAL PANTHER

DeSantis’ $32 million art budget veto is disgraceful

On June 12, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed the state’s $32 million art funding from the legislatureapproved 2024-2025 budget.

Nearly two months later, hundreds of organizations across Florida are still struggling, looking for money to stay afloat.

His justification for cutting the state art budget?

Two Fringe Festivals in Orlando and Tampa which featured drag shows. Or as he so eloquently put it, “a sexual festival where they’re doing all this stuff.”

Even the most morally bankrupt individual can tell you that’s not fair. Cutting the funding of over 700 programs because of two festivals – which did nothing wrong – is outrageous.

This is part of the governor’s broader strategy to prioritize STEM education over everything else. It’s good that STEM’s receiving additional funding, but not at the expense of everything art and culture-related.

The cut will hurt FIU students and their job prospects in the arts. No funding for these programs means they can’t pay their staff, meaning hundreds of people will be laid off

or some roles cease to exist.

This also has major implications for freedom of expression or the First Amendment. Isn’t that what this is all about, anyway?

How can these organizations continue to operate if the fear of retaliation in the form of budget cuts is always lingering in the background?

They can’t, meaning they’ll have to be more selective with their programming to not rock the baby’s cradle in Tallahassee too hard.

Using the Fringe Festivals as scapegoats for slashing the art budget has set a dangerous precedent.

We ask one simple question: Is there any logical reason to do this?

A spokesperson for the governor said it was in the state’s best interest to do this to cut down on overall government spending.

Yet according to the state, the art and culture industry generated $6 billion in 2022 in economic activity.

Not to mention, the arts and culture industry being slashed would inevitably trickle down to affect tourism, by

far and away Florida’s, especially South Florida’s, largest industry.

The leaders of the Fringe Festivals have even offered to give up their grants if it meant restoring the art budget for the state.

Art is a reflection of ourselves. It inspires us, it pokes fun at the world around us and for some people, it offends. But that’s the beauty of it. We shouldn’t limit people’s ability to express themselves and make the art they want to make.

If you don’t want to see a drag show, don’t.

You aren’t going to like all types of art that come out. That’s obvious. But why destroy the livelihoods of so many people and threaten those who do enjoy these types of performances?

DeSantis’ decision to veto the state’s art funding is asinine. It deserves to be mocked at every opportunity for how foolish it is. It’s another short-sighted decision in a term full of them.

The editorial board condemns this decision with as much vitriol as possible.

Bass Drop University: disappointed, but not surprised

From allowing students in for free in 2022 to now charging students over $40 for a glorified parking lot concert, Bass Drop University has fallen out of many student’s good graces.

What used to be the summer event has become a cash grab.

Prior to this year, Bass Drop University events allowed students in for free and charged non-students $30. This time around, students pay $40 and non-students pay $60+. It feels like a complete rip off to have to pay for an event your own university is hosting.

Charging students for university-hosted events adds an unnecessary financial burden. Many students already struggle with tuition fees, accommodation costs and everyday living expenses.

Having to pay for events makes it difficult for students to participate in campus life.

I refused to pay (like many others) and instead opted to get a free ticket BDU was giving away in the Graham Center for promotion.

While I do think a chunk of students paid, the reality is that the majority of the students attending BDU were there solely because of the free ticket since the crowds were so small. Last BDU was packed and the crowd was wild with people crowd surfing and head banging. This year that energy wasn’t long gone .

Disappointing, but can you really be surprised after charging FIU students for an FIU event?

This not only dampens the spirit of the event but also undermines the sense of community that such gatherings foster. Events are designed to bring students together, create memories and build a cohesive campus culture.

The very purpose of these events is defeated. For many students, traditions and expectations play a crucial role in their university experience. Bass Drop University has been a free event, so why change it?

SEND

US YOUR LETTERS

Have something on your mind? Send an email to fiusmeditor@gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, major, year and panther ID. Letters must be less than 400 words and may be edited for clarity and length. PantherNOW will only run two letters a semester from any individual.

Changing this without considering the students’ perspective feels like a betrayal of trust.

Students plan and look forward to these events, and introducing a fee unexpectedly can lead to disappointment and frustration. At least I certainly was.

Another important note is the lack of single day tickets when purchasing through the website. There are only 2-day tickets, which again feels like a rip off.

Many students work or have other responsibilities that wouldn’t enable them to attend BDU two days in a row, so why enforce it?

Universities strive to be inclusive environments where every student, regardless of their financial background, can participate fully. Charging for events creates a barrier which only excludes those who cannot afford the extra cost.

Instead of charging students, universities can explore

Editorials are the unified voice of the editorial board, which is composed of the editor in chief, management, and the editors of each of the four sections. PantherNOW welcomes any letters regarding or in response to its editorials.

alternative funding options for events. This could include seeking sponsorships, increasing alumni donations or reallocating existing budgets.

Engaging with student organizations and involving them in fundraising efforts can also be an effective way to cover costs without imposing fees on students.

The decision by FIU to charge students for attending BDU is a stark reminder of the need to consider the broader impact of such policies.

It is essential for universities to recognize the financial pressures faced by students and the importance of maintaining traditions and inclusivity. By ensuring that events remain accessible to all, universities can continue to foster a vibrant and united student community.

Looking for a job over the semester? Apply today through our website to get a chance to see yourself on PantherNOW.

Don’t continue higher education blindly

There is no universal appeal of staying in college for every student. But if students decide to continue pursuing higher education, they can’t do it blindly.

Seeking higher education can be a rewarding experience for students who wish to expand their knowledge and apply their skills to the modern job market, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, networking and more.

However, these rewards can pale in comparison to the strenuous challenges of college for some students because of complications like struggling to receive financial aid, not knowing what you want to study and just going to college because it’s expected.

If you go into college with the mindset of “I have to do it” or “I have to achieve my goals in this way,” chances are you’re going to be left feeling empty completing a chapter you didn’t want to start in the first place.

No matter where we are in our academic journey, the doubt and hesitation can cross our minds from time to time.

It represents a piece of the dying American Dream. It’s outdated and no longer relevant to our generation. Not every student is going to have the luxury of buying a home and raising a picturesque family a couple of years after they graduate without running into massive amounts of debt.

It no longer aligns with the reality we live in, where financial security trumps every other desired quality in a job for students. College may seem difficult to navigate, but having a plan can be a start towards getting you through that stage of your life.

The best place to start when creating a plan for higher

“If students choose to continue pursuing higher education, they can’t go in blindly.”

education is to focus on what career you want to choose. It’s okay to be worried when figuring out which careers match your interests and which careers will help you become financially stable.

The most optimal careers meet in the middle. There are careers out there that can strike a balance between fulfilling your passions and being financially stable to pay for your everyday expenses. College can set you on the right path toward achieving a successful career, but it needs to be done with a plan. Planning out how and why you’re going to college gives you the agency to carve your path to success.

DeSantis’ Title IX defiance: disaster waiting to happen EDITORIAL PANTHER

Gov. Ron DeSantis’s conservative agenda is jeopardizing the safety of university students and employees in Florida by rejecting one of the most vital civil laws we have — and it’s absurd.

Title IX is a civil law that is designed to prohibit sex discrimination in any education program receiving federal financial assistance. It is the foundation of how equality is understood on a university campus so changing the law isn’t a light action.

Title IX was already poisoned when it was tampered by former president Donald Trump who implemented protections for the accused by creating hoops for victims to jump through to seek justice.

Trump’s Title IX changes created barriers that made it impossible for survivors to come forward to seek justice. The lengthy 2,000 page ruling made it difficult for survivors to understand their legal rights and the redefinition of what is considered sexual misconduct only made matters worse.

Other changes made it so victims had no choice but to drop the case entirely and if they were able to make it to court, they would be forced to face their accuser — that is the opposite of what Title IX is supposed to do.

The Biden administration’s Title IX changes that are planned to go into effect Aug. 1 will overturn Trump’s corruption. The changes will protect victims

and make it feasible for them to come forward rather than silence them.

Importantly, it doesn’t subject victims to the traumatic experience of attending in-person cross-examinations.

DeSantis has already made a statement that he will “fight” the new changes from being enforced in Florida, but it’s obvious this fight is a political strategy to keep and appease Florida republicans. His recent X post makes it clear that this is about maintaining the anti-LGBTQIA+ track that DeSantis has put Florida on, whether we like it or not.

Biden’s Title IX changes include LGBTQIA+ student protection from identity or sexual orientationbased harassment – a necessity in Florida because of DeSantis’s actions.

From the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” to claiming that transgender athletes are “destroying women’s athletics”, the LGBTQIA+ community has been under attack throughout DeSantis’s residency.

DeSantis’s decision to not comply with the new changes is no surprise given his conservative track record. It’s pure arrogance.

What we’re witnessing here is another masterclass in political grandstanding given by a governor who’s milked the technique dry.

DeSantis’s inability to look past his conservative

opinions to see the need for these new changes will only lead to victims being silenced and neglected in Florida. There is already a concerningly long list of open Title IX investigation in different Florida universities and how these cases will be handled rely on the outcome of DeSantis’s vendetta to fight against Biden’s Title IX changes.

In a university that has students working all over campus, we depend on Title IX to protect us from discrimination. But just like the hiring freeze, FIU would have no other choice but to comply.

The hiring freeze has already proven to have devastating effects for students and the same will happen if DeSantis succeeds in rejecting the new changes to Title IX.

The overwhelming fear that DeSantis will be successful in his legal battle against these changes is not something we should overlook. It’s something we should be stopping before it begins.

DeSantis’s refusal to comply speaks volumes as to what the future holds for Florida and that should have us all concerned. The personal beliefs of a Republican governor has no place in destroying the protection of students in an entire state.

Columns presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Ignacio’s art exhibition paints the canvas for self-reflection and healing

Isaac Campos Contributing writer

Ignacio Font’s solo exhibition “Self Care: Mineral Spirits, Elixirs & other Home Remedies” opened on June 20th at the Green Library on the Second Floor.

Font’s exhibition showcases not only a high level of mixed media art that permutates large form oil painting, grid work, works on paper, collage and a photograph installation but also exhibits a profound amount of personal growth, challenge, pain, and triumph in its presentation.

Various pieces such as “journal” and “13 steps” took a number of years to complete reflecting on events that affected us nationally(Covid Protests) but also expressing through the work itself a tremendous process of self-discovery through pain, loss, and dedication.

No single piece of oil, line work,

words, or figure is left without meaning in Ignacio’s pieces, the title of the exhibition “Self Care: Mineral Spirits, Elixirs & other Home Remedies” seeks to highlight the significance of the healing process of painting.

Font speaks about this self-care through painting in his artist talk, “…the topics are all personal–it is something that I’m dealing with in the family or that it’s part of who I am at that moment. And I need to get it somewhere. That is the self-care; painting, making artwork is important for me because it allows me to have a happy and full life the rest of the time, because I’m putting the hurt and the difficulties into the work itself.”

One of the first pieces, “Self-Portrait”, completed in 2017 when Font first began working in his own studio.

It’s a self-portrait of him walking away from this world into the world of painting-found

at the entrance of the 2nd floor of the Green Library-portrays the beginning or maybe even commitment of the longer process of all the more personal and profound work you find deeper in the exhibition.

Font isn’t leaving our world behind for painting–painting is his vehicle, as an artist to express; to find that hurt, pain, the urgency in a national catastrophe and begin a process of extraction and discovery in events that have a deeper weight on his conscious.

What we see is an artist beginning to have his own space for his expression, the necessary isolation needed for a sacred place for an artist allows him to be able to retreat and return himself again.

“If I don’t paint for two months I get irritable, I get nasty, unkind, inconsiderate. So, I need this, this is my elixir this is what I did to stay sane,” Font said.

Part of this exhibition’s purpose is to demonstrate the influence of a studio environment on an artist, Jean Blackwell Font Co-Founder of CollabARTive and Ignacio’s spouse describes the importance of a studio space to an artist.

“…All of this work [was] made in his studio, where we are now over the past eight years, he has been painting for 30-40 years but this is specifically about the studio time he had”. Part of the exhibition’s message is Font finally having his own sacred space to work, the exhibition is a production from the last 8 years, since 2017, of studio work.

Both Ignacio and Blackwell Font CoFounded CollabARTive, an organization dedicated to giving affordable studio space and access to resources for emerging to midcareer artists.

Jean Blackwell Font mentions briefly before introducing Ignacio in the artist talk.

“A lot of what CollaboARTive is about is having affordable places for artists to do what is important to them, this show is really a manifestation of the years that he has had in the history of space,” Jean said. Their mission in CollaboARTive is to remove the struggle from the artist, to create community, and provide opportunity through resources.

There will always be a world outside of art for an artist but curating the sacred space for art is a necessary painstaking practice–their organization seeks to make that process easier through connection but also their personal experience.