October Edition 2024 - PantherNOW

PANTHERNOW

FIU elevator safety certificates are expired, students raise concerns

Various elevator certificates at MMC are expired, adding to concerns students have about their safety.

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Football starts strong at home, can they keep it up?

The Panthers have found success at home to start their season in their opener against Central Michigan.

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Monday, October 7, 2024

Students celebrate school spirit at Homecoming Game

Students came together at Pitbull Stadium to celebrate and find out who would be crowned King and Queen.

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FIU bridge set to be rebuilt in October

Six years ago, a pedestrian bridge built by FIU collapsed and killed six people, including university student Alexa Duran. At long last, the bridge is finally undergoing reconstruction.

“Construction is set to begin October 8, 2024,” said FIU’s Associate Vice President of Media Relations Maydel Santana. However, according to FIU, construction was to begin in early 2024 at the latest.

The cause for delay was due to a “lengthy competitive solicitation process” as well as the need for an additional $2 million dollars –sourced from auxiliary, not tuition funds.

“The day of the collapse was one of the saddest days in FIU history that remains in our hearts and minds permanently,” said Santana in response to the difficulties FIU has faced during this process. “With the amount of growth that the City of Sweetwater has experienced in student housing developments, the need for a bridge so that students can safely cross SW 8th Street to campus is even more critical.”

said to be BBC Engineering, a company that prides itself on hiring FIU graduates.

The builder is DeMoya Highway Infrastructure, who has worked on the Palmetto Expressway and the Turnpike, as well as Hurricane Ian emergency repairs. In the process, the remaining pylon across from FIU will be destroyed to make way for the new bridge.

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold the Pre-Construction Conference on September 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the FDOT District Six Auditorium located at 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Miami, Fl.

Additionally, there is an FDOT public meeting on September 19, 2024 at Jorge Ronselli Park in Sweetwater starting at 6:30 p.m. where the safety and maintenance of traffic components and construction timeline will be presented. All members of the community are encouraged to attend.

University president Kenneth Jessell, who was the CFO during the collapse, remains involved in the project, and FIU and the City of Sweetwater have been working together with the FDOT team to ensure that this project gets completed.

of the Panther family, to remain informed and engaged in the weeks and months ahead,” said Jessell.

Throughout the construction, there will be detours and closures that will impact the flow of traffic at MMC. FDOT will determine detour and lane closure dates and times. FIU will remain in communication with FDOT to keep the FIU community informed at all times. Most detours and closures are expected to be during the evening hours.

President Kenneth Jessell

Jessell stressed that the bridge will serve as a way for pedestrians to safely cross 8th Street and to honor the memory of the lives lost during the initial collapse.

To ensure pedestrian safety, the new bridge is said to have “multiple structural redundancies.” Additionally, the road will be closed during construction hours.

The design engineer for the new bridge is

In a new development as of September 17, President Jessell released a statement confirming the construction of the bridge.

“With construction scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – and expected to last two years – I encourage all of us, as part

Faculty navigate statewide anti-Semitism review

Carla Mendez Staff Writer

As Florida’s statewide review of course material at public universities continues, FIU finds itself at the center of controversy.

The investigation, which began after allegations of anti-Semitic content in a Terrorism and Homeland Security course, has left many faculty members grappling with questions about academic freedom, censorship, and the role of politics in education.

Last spring, adjunct professor Mario Reyes faced public scrutiny after quiz questions from his Terrorism and Homeland Security course were posted on social media, specifically X. The questions, drawn directly from the textbook provided by the university, sparked accusations of anti-Semitism.

“Everything was going perfectly fine in my course,” Reyes said in an interview with PantherNOW. “I didn’t know there were controversial questions in the quiz until I was contacted by the university saying that some of my students took screenshots of the quiz and put it up on social media.”

The social media posts quickly spread from the students to other platforms such as the X account

Documenting Israel, drawing widespread criticism until they caught the attention of Representative Fine. The post garnered a significant amount of backlash and criticism of Reyes and the university.

“I was called all sorts of names,” Reyes said. “But not at any point were those questions made by me, nor were they my views.” University textbooks come with a pre-prepared test bank used for quizzes test back, which is where these questions were derived from. Reyes clarified he had no part in choosing the textbook or the questions used for the quiz.

“I didn’t even know those test questions were in there,” Reyes said. “Had I known they would have never been included.” Following the incident, the quiz was removed, and Reyes worked closely with the university to ensure no further controversial material would appear in his course.

While Reyes acknowledged the inappropriateness of the questions, he emphasized the importance of academic freedom within classrooms. “When it comes to academia, to a certain level, controversial topics are okay, until they reach that significant level.”

He emphasized the importance of communication between stu-

“I didn’t even know those test questions were in there,”

dents and professors. “Had the student that was upset or offended by the questions spoke to me or the university prior to posting on social media, the situation could have been resolved before it reached the level that it did,” Reyes said.

The controversy surrounding Reyes’ course materials marked the beginning of a broader statewide review of university course content. Over the summer, Florida’s Board of Governors issued a data request, asking universities to submit course materials, textbook lists and syllabi for review to ensure compliance with recent state laws on anti-Semitism.

Dr. Oren Stier, a professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Holocasut and Genocide Studies Program at FIU, is critical of the Board of Governors’ approach, calling it “misguided.”

Stier raised concerns about the long-term consequences of government interference in academic matters. “You’ll now have a lot of faculty who are nervous about the scrutiny that we are being subject to,” Stier said. “Jewish faculty especially, it’s like we’re being surveilled.”

FIU celebrates status as official top 50

university

Anika Chowdhury Staff Writer

FIU hosted the “Unstoppable” event outside Green Library on Sep. 24, 2024 to comemorate its recognition as one of the Top 50 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The university also entered the Top 100 national university rankings, indicating its rise as an educational and research excellence.

“We are FIU, and we are forward-thinking, innovative, and unstoppable,” said FIU President Kenneth Jessell. He noted that the recognition came a full year ahead of the university’s original goal of

making the top 50 by 2025.

“We don’t wait for things to happen; we make things happen,” said he said.

Earlier this year, the Florida Board of Governors recognized FIU as a Preeminent research university, which awarded FIU over $25 million.

Jessell stressed that although this accomplishment is monumental, FIU’s journey is far from over. “We accomplished all of this a year ahead of schedule, but we still have a long way to go.”

Are FIU elevators safe?

Conor Moore News Director

Nearly a dozen elevators at FIU display expired certificates, despite completed inspections. However, some elevators, like the ones in Primera Casa, remained expired for nearly two years.

“FIU has 153 elevators and the certificates have been installed at the BBC 17 elevator locations but we are delayed in their installation at MMC,” wrote Greg Burdine-Coakley in an e-mail chain with PantherNOW.

“There is no delay for the elevator inspections and all FIU elevators have received their annual inspection. Facilities Management is responsible for hiring an independent inspection company to conduct the inspections annually. The inspection company submits the inspection reports to Miami Dade County (MDC) and then MDC mails the certificate to the University,” he continued.

An examination by PantherNOW found over 10 elevators show expired certificates as of September 2024. While some have only expired this year, several, such as the middle elevators at the Charles Perry Building also known as Primera Casa, have expired since June 2022.

Student and faculty testimonials reflected a previous lack of proper upkeep by FIU.

“I personally use the stairs most of the time because I only live on the second floor, but in my opinion, the elevators are just okay. It’s just unfortunate that sometimes we have to wait so long. That’s the main reason I started taking the stairs in the first place and then I just started becoming accustomed to it,” said Kayla Gallagher, a freshman and theater student.

This email was received on Sep. 17. Certificates have still not been installed across various elevators.

Over 3,600 students at FIU have disabilities, potentially putting any number of them at risk.

2024-27 Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified

FIU’s Faculty Senate and Board of Trustees ratify the new BOT-UFF Collective Bargaining Agreement, ensuring raises for all faculty and a one-time $4,000 bonus – but this is only one of the improvements made to the 2024-2027 agreement.

The BOT-UFF Collective Bargaining Agreement are the terms and conditions that Florida universities faculty are held to under their employment, covering policies involving salaries, benefits, evaluations, tenure, and more.

Renewed every three years, 20242027’s agreement was ratified on Sep. 17 and features significant changes. A series of raises over the course

of three years to be set: 3.5% in 2024-25, 2% in 2025-26, and 1% in 2026-27 with one-time bonuses within the next two academic years still to be determined.

Minimum raises and minimum salaries have also been raised in the new CBA, notably with a 5% increase yearly until the agreed minimum for the academic year has been reached. Faculty now have more reliable travel support from FIU regarding business

trips and conferences, developing a system for faster reimbursements or trips being paid for altogether by the university – compared to previous protocol where reimbursements were given months after.

Policy behind employee performance evaluations has been revised to use clearer language and the complete removal of the requirement of “proficiency in spoken English.”

FOOTBALL STARTS STRONG AT HOME.

Adrian Benitez | Staff Writer

The football team recorded a 52-16 win in its home opener against the Central Michigan Chippewas on Saturday, Sep. 7, 2024, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, Florida.

In a dominant performance, the Panthers held the lead throughout the entire game. The defense in particular was exemplary. They grabbed five interceptions in the contest, tying a single-game program record.

Both teams opened the game with punts. The Chippewas’ second drive ended abruptly after senior defensive back Jamal Potts picked off an underthrown pass from junior quarterback Joe Labas. This was the first interception of Potts’ career.

The Panthers capitalized on the short field, reaching first and goal on a 23-yard completion to senior tight end Josiah Miamen. Sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins closed the deal, running it into the endzone and giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead.

Central Michigan got a drive going in the second quarter but eventually had to settle for a field goal attempt. The kick fell short in a disappointing result for a 14-play drive that consumed over seven minutes of game time.

FIU’s next drive went by quickly. Jenkins began the drive by escaping pressure and scrambling for a 34-yard gain. He found junior wide receiver Eric Rivers in the endzone for a 36-yard touchdown pass soon after, doubling the Panthers lead.

Later on in the quarter, FIU would get some good luck when Central Michigan muffed a punt return. The Panthers fell on the ball and got possession in opposing territory.

The offense swiftly advanced on the ensuing drive, with some help from offsides and horse-collar penalties on the Chippewas defense. Eventually, Jenkins found senior wide receiver Nazeviah Burris for a 17-yard touchdown pass.

The Panthers wouldn’t let their foot off the gas. Central Michigan’s next drive resulted in junior defensive back Brian Blades II picking the ball off and running it all the way back, giving the Panthers a 28-0 lead. The pick was the first of Blades’ career.

Central Michigan would finally get on the board on their last drive of the half when sophomore tight end Gavin Harris scored a 12-yard touchdown. The score was 28-8 after a successful two-point conversion.

Midway into the third quarter, Labas was picked off for a third time. Junior defensive back JoJo Evans caught the underthrown ball and gave the Panthers their fourth drive of the game starting from opposing territory.

Junior running back Kejon Owens got loose for a 26-yard touchdown soon after the drive began. Junior wide receiver Dean Patterson reeled in a stunning one-handed catch on the two-point conversion attempt, setting the

scoreline at 36-8. The Chippewas offense responded with a 44-yard touchdown reception from junior wide receiver Chris Parker. The score moved to 36-16 after another successful two-point conversion.

The Chippewas offense responded with a 44-yard touchdown reception from junior wide receiver Chris Parker. The score moved to 36-16 after another successful twopoint conversion.

FIU opened the fourth quarter with yet another touchdown on the ground, this time a 35-yard strike from senior running back Lexington Joseph. This was Joseph’s first touchdown since 2022.

Sophomore linebacker Percy Courtney Jr. put an end to the Chippewas’ next drive with yet another interception. It was the first of Percy’s career. FIU would end up kicking a field goal on the ensuing drive to make the score 45-16.

For the second straight drive, and the fifth and final time on the night, Labas would be picked off. Sophomore defensive back Antonio Patterson caught this one, making the fourth Panther to record their first career interception in the game.

After a great return on the pick by Patterson set the Panthers up in the red zone, freshman wide receiver Luby Maurice Jr. took it to the house on a jet sweep. It was Maurice’s first career touchdown.

A few minutes later, the game came to a close with a final score of 52-16 Panthers.

The game was a much-needed bounce-back effort after the first week’s loss, and it bodes well for the Panthers matchups ahead. The game’s final attendance was 17,852, eclipsing every Panther

home football game from last season.

The win gives a glimpse as to what this team’s potential can be later down the stretch this season. Coming into October, the Panthers hold a 2-3 overall record and a 1-0 conference record after defeating LA Tech in a low-scoring, 17-10 defensive battle.

FIU’s next home games will be on Oct. 22 against Sam Houston for Vice Night and Oct. 29 against New Mexico State.

EDITORIAL: RIDING OUR ELEVATORS IS A DOWNER

For students, staff and faculty riding our elevators in recent years, the experience has gone down, down, down.

FIU needs to be more transparent with students regarding the safety of its elevators.

Elevators in areas with prominent student foot traffic like the Graham Center, Green Library and Deuxieme Maison each have certificates of operation that expired on Aug. 31 and needed to be renewed in 30 days to avoid incurring a fine— more importantly to prevent an accident.

It’s the beginning of October and no updates.

It was only after PantherNOW reached out to Facilities Management that Assistant Director Greg Burdine-Coakley confirmed via email that all elevators have received their inspection.

Burdine-Coakley also stated that FIU is behind in installing certificates and hoped to have them installed by “the end of next week.” We received this email on Sep. 17. As of Oct. 2, no new certificates have been placed.

The expiration date is the same every year, so what’s the deal?

If FIU is running behind on posting certificates to certify the safety of its elevators and those certificates are the only way anyone can know that his or her ride won’t end in disaster, shouldn’t they let students know?

Students have also reported elevators getting stuck before the expiration date, raising questions about whether the elevators are safe even with a certificate posted.

With the high admissions rate, the FIU population comprising 93 percent commuters and the parking nightmare having no end in sight, the dependency on elevators isn’t going away anytime soon.

For those with disabilities, elevators aren’t a nice convenience: They’re a necessity for getting to class. If an elevator malfunctions and goes out of order, they can’t get to class.

Not to mention special events like commencement when packed garages result in packed elevators.

It’s not just a wait. It’s a problem with dangerous consequences.

The bare minimum FIU could do is send out an email about any steps

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.

or updates about the elevator situation. Until students see a renewed certificate of operation, however, we have no other choice but to hope the elevators remain safe enough. Transparency about elevator safety is an obligation, not an option.

EDITORIAL POLICY

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.

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School spirit soars at Homecoming Game

Do you remember this 21st night of September?

Students, faculty and alumni were able to cheer on the football team on Saturday, Sep. 21.

The FIU Panthers faced off against the Monmouth Hawks this Homecoming Game and brought an end to the action packed Homecoming Week.

Members of the Panther community were celebrating as early as 12 p.m. for the 6 p.m. kickoff.

Students and alumni could be found tailgating in front of and inside the stadium.

The student tailgate area was in Tamiami Promenade and the alumni tailgate was inside the ROAR Lounge.

Hosting tailgates is how members of Greek Life on campus show their school spirit and support at the Homecoming Game.

Having a supportive group of girls to attend these games with has been so memorable and an experience I’ll cherish forever.

Mia Puente, member of Alpha Omicron Pi

The game was also an opportunity for students to meet new people and celebrate their staff.

“It has been a great experience being able to help guests with their questions and guide them to the correct areas,” said Catalina Astaiza, guest experience staff for the athletics department.

Carlos Faure, a fourth year communications student and student assistant for media technology services, finds the game to be a time for all those affiliated with FIU to come together.

“After a long week of school and work, I find the game to be a very relaxing time to meet up with friends and cheer on our team. I have been coming to the games for the past couple of years and think it is great to be able to do something that I love like watch football and be able to support my school and job.”

The Homecoming Game is a long standing tradition where not only a football game takes place, but the Passing of the Torch ceremony and Homecoming King and Queen are crowned. This anticipated event took place during halftime.

Homecoming King Shreemuth Pericherla, gave PantherNOW a look into his Homecoming experience.

“I love Homecoming Court and I am really glad I got to experience all of this with them. It was great to see everyone out here at the game celebrating panther pride.”