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Breaking news and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLIX, No. 2

September 5, 2018

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

C-Store employee inspires Happy Fits returns to NJ roots campus community

Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor

Ford brings joy to students. By Emmy Liederman Features Editor

For some students at the College, the convenience store is not much more than a place to stock up on toiletries, microwavable meals and overpriced candy. Meanwhile, other students will find themselves in the store for hours on end with nothing on their shopping list — they just came in to pay a visit to their friend, cashier Malaysia Ford. “If you ever need a good laugh, go to Malaysia,” said Tian-na Green, a junior criminology major. Ford started working for Sodexo at the

College in 2014, when she worked at the pizza and pasta station in Eickhoff Dining Hall. In January, she was transferred to the convenience store, which she prefers due to her frequent interactions with students, which she says have made her more confident and sociable. “When I worked at Eick, conversations were limited to ‘Would you like red sauce or white sauce on your pasta?’ At the CStore, I interact with more students and the conversations are personal and oneon-one,” Ford said. One student in particular stands out for Ford— Elijah Buckwalter, a sophomore psychology major. After establishing that they were both members of the transgender community, the two had an immediate connection. “Elijah stood out because his ID had his birth name and I asked whose ID it was, so then we started talking about being trans,” Ford said. “He was so open with it and I’m so open with it. We understand each other.” Buckwalter makes frequent visits to the store to visit Ford. “I come in here just to chill and talk to her,” he said. “Malaysia is always tricking see PRIDE page 12

Gov. Murphy visits College, signs permanent legislation for future campus infrastructure By Ariel Steinsaltz Staff Writer New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed bill S-865 into law, which expanded on the New Jersey Economic Stimulus Law passed in 2009, when he visited campus on Aug. 14. The 2009 law permitted colleges to enter publicprivate partnerships that allow for building projects and highway infrastructure, meaning that private organizations can construct and run business on public land owned by a college, as long as the college still owns the land. The law requires local public input and finance controls. The law eventually led the College to lease out its land for the construction of Campus Town, which now

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contains a myriad of privately-owned businesses. According to Campus Town’s website, the College reached out to private developers to design, operate and maintain new student apartments and retail stores after the passage of the 2009 law. Campus Town is now home to several restaurants and retailers that serve both the student body and the public, in addition to four-bedroom, two-bedroom and onebedroom apartments for students. All of the business are owned by private organizations that lease the land from the College. The law stipulated that the private entities would have financial and administrative responsibility for the development, construction,

Nation & World / page 5

improvement and maintenance of the projects and that the private organizations would have to do all of the financing for the buildings, despite government ownership of the land. The intention of extending the 2009 law is to further economic growth in New Jersey by allowing for more of these public-private partnerships, known as P3 agreements. “The New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act was initiated in 2009 and then extended in 2013 and again in 2015. The bill Gov. Murphy signed last week made the public-private partnership permanent with oversight by the NJ Economic Development Authority,” said Luke Sacks, the see BILL page 2

Editorial / page 7

It’s Electrifying! Sarnoff Collection hosts kid-friendly electricity demonstration See Features page 12

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

Langman’s electric cello adds originality to the band’s sound. By Julia Ahart Correspondent

The usually bare, white walls of Brower Student Center Room 225 lit up with the vibrant sounds of indie rock as The Happy Fits took the stage to play their original music on Friday, Sept. 1 to kick off the CUB Alt concert series. When the New Jersey-based band took the stage, band members Calvin Langman and Luke Davis, were joined by Graham Orbe, who filled in for their original guitarist Ross Monteith, who broke his arm and could not play. Monteith still came to the concert, however, to support his fellow band members. Before the band played their first song of the night, their stage presence and personality had already filled the room. They jumped into their opening song, “Too Late” and instantly had the audience bobbing their heads to the captivating music. The electric cello, played by Langman, gave the band an iconic sound and left the audience raving over the instrument. With Davis on drums and Orbe on guitar, the stage was filled with contagious energy

that spread to the audience throughout the night. The band performed “Achy Bones,” one of the songs on their album, Concentrate, which came out in June of this year, and they encouraged the audience to clap and sing along. Several students at the concert were familiar with their music and were happy to sing along to their songs. Anna Gelson, a sophomore psychology major, has been listening to the band for two years. She first heard about The Happy Fits because the band members graduated from a rival high school in her area. “Listening to them is easy for me,” Gelson said. “I like listening to their music when I’m chilling or doing homework.” Toward the end of the concert, the band encouraged Monteith to join them on stage, despite having only one arm to perform with. “Do it, you coward,” they jokingly taunted, trying to get Monteith to greet the audience. When Monteith made his way to the stage pushing past the crowds, Langman praised him through the microphone. “What a champ!” Langman called out as see STAGE page 15

College revises biology program By Lily Firth News Editor

A new generation of biology professionals will soon graduate from the College, and employers are looking to hire more well-rounded candidates. In the past, this tended to put stress on students studying biology at the College, because the strict and rigorous program made it difficult to add minors, which would add more diversity to their resumés and experiences.

Opinions / page 8

Features / page 12

‘The Meg’ Shark movie terrifies audience See A&E page 15

The College announced on Aug. 27 that a new program will launch in the spring of 2019 to accommodate the needs of students graduating with a bachelor of arts in biology. While the Board of Trustees approved the program in July, state approval is still pending. The rigid requirements for biology majors left little room to explore other areas of study, and left many students feeling as though their resumés were one-dimensional. The sole

focus was preparation for students’ career paths after college, whether it be medical school, graduate school or other science related programs. However, with the changing climate of employers, a narrow direct academic path became a less beneficial course of action. At an alumni panel, a variety of former students reinforced the need for a new program. Alumni from the biology department see CHANGE page 2

Arts & Entertainment / page 15

Sports / page 20

Field Hockey Lions beat The Catholic University of America See Sports page 19

Title IX, additional policies face revisions page 2 The Signal September 5, 2018

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

The Dean of Students’ office houses both the offices of Title IX and Student Conduct. By Miguel Gonzalez News Editor

The College’s Committee on Student and Campus Community announced revisions to the Title IX policy, Involuntary Health or Safety Withdrawal policy and Student Conduct Code and introduced a student travel policy on Thursday, Aug. 30. The College’s Title IX policy received the most revisions, including two new resolution process options for investigations pertaining to Title IX. Option one focuses on administrative hearing for cases involving student respondents. In the Title IX policy, the College defines the reporter as the student who “is alleged to have experienced an act of prohibited conduct.” The College defines the respondent as the student who is “subject to an investigation, procedural requirements

including proceedings, remedial measures and/or sanctions” based on the file report. The procedure for option one allows both the reporter and respondent to provide information about the incident while the College’s Title IX Coordinator compiles the Title IX investigation report. Once the Title IX investigation report is finished, the assistant vice president reviews it to ensure it has been thoroughly executed, according to the College’s Title IX policy. Afterward, the assistant vice president decides if the investigation will move to the hearing administrator. Jordan Draper, the dean of students and the College’s Title IX coordinator, emphasizes that while option one and the preexisting second option allow both the reporter and the respondent to equally provide information, option one opens more opportunities for due process. “Option one was added to the Title IX process to be compliant with recent guidelines and litigation, and is the

College’s default resolution process, specifically because it offers both students involved the greatest amount of due process,” Draper said. According to the College’s Title IX policy, option two utilizes the investigatory model. After the investigation report is gathered, the “lead investigator will make a determination of responsibility based on a “more likely than not’ standard to determine whether a violation of the Policy occurred,” according to the College’s Title IX policy. The College will also institute option three, the alternative resolution for cases involving student respondents. According to the College’s Title IX policy, option three “is a voluntary process that allows the respondent to accept responsibility for their behavior.” In this option, the reporter and the respondent enter into a resolution process through the guidance of the Title IX coordinator. Afterward, the reporter and the respondent can use restorative processes to mediate the conflict. These processes include a formal restorative process, an informal restorative conference and informal restorative statements. Additionally, the College outlines more remedial options such as counseling sessions, monthly check-in meetings with the Title IX Coordinator and community service. Draper asserts that option three was created in a response to feedback from students, anti-violence initiative staff and investigators. “Information was collected, both through quantitative and qualitative feedback, in which some reporters shared that they wanted non-punitive options to hold respondents accountable,” Draper said. “The alternative resolution process was then drafted and vetted through previous reporters, AVI staff and peer educators, general counsel, Campus Police and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office.” Draper also affirms how the restorative process is meant to identify who was harmed and how to move forward. She explained that the process is more educational and supportive, rather than confrontational. “Prior to adding this resolution option, we did not have a process which allowed for a more educational approach, and students either had the option to pursue a formal/punitive option, or nothing at all,” Draper said. see PROCESS page 3

Change / New biology program Bill / Construction deals with supports well-rounded education private contractors to continue continued from page 1 elaborated on the wide range of career opportunities that require skills learned outside the laboratory. Keith Pecor, chair of the biology department, knew that the program needed a significant change. “It is a very prescriptive program with limited options for students who may wish to pursue other interests or other areas within the field,” Pecor said. For the first time, biology majors can personalize their program of study, and can add minors from any school at the College, not just the school of science. They can pick courses that will enrich their degree and help them become a more versatile employee for the future. The new change “will offer students the opportunity to gain technical knowledge, communication skills and exposure to the

ethical standards of science, while also gaining experience in areas such as education, business, or the humanities,” according to the College’s website. Students will also receive additional mentoring from professors to ensure students are taking full advantage of their new academic freedom and choose the best courses to compliment their major. Biology majors are excited about the new direction the program is taking and the new opportunities that it will present. Madhav Patel, a senior biology major, believes that the new program will enrich future students’ education and help them in the long run. “We need more science professionals who have a knowledge and understanding of the humanities and how they impact their career in any field they work in,” Patel said. “I think TCNJ does a good job of offering that experience through the bio major.”

Foster welcomes Gov. Murphy to Campus Town. continued from page 1

The new program offers more flexible course options.

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

College’s head media relations officer. The new bill was implemented immediately after Murphy signed it, meaning that the P3 agreements are now permanently protected and more can be made across the state. College President Kathryn Foster commented on how the new bill was going to change the campus community, and the services that retailers provide. “Campus Town is an

enormously successful public-private partnership between TCNJ and The PRC Group,” Foster said. “This is a 350,000 square foot development that provides attractive housing, retail outlets and amenities for our students that would not have been possible without a P3 agreement.” Governor Murphy applaud ed the bipartisan support of the bill and the economic benefits of public-private partnerships, according to a press release from the College. He noted that both

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Democrats and Republicans recognize that tremendous benefits can be received when public officials and private sector partners work together. “By doing so, we give state, county and local officials the much-needed flexibility they need to improve their communities while creating good-paying new jobs –– in most cases good, union jobs –– while leveraging private capital to invest in public infrastructure,” Murphy said, according to the press release.

September 5, 2018 The Signal page 3

Roar* app opens new gate for students By Miguel Gonzalez News Editor Introduced during Welcome Week, the College’s newest mobile app, Roar*, provides students a faster way to communicate, learn about campus organizations and stay up to date on the latest events across campus. Roar*, operated by Involvio, LLC, is available for both Android and iOS devices and allows students to create a profile and connect their social media accounts to the app. After students go through the app’s setup and identity verification processes, Roar*’s simple user interface becomes accessible. Starting at the dashboard page, students can open up an agenda feature, which is a calendar that displays current and upcoming events on campus. Events can range from ongoing periods such as add/drop week, to scheduled fall sports matches and club events. Students can also schedule reminders for events they are attending. Apart from the calendar, students can post on Roar*’s student message board. On the student feed, students can chat, reply to and like comments. Students can discuss a wide range of topics such as courses, WiFi issues, organizations and more. Students can also text each other privately through the app’s direct message feature. Conor Collins, a sophomore

biomedical engineering major and an orientation leader during Welcome Week, found Roar* to be an instrumental tool for freshmen. “Roar* was a very friendly app for freshmen,” Collins said. “It gave many opportunities for them to attend different events, yet also providing a student feed for easy communication.” Barry Beal, the assistant director of athletics for communications and game operations, sees Roar* as an opportunity for students to engage with the College’s NCAA Division III teams and attend matches. “Certainly the hope is that more students will attend sporting events strictly based on the fact that more students will be aware of them,” Beal said. “TCNJ is a very engaged community and the new app will only serve to further connect the members of this community. Having this as another avenue to promote our athletics events is something that we welcome.” The app’s campus page gives students access to a map of the College, information on student organizations and campus services such as the Career Center. During Welcome Week, freshmen often used the campus map to navigate the school. “(Roar*) helped me guide through events during Welcome Week,” said freshman applied mathematics major Matthew

Delaney. “The map was very useful for finding buildings around TCNJ. It also keeps track of what’s going on. I’ll definitely use this all the time.” On the app’s top menu bar, students can search within the app. The search bar has received mixed responses due to its lack of functionality. Some searches will not yield any results unless they are searched for under a specific category. This proved to be inconvenient for some students, like freshman accounting major Evan Verbaska, who was trying to search for the

ultimate frisbee club. Verbaska’s search for “ultimate frisbee” camp up empty since it was not searched for under the “groups” category in the search bar. “I was trying to find the Ultimate Frisbee club, but it wasn’t easy on (Roar*),” Verbraska said. “Besides that, “(Roar*) was easy to navigate and very user friendly.” One of Roar*’s prominent features is its ability to scan Quick Response (QR) codes for check-ins for ticketed events such as concerts and fairs. So far, the feature has allowed student organizations manage traffic

during campus events. Max Falvey, a senior communication studies major and director of the College Union Board, is hopeful that Roar* will further connect the campus community. “Roar* will help us for promoting CUB events,” Falvey said. “(The Office for) Student Involvement has been transparent throughout the process. They are always monitoring and critiquing the app daily, which is cool. We’re excited to see how Roar* affects clubs and brings students together.”

Students can use the agenda feature to locate events on campus.

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

Process / Title IX policy receives additional resolution guidelines continued from page 2

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The travel policy includes new safety regulations.

“We feel this option provides students with greater autonomy and the ability to determine what exactly they need to feel as though the harm has been acknowledged and reparations have been made.” During the initial testing of the alternative resolution last October, Draper saw positive feedback from both reporters and respondents. Draper hopes that the alternative resolution option provides reassurance for reporters who wish to pursue a Title IX investigation. “It is our hope that through continued promotion of this resolution option, and the more feedback we receive, the more reporters will feel comfortable coming to speak to our office about the multiple options for resolution of Title IX incidents, and the better we will be able to continuously improve students’ overall experience as they go utilize Title IX processes,” Draper said. In the revised student conduct code, the All College Standards Board will no longer be a formal hearing option in the procedural standards of the College’s

Title IX Policy. According to the College’s student travel policy document, the new policy sets guidelines to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff during off-campus trips during an organized or a College-sponsored event, and sets standards for student organizations seeking authorization requests and expectations for travel behavior. According to the College, there are three types of travel. Academic-related student travel pertains to students traveling for “professional conferences, class field trips and course assignments,” such as a community engaged learning trip. The student travel policy also establishes the role of appropriate administrators and designated officials for campus organizations. Recognized student organization travel refers to student organizations traveling for conferences, activities and events funded by the Student Finance Board and Student Activities Fund, while administrative-sponsored travel refers to which are trips that are not academic-related or connected to recognized student organizations.

Roscoe West Hall undergoes roof repairs to remove asbestos By Raquel Sosa-Sanchez Staff Writer

Improvements to the east side of Roscoe West Hall, which began on June 4, are scheduled to end on Sept. 30, according to the Office of Campus Planning and Construction. The project is focused on repairing the 1968 addition to Roscoe West Hall. Repairs consist of removing existing roof membrane, the repair and replacement of insulation, and the replacement of guard rails and roof entrances, according to the Advertised Bids on the College’s website. Asbestos was used in the original roof design. Some of the improvements for the building’s roof include the removal of asbestos and the installation of synthetic roofing. When the new library was built in 2005, the Roscoe West library was closed off to students and used as a storage facility. The building has

been closed off to be preserved due to its historical significance to the College, according to an interview with Director of Campus Planning and Campus Architect Lynda Rothermel with Lions Television and The Signal. The College plans to eventually use the building for admissions and alumni relations in the future, according to the interview. Forcina Hall is also undergoing similar roof repairs and fixtures within the next two years, according to the College’s website. The College has hired Settembrino Architects for the project, an architecture firm located in Red Bank, New Jersey. Settembrino has worked on the campus before with the construction and expansion of Eickhoff Hall and the College’s capital improvement projects. The College’s design manager, Mumtaz Makhdomi, and construction manager, Joe Como, have not responded to requests for comment.

Settembrino Architects is in charge of the repairs.

Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor

page 4 The Signal September 5, 2018

Nation & W rld

September 5, 2018 The Signal page 5

Senator McCain dies after battle with cancer By James Wright Staff Writer

Arizona Senator John McCain died in his home on Saturday, Aug. 25 after a losing a long fight with brain cancer, according to The New York Times. He was 81 years old. McCain, a renowned naval aviator survived the depths of the Vietnam War to eventually become a staple in Republican politics. He was also a two-time presidential candidate. Revered by his colleagues in the chambers of Washington, McCain is remembered as a patriotic maverick who represented the old-guard, establishmentarian wing of the Republican Party. In addition, his ability to reach across the aisle and work to reach bipartisan agreements won him the respect of many political foes, according to The Wall Street Journal. “‘Few of us have been tested the way John once was, or required to show the kind of courage that he did. But all of us can aspire to the courage to put the greater good above our own. At John’s best, he showed us what that means,’” said former president Barack Obama, who defeated McCain in the 2008 presidential election, according to CNN. Obama’s mentioning of McCain’s courage can be attributed to the senator’s service during the Vietnam War. Having grown up in a military household—his father and grandfather were both four-star admirals in the U.S. Army—McCain carried his name into battle with intense

yearning to serve his country in the fight against the spread of communism, according to The New York Times. McCain’s bravery and heroism were demonstrated throughout his struggle as a prisoner of war. He was kept in solitary confinement for two years, and was subject to frequent beatings from communists in North Vietnam. This, in part, led McCain to attempt suicide two times while in captivity, according to The New York Times. Because McCain’s father was commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater, the North Vietnamese tried to coax McCain into an early release, and they engaged in mockery by referring to the captive soldier as the “Crown Prince.” McCain refused to be released and endured severe beatings, saying that being released ahead of previously captured POWs would serve as a propaganda victory for the communist forces, according to The Wall Street Journal. McCain’s experiences in Vietnam would greatly alter the person he became upon his return, and his career in politics reflected that change. It helped form his views on torture, as he became an ardent opponent of tactics such as waterboarding enemy combatants to obtain classified information, according to the New York Times. He reached across party lines multiple times to warn of the dangers of waterboarding. He spoke out after thenpresidential candidate Donald Trump claimed that torture works, according to the Wall Street Journal. McCain’s personal animus with President Trump

Service members carry McCain’s casket.

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represented a growing rift within the Republican Party, as McCain early on classified himself as a Reagan Republican, according to The New York Times. He did this by maintaining stances such as support for free trade and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and by possessing a deep suspicion of Russia’s ability to interfere in free elections. The Senator’s impactful life dedicated to serving the U.S.’ interests at home and abroad will serve as a legacy that his colleagues, and the American electorate, will not soon forget.

Shooting at video game tournament leaves three dead

YouTube

Police secure the shopping complex after the shooting.

By Jesse Stiller Staff Writer

A mass shooting at a video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida took the lives of three people and injured several others on Sunday, Aug. 26. The shooter, 24-year-old David Katz, began the rampage inside

the Good Luck Have Fun Game Bar, located in the Jacksonville Landing Shopping and Entertainment Complex, according to BBC. Katz became angry after losing a match inside the bar, according to unconfirmed reports. Elijah Clayton, 21, and Taylor Robinson, 27, were shot and killed shortly after Katz opened fire. The

gunman then committed suicide, according to BBC. A bullet grazed the thumb of player Drini Gjoka, who later tweeted, “I am literally so lucky, the bullet hit my thumb, never going to take anything for granted again,” according to The New York Times. The shooting was live-streamed on the popular video platform Twitch, which shocked viewers tuning in to watch the tournament. At one point in the stream, which widely circulated on social media, a small laser dot can be seen on a player’s chest before shots ring out and the transmission is cut, according to The New York Times. Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams was quoted by The Associated Press, stating that at this time, the motive for the shooting is not completely clear. He also noted

that Katz had two firearms in his possession at the time of the shooting, though he only fired one. According to Williams, the gunman legally purchased both weapons in Baltimore from a licensed dealer. Electronic Arts, the company that owns the Madden NFL game played at the tournament, released a statement, according to TIME Magazine. “The tragic situation that occured Sunday in Jacksonville was a senseless act of violence that we strongly condemn. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of the victims whose lives were taken today and those who were injured,” the statement said. Katz has been hospitalized twice for mental illness, and was prescribed antidepressant drugs, according to The Associated Press. Katz’s father, as quoted in

the court documents obtained by the Associated Press, warned that his mother was “greatly exaggerating symptoms of mental illness as part of (the couple’s) long… custody battle.” As voters headed to polls in Florida for the state’s gubernatorial primary elections, gun control remained a major issue for residents, according to CBS News. NBC tweeted a statement from the March for Our Lives Organization, founded by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, “calling for necessary conversations in order to bring peace to our violent nation.” Investigations surrounding the incident, as well as Katz’s personal life in the months leading up to the shooting, are still ongoing.

Trump administration cuts $200 million in aid to Palestinians By Rebecca Colnes Staff Writer The Trump administration announced the cancellation of over $200 million in aid to Palestinians on Aug. 24. The U.S. considered cutting funds in order to relocate the money to “high priority projects elsewhere,” according to Fox News. The administration did not support the Palestinian Authority’s handling of the money, which they used to pay stipends to families of Palestinians killed, injured or jailed as a result of attacks against Israelis, according to Fox News. Israel and the Trump administration believe this act encourages terrorism. Cutting this aid means the U.S. will no longer provide any monetary aid to Palestinians. Previously, the money went through non-government relief organizations and was allotted to construct infrastructure, assist in humanitarian causes, foster democracy and provide education, according to The Washington Post.

In 2016, the U.S. provided about $290 million to Palestinians, who occupy disputed territory in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and has donated a total of $5.2 billion since 1994. Funds were also allocated to security assistance, public diplomacy and mine clearance operations, according to The New York Times. Palestinian officials said the withdrawal will affect the programs overseen by the U.S. Agency for International Development. This agency governs debt relief, economic growth, water and sanitation, education, health and governance in Palestinian regions, according to The New York Times. Fox News reports that the loss of this financial assistance will provoke Palestinians, who might object to this potential peace agreement. “The Palestinian people and leadership will not be intimidated and will not succumb to coercion,” the Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee stated

Trump does not support Palestine’s handling of the aid.

in response to the withdrawal, according to The New York Times. The Palestinian Liberation Organization also rebuked the decision, calling it “‘a cheap use of blackmail as a political tool,’” according to Fox News. U.S. political leaders also had public responses to the decision.

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“It is the Palestinian people, virtual prisoners in an increasingly volatile conflict, who will most directly suffer the consequences of this callous and illadvised attempt to respond to Israel’s security concerns,” said Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, according to NPR.

page 6 The Signal September 5, 2018

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE Join us on September 5th, 2018 Business Building. 4pm.

Attend our Open House to learn about our programs in Business, Counseling, Education, English, Gender Studies, Integrative STEM, Literacy, Nursing, and Public Health.

Office of Graduate and Advancing Education

For information email graduate@tcnj.edu or call 609.771.2300.

September 5, 2018 The Signal page 7

Editorial

Students should not take their education for granted

“Enjoy your college years –– they only last so long.” This is a piece of advice that I, and all young college students, have heard many times from many people. It is somewhat of a standard response to revealing your identity as a college student, or mentioning school at all. Most recently, it was my dentist who imparted this sage line of wisdom to me during my annual appointment. From aunts, uncles and (evidently) dentists comes the insistence that your time in college will be the highlight of your young life, unrivaled by any other possible exciting experience. For the most part, people interpret that statement as permission to party all night or do whatever they want. I agree with all of the wise small-talkers who are constantly reminding us that the wild and free college experience is fleeting. It’s important to enjoy your youth while it lasts. However, the college experience is so much more than that. After all, the number one reason that we’re all here is to learn and earn our degrees. Yes, the late nights studying in the library can be frustrating, exhausting, and seriously trying times, but the intellectual experience that college provides is unsurpassed by that of any other life circumstance that we may encounter after graduation. Despite the stress that often comes with being a full-time student, being surrounded by so much active and diverse thinking is truly the most valuable aspect of college. Maybe I’m just a nerd, but I get really excited when I make connections between different classes. This is when I remember how lucky I am to be surrounded by so much knowledge and so many academic resources. I think most other students realize this, too. Another occasion that forces us to appreciate our role as students arises when we have those “wow, I never thought about it that way before” moments. Because the College requires all students to fulfill liberal learning requirements, we all take courses that deal with contentious or profound social topics. Many times these courses open students’ eyes to concepts and ideas that they would’ve never in a million years have even heard of otherwise. This phenomenon is not limited to the classroom. Unlike any other place that I know of, on any given sunny day, the sidewalks are lined with tables and booths surrounded by conscientious students eager to tell you all about the club or organization they’re involved with, pushing you to consider all types of diverse social and political causes. This is perhaps my favorite part of college — there are so many hard-working students who truly care and are eager to learn and try to solve the issues that we’re exposed to. It feels really cool to be a part of an institution where big things are always happening and so many people are learning and growing together. There is so much active thinking about real issues and interesting topics surrounding you during your college years, and that won’t necessarily be the case once you leave. Granted, I haven’t graduated college and entered the workforce yet, but I’m assuming that most jobs aren’t as intellectually stimulating as being a student. So enjoy your time in college –– every minute of it. Of course, having a great time out with friends and enjoying the social freedom is a big part of the unforgettable college experience, and you should value that, but don’t forget to appreciate your education while you’re at it. After all, that’s why we’re all here! — Clare McGreevy Opinions Editor

Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.

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Academics should remain a priority amidst social distractions.

Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu

Editorial Staff Michelle Lampariello Editor-in-Chief lamparm2@tcnj.edu Elizabeth Zakaim Managing Editor zakaime@tcnj.edu Miguel Gonzalez Lily Firth News Editors firthl1@tcnj.edu gonzam23@tcnj.edu Alexandra Parado Sports Editor paradoa1@tcnj.edu Emmy Liederman Features Editor liedere1@tcnj.edu Nadir Roberts Arts & Entertainment Editor robertn5@tcnj.edu Clare McGreevy Opinions Editor mcgreec2@tcnj.edu Gianna Melillo Nation & World Editor melillg@tcnj.edu Nicole Zamlout Reviews Editor zamloun1@tcnj.edu

Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Meagan McDowell Photo Editor mcdowem4@tcnj.edu Danielle Silvia Production Manager silviad2@tcnj.edu Heather Haase Web Editor haaseh1@tcnj.edu Alexandra Raskin Alyssa Louis Social Media Editors raskina1@tcnj.edu louisa1@tcnj.edu Emilie Lounsberry Adviser lounsber@tcnj.edu Derek Falci Business/Ad Manager falcid1@tcnj.edu Brielle Bryan Business/Ad Assistant bryanb2@tcnj.edu

“We are all human at the end of the day. There should be no discrimination based on skin color, how you dress or who you choose to be with. It doesn’t affect your ability to work or your ability to do anything.” —Malaysia Rockford Sodexo Employee

“We need more science professionals who have a knowledge and understanding of the humanities and how they impact their career in any field they work in. I think TCNJ does a good job of offering that experience through the bio major.” —Madhav Patel Senior biology major

“I hold myself to great expectations everyday I put on the pads. I want to show the other guys no matter what that they can depend on me.” —Xavier Santos Junior defensive back

The Signal

Opinions Residence halls need improvements By Joseph Baldofsky It is an undeniable fact that the College has had many physical improvements in our academic facilities under the leadership of former College President R. Barbara Gitenstein. After all, during her first year as president, the College announced its plan to have all newly built or recently renovated academic buildings by the 2004-2005 academic year, according to the September 7, 1999 issue of The Signal. However, such quick advancement has yet to be mirrored in the residence halls. Although small renovations have taken place over the past decade in numerous residence halls, these renovations placed an emphasis on bathroom facilities and updated pipes. The more drastic renovations in Cromwell Hall, according to the Residential Education and Housing website, took place during the 2012-13 school year. While this included updated bathroom facilities, an updated lounge, cosmetic changes and a change in exterior appearance, it did not include competitive amenities such as air conditioning, according to the September 10, 2013 issue of The Signal. The largest advancement in residence halls over the past decade would be the construction of the apartments, which was completed in 2009, according to Residential Education and Housing. Yet, take a walk behind the buildings and notice that the facade is still incomplete. So, what is the current state of our residence halls, and what issues need to be addressed? The impending renovation of Travers and Wolfe Halls will greatly affect not only the amenities of housing, but also

the entire housing community. The largest residential project overseen by the college since their original construction in the early 1970s, more than 500 beds will be made unavailable during the renovation of each tower, possibly causing a housing shortage. Since the College stresses students’ sense of community, it would be at our disadvantage to place freshmen in hotels (as was done during the renovations of Cromwell and Decker). Rather, freshmen tional freshman housing across campus. Consequently, the housing lottery will begin to play a larger role in upperclassmen housing decisions. The lottery these past few years has provided a time slot for each student who applied for housing, but due to limited space, those who seek housing may be forced to move off campus. Although there are many attractive alternatives with Campus Town and off-campus houses, losing residential students would largely impact the College’s communal experience and greatly decrease funding. At about $8,000 a year for housing, the loss of 500 beds would eliminate $4 million in revenue. Thus, over the next three years leading up to the start of renovations, the nancially stabilize the housing department while also continuing to foster a strong on-campus community. Unfortunately, the improvement of residence halls cannot be forgotten after the completion of the Towers’ renovation. Following its completion, attention must be given to the Townhouses. Built in the ’90s, these complexes were quickly constructed as a response to a high

tcnj.edu

Residential facilities deserve the same attention as academic buildings. demand for housing. Whether it be the thinness of the walls or the faulty heating and cooling systems, any student who has lived in the Townhouses can attest to their poor construction. Non-temporary solutions will need to be created in order to accommodate our growing campus. Whereas the Towers’ renovation was continually pushed off (having edition of The Signal), it will become imperative that a solution for the Townhouses not be postponed much further. It is undeniable that most residence halls require serious renovation efforts.

The renovation of the Towers, which is slated to include air conditioning, floor lounges and wet-core single-stall bathrooms, will cause them to become the most advanced residence hall for underclassmen. While a positive change, this will create an inequality among on-campus housing across grades. Firstyear students will experience the newest facilities, while sophomores and juniors will be pushed aside. As our institution continues to grow and gain national recognition, our resiand competitiveness.

Reading promotes intellectual growth of your life. As an English major, I have always known that reading is important. Reading is useful. Reading helps with vocabulary. Reading enhances your writing. Reading is fun!

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Reading can be enjoyable for people of all ages. By Giselle David Over the summer, I was told to read a book before my first

class of the semester. Ironically, the book was about the importance of reading books and continuing to do so for the rest

me that reading is something that must be pushed constantly in the classroom — however, reading shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel enjoyable. As college students, we are all constantly forced to read books, texts, poems… the list goes on. Sometimes, we hit the jackpot and we read something we love, hated we have now learned to love. Unfortunately, however, we are stuck reading things we don’t

want to read all too often. The book that I read over the summer was about students who were nervous about the 40 books their teacher had asked them to read by the end of the school year. That goal might seem impossible, but creating an option where there was no particular type of book required eased the stress for the students. All of the teacher’s tips were helpful not only for young students, but for readers of any age. You’re not going to want to read 40 books if they’re about subjects that aren’t interesting to you. This teacher simply wanted her students to enjoy reading. Reading helps reduce stress, and it can also “transport you to

other realms.” It helps ease tension we experience in everyday life, according to Lifehack. Reading also helps improve memory and analytical skills. When reading a text, your “ability to analyze details also comes in handy when it comes to critiquing the plot; determining whether it was a well-written piece, if the characters were properly developed, if the storyline ran smoothly,” according to Lifehack. Don’t take your ability to read for granted. Keep reading and read what you enjoy! Don’t listen to those who make negative comments on your choice of a coffee table book. As long as you’re reading, you’re doing yourself a favor.

Policies signal@tcnj.edu should not exceed 500 words. signal@tcnj.edu.

September 5, 2018 The Signal page 9

Students share opinions around campus “How can residence halls be improved?”

Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor

Michelle Faenza, a sophomore nursing major.

Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor

Mary Lenyo, a senior marketing major.

“They need air conditioning and maybe more laundry rooms.”

“Definitely temperature control.”

“How often do you read?”

Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor

Nicole Mikitskiy, a junior accounting major. “Not much anymore — I’m busy with work and things I’m pursuing for my career.”

Clare McGreevy / Opinions Editor

Faith Alban, a sophomore chemistry major. “Maybe once or twice a week — it’s a stress reliever.”

The Signal’s cartoons of the week ...

page 10 The Signal September 5, 2018

Fun Stuff

September 5, 2018 The Signal page 11

Fun Stuff

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Features

Pride / C-Store employee shares her story

Meagan McDowell / Photo Editor

Ford is a familiar, friendly face for many students at the College. continued from page 1

the freshmen. They ask if they can use their student ID to pay and she says ‘No, you need cash’ until they actually take out their money.” After graduating from Trenton Central High, Ford immediately started working at an Educational Testing Services warehouse. She held a few other jobs before coming to the College, but her current position is by far her favorite. “The students are what make my job fun,” she said. “Students at TCNJ are down to earth, open to meeting friends

and conversational. This is the longest I’ve ever been at a job, and I know I can work my way up.” Ford also praises Sodexo for the benefits she receives, as well as their involvement and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. “Most companies will say they’re not discriminating but still won’t hire you,” she said. “Sodexo is very involved with the LGBTQ community — I went to Asbury Park Pride with the Sodexo union rep.” Although Ford has always felt accepted by those around her, she admits that it was difficult for her to begin to accept herself.

“In high school, I struggled socially because I wasn’t a fan of myself,” she said. “I was trying to figure out who I was, and I didn’t think I was going to be accepted. I was too worried about how others would evaluate me and about things that weren’t in my control. I would always have a mask on.” Because many assume that Ford is a cisgender female, it has often been difficult for her to identify with the LGBTQ+ community. “Things would definitely be different for me if I didn’t look cis,” she said. “Because I’m so passable, people are envious. If I wasn’t passable, maybe I would have more friends in the community.” Ford also believes it is harder for her to make connections in the transgender community due to a difference in values. “I don’t think I mesh with many people in the community because we don’t value the same things in life,” she said. “At one point in time, I had no self-worth. I felt like I was gonna fall into the system of sex work, which is a stereotype that transgender women are known for.” Ford notes that it takes a certain level of self-worth to be able to break the mold and take control of your own career path in the transgender community. “When I tell someone I’m transgender, they often view me as an object,” she said. “I’m not a sexual object or a fantasy — I’m a human being. I want to decide the standards for how people are going to treat me. I have to show them that I respect myself before they respect me.” Although Ford has generally felt comfortable in her circle of friends and

coworkers, she notes that there is a lot more work that needs to be done in terms of transgender equality. She emphasizes the need for more affordable surgeries and widespread acceptance in the workplace. “We are all human at the end of the day,” she said. “There should be no discrimination based on skin color, how you dress or who you choose to be with. It doesn’t affect your ability to work or your ability to do anything.” Ford hopes to start studying psychology at the College next fall and eventually become a school therapist or counselor for the LGBTQ+ community. She hopes to inspire and encourage young people with her story. “I didn’t go to college because high school was such a drain and I had no one to push me,” she said. “It was only recently that I thought about studying psychology. It’s never too late. As long as I’m still breathing, I can strive for my dreams.”

“I have to show them that I respect myself before they respect me.” —Malaysia Ford

C-Store Employee

Electricity exhibit inspires young scientists By Linh Ngo Correspondent

The Sarnoff Collection hosted “It’s Electrifying!,” a hands-on electricity demonstration for children ages 6 to 10 in Roscoe West Hall on Sunday, Sept. 2. The event showcased the presence of electricity in everyday objects in an effort to foster an early interest in science among children. Young kids hopped from station to station, eager to get involved in all of the scientific experiments. Among these children

was third grader, Adeline, who came with her mom, best friend and brother. Adeline showed a particular interest in the activities and participated in every aspect of the exhibit. She said that her favorite part was being able to do the science experiments herself. “Adeline loves the sciences and really wanted to participate after we saw this program in the local paper, The Ewing Observer,” her mom said. The demonstration featured a long table filled with gadgets and electrical tools. One station

presented the simplicity of static electricity — with a simple balloon and a piece of steel wool, kids were able to move aluminum cans without touching them. Another activity showed how to create an electromagnetic motor with simple objects — copper wire, a battery and magnets. An adult volunteer explained to the kids how electricity requires “work” to exist, which he demonstrated by using a hand crank to turn on a light bulb. Another young student, Matt, was enthusiastic throughout all the demonstrations. Matt said that

science is his favorite school subject and he hopes to hold a career in the sciences one day. Jonathan Allen, who has a background in electronics with a PhD in physics, has been volunteering with the Sarnoff collection for the last five years, restoring electronics and documenting artifacts. Although It’s Electrifying! was a one-time event, Allen hopes it will become recurring with enough local interest. He also hopes to expand the event to include even more activities for the kids. Allen said that the goal of the

event is to “simply increase the interest of youngsters in the theory of electricity and to build curiosity about how the world works.” He is also one of the judges at a local community science fair and wishes to increase the number of student participants. It’s Electrifying! was not only an opportunity for local children to learn about the role of electricity in everyday life, but also a chance for parents to take their children’s eyes away from the front of an electrical screen and place them behind the scenes for a change.

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

Left: Participants learn about static electricity. Right: Volunteer help children create simple electromagnetic motors.

September 5, 2018 The Signal page 13

Feb.’80

Robbers threaten student with hook knife

Photos courtesy of the TCNJ Digital Archive

Campus security fails to prevent the attack. Every week, Features Editor Emmy Liederman hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories. For many students at the College, safety does not seem to be a concern — students feel comfortable roaming the campus alone at any time and even sometimes leave their dorm rooms unlocked. But in February of 1980, a Travers resident was held at knifepoint, robbed and physically abused by two men after declining to give them marijuana. The men showed the security desk a non-Travers room key with no form of identification, and signed in for a room number that did not exist, yet they were still let in. Although this case is almost 40 years old, it raises the question whether campus safety should remain at the forefront of students’ minds. A Travers resident was assaulted and robbed at knife-point early Sunday morning, according to campus police reports. Jeffrey Schnier was watching television in his room on tenth floor Travers at 2:35 a.m. when two men knocked on his door and entered asking for marijuana, claiming one of the other floor members said he would have some, according to the report of Lt. Renito Williams. According to reliable sources, the room Schnier lives in was a drug disposal last year. When Schnier said that he didn’t have any marijuana, one of the men allegedly pulled out a hook knife and demanded all the marijuana and money he had, the report said. Schnier later

told The Signal that one of the men said, “You’ve been had. Where’s your money?” While one of the assailants held the knife at Schnier’s neck, the other ransacked the room, finding approximately five grams of marijuana, $12 in cash and clothing and other items worth about $102, the report said. They allegedly forced Schnier to take off his clothes and throw them out the window. They made him lie on the ground and lied his hands behind his back with a string of beads, Schnier said. When they tried to take other beads off the ceiling they knocked beer bottles over and fled by the stairs near the elevator, Schnier said. Schnier described the two suspects as black, around 5’9”, medium build, short cropped hair and between 20 and 25 years old. One was wearing a brown corduroy jacket and dark pants and the other was wearing dark clothing. Police are testing a fish bowl that the men might have touched to see if they left fingerprints behind, Sgt. R. Thomas Hagaman said. The two men showed a room key with a “C” stamped on it when checking in at the Tracers security desk but the key should have had “T” on it, according to Williams’ report. “C” keys are replacement keys. The men allegedly gave their names as Keith Williams and Herbert Ellison and had signed to go to room 920. However there is no room 920 in Travers, the report said.

Instagram

Left: Birkenstocks are a versatile summer sandal. Right: Jumpsuits are a comfortable, yet stylish option. By Lexy Yulich Columnist

Now that I have been back at school for a week, I’ve made it my mission to observe various fashion trends on campus. Each campus has its own culture, and I have to say, students at the College are up on their fashion. Here are the top six trends I’ve spotted on campus thus far. 1. Birkenstocks. It seems like everywhere I look, students are sporting one of the most popular shoe trends of the summer. Birkenstocks, or any similar shoe brand, are simple sandals that are both comfortable and pairable with almost any outfit. 2. Dresses with fun prints. Typically worn with Birkenstocks, patterned dresses are a common campus trend. Floral, dalmatian and striped dresses are taking the campus by storm this semester. 3. Athleisure. Athleisure is my favorite, and also the most common, campus trend. Whether I am getting ready to go to the gym or preparing for a rainy day, athleisure is my go-to outfit choice. A popular athleisure outfit is an oversized T-shirt or sweatshirt, black leggings and sneakers, which is ideal for an early

class or a long day at the library. 4. Denim skirts. Denim skirts are the perfect bottom, because they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. On the first day of the semester, there were multiple people in each of my classes who were wearing denim skirts. Skirts are so versatile and can be valuable transition pieces as we grow closer to fall. 5. Jumpsuits. Casual jumpsuits have also grown popular. Jumpsuits, the cross between a dress and pants, are the perfect early fall essential. Similar to denim skirts, you can dress the jumpsuit up or down. They are great for class too, because they are typically made out of comfortable material. To me, wearing a jumpsuit to class is the equivalent of wearing pajamas to class, only it’s a trendy and sophisticated look that makes it appear as though you put lots of effort into your outfit. 6. Athletic clothes. Whether you are going to a group fitness class in the Recreation Center, hitting the gym after class or running the loop, having a few workout outfits that you feel confident in is key.

Left: Homemade granola bars are a convenient snack. Right: Mix and match your add-ins with treats like dried fruit or chocolate chips.

By Shannon Deady Columnist

The second week of class is upon us, and that means it is time to kick into high gear and hit the books. Long hours at the library can result in unhealthy snacking decisions or, even worse, forgetting to eat altogether. Having healthy snacking options on hand is essential, and who doesn’t love a traditional

chocolate chip granola bar? This homemade version of the packaged treat will save you a laundry list of unhealthy added sugars and preservatives that are found in many store-bought brands. With just six ingredients, this recipe is simple to make and will leave you with enough brain food to last a week of tireless library sessions. Add extra nuts and dried fruits or omit the chocolate chips to adjust the

recipe to your liking. Also, be sure to choose a natural nut butter, which has healthy fats and no added sugars, to bind your bar together. Makes: 10 bars Ingredients: 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal ¼ cup honey ½ cup natural chunky peanut butter

¼ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup almonds ¼ cup chocolate chips

Directions: 1. Combine peanut butter and honey in a large mixing bowl and microwave until sufficiently melted. Once melted, mix until combined. 2. Quickly add uncooked oats, sunflower seeds and almonds. Mix until dry ingredients are evenly

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distributed and sticking together. 3. Form into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for smaller, snackable portions. For traditional bars, spread evenly into a rectangular cake pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. 4. Place in refrigerator overnight to harden and cut your granola into traditional bars in the morning. 5. Enjoy!

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September 5, 2018 The Signal page 15

Arts & Entertainment

Stage / Indie band turns frowns upside down Happy Fits’ concert leaves crowd thrilled

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

Left: Orbe provides melodic guitar riffs. Right: Langman is in charge of the smooth electric cello chords. continued from page 1 Monteith mounted the stage. The audience clapped for Monteith as he picked up a tambourine and sang the next song, While You Fade Away. The Happy Fits ended their performance with “Grow Back,” one of the most popular songs from their new album. The relaxed yet powerful tone of the song swept through the room, creating an atmosphere that allowed the audience to connect with the music. As the room slowly emptied, students crowded the merchandise table. While leaving the room, some students were sporting bright blue and pink The Happy

Fits sweatshirts. “Even the songs I didn’t know I was still dancing to, so it was fun,” said Anthony Saginario, a junior political science major who has been listening to the band for more a year. “It was awesome.” The band expressed how impressed and happy (no pun intended) they were with how the venue space filled with so many fans, some of which were peers the band knew from high school. “We were not expecting nearly that many people to show up,” Monteith said. “It’s super cool — there was a great turnout tonight.” The band explained how they met

in high school and got their start after reconnecting via Facebook after graduation. They added that they started off using acoustic instruments, which was how the iconic cello made its way onto the stage. “It was a nightmare to deal with in terms of sound,” Monteith said. “There were just so many problems with it that we just put it aside and bought this electric cello.” Since then, The Happy Fits has consistently incorporated the instrument into their image as a band. “It’s more common to see an acoustic cello with a string orchestra, so seeing

it in this setting it pops out,” Orbe said. The band shared their plans for an upcoming tour starting this month that starts in Canada and continues down the west coast of the U.S. The tour will pass through Austin, Texas, and then come up the east coast through North and South Carolina. “We never even thought we’d make it out of Jersey,” Langman said. The band is excited to work on new music and a possible second album in the works. As for now, The Happy Fits will be working on writing new material while continuing to spread their original music and sound all across the country.

‘The Meg’ makes huge splash in theaters By Nicole Zamlout Reviews Editor

For those who thought that “The Meg,” is a nightmare cliché no different from any other horror film, you’re in for a surprise. A 70- foot shark, whose full name is the Megalodon, tears his way through human victims as a couple of baffled scientists stumble to save the day. “The Meg” left viewers stunned by the end. The movie’s plot is at first somewhat predictable — a prehistoric shark escapes its icy prison beneath the ocean floor and terrorizes people. Meanwhile scientists at a nearby lab try to keep everything under control. However, the film did use some of the clichés we knew, but it also dared to be a bit original, which did work in the film’s favor. The monster was revealed with built anticipation, a dark shadow that slowly became the menacing creature known as the Megalodon. Its mass and hunger were never over-exaggerated because it was so terrifying on its own. It was a monster that didn’t need much motive — it wanted to kill you simply because it was hungry. The Megalodon would

feast, with no remorse or finesse — simple, done and exetremely horrifying. None of the scientists on the team seemed unbelievably smart, or too brave or too serious. They were human, plain and simple. Jason Statham, who played protagonist Jonas Taylor, was a standout among the crowd. Jonas cracked jokes in the face of danger, all while being a focused fighter. His feats weren’t overreaching, but still left you amazed. He was a hero who was allowed to fail or ask for help, which made him a protagonist worth rooting for. His supporting cast, Li Bingbing and Cliff Curtis especially, backed him up beautifully and picked up the slack, proving that it takes a village to slay a monster. The pacing and cinematography of the film were extremely well done. The wide shots showed the magnitude of The Megalodon and helped build the audience’s anticipation of what the shark actually looks like. The cuts and transitions were done smoothly and really helped set each scene. The soundtrack also helped create tension and a sense of wonder. “The Meg” dared to break the mold, as it told a story that we thought we already knew. It made audiences genuinely scared of what is hidden in sea for the first time

The 70-foot shark terrorizes victims without hesitation. since “Jaws.” It also created great scenes of humor and heart along the way, which other shark films seemed to have forgotten how to do. The film told a full story, and didn’t default

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to depicting a gore fest with plastic characters and sharp teeth like many other shark films usually do. “The Meg” swam into the realm of horror and took a massive bite out of our expectations — and it’ll be back for seconds.

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Fun Stuff

September, 5, 2018 The Signal page 17

Film puts comedic twist on American racism

Left: Zimmerman gathers intelligence on the KKK. Right: Stallworth pretends to be a white man over the phone. By Garrett Cecere Correspondent

When I saw the trailer for “BlacKkKlansman,” my jaw dropped and my head shook in both shock and amusement. I knew there was no doubt that upon its release, this film would generate a lot of discussions about racism, a topic Spike Lee has always tackled in his films. Directed and co-written by Lee, “BlacKkKlansman” tells the outrageous but true story of Ron Stallworth, a black police officer who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado during the ’70s. The story certainly is outlandish, but what makes it exhilarating is that the script was based on the book that Stallworth wrote in real life, which detailed his experience as an undercover cop. In the first few minutes, Lee illustrates

that this film is more than just a period crime comedy and that there is additional depth to the story. Before diving in, we get a brief monologue of race, eugenics and white supremacy from the fictional Dr. Kennebrew Beauregard (Alec Baldwin). The black-and-white scene is out of the blue and a bit unsettling to watch. However, it soon becomes clear that it is essential to establishing not just the film’s key ideas, but also the sad truth that these racist ideas are not stuck in our past — they are still a problem now. When the film’s main story begins, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African American to be hired by the Colorado Springs Police Department. He begs his chief to let him go undercover, as opposed to working in the records room. After he is first assigned to monitor the audience of a rally where Stokely Carmichael is speaking, Stallworth is then

reassigned to work for intelligence. In an effort to reach his goal of going undercover, he finds an ad for the Ku Klux Klan in a local paper. He calls, pretending to be a white man, and arranges for them to meet. He enlists the help of his co-worker Flip (Adam Driver), who happens to be Jewish. Flip impersonates Ron whenever he has to meet with the Klan members in person, while the real Ron does all the talking on the phone. From this point on, “BlacKkKlansman” is full of both cringy, funny and nail-biting tense scenes. There are some comedic scenes where Ron calls David Duke, the Grand Wizard of the Klan (Topher Grace), and one scene in particular when Ron calls Duke one last time. In this comical scene, Ron gets the last laugh and the final say in revealing himself to Duke. I had to cover my mouth to stifle my laughter after it was over. As far as the performances go, Washington

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and Driver’s stand out the most. One of my favorite scenes is when Ron and Flip get a membership card for the KKK. Ron jokes about it, but Flip is not as enthusiastic — Ron can hide behind the phone, but Flip is face-to-face with the Klan members. It was a very emotional moment for his character, as well as one of my favorites in the film. The actors who play the Klan members did it well, as I imagine it was very difficult to take on such a controversial part. Specifically, one radical member named Felix (Jasper Paakkonen) melted into his role. The themes behind film are still very relevant in modern day society. It was also released around the one-year anniversary of the riots in Charlottesville. “BlacKkKlansman” is a tense and sometimes funny film that serves as a reminder — we are not looking at the past; we are sadly still looking at today.

‘Mamma Mia’ sequel deserves encore

Bill takes Donna on his boat in Kalokairi.

YouTube

By Valerie Miko Correspondent

Finally, after 10 years of waiting, fans of the hit musical “Mamma Mia” were gifted with a musical just as funny, energetic and heartwarming as the original. “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” premiered in theaters on July 20, and made nearly $35 million in the opening weekend alone. Written and directed by Ol Parker, the highly anticipated sequel takes places five years after the original. Sophie reflects on her mother’s accomplishments while she prepares for the opening of the new hotel, Bella Donna. The sequel features a few of the same A-list actors from the original musical, including Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. There are also new faces like Lily James, Andy Garcia and Cher that add to the film’s sparkle.

Similar to the original, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a jukebox musical based on the music of the Swedish pop group ABBA. Although it reuses some of the songs from the first movie, the sequel revamps more of ABBA’s hits such as “Angel Eyes,” “When I Kissed the Teacher” and “Why Did It Have to Be Me?” “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is a movie packed with hilarious one-liners, well-choreographed dance sequences and flashy costumes. Costume designer Michele Clapton added a modern twist to colorful fashion styles of the ’70s. Many of the ’70s looks young Donna wears — high waisted pants, long flowy skirts, bell bottoms and chunky heeled boots — are trending once again. What really brought these flashy costumes to life were the various dance sequences. Choreographer Anthony Van Laast did a fantastic job making the musical numbers seem spontaneous, playful and even flirty. For example, the first young hottie of the summer who Donna meets is Harry, the awkward young rock fan vacationing in France before he begins his job at a bank. Donna and Harry’s flash mob style dance to ABBA’s “Waterloo” takes place in a restaurant while they are out for dinner. What makes their musical number so entertaining is how all the patrons and employees in the restaurant begin dancing with them as the song builds up. Their highly detailed choreography makes great use of scene space, incorporates props, and is energetic and exuberant. With all these factors, it doesn’t seem too surprising that “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” received higher ratings than the original on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. The sequel’s popularity could have been be due to its focus on Donna in her younger years. The audience meets Donna’s friends Rosie and Tanya as they graduate college and seek adventure. We are also introduced to young Sam, Bill and Harry — the three men Donna romances the summer after graduation. The cute, eye-catching faces of actors Lily James, Alexa Davies, Jessica Keenan Wynn and many more

might have drawn in a younger crowd curious about what it might have been like to live “back in the day.” The young adults fall in love with a dreamy summer full of all the things they wish they could afford — a summer spent vacationing instead of working. Although the sequel gave the audience the backstory, costumes, music and comedy they were hoping for, there are also many unanswered questions remaining by the end of the movie. The most noticeable overlooked detail was how young Sam, Harry and Bill looked vastly different in the sequel than how they did when Donna was remembering them in the original. Sam is depicted in the original as having long black hair and a handlebar moustache, Harry has spiked black hair and eyeliner while Bill has long blonde hair and distinct tattoos on his knees. These defining features of Donna’s summer romances are removed and edited to make them more chic and appealing to a modern audience. Additionally, anyone who saw the trailer for the movie knows that Cher makes a cameo appearance, but she doesn’t show up until the last 20 minutes of the movie, and her performance is rather lackluster. Although her voice was strong in “Fernando,” her acting performance was distractingly stiff. The timeline of events between the first and second movies is confusing. It is revealed in the sequel that Donna graduated college in 1979, which would mean that Sophie was born in 1980. If Sophie is only supposed to be 25 in the sequel, then that would make the movie take place in 2005. Throughout the film, there are several moments when the audience can see technology way too advanced for that era, such as iPhones, tablets and newer car models. Much of the continuity errors and flaws of “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” were overlooked due to the exciting new cast of younger stars, catchy music, fun costumes and exciting choreography. The summer feel-good blockbuster still continues to bring smiles to theaters as viewers sing and dance their stresses away.

page 18 The Signal September 5, 2018

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Sports

Men’s soccer opens season with two wins

Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Left: Vazquez leads the Lions’ offense with two goals against Centenary. Right: Sample rushes past Marymount’s defense. By Miguel Gonzalez News Editor Starting the season with a win is nice, but two wins are twice as nice. The men’s soccer team shined at the Drew Fall Festival in Madison, New Jersey. They shut down Centenary University, 3-0, on Friday, Aug. 31. The following Saturday, Sept. 1, the Lions defeated Marymount University, 3-1. Sophomore midfielder Ryan Vazquez led the Lions offense, scoring two goals against Centenary. After the team missed seven shots in the first 25 minutes, Vazquez netted the first

goal of the season off a long pass from sophomore defender Dylan Teixeira. The Lions continued to press forward for the rest of the first half, but were unable to score. The team’s best chances to score occurred in the 31st minute, when senior midfielder Nick Sample launched consecutive corner kicks. In the second half, the Lions offense came in blazing against Centenary. Vazquez claimed his second goal when he dribbled past multiple defenders and snuck his shot past the net. In the midst of the strong offensive effort, the Lions defense

stood firm against Centenary, as its opponents did not record a shot until the 68th minute. The team continued to stall Centenary for the remainder of the match until Sample netted a goal. With four minutes remaining, Sample gathered possession and hit his shot past Centenary’s goalkeeper. The Lions offense recorded 13 shots during the match, and that was just the beginning of their domination. The following Saturday, the men’s soccer team dismissed Marymount University in a 3-1 win. Sample lead the Lions offense with a pair of goals, and the squad

didn’t stop as Vazquez and sophomore midfielder David McMillan recorded shots to end the first half. The Lions continued to push toward another goal in the second half. Sample netted his second goal to put the Lions ahead, 2-1, when his shot deflected past Marymount defenders. Holding onto a 2-1 lead, sophomore goalkeeper Michael Kayal kept the score intact when he saved a shot in the 72nd minute. At the 78th minute, sophomore forward Abdullah Afridi shot toward Marymount’s goalkeeper. Standing near the opposing goalkeeper, freshman midfielder

Ryan Santos caught the rebound and scored his first collegiate goal for the Lions. With a commanding 3-1 lead, the College secured the Drew Fall Festival team title with two wins. After a successful start to the season, the Lions look to continue their momentum in their first home match at the Soccer Complex on Wednesday, Sept. 5 against the College of Mount Saint Vincent at 4 p.m. The team will face Gettysburg College and Elizabethtown College this weekend as they host the 2018 Men’s Soccer Classic hosted in the Soccer Complex.

FDU defeats Lions in season opener By Maximillian C. Burgos Staff Writer

The football team traveled to Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Park Campus to open their season on Friday, Aug. 31. FDU torched the torched the Lions in the first half, 28-7. The Lions managed to claw back to 35-21, but their attempt at a comeback happened too late in the game. The season opener for the Lions is a tale of two halves. In the first half the Lions couldn’t get out of their own way. In the second, the team came out to play, determined to mount a comeback. Junior defensive back Xavier Santos talked about the Lions’ resilient spirit and the change of play from the first half to the second. “The first half didn’t play out how we expected,” said Santos. “But the second half was a time to come out on the field and show that our team will keep fighting to the last second.” In the first half, the Lions’ first seven drives ended with three punts, three turnovers and a turnover on downs. FDU capitalized, building a 28-0 lead before the Lions could get a chance to crack the scoreboard late in the second quarter. On their only scoring drive of the first half, the Lions drove down the field on 66-yard, five play drive. On the drive, sophomore quarterback Andrew Donoghue threw a pass to junior wide receiver Jack Clevenger for a 22-yard gain. Three plays later, Donoghue found freshman wide receiver Jaiden Elliot in the middle of the field for a 29yard touchdown.

The second half was a different game for the Lions. The third quarter was scoreless. The Lions’ defense stood strong, but so did FDU’s defense. In the fourth quarter, FDU scored early, extending the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 35-7. The Lions showed heart, though — with nine minutes to go in the game, the Lions scored on twice. On the first scoring drive for the Lions, Donoghue connected with his receiver three times in a row, torching the FDU secondary. Clevenger caught two of those passes to get the Lions to the FDU three-yard line. From there, Donoghue took it in himself, bringing the score to 35-14. Later in the game, freshman quarterback Dave Jachera led the Lions their second scoring drive of the fourth quarter. He rushed for 24 yards on three different scrambles, then threw a rope to Elliot for another 25 yards, getting the Lions to the FDU seven-yard line. Two plays later, freshman running back Mark Pacini punched in his first career touchdown. Although the Lions fell 35-21, there were notable performances amongst all players. Donoghue finished the game with 12 completions for 178 yards, one rushing touchdown, one passing touchdown and two interceptions. Jachera finished the game with two completions for 37 yards and 37 yards rushing to lead the Lions. On defense, junior punter/kicker Zach Warcola had a good game with seven punts for an average of 50.6 yards, three of which landed inside the 20-yard line to pin FDU deep in their own territory.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The Lions attempt to even the score.

Santos finished the game with 11 tackles. “I hold myself to great expectations everyday I put on the pads,” Santos said. “I want to show the other guys no matter what that they can depend on me.” The football team will continue back into action on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Lions will face eighth-ranked Frostburg State University for their first home game of the season at 1 p.m. “In the second year under (Head Coach Casey) Goff we were picked as the dark horse,” Santos said. “We expect to show all NJAC teams every game what we’re all about. We have a lot of talent on this team and we just have to show it.”

Lions Lineup September 5, 2018

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