WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2025 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 118 | ISSUE 2
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
A Nation Backward: The Cost of Ending DEI
Villanova Community Celebrates Black History Month
Isabella Balian Staff Writer
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order ending “radical and wasteful” government DEI programs and preference. In his order, he states his goal to terminate all DEI positions and offices, as well as performance requirements in government agencies and departments. Last week, a devastating plane crash killed 67 American citizens. President Trump implied to news sources that the Biden administration’s DEI policies were at fault for this tragedy. It’s difficult to explain the positive impact that diversity, equity and inclusion can have on society. As someone who has probably benefited from DEI policies, I can’t help but be disappointed by this executive order and the future trajectory of the country. However, I can’t say I am surprised at all. When Trump ran his campaign, this is the exact capacity of action he promised, and people would be naive to be surprised. After Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, President Lyndon Johnson signed Executive Order 11246 in 1965. This order formally established the Secretary of Labor the authority to ensure equal opportunity for people of color and women in federal contractors recruitment, hiring, training and other employment practices. This prohibited discrimination based on “based on race, color, religion and national origin.” These requests may seem “radical” to some people now, but this was the state of the country years ago. Not everyone had equal opportunity, not everyone could just work a job, have a credit Continued on p. 10
Villanova University Banner Showcased Outside Dougherty Hall in Honor of Black History Month. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography
Lauren Armstrong Associate EIC
This February, the University and Villanova community are coming together to celebrate the 49th annual Black History Month. Celebrated every February, Black History Month was established in 1976 to celebrate Black excellence, achievements and showcase Black voices within the community and around the world. “This month, Villanova will celebrate the contributions of African American and Black people within our community and throughout history,”
Villanova University said earlier this month on its social media platforms. “Black History Month is a time of appreciation and acknowledgment of Blackness and its profound impact on every aspect of society,” senior communication major Tron White, President of Villanova’s Black Student Union (BSU), said in a statement to The Villanovan. “It is a recognition of a people and culture that transcend the racist and imperial formations of the United States, a celebration of Black men, women, nonbinary, trans and disabled folks, whose contributions continue to
shape our world.” Each year, different on-campus organizations, including BSU and African Caribbean Villanovans (ACV), come together to host events specific to Black History Month, in addition to the programming they do year-round. Events taking place this month include educational conversations, interactive workshops, alumni showcases and more. “The biggest event associated with our organization would be our annual Black History Month Showcase,” White said. “This event will be held in the Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, Feb. 22. This
year our theme is: Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler: ‘Nova Meets NOLA.” While the University is promoting the importance of Black History Month, it is critical to remember the history of the University as a predominantly white institution (PWI) and that there are still large strides to be made towards diversity, equity and inclusion both here on Villanova’s campus and within the greater community. “Villanova, like many predominantly white institutions, struggles to genuinely celebrate Black History Month and support its Black community
Continued on p. 2
Passion Radiates Through the ASA Expo Chris Brown
Staff Writer
Love is truly blossoming this February: a love for the world around us. On Saturday, Feb. 1, Villanova’s Asian Student Association (ASA) kicked the month into high gear with its annual ASA Expo showcase. The Villanova Room became a center for students to demonstrate their expertise in various fields, featuring dazzling performances, a stunning fashion show and the unity of a pas-
sionate, diverse community. Expo Showcase 2025 was organized by ASA’s executive board, consisting entirely of Villanova students from
all years. The board consists of President Matthew Park, Vice President Vinnie Lin, Secretary Autumn Hoang, Expo Chairs Joshua Wentz and
Students pose together following their performance at the ASA Showcase. Chris Brown/Villanovan Photography
Rachel Phan, Public Relations Chair Kimberly Luu, Social Chair Oliver Sohn, Events Coordinator Jacob Wong and Freshman Representatives Alana Arcilla and Ellison Koo. Phan, a Villanova junior, described how she and Wentz carried out the work that went into production. This included tasks such as deciding the theme, coordinating with student organizations, handling logistics and promoting the event around campus and on social media, all of which Continued on p. 13
Wheeland To Retire At Years End p. 3
This Week in Politics p. 4
Does the Marriage Pact Bring Love to Villanova? p. 5
Have Birds Fans Gone Too Far? p. 6
Are iPads Necessary in Classrooms? p. 8
VillaVogue: A Music Artist’s Runway p. 9
Senior Sentiments: Are You Ready? p. 11
Indoor Track and Field: Watcke Second School Record p. 13
Wildcat Watch: Kudlac BE Female Athlete of the Week p. 13
Catching Up With the ‘Cats: Joe Makoid (‘81) p. 14