WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 3
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
Former VP Pence Visits Villanova
Students Respond to Rising Concerns Over Sexual Assault at Villanova
Isabella Balian Political Columnist Isabella Carlin Political Columnist
On the day after National Constitution Day, Villanova’s Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy and the Charles Widger School of Law hosted former Vice President, Mike Pence, for an address on faith and public life. Dean and professor at Villanova’s School of Law Mark Alexander began by delivering an opening word. He wanted Villanova’s values of veritas, caritas and unitas to guide the conversation. Alexander encouraged students to embrace their passions whether they agreed or disagreed but to approach the conversation with a commitment to truth, unity and love. Law professor and Director of the Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Michael Moreland, then introduced Pence. Moreland gave a brief description of Pence’s background as a Governor, Congressman and Vice President of the United States. Pence began by commending undergraduate and graduate students by acknowledging Villanova as an “extraordinary university.” He then discussed his move back to Indiana after his time as the Vice President and his current life with his wife, children and grandchildren. Pence spoke about the meaning of the Republican Party and the need to restore the Party’s roots in national defense, limited government and human life. Moreland asked Pence about the importance of the United States Constitution. “It is inarguably the greatest national charter of
Conversations surrounding sexual assault have intensified around campus in wake of the recent incidents. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography
Hannah Sweeney Co-Editor-in-Chief
*Content warning: mention of sexual assault. All students who spoke in this article have chosen to remain anonymous, due to the sensitive nature of the subject. In light of the recent sexual assault lawsuit filed against Villanova University and the reported rape on campus, conversations surrounding sexual misconduct have intensified among students. “I can’t even count,”a senior female student said when asked how many of her friends had experienced sexual assault.
“I feel like almost every girl I’m friends with has a story. And on top of that, some people have similar stories about the same person, but they [the perpetrators] still go by unscathed.” “I know several people who have experienced sexual assault,” another senior shared. “It completely uproots one’s life. I think they move through the world with so much fear and hurt, and it’s very hard for them to trust people ever again.” A third student agreed. “It’s not even shocking anymore,” she said. “It’s just so common.” According to the
Villanova Community Climate Survey, recorded in 2021, about 11.9% of undergraduate respondents reported experiencing non-consensual or unwanted sexual conduct since being at Villanova. This number is equal to about one in every eight people. While this survey is particular to Villanova students, the issue of sexual assault is pervasive at universities nationwide. To help combat sexual assault, universities, including Villanova, enforce a strict Title IX policy. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, which includes sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Yet, according to Villanova’s Title IX Coordinator Ryan Rost, a sexual misconduct policy is only one of many measures that universities should take to protect their students. “These regulations are the floor, not the ceiling,” Rost said. Villanova communication professor Dr. Amy Way, who teaches a course on sexual violence, echoed this point, explaining that a university has a responsibility beyond providing the training that they are legally required to do. “[This involves] being realistic about what their campus culture is like, which includes off Continued on p. 3
‘Nova Nation: Hoops Mania 2024 Recap Finn Courtney
Co-News Editor
many more positive feelings than what was felt last year. Gunna’s closing performance at Hoops capped an overall better celebration
of the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball campaign compared to last year’s, as well, and the event felt much less rushed than 2023’s edition,
which was attributed by some students to a performance Ross had in Miami the same night. Hoops celebrated both teams with walkouts, dances, three-point and brand-new skills competitions and the annual blue-and-white scrimmage, where after a year-long absence, streamers returned and covered the floor of the Finn after the first basket was scored. The gem of Hoops, however, always comes with the surprise musical performance, which in Villanova’s Continued on p. 4
Continued on p. 7
After the mostly-negative reception to last year’s musical performer, Rick Ross, this year’s Hoops Mania (colloquially known as “Hoops” on Villanova’s campus) had many rumors and hope surrounding the identity of the performer. This year, Grammy-nominated rapper Gunna took the stage. After much speculation over him being the surprise guest, there were
Villanova Student Reports Rape in the Commons p. 3
2024 Fall Preview Day Welcomes Prospective Villanovans p. 5
Villanovans Attend Panel with Senators Casey and Warren p. 6
Former Vice President Mike Pence Visits Villanova p. 7
Gunna at Hoops Mania: A Mixed Review p. 9
Classes Should be Cancelled on Election Day p. 10
SOLO NOVA: I Will Speak for Myself p. 12
Philadelphia Concerts: The Inside Scoop p. 15
Field Hockey Claims Two Wins Over Weekend p. 17
Campbell McKinnon: Volleyball’s Rookie Star p. 19
Students celebrate Hoops Mania with the annual 3-point contest Erick Quezada/Villanovan Photography