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VOL. 77 ISSUE 2 THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF CHATHAM UNIVERSITY OCTOBER 2020
Chatham
Stays
Masked In
October
News
Opinion
Sports
Lifestyle
Visuals
Forum
President Finegold stops
to talk to Guillermo Van
Wyke ‘22 and Vinicius
Muniz ‘22 while walking
the new family dog, Louis,
on Oct. 7.
Credit: Lilly Kubit
EDITOR’S NOTE
Dear Chatham Community,
Staff List
Editor-in-chief
Alice Crow
Another month and another issue of the Communiqué. The past couple weeks
have shown students that the minute they feel as if they undertsand the new normal, Business manager
altered guidelines or a high number of positive cases of COVID-19 will catch them off Rylee Napolitan
guard, but some things never seem to change about Chatham. Student actvisim is still
an integral part of the student experience. As stories in this issue will show, students are Faculty advisor
deeply involved in seeking justice and fighting for what they believe in. Sara Bauknecht
Another unwaivering feature of Chatham is the excellent staff of the Communi-
qué. I can’t speak about the great work in this issue, without speaking about the people Digital and social media
who make it possible. The staff’s drive and passion to produce high quality student editor
journalism is truly inspiring. I want to thank each and every one of them for their contin- Jennie Piotrzkowski
ued dedication. I also want to thank the readers of the Communiqué: It is for you that we
write these stories, so thank you. We hope you enjoy Volume 77, Issue 2. News editor
Gena Carter
Sincerely,
Alice Crow Opinion editor
Editor-in-Chief Abbey Sullivan
CONTENTS Sports editor
Haley Daugherty
NEWS OPINION SPORTS
Lifestyle editor
3 COVID-19 TESTING 7 THE DEMOCRATIC 11 DEPARTMENT Wyatt Cory
Information on the experi- SOCIALIST CONTROVERSY
ence and data of Chatham’s PERSPECTIVE Past racially insensitive Contributing writers
COVID-19 testing. By Zoe Levine and Morgan comment by athletic direc- Michaela DeLauter
By JL Silverman Williams tor sparks concerns over Juliana Freeman
4 RESIDENCE LIFE 8 THE REPUBLICAN toxic department culture. Jake Lach
Adjustments made for PERSPECTIVE By Alice Crow Charlotte Larson
Chatham residents. By Jack Schmiedlin Jorie Meil
By Jake Lach JL Silverman
10 THE DEMOCRATIC
Maggie Susa
5 FIRST-YEAR PERSPECTIVE
Ryan Thatcher
EXPERIENCE By Carolyn Cullen
Students give their feed- Artist
back on their experiences. Alexis Taranto
By Jorie Meil
LIFESTYLE VISUALS FORUM Photographer
Lilly Kubit
14 CARNEGIE EXHIBIT 17 BEFORE & AFTER 18 DOODLEBUG
An examination of An-My COVID A comic series about the
Lê’s “On Contested Ter- A photo series shows the trials and tribulations of
rain” at the Carnegie. wildly different experiences Doodlebug.
By Charlotte Larson that Chatham students are By Alexis Taranto
having this year, as com-
15 STEEL CURRENTS
pared to events on campus
A new series about Pitts-
in previous years.
burgh-based bands. First
By Lilly Kubit
subject: Same.
By Wyatt Cory
OCTOBER 2020
COVID-19 TESTING
NEWS PAGE 3
Students can expect privacy and speed from
Chatham’s protocol
By JL Silverman positive results. Nineteen
of these positive cases were
A familiar white tent is commuter students, and 22
set up on the small side- of them were students who
walk area just outside of live on campus. No Cha-
Woodland Hall. Underneath tham employees have tested
the tent is a white folding positive to date.
table and a sign-in sheet Because of the recent
filling up with signatures. A spike in positive cases, the The white tent where tests are administered is near Wood-
masked nurse in light green University announced in an land Hall and next to Health Services. Credit: Alice Crow
scrubs wields the nasal email Oct. 16 that it would
process. time was assigned: Was I in
swab of a student sitting in shift to a virtual delivery
“It is a little more sensi- close contact? Was I symp-
a chair. The swab is handed format beginning that eve-
tive,” Muller said, “even tomatic? What were my
through a window at the ning through Oct. 25.
though the antigen test cur- symptoms?
completion of the proce- The test Chatham stu-
rently in use has a 97/98% The sign-up process is
dure, and the student leaves dents receive is an antigen
sensitivity rate and positive simple, with information
to make way for the next test. A mucus sample is
tests are pretty accurate.” accessible on Chatham’s
person. taken to detect proteins on
Muller heads the five-per- website or by calling 412-
This is a snapshot of what the surface of the virus. The
son team that makes this all 365-1714. Appointments
getting a COVID-19 test rapid test results can be re-
work. Three team members must be made in advance.
at Chatham University’s ceived in about 15 minutes.
who take turns doing the A student was being test-
Shadyside campus looks The RT-PCR molecular test
actual swabbing are stu- ed as I signed in and filled
like. Earlier this semester, detects for pieces of the
dents. out a small information
the University rolled out virus itself by looking for
“They sought out doing sheet. Clean pens were on
a plan for random-sample its genetic material.
this,” Muller said. “They the left, used pens on the
testing for various groups Annette Muller, the
are outstanding workers. right. A man came out of
on campus. Health Services practitioner
Patient, knowledgeable and the Health Services office
As of Oct. 16, 761 stu- and one of the lead swab-
compassionate.” door to assure my place in
dents have received antigen bers, said that a new test
Muller said that students line.
tests on campus, with 41 for Chatham students is in
who show up to be test- It was a cool morning, but
ed may be feeling sick or I didn’t have to wait long.
scared or questioning what The nurse invited me over
“ They are outstanding workers. to do. Again and again, her to the chair and explained
Patient, knowledgable and com- team strives to calm the
nerves of fearful arrivals.
the procedure.
I would be having a
passionate.” I wasn’t a randomly mid-nasal swab, she said
selected student for testing, as she held up what looked
but instead I self-scheduled like a Q-tip. She would
-- Annette Muller my appointment by phone. insert the swab halfway up
Health Service Practitioner Questions were asked of
me before my appointment
my nose and hold it there
for 15 seconds.
OCTOBER 2020
“You may sneeze or your
NEWS
That tube is swirled as the close proximity. Phone calls
PAGE 4
ing if those who had been
eyes might tear up,” she saline breaks down the disc are made to set up testing tested returned to dorms or
said, which explained the below the mucus sample. for them, if needed. cars. (It also was a warmer
nearby box of tissues. After sitting for one minute, Speed and protecting the place to wait on a fall day.)
Prepared to sneeze, I a pipette is used to extract sample are key. The win- Twenty minutes later, I
tilted back my head. The the liquid. The liquid goes dow was put in place to received my phone call.
first 15-second swab test into a hole in a cartridge, streamline the process of Negative. In my experi-
went quickly. The nurse which sits on top of a test passing off the sample from ence, the whole process
swabbed the second nostril, strip. Once the cartridge is the swabber to the test run- was handled with efficien-
then handed my sample in put into the testing ma- ner. Everyone is masked, cy, compassion and privacy.
a plastic bag through the chine, a plus or minus is gloved and shielded, further Muller welcomes student
window above my head, detected in 11 seconds. protecting the sample as input to make modifications
and I was on my way. If a test comes up posi- well as each other. for a better experience. The
What happens behind the tive, the contact tracking Students are normally University tracks its testing
window? The test swabber team jumps into action. asked to wait nearby for the on an online dashboard
hands the tubed and bagged The test-positive person is test result. The day of my that’s updated each Tuesday
sample to the test runner, notified, and instructions test, I was asked to wait in and Thursday.
who immediately starts pro- are given to isolate or my car. It was an unusually
cessing it. Saline is admin- self-quarantine. A contact busy morning, I was in-
istered to a white disc in the list is gathered in order to formed, and it was easier to
bottom of the tube. identify those who were in maintain physical distanc-
Chatham’s Residence Life adjusts to COVID-19 with new policies
By Jake Lach partment.”
Chatham University’s Guidelines for those
campus life has drastically students who did choose to
changed this year due to live on campus this fall re-
COVID-19 and new poli- main fluid as COVID-19’s
cies implemented by Res- threat ebbs and flows.
idence Life because of the At the beginning of the
pandemic. Students, fac- semester, rules for students
ulty and staff have had to living in on-campus hous-
overcome many challenges ing were defined on the
in an attempt to have a safe Chatham website. A special
and successful school year. addendum for Terms &
One of the changes made Conditions of Residency
by Residence Life was the also was created for the
number of students allowed 2020-21 year. It expressly
to live on campus for the acknowledges COVID-19
Some students relax in one of Fickes Hall’s common areas.
2020-21 academic year. and requires students to
Credit: Lilly Kubit
Chatham had 564 students comply with new policies.
“A pandemic was com- the virus broke out. …We Normally, first- and
living on its campuses in pletely new,” said Shawn consulted with the Centers
early September. Around second-year students are
McQuillan, the director for Disease Control, their required to live on cam-
that time last year, that of Residence Life. “We guidelines, as well as the
number was 766. pus, with few exceptions,
started this work when Pennsylvania Health De- but this requirement was
OCTOBER 2020
lifted to help de-densify the
NEWS
halted when Chatham ities on campus and other
PAGE 5
a completely online format.
dorms. Residence Life also elevated its operational ways for students to safely No students will be able to
set restrictions on occupan- alert level from “raised” to get involved with college enter the buildings unless
cy in lounge or community “high.” This shift means life and to create memories. they request and are given
spaces and prohibited all students are prohibited “COVID doesn’t mean approval by the Office of
guests in dorms, unless they from visiting other students there isn’t community,” Residence Life.
were also residents of the in their dorms and must McQuillan said. For the updated rule list,
same building. limit outside activities to Residence halls will close visit the COVID-19 Poli-
Residence Life is striving only essential needs, such after Thanksgiving break, cies and Standards page on
to take student feedback as picking up meals, vis- when classes will convert to my.chatham.
into consideration as it iting the grocery store or
responds to the pandemic. pharmacy, receiving medi- University survey highlights
The department is “being cal attention or going for a
agile … because there’s walk, through Oct. 25. challenges of adapting to college
something that’s going to
come up that you didn’t
Students have had some
difficulty adjusting to the
life during COVID-19
think about,” McQuillan rules and regulations set in By Jorie Meil ing relationships, getting
said. place due to the pandemic. involved on campus and
The transition to college managing their workloads,
for first-year students is a all while trying to stay
“COVID doesn’t mean there isn’t community.” difficult and exciting time. healthy and slow the spread
- Shawn McQuillian This year, the added chal- of COVID-19.
lenge of a global pandemic A survey emailed Sept.
Director of Residence Life has changed the way this 23 polled the student body
One instance of recent “It’s a lot to get used to,” transition looks. regarding Chatham’s re-
changes can be seen in said Liam Sombar ‘23, who First-year students are sponse to the pandemic and
Chatham’s Residential also lived on campus last working to navigate class- student life this semester.
Guest policy. year. There is “a dynamic es, residence life, form- The survey asked students
“A large number of res- of living alone … as well
idents who completed the as not being able to have
guest survey wanted the outside guests. … It has
guest policy to be revised to definitely been a different
allow residents from other experience.”
buildings to visit them,” He is optimistic, though,
McQuillan said. about the effectiveness of
In October, the Resi- these new guidelines.
dential Guest policy was “I think Chatham, more
revisited, allowing on-cam- so than a lot of other uni-
pus residents to be guests in versities, has good policies
residential buildings other and the students are try-
than their own. Commuters ing very hard to keep the
and off-campus guests are school open,” he added.
still not allowed to enter the Despite the changes,
residence halls or apart- Residence Life is still try-
ments. ing to create an enjoyable
On Oct. 16, that change on-campus living experi- Masked first-year students hang out during their first
to the guest policy was ence. There are many activ- weeks of school at Chatham University. Credit: Jorie Meil
OCTOBER 2020
to rate each topic on a scale
NEWS
to complete my courses” given the parameters of
PAGE 6
successful transitions and
out of 5.0 (with 5.0 being had a 4.02 mean response. COVID-19” had a mean doing their best in the given
that the respondent strongly Getting involved on response of 3.65 out of 5.0. circumstances to have an
agrees with the statement campus is also a challenge First-year students wor- enjoyable time at Chatham.
and 1.0 being strongly dis- for first-year students. With ried that they wouldn’t be “It’s been pretty smooth,
agrees). limited in-person meetings able to make meaningful smoother than I was ex-
“I like that we can take and events, students are friendships and socialize in pecting,” Fowler said about
surveys and they take our struggling to find ways to a safe and socially dis- her transition to Chatham.
input and consider it. We participate in student orga- tanced way. Perdan said, Students who would like
have a say in how we want nizations and events. “It’s hard to form physical assistance in their transition
to progress,” Emi Perdan “Getting involved has connection outside of social can contact the counsel-
‘24 said. been the most challenging. media. I am less likely to ing center or their success
The survey polled both It’s kind of like a scavenger walk up to a group of peo- coaches.
first-year and upperclass hunt,” Fowler said. “You ple and ask to be friends,
students, but a breakdown get all the information at it’s weird. You can’t really
of the results isolates the once, which is useful, but [safely] socialize and eat at
answers of the first-year it is hard to organize what Café Rachel, for example.”
class. In total, 179 first- you want to do.” Even with all of the
year students responded to The survey statement “I challenges presented by
the survey. Results will be am finding ways to en- the pandemic, many first-
used to show how they feel gage socially at Chatham year students are having
about this semester.
One of the major chal-
lenges of this semester is
online classes. Most classes
are being administered on
Zoom with students par-
ticipating from their dorm
Oct. 1 – The smell of marijuana was detected at 8:10 p.m. in Chatham Apartments
rooms or homes.
“Doing classes in an iso- Tower A. A small bag of marijuana was found.
lated place is tricky,” Abby
Fowler ‘24 said. Students Oct. 8 - A mental health call was made at the Health Center.
don’t have the same oppor-
tunities that they would in Oct. 9 – A student reported to police that they fell at Eden Hall campus, causing minor
a normal semester to form
injuries.
bonds with professors and
classmates that are academ-
ically beneficial. Oct. 11 – A sexual assault was reported to police at the Rea House.
The survey addressed
this topic with the state- Oct. 13 – Marijuana odor was reported at Dilworth Hall. Nothing was found.
ment: “I am comfortable in
my learning environments
(classroom, virtual, on- Oct. 13 – A woman walking her dog through campus fell, causing minor injuries.
line).” The mean response
was a 3.87 out of 5.0. Oct. 19 – A student at the Howe-Childs Gatehouse passed out and fell, causing minor
The statement “I current- injuries.
ly have the resources I need
OCTOBER 2020 OPINION PAGE 7
GUEST VOICES
In this installment of Guest Voices, members of Chatham Student Power, Chatham’s Young Republican
Club and the Chatham University Democrats weigh in on our current political climate.
The Democratic Socialist government that works for
all of us, not just powerful
grew up Jewish, my iden-
tity was molded by an
Perspective special interests.”
Socialism is not the
understanding of how we
are all part of a communi-
By Zoe Levine and Morgan antithesis of democracy, ty and need to look after
Williams of Chatham but rather the best of both one another. Having seen
Student Power but not limited to, racism, worlds. This is already firsthand the benefits of
sexism and xenophobia. seen in the United States labor unions and organizing
The most encompassing where several social pro- from my father only solid-
Within the last few de-
and effective means to cre- grams already exist, such as ified to me the importance
cades, it’s grown alarming-
ate the social and political the USPS, social security, of caring for one another
ly clear that this unchecked
change that will benefit the libraries and even the mil- and helping those who are
capitalism has created
most people in the United itary. These programs are different from us. Amer-
a new and dire problem
States is through socialism funded by taxes and benefit ica is so individualistic
that will only exacerbate
— not through solely two the American people. and maintaining the status
other social problems: the
— party politics. Socialism and socialist quo only helps those in
climate crisis. Also from
We identify as socialists, policy work successfully in power. By implementing
DSA, “Democratic social-
more specifically democrat- multiple countries around socialist policies, we help
ists do not want to create
ic socialists. It’s deemed the world (look at the those most vulnerable in
an all-powerful govern-
a dirty word — socialism Nordic states, Vietnam, and this system to get the same
ment bureaucracy. But we
— with a connotation that even Canada). These coun- opportunities as those who
do not want big corporate
alludes to dystopian re- tries reportedly have higher hold more privilege. What
bureaucracies to control our
gimes, or contrarily, uto- happiness indexes among is stopping you from caring
society either. Rather, we
pian futures disregarded their populations than the about others? Is it that you
believe that social and eco-
as fairy tales. However, in U.S., have dealt very well are worried about losing the
nomic decisions should be
reality, socialism is far less with the COVID-19 pan- power you do hold?
made by those whom they
sinister and complex than demic and offer free and Morgan Williams
most affect.”
we are made to believe. accessible health care. In I’ve been involved in
Bernie Sanders, the first
Simply put, democrat- a country as “great” as the various modes of activ-
big name during our life-
ic socialism is the belief United States of America, ism since I was a young
times who proudly claimed
that both the economy it is appalling that we do teenager. My first taste of
support for democratic so-
and society should be run not offer the programs and organizing was surround-
cialism, put it like this: “...
democratically to meet benefits that other nations ing reproductive justice for
we should not be providing
public needs and not to have been thriving under organizations like Planned-
welfare for corporations,
make profits for a few. That for decades. Parenthood. I canvassed
huge tax breaks for the very
definition comes directly We both have different for Sanders in the 2016
rich or trade policies which
from Democratic Socialists lived experiences that election, years before I
boost corporate profits as
of America (DSA). Capital- brought us to this political was even eligible to vote
workers lose their jobs.
ism in the United States has belief system. because his campaign
It [democratic socialism]
inflamed and maintained Zoe Levine was the first that had ever
means that we create a
social problems including, Since I am Jewish and seemed genuine to me. It
OCTOBER 2020
was during this time that I
OPINION
support (such as the Green cause we don’t have time
PAGE 8
and working-class people
gained an incredible respect New Deal and Medicare for the snail’s race that in this country are suf-
for the power of mobilizing For All). We believe there Republicans and Demo- fering to make ends meet
individuals at the grassroots needs to be a large change crats play. Our planet is every day as billionaires
level. I called myself a lib- to our current political dying, racial injustice is like Amazon’s owner Jeff
eral for many years before system in order to break increasingly prevalent as Bezos profit $71 billion
growing increasingly frus- the pattern that American capitalism and state vio- (and counting) during a
trated with the Democratic politics has fallen into. lence work hand and hand pandemic.
establishment. As I grew Overall, socialists believe
older, met more organizers
and saw the same walls
that putting profit before
people, which occurs in
About the writers
being hit over and over both the Democratic and Zoe Levine (Zoe.levine@chatham.
again for different causes, Republican parties, will edu) is a senior at Chatham Univer-
I realized that true change not further our society in a sity double majoring in history and
must occur on a founda- healthy and beneficial way. political science, with a double minor
tional level. We can keep In an interview in 1997, of French and theater. She’s also
doing our best to reform activist, philosopher, author working on receiving the internation-
issues within our current and academic Angela Davis al studies certificate with a European
political system, but those said “I think the importance concentration. She is co-president of Chatham Student
issues will be recycled and of doing activist work is Power, as well as artistic director for Chatham Drama
reproduced until we grasp precisely because it allows Club. This semester, Zoe is also participating in Repair
at the roots. you to give back and to the World’s Serve the Moment Pittsburgh Corps, where
Final thoughts consider yourself not as a she focuses on tackling social justice issues in the City
It’s important to say that single individual who may of Pittsburgh.
socialists often still want have achieved whatever but Morgan “Moe” Williams (Morgan.
democracy. Some of our to be a part of an ongoing williams@chatham.edu) is a junior at
values align with the cur- historical movement.” To Chatham University double majoring
rent American Democratic us, this accurately describes in creative writing and women’s and
party. But we see Demo- our motivations in Chatham gender studies. She is also pursuing
crats who are unwilling to Student Power, as well as an international certificate with a
go further Left; they often our politics beyond. European concentration. Moe is the
fail to support popular ideas Socialism is important other co-president for Chatham Student Power and the
that most Americans do now more than ever be- social media coordinator for Creative Writing Club.
The Republican Perspective Libertarian, my mother style and manner can be
a conservative and their abrasive. I have come to
By Jack Schmiedlin of the surprise came from the fact realize, however, that I am
Young Republicans Club that we never discussed not necessarily voting for
politics in our house. Six the personality of a man,
In the fall of my eighth- years later, I remain a more although I do submit that
grade year, in the great state with which party we would informed Republican. President Trump’s some-
of Indiana, my history class align the most. Much to my This 2020 election is what irritating idiosyncra-
took a political ideology parents’ surprise, I came arguably one of the most sies are perhaps exactly
test that surveyed our re- home and announced to critical elections in the what this country needs.
spective values and beliefs. them: “I am a Republican.” history of the United States. Rather, in this election
It was designed to suggest My dad at the time was President Donald Trump’s — an election that could
OCTOBER 2020 OPINION
jeopardize the state of our the notion that America is a Americans, have much to
PAGE 9
Vietnam, etc.
inalienable rights — I am great country, with much to atone for and little of which Today, our most im-
voting for a party, the Re- offer. It embraces a vision to be proud. If one is to portant election cycle will
publican party. that sees religious practice believe these progressives determine the future of our
As human beings, we all and belief in God as central then, apparently, our tra- country. While these words
have inalienable human to the country’s private and ditions that have made us seem to be broadcast every
rights — rights un-retract- public life. In this under- the envy of the entire world four years in this country,
able by virtue of being standing of America, faith should now be viewed as in 2020 they come with
human. The rights most is not something to be de- some form of discrimina- an especially stern weight
notable are “life, liberty fended against with a ‘wall tion. and warning: the America
and the pursuit of happi- of separation’ designed to Most every traditional of 1776, 1865, 1945, 1968
ness.” It is the job of the keep Christians out. belief upon which our great and now 2020 will forever
government to protect those Instead, faith — and country was founded is be erased if the party that
rights preserved by each of Christianity itself — are under attack from the Left, embraces a faithless agen-
the documents drafted by seen as critical to the flour- including: da assumes power. The
our Founding Fathers: The ishing of our country in a 1) The right to life. Pro- candidates of the Left, the
Declaration of Indepen- perspective shared by many gressives just do not cele- beloved of the progressives,
dence, our Constitution and of our Founding Fathers. brate it; they export it to the will wash away the “sins”
the Bill of Rights. This was the understanding world. of our Forefathers: our free-
Within each of these of men like Samuel Adams, 2) Contraception. Pro- dom of religion, our free-
arguably sacred documents James Madison, Patrick gressives believe it to be a dom of speech and freedom
are enumerated the pur- Henry and George Wash- fundamental right, and if from censorship, as well as
suits, freedoms and rights ington.” someone’s religious free- our right to bear arms.
that Americans hold dear. In stark contrast, Warsaw dom is in direct confronta-
Freedom of religion, free- explains that against these tion with that, progressives
dom of speech and freedom Christian-based beliefs only deflect the problem. About the writer
from censorship, as well is the counterculture of Warsaw references a
as the right to bear arms, progressivism espoused by recent EWTN documentary,
are the most prominent in college students, academia, which pointed out that “...
today’s combative political liberal media outlets and, where governments tried to
climate. more visibly, by radical kill God, they have often
An article by Michael groups that have resorted to turned next to killing peo-
Warsaw, publisher of the strident protesting and even ple.” If one was to review
National Catholic Register, rioting to broadcast their the darkest periods of man,
shows just how divided messages. These messages they would inarguably be
we are as a country. In his declare that America should struck by how true this Jack Schmiedlin (Jack.
article, “Voting for a Vi- be shamed for various acts conclusion is: an absence of schmiedlin@chatham.
sion, not a Person,” War- in its history — acts that God or any semblance of a edu) is a sophomore
saw states that the Amer- these progressives believe religious citizenry has been at Chatham Universi-
ican people have a choice are the true basis of the exemplified by man’s in- ty who plans to major
“between two completely foundation of America — humanity to man. Just look in MIS (management
different views of America. then as well as today. at any civil war or multina- information systems)
That difference is philo- Warsaw elaborates that tional armed conflict; God and psychology. He’s the
sophical, not simply per- these progressives are was erased or otherwise president of the Young
sonal.” pushing for a seemingly ignored during our Civil Republicans Club for the
He goes on to say, “One overhauling of American War, World War I, World 2020-21 school year.
campaign has built itself on thought — that we, as War II, the Korean Conflict,
OCTOBER 2020
The Democratic Perspective
OPINION vanishing middle class.
PAGE 10
they pay in taxes currently
Coming from a mid- is not only no longer fol-
By Carolyn Cullen of the dle-class family, I have lowing the principle of abil-
Chatham Democrats seen firsthand how being ity to pay, but it has caused
middle class isn’t as stable our economy and country
As COVID-19 has con-
as before. We are one disas- to become highly unstable.
tinued to ravage our nation,
ter, one major cost, one job If we want to fix the insta-
it has shown how unstable going to the 1% and not
loss away from falling to bility, the tax system should
our economy and nation throughout all workers. As
lower-class or even below be rewritten so the wealthy
were and still are. the years have passed, not
the poverty line. Addition- are taxed in accordance to
One of the main causes enough has been done to
ally, the country’s social their wealth and they aren’t
of such instability comes address the damage these
services are inadequate using loopholes to avoid
from intense wealth dis- tax cuts and wage stagna-
when it comes to providing paying taxes. Increasing
parity, with the top 1% tion have done, leaving the
for everyone who needs taxes on the wealthy will
owning more wealth than wealth disparity to be a
them. A way to fix this is open gateways to address-
the bottom 99%. As such, lingering problem.
to strengthen the classes so ing other problems within
we believe it is impera- In Peter Temin’s book
they don’t need to rely so the country. This will hope-
tive to increase taxes on “The Vanishing Middle
much on social services, as fully help to stabilize the
the wealthy, as well as Class: Prejudice and Power
well as an increase of fund- turbulence we as a nation
address any loopholes the in a Dual Economy,” he ad-
ing to those social services. are facing.
wealthy may be exploiting dresses how what he calls
Both of these options could Sources: “Capital in the
to receive tax exemptions. the “capitalists” of the FTE
be addressed in some as- Twenty-First Century” by
It is through these actions sector (finances, technology
pect by increasing taxation Thomas Piketty and Arthur
that the United States will and electronics) prefer to
of the wealthy. Goldhammer and “The
be able to begin to stabilize keep wages of workers low
However, this hasn’t been Vanishing Middle Class:
what is soon to be a failing as it provides “abundant
the case. In fact, the Tax Prejudice and Power in a
economy. cheap labor for their busi-
Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 Dual Economy” by Peter
This wealth gap is not nesses.” Additionally, he
gave further tax cuts to the Temin.
necessarily a new phenom- examines how the disrup-
enon. In fact, the cause of tion of wage distribution
wealthy. This has resulted
in our tax code no longer
About the writer
such a gap comes from between workers is a prev-
following the principle of
the Reagan administration alent cause for the weak-
the ability to pay – or the
in the 1980s. During his ening of the middle class.
thought that a person’s
presidency, Ronald Rea- While this doesn’t immedi-
taxes are based on their
gan gave two different tax ately connect to taxation of
capacity to pay taxes. In-
cuts for the rich, which the wealthy, the burden of
stead, the wealthy are able
lowered their top marginal taxes falls predominately to
to accrue high amounts of Carolyn Cullen (Caro-
income tax rates. The tax the middle class when the
wealth while having to pay lyn.cullen@chatham.edu)
rate cuts coincided with wealthy recieve tax cuts.
few taxes on the wealth. is the current president of
wage stagnation. The wage However, the middle
The 1% are then able to the Chatham University
stagnation had begun in class is weakening and
use their wealth to pay for College Democrats and
1970, when the real wages decreasing in size – mean-
lobbying on more tax cuts – Western VP of the Penn-
of workers (or wages ad- ing it can no longer handle
especially for them. sylvania College Demo-
justed for inflation) discon- this burden. By removing
Overall, we of the Cha- crats. She is also a senior
tinued to rise with national the burden from the mid-
tham Democrats are in political science major
production. Through this dle class and back to the
favor of increasing taxation double minoring in histo-
coincidence, there was a wealthy, this will help
on the wealthy. The amount ry and economics.
rise in the share of income address the problem of theOCTOBER 2020 SPORTS
Questions raised about athletic department culture after director’s
PAGE 11
past controversial comment resurfaces
By Alice Crow Trevino referred to his team mation to Chatham lead- requested Trevino make a
Contributor Michaela of predominantly Black ership and follow up with written statement available
DeLauter student athletes as “my more information when it to the Chatham communi-
plantation.” The comment became available. ty, attend the Oct. 15 CSG
was not widely known by When CSP did not hear meeting to answer ques-
the rest of the college until back from Chatham within tions from Chatham com-
the following semester, a week, it shared an official munity members and docu-
after team members were statement with the Commu- ment his efforts to make the
overheard joking about it. niqué and posted about the athletic department “more
This led to a student forum matter on the organization’s racially inclusive and com-
on racism and protest at the Instagram account once fortable place for students
college. again. of color.”
Trevino soon after apolo- CSP wrote in its state- CSP’s additional demands
A racially insensitive gized to his team at Gouch- ment, “On behalf of the included that Trevino attend
comment made by Chatham er and acknowledged the Executive Board of Cha- an online public forum to
University Athletic Director harm of racist statements. tham Student Power, we address any other questions
Leonard Trevino in 1996 The Boston Sun article are concerned that Athletic from the Chatham com-
recently resurfaced on so- came to the attention of Department Head, Leonard munity and for Chatham
cial media, sparking ques- CSP, an organization that Trevino’s, previous racially administration to issue a
tions and concerns from focuses on uniting students insensitive comments and “formal statement on why
Chatham Student Power around social justice is- Chatham University’s si- decisive action has not been
(CSP) and Chatham Stu- sues, after it was sent to a lence on further reparations taken in this circumstance
dent Government (CSG). CSP officer, Taylor Pelow for them are illustrative of thus far, what it can do to
CSP posted a screenshot ‘22, by a random Chatham larger underlying issues make sure new hires are
on Oct. 4 to its Instagram student, believing it was within our Athletic Depart- thoroughly vetted for racist
account (@chathamcsp) of relevant to the organization. ment as well as our univer- behavior, and how it can
an article from The Balti- CSP’s Oct. 4 post com- sity administration.” learn from this controversy
more Sun titled “Gouch- mented on the athletic de- Although the execu- in the future.”
er coach apologizes for partment’s recent Instagram tive board acknowledged Dr. David Finegold, Pres-
remark Head of basketball activity, calling its support that Trevino’s comment ident of Chatham Univer-
team had referred to players for the Black Lives Matter was made more than 20 sity, attempted to address
as ‘my plantation’,” which movement “performative.” years ago, it demanded some of CSP’s concerns in
was written in 1997. CSP CSP also expressed con- that Chatham “denounce an interview with the Com-
tagged Chatham Univer- cern via social media that these behaviors that are muniqué on Oct 15.
sity (@chathamu) and the Trevino’s comment had characteristic of racism” On the point of Cha-
athletic department’s (@ never been addressed while and for Trevino to “take tham’s silence, Dr. Finegold
chathamcougar) official he was at Chatham and it action to ensure members said CSP made the Insta-
Instagram accounts in the was “suspicious,” given the of the Chatham community gram post during the week
post. University’s dedication to understand he regrets his of Chatham’s homecoming,
Trevino was a basketball inclusion and diversity. harmful statements and that which is one of the busiest
coach at Goucher Col- Chatham’s official Insta- he will do more to be the of the year for administra-
lege in Maryland in 1996. gram account responded to anti-racist ally we all must tors. President Finegold
During a team practice the post, commenting that it be today.” hoped the CSG meeting
in December of that year, would pass along this infor- Both CSP and CSG with Trevino, and theirOCTOBER 2020
interviews with the student
SPORTS
the circumstances to ab- who they are as a person
PAGE 12
the athletic department is
newspaper, would help solve myself. I don’t mean and their whole career, not declaring himself an an-
express the University’s to do that. I’m giving the a single remark that was ti-racist in a public meeting,
position. He noted, “Our circumstances, but I know made,” Dr. Finegold told but what does that really
goal is to be transparent and it was wrong. … I don’t the Communiqué. The mean in the context of ac-
share that with CSG and want to make excuses.” Goucher administration tion? What are you going to
with everybody.” At the CSG meeting, Tre- “worked with him for many do to bring this anti-racist
Trevino attended the vino formally apologized, years and endorsed him idea to your student ath-
CSG meeting and had a saying “I am so sorry. I am not just as a good athletic letes, to your department, to
personal interview with the a supporter of the Black director but as someone your coaches?’”
Communiqué on Oct. 15 to community. It was 23 years who was very supportive of While some questions at
explain and apologize for ago. I am a different person diversity, equity and inclu- the CSG meeting focused
his comment. now.” He also shared an sion, and so we take that on Trevino’s past comment,
As Trevino explained, he more CSP and CSG mem-
intended the comment as a “I’m sorry that it happened. And I’m sorry if bers appeared to be con-
joke at the time in response cerned about the culture of
anyone was hurt. And I’m sorry that it hurt
to a player who implied that the athletic department as a
he was treating the team anyone to this day.” whole.
like slaves for making them “The cultural issues
run laps, even though they -- Leonard Trevino among student athletes are
were winning games during Chatham Athletic Director bigger than Mr. Trevino’s
that season. statement and the current
“We were just running official statement, as was very seriously.” COVID-19 outbreak,” said
laps to stay in shape. … requested. “I’m sorry that it hap- Leah Whitacre ’23, a CSP
One of the guys was goof- When asked about how pened. And I’m sorry if member who attended the
ing around … and he said, he had grown and changed anyone was hurt. And I’m meeting.
‘You’re such a slave driv- since then, Trevino re- sorry that it hurts anyone to Roberts added, “I feel
er.’ He wasn’t attacking sponded, “I know it was this day,” Trevino added. like the basis of our state-
me, just playing around, wrong, I know it caused Members of the CSP ment was such that we
and that’s when I made the pain. Words have an im- Executive Board agreed were trying to illustrate that
comment,” Trevino said. pact. I didn’t know that in that Trevino “sounded very we’re concerned that there
Trevino, being Hispanic, 1997.” It was clarified at genuine” with his apology are deeper cultural trends
went on to explain that both the meeting that since that and they appreciated what and norms based on racism,
he and the team members comment was made in the he did to answer their ques- sexism, xenophobia that are
were people of color at ‘90s there has not been a tions at the Oct. 15 CSG present in our University’s
Goucher College, which similar incident involving meeting. administration that we are
was not particularly diverse Trevino. “He reflected on it as if he not addressing.”
at the time. He felt that it “Trevino has done an felt bad, as if he considers Trevino reported that he
was a safe environment for outstanding job as our himself someone who is an was aware of three ra-
him and his team to inter- athletic director over his six advocate for racial equal- cial-bias incidents within
act. years at Chatham. … It’s ity and justice,” said Ava the department in the last
When asked to explain important to keep in mind Roberts ‘22, a member of five years. Zoe Levine ’21,
the context of his com- that he worked [at Gouch- both CSG and CSP. “How- co-president of CSP, said
ment, Trevino was initially er College] for another 17 ever, my questions specif- she found that number to be
hesitant, worried that it may years after that one remark, ically for him were, ‘I like surprising because she felt
hurt students’ feelings. He and so I think we should hearing all of these things. like she had heard about
clarified, “I’m not giving judge someone based on I appreciate that the head of more problems during herOCTOBER 2020
years at Chatham. She
SPORTS
While Dr. Finegold said, COVID rules,” Trevino
PAGE 13
dents to report any miscon-
indicated that this might “I’m not aware of any said. duct.
be a communication prob- expression of concern about Proposed solutions “I think, to my mind,
lem between students and racism within the athlet- Members of CSP and everybody at the Universi-
administration. ic department,” Trevino CSG suggested ways to ty is trying to push toward
Morgan (Moe) Williams acknowledged that he has promote anti-racism and similar objectives, and so
‘22, the other co-president heard some rumors about work against bigotry in the where people have ideas or
of CSP, spoke about her the teams and hoped that athletic department. There concerns, simply write me a
personal experience with those who knew more was a general consensus letter or send me an email. I
some Chatham student would report it to the de- that education was the key think I’m pretty accessible
athletes. During an intro to partment. component in creating to everybody and just say
women and gender stud- “If that is happening, change. what it is and let’s set up
ies class, and the Title IX it is unacceptable, and it Williams believes online a meeting to talk about it.
presentation at her first-year deserves immediate atten- sensitivity training won’t I don’t generally believe
orientation, she said she re- tion,” Trevino said at the cut it and instead suggested that the best way to make
peatedly saw male athletes CSG meeting. “We want to intergroup dialogues. progress and solve things
inappropriately laughing. have an inclusive, non-rac- Other CSP members sup- is through dueling posts on
Although this was a couple ist environment. Are we a ported this idea. social media,” Dr. Finegold
years ago, she said that she finished product? No, but I “I think the next steps are said.
thinks there is still a prob- think we are close. I think having intergroup dialogues While CSP members
lem on campus. the BLM movement has that are mandatory for acknowledged that students
Roberts believes that raised questions about ‘Are athletes to participate in should be more aware
Chatham missed a funda- we doing things right? Can that deal with topics such as about anonymously report-
mental step when the Uni- we do a lot more? What racism, sexism, homopho- ing misconduct by filling
versity rebranded to a co-ed is performative and what bia,” Levine said. out Honor Code Violation
and D3 sports institution. isn’t?’ And I think we have When asked what he forms, several students said
Instead of initially instill- a long way to go with that.” plans to do next, Trevino they believe the respon-
ing Chatham values, now Questions about athletic said he wasn’t exactly sure. sibility first lies with the
the University is “playing culture turned to questions He hoped to return to CSG University’s administration
catchup.” about the high number during the spring 2021 to approach students.
“People who have grown of positive COVID-19 semester, either in January “[Trevino] was really
up in sports culture, specif- tests in the student athlete or February, and provide vocal in the meeting about
ically men who have grown population. A student in ‘any student can come to
up in sports culture their attendance at the meeting me if you had issues’ but
“...the next steps are
whole lives, a lot of that brought up the seriousness I think it needs to be him
socialization in and of itself of the situation, saying that having intergroup who goes to students and
is not really something that it was no longer a matter dialogues...” has these discussions, as
is cohesive with Chatham’s of “boys will be boys,” but well as talking to coaches
anti-racist, anti-sexist and rather, “boys will be bio- - Zoe Levine ‘21 and saying there needs to
pro-women culture. I feel weapons.” be a more direct line of
like our University missed “We don’t want to be a report on his current and communication,” Levine
an opportunity in this upset or sanction people for future approach. Members said.
transition, between these getting COVID. This is a of these Chatham organiza- To bridge these gaps,
two very different types of disease. This is a medical tions said they plan to hold Roberts said it “comes
colleges, to teach new stu- problem. Where the prob- him to that promise. down to empathy, caring
dents how to be culturally lem comes in is if people Both Dr. Finegold and about other people as peo-
competent,” Roberts said. are blatantly breaking Trevino encouraged stu- ple.”OCTOBER 2020 LIFESTYLE PAGE 14
Things to do: Observing the nation in An-My Lê’s ‘On Contested Terrain’
many stories a landscape Gray smoke blocks out a
holds. blue sky as a field burns in
Moving into the main the midday sun in “Frag-
gallery space, the viewer is ment I: Sugar Cane Field,
introduced to Lê’s current November 5, Houma, Loui-
project. “Silent General” is siana,” taken in 2016. Here,
an ongoing exploration that Lê draws a parallel between
began in 2015 with Lê’s the destruction of the burn-
documentation of Confed- ing field and the turmoil the
erate soldier statues being nation faced that year.
taken down across the Unit- In many ways, the piece
ed States. In this collection, is unsettling. The smoke re-
she investigates how con- duces the sun to a faint orb,
An-My Lê’s photographic collections, currently located in flict — particularly political and the field has been made
the Heinz Galleries, take on global and national affairs in a conflict in this case — is barren. Although the fire
refreshing light. Credit: Charlotte Larson reflected in a landscape. might have been set inten-
From Mexico to Loui- tionally, it is now running
By Charlottes Larson siana and New York, Lê its own course — much
An-My Lê’s “On Con- ed in the show. is curious about the ex- like U.S. and international
tested Terrain” is a compre- The first area of the tent to which ideological politics the past four years.
hensive exhibition current- exhibition showcases Lê’s conflict marks physical We the viewers are left
ly showing at the Carnegie “Vietnam” series. The spaces. While the photos thinking about the ways in
Museum of Art. Across her photos were taken in a in the collection are meant which natural systems are
work, the Vietnamese-born four-year span, beginning to document moments in reflective of our constructed
photographer investigates in 1994 with Lê’s first trip recent history, Lê also uses societies and what we are
her interest in conflict, back to her birthplace. The them to comment on what collectively going through.
human relationships and monochromatic landscapes it felt like — and what it Additionally, a part of
history. are captivating, full of still feels like — to live in the “Silent General” se-
“On Contested Terrain” quintessential aspects of America during an obvious ries, “Fragment IV: Family
is showing in Oakland until life across Vietnam. They evolution. under the Presidio-Ojinaga
Jan. 18, 2021. Chatham depict how the nation was
University students can see starting to be shaped by
this exhibit for free with Western influence.
their student ID. The photos in this early
To Lê, the most powerful collection demonstrate Lê’s
aspect of photography is unique capacity to capture a
the access it gives her to moment in time that would
explore other communities, seem chaotic outside of
other worlds and other sto- her camera. Her studies on
ries she finds fascinating. conflict are, as noted in the
“Vietnam,” “Small Wars,” gallery description, not like
“29 Palms,” “Events those of most other photo-
Ashore” and “Silent Gen- journalists. Lê seems more “Fragment IV: Family under the Presidio-Ojinaga Interna-
eral” are just a few of the interested in the people tional Bridge, Rio Grande, Texas-Mexico Border.”
artist’s collections present- behind the fighting and the Credit: Charlotte LarsonOCTOBER 2020 LIFESTYLE
International Bridge, Rio trapped in political issues. life.
PAGE 15
flict but also of gorgeous,
Grande, Texas-Mexico Lê consistently leaves us A gray sofa and two moving human stories and
Border,” shows a family thinking about the intra- matching armchairs stand souls.
sitting together in the Rio personal conflict going in the middle of the largest For those looking to
Grande underneath a high- on inside individuals she area surrounded by Lê’s reflect on current life in
way overpass. The state of photographs, as well as the color photographs. I imag- America and elsewhere,
immigration, particularly external conflicts they’re ined this setup welcoming “On Contested Terrain”
across the Texas-Mexico unwillingly a part of. Her visitors to sit down and is a must-see. For more
border, was a huge source expertise in technical com- become a part of the work. information, or to tour
of debate during the 2016 position and her grasp on We are asked how it feels to the gallery virtually, visit
presidential election. Since subject matter give birth to live in the world that Lê is https://cmoa.org/exhibition/
then, the southern border work that’s mesmerizing photographing — a world an-my-le/.
has been the site of great aesthetically and conceptu- of serious, consuming con-
stress, namely the horrific ally.
ICE detention centers. I feel I am not alone in
As in much of her work, saying that there have been
Lê does not comment di- countless times these past
rectly on this source of con- four years where I wished
tention but instead offers a to step back, to zoom out
picture of serenity against and see the world as an
the contextual backdrop outsider. Lê’s photographs
of strife. We wonder if the allow us to do this. Step-
family in the photo is think- ping into the spacious, quiet
ing about its position in the gallery space felt surpris- “On Contested Terrain” is on display at the Carnegie Mu-
world: caught between two ingly reflective of Lê’s ap- seum of Art in Oakland. Credit: Charlotte Larson
lands and two nations that proach to her craft — that
are not much different, yet is, becoming an observer of
Steel Currents: Same brings something new to Pittsburgh’s music scene
By Wyatt Cory it’s hard to know what it’s
like,” says Tom Higgins,
Getting to know the
the lead guitarist of Pitts-
Pittsburgh music scene is
burgh-based band Same.
unlike anywhere else. With
Higgins, along with Jesse
rich history and big names
Caggiano (bass, vocals), Ja-
to come out of Pittsburgh,
mie Gruzinski (drums) and
you would imagine that it
Jake Stern (guitar, vocals)
would be similar to other
started Same in 2015 after
cities such as Philadelphia,
Higgins and Caggiano left
Chicago or Los Angeles.
another Pittsburgh band,
In reality, Pittsburgh has
Naked Spirit. Through
developed a diverse talent-
chance and their knowledge
ed group of musicians that
Steel Currents is an occasional series in which lifestyle of Pittsburgh's indepen-
often gets caught under the
editor Wyatt Cory spotlights Pittsburgh-based bands dent music scene, Same
radar.
and musicians that Chatham University students should was formed and ready to
“If you don’t live here
keep on their radar. try something new with itsOCTOBER 2020
music.
LIFESTYLE
open. By doing this, Same to play the whole album
PAGE 16
This is a free event with a
Same is releasing new has added a new member, straight through. food or beverage purchase.
music this month, with a Brady Lanzendorfer (keys). The “Street Series” show- You can find Same on
chance to catch it perform His addition has allowed case that day is from 1 to 9 most music streaming
outdoors Oct. 17. the group to continue to p.m. and will feature a sam- services and on Instagram
The band members want- explore new sounds and pling of Pittsburgh's bands @sameband.
ed to explore something genres. in a safe, outdoor setting.
beyond their traditional “The goal for the band
alternative rock pasts. was to not have any restric-
“Jesse and I wanted to try tions on ourselves,” Hig-
some more experimental gins explains
stuff. … We were getting Same released its debut
into bands like Joan Of Arc album “Plastic Western”
and Sonic Youth,” Higgins in May. Each song pulls
recalls. “We wanted to from the band's past to put
make it in the same vein as its own spin on something
our old band, but with the new. The album's ability to
freedom to try some weird blend genres and influences
stuff.” and keep listeners coming
The ‘90s alternative rock back displays how talented
influence is unmissable and exciting Same is.
when you listen to Same’s Luckily for fans, there is From left, Jake Stern, Jesse Caggiano, Tom Higgins and
discography. The group new music in the works. Jamie Cruzinski. Credit: Eric Stevens
often sounds like Pavement Same released on Oct.
Story tips?
2.0, but with each release 13 a new single, “Gum
being something a little Stand.” This was the only
different from the last. song written for “Plastic
To keep the band mov- Western” that was yet to be
ing in new directions, each released. It’s hoping to re-
member listened to differ- cord a new album this fall, If you have a story tip, please let us know!
ent genres on their own to which will be recorded and
get ideas for other influenc- produced by the band. Al-
Email the Communiqué (communique@chatham.
es to incorporate. though the band members
edu) or the Editor-in-Chief (alice.crow@chatham.
“If we are all listening to have little experience with
edu)
the same thing, we are just production, they hope this
going to write music that challenge will allow them
sounds exactly the same to experiment with fresh
without even knowing it,” genres and become a more
Higgins says. well-rounded group.
This devotion to being The public can catch
different makes Same Same playing a set on
stand out, compared to Saturday, Oct. 17, outside
other bands like it. There’s Mr. Smalls in Millvale as
a mentality that’s shared part of its “Street Series.”
between the band members To mark its first live show
that anything can happen since the release of “Plas-
if they keep their options tic Western,” Same plansYou can also read
