December 5, 2016
TheVanCougar.com
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Issue VIII
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Volume XXVII
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First Copy Free
Unity rally allows students and allies to express solidarity
Campus community gathers to protest against "the forces of fear and hatred" By Andrew Hanchett Protests and demonstrations rocked the country in the wake of the election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States. Violent protests made the headlines, but peaceful rallies were also held across the country. Some Washington State University Vancouver students and faculty joined these peaceful demonstrations and participated in a Nov. 17 walkout on campus. After spreading the word on social media, WSU Vancouver students and faculty walked out of their classes to lock hands on the quad, building "a wall of unity against the forces of fear and hatred,” as announced by the event’s Facebook page. About 80 people attended, led by graduate student Scott Calvert. “This is simply to signal the solidarity with all the people who feel marginalized or threatened by the currents of racism and misogyny and homophobia that seem to be rising in this country,” Calvert said. Calvert said that the walkout was not an anti-Trump protest per se, but rather against the currents in the country that he believes culminated in Trump’s election. Calvert identified environmental issues, women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ awareness as movements that feel threatened by the current political situation. “All these different issues are connected, they’re all together,” Calvert said, addressing the crowd with a bullhorn. “We’re so much
stronger when we work together.” Calvert read a statement from Basic Rights Oregon, an LGBTQ advocacy group, which said “all oppression faced by marginalized groups is connected.” The organization voiced its support for the rally and said that such oppression must be “condemned” and “opposed.” According to Calvert, the goal of the walkout was for the WSU community to respond by becoming involved. “We are constructing our future,” he said, “We want to encourage the students to get involved in the political situation and not assume that other people will do it for them.” Students brought signs that declared “Imagine,” “Women’s rights are human rights” and "black lives matter." They chanted “Love, not hate, makes America great” and “Say it loud, say it clear, everyone is welcome here.” Addressing the demonstrators, Sierra Club representative David Bybee held up a button displaying the slogan, “There is no planet B.” Bybee said that since the results of the election, people concerned about the environment are experiencing a “sense of fear.” Tynan Hughes-Meyer echoed Bybee’s words as he spoke on behalf of Planned Parenthood. He said that it is important to continue and expand the work of Planned Parenthood’s founder, Margaret Sanger. “We just got over a very scary election,” Hughes-Meyer said, adding that “we need to take this as an opportunity to continue
From local media to Chancellor Mel Netzhammer, rally-goers included a variety of community members. Here, organizer Scott Calvert addresses the crowd. Photo credit: Auz Burger building" and "get involved.” Jasmine Rucker, a senior and club leader of Black People United, said that it is important to unite in order to uplift those who are marginalized and are not feeling loved. The club also provided a statement to The VanCougar about the demonstration, noting that the walkout sends “a message to society
and our VanCoug community that no matter who you are or what you stand for, we can all be united in uplifting each other.” WSU student Julien Thorne was on his way from class when he noticed people holding signs and decided to join the crowd. “If everyone does, something is going to happen,” he said. Thorne said that he thinks
America has not been as divided as it is today since the Civil War. “I think the message of this is that no matter what happens, we are not the prejudiced racists that our forefathers were,” he said. “We learn from their mistakes, and even though we made
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"Sines" of a growing mathematics department WSU Vancouver now offers a math major
Katey Ellis (left) was among the first to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics from WSU Vancouver. Photo credit: Katey Ellis By Yuliya Nikiforets State University Vancouver. Students interested in mathematics now do not have to seek other schools to earn a Bachelor of Science focusing on applied or secondary mathematics. This program was recently added to the course catalog at Washington
Since the fall of 2014, upper division courses that fulfill graduation requirements for the mathematics major have been offered at WSU Vancouver. Some of these classes were on campus and some were available only through video conferencing with
Pullman. With the expansion of the mathematics program, every course necessary is offered on the Vancouver campus on a two-year rotation. The list of on-campus math courses will include Math 340, 364, 401, 402, 403, 415, 420, 421, 432, 464 and 466. Since mathematics and statistics are fundamental to other degrees offered at WSU Vancouver, a lot of these classes were already being taught to meet the demand for other majors. Across the state, the demand for graduates trained in mathematics and other STEM fields is on the rise, according to a 2015 survey. Realizing this, WSU administrators say they have been supportive of the growth of the mathematics and statistics program on campus. Two full-time instructors and a director of the Quantitative Skills Center have been hired to
help facilitate the expansion. The program's faculty now consists of four tenure-line professors and five full-time instructors. At the same time, eight adjunct instructors were hired in the fall of 2016 to help teach lower division courses. As enrollment in these courses increases, the school hopes to hire more full-time faculty. Currently there are at least two mathematics students scheduled to graduate in May 2017. A few students already graduated with the degree in May of 2016. Since WSU Vancouver’s mathematics program at the time was not fully operational, the official paperwork was handled through the Pullman campus. Katey Ellis graduated with a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics last spring. Transferring to WSU Vancouver as an incoming junior, she had high hopes that the mathematics degree would
become an official local offering. While one of her classes was streamed from Pullman, Ellis attended all others at WSU Vancouver. Continuing her studies at WSU Vancouver, Ellis is working to earn a master’s degree. She hopes to teach math courses at a community college because she sees value in completing the first two years of education at a community college and then transferring to a university. "The classes on campus can be limited at times versus the classes they offer in Pullman, but if you show interest in a class, and let the professors know, they are willing to work to get you the classes you are interested in," said Ellis. For information about earning a degree in the expanded mathematics program at WSU Vancouver, visit https://cas.vancouver. wsu.edu/mathematics. n
2 | CAMPUS NEWS
"We can' t drink oil:" WSU Vancouver hosts discussion about Standing Rock Forum opens discussions on Native American rights and Dakota Access Pipeline on the anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre
By Kelli Anderson
Drumbeats reverberated around the packed room as Phil Montana sang a Native American prayer out to demonstrators at Standing Rock opposed to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Montana said the “song gives [the protestors] the strength to keep going.” The room was filled with Washington State University Vancouver students, faculty and community members hoping to gain insight on the demonstrations surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The forum explained the history of the oil industry in North Dakota and how pipelines and instances of violence at Standing Rock affects the rest of the nation. “We’re meeting here today on the anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre,” said Steve Fountain, a history professor at WSU Vancouver and presenter at the forum. “In many ways we’re seeing some echoes of that event with what’s happening in Standing Rock in North Dakota.” The Sand Creek Massacre occurred on November 29, 1864 in the Colorado Territory, when United States Army cavalrymen killed between 70 and 163 Native Americans, an estimated two-thirds of which were women and children. For months now the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, joined by
thousands more indigenous and non-indigenous people, have opposed construction of an oil pipeline through lands sacred to Native Americans. Attempts by law enforcement to disrupt the demonstrators have in some instances turned violent, as police forces have used mace, dogs, rubber bullets and water cannons to dissuade the protesters from their activities. Forum moderator Roben White said the violence occurring at Standing Rock has been toned down only because there are enough white people present to witness it. Those opposed to the pipeline say it threatens local water supplies. According to opponents, should a pipe burst it would create environmental and economic hardship not just for local tribes, but other communities the water moves through. A recent ultimatum to evacuate the land was issued by the Army Corps of Engineers and was met with the arrival of more protesters dedicated to helping the Sioux block construction of the pipeline. As the discussion of the pipeline began at WSU Vancouver, Charles Hudson of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission spoke about the history of North Dakota so the audience could “understand [the] motivation and circumstances of people” they did not know. North Dakota is one of
several states formed from the lands of a number of Great Plains tribes in the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty. In the twentieth century, North Dakota eventually suffered economic hardships that created an identity crisis for the descendants of many immigrants, who were forced to relocate due to lack of opportunity, according to Hudson. Hudson said the oil boom created thousands of jobs and a more prestigious identity for the state. “However, having worked in the oil business myself, these jobs are transient,” said Hudson. He said that jobs in the oil industry are fickle and last only 10 to 12 years. By contrast, the effects in the community, such as oil and fracking spills, create long-term health risks and rising crime rates. The decrease in living conditions discouraged residents from staying in the area and prompted Hudson to ask, “When diminishment of quality of life supersedes economics, have you done right in decision-making?” Decision-making in fracking country is no simple proces, as much of the information regarding the risks of oil company practices are kept from the public and are loosely regulated, according to Hudson. “Truth and accuracy have been a casualty of oil boom politics,” Hudson said. As the consequences become apparent, he said, many community members are saying “enough is enough” as
they are tired of “being expected to bear the risk of [the] oil industry.” Also present at the forum was Cecilia Towner, president of Black Lives Matter Vancouver. Towner drew a comparison between the treatment of those at Standing Rock with that of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge occupiers led by Ammon Bundy. The Malheur occupiers recently had most of the charges against them, including armed occupation and alleged vandalism, dropped. While there was a push to keep violence from occurring in the refuge takeover, Standing Rock occupants face daily assaults, said Towner. “With little media attention over 300 tribes have gathered for the first time ever … over 7,000 people are enduring violence and a bitter winter,” Towner said. She noted that in spite of the harsh and uncertain conditions faced by the demonstrators, known as water protectors, “the words ‘peaceful and prayerful’ are taking root,” and said she hoped humans can commit to being more mindful of others. “Indigenous people have a long history of defying the odds … when you are fighting for something you believe in with everything that you are, there is nothing that can sway you from that fight,” Towner said. “The fight for water is the fight for survival. We can’t drink oil.” In his role as moderator, White had a question for the audience.
“This is about human and civil rights,” White said. “What are you going to do when it’s your water?” White concedes the need for more jobs and the need to correct environmental damage is prevalent, but said “those two are not mutually exclusive.” The forum also proposed ways to support the Standing Rock demonstrators. Hudson said that supporters should be mindful of which companies their money goes to. Not providing money to corporations in charge of the pipelines can help show support, according to Hudson. Hudson also listed websites such as http:// www.standingrock.org and http://www.ocetisakowincamp. org where supporters can learn more about the protests and ways they can provide support. Finally, the panel suggested Facebook pages such as “I Stand With Standing Rock” and “Indigenous Environmental Network” to learn about events from the perspective of demonstrators and “water protectors.” n
Latest Developments
According to news reports on Sunday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it won't grant an easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota. Assistant Secretary for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy said her decision was based on the need to "explore alternate routes" for the pipeline's crossing. n
2016 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY VANCOUVER The VanCougar is a student-run newspaper serving the students, faculty and staff of WSU Vancouver. The VanCougar is available at distribution sites in the lobbies of most WSU Vancouver buildings. The VanCougar may be viewed online at TheVanCougar.com.
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The VanCougar welcomes brief letters (250 words or fewer) from members of the WSU Vancouver community on current issues. Letters must include the author’s full name, contact information and WSU affiliation, year and major for students, department for faculty and staff, degree and year graduated for alumni. The VanCougar does not publish anonymous letters. Letters and suggestions may be delivered to the Office of Student Involvement, the VanCougar office (VDEN 160), or e-mailed to vancouged@wsu.edu. For more information about the VanCougar's policy on letters and other information, please visit the VanCougar policy section of TheVanCougar.com The VanCougar | Dengerink Administration Building (VDEN) Room 160 | 14024 NW Salmon Creek Ave. | Vancouver, Wash. 98686 | 360-546-9524
Washington State University Vancouver
STAFF DIRECTORY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ALEXANDER PERU . vancouged@wsu.edu MANAGING EDITOR HALEY ELMER . vancougme@wsu.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER DAWN BAILEY . vancougad@wsu.edu LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR CHARLES MITCHELL . vancouglo@wsu.edu WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AUZ BURGER . vancougso@wsu.edu TEAM EDITORS AUZ BURGER REPORTERS KELLI ANDERSON LAYNE BAUER EMILY BRATCHER TOMMY CULHANE SAVANNA FORD
ANDREW HANCHETT QUETZALI RAMIREZ EMMANUEL SANCHEZ YULIYA NIKIFORETS MEGAN PEAKER
CAMPUS NEWS | 3 Healthy amounts of help guide students interested in medicine careers Pre-Health Week provides information and assistance for students planning careers in healthcare
During Pre-Health Week, students had the oppurtunity to learn about the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, located on the WSU Spokane campus. Photo credit: WSU Health Sciences Spokane By Emily Bratcher Pre-Health Week was held throughout the week of Nov. 14 and consisted of several events that informed students about the opportunities available to them to help further their education in the health science career field. From the Washington State University School of Nursing to the University of Washington’s School of Public Health, Pre-Health Week brought visitors to campus to show students opportunities in the health field. Pre-Health is an area of study students complete before attending or applying to a medical program. WSU Vancouver offers programs that challenge and prepare students for further education. Before entering a health science orientated program, most students major in biology or neuroscience, both of which are offered at WSU Vancouver. As discussed during Pre-Health Week, the programs at WSU Vancouver also highlight the importance
of the professional setting of a medical program. They also educate students on attributes that will help them succeed in a healthcare related future. A representative from the University of Washington’s School of Public Health attended Pre-Health Week. They detailed some of the fundamentals of the school, as well as what it can offer to students. UW’s School of Public Health offers research in public health and associated policies. The school has five main departments in biostatics, environmental and occupational health sciences, epidemiology as well as global health and health services. In addition to the five main departments, UW’s School of Public Health boasts additional interdisciplinary courses within it. Representatives from WSU Nursing also attended PreHealth Week and elaborated on the importance of the nursing field, as well as requirements
to apply to the WSU nursing program. WSU’s main nursing campus is located in Spokane. WSU Vancouver offers a bachelor of science in nursing that can be obtained after completion of a registered nursing program. Students must complete a series of freshman and sophomore courses before applying to the program. Pre-Health Week also advertised the new college of medicine offered by WSU. The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine was recently accredited and provides an expansion in the capabilities of WSU’s medical oriented programs. The college of medicine will begin instruction of its first class of students in the fall of 2017. For more information in PreHealth programs, visit an academic advisor or email the academic coordinator for Pre-Health services at van.prehealth@wsu.edu. n
The Library has extended hours during Dead and Finals week! Extended Hours December 3 – 16 • Saturday/Sunday: 12/3 -12/4 & 12/10 - 12/11 10am – 7pm • Monday – Thursday: 12/5 – 12/8 & 12/12 – 12/15 7.30am – 11pm • Friday: 12/9 & 12/16 7.30am – 7pm Wishing you Successful Finals and a Restful Break!
Campus Events Tuesday, December 6 n Global Cougs 101 3 - 4 p.m. FSC 104 Open to students n Scholarships 101 Information Night 6 - 7 p.m. VDEN 110 Open to all Wednesday, December 7 n Negotiating Salary Workshop 12:10 - 1 p.m. FSC 104 Open to all Thursday, December 8 n Campus Conversation 12 - 1 p.m. VDEN 129 Open to all Friday, December 9 n Admissions 101 2 p.m. SSC 101 Open to all RSVP at studentaffairs. vancouver.wsu.edu/ admissions/ admissions-101 Friday, December 16 n Admissions 101
2 p.m. SSC 101 Open to all RSVP at studentaffairs. vancouver.wsu.edu/ admissions/ admissions-101 n December Graduation Reception 4 - 5:30 p.m. FSC Open to all Monday, December 19 Friday, January 6 n Winter Break No classes Tuesday, December 20 n The A-Z of Paying for College Workshop 6 - 7 p.m. VDEN 110 Open to all Wednesday, December 21 n "A Radio Christmas Carol" 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Kiggins Theatre, Vancouver, WA Open to all Monday, December 9 n VanCougar Issue 9 on stands
Want your event featured here? Email details two weeks in advance to vancougme@wsu.edu.
Demonstrators link arms to form a "wall of unity." Photo credit: Auz Burger those who are truly oppressed.” "Unity rally," continued from Hopman said that people page 1 that mistake, we are certainly going to correct that mistake.” English major Kayley O’Connor said she wanted to go to a protest, but avoided going to Portland because of the violence. When she saw people gathering at the quad, she took the opportunity to join in. She said she was shocked when she heard that Trump was elected, but glad that people are still fighting for the environment. “I don’t know how I would feel if I was an immigrant right now or if I was a gay person. I think I would be very scared,” she said, “and I’m scared for everyone.” An opposing voice was present in the midst of the "unity" demonstrators. Vickie Hopman is a mother of eight adopted and other children, one of whom is a student at WSU Vancouver. Hopman referenced Psalm 146:7 that reads: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed.” “There is a difference between those who feel oppressed and so they feel entitled, versus the people who are truly oppressed,” Hopman said, “and it’s God’s job to lift up
need to research the true meaning behind Trump’s words instead of simply labeling his remarks as hate speech. “I think [Trump] will give an account for those words, and I think he is trying to surround himself with wise counsel to give an account for those words,” Hopman said. “I believe Trump’s agenda is to benefit all of America.” As the demonstration came to a close, Calvert encouraged the crowd to “be involved.” “This is up to us, this is for our children, we are going to construct the world that we live in,” Calvert said. The demonstration followed a university-wide email from WSU President Kirk Schulz sent just a few days before. The president stressed the importance of maintaining civility and respect in the wake of the election. “We are unconditionally committed to creating and maintaining a learning environment where all students — regardless of race, gender, religion, or nationality — can learn in a safe environment conducive to success,” Schulz said. n
Washington State University Vancouver
4 | STUDENT LIFE Esther Short Park tree lighting illuminates beginning of holidays Vancouver's annual tree lighting brings out the holiday spirit and brings people together By Emmanual Sanchez
A sprinkle of rain throughout the day with a dark, gray, cloudy sky could not deter the crowd of merrymakers anxious for the holidays. Once again, the Vancouver community gathered on Nov. 25 to celebrate the longstanding tradition of lighting a Christmas tree at Esther Short Park. The event drew a massive crowd that brought out folks big and small to see Santa Claus illuminate the tree with glistening color. Like true Pacific Northwesterners, a little bit of rain did not keep the multitude from enjoying the occasion. As the night progressed, a larger gathering amassed to witness the event. Underneath a tent a chorale started to sing, which added to the cheerful ambiance. The bell tower at Esther Short was in the spirit as well, as it played the tunes of traditional songs played over and over again this time of year. Meanwhile, teenaged elves handed out miniature candy canes to the children. On one side of the plaza there was a lightup wand vendor where children and children-at-heart could purchase a bright souvenir. Since the daylight had already receded there were plenty of insulated cups in hand to keep the chill at bay. Around 6 p.m. the emcee thanked the volunteers and
sponsors for their hard work to put on this fantastic celebration. Then, the gentleman handed the microphone to Mayor Tim Leavitt to acknowledge his gratitude for the sponsors of the occasion. After thanking those involved in putting on the show, Mayor Leavitt inspired the crowd to yell, “We love Vancouver!” Santa arrived in a lighttrimmed locomotive on rubber wheels, along with Mrs. Claus. They proceeded to the tent where they were to flip the switch and give light to the tree. Time came to light the tree and in a regressive countdown, Santa Claus was primed to hit the switch awaiting the signal. With everyone staring in wonder at the tree the massive crowd gasped in awe when the lights finally came on. The illuminated tree appeared to be as tall as the park’s bell tower, which according to the city of Vancouver website measures 69 feet. Thousands upon thousands of multi-colored bulbs adorned the tree in a bright glow compounded by the dark night. Families gathered to take pictures of their loved ones in front of the giant wrapped in Christmas lights. Despite the wet atmosphere, community members of all kinds shared in the annual event that marks the beginning of this season. n
The illuminated Christmas tree brings joy to a dark Vancouver night. Photo credit: Emmanuel Sanchez
A gift from IT for the holidays! The Outlook App for iOS and Android is now enabled for all WSU student email accounts. It’s as simple as downloading the app and logging in with your WSU email account! Questions? Contact the Vancouver IT Help Desk at 360-546-9770 or in VCLS 225.
Washington State University Vancouver