March 21, 2016 TheVanCougar.com
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Issue XIII
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Volume XXVI
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First Copy Free
SINCE 1994
ALSO INSIDE:
March 21, 2016 TheVanCougar.com
"THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MINORU YASUI" MARCH 28 EVENT CELEBRATES JAPANESE CULTURE PAGE 2
COMMUNITY GARDEN RELOCATION NORTH COUNTY FOOD BANK SEEKS VOLUNTEERS PAGE 4
Skye Troy and Samy Reel elected
DUo To SERVE AS PRESiDent and vice president for 2016-17 By: ALEXANDER PERU The VanCougar On Wed. Mar. 9, Skye Troy and running mate Samy Reel were elected president and vice president of ASWSUV for the 2016-17 school year. Troy and Reel ran against two other tickets: Julie Mercado and Honor Stevenson as well as Debika Finucane and Mike White. After having the election results confirmed by the WSU Vancouver Election Board, Troy said firstly “I feel humbled.” Hearing that she and Reel were the winning candidates “felt so gratifying,” said Troy. She was excited and grateful that WSU Vancouver students felt that they were the right choice to
degrees in four years. She said that students need ready access to information early in their college careers that shows them what must be done to earn their bachelor’s degree in a four-year period. Troy hopes to strengthen support for campus clubs and student organization. “We see every student organization on campus as pivotal for the community,” said Troy. Troy and Reel hope to create and foster a strong foundation for the community and academics of WSU Vancouver. They feel it is their duty to help lead the campus in a direction that forms a lasting foundation and legacy for the relatively young campus. In the past, Troy has had
"I feel humbled," said Troy, following announcement of the election results. | Photo Credit: Skye Troy
Troy and her campaign team were a frequent presence on campus, always ready to explain their platform. | Photo Credit: Skye Troy
lead student government. Troy is already planning proposals and initiatives to implement when she and Reel take office. Of great importance to Troy was raising awareness and providing resources for students to complete their
experience lobbying in political venues for college programs. She hopes to continue to lobby in the state government for lower education costs in her role as president of ASWSUV. Troy hopes to work with other student leaders at other
campuses to create mutually beneficial relationships among the student bodies of other regional colleges. Troy and Reel are excited and humbled to have been elected president and vice president. In the election, they
received 52.1 percent of votes. According to the Election Board, 19.1 percent of the student population voted in the election. In an official statement announcing the election results, the Election Board expressed pleasure in the conduct of the
candidates throughout the campaign and election process. “Their engagement in this process reflected well on our university and has given us all reason to be proud.” For a full list of all election results, see page 8.n
2 | CAMPUS NEWS
Two events to honor Japanese heritage at WSU Vancouver “The Life and Legacy of Minoru Yasui” and “Insatiable” scheduled for Mar. 29 By: DAWN BAILEY The VanCougar Washington State University Vancouver will be a busy place on Mar. 29, with two events scheduled to take place that day. The first event is “The Life and Legacy of Minoru Yasui.” Occurring later in the day is a Marquee Diversity Event titled “Insatiable” and will feature live performances. “The Life and Legacy of Minoru Yasui” will take place in the Dengerink Administration Building room 110 from 12-1:15. Yasui received a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in Nov. 2015 for challenging the forced Japanese internment camps in World War II as well as his lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice. Yasui, who passed away in 1987, is the first Oregonian to be honored
with a named day. Mar. 28 is Minoru Yasui Day. The event honoring Yasui will feature George and Darren Nakata, a father and son from Portland. Together they will share stories of Yasui and explore how the lessons of his life can be applied to social justice work today. Admission to the Yasui event is free and open to the public. There are a limited number of parking passes for guests. For more information please contact Amanda Shannahan at 360-5469182 or amanda.shannahan@ wsu.edu. The second event scheduled for the day is The Marquee Diversity Event, “Insatiable,” which will take place in the Firstenburg Student Commons from 7-8:30. This event will feature the ancient practice of taiko-Japanese drumming and will be performed by UNIT
SOUZOU, a professional company from Portland. According to the UNIT SOUZOU website, “with over 20 years of professional experience, Michelle Fujii and Toru Watanabe, co-directors of UNIT SOUZOU are relentless innovators known for their fusion of taiko and Japanese folk dance.” At this event there will be drumming, choreography, and singing to interpret life issues such as hungers and desires, reoccurring cycles and repetitions, and the impact of the universal experience and emotion. This event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited. To RSVP please visit vancouver.wsu.edu/events and click on the Mar. 29 event link. To learn more about UNIT SOUZOU please visit their website at unitsouzou.com. n
TH E
Clockwise from top: Minoru Yasui (Photo Credit: ACLU), members of UNIT SOUZOU perform 'Flowed Lands' (Photo Credit: Rich Iwasaki), community members, including WSU Vancouver's Amanda Shannahan (Photo Credit: Jan Landis).
2016 STAFF DIRECTORY
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.
Correction Policy
It is the policy of The VanCougar to correct errors. Please contact the editor via e-mail at vancouged@vancouver.wsu.edu.
Representation
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ROB SCHUBERT . vancouged@wsu.edu MANAGING EDITOR MICHAEL WILLIAMS . vancougme@wsu.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER
The existence of advertising in The VanCougar is not meant as an endorsement of any product, service or individual by anyone except the advertiser.
HALEY ELMER . vancougad@wsu.edu
Employment
ERIK RINGEN . vancougso@.wsu.edu
Washington State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educator and employer.
Letters to the Editor
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@ vancouver.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
WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR
TEAM EDITORS DAWN BAILEY
AUZ BURGER
REPORTERS CORALEE BAUER AMANDA FLYNN TERESA HOYT MEGAN JOHNSON
ALEXANDER PERU QUETZALI RAMIREZ GREGORY WALKER
CAMPUS NEWS | 3
History club embarks on the 'Oregon Trail' Club to host game night on April 13-14 By: ROB SCHUBERT The VanCougar Reminiscing about the time your entire party died of dysentery crossing the Rocky Mountains might seem ghoulish, but for people who grew up playing Oregon Trail, it was not an uncommon experience. Washington State University Vancouver’s History Club seeks to bring these experiences to campus with their Oregon Trail Game Night. The History Club is hosting an Oregon Trail game night on April 13 and 14, where students can meet up for an afternoon of trying to caulk their wagons to float across rivers. The club is providing snacks and the Oregon Trail board game. The game puts each player in the role of a trail boss, with each player leading a wagon train from the Midwest to its final destination. While the game is named for the Oregon Trail, players can also choose to follow different paths, including the Bozeman, Santa Fe and California Trails. Players make decisions about how to deal with challenges and opportunities
put before them, with differing obstacles based on their location and path. History Club President Samantha Rintoul has been a fan of the game since childhood. “I grew up playing the Oregon Trail Game and I have very fond memories of long evenings spent with my siblings setting the game up, fording rivers, hunting, arguing and taking turns navigating,” said Rintoul. The History Club wants to promote student interactions by illustrating how history can be both fun and informative. “We want to change the perception that people have on history … the History Club is excited about this event and we hope to see many students and community members take this opportunity to enjoy this classic game and have some snacks,” Rintoul said. The event will take place in VUB 207 on April 13 from 3-6 p.m. and April 14 from 2-6 p.m. Any interested students are welcome and snacks will be provided. For further questions about the event or history club in general, contact Samantha Rintoul at samantha.rintoul@ gmail.com. n
Campus EvEnts
Tuesday, March 22
n “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Research: Unexpected Realities of the Research Process” 12 p.m. Library n Workshop and Lecture: Race and Writing Assessment 1 - 4:30 p.m. VDEN 301 Open to Faculty and Staff n Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Workshop 2 - 3 p.m. VSSC 101 Free for current students and alumni Not open to the public
Wednesday, March 23 n Business Growth Map Alliance 8:30 a.m. VCCS 308 n A-Z Financial Aid Scholarship Workshop 6 p.m. VDEN 110 Open to all n Re-Imagined Radio: “Sorry, Wrong Number/The
Hitchhiker” 7 p.m. Kiggins Theatre Free Open to public
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Aho Family Farm 21902 NE 189th St. Brush Prarie RSVP online
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Tuesday, March 29
n Re-Imagined Radio: “a Radio Christmas Carol” 7 p.m. Kiggins Theatre Free Open to all
n The Life and Legacy of Minoru Yasui 12 - 1:15 p.m. VDEN 110 Free Open to all n Strong Interest Inventory 2 - 3 p.m. VSSC 101 Free Open to current students and alumni n “Insatiable” by Unit Souzou 7 - 8:30 p.m. VFSC
Thursday, March 24 n Preparing for “The Big One”: Cascdadia Subduction Zone Earthquake 12 - 1 p.m. 2 - 3 p.m. VDEN 110, 129 and 130 Free Open to all n Global Cougs 101 2 - 3 p.m. VSSC 101 Open to students n Professional Writers Series: Sallie Tisdale, “Hello World: The Personal Essay” 7 p.m. VMMC 6 Free
Saturday, March 26
Wednesday, March 30
n Library Research 101 Workshop 2 - 3 p.m. FSC 104 n Interviewing Skills Workshop 4:10 - 5 p.m. FSC 104 Open to all
n Cougs in the Community: North County Food Bank
Thursday, March 31 n Ask a Diplomat: Learn About Careers and Internship Programs with the U.S. Department of State 12 - 2 p.m. VFSC 104 Open to current students and alumni n Women of Distinction 6 p.m. VFSC Open to all RSVP online
Monday, April 4 n Global Cougs 101 10 - 11 a.m. VSSC 101 Open to students n Emotional Intelligence Workshop VSSC 108 Open to students n Vancougar Issue 14 on stands
Want your event featured here? Email details two weeks in advance to vancougme@vancouver.wsu.edu
WSU Vancouver students step up their game
By: QUETZALI RAMIREZ The VanCougar Many students on campus play video games, but a few have made their own. A group of VanCougs are ready to show off their work in a local exhibition. The exhibit, put on by Washington State University Vancouver’s Creative Media and Digital Culture Program, is titled “Game Changers: Reinventing Storytelling Through Video Games” opened at the Red Lion Inn at the Quay earlier this month. The event showcases student projects and ways that they reexamined narrative tools and player experiences. The event showcases over 30 indie games created by independent developers that hope to reinvent the traditional
way narrative games are experienced. The event dives deep into the making of these videogames through various video game genres, development methods, platforms and perspectives. This event is free and open to the public from Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through March 26. Students will be displaying their projects at numerous times throughout the event. There will be various events throughout the time this exhibit will be available such as a Castle Crashers competition, a guest presentation, team talks and more. For more information on these events, visit their website at dtc-wsuv.org/gamechangers/ events.html n
Correction In our previous issue, we stated the MESA college acess program was hosted at Portland State University. Southwestern Washington MESA is organized through the WSU Vancouver campus. While Portland State
also participates, Southwestern Washington MESA is not directly partnered with them. n
Ready for THE BIG ONE?
Come check out the library’s display featuring the Cascadia Subduc+on Zone and Disaster Preparedness; and plan to a9end the upcoming sessions on March 24, 11 am – 3 pm in VDEN to learn how to prepare for the aFereffects of a major earthquake.
@ the Library Washington State University Vancouver
4 | EVENTS
C-TRAN holds open house at WSU Vancouver Public transit representatives announce possible service changes By: AMANDA FLYNN The VanCougar As a commuter campus, transportation is an important element of accessibility. On Mar. 11, C-Tran hosted an open house at Washington State University Vancouver informing students of possible new changes to several different routes. While leaving the floor open for discussion, representatives allowed students to voice their concerns and ask questions concerning transit on and off campus. Continuing the discourse of system wide performance in Clark County, senior planner Roger Hanson, stressed the importance of improving operations by focusing on better trip times and more fluid connections between routes. Hanson discussed route 19, which services WSU Vancouver. Hanson said, “If we can increase overall ridership, eventually that
means instead of the bus running once an hour maybe at certain times of the day we could have the bus run every half hour as the overall route demand improves.” The newly updated service concepts proposed by C-Tran for route 19 would mean that Sunday service to campus may be an option. These changes are still being considered, but if implemented, they would be in effect later this year. C-Tran plans to keep extending itself to the community through public meetings, wanting to hear the opinions of Clark County residents. In May the ideas will be presented to the C-Tran board, until then the ideas await approval. For students who want to know more information or want to attend a C-Tran outreach meeting, visit C-Tran’s website at www.c-tran.com n
C-TRAN representatives were on hand to discuss the planning and operation of bus routes. Photo Credit: Haley Elmer
Local tech experts offer ‘Reality Check’ Chancellor’s Seminar Series to feature uses for augmented, virtual reality in business By: ROB SCHUBERT The VanCougar Augmented and virtual reality technologies have been used for many purposes, including education, entertainment and convenience. On April 1, Washington State University Vancouver will highlight its applications in the business world. The event, entitled “Reality Check: Technologies That Will Change the Way We Work and Think,” is part of the Chancellor’s Seminar Series. This lecture series is dedicated to the exchange of ideas and information on a variety
Dene Grigar, professor in the Creative Media and Digital Culture Program | Photo Credit: WSU Vancouver
of topics. Previous lectures have covered such topics as neuroscience, the health benefits of sleep and Washington state vintners. WSU Vancouver’s own Dene Grigar, a professor in the Creative Media and Digital Culture program, will be presenting alongside Nathan Stahlman, the COO of Instructional Technologies, Inc., which provides computer-based interactive driving courses. Stahlman will talk about his company’s use of virtual reality to create a feeling of actually being in the seat of a semitruck or bulldozer as they learn to operate heavy equipment.
Grigar’s talk will discuss her research projects and potential business applications of the technologies she is studying. The program runs from 11:45 a.m to 1:30 p.m. in the Firstenburg Student Commons. Tickets are normally $25, but a small number are available to students for free through OSI. The event includes lunch as well as a seat at the lecture. For more information, visit vancouver.wsu.edu/css or call 360-546-9589. n
Prepare for planting with Cougs in the Community Local food bank moves its community garden By: AUZ BURGER The VanCougar
Spring has arrived and with it people are preparing for planting; the North County Food Bank is no different. The food bank’s garden was a joint venture between Washington State University’s 4-H extension and Clark County Juvenile Restorative Community Service. They partnered in 2003 to create this garden as a way of giving youth offenders a healthy outlet for their required community service. Since then the garden has worked with over 1,000 juveniles, and they have grown over 16,000 pounds of food. The program is designed to help teens feel more connection to their community, and the program believes that if they feel Washington State University Vancouver
a stronger communal tie, they might be less likely to become repeat offenders. “I think this program is great, it not only helps teens, but the community at large, by providing produce the food banks may not normally have access to,” said Dawn Bailey, a senior major in English literature at WSU Vancouver. On Saturday, Cougs in the Community will be assisting them in moving their small garden, by planting seedlings, dismantling a small shed and moving the material for raised planting beds. They suggest that volunteers wear warm clothing and shoes that can get dirty. While there will be some tools and vehicles on hand, they will be limited, it is recommended that volunteers bring their own tools and pickups.
Afterwards the volunteers will be heading to the Mill Creek Pub for free sandwiches to unwind. The pub is located at 1710 SW 9th Ave., Battle Ground, Wash. The gardening will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Aho
Family Farm, 21902 NE 189th St., Brush Prairie, Wash. Volunteers can RSVP by contacting SueAnn McWatters at sueann.mcwatters@ wsu.edu or call 360-546-9600. Students can also continue to help the food bank by volunteering to work at it. Volunteers for that will
be working on a variety of things, ranging from stocking shelves, to filling food boxes, to helping with food drives. For more information on volunteering, visit the North County food bank’s website at www.nccfoodbank.org n
EVENTS | 5 Noche De Familia becomes a stepping-stone for potential new VanCougs
Attendees at the Noche De Familia event | Photo Credit: Quetzali Ramirez By: QUETZALI RAMIREZ The VanCougar Noche De Familia was a night filled with helpful information for Spanish speaking families. The event was completely in Spanish; for the non-Spanish speakers, an interpreter translated the entire event through a headpiece for those who needed it. Student and staff volunteers greeted guests. As they signed in, families with children were given a coloring packet to occupy themselves throughout the event and later had a chance to enter a drawing to win prizes
raffled off at the end of the event. The families were provided with folders that contained information on options like Running Start, scholarship options, and information on the Washington State University, Vancouver campus. There were a variety of workshops for the different age groups. One of the workshops allowed students to apply directly to WSU Vancouver that same night. I stayed to listen to the parent portion in the FSC Building where a variety of different voices of WSU Vancouver spoke out. The presentation began with Katherine Rodela, professor
of educational leadership spoke about her own struggles being Hispanic and trying to attend college. Shortly after, Jorge Argueta, an admissions counselor on campus, reviewed a series of slides with information on how to prepare your child for college. The panel which consisted of a parent of a current enrolled student, an admissions counselor, professor of educational leadership, and a WSU Vancouver alumni. Having the perspective from a parent who has gone through the process and has a daughter who is currently enrolled at WSU Vancouver added a personal
aspect to the college narrative. Local parent Miguel Garcia who was sitting at a nearby table. He expressed his gratitude toward having an event entirely in Spanish. “I was especially satisfied with the amount of effort and dedication put into the event to make it accessible and allow us to have a better understanding of ways to send our kids to college. I was pleased with the things I learned about the support available.” Two young girls, Sandy and Madeline Beltran Leyva, expressed their appreciation toward the acknowledgement of the diversity of audiences that attended the event. “I like that
they actually thought about the kids and gave [us] activities.” The girls also submitted their packets in hopes of winning the prizes that were raffled off as everyone made their way back to the FSC to reflect on the event while enjoying a slice of cake. For ways to promote an inclusive college environment, the Student Diversity Center organizes a number of activities throughout the year. The center is in FSC 136, open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday-Friday. n
Guest speaker calls for people to stand up for elderly women By: TERESA HOYT The VanCougar As part of the Women’s Studies lecture series, Troy Kindy, a licensed clinical social worker in the department of care management at Oregon Health and Science University, came to speak about social justice and older women in the acute care setting. Luz María Gordillo, associate professor and program leader of critical culture, gender, and race studies as well as the vice-chair of the diversity council, served as the moderator of the event and introduced Kindy to the attendees. The lecture happened in conjunction with one of Gordillo’s classes. According to Kindy, social
Troy Kindy | Photo Credit: Auz Burger
justice is his main reason why he decided to go into the field of social work. In addition, Kindy witnessed age discrimination
first hand while growing up in his grandparents’ care as a child. “I grew up with my grandparents, and while in their care I witnessed age discrimination in many forms and the strength that they had to muster to overcome those issues,” he said. Kindy mentioned that there are several social issues that women face as they age. Kindy said that the general public should be aware of these social issues. These issues include caregiving, Alzheimer disease and elder abuse. Kindy said that although these are all issues that most aging individuals face, these issues tend to affect women negatively more so than see "Elder advocacy," page 7
Attendees at Kindy's talk | Photo Credit: Auz Burger Washington State University Vancouver
6 | OPINION
Album review: "Life" by KNOWER KNOWER is 'blending a warm yet otherworldly synth pattern' in latest release By: M.M. JOHNSON The VanCougar Dynamic arrangements and synthetic orchestral funk-pop abound on this new album from KNOWER, filling the airwaves with gorgeous melodies and funk bass riffs that will not leave your mind for days. KNOWER is a Los Angeles based band founded in 2010 by Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi who have gained internet fame for their ostentatious videos and arrangements of pop songs like Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” and Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”. For the first few years they released individual songs and videos, both covers and original content. In 2013, KNOWER released their first LP “Let Go”, an effervescent album with stunning synthesizer work but lacking in lyrical depth. Their newest album “Life” is a perfect follow up, giving their listener solid grooves to swing to and words to relate to. “Knower Rulez” starts the album, blending a warm yet otherworldly synth pattern. At just 1:36, this track serves as an appetizer for the listener, letting them know what they are getting themselves into. “Hanging On” is next up, which carefully mixes a slap bass pattern, strategically paced drums and high-pitched vocals. The pre-chorus laments “It’s time to get a real life / And get a 9 to 5 / Until the end” followed by angelic tones from Artadi. This tune, besides being entirely danceable, makes the listener
reflect on the notions of a traditional life, what is normal, and if that is what you want for your life. The following song on the album, “The Government Knows”, is easily the most provocative and silly song on this record. The adult themes allude to the intrusive tactics used on United States citizens but in a rather alarming fashion. The details will be spared in this review, but the best way to experience this song is through KNOWER’s YouTube account. The chorus shines in this song; void of lyrics but jam packed with glorious synth patterns and unusual sounds, making the listener question their ears but not their dancing along to it. “All Time” brings back the ballad, shying away from the powerhouse beats of the last few tunes. Waves of enveloping tones swell in the chorus delivering the words “I won’t let you down when shadows come to chase us / Wherever I am, won’t let the distance break us / Hold on in your heart and we can keep love alive / I won’t let you down, I’m here for you for all times”. By far one of the best songs on the album, it comes and goes too fast, making the listener desperate for more. “Butts Tits Money” brings back the rave with a driving bass line and jazzy drums. Cole’s drumming is the star of this track, making the listener realize that this band is a musical force. The lyrics are playful with hints of criticism at popular culture. Jumping around the last tracks of the album “Real Thing” gives
Louis Cole (left) and Genevieve Artadi of KNOWER | Photo Credit: KNOWER
cool, calm and melodic pacing to this album. The backing instrumentation resembles the pleasant levels of the video games Legend of Zelda and Pokémon, easing the listener into a mellow headspace. The last track of specific note on this album is a track called “Pizza”. A college anthem if there ever was one, “Pizza” proclaims “Why do we do what we do / You wanna know / We are in it just for the pizza / Not for money / In it just for the pizza / Pepperoni” poking fun at the music industry while being a hilarious commentary on upstart musician life. The
dubstep-styled breakdown after the chorus is a hard-hitting counterpoint to demonstrate the seriousness of the song’s message. KNOWER is a band that ascribes to no specific models of genre, blending and inventing new means of providing musical fusion with every song. “Life” is a well-mastered and intelligent album that blends surface-level frivolity with deeply political and social themes, making it playable during multiple occasions. Being able to analyze without seeming pretentious is challenging in the musical
world; yet, Artadi and Cole manage it seemingly without effort. The cacophonous synth blend with Artadi’s silky vocals is this band’s signature and “Life” continues that legacy. KNOWER is an evocative duo that is unrelenting, a pair that has done no wrong in their 5-year experiment with sound. To hear this album and their other contributions, check out their profiles either on Spotify, Soundcloud, or Youtube. And to gain the ultimate experience of their music, see them live at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland on April 30th. n
Community letter: A call for art and support to honor gender neutrality By: JENNIFER SCHWARTZ Positively fostering inclusivity, equality, and gender neutrality is relevant and liberating for all. I personally support Gender Neutral Bathroom Week at WSU Vancouver, particularly for raising awareness of breaking gender barriers and standing against
Washington State University Vancouver
violence by encouraging peace, respect, and equality. Gender neutrality is a complex goal that requires accepting and seeing people for how they positively impact the world rather than outward appearances or by different lifestyle choices. Physical attributes like skin color, gender, and even physical differences like hearing loss do not define who we are, and
do not have any bearing on our talents or capabilities. Let us move past social stigmas, stereotypes, and violence to promote peace, unity, and the diversity that makes our world so special. The gender issue flows
much deeper than just Gender Neutral Bathroom Week. The world is still so fixated with segregation and social boundaries that stir such fear of people or lifestyles that are different from our own. This celebration of gender
neutrality is inspiring and important for unity in our campus community, but also in the world that our gender and sexual orientation should not influence the type of treatment see "Gender neutrality," page 7
OPINION | 7 Community letter: Voting in primaries is the first step to November elections
Gender neutrality, continued from page 6
By: SEAMUS DAVIS
or opportunities we receive. Regardless of size, skin color, religion, gender, or sexual orientation everyone deserves to live without fear or risk of violence or verbal assaults including while using public restrooms. As a tiny woman with extreme hearing loss, I am not letting those boundaries define me or impede my goals to become a successful author and creative writing teacher by encouraging others to follow their passions regardless of social perceptions and boundaries. Please join us for the amazing GNBW Kick-Off Event on Tuesday, April 12 from 12-2 p.m. in the Firstenburg Student Commons with fun games, delicious food, and an inspired literature and art show. The Salmon Creek Journal staff is calling for original art, poetry/ prose, photography, songs, animation, or other creative forms that honor gender neutrality. Let these questions spark your creations: What does gender neutrality mean to you? How do you live for your happiness rather than by rigid social boundaries? How do you encourage diversity, inclusivity,
Chances are you’re frustrated with both political parties, and with the political process in general. You don’t see how politics has anything to do with your day-to-day life, or if you do, you don’t see how it can be changed for the better. I understand; I used to feel the same way. By the time I was old enough to vote, I had lost a lot of faith in politics. Neither of the major political parties seemed to have much to offer me. However, Barack Obama’s candidacy gave me hope in the power of political action. Plus, I’m a geek for politics. So in 2012 (the first presidential election in which I was old enough to vote), I showed up to my precinct caucus to see what it was like. In case you don’t know, precinct caucuses are where, in many states, Democrats and Republicans choose their nominee for president (other states use a more straightforward primary election). Washington is one of these states. Caucuses are more than a seemingly roundabout way of selecting a nominee: it’s a chance to meet other people from your community who care about making a difference, and to become familiar with members of the local Democratic or Republican party. I can give you all the same tired reasons for becoming
United States capitol building | Photo Credit: Seamus David
politically involved that you’ve likely heard all your life. Those reasons are still true, and I’m sure my repeating them will do little to convince you if they haven’t already. If you feel disenfranchised by the political process, attending your local precinct caucus is one of the best ways to make a difference. At your caucus, you will meet other people of a similar political disposition to yours, who care about the future of the country and your community. You will meet party officials and activists whose work includes state and local political issues as well as national issues. You will learn firsthand how local political parties make a real difference in policies that affect all of us in a much more immediate fashion than a presidential election does. And
you just might find a way you can make a difference, too. At your precinct caucus you can run to be a delegate to the next level of caucuses (check out the Washington Democrats’ and Republicans’ respective websites for more information on the process), a process which eventually leads to the national convention. That’s what I did. I wound up representing Washington State at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. Now I have the pleasure of working at the local and state levels to advance my political values, something I wouldn’t have foreseen four years ago. That’s why I encourage everyone to go to your precinct caucuses; a lot can come of just showing up. n
Elder advocacy, continued from page 5 men and so aging women facing these issues may not receive the medical care they need. In many cases, people with Alzheimer’s disease are seen as being lost, which can make it difficult for them to get the proper care. Their problems are sometimes treated as nuisances to be dealt with, rather than symptoms of a serious medical
condition, which leads to an unhealthy method of care that ignores underlying issues in favor of minimizing annoyances. Kindy said that elderly abuse remains a problem in this country and too often goes undetected. According to a study done by the Department of Health and Human Services,
in 1996, only 18% of elder abuse incidents were reported. This abuse can take many forms, including neglect, aggression or financial exploitation. For further questions about social justice regarding the elderly, Troy Kindy can be contacted via email at kindyt@ ohsu.edu. n
PUBLIC NOTICE
respect, and equality in your community? Your creative submissions will be considered for publication in the 2017 Salmon Creek Journal, and showcased at the kick-off event on April 12. If you have any questions or would like to submit artistic creations for the event please e-mail me (Jen), the SCJ Poetry Editor, at van.scj.poetry@wsu. edu. The SCJ should have a form to submit artistic creations for the April 12th event on Coug Sync soon. If you are interested in volunteering for Gender Neutral Bathroom Week for tabling, events, and other avenues please stop by the Student Diversity Center on campus for details, or you can fill out the CougSync Volunteer Sign up form online. Thank you for your support in this important goal, and we look forward to viewing your artistic creations and seeing you at the events for GNBW. n
P R E PA R I N G F O R
”the BIG ONE“: CA S CA D I A S U B D U C T I O N ZO N E E A RT H Q UA K E
MARCH 24 | 11 A.M. – 3 P.M. BUILDING DENGERINK ADMINISTRATION 130 AND 129 ROOMS 110,
Hearing on Proposed Amendments to the Washington Administrative Code— Facility Use Rules for First Amendment/Free Speech Activities Washington State University will conduct a public hearing on a proposed revision to WAC chapter 504-33 – Facility Use Rules for First Amendment/ Free Speech Activities on April 5, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. in Lighty Student Services Building, Room 405, Pullman, WA 99164; Academic Center (SAC), Room 503A, Spokane, WA 99210; West Building (TWST), Room 209, Richland, WA 99354; Dengerink Administration Building (VDEN), Room 236, Vancouver, WA 98686. Notice of this public hearing is hereby given in accordance with provisions of RCW 34.05.320(4). The proposed amendments are intended to clarify language and to provide additional latitude for managing first amendment/free speech activities at University locations. The University will adopt the amendments based on the statutory authority found in RCW 28B.30.150. You may review the proposed amendment on or after March 16, 2016 by going to the Office of Procedures, Records, and Forms website at http://public.wsu.edu/~forms/ProposedWAC.html or by requesting a copy from the Office of Procedures, Records, and Forms, Information Technology Building 3089, Pullman, WA 99164-1225; telephone 509-335-2005.
Learn how to prepare for the aftereffects of a major earthquake. Featuring Scott Johnson, CRESA Two presentations: 12 and 2 p.m. Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110 Raffle prizes and 100 starter kits will be given out.
You may testify at this meeting. You may also direct written comments to Deborah Bartlett, Director of Procedures, Records, and Forms, Rules Coordinator, mail code 1225, Pullman, WA 99164; e-mail prf.forms@wsu.edu; fax 509-335-3969. Submit all written comments by 5:00 p.m., April 5, 2016.
Sponsors: WSU Vancouver Public Safety and ASWSUV
Washington State University Vancouver
8 | ADVERTISEMENT ASWSUV Election results: by the numbers Senate
President/Vice President Skye Troy and Samy Reel, 52.1% a Julie Mercado and Honor Stevenson, 33.7% X Debika Finucane and Mike White, 11.2% X
Washington State University Vancouver
Navraj Lamichhane, 63.2% Anna Boneski, 62.9% Enoch Mbuyamba, 62.9% Tawny Maruhn, 61.9% Kaddija Dumbuya, 58.7% Andrew Schultz, 57%
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Brenda Andrade, 51.7% Olivia Lorimor, 50.8% Joscha Oswald, 48.8% Sierra Hancock, 48.7% Frani Morris, 47% Ryan Rose, 45%
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