Mount Hood

No Frills 2017

By: Brianna Bonham 
Staff Writer

During a General Assembly meeting on Nov. 19, 2015, Western’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) and all Hall Governments met to discuss issues such as Hall Of The Year points, the budget, Turkey Baskets, and much more.

The Residence Hall Association was celebrating coming back from the Pacific Association of College and University Residence Halls (PACURH). A small group of members from Western represented the school at the conference this year.

PACURH is an event where RHA organizations from across the west coast gather to discuss upcoming legislation and educational seminars concerning…

As the group celebrated, Roz Lethe, ARA of Heritage Hall, and Ashley Cooper, ARA of the Barnum, Butler, Gentle and Landers quad on Western’s campus, presented a PowerPoint and educated the conference about No Frills 2017.

No Frills 2017 is an opportunity for Western Oregon to host a unique conference on weekend in February of 2017 to be decided.

No Frills is a business conference where Residence Hall Associations from across the west coast will meet and discuss bids and legislation. 150 people would be attending the conference, four representatives from each school, the Regional Board of Directors, and special guests.

If the school is chosen, the weekend will consist of meetings and talks broken up by meals, awards ceremonies, and team building activities.

The possibility of Western hosting the conference creates an opportunity for the university to show off some campus spirit and hospitality to other schools in the region.

Lethe and Cooper are looking for volunteer chairs to head committees dealing with the ceremonies, volunteer coordination, transportation and hospitality facilities, school spirit, and financing.

The group is currently looking for 18 chairs in total.

For more information about getting involved with the No Frills 2017 conference bid, contact Roz Lethe or Ashley Cooper via their WOU emails.

The speed of light

By: Jenna Beresheim 
News Editor

Li-Fi, the bigger and faster brother to Wi-Fi, has recently garnered a lot of public attention despite the fact that it has existed for years.

Light Fidelity, or Li-Fi, is said to be over one hundred times faster than what Wi-Fi is currently capable of in terms of transmitting data to devices.

The difference is in how the data is accessed – through light bulbs.

The concept is a visual form of Morse code, where visible light communication transmits messages through binary code using household light bulbs.

Harold Haas, German physicist and professor at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, is the creator of this concept, and has been working for years to test the idea in labs.

But now testing has begun to move into French hospitals and other high-traffic public areas for a true test of its capabilities.

In his TEDGlobal presentation in 2011, Haas said, “The way we transmit wireless data is by using electromagnetic waves, in particular, radio waves. And radio waves are limited, they are scarce, they are expensive, and we only have a certain range of it.”

Haas later founded pureLifi, a company focused on nurturing his invention to full market readiness.

The company’s vision statement as reported by Inc.com reads, “To be the world leader in Visible Light Communications technology enabling ubiquitous, high-speed, secure data networks wherever there is illumination.”

Currently, Li-Fi boasts features such as efficiency through use of light bulbs rather than other delivery methods like routers, ability to place sources everywhere, and security.

The last of these three means that light, which cannot travel through walls, allows transferred data to be much more secure from potential hackers.

There are also a few fundamental drawbacks which keep Li-Fi from being available for general use quite yet.

Once outdoors, Li-Fi is unavailable. Haas hopes to link outdoor lights, such as street lamps and traffic signals, to Li-Fi sometime in the future.

This movement towards Li-Fi would also increase light pollution, as lights would have to be on to be able to use the product, inconveniencing users if they do not wish to have lights on at all, or not turned on enough to stream Li-Fi.

These limitations mean that Haas’ product would do well in highly populated or trafficked areas and buildings, such as hospitals, airplane cabins, and offices.

At the moment, there is no move to usurp the big brother Wi-Fi, but rather to work in tandem with Li-Fi.

Many companies are already looking into retrofitting their products to be compatible for both means of data usage.

For a full breakdown of Haas’ invention, his 13 minute presentation at TEDGlobal can be found here: http://bit.ly/1bJ1yJ2

Every Campus a Refuge seeks shelter for Syrian refugees

By: Alvin Wilson 
Staff Writer

In an attempt to help refugees of the Syrian civil war, a professor at Guilford College in North Carolina has started a project called Every Campus a Refuge.

Every Campus a Refuge is an initiative that encourages colleges and universities to work with local refugee placement agencies to house a refugee family for 90 days during the resettlement process.

Diya Abdo, the Guilford College professor who created the program, explained the inspiration behind his idea during an interview on NPR.

Abdo stated, “When the pope called on every parish in Europe to host a refugee family, I began thinking deeply about that call for cities to become a place of refuge.”

“I thought well, a campus is very much like a city. We have facilities for housing. We have medical facilities. We have hundreds of human beings with various skills. We have cafeterias,” said Abdo, “So why not, why not take on the Pope’s call and become a refuge?”

Abdo believes university and college campuses can make the transition stage for refugees much easier.

“When refugees come in, they’re only given a one-time stipend – each refugee. And that stipend they’re supposed to use to pay rent, to pay for food, for transportation,” Abdo said.

“But if a campus houses them for those 90 days, after which they’re supposed to become self-sufficient, then they don’t have to use that stipend and they don’t have to worry about all the things they need to worry about. What they can do in those 90 days is focus on adjusting culturally, emotionally, psychologically.”

But is this initiative something all universities should participate in?

Dr. Paula Baldwin, assistant professor of communications here at Western, said the program sounds great, but there is a lot to consider when thinking about housing a refugee family from a completely different culture.

Dr. Baldwin said, “My question is: where would they be housed? Do we have the space? Do we put them on a food program like the residential food plan, or do we try to put them in a faculty space where they would have a kitchen?”

“How can we respect their cultural needs while helping them acclimate? When we think about housing them, we have to think about all of these factors,” said Baldwin.

Even though it might make us feel good, it’s really not that simple, Baldwin explains.

“We think about it very simply. We’re offering them refuge. We’re offering them shelter. Sometimes we do good deeds and we think, ‘okay, we got a roof over their head and food in their bellies. It’s good, right?”’

“It’s a great idea, and I think it’s a great teaching moment, but we need to think beyond that,” Baldwin said.

She said it would be important to integrate them into the community so they don’t feel excluded.

“Think about how they could be integrated into our community. They could go and speak to classes about their experience. When we see somebody’s story, and we hear them, it brings it to life for us. It makes it real in a way that it isn’t when we read it in the news.”

When asked if Western would make a good refuge for Syrian refugees, Baldwin said only if we thoroughly consider everything.

“It’s not about putting a roof over their heads and giving them some food. They’re already stressed. They’ve already gone through so much trauma that we cannot even imagine. As long as we think that through, I think we’re a great candidate. It’s a beautiful campus. It’s a little bit healing to be here.”

The governor of North Carolina has publicly stated his opposition to the placement of Syrian refugees in the state, and representatives of the state have asked Guilford College to rescind its offer to house refugees.

“But we stand firm by our offer,” Abdo said. “And in fact, we feel that this is an excellent opportunity for institutions of higher learning to intervene in the discourse around the refugees. If campuses around the U.S. say no, we will take in the refugees, then that radically provides a positive welcome.”

For more information about Every Campus a Refuge, visit www.everycampusarefuge.org

MSU Holiday wreath sale

By: Brianna Bonham 
Staff Writer

The Multicultural Student Union (MSU) is having their annual wreath sale. The wreath sale started on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 and continues through Monday, Dec. 7, 2015.

Students can pick up wreath order forms at the MSU office in the Werner University Center, and they have six wreath options available this year.

The wreaths available are the Regular Wreaths (10-24 inches), Snowflake wreath, Cross wreath, Noble Swag, Candy Cane, and wreath garlands that can be purchased by the foot.

The price varies per wreath, but the wreath sale is a fundraiser. All proceeds earned during the sale go back into the funding for MSU so that they can organize programs and events with other organizations.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout. People love holiday wreaths, this is a great fundraiser for MSU,” said Samantha Valdez, a junior social science major.

The wreath sale is a great opportunity for students and faculty to get in the holiday spirit and add a little holiday swag to their door.

Make sure to turn in forms by Monday, Dec. 1, 2015 to get your wreath in time.

France and the world deal with the aftermath of terrorism

By: Alvin Wilson 
Staffwriter

France was shocked on the evening of Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 when ISIS gunmen attacked various events in Paris.

According to French authorities, three teams of ISIS suicide bombers attacked six busy areas, killing 129 people.

BBC reported that France’s president, Francois Hollande, has announced his intention to destroy ISIS.

Hollande said, “We are not committed to a war of civilizations, because these assassins don’t represent any civilization. We are in a war against terrorism, jihadism, which threatens the whole world.”

President Hollande urged France’s parliament to give him the authority to add 5,000 policemen to the country’s paramilitary force by 2017, and also to make it easier to deport and strip the citizenship of any foreigner who poses a threat to the nation, according to BBC.

The Sunday after the attack in Paris, French planes dropped 20 guided bombs, “targeting sites including a command centre, a recruitment centre for jihadists, a munitions depot and a training camp,” according to BBC.

“Already, the French struck very quickly and did considerable damage,” Dr. Dean Braa, Western sociology professor, said. “I think that’s just the beginning. We’re going to see incredible mobilization and cooperation, I would think, based on the NATO alliance.”

BBC also reported that France has mobilized 115,000 security personnel.

128 raids have been performed on suspected terrorists. Many of the attackers were identified, and one is believed to have fled to Belgium.

French authorities believe they have identified the attackers as Salah Abdeslam, 26, Brahim Abdeslam, 31, Omar Ismail Mostefai, 29, Bilal Hadfi, 20, Ahmad al-Mohammad, 25, and Samy Amimour, 28, according to BBC.

At least two of the attackers were from the Paris area, and two additional attackers have yet to be identified.

According to the United Nations, Syrians make up the world’s largest refugee population, with roughly 11 million people actively fleeing their country.

The Syrian refugee crisis is already affecting millions of people around the world, and these attacks will likely scare a lot of people in countries who are receiving refugees. According to CNN, more than half of the U.S. governors oppose letting Syrian refugees into their states.

Braa thinks that is exactly what ISIS wanted.

“What ISIS wants to do is make the West worried that anybody and everybody is a potential target,” he said.

And President Obama agrees. “I cannot think of a more potent recruitment tool for ISIS than some of the rhetoric that’s been coming out of here during the course of this debate,” Obama said in response to the opposition of Syrian refugees, according to CNN.

Braa said we can’t let our fear cloud our judgement.

“There is a stereotype that is completely unfair that Muslims are going to disproportionately be terrorists. There’s no evidence to support that,” he said.

“A terrorist can come out of any group,” Braa said. “Some of the serious terrorist acts in the United States have been conducted by American citizens born and raised here.”

In addition to an air strike already performed on ISIS, Hollande has spoken to Russian President Putin about taking action, and he plans on flying to Washington to meet with President Obama next week, according to BBC.

U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, arrived in Paris on Monday, Nov 16 to show support for what he called “America’s oldest friend,” according to BBC.

1500 Mormon Resignations over Handbook 1

By: Jenna Beresheim News Editor

Nov. 5, 2015 saw the release of a new policy handbook from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which recalled baptism and blessings as an opportunity for youth of same-sex couples.

This policy, housed within Handbook 1, applied to children under 18 who are either “natural or adopted” by LGBT parents.

To be exempt from this exclusion, the children must live in a new household with opposite-sex guardians or wait until they are 18 to denounce their original parents in favor of their religion.

Children of same-sex parents would also be required to completely disavow same-sex marriage altogether in order to be baptized, confirmed, ordained, or even invited to perform in missionary services.

“The church has long been on record as opposing same-sex marriages. While it respects the law of the land, and acknowledges the right of others to think and act differently, it does not perform or accept same-sex marriage within its membership,” stated Eric Hawkins, a church spokesperson to the Washington Post.

Some of this opposition can be traced back to Proposition 8, which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry in California.

With the support of the LDS Church, Prop 8 passed in 2008 but was later deemed unconstitutional and retracted.

In retaliation to the latest policy, over 1500 LDS Church participants submitted their letters of resignation, with the number continuing to grow.

“I’ve thought more and more about sending in my letter of resigning my membership,” admitted Lilaah Jones, a third year gerontology major. “I am astonished and appalled that this is happening.”

Jones personally identifies within the LGBTQ community as well as the LDS Church.

“I was baptized Mormon about 5 or 6 years ago,” Jones said. “It’s been awhile since I’ve identified and gone to church as a Mormon, but I still share the beliefs from the church, until recently.”

Recently, another story made headlines within the same vein: a Utah judge ruled that a lesbian couple was unfit to foster their one year old child.

The couple had been fostering the child for three months when they attempted to adopt the baby, only to be met with the rebuttal that the judge would remove the child and relocate her to a “more traditional home” according to CNN.

“Some encouragement, if you and your partner want a child: fight, work, and prove to everyone that you would make phenomenal parents and no one can take that away from you. Never give up,” urges Jones.

“As for religion, don’t lose your faith. Cut out the bad people who bring you down, and pray for strength. Your relationship with God is between you and Him, no one else,” finishes Jones.

Free-bleeding in the UK

By: Katrina Penaflor Managing Editor

The United Kingdom has renewed their tax on tampons, keeping them marked as a “luxury item” after a recent vote on Oct. 26, 2015.

The result of the remaining tax, which is 5 percent, has led to women free-bleeding outside of British Parliament in an effort to protest.

Free-bleeding is the forgoing of feminine hygiene products while menstruating, to show the visual results of a period without tampons, pads, or the alternatives.

One of the protestors, a woman named Charlie Edge, recounted her feelings in a Facebook post: “People are so quick to tell people that the tampon tax is something we shouldn’t be upset about […] But then they get upset when I show them the reality of the necessity of sanitary items.”

Edge also went on to write about the negative backlash she and fellow protestors received from free-bleeding.

“We’re getting lots of dirty looks and someone just shouted at us to get a job,” Edge wrote, adding “Taxes are necessary, I get it. So are tampons/pads.”

The argument behind the protestors is that feminine products should be viewed as essential items to a woman’s health and sanitation, and should not be taxed as a “luxury item.”

This is especially important when there are women who struggle to afford tampons in the first place; the additional tax only adds to the issue.

British Labour M.P. Stella Creasy spoke to Parliament about how the tax shows inequality among society, and it fails to take into consideration the necessary hygiene products a woman can need.

“Tampons and sanitary towels, even I’m struggling with the words tonight it seems, have always been considered a luxury. That isn’t by accident, that’s by design of an unequal society, in which the concerns of women are not treated as equally as the concerns of men,” Creasy said.

UK comedian Russell Howard addressed the absurdities he saw with the “luxury” marking, calling to attention a number of items that are not taxed and considered by Parliament to be more essential than tampons.

“Well here is a list of some of the things that the taxman thinks is essential more than tampons: helicopters, bingo, Twiglets, adult nappies, flapjacks, toffee apples, edible cake decorations, a ticket to the zoo and crocodile meat,” Howard said on his talk show.

The protestors hope the free-bleeding will raise enough attention to the topic of menstruation and what should and should not be considered a luxury item.

Edge went on to tell Buzzfeed, “If people are grossed out by me not wearing a tampon then I think that emphasizes my point […] They’re not ‘luxury items.’”