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Digital Kenyon: Research,
Scholarship, and Creative Exchange
The Kenyon Collegian College Archives
9-26-2019
Kenyon Collegian - September 26, 2019
Follow this and additional works at: https://digital.kenyon.edu/collegian
Recommended Citation
"Kenyon Collegian - September 26, 2019" (2019). The Kenyon Collegian. 2505.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/collegian/2505
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ESTABLISHED 1856 September 26, 2019 Vol. CXLVII, No. 6
“Send Silence Packing” causes friction among students, staff
ELLIE KLEE
NEWS EDITOR
This article contains content, including a
photograph on page 3, that may be disturbing to
some readers.
From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday,
students traveling through the heart of Ken-
yon’s campus were confronted with hundreds
of backpacks strewn across the lawn outside of
Peirce Dining Hall.
The traveling exhibition, entitled “Send Si-
lence Packing,” was advertised as a suicide pre-
vention and awareness event. However, many
students thought it fell short of its intended
purpose. According to Chloe Hannah-Drul-
lard ’20, its contents caused some students to
experience depression and panic attacks, skip
meals to avoid Peirce, or self-harm.
“We aim to enhance awareness about men-
tal health on college/university campuses, in-
crease conversation about suicide prevention,
and communicate about mental health support
resources available to Kenyon students,” wrote
Director of Cox Health and Counseling Cen-
ter Chris Smith in a student-info email sent the
day before the exhibit arrived.
The next day, Caleigh Law ’22 drafted a stu-
dent-info email of her own, intended for Smith.
“You are bringing awareness, but awareness is
Sophomore class president Skyler Lesser-Roy talks to Jewish Chaplain Marc Bragin about the exhibition. | ERYN POWELL not the problem on this campus,” she page 3
Mayor declines second term, Kessler runs unopposed in race
EVEY WEISBLAT Kessler said. “And so, I sort of “It’s time for new voices,” Kim-
SENIOR NEWS EDITOR took the plunge and jumped in.” mell said. “People who have been
Kessler moved to Gambier here a very long time have a very
As of next January, Gam- with his wife, College Chaplain different idea about how closed we
bier will be getting a new mayor. Rachel Kessler ’04, in 2015, and should be, and [they’re] not very
Mayor Kachen Kimmell, who was soon became involved in local much [in favor of] development.
elected in November 2015, an- politics. In early 2017, Kimmell I think young people, new people
nounced that she would not run recruited him to join the Planning in town, have a super different
for a second term in November. and Zoning Commission, and he idea about it. They might want a
“I didn’t want to run a cam- was elected to Village Council in couple more businesses, or they
paign knowing in my heart that the fall of 2017. Kessler is currently might want an increase in hous-
I didn’t really feel like I was com- part of the Village’s finance com- ing density somewhere so more
“
mitted to four years,” Kimmell mittee, and he was involved in the people could live here—a number
said. search for of things that
Following encouragement Village ad- previous resi-
from Kimmell, village council ministrator I sort of took dents have been
member Leeman Kessler ’04 has R.C. Wise. the plunge and against.”
set his sights on becoming the He is also a Along with
next mayor. On Aug. 27, Kessler part of Stra-
jumped in.” Kessler’s seat,
posted a picture of him and his tegic Plan which will
son in front of the Gambier Post committee, Council Member Leeman open when he
Office. He captioned the photo, the group Kessler ’04 is appointed
“This mayoral run is officially on, looking to mayor in Janu-
y’all.” redefine Gambier’s future. ary, two other council seats are
Four years ago, Kimmell beat Kessler said he and Kimmell up for grabs. Kimmell said that
out council members Liz Forman had been talking for some time three candidates are currently in Kimmell will not run for reelection in November. | EVEY WEISBLAT
’73 and Betsy Heer to become about her successor, and that the running, and that whoever
mayor, but she said that it’s unusu- she had been essentially prepar- receives the fewest votes will like-
al to have a contested election in a ing him for the position from the ly take Kessler’s seat in January. made it clear that she will not run the Village.
town like Gambier. For the second start. In fact, Kimmell has long (This is made possible by a strange for Council again. She described “Every little extra thing I do
time in his political career, Lee- been focused on grooming a new statute in Ohio law that allows the position of Mayor of Gambier on [the] council or as part of the
man Kessler will run unopposed generation of local leaders. The anyone to put themselves forward as the best job she’s ever had, and community teaches me so much
for an elected position. end of her term, she says, coin- to be on the Council on the day expressed gratitude for all that the about how the Village works, how
“After 2016 I think a lot of folks cides with a greater shift in Gam- that a new seat appears.) role has taught her, namely the the county works, how the state
realized that democracy and poli- bier’s political landscape as the Kimmell plans to stay in Gam- surprising power of local govern- works,” Kessler said. “And I’m re-
tics are not a spectator sport, and old guard is replaced with a new bier with her husband, Associate ment at affecting change. ally and excited (and only moder-
you need to if you can get involved generation of incoming Gambier Vice President for Planned Giv- For his part, Kessler is eager to ately terrified) at the lessons that
on all levels, especially locally,” residents. ing Kyle Henderson ’80, but she take on the challenges of leading await me in January.”
2
Thursday, Sept. 26 | kenyoncollegian.com
Provost to step down Local Digest: “Make Campus Great
in June, successor to be Again” campaign arrives in Ohio
chosen from faculty KAYLEIGH MCCOY ter the fact that only 31 percent ritt, regional spokeswoman
NEWS ASSISTANT of voters aged 18-22 cast their for the Trump reelection cam-
BECCA FOLEY During his time as provost, ballots for Republican candi- paign, told Fortune.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Klesner laid the groundwork As a part of the 2020 re- dates in the 2018 midterm elec- The focus on Ohio is no acci-
for the environmental studies election campaign, Trump tion, according to AP VoteCast. dent. Similar programs brought
A press release sent to the major and made strides in the Victory, a joint organization However, it seems to be an at- to Ohio campuses during the
student body on September 23 growth of the computer sci- between the Republican Na- tempt to capitalize on Trump’s 2018 election yielded higher
announced that Provost Joseph ence department. He has also tional Committee (RNC) and recent executive order requir- than expected rewards, espe-
L. Klesner will step down from helped to foster community- the Trump Campaign, has de- ing campuses that receive fed- cially when compared to other
his current position on June engaged learning across cam- cided on Ohio as the place to eral funding to commit to more states, according to the website
30, 2020. pus and has been an advocate roll out a new, college-focused stringent federal rules about Cleveland.com. Furthermore,
Klesner has served in the for innovative pedagogy with- initiative. The event, entitled free expression and speech. Ohio is an important battle-
Office of the Provost for al- in the staff and students. “One “Make Campus Great Again”, “[The initiative] serves as a ground state in any presidential
most 10 years, serving as as- of the things we agreed early on focuses on registering voters way to bring conservative sup- election, and winning support
sociate provost from 2010- was that we needed to do more and raising support for the porters out of the shadows of from college-age voters, a typi-
2013 and as provost starting experiential learning at Ken- Trump campaign. college campuses and show that cally Democratic bloc, could
in 2013. He joined the Kenyon yon, which is one of the rea- The initiative is focused on they have a home in the Repub- provide a powerful boost to the
faculty in 1985 and has since sons why community-engaged college-aged voters comes af- lican movement,” Mandi Mer- Trump campaign.
chaired the departments of learning has been an impor-
Kenyon plants tree in celebration of
both International Studies tant initiative,” Klesner said.
and Political Science. He also noted the importance
While he is stepping down of mentored undergraduate re-
college’s 50th year of coeducation
as provost, Klesner still plans to search and high-impact learn-
teach classes in the Department ing, both of which he worked
of Political Science. “There to promote during his tenure.
comes a time where it’s appro- The search for a new pro-
priate to bring new leadership vost, which begins this fall,
in and, for me, if I want to re- will be chaired by Professor RONAN ELLIOTT
Steve Vaden, the new tree may cension Hall, was planted more
turn to the classroom, to get of Economics Kathy Krynski. NEWS EDITOR one day be just as impressive. recently and is much smaller.
back to there,” Klesner said. The potential candidates will However, Vaden warns that While the 50th anniversary
“
In the time immediately fol- all be current faculty members. Over the past few weeks, students eager for a second up- of coeducation celebration is
lowing his departure from the “I’m a big fan of the model of Kenyon has celebrated the 50th side-down tree will have a long over, the Buildings and Grounds
Office of the Provost, Klesner faculty stepping into leader- anniversary of women attend- wait ahead of committee
will be working closely with ship roles,” Decatur said. “Fac- ing the College. Now we also them. is far from
President Decatur on strategic ulty know the institution in- celebrate a new community “It’s go-
We’ve always finished
planning for the College, giv- credibly well and we have a lot member — this one not schol- ing to be a tried to get into with its tree-
en that the current plan is set of faculty at Kenyon with very arly, but topiary. As part of the while [be- a habit of planting trees, planting ef-
to expire in 2020. He will also deep roots not only in the in- Women at Kenyon celebration, fore it’s ful- but we’re having a con- forts. Vaden
help prepare for the upcoming stitution but in the community the Buildings and Grounds de- ly grown],” certed effort now.” says that the
re-accreditation process. “It has and a really good understand- partment has planted a new Vaden said. Steve Vaden, department
been my honor to work with ing of the culture around the tree on campus. The tree was “Trees have Grounds Manager has plans
Sean Decatur as his chief aca- importance of teaching.” planted in a ceremony on Sept a tenden- to plant be-
demic officer — his support, ad- “I’m looking forward to the 14., and now resides on the cy when tween 15 and
vice and friendship have made return to the classroom and it’s lawn in front of the Church of they’re transplanted to do what 25 new trees this fall. Some trees
this job gratifying, stimulating been a real honor to lead this the Holy Spirit. is termed ‘transplant shock.’ will be planted on the newly re-
and invariably edifying. I look faculty,” Klesner said. “It’s a The new tree is a Fagus Sylvat- When you dig a tree and you cut constructed hill above the Ken-
forward to continuing to work terrific faculty; just so many ica Pendula, otherwise known roots as you dig it, that tree has yon Athletic Center, others will
with Sean on the strategic plan- dedicated, hard-working and as a European Weeping Beech. to replenish those roots. Some- be located in the wooded area
ning process,” Klesner said in talented colleagues. It’s been There are three other trees of times they will sit there for a below Peirce and some will be
the press release. an honor.” this species on campus, one of number of years and not look situated near Bexley Hall.
which is commonly called the like they’re doing anything ex- “We wound up over the
“upside-down tree”. Located cept surviving. They don’t put years having a lot of trees dam-
CORRECTIONS beside the walkway to Peirce on a lot of growth, but they’re aged in storms, and some of
Dining Hall, this tree is nota- growing underground, trying them had just reached the end
In the September 19 edition of the Kenyon Collegian, the article
ble for its prominent size and to replace those roots.” of their life cycle,” Vaden said.
“Golf, led by Lifson, wins Irish Hills Invitational,” incorrectly stated
its mass of downward-droop- He adds that the weeping “We’ve always tried to get into
the Kenyon golf team played the Irish Hills Invitational in Jackson,
ing branches. The tree has long beech near Peirce has been a habit of planting trees, but
Mississippi, when it was actually in Jackson, Michigan. The article
been a staple of campus, with growing for close to a century we’re having a concerted ef-
also referred to Lawrence Courtney as class of 2022, instead of 2021
students sometimes studying or to attain its current size. One fort now to put more in and get
and Andrew Kotler as 2022, instead of 2021.
hanging out underneath it. Ac- of the other campus beeches, our count back up to where we
The Collegian regrets these errors.
cording to Grounds Manager located in the garden near As- should be.”
Advertising and Subscriptions
Editors-in-Chief Becca Foley, Designers Betül Aydin, Advertisers should contact the Collegian’s Executive Director via e-mail at
Adam Schwager Lilia Leroy-Bell ads @kenyoncollegian.com for current rates and further information. All materials should be
Executive Director Tommy Johnson Photography Editors Ben Nutter, sent to Executive Director, The Kenyon Collegian, P.O. Box 832, Gambier, OH 43022.
Senior News Editor Evey Weisblat Cameron Peters Yearly subscriptions to The Kenyon Collegian are available for $50. Checks should be
News Editors Ronan Elliott, News Assistant Kayleigh McCoy
Ellie Klee Chief Copy Editor Andy Kelleher made payable to The Kenyon Collegian and directed to the Editors-in-Chief. Contact
Features Editors Dante Kanter, Copy Editors Nathan Chu, subscriptions@kenyoncollegian.com.
Jackson Wald Grace Cross, Jack Draghi, Adam
Arts Editors Chameli Belk-Gupta, Samet, Richard Shapiro, Office: 214 N. Acland Street
Sam Brodsky Tillie Wang Mailing address: The Kenyon Collegian, Student Activities Center, Gambier, OH 43022.
Opinions Editor Mia Sherin Social Media Director Eryn Powell
Sports Editors Jordy Fee-Platt, Advisor Emeritus P. F. Kluge Business address: P.O. Box 832, Gambier, OH, 43022.
Jackson Wald Staff Advisor Kurt Pyle E-mail address: collegian@kenyon.edu, kenyoncollegian@gmail.com
Design Editor Alexandra Zablocki
3
Thursday, Sept. 26 | kenyoncollegian.com
Students wade through Kokosing in a massive river cleanup
River cleaners get their feet wet to pick up trash. | BEN NUTTER Volunteers push a canoe filled with discarded tires down the Kokosing River. | ZACH HOLLANDER
LINNEA MUMMA attendees each demonstrated devotion for Vernon and Gambier. Only recently did Cleaning out the Kokosing is just one of
STAFF WRITER protecting the river ecosystem. the cleanup gain the momentum neces- the many ways students can be made aware
“It’s a really powerful community-build- sary for growth. Heithaus has been an an- of their environmental impact. BFEC Post-
On Saturday, Sept. 21, at 9:30 a.m., 110 ing event,” Director of Green Initiatives nual attendant of the River Clean Up for Baccalaureate Fellow Mia Fox ’19 hopes
Kenyon students and faculty members at- David Heithaus ’99 said, “and it shows that the past four years, but never expected it to that all students can be more environmen-
tended the annual Kokosing River Clean Up people value a resource that I value, and that, take off as it has. tally conscious in the upcoming years. “One
— the biggest turnout in its history. despite our differences, we can all agree that “The first year I participated, around four thing that I think is really vital for making
With the help of so many, an entire this is a literal through line in our lives, in years ago, we worked from Riverside Park people more ecologically minded is making
dumpster was filled to the brim with trash, our county, and that it’s pretty special when in Mount Vernon down to Mount Vernon sure people have a connection to the outside,
with several dozen tires piled beside it. From you get that many people out for a cause at Avenue, which is a tiny fraction of what we be it through research, be it through hiking,
student-athletes, to members of Greek orga- 9:30 on a Saturday.” do now,” Heithaus said. The current cleanup whatever you like to do, having a connec-
nizations, to friend groups looking for a way Stretching over 57 miles, the Kokosing zone includes not only the Kokosing, but tion outside makes being more ecologically
to spend their Saturday, the diverse array of River runs through the heart of Mount also the Mohican River. minded easy.”
Backpacks line Peirce Lawn in controversial installation piece
Continued from Page 1
wrote. “The problem is [a] lack of
resources.”
In wake of the loss of a friend to
suicide last semester, Law was espe-
cially affected by the contents of the
exhibit. “I knew Stella Simic [’22]
very personally. She was one of the
first people I met on campus. And I
think that they’re not honoring her;
they’re actually doing a disservice to
their message and to everything she
stood for,” she said.
Tour coordinator Eric Golem-
biewski described Send Silence Pack-
ing as a “student-led movement.”
The exhibition began in 2008 and
is sponsored by the national mental Backpacks line the pathway to Ascension Hall as a part of Wednesday’s exhibition, entitled “Send Silence Packing.” | ERYN POWELL
health organization Active Minds,
which displays the backpacks at 30- PCs in a statement published to the “We shared this with the PCs dur- student complaints about represen- Meanwhile, Law believes that “a
40 schools and communities each Kenyon Thrill’s website. “Kenyon’s ing our fall training, they were all on tation in last year’s “I Love Female lot of the trust that the students have
year. campus is small, and the position board. They liked the idea of bring- Orgasm” presentation. “We’ll never in the Health Center is gone.”
Although Smith said he could of the exhibit on Peirce Lawn is un- ing attention to this very important have an event that people are going In a continuation of discussions
not disclose the cost of the exhibi- avoidable.” issue.” to all feel positive and cheery about,” about Send Silence Packing and
tion, the all-inclusive price to host it “As Peer Counselors, we want Student Council President Del- he said. mental health care on campus, Vice
for a day is $7,500, according to the to express that ... we do not directly aney Barker ’20 hopes to get clari- Jewish Chaplain Marc Bragin President for Student Affairs Mer-
Active Minds website. have a say in the choices made by fication from Smith on the Peer said that “some people were really edith Harper Bonham ’92 will host
While Smith was in the staff the Kenyon Counseling Center,” the Counselors’ role in the event at the helped by [the exhibition], which, a forum in the Gund Gallery’s Com-
tent on Ascension Lawn, many stu- statement continued. “As a group, we next Student Council meeting. She to me, makes it worth it. But for the munity Foundation Theater during
dents approached him to share their decided we wanted to participate in a also expressed concern that some folks that are upset by it, we want to Common Hour today facilitated
thoughts on the exhibition — “some suicide awareness campaign. But the students did not see Smith’s email understand how we can better move by College Ombudsperson Carrie
good, some bad,” he said. PC’s did not necessarily want to be and were blindsided by the back- forward.” Knell.
In his original email, Smith involved in this deeply hurtful event, packs. Smith and staff psychologist The Counseling Center’s regular
claimed that engagement with the and we ultimately did not make the “People, rightfully so, filter their Bradley Fox wondered whether the hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon-
exhibit was voluntary. “You may final decision to put the display in emails for trigger warnings. So the next step in the campus conversa- day through Friday. To get connected
avoid traveling through the display front of Peirce.” people that could be the most im- tion might be a discussion of trigger to ProtoCall, call Campus Safety
by taking alternative paths and/or As a departmental organization, pacted didn’t get the notice,” Barker management. at 740-427-5555 and ask to be con-
following the guidance of the volun- the PCs are a part of the Health and said. “We tried to prepare students for nected. Other resources for students
teers who will be on site,” he wrote. Counseling Center and answer to Although Barker was able to [the exhibit]. Maybe we didn’t pre- include the National Suicide Preven-
However, many students found Smith. “We’re doing it with them, avoid the exhibit, “even just the reac- pare them the best. And we’re go- tion Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or
this nearly impossible, including so we’re not diminishing them, and tions of people have been difficult to ing to keep trying to bring programs the Crisis Text Line, which can be
the Peer Counselors (PCs), who co- I think that’s what some people per- handle,” she said. here that are just like your academic reached by texting 4HOPE to 741741.
sponsored the event. ceive. What we’re doing is empower- Smith compared the mixed re- programs, that are challenging you,” Evey Weisblat and Adam Schwa-
“Let’s be honest here,” wrote the ing them in a different way,” he said. actions to Send Silence Packing to said Smith. ger contributed reporting.
4
Thursday, Sept. 26 | kenyoncollegian.com
Students gather at Rosse to partake in Global Climate Strike
COURTNEY FELLE information about Democratic can- grandchildren. This is really impor-
STAFF WRITER didate platforms and the Green New tant work that I’m really glad Ken-
Deal. The Kenyon Farm and the yon’s taken under its wing now.”
On Friday, Sept. 20, students, fac- Rural Cause encouraged attendees Persimmons and HIKA hosted a
ulty and community members alike to consider the impact of climate write-in alongside the strike where
gathered on and below the steps of change on the rural communities attendees could document their re-
Rosse Hall to protest against climate surrounding Kenyon, including actions to the information present-
inaction and injustice. food access, economy and policy. ed. A clothesline of poems, letters
According to the Environmental Other organizations such as UCap- and thoughts stretched along the
Campus Organization (ECO), the ture, which aims to make Kenyon a sidewalk. Some expressed action-
student organization that planned carbon-neutral campus, and Alpha focused hopes, such as one attendee
the event, “our decision to host an Sigma Tau, which provided tips for who wrote: “I want to, if not reverse,
event on campus is motivated by our making student events sustainable, then prevent the worst of climate
passion to support the goals of the focused on Kenyon-specific issues. change.” Others criticized Ken-
global campaign, as well as demand Both the African Students Asso- yon students’ reactions to climate
climate action from the Kenyon ad- ciation and Kenyon Sin Fronteras change: “Isn’t it absurd how we’re all
ministration.” The event coincided pointed out the disproportional ef- just kind of getting college degrees
with the Global Climate Strike in- fects of climate change on commu- in the middle of a mass extinction
spired by youth climate activist Gre- nities of color. event?”
ta Thunberg, which spread through- “I feel like this is a really amaz- Additional cosponsors included
out over 3,500 cities, campuses and ing event because we’re addressing Beekeeping Club, Outdoors Club,
organizations internationally. all different facets of climate change, Active Students Helping the Earth
Over 15 student groups joined anyone who’s being impacted by Survive (ASHES) and the Crow’s
the protest, creating displays and it,” Johanna Fickel ’21, a founding Nest. Events continued after the
handing pamphlets to attendees member of Kenyon Sin Fronteras, strike, including an environmentally
with information about different said. “We’re actually talking about themed game night hosted by Table-
elements of climate justice. Politi- the real human consequences, and top Club, a Kenyon Interfaith Part-
cal associations, such as Kenyon things like environmental racism, nership Climate Vigil and a presen-
Democrats and Young Democratic and how this will impact our lives tation from a visiting speaker about
Students hold posters during Friday’s walkout. | CHUZHU ZHONG Socialists of America, distributed and the lives of our children and the possibilities of solar energy.
Title IX policy updated to include discriminatory incidents
TOMMY JOHNSON harassment, and, along with updat- Since reporting is a voluntary try to eliminate those and make it as the deadline for final guidance for
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ed definitions, the policy change re- action, it is hard to determine the smooth as possible, but it’s hard to “09/00/19,” presumably some time
designed the reporting structure to number of incidents that are actually know, it’s really hard to know.” in September of this year. The most
On Monday, Sept. 16, Civil resemble those of Title IX and ADA. occurring. That said, Hughes says The Higher Education Data Con- notable proposed change would be
Rights/Title IX Coordinator Sam “All of this, I think, is a good gets a good sense of how Kenyon’s sortium (HEDS) Campus Climate how formal investigations for Title
Hughes sent out a news bulletin thing,” Decatur said of the new pol- culture compares to those of other Survey for 2019, which will come out IX would be carried out. Rather
highlighting the year-in changes and icy and its effects, “but the conver- schools. in late September or early October, than the current investigator mod-
updates at the Office of Civil Rights. sation around that and the broader “I will say at least the number of will provide even more information el, which Hughes called more “fair,
The email recounted new hires, discussion around that issue lead to cases reported is very similar to our about Kenyon’s institutional data thorough and efficient,” the new
such as the arrival of Kevin Peter- more reporting—which generally I peer schools,” Hughes said. “We and how it compares nationwide. guidelines would force the College to
son as Civil Rights/Title IX Deputy think is good. I don’t think there is are at least doing something right. I A final point in the news bulletin use a hearing model, which Hughes
Coordinator on June 1, 2018, as well more harassment. I just think there think we can always do better, but regards the United States Depart- said is “faster but more intense.”
as programming efforts, such as Oc- are more people coming forward I think the barriers to reporting are ment of Education’s new proposed Hughes said the College is moni-
cidental College Associate Professor with harassment [reports].” almost as unique as our fingerprints guidelines to replace the interim fed- toring these proposed guidelines
of Sociology Lisa Wade’s discussion The number of reports that fell … there are so many reasons why eral guidance issued in Sept. 2017. and will issue a notice if new changes
of campus hookup culture. It also under the umbrella of Title IX/ people choose to report or not, so we The Department of Education set go into effect.
highlighted new policies and data VAWA/Title VII also saw an in-
on incident reports of harassment, crease, from 184 to 237 reports, Types of Title IX Cases at Kenyon
divided into the three categories: though the percentage of these re-
Section 504/Americans with Dis- ports as a proportion of all reports Title IX, VAWA, Title VII 5.975% 0.025%
abilities Act (ADA), discrimination/ was deflated due to the increase in Discrimination/ Discrimination Harrassment
discriminatory harassment and Title discrimination and discriminatory Section 504/ADA
IX/The Violence Against Women harassment reports, falling from Other 14%
0.02%
Act (VAWA)/Title VII. 85 percent to 76.5 percent. Reports
Although the past two academ- under the umbrella of Section 504/ 8.48%
3%
ic years saw a growth in the total ADA remained relatively stable,
1%
15%
number of reports from 216 to 310, with a slight uptick from six reports
President Sean Decatur and Hughes to seven. 11%
80%
attribute the increased number to
changes in the Discrimination and
Both Hughes and Decatur em-
phasized their belief that the in- 76.5%
Discriminatory Harassment poli- creased number of reports is not 85%
cies, as well as students’ heightened evidence of more instances of sexual
awareness of the Office of Civil and discriminatory harassment, but
2015-2017 2017-2019 Total Reports 2015-2019
Rights as an available resource. rather of an increased awareness of
Decatur pointed out that the the resources the College offers.
highest increase occurred under “I don’t think there’s more hap- Outcomes of Kenyon Title IX Cases
the umbrella of discrimination and pening, I just think people are more
discriminatory harrassment cases, comfortable coming forward,”
from a total of 25 reports over the Hughes said. 2015-2017 2017-2019
2015-16 and 2016-17 academic years While there was an increase in
to 47 total reports over 2017-18 and the total number of incidents report-
2018-19. He also noted that the new ed to the Office of Civil Rights, there
policy brought the discrimination was a decrease in the number of for-
policy more in line with the Col- mal investigations opened, which
lege’s current Title IX policies. Previ- went down from 26 to 18. However,
ously, there were no clear guidelines the number of informal resolutions Formal Informal Responsible Not Suspended/
for what constituted discriminatory increased from one to five. Investigations Resolutions Responsible Dismissed
Thursday, Sept. 26
FEATURES kenyoncollegian.com 5
Feeling ill? A unique health store opens in Mount Vernon
Old Mr. Bailiwick’s Plant Based Remedies focuses on healing the body through herbalism.
DORA SEGALL to be here for the community,” functions, Kuhn also offers has to be there...If there’s no That being said, Kuhn hopes
STAFF WRITER Kuhn said. “We want to serve various odds and ends, such as hope, then there’s no healing.” to make customers feel wel-
as a hub for healers in the essential oils, incense burners The eclectic assortment come and comfortable as the
Josh Kuhn, owner of Old community, but we want to be and evil eye home decorations. of products available in the business builds up momen-
Mr. Bailiwick’s Plant Based a source for everyone to come Although Kuhn is not focused store, along with the equally tum. “I like things a little, you
Remedies in Mount Vernon, and congregate and be able to on the mythical side of herb- unconventional atmosphere of know, on the unusual side,” he
donned a silver-colored vest learn from one another.” alism, “You cannot...have pure the interior, ref lects the shop- said, “but this is certainly not
and suit pants when he greet- Using a combination of tra- science without the psycho- keeper’s passion for his trade. just a place for me. It’s a place
ed me at his shop last Friday ditional Chinese, Ayurvedic spiritual element,” he said. “It “It’s just who I am,” Kuhn said. for everyone.
at noon. His bowler hat hung and Western medicinal prac-
on the wall next to a tower- tices, the shop seeks to treat
ing stretch of shelves filled any illness or imbalance that
with dried plants behind the customers might experience.
counter. Below it was an in- Keeping with the turn-of-the-
fusion of herbs hovering over century apothecary aesthetic
a heated boiling f lask. The of the store, Kuhn has cus-
low-lit room, decorated with tomers sign a logbook before
wooden accents, masks and they purchase any product.
animal skulls, was even more After the interview, I jotted
striking than the bright red down my name at the top of a
door which opened into the fresh page using a dip pen and
store. It is out of this space, ink stand before purchasing
previously vacant for roughly an ounce of ground echinacea
30 years, that Kuhn operates root to treat my case of the Ke-
as the store’s herbalist, which nyon Krud.
opened its doors at the end of Although Kuhn does not
last month. specialize in treating any
Kuhn and his wife, Rebecca specific ailment, he empha-
Wentworth-Kuhn, an execu- sized that he pays attention
tive assistant at the College, on treating “the whole self,
opened the shop as a result not just the symptoms.” This
of their increased interest in approach values the mind as
herbalism. The two moved well as the body. Kuhn and his
to Ohio from North Caro- wife conveyed this approach at
lina nine years ago to pursue the Cox Health and Counsel-
sustainable agriculture. Over ing Center in 2018, when they
the time, Bailiwick Farm be- hosted a “tea therapy” event to
came more and more focused help students practice mind-
on herbalism. After a while, fulness.
the couple felt that they had In addition to selling
gathered enough experience ground roots and tea blends
to start up a shop. “We want for boosting various body Josh Kuhn orgainzes his inventory. Kuhn and his wife opened the shop last month. | DORA SEGALL
l ass
C ash
Cl Com
pi l e d by
Jac k so n Wa
ld Senior Class Total:
5
Junior Class Total:
7
Sophomore Class Total:
4
First -Year Class Total:
3
Answer Tracey Thompson ‘20 Cameron Henn ‘21 Oliver Pearson ‘22 Aidan Biglow ‘23
Who is the most followed person
on Instagram? Cristiano Ronaldo Myself Cristiano Ronaldo Kim Kardashian The Rock
What show won the award for
Outstanding Drama Series at Game of Thrones Game of Thrones Game of Thrones Euphoria Game of Thrones
the Emmy awards this week?
What is the Rotten Tomatoes
score of Josh Radnor’s ’96 70 percent 32 percent 30 percent 87 percent 84 percent
movie about Kenyon, Liberal
Arts (± 5 percent)?
Which Mod houses the
Mod C Chilitos Study Space Mod B Mod C Mod A
archive room?
Weekly Scores 1 2 1 1
6
Thursday, Sept. 26 | kenyoncollegian.com
Men line up in preparation for the Rush to begin. The class able to put the most hands on the cane won the event. | GREENSLADE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES
Cane Rush: a retired first-year and sophomore competition
JACKSON WALD sing “There is a Hell for Freshmen” the present system of the Cane Rush bers of their class kidnapped by the Committee implemented a rule that
FEATURES EDITOR
while crawling on their knees in a seemed almost impractical.” What sophomores, hid in an abandoned the Cane must begin in the center of
According to the November 12, line directly outside Old Kenyon once was under 50 students battling log cabin on Hazel Dell road across the field, rather than starting in the
1947 edition of the Kenyon Colle- Hall—would be lifted. for the cane had become an unten- the Kokosing River the night before possession of the first-year class.
gian, the annual Cane Rush began In the early stages of the Cane able 70. the Cane Rush. The Cane Rush continued on as
with “a shot, a cry of ‘Banzai!’ [and] a Rush, there was a hide-and-seek The Committee proposed a se- According to the Collegian, the a tradition well into the 1950s and
trample of feet.” The Cane Rush—a game the night prior to the event. ries of changes. However, two new, junior class provided the first years 1960s, until it was downgraded
fierce competition between the first- If a member of either class was cap- major rules were emphasized: the “provisions” and gave them ad- from annual to an occasional event,
year and sophomore classes—was a tured, they would not be able to par- cane was now not allowed to touch vice in preparation for the follow- with the last reported Rush taking
highly anticipated event at Kenyon ticipate in the Rush. the ground, and the system of ing day’s event. The sophomores, place in 1966.
for over 70 years. This was evident in Kenyon’s counting the amount of hands on who searched for the first years as a As its days of being marched and
While the rules and regulations first official Cane Rush in 1897. Ac- the cane was to be retired. group, got within a quarter of a mile paraded down Middle Path are over,
of the Cane Rush were amended cording to the November 1897 edi- Instead, each class was now re- of the cabin; yet, they could not lo- the very cane that many generations
throughout its existence, the general tion of the Collegian, a sophomore quired to “have the cane beyond a cate the hiding men. of students risked the fear of be-
principle of the sport was as follows: who wandered away from his class certain line after the expiration of The next day, then College Presi- ing kidnapped or injured now rests
According to Kenyon College: Its before the Rush was “promptly ten minutes,” in order to win. The dent William Foster Peirce pre- in the Kenyon College Archives.
Third Half Century by former Col- seized and tied and conducted to the Committee also stated that “cleated sented the first years with the cane, Across the exterior of the cane are,
lege archivist Thomas Boardman woods about three miles away from shoes … clubs, rocks … eggs, [and] and the Rush began. At the end of in numerical order, are engravings
Greenslade ’31, a single wooden college, where he was bound to a flour,” were all banned from use in the 10-minute match, the Collegian of the (post-1900) years the Cane
cane was placed on either the lawn tree and left to meditate in his folly.” the Rush. reported that the cane “lay almost Rush took place.
north of Ascension Hall or in the The first-years, who outnum- The 1907 Cane Rush, now with outside the sophomores’ territory, This single cane survives as the
middle of the former Benson Foot- bered the sophomores by almost a a totally new assortment of rules, giving the victory to the entering last physical manifestation of a half-
ball Field during halftime of a game. two-to-one margin in 1897, lost the was an epic battle between the two [first-year] class.” century’s worth of bloody, restless
The sophomore and first-year Rush in 13 minutes. They allowed classes. The entire first-year class, in In 1909, even more changes were battles between the first-year and
classes would then line up at op- the sophomores to push the cane an attempt to not have any mem- put into place, as the Cane Rush sophomore classes.
posite ends of the field and wait for over a fence between Ascension Hall
a signal notifying them it was time and Hubbard Hall (the library at the
to sprint towards the cane. Once the time), which, at that point, was the
signal was given, the class that was criteria for victory. The first years,
able to put the most hands on the who were noted as taking their
cane was deemed victorious. defeat “gracefully,” celebrated the
Greenslade notes that one of the sophomores’ victory by building
most popular methods for main- them a bonfire.
taining control of the cane was The Cane Rush was revised mas-
having the first person to reach it, sively twice, in 1907 and 1909. In
“throw it backwards over his head 1907, the Cane Rush Committee
to the other members of his class, published a column in the Collegian
who would immediately fall on it in acknowledging that the Cane Rush
a pile.” needed major, systematic changes
The first-year class had the most in order to remain a practiced tradi-
to gain from winning the Rush. If tion.
From left to right: a class prepares to
they were victorious, certain restric- The Committee noted that “for sprint, men fighting for the cane, and
tions they faced—such as manda- the past two or three years the en- President William Foster Peirce posing
tory leapfrogging over the Middle tering classes at Kenyon have in- before the Rush begins. | GREENSLADE
Path gates and being required to creased in size to such an extent that SPECIAL COLLECTIONS & ARCHIVES
Thursday, Sept. 26
ARTS kenyoncollegian.com 7
Mile$ and Hoolian fuse hip-hop, R&B and jazz at Kenyon
Hoolian, left, sings vocals and plays guitar while Mile$, below, produces the instrumentals and DJs at a house show. The duo were joined by Max Lax, right. | BEN NUTTER
GRACE KORTHUIS When Shaw started at Kenyon own musicians, but since the inspired, but Shaw added that he
STAFF WRITER as a first year, he was a trombon- year started, I’ve been support- is also influenced by R&B, jazz
ist for the Kenyon Jazz Ensemble. ing Julian’s solo material as his and Brazilian styles of music.
As musicians, Kenyon se- Shebar wasn’t directly involved DJ,” Shebar said “We’ve worked Shebar and Shaw are always
niors Mile$ and Hoolian (Miles with any music program at Ke- together in the past on instru- striving to experiment and try
Shebar ’20 and Julian Shaw ’20) nyon, but he was quickly drawn mentals and we’ve been working new styles, but they still draw
draw inspiration from a variety into the music scene on cam- together since freshman year in from their past experiences. “I
of genres, blending them to de- pus. “We made some goofy rap general. We don’t always come think that playing in a jazz band,
velop a unique style of sound. songs in my Lewis dorm room,” as a package. He sings and plays or really any band, orchestral or
The music they create ranges said Shebar. “I went to the first guitar and produces. I produce jazz … with a bunch of people
from transient and dreamlike Horn open mic and just played a and mix and master and DJ.” who are playing different parts,
to energetic and dynamic. They set of the things I’d been work- Shaw describes himself as you start to realize how they
each produce their own music in ing on in high school and over both a producer and a songwrit- weave together. It gives you an
addition to collaborative work. the summer.” Over the course of er. He likes for his music to tran- ear for arrangement,” said Shaw.
Shaw and Shebar met each their first year at Kenyon, both sition from an ambient sound Music is an important part of
other before coming to Kenyon, Shebar and Shaw began experi- into something more melodic. life at Kenyon for Shaw and She-
during a visitation weekend. menting with the production For Shaw, the draw of produc- bar. They both plan to continue samples to create a surreal ener-
Shaw saw Shebar wearing a Fool’s side of music. tion and mixing is the ability to pursuing music in some form af- gy. Aside from frequent perfor-
Gold record label T-shirt and Now, as seniors, Shebar and control his own sounds and ef- ter they graduate. mances on campus, both Mile$
they began talking. They quickly Shaw continue to collaborate fects. Together, they cultivate a and Hoolian’s music are accessi-
realized that they shared similar and support each other’s musi- He and Shebar both charac- dynamic sound that utilizes a ble on Spotify, SoundCloud and
music tastes and interests. cal endeavors. “We are each our terized their music as hip-hop- combination of instruments and Apple Music.
Film series brings the voice of First Nations to Gund Gallery
FRED GIRON-GIESSEN
the indelible impact of Shawnee guitarist these movies are significant in the context their role is left in the dark. The next upcom-
STAFF WRITER Link Wray and his 1958 song “RUMBLE.” of the recent Keystone XL Pipeline protests, ing movies will be at 3 p.m. on October 26,
Iggy Pop cited Link Wray as one of his rea- along with the possible desecration of sacred November 9 and December 7, all of which are
sons for becoming a musician, but Iggy, sites. The impact of Native Americans is ubiq- Saturdays.
RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the along with many others, claimed to not have uitous to this day, yet, as shown by RUMBLE,
World, written and directed by Catherin known that he was of Indigenous roots. De-
Bainbridge, was the powerful kickoff to Ke- scendents of Wray spoke about his run-ins Paid Advertisement
nyon’s first ever First Nations Film Series. In with the Klu Klux Klan, which prompted
partnership with the Office of Diversity, Eq- him to hide from the Klan in his house. The
The Gambier House Bed and Breakfast
uity and Inclusion (ODEI), the Gund Gallery hour and forty-three minutes of RUMBLE is
will screen four films that recognize the im- tastefully informative and plot-driven.
pact Native Americans have on the United This film reinforces the fact that many
States today. Three Gund Gallery Associates people are not aware of the lineage of well-
- Ashley Li ’22, Pearson Hague ’22 and Adam known artists and influencers. RUMBLE
Mirah ’23–spoke about how the film series brings to light the many musicians who have
was significant to them, despite having no had a huge impact on the industry, yet whose
known Native American ancestry. ancestry goes overlooked. The band Red-
“There are so many things in Ameri-
can culture nowadays that really had Native
bone, for example, who are known for their
song “Come and Get Your Love,” is com-
gambierhouse.com
American roots that we didn’t even know prised of four Native American musicians.
about ... It’s really cool to address that, and to Heralded Jimi Hendrix is also of indigenous
be able to respectfully and rightfully attribute
the things we have to the Natives,” Li said.
roots. He was quoted telling members of Red-
bone to “do the Indian thing,” advice which
740.427.2668
This statement encapsulates the idea behind they took, creating one of the most revered
the series: to give due credit to influential Na- songs of the 70s.
tive Americans. The First Nation Film Series did not get
Featuring interviews from moguls such as due publicity (only five people came to the
Martin Scorcese, Marky Ramone, Iggy Pop Saturday screening), but the films are free
and Quincy Jones, the film centers around and open to the public. The implications of8 Thursday, Sept. 26
ARTS kenyoncollegian.com
Exhibit in Horvitz Hall celebrates women artists at Kenyon
Studio art professors compile the work of 50 years of female artists at Kenyon into a book.
The alumnae artwork in A Celebration of 50 Years of Women Artists at Kenyon ranges from photography, to painting, sculpture, film and performance. | REID STAUTBERG
SYDNEY FALLON that accompany each art piece, said. The artists and writers son ’73, Carol Mitchell ’77, tion exemplifies the impor-
STAFF WRITER which were written by former were also each given a free copy Kathleen Elyse Stumbaugh ’11, tance of a diverse female pres-
art history majors. Art history of the book so that they could Kathy Halbower ’74, Mary De- ence in art. The passion of the
Horvitz Hall is currently professors, as well as Professors see their own work and admire fer ’14 and Emily Zeller ’08. The team of professors that created
home to “A Celebration of 50 Esslinger and Hackbardt, con- others’. This gift was made pos- display of the reproductions the display expresses the power
Years of Women Artists at Ke- tributed additional essays. sible through Kenyon’s Studio was up during graduation and of a diverse faculty’s presence.
“
nyon College,” an exhibition The addition of the essays to Art Mesaros Fund, a fund that remained over the summer, al- Professor Hackbardt spoke to
presented by the studio art de- the book cre- sponsors lowing prospective students to the importance of the female
partment. The display presents ated an op- events or see the pieces. faculty “giving their students a
reproductions of the works portunity for It’s not really programs While the primary goal of chance to imagine themselves
from a book designed by four the design held together featuring the display was to pay tribute in that position, or imagine
Kenyon studio art professors: and develop- thematically by gender, visiting art- to the influence of female art- themselves as a lifelong artist,
Claudia Esslinger, Ellen Shef- ment team to except that we’re work- ists as de- ists, womanhood is not a con- or imagine themselves going on
field, Emily Zeller and Mar- pair artists termined by sistent theme throughout the in art history.”
ing initially with female
cella Hackbardt. These profes- and art his- the studio works. “It’s not really held to- The reproductions celebrate
sors consulted with the Career tory majors. artists.” art profes- gether thematically by gender, the expanding presence of fe-
Development Office (CDO) to “They have Marcella Hackbardt, sors. except that we’re working ini- male art and the progress that
research and reach out to stu- these overlaps Professor of Art History After the tially with female artists,” said has been made in the last 50
dio art and art history alumni of interest and book was Professor Hackbardt. “Their years from that presence.
who were practicing artists. context in their art. Making the outlined, the department de- work is whatever it is … [with] The reproductions are cur-
The book was created as an matchups between the different cided to hold a reception to all kinds of themes.” The re- rently shown in the lobby of
effort to honor prolific artist artists was really fun, and [so present the display and honor productions included mediums Horvitz Hall. “A Celebration of
alumnae. “A Celebration of 50 was] getting a sense of the alum- the artists. Alumni artists pres- such as photography, painting, Women Artists at Kenyon Col-
Years of Women Artists at Ke- ni writers as well as the alumni ent at the presentation included printmaking, sculpture, film lege” is currently available for
nyon College” includes essays artists,” Professor Hackbardt Mia Halton ’73, Bonnie Levin- and performance. The collec- purchase at the Bookstore.
Night Music emulates the sounds of the revolutionary era
Ensemble performs on instruments that have not been widely used since the 18th century.
PAIGE KELLER lude and finishing the night with an curately recreated the sound that was saying that “the most important ele-
STAFF WRITER arrangement of the famous “Surprise” present during the 18th and early 19th ment of this is a rhetorical approach to
Symphony by Haydn. centuries. interpreting scores: all music conveys
This past Saturday, September 21, Between the pieces, certain mem- According to Reginald Sanders, pro- some kind of emotion, and it’s our job
“
the audience members of Rosse Hall bers discussed the specific period in- fessor of music, “The instruments were to make that apparent.”
were transported back to the 18th strument that they played since they the same ones Night Music focuses
century as the Philadelphia-based en- had not been widely used since the we had in the on this specific musical
semble Night Music performed a series 18th century. Zohn explained how late Baroque ... All music con- era because, according
of pieces from the revolutionary era his f lute was specific to that time pe- so there is a bit veys some kind to Lardin, “most of us
(1760-1825). The ensemble consisted riod because it was wooden and had of delicacy one of emotion, and it’s our job play a great deal of Ba-
of six professional musicians: a string less keys than modern f lutes. With might associ- roque music on histori-
quintet (two violins, a cello, a viola and the wooden f lute, one is able to create ate with this …
to make that apparent.” cal instruments, or cop-
a double bass) plus a solo f lute. Players a lighter sound which is more akin to there was a bit ies of them. We wanted
in the ensemble were Rebecca Harris the music of the revolutionary period. more finesse, Heather Miller Lardin, Night to explore later reper-
and Evan Few on violin, Daniel Elyar Additionally, Lardin explained how because it’s not Music Bassist tories ... We especially
on viola, Rebecca Humphrey on cel- her Viennese violone was a predeces- about power.” like the Revolutionary
lo, Steven Zohn on f lute and Heather sor to the bass. It has five strings and This delicacy was present throughout Era given the history of Philadelphia,
Miller Lardin on double bass. They frets like a guitar, and is tuned differ- the concert as all the performers tried our hometown.”
played three pieces, starting with a ently so that certain chords are easier to replicate the specific sound that was The concert featured impressive per-
quintet by Kraus arranged for six play- to produce. The use of these early in- so popular during the period. Lardin formances from all the players and as
ers, continuing with a viola and double struments helps immerse the listen- described how their ensemble main- the last note rang out over the audience,
bass duet by Dittersdorf as an inter- er in these pieces as the ensemble ac- tained 18th-century music techniques, the applause was deafening in response.Thursday, Sept. 26
OPINIONS kenyoncollegian.com 9
STAFF EDITORIAL In defense of popular music on a liberal arts
The time for
awareness has campus: Swift’s Lover can be considered art
ended, the time for GENEVIEVE HARDING
CONTRIBUTOR
music (if you don’t know the Icelan-
dic artist Ásgeir, you definitely need
Most aspects of everyday life and
relationships don’t push the enve-
action is now Music, in all its forms, is embed-
to), but it does not make me appre-
ciate the popular music that I listen
lope. They aren’t daring and Taylor
Swift (along with other popular art-
On Wednesday, the Cox Health and Counsel- ded into the culture of Kenyon, much to any less, and more often than not ists) artfully ref lects that. Popular
ing Center sponsored a display on Peirce lawn of like that of any other liberal arts col- I’ll choose to listen to the popular— music is popular because singing
backpacks of students who lost their lives to sui- lege—or any university, for that mat- or what I’ve heard some call “prod- along to the lyrics that simply de-
cide. The event, titled “Send Silence Packing” and ter. People are always listening to mu- uct”—music. I don’t think either of scribe the average moments of life
hosted by Active Minds, was aimed to increase sic on Middle Path, curating playlists them is more artful than the other. and turn them into something worth
awareness about mental health and suicide pre- for parties on the weekend or talking One of the critiques in the Sept. 5 making a song about is sometimes all
vention on campus. about shared tastes with a professor article about Taylor Swift’s Lover was you want when walking to class or
While the message this display aimed to con- to make a Thursday night seminar that the album never feels “daring”— unwinding with friends on a Friday
vey was powerful, we at the Collegian believe that more fun. Music bonds people, but but does music have to be “daring” night.
the problem on this campus is not awareness of there is a particular, almost snobbish or have a deep meaning to be good? Kenyon is a special place, filled
mental health issues. Following our campus’ loss attitude towards music on liberal arts Taylor Swift is the highest-paid fe- with people who push the status quo:
last semester, the entire student body knows too campuses, including Kenyon. male artist in the world; her music people who are intelligent, artistic
well the devastating effects of suicide. I first started thinking about this has touched millions of people across and daring. Middle Path is off the
If the problem were awareness, students would when reading Tommy Johnson’s ’20 various stages of life. Taylor Swift has beaten path, and it makes sense that
not react so viscerally to the sudden loss of coun- review of Taylor Swift’s new album a unique talent of being able to take the music students listen to would be
selors and changes in resources offered by the Lover in the Sept. 5 issue. Lover is the trivial and personal aspects of as well. However, to act as if popular
Counseling Center and its affiliated groups. The one of my favorite albums. I’ve had teenage and twenty-something rela- music is not art or to act as if your
problem is that the resources and programming it playing in my music rotation, some tionships and make them accessible music taste is superior misses the
the College provides — programs like “Send Si- days on repeat since it came out a to a wide audience (i.e., my father point of why music exists in the first
lence Packing”— are inadequate because, no mat- month ago. I am a fan of Ed Sheer- took me to see Taylor Swift’s Red con- place: to share experiences and bring
ter how well-intentioned, they are not the resourc- an’s No. 6 Collaborations album that cert in 2012 and knew all the words people together.
es students ask for. This display is just one example came out in July, and, like most of to “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Genevieve Harding '22 is a Reli-
of this ongoing phenomenon: The real problem is the population, I know every word Together”). In many ways, she legiti- gious Studies major from Columbus,
that the College is not listening to its student body. to Lizzo’s album Cuz I Love You. I do mizes the experiences of a coming- Ohio. You can contact her at hard-
For some, this display was very anxiety-induc- listen to more “artsy” and obscure of-age woman in the 21st century. ing1@kenyon.edu.
ing, especially because of its central location be-
tween Peirce and Middle Path. In a student-info
email, Director of the Cox Health and Counsel-
ing Center Chris Smith wrote, “You may avoid
traveling through the display by taking alterna-
tive paths and/or following the guidance of the
volunteers who will be on site.” But avoiding the
display was an impossible task. Assuming that a
student eats or goes to class, this display would be
unavoidable. The sign sitting just off Middle Path
suggesting that students “make an informed de-
cision” about their participation in the event was,
frankly, laughable.
Smith also wrote that “engaging with this ex-
hibit is voluntary.” Regardless of whether students
wanted to or not, the location forced students to
interact with the display as they walked to class,
Peirce or their dorms. If it were truly voluntary, it
would have been placed in a much more secluded
location. We feel this is inconsiderate to those who
struggle with mental health, as well as those who
know and support people who have lost their lives
to suicide.
Vice President of Student Affairs Meredith
Harper Bonham’s ’92 sent out a student-info email
Wednesday night in defense of the exhibit, a con-
ciliatory step. Though her defense neglected to
address the decision to place it in an unavoidable
location on campus, we are glad she is taking the
step to hear students today at Common Hour. We
implore you, if you find yourself with the time and
energy, to go and make your voice heard.
If “emotional health awareness and support
are a campus priority,” as Smith writes, then we
demand that the College provides us with more
support and resources. Do not take away the sup-
port systems that Peer Counselors provide to stu-
dents. Allocate your efforts to providing ample
resources to the student body who struggle with
mental illness, rather than spectacles like this.
ALEX GILKEY
Awareness is important, but not when it is forced
upon students in a manner that they did not ask
for. We can do better.
The staff editorial is written by Editor-in-Chief The opinions page is a space for members of the community to discuss issues relevant to the campus and the world at large. The opinions expressed on
Becca Foley ’20 and and Executive Director Tom- this page belong only to the writers. Columns and letters to the editors do not reflect the opinions of the Collegian staff. All members of the community are
welcome to express opinions through a letter to the editor.
my Johnson ’20. You can contact them at foley1@
kenyon.edu and johnson1@kenyon.edu, respec- The Kenyon Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters submitted for length and clarity. The Collegian cannot accept anonymous or pseudonymous
letters. Letters must be signed by individuals, not organizations, and must be 200 words or fewer. Letters must also be received no later than the Tuesday
tively. Editor-in-Chief Adam Schwager ’20 recused prior to publication. The Kenyon Collegian prints as many letters as possible each week subject to space, interest and appropriateness. Members of the
himself from this editorial due to his involvement in editorial board reserve the right to reject any submission. The views expressed in the paper do not necessarily reflect the views of Kenyon College.
writing the news article regarding the issue.You can also read
