Digital Kenyon: Research, Scholarship, and Creative Exchange
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Digital Kenyon: Research,
Scholarship, and Creative Exchange
The Kenyon Collegian Archives
4-4-2020
Kenyon Collegian - April 3, 2020
Follow this and additional works at: https://digital.kenyon.edu/collegian
Recommended Citation
"Kenyon Collegian - April 3, 2020" (2020). The Kenyon Collegian. 2522.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/collegian/2522
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the Archives at Digital Kenyon: Research, Scholarship, and
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ESTABLISHED 1856 April 3, 2020 Vol. CXLVII, No. 21
Faculty elect to move all classes to Pass/Fail with opt-in grades
EVEY WEISBLAT
SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
LINNEA MUMMA
NEWS ASSISTANT
After two hours of debate, over 140 faculty
members voted on Monday to update the Col-
lege’s grading policy to an opt-out Pass/Fail basis
for the remainder of the semester. In allowing
students to see their grades and then make the
choice of whether to keep them marked as Pass/
Fail (P/F), this solution accounts for all students:
those who need their grades, as well as those
who feel that remote learning will not be repre-
sentative of their work as a student.
This decision differs from the initial updat-
ed grading policy announced the week before,
which stated that students had until May 1 to
change their courses to Pass/D/Fail. With the
exception of seniors, who must decide whether
to keep their grades by May 26, students can
now uncover their hidden grades at any point in
their Kenyon career.
“We hope that this policy allows for students
to find the right way to finish the semester as
successfully as possible,” Dean of Academic Ad-
vising Thomas Hawks said. “It’s a compromise
that allows for students to find the best grading
option for themselves.”
This decision came after three consecutive ANNMARIE MORRISON
faculty meetings on the issue and a lengthy letter
issued by the Black Student Union (BSU), which
advocated for a universal Credit/No Credit (CR/ grades for the semester. In this way, she said that, the pros and cons were laid out by various fac- corded as P or F.” Thus, students taking year-
NC) grading system for the semester. The letter, while she agreed with the premise of the petition ulty members, and we took a vote.” long classes can either uncover their grades for
circulated as an email among the senior class — that “grades should mean nothing for the se- Hawks agreed, saying that the debate reflect- the year, or keep both their fall letter grades and
minutes before it was published in the Collegian mester” — she was worried about the detrimen- ed careful consideration on all sides for the mul- their spring grades as P/F.
last Friday, stated that the College’s chosen grad- tal effects such a policy could have on her and tiple variables at play. The student body has generally expressed
ing policies were not equitable and inclusive to others in similar situations. “I do think it was a healthy debate, and re- positive reactions to the new policy, which they
all students during this time of unprecedented “I definitely need my GPA this semester for sulted in the faculty coming together in this feel better reflects the concerns of all students in
crisis, and that the only solution was to move grad school,” Shaikh said in an interview with policy that dealt with the concerns about access their various backgrounds and circumstances.
classes to CR/NC for the remainder of the se- the Collegian. “I was so stressed out when I first and equity and tried to balance that against the After a meeting with FiGLI, Cortney John-
mester. got that email.” need for students to have grades in some class- son ’21, an executive board member of the group,
“Fundamentally, college is an inequitable in- Additionally, the members of First Gen- es,” Hawks said. “I think in the end it was a com- spoke to the Collegian over the phone.
stitution –– students come from incredibly di- eration and Low-Income Students (FiGLI) ex- promised position that tried to balance a lot of “Overall, we appreciated the consideration
verse backgrounds, varying levels of prior edu- pressed their concerns over the blanket CR/NC competing demands in a way that was best for that the faculty has put into reaching the current
cation and vastly different home lives,” the letter policy, stating that although they appreciated students.” decision so far. We thought that it was pretty fair,
read. “In participating in the ‘distance learning’ the petition sent out by the BSU, they felt that The new grading policy, which Hawks says and a lot less stigmatizing than the previous op-
model, even the most well-equipped students the universal CR/NC option would be more of is final, states that all courses where a student tion,” Johnson said.
have struggled to adjust.” a hindrance to low-income students than an ad- receives a D- or higher will be recorded as a P Teddy Hannah-Drullard ’20, a member of
While the letter and its accompanying peti- vantage. on their transcript. At the end of the semester, the BSU, agreed with Johnson. “This change will
tion were met with mixed reactions from stu- “Some students who receive financial aid students will receive a list of their grades from be a big relief for people, but I’m hoping faculty
dents — many of whom felt scrapping grades en- from Kenyon, as well as external scholarships, the registrar, from which point they can decide will still be willing to put forward extra leniency
tirely would hinder their future career prospects must meet certain GPA requirements to main- whether or not to uncover the grades on their so that students who want or need grades, but
or ability to get into graduate programs — both tain these sources of crucial financial support,” transcripts or keep them as P/F. While the reg- who are currently faced with a severe lack of re-
Hawks and Provost Joseph Klesner emphasized the email stated. “In a similar vein, many low istrar will not send out official progress reports sources, can still get the grades they would have
its importance in sparking a conversation that income/first-gen students rely heavily upon the on grades, Klesner says students wishing to gotten on campus,” they wrote.
ultimately resulted in the College’s final decision. quality of their grades as a representation of their see their grades before the end of the semester With these issues comes a term Johnson
“The petition raised really important issues abilities, seeing as unpaid internships, connec- should consult professors on an individual basis. coined: “socially aware pedagogy.” She expressed
about equity and access,” Hawks said. “At the tions, and a variety of other opportunities that According to a news bulletin sent out Tues- that the members of FiGLI would like professors
same time, we also received emails from other make a competitive post-graduate are often un- day, in classes where “a letter grade is not an to be made aware of the unprecedented circum-
students who were concerned that a universal available to them.” appropriate system for evaluating student per- stances on an individual level and ensure that
CR/NC system was going to disadvantage them After an outpouring of criticism from stu- formance, faculty may choose to change their their syllabi are revised to meet the needs of all
in some way and interfere with what they saw as dents, the faculty concluded that a vote was nec- courses to CR/NC by petition to the Curricu- students.
equity and fair access to their classes. Those stu- essary. At the faculty meeting on Monday, they lar Policy Committee.” Finally, non-seniors will “One thing that we’d like to see would be
dents represented a broad range of demograph- voted against the CR/NC system and instead have to notify the Office of the Registrar by April a concrete plan for regulating course policies,
ics: a broad range of classes, backgrounds. There used the points raised by the BSU to help them 15 of their graduating year if they wish to un- which we understand may require the professors
was a really smart and useful discussion that stu- determine the final policy. cover P/F grades. This policy will also apply to to change the way that they typically do things,
dents were having amongst themselves that we “There were parallel discussions going on in off-campus study grades. Hawks also noted that but we think that these difficult times require
were let in on from time to time. All sides influ- the faculty around the time the BSU petition cir- the registrar will include an asterisk alongside all different and diverse solutions,” Johnson said.
enced what the faculty ultimately decided to do.” culated,” Klesner wrote in an email to the Col- spring 2020 transcripts that explains how grades “Basically, we would just be saying that while we
After reading the letter, Armiya “A” Shaikh legian. “It was a democratically-made decision -- were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. think that the decisions made by the faculty are
’21 sent an email to the BSU, describing how the the proposal was made (after careful vetting by Additionally, in yearlong courses, grades great, we would like to ensure that professors are
challenges she faced in her first few semesters at the Chair of Faculty and members of the Faculty from the fall semester will “convert to the grade being held accountable in making their learning
Kenyon had made it essential for her to receive Executive Committee to improve its language), received at the end of the course and will be re- spaces inclusive.”
2
Friday, April 3 | kenyoncollegian.com
As students vacate dorms, Kenyon issues grants and refunds
ADAM SCHWAGER refund or grant. For return- and that seniors will have the refund, the College will be including tuition reimburse-
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ing students—with certain refund sent with their deposit awarding grants towards liv- ment and taking care of part-
exceptions—the reimburse- refund check in midsummer. ing expenses for those stu- time and student-employees,
As the Kenyon communi- ment amount can either be The refund credit should ap- dents while the school is Decatur isn’t worried about
ty continues to adjust to the carried over into the fall 2020 pear on the next billing state- closed. long-term stability for the
new normal of the COVID-19 semester, or families can re- ment, which will be released “If your financial aid cov- College.
pandemic, one major issue ceive a refund check mailed on April 15. ers the room and board ex- “We actually feel like we’ve
the College has recently ad- to the billing address made Families will also have the pense, then we don’t call it had a good financial plan to
dressed is potential refunds out in the student’s name. option to donate their tuition a refund because it’s not re- weather through the semes-
or grants for the seven weeks As for seniors, they will re- refund to the College. Parents ally the same as a refund— ter,” Decatur said. “Our gen-
of unused room and board ceive the refund as a part of wishing to do so should con- because it’s not that you’re eral approach has been that
fees. According to Vice Presi- their enrollment deposit re- tact Director of Parent Giv- refunding money that way,” we want to support people
dent for Finance Todd Bur- fund check in midsummer, ing Anne Ellsworth ’04 (ells- President Sean Decatur told as much as possible and that
son, students will have three also made out in the student’s wortha@kenyon.edu). the Collegian. “But there is means probably having less
options for how to receive this name. While no official dollar a grant of funds that recog- stuff … I think the refunds
On Monday, amount has been determined nizes that [for] students who were the right thing to do, I
March 30, Burson yet, many of the reimburse- have their room and board think the grants for students
sent an email to stu- ments will be handled on a covered, it’s covered because who don’t get refunds is the
dents and guardians case-by-case basis due to ex- they have a financial need right thing to do; continuing
listing the three op- tenuating factors that would that covers housing and food student employment, I think,
tions and asking change the refund amount. expenses. So the grant is in- is just the right thing to do.”
the tuition handler Some of these factors in- tended to help support
to complete a form clude whether the student the housing and
by April 6 indi- was studying abroad and the food expens-
cating their details of their program (i.e., es that one
choice. If how long the student had re- may have
the form is maining in the program) and even though
not com- whether or not the student they’re not
pleted, the was on need-based financial here.”
College will aid that covered some portion Despite
assume that of room and board. implement-
non-seniors While those who were on ing these
will have need-based financial aid that many new
their refund covered a portion or the en- measures
used for next tirety of room and board will relating to
fall’s tuition, not be eligible to receive a COVID-19,
ANNMARIE MORRISON
How should Kenyon students fill out the US Census?
According to the Census website, “College students who live away from
home should be counted at the on- or off-campus residence where they
live and sleep most of the time, even if they are at home on April 1, 2020.”
The online form for the Census is here:
https://my2020census.gov/
Your Kenyon dorm address can be found here:
https://www.kenyon.edu/virtual-tour/building-list/all/
When it asks for a Census ID, just click below, “If you do not have a Census ID, click
here.”
Editors-in-Chief Becca Foley, Photography Editors Sara Haleblian, Advertising and Subscriptions
Adam Schwager Reid Stautberg
Executive Director Tommy Johnson News Assistant Linnea Mumma Advertisers should contact the Collegian’s Executive Director via e-mail at
Senior News Editor Evey Weisblat Arts Assistant Stephanie DeGnore
News Editor Ronan Elliott Opinions Assistants Salvatore Macchione, ads @kenyoncollegian.com for current rates and further information. All materials should be
Features Editors Ariella Kissin, Jackson Lucy White sent to Executive Director, The Kenyon Collegian, P.O. Box 832, Gambier, OH 43022.
Wald Sports Assistants Sydney Schulman Yearly subscriptions to The Kenyon Collegian are available for $50. Checks should be made
Arts Editors Mikayla Connolly, Fred Chief Copy Editor Andy Kelleher payable to The Kenyon Collegian and directed to the Editors-in-Chief. Contact subscriptions@
Giron-Giessen Associate Copy Editor Adam Samet kenyoncollegian.com.
Opinions Editors Milo Levine, Mia Social Media Director Annmarie
Sherin Morrison
Sports Editors Jordy Fee-Platt, Jackson Cartoonist Alex Gilkey Office: 214 N. Acland Street
Wald, Joe Wint Advisor Emeritus P. F. Kluge Mailing address: The Kenyon Collegian, Student Activities Center, Gambier, OH 43022.
Staff Advisor Kurt Pyle Business address: P.O. Box 832, Gambier, OH, 43022.
E-mail address: collegian@kenyon.edu, kenyoncollegian@gmail.com
Friday, April 3
FEATURES kenyoncollegian.com 3
Left: An empty Old Side. Students are forbidden from dining in Peirce during the pandemic. Right: Old Kenyon is largely empty as few students remain. | NIKKI ANDERSON
Amidst coronavirus, Kenyon feels like anything but home
ARIELLA KISSIN they found out about the extra week of spring Bookstore: While returning her rental books, which had closed for a short period of time,
FEATURES EDITOR break, but the general reaction quickly shifted she noticed that deliveries had arrived at the plans to reopen in a few days. Zheng explained
after more news updates. Bookstore, but new instructions made it confus- that remaining students who plan to access the
We’ve all made adjustments to our lives “There’s this overwhelming feeling that peo- ing for both the cashier and delivery employee Village Market in the coming weeks can expect
in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ple want to come back here,” she said. “We don’t to interact. to be given $20 coupons for their purchases.
those on the Hill are no exception. While classes leave breaks expecting to be gone for more than Zheng echoed this sentiment of uncertainty As Zheng remains on campus, she has said
are continuing online for the rest of the spring two weeks.” At that point, students who were on on campus. Despite careful social distancing goodbye to many friends who returned home.
semester, some students remain in Gambier, campus were required to fill out a petition form measures, the Bookstore recently closed, she “As my friends returned to China or other
watching changes to the campus unfold first online describing their circumstances for wish- wrote in an email to the Collegian. countries, I just can’t help worrying about their
hand. Vibrant and lively just a few weeks ago, ing to remain there. The Bookstore isn’t the only building that has health,” Zheng wrote. “Checking in with them
Kenyon has since become a ghost town. Social Both Kurra and Stewart emphasized how closed indefinitely. Most buildings on campus is now part of my routines. When they’re asleep
distancing practices and changes to multiple emotional the energy on campus became. have closed their doors, including the Library somewhere miles away, I find myself speechless.”
operations on campus have shifted the familiar “There were a lot of goodbyes,” Stewart said. buildings and Wiggin Street Coffee. Students There is no denying that Kenyon’s campus
spirit that many of us associate with Kenyon. “As a senior,” Kurra added, “I’m not getting have access to the North study space next to the is lonely in these strange and trying times. It is
Vahni Kurra ’20 isn’t currently on campus, any closure.” Gambier Deli, but only for printer usage. easy in a time of social distancing for students
but was in Gambier during the second week of Kurra was taken aback by the rapid chang- Currently, due to the many closures, Zheng in Gambier’s already remote location to feel even
spring break. At the time, classes were expected es that seemed to occur overnight on campus. spends most of her time in her dorm room. more isolated. Despite the solitude, however,
to resume after break and the news of semester- New social distancing practices began in the “I have lost my place to read books and do re- there is a feeling of “warmth that comes from
long remote learning hadn’t yet reached the Ke- College Bookstore during the extended week search,” Zheng wrote. people who stay,” according to Zheng. “Despite
nyon community. of spring break, where cashiers stopped taking One challenge remaining students face is the social distancing, I don’t think I lack communi-
When the information about the switch to student K-Cards in order to reduce risk of infec- uncertainty of relocating on campus. Zheng ex- cation with close friends.”
remote learning spread, Kurra recalled how tion. Anna Zheng ’23 remembers reading her pects to be moved out of Norton Residence Hall Even from a distance, compassion and
the energy on campus changed. “There was student ID number out loud instead. any day. “Specific instructions have not arrived,” kindness is as prevalent as ever. “Kenyon can
this silence that felt so heavy because we were For many students, going to the Bookstore she wrote. “I’m not sure when I need to pack up be a bit scary on a stormy night when nobody
all thinking the same thing,” she said of the became a surreal experience. and leave [my] quiet, well-decorated room.” is around,” Zheng admitted. “But I know there
students who opted to stay on campus during “There were six different signs that said, Concerns about communal dining have also are many people at Kenyon that care about me,
break. “The feeling was crushing,” she said. “For ‘do not touch the handles of the doors,’” Kur- prompted a series of changes in Peirce Dining like all of my professors, especially Professor
seniors, it was the last day that we spent on cam- ra recalled from her visit there to return rental Hall. The most recent one, according to Zheng, Mood, who left some pork at her porch swing
pus as students.” books. “There was also a barrier between the is that students have the opportunity to place last night.”
Many of the seniors who stayed in Gambier checkout counter and where you’d stand to grocery orders, starting next Thursday. For the Daily life on the Hill certainly looks and feels
over break had planned to work on their senior check out in order to keep a six-foot distance past week, Peirce had been offering to-go boxed different, but Zheng is one of many students
capstones. Sarah Stewart ’20, a senior studio art to the cashier.” This was one of many changes meals twice a day at restricted time intervals. who feels the community’s familiar compassion
major who stayed on campus during break, said that the College enacted in response to the CO- The dining timeframe is limited and con- during this difficult time.
that her senior capstone is due in April. VID-19 pandemic. flicts with her schedule, so Zheng opts for on- “I find it unbelievable to be treated with so
“I also work at the [College Township] Fire “It dawned on me then that it was really seri- line food shopping. She hasn’t been to the dining much respect and courtesy as a Chinese stu-
Department, so I was working a few shifts ous,” Kurra explained. “This place I called home hall since spring break. Her friends, who rely on dent,” wrote Zheng. “Especially during a pan-
[there],” she explained. According to Stewart, was alien and unknown. It felt so dystopian.” Peirce for their meals, have been satisfied with demic that instigates racism against Asians in
students on campus were initially excited when She remembered the frantic atmosphere in the the changes. Additionally, the Village Market, the United States.”
Left: The first-year quad, where Zheng resides currently. Right: A lonely Middle Path. Anyone on campus is recommended to walk six feet apart. | NIKKI ANDERSON
4
Friday, April 3
ARTS kenyoncollegian.com
Student performers keep the music alive with WKCO Fest
TOMMY JOHNSON to watch performances and that it was the proper choice since
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR other stations, labels and artists were moving their concerts to
Early April at Kenyon usually means sunglasses, shorts the platform.
and sunning on the South lawn. It means budding blooms The festival kicked off on Wednesday, April 1 with perfor-
and brisk mornings that melt into warm afternoons. For mances from Sleepy Jones, Organs, Day Moon and Harper’s
the past three years, April has also meant WKCO Fest. Ridge.
This April, with COVID-19 forcing the campus to close, For Perelman, day one of WKCO Fest was a success in
it seemed like students would miss seeing their talented terms of keeping the tradition alive and the community con-
friends perform and the studio would stay shuttered. How- nected. Mojares said in a message to the Collegian that she
ever, thanks to the hard work and dedication from the thought continuing the tradition was a good way to celebrate
WKCO staff, the live music and radio will go on. 50 years of WKCO.
Traditionally a daytime concert event with Old Kenyon “While this online format is not the same as a sunny day
as the backdrop, this year WKCO had to move its annual spent on South Quad with friends, the overwhelming support
festival to the virtual world. The WKCO (Remote) Fest be- and passion displayed by our Kenyon community has made
gan on April 1 on Instagram Live. There will be a total of this year’s festival equally meaningful for us at WKCO,” Perel-
four days of performances over the first two weeks of April. man wrote in a message to the Collegian.
As WKCO moved the festival off of South Quad and Perelman said that viewers made use of the comment fea-
into students’ electronic devices, Ross Feller, associate ture on the live streams to connect with friends over the mu-
professor of music, made sure that seven weeks of remote sic. He and two other members of WKCO’s management team
learning would not mean seven weeks of radio static. Feller’s Zoomed together while they watched one of the sets.
show, “Live from Gambier,” will in fact be live on WKCO According to Mojares, the digital space actually opened
on Thursdays at 10 p.m. EST. Feller has long been a host on the door to performers who would not have been able to be on
the station but rather than his traditional mix of music and campus: some students who were abroad and one incoming
talk, he has much more of a variety-show feel in mind. In an student are slated to perform over the course of the four day
email to the Collegian he talked about his sources of inspira- festival.
tion for the new program. On the same night that friends gathered in the digital
“The first thing I thought about was wartime radio pro- sphere to listen to student performers, Feller sent an email to
grams,” Feller wrote in regards to sources of inspiration, the student body announcing his show “Live from Gambier,”
though he added that the show will take different forms de- premiering on April 2 and running on Thursdays at 10 p.m.
pending on the week. He will be making use of the WKCO According to his email, the show will feature not just music but
studio each week armed with paper towels and a can of dis- a grab bag of other things, including cures for cabin fever, an
infectant. interview with Moxie—Kenyon’s divisive campus mascot—
While Feller sets up shop in the otherwise vacant studio, and “curious texts.”
the station’s student performers will be setting up makeshift Feller wrote to the Collegian that radio can ease the hard-
stages from across the country. WKCO’s student managers, ship of the current moment by connecting people to a familiar
Andrew Perelman ’20 , Isa Mojares ’20, Russ Norowitz ’20, place.
Ben Weinman ’21 and Eric Schwartz ’21, announced via “Sound heals, it’s a proven fact,” he wrote. “And of course
email on March 29 that, rather than cancelling, they would music is the medium of emotion par excellence.”
be transitioning WKCO Fest, which had 18 student groups Perelman, who is taking an independent study with Feller,
slated to perform, to an online format. Citing the festival’s was very excited to hear about his professor’s show.
immense growth, both in terms of set list and student inter- “He has been so helpful and informative.” Perelman wrote.
est, they refused to let the virus get in the way of art. “He’s a stellar musician with great taste, highly recommend
“While this year will go slightly differently than we orig- tuning in!”
inally hoped, we have every bit of confidence that our com- Feller’s show can be caught at 10 p.m. on wkco91.9.org and
munity will tune in and be a part of another great WKCO the station’s SHOUTcast stream. WKCO Fest’s remaining
Two of the scheduled lineups for the digital WKCO four-day
Fest, together,” the managers wrote in the email. show dates are April 4, April 8 and April 12. The live stream, virtual music festival. The performances can be watched on
According to Perelman and Mojares, WKCO chose Ins- set lists and other updates can be found @WKCO919 on Ins- Instagram live @WKCO919. | COURTESY OF WKCO
tagram because they felt it would be the most accessible way tagram.
What Are We Doing website provides a forum for the arts
FREDRIKE GIRON-GIESSEN Estelle to see what their friends tuous present, Natalie and Es-
ARTS EDITOR are up to during quarantine. It’s telle don’t want it to be some-
also a unique opportunity to see thing with an expiration date.
In a fit of sadness and inspi- others’ artistic interpretation of The Bergers wrote of their plans
ration, Natalie Berger ’20 and the feelings quarantine instills. in an email to keep its original
her sister Estelle collaborated According to the duo, they purpose as a space to publish
to make the online art and lit began requesting submissions art and literature. “In a way,
magazine What Are We Do- from “talented friends, and the mindset that the quaran-
ing (whatarewedoing.space) as their friends and their friends,” tine elicits will likely transcend
a platform for friends and ac- which consists mostly of people the current moment. We want
quaintances to share content in their twenties. However, in to continue to capture the art
that will hopefully alleviate their Instagram bio (@whatare. and music and writing that peo-
some of the loneliness of quar- wedoing), they provide an email ple produce in the months and
antine. Natalie Berger is a cur- to which anyone can send their years to follow,” Natalie wrote.
The website’s logo. | COURTESY OF WHAT ARE WE DOING
rent senior at Kenyon, while Es- art, which will expand their They recognize the perpetual
telle is about to begin her Ph.D The rest of the What Are We piece lists the artist, their back- submission base. The Berg- impact this period will have
in psychology in the fall. Doing project is composed of ground, website and social me- ers alluded to a four-year-old’s on children, students and the
The Berger sisters, from artwork, music, recipes, writ- dia handle. paintings which will be fea- world, so the importance of cre-
Portland, Ore., take turns writ- ing and even film, which is cre- As a senior at Kenyon, Nata- tured in the online publication ative expression remains.
ing the newsletter section of atively displayed on the site. lie felt especially detached from soon. The comfort of recogniz- What Are We Doing not only
the website. They have pub- The layout of the website can her friends from school, who ing names of Kenyon students fills a portion of the large void of
lished two newsletters thus far: be attributed to Estelle, who is she won’t see next fall on cam- acts as social interaction (con- free time, but is a creative outlet
The first, which they co-wrote, “good with computers,” Natalie pus. “This website is really help- sidering the current standards). for the frustration of not being
clarifies the online maga- wrote in an email to the Colle- ing me feel connected to friends It serves as a reminder that the able to see friends and walk out-
zine’s purpose, and the second gian, “so that helps the site.” All and people who I haven’t spoken effort to quarantine is collab- side. Anyone can submit to the
is a creative piece in which Es- of the artwork is split into the to in a while,” she wrote. Not orative, just like What Are We online magazine through their
telle describes the construction three categories of “painting & only does it serve as a platform Doing. email submit2wrwd@gmail.
across the street and the works illustration,” “mixed media” for interaction, but also satiates Even though the website is com, and also browse the gal-
people submitted that week. and “photography,” and every a personal need for Natalie and certainly helpful for the tumul- lery at whatarewedoing.space.
Friday, April 3
OPINIONS kenyoncollegian.com 5
STAFF EDITORIAL
Administration deserves
praise for COVID-19 response
Over the past few weeks, the Kenyon administration has likely re-
ceived many emails from students, parents, alumni and staff regarding
these uncertain times in the midst of COVID-19. The Collegian editorial
board would like to commend the administration for their diligent, de-
tailed and timely updates, as well as their receptiveness to feedback from
the Kenyon community.
From the initial email stating that spring break would be extended,
the College never made their decisions too early. Rather, the administra-
tion has acted with patience, gravity and sensitivity from the start.
Of course, COVID-19 has imposed new and unexpected challenges
on every person and on every college and university in the country. But
when it comes to weathering the storm, sometimes it is easier to prioritize
gut instinct or self-interest over the well-being of the whole. In Kenyon’s
case, administrators have not only sought to ensure the long-term pres-
ervation of the College, but have acted with the utmost concern for the
school’s students, staff and the surrounding community.
In a period where so much hangs in the balance, the College has pro-
vided students and employees with a sense of security. The College is not
cutting its staff: It is guaranteeing pay to student workers, it is reimburs-
ing students for foregone room and board, it is giving grants to students ALEX GILKEY
whose financial aid covered room and board fees and it has mobilized re-
sources so that students can lean on the College for unforeseen financial,
technological or academic challenges.
Over the last couple of years, the Collegian and the student body have
criticized the administration for putting what appeared to be liability and
In both national and Student Council
financial concerns over student concerns. When we spoke to President
Decatur for this week’s issue, we asked what sort of financial impact these
decisions had on the College. After stating that the College would have a
elections, every vote is still important
balanced budget for this fiscal year, as it has for decades, with the money
saved on utilities and extraneous expenditures, President Decatur told us KATELYN SCHWARTZ termine the future path of our country. consider joining Every Vote Counts at
that finances are nonetheless secondary. He said that the College made CONTRIBUTOR The coronavirus pandemic is already Kenyon. Every Vote Counts is a non-
these decisions because they were the right thing to do. As people in lead- We are living in an unprecedented affecting this election and our voting partisan, national organization dedi-
ership roles across the country lament the economic toll of COVID-19, time; the world is radically changing process: around the country, the dates cated to increasing voter turnout and
blithely overlooking its immense human costs, it is an encouraging sign around us. Nonetheless, it is important of primaries have shifted, absentee vot- expanding voter access. At Kenyon,
for our president to exercise moral leadership. to vote in Kenyon College’s Student ing has extended and, in many states, we are working on initiatives specific
Additionally, the College has made promises that comfort students Council election. This year, Student in-person voting has been suspended. to our community, Knox County and
despite their loss of half of a semester on campus. It is going through with Council elections are being held on- Because the country is in a constant broader Ohio. This upcoming semes-
Honors Day, though in a different format, it has promised seniors an line. Most students are running un- state of flux, the voting process is also ter, we are looking to integrate voter
alternative Commencement and the faculty have worked to establish a opposed and there are no candidates constantly evolving. This may be det- registration into first-year orientation,
sense of normalcy in the (virtual) classroom. running for Building and Grounds rimental for next fall’s election, as citi- draw relevant speakers to campus to
Of course, the administration did not make its decisions in a vacu- Chairperson or Senior Class President. zens are uninformed or misinformed discuss issues such as gerrymandering
um. Student petitioning and emailing helped push the College to alter its Nevertheless, it remains vital that Ken- about their state’s primary dates. Thus, and Ohio voting legislation and, lastly,
plans for packing up rooms, to promise an alternative Commencement yon’s student body commits to voting it is our duty to educate ourselves, and ensure that all Kenyon students are
to the class of 2020 and to shift from an opt-in Pass/D/Fail policy to a in these elections. our communities, on primary vot- registered and eager to participate in
system of Pass/Fail with the option to reveal grades after the semester As our future becomes increasing- ing dates to ensure the welfare of our next year’s Presidential election.
concludes. ly uncertain, voting influences action national election. A resource that can This year, Every Vote Counts
As powerful actors in the lives of students, faculty and other staff and decision-making in our commu- help inform Kenyon students on state was working with Student Council
members, the administration must be held accountable for the choices nity. Voting motivates us to connect action and legislation in regards to to implement ranked-choice voting.
they make and, based on our in-depth coverage since the College first with each other, engage in dialogue upcoming primary contests is De- Ranked-choice voting is a more equita-
extended spring break for a week, we firmly believe the administration and ultimately come to a decision on mocracy Works (https://docs.google. ble electoral process, as it better reflects
has consistently acted with students’ best interest in mind. President De- what is fundamentally important to com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSpyg- both the majority of voters and the
catur has embodied this caring leadership. Not only has he maintained us. By voting in this upcoming Student b2nNuKfbSRvpd42UQ4QSqU1px- broad spectrum of voter preference. At
clear and direct lines of communication with the student body but he has Council election, you are asserting one Pey8gHqiiALJuqTcAzSZC_MJ- Kenyon, we hope that ranked-choice
also made sure to follow up when administrative moves chafed against of the few things that the coronavi- py30LQVDwFc_HqFE2Q1m5eekp/ voting will inspire more students to
students. He thoughtfully addressed the senior class after making the dif- rus pandemic cannot take away: your pubhtml?urp=gmail_link). Democra- run for Student Council in the future
ficult decision to shift to remote learning for the remainder of the semes- voice. Moreover, you are promoting a cy Works continuously revises its page and create a more diverse set of can-
ter. When billing invoices were mailed out just days after the pandemic broader political culture that encour- with state electoral and voting updates. didates. Though ranked-choice vot-
forced the campus to announce its closure, President Decatur immedi- ages civic engagement and voter par- Every Vote Counts at Kenyon is ing will not be applied in this election,
ately followed up with an apologetic email recognizing the insensitivity ticipation. Though your vote in Stu- dedicated to increasing voter participa- Every Vote Counts hopes to work with
of the timing. dent Council elections may not seem tion on all levels of government, rang- Student Council in the future to ensure
Of course there are still many challenges to overcome and much un- to carry much significance, we must ing from the Student Council election its application in next year’s election.
certainty surrounding the trajectory of the virus and the impact it will uphold our country’s democratic val- to the 2020 Presidential election. Ev- Lastly, Every Vote Counts encourages
have on next academic year. But Decatur and the College’s senior staff ues in this time of economic, social and ery Vote Counts has provided me, as students to vote in the Student Council
have inspired confidence that they will be able to rise to the occasion and political unpredictability. a member of the organization, the op- election, the voting for which will be-
handle these problems with grace and foresight, and be willing to fix any Your vote in Kenyon’s Student portunity and platform to discuss is- gin on April 6.
missteps they make along the way. Council election is just as meaningful to sues pertaining to voting, civic engage- Katelyn Schwartz ’21 is a political sci-
Leaders that act with clarity and compassion, with gravity and with the maintenance of democracy as your ment, and pro-voter legislation with ence major from New York, New York.
grace, are leaders that prove to be adaptable, innovative and willing to vote in next fall’s Presidential election. passionate peers. If you share an eager- You can contact her at schwartz2@ke-
admit to a mistake. In a time that has been marked by anxiety, panic and The upcoming 2020 election will de- ness to engage in these conversations, nyon.edu.
real despair, it is easy to be equivocal and irresolute, to shirk responsibility
and to follow the lead of others. We are lucky that Kenyon, our admin-
The opinions page is a space for members of the community to discuss issues relevant to the campus and the world at large.
istrators, and the community at large, have responded to troubled times The opinions expressed on this page belong only to the writers. Columns and letters to the editors do not reflect the opinions
with purposeful and empathetic leadership. of the Collegian staff. All members of the community are welcome to express opinions through a letter to the editor.
The staff editorial is written weekly by editors-in-chief Becca Foley The Kenyon Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters submitted for length and clarity. The Collegian cannot accept
’20 and Adam Schwager ’20 and executive director Tommy Johnson ’20. 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 prior to publication. The Kenyon Collegian prints as many letters
You can contact them at foley1@kenyon.edu, schwager1@kenyon.edu and as possible each week subject to space, interest and appropriateness. Members of the editorial board reserve the right to reject
johnson1@kenyon.edu, respectively. any submission. The views expressed in the paper do not necessarily reflect the views of Kenyon College.
6 Friday, April 3
SPORTS kenyoncollegian.com
Nfl 2020 mock draft JORDY FEE-PLATT, JACKSON WALD AND JOE WINT
SPORTS EDITORS
The NFL Draft is one of the most captivating and polarizing events of the NFL season. Each year, each
of the 32 teams get seven rounds to select from the best 254 players in college football.
Now, with the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, the Collegian’s three sports editors have decided
to create their own mock draft of the first 15 picks. We have also invited Andy Allison, the Lords offen-
sive coordinator, and Thomas Merkle ’20, the Lords’ starting quarterback and one of the most deco- ANNMARIE MORRISON
rated players in Kenyon football history, to contribute their own predictions as well.
The editors’ picks perts have voiced concerns about Bec-
ton’s lack of experience as a left tackle
dropping performance at last month’s
combine, recording a time of 4.39
burden on their young quarterback
Baker Mayfield. Cleveland added
classes we have ever seen.
13) San Francisco 49ers—CeeDee
1) Cincinnati Bengals—Joe Burrow, as well as his footwork, his upside is as seconds in the 40-yard dash. In 2019, offensive tackle Jack Conklin from Lamb, WR, University of Oklahoma
QB, Louisiana State University high as any player in the draft. Simmons made 104 tackles, 16.5 tack- the Titans to bolster a formerly very After a season in which the 49ers
Joe Burrow is the clear number- 5) Miami Dolphins - Tua Tago- les for loss, had eight sacks and three shaky offensive line in 2019. Drafting came just short of a title, San Fran-
one pick and best quarterback in this vailoa, QB, University of Alabama interceptions. Wills is the perfect next step for con- cisco is looking for the piece that will
year’s draft class. Burrow will imme- The Dolphins are looking for a 8) Arizona Cardinals—Tristan tinuing to improve the protection for get them over the hump. Lamb’s elu-
diately become the face of the fran- franchise quarterback, and arguably Wirfs, OT, University of Iowa their franchise quarterback. At 6 feet, siveness and speed makes him consis-
chise and look to right the ship of a have been since Dan Marino retired After completing a blockbuster 4 inches, and 315 pounds, Wills could tently capable of extending comple-
Bengals team that has not won a play- in 1999. Tagovailoa’s numbers with trade for All-Pro receiver DeAndre immediately slide in at left tackle on tions into chunk plays, which would
off game since 1991. the Crimson Tide speak for them- Hopkins, General Manager Steve Mayfield’s blind side. help ease the pressure on quarterback
2) Washington Redskins—Chase selves: In 2018, he led Alabama to the Keim and the Cardinals now end up 11) New York Jets—Andrew Thom- Jimmy Garoppolo.
Young, DE, Ohio State University National Championship, throwing with arguably the most physically as, OT, University of Georgia 14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers—
Clearly the best defensive player on for 38 touchdowns He followed up in gifted offensive linemen in the class, New General Manager Joe Doug- D’Andre Swift, RB, University of
the draft board, Chase Young is a sure 2019 with an equally impressive sea- tallying a sub-4.9 40-yard dash and las has shown he values offensive line- Georgia
thing at the number-two pick. Wash- son, throwing 33 touchdown passes 36-inch vertical at the NFL Combine. men after signing Connor McGovern, It’s a new era in Tampa Bay. Out
ington is in need of an edge rusher and just three interceptions before This mobility will be key with second- Alex Lewis, George Fant and Greg goes former first overall pick Jameis
and Young can make an immediate suffering his season-ending injury in year head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s Van Roten in free agency. However, Winston, who threw 30 interceptions
impact with All-Pro potential. Young week 10. unique college-style offense and will talent-wise, the group still leaves a last season, and in comes Tom Brady,
racked up 32 tackles and 16.5 sacks 6) LA Chargers—Justin Herbert, help quarterback Kyler Murray finally lot to be desired. That’s where Thom- perhaps the greatest quarterback to
last year at Ohio State, earning a place QB, University of Oregon get the protection he needs. as comes in. A three-year starter at ever play the game. While an offensive
on the Associated Press All-American The Phillip Rivers era is over. Now, 9) Jacksonville Jaguars—Derrick Georgia, Thomas was routinely grad- tackle is a pressing need, the Bucs elect
first-team roster. the Anthony Lynn-led Chargers will Brown, DT, Auburn University ed as the top offensive tackle in Pro to go with D’Andre Swift, an explosive
3) Detroit Lions—Jeff Okudah, CB, be quarterbacked by Justin Herbert, a Just two years removed from a Football Focus’ (PFF) college player back out of Georgia, who can beat de-
Ohio State University 6-foot-6-inch quarterback with a can- tight AFC Championship game in database. Thomas is a plug-and-play fenders in the run and pass game. The
The Lions are in dire need of a de- non for an arm. There are still ques- Foxborough, the Jaguars have com- left tackle and will be Sam Darnold’s Bucs offense, now boasting Brady,
fensive back, and Okudah is the con- tions about his ball security and deci- pletely dismantled their roster for a best friend every Sunday afternoon. Swift and the tandem of Mike Evans
sensus top cornerback in this year’s sion making, but with a supporting collection of high-stock draft picks. 12) Las Vegas Raiders—Henry Rug- and Chris Godwin, is going to give the
draft following a stellar 2019 season cast of Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry Weighing over 325 pounds, Der- gs III, WR, University of Alabama other 31 defenses in the league night-
with the Buckeyes. A unanimous and Mike Williams, Herbert will have rick Brown is the best run stopper in It’s no secret that the Raiders love mares.
first-team All-American, Okudah re- all the assets necessary to succeed. this year’s draft. His combination of speed. Henry Ruggs III has it, and 15) Denver Broncos—Jerry Jeudy,
corded two forced fumbles, three in- 7) Carolina Panthers—Isaiah Sim- quickness and power allows him to some. Tallying a 4.27-second 40-yard WR, University of Alabama
terceptions and nine passes defended, mons, LB, Clemson University easily slice through teams’ offensive dash at the NFL Combine, Ruggs will With the departure of Joe Flacco,
along with 28 solo tackles. Following the surprise retirement lines and force opposing teams to slide in nicely into a Raiders offense this marks the beginning of the Drew
4) New York Giants—Mekhi Bec- of Carolina’s All-Pro defensive leader double him. In 2019 Brown recorded that boasts Darren Waller, Josh Ja- Lock era at Mile High. The Broncos
ton, OT, University of Louisville Luke Kuechly, the Panthers will look 33 tackles, four sacks and two force cobs, Tyrell Williams and Derek Carr. will look to do everything they can
General manager Dave Gettle- to replenish their linebacking core fumbles for Auburn. Ruggs recorded 746 yards and seven to ease the pressure on their young
man will be too tempted to pass up and take Isaiah Simmons with the 10) Cleveland Browns—Jedrick touchdowns last year for Alabama. quarterback, and acquiring a highly
on Mekhi Becton, a mammoth of a seventh pick in this year’s draft. Sim- Wills, OT, University of Alabama He will be the first wide receiver off talented receiver is certainly a way to
man, standing at 6 feet, 7 inches tall mons is quite possibly the most versa- The Browns have spent their off- the board in what might possibly be do that. Jeudy will immediately pro-
and weighing 368 pounds. While ex- tile player available, putting on a jaw- season thus far looking to lessen the one of the strongest wide-receiver vide explosiveness to the offense.
Merkle’s picks 4) New York Giants—Isaiah Sim-
mons, LB, Clemson University
happen unless the Chargers get Cam
[Newton]...
their organization is… bad. Their OL
is scarce so they might as well add a
You can’t go wrong with any of
these top six through eight WRs, but
1) Cincinnati Bengals—Joe Burrow, Good enough player to be a num- 7) Carolina Panthers—Derrick top-10 pick to add depth. They have CeeDee is so fast for as big as he is. Get
QB, Louisiana State University ber-one pick most years. Would be the Brown, DT, Auburn University plenty of weapons elsewhere. him for Jimmy G.
All signs point to Burrow being a second defensive player off the board Just makes sense. 11) New York Jets—Javon Kinlaw, 14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Ken-
generational QB; can’t pass him up. if Lions didn’t need a CB. 8) Arizona Cardinals—Tristan DL, University of South Carolina neth Murray, LB, University of
2) Washington Redskins—Chase 5) Miami Dolphins—Tua Tago- Wirfs, OT, University of Louisville Jets could use OL but having him Oklahoma
Young, DE, Ohio State University vailoa, QB, University of Alabama Protect your franchise QB, Kyler on their roster will only help. As bad as the Bucs need depth at
Haskins is not the QB answer for I have no idea. Most signs are Murray. 12) Las Vegas Raiders—Jerry Jeudy, offensive line to keep Brady healthy,
the Redskins… but again, Young is pointing towards him going here. The 9) Jacksonville Jaguars—Jedrick WR, University of Alabama their defense has holes. Pick the best
too good for anyone to pass up. Redskins should maybe take him at Wills, OT, University of Alabama This is where the draft will start to available defensive player, this savage,
3) Detroit Lions—Jeff Okudah, CB, number two though. Protect Minshew!! get fun with all the WRs on the board. then pick an OL in the second round.
Ohio State University 6) Los Angeles Chargers—Justin 10) Cleveland Browns—Mekhi Bec- Jeudy looks to have the most promise 15) Denver Broncos—Henry Ruggs
Need a CB after trading Slay to the Herbert, QB, University of Oregon ton, OT, University of Louisville out of everyone. III, WR, University of Alabama
Eagles. Okudah is definitely the best Seems like Herbert would fit in in The Browns will continue to stink 13) San Francisco 49ers—CeeDee Get Drew Lock, a top-tier young
DB available. San Diego. I think this draft pick will regardless of who they pick because Lamb, WR, University of Alabama target.
Allison’s picks CB, Ohio State University
4) New York Giants— Jedrick
7) Carolina Panthers—Isaiah
Simmons, LB, Clemson Univer-
10) Cleveland Browns —Mekhi
Becton, OL, University of Louis-
13) San Francisco 49ers—CeeDee
Lamb, WR, University of Okla-
1) Cincinnati Bengals—Joe Bur- Wills, OT, University of Alabama sity ville homa
row, QB, Louisiana State Univer- 5) Miami Dolphins—Tua Tago- 8) Arizona Cardinals—C.J. Hen- 11) New York Jets —Tristan Wirfs, 14) Tampa Bay Buccaneers—An-
sity vailoa, QB, University of Alabama derson, CB, University of Florida OT, University of Iowa drew Thomas, OT, University of
2) Washington Redskins—Chase 6) Los Angeles Chargers—Jus- 9) Jacksonville Jaguars—Javon 12) Las Vegas Raiders—Jerry Georgia
Young, DE, Ohio State University tin Herbert, QB, University of Kinlaw, DT, University of South Jeudy, WR, University of Ala- 15) Denver Broncos—Henry Rug-
3) Detroit Lions—Jeff Okudah, Oregon Carolina bama gs III, WR, University of Alabama
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