In-person commencement celebrates resilient UHD 2020, 2021 graduates
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Student-run since Volume One
VOLUME 67
ISSUE 1
August 24, 2021
In-person commencement
celebrates resilient UHD
2020, 2021 graduates
BY CHRIS KEMP in-person commencement
ceremonies.
UHD Gators came to-
They were also more
gether with friends, family,
spread out than commence-
and faculty at NRG stadium
ments of times past, stream-
on Saturday, Aug. 14 for two
lined to minimize the risks
in-person commencement
associated with being in
ceremonies celebrating the
close proximity to unfamiliar
graduates of 2020’s spring,
vectors, and accompanied by
summer and fall semesters;
many hand sanitizer stations.
and spring 2021.
Beneath these surface
For many in attendance,
level changes was a famil-
this was the first time being
iar spirit of celebration; a
around so many fellow Gators
much-needed reprieve after
since the global pandemic
the years of hard work that
caused UHD, and much of the
precede any graduate’s cov-
rest of the world, to drasti-
eted walk across the stage.
cally change its operations
Several speakers congratulat-
in spring of 2020. The two
ed this season’s graduates
ceremonies marked the first Graduates from 2020 and 2021 kick off UHD’s first in-person ceremony since the
with uplifting remarks.
time since the pandemic that COVID-19 pandemic during the 70th commencement’s first of two ceremonies
UHD returned to holding CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 on Aug. 14, 2021. PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS KEMP
UHD’s largest chemistry classes extend
flexible lab curriculum, spark study
BY INDIRA ZALDIVAR Eszter Trufan, Ph.D., year just to see “if this was
When the COVID-19 associate professor of chem- even going to work.”
pandemic hit last spring, the istry; and Elene Bouhout- The flexibility offered by
UHD community was forced sos-Brown, Ph.D., chemistry the online laboratory cur-
to move to a fully-online lecturer, teamed up to devel- riculum has extended to the
mode of instruction. op an online laboratory cur- current fall semester with the
With chemistry classes riculum for UHD’s General in-person and hybrid mode
fundamentally dependent Chemistry 1 and 11 (CHEM also available.
on hands-on, face-to-face 1107 and 1108) courses. General Chemistry I lab
interaction, chemistry faculty The online laboratory is offered both in person and
members, had to be quick on curriculum debuted last sum- online with no cost resourc-
their feet and devise engag- mer implementing nonhaz- es; and General Chemistry II
ing ways to teach students ardous materials that are fre- lab is offered in person and
how to conduct at-home ex- quently used in a household in hybrid modality, of which
periments that would deliver and are free to affordable. only the hybrid option uses
a level of learning experience They co-taught the very no-cost resources.
Associate Professor Eszter Trufan, Ph.D., layers close to an in-person envi- first section of CHEM 1107 CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
the solutions. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube. ronment. in the July semester of last
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Gator Life..................................2
News...........................................6
Opinions.....................................9
Arts & Entertainment.............11
FIND US ONLINE!
COVID-19 threat 6 Vaccinations 9 Simone Biles 11
2 GATOR LIFE August 24, 2021
Flexible lab curriculum CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Trufan and recorded the demon- responded quite well, “guides the community
Bouhoutsos-Brown strations. Soon, all their and they submitted to perform every step,”
would like all UHD stu- video-recordings will some stellar work.” Trufan added.
dents to be aware that be Open Educational Riyasa Shrestha, “It led to a more
these options exist and Resources and “freely a junior majoring in meaningful, much
have the opportunity to available to everyone at chemistry with a con- deeper integration of
hear from their peers UHD and beyond.” centration in biochemis- everything that they
who completed these Together they try, took general Chem- were experiencing and
courses in the past year. designed the elaborate istry I taught by Trufan studying,” Trufan said.
No-cost resources prompts that follow a and Bouhoutsos-Brown Online labs also
include equipment and lab. These prompts get in summer 2020. eliminate the commute
chemicals that are pro- students to perform a “The affordable to school and extend the
vided to the students as variety of calculations experiment materials opportunity to “reach
a kit and a shopping list to document their own made my education a students who normally
of approximately $10 data collection, think lot easier as I didn’t would not be able to do
that includes things like about implications on have to stress over the the in-person courses.”
baking soda, a liter of both large and small cost of the materials,” Trufan and
vinegar, a pack of food scales, record observa- Shrestha said. “I also Bouhoutsos-Brown are
coloring, red cabbage, a tions, and think about liked that I could do the performing a “fairly
can of seltzer water. In what’s happening to experiment in my own rigorous” pilot study to
Trufan’s words: “small the elements within time, and also be able to look and evaluate how
items that you can pick the compounds as they complete them on time. well the students are At-home experiment of General Chem-
up from any grocery were transforming in Sometimes in person performing in at home istry 1 in the summer of 2020, displays
store.” the course of the experi- labs don’t have enough labs versus the in-per- late stage of decomposing baking soda to
“The main reason ments. time to collect all the son experiments. The grow stalactite and stalagmite.
why we were interested This online ap- data.” outcome of that study PHOTO CREDIT: RIYASA SHRESTHA
in incorporating these proach had never been Traditionally chem- will inform the depart-
materials in our labs is implemented at UHD istry labs are confined ment to decide if these Trufan and something to make that
to make the experience before. to two hours and 45 more flexible modali- Bouhoutsos-Brown decision just a little bit
of doing chemistry General Chemistry minutes. At home, ties should be offered will share the data from nuance not just ‘it’s
relatable,” she added. I and II are UHD’s larg- students could “let beyond next year. their study with the always been done this
Bouhoutsos-Brown est chemistry courses something sit for a cou- “Implementing department, UHD com- way, so let’s keep it this
came up with a list of with a combined aver- ple of days” and “then classes online should munity, and the Ameri- way.’”
ideas for the at-home, age enrollment of 300 observe it over time,” be an option,” Shrestha can Chemical Society. “I am super excited
online experiments. students per semester. Bouhoutsos-Brownson said. She would want Before the pandemic that students will be
Some of the list of “If we had not said. UHD to permanently hit, the ACS said only able to participate in the
at-home experiments done this, we could Online labs with- implement chemistry face-to-face courses study that we are doing
include extracting have compromised out group members courses both online and could be used to teach because they are going
calcium from eggshells, the education of over also lead students to face-to-face. chemistry. to make a difference,”
making a potato battery, 600 students in the last perform every step by “Personally, I’d like “We want to chal- Bouhoutsos-Brown
growing crystals, and year,” Trufan said. “We themselves or if with to take online classes lenge that a little bit... said. “They’re going to
electrolizing a red cab- didn’t know what to their families, they because I find that I can whether that is true have an impact, and I
bage solution. Trufan expect, but the students become the expert who manage time better.” or not,” Trufan said. think it’s really cool.”
“We want to contribute
At-home experiment displays the early stage of decomposing Late stage of decomposing baking soda to grow stalactite and
baking soda to grow stalactite and stalagmite. The liquid (sodium stalagmite at home. PHOTO CREDIT: RIYASA SHRESTHA
carbonate solution) was made by decomposing sodium bicar-
bonate (baking soda) at home. PHOTO CREDIT: RIYASA SHRESTHA
The University of Houston-Downtown
August 24, 2021 GATOR LIFE 3
Gators On-Campus Experience
welcomes new students
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
THE DATELINE
lanueva states that the
campus is packed with
On July 22, UHD hosted
resources and clubs, and
University of Houston-Downtown
“Gators On-Campus Experi-
organizations that students
ence,” one of the first live,
1 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
can partake in. His convin-
in-person, campus events
cing remark was when he
Office: S-260 Phone: 713.221.8275
since the COVID-19 pre-
said that the college tuition the world of social media.
dicament limited on-campus
editordatelinedowntown@gmail.com
was being used for all these Duvall is also the station
activity. Director of Student
resources, so essentially, manager for UHD’s radio
Life Eugene Bernard and
Interim Director of Student
Transition Programs Jordan
students are already paying
for it, so they might as well
station, iRadio, where this
assembly was broadcasted. Fall 2021 Staff
utilize them. The following speaker
Greene hosted the event.
The second person to engaged with the audience
As this was one of the Editor.............................................Indira Zaldivar
speak was Dean of Students was UHD alumni Eric
first events hosted in person Assistant Editor...............................Aansa Usmani
Meritza Tamez, Ph.D. She Contreras, Professional and
and on campus, it was proper Social Media Manager.......................Jema Pantoja
shared her story of being University Banking Consult-
to acknowledge COVID-19
a first-generation college ant for Truist Bank. Contre- Business Manager........................Ann M. Lummus
safety precautions. With the
student, stating that “it took ras introduced Truist Bank, Gator Life Section Editor..............Shaheryar Khan
rise of permissible indi-
an entire village,” to get her a new bank that will be the News Section Editor...........................Gean Garcia
viduals granted access to
to complete her bachelor’s sixth largest in the nation. Opinions Section Editor..............Ann M. Lummus
vaccines, many public spaces
degree. Her story aims at His following remarks A&E Section Editor......................Savannah Mims
in Texas do not require face
individuals who often do not were made to emphasize Faculty Advisor..........................Joe Sample, Ph.D.
masks. UHD has decided to
seek assistance when times monetary responsibility for
have face coverings optional
are tough. university students. One ma-
on campus. The triumphant
She described her time at jor thing to take away from
The Dateline is the official student newspaper of
duo of Bernard and Greene
college as a “pingpong ball,” Contreras’s presentation the University of Houston-Downtown. Since its first
then introduced the first issue in 1982, The Dateline is proud to be “Student
and when she had enough, was his appeal to students
speaker, none other than the
she sought out help. Tamez to graduate with the least Run since Volume One.” We strive to meet the needs
Vice President of Enrollment
emphasized that UHD is here amount of debt possible. of a growing university as well as the growing metro-
Management Daniel Villanu-
to help in any way possible The Gators On-Campus politan city that surrounds us.
eva,Ph.D.
and encourages everyone to Experience was near its end,
Villanueva welcomed the
room and introduced himself
seek assistance so that their
college experience can go
as the assembly concluded
with the introduction of a
Submission Policy
as a mirror reflection of the The Dateline staff consists of students from UHD
smoothly as hers did eventu- few campus organizations
audience, full of first-year who complete all tasks required to produce the news-
ally. Bernard then welcomed and clubs, as well as a group
students and transfer stu-
UHD’s “celebrities,” the next interaction of the famous paper, which serves all UHD campuses. The opinions
dents. He shared his personal
story from how he started
pair of speakers. “Gator Chant.” The event and commentaries expressed within reflect the views
Student Government As- ended with a campus tour, of the contributing writers. No opinions expressed in
“dirt poor” and his build-up
in education. He enlightened
sociation President Shamika as well as closing remarks at The Dateline reflect the viewpoints of UHD, its ad-
Jefferson and SGA Vice the gym. ministration, or students.
the audience with a couple of
President Michelle Duvall To view the entire broad- The Dateline reserves the right to edit or modify
pieces of advice for success.
emphasized that there are so cast of the live event, visit
“First thing no one will submissions for the sake of clarity, content, grammar,
many ways to get involved iRadio’s Instagram account
tell you is that earning a col- or space limitations. All submissions become property
with the Gator community. @uhdiradio, for more infor-
lege degree is difficult, but I of The Dateline and may not be returned.
They expressed the import- mation.
am here to tell you that what All paid writers must be currently enrolled stu-
ance of building relation-
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System prior to contributing.
students and transfer students Press releases, story ideas, news tips and sugges-
are taking is by no means tions are always welcomed. We encourage all students
a walk in the park. UHD is to contribute. Any student interested in joining The
known to be a university Dateline staff may request more detailed information
consisting of first-genera- sending an email to the editor Indira Zaldivar at edi-
tion college students, so this tordatelinedowntown@gmail.com.
was a remark many of the
individuals in the audience
needed to hear.
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Follow us on Social Media!
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Many students have the
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until they graduate. Vil-
Illustrations on this page are BY GEAN GARCIA
The University of Houston-Downtown
4 GATOR LIFE August 24, 2021
Faculty, Staff senates want flexible work policy, course modality
BY INDIRA ZALDIVAR 5 as the delta variant UHD President Loren fall semester.” cites how other Texas threat level,” the letter
increased hospitaliza- Blanchard on July 8 The recent letter universities have im- reads.
As COVID-19 cases
tions in Harris County. mentioned that for the asks that UHD allows plemented a work from At the time of this
in Harris County have
Statewide, COVID-19 fall semester, “approx- faculty to change their home policy as allowed writing, UHD remains
spiked over the past
cases have skyrocketed imately 60% of classes course modality for fall by Texas Government in green status but
month, the UHD Fac-
primarily affecting the at UHD will be offered and authorize and final- Code 658.010 through will start the semester
ulty Senate Executive
unvaccinated, as they face-to-face, with the ize expeditely a “flexi- a written authorization with a “soft open-
Committee and Staff
make up a significant remaining 40% offered ble workplace policy.” by the “administrative ing” announced by
Senate Executive Com-
majority of hospi- in various hybrid, on- According to the head of the employing UHD President Loren
mittee raised concerns
talized patients from line and online interac- letter, UHD should state agency.” Blanchard Ph.D on
of the risks of returning
COVID-19. tive modalities.” reconsider the “ongoing “The continued rig- Aug. 12. Fall semester
to in-person classes for
Since July 12, In response to the refusal” of implement- id push to return UHD classes scheduled for
the fall 2021 semester
UHD has operated at new policies attached ing a work-from home to pre-covid operations hybrid and in-person
in an open joint-letter
a “green” status from to the green status, the policy. The letter states restricts the ability of modalities will contin-
addressed to the UHD
UHD’s COVID-19 Faculty Senate sent a working from home UHD staff to take their ue to be offered with
community on Aug. 9.
threat level matrix with resolution on July 27 would “reduce traffic health and safety into students expected to
The letter came just
faculty and staff ex- to UHD Administra- on campus and accom- their own hands, despite meet at least once for
days after Harris Coun-
pected to “resume their tion “asking that UHD modate faculty and staff the university being the first two weeks of
ty raised its COVID-19
pre-COVID on-campus faculty be allowed to who are caretakers of squarely located in a the semester.
threat level from orange
work schedules.” choose the form that children/elderly.” county that is currently
to red “severe” on Aug.
A message from their courses take in the The letter also at its highest COVID
Resilient Graduates CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Derek Delgado, a ened their physical and deadly freeze, as well
member of the Univer- mental health before as the ongoing pandem-
sity of Houston Sys- presenting former UHD ic.
tem Board of Regents interim President Anto- “One thing I’ve
served as one of the nio Tillis, Ph.D., with learned about Gators…
guest speakers. the UHD Presidential is that they will always
Delgado remind- Medallion of Honor. emerge from the waters
ed graduates that the Upon receiving his to keep swimming,”
recent roadblocks award, Tillis took some Tillis said in his speech.
the global pandemic time to acknowledge “Gators are not
had presented would how he is eternally afraid to put in the
ultimately be “setups grateful for the time he hard work necessary to
for future success.” spent as a member of achieve their goals and
Delgado’s comments the UHD community. serve their communi-
were followed by words He also noted how ties.”
of encouragement from he had witnessed the Throughout each
UHD President Loren community overcome speaker’s remarks was a
Blanchard, Ph.D., who challenge after chal- palpable sense of pride
commended graduates lenge during his tenure in UHD. This pride was
for the impressive feat at UHD. directed at the students
of balancing schol- Tillis, who now who have persevered as
arship with the many serves as the Chancellor well as the faculty and
other challenges the last of Rutgers Universi- staff who have support-
year had presented. ty-Camden, reminded ed them.
Blanchard touched graduates how many Following the com-
on how proud he was of them had overcome mencement ceremony, I
of how students had Hurricane Harvey at caught up with some of
adapted to a corrosive the start of their col- the graduates who were
environment that threat- lege journey, the recent being celebrated. Steph-
anie Arteaga, a graduate
Gator graduates’ families, friends, and other invitees to UHD’s
of UHD’s College of
70th commencement, enter NRG Stadium on Aug. 14, 2021.
Public Service was
especially appreciative
PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS KEMP
of the care that went many Gators that felt masks, this most recent
into the ceremony that the 68th Commence- commencement cere-
took place that morn- ment left a lot to be mony had it all. Bull-
ing. desired. horns, matching t-shirts,
Arteaga shared that “Today was much celebratory dances, that CONGRATULATIONS
she had felt disappoint- better,” Arteaga re- one unfortunate Gator CLASS OF 2020
ed by the virtual com- marked on Saturday who took a spill while & 2021!
mencement ceremony
Plushies dressed up in graduation regalia. that took place on Dec.
morning. crossing the stage, and - The Dateline
Outside of a few even a mariachi band to
PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS KEMP 19, 2020. She is one of smiles hidden beneath boot.
The University of Houston-Downtown
August 24, 2021 GATOR LIFE 5
Technology Needs Survey returns,
qualifies Gators for technology equipment
ean of
Scan to complete the n s ? C o ntact D
"Technology Needs Survey" for Questio s Office
at
S t u d e n t du
the fall 2021 semester. t a f f a ir s@uhd.e
e n
uhdstud
The Information Technology
team will contact approved Brough
t
you by to
students within 1-2 working
days from
Th
notification of approval.
Datelin e
e
Go Gators!
New Tab
Have a technology need?
IMPORTANT!!!
Computers, webcam, internet and
more technology are available to
students enrolled in the fall 2021
semester thanks to partnership by
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: GISELLE OVIEDO
the Dean of Students Office and
Information Technology.
UHD ranks No. 5 for best alumni salary outcomes in Texas
UHD’s affordable tuition rates and competitive On-
lineU’s Salary Score, placed UHD both among Texas’s
most affordable online colleges and among Texas’s
online schools with the highest alumni salaries!
These rankings highlight UHD as one of the top five
most financially accessible schools in Texas where a
prospective student can earn a quality education “without
breaking the bank,” OnlineU Representative Sarah Glass
said.
The University of Houston-Downtown
6 NEWS August 24, 2021
Harris County raises COVID-19 threat level to severe
BY AANSA USMANI Gov. Greg Abbott is-
sued orders preventing
On August 5, Harris
such measures.”
County Judge Lina
With these factors
Hidalgo raised the
in mind, it is now more
COVID-19 level to
important to get vacci-
“severe” in light of
nated.
growing cases amid the
Hidalgo has contin-
delta and the lambda
ued expressing urgency
variants.
in getting vaccinations,
“We find ourselves
otherwise avoid “all
retracing our steps
but the most essential
toward the edge of a
interactions.”
cliff,” Hidalgo said at a
“If you’re in the minori-
press conference. “It’s
ty who has not gotten
very conceivable that
the shot, you’re the rea-
we can once again be
son we’re here today,”
heading toward a public
Hidalgo said.
health catastrophe.”
Additionally, she
According to The Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo informs on the spike of COVID-19 hospitalizations, advised that both vacci-
Houston Chronicle, delta variant, and announces that Harris County’s COVID-19 threat level is moved to nated and unvaccinated
Harris County has “severe” at a press conference on Aug. 5. 2020. Photo courtesy of ABC13. individuals to continue
remained at the “red”
wearing masks and to
(severe) threat level for The new advisory lambda variant. Origi- cine-resistant” variant, “perfect storm” from use emergency rooms
most of the pandemic, comes amid growing nating from Chile, prompting further viral having “strained staff, “for life-threatening
lowering its threshold cases of COVID-19— the delta variant was concern. a more transmissible emergencies only.”
this past May to “or- predominantly amongst first detected at Hous- According to virus, and the limited
ange” (significant) as the unvaccinated ton Methodist this past Houston Public Media, ability for local leaders
more people got vacci- crowd. Other causes June. Since then, it has Hidalgo has dubbed the to implement public
nated. for concern include the emerged as a “vac- current situation to be a health policies after
Senate passes bipartisan $1 trillion infrastrucure bill
BY SERGIO PRESA are planning to propose
The Senate passed a a 7% tax for corpo-
bipartisan infrastructure rate profits over $100
bill on Aug. 11 aimed at million.
upgrading various parts King defended the
of infrastructure across measure saying, “it’s
the U.S. not socialism, it’s an at-
Democrats are also tempt to have a fair tax
hoping to pass a $3.5 at a pretty low level for
trillion budget plan. companies that would
Having support otherwise pay zero.”
from both Democrats Democrats have
and Republicans, the also considered raising
$1-trillion bill infra- the corporate tax rate up
structure bill includes to 28% and increasing
$550 billion for the top individual tax
spending on utilities, bracket to 39.6%.
broadband, and trans- Democrats must
portation, such as roads, keep the support of all
bridges, railways, their members in the
waterways, public Cars stop at a red light as Metropolitan Transit Autority’s RedLine METROrail moves Senate and from most
transit and other areas north on Main Street in downtown Houston on July 19, 2021. PHOTO CREDIT: INDIRA ZALDIVAR Democratic members in
of transportation. the House if they want
Both parties have get through the Senate. Democrats $3.5 trillion was called “the most infrastructure bill is a to get the spending plan
said the bill is overdue The other target is the to spend on childcare, consequential piece of priority for Democrats, passed. Losing support
and will modernize budget resolution. In tuition-free community legislation for working their biggest priority is from just a few Demo-
transportation as well a letter to colleagues, college, healthcare, and people, the elderly, the the $3.5 trillion budget cratic lawmakers in the
as help get the U.S. Senate Majority Leader climate change policy, sick, and the poor since plan. House or in the Senate
economy back on track Chuck Schumer said without needing a vote FDR and the New Deal Democrats want could jeopardize getting
after the impacts of the the Senate will work from Republicans. of the 1930s” by Sen. to enact corporate and the spending plan
COVID-19 pandemic. towards passing the Schumer wants Bernie Sanders who is individual tax reforms passed.
The bill is one of budget resolution. If the measure approved also the Senate Budget to pay for the spending
two legislative targets the budget resolution before the Senate’s Committee Chairman. plan. Sens. Angus King
Democrats wanted to passes, it would allow August recess. The bill While passing the and Elizabeth Warren
The University of Houston-Downtown
August 24, 2021 NEWS 7
Houston federal judge denies new DACA applicants
DHS failed to dis- ents have contributed rization. Also consistent
tinguish between the immensely to the with that order, DHS
protections from depor- Houston community will continue to grant
tation and the benefits as educators, business or deny renewal DACA
(such as work and ed- owners, doctors and requests.
ucation authorization) nurses. Including law- Universities like
that came with DACA. yers, fashion designers, UHD have worked with
DHS did not con- musicians, athletes, and DACA students during
sider whether to retain military servicemen and these uncertainties in
the protections from women. recent years.
deportation, even if the HILS also notes For assistance,
benefits were terminat- during Harvey, DACA please visit the DACA
ed. recipients risked their page on UHD’s official
The Greater Hous- lives and in one case, website at uhd.edu/stu-
ton area which Hanen giving it to keep Hous- dent-affairs/daca/Pages/
resides over, has the tonians safe. default.aspx.
fourth largest number of The July 16 order
DACA recipients in the from the Southern Dis-
country. trict of Texas instituted
DACA supporters rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June Over 33,000 indi- by Hanen, stated that
18, in Washington, DC on the day the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 viduals in Houston are the DHS is prohibited
decision, rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to end supported by DACA. from granting initial
DACA. Photo courtesy of Drew Angerer via Getty Images. Houston Immigra- DACA requests and
tion Legal Services accompanying requests
state DACA recipi- for employment autho-
BY ANN M. LUMMUS ruled the program was policy matters.
“created in violation of
In July, South
the law” and “illegally
District of Texas Judge
implemented.” As a
Andrew Hanen ruled
result, the ruling barred
the Deferred Action for
Remember when
the government from
Childhood Arrivals, as
accepting new applica-
illegal.
tions to the program.
According to
Hanen, the Obama
Although this can-
celled Biden’s execu-
newspapers had
birthday
administration who
tive order in the mean-
instated DACA did
time, Hanen did not
announcements?!
not use the right legal
pull DACA recipients
procedure to create the
their status.
program, making it
“These rulings do
illegal.
not resolve the issue of Now buy Ad space
On Jan. 20, Presi-
dent Joe Biden issued
the hundreds of thou- for special
an executive order rein-
sands of DACA recip- celebrations and
ients and others who
stating DACA after the
have relied upon this annoucements!
2017 Trump adminis-
program for almost a
tration planned to phase
decade,” Hanen stated.
out the program.
Prior, on June 18,
Through a series of
the Supreme Court
events between 2017-
ruled that the DACA Email The Dateline your picture and
2018, DACA recipients’ message. And we will publish your Ad
program could contin-
deferrals and employ- in the newspaper or on social media.
ue. The Court explicitly
ment authorizations
states: “The dispute
under DACA were
valid until the date of
is instead primarily Prices start at $25 to $64
expiration.
about the procedure the Submissions and payment must be
Pending applica-
agency, Department received by the 1st or 3rd week
of Homeland Security, of the month.
tions and renewals are
followed in, rescinding
considered by a case-
DACA.” Ad message must be less than 50
by-case basis under the
National Immi-
current rules. words.
gration Law Center
DACA is a program
explained that although
that allows eligible im-
DHS was bound by the
migrants to temporarily
attorney general’s legal
avoid deportation and
conclusion that DACA Email for more info at,
receive renewable work editordatelinedowntown@gmail.com
was illegal, the agency
permits or education.
failed to offer sufficient
These recipients
reasoning for rescinding
are people who were
DACA by failing to
brought to the U.S.
exercise its discretion in
as children. Hanen
The University of Houston-Downtown
8 NEWS August 24, 2021
Military coup threatens
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: SARAH RAMIREZ
Myanmar women
Lights out protects night-
time migratory birds
BY INDIRA ZALDIVAR tive is a partnership among
Houston Audobon, the Cor-
Bird fall migration has
nell Lab of Ornithology, Tex-
started and ongoing through
an by Nature and more bird
November.
conservation organizations to
With the migration ap-
monitor these collisions and
proaching its peak on Sept. 5
learn how to prevent them.
through Oct. 9, it is import-
Turning lights out, keep-
ant that city folks be aware
ing cats indoors, and grow-
that exterior artificial lights
ing native plants in one’s
on structures may distract
garden are all initiatives that
migratory birds flying at
help nurture migratory birds
night and cause them to fatal-
and the abundant wildlife
ly collide against buildings.
May Sabe Phyu (right) protests in front of Indonesia Embassy on Feb. 24, Bird coservation societies are
in Houston. Nurturing a
2021. Photo courtesy of @maysabephyu; on Instagram. calling bird-friendly Hous-
bird-friendly environment
are a win-win situation for
tonians to turn out exterior
all, according to Houston
BY JEMA PANTOJA the progress made by women that they once again have to nonessential lights from 11
Audubon’s director of con-
before the coup threatens fight for democracy in their p.m. to 6 a.m. every night
servation, Richard Gibbons,
In the midst of the through Nov. 30 to help
their rights, gender equality, country. GEN is a collation Ph.D. Not only do birds
military coup happening in make a safe passage for these
and safety, as a result revital- of more than 100 organiza- benefit ecology, but also
Myanmar since Feb. 1, the important feathered friends.
izing Myanmar’s long history tions across the country that contribute to the economy.
women of Myanmar have An estimated 1 billion
of patriarchal oppression. advocates for gender equality Bird watching, for example,
taken a stand and are leading U.S. birds die each year from
Before the coup, wom- and women’s rights. attracts tourists and stimu-
protests. colliding with buildings.
en’s rights advocates started “Over the past ten years lates economy.
Myanmar’s coup has Houston ranks No. 2 among
to pave the way for gender we have worked tirelessly “Anyone and everyone
been deadly to peaceful pro- U.S. cities for exposing
equality and to empower to expose the many forms of in our community...intersect
testors who are marching the night-time migratory birds to
women concerning the polit- gender-based discrimination with the endeavor of having
streets in need of democracy light pollution. Almost 2 bil-
ical, economic, and cultural and violence,” Phyu stated a community that is in tune
and to stand up to the mili- lion birds fly through Texas.
ideology of society. Women’s in a piece published by Open with nature,” Gibbons said.
tary. However, the coup has The Houston-Galveston area,
rights organizations such as Democracy. “If we have a community
been especially devastating specifically, is important for
Gender Equality Network, Phyu has been pressuring where birds can thrive, peo-
for the country’s women. birds flying on the Central
Karen Women’s organiza- the international community ple are also going to do better
Due to the coup, State Flyway migratory path.
tion, Burmese Women’s since the coup for their sup- in that environment.”
Counsellor Aung San Suu The “Lights Out” initia-
Union, and Women’s League port and to raise awareness
Kyi was forced out of office,
of Burma were beginning to and importance of women’s
this now threatens to reverse
take apart traditional societal rights.
the progress made over the
norms and stereotypes that “Women’s rights have
past few years that brought
delayed gender equality in never been part of the
about more equal opportuni-
Myanmar. military agenda. They may
ties in society to women in
Despite the threats pretend they care, but it’s all
Myanmar.
brought about due to the lies. In their view, the role of
Over the past 10 years,
coup, women are taking a women is to preserve culture
the number of women in
stand and protesting on the and religion,” she added.
power has been steadily
frontlines to secure what they Activists worldwide call
increasing and in the No-
have worked to gain. for people to get involved
vember 2020 elections, 17%
May Sabe Phyu of GEN and care about the Myanmar
elected parliaments of the
is taking action and speak- women ‘s equal rights in a
government were women.
ing out against the injustices country overtaken by patriar-
This progress is remarkable
women have faced in the past chy.
considering how Myanmar
and what they could face in
has culturally ingrained
the future due to the coup.
sexism and discrimination
Many women are angry Illustration courtesy of @houstonaubon on Insta-
against women. Reversing
and saddened by the reality gram.
The University of Houston-Downtown
August 24, 2021 OPINIONS 9
To BE
or
NOT to be vaccinated
BY ANN M. LUMMUS paralytic poliomyelitis were
As the 2021-2022 school
also reported in Texas in Covid-19
year moves forth the pande-
1970, about two-thirds of the
national total. vaccinations
Availiable for
mic still exists in Texas and
The diphtheria outb-
has reached another peak in
reaks, particularly, caused
coronavirus cases.
As of right now, our
some public alarm. the UHD
communities are debating
over this overtly overdrama-
In spring 1971, with the
support of the Texas Me- community
dical Association, the Texas
tic sense of a vaccine which
State Department of Health,
is no different from other
and other groups, the Texas
vaccines, including the fact
Legislature enacted a man-
that our nation is designing
datory immunization law for
health mandates.
school children.
To note, in a public
The Texas school On-campus Vaccination Vaccinations available
institution kids and young
adults are required to have
immunization law requires
protection against small-
event with HEB with UTHealth
an immunization record.
pox, diphtheria, tetanus,
In other cases, regarding
poliomyelitis, rubeola, and Date and time:
health regulations, kids are
rubella. Dates and time:
to quarantine 24 hours for UTHealth is administering the
head lice and the flu. Also,
Exemption may be 1st dose Thursday 8/26
in general people were to go
granted for religious reasons Pfizer Vaccine every everyday
home for high fevers.
or medical contraindication, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
but “religious exemptions
What is at stake right
may be set aside in time of 2nd dose: Friday 9/17
now to even ask a question
about not following a safe
emergency or epidemic by
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Where: UTHealth Cooley
the State commissioner of
and proper guide with this
health.” University Life Center at 7440
virus?
Texas is not privy to
The Texas State Board of Cambridge St., 77054
Health is authorized by law (recommended)
immunization nor is this the
first-time Texas communi-
to modify or delete require- Where:
ments for immunization, and If this place is not within your
ties have been affected by a
under that authorization the UHD Welcome Center reach, there are more places you
virus.
board eliminated smallpox
Parents and health pro-
requirements in 1971 and can visit by scanning the QR
fessionals are worried that
their kids face illness with no
established regulations. code below
All immunizations
support right now.
should be completed by the
But there is hope, history
shows vaccines and mask do
time of enrollment. Cost: Free (insurance will pay for the fee)
However, the law also al-
work even when there are
no mandates but there are
lows an unimmunized child
to enter school as soon as he
What to bring: Insurance cards or Social Security
regulations.
According to Public
has received the first dose of Number card (if you have no insurance card)
vaccine, provided he conti-
Health Reports, Texas has
a school immunization law
nues to receive the remaining Important: Don't take any over-the-counter medicine prior
immunizations as rapidly as
that provides no penalties for
noncompliance and, as with
is medically feasible. to the appointment (ex. Tylenol or Motrin/ibuprofen)
Finally, the law requires
all such laws, it could cause
the Texas State Department
pre-school immunizations to
show the record of morbidity
of Health to provide the Scan to schedule an appointment
required immunizations to
that led to its enactment.
children in areas where no
From 1967 to 1970,
local provision exists to pro-
Texas had reported a dis-
vide these services.
proportionate share of the
This is particularly im-
nation’s morbidity in the
portant in Texas, where only
vaccine preventable diseases.
77 of the 254 counties are
In 1970, an outbreak
served by a State-associated
of diphtheria occurred in
local health department.
a Texas city, the third such
out-break in three years. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Twenty-two cases of
ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: GISELLE OVIEDO
The University of Houston-Downtown
10 OPINIONS August 24, 2021
It’s okay to enjoy the Olympics
BY VARAH THORNTON Open a month before the
Olympics began. Despite
The delta variant is the outpouring of support
surging, people are still fight-
she received, Osaka was
ing facts, and Tokyo can’t
nevertheless maligned and
seem to get their COVID-19
criticized for her decision to
outbreak under control. But
not participate in the required
wasn’t that opening ceremo-
post-match press releases.
ny great? Did you secretly
After a tete-a-tete with
whisper “Yeah!” in your own
the Big Four Tournaments,
head despite being alone and
Osaka withdrew altogether
knowing no one can read
to focus on the upcoming
your thoughts? Did you feel
Olympics where she would
that twinge of guilt as you
represent Japan. It was a
thought it? If so, you’re not
delightful surprise when she
alone.
appeared as the final torch
No matter how you feel
bearer and lit the Olympic
about the Olympics, the
Cauldron.
pandemic, or just sports in
Osaka and Biles were
general, there’s something
two of many Olympic
about the Olympics that just
athletes who were front and
gets to people. Whether it’s
center with their mental
seeing the majesty of the
health struggles. Because
opening ceremony or getting
of this, the conversation
to watch a variety of sports
across social media platforms
played by athletes at the top
of their field, people go nuts. Tennis star Naomi Osaka lights the delayed 2020 Olympics’ cauldron. Photo evolved to better understand
Some chalk it up to courtesy of Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images the pressures athletes and
their families were under.
patriotism, but it’s some-
Amid a pandemic where
thing deeper. It’s a collective ceremonies have been Come Together Epitomized by Simone Biles’ mental health has been
awe at an annual worldwide Taekwondo athlete Pita When the Olympics withdrawal from several pushed to the limits, it was
event that most people can Taufatofua, the oiled-up flag concluded, there was no competitions, mental health refreshing for many to see
be on the same page about. bearer representing Tonga. great fanfare except that of was at the forefront. For the athletes advocate for their
I’d even go so far as to say He has stood out not only for a pesky moth stealing the first time, athletes’ mental well-being instead of allow-
that the Olympics gets more sporting his country’s tradi- show during the concluding condition was put forward ing themselves to be pres-
traction than the FIFA World tional costume, but also for speech. All of the major as equally important as their sured to give it all for the
Cup. There’s just no beating his impressive musculature. athletes had already returned physical. sake of a medal.
the scale of both participa- Despite the current condi- home or were waiting for Before the games began, Regardless of the indi-
tion as well as viewership. tions, Taufatofua pulls it off final results. Japanese native and tennis vidual accomplishments of
There’s also an endless with a smile and this year One of the most united superstar Naomi Osaka drew participants, it felt like the
amount of sharing. In the age was accompanied by Malia stories to come from the international acclaim and world as a whole won by the
of social media, we’re more Paseka as the International games this year wasn’t the controversy for choosing display of camaraderie on
prone to watch more, learn Olympic Committee enacted pandemic or a feat of great her mental health over the this alone.
more, and absorb more of gender parity rules for every strength, but one of caution. requirements of the French
what global events have to country.
offer. For many, this is the
first time they get to not only
see people from other cul-
But what about the Pan- To BE
or
demic?
tures competing on the world As individuals, we cannot
stage, but it might be the first control what our govern-
time they get to see someone
who looks like them excel.
ments enact, good or bad.
Like many others, I don’t
believe the Olympics should
NOT to be vaccinated
The Parade of Nations have proceeded. Tokyo in CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Viewers also get to wit- particular is still experienc-
ness one of the biggest fash- ing a severe outbreak with
ions shows the world will “Successful implementation To be or not to be vaccinated
less than 40% of the popula-
ever see. The fashions range tion vaccinated. Regardless, of the Texas compulsory school is within itself a question of public
from the traditional to the the games proceeded, and it immunization law is attributed to concern. It is in the best interest of
basic and sometimes outright appeared that both athletes public concern, a good law, and ex- Texans to encourage immunization
bizarre. Each participating and Tokyo officials took cellent cooperation from all agencies against COVID-19 just as we have
country is introduced by the precautions seriously. in the State concerned with health against previous outbreaks. The
host nation along with a del- Those athletes who chose and education,” Gon Lee 1975 Texas American image of morality and
egation of their participating not to get vaccinated were State Department of Health said. community is being tested. Immu-
athletes. Various companies quarantined under question- “The provision of money and sup- nity cannot be better as kept broken,
vie to style participating del- able conditions. The United
egations, sometimes gather- port by the Texas legislature is also while in the past the regulations put
States was not alone in ath-
ing multiple. cited as one of the most important in place improved people’s quality of
letes who voiced opposition
One of the standouts factors.” life.
to getting vaccinated.
of the past three opening
The University of Houston-DowntownAugust 24, 2021 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11
Gymnast Simone Biles withdraws
from Olympic competitions,
challenges mental health stigmas
Superstar Simone Biles of the United States Gymnastics bounces back
to win bronze-medal after mental health break and celebrates on the
podium on Aug. 3, 2021. Photo courtesy of Mike Blake via Reuters.
BY SASHA SMITH communities, where she has it’s hard for us to process
allowed fellow athletes, such that,” Biles commented.
On July 27, 32-time
as Michel Phelps and other She proceeded to
Olympic gold medalist Si-
USA Olympic gymnasts to give her much-anticipa-
mone Biles decided to back
delve into their own recol- ted answer in response
out of the Tokyo Olympic
lections of their struggles to the negativity.
Games 2021 uneven bars and
competing or prioritizing “For anyone saying
individual vault sections to
their own mental health. I quit, I didn’t quit.
prioritize mental health.
Teammates Sunisa Lee My mind and body are
Though Biles has never
and Jordan Chiles took to simply not in sync... I
shied away from the topic
Instagram to show their don’t think you realize
of mental health, this same
support not only for Bile. how dangerous this is
respect was not met by
“You will forever be on [a] hard competition
others when she announced
loved. We can’t thank you surface.”
her mental health withdrawal
enough. You have such a Simone Biles has
from the games.
huge inspiration on all of us. been a true testament of
Commentator Charlie
We wouldn’t have done it mind over matter. An
Kirk went as far as to say
without you…” voiced Chi- example being the past
Biles was a “selfish socio-
les. Olympic Games in 2016,
path” and a “shame to this
“love you so much. thank when she competed
country.”
you for inspiring me every after the conviction of
“We are raising a gene-
single day. you are not only her former doctor. She
ration of weak people like
an amazing gymnast but you has constantly paved the
Simone Biles,” Kirk added.
are also an amazing person,” way for those in sports
However, Biles has
commented Lee. and allowed all to see
endured many challlenges
Celebrities such as that it only takes a little
for the love of hersport. Biles
Michelle Obama, Adam time, and work to make
has competed through a ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: GISELLE OVIEDO
Rippon, Justin Bieber, Meg- yourself great.
broken rib, a shattered toe,
han McCain, Andy Cohen, “Before you can achieve, I’ve even been here.” This was a facet duly
and a calf muscle that has
Kerry Washington, and you must believe in yourself. Biles not only gives noted once media outlets
been torn two to three times
many more, took to Twitter You are more capable than herself grace but praise as found out that Simone Biles’s
already, amongst other things
to give an outpour of support you think,” Biles said. she honors the fact she still aunt had suddenly passed
yet, she has pushed herself
to Biles and the decision she Simone has seven Olympic placed and prioritized what two days before she decided
despite the extremities of her
consciously made. Biles not medals including four gold, matters most. to return to the Olympics. Si-
injuries.
only shook the stands but one silver, and two bronze. “At the end of the day, mone has continued to grace
Biles has not only fought
many hearts when she let the The last bronze is the we’re not just athletes or the stage and blow us away
through external wounds
media into her headspace. statement piece she took entertainment; we’re human with her world-renowned
but the internal ones caused
“With gymnasts, when home from the delayed 2020 too. We have real emotions, talent and skill.
by former USA Gymnastics
you get injured, your heal Tokyo Olympic Games. and sometimes they don’t “I’m not the next Usain
physician, Dr. Lawrence
time is four to six weeks, but “It means more than all of realize that we have things Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m
Gerard Nasar, as well.
The strength and unwa-
then something so traumatic the golds because I pushed going on behind the scenes the first Simone Biles.”
that happens like this… there through so much the last five that affect us whenever we
vering dedication of Biles
is no four to six weeks, so years and the last week while go out and compete.”
are respected amongst many
The University of Houston-Downtown12 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT August 24, 2021
Barbarossa Coffee Shop
famous Honey & Milk High School. With the
Latte. This drink is best success and ever-grow-
to drink cold because ing customer base of
instead of ice cubes, Barbarossa, Ozzy was
this coffee shop uses able to open a second
milk cubes for a cream- location in Tomball.
ier and delicious coffee, This was a very proud
rather than a watery moment for him as his
one. dream continues to
If you are in the grow.
mood for a hot drink, Caner Hıdır is the
the Honey & Milk Latte manager of the Tomball
can be made as a hot location, and the coffee
one, as well. Anoth- shop holds a deep con-
er hot favorite is the nection in his life.
Captain’s Latte, a drink w“Barbarossa is a
with maple syrup and very important, his-
cinnamon that will keep torical person in my
you warm. country [Turkey], so
A patron does not this place is more than
The Dateline’s Shaheryar Khan enjoys a cup of coffee at Barbarossa Coffee Shop. necessarily have to a coffeeshop to me,”
Photo courtesy of Doğaç Özgün Arı. choose a drink on the Hıdır said. “I feel like
menu, for the talented this is my home away
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN in Spring. In four years, his coffee shop in the try one of the specialty baristas can make any from home.”
Barbarossa has grown Spring area. With the brewing methods they drink that a customer Barbarossa con-
Houston is a heaviy
to somewhat of a cult immense number of offer. They have a
caffeinated city, with an can come up with. tinues to grow and
followed by several coffee shops in Hous- Chemex, a Siphon, an Serving delicious gather new customers
enormous selection of
coffee shops to choose
loyal customers. ton, Barbarossa need- AeroPress, a V60, and coffee is not the only worldwide, for they
Ozzy is from ed to do something a traditional Turkish
from. One local coffee way Barbarossa serves ship their single-origin
Turkey and always had to stand out, so they coffee. No matter what the community, for they coffee beans all around
shop that is gradually
a passion for coffee. became one of the only method of brew you are constantly engag- the world, including
climbing the ranks in
Thanks to his duty coffee shops in Houston choose, you will not
the Houston coffee ing with customers their signature, Anchor
in the Turkish Naval that roast their coffee be disappointed with and fans. They hold Blend.
scene is Barbarossa
Forces, he had the beans. your cup of coffee and events such as coffee
Coffee Shop.
opportunity of visit- Barbarossa has the selection of 18+
Barbarossa first workshops, car meets,
ing over 1,000 coffee items on the menu for single-origin coffee
served their coffee and they sponsor many
shops. After his service every coffee enthusiast. beans. If you are a community figures, like
in 2017, when Ogu-
in the navy, he followed If you are a coffee con- casual drinker, then you sponsoring sporting
zhan “Ozzy” Guragac
his dream and opened noisseur, then definitely should try Barbarossa’s
opened the first location events for Klein Cain
Barbarossa Coffee raises funds for a community cause. In addition to coffee, Barbarossa serves other signature drinks.
PHOTO CREDIT: SHAHERYAR KHAN PHOTO CREDIT: SHAHERYAR KHAN
The University of Houston-DowntownYou can also read
