BU Women’s Soccer Coach placed on leave

BU Women’s Soccer Coach placed on leave

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of the Quill

Photo: BU Website

Last week Students at BU found out from the Winnipeg Free Press and the Brandon Sun that the women’s soccer head coach, Jesse Roziere, had been placed on leave due to sexual misconduct allegations. However, students were shocked to find out he remained on the for months despite a school investigation concluding he acted inappropriately with the student-athletes. BU students learned that last fall, a female student approached BU’s athletic director with allegations concerning Roziere’s sexual advances on players, sending out suggestive messages through Snapchat and asking them to be his designated driver when he was out drinking. 

           Last month, the complainant requested a new probe to consider BU’s sexualized violence policy; however, as reported by Brandon Sun, they were declined by human resources. Last Tuesday, given the media attention, Brandon University gave a statement saying that Roziere had been asked to step away from his coaching duties. At the same time, a new investigation is underway due to the latest information that has come to light. The university did not disclose what further information had come to light but said that a third party would conduct the information. 

           Three students have come forward and given interviews to the Winnipeg Free Press describing moments where they witnessed or experienced Roziere’s misconduct behaviour. The students identify moments of blackmail in the form of running laps or benching if they told anyone about his behaviour. The students said that this ultimately led them to leave the team. In their separate interviews with the Winnipeg Free Press, one of the students said she witnessed Roziere acting inappropriately toward her peers at parties through messaging and in the soccer environment. She also claimed that the coach’s perverted behaviour is a pattern of grooming and manipulation of players. Over the weekend, one of the affected students said on her social media that they were saddened and disgusted to see that the Women’s soccer team played and, in support of Jesse Roziere, wore his initials on their socks. One of BU’s collectives that were quick to respond and support those affected was the Gender Empowerment Collective. They came out in support of all those affected by this news and offered their support and resources. On a Facebook and Instagram post, they announced they announced that they “will advocate on behalf of all students to show BU that they demand justice for all affected.”

Please note The Quill will continue to report on this matter as new information comes to light and offers their support and resources to those affected. 

The complete Winnipeg Free Press and Brandon Sun articles can be found here: 

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/brandon-university-coach-on-leave-after-sexually-suggestive-behaviour-alleged-575316302.html 

https://www.brandonsun.com/local/brandon-university-coach-on-leave-after-sexually-suggestive-behaviour-alleged-575316302.html

A Journey For the Children of Residential Schools

A Journey For the Children of Residential Schools

By Ronnie Kayla Neiman

The discovery of unmarked graves at various sites across Canada that once belonged to the residential schools was a saddening discovery. Many children who were forced to go these schools and never came home and those who did come home were never the same. Some chose to remember and honor these children by lowering the Canadian flag to half-mast but it wasn’t enough. That action made it look as though it was only a passing thought in Canadians minds rather that a large part of Canadian history. Something else needed to be done in order to bring attention to these forgotten children. Something to honor the children and remember them. 

A woman named Jasmine Lavallee became inspired to walk for the children of these residential schools. She is the niece of our own Brandon University Professor, Dr. Lorraine Mayer of the Native Studies department. Jasmine’s journey started with the 215 graves discovered in Kamloops, BC.  Many of those graves belonged to children as young as three years old and many were unidentified and unmarked. A number of other unmarked gravesites were discovered across Canada, including a gravesite of more than 500 children was discovered in Saskatchewan. These discoveries upset and angered many, especially those of Indigenous descent. Jasmine was just as affected by it and decided that she wanted to do something. She writes, “It hit me hard, like so many others, I can’t shake this one off, it angered me, I hurt for these children. Then I was told to put my anger and frustration where it can count, where it can help, where it can make a difference.”

Jasmine started her journey in Winnipeg, at the Assiniboia Residential School on September 1, 2021. She hopes to gather 215 children’s moccasins to carry with her through the journey to Kamloops. The first pair pf moccasins gifted to her was a pair donated by the son of a survivor from Kamloops. She and her group of protectors have journeys from Winnipeg, to portage la Prairie, and to Brandon before they moved on. She has a group following her with a car to help make sure she stays safe on her journey. 

In Brandon, they stopped at the Brandon Residential School site. The grounds of the former residential school were full of children’s toys, children’s shoes, orange ribbons, orange hearts, messages and prayers for the lost and for the survivors. Jasmine Levallee and her group, River, Deej and Virgil, with others joining at various points make it a point to stop at the residential schools, whether the building still stands or not. A few people joined them in Brandon at the site where prayers were offered and smudging of sage and drumming songs were performed to honor these lost children. One survivor of the Brandon Residential School came and told Jasmine and her group that she had attended and that one of her friends was one of the graves here in Brandon. Jasmine has encountered a few survivors and it is always emotional. She said that while many have questions, and many cry, there has been no negative reactions to her actions in honoring the lost children. 

It is a sad reality that the residential schools are part of Canadian and American history, but it happened. Now the children who never came home are being rediscovered once again where they died. These children were once forgotten by many and now they are being found again. They should not be forgotten. Jasmine walks for these children because at a young age when was told she would not be able to walk herself. She overcame that difficult part of her life and walked. Now she walks for the children who never came home. She is undertaking a long and difficult journey but one she feels strongly connected to. 

Jasmine also states that “If you want to help but can’t walk, I'm advised to ask for donation of any kind that can lighten the burden. Children's moccasins, cash donations, advice, and any help that you can offer. Anything really helps! Any and all money donations will be left to help with burials of deceased loved ones and or children of today, but I have to trust and know that all proceeds go towards children and not in the pocket of anyone out to only benefit themselves!”

Jasmine Levallee and her group have a Facebook group called 215+ children I Wanna Come Home. She posts with any new developments on her journey such as where they have stopped and performed ceremonies, to thank those who have donated time, money and food, and to thank those who journey with her, and to remind everyone that this is a journey for the children who never came home. 

The 2021 Fall Semester: What to expect

The 2021 Fall Semester: What to expect

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill

Photo Credits: Brandon University Website

  As the fall term begins, many students are wondering what the semester will bring. As previously announced, Brandon University will hold some classes in person and others online. If your courses have less than 25 people, you will be attending in person. If you are unsure whether you will be attending online or in person, check your timetable as they have been updated to show whether or not you will be in class. 

             Another change students can expect during this year is that they will be required to wear a mask upon entering any building within the university. Furthermore, the university is encouraging all students to obtain their two vaccines. The university has even sponsored a contest to encourage students and staff to vaccinate. Other aspects that will change during this upcoming year will entail opening a variety of services previously closed due to the pandemic. The library, Healthy Living Center, and the cafeteria will all be open to students as well as certain student services. While the Healthy Living Center is only opened to vaccinated individuals, the library and other services are available to all. 

             This year will bring a series of unknown situations that will be experienced for the first time by all Brandon University students. It is important to remember the basics in order to ensure our return is as safe as possible; social distance, stay home when sick, wear a mask in all indoor public places, wash your hands regularly, and most importantly, get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Brandon University mourns recent passing of Dr. Cindy Clarke

Brandon University mourns recent passing of Dr. Cindy Clarke

(News From Brandon University Website - August 31, 2021)

(Dr. Cindy Clarke)

All of Brandon University, and especially the Faculty of Education, are deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Clarke.

Dr. Clarke joined BU in 2017 as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education, with PENT and as a member of the Curriculum and Pedagogy Department. Her husband Brian shares that “She enjoyed her short time at Brandon, that after many years working at a variety of jobs she finally found where she belonged. It was a perfect fit.”

Dr. Clarke graduated with a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to joining BU, Cindy was a special education teacher and consultant with the Prairie Spirit School Division (SK) and served as president of the Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association for seven years.

In addition to many academic publications, Cindy’s poetry has been published in several journals including The Antigonish Review, FreeFall, and The Nashwaak Review.  Many of the poems from Dr. Clarke’s book, The Blue Dress, first appeared in her doctoral dissertation, Beyond the Muskeg, which won the University of Saskatchewan Outstanding Dissertation Award in Social Sciences in 2017.  Cindy also received an “Outstanding Author Contribution Award” from Emerald Publishing’s 2020 Literati Awards in recognition of  her chapter in Volume 33 of Advances in Research on Teaching, which explored the use of poetry and narrative inquiry as a tool of research.

“Cindy was a remarkable, talented, kind, and creative woman,” says BU Dean of Education Dr. Heather Duncan. “We will mourn her passing deeply but we will also celebrate the life and accomplishments of an amazing woman.”

The BU flag has been lowered to half-mast in her honour.

Farewell

Farewell

By: Maria Garcia Manzano

Photo Credits: Maria Garcia Manzano 

What a year it has been. We have experienced post-secondary education during a global pandemic. A year ago, we were unsure of what the fall term would look like, and as the news that an online format would be used, students wondered how their post-secondary education would come to be. Many international students went back home, and domestic students went back to live with their families. Once the semester began, we had to adjust our expectations and navigate school through an online setting. I must admit the change was difficult as it is far easier to get distracted at home. Well, one year later and I can safely say that online schooling has been difficult. In my case, I found it hard to keep up with everything, and there were many times when I felt unmotivated to continue. Now, as final exams approach, I patiently wait for summer to begin. 

             Many had hopes that 2021 would be normal and that convocations would be held in person. However, convocation this year will again be held online because although vaccination has begun, we are still nowhere close to calling this pandemic over. We have still not received the news about how this upcoming fall term will take place, but I am hopeful we will be going back to class, even if only for small classes. I think it is safe to say we are all wishing to go back and gain some normalcy while being as safe as possible. Furthermore, I think we are tired of staring at our screens and paying attention to class. 

             Here at the Quill, we have tried to keep the students updated as much as possible while still finding the time to submit articles that would lift your spirits. I would like to think that we were successful, and if we go back to school during the fall, you can expect to see us go back to a printed issue. Please remember to be safe this summer. Now is not the chance to disregard public health guidelines. If we have hope to return to in-person classes, then we must obey and continue to limit the spread of the virus. Enjoy your summer but do so safely, do not go to big social gatherings that could potentially put you or your loved ones in danger. 

Farewell, enjoy your break, and I hope to see most of you back in school in the fall.

New BU Education program fills need for vocational teachers and rural schools

New BU Education program fills need for vocational teachers and rural schools

BU NEWS — March 29, 2021

BRANDON – A new Education program at Brandon University (BU) will create opportunities for vocational teachers and add new flexibility that will help fill gaps at rural Manitoba schools.

The Technical/Vocational Bachelor of Education program will begin in September 2021 and will be open to Manitoba teachers who have completed the Technical Vocational Teacher Education diploma at Red River College (RRC). Through the new BU program, they will gain the qualifications that they need to attain a Bachelor of Education degree and be fully certified to teach in the Kindergarten-to-Grade-12 system by the Province of Manitoba.

“I am very excited at the prospect of returning to school,” said Crocus Plains automotive technology teacher Trent Sloane, who completed the vocational teacher education program at Red River College a decade ago. 

He said that although he wanted to further his education and finish his B.Ed., it wasn’t possible for him to travel to Winnipeg several times a week to attend evening classes. 

“I’m not alone in this,” Sloane said, “there are other vocational teachers in southwestern Manitoba who want to continue their education. The new B.Ed. program for vocational teachers at BU makes this possible and I’m thankful BU invested the time to get this program off the ground.”

The technical education provided by the vocational programs are vital to schools and students, creating opportunities for students to develop skills that are in demand, enrich their high-school experience, and prepare for future careers or education.

“This new program will expand the number of teachers available in high-demand subject areas like math and science in a shortened length of time,” said Wayne Ewasko, Manitoba’s Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration. “By providing technical vocational instructors with the tools and additional training to 

become certified teachers we are ensuring that regional demands and needs are met, further supporting student successes.”

“This is an exciting announcement for the future of education in Manitoba,” said Cliff Cullen, Manitoba’s Minister of Education. “Rural Manitobans can take comfort knowing their local needs are being taken care of and their children will receive a quality education for their future success.”

Many vocational teachers have backgrounds in trades and become certified to teach in K-12 schools through RRC’s Technical Vocational Teacher Education program. Because the teachers are only certified in their specific vocational area, school administrators are unable to fill their schedules with other subjects. The teachers may be forced to work a fragmented, part-time schedule, particularly in rural settings with smaller vocational programs. The new program at BU will allow these educators to develop a second teachable area based on their school division’s greatest need, in many cases mathematics and science.

“Vocational teachers and administrators tell us that there is a strong demand for an accessible route in western Manitoba to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree,” said Dr. Heather Duncan, Dean of Education at BU. “We designed our Technical/Vocational B.Ed. program to be flexible and to be taken on a part-time basis. This will allow the teachers to continue to work at their current positions while gaining new skills that will advance their careers and bring versatility and efficiency to their school divisions.”

In addition to their previous training, participants in the Technical/Vocational B.Ed. program will complete 60 credit hours at BU — the equivalent of two years of full-time study. Half of their courses at BU will be in Arts or Science disciplines, with the other half being Education courses and field experience.

Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca

CONTACT US:

Grant Hamilton

Director, Marketing and Communications 

204.571.8542
HamiltonG@BrandonU.ca

Dr. Heather Duncan

Dean, Education

204.727.9656
DuncanH@BrandonU.ca

To receive any BU publication in an alternate format: Communications@BrandonU.ca

In-person Fall 2021 classes to resume for U of M students

In-person Fall 2021 classes to resume for U of M students

By: Maria Garcia Manzano 

Photo credits: Winnipeg Free press

Last Wednesday, the University of Manitoba announced that U of M would welcome back students to campus this upcoming fall. With the exception of large classes. Large classes will continue to be provided through remote learning, but courses of up to twenty students will attend in-person courses. The university also said that depending on which is smaller; labs will have a limit of 25 people or the “COVID room-capacity limit.”

           With the expectations on the vaccine rollout and in light of the current public health advice, the university feels confident in reopening the university to resume more in-person instruction cautiously and in a safe manner. The university also said that if everything goes according to plan, they hope to announce a total return to campus for the winter term of 2022. 

           U of W is currently watching the vaccine rollout, and while it is optimistic about the fall term, no decisions have been made. If you check your BU email address, you will have seen that BU is currently planning for the fall 2021 term and have delayed registration as a result. They are considering all options, but the plans are being led by public health science. Brandon University would like to announce a course of action that does not require any backtracking. These are optimistic and exciting news as I am sure many students are eager to go back to school and obtain a sense of long-forgotten normalcy.

Meghan Markle and Harry Tell All

Meghan Markle and Harry Tell All 

By: Mallory Johnson

Photo Credits: People Magazine

On Sunday, March 7th, former Duke and Duchess Meghan Markle and Harry sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey that aired on CBS. They emphasized that the interview was happening safely, with all COVID-19 precautions taken very seriously. No topic was off the table, and Meghan and Harry did not know the questions that Oprah was going to ask. Oprah asked why Meghan and Harry left the Royal Family, and Meghan described racism, mental health issues, and lack of protection that she experienced. 

The interview started with just Meghan and Oprah, with Harry joining later. Oprah and Meghan talked about the stunning Royal Wedding, and Meghan revealed that she got married to Harry three days before the world watched her get married. Meghan also told Oprah that before marrying Harry, she did not research the Royal Family and their customs/rules, so she had to learn how to curtsey before meeting the Queen. 

Meghan and Oprah then discussed how she and Harry had rescued a dog named Guy from a kill shelter and rescued some chickens from a factory farm. They have a chicken coop called Archie’s Chick Inn, after their son’s name Archie. When Oprah asked Meghan what she is most excited about in her new life, Meghan said, “I think just being able to live authentically.”

Oprah and Meghan then addressed some of the tabloids that spun stories about Meghan around the time of the wedding, some of which Meghan had and had not heard. They discussed in detail the rumor that Meghan had made Kate Middleton cry. Meghan said that the reverse had happened and that Kate had made Meghan cry about something regarding flower girl dresses. She said, “Kate made me cry days before the wedding, but I got blamed...that was hard” and described it as a turning point. She also emphasized that she was not saying that to make anyone look bad and that Kate apologized, and Meghan forgave her. The rumor came out six or seven months after it happened. Meghan said (regarding Kate), “If you love me, you don’t have to hate her. And if you love her, you don’t have to hate me.” Oprah talked about the tabloid headlines for Kate compared to the ones for Meghan. Oprah said, “Kate was praised for cradling her baby bump, and the headline about you doing the same thing said, ‘Meghan can’t keep her hands off her baby bump for pride or vanity.” Oprah also mentioned another example about Kate being praised while eating avocados. Meghan was eating avocados, and the headline was: “Wolfing down a fruit linked to water shortages, illegal deforestation, and environmental devastation.” 

Oprah and Meghan next discussed how Meghan was “the first mixed-race person to marry into the family.” Meghan said that she was only worried about fitting in because she was made to think about that. Meghan talked about how she has always worked, valued independence, and been outspoken. She said, “I mean, that’s the sad irony of the last four years...I've advocated for so long for women to use their voice, and then I was silent.” Oprah asked: “Were you silent? Or were you silenced?” and Meghan answered: “The latter.” Meghan said, “Everyone in my world was given a very clear directive, from the moment the world knew Harry and I were dating, to always say, “No comment.” Meghan discussed how she thought she had complete protection from the institution (the Royal Family). Still, she had the exact opposite, to the extent the institution would lie to protect others while throwing her, Harry, and Archie under the bus. Meghan shared how warm, welcoming, and loving the Queen was to her while she was not being protected at all by the rest of the family. 

Meghan discussed how everyone was obsessed with how she (and the Institution) looked in the press and media, that they did not take a minute to check up on how Meghan was doing. She said, “I know there’s an obsession with how things look but have anyone talked about how it feels? Because right now, I could not feel lonelier.” She emphasized that she was not lonely with Harry. Meghan and Oprah continued to talk about Meghan’s mental health, and Meghan revealed that she was feeling depressed and suicidal, to the point where she was too scared to be alone because she felt like she was going to hurt herself. She had a conversation with Harry and said that she “didn’t want to be alive anymore.” Meghan told Oprah that she asked the Royal Family for help with her mental health, and they refused to help her. She was pregnant at the time with her first child Archie. Meghan said that she reached out to a friend of the late Princess Diana for help. She also discussed her lack of freedom, saying that she had to give her keys, passport, and driver’s license away when she arrived at the Palace. 

Meghan mentioned that her baby Archie would not receive a title (Prince or Princess) or security and that there were discussions and concern over his skin color. Meghan said, “The most important title I will ever have is Mom. I know that.” She also revealed that Meghan and Harry were not asked to take a traditional baby picture. 

Meghan said, “And I grieve a lot. I mean, I have lost my father. I lost a baby. I nearly lost my name. I mean, there is the loss of identity. But I am still standing, and my hope for people in the takeaway from this is to know that there’s another side.” She also said that life is worth living. 

Harry joined the interview, and the couple revealed that they are expecting a baby girl this summer. Harry said, “To have a child, any one or two, would have been amazing. But to have a boy and then a girl, you know, what more can you ask for?” The couple also revealed that they are only planning to have two kids. 

Oprah revealed in a voiceover that when the couple first left the Royal Family, they initially chose Canada and then moved to California. In California, they moved in with Tyler Perry, who had offered them a place to stay. He also provided them with security. They lived there for a few months before moving to their own home in California. The couple revealed that they created their own “foundation and content company called Archewell.” Meghan and Harry announced that they did not “blindside the Queen” or “orchestrate Megxit.” Harry said that his biggest concern was “history repeating itself.” By history, he was talking about his mother, Princess Diana. He said, “I asked for calm from the British tabloids - once as a boyfriend, once as a husband, and once as a father.” When Oprah asked why they left, Harry said, “Lack of support and lack of understanding” he also mentioned that he no longer talks to his dad and was cut off financially. 

Meghan said that she was watching The Little Mermaid with Archie, and thought “Oh, my god! She falls in love with the prince, and because of that, she loses her voice. But by the end, she gets her voice back.” 

Harry and Meghan discussed how there are secret ways to get the tabloids on your side and that the Palace hosts holiday parties for the tabloids. The couple revealed that they had watched some of the Netflix show, The Crown. Meghan said that she begged the institution to keep Harry safe through letters, but the Institution refused. Harry said that he felt like he was trapped in the system and the rest of the family. Regarding their Netflix deal, Harry said, “We didn’t have a plan. That was suggested by somebody else by the point where my family cut me off financially, and I had to afford security for us.” Harry revealed that he would not have left the family if it were not for Meghan. Harry said that he has the money that Princess Diana left him and thinks that Diana saw this coming. Meghan and Harry are no longer working members of the Royal Family, and Harry’s military titles were returned to the Queen. 

The couple talked about a few of their baby Archies’ favorite words: hydrate and drive safe. Harry said that he has no regrets, while Meghan said that her only regret is believing that she was being protected. But she said that her story with the Prince has a happy ending: “Greater than any fairytale you’ve ever read.” 

Brandon Hydro Strike

Brandon Hydro Strike

By: Maria Garcia Manzano 

Photo credits: Brandon Sun

This past week if you drove down Victoria East, perhaps you saw several individuals waving signs outside the Manitoba Hydro Service Center and generating station. They are part of an ongoing Manitoba-wide strike started by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2034 after rejecting Manitoba Hydro's latest contract offer. The IBEW Local 2034 has been working without a contract since 2018 and they represent 2,300 workers, including employees in generation transmission and distribution. 

               Last Tuesday, the strike began after the union started planning rotating strikes with customer service staff in Winnipeg staging the first walkout. Soon, similar scenes began to follow across the province. The Brandon strike started Wednesday, and the majority of strikers have staged their strike on Victoria East. In contrast, only a handful of strikers have protested outside of the Manitoba Hydro's offices on 10th Street. To minimize the disruption for their customers, Brandon's strikers only picketed from Wednesday and concluded on Friday. Mike Espenell, IBEW Local 2034 business manager, explained to Brandon Sun that this strike is the culmination of 28 months of negotiations with Manitoba Hydro. The corporation offered the IBEW members zero percent wage increases for 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, they were only offering them a 0.75 cent wage boost for 2021.

               One of the main reasons IBEW members chose to reject this offer was because, in their opinion, the offered rates are below the cost of living, making it an unacceptable proposal. Espenell further explained that they only seek not to fall behind. And that other underlying elements that contributed to this strike were the increasing number of layoffs that have, as a result, impacted their response time. Espenell also said that the union is more than willing to begin renegotiating but believes the best way forward would be through arbitration.

Reading Week 2021

Reading Week 2021

By: Maria Garcia Manzano

Having accomplished the first week back to school after the break, I figured it would be an excellent opportunity to look back and see what students did throughout this reading week. I talked to several BU students and asked them what they had done throughout this week, and many responded with the same answer "Nothing." When I asked them to verify, they all said that minimal to no schoolwork had been done and that they could not find the motivation to accomplish anything. I believe this reflects how worn down we are all with the pandemic. Given the province's current restrictions (only two visitors allowed outside of the household for indoor gatherings and max five people for outdoor gatherings), it makes sense why students are currently feeling unmotivated. 

The first student I contacted is a 3rd-year Physics Major who said their reading week had been brutal. All of their midterm exams were scheduled to be after reading week, but they refused to study because they could not bring themselves to do it. However, they said that they had used their week off to work as much as they could as they had not been working their full hours due to COVID. They also said that they had tried to meet up with a couple of friends, but their schedules had not allowed them to do so. This student reflects what many other students are enduring during this time. When we have time off, we are forced to weigh our options and choose which priority to focus on. Social life is meaningful, especially during this time where so many of us went months without seeing each other. However, when given a choice to earn their paycheck or socialize, this student understandably chose their paycheck.

The second student, a 4th-year Biology major, said that all of their midterms had been held before reading week and only had to work on the presentation due after the week was done. They said they tried to work on their presentation and managed to get started but quickly got distracted and said they would leave the weekend to work. They said they spent most of their time sleeping and going on Starbucks runs and did not visit any friends as they did not want to leave their house for social visits. They also said that this reading week had felt short as it came to an end before realizing it. This student displays what I think many students thought about this week and how it felt short and as though we could have used a couple of more days to replenish our strength. 

The third student, a 4th-year computer science student, said that even though they had several midterms exams coming up after reading week, they could not bring themselves to study and instead used a couple of days to visit their significant other had not seen in over two months. They said that while they would be stressed throughout the following week and would need to cram and do an all-nighter, taking a break was necessary as they replenished themselves and the break had been much needed and earned. This student showcases the difficulties couples are facing right now with the pandemic. This individual, in particular, should be applauded as they followed the guidelines and only visited their significant other when the province allowed it. They also display behavior that can help to replenish students' motivation. Taking a well-deserved break after sessions that require an increased amount of focus can be beneficial to the individuals' well-being. 

Overall, the 2021 reading week was different from previous years. With the pandemic's burden and the need to follow the health guidelines to ensure case numbers went down, many students felt trapped and unmotivated. Being an unmotivated university student can have severe consequences on our grades, and I encourage everyone to use the counseling services available at BU if an unmotivated state persists.

A year with online learning

A year with online learning

By Okorie Mary

Sometime last year was the last time students got together in classrooms, saw their professors in person and made meaningful connections and friends. Now a year has gone by and most of our learning experiences has been online. Both professors and students were forced into online education because of the pandemic. Professors who were not totally technically inclined had to learn to navigate teaching online with different sites and apps. Also, to try and curb cheating as much as possible, they had to look for alternatives such as watching students through videos as they wrote their exams. Students also were forced to learn to navigate the online environment for having classes, they were faced with technical glitches and difficulties because at some point, technological devices would always have some issues. Some students were afraid of writing exams because the exams could log them out or they would not even be able to login in the first place and some professors had a hard time keeping up with different technological complaints from students. There were also restrictions like not going back on an exam even when it was timed which would not have been the case if classes were in-person. A lot has really changed with most of learning now delivered with online mode, it has not been the easiest. Nevertheless, we are all learning to cope with it while hoping for a better future when things can go back to the way they were before the pandemic.

Anti-Lockdown protest outside Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Anti-Lockdown protest outside Canadian Museum for Human Rights

By: Maria Garcia

Photo credits: Zachary Kitchen, CTV news

Over the weekend in Winnipeg, a group called “Manitoba Movements for Change” held a rally protest in order to “raise awareness to mental health” Organized through Facebook. This event was meant to raise awareness against the strict Covid-19 restrictions the province has put in place. The regulations have been up for almost two weeks. They enable people to have indoor gatherings that include two people outside of your household and an outdoor gathering for five people outside of your family. Furthermore, the ‘only essential services and goods’ ban has been removed. People can now enjoy going for a haircut or to the gym.

However, this does not seem to be enough freedom for some people like those at the protest on Saturday who showed up without masks and signs saying, “our youth are suffering” and “isolation kills.” In their opinion, the restrictions are detrimental to mental health, and they are demanding they be put to an end. While the frustration is understandable, four UK Covid variant cases have been detected in the province. Now is not the time to be demanding ease of restrictions. For over a year, Covid-19 has impacted the lives of the entire world. Millions of deaths have resulted from this pandemic, and many more will continue to die unless we can hold on a bit longer. We must also remember why the code red restrictions came into place and how our carelessness got us to the point of three-digit deaths. I also urge the protesters to remember that we are ultimately trying to limit the spread in order to keep kids in school. Stay safe, stay home, stay healthy. We can do it!

Anti-Lockdown protest outside Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Anti-Lockdown protest outside Canadian Museum for Human Rights

By: Maria Garcia 

Photo credits: Zachary Kitchen, CTV news

Over the weekend in Winnipeg, a group called “Manitoba Movements for Change” held a rally protest in order to “raise awareness to mental health” Organized through Facebook. This event was meant to raise awareness against the strict Covid-19 restrictions the province has put in place. The regulations have been up for almost two weeks. They enable people to have indoor gatherings that include two people outside of your household and an outdoor gathering for five people outside of your family. Furthermore, the ‘only essential services and goods’ ban has been removed. People can now enjoy going for a haircut or to the gym.

However, this does not seem to be enough freedom for some people like those at the protest on Saturday who showed up without masks and signs saying, “our youth are suffering” and “isolation kills.” In their opinion, the restrictions are detrimental to mental health, and they are demanding they be put to an end. While the frustration is understandable, four UK Covid variant cases have been detected in the province. Now is not the time to be demanding ease of restrictions. For over a year, Covid-19 has impacted the lives of the entire world. Millions of deaths have resulted from this pandemic, and many more will continue to die unless we can hold on a bit longer. We must also remember why the code red restrictions came into place and how our carelessness got us to the point of three-digit deaths. I also urge the protesters to remember that we are ultimately trying to limit the spread in order to keep kids in school. Stay safe, stay home, stay healthy. We can do it!

Biden Announces Changes in US Foreign Policy

Biden Announces Changes in US Foreign Policy

The Joe Biden administration has announced to the US State Department its foreign policy goals. On Thursday, February 4th Biden initiated his speech with the words “America is back, diplomacy is back.” The new administration announced its views towards the war between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Biden said that “the US will end its support for the Saudi offensive in Yemen.” However, he made clear that the US will continue to support Saudi Arabia. Biden’s foreign policy speech reflected America’s intentions to reinforce alliances and cooperation affected by the previous Trump administration. The Biden administration prioritizes the importance of projecting American values to the world at large. Throughout the speech, he frequently expressed values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law as primary vehicles to guide foreign policy. 

Regarding the political crisis in Burma, Biden urged the Burmese military “to relinquish the power they have seized. Release the advocates and activists and officials they have detained, lift the restrictions in telecommunications and refrain from violence”. He urged nations to stand together and counter back against the forces of “authoritarianism.” “We can’t do it alone.. we must start with diplomacy rooted in America’s most cherished democratic values”. Contrary to Trump, which crafted a foreign policy of “America first,” prioritizing America in world affairs and cultivated nationalism values at home. 

He as well spoke about US-Russia relations. Biden aims at extending “the NEW START TREATY with Russia” to preserve the US-Russia agreement over nuclear weapons. On the other hand, he denounced the Russian government for the “jailing of opposition activists Alexei Navalny. “He should be released immediately and without condition,” Biden expressed. Regarding US-Chinese relations, Biden expressed that “we will also confront China’s economic abuses.” Still, he made clear that his administration is also “ready to work with Beijing where it is in America’s interests.” And contrary to Trump’s hostility towards immigrants and refugees. Biden touched the topic of refuges saying that for decades it has been a “bipartisan consensus” within US politics. However, he expressed that refugees and the LGBT community are part of the foreign policy agenda goals that the administration is committed to promoting American moral values.

By: Eder Leonel Torres

Valentines in Isolation

Valentines in Isolation

By Moses Aisida

“There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved. — George Sand, French novelist and memoirist”

A season of love between two or more people set in a time of isolation seems like the perfect irony, right? Well, given how the last year has gone, the irony now stares us in the face as reality. With many major cities in the world locked down – even with Manitoba recently easing its restrictions a bit, it is nowhere near what a normal-February in the world would be. The absence of gatherings of love, romantic dinner dates, proposals at bars, etc., might put a dampener on the annual celebration of love. As this year’s Valentine draws near, it would be interesting to see how creatively people will navigate the obstacles of the pandemic, and still express affection to their loved ones.

Virtual Love

Most large gatherings, meetings, conferences, hangouts, etc., have moved to virtual platforms. Due to restrictions, people have gotten so creative in connecting with their dearest ones through virtual meetings, video calls, and even audio calls. February 14th will not be any different. A lot of people will have to resort to these virtual platforms to connect with their loved ones. Virtual dinner dates, music-sharing dates, Netflix movie parties, etc., are some innovative ways to stay connected with our loved ones on Valentine.

Gift of Love

One of the core concepts of Valentine is professing love through gifting. Even a global pandemic cannot stop people from sharing gifts with their loved ones. From buying flowers, perfumes, giving money, to even a love card, an effort to purchase gifts for someone would make the season enjoyable and keep the fire of love burning. Even if you cannot afford any of these things, loving someone and letting them know is as important a gift as any of these material things.

The Essence of Love

Isolation might keep us from physically being with other people, but we have to remember that love transcends the physical. We must acknowledge that love comes from the heart and that there are several genuine ways to display it. So, this Valentine’s day, pick up your phone and call that friend who lives in the next province, send an email to that brother who lives overseas.  Write a letter to that lover who lives two streets away, order a box of donuts for your neighbor, send lovely texts to your coworkers, host a virtual party with your family, or do anything that extends love to others. 

Even in a pandemic, there is still enough room to show love, and once we have that, we are never in isolation.

DATING IN A PANDEMIC

By Moses Aisida 

DATING IN A PANDEMIC

If you do not already know, we are in a global pandemic. The world has somehow managed to wear a post-apocalyptic look, and everyone has been forced indoors. For a species that places so much value on interactions, we have struggled in this pandemic. And like every other thing, dating in these times has also taken a different turn.

Blessing in Disguise

Perhaps, the fact that we are a digital generation with heads planted in social media platforms and quick fingers replacing our voices makes the first step towards finding love easy. Online dating platforms saw a global boost of 82% in the early weeks of the pandemic (Dating.com). Most of these platforms rolled out several features to help their users take a chance at love, and it worked – at least for the first few months.

Chat Loop

Humanity's insatiability - soon, people got tangled in the loop of chatting, and the natural crave for more began to manifest. People who were great at conversations lasted longer, while people who didn’t excel at this got bored. Dating platforms began to see a gradual decline in the number of subscribers and revenue. Another blow for genuine seekers of love.

Focus on the Positives

One thing is certain, there are lots of positives to draw this new form of dating. Virtual conversations allow you to get to know a potential partner in the safety of your personal space. The comfortability, calmness, and safety that one derives from this new format encourages choice – safe choice. Another positive is that it affords one the ability to thoroughly acquaint themselves with potential partners without the complexity that sex throws into new relationships. It becomes easier to know each person’s intentions without the mind-clouding that sexual activities present. Lastly, dating online serves to reduce or eliminate the costs that arise from physical dates. With sex and money absent, it becomes easier for genuine relationships to thrive.

Some Creative Tips

So how do you balance the boring aspect of online dating with the restrictions on meeting people? Here are a few tips that one can use to spice up the quest for love.

1. Be intentional about what you want.

2. If truly true love is what you seek, then you must commit to knowing your potential partner as best.

3. Spice up your conversations with movie dates through Netflix movie sharing, music date through Spotify, virtual dates with Zoom, or other video calling platforms.

4. Try to be romantic. Send letters through the mail, order lunch for that person, send gifts, make a playlist for them, etc. Just do fun stuff that shows your affection.

5. Pay attention to the laws put in place, and depending on the ease of restrictions, plan physical dates.

6. Do not compromise your core values for the sake of love. If someone is not on the same page as you, leave.

7. Lastly, stay safe.

"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in" — Morrie Schwartz, from Tuesdays with Morrie

Biden’s First Week as President

Biden’s First Week as President

By: Cedric Bell

Photo Source: Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP 

Joe Biden’s inauguration and subsequent first week as president have been thankfully pretty quiet. After the attack on the capitol building two weeks prior, a relatively routine political turnover has been a much needed break for the U.S. That being said, his first week hasn’t been completely uneventful. Biden has taken a number of steps forwards in his first weeks in terms of policy changes. These changes follow a couple of themes, such as undoing past decisions from the former U.S President Donald Trump, environmental and social policy changes, and a new Covid plan.

Some of Joe Biden’s first decisions as president have been undoing choices made by the former President, Donald Trump. Ironically enough, this is also the same approach that Trump used in his first few days as President in repealing some of Obama’s policies. The two most notable policies that Biden has reversed are the U.S’s stance on The Paris Agreement, and on the travel ban. Namely, Biden has reentered the U.S into the Paris agreement, which has been an expected move considering his stance on the environment, and has repealed the travel ban which restricted travel into the U.S from a number of other countries. There are several others as well, but these stand out as the most significant.

In terms of environmental and social policy, Biden’s first week has been very productive. So far, he has signed three different executive orders that focus on environmental research and infrastructure support. Controversially, he has also halted the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. While this is good news for the environment, it is economically harmful, especially for Canadians. Whether the good outweighs the bad here remains to be seen as the government weighs climate change activism against the economy.

For social policy, not much has been acted upon yet, however Biden has two plans in motions that could be a big deal. Firstly, he is intending to increase the minimum wage to 15$ an hour, which would be extremely helpful in lessening the disparity in income in the U.S. His other big plan is to push a “Buy American” policy that would encourage the U.S to focus on stimulating its own economy. Once again, while helpful to them, this could prove to be problematic for Canada, as our economy is heavily reliant on our relationship with them.

His proactive approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic is a welcome change of pace, as in his first week he has made three major steps towards handling it. Firstly, he has put forwards a mandate that requires federal workers to wear masks while on federal lands, i.e. while working. Secondly, he has put a Covid board together that will focus on how covid has disproportionately affected certain minority groups, rapid testing, tracing, and communication with the public. Lastly, his plan in dealing with Covid is currently being examined, and is apparently generally receiving support.

Biden’s first week as president hasn’t been catching headline after headline, but has been focused and productive. After undoing many of Trumps’ controversial and backwards decisions, Biden has focused on putting forward legislation to support the environment, guide the U.S through Covid, and stimulate their economy. While this is good news after how destabilised the U.S has been over the past few years, these decisions are going to have a huge impact on Canada, in both negative and positive ways.

White Supremacy at Capitol Hill

White Supremacy at Capitol Hill 

By: Mallory Johnson 

On Wednesday, January 6th, thousands of Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol building in Washington, DC. They did this because United States President Donald Trump tweeted to his thousands of supporters that he did not support the results of the runoff election that was held the day before in Georgia. Trump and his supporters still believed that he won the election, even though Joe Biden won fair and square. 

           At this violent white supremacist protest, most of the attendees were not wearing masks. Five people died, including a police officer. Items were stolen from inside the Capitol building, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s laptop. Some arrests were made. There was a huge difference in the reaction from the police at this protest than the Black Lives Matter protests that happened in 2020. The only police officer seen defending the Capitol building was a black man. 

           This attack was premeditated; Trump tweeted, “JANUARY SIXTH, SEE YOU IN DC.” Also, there were attendees wearing shirts that said, “Civil War: January 6, 2021” and a Tik Tok video posted by a Trump supporter before the protest that said, “Wait till liberals find out about Jan 6th.” This changes the charges that the attendees would get (if they are charged at all). 

           There was also a major lack to call the violence what it is, which is terrorism, and this might be related to the fact that the attendees were majority white people with Nazi flags and Nazi shirts on. This was the first time a confederate flag had ever been in the Capitol building. 

           Many attendees traveled from across the country during the current COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in them being put on no-fly lists, because of their potential COVID-19 exposure and their terrorist actions. 

           Trump inciting this violence resulted in him and his ideologies getting banned from many social media websites and apps. These include Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Shopify, Spotify, Pinterest, Google, Reddit, Twitch/Discord, and YouTube. Also, a few White House staffers resigned following the violence. There were calls to impeach Trump, and Democratic politicians are currently in the process of impeachment. Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th, 2021.

Covid-19 and Death Rates Decreasing

Covid-19 and Death Rates Decreasing

By Mary Okorie

Last year was quite terrible and many of our daily activities were disrupted by the appearance of Covid-19. There were a lot of cases and death rates kept increasing. People lost friends, family, and loved ones due to this virus. 

Research lab scientists and pharmaceutical companies tried very hard to come up with vaccines so that the world can slowly go back to the way they were. Toward the ending of last year and the beginning of this year, vaccines have been produced and distributed. This has given us quite some hope on going back to our life. The vaccine has been shipped to Canada and has been distributed among provinces so that health personnel and other residents can take the vaccine. So far there has not been any bad news about the vaccine, instead, there have been reports of death rates reducing. Here in Manitoba where many health workers have gotten the vaccine, our death rates have reduced, and slowly we are moving from code red to a much safer code. By the end of this year, the government plans to vaccinate as many people as they can and also curb the spread of the virus.

This is like a light at the end of a dark tunnel, giving us hope that one day we might be able to go to class and connect with our fellow classmates and professors and for other people to go back to their former daily activities. We have to keep safe until Covid-19 is under control.

Two More Weeks at Home: Code Red Restrictions Extended

Two More Weeks at Home: 

Code Red Restrictions Extended

By: Maria Garcia Manzano, AEIC of The Quill 

Manitobans patiently awaited the scheduled January 8th 12:30 pm conference call held by Dr. Roussin. During this conference call Manitobans would learn whether the code red restrictions first put in place back in mid November of 2020 would be extended further. As we came to learn the code red restrictions have been extended for an additional two-week period and are set to expire on January 22nd. The restrictions were extended as a result of the unknown impact the holiday season will have on the test positivity rate. 

In case you have forgotten what the code red restrictions entail here is a reminder. During the code red phase, gatherings outside one’s household are not permitted with the exception of individuals who live alone and are allowed to have one designated visitor. All nonessential businesses are closed, and all nonessential items cannot be purchased in store. Thus, meaning that everything deemed nonessential by the province must be purchased online and shipped or arranged for curbside pickup. These will all remain in place until the 22nd, however just as during the holiday season a few changes were made in order to accommodate for the Christmas spirit, there were a couple of changes to the restrictions to accommodate hockey fans and hockey parents. Hockey practices and games will be allowed to take place. This received mixed emotions with many individuals complaining and becoming angry at the unfairness of the restrictions and the favouritism the province placed on hockey. Many complained that small businesses could not afford to be closed for another two weeks as they risk going under and that province was making a mistake by considering hockey as an essential. The anger and disappointment felt by individuals is understandable however this anger will not get us anywhere and we must not let our impatience and anger get the best of us. 

While we cannot partake in any indoor activities nor can we visit any friends or family there are a variety of outdoor COVID-19 friendly activities we can do. Ice rinks have opened, and sledding hills have also become available for public use. Furthermore, dog parks have now opened to allow our fur friends to interact with other dogs as this is much needed. Another outdoor activity that we can do is hiking at the Brandon Hills, the weather has been beautiful throughout this first week of January and a nice hike through the Brandon Hills will prove to be beneficial to your health. 

We hoped the restrictions would be taken down and we would be able to see friends and gather outside of our household however due to the irresponsibility and foolishness of those who have disobeyed the orders and visited friends, family and significant others throughout the holiday season have essentially ruined it for the rest of us. However, anger will get us nowhere and all we can do is hope that in two weeks our numbers have decreased significantly in order for those of us who have waited to see our family and friends.