Located outside Science I, the Three Sisters Garden consists of three crops — corn, bean and squash — which were planted on six mounds of dirt. The garden was planted in the same traditional manner utilized by the people of the Haudenosaunee Nation, with the three sister crops supporting the growth of one another.

After being inspired by a similar garden located at Syracuse University, the Binghamton University garden was established in 2022 by two professors in the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) and Angela Ferguson, the current director of the Onondaga Nation Farm and a member of the Eel Clan of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, to maintain the relationship between the Haudenosaunee Nations and the land. The garden stands as a “Living Treaty,” according to the sign placed in front of it.

“Together we will travel in Friendship and in Peace Forever, as long as the grass is green, as long as the water runs downhill, as long as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, and as long as our Mother Earth will last,” the sign reads.

One of the professors that helped to establish the garden at BU was Barrett Brenton, a faculty engagement associate for the CCE and professor of anthropology. According to Brenton, the group chose to create six mounds to represent the six Haudenosaunee Nations — the original five being the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca and Cayuga and the sixth being the Tuscarora.

Brenton acknowledged the relationship between the Haudenosaunee and the land.

“Essentially, planting the seeds here is to establish that these Nations are still here,” Brenton said. “[The Nations are] still on the land upon where we are residing. They are not some past Native American group that has disappeared.”

The second professor that established the BU Three Sisters Garden was BrieAnna Langlie, an assistant professor of anthropology. Langlie explained that the garden also serves as a pedagogical tool, describing it as a “living classroom about indigenous knowledge.” Langlie said her course, Archaeology of Domestication, was one of the classes to visit this semester.

“It’s not just about the garden,” Langlie said. “It’s about interactions with Haudenosaunee people that live in this region. It’s about the plants themselves as well as a pedagogical tool, so it’s very multifaceted.”

During the academic months, classes ranging from environmental science to anthropology were involved with the garden. It was maintained by volunteers during the summer months.

Students expressed pride toward the Three Sisters Garden and its location on campus. Lee Hammond, a junior majoring in anthropology, explained why they attended the planting and the significance of events that maintain cultural relationships.

“I just find that knowing this culture and these people are alive and thriving today is really important,” Lee said. “The relationships and knowledge that we share is also very important.”

Alicia Baj, a sophomore majoring in integrative neuroscience, expressed enthusiasm about the garden’s mission and its inclusion of the student community.

“I am proud to be a student at a university that values the many groups and cultures within the community,” Baj said. “It’s cool that after all the hard work put in to upkeep the garden in the summer, there is a harvest in the fall. It seems like a very fun and rewarding project.”

Langlie encouraged students to participate in the garden’s upcoming events, including maintenance throughout the summer and the harvest in fall. She invited students staying in Binghamton through the summer to help weed and maintain the Three Sisters Garden every Friday at 10 a.m. The fall harvest will be held in conjunction with the Haudenosaunee festival on Sept. 30 on the Peace Quad.

As discussed in a Binghamton University Council meeting on April 21, the deficit is a result of parking rates remaining consistent for over a decade. The failure to increase the parking permit price with the gradually increasing maintenance costs has also prevented the University’s parking lots from being fully kept, administrators said. Student parking permits, which are available as both annual commuter passes and annual resident passes, have remained at $140.55 since 2011. Meanwhile, meter rates, which cost $1.00 per hour, have not been adjusted since 2013.

A rate increase of 1.25 percent per year has now been established, after a proposed schedule of parking price increases was created and received approval from the Parking and Transportation Stakeholders Group (PTSG), an organization with representation from various BU community members.

Parking permit prices are set to begin increasing in fall 2023, and will continue for the next couple of years. Janice Bennett, the senior executive director for student affairs administration, explained what the increase will entail for students in the upcoming years.

“Permit fees have not been increased since 2011 and meters since 2013, while costs have gone up significantly over that same time,” Bennett wrote in an email. “The most common permit used by students will increase by less than $20 annually and changes were reviewed and supported by the [PTSG], which includes a wide representation of students, faculty and staff.”

Brian Rose, the vice president of student affairs, proposed the finalized parking permit increase at the Council meeting, which was supported by a majority vote from the Council members. Rose explained that the money obtained from the initiative will allow the University to invest in parking lot maintenance, including keeping the lots clean, safe and accessible to students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“The parking operation, if you will, functions as an auxiliary service, meaning the revenues we take in are being used to support the operations of the parking enterprise,” Rose said. “We have a substantial deficit, roughly $2 million now, of parking lot maintenance because the revenues we take in are not sufficient to do all the work that should be done with respect to keeping the parking lots prepared and painted.”

Students expressed frustration toward the price increase, claiming parking prices should be covered by tuition and other mandatory fees that students are expected to pay.

Gabrielle Camillery, a senior majoring in biology, was opposed to the price increase as a commuter student.

“Parking passes are already pretty expensive for the limited amount of available parking during the day,” Camillery said. “They should find a way to integrate that upgraded charge into our tuition and fees which are already super expensive as well.”

Alicia Baj, a sophomore majoring in integrative neuroscience, described the parking prices as being “too expensive” already and claimed she does not drive due to fear of unexpected rate increases. Additionally, Baj noted that there is a need for increased parking availability on campus.

“Honestly, the increase surprises me, but it upsets me even more,” Baj said. “This is why I take the bus instead of driving, because the prices for things that should be included in our tuition fees, like parking, are charged separately. There aren’t even enough parking spaces to begin with, so I hope some of the extra funds go toward expanding parking or adding additional lots, maybe a parking garage for students with passes.”

The Consultation, Advocacy, Referral and Education (CARE) Team

The CARE Team is an on-campus support group responsible for promoting personal and academic development by directing students to resources that can best accommodate their needs. The team is composed of licensed social workers dedicated to creating judgment-free case management services for students who need help finding the correct resources. The CARE Team is located in Binghamton University Union West, room 207, and can be contacted weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. by phone at (607) 777-2804. The team can also be reached by email at dos@binghamton.edu for general inquiries or to set up a consultation appointment.

The University Counseling Center (UCC)

College comes with challenges, which can be especially difficult to face when struggling with substance abuse. The UCC is available to aid students experiencing mental health crises, addiction or those who simply need someone trustworthy to talk to privately. The UCC has many certified counselors available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for therapy services. The UCC is located in Old O’Connor Hall, room 264, and can be reached by phone at (607) 777-2772 to set up an appointment.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Office

Located in the Academic B building, room 202, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Office is an on-campus recovery resource dedicated to creating a collaboration of resources available to students struggling with substance abuse. Staff at the office work hard to conduct research, stay up-to-date on the most recent support developments and collaborate with outside resources to create a program that meets the needs of students in various stages of recovery. These resources include support groups, events, cannabis and alcohol screening for college students, prevention tools and more. The office can be reached on weekdays by phone at (607) 777-3088 or by email at aodstaff@binghamton.edu.

Campus Recovery Support Group (CRSG)

Established in 2021 in coordination with the UCC and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Office, the CRSG is a student-run support initiative that works to aid students struggling with substance abuse through recovery. The group organizes various support events such as “Coffee Talks” and game nights to facilitate connection among students struggling with drug abuse. For further inquiries, the CRSG can be reached by email at busober@binghamton.edu. Dates and times for support events held at the group’s social space, located in the Academic B building room 211, can be found on the group’s Instagram, @busober.

The Addiction Center of Broome County (ACBC)

Located off-campus at 30 West State St. in Binghamton, the ACBC has been aiding community members struggling with substance abuse for over 40 years. The team at the ACBC provides many resources, including individualized treatment planning, psychiatric care and more. Resources are also available for those interested in aiding a loved one through addiction. This includes Narcan training, suicide alertness training, family support and more. For more information or to inquire about care, the ACBC can be reached by phone Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (607) 723-7308.

Binghamton’s New York State University Police (UPD)

In the case of an emergency, to report an incident or to inquire about lost or stolen property, students can contact UPD. The department has a group of highly trained professional officers who can aid in emergency situations, including drug-related emergencies. The UPD office is located in the basement of the Couper Administration Building, AD-G24. For emergency calls, the UPD can be reached at (607) 777-2222 from a cell phone, or at 911 from a campus phone. For non-emergency reports, students can call (607) 777-2393 to speak with an officer.

The new hires were selected after Sheriff Fred Akshar acquired the position in January. According to Akshar, the responsibility came with a shortage of 40 positions in the Broome County Jail’s Corrections Division, causing current officers to work “seemingly endless overtime” and undergo “unavoidable strain and burnout.” Akshar explained that the quantity of officers needed is based on standards provided by the New York State Commission of Correction — a government agency responsible for the regulation of correctional facilities and local jails in New York state.

Besides allowing the jail to follow state regulations, the additional staff will benefit from the expansion of opportunities for those incarcerated within the jail — including the reopening of “regular programs,” Akshar said. One way the Sheriff’s Office will improve their support, according to Akshar, is by committing to “Responsible Reentry,” which was explained as providing resources to current inmates to prevent additional offenses after release.

The new administration also plans to partner with local organizations, including the Southern Tier AIDS Program, the Broome County Council of Churches and Mothers and Babies, to provide additional support.

In addition to new correctional officers, the Sheriff’s Office hired former Broome County Sheriff’s Department Recruiter Charles Woody, who now serves as the jail’s director of community engagement and recruiting. Akshar expressed praise for both the officers in the Sheriff’s Office and the new hires, who have participated in “intensive field training and education” prior to beginning work in the jail.

“I’m incredibly proud of how the men and women of the Sheriff’s office from both the Corrections and Law Enforcement divisions stepped up and worked together as one team to help find and vet quality candidates to fill a dire need,” Akshar wrote in an email. “Our collective success has a direct impact on our community, because the more dedicated, hardworking and community-minded people we have in the Correctional Facility, the better, stronger and safer our community as a whole will be.”

Akshar also described the unique group of new hires selected to fill the vacant positions.

According to Akshar, 36 percent of the new hires represent people of color, with seven new officers being female, three of which are Black. These three officers are the first Black women hired at a Broome County law enforcement agency. The new sheriff explained how the diverse group of new officers will benefit the facility.

“These outstanding men and women represent a renewed commitment to excellence in the Broome County Corrections Division, a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of our incarcerated individuals and those charged in their care, and a welcome respite for the hardworking men and women of Corrections who have been short-staffed and overextended for so long,” Akshar wrote.

Ariana Brown, one of the 29 correctional officers hired by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and a graduate student at the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, said it was her oldest brother, a correctional officer at Fishkill Correctional Facility located in Beacon, New York, who inspired her to fill the position — which began on March 20. Brown described her role as a correctional officer at the Broome County Jail.

“I oversee day-to-day activities of inmates, assuring the safety of them and others,” Brown wrote. “I also enjoy conversing with [the inmates] because they are people too, and I tell everyone [if] you can actively communicate, you’ll be golden.”

Positions are still available for qualified applicants, according to Akshar, who encouraged those seeking employment to email JoinBCSO@broomecountyny.gov for more information.

Jacey Ruisi, a sophomore double-majoring in English and psychology, expressed feelings of optimism toward Akshar and the sheriff’s office for choosing this particular group of new hires.

“It is great that as soon as the new sheriff joined, [Akshar] already implemented new growth,” Ruisi said. “Representation is so important, especially in a department where an unbiased attitude is especially relevant.”

Emily Wu, a sophomore majoring in business administration, said she hopes the hiring of new officers causes further improvements in the jail.

“I think this change shows that the correctional facility is working toward creating a better environment for its employees,” Wu said. “Not only would this help employees maintain a better work-life balance, but incarcerated individuals would be in better care.”

Editor’s Note (3/30/23): A previous version of this article stated that 29 new officers were hired instead of 27. The article has been updated with the correct information.

Q: How long have you been cooking and what inspired you to become a vegan chef?

A: “From a life and hobby standpoint, I’ve been cooking since I’ve been little, so in middle school and since then, but more so professionally, probably for almost eight years or so now. I’m self-taught, so I did not go to culinary school — it was an intentional decision to do that, mainly because of culinary school. Well, a few reasons. Culinary school is European and really mainly French and Italian-derived. The style of cooking that they were teaching there and the techniques, while all of that is very useful and impressive, it wasn’t really the reason why I became interested in cooking. I became interested because it was a huge part of our family. We were the only ones in the [United] States from India, my home, otherwise my whole entire family was in India. The best way to stay in touch with our roots was through our language and through our food among other parts of our culture — they weren’t teaching that in culinary school.”

Q: How does your culture inspire your dishes?

A: “Because I am first-generation in America and I’m born and raised in New York City, the way we stayed in touch with our culture was through food, language, clothing, conversation and all that kind of stuff — so my background has a huge influence on my culinary style because we’re also kind of among a minority Indian group. I would say in this country, we don’t fall within Prajapati or Punjabis or one of the bigger Indian diasporas that are settled in this country. So our food, our cooking style, our language — it’s all different. We can’t get that type of food to eat in a restaurant here at all. And actually, most of the food we eat and make is vegan by default. There’s no dairy in it. There’s no non-vegetarian, or anything like that. It’s been a huge influence because it’s taught me the versatility in vegetables and legumes and in grains and really making vegetables the star of the plate.”

Q: What influence has your frequent traveling had on your approach to cooking?

A: “I’ve traveled to 40 countries now and I’m hoping to do a few more this year — I think it’s not until you go physically to those countries and really experience the food and the cultures of the people and see the things that you can actually learn about that culture. The best way for me to learn about cultures is through food and their approach to food and also through learning about their agricultural systems. The food, I learned an immense amount about just how [other cultures] approach cooking. I’ve been to Italy a few times and I grew up on Staten Island, it’s like heavily Italian-American, but the food in Italy is completely different. You know, it’s actually very vegetable-focused and it’s not really fish-focused and not really dairy-heavy like [it is here]. I’m not saying that [Italian-American food] is not good. I’m just saying it’s such a different approach. They use so much more eggplant and fresh vegetables and peas and things that I really love. Just seeing their approach to how they actually manipulate those vegetables and use them is so eye-opening to me because I wouldn’t necessarily see that here.”

Q: What advice do you have for people trying to implement eco-friendly cooking practices?

A: “My advice for really anything is to lead by example. [What] I would say to younger adults and younger generations is, regardless of what access you have to social media and how things are changing and whatnot, I think the essence of seeing your friends do something always influences you — so that’s why leading by example becomes very important, which is kind of how I use social media. To me, my social media community is my friend group, essentially. I’m showing examples of what I do in the hopes that I’m showing them something new and helping lead them in a certain way. I think if someone cares about being more eco-friendly, I would advise them to start doing it and show their friends.”

Q: What do you hope students take away from your TEDx Talk?

A: “I hope that students, or really anyone who is watching, will feel that they can make a difference with what I have to say. The whole premise of my [TEDx] Talk is, ‘Here are things we can do as individuals that actually move the needle and make a change and make it a better environment — not only in our lifetime, but in generations to come.’ You don’t need to be rich, you don’t need to buy anything fancy or do anything crazy. Everything I’m providing are tips and solutions that anyone can implement at any stage of their life. I hope they take away the feeling of hope, that we can individually make a difference and make that one small change that can collectively make an impact.”

Smily StreetWear

Ari Gurvitch, a sophomore majoring in cinema, joined Smily in 2020 after his hometown friend had the idea to start a business. Soon, more of his friends joined, and the group worked together to produce the colorful Smily sweaters, t-shirts and hats — which feature the rainbow Smily logo designed by Gurvitch’s friend. Gurvitch’s favorite item is the Smily squidward tee, which can be found on the business’ Instagram page, @smilystreetwear. Gurvitch expressed appreciation for the recent Student Flea Market hosted by the Student Association Programming Board (SAPB).

“The biggest challenge of running a business would have to be exposing the brand itself,” Gurvitch said. “It’s really hard to get a brand out there and make it popular when there are so many these days. That’s why I was so excited when they announced the Binghamton flea market.”

Love Laura Nicole

Love Laura Nicole earring boutique was created “in a spur of the moment” in January 2022 by Laura Zibbon, a junior majoring in business administration, who was inspired by a love for “art and design” and an Etsy advertisement for polymer clay earrings. Zibbon’s earrings were initially created as a hobby, which took off and eventually led Love Laura Nicole to become an Etsy shop of its own. All the earrings are created by Zibbon herself, who hand-makes the jewelry with “mini cookie cutters,” of which she claims to own around 500. The designs that can be found on Love Laura Nicole’s Instagram, Facebook and TikTok pages, all with the username, @love.lauranicole. Zibbon gave her advice for students interested in starting a small business of their own.

“When you first start a business, don’t expect tons of people to know your business exists,” Zibbon wrote in an email. “When I first started, a lot of my sales came from friends and family. It wasn’t until a month or two after I started that I got my first order from a stranger. Keep working if it is something that you enjoy doing because the more and more you promote on social media and at events, the more people will know about your business.”

Beauty by Abena.I

Isabel Owusu, a second-year graduate student pursuing a doctorate in pharmacy, began Beauty by Abena.I in August 2021 to incorporate her love for makeup into business. As featured on the business’ social media pages, Owusu creates an array of makeup styles that are made possible by her makeup line. The most difficult part of running her business, according to Owusu, has been balancing her work time with pharmacy school. One product sold is an eyeshadow palette, “Shades of Africa,” which includes 20 different shades displayed on an Africa-shaped palette. “Shades of Africa,” along with other products, can be found on TikTok and Instagram @beautybyabena.i.

ADarling Jewelry

Anna Darling, a sophomore majoring in psychology, began her jewelry business, ADarling Jewelry, in May of 2020. Darling discovered her love for creating jewelry during the COVID-19 shutdown, and creates her jewelry because she finds it “quite soothing.” She began selling her products on Etsy after “making a sizable amount of jewelry,” and moved her business to Instagram only after beginning school at BU. Her favorite item is the “wire-wrapped sun necklaces,” which can be found on her shop’s Instagram page, @adarlingjewlery.

The Neon Closet

The Neon Closet began about a year ago, when Matthew Larocchia, a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience, turned his focus from selling miscellaneous items to clothing — vintage-style clothing in particular. Larocchia creates all of The Neon Closet’s clothing designs — seen on eBay and social media — himself, claiming he “[tries] to stick with the ‘neon light’ motif” that coordinates with his store’s title. Larrochia described the school-work balance as his greatest challenge with the running of his business.

“One piece of advice would be to make sure your business is something you actually have a real interest in,” Larocchia said. “Back when I was selling random things just for the money it felt like a chore, but now that my business is based around something that I enjoy looking for and collecting, it feels a lot less like work.”

Many student-run businesses can be found at SAPB’s Student Flea Markets, which feature businesses run by BU students. The next Student Flea Market will be held on March 21 in room 102 of the University Union from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The meeting was hosted by the Southern Door Community Land Trust (SDCLT) — a Black-led neighborhood group of housing advocates dedicated to founding and establishing a community land trust in Broome County. On Saturday, March 11, participants met at an apartment building on Binghamton’s Florence Street to clean up the housing complex and street, as well as part of the two adjacent streets — Main Street and Charlotte Street.

Saturday’s cleanup event was the first of its kind hosted by the SDCLT, which hopes to hold the event once or twice per year. The event was organized to “take a stand against predatory, private landlords,” according to Hajra Aziz, the executive director of the SDCLT. Aziz explained that the housing crisis is particularly harmful to Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) residents in the Binghamton area, and events such as the cleanup are necessary for the well-being of individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged.

“Such a display can also inspire the most marginalized members of our community to get involved again,” Aziz wrote in an email. “Those living in the poorest neighborhoods have already been stigmatized and relegated to the sidelines. The Community Cleanup is an opportunity to show those residents currently living at the land trust (and in the surrounding area) that the community hasn’t given up on them yet.”

The organization also expressed a deep-rooted belief in community. An invitation email from the SDCLT described the importance of the event being a collective effort.

“This event is a chance for all of us in Binghamton to make a statement to the city and private landlords — no one person or group can make this change alone,” the letter reads. “To make a community land trust work, we need the community to buy in. For SDCLT to establish a network of affordable housing options, for residents and students alike, we need your support.”

Aside from community residents, the event was also attended by both high school and college students.

One such student was Vivica Coston, from Binghamton High School. Coston explained her reasoning for attending the event, which included concern for the residents residing in the area.

“I came out here because it is really important that people feel comfortable in their own homes and don’t feel ashamed of trash or of having their house dirty,” Coston said. “I know some people can’t do these things themselves, so it is really important we come out here.”

Among the Binghamton University students attending was Jada Charter, a senior majoring in women and gender studies. Charter described their initial reaction to learning of the problems facing the Binghamton community.

“When I first got [to Binghamton], I wasn’t really aware of how bad the homeless crisis was here in Binghamton and in Broome County in general,” Charter said. “So I wanted to do this volunteer service because I think it’s really important since a lot of the residents here really are underserved and not really cared for.”

Other members in attendance also placed focus on the housing crisis in Broome County.

As explained by Aziz, the SDCLT believes that “community members and college students alike” are impacted by Broome County’s housing crisis. The affected individuals, she claims, can work together to combat their shared struggle.

“This is not a situation of community members versus students — it’s all of us versus private landlords,” Aziz wrote in an email. “The establishment of a viable land trust in the area has the potential to benefit both populations in question — providing permanently affordable housing for all.”

Another BU student at the event was JP Dillon, a senior majoring in environmental studies. Like Aziz, Dillon expressed concern about the way landlords treat residents in Binghamton.

“I believe in the mission of the [SDCLT],” Dillon said. “I think we have a lot of landlords here and a lot of people like to talk about the problem. I think this is a very viable solution, so I want to see it succeed and I want to be a part of that.”

The extended federal budget for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — a government-funded food benefit agency that aids low-income families and individuals — was recently reduced due to the decline of COVID-19. According to the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) website, the extra benefits were a “temporary strategy authorized by Congress,” meaning they were set to end in unison with the shutdown. This February is the last month extended benefits will be provided by the federal government.

Hochul’s extended aid would benefit all SNAP recipients through the month of February as a way of “protecting New Yorkers who are struggling to feed themselves and their families,” according to a statement released by Hochul. Each household supported by SNAP will receive a supplement of at least $95 — including households that are regularly given under $95 per month and those receiving the maximum monthly amount.

Daniel Tietz is the commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) — the office in charge of regulating SNAP benefits in New York state. Tietz said the extended benefits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have helped, and suggested SNAP receivers seek alternate forms of aid in the coming months.

“The additional food benefits provided throughout the public health crisis have helped alleviate much uncertainty among New Yorkers who were unsure about being able to put food on the table,” Tietz said. “It’s important that affected households seek out other available assistance that may help with offsetting other household costs.”

Local emergency food service programs have been impacted by the decrease in SNAP benefits, and expect to be further affected by Hochul’s plan for February.

Les Aylesworth, director of the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) at the Broome County Council of Churches, said the warehouse saw “an uptick in need” once benefits — including extended SNAP assistance — were discontinued. Aylesworth advised individuals in need of food assistance to utilize CHOW’s services.

“The proposed benefits will certainly help people through February, but that’s obviously only temporary,” Aylesworth wrote in an email. “One of the things people can do is shop at the store we opened in Binghamton called the Greater Good Grocery, where folks who use SNAP can double up on their purchases to help stretch those benefits.”

According to Aylesworth, one in seven individuals and one in four children in Broome County are “food insecure.” He further claimed this number of individuals could fill the University’s Events Center over five times.

Lori Accardi, the executive director of Catholic Charities in Broome County, described a similar experience, with the organization currently helping over 3,500 people each month, half of which are children and seniors.

Accardi described a decrease in the amount of individuals relying on Catholic Charities during the pandemic, with an increase in deliveries. Since the decline of the pandemic, the organization has been helping more people from Broome County — which has seen an increased homeless population.

“We have an affordable housing crisis in our community, as well as an issue with shelter beds being filled, leading to many people living in local hotels where it is difficult to prepare food,” Accardi wrote in an email. “That means that serving them requires additional expense to provide single servings, microwaveable food, items that don’t need to be heated, etc.”

Lucy Mandel, a junior double-majoring in history and philosophy, politics and law, expressed worry toward Hochul’s solution being temporary.

“I think its good that [Hochul’s plan] is being extended, but clearly it’s not a long-term solution to the problem,” Mandel said. “I don’t know how they would fix that, but clearly something else needs to be implemented to help people that can’t afford food anymore. Especially, being in college, there are plenty of kids who can’t afford food and there’s not enough resources to help [students].”

Hochul said households outside of NYC can expect to receive the extra state-provided benefits by Feb. 24, and households within New York City by Feb. 28.

Silas Wieland, a junior double-majoring in mathematics and physics, had similar concerns for Hochul’s plan and a possible shortage of benefits in the coming months.

“My initial thought is, because of inflation and the lingering effects of COVID-19, one month isn’t really enough grace period to fully help people on SNAP and who need SNAP benefits.” Wieland said. “I think that it should be extended over a much longer period, maybe six months to a year. That would make it a lot more equal, and maybe we could look for more long-term improvements for SNAP to help raise people up past where inflation is.”

Pipe Dream recently interviewed Merriwether to learn more about her body image-based research.

Q: Can you explain your research on body image development?

A: “We haven’t done too much body work recently, but we did collect body-related data and examined it in relation to sexual behavior and ‘friend zone.’ We found women with higher BMI’s were more positive in sexual attitudes, evidenced greater sexual satisfaction and were less likely to friend zone partners.”

Q: Do you believe anyone is fully happy with their appearance? Why or why not?

A: “I think there is a lot of pressure from the media that makes people unhappy with their bodies. I do think we are seeing more paths to body positivity though. Again, I think the media plays a role here. More positive body images in the media and more body empowerment.”

Q: How do trends, such as those surrounding body hair, impact one’s sex life?

A: “We haven’t studied this but research suggests that body hair, especially on female-presenting bodies, has been viewed negatively. Again, I think or really hope this is changing with more diversity of bodies in the media.”

Q: Can shame be created from the expectation formed by these trends? If so, how can this type of shame impact one’s sex life?

A: “Body shame can be a significant problem for people. It can restrict their willingness to engage in all kinds of relationships.”

Q: Is the expectation for women to not have body hair realistic, and can this particular trend be harmful? What about for men?

A: “I think it’s not realistic and I think there is so much pressure on women’s bodies to be hairless. Certainly, there is speculation that this comes from bodies represented in pornography and even worry that it is an insidious example of infantilizing female bodies. Again, I think we are seeing some hopeful trends in change with more diversity in bodies — even with body hair.”

Q: Do you have any closing comments on the topic?

A: “I think it’s important to seek out diversity in body image representation. Where we get into trouble is when images presented are narrow and exclusive.”

Formerly known as RecycleMania, the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition is held annually from January to March to promote waste reduction practices among organizations of higher education across the United States and Canada. Participating organizations practice waste management, submit waste update reports and attend informational webinars organized by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) — the largest wildlife conservation in the United States and the coordinator of the competition.

The competition consists of six categories — zero waste, food organics, diversion, recycling, GameDay basketball and electronics recycling. BU — which has been a participant for over a decade — is in the competitive division, meaning a report of campus recycling and waste data is made weekly and compared with other competitive organizations reports. Competitors are ranked based on “diversion rate,” which is an organization’s “weekly recycling rate,” according to the Campus Race to Zero Waste website. BU is currently ranked in 50th place, with a diversion rate of 16.958 percent.

The University’s Office of Recycling and Resource Management is responsible for tracking the campus’ waste data.

Martin Larocca, the resource recovery manager of the office, has been participating since 2011 by reporting the collected campus data, presenting to campus organizations about recycling and reserving tabling events. Larocca explained how students can partake in the competition.

“The biggest help from [BU] students would be making sure that what they put in the recycling container is actually recyclable,” Larocca said. “Our website has up-to-date information on what is recyclable along with other services we provide.”

Kristy Jones, the director of higher education programs at NWF and manager of the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition, said the competition has prevented the production of nearly 1.68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equals the removal of nearly 346,000 gas engine passenger vehicles. Jones further explained the significance of sorting waste, including the side effects of landfill use.

“It’s important to divert as much waste from landfills as possible,” Jones wrote in an email. “New landfills not only require the clearing of land, but oftentimes waste in the landfill leaks into the groundwater and nearby environment, contaminating drinking water and food supply.”

A student-run organization has taken part in the competition as well.

The students in Zero Hour Binghamton, an environmental justice organization, are the University’s campus liaison between students and administrators. The organization will be holding waste reduction workshops throughout the semester and is responsible for sharing the competition rules with the campus community.

Jacob Weber, an intern for the Zero Hour Binghamton E-Board and a sophomore double-majoring in philosophy, politics and law and environmental studies, said sustainability competitions are important for a number of reasons beyond waste management.

“Sustainability competitions like the Race to Zero Waste are important not only because they provide an incentive for campuses and municipalities across the country to better their environmental practices,” Weber wrote in an email. “But they also serve to showcase the potential of these communities to create change and set the precedent for sustainability programs in the future by providing a model of what they could look like and how they could operate in a community.”

Weber also offered sustainability advice for students looking to promote environmental change, which included “cutting [out] single-use items,” turning off lights and electronics, “refusing to shop at retailers with a large environmental footprint,” voting in favor of the environment and — as the competition also supports — recycling.

Maisy Chang, a sophomore majoring in biology, expressed pride in the University for partaking in the competition.

“I think sustainability is really important and I am glad the University is taking efforts to help out with sustainability efforts,” Chang said. “If [competitions] are going to increase efforts everywhere, like throughout all the [United States] and anywhere else, then that’s good. They are competing for a good cause.”

The proposal is included in Hochul’s 2023 State of the State book, titled “Achieving the New York Dream” — which is a document of proposals written annually by the governor of New York state. If instated, the suggested 3 percent tuition increase will occur alongside a 6 percent in-state tuition increase each year for five years. According to Hochul’s proposal, the increase-rate is based on the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI), which measures the inflation rate of higher-learning institutions such as Binghamton University, the University at Buffalo, Stony Brook University and the University at Albany.

Hochul proposed that the extra funds secured from the tuition increase would be used to “[ensure] academic excellence” for SUNY and CUNY schools. Hochul plans to accomplish this while continuing to grant aid to lower-income students.

“To ensure that institutions of higher learning at both [SUNY] and [CUNY] can reliably invest in their long-term futures as costs rise, while prioritizing the evolving needs of students, ensuring academic excellence and continuing to maintain low-cost and stable tuition rates for in-state residents,” Hochul’s proposal reads.

John B. King, Jr., the recently-appointed SUNY Chancellor, elaborated on the aid available for students — which includes the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), a grant which provides up to $5,665, the Excelsior Scholarship, which covers tuition for families with household incomes up to $125,000 and the Pell grant. King said 53 percent of SUNY undergraduate students attend tuition-free because of these programs.

“There is no system in the country where you can get a better quality degree more affordably than at SUNY,” King wrote in an email. “We would like to see further expansion of TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship.”

BU’s Admissions Office also expressed a belief that the extra funds can contribute to the growth of the University.

Krista Medionte-Phillips, the director of undergraduate admissions, said Hochul’s plan will help supplement faculty and resources for the growth of enrollment, which has increased by 23 percent over the past 10 years.

“Last year, Governor Hochul provided funding for new faculty and additional operating funds for all SUNY campuses, which had not been provided in more than a decade,” Medionte-Phillips wrote in an email. “Now, [BU] and SUNY need tuition increases that are reasonable, predictable and don’t impact students who cannot afford them.”

SUNY awaits the governor’s executive budget proposal for further information, according to King.

Sarai Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in integrative neuroscience, said the tuition increase is “frustrating” and should be used toward student needs, such as the University Counseling Center (UCC) and on-campus living.

According to Rodriguez, the showers in the Roosevelt dorms of Hinman College have mold and “students have to catch perfect times to shower” due to water heating inconsistencies. Rodriguez said she “would be okay with paying a little bit more if that means the quality of living on campus is improved,” but otherwise is not pleased with the proposed increase.

“It’s kind of frustrating considering the fact that SUNY and CUNY like to advertise themselves as a very affordable option,” Rodriguez said. “So making it less accessible and less affordable, it makes it less accessible to students who are already facing financial hardship and may not be getting financial aid.”

Ziye Wang, a sophomore majoring in biology, also focused on dorm issues such as the lighting in Hinman College, Hillside Community and College-In-The-Woods (CIW), which she said do not have light fixtures. Wang suggested the tuition increase would make school more difficult for lower-income students, especially for those who live on campus.

“Many people who go to SUNYs and CUNYs are low or middle class, so even if they have the better option of going to like [New York University] or Columbia [University] they can’t do that because of financial issues,” Wang said. “So if you are going to increase [tuition] and [students] rely on [the Free Application for Federal Student Aid] most of the time for tuition, you’re gonna make it harder for us to pay so we’re gonna struggle just like if we went to a private school, so [the increase] isn’t gonna help us at all.”

The incident took place outside of Dillinger’s Celtic Bar and Eatery — an Irish pub located on State Street — on Jan. 1 at approximately 3:19 a.m., according to a statement Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham shared with WBNG 12 News shortly after. Kraham confirmed the incident is currently under investigation, which includes the examination of body cameras.

In a video circulating Facebook, witnesses can be seen gathering around BPD Officer Brad Kaczynski, who is kneeling on the neck and back of 24-year-old Hamail Waddell of Binghamton. Waddell can be seen asking witnesses to “get [their] phones out,” before the video concludes with Waddell stating, “I can’t breathe.” According to a Joint Press Statement from nine separate activist groups — including the Binghamton Tenants Union (BTU), Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier (JUST) and Zero Hour Binghamton — Waddell “sustained injuries to his face, head, neck and back, and required stitches in his chin.” Waddell filed a complaint about the incident on Jan. 2.

Waddell was handcuffed prior to the maneuver under investigation, according to Salka Valerio, a community stakeholder and activist, and was charged on the scene for resisting arrest. In an open letter written by Valerio, she said Waddell was “unfairly charged with resisting arrest,” and that Kaczynski should be held responsible for the incident.

“We have a shared responsibility for ensuring that every person is treated with humanity and basic dignity,” Valerio wrote. “When someone violates this fundamental value, there must be accountability. Without it, we are saying that actions that intentionally cause harm and put people’s lives at risk are okay.”

In the Joint Press Statement, the activist groups argued that the kneel displayed by Kaczynski reflects the one used on George Floyd in May of 2020 and violates the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, which — as the bill reads — “establishes criminal penalties for the use of a chokehold.” The organizations also claim the restraint used on Waddell breaches the BPD Use of Force Policy, which requires officers to only use force that is “objectively reasonable and appears necessary.”

These organizations expressed disappointment toward the BPD in lieu of recent “historic” events regarding “police brutality.”

“Hundreds gave feedback in public meetings, demanding that police power be constrained, oversight increased, and portions of their budgets reallocated to things like housing, mental health services, and youth programs,” the Joint Press Statement reads. “Yet political leaders have steadfastly refused even to consider making any substantive changes to policing.”

On Jan. 6, the BPD released a statement saying they assigned Kaczynski to desk duty, according to WBNG. The BPD did not reply to Pipe Dream’s request for comment.

Iris DeFino, the social media and public relations manager for JUST — an activist group against mass incarceration — and a sophomore majoring in political science, said she believes the “unjust and excessive violence” displayed by the BPD officer is reflective of “greater injustices” within the U.S. legal system.

“I am always so frustrated at the fact that the very institutions and officers that are to ‘protect and serve’ are the ones inflicting such injustice, harm and violence against our communities,” DeFino wrote in an email. “Time and time again, Americans have witnessed the abhorrent behavior of police officers with little to no accountability or action on behalf of the institution itself. Police brutality often overlaps with racism and the hyper-criminalization and profiling of BIPOC communities, and this case is no exception.”

Alexander Gore, a junior double-majoring in political science and Spanish, also expressed concern regarding the U.S. legal system. Gore said he recognizes that not all police are “bad apples,” but he expressed concern about the “institutionalized violence” shown by the police force. Gore further feels the police force in New York state is no exception to his concern.

“I don’t know how many examples it has to take to show that there is a problem of institutional violence within the [U.S.] police force,” Gore said. “We think we live in such a harmonious state here in New York, but even here things like this happen. I think it’s pretty awful and my full support goes out to [Waddell] and his family.”

On Thursday, Nov. 13, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she was retiring from her position as leader of the House Democrats. The next day, Hakeem Jeffries, ‘92, the fourth ranked House Democrat representing New York’s 8th Congressional District, announced his uncontested bid to succeed Pelosi, which will be decided on in a House Democrat vote on Nov. 30. Jeffries, who graduated from BU with a bachelor’s degree in political science, has gone on to be the University’s only graduate to have served in the U.S. Congress.

Jeffries is projected to follow Pelosi, the first female party leader in the Congress, as Congress’ first-ever Black party leader. According to a letter written by Jeffries to his Democratic colleagues, the campaign he plans to lead will focus on three categories — “empowering every member” of the caucus, “prioritizing security” of the caucus and “reclaiming the majority” of Americans. Jeffries attributed much of his growth to Pelosi and his other colleagues, who he described as “incredible frontline members.”

“Building upon this track record of leadership experience and collective success, I now look to the future,” Jeffries wrote. “In doing so, I am thankful for the invaluable opportunity I have had to learn from legendary figures like our iconic Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, our resolute Leader, Steny Hoyer and our historic Majority Whip, James Clyburn, who has mentored and nurtured my leadership development from the moment I arrived in Congress.”

Jeffries is serving his fifth term in Congress and is currently chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

According to Christie Stephenson, communications director for the House Democratic Caucus, Jeffries is one of four representatives to pass nine or more bills in the 117th Congress. Stephenson described Jeffries as an accomplished politician with a comprehensive plan for the Democratic party.

“Chairman Jeffries recognizes the unprecedented nature of the once-in-a-generation moment we face and therefore has taken the time to outline in detail his perspective on the path forward,” Stephenson wrote in an email.

During his time as a student at BU, Jeffries assumed leadership roles and was active in multiple on-campus organizations. This included his role as President of Kappa Alpha Psi, a historically Black fraternity known for community outreach activities, and his membership in the Black Student Union (BSU), according to BingUNews and the Kappa Alpha Psi website.

Jahi Ferguson, public relations chair for the BSU and a junior majoring in biology, said Jeffries made significant contributions to the organization as an undergraduate at BU. Ferguson described Jeffries as a “Black leader” with “admirable traits” and a “dedication and commitment to the improvement of the Black experience in this country,” and said he is optimistic about Jeffries’ political pursuits.

“During his quest toward becoming the first Black leader of the congressional caucus, the Black Student Union would like to wish him nothing but success in his expedition,” Ferguson said. “We know that the skills gained during his time in undergrad as an active member of the Black Student Union and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. will continue to help aid in his success as a Black leader in America.”

Jeffries, who has served as a representative of New York’s Eighth Congressional District since 2013, is also a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Budget Committee, according to Jeffries’ office webpage. Examples of legislation he has sponsored include the Student Loan Literacy Act of 2022 and the Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act.

While BU President Harvey Stenger has expressed excitement on behalf of the University over Jeffries’ potential “to make history as the next leader of the House Democrats,” some students do not share the same enthusiasm. Tzvi Salzberg, a senior majoring in philosophy, stated his uncertainty as to whether Jeffries is the “best person” to take over leadership of the House Democrats.

“I think it’s a good thing that we’re getting some fresh leadership in the house, and that we’re making the leadership of our party more diverse,” Salzberg said. “However, I think that Jeffries himself may not be the best person given his sort of alignment with the center wing of the Democrats, which seems to be dying out among the younger people.”

Matthew Winston Jr., executive director of alumni engagement, offered the University’s congratulations to Jeffries, describing his congressional career as a “significant achievement” with more accomplishments to come.

“[BU] has watched with great pride and joy Congressman Jeffries’ stellar rise in his public service career,” Winston wrote in an email. “[Jeffries] is a shining example of [BU] graduate success and a role model for other students and alumni to follow.”

Editor’s Note (11/29/22): A previous version of this article stated that Jahi Ferguson was the political correspondent for BSU. Ferguson is the public relations chair for BSU. The article has been updated with the corrected information.

The training — titled the 2022 Kevin Mitnick Security Awareness Training — was released to students, faculty and staff on Oct. 20, 2022, under “KnowBe4” on the MyBinghamton portal. KnowBe4 is a security awareness training platform that creates simulated phishing attacks.

Featuring a demonstration by Kevin Mitnick, KnowBe4’s chief hacking officer, and Phil Hendrie, an improv voice actor from the Adult Swim show Rick and Morty, the 15-minute course teaches various cybersecurity precautions that can be taken to avoid cyberattacks against an individual or an organization.

Michael Behun, chief information security officer at BU, discussed the precautions Information Technology Services (ITS) has taken — such as installing the cybersecurity training and a new firewall — to protect students, faculty and staff from future threats. Behun described the attacks as a possible danger to everyone.

“Cybersecurity is an issue for all of higher education, not just [BU],” Behun wrote in an email. “Cyberattacks are continuous and cyber risks are everywhere. We take these matters very seriously and regularly assess and update our security strategies and make enhancements to mitigate cyber risks.”

The course described how malware, which is “malicious software,” can infect a victim’s computer, allowing attackers access to various computer functions including the camera, usernames, passwords and more.

One type of malware that has impacted the University is ransomware attacks. According to the course, a ransomware attack is when an attacker has stolen files that will be returned in trade for money.

“Ransomware scrambles the data in computer files, making them unreadable,” the course reads. “These locked files are then held hostage by the cybercriminals till a ransom is paid. This type of malware can paralyze your organization by spreading to all the devices and files across your organization’s network.”

Some of these ransomware victims have been professors at the University.

Subimal Chatterjee, area chair of analytics and SUNY distinguished professor in the School of Management (SOM), is one of these professors. Around 25 years of Chatterjee’s research data was stolen in a ransomware attack that happened in February of 2021. Chatterjee described his data as “being held hostage” by the attackers. Both Chatterjee’s desktop and backup hard drive, which were connected to his desktop during the attack, were affected.

Chatterjee said the attack has had an influence on the future of his career, and suggested others learn from his experience with the ransomware attack. He now keeps his files on Google Drive and works mostly from his office on campus to provide protection for his research.

“These are lessons learned the hard way,” Chatterjee said. “Just be careful, assume the worst and take all precautions. You really don’t want to happen to you what happened to me. It’s a long process, getting some of the research data back. Of course, my co-authors have access to the data so I could get most of it back from them, but there were other pieces of research I had just started by myself, and that data is gone.”

Like Chatterjee, Behun recommended that all students, faculty and staff save their work to another source outside their desktop — preferably Google Drive.

“Everyone has a role to play in cybersecurity,” Behun wrote in an email. “Students can protect themselves and their work from cyber risks by keeping their computer software up to date, protecting their passwords, being wary of scam messages offering jobs or student loans and keeping a copy of their important work on Google Drive.”

Roslyn Chapin, an undeclared freshman, said she was impacted by a WiFi cutout that recently happened at the University, and that the training seems like it would be beneficial for BU should a malicious attack occur.

“I think the program’s great,” Chapin said. “Recently, with the whole WiFi situation, it scared a lot of students, and I think having the knowledge and knowing what to do would be very helpful. I think it should be mandatory.”

The training is set to close on Nov. 30 at 11:59 p.m.

The 2022 report covers reported crime incidents on and adjacent to campus in 2019, 2020 — the year BU was largely under remote learning — and 2021. In 2019, 13 rape incidents were reported, while six were reported in 2020 and 21 in 2021 — which is BU’s highest reported number of rape incidents since before 2014, according to pressconnects. Reported incidents of dating violence have declined since 2019, with 19 incidents reported in 2019, 12 in 2020 and 14 in 2021. Reported incidents of stalking have also declined since 2019.

The Annual Security and Fire Report, filed yearly by the University’s Clery Act Coordinator and included in the Student Handbook, is a collection of campus reports investigating crime and fire safety procedures. The report is required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990, more commonly referred to as the Clery Act.

According to Andrew Baker, BU’s senior compliance officer and Title IX coordinator, it is likely the number of reported incidents is less than the amount that actually occurs. Baker said the University provides annual training to its staff in an effort to encourage victims to report these kinds of incidents.

“Historically, victims underreport what has happened to them,” Baker wrote in an email. “The University has worked to eliminate barriers to reporting and train students and staff to respond in a manner that supports victims. These efforts include annual training for all Residential Life staff and the establishment of the [Violence, Abuse and Rape Crisis Center] in Old Johnson Hall, among other ongoing educational and training efforts.”

In regard to stalking incidents, the 2022 Security and Fire Report recorded 57 incidents in 2019, 47 in 2020 and 47 again in 2021.

Halle Nelson, the communications specialist for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), a national resource that educates about sexual violence and advocates for victims of sexual assault, said there is a correlation between stalking and sexual misconduct.

“As far as stalking goes, there definitely has been overlap between it and sexual violence,” Nelson wrote in an email. “Sexual violence is most often perpetrated by someone the victim knows, and stalking is often committed by a current or former intimate partner.”

The NSVRC website directs anyone in need of immediate service to contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), a national hotline for sexual assault victims which can be reached 24/7 at their online chat service or at 1-800-656-4673 for direction to a local rape crisis center.

Jacey Ruisi, a sophomore double-majoring in English and psychology, said she believes the statistics are likely a result of victims feeling hesitant to seek help or file a report. Ruisi further stressed the importance of mental health support for victims.

“I am not surprised by these stats, and I feel like most people probably don’t even report,” Ruisi said. “I think that if stats are higher one year, it doesn’t necessarily mean there were more incidents, it just means there were more victims who spoke up. I think that we just need to emphasize mental health support more, and when that happens stats may just go up again anyway because people will be educated more on boundaries, so people will be even more validated in speaking up.”

Gianna Barbero, a freshman majoring in biomedical engineering, said she was surprised by the increasing rape statistics and believes a yearly rape prevention course should be implemented to encourage discussion of incidents.

“I am surprised by the change from 2020 to 2021, and I think there needs to be a more open atmosphere to talk about [rape],” Barbero said. “As a freshman, it was mandatory to take a rape prevention [course]. I think everyone should take that every year. There needs to be a better atmosphere for people to feel comfortable talking about it and reporting it. I’m not entirely sure if anything could make [the statistics] decrease.”

In the event of an emergency, the University encourages students to contact University Police at 911. To report an incident to the Title IX office, students can contact Baker at 607-777-2486 or file an anonymous report through the Title IX website.

Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)

Feeling unsure about the midterm voting process? The faculty at the CCE can help! The CCE has partnered with the Andrew Goodman Foundation Vote Everywhere initiative and the Broome County Board of Elections, organizations that encourage and aid students voting in the midterm elections, to make voting accessible. The CCE offers help in all areas of the voting process — including registration, requesting an absentee ballot, submitting completed forms and answering any election-related question. The CCE is located at University Union Room 137 and can be reached at (607) 777-4287.

The Andrew Goodman Foundation

Young adults aged 18-29 are recognized as underrepresented voices in government, according to the Andrew Goodman Foundation website. The Andrew Goodman Foundation strives to change this statistic by promoting young voices and votes by funding select institutions with mini-grants and student leaders with financial assistance. The Foundation has a voting portal resource for BU students to register, request an absentee ballot, track their ballot and more. The CCE has worked with the Foundation to create a text message service for BU students who are interested in receiving election updates and deadline reminders. Text “BinghamtonU” to 47020 to opt in and “STOP” to opt out.

Broome County Board of Elections

Facilitated by the bipartisan staff of deputy commissioners, technology coordinators, operation assistants and voter service specialists. The Broome County Board of Elections manages the voter registry, announces election results, keeps records and administers all other election-related proceedings. To date local election results, nearby voting center locations, absentee ballots and more can be found on the Broome County Board of Elections website. The office is located in Downtown Binghamton at 60 Hawley St. and can be reached at (607)778-2172 to answer any election questions or concerns.

Vote 411

Have questions about the candidates on your ballot? Enter your home address in Vote 411’s website to get a personalized voter guide. Vote 411 provides candidate debate videos, a guide to how elections work, facts and goals of the candidates on your poll and contact information for election day reports to be made in a variety of languages. Vote 411 also created a Lyft discount code — VOTE22 — that will be available only on Nov. 8 to help with transportation to a voting site. Vote 411 can be emailed at voterinformation@lwv.org with questions or concerns.

U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC)

Established by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002, an act passed to reform the U.S. voting process, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission is an independent, bipartisan commission designed to aid Americans through the voting process. EAC responsibilities include maintaining the national mail voter registration form, certifying voting systems, functioning as America’s clearinghouse of best information and practices and more. Individuals 17 or older can sign up to serve as a poll worker in New York state through the EAC. The EAC website provides information in many languages to make voting accessible to more citizens. Located in Washington DC, the EAC can be reached at 866-747-1471 or emailed at clearinghouse@eac.gov with questions or concerns. The EAC website warns individuals using email to not include any personal identification information, such as a social security number or home address.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

Since 1995, the AAPD has advocated for the participation of disabled people in government by providing aid and resources to the disabled community. Resources that explain the rights of the disabled, common voting questions regarding equitable access and key government issues concerning this community can be found on the AAPD website. AAPD also launched its Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power (REV UP) campaign, which was created to protect the voting rights of disabled persons across the nation. The AAPD can be reached at (800) 840-8844 or emailed at communications@aapd.com for more information.

On May 13, Joshua Cotter, an attorney at Legal Services of Central New York, filed a class action lawsuit against Broome County and Brome County Sheriff David Harder for prohibiting in-person visitation and overcharging for mobile communication at the Broome County Jail. Cotter filed these charges on behalf of Justice and Unity for Southern Tier (JUST), a nonprofit activist group dedicated to fighting mass incarceration, who claim the jail’s refusal to resume visitation during the decline of COVID-19 is a human rights violation.

JUST won the lawsuit in August, with Judge Oliver Blaise III, a Supreme Court Justice of the Broome County Courthouse, mandating the reopening of in-person visitation by Sept. 5. While Broome County and Harder filed an appeal on Aug. 30, the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court ordered the jail to grant Blaise’s motion by Sept. 29.

However, according to JUST, the visitation hours have now been “drastically reduced” from the original 40 hours per week, providing sufficient reason for a contempt of court to be filed. The jail offers 13 hours a week of visitation to inmates in general housing and two hours to all other incarcerated persons.

Bill Martin, a founding member of JUST and a professor emeritus of sociology at Binghamton University, described the reduced hours as a “human rights violation.” Martin said that the jail’s visitation time is much less than visitation time available at other facilities.

“There has been an extraordinary reduction in the normal inmate visiting hours, which has been a unilateral decision by the sheriff, which, according to our legal person, is in defiance of the supreme court stay,” Martin said. “So we are expecting to file a contempt of court and pursue it yet further. Visitation has been open in the state prisons for a very long time, open in the county nursing home [and] open in the jails surrounding Broome County — and if you look at the hours at places like Cortland or some of the other jails it’s much more expansive than it is here.”

Visitation before the shutdown, according to the decision and order signed by Blaise on Aug. 18, was available every day for 13 hours. According to the court document, visitors were required to sign in and undergo screenings, among other protocols.

Specific visitation hours set by the jail were posted outside the visitation entrance as visitation reopened on Sept. 29. According to the notice, inmates are allowed two hours of visitation time within each available timeframe, and are subject to losing an hour per week as penalty.

“It is the responsibility of each inmate to set up his or her visitation times,” the notice reads. “You will only be allowed to receive your visitation on those scheduled times and will not be allowed to break up your allotted times to different hours and days. You may lose up to one hour of visitation time per week for disciplinary offenses.”

Fred Akshar, candidate for Broome County sheriff and a New York state senator for the 52nd district, worked for Harder at the Broome County Jail from 2002 to 2015, before moving up to the rank of undersheriff. Akshar said he supports the court’s decision.

“I agree wholeheartedly with the Appellate Division, just as I did with the lower court’s decision,” Akshar wrote in an email. “The reality is, the ruling of the lower court should have never been appealed.”

According to the same decision and order signed by Blaise, the Broome County Jail claimed it decided to keep visitation closed in attempt to maintain a COVID-19-safe environment.

“In opposition, defendant represents that the decision to prohibit in-person visitation at the jail is to attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between visitors and inmates with the goal of reducing the risk to inmates in the facility and the public,” the document reads.

A source acquainted with an inmate at the Broome County Jail spoke with Pipe Dream about their experience with visitation and COVID-19 regulations within the visitation area. The source wished to remain anonymous due to concerns of retaliation from the prison. They described the visitation area as having limited COVID-19 regulations, with no implementation of masks, vaccines, quarantine or social distancing requirements.

The source described visitation as rows of tables with “plastic barriers” separating the inmates from the visitors, who are allowed “a brief hug and kiss at the end” of their visit.

“It is another way to penalize people for being able to be there and then, control,” the source said. “There is this plastic barrier, but it’s not a COVID-19 regulation because it only goes to your waist. So when we hug, we literally have to lean over this plastic barrier. It is not intended to cover our mouths and noses when we are talking to each other.”

Martin also described the jail’s COVID-19 regulations as limited, with “no vaccination requirements” for correctional officers (COs) or inmates.

Upon visiting the waiting room outside the visitation area, a Pipe Dream reporter observed no masks being worn by any visitors or the COs. The room had 50 adjacent seats available for visitors.

Jacey Ruisi, a sophomore double-majoring in English and psychology, said she finds the jail’s lack of COVID-19 precautions suspicious.

“Not implementing COVID-19 regulations within the jail just shows that [Harder’s administration] was not serious about it, and makes it seem like they had ulterior motives for the visitor ban,” Ruisi said. “By not being consistent with that rule for every inmate, it seems like it comes from an abuse of power more than moral reasoning.”

Harder did not reply to a request for comment.

The first plan took effect in 2011, in response to recurring flooding caused by climate change in the Binghamton area, contributing to Binghamton’s standing as the first city in the Southern Tier to be designated a clean energy community by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The new plan, which is estimated to cost around $75,000, will incorporate science-based technologies designed to create a cleaner city by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

On Oct. 3, the City of Binghamton will submit a request for the city council to allocate funding for the plan. This fall, the city will issue a request for qualified firms (RFQ) for permission to develop the plan with city officials and community stakeholders, such as the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator (KSTI). Kraham projects the plan will be completed at the end of 2023.

According to Kraham, the Climate Action Plan will help the City of Binghamton plan for its future in being a clean-energy area, bringing a positive improvement to the community.

“The Climate Action Plan will create a benchmark for the city about what our current greenhouse gas emissions are, which is a way we will be able to measure future emissions and progress that relates to climate change,” Kraham said. “[The plan] creates a roadmap for the future about projects and policies the city can adopt, but also puts the city in a position to become a certified climate smart community, which is through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [(NYSDEC)]. That designation opens up a number of grant opportunities for the city and adds to our point totals when we apply for grants, so it is a very positive thing.”

Binghamton University is collaborating with the City of Binghamton on a number of such initiatives.

Per Stromhaug, the associate vice president of innovation and economic development at BU and a representative on the Binghamton Local Development Corporation (BLDC) board, said the plan will be both environmentally and economically beneficial by making Binghamton a more attractive area for development.

“Efforts to make the city more friendly to start-ups that develop and manufacture clean energy technologies will have a positive environmental and economic impact on the city,” Stromhaug wrote in an email. “And lowering of emissions and pollution will make the city a better place to live and work.”

KSTI, which is home to many clean energy start-up companies, is one of BU’s contributing initiatives. The Incubator plans to help the City of Binghamton gain certification from the NYSDEC Climate Smart Communities.

Michael Jagielski, director of the Clean Energy Incubator Program, said the Incubator is fully supportive of the Climate Action Plan and plans to contribute to the aid of the many eco-friendly businesses within KSTI.

“[KSTI] has a vested interest in growing the local clean energy ecosystem and helping our companies commercialize the research and development of our member companies,” Jagielski wrote in an email. “Our companies are uniquely positioned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve ongoing battery and energy storage solutions and make Binghamton the epicenter of the Northeast in clean energy research and development.”

One of KSTI’s eco-friendly “member companies’’ is KLAW Industries — which was founded by BU alumnus Jacob Kumpon, ‘22, the chief operating officer of KLAW Industries. His company repurposes postconsumer glass into a material called Pantheon. This eco-friendly material can be mixed with concrete to replace 20 percent of cement — the producer of 8 percent of global CO2 emissions.

Kumpon explained that KLAW Industries has worked with many companies to promote the production of eco-friendly cement.

“In this year’s curb and sidewalk pilot projects, the City has already prevented over 35 tons of CO2 with our material, Pantheon, demonstrating their focus on action and support of local Binghamton businesses like KLAW Industries, Barney and Dickenson Inc., and Taylor Garbage,” Kumpon said.

Jacey Ruisi, a sophomore double-majoring in English and psychology, said she feels encouraged by the plan, and specifically Kumpon’s involvement as a BU alumnus.

“It’s really inspiring that [Kumpon] did something so impactful after just graduating,” Ruisi said. “I love that [Kumpon] chose to help out the Binghamton city rather than immediately leave.”

Lina Begdache, an associate professor of health and wellness studies, began the study before the COVID-19 shutdown. Begdache, interested in how the pandemic was disrupting routine, wanted to research how sudden lifestyle changes can impact well-being. According to the study’s abstract, data was collected from a survey asking questions about 41 different lifestyle-related variables, conducted from September 2018 to November 2021.

The survey, which had 2,730 participants, allowed the researchers to identify and compare the mental health trends before, during and after the COVID-19 shutdown. Of these respondents, 68 percent were female and 92 percent were between the age of 18 and 29. The data collected during COVID-19 showed that women benefited more from exercising in moderation during the shutdown, whereas men benefited from more frequent exercise.

Exercise is still a form of stress, and while it may be beneficial in controlled doses, when overdone it can have a negative impact — particularly on women’s health, according to Begdache.

“Exercise is known to have an anti-depressant effect because it modulates brain chemistry, typically in a favorable way,” Begdache wrote in an email. “Exercise is a form of stress on the body, so when it is performed excessively, it may bring some negative effects.”

According to data collected from the survey, women likely experienced more stress from frequent exercise during COVID-19 because of the expectation often placed on them to work and homeschool their children simultaneously.

Zeynep Ertem, an associate professor of systems science and industrial engineering, was also involved in the study. Ertem said gender roles are the probable cause for increased stress levels in women, and likely influenced the data.

“If women are working at home, during [COVID-19], for instance, all other side jobs are attached to women,” Ertem said. “So the burden of life is more on women. For instance, childcare and housework are all on top of women. So they are more stressed on weekdays.”

Statistics changed with the emergence of the post-shutdown time frame. Begdache said that while women benefited significantly from moderate exercise during COVID-19, post-pandemic results show women aligning more with men, with both groups requiring frequent workouts.

“Two important things are learned from these findings,” Begdache wrote in an email. “There is a need to adjust exercise frequency in women to maximize mental well-being, and one size does not fit all for men and women when it comes to exercise frequency recommendations.”

The data from the research is directly reflected in participation rates at campus gyms.

Laura Cichostepski, the assistant director of marketing for campus recreation, said less students are exercising at the East Gym since before the pandemic. However, Cichostepski expects this number to increase as the pandemic declines.

“We had a higher volume of check-ins before [COVID-19], but this year we are making our way back to pre-pandemic numbers in all areas of Campus Recreation, including club sports and intramurals,” Cichostepski said. “Our Outdoor Pursuits program saw an increase in participation rates after the onset of the pandemic, with students eager to connect with others, get exercise and enjoy nature.”

Anseh Danesharasteh, a third-year graduate student pursuing a Ph.D in system science and industrial engineering, is one of Ertem’s students, and completed the research alongside her professor and Begdache. Danesharasteh explained that the study is valuable because it can help people adjust their exercise schedules during high-stress times.

“This research is interesting and important, since it can provide a framework to optimize mental health during different stages of future pandemics by customizing physical exercise frequencies based on gender and time of the week,” Danesharasteh wrote in an email.

Multiple students expressed interest in the study’s results.

Shira Nasibi, an undeclared freshman who was interested in the study’s consideration of gender roles, said she was intrigued by how the data reflects the daily stresses placed on many women.

“I think it’s interesting how women were more stressed on the weekdays than over the weekends, and how it directly correlated to taking care of kids at home during COVID-19 and homeschooling, because over the weekends, obviously, they are not being homeschooled,” Nasibi said.

Jacey Ruisi, a sophomore majoring in English, said exercise benefitted her well-being both during and after the COVID-19 shutdown.

“I definitely felt more compelled to exercise during [COVID-19] and now in its aftereffect,” Ruisi said. “At the beginning, it was more so to have a quarantine transformation, but as time went on, exercise seemed more like a coping mechanism and a way to just feel better overall.”

KSTI was opened in April of 2017 under the direction of BU President Harvey Stenger, who made the Incubator one of his first missions after assuming his position. The Incubator is a nonprofit supported by BU staff that strives to provide start-up businesses — particularly those initiated by student entrepreneurs — with resources such as funding, a workspace and mentorship. The tour was organized by Ashley Misuraca, the employer relations coordinator at the Watson Career and Alumni Connections office, and Emma Smith, the Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator (SCI) clean energy program and event manager.

According to Shannon Gerlach, the communications specialist at KSTI, the Incubator is dedicated to supporting students in launching startup businesses.

“The [KSTI] programming and mentorship provides students with entrepreneurial aspirations the tools to take a business idea from conception all the way to a fully formed startup,” Gerlach said. “The [KTSI] offers courses and programming to assist entrepreneurs through every stage of the startup business cycle, and to act as a guide through the sometimes challenging world of entrepreneurship.”

Jacob Kumpon, ‘22, chief operating officer of KLAW Industries, utilized the resources at KSTI to kick off his small business. KLAW Industries produces a more eco-friendly form of concrete called Pantheon, which is made out of waste glass and can cut carbon emissions from cement in half.

Kumpon said the KSTI’s many resources make it a substantial place for students to begin a business, and credited these resources for making KLAW Industries a possibility.

“The best time to start a company is when you’re a student because there are resources available to students here and across the country,” Kumpon said. “Business competitions are locked in only for students, so you only compete against students. The Incubator was how we were able to get all of our seed funding. We saved a ton of equity in the company. There are huge things that this company offers that are available to every BU student.”

Matt Gill, ‘18, CEO and founder of Enhance-VR, or virtual reality, said KSTI’s programs have supported the growth of his business and allowed Enhance-VR to expand and develop VR training content.

“All the mentorship, entrepreneurs and residence, the programs that they offer continuously helped us develop our business into what it is today,” Gill said. “Originally, we were motion simulators for virtual reality, and, through BU and the entrepreneur programs here in the building, we have progressively changed our business model into something much more successful — and it gained us a lot more traction focusing more on virtual reality for workforce development.”

KSTI also offers entrepreneurship programs worldwide and is currently working with 11 international companies.

Tatiana Balasenowich, vice president and head of marketing at BU’s Entrepreneur Connect Club and a senior studying business administration, wrote that the Incubator has supported her club by hosting a pitch competition every semester. At the event, students can win funding by presenting their business ideas to a panel.

“The pitch competition gives students the opportunity to follow their ambitions and career goals early in their undergraduate career,” Balasenowich wrote in an email. “Innovative ideas have won a total of $3,500 in past semesters to support their ventures and students have presented their ideas to members of the Koffman community as well as alumni.”

Kyle Gregor, a senior double-majoring in mathematics and business administration, attended the tour to learn about KSTI’s opportunities. Gregor expressed a belief that the KSTI has aided the community by providing resources for student entrepreneurs.

“[KSTI] is a great opportunity for new venture companies to come and grow their ideas and business ventures,” Gregor said. “It’s important for the vast majority of our community to come together and band around these new technologies. [KSTI] is creating a lot of opportunities for the Binghamton community to grow and add new jobs.”

On Thursday, BU held a memorial service in honor of Dhillon. The dean, who passed away in April from advanced-stage cancer, was at the helm of SOM for 21 years out of his 35-year career at BU. At the service, BU President Harvey Stenger was joined by Dhillon’s colleagues, friends and family.

Dhillon first became associated with BU in 1987, after visiting the University as an assistant professor of finance from Louisiana State University. That same year, Dhillon joined BU as an assistant professor, eventually becoming an associate professor of finance in 1993. In 1997, he became a finance coordinator, later completing his career as a professor and Koffman Scholar of finance, as well as the dean of SOM.

According to Stenger, Dhillon inspired the University with his accomplishments.

“All of us were lucky enough to have someone like [Dhillon] in our lives,” Stenger said. “Of course, [Dhillon’s] accomplishments as the dean of the [SOM] are broad, numerous and legendary. Under his leadership, [SOM] gained national prominence as a top-50 business program. And this year, for the first time, the school is recognized as a top-10 public business program.”

Dhillon earned many awards throughout his career, including the Chancellor’s award for Excellence in teaching, the Corning award for outstanding research and the Chicago Board of Trade award for best paper in futures and options. In his time at BU, Dhillon contributed to SOM’s ranking as one of the country’s top-10 management programs.

Subimal Chatterjee, distinguished professor of marketing and area chair of analytics in SOM, was the fourth speaker at the memorial. He said his relationship with Dhillon, who he knew for over two decades, was memorable, and that he will always cherish the lessons the dean taught him.

“We work for something bigger than ourselves,” Chatterjee said. “That is the most valuable lesson [Dhillon] taught me. And to [Dhillon], that was unquestionably, his love for the [SOM]. And when you watched him about his lessons and leadership, that’s all you could see. Love for the school. And if you love the school, easy or hard, you will make all the right choices.”

Also among the speakers were Krishnaswami Srihari, the dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Laurie Norell, SOM’s senior director of development and members of Dhillon’s family.

Shelley Dionne, the current dean of SOM, had worked alongside Dhillon as an associate dean for four years. Dionne said she feels inspired by Dhillon, and credited him for the program’s improvement.

“[Dhillon] touched the lives of so many students and colleagues,” Dionne wrote in an email. “We felt it was important to bring the campus community together to honor his legacy and the impact he made on SOM. [Dhillon] recognized that SOM had the potential to be a top-tier business school, and he brought the school to new heights over the course of his 21-year deanship. He had a real passion for the SOM and [the University’s] community, and we will never forget him.”

At the end of the service, a reception was held outside the Anderson Center, where hundreds of students and campus and community members gathered to remember the late dean.

Jaiden Price, a member of the Dean’s Mentoring Program (DMP) and a junior majoring in business administration, said the DMP was influenced by Dhillon, who often engaged with the program.

“The DMP’s E-Board is grateful to have been touched by Dean Dhillon’s warm personality and inspiring positivity,” Price wrote in an email. “He played an instrumental role in forming this program and impacting innumerable lives. He was generous enough to share his time and knowledge each semester to individually mentor our mentees. His memory empowers us to continue to give back to the SOM community through the Dean’s Mentoring Program.”

Before the service came to an end, Dhillon’s son spoke on behalf of the dean and his family. Dhillon said his father felt close to the community at BU, which has always been a second home for his family.

“In fact, through this ordeal, the only time I saw him visibly emotional was as he signed his retirement papers,” Dhillon said. “Dad was always a man of great resolve. In a few words, I think if he were here, he would want all of you to know that you were much more to him than colleagues or friends. This campus will always feel like an extension of our home, and all of you will always be family.”

In May, Joshua Cotter, an attorney at Legal Services of Central New York, filed a class action suit against Broome County and David Harder, the sheriff of Broome County Jail, for prohibiting in-person visitation and overcharging for mobile communication. Cotter filed the suit on behalf of Justice and Unity for Southern Tier (JUST), a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for incarcerated persons, who claim the jail’s refusal is a human rights violation.

On Aug. 8, Judge Oliver N. Blaise III, a Supreme Court Justice of the Broome County Courthouse, mandated Broome County to reopen in-person visitation by Sept. 5. The defendants, Broome County and Harder, filed an appeal in response to the decree.

Bill Martin, founding member of JUST and Bartle professor of sociology at Binghamton University, said he believes that the jail will have to reopen visitation, regardless of the appeal.

“Harder is resistant, and the county supports him,” Martin said. “It was the county lawyer that actually filed the appeal. It is clear he is going to lose this appeal. You may have noticed in the press that, when asked, the two persons running to replace him both said [that] as soon as they’re in power, they would open up visitation immediately. So Harder’s position is an extreme one by comparison to what’s happened in other prisons and state counties.”

Harder is currently completing his sixth term as sheriff, and plans to retire in later this year.

Kathleen Newcomb, a candidate for Broome County sheriff and Harder’s colleague of 30 years, is running as a Democrat against Republican Fred Akshar. Newcomb said that faculty and staff at the jail strive to maintain a COVID-19-free environment, which she plans to continue, along with reopening in-person visitation if she is elected.

“With respect to incarcerated persons and maintaining a healthy and well-balanced state, there is no doubt they need face-to-face, in-person interaction with their loved ones,” Newcomb wrote in an email. “The sheriff must give careful consideration to many important issues during these uncertain times. COVID-19 numbers are once again on the rise, and we know the virus is easily spread. With that in mind, I support the reopening of visitation, with restrictions, to safeguard the health and safety of all.”

James Lynch, an inmate at the Broome County Jail, claimed the facility has taken measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but does not require inmates to be vaccinated.

“The Broome County Jail does not make you get any shot you don’t want to, and that includes the COVID-19 vaccine,” Lynch wrote. “So the only thing they do to stop the spread of [COVID-19] is make us wear masks all day. I’ve never had [COVID-19] in the jail before, but all they do when you catch [COVID-19] in here is shut down the dorm that tested positive for 10 days.”

The Broome County Jail charges about six times what the state prison charges for calls, texts and video calls. JUST claimed the jail has profited over one million dollars from overpriced fees.

According to Jackson Hengsterman, coordinator of JUST’s volunteer visitation program and a senior majoring in English, some of the money went toward purchasing an armored vehicle. Newcomb explained that the Broome County Sheriff’s Office has a “BearCat” armored vehicle, but only for Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team purposes. Newcomb said she cannot confirm if the money was sourced from inmate communication fees.

“It has been disclosed in the sheriff’s office annual report as well as other media outlets,” Newcomb wrote in an email. “I am not aware of what funds were utilized to purchase the vehicle nor was I involved in the purchase in any way.”

Jacey Ruisi, a sophomore majoring in English, expressed disappointment in the jail’s decisions and believes the public should be included in facility matters.

“The budget of a prison system should be public, and the decisions made by those running [the jail] should be clear and ethical,” Ruisi said. “The fact that the sheriff’s motives are in question proves that these decisions aren’t as public as they should be and [reveals] a system that is vulnerable to corruption.”

Sheriff Harder did not respond to a request for comment.

Editor’s Note (9/13/22): A previous version of this article stated that the BearCat armored vehicle was owned by the Broome County Jail. The vehicle is owned by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office. Pipe Dream regrets the error.

On Saturday, BU students gathered at the Peace Quad to honor the University’s diverse cultures. Students from various multicultural organizations, such as the Binghamton Association of Mixed Students (BAMS) and the Black Student Union, came to share their mission with interested visitors.

The event was hosted by the Student Association’s vice president of multicultural affairs (VPMA) office and the University’s Multicultural Resource Center (MRC), as a way to celebrate diversity and give students looking for a familiar support system the opportunity to discover multicultural communities on campus. Angel Avila, the MRC’s Graduate Assistant for Administration and a second-year graduate student studying business administration, represented the MRC at the event. He said the MRC’s mission is to create an inclusive environment that students of any background are encouraged to visit.

“The MRC is a safe space on campus for all students, but especially for students of the multicultural community, to come in and utilize all the resources we have available within the center,” Avila said. “Whether it’s using the study space, using the TV to relax and get your mind right, coming in to fill in a resource request to change for your organization, or even utilizing the multifaith prayer meditation room, which is open 24/7 for all students.”

The Thai Student Organization (TSO) was one club that tabled at the event. Andrew Leung, vice president of TSO and a junior majoring in computer engineering, described the TSO as an inclusive “social club” that educates students about Thai culture.

“Our mission is to spread Thai culture,” Leung said. “We have our social club, so we want to expand to as many people as possible. You don’t have to be Thai to come and enjoy our events.”

Adejo Ibrahim, a sophomore majoring in economics, represented the Men of Color Scholastic Society. According to Ibrahim, the club aims to help men of multicultural backgrounds find a safe and inclusive community.

“Our mission is to increase professionalism and academic success and also provide a safe space on campus for men of color,” Ibrahim said. “Our organization is important because sometimes it can feel like there’s not a lot of us on campus, and it’s nice to see all of us together in one room, and we can talk about things that bother us, things that we find joy in and just build a community.”

Performers from various multicultural dance organizations were also present. Many of these groups celebrated culture through traditional dances, including Bachata, Merengue, Salsa and more.

Mariani Bautista, a junior majoring in human development, was one of the performers. She is part of the Quimbamba Latin Dance Team, founded in 1970. Bautista said the dance team brings together students interested in Latin dance to perform alongside one another in a safe environment.

“Our purpose for our dance team is to bring Latin culture and Latin dance to the BU campus, and to provide a space for Latin students or students of color who feel comfortable dancing here at [BU’s] campus.” Bautista said. “We have our auditions coming up on Sept. 17 at 5 [p.m.] in [University Union Room] 206.”

Several students who attended the festivities described their interests in BU’s multicultural activities.

Angela Zheng, an undeclared freshman, said she was interested in learning about BU’s multicultural organizations in the hopes of finding one with which she can identify. Zheng shared that she also learned about BU’s sexual and sanitary health options.

“I came to today’s event to scope out what the school had to offer, the clubs here and to meet people like me here,” Zheng said. “I learned you can request condoms and pads to your dorm, which is pretty cool.”

Dahlia Morel, an undeclared freshman, said she attended the event in search of an opportunity to become more involved on campus, and took particular interest in the Dominican Student Association.

“I’m a freshman, so I think it’s important to get involved where I can and learn about things that interest me,” Morel said. “I was at the Latin [American Student Union] meeting, and I wanted to learn new things and about new clubs. I learned that [BU] has a Dominican Student Association, which I think is cool because I am Dominican, and I think it is important to stay involved in my culture while I am here.”

Last May, Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier (JUST), a nonprofit that advocates against mass incarceration, filed a lawsuit against David Harder, the sheriff of Broome County Jail, for prohibiting in-person visitation and overcharging for phone and video calls. According to legal documents, the jail allows inmates a weekly, free five-minute call, with payment required for each minute afterward. The class action suit was filed on May 11 by Joshua Cotter, an attorney at Legal Services of Central New York, on behalf of JUST, who pleaded to make the resumption of in-person visitation a legal requirement.

The deciding trial of the JUST and Megan Pond v. David Harder lawsuit was held at the Broome County Courthouse in early August. Judge Oliver N. Blaise III, a Supreme Court Justice of the Broome County Courthouse, granted the plaintiff’s motion to make in-person visitation a requirement at the Broome County Jail. Harder has until Sept. 5 to honor this decree.

According to Bill Martin, founding member of JUST and a Bartle professor of sociology at Binghamton University, the jail’s refusal to reopen in-person visitation caused the lawsuit.

“The lawsuit arose after [the] Delta [variant] when they opened everything up,” Martin said. “They opened up visitation in the state prison almost a year ago. It’s socially distanced and people wear masks, but there was no sign Broome County [Jail] was ever going to open up. It contravenes the state constitution for people awaiting trial.”

In-person visitation has been prohibited at the Broome County Jail since March 2020, around the time of the initial COVID-19 shutdown. At the time, the prison was required to make all communication between communities inside and outside the jail virtual for safety reasons.

Harder explained that COVID-19 caused the temporary visitation pause. Harder said the jail takes measures to regulate the spread of COVID-19, and the safety of the visitors, inmates and officers made this decision necessary.

“I look out for the safety of inmates and employees at this facility, which comes to about 500,” Harder said. “There are over 370 inmates and around 200 uniformed employees here. We had an outbreak of [COVID-19], and we took some steps to cure it. We’ve got it under control, and we’re trying to keep it that way, and [JUST] wants us to open it up, so [the inmates] can get [COVID-19] again.”

The expenses of contacting inmates were also mentioned in the lawsuit. In a blog post by Martin, he claims each additional minute after the five given minutes per call costs 25 cents, per week. These rates are about six times those at the state prison. According to Martin, jails across New York state have charged similar rates for phone and video calls, which are made from tablets in the cells.

“Most of the [New York state] jails have signed contracts with a private firm,” Martin said. “It’s three cents a minute in the state system, it’s 25 cents [at Broome County Jail], but that contract is fairly common and generates a $1 million. Given [COVID-19] and [that] people can’t visit, so there are people spending tens of dollars every day to talk to their mothers, fathers or even lawyers, so it’s been a profit maker as well.”

Jackson Hengsterman, a senior majoring in English, has paid the jail’s call and text fees. Hengsterman is the coordinator of JUST’s volunteer visitation program and documents every transaction between JUST and the jail.

“We are paying the full amount [to contact inmates], and that is for everybody from volunteers to me,” Hengsterman said. “We pay the full amount for calls and texts. That has not changed, and that will not change. In February, we spent $500.47. In March, we spent $192.88, April was $80.47 and May was $131.75.”

James Lynch, an inmate at the Broome County Jail, said his family cannot afford the costs of communication, and that the costly video calls have limited interaction between him and his 7-month-old son.

“Due to the expensive video visits they have in here, [which are] $7.50 for a half an hour, I have not been able to see my son because my kid’s mother doesn’t have the extra money for that,” Lynch wrote. “The lack of visits has put an enormous amount of unneeded stress on my relationships, which have actually played a part in the fallout with my son. I mean, he is only 7 months old, but without the chance to see him, like it is my right, he does not know who I am.”

Some view this matter as a perspective-building one. Gail Guay, a senior majoring in English, commented on how students at BU can bring more attention to community matters by educating themselves.

“I think the system over all of [New York state] needs work, and there are definitely so many things that go on every day that are unnoticed,” Guay said. “Being that we are students and that we are going to college and have the privilege to educate ourselves, we should use that for good and positivity, not to turn a blind eye just because it doesn’t affect us. We should make a conscious effort to make where we live, and where we go and overall make the country a better place.”

The Decker Student Health Services Center provides on-campus health care services for Binghamton University students. These services include sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, COVID-19 testing, free HIV testing and flu vaccine clinics as well as other immunizations, teleservices and more. The center’s Real Education About College Health (REACH) group provides free safer sex kits, which can be ordered online and delivered directly to the student’s campus mailbox. Decker Student Health Services Center is located off East Access Road, behind Johnson Hall. The center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Decker Student Health Services Center can be contacted at (607) 777-2221.

University Counseling Center (UCC)

College comes with challenges, which can be especially hard to face during the COVID-19 pandemic. The UCC is available to aid students experiencing mental health crises, or those who simply need someone trustworthy to talk to privately. The UCC has many certified counselors available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for therapy services. The UCC is located in Old O’Connor Hall, room 264, and can be reached by phone at (607) 777-2772 to set up an appointment.

Binghamton’s New York State University Police (UPD) Office

In the case of an emergency, to report an incident or to inquire about lost or stolen property, students can contact UPD. The department has a group of highly trained professional officers who can aid in emergency situations. The UPD office is located in the basement of the Couper Administration Building, AD-G24. For emergency calls, the UPD can be reached at (607) 777-2222 from a cell phone or 911 from a campus phone. For non-emergency reports, students can call (607) 777-2393 to speak with an officer.

Libraries

BU has multiple libraries available for students in need of a study space. Glenn G. Bartle Library — named after the first president of the University — has many quiet study spaces and borrowable course readings, and is located near the Lecture Hall and Fine Arts buildings. Bartle Library is also home to a coffee shop on the first floor called Jazzman’s, classrooms, the Q Center Library, Harpur Advising and many other educational resources for student success. The Science Library, located near the Science buildings, also has many of these resources, as well as printers available for student use and quiet study spaces in its basement. A third library often frequented by students is the University Downtown Center (UDC) Library, located on the main floor of the UDC, which is situated near Holiday Inn in Downtown Binghamton. Exact library times can be found here.

Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development

Looking for the path to your future career and unsure where to start? The counselors at the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development can help. The center is dedicated to leading students in any major to the career of their dreams. Students can find answers to any career-related questions, including those about job and internship searches, resume and cover letter completion, interviews and more. Appointments can also be made for students to practice mock interviews and to get a professional review of any application materials. The center is located in UU-133 and is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays during the semester. All students are welcome to schedule an appointment and can call the center at (607) 777-2400 or email them at careers@binghamton.edu to secure a time. Walk-in appointments are available weekdays from noon to 4 p.m.

Multicultural Resource Center (MRC)

The MRC strives to spread awareness of cultural diversity to promote a safe and accepting campus environment. The MRC provides resources such as the Multifaith Meditation and Prayer Room, an MRC Library, a list of local minority-owned businesses and religious establishments, an inclusive study space and much more. In the case of any hate-related or bias incidents, victims or witnesses are encouraged to file a Bias Incident Report through the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), found on both the MRC and DEI websites. The MRC can be reached at (607) 777-4472 or through email at mrc@binghamton.edu. Students of all backgrounds are welcome to visit the MRC lounge, which is located in the basement of the Glenn G. Bartle Library in Library South Ground Room 500.

Q Center/Gender Bender Closet

The Q Center is a resource center that provides essential education resources for students, faculty and staff in need of a safe space. The Q Center is an LGBTQ+ resource center open to anyone of any gender identity or sexual orientation, providing inclusive study spaces and a library. The center also contains a Gender Bender Closet, which provides clothing choices for members of the LGBTQ+ community looking to express themselves and their identity. Students looking to use this resource can trade their old clothing for more expressive choices. The Q Center is located on the bottom floor of Bartle Library and is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m.

Binghamton University Food Pantry

The Binghamton University Food Pantry strives to provide food and other essentials to BU students. The pantry is a member of the Broome County’s Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, and aided over 300 students in the spring 2022 semester. The pantry accepts monetary donations, which can be made online, and non-perishable food donations, which can be dropped off or placed in donation boxes around campus. Students can make orders online and pick them up at the pantry, which is located at Iroquois Commons in the second floor of the College-in-the-Woods Dining Center.

Dining Halls

There are currently four dining halls available for BU students on campus. The Hinman Dining Center, located in Hinman College, is the newest renovated dining hall and contains a Starbucks. The Appalachian Collegiate Center is located in Mountainview College, often known for the view of campus provided by its large windows. The College-in-the-Woods Dining Center is located in its namesake, College-in-the-Woods, and is home to a vegan station. Lastly, the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) serves both Newing College and the Dickinson Community, and has Kosher food options in its “Kosher Corner.”

Marketplace

For more food options, students are welcome to visit the Marketplace at University Union, which contains dining options from various food chains. There are many options in the Marketplace, including Subway, Red Mango, CopperTop Pizzeria, Royal Indian, Breakfast & Beyond and many more. Meals can be enjoyed at the Marketplace’s many indoor and outdoor seating areas.

On Friday, BU students gathered at the Spine to celebrate Earth Day. Many students represented sustainability-oriented clubs and tabled at the event to educate passersby about their mission. Some off-campus organizations, University offices and academic departments could also be visited at educational tables. The Office of Recycling and Resource Management, the environmental studies department, BU Dining Services, Transportation and Parking Services and the BU Bookstore were all sponsors for the event.

The Earth Day Festival and Sustainability Scavenger Hunt has been a part of BU’s events list for over a decade. Martin Larocca, head sponsor of the event and BU’s resource recovery manager, discussed the history of the event. He said the festival has been recurring since about 2010, while the scavenger hunt is relatively new.

“This will be the second time we are holding the scavenger hunt,” Larocca wrote in an email. “[The year] 2021 was the first Sustainability Scavenger Hunt. The scavenger hunt was created to help showcase sustainable projects on campus that are not easily shown at tabling events and as a safe event alternative during last year’s stricter [COVID-19] restrictions. The scavenger hunt is spread out across campus and completed throughout the day.”

BU’s Earth Day celebration is one of many around the world. Robert Holahan, an associate professor of environmental studies and political science, said Earth Day is important because of its history and influence on laws and practices.

“When [former U.S.] Sen. Gaylord Nelson organized the first Earth Day in 1970, it signified the first societal-wide effort toward environmental improvement,” Holahan wrote in an email. “Between 1969 to 1972, most of the major environmental laws that we still operate under today (National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA], Clean Air Act [CAA], Clean Water Act [CWA], etc.) were passed during an unusual bipartisan period of collective focus on the environment. Fifty-two years later, Earth Day exemplifies this spirit, even if the original purpose has long been forgotten.”

There were 11 locations at which attendees could learn about the many aspects of a sustainable lifestyle, such as how to eat, dress and paint in an environmentally conscious manner. An online scavenger hunt form was also available for students interested in learning and winning prizes, with participants entered into a raffle upon submission of their answers.

Three students from the archaeology department spread awareness about a garden they will be collaboratively planting with the Onondaga Nation Farm, an organization known for preserving many types of Indigenous seeds. The group needs at least 15 volunteers to help them plant this six-mound garden, which they plan to do on May 4. Cinthia Campos, a fourth-year Ph.D. student studying anthropology, said the garden would spread awareness of Indigenous communities that live in the area.

“There are changes coming on in archaeology, so it’s important to have these collaborative projects,” Campos said. “This is something that’s physical, collaborative and tangible. Students will be able to learn from it. So we will be having placards explaining the symbiotic relationships of the three sisters, maize, beans and squash. We will also be having more information in Indigenous languages to bring attention to the communities and cultures that are here.”

The Chemistry Outreach Program, a group of students with the mission of sharing safe chemistry with the community, organized a table about how chemistry can be used to create eco-friendly paint. The paint is made out of cochineal bugs, which can be crushed to create natural pigments. Benjamin Williamson, a lecturer of chemistry, said teaching others about eco-friendly chemistry is important since it can be used in everyday life.

“Everything that you see on this table, including the ground-up bug, is something you would see in just about any kitchen in America,” Williamson said. “I believe in spreading the importance of chemistry to people. I think they need to see that chemistry is not just something that happens in a lab with white coats and sterile big industry environments. Chemistry is something we all do every single day.”

Jesse Lascala, an undeclared freshman, represented BU’s Q Center, a group that provides resources for LGBTQ+ students, at a table about the textile industry. The center has a Gender Bender Closet in which students can trade their unused clothes for new ones that express their gender identity. Lascala said understanding the environmental impact of clothing is crucial for sustainability.

“The textile industry is the second largest pollution industry after gas and oil,” Lascala said. “It makes up 10 percent of our carbon emissions. Our goal is to combat that by buying clothes made to last, shopping at secondhand stores and upcycling clothing.”

Julie Hayes, a senior majoring in political science, said she attended the event to learn how to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

“I wanted to learn about sustainability and all that, like recycling,” Hayes said. “I don’t really know how to. I know to put it in the recycling bin, but that’s about it. I think that people started to go on this whole tirade about how climate change isn’t real, and it is real so I think stuff like this is important to teach people, and then they can teach other people.”

For much of his career, Ron Miles, a distinguished professor of mechanical engineering at Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, has been researching insects’ responses to acoustic vibrations. His goal is to understand how an insect’s compact hearing system works in order to develop more advanced microphone technologies. Miles mostly works on advancing medical instruments, such as hearing aids.

For this study, Miles worked alongside Ronald Hoy, a biology professor in the department of neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University, Carol Miles, an associate professor of biology at BU, and two Ph.D. candidates being advised by Miles. In 2017, the group published an article, “Outsourced Hearing in an Orb-Weaving Spider That Uses Its Web as an Auditory Sensor,” based on their study of orb-weaving spiders.

During a routine stroll through the BU Nature Preserve, Miles’ former student, Jian Zhou, ‘18, a postdoctoral appointee at Argonne National Laboratory, noticed an orb-weaver spider in its web, swaying in the wind. Taking notice of the spider’s unique movements, Zhou had wondered if it was responsive to sound stimuli. He then collected the spider, along with some of its web, and brought it back to Miles’ laboratory.

“We were looking for materials and ways to study,” Miles said. “[Zhou] was hiking in the Nature Preserve and he noticed that spider webs would blow in the wind. He thought maybe spider silk would be a good material since it is strong.”

To test the spider’s responsiveness, Miles and Zhou placed the spider in the anechoic chamber in Miles’ lab. According to Hoy, the soundproof room is one of the largest in the United States, and its structure and position on top of springs makes it highly effective in absorbing sound waves.

With the help of a new team member, Junpeng Lai, a Ph.D. candidate studying mechanical engineering who is advised by Miles, the group directed sound vibrations of various decibels toward the web at over 1,000 angles. Using a laser vibrometer, the team was able to measure the vibration patterns. Hoy said the equipment in the lab accurately captured each vibration, which allowed the spider’s responses to be studied.

“Miles’ lab has wonderfully sensitive instruments — like laser vibrometers and force transducers — to study the mechanical response of insect and spider acoustic organs or flow sensors in general,” Hoy wrote in an email. “We are neurophysiologists and behavioral biologists so we’re interested in how the brain processes acoustic signals during behavioral activity.”

The team determined that the spider both responded to each sound and was able to locate where the sound was coming from. The spider’s accurate response to sound waves in its web gave Lai the idea that the spider could possibly use its web to hear.

“It changes how people see spiders,” Lai said. “We just see the web as a capturing-prey tool — now it serves as an ear for spiders.”

Miles agreed and said many animals and insects hear through many small hairs rather than eardrums.

“Most animals don’t have eardrums,” Miles said. “Most animals, if they can hear, tend to use little hairs. This is also true in insects. They are covered in hairs, a lot of the time those hairs detect sound.”

According to Hoy, advances in microphone technology can be discovered through the study of insects’ hearing systems. Hoy said the project is important because it proves that the creation of miniature synthetic sound receivers is possible.

“The animals (insects and spiders) are quite small, even tiny, in the first place, so their hearing organs are even tinier — meaning that they have solved the problem of miniaturization for vision and hearing,” Hoy wrote in an email. “Hearing at microscale (even nanoscale) is of great interest to biologists as well as engineers, for whom miniaturization is an essential design feature for applications that have relevance to human performance.”

Ben Talbot, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said the research made him feel enthusiastic about being a BU student.

“It’s very cool,” Talbot said. “I think it’s interesting that something like that is happening here at the University. You hear of stuff like that, but never close to home.”

Although the team did years of work on the spider acoustics project, their research is not over. The team was able to show evidence that spiders are responsive to sound vibrations, but are not positive about the purpose of the response. Lai implored the biology department to continue researching the topic.

“Does the spider use it to hunt or escape from predators?” Lai said. “That is for biology students to answer.”

On Thursday, March 31, two graduate and two undergraduate students represented BU at the annual Ethics Bowl, held by the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) in Chicago, Illinois. The team, coached by Hilary Becker, assistant professor in the department of Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean studies, attended the event along with seven other universities. Competitors were expected to debate 10 hypothetical cases surrounding archaeological ethics. BU was eliminated during the first round — losing to the eventual winner of the competition, the University of Tennessee — but aced an ethics trivia contest.

Two cases were presented during each round of the competition, with a coin flip to determine which team would present first. The chosen team was given a few minutes to put together an oral presentation, and as they prepared, the opposing team assembled their response. The presenting team then answered questions from the opposing team and judges. Scores were evaluated based on each team’s intelligibility, depth, focus and judgment.

The first case was a debate on whether stolen artifacts should be returned to their original countries, with the BU team presenting first. The second case was on the existence of human remains that were not reported to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Em Sidor, a senior double-majoring in anthropology and art history, reflected on the team’s responses.

“We were presented with case five and case four, and we responded by stating how we believed the affected person should approach the situation and the possible solutions/compromises with other affected parties, as well as asking thought-provoking questions in response to the other team’s statement,” Sidor wrote in an email.

To prepare, the team had met twice a week to study the 10 hypothetical cases, according to Cinthia Campos, a fourth-year Ph.D. student studying anthropology.

“As a group, we discussed the cases and did practice debates,” Campos wrote in an email. “We also had faculty sit in as judges, which were very helpful and insightful. We also read over the various ethical codes proposed by organizations including [the SAA], the Register [of] Professional Archaeologists, American Anthropological Association, World Archaeology and reviewed related federal legislation.”

Kyle Berry, a junior majoring in chemistry, plans to use his knowledge of archaeology in his intended career as a physician. Berry described his journey to becoming an Ethics Bowl competitor.

“I have a lot of interest in ethics and archaeology, and I have taken quite a few courses on both of these subjects,” Berry wrote in an email. “It was also a great opportunity to train public speaking, critical thinking and problem solving skills. Additionally, I am in Professor Becker’s archaeological ethics course and have been enjoying the course a lot.”

Becker, who has past experience coaching two teams from University of Mississippi, officially brought BU back into the competition this year, as the event was held in person. An attempt was made to enter last year, but the event was vastly restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic, discouraging BU’s entry. Becker explained how the 2022 team was brought together.

“Em Sidor and Kyle Berry are currently taking [Classics] 383Z: Archaeological Ethics: ‘Who Owns the Past?’, a course offered by the department of Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean studies, which I teach,” Becker wrote in an email. “They volunteered to join the team. We work on SAA archaeological ethics debate cases regularly in the Archaeological Ethics course. [Katharine Nusbaum] was on the Ethics Bowl team in 2020 and recruited [Campos] to join the team this year.”

Katharine Nusbaum, a third-year graduate student studying anthropology, believes the study of archaeological ethics is relevant even outside of the competition.

“Ethics in archaeology is really important to discuss and think through,” Nusbaum wrote in an email. “The reality is that archaeologists encounter a variety of different ethical dilemmas in our work, whether that’s working with descendant communities, the ethics behind how museum collections were acquired or even just navigating the politics of a university setting.”

Though the Ethics Bowl event lasted one weekend, Nusbaum said the knowledge gained from the experience will remain for longer. She shared how the competition may influence her future career, which will potentially be conducting research, educational outreach or managing collections in a museum.

“These are things that are useful to think through and become aware of now, as graduate and undergraduate students, so that you are more prepared and aware when things arise later in your career,” Nusbaum said. “You have already begun to think through what kind of archaeologist you want to be, what principles you want to stand for and in what manner you want to conduct your career.”

Sidor, who also plans to attend graduate school, said the competition provided fuller comprehension of real-life archaeological issues.

“Participating in the Ethics Bowl not only gave me a deeper understanding of what it is like to encounter ethical dilemmas as an archaeologist, attending the SAA Conference was also a heavily enriching experience that connected me to many other archaeologists and opportunities,” Sidor wrote.

The incident occurred on Feb. 18, when a pipe burst inside the facility, flooding parts of the building with untreated water. According to WSKG, employees worked throughout the weekend to pump water out of the building, but a large amount of leftover solids remained the next week. The sewage plant declared an emergency during a board meeting on Feb. 23, passing a measure to allow cleanup and repair-related purchases and contracts.

The plant — jointly owned by the city of Binghamton and the village of Johnson City — treats 60 million gallons of water per day, according to the city of Binghamton’s website, allowing for sewage and water from the surrounding areas to be returned back into the Susquehanna River. The spill left the plant’s sewage treatment operations inoperable and caused untreated water to flow into the Susquehanna River.

According to the plant’s meeting minutes, the discharge may affect public and employee health, as well as the well-being of the environment. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) had inspected the site on Feb. 25 and said that the incident was not expected to impact public drinking supplies, according to WSKG.

Yuxin Wang, a research assistant professor and lecturer of environmental studies at Binghamton University, said she anticipated potentially negative effects on the environment and ecosystem of the Susquehanna River.

“Specifically, it increases the nutrient levels in the water and potentially causes harmful algae blooms,” Wang wrote in an email. “The organic contaminants in the partially treated sewage may still have the potential to affect downstream drinking water treatment systems and increase their treatment cost.”

Wang said the discharge had led to an increased quantity of suspended solids and oxygen used in the oxidation of “carbonaceous organic matter” in the river, but said the NYSDEC report indicated the spill was not likely to impact river quality downstream.

Robert Holahan, an associate professor of environmental studies, said the pollution may not have long-term effects on the river.

“Once the river washes it all away, it will go away,” Holahan wrote in an email. “The problem is with combined sewer overflows, which allow untreated wastewater to go directly into the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers during heavy rain events. Since those overflows happen at the same location multiple times per year, the long-term impacts are probably higher than a single wastewater flood.”

The Waterman Conservation Education Center, which is located in Apalachin, New York, specializes in environmental education and the preservation of nature. The Center owns Hiawatha Island, the biggest island in the Susquehanna River, home to ecosystems that could potentially be impacted by the pollution. Christopher Audette, the executive director of the Waterman Conservation Education Center, discussed how pollution from the incident may impact the environment.

“The primary environmental concern is the introduction of nutrients (similar to fertilizer runoff) that increase water temperature, decrease the availability of oxygen and contribute to the growth of undesirable algae that further contribute to the first two problems,” Audette wrote in an email. “Another concern is sedimentation from the sewage solids that degrade habitat, especially fish and amphibian breeding habitat.”

Audette said the plant’s efforts to reverse some of the damage has lessened the severity of the discharge’s effects, but potential issues remain.

“Considering that it seems primary and secondary treatment have already been accomplished, these concerns are minimized, but not eliminated,” Audette wrote. “I don’t anticipate many acute, short-term impacts on wildlife. There is, of course, the possibility that the influx of nutrients, however mitigated, will contribute to the long-term eutrophication [(the process of nutrient enrichment)] of our watershed, which in turn cascades to impacts on the Chesapeake Bay.”

Jacey Ruisi, an undeclared freshman, said she feels worried about the situation.

“Honestly it is super concerning, and I think that the [plant] should notify everyone, especially the people it directly impacts,” Ruisi said. “Also I hope they took measures to make the water cleaner.”

The Waterman Conservation Education Center declared the lightly polluted area safe for all outdoor activities but implored everyone to continue basic good hygiene practices around the Susquehanna River.

“Never drink untreated water from any waterway and always wash your hands before eating if you’ve come into contact with the water, sediment or any organisms (such as is the case with fishing),” Audette wrote.

Rachel Barrale, a sophomore majoring in biology, related the wastewater flood to a broader outlook on environmental awareness.

“I believe this [incident] gives us a vital opportunity to observe the detrimental impact on the environment displayed [near] our own campus,” Barrale said. “As well as, now, more than ever, action must be taken to look at the global and local actions we take and what those effects will be.”

The Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant declined to comment.

International Women’s Day has been observed since 1911. Since its creation, this day has continued to grow worldwide and is now celebrated annually on March 8. According to the International Women’s Day website, this year’s campaign theme is being recognized on social media as #BreakTheBias, which is described as “[imagining] a gender equal world … free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.” Various campus groups, such as the Women’s Student Union (WSU) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), are planning events in accordance with this theme for students to enjoy. The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), a group dedicated to promoting empowerment and equality, declared on its website this year’s theme for the entire month of March as “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”

“[It] is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history,” the NWHA website reads.

BU President Harvey Stenger emphasized the importance of honoring the accomplishments of all women, including the women of the BU community.

“[BU] wouldn’t be what it is today without the contributions of women, from the day we opened our doors to now,” Stenger wrote in an email. “[BU] alumnae like ‘The View’ co-host Sunny Hostin, internet pioneer Geraldine Knoll MacDonald and [BU] Council Chair Kathryn Grant Madigan are just a few of the countless women who have made an impact on our world. From engineers to historians, business leaders to star athletes, [BU] is home to so many outstanding women, and they deserve our attention and respect.”

The WSU wrote about important aspects they felt should be recognized and kept in mind when celebrating the month, such as taking care to consider intersectionality and not leaving out marginalized women such as trans women, Black women and all women of color.

“The month often tends to glorify and center middle class, white, cisgender and heterosexual women who have often perpetuated the same oppressive systems in the name of women’s empowerment,” the WSU E-Board wrote. “Being a woman means so many different things for different people, therefore it is important to acknowledge that in our culture, women are not treated as a collective because women of privilege tend to not recognize that being a woman is not one experience and does not look one way.”

Karen Jones, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, described the discussions of inclusion the month brings to the University, as well as events students can be on the lookout for.

“It is vital to recognize and celebrate the role that women have played throughout history, and doing so reflects the University’s commitment to an inclusive campus community that values all,” Jones wrote. “This month, the Multicultural Resource Center, Q Center and the department of women, gender and sexuality studies are hosting a variety of programs including an empowerment brunch to celebrate women, nonbinary folks and people of all marginalized genders.”

The WSU E-Board stated they will be celebrating Women’s History Month with events planned for March 22 through March 24. The E-Board hopes the events will help students both learn and celebrate intersectional feminism, as well as recognize women who have often been left out of the conversation.

The SWE, a campus group dedicated to empowering women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), said they would be discussing the history of women in STEM during the month. They advised students interested in learning more about their upcoming events to follow them on Instagram at @binghamton_swe.

“The SWE at [BU] works to make women in engineering feel empowered in their pursuit to break barriers in the STEM world,” the SWE E-Board wrote in an email. “Throughout this month, as we host our general body meetings, we will be focusing on learning the impacts that women have made in STEM and encourage our members to recognize important women that have fought for equality.”

Rachael Kohler, a member of the SWE and a junior majoring in electrical engineering, discussed what Women’s History Month means to her.

“Women’s History Month is about bringing women and people of other marginalized gender identities together to share ideas and experiences, and for everyone to celebrate the contributions to society that these individuals have and continue to make,” Kohler wrote. “Additionally, it is meant to recognize the challenges we face existing in a world that has historically suppressed our opinions and glossed over our achievements.”

Candace Polisi, another member of the SWE and a junior majoring in electrical engineering, said she has been inspired by many women, particularly concerning her ongoing journey of becoming an engineer.

“Women’s History Month is a great reminder to recognize the accomplishments of women past, present and future,” Polisi wrote. “From your own mother and grandmothers to Marie Curie and Rosa Parks, women have helped pave the way for us to thrive. While we honor their importance in March, we ought to be thinking about it throughout the year.”