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A rI ING
GENERATION
Quarter Two 2020 Volume 6, Number 2
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076
The Eagle Eye Quarter Two 2020 • Volume 6, Number 2
Front Cover: Graphic by Julia Landy
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Contents Graphic by Julia Landy
The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or Broward County Public Schools. The publication is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150 or email MSDEagleEyeNews@gmail.com
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Letters to the Editor
03 MSD In Brief 04
MSD student body shares their perspective on various issues
BCPS introduces app for students to connect with mental health professional or report abuse MSD installs speakers to allow students and staff to hear annoucements when in exterior hallways The Broward County Public Schools Debate Initiative names Dr. Jacob Abraham Debate Coach of the Year Seniors involved in football, cheerleading, color guard, Eagle Regiment say farewell at second football game of season
06
caught in the red mirage Despite deceptive early results, former Vice President Joe Biden wins the presidency
Graphic by Madison Lenard
Editorial Board AvaSteil Ashley Ferrer Mackenzie quinn Brianna Jesionowski Editors-in-Chief
Ivy lam Matthew rosenthal travis newbery Assistant Editors-in-Chief
Ryan servaites noa livni Anisah steele lily singer isabel white Delaney Walker Copy Editors
Bryan Ngyuen Fenthon Aristhome Photo Editors
Julianne lofurno Sophia squiccirini Sports Editors
Nadia murillo Social Media Editor
joyce han
Business Manager
kacie shatzkamer Managing Editor
Staff
Julia Landy Madison Lenard Melodie Vo
Melissa Falkowski Adviser
party like it’s 2020
08 SHIFTING SCHEDULES 10 on-camera presence 13 A rIZING GENERATION 14 A guide to celebrating the holidays in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
Students see varying results when adapting to new online school schedules
Amendment to BCPS attendance policy requiring cameras on during class draws mixed reactions from students
Generation Z solidifies its legacy as not only the largest, but the most culturally diverse generation devoted to activism
ABOLISH the college
18 cracking down 19
System used to elect president no longer meets needs of our country The American government must decriminalize drugs in order to advance the growth of society
Design by Ashley Ferrer and Ava Steil
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Glued to the Phone Dear Editor, I am writing to express my views concerning cellphone addiction and the effect it has on the ability for students learning remotely to pay attention in class. I feel that cell phone addiction is starting to become a very real problem for today’s high school students. With the quarantine situation still mostly in effect, students have been using their phones more and more due to limited physical interaction. Due to the overuse of cellphones, it is becoming harder for students to concentrate and pay attention to online school. In grades 4-12, attendance and grades appear to be lower than ever before. This is partly due to the inability to restrict cellphones and other electronic devices while in online learning. In order for students to be able to learn and be successful, appropriate rules and regulations need to be put into place. Students are not allowed to use their phones while in the classroom and the same rules should apply for at home. For example, all teachers must insist that at home, students keep their cameras on to prevent them from interacting with their cellphones. With a strict rule like this, cellphone addiction, and the issue of students paying attention in class will be resolved. Nicholas Colella, 10
Our Own Space Dear Editor, In a school as big as ours, it’s no wonder the yearbook is very large. With all the activities, clubs, sports and student/teacher pictures included, I think the yearbook is set up great, with one exception. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the school pictures sorted not only alphabetically, but by grade? It would be much easier to find your own picture, as well as any of your friends, or just to see who else is in your grade. The seniors are already seperated out, so it is possible. It wouldn’t take away from senior pictures either because theirs are already made special with the larger photos. The underclassman are all grouped together in one section, and with hundreds of kids, it is very overwhelming to look at. This small change would make the yearbook much more functional and make it much easier to navigate through the student pictures. Erika Wilczek, 11
A Disappointing Dream
Dear Editor, As if starting high school online as a freshman isn’t hard enough, on top of that [what is harder] is seeing if there is even going to be a soccer season [this year]. I have played soccer since I was 4 years old, and my dream is to go pro. I’ve always looked up to our school’s soccer teams for the past three years. One of my goals was to always play for our school. Now that I made the team, I am having second
thoughts. Are we really going to get a full season? I know that there is always next year to play for the school, but some of the girls on the team won’t get that opportunity due to them graduating. I understand the situation that we are in right now, but at the same time, why did it have to be like this? I really wanted to get the full “freshman experience,” but it doesn’t seem like I will be able to. Morgan Goldman, 9
Too Old for Fun?
Dear Editor, I think I can speak for most high schoolers when I say that I miss field trips. I remember going bowling, going to the zoo, and even going to different parts of America. Yes, these trips happened when we were younger, and some may be silly at this age, but does that mean that we don’t deserve some fun too? With all the pressure that comes with high school, and applying for colleges, it would be nice to
have a little break and have some fun with your friends. The only available field trips can only be accessible through a specific class or club. To participate in DECA States and ICDC, you have to place top 18 in the county to attend. I’m not asking for tons and tons of field trips; maybe two or three a year. They can be fun, educational, etc. Hopefully, we can bring these good and fun experiences back into our lives. Yali Har-Nov, 11
A Post-COVID World Dear Editor, Amid this pandemic, there are many concerns and fears people have about returning to normalcy after this event. Some worry about how others may be faring. Others are concerned about the global market or securing a job. I however, find myself curious about the phenomenon of “social distancing.” Specifically, how exactly it’s affected the world, and how it may continue shaping people and societal standards. Many seem to only half-enforce the recommended steps of social distancing, some within reason, others not so much. While the end to this pandemic is unclear as of now, it does raise the question about how the
world will be afterward. Is it possible to get back to the world before, or is it fated to change irreparably? It seems likely the world as it once was is gone, and we may have to prepare for change coming out of the coronavirus pandemic. It may be common for people to begin wearing masks, gloves or respirators if they fall ill. Many more likely will take much more precaution about the spread of germs, and disinfectants could also become a normal thing to carry with oneself. Ultimately, while this virus is certainly a terrible thing, the effects may help to make the world just a bit cleaner and that much safer in the end. Orion Jean, 12
Pause the Screen
Dear Editor, I am concerned about the current situation with online learning at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I know we must be careful not to spread COVID-19, so we cannot physically attend school normally. We are given the chance to come to school, but we are still online. It is clear the easier option is to stay online from home. I think the school should make the circumstances better for the children at home. I believe we should finish out the year from home due to rising cases. Therefore, we should continue to improve
our online education. Our teachers have adjusted and helped us adjust well, but it is a ton of online [work] and with rarely any pen-to-paper assignments. Students are looking at a screen for an entire school day five days a week, to follow that day with a couple more hours of homework online. I hope to receive and see more assignments we can print or be given the option to print or handwrite, because some students do not have access to a printer, it could be optional. Ava DiRenzo, 10
Just One Year
Send us a letter Have something to say about school? Have something to say about a local, national or global issue? Have something to say about this issue of The Eagle Eye? We want to hear your opinions. Email submissions to: msdeagleeyenews@gmail.com
Dear Editor, Thinking back on my high school experience, it is crazy to think that the Class of 2021 are already seniors and graduating soon. It feels like just yesterday we left Westglades and visited the campus on our middle school field trip. These past four years have been full of exciting, somber, freeing, exhausting and unique
memories that I will remember forever. I am so grateful for all of the friends that I have made, and the growth I went through during this time in my life. However, as a class, I think it’s safe to say that we simply wish we could have had one normal year of high school. Kayla Sibble, 12
Keep it Booming
Dear Editor, COVID-19 has hit the world hard and affected every aspect of our lives. It has taken a toll on everyone mentally, socially and emotionally as we all bear the need for isolation and quarantine in order to protect ourselves and others. Not having the social aspect of our normal lives and being able to interact with others has definitely had a negative impact on emotional well-being; however, even more substantial is the economic impact it has had on our nation. When there was a mandatory shut down enforced by the government, individuals across the U.S. lost jobs and incomes that supported their family. While there was a temporary inflation of unemployment checks that included both $600, in addition to the normal $275, it just wasn’t enough for many that relied on that weekly or bi-weekly paycheck. Others blasted the additional support check and claimed that those unemployed weren’t entitled to such a large amount even though it was only temporary. Now that extra payment is gone and those that are still waiting to hopefully return to their professions must try and support their family on $275 a week (before taxes). While the one-time stimulus check was a huge assistance to these struggling families, it just isn’t enough, and families are suffering. The president sought to provide an additional stimulus without the support of Congress and now so many are left to wonder what is going to happen to them in the wake of another possible shut down due to the rising numbers of coronavirus cases. The government needs to do everything within their power to help assist those affected financially due to the virus as well as stimulate the economy as much as possible while doing everything within their power to prevent another lock-down quarantine. Ty Thompson, 11
Why Go Back? Dear Editor, Online school isn’t as bad as everybody says. Every time I talk to somebody about online school they say, “Man, I can not wait until school opens up and we can all go back.” But I don’t think that school is going to be great when we go back. First of all, masks are horrible to wear for more than an hour. Limited classroom sizes, not as much social interaction. Just a mess. But online school has one of the best things I’ve experienced in my school career: the connection with my family. Every day I get to eat lunch with my family, mom and dad included, which is just a thing I haven’t done since I was a little kid. It’s a lot more enjoyable lunch; plus I’m able to make a more fresh and healthy lunch during class. It is very enjoyable. Owen Rose, 11
Letters to the Editor 03
New developments occur at MSD
MSD in brief
Let’s t.a.l.k. about it student’s Clever portal page under “My Applications.” Students who select the T.A.L.K. icon will be directed to a Microsoft Form, where they must enter their full name and the school they currently attend. The form then asks whether the individual wants to report ental health covers our child abuse, wants a mental health emotional, psychological and professional to contact them (before the social well-being, affecting end of the next school day) or wants a the way we think, feel and react. Due mental health professional to contact to the COVID-19 pandemic shifting the them immediately. lives of millions of students and thus “Students do not have to struggle impacting mental health, more resources alone. We must support each other have been introduced to schools to through the good and the bad times,” combat these arising discussions. As a guidance counselor Karen Marine result, Broward County Public Schools said. “I am glad to see this resource has implemented their new campaign available to our students. I like that it is T.A.L.K., which stands for Tell Another. Listening is Key. This is an exclusive BCPS easily accessible and right there on the student’s Clever portal.” app that provides K-12 students with a All inquiries pertaining to child confidential online form to request to speak to a mental health professional or abuse are directed to the Child Abuse and Neglect program of the student’s report abuse. school, while requests to talk to a mental “Mental health counselors and health professional will be sent to the professionals have been part of the school’s social workers and/or the Family district for a long time and this is just another way for students to access them Counseling Program therapists on a rotating basis. during eLearning,” guidance counselor “I am so appreciative that the district Rachel Kusher said. “I think high school students will definitely use it when they is establishing a platform for students need to talk to someone and are not sure struggling with mental health to ask for help in a safe and sound way,” Mind Body where to start or who to ask.” Ambassador Club President Arthy Suresh This app can be found on every
BCPS introduces app for students to connect with mental health professional or report abuse
M
T.A.L.K. It Out. BCPS launches a new app, T.A.L.K., to promote the safety and emotional well-being of students. The platform allows for students to request help when it comes to abuse or mental health issues. said. “Oftentimes, students don’t want to openly admit to facing challenges with mental or emotional health, but I think this resource is great in that something as simple as a form would make a student more comfortable about opening up because it isn’t publicizing their current situation in any way.” Besides the T.A.L.K. app, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are able to request appointments to speak with their grade level mental health professional or school social worker by accessing the Wellness Center Canvas page. “As a mental health professional, I am
loud and clear
F
ollowing the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, several safety measures were established in order to further ensure the security of the students and staff. Having been in the works for almost three years, one of these projects is the installation of speakers in the hallways and common areas, both indoors and outdoors. In the spring of 2018 a safety committee was formed by the teachers of MSD with the sole purpose of advocating for improved safety measures and precautions. One recommendation from the committee included the installation of exterior speakers due to the chaos that the lack of communication caused on Feb. 14. When the fire alarm went off on the day of the shooting, teachers followed fire protocols, immediately evacuating their classrooms with their students. However, once they had left the building, they had no way of being notified that they were under a code red, some only learned about the situation by seeing people run in the opposite direction. “There was a lot of chaos and confusion because administration really had no way to convey that there was a
04 MSD in Brief
code red,” former committee member Melissa Falkowski said. The safety committee dissolved after a year, and the action item was picked up the Faculty Council, a group of 11 teachers who represent the faculty and are responsible for vocalizing the concerns of the staff. Since then, the installation had been an item on the Faculty Council’s agenda, eacg monthh. “For those who were teaching at MSD on Feb. 14, the installation of these speakers marks the end of a three-year quest to upgrade the safety features of the school,” Falkowski said. There are currently 50 speakers that were purchased by the district and were installed throughout the campus, allowing individuals to hear the intercom system when outside of the classroom or the office. “It will enable anyone on campus to hear announced information, regardless of their location on campus. This will ensure everyone can hear information in the event of an emergency,” Principal Michelle Kefford said. Assistant Principal Jay Milmed was involved throughout the process,
pleased to see the increasing availability and accessibility of mental health resources for our students here at MSD,” school social worker Lindsay Bruckner said. Though the T.A.L.K. app is relatively new, students have already submitted requests. If a student is in trouble and needs to be connected to a mental health professional immediately, they can contact First Call for Help at 954-5370211, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. The app advises all students to call 911 if they have an emergency. Story by Ivy Lam
MSD installs speakers to allow students and staff to hear annoucements in exterior hallways
Loud and Clear. Administration begins installing outdoor speakers on campus buildings. These speakers will aide in alerting students and staff to any annoucenments made while people are outdoors. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jacob Abraham participating in site walk-throughs and aiding in determining where the speakers should be placed. These site walkthroughs are to ensure that everything is done thoroughly and correctly. “I did the site walk-throughs and helped with placement ideas throughout
the process,” Milmed said. The speakers have now been installed and tested. These new additions to the school’s security system have already been used for a few code drills and are currently fully functioning. Story by Noa Livni
Design by Ava Steil and Travis Newbery
undebatable
O
n Wednesday, Nov. 18, during the sixth annual Broward County Public Schools Debate Initiative “Lunch-In” and Student Exhibition, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Principal Michelle Kefford announced that Speech and Debate coach Dr. Jacob Abraham was awarded BCPS Debate Coach of the Year. “It’s really an honor to be named [BCPS Debate] Coach of the Year. It’s nice to have my work recognized,” Abraham said. Abraham has taught at MSD for the past two years. Throughout this time, he has taught and coached classes including debate and dual enrollment speech classes, such as public speaking. In addition, he co-coaches the men’s and women’s water polo teams and advises both the Interact Club and Law Club. “Dr. Abraham has been an incredible mentor both as a teacher and a debate coach,” MSD Speech and Debate President Gabbey Montes said. “He always pushes us to do our best and be excellent in all we do. Throughout these three years, he has helped develop our confidence and research skills while encouraging us to be more aware of the world around us, not only making us better orators but also students and people.” The MSD Speech and Debate Program
The Broward County Public Schools Debate Initiative names Dr. Jacob Abraham Debate Coach of the Year
competes at local, state and national competitions, all of which a number of his students have succeeded in. One of the competitions was the 46th Annual Harvard National Forensics Tournament which was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in February. However, the team does not only focus on their victories at competitions, they also look at the impact that they have made on the community. “We work with our feeder middle schools and [enter] students to judge middle and elementary tournaments probably more than anyone else,” Abraham said. “So, I see it as not just me being recognized, it’s our whole team’s dedication to [the BCPS Debate Initiative].” According to BCPS, the BCPS Debate Initiative is a partnership between local businesses and high school debate programs within the county. Sponsorship options can range from individual tournament travel to full-year team assistance, all of which help students learn useful life skills, build their resumes and positively impact their lives with the art of speech and debate. Throughout the 2019-2020 school year, Abraham and the speech and debate students hosted district middle school debate tournaments at MSD.
one last time
A
n annual tradition at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Senior Night, is an event to say farewell to all the seniors in the Eagle Regiment marching band, football team, cheerleading squad and the color guard. Although in uncertain times, MSD still honored the Class of 2021 as the previous senior classes, with Senior Night on Nov. 3. Each of the activity sponsors and coaches worked together to plan the event, creating a list of senior students and who would accompany them onto the field for the ceremony. The event began with the annual introduction of the seniors, who were escorted onto the field by their family members. Some families made banners, which included their student’s accomplishments throughout high school. The cheer squad had seven members who participated in their last cheer season. Some may decide to continue this year by joining the competitive cheer in the spring. “Ever since I was a freshman, I couldn’t wait to cheer at my Senior Night,” co-cheer captain Talia Kabowoski said. “It was such fun, and I was so happy that even with COVID-19, it was still able to happen.” The color guard had four members honored at the event, alongside 32 members of the Eagle Regiment band, which included receiving personalized gifts.
These tournaments included over 700 middle school students from around the district. Many speech and debate students, as well as MSD students, volunteered to judge and serve as room monitors during these tournaments. As Abraham reflects on the successes of the program, he believes that strength is not measured through trophies but instead through the success of his students. “I’ll measure success by how well Highly Prestigious. Dr. Jacob Abraham, Broward County Debate we teach incoming Coach of the Year, poses for a selfie with his award. Photo freshmen how courtesy of Dr. Jacob Abraham to do speech and debate, how many of our most dedicated said. “Students might not realize how teammates go to the schools of their much easier the rest of their school life is choices and how many make it to postif they can master the skills required to graduate life, [as well as how] prepared keep up in our little community.” Story by [they are] for life’s challenges,” Abraham Nadia Murillo
Seniors involved in football, cheerleading, color guard, Eagle Regiment say farewell at second football game of season
Senior Spotlight. Senior Kacie Shatzkamer, member of MSD Hugs from Afar. MSD Prinicpal Michelle Kefford greets senior students Cheer, is presented with her parents at Cumber Stadium on with socially distanced air hugs as they are presented at the Nov. 3 Senior Night. Photo by Kelsie Yon Senior Night football game. Photo by Kelsie Yon “It felt a bit nostalgic in the way that I knew this was going to be one of my last times playing at a football game with my friends, but it felt nice to be with everyone despite corona being around,” Eagle Regiment battery captain Sophia Premble said. It is traditional for the underclass members of each section of the band, as well as the color guard, to contribute to the personalized gifts presented to the seniors. “I found Senior Night super sentimental, and I loved receiving all the
gifts,” color guard member Olivia Blaker said. “I felt super appreciated like all the hard work was worth it.” The event also honored Alex Schachter and Gina Montalto, who as freshmen were killed in the Feb. 14, 2018 shooting at MSD. Schachter was a band member, while Montalto was a color guard member. This event would have been their Senior Night, and the 2020 marching band season would have been their last. The football team has 24 members who participated in their last football
season with MSD. “The atmosphere wasn’t the same with the crowd restrictions, but I was happy for all of the seniors to be recognized from the band, cheerleading and football. It was a special moment for them and their families,” coach William Short said. Touchdowns by senior running back Derek Geffard (1), wide receiver Christian Spencer (14), running back Chris Darius (5) and wide receiver Hervin Louis (3) put away the 28-3 win for the Eagles against Coral Glades. Story by Matthew Rosenthal
MSD in Brief 05
Caught in the Red Mirage Despite deceptive early results, former Vice President Joe Biden wins the presidency
O
n Saturday, Nov. 7, after days of counting over 155 million ballots, the networks of CNN, NBC and Fox News collectively declared Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris the winners of the 2020 Presidential Election. With record voting turnout, this election, and what some would call the polarizing rhetoric surrounding it, has generated immense amounts of attention. This is due to the fate of the nation’s leadership resting on the collective decision that Americans across the country now had the opportunity to make. This would be the moment where America had the choice to vote out President Donald Trump, rejecting his message, or affirm four more years of Donald Trump’s America. For many young people, including students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, this election was the first time that they would have any formal interaction with the voting process, a major part of the way in which America’s democracy functions. “I decided to vote on my 18th birthday, and it was a really exciting experience,” senior Emaan Ali said. “I genuinely feel like everyone who can vote should definitely go do their part as a citizen.” Yet despite Joe Biden’s win, when election results began to roll in on the night of Wednesday, Nov. 3, the reported votes painted a starkly different picture of election results than what the eventual outcome was. To outside observers, the results from the first night of reporting showed Donald Trump ahead in key swing states, including the “blue wall” states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, that would be key to any hopes of the Biden-Harris ticket winning the presidency. Despite these initial results, as time progressed, these key states began to
turn blue, starting with Michigan and Wisconsin the morning after Election Day. Eventually, the state of Pennsylvania also turned blue, which prompted most major networks to call the race and project Joe Biden as the future 46th President of the United States. While President Trump’s campaign was quick to call fraud after these results, claiming that this shift in votes denoted some form of election meddling, many analysts had predicted this outcome from the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling this unique electoral phenomenon the “red mirage.” A byproduct of the current health crisis in the United States, the “red mirage” is a pattern of voting results that would show the Republican presidential ticket winning early on in vote reporting, only to be eventually overtaken as mail-in votes, a method of voting heavily encouraged by the Democratic Party in response to the unsafe conditions of voting in person, began to roll in. Besides President Trump’s campaign currently pushing back against Joe Biden’s projected electoral win, they have also argued against mail-in voting in the past, as the conversation around the voting method began to enter the electoral discourse. On Thursday, Nov. 4, the day after Election Day, the President tweeted, “How come every time they count mail-In ballot dumps they are so devastating in their percentage and power of destruction?” Despite the President’s protests, he strongly advocated against mail-in voting before the election, tweeting, “Big problems and discrepancies with Mail In Ballots all over the USA. Must have final total on November 3rd,” barely a week before the election. This led to mail-in votes being reported in contentious states disproportionately favoring now President-elect Joe Biden
(Electoral) College tour
06 Politics • 2020 Presidential Election
Looking Presidential. President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Electoral College certification at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware, on Dec. 14, 2020.
Photo courtesy of Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images/TNS as many states tallied mail-in votes after in-person votes cast on or before Election Day, which previously favored Trump. Despite this contention, Nov. 3 was a historic night for America. With a record shattering tally of over 81 million votes, Joe Biden was elected President of the United States. Biden shared his win with Senator Kamala Harris, who will become the first Black and South Asian female to be elected to the office of the vice president. Harris was a contender in the Democratic Primary for president, and despite not winning the primary election, Nov. 3 marked a groundbreaking day for representation in American politics as she will join Biden in the Oval Office. “I’m thinking about her and about the generations of women,” Harris said during her Nov. 7 victory speech. “Black women, Asian, White, Latina and Native American
women--throughout our nation’s history who have paved the way for this moment tonight.” That same night, President-elect Biden gave a clear message about what he believed his responsibility would be as the next President of the United States. “I believe it’s this,” Biden said during his victory speech. “Americans have called upon us to marshal the forces of decency, the forces of fairness, to marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.” While time will tell whether or not Biden will be able to come through on his promises to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild the economy and create a more just nation, voters made one thing clear: it is time to give Biden his chance. Story by Ryan Servaites; graphic by Travis Newbery
Design by Travis Newbery
What was your experience voting for the first time?
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I decided to vote on my 18th birthday, and it was a really exciting experience. I genuinely feel like everyone who can vote should definitely go do their part as a citizen. Emaan Ali, 12
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Voting for the first time was such an amazing experience. I just turned 18 a few weeks ago, so this feels like the ‘adult’ thing that I have done. It feels great to know that I am making an impact on history, and that my voice will be heard.
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It felt amazing to vote this year. I think that we need a lot of change within our society and by voting I am able to make that happen. Josie Sotter, 12
Lexie Sealy, 12
Voting for the first time was very nerve racking and exciting. When they took my ID, they noticed it was first time voting and everyone clapped and cheered. It was so nice and made me feel a little calmer and more confident.
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Ava Steil, 12
Mitigating litigation A timeline of the tumultuous attempts to overturn the election results
nov. 4
The Trump campaign files suit in Chatham County in Georgia, alleging voting irregularities and claiming that ballots were mixed in with uncounted absentee ballots.
nov. 15 nov. 13
The Trump campaign drops its case in Arizona. The campaign’s case in Michigan is rejected.
nov. 27
A federal appeals court rejects the Trump legal team’s request to block Joe Biden from being declared the winner of the state of Pennsylvania, stating that there is no real evidence nor a clear allegation.
The Trump campaign files suit in Pennsylvania, alleging unfair voting practices and claiming that voters in areas that were more likely to vote for the Democratic ticket had greater opportunity to correct their ballots.
nov. 7 nov. 5
The Trump campaign’s case in Georgia is dismissed. The judge states that there is no evidence.
The Trump campaign claims that legal votes were rejected in a lawsuit filed in Arizona.
nov. 12
The Trump campaign files suit in Michigan, attempting to block the certification of votes in Wayne County, which includes Detroit and was expected to lean heavily toward Biden.
The U.S. Court of Appeals rejects a case from the Trump campaign which argues the roughly 10,000 ballots received after Election Day should not be counted by the state of Pennsylvania. Joe Biden won the state by around 80,000 votes.
nov. 17
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court determines that the city of Philadelphia did not violate state law by restricting how close poll watchers could stand to the ballots being processed. The Trump campaign files a suit requesting that either no winner be declared in Nevada, or President Trump be declared the winner, claiming that the results were illegitimate due to voting irregularities. The suit does not provide evidence for its claims that people voted illegally.
nov. 21
A judge rejects the Trump campaign’s case in Pennsylvania asserting that the campaign did not provide sufficient evidence, and that the case lacks any real legal merit. As a result of the case being dismissed with prejudice, the case can not be resubmitted.
nov. 22
The Trump campaign confirms that they will seek to appeal their case in Pennsylvania.
dec. 11
dec. 7
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files suit in the Supreme Court in an attempt to halt the certification of votes in the crucial battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia and Wisconsin. He is joined by 17 states.
nov. 9
dec. 10
126 members of the House Republican caucus, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) sign an Amicus brief, urging the Supreme Court to hear the Texas case.
The Supreme Court rejects the Texas lawsuit, writing in an unsigned opinion that, “Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another state conducts its elections.” Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Texas GOP Chairman Allen West releases a statement criticizing the actions of the court, writing that, “Perhaps law-abiding states should bond together and form a Union of States that will abide by the constitution.”
dec. 14
The electoral college allocates 306 votes to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, formally solidifying the two as the next president and vice president of the United States of America.
Politics • 2020 Presidential Election 07
A guide to celebrating the holidays in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
Party like it’s
2020 Natalie Keller, 09 “I am going to my friend’s house, and we are doing a group costume. We have all been safe and honestly have been together all summer, so if we would have had COVID, we would have had it already all together. We decided this to have a good time because we are all tired of being at home since March and want to get together and have a good time.”
Brooklynn Koon, 12 “For Thanksgiving, I will be staying at my house, and we will be having house guests. They are coming by car, so they do not have to get exposed to airports and public transport. We will be staying in the same house, but are going to make sure we stay safe and clean. For Christmas, I will be traveling to see family. We will be flying, but with this, we will have masks and plenty of hand sanitizer. We will be staying with family, so we do not have to be at a hotel. This will help protect us from being out and about to the germs.”
Madison Mirsky, 12 “I am going to my grandparents’ house [which is] down the street from me. My aunts, uncles and cousins are coming as well. We are practicing social distancing leading up to the event, and obviously, if anyone displays symptoms, they won’t come. We decided to get together for the holidays because all of us are in online school.”
Camila Escobar, 11 “For Christmas, my family decided to fly up to Pennsylvania to be with my family. We will be quarantining before we fly up and staying inside for most [of the time] while we are [there]. They have been extremely careful, as have we, so if everything goes according to plan, we should be able to celebrate Christmas safely together.”
08 Arts & Leisure • COVID-19 Holiday Guide
Julianna OrozcoAguirre, 10 “I’m going to my aunt’s house to spend time with my cousins for the holidays. I’m making sure I’m washing my hands before and after I eat [and] playing with the pets, wearing my mask and social distancing. I am more cautious because my aunt has cancer, so I don’t want to get her sick.”
Design by Julia Landy; reporting by Mackenzie Quinn
Holiday Party Do’s & Dont’s
Pay attention to local COVID-19 Do levels and levels of any areas you travel to
Gather for short periods of Do time. Remember: longer events are riskier
Research and follow the local Do guidelines to any area you are traveling to
Respect people’s boundaries and Do make your boundaries known
Provide plenty of sanitizing Do options for guests
Wear a mask, especially Do whenever social distancing isn’t possible Gather indoors, especially in a room DON’T or building with poor ventilation
DON’T
Go to an event if you are feeling sick or have been in recent contact with a COVID-positive individual
DON’T
Attend large parties with people outside your household or bubble
Try to host events virtually Do when you can
DON’T
DON’T
Go to busy restaurants Go holiday shopping in crowded stores or malls
Virtual Holiday Party Ideas Use a service like Popcorn or GroupWatch to watch a seasonal movie
Have a video call party with holiday-themed trivia or Kahoots
Make a meal at the same Have a video call dance time and eat it together and sing-along party and listen to festive music
Worth the Watch Stars Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, whose characters are both single and need dates for holiday events throughout the year. A need for a companion for special dates such as Christmas and Easter lead them to make an agreement to be each other’s dates. Provider: Netflix Rated: TV-MA Release: Nov. 28
Do a gift exchange via mail and open them over a video call.
Make funny presentations to screenshare
New holiday movies released just in time for holiday season
Lifetime’s first movie with LGBTQIA+ leads played by real-life husbands, Ben Lewis and Blake Lee. The movie is a part of Lifetime’s holiday celebration “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime,” which features 28 other movies. The story follows Hugo (Lewis) as he is set up with Patrick (Lee) over the holidays. Provider: Lifetime Rated: TV-PG Release: Dec. 12
This show follows the cast of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” as they celebrate the holidays. The holiday special is set between season one and their upcoming season two, allowing a sneak peek at the second season. Provider: Disney+ Rated: TV-PG Release: Dec. 11
Arts & Leisure • COVID-19 Holiday Guide 09
Design by Travis Newbery
Shifting schedules Students see varying results when adapting to new online school schedules
to complete tasks or assignments in an efficient way. It has become increasingly important with the ongoing implementation of online school as students are less focused on their schoolwork. One way students manage their time is very day junior Lily Lafone wakes through the use of a calendar app where up at 7:25 a.m. to get ready for they are able to track assignments, events school. Depending on which day and daily to-dos. Canvas provides another it is, she’ll take any one of three method of management, where students AP classes. After school, she does her homework, and attends either a Key Club, can find important school-related dates Best Buddies or FFEA meeting. She’ll then and assignment deadlines. “I honestly really only look at the walk her dogs, tidy up her room, watch Canvas app on my phone and see when Netflix and hang out with her siblings everything I have to do is due, [which before dinner. After that, she’ll do a fullis found] under the ‘To Do’ tab in the body workout and a mile and a half run, middle [of the app],” Lafone said. “It’s before going to bed at around midnight. very efficient, and I haven’t missed one Despite the ongoing COVID-19 assignment or turned anything in late.” pandemic causing a shift to remote Despite the obvious negative aspects of learning, the average day-to-day schedule the pandemic, one positive outcome is the for any student can prove to be quite flexibility that virtual schooling provides. exhausting. From a survey of 339 Marjory Stoneman Working from home is something Douglas High School students, more than the world is still slowly figuring out how 80% said they have more flexibility while to manage. While some have seemingly attending online school. returned to their pre-COVID-19 lifestyles “I would say I’m less busy because and schedules, most have had to adapt and form new schedules and time management online learning can be really flexible, and you can plan things around it,” Lafone said. strategies. Since some assignments have more Time management is the practice time allotted for them to be completed, of organizing and scheduling time
E
80+20
Do you find your 20% No schedule to be more flexible while attending online 80% Yes school?
How much classwork and in-class activities do you have in your online classes?
*Results from a poll of 339 MSD students
10 Feature • eLearning Time Management
and students generally have more free time due to a lack of things like clubs, sports and social events, many now delay working until right before their assignments are due. 85% of students report they have had less out-of-school events during the pandemic, and 59% report they have found themselves procrastinating more during online school. While this is not necessarily a harmful trait, it can hurt students who underestimate the time or effort an assignment will require. Another negative aspect of time management for online school is the lack of separation between school and home. Online school severely lacks the disconnect found between going to school and then going home. Instead, many find school life quickly blending with their home life. In addition to negative mental health implications, this phenomenon also makes students’ days feel like they are entirely taken up by school. “For my brain during an average school year, there’s a separation of school and home, [but] since everything is at home, I find it very hard to stay on task or gain the motivation to complete my work,” junior Brooke Kessler said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not truly learning the material that’s being taught due to said distractions.”
16%
48+36+16
Less than physical school
36%
The same as physical school
48%
More than physical school
While online school can prove to be stressful, students have found that keeping their schedule organized helps alleviate some anxiety. “I feel like I have the perfect balance of completing things in a timely manner, as well as not sacrificing my mental health,” Lafone said. Student-athletes’ schedules have had mostly positive effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who are still able to play, the newfound flexibility of online school and assignments allows more time for practice and training. Additionally, since online school can be attended from anywhere, traveling sports players are able to attend class while away from home. Junior Calista McCausland plays competitive travel soccer on the Team Boca U17 team. She puts in about 25 hours per week. “My soccer schedule works better now because I have more time to train outside of school,” McCausland said. Time management has certainly changed for students as a result of online school. However, the new flexibility and loose structure provided allows each student to make a unique and effective schedule that works best for them. Story by Travis Newbery; illustration by Julia Landy
59+41
Have you 41% No found yourself procrastinating more during online school?
59% Yes
Design by Bryan Nguyen; reporting by Ava Steil
E-Learning study tips
W
Revamp Your Space
A
Make a Plan
hen it comes to doing school from home, it can be tempting to lay in a comfy bed all day, but as appealing as that may seem, it is not the best strategy for students. The brain often associates different places with the activities that take place in them. For instance, a bed for sleeping and a desk for learning.
t times, the amount of work that teachers assign can seem overwhelming and impossible to complete on time. Making a study plan for each of your classes is a great way to ensure that you have enough time to complete your homework by the due date and to prepare for quizzes and tests.
By creating a small, simple study space, it is easier to stay focused on the task at hand: learning. Setting this space apart from the rest of the room keeps distractions such as televisions, phones and other people away. This space should have only the essentials for learning, including notebooks, pens and textbooks.
At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, teachers use Canvas as a medium to assign classwork and homework to students. One interesting feature the site offers is a calendar that shows every assignment that students need to complete and when they are due.
Ensuring that the other people within your household know about your space can also limit interruptions and distractions, allowing your focus to remain on studying or learning.
B
Limit Social Media
y either turning off your phone notifications or setting the device aside, the temptation to pick it up and waste valuable work time will no longer be an issue. It is important to limit the number of outside distractions that could take your focus away from the schoolwork at hand.
W
Break Down Tasks
orking on the same subject for hours at a time can make everything seem repetitive and boring, creating a lapse in concentration. Breaking the work down into easily digestible pieces can help keep yourself on task. Switching topics every half-hour or after every chapter of review can be a good way to divide the time among several different subjects.
Give Yourself Breaks
S
tudying for hours on end can make a task tedious and boring. Taking breaks every 30 minutes to an hour can help keep your brain sharp and focused.
N
Personalizing Learning
ot everyone in the world learns information in the same way. Figuring the best way for you to learn is important when it comes to understanding as much information as possible. Personalizing your individual learning can make studying seem less tedious and more fun.
Checking the calendar at the beginning of every week can help students to ensure that all their work is accounted for and finished on time. Setting a specific number of hours aside for studying each week will also make managing school and life much easier. Another way to keep your study plan organized would be to have a separate planner or organizer for school work. Maintaining a simple, easy-to-read guide for your schoolwork can help you be more efficient in meeting due dates and deadlines.
A
Take Handwritten Notes
s easy as it is to simply copy and paste a teacher’s notes, it is not the most beneficial way for you to learn. Writing information down helps the brain kick-start the memorization process and ensures maximum retention.
W
Use Online Resources
hen it comes to online school, there are endless possibilities of resources available on the world wide web. Study sites such as Quizlet provide student-made flashcards for anyone to use as well as offering the ability to learn how to spell and pronounce terms.
O
Connect With Others
ne of the downsides of online school is the lack of interpersonal cooperation. Getting together outside of school hours has become a very difficult and sometimes even dangerous task during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forming a group chat on iMessage, Snapchat, Instagram or WhatsApp can help students create a cohesive learning environment. Having access to other people opens up the door to new opinions, insights on information and sources for answers.
Feature • eLearning Time Management 11
Design by Joyce Han
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Design by Travis Newbery
on the other end Teachers describe camera philosophies
C
ameras on is only an illusion to make things feel more like [real] class, and even then it’s only for the students who are participating. I’ve done several Socratic seminars in the advanced debate classes, and I have students use their camera as a sign they want to chime in. Sometimes the face popping onto the screen is a clearer sign they want to jump into the discussion than the yellow hand. If I mandate cameras on and a student is paying little to no attention, it doesn’t make me feel any more like we’re back in the classroom. Active participation distracts all of us from the fact that we’re communicating through a device; the medium is inescapable. I can lecture for 90 minutes to a screen of initials inside circles no problem if people are participating, but when I need to ask for feedback and get that awful silence... that’s when things suck as a teacher. –Dr. Jacob Abraham, debate teacher
I
do not mandate having cameras on unless we are doing a discussion or test. The main reason is some students are uncomfortable and it is a battle to get everyone to turn on their camera. When we have the cameras on, I do feel like students are more engaged into the class. –Holly Van Tassel-Schuster, English teacher
[
Having] the cameras on help me as a teacher to increase engagement with the students and to help my students stay focused during the class. It doesn’t make it feel like a “regular” class, but it helps me, so I don’t think I am talking to a wall. A lot of my teaching is based on participation and group work and projects, so it makes it more difficult for me to monitor the student’s progress and to see if they are off track and to get them back on track [if their cameras are off.] –Sharon Cutler, DECA teacher
O
nline teaching is very time consuming and stressful. With that said, it is my job to be the best teacher I can be, so I have to get the job done one way or another. But what motivates me to teach - MY STUDENTS. Well, if I can’t see my students nor know them, what is my motivation? Money? No one goes into teaching for [money]. Seeing my students’ faces, especially when I go into Large Gallery mode–I call it my daily present, because it feels like opening a gift–really brightens my day and reminds me why I am putting in hours of work. –Felicia Burgin, English teacher
T
he “camera on” norm was an attempt to recreate my normal classroom culture, which was active and conversational. I’m accustomed to successfully building positive relationships with most of my students, and I don’t see how that is possible without connecting name, voice and face. Additionally, observing students’ facial expressions and body language helps me to gauge whether additional examples or explanations might be necessary during a lesson. –Michael Powell, math teacher
on-camera
preseNce
Amendment to Broward County Public Schools attendance policy requiring cameras on during class draws mixed reactions from students
O
n Tuesday, Nov. 17, the Broward County School Board revised and ratified a change to Policy 5.5 of their attendance guidelines. This change now requires that students turn their cameras on during online class to be marked present for attendance, effective Dec. 2. This new rule has received praise from some teachers, many of whom could not find a definitive way to get their students to turn their cameras on. Now, teachers can have a set-in-stone method of seeing their students, and therefore have a more attentive class and an experience closer to what normal school was like before. In a district-wide survey conducted from November 6-16, 69% of teachers responded in support of the cameras-on rule. However, students have had mixed feelings about this new rule. Some are pleased that they can now see their classmates throughout the period while many others are frustrated that they now have to be visible during class. “With the new mandatory camera rule, I think it will definitely help [the class experience] but I personally do not like it because it forces me to sit in the same place and position for a long time,” sophomore Luke Mckenna said. “I think having someone sit for a long period of time can make them lose attention. Therefore teaching will be [less effective.]” While students dislike the new rule for a variety of reasons, many acknowledge the benefits it has for teachers. “I don’t like the new mandatory camera-on rule; it makes me uncomfortable,” freshman Ava Wellnitz said. “Apart from my personal opinion, I think the teachers will appreciate this rule because people are participating [more] and paying attention.” The exact language of the rule allows for teachers to verify other methods of attendance if they do not want to make their students turn their cameras on. In most cases, teachers have asked their students to turn their cameras on only for the beginning of class to take attendance, and after that, it is up to the students if they would like to keep them on or off. “I will require the camera for attendance and maybe for some activities. I have not quite decided yet. Everyday
it feels like we have to adapt to something new,” biology teacher Itza Sierra said. “I can see how it could [make for a better classroom experience] since students would be more accountable, but you would have to constantly be reminding students to put [their] cameras on, and the bigger the class is, the harder it would be to track all the students at the same time.” Students like junior Evan Rubenstein are pleased with this rule. Rubenstein has kept his camera on in most classes since the beginning of the school year in an attempt to be more present for the duration of his classes and to try to strengthen his relationships with his teachers. “I feel as though without my camera on, I would not be able to keep myself accountable for paying attention and being productive in class,” Rubenstein said. “Because I was one of the only people with their camera on, I felt like I was able to [have] a more personal connection with some of my teachers. This is especially true of one teacher I have, [as] they really miss being able to see all their students in class so having my camera on really seemed to have a positive effect on them.” One concern raised with the new rule is bandwidth usage, or the overall usage of data transfer for a household or server. Since most students now have their cameras on during class, students and teachers have seen mild fluctuations in call quality because of the high server usage. Additionally, several teachers have raised concerns over household WiFi usage. “I have mixed feelings about the new rule. I can see how it will be beneficial; unfortunately, it does create lag within [Microsoft] Teams, especially if you are using tools like Nearpod or videos,” Sierra said. “The internet in a lot of homes is already causing issues during class without the cameras being on.” While this new rule benefits teachers in that they now have a way to promote a better classroom experience, most students dislike the change compared to the previous freedom they had before. It remains to be seen whether teachers uphold this rule or go back to a more relaxed online environment. Story by Travis Newbery
Feature • New Camera Rule 13
14 Feature • Gen Z
Design by Ashley Ferrer; illustration by Madison Lenard
Z
A rI ING GENERATION Generation Z solidifies its legacy as not only the largest, but the most culturally diverse generation devoted to activism
M
alala Yousafzai. PewDiePie. Kylie Jenner. One is a womens’ education activist and the youngest Nobel Prize winner ever; another is the first solo YouTuber to reach 100 million subscribers and the third is the youngest billionaire in the world. Although these three may have nothing in common, they each play an intricate role on their generation’s impact on the world: Generation Z. Underneath the surface of the anti-social, overly sensitive and depressed youngsters glued to their phones stereotype, Gen Z has doubled as a generation of social justice warriors that differs from their preceding generations in various ways. Directly following the formerly MySpace, now Facebook-loving millennials, those that make up Generation Z encompass everyone born roughly between the years 1997-2009.
by 9/11 and, in our key adolescent years, we saw mass shootings at movie theaters, elementary schools and more. When the tragedy happened at our school, I felt as if we had an opportunity to change this cycle of violence because we had so many eyes on us--policymakers and regular citizens alike. I felt like that was up to us to expose the realities behind violent tragedies in efforts to raise awareness about policies that effectively stop them.” A month later, the organization had enough traction to orchestrate a nationwide student-led demonstration in Washington, D.C. for their cause. Taking place on March 24, 2018, over 800 MSD students were either bused or flown out to attend the event on behalf of the MSD alumni, while the remaining student body participated in the Parkland chapter of the movement. At the event, the founders of MFOL as well as other gun violence victims turned activists from around the country shared their experiences, This generation has made a name for itself as while celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Demi the generation of young activists; a defining trait is a sense of duty to spread awareness and rid the Lovato, were invited to perform. A final surprise at the protest was the appearance of civil rights world of injustice in innovative ways. activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s granddaughter. “Gen Z is a generation that isn’t afraid to take Currently, this demonstration is one of the largest on challenges: to stand up for something they believe in and have a voice,” junior Marlo Perkins student-led protests since the protests of the Vietnam War, with approximately 800,000 in said. With progressive views on gun reform, gender attendance. In 2018, Swedish student Greta Thunberg equality, systematic racism, climate change and single-handedly led an international climate LGBTQ+ rights, this generation has spearheaded change movement called Fridays for Future, which a multitude of social movements that have initially began with her staging a walkout at her warranted global attention. school, and is now practiced in over 24 countries. “I think that Gen Z will be talked about as Following in Thunberg’s footsteps, students all the generation that changes everything,” junior over South Florida and the nation participated in Julia Danois said. “We unify and get things a global climate strike from September 20-27 in accomplished. We never let anyone or anything 2019, resulting in one of the largest global protests stop us.” in history, consisting of over 7.6 million people in In fact, following the Feb. 14, 2018 shooting, 185 countries. students here at Marjory Stoneman Douglas On a more recent note, this age group greatly High School founded March For Our Lives, realized their voice and duty to speak out in an organization dedicated to advocating for the hectic year of 2020. Appalled by the murder legislation to prevent gun violence. With alumni of George Floyd on May 25, millions of people Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky, turned protesters went to the streets in support Delaney Tarr and Jaclyn Corin at the forefront of of arresting the officers involved in the incident the movement, these overnight activists utilized and the Black Lives Matter movement as a whole. their voices to give speeches to the press by Protests were organized throughout Florida, with day and took over social media by night. The organization quickly captured the attention of the the demonstration in Fort Lauderdale making entire nation as millions of students began to stage national news for the mistreatment of protesters by police. Various MSD students and alumni were walkouts from their schools in support of MFOL. in attendance. In Coral Springs and Parkland, MSD “I think Gen Z is quick to turn to activism in the face of trauma because we’ve grown up seeing alumnus Kadeem Rowe orchestrated a solidarity walk beginning at the school and ending at Coral tragedies left and right,” alumna Jaclyn Corin Springs City Hall. said. “Our historical context is largely influenced
Age of Activism
Feature • Gen Z 15
“
I think we all bond over the challenges our generation will have. Our generation has to come together and solve the issues that others won’t or else we won’t have much left. Adriana Pena, 10
”
with education as these students grew up gradually switching from the utilization of paper material to digital resources, such as standardized testing taking place on laptops and Promethean boards replacing white boards. Even now, with this generation conducting schooling completely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are experiencing another shift in the direction of a technological based approach to learning. “From my point of view, technology has had both a positive and negative impact on Gen Z. Positives from technology on our work ethic include being able to connect more easily with people, teachers and friends. We have so many resources that we can use to aid us in school and outside of school,” MSD sophomore Haylen Zabrowski said. “Unfortunately, because technology is at our fingertips and it’s always near us, we tend to get distracted more and procrastinate. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from work, but it tends to turn into a longer period of time for most people which leads to rushing at the last minute. Because of the last minute shuffle, we tend to take advantage of our resources and use them wrongly.” However, the dependence of technology in the life of Gen Z does not cease with education. Growing up in a digital world, this generation has developed an attachment to their social media profiles and cellular devices. According to Gen Z and Millennial researcher Jason Dorsey, 69% of Gen Zers become uncomfortable being away from the Internet for more than eight hours, while 27% of this demographic feel this discomfort after only an hour. “I believe [that] Gen Z has an attachment to phones and social media because they want to become more involved in what is going on in the world and what is going on in their phone,” freshman Parker Sanders said. “There’s entertainment on phones and communication. Not having a phone or Internet access would probably make me really lost because I wouldn’t be able to keep contact with my friends, see when As the first generation to be born into plans are or even FaceTime my friends.” With a majority of their social life the age of the Internet, smartphones and occurring within a device, Gen Z is artificial intelligence, this age group has a rather unique position with technology; proven to be the most hyper-connected generation. Through social media they are digital natives. Compared to platforms, teenagers and young adults their parents and grandparents, this generation has grown up with an endless not only stay connected with their friends and family, but are able to communicate amount of information accessible with with others from all over the world and simply a click of a button. build a community. In a survey gathered This advancement of technology has greatly revolutionized Gen Z’s experience by Business Wire, 56% of Gen Zers are Throughout the next couple of months, protests consistently occurred worldwide, gathering support from countries as far as Japan and Palestine. “I think the BLM movement receiving support from other countries is a beautiful thing and it is not surprising that people all around the world would support a movement that uplifts people who have been oppressed for so long,” Coral Glades High School senior Melanie Rodriguez said. Among many bills founded in the effort to terminate police brutality, MSD alumnus Brandon Dasent, alongside activists Joshua Turner and Nupol Kiazolu, founded the ‘B.R.E.A.T.H.E’ bill, which demands action to deconstruct systematic racism. Although there are mixed opinions on this topic, a poll conducted by the social networking app, Yubo, recorded that 90% of Gen Z Americans support BLM. “I think that Gen Z is more accepting of differences and did not grow up in a society of more visible racial injustice and stereotypes,” Deerfield Beach High School senior Keyanna Adams said. “I think social media may also have something to do with it as we see these injustices online which provides visual evidence of it, or that Gen Z is more susceptible to go with what’s trending. Overall, it all depends on the environment you grow up in and how willing you are to call out inequality. This generation also dramatically played a role in the 2020 presidential election and evoked the greatest turnout for young adults in decades. Various initiatives were developed across social platforms to encourage young people to vote. A joint TikTok account, @ tiktokforbiden, featuring prominent users and celebrities, was organized as part of an initiative to share the importance of voting and to encourage young people to show up to vote. Even vlogger/YouTuber David Dobrik organized a giveaway for a free Tesla available to newly registered voters, in hopes of raising the voter turnout.
Technology in Gen Z
16 Feature • Gen Z
friends with someone they only know from the Internet. “Our generation has an easier time relating their interests and making friends online, since we’re so tech savvy,” Coral Glades High School senior Kayla Walters said. “Stranger danger doesn’t feel like a phrase we have to constantly remind ourselves of when we’re in spaces with people our own age, so it’s easier to be trusting of people online especially if you have common interests with them. For me, when I made my first online friend, I found it freeing and fun because we connected so quickly and to this day, four years later, we still talk frequently.” As social media platforms continue to be heavily utilized in all aspects of Gen Z’s lives, these forums are also often used to bring attention to social justice issues as well as plan protests and demonstrations. This rising generation has founded a new subcategory of activism: digital activism. Both Instagram stories and Twitter feeds are often flooded with reposts raising awareness whenever global social issues come to light. In fact, according to an Irregular Labs survey conducted in 2019, 63% of Gen Zers utilize social media as their main news source. “I find out most of my news on social media,” MSD senior Dinelise Sierra said. “I don’t really keep up with television news, so I find everything out from Instagram and Twitter.”
Together We Stand
Currently, this generation is the largest, most ethnically diverse in history, accounting for over 27% of the United States population and 20% of the world’s population. However, despite their differences, this tolerant generation has established a sense of unity among them. Even the idea of a generational tattoo, a capitalized “Z” with a horizontal line through it, has been mentioned among Gen Zers via social media. “I think we all bond over the challenges our generation will have. Our generation has to come together and solve the issues that others won’t or else we won’t have much left,” MSD sophomore Adriana Pena said. “I also think that our differences bring us together. Gen Z can also form connections with each other because many of us have gone through similar situations that have shown us where change needs to be made in our society today.” Not only does the diversity in this age group play an enormous role in their collective dedication towards civil and social justice, but the incessant impact of growing up in the United States post 9/11 on these young adults and teenagers has seemingly weaved an emotional bond. Granted their early access to technology, and in turn, constant exposure to politics and world events, studies have proven that this generation has suffered from generational trauma and stress the most about social issues.
Mental Health
Ceaseless exposure to gun violence, the deportation of friends and families, police brutality and human trafficking are issues that have plagued this generation, so much so that professionals are granting it the nickname, “The New Silent Generation,” in homage to the original
silent generation (1928-1945), in which their childhood was marked by recessions and violence. “Current events are clearly stressful for everyone in the country, but young people are really feeling the impact of issues in the news, particularly those issues that may feel beyond their control,” American Psychological Association Chief Executive Officer Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, said in a statement regarding the latest APA Stress in America survey. “At the same time, the high percentage of Gen Z reporting fair or poor mental health could be an indicator that they are more aware of and accepting of mental health issues. Their openness to mental health topics represents an opportunity to start discussions about managing their stress, no matter the cause. The conversation regarding mental health has been at the forefront of this generation due to the troubling inclination of people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental disorders. In a 2019 study conducted by the Journal of Adolescent Health, it was reported that “the rates depression, anxiety, …and suicide attempts markedly increased [from 2007 to 2018], with rates doubling over the period in many cases.” Whereas in previous generations, mental health was not readily explored nor talked about freely, Gen Z heavily aided in shedding light on the importance of mental health and destigmatizing seeking help in the form of therapy and medication. Support groups, online chat rooms and hotlines, as well as features on social media bringing attention to comments, actions or posts that may be concerning are now normalized. Talking about one’s mental health and issues is now seen as an act of strength that can connect them with countless others going through the same struggles. With Gen Z’s understanding of mental health and acceptance of speaking about one’s emotions, this generation is predicted to change the face of parenting. Studies have shown that this generation is significantly less likely to spank their children as a form of punishment, but rather emphasize a communicative approach when confronting a child’s behavior. “Generational trauma attributes to families as it inputs negative repeated patterns with behavior and beliefs on being a parent,” MSD senior Ethan Tong said. “One example would be hitting kids as discipline and whether or not it is okay.” According to Parents.com, as 26% of Gen Zers are in therapy, they will most likely develop emotional regulation, the ability to effectively maintain control over and express one’s emotion, upon becoming parents and share that trait with their children. Although the majority of this generation’s inhabitants are not quite adults yet, that has not stopped them from speaking out on social issues and becoming an active part of their communities. From activists to businessmen, Generation Z’s collective values and individual contributions to the world has developed a legacy of change. Story by Ashley Ferrer
Design by Ashley Ferrer
majority rules silent generation
Baby boomers Born 1947-1965
Born 1929-1946
23.6 M
68.7 M
Racial makeup of Generation Z 4% 1% Native 2+ Races American 5%
50+26+14541
Asian
14% Black
Gen Z makes up the largest and most diverse generation
50% White
generATION X Born 1966-1981
Millennials
65.1 M
82.2 M
28+22+208
8%
22%
Baby Boomers
on the mind
86.4 M
35%
28%
of currently living people are members of Generation Z
22%
Source: U.S. Decennial Censuses and Census Population Estimates
Millennials
Generation X
Hispanic
Born 2000-2020
in the world,
Generation Z
20%
26%
Born 1982-1999
Generational makeup of the United States Silent Gen
generATION z
Gen Z’s mental health is more complex than of other generations’
self check
wellness
TALK IT OUT Compared to other generations, Gen Z is most likely to attend therapy sessions 1. Gen Z (37%) 2. Millennials (35%) 3. Gen X (26%) 4. Baby Boomers (22%) 5. Silent Generation (15%)
Compared to other generations, Gen Z is least likely to report having good mental health 1. Silent Generation (74%) 2. Baby Boomers (70%) 3. Millennials (56%) 4. Gen X (51%) 5. Gen Z (45%)
What are the most common stressors among Gen Z adults?
Compared to other generations, Gen Z is most likely to suffer from depression and anxiety 1. Gen Z (26%, 22%) 2. Millennials (21%, 15%) 3. Gen X (17%, 16%) 4. Baby Boomers (9%, 10%) 5. Silent Generation (N/A)
Which issues are Gen Z most concerned about?
Money 81% 810+ 190
Mass shootings 75% 750+ 250
Health-related Concerns 75% 750+ 250
Deportation of Split Immigrant Families 57% 570+ 430
Work/School 77% 770+ 230
Climate Change and Global Warming 58% 580+ 420
Economy 46% 460+ 540
how gen z measures success Source: Pew Research Center and American Psychological Association
Making a Wealthy Salary
Having Freedom
Sexual Harrassment Reports 53% 530+ 470
A Happy Family
posts & protests
95%
of Gen Zers have regular access to a smartphone or device
61%
of Gen Zers use social media daily as their primary news source
Making an Impact
A Job You Love
Helping Others
Finding your Purpose
Generation Z utilizes the Internet, primarily social media platforms, to carry out their activism
68%
of Gen Zers post about social issues to spread awareness and encourage others to take action
70%
of Gen Zers want an activist government
Source: Business 2 Community
Feature • Gen Z 17
ABOLISH the college System to elect president no longer meets needs of our country
The system used to elect the president no longer meets the needs of our country
T
he core idea of democracy revolves around the idea of fair and equal representation; one person gets one vote. However, when voters in the United States cast their ballots every four years, their vote doesn’t count in that direct manner. This is due to the longstanding implementation of the Electoral College, a system that is both outdated and unrepresentative of the U.S. population at large. First established in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, the Electoral College no longer meets the needs of our present-day society. In fact, the method of indirectly voting for the president through electors was first drawn up as a compromise after the Founding Fathers couldn’t decide if elections should be decided through a vote in Congress or a popular vote by citizens. Jesse Wegman, a member of the New York Times editorial board, wrote an article entitled “Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the Electoral College.” It was published in the New York Times on Oct. 4, 2020. In the article, Wegman asserts that, “Despite what you may have learned in school, it was not the product of careful design by brilliant men. Thrown together at the last minute by the country’s founders, it almost immediately stopped functioning as they thought it would. And yet we have generally accepted it for centuries on the assumption it serves an important purpose.” Now, over 216 years after it was first enacted, the U.S. still has not created a better and more democratic long-term solution to the Electoral College. The Electoral College works through electors: representatives from each state that directly vote for a presidential candidate based on who the majority of people in their state support. Each state gets as many electors as it has members
of Congress, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, adding up to a total of 538 electors. Once you cast your presidential ballot, it is sent to a statewide tally. In 48 states, the candidate with the most votes gets all electoral votes for that state. However, Maine and Nebraska use the district method. In order to win the election, a presidential candidate will need the vote of at least 270 electors. Electors are chosen by each state’s political parties, though there is relatively little attention paid to who becomes one. Individuals are not chosen as a reward for being a remarkable citizen with good judgment; they are more just used as a rubber stamp before sending off their vote. This is just one part of the problem. Looking to Missouri as an example, this system helped to select Tim Dreste, an extreme anti-abortion activist who was convicted of inciting violence against abortion providers, as an elector. However, the main problem with the Electoral College arises with the statewide winner-takes-all laws. Under these laws, which were first adopted to gain political advancements based on party affiliation, states give their electoral votes to the candidate that receives the popular vote in that state. This is not representative, as it results in the erasure of the other voters in the state who were not in support of the most popular candidate. Due to this, it has become more and more likely for the U.S. to vote presidents into office who have not won the popular vote. Looking back at the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton won the national popular vote, but Donald Trump received more Electoral College votes. If all votes were weighed evenly, Clinton would have received 259 votes while Trump would
18 Editorial • Abolishing the Electoral College
have 256, changing the entire outcome of the election. This isn’t the first time either. The system overruled the popular vote for the second time in the last five presidential elections. No matter how much campaigning a candidate does, it can be unlikely that a state’s political affiliation will ever change. In states such as Florida and Pennsylvania, fittingly named “battleground” states, the shift of just a few hundred votes can result in a totally different winner. The father of the Constitution himself, James Madison, determined the winnertakes-all rule to be one of the most vital flaws to the Electoral College plan. In an 1823 letter written by Madison, he argued that the rule failed to show the political diversity within each state and went as far to propose a constitutional amendment that would ban states from using it. Another main problem with the Electoral College is the disproportionate power it gives to smaller states. This is due to states with smaller populations having a minimum of two Senate seats and one House district, meaning they will have a minimum of three electoral votes. Looking at the sparsely populated state of Wyoming, an elector represents around 150,000 voters. On the other side of the scale is California, where an elector represents the votes of around 500,000 residents. This means that every Wyomingite’s vote weighs about 3.6 times more than a Californian’s. Katy Collin has a PhD in international relations from American University’s School of International Service. Her research focuses on the use of referendums in peace processes. She wrote an article for the Washington Post entitled, “The electoral college badly distorts the vote, and it’s going to get worse.” In her article, Collin explains,“...if you average the 10 most populous states and compare the power of their residents’
votes to those of the 10 least populous states, you get a ratio of 1 to 2.5.” The third issue with the Electoral College is how it takes the votes away from the roughly 4 million U.S citizens who reside in overseas territories such as Puerto Rico. While under the governance of the U.S., they lack congressional representation, thus depriving several U.S. territories the right to choose who should become the next president. One way to take a step in the right direction towards Electoral College reform is to abolish the winner-takes-all rule. No candidate should receive all of a state’s electoral votes unless the candidate gets a majority of the state’s popular votes. There are a few ways to go about this. A state can distribute their electoral votes among each of the candidates based on the percent of votes that are in favor of them. For example, if 75% of the state supported candidate A and 25% of the state supported candidate B, then the total number of electoral votes for the state would be divided accordingly amongst the two. States can also adopt a system similar to that of Maine and Nebraska. In their system, each congressional district votes for an elector, with there also being two at-large state electors who are chosen through statewide votes. Reforming the Electoral College is a non-partisan issue, due to the fact that no matter what political party an individual identifies with, their vote is not being counted in the way it should be. Every election year, our votes go unrepresented and our voices go unheard. We need to advocate for our democratic liberties and ensure the implementation of an updated electoral system that is more representative of the wishes of the diverse populations living across the country. Editorial by the Eagle Eye Editorial Board; editorial cartoon by Julia Landy
Design by Travis Newbery
cracking down
The American government must decriminalize drugs in order to advance the growth of society
This feeds into the racial disparity that exists within our criminal justice system and reaffirms the notion that systemic racism is prevalent in America. For example, the NAACP states that Black Americans are four times more likely to be arrested for marijuana charges ver the course of the past 50 years, the American government than their white counterparts. This is due to the racist undertones of the Nixon has passed a variety of administration’s 1971 anti-drug campaign. legislation that criminalizes Another ramification of Nixon’s drugs in an effort to stop their distribution, trade and recreational use. In initiative is the influence it had over doing so, our government has wrongfully the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, which increased penalties for drug crimes targeted marginalized communities and while also creating a massive sentencing has seemingly regarded substance abuse as a purely criminal issue, as opposed to a disparity between cocaine and crack. These two substances are chemically public health crisis. identical. However, their differences lie The criminalization of drugs stems in how they are ingested by the user and from the government-led initiative their production. Cocaine can be snorted, created by the Nixon administration to injected or swallowed. Meanwhile, crack start the “war on drugs.” This initiative cocaine can only be smoked. heavily criminalized the recreational In terms of production, crack is use of marijuana and heroin, drugs used predominantly by the hippie community created by cooking pure cocaine with baking soda and breaking the cooked and Black community respectively. mixture into pieces referred to as rocks. This anti-drug campaign Cocaine and crack are widely used; disproportionately affected people however, there is a disparity between of color and resulted in the mass crack usage and cocaine usage. incarceration of Black and Latino During the 1970s and 1980s, Black Americans. According to Drugpolicy. Americans used crack more than any org, a nonprofit organization dedicated other demographic, and the 1986 antito promoting new drug policies, drug law resulted in the amplification approximately 80% of people currently in jail for a federal drug offense are Black of racial disparity in incarceration by treating crack as a harsher substance than or Latino. The same study revealed that cocaine. According to a study conducted in state prisons, people of color account by New York University, crack users are for 60% of those serving time for drug at a higher risk for reporting multiple offenses. arrests or lifetime arrests in comparison From a statistical perspective, it to cocaine users. is clear that the criminalization of Not only is the mass criminalization drugs targets people of color and of drugs perpetuated by systemic racism, disproportionately affects them in but it also incorrectly handles a current comparison to their white counterparts.
O
public health crisis in America: drug addiction. According to the National Institute of Health, an estimated 65% of the American prison population has an active substance use disorder, and of that percentage, only 11% have received medical treatment for their condition. In order to rectify this situation, drug abusers should not be incarcerated for addiction or possession of illicit substances, and they should instead be entitled to treatment if necessary. The war on drugs and the criminalization of drugs is an outdated agenda that must be reformed. America has progressed past the need to rely on the prison system as a way to control drug usage and its impact on communities. This initiative has been targeting people of color since its conception and has been incorrectly handling substance abuse in America. If our nation expects to be devoid of prejudice, drug reliance and discrimination, then we must start by decriminalizing drugs, addressing the injustices that exist within the criminal justice system and acknowledging that addiction should be treated as an illness and not a criminal offense. Drug usage and possession does not define an individual nor should it heavily impact the livelihood of a person. There are a multitude of societal factors that push an individual to become drug dependent like job loss or the collapse of a family structure. There is no correct way to handle the current health crisis that is drug addiction, but imprisoning addicts is certainly the wrong method. The anxiety surrounding the decriminalization of drugs is reasonable as it begs the question: will drug addiction
surge and does it increase the likelihood of teenagers gaining easier access to drugs? These concerns are relevant however the movement to decriminalize drugs focuses on eliminating criminal penalties for drug use and possession, low-level drug sales and possession of equipment used to introduce drugs into the body. There is also no correlation between an increase in drug addiction and use among teenagers as shown by case studies. For example, in 2001, Portugal decriminalized drug possession and following this decision drug use rates remained about the same according to Drugpolicy.org. Regardless of the legal status of drugs, people will find a way to access them. Referencing the study mentioned previously, Portugal’s overdose rate and drug-related disease cases decreased following the decriminalization of drugs. This further proves that removing criminal penalties for drug use and possession is a plausible solution for this matter. The important issues here are to remove the stigma that surrounds addiction and to eliminate the racial disparity in the criminal justice system. Drug criminalization is intrinsically harmful to American society, and the best way to combat it is to decriminalize illicit substances and work together to end drug abuse. Rehab centers and mental health resources should be made accessible to minimize the possibility of drug reliance growing in America. If American politicians were to adopt drug policies that humanely tackle addiction, then society can collectively move in the right direction. Editorial by Anisah Steele; editorial cartoon by Julia Landy
Editorial • Decriminalizing Drugs 19
Design by Fallon Trachtman and Katrina White
20 Feature • Local Farms