This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
Category: Editorial Cartoons
Long semesters ruin job advantage
Crime alert system needs upgrade
The University of La Verne prides itself on the level of safety it provides its students. With full-time campus security, proximity to the La Verne police department, video cameras, blue emergency poles, the LiveSafe app and procedure posters in each classroom, it’s hard to feel unsafe on campus. The University also employs the “chad” system, or radio frequency identification, locks on every dorm entrance. But what the institution has yet to fully recognize is the safety that comes with awareness.
To keep students and staff informed, the University employs two systems: e2Campus, which sends out a campus-wide alert via phone and email during a current and life-threatening emergency, and a campus incident alert sent through Stu Info that is supposed to inform students and staff about non-active incidents within a timely manner. The email alerts are supposed to be in accordance with the timely warning requirement of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1990.
“This federal law requires a general communication to the campus community of all crimes reported to campus or local police departments that may pose a threat to the campus community.
Such reports shall be provided to students and employees in a manner that is timely and that may aid in the prevention of similar occurrences,” the email said.
However, there are multiple problems with the campus alert emails, including timeliness and the fact that students receive the emails separate from faculty.
Recently, the campus alerts have not been emailed in a timely manner. For example, on March 8 the Stu Info email reported a strong-arm robbery that occurred in the Circle K parking lot. A female student was approached by an unknown male who stole her iPad and fled. Upon further investigation by the Campus Times and confirmation from the La Verne Police Department, it was found the incident actually took place Feb. 21.
Not only were students notified 15 days late, but the incident was reported to have happened at 9:30 a.m. the day of the email. Students cannot be expected to be on alert for suspicious activity when they are not even aware of the correct time and date of an incident.
On April 20, the campus incident alert email reported a strong arm robbery/snatch and run that happened the day before, April 19, at 11:46 p.m.
Although this email was sent to the campus in a more timely manner, faculty received the email over three hours before students. Faculty received the email at 10:52 a.m. and students received the email at 1:56 p.m.
There is no reason to alert faculty before students when the alerts are about past incidents. The system separates students and staff in the database and emails them separately. This needs to be fixed so that the campus incident alerts treat students and staff equally with important safety information.
Professors are not on campus as often as students. They may have classes or office hours only a couple days a week. Students have the option to live on campus, therefore spending more time here than any other professor does, and should be wary of possible dangers.
With many Campus Activity Board and Associated Students of the University of La Verne events beginning at 10 p.m., students could be walking around campus late at night. For example, the CAB-ASULV Destination Procrastination ended at 1 a.m. Friday morning.
If students are walking on campus so late at night, they deserve to be informed of safety concerns. Students deserve to be alerted at the same time as professors, if not before, especially after school hours.
The material above was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. Although written and drawn by me, the cartoon and article are the property of the Campus Times.
Tampons should be free for all
This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
Kids benefit from mental health care
This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
Air travel industry needs policy review
This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
Mental health enables inmates’ reform
This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
Trump prioritizes profit over privacy
This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
‘Sesame Street’ commits to inclusivity
Choosing an appropriate, educational television show for your children has become a reality in modern parenting. Time and time again, “Sesame Street” has proven to be the best choice for their commitment to inclusivity.
On April 10, the show will introduce its newest character Julia, a 4-year-old Muppet with yellow skin, orange hair and Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to Autism Speaks, ASD is a genetic and environmentally-influenced disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
It is clarified that Julia has autism when a hurt Big Bird asks why she will not shake his hand. Characters are careful to explain that autism affects everyone differently, and in Julia’s case, it takes her a little longer to take in the environment around her. She is then quickly accepted by her new friends at Sesame Street.
Since 1969, the show has gone beyond simply teaching children ABCs and 123s, tackling sensitive subjects such as racism, divorce and the events of 9/11. Throughout the years, “Sesame Street” has featured characters whose parents are incarcerated and discussed the topics of death, racism, bullying, adoption and breastfeeding.
The show is watched worldwide and tailors characters to fit the demographics and pressing issues of different countries. For example, the South African version introduced in 2003 the first HIV-positive character, Kami. In 2016, Afghanistan’s version of the show introduced Muppet Zarin, who teaches physical and social well-being to Afghan girls.
The American version of the show has a history of featuring characters that teach children important lessons on ableism, which is discrimination against people with disabilities. In 1972, character Linda the Librarian, played by deaf actress Linda Bove, taught children about deaf culture and American Sign Language. In the 1970s, Jason Kingsley helped viewers understand Down-Syndrome. From 1993 to 2001, Tarah Schaeffer, a 9-year-old with osteogenesis imperfecta, taught children about staying active while in a wheelchair.
Although it is wonderful that the show has featured these characters, it is about time a permanent Muppet teaches these lessons in a fun, yet sensitive way.
Julia’s character, orignally introduced as a digital character in storybooks back in 2015, was so well received in the autism community that the show decided to work with autism advocacy groups to bring Julia to life and develop her into a character that is representative and sensitive.
Working with autism advocacy groups goes beyond what is expected of a television show. “Sesame Street” has even developed a page on their website dedicated to educating families on autism, with easy to read articles such as “Being a Friend.” The article teaches the importance of including friends with autism, patience and how to tell an adult if someone is being unkind to them. The steps “Sesame Street” has taken to be inclusive are commendable.
Autism Spectrum Disorder has gone from affecting 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 68 children in 2012, according to the Center for Disease Control. As those affected by the disorder grow in numbers, it is important that ASD is represented in mainstream media. Now, with the help of “Sesame Street,” newer generations will grow up more sensitive to autism.
It is imperative that children’s shows follow the example “Sesame Street” set to teach school-age children about interacting with people who have ASD, so everyone can feel comfortable and respected in a learning environment. “Sesame Street” has taken the right step toward inclusion, representation and diversity that we can expect from the beloved show.
The material above was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. Although written and drawn by me, the cartoon and article are the property of the Campus Times.
Students should forge their own path
“Snowplow Parents”
This cartoon was originally published by University of La Verne’s Campus Times. The cartoon, although drawn by me, is the property of the Campus Times.
