Latest Fourth Estate Articles

Courtesy of Blair Leonard

BY MARY J. DEMARCO, OPINION EDITOR

Blair Leonard, a second-year Mason LIFE student, has amassed over twenty thousand likes on TikTok. This achievement is the result of a complex, emotional journey spanning over five years of creating content.

As a freshman in high school, Leonard struggled with feeling comfortable expressing that she had autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One day during lunch, her friends encouraged her to download a new and increasingly popular app: TikTok. 

After just a few scrolls, Leonard found a community that made her feel seen, which allowed her to dive into the world of content creation. Anytime a new trend began, you could expect Leonard to be on top of it. 

“When I was in my freshman year, I was afraid to express my disability,” Leonard said.

But seeing other people online openly discuss their disabilities helped Leonard feel comfortable enough to do the same. However, for the most part, Leonard’s content sticks to the current TikTok trends.

“Sometimes I like to do dance videos. Sometimes I like to do comedy. I like to post cap-cut edits. I like to do lip-syncing videos, fit checks, day-in-the-life videos, everything,” she said.

TikTok provided a space for Leonard to be comfortable and vulnerable in a way she had never experienced before. Looking back, she notes that still feels very confident in herself.

A day before the temporary TikTok ban, Leonard took to the app to express her feelings. 

“I am scared about what’s gonna happen next Sunday, [Jan. 19]. I really hate when I talk about this because the more I think about it, the more anxiety I get. And I’m just worried about the future of my account,” Leonard said while addressing the ban. “You, [the U.S. government], can’t take away the one thing that brings me joy.”

Courtesy of Blair Leonard

Luckily for Leonard and the rest of American TikTok users, the app was back up and running again. For Leonard, this meant that the show could go on. She continues to create valuable content that uplifts her online community and others who have ASD. 

In a recent TikTok, Leonard showed off her drawing of a character named Luna, originally created by a first-grade student. The student’s teacher saw the first-grader’s self-made fictional character and hoped it would receive support online. The teacher encouraged others to create a “fanart” of Luna, and Leonard happily took part.

So, that’s exactly what Leonard did. Leonard’s supportive nature shines through in her TikTok videos. In the future, she hopes to continue collaborating with her friends. She sees her videos as a time capsule of her life–starting from freshman year of high school and documenting her journey to college. 

To her fans, Leonard shares a heartfelt message, “I love you guys so much and you guys are amazing.” 

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

After a 24-win regular season—a feat achieved only three times in school history—and a 15-3 record in conference play, the Patriots shared the regular season A-10 Conference title with state rivals, the VCU Rams. Despite being the second seed due to a head-to-head tiebreaker, the Patriots earned a double-bye to the quarterfinals, another first for the program in the conference. 

The list of firsts for the program was underscored by the individual conference awards: Head Coach Tony Skinn was named the A-10 Coach of the Year, and senior guard Jared Billups was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Senior forward Jalen Haynes and senior guard Darius Maddox rounded out the Mason representation with their respective places on the first and third all-conference teams. 

On March 14, Mason started their tournament with an 80-65 quarterfinal win against local rivals, George Washington. Haynes had a game-high 24 points, while Billups added 18 of his own along with a game-high five steals. The Patriots got off to a slow start and were down by four going into halftime after a buzzer-beating jumper by senior guard Woody Newton.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

At the start of the second half, the Patriots went on a game-defining 14-0 run. “I can’t wait to go back and watch that tape because I can feel it in my bones,” said Skinn. “I just think of certain situations that injected our identity into the game… It was phenomenal to watch,” he continued. 

On Sunday, the Patriots defeated the St. Joseph’s Hawks, 74-64, to reach the program’s first-ever A-10 final and its first conference final since the 2009 CAA final. The Patriots started strong with a 14-0 run that held the Hawks scoreless until the 14:27 mark of the first half. The lead didn’t last long as Hawks sophomore guard Xzayvier Brown, who tallied a game-high 26 points, led a series of scoring runs that kept the game close for much of the second half.

On the defensive end, Newton had a staunch shot-blocking performance, tallying a game-high five blocks. “We have a saying in practice,” Newton said about his shot-blocking success. “It’s called ‘Woody Hands.’ I just wanted to make sure I had my ‘Woody Hands’ up to set up tough shots the whole night…I think this is the best basketball we have played all season.”  

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

On the other side of the bracket, a VCU win meant that the final would be a battle of the top two seeds for a spot in the NCAA tournament. The Patriots fell short in the title game, 68-63. Battling back from a nine-point second-half deficit, A-10 Player of the Year Max Shulga’s 12 second-half points proved  too much to overcome. 

The Patriots had a chance to send the game to overtime, but a three-point attempt as time expired by graduate forward Zach Anderson fell halfway in and popped out. “I thought it was good, just like the rest of us,” Maddox said about the potential game-tying shot.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

Despite the loss, the Patriots’ impressive season earned the team an invitation to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), Marking their first appearance in the tournament since 2009.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

On Wednesday, March 19, the Mason Patriots defeated the Samford Bulldogs in the first round of the NIT, 86-69, tying the record for most overall wins in a season in school history. It was also the program’s first NIT game at home since the Patriots’ win over the Tennessee Volunteers in the first round of the 2004 tournament.

In the first half, the Patriots dominated on both sides of the court and led by 21 at halftime. The defense was stout once again, forcing the Bulldogs to commit 12 turnovers that turned into 13 of the Patriots’ 45 first-half points and holding the twelfth-highest-scoring team in the country to 21 points at the half. 

The second half proved to be more competitive. A 9-0 scoring run by the Bulldogs cut the lead to as little as 13 points, but Mason’s offensive firepower proved too much. Anderson, Maddox, and senior guard K.D. Johnson combined for 56 of the team’s 86 points. The trio also made nine of the team’s 10 three-pointers. 

“To be in this position where we’re at 27 wins… We’re one win away from them being the best team in George Mason history,” said Skinn. “Team 59 is phenomenal. I’m just trying to get these guys to play for as long as possible,” 

The Patriots will now face the Bradley Braves in a second-round matchup that, with a victory, would secure their place as the most successful team in Mason history. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Eagle Bank Arena and streaming on ESPN +.

Jordan Giles/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR 

On March 9, Mason’s women’s basketball won their first-ever A-10 championship, punching in their ticket to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.

The team’s run began in the quarterfinals against Saint Louis, where it secured an 87-57 victory led by sophomore guard Kennedy Harris, who scored 18 points. Advancing to their first-ever semifinals in the A-10, the Patriots defeated Davidson,  63-50, with redshirt sophomore Zahirah Walton scoring 16 points.

In the A-10 final on March 9, Mason claimed its first A-10 trophy with a decisive 73-58 win  against Saint Joseph . Senior guard Paula Surarez dominated the way with 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Walton added 19 points, with graduate student Nalani Kaysia and Harris each contributing 11 points.

Surarez, Walton, and Kaysia were all named to the A-10 Championship team. Across the three games, Surarez averaged 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Kaysia averaged 8.3 points and nine rebounds, with her defensive efforts preventing key scoring opportunities.  

“You come into a school wanting to create change and win championships,” Kaysia said. “Not only have we won a championship now, we’ve made history, we left our legacy, our mark.”

Walton was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding player, averaging 16 points, 6.6 rebounds and three assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 50% from the three-point line. “I think it’s really special coming in my freshmen year; it was not like this before Coach Blair got here, she’s the reason I came here,” said Walton. “The coaches made it very special, and I think as a team we worked hard, and that’s what makes it even more better, winning the championship together.”

Since taking over in 2021, Head Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis has guided the team to four double-digit win seasons. This season, she led the team to its first consecutive 20-plus win seasons and set a program record with 24 wins. 

“You know when you have people you’re leading and they believe you’re worthy enough to follow them and that you’re crazy enough to tell them that we’re going to be champions one day and there’s no evidence of that, it’s a big responsibility,” said Coach Lewis. “It is a responsibility that I carried every single day I walked into that arena. I promised those parents that I was going to take care of their child on and off the court and every single year we took steps and I said tonight is the night you take the step to be a champion, so I guess we a little crazy huh?” 

With their first conference trophy, Coach Lewis’s mindset wasn’t just about winning the championship for Mason or proving doubters wrong about taking the job—it was about doing it for her dad, who is in hospice. 

“I Facetimed him before the game, he said, ‘Go win,’” Coach Lewis said. “He’s not just my dad, he was my coach, he’s a big part of the DMV coaching area. I really wish he could have been here and I knew he was here in spirit, that’s who I thought about in the last minute. This was for my dad.” 

The Patriots look to continue their historic season going against Florida State in Baton Rouge, La, on Saturday, March 22 on ESPN 2.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nestled along Braddock Road, Fairfax Coffee is more than just a café—it’s a sanctuary for students seeking a peaceful escape. Its proximity to campus provides a refreshing change of pace—somewhere to unwind, refocus and find inspiration over a warm cup of coffee.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by natural light streaming through tall windows, illuminating every corner of the space. The thoughtfully arranged seating opens the café to an inviting and cozy atmosphere, a rare contrast to the cramped interiors of many coffee shops. 

Fairfax Coffee offers room to breathe, think and create. As the sun sets, the warm glow of the café’s lighting wraps the space in a soothing embrace, making it a perfect spot to relax without straining the eyes.

One small hiccup upon arrival was the limited number of charging outlets. It’s a common worry for students relying on their devices, but Fairfax Coffee found the solution.

 “We got little portable chargers. We actually just ordered more because we always run out,” said Jayden Hendrick, an employee at the café. “We’ll have 10 total when they get in.” 

While the battery life isn’t extensive, lasting about 30 minutes to an hour, the convenience of having a backup charger adds to the café’s charm and attentiveness to customers’ needs.

Another major plus is the complimentary Wi-Fi, which works seamlessly. Throughout my visit, every website loaded instantly, without a buffer or lag, just smooth and uninterrupted connection.

The menu is as inviting as the atmosphere, offering a variety of drinks ranging from classic coffees and teas to smoothies and frozen delights, with prices ranging from $3 to $7. There’s an extra treat for students every Friday: free drip coffee with a student ID. 

Seasonal favorites like the Peppermint Mocha Shine during the winter months, while staples like lattes and Americanos remain popular year-round. Among them, the Paxton Twist stands out as a personal favorite, a drink that lingers on the taste buds long after the last sip.

Beyond beverages, Fairfax Coffee caters to a variety of dietary needs, offering an impressive selection of gluten-free and vegan treats. “We actually got good food for our gluten-free. We got cookies, or brownie cookies, cinnamon rolls, vanilla chocolate cake,” Hendrick added. ”They’re gluten-free and vegan.” The thoughtful inclusivity in their menu ensures that everyone can find something to enjoy.

Adding to its charm, the café also sells merchandise, including branding mugs, T-shirts, and other small items. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of Fairfax coffee home with you or to gift a fellow coffee connoisseur.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

The café is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays open from 7 a.m to 7 p.m., making for a reliable retreat at nearly any hour.

For students looking for more than just a place to study—those in search of comfort, inspiration, or a moment of peace—Fairfax Coffee offers a haven waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re there to sip a latte, read a book, or simply take a deep breath, this café welcomes you with open arms and a warm cup of coffee.

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Several Mason buildings were spray painted with graffiti on March 5. According to Mason’s police and public safety department’s Daily Crime and Fire Log, Planetary Hall, the Art and Design building, the Johnson Center, Music & Theater building, Krug Hall, Exploratory Hall and Horizon Hall were vandalised. 

The graffiti sported messages such as “Do You Feel Free? I Don’t,” and was reported to campus police at 11:22 p.m. on March 5. The case is listed on the Daily Crime and Fire Log as “pending,” meaning that as of posting, the case is still active and no arrests have been made. 

Days later, two other cases of vandalism were reported to Mason Police. One at Enterprise Hall on March 6 and the other at the Art and Design building on March 7; it is currently unknown if the incidents are connected. On the r/GMU subreddit, one post shared a picture of graffiti at Exploratory Hall, reading “Land of the Free? I Don’t Feel Free” and garnered 524 upvotes on March 6. 

“There’s some graffiti on the building in front of Aquia [Building] that says ‘Let them eat cake,’” one commenter said.

“Imagine risking your college career and a possible felony for some social justice warrior clout on Reddit lol,” another commenter wrote.

This comment possibly referring to similar events that occurred earlier in the academic year. Mason police offered a $2,000 reward after another vandalism event to Wilkins Plaza on Aug. 28, allegedly resulting in a November raid of the home of two students and suspension of the Resident Student Organization Students for Justice in Palestine. Later, the Johnson Center was also vandalised on Sept. 25 in protest to the career fair happening the day of.

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

As of March 17, all doors with graffiti have been repainted over the spring break. 

The Fourth Estate has reached out to the George Mason University Department of Police and Public Safety for further information. There has been no response at the time of the publication of this article.

Charlie McVickers/Fourth Estate

BY CHARLIE MCVICKERS, STAFF WRITER

Each spring, dance majors at George Mason perform in the annual School of Dance Gala concert at the Center for the Arts. The performance allows students to work with world-renowned choreographers and prepare for a future career in the industry.

This year’s performance falls on Mar. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. The program consisted of four choreographic works: “The Hunt” by Robert Battle, “Cloudline” by Robyn Mineko Williams, “The Fracture of Light” by Yue Yin, and his premier work “Twist” by associate professor at Mason Christopher d’Amboise. Students of all cohorts participated in a year long process to create a performance to remember. 

Preparations for the gala start in August with the dancers’ first residency audition. The initial audition is two hours long, ending with the first cut of the day. Dancers selected for callbacks return to the studios for an additional two hours to workshop material. Casting is finalized soon after. 

If selected for a part, dancers will spend weeks in a residency where students can cultivate meaningful connections with professionals in the industry. This relationship can later lead to future job opportunities. 

Performing is not the only way one can participate in the gala. Senior Sloan Daley was contacted after her audition with an opportunity to be a rehearsal assistant for d’Amboise. 

Throughout the creation process, Daley’s job was to be an extra pair of eyes in the room. She mapped out and learned all aspects of the music in preparation for rehearsals. Additionally, she was in charge of the upkeep of rehearsal footage, which led her to be in contact with the production crew such as lighting and design coordinators. 

As Daley sets out to graduate this spring, she hopes to continue her journey as not just a performer but a choreographer as well. Throughout Daley’s experience of being a rehearsal assistant, she felt she gained confidence in working with different group sizes.

“I have choreographed all four semesters since junior year, and it’s something that in school, I have learned I absolutely love and am interested in,” Daley said. “I’ve definitely never had a cast of twenty-five people, so now working with a group that big, I feel really comfortable with it. Which is something I think is going to help me move forward.”

Charlie McVickers/Fourth Estate

While the students are perfecting their craft in the studios, the production teams are working hard to support the show in different ways. 

The costume department plays a significant role in contributing to the production for the School of Dance. Dance Wardrobe Coordinator, Cat Buchanan is the backbone of the entire costume operation. 

When it comes to making gala costumes, the first step is to receive approval from the original designers. This step is necessary in order for Buchanan to recreate costumes used in the original productions. Buchanan must then create a variation of the original, taking inspiration from the previous costume. In some cases, choreographers will ask her to—instead—create something new. 

In the fall, Buchanan begins shopping for materials that will help build the gala costumes. Next, she starts building garments for each dancer, adjusting them right up until show day. 

Buchanan’s staff includes dance students working as costume shop interns. It is an opportunity students can apply for at the beginning of the fall semester. Through the internship students are taught the craftsmanship and skill of being a dresser by taking part in the creation and alteration process. 

The costume department is in a constant state of production mode. “When it comes to being a costumer/dresser you cannot be a person that needs a scheduled existence,” Buchanan said. “But if you enjoy a big adventure, it’s a lot of fun every day. And you get to work with the most amazing people, and students, it keeps you going.”

The gala is not only a celebration of a year of growth and education, it also represents the dedication these young artists have in shaping their careers within the dance industry.

The School of Dance holds numerous performances throughout the Fall and Spring semesters, presenting works by students, faculty, and world-renowned artists. Tickets can be purchased in person or online at the George Mason Center for the Arts Ticket Office. For more information on this upcoming event, visit the ​​2025 Mason Dance Company Gala Concert site. 

Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

Spring break is finally here! Whether you’re planning a solo day trip or a week-long family vacation to New York City (NYC), this checklist recommends only the best places to visit. In this selection are tourist hotspots, as well as beloved local dives. 

Dining

First morning in NYC? Try Flipper’s in Soho for amazing pancakes or visit Maman for a French-inspired breakfast and lunch. Recommended dishes include the Papa’s Breakfast bowl and Rose’s Steak Sandwich, both served with balsamic mixed greens. 

For lunch or dinner, Eataly in Flatiron offers multiple Italian restaurants inside its bustling grocery store. Try La Pizza & La Pasta for simple yet delicious Italian food. The Lo Spaghetto al Pomodoro is “delizioso” topped with parmesan. 

Not in the mood for Italian? Consider Din Tai Fung for Chinese, or Hamachi Sushi 34 for Japanese delicacies. Craving Mexican? Los Tacos No. 1 is a popular yet perfect taco spot. For those with a low spice tolerance, it does lean on the spicier side of tacos, so be warned. Its rival, Tacombi, receives rave reviews from almost every downtown New Yorker around. 

For those who just want a good ol’ burger and fries? Head to 7th Street Burger  for a classic smashed cheeseburger with crispy fries dipped in their house sauce. Want a McDonald’s-inspired ‘Happy Meal’ with Instagram picture-worthy plating? The Happiest Hour is just the place. With a wide variety of bites and burgers, the happiest meal, priced at $22, will get a burger of choice, fries and a cocktail/mocktail, along with a burger keyring souvenir. 

The Go-to Spots

No New York trip is complete without trying an authentic bagel and pizza slice. Pop-up bagels is a cute touristy spot that offers a unique experience with a tub of cream cheese for dipping. Leon’s Bagels is a gem for an artisan bagel with picturesque packaging. Above all, any local deli or bodega will never lead astray; the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwich ever had is at a local deli. 

For pizza, try Rosa’s Pizza, Gotham Pizza and any $1.50 pizza shop for a classic and most gigantic New York slice. Whether a simple cheese, pepperoni or Margherita slice, each will disappear in no time. 

Need to hit a sweet treat? Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is a must-visit spot to fulfill such craving. From Lucie serves the best cakes and sea salt chocolate chip cookies. Sugar Hill Creamery in Harlem, a Black-owned and woman-led business, is the tried-and-true spot for ice cream. New Yorkers rave about the What’s Up, Doc?, carrot cake flavor, and the Nunu’s Peach Cobbler flavor. 

Shopping 

Have time to kill and want to stimulate the wandering brain around a bookstore? Rizzoli Bookstore is the place to flip through endless coffee table books. Strand Bookstore, the Corner Bookstore and Shakespeare and Co. are great places for a literary escape. Check out McNally Jackson for classic literature, stationery and curated staff picks to fall back in love with reading. 

For vintage shopping, NYC has countless stores, but L Train Vintage and Tokio7 are top picks for designer finds like Comme Des Garçon and Acne Studios. These spots are perfect to stop by and hunt for cool designer pieces. 

For Viewing Purposes 

For the film buffs, the Paris Theater hosts a number of vintage film screenings with Q&A sessions with film critics and directors. The theater is only footsteps away from Central Park and tickets are sold for $15 for students. To add some reviews for a Letterboxd account, Film at the Lincoln Center screens indie films and is currently running its annual French film festival. Students can purchase tickets for $19. 

In a historic city, visit the 9/11 Museum near the One World Trade Center. At the memorial, interact with artifacts and sacred rubble from the catastrophic event. Students can purchase tickets for $30, and on Mondays, visitors can tour the museum for free between 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

No New York City checklist is complete without the inclusion of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Venture into several exhibits documenting the periods of the 20th and 21st centuries. Students can purchase tickets for $17. 

Stuck on campus for spring break? Look for opportunities from Mason to New York City. Previously, Mason has offered shuttles to NYC for $30 or less. For more information and ticket inquiries, visit GMU Transportation. 

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY MICAHI OPPONG, STAFF WRITER 

After winning two of their last four games, the Patriots are currently 23-7 and 14-3 in conference play ahead of their final game of the Atlantic 10 regular season. Losing 70–54 to the VCU Rams on Saturday, Feb. 22, the Patriots allowed the Rams to go on a 15-0 second-half run, losing both the game and first place in the A-10. 

Senior guards Darius Maddox and K.D. Johnson led the team with 12 points, and senior forward Jaylen Haynes nearly notched a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. 

Mason lost the turnover battle, 14-9, and allowed the Rams to shoot over 50% from the field and 40% from three in the second half. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Patriots got back in the win column, holding on for their 16th home win of the season against the Fordham Rams, 74-64. Haynes tied his Mason career high with 25 points and seven rebounds. Maddox followed with 14 points and five rebounds. Both teams combined for 55 fouls and 71 free throw attempts, making it a slow and monotonous watch for fans and players alike. 

“There were a lot of things that I thought were self-sabotaging,” said Mason Head Coach Tony Skinn. “But at the end of the day, we don’t live for individual stuff. We got the win and that’s all that matters.” 

The game started with a quick steal from Maddox, leading to quick points from Haynes–a sign of things to come for his strong performance. The Rams kept the action close throughout the first half with the help of their backcourt duo. 

Mason led 32-24 at halftime, but Fordham opened the second half with an 8–0 run. This woke the Patriots up, sparking a 10–0 run of their own. Mason sealed the win down the stretch with an emphatic steal and dunk by junior guard Brayden O’Connor. Mason held Fordham to just 33.9% shooting from the field and an abysmal 20.7% from the three, with another exceptional defensive performance from senior guard Jared Billups, who finished with eight rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. 

“He is the heart and soul of us defensively, anchoring our defense in so many ways,” Skinn said. “If anyone doesn’t think that Jared Billups is the Defensive Player of the Year, then they’re just not watching George Mason basketball.” 

Later in the week, on Saturday, Mar. 1, the Patriots went on the road and fell to the Duquesne Dukes, 68–85. Haynes led the team with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Johnson followed with 11 points and three steals. Twenty turnovers and 15 three-pointers from the Dukes proved costly for Mason, marking the most three-pointers they have allowed since 2021. 

Honoring its seniors on Wednesday, Mar. 5, Mason picked up a win on Senior Night, defeating the La Salle Explorers 69-62 and finished undefeated at home in the A-10. O’Connor had the best game of his career, scoring 26 points, dishing five assists, and making all eight of his free throws. Haynes contributed 22 points and ten rebounds, while Maddox scored 17 points and recorded three steals.

“I had a good game tonight because of my teammates”, O’Connor said. “We’re going into the final stretch of the season, in order for us to keep playing at our best, I think everybody has to be at their best.”

The final game of the season is on the road against Richmond on Saturday, Mar. 8. Richmond is  another bottom-three team in the conference, sitting just one game ahead of La Salle with a worse overall record at 10-20. 

“I’d like to finish 15 and 3 in conference play, I’m going to dream that,” Skinn said. “However, we can only control what we can control, teams that want it the most play the best in March. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, you’re going to get the best of everyone”.

With A-10 tournament seeding still at stake, a statement win against Richmond is pivotal heading into championship play.  

The Patriots are ready for deep March basketball and the madness that comes with it, leaving little time to reflect on what has been an historic regular season, including Mason’s first double-bye in school history. 

Mason’s A-10 tournament play begins Friday, Mar. 14, at Capital One Arena, airing exclusively on USA Network. The regular-season finale against the Spiders is set for Saturday, Mar. 8, with tipoff at 6 p.m., broadcasting only on ESPN+. 

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Recent federal mandates issued under President Donald Trump’s administration demand the end of “race-based decision making in higher education.” Mason’s President Gregory Washington sent a university-wide email statement on Tuesday, March 3, explaining that Mason will begin to see the effects of these mandates, including a revision of their digital platforms and a rebranding of Mason’s Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

The announcement follows the second town hall on Feb. 20, where President Washington addressed concerns surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) along with other campus concerns. 

In the statement, Dr. Washington refers to a letter sent on Feb. 14 by the U.S. Department of Education to all educational institutions receiving federal funding. The letter claims that American educational institutions have used discriminatory practices to make decisions on admissions, financial aid, and more. “Institutions’ embrace of pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination,” the letter reads. The letter continues to claim that DEI is a “discriminatory [practice]” used to “justify” the aforementioned “preferences.”

Washington stated that confirmation of compliance was Feb. 28, in which the penalty for non-compliance would result in loss of federal funding. The specific requirements of compliance include “[ensuring] that our policies and actions comply with existing civil rights laws, [ceasing] all efforts to circumvent prohibitions on the use of race by relying on proxies or other indirect means, [and ceasing] all reliance on third-party contractors, clearinghouses, or aggregators that are being used by institutions in an effort to circumvent prohibited uses of race,” according to Washington. 

Dr. Washington confirmed in the statement that two main changes would be implemented in light of the federal mandates: website revisions and office rebrandings. Language on Mason’s websites will be gradually reviewed and all of Mason’s digital platforms will be updated “to ensure they accurately reflect [Mason’s] compliance with new and pre-existing federal requirements.” 

On Friday, Feb. 28, the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was updated to the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community. Washington explained that the new name is an attempt at accuracy and specificity, not one to “evade.” 

“It simply affirms our actual compliance through more precise naming,” Washington said.

The risk for loss of federal funding poses a challenge to many factors on campus, such as research grants and vital campus resources. 

John Hollis, media relations manager at Mason, provided a statement via email on behalf of the university. He stated that the university will work closely with Mason deans and researchers to avoid the potential loss of funding while remaining compliant with legal requirements as they change. 

“We will continue to review programs and communications, and carefully monitor potential impacts on student affordability, university safety, the integrity of instruction, and ongoing vital research efforts,” reads the statement.

According to Hollins, in Mason’s 2024 fiscal year (FY24), 799 research awards received federal funding, “accounting for $170.8 million of the University’s total research award value of $207.8 million.” As of March 7, less than 20 research projects have been paused or terminated. Hollins shared that there are measures in place, such as a cost-sharing arrangement, to bridge funding and support researchers whose work has been affected. 

The integrity of diversity, equity and inclusion on Mason’s campus has been a long-time concern for the student body. In May 2023, Mason received backlash, especially from DEI advocates, when Gov. Glenn Younkin spoke at spring commencement. The following semesters were filled with Board of Vistor’s (BOV) meetings fostering conversation about protections and attacks on DEI. 

The 2024-2025 student body administration, led by Student Body President Maria Cuesta and Student Body Vice President Colin McAulay, ran for election with a strong focus on protecting DEI on Mason. On May 3, 2024, the Cuesta-McAulay administration released a statement, signed by Cuesta, to the BOV expressing disappointment with the Visitors who oppose DEI and those who support DEI but “chose to stay silent.”

In a statement sent by Spokesperson Jackson McAfee on behalf of the Cuesta-McAulay administration, the administration believes that President Washington remains committed to upholding Mason’s core values; however, there are concerns that future university presidents may alter the meaning and intention of the office’s new name.

The statement explains that the Board of Visitors (BOV) poses further challenges for the university, citing political differences and power imbalances. 

Despite this, the statement reads that, “Student Body President Maria Cuesta will continue to engage in Board discussions on these federal mandates and ensure the student perspective is voiced at every possible moment.”

The Cuesta-McAulay administration plans to develop a team that will monitor federal mandates and guidelines that affect higher education, hoping to keep the Mason community informed.

“Let us be clear that there will be no pause in our efforts to promote and protect Diversity Equity and Inclusion, a commitment we have stood by since day one,” the statement said.

Democrats at Mason posted a response to the announcement on X. They claim the change is not an accurate reflection of the university’s values of diversity and inclusion. “By bending the knee to Trump it suggests he has the power to withhold allocated resources to public universities. HE DOES NOT,” the account wrote. “We expect our school to take a stand against harmful agendas and protect our vulnerable communities.”

President Washington stated that Mason’s diversity is achieved by the students who apply, not how Mason enrolls “under exclusive rules of admissions.” The president concluded the email by confirming Mason “will continue to ensure that we comply with all legal mandates from the federal government” and will announce additional changes as they come forth. 

“Our students come first…We thrive together…Diversity is our strength,” Washington said, wrapping up the letter by listing Mason’s core values. 

Future information and updates will be available on Mason’s “Federal Compliance Updates” webpage. 

Photo courtesy of Abdul Mirza

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR 

Basketball teams rely on committed staff members, those who scout opponents in order to help prepare  for upcoming games. At Mason, Connor Whitworth serves as the Head Manager for the women’s basketball team, overseeing other managers while assisting with scouting reports and film analysis. 

Whitworth spends 10-15 hours per scouting session using Synergy Sports, a platform that provides pre-cut footage of opponents’ past games. This allows him to analyze play styles and  prepare the team for their games against those opponents. 

“A lot of teams, a majority of them run like an America’s play action,” Whitworth said. “So there’s like actions that you can recognize through that right, that make it easier and be like, these are their play sets… we can figure out what they want to do on man-to-man defense, what they want to do on zone defense.”

Whitworth presents his scouting reports in film sessions before practices, highlighting key points like what hand the player shoots with, where they shoot best on the court, their weaknesses, or what side of the court they like being on. Afterwards, he would make it as easy as possible for the team to lock onto their matchups during games. 

Despite the fact that all the filming preparation can assist the team prepare for game night, game plans can always change from night to night. Basketball, dependent on players within a team, includes players making sharp on-the-fly decisions. Due to this adjustments must be made in real time, throwing a perfectly crafted game plan out the window.

“We’ll go out and we’ll try something that doesn’t work, and then our coaching staff would adjust, and then at halftime we’ll do whatever we need to do, the fix, adjust, change anything that we need to,” Whitworth said. “Teams are scouting us like we’re scouting them.”

Mason Women’s Basketball closed out their season on March 1st with a 24-5 overall record and a 14-4 mark in the A-10 conference. The team will begin its A-10 tournament journey on March 7th against the winner of Game 6 at 5 p.m. on Peacock. 

“The staff is amazing, like everything from Coach Blair all the way down to one of our new managers…I think our team as a whole is so great,” Whitworth said. “It’s so family oriented…it makes it mean a little bit more…it’s going to be a little bit stressful, but at the same time, we’ve had such a historic season.”

Whitworth initially considered a career in engineering, but during his senior year of high school, his mother encouraged him to explore a career path in basketball since he played the sport. With family’s support, Whitworth pursued his passion and found a home with Mason’s women’s basketball program

Whitworth thanks Mason women’s basketball coach Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis for allowing him to serve her program. “When I first came in, my first day, she came up to me and she was like, ‘Are you ready for a roller coaster ride?’” Whitworth said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect… but, man, it has been a roller coaster ride, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Whitworth credits coaches Washington, Frank, and Bolton for shaping his basketball knowledge and coaching abilities. Whitworth also thanked Riley Walker for introducing him to the opportunity to work with Mason’s Women Basketball and expressed gratitude to his fellow managers for all the hard work and dedication.

Whitworth’s advice for people who want to be in his position is to work hard. “They’re going to be things that I was told that I need to do that I didn’t want to do, like, that’s just life….You got to take steps,” Whitworth said.  “I started at the bottom, and it’s just I slowly… worked my way up, and continued to just grow.”

After Whitworth graduates, his one goal in life is to coach an Olympic team like the Korean international team. He aims to stay in Division I college basketball and coach a team like UCLA and make his mark in the game he loves.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR

After two road losses, the Patriots bounced back to win their final home game on Senior Night against the Duquesne Dukes, 86-63, on Mar. 1. The game honored senior guard Paula Suarez, graduate student Ta’Viyanna Habib, graduate student Khamya McNeal, graduate student Nalani Kaysia, head manager Connor Whitworth, and their graduate assistant Riley Childs.

“Seeing you know how much the team has grown every single year… You can feel the culture just being there… The teammates like getting closer, so much more fun when we’re playing, and just keep it improving,” said Suarez. 

“I’m just grateful for all of it, the highs, the lows, the long days; it all just feels in this moment just worth it,” Kaysia added. 

Five Patriots scored in double-digit against the Dukes. Redshirt Sophomore forward Zahirah Walton led the team with 16 points, sophomore guard Kennedy Harris scored 14, and Habib contributed 12 points. Kaysia and Suarez each finished with 10 points.

Kaysia also grabbed 21 rebounds out of the Patriots’ total of 47, seven more than Duquesne’s entire starting five and nearly matching their 29 rebounds for the night. 

“The last two back-to-back on the road, they were tough,” said Mason head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis. “To be able to be able to finish at home when we play well, and our crowd has really supported us, and I was just really happy for them, and you want to go into the tournament with some steam, and I just feel like this was a really good send-off for us.”

Wanda Durant was one of the honorary coaches on bench with the team during the game.

“You can just see why [Kevin Durant]’s so loved in the league because of just being around her,” said Coach Lewis. “How she was just caring about people, taking care of people, and she deserves all these moments for the sacrifices she made…as a single mom… We know her son, but it’s a reason why people grow up to be who they are because they have great parents.”

The Patriots finished second in the A-10 standings with a 24-5 overall record and 14-4 conference record. Having different players step up each night contributed to the team’s success. Coach Lewis was also named to the Mid-Major Coach of the Year Midseason Watch List.

Suarez earned the Most Improved Player award and was named to the All-Conference Second Team with Harris. Walton was selected for the All-Conference Defensive team. 

Davon Marion/Fourth Estate

“We’re not just teaching basketball, we’re teaching life moments,” said Coach Lewis. “You’re going to have those moments where things are going really good. And then something’s going to come out the clear blue, something you didn’t prepare for, and how are you going to get over it? How are you going to get through it? For us, it’s our faith and then we can count on each other as sisters and the sisterhood that we can be there for each other.”

The Patriots finished first in offense of A10, averaging 73.7 points per game. The Patriots ranked fourth in defense, holding teams to an average of 56.9 points per game, giving them the best scoring margin in the conference at +16.8.  

The team finished fifth in assists, averaging 13.66 per game, third in team percentage with 42.6% and fifth in holding their opponent field goal percentages to 38%. They also finished second in shooting three-point percentages with 36.4% and 12th in holding teams to shoot 33.1% from three.

The Patriots finished fourth in combined rebounds with an average of 38.5 per game. Third in blocks, getting an average of 3.93 per game, and fourth in steals, hitting 9.38.

Spirits are high for the Mason women’s basketball team heading into the A-10 tournament. 

The Patriots will begin their tournament run on Mar. 7 against the winner of Game 6 at 5 p.m. EST on Peacock. 

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

On Constitution Ave. in Washington, D.C., between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, three of the most influential documents in American democracy sit on display in a dimly lit rotunda. 

The National Archives Museum is home to the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. It also holds more than 750,000 artifacts, 41 million photographs and 12.5 billion pieces of paper. Some archives rest in the storage facilities built into the museum in 1937, while others are on display for visitors to explore for free. 

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

The Charters of Freedom exhibition hosts the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence in a spacious rotunda on the second floor, adorned with two curved murals commissioned by artist Barry Faulkner in 1934. 

The mural on the left depicts the Founding Fathers presenting the Declaration of Independence to John Hancock, while the mural on the right shows James Madison submitting the Constitution to George Washington.

The room remains dimly lit to prevent damaging the over 200-year-old documents, and security guards enforce a strict no-flash photography policy. On the edges of the curved room, encased exhibits provide historic context for each document. 

While the Charters of Freedom exhibit is the most popular, the Records of Rights exhibition houses the most artifacts. Located directly across the museum entrance in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, this exhibition focuses on three major themes in U.S. history: African American rights, women’s rights and immigrant rights. 

Near the entrance of the gallery, one of four original copies of the 1297 Magna Carta is on display. This document, which limited the king’s power in England and granted individual rights to the people, later inspired the Founding Fathers while drafting the Declaration of Independence. At the center of the gallery, a 17-foot touchscreen table allows visitors to interact with other archived documents related to privacy rights, workplace rights, Native American rights and more. 

To the left of the table, Private Cato Greene’s discharge papers from the Continental Army in 1783 sit brightly lit. Greene was an enslaved Revolutionary War soldier who fought to earn his freedom. His experience highlights the long struggle for Black Americans to be included in the Declaration of Independence’s statement “all men are created equally.” 

The exhibition also features documents related to women’s marriage rights, financial freedoms, equal pay and reproductive rights. A 1917 petition from the Women Voters Anti-Suffrage Party of New York, signed by 17 women, illustrates the complex history of women’s suffrage. Not all women supported the right to vote. 

“Our country in this hour of peril should be spared the harassing of its public men and the distracting of its people from work for the war,” the petition reads. The party sent the petition to the Senate, urging lawmakers to  avoid such a “radical change” while the nation was engaged in World War I. 

Similar to the struggles faced by African Americans and women, the Records of Rights exhibition displays the historic support and opposition to immigrants’ rights. 

“Holding high the flame of hope in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed generations of immigrants and became an icon for freedom,” a display reads. The 1884 Deed of Gift from France,which transferred ownership of the Statue of Liberty to the United States, serves as an ever-lasting symbol of immigration history in America. 

While the Records of Rights exhibition showcases the unbending fight for freedom and liberty throughout U.S. history, rotating exhibitions like Power and Light offer a glimpse into the lives of families at a specific point in time. Russell Lee’s 1946 Coal Survey features more than 200 photographs of coal miners and their families in West Virginia, Kentucky, Utah and other states.

The enlarged portraits show miners at work and with their families at home, illustrating their daily lives and labor struggles in the years following World War II. 

Beyond its historic artifacts, the museum’s architecture enhances its storytelling. Architect John Russel Pope chose the location in between the Capitol and the White House to emphasize its symbolic importance. The museum’s grand Corinthian columns and intricate pediments with allegorical sculptures sit atop the museum’s carved name adding to its significance. 

An inscription on the west side of the building reminds passersby of the museum’s core mission:“The glory and romance of our history are here preserved in the chronicles of those who conceived and builded the structure of our nation.” This message underscores the institution’s role in safeguarding the nation’s historic legacy.

The National Archives Museum serves as a living testament to American democracy, preserving and displaying the country’s significant documents and historical records for future generations.

Katie Perschau/Fourth Estate

BY KATIE PERSCHAU, STAFF WRITER

Self-expression is a staple of Mason pride. This school year, Sophomore Jay Toussaint, a member of Mason’s Black Student Alliance, stepped out of his comfort zone to audition for the organization’s annual fashion show. 

While the students won’t walk the runway until March 29, Toussaint has been practicing and attending rehearsals since October. He said his decision to audition allowed him to participate in a unique activity and strengthen his sense of community at Mason.

Toussaint values self-expression and enjoys exploring different music genres and experimenting with fashion. However, he hadn’t considered participating in a fashion show until joining the BSA. 

“I originally wasn’t going to do it…it looked really cool, but it was so out of my comfort zone. I like taking pictures and I like putting outfits together, so I was like, [runway modeling] is something I would do if I wasn’t self-conscious, so why not just do it and get the experience because you don’t get less self-conscious by not doing anything,” Toussaint said. 

Toussaint was initially nervous to audition because he was the only male in rehearsals, but he soon found that the other BSA members were eager to support him. 

“They were so nice. They clapped after every walk and told you you did a good job; they really tried to work with you,” he said. Now, he describes the rehearsals as productive but also full of laughter, jokes and singing along to runway songs. 

While Toussaint originally joined BSA to get involved in an organization, he said that getting to know other Black students on campus has increased his confidence and made him feel more in touch with his identity. 

“Even if I don’t do [the fashion show] next year, at least I can say that this was something I was a part of,” Toussaint said. “If your friends aren’t Black, you can feel sort of detached from the identity…so [participating in the BSA] has made me feel more secure on campus.”

Toussaint encouraged students to participate in the BSA and the fashion show for the experience and community connections, whether they plan on making it a long-term commitment or just want to try something new. He said the fashion show offers a unique opportunity to build a portfolio and meet like-minded students. 

In addition to the BSA, Toussaint said that living in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences learning community during his freshman year helped him find a supportive group of  friends. 

“I feel like I definitely wouldn’t have made as many friends who were in my major and doing things related to my course load if I hadn’t joined the CHSS learning community. I feel like GMU does a good job of getting specific niche groups of people together,” he said. 

By auditioning for the fashion show, Toussaint has learned to not take things too seriously and to embrace new experiences.

“Not everyone is perceiving you the way you’re perceiving you all the time,” he said. “Some people are just as nervous as you.” 

As Toussaint prepares for the upcoming fashion show, he hopes his experience will inspire other students to take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and find confidence in unexpected places. 

Come support Toussaint and other Mason students at the BSA fashion show on March 29!

Photo courtesy of the Archery Club

BY VALENTINA FALA, STAFF WRITER

When the Mason Archery Club started in 2022, members aimed to put archery on the map by competing in various tournaments. Their competitive spirit has propelled the club two steps ahead of other teams, earning records, prizes, medals and significant accomplishments in just three years.

Archery primarily exercises the upper body but is adaptable to meet the needs of every athlete, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility. “Archery is very dependent on both form and also physical ability,” Tiya Maroboina, the Club’s President said. “Of course there are many adjustments that can be made. Paralympic archery is a growing field of many people… For us, because we are a university club, we try our best to accommodate everybody.”

Skill levels vary among members–some started in the beginning of the Fall semester, while others have years of experience under their belt. With around 30 club members, each has competed at least once in the past year. Training is individualized due to the nature of the sport, and scores recorded at big competitions help members identify areas for improvement.

“We have three bow divisions we shoot in: recurve, which is what you’ve seen in the Olympics; barebow which looks very similar to a recurve…You take a basic recurve bow and take the gear off; and then compound is another division with the wheels,” Maroboina explained. “The most popular division is the barebow division, followed by recurve and compound.”

From Feb. 21 to Feb. 23, the club competed in the 56th JOAD Indoor Nationals, where student Kyle George won bronze in the Recurve Collegiate Men’s division and ranked in the national Top 25. At the Virginia State Indoor Championship, every club participant won a medal, and archer Ellalee Bullock set a state record in the Barebow Collegiate Women’s division.

Most competitions are external or collegiate-level events, but many are local and within a short drive from Mason’s Fairfax campus. The club typically practices at the Bull Run Shooting Center, approximately 20 minutes from the Fairfax campus. 

Recruiting only happens during the Fall semester, with interested students participating in a two-week tryout period that includes four practices. During this period, they learn the National Training System’s 11 steps in shooting, safety procedures and fundamental techniques.

After the tryout period, interested members pay a membership fee ranging from $60 to $75, depending on the funds raised through events like the Taco Fundraiser held on Feb. 28 at University Mall. Membership dues cover equipment, equipment repairs, fees and range expenses.

“The beginner equipment weighs between 20 to 26 pounds because you are contorting your body in a way that isn’t necessarily natural — unless you practiced swimming, rowing, or other sports that work your back which isn’t a common overlap — we try our best to avoid injury,” Maroboina said. “It is very easy to tear the rotator cuff and hurt yourself overall with improper form, that is why we have to be a bit more selective than we’d like to be for the club.” 

After learning the fundamentals of shooting and form, members improve with every session. Each practice has about 15 participants, with one professional coach supervising activities and experienced members offering their assistance.

With numerous achievements, the club is off to a strong start in 2025. As the year progresses, one can look forward to their continued success in competitions and events.

Julianna Marcello/Fourth Estate

BY JULIANA MARCELLO, STAFF WRITER

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Mason Board of Visitors (BOV) met to vote on the resolution (BOV meeting book pg. 300) regarding antisemitism. The Diversity Board committee first discussed the resolution at the Feb. 13 meeting, introduced by Visitor Jeffrey A. Rosen. 

The original resolution was drafted with concern due to the Week of Rage protests held by former Resident Student Organization (RSO) Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) in Fall 2024 from October 7-10th, as well as the uncovering of possible threats against the Jewish population by GMU students. 

At the meeting, protesters watched silently in the public seating area, holding signs of protest against the resolution. 

After re-introducing the resolution to the Board, Rosen said, “The purpose of this is to build on and help the university move to an even stronger place.” Rosen said that the Diversity Board committee believed that the resolution is anti-discriminatory and within the institution’s bounds. 

However, the resolution faced resistance from a number of Board members. According to Faculty Representative Solon Simmons, a large majority of Mason faculty believed that the original draft was unnecessary and an infringement on the Constitution’s First Amendment. 

Among the opposition, Graduate Student Representative Carolyn Faith Hoffman detailed experiences with Mason-sponsored courses and events that involved discussing Israel and Palestine. One course included a trip to Israel and the West Bank. Hoffman expressed concern over whether similar educational experiences would be able to continue under such a resolution. 

Undergraduate Student Body Representative Maria Cuesta, also spoke out against the resolution during the BOV meeting. To the Board,  Cuesta said, “I think that something to take away from those 300 plus comments is that even the Jewish students, faculty, staff, and community members don’t accept this.” The comments were left by the Mason community on the BOV minutes webpage in regards to the Feb. 13 meeting. 

President Gregory Washington expressed disappointment with both the original and revised resolution. “The reality is, this is an environment of education,” he critiqued. “People don’t always get things right and proper when they engage.”  

After a back-and-forth between Visitor Rosen, President Washington said, “this institution has to have the flexibility — to support discourse.” The president continued the sentiment by raising concern over the resolution’s vague language.

Revision 14 states that, “This board directs the University, including all of its administrative departments, offices, schools, and academic units, to refrain from sponsoring or endorsing any organization, event, or other activity whose position or posture is antisemitic under the [International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance] IHRA definition.” Members of the BOV were concerned with how the resolution would define, “sponsoring or endorsing” within its context. 

Visitor Dolly Oberoi criticized the language of the resolution and its interpretation, stating, “It has to be very easy to interpret because people outside of this room have to interpret [it], and who’s going to be the arbiter of whether it was right or wrong – somebody violated [it] or not.” She questioned why the resolution was not a general anti-discrimination policy rather than pinpointing one specific issue. 

President Washington requested the definition of “endorsement” to be added to the resolution. Washington’s request was denied by Visitor Rosen, who said that he “disagree[d] fundamentally” that its inclusion was necessary. This sparked further debate from all sides, including from Visitor Robert Pence who backed Visitor Rosen’s statement. 

Visitor Pence challenged the First Amendment in the case of the Revision, questioning President Washington’s stance. Pence commented on a past conversation that was had when first joining the BOV; a conversation had with President Washington. 

Shortly after the campus pro-Palestine protest of Oct. 7, 2024, Visitor Pence told President Washington, “The students are out there right now marching and chanting, ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.’ And I said, ‘I think they’re advocating genocide, to kill Jews, to push them … into the sea.’” 

Pence continued, questioning President Washington’s position and solidifying his beliefs in regards to the revision, “Would your position change if they were out there chanting ‘get the rope and hang them all’? … the answer is, it’s despicable, and I don’t think it should be allowed to be said.” Visitor Pence concluded by challenging the request for a definition and giving support for the resolution.

After a continued debate, the resolution was voted on and passed by a majority of eight. 

During the roll-call vote, a group of pro-Palestinian protestors rose and left the session. One unnamed protestor stood before exiting and stated, “This is a disgrace. You should all be ashamed.”

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

Interest rates. Gross domestic product. Supply and demand. Americans are subject to financial terms that have major implications for their financial health. At the outset of President Trump’s second presidential term, the term “tariff” has become a staple of the Trump administration’s foreign economic policy. 

Tariff refers to a tax placed on imported goods and services. That tax represents a percentage of the price of the product being imported. For example, if the U.S. were to place tariffs of 10 percent on baguettes imported from France, a $10 loaf would be charged a tax of $1 when it arrives at the border. To offset costs, price increases are passed down to the consumer. 

On Feb. 1,  The White House announced that President Trump will implement a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China. President Trump said the increased tariffs is a retaliatory strike against all three countries’ response to the U.S. fentanyl crisis. “The extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).” The announcement added that the tariffs will remain in place until “the crisis is alleviated.”

In response, leaders from all three countries are considering potential action to defend against the effects of these tariffs. These measures could come in the form of retaliatory tariffs, according to the BBC. Canada prepared a list of American goods with the intention of imposing retaliatory tariffs in response to the U.S. 

Canada’s Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand recently said in an interview that Canada is “steady at the wheel.” Further stating that, “We are prepared for any eventuality, but we will at every turn defend our country’s economy.”

“In modern times, they [tariffs] have almost always been used as a negotiating tool,” said The New York Times White House Correspondent, David E. Sanger. “What makes President Trump’s move against Mexico, Canada, and China different is that he seems uninterested in pursuing deals,” Sanger writes. 

Trump argued that these tariffs will curb the flow of immigrants and drugs while simultaneously enriching American citizens.

In his inaugural speech, Trump said, “I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens.” 

However, George Mason Economy Professor, Alex Tabarrok, argued that these tariffs will do the opposite. 

“I think people have this idea that tariffs are about protecting American businesses, protecting jobs, but it’s important to recognize that this also raises the costs of American businesses,” said Tabarrok. “We have benefited tremendously from globalization. Walk into your local supermarket and look at all of the products and you’ll see that they’re from all over the world.” 

According to a report by the USDA, “Canada and Mexico are the United States’ first and third largest suppliers of U.S. agricultural imports.” The tariffs, Tabarrok argues, will hurt all three North American countries. “We have integrated the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican economies to the benefit of all three. So, to now disrupt that is just creating chaos and uncertainty, and it’s making our allies upset.” 

Evidence of this integration is seen in the auto industry, Tabarrok explains. “It is very common for auto parts to cross the border multiple times. So, the engine moves from Canada to the U.S. and they put in some seats… then the car moves back to another plant in Canada… back to the U.S., and then it might go to Mexico.” These tariffs not only disrupt the integration of these economies, but they also have precedents that show their ineffectiveness. 

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

During Trump’s first term, economic research by the Associated Press found the total tariffs collected by his policies equaled less than 0.3% of GDP. 

Recently, The White House announced that a 25% tariff on steel imports would be restored and an existing tariff on aluminum imports would be raised to 25%. A call by the Trump administration to “protect America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, which have been harmed by unfair trade practices and global excess capacity.”

Tabarrok said otherwise, “It is not the case that tariffs save jobs, they save some jobs, but they also kill other jobs.”

Tabarrok said in continuation, “They save jobs in the import-competing industry, but they kill jobs in the export industry. The problem is that the jobs in the import industry are very visible but the jobs you kill in the export industry are much harder to see.” 

Companies and their investors have started bracing for the potential rising costs due to these tariffs, which are set to take effect on Mar. 4. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, “For the stock market, every five-percentage-point increase in the U.S. tariff rate is estimated to reduce S&P 500 earnings per share by roughly 1-2%.” Resulting in potential price increases from large-scale companies, layoffs, business shutdowns, and more.

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY LAYLA BIZRI, STAFF WRITER

As a biology pre-med student in the Honors College at Mason, I know first-hand how challenging it is to find a quiet study space on a consistent basis—especially as a commuter.

Certain class time slots can run up to ten p.m. at night, well beyond an average work day. Every time I leave my long labs and head to Fenwick Library (Fenwick), I average one or two hours of productive work before the loudspeaker announces the library is closing. It’s frustrating and discouraging, especially when I’m locked into a deep study session, only to be forced to stop.

Mason emphasizes academic success and student empowerment yet lacks a key resource that so many other universities provide: a 24/7 library. Many students, both commuters and those living on campus, share this same frustration. 

“I study and grasp concepts better at night when there are fewer distractions. The fact that Fenwick isn’t open 24/7 is borderline insulting—many other institutions provide late-night library access, yet George Mason falls short once again. I’m not asking for special treatment; I’m asking for access to a study space that my tuition helps fund,” said sophomore Pierre Faransis, who is on the Pre-Dentistry track at Mason.

For many, Fenwick is the only place where they can focus without distractions, but with its current hours and limitations, that opportunity is cut short. With over 40,000 students at Mason, the small lobby space—one of the only areas open slightly later—can’t come close to meeting demand. 

And with Fenwick being the only library on Fairfax campus, students have no alternative when they need a quiet place to study at the times that work best for them.

At first, I thought this was just a personal struggle. But after bringing it up with classmates and friends, I realized it was a much bigger issue. No one seemed to know why Fenwick wasn’t open later. 

I saw that a lot of students felt the same way, so I figured I would try to do something about it. I don’t have any experience with student government or any process regarding making changes to the university, but I started a petition (which can also be found below) to get students talking. When people started signing and sharing it, it became clear that this was a significant issue that needed attention. There are 75 signatures so far!

I plan to attend student cabinet meetings and continue advocating for this issue to escalate progress. Mason should attempt to maintain an environment that supports student success at all hours, not just during the most convenient times. Education doesn’t have a time limit, and neither should our access to the resources that help us succeed.

The students have spoken. It’s time for change.

https://www.petitions.net/make_fenwick_library_open_247_for_student_success

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF REPORTER

Filling the corridors in Hanover hall with deliciously enticing aromas, the GMU Culinary Club hosted its first general body meeting on Friday, Feb. 7, inviting students to make Mexican-inspired “walking tacos” and mangonadas. 

The meeting, the first of eight planned for the semester, allowed prospective club members to try their hand at cooking their own meals. The Culinary Club’s board members provided ingredients, cooking utensils and assistance while attendees brought their favorite chip bags, empty stomachs and their insatiable interest in cuisine. 

Kicking off the meeting, Mason junior and Culinary Club President Jeanne Snyder-Pham welcomed more than 30 attendees with excitement. After explaining the history and cultural significance of the two dishes and supplying the tables with their ingredients, the meeting turned into a scene from “The Bear” – except without the yelling or an appearance from Jeremy Allen White. 

Rather, the Culinary Club buzzed around the kitchenette, assisting tables with the cooking process, preparing the meat for tacos and sharing culinary knowledge. Tables were filled with individuals working together to create pico de gallo for their first dish. Through the laughter and sounds of chopping, each table prepared their own unique “walking taco” and then chowed down on the products of their own creation. 

The “walking tacos” were washed down with sweet-and-savory mangonadas, a smoothie-like treat with Mexican origins. The blender drowned out some of the chatter as people approached the station to get their share, topping their cups with tajin, chamoy sauce and tamarindo straws—a spicy yet irresistible combination. Smiles weren’t hard to spot as people enjoyed their mangonadas with one another.

Viviana Smith/Fourth Estate

Snyder-Pham explains that the most important part of their club is connecting the community through food. “One of our mission statements here at culinary club is to promote unity at George Mason University,” she said. “We believe that food brings people together.”

Mason senior and Culinary Club Vice President Justine Arenas supported this, adding that the first meeting was meant to bring Mason students together in a tight-knit community built on a shared passion for cuisine. “Through food, [students] have friends here and people they can connect with,” she said. 

Arenas continued, sharing how people choose to sit at tables with others rather than sitting alone in hopes of socializing. “Already we see the effects of what we’re trying to achieve.”

Viviana Smith/Fourth Estate

Besides connecting members within the club, Snyder-Pham and Arenas shared that they team up with other Mason student organizations in hopes of sharing different cultural dishes with their members. From GMU Indian Student Association to Mason’s Collective Organizations of South Asia, the Culinary Club partners with various cultural clubs on campus to foster inter-organizational relationships and expand its members’ cultural experiences. 

Snyder-Pham shared that even if a club doesn’t represent a particular culture, they still pursue collaborations to simply enjoy community with one another and share new perspectives. “As students here, we believe strongly in a strong student body, so we feel motivated in connecting other people through food with different departments and everything,” she said. 

Some students agreed that the event was a great experience, with one table expressing that they had a lot of fun, even though not everyone knew each other. 

Mason sophomore Haily Kim was surprised by the hands-on experience. She shared that the cultural exchange she received was much more of a positive gain than the free food. “I’m Korean, so there’s not really a chance of me making Mexican food or Mexican-inspired food,” she said. “I feel like doing that today really opened my eyes of seeing what Mexican culture is like and what their flavor profiles are like.”

Kim added that she would use the recipe again, especially if her family was unsure what to eat one night—furthering the spread of one culture to another. 

Snyder-Pham and Arenas shared that the club is open to all skill levels and that the only real requirement is enjoying food. “We will take anyone because we believe strongly in learning to make food, learning to love food,” Snyder-pham said with a smile. 

For those interested in joining the GMU Culinary Club, connect with them on Mason360 or Instagram. 

Nadine Abdalla/ Fourth Estate

BY NADINE ABDALLA, STAFF WRITER

Despite societal advances in body image,women still face societal constraints that label weightlifting as a “male” activity. This belief is not only outdated but also detrimental to a woman’s well-being. Women should be encouraged to lift weights because it promotes physical health, boosts confidence, challenges harmful stereotypes, and leads to empowerment. By embracing strength training, we break societal norms and unlock our true potential.

Health Benefits

Weightlifting offers numerous health benefits, particularly for women. Strength training increases lean muscle mass, boosts metabolism, and supports fat loss. It also strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that disproportionately affects women. Strength training is one of the best ways to improve bone density and prevent fractures as we age. 

For women, weightlifting is a crucial step in improving long-term health and increasing longevity, leading to healthier bones, stronger muscles, and a more vibrant life.

Confidence and Empowerment

When I first started lifting, I felt intimidated by the experienced lifters around me. But over time, weightlifting transformed both my body and my mindset. With every new personal best, I grew more confident in my strength and identity as a capable woman. 

The mental benefits of strength training are significant, as it allows us to realize our inner power and carry that confidence into all areas of life. It’s not just about physical transformation, it’s about embracing the strength we have and using it to fuel our personal growth.

Breaking Stereotypes and Gender Norms

A common misconception holding women back from weightlifting is the fear of becoming “too bulky.” This fear is rooted in outdated ideas of what it takes to look feminine. In reality, women’s bodies aren’t designed to gain muscle mass in the same way men’s bodies do. Due to hormonal differences, strength training allows women to build lean muscle, leading to a toned, fit physique without excessive bulk. 

By lifting weights, we challenge societal expectations of what women’s bodies should look like. The more women lift, the more we redefine standards of strength, showing that women can be powerful without sacrificing femininity.

The Importance of Safe Weightlifting

Some may argue that weightlifting is dangerous for women. However, with proper guidance and form, it is just as safe for women as it is for men. Strength training can actually reduce the risk of injury by improving balance, coordination, and joint stability. Weightlifting isn’t about conforming to an image; it’s about being the best version of yourself. Women should be empowered to lift without fear of injury or judgment.

Research and Mental Health Benefits

Strength training increases bone density and boosts mental health. It helps reduce stress and alleviate anxiety and depression, which are critical for women managing multiple roles. These physical and mental benefits are essential for maintaining a balanced, healthy life, especially in a world where women face unique pressures.

Creating Supportive Spaces

To foster a more inclusive fitness culture, gyms should offer female-friendly spaces, provide beginner-friendly guidance, and promote realistic representations of strong women. There’s a need for more female-centric weightlifting programs that emphasize empowerment and community. With the right resources and support, women can break down barriers that have prevented them from reaching their full potential.

Encouraging women to lift weights is more than building muscle; it’s about embracing strength, confidence, and health. Weightlifting allows women to challenge societal expectations, redefine strength, and unlock their potential. The time has come for women to lift not just weights, but the limitations that have held them back.

Weightlifting offers numerous health benefits, particularly for women. Strength training increases lean muscle mass, boosts metabolism, and supports fat loss. It also strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that disproportionately affects women. Strength training is one of the best ways to improve bone density and prevent fractures as we age. 

For women, weightlifting is a crucial step in improving long-term health and increasing longevity, leading to healthier bones, stronger muscles, and a more vibrant life.

Confidence and Empowerment

When I first started lifting, I felt intimidated by the experienced lifters around me. But over time, weightlifting transformed both my body and my mindset. With every new personal best, I grew more confident in my strength and identity as a capable woman. 

The mental benefits of strength training are significant, as it allows us to realize our inner power and carry that confidence into all areas of life. It’s not just about physical transformation, it’s about embracing the strength we have and using it to fuel our personal growth.

Breaking Stereotypes and Gender Norms

A common misconception holding women back from weightlifting is the fear of becoming “too bulky.” This fear is rooted in outdated ideas of what it takes to look feminine. In reality, women’s bodies aren’t designed to gain muscle mass in the same way men’s bodies do. Due to hormonal differences, strength training allows women to build lean muscle, leading to a toned, fit physique without excessive bulk. 

By lifting weights, we challenge societal expectations of what women’s bodies should look like. The more women lift, the more we redefine standards of strength, showing that women can be powerful without sacrificing femininity.

The Importance of Safe Weightlifting

Some may argue that weightlifting is dangerous for women. However, with proper guidance and form, it is just as safe for women as it is for men. Strength training can actually reduce the risk of injury by improving balance, coordination, and joint stability. Weightlifting isn’t about conforming to an image; it’s about being the best version of yourself. Women should be empowered to lift without fear of injury or judgment.

Research and Mental Health Benefits

Strength training increases bone density and boosts mental health. It helps reduce stress and alleviate anxiety and depression, which are critical for women managing multiple roles. These physical and mental benefits are essential for maintaining a balanced, healthy life, especially in a world where women face unique pressures.

Creating Supportive Spaces

To foster a more inclusive fitness culture, gyms should offer female-friendly spaces, provide beginner-friendly guidance, and promote realistic representations of strong women. There’s a need for more female-centric weightlifting programs that emphasize empowerment and community. With the right resources and support, women can break down barriers that have prevented them from reaching their full potential.

Encouraging women to lift weights is more than building muscle; it’s about embracing strength, confidence, and health. Weightlifting allows women to challenge societal expectations, redefine strength, and unlock their potential. The time has come for women to lift not just weights, but the limitations that have held them back.

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series on Jordan Whitaker and Esports.

“We’re competitive by nature,” Whitaker said about a player’s drive. “The longer you play the game, the more you feel like, proud of… your identity in a sense and mechanisms like reward systems, and rankings do tend to help people feel like the time that they spent on the game is rewarding.”

Most Esports games have a competitive ranking system, where players climb the ladder by competing against others at their skill level. “Everyone who’s recruiting you at these different colleges, they’ll look at your profile, they’ll look at your rankings, they’ll look at the material you’ve done,” Whitaker said, emphasizing the importance of ranking up and standing out. 

However, breaking into the Esports scene can be difficult due to its highly competitive nature. Within the scene are different tiers of competition, Tier 1 being the highest. As the tiers decrease, so does the level of competitiveness. To gain visibility, Whitaker advises  players to create highlight reels and share on their social media pages.

“If you have a highlight reel that’s really good, and you’re a teenager and you want to be considered for a scholarship at the college level, you’re going to have that highlight reel as something that shows off who you are,” Whitaker said. “You know this player is like, okay, but they’re amazing at making content. I want to recruit them for the program and get them…half their tuition every year just to make content.”

Esports is a diverse industry with multiple career paths beyond playing professionally. Aspiring players become content creators, coaches or broadcasters for Esports events. Due to how competitive the scene is and its set-up, players are forced to market themselves to get noticed.  In this way, Esports helps players expand skills such as self-marketing and creating a brand. 

“Diversifying how you showcase yourself is really important because then not only are you giving yourselves options as a player in your path, but you’re also developing a unique brand identity, and you’re showcasing a variety of skills,” Whitaker said. “Maybe I’m not destined to go professional, but I can still work in Esports for an Esports organization because I have these skills creating content. I know how to market; I know how to broadcast; I know how to manage a community on Discord.”

Success in Esports requires professionalism and accountability. Players must collaborate with others and foster a positive environment.  

“People care about your grades. People care about your accountability and how good of a person you are to be around,” Whitaker said. “People want to be alongside other players, where they know that they’re going to be supported by good positivity and somebody who listens to these ‘soft people’ skills.”

According to a study on sexism in esports, “most gamer communities remain male-dominated, which may give rise to prejudices against female players and their skill among gamers and the general public.”  Women in online spaces often face sexist comments while gaming, and even struggle to find a role model in the field.

To combat this, initiatives such asValorant Game Changers provide a space for women to compete at a professional level. Recently, Ava “Florescent” Eugene became the first Game Challengers player to compete in a Tier 1 league, joining Apeks in Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA. Meanwhile, Shopify Rebellion became the first team to qualify for Challengers league.

“I’m aware that there’s a lot of high-ranking women in the North American ladder right now who are enjoying success at the college level and getting recruited from programs,” Whitaker added. “[The coach at Northwestern] was telling me about three or four of his starting varsity players.”

As Esports continues to grow, efforts to promote inclusivity and sustainability will be crucial for the industry’s future.