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Arts and Entertainment, Home Page News Bytes

Tiger King: A documentary that seems like fiction

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If I told you there was a documentary about a gay polygamist Republican tiger owning cowboy, would you believe me?  Well, if you haven’t seen Tiger King you probably wouldn’t. For those who don’t know, Tiger King is a documentary on Netflix, it was released on March 20, 2020. It couldn’t have released at a better time either, it was released during the start of the pandemic lockdowns. Everyone was inside and didn’t have anything better to do so they watched Tiger King. is the timing of it release the only reason for its success?

For those who haven’t seen Tiger King and don’t want it spoiled according to the IMDB plot summary “Among the eccentrics and cult personalities in the stranger-than-fiction world of big cat owners, few stand out more than Joe Exotic , a mulleted, gun-toting polygamist and country western singer who presides over an Oklahoma roadside zoo. Charismatic but misguided, Joe and an unbelievable cast of characters including drug kingpins, conmen, and cult leaders all share a passion for big cats and the status and attention their dangerous menagerie’s garner. But things take a dark turn when Carole Baskin, an animal activist and owner of a big cat sanctuary, threatens to put them out of business, stoking a rivalry that eventually leads to Joe’s arrest for a murder-for-hire plot, and reveals a twisted tale where the only thing more dangerous than a big cat is its owner.”

What I like about the show is that it does a masterful job of  documenting these characters. it will show you one person and you will think they are normal but then they will hit you with the crazy aspect of them. For example, after the introduce Joe Exotic  they introduce Carole Baskin, at first she seems just to be some normal woman who cares about tigers and is the enemy of joe. Later in that episode, you find out that Carole Baskin was a primary suspect in the murder case of her first husband and that some suspect her of having fed her first husband to one of the tigers. That is only one of the major twists and turns of the series. Another thing I like about the series is how they keep it short and sweet. The whole show is only seven episodes long and it does a carful job of stringing together the story and keeping the viewer on the edge of their seat

I decided to get a outside opinion on the show. When asked student Faith Barrett had this to say “I think the overall investigative journalism about Joe Exotic  was very well done. You really got to see the real him and what he has gone through over the years.  I think it would’ve been popular if it wasn’t for quarantine, but I think the overall spread of popularity would have taken a lot longer. I feel like everyone was really bored and looking for another reality show to watch.”

Barrett makes a good point. Regardless of the pandemic Tiger King would have been popular. It has all the good makings of a classic tv show. It has drama, it has comedy, it has a entertaining cast. I think the main draw to the show is that it’s a true story. on the surface level this whole show seems unbelievable but with the time and investigative journalism that was put into the show it backs it up. as I said before I think regardless of the pandemic, the show would have been popular, it just would of taken longer. With the pandemic it has given people the time to experience underrated entertainment.

Campus Life, Slider

How the Center for Liberal Arts embraces different cultures

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Northern Essex Community College has a diverse group of students attending both the Lawrence and Haverhill campuses, especially in the Lawrence campus where 80 percent of the student population are bilingual and speak predominantly Spanish.

This is why NECC and the Center for Liberal Arts have incorporated different activities and programs that cater to different cultural groups.

The Center for Liberal Arts has hosted many different cultural events within the center ever since they have opened. They also have honored different cultures on their respected months so that they could educate and bring awareness to the student body.

The center has also hosted different student guest speakers for Hispanic Heritage Month,Black History Month, Asian Pacific Heritage Month, and more so that students can hear theirpersonal experiences regarding their respected cultures they are representing.

Nisaly Gonzalez  aLiberal Arts major in Northern Essex Community College said that “I have attended one event the Center for Liberal Arts hosted for Hispanic Heritage Month in person back before the pandemic began and I really enjoyed listening to the student speaker speaking upon her experience as a Hispanic/ Latina bilingual student in the school.”

These events allow the liberal arts students to connect with different peers and step out of their comfort zones as well as expanding their knowledge on a different culture that they would normally never look into.

The center also hosts documentary and movie events that relate to the culture they are educating their participants on and hold an open discussion for students to ask questions and conversate with peers regarding to the film they have observed.

Mariam Saldivar who is a Communication Arts and Journalism major in Northern EssexCommunity College said “I remember attending an event during Black History Month and we learned how to do African dances which was amazing and so out of my element. But I reall yenjoyed it and I would definitely suggest other students to participate in those kinds ofactivities.”

Another student, Katherine Townsend who is also a Communication Arts/ Journalismmajor in Northern Essex Community College said that “I wish I was able to participate more in the cultural events the center has hosted but due to the pandemic it has made it harder for me tomake time for the zoom events they’ve had this past year. But I would love to attend a cultural documentary event that they will host in the future.”

The pandemic has made it significantly more difficult for the liberal arts students and staff to participate in these cultural events the Center for Liberal Arts hosts, though the center ha sbeen able to host these events through zoom.

They announce these events through email andsocial media. Make sure to check out the center’s website at https://www.necc.mass.edu/current-students/academic-centers/center-for-liberal-arts/liberal-arts-center-events/ for event updates.

Arts and Entertainment, Slider

Review of ‘Da 5 Bloods’

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“Five bloods don’t die, we multiply” is a quote heard frequently in director Spike Lee’s latest film Da 5 Bloods, a thrilling tale that’s equal parts revisionist war epic and treasure hunt adventure, while also infusing his typically provocative social commentary that’s just as relevant today as it was back in the time period it’s partially set in 60 years ago.

The plot follows four African-American Vietnam veterans – Paul, Otis, Eddie, and Melvin – who return to the country to track a supply of gold bricks they hid during one oftheir last missions, as well as recover the remains of their fallen platoon leader, “Stormin” Norman, played by late great Chadwick Boseman.

Along the way, the squad tackles various topics often accompanied with correlating flashbacks, such as racial inequality including stereotypes associated with the Black man, modern politics, other issues they left behind in Vietnam, as well as personal demons such as PTSD and greed.

If that wasn’t enough, they soon discover they’re not the only ones seeking the fortune.

Da 5 Bloods has been on my watchlist for a while now, having been a fan of Lee’s work ever since I saw BlacKkKlansman for the first time.

What gave me the motivation to watch it now was that I recently attended an NECC JRN/COM career panel, where I met two people who worked on the film: Veronica Vozzolo, the second assistant editor who edited the first two minutes of the film, and Luftar Von Rama, who served as editor for the visual effects.

They provided a lot of great insights into how they worked on this film and other projects, so naturally my interest rose even more.

I’m glad I finally did see it, as not only is Da 5 Bloods one of the best films of 2020, it’s also one of Lee’s best films period and a worthy follow-up to BlacKkKlansman.

The social commentary is right-on point and feels like it was written not too long ago, and I definitely mean that as a compliment.

Referring back to the first two minute swonderfully edited by Vozzolo, they establish what messages to expect perfectly by showing archival footage, including interviews from well-known civil rights advocates, protests, and of course footage of the war taken overseas. It’s horrifying given the implications, but also beautiful given the craftsmanship on display.

The editing after that by Adam Gough is also excellent, cutting to the right camera angle when the scene calls for it.

Longtime Lee composer Terrance Blanchard’s score is also amazing, and may be his best one yet.

Speaking of music and social commentary, the film also features an assortmentof Marvin Gaye songs, with an a cappella rendition of “What’s Going On” standing out in particular. When you take out the otherwise upbeat-sounding instrumentals and listen solely to the lyrics, it’s actually very somber to hear “Brother, brother, brother, there’s too many of you dying,”“war is not the answer.” or “don’t punish me with brutality.”

All of this ties into the themes superbly.

Delroy Lindo gives one of the best performances of the last year as Paul. Hisc haracter is definitely the one most affected by PTSD (something he himself admits in one scene), disillusioned by how America failed to honor the Black men who served in a war the country should’ve never got into.

He’s paranoid, often moody, and sometimesjust plain hostile to those around him, even to his own son, played by Jonathan Majors. That being said however, he’s by far the most interesting member of the group.

Other cast members who deliver strong work include Clarke Peters, Majors, and Boseman, the last of which isn’t in the film too much, but still plays a major part in the story, andwhenever he is on screen, he definitely owns every scene he’s in. Rest in Power.

One other thing worth pointing out is that the film is very violent, and is probably not for the faint of heart. It may be Lee’s most violent film since Summer of Sam o rMiracle at St. Anna (the latter film actually has a couple thematic similarities to this and I recommend checking both out as well).

Sure the action sequences are expectedly bloody for a hard-R film, not to mention very well done, but the most disturbing part is,once again referring to the archive footage, is that some of the gorier scenes were real.

When you realize that, it can be a bit hard to watch, but it’s warranted given the importance of the message, especially being given this high amount of energy and passion.

Da 5 Bloods is funny, shocking, sad, intense, and nothing short of spectacular. It’s beyond me why this was only nominated for Best Original Score at the Oscars (even though Blanchard’s score was great), but the film is skillfully directed, impeccably acted, and in time will be seen as an important masterpiece.

 

 

Campus Life, Home Page Featured News

Virtual events help students stay connected

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Northern Essex Community College has held numerous virtual events ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak last March. Planned events like this allow the NECC community to feel togetherness, even when classes are remote. Virtual events have been orchestrated for a little over a year now by the Coordinator of Student Activities, Stephanie Haskell. It is extremely important for her, and the entire community of NECC, to allow students to have events that keep them in the loop with each other.

Along with many other themed virtual events, the college will be hosting a Trivia Night on May 3. Although the theme for this night is currently a secret, it is sure to be a fun event that everyone will enjoy. All members of the community are encouraged to participate in this event. Trivia Night is a competition with other community colleges in the area. All members of the NECC community can be a part of this fun event and many other events via Zoom. Any and all students and faculty members are welcome to join with a super simple signup through link.

Trivia Night is a collaborative event where members of NECC go against numerous other community colleges from places like Mass., R.I., and N.H.. The Board of Student Activities has received many good reviews about the virtual events, like Trivia Night,  that have gone on the past year. ‘Our students love Trivia Night and have told me so. It’s fun because in-between rounds we put all the students from all of the community colleges into smaller breakout rooms and they get to meet and talk with other community college students… I think students like winning prizes too as well as bragging rights. One of the months we won overall out of the 17 community colleges that are invited to participate’ says Stephanie Haskell.

Despite more and more COVID-19 vaccinations being distributed, there are still many people who want to stay inside to ensure the safety of themselves and the people around them. There is no better way to stay inside and entertained, but still feel connected to the members of your community. Stephanie says, ‘I know personally how hard it is to be stuck in the house so providing a fun outlet is worth the time and energy for our students to have some fun and meet other students’. Events like Trivia Night are perfect for current and past students, faculty, and family members!

As the weather is getting nicer, the Board of Student Activities did plan less events for the springtime. This allowed many other clubs to plan virtual events for the community to attend. But there are plans for more exciting virtual events this upcoming summer. ‘I plan to host virtual events this summer… I hope that once more vaccines are administered we will be able to host more on campus for students but I have not gotten approval to do so yet from the college’ says Stephanie. The semester is nearing an end, but there are still plenty of events to look forward to from NECC.

COVID-19 vaccinations are constantly becoming available for more people throughout the states. The CDC is still advising people who have or have not not gotten vaccinated to ‘avoid crowds and stay six feet away from others’. For members of the community who are trying to stay socially distant and inside, events like this one are the perfect plan. NECC not only offers virtual Trivia Night, but also virtual escape rooms, virtual movie nights, and more! This event can be found easily on the Northern Essex Community College website, along with all the other events!

It can be difficult to feel connected with the community with everything going on in the world, but connecting with other students and participating in fun events like Trivia Night definitely helps! To participate in Trivia Night on May 3, hit this link. The organizers of this event would be more than excited to answer any questions you may have as well. For inquiries, feel free to contact the Coordinator of Student Activities, Stephanie Haskell, at shaskell@necc.mass.edu.

Along with the upcoming Trivia Night, there are many more fun opportunities for NECC students to get involved. One of those being the Community College Spring Virtual Festival that includes five music variety acts and prizes! This event will be hosted on May 5 and 6th from  6 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Zoom. Register with your NECC email here.

The Community Outreach Group will also host a Game of Thrones virtual trivia event on April 30 from 7 to 8 p.m.

According to email from COG, “in addition to being crowned the ultimate victor, you can benefit The National Alliance on Mental Illness in Massachusetts. www.namimass.org.” There will be prizes for best thematic dress and for the winner of the trivia contest. Zoom address: https://zoom.us/j/95143555455
Passcode: 755024

Contact Gage Prezioso at 00320591@student.necc.edu or Meredith Gunning at mgunning@necc.mass.edu for additional questions about the COG trivia night.

 

Home Page News Bytes, News, Uncategorized

The ups and downs of online learning

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It has been a full year since Northern Essex Community College made the shift towards online learning to fit the regulations of Covid-19.

Even though there has always been an option to participate in virtual classes, this is an entire new take on the idea. There are zoom meetings, and some professors even offer a one on one meeting time in case a student is havin gtrouble in their course.

Each student at Northern Essex Community college is handling the shift in a different way. Some are thriving, and others are struggling to keep up with deadlines.

Here is a take from a second and third year student at Northern Essex Community College.The covid-19 pandemic has placed a hold on the future of multiple students.

Second yearstudent Clara Petry (environmental science major) has had a lot of ups and downs with thet ransition to online education.

The shift to online school was abrupt, and brought on challenges and experience that she did not expect.

“While I was originally planning on spending a third year at NECC, I will now be transferring to UMass Lowell in the fall. I don’t think I can handle aanother semester of online courses. Most of the courses I need are science ones, which would b etoo challenging to take online,” she said.

After being asked if she believes online school pushes the limits for being overly challenging, her response was “I think so. Especially the tests I’ve had to take. It is harder to know what to expect on the online tests because there is a bigger workload and Ibasically have to teach myself from the book.”

This is another reason why Petry prefers taking courses in person, “Online classes come with more work, and I do not feel as engaged in what  Iam learning as I would in person, especially with the science classes I have to take,” she said.

Once this student has completed a full year of online school, she has learned a few things from this experience.

“Before the pandemic, I probably would have thought that an online class would be easier and less time consuming,” she said.

She also noted that there was one pro of online school despitethe drastic change it had on her plans and learning style. “One of the pros of online school is that you can create your own schedule of when you will study and work. That is one thing I will miss about the pandemic when I may be taking early morning classes in the future,” she said.

Overall, the experience of online learning for this particular student was overwhelming and not something she would have thought she had to do at this point of her educational career.

The experience was different for third year Design major, Marie Huges.

“Virtual learninghas helped me so much. But for future plans, I have no idea. I would take more classes on film ifI could, but I have no idea for a job since the pandemic is still in our hands,” she said.

Attached with online learning comes the opportunity for zoom meetings. They can be great things for students,but also cause anxiety for others.

“I, and maybe some other people do not have zoom meetings except I have ones on Tuesday for animation. If the professor records the link, then I learn better during the meeting because I tend to zone out,” she said.

A new take on education being held virtually is the idea that it is helpful and positive.

“I focus better if I just do the work and read and watch lectures rather than a teacher telling me the lecture and not remembering it. It’s quick and easy for me, even in troubling times,” Huges said.

There has been a lot of speculation over the past year of the effect that the pandemic had on virtual learning.

Some believe that if they had to do it under any other circumstance, it would have been a better experience.

“I think it’s the same experience as this one. My ex took an online astrology class and he was getting everything done without following the exact schedule. I have never taken any online classes back then, but now I do know what they are like,” Huges said. 

It is impossible to summarize what the change to online school is like for every singlestudent at Northern Essex Community College.

At the end of the day, the lives of students have been changed due to the shift, and not one person has a similar viewpoint on the subject matter.Even though the two students, Clara Petry and Marie Huges have different experiences withonline courses, it’s important to recognize the pros/cons of it, and how students have been affected

Opinion, Slider

Not too young to have a race

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The conversation of race is a difficult one.

It is near impossible to engage in one without an element of pain or discomfort. It often requires the participants to show a high level of vulnerability. With the growing publicity and tension over police brutality and institutional racism, it is a thought that has crossed most minds. And for some, it is simply a reminder of their everyday struggles.

Sometimes, that regular reminder involves children as well. It is a common reality of black families and other people of color to educate their youth on discrimination. Children are taught to be polite, to avoid situations, to act appropriately with authority; however, in families of color, these lessons are enforced and emphasized because of their race.

It is a wildly disconnecting perspective to recall that about 60% of Americans have white privilege, and therefore typically don’t go out of their way to address the impactful conversation. In fact, some attitudes encourage avoiding the conversation as long as possible.

Are we able to maintain that innocence in children? If children of color are old enough to experience racism, aren’t they old enough to be given better understandings of it? And if children of color can acknowledge its role in their lives, can’t children of white families also understand themselves and their peers better than we give credit for?

In my personal experience working with youth on various topics in presentation formats, there have been more than one occasion where there have been chills and tears. There are few things more profoundly eye-opening than an ‘innocent’ child’s struggles.

One activity I’ve facilitated more times than I can count is called “Crossing the Line.” A silent activity in which students take a step over a line if a statement read aloud applies to them.

To witness an entire class of kids step together in silence upon hearing, “If you have ever been discriminated against because of a group you belong to,” takes the words from your lips.

I surely wish we lived in a society that didn’t add such a negative aspect to children’s lives. And to confront such tear-jerking things certainly feels negative. On the contrary, It is the most positive thing one can do for that child’s reality.

Dismissal to a kid’s perspective won’t dismiss the world’s.

Across America, the message Speak Up has rippled across all victims who have been disadvantaged and discriminated against by our nation. Whether it’s a little sibling, a cousin, a child, a friend… let their voice be heard as well. The voice that acknowledges insults, bullying, and differences in treatment.

Let those young minds know their experiences are valid. That if anything, the acknowledgement of hate and hurt should lead to empathy, compassion, and healing.

As we advocate for the stories of people of color, remember to include the next generation into the conversation. Not only can it help us break the perpetuating cycles of malice and racism, but it can give life to a fundamental understanding of its effects on all individuals involved–and most importantly how to reverse those effects.

The conversation of race is a difficult one because of the pain. But willing it away won’t protect our kids from the harm of racism. The best hope is to fight hate with love. To prevent the internalization of discrimination. To fight ignorance with education.

 

 

Home Page Featured News, News

Speechapalooza 2021: Coming to a screen near you

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Northern Essex Community College’s 7th annual Speechapalooza event will be held virtually for the second year in a row due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It will be held over a span of three days, April 30, May 1, and May 2 on YouTube @ https://youtu.be/3x4ccIZPVJk.

Speechapalooza was created in 2015 and sponsored by NECC’s Liberal Arts: Communications/Journalism Program and continues to be organized by students enrolled in Principles of Public Relations (COM113).

Since its debut, the event has celebrated student speakers involved in Public Speaking or Public Presentation-intensive classes.

The students prepare and give speeches about a variety of topics to a wide audience.

Last year’s Speechapalooza was in the midst of planning when the pandemic hit, so students had to shift gears to keep the event alive.

They were also able to tie in fundraising for NECC’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund which is planned for this year’s event as well. Speech submissions are currently being accepted for review until April 19.

If you are interested in taking part of SPEECHAPALOOZA 2021: VIRTUAL VOICES, please send a video of you performing your 5-10 minute speech to speechapalooza2021@gmail.com.

Features, Slider

Celebrating Earth Day

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With Earth Day here on April 22, many people celebrating. Personally, I think that every day should be celebrated like Earth Day, because it’s not like the Earth only comes around once a year! However, let’s look at some ways that NECC students can celebrate this year in person, and remotely.

Sadly, due to the pandemic there are more virtual celebrations rather than in-person, but that isn’t stopping you from masking up and stepping outside!

Some ways to celebrate this year could be to clean up some town or state parks that may be close by.

There are many state parks in the surrounding towns that definitely are in need of some TLC this time of year. There is a state park in Newburyport that you and some friends could visit for a hike and try picking up some trash you find along the way! If trees aren’t really your style there is also Salisbury, Seabrook, or Hampton beach that are very nice to visit and in between some trash grabbing there are also some huge shells to find.

These beaches are about a 20 minute drive from the Haverhill campus, and the Maudslay State Park in Newburyport is about 15 minutes away.

There are virtual celebrations all across the nation that can be found online, too. But if celebrating in your house on your computer isn’t really your thing, then you could always set up a zoom meeting with your friends and start planting some flowers or vegetables in the comfort of your own home or backyard. Personally, I think that I might reach out to some of my friends that go to NECC and set something like that up.

There are also ways to celebrate Earth Day all year long. Some ways to celebrate or just be more environmentally conscious overall could be to start recycling more. Yes, your household may already recycle, but do you wash your cans out before putting them in the bin or did you know that the plastic tops on water bottles cannot be recycled? There is always more room for growth and learning.

Some other ways to recycle are to make DIY’s out of the things you recycle. For example, the individual egg holders in egg cartons are great for propagating a plant or starting a new one altogether, or a painted vegie can make a great pencil holder or a pot for a plant. You could also start using reusable water bottles instead of the plastic ones, or if you are using the plastic water bottles you can refill them a few times before recycling, instead of just letting them pile up in your room until your mom finds out. There are recycling bins that can also be found all over the campuses, so be diligent in what you’re throwing away.

Celebrating Earth day for the 51st year in 2021 is going to be different than the 49 years before the pandemic; however, there isn’t a wrong way to spread awareness of how we’re affecting the environment or little ways we can help. Unless it is violent awareness. Then chances are it’ll be a wrong way to spread awareness. Stay safe this Earth Day, mask up and spread awareness.

 

Campus Life, Home Page Featured News

Spreading Alzheimer’s awareness in the community

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The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with NECC to spread awareness about Alzheimers.

The association is inviting NECC, students and their families to participate in an event called, “Know The 10 Signs of Alzheimers.”

The event will be held over a webinar and will be hosted both in Spanish and in English. The event for Spanish speakers will take place during the 26th of April at 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The event for English speakers will take place during the 27th of April at the same time.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers many other services.

Leonor Buitrago, an employee who works for the association says, “We offer educational talks in Spanish about the disease and about care in the different stages of the disease.”

The association also offers support groups, family consultation services, and many more services as Leonor Buitrago told me.

Caroline Hamilton who is studying psychology at NECC, says that she hasn’t given Alzheimer’s much thought since her family doesn’t have any genetic predispositions to it.

However she did say, “I think the public should be well informed on these types of issues.” She added that it was important to understand those issues and the challenges faced by those who have Azlheimers.

Sarah Sanford, another student who is majoring in writing at NECC says that NECC could benefit from events like this to help themselves out and their family members. “I think NECC should have more events like this,” she added.

Home Page Featured News, News

Students react to NH’s mask mandate being lifted, NECC officials share school’s plans for fall

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As of April 15, New Hampshire no longer mandates that residents wear masks in public places. While the state has lifted the mandate, NH Governor Chris Sununu said he still encourages people to wear a mask.

“A state mandate does not have to be in place for us to know that wearing face covering when we’re unable to maintain social distancing is just a good idea,” said Sununu. “It’s recommended by public health.” Sununu said this doesn’t stop towns, cities and businesses from requiring it on their own.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. Since November 2020, Massachusetts has made masks required in all public places; even where social distancing is possible.

After hearing about the NH mask mandate being lifted, some NECC students wanted to share their opinions.

“Obviously, it won’t be safe to stop wearing a mask next week,” said Zoey Lauria. Lauria is a New Hampshire resident that graduated with an Associate’s in Science Biology from NECC in December 2020. Now, she works in the STEM department while continuing her degree at UMass Lowell.

Lauria said she’s concerned about the message this sends to the population. “People who previously doubted masks will probably point to the lifting of the mandate as justification for not wearing them in public,” she said.

She said she worries it may give people a “bit of false hope” about the state of the pandemic, and that at this time, lifting the mandate is ”totally inappropriate.”

Yamina Valdez, a Mass. resident and Journalism and Communication major at NECC, said that she probably won’t wear a mask while shopping in NH. “If they don’t mandate it, I won’t wear one,” she said.

Valdez said that she wonders why so many people are getting sick and dying despite mask mandates being in place. “I feel that it’s not too soon (to lift the mandate),” she said. “People should have a choice.”

The CDC recommends wearing masks to prevent the spread of covid-19.

Zachary Cutter, a Mass. resident and Journalism/ Communications major was concise. About vaccines and mask wearing, he said, “look, just go ask your doctor at the end of the day.”

At NECC, masks will remain mandatory. “There’s no plan to get rid of the mask mandate at any time in the next year,” said Audrey Ellis, Director of Student Success Management.

Currently, it is not required for students to have to be vaccinated in order to attend in the fall.

“At this time, I am not anticipating a requirement for students to have been vaccinated to come to campus,” said Bill Heineman on March 29. Heineman is VP of Academic and Student Affairs. However, Heneman noted that “it’s not impossible” for the vaccine to be required at some point. He said he strongly encourages people to get the vaccine because it will “enhance the safety and health of everyone you come into contact with on campus.”

On April 20 the presidents of the state’s 15 community college, through the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges, released a statement saying vaccines would not be mandatory at Massachusetts community colleges in the fall.

“…. the community colleges are not contemplating COVID-19 vaccine mandates at this time,” the statement said. “ It is essential that we meet the needs of all of our students, who are often from the communities hit hardest by this pandemic and facing disproportionate access to the COVID-19 vaccine. And now, it is more important than ever to prioritize equity, and creating additional barriers for our students would go against our critically important mission of open access for all. “