In light of the Emerald’s anti-sexual violence PSA released on May 12, we at the Siren Magazine, the only feminist publication on campus, feel the need to share our thoughts regarding the video and its implications.

Putting an end to sexual violence requires a radical rethinking of societal institutions and norms; it is not as simple as proclaiming, “Let’s all learn to respect each other,” and proceeding to dance in the streets, as the Emerald staff members do in the PSA. The portrayal of sexual violence as an issue capable of being remedied by little more than respect and positive attitudes is reductive — and rather insensitive. Sexual violence is nothing to dance about, to sing about, or to make more accessible through humor. It is a serious problem and should be treated as such. That said, we feel that this aspect of the video belittles the gravity of survivors’ situations, as well as the efforts of so many students and activists to bring an end to this epidemic.

In addition, we wholeheartedly object to the video’s final image, in which the words “EXPECT MORE” appear on the screen. This message implies that we, as survivors and potential victims, do not expect enough respect from our peers, when the real issue is that our peers, whether intentionally or not, are committing acts of sexual violence. One could hope for a mountain of respect from whomever they encounter, but expectations — as so many survivors know — have little to no effect on perpetrators who are determined to get their way. Essentially, the message encourages survivors and at-risk students to “expect more” respect, rather than encouraging potential perpetrators to give more respect, and this is a subtle form of victim-blaming — an issue that has been especially prominent during recent events.

We at the Siren and the Women’s Center understand that the PSA was conceived with the best intentions in mind. We appreciate your efforts to shed light on an important health issue, and we agree with your assertion that all students should be able to enjoy an environment free of sexual violence and harassment. That being said, we hope the Emerald will seek out and consider the input of Women’s Center staff in the publication’s next endeavor to focus on an issue like this.

Conner Gordon, a 21-year-old senior and journalism student from Mountain View, California, has a promising vision for the future of the media industry. Like many others, he noticed that the deficiency in jobs has led to desperate students eagerly working for free. What separates him from the others, though, is that he plans to do something about this.

“I want to establish an outlet for students to get paid for their hard work, which is often professional quality,” Gordon said. “What this platform actually looks like is yet to be decided, but I will tirelessly work to improve and enhance journalism opportunities for young professionals.”

There’s no doubt Gordon will do just that. His passion and dedication are evident through his success with nearly every campus group he has been involved with.

He is the editor-in-chief of Ethos Magazine, where he recently helped fundraise $6,000 for its multilingual anniversary issue; the publisher of Oregon Pit Crew Media, where he helped the group blossom into an entity with ties to Nike and other corporate sponsors; an executive chair of Envision Media’s board of directors, where he helped to raise $7,000 for an upcoming campus block party; and the founder, director and play-by-play commentator of Oregon Club Hockey’s Broadcast Department, where he fundraised $10,000 for equipment. He is also in charge of media operations at Lane United Football Club.

It’s no miracle that he has time for all this and is still able to play soccer and spend time with his girlfriend. He admitted that he tends to put school on the back burner, as he feels that real-world experience is more important.

After graduation, Gordon hopes to combine that entrepreneurial spirit with his knowledge of journalism, and share those skills with other young, aspiring journalists.

“College is an opportunity for discovery, passion and initiative,” Gordon said. “I want to ensure that the brightest students have the chance to pursue their wildest dreams, as these dreams may become the cornerstone of a fresh and diverse job market in the future.”

Gordon shows immense gratitude for the opportunities that have allowed him to bring some of his ideas and goals to life, as well as the people he has met along the way.

“I have made relationships that will transcend geographic separation after we part ways this summer, and I have had the honor of collaborating with some of the most brilliant young minds in this country,” he said.

Aside from his vision of an improved job market for future generations of media professionals, Gordon holds a couple personal and shorter-term goals for himself. In respect to a former dream he once had — to play soccer professionally — he hopes to executive produce live broadcasts in the sports industry, preferably focused on soccer.

The advice that Gordon would offer to incoming freshman interested in pursuing a career in media is to start early. He emphasizes that because he spent his first three years at UO figuring out his major. He said he wishes he was able to spend more of time at the journalism school; however, he wouldn’t change his experience here for the world.

Talia Davis, a 21-year-old political science major and history minor from Portland, has dirty blonde hair, a contagious laugh and a generous spirit. But those aren’t the reasons why she was nominated multiple times as one of the 25 Ducks that will change the world.

She is involved with several groups on campus, including the African Dance Team, the ASUO’s executive staff and Quack PAC, a local branch of a national organization that focuses on political activism and foreign policy in the Middle East. She helped initiate Quack PAC two years ago with an ultimate goal in mind: to create peace in Israel.

Davis discovered her interest in political activism and Israel when she was a senior at Grant High School. Her friend pressured her to tag along on a trip to Washington D.C. for a conference, which she initially turned down. After some persuasion she gave in, went to the conference and ended up falling in love with the idea of making a difference in the lives of those who need it.

Davis, along with other members of the Quack PAC, travel to D.C. every few months to meet with public speakers, journalists, novelists, congressman and other prominent figures to discuss foreign policy and the ongoing issues in Israel. The goal of these trips is to build relationships with people who share the same vision.

“I believe that people who are leaders now will be in leadership roles in the future,” Davis said. “So it is important for them to be involved in what’s going on in the world.”

Last December, she was even able to go to Israel and experience the country first-hand.

“I have had many discussions with Talia about her own peace plan in the Middle East,” said Rachel Brehm, Davis’ friend and fellow Quack PAC member. “Many believe that the conflict is unsolvable, but Talia’s faith and determination bring hope to those around her.”

That passion that drives Davis to do what she does every day comes partially from her Jewish roots, as well as her love for helping others. She attributes some of that to her parents, a doctor and nurse who instilled these values in Davis as she was growing up.

When she’s not traveling to D.C. or going to ASUO meetings, she loves spending time outside with her friends and participating in Oregon Hillel, a group for Jewish students.

After graduation, she would love to move to D.C. to look for additional opportunities for political involvement or even Israel where she could work for the government.

Age: 20
Year: Junior
Major: Advertising

Jocelyn is captain of the Oregon cheer and stunt team and holds herself to a high standard as a member of UO Athletics.

What is your dream job?

Stand up comedian. Making people laugh for a living would have to be one of the most rewarding jobs of all times.

Why are you at the UO?

I came to the University of Oregon originally so I could major in product design. I’ve since then changed my major, but I’m still so in love with the atmosphere and our campus. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else.

How do you want to change the world?

I want to change the world by doing at least one thing a day that betters the environment around me. I believe one small act can lead to another, and then another. I want to be the beginning of the chain reactions that change our world.

What has been the best part of your college experience?

I’d definitely have to say cheering at the Rose Bowl was one of my favorite college experiences. The feeling when we won and everyone rushed the field was amazing, I’ll never forget it.

What are you proud to have been a part of at UO?

I’m very proud to be a part of the school’s cheerleading team and a member of my sorority, Chi Omega. Both programs have taught me so much about myself, and given the opportunity to reach out and help my community. I’m very grateful for the experiences and friendships I’ve made through both of them.

What are some of your goals after you earn your degree?

Once I earn my degree I want to travel. I feel like traveling to new places helps to build a well-rounded person. After that I hope to use all of my experiences and knowledge at a job that I love and that I’m passionate about.

The following endorsement was written by supporters of the Ducks Like You campaign.

Many of you may be confused as to why Ducks Like You is still out there talking to you about the ASUO elections. Since no campaign received more than 50 percent during the primary election, a second week of elections will determine winners where everyone will have the chance to vote again. We should all take a critical look for round two and decide on the best candidate(s).

On campus, Beatriz Gutierrez is the co-director of the university’s Multicultural Center. The MCC is one of the biggest programs that organizes events for the UO and greater community on a weekly basis. With a student staff of about 12, it is her responsibility to demonstrate strong leadership skills to ensure that work is being done in the safest of environments. Off campus, she is the co-chair of a statewide board, the Oregon Students of Color Coalition. The OSCC organizes around issues of higher education that students face in the entire state of Oregon. She was a leader in the effort that placed a cap on tuition for this and next year. Beatriz far exceeds budget experience — her effortless leadership will not only bridge campus communities, but will also redefine what it means to be an ASUO leader.

Tran Dinh, Ducks Like You’s first VP candidate, is an international student from Vietnam. She has helped bridge the international and domestic community by serving as executive on the Vietnamese Student Association. In addition, she is involved with the MCC as an outreach coordinator and works at the ASUO Women’s Center as the visual coordinator. She has been instrumental in the planning of the Out/Loud Queer Music Festival, Take Back the Night and the northwest’s very first ADPIA conference to be held here at the University of Oregon. Her notable leadership experience and skills embody what an ASUO leader should be.

Patrick Kindred, Ducks Like You’s second VP candidate, has an impressive leadership background as well. He is one of the founders of the UO chapter of AΦA fraternity. As a former foster child himself, Patrick authored a bill in the Oregon Legislature creating greater protections for the state’s foster children. He is part of the OFYC legislation team, a curriculum specialist for Pipeline 2 Higher Learning and an Oregon representative of Foster Youth Action Network. Patrick’s passion, strong work ethic and vision for a better UO and greater Oregon community will take ASUO where it needs to be.

Mighty Oregon’s presidential candidate, Taylor Allison is currently on ASUO senate serving as PFC (Program Finance Committee) Chair, as well as a member of Pi Phi. It is PFC’s responsibility to lead the budgeting process for all ASUO recognized programs on campus. According to her platform she claims she will promote program growth, yet she failed to actually do this during this academic year’s budget process, and consistently did the opposite. Although the budget process is more complicated this year, given the 3.5 percent cap, ASUO needs people that understand the other side.

All of the DLY candidates — Beatriz, Tran and Patrick — have been on the opposite side of the table from Allison, defending the programs they care for so deeply, expounding the merits of programs and the community that they foster. DLY candidates are students with strong leadership skills that understand how to make creative, exciting, tough, yet real decisions. They are already making history as the very first all students of color running executive team and first women of color presidential candidate. We need REAL students, not politicians. 

Respectfully,

Ashley Needham, Safe Ride Volunteer Coordinator

Juan Rivera, UO Active Minds President

Eden ONeil, Hall Government Programming Coordinator

Kevin Dobyns, Safe Ride Co-Director of Finance

Quang Truong, MCC Co-Director

Alivia M. Feliciano, ASUO Senator, Seat 13

Monquize Dusseau, UO Ambassador

Katie Dunn, ASUO Women’s Center Events Coordinator

Elizabeth Luh, MCC Chair of the Board of Directors

Hailey Chamberlain, Safe Ride Volunteer Coordinator

Ian Rinehart, ASUO Men’s Center Intern

Editors Note: If you would like to submit a guest viewpoint or letter to the editor, email Emerald opinion editor Andrea Harvey at andreah@dailyemerald.com. Please keep guest viewpoints under 750 words, and letters to the editor under 500 words.

It’s not uncommon to find products at your local market made with hemp. Yes, hemp cereal and hemp lotion are actually made with cannabis.

But don’t get too excited because this type of cannabis won’t get you high. Hemp and marijuana are different varieties of the same species, cannabis sativa.

Marijuana is the variety of cannabis that carries high levels of THC, the chemical that causes psychoactive effects when consumed. Hemp, on the other hand, carries very low levels of THC (typically less than 1 percent) and is instead cultivated for its immensely versatile seeds, oil and fiber. Hemp is said to harbor several health and environmental benefits, which is why it is often used in food, body care products, clothing and more.

Because of the misunderstandings that have resulted from lack of sufficient research on the cultivation of hemp and marijuana, it is illegal to grow in most states.

Only nine states in the U.S. allow farmers to grow hemp under strict conditions — including California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Oregon. These states’ policies differ, but typically include requiring state licensing to grow hemp, legally redefining industrial hemp and promoting research and development of markets for industrial hemp.

Just recently in February, President Obama signed a Farm Bill, legalizing the production of hemp for research purposes in these states, according to a press release by the Vote Hemp organization.

Hemp is a plant with many uses, giving it the potential to become a powerful cash crop. Its seeds have high amounts of protein and two essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6 — making them comparable to sunflower seeds.

They can be used whole in foods such as granola or corn chips, crushed to extract the oil for sauces or personal care products, or even turned into a powder used for baking or protein drinks. If it is ever produced in mass amounts, it also has the potential to be used paints, solvents, binders, polymer plastics and other products containing oil.

The hemp stalk is incredibly versatile as well. Prized for its strong fibers, it can be used for everything from clothing and paper to animal bedding and house insulation.

In Eugene, there are several places you can go to shop for hemp products. The closest to campus is Jambo World Crafts, near the corner of 13th Avenue and Alder Street. This store offers many options for hemp products, including lotion, clothes, purses, jewelry and more, said Taunia Reed, a Jambo employee.

Another great place is the Saturday Market on the corner of Broadway and Oak Street, which has several vendors that sell all sorts of hemp products. For hemp food products, check out your local natural foods market.

You may remember making hemp friendship bracelets in middle school, but little did you know that one day people will be fighting to use this same plant as a natural replacement for fossil fuels. The full potential of hemp has yet to be unleashed, but there’s no doubt that this cash crop could be revolutionary.

Want more weed? Here are other Emerald stories about the green.

Why a weed issue?

Let’s clear the smoke an introduction to the Emerald’s weed issue

What do you people actually think about pot?

Weed Diaries

Getting high:

The effects of marijuana on your brain

Eugene baker Sharon Cohen makes strides in hemp food market

More than smoke, edibles offer a different marijuana experience

What is your preferred method of flight?

Dank or Schwag: Do G13, Matanuska Thunder Fuck or Peter Danklage disappoint?

Anatomy of a bong

High activities:

Altered states transform ordinary games into memorable highs

Tichenor: You think ‘Harold and Kumar’ is about weed? Think again.

Playlist: Songs to get high to

This is what happens when you listen to Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ while stoned

The legal stuff:

Is it time for Oregon to legalize marijuana?

Getting caught with marijuana on campus can have consequences

Medicinal use:

Eugene’s newest medical marijuana dispensary Oregon Medigreen brings patients relief

Eugene’s Elvy Musikka is one of only four recipients of federal medical marijuana for Glaucoma

Strict medical marijuana restrictions may hinder those in need

As spring blossoms in Oregon, so do many vegetables, fruits and berries on the plush soils of local farms in Lane County. If you want the assurance that you’re purchasing the very best produce, it has to be local and in season. Luckily for Eugene residents, access to those fresh fruits and veggies is easily attainable.

Some vegetables that are in season during April include asparagus, which lasts until June, and lettuce, which lasts until October. In May, radishes and salad greens last until November, as well as strawberries, which are in season until August. Mushrooms, potatoes and apples can be grown locally year round. A full calendar of seasonal produce can be found on OregonFresh.net.

But it’s not enough to know which fruits and veggies are in season. You also need to know where to buy them. More often than not, your local bargain or chain grocery store won’t sell the same quality of produce that a natural market or farm stand would.

Believe it or not, there are several farm stands in Eugene. A full directory can easily be accessed on MyOregonFarm.org.

The Lane County Farmer’s Market is an excellent place to purchase a variety of locally harvested products, as it hosts several vendors, including Oregon farmers selling fruits, veggies, berries and more fresh from their farm.

The Saturday Farmer’s Market starts on April 5, lasting until November 15, and will go on from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. downtown on the corner of 8th Avenue and Oak Street, said Carrie Swarts, the market manager. The Tuesday Farmer’s Market starts on May 3 and goes until October 28, at the same location from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The summer market starts starts on June 5, lasting until September 25, and is on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 295 East 5th Ave.. There is also a winter market, which just ended. In other words, there are more than plenty of opportunities to buy fresh produce from a farmer at nearly any time of the year, especially during the spring and summer.

As for natural markets, Capella Market is a great option for buying high-quality produce. Capella’s website explains that it has “a great relationship with Organically Grown Company, a Eugene-based regional wholesaler that purchases 90 percent of its produce directly from the organic farms that grow it.” It buys directly from local farms as well, especially during the peak growing season. The market is located on the corner of 25th Avenue and Willamette Street and open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Some other organic and natural foods markets include Sundance at 748 East 24th Ave., New Frontier Market at 1101 West 8th Ave. and Market of Choice on 1960 Franklin Blvd.

The sun is shining down on your shoulders, warming you and your friends as you sit on a blanket in the grass. You sway back and forth with an ice-cold beer in hand to the beats of your favorite band playing live 100 feet in front of you. The perfect weather. The perfect backdrop. The perfect group of friends and your favorite outfit. But to say this is a perfect moment would be an understatement.

For music lovers, attending a music festival is equivalent to a Disneyland trip as a child. For those with a love of fashion, it’s better than that. Some begin planning outfits months ahead of time. Part of the excitement comes from being able to wear pieces that might not cut it on a sunny day on campus.

Linnea Haas — an art student and a seasonal employee at Free People — has been to Outside Lands, Bumbershoot and What the Festival once and Sasquatch four times. She said she loves that the fashion at these festivals is wild and creative.

“People feel free to wear whatever they want,” Haas said. “(And they) really express themselves through what they wear.”

Music festival fashion can almost be considered its own style. When festival season hits in late April, you’ll find sections in clothing stores dedicated to these trends, including Urban Outfitters, Free People, Nasty Gal, ASOS and Forever 21. You might also want to check out some blogs such as Free People’s fashion blog or Travel Hymns — a music festival blog.

Haas said she noticed the same basic festival style at each one she attended — which includes trends like flower crowns, high-waisted shorts, bralettes and body paint. However, Haas said the differences lie mostly in the location.

“What I noticed was different between Sasquatch and Outside Lands was that Sasquatch had more of a bohemian, laid back and wild style, while Outside Lands had an edgier, sophisticated and more layered style because it takes place in the city,” Haas said. “Some of it has to do with the weather — Outside Lands was much colder than Sasquatch, so people pile on the layers.”

The type of music at the festival can also dictate what people wear. If it’s a country music festival, you’ll see cowboy boots and hats. If the festival is in the city, you’ll spot band t-shirts and sneakers. At an electronic music fest, you’ll swim in a sea of neon, fishnets, tutus and bare skin. The most popular music festivals cover a wide variety of genres.

These are where you’ll see most of the general festival fashion trends, including tasseled bags, colorful sundresses, unique sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and anything else that is a bit more adventurous than day-to-day summer wear.

When planning your outfits, think about how public the festival is. If it takes place in the city, where you might leave the festival grounds for a bit to go back to your hotel, it’s likely you’re going to be walking alongside the people who live and work in that city. You may not want to be hanging out in your bustier when they’re in professional work attire.

If your festival takes place in the great outdoors, where everyone is dressed similarly and your campground is just a 10 minute walk away, you’re golden. A festival in the city won’t pose the same threats to your clothing as a dusty or muddy festival might.

You’ll also want to find out how easily you’ll be able to go back and forth to your campsite. A few years back, Sasquatch forbade people from coming and going to their campsite throughout the day. Therefore, everyone had to pack their bags full of not only food, but layers of clothing as well because the temperature would typically plunge down from around the ’70s to the ’40s or ’50s. Due to that, you would either be freezing or forced to go back to your campsite and miss the rest of the performances.

While planning for an upcoming music festival or two, check out this guide to help you through the process of packing your bags.

Coachella // Coachella Valley, Calif. // April 11-13 and 18-20

The weather in the Coachella Valley next month is expected to rise to high 80s and low 90s, while dropping down around 50s at night, according to weather.com. This weather is pretty typical for this area.

Sasquatch! Music Festival  // The Gorge Amphitheater, Quincy, Wash. // May 23-25

Memorial Day weekend, the weather in the Gorge is warm during the day but cold at night. Since it’s the Pacific Northwest, you should prepare for rain.

What the Festival // White River Canyon, Ore. // June 19-20

According to those who attended the festival last year, the weather at White River Canyon is similar to desert weather, reaching 80s during the day, but dropping down to 50s at night. It can also be rainy sometimes, so prepare for that as well.

Electric Daisy Carnival // Las Vegas, Nev. // June 20-22

Nevada weather, especially during the summer, beats them all in terms of heat. Day temperatures have been known to rise up to 100 degrees or more, and at night it continues to stay warm in the low 70s, according to weatherchannel.com. This is pretty ideal for the fashion scene at electronic dance music festivals such as this one, but make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water.

Paradiso // The Gorge Amphitheater, Quincy, Wash. // June 27-28

The weather at the Gorge Amphitheater during summer is nothing short of perfect during the day. Temperatures linger in the mid 70s, typically warmer than Seattle, according to the festival’s website. At night the temperature can drop quite a bit, so an additional layer of clothing is advised.

Lollapalooza // Grant Park, Chicago, Ill. // Aug. 1-3

The summer weather here is typically hot and humid, but it’s not unusual for it to randomly start pouring down rain either. “Chicago weather is incredibly temperamental during the summer months. Because conditions can be so erratic, you’ll want to ensure you dress appropriately – don’t be fooled by cloudy or rainy conditions,” Travel Hymns blogger Tyler Thursby wrote in a post.

Outside Lands // Golden Gate Park, San Fransisco, Calif. // Aug. 8-10

“The average high during Outside Lands is just under 70s. The average low only dropping down to somewhere in the mid 50s. Make sure you bring an extra layer, especially if you’re the sit down and view it all in type,” said Thursby in a blog post.

Willamette Country Music Festival // Brownsville, Ore. // Aug. 15-17

The average high during August in Brownsville is in the low 80s, while the average low is in the upper 40s, so definitely prepare with an extra layer for night performances and camping.

MusicFestNW // Waterfront Park, Portland, Ore. // Aug. 16-17

Portland weather is similar to Eugene, only a bit colder and more rainy at times. The temperature lingers in the upper 70s in August, but often drops down to the 50s or 60s at night. Prepare for rain just in case.

Bumbershoot // Seattle, Wash. // Aug. 30-Sept. 1

Seattle’s summer weather averages at 75 degrees during the day, and around 57 degrees at night, according to the weatherchannel.com. And be sure to prepare for unexpected rain.

Kaleidoscope // Mt. Hood, Ore. // Sept. 19-21

The average high for this area during late summer is in the upper 70s, while the low is in the mid 50s. So be sure to prepare for the drop in temperature by carrying an extra layer of clothing with you. Also a precautionary rain jacket wouldn’t hurt.

Follow Andrea Harvey on Twitter @andrearharvey

Ellen Page came out on Valentine’s Day, shortly after Missouri’s Michael Sam. Both made national news.

When Page came out, she delivered a beautiful speech at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Time to Thrive Conference, hitting nearly every point that needed to be made about our culture and the LGBT community.

“If we took just five minutes to recognize each other’s beauty instead of attacking each other for our differences,” Page said. “That’s not hard.”

Her bravery was honorable, as well as the explosion of support that came from others in the entertainment industry. But the day I’m waiting for is the day that a celebrity can say they’re gay without making national news. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go.

The news has been filled with anti-gay events for the past few weeks — discriminative legislation the most disturbing. For a nation that just finished celebrating African-American History Month, honoring the hard work that some people put into the fight for civil rights in the U.S., it seems that some states really need to sort out their priorities.

The Arizona Legislature passed a measure a couple of weeks ago allowing business owners to assert their religious beliefs and refuse service to gays and others, according to the Associated Press. Similar religious protection legislation has been introduced in Ohio, Kansas, Mississippi, Idaho, South Dakota, Tennessee and Oklahoma, but Arizona’s plan is the only one that got this far. However, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed it.

“I strongly support religious freedom, but this bill is not about religious freedom. In my opinion, this is about legalized discrimination, and I cannot vote in support of this,” said Patricia Sloop, a legislator in Kansas who voted on a similar bill.

Now Oregon is looking into something similar. “Oregonians will have the opportunity in 2014 to protect religious freedom and individual conscience rights now and for future generations of Oregonians,” according to the Oregon Family Council’s November blog post.

It’s understandable that business owners should be able to choose what goes on with their business. They should have the right to act upon their religious beliefs, but not at the expense of the freedom of others. This is where they went wrong.

Thankfully, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has never supported such movements. In a legal filing on Feb. 20, Rosenblum said that she will not defend the state’s ban on gay marriage and argued that the ban “cannot withstand a federal constitutional challenge under any standard of review,” according to The Oregonian.

But it’s not just the U.S. that’s taking a couple steps back from the gay rights movement.

On an international scale, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda strengthened Africa’s anti-gay movement, signing into law a bill imposing harsh sentences for homosexual acts. A mob attacked gay people in a neighborhood in the capital of Nigeria, according to the New York Times.

Rachel Watkins, a photographer and writer from Lake Oswego and a member of the LGBT community, has been keeping up with these recent events and thinks we are walking down a dangerous path by bringing religion into politics.

“It’s a constant tug of war between religion and gay rights, what’s right to one may not be right to another, but you can’t deny people rights on your personal beliefs,” she said.

We took a step forward by allowing same-sex marriage in many states. However, if we let these measures pass, it will be another step back. How are these couples supposed to have their perfect wedding when businesses are allowed to refuse them the services they request? They wouldn’t be able to.

That being said, we need to stop mixing the two. Religion has no place in politics, especially if it’s advocating for discrimination of any kind.

“I’ve never met an atheist against marriage equality, and I think that’s really the defining argument,” Watkins said. “If people weren’t being told it was wrong, would they still believe it?”

If you’re a University of Oregon student who considers yourself a bit of a late night snacker on the weekends, you undoubtedly know of Uly’s Tacos, a tiny taco cart that serves one-of-a-kind tacos on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the corner of 13th Avenue and Kincaid Street.

Uly’s also has a location at 13th Avenue and Olive Street open during the same hours and a brand new restaurant and bar that opened four months ago at 124 NE Third St. in Gresham, Ore.

Uly’s Tacos was started in 2009 by UO graduate Keith Bisbee, who came up with the idea in an entrepreneurship class. “I thought people would want tacos after the bar,” Bisbee said. He learned to cook while growing up in Santa Rosa, Calif., watching his friends’ moms in the kitchen and named his business after a family friend.

“My favorite part is forming relationships with the regulars,” Bisbee said. “I’m thankful for everyone’s support. I love being a part of Eugene and plan to be for years to come.”

Despite the fact the taco carts offer fairly restricted menu options and only on three nights a week, Uly’s has been nothing short of a success, especially along the borderline of UO’s campus, where every nighttime restaurant’s weekend routine includes a rush of tipsy college kids and their friends.

The most popular order is the “Trifecta,” which includes “three tacos, one of each meat topped with onion, cilantro, cheese and sour cream,” according to their online menu. If you’re not that hungry, you can order one taco for just $2.50. Either way, you’ll be more than satisfied.

Tyler Jorgensen, UO sophomore math major, said he goes to Uly’s fairly often. “I like it because it’s a great late night snack and it has a unique taste.”

Of course, most college students would agree, which is why it was voted as this year’s Best Food Cart, as well as Best 2 a.m. Food. The only thing better than gorging on one of these delectable tacos — a perfectly proportioned combination of meat, veggies and toppings, cradled by two warm corn tortillas — is devouring one at 2 a.m. on your way back from the bar.

Long story short: If you haven’t tried Uly’s Tacos yet, you’re missing out.