POLITICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, NEWS Regis Highlander POLITICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE, NEWS Regis Highlander

Louisiana Gun Laws Give Young Adults Right To Carry

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

On February 28th, 2024 a bill was passed that allows Louisiana residents, 18 and older, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. It is the first bill of its kind that applies to people this young. This bill will allow people to carry guns under their clothing without a government-issued permit, having to be fingerprinted, or completing a firearm training class. Law enforcement and government officials say that this bill is needed for citizens to be able to protect themselves at all times against criminals. 

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

On February 28th, 2024 a bill was passed that allows Louisiana residents, 18 and older, to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. It is the first bill of its kind that applies to people this young. This bill will allow people to carry guns under their clothing without a government-issued permit, having to be fingerprinted, or completing a firearm training class. Law enforcement and government officials say that this bill is needed for citizens to be able to protect themselves at all times against criminals. 

Louisiana State Rep. Mike Johnson said, “People are getting raped, murdered, carjacked, and assaulted. A vote for this bill today gives the citizens of Louisiana the right to defend themselves.”

Although some may feel that this bill is providing safety, some would say that this bill is just making guns more accessible and will cause crime to increase.

Residents of Louisiana understand the intentions of this bill but say that there should still be certain requirements to getting a gun. One of these requirements is an older age.

Louisiana already has one of the highest rates of gun violence, so why should we allow for guns to be even more accessible? Personally, I see both sides of this argument. I understand wanting to protect yourself but I also see how this bill may pose more danger than good. For this bill to be safe and effective, I think that we should make the age requirement higher and that we should still have some sort of education about guns and gun violence. Without education, how are we ever supposed to change our high rates of gun violence?

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BUSINESS, CAMPUS LIFE, NEWS, OPINION, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander BUSINESS, CAMPUS LIFE, NEWS, OPINION, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee: A Social Movement Disguised as a Coffee Shop

By Madelynn Loring, Staff Manager

Colorado welcomed its first Bitty and Beau’s Coffee this past fall. While there are many coffee shops to choose from, Bitty and Beau’s, now open on Pearl Street in Boulder, stands out for a great reason: radical inclusivity. 

By Madelynn Loring, Staff Manager

Colorado welcomed its first Bitty and Beau’s Coffee this past fall. While there are many coffee shops to choose from, Bitty and Beau’s, now open on Pearl Street in Boulder, stands out for a great reason: radical inclusivity. 

Bitty and Beau’s is a coffee chain that started in North Carolina in 2016. Its founders, Amy and Ben Wright, created their coffee shop to combat a very real problem in our communities: over 80% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are unemployed, though the vast majority of them wish to work. Now with over 18 locations across the United States, including the shop in Boulder, Bitty and Beau’s coffee employs adults with I/DD in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Obviously, Bitty and Beau’s is amazing in terms of social justice, but when you are looking for a coffee shop, you are typically more concerned with the coffee, the snacks, and the ambiance. However, I am happy to report that Bitty and Beau’s Coffee exceed expectations on all marks. They offer a wide variety of drinks for coffee lovers, coffee haters, and everyone in between. There are plenty of alternative plant-based and lactose-free milk options as well. They also have a wide variety of tasty snacks to choose from, including cinnamon rolls and a fabulous rainbow bagel.

The best part about Bitty and Beau’s is the community vibes of the shop itself. It is a classy yet cozy spot with plenty of tables and outlets, perfect for study sessions or remote work. The workers, however, are what makes Bitty and Beau’s Coffee the place to be. The customer service is top tier, and you can tell that every drink is made with love. 

One thing to note is that the calling system is a little bit different at Bitty and Beau’s coffee. To make the work accessible to everyone, they use a playing card system to call out when things are ready for pickup. When you order, you receive a laminated playing card. Then when your drink is ready, they will call out the playing card associated with your order. While it is unusual, it is a fun and easy way to pick up your drink (that also protects your privacy.)

Overall, I cannot recommend Bitty and Beau’s Coffee enough. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat or coffee drink that you can feel good about, swing by Bitty and Beau’s Coffee at 1468 Pearl St. Ste 120 in Boulder.

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POLITICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander POLITICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander

Alexei Navalny: An Exceptional Leader

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, scholar, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner. Navalny was Vladimir Putin's main competition for President of Russia. Navalny displayed anti-government demonstrations throughout all of his campaign. Navalny exposed those who were in power that were corrupting his country.. Nalvany was a voice for those scared to speak up against their leader. He was unique in the way that he brought all political views together. Liberal, conservatives, and nationalists, all wanted to feel safe and trust their leader and Navalny would give this to them.

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader, lawyer, scholar, anti-corruption activist, and political prisoner. Navalny was Vladimir Putin's main competition for President of Russia. Navalny displayed anti-government demonstrations throughout all of his campaign. Navalny exposed those who were in power that were corrupting his country. Nalvany was a voice for those scared to speak up against their leader. He was unique in the way that he brought all political views together. Liberal, conservatives, and nationalists, all wanted to feel safe and trust their leader and Navalny would give this to them.

Navalny was an exceptional leader who made his way to the top of European politics with his bravery, charisma and fight for his people. What made Navalny special was that he was a human, a man, and wanted to be seen that way, and not seen as a politician. Vladimir Putin was quick to shut down the citizens' love and support of Navalny. In the year following, Navalny was heavily persecuted by the government for speaking up and opposing the government. In 2017, he lost 80% of his eyesight in one eye because an attacker threw an unknown liquid in his face. In 2020, he survived an elaborate poisoning by an assailant on an airplane. These are just recent attacks, but Navalny has had to endure a multitude of violence. 

Putin’s control over Russia has silenced all opposing voices through fear tactics. If these tactics fail, protest participants will be jailed, tortured, or murdered. During the last two decades, Putin has proved himself a ruthless operator. Russia’s violent history coupled with Navalny's perseverance and drive make his political operation very unique. 

Navalny’s fight sadly ended on February 16th, 2024 when the Russian prison said that he had died in their care. Many believe his death was due to an assassination, and not an accident. Navalny’s fight should remind us all to stand up for what we believe in no matter the consequence. His strength should be remembered in that light. 

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SOCIAL JUSTICE, POLITICS, NEWS Regis Highlander SOCIAL JUSTICE, POLITICS, NEWS Regis Highlander

Bill to Support Sexual Assault Survivors

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Colorado State Legislature has introduced a bill that aims to protect sexual assault survivors when it comes to what can be presented as evidence during criminal hearings. This would eliminate the victim having a previous relationship with the accused as being legitimate evidence. A big part of this bill is to end victim blaming from entering the system. Victim blaming happens when the victim of a crime is blamed for the crime happening. This regularly occurs in sexual violence cases.

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Colorado State Legislature has introduced a bill that aims to protect sexual assault survivors when it comes to what can be presented as evidence during criminal hearings. This would eliminate the victim having a previous relationship with the accused as being legitimate evidence. A big part of this bill is to end victim blaming from entering the system. Victim blaming happens when the victim of a crime is blamed for the crime happening. This regularly occurs in sexual violence cases.

Victim blaming disempowers the victim and makes the victim less eager to come forward and speak up about the crime, especially in sexual assault instances. This also adds to rape culture. Rape culture is an environment in which rape and sexual assault thrive. Rape culture is kept alive through misogynistic discourses, objectification, and the romanticization of violence. 

Examples of rape culture look like:

  1. Sexually explicit jokes

  2. Allowing sexual harassment

  3. Victim blaming

  4. Normalizing sexual assault with the use of stereotypes

  5. Accusing the victim of false accusations

  6. Scrutinizing victims stories

  7. Sexual pressure on men to engage sexually and pressure on women to not be a “prude”

  8. Teaching women how to prevent rape

How we can prevent rape culture and victim blaming:

  1. Avoid objectifying language

  2. Speak out if you hear joking about rape

  3. If someone comes forward about their experience, validate them

  4. Let survivors know that it is not their fault

  5. Be aware of victims’ physical boundaries

  6. Hold abusers accountable

  7. Always communicate and do not assume consent

  8. Be an active bystander

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CAMPUS LIFE, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander CAMPUS LIFE, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander

World Anthropology Day at Regis University

By James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On February 15th, 2024, Regis University took part in celebrating World Anthropology Day. World Anthropology Day is commemorated to appreciate the professionals and share information about anthropology. 

By James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On February 15th, 2024, Regis University took part in celebrating World Anthropology Day. World Anthropology Day is commemorated to appreciate the professionals and share information about anthropology. 

Regis University brings together the community to celebrate World Anthropology Day. Photo by James Ortiz

The day’s activities are interactive and inclusive. Photo by James Ortiz 

Regis faculty and staff come together to celebrate World Anthropology Day. Photo by James Ortiz

Festive foods are brought to share. Photo by James Ortiz

Regis students are deep in discussion. Photo by James Ortiz

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NEWS, POLITICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander NEWS, POLITICS, SOCIAL JUSTICE Regis Highlander

An Update on Gaza

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Please continue to take action by pressuring our elected officials to call for a ceasefire, keep supporting Palestine in any way, and keep speaking about the horrors occurring there. The information below is only a snapshot of what is going on. Palestine needs our support!

By Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

Please continue to take action by pressuring our elected officials to call for a ceasefire, keep supporting Palestine in any way, and keep speaking about the horrors occurring there. The information below is only a snapshot of what is going on. Palestine needs our support!

  • More than 35,500 CIVILIANS in Gaza have been murdered by Israeli occupation forces starting the 7th of October. More than 14,000 children, 340 medical staff, and 134 journalists have been killed. 92% of those killed in Gaza are civilians. More than 70,000 people have been injured.

  • The United Nations has documented attacks on at least 187 places of worship, 123 ambulances, 392 educational facilities, 11 bakeries, and 199 Gaza heritage sites. More than 70,000 housing units have been destroyed. There are now only 11 PARTIALLY functioning hospitals in Gaza.

  • Israel refuses to allow or give sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza, forcing many Palestinians into starvation. Gaza is in the top 3 hunger categories with an extreme level of hunger.

  • On February 12th, the United States Senate passed an “aid” package that gave Israel $14 billion in funding. 

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