shpemu

Author: Sharon Murphy

  • DEI at BSU

    DEI at BSU

    Just received Ball State University‘s latest “Cardinal Quarterly” email, and chose to unsubscribe. I also wrote an email back to them in the hopes that it reaches the right people.

    To whom it may concern,

    I wanted to take a moment to explain my recent decision to unsubscribe from the Ball State Foundation emails. It’s a choice I make with a heavy heart.

    I am deeply saddened by the current climate in our country, where leadership pressures educational institutions to choose between maintaining their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and facing potential funding repercussions. I had been encouraged by stories of various universities standing firm in their DEI initiatives. However, when I received the recent communication from President Mearns detailing the removal of DEI requirements at Ball State, I was truly disheartened. I have always viewed Ball State as a welcoming and inclusive environment, and this shift has left me questioning that perception.

    Until Ball State reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, I will be withholding my support, which includes unsubscribing from emails and refraining from donations. I sincerely hope this decision is only temporary.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    Best regards,
    Sharon (Perry) Murphy
    Class of 1998

  • Name?

  • Disconnected

    Our government banned TikTok before X, before Truth Social, before addressing child exploitation, before regulating assault rifles… It’s hard not to think about all the other pressing issues our leaders could have focused on instead.

    If you used TikTok and weren’t aware, American accounts — videos, comments, and profiles — are still visible outside the US. All the ban has done is sever our connection to that content, which is odd considering the main concern of this app was the sharing of user information with a foreign country (it hasn’t gone anywhere).

    For those considering moving to RedNote, it’s important to know that the app was originally created as a safe space for Chinese women, which is why I’ve personally chosen not to join. While many who’ve switched have been warmly welcomed, there’s still significant resistance to LGBTQ+ content, making it an uncomfortable choice for me.

    TikTok’s ban feels like yet another fracture in an already divided community. I’ve seen theories suggesting this might blow over within a week—whether because of rumors that Meta may have purchased it (which has some compelling evidence) or speculation that #47 could restore it to win public favor. Regardless, it all feels like a harmful distraction rather than a meaningful solution.

  • January Full Moon Ritual

    January’s full moon is a powerful time for divination. Align with this months’ moon magic to map out your personal energies for the year ahead. This ritual begins on the day of the full moon and continues for 11 days after. These 12 days represent the 12 months of the year.

    You’ll need a tarot deck, your journal, and a pen.

    • Cleanse and ground your energy. You might like to call on Selence, the moon goddess, for clairvoyance and guidance.
    • When you feel ready, draw one card. This card represents January. Reflect on what the card might mean in your journal. Continue with the practice each day for 11 days until you have pulled a total of 12 cards across 12 days. The card number one represents January, ending with card number 12 representing December.
    • When you have completed the ritual, reflect on the notes in your journal. Make sure to add any additional insights gleaned from seeing the spread in its sum total.

    This will help you map out your energy for the year. Tip: you might like to revisit your notes throughout the year, checking in to see if your energy map is resonating and drawing further guidance from the spread where needed.

  • menopause….

  • Untitled post 11685

    When I voted for Harris, I was choosing a path forward. That choice carried weight, values, and convictions. I voted against hatred, bigotry, homophobia and transphobia, sexism, and racism, because those have no place in a society striving to be better. I voted for a future where dignity and respect are extended to everyone, regardless of who they are or whom they love. I voted for leaders who believe in protecting those rights, who stand up for progress, not regression.

    Too many people are at risk of being marginalized if even a fraction of this administration’s agenda comes to pass. I won’t stand by and “wait it out,” because our communities, our families, our friends, and our rights are worth defending.

    So, telling me to “give it four years” or brushing off my anger and grief as overblown won’t sway me. If anything, it only strengthens my resolve to dig in deeper and fight for the vision of a better, more inclusive world.