2014 New Student Edition

ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM Fall 2014

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News

2A — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

GOVERNMENT

SCOTUS upholds state affirmative action ban Future of campus diversity efforts unclear after ruling By SAM GRINGLAS, JENNIFER CALFAS and ALLANA AKHTAR Daily News Editors

RUBY WALLAU/Daily

Undocumented prospective student Jose Alvarenga protests the Supreme Court decision to uphold the state of Michigan’s voter-enacted ban with By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) in front of the Michigan Union on April 22, 2014.

Campus, state react to Supreme Court ruling BAMN meets on Union steps hours after decision released By SHOHAM GEVA and IAN DILLINGHAM Summer Managing News Editor and Summer Editor in Chief

APRIL 22, 2014 — The focus on minority enrollment and admissions pracwtice at the University — and at colleges across the nation — intensified Tuesday in response to the Supreme Court decision to uphold the state of Michigan’s ban on affirmative action. The ban on affirmative action, Proposal 2, which was passed by the state’s electorate in 2006, was largely written in response to the University Law School’s race-conscious admissions policies after they were upheld by the Supreme Court in 2003. The

proposal banned public universities in the state from considering race in their admissions and hiring practices. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald stated that since the ban has been in place since 2006, University admissions policy won’t face changes as a result of the decision. “The Supreme Court ruling today has no immediate effect on the University’s policies, which are already consistent with Proposal 2,” he said. “The University overall remains absolutely committed to the goal of bringing a diverse and academically excellent group of students to this campus, and will continue to seek to achieve that goal in ways that are compliant with law.” In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who argued the case in favor of Proposal 2, said universities maintained many legal options open to them for maintaining a

diverse student population. In response to questions about such options after his speech, Schuette said universities should focus the same attention and resources currently given to athletic recruiting on academic recruiting. Shanta Driver, national chair of BAMN — the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary — the plaintiffs in the case, said the University is at the center of the national debate on affirmative action. “What the University of Michigan does, and the kind of example that it sets, is absolutely determinative in terms of what other universities do,” Driver said. “For the University to find ways to not discriminate against Latino, Latina, and Black and Native American and other minority students in its admissions policies, I think See REACTION, Page 7A

APRIL 22, 2014 — The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the state of Michigan’s voter-enacted ban on the consideration of race in admissions to state universities. In the majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the U.S. Constitution provides no authority for the judicial branch to “set aside” Michigan laws that provide the voters the right to decide whether considerations of race can be used in admissions or other governmental decisions. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito joined in the majority decision. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote a concurring opinion, joined by Clarence Thomas. Justice Stephen Breyer also wrote a concurring opinion. “This case is not about the constitutionality, or the merits, of race-conscious admissions policies in higher education,” Kennedy wrote. “Here, the principle that the consideration of race in admissions is permissible is not being challenged. Rather, the question concerns whether, and in what manner, voters in the States may choose to prohibit the consideration of such racial preferences.” Sotomayor authored the dissenting opinion, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Writing that the Constitution places limits on what majorities may do, Sotomayor noted that this case implicates one of those limits: “the guarantee of equal protection of the laws.” In a dissent that traced a national history of racial minorities being denied participation in the political process, Sotomayor said equal protection does not end with prohibition of discrimination. Rather, the 15th amendment’s equal protection clause protects the right of citizens to “participate meaningfully and equally in self government.” “While our Constitution does not guarantee minority groups victory in the political process, it does guarantee them meaningful and equal access to that process,” she wrote. “It guarantees that the majority may not win by stacking the political process against minority groups permanently, forcing the minority alone to surmount unique obstacles in pursuit of its goals — here, educational diversity that cannot reasonably be accomplished through raceneutral measures.” Associate Justice Elena Kagan recused herself from the case, citing a potential conflict of interest.

On October 15, 2013 the Supreme Court heard verbal arguments for and against this case, Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, No. 12-682. Law School Prof. Mark Rosenbaum, an attorney of the American Civil Liberties Union, said following Friday’s decision that the decision is a “blow” to Michigan residents who value diversity. “The big losers are all citizens of Michigan,” Rosenbaum said. “It’s going to put genuine diversity out of reach, and that’s the greatness of this state.” He said alumni or athlete status still is preferred in the admission process, but race is not. The case centers on the legitimacy Michigan’s Proposal 2 referendum, a 2006 ballot proposal that forbade the use of race-based affirmative action within the state. The referendum, supported by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and State Attorney General Bill Schuette, passed into Michigan Constitutional law by an approval margin of 58 percent. Because the referendum called to amend Michigan’s constitution to prohibit race-based discrimination, opponents to the proposal believe it violates the 14th amendment. Rosenbaum argued Proposal 2’s unconstitutionality before the court on Oct. 15. He said a state constitutional ban on race-based admission policies creates two separate and unequal systems minority students must undergo to lobby the University. While racial minorities cannot lobby the University directly for consideration of their needs, donors, athletic officials, church groups, alumni, and other groups can. Rosenbaum highlighted the unfair burden placed on minority students through this system in his remarks to the court. The University has been at the forefront of Supreme Court cases surrounding affirmative action. In 2003, two landmark cases reached the highest court. Gratz v. Bollinger found the University’s point-based admissions process awarding race unconstitutional, and Grutter v. Bollinger, which upheld the legality the affirmative action policies of the University’s Law School. With the installment of Prop. 2 in 2006, the University had to change the Law School’s admissions process, taking race out of the equation. During a speech at the University in October, Jennifer Gratz of Gratz v. Bollinger, who has been a vocal opponent of affirmative action since the court ruled on her case in 2003, said the University’s vision of diversity is too focused on race. “If the director of diversity was here right now, he or she couldn’t tell you how many cello play-

ers there were,” Gratz said. “She couldn’t tell you how many redheads there were. But she damn well could tell you how many Blacks, how many Hispanics, how many Native Americans there are. That right there is what they mean when they say diversity.” See SCOTUS, Page 7A

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The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published every Thursday during the spring and summer terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $110. Winter term (January through April) is $115, yearlong (September through April) is $195. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall term are $35. Subscriptions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press.

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

News

3A — Fall 2014

Obama speaks at University to tout min. wage increase By JENNIFER CALFAS Managing News Editor

APRIL 2, 2014 — As President Barack Obama approached the podium at the Intramural Sports Building, more than 1,400 students and University affiliates rose from their seats, eliciting a thunderous applause. Obama traveled to the University Wednesday to speak about his proposal to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour. In his speech, Obama pointed to the state’s efforts to support the bill and brought a partisan tone to his speech, calling out Republicans in Congress who oppose the proposal. “You’ve got a choice,” Obama said. “You can give America the shaft, or you can give it a raise.” Obama noted the extreme living conditions in America today, adding that some full-time workers are living in poverty despite holding steady employment. In Michigan, the minimum wage is $7.40 per hour. While the average American who earns minimum wage is 35 years old, Obama noted the importance of establishing a higher minimum wage for college students — some of whom will be entering the workforce in a month. “We should make it easier for your generation to get a foothold on the ladder of opportunity,” Obama said, with applause shortly following. “And we believe the economy grows best not from the top down, but from the mid out.” Obama has made more visits to the University than any sitting president in history. In 2010, he served as the University’s Spring Commencement speaker. The president visited the University again in 2012 to discuss the rising cost of higher education — a point he touched on Wednesday. “My point is we got to make sure that everybody can afford to do things that may not pay huge sums of money but are really

valuable to society,” Obama said. While many students filled the audience, University administrators and government officials also made a strong showing. Included among the attendees were University exective officers, members of the University’s Board of Regents, Rep. Gary Peters (D–Mich.), State Reps Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor) and Adam Zemke (D–Ann Arbor) and Congressional candidate Debbie Dingell. LSA senior Mira Friedlander, a restaurant server who finances

“You can give America the shaft, or you can give it a raise” her college education with her minimum wage job, introduced the president before he gave his remarks. In an interview after the speech, Friedlander said she was honored to introduce the president, especially before a speech that would hit close to home. “It was completely surreal,” she said. Obama’s address comes only a day after the White House announced that 7.1 million Americans signed up for the Affordable Care Act. The president cited the success of the legislation as another mechanism he has used to ensure that every American has an opportunity to succeed. Raising the minimum wage, he said, is another shot at granting Americans the success the country promised in its founding. In an interview after the speech, Regent Mark Bernstein (D–Ann Arbor) said Obama’s multiple visits to campus signify the University’s role in national

issues of concern. “It speaks to the stature of this great public university,” Bernstein said. “Each time his message has been targeted at a student body that i think appreciates his message. It’s a great honor to participate in that kind of experience.” Bernstein added that he and several other University officials met with Obama before his speech. During the address, more than 100 students lined the bleachers behind him with an American flag draped above them on the IM Building’s brick wall. Some of these students included Business senior Michael Proppe, CSG president; LSA senior Phil Schermer, MUSIC Matters president; and LSA senior Tyrell Collier, Black Student Union president, among other campus leaders. In an interview after the event, E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, said the office of Student Life chose which students to invite to sit in the selected seats. While many of them were leaders of prominent campus organizations, Harper said some represented sectors of campus that are less well known — including first-generation college students, international students, students who work in campus dining halls and some who grew up in foster care. “We tried to be really thoughtful,” Harper said. “Some were students in leadership roles, but others were students who lead in a very different way.” Students showed up in droves Monday afternoon to wait for their chance to secure their spot at the event. The University distributed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., motivating students to wait in line overnight for the opportunity to see the president. Harper said this commitment to engaging in campus life showed how willing the students are to interact with the world around them.

“Our students are always engaged and thinking about what’s going on in the world and they’re just smart in that way,” Harper said. “They’re politically smart. I think students on boths sides of the issues kind of want to

tainment initiatives — including the lowest increase in tuition in recent years and an uptick in financial aid funding. As for Obama’s strong presence at the University, Proppe said his willingness to come back

wage job. While she said she was surprised by Obama’s calm demeanor, Friedlander said she was upset he chose a “new pickle” over an “old pickle” to supplement his sandwich — a Zingerman’s tradition that Ann

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

President Barack Obama spoke about raising the federal minimum wage at the Intramural Building on April 2, 2014.

be in the conversation.” Bernstein echoed Harper’s sentiments after Obama’s speech, adding that students are engaged in nationally pertinent topics. “We have a uniquely engaged student body,” Bernstein said. “It shows that we have students that are intensely interested in matters of consequence that face this nation.” Schermer, who interned with the National Economic Council in the White House last summer, said in an interview after the event that Obama’s speech gave resounding statistical economic and public policy evidence for raising the minimum wage. Proppe said Obama’s emphasis on lowering the cost of higher education was particularly important for the University community. To ease costs on higher education, the University has initiated a host of cost-con-

again and again is due to the thriving entrepreneurship community. “A lot of really motivated people live here and things start in Ann Arbor and spread nationally,” Proppe said. “I think the president understands that.” Before his speech, Obama ordered a #2 Reuben from Ann Arbor landmark, Zingerman’s Delicatessen — which Obama said is an example of a business that values its employees. Zingerman’s co-owner Paul Saginaw pays his employees more than minimum wage. “Zingerman’s is a business that treats its workers well, and rewards honest work with honest wages,” Obama said. “And that’s worth celebrating.” Over lunch, Obama spoke to Friedlander about her experience navigating college depending financially on her minimum

Arbor residents take pride in. “It was the most unreal thing of my entire life, but it made me comfortable introducing him,” Friedlander said. “But then speaking was the biggest high in the world. I thought, ‘Who gets to introduce the leader of the free world?’” Among passionate statements in support of raising the minimum wage, Obama jokingly recalled his decision to choose the Michigan State University basketball team as the champions of his March Madness bracket. At the beginning of his speech, Obama mentioned University basketball players Jordan Morgan, Glenn Robinson III and Nik Stauskas, congratulating them on their season and run in the tournament. “My bracket’s a mess,” Obama said. “I learned my lesson: I will not pick against the Wolverines.”

Opinion

4A — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

(Not) going the distance Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com ANDREW WEINER EDITOR IN CHIEF FALL 2013 PETER SHAHIN EDITOR IN CHIEF WINTER 2014 IAN DILLINGHAM EDITOR IN CHIEF SUMMER 2014

ADRIENNE ROBERTS and MELANIE KRUVELIS EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS FALL 2013 MEGAN MCDONALD and DANIEL WANG EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS WINTER 2014

MATT SLOVIN MANAGING EDITOR FALL 2013 KATIE BURKE MANAGING EDITOR WINTER 2014

AARICA MARSH EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR SUMMER 2014

Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily’s editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.

FROM THE DAILY

A shameful response

The University’s failure to respond to public pressure is unacceptable Originally published JAN. 31, 2014

N

ew information regarding the intricacies of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act has revealed that the University’s recent behavior in response to Brendan Gibbons’ expulsion is deeply suspicious. In the last two days, the University has neglected any opportunity to speak out and address the public criticisms directed toward it. Instead, administrators have invoked a number of furtive internal policies and vaguely interpreted laws to explain its silence. At best, this case indicates an unbelievable lack of communication between University units. On Nov. 20, 2013, the University’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution signed a document stating that the Office of Institutional Equity determined there was a preponderance of evidence finding former Michigan kicker Brendan Gibbons responsible for an incident of alleged sexual assault in November of 2009. This meant that the University had already decided that Gibbons was — in the eyes of the school — responsible for a sexual misconduct that was deemed “so severe as to create a hostile, offensive or abusive environment,” which led to his eventual expulsion. Yet three days later, on Nov. 23, Gibbons was allowed to play in Michigan’s football game against Iowa. He kicked three extra points for the team. Unless it is school procedure to allow a student-athlete in violation of the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy to participate in Universitysanctioned athletic events, there was a complete and utter breakdown in communication. University officials — in OIE, OSCR, the Athletic Department or all three — knowingly allowed a perpetrator of sexual misconduct to represent the school in a football game that undoubtedly generated profit for the University. This is unacceptable on any level. More specifically, Michigan coach Brady Hoke’s behavior has raised eyebrows in the public conversation. After OIE found Gibbons to be responsible for an act of sexual misconduct, OSCR sent a letter to Gibbons informing him of his permanent separation from the University. The letter was received and signed by Gibbons on Dec. 19. By signing the document, Gibbons waived his right to appeal the sanction. Athletic Department spokesman Dave Ablauf confirmed that Gibbons had met with the department around that time, adding, “That could have been the time that Brendan Gibbons talked to coach Hoke.” It is possible that the Athletic Department met with Gibbons

without Hoke, but it seems illogical for the head coach of the student involved to be uninformed of the situation. Four days later, on Dec. 23, Hoke announced that Gibbons would not play in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl due to a “family matter.” The University may have instructed Hoke to act the way he did in order to adhere to its ill-reasoned policy and weak interpretation of FERPA, but someone is still to blame for obfuscating the truth. Doubt in the University’s innocence is sinking in as the administration continues to withhold answers. Currently, the University’s official stance is to cite school policy and FERPA as reasoning for its decision to decline comment. However, in an interview with the Daily, Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center, stated that since Gibbons was determined by University investigators to be responsible in an allegation of sexual assault, FERPA does not apply: “They’re just wrong that FERPA applies to a finding that a person committed sexual assault.” If Gibbons’ violation constitutes a sexual assault rather than sexual harassment, the University, legally, cannot use FERPA as an excuse to keep silent. Given the severity of the punishment, LoMonte believes that it is “highly doubtful” that Gibbons’ actions can be defined as sexual harassment. In a previous statement, University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the administration was refusing to comment in order to comply with internal policies “that are more restrictive than FERPA.” Since FERPA does not protect the school in cases of alleged sexual assault, Fitzgerald is implying that the school has a policy in place that allows the University to sit quietly while its students, alumni and faculty demand answers. If the University simply refuses to answer questions, it should say so. Attempting to broadly — and potentially inaccurately — interpret laws or school policies as an excuse for remaining mute is an act of cowardice.

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Barry Belmont, Rima Fadlallah, Nivedita Karki, Jordyn Kay, Kellie Halushka, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald,Victoria Noble, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman,Paul Sherman, Allison Raeck, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe

DAN WANG | VIEWPOINT

Miss-representation “How the fuck does a foreigner win Miss America?” they said. “Miss New York is an Indian ... With all do respect, this is America.” In the shadow of Nina Davuluri’s historic win at the Miss America pageant, her fellow Americans flocked to Twitter to voice their patriotism. “So Miss America is a terrorist,” they cried. Davuluri’s crowning on Sunday marks the first time an Indian-American has won the prestigious scholarship pageant — a day to be celebrated as America trends toward a collective tolerance, and yet the moment is marred by prejudice and ignorance. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., Davuluri legally deserves the second half of her descriptor — Indian-American. She attended the University of Michigan, earning a degree in brain behavior and cognitive science, and plans to pay back her debt to U.S. society by applying to medical school. For some Americans, however, this isn’t enough. “WHEN WILL A WHITE WOMAN WIN #MISSAMERICA? Ever??!!” they protest. While the racist remarks directed towards Davuluri are certainly not a sentiment shared by the majority, I know it’s a dialogue that all minorities in America have heard before. I, like our new Miss America, don’t look like the prototypical American — but you already knew that. Wang might be equivalent to Smith in China, but here it’s a dead giveaway. Despite

being born in Michigan, I look like I was born in Hong Kong. And because of these differences, I am occasionally invited by other Americans to go back to my own country. Usually, they address me as a “chink” — rude. But, it’s not just me. Minorities all across the country have experienced something similar to varying degrees. I want to be American, yet sometimes I can’t help but feel that America doesn’t want minorities like me. Davuluri was born in New York, but she looks like she was born in Mumbai, leading some to say, “If you’re #MissAmerica you should have to be American.” I know that most Americans are not so bigoted, and that the general consensus is that diversity is something to be celebrated. I know the United States is one of the only nations on earth that has to balance so many different people. And I know that, for the most part, we are doing a good job of coexisting together. But it’s insulting to suggest that we are a post-racial America. And it is insulting to hear other Americans bemoan the efforts of expanding diversity and compassion as excessive and unnecessary. When the first American of Indian descent is crowned Miss America and a group of Americans respond with, “Asian or indian are you kiddin this is america omg,” I know we’ve still got work to do. Originally published SEPT. 18, 2013.

I

f this school year is like any other, many of you new students are arriving at the University with a long-distance boyfriend or girlfriend at another college or back home. A couple of weeks ago, you left each other for what EMILY might be the PITTINOS first time. Now, as you navigate the cereal dispensers in the Hill Dining Center, you imagine them longing for you in the midst of golden wheat fields or on smoky fire escapes. As you lay awake in your dorm room with a stranger’s snoring filling the dense Ann Arbor night, you read and reread their text messages. “I love you so much,” they say. “This is the worst, but we’ll get through it.” Of course, it’s good to know that someone cares for you, especially when your surroundings are so frighteningly new. You don’t know where to find Angell Hall Auditorium A or if you’ll have to play another icebreaker tonight, but you’re sure that there’s a person missing you from miles away. Your sweetheart — excuse the genderneutral ‘50s slang — is a security blanket, a perceived constant, a reminder of the comforts of home. But, there’s such a thing as being too comfortable. I know from experience that it’s easy to use a long-distance relationship as a crutch. It can become an excuse to stay in and video chat on a Friday night while kids from your hall are exploring the mysterious streets of Ann Arbor. They’re being brave and making new friends, while you perform Skype sex in your dim dorm room — hoping to God you don’t hear the

sound of your roommate keying in the code to your door. They’re getting tipsy, maybe even laid, while you’ve got your pixelated genitals traveling all the way to a space satellite so your partner can get off on a wavering image of you. Sure, there’s something tragically romantic about having a lover so far from your fingertips, and physical loneliness may not seem so bad in the face of all your damn love. But in reality, sexting gets old real fast and relying on weekend visits with your roommate in the bunk below you is going to make the long, cold Michigan winter feel even longer. I know it can be especially hard to imagine yourself with a new person if your sweetheart was the first girl to slide her hand down the waistband of your underwear, or the first guy to treat your nakedness as a gift. However, I can promise you that there are many others out there who would gladly do the same. It’s also not just about sex. Imagine what you could be missing out on while you slip away from your friends to update your sweetheart on what you ate for breakfast or what your professor was wearing in lecture. The classes, choices and experiences you have now will change you immeasurably in the long run. College is a microcosm of endless possibility and due to its magic, it’s unlikely you’ll be the same person once you graduate. You could take geology classes that inspire you to spend the rest of your life on archeological digs. One wacky Residential College puppet-making class could convince you to join the School of Art & Design. Most importantly, no matter how great You 2.0 will be, you won’t be the same person your sweetheart signed up for, and that could be true for them as well. “This is hard!” your lover’s texts say. So, ask yourself: Why are you doing it? Do you imagine a life with them after college, a wedding

attended by your entire family and your genes converging into babies? If so, then do what you have to do; in that special case, you’ll have the rest of your lives to be together after school. If you’re unsure, have an adult discussion about the future with your partner. If you’re making the commitment to stay faithful from a distance, then you should be able to discuss what your relationship may look like in the long term.

If there’s no endgame, then why commit yourself to years of shared lonliness? But, if there’s no endgame in mind, if there’s no plan, then why are you committing yourself to years of shared loneliness? Is it true love propelling your long-distance relationship or fear of the unknown? New social and sexual experiences are worth the uncertainties that come along with being on your own in an unfamiliar place. At this very moment, there are thousands of other new students wandering starry-eyed through campus. Their collective excitement is building an energy that sparks new friendships and bravery, but it will dissipate once classes fall into full swing. This is the sweet spot — now’s the time to take advantage of the fact that everyone is jittery and unsure and open to new experiences. Be nervous with them. Get out there and use your fear. You could be anyone, and do almost anything. This is the time to move on from your old life and join in on the excitement of firsts sweeping through campus. — Originally published SEPT. 4, 2013.

Do I deserve to be a feminist?

B

eing an immature male and a self-identifying feminist can be tough sometimes. I mean, it’s not centuries-ofoppressionleading-towidespreadeconomic-andsocial-discrimination tough. But still, as someone who JAKE strives to be an OFFENHARTZ ally to all those fighting misogyny on the front lines, I often find myself in troublesome moral quandaries. What is my responsibility, for example, if a friend of mine catcalls a group of scantily clad sorority girls outside of Rick’s? What is my expected response to the “Bitch, make me a sandwich” humor that still gets a cheap laugh while watching football? During moments like this — frequent as they are — is it my duty as an Emma Goldman-loving, Jezebel-reading male to halt the conversation, to condemn the comment as sexist while debunking the myth that all feminists hate men? Regardless of whether or not I have an obligation to speak out against anti-women speech, I almost never do. Admittedly, cowardice and ignorance play a role in my silence, as I am neither courageous nor informed enough to intelligently expound upon the ways in which hate speech can contribute to often-ignored gender inequalities. Even if I were equipped with Mother Teresa’s bravery and Virginia Woolf’s eloquence, I’d still be hesitant to assert my feminist ideals in response to a friend’s demeaning language. But, this has less to do with my male-feminist identity than it does with the fact that I — as a 20-yearold with a juvenile sense of humor —

“

am sometimes a total shithead. Sure, I make a conscious effort to avoid the garden-variety misogyny that plagues the vocabulary of some of my peers, but in other respects I can be narrow-minded and insensitive. The truth of the matter is that just as assholes can be feminists, well-intentioned people sometimes use sexist language to degrade women. I’m not saying it’s OK — it totally isn’t. I truly believe that the seemingly harmless act of slutshaming girls outside a bar can contribute to the victim-blaming rhetoric that so harmfully pervades our culture. That said, the moral ground I currently stand on is simply not sturdy enough for me to feel comfortable reprimanding a friend for this all-too-common transgression. How then, do I define my role as a male feminist? For me, being a male feminist means acknowledging that my straight, male identity puts me at place of enormous privilege in our patriarchal society. It means recognizing that societal constructions of gender have led us to falsely equate hypermasculinity with power and femininity with weakness. It means accepting the fact that words have the power to perpetuate double standards — so that the word “bitch” being synonymous with both non-submissive women and effeminate men is problematic. Part of me, though, realizes it’s unfair to expect everyone to know or agree with these basic tenets of feminist theory. Discussions of social constructions and the patriarchy take place in University classrooms so that — just as privilege begets privilege — privilege also begets the study of oppression. The part of me

that realizes this is, in many ways, responsible for my rarely criticizing those who verbally encroach on my feminist ideals. Therefore, the matters that I’m passionate enough to espouse publically tend to be of the sort that any basic egalitarian would be outraged over. It’s absolutely appalling to me that one in four women will be victims of rape or attempted rape before graduating college. It’s embarrassing that — 50 years after President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act — women are still paid on average 77 cents for every dollar made by men. It’s more than unforgivable that educated members of the media think women breadwinners are anti-science and it’s a crying shame that rich, old — uterus-less — men insist on controlling the debate about abortion. While feminism seeks to illuminate these systematic discrepancies as institution-based, the mere recognition that all persons deserve equality isn’t cause for radical association. Do I deserve to call myself a feminist then, or is my selfidentification just some mental gymnastic to exchange accountability for credibility? The answer to that question remains uncertain, as there’s no President of Feminism I can call for a status report. In the meantime, here’s hoping our culture will one day reject rigid gender norms and all forms of subjugation, that unequal pay will soon be a thing of the past and rape statistics won’t make me wish my little sister would just go to college online. When that day does come, this petty matter of labeling can finally be put to rest.

There’s no President of Feminism I can call for a status report.

—Originally published OCT. 9, 2013.

NOTABLE QUOTABLE

A billionaire real estate developer has given $200 million to the University of Michigan — with the mandate that all of the money goes to the business school and the athletic department. Congrats on some shitty philanthropy, asshole.” — Gawker writer Hamilton Nolan said about Stephen Ross’s $200-million donation to the University on Wednesday.

News

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Fall 2014 — 5A

GOVERNMENT

Former kicker permanently Dept. of Ed. to investigate separated from University handling of Gibbons’ case Documents reveal Facing federal scrutiny, ‘U’ stands by policy

Brendan Gibbons violated sexual misconduct policy

By WILL GREENBERG By MATT SLOVIN and ADAM RUBENFIRE

Daily News Editor

Daily Sports Writer and Daily Staff Reporter

FEB. 25, 2014 — The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will investigate the University’s response to a Title IX complaint concerning a 2009 sexual misconduct case involving former kicker Brendan Gibbons. The Michigan Daily reported on Jan. 28 that Gibbons was permanently separated from the University after violating the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, according to documents reviewed by the Daily. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald confirmed the University was notified of the investigation Monday night. “We’re very proud of our student sexual misconduct policy, our prevention efforts and our programs to support survivors of sexual misconduct,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “We will fully cooperate with the Department of Education and we believe that a review of our policy, programs and investigations will conclude that the University of Michigan is doing

JAN. 28, 2014 — Brendan Gibbons, the Michigan football team’s starting kicker for the past three seasons, was permanently separated from the University of Michigan last month for violating the University’s Student Sexual Misconduct Policy, according to documents reviewed by The Michigan Daily. “You will be permanently separated from the University of Michigan effective December 20, 2013,” reads a Dec. 19, 2013 letter addressed to Gibbons at his Florida residence from the University’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution, which facilitates disciplinary proceedings against students. The Michigan Daily did not obtain these documents from the University. The permanent separation of Gibbons, who was a graduate student in the School of Social Work after graduating with a general studies degree, stems from an incident that was reported to have occurred on Nov. 22, 2009, according to documents. This corresponds with previous media reports that a sexual assault involving a Michigan football player occurred in the early morning hours of that day. Gibbons was a freshman and a member of the football team at the time that the conduct was alleged to have occurred. In the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities as well as the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy, the University uses the phrase “permanent separation” to refer to the expulsion of a student. The letter to Gibbons, signed by Stacy Vander Velde, associate director of OSCR, stated that he would be prohibited from taking any further courses at the University and that his student privileges would be revoked. An additional OSCR document signed by Vander Velde and dated Nov. 20, 2013, stated that it was determined by the University that a preponderance of evidence supports “a finding that the Respondent engaged in unwanted or unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, committed without valid consent, and that conduct was so severe as to create a hostile, offensive, or abusive environment.” The Daily has been told that the respondent referred to in this letter is Gibbons. Complainants in this case are not identified in the documents reviewed by the Daily. Dave Ablauf, an associate athletic director and spokesman for the Athletic Department, declined to comment, noting that it was the first time it had been suggested to him that Gibbons was permanently separated. “We can’t comment on anything that involves private student matters in terms of student academic standings or University standing,” Ablauf said. University spokesman Rick

ADAM GLANZMAN/Daily

Former Michigan kicker Brendan Gibbons was separated from the University on December 20, 2013.

Fitzgerald said he could not comment on Gibbons’ academic record because of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Gibbons could not be immediately reached for comment. Permanent separation is a very rare sanction in OSCR proceedings. In the latest OSCR data from the 2011-2012 academic year, there were zero permanent separations. The Statement of Students Rights and Responsibilities states that “some behavior is so harmful to the University community or so deleterious to the educational process” that it may result in expulsion, among other possible sanctions. The Daily is not aware of any criminal charges pending against Gibbons. OSCR operates independently of the criminal justice system. Investigators in the University’s Office of Institutional Equity, which reviews internal complaints of sexual assault, work with a lower standard of evidence than that of criminal prosecutors, who must prove that a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. OIE may presume that a respondent engaged in alleged conduct if there is a “preponderance of evidence” against the individual. This standard states that a respondent is responsible if there is enough evidence to suggest a complaint is more likely true than not. If OIE investigators find a respondent to be responsible for alleged conduct, OSCR officials determine what sanctions, if any, will be leveled against the respondent. According to Vander Velde’s letter to him, Gibbons met with OSCR officials on Dec. 4, 2013, to discuss OIE’s findings. It’s unclear why sanctions were not decided in this matter until recently. Revised University policies regarding sexual misconduct may have forced officials to internally review or re-review the allegations. The updated policies, which have been in effect since 2011, state that any allegation of sexual misconduct received by the University must be investigated. Reports made to officials other than those at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of Ombuds are not considered confidential and are expected to be investigated by OIE. The par-

ticipation of survivors in sexual misconduct cases is not required for the disciplinary process to take place. Other individuals or University officials may report allegations. A permanent separation would render an athlete ineligible to participate in any NCAA event. Michigan coach Brady Hoke said at a Dec. 23 press conference that Gibbons didn’t travel to Tempe, Ariz., for the Dec. 28 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl because he was dealing with a family matter at home. Ablauf, the Athletic Department spokesman, said he is unable to comment as to whether Hoke was referring to the permanent separation. Earlier, on Nov. 30, 2013, Gibbons sat out the football team’s regular-season finale against Ohio State after team officials said he suffered an undisclosed muscle injury in the week leading up to the game. “He’s a little iffy,” Hoke said on Dec. 16. “He’s kicking a little bit. But I don’t want to over-kick him. I’ve never been a kicker, so I can’t imagine that (muscle) problem. So he’s a little iffy.” Hoke assumed the position of head coach in 2011, after the incident is alleged to have occurred. Though it’s not clear what Gibbons’ career plans are, Vander Velde’s letter noted that he might be obligated to inform future schools or employers of the sexual misconduct case in order to comply with those organizations’ respective policies. The letter advises Gibbons to “make this disclosure in the future as appropriate and in a manner that authentically represents the behavior for which you have been found responsible.” Gibbons is fourth in made field goals in Michigan history and owns the program record for consecutive successful extra points with 141. The University offers many resources for counseling and reporting for survivors of Sexual Assault. A listing of available services can be found here. In addition, the University’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center staffs a 24/7 crisis line at (734) 936-3333. Slovin, the former Managing Editor, can be reached on Twitter at @MattSlovin. Rubenfire, the former Managing News Editor, can be reached on Twitter at @ arubenfire.

S E X U A L A S S A U LT PA N E L

VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

On April 2, 2014, The Michigan Daily and the University’s Office of Student Life partnered to host a panel discussion for students to voice their questions about the University’s sexual misconduct policies.

what it should in this important area.” A letter from the OCR to Doug Smith, a former University professor who has been vocal against the University as information about the Gibbons case has surfaced, said it will investigate Smith’s complaint about the case. Smith issued his complaint in August 2013, accusing the University of failing to respond in a timely manner to a rape incident at a fraternity house that involved a female University student and two University football players. Jim Bradshaw, a spokesman for the Department of Education, said no other information can be confirmed by the OCR at this point regarding the details of the report. The letter said the OCR will investigate Smith’s complaint “that the University failed to promptly and equitably respond to complaints, reports and/or incidents of sexual violence of which it had notice, and, as a result, students were subjected to a sexually hostile environment.” The letter also noted a second complaint regarding the same issue, which the OCR will be investigating in conjunction with Smith’s. The source of the complaint is unknown. Another letter from the OCR

addressed to Coleman was made public on the University’s public affairs website. The letter details the requests of the investigation, noting that the investigation of an allegation does not give merit to that allegation and the ORC is simply a “neutral fact-finder.” The letter also includes a list of documents that the OCR is requesting from the University, including the University’s policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment from the 2011 to 2014 school years, as well as any changes to those policies. The department also requested complaints or reports of sexual harassment made during that time, as well as all communications between University staff, faculty, administration or the Board of Regents on this topic. Additionally, the OCR is requesting the names of anyone involved in the University’s Title IX coordination, personnel who investigate discrimination and harassment based on sex, as well as a description of the role of law enforcement in dealing with such cases. These were only a handful of the 21 specific requests made in the letter. The OCR may also conduct interviews with staff members and will make a campus visit if necessary, according to the letter.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

CSG task force: ‘U’ missed deadlines during investigation By WILL GREENBERG Daily News Editor

APRIL 13, 2014 — Two months after its formation, a special Central Student Government task force has issued its findings and recommendations in regards to the University’s handling of former Michigan football kicker Brendan Gibbons’ sexual misconduct case. Led by CSG Vice President Bobby Dishell, a Public Policy junior and CSG president-elect, the task force investigated the Office of Student Conflict Resolution’s handling of the case. OSCR is responsible for facilitating disciplinary proceedings against students. Shortly after The Michigan Daily reported the permanent separation of Gibbons from the University, CSG formed a task force to examine the University’s relatively new Student Sexual Misconduct Policy and review its handling of the Gibbons case. According to documents reviewed by the Daily, the violation of the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy stemmed from an incident reported to have occurred Nov. 22, 2009. Dishell said the task force will meet Wednesday with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights officials conducting the federal investigation to discuss its findings. He said the investigators requested a meeting in late March. The task force found that the University “failed to explain the four-year delay between Brendan Gibbons’ conduct and the permanent separation,” that it “failed to investigate third-party complaints of Gibbons’ conduct within sixty days of receiving the complaint,” and that they believe “Brady Hoke knowingly issued false statements in December 2013 concerning the status of Gibbons.” The findings cite an August 2013 phone call complaint to the University’s Title IX coordinator regarding Gibbons’ 2009 sexual misconduct as the sole complaint submitted on the subject. Gibbons was not found responsible until Nov. 20, 2013, beyond the usual 60-day deadline for beginning a sexual

misconduct investigation. The findings also note a 20122013 OSCR Annual Report stating that one instance of sexual misconduct filed from that year remained “Unresolved: investigation in process.” The task force could not confirm that this complaint was in reference to the Gibbons case but, if so, it would mean that more than a year passed before the University completed its investigation. Additionally, the task force found that OSCR and OIE were unable to handle all the reports of sexual misconduct by the beginning of the 20122013 academic year. The University acknowledged that it needed more staff to handle all the complaints. The report also read that according to the OSCR director, the OIE often

and old policies are fairly small and unlikely to change the OIE findings but wanted to make it clear the University could not retroactively apply new policies on old cases. In a statement, University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the University applauds CSG’s investigation, as it shows the importance of the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy. “We appreciate that Central Student Government takes the issue of sexual misconduct seriously, as do we,” Fitzgerald wrote in the statement. “We hope the CSG’s focus on these issues will lead to a greater awareness of the student sexual misconduct policy and even more survivors coming forward.” Additionally, the task force could only determine that either OIE or OSCR did not properly communicate with the Athletic Department, the Athletic Department did not communicate with the coaches or else Hoke did indeed issue a false statement; they were not able to confirm one of these scenarios specifically. However, the report notes that representatives from the Athletic Department do not believe the OIE failed to notify the department of a studentathlete being accused of sexual misconduct and it is the practice of the Associate Athletic Director to notify the head coach of the team of the player in question. When Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Gibbons would not play in the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings game in December, Hoke said it was because of a “family matter.” The task force report lists Proppe’s recommendations, including that the University’s Board of Regents and other administrators work to involve students in such policy matters. Also, it recommends that OSCR reviews all sexual misconduct cases occurring before the interim policy but under the proper policy applicable at the time of the offense and that OSCR files a report once they complete this review.

“That delay could have undermined the confidence that survivors had in the process and may have kept people from coming forward” was often unable to investigate complaints within the 60-day deadline. The University didn’t hire a second investigator until 2014, far too long after acknowledging the problem of poor staff, the report stated. CSG President Michael Proppe, a Business senior, said this was more indicative of a broader problem of how the University deals with sexual misconduct cases and less likely an instance of an athlete being given special privileges to keep them eligible for play. “The University was regularly missing the 60-day deadline to investigate sexual misconduct and that delay could have undermined the confidence that survivors had in the process and may have kept people from coming forward,” Proppe said. The task force also determined that OSCR did not properly apply the Statement of Students Rights and Responsibilities — stating that the University “improperly prohibited student conduct retroactively,” using the interim sexual misconduct policy or finalized but not the pre-2011 policy that would have been in effect when Gibbons’ offenses occurred. The findings note that the differences in the new

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

News

6A — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

From Brown to Blue: A conversation with Mark Schlissel By SAM GRINGLAS Daily News Editor

In January, former Brown Provost Mark Schlissel was selected to be the University’s 14th president by the University’s Board of Regents. He assumed office on July 14. JAN. 26, 2014 — What did your interactions with faculty and students on Friday tell you about the culture of the University? “I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest, enthusiasm and excitement. It told me something kind of interesting about the way that the University community feels about the University. When I stand up and say hello for the very first time and I get an enormous round of applause (and) people don’t really know me, I’m not foolish enough to think they’re applauding for me — what they’re applauding for is their University.” “In effect, the next president becomes the face of the University, and I interpreted the enthusiastic welcome I got as emblematic of the way people feel about their University.” “It felt right. It felt like the beginnings of a conversation. I just had a very comfortable sense. I felt like I fit at the University of Michigan and that I’m on the same wavelength.” What was spinning the Cube with the students like? “These will be memories for a lifetime. I consider this all the high point of a long and happy academic career.” “The Cube is very funny because although I had seen the Cube before, I didn’t appreciate the fact that it really did spin. In the back of my mind, I was worried I was being set up. The student body president was telling me that Mary Sue was able to spin this cube every day and energize the campus and I should do so too. I had this fear that I would start pushing it and nothing would happen and it was all a big joke. But it was really great fun when I was

able to spin it around. And the students were all very happy and laughing and it just felt very welcoming.” Could you describe your experience meeting President Coleman for the first time? “In the only brief time I’ve had with her so far, (I understood) the way she feels a sense of responsibility and commitment to this place she clearly loves. She was basically telling me that I’m going to have a fantastic time here and grow to love it as much as she does.” How was your experience with the University’s presidential search process? “What was remarkable, was after a few minutes, it stopped being an interview and felt much more like a conversation between colleagues about the issues that are critical and important and challenging for higher education.” What’s your vision for the University? “At the highest level, my ambitions for the University are to first maintain access and affordability to students all across the economic and social spectrum of our society, and also from around the world. I think we have to build a community of learners that’s broadly representative of the society we live in to optimize the quality of education.” “I want the University to pursue areas of research and an education that have impact and value to society — I think that’s one of the roles of a public research university is that the scholarship we do should matter. I want to be sure that’s not misinterpreted because I’m not referring simply to biomedical research and engineering, but I’m talking about history and anthropology and music and political science and economics — things that really help us understand the world around us and teach people how to relate to one another.” What’s the role of a college president in interacting with student activism on campus?

RUBY WALLAU and ALLISON FARRAND/Daily UPPER: President Mark Schlissel’s appointment was unanimously approved at a special meeting of the regents on January 24, 2014. CENTER: Former president Mary Sue Coleman attends Schlissel’s announcement. LOWER: Schlissel meets with Governor Rick Snyder on his first day in office on July 14, 2014.

“I actually applaud the students for bringing forward a hard issue and in a way getting in the University’s face and provoking important discussions that I’m quite sure will make the University better in the long run, so I think student activism is a good thing.” “The president is ultimately responsible for important institution-level decisions that take place both in response to activism and otherwise. I don’t think it’s the responsibility of the president to immediately meet with every group that’s upset about something. But I think it is the responsibility of the president to make sure that every group that has concerns that should be known by the administration of the University has a pathway to make those concerns known. A lot of what I want to do is listen in the first months of my presidency but also on an ongoing basis. I want to find ways not just to engage with students bringing forth an advocacy position, but also more generally with students regarding their experience and their take on the environment of the University overall.” How do you plan to interact with students when you arrive to campus? “I’m going to have to think hard about how to get exposure to students apart from those organized in student government. I want to listen to a wider array of voices and it’s going to take a while. I still have a day job. I’m still the Provost at Brown. That said, I’m still going to devote as much time as I can to prepare for July when this very large responsibility becomes mine.” Does a new president have more leverage in working to address ongoing challenges or is it tougher without the rapport of a longstanding president? “It’s a true double-edged sword. I get to bring a fresh set of eyes and the experiences of a long career in the academy. Also I’ve found when I’ve made other tran-

sitions of this type, people are very anxious to get a relationship with a new leader off on a good foot and maybe they’re even more willing to be open and compromise and you might be able to make unusual progress. The flip-side of that is I don’t have deep institutional knowledge of Michigan, and I won’t be operating from as informed of a situation I have to climb the learning curve and I certainly don’t want to make rash decisions until I understand from as many perspectives as possible the huge array of issues that will be coming at me. What’s the mission of public institutions of higher education? “As a public institution, the mission is to educate the most talented, hardworking students of each successive generation and that’s the part I find inspiring. The mission of a public university is to be as close to a meritocracy as possible, to educate the very best and brightest and most hardworking students in the state regardless of the circumstances they’re coming from.” What’s your vision for the undergraduate experience? “To me, education you have to think about holistically. It’s not just what happens during the 12 or 14 hours a week you’re in class, but it happens in the dorms and in the activities you’re participating. What the University has to be attentive to is making that total experience as strong a learning opportunity as possible.” How do you plan to approach issues of diversity on campus? “In terms of specific issues, the University has to struggle and continue to work on continuing to improve diversity on all levels — not just students but faculty and staff — and also inclusiveness. It doesn’t really accomplish the goals of having a diverse campus if subsets of that community don’t feel like equal partners. Those are going to be long-term goals we have to continue to work on methodically and together.”

News

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

REACTION From Page 2A that could be a standard and an example that other universities across the nation could and should follow.” BAMN held a press conference on the steps of the Michigan Union Tuesday afternoon to discuss their frustration with the court’s decision, which they labeled as racist. “The decision of the Court today makes clear that this Court intends to do nothing to defend the right to equality in politics, opportunity, rights, hopes and aspirations of its Latina/o, black, Native American and other minority citi-

SCOTUS From Page 2A On April 14, members of By Any Means Necessary organization protested the University’s Office of Admissions, demanding the University to work harder to improve minority enrollment.

Fall 2014 — 7A

zens,” the organization stated in the event release. Drawing inspiration from the U.S. Civil Rights Movement following the court’s historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling, BAMN pledged to launch a “new civil rights movement.” Jose Alvarenga, an undocumented immigrant and prospective University student currently attending community college, said the organization’s focus extends beyond court decisions. “We know it took a civil rights movement to break the back of Jim Crow and make real the promise of Brown v. Board of Education,” Alvarenga said. “Today with this decision, the Supreme Court has destroyed the dream of Brown v.

Board of Education and has signed on to the resegregation of higher education.” Many BAMN members aimed their opposition at the federal and state levels, but most also expressed their belief that the University still has the power — despite Tuesday’s court decision — to implement policy changes that could benefit minority applicants. The organization announced that it plans to continue holding events on and around campus to protest current policies, including a rally and march on the Diag Thursday afternoon. The Black Student Union, which declined to comment on the ruling, is also currently in the process of working with admin-

istrators in response to a list of seven demands that it issued in January, one of which called for an “increase in black representation on this campus equal to 10 percent.” However, Fitzgerald said those conversations have all been within the context of Proposal 2’s legal limitations. He added that it is currently too early to know exactly what next steps will be for the University in the wake of the ruling. In a joint statement with Provost Martha Pollack Tuesday afternoon, University President Mary Sue Coleman reaffirmed the University’s commitment to diversity in the wake of the ruling. “Our collective aspiration for a more and truly diverse campus

will not waver,” the statement read. “Despite this decision from the Supreme Court, the University of Michigan remains deeply committed to using every legal tool at our disposal to bring together a diverse study body.” Regent Mark Bernstein (D–Ann Arbor), in a Facebook statement Tuesday following the ruling, also emphasized the importance of diversity at the University, despite the legal setback. “Our University must remain committed to pursuing every effective, constitutionally valid approach to ensuring diversity on our campuses — with a focus on socio-economics and geography,” he wrote. “We must proceed with less effective tools (e.g. approach-

es that consider race and gender) but we must stay committed to making our campus look like our state.” However, Rackham student Marcelo Hernandez, a BAMN member, said the University’s administration, despite its vocal support, could do more to help minority students, regardless of the legal status of affirmative action. “The regents need a hard lesson in privilege and they need to know that racism doesn’t stay the same, that the face of racism has changed,” Hernandez said. “I don’t want to say that it’s empty rhetoric, but we haven’t seen much action.”

At the time, due to Prop. 2, the University could not use race as a basis for consideration for acceptance into the University. Now, with the Supreme Court ruling, that ban will continue, despite some opposition from the University community. Ted Spencer, associate vice provost and executive director of

undergraduate admissions, listened to students’ concerns on April 12. He said the University evaluates candidates based on a holistic approach, taking an array of a candidate’s qualities into consideration before making the final decision. “We look at everything that we can to try to figure out how could

this student be successful at Michigan and would it be a good fit,” Spencer said on April 12. “We’ll put our record up against any school in the country. I talk to my friends at Stanford and at Princeton; they both say we use the same process to evaluate students.” University President Mary Sue Coleman traveled to the Supreme

Court in 2003 to fight for the continuation of affirmative action in admissions decisions. On Nov. 8, 2006, when the state voters outlawed the consideration of race in college admissions, Coleman spoke to a crowd of 1,700 students, staff and community members to voice her opposition to the measure.

“I am standing here today to tell you that I will not allow our university to go down the path to mediocrity. That is not Michigan,” Coleman said in 2006. “Diversity makes us strong, and it is too critical to our mission, too critical to our excellence, too critical to our future simply to abandon.”

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8A — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

CAMPUS CLIMATE

BSU #BBUM campaign goes viral on social media Hashtag explores experiences of being Black on campus By ALICIA ADAMCZYK and SAM GRINGLAS Daily News Editor and Daily Staff Reporter

NOV. 19 2013 — University students took to Twitter in droves Tuesday afternoon to share their experiences as Black students in Ann Arbor and bring attention to issues of race and diversity on campus using the hashtag #BBUM. The campaign, initiated by the University’s Black Student Union, has built up over the past few days before trending nationally on Twitter Tuesday. The hashtag gained momentum after the student organization distributed an e-mail to community members and other campus groups encouraging them to participate in the online conversation. LSA senior Tyrell Collier, BSU’s president, said the #BBUM campaign was planned to raise awareness of the experiences of Black students and for the BSU to collect subjective data it can couple with University statistics to address pressing issues Black students face. Collier said BSU encouraged students to tweet both negative and positive experiences, though the tweets have been predominantly negative, which he expected. He said the issue is especially pressing on campus because while the University frequently discusses ways to increase diversity, many communities have yet to witness tangible results. “I would like to see the lives of Black students valued more,” Col-

lier said. By 10 p.m., over 10,000 tweets included the hashtag from Ann Arbor and beyond. “I don’t think this is a problem specific to the University, I think it’s an experience that Black students at predominantly White universities across the nation are facing,” he said of the far-reaching responses. Black enrollment at the University has fallen precipitously over the past decade largely due to Proposal 2, an amendment to the state constitution that bans affirmative action policies that was passed by Michigan voters in 2006. The proposal, formally named the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, bars the University from considering race in its admissions process. Immediately after the passage of the proposal, University President Mary Sue Coleman gave a dramatic address on the Diag promising to maintain the University’s commitment to diversity. However, the institution has been unable to stanch the decline in minority enrollment through alternative outreach policies in the wake of the affirmative action ban. In Fall 2006, Black students made up around seven percent of the undergraduate population. In Fall 2013, the University reported that Black undergraduate enrollment had fallen to 4.65 percent. Hispanic enrollment as a percentage of the overall undergraduate body also declined over the same period. At a search forum for the next University president in September, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee — which includes the University’s Board of Regents — heard from a number of students about diversity issues. Several student speakers at the event said many minorities feel they lack a voice on campus and occasion-

ally experience bias incidents with both students and instructors. Collier said the University has not yet contacted BSU about Tuesday’s campaign. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald stressed that the University’s next step will be to listen to the students and their experiences on campus. “I think at this point the listening is the most important part and how we might respond is the next step and we haven’t gotten there yet,” Fitzgerald said. He said the University is aware of students’ concerns and recognizes that there is always room for improvement in any organization. However, the University’s social media team responded to the campaign via Twitter Tuesday afternoon: “Thanks for engaging in this conversation. We’re listening, and will be sure all of your voices are heard. #BBUM” E. Royster Harper, the University’s vice president for student life, created a Twitter account late Tuesday to address the issue. “Got on Twitter to hear and support your voices. Proud of our students. More later,” Harper wrote. LSA senior Eric Gavin, BSU’s public relations chair, said several recent campus events spurred the organization to plan a campaign, including a recent controversy involving Theta Xi fraternity members who branded a party with racialized images and words. BSU also timed its Twitter campaign to correspond with a forum this evening hosted by the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, the Black Student Union, We are Michigan and Students of Color of Rackham.

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

Members of the Black Student Union demonstrate in front of Hill Auditorium on January 20, 2014.

Protest calls for increased minority inclusion at ‘U’ BSU members issue seven demands of administration By YARDAIN AMRON and CLAIRE BRYAN Daily Staff Reporters

JAN. 20, 2014 — The protest lasted barely ten minutes, but the ultimatum was clear: seven demands, seven days. Coinciding with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, students from the Black Student Union protested the University’s response to racial issues on campus. As the first wave of students and staff filed out from social activist Henry Belafonte’s keynote address at Hill Auditorium, a line of about 15 students from BSU were waiting on the steps, signs in hand. Engineering junior Robert Greenfield, BSU treasurer, stepped onto a lamppost platform and addressed a crowd of about 30 people. “What brings me here today is not that social action is done. What brings me here today is the unfinished business of the first three fights of the Black

action movement,” Greenfield said. LSA senior Erick Gavin, a member of the BSU, took Greenfield’s place on the lamppost and laid out a concrete list of demands, some of which were addressed late last week by the University. Business senior Shayla Scales, who spoke last, demanded a response from the University’s administration. “We have heard the University use the phrase ‘We are listening’ since 1970, and I am tired of waiting for a response. We are tired of waiting for a response,” Scales said. “We allow the University seven days to end negotiations and to come to conclusions on our seven demands.” Scales ended her speech by promising “physical actions” against the University and increasing activism if negotiations are not concluded within the given timeframe. In a letter delivered to University President Mary Sue Coleman and the University’s Board of Regents late Monday, the BSU clarified that if the University does not comply with their seven demands, they will be forced to increase “physical activism for social progress” on

campus. The deadline given at the protest is Jan. 27 by 5 p.m. The protest comes on the heels of the University’s newlyannounced plan of action to combat diversity issues on campus. An e-mail Thursday night from Provost Martha Pollack outlined new initiatives including improvements to the Trotter Multicultural Center and the creation of a new leadership position to help combat low minority recruitment. “This commitment is longstanding and fundamental to who we are as an institution,” Pollack wrote. “And yet, there are times we have not lived up to our highest aspirations.” However, LSA senior Tyrell Collier, BSU speaker, said Thursday that the BSU was not consulted before the announcement, even though it explicitly acknowledged the #BBUM campaign. The movement, which was led by the BSU in November, received national media attention and shed light on the experiences of many Black students on campus.

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

The Statement

statement

9A — Fall 2014

the

WOMEN of ROSS

NOVEMBER 20, 2013

By AKSHAY SETH Daily Arts Editor

The Ross School of Business has a reputation. Secluded inside its impressive, ultra-modern building on Tappan Avenue, it’s the place on campus that typically comes to mind when students hear the word “advantage.” The school is frequently ranked among the top 10 bachelor’s of business administration and master’s of business administration programs in the country, churning out graduates that go on to find work in many of the world’s most recognizable firms. Bloomberg reported that the average starting salaries for fresh BBAs was a cool $62,727 and upwards of $110,000 for MBA students. But even more impressive? Close to 90.5 percent of the undergraduates the school produces receive a job offer immediately after earning their degrees — an unprecedented level of security that hasn’t shaken in the face of a wavering economy. From a purely results-oriented standpoint, the Business School is a well-recognized, established school. But the notion of “advantage” doesn’t just imply success. It’s hard to overlook the fact that the large majority of the students enrolled at the Business School are white males, and have been since the school’s inception in 1924. Though there’s no doubt that progress has been made, the fact of the matter is that currently only 35 percent of the 468 students in the sophomore BBA class are female. That number

falls when considering the rest of the Business School, where a little more than 32 percent of the 1,302 undergraduate students are women, according to a Fall 2013 enrollment report from the Office of the Registrar. But does an inequality in numbers imply discrimination? A recent New York Times case study took an in-depth look at how sexual discrimination plays a role in the learning and teaching environment women find themselves in at the Harvard Business School. In addition to focusing on sexism, the article turns the lens on aggressive methods schools are taking to diminish it, such as workshops to teach women how to raise their hands to increase participation and recording each lecture to see how female professors could improve teaching styles. Business junior Sumana Palle, an executive board member for What the F magazine and self-identifying “Bitch of the B-School,” was quick to point out that a similar level of sexism does not exist at Ross, but a clear dichotomy in the type of students who attend the school creates tension. Though many of the people she works with are intelligent students, the source of the problem is the few Business School students that come in with the predetermined idea that equality isn’t assumed. “Most of the students at Ross are inspiring — they’re some of the smartest people on campus,”

she said. “But there’s a vocal minority who are just awful people — douches who come from very privileged families and want to make sure everyone knows.” Palle said this sense of entitlement is sorely felt in group projects, class discussions or, for that matter, any personal interactions. At certain instances in her time at the Business School, Palle describes how she often felt slighted and forced to finish many of the menial tasks in classroom projects, such as taking notes or writing summaries of group meetings. It is a form of discrimination that, according to Palle, stems from a clear divide in numbers and the perception of roles, which require women to fight in order to be heard. The notion of an inclusive community depends on the open-mindedness of the people involved, independent of skin color or gender. But, it’s hard to ignore the statistics. According to the registrar, only 18 of the students currently registered as undergraduates at Ross are Black while 859 are white. The numbers get worse when looking at Black women. Of the entire Ross student body of 1,312, eight are Black women. Even if it’s indirect, the numbers influence the school’s culture. In many interview workshops that precede recruiting seasons, Palle recalls how the sessions geared toward women pay special attention to what type of makeup to wear and how to best go about “prettying up.” Though

Palle agrees these methods could be a way for women to prepare for the realities of the business world, she notes a prevalent level of condescension. “There is always this condescending tone, and it’s hard being a brown female, because that affects the way people look at things,” Palle said. “Sometimes it gets to the point where I just think to myself, ‘Why am I even in this school?’ ” One of the select students preadmitted to the Business School before her freshman year, Palle described the contrast in the experiences between her first year at the University and her second. Many of the on-campus organizations she joined as a freshman were progressive groups where the idea of “contributing what you can” took precedence. The change she saw as a student at Ross was striking. “The difference was bizarre,” Palle said. “When you’d walk into class, all you would see are white male faces. That just hits you, and automatically, you become selfconscious and think ‘Why am I here? What could I say, what should I say? Will these people hate me if I say these things?’ ” An inclusive community The most interesting aspect of the experiences Palle describes is how they diverge from those of another female student on campus. Business senior Tatiana Melamed, co-president of the BBA population of Michigan Business

Women — an on-campus organization that provides Business School students with networking and educational opportunities — affirmed that some individuals at the Business School are prejudiced, but never to the point that she has felt targeted or discriminated against. Melamed said her initial interactions with the older members of MBW helped her understand the relevance of the community she could foster should she choose to stick with the Michigan Business Women. As a woman working with other women, Melamed didn’t feel excluded. The inclusion she gained in MBW, she said, carried over into the rest of the classes and projects she undertook as an undergraduate. “I guess I never even viewed myself as different from other students, even going from my time as a freshman in LSA to a sophomore at Ross,” Melamed said. “And even if I’ve felt different for being a girl, it has been in a positive light, with other women — whether it’s professors who took me under their wing or other classmates — looking out for me.” Like Palle, she referenced her time working in group projects with teams heavily dominated in number by men. The difference in takeaways is stark. “I’ve never felt like my opinion has been marginalized, which could be because I am a very assertive person,” Melamed said. “And I think a lot of my friends are in the same boat.”

The key to success, Melamed clarified, is getting women to take part in an inclusive community as early as possible, so they have a chance to find a support system they can lean on should difficulty arise. This support system, which Melamed found in the form of MBW, establishes a space for everyone involved to voice common concerns. Even if those concerns aren’t directly related to sexism, the ability to confide in someone going through the same experience is vital. Palle pointed out how most of the women she has met in the Business School have extremely varied ideas on what is sexism. Many of her friends, she noted, don’t even realize when they’re being discriminated against. It’s all a matter of perspective. “I think the saddest part is that so many women don’t even know when someone is being sexist,” Palle said. “We view it differently.” Both Palle and Melamed seemed to mirror one answer: Ultimately, a problem lies in the numbers. “A lot of people bring attention to how we don’t participate in class,” Melamed said. “When you consider the fact that only 30 percent of the students are female, it’s easy to see why you’d have more responses from men than women.”

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

10A — Fall 2014

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Opinion October

10/24/13

The Board of Regents planned a meeting in New York City to discuss fundraising issues, but since this prevents public access, we argued against the meeting being in an inaccessible area to the public. See Page 2B

September

09/17/13 The Daily evaluates graduate student housing. While dorms makes graduate study less isolated, graduate students can’t afford expensive housing. See Page 4B

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Angela Napolski and Alex Alenik sign their marriage certificates at the Washtenaw County Clerk’s office on March 22, 2014.

FROM THE DAILY

January

01/31/14 After news of a permanent separation between the University and former football player Brendan Gibbons broke, the editorial board analyzed the information and condemned the ‘U’ for lack of transparency. See Page 4A

December

12/04/13 The Daily’s editorial board weighs in on raising the minimum wage, arguing that minimum wage incomes are less than an adult can live on. See Page 6B

November

11/13/13 Megan McDonald discusses intersectionality of being white and a minority race on a campus emphasizing solely minority issues. See Page 2B

February

02/18/14 Teresa Matthews contributes to Michigan in Color, writing a piece on her struggles to love her darker Indian complexion. See Page 2B

March

03/25/14 In March, the University’s Central Student Government held elections for student body president, vice president and representatives. The editorial board once again endorsed FORUM.

A modern family Michigan’s ban on gay marriage is outdated and overdue on reform Originally published MARCH 11, 2014 his past week, a Michigan couple, April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse, challenged the state’s constitutional ban against gay marriage. The state government’s callousness toward gay rights must come to an end, as the state’s 2004 constitutional ban on gay marriage is outdated and discriminatory. Michigan must reform its marriage policies to treat same-sex couples equally and to ensure that the children of same-sex couples will be able to remain with their parents. Currently, Michigan does not recognize same-sex marriages, meaning that same-sex couples are unable to share custody of independently adopted children. Therefore, neither DeBoer nor Rowse has custody over the other’s adopted children. In the event of a catastrophe involving one woman, Michigan law would not recognize the other parent’s custodianship of the first woman’s adopted children and could take the children away — arbitrarily and cruelly destroying a family. The fight for same-sex marriage is only one of many movements that have emerged in the last few years that reflect the growing support for the LGBTQ community. In fact, in a recent Gallup poll, nine out of 10 Michigan residents already believed that there was existing legislation protecting individuals against discrimination based on sexuality. Popular support and relevance of the 2004 state constitutional amendment today is questionable, seeing that nine states legalized gay marriage in the past year, as opposed to the six that confirmed a ban. Three of the 17 states that permit civil unions were adopted by popular vote. Thirty-three states currently have constitutional amendments and state laws banning gay marriage. However, the anticipated statutes run counter to the majority opinion, as 59 percent of adults in the United States supported gay marriage according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll. There are many progressive movements pushing Michigan to

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Barry Belmont, Nivedita Karki, Jordyn Kay, Kellie Halushka, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman, Paul Sherman, Allison Raeck, Linh Vu, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe

Living with an invisible illness

A April

04/9/14 Michael Schramm spends time wrestling with being gay while also being a Christian. See Page 6B

05/15/14

June

06/05/14 Derek Wolfe critiques the The Mackinac Policy Conference, an event joining professionals to discuss Michigan’s economic standing. See Page 4B

May

Tori Noble discusses tanning and its dangerous side effects despite societal encouragement for young women to tan. See Page 2B

07/13/14

July

James Brennan comments on the oversimplification of complex issues like the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. See Page 5B

join other pro-equality states. Efforts that promote LGBTQ equality are rapidly coming to fruition. In Michigan, a petition with more than 1,000 signatures created the Royal Oak anti-discrimination clause in 2013. In the same year, Federal Judge David M. Lawson granted a preliminary injunction against a state law that bans domestic partners of employees of local Michigan government and school districts from receiving job benefits. On a national level, President Barack Obama’s administration is continuously working to extend marital rights to LGBTQ couples. The legalization of same-sex marriage in Michigan wouldn’t be groundbreaking, but rather an overdue ruling. Though Assistant State Attorney Kristin Heyse has presented social research that reveals the advantages of both a mother and father figure in a child’s life, it does not imply that same-sex marriage households are detrimental or not sufficient. And there is no question that love and support from two parents is as good as, if not better than, those from one divorced parent. 58.6 percent of voters approved the 2004 ban, but that number is outdated and doesn’t reflect the views of today’s voters. As LGBTQ support is rising, the state government must take action along with it. Governor Rick Snyder should recognize that the ban on gay marriage is a prominent concern and work toward reform that accommodates the LGBTQ community’s demands and rights.

t 18 years old, most high-school graduates imagine their soon-to-be college careers as a blur of caffeine induced all-nighters, nearly impossible exams, subsequent celebratory bar crawls, partying until 3 a.m. and sleeping in until 3 p.m. Though I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 12 years LAUREN old, I had an idealized MCCARTHY vision of college in which I was perfectly healthy, disease free and dedicated only to my schoolwork and social life. Unfortunately, my utopian take on the perfect college experience came to a screeching halt my senior year of high school as my condition became so exacerbated that I was forced to begin administering weekly selfinjections to control my symptoms. And so it began: monthly battles with my insurance company, regular blood work, University Health Service providers who were unfamiliar with the medication and its side effects and endless trouble coordinating the shipment of the syringes with the mailing office hours in my dorm building. I’m one of many students who have what is often termed an “invisible illness” — a condition that may not be immediately apparent. We are students who don’t appear to be physically ill, and thus, others assume that we’re just as capable as the average student. But we’re not. As fiercely independent as I am, twoand-a-half years into my college career, I have finally conceded that I need just a little additional help — but is that help truly available to me? I’m constantly in the doctor’s office, whether for the treatment itself, the repercussions of the side effects, or to complete blood tests to ensure I’m healthy enough to continue to receive the injections. I’m chronically fatigued either from the medication itself or from the headache that is insurance companies, and all the while expected to compete on the same

playing field as my able-bodied peers. I’m now familiar with the Service for Students with Disabilities office, but I had no idea that the office even existed until my sophomore year — much less what services they provided. As I tried to explain to my professors what was affecting my performance freshman year, not one mentioned that there was an office through which I could “register” my chronic illness. Now having done so, I am still unconvinced of its efficacy. Is it sufficient information just to hand my teachers a note at the beginning of each semester? Will my professors understand that the occasional empty look in my eyes and obvious exhaustion are not because I was at Rick’s until final call the night before? Or have they become accustomed to the saturation and prevalence of these letters so that they’re no longer able to value them on a case-by-case basis? Additionally, what young adult will readily identify him or herself as “disabled?” Undoubtedly there’s a population of students who would rather forgo the label and subsequent stigma than offer themselves up as a disabled individual. While I do not believe that’s well advised, it’s understandable. I refused to subject myself to even the thought, not because I view “disabled” so negatively, but because I did not want to issue myself a crutch. In 2013, the American College Health Association reported that a combined 24.3 percent of college students reported having a chronic illness or condition ranging from ADHD, diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis and autoimmune disorders, to learning disabilities or psychiatric conditions. Comprising almost a quarter of college students, we are a collection of those with “invisible illnesses” who are vastly more prevalent than one might have imagined and arguably deserving of more defined support. Acknowledging this need, DePaul University launched the Chronic Illness Initiative at the School of New Learning in the fall of 2003. The purpose of the initiative is the belief that students with chronic illness — who number in millions — often find their needs neglected. University-

based offices for students with disabilities tend to focus on more easily identifiable disabilities that can be helped by technological aids and existing programs, while the ever-changing needs of those with chronic illness are often misunderstood or overlooked. The initiative addresses these issues, designed to accommodate those with “invisible illnesses” and their waxing and waning symptoms. The University should take a close look at this program, and adapt similar core values and initiatives. While students are able to register their chronic illness with the University, there is more to be done. Students could benefit from having a space to simply meet each other, share their concerns and frustrations and proactively seek modification of the existing system. The University’s Counseling and Psychological Services offer support groups for grief, eating disorders and social anxiety — but not chronic illness. More often than not, health-care professionals at UHS are unfamiliar with the biologic drug that I’m taking and have prescribed medications that exacerbate my existing symptoms. Though the Services for Students with Disabilities office provides academic accommodations, they should expand to provide adequate healthcare accommodations as well. Perhaps UHS should identify for students particular physicians who are most knowledgeable about chronic illnesses, and funnel those of us suffering from them through a separate scheduling process. Too often, due to UHS’s lack of understanding, I have been forced to outsource my care to other physicians and pay for their care as well as the University’s mandatory, nonrefundable “Healthcare Service Fee” — $349.80 included annually in and indistinguishable from my tuition. Navigating my chronic illness with little support from the University is 18 credit hours on its own; however, with a few administrative changes, increased awareness and student advocacy, those with “invisible illnesses” may finally be able to find some relief. — Originally published JAN. 23, 2014.

Opinion

2B — Fall 2014

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Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily’s editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.

FROM THE DAILY

New York, New York

Regents trip to NYC further diminishes students’ involvement Originally published OCT. 24, 2013

T

he University’s Board of Regents is planning a private “strategic planning session” in New York City for Jan. 16 and 17 of next year. In place of the monthly public meeting, the regents will meet with leaders of other prestigious higher-education institutions, as well as with potential donors. This trip is part of the University’s zealous fundraising effort for its new capital campaign, Victors for Michigan, that kicks off in November. With fundraising as the focus, the public sessions that are open to students and faculty will now be decreased, once again, to 10 meetings instead of the usual 11. While the trip addresses the University’s growing need for private fundraising as well as other administrative functions, it further diminishes students’ already limited involvement with the regents, especially during this crucial presidential selection process. A similar meeting was held last January in California with leaders from University of California, Berkeley and Stanford among others, to gain insight from a system going through similar financial strain. This time, issues — such as the possibility of a negative 2014 fiscal year attributed to the mass of newly insured patients under the Affordable Care Act, $800 million spent on the Epic System and $750 million spent on the new C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital — will be addressed. The trip also coincides with a donor event held by the University’s most recent prolific benefactor, real-estate tycoon Stephen Ross. These looming concerns necessitate that the regents to focus on fundraising and discovering new sources of revenue. This especially holds true because Michigan has cut investments for public universities by 32 percent since 2008, which in part caused significant increases in tuition rates, thus putting a strain on maintaining academic excellence. With this drastic loss in state revenue, it’s imperative that

the regents fundraise from private sources — a responsibility they have effectively taken up. However, the regents’ role shouldn’t be primarily focused around fundraising, especially when it comes at the expense of involving the community in the board’s functions like the presidential search process. The 10 public meetings are the only interaction students can have with the regents. The need for student involvement should be accentuated by the fact that the University is in the midst of selecting a new president. Yet, there is no student voice that actively advises the board, let alone the Presidential Search Committee. On top of that, the University never specified why the trip is private instead of public. The lack of public funding has forced the Board of Regents to take upon the crucial duties of fundraising and therefore, the subsequent to trips to California and, now, New York. But while these trips and efforts are justified, they should be coupled with transparency and other avenues for student feedback.

I

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Staying out of the sun

felt the long, thin needle pierce my skin, and the local anesthetic stung as it spread around the small dark mole on my right arm. The dermatologist cut off a small piece of skin, and put it into some sort of vial to be sent VICTORIA off for testNOBLE ing. About two weeks later, I got the results. It was called Dysplastic Nevi — not skin cancer, but not normal either. I’m lucky. Each year in the United States, biopsies like mine indicate new cases of skin cancer for 3.5 million Americans. Of those, 76,690 are invasive Melanoma, an extremely dangerous form of skin cancer that kills one American every 57 minutes. An increasing number of these incidences and deaths are among adolescent girls. Despite widely publicized efforts to combat the disease and promote safe sun practices, rates of skin cancer continue to steadily climb, even as rates of other forms of cancer fall. Increased incidence of skin cancer can probably be partly attributed to the thinning ozone layer. As more damage is done, more UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and are absorbed by our skin. However, the environment is not entirely to blame. Coinciding with the increasing damage to the ozone layer has been, and continues to be, an increase in sun exposure and tanning bed use, especially among young women. 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure. Try to recount each sunburn or dark tan you’ve ever had … I know I’ve lost count. I’ve had more than my fair share of sunburns, acquired on family vacations and summers sailing, wake boarding and playing tennis. I would lay out on beach towels and warm docks, tanning with friends. When I was 16 I began using tanning booths, only for a year or so, but long enough to damage my skin. In 2010, 44 percent of 18-21 yearold non-Hispanic white women living in the Midwest reported to have been indoor tanning. Using a tanning bed for the first time before age 35

increases a person’s risk for melanoma by 59 percent. Their use continues to climb even as education about their dangers increases. I can distinctly remember disregarding them before going tanning with friends. The users of these dangerous machines are often young people — 74 percent of indoor tanners are women ages 18-26 — who are highly susceptible to media influence. Coupled with the accessibility of tanning salons, it comes as no surprise that there’s a problem. Tan skin is often a mark of beauty and youthfulness in Western culture. While the media presents images of tanned, beautiful women, it fails to inform viewers that these models and actresses don’t often tan on the beach or at a tanning booth. Instead, their glow often comes from a professional spray tanner. This fits with the disturbing trend of media portrayals of falsified women. Girls are tanned, stretched, thinned and re-proportioned on expensive computer programs. They are made up with more products and optical illusions than most ordinary women can afford or find the time to apply on a regular basis. This includes the application of full body makeup, or spray tans, used to make models and actresses appear tanner. While unsafe tanning practices can just be added to the long list of disorders caused by this type of distortion of beauty standards, it is no less important. Sexualizing and beautifying women seems effective in selling movie tickets, products of all kinds and attracting viewers. It’s also contributing to the rise in skin cancer. Further compounding this problem is the availability of indoor tanning, a major source of harmful UV light for young women. There are several chains of competing salons, and a 2006 study found that there are more tanning salons than Starbucks, McDonalds, or other popular chains in many cities. Further, indoor tanning is less expensive than spray tanning and other substitutes. An unlimited month

tanning package is $19.99 at Chili Peppers tanning, while spray tanning often costs a similar amount for one application that lasts about week. At expensive salons, it can cost upwards of $60 for spray tans and full body makeup. There are at home products sold at several price points, but self-applications often leaves inexperienced users looking orange and streaky. Regulations on tanning salons are disturbingly relaxed. In Michigan, parental permission is required for minors, and must require eye protection. That’s it. I can’t speak for others, but as a 16-year-old, I regularly tanned without ever being asked for identification, and my parents certainly never gave permission. But, even if this law was properly enforced, stricter regulations are in order. The large number of tanning salons makes the task of enforcing rules difficult. However, economic regulation could reduce the externality caused by the industry, and save the lives of people who would have otherwise used the dangerous technology. By taxing indoor tanning salons, making their prices more similar to those of other substitutes, less people would be willing or able to pay for indoor tanning sessions, or may buy less of them. Further, due to unscrupulous media and advertising practices and societal pressures, it is unlikely that minors can make informed decisions on indoor tanning and skincare. Michigan should join other states like California and Illinois, which ban indoor tanning for people under 18. More responsible media practices and reduced use of tanning salons can help decrease rates of this dangerous cancer. As summer approaches, it’s important to remember to be safe in the sun, or at least weigh the possibility of developing cancer later on with your wish to look tanner. Personally, I’ve decided that it’s just not worth it.

I’ve decided that it’s just not worth it.

— Originally published MAY 15, 2014.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCT. 11, 2013

MEGGIE RAMM

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Kaan Avdan, Sharik Bashir, Barry Belmont, James Brennan, Eric Ferguson, Jordyn Kay, Jesse Klein, Melanie Kruvelis, Maura Levine, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Adrienne Roberts, Paul Sherman,Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe

TERESA MATHEW | MICHIGAN IN COLOR

Made of fire I wish I could tell my skin that it is made of fire. That it covers blood and bone and muscle no different in makeup from Jennifer Lawrence or Michelle Obama or Emma Watson. I wish I could tell my skin that it exists as a covering for what is pulsing within my body, that it has been designed to keep me safe, and that anyone who cares more about wrapping paper than what it contains inside is a fool. And I am learning that even the people who love me can be foolish. I am trying to come to peace with something I never used to cry over. I am trying to tell my skin, I am trying to tell myself, I am trying to tell my mother and my family and whoever I want to love me that I am more than my color. But I am my color, too. My skin is not a shade an Indian mother can be proud of, my skin is the color of cinnamon and peeled-back tree bark, and my skin never used to make me ashamed. I am dark. My father is darker, could probably pass for Black if his features were not so unmistakably Indian. My mother, on the other hand, is fair. I never had a problem with being dark when I was younger — my father’s sister is darker than he is. I thought her skin glowed, it was so black. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I used to sit out in the sun so my skin would grow to be like hers. And I laughed at that Indian standard of beauty, sure I would never care about the shade of my skin. But then I turned fifteen, and I sat in a room while my great-uncle demanded to know why my two-year-old niece, whose skin is far, far fairer than mine, was “so terribly dark.” He thundered this at my uncle in a tone both angry and disapproving, and I shrunk back into a corner and tried to disappear and learned for the first time that being brown could make me

feel small. I was twenty and listening as my greataunt told my mother that I was looking a bit nicer now that I at last looked fairer (living through two Michigan winters will do that to you). Most painful of all, I had to listen to my mother tell me she agreed with my aunt, that she thought fairer was prettier as well. This from a woman who married a man so dark his complexion isn’t just shades darker than hers, it’s at the bottom of an entirely different paint swatch. What did that say about what she thought of my father? What did that say about what she thought about me? I know they say beauty is only skin deep. But we want even that thin layer of skin to be wholly accepted by the people we love, regardless of its color. When I tell white Americans that Indians prefer fair skin, they inevitably ask me, in a tone half disapproving and half slyly pleased, “Oh, so like … they want to be my skin color?” I used to think it was my duty to sweetly answer these condescending questions. I do not think so anymore. I do not want to be your skin color. I want to be my own. And I want to be comfortable in it, the same way I was when I was a child and didn’t notice that no one I read about in books or saw on television looked like me. I want my mother and the mothers of other Indian girls I know, smart, educated women who love and want the best for their daughters, to stop caring about the color of our skin. Let us play outside if we want to. Let us get darker, let us develop. We are more than the shade of brown we are labelled by. Let us understand that we are made of fire. Originally published FEB. 18. 2014.

MEGAN MCDONALD | VIEWPOINT

Living in racial limbo

Recently, there have been many pieces published reflecting the struggles of different minority groups on campus, and the response has been amazing. But, I’d like to argue that despite all this talk about race, we’ve forgotten one minority — my minority. Being bi-racial. I am White. I was born in the suburbs of Detroit and have spent my whole life there. English is my first language and I can attempt to speak Spanish only because I’m in my fourth semester requirement. I share the same cultural views about the world as many other Americans, and I do have German, Irish, and English heritage, which I’m very proud of. I am Asian — half Filipina, specifically — but I don’t share the same cultural views and experiences as my mom. While I love traditional Filipino foods and learning about my mom’s lifestyle in her village, I’ve never been to the Philippines. I talk to distant relatives in the Philippines who have known much more pain than I ever will. I can’t speak Tagalog, but I can tell you that “mahal kita” means I love you, and I know a

couple of swear words as well. I am two races, two ethnicities — a combination of two different worlds. Those two worlds have conflicted on many occasions and forced me to pick and choose my beliefs, but ultimately made me who I am. I am proud of my heritage, just as any other American would boast about their heritage, whether that’s Irish, Chinese, Nigerian or Mexican. But when it comes to race, I’m stuck in racial limbo. I’m both, but neither at the same time. In conversations about race, biracial identities are forgotten. We are the true minority. Only 2.4 percent of Americans are bi-racial. But we’re clumped into other minority identities, which doesn’t allow us to fully express the experiences we’ve had. Half white, half Black. Half White, half Asian. Half Asian, half Black. Whatever combination, we’re left as outcasts, never fully fitting within either group and only grouped by what others perceive us as. The bi-racial struggle is trying to fit in. We can label ourselves as Asian, Black, Latino, etc., but at the end of

the day, those groups always recognize our White heritage. The same goes for trying to identify as White — it’s impossible because we can’t be fully accepted due to our minority background. But I can’t simply leave one to adopt the other. My dad had an impact on my life, as did my mom. Would I be doing an injustice to my upbringing by rejecting my White identity, or even worse, seem as if I didn’t value my dad? And as for my mom, with all her love and tenderness, would I inadvertently reject her and her culture by abandoning my Filipino background? I refuse to subscribe to just one race. Being bi-racial is a part of me and a part of my story. In a society where we’ve divided ourselves upon race, bi-racial people like me are the ones who know what it means to be a minority and feel rejection. However, we’re pioneers in the sense because we see both sides for all its beauty and its flaws, and create the bridge between the two. Origingally published NOV. 13, 2013.

Opinion

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Fall 2014 — 3B

ERIN FISCHER | VIEWPOINT

FROM THE DAILY

‘Hood rachet Thursday’ As a member of Greek life, I clicked on my Facebook notifications to find yet another fraternity party invitation. I viewed the event page to see what exactly Theta Xi was inviting me to this week, and what I found was confusing, disturbing and hurtful. “World Star Hip Hop Presents: Hood Ratchet Thursday,” read the event title. The description went on to inform me that “bad bitches, white girls, basketball players, thugs, gangsters” and “ratchet pussy” (a new term to me) were all invited. Scrolling down the event page, I was appalled by photos of Black men holding fistfuls of money and multiple comments made by people I’ve met and know stating, “BEST THEME EVER” and “I’m dressing as Lil’ Wayne/Nicki Minaj”. This invite was sent to me because I’m a member of Greek life. As a member of Greek life I can only speak for myself, not my sorority or anyone with similar identities to my own. It was assumed that my member status negates me from being offended by such an oppressive and derog-

atory theme and the subsequent comments. It angers me that members of a community — that I often defend to others — could exploit the identities of students and faculty on this campus. It’s sad to see that list of Greek life members I defend shrink right before my eyes. “Why can’t you just take the joke?” so many have already asked. I can’t take the joke because of the alarming number of fraternity brothers that have asked me if I’m from Detroit when I attend their events as one of the few women of color. I can’t take the joke because of the obscene number of times I’ve been asked to “twerk” and “dance” for these white men, because my Black identity obviously tells them I possess the inherent talent and desire to do so. I can’t take the joke because I don’t have the luxury to remove the labels of “hood,” “ratchet” or “bad bitch” after the party ends. The privileged students on this campus tie those labels to my identity because of my racial minority status. I can’t take the joke because racism and oppression are alive

and well on this campus; a campus where I’m often the only person of color in a classroom. And when I speak in that classroom, what I have to say is taken as the narrative of every other Black woman these privileged students come in contact with. So no, I cannot simply take the joke that Theta Xi thought was an appropriate way to invite the people they share this campus with, to have a nice time at their event. Theta Xi invited the wrong “bad bitch” to their party. Their first mistake was allowing this incredibly offensive party theme to make its way to a Facebook invite that infiltrated our campus. Theta Xi’s second mistake was commenting and posting on the event page — making a mockery out of a culture they do not belong to. Their third mistake was inviting me; assuming that as a member of Greek life I would be a bystander, doing nothing to stop “Hood Ratchet Thursday” from going on without a hitch. Originally published OCT. 31, 2013.OCT OCT. 31, 2013.

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Barry Belmont, Nivedita Karki, Jacob Karafa, Jordyn Kay, Kellie Halushka, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman, Allison Raeck, Derek Wolfe

PRIME

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ast Thursday, University President Mary Sue Coleman addressed the Board of Regents and discussed the campus climate, diversity and inclusion. Coleman implied that the University’s struggle began in earnest with the passage of Proposal 2 in 2006, which effectively banned the consideration of race in college admissions. Though it seems apparent that Proposal 2 has carried much of the blame for decreasing minority enrollment, the University shouldn’t use it as a crutch to deflect criticism, but should refocus on what options do remain to increase diversity. Many schools attempt to bypass court decisions prohibiting affirmative action by recruiting students in underrepresented areas, increasing enrollment and adopting a holistic review approach that takes into consideration the challenges students have faced, instead of just their academic performance. However, since the implementation of Proposal 2, Black enrollment dropped from around 7 percent of the undergraduate population in 2006 to 4.65 percent in Fall 2013. Additionally, other minorities such as Hispanic and Native American students have seen decreases in their undergraduate percentages during the same time period. With minority enrollment hindered by Proposal 2, the University has an even greater responsibility in finding new ways to increase enrollment. The University must counteract the effects of Proposal 2 by

increasing its outreach program. The creation of the associate vice president position in enrollment management is a step in the right direction as this can help garner more applications from underrepresented minorities and better connect the admissions department with financial aid. However, the University needs to take further action and increase the number of recruiters it physically sends out to economically disadvantaged regions which usually boast high minority populations. This process must start early as many students enter high school with the imbedded belief that a college education is out of reach. Encouraging students to overcome these preconceived ideas and apply to the University will create increase the number of applications from underrepresented minorities and will ideally lead to an increase in minority enrollment.

The fundamental problem of lower socioeconomic statuses also needs to be addressed in order for the University to be more appealing towards minority groups. Many students don’t apply to the University due to the cost of attendance. The numerous financial opportunities offered by the University need to be more transparent and easily accessible for prospective students. However, the current financial system needs to be fixed first. It discriminates against lower income families due to specific financial aid packs given to certain economic brackets. The University must take action to further increase minority by considering enrollment inhibiting circumstances that affect minority populations in particular. By taking these steps, the racial climate at the University will seemingly improve and the pride for diversity may continue.

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Opinion

4B — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

MELISSA SCHOLKE | VIEWPOINT

FROM THE DAILY

The muddling of religion & politics Since I was little, my dad warned me of three “dangerous” conversation topics that inevitably lead to arguments: money, religion and politics. My status as a broke college student usually saves me from offending anyone within the first topic. However, the following two subjects continually find pesky ways of intertwining and infringing upon human rights. Religion and politics provide us with societal frameworks. These very, separate spheres of thought and belief encourage humanity to flourish, to foster goodwill towards one another, to seek peace and to provide guidance amidst the towering specter of uncertainty. Yet, when these vastly different and complicated worlds of subjectivity collide, we, as citizens dismantle and scatter into our respective corners like billiards balls at the start of a game. When religion and politics are muddled together, the shouting match commences and we begin to disregard the impact our beliefs hold over the rights of our fellow citizens. For example, an offensive — well, in my opinion — float appeared in my hometown’s Fourth of July parade. It was merely a pickup truck with a trailer scuttling behind it; the float’s message was a crudely sprayed equation upon the trailer’s side. In black spray paint, the message read: “God’s marriage= 1 man + 1 woman. Honk if you agree.” I most certainly wasn’t about to honk. The only reaction the supposedly “correct” equation incited was a fervent desire to display a particular finger to the elderly, scruffy “mountain man” sitting in the trailer. However, the presence of children and the realization my reaction would encroach upon the freedom of speech of these individuals stopped me. Even if I didn’t agree with the message or if I believe it was displayed at the wrong place and time, the parade was open to all forms of speech. Yet, I possessed a sneaking suspicion if a pro-marriage equality float appeared, its creators would be accused of shoving their beliefs down the townspeople’s throats. While the parade incident was a minor example, last week the infiltration of religion upon politics led the Supreme Court to disregard the rights of thousands of female workers. In a close 5-4 ruling last Monday, the Supreme Court justices ruled in

“

favor of owners of the Hobby Lobby retail chain in a dispute regarding the responsibility to cover contraception in the insurance offered to their employees. The Christian families who own Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties challenged a provision of the Affordable Care Act requiring them to offer contraception coverage. Under the grounds of protecting their religious freedom, the owners argued offering insurance coverage for contraception forced them to endorse abortion. The Affordable Care Act provides exemptions to religious institutions, hospitals and schools, but forprofit companies, like Hobby Lobby, were originally expected to cover contraception in employee health care plans. Now, because Hobby Lobby is considered a privately-held company — or a company with the majority of shares owned by five or less people — they’re no longer required to cover birth control methods such as Plan B or intrauterine devices. Prices for birth control methods like IUDs can range up to $1,000, and now the entirety of these costs must come directly out of female workers’ pockets. Although the company may only be owned by a small number of Christians, the numerous individuals employed by the company most likely come from a diverse array of creeds and shouldn’t have their employers’ beliefs imposed upon them. The women requesting contraception coverage may not even wish to prevent pregnancy. According to a study by the Guttmacher Institute, 1.5 million women use birth control aid in the treatment of ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. Likewise, Guttmacher also found 58 percent of birth control users utilize these methods to reduce menstrual pain, prevent migraines and treat acne. Like many other treatments and prescriptions, birth control can be a costly medical necessity. A decision of women’s health rests exclusively with the woman affected by it and the beliefs she follows. I find it preposterous an issue of women’s health was decided by five men, the justices who comprised the majority decision, and will continually be decided by religiously motivated employers. Originally published JULY 10, 2014.

NOTABLE QUOTABLE

Are all donations equal?

P

Donors’ wishes should align with student preferences Originally published SEPT. 17, 2013

lans to develop a new graduate student residence hall were met with potential resistance from some graduate students at a town hall meeting on Sept. 11. University officials spoke with graduate students at a forum Wednesday dedicated to discussing what will likely be called the Munger Residence Hall, a new dormitory funded by a $110-million donation from University alum Charles Munger, who also bankrolled a similar residence hall at Stanford University. Despite enthusiasm from the administration, the building’s seven-resident unit layout and potential prices disenchanted graduate students in attendance. However, when these criticisms were voiced, E. Royster Harper, vice president of student affairs, emphasized Munger’s own intention with the dormitory, and the administration’s need to respect those wishes. Moving forward, the University needs to do a better job balancing the wishes of donors with student needs. When the University broke the news of Munger’s donation in April — the largest gift to the University prior to Stephen Ross’s early September donation — administrators outlined a vision for a complex that would bring together students from different academic backgrounds in an attempt to “make graduate study less isolated,” as University President Mary Sue Coleman put it. Munger’s well-intentioned mission, however, has begun to outwweigh the interests of students themselves. One of the ways the Munger planned on creating this interdisciplinary community was by building seven-resident apartments with shared living space. At the town-hall session, however, graduate students — the targeted tenants of the complex — reacted negatively to the “experimental” concept, arguing that this attempt at creating community-style living isn’t the right fit for upper-level students. Graduate studies often require intense focus, and students in graduate programs are closer to starting families than their undergraduate counterparts. Despite the attempt at building community, seven-person housing units might not be the most productive way to foster the dialogue that Munger wants to build. The price of living in the residence hall is also concerning — especially considering students

Rehab is amazing. It reminds me of football camp.”

would be sharing space with so many people. Current price approximations for the residence hall are about $1,000 per month. While this price might keep the University competitive with the recent rise of luxury apartments in Ann Arbor, it’s far from an affordable option for graduate students, especially those already managing student-loan debt. “When you’re still working from, in a lot of cases, a research stipend or something like that, you have to be pretty frugal with what you’re spending on housing,” Rackham student Michael Hand, Rackham Student Government representative, said at the meeting. In light of rising housing prices in the city, the University’s role in housing should be providing an affordable option. The vision of the donor shouldn’t impede the ability to finance students’ education. The University has received many significant donations in the past year, from Ross’s recent donation to gifts from the Zell family. Of course, the University community is grateful for the continued support from alumni; however, these donations are offered and planned long before they’re announced to the entire University. Instead of focusing on unveiling these donations with pomp and circumstance, the University should be working toward bridging the gap between donors and students long

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Kaan Avdan, Sharik Bashir, Barry Belmont, Eli Cahan, Eric Ferguson, Jesse Klein, Melanie Kruvelis, Maura Levine, Patrick Maillet, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Harsha Nahata, Adrienne Roberts, Paul Sherman, Sarah Skaluba, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe

—Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in an interview with the Toronto Sun after checking himself into rehab in May. In late 2013, Ford admitted to substance abuse problems while in office.

Excluding exclusivity

I

t took me a couple days to realize it after it happened, but then it hit me. The Mackinac Policy Conference was held on an island. An island! Duh. If you think about it, that’s DEREK actually WOLFE rather problematic. Because, if there’s anything that says, “We don’t want the general public anywhere near us,” it’s holding a policy conference on an island — an all too perfect metaphor for the disconnect between the Michigan government and its citizens. The Mackinac Policy Conference has been held every year since 1981 at the Grand Hotel and is hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. This year, it ran May 27 through May 30. According to the DRC’s website, the purpose of the conference is to join “business professionals, government leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and regional champions to strategically position Michigan as a national economic leader.” I find this mission statement to be highly misleading. The goal of “strategically position(ing) Michigan as a national economic leader” certainly did not pass the eye test unless socializing, participating in many interviews, and sitting through several keynote presentations counts as policymaking. Perhaps “vacation” would be more appropriate. That being said, I find a gathering like this has the potential to be something spectacular. Just a few changes (read: drastic overhaul) are needed. There were three main “pillars” to this year’s conference: entrepreneurship, STEM education and impact. Throughout the week, keynote speakers including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Malcolm Gladwell, Gov. Rick Snyder, Purdue University President Mitch Daniels and Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr presented in

line with these topics. The future of Detroit was a major focus. University President Mary Sue Coleman also gave a presentation on innovation as a Mackinac Moment, a Ted-style talk. The presentations were quite impressive and captivating despite the uncomfortable chairs. However, I couldn’t help but think that it was just several hours of preaching to the choir. For current members of the chamber, the cost of admission runs a cool $2150 — $2950 for future members. My issue is that if you, or the company who paid for you to attend, can afford the obscene price tag, then do you really need to be hearing about entrepreneurship? The attendees are also likely making an impact in one way or another and have already been college educated. Of course, there were state legislators present who could learn about why they should or shouldn’t vote for certain initiatives, but the most important audience was not in attendance: young people. The people who could be involved in entrepreneurships, are at the beginning of their careers and making decisions about their education. Members of the Daily were the youngest attendees by far. We could tell by the number of stares. Or maybe we just had mustard stains on our clothes — no, couldn’t be. I checked. We were able to spend a couple of minutes with Mayor Duggan, where he told us of a 25 year old man and his girlfriend who moved to Detroit to start an organic food market: “Their vision is to build a national chain of organic markets. He said in Brooklyn or Chicago, we wouldn’t have been able to live and start a company in our mid twenties. We came to Detroit. We bought an old house in West Village for next to nothing we’re fixing up. They rented out a storefront for $350 a month. They’re 25 years old and starting their own organic market. And so, for those who have kind of a rebel’s strike and who want to start early in life, Detroit gives you an opportunity.” Fascinating.

President Coleman also spoke of the success that the University’s Business Engagement Center is having when we sat down with her: “We can interact with so many companies now, annually. Three-hundred fifty small, medium and large. And we have another 200 inquiries every year from other companies.” The story that Mayor Duggan told is truly amazing and inspirational. What those young people are doing is the definition of entrepreneurship and making an impact. And the businesses involved in the BEC are doing the same. I want to learn more about them. So where were they? While Duggan and Coleman are representatives of their respective city and University, these entrepreneurs should tell their own stories and let other state politicians and the general public interact and converse with them. The Mackinac Policy Conference did not allow for this happen. While it may have helped attendees network, it certainly did not move the state forward in the way I would’ve hoped. I believe that moving forward can happen when the exclusivity stops. Next year, hold a conference in Detroit, the most populated city in the state, at a venue like Cobo Hall. Sure, invite the politicians, CEOs and other high-ranking officials. That’s fine. But also invite the public, the might-be business owner and future doctor. Let the 25 year-old market owner have his moment and share his experiences. During our interview with Mayor Duggan, he spoke highly of the linkage between Chicago businesses and universities. So I joked, saying, “Let’s make Detroit the new Chicago.” But, he quickly corrected me. “We just want to make it the new Detroit.” I like that, Mayor Duggan. But, let’s move the state forward as a community. That can start by moving this conference to mainland. It smells too much like horses on Mackinac, anyway. — Originally published JUNE 5, 2014.

Opinion

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Fall 2014 — 5B

FROM THE DAILY

’13-’14 Edgar Awards Throwing shade and underpaid since 2003 Originally published APRIL 22, 2014

B

ack when J. Edgar Hoover, that infallible defender of our constitutional rights, was playing dictator and spying on Americans as head of the FBI (not unlike the NSA), The Michigan Daily’s editorial page handed out the Edgar Awards annually to individuals and institutions best embodying his many admirable characteristics. Of necessity, we revived the tradition in recent years.

JAMES BRENNAN/Daily

A

To live and die on the left

terrible symptom of infighting on the left is creating boogeymen and casting opposition as the evil root of oppression. Factions always want to frame an issue as simply as JAMES possible, BRENNAN choosing groups to be the evil villain behind injustice. This has been the case with Israel time and again, a fact made clear during Friday’s proPalestinian protest near the Diag. In the crowd of 100 or so peaceful demonstrators, one sign stuck out: it was adorned with swastikas and read “Nazi Israel is a cancer it must be radiated.” I spoke with the person holding the sign, a middle aged Palestinian man named Muhammad. He claimed Israel’s policies of stealing land, killing civilians and operating prison camps qualified it as a “Nazi country.” He also claimed that only a week earlier, his home in Gaza had been destroyed. This type of system, he told me, must be “uprooted” (the word he chose to describe what his sign meant by “radiated”). Regardless of the truth behind this man’s anger — Israel’s human rights violations, their continued breaking of international law, the destruction of his own home — his rhetoric is wrong. Israel is painted as the end all, be all evil empire behind his oppression and the oppression of others, meaning any support for the country is completely evil, too. This is nothing new when it comes to the left criticizing Israel, from claims that the state is a “Nazi country” to implying that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson use their influence and money to control U.S. foreign policy. While these narratives are pleasing to those facing oppression, they’re untrue and polarizing. Those on the left, more moderate or supportive

of Israel are turned into pawns of an international conspiracy controlling U.S. foreign policy, apologists for a country whose only functions are stealing land and bombing civilians. Once the debate reaches this level, it ends. Our side is good and the other is evil, and you don’t negotiate with evil. Ultimately, this framing as oppressors versus the oppressed translates into the other side doing the same. In the case of Israel, moderates on the left frame the pro-Palestine groups as hateful, anti-Semitic and supportive of terrorists. Not to say that there aren’t elements of anti-Semitism in the far left; the assumption that wealthy Zionists and Israel dictate world affairs hearkens back to the anti-Semitism that has always plagued the world. The prejudice towards Jews is less pronounced, but that’s to be expected in an age of subconscious, dog-whistle racism (and let’s not even get into the use of swastikas on that sign). The prejudice is there, but it doesn’t control all proPalestinian activists. I’m also not asserting that the two sides we typically see fighting in this conflict are equal. Israel is beating Palestine by a wide margin when it comes to killing civilians and deserves much harsher criticism from the mainstream press. Israel isn’t the evil one here, but this debate doesn’t have equal sides, either. The left gets caught up in this trap too: false equivalency. Because people realize an issue is more complicated than Good versus Evil, they instead frame it as Side A versus Equally-ValidAnd-Flawed Side B. Israel has its right-wingers who hate Arabs, while Palestine has its leftwingers who hate Jews, etc., etc. It’s framed as a push, and the new illusion is a fake solution right down the middle. For Israel and

Palestine, this turns into “they need to both sacrifice, stop killing each other and make peace.” While the latter “fair” narrative comes off much better, it’s just a different side of the same coin: simplicity. If we can’t have a narrative that’s black and white, instead we assume it must be equal shades of grey, where both have similar amounts of good and bad. Things are typically far more complicated, and the same logic doesn’t apply to every issue. There aren’t always equal sides, nor is there always one good and one evil. There aren’t always only two sides, either; sometimes there are three, or four or ten. When the left chooses to take a simplistic narrative, dialogue ceases to progress and the real causes of oppression, injustice and war that we all despise continue on. It isn’t some monster causing the problem that needs to be slain, it’s complex systems of oppression. But instead of acknowledging the intricacies and depth of a problem, the left grabs on to an easy narrative that hinders solutions. The IsraeliPalestinian conflict is one of dozens of issues the left needs to be having a real debate on. Given the conflict’s onesided history, one of the left’s agreed solutions may ultimately be a more extreme tactic like BDS — or maybe not. But we can’t know if we don’t have a real debate, one where facts, reality and the truth play out instead of demonization or fake balance. I don’t blame anyone for failing to do this, because it’s hard — our minds crave simplicity. But the worst problems are often the most complex, and the left has to unite and search for real solutions instead of tearing itself apart fighting straw men.

The worst problems are often the most complex.

— Originally published JULY 16, 2014.

Do you words? Neither we. But that okay, pictures = worth an thousand words. Click on ‘Join the Daily’ at www.michigandaily.com to apply to photo staff and take the easy (and better looking) way out of ever having to words. LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Farewell, Dingell TO THE DAILY: I was just your average caffeinated college senior, barely old enough to legally drink a beer when I sat down in a quiet room for a one-on-one interview with a living legislative legend, Congressman John Dingell (D-Mich). Congressman Dingell had just spoken next door in a crowded room full of supporters inside a United Auto Workers building in Taylor, an industrial downriver city about 30 miles away from the University that is gerrymandered into the same congressional district as Ann Arbor. It was Dingell’s final congressional victory. He had 29 of them. Though triumph seemed a routine occurrence for almost everyone in the room that night, the congressman was by no means complacent. There was a genuine passion for progress in Mr. Dingell’s eyes, and the 85-year-old had the same fiery look you might see on an idealistic, politically active college student who truly believes they can some-

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 10, 2014 how change their world. He took public service seriously. Any decent reporter can tell when a politician is feeding them the safe and memorized lines from a campaign pamphlet, and that was not the case that night or anytime I interviewed the congressman. In fact, I was honestly astounded at Dingell’s frankness. Either I was just a naïve college kid who didn’t realize the congressman’s years of experience had given him herculean ability for crafting nifty and seemingly heartfelt sound bites on the spot, or he was genuinely speaking from the heart. I don’t know. Either way, Dingell was at least talking to me — just some college reporter. And that’s more than you can say for most politicians these days. If you’re a member of the press, especially at a college publication, you’re lucky to even get a politician’s staff person to respond to your e-mail — even if it’s days or weeks ahead of time. Yet there he was, speaking on the record, as he had time and

time before with so many different Michigan Daily reporters — the one and only John Dingell, whose vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 helped change the country and made it so my generation never had to see how “equal” separate really is. Despite his historic list of legislative achievements, Dingell sees himself as just another Michigander, and he would talk to me not just about his hope for America, but about his time in the military and his experiences in the wilderness with bears. With a generation who knows the name Frank Underwood and a Washington, D.C. that seems increasingly distant and unreliable to so many Americans these days, Congressman Dingell’s penchant for giving people at least a few moments of his time, let alone new rights and freedoms, was a very welcome sight. We can only hope the next generation of leaders takes a page from his book. Steve Zoski 2013 Alum

And so, without further ado and to the delight of those smart enough to get our super awesome jokes, we present the 11th annual Edgar Awards: In an unprecedented three-peat, the Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop” Award goes to the Central Student Government presidential election for its candidates who were unable to stop suing the crap out of each other. They can’t stop! The CSG presidential candidates have shown tremendous consistency by suing each other in three straight elections. And they won’t stop! And so, for an unparalleled show of dependable comedic excellence, we award CSG its third Edgar award in three years. Truly amazing to snatch up a majority of ... er plurality ... no, majority ... uh, all of the awards. It’s their party, they can sue who they want to! The Heathcare.gov Award goes to sophomore forward Mitch McGary for breaking down when he was needed most. Michigan basketball was ranked seventh in the AP rankings at the start of the men’s hoops season, McGary and sophomore guard Nik Stauskas were poised to carry on in Trey Burke’s absence. Then McGary’s back took a big poop and let down millions of people across the country, condemning them to fandom death. Just like when the broken healthcare website condemned millions of people to actual death. Not really, but both were sad. The “Drunk in Love” Award goes to Mary Sue Coleman for her heavily slurred and relatively incoherent halftime speech during the Michigan-Nebraska football game. This was

obviously due to technical difficulties, yeah let’s go with technical difficulties … yeah definitely technical difficulties … because technology is hard. After being arrested for a DUI, Justin Bieber gave a deposition worthy of a two-year-old brat. “I don’t recall” became a frequently used phrase as Bieber forgot simple life facts, like whether or not he had been to Australia. So our Justin Bieber Amnesia Award goes to Stephen M. Ross for forgetting that the Business school is already named after him, and thus continuing to donate hundreds of millions of dollars to the school. Here’s to the Stephen M. Ross Stephen M. Ross School of Business! The “How I Met Your Mother” series finale Award goes to the graduating seniors. Because though we’d all love to believe in happy fairytale endings, our most realistic and most likely destiny after college is to hastily get married, then get divorced, then get pregnant and then finally grow up at the sight of our illegitimate love child. Well, that might be a bit dramatic, but we’ll probably get divorced — half of us do. Walter White’s Heisenberg ‘SAY MY NAME!’ Award goes to the University’s new President-elect, Mark Shlizzel … uh, Slissel … Schlesselle … um … whatever. Finally, we’d like to award ourselves — The Michigan Daily Editorial Board — The Polar Vortex Award for being a bunch of freezing, ice cold-hearted idiots hated by everyone who was stuck inside and bored enough to pay attention to what we were saying. Boy, that was one rough winter semester.

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Barry Belmont, Edvinas Berzanskis, David Harris, Rachel John,Nivedita Karki, Jacob Karafa, Jordyn Kay, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Melissa Scholke, Michael Schramm, MatthewSeligman, Paul Sherman, Allison Raeck, Linh Vu, Meher Walia, Mary Kate Winn, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe

K

Four deaths

laxons blared in my skull, jarring me violently from my brief respite; instantly I regretted nodding off with the pager so close to my ear. Despite the display’s glowing green backlight, the words themselves were impossible to read, obscured by ordinary 0300 eye-blur and the myopic lens of acute-on-chronic sleep deprivation, but the message came through loud and clear: trauma patient en MIKE YEE route to the hospital. In the emergency department, the team of nurses, paramedics and physicians donned protective equipment, talked idly and teased one another about the quiet shift thus far. The office water-cooler chatter died abruptly as the doors slammed open. In rushed a stretcher bearing a shapeless figure, whisked immediately into the waiting trauma bay. A flurry of activity ensued as each person set to his or her assigned task, starting intravenous lines and placing monitors toward the woman’s head, while at her feet we began shredding clothing and searching for pulses. Yet even an inexperienced thirdyear medical student could see it was all wrong, pressures too low, wounds too many. We did everything we could, but ultimately it was too little, too late. Eventually the order came to halt chest compressions, signaling the end of resuscitative efforts. It was several more seconds before I realized that this was the first time I had ever witnessed someone’s death. The attending trauma surgeon must have recognized the look on my face — started my way, mouth hanging halfway open as if to speak — but just then a dozen pagers on a dozen hips began to chirp in crazed, chaotic cacophony: rollover accident, two injured, estimated time of arrival… At the Veterans of America hospital months later, I was assigned to care for a salty, middleaged veteran with terminal cancer. Agonized by constant pain, bones riddled with tumors, his sole remaining pleasure in life seemed to be the daily haranguing of his medical student. After weeks of struggling, I finally managed to win his grudging

respect only after discovering that he had taken to hoarding pudding cups in his room. By unspoken accord, I ensured that any wayward desserts found their way into his drawer, and in return, he directed his ire towards others on occasion. On the penultimate morning of my tenure at the VA, I went to restock the secret stash of sweets only to find the vet’s bed strangely empty. When I asked if the patient was in the restroom, his nurse looked puzzled for a moment before casually responding, “Oh, he died.” Oh, he died. An offhand quip, but words that sank into me, weighed heavily on my chest, dense as lead, inert as stone. This was neither the time nor the place for contemplation, since there was much work to be done, as always. More importantly, I had a phone call to make, because the responsibility of informing the late vet’s mother fell to me. She had been planning on visiting later in the day — how could I ever tell her this grim news now? Whatever I had to say, it would be heartbreakingly too little, too late. On a late winter’s morning, the “code” team responded to an emergency in the University Hospital. I followed the feet of the senior resident ahead of me as he flew down the stairs, two steps at a time, while I awkwardly half-stumbled and half-fell behind him. Despite our best efforts, the patient did not survive the resuscitation. I had just witnessed my second death of the week. As for total number seen as a medical student, I had long ago stopped counting. Somewhere deep down, I thought that I might have felt a slight stirring where my heart once resided, but it passed quickly enough. One of the attending physicians took notice of me, led me aside, away from the commotion in the area of the now-deceased individual. He threw his arm around my shoulders, gave me the old “You Can’t Save Them All” speech and encouraged me to contact him if I needed to debrief or decompress. It was a great talk, emphatically and admirably delivered, from-theheart and perfect for the situation. It was also too little, too late.

We did everything we could but it was all too little, too late.

— Originally published JULY 3, 2014.

ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE MICHIGAN DAILY STAFF? DO YOU LIKE LONG WALKS ON THE BEACH, GIANT TEDDY BEARS, 50 CENT POP OR OTHER WEIRD THINGS? Email tothedaily@umich.edu for more information about joining the Daily. Good luck if you want to join another section. Opinion is obviously the best.

Opinion

6B — Fall 2014

I

Christianity’s g(r)ay area

n getting to know me, many people are surprised that I’m Christian. In an already religiously unaffiliated society, LGBTQ members are twice as likely to have no affiliation. This trend MICHAEL makes sense SCHRAMM considering 73 percent of Christians believe homosexuality is a sin. The argument — one that’s been passed down for generations — is pretty easy to understand. The Bible is God’s word, and therefore the entirety of its content is rules for us to follow. Since a number of Bible verses (arguably between six and 12) condemn homosexual relations, christianity condemns homosexuality. But do these verses condemn homosexuality? Many hear the argument in my last paragraph, skim through the verses and immediately write homosexuality off. To an extent, I can understand why they’d reach this conclusion. First, they’ve probably always heard that homosexuality is sinful, so they have no reason to think otherwise. Second, with verses like “‘You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination,” it’s easy to make quick assumptions. Contrary to popular belief, these verses don’t concretely condemn homosexuality. Regardless of which verse you’re reading, it’s important to note they discuss only male, homosexual sex. I won’t bore you with each verse, but a simple googling of “homosexuality verses” proves this point. There is a logical explanation for only addressing sex. During biblical times, homosexual relations consisted predominantly of older men with boys and men with their male slaves. These sexual acts were often forms of rape to show dominance, so it makes sense why the bible would condemn “practiced homosexuality.” I think we can all agree that rape is bad. This explanation also illuminates why these verses address homosexual men. Only one verse arguably addresses womens’ homosexuality, yet even this verse contains ambiguity in its reference to lesbian acts. These

VIRGINIA EASTHOPE

acts were culturally irrelevant to women, so the Bible didn’t need to address lesbian acts. If these verses are addressing homosexual acts of domination, this means that the bible never addresses homosexual relationships. There’s a reason for this — these relationships rarely, if ever existed. Marriages were dictated by parents, and parents based marriages on familial connections, financial gain and land. Love was frequently subordinate to benefitting the family. Therefore, homosexual relationships were outside cultural norms. For example, the man’s parents were expected to provide the woman and her parents a dowry of money and gifts. If two men tried to marry, this essential marriage tradition would become muddled. Customs like these created an expectation that men marry women, so relationships complicating the traditions weren’t given serious thought. Nowadays, relationships are different. We typically chose long-term relationships based on a romantic connection, and since my previous argument assumes the bible doesn’t condemn homosexual relationships, the Christian religion should have no problem with homosexual relationships. I wish that I could dedicate more words to this argument because there’s so much more to discuss. Unfortunately, I need to spend my remaining four-hundred words saying other things. Like how it’s not fair that Christians judge me for my lifestyle. I know for a fact that some of my community looks down on my pursuit of another young gentleman. It stings because some of these people are my friends, yet they seldom make the effort to hear my position — let alone take it seriously. Though they won’t challenge my belief to my face, I know from enough sources that it’s a topic they’ve discussed challenged with each other. They see me going against the church’s opinion, so they assume I’m wrong. But the truth of the matter is, I don’t think I’m wrong, and I shouldn’t feel shame for believing I’m right. My reasoning stems from more than my opinion benefitting my personal life. I’ve done my biblical research, and I hold my belief because it takes the

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NOTABLE QUOTABLE

Bible — Christianity’s ultimate frame — into consideration. Since many hold the opposite stance because “that’s what we’ve always believed,” I would even argue that my opinion is more God-rooted than theirs. However, this doesn’t mean that I’m judging your opinion if it’s different than mine. It saddens me that many have opposite beliefs on a subject so important to my life, but if your stance stems from a clear and argumentative interpretation, I’ll respect your belief. I’ll even hear out what you have to say. Likewise, though, it’s only fair that you hear my argument, and when I settle into a relationship, it’s not your place to assume my decisions are sinful. Like any other Christian, I’m merely following what I believe is right. Because — besides the biblical arguments — I feel God directing me on this path, and I’ve felt this for a long time. For too many evenings than he can remember, mid-teenager Michael layed his head on his pillow, clutched his comforter in his developing palm and prayed an assortment of prayers. The “God, take these (gay) feelings away from me” prayer; the “God, help me through this” prayer; the “God, I want a love of my life so badly, but if I’m gay, I’m not allowed” prayer; the “God, everyone will treat me differently if I really am gay” prayer; the “God, let your will be done, but please just give me some comfort” prayer. After reciting these prayers more times than he can remember, midteenager Michael woke up every morning to realize that absolutely nothing had changed. Though God doesn’t give us everything we ask for, he wasn’t even providing his fundamental promise to ease stress in trying times. After enough prayer sessions ending in nothing but restless anguish, mid-teenager Michael came to the conclusion that there must be an explanation for his God’s actions. That despite an overwhelming consensus on the topic, something was missing. That something was wrong. That lying underneath a seemingly one-sided debate existed a gray area more complex than the consensus made it appear. —Originally published APRIL 10, 2014.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCT. 24, 2013

“

Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine ... Probably, in one of my drunken stupors, probably approximately about a year ago.”

— Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said during an impromptu news conference on Nov. 5, The New York Times reported. Ford previously denied smoking crack cocaine.

POLINA FRADKIN | VIEWPOINT

Diary of a ‘dumb bitch’ If I had to guess what single factor will bring about the demise of this great nation, it’d be the sexy baby vocal virus. Oh, you know what I’m talking about. The girl holding up the Starbucks line, ordering a lowfat, unsweetened, iced soy latte — wait, no, caramel latte. Wait, no, vanilla latte — “and can you, like, throw it in the blender? Thanks sooo much.” The girl in the library pouting to her friend that “he doesn’t even get my political jokes!” The nth girl to walk down South Forest asking the age-old question, “Howww can you live above No Thai? And not eat it? Like ... Every. Day.” Listen up, you’ll hear it. They’re everywhere. A saleswoman at Nordstrom asks if I need any help, and all I can think is, “Dear Lord, if a Beanie Baby could talk, surely it would sound like you.” My seemingly everlasting awkward phase struck a climax in ninth grade and was all the more exacerbated by the girls perched atop the high-school hierarchy — a steep climb up from where I was. Their swishing ponytails gave me anxiety. Their jingling car keys gave me heartburn. They were older and cooler. And I was terrified of them, until one day, I overheard them speaking. Strange, I thought. What a peculiar chorus of squeaky toys. I wondered: Was it pretense? Perhaps a common speech impediment? Granted, our personal interactions amounted to zero and to call us acquaintances would be an uproarious overstatement, but I had an instinct. They just sounded so… unintelligent. For years I was vexed. Why did hearing a woman speak like Dee Dee from “Dexter’s Laboratory” on helium feel like death by a million paper cuts? Suddenly, my mission was clear, and last Thursday morning, I stepped into the world for five days as a sexy baby. When attempting sexy baby voice, it’s not just about a high pitch. The important part is including uptalking and elongated endings. You know, as if everything you’re saying is a questiiiion? Vowel retraction is key, along with sharpened, hisslike “s” sounds. “This” turns into

“thessss,” “stupid” to “sssstupeh-d.” Don’t forget to include a vocal fry. Think gravelly register, scraping vocal cords against a cheese grater. Say fry with a fry. Go ahead, try it. While studying, I harassed my friend David to tell me what he thought of my new “accent.” He seemed a little bit too forbearing, which unsettled me. Finally, I wrung out a response: “Because you sound like an idiot, I’d probably sleep with you and never talk to you again.” He shrugged, returning to his video game. I could barely muster an awkward “thank you.” It was a rather thirsty Thursday evening when I caught myself shouting after my friends to stop power walking and cursing the inventor of stilettos. The next thing I knew, a grody male specimen with a fratty disposition walked past me and addressed me with the utmost conviction: “DUMB BITCH!” Naturally, my first thought was, “Wow — I’m getting such good data!” But the excitement of the moment soon settled, and I was left lagging behind the group, trapped in my vocal affectation, vulnerable, inferior, belittled. I am not a dumb bitch. But is this what girls are being taught? That dumbing down for men is OK? The human voice is half of the persona. My vocal alteration gave the impression to everyone around me that I am less: less confident, less pressured to be a great thinker. It’s as if the voice said, “Relax, I’m not as clever or opinionated as you. This’ll be easy.” In public, I became the token quiet friend. Embarrassed to speak, my former outgoing self was substituted with a meek diffidence. I ate a practically silent lunch with a friend because she wouldn’t — couldn’t — tolerate me. “You realize how annoying you sound?” she asked. Gingerly nodding my head as I bit into a sandwich, I wondered how many friends I’d lose over the next few days. No one has been taking me seriously. Even if the next words I spoke were to be “I’m finishing my Ph.D. in biophysics and I’m a

two-time Fulbright fellow,” eyes still glaze over. Vague smiles crystallize. A mocking tone is weaved into the distracted response of whoever has the displeasure of talking to me. Men make jokes about me in front of my face. Most women feign interest, but judgment waxes in their eyes. I find myself eliciting laughter in English class. Why? Because I sound like a Dumb Bitch. My professor would never admit it, but it’s true. He’s thinking it. I see it in his face when I speak in class and I can’t help but wonder: If this were truly how I spoke, could I ever get past a job interview? Would anybody hire me as a criminal attorney? Would someone choose me to be his or her children’s doctor? The voice isn’t only a communicative medium — it’s an implicative one. Far past the age of women quietly knitting pastelcolored tea cozies beside their husband, now is the time of hasty assumption and easy access. Baby wants, baby whines, baby gets. What does the sexy baby voice imply? What does it strive so hard to obtain? Based on my findings, it certainly isn’t self-respect. Perhaps Marilyn Monroe’s breathy, girlish tone mutated into the voice of the Britney generation — and it just may have seeped into the modern subculture of young women today, generating a self-deprecating, resounding echo to the world. The damaged female voice festers in high schools, universities, on TV and radio, slowly claiming girls everywhere. Now, I’m no die-hard feminist — although the current state of my leg hair would beg to differ — but in my opinion, women should sound like women. Not dumbed-down, sexed-up dolls who end every sentenceee in a question? Let’s climb out of the vocal rut, women, and realize that the way words are spoken is just as important as what’s being said. No more “Dumb Bitch.” It’s time to rise above the facade. It’s time to re-watch Legally Blonde. Ladies, are you with me? Originally published DEC. 4, 2013.

FROM THE DAILY

Higher wages, better living

C

Raising the minimum wage can revitalize Michigan’s economy Originally published DEC. 4, 2013

alls to increase the minimum wage in Michigan have gained momentum over the last year. In April, Democratic lawmakers in the state’s legislature introduced a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $10 over a three-year period. A month later, fast-food workers across the state participated in a nationwide protest, demanding a wage increase to $15 an hour. And during his visit to Detroit on Monday, the presumed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer addressed these concerns, announcing his plan to increase the state’s minimum wage to $9.25 over three years. Regardless of who wins the gubernatorial race in November 2014, raising the minimum wage should be a priority for Michigan as the state attempts economic revitalization. Since the last wage hike in 2007, Congress has allowed the national minimum wage to stagnate at an amount incapable of sufficiently supporting an individual — let alone entire families. At the current rate of $7.40 per hour, a minimum-wage worker in Michigan will earn roughly $15,000 annually — less than the $18,163 MIT estimates a single adult needs to live in Michigan. Schauer claims his initiative will aid in solving the financial struggles of the electorate. At the press conference on Monday he stated: “This is about people. It’s a measure that will help stimulate economic growth.” As low wages struggle to meet the demands of inflation, Schauer’s concern for the people and their economic welfare is refreshing for a state

plagued by financial hardships. Schauer’s initiative is not an entirely new one. Four states — California, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island — have already initiated policies to increase their minimum wage this year. California, in particular, has set the standard by planning on increasing pay to $10 per hour by 2016. While the wage hikes have been contested by Republicans, both large and small businesses support the initiative. A recent study found 70 percent of small-business owners agree with the idea of raising the minimum wage within their states — arguing an increase in wages would amplify the workers’ spending ability and, in turn, boost the economy. Critics of raising the minimum wage argue

that an increase in pay will lead to an overall decline in employment. However, as Schauer suggested, the economic boost the state will receive simply from increased spending on basic necessities will add $1 million over three years to Michigan’s economy. In those three years, Michigan will experience a net increase in jobs available — even when an increased minimum wage is factored in. In order to remain competitive within the national economy, Michigan’s legislature needs to follow the examples of California and other states and to recognize the needs of the people. With Detroit still in a precarious state and a substantial number of residents struggling to bypass the poverty line, raising the minimum wage is a viable solution.

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Kaan Avdan, Sharik Bashir, Barry Belmont, James Brennan, Rima Fadlallah, Eric Ferguson, Jordyn Kay, Jesse Klein, Melanie Kruvelis, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Adrienne Roberts, Matthew Seligman, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe

Opinion

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Weeding through the laws

T

he University is well known not only as a great school, but also for being in the quintessential college town of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is worldrenowned for being a liberal hotbed of art, music and MAURA youth activLEVINE ity. It’s also renowned for its unique and progressive local laws regarding the use, possession and distribution of marijuana. Students proclaim, usually in a haughty, above-the-law manner, that they can light up a joint on the streets and receive consequences no harsher than a parking ticket — but this isn’t quite accurate. University students should be more careful in their use of marijuana in public and understand that law enforcement has legal loopholes that allow them to get students in trouble. In 1969, the Detroit poet John Sinclair was imprisoned for giving marijuana to undercover police. Citizens organized a freedom rally in Ann Arbor — attended by John Lennon and Stevie Wonder at Crisler Arena — to boycott Sinclair’s imprisonment. Three days later, the state’s Supreme Court voted Michigan’s marijuana laws unconstitutional and ordered Sinclair’s release. A year later, the Ann Arbor government essentially voted to decriminalize marijuana. The city’s charter it states that violations of possession, use or control of marijuana will result in no more than a civil infraction, which is a non-criminal violation. This is similar to receiving a parking ticket. In the city of Ann Arbor, a $25 fine is all you might

receive for smoking marijuana in public. But here’s the catch. The University does not operate under the charter of the city of Ann Arbor. As a public university, the University’s land belongs to the state of Michigan, meaning students are subject to state laws and campus police enforcement if they are caught smoking on campus property. Many people celebrate Hash Bash in the Diag in the spring, thinking they will get nothing more than a simple citation. But last year alone, campus police made 16 arrests for possession of marijuana on the holiday. In other words, if you’re going to smoke in Ann Arbor, make sure you’re not on campus property. Actually, make sure you’re nowhere in public if you choose to smoke marijuana. What so many students fail to realize is that the unique decriminalized marijuana laws in the city of Ann Arbor conflict with federal law. The distribution and possession of marijuana is still federally illegal and is prosecuted similarly in some regards to other drugs such as heroin, LSD and ecstasy. There’s no “accepted medicinal use,” in federal laws, either, meaning the medical marijuana card you may possess means nothing to a federal officer. In the eyes of the U.S. government, marijuana is still illegal. Federal agents can (and will) still arrest you for the use, distribution or possession of marijuana and charge you criminally — whether or not you are in the city of Ann Arbor. The only force who will honor the city ordinance is the Ann Arbor Police Department.

Contrary to common misconceptions, even if you are in the city of Ann Arbor and you possess a Michigan-issued medical marijuana card, you’re still not invincible. Even medicinal marijuana is limited in Michigan. You can only have 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana or 12 plants at one time. Furthermore, in an opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2004 during the Gonzales v. Raich case, it was determined that the commerce clause allows the federal government to prohibit “local cultivation and use of marijuana, despite state law to the contrary.” The Court decided that the marijuana market was national in scope and thus fell under Congress’ jurisdiction. In other words, federal agents can always get you in trouble, no matter what city you are in or what kind of a medical card you possess. Students need to understand the contradictory laws and jurisdiction issues if they so choose to use marijuana in Ann Arbor. We are lucky to live in such an accepting city with progressive laws, but we are still citizens of the United States. So before you light up in public, understand your rights and your legal limitations. The federal government holds final power in the area of marijuana, and they will exercise that right, despite the unnecessary target of harmless students. The law is the law and when you choose to break it, you choose to subject yourself to the consequences — student or not.

The federal government holds final power in the area of marijuana.

— Originally published

SEPT. 27, 2013.

#RushTMD#RushTMD#RushTMD

Fall 2014 — 7B

PAIGE PFLEGER | VIEWPOINT

East Quad’s a home, not a hotel I’ve been a die-hard Residential College student ever since I came to the University two and a half years ago. I’ve declared my RC major, joined an RC a cappella group, participated in RC plays, written for RC publications and done my mandated time in an RC language class. I lived in East Quad Residence Hall my freshman year, and though it took some time, I grew into the RC lifestyle. I walked around the building without shoes, went to morning lecture in pajamas and knew lunchtime conversations were to be had in a language other than English. I will be the first to admit that East Quad itself had some quirks, for lack of a better word. Many could call them flaws, but they were part of the charm of the RC experience. Personally, I enjoyed that the showerheads were best fit for those 5’5” and under because, as a 5’4” girl, they made washing shampoo out of my hair much quicker. Hearing a toilet flush overhead during a class was commonplace and added a comedic interlude to serious debates or tense conversations. The carpets had a different dizzying pattern in every room, spotted with mysterious stains, and the walls were only a modest cinderblock. The ceilings were a maze of piping, blotted with the occasional leak and containing possible asbestos threats, but the health department hadn’t shut us down yet, so all was well. The Half-Ass smelled like cream of broccoli soup, but that didn’t matter when there was a free concert. To most people, this lifestyle could be deemed unorthodox at best, but to RCers, it was a safe, anything-goes kind of place, in which being different was allowed, if not encouraged. This difference was precisely what deterred others from visiting East Quad, keeping the community safely enclosed and sheltered from outside criticism. When East Quad was closed for renovations, however, all of this changed. RC faculty worked extremely hard to ease the pains of transition from East to West Quad; however, the community took a serious hit.

Sophomores like myself couldn’t identify RC freshmen from anyone else in the dining hall, depleting the relationship between first- and second-year students, and thus the sense of community the RC tries to stand for. Classes were in Dennison instead of the basement, meaning it was necessary to put on real clothes, walk across campus and sit in a windowless building that has been called ten levels of hell. As terrible as Dennison is, it was truly only one of many nails in the RC’s coffin that year. Then, finally, a whole homeless year later, East Quad was back. RCers like myself rejoiced, looking forward to wandering familiar halls, sitting in old classrooms and having a place to be weird without being scoffed at by others. Instead, we were greeted by a generic building that lacks character and can be best compared to the rich section of a shopping mall or a brand new airport. For a renovation that claimed it would maintain the integrity of the building, it became blaringly clear that those involved felt that there was not much worth keeping except for the outer walls. What appeared to be the same building, the same home was in reality gutted and redone without much thought to the uses of the building or the character of the people that would be using it. I’m not saying that new East Quad isn’t nice. It’s clean and modern and freshmen that live there now appreciate their new home as much as I had appreciated mine two years ago. However, they aren’t privy to how much was lost when the building was redone. The Half-Ass, or Halfway Inn, was altogether removed from the building’s layout. It was not only a place to study for students living in East Quad, but a performance venue for bands, a theater practice space, a meeting room for forums and the home of many art events like open mic nights and poetry readings. Without it, the art community is left only with one stage: the Keene Theater. But, where is the Keene Theater? Somehow in the renovation, the outdoor entrance to

the theater was forgotten, the two levels of seating were separated and left unmarked, and, adding insult to injury, the lighting system was disconnected and is now deemed unsafe and unusable for what could be the rest of the year. The East Quad Music Co-op, a student run non-profit that hosted shows in the Half-Ass, not only lost their venue space but also their office space, which has been diminished to a cage in a utility room. There are also fewer music practice rooms and the theater’s classroom doubles as a dance studio, combining two heavily used spaces into just one room with a mean septic leak. For a community centered on arts, the renovation certainly has failed to prioritize the needs of the artists who are living in the space. My disdain for the new building doesn’t even end with all that was forgotten when redesigning the quad; some of the additions are just as ridiculous. First of all, why so much glass? Is it supposed to be a fish bowl or a zoo? Do people enjoy being stared at in their glass classrooms, study lounges, or offices? Why is there a portion of the cafeteria named 24 Carrots? Why 24, and why carrots? Additionally, why so mainstream? Everything about the building reeks of business-mod that appeals to potential students but ignores the down-to-earth nature of the RC. East Quadders don’t need swank or class. We need walls that can be painted on with murals of unicorns and rainbows. We don’t need a big fancy cafeteria with “seven restaurant concepts,” whatever the hell that means anyway. We need more pianos and places to dance at three in the morning and stages to throw free concerts on. We need the freedom to walk around without shoes on and make the space our own, not to feel afraid to leave our handprints on yet another glass surface. Regardless of how necessary the renovation was, $116 million dollars is an astronomical sum of money to spend on making a home into a hotel. Originally published NOV. 11, 2013.

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8B — Fall 2014

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University September

09/26/13 The Victors for Michigan campaign, headed by thenpresident Mary Sue Coleman, is introduced to launch in November.

October

10/30/13 University fraternity Theta Xi draws outrage and faces an IFC hearing after several students file complaints over racially charged party plans. See Page 4C

SNOW DAY University cancels classes for first time in 36 years, due to severe cold By STEPHANIE SHENOUDA and MAX RADWIN Daily News Editor and Daily Staff Reporter

Fraternity leaders discuss current security measures in response to the stabbing of two members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. See Page 7C

The University cancels classes in the face of an imminent cold snap. Temperatures reach as low as -30 degrees with wind chill.

The Interfraternity Council bans hard liquor at one tier of fraternity parties in response to safety concerns. See Page 7C

April

04/01/14 University executive vice president and chief financial officer Tim Slottow steps down. See Page 6C

March

03/26/14 Central Student Government votes down a measure that would encourage the University to divest from companies that support Israeli military forces amid protest from parties on both sides of the issue.

February

02/20/14

January

01/27/14

December

12/18/14 Several prominent businesses frequented by students, including the Blue Leprechaun and Bubble Island, are closed for three months due to water pipe breakage.

November

11/14/13

June

06/20/14 The Michigan Employment Relations Commission determines graduate student research assistants cannot unionize after several years of advocacy on the issue by University students. See Page 12C

May

After months of criticism, University officials claim success in addressing faculty concerns on the costsaving shared services initiative. See Page 2C

07/11/14

July

Reserve Officer Training Corps members honor North Hall before its scheduled demolition after 74 years of housing the ROTC program. See Page 13C

JAN. 27, 2014 — For the first time since 1978, the University has canceled classes Tuesday due to extreme weather, University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald confirmed Monday evening. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will be at a high of 2 degrees, with a wind chill reaching -30 degrees and winds reaching up

to 20 miles per hour. Campus buildings — including dining halls and libraries — will remain open. University transportation services will continue operating as normal, though delays should be expected. This announcement marks the first time that the University has cancelled classes due to weather-related circumstances since Ann Arbor was hit with 19 inches of snow in 1978. University Police spokeswoman Diane Brown said University Police will be taking extra efforts to keep response times low to limit the amount of time that people spend outside in the cold. After Fitzgerald confirmed the decision, University Provost Martha Pollack, Chief Health Officer Robert Winfield and

Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for human resources, sent a memo to faculty and staff encouraging flexibility and telecommuting if possible for Tuesday. “Campus operations will continue,” the memo said. “However, while staff should plan to report as usual, we ask that supervisors be flexible and make reasonable accommodations for these extreme circumstances. Travel may be hazardous, especially on foot or by bus, and we ask that all of our colleagues remain sensitive to safety concerns. Parking and Transportation Services is increasing bus frequency to help minimize wait times.” The memo added that staff who are “unable or choose not to” travel to campus Tuesday should contact their supervisors

ADAM GLANZMAN/Daily

to use vacation time or unpaid time off. Medical School Prof. Charles Koopmann, a member of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, said he feels it’s “unfortunate” that staff on main campus have to come in or be forced to take a day of vacation. However, he said he believes that the medical campus should remain open, which, according to the memo, will operate normally. “The University needs to get a well organized plan for something like this and should remarkably improve communications,” Koopmann said. After the controversy over not closing campus during the Polar Vortex earlier this month, Pollack sat in on the Senate AdviSee COLD, Page 7C

Campaign sets $4 billion goal By

SAM GRINGLAS and JENNIFER CALFAS Daily Staff Reporters

NOV. 7, 2013 — The University announced Thursday that the Victors for Michigan campaign will be the largest fundraising drive for a public institution in history — with an ambitious $4 billion goal. Victors for Michigan, the University’s sixth major fundraising campaign, will launch Nov. 8. The University’s last campaign, The Michigan Difference, raised $3.2 billion between 2000 and 2008 — surpassing its original goal of $2.5 billion. University President Mary Sue Coleman said last winter that the primary priority for the campaign will be student support through financial aid. At Coleman’s leadership breakfast last month, Coleman reiterated that $1 billion in campaign funds will be focused on student support. Just like the last campaign, Coleman said in an interview after the event that passing the $4-billion mark is possible. “It is always possible that if

the campaign is phenomenally successful, then maybe midway we could raise it,” Coleman said. “There’s a lot of analysis that goes into doing it, but I feel really good about this number. It’s a very audacious campaign.” Campaign organizers have made students central to campaign strategy, not only creating goals for student support, but also in involving students in campaign planning and market-

“I feel really good about this number. It’s a very audacious campaign” ing. The Office of Development created a student campaign committee — the first of its kind at the University — consisting of 19 members from various undergraduate and graduate schools

RYAN REISS/Daily

President Mary Sue Coleman addresses the audience at the Victors for Michigan fundraising event on November 8, 2014.

to assist in the fundraising and planning process. The campaign will also focus on raising funds for developing a more engaged learning environment in the classroom and producing ideas to aid worldwide problems. After the event, University Provost Martha Pollack said the three priorities for the campaign intersect, meaning that students could participate in research projects addressing global issues, and gain valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. “As the chief academic officer, I couldn’t be happier about the priorities,” Pollack said. “I think those three priorities are just perfectly aligned with what we want to be as an educational institution.”

The University’s newest campaign launches against a backdrop of depressed state appropriations and rising tuition rates. In June, the University’s Board of Regents approved a 1.1 and 3.2 percent increase in tuition for in-state and out-ofstate students respectively — the lowest 29 years. “We believe that by judiciously controlling our costs and tuition increases, while also committing university funds for financial aid, we can join with donors to make it possible for the best students, from any socioeconomic background, to afford to get a Michigan education,” Regent Andrea Fischer Newman (R) said in a statement. Many institutions across the See CAMPAIGN, Page 7C

CSG votes against divestment from Israel Hundreds gather in Union for historic assembly decision

05/02/14

C

michigandaily.com New Student Edition

By WILL GREENBERG and KRISTEN FEDOR Daily News Editor and Daily Staff Reporter

MARCH 26, 2014 — After hours of discussion and debate, the Central Student Government reversed the indefinite postponement of the controversial divestment resolution and subsequently voted to not pass it in a 25-9 vote with five abstentions early Wednesday morning. Hundreds of students lined the second floor of the Michigan Union and entered the Rogel Ballroom on a first-come, firstserved basis Tuesday evening, and more than 2,000 viewers watched CSG’s live-stream of the six-hour-long event. University Police regulated the large crowd that formed both inside and outside the Union and organized the crowds to line up on State Street. Students allowed into the meeting were given tickets and encouraged not to leave the room once they entered. When the meeting began, the number of people in the room exceeded its 375-person capacity. An additional 200

students were seated in the nearby Pendleton Room as an overflow space. On March 18, many members of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality and its supporters attended the CSG Student Assembly meeting to advocate for a proposal to encourage the University to divest from certain companies allegedly involved in human rights violations against Palestinians. After the CSG assembly chose to postpone the vote indefinitely, SAFE and its partners staged an indefinite sit-in in the CSG chambers and formed “calls for accountability,” asking CSG to make amends for what SAFE viewed as its poor handling of the situation and to bring the proposal to a full vote. The sit-in garnered attention across campus leading up to Tuesday night’s meeting. This week, individuals both supporting and opposing the divestment resolution attended in significant numbers. SAFE representatives and members of the 36 student organizations that have pledged support for the resolution spoke to the assembly about the proposal. Students who spoke against the resolution did not identify with specific organizations, but were encouraged by several members of Hillel to attend.

CSG President Michael Proppe, a Business senior, motioned to allow a reconsideration of the indefinite postponement of the divestment bill once the assembly reached the Motions and Other Business

portion of the meeting. This motion passed with five dissenting votes, followed by a revote on the motion to indefinitely postpone the bill again, which failed with only seven in supSee CSG, Page 10C

TERRA MOLENGRAFF/Daily

LSA sophomore Fatima Chowdhury holds a #UMDivest sign during the CSG meeting that moved to the Rogel Ballroom after chambers reached capacity on March 18, 2014.

University

2C — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

ADMINISTRATION

Faculty raise concerns over ‘U’ consolidation project Proposed cost cutting initiative sparks protest from faculty, students By JENNIFER CALFAS Managing News Editor

DEC. 9, 2013 — Through bitter winds and the frigid snowfall, echoes of “chop from the top” and “no AST cuts” resonated across the Diag. Marching from Rackham Auditorium to the Fleming Administration Building, almost 50 students, faculty and staff gathered Monday to deliver a letter to Rowan Miranda, associate vice president for finance. Miranda is one of the administrators involved in the implementation of the proposed Shared Services Center — but has come under fire because of his previous relationship with the consulting firm that designed the initiative. The center, a component of the Administrative Services Transformation project, would consolidate some University departmental staff members into a central location on State Street near the University’s Wolverine Tower, creating an estimated savings of $5 to $6 million per year. The transition would move almost 300 clerical employees to the new location and would require that they re-interview for their new positions. While University administrators announced that they will delay the transition due to a slew of faculty concerns and a 1200-signiture strong petition, the group assembled Monday to demand a full rollback of the AST initiative. Rackham student Brian Whitener, a member of the Student Union of Michigan, said the let-

ter delivered to Miranda includes a job application for him to fill out to be evaluated by the group of protesters. The gesture comes after staff members affected by the Shared Services Center were required to re-interview for their jobs with the University. Along with the Student Union of Michigan, members of the Graduate Employee’s Organization and Lecturers’ Employee Organization also participated in the march. Whitener said the mixed group of student and faculty participants reflect the importance of halting the AST initiative by demonstrating how it negatively affects the majority of the campus population. “We think that the University should be run in a different way and it should be run with the priorities of students, who are the primary attendees of the institution, and workers, who are the primary motors of the institution,” Whitener said. While Whitener said he agrees that costs should be cut at the University, he believes AST is not the right way to do it. He said upper-level administrators’ salaries should be cut and the University should halt “needless and unnecessary” construction projects that cost millions. SUM has previously voiced its opposition to the $180 million Munger Graduate Residences — the University’s largest current construction project. “It is a stand-in for a larger logic of what the University should be and how the University should be run, and we’re opposed to that,” Whitener said. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said while it is too early to predict the future plans for the consolidation initiative, University Provost Martha Pollack and Tim Slottow, executive vice president and chief financial

officer, are currently speaking to concerned faculty members to gauge their opinions. “We will continue that important dialogue as we work together to evaluate the different options for structuring shared services in the near future,” Pollack said in a statement. Earlier this year, the University signed an $11.7-million contract with Accenture LLP, a Chicagobased consulting firm, to help facilitate the AST consolidation process. Miranda previously worked for the firm, but Slottow said in November Miranda removed himself from firm relations “to eliminate any possibility of real or perceived bias.” Rackham student Diana Sierra, a member of GEO, said the AST consolidation efforts would hurt the least financially stable staff on campus and a disproportionate amount of women employees. “I see this as a very explicit attack on the workers at campus,” Sierra said. “You see that the University is trying to handle a socalled budget crisis on the backs of its most vulnerable workers, and I think that’s part of a bigger issue as to who has decision-making power on campus.” Although Sierra said that workers would be potentially laid off with the implementation of AST, University officials said in November that there will be no layoffs as a result of the new Center. Rackham student Paige Andersson said decreasing resources for the lower-level workers on campus sheds light on what she sees as the larger goals of the financial framework at the University. “The focus is away from education and the resources to provide an affordable education — which affects diversity and all sorts of other things — to basically enrich people at the top,” Anderson said. See AST, Page 7C

NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily

Ross junior Sumana Palle speaks during the Student Union of Michigan’s protest against the Administrative Service Transformation Project.

University announces new leader for shared services Thom Madden to replace Rowan Miranda at head of AST controversy By SAM GRINGLAS Daily News Editor

DEC. 11, 2013 — The University announced Wednesday that Thom Madden, the University’s director of sponsored programs, will replace Rowan Miranda, associate vice president for finance, as the leader of the shared services initiative. Madden will now serve as the chief architect behind the implementation of shared services, a component of the Administrative Services Transformation Project designed to centralize 275 department-level staff in a principal service center. University faculty, staff and students have raised concerns about Miranda during the past month because of his previous employment with Accenture LLP, a Chicago-based consulting firm that the University hired to facilitate the shared services implementation. The Accenture

contract is worth $11.7 million. In a statement, Timothy Slottow, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said Madden has worked closely with departments and faculty on financial reporting of research grants, making him a strong candidate for the position. “Thom Madden is in an excellent position to lead the next phase of this initiative,” Slottow said. In orchestrating the leadership transition, Slottow said Miranda’s focus was needed elsewhere as the University of Michigan Health System begins steps to acquire Jacksonbased health system Allegiance Health. The statement also said Miranda will focus his attention on the next wave of cost cutting related to procurement costs and the selection of the University’s next treasurer. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said Miranda’s previous position at Accenture and the resulting faculty outcry had no influence on the change in leadership. “As you know, he wasn’t a part of the selection of Accenture,” Fitzgerald said. “It has nothing to do with that. It has everything

to do with this project moving into a different phase. As associate vice president, he has a very broad area of responsibility and needs to focus his attention on other areas.” He added that the transition comes at a time when the initiative’s strategy has refocused on seeking additional faculty input and a more inclusive implementation process. “At this point, we’ve essentially turned the corner for getting the important input in exactly what form to move forward,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s gone from conceiving the shared services initiative to the best form for implementation.” The transition in leadership comes only a few days after about 50 students, faculty and staff, many of them members of the Graduate Employees’ Organization, Lecturers’ Employee Organization and the Student Union of Michigan, marched from Rackham Auditorium to the Fleming Administration Building to deliver a letter to Miranda. The letter included a satirical job application indicating that Miranda would need to reSee MADDEN, Page 10C

NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily

LEFT: Art & Design junior Ian Matchet speaks during the Student Union of Michigan’s protest against the Administrative Service Transformation Project. CENTER: LSA sophomore Cosmo Pappas leads the Student Union of Michigan’s protest through the Diag with a sign that reads “Chop from the Top.” RIGHT: Ross junior Sumana Palle and Art & Design junior Ian Matchet deliver a letter of dissent to Rowan Miranda.

Shared services center set for August launch Faculty release 40-page letter addressing issues surrounding move By SAM GRINGLAS Daily News Editor

MAY 2, 2014 — Though administrators have spent months addressing faculty and staff concerns, the University’s proposed shared services center continues to face criticism leading up to its official launch date in August. In recent weeks, University officials have claimed success in addressing concerns after outcry over the consolidation erupted last fall. However, faculty members continue to voice dissent, as evidenced by a 40-page letter to the regents delivered last week. The letter, signed by a dozen faculty members, railed the University’s high administrative salaries, but also launched criticisms at the administration’s continued pursuit of service centralization. The proposed project, which would congregate about 250 unit- and department-level staff in a shared operations center, is predicted to save the University $5 million annually and is part of the larger cost-saving initiative, the Administrative Services Transformation.

With the first phase of its implementation set for Aug. 4, 110 staff members will make the initial transition to the shared services building near Wolverine Tower. Thom Madden, the AST senior project director, said this first round would include centralization of accounts receivable processing, accounts payable, benefits administration and human resource data management. In this phase, 16 of those employees are moving from units within schools and colleges, the vast majority because they cited preference for positions affected by the center’s first deployment. The remaining employees assigned to the new center will make the move at some point between January and March. Madden said his project team has spent the months leading up to the implementation engaged in a “collaborative process” to ensure employees are prepared for and comfortable with their new assignments and faculty do not face the burden of additional administrative duties. The project’s next stage will still require additional engagement on behalf of the University, which Madden said his team plans to continue during the summer. Though construction of the shared services facility will be completed by the end of May, he said the University will work

with faculty and staff to mold business process for the new center. “The next phase has greater touch points with both faculty and staff, so we will have a very comprehensive engagement process in place for this last phase,” he said. Madden said this kind of outreach has significantly cooled the outrage expressed by many University faculty members of the past year. “The overall temperature for the shared services center on campus has gone down dramatically,” he said. “I think going through the engagement process, having good, open, constructive dialogue with the faculty, is really starting to resonate. And I think they know we are not just giving lip service, we are truly listening to what they say and we are acting on it.” American Culture Prof. Anthony Mora, one of the authors of the faculty petition, said this assessment is inaccurate. He noted that surveys asking for input undermined any real critique of the process and that forums to open conversation instead consisted of lengthy presentations touting the merits of AST. “There’s no way to bring faculty on board to something that they actively oppose,” he said. Though Mora said the large movement of faculty rallying against the transformation pro-

vided cause for optimism, the University’s response has been less than promising. “It was an incredibly rare moment that there was so much consensus among such a huge section of the faculty and the response by Mary Sue Coleman was just gut-wrenching for all of us,” he said. “It was astounding that she treated the faculty as if they were misbehaving five-yearolds and basically gave us the answer that we were doing AST because she said so.” Coleman initially delayed transitions beyond April to allow time for gathering feedback on the project, but remained committed to AST’s strategy throughout the process. Madden said the tangible evidence of the center’s success would convince some of the remaining critics to change their views. Data accessible to the public could include, for example, markers such as customer and employee satisfaction, costsavings and efficiency measurements. “These metrics will be very visible and everybody will see how the organization is operating and the organization will be managed based on those metrics,” he said. “I really think that’s what sets this organization apart as being a true campus asset and that’s the way it’s going to be governed.” See LETTER, Page 10C

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

University

THE STATEMENT

3C — Fall 2014

RESEARCH

UMHS doctors conduct first Quidditch and Red Bull: The hackathon experience implantation of bionic eye New technology returns vision to patients with retinitis pigmentosa By AMABEL KAROUB Daily Staff Reporter

RUBY WALLAU/Daily

16-year-old Send Grid representative Will Smidlein and Louisiana Tech Alumn Jaren Glover at MHacks at the Qube in Detroit on January 17, 2014.

Student group hosts third annual MHacks competition By GIACOMO BOLOGNA Daily Staff Reporter

JAN. 21, 2014 —Mike Ross, a Quicken Loans security guard, stood watch in the elevator lobby of the seventh floor of the Qube building in Detroit on Saturday afternoon. Ross had heard of hackathons before the weekend, he said, but this was his first time interacting with one. Ross stood tall, watching a constant trickle of hackers and organizers go from side rooms to the main hall elevator. He wasn’t a hacker, but he stood in one of the best places to watch the event. Saturday afternoon was the halftime of MHacks — the midpoint — the make-or-break time, when more than 1,000 hackers got an idea of whether they’d be ready to present at Sunday’s wrap-up celebration or have to accept that their ambitions were too big. “I wish I could say energetic,” Ross said of the atmosphere, and pointed to the “dozen people crashed on the floor,” in the main hall. The kids that haven’t burnt out are zeroed in on their computer screens. “They work, work, work and crash,” Ross said. He wasn’t kidding. Walking through the main hall occupied by a few hundred hackers meant stepping over pillows, suitcases, sleeping bags and sleeping college kids. If you haven’t heard of MHacks, here’s what you need to know: There’s 36 hours to write a program or make an innovation, hundreds of students and an abundance of caffeine. It’s part competition, part collaborative learning and part party. The main hall of the seventh floor embodied the hackathon spirit. It might have been a large office space for an online retail mortgage lender, but there was no beige or gray. Brightly colored columns punctuated the rows of tables taken over by hackers and the walls were covered with white boards where teams argued over scrawled ideas or bored hackers sketched out their school’s logo. And there, creativity did come, but often at the expense of sleep, hygiene and fashion — sweatpants and pajamas make for more efficient hacking. But on Saturday afternoon, when competitors rested their heads on crossed arms and

drooled on the table, the creativity was at a lull. The real start of MHacks came before the Friday kickoff. Competitors aren’t allowed to present projects they’ve previously worked on and they’re encouraged to come up with fresh ideas. The real start of MHacks came in the past couple weeks when those fresh ideas began to percolate. A few days before Friday, Matt Kula, a computer science major from DePaul University, was Facebook chatting with his team, one DePaul student and two from the University of Michigan. “It was a joke, honestly. But they took it seriously,” Kula said on Saturday of the idea he had proposed. “That was a great idea,” Engineering sophomore James Kotzian said, surprised. “I thought it was a sweet idea.” The team went along with it and by Saturday afternoon, they had built a functioning threedimensional Quidditch simulator. “You can get motion sickness pretty easy doing some barrel rolls,” Kula said. “It’s crazy.” To play the game, the Quidditch player puts on a pair of 3D goggles hooked up to the computer and straddles a stick with a Wii remote taped to its end, twisting and leaning to fly their broomstick in a recreation of the stadium made famous by the “Harry Potter” book series. Kula said it was a good thing his teammates didn’t pick up on his original sarcasm. “We really expected to take this much longer,” he said. “Anything we do now is kinda a plus.” The group acknowledged that there are some pretty competitive hackers at these events, but most students, including them, come to learn and try new things. DePaul doesn’t have the large hacking scene that the University does, Kula said, meaning hackathons can be a time of immersive learning. Nonetheless, the team knows they’ve built something good. “I still wanna win, but ... ” Kula said, trailing off. There’s more than just winning and losing, he explained. There’s resumé building and there’s interacting with other hackers from across the country. His team, for instance, was formed after Kula met some University student at the MHacks hackathon in November. Plus, there were plenty of ways to blow off steam. A break room adjacent to the main hall had a Pacman arcade game, ICEE machine and foosball table — among other amenities.

A block away, however, a team from the State University of New York at Stony Brook was powering through programming an annoying alarm clock for your phone, although their surroundings weren’t as ideal: two floors of an unfinished office building hastily fitted for the event. Concrete floors, bare walls and temporary fluorescent lights gave off an industrial vibe at best. And this vibe was amplified when compared to the Qube’s eighth floor, which had views of Windsor’s skyline across the river and ice skating at Campus Martius Park. But at least both locations were only a quick walk away from Lafayette Coney Island, home of the world’s most heavenly Coney dog. Nonetheless, the Stony Brook team continued coding the app, which was designed for people who have trouble waking up early in the morning, or, colloquially speaking, college students. Team member Ted Saintvil called it the “dreaded eight o’clock class,” and the three New York students pointed at the fourth member of their team whose head was slumped down on the desk in sleep. This team, too, noted that there were some people who take the competition very seriously, but those people are the exception, not the rule. “You come here to do what you want to,” Kenneth Ramos said. “I come for the experience.” Besides, Ramos said, the biggest competition was for when new rounds of food were distributed. “You ever see a Walmart on Black Friday?” Ramos said. But regardless if you’re a firsttime hacker or a seasoned pro looking for recognition, nobody gets much sleep. “What is that — sleep?” Ramos joked. None of Ramos’s team had more than four hours of sleep, and even that’s considered a good night’s sleep at hackathons. Kula, despite having the luxury of carpeting in his building, only laid down for two hours. “I don’t sleep at these things,” he said. “Too much going on for me to sleep.” In the end, sleep-deprived or not, the teams all had memorable experiences. Some came away with full, functioning products they had planned for all along. Others … not so much. While Stony Brook didn’t place in the top eight, Kula’s team and their Quidditch simulator placed second overall. Both teams, though, left the event as better programmers. And that’s what it’s really all about.

RUBY WALLAU/Daily

College of New Jersey Senior Richard Schoonewolff and Rutgers Sophomore Amy Chen work on a social app at MHacks at the Qube in Detroit on January 17, 2014.

FEB. 4, 2014 —Ever thought about what it might be like to have a bionic eye? Surgeons at the University of Michigan Health System have. On Jan. 16 and 22, UMHS retina surgeons performed the firstever surgeries that implanted artificial retinas into the eyes of patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that eventually causes blindness. Formally named the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System, the bionic eye device was developed by California-based Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. Thiran Jayasundera and David N. Zacks, professors of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the Uni-

versity’s Kellogg Eye Center, are the first surgeons to implant the device since it gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration last year. UMHS has been chosen as one of 12 centers nationally to offer the retinal prosthesis to patients. Jayasundera said UMHS contacted Second Sight and requested access to the product. The company then visited UMHS to complete a site inspection. “We wanted to offer this to our patients because we see a lot of patients with advanced pigmentosa,” Jayasundera said. “We wanted our patients in Michigan to be able to have access to this technology.” Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited disease that causes blindness through a gradual loss of light-sensitive retinal cells. Jayasundera said the retinal prosthesis works wirelessly through a camera connected to electrodes. The electrodes stimulate remaining retinal nerve fibers, causing the perception of light in the brain.

“You’re wearing a video camera on your glasses,” Jayusundera said. “That video camera basically sends the information into a video processing unit that you wear on a belt. The image is converted into signals that wirelessly transmit it to this device that we implant on the retina.” After the surgery, patients undergo one to three months of training to adapt to their new vision. Jayasundera said this training helps the brain learn to sort through the many impulses that are stimulated when recipients turn their head in different directions. Though the retinal prosthesis does not provide 20/20 vision, it creates an abstract, rudimentary vision that permits patients to make out figures and light. Although the bionic eye does not offer a full cure, Jayasundera said it is a step in the right direction. “This is already the Argus II,” Jayasundera said. “In time there will be more development of these types of devices.”

RUBY WALLAU/Daily

Georgia Tech junior Karan Pahawa works on his team’s artificial intelligence simulator while his teammates Andrew Branch and Sagar Card take a nap at MHacks at the Qube in Detroit on January 17, 2014.

University

4C — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Make Michigan wins exec. Frat falls under scrutiny for positions in CSG elections racially charged party plans

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

Public Policy junior Bobby Dishell and LSA sophomore Meagan Shokar of Make Michigan celebrate their victory as CSG president and vice-president on April 1, 2014.

Bobby Dishell, Meagan Shokar elected president, vice president By KRISTEN FEDOR Daily Staff Reporter

The results are in. Public Policy junior Bobby Dishell and LSA sophomore Meagan Shokar of Make Michigan will be the CSG president and vice president, respectively, for the 2014-2015 academic year. The results come five days after polls closed for the March 26-27 Central Student Government elections. Dishell and Shokar won with 3,937 votes cast in their favor, beating out their next-closest competitors — FORUM candidates Carly Manes, a Public Policy junior, and LSA junior Pavitra Abraham — by more than 1,000 votes. Dishell is the current CSG vice president and Shokar currently serves as speaker of the CSG assembly. Both candidates emphasized their experience in executive positions as a strength of their ticket during the campaign period. After receiving the news, Dishell congratulated his supporters for their collective effort. “All the credit goes to this team,” Dishell said. “We couldn’t be more proud of everyone.” CSG President Michael Proppe, a Business senior, a large supporter of Dishell and Make Michigan, attended the party’s makeshift event. “He’s been right at my side the entire time this year,” Proppe said. “I’m really excited to see what they’re going to do next year.” Six complaints filed with the University Elections Commission delayed the release of results, but each case was either resolved or dropped by Tuesday afternoon. The rulings had negligible impact on the official results of the election.

The complaint with the greatest potential consequence was dropped on Monday when Make Michigan officially withdrew its suit against FORUM for alleged abuse of e-mail privileges. Make Michigan filed the complaint against its rival party after LSA junior Domenic Rizzolo, outreach co-director for FORUM, sent a campaigning e-mail using a listerv he did not own. If the UEC had ruled FORUM guilty, the party would have faced demerits for each recipient of the e-mail in question. The total accumulation of demerits would have exceeded limits outlined in the election code and resulted in the disqualification of each FORUM candidate. After further reviewing the case, Dishell concluded that Rizzolo’s e-mail would have had marginal impact on the election itself and decided to withdraw his suit. In a statement sent out to all candidates announcing the withdrawal, Dishell said he wanted to avoid the hostile environment and unproductive intra-CSG rivalries created by a lengthy litigation process. He added that he filed the official complaint initially to uphold the provisions of the election code. “You can always withdraw, just like we did,” Dishell said. “But I can’t, after the fact, go back and say, I really wish we had filed this.” The official complaints regarding alleged campaign finance infractions by FORUM, the Party Party and the House of Cards Party were upheld and addressed in a UEC hearing Monday evening. Business senior Matthew Fernandez, rep-manager for Make Michigan, filed the complaint on behalf of Make Michigan, citing failure to publish receipts on campaign finance forms as a major infraction. Dishell said these cases, in contrast to the alleged e-mail misuse, could have had an impact on voting. He said possible overspending could have created an unfair advantage. In an official ruling released

Tuesday, the UEC found all three parties guilty of the infraction, but reduced the punishment outlined in the election code. While a major infraction usually calls for three to four demerits per violation, the UEC instead assigned two demerits per party. The UEC cited miscommunication between candidates and the election director as well as vagueness of the wording of the election code as grounds for reducing the number of demerits assigned for the violation. In the ruling, the UEC said campaign finance forms provided to candidates did not explicitly contain instructions for receipts that were called for in the code. Additionally, once respondents were made aware of the violation, they provided the appropriate receipts. These demerits did not affect the outcome of the election in any way. Parties are penalized for demerits until they reach 10, at which point that party is removed from the election entirely. Law student Bryson Nitta, election director, released a dissenting opinion along with the UEC’s official ruling. Nitta acts as an ex officio member of the UEC and does not vote on official rulings. Nitta expressed discontent with the demerits assigned to FORUM, the Party Party and the House of Cards Party. “Candidates and students are not law enforcement officers trained in detecting deceit and fraud,” Nitta wrote. Manes and Abraham hugged fellow FORUM candidates after receiving the news that they did not win. Manes said their work will not stop despite the election’s outcome. “We wholeheartedly believe that titles don’t really give you any extra power,” Manes said. “If students believe in doing things, they can get things done just by their own motivation and their own personal drive and passion because they care about things.”

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT STUDENT GOVERNMENT? Become a reporter. #RUSHTMD — NOW HIRING FOR FALL 2014!

PAUL SHERMAN/Daily

LSA senior Eric Quang, president of the Theta Xi Fraternity, and LSA junior Allen Wu listen to oral arguments at a hearing on November 20, 2012 at the Michigan Union concerning the fraternity’s planned racially-charged party theme.

Students file formal complaints in response to Theta Xi’s “ratchet” theme By STEPHANIE SHENOUDA Daily Staff Reporter

October 30, 2013 —An investigation has been launched into the University’s chapter of the Theta Xi fraternity after several students filed formal complaints with the University administration regarding the fraternity’s now-cancelled plans to host a party with a “ratchet” theme next Thursday. Many students of color say they were personally offended by the invitation that was sent via Facebook, complaining that it parodied Black culture and offended women, referring to twerking contests, “bad bitches,” gang references and repeated use of the word “ratchet.” Early Thursday morning, Theta Xi members said the fraternity won’t be commenting on the matter. Fraternity brothers were camped out on the Diag for their annual “Defend the Diag” ritual. Dean of Students Laura Blake Jones, who lodged a formal complaint with the fraternity, said the University responded immediately and took student complaints very seriously. Jones held a meeting yesterday with the Greek Life Director Mary Beth Seiler, Interfraternity Council leaders and LSA senior Eric Quang, Theta Xi’s president. The University also reached out to Theta Xi’s national board, whose members expressed concern and are conducting their own investigation. The administration made it clear that the party will not be allowed to take place on Nov. 7, and Theta Xi’s national headquarters has determined all further social events will be suspended until their investigations are concluded. “It was very important that we all get together and discuss the impact this unfortunate event has had on the Univer-

sity community, as well as our expectations moving forward,” Jones said. “Obviously, the way the party was both conceived of and executed is in direct contradiction to the standards of our university.” Jones plans to meet with students Thursday to discuss ways of remedying the situation, as well as making sure their underlying concerns about racial issues on campus are addressed. Additionally, an e-mail informing students of the discussion and expressing disappointment was sent out Thursday morning to address a largely “negative” situation. While Jones stopped short of calling events like this a trend, she said it’s clear that some level of education and dialogue is necessary to ensure that students are aware what language and behavior is appropriate, and how cultural appropriation has potential for harm. “In society we certainly see examples, not only in parties but in the media and how people present themselves; it’s certainly not a problem unique to Greek Life or our campus,” Jones said. “The incident in question was not only racially offensive, but degrading to women in general, and the most restorative way to move forward is to provide education on why this is not acceptable.” The fraternity is in the process of drafting an apology to the students who came forward, which will later be broadly circulated as a means of accepting responsibility for their situation, Jones said. LSA junior Geralyn Gaines, secretary for the Black Student Union, described her initial reaction to the event as “complete and utter disgust.” She said this was the first time she’s personally experienced racism on campus or felt specifically targeted and attacked. “I love U of M and even today I’m fundamentally happy, but it’s scary to think that I sit in class with people who think this way and people that agree with them, people who legitimately thought this party was a good idea and was okay,” Gaines said.

“The invitation amplified stereotypes and used a level of disgusting language that it was evident they actively tried to offend us.” Gaines said she was particularly offended by the use of the word “ratchet,” which she says is prominently used in the Black community to describe something terrible or someone who doesn’t know how to handle themselves. She also took issue with the invitees section, which specifically asked for “bad bitches” and “rachet pussy,” which she believes was an attempt to make a mockery of Black culture. Gaines believes that requiring the University to approve all party themes moving forward would help avoid similar issues in the future. Music, Theatre & Dance senior Erica Nagy said she was compelled to write a formal complaint after seeing the emotional toll the situation took on her roommate. “We were all mad and found the situation unacceptable, especially after seeing how upset she’d been the whole day after carrying this hurt around with her,” Nagy said. “You don’t have to be a certain race to be offended by racist material; I think anyone who isn’t offended isn’t paying attention.” She specifically took issue with the fact that no one involved in the fraternity identified with Black culture and that they used language “that wasn’t theirs to use” in an attempt to directly offend people. Though this was the first time she had been invited to a party with an offensive theme, Nagy she knows it happens often — both in and out of Greek Life — because people don’t understand the ramifications of cultural appropriation. “I guess my hope for all of this is that it starts a conversation about race on this campus so that people can learn that their words and actions truly affect other people,” she said. “I don’t want to see (Theta Xi) punished because I don’t think that would solve the true problem here; we need to get people talking and learning.”

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ADMINISTRATION

UMHS president and ‘U’ chief financial officer step down After serving five years as head of health system, Pescovitz moves on By IAN DILLINGHAM Daily News Editor

MARCH 17, 2014 — Ora Pescovitz, CEO of the University of Michigan Health System and executive vice president for medical affairs, announced in a blog post Monday morning that she will step down after her five-year term ends on June 1. Pescovitz, the first woman to serve as the head of the health system, has worked in her current position since her 2009 appointment. “I want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Pescovitz for her commitment to Michigan and for ensuring that the Health System remains sound and strong, which is an enormous accomplishment given our complex environment and the changing national health care landscape,” Coleman wrote in an e-mail to faculty and staff on Monday. As EVPMA, Pescovitz oversaw the University’s medical operations — three main hospitals, 40

outpatient locations and more than 120 clinics around the state — as well as the Medical School, School of Nursing and various research initiatives through various departments and institutes. Under Pescovitz’s tenure, UMHS has implemented major renovation projects, most notably the construction of the $754 million C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital, completed in 2011. She also oversaw the transfer of several research departments from the medical campus to the North Campus Research Complex after the University purchased the former Pfizer property in 2009 at a cost of $108 million. In a communication to the University’s Board of Regents, University President Mary Sue Coleman recommended Michael Johns, professor of otolaryngology and health policy at Emory University, to serve as interim EVPMA effective June 2. A Detroit native, Johns graduated from the University’s medical school in 1969 after obtaining a bachelor’s and graduate degree in biology from Wayne State University. “I look forward to the leadership, depth of experience, and vision that Dr. Johns will bring to the University,” Coleman wrote. “I appreciate his willing-

VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

Former UMHS CEO Ora Pescovitz speaks at her farewell event on May 28, 2014.

ness to serve his alma mater and his home state in this important way.” Johns formerly served as dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and vice president of Medical Faculty from 1990 to 1996. He later became the executive vice president for health affairs at Emory before serving as chancellor from 2007 to 2012. The recommendation will go before the Regents for approval at their next meeting this Thursday. In recent years, the Health System faced scrutiny because of a series of internal controversies. In 2012, Stephen Jenson, a medical resident, was charged for possession of child pornography, which was found on a thumb drive plugged into a Health System computer. Slow response to the incident prompted the restructuring of the University’s Department of Public Safety, Housing Security and Hospitals & Health Centers Security into the Division of Public Safety and Security. Jenson was later sentenced to three years in prison. Later in 2012, the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission sued Neurology Prof. Sidney Gilman in regards to a potential insider-trading scheme. The commission alleged that information provided by Gilman allowed Matthew Martoma, a portfolio manager at CR Intrinsic Investors, to profit $276 million. Gilman later admitted in court that he had provided information regarding an Alzheimer’s drug trial to Martoma before it was released to the public. More recently, financial pressures from sequestration and expansion projects have caused the Health System to explore cost cutting measures, while steadily increasing patient demand has kept the majority of the health system operating at capacity. Despite the pressure, Coleman See PESCOVITZ, Page 7C

VP Tim Slottow appointed Univ. of Phoenix president By JENNIFER CALFAS and SAM GRINGLAS Managing News Editor and Daily News Editor

APRIL 1, 2014 —Tim Slottow, executive vice president and chief financial officer, announced Tuesday that he will step down from his role to serve as the seventh president of the University of Phoenix. Slottow will leave the University on June 19 and assume his new position on June 20. “As you can imagine, this has been a tough decision for me, because I love doing what I do for this University, and I love working with all of you to ‘Make Blue Go’ each day,” Slottow said in a statement. University President Mary Sue Coleman lauded Slottow’s work in his pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the University’s endowment in a statement released Tuesday. “He has played an integral role in the University’s growth and financial stability throughout the recession, ensuring our academic excellence as he worked in partnership with our academic and university leaders,” Coleman said. “His fiscal acumen has served U-M exceptionally well, and I thank him.” Coleman will recommend the Board of Regents approve Douglas L. Strong, chief executive officer of the University’s Hospitals and Health Centers, to serve as interim CFO at their next meeting on April 10. Ora Pescovitz, executive vice president for medical affairs, will recommend Anthony Denton, executive director and chief operating officer of the University’s Hospitals and Health Cen-

TODD NEEDLE/Daily

The university’s former executive vice president and chief financial officer Tim Slottow.

ters, to the board. The University of Phoenix is a for-profit institution of higher education, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The institution grants bachelor’s, associate, master’s and doctoral degrees, through both online and on-campus programs at more than 100 locations across the country. The university was founded in 1976 with the aim of serving working adults who desire a degree in higher education offered through flexible and nearby classes. Today, the University of Phoenix is the largest for-profit institution of higher education in the country. Slottow will fill the role recently vacated by Bill Pepicello, outgoing University of Phoenix president, who has served in the position since 1995. In a press release, Marrilee Lewis Engel, chair of the University of Phoenix board of trustees, said Slottow’s experience at the University makes him an ideal candidate for the position. “Tim Slottow’s leadership at the University of Michigan amplifies what he has done throughout his accomplished career: delivering measurable results to public and private

organizations as they embrace the principle of continuous advancement and transition to reach ambitious goals,” Engel said. Greg Cappelli, a member of the University of Phoenix board of trustees and the chief executive officer of Apollo Education Group, the university’s parent company, discussed Slottow’s qualifications in an e-mail sent to employees Tuesday. “What stood out during our interviews was Tim’s personal passion for our mission to provide the opportunities for students to advance in their lives — and in their careers — through high-quality, accessible, higher education programs,” he wrote. “He is determined to make education work for working students, and we’re so incredibly pleased that he chose us to further his efforts.” Traditionally, the position of University provost has been the stepping-stone to the presidency of another university. Former University provosts Phil Hanlon and Teresa Sullivan were selected to lead other institutions — Dartmouth University and the University of Virginia, respectively — during their tenures as provost. See SLOTTOW, Page 10C

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GREEK LIFE

Stabbing at SAE prompts debate over party security Doubts raised over impact of sober monitor training By YARDAIN AMRON Daily Staff Reporter

Despite the stabbing of two members of the University’s chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity early November by an angry party-crasher, the Interfraternity Council is conflicted as to whether existing security measures are sufficient to handle future incidents. The assault at SAE occurred after four individuals were kicked out of the fraternity house, leading to a heated verbal altercation in which the suspect drew a knife and stabbed two sober monitors. Because SAE was expelled from IFC in 2011 for hazing allegations, the chapter’s sober monitors were not required to complete University Health Service’s Sober Monitor training, and the chapter was not under jurisdiction of IFC’s Social Environment Management Policy. SEMP provides a mandatory, 19-page protocol for hosting an IFC social event. Strict SEMP guidelines are enforced by the Social Responsibility Committee, which is composed of 13 Greek-affiliated students. On party nights, members make rounds as “checkers” to patrol for policy violations. During that time, sober monitors must submit to breathalyzer tests by request of SEMP checkers, who also have the right to shut down a party if deemed necessary. Whether SAE was following the SEMP policy the night of the attack is unclear. Brandon Weghorst, a national spokesman for SAE, could not be reached for comment after repeated requests. SRC, however, does not monitor events that are unaffiliated with IFC, like parties at SAE. LSA junior Tommy Wydra, the SRC chairman, said there

are serious safety concerns for students at unregulated off-campus fraternities, but praised the sober monitor training required of IFC fraternities. “I’m very confident that an incident like this would not occur at any of our fraternity houses because of the training that we go through,” Wydra said. Training for sober monitors — the orange-shirt-clad fraternity members who man the doors and serve alcohol at many fraternity parties — includes preparation for dealing with sick party-goers, violent confrontations and crowd control. However, Andrew Koffsky, former president of AEPi, said in a previous interview that he was less convinced the sober monitor training could prevent such an assault. “No 19 or 20 year old knows how to deal with somebody who has a knife and is trying to get into a party,” Koffsky said. “None of us are trained to have mortal combat abilities.” Stephen Siddall, risk manager for the University’s chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity, echoed Koffsky’s concerns about the stabbing. “I think it’s really scary; it really could have happened at any fraternity,” Siddall said. As risk manager, Siddall approves plans for Chi Phi’s parties, works the front door and coordinates up to 10 sober monitors around the fraternity’s property. Siddall said he had little formal training aside from shadowing the previous risk manager. While Siddall admitted none of his sober monitors are trained to deal with a weapon, he said hiring additional security — as some fraternities have — would be overkill, and he put the onus on guests for keeping parties safe. “People just need to understand that fraternities are not throwing open parties every night,” Siddall said. “Ninety-nine percent of our parties are closed events.” But when fraternities plan

massive parties — usually with attendance of 500 people or more — some risk managers see a third-party security team as a necessary investment. K-9 Patrol, a risk management consulting firm based out of Dearborn Heights, Mich., has been employed this year by the University’s chapters of Sigma Alpha Mu, Alpha Sigma Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi. The company provides pre-event guidance, onsite armed and unarmed guards and post-party consultations. Timothy Schar, CEO of K-9 Patrol, said his guards are professional and act as a strong visual deterrent to help reduce the chance of an assault. “We’re not a company that goes and puts a bunch of 300pound gorillas out there with black t-shirts that say ‘security’ on the back, because that’s not security,” Schar said. The company even deals with angry neighbors through a hotline designated for complaints. Guards generally cost $280, and most parties need between three and five guards, depending on the number of guests, Schar said. Most fraternities spend between $1,000 and $1,500 upfront on his company’s services, and there are no refunds if a party gets shut down, he said. Without private security, Schar said most fraternity parties on campus have serious safety and liability issues. “I would say probably 20 percent at best have security that is active and functional,” Schar said. Still, the exorbitant costs required to hire a company like K-9 Patrol remain a strong enough deterrent for some risk managers, like Siddall. “We haven’t been asked to (hire security), and that’s an added cost that we don’t necessarily need, and I really don’t think its necessary from a risk management perspective,” Siddall said.

IFC votes to ban hard liquor at Tier 3 fraternity parties Decision lauded as step towards higher on-campus safety By YARDAIN AMRON Daily Staff Reporter

Some fraternity parties will now be a little easier on the liver. In a nearly unanimous vote Wednesday night, the Interfraternity Council amended its Social Environment Management Policy to ban hard liquor at fraternities’ open parties. The new policy will be effective immediately. Business senior Michael Proppe, Central Student Government president, first announced the policy change at the meeting of the University’s Board of Regents Thursday. “This is a proactive step that Michigan students are taking to improve our safety on campus, and I commend the IFC leadership,” Proppe said. The new policy comes less than two months into IFC President Tommy Wydra’s first term as the organization’s leader. Proppe said Wydra is getting off to a successful start. The SEMP amendment applies to Tier IIIA and Tier IIIB parties, known as “open parties,” which are limited to 200 guests, along with the hosting fraternity members.

AST From Page 2C Sierra echoed Anderson’s points about financialization at the University — one of SUM’s main issues. As the University’s Black Student Union recently made national news by bringing the experiences of Black students

“Due to the elimination of hard liquor at Tier IIIA and IIIB events, students will enjoy a safer social scene at the University of Michigan for years to come,” the IFC stated in a press release. The policy will not apply to National Pan-Hellenic Council or Multicultural Greek Council parties because SEMP only applies to the IFC and PanHellenic Association. Wydra said the new policy extends only to open parties and not lower-tier parties because the former tend to be the riskiest, such as those during Welcome Week or on Halloween. “Many of the Greeks get so much training, whether it’s sober monitor training or alcohol awareness, so we feel they can manage those Tier II parties much more easily,” Wydra said. “I have absolutely no plans to expand it to Tier II or Tier IIICs.” Proppe said the amendment will help improve safety at the larger parties. “The nice thing about a Tier II party is you know who is going to be there and so it’s a little bit more of a controlled environment,” Proppe said. “At a Tier III party that’s open to students who are not necessarily a part of the Greek organization, it’s harder to control and hold people accountable.” Kinesiology junior Elive

Likine, a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, better known as Pike, said the policy might do the opposite of its intention. “I think it’s going to turn into people pre-gaming harder and drinking faster in preparation because they’ll know they won’t be able to have it at the party,” Likine said. “Some people just don’t like beer. When you prevent something like this, I feel like it will end up blowing up in their own face.” As for enforcement, Wydra sai d the Social Responsibility Committee — a group of Greek members who enforce current SEMP policy — would be able to take on the amendment. “When SRC comes they hit the bathroom, they hit the bar, wherever people are SRC goes and checks,” Wydra said. “They’re going to be interacting with guests at these parties and randomly checking three to five guest IDs. As long as there is no hard alcohol, it will be ok.” Wydra added that he believes the amendment will be accepted without much controversy among members of Greek Life. “Once every Greek member completely understands the policy they will be on board with it,” Wydra said. “It’s a lot different if the Greeks think we’re taking away something just to take away something rather than doing it with good intentions.”

— who constitute 4.65 percent of enrolled students — on campus to light, Sierra said college affordability for students from diverse backgrounds should be the University’s top priority. While the University’s enrollment does not directly relate to the fight against AST, Sierra said it reflects a larger issue of who has the decision-making power

on campus. “I think this initiative is part of a larger effort to really address those diversity questions in a way that is not an empty buzzword (like) the University wants to paint in their pamphlets, but that if you’re actually interested, you actually need to have people be a part of the process.”

LUNA ANNA ARCHEY/Daily

Mary Jo Desprez, Director of Wolverine Wellness “Alcohol Harm,” speaks about the alcohol climate on campus in the Fleming Administration Building on Monday.

SACUA addresses alcohol consumption trends at ‘U’ Concerns include drinking during Welcome Week, orientation By ANDREW ALMANI Daily Staff Reporter

The Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs met Monday with several administrators who are working towards reducing the public health risks of alcohol consumption on campus. E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, Chief Health Officer Robert Winfield, director of the University Health Service, Wolverine Wellness director Mary Jo Desprez and J. Ann Hower, director of the office of new student programs, joined SACUA for the meeting. During her presentation, Desprez presented materials on alcohol consumption trends and

COLD From Page 1C sory Committee for University Affairs meeting Jan. 13 to discuss the University’s decision to not cancel classes. “By the time it became clear that we were facing an extraordinary weather event, we realized that we didn’t have appropriate mechanisms to close the University even if we wanted to,” Pollack said. During that meeting, Pollack said the University planned to establish a committee to address emergency situations, including weather, that merit the cancellation of classes. Though that committee was formed and held one meeting last week, Fitzgerald said the decision to cancel classes Tuesday was made independently of that committee, in consultation with the the Office of the Provost, Winfield

CAMPAIGN From Page 1C country are carrying out similar fundraising drives — but the University’s goal is closer to many private schools than public peers. Harvard University is currently in the midst of the largest fundraising drive in the history of higher education — with an ambitious $6.5 billion goal. The campaign launched earlier this year and will conclude in 2018. LSA Interim Dean Susan Gelman wrote in an e-mail that her priorities for the campaign focus on financial aid, including scholarships dedicated to assisting students pay for study abroad and internship experiences, as well as undergraduate research opportunities. “We are committed to the liberal arts, and we have evidence from the stories of our alumni that scholarship support makes a tremendous difference, not only for an individual student — maybe the first in his or her family to attend

PESCOVITZ From Page 6C said the Health System under Pescovitz has recorded “the highest-ever scores in patient satisfaction.” The University Hospital

strategies for combatting highrisk drinking. She said 64 percent of students drink socially, and 61 percent drink to celebrate. At one point, Desprez asked the faculty seated around the table if they were familiar with the “I’m Shmacked” video filmed at the University. No one in the room had seen it, so Desprez proceeded to play the video and explain the role that social media plays on the environment that induces drinking for students. “I’m Shmacked’” is a video series that glamorizes partying and alcohol consumption at campuses across the nation. There are at least three “I’m Shmacked” productions featuring the University. “This (video) has 807,749 views, while the University Campus Tour video only has 63,202 views,” she said. “This is recruiting students before we get to. I might not play the whole thing, because it sucks your soul.” “The social network and the

viral nature of the Internet is in some ways is great on college campuses, and it also has a harder time for us to manage in terms of the perception of alcohol use,” Desprez said. Hower spoke about the changes the University is considering making to the orientation process due to concerns that new students have easy access to parties and alcohol, posing a high risk of irresponsible drinking. Another concern expressed is the time students have before classes start, while many are moving to Ann Arbor. Several speakers expressed concerns that Welcome Week fosters an unsafe drinking environment—especially for new students. Several SACUA members said they were concerned about the issue, and requested additional meetings to discuss ways in which the administration is working to make progress. The last SACUA meeting of the term will take place April 28.

and Thomas. “This is a decision that was made based on the unique circumstances that are being presented with the weather forecasts for tomorrow,” Fitzgerald said. “This is not a reflection of any new protocol.” Business senior Michael Proppe, CSG president, said he believes the dangerous conditions Tuesday warranted the historic measure. “It’s really going to be cold tomorrow, I think the University made the right call,” Proppe said. “When it’s -25 degrees out with the wind chill and you have students walking 10, 15, or 20 minutes to class, it can be dangerous to have skin exposed in that kind of weather.” Proppe said he was surprised because such a decision is “unprecedented,” but added that he knows the University has students safety at the forefront. “Though CSG did not play an

active role in today’s decision, executive members brought up the school’s lack of a severe weather policy in their last few meetings with the dean of students, Laura Blake Jones,” Proppe said. While many students may spend tomorrow binge-watching Netflix or enjoying some other form of leisure, Proppe said his cold day will likely consist of catching up on homework and CSG related projects. Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College also have canceled classes for Tuesday. According to the Twitter of the State News Twitter, Michigan State University spokesperson Kent Cassella said that MSU is expected to “continue operations as usual.” St. Joseph County in Indiana, where Notre Dame is located, is under a state of emergency and driving after 7 p.m. is subject to a $2,500 fine.

college — but also for siblings, relatives, and entire communities who are inspired and encouraged by seeing dreams become reality,” Gelman wrote. The University has received $1.7 billion in gifts in the two years leading up to the official kickoff on Friday. In the last few months, donations from philanthropists including Stephen Ross, Charles Munger, Penny Stamps, Helen Zell and the Rogel and Frankel families have donated gifts earmarked for an array of new facilities, scholarships and programs. Coleman said these leadership gifts highlight diverse areas of the University — ranging from arts and humanities to the Business School, student support and athletics. She added that the flagship donations serve as examples for smaller benefactors. Ross, who donated $200 million in September to his namesake business school and the Athletic Department, serves as chair of the campaign.

On Wednesday, the University announced a $50 million donation from Richard and Susan Rogel — which will benefit the Medical School and the Center for Chinese Studies. Richard Rogel served as chair of The Michigan Difference campaign and will serve as vice chair of the Victors for Michigan campaign — spearheading the overall push for student support. Three students attended the press conference to answer questions about how the campaign will support them. LSA senior Katherine Man, a non-resident student and a member of the Global Scholars program, said without her financial aid, she would not have been able to attend the University. “This opens the opportunities for students who are good students but don’t have the financial means,” Man said. The Victors for Michigan campaign kick-off will begin Friday at 5 p.m. with a community festival in Ingalls Mall, the main event in Hill Auditorium and an after-party, ending at 10 p.m.

was rated as the number one hospital in the state, according to the U.S. News and World Report 2013 to 2014 rankings. “I have relished my time here and will forever be grateful for the growth, experiences and relationships made possible

by this opportunity,” Pescovitz wrote. “UMHS is a community of extraordinary people who do extraordinary work. I have been honored to lead this organization, which is what made this decision very difficult for me.”

University

8C — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

CAMPUS LIFE

Fashion show Music Matters hosts festival promotes art and ingenuity SpringFest features 2Chainz and student organizations

By MICHAEL SUGERMAN Daily Staff Reporter

In the third installment of its annual SpringFest celebration, MUSIC Matters pulled out all the stops Thursday. Rain served as an enforced recess between the afternoon’s activities and the night’s capstone concert — which climaxed as rapper 2 Chainz strolled onto the Hill Auditorium stage, bellowing his moniker to the heavens. During the day, food trucks and live entertainment stretched along North University Avenue from Hatcher Graduate Library to North University Avenue, while 40 student organizations, organized by themed tents, presented their year’s work. Lasting from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festivities built up to 2 Chainz: the day’s headlining act. After his performance, 2 Chainz explained in an interview how he connects to a diverse set of audiences. “I just think I’m very transparent,” he said. “What you see is what you get. I’m like this on and off camera — at home, chillin’ out. I’ve got a good spirit. I’m very blessed and I think that kind of projects to the crowd. It’s organic. People like it and I appreciate it.” LSA senior Phil Schermer, MUSIC Matters president, said SpringFest as a whole – which was revamped to resemble Austin music and technology festival South By Southwest – exceeded his expectations. “My phone was dead for 45 minutes,” he said. “I turned it back on – had 46 texts from people who were excited about SpringFest. It’s unbelievable.” Schermer said the festival’s new layout, which aimed to both inspire and showcase student accomplishment, set a strong precedent for future improvement. He said he hopes that MUSIC Matters will recruit more student organizations to present next year, in addition to bringing in more food options and more live outdoor concerts. One of Thursday’s live performers was LSA sophomore Sylvia Yacoub, who was formerly a top 10 contestant on the third season of NBC’s “The Voice.” She said the venue gave her a chance to cater to a local audience, which she appreciated. “I thought it was a lot of fun,” she said. “The crowd was awesome. I loved the energy … It was really cool to just perform with students. It’s the demographic, essentially, that I want to jump to when I release my album sometime this year.” Yacoub performed a roughly 10-song set that included covers of Jessie J., Christina Aguilera and Rihanna. She also sang a slow, acoustic version of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Musical acts like Yacoub’s were intertwined with entrepreneurial-themed talks throughout the day. University alum Mike Muse, one of the nation’s top political fundraisers and the co-founder of record label Muse Recordings, delivered one of these presentations. In his speech to students, Muse emphasized the close ties between music and politics – both mechanisms of enacting change. “We’re here about SpringFest and we’re here about 2 Chainz are we’re here for MUSIC Matters, but really, what is the purpose for us being here?” he asked during his talk. “The purpose is engagement. The purpose is activism. The purpose is to build community. The purpose is to bust down the segregated walls that we have here on this campus.” Muse has also been named the first director of MUSIC Matters’ future board, which he said will ultimately consist of professionals who “have ties to both the intersection of pop culture and change agents.” This group will work with outside sources to

help fund and build MUSIC Matters in the coming years. Muse said he became involved with MUSIC Matters after Schermer reached out to him earlier in the year, as he was impressed with the similarities between his work and that of the student organization. “I was using music to make fundraising fun, and to make it cool, and to make it inviting, and to break the ice and say, ‘This is what politics looks like now,’” he said, adding that his career and MUSIC Matters “share a very unique symbiotic relationship that runs parallel.” On a similar tangent of development, MPowered hosted an event called MTank – modeled after ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where start-up entrepreneurs pitch their potential products to worldrenowned business moguls. Five groups pitched their products to a board of local venture capitalists, and ultimately a product called “S-Pack” won the contest. According to a handout distributed by MPowered prior to the MTank, S-Pack works to “solve the problem every woman faces by combining several essential toiletries into one product small enough to fit in any woman’s purse.” Business sophomore Mariel Reiss presented the product, which she said targeted collegeaged women who might need to freshen up following a night on the town or even a drunken hookup. Engineering junior Chris O’Neil, MPowered president, credited SpringFest for providing entrepreneurship with a wider audience. “I’m kind of stuck in the entrepreneurship end of this university, and I think that SpringFest was a really unique opportunity to have an event that had a little higher entertainment value – so you have these people who maybe aren’t as familiar with entrepreneurship get to see what is going on and see all the cool startups and ideas that are actually happening on campus,” he said. Tom Frank, executive director of the University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, said there is no longer a “normal” entrepreneurship crowd. “I think that it’s more about people who have innovative ideas; that they’re becoming less and less shy about sharing with an audience, as opposed to something thinking of an entrepreneur as somebody locked in a room who’s going to build and invent something that suddenly gets released on the world,” he said. “They make it more collaborative, more open and a safer environment to let those ideas cross-pollinate.” This “cross-pollination” of thought Thursday was not restricted to entrepreneurship. Schermer said the Identity tent, located directly outside of Hatcher Graduate Library, was also a large factor in the trading new ideas. The Black Student Union presented a photography exhibit in the tent as a culmination of the #BBUM movement. LSA senior Tyrell Collier, outgoing BSU speaker, said the pictures were meant to explore the experience of Black students at the University in a new medium. The photo-shoot largely took place primarily in an alleyway off of E. Liberty Street. “We just wanted to show – because the environment that we shot in was a rough environment; there was trash, dumpsters, some bricks – we really just wanted to get across the beauty in blackness, even in the roughest environments,” Collier said. Despite 20 mph winds, Collier said the extreme weather did not impede the project’s success. “We were placed right on the Diag proper,” he said. “So there was a lot of traffic. Even just students going to class – there was a lot of traffic flowing through our tent. I don’t think it’s every day that you see a tent with about 24 different pictures of Black people.” University alum Jeff Sorensen, a co-founder of social innovation group optiMize, also commented on the event’s success in showcasing student accomplishment. Though optiMize had been

planning to host a dunk tank featuring “well-known” students on campus – including CSG representatives and student athletes – these efforts were halted early in the day by the University’s Risk Management Services, Sorensen said. However, he added, optiMize was most successful with its whiteboards, on which buzz words like “diversity,” “health” and “education” were written and students were asked to write down what those terms meant to them. Sorensen said optiMize received several

hundred responses, all of which are now displayed in the Center for Entrepreneurship. Sorensen also lauded the work of optiMize finalists, who presented their innovative projects throughout the day. As for the future of SpringFest, Schermer said the best is yet to come. “I think it’s going to be so much bigger and better than it was this year,” he said.

Read more coverage of SpringFest at MichiganDaily.com

EnspiRED event features student models, designs By BRIE WINNEGA Daily Staff Reporter

Student models donning undergrad-produced designs stomped down the runway Saturday night. EnspiRED, a student organization that aims to promote artistic expression at the University, hosted the fashion show. Taking place in the Biomedical Science Research Building, it also featured pieces from artists nationwide. The event is traditionally EnspiRED’s biggest of the year, LSA senior Tyrell Collier, EnspiRED production manager and president, said. “We wanted to show that you can be innovative, you can be creative, and you can do things that are outside of the norm,” Collier said. “I feel like when people leave this show this will be something they’ve never seen before on campus.” In its eighth year on campus, EnspiRED donated 15 percent of the show’s proceeds to Art Road Nonprofit, an organization dedicated to funding art classes in southeast Michigan schools that have lost support for their programs. EnspiRED is also planning a trip to Detroit to assist the nonprofit through volunteer work. The majority of the generated money will fund this year’s and next year’s show.

REBECCA KEPHART/Daily

UPPER: LSA and School of Music, Theatre, and Dance freshman Aliyah Smith models in EnspiRED’s annual charity fashion show. LOWER: LSA freshman Ariel Rogan poses on the runway. RIGHT: The fashion show, which was sold out this year, captivated students from all over campus.

The show featured five waves of clothing designs: Liberation, Creation, Innovation, Domination and Live Red Nation. “To ‘live red’ means to be happy, be creative and just be you and do what makes you happy,” LSA senior Danetta Jameson, an EnspiRED model, said. Collier said he hopes to demonstrate the positive influence African American students have on campus through organizations like EnspiRED and its fashion show. “We are a majority Black organization, meaning that our executive board is a majority African Americans,” Collier said. “This is being Black at Michigan to me.” For the first time, Music, Theatre and Dance sophomore Stephon Dorsey had the opportunity to showcase his own clothing designs from his line called Vision by Goodsteph. “I wanted to showcase something that exemplified the whole idea of using what you have to get what you want,” said Dorsey. “At first, it was definitely a little hectic, and I was a little anxious and worried, but once I was able to see everybody on the screen – that was the most glorifying moment of my life.” LSA junior Taylor Clayborne said she enjoyed the outfits, models and venue that the show had to offer. “I think that it’s awesome that they’re using local and student clothing lines,” Clayborne said. “I’m really impressed that this was all student-run.”

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TA K E T H E F I E L D

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CSG From Page 1C port. Proppe’s motion to reconsider Resolution 3-050 then passed with only three dissenting votes. Despite an amendment to line 105 of the resolution, adding the phrase “pending the results of the ad hoc committee,” the proposal did not pass. It was voted on in a secret ballot, an amendment to the rules decided by the assembly to ensure the safety of individual representatives. LSA senior Suha Najjar, one of the original authors of the resolution, said while it wasn’t the complete outcome that members of SAFE wanted, she was happy their voices were not silenced this time. “I am upset. I am disappointed. But more so, I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said. “Last week there was a decision to indefinitely postpone and resolutions like that don’t get called back in here, but because of our persistence and because of our determination we came back and we fought and we got to say what we wanted to say.” She added that the sit-in is now

over and SAFE members will not no longer occupy the CSG chambers. After the vote, supporters of the resolution left the chambers in silence to rally at the Cube in front of the Fleming Administration Building. Speakers at the Cube shared their plans to take a divestment proposal to the University’s Board of Regents, thanked the resolution’s supporters at large — particularly the large number of non-Palestinian supporters — and advised all members to remain cautious on their way home given the perceived hostility on campus after last week’s vote. During the Community Concerns portion of the meeting, selected members of the audience are given a three-minute time allotment during which they are allowed to make statements to the assembly. During the bill’s second reading, authors of the resolution continued the discussion. Guest speakers opened the meeting, followed by 90 minutes of Community Concerns. Usually, only 30 minutes are allocated for Community Concerns, but the CSG assembly voted twice to extend this time limit.

In a letter to colleagues in the University’s Office of Business and Finance, Slottow said the country’s future relies not only on institutions like the University, but also on those more focused on meeting the needs of non-traditional, mid-career adult students. With the University of Phoenix’s online program, a college education is available to a larger number of students and professionals. “As you know, I am passionate about higher education and believe deeply in the important role the University of Michigan plays in preparing future leaders and helping to solve many of our most vexing societal challenges,” he wrote. “We know, too, that our country’s competitiveness will rely on the full spectrum

of higher education opportunities to educate our workforce so it can meet its potential and fuel U.S. economic development.” The departure also poses an additional challenge for University President-elect Mark Schlissel, who will need to fill multiple interim positions at the beginning of his term. S. Jack Hu is currently serving as the interim vice president for research, and Michael Johns will fill in as interim CEO of the University of Michigan Health System following Pescovitz’s departure. During his 12 years in the position, Slottow led the University through a number of cost-saving initiatives designed to keep budgets in check during a period of declining state funding. Slottow piloted programs such as strategic sourcing — procurement measures designed to save money by buying equipment and supplies in bulk across mul-

tiple University units — and the Administrative Services Transformation Project — an initiative that will centralize departmentlevel employees in a shared services center. “Collectively we have met the largest and smallest challenges — posed by our external environment and rapidly changing campus needs — with innovative new ways of doing business,” Slottow said in his statement. In October, Slottow announced the University’s endowment reached an all-time high of $8.4 billion over the fiscal year. The endowment is now the second-largest of any public university, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Commonfund. During Slottow’s time at the University, the endowment has increased from $3.5 billion in 2003 to $8.4 billion.

Conflict,” delivered a presentation on the history of the conflict. LSA senior Bayan Founas, a SAFE member, said the group was not consulted by CSG about which professor would be presenting to the assembly. She added that several students visited with Lieberman and asked him not to speak because they disagree with his interpretation of the history of the West Bank conflict. Founas said SAFE members requested that Proppe find a different speaker a few hours before the meeting, but were informed it was too late. In response to a question from LSA sophomore Jacob Ruby, an LSA representative, Lieberman said he believes the passage of the divestment resolution would further the broader Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. Speakers heard in random order during Community Concerns included students both for and against the resolution at hand. Several students in support of divestment shared personal stories of life in the Middle East and Palestine specifically. Students against the resolution reiterated sentiments that passage

of this resolution would further divide the student body. While CSG executive officers are not permitted to vote on matters of the assembly, they did address the room before members of the assembly began their debates. Proppe advised representatives to consider the strong division of student opinion regarding the resolution when considering its passage. He added that he does not think those representatives who voted to indefinitely postpone the resolution did so with the intent to silence students. CSG Vice President Bobby Dishell, a Public Policy junior, said as a student leader, he lessened his involvement with proIsrael groups once he became a representative. He reiterated that he remains pro-Israel, but does not want his own political beliefs to influence his role as vice president. Dishell and LSA sophomore Meagan Shokar, speaker of the assembly, said the hostile campus climate in the wake of the March 18 meeting threatens the democratic process and would not be tolerated. SAFE represen-

tatives told The Michigan Daily that members have been receiving racist comments, have been yelled at on the street by people driving by and have been classified as extremists. CSG members claimed to receive similar threats and members of both groups have reported some individuals do not feel safe enough to attend their classes. Administrators have met repeatedly with SAFE and the members of the sit-in, as well as other groups, hearing the various accounts of threats received by CSG representatives as well as members of the sit-in. In anticipation of the meeting, E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, sent a campus-wide e-mail early Tuesday evening reminding students of the University’s policy regarding freedom of speech and artistic expression outlined in its Standard Practice Guide. She urged students to remain respectful and tolerant of diverse viewpoints. Harper referred to a previous Daily article, an official response from Proppe and a statement from Palestinian students and allies to provide students with context of the issue.

believe that once this service center is stood up and proves this works, many of these conversations will simply dissipate.” However, if last week’s letter to the regents from a group of faculty is any indication, faculty will likely attempt to keep the pressure on the University. Even though the shared services center is moving forward, Mora said the concerns are part of larger issues with the University’s administration. “I think there are immediate concerns about AST’s proceedings and we want to make sure staff are protected and they are going to be treated well, but ulti-

mately I think there is this counter pressure to do some house cleaning in the upper administration as well,” he said. But as the August launch date nears, preparations for the center’s full operational capacity have not stalled. The shared service center’s director, Pam Gabel, officially assumed her duties last week, which Madden declared a “significant milestone.” He also said the project team will continue holding town halls and meetings within colleges to gather as much feedback as possible. “My full belief is that this organization will be a significant value-add,” Madden said.

rid of this particular person the protests will die,” Palle said. However, Palle said Miranda’s departure from overseeing the shared services transition does not translate into a total victory. She said faculty and students are still have broader concerns with AST, such as the University’s approach to cost-cutting and failure to gather input outside of Fleming. “This is not an overall success,” Palle said. “This is a very small victory in the fight against what is going on at the University.” Palle said SUM plans to continue their fight against AST in low-key forms such as letter writ-

ing or seminars as well as public demonstrations. Protest, she said, garner attention and educate the campus community as well as show administrators the presence of vocal and widespread dissent. Additionally, Palle said the University should have acknowledged faculty and student concerns as the cause of AST’s leadership transition. “That comes off as very uncaring at a time when you have to show staff who are very angry with you that you genuinely care,” she said.

SLOTTOW From Page 6C

Members of the University Marching Band practice at Elbel Field on September 4, 2013.

Max Blumenthal, a JewishAmerican author and journalist, served as guest speaker on behalf of SAFE. He was the first speaker of the meeting and opened by praising students of SAFE who have been protesting for the past week. SAFE members responded with sign language applause, since audible cheers were banned by assembly rules. Guests on behalf of Hillel discussed alleged flaws in the divestment resolution. Four speakers on behalf of Hillel were present, including Yael Aronoff, associate professor of international relations at Michigan State University, and four University of Michigan law students. Law student Scott Bloomberg said he objected to the resolution’s statement that there is already a broad and consistent consensus on divestment, one of the University requirements for adopting a divestment proposal. He said due to the diversity of views regarding this issue, no such consensus currently exists. History Prof. Victor Lieberman, who recently received the Golden Apple Award for teaching and currently teaches the course “The History of the Arab-Israeli

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

LETTER From Page 2C The center will also be governed by an institution-wide governance council. The University has not yet determined whether these representatives will be elected or appointed. “There will be faculty who truly do not believe in this as the right direction for the University,” Madden said. “But until the center is stood up and can prove the value-add that it brings to campus, there’s going to be that segment of campus that doesn’t believe this is correct. But I fully

MADDEN From Page 2C interview in order to maintain his job — referencing the University staff members who will have to re-interview for positions in the shared services center. Business junior Sumana Palle, a SUM organizer, said the University’s decision to replace Miranda is almost certainly a reaction to recent faculty and student uproar. Palle said she does not believe the timing of the University’s announcement was coincidental. “They thought maybe if we get

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University

11C — Fall 2014

P I C K- U P G A M E

BUSINESS

New high-rise projects to move forward near ‘U’ Construction seeks to offer ‘wide appeal’ through urban-loft styling By HILLARY CRAWFORD Daily Staff Reporter

JAN. 24, 2014 — Two development companies have received authorization from the Ann Arbor City Council to build new highrises near campus. One building will be built on top of the south side of Pizza House at 624 Church Street, near South University Avenue. The 14-story building will consist of 76 units, 74 percent of which will be either one bedroom or two bedrooms. It is projected to open to tenants in August 2015. University alum Bradley Moore, owner of the Ann Arbor-based architecture firm J. Bradley Moore and Associates, will oversee development and construction of the high-rise above Pizza House. The restaurant’s owner, Dennis Tice, and Opus Group, a Minneapolisbased development company, partnered with J. Bradley Moore. Moore likened the atmosphere of these new apartments to an “urban loft” style, adding that the development company intends for them to have a wide appeal. The building is estimated to cost $17 million, although the specifics of the construction plan are not yet solidified. After the plan is approved and a building permit received, the surrounding area south of Pizza House will be demolished. In addition to housing units, the new building will also feature an

outdoor seasonal dining area on the first floor. The housing addition near pizza house has been in the works for years. A decade ago, J. Bradley Moore designed an addition to Pizza House intending to expand it in the future — including a stronger foundation that would accommodate a larger structure. “When we designed the addition to the Pizza House, we actually had enough foresight to put in extra large foundations to preserve the ability to someday in the future build vertically on top of that part of the building,” Moore said. The second high-rise, with its construction overseen by a Connecticut-based real estate firm called Greenfield Partners, will be located at 413 E. Huron St. and Division Street. It will be 14 stories high and include 513 bedrooms and a two-floor underground parking facility. The construction is estimated to cost $45 million. Both the former and current owner of the property were unavailable for comment. The approval of its construction was a controversial move by Ann Arbor City Council, The Michigan Daily reported. The Council was originally opposed to the structure’s potential commercial infringement on the community’s atmosphere but feared that the developers would file a lawsuit if their petition was denied. Moore acknowledged that while receiving approval from the Ann Arbor City Council is challenging for larger downtown construction projects, the process went smoothly for the Church Street structure. “I think there’s a great demand right now for housing anywhere in the downtown area,” Moore said.

ERIN KIRKLAND/Daily

LSA junior Kenyon Calhoun tries to block LSA sophomore Jarreau Boyer’s layup during a pick-up game of basketball at the Palmer Commons courts on September 11, 2013.

Cafe opens on East Liberty St. Eco-friendly location fourth Sweetwaters in Ann Arbor By JOSH QIAN Daily Staff Reporter

JULY 19, 2014 — Monday, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea opened its fourth Ann Arbor location in one section of the former Borders building on E. Liberty and Maynard streets. The cafe, which specializes in featuring tea and coffee from different cultures around the world, is the fourth company to open in the building. Knight’s Steakhouse, Huntington National Bank and Slurping Turtle, a Japanese sushi and noodle restaurant, all moved in earlier this year. Several other spaces in the building have not yet been leased. Brendan Cavender and Jim Chaconas, brokers at Colliers International who have been

responsible for leasing the twostory, 44,000 square-foot facility, said their goal has been to maintain a high level of diversity among businesses. “As soon as we started leasing, we had almost every fastfood restaurant imaginable call us right away wanting to get into the building, but we didn’t think that was the proper fit and wanted to do the leasing correctly,” he said. “We tried to select a good variety of retailers and restaurants.” “Sweetwaters is a wonderful tenant and a great addition to the building,” he said. “They are local, they have a great brand and a great image.” Sheila Li and her husband Roy Xu, owners of the new Sweetwaters cafe, said they were happy to be able to share more of the Sweetwaters experience with Ann Arbor customers. “It has been very exciting to have the grand opening and to see customers come in and enjoy the atmosphere and the design of the store,” Li said. “We

already have a steady customer base, since Sweetwaters have been in Ann Arbor for over 21 years.” Li also highlighted several unique sustainable designs of the store, including LED lighting, an energy-saving instant water heater, motion sensors for lighting control and a self-sufficient green wall that features live plants, as features she was particularly proud of. The cafe will be the first coffeehouse to be certified LEED by the U.S. Green Building Council, she said. LEED certification indicates that a business has met certain construction and building prerequisites that reduce the impact they have on the environment. Sweetwaters founder Lisa Bee said they are thrilled to be in the East Liberty space. The energy level and the business at the new cafe have been great and it’s getting busier every day, she added. “We have a lot of students who are customers,” she said. “I really think students are going

to make the cafe their own and we’ll adopt to their taste.” Slurping Turtle Sous Chef Juan-Paulo Garcia said his restaurant, which neighbors Sweetwaters, has been successful since its April 21 opening and the location has exceeded their initial expectations. “Sweetwaters will be a great addition and will definitely bring a lot of foot traffic to the area,” he said. Medical School student Erin Conrad said she is very excited to have another coffeehouse to use as a study spot near campus. “Since this store is close to my apartment and Central Campus, I’ll most likely visit Sweetwaters more often than before,” she said. “I also like their music and the seating arrangement is great.” As for the rest of the building, Cavender said a lease has already been signed for one of the two empty spaces left, an 8,000 square-foot space facing Maynard Street, and negotiations are currently underway for the other.

University

12C — Fall 2014

POLICY

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MERC ruling upholds GSRA’s Grad. students express concerns ineligibility for unionization over design of new ‘U’ housing Decision follows long legal battle by University research assistants, state By SHOHAM GEVA Summer Managing News Editor

JUNE 20, 2014 — In a decision issued Thursday afternoon, the Michigan Employment Relations Commission ruled that graduate student research assistants at the University are not public employees, and thus are not eligible to unionize. The ruling, which was made at the commission’s June 10 meeting, was the culmination of a almost three year long legal debate on the issue. The commission found that University GSRAs are not eligible to unionize because there was not significant enough evidence to prove that their situation had changed since 1981, when MERC ruled that the work GSRAs did primarily benefited themselves, not the University, rendering them not public employees and thus not eligible to be unionized as a collective group. “The record establishes that in in 2012, as in 1981, a GSRA appointment closely tracks a student’s own specific academic goals,” the decision read. “Almost all GSRAs seek out projects in order to find a subject that will serve as the basis in some way for their dissertations.” All hearings for the case were held before administrative law judge Julia C. Stern in February of 2012. This connection between work and academics was the prime determinant in classifying GSRAs as non-public employees, as well as the close relationship typically observed between fac-

ulty and GSRA, according to the decision. The MERC case was brought by University union Graduate Employees’ Organization and the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers in April of 2011. It represented the groups’ second try to re-open the issue following an initial, unsuccessful petition for consideration. The case was temporarily stalled for almost two years up until earlier this year after the state legislature passed an amendment to Public Act 45 banning GSRA unionization in 2012, which was declared unconstitutional in February. The unionization efforts were not contested by the University following a 6-2 vote in favor of it by the Board of Regents in 2011, though many top administrators, including University president Mary Sue Coleman, expressed opposition to the idea. In a statement Friday morning, GEO said they withdrew their original 2011 petition on the issue on June 9th, 2014, one day before the commission’s meeting, and called MERC’s decision to rule on it the demonstration of an antilabor agenda. In reaction to the decision, they characterized it as inaccurate and unfair to GSRAs. “GSRAs do work, they have a supervisor, they have to report to the lab every day, they pay taxes, and the University itself recognizes GSRAs as workers,” the statement read. “The work GSRAs do is vital to the university’s research enterprise which now has expenditures well over a billion dollars a year. To claim that GSRAs are not university employees is unjust and unethical.” A spokesman for MERC said the decisions speak for themselves in regards to why the case was ruled on after the original petition was pulled.

AFT Michigan President David Hecker expressed similar sentiments in an interview Friday morning. He said though they weren’t surprised by the decision because the current commission was all appointed by Governor Rick Snyder, who along with other state Republicans has not supported GSRA unionization efforts, it was a clear, disappointing case of an outside body interfering with an employer’s own definition of who its employees are. “GSRAs are clearly employees,” he said. “The University of Michigan recognises that.” Hecker said AFT Michigan will continue working towards GSRA unionization through collaboration with local groups in the state such as GEO, as well as other advocacy efforts. He added that they are not currently considering submitting a third petition to MERC. Stephen Raiman, founder of Students Against GSRA Unionization, which filed an amicus brief against unionization in the case and was active in earlier debates around the issue, said in a statement Thursday evening that the organization was happy to see the issue finally resolved, and to know that GSRAs could continue their research without fear of outside influences. “We are pleased that MERC has decided to keep political interests out of academia, and allow academic decisions to be made by academics,” the statement read. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette (R) and former University GSRA Melinda Day, who was active in earlier proceedings, also filed amicus briefs on the case in opposition to unionization.

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

Plans for graduate residence met with questions about layout, cost By WILL GREENBERG Daily Staff Reporter

SEPT. 11, 2013 — After the excitement over University alum Stephen Ross’s record-breaking donation to the Ross School of Business and the Athletic Department, Charles Munger’s April donation received more than a little scrutiny from graduate students Wednesday. At a forum hosted by Rackham Student Government at graduate school’s flagship building, students heard from some of the University’s top administration about the upcoming construction of the Munger Residence Hall. The project will be funded by a $100-million donation from Charles Munger, a University alum and vice chairman of real-estate giant Berkshire Hathaway. Munger also donated $10 million for graduate fellowships. RSG President Phillip Saccone facilitated the forum as E. Royster Harper, vice president for student affairs; Henry Baier, associate vice president for facilities and operations; Deanna Mabry, associate director for planning and design at the University; and Linda Newman, senior director for university housing, made their pitch for the new residence hall to the group of about 30 disenchanted graduate students. Baier described the plan’s emphasis on community spaces and cooperative living due to an increased need for group work spaces as graduate programs push for further collaboration among students. While the presenters didn’t bring a mockup or blueprints of the plans, before-and-after photos of the University Lawyers Club were used as an example of past graduate housing renovations. The

Lawyers Club was also funded by a donation from Munger. The design for the graduate residence involves most rooms forming blocks of seven single bedrooms with personal bathrooms, with all seven tenants sharing a common kitchen, living area and dining area. Despite the enthusiastic pitch, students questioned the layout and probable cost of the rooms. Concerns focused on the seven-room design, with several students expressing concerns about the community-living style and audience members saying the graduate lifestyle is different than the undergraduate residence-hall experience. Several of the graduate students said the major selling point for the graduate residence hall should be price competitiveness. The rough estimate of $1,000 per month for the residence hall is significantly higher than many other housing options in Ann Arbor. “When you’re still working from, in a lot of cases, a research stipend or something like that, you have to be pretty frugal with what you’re spending on housing,” said Michael Hand, a Rackham student and RSG representative. Saccone said the cost and room-complex design were the primary concerns he received from an online forum and other graduate students he’d spoken with. He added that he was disappointed by the limited student involvement in the planning of the dormitory — which is unlikely to see major reshaping, according to Baier and Harper. Harper has hosted one preliminary planning session with a four-person student advisory board and assisted in a larger focus group of about forty students weighing in on the design. “We’re just really concerned that the project might not be going in the right direction and, ultimately, we’re trying to help,” Saccone said. “We’re really here just because we feel that the people who have been involved in this project perhaps have had

a little bit of a ‘group-think’ mentality and could use a little bit of outside sourcing.” Harper said the residence hall will not be for everyone, calling the design ‘experimental.’ Harper said Munger Residence Hall intends to cater to students in a variety of graduate programs. However, the residence hall will not be suitable for graduate students with families and children. Harper stressed repeatedly in response to suggestions for plan changes from the audience that she and the administration had to remain within the wishes of Munger’s vision for the residence hall, as he continues to be deeply involved with the planning process. “If this were ‘just us’ and the funding were ‘just us,’ we would have some different kinds of options,” Harper said in response to a student’s suggestion to lower costs by eliminating some of the costlier room features proposed. “But I think when you are in partnership … you make some agreements about what you’re going to offer, then we have to honor those agreements.” In an interview after the forum, Harper and Baier both said they expect the residence hall to be highly successful, despite mixed reactions from students. “It has this wonderful combination of your own privacy — your own room, your own bathroom, your own study space — and then you come out and you have this fabulous living space,” Harper said. “What it feels like is you get to be at home when you want, sort of in your space, and then you can be in a kind of ‘coffee shop’ if you will with people that you know and like.” Harper said there would likely be opportunity for students to choose roommates, though there is currently no plan for room assignment or other logistics, like parking.

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

University

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13C — Fall 2014

CONSTRUCTION

University to demolish North Hall Post renovations, former East Quad Repairs to current building deemed recalled fondly too costly By ARIANA ASSAF Daily Staff Reporter

SEPT. 23, 2013 — South Quad Residence Hall might look a bit rough right now, but another building on campus will have it worse. North Hall, the building that currently is home to the University’s ROTC programming, is set for demolition, pending approval by the Board of Regents. Operations Officer Wayne Doyle said the building is being torn down because repairs to the current building would be too costly.

University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the building, located on North University Avenue near the C.C. Little Building and the Museum of Natural History, is “more than a little old.” North Hall was built between 1899 and 1900 as the Homeopathic Hospital Building, according to records from the Bentley Historical Library. It has housed ROTC programs since 1940. Fitzgerald said plans for demolition and reconstruction of North Hall will be up for approval by the University’s Board of Regents next month. Therefore, he could provide only limited information at the time. “It’s been in development for a long time,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s a project that will try to

solve multiple problems on campus.” Lt. Col. Allana Bryant, a professor of military science, said ROTC programs will be relocated in May, and the building will be torn down in June. It’s not clear where the ROTC program will be held during construction. Fitzgerald declined to comment on the timeline of construction, but said more information will become available once the project is approved. Nursing junior Meghan Conger, an Army ROTC cadet, said she spends several hours a week at North Hall because it’s the meeting place for almost all of her ROTC activities. She added that she’s disappointed the building will be taken down, as she thinks of it as a

campus landmark. “It’s a very unique building with a lot of purpose, and it’s a building that’s special to cadets and midshipmen because it’s solely for ROTC operations,” Conger said. “Not a lot of other students know about it or can use it.” Conger was surprised by the decision to raze the building, because she thought it was in good condition. She said the building’s basement isn’t in the best condition, but the classrooms, lounges and offices appear to be in good shape. “The building is undeniably old-looking, but I think it has a lot of charm,” Conger said. “While the building is getting older and we can undoubtedly find another area for us, North Hall holds a lot of memories and will be missed.”

ROTC decommissions program home Students, faculty and alums honor North Hall before demolition

ADAM GLANZMAN/Daily

Residents concerned about crowding, loss of community in new building By EMMA KERR For the Daily

By MICHAEL SPAETH For the Daily

JULY 11, 2014 — Friday, members of the University’s Reserve Officers Training Corps held a small ceremony on the front lawn of North Hall to pay tribute to the building they called home for 74 years in advance of its scheduled demolition. The building is being demolished to make room for the new 300,000-square foot Biological Science Building, approved by the University’s Board of Regents in February, which will house the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and collections from the Anthropology, Natural History, Paleontology and Zoology museums. At the event, current and retired members of the University’s Air Force, Army and Navy ROTC units adapted the traditional Naval decommissioning ceremony, which signifies the end of a Naval ship’s active service, to mark the end of North Hall’s service to the University. Captain Joseph Evans, professor of Naval Science and Commander of the University’s Naval ROTC, said though the building was never commissioned as a ship, it served the same symbolic purpose. “North Hall, much like any naval ship, faithfully served us all and all of us who ever worked inside her walls knows well that it’s formed a personality all of its own, full of character and spirit,” Evans said. He added that in a sense the building was a vessel, not for traveling on water but for the training of students. North Hall was built between 1899 and 1900, and is the second-oldest building on campus still in use after the President’s House. From 1900 to 1922, the building served as the University’s Homeopathic Hospital. It then became the South Department Hospital after the

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

UPPER: ROTC students perform a final color guard ceremony on July 11, 2014 at North Hall, the home of the ROTC program for 74 years. LOWER: A bell is rung to decommission North Hall, an adaptation from naval tradition.

University stopped studying homeopathy. In the early 1940s, the building was renamed North Hall and became home to the University’s Navy ROTC program, with the University’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs joining a decade later. All three programs relocated to the Chemistry building last May. During the ceremony, Evans highlighted several memorable moments in North Hall’s history. On December 8, 1941 — the day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor during World War II — a local newspaper reported that more than 100 University students stood outside the commanding officer’s office to sign up to fight in the war, he said.

North Hall was also bombed three times. The first, in June 1969, was felt two miles away and broke 60 windows, though nobody was injured. University alum Captain Phil Klintworth, an executive consultant at Tetra Tech and former professor of Naval Science who also spoke at the event, said in an interview after the ceremony that he was surprised there wasn’t more of an effort to preserve North Hall as a historic landmark. However, he added that he agreed with the regents’ decision. “From a practical standpoint, I mean, the building is old, it certainly doesn’t meet fire codes, it’s very expensive to keep it in repair,” he said. “If I

were on the Board of Regents, I’d probably make the same call.” Commander Scott Howell, associate professor of Naval Science and Executive Officer of the University’s Naval ROTC Unit, said before the ceremony that the event was bittersweet. He added that moving forward, he would like to see the University’s ROTC program continue to thrive and increase its campus visibility. “I’m proud of our students,” Howell said. “They’re an amazing bunch of young men and women who volunteer to serve the country, go to school — I mean, this is a tough school to get into, so they’re extremely bright, extremely intelligent.”

NOV. 4, 2013 — Since the reopening of East Quad Residence Hall this fall, students have begun to wonder what exactly the renovation’s $116-million price tag has bought them. The transition to the “new” East Quad has not been without significant adjustment and frustration. Students in the Residential College have called East Quad home since 1969. Some complain that the RC has taken a large loss as a community due to the renovation. However, most RC students who experienced East Quad before it was closed for renovations unanimously agree that, even if just for safety reasons and general deterioration after years of use, the building was in need of a makeover. LSA senior Rosie Levine, who recently completed an independent study project aimed at compiling memories and stories from East Quad prior to its renovation, said she feels it is important to acknowledge not only what was lost in East Quad’s renovation, but also the necessity of the improvements. “East Quad has been a really important place for a lot of people over the years,” Levine said. “Before East Quad closed, a lot of people came back and talked about how much the building really meant to them and how much their college life was really formed around East Quad and how that was really the center of their social life and political life.” The Halfway Inn, a concert space known among students as “the Half-ass,” was one of the major parts of East Quad and was eliminated during renovations, sparking discontent among some students. “That was a huge central aspect of the East Quad community, and they actually took it away in the renovation, and a lot of people were really, really upset about that,” Levine said. Joellyn Plasterer, a sophomore in the Residential College, admits that students living in East Quad have experienced a loss of community during this transitional period for the RC, which was relocated to West Quad Residence Hall during construction. “Half of us in the RC didn’t have that sense of community, so we don’t even know how to foster it. We don’t know what the RC was before,” Plasterer said, “People will tell us it was better, but how do you fix that? The administrators are trying really hard, but I think the community is suffering.” Having lived in East Quad both before renovations and after, Mad-

eline Higgins, an RC junior and East Quad resident adviser, said she had a very positive experience living in the old East Quad. “It was a blast. The community was just really great. There was a lot of art work on the walls — murals and stuff; it just had a great personality,” she said. Higgins added that her experience with the new East Quad has been similarly positive thus far. “Coming back from West Quad has been a great experience; everybody is a lot more open here, especially because of the layout of the building,” Higgins said. Though students complain about how the RC has changed with the renovation of East Quad, Levine sees the changes as “complicated.” “The new building definitely matches the University’s goals for the future, and I think there were a lot of problems with the old building, like structurally and health-code wise, for sure,” Levine said. “But I definitely think that the building itself was a point of similarity between people from the RC from different generations; people came together around that, and there is a lot lost there even though it had to happen.” The dining hall has been a source of frustration for students actually living in East Quad. Students from other dorms choose to eat there frequently and crowd the room, as South Quad dining hall is closed this year for construction. Peter Logan, the director of communications for University Housing, said in comparison to other dining halls, East Quad provides more options for vegetarian and vegan students, more local foods — all meat and poultry at East Quad is local — and made-toorder food. However, Plasterer mentions overcrowding and the general time-consuming nature of eating in the East Quad dining hall affect her and other residents on a daily basis. Students are still adjusting to this new dining experience, and are finding ways to cope with the crowds. “We aren’t restoring residence halls to be what they were or to meet expectations of those who used to live there,” Logan said, “We are renovating them for the contemporary and emerging needs of current and future students.” The post-renovation East Quad, Plasterer said, almost feels like a hotel. Things are very clean, modern and nice, but it doesn’t always feel like home. But Plasterer and other students are also excited to see what East Quad becomes. “I think it is kind of cool that we have this opportunity to put our unique imprint on this building.” Higgins said. “East Quad was definitely home to both students and faculty before the renovation,” Levine said, “Maybe it will become that for a new generation again, but this building was really special.”

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ROTC faculty and honored guests attend the decommissioning ceremony of North Hall.

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14C — Fall 2014

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Arts The final episode of “Breaking Bad,” the cult television hit that seemed to break the Internet on a weekly basis, airs on AMC. See Page 3D.

While the video supergiant certainly caused a lot of frustration for its customers, Blockbuster Video also inspired a love of movies in many young people. Akshay Seth memorializes the store on Page 7D.

Residential College students irked the administation by spray painting the walls of East Quad late at night in an attempt to recapture some of the building’s old charm. See page 4 for our story on the controversy.

April

04/11/14 2 Chainz played a brilliant show at Hill, and our story on page 1 is as close as you can get to the live experience.

March

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February

02/26/14 Every Thursday, Daily Arts publishes a magazine insert with in-depth reporting. Sample a lead from the B-Side about Ann Arbor’s Safe Sex Store on Page 1D.

January

01/30/14

December

12/13/13 Beyoncé releases her self-titled album without any advance notice, accompanied by music videos for every song. The experimental R&B of Beyoncé was the most pleasant surprise of a great year in music.

November

11/04/13 “12 Years a Slave” stuns the world with its courage and emotional rawness. See our review of the year’s best picture winner on Page 2D.

05/25/14

May

“Mad Men,” one of the most dramatic, intelligent shows on TV, ended the first half of its final season, as viewers now prepare themselves for the final chapters of the saga of Don Draper.

2 Chainz plays A

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October

10/04/13 Alfonso Cuarón’s film “Gravity,” starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, premieres in theaters, dazzling audiences with its top-quality 3D visual effects. The film would win seven Academy Awards.

September

09/29/13

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michigandaily.com New Student Edition

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2 Chainz during his action-packed Ann Arbor concert

The superstar rapper performs an energetic show at Hill Auditorium By ADAM THEISEN Daily Arts Writer

APRIL 11. 2014 — “Put your hands up if you believe in God,” 2 Chainz screamed into the microphone in the opening minutes of Thursday night’s show at Hill Auditorium. At least 90 percent of fans put their hands up as 2 Chainz — formerly known as Tity Boi, born Tauheed Epps — launched into “I Do It,” one of the hardest-hitting songs on last year’s

killer LP B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time. Throughout the night, the packed three-decker crowd of students at Hill pogoed and danced to every song, shouting 2 Chainz’s lyrics back at him and finishing his sentences with roof-raising energy whenever called on to do so. Bursting onto the scene a few years back with hits like “Mercy” and “No Lie,” 2 Chainz hasn’t receded from the spotlight since. Dropping successful single after successful single, he has cultivated an adoring fanbase, one that loves his enjoyable escapism, decadent beats and quotable lyrics. Dressed in mostly simple, non-flamboyant clothes, except for his titular gold

chains, the 6’5” Epps dominated the crowd, shaking the place all the way up to the top deck with his incomparably charismatic brand of hip-hop. As he moved from hit song to hit song, fans got wilder and wilder. The audience was glued to 2 Chainz’s energetic stage movements all night, never staying still for more than a moment and making waves on the rollicking main floor. Thanks to two massive-selling albums and tireless feature work, 2 Chainz is now one of the most beloved and successful rappers in the game today. However, this superstar is no up-and-coming young gun. 2 Chainz didn’t even have a solo record deal until he was 34

years old. Proving those who think rap is a young man’s industry wrong, 2 Chainz has lit up the scene with his success. Thursday’s show at Hill, the culmination of SpringFest, only proved 2 Chainz’s commercial clout. Throughout the night, 2 Chainz threw smash after smash at his adoring fans, playing to the first few rows and projecting himself all the way up to the nosebleeds. Practically every song has had a long run on radio within the past two years: “Bandz a Make Her Dance,” “Birthday Song,” “Feds Watching” and “No Lie” just to name a small few. Beats from superproducers like Mike See 2CHAINZ, Page 2D

TV REVIEW

‘Game of Thrones’ Finale Season Four finale of the monster HBO hit is a mostly satisfying closer By CHLOE GILKE Daily Arts Writer

JUNE 18, 2014 — Spoiler alert: this review contains major spoilers for every season of “Game of Thrones” and the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series. B Since its humble incepGame of tion, “Game of Thrones” has Thrones become more Season 4 Finale than just a TV HBO show. During “GoT” season, an entire dormitory floor can fall silent on a Sunday night, with the exception of the clash of steel on steel play-

ing through attentive earbuds. A dozen new Buzzfeed lists go live, listing “twelve times Daenerys Targaryen was the baddest bitch.” “Game of Thrones” has even surpassed “The Sopranos” as HBO’s most-viewed series, and crashed the HBOGo site more times than I’d like to count. “Game of Thrones” is a Gregor Clegane-size cultural phenomenon, fueled by the fact that its hungry viewers must spend most of the year waiting for three months of million-dollar fiery death spectacular. In many respects, “The Children” was a satisfying capper to a whirlwind season. Some characters ended the season by starting down new paths — Tyrion escaping in a barrel, Arya trading Jaqen’s coin for a spot on a ship. Beloved characters (Sandor Clegane, Jojen Reed) lost their lives, and there was no shortage of cathartic villain deaths (Tywin Lannister was slain on the toilet).

A few storylines that have been languishing all season (Jon Snow and Bran Stark’s dull adventures north of the Wall), received a new jolt of life. And the emotional appeal of the show is as strong as ever, as Daenerys heartbreakingly chains her beloved dragons and Tyrion faces another family betrayal. But amid the excitement, there was a palpable sense of hesitance and fear. Sure, this season of “Game of Thrones” was action-packed, but how long can it sustain this degree of vigor? Although Lady Stoneheart, a resurrected and vengeful Catelyn Stark, was supposed to appear in this episode (as per the pages of George R. R. Martin’s “A Storm of Swords”), she was noticeably absent. Fan favorites Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish were entirely missing from the last two episodes of the season. And, the tragedy of poor Reek has remained undeveloped for sev-

eral weeks. Obviously, the writers are choosing to save some of the events of the third “Song of Ice and Fire” book for future seasons, but underlying that decision is a troubling thought. As GRRM takes his time writing the sixth book in the series, there’s a very real possibility that the show could catch up to the events of the novels, and “Game of Thrones” could run out of material to adapt. The finale was also a showcase for another flaw that haunted the fourth season. Jaime Lannister, former chivalric Kingslayer, has never been the same since his disturbing rape of his sister/ lover. Again, the violence of this scene was not present in the book, and continues the disturbing tendency “Game of Thrones” has toward gratuitous sexual assault. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau did wonderful work with the additional material he was given, See GOT, Page 3D

B-SIDE LEAD

The story of the Safe Sex Store June

06/10/14 Acclaimed author and humorist David Sedaris visits local bookstore Literati to give a reading and sign some books. We previewed the events and asked Mr. Sedaris a few questions on Page 6D.

S3 promotes sexual health and pleasure among campus community By EMILY PITTINOS Daily Arts Writer

07/02/14

July

Our own Giancarlo Buonomo went up north to visit Electric Forest 2014 and experienced one of the wildest, most unique weekends in the state. See Page 4D.

FEB. 26, 2014 — My first time entering the Safe Sex Store (S3) was on my 18th birthday. A group of other freshmen and I wanted to celebrate my new legality by doing something new and adult, so we stumbled through the glass door and into a wonderland of sexual delight. Rows of brightly colored vibrators in all sizes and shapes saluted us from their plastic stands. Giggling nervously, we ran our hands through a bucket of Magnum condoms, their

gold wrappers glinting in the sunlight that poured in from the giant glass windows facing South University. We sheepishly eyed edible underwear. Varying versions of the Kama Sutra lined the bookshelves; they were mysterious to me, packed with secrets that felt forbidden in other places but seemed to proudly sing, “I’m sexy and I know it,” in this particular space. We didn’t stay long that day — beef stroganoff was waiting for us in the dining hall — but I continued to think of S3 as a place of adventure. I hardly returned, but I liked the idea of the store’s presence. It was exciting to be inside; it seemed like a place of silly fun. Whenever I walked by, I cracked a little smile. But S3 is actually much more than an emporium of dildos

and flavored condoms. BethAnn Karmeisool, a vibrant woman in her early 40s with a new set of braces and easy passion in her voice, started the store in 1995. It was the tail end of the AIDS crisis, which began in the late 70s and killed hundreds of thousands of people before anyone fully understood how the disease was even spreading. Though hope was slowly approaching people were learning how to prolong the disease’s transition from HIV to full-blown, lethal AIDS with incredibly expensive and often harmful drugs — fear was everywhere. “People were afraid to hug each other. People were afraid to kiss each other,” Karmeisool said, her voice’s bright tone flattening into one of sadness. “20 years ago, when I’d be in a group of people and I’d say

‘What is your number one fear regarding your sexual health?’ They would say, ‘HIV, contracting HIV.’ People were afraid to die.” Most of the hysteria came from a misunderstanding about the disease. People were getting bad information — many thought AIDS could be contracted from poppers, toilet seats and skin-to-skin contact — which led to panic amongst even those who were low risk. At the time, Karmeisool was 23 years old with a job in corporate America. She was making plenty of money; she owned her own house and had two nice cars. But she was stunned that people were still contracting and dying from a disease that they could easily avoid if armed with the right facts. She wanted to help save those innoSee S3, Page 5D

Arts

2D — Fall 2014

2 CHAINZ From Page 1D Will Made It, Pharrell and DJ Mustard blasted out of the Hill’s speakers at an eardrumshattering volume that could’ve possibly made this the loudest show in the history of Hill Auditorium. “I’m Different” and “Mercy” probably got the loudest, most shout-along crowd reaction, but with as many hits as 2 Chainz has, every song played is going to be somebody

in the audience’s favorite. But what is it about 2 Chainz that makes him connect so well with fans? To hear him say it, the answer is his transparency. “What you see is what you get,” he said backstage after the show. “The energy from the crowd is organic. People like it, and I appreciate it.” The answer fits in with the titles of his first two albums— Based on a T.R.U. Story. While other rappers tire themselves out by ceaselessly elevating themselves as much as possible,

bragging about all the cars they buy and women they’re with, 2 Chainz conveys an unparalleled confidence and swagger around his performances. Unlike some of his pipsqueak imitators, he’s so blunt and strong when he boasts about money and status that you can’t help but believe everything he says. You forget about the artist-fan divide when he performs because his style is so conversational and his mindset seems so similar to yours. 2 Chainz is the easiest rapper to imagine yourself

wingmanning at a house party. Adding to this organic and honest image is 2 Chainz’s engaging onstage persona, he teased the audiences about the University’s basketball team, saying that he had the Wolverines going all the way and that “you fucked up my bracket.” He’s the last rapper you’d ever accuse of being pretentious. His songs cut right to the point, and he has no qualms about trying to make music that’s accepted by a wide audience. “Being consistent and work-

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

ing hard” is what 2 Chainz says is the key to a hit song. In just the span of a few short years, he has built up an impressive following through music that’s built on earnest, confident fun. The audience knows that with every 2 Chainz verse they’re going to get the perfect combination of quotable phrases, charismatic swagger and technical confidence. He’s created a brand based around the exact kids who went to see him at Hill — young kids who want to have a good time to hard-hitting rap

music. It’s almost unheard of to see a rapper as old as 2 Chainz connect with youth culture as much as he has, but he does it at his shows night after night. In every 2 Chainz song, and at the Hill Auditorium show, you can hear a man who has traveled a long, long road to stardom. 2 Chainz knows that he got where he is now because of his fans, and now he’s committed to give back to them by recording the music they want, and performing for them with all he’s got.

FILM REVIEW

‘12 Years a Slave’ a powerful triumph

FOX SEARCHLIGHT

‘12 Years’ went on to take home the Best Picture award at the 2014 Oscars

Year’s best film is provocative, courageous and visceral By JAMIE BIRCOLL Daily Arts Writer

NOV. 4, 2013 — Simply put, “12 Years a Slave” is the best of the year, a triumph — a project of courage and heart that A+ is unsettling, provoking and 12 Years truly stirring. It portrays a Slave slavery in all Fox Searchlight of its horror and forces the audience to examine a past typically shoved to the deepest recesses of the mind. Based on the memoir of its protagonist, the film stars Chi-

wetel Ejiofor (“Salt”) in an award-caliber performance as Solomon Northup, a free man, husband and father of two, who lives out his days in happiness in New York — until 1841, when he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. During his captivity, he is moved to different owners of varying degrees of cruelty. Paul Giamatti (“Turbo”), in that slimy fashion he does so well, plays Solomon’s first owner, a slave trader who quickly sells him to Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch, “Star Trek Into Darkness”), a devout Christian that shows a sort of pity for his slaves. He reads scripture to his workers every Sunday and goes so far as to treat Solomon almost as family, later protecting him from his twisted overseer (Paul Dano, “Prisoners”). All in all, Ford seems to be a good man, but does his very involvement in the practice of slavery make him evil? Ford eventually sells Solomon

to Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender, “Prometheus”), another deeply religious man that uses the Bible to justify his role as master, contrasted to Ford’s use of scripture as a means of salvation. Epps prides himself on his reputation as a “slave breaker,” doling out lashings on a daily basis, raping the young women to fill his lust. Fassbender’s portrayal of Epps will be compared to Ralph Fiennes’s portrayal of Nazi war criminal Amon Goeth in “Schindler’s List,” an evil man of no redeeming quality and unrelenting cruelty — much like Fiennes, Fassbender should receive an Oscar nod for his work. The audience is subjected to multiple scenes of suffering, brutality and violence, and without the brief levity of, say, a Tarantino script heavy on sarcasm, it will likely become burdensome for some viewers. And yet I myself could not look away from the screen. My eyes never

turned from the writhing bodies being hanged, the lacerated backs and bloody shirts. It’s a testament to the greatness of the performances; to miss even the slightest nuance, the subtlest expression is to miss something profound. But it’s even more than that. As much justice as the actors owed to finding the truth in their characters, we, too, owe Solomon Northup and the countless others like him our undivided attention, to finally accept that our past is a dark one, to acknowledge that Edwin Epps was as real as the man or woman in the seat next to us in the theater. Many film critics are lamenting that it took an English director (Steve McQueen, “Shame”) to craft the film that “properly” portrays American slavery. But there is no better director than McQueen to tackle the central human condition of this project: pain. All of McQueen’s

films have focused on the pain imposed on their protagonists by their societies, and McQueen then uses that pain and suffering to explore each character’s strength of will. Despite the blood, sweat and tears throughout “12 Years a Slave,” there is something beautiful to be found. I expect this film will be taught to future film students for every aspect of what makes a great film, from Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, to the powerful performances and strong writing, all the way down to the importance of each lingering angle of the camera. It’s a fantastic film, and no amount of praise will satisfy. Make no mistake that “12 Years a Slave” will be a classic for one reason: For 133 minutes, the story of Solomon Northrup comes to life. As an audience member, you will not see a movie but a life, a real life filled with sorrow and tragedy, but also with hope

and strength — a story about perseverance and healing as equally as torment. Each gazing stare from Ejiofor reveals a man breaking inside, struggling every day to fathom just why this fate has befallen him. And yet, even as he burns what is likely his last hope for rescue (a letter home), as those embers slowly smolder and fade into the black night, Northup’s will to endure, to survive, to live never falters. And at last, when the credits roll, when you have dried your eyes and left the darkness of the theater, you will recognize that what you have seen is poetry as much as it is biography. You will turn to your friends or family and you will discuss what you have just witnessed, and you will be haunted by every crack of the whip as much as you will be moved by the mounting crescendo of each spiritual, and you will realize that you feel alive, so very alive.

Arts

Fall 2014 — 3D

TV REVIEW

GOT From Page 1D but Jaime’s sugary-sweet brotherly caretaking toward Tyrion seemed insincere considering his past transgressions. In the ďŹ nale, Cersei spited her father Tywin by gleefully admitting to the “twincestâ€? affair, but the following passionate scene between the siblings was viscerally unsettling. Hopefully, time heals the injury to what used to be one of the most unique relationships on television. Tyrion’s heartbreaking journey from circling the outskirts of Lannister approval to being imprisoned was one of the best threads of the season, but his raging murder spree in this episode was unnerving. Tyrion ruthlessly choked Shae, a kind prostitute and the supposed love of his life, with a necklace. Though Shae was a relatively minor character, her conďŹ dence with Tyrion was refreshing and his tenderness toward her always sweet.

Interesting risks.

All ‘Bad’ things must end

AMC

“Say my name�

The TV phenomenom concludes in spectacular fashion By KAYLA UPADHYAYA

Between the loss of Shae and Jon Snow’s spunky lover Ygritte, “Game of Thronesâ€? may actually run out of unconventional and interesting female characters before the book material runs dry. Tywin’s death was no surprise, but since he was the instigator of so much of the Lannister conict, I worry that the show might have offed a crucial catalyst just to add to the body count. The fourth season of “Game of Thronesâ€? took interesting risks, but with mixed results. Every episode was punctuated by stunningly directed action sequences and buckets of carnage, but cheap gasps don’t always make for groundbreaking television. The best parts of the season — Arya and The Hound’s fraught friendship, Tyrion’s struggle to prove his innocence, Dany learning that there’s more to being a true Khaleesi than some cool CGI dragons — used minimal shock tactics. “Game of Thronesâ€? may sit atop the Iron Throne of prestige television for now, but to remain the nonpareil that it is, “Thronesâ€? has to step up its game.

Managing Arts Editor

OCT. 3, 2013 — It should go without saying that the following discussion of the “Breaking ďŹ nale Badâ€? will contain A information as to what Breaking Bad happened in the “Breaking Series Finale Badâ€? ďŹ nale, AMC people but tend to be particularly sensitive about spoiling with this show, so this is your very fair, explicit spoiler warning. “All bad things must come to an end,â€? declared the AMC promos for “Breaking Badâ€? ’s “Felina.â€? And for the ďŹ rst time in a while, we got a series ďŹ nale that really did feel like the end. After two weeks of episodes packed with tension and horror, “Felinaâ€? plays out much more quietly, replacing the breakneck speed and instability that deďŹ nes the whole series with an almost dreamlike uidity. In the opening scene, Walter White (Bryan Cranston) — stuck

in a stolen car covered in snow as red-and-blues swirl around him in blind pursuit — calls, earnestly and for the ďŹ rst time, upon a higher power to take him home. Keys magically fall into his lap, and everything that follows in the extended episode has a fantastical, unreal haze covering it that so starkly contrasts the slashing realness of all that precedes it. Walt haunts scenes perfectly framed by Vince Gilligan’s directorial hand. Todd (Jesse Plemons) and Lydia (Laura Fraser) don’t notice him sitting just feet away in their usual meeting place. After Marie (Betsy Brandt) calls Skyler (Anna Gunn) to warn her Walt’s back in town and probably coming for her, the camera shifts to reveal he’s already there, hovering. In a perfect example of how “Badâ€? uses sound mixing and other techniques to set tone, evoke emotion and even provide narrative to an extent no other show has accomplished, Walt lurks in the shadows of Elliot and Gretchen’s (Adam Godley and Jessica Hecht) home, the silence and shadows more threatening than Elliot’s tiny knife could ever confront. It’s a marked change of pace from the rest of the whiplashinducing ďŹ nal season, and the mostly unsettling series reaches a surprisingly settled conclu-

sion. “Felinaâ€? ’s standout moment comes not from its most violent outbursts, but from a quiet confession from Walt to Skyler. “I did it for me,â€? he cuts her off as she tells him to stop giving her bullshit about doing it for the family. “I was good at it. And I was really ‌ I was alive.â€? Most of us knew Walt’s motivations were never about others (except for the contingency of the fewbut-loud Team Walt soldiers insisting he was a Family Man who lost his way, a victim of uncontrollable circumstances — they’re, hopefully, eating their words and then some). But to hear Heisenberg himself spell it out and show his true baby-blue colors — in what’s possibly the only moment of pure honesty from the character since season one — satisďŹ es more than anything else in “Felina.â€? Gunn (who gives off some serious Carmela Soprano vibes with her physicality — worn but resolved — in the scene) proves just how worthy she is of the little golden statue she won a week earlier, capturing Skyler’s surprise in a single look. “Breaking Badâ€? has always been immensely punitive, and while not a religious show, it often possesses an Old Testament view of consequences and justice. “Felinaâ€? doles out justice with machine gun robots and Stevia packets. Walt built the legend of Heisenberg on material wealth, but as he learns in “Ozymandias,â€? “Granite Stateâ€? and “Felina,â€? money can be stolen and empires can crumble. With almost everything stripped away from him, Walt sets out on a direct path toward justice, driven by the one thing he has left, the one thing that reignites Heisenberg mode: his pride. Walt’s determined path in “Felinaâ€? is not wholly redemptive, but there is deďŹ nitely a sense that what’s supposed to happen, well, happens. Lydia dies at the hands of the the Chekhovian ricin. The neoNazis get what they deserve in a Tarantino-esque shootout that allows for one last Heisenberghelmed tech trick. The most tit-

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for-tat deliberation comes when Jesse (Aaron Paul) kills Todd in a grotesque scene that mirrors Walt’s strangling of Krazy 8 back in season one. This season in particular has been so devastating, so painful for the characters we care about: Hank and Marie meet truly tragic endings, and both halves of the season overow with blood and tears (two of the periodic symbols that make up the anagram “Fe-li-naâ€?: Iron. Lithium. Sodium. Blood. Meth. Tears. Gilligan is a genius/bastard.). The amount of time I’ve spent worrying about Jesse Pinkman over the past ďŹ ve years bafes even me. I know he’s not a real person and that even if he were a real person our lives would almost certainly never intersect, and yet Jesse’s fate has always been a top concern of mine. He’s “Badâ€? ’s foremost tragic character for most of the series, but he ďŹ nds freedom at last in “Felina.â€? Jesse’s deďŹ ning character moment — when he shoots Gale at the end of season three — sneaks back in an eerily similar scene, but this time his gun points at Walt. The wounded Heisenberg tells him to pull the trigger, but Jesse’s done taking kill orders from the man, done being his puppet. Perhaps because of how accustomed I became to Gilligan — and every last actor on this damn show — tearing relentlessly at my heartstrings, I feel oddly uneasy about how neatly “Badâ€? wraps up. It’s not a happy ending by any means. It’s not even a just one. In a perfect, just world, Hank would live and bring down the bad guys (or, Marie would exact revenge herself ‌ and then ďŹ nd peace, but mostly I just wanted Marie to poison everyone). Brock would have a mother. Walter Jr. would get unlimited breakfast food for life. In a just world, Walt wouldn’t have had the ďŹ nal say or the power to write his own fate. His belief that the world owes him something just because of who he is, the belief that he’s truly peerless in terms of his intelligence and power, informs all of his actions. The writers don’t

necessarily sympathize with Walt in the ďŹ nal chapter, but they do grant him that same control he used to hurt others time and time again. “Felinaâ€? isn’t Walt’s apology or his quest for grace; it’s just acceptance. He’s a ghost from the start. Despite his cancer, Walt always fancied himself a god, able to outsmart his enemies at every turn. Or, more accurately, thinking he can outsmart them: The show’s best moments are when he underestimates those in his way and overvalues his own abilities — the most extreme case being when he thinks he can spare Hank’s life in “Ozymandias.â€? In “Felina,â€? Walt still has his noxious pride, but that blinding sense of immortality evaporates. Now that we have all of “Breaking Badâ€? ’s pieces in front of us, it’s easier to point to the series’s highlights. “Phoenixâ€? haunts me to this day. “Flyâ€? unfolds like a poem, and proved the series could shine even when the intensity wasn’t turned up to explosive levels. “Ozymandiasâ€? will go down as one of the best hours of television in our lifetime. “Breaking Badâ€? has several cornerstone episodes, but “Felinaâ€? isn’t one of them. It’s satisfying, that’s for sure. And it’s one of the better series ďŹ nales I’ve seen. But the same reason it works so well is the reason I walked away from the end of “Breaking Badâ€? a little disenchanted. For a series about the moral complexity of humans, the conclusion is strikingly well deďŹ ned. Walt receives a death sentence in the pilot, and so in the end, he dies. It’s a strangely beautiful (and poetic) end for a man who embodied so many ugly things. But that’s what “Breaking Badâ€? has always been: a beautiful show about the wicked. It’s full of darkness and evil, all set against a colorful backdrop of sunny-bright Albuquerque. It made me care about junkies, drug dealers, shoplifters and assholes. I already miss it, but I also know we’ll be talking about it for years to come. In that way, I guess Heisenberg got what he wanted after all: an indelible legacy.

Arts

Fall 2014 — 4D

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

Students look to ‘Take Back The RC’ Controversy over protest-graffiti in East Quad By ALEX BERNARD Daily Arts Writer

MARCH 23, 2014 — Late Sunday night, a group of students painted a mural in the basement of East Quad. They did so without permission or approval, but with a very specific vision in mind. In big bold letters, they wrote “the WORK OF ART IS A SCREAM OF FREEDOM – Christo.” Two days later, East Quad maintenance staff painted over the mural. That same day, the Facebook page“Take Back the RC” was launched. The page’s title references the 2012-2013 renovations to East Quad, which have given the dorms an almost “hotel-like” atmosphere (blank white walls, cushy chairs, a law firm-esque dining hall, etc.). Presently, there is a zero-tolerance policy for wall murals at East Quad — but that

may be changing fairly soon. RC students are pushing for a return to the old EQ community, which was characterized by underground music venues, paint-covered walls and a generally grungy ambiance. Without a suitable creation space though, many students believe a suitable RC is not possible. The Residential College is in East Quad, but as of right now, the two might not be interchangeable. Since the removal of the Christo quote, other murals have sprung up throughout EQ, presumably in the middle of the night. Pictures of the paintings were posted to the “Take Back the RC” Facebook page, which has accrued 350+ likes and spurred an email from Professor Angela Dillard, Director of the Residential College. I had a chance to sit down with the founders of the page and later, the muralists themselves. (Both the page founders and the muralists wish to remain anonymous while the project continues.) “We wanted to create something that had the chance to stay up forever … The purpose wasn’t

just to send a message, it was to make something that had the potential to stay there as a piece of art.” The founders of the “Take Back the RC” Facebook page explained that the page wasn’t created to inspire or incite the painting of murals, but rather to document them. “We as a page are not encouraging students to do anything. We really want to avoid encouraging people to vandalize things,” one said. The founders said that the page is about “promoting an environment where RC students have the ability to express themselves creatively and freely.” According to them, this feeling has not existed at all in the new building. “The housing administration sees (the new East Quad) as their shining new object, whereas RC students see this as more of a blank canvas.” They mentioned instances of “completely harmless, completely removable, completely nonpermanent art that have gone

up around the building.” These pieces were promptly removed, usually on the same day. On March 19, just one day after the launch of “Take Back the RC,” Residential College director Angela Dillard sent out an email to the entire Residential College (students, staff and faculty), addressing the murals and the movement. Notably, Professor Dillard opened with the line, “Every work of Art is a scream for Freedom,” which was the quote included in the first mural. Dillard addressed the desire for murals by referencing an older “Guide to the RC” from the 1970s/’80s. The Guide detailed the old process for creating murals in East Quad. The procedure included approval from both residents and the Housing Coordinator, restrictions on painting spaces and the requirement that “only paint can be used.” Suffice to say, this was not a zero tolerance policy. Along with the optimistic message, Professor Dillard also addressed the use of murals as a message.

“We ought to be respectful of our colleagues in Housing who are charged with the maintenance of our shared spaces, and we need to be respectful of each other … Further acts, I’m afraid, will start to look more like vandalism and I’m worried about that dynamic that often seems to take things too far.” The page founders said that the ’70s and ’80s policy outlined in the email “sounds reasonable,” saying they’d agree to this proposal if it were proposed during negotiations. The students, however, remarked, that the process wouldn’t be as easy as Dillard implied in the email. “She came off as a little bit too optimistic that we would be able to easily reach a compromise. I’m not sure any negotiations that might occur would be that easy.” They said that the email’s positive tone may simply be an appeasement method to prevent other students from painting future murals. Nevertheless, the students remained cautiously optimistic: “If we facilitate an

open conversation … hopefully something will be reached that’s going to allow creation to occur in the way that it did in old East Quad.” Looking toward the future, a petition has been released on the Facebook page detailing the movement and the its goals. As signatures are accumulated, the founders are also in the process of organizing a group to meet with Dillard and University Housing officials. Likewise, the muralists said that, while they have ideas, no murals are planned for the near future. The artists warned that more murals would “damage the trust” between Housing and students. “I don’t think anything that went up unofficially right now would benefit the cause in any other way.” said one of the artists. And yet, they too, remained optimistic about the future of the RC. As the founders said, hopefully in the future “Take Back the RC” will be changed to “RC Murals.” We’ll see.

FESTIVAL REPORT

Electric Forest: Decadent, but not depraved

BENNET SELL-KLINE/MARC VAN DER AA © ELECTRIC FOREST FESTIVAL

Festivalgoers showing some community pride

Going beyond the music at annual festival in Rothbury, MI By GIANCARLO BUONOMO Managing Arts Editor

JULY 2, 2014 — “Unlike most of the others, we didn’t give a hoot

in hell what was happening on the track. We had come there to watch the real beasts perform.” - Hunter S. Thompson, “The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved.” Please forgive this predictable Hunter S. Thompson reference for a “Look Ma, I covered a music festival!” article. I only include it to admit at the start that I was wrong. I figured I would go to Electric Forest as

a reporter. While my co-editor Adam covered the music, I would observe the festivalgoers, “the real beasts,” and report on their depraved excesses. There would be me, with my media bracelet and plaid shirt, furiously jotting down notes, and then there would be everyone else — the legions of electro-junkies in funny hats who eat tabs of acid like Listerine Strips. I imagined calling this article “Electric For-

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est is Decadent and Depraved.” Most of my preconceptions were based on rumors about Electric Forest; that it was much more than a music festival, that it had the best people-watching ever, that it was trippier than an MGMT video. These rumors were believable, considering that Electric Forest takes place in rural Rothbury, Michigan, specializes in the relatively niche genres of jam bands and electronic music and that the “forest” is an actual forest, so decked out with lights, lasers and shrines that it recalls something from Alice in Wonderland. In truth, none of the rumors turned out to be false. But now that I’ve returned from Rothbury, and gone over the pages of notes and hours of recordings I accumulated during my time at the festival, I cannot write this report with my original focus. Not because I feel the need to write about the music, even though it was amazing. Rather, because I discovered that Electric Forest is less about the people who choose to come than it is about what this peculiar event allows those people, including me, to become. Electric Forest is not so much a music festival as it is a four day act of collective weirdness, heavily facilitated by the festival organizers and sustained by a pervasive spirit of community and non-judgement. I began to get an idea of this right when we arrived at the camp grounds. The actual festival area, the stages and vendors, is located on the Double JJ Resort, a sort of WildWest re-enactment spot heav-

ily repurposed for one weekend every year. The attendees camp out in a complex of fields adjacent to the resort. These fields form a small city during the weekend, complete with named streets and neighborhoods. From my berth at the corner of “Airstrip” and “Maple”, I gazed out upon the expanse. Thousands of parked cars in neat rows, most with colorful tents next to them, filled the once-empty space like a psychedelic Hooverville. These people were clearly pros — many tents were adorned with banners and flagpoles featuring the logos of the classics: The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Sublime, all fragrant with years of accumulated incense and ganja. But it was inside the actual festival, a good ten minute walk from our campsite, that I finally encountered the masses of people. I’d never seen such a dazzling array of outfits. Some attendees were dressed in standard music-festival attire: girls in Daisy Dukes and flower headbands, guys in tank tops and flat-brims. But they were the minority. Some men wore top hats and tight suits like the Mad Hatter, and some girls wore only bikini bottoms with fanny-pack codpieces and painted marijuana leaves covering the tips of their otherwise bare breasts. Others wore Teletubbie or bear outfits, or giant Pikachu heads. One man I passed on Saturday wore only a Speedo and a small silver crown fixed to his head at a rakish angle, while sucking on a large lollipop. Another was so adorned with ribbons, beads and feathers that he resembled an Aztec god. But the decadence doesn’t stop there. Many festivalgoers carry totems, which are long poles with anything on top. And I mean anything. Blow-up sex dolls. Bill Murray’s face. Simpsons characters. I saw one depicting a cartoon King of Kings, with a Mr. Skin-esque grin, and the words “PRAISE CHEEZUS” in big block letters, likely in honor of the String Cheese Incident’s combined 12 hours of stagetime. And of course, drugs. They’re an essential part of the festival, so ubiquitous and accepted that one pizza vendor put up a sign that read “DON’T FORM LINES. LINES ARE FOR YOUR NOSE, NOT SPICY PIE.” I’m watching Ms. Lauryn Hill and a guy to my left lights up a joint the size of a Sharpie. I’m raving along at Zedd, and a guy to my right vacuums a good quarter-teaspoon of coke into his left nostril. This overwhelming amount of, well, everything made me wonder “Is this where all the weirdos gather? Or is this where people gather to be weird?” I’ve concluded that it’s the latter. Of course, I don’t think that Electric Forest is where Mormon missionaries and Goldman Sachs executives congregate

to let loose, but I did get the impression that Electric Forest provides a safe environment for ordinary people to abandon mainstream mores for a weekend. A guy in a hammock put it best in a remark to another guy in the hammock strung below his: “I’m going hard tomorrow, because I have to go back to reality after that.” Electric Forest is not only a retreat from “normalcy,” but also an oasis of kindness and togetherness. Festivalgoers go out of their way to accommodate each other. One girl entered a Port-A-Potty after a long wait in line, only to burst out and run after the previous occupant who had dropped a $5 bill. During a packed performance by Steve Angello, another girl got tired and decided to sit down right in the middle of the crowd. Everyone, even those wildly dancing while rolling, made sure to give her space. At an event like this, people make themselves vulnerable by dressing in shocking and revealing ways, taking mind-bending substances, and then walking around an environment that is confusing even if sober. To have a good time requires a level of trust on everyone’s part, that their fellow attendees will not take advantage of them, and will even help them out if need be. I experienced this trust firsthand. On Saturday, I was sitting in the crowd at the Sherwood stage, vibing to Schoolboy Q and taking notes. I struck up a conversation with a couple sitting near me, Nick and Kat from Louisville. We chatted about Electric Forest and why people would come here. “We’re all here for the same thing: music and good people,” Nick said. As a red-shirted security guard walked around inquiring whether the numerous people smoking joints had medical permits, I remarked to Nick that I didn’t usually strike up conversations at concerts. “But at a place like this you should never feel like you can’t talk to anybody,” he replied. “ You can go up to anybody and be like ‘Hey, what’s up?’ ” At that moment, I saw a friend about 15 feet away, one who I hadn’t talked to in awhile. I immediately leapt up and moved towards her, forgetting that my phone, backpack and notebook were still on the ground next to Nick and Kat. I looked back anxiously, and they motioned towards my things and gave me a thumbs up, indicating that they would watch over them. Leaving your stuff with strangers probably isn’t something to make a habit of. But as Doctor Thompson said, “When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.” The going at Electric Forest is definitely weird — I viewed them watching my stuff as a matter of professional courtesy.

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

S3 From Page 1D cent lives, so she got involved. Karmeisool’s journey with sexual heath started at The Rainbow Connection, Michigan’s version of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she worked with AIDS-infected adolescents. Eventually, with a little help from her proud and philanthropic parents, Karmeisool opened S3. Though the sale of adult toys and products are Karmeisool’s means of staying in business, she is adamant that a commitment to promoting sexual health comes first. In fact, under especially difficult circumstances she has gone as far as giving away condoms and products to people who could not afford them. She even went back for her Masters in Public Health after opening S3 to reinforce her commitment to the store’s mission, which was always to provide “consistent and correct information about sexual health, but do it in a way that was open, normalizing sex, reducing stigma and making the store available to all people regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, economic standing, religious values.” It’s crucial to Karmeisool that customers at S3 can ask any employee personal questions without feeling judgment, and get information that will improve their lives. To ensure that this approach to customer service stays consistent, S3’s hiring process is extremely rigorous and selective. According to Karmeisool, each applicant must have previous experience with sexual health and education before they are even considered for a position. Also, because the store’s employees are a closeknit team, each applicant must be interviewed and approved by everyone who works there. If any worker has a bad feeling about an applicant like if they hesitated on the issues of transgendered people, or other nonnormative lifestyles - they’re

out; the team has to be certain and unanimous. Once someone proves that they have the right soul and attitude for the job, they have to go through a lengthy training process. This includes attending classes on sexually transmitted diseases, which are administered by the state of Michigan and paid for with the store’s budget. They also undergo intensive training on every product in the store. Billy, a member of Sexperteam who started working at S3 in August, said he had to memorize the details of all the merchandise, from the lubricants’ chemicals to the sizing and types of condoms. “There are five types of condoms, by the way,” Billy said

S3 is a leader in promoting sexual health in the community with a smile, showing off the knowledge he worked hard to procure. Karmeisool explained that the process is so intensive because Safe Sex Store has more responsibility to its guests than other merchandise-moving businesses. If a salesperson at the mall convinces someone to buy a hideous shirt, for example, the worst-case scenario would be returning the atrocity or cutting your loses. But at S3, “if somebody makes a bad decision in buying something, or they use it incorrectly and something happens, that could harm their life,” said Karmeisool. “It could alter their path and completely change who they are.” This is why, at this rare type of business where safety and good information come before sales, having a well-informed staff is extremely important. This may be especially true for a place that offers

Arts a large range of services like S3 does. In 2010, Safe Sex Store added on-site HIV testing to its list of services. Each Thursday from 2-8pm, a test counselor from HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC) conducts this free, confidential and even anonymous testing in the store’s private back room. All it takes is a finger prick, 15 minutes of your time, and courage to get through the door. As to be expected, S3 does their best to take the edge off of the otherwise nerve-wracking and clinical test. You can wait for your results by browsing the store’s collection of vibrators, chatting with one of their charismatic employees, chowing down on an Insomnia Cookie, or getting emotional support from Jake, the therapy dog - a golden retriever/Labrador mix who can be found lounging in the sun by the front entrance. Mike Wallace, S3’s test counselor from HARC, said the most important asset to this test site is its many other functions. Someone could be coming in on a Thursday for a variety of reasons, from picking up a Valentine’s Day gift to replenishing their supply of Trojan condoms. Those who walk into S3 for an HIV test are hardly noticed by the outside world because the store doesn’t have the same stigma that may come with entering a clinic. When I joked about the HIVtesting being a “covert operation,” Wallace replied, “Yes, it’s covert. But it’s no back door operation.” And he’s right. The store is a fun cover for those being tested, but it is also elegantly professional and supplies support for issues I never would have imagined. While we talked in S3’s small, clean storage room, Karmeisool showed me a hand vibrator that fits onto the wrist and tips of the fingers. Usually, this product is used to increase sexual arousal, but apparently there’s more to it than that. “We have actually sold that to

a customer whose daughter has cerebral palsy,” she told me, tapping on the box with a picture of a woman’s beautiful hand draped in white wires. “It’s an awesome way to get vibration to the muscles to try to get them to communicate with the nerves and do massage therapy.” S3 also has women coming in for a variety of gynecological issues. Brittany Batell, the store manager who was recently accepted into a dual masters program with the University’s School of Social Work and School of Public Health, told me more about the health side of the business. “We’ll get referrals from a lot of gynecologists, OBGYNs and sex therapists in

Who said don’t mix business with pleasure? the community,” she said, her eyes shining with intelligence and pride. “Women come in here because they have sexual pain so we can hook them up with a better lubricant and a vaginal dilator set.” Both Batell and Karmeisool explained that it can be hard for women to tell their doctors about their chronic sexual pain. For one, doctors often only have about 15 minutes on average to spend with each patient, so if someone is shy about discussing their sex life, it can be difficult to cut to the chase. Secondly, it isn’t easy to physically point to a problem’s exact source. This is why S3 sells informational books such as Why Sex Hurts, which has the most comprehensive drawing of female genitalia I’ve ever seen, along with tips and exercises for over-coming pain. The Safe Sex Store even has a female social worker on staff to help field questions about sexual issues that may not be physical in nature. This woman

Fall 2014 — 5D

is Alexandria Champagne, who recently got her Masters in Social Work from the University where she specialized in sexual and domestic violence counseling. As can be expected from the versatile employees at S3, Champagne’s knowledge is also multifaceted. Her expertise extends beyond abuse and into the world of playful bondage. She is even releasing a book this March called “Knotty Time! A BDSM Safety Guide, ” which will help newbies explore kink in a fun and secure way. However, despite the good that disseminating all of this sexual health information does, its taboo and sensitive undertones can come with a set of social risks for those who work at S3. Batell and Billy mentioned that every once in a while disrespectful people come in asking inappropriately personal questions about what the employees use on their own time — inebriated sports enthusiasts wandering into the store on game day are the most likely culprits. Billy said that asking aggressive questions about his own experience with toys and condoms goes beyond unprofessional. It is actually a form of sexual harassment, and in the past he has reminded hecklers that he could report their behavior to the authorities if they pushed their luck too far. Batell added that some people just don’t immediately see that working in the Safe Sex Store does not make the employee’s sex lives up for discussion. “I can give you the specs on anything in here,” she said, “but (those questions are) personal.” Karmeisool sometimes runs into similar trouble when she’s in social settings, like dinner parties where people are programmed to shake a stranger’s hand and instantly ask, “So, what do you do?” It’s not that Karmeisool is embarrassed about her profession; on the contrary, S3 seems to be her dream turned into a reality. It’s just difficult for the average person to see past the sex swings and latex at the front of her business

and into the sexual activism and support she performs on a daily basis. “You’re always, always, always having to defend yourself, which is crap,” she said with a nervous laugh. “You know? It really is crap because sex is a part of who we are. We’re all sexual beings.” However, Karmeisool said that she doesn’t let these skeptics get in the way of her mission to help others with their intimate issues. At the same cocktail party, once handshakes are in the past and a few glasses of wine have been poured, nearstrangers will often ask her questions about their sex lives. They wonder how to combat their dryness and chronically half-mast members; how to get their husbands to touch them in the spots that make them purr. And Karmeisool answers them — willingly, patiently and without judgment. And this commitment is really what it comes down to — S3 is brave about sex so that we can benefit from their knowledge and be comfortable solving serious sexual problems that would feel unmentionable in any other space. These passionate sex educators don’t let micro-aggressions or cocktail party judgment stop them from disseminating the clear and crucial information that could save people pain, and even save some lives. They will help anyone, no matter their gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion or how much money they can spend, because they want us all to be happy, healthy sexual beings. Whether their guests are teenagers sheepishly investigating condoms for the first time, college students shopping for cake pans in the shapes of penises, 70 year old couples exploring lubricants, someone concerned about his or her HIV status or pedestrians just coming in to giggle about furry handcuffs, Safe Sex Store is meant to be a venue for open communication, reliable information and unwavering support.

Arts

6D - Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

EVENT PREVIEW

David Sedaris to speak at Literati Famed author and humorist comes to A 2 to give reading and sign books By GIANCARLO BUONOMO Managing Arts Editor

JUNE 10, 2014 — Hold onto your moleskins: David Sedaris is coming to town. The famed essayist and comedian, and author of works such as “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” and his latest essay collection “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” will be appearing at Literati Bookstore Wednesday night. Since he read his humor-

ous essay “SantaLand Diaries,” about working as an elf at Macy’s, on NPR in 1992, Sedaris has become perhaps the preeminent humorist in America today, one whose essays, radio broadcasts and speaking events have earned him numerous fans. Sedaris’ writing is unique in that he finds remarkable elements in very unremarkable situations. His stories aren’t about exotic adventure and intrigue, but rather mundane elements of his own life, from Halloween (“Us and Them”) to flying to Paris (“Journey into Night”). But because of his wit and tone (nebbishy but wise), he brings out the absurd humor and unexpected lessons of these stories. Sedaris is a raconteur — he excels at telling stories, par-

ticularly funny ones, which has made him immensely popular as a public speaker. “I find that if I consciously try to be funny it always seems forced,” Sedaris said in an e-mail exchange with The Michigan Daily. “Rather, I try to be entertaining. I think of how the story might sound out loud to an audience and I proceed accordingly.” Sedaris often discusses transgressive subjects — one essay, “Full House,” recalls a game of strip poker in the sixth grade where a still-closeted David revels in witnessing the bare bodies of his male friends, one of whom he eventually convinces to sit on his lap. But even with his frank discussions of sexuality, drug use and cancer,

he has such widespread appeal that his essays are taught in high schools. Sedaris himself is rather blasé about the whole matter. “I’ve never thought of myself as particularly subversive,” he said. “If my essays are in English classes perhaps it has more to do with the writing than the topic. The New Yorker puts an odd stamp of approval on things.” Tickets to the reading became available on June 3, to those who purchased a copy of Mr. Sedaris’ latest book and sold out within an hour. But the book signing is open to the public and will go on as long as there are eager fans in line “From the sound of it, he’s the most accommodating human being on planet earth,” said

John Ganiard, Events Coordinator at Literati Bookstore. It’s no surprise that for his visit to Ann Arbor, Mr. Sedaris chose Literati. Since opening in April 2013, the East Washington store has become a cultural hotspot, with its regular hosting of authors and open-mic nights. “Since we opened, it’s been our mission to bring notable authors to our space, which is an intimate space, because we serve the community beyond just being a general bookstore,” Ganiard said. Sedaris is popular with all ages, but high school and college students seem to respond particularly well to his writings, and they flock to readings like these with as much enthusiasm as if they were meeting a

favorite musician or actor. Perhaps it is because Sedaris simply makes writing seem fun. “Especially as a teenager, you think of writing as something you’re forced to do in school, and then watching someone do it, and making you laugh, your first thought is “I want to do that,” Ganiard said. Sedaris doesn’t harbor any fantasies that his books will keep people, including teenagers, reading. “Goodness no. If anything, it’s pornography that will keep people reading,” he said. But he does have some advice for those, attending or not, who aspire to be writers. “My advice is to write everyday (with a pen that’s shaped like a candy cane).”

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B-SIDE

Pride Night at Necto: A safer space Popular nightclub provides a gay-friendly environment By NATALIE GADBOIS Senior Arts Editor

FEB. 12, 2014 — We’re all familiar with straight spaces, even if we don’t know the term. The frat parties, where a combination of Heaven Hill and Drake creates the assumption that any boy can grind up against any girl. College bars, where ladies pay half price for shots on Thursday nights, the owners finding ways to make girls “loose,” and ways to entice the men to show up. House parties, social circles and even classrooms; so many function under the assumption that unless you say otherwise, you’re straight, and that’s that. These pervasive straight spaces are what made the idea of spending a Friday at Pride Night at Necto nightclub all the more intriguing — and, to be honest, a little disconcerting. The getting ready process was the same — dashing on make-up, confirming with my roommate that my outfit was the perfect combination of cute and edgy,

consuming fiery substances from chipped Costa Rican shot glasses — but the destination was so different from what I knew. Pride Night was started in 1984 and has remained a nightlife fixture in the gay community in Ann Arbor since then, voted multiple times as the best gay club in the Metro Detroit area. The large club, located on East Liberty, has two dance rooms, both with live DJs, with the famous Red Room downstairs playing retro-pop hits with accompanying videos — mainly Beyoncé and ’80s dance-pop the night I was there. The crowd is filled with closely dancing couples, the gender composition more heavily male than any party I had ever been to before. Both rooms feature accessible stages and stripper poles, which guests are encouraged to hop on to. Necto touts itself as the place to be on a Friday night for the gay community, an association that comes with some complexities and some questions. How do you define a safe space for gays? And once defined, how do you successfully construct that space? LSA junior Schuyler Robinson believes that a “gay space” is “a place kind of free of judgment, because as gay people we sometimes deal with stigma and feel

judged solely by being ourselves.” Robinson argues that while Necto is a fun place, somewhere to dance and let loose, it isn’t the inclusive safe space it can be represented as. He has seen straight female friends be harassed and targeted with language that discriminates them just as props for their gay friends. In an effort to classify Pride Night as a common ground for the gay community, sometimes other identities can become marginalized. “Because people feel so comfortable and so non-targeted, they almost feel like their words aren’t accountable,” Robinson said. “Because they are in their space, they are not the minority there.” Similarly, LSA senior Taylor Portela, a volunteer at the Spectrum Center, agrees that Necto is the best place to go dance, but is wary to define it as a safe space. “Necto is a beautiful, terrifying place,” Portela said. “It is a gay space, but at the same time it’s a gay space with a twist, so when I bring women of any orientation and identity they still are actively harassed.” Portela defines the distinction between a gay space and a queer space, holding that gay spaces are often dominated by gay white males, while queer spaces are more inclusive of women and

racial minorities. Pride Night, he argues, is distinctly a gay space — an unfortunate limitation for the club. “At Necto there are just a ton of white cisgenders; gay white men, dancing and doing their thing — which is fine. It’s good. I mean, I am one of them,” Portela said. “But at the same time my friends of color get harassed, women get harassed …” Neither Portela nor Robinson believes that Necto necessarily promotes healthy connections in a way safe spaces ought to. The pounding music and dark rooms make conversation difficult, so the club becomes marked as the hookup place — though he’s gone many nights, Robinson can’t recall ever making a real friend or fostering a relationship with someone he met at Necto. “You walk in (and) there’s music, its dark — it’s not so conducive to welcoming people.” “It’s like the gay version of Rick’s,” Portela said. Rick’s: an Ann Arbor bastion of drunken hookups and textsfrom-last-night anecdotes. But is it problematic when the predominant nighttime gay space in Ann Arbor promotes that culture? Though they reiterate that Necto is a fun space (a statement I agree with entirely), at times its frenetic,

hyper-sexualized atmosphere can perpetuate limiting stereotypes about the gay community. “(Necto) feeds into the stereotype that gay people are obsessed with bodies, about putting out a good self-image rather than trying to connect with someone,” Robinson said. Portela affirms this, but doesn’t think this depiction of gay culture is wholly negative. “Gay culture is very much built around some stereotypes, yes, but part of gay culture — gay white male culture — is having song-tunes and Whitney Houston playing in the background, the ’80s synth pop blast really loud,” he said. “While (Necto) is affirming of some stereotypes, it points toward a larger gay culture, like the club culture that is in this atmosphere.” Both men were excited about the opening of a new gay night in town, Candy Bar, located at Live Nightclub. The event premiered last Thursday, and Robinson and Portela each hailed it as a more inclusive but still fun environment. On opening night, Candy Bar had a host and DJs, and featured a drag queen performance from former contestants on the reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” “(Candy Bar is a) much better space, because at Necto you can’t

hear anyone, so I think people can connect more and get to know each other better at that space,” Robinson said. “And it was really fun. The DJ played great music, all the attitudes just seemed much more positive.” Though Candy Bar only hosted its inaugural night a week ago, Portela finds the combination of this event with Necto to be promising for Ann Arbor’s gay and queer community. “I really like the set up of Live, so that was, atmosphere-wise, very enjoyable,” Portela said. “(It’s) a really nice space because it was people of more than just one or two identities who filled the space, and I didn’t hear afterwards of any real threatening or harassment going on.” With the induction of Candy Bar, Ann Arbor is growing as a destination for gay nightlife scenes, a relief for students who currently feel limited in predominantly straight spaces. However, the complexity behind Necto proves that just the construction of a gay space is not enough — an inclusive environment comes from the clientele and the set up of the space itself. But wherever you choose to go, it’s Friday night, it’s -20 degrees out, and everyone just wants to have fun.

FILM COLUMN

A eulogy for my beloved Blockbuster In remembrance of the video giant that gave me my love of movies By AKSHAY SETH Daily Film Columnist

JAN. 30, 2014 — I remember pulling as hard as I could, little 11-year-old fingers digging into little plastic grooves on either side of the videotape case. That yellow-blue ticket stub mocked me, egging me on. It was calling me fat, weak — undetermined, even — in its own, inanimate way, but no matter how hard I heaved, I couldn’t weasel the damn tape out of its pliable shell. That was the first time I said “fuck you, Blockbuster” out loud. Pause. Before dismissing middle-school Akshay as yet another surprisingly foul-mouthed Indian child, let’s get one thing straight: Jim Carrey and “The Mask” were hiding behind the plastic confines of that godforsaken Blockbuster ticket stub. Anyone would’ve been upset. To make matters worse, it was Saturday, and I knew scrutinizing my father’s unwieldy attempts at hurling a bowling ball in the vague direction of 10 unsuspecting pins could never top the sensation that accompanies watching a putty-faced psychopath going chick-chicky-boom

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on top of a police car (it’s very nice … so full of spice!). I digress. Like Blockbuster, the stubborn videotape case is gone — adrift behind an ever-expanding cloud of technological advancement, and a eulogy for listless evenings spent trying to sneak glimpses at the nonexistent adult video section is long past due. Growing up, my family didn’t have much. Most weekends were spent at home, and though it never really mattered what we were doing — whether it was playing videogames or crowding around our bulky TV for NBC’s latest miniseries version of whatever Stephen King story they deemed worthwhile — I lived for trips to the local Blockbuster. I loved films. No other form of art made me sit, mouth agape, and think the way movies did. The first time I remember crying with a smile on my face was after watching “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and seeing the melancholy triumph in Roy Neary’s eyes as he left Earth, and his mundane life behind to stake his existence on abnormality. All those shelves, lined with uniformly-dressed videotapes and DVDs, were challenges. I was only allowed to check out one, maybe two, a week but even if it ended up being the last thing that ever happened in my life, I was determined each and every one of those tapes would see the whirring insides of my VCR.

There was a romantic anticipation in strolling through this labyrinth of cinema, eyes darting from one ledge to the next, looking for those perfect two hours of Saturday night. There was more anticipation in knowing I’d be back in a week, able to tick another entry off of the imagined bucket list of titles in my head. Before long, I transformed into the obnoxious cretin-child who enjoyed screaming things like “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH” when asked how a math test went. Ezekiel 25:17? No problem. Horrible Henry Callahan impressions? Check. “Braveheart” level declarations of freedom? #YOLO. In a blur of magnetic tape, my cinematic schooling was well underway, and Blockbuster was the cool young professor smoking joints between lectures/ screenings. Then it all changed. One fateful Sunday afternoon at the local McDonalds, between mouthfuls of McRib, I spotted the strange red contraption. It could’ve passed for a weirdly flamboyant ATM, but the wall of movie titles next to it screamed otherwise. Could it be? Did I not have to beg my parents to take me to the Blockbuster anymore? Was Ronald McDonald Jesus?!?!? If I could’ve had it exactly my way, another, blue-yellow version of Redbox would have sprung up out of thin air that very moment. Or more realistically, teleporta-

tion technology would finally be tweaked to let me zap over to the closest Blockbuster. But alas, we live in an imperfect world. Casually walking through shelves of titles was soon replaced with standing stone-still in front of a glowing red interface, quietly mouthing arguments about which movie was most worthwhile. I thought about Blockbuster less and less, until finally, it faded from my conscience altogether, and the only person to blame was Blockbuster. The stupid company refused to compete with the new kids on the block, exposing the chinks in armor that would eventually lead to its inevitable demise. I missed the cool young professor, but the coolness had long disappeared. Age had taken its toll and embarrassingly, he wasn’t even attempting to hide the marijuana usage anymore. For the second time in my life, I said, “fuck you, Blockbuster” out loud, only this time, there was an added interjection of, “get your shit together.” Blockbuster never got its shit together. Soon, Netflix would forever change the game, and even though the old man attempted to throw his hat in the ring with Blockbuster Now, it was too little, too late. After bankruptcyplagued years of irrelevance, the video store wheezed its last breath and keeled over, DVDs and videotapes bleeding out of its bloated corpse.

It was a slow, ugly, cancerous death, but I’ll never forget you, Blockbuster. You were my first teacher — the first medium for my appreciation of film. Without you, I probably never would have felt the need to learn how to ride a bike. Without you, I wouldn’t

be writing this column. Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. So for the third and final time in my life, I’ll say it out loud: “fuck you, Blockbuster.” The added interjection? “You lived a good life.”

8C — Fall 2014

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September

09/07/13 The Michigan football team outlasts Notre Dame, 41-30, in its second home night game ever in front of a record crowd of 115,109.

The men’s basketball team wins at No. 3 Michigan State, the hallmark of an 8-0 month that helped the Wolverines jump out to a commanding lead in the Big Ten standings.

Women’s lacrosse debuts as the University’s 27th varsity sport. The Wolverines finished 4-13 in their inaugural season.

The men’s gymnastics team wins its second straight national championship.

April

04/11/14

March

03/04/14 The men’s basketball team clinches its first outright Big Ten championship since 1986 with an 84-53 win at Illinois. The Wolverines advance to the Elite Eight before losing to Kentucky.

February

02/22/14

January

01/25/14

December

12/28/13 The Michigan football team ends its season 7-6 after a 31-6 loss in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State.

November

11/30/13 Michigan drops the game of the year against Ohio State, a 42-41 shootout at Michigan Stadium, on a late failed 2-point conversion. See Page 2E

October

10/13/13 The Michigan women’s soccer team wins at conference power Penn State for the first time, highlighting a perfect 7-0 month in an Elite Eight season.

ADAM GLANZMAN/Daily

Devin Gardner threw an interception on a last-minute two-point conversion attempt, and the Michigan football team lost to Ohio State, 42-41.

Charmingly fun, until the photo finish M I I ARCH 30, 2014, INDIANAPOLIS — Moments after the game, the sun is low in the sky and Lucas Oil Stadium casts a long shadow across Indianapolis as, inside, Michigan walks off ZACH the court HELFAND for the last time together. Jordan Morgan is first, well before anyone else. Glenn Robinson III gives a quick wave to the crowd and puts his head down. Nik Stauskas is emotionless. Mitch McGary, who was never getting into the game, walks off wearing the uniform his teammates have insisted he wear. Later, Morgan, held up by his press conference, is one of the last to enter the Michigan locker room. Most of the room is composed except for Zak Irvin, who is emotional in one corner of the room, and for Morgan. He wipes his face with his sleeve and cries in front of the television cameras. His teammates have said the loss is all the more difficult because it means they’ll never play another game with Morgan. The senior doesn’t know how to respond. He pauses to wipe his eyes. “I didn’t expect it to be my

last game,” Morgan says. “It’s over. I don’t know what else to say.” ***

t’s over — much later than anyone anticipated. Without Trey Burke, without Tim Hardaway Jr., without McGary, this team didn’t just win the Big Ten. It dominated. It improved, steadily, each game. The pieces, especially offensively, meshed seamlessly. A photo comes to mind now from the summer of 2012. The Michigan basketball team’s incoming class is posing together at the basketball facilities, maybe for the first time all together. Caris LeVert is wearing cargo shorts. Spike Albrecht looks small, even next to the wiry LeVert. All have their arms around each other, except Robinson, who has his hands in his pockets and smiles big. McGary looks like a kid at summer camp. Stauskas stands at the edge and looks moody. College basketball today is brutal in this regard. Jordan Morgans are rare. Play as well as Michigan has and you risk losing your best players. A two-year-old photo feels like a sepia-toned memory. Almost certainly, some of those players will be gone next year.

t’s unclear what Michigan could have done differently against Kentucky. It’s unclear what Michigan could have done better. A few more box outs, maybe. Less foul trouble. But Michigan played at just about its peak and stood with Kentucky’s size and talent and said beat this. And Kentucky did. It was hard to ask much more from this team in this game, this season. Michigan’s big men, simply, weren’t big. Kentucky was too much to handle above the rim. The final six minutes on Sunday were the best basketball of this thoroughly entertaining tournament. Michigan takes a timeout, down seven, the game slipping away. A pretty drive and kick back by LeVert finds Robinson open in the corner. His shooting has been inconsistent for most of the season. It’s good. Fourpoint game now. Two possessions later, Morgan gets a put-back and the foul. Free throw good. One point game — and now we’re off. Aaron Harrison three. Morgan dunk. Kentucky layup. Robinson layup. Kentucky layup. The under-four-minutes television timeout feels akin to interrupting Mozart mid-symphony to sell a few extra bratwursts. Damn your television timeouts. Back now. Stauskas makes

May

After winning its seventh straight Big Ten title, the softball team reaches the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament before losing on a walk-off home run to Florida State. See Page 6E

Daily Sports Editor

June

06/26/14 The men’s basketball team has three players drafted into the NBA: Nik Stauskas (8th overall), Mitch McGary (22nd) and Glenn Robinson III (40th).

07/21/14

July

The Sacramento Kings win the NBA Summer League title. Stauskas averaged 9.9 points per game for the Kings.

APRIL 5, 2014 — Michigan football’s biggest story this spring, sans the offensive line, has been the rebuilding of its offense. The chief signing this offseason wasn’t the No. 3 overall prospect in defensive back Jabrill Peppers, but it was former Alabama offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. So, when Michigan held its Spring Game on Saturday, fans and media alike came to watch the offense, and whatever magic Nussmeier could bring from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. “All I can say is (Nussmeier’s) done an excellent job in teaching (the new offense),” said Michigan coach Brady Hoke. “Obviously, he’s here because we think he’s an awfully good football coach in all areas. … (But) room for improvement? Oh my gosh, there’s no question, we need a lot of improvement — but the way it’s being taught has

Daily Sports Writer

See NUSSMEIER, Page 2E

See GYMNASTICS, Page 8E

See HELFAND, Page 3E

been real positive.” As Hoke has been saying since practice began a few weeks ago, only remedial plays would be unveiled to the public this spring. And the fourth-year coach was telling the truth, as most of what the Wolverines showed Saturday was “vanilla,” as quarterback Devin Gardner called it. The “vanilla” offense kicked off with a less-than-inspiring pass from Gardner, who was looking for freshman receiver Freddy Canteen on a fly route but was intercepted by sophomore Jourdan Lewis. It was Gardner’s first pass in front of fans since the Ohio State game last November. Before the scrimmage began, though, all eyes were on the offensive line and running back drills. Freshman Mason Cole practiced with the first team at the starting left tackle position, and redshirt junior Jack Miller started at center, but both could be bumped once redshirt soph-

By ALEX TAYLOR

omore Erik Magnuson and redshirt junior Graham Glasgow return from injury and suspension, respectively. Cole did an admirable job against Frank Clark, and only a few members of the line gave up would-be sacks — a vast improvement from last season. But even during preliminary drills, the running backs struggled to break through the line. The only time they were able to consistently generate positive yardage was when the defensive line was replaced with a plastic strip. And once the team began scrimmaging an hour into the event, the defensive line consistently stuffed the backs. The longest run of the afternoon came from sophomore Derrick Green, and it was for just eight yards. The backs had the most success when they ran to the outside, avoiding work between the tackles — illustrating once

***

An early look at Doug Nussmeier’s offense By ALEXA DETTELBACH

Mikulak, ‘M’ repeat as national champs APRIL 11, 2014 — The word ‘perfect’ is almost never mentioned in gymnastics, a sport that adheres countless deductions to the smallest of errors, but the Michigan men’s gymnastics team’s performance Friday night came pretty darn close. After finishing the regular season undefeated and then winning the Big Ten championship, the second-ranked Wolverines wrapped up their perfect season by winning the National Championship with a score of 445.050. Competing at home in the Crisler Center, Michigan edged out second-place Oklahoma and third-place Stanford to reach the pinnacle of collegiate gymnastics for a second straight year. The Wolverines earned the first repeat national championship in school history since the trampoline program did so in 1969-1970. Friday also marked the third championship in five years for Michigan, and its sixth all time. “It just doesn’t get any better than winning it at home,” said Michigan coach Kurt Golder. “And this is my fourth one, and they are all great, but winning it in front of a Michigan crowd in Crisler Center. And then it being a repeat, it just makes it all the sweeter. I couldn’t ask for anything more.” In addition to winning backto-back team championships, senior Sam Mikulak also took home back-to-back all-around titles, with a total score of 91.10. Mikulak had the highest score in three out of the six events on the night, highlighted by his performances on parallel bars and floor exercise. His individual title, the sixth individual championship of his career, leaves him only two short of holding the most individual championships in NCAA history ahead of Saturday’s competition. Though starting the competition on one of the hardest events — pommel horse — the Wolverines took the early lead and never looked back. Mikulak paced Michigan with a score of 15.600 in the event — good enough to tie for first. Michigan also got a pair of 14.950s from junior Nick Hunter and senior Matt Freeman on its way to a total score of 75.100. “Pommel horse is the most difficult event to perform on,” Golder said. “But I have a lot of confidence in this team. That’s actually our most consistent event, and that’s very rare. So if you go out and start on pommel horse and hit like we did, it takes the pressure off.” Added Mikulak: “We have a

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A dizzying, brilliant, mesmerizing death

Athletic Department announces new 2014 student seating policy

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OVEMBER 30, 2013 — If it was a death, it was a mesmerizing death. It was an end fitting for a game that somehow made everyone believe again. Brady Hoke went for it. He didn’t have to, and he even had a chance to change his ZACH mind. MichiHELFAND gan lined up for a twopoint conversion to win the game. Ohio State coach Urban Meyer called a timeout. Hoke polled his seniors in the huddle. They all said to go for it. It was a mesmerizing, brilliant death, but that doesn’t ease the pain, not for Devin Gardner, who was so despondent after the 42-41 loss to Ohio State, with his helmet pulled low over his face, that he needed Kevin Koger to escort him as he meandered in a daze off the field, and then sobbed so loudly it echoed down Michigan’s tunnel. His pain was raw and endearing and real. It didn’t ease the pain for Hoke, whose eyes were as red as the thousands of Buckeye fans in the Big House. They had come expecting a rout, snatching tickets from Michigan fans who had long ago abandoned hope. It didn’t ease the pain for Taylor Lewan, the fifth-year senior offensive tackle, who nearly choked up during his press conference. “I love every single one of these guys,” said Lewan, whose last play at Michigan Stadium was the most wrenching. His voiced wavered. He turned to Jake Ryan and tapped Ryan’s arm with his fist. “He’s my best friend.” Hoke went for it, because “we wanted to go win the football game,” he said, and good for him. The walls have been clos-

NUSSMEIER From Page 1E again the line will need more addressing this summer. “Obviously we’re missing some pieces (on the line), but I feel like they’re playing well,” Gardner said. “It’s hard to continue to stop a great defensive line, and we have a great defensive line going against you for 15 straight days (because) everyone is learning each other.

New format replaces general admission, rewards attendance By ALEJANDRO ZÚÑIGA Daily Sports Editor

ADAM GLANZMAN/Daily

Devin Gardner scored five total touchdowns against Ohio State, but the Wolverines fell one two-point conversion short.

ing in during this nightmare of a month. The team has underperformed — regressed even — and some have called for Hoke’s job, or the job of his offensive coordinator or that of his offensive line coach. Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon had to issue a statement of support for Hoke on Wednesday. The star recruit chose the other team and another said he might reconsider Michigan. Why? He’s worried about Hoke’s job. But Hoke went for it. It was a rub route, the same one they practiced this week. Gardner in the shotgun, with Devin Funchess, Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo stacked to his right. Funchess ran a post, Gallon an out. It was supposed to create space for Dileo, the little, sure-handed receiver who always seems to be forgotten until the biggest moments. Dileo would surely make the catch, because he always does. But Tyvis Powell jumped the route. Dileo never had a chance. “I threw an interception to lose the game,” said Gardner, who put his chin on his fist in his press conference. He hardly

spoke above a mumble. “There’s not really much else I can say.” After the pass, Gardner crumpled to the ground, spent. He stayed there, his arms and legs extended out. That’s what you’ll remember, because that’s the image that will last. This one hurts just like the loss last year, maybe even more. A win wouldn’t have cured the offensive line or erased any losses. But it would’ve helped a lot. It would’ve erased some of the sting from a disappointing season. It would’ve put to rest any coaching rumors. So, yes, you’ll remember Gardner on the ground, because that’s what matters, but don’t forget the rest. Don’t forget how it made you believe, and Hoke too. It was a painful end, but Michigan lived it well. Maybe you allowed yourself to think this will be a game after all, after the screen to Gallon on the first drive. The fight, Hoke running out to separate his players, the punches and the double middle fingers made it personal. Hoke went for it because he wanted it as bad as his players. He wanted it as bad as Gardner,

who threw a touchdown pass to Dileo down 14 in the fourth quarter. Afterward, Gardner tried to run off the field, limping so badly he nearly fell over on the sideline. Taylor Lewan came off limping after that play too, and bloody again. Most of these players are playing through injury because they don’t care how many losses they have. They just want to beat Ohio State. By the time Carlos Hyde fumbled, and the clock showed plenty of time, and Gardner was fighting with everything he had left and the breaks started turning Michigan’s way, a ripple went through the stadium. Then Jake Butt scored and then Funchess, and then the timeout and it seemed like destiny. It was a hell of a death, but it was a hell of a game too, right up until the end. For the best three hours of the year, 7-4 Michigan was on top of the world. So Hoke went for it. It was ballsy, and it was risky, and it didn’t work out. But that’s what you do when what you want is right there to take. You go for it. You go for it

And coming into the Spring Game, it’s going to be bland — you can’t show too much.” Entering the spring, Green was the presumed starter, but Saturday shed light on sophomore De’Veon Smith as a challenger for the spot. Redshirt junior Justice Hayes is slotted to be third, but all three had their struggles breaking through. Smith and Cole weren’t the only surprising starters for the Wolverines on offense. Nussmeier also had Canteen starting out wide

opposite junior Devin Funchess, and he has shown potential early. The biggest crowd pleaser of the day came on a 45-yard play action catch-and-run from Gardner to Canteen down the left sideline. “He’s earned his respect out here (with) 14, 15 practices now,” Gardner said. “He’s played well, made plays and he’s developed a trust with all the quarterbacks. We trust him and it’s great he came in as a big surprise.” With Funchess officially

deemed a wide receiver, junior A.J. Williams is slotted as the starting tight end, a position where the Wolverines are very thin after Jake Butt’s ACL injury. With the Spring Game behind it, Michigan sets its sights on fall camp, where the rest of the offense will be installed and the entire freshman class will be on campus. It’s only then that Nussmeier’s offense can truly be judged. But one thing is perfectly clear: There is work to do.

MARCH 11, 2014 — General admission is no more. Tuesday afternoon, Central Student Government announced a revamped policy for student seating at home football games. In the new format, students will be rewarded with better seats for their attendance the previous year. Business senior Michael Proppe, CSG president, and Public Policy junior Bobby Dishell, CSG vice president, worked closely with the Athletic Department on the changes. The result, Proppe said, is “the best of both worlds.” Under the new policy, an individual’s accumulated attendance points this fall will be the sole determinant of his or her seat location in 2015. Students will earn three points for attending a game and can collect three more if they arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff. That pattern will continue for the foreseeable future, with seat location assigned via the individual’s points from the previous year only. This fall will be a transition season, in which seats will be assigned in the following order: Students who attended at least five home games on time in 2013 are deemed “SuperFans” and will sit closest to the field in order of seniority, and those who did not will be behind them based solely on seniority. The attendance points accumulated this season will be tallied automatically when tickets are scanned upon entering Michigan Stadium. The new reserved ticketing format will also allow students

“Some of the nightmare of general admission will be over.”

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to form seating groups of up to 100 people. This fall, a group will sit closest to the field if they are all SuperFans and will otherwise be placed via seniority; in following years, it will be determined by taking an average of the attendance points of the group members from the prior season. Football season tickets this fall will cost $280 with a $15 service fee, matching prices from last year. Both seasons feature seven home contests. “This is certainly a policy that’s consistent with what students said they wanted,” Proppe said. He added that every student who wants to purchase season tickets this fall will be able to. CSG and the Athletic Department have been meeting regularly since September 2013 to assess the now-scrapped general admission policy. On-time attendance increased in 2013, according to Proppe, but “the effect was negligible” and “did not achieve the Athletic Department’s goals” of having a full student section at kickoff. A survey conducted by CSG released Oct. 16 revealed that 76 percent of respondents said they were opposed to general admission, with many indicating their displeasure at not being able to form reserved groups to sit with friends. Seventy-seven percent indicated that they preferred the policy in previous years, in which seating was assigned and determined by credit hours. But Proppe believes the new policy, which will ignore seniority after 2014 and focus on rewarding attendance, will make students happy. “Students are getting the main things they wanted, and the Athletic Department is getting what they wanted,” he said. “Some of the nightmare of general admission will be over.”

For daily football stories Check MichiganDaily.com throughout the season

Sports

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Fall 2014 — 3E

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Redshirted Donnal storms into 2014-15 By NEAL ROTHSCHILD Daily Sports Editor

TERESA MATHEW/Daily

Jordan Morgan’s career ended in March with a crushing 75-72 loss to Kentucky in the Elite Eight.

HELFAND From Page 1E both on a shooting foul. Harrison three. Robinson three. Nine possessions now without so much as a missed shot. How much fun is this? Michigan needs two to tie now, so John Beilein takes a timeout. And then LeVert goes off. Stauskas misses a layup, but LeVert grabs it and dishes. Stauskas, again, from three rims out and LeVert slashes into the paint, dives after the ball and, falling backward, dishes back to Stauskas. Another miss, but a hand — likely that of Julius Randle of Kentucky — redirects the ball back in. Tie game. This right here was Michigan’s

season. A flawless, smart offense (the most efficient, ever, it turns out, at least since we’ve started keeping track of such stats); a socialist-like insistence on sharing the basketball; and more effort than defense. LeVert was not going to let Kentucky get the ball back before Michigan made a basket. Then Aaron Harrison — that’s Aaron Bleeping Harrison, to translate for Ann Arbor readers — hit the shot of his young career. Stauskas’ prayer went short. And Kentucky won. Michigan will be back here again. This feels more certain than it has in forever. For Michigan, this hurt not because it gave Kentucky anything. It didn’t. It hurt not because

“It’s over. I don’t know what to say.”

it squandered a rare opportunity. It will come again. It hurts because it won’t be with this team, this thoroughly surprising and likable team. It hurts, because in college basketball today, teams like this are like comets — brilliant, breathtaking, brief. It hurts because that photo feels nostalgic. And it’s from 2012. It hurts because of Morgan. Morgan is talking about this team in the press conference after the game. He’s the last one to speak before it’s over. “Yeah, I mean, just this year has been the most fun time I’ve had, probably, playing basketball, ever,” he says. It’s over now, and it hurts for Michigan, but I don’t know what else to say except: how much fun was that? Managing Photo Editor Teresa Mathew and Daily Sports Editor Daniel Wasserman contributed reporting.

APRIL 6, 2014 — Of the Michigan men’s basketball team’s freshmen last year, each saw important minutes and had big moments. Two of this year’s three freshmen did too. Then there’s Mark Donnal. The 6-foot-9 freshman from Monclova, Ohio was redshirted and rode the bench as his teammates moved the Elite Eight. Even the walk-ons that entered blowouts late in the game became more recognizable than Donnal, the four-star recruit who flashed a dynamic inside-outside game in high school. The 240-pound newcomer is reticent and soft-spoken, and if there were character traits that would keep him from blooming into a well-adjusted, productive freshman, those were a few of them. “Coming in, I was a little timid,” Donnal said. The lack of assertiveness and the slow learning curve were enough for Michigan coach John Beilein to tag Donnal with the “redshirt candidate” label early in the season. In a December victory over Stanford, fifth-year senior Jordan Morgan and redshirt junior Jon Horford both fouled out. Six-foot-six sophomore Glenn Robinson III had to play the ‘5’ in the final possessions, and yet, burning Donnal’s redshirt never crossed Beilein’s mind. That was the last game before sophomore Mitch McGary was ruled out with his back injury, and so it would be just Morgan, Horford and a dash of redshirt sophomore Max Bielfeldt in the frontcourt the rest of the season. Donnal said the possibility of a redshirt was never brought

up when Beilein recruited him, yet, it still lingered in the back of Donnal’s mind. When Beilein broached it to him early this season, he marketed the plan as a chance to bulk up (he gained 10 to 15 pounds this year), become stronger and get to learn the offense. It sounds nice enough, but that also meant spending the season watching from the bench, down on the opposite end from Beilein, where the guys who wouldn’t be of service on a given evening were placed. It was something Donnal never had to do. It was tough for him, but he knew there was nothing to do but soak in information. “Jordan, especially defensively, just going up against him, I’m learning from what he’s doing when he’s playing against me,” Donnal said. Donnal was on the scout team this season, and by seeing the angles and nuances Morgan and Horford played with in practice, he was able to absorb the new concepts. “He’s still learning the ins and outs of the game,” Morgan said. “I don’t even remember what I knew in high school, but he’s learning.” Donnal’s not sure when exactly it was, just that it came around the middle of the regular season, but he turned a corner. He’d found success against Morgan and Horford enough in practice that he knew he belonged. “I started to pick up everything, and my game started to come back to me, and I’m getting in the flow of the college game,” Donnal said. If it wasn’t for the redshirt, Morgan and Horford might have had to worry about their job security. “Over the past couple months, he’s just become really good.

Really dominates, shoots the ball well.” The tentativeness that plagued Donnal through the season’s first couple months seemed to disappear. “Now that I have my confidence back, I know that I can play with these guys,” Donnal said. The hallmark ‘5’ of the John Beilein offense is a guy that can hang with the best big men under the rim, but also take his defender outside to shoot the 3-pointer. West Virginia sensation Kevin Pittsnogle was the paradigm for the type of player Beilein wanted at that position. But since he came to Michigan, Beilein’s ‘5’ has looked less like Pittsnogle and more like, well, Morgan. The outside shot has never been a threat from Beilein’s center in his Michigan days. With Donnal, though, that might change. “He’s told me that he’s excited to have a big man that can shoot threes,” Donnal said. In a 50-minute open practice at Lucas Oil Stadium a day before Michigan’s Sweet 16 bout against Tennessee, Donnal showed fans for the first time — outside of pregame warmups — what he could do. He had the most fluid jump shot of Michigan’s big men, he finished around the rim with both hands and he had perhaps the most polished post game behind Mitch McGary. Asked if he’s thought about what the team might look like if Donnal was on the court late this year, Morgan sidestepped the question, but made a point with authority. “I think about next year,” he said. “I think he’s gonna make a really big difference for this team next year.”

Sports

4E — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

ICE HOCKEY

All that’s left is hope M ERIN KIRKLAND/Daily

Zach Nagelvoort saved 63 shots in the Big Ten Tournament against Penn State, but his effort wasn’t enough.

Hockey falls short of NCAA Tournament Loss to Penn State makes ‘M’ first team out By ERIN LENNON Daily Sports Writer

MARCH 23, 2014 — Sitting at the podium Thursday evening in St. Paul, Minn., Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson answered questions from the media, his face illuminated by two spotlights, eyes glassy. With your résumé as it stands right now, do you think you get into the NCAA Tournament? “Some people look at it right now and they’ll say we’ve fallen down to wherever we’ve fallen,” he said. “I’m not one of those.” Instead, he said, the Wolverines had been focused on the one game they could have controlled, a first-round loss to Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament. But on Selection Sunday, Berenson didn’t have to speculate about the immediate future. Michigan finished 15th in the PairWise rankings, missing out

on the NCAA Tournament for a second straight year and starting a new streak after snapping a 22-year-long one. “There was still a glimmer of hope, but we didn’t deserve it,” Berenson said Sunday. “I feel worse this year. Last year was the end of an era — Michigan had had a lot of momentum getting into the tournament and maybe being a regular in the tournament was taken for granted — but last year it wasn’t even close … This should have been a bounce-back year.” Saturday, the Wolverines held their breath — some monitoring Twitter, the others streaming the game online — as Western Michigan took on North Dakota in the North Central Hockey Conference consolation game. They rooted for the Broncos, who had bested them in the Great Lakes Invitational nearly four months prior, even if they didn’t check the score until the bitter end. “Some guys watched the game, other guys couldn’t watch the game,” said senior defenseman Mac Bennett. “Eventually everyone looked on (the website) and realized what was happening.

When (North Dakota) wins that game, that’s it.” The game was one of three Michigan needed to end in its favor in order to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. When the buzzer sounded and the scoreboard read 5-0 in favor of North Dakota, Michigan’s season all but ended. Denver, which won the NCHC, took the 15th PairWise slot from the Wolverines with its automatic bid. “That game was more important to North Dakota than Western Michigan,” Berenson said. “I can’t blame them. We’re in our situation because of us.” Michigan became the first team out. Sunday, Berenson held a glass mug of black coffee as he answered questions about the official end of the season, his predictions for the next few weeks and the next year. He smiled when reporters asked if he would be back for another season. The could’ve, would’ve, should’ve of the weekend aside, he was certain of one thing. “Oh yeah, I’m back,” Berenson said. “One year at a time.”

ARCH 21, 2014 — ST. PAUL, Minn. — Zach Nagelvoort looked up in search of an explanation. Five other players remained on the ice of the Xcel Energy Center and GREG surveyed the GARNO stands. Three members of the Penn State hockey team looked ahead at the locker room they were preparing to enter. Nearly 15 fans leaned over the railing to congratulate their team. Sophomore forward Andrew Copp looked into the nearempty stands while freshman forward Tyler Motte fixed his gaze on the ice. But Nagelvoort glanced up, first to the shot line from 92:47 of hockey that just played out. Flashed across the board, he read 65-53 in favor of the Nittany Lions. He looked up just a bit further, for a brief moment, to read the losing score: 2-1. Four minutes ago, Nagelvoort dropped to his knees and hung his head. He didn’t turn to look for the puck. He hadn’t seen it get past him anyhow. Within seconds, Nagelvoort was swarmed by his teammates around the net. Sophomore netminder Steve Racine tapped him on the head and the 12th-ranked Wolverines huddled around him until he disappeared into a hypno wheel of maize and blue. For what could be the last time this season, Michigan shook hands before Nagelvoort went to his spot just five feet away from the exit to the locker room. The seats all but cleared, not even 10 minutes after the final horn. He looked up. Then to his

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left. He motioned the sign of the cross and bowed his head as he exited the ice. The scoreboard reset to zero. ***

T

his moment didn’t have to happen. Any one game — or one moment — could have altered the course. But it didn’t. This is a team that controlled its own destiny weeks ago and instead left itself with a night that would either make a season, or break every last part of it. All against an opponent with three conference wins. The team that needed one goal in the sudden-death overtime couldn’t find it. Not even when Andrew Copp came from behind the net to find the loose puck and fired a backhanded shot that bounced off the post and onto the red line. For 1.2 seconds the puck fluttered around the red goal line and it spun without wavering in one direction or another. In 1.2 seconds, a season’s worth of pressure nearly vanished. In 1.2 seconds, a season’s worth of inconsistency ready to be disregarded. But in 1.3 seconds, a season’s worth of pressure and stress that wouldn’t fall was kicked away from Penn State netminder Matt Skoff to the boards. “I mean, I guess the hockey gods had our back on that play,” Skoff would say. The team that struggled to find its identity, even when it knew what it wanted, struggled mightily once more. As if something was preventing it from executing. If it really were up to some higher power, the puck would

have moved two inches and across the line and the berth into the NCAA Tournament would have been all but secured. Because for 22 years, it was the case. Instead a new streak may be formed. Two years of watching, not playing, in the postseason. And the season will reset once more. ***

E

xpressionless, Nagelvoort sits at the podium and looks up at the TV in front of him. Sophomore forward Boo Nieves answers questions while Nagelvoort watches the replay of the first goal he allowed. He shakes his head during the replay and doesn’t break his stare into the distance. It’s another reminder before his walk back to the locker room. The shock sets in now. Senior defenseman Mac Bennett stands outside the locker room in the hallway. He has no words for how he’s feeling. He flashes back to that goal that sent Nagelvoort to his knees — the moment that ended more than 92 minutes of hockey. “That goal was my fault,” Bennett says. “That game was my fault. And this season might be my fault. “It’s out of our control now. We’ve just got to sit and hope.” Still outside the locker room, senior forward Derek DeBlois lowers his voice. He doesn’t stare up at reporters very often. “We don’t know what the future holds at this point — it’s kind of out of our hands,” he says. “We’ll cross our fingers. Maybe say a couple prayers.” It’s all you can do when 63 saves aren’t enough.

“That game was my fault.”

Sports

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Fall 2014 — 5E

THE STATEMENT

Beyond obligation: Gender equality in sports By ZACH SHAW Daily Sports Writer

FEB. 17, 2014 — LSA senior Shannon Niznik hasn’t brushed her hair in three days. Her face is buried in an LSAT book, and she is studying anonymously in the Business School’s Winter Garden. No one asks to pose for pictures with her; no one asks for her autograph, no one gawks, points or even gives a second glance while walking by. In today’s age, the sighting of a high-profile male athlete can be compared to seeing a movie star in person. Even if he isn’t recognized immediately, the University of Michigan athletic apparel and the infamous blue backpack are enough to garner at least a few hushed looks. But for Niznik, she only causes a stir on game days, when — as a senior member of the Michigan cheerleading team — she is asked to pose for pictures with kids, students and husbands. “On game days we’re always posing for photos, holding babies and talking to people,” Niznik said. “Cheerleaders are wellknown for the uniform that we’re wearing, but people don’t know a thing about us. Only until recently on the website I was just Shannon the cheerleader. They don’t even realize we exist outside of the uniform and pom poms, it’s an identity-less entity.” Such is life for many female athletes. Even in the modern era, female athletes sometimes lack the recognition and — in many cases, respect — that male athletes receive. Across the nation, every Division I school has roughly the same scholarships for men and women, facilities are equitable nationwide, and women are given ample opportunity to compete for their teams, just like men. But the problem of gender equality in sports remains unsolved. More than four decades after Title IX, the push for gender equality in sports has reached what may be the difficult final stretch. A legal history When Title IX of the Education Amendment Act was passed in 1972, the future of college sports was merely an after-

ing for championships, we were playing because we had to have a team out there,” Hutchins said. “We never started a practice before 8:00 in the middle of the winter because we had to let all the men’s sports go before us. They were fully funded; we were on shoe strings. Around the mid90s we were taken more seriously, and now we’re seeing women’s sports looked at based on their success on the field just like the men are.” Today, the effects of Title IX can be seen all over the sports world, and Ann Arbor is no exception. Nearly a million viewers watched Hutchins’ softball team fall to Washington in last year’s Women’s College World Series. Michigan currently boasts 14 varsity women’s sports, one more than men’s varsity sports teams, and the University complies with Title IX on every documentable level. Women’s participation in sports is at an all-time high, but according to Sport Management Prof. Ketra Armstrong, an associate dean of kinesiology, compliance with the law is only the first step toward equality. “Title IX has caused female athletes to have greater participation and more empowerment in sports,” Armstrong said. “But there were unintended (bad) consequences. The whole idea was to provide equality, but what came with Title IX was a decline in female coaches and administrators.” Armstrong noted that before Title IX, women held the majority of administrative positions in women’s sports. Yet after Title IX, the number of women’s coaches for women’s teams dwindled to 43 percent. Though Armstrong’s numbers are based off national research, the University follows trend in terms of the declining numbers of female administrators. Three decades ago, the year before Hutchins took over as head coach, nine of the 10 women’s varsity sports were coached by women. Today, seven of 14 women’s varsity coaches are male.

thought. The act was put into place to ensure that the quality of education in America was equal for both males and females. Doors opened for female faculty and administrators; standardized tests were monitored and altered to fairly assess to both genders equally; arts, music and theater programs were designed to balance male and female participation and involvement. But as the years wore on, it became clear that athletics would be the biggest but most controversial change under the law. In the late 1970s, female athletes began to file lawsuits, claiming athletic departments weren’t taking the law seriously. The 1980s saw progress, but according to Michigan softball coach Carol Hutchins — who was hired as an assistant in 1983 before taking over as head coach two years later — the movement was far from desired equality. “We were just a cut above intramural sports,” Hutchins said. “Title IX passed in ’72, but it wasn’t being well-received when I arrived. Athletic departments recognized they had a federal court case on their hands if they didn’t comply, so schools had women’s sports, but they weren’t being supported real well.” Despite offering a women’s gym class and even introducing a women’s basketball team that played against Eastern Michigan in 1898, the University didn’t offer varsity sports until it lawfully had to, and didn’t comply with Title IX’s mandate on scholarships until 1989. Equal focus on male and female sports at the University wasn’t given until the ruling of the 1992 Supreme Court case, Franklin v. Gwinnett County Public Schools, which ruled punitive damages should be awarded to those who suffered when Title IX is intentionally avoided. It was then, Hutchins said, that women’s sports finally had the attention of the University Athletic Department. “Out of those 40 years (of Title IX), the first 20 we weren’t play-

“We were just a cut above intramural sports.”

LUNA ANNA ARCHEY/Daily

Sophomore Madeline Shields cools down from a row during a training trip in Florida.

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Sophomore Emma Burke works out in February, encouraged by graduate assistant coach Nellie Ruedig.

Armstrong, who has played, coached and researched at a Division I level in addition to working with the NCAA and Olympics to promote social justice and gender equality, feels that the administrative loophole has prevented athletics from reaching true gender equality 42 years after Title IX passed. “We aren’t seeing the same parallel improvements across the board in women’s athletics, even today,” Armstrong said. “The number of females in managerial roles today is disheartening, because that’s where the effective change stems from.” Women on the field On the field itself, female athletes still face an uphill battle gaining the same respect as males. According to Armstrong, the atmosphere of apathy or hospitality stems from centuries of societal norms. “Sport has always been perceived as a male domain,” Armstrong said. “Sport was the way in which men practiced masculinity, it was a rite of passage. Due to this, women have always been perceived as invaders, and that’s made it hard for them to really earn the same level of respect.” One such woman is Kinesiology senior Kristin Nagle, who has done gymnastics since age two, eventually earning a spot on Michigan’s team. A self-professed tomboy, Nagle struggled fitting in for as long as she can remember. “I always tried to adapt and form to what women should be,” Nagle said. “Hair, makeup, earrings, looking back it’s kind of sad, it wasn’t me. I was just trying to fit society’s mold and fit in with my sport, it wasn’t who I am.” Meanwhile, as a member

of the Michigan cheerleading team, Niznik was taking part in August practices last summer, in which the team was preparing for both the football season and to defend their 2013 National Championship. As the first half of the 12-hour practice wound down and a lunch break was set to begin, the team was given an assignment several days before its first class. “This bank gave Michigan a donation, and they were having a party,” Niznik said. “So we all had to stop practice and go to a bank on Main Street and clap for them as they walked out of a meeting.” The role of cheerleaders is different than any other sport — male or female — on campus. The team must simultaneously train to defend their National Championship and represent the face of the University. “Everyone knows the uniforms and what cheerleaders are,” Niznik said. “So when the University needs a stand-in or wants to make their presence known they just send us, because we have pretty faces and shiny pom poms and really stick out.”

ties has begun to do just that. But the law can only control so much. The way women’s athletics are perceived is far from equal to men’s. From January 2000 to June 2011, Sports Illustrated featured women on just 35 of their covers — roughly 4.9 percent of 716 published issues. “(Women’s sports) are still evolving,” Hutchins said. “My father’s generation couldn’t even fathom gender equality, but it’s generational. People are viewing women’s athletics a heck of a lot better than they were 10, 20 years ago. It’s evolving, just like society is still evolving, but we always have to be vigilant for equality. By the next generation, we’ll be pretty close.” Added Armstrong: “This generation gets it. When I teach my classes, my students are phenomenal. Hope is on the horizon. This generation embraces the social justice concept and has the belief that gender equality is something society needs, that life should be fair and rules are there to promote fair play.” Laws are put into place to lay the foundation for change. They can’t dictate the reaction, perception or acceptance of those affected by the law. Title IX has pushed women’s sports from an afterthought to an obligation to an opportunity. Now, the burden is on those involved in the sports world to ensure women’s athletics garner equal recognition and respect as men’s sports.

“This generation gets it. ... My students are phenomenal.”

Fair play: The future movement Throughout history, sports have paved the road for change in society. From uniting social and economic classes to breaking down racial barriers, equality on the field has often been achieved first, with society following suit. If Title IX were a living woman, she’d be middle-aged. At 42, the law enforcing gender equality between federally funded activi-

For the full version Check the MichiganDaily.com Statement page

Sports

6E — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

SOFTBALL

Remembering Michigan’s escape to the Super Regional By JUSTIN MEYER Daily Sports Writer

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

Michigan coach Erik Bakich’s team improved all season and will bring back nearly all of its key contributors next year.

Michigan baseball is on its way back

M

AY 25, 2014 — Only one team gets to end each season on top, so for all but one team, the saying “Wait ’til next year” is little more than a cushion to the blow of defeat. But after a second season under coach Erik Bakich, ZACH Michigan SHAW baseball has On Baseball something brewing for 2015. The team lost in every way possible, failing to get above .500 until May. But by the time the Wolverines finished behind only No. 9 Indiana and No. 23 Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament and ended the season with 30 wins for the first time since 2010, the youth that had lost so many early games became the team’s greatest strength. Now, with up to 27 of 32 players returning next season and another top recruiting class coming in, Bakich has the pieces necessary for his vision of success to become reality. ***

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he 2014 season began with nothing but agony for the Wolverines. On Feb. 14, Michigan opened its season by blowing late-game leads of three and four runs in consecutive extra-inning losses to Texas State and Washington. The next week was no better: The Wolverines dropped three one-run games to Houston. Freshman right-hander Keith Lehmann and freshman lefthander Brett Adcock were 0-2 with a 12.70 earned-run average in bullpen work in the team’s opening eight games. But over the course of the season, the pair rose up the ranks to become late-season starters and combined to go 11-5 with a 2.82 ERA with 93 strikeouts in their first seasons. The rest of the team followed suit, finishing 12-5 with an underclassmen core leading the charge. The improvements weren’t enough for a title. Not yet. But

through the up and down season, the evidence of Bakich’s vision was clear. It was clear following Saturday’s season-ending loss to Nebraska, when a reflection of the season quickly turned into an analysis of things to come. It was clear after a 7-1 win at Central Michigan on May 6, which for many teams would have been little more than a meaningless non-conference win. “There will come a time where these games will be just as big as the conference games,” Bakich said. “Our team will be playing for at-large bids and the opportunity to host regionals, and people across the country will be looking at how we do in every one of our games.” It was clear after a 5-1 win against Ohio State on May 10, as many of the 2,064 fans who attended the game — the largest crowd since 2010 — lined up for autographs following the game. “We want this to be the expectation,” he said. “There will come a time, very soon, that this atmosphere won’t just be for rivalry games, but every game. That each series we play will be a packed house, and teams will hate coming to play here not just because of our team, but because of our fans.” The vision was always aimed at the future. But as the season concluded Saturday, it seemed like the future is closer than before. Next year’s team will return at least three of four pitchers who started in last weekend’s Big Ten Tournament. Its top nine pitchers in earned-run average will be back. And junior right-hander Matt Ogden, who missed the entire season due to injury and led last year’s team with an 8-1 record and a 2.28 earned-run average, will be reintroduced. Additionally, the Wolverines return roughly 80 percent of their offense, including sophomore shortstop Travis Maezes, a .308 career hitter who was named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team with a conferencebest .706 on-base percentage. Fulfilling the potential of

young players is one of college sports’ greatest mysteries. Getting contributions from underclassmen was relatively easy for Michigan, but getting those contributions to form team leaders and stars is completely different. That’s why last weekend’s tournament — in which 23 of the Wolverines’ 28 hits and every single extra-base hit came from players who will return next year — proved to be a promising sign. But Bakich’s vision asks for a little more than promise. In his introductory press conference in 2012, Bakich used the word “championship” 18 times, making his goal clear from day one. Going 173-70 from 2005-08, the Wolverines won three conference titles and made four NCAA tournament appearances in a row. But things unraveled at a startling pace, leading to the worst two-year stretch in the program’s history in 2011-12, which ultimately brought Bakich to Michigan. With his second straight highly ranked recruiting class and the majority of his team’s core coming back next year, Bakich is looking to rebuild the pillar of success that had crumbled upon his arrival. ***

A

fter the home finale against Ohio State, as the line for autographs stretched from left field to behind home plate, it became clear that fans are buying into the future too. Knowing this, Bakich smiled and looked at the infield shimmering in the sun, envisioning the even brighter future ahead. “We’re looking to have a big crowd on every occasion,” Bakich said. “We want our team to be successful enough to which we can get 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 in here watching us play. It’s like what I tell the guys, ‘they won’t be able to build these seats fast enough.’ ” Think it sounds ambitious now? Just wait ’til next year.

MAY 22, 2014 — When Michigan stumbled through the last part of the regular season, coach Carol Hutchins called it a bad time to play bad softball. A talent-laden team with power at the plate and speed in the infield seemed destined to head home early this spring. One Sunday, though, changed the way the Wolverines’ season would be remembered. Over 1,600 miles from Ann Arbor, in a sweltering heat wave, the Wolverines’ path went through a talented San Diego State team and an Arizona State squad that they eliminated from the Women’s College World Series last spring. But in the winner’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament, Sun Devils senior right-hander Dallas Escobedo blasted pitch after pitch past the Wolverines and put their hopes of a Super Regional appearance into serious doubt. Then came the fireworks. In a late elimination game against San Diego State, sophomore shortstop Sierra Romero collected five RBI and a grand slam in a six-inning mercy rule victory. Michigan was back, rolling into Sunday’s games against Arizona State with momentum, a hot-hitting Romero and a fighting chance to stay in the tournament. *** Sunday, May 18 The day never got the chance to start off right for the Wolverines. Romero and senior outfielder Nicole Sappingfield woke up in the middle of the night with flu-like symptoms. Needing back-to-back wins against Escobedo, one of the best pitchers in Pac-12 history with a 115-26 all-time record, Michigan couldn’t go without Sappingfield and Romero, its second and third hitters. Romero sat in the dugout with cold towels over her head before taking the field, and the pair participated in abbreviated warmups to conserve energy. Sappingfield: “Both of us woke up in the middle of the night and just started puking. Then we went that morning and got some IVs and got a little bit of rest before we went to the game. We went about an hour after everyone else and started warming up.” Hutchins: “One of the things that really propelled our kids more than any single thing was (Romero and Sappingfield). They could barely stand up, they had IVs in them, Romo got IV’d between games. The kids rallied around them. Those two were inches from not playing, they were really sick.

“We’ve had five or six trips to the ER on this trip. I thought it was a heat thing at the start, but it turns out we have a flu bug going through our team. It hasn’t stopped. It’s still going through us.” Michigan got out to a rough start in the first game when freshman pitcher Megan Betsa gave up a two-run homer in the top of the first. In the bottom of the inning, though, Sappingfield reached on a single with Romero following at the plate. Escobedo (On Saturday, May 17): “I have heard a lot about (Romero) all over the media. I am going to stick to my plan. I am not going to adjust to someone that is doing great. I am doing great too, so I might as well stick to what I am doing.” A few pitches later Romero sent a shot barely over the left-field wall that tied the game. The dugout exploded, but it looked like Romero was struggling just to summon the energy to round the bases. “She gives us confidence when she swings. I can tell you what, that kid (Romero) was hurting. Sappingfield made a diving catch, Romero made a bunch of great plays, that’s mental toughness. Hutchins: “Take a kid like (Romero), who was Big Ten Player of the Year as a freshman, not just Freshman of the Year, Player of the Year, and an All-American, and she’s better this year. She wants to be the very best.” In the third inning, senior first baseman Caitlin Blanchard put Michigan ahead for good when she smoked the Wolverines’ second home run of the day with Romero on base. A 4-3 final score forced a second, winnertake-all game.

sixth, though, and the Wolverines headed to the top of the seventh down a run. Blanchard batted first, but she grounded out to short, bringing Lawrence to the plate again. Lawrence drilled the first pitch she saw for her second consecutive solo home run, but the wheels would continue to fall off for Arizona State. Senior designated player Taylor Hasselbach took advantage of the very next pitch. Mowins (Calling the game for ESPN): “And there’s a deep fly ball, and that is gone! Michigan takes the lead! Back-to-back home runs off of one of the best pitchers in the country.” Hasselbach: “I just never gave up. I just saw the ball and got excited and hit it.” Hutchins: “That’s what seniors do. If you come to the NCAA Tournament and your seniors don’t show up, you won’t be in it very long. They’re the ones that have to lead the way.” Michigan owned a 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh, but the drama still wasn’t over. The Sun Devils put a runner on base, and with two outs, Amber Freeman caught all of Wagner’s pitch, sending a screaming line drive over senior center fielder Lyndsay Doyle’s head towards the wall. Sappingfield: “From where I was standing, I just remember standing and yelling, ‘Find the wall, find the wall!’ ” Hutchins: “When Taylor hit that ball I thought, ‘Maybe this is meant to be,’ and that last part of the game, I thought, ‘Well, maybe it isn’t.’ ” Sappingfield: “The next thing I know it was in her glove. I don’t know that there was any time for fear. I knew that Doyle was going to get there, and she did.” Doyle: “Honestly no, words cannot describe the moment that I went through last night.” Hutchins: “You go from the highest high after Taylor’s home run and, I openly admit, I thought it was gone. I thought it was gone and it was a walk-off. I just couldn’t believe it — it was from low to high like that. It was unreal. “(Sunday) night, we were a great team.” Doyle: “The fact that we still get to play, us six seniors get to put on a uniform and we get to practice on Tuesday, it means the world to me.” Michigan rode the momentum to a 17-3 thrashing of Florida State, before dropping two straight games and being eliminated by a walk-off home run. The Wolverines missed the Women’s College World Series by one win. After downing the Sun Devils a week earlier, though, the team stormed out of the dugout and toward Doyle with almost reckless abandon, salvaging a season in the process.

“I just couldn’t believe it. ... It was unreal.”

*** Game 2 The start to the second game was markedly different from the tense first game. Escobedo walked in two runs for Michigan while Wagner gave up a pair of homers. After three, the score stood 4-2 in favor of Arizona State. Sophomore outfielder Sierra Lawrence stepped to the plate in the fifth after the game had started to tighten up. Beth Mowins (Calling the game for ESPN): “Sierra Lawrence, her second home run of the regional! It’s a one-run game. Third home run of the day that Michigan has hit against Escobedo.” Lawrence: “My team knew I could do it, the coaches knew I could it and I just had to believe in myself and know I could do it.” The game was scoreless in the

“Those two were inches from not playing.”

SOFTBALL

The walk off

M

AY 24, 2014, TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — By the time Florida State rushed the field to celebrate its Women’s College World Series berth, there was nothing more Michigan could do. Courtney Senas, the Seminoles’ lightning-rod MAX center fielder from Wahiawa, BULTMAN Hawaii, hit On Softball a two-run walk-off home run, and there was no bringing it back. Michigan coach Carol Hutchins always asks her team to keep fighting, but now there were no more battles to fight. All that was left for the Wolverines to do was watch Senas leap in the air before touching first, then see her move into a dead sprint toward home, then try to collect themselves walking off the field for the toughest moments in all of sports.

When a season ends, inevitably, so does a career, or two, or six. For outfielders Lyndsay Doyle and Nicole Sappingfield, Senas’ home run meant they would never again start the game in the outfield, where they’ve played together for their entire careers. For designated player Taylor Hasselbach, no more home runs that make everyone in the stadium wonder how she didn’t play more often early in her career. For first baseman Caitlin Blanchard, she was now just an alumnus of the program she has followed since long before Hutchins invited her to be a part of it. To Brandi Virgil, the two-run shot meant her days pinch-running were done, and for Katie Luetkens, it was time to christen a new leader of The Bench Mob. Looking back, Hasselbach had her chances with the bases loaded. Virgil could have been

called safe on a tag at home in the fifth inning, and Blanchard was stuck watching from third in the seventh. But that wasn’t important once reality sunk in. Hutchins said she was proud of her team’s heart, and she meant it. No one outside the program knows what Hutchins said in the huddle she called while the Seminoles jumped up and down around home plate, then rolled around on the infield dirt, then ran around screaming and hugging. But you can bet it involved the word “pride.” After all, they had done everything she’s preached since day one. They played the game pitch by pitch, like Hasselbach and Doyle did last week with their unthinkable plays to beat Arizona State. They did their part, like Virgil when she came into nearly every game to pinch run, then left each one without protest.

Sappingfield played through the flu in 100-degree weather. It was understandable, then, for Hutchins to get a little choked up when asked to reflect on her senior group. “It’s tough,” Hutchins said. “It’s tough to say goodbye.” The Wolverines have plenty of returning talent, and even more in the incoming recruiting class. They could very well make another run next year behind sophomore shortstop Sierra Romero and the same pitching staff of juniors Haylie Wagner and Sara Driesenga and freshman Megan Betsa. But right now, it’s hard to imagine any of that without Sappingfield, Doyle, Blanchard, Hasselbach, Virgil or Luetkens. In college sports, it’s still about winning with the people you want to win with. Sometimes it’s about walking away together when there’s nothing left to do.

Sports

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

Fall 2014 — 7E

Men’s swim wins fourth straight title Wolverines take Big Ten at home in landslide By MAX BULTMAN Daily Sports Writer

MARCH 2, 2014 — When the officials of the Big Ten Swimming and Diving Championships began handing out All-Conference awards, Mike Bottom took his shoes off. For the fourth straight season, the world-renowned Michigan swimming coach was about to take a celebratory dive into the pool. Bottom, who is in his sixth season with the team, has won five Big Ten championships in his tenure. This one, though, brought a new twist to the celebration — a home crowd. The No. 2 Michigan men’s swimming and diving team (6-0 Big Ten, 9-0 overall) earned the applause Saturday at Canham Natatorium, finishing off a fourday championship weekend that saw the Wolverines accumulate 889 total points — 325 more than runner-up Indiana. “What it means is to see the happy — I mean, look at the fans,“ Bottom said, stopping to gesture to a wall of parents, students and alumni singing ‘The Victors’ in the bleachers. “That’s a world of difference in what we’re doing.” Added senior Connor Jaeger: “How many hours a week do I spend here? This is my home. It’s so sentimental that my last swim senior year ends with being able to celebrate with the home crowd and the whole team here.” Michigan was dominant throughout the weekend, breaking school, pool and conference records along the way. Eleven of its athletes were named firstteam All-Big Ten. The Wolverines’ team of Jaeger, sophomore Anders Nielsen, junior Justin Glanda and senior Michael Wynalda began the excitement Wednesday, setting a new NCAA record in the 800yard freestyle relay. The quartet finished in 6:09.85, beating the old record by .25 seconds. The record-setting performance came just after Michigan’s first win of the meet — the 200-yard medley relay — in which senior John Wojciechowski, sophomore Peter Brumm and juniors Richard Funk and Bruno Ortiz won in 1:24.38. While the speedy relay times were impressive, they were somewhat expected. The Wolverines have arguably the best distance corps in the nation and are the reigning national champions in the 200-yard medley relay. Less expected, though, was the standout showing by sophomore Timothy Faerber on the diving board. Faerber became the first Michigan diver in 11 years to score in all three diving events — the one- and threemeter diving boards, and the platform dive. Qualifying eighth

in all three disciplines, Faerber took fourth place in the threemeter and the platform. Though the diving board has been a source of frustration for the Wolverines this season, Faerber delivered, something that is sure to inspire confidence in the team going forward — especially considering how well he bounced back from the few dives that didn’t score highly. “I actually don’t try to clear my mind,” Faerber said. “I let it sit there. I used to try to forget about it, but that’s impossible. I let it sit there to fuel to my next dive and make me angry, and I know I have to make up for it with my next few.” Back in the pool, Michigan’s most electric display came from senior Kyle Whitaker and sophomore Dylan Bosch. The pair went 1-2 in three individual events, including both individual medleys. Bosch won the 200-yard butterfly, setting a new Big Ten record in preliminaries and leading a pack of Wolverines that took four of the top five spots. In the final, Bosch set the pace at 1:40.54, and was followed by his training partner, Whitaker, in 1:41.90. Brumm and Wojciechowski took fourth and fifth, respectively. Whitaker, though, got the best of the sophomore in the two medleys. In Thursday’s 200-yard individual medley, Whitaker finished in 1:41.30, closely followed by Bosch in 1:41.66. Earlier in the day at prelims, Whitaker broke former Wolverine Tyler Clary’s school record by swimming the race in a time of 1:41.14. Clary, an Olympic gold medalist in the 200-meter backstroke, was in the building to see his record broken. “Obviously, I’d love to keep the record forever,” Clary said. “It’s cool that the guys that broke them are guys that I’ve trained with. I’ve come to know them, and I like them a lot. “I know that those guys focus a lot on detail. If anything, I was watching them to see if I could learn anything about their breaststroke.” Clary too is part of the winning tradition built at Canham Natatorium. The eastern wall of the pool building holds the offices of Bottom, diving coach KZ Li and all of their assistants. In the window of each office sits a Big Ten championship trophy — a reminder to everyone who walks by of the high standard for success. “I think (it’s intimidating),” Jaeger said. “I think (other swimmers) know where they are when they walk in here.” Jaeger did his part to take up more window space over the weekend. The senior successfully defended his titles in both the 500-yard and 1,650-yard freestyles and added a fourth-place finish in the 400-yard individual medley. In the 1,650-yard event, Jaeger was flanked by sophomore Anders Lie Nielsen, his training partner and fellow Olympian.

The two cruised through the swim, finishing first and third in times of 14:34.19 and 14:48.23, respectively. Jaeger led the entire race, a situation he has grown accustomed to over his fouryear career at Michigan. He and the rest of the seniors will leave Michigan having won a Big Ten title in every season they’ve competed. “When they came in, they were taught by seniors before them, and they took in the culture of the teams before them,”

Bottom said. “They’ve carried it forward. They’re carrying forward what Michigan’s all about.” In less than a month, Jaeger, Whitaker, Faerber, Bottom and the rest of the Wolverines will travel to Dallas, looking to take another victory swim at the NCAA Championships. Bottom will wear his shoes on the pool deck there. Of course, if everything goes right for his team, he very well could be taking them off again, for one more swim with his seniors.

“They’re carrying forward what Michigan’s all about.”

BY THE NUMBERS Michigan Athletics

4

Consecutive Big Ten titles for the men’s swimming and diving team, plus a national championship in 2013

.432

Career batting average for junior softball player Sierra Romero

4,440

Career passing yards for fifth-year senior quarterback Devin Gardner

2

Ranking of the Michigan men’s soccer team’s 2014 recruiting class

32-5

Wrestling record of sophomore heavyweight Adam Coon, who spent much of his freshman season ranked No. 1

.929

Save percentage by sophomore goalie Zach Nagelvoort last season

3

Michigan basketball players selected in the NBA Draft in June

15:26.08

School-record 5,000-meter run time held by sophomore Erin Finn

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Timothy Faerber scored in all three diving events as Michigan won the Big Ten.

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Sports

8E — Fall 2014

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

‘M’ season ends in NIT Women’s basketball finishes 20-14, loses in 3rd round to Bowling Green By ALEXA DETTELBACH Daily Sports Editor

MARCH 27, 2014, BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — It’s safe to say the Michigan women’s basketball team will want to beat Bowling Green next year. Badly. The Wolverines kicked off their season with a loss to Bowling Green (17-1 MAC, 30-4 overall) in early November, and just four and a half months later, the Falcons picked up where they left off. Michigan’s season ended just like it started after the Wolverines (8-8 Big Ten, 20-14) fell 63-53 in the third round of the WNIT. In one of the loudest venues Michigan has played in this season, Bowling Green pushed the Wolverines from both teams’ favorite spot — the 3-point arc. The Falcons hit ďŹ ve of nine from beyond the arc in the ďŹ rst half and added four more in the second, holding Michigan to 3-for13 from three.

Sophomore guard Madison Ristovski, who in recent weeks has become the Wolverines’ most lethal long-range threat, was unable to ďŹ nd a rhythm. And freshman guard Siera Thompson, who has hit a three in all 35 games this season, went just 1-of-5. “I think our team really grew (between matchups with the Falcons), really improved and really found its identity,â€? said Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico. “Bowling Green is a tough matchup, and they’re extremely tough at home. They had a great atmosphere here tonight, but I think they had the edge playing here.â€? Despite getting out of reach late, the game looked promising early for the Wolverines who, after trailing for the first few minutes of the game, got a jumper from the right side of the key from junior forward Nicole Elmblad to put them up 12-10 five minutes in. The basket not only marked Michigan’s new program record for points in a season but also the Wolverines’ last lead of the game. From there, Michigan went tight when its baskets weren’t falling. “I think this time that we

played them we deďŹ nitely started off a lot stronger,â€? Elmblad said. “This time we were more focused and ready to lock up on defense, but unfortunately we didn’t hold that the entire ďŹ rst half and they were able to make a good run.â€? With 5:02 left in the half and the game still within reach, Elmblad hit a fadeaway that put Michigan within one, but the Falcons countered with a 9-1 run to end the half, putting the Wolverines down nine going into the locker room. Bowling Green used strong 3-point shooting, going 5-for-9 in the ďŹ rst 20 minutes, to pad its lead. Unfortunately for Michigan, the second half wasn’t any prettier. The Wolverines were once again plagued by turnovers, committing 12. After beating their last two WNIT opponents by an average of 38 points while committing 17.5 turnovers, Michigan couldn’t overcome the turnovers in conjunction with a 40-percent shooting night. By the end of the night the Bowling Green crowd was deafening and the Wolverines couldn’t generate a last-minute spark — ending their season just like it began.

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

GYMNASTICS From Page 1E very conďŹ dent pommel horse team, and we wanted to get that one out of the way, and we did it with a bang. And that’s just the way you want to start the national championship.â€? On its third rotation of the night, vault, Michigan made uncharacteristic errors that seemingly opened the door for competitors to get back into contention. But the Wolverines slammed that door shut on the next rotation, parallel bars.

Mikulak once again led Michigan with a score of 16.050 — only .050 less than the NCAA record, set by Mikulak himself two weeks ago at the Big Ten Championships. Graduate student Syque Caesar and Hunter, with scores of 15.200 and 15.050, respectively, also contributed to the overall score of 75.95 — the highest of any team competing. The Wolverines sealed the championship with perhaps their best performance of the night in the sixth and ďŹ nal rotation on oor exercise. Junior Hub Humphrey, participating in his ďŹ rst event of the night, set the

tone for Michigan with a score of 15.15. Junior Stacey Ervin, competing despite a torn bicep, topped Humphrey’s routine with a score of 15.30. But Ervin, too, was upstaged, as Mikulak’s score of 16.05 was the highest on the night on oor exercise by .50 points. “We are very consistent on oor and once we got three hits out of the way, our two big guys, Stacey and Sam, ďŹ nishing off the meet, we knew it,â€? Caesar said. “Once Stacey hit, we knew we had it. It just made it all that much better when Sam stuck the dismount, and we all went ballistic.â€?

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

Sam Mikulak won the all-around national title in March, and Michigan won the team title, its second straight.

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Ann Arbor

January

01/28/14 In a tight mayoral race between four members of City Council, the city’s relationship with the University is prominent from the start. See Page 2F

December

12/04/13 On the ever-shifting East Liberty Street, tech. companies could be the saving grace, revitalizing an area still recovering from the 2011 closure of the flagship Borders store. See Page 5F

November

11/06/13 Democratic candidate Jack Eaton wins his first term on City Council after beating incumbent Marcia Higgins in the August primary.

October

10/22/13 After City Council passes an amendment banning outdoor electronic billboards, several members ask the University to remove the digital marquee outside of Michigan Stadium. See Page 2F

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

Ann Arbor residents Dana Wilson and Connor Otto entertain a crowd of Art Fair attendees at the corner of State Street and North University Ave. on July 19, 2014.

‘U’, city University serves clash over 2 as resource for A parking Collaboration structure between mayor, ‘U’ president has led to tech. growth By EMMA KERR Daily Staff Reporter

Briarwood Mall announces plans to relocate several stores as a recent round of renovations come to a close. Six total stores are included in the move, including Forever 21.

April

04/06/14 ‘Hash Bash’, an iconic city event celebrating marijuana, draws its largest crowd in recent years. See Page 4F

March

03/13/14 In Detroit, affording medical care can be difficult. But a group of medical students from Wayne State University are trying to change that by volunteering their services at a clinic in the city. See Page 7F

February

02/06/14

05/28/14

June

06/19/14 City Council allocates funds for the improvement of Liberty Plaza, a public space in downtown considered a safety concern due to a large number of drug and alcohol incidents.

May

Governor Rick Snyder (R) signs a gradual increase in the state’s minimum wage from $7.40 to $9.25 per hour into law, amid national campaigns to raise it to $10.10 per hour.

07/09/14

July

The Blake Transit Center reopens after a series of renovations inteded to bring Ann Arbor to the forefront of public transit. See Page 4F

A R T FA I R A C R O B AT S

September

09/17/13 In a discussion spanning two meetings, the Ann Arbor City Council votes to postpone a resolution to divest from fossil fuel industries.

F

michigandaily.com New Student Edition

APRIL 14, 2014 — The major overhaul in local leadership, both in the city of Ann Arbor and in the University, marks a new chapter in the city of Ann Arbor’s history. The city’s expanding job market, one of the cornerstones of Mayor John Hieftje’s (D) leadership, and the expanding tech sector are to some extent the result of having the University as a resource to the city. University President Mary Sue Coleman made science and technology commercialization a focus of her administration, one with significant indirect payoffs for Ann Arbor and the region. Throughout their relationship, Hieftje has frequently commended Coleman’s dedication to connecting the University and the city in a positive way. He said this mission of furthering collaboration has been improved under Coleman

compared to past University presidents. “In the last 12 or 14 years, we’ve been able to engage the University to a greater extent in working with things like technology transfer work that is happening at the University and transferring that work to the private sector and to companies that provide jobs for people and help the local economy,” Hieftje said. However, City Councilmember Sabra Briere (D–Ward 1) has a different perspective on the city’s evolving relationship with the University. “The distance between University staff and faculty and those of us who are not affiliated with the University at this time has grown rather than shortened,” Briere said. Briere said despite Coleman’s willingness to engage community leaders, at the end of the day, the University acts with its students, faculty and donors as a priority, even when those choices have far reaching negative effects on Ann Arbor as a city. “I miss the days when University staff were engaged in the city itself and affecting outcomes in the city and help the city be cutting edge, and that’s what I would really like to see

return,” she said. As the University has expanded under Coleman’s tenure, Ann Arbor residents and city officials have felt the effects of its encroachment into the city. The University has purchased numerous properties within the city, and a point of tension between the two institutions. Hieftje said he fears that the city is reaching a tipping point at which taxes must be raised as a result of the significant tax base loss the city experiences as a direct result of University expansion. Since the University is a public entity, the school does not pay property taxes to the city for its buildings. The more land the University purchases, the more potential revenue it takes from the city. “We continue, in all other areas, to have a good relationship with the University, because if you look at that specifically over time, it’s been very, very significant as far as the last 12 years, Hieftje said. “The city has lost 5 percent of its tax income because of the University. They do a lot of wonderful things for us — they bring a lot of culture, they help us attract talent — it’s just that practical point that you cannot make all of the land un-taxable.”

Police trace evidence in DeWolf murder case Three suspects face preliminary hearing after arrest in S. Carolina By EMMA KERR Daily Staff Reporter

DEC. 14, 2013 — To outside observers, it seemed the case had gone cold. University medical student Paul DeWolf was found dead in his room at the Phi Rho Sigma fraternity house in July, it appeared, without any explanation. For the Ann Arbor community, it seemed that his killer had gotten away with murder. But over the past few months, the Ann Arbor Police Department had been piecing together a chain of events and people which lead to the arrest of three suspects hundreds of miles away in South Carolina. The preliminary hearing held Friday marked the beginning of

the legal resolution to DeWolf’s sudden death. Joei Jordan, 20, and Shaquille Jones, 21, sat in Ann Arbor’s 15th District courtroom as defense and prosecution attorneys connected the series of discoveries which brought them to Jordan and Jones. The third suspect, Dajeon Franklin, has been accused by Jones and Jordan as the one who physically pulled the trigger that killed DeWolf. Franklin has not yet been formally charged. Jones and Jordan are facing murder and home invasion related charges. From July 24, the day DeWolf’s body was found, to October 3, police had not announced any promising leads. They knew that DeWolf was last seen at 10:30 p.m. the night he was killed and that there were no obvious signs of forced entry. After talking to residents, a missing PlayStation 3 indicated that the murder may have been related to an attempted home invasion.

Next door to the fraternity, at 210 N. Ingalls Street, a student’s laptop was reported stolen in what at first appeared was an unrelated incident. However, this laptop became the key to charging a suspect in DeWolf’s killing. A week after DeWolf’s death, Police found a wallet belonging to one of the 210 N. Ingalls Street residents on the fraternity’s property. This was not the only item from DeWolf’s neighbor’s home. Police were able to connect the string of robberies to the same party allegedly responsible for DeWolf’s killing, but attempts to identify a suspect had failed. More than two months after the discovery of DeWolf’s body, an unidentified man from Detroit attempted to access the stolen laptop, alerting police as to its exact location in the process, The Detroit Free Press reported. But even after finding the man in possession of the stolen laptop, police were still far from connecting See DEWOLF, Page 6F

Local residents upset with lack of compromise on part of UMHS By SHOHAM GEVA Summer Managing News Editor

JULY 8, 2014 — The $34 million, 725-space University parking garage that opened Monday on Wall Street was never one of the big ticket items in the University of Michigan Health System’s 2005 expansion plan. Located on the edge of the medical campus but bordering the Ann Arbor Lower Town residential neighborhood, the garage wasn’t even the focal point of planned development in its corridor, which also included a major 2006-2010 renovation to the Kellogg Eye Center. Furthermore, it built on previous efforts in the area, adding on to an already existing lot. However, over the years between its first approval in 2008 and second approvalwith modifications in 2012 following an unsuccessful attempt at a city partnership to place it elsewhere, the project found plenty of visibility from a different sector. Along with a net gain of 509 parking spaces for UMHS, the opening also came with a history of years of disagreement between the University and Lower Town residents, prompted by its location between campus and city. Jim Kosteva, University director of community relations, said in an e-mail interview the University was pleased to be able to open the garage and fulfill a major need on campus. “The medical center area has seen the greatest growth in new employees over the past decade, yet no additional parking spaces have been added in this part of campus,” he wrote. “Many employees have been inconvenienced by having to park greater distances from their workplace or spend time hunting for a space.” However, in a series of community meetings in both 2008 and in 2012, residents expressed concerns about the structure’s impact on the city ranging from increased traffic to environmental complications and aesthetic probSee PARKING, Page 6F

Ann Arbor

2F — Fall 2014

The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com

TOWN-GOWN

City Councilmembers request removal of sign Taylor, Teall and Higgins call for ‘U’ to be more neighborly By MATTHEW JACKONEN Daily Staff Reporter

OCT. 22, 2013 — Certain members of the Ann Arbor City Council hope to see the new digital billboard at Michigan Stadium shut off – at least partially. Monday night, Councilmember Christopher Taylor (D–Ward 3) announced he, Margie Teall (D–Ward 4) and Marcia Higgins (D–Ward 4) will bring forward a request to discontinue the East Stadium Drive digital billboard at the next council meeting on Nov. 7. In June, City Council passed an amendment to the existing outdoor advertising ordinance that prohibits the introduction of digital billboards into the city

or the transformation of old billboards into digital ones. Taylor said he and the other supporters are going to suggest that the University discontinue use of the billboard off East Stadium Boulevard because it can be distracting to drivers. “We are going to request they … either decommission the billboard, or, if they decline to do that, to limit its usage to events at Crisler Center or Michigan Stadium,” he said. Though Taylor noted he is aware of the University’s “appropriate” autonomy from the city, he still hopes they will at least understand the issue at hand. “In my view, complying with this request does not undermine their autonomy and would be a neighborly act,” Taylor said. Councilmember Sabra Briere (D–Ward 1) echoed Taylor’s concerns for the safety of residents who may be distracted by the board while driving but said she disagrees with Taylor in the hours the board should be turned

off. “It’s most distracting at the times when there’s the most traffic in the area, both pedestrian and vehicular, and that’s just before games,” Briere said. “Some members of council were thinking in terms of allowing it to be lit just before games. I don’t have a strong view of how distracting it is on a regular basis, but I can tell you when I’ve driven by it, it’s distracting.” Jim Kosteva, the University’s director of community relations, said in a statement that while the University respects the council members’ opinions, it maintains that the sign doesn’t pose a safety threat. “This may simply be a matter of the city and University disagreeing about the marquee’s use, size and effect,” Kosteva said in the statement. “We believe the marquee can safely inform patrons about events that they or their families might enjoy that wouldn’t receive attention otherwise.”

MAYORAL RACE

Town-gown relationship, city planning discussed at forum By EMMA KERR Daily Staff Reporter

JUNE 14, 2014 — As the August primary approaches, all four Democratic mayoral candidates gathered Saturday morning for a forum held by the Ann Arbor Democratic Party to debate several of the key issues in the upcoming election. Current mayor John Hieftje (D) is not seeking reelection, making this the first time in 14 years that there hasn’t been an incumbent running for the position and producing an especially competitive race between the four Democratic candidates — City Council members Sabra Briere (D–Ward 1), Stephen Kunselman (D–Ward 3), Sally Hart Petersen (D–Ward 2) and Christopher Taylor (D–Ward 3) — vying for the seat. As well, there are currently no Republicans running for mayor, giving the primary heightened importance because whoever wins will likely not face an opponent in the general election, barring independent or write in campaigns. Topics at the forum ranged from basic background information, to questions about the University’s relationship with the city and concerns about downtown development and the lack of affordable housing. Two overarching themes presented themselves: how would the elected mayor’s goals for the city differ in comparison with Hieftje’s objectives, and how did each candidate prioritize the unique needs of each Ann Arbor citizen? As members of the same party, the candidates had somewhat similar objectives, but their strategies varied widely, especially when it came to the city’s current policy frameworks. While Taylor expressed the belief that the city, under Mayor Hieftje’s leadership, is already on the right track, other candidates, particularly Kunselman, expressed the need for redirection. Several candidates also argued that two parties have formed within City Council and within the race — those who stand with current mayor Hieftje’s policies, and those who don’t. During the debate, Briere condemned this approach, and asked candidates to focus on the current election, not past divisions. “I don’t belong to a faction,”

Briere said. “John (Hieftje) is gone and we should get over it. Now we look at the future. As much as we may like John or agree with his policies, I’m not running against John and I’m not running to beat John.” As Briere emphasized her long history of maintaining an open minded, representative perspective on issues before the Council, Petersen discussed her vision for improving Ann Arbor through her relatively newer, unique perspective by taking the city in a different direction. This is Petersen’s first term on City Council, and Briere’s fourth. Kunselman and Taylor are serving their fourth and third terms, respectively. “I am running for mayor in order to bring new leadership and a new plan to Ann Arbor that will transform the economic growth ahead of us into much needed revenue to pay for our priorities,” Petersen said. One of these priorities, she added, will be to create a more open and cooperative relation-

understand.” Candidates also debated the importance of prioritizing either the downtown area, or its surrounding neighborhoods. While Briere argued that improvements downtown will benefit neighborhoods and therefore should be the priority, Kunselman preferred a more infrastructure focused approach, providing safe, well maintained neighborhoods and roads first before funding downtown needs. Petersen and Taylor remained more neutral in their stance on either pro downtown or pro neighborhood, emphasizing the need to work with both groups, instead of being in favor of one or the other. The need for affordable housing, a concern City Council has discussed for years and which continues to be an unsolved problem in the city, proved to be one of the most differentiating issues of the morning, eliciting multiple different stances from candidates. Briere argued that Council needs to reach out to other entities in order to fund workforce housing to achieve what she believes is a necessary goal while not taking money away from roads, parks, police, and other necessities. In contrast, Kunselman said as mayor, he would focus on the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, maintaining those residences and attempting to create more, if possible, in lower-cost real estate areas instead of on a downtown location. Petersen also emphasized the need to make affordable housing a priority, and said as mayor she hoped to de-mystify the idea of affordable housing near other neighborhoods. Taylor said part of the affordable housing problem stems from students, and proposed incentivizing investors to build affordable housing downtown instead of student housing. Candidates also discussed inspiring commercial development and the possible re-zoning of Main St., better non-motorized transportation, the City Council’s relationship with the Downtown Development Authority, and how to further utilize the University as a resource to the city’s growth and development. The Ann Arbor Democratic mayoral primary will be held Aug. 5. Five additional debates between candidates are scheduled within the next few weeks.

“They are going to kill the goose that laid the golden egg, because all these amenities downtown are going to be nothing but a student food court” ship between the University and the city. Instead of asking for measures such as the controversial payment in lieu of taxes program, which has been brought up by city officials several times as a solution to the tax revenue the city loses every time the University buys property and it becomes tax exempt, Petersen said the city needed to create a dialogue with the University to address these kinds of issues. Other candidates leaned more towards a focus on representing the non-University portions of the city and prioritizing the needs of local, voting citizens, emphasizing a different kind of cooperation from the University. “We certainly need to have a Board of Regents that is cognizant that if they keep growing and buying Ann Arbor city property, they are going to kill the goose that laid the golden egg because all of these amenities downtown are going to be nothing but a student food court,” Kunselman said. Taylor encouraged this same sort of education and awareness from the University. “They (the University) are not evil,” he said. “They just don’t

VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

Mayoral candidate Chris Taylor (D-Ward 3) participates in a forum held by the Ann Arbor Democratic Party on June 14, 2014 alongside fellow councilmembers Sally Petersen (D-Ward 2) and Stephen Kunselman (D-Ward 3).

Mayoral candidates to face tight race in 2014 By EMMA KERR Daily Staff Reporter

JAN. 28, 2014 — Four candidates have declared for the Ann Arbor mayoral race of 2014, and though they all identify as Democrats, their personalities, the issues they plan to emphasize and the way they plan to interact with the University all differ. Each candidate has a connection to Ann Arbor, whether it be academic or personal, and each has varying degrees of support for current Mayor John Hieftje (D) and experience as an elected member of the City Council. Councilmember Christopher Taylor (D–Ward 3) attended the University for 12 years, earning degrees in vocal performance, English and history and finally attending the Law School. His background has led him to explore his long-term interest in government and politics through the City Council. Working as a transactional lawyer, Taylor believes he has an ability to work well with people in opposition to one another. Since his election to the City Council in 2008 — when he defeated Stephen Kunselman (D–Ward 3), another current councilmember now running for mayor — Taylor has focused on a few key issues in preserving Ann Arbor’s character while still being open to innovation. “Ann Arbor is a place where there is tremendous opportunity but there is also a value in its character,” Taylor said. “It will be important that the next mayor focuses on transportation, stability and trying to ensure that we have the kind of modest growth that will enable us to attract and keep young people in the city.” While Hieftje has yet to endorse any candidate, Taylor’s voting history is very similar to the mayor’s. Councilmember Sally Petersen (D–Ward 2) categorized the candidates as being in support or opposed to the mayor’s policies. Petersen, in contrast to Taylor, is an infrequent supporter of the mayor. She attended Williams College and Harvard Business School and has been on the City Council for more than a year. Although she and Kunselman have been in agreement on many of the issues that have appeared in the City Council over the past year, Petersen said their personalities differ greatly. “He seems to be at odds with the mayor quite a bit,” Petersen said. “Steve and I actually tend to vote very similarly, but it’s not because I’m voting against the mayor, it’s because I really believe in the issue. His temperament is very different from mine — I like to consider myself very diplomatic and collaborative. He likes the argument.” While Petersen is currently a stay-at-home mom, her background includes a focus on business and customer concerns, traits she said are highly transferable to the position of mayor. Although Petersen and Taylor do not seem to be in agreement on all past City Council issues,

she identifies herself as being similar in personality to Taylor, citing the recent decisions in the pedestrian crossing ordinance. “With Chris Taylor, I think our temperaments are very similar. He tends to vote more like the mayor and he tends to have a very idealistic approach, which I will say is not always the most pragmatic approach,” she said. Petersen addressed concerns relating to her lack of City Council experience relative to other candidates. “There may be a concern that I’ve only been on Council for over a year now, but I love Ann Arbor,” Petersen said. “If I am elected mayor, I will have had twice the experience as the cur-

reducing opportunities for tax revenue in Ann Arbor amidst downsizing within the city given the recent economic environment. “The University is not concerned about students; they are concerned about the University, and the University includes their physical plant, what they build, where they build it,” Briere said. “It includes their athletic activities, it includes maintenance of the existing physical plant and it includes their various revenue sources, but it’s not about the city and the students.” Kunselman echoed similar views, adding that the University tends to operate like a business enterprise. Kunselman, an Ann Arbor native and University alum, said he’s disappointed with the political insincerity and dishonesty he said he has witnessed in Ann Arbor. He said he hopes to restore a sense of trust in local government, which will, in his opinion, translate to a more positive relationship between the city and the University. “You’re not going to get a dime from the ‘U.’ There’s already a lot of existing collaboration between the University and the city so there’s not much more that you can do there. But what has been missing is trust,” Kunselman said. “The University has a very high standard for reputation, so if the government is not trusted, why would they want to be in the same room with it?” In regards to his only loss in

“For many people, their shorthand is we don’t want students ... what they are really saying is we don’t want beer pong, and I can understand that” rent mayor when he was elected.” The fourth candidate, Councilmember Sabra Briere (D–Ward 1), said her years of experience on the City Council and her years spent focusing on the concerns and opinions of citizens makes her the best mayoral candidate. “I am open to working with people with whom I disagree,” Briere said. “That means that I have learned from people from all over this community who start the conversation telling me what I’m doing wrong, and leave the conversation knowing they

VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily

Mayoral candidate and councilmember Sabra Briere (D-Ward 1) speaks at a forum on June 14, 2014.

have been listened to. And I have been told that is unique from all of the other people running.” When it comes to the University, each councilmember hopes to establish strong relationships with the school in spite of some competing interests. As for expanding campus outward, Ann Arbor residents often voice concerns that their traditional, family-based neighborhoods could be in danger of a student takeover. “It is not, however, because of the people in the building,” Briere said. “But for many people, their shorthand is we don’t want students because what they are really saying is we don’t want beer pong, and I can understand that.” The expanding University has increased tensions with the city,

his six runs for City Council, Kunselman said his and Taylor’s politics and personality still differ for this election. “That grudge is still out there,” Kunselman said. “There is a contingent of people that feel they are better than the rest of us.” As a University employee, Kunselman has a unique approach to University and city relations. He has also emphasized his intentions to make Ann Arbor a more fiscally responsible and practical city. “Local government has contracted in the past few years,” Kunselman said. “It’s going be a slow road to get back some of that because obviously government finance is much more constrained than it has been in years past.”

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Iconic ‘Hash Bash’ descends on Ann Arbor

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A ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of the Blake Transit Center on Fifth Ave. The ribbon was broken by an AAATA bus following a ceremony that featured Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Ann Arbor mayor John Hieftje. VICKI LIU/Daily

Blake Transit Center reopens Transportation services aim to serve as model for state By ALLANA AKHTAR Summer Daily News Editor

JULY 9, 2014 — Monday morning, Ann Arbor residents joined federal and local legislators to commemorate the grand opening of the new Blake Transit Center on Fifth Avenue. The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority’s $8.1 million project included demolition of the previously existing transit center to build a 12,019 square-foot facility that lawmakers and contractors hope will become a social hub in the downtown area. In addition, architects employed sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives and designs for the new building. The center is the first step in the AAATA’s plans to modernize and increase public transportation in the area. Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti passed a millage early May to include more night and weekend bus routes, extend routes to Ypsilanti and offer more services for elderly and disabled passengers. “Today’s grand opening ushers in a new era for public transportation in Ann Arbor,” AAATA CEO Michael Ford said. “The new Blake Transit Center represents a unique opportunity to promote Ann Arbor as the home of one of

Michigan’s effective, efficient, environmentally-friendly public transportation services.” The building received the LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its environmental excellence, and it also complies with guidelines required under the Americans with Disabilities Act Some of the environmentallyfriendly features of the building include the use of storm water collected from the roof in public restrooms, heated driveways and sidewalks to decrease snow-salt usage and the reuse of materials from the former transit building in the new facility. Contractors and managers of the center also partnered with small Ann Arbor-based and Detroit-based businesses in excavating and facilitating the building. Managers chose these companies under the guidelines of federal programs devoted to fostering growth in local economies and helping minority individuals and women run businesses. The center received $7 million in federal funds towards the renovation project. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) spoke at the event on the importance of mass transit to help move communities forward. He said though he loved to see American automobiles on the road, mass transit is critical in helping those that can’t afford their own vehicle. Dingell also congratulated the Ann Arbor community for its achievement, and noted that this

Matt Dubriel holds up a legalize marijuana sign at the 43rd Annual Hash Bash on the Diag on April 5, 2014.

Despite police promise to uphold state laws, 8,000 partcipate in event By MAX RADWIN Daily Staff Reporter

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Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) speaks about the importance of transit for the city of Ann Arbor at the opening of the center on July 9, 2014.

is one step of many to improve quality of life in the city. Quoting Churchill, he said, “It is not the beginning of the end, it is perhaps the end of the beginning. More needs to be done and has to be done quickly.” Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje echoed Dingell’s observations, speaking on the affordability of public transit for citizens. He also brought up the federal funds the AAATA received to build a new train station in Ann Arbor. “I think that this is one of the best things that we can do for our city in the future, it helps everyone, it lifts all boats,”

Hieftje said. Larry Krieg, Ypsilanti representative on the AAATA’s board of directors, was in attendance at the event. He said he was excited to see the center transform into a social gathering site over the next few years and was proud of the eco-friendly and user-friendly features of the building. “The whole thing is so accessible to mobility challenges, that’s a very important thing,” Krieg said. “People say that if a system, a building or a transportation system, works well for disabled people, it’ll work better for everyone else.”

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APRIL 6, 2014 — Ah, spring is in the air … As was something else on Saturday. This year’s Hash Bash, an annual celebration of all things hemp and marijuana, took place on the Diag and Monroe Street. Around 8,000 people attended this year’s event, a significant increase over other recent bashes. The number of attendees at Hash Bash has increased every year since the use of medical marijuana was legalized in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, nearly 5,000 and 6,000 were in attendance, respectively. Since 1972, individuals in possession of marijuana in Ann Arbor have only been charged with a small civil-infraction fine. But according to Charmie Gholson, the founder of Michigan Moms United to End the War on Drugs, the rally for total legalization remains relevant. “The direction that this rally has taken is dramatic,” Gholson said. “It’s always been a smokein, it’s always been a rally of the people, by the people and for the people. At this point, we’re no longer strictly on the menu regarding our lives and how our legislation impacts it. We’re at the table. We have our place at the table.” Though the city of Ann Arbor has some of the most lenient

penalties for individuals caught in possession of marijuana, the University Police adhere to state laws, even during Hash Bash. But interactions were generally civil on Saturday. University Police made only one arrest while attendees enjoyed vendors and live music. This year’s Hash Bash, now in its 43rd year, is not the same event it was in 1972. Activists are fighting the same cause with different tools. “The Internet has democratized the media for us and given us tools with which to organize,” Gholson said. “It’s an absolute flood of change right now. There’s no stopping it. Legalization is a forgone conclusion.” Rick Thompson, a contributor to pro-marijuana publications like The American Cultivator, The Burn Magazine and The Compassion Chronicles, encouraged attendees to take pictures with their phones and post the pictures on social media platforms. “We’re all going to take photos of what’s going on at Hash Bash — are you ready?” he asked the crowd. “But that’s only part one. Now we Facebook those photos.” Law student Reid Murdoch, executive director of Law Students for Sensible Drug Policy, collected signatures for state Rep. Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor) and 2016 cannabis legalization efforts. “It’s a beautiful event,” Murdoch said. “It’s the longest-running drug policy event in the country. I’m just really honored to be a part of it. It’s a cultural tradition.”

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Tech companies could spur rebirth of E. Liberty St. By K.C. WASSMAN Daily News Editor

DEC. 4, 2013 — The lights from the Michigan Theater have shone for more than 80 years, but its constant presence has been the exception rather than the rule for businesses on East Liberty Street. In recent years the street has seen a shuffle of businesses, most notably the closure of the flagship Borders bookstore in 2011. But the transformation of the Borders space was one of many over the course of the street’s history. Before Borders, Jacobson’s department store occupied the space on the corner of East Liberty and Maynard Street, until it moved to Briarwood Mall in the 80s. When Susan Pollay, execu-

tive director of the Downtown Development Authority, first moved to Ann Arbor in 1983 she could buy everything she needed to live downtown, noting the multiple clothing, food and service stores that existed in the area, including Jacobson’s. She added that you still can find a wide variety of shops downtown, but East Liberty in particular has given way to coffee shops and restaurants. While Jacobson’s gave shoppers a reason to go downtown, Pollay said Borders provided an anchor for local businesses. “It became its own kind of

experience and, like Jacobson’s before it, Borders had an enormous advertising budget and an enormous ability to pull in those name authors,” Pollay said. “These huge names came to do

storefront turnover in the past few years. Some spaces, such as the former @Burger and Grand Traverse Pie Company space, saw two businesses come and go within nearly four years — each restaurant stayed in business for less than a year. Pollay cited the Borders closure, the struggling economy and an increase in outlet and online shopping as the causes of the turnover on the street, adding that Ann Arbor isn’t as insulated from the struggling economy as people think. “I think things were pretty fragile here for a while, and I

“I don’t know that we all understand just how fragile it is to have an independent business” book readings and from that again businesses nearby thrived because they sat off of the Borders space.” Borders declared bankruptcy and left the street temporarily vacant, but it wasn’t alone: East Liberty has seen a lot of

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don’t know that we all understand just how fragile it is to have an independent business,” Pollay said. Though there are still a few empty storefronts, Pollay said she sees the street growing and evolving to support a different clientele than in the past: tech workers. Two tech companies, Menlo Innovations and Barracuda Networks, relocated to the East Liberty corridor in the past two years, which Pollay said will bring a more stable customer base than that of students, who aren’t in the city year-round and don’t necessarily venture down the street. “The neighborhood is going to change because the new economy fortunately includes a lot of folks who are doing very well in tech businesses and those employees are now spend-

ing their money locally in that neighborhood,” Pollay said. Anna Flynn of Menlo Innovations said though they have only been in their East Liberty location for about a year and a half, employees enjoy being close to all the shops and restaurants that State Street, Main Street and East Liberty have to offer. Flynn added that they are excited for the new businesses moving into the former Borders building. “We love being downtown and close to everything and seeing Liberty grow and change,” Flynn said. “I think that East Liberty is in the middle of town, but it’s not on Main Street or on State Street so you can get the best of both worlds.”

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Twelve hospitalized in UMHS intensive care with H1N1 Doctors say lack of vaccination may be factor in high number of cases By IAN DILLINGHAM Daily News Editor

Twelve patients at the University Hospital are receiving treatment in the intensive care unit after contracting the H1N1 influenza virus — the same strain seen in the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic. Dr. Sandro Cinti, professor of infectious diseases, said several of the patients have been placed on an advanced form of life support known as ECMO — extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. While the procedure

PARKING From Page 1F lems with the way the building matched others nearby. In 2008, the Ann Arbor City Council got involved by passing a resolution asking the University to pause plans, which led to the unsuccessful attempt at partnership later that year. Executive Parking Director Steve Dolen said the garage did receive more attention than can be typical. “This one, there may have been more of a level of engagement because of the proximity to private residence,” he said. “But I think there’s always a level of community engagement with our projects.” The final design of the newlyopened garage included several features designed to address community concerns, including a rain garden for runoff, a layered pattern of darker brick to blend more with surrounding buildings and panels detailing the street’s

is intended to give patients more time to recover from their disease, Cinti said it is both “very serious” and a “last resort” for the most seriously afflicted patients. All twelve patients are currently breathing with the help of mechanical ventilators and receiving aggressive treatment to prevent infection while doctors treat the underlying influenza. The patients range in age from 22 to 58 and most were considered healthy prior to contracting the disease. This range is consistent with 2009 infection patterns, which showed younger demographics infected at a higher rate than the elderly, who were most likely exposed to a similar form of the disease many years ago. H1N1 was most widely pub-

licized during 2009 — prior to the creation of a vaccine — when it killed over 470 individuals in the U.S. Despite fading from the public spotlight, the disease has been present in every flu season since the pandemic, Cinti said. “Last year it was just at a very low level, but this year it’s the main flu going around,” Cinti said. Since the current flu vaccine is designed to protect individuals against the H1N1 flu strain, doctors at UMHS speculate the 12 individuals currently in the ICU did not receive the vaccine, or were infected before it was able to take effect. “This is a preventable disease, so people should get vaccinated,” Cinti said. “This is another example of what happens when the population doesn’t take recommendations from public

health and get vaccinated.” Although UMHS usually sees several critical flu cases each year, Cinti said 12 patients is an unusual occurrence. In addition, the flu season is not expected to hit its peak for another couple of weeks, meaning more cases could be admitted. This year’s flu season, which started slightly later than in the past, will likely extend into February and potentially further, Cinti said. The University accepts complex referrals from across the region, which may have contributed to the high number of critical cases. “That’s one of the reasons we may be seeing more sick patients is that we are a referral center from all over the state and from other states,” Cinti said. “This particular procedure, this

history. However, Tim Mortimer, president of the Riverside Park Place Condominium Association, said nearby residents remain dissatisfied with the final product. “None of the genuine concerns were addressed,” he said. “They essentially put lipstick on a pig.” He cited unresolved issues of increases in traffic and noise as well as potential danger to children from busier streets, adding that the environmental impact from the pressure of 700 additional vehicles in the area also remains a broader, fundamental split of interest between the city and the University. “The last thing the city needs is to have more single-occupant vehicles commuting back and forth near the center of the city and back out again,” Mortimer said. “What’s needed is the University to be genuinely committed (to environmental stewardship.)” This isn’t the only University project in recent years to run into issues due to a location on the edges of campus. When

North Quadrangle was proposed in 2006, original designs were rejected by the regents because of concerns about walkability and fit. Several features, including the courtyard, were added to help blend the building more with its surroundings. Kosteva said the primary consideration when deciding to build on outer parts of campus is whether the project fulfills the University’s core purposes. “We are attempting to provide the residents and the taxpayers of the state of Michigan, and our student and our healthcare customers, with quality facilities to provide research and teaching and healthcare environments that satisfy and enhance our mission,” he said. He added that while he hoped residents would agree that community input was incorporated in the garage, he recognized that they were advocating for other uses for the space. “You would understandably get two different opinions about the extent of accommodation and

how much of the commentary and comments are reflected in it,” he said. “I think, as I outlined, this was a case where the University did listen, and we did hear the expressions of concern and the expression of interest regarding the architectural treatment and the facility’s impact on the neighborhood.” In the end, Councilmember Sabra Briere (D– Ward 1), whose ward includes the project, said legally there’s not much recourse available to residents. The University isn’t currently obligated to compromise with the city on this, or on other construction projects. However, she added that while she recognized the University’s desire to meet its needs, she hopes in the future they’ll do it in a way that’s more conciliatory with the city. “I don’t fault the University for having its own agenda,” she said. “I just wish that they’d recognize that other people and groups have rights as well.”

machine is really unique to just a few centers in the state.” ECMO was used in a similar context in 2009 to treat critical patients. Although it wasn’t originally designed for this purpose, it has been used to successfully treat a small number of extreme cases. “By the time you’re on ECMO, you’re pretty sick and your

DEWOLF From Page 1F the dots back to DeWolf’s alleged killers. Police found it had been sold on Craigslist by a man named Jayson Atkins, who made the exchange in Ann Arbor at the State Street Starbucks. In statements to the police, Atkins asserted that he had met another man, Joei Jordan, at a gas station and paid $200 for the stolen Macbook Air. He also provided police with an explanation for the cheap price tag: the sellers only had a short period of time to move their goods before “heading south.” It was this identification of the man responsible for the sale of this stolen laptop that lead police to arrest Jordan, Franklin and Jones in South Carolina. At this point, it is unclear how exactly the three were tracked down. In South Carolina, Jordan and Jones were questioned individually on Nov. 5 and 6, and their statements led to determining the location of the PlayStation 3, though information at this time is unclear. Tracing the stolen PlayStation 3 back to the three suspects became the next step in the investigation. Detectives ended up on the doorsteps of Michael Robertson’s home in Ypsilanti, where he allegedly behaved evasively. His testimony in Friday’s preliminary hearing was disputed

chances of survival or rather low,” Cinti said. Cinti advises individuals to take protective measures, such as staying home if sick, to prevent spreading the flu to other individuals.

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com and inconsistent, but from his original statements, police were able to gather that Jones, Jordan and Franklin, who were characterized by Robertson as “jittery” and “hyper,” were all at Robertson’s residence multiple times after robberies-gonewrong. They also discussed the DeWolf murder, as something that “could come back on us.” Robertson helped coordinate the sale of the item stolen from DeWolf’s fraternity to his longtime friend, Ypsilanti resident Patrick Davis. Police recovered the stolen PlayStation 3 from Davis and verified it as the console from DeWolf’s fraternity house. Along with the recovered laptop, these two items will help the prosecution build a case connecting Jones and Jordan first to the home invasion incident and subsequently to DeWolf’s homicide. At their preliminary hearing Friday, Jordan and Jones made statements admitting their involvement in the home invasion and subsequent death of DeWolf. At this time in the investigation, much evidence remains undisclosed, but the strategies, witnesses and small pieces of evidence divulged at Friday’s preliminary hearing will be expounded upon in the upcoming trial. Jordan and Jones will remain in custody with no bond. The pretrial hearing is set for January 29 at 1:30 p.m.

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THE STATEMENT

Cass Clinic brings health care to local community Wayne State medical students gain experience while giving back By PAIGE PEARCY Daily Staff Reporter

MARCH 13, 2014 — On a snowy Saturday at 8:45 a.m., Willie Oliver made the second trip of his life to the Cass Community Social Services building. He stood outside, underneath the red awning, in the line of people waiting to get inside when the doors opened at 9 a.m. Oliver has high blood pressure and like many of the people waiting in line with him, he couldn’t afford a trip to the doctor’s office. “We see a lot of high blood pressure and diabetes,” said Julie Weber, a second year Wayne State Medical School student. “What’s really great about this clinic is that the people who we see who have those conditions come back every month and we give them free meds and it’s awesome because we’re actually managing their conditions.”

we have a doctor here, he just doesn’t necessarily come out to see patients,” she added. Two weeks before, Oliver came to Cass for the first time. While he was there for a foot injury he was informed of his high blood pressure and became concerned. He came back to the clinic in order to continue monitoring it. “I’m kind of in the shelter, so I got dropped off (in a van) and I just came over so I could see somebody and to have my blood pressure checked,” Oliver said. “Just last week I turned a year older, the older you get the more you have to watch out for your health.” A history of healing Cass Clinic was founded in the late 1970s by a collaborative effort between Edwin Rowe, a reverend at Cass United Methodist Church, and George Costea, a family practice doctor. Costea rotated at the Haight Ashbury Clinic in San Francisco — which was one of the first free clinics in the country — and in 1975, he felt inspired to start a similar clinic in Detroit where he grew up. “We felt we gave people an

late 1990s, the Clinic was given that space to use every Saturday morning. “A lot of the people we see, we’re their primary caregiver,” Costea said. “We’ve been able to, I think, manage a number of people and hopefully keep them from going to the emergency room for routine care.” In 1990, shortly before the clinic relocated across the street, the Wayne State University School of Medicine formed a partnership with Cass. Now six Wayne State School of Medicine students, each of whom serves as a coordinator of various departments, including finance, donations and scheduling, run the Clinic. Costea still serves as the overseeing physician. Each Saturday, medical and undergraduate student volunteers populate square tables in the largest room of the social services building. Working in groups of two to four, the student volunteers serve the patients who make up the extended line outside. They evaluate each patient for symptoms and take note of their concerns, and then present their cases to Costea, who sits in the back room where the prescription medications are held and determines what patients need. “We do all the assessments (in the main room), we take their blood pressure and listen to their heart and lungs and then we go back and do a presentation for the doctor, which is good for us because we learn how to present in real-time setting and the doctor is hearing all about the patient, so he can give an informed decision about how to treat the patient,” Weber said. “A lot of the time since he’s been here so long he has a sense of how people should be treated even if he hasn’t seen them but a lot of them he recognizes and he knows how to treat and he can adjust the regimens as needed.” Kathryn Rice, the clinic’s volunteer resources coordinator, said Cass is unique in that the students have significant interactions with the patients that they don’t often get in other clinic settings. “You get to see firsthand what you’re doing,” Rice said. “It’s not that you’re just giving them medication and you’re walking away; you’re actually getting their history, you’re talking with them you’re getting to know them and it builds rapport with the community, and it gives you a sense of what you can do as a doctor.”

Fall 2014 — 7F

Beating Blight By SAM GRINGLAS Daily News Editor

JULY 2, 2014, DETROIT — Like most of the places on Lyndon Street, Judy Sackett’s house is small, white and boxy. Her lawn is cut, the yard filled with flowering shrubs. A wooden bench sits under a large tree. But the story of Lyndon Street is complicated. The house next door is vacant. Plenty of structures are visibly marked by blight —their roofs caved in, shells scarred by fire. A block over sits a tract of empty land so vast that a family uses it to ride their off-terrain vehicles. Some of the residents mow the grass in the vacant lots near their homes just to keep their stretch of street looking okay. Detroit’s blight problem is no secret. But for years, community organizations and city administrations have struggled to find an adequate approach to tackle an issue spiraling so quickly out of control — until last winter, when an army of surveyors from Detroit’s newly convened Blight Removal Task Force set out to catalog the condition of every single land parcel. What they found is sure to directly impact the city’s efforts to beat blight. But on top of that, the report is also likely to color the ways in which neighborhood alliances, preservation networks, urban planners and residents think about their blocks and the futures they’ll have there. Jamil Abdul Hakim’s eldest daughter relaxes in a community-built park on Lyndon Street. Behind her sit consecutive vacant lots, cleared of blighted houses, that her family use for all-terrain vehicles. Blank Canvas Last fall, the Obama Admin-

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

UPPER: An abandoned home sits next to a vacant lot in the Jefferson-Mack neighborhood of Detroit. LOWER: A scene from Dr. Suess’s The Lorax is painted on the side of an abandoned school in the Brightmoor neighborhood.

compared blight to a malignant tumor “because, like cancer, unless you remove the entire tumor, blight grows back.” In Detroit’s Jefferson-Mack neighborhood many blighted homes are being demolished while others are boarded up in hopes of deterring criminal activity. Sean Jackson is the 25-yearold Quicken Loans associate Gilbert appointed to lead the Motor City Mapping Project, the report’s mapping component. Jackson said dealing with blight is in many ways a precursor to improving most everything else in the city, including education, crime, unemployment and public health. Blight also affects the

to date. The data is already available online. Motor City Mapping is in the process of launching an application that allows residents to update the status of sites on their street — a process they call “blexting.” It’s likely this kind of project couldn’t have happened ten years ago. Technology, in part, has made the effort feasible. But even with data, decisions about where and when to target demolitions can be somewhat subjective. For that reason, Jackson noted the Task Force is engaging residents with more blockbased knowledge, but said razing blighted structures isn’t likely to be unpopular. “I can’t imagine anybody is

Insurance not accepted here

RUBY WALLAU/Daily

Patients receive free medical attention from Wayne State medical students at the Cass Clinic in downtown Detroit.

Oliver was waiting outside because every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., the Cass Community Social Services building, located in the Cass corridor in downtown Detroit, becomes Cass Clinic — a free clinic run by Wayne State School of Medicine students. “Especially in your first and second year (of medical school) you don’t have any exposure to the clinic, you don’t ever really get to see patients,” Weber, who is one of the six student coordinators of the clinic, said. “That’s why I love coming here, because it’s really just students treating patients and you do your best,” “(The patients) know they’re seeing students, but it’s better than nothing because they don’t really have access to doctors and

option,” Costea said. “The Detroit Medical Center isn’t very far away but people felt intimidated by the medical center, just the name itself, and we wanted to give them someplace they’d feel comfortable, another option, and where we don’t even ask about whether they do or don’t have insurance. “We treat everybody here,” he said of the Clinic. “We try to give them as much as possible from what we have here.” Initially, the Clinic was given a very small space within the church — which still stands across the street from the social services building. But with the Clinic’s increasing popularity, once the church purchased the social services building in the

Perhaps the most impressive part of this clinic is not its long standing history or that it’s student-run, but rather that in an era of rising healthcare costs, Cass functions at virtually no cost — all of the students and physicians are volunteers and most of the medications are donated. Neha Meta, a first year Wayne State University School of Medicine student and the finance coordinator for the clinic, estimated that each year they receive about $20,000 in grant money, which she said they mainly use to purchase medications, like insulin, which they have not been able to get through donations. Rice said each Saturday the clinic serves 30 to 40 patients while it’s open from 9 a.m. to noon. According to Consumer Reports, an average retail clinic — which Consumer Reports deems as the lowest priced clinic compared to Urgent Care centers and Emergency Rooms — charges on average from $55 to $75 per visit, thus, doing the simple math, that means a clinic like Cass, were they collecting fees for their services, would receive at least $85,800 each year. As a result, the clinic sometimes can’t provide necessary medications for patients due to the high cost of a drug and lack of donations, so the students and Costea have to make recommendations for the patient to go elsewhere. “The hardest part is when you can’t help someone,” Rice said. “You want to so badly because you know that you need it but you don’t always have the resources to help them.”

ALLISON FARRAND/Daily

Jamil Abdul Hakim’s eldest daughter sits in a community-built park on Lyndon Street in the Brightmoor neighborhood. Behind her sit consecutive vacant lots, cleared of blighted houses, used by her family for all-terrain vehicles.

istration helped establish a local task force charged with developing a plan to remove every single blighted parcel out of Detroit’s 380,000 parcels of land, totaling 142 square miles. In May, the Detroit Blight Removal Task Force released a prolific report not only detailing the scope of the city’s blight problem, but also laying out a set of policy recommendations designed to both keep blight from spreading and tear down the houses that couldn’t be saved. The cost of addressing blight on vacant lots, residential structures and small commercial buildings alone is expected to top $850 million. Of the parcels in that group, 40,077 structures and 6,135 vacant lots require immediate attention in the form of either demolition or lot clean up. Another 38,429 structures display indicators of future blight. The report estimates 80 to 90 percent of those buildings will eventually face the wrecking ball. All together, about 22 percent of the city’s land parcels have structures destined for demolition. When the plan was presented to the public and city officials last month, Task Force co-chair Dan Gilbert, the chairman of mortgage giant Quicken Loans,

city’s image, especially in the eyes of potential investors and residents. “Having this image of being the blight porn city when people come here and they want to go to the Packard Plant and see the abandoned train station, that’s not what you want your city to be known for,” he said. “You want your city to be known for its tech

going to argue taking down a house,” he said. “These houses are not in good shape. When we’re talking about taking them down, they’re already fire-damaged, they haven’t had anybody living in them for ten years, the windows are broken, the porch is collapsed, the roof is failing. It’s not something you’d want next to you.” For the Task Force, annihilating blighted properties is the name of the game. Organizers hope to eliminate the majority of blight over about five years, but the report purposefully stops short of considering what should be done with the land once it’s been cleared. The report suggests several policies intended to fend off future blight, such as property tax reforms and cracking down on scrapping and illegal dumping, but Jackson said it’s best if the city and other organizations drive the vision from there. “When you create this opportunity – when you create a blank canvas, people are going to want to build there,” he said. “I truly believe that. We’re going to help you get rid of the blight, then we’re going to pass it off.”

“Like cancer, unless you remove the entire tumor, blight grows back.” community or its vibrant downtown or its arts and culture — not for having a ton of abandoned buildings in it.” Last winter, the Motor City Mapping Project, collaborated with Loveland Technologies, a local startup, and non-profit Data Driven Detroit to hire 150 residents to survey every property in the city over a two-month period. Wielding tablets, the teams took photographs of each property, assessed its condition and logged the results in the project’s database. Organizers also tapped into city and county records — 24 existing datasets in all — to compile the most comprehensive and complete look at the city’s land

Read the rest of this story, and more, at MichiganDaily.com

8F — Fall 2014

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