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Thursday, May 19, 2016
A look at transgender rights on campus Transgender students in grades K-12 reported rates of harassment of 84%. 9% of cases led to transgender students dropping out in K-12 or higher education settings http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/resources/ntds_state_mi.pdf
Nearly 90% of LGBTQ homicide victims in 2013 were people of color. 72% being transgender women 67% percent transgender women of color http://www.avp.org/resources/avp-resources/315
In the state of Michigan, 84% reported experiencing harassment or mistreatment on the job. 34% lost a job 23% were denied a promotion
http://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/resources/ntds_state_mi.pdf
State government gridlocked on transgender student accomodations By LYDIA MURRAY Summer Managing News Editor
inside
Amid national controversy over transgender rights, local and University of Michigan policies have moved toward a greater accommodation of transgender students, specifically the right to choose which restroom they prefer to use — despite the issue becoming controversial in state legislature. The U.S. Departments of Education and Justice released joint guidance Friday to educators, aimed
at fighting discrimination based on sex and particularly highlighting the protection of transgender students. The guidance tells school administrations they must treat students consistently with their gender identity after being informed that the student is transgender, aimed at preventing bullying and discrimination of transgender students. Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, any school receiving federal money is prohibited from discriminating against students based on sex, which is interpreted to include transgender students. The recent guidance reaffirms this policy, warning educators against Title IX violations. U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr. stated in a press release that all students — including transgender
NEWS
A2 budget passed Final 2017 budget cuts commitment to light rail project, >> SEE PAGE 3
OPINION
From The Daily The State Board of Education should approve pro-transgender guidelines. >> SEE PAGE 4
students — should be able to learn in a safe environment, as mandated by Title IX. “No student should ever have to go through the experience of feeling unwelcome at school or on a college campus,” King said in a statement. “This guidance further clarifies what we’ve said repeatedly — that gender identity is protected under Title IX. Educators want to do the right thing for students, and many have reached out to us for guidance on how to follow the law.” LGBT Michigan president Emily Kaufman, an LSA junior and a transgender woman, said she believes the Obama administration has recently taken important steps to help protect the transgender community. “Generally, what the Obama administration has been saying in the past few weeks is that trans lives
ARTS
‘Scandal’ hype slowly derails Series continues to lose momentum in fifth season >> SEE PAGE 5
matter and that we are people,” she said. “There are all these negative stereotypes, so by the Obama administration doing these things, it will protect the most marginalized people, and it is really a big step forward.” The Obama administration’s announcement follows recent controversy over a lawpassed in North Carolina, referred to as the North Carolina “bathroom bill,” which prohibits transgender people from using restrooms or locker rooms that do not match the gender on their birth certificates. The bill has drawn heavy criticism from civil liberties groups, LGBTQ advocates and major businesses. Since its passage, several performers including Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas and the bands Pearl Jam and Boston cancelled
concerts in North Carolina as a demonstration of protest protest. The bill additionally garnered praise from socially conservative groups like the Family Research Council. Most recently, the Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit against the state of North Carolina. U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the suit represents more than just a battle over bathrooms, according to a May 9 statement. “This is about the dignity and respect that we accord our fellow citizens and the laws we have enacted as a country to protect them and to protect us,” Lynch said. Supporters of North Carolina’s “bathroom bill” claim sexual predators can take advantage of the ability to enter the bathroom of their choice to attack others. Despite See TRANSGENDER, Page 9
INDEX
SPORTS
NCAA Softball The Michigan softball team will host the NCAA Regional this weekend>> SEE PAGE 12
Vol. CXXIv, No. 116 | © 2016 The Michigan Daily michigandaily.com
NEWS .................................... 2 OPINION ...............................4 ARTS ......................................6 CLASSIFIEDS.........................8 CROSSWORD........................8 SPORTS.................................10
2 NEWS
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Lecture examines invisible impact of microbes Microbiology conference features prominent writer and surgery professor
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Microbiome expert Ed Yong presented his respective field of study at Rackham on Monday.
as the common cold, chickenpox, malaria and pneumonia, but others are beneficial, such as the bacteria Ed Yong, an award-winning that live in intestines that help science writer for The Atlantic, and with absorbing nutrients from the Jack Gilbert, a professor of surgery at processed food, according to the the University of Chicago, discussed National Institutues of Health. how microbes —communities of Yong began his talk by microscopic organisms that live commenting on how ubiquitous on or in people, plants, soil, oceans and important microbes are for and the atmosphere — affect life people and ecosystems, though it forms on Earth, and how they can might be unsettling and unnerving http://sudokusyndication.com/sudoku/generator/print/ be manipulated to improve human to think the human body contains health during a session titled multitudes of microbes. Yong “Invisible Influence: Microbiomes mentioned that many animals rely in the World” Monday evening at on microbes for essential tasks, such the Rackham Amphitheater. as digesting food. The session was part of the In spite of how important Michigan Meeting on Microbial microbiomes are for human health, Communities, a conference Yong said the current understanding organized by the Center for of microbes is insufficient partly Microbial Systems, which promotes due their complicated nature. For the study of microbiology at the example, in some cases it is not University. The conference, titled certain whether the change in the “Unseen Partners: Manipulating microbiome causes a disease or if Microbial Communities that a disease results in a microbiome Support Life on Earth,” continues change. until Wednesday and features Yong additionally discussed speakers with many different areas the inefficiency of probiotics to of expertise in microbes. illustrate the complicated nature of Last week, the White House microbiomes. According to Yong, Office of Science and Technology the bacteria in probiotics might be Policy announced the National too domesticated compared to the Microbial Initiative, an initiative to native gut bacteria to survive once advocate the study of microbiomes. they are in the digestive system, Dysfunctional microbiomes have meaning any probiotic model may been linked to many human not clearly demonstrate all of the diseases, disruptions in ecosystems properties of natural microbiomes. and reduced agricultural “The problem with probiotics productivity. … is that they contain highly Microbes — usually bacteria, domesticated bacteria,” Yong said. fungi, viruses or protozoa — refer “The benefits (of probiotics) are to any organism that is too small unclear at best.” to be seen with naked eye. Some On the other hand, Yong said microbes are harmful for human transplanting more than a few health, as they cause diseases such See MICROBES, Page 8
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Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
NEWS 3
GOVERNMENT
Trump campaign formalizes higher education policy Presumptive nominee will focus on student loans, high tuition rates By CAITLIN REEDY ANDREW RABAH/Daily
Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor attends an Ann Arbor City Council meeting on Monday.
City Council decreases funding for Ann Arbor Connector plans FY 2017 budget cuts funding for next stage of project to 2 percent By BRIAN KUANG Daily Summer News Editor
In a lengthy and — at times contentious — six-hour meeting Monday night, the Ann Arbor City Council amended and passed its $370 million budget for the 2017 fiscal year. The 2017 budget decreases expenditures by $10 million from fiscal year 2016 levels and increases the total city staff from 722 to 729. Public safety and law enforcement is the largest expense at $46.8 million, followed by employee pensions ($37.7 million), payments on water and sewage bonds ($34.8 million and $33.7 million respectively), and road repairs ($23.9 million). In addition, a total of 16 budget amendments, allocating about $1.3 million in additional funds, were put forward by councilmembers for debate during the session. The final budget allocates $345,000 for the amendments, with $100,000 going to the city’s affordable housing fund, $60,000 to outdoor wintertime ice rinks, $85,000 for citywide environmental initiatives, $15,000 for a study on removing a historical city-owned structure at 415 W. Washington St., $75,000 additional
funds for the city’s annual deer cull and $100,000 for the construction of additional streetlights. Also of note was the city’s commitment to the Ann Arbor Connector project, which envisions a light rail line connecting the southern edge of the city, through downtown, Central Campus, the Medical Center and North Campus. The project — which is a collaboration between the city, the University of Michigan, the Downtown Development Authority and the local transit authority — is expected to enter the next-stage, which involves a $3 to 4 million environmental impact study. City residents have recently voiced concerns that the primary beneficiary of the rail project would be the University, suggesting the city would be disproportionately shouldering a financial burden, despite the fact that the University has committed to funding at least 75 percent of the project, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions. The original budget planned for the city to contribute $184,000 to its share of the project’s next phase, but an amendment sponsored by councilmembers Graydon Krapohl (D–Ward 4) and Sabra Briere (D– Ward 1) cut this figure by $90,000. The resolution narrowly passed 6-5, with support from Councilmembers Briere, Krapohl, Jane Lumm (I–Ward 2), Sumi Kailasapathy (D–Ward 1), Jack Eaton (D–Ward 4) and Zachary
Ackerman (D-Ward 3). This means the city would contribute $60,000 to the estimated $3 million study and spend $34,000 on staff training pertaining to the Connector. The University is planning to take 90 percent of the cost of the study, while TheRide will foot six percent of the bill and the city of Ann Arbor and Downtown Development Authority will each take two percent. Councilmember Eaton, who supported the resolution, argued the city should fund the Connector project proportionally to how much it would benefit the city. The project is expected to cost at least $500 million. with 80 percent covered by federal grants, leaving at least $100 million to be divided between the City, University, and other local jurisdictions. “This is an important transportation project, and I would like to see it go forward, and I think 2 percent is a number that we can live with,” Eaton said. Mayor Christopher Taylor voiced opposition to the cut in the city’s commitment and voted against the amendment, arguing the city stands to benefit significantly from the project and should not reduce its role. “I’m not inclined to support this effort,” Taylor said. “The University is taking the lead to finance the Connector, as it must, but the Connector will be a tremendous benefit to quality of life in Ann Arbor. We need to do our part.”
Daily Staff Reporter
Candidates seeking to capitalize on historic rates of student turnout in this year’s presidential race are taking public stances on student debt and higher education funding and accessibility. Democrats addressed education policy upon announcement of the current front-runners’ campaigns. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ (D–Vermont) campaign centers around education, particularly tuitionfree public universities, as a key issue in his bid for the Democratic nomination. Sanders’ opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, accordingly debuted a wide-reaching plan called the New College Compact, which aims to create debt-free college, also calling specific attention to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses. Businessman Donald Trump, the freshly minted presumptive Republican nominee, had yet to focus on his appeal to college students prior to his competitors’ dropping out of the race for the party’s nomination. While Trump has yet to announce a cohesive platform on his campaign site, he has become more vocal on the issue. Democrats Both Sanders and Clinton made education reform central to their campaigns, but approached policy changes differently. Sanders focuses on ensuring all students can attend public universities and colleges for free, boasting a history of attempts to tackle the rising cost of attending college. Last May, Sanders introduced the College for All Act on the Senate floor, which aimed to allocate $47 billion each year toward paying off undergraduate
students’ tuition and fees at public institutions. Sanders’s current platform goes beyond free tuition to cut student loan interest rates down to 2.32 percent. The senator also calls for an expansion of needbased financial aid and work-study programs to assist college students, all of which is estimated to cost $74 billion per year. Sanders claimed he would finance this hefty budget by taxing Wall Street speculators. In a March interview with the Daily, LSA junior Nicholas Kolenda, president of the University of Michigan’s Students for Sanders, said Sanders’s plan is inclusive of the entire population. “It’s a slippery slope when you exclude people from public goods because they can’t pay for it,” Kolenda said. “We don’t exclude the top one percent from public growth because they can privately pay for college.” Clinton, on the other hand, does not plan to make college entirely free. Her New College Compact plan solely targets the exponential rise of college debt, tasking universities with taking responsibility for their tuition levels. Cynthia Wilbanks, vice president for government relations at the University, said the University is similarly working more closely with students in response to candidates’ demands to hold universities more accountable for tuition levels. “The most important thing is that we have receptive students and families,” she said. “One of the ways we have been called to be more helpful is spending more time with what it is students are expected to do in terms of financial aid.” LSA junior Anushka Sarkar, outreach director and event coordinator for Students for Hillary, said Clinton’s plan is far more attainable than the one proposed by Sanders. Clinton aims to lower debt, but also require families to make an affordable and realistic family contribution to the See TRUMP, Page 9
4 OPINION
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com LARA MOEHLMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF
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FROM THE DAILY
A more inclusive education Two months ago, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed a bill banning transgender individuals from using public bathrooms that don’t match the sex on their birth certificates. The bill resulted in numerous protests and lawsuits. Even before this discussion re-entered the national discourse, the Michigan State Board of Education was considering providing schools with formal but non-binding guidelines for a safe and supportive learning environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) students. These guidelines suggest that schools allow students to choose their own gender, name, pronouns and bathrooms without the input of parents, doctors or the school. The Board of Education’s guidelines call for equal treatment for transgender students while suggesting that only the student can determine their gender identity. In response to the Board of Education’s guidelines, Michigan state Sen. Tom Casperson (R– Escanaba) announced his plans for a bill that requires students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their “birth” sex. If the student has written consent from a parent or guardian, he or she may use an alternative singleoccupancy restroom or a staff member’s bathroom, according to Casperson’s proposed bill. This has stunted the progress to get the State Board of Education’s protective and inclusive guidelines for transgender students formalized, even after a public comment period ended last week. Such a maneuver is an obstacle to Michigan’s inclusivity, and we stand opposed to all actions taken to obstruct these inclusive guidelines’ approval. While the nation may currently be obsessed with a debate over restrooms, these guidelines barely discuss them. Most of the document is dedicated to suggestions for improving transgender inclusivity through
recommendations concerning names, pronouns, sports and dress codes in Michigan public schools. Near the end, in a small section titled “Restrooms,” the State Board of Education provides two alternative options for resolving the “bathroom” conflict. The guidelines essentially state that, in an ideal scenario, students should be allowed to use a restroom that corresponds to their gender identity — regardless of whether or not it corresponds with what’s on their birth certificate —, and, if the student requests, they can gain access to a gender neutral restroom or staff member’s restroom. The paragraph for “Locker Rooms or Changing Facilities,” however, does not recommend for full inclusivity in locker rooms. Instead, the guidelines recommend the student use an adjusted changing schedule or a private area (in the facility or nearby). These kinds of alternatives may result in the student feeling stigmatized and excluded. Such was the case in Illinois, where the U.S.
Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights ruled that Chicago’s Township High School District 211 violated a a transgender teen’s rights in requiring her to use a separate designated area instead of the girls’ locker room. Beyond the isolation of transgender students is another problematic aspect of the State Board of Education’s guidelines: the recommendation of discretion in locker room usage “determined on a case-by-case basis.” Claiming that these decisions on inclusivity are subject to a caseby-case discretion gives cover for discriminatory, bigoted policy that doesn’t have the interest of affected students at heart. Furthermore, while the current political environment may be toxic to radical change, we hope that one day the state will turn the State Board of Education’s proposed guidelines for transgender inclusivity into truly enforceable action. Only then will we have a positive learning environment for all LGBTQ students of all ages in our state.
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Roland Davidson, Caitlin Heenan, Jeremy Kaplan, Madeline Nowicki, Kevin Sweitzer, Brooke White.
O
Invest in friends
ut of all of the pressures placed on us in college, the pressure to have a broad social circle and loyal friends ELENA may be the most HUBBELL confusing. The pressure to get a good grade can be solved by studying, the pressure to feel involved can be solved by joining organizations on campus, but the pressure to make deep and meaningful connections with other people doesn’t have an easy solution. Social media, where people often flaunt their friendships by posting group photos and commenting on each other’s statuses, only works to exacerbate this pressure. In some cases, people can put their time and effort into an organization on campus and thus make friends, but it doesn’t always work out this way for everyone. We are constantly surrounded by people our own age, with similar interests and similar schedules — so why is it so hard for some of us to make friends and form a social group? In high school, friendships were easier to make and sustain. For the most part, we saw the same people multiple times each day, and due to high school’s rigid social structure, it was fairly easy to tell whom our circle of friends were. At least this was how it worked in my case — I attended a school where my graduating class was 90 people, most of whom I had known since middle school. I remember that before coming to college, a lot of authority figures told me that at a university, I could decide whom my “real” friends were, that they would no longer be based on convenience. And for the most part this has been true; I have been able to make a lot of new friends at the University of Michigan, the foundations of these friendships based on more than accessibility. So, in my experience, meeting potential friends hasn’t been the issue here at the University, it has been finding ways to sustain these friendships. Let me tell you a little bit more about myself. I had a very close friend throughout childhood whom I had a falling-out with, and I believe that the source of this falling-out was because one of us decided to switch schools and neither of us were very good at keeping up with communication. Recently, I tried to reconnect, but she essentially told me that she wasn’t interested in any chance at reconciliation. After hearing this, I felt I was incapable of maintaining a friendship. This was especially
daunting to realize as I am planning to spend the next full academic year abroad in China. I was worried that the friendships that I had made at college would go the same way as my childhood friendships — that we would stop talking and that the end of our friendships would be clouded in confusion and anger. I desperately wanted to keep these friendships — friendships that, though not based on convenience, are easily maintained because we all live in the same city and have similar schedules. I wasn’t sure how I was going to keep this interaction up while I was thousands of miles away and in a different time zone. I’m still figuring it out. I haven’t left for China yet, so I still have time to come up with a plan of action for how I am going to sustain my friendships. But recently I’ve found that trying harder is a good place to start. The friends that I have that don’t live in my dorm, I’ve tried to learn their schedules and invite them to hang out more. I try to leave the comfort of my dorm more often so that I can visit my friends who don’t live in the same building as me. I try to be the first to initiate contact with somebody whom I think I could become friends with — something I never did in high school. I’ve started to value myself as a friend — I try to see myself as a person that other people would want to be associated with, which makes me more confident when trying to establish connections. And, most importantly, I’ve decided to focus mainly on my individual friendships and not on the group dynamic. It can be exhausting making sure that all of your friends are also friends with each other and ensuring that your circle of friends is in good shape. When it comes down to it, I’ve found that perfect friendships aren’t really something that exist. Though it may seem that everybody around you has the perfect squad, I bet that upon closer inspection, things aren’t as impeccable as you would think. I think that the most important part of making good friends in college is to take care of yourself — get rid of the friends that drain you, and hold on to the friends that lift you up. As we all have learned by now, there is no part of our lives that will ever be perfect — so why should we expect our friend groups to be perfect? All we can do is protect ourselves and be kind to those who have been kind to us. —Elena Hubbell can be reached at elepearl@umich.edu.
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Science needs storytellers
I
read an article recently in The New Yorker written by the physicianscientist Siddhartha Mukherjee, which introduces the topic of DAVID epigenetics MERTZ through stories about his mother and aunt. They’re identical twins, but Mukherjee remarks on how their personalities differ despite their genetic similarity, which he alludes to in the title, “Same But Different.” He attributes their distinctive qualities to another layer of biological data encoded over the DNA in each cell of the body. The epigenome, he says, is a system composed of proteins and other small molecules that interact with DNA, controlling how it is read, which, in part, defines individuality. It was a welcome example of how employing a personal narrative can be used to explain an area of science by bringing it to life, enabling a casual reader to absorb the information comfortably. Epigenetics and other areas of science might otherwise seem intimidating or dry if encountered through a textbook or peer-reviewed article. It’s enjoyable to leisurely read and learn about an unfamiliar subject, but also interesting to observe how a familiar subject is presented to somebody else in an unfamiliar way. In this case, however, biology experts reading Mukherjee’s explanation of epigenetics reacted differently. The article quickly received widespread criticism for providing an incomplete explanation about the mechanisms of gene regulation. An article in the scientific journal Nature noted that one genetics researcher said the article was “a horribly damaging piece” for the field. Another called it “a truly painful read.” Researchers believed some of Mukherjee’s descriptions were inaccurate and noted that he failed to include any mention of transcription factors (a completely different group of molecules that affect how DNA is read), misleading the public about the true inner-workings of gene expression. Naturally, a more objective explanation of the science would have left little print room for his personal narrative, which may not have appealed as much to the magazine’s non-science-specific readership. Mukherjee himself has acknowledged his article’s shortcomings, but The New Yorker has defended the content. This controversy highlights an important discussion about the communication of science. Because science, especially biology, can be so complex, anyone actually working in the field must have a deep
understanding of where the boundary of knowledge exists in order to ask the right questions and to obtain the answers that extend that boundary. A researcher might spend years trying to understand the mechanism of a new cell-signaling pathway, when thousands of different pathways are already confirmed to exist, and many more remain undiscovered. There arises a substantial gap between the depth of what scientists believe to be true or possible, and what the laypublic has the capacity to understand. Mukherjee exhibits how storytelling is an important method for communicating science. Using personal anecdotes and explaining concepts at a surface level is effective in enabling a lay-audience to relate and understand. Inevitably, many mainstream media outlets will fail to present scientific topics with thoroughness and depth when constraints, such as word count or air time, exist. In these cases, it should be acknowledged by journalists, who can direct someone with a deeper interest to sources where they can learn more. But sometimes science can be packaged so artificially for the media that the message presented hardly resembles the conclusion of the original study. In a recent episode of his show “Last Week Tonight,” comedy news anchor John Oliver bashed media outlets like Time magazine, “The Today Show,” local news broadcasts and even the TED series for sometimes overlooking the diligence and nuances of scientific studies in order to hook the viewer with a catchy headline. (In one instance, a study testing the effects of eating chocolate on childbearing, which turned out to show no effect, somehow received the local news headline: “Eating moderate amounts of chocolate could benefit mom and baby.”) While attentiongrabbing headlines are important for sequestering viewers and readers, journalists should ensure more consistency from what the study concludes to what the reader or viewer sees by interviewing the researchers themselves, instead of merely trying to interpret conclusions in press releases. Keeping scientific news and discussion in the mainstream media is vital to the dissemination of new knowledge. In addition to accuracy, reach is also important. Those believing that dry, comprehensive accounts are the only tools for distributing new findings will be greatly disappointed in their lack of permeation among the general public, when people cannot connect to the concepts. A more scientifically
informed public generates new ideas for solving problems and better policies. The scientific community should appreciate journalism that creatively shares new findings and, instead of quickly antagonizing its messengers, should request for findings to be communicated accurately with the proper context and implications.
In “Same But Different,” Mukherjee chooses to prioritize telling a story to explain epigenetics instead of purely objectifying the subject matter and diluting the element of humanity he uses to connect with his audience. His new book “The Gene: An Intimate History” becomes available May 17. It
OPINION 5
will include other narratives and fill the scientific holes left by his article, providing a more comprehensive, yet still accessible, understanding of gene regulation. Hopefully it will appease his critics. —David Mertz can be reached at drmertz@umich.edu.
LAUREN INGRAM | MICHIGAN IN COLOR
“The conventional Black girl”
Dear Mainstream, You have seen my thighs dangle out from under my shorts and my skirts. They jiggle, they flap and cause problems whenever I try on something new. It’s a little difficult to learn how to love every inch of my body fat when I go into a store — take your pick, H&M or Forever 21 — and have difficulty buying shorts. All of a sudden my regularly size six thighs can’t fit into your size 10 shorts. That’s a problem. Oh, my beautiful thick thighs — I put so much onto you that it always leaves behind lines and marks from the jeans I force onto you each day. Mainstream, I love my rolls, the rolls that roll over my size six pants — but do you? Why don’t you see the beauty behind my curves and my rolls? I never see my reflection on any of those websites when I’m shopping online. I’ve rarely met someone who looks like those size small, 5’10” models, with a small bust and a small waist. You deceive us, making us think those clothes will fit just like they do on the models, but they don’t. Are they ever tried on by someone who was larger than a small? You imagine all of us to be the same, and you expect for us to change until we are. Mainstream, you don’t allow for individuality, and you’re so quick to deem someone’s body out of the norm, to be plus-sized. Why is plus size a different section in general? You choose every chance you get to embarrass my big black thighs, forcing me to go to the plus size section when you can easily extend the sizes into your regular lines. Mainstream, learn to love and accept my body for what it is. What you see as imperfections I see as uniqueness. Mainstream, you have taken away my uniqueness by manipulating my nanas, aunties and mommas for years. For so long, I was told that I had to tame my hair and make it look “presentable,” all the while damaging my hair. My hair, oh my hair, it’s been pinched and bobbled, robbed of its texture and all. It’s been strained, lost, shortened and almost completely uprooted. For years, my hair follicles have endured chemically-induced pain. Sitting there for what feels like
years, being permed and burned, permed and burned, permed and burned. I constantly complainied from the pain only to be reminded that “beauty is pain.” Why does it have to hurt to be beautiful? Mainstream, you’re the one who told our mommas to scold us in the morning if we didn’t wrap our hair the night before, always making sure that our hair would be neat. We’ve been placed in a bubble where we would rather spend the money to look good than spend the time to be true to ourselves. Mainstream, you are a catalyst for change — to make everyone look just like you. You have beaten into the heads of my nanas, aunties and mommas that the natural curl coming straight from my scalp shouldn’t be there. You have convinced many of them that the hair we are blessed with is not okay, forcing us to assimilate to straight long hair just so we are not looked at as beneath the rest of mainstream. How I choose to wear my hair is my prerogative. I want to see my natural curls back. I want to walk into a job interview with the curls that sprout from my head and not worry about whether or not my qualifications are the only thing in consideration for the job. I’m slowly having to prove to those who come before me that it’s okay to wear my hair in its natural state. Mainstream, accept me and my natural afro of curls, just like we’ve had to accept everything else that you’ve thrashed in our faces. Accept my skin, embrace it — it’s not going anywhere. I am born and proud of my smooth cocoa skin — my beautiful chocolate skin that reminds you of filth, that you describe as dirt. Mainstream, you set aside my skin color as if it’s removable. We are not seen as an entity that needs representation. You were in my friend’s head when she thought her only option was to bleach her beautiful skin — her beautiful chocolate brown skin. Mainstream, you tell my sisters and me that we will be accepted if we look just like you, if we try to match you as best we can. There’s a divide between me and my lighter-skinned sisters. Mainstream, do you only
wish to inflict pain on me and my sisters? Do you know how difficult it is to look in the mirror and never see the image reflected back at you in media? Mainstream, do you hear from your nanas, aunties and mommas that you need to date someone with lighter skin so that your babies will have lighter skin so that your baby will be considered beautiful based upon her skin color? Mainstream, if you could change your skin color, would you be chocolate? No. You would rather just take everything else about black women and claim it as your own. My lips, oh my lips, I was born with these luscious, full and round lips. They were not manufactured — just au natural. You constantly tore down my sisters for their lips and used it as a way to emasculate my brothers. “Big lips” are equated with ugliness, mainstream, except when it comes to today’s reality stars. We embrace many reality stars as if their newfound interest in having big lips make them look better when that same amount of tissue in my lips is deemed unattractive. These are the same lips I use to mindfully obey your every whim, policing my sisters about their hair expression and reminding our brothers that assimilation is the only way to get ahead — all of that to finally have my lips deemed “cool.” My grandmother actually tried to teach me ways to make my lips look smaller based on the type of makeup that I used. There’s only so much about my appearance and my body that I can continue to take from you, so I’ve decided to take it all back. No longer will I look to you for justification. If you will not represent my beautiful body and everything that comes along with it, then I’ll find or create a space that will. If you refuse to recognize the part of your current culture that takes parts of the culture that I’ve had for years, I will shame you for it. Mainstream, if you continue to purposely tear me and my sisters down, remember that we’ll always keep rising up. Sincerely, The Conventional Black Girl
6 ARTS
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
MUSIC REVIEW
TV REVIEW
‘Pool’ a graceful release ‘Scandal’ hype slowly derailing Radiohead brings a much-welcome maturity to “Pool” By ANAY KATYAL Summer Senior Arts Editor
Radiohead has a long history of its releases containing a rare level of profundity. And in their thirtysome year existence, their A staying power is only a testa- A Moon ment to their Shaped Pool continued lyrical and cre- Radiohead ative solidity. With A Moon XL Recordings Shaped Pool, it was hard for fans to know what to expect — the band’s illustrious discography has commented on arguably every major aspect of life and society one could imagine. But in their ninth release thus far, Radiohead exchanges continued social commentary for material only telling of their everlasting ability to work both listener’s minds and ears. Contained within A Moon Shaped Pool is a kind of wisdom that can only be afforded to a band whose content and thoughts have garnered continued relevancy decades after its release, providing listeners with an exploration of their emotions, thoughts and ideals. The band has always flirted with experimentation, but, in Pool, Radiohead brings a change of content that serves as the perfect homage both to the kind of material they’ve put out and the reputation it has cemented for them. It’s an enlightening level of maturity from a band already lauded for its astute body of work. Much of Pool’s material has either been leaked in some form or teased by the band at various concerts over the past two decades. In the album’s opener, “Burn the Witch,” the band crafts a timeless, but pointed, political message, using the imagery of a lynch mob to frame the song’s message as a critique of the devolvement of Western society’s social discourse. Though recordings of the song have floated around for a little over a decade now, the song is as apt with today’s controversies over transgender bathroom use and institu-
tionalized xenophobia as it is with the kind social issues that plagued society at the cusp of the new millennium. The string arrangements and subtle use of electronica (a contrast from Radiohead’s last few releases) bring to life the kind of melancholy engendered by those very social issues before descending into sounds of feral anger, illustrative of the state of the modern West’s political scene. If Radiohead’s last few releases have been outward critiques of the various ill components of society, Pool is an exploration of the emotions and feelings tied to those components. Rather than continuing to criticize from the stands, the band has taken the opportunity to introspect on their longstanding thoughts and feelings, exchanging lyrics with linear meaning for layered instrumentation that expresses their emotions better than any words could. Expansive and diverse in content, the album permeates with a divergent sound. “Ful Stop” and its vengeful synth descend into a palpable madness, juxtaposed with Thom Yorke’s signature moans and the band’s token interlacing guitar rhythms; “Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor Rich Man Poor Man Beggar Man Thief,” in all its reverberating glory, straddles the line between acoustic and electronic sound, creating a rich sound bursting with wry feelings of dread and sadness. The instruments throb, the lyrics wail and the listener unwittingly embraces sounds wrought with deep-seated emotion. Closing the album is a much storied (and sought after) piece by Radiohead — crude concert recordings of “True Love Waits” have been floating around the internet for around two decades now, and the lack of an official studio release (bar its appearance on their 2001 live album I Might Be Wrong) was met with the constant chagrin of Radiohead’s most loyal patrons (and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t among those complaining). The album’s version is bare-boned and raw, with nothing but a piano backing Yorke’s croons. “I’m not living, I’m just killing time,” Yorke sings in a rather personal and transparent display of his psyche. Though the rich guitar and emotional depth in Yorke’s singing on past versions are still sorely missed relative to Pool’s spin on the track, the revealing
humanity of “True Love Waits” is still a welcome addition to the barrage of emotional fervor contained within A Moon Shaped Pool. While Radiohead’s discography has a set of established fan favorites (ask a few Radiohead fans what their favorite songs are and you’ll probably find an amusing pattern), few underpin the band’s thematic approach as much as OK Computer’s “The Tourist.” Though its importance doesn’t really lie in its relative musical excellence (with plenty of other masterful songs it has to rub shoulders against on OK Computer alone), it’s a song emblematic of a philosophy that’s remained a constant in Radiohead’s work. With Jonny Greenwood’s shoegazey guitar anchoring the song and Yorke crooning lyrics like “Hey man, slow down, slow down / Idiot, slow down,” the song begs people to take a step back and savor what’s around them. Considering that, to judge a Radiohead record so closely after its release is a fairly futile task. With their penchant for layered lyrics and imagery that takes even the keenest of fans months (or even years) to fully comprehend, drawing an immediate appraisal out of thin air for a band like Radiohead, especially in today’s world of throw-away consumption, is a big ask. Even in my preadolescent years, listening to In Rainbows thirty-some times in a row (while also wallowing in my budding angst) was the only way I could draw a conclusion as to what made the album so great. Considering that A Moon Shaped Pool is effectively the band’s most pointed, thoughtful and mature work to date, enjoying it like any other mainstream record out today would be doing both the band and its album a disservice. In their effort to erase themselves from the internet and tease the album’s release with a more orchestral single than what fans are used to, Radiohead harkens back to simpler days, separating any potential distractions from their work and boiling down their art to a rather bare, humble form — the strongest echo of the band’s undying credo to date. With its lyrical focus and messages of social and emotional consciousness, what’s the use of A Moon Shaped Pool if we can’t slow down a bit and embrace it for what it’s for?
By ALEX INTNER Summer Managing Arts Editor
During the season five episode of “Scandal” titled “Thwack,” the story seemed to be zipping along. Then, with a “Thwack,” all Bmomentum completely Scandal collapsed. Olivia Pope (Kerry Season 5 Finale Washington, Thursday at 9 p.m. “Django ABC Unchained”), who has been held up as a white hat for justice (despite some dark marks on her name), murders the former Vice President of the United States. The episode revisits a point of huge emotional turmoil in Olivia’s kidnapping and was actually doing quite well up until the “Thwack,” but it changes her character in a completely unnecessary manner. This episode is representative of the fifth season of “Scandal” as a whole. Every time the drama seemed to be taking a step forward in both regaining narrative focus and creating a compelling story, it took two back. For every episode focusing on a presidential debate, there was one pulling the show deeper into the B-613 hole. It’s frustrating because there are points at which the series puts out a moment, sometimes a fleeting one, which reminds me of why I loved it in the past, but those are starting to become fewer and farther between. Many of “Scandal” ’s problems seem to revolve around one key group of characters, and the finale doubles down on keeping them around as key parts of the show. One of the major conflicts was an inane story involving Jake Ballard (Scott Foley, “The Unit”) trying to get Olivia to save him from her father, Rowan (Joe Morton, “Eureka”). It ends up not with an Olivia win, but rather with Rowan getting what he wanted all along: Ballard on the Republican ticket alongside Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young, “Criminal Minds”). I’m tired of B-613 as both a group of characters and a plot device. The series uses it to artificially inflate the drama, but I can only listen to so many monologues from Rowan
about how he’s not only doing this for his own power, but rather for the the people he cares about. There’s only so many times I can see Rowan commit some horrible act to gain power. There’s only so many times I can see Olivia lose to these people. The show views these characters as viable antagonists, but it’s repeating the same devices over and over again until they lose their impact. Though Rowan and Jake were involved the whole way, the election storyline was a glimmer of hope among the B-613 bullshit. The Republican battle between Mellie and Vice President Susan Ross (Artemis Pebdani, “Another Period”) made for compelling television. The plot twisted and turned in a traditional “Scandal” manner, as the characters plotted to win their ideal candidates the nomination. The campaigns fought bitterly, stabbing each other in the back and digging up dirt on each other, and the ups and downs of their candidacies were highly entertaining. What especially made the fight engrossing was how it tested the relationship between Olivia and Abby (Darby Stanchfield, “Mad Men”) by pitting them against one another. Their friendship has always been a powerful core of the show. Olivia has always been a mentor to Abby, so to see them battle, and to see Abby betray Olivia by thinking about using Liv’s abortion against her and accidentally telling President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn, “Tarzan”) about it, pained my heart. It brought a new level to the relationship, and, in a season in which the series used quite a bit of repetitive storytelling, it made a huge difference. All “Scandal”’s problems are a damn shame, because there’s still a great show somewhere in there. Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and crew have driven themselves too far into the weeds. The finale pushed further into the depths of this terrible storyline, which doesn’t leave much hope that it can coursecorrect and save itself. Maybe there’s a glimmer in the next season only being 16 episodes, instead of 22 (requiring tighter storytelling), but unless they dump B-613, the potential could easily be lost.
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
TV REVIEW
FILM REVIEW
ARTS 7
‘Grace and Frankie’ is a ‘Monster’ bores breath of fresh air on TV By RACHEL RICHARDSON Daily Arts Writer
“Grace and Frankie” shows improvement on its first season By SOPHIA KAUFMAN Daily Arts Writer
The second season of “Grace and Frankie” began with wishes and ended with vibrators. To be more precise, it began Awith Frankie (Lily Tomlin, Grace and “Grandma”) Frankie making a wish on an eye- Season 2 lash and then Netflix yanking a hair from Grace’s (Jane Fonda, “Youth) chin and making Grace wish on it, and it ended with them deciding to make a business out of sex toys for women with arthritis (while also saying goodbye to a dear friend). It was a tightly written season, wrapping up almost all loose ends while still leaving a few tantalizing ideas for future seasons. In the first episode of the second season, Robert (Martin Sheen, “The West Wing”) has a heart attack and ends up in the hospital. Before he goes into surgery, he decides he wants to marry Sol (Sam Waterson, “The Newsroom”) in the hospital, just in case. It’s up to Grace and Frankie to find a minister for the wedding of their two exhusbands — and thus, the first episode of hilarity ensues. First they find a Catholic priest who won’t marry gays; then they find a rabbi who has no problem with two men getting married, but he won’t officiate a wedding that’s not between two Jewish people. Grace, fed up with this nonsense, finally shouts: “There’s a sick WASP upstairs who needs to marry the Jewish one!” Eventually, Frankie officiates the wedding, beginning with “We are here today to join my ex-husband with her ex-husband.” Throughout the episode, Frankie decides to sell her infamous lube made with yams to
NETFLIX
“Is that yam lube all it’s cracked up to be?”
Grace’s daughter Brianna (June Diane Raphael, “Burning Love”), who runs a cosmetics business. Frankie wants millions of dollars and her own vaginal art on the boxes and stubbornly holds on to several of her values regarding the business, making Brianna’s life extremely difficult. Grace goes on a journey to find an old flame, which doesn’t and then does work out. One of the funniest parts of the fifth episode is a bit of a throwaway conversation between Grace and Frankie. Grace, while talking to Frankie about her relationship with her old friends, refers to the “whole Robert mess” — meaning, of course, the fact that Robert and Sol had been cheating on Grace and Frankie with each other for years — and Frankie asks her what she means by that. Grace looks incredulously at her and Frankie realizes what she means, but quickly tosses it away with a hand wave. This season builds on what the first season did by allowing room for the expression of the pain that comes from cheating but also makes us aware that the most important part of this show is the resilience of these two women, and their friendship. “Grace and Frankie” deals with more than the negotiation of relationship politics between two families bizarrely twined together. As the two main characters and their husbands are both of retirement age, everyone’s got mortality on the brain. One of
Grace and Frankie’s eccentric friends throws herself the “party to end all parties” because she wants one final good time before she dies by choice before letting cancer get her first. The show portrays a positive stance on people choosing how and when they want to go when their options are limited, injecting slivers of humor and hope into a conversation that is otherwise bleak. The finale features a magnificent speech by both Grace and Frankie on how women their age aren’t respected or acknowledged — especially sexually — so they decide to go into business together, making vibrators for women with arthritis. The acting has only strengthened over time, bolstered by hysterical writing. The jokes land one right after the other; Tomlin and Fonda have unrivaled chemistry on screen (though it is still fun to watch Sheen and Waterson play lovers), which is part of the reason “Grace and Frankie” was able to make a significant demographic care about a show that revolves around two wealthy, white, older-than-middle aged women and their families. While it’s hard to ignore just how wealthy they are — especially every time there’s a beautiful shot of a meal at the beach house — and how their abilities to cope with their problems are aided by that, the show manages to ground itself in comedy that never lacks a heartfelt warmth.
Perhaps the reason why kids have trouble believing there really are no monsters under their beds is that they can easily detect bullshit in the explana- C+ tions we provide Money them. “Money Monster” dem- Monster onstrates the Sony Pictures extent to which members of the Rave and adult world allow Quality 16 themselves to accept the questionable excuses large corporations give them when they have a major screw up. However, there comes a point, like when a company loses eight billion dollars and proceeds to attribute the mishap to a technological glitch, when everyone becomes suspicious and angry. Now, “Money Monster” is not actually a nickname for the rather unthreatening antagonist, but rather it’s the title of Lee Gates’s (George Clooney, “Gravity”) television show directed by Patty Fern (Julia Roberts, “Notting Hill”). Every Friday, Lee gives financial tips to the public that, while mostly accurate, are usually exaggerated. Thus, his fanbase is countered by a substantial group of haters. One of these haters, Kyle Budwell (Jack O’ Connell, “Unbroken”), sneaks onto the set determined to get an explanation for how IBIS (a powerful corporation) could possibly lose eight billion dollars overnight. He begins his interrogation by forcing Lee to make himself a human bomb. The only wrinkle in Kyle’s plan is that IBIS’s CEO, Walt Cannby (Dominic West, “300”), who was previously scheduled to do an in-person interview that day, has suddenly gone rogue (coincidence? I think not). At first, Lee thinks Kyle is a disillusioned psychopath convinced his life is far worse than anyone else’s. But, as Lee listens to Kyle’s testimony, he becomes convinced the real culprit must have human, not virtual fingerprints. Clooney adds an essential layer of depth to the typical bigoted millionaire TV show host persona. He demonstrates hosting is a craft that requires the ability to make a connection with people,
which is something not many can do well. Furthermore, Clooney shows hosts are frequently actors themselves — the attitude they exhibit for the camera may not be an accurate representation of their true personality. On air, Lee’s a know-it-all who views women as nothing more than sexualized objects. Yet, off screen, he exudes sincere gratitude for his entire crew, especially Patty. Roberts’ portrayal of her character assures us Patty deserves this recognition. Patty comes off as a trustworthy, intelligent woman who can remain calm during high risk situations. On the other hand, she’s also not afraid to be annoyingly persistent and yell at high powered executives when they offer her nothing more than fabricated excuses. Finally, she’s a triumphant representative of women in power — not once do we question her ability to lead the crew of at least 30 individuals, most of whom are male. “Money Monster” pales in comparison to the films of both genres it tries to blend. Unlike crime thrillers such as “Now You See Me” that leave viewers guessing until the final scene, “Money Monster” ’s events play out in a predictable manner. And, though it does expose the corruption of wealthy institutions, it fails to arouse the same intense feelings of hatred toward those who mishandle our hard-earned money that “The Big Short” does. Despite this, the film is not entirely distasteful, thanks to the comic relief provided by the loyal cameraman, Lenny (Lenny Venito, “War of the Worlds”), and the producer, Rob (Christopher Denham, “Shutter Island”). Instead of smoothly shifting from one tone to the next, the film abruptly switches between them. While music usually helps to ease this type of transition, director Jodie Foster’s (“The Silence of the Lambs”) use of music only enhances the contradicting tones. She follows the awkwardly sappy ending with Dan the Automator’s hype hip-hop track, “What Make the World Go Round [MONEY!].” So, when deciding where to throw your green this weekend, know that “Money Monster” is a very risky investment. If I were you, I’d take that eight dollars and spend it somewhere else.
8 NEWS
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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LosAngeles AngelesTimes TimesDaily DailyCrossword Crossword Puzzle Puzzle Los EditedbybyRich RichNorris Norrisand andJoyce JoyceNichols NicholsLewis Lewis Edited
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specific microbial species might lead to more successful results. Fecal transplants deliver stool samples from healthy donors to ill patients to change the microbiome in the patient’s digestive tract, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Currently, this procedure is used to treat recurrent inflammation in the large intestine caused by a bacterial species called Clostridium difficile. “This idea of giving a community of microbes, I think, makes a lot of sense when thinking about other applications,” Yong said. “One of the most successful attempts involve exactly that … (Fecal transplant) is quite like an ecosystem transplant.” Gilbert emphasized the importance of microbiomes in a medical setting, saying that studying the microbiome in individual patients is necessary for precision medicine, in addition to studying the human genome. “Why doesn’t genetics give us the whole answer?” Gilbert said. “Because we need the human genome … but we need microbial genome as well.” Gilbert further discussed how manipulating the microbiome can be useful for treating and curing many human diseases, such as allergies. Gilbert discussed, for instance, Amish children, who grow up on farms and usually do not develop asthma or allergies due to their exposure to certain microbes during their youth. Gilbert also discussed other health issues such as obesity and cancer from a microbiome perspective, mentioning that changing the microbiome can be an approach to fight such health crises. “We are now working very exclusively to find way to use the microbiome ... to make the immune system fight cancer,” Gilbert said. “There are many ways we can harbor microbiome therapies for treating diseases.” LSA sophomore John Hartert said he attended the session and a couple of talks during the day because he is interested in microbial ecology. Hartert particularly found the ubiquitous and impactful nature of the microbiome interesting. “I was really interested in how expansive the effects of the microbiome is,” Hartert said.
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
TRANSGENDER From Page 1 this argument, studies suggest transgender individuals are more likely to be at risk while using public restrooms than those around them. Despite the anti transgenderrights rhetoric employed by some Republican legislators in Lansing, the University of Michigan provides a variety of accommodations for transgender students, including gender-inclusive housing and genderinclusive bathroom facilities. Genderinclusive housing involves either a room with a private bathroom or a room in proximity to genderinclusive bathroom facilities. Nearly all residence halls offer some sort of gender-inclusive facility. Gender inclusive facilities are open to all students who wish to use a private bathroom. Kaufman said she was previously not permitted to use the women’s restroom facilities at the University, and often had to travel inconvenient distances to find gender-neutral facilities. However, the University has since changed that policy, and Kaufman said she no longer encounters the same restrictions. Kaufman added that she has not had issues with the University’s policies in general, but that she believes the administration could go further in actively protecting transgender students rights. “The University is one of the most liberal institutions in the country, so there aren’t really any problematic regulations that I’m aware of that exist anymore,” she said. “There’s more things that could be done to protect LGBT, particularly trans people, that the University could be doing.” The University also offers a preferred name policy, which allows
TRUMP From Page 3 cost of college. “I am confident that she will be able to (cut tuition), and there is a difference between an idealistic policy and a pragmatic policy position,” Sarkar said. “Hillary can make it more affordable and refinance student loans — that’s realistic, that’s something you can hold the president accountable for. Free college is not.” Overall, Clinton’s plan is projected to cost about $350 billion over the course of 10 years, which Clinton has said she would raise by closing tax loopholes and expenditures for
all students to change the name they wish to appear in the University directory. In April, Wolverines for Preferred Pronouns started a petition to additionally allow students’ preferred pronouns to appear on class rosters. As of Wednesday, the online petition has 788 signatures. Kaufman said the University community has generally been welcoming to her, but she considers herself cis-passing — meaning, despite being a transgender woman, she appears to be a nontransgender woman — which she believes contributes to the absence of harassment that many transgender individuals encounter. “Generally, the reactions I’ve received have been very positive, but the circles I’m in are very liberal and accepting,” she said. “Now when I interact with people they don’t know that I’m trans a lot of the time, so I don’t really deal with that transphobia. It’s a unique thing because of the way I’m perceived by people. I don’t deal with a lot of the issues that trans women deal with.” Despite the positive campus community, Kaufman cited instances of harassment on her social media accounts, saying she has drawn hostile online attention due to her visible activism. She said she also received a plethora of negative reactions from people walking past her as she participated in a demonstration where she held a sign identifying herself as a transgender woman. Kaufman additionally referenced a need for normalizing transgender participation in sororities to help support the idea that transgender women are just like other women. Kaufman said she attempted to rush at the University, but she did not receive any bids. Ann Arbor Public Schools Locally, Ann Arbor Public
wealthy individuals. This includes grants the federal government would distribute to states that are able to commit and cut interest rates on loans. Republicans As the presumptive nominee, Trump is preparing to roll out a full-fledged platform on higher education. Sam Clovis, the co-chair and policy director of Trump’s campaign, outlined possible ideas and policies in an interview with Inside Higher Ed last week. While Trump and his campaign staff have yet to lay out specific details, they are preparing for what
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Schools has been working for years to ensure a safe environment for its transgender students. According to Deb Mexicotte, president of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board, the protection of students is based off of its own non-discrimination policy, which aims to protect all students from any form of discrimination. Mexicotte said there is no specific policy directed at protecting transgender students, and the implementation of the non-discrimination policy varies from school to school. However, during Mexicotte’s tenure on the board, there have been no issues or complaints regarding the safety of transgender students that have come to her attention. Mexicotte said she is proud of the work the district has done to ensure a positive learning environment for all students. “One of the things I’m proud of in our community is that we try to do the right thing for our students, our staff and our community without being mandated to do so,” she said. “We are very cognizant of our role in creating that safe and welcoming educational environment.” Mexicotte also indicated that any federal ordinance is always helpful in implementing policy and ensuring student protection, but that it’s yet to be determined whether or not the recent announcement will lead to any policy changes or new policy in AAPS. The State of Michigan On a state level, the battle for transgender rights has been much more contentious. The state legislature is currently under Republican control and Democrats complainof an inability to pass legislation they view as vital. A proposed guidance issued by the Michigan Department of Education in February, advising schools to
take action toward protecting LGBTQ students — particularly by highlighting the need to allow transgender students to use the restroom of their choice — drew ire from Republican legislators such as state Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R– Canton). “Our schools, our teachers, our administrators are on the frontline of a culture war in our society, and as their proponents push their social agenda into our classrooms, the quality of education our children receives suffers,” Colbeck proclaimed on the Senate floor on March 22, in response to a directive from the Michigan Board of Education calling for transgender students to be given access to the bathroom of their identity. “Over 50 percent of our third graders can’t read, math proficiency for some schools hovers in the teens, and now we have these new guidelines that further divert our educators from their core mission — that of teaching our kids. It is time to take a stand against this social engineering,” Colbeck added. State Rep. Jeff Irwin (D–Ann Arbor) said it is highly unlikely for the state to pass any legislation aimed at fighting discrimination against transgender individuals. He went on to reference a State Sen. Tom Casperson (R–Escanaba) who threatened to introduce a bill similar to the North Carolina bathroom bill, but it never actually came to fruition. Because of this, Irwin said environment protections for students must come from individual districts. “I think the progress is going to have to be school by school and community by community, rather than through the state legislature,” he said. “I don’t anticipate the state legislature doing something positive.” In the state of Michigan, transgender students in K-12
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schooling reported rates of harassment at 84 percent, physical assault at 44 percent and sexual violence at 10 percent. Nine percent of the reported harassment was so severe that it led the individual to drop out of K-12 or higher education schooling, according to a report by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Irwin does hope to see legislation addressing other concerns of transgender individuals, including a push to have hormone drugs used by people in transition covered by Medicaid and allowing transgender individuals to change the gender that appears on their state identification, both of which he cited as key issues for the transgender community. Currently in Michigan, 19 percent of transgender individuals have been refused medical care due to their gender identity/expression, and 35 percent reported postponed needed medical care when they were sick or injured due to discrimination, according to the NCTE and the NGLTF. Kaufman also mentioned a general need in the transgender community for the protection of transgender women, specifically transgender women of color. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs’ most recent report, nearly 90 percent of LGBTQ homicide victims in 2013 were people of color, with 72 percent being transgender women and 67 percent transgender women of color. Kaufman said any attempt to better the lives of these individuals is vital. “Getting these women the resources they need and recognizing all the shit they have to deal with and trying to improve their lives in any way is very important,” Kaufman said.
Expires May 30, 2016
10 SPORTS
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
BASEBALL
‘M’ can right the ship
ELIZABETH XIONG/Daily
Senior Cody Bruder had four hits and four RBI in five at-bats in Tuesday’s 6-5 loss to the Golden Grizzlies.
Wolverines lose to Oakland By NATHANIEL CLARK Daily Sports Writer
What had been an immensely frustrating week for the Michigan baseball team appeared to be ending in the bottom of the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game. Junior catcher Harrison Wenson approached home plate with runners on first and second with one out. It was his chance to be the hero. But he grounded into an inningending double play and Oakland scored a run in the next frame to top the Wolverines, 6-5. Michigan (12-8 Big Ten, 34-17 overall) is now on a five-game skid for the first time since 2013. “We talked about believing that we could do it,” said Michigan coach Erik Bakich referring to his team’s rally. “We’ve had big innings many times this year. Everyone just found a way to get on base. We tied it up and had the chance to win. We just didn’t win it.” Down 5-2 in the ninth, senior pinch-hitter Dominic Jamett began Michigan’s comeback by getting hit by a pitch. On the next at-bat, sophomore shortstop Michael Brdar lifted a fly ball to right field that appeared to be an out before the right fielder dropped it. Freshman second baseman Ako Thomas then drew a walk to load the bases with no one out. Senior center fielder Cody Bruder took advantage as he hit a bases-clearing double past the third baseman to tie the game at five. Junior left fielder Carmen
Benedetti was intentionally walked before Wenson grounded into his double play. The Golden Grizzlies (10-12 Horizon, 22-24) put the nail in the Wolverines’ coffin in the tenth when left fielder Myles Zilinsky singled to center to drive in the game-winning run. Michigan went down without much of a fight in the tenth as a one-out walk by junior right fielder Johnny Slater was followed by another double play. “It’s always tough to have an emotional roller coaster like that,” Bruder said. “It just didn’t work out for us.” Before the ninth inning, the contest was a fairly low scoring affair. Oakland scored in the top of the first when right fielder Tyler Pagano hit a two-out, two-run home run. The Golden Grizzlies threatened further damage when second baseman Ian Yetsko reached on a fielding error and Ben Hart singled up the middle. But Michigan sophomore righthander Ryan Nutof kept Oakland in check when he got the next batter to fly out to left field. The Wolverines’ offense, which had been stymied for the first four frames, turned on in the bottom of the fifth inning. Bruder came to bat with runners on first and second and one out. He singled up the middle to drive in Michigan’s first run while Benedetti followed up with his own RBI single to tie the game. Bruder finished Tuesday with four hits in five at-bats and four RBI.
The Golden Grizzlies were poised to strike again in the sixth when they put runners on second and third with two outs. Center fielder Ryan Fitzgerald came to the plate with a chance to put Oakland on top. Both runners scored during Fitzgerald’s at-bat, but they did on a balk and a wild pitch, respectively. Michigan was in a two-run hole of its own making. The Golden Grizzles mounted another offensive in the eighth when catcher Matt Dileo came to bat with a man on second and no one out. He laid down a sacrifice bunt down the third base line to advance the runner to third. But the throw hit Dileo in the helmet and bounced past first base, allowing a run to score and leaving Michigan down 5-2 before its ultimately unsuccessful comeback effort one frame later. “(The last week) has been a rough patch for us,” Bruder said. “We know we’re a good team and we know that we’ll come out of this stronger than we were coming in. I think we’ll be alright, but teams have rough patches.” Even with their recent frustrating stretch, the Wolverines’ are still in 36th place in the rating percentage index standings, which will be used to help determine which teams make the NCAA tournament. Before that, though, Michigan will try to regain momentum with a three-game road series at Illinois beginning May 19 as a prelude to the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.
On May 10, the Michigan baseball team was riding a five-game winning streak, scoring 63 runs while surrendering just 11 in that span. The Wolverines, in spite of a combined 1-4 record against Minnesota and Michigan State, were NATHANIEL just one- CLARK half game away from the top spot in the Big Ten and were off to their best start since 1987. Today, Michigan is on a five-game skid, its longest since 2013, in which it has been outscored 31-19. The Wolverines are now fifth place in the conference standings with three contests left. “The last week has been an emotional roller coaster,” said Michigan coach Erik Bakich. “Losing is not something that we are accustomed to or will ever get accustomed to.” To add insult to injury, three of Michigan’s losses came from a sweep by its arch-rival, Ohio State. The Wolverines’ 3-2 loss May 13 was especially painful as the game ended when the Buckeyes’ centerfielder robbed senior designated hitter Domenic Jamett of a game-tying base hit with a diving catch. But the most frustrating contests for the Wolverines during their recent struggles were undoubtedly their two non-conference matchups. Against Central Michigan on May 10, Michigan found itself in an 8-0 hole after four frames. The Wolverines nearly erased the deficit thanks to four by freshman left fielder Jimmy Kerr. But they came up one run short, dropping an 8-7 game to a Chippewas team that has won just 18 games this season. It was a similar story for Michigan against Oakland on May 17. Trailing 5-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, senior center fielder Cody Bruder broke through with a threeRBI double to both tie the game and put the winning run in scoring position. Junior left fielder Carmen Benedetti was intentionally walked on the next at-bat in order to set up a potential double play. That brought junior catcher Harrison Wenson to the plate, hoping to strike back against the Golden Grizzlies, but he was unable to be the hero when he grounded into an inning-ending double play. Oakland put up an RBI single in the next frame for the win. Wenson has been in an
uncharacteristic slump as of late, recording just two hits in his last 20 at-bats. The Wolverines will certainly need him to recreate his earlier-season success if they are to snap out of their current funk. Michigan has been playing without outfielder Matt Ramsay, who is currently out with an injury. He was a fixture at the second spot in the Wolverines’ lineup, posting a .298 batting average, four home runs and 28 RBI. “I feel really bad for (Ramsay),” Bruder said. “It’s his senior year. To end like that is pretty awful.” But according to the team, a big part of its struggles has been players feeling under pressure, as Bruder said after the Oakland loss. “It seems like everyone feels like every pitch is magnified at this point of the season,” Bruder said. “If you take a strike, you feel a little worse than at the beginning of the season.” Added Bakich: “You can sense the frustration in everybody. Some guys maybe are pressing or trying too hard to change that outcome.” To be sure, the Wolverines have more than enough ability to turn things around. Michigan is hitting .310 as a team, the second highest mark in the Big Ten, and are tied for first in the conference with 310 runs scored. The pitching staff leads the Big Ten with 440 strikeouts. The Wolverines also have a three-game series at Illinois to fine tune themselves before the Big Ten Tournament. While the Fighting Illini’s record does not appear imposing when compared to Michigan’s, the Wolverines have played significantly better at home than on the road — 16-4 and 13-13, respectively. Illinois, meanwhile, is 11-4 at home this season. Michigan is No. 36 in the NCAA rating percentage index standings, the highest ranking of any Big Ten team. While that puts the Wolverines in solid position for making the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season, losses at Illinois could jeopardize Michigan’s chances if it does not repeat as the Big Ten Tournament champion. “We know we’re a good team,” said sophomore infielder Jake Bivens. “We’ll be alright, good teams have rough patches.” Bivens is right that the Wolverines are a good team, but they’ll need to shape up quickly if they want to achieve their goals.
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
SPORTS 11
With late comeback, ‘M’ Wolverines finish wins share of Big Ten title second at Big Tens MEN’S TRACK & FIELD
By MATTHEW KENNEDY
By LANEY BYLER
Daily Sports Writer
Daily Sports Writer
Two days into the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, the Michigan women’s track and field team was nowhere close to following up its Big Ten Indoor Championship with another title. The Wolverines were in sixth place with one day remaining, and even worse, they were 33 points behind the leader, Minnesota. To most, the deficit would appear to be too grand. But for Michigan, they knew their best day was still in store. “We were down a lot, to be honest,” said Michigan coach James Henry. “We just had to take care of what we could control, and that was to get people into the finals and compete as best you can in the finals.” The Wolverines entered the day with 23 points, but quickly gained six points when sophomore Claire Kieffer-Wright claimed third place in the high jump with a height of 1.82 meters. Things started to get even better for Michigan Sunday when fifthyear senior Shannon Osika — who was the Big Ten Indoor Champion in the mile — and redshirt sophomore Jaimie Phelan finished one, two in the mile, giving the Wolverines 18 more points. Only two hours into the day, and already Michigan had doubled its previous point total, giving the team a glimmer of hope. Still, though, much was yet to come. Only 20 minutes after the one, two sweep, senior Cindy Ofili vaulted the Wolverines even closer to the top with her third consecutive championship in the 100-meter hurdles, narrowly winning by one second with a time of 12.91 seconds. Junior Sami Mitchell also finished seventh in the 100-meter hurdles, providing two small — yet pricelessly crucial — points to the team’s championship hopes. In the next race, the 400-meter dash, the Wolverines’ winning streak came to an end, but senior Maya Long was able to add four more points to the team’s point total with a fifth-place finish. “You can’t win a championship with all big fish and all big points,” Henry said. “Every point counted
The Michigan men’s track and field team went to the Big Ten Outdoor Championships in hope of proving itself as one of the best teams in the Big Ten — and it did just that. Returning home with a final score of 90.5 points, the Wolverines secured their best outdoor finish since 2008 and finalized a runnerup finish at the championships. After setting the pace on the first day of competition with 15 points and sitting at second in the 13-team pool, the team scored an additional 33.5 points on the second day to maintain its position. However, it wasn’t until the third day of competition that Michigan demonstrated what it was capable of. The Wolverines scored 42 points on the final day to set themselves apart from third-place Purdue, securing their spot as the Big Ten runner-up. Fifth-year senior Mason Ferlic led the pack, finishing his Big Ten career with a win in the 3,000meter steeplechase Saturday, making him a back-to-back champion in the event. He also won the 5,000-meter run Sunday, doubling up on first-place finishes. He is the first athlete in the the Big Ten to take home titles in both events since 2002. “Honestly, going into this meet, I never once thought, ‘This is my last Big Ten race,’ ” Ferlic said. “I love that I’ve had the opportunity to race in the Big Ten, so for this to be the last experience I’ve had, it makes me happy. Achieving all of the goals and finishing the way I did, I couldn’t be more proud of this team and everything we have accomplished.” Freshman Taylor McLoughlin made his Big Ten Championship debut this weekend, and also snagged a title in the 400-meter hurdles. He finished the race with a time of 49.80, the fourth-fastest time in the NCAA this year and
FILE PHOTO/Daily
Cindy Ofili won her third consecutive championship in the 100-meter hurdles.
for us. The winning kids were just as important as the kid who took eighth place for us because it actually was every point that counted, and we would not have won without the eighth-place kid. Every star shined for us.” The stars especially started to shine in the 800-meter run, Michigan’s best event of the meet. Fifth-year senior Devon Hoppe — who won the Big Ten Indoor Championship in the same event — took first place with a time of 2:06.73, and right behind her was Osika for the one, two sweep. Redshirt junior Danielle Pfeiffer finished fourth, giving the Wolverines a total of 23 points in the event – matching the number they entered the day with. “During the race I got a little boxed in, but when the opening came I just took it,” Hoppe said. “That was my plan from the beginning, to make a really strong, confident move when the opportunity presented itself. I trusted myself, and things worked out great.” After a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter dash by Ofili gave Michigan four more points, the Wolverines had a chance to take the lead with a win in the 5,000 meter run. Promptly, they did such that. Redshirt sophomore Gina Sereno — who won her first Big Ten event in the 10,000 meter on Friday — gave Michigan 10 more points, and a lead with one event remaining, with a victory in the 5,000 meter. Four
hours after they weren’t even in the top five, the Wolverines needed only one more race to sweep the Big Ten Championships for the first time since 2003. Michigan entered the final race — the 4 x 400 meter relay — with 102 points, one more than Minnesota’s 101. With a win, the Wolverines would be outright champions, while a loss by more than one spot would give the Golden Gophers the crown. For the collective good of both teams, though, neither of those scenarios happened. Minnesota finished the race in the fourth place with a time of 3:32.50, giving its team five points and a total of 106 points. Michigan, finished in fifth place with a time of 3:33.42, giving its team four points and total of: 106 points. “We knew that the score was tied, but no one really knew what that meant,” Hoppe said. “I ran over to (assistant coach) Mike (McGuire) and said, ‘What happens?’ and he just laughed at me and said, ‘We both win!’ After that, everyone got really excited and there was a lot of celebrating.” After the meet, some of the athletes thought there might be a tie-breaker. But in the end, the lackluster first two days were a thing of the past, and the score the board in Lincoln, Neb. read was the one that stood: Michigan 106 and Minnesota 106 – Big Ten Champions.
sixth in the world in athletes under 20 years old. With additional points coming from junior Ben Flanagan’s win in the 10,000-meter run and senior Steven Bastien’s win in the 100-meter dash and impressive performance in the decathlon, Michigan was in good standing throughout each day of the competition. The throwers also helped boost the Wolverines, as they were the only Big Ten team to score in every throwing event. Junior Grant Cartwright stood out, scoring a 54.97 meters in discus, the fifth-best mark in Michigan history. He finished fifth in the event. “The first thing that it boils down to is coaching,” Cartwright said. “My coach will always say it’s the athletes who do it, but we couldn’t have come as far as we did without him. The other thing is just how we carry ourselves as throwers. We’re very competitive. We strive to be leaders on the team in scoring points and setting the tone for the meet.” The Wolverines took home enough titles to secure them a runner-up finish at the championship and achieve their best outdoor score in eight years. While they haven’t always been at the top of the scoreboard, it’s hard to ignore their recent successes and improvement. “When I came in as an underclassman, it felt like no one took us seriously as a powerhouse program,” Ferlic said. “To watch the progression under our head coach Jerry Clayton and Kevin Sullivan, and to be a part of that kind of improvement over a short window of time is a great Michigan legacy. This is something I’ll forever be proud of.” With Michigan’s strong performance in the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, it’s looking to continue its recent domination. The Wolverines are laying down a track of success, and they plan to follow it all the way through the NCAA Tournament.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”
12 SPORTS
Thursday, May 19, 2016 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
NCA A Softball Regional Preview By AVI SHOLKOFF Daily Sports Writer
After a devastating loss to No. 23 Minnesota last weekend, the Michigan softball team traveled back home to Ann Arbor with only one week to prepare for an NCAA Regional. The second-ranked Wolverines will host Valparaiso in their first matchup Friday night. With Notre Dame and Miami (Ohio) rounding out the four-team regional, the Daily previews each team in the Ann Arbor regional. No. 2 Michigan Despite its loss in the Big Ten tournament final, No. 2 Michigan remains the overwhelming favorite to advance from the region. The Wolverines (22-2 Big Ten, 46-5 overall) lead the nation in scoring with 8.41 runs per game and rank second nationally in batting average with an impressive .355 clip. Senior second baseman Sierra Romero didn’t record a hit in six at-bats during the first two games of the Big Ten tournament but notched three hits, including a home run, in the championship game. Romero
sits seventh in the nation with a .472 batting average and ranks first in runs per game. Senior centerfielder Sierra Lawrence adds offensive support in the leadoff spot, hitting .452 and scoring 1.39 runs per game, good for first in the nation. In the circle, Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Megan Betsa will look to improve on her erratic performance in last weekend’s tournament. Betsa leads the nation in strikeouts per seven innings (11.5), but will need to keep her walks down in order to give the Wolverines a winning chance. Though not as overpowering as Betsa, fifth-year senior right-hander Sara Driesenga maintains a solid presence in the circle with her ability to force ground balls. She posted a 2.13 earned-run average and tallied 21 wins this season. Because of its top-to-bottom offensive firepower, Michigan is most likely to advance to the Super Regional. Every player currently sits at .300 clip, and no other team in the region can match that stat. No. 20 Notre Dame Much like Michigan, offense is vital to Notre Dame’s success,
ranking fifth nationally in batting average with a solid .351 clip and scoring seven runs per game. The Fighting Irish (13-7 Atlantic Coast, 41-11 overall) finished third in the ACC and made it to the tournament final, where it lost to No. 8 Florida State. Notre Dame’s lineup begins with center field speedster Karley Wester, who sports a .440 batting average and 42 stolen bases, good for ninth in the nation. Righthander Caitlyn Brooks and infielder Michaela Arizmendi add power to the lineup with 11 and 10 home runs, respectively. Arizmendi leads Notre Dame with 59 RBI and Brooks ranks second with 52. In the circle, left-hander Allie Rhodes notched 18 wins alongside 148 strikeouts to anchor the Fighting Irish’s pitching staff. Notre Dame will look to advance further than last season, when it reached the final game of its regional, only to fall to Kentucky in the final inning. Despite qualifying for the NCAA tournament in their previous 17 seasons, the Fighting Irish have never advanced past the regional stage. Because of its prestigious
conference schedule and NCAA Tournament experience, Notre Dame has the best chance of upsetting Michigan this weekend.
season competition, they will have a difficult time against the Big Ten champions and ACC-runners up in the Wolverines and Fighting Irish, respectively.
Miami (Ohio) Valparaiso Miami arrives in Ann Arbor after winning four consecutive games to emerge victorious in its conference tournament. The Redhawks (15-7 MidAmerican, 34-21 overall) ranked second in the MAC with a .284 batting average and 55 home runs, 11 of which came from their lead-off hitter, infielder Michaela Schlattman. Outfielder and No. 3 hitter Taylor Shuey leads the team with 47 RBI and a .378 batting average. Spearheading Miami’s rotation is right-hander Amber Logemann who pitched 207 innings this season. Logemann doesn’t strike many batters out but manages to hold opposing batters to a low .227 average. Logemann received the MAC Tournament MVP after winning all four starts and allowing just four runs in 32 innings. Inconsistency best sums up the Redhawks’ seasonal performance, as they have had winning and losing streaks of at least five games. While its offense may be potent for the MAC and it may be riding a seven-game winning streak, Miami pales in comparison to Michigan and Notre Dame. With the Redhawks’ lack of tougher regular-
Valparaiso (8-14, Horizon League, 18-32 overall) finished sixth out of nine teams in the regular season in the Horizon League. The postseason though, told a different story. The Crusaders received an automatic NCAA Tournament bid through four consecutive upset victories en route to a conference championship. Offensively, infielder Sam Stewart catalyzes Valparaiso, leading the Crusaders with seven home runs and 32 RBI. In the circle, Taylor Weisenhoffer will look to hold her own against Michigan’s powerful hitters Friday. The right-hander finished second in the Horizon League in strikeouts with 159 and fourth in opponents’ batting average with .248. Valparaiso faced only one ranked opponent this season, an early 16-5 run-rule loss to then-No. 10 Florida State. Now in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013, the Crusaders will look to show that they belong in the tournament despite a lackluster regular-season record. But Valparaiso has yet to face a team nearly as powerful as the Wolverines, and may struggle against such a dynamic offense.
DELANEY RYAN/Daily
In her final season, centerfielder Sierra Lawrence leads the nation in runs per game.