ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX YEARS OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM
Thursday, February 7, 2017
Ann Arbor, Michigan
michigandaily.com
ACADEMICS
SACUA aims to gauge ‘U’ climate with staff surveys Committee debates whether social diversity appraisal will prove effective EMILY MIILLER Daily Staff Reporter
DESIGN BY: MICHELLE PHILLIPS
Title IX’s role at University unclear under new Trump administration
Possible Sec. of Education Betsy DeVos has given ambigious responses in past JENNIFER MEER Daily Staff Reporter
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the fate of Title IX and actions associated with it, both nationally and at the University of Michigan, are uncertain. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, in conjunction with then-President Obama’s administration, released a “Dear Colleague” letter to
universities, emphasizing Title IX’s prohibition of discrimination “on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance.” This guidance stipulated universities’ obligations to promptly respond to sexual misconduct claims on their campuses. Given the report, the University of Michigan is one of over 240 schools undergoing a formal investigation by the Department of Education of its
handling of sexual misconduct cases. The investigation began nearly three years ago, in February 2014. The University has since come under fire for failing to release documents related to the investigation in a timely manner. A Freedom of Information Act request was filed against the University in 2015 for the release of documents such as written complaints, emails and other statements to further the investigation. The request was
paid for in part by The Michigan Daily. As of now, the investigation is still underway, according to University officials. However, its continuation is questionable given the overhaul set to occur within the Department of Education in the coming weeks. The vote to confirm Betsy DeVos, Michigan native and education activist, as secretary of education is expected to occur Tuesday, according to CNN. DeVos is expected to See TITLE IX, Page 3
The Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs discussed strategies on how to gauge social climate within the faculty and staff through surveys soon to be released. The committee also debated how to promote diversity without undermining Proposal 2, Michigan’s 2006 legislation that prevents universities from using affirmative action — including special preferences based on factors such as ethnicity, race and gender — in admissions and hiring. Jennifer Linderman, director of the ADVANCE program, first introduced the variety of programs housed under ADVANCE, which originated as a program to promote representation of female faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields
and expanded to promote diversity across the University of Michigan as a whole. “Basically we’re after supporting a diverse and excellent faculty here at the University,” Linderman said. She also answered various questions about ADVANCE’s involvement with the University’s hiring process and its process for department-specific social climate surveys. In regards to hiring new faculty members, Linderman said ADVANCE primarily offers advice on how to be mindful of diversity during the review of potential faculty and staff members. “I see it mostly as advice as how to be thoughtful about your process in terms of when you evaluate candidates,” she said. SACUA member Robert Ortega, associate professor of social work, raised concerns about faculty climate surveys, as well as the importance of transparency in how the See SACUA, Page 3
City Council hears protests from locals DPSS gives Prayer rug safety tips over A2 status as “sanctuary city” in Shapiro
CRIME
CRIME
following robberies
Fear over lost funding does not prevent unanimous passing of sanctuary resolution
Advice includes walking in groups, calling a SafeRide while investigation ongoing
A group of about 50 people demonstrated outside the City Council chambers before the meeting Tuesday, in the hopes of convincing the council to adopt a resolution declaring Ann Arbor a sanctuary city with chants of “No ICE! No raids! Immigrants are here to stay!” The group’s protest was in response to an executive order recently signed by President Donald Trump, whose stated intent was “enhancing public safety in the interior of the United States.” The order, signed Jan. 25, ensures that “sanctuary jurisdictions” — cities, townships or universities that refuse to assist federal immigration authorities in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants — are not eligible to receive federal grants, “except as deemed necessary for law enforcement purposes.” A resolution eventually passed unanimously to enthusiastic applause from protesters and residents in attendance, effectively making Ann Arbor one. However, this version didn’t contain the words “sanctuary city” or any references to definitive protective policies. According to Councilmember Jack Eaton (D–Ward 4), the
CARLY RYAN
Daily Staff Reporter
The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security released a notice on their website and Twitter outlining behaviors that could decrease the series of armed robberies around campus. “Pedestrians are encouraged to walk in pairs or groups,” the notice read. “Neighborhood residents are encouraged to leave on their porch lights. All are encouraged to contact police immediately at 911 if they see any suspicious activity.” Following the notice, Dean of Students Laura Jones asked faculty to share the information with students to make the entire campus more aware. DPSS spokesperson Diane Brown said she has been in contact with student life about helping increase student safety. “We’ve reached out to student life as one of our key partners on campus,” she said. “Particularly with Beyond the Diag on having student ambassadors in that neighborhood to help us make sure that message was getting distributed.” According to Brown, DPSS has See DPSS, Page 3
GOT A NEWS TIP? Call 734-418-4115 or e-mail news@michigandaily.com and let us know.
ANDREW HIYAMA Daily Staff Reporter
term “sanctuary city” does not have legitimate legal meaning. The resolution did request that the city attorney and city administrator to review the order. “(The) City Attorney is directed to research and provide advice regarding possible options or actions the
City might take to protect the rights of the City and persons within its jurisdiction,” the resolution reads. Before the resolution was passed, the council discussed how local officials should interact with federal officers, with fears of losing funding. Councilmember Chuck Warpehoski (D–Ward
5) proposed an amendment declaring the Council’s opposition to House Bill 4105. House Bill 4105 was introduced to the Michigan state legislature on Jan. 26 by state Rep. Pamela Hornberger (R–Pinckney) and intended to prohibit local governments from enacting policies that See CITY, Page 3
AARON BAKER/Daily
Ann Arbor residents show support for making Ann Arbor a sanctuary city at City Council in the City Council Chambers on Monday.
For more stories and coverage, visit
michigandaily.com
INDEX
Vol. CXXVII, No. 24 ©2016 The Michigan Daily
library was vandalized
Reflection room carpet urinated on will be called a bias incident, says DPSS CARLY RYAN
Daily Staff Reporter
The University of Michigan Islamic Society of Ahlulbayt received a report on Sunday that someone urinated on one of the large prayer rugs located in the ref lection room in the basement of the Shapiro Undergraduate Library. Division of Public Safety and Security spokeswoman Diane Brown confirmed campus police were notified of the incident. The room has been taped off to allow it to be cleaned. Brown added she could not comment on any possible suspects. “There was an incident that was reported ... with vandalism in the ref lection room,” she said. “It will likely be categorized with a bias motivation.” Many ref lection rooms exist on campus for the sake of prayer and meditation, but if students need to use the ref lection room in Shapiro, the ISA advised students to use their own prayer rugs and pray in the back corner. The ISA See RUG, Page 3
NEWS.........................2 OPINION.....................4 ARTS......................6
SUDOKU.....................2 CLASSIFIEDS...............6 SPORTS....................7
News
2 — Tuesday, February 7, 2017
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
ON THE DAILY: UM RAISES OVER $1.3 MILLION FOR UNITED WAYS The University of Michigan recently raised more than $1.3 million through faculty and staff donations and volunteer efforts aimed at increasing funding for human services in Washtenaw County. The United Way campaign is a national organization with local branches that seeks to improve community conditions and togetherness through empowerment, programs for the youth and elderly, education support and aid for the homeless. The University branch of the United Way campaign focuses on a variety of opportunities and social concerns, including increasing financial stability and providing basic health care and living necessities. According to
the campaign’s website, the 2016 campaign raised $1.2 million of a $1.5 million goal. According to the University Record, more than 500 University employee volunteers turned out in 2016 to give their time to the effort. Contributions to the campaign also came from University units such as Michigan Athletics, the University Musical Society, Nichols Arboretum and MHealthy. Cynthia Wilbanks, University vice president for Government Relations and the campaign’s co-chair, said to the University Record she expressed great pride in the institution and its employees’ dedication to aiding people living in the
communities surrounding the University. “The employees of the University of Michigan have proven how much they care about our neighbors by their support of the United Way campaign,” Wilbanks said. “This is a better and stronger community because of their generosity. Together we show that we can make a difference in everyday lives.” The Washtenaw County United Way team also thanked the University for its dedication to their cause. Pam Smith, president and CEO of the United Way of Washtenaw County, said the University has the most successful campaign of any Big 10 universities and noted the vast impact the contribution will make.
“I would like to personally thank the faculty and staff for their participation in the United Way campaign, once again proving they are the leaders
and best,” Smith said. “The University of Michigan provides exemplary leadership and commitment to our community.” - HEATHER COLLEY
Ryan Nanni @celebrityhottub On the plus side, going to Michigan prepared Tom Brady to talk about old championships.
E N G L I S H R E V I VA L
Sandhya @hellolume omggg i bet umich brady default supporters are crying in buffalo wild wings right now
AARON BAKER/Daily Sociology post-doctoral candidate Emily Laxer discusses
CAMPUS EVENTS & NOTES REBUILD Seminar | Students as Partners in Redesigning Foundational Courses WHAT: This talk will focus on the potential of student involvement in designing foundational courses. WHO: REBUILD Seminars WHEN: Noon to 1 p.m. WHERE: Michigan League, Henderson Room
Behavioral Activation and Finding Fun Activities WHAT: This presentation and support group will address depression, anxety and stress in the context of college life and methods to cope. WHO: Depression Center WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. WHERE: Chrysler Center, Room 265
Gender and Class in a Changing China WHAT: Women’s Studies Prof. Wang Zheng will address the representation of feminism and Chinese women amid socialism. WHO: Institute for the Humanities WHEN: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: 202 S. Thayer St., Osterman Common Room
Sexpertise 2017 WHAT: This three-day conference will explore pleasure, relationship wellness, sexuality in the media and the importance of identity. WHO: University Health Service WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Michigan League, Michigan Room
Just Words? Evaluating the Impact of Constitutional Rights WHAT: Mila Versteeg, director of the Univeristy of Virginia School of Law Human Rights Program, will discuss our constitutional rights. WHO: Donia Human Rights Center WHEN: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. WHERE: School of Social Work Building, Room 1636
Wind Chamber Music Recital
WHAT: Panel members will discuss the rights of the dying and the mourning. WHO: Maize Pages Student Organizations WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. WHERE: Michigan Union, Pendleton Room
WHAT: This recital will feature wind and brass chamber ensembles. WHO: School of Music, Theatre & Dance WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Earl V. Moore Building, Britton Recital Hall
Daily Staff Reporter
U.S. Senate Democrats are intending to hold the Senate floor for 24 hours in protest of the nomination of Betsy DeVos, Michigan native and education activist, for secretary of education. The final vote is expected to take place at noon on Tuesday. Multiple Democrats indicated they would voice their concerns in the all-night protest on Monday afternoon and spread the word of their objections using the hashtag “#HoldTheFloor.” Currently, all Senate Democrats and two Senate Republicans plan to vote against DeVos. Unless Democrats are successful in convincing another Republican senator to switch his or her vote, Vice President Mike Pence will likely have to break a 50-50 tie, and
HBD ASHTON KUTCHER. ILY. puzzle by sudokusyndication.com
Michigan Students @UMichStudents My goals for this week include understanding the difference between goats, GOATs, and kids, and also getting @CoachJim4UM to come to tea.
420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com
Democrats to hold Congress for 24 hours, citing DeVos as unqualified for job CARLY RYAN
I just sunk into depression.....I just realized that football season is officially over 207 days until Kickoff #GOBLUE
WHAT: Yael Aronoff, chair of Isarel Studies at MSU, will focus on the decisions and psychology of important Israeli Prime Ministers from the last 30 years. WHO: Judaic Studies WHEN: 4:10 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. WHERE: 202 S.Thayer, Room 2022
Six Feet Over, Six Feet Under
January in opposition to DeVos, and said, in addition to having no education experience, the failure of Michigan charter schools proves DeVos’s plan to be dangerous. “Unfortunately, in my home state of Michigan, the charter school experiment has not lived up to the promises made,” Peters said. “In fact, 65 percent of charter schools in Michigan fail — yes, fail — to significantly outperform traditional public schools in reading outcomes. In Detroit, 70 percent of charter schools are in the bottom quartile of Michigan’s schools.” Peters, who said his office has received over 8,000 calls in opposition to DeVos, spoke again on the Senate floor during the 24-hour protest on Monday, and urged his colleagues to listen to their constituencies. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D– Mich.) also took to the 24-hour Senate floor protest to express her concern, emphasizing that charter schools make education a commodity, which many cannot afford. “A competitive free market system with winners and losers works in the private marketplace,” Stabenow said. “But, it doesn’t work for educating our children, because we can’t afford losers when it comes to something as basic as fundamental education.” While Democrats are expected to hold the floor overnight, Republican senators made the majority voice heard on Monday as well. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R–Ky.) advocated for DeVos’s plan to decentralize public education. “Importantly, she also understands that our teachers, students, parents, school boards and local and state governments are best suited to make education decisions, not Washington bureaucrats,” McConnell said.
Nate Lewis @NateLewis77
“The Political Psychology of Israeli Prime Ministers
Senate Democrats aiming to block DeVos’s education appointment is expected to support DeVos. Republicans won the procedural vote on whether or not to extend the debate time on Friday with a 52-48 vote along party lines. According to the Senate Historical Office, this would be the first time the vice president would have to break a tie for a Cabinet confirmation. “We’re very confident that Betsy DeVos is going to be the next secretary of education, and it’ll be my high honor to cast the deciding vote on the floor of the Senate next week,” Pence said Sunday on Fox News. Republicans have defended DeVos as a true conservative who will decrease federal involvement in public education, while Democrats are concerned with her lack of education experience and her emphasis on directing funding toward charter schools. Sen. Gary Peters (D–Mich.) spoke on the Senate floor in
Follow @michigandaily
Tweets
EMMA KINERY
Editor in Chief 734-418-4115 ext. 1251 kineryem@michigandaily.com
NEWS TIPS
HUSSEIN HAKIM
Business Manager 734-418-4115 ext. 1241 hjhakim@michigandaily.com
ARTS SECTION
PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION
news@michigandaily.com
arts@michigandaily.com
photo@michigandaily.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NEWSROOM
tothedaily@michigandaily.com
EDITORIAL PAGE
734-418-4115 opt. 3
CORRECTIONS
opinion@michigandaily.com
SPORTS SECTION
sports@michigandaily.com
corrections@michigandaily.com
ADVERTISING
dailydisplay@gmail.com
Editorial Staff
AMELIA CACCHIONE and EMMA RICHTER
REBECCA LERNER
Senior Photo Editors: Zoey Holmstrom, Evan Aaron, Claire Abdo Assistant Photo Editors: Claire Meingast, Emilie Farrugia, Sinduja Kilaru, Sam Mousigian, Marina Ross
Managing Editor
Managing Photo Editors rebler@michigandaily.com
ALEXA ST.JOHN
Managing News Editor alexastj@michigandaily.com Senior News Editors: Riyah Basha, Tim Cohn, Lydia Murray, Nisa Khan, Sophie Sherry Assistant News Editors: Kevin Biglin, Caleb Chadwell, Heather Colley, Erin Doherty, Maya Goldman, Matt Harmon, Andrew Hiyama, Jen Meer, Carly Ryan, Kaela Theut
photo@michigandaily.com
LARA MOEHLMAN
Statement Editor statement@michigandaily.com Deputy Statement Editor: Brian Kuang Yoshiko Iwa Statement Lead Designer: Katie Spak
DANIELLE JACKSON and TAYLOR GRANDINETTI
ANNA POLUMBO-LEVY and REBECCA TARNOPOL Editorial Page Editors opinioneditors@michigandaily.com Senior Opinion Editors: Caitlin Heenan, Jeremy Kaplan, Max Lubell, Madeline Nowicki, Stephanie Trierweiler
BETELHEM ASHAME and KEVIN SANTO
Managing Sports Editors sportseditors@michigandaily.com Senior Sports Editors: Laney Byler, Mike Persak, Orion Sang, Minh Doan, Chloe Aubuchon, Sylvanna Gross, Chris Crowder Assistant Sports Editors: Rob Hefter, Max Marcovitch, Avi Sholkoff, Ethan Wolfe, Matthew Kennedy, Paige Voeffray
ANAY KATYAL and NATALIE ZAK
Managing Arts Editors arts@michigandaily.com Senior Arts Editors: Tess Garcia, Dayton Hare, Nabeel Chollanpat, Madeline Gaudin, Carly Snider Arts Beat Editors: Caroline Filips, Danielle Yacobson, Danny Hensel, Erika Shevchek, Matt Gallatin
MICHELLE PHILLIPS and AVA WEINER
Managing Design Editors design@michigandaily.com Senior Design Editors: Alex Leav, Carly Berger, Christine Lee
Managing Copy Editors copydesk@michigandaily.com Senior Copy Editors: Marisa Frey, Ibrahim Rasheed
DYLAN LAWTON and BOB LESSER
Managing Online Editor lesserrc@michigandaily.com Senior Web Developers: Erik Forkin, Jordan Wolff
ABE LOFY
Managing Video Editor video@michigandaily.com Senior Video Editors: Gilly Yerrington, Matt Nolan, Aarthi Janakiraman, Emily Wolfe
JASON ROWLAND and ASHLEY TJHUNG
Michigan in Color Editors michiganincolor@michigandaily.com Senior Michigan in Color Editors: Christian Paneda, Tanya Madhani, Neel Swamy, Adam Brodnax, Areeba Haider, Halimat Olaniyan, Sivanthy Visanthan
ELLIE HOMANT
Managing Social Media Editor Senior Social Media Editors: Carolyn Watson, Molly Force
Business Staff
SONIA SHEKAR
EMILY RICHNER
National Accounts Manager
Sales Manager
ANNA HE
Special Publications and Events Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
JESSICA STEWART JULIA SELSKY
Local Accounts Manager
CLAIRE BUTZ
Production and Layout Manager The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter 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 September-April are $225 and year long subscriptions are $250. 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.
michigandaily.com — The Michigan Daily
TITLE IX From Page 1 be confirmed, because of the projection that Vice President Mike Pence will cast the tie-breaker vote in a Senate otherwise facing a 50-50 split, with all 48 members of the Democratic caucus and two Republicans opposing DeVos. DeVos’ confirmation has been at the center of controversies surrounding the qualifications of Trump’s Cabinet selections. DeVos sparked particular concern upon responding to questions regarding Title IX at her hearing in January. When asked if she would preserve the Title IX guidance, her response was deemed ambiguous. “If confirmed, I look forward to understanding the past actions and current situation better, and to ensuring that the intent of the law is actually carried out in a way that recognizes both the victim … as well as those who are accused,” DeVos said. Upon further prompting, DeVos said it would be “premature” to affirm her commitment to the preservation of the guidance at that time. As for the University’s investigation, in an interview with the Daily at the end of January, University President Mark Schlissel said the University has been cooperating with the OCR, but has not been apprised of the results of the investigation. He said the University is looking forward to receiving the results so it can continue to foster a safe environment for students and support survivors of sexual misconduct. “We’re very anxious to have the investigation resolved to get whatever advice or guidance the Office of Civil
CITY From Page 1
limit local officials from cooperating with federal immigration officials. The amendment, which passed by a 10-1 vote, was opposed only by Councilmember Jane Lumm (I– Ward 2), who expressed fears of losing state or local funding. According to City Administrator Howard Lazarus, however, the amendment doesn’t jeopardize any state or federal funds the city of Ann Arbor currently receives. “Nothing that we do requires us to enforce federal immigration laws,” he said in regards to Warpehoski’s amendment. “That does not put us at any risk right now.” Ann Arbor resident Roger Kuhlman opposed the order, saying the “hysteria” about the executive order doesn’t help America, but “incites public hate.” “It really bothers me when I hear local liberal Democratic politicians say that we must stand with and support the illegal alien community and possibly establish a sanctuary
SACUA From Page 1 results are used and anonymity of participants. He said faculty members are often reluctant to fill out demographic information and surveys in general because they feel they may be identified based on responses. “What happens is, when you don’t know me, that’s a silent voice,” he said. “And why you don’t know about me is because I know if you ask about me, you’re going to know it’s me. So if you’re asking me to evaluate my dean, this is one cell size away from knowing who sent that evaluation in.” However, Linderman said when conducting departmental climate surveys, ADVANCE emphasizes high participation and anonymity when conveying results. “ADVANCE is outside of the unit, so we’re hoping that
News
Rights wants to offer so that we can do as good a job as possible making our campus safe,” he said. “We’re committed to the concepts of Title IX — to have a workplace, a study place, an environment that is free of discrimination and adverse aspects so that everyone has an opportunity to learn … I’m always committed to advice from OCR or other places about how we can do it better. But we haven’t heard anything. We’re still waiting.” Schlissel pointed to a University campus climate survey administered on sexual misconduct in January 2015 as proof of his commitment to the issue. He said the University is utilizing different methods to address and fix the problem. “We’re approaching it through educational programs, we’re approaching it by focusing our efforts where the survey told us the highest incidents of misconduct were,” he said. “We’re approaching it by combating the linkage with alcohol overuse, which is involved in many episodes of sexual misconduct, and we put out in July a year ago a revised set of policies for how we investigate and adjudicate accusations of misconduct.” The updated sexual misconduct policy Schlissel referenced went into effect last July. Changes included an expanded, more encompassing definition of sexual misconduct, as well as adjustments to the definition of consent and the sanctioning process. Though the University plans to keep its policy as is, with the impending changes in the Department of Education, the fate of the investigation is unknown. In an email to the Daily, University spokeswoman Dana Elger said the University is not going to speculate, as things at
the national level are still in f lux, though she reaffirmed the investigation is still underway. Mark Rosenbaum, a former University law professor, has worked with the American Civil Liberties Union and is now the director of the Opportunity Under Law Project at Public Counsel, a nationwide pro bono civil rights office. Rosenbaum said that, though the authority of Title IX is firmly established, it is too soon to tell what will happen in regard to the investigations. “Title IX is Title IX is Title IX; the law has been precisely what it is,” he emphasized. “Although the Obama administration was the most vigorous enforcer of Title IX of any administration, where that goes from here, I don’t think we know.” He said DeVos did not seem to exhibit familiarity with Title IX or express any commitment to its enforcement. He hopes and expects the Trump administration’s commitment will be as “resolute” as that of the Obama administration. Rosenbaum noted that by way of investigations and other related efforts, the Department of Education publicized these issues and produced awareness at the student and campus level. He said he thinks this contribution will be a driving force in addressing sexual misconduct, regardless of what happens. “Not having the United States Department of Education out there is clearly not a good thing, but I don’t think you can reverse the momentum that the Obama administration created with respect to enforcement of Title IX,” he said. “I think even if the Trump administration turns us back on Title IX, I don’t think it’s going to get buried under the sand.” Engineering freshman
city here for criminal illegal aliens,” he said. “I really don’t understand that. Do you want to bring people in like the illegal alien thug out in San Francisco who murdered Kate Steinle? Do you want to reward illegal aliens for knowingly and willingly breaking many U.S.
laws?” Kuhlman was referring to the accidental 2015 fatal shooting of Kathryn Steinle by Francisco Sanchez, who had been deported from the United States five times prior to the shooting. Ann Arbor resident Julie Quiroz expressed to the council
her wish that the city take action that is more than just symbolic. “To keep us safe, we need to evolve our local policies to make our cities real sanctuaries for all residents, not cancel them because of the illegitimate president’s latest actions,” she said. “That means a commitment to separating police from federal immigration enforcement, and addressing the policing that funnels Black and other residents to jail and places criminal charges on immigrant residents.” Councilmember Sumi Kailasapathy (D–Ward 1), addressing Quiroz’s concerns, assured residents the resolution was the first step of many the city would be taking. “I just want to make sure that all of you are aware of the fact that the resolution that we’re bringing forward today is just the first step toward additional steps that at least a couple of us are seriously thinking of doing,” she said. “At the national level, it has been really hard for all of us the last three weeks. But the kind of input that we have got from you, that makes me feel that we will survive as a community.”
makes people understand that we’re not part of the unit … we’re outside,” she said. “We do not give results that are identifiable … we work really hard to make sure individuals are not identifiable, we are very concerned about that, as you are.” Robert Sellers, vice provost for Equity and Inclusion, also discussed his duties as chief diversity officer at the meeting, a position created last October in conjunction with University President Mark Schlissel’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan, to oversee the implementation of the strategic plan. He said these efforts are vital for achieving the University’s mission. “When I think about DEI, it’s fundamental to our proposition as a University; it’s absolutely consistent with our mission as an institution,” Sellers said. Sellers responded to questions about the place of
standardized testing in the evaluation of graduate school candidates and the interaction between Proposal 2 and recruitment techniques. Ortega wondered how the practices implemented with the DEI plan might be better communicated to faculty. “I guess the bigger question is how faculty are being engaged in these conversations, so we can get some of these agendas out and pay attention to them,” he said. Sellers said he has held various formal and informal meetings with diverse groups of faculty members to foster discussion about University policies on diversity, citing conversations related to the extent of Proposal 2. “One of the effects of Prop 2 is this false sense that we can’t do anything, and people being afraid of moving forward,” he said. “There’s a lot of things we can do, we just have to be careful and be lawful.”
To keep us safe, we need to evolve our local policies to make our cities real sanctuaries for all residents, not cancel them
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 — 3
Lincoln Merrill, publicity chair of the University’s chapter of College Republicans, claimed the Obama administration received f lak for overstepping its bounds. “The law prohibits discrimination by sex or gender in an educational environment, that’s pretty much what it says,” he said. “There’s an argument that the Obama administration’s interpretation of it regarding sexual assault is a bit of stretch when it comes to the law itself. That’s not to say opponents of it do not care about sexual assault.”
The administration has hinted that they don’t see the value in many policies aimed at preventing violence against women and offering survivors resources Merrill said though sexual assault is clearly a problem, he believes the law is referring more to what is happening in classrooms and on the athletic field, or discrimination in the sense of not allowing someone to take a class or play a sport. He said DeVos did not confirm a reversal of the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law, but said she would continue to look into it.
He said he felt sexual misconduct investigations conducted by the University should be expedited, saying that, some sexual assault claims are not entirely true, though this is very rare. He also said the legal system is a more appropriate, efficient means for for addressing sexual assault allegations. “I think if you’re going to find out who is right and who is wrong, you should really go through the police department, the court and the legal process — not the University itself,” he said. “I don’t think that people who are working here for educational issues should have to spend all their time on these long investigations that law enforcement specializes in and is there to do.” Holly Rider-Milkovich, former director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center, who oversaw the implementation of the new sexual misconduct policy, said in a March interview that a primary reason the University expanded its policy — and, along the same lines, sexual misconduct investigations — was to be compliant with the Clery Act and Title IX, both of which regulate sexual assault reporting and investigations at public universities. Rackham student Nicole Bedera is one of several researchers working on a project that looks at how colleges have responded to guidance about how to interpret Title IX in the context of their campuses. In an email to the Daily, Bedera wrote she expects the Trump administration to respond differently to Title IX issues than the Obama administration did. “The Trump administration does not have the same commitment to addressing
non-religious, spiritual etc. Safeguarding our places of personal, spiritual and faith based prayer and ref lection is
RUG From Page 1 warned the cleaning of the rug may not ensure “tahara,” a state of purity and cleanliness required to touch the Quran, and advised that students not pray there. The ISA and the Muslim Student Association recently released a statement via email, writing the damage done to the room affected students of all different faiths. “As practitioners of Islam and students at the University of Michigan, campus ref lection rooms represent a key dimension of spiritual wellness and facilitate the practice of our faith wherever our day may take us,” it read. “Campus ref lection rooms are also an inclusive space, shared among students of all religions and spiritualities; including Christian, Jewish, Buddhist
We invite our peers and colleagues to stand and act in support of not only Muslim students, but all affected communities at this time
campus sexual assault that the Obama administration did,” she wrote. “Multiple key players in the Trump administration, including Betsy DeVos, have spoken against the interpretation of Title IX currently used by the Department of Education. Title IX will likely remain on the books as written, just as it did in the Obama administration, but I suspect it won’t be enforced the same way it has been in recent years in regards to sexual assault.” She continued by stating she sees two potential scenarios. She thinks the new administration will create its own policies around Title IX or stop enforcing existing policies. “If the Department of Education stops enforcing existing policies, there might be enough momentum on college campuses to maintain the changes made in the past two years and some campuses may even have a strong enough commitment to the fight to continue to innovate and support survivors — especially if student activists continue to put pressure on their schools,” she wrote. “But the schools that are still failing survivors will have no reason to improve services.” She added, alternatively, if the administration creates new policies, survivors will likely not receive the same gains. “The administration has hinted that they don’t see the value in many policies aimed at preventing violence against women and offering survivors reswources for recovery, including the Violence Against Women’s Act and support for Planned Parenthood,” she wrote. “I can’t imagine the administration would be any more sympathetic to the struggle for safety on campus.”
peers and colleagues to stand and act in support of not only Muslim students, but all affected communities at this time.” According to Brown, DPSS will not likely send out a crime alert, as there is no apparent threat to student safety.
integral to fostering a diverse and tolerant Michigan. Along with the support of University administration, we invite our
DPSS From Page 1 also been working with the Ann Arbor Police Department on the investigation as well as increasing the number of DPSS officers patrolling the area. There have been four armed robberies in the past 10 days, all of which have been south of Central Campus. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the crime.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Students walk from table to table at the LSA Social Impact Fair in the Union on Monday.
MATT VAILLIENCOURT/Daily
Opinion
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
4 — Tuesday, February 7, 2017
BENJAMIN KELLER | OP-ED
Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com
EMMA KINERY Editor in Chief
ANNA POLUMBO-LEVY and REBECCA TARNOPOL Editorial Page Editors
REBECCA LERNER Managing Editor
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS Carolyn Ayaub Megan Burns Samantha Goldstein Caitlin Heenan Jeremy Kaplan
Max Lubell Alexis Megdanoff Madeline Nowicki Anna Polumbo-Levy Jason Rowland
Ali Safawi Kevin Sweitzer Rebecca Tarnopol Ashley Tjhung Stephanie Trierweiler
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.
ALEXIS MEGDANOFF | COLUMN
Millennials’ role in global citizenship
T
here has been a lot of Global citizenship and talk lately surrounding cultural competency are the intolerance some rising phenomena that have have for those who differ yet to be given exact roles in from the societal the broad sense of majority. President society. There has Donald Trump’s never been a need recent executive order (before now) to suspending the entry culturally define the of immigrants from connection one has six Muslim-majority with all the people of countries for 90 days the world; therefore, and indefinitely from it is the job of this Syria has brought rising generation, about both opposition our generation, to ALEXIS and support from MEGDANOFF bring these ideas to many people around the forefront. Our the nation. This move created role as millennials in this confusion during its execution newly connected world is to and has caused many to believe lead the way in developing our progress in the United our global identity, not only States is coming to an end and within ourselves but also is possibly even being reversed. within our own culture. The day prior to the signing Such a responsibility cannot of the executive order, I be taken lightly. It is more attended a talk focusing on than a short spring break trip global citizenship and cultural that is “equal parts cultural competency. The talk was a immersion and party” that part of the Martin Luther King claims to leave us with the Jr. Symposium event series right to say we are one with and served to let audience the world. Global citizenship, members hear speakers from just as any other citizenship various backgrounds present or heritage, is a part of an their personal interpretations individual’s identity. And of what it means to be globally as with any other part of minded. personal identity, it takes time Every story shared was to develop and will change as moving and provided insight one goes through life. into the sheer range of This involves creating a experiences one can have that world where we all have rich contribute to shaping a global intercultural experiences, one citizen. One speaker, Public in which it is no longer a luxury Health student Abbas Alawieh, to learn about another way of claimed cultural competency life. Already, more and more is having the cultural humility people are going abroad for their to set aside your own biases studies, and now there is need to about another culture, which create a cultural environment includes the continued at home that allows these refinement of this humility as individuals to share their more cultures are experienced experiences with the rest of in a deeper way. society once they return. Each day, our world becomes Many will ask what gives a little more connected and millennials the authority to fig uratively a little smaller. lead society in this endeavor. With the progress of the Why do we think we can internet and technolog y, our change the world? It is not world has drastically changed because we have all been gifted even within the last 50 years. with some vast wisdom that Therefore, in a time when skipped all other generations. people of all backgrounds Millennials are the ones have the opportunity to travel who must take on this task this planet, it is critical to because we are the generation realize with this opportunity being educated in this comes responsibility. interconnected world. Our
“
educations and careers are being foundationally shaped by a new way of thinking that carries on to how we make decisions. A study conducted by Jane Whitney Gibson, a professor at Nova Southeastern University, asked participants belonging to the Baby Boomer, Generation X and Millennial generations to rank workplace values that are the most important to them. Gibson found that even though the top values were shared across generations, millennials prioritized broadmindedness higher than any other generation. Millennials are currently the largest living generation in the United States, which means we have the power to lead the inevitable change that is coming. We must remember the stroke of a pen is not enough to erase the mindset and goals of an entire generation. Roland Alexander Blackwood, University of Michigan Medical School faculty lead for Leaders and Learners Pathways, was the final speaker of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day talk and left us with this idea: “You are the future. I’m old, done with my time. If someone doesn’t want you, who cares? You go where you must go … Be confident and believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone take your joy, take your thunder or control you because you belong here.” So with this, I challenge everybody to look at their current situation and search for ways to begin the journey to global citizenship. Broadmindedness starts by interacting with nearby communities, having open conversations with members of these communities and pushing yourself into experiences from which you can learn. As you go through this, remember why you are doing it: We are the pioneers of global citizenship; we are the ones who must lead the change we want to see in the world. Alexis Megdanoff can be reached at amegdano@umich.edu.
NOTABLE QUOTABLE
This decision is a shortterm relief for thousands of people whose lives have been upended… Trump’s Muslim ban is inhumane, unlawful, and discriminatory, which is why the courts and the public want it to be stopped. — Amnesty International spokesman Eric Ferrero on the decision to block President Donald Trump’s Muslim ban.
”
Don’t let pettiness reign Supreme
M
ike Mansfield, who was the longestserving Senate Majority Leader in the history of the United States, once referred to the Senate as “the world’s greatest deliberative body.” Our Senate is meant to carefully vet each piece of governmental business it encounters and to take its time in the process. But now it is poised to bitterly fight over an unquestionably qualified Supreme Court nominee. The Senate is a temple of reason. What Democrats are potentially doing to Judge Neil Gorsuch, the current Supreme Court nominee, is unreasonable. After a rancorous election, virtually everyone expressed a longing for the days when our government and society were not so damaged and divided. As a student who identifies as center-right, I welcomed these calls for respectful discourse, especially being in such a liberal environment. However, it did not take long for me and many others to become disheartened. Human nature is human nature; Republicans slighted Democrats by stonewalling Judge Merrick Garland, former President Barack Obama’s nominee, and a peaceful confirmation this time around would undoubtedly aid President Donald Trump, leaving many Democrats eager to stymie Gorsuch. However, these purely political concerns must not dictate the policy of loyal congressional opposition. Slowly but surely, the Supreme Court nomination process has become another outlet for the left and right to vent their many incompatible differences. It used to be that a nominee need only be qualified for the job both professionally and personally. With a few exceptions, modern nominees have virtually sailed through the confirmation process. Fair consideration was granted to Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, John
Roberts and Sonia Sotomayor. The man who nominated them wasn’t a primary issue for these nominees, and neither was the surrounding political climate. The Republican stonewall of Garland can be remembered as a singular, horribly partisan handling of the independent judiciary. But by blocking the confirmation of an unblemished jurist, Democrats will firmly establish that as a precedent. They will force Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R– Ky.) to end the ability to filibuster on Supreme Court nominations — invoking the “nuclear option” — just to maintain a full bench. Scrapping this important extra scrutiny for judges of our nation’s highest court will not only erode the fabric of the Supreme Court’s prestige, but it will send bellicose echoes through the halls of Congress. It would be easy to say “an eye for an eye.” It would be simple to rally the liberal base by filibustering the nomination of Gorsuch. It would be a great political victory for Democrats to deny Trump his pick. But these short-term triumphs would come with tremendous long-term costs. One way or another, the president will fill the vacant seat left by Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last February, with his choice of justice. It’s now up to Democrats to either accept reality or face the harrowing consequences of forcing the nuclear option upon the Senate and throwing our American polity into a new era of uncertainty. Confirming Gorsuch will send multiple messages to an anxious population fraught with anger directed at those of differing political views. First, and to the benefit of their party, Democrats can show they are willing to sacrifice partisan animosity for the benefit of the nation. It would show the American people that our government is willing to come together, even if it means
allowing the president to claim a political victory. Additionally, Congress would be able to declare they are committed to the orderly execution of the functions of a well-working government, no matter the ideological differences. Eventually, citizens on both sides of the aisle need to realize a successful government action can be considered a win for the nation rather than a political party or one politician. Could one construe a Gorsuch confirmation as a victory for Trump? Yes, but that view is short-sighted. The peaceful confirmation of Gorsuch would be a victory for the integrity of the Senate, bipartisanship, the Supreme Court and the nation. This view, I’ll admit, is optimistic at worst and understated at best. It is understandable to see the current political atmosphere using the former approach. Cynicism is abound in every corner of the nation, in liberal urban enclaves and Trumpian rural towns alike. Yet, if we change our attitudes toward one another, toward the way we discuss political differences, toward the way we conduct the business of government, I believe we can reach a more congenial form of politics. It has been said that politicians look to the next election while statesmen look to the next generation. Republicans were politicians when they refused to perform their constitutional duties of advising and consenting to a new justice. Democrats can now either prove they are just as petty as their opposition by playing politics with our judiciary, or they could set an example and act like statesmen. Michelle Obama once told Democrats, “When they go low, we go high.” Talk is cheap. Let’s see if Democrats can act on those words. Benjamin Keller is a Public Policy junior.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONVERSATION Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor and op-eds. Letters should be fewer than 300 words while op-eds should be 550 to 850 words. Send the writer’s full name and University affiliation to tothedaily@michigandaily.com. MICHELLE PHILLIPS | COLUMN
I
Push your limits to find community
t was move-in day. I myself to do this simple task was a sweaty, naive that leaves me feeling satisfied, freshman whose biggest knowing I at least worked for concern was making sure my something that day. carpet matched my The challenge bedding. I looked of coming to such forward to a fresh a large school is start in a new place that, if you don’t with new faces to know where your greet. On that sunny community lies or day in September, what your interests I had no idea how are, it can be a hard much I would challenge to push grow, learn and yourself to learn a discover in this first, MICHELLE new hobby or meet transitional year people. But I PHILLIPS new from high school kept pushing myself senior to college student. to meet new people, join new As a freshman, I was sent clubs or try new restaurants off with a kiss on the cheek that tested my taste buds. from my mom and a stern In contrast, the benefit look from my dad that said of coming to a school with “work your hardest.” As over 44,000 students is that these constant reminders and no matter how unique your support from the people you interests may be, you can love start to fade after move-in find someone who enjoys the day, it is only up to you to push same things you do. As an yourself to make the most of avid “Bachelor” fan, I found your college experience. a place to express my love for At the beginning of this the show by joining a fantasy year, I started small. I set an league. I just had to push achievable goal that I knew I myself to find the right people could accomplish. I promised who indulged in the same myself shortly after laying guilty pleasures as I did. down my rug and organizing There have been moments my shoe shelf that I would when I have been scared to always take the stairs in an start a conversation, and many attempt to stay fit. I lived on times I have had awkward the fourth floor, and I felt that experiences of trying to branch this was a very achievable goal. out and try something new. I To this day, I have kept my have come to realize you need word. I know that no matter to know yourself and your how horrible of a day I’m limits. We are all different having, I can walk up four and will push ourselves flights of stairs and tell myself differently. But I do not speak I have accomplished something for everyone. I know myself: I productive that day. For me, am a hardworking, determined making it to the top of the individual who is constantly stairs gives me a feeling of pushing myself to be the accomplishment, like acing best person I can be. But for a test or landing a job. I push many freshmen — and college
students in general — our abilities to push ourselves get fogged with a misconception that we don’t know if we are pushing ourselves in the right direction. As sophomore year looms overhead, I wonder if I have made my time as a freshman count. While I had an idea of the things I wanted to surround myself with, I don’t know if I have taken advantage of all the opportunities I have interest in, and I will try to continue to try new things in the years to come. In a world of fear and fright, we need to take risks to pursue a new hobby or join a new club. College is the only time we are surrounded by a large majority of people our age, who are expanding their views of the world and have genuine interests in learning new things. It is through these experiences of pushing that we learn the most about ourselves and our interests. I have found that by challenging myself academically, socially and extracurricular-ly, I have surrounded myself with a community I feel comfortable in. And I think that we could all benefit from that. College is a time to grow. It is a time to get away from your parents and expand on ideas and study topics that are interesting to you. Though choices can become overwhelming at a school that basically offers everything, as students we must take advantage of this, because these opportunities will be harder to find once we leave this campus. Michelle Phillips can be reached at mphi@umich.edu.
Arts
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
BOOK REVIEW
All hail ‘Caraval,’ and all hail the young adult novel
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 — 5
TV REVIEW
Garber embraces the cliché of the genre in her latest novel SOPHIA KAUFMAN
Daily Book Review Editor
Much of the stigma surrounding young adult novels is undeserved. People point to the tired tropes of the most laughable YA novels as being representative of the whole genre — love triangles, mean boys in leather jackets with secret crushes, bland female protagonists named Elektra or Aurora or whatever, nouns being unnecessarily capitalized in the place of actual worldbuilding, etc. And yes, these tropes are pervasive and annoying, but they’re window dressing. They’re never at the heart of what makes teenagers love young adult books. Cliché is not the same as bad. If this were true, then I guess we all would really hate “Star Wars.” After all, it’s home to all those dumb tropes like love triangles, mean boys in leather jackets and the egregiously capitalized Empire and Republic. Many of the surface-level YA criticisms have much more to do with derision of teenage girls and the things made for/written by women than they do concerns over actual literary quality, but I digress. What I’m trying to get at here is that a book that features corsets and enchantments and not one, but two mean boys in leather jackets with hidden hearts of gold, is not inherently dumb or bad. Silly? Yes. Ridiculous wish-fulfillment fantasy? Absolutely. Fun as hell? But of course. Stephanie Garber’s “Caraval” is 400 pages of pure pulp joy.
The protagonist, Scarlett unironic tattoos of black roses (spoiler: she wears many red and falcons on the backs of his dresses, because of course hands and neck. There are many, she does) is the daughter of a many extended sequences of powerful, ruthless and violent Scarlett and Leather Jacket Boys man who terrorizes her and her being forced into increasingly sister Tella (short for Donatella, hilarious situations where they because of course it is). Scarlett have to stand really really close is engaged to be married to a man together and make breathtaking she has never met, eye contact. but she secretly At one point, dreams of seeing Scarlett says the Caraval, an annual word “scoundrel” performance with complete where the audience and Stephanie Garber sincerity, participates in a LJB#1 is honestly Flatiron Books Hunger Games offended. minus the murder And yet, (well, kind of ) style Stephanie Garber of competition. is no dummy. She Caraval is a knows exactly weeklong experience in which what kind of book she’s writing participants stay on a magical and never shies away from the island where they solve a series ridiculousness. Garber works of riddles, competing to see entirely within familiar YA who can get to the end of the story structures, but she clearly puzzle first. With the help of the understands exactly how to mysterious sexpot sailor Julian maximize traditional narratives (Leather Jacket Boy #1), Scarlett to be their very best. Every and Tella are character is well-developed, whisked away interesting and complicated to the show, (except for Dante, but I mean, the where Tella is dude’s name is Dante. It would immediately be a little redundant if he had a kidnapped by personality). The relationships, the magical though predictable, develop mastermind organically and believably. Legend, who And the plot twists may be is also the numerous, but they make sense organizer of and work within the larger the event. In story. Structurally, this book is this year’s precisely written and airtight competition, in its construction, building in whoever finds momentum by the page. Tella first is the winner of the “Caraval” has its f laws, and Caraval. It’s up to Scarlett, with it may be silly, but it works. A the help of Julian, to find Tella functional, entertaining and and return home in time for her effective story is no easy thing wedding. to write, especially within “Caraval” is so easy to poke traditional YA frameworks, fun of. In this novel, there is no from which people often expect such thing as too many adjectives the worst. It’s melodramatic or too many synonyms for the and deeply entertaining. color red (“cerise”? Really?). Ridiculous and glorious. There is — no joke — a character All hail “Caraval.” Here to named Dante (Leather Jacket remind us just how weird and Boy #2, duh) who has completely wonderful YA can be.
“Caraval”
Silly? Yes. Ridiculous wish-fulfillment fantasy? Absolutely.
FILM REVIEW
HBO Billionaire Warren Buffet
‘Becoming Warren’ does not do the Sage justice HBO documentary scratches the surface of Warren Buffet’s fascinating rise to the top of his industry, beyond CONNOR GRADY For the Daily
Whenever Warren Buffett’s name is mentioned, there’s a certain mystique attached. It’s not simply because he’s wealthy — his net worth is estimated to be around 60 billion dollars — but because of his idiosyncrasies. Buffett has come to be defined by his eccentric personality, but, unfortunately, HBO’s new documentary about the financial magnate, “Becoming Warren Buffet,” fails to offer more than a cursory perspective into the most intriguing aspects of the investor’s life. Directed by documentary vets Peter Kunhardt (“Nixon by Nixon: In His Own Words”) and Brian Oakes (“Jim: The James Foley Story”), the biopic sees Buffet chronicling his rise in his own words. The documentary includes interviews with many of Buffett’s colleagues, family members and friends. This is easily the strongest aspect of “Becoming Warren Buffett,” with Buffett’s longtime co-worker Charlie Munger offering particularly insightful anecdotes about the billionaire. Outside these interviews, the documentary features extensive footage of Buffett’s daily life, depicting his morning routine of a three-dollar McDonald’s breakfast sandwich and fiveminute drive to the offices of the financial conglomerate he took over in 1970, Berkshire
Hathaway. what makes the proclaimed Due to Buffet’s intimate “Sage of Omaha” tick. Even connection with Berkshire more disappointing is that Hathaway, “Becoming Warren when the documentary does Buffett” devotes much of its provide these glimpses of time to the firm’s history. The Buffet’s character — like when documentary outlines the he chooses to buy a 22 cent winding road the company cheaper meal simply because has taken since its founding in the stock market is down that 1839 to its present ownership day — the biopic is enthralling, stakes in Coca-Cola, Kraft and Buffett’s character begins and American Express, which to shine through the screen. have netted the At times, company billions “Becoming “Becoming of dollars Warren Buffett” annually. While Warren Buffet” feels rushed and these scenes of it’s apparent HBO the company’s the filmmakers history don’t struggled to fit all Streaming Online make for the of Buffett’s story most exciting into a 90-minute television, the documentary. documentary does well at The result is a product without explaining Buffet’s decisions strong focus; one that is in a clear, succinct way that content to show Buffett’s life makes the firm’s range of without going beyond surface dealings understandable to level analysis. For example, less financially savvy viewers. the documentary emphasizes It’s unfortunate, however, Buffett’s hatred of Wall Street that the documentary is so and his moral opposition to keen on focusing on Berkshire predatory banks, yet does not Hathaway. seek his thoughts on the 2008 Learning about financial crisis, which saw the financial millions of Americans lose behemoth is their homes due to cutthroat interesting, banks taking advantage of but for a them. Confining Buffett to Warren Buffett this sort of vacuum prevents documentary viewers from gaining a to succeed it clearer perspective into his must focus on character, and this, too, feels the real star like a missed opportunity for of the show: the documentary to separate Buffett, in all itself from other stories about his eccentric Buffett’s life. glory. Although Overall, while “Becoming “Becoming Warren Buffett” Warren Buffett” offers an does portray a few of Buffett’s intriguing view into the quirks, like his fondness for billionaire’s life, it feels like a Coca-Cola, it spends far too half-baked documentary. The little time on them, instead biopic fails to delve farther. It focusing on the trite, battle- likely could have benefited from tested, “rags-to-riches” story a move to a full two-hour piece. arc. That’s not to suggest that In its current format, however, Buffett’s rise isn’t fascinating, the documentary fails to take but it represents a massive advantage of its unique subject missed opportunity for the — the Sage of Omaha deserved documentary to dive into more than this.
It’s unfortunate that the documentary is so keen on focusing on Berkshire
STX CINEMAS sgsbs
‘Space’ is YA nonsense Sci-fi drama is all tropes and litte substance and originality JEREMIAH VANDERHELM Daily Arts Writer
“The Space Between Us” is a paradox: A film with an original premise but no other original thoughts. In the beginning, it is intriguing in just how many uncharted paths it can take its characters. It just so happens that it goes down the same path that almost every other young adult romance flick travels. It has everything — no trope goes unused; no stereotype need fear being turned away. “The Space Between Us” has room for all. Anybody who has been to the movies in the last decade has seen this teen-angst-characterdrama-romance before. This time around, it’s just been thinly
reskinned as a sci-fi movie. Asa Butterfield (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”) stars as Gardner, a fish-out-of-water boy, born on a human colony on Mars, who is destined to charm everyone he meets with his otherworldliness. Gardner wants to go to Earth to find his father, but he can’t go to Earth because — and this is completely serious — his heart is just too darn big. Still, it’s nothing a little bit of poorly explained surgery can’t cure, or rather, postpone until it’s convenient to the plot, and it’s not long before Gardner is off to Earth. Once there, he meets up with Tulsa (Britt Robertson, “A Dog’s Purpose”), a collection of half-baked character molds
crammed into a single teenage girl who he met online and who follows him on his journey with no questions asked. Together, they strike off on a road trip backed by an unending parade of sappy soft rock songs, and within twenty-four hours, they’ve fallen in love, because no one understands them like they understand each other. Gardner and Tulsa’s relationship is defined by two things: his performance and her dialogue, and neither does the pair any favors. To his credit, Butterfield embodies the physicality of Gardner, who isn’t used to Earth’s gravity, but emotionally he just doesn’t work. Any scene that requires him to emote falls flat. Tulsa, on the other hand, is plagued
with phrases like “Everyone’s every line of dialogue and fronting” and “See you in the character interaction feels funny papers,” both of which copy-and-pasted from other, haven’t been used by any better movies, the biggest issue teenager since the 1980’s, but with “The Space Between Us” have apparently is that it lacks come back into confidence. It is prominence unsure of itself by whatever at every turn. crudely defined It can’t decide “The Space future period whether or not Between Us” in which “The Gardner is socially Space Between maladjusted; Rave, Quality 16 Us” takes place. halfway through STX Cinemas Eventually, after the first act, it just a few of the most springs it on the excruciatingly audience. Then, hard-to-watch it can’t decide romance scenes how socially since George Lucas gifted the maladjusted Gardner is. He world “Attack of the Clones,” starts out normal, then has a Gardner and Tulsa give into working knowledge of Earth, their feelings and engage in but by the halfway point he ludicrously out-of-place off- doesn’t even know what a screen sex. It would almost horse is. It can’t decide on the be glorious if it weren’t so relationship between Nathaniel awkward. Shepherd (Gary Oldman, Besides the fact that almost “Criminal”), the founder of the
D
Mars mission, and Gardner, a bond which should define the film from the outset, but which takes so many twists and turns that it’s hard to get a handle on. Coming into the third act, “The Space Between Us” is already on thin ice, but it’s the climax and the accompanying twist which take it from boring and generic to gleefully, magnificently stupid. Not only do the final ten minutes undo, or otherwise ignore, all of the work done on several characters, but nothing that happens makes any sense. There was no foreshadowing to what happens, and the film must then spend so much time wrapping up the consequences of that one bad decision that it forgets to give resolutions to half of the plotlines it already started. It ends as paradoxical as it began, now a film that feels overlong yet lacking any satisfying ending.
Arts
6 — Tuesday, February 7, 2017
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
MUSIC NOTEBOOK
TV REVIEW
DC Universe get a burst of quirk from ‘Powerless’ NBC’s latest has the potential to break into the comic-book adaptation trend and elevate network’s comedy lineup There’s the fast-talking technician Teddy (Danny Pudi, Daily Arts Writer “Community”), the virtuous I.T. guy Ron (Ron Funches, When “Powerless” debuted “Trolls”), the hardened at last year’s San Diego Comic personal assistant Jackie Con, the series made a positive (Christina Kirk, “Melinda and impression on its nerd-friendly Melinda”) and the company’s audience. Considering the wealthy, conceited boss and spectacle-heavy superhero Bruce’s cousin Van Wayne franchises that dominate TV (Alan Tudyk, “Rogue One”). and film, it was a nice change Each of them initially doubt of pace for comic Locke’s ability fans to see a to get them back show dedicated on track, but to the unsung as with most NBC heroes behind all conventional the action. But she Thursdays @ 8:30 sitcoms, even with the eventually gains p.m. favorable reviews their trust. and burgeoning While hype, the pilot “Powerless” of “Powerless” was almost succeeds with strong comedic entirely reshot and rewritten, actors like Hudgens, Pudi and leading to the departure of Tudyk, the strength of its cast series creator Ben Queen (“A can’t make up for the overeager, to Z”). These unfortunate early nervous energy signs of creative differences that intensifies point to potential cancellation, the show’s messy but “Powerless” seems keen on execution. The fighting against the wrath of first sequence, ratings and mixed reception. where Hudgens’s Despite the show’s glaring Locke provides f laws, it offers some hope for some egregiously recreating the show’s original exposition-heavy charm, with an impressive narration, is comedic cast, intriguing beset with stale premise and cheeky title dialogue that sequence. Vanessa Hudgens continues to the (“Grease: Live”) does her very end of the best in leading the cast as pilot. the ambitious, spunky Emily “Powerless” attempts to Locke, a new member of Bruce make its characters whimsical Wayne’s security subsidiary, and quirky through snappy, which specializes in creating fast-paced interactions. And products for ordinary victims yet, it’s obvious that Hudgens, of superhero/supervillain along with the other cast battles. Seeing the destruction members, are uncomfortable of her town Charm City, Locke with the material, as seen is determined to bring justice through the staleness of to the city’s citizens with each character’s delivery and creativity, and the reluctant f latness of their personalities. help of her co-workers. Because it takes place in the SAM ROSENBERG
“Powerless”
DC Universe, “Powerless” also suffers from making too many overt references to its superheroes, namely Batman and Superman. Usually, selfreferential jokes are much funnier when they’re subtle, but on “Powerless,” they’re a bit too on-the-nose, like when Van shows Emily an awkward text conversation between him and Bruce Wayne. Still, there are very small glimpses into what the show could have been. Thanks to their respective successes on “Community” and “Suburgatory,” Pudi’s and Tudyk’s comedic timing shine through the stilted, cookie-cutter dialogue. An early moment of conf lict when the company can’t sell their superhero products bolsters the show’s narrative and could keep it from devolving into a generic workplace comedy. But, “Powerless” is a mediocre fit compared to other new NBC sitcoms like “The Good Place” and “Superstore.” Perhaps it might have benefitted from a place on the CW’s lineup rather than NBC’s, given that network’s bevy of superhero-driven dramas (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl” and “Legends of Tomorrow”). Whatever the circumstances for the change in premise and script, “Powerless” shows a glimmer of promise, but needs a comedic kick or two to conquer its missteps.
There are very small glimpses into what the show could have been
Classifieds
Call: #734-418-4115 Email: dailydisplay@gmail.com
RELEASE DATE– Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
HELP WANTED
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
ACROSS 1 Gownlike Roman garment 6 Like teary eyes 11 Sculpted physique, briefly 14 Sky blue 15 Asteroids game company 16 Actor Vigoda 17 Zero or one 19 Japanese carp 20 Trunk of the body 21 Orchard rows 23 Internet destination 27 Good Housekeeping publisher since 1911 28 Pilot Earhart 29 Leaning-on-thehorn sounds 31 Hawk’s claw 32 Wintry temps 33 NYG rival in the NFC East 36 Pinball excess 37 Mountain bleaters 38 Ball-and-mallet game 39 Foxy 40 Business convention handouts 41 Clods 42 __ Wilson, who played Sam in “Casablanca” 44 Peaceful 45 Sports venues 47 Original star of “Star Trek” 48 Bedding 49 Promised 51 __ de Triomphe 52 July 14, in France 58 Golf ball holder 59 Hodgepodges 60 Eat away at 61 Lith. or Est., once 62 Graphs’ horizontal reference lines 63 “Billions & Billions” author Carl DOWN 1 Indent key 2 Submachine gun named for its designer 3 Religious school teacher, perhaps 4 Lyricist Gershwin
5 Free from doubt 6 Madrid mother 7 Bluesman Redding 8 “Othello” schemer 9 __ Lanka 10 Giggles 11 Thirteen 12 Thin woodwinds 13 Jefferson, religiously 18 Lotus position discipline 22 “The Facts of Life” actress Charlotte 23 Light bulb units 24 Online letters 25 Performer who shimmies and uses finger cymbals 26 “The __ thickens!” 27 Brinker on skates 29 Like little, glittering eyes ... and a phonetic hint to this puzzle’s four longest answers 30 “I’m game” 32 Ripped 34 Without assistance
35 Hard luck case 37 Big party 38 Shipping route terminus 40 Vending machine feature 41 Subordinate church officials 43 Poem of praise 44 “Where the Sidewalk Ends” poet Silverstein 45 Blind strips
46 Goodyear products 47 Ham go-with 49 Powerful engine 50 Oklahoma native 53 In the style of 54 Historical period 55 Pooch 56 Oral health org. 57 Japanese currency
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:
xwordeditor@aol.com
By Gerry Wildenberg ©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
02/07/17
02/07/17
DOMINICK’S NOWHIRING all posi‑ tions FT/PT. Call 734‑834‑5021.
FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM APTS Near N. Campus Fall 2017‑18 ‑ $900/m + $25/m Utilities Each unit has one parking space. 909 & 915 Wall St. Deinco Properties 734‑996‑1991 2017‑2018 LEASING Apartments Going Fast! Prime Student Housing 761‑8000. www.primesh.com Efficiencies: 344 S. Division $855 610 S. Forest $870 ‑ 1 Left 1 Bedrooms: 511 Hoover $1045/$1065 *Varies by location: Full Furnished, Parking Included, Free Ethernet 712 W. HURON: Perfect location with great pricing!With rents starting at $1400, call today to secure your home for the fall. 734.741.9300. 935 S. DIVISION 2 Bedroom + Study Fall 2017? Max Occupancy is 4 ? 2 Parking Spaces Washer/Dryer $2250 + Utilities Cappo Mgmt 734‑996‑1991 ARBOR PROPERTIES Award‑Winning Rentals in Kerrytown, Central Campus, Old West Side, Burns Park. Now Renting for 2017. 734‑649‑8637. www.arborprops.com BROADVIEW: GREATLOCATION with rents starting at $1110. Call now to reserve for Fall 2017! 734.741.9300 EFF, 1 & 2 Bdrm Apts Fall 2017‑18 Many locations near campus Rents from $850 (eff) ‑ $1415 (2 bdrm) Most include Heat and Water www.cappomanagement.com 734‑996‑1991 FALL 2017‑18 Apts @ 1015 Packard 2 Bedroom ‑ $1370 ‑ 2nd floor 3 Bedroom ‑ $1380 ‑ basement 1 parking space avail for $50/m per unit Deinco 734‑996‑1991 GEDDES HILL‑ PEACEFUL Location Adjacent to the Arboretum – Huge Con‑ temporary Apartments with Unforgettable Amenities! Pricing starting at $1800. Call today! 734.741.9300
SAAMET Iranian rapper Hickas
No one knows Persian rap Underground hip-hop movement might unite Iran’s youth SHIMA SADAGHIYANI Daily Arts Writer
I got my first taste of Persian rap in the backseat of my friend’s car, f lying through the deserted nighttime highways of Tehran. It’s an introduction that I found very fitting, representative of the secrecy woven into the entire subculture: DJs quietly spinning records in their basement, underground performances, friends exchanging recommendations in the corners of still, dark streets. Persian hip-hop is a relatively new concept in Iran. It rose to prominence during the early 2000s, mainly through the help of Mahdyar Aghajani, a record producer born and raised in Tehran. Under him, Persian hip-hop, or ‘021’ music, expanded past just a carbon copy of its American predecessor. 021 music became a genre that was singularly Iranian; Aghajani’s fusion of Middle Eastern harmonies with modern hiphop and electronic elements helped create a space within the fabric of society for other young artists to showcase their music. It was under Aghajani’s production that Jangale Asfalt (translated to “Urban Jungle”) by Iranian rapper, Hichkas, was created. It’s considered one of Iran’s first hip-hop albums: A blend of conventional instruments, such as the santoor and tombak, with pounding electronic beats serves as the backdrop to Hichkas’s smooth rapping. Many songs, like “Dideh Va Del,” feature a chorus overf lowing with echoes of traditional vocals encased within verses that rap observations of Iran’s current social climate. Other songs, like “Vatan Parast,” mute classical instruments to allow more modern hip hop elements. What these songs, and Jangale Asfalt as a whole, did was aid in producing a form of expression that belonged
solely to the Iranian youth. In Iran, there is a gaping disconnect between the older generation and the younger. I see it in the way my parent’s friends disdainfully talk about “the youth,” the way they fail to uphold customary Persian ideals, seeming to toss an illustrious history into the dirt. There seems to be an understanding lost between these two generations, a lack of communication that breeds muted resentment. After all, the older generation of Iran had lives shattered by change. In the chaotic void following the infamous 1978 revolution, with many citizens f leeing their home country and various political regimes vying for power, it seems that the people of Iran lost sight of both their national and self-identity. Iran is a country of division, between people and people, between people and government and, most importantly, between people and their sense of nationalism: What it means to be proud of being Iranian. It is a country that tries to forget the pandemonium of its recent past, glossing over the complexities, trying to reclaim its historic grandeur and prestige without ever discussing the root of the problem. I see this issue within my own family; my parents choosing to never elaborate on their experiences during the political upheaval of the ’70s, and I, in turn, not truly grasping the extent of the revolution’s impact on their lives until just recently. The lack of communication of the difficulties and fears from both sides of the generational gap causes the older generation to chastise the youth; they see the new clothes, new slang and new music and only see an abandonment of the principles so strongly fought for during the ’70s. But there is a difference between change that is forced onto a community and change that is enacted from within a community. After all, viewing as an outsider, there is so much lost to the eye: Individual stories are hidden, the intricate
details crushed beneath the grand scope of the big picture. Iranian hip hop is not American hip hop simply translated into Farsi. While it did get inspiration from its American counterpart, 021 music stands independent as a style created solely by and for the Persian youth. It’s a distinction that many overlook, but one that is essential. 021 music takes American hip hop and incorporates it into Iranian culture, building off of ideas from renowned Persian poets and older styles of classic music and consequently integrating it within the community. Between the governmentenforced lack-of-privacy and the sheer restrictions people are placed under, there was little that existed intimately within society to solely the Iranian youth. Within this style of music, young people can express themselves the way they want to, free of judgment and constraint; a radical wave of fresh ideas coming from within the borders of Iran. 021 music is something that Iranian youth can be proud of. Maybe this is the start of a new Iran. Not that hiphop will cause all societal problems to be solved, but maybe this, as Iranian hip-hop grows in scope, will help start introducing the notion that it is possible to change and move forward without completely letting go of past culture. If you listen closely to rappers like Hichkas, Yas and Salome MC (among many others) the gap between Iran’s younger and older generation is not as immense as it might appear. In their songs, Iranian hip-hop artists are advocating for many of the same values that the older generation yearns to return to: A unified, proud Iran — one that acknowledges its past mistakes as much its past successes, and one that is steady in its national identity, moving forward and progressing without losing touch with its origins. Above all else, Persian rap is the voice of the Iranian youth. People just need to listen.
MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW In anticipation of the to build suspense; throughout forthcoming second install- the first minute of his solo, ment to the “Fifty Shades of you’re left wondering where Grey” series, ZAYN and Taylor it’s all heading. Swift released the music video And just when the accompanying their “Fifty light changes from green to Shades Darker” neutral to a dark theme song, “I red, the camera “I Don’t Wanna pans across a red Don’t Wanna Live Forever.” wall, smoothly Live Forever” Preftransitioning to Taylor Swift & aced by a trailer a shot of Taylor ZAYN for the film, the Swift, signifying “I Don’t Wanna her entry into Republic Records Live Forever” the duet. music video Dressed in echoes a simia blazer, lingerie larly steamy mood. Beginning and glittery red lipstick, she with paparazzi cameras going undoubtedly embodies that of off and a shot of ZAYN dash- a vixen; her soaring, spriteing through the rain from his like vocals provide contrast sleek black car into a club, the to her dark, outward attire, aesthetic screams mystery. offering an interesting interThe dark lighting, close-ups play throughout the duration of his face and overlay of his of the video. sensual vocals work together
Aside from the physical beauty of both Swift and ZAYN, the music video really doesn’t offer anything more than lust in the midst of a lavish setting. There’s barely a narrative other than the two ripping their hair out in desire for one another; the most interesting part of the entire video may be the sparkly red lipstick Swift wears. The fact that this video serves as promotional material for “Fifty Shades Darker” taints the artistic integrity of it; it feels overly commercially driven, overproduced and extremely contrived. However, despite the intent of the music video, it still remains somewhat enjoyable to watch. — Danielle Immerman
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Sports
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 — 7
Christner looks to rebound in final season ‘M’ set for rematch with Michigan State MEN’S BASKETBALL
BENJAMIN KATZ Daily Sports Writer
“Last year wasn’t very fun,” were among senior left fielder Kelly Christner’s first words to Michigan coach Carol Hutchins upon returning to Ann Arbor this fall. And Christner’s words are understandable. The stress of sky-high expectations and the pressure to maintain success after a breakout sophomore year were noticeable in her junior campaign. A .393 batting average fell to .313. Twenty-one home runs plunged to just six and 67 runs batted in dipped to 33. The 28 multi-hit and 18 multi-RBI games turned into just 13 and seven, respectively. Following a stellar sophomore season that resulted in a unanimous selection to the AllBig Ten first team and a spot on the All-America third team, it was clear something had changed for Christner.
A much-needed asset for the Wolverines, Christner is now looking to revert to her sophomore self — mentally and physically — and lead No. 6 Michigan to the Women’s College World Series for the fourth time in the past five seasons. And it may have taken this offseason for her to get back to that form. After minimal playing time as a freshman, Christner evolved into a starter her second season with little expectations and the freedom to make a name for herself. But the self-inflicted pressure after a triumphant sophomore crusade is a challenge Hutchins believes is often hard for college athletes to handle. “It’s my philosophy — right or wrong — that when kids attain that kind of success, sometimes they don’t know how to recover from it,” Hutchins said. “You feel like, ‘I’m supposed to be hitting .400, I’m supposed to be hitting home runs, I’m supposed
to be an All-American.’ And (Christner) allowed that to build into the expectations. “She’s as talented a kid as we’ve had here. She just needs to trust her game and relax.” Christner shared the same sentiment. She hopes that a return to her old mentality will lead to similar accomplishments that put her name on the map two years ago. “I think this year I need to just not let any of the pressure get to me and realize that this is my last year,” Christner said. “I need to kind of just have more fun with it, not take it as seriously because it is just a game.” This newfound perspective stemmed from the advice of Christner’s sister, Katie, who played college softball at Wisconsin from 2013 - 2016. “She told me, ‘Nobody asked me what my batting average was my freshman year of college, but they asked me how
FILE PHOTO/Daily
Senior left fielder Kelly Christner found a new perspective this offseason that she hopes will help her return to form.
BASEBALL
Returning players key for Wolverines some tight games.” Oliver Jaskie, who touted Daily Sports Writer a 3.19 ERA and a 7-3 record in After the final out was called his breakout season last year, is in the 2016 season, five players on only one of those players. The the Michigan baseball team saw junior left-hander is poised their names selected in the MLB to step up on the mound to draft. assume the No. 1 spot in the First baseman Carmen starting rotation. Benedetti and pitchers Brett In the field, junior third Adcock and Evan Hill accepted baseman Jake Bivens is the call to the big leagues, returning, looking to replicate while pitcher Jackson Lamb the lofty .356 batting average and catcher Harrison Wenson that he posted last season. opted to continue their tenures Junior infielder Drew as Wolverines. Lugbauer hit seven home runs Typically when teams lose last season, and his bat will their players to drafts, injuries or help provide a timely surge of other extraneous circumstances, offense alongside Bivens. a rebuilding With the period ensues. returning But Michigan stronghold of coach Erik upperclassmen, “I would say our Bakich has no fresh off the such plans. culture got stronger bitter loss at “(The season the end of the is) going to be and our foundation season last full of ups and year, Michigan downs,” Bakich is adopting a more solidified” said. “I just feel new, hardened like we are much mentality. better equipped “There are a to handle it now lot more guys than we were when we didn’t that we started this fall with handle it at the end of last year.” that are into our team values With 12 returning juniors and team standards,” Jaskie and seven returning seniors, said. “We got a tough training the Wolverines are looking this fall and we really worked to take a top-down approach on mental toughness. I would to the upcoming season. The say our culture got stronger and experienced upperclassmen know our foundation more solidified.” the ins and outs of the program The Wolverines are looking and will serve as mentors to the 12 at a schedule that will force newcomers to the team. them to cultivate this culture Clearly, Bakich and the in a timely manner. Michigan rest of the coaching staff have starts the season with a looming decisions to make to 15-game road trip, so a certain fill the void left by Adcock, Hill toughness will be needed in and Benedetti, but the players order to prevail over teams like filling their positions already UCLA and USC. have substantial experience After their long stretch under their belts. away from home, though, “I think there are some guys the Wolverines return to that have a lot of repetitions the Wilpon Complex for in this program,” Bakich said. 18-straight home games, and “They’ve logged a lot of at-bats, with the amount of turnover a lot of innings, been in some on the team, that opportunity high leverage situations and in could prove to be invaluable. ROBERT HEFTER
the experience made me into a better person,’ ” Christner said. “So I think all of us have tried to focus on that, working on letting (softball) make us better people.” Along with a changed mindset, Christner devoted the summer to focus on the mechanics of her swing that adversely affected last season’s numbers. In studying side-by-side comparisons of her plate appearances from sophomore to junior year, she found glaring differences. Fixing what Christner said were correctable mistakes and learning to relax in the batter’s box — not getting what Hutchins described as “tight” at the plate — has already paid dividends in practices and scrimmages. “This summer, I really worked on getting back to that swing I had sophomore year,” Christner said. “And I’ve felt good since the fall, so I’m getting excited.” And though Christner dedicated time to herself during the offseason, she is also entering her second year as team captain and is even more determined to be an effective leader — a role she feels comes naturally. “I think I’ve always had the kind of personality to where I’m not afraid to say things to a teammate,” Christner said. “I think I’ve gotten better at knowing how to handle each person and trying to make them the best player they can be. “Looking up to the seniors and upperclassmen, that really showed us how to lead a team and how to be a voice on and off the field and make sure all of our heads are in the right place.” Now with batting issues and mental worries seemingly behind her, Christner can focus her attention on the upcoming season and her last chance to bring home the championship that has been so elusive for Michigan. But with that ultimate goal comes Hutchins’ simple rule for the senior to uphold: “Just have fun.”
BETELHEM ASHAME Managing Sports Editor
Just nine days ago, the Michigan men’s basketball team (4-6 Big Ten, 14-9 overall) made its way to the Breslin Center to take on a reeling Michigan State team. The Spartans (6-4, 14-9) had just lost three straight games to Ohio State, Indiana and Purdue, and were in desperate need of a victory to halt their skid. With that determination on full display, Michigan State put together a 12-2 run with 14:53 left in the second half to pull away from the Wolverines, and ultimately came away with a 70-62 win. Since that Sunday contest, the tables have turned, and Michigan is now the side in need of a recovery performance. After suffering back-to-back defeats — at the hands of their two biggest rivals, no less — the Wolverines are set for a rematch against the Spartans on Tuesday night. With its postseason hopes now in serious jeopardy, Michigan will hope to defend its homecourt. “This team is a group of guys that just want to get better,” Walton said. “When adversity hits, it’s another chance to get better.” The Wolverines’ first priority will be to stop Michigan State forward Miles Bridges. Since his return from an ankle injury, the freshman has led the Spartans’ resurgence in conference play. He made his leadership apparent against Michigan, notching a doubledouble with 15 points and 13 rebounds, including a few clutch buckets during his team’s decisive run. “(He) can go both ways,” said Michigan coach John Beilein.
“He finishes with both hands. And the fact that he’s now an elite 3-point shooter, it’s a really tough guard. So we’re going to have to give a lot of help with him.” Even if it does turn out to be a battle between the best players on each team, though, Bridges will have stiff competition from Walton. The senior guard has been on fire as of late, tallying 20-point games in each of the Wolverines’ last three contests, including 24 in that losing effort in East Lansing. The performance against the Spartans featured his seasonhigh point total until he scored 25 against Ohio State, and he’s shooting 52.8 percent from the floor over the three-game stretch — single-handedly willing his team forward. “There’s some players, and I’ve said this before, they practice until they get it right. Derrick’s practiced so much so he can’t get it wrong,” Beilein said. “He doesn’t practice until he makes it. He practices until he can’t miss. “He’s become an elite shooter, he’s seeing the floor better. … He’s looking to score and then pass now.” With just eight games left in the Big Ten season, time is running out for Michigan to turn around its conference fate. Walton has provided an example of the sense of urgency the Wolverines will need to play with moving forward. It will be up to them to follow his lead, starting Tuesday night against the Spartans. “That’s the resilience that every team has to have,” Beilein said. “We’ve been able to bounce back enough, but we really gotta bounce back now. … We’re not going to survive unless we have this incredible resolve going forward.”
Notebook: Marody leading offensive surge MIKE PERSAK
Daily Sports Editor
When Cooper Marody returned from a suspension that kept him out the entire first semester of the Michigan hockey team’s season, he did so with a bang, tallying three assists on Dec. 30 against Michigan State. Since then, the sophomore forward has been a catalyst for the Wolverines’ offense. That was most evident this weekend in Michigan’s series against Ohio State. Marody broke out with four goals — three of which came in the second period of Friday’s game alone — and two assists. It was the Wolverines’ best offensive output of the season, and though other issues arose on the defensive end, the team’s goal-scoring was cause for a bit of optimism. “I think, just as a team, we got more pucks to the net,” Marody said. “We talked about that all week, getting shots, in
all kinds of situations possible. And I think we did a great job with that.” Marody’s offensive aptitude couldn’t come at a better time for Michigan, as senior forward Alex Kile and junior forwards Cutler Martin and Tony Calderone all sat out against the Buckeyes. Marody filled the void they left, as he either scored or assisted on 60 percent of the team’s goals on the weekend. “You can see what he brings even though he’s only a sophomore,” said Michigan coach Red Berenson. “...He’s got a knack for scoring goals, and he’s got a knack for helping other people score goals. That’s been missing on a regular basis with our whole team, and I just think he can jumpstart our offense, and you saw that this weekend.” Penalty-Kill Woes In the early stages of the season, the Michigan penalty kill unit was thriving. In fact, it was ranked in the top-10
nationally at one time. But since the start of the Big Ten season, the Wolverines have struggled in that regard, falling to last place in the Big Ten. The unit’s struggles came back to hurt them yet again against Ohio State. Seven of the 10 goals the Buckeyes scored in the two-game series came on the power play. Without those opportunities, paired with Michigan’s potent offense, the Wolverines likely would have come away with two wins on the weekend rather than settling for the split. “We’re not a ‘Broad Street Bully’ team,” Berenson said. “We’re trying to play disciplined hockey, but we’re the most penalized team in the Big Ten right now. So we’re addressing that. We’ve got to watch our stick, we’ve got to watch our hitting from behind. We’ve got our sticks up, we had some accidental hooks and trips. I mean, come on, we’ve got to get that out of our game.
JEREMY MITNICK/Daily
Sophomore forward Cooper Marody is coming off a weekend in which he notched six points against Ohio State.
It’s killing us.” Michigan’s rematch against the Spartans next weekend could prove to be a good chance for the Wolverines to right some of their penalty-killing woes. Michigan State’s power play unit ranks last in the Big Ten at just 15.15-percent. Injuries In terms of their health, the Wolverines are currently in a state of limbo. Though Martin returned to practice Monday after missing the weekend series with an illness, Kile and Calderone remained out with upper-body injuries, while freshman defenseman Christian Meike has been sidelined with a lower-body injury for over a month. In addition, freshman forward Will Lockwood left Saturday’s game with what appeared to be a head injury. Lockwood took a big hit near the bench area at center ice and remained down for some time. He then went to the bench, where he could be seen talking to trainers with his helmet off. Lockwood returned to action a few minutes later, but was eventually forced to exit the game, and remained out of action in Monday’s practice. Calderone, Kile and Lockwood are three of the top six point scorers for Michigan, and though Berenson says they are day-to-day, if they can’t play against the Spartans, others will need to step up to replicate the offensive firepower the Wolverines exhibited this weekend. “You saw Cooper, he stepped up last weekend, and that really helped our team,” Berenson said. “But we’ve got a lot of guys that have to do more for our team, and sometimes it’s producing. … We have a lot of guys that have to help. They’re playing regular, they’re playing every night, and they’re getting a chance. “But it’s not about the goals for — I think the goals for will come when you’re playing well — it’s about the goals against. That’s what’s killing us.”
Sports
8 — Tuesday, February 7, 2017
ON WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Kysre is key
ETHAN WOLFE Daily Sports Writer
On Sunday afternoon, the Michigan women’s basketball team trailed by nine points heading into the final quarter against Iowa. With an undefeated record at Criser Center, it was the first real adversity the Wolverines had faced at home this season. Someone needed to step up, and Michigan had no shortage of options. Junior guard Katelynn Flaherty — one of the nation’s most prolific 3-point shooters — was the primary suspect. If it wasn’t Flaherty, then the surehandedness of sophomore center Hallie Thome, or the experience of senior guard Siera Thompson — who iced the game against Indiana with four final-minute free throws on Jan. 10 — could surely do it for the Wolverines, too. But when Michigan looked ready to accept its fate, it was freshman guard Kysre Gondrezick who salvaged the game and sparked the Wolverines to an improbable 72-70 victory over the Hawkeyes. The matchup against Iowa, compared to similar games that the Wolverines were in last season, proved something that Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico already knew: Without Gondrezick, Michigan wouldn’t be able to make big comebacks or sustain seemingly-comfortable leads. A glaring example is last season’s shocking loss to Eastern Michigan, when the Eagles outscored the Wolverines 19-6 in the final quarter to eke out a onepoint win and hamper Michigan’s tournament resume. “Last year we didn’t come out on the winning side of these games,” Barnes Arico said. “It took everything we had (against Iowa). I think it is also a sign of the development of the program and the growth of the team. … In the past if Katelynn Flaherty had
an off night, we didn’t win the basketball game.” In the final frame, with Flaherty struggling to score, Gondrezick wanted to put her coach’s sentiments to bed and disregard the stigma of the “freshman” label. The guard showed no signs of nerves, rallying for eight points, three boards and three steals — including one that was snatched from Iowa’s Ally Disterhoft and outletted to Flaherty for an easy layup to give Michigan the lead with 47 seconds remaining. Despite some missed free throws down the stretch, they did not detract from the greater impact Gondrezick had on the game. “I feel great all the time when I’m on the court,” Gondrezick said. “I was ready. As the game went on I got more comfortable. We were shaken up in the first half with the defenses they were throwing at us. It was something we hadn’t seen before. … Everyone had a tough day at the line. I’m just glad we were able to convert when it mattered.” It is rare to find a freshman at the helm of a must-win situation, but Gondrezick’s demeanor demonstrated that she was exactly where she was supposed to be. “I don’t even want to talk to her about next year or the following year because each year watching them as a coach is so different,” Barnes Arico said. “Freshman year, as much as it’s the hardest year and it’s a transition in so many ways, it’s also the easiest year in so many ways because there’s no pressure. Nobody knows who you are and you can come out and just be who you are. “All of a sudden you’re a sophomore like Hallie Thome at the top of everyone’s scouting report. Then you’re a junior and you’re supposed to be one of the best players in the country in Katelynn Flaherty and you’re being face-guarded and people are holding your shirt and you’re like
‘Damn, I’m supposed to score 20 points because I’m supposed to be the best player in the country.’ Kysre doesn’t know any of that yet. She just goes out and plays and she’s so fun to watch.” Gondrezick’s performance against the Hawkeyes was just one piece of a much larger effort that garnered her a fifth Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor, as she notched career-highs in points (23) and steals (6) in the contest after scoring 19 in her previous game at Illinois. She also shot 2-for-4 from beyond the arc, improving her 3-point fieldpercentage to .475, the fifth-best mark in the country. Proof of the Wolverines’ improvement — and Gondrezick as a secret weapon — is no longer private. Michigan, sitting at 19-5 overall, is now getting national recognition after being ranked No. 21 in the Associated Press poll for the first time since week 12 of the 2012-13 season. While Gondrezick herself has helped propel the team into the national spotlight, her presence has also distracted opposing teams and catalyzed greater productivity from her teammates, too. This was especially apparent during the most important play against Iowa, when Gondrezick handled the ball at the top of the arc to space the floor, ultimately leaving the paint open for sophomore guard Nicole Munger to receive a swing pass in the corner, drive the baseline and score with 27 seconds left to seal the contest for the Wolverines. And that’s only one example. Unless Michigan endures an epic collapse in its final six games, it finally looks poised to make — and compete — in the NCAA Tournament. It can largely thank Gondrezick for that. Wolfe can be reached at eewolfe@umich.edu or on Twitter @ethanewolfe.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Behind Enemy Lines The Daily sat down with Michigan State guard Eron Harris BETELHEM ASHAME Managing Sports Editor
After two straight losses dropped the Michigan men’s basketball team two games under .500 in its conference season, the Wolverines will face a familiar foe Tuesday night. Last Sunday, Michigan (4-6 Big Ten, 14-9 overall) traveled to East Lansing to take on Michigan State (6-4, 14-9) and suffered a 70-62 loss. Tuesday it’s the Spartans’ turn to head on the road, as they’ll travel to Ann Arbor looking to replicate the results of their previous matchup. Though Michigan State guard Eron Harris scored just four points in the first matchup, he averages 11.6 — the thirdhighest total on his team. As one of the few seniors on the roster this year, Harris will lead his team into Crisler Center to attempt a season sweep of Michigan. The Daily sat down with Harris at Big Ten Media Day in October to talk about the expectations surrounding the program, the holes left by last year’s senior class and the experience of playing under coach Tom Izzo. The Michigan Daily: In recent history, Michigan State has pretty much consistently been at the very top on both the conference and national level, so how do you, as a team, deal with the constant expectations to be one of the best teams in the country? Eron Harris: We don’t think about that. We just think about being the best we can be every day and just trusting in our coaching staff. They’ve won championships, you know what I’m saying, so they have a plan. We just gotta listen to them and do what we’re supposed to do, and the rest handles itself. So no, we don’t think about the
expectations and everything, you know. It shows itself just in the way the media portrays us, the fans and everybody, but we just stay grounded. TMD: You lost a considerable number of seniors from last season’s squad, including reigning AP Player of the Year Denzel Valentine. How do you plan to be able to replace those key cogs in the machine? EH: Well, before they became leaders, there were leaders before them, and they had to pick up right behind those leaders, and so we’re going to do the same thing. Our coaching staff is going to make sure we do that, and we stay in communication with those guys, and they make sure we know the ropes. And also, we have the type of culture where older guys just come back, veterans come back, and they just keep us in the loop, so it won’t be too hard for us. TMD: What do you personally feel you need to do to fill that void as a leader and a key contributor? EH: Just listen to the veterans, listen to my coaches and just embrace my role as a leader. A leader is a leader in life, so I just gotta be a leader for the younger guys and in basketball, just pick up where our older guys last year left off. TMD: The freshman class coming in has been called one of the best recruiting classes in the conference in recent memory. How do you think they have adjusted to the college level? EH: They’ve adjusted pretty well. I’d actually say they’ve adjusted very well. They’re already kind of used to a college level. I’d say we’ve got a couple of McDonald’s All-Americans. We’ve got other types of AllAmericans, so these guys are mature players already. The learning pace for them has been so fast, so I’m impressed.
TMD: What are you expecting them, like Miles Bridges for instance, to contribute to the team on the floor and in the locker room? EH: On the floor, I’m looking for him to compete. He’s a crazy competitor, just very athletic, looking for some dunks. He can play from the outside, he can handle the ball, just looking for an all-around game from Miles. In the locker room, I’m looking for those guys to listen to our leaders, but at the same time, be vocal in the areas they know because even our older guys are humble enough to listen to them because they know the game too. TMD: Last month, Coach Izzo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. What is the experience of playing under a coach who is widely regarded as one of the best college coaches in the country and possibly of all time? EH: Well, it’s a blessing. I’ve been blessed to be in this position. Just worked hard my whole life and stayed humble, and God brought me to this spot, so I can’t say much more than that it’s a blessing. But it just raises our standards as players, raises our standards as humans, and I just gotta embrace what I’m a part of and let the story play out. TMD: What kind of coach is he like? EH: He’s a humble coach, but he’s very, very hard on his players. He loves his players, but he’s very, very hard on his players. He expects a lot from his players, and he’s about details. He’s a detail coach because we have to cover everything to be able to come out on top, and that’s what he wants. He wants to be able to win, and we’ve got to buy into that system if we want the same thing.
AMELIA CACCHIONE/Daily
Michigan State guard Eron Harris will be one of the Spartans’ veteran leaders when they face Michigan on Tuesday.