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ADMINISTRATION
GSIs seek payment for work on DEI initiatives Graduate students have been taking action against unpaid diversity education labor MADELEINE GERSON Daily Staff Reporter
DESIGN BY AVA WEINER
Students react to lack of middle class financial aid offered by UM
Funding remains a concern for middle-income students both in and out of state MATT HARMON Daily Staff Reporter
LSA junior Joshua Rabotnick moved from Los Angeles in August 2016 to attend the University of Michigan, but cannot afford the tuition bill without loans. LSA freshman Andrea Perez, an in-state student, is in the same situation as Rabotnick. Two families, both in the middle-class income level, struggle to pay for a degree from the University. Despite a report from the Equality
of Opportunity Project saying the median family income for a student at the University is $154,000, in the same report the University was ranked last in economic social mobility of 25 highly selective public universities. With students facing debt after graduation and daunting social mobility statistics, students and University representatives are concerned middle-class families will have a hard time paying for a University education. Back home, Rabotnick’s father used to own a successful business.
However, during the 2008 economic recession, Rabotnick’s family lost the business and subsequently lost a large source of its consistent income. To regain future economic stability, his father opened nursing school the year Rabotnick transferred to the University. “I transferred in as a junior,” Rabotnick said. “I now work as an EMT for the ambulance company out here, Huron Valley Ambulance, but because I worked so much throughout community college, the way it worked in 911 is we worked 24-hour shifts and we could stack
them, so I worked 48, 72 hours over a weekend, then be in school all week.” Rabotnick made too much money while working in L.A. to be classified as a dependent on his parents’ tax forms. However, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid does not consider Rabotnick to be an independent student, rather the University then considers Rabotnick to be a dependent and takes his parents’ earnings into account when allocating financial aid. See AID, Page 3
The University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan — a five-year effort to create a more diverse and inclusive campus — is comprised of 49 unique unit plans for this purpose, though does not include a provision that designates paid DEI positions within any of the University’s colleges or departments. This semester, University of Michigan graduate students have been taking action against carrying out diversity education and labor without compensation. However, many believe their plans are running into an administrative wall. Last December, the Graduate Employees’ Organization, the labor union representing graduate student instructors and staff assistants, submitted a proposal to Academic Human Resources calling for unionized DEI positions for graduate students. The proposal was rejected this month. In response, GEO launched an
online petition, advocating for paid diversity labor in 19 colleges on campus, so students, faculty and staff will be better equipped to mold the University into an institution that values diversity labor. As of Wednesday evening, 600 University affiliates have signed the petition. GEO is currently bargaining for a new contract with the University, as its old agreement expires this May. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald wrote in an email statement the University regards the request to create new DEI positions for graduate students to be inappropriate for the current contract negotiations, as the process only affects GEO members. “The negotiations now under way are focused on the contract for the current membership of GEO, which is mostly GSIs who teach,” he wrote. “We are happy to discuss these types of positions, but it would need to be outside of the GEO contract talks.” Student activists working to promote DEI on campus have See GSI, Page 3
Trump administration guidance on ‘U’ admin Pro-life bill responds to transgender bathroom sparks backlash introduced
CAMPUS LIFE
GOVERNMENT
student org petition
Obama-era protections offered to transgender students reversed last Wednesday
Students4Justice first issued demands to the University during the fall
President Donald Trump’s administration rescinded federal protections for transgender students at public schools and universities Wednesday night. Such protections, encouraged by former President Barack Obama, allowed transgender students to use the bathrooms of their gender identities. The Obama administration issued a “Dear Colleague” letter to public schools and universities in April calling for gender identity to be protected under Title IX. The federal statute explicitly prohibits discrimination “on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance.” The University of Michigan complied with such orders. It currently provides several options for transgender students. Gender-inclusive housing, such as the Gender Inclusive Living Experience in East Quad “ensure(s) that University Housing is a supportive space for residents of all gender identities and gender expressions” according to the Housing website. Such housing includes private bathrooms or dorm rooms close to gender-inclusive bathroom facilities. In May, LGBT Michigan President Emily Kaufman, an LSA junior and transgender woman, emphasized the importance of the Obama administration taking
ANNA HARITOS Daily Staff Reporter
The University of Michigan administration has issued a formal response to the list of demands issued by Students4Justice Thursday. The group has previously organized multiple sit-ins, started a petition and proposed a list of demands calling for the administration to react. The 35-page document went through each claim and demand that Students4Justice included in its list. Administrators discussed the University’s response to all the bias incidents that Students4Justice alleged they did not respond to. According to an email sent by Robert Sellers, vice provost for equity and inclusion, to Islamophobia Working Group, the response letter sought to describe the existing action on campus and potential areas for additional action in four broad areas related to concerns raised by Students4Justice. The administration is in the process of talking to Students4Justice and other See LETTER, Page 3
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JENNIFER MEER Daily Staff Reporter
steps to protect transgender students, given the negative stereotypes they face. She said the University administration could do more to protect transgender students. “The University is one of the most liberal institutions in the country, so there aren’t really any problematic regulations that I’m aware of that exist anymore,” she said in May. “There’s more things that could be done to protect LGBT, particularly trans people, that the University could be doing.”
Kaufman said when she was a freshman — early on in her transition — she lived in GenderInclusive Housing, but was not allowed to use the women’s restroom at East Quad Residence Hall because her gender marker was male. She said she would sometimes have to walk around the dorm to try to find a genderinclusive bathroom in which to shower. However, she was able to use the women’s bathroom elsewhere on campus. Since then, she said, things have changed. In its first “Dear Colleague”
letter dated Wednesday, the Trump administration revoked the Obama guidance, according to CNN. The letter pointed to the need for more legal analysis of Title IX, which the Obama administration did not perform. Additionally, a statement from Attorney General Jeff Sessions, also released Wednesday, said the Departments of Justice and Education withdrew the guidance on the grounds that it did not contain such analysis and that See BATHROOM, Page 3
EMMA RICHTER/Daily
A sign marks the gender inclusive bathroom in Betsy Barbour residence hall.
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INDEX
Vol. CXXVII, No. 37 ©2016 The Michigan Daily
in MI state legislature
Proposed laws include provisions to require licensure for abortions CARLY RYAN
Daily Staff Reporter
Abortion opponents have introduced three new pieces of legislation in aims of furthering their cause in the Michigan legislature. The first bill, which has been introduced in both the State House and the Senate, would prevent the state government from having contracts with any agency that provides abortions. This bill would affect agencies like Planned Parenthood, the funding of which is already threatened by the possible defunding of former President Barack Obama’s health care law. Federal, state and local government currently provide Planned Parenthood with over 40 percent of its funding, though no federal government funding can go toward funding abortions because of an amendment passed in 1976. Currently, the state contracts Planned Parenthood to provide various other health care services besides abortions. LSA junior Ella Webb, president of Students for Choice, said since government funding doesn’t go toward See BILLS, Page 3
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2 — Friday, February 24, 2017
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ON THE DAILY: STUDENT NAMED GLOBAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR LSA sophomore Sydni Williams was named the winner of the inaugural Global Citizen of the Year Award presented Wednesday by the Institute for the International Education of Students, an international nonprofit organization that connects colleges and universities, providing internships and study abroad programs to students in over 30 locations around the world. According to a IES press release, the award is given to students who have “impacted their community abroad through academic, philanthropic or personal efforts,” and “will apply, or are applying, ¬skills and knowledge they learned abroad to continually bring global perspectives to their communities.” Williams, a Spanish major, was specifically recognized for her work mentoring and tutoring low-income students in Madrid. The experience, she said, reminded her of similar
problems in her hometown. “My hometown, Detroit, is a place where many students go without the educational benefits that are awarded to the students in neighboring suburbs, where students aren’t provided adequate books to read, the water sometimes runs brown, and college seems to be an excellent place, but one that is unattainable for inner-city youth,” she said in the release. “I have made it my life goal to continuously contribute to my community by making sure that youth are not denied their right to an excellent education.” During her semester abroad, Williams said, she saw many of the stereotypes low-income youth face in the world of education. “The problem is not that they are incapable of learning, or that they don’t want to, but that the obstacles that they are faced with daily sometimes distract them from their
education,” she said. Williams hopes to take her career in a similar direction, saying she plans to start a nonprofit organization that will give a second
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chance to youth who have been convicted of criminal charges. She received a $1,000 cash prize as part of the award. - ANDREW HIYAMA
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KEVIN ZHENG/Daily Classical pianist Kotaro Fukuma critiques Mi-Eun Kim’s piece at the Music School on Thursday.
CAMPUS EVENTS & NOTES Anne Mondro Exhibition
Biophysics Seminar
Constructing Gender
WHAT: This exhibit by Anne Mondro, associate professor of Art & Design, will investigate the complexity of the human body through art. WHO: North Campus Research Complex Galleries WHEN: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. WHERE: North Campus Research Complex Building 18, Connections Gallery
WHAT: James Bowie, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at University of California-Los Angeles, will host a seminar on the folding of complex membrane proteins. WHO: LSA Biophysics WHEN: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Chemistry Building, Room 1300
WHAT: This UMMA exhibition takes an in-depth look at the beginnings of the Michigan Union and the Michigan League, and how they were originally divided by gender. WHO: University of Michigan Museum of Art WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: University of Michigan Museum of Art
Mustard’s Retreat
Study Abroad First Step Session
WHAT: Mustard’s Retreat, an award-winning two-piece band formed in 1974 featuring David Tamulevich and Michael Hough, will perform at The Ark. General asmission tickets will be $20. WHO: Michigan Union Ticket Office WHEN: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. WHERE: The Ark, 316 Main St.
WHAT: This presentation will explain study abroad programs, such as what scholarships and financial aid are available. WHO: Center for Global and Intercultural Study WHEN: 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Angell Hall, Room G155
Mastering the American Accent WHAT: This program will help attendees with their English skills. The cost will be $275 for 10 sessions, which include group conversations, exercises, guidance and an assessment. WHO: Mary A. Rackham Institute WHEN: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: 1111 E. Catherine St.
WHAT: This exhibition is a showcase of the works of Art & Design students and will award over $13,000 for exceptional works. WHO: Penny Stamps School of Art & Design WHEN: Noon to 7 p.m. WHERE: Stamps Gallery, 201 S. Division St.
MAYA GOLDMAN Daily Staff Reporter
The University of Michigan Department of Communication Studies announced via email to students last week that it will be making changes to its undergraduate major requirements, effective fall 2017. Currently, students who wish to declare a communications studies major must complete Communications 101, 102, 121 and 122 as prerequisite classes. Beginning next fall, only 101 and 102 will be required for the major. Communications 121 and 122 — research methods classes — will still be offered during most semesters going forward, but will Sudoku be Syndication considered 200-level classes and will no longer be required for the major.
Communications Prof. Kristen Harrison, the department’s associate chair for undergraduate studies, said the goal of the change is to make the major more accessible and tailored to students. “Our curriculum was so bottom-heavy, meaning we had so many requirements at the lower end of the undergrad level, that undergrads were having trouble breaking into the major,” Harrison said. Harrison stressed the change is meant to accommodate more students, rather than hurt those who have already completed the four prerequisites currently necessary for the major. Students who have already taken 121 and 122 can keep the credits they earned, which will be transferred into elective credits. “No matter who you are or what you’ve taken, you can use
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It is a CRIME to be inside today
Out of the Ordinary
Neil deGrasse Tyson @neiltyson
WHAT: This exhibit contains many unusual and extraordinary objects that have been collected by the curators of the library in the almost 100 years it has been active. WHO: William L. Clements Library WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: William Clements Library, Avenir Foundation Room
Communications studies program changes prerequisites for majors Two 100-level courses removed from required class list, will count for electives
G @gplagenz
Stamps Undergraduate Juried Exhibition
Time to behave, so when Artificial Intelligence becomes our overlord, we’ve reduced the reasons for it to exterminate us all.
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everything you’ve taken up until 734-418-4115 ext. 1241 hjhakim@michigandaily.com now and nothing will be lost,” Harrison said. “Whatever you’ve done, you can transition into the new (requirements) … We will let NEWS TIPS ARTS SECTION PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION students apply 121 as if it were news@michigandaily.com arts@michigandaily.com photo@michigandaily.com 221, and then it will go towards LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SPORTS SECTION NEWSROOM the major electives.” tothedaily@michigandaily.com sports@michigandaily.com 734-418-4115 opt. 3 The major electives Harrison EDITORIAL PAGE ADVERTISING CORRECTIONS mentioned are another opinion@michigandaily.com dailydisplay@gmail.com corrections@michigandaily.com significant part of the changes. According to Harrison, feedback from graduating seniors and outside consultants suggested students wanted more upperAMELIA CACCHIONE and EMMA RICHTER Managing Photo Editors photo@michigandaily.com level electives that allowed them Senior Photo Editors: Zoey Holmstrom, Evan Aaron, Alexis Rankin to explore their specific interests REBECCA LERNER Assistant Photo Editors: Claire Meingast, Emilie Farrugia, Sinduja further. Managing Editor rebler@michigandaily.com Kilaru, Sam Mousigian, Marina Ross “We’ll probably create more ALEXA ST.JOHN LARA MOEHLMAN courses at the 300-level, more Managing News Editor alexastj@michigandaily.com Statement Editor statement@michigandaily.com topic-specific lectures … we Senior News Editors: Riyah Basha, Tm Cohen, Lydia Murray, Deputy Statement Editor: Brian Kuang used to have only a few of them, Nisa Khan, Sophie Sherry Yoshiko Iwai Assistant News Editors: Kevin Biglin, Caleb Chadwell, Heather but now there’ll be much more Colley, Erin Doherty, Maya Goldman, Matt Harmon, Andrew http://sudokusyndication.com/sudoku/generator/print/ choice with them,” Harrison DANIELLE JACKSON and TAYLOR GRANDINETTI Hiyama, Jen Meer, Carly Ryan, Kaela Theut Managing Copy Editors copydesk@michigandaily.com said. “I think students will be Senior Copy Editors: Marisa Frey, Ibrahim Rasheed thrilled with it. It gives them a ANNA POLUMBO-LEVY and REBECCA TARNOPOL Editorial Page Editors opinioneditors@michigandaily.com lot more choice.” DYLAN LAWTON and BOB LESSER Senior Opinion Editors: Caitlin Heenan, Jeremy Kaplan, Max Communications Prof. Managing Online Editor lesserrc@michigandaily.com Lubell, Madeline Nowicki, Stephanie Trierweiler Senior Web Developers: Erik Forkin, Jordan Wolff Scott Campbell, who is the most recent director of BETELHEM ASHAME and KEVIN SANTO ABE LOFY Managing Sports Editors sportseditors@michigandaily.com the departmental Honors Managing Video Editor video@michigandaily.com Senior Sports Editors: Laney Byler, Mike Persak, Orion Sang, Senior Video Editors: Gilly Yerrington, Matt Nolan, Aarthi program, is also enthusiastic Minh Doan, Chloe Aubuchon, Sylvanna Gross, Chris Crowder Janakiraman, Emily Wolfe about the effect these new Assistant Sports Editors: Rob Hefter, Max Marcovitch, Avi Sholkoff, Ethan Wolfe, Matthew Kennedy, Paige Voeffray changes will have on the JASON ROWLAND and ASHLEY TJHUNG department. Michigan in Color Editors michiganincolor@michigandaily.com ANAY KATYAL and NATALIE ZAK Senior Michigan in Color Editors: Christian Paneda, Tanya “I feel … optimistic,” Managing Arts Editors arts@michigandaily.com Madhani, Neel Swamy, Adam Brodnax, Areeba Haider, Halimat Campbell said. “One of the Olaniyan, Sivanthy Visanthan Senior Arts Editors: Tess Garcia, Dayton Hare, Nabeel Chollanpat, Madeline Gaudin, Carly Snider things we’re trying to do is Arts Beat Editors: Caroline Filips, Danielle Yacobson, Danny become a more diverse and ELLIE HOMANT Hensel, Erika Shevchek, Matt Gallatin Managing Social Media Editor inclusive program, and I Senior Social Media Editors: Carolyn Watson, Molly Force think by loosening up the MICHELLE PHILLIPS and AVA WEINER Managing Design Editors design@michigandaily.com requirements, that’s one of the Senior Design Editors: Alex Leav, Carly Berger, Christine Lee ways that will help us achieve that goal.” Campbell said, while the SONIA SHEKAR changes have no direct effect Digital Marketing Manager on the Honors program, he JESSICA STEWART National Accounts Manager EMILY RICHNER hopes allowing students Sales Manager to take more topic-specific JULIA SELSKY Local Accounts Manager ANNA HE courses earlier on in their Special Publications and Events Manager CLAIRE BUTZ college careers will allow them Production and Layout Manager to develop stronger interests and will drive more students The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the to complete Honors theses. University OF Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office
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AID From Page 1 Perez moved to Michigan before starting eighth grade, qualifying her for in-state tuition. Despite the difference between average in-state cost of attendance of $28,776 and the average out-of-state lower-division cost of attendance of $59,784, Perez still struggles to pay for school like Rabotnick. Perez’s father is an engineer, but her mother stays at home, and she has two siblings. In an February interview with The Michigan Daily, E. Royster Harper, the University’s vice president for student life, said a large population of students reside in the middle-class area of distribution and are often ignored by financial aid. “We want to keep (tuition costs) down, because if you are high income, you’re not worried about it,” she said. “If you’re low income, you’re not worried about it. It’s a lot of kids in the middle, so it’s a real problem, but it isn’t a problem for the students for whom we don’t have many.” Because Rabotnick’s family made too much money last year to be considered for larger amounts of financial aid though currently does not make enough to help pay for school, Rabotnick said he had to take out student loans to make up for this lack of sizeable financial aid. “I think that a majority of the student base struggles financially through school and lives off of student loans through school knowing that one day things will be easier, things will be better,” he said. “That’s really the boat that I’m in. I take student loans, essentially, for food every day.” Perez is in the same situation as Rabotnick, reportedly receiving about $10,000 in financial aid but having to take out about $5,000 in
GSI From Page 1 responded to a tense campus climate by advocating for change through protests and organizing resources. A number of inflammatory incidents have rocked campus this academic year, including multiple discoveries of posters promoting white supremacy and urging individuals to report undocumented immigrants in October and November and racist and anti-Semitic emailssent to engineering students and computer science students earlier this month. Public Health student Jamie Tam, a GEO campaign committee specialist, argued the controversies made the University’s rejection of GEO’s proposal an even greater disappointment. “For the University to say no to the proposal at a time when the groups that are under attack are the ones who are being asked to do this work for free, I think it’s unfair,” Tam said. The DEI plan does require deans and department heads to report on diversity metrics and progress, and sets aside $85 million to carry out the plan over the next five years. As of yet, though, University president Mark Schlissel has designated Chief Diversity Officer Robert Sellers as the only senior administrator to focus solely on the plan. In accepting the position, Sellers referenced a
BILLS From Page 1 abortions, this bill is only taking away crucial health services that are often much more expensive elsewhere. “The biggest target of this bill is obviously Planned Parenthood, which receives significant government funding,” Webb said. “However, it’s crucial to note that public funding cannot go towards abortions, which has been the case for decades.” Even though federal funding cannot currently go toward abortions, this new legislation would prevent any funding from going to agencies that provide abortions, even if they provide other services. In addition to the erasure of health services other than abortions, Webb said limiting access to safe abortion clinics won’t do what the sponsors of the bill intend to do: limit abortions. “Extensive research has shown that efforts to reduce
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student loans. “I definitely think there’s a problem, because my dad, he’s an engineer and he makes … a decent salary, but 30 grand a year (for school) on top of a five-person family on top of a mortgage and stuff like that, it’s definitely not enough for my family to be well off while I’m at school, and also my brother is going to school next year, maybe here,” Perez said. “If he is coming here, that would be 60 grand, which is more than half of what my dad gets paid a year.” University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald addressed Rabotnick’s student debt in an email and stated student debt has decreased over the past four years. According to University data from Fitzgerald, 48 percent of in-state graduates in 2015-16 left the University with no debt. For those that did take out loans, the average was $23,438, which is down from the 2011-12 average of $25,798. For out-of-state students like Rabotnick, average student debt in 2015-16 was $28,931, a decrease from $34,418 in 2011-12. “One reason for the decrease in student loans, is that U-M has been replacing loans with grants in financial aid packages,” Fitzgerald wrote. “Grants do not need to be repaid.” Rabotnick said he has met with the Office of Financial Aid many times to try to explain his situation beyond what the figures and tax forms show on paper. Each time, he was directed toward FAFSA policies and other resources. He also attempted to establish residency in Michigan, but could not. The University Office of the Registrar residency guidelines require out-of-state students to submit an Application for Resident Classification if they have lived or worked outside of the state of Michigan in the past three years.
Rabotnick needs to prove he is a permanent legal resident of Michigan, and because he has lived and worked outside of the state in the last three years, this is difficult to do. Rabotnick said the administration should take into account his tax independence and his permanent address when looking at his case for in-state tuition or increased financial aid. He said as a public institution, the University wants more out-of-state students for their tuition dollars. “I love the University of Michigan while I’m far from loving the administration,” he said. “I don’t think the two necessarily go hand-in-hand. I’m happy I’m here … I love getting the education that I’m getting here but the feeling I’ve gotten from dealing with the administration is a bureaucracy which only cares about making money at the expense of students.” Perez, Rabotnick and Engineering freshman Malika Takale all mentioned how much a degree from the University means to them, but its low ranking in terms of socio-economic mobility concerns them. Takale, an in-state, uppermiddle-class student, said she was surprised that more students did not move up in income values with a degree from the University. “(The report) is really surprising to me because everyone gives a Michigan degree so much praise and especially because, even though Michigan is a public university, it’s just as expensive for out-of-state kids as an Ivy League school would be,” she said. “I would expect kids to make more money with a degree from Michigan after they graduate.” Rabotnick, while acknowledging the ranking as an issue, said the data isn’t surprising because many students come to the University
with a lot of money already. “Based off the statistic … with the median income being roughly $150,000, you’re only going to move so much from that point as a professional,” he said. “Unless you’re going into some big specialty in medicine or law, I don’t think there would be much deviation. I do think that people who are lower class have the ability to move up.” In a previous interview, Fitzgerald referenced other statistics from the Equality of Opportunity Project’s report and its graphical summaries in The New York Times’ The Upshot. According to the data, Michigan was ranked third out of the same 25 highly selective public universities in terms of students with the highest-paying jobs after graduation. The median student income at 34 was $68,700. “That underscores what some other reports, including the Department of Education’s college scorecard, said about being a good value, a good investment, because it pays off,” he said. “The median salary for our graduates following graduation, some reports show as much as $25,000 higher than the national average.” Perez said the main goal of college shouldn’t be to make a lot of money after graduation. She also said she believed the University should be more proactive in making sure students are competitive in the workforce after obtaining their degrees. “You shouldn’t necessarily go to school to get paid,” she said. “But also, if you’re coming to a university that’s claiming to be different speakers and claiming to give you opportunities that other universities can’t give you, then they should assure that their students are better off than other university students when they go out and get jobs.”
network of “diversity professionals” that would facilitate departmental collaboration and best practices. “I accept this position, but in no way does this fall on me alone,” he said at the DEI launch in October. “It takes a village to raise a plan.” Other instructional positions dedicated to DEI education, including those of graduate students, were not included in the plan. Rackham student Teona Williams, a supporter of GEO’s petition, led a day-long training on activism last Saturday, along with Students of Color of Rackham, Rackham Student Government and Students4Justice. Williams aimed to provide the campus community with resources to advance social and environmental justice in light of the election. According to Williams, being a proponent of the DEI wasn’t much of a choice. “Someone once told me that just because I’m Black doesn’t mean I have to advocate for DEI,” she said. “But to me, as at the only Black student who matriculated in my department that year, I did.” Tam said she, along with other graduate students, are tired of bearing the burden of diversity labor without compensation. “There is a social inequality on this campus in that communities that are most affected by climate issues are asked to do most of the work to address those issues,” Tam said. GEO President John Ware, a
Rackham student, said the 49 unit plans established by the DEI plan have not been effective, as the plans, their implementations and their resource allocations vary widely across departments and colleges. Tam agreed and said the reason some unit plans are less robust is because there aren’t paid DEI staff to ensure work is seen through. “Faculty and staff who get asked to do DEI work weren’t hired to do DEI work,” Tam said. “Students who are asked to do this give up time that could go towards their own academic progress in order to further diversity.” Williams said the DEI plan fails to include strategies to respond to hate on campus. “As we saw from the wave of racist attacks against people of color, there was nothing in the plans that could counteract that,” Williams said. “I feel very strongly that if you have paid DEI positions, then you will have people who have time to strategize beyond writing letters of solidarity that do not protect students from violence.” Along with GEO’s proposal for DEI positions in February, GEO submitted 13 other proposals, including expanded health benefits for transgender individuals, expanded parental leave and added protections against academic retaliation. Some of the proposals were accepted under certain conditions during the bargaining
meeting on Feb. 20, but the majority of the proposals, including the one for paid DEI positions, were not open to bargaining. To Ware, the University’s unwillingness to discuss funding for DEI labor is sending a clear message. “Whatever the University’s intention may be, the clear message it sends by refusing to bargain on diversity work is that it reserves the right to underpay the people doing that work or to deny them the benefits and workplace protections that come standard for other graduate student employees,” Ware said. The petition is still gaining signatures. GEO has collaborated with Students of Color at Rackham, Rackham Student Government and the Multicultural Leadership Council, and is receiving support from undergraduate students, faculty and staff. Tam said the issue of supporting the proposal is simple and that it all comes down to the answer of one question. “Is it fair to ask members of predominantly minority groups to do this work and not compensate them for it?” she asked. Despite its initial delay, the University is gradually signaling its willingness to accommodate the proposal. “I believe a meeting — outside of contract talks — is being set up to pursue this idea for the week following spring break,” Fitzgerald wrote.
abortion through government regulations is ineffective; abortions will happen regardless, it’s simply a matter of how safe and accessible they are,” Webb said. “If politicians truly want to promote a ‘pro-life’ agenda and reduce the number of abortions, they should work to promote services that help reduce unintended pregnancy, such as better sexual health education and access to birth control — exactly the services Planned Parenthood provides.” State Sen. Patrick Colbeck (R–Canton), one of the sponsors of the bill, said on the Senate floor that pro-choice groups are also promoting agendas that differ from their title. “We have a culture right now that is unfortunately so prodeath,” Colbeck said, “They do it under the mask of choice. It’s really not a choice. That kid does not have that choice.” LSA senior Rachel Crawford, president of Students for Life, pushed back against claims this bill is for furthering a political agenda, considering the moral
debate surrounding abortions. “This isn’t a consideration of personal preference, but a deeply held moral stance for many people,” Crawford said. “If the state contracts with agencies that supply abortion among their other services, then they are committing a conscience rights violation for those morally opposed to abortion.” Additionally, Crawford said the absence of clinics that provide abortions doesn’t necessarily mean there will be an absence of quality, accessible health care if the government directs funding efficiently. “The state government should contract with agencies which provide healthcare to women and do not have abortion as a service, like Federally Qualified Health Centers,” Crawford said. “FQHCs are also not vulnerable to the economic problem of fungibility, which is the main concern for taxpayers opposed to funding agencies that also provide abortions.” State Rep. Steve Johnson (R–Wayland), another one of
the bill’s sponsors, agreed with Crawford and said there are solutions that would prevent health care services from becoming unattainable. “There are many other organizations that provide services for women’s health,” Johnson said. “If Planned Parenthood wishes to receive funding, it’s very simple: stop doing abortions.” The second bill would allow the Michigan Secretary of State to carry “Choose Life” fundraising license plates. This bill has been introduced despite legislation that denies the state the ability to offer politically linked plates and despite the fact that a similar bill was introduced last year and never received a vote. Webb said in addition to being inappropriate for the government to facilitate “Choose Life,” the plates are politically charged in many facets.
Read more at MichiganDaily.com
Friday, February 24, 2017 — 3
BATHROOM From Page 1 such measures should be enacted at the local level. “The prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX,” Sessions’ statement read. “Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue. The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.” Nevertheless, the general consensus is the new guidance will not have a direct impact on University policies. In an email to the Daily, University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the University is committed to fostering an inclusive community. He directly cited the University’s non-discrimination statement from Human Resources, adding emphasis — shown bolded — to related topics. “The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action,” the statement reads. “The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.” State Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D– Ann Arbor) said hopefully the University will not be impacted. He pointed to the State Board of Education, which released a set
LETTER From Page 1 student organizations to try to find specific actions that will help to mitigate the damage of these attacks to the University community. “We are concerned that we have not done a good job of publicizing all that is going on at the University with respect to the specific concerns about our climate that Students4Justice and others have raised,” Sellers wrote. Additionally, the letter was written to make the University’s stance on the aforementioned demands clear in light of an article written by CollegeFix which, according to the University, cited many inaccuracies in the current discussions taking place. Within its list of demands, Students4Justice requested an increase in Black representation on campus equal to 10 percent, and for the administration to make efforts to increase enrollment numbers of other minority students.
of guidelines in September that explicitly allow students to use the bathrooms of their gender identities, in addition to other recommendations. However, he said the new guidance would still have a significant impact on the nation. “The effect that this will have is that it sends a chilling signal to the entire country that the age of respecting civil liberties is over and the new Trump administration wants to tear our people’s civil liberties and reintroduce discriminatory practices into the everyday, in this country,” he said. According to CNN, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos initially opposed Trump’s plans to rescind the gender identity protections. However, a source told CNN she was told to agree to the plans, which she did on Wednesday. Rabhi said he thinks the release of this guidance is a direct threat from Trump, which he anticipates will be a repeated action in the next four years. “I think this was another example of Trump himself sort of calling the shots over the people he appointed to his very Cabinet, and look, if DeVos didn’t like this, then she should have stopped it,” he said. “I think she had a greater role to play in this than she led everybody to believe. But of course we saw the heavy hand of Trump coming down and pushing for this.” LSA junior Collin Kelly, chair of the University’s chapter of College Democrats, wrote in an email to the Daily it is not fair for people who are not transgender to evaluate how an action like this can affect transgender people. “Those of us who are not trans must listen when these folks say that policies like this make them unsafe — we must support people of all gender identities and gender expressions, and all those who are marginalized by discriminatory policy,” he wrote.
Read more at MichiganDaily.com
The response from administration informed readers of the available resources on campus and the six outreach and recruitment initiatives currently in place. In addition, the University cited a 6.9 percent increase in underrepresented students in the freshman class this year from last year. The letter also included a request for the University to declare solidarity with students of color by addressing “current events regarding police brutality” and renaming University buildings to “reflect and acknowledge student activism on campus and additionally acknowledge the legacies of oppression that the people the buildings are currently named after have caused.” University spokesperson, Rick Fitzgerald, emphasized in an email to the Daily that the University has ongoing iniatives to address the concerns raised by Students4Justice. Students4Justice did not respond immediately to request for comment.
Opinion
4 — Friday, February 24, 2017
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
MICHIGAN IN COLOR
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FROM THE DAILY
State should pass sexual assault bills
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s the future of many nationwide policies that aim to combat sexual assault hang in the balance, a bipartisan group of Michigan legislators has introduced a package of three bills to assist sexual assault survivors. Two of the bills, introduced in the state Senate, aim to increase the number of survivors receiving medical treatment and testing after an assault by lessening the charges to their insurance agencies and increasing funding to health care providers that provide these services. Separately, the state House bill allows for the inclusion of evidence that an accused assailant previously may have committed another sexual crime. These bills, while by no means fixing all the ills that face survivors in the aftermath of a sexual assault, go a long way in improving the care and justice they would receive in the state of Michigan. The Michigan Daily Editorial Board implores the Michigan State Legislature to pass these bills because they act in the best interest of survivors of sexual assault. The Senate bills allocate funds to providers to cover the costs of hospital room fees, rape test kits and other medical testing provided to survivors of sexual assault, while prohibiting providers from charging patients for care after an assault not covered by insurance or not authorized by a patient. The bills also incentivize providers to ensure that survivors of sexual assault receive proper medical treatment, regardless of the costs they might incur. This particularly helps survivors of lower socioeconomic status, who might not have health insurance to cover the costs of treatment. Furthermore, the bills, if passed, would allocate funding toward training medical personnel to tend to survivors of sexual assault. Since this training is highly specific, health care providers may have very few — if any — personnel available to aid survivors. By allocating funds toward this training, health care providers can increase the number of personnel able to help surviviors, thus improving the efficiency of their treatment. The House bill, which allows the use of a defendant’s history as evidence, will help survivors defend their cases if they choose to bring
them to court. A 2015 study of college men published in JAMA Pediatrics estimated that 25 percent of sexual assailants are repeat offenders, a phenomenon especially prevalent on college campuses. The criminal justice system faces difficulties in prosecuting sexual assailants because, in many cases, the state prosecutors do not have enough evidence to meet criminal cases’ standards of proof. The private nature of sexual assault reduces many cases to one person’s word against another’s. Allowing the use of past history as evidence would help survivors build cases against sexual assailants. Pertinent information such as an assailant’s motives, patterns or methods would be used to help prosecute an offender in a court of law. While these bills are crucial, much needed steps toward ensuring survivors of sexual assault obtain care and justice, we hope that passing these bills will open up more important conversations about Michigan state law regarding sexual assault, such as further clarifying the definition of consent within the laws. Currently, state law does not have an explicit definition of consent, which often
EMILY WOLFE | CONTACT EMILY AT ELWOLFE@UMICH.EDU
Black History Month, Through My Eyes
complicates the survivor’s case because of the evidentiary difficulties the crime presents. In order to best respect, protect and support survivors, the state must define consent more explicitly. The University’s sexual misconduct policy defines consent as “a clear and unambiguous agreement, expressed outwardly through mutually understandable words or actions, to engage in a particular activity. Consent must be voluntarily given and cannot be obtained through coercion or force,” which recognizes the need for both parties’ agreement before engaging in sexual activity. Other states, such as California and New York, have affirmative consent laws that explicitly define the criteria needed for consent. We call upon the state of Michigan to pass these bills, as even these small steps help survivors immensely. However, state legislators must keep in mind the issue of sexual assault is much larger than the ability to receive proper and affordable medical treatment and resources to build court cases. Due justice for all parties will only come when the state laws themselves are clarified — a good start being for the state to pass meaningful consent standards.
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lack History Month, for me, is by far the most meaningful month of the year. A time to reflect on the triumphs, tragedies and teachable moments of the past, while celebrating the influential people, institutions and events of today. It is also a time to look to the future and imagine a society greater than the one we currently inhabit. Since President Gerald Ford commissioned February as Black History Month in 1976 as a part of the United States’s bicentennial, students in schools all over the country have read books on the civil rights movement, written reports on some of our most remembered pioneers and seen such programs as the biographic cartoon “Our Friend, Martin.” Today, the entire month of February is Black History Month. However, prior to 1976, just the second week of the month was known as Negro History Week. It was established in 1926 by prominent Black historian Carter G. Woodson and others within the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, an organization Woodson co-founded. ASALH thought the many contributions of African Americans to our society, both past and present, should be remembered and celebrated. I concur. I personally feel a certain affirmation of my own existence, and of my ancestors, during the month of February. Living in a country that does not always value Black lives, I find it somewhat heartening that people will at least pretend to for these 28 days. Every year the president will issue a proclamation on the first day of February, declaring it Black History Month. Television stations will run documentaries, radio show hosts will interview historians and experts, and politicians will selectively quote activists. For this one month, it is not controversial to be Black. Black History Month is not without its critics. There has always been a chorus of uninformed bigots repeating the line: “Why isn’t there a white history month?” This inquiry is extremely problematic, and in my opinion, not at all genuine. The history of this nation has been whitewashed for the appeasement of the masses. We
celebrate Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson and Ulysses Grant for their contributions to the advancement of exploration, the establishment of individual liberties and the reunification of our nation, but we often forget the enslaved Black Europeans and Americans who helped them succeed. Black history is being made — by our leaders — right before our eyes. It was monumental for us to see the United States’s first Black chief executive take the oath of office eight years ago, and former President Barack Obama’s name is guaranteed to grace the pages of textbooks for centuries to come. However, after his election had been contextualized as being within a political climate that was “post-racial,” it was just as monumental when then-First Lady Michelle Obama noted that she wakes up “every morning in a house that was built by slaves” during her Democratic National Convention speech last summer. Black history is being made by athletes. This year, Serena Williams cemented her legacy as the greatest tennis player of all time by winning her 23rd Grand Slam title. She has won more Grand Slam single titles than any other person in the Open era — male or female. At the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, gymnast Simone Biles stunned the world when she took home four gold medals and one bronze medal. Black history is being made by creators. Viola Davis made history this year when she garnered her third Academy Award nomination for her role in “Fences.” TV shows with majority-Black casts such as ABC’s “Scandal,” “Blackish” and “How to Get Away with Murder” and Fox’s “Empire” are dominating primetime viewership. Beyoncé, with the release of her album “Lemonade,” became the only artist in history to have her first six efforts go number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This, after controversy over her unapologetically pro-Black single “Formation” and Super Bowl performance to match. To top it all off, last year Beyoncé became the most Grammy-nominated woman in the award show’s history. While accepting her daughter’s BET award for video of the year last summer, Tina Knowles reflected on the deaths of some of our community’s greatest artists such as Prince and Michael
Jackson by saying, “I’m hoping that we will celebrate them while we are alive.” She added, “Let’s give our flowers to our artists who give so much … Let’s let them smell the flowers while they’re alive.” In other words, it is always appropriate to honor the legacy of fallen influences, but it is just as important to praise them while they are alive and still effecting change. Black History Month is our time to do just that. History that is not remembered repeats itself. America, if for no other reason, owes it to its Black citizens to remain educated on this nation’s ugly past of enslavement, disenfranchisement and legal subjugation. This country has resolved to “never forget” the horror of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Holocaust or the attack on Pearl Harbor, yet slavery is not universally regarded in the same way. As long as there is Black History Month, our objective should be to remember the injustices committed against Black people, and work diligently so that those types of injustices never happen again. Unfortunately, we now have a president who is not quite clear of this history. President Donald Trump, during remarks commemorating the beginning of Black History Month, seemed to suggest that Frederick Douglass was somehow still alive, saying that he is “being recognized more and more” today. This, just days after claiming that renowned civil rights activist and current congressman John Lewis was “all talk.” In 1965, while protesting voting rights violations as the chair of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Selma, Ala., Lewis was brutalized by police. He sustained a fractured skull on the day that was eventually known as Bloody Sunday. Black History Month should evoke joy, pain, laughter, tears, celebration and condemnation. This time of year is so important to me because it is a time to remember the past, savor the present and look toward a promising and united future. There is no doubt as to whether Black History Month should be a permanent fixture of our society. My hope is that all Americans would make a commitment to celebrate this special time with myself and others. Michael Heyward is a Michigan in Color columnist.
BEN CHARLSON | OP-ED
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Why sports matter
y heart sank as the unthinkable happened. I felt the life drain from my body as Aroldis Chapman, the Chicago Cubs’ dominant closer, gave up a game-tying home run to Rajai Davis in the bottom of the eighth inning in the deciding game of the World Series. Memories of trips to Wrigley Field in the mid-2000s with my dad ran through my brain — losing was ingrained in my mind so much that I considered myself a bad luck charm for the Cubs, only to realize that my presence at the ballpark didn’t count much toward their 108-year drought. It was as simple as that; the Cubs can’t win, they would never win and game seven of the World Series would be no different. Sociologists have debated sports, and their role in society, since the emergence of modern organized sports in the mid-19th century. Facing criticism from Marxist theorists, sports have been viewed as a manifestation of the elite in society, socializing and manipulating athletes to unique dietary, behavioral and educational norms in pursuit of profit. Some renowned thinkers, such as Noam Chomsky, have gone so far as to say that “sports keep people from worrying about things that matter.” But putting aside sociological theory and institutional analysis of modern athletics, sports provide us with something we often can’t find in other areas of our lives: hope. No year better illustrates the value of sports than 2016. Sports, although profit-driven and mediacontrolled, speak to the masses in an almost religious manner. The underdog in sports is not merely a small-market team or a historically poorly performing franchise. The underdog is a symbol of hope, the spirit of a community and a metaphor for social change.
Overcoming 5,000-1 odds, Leicester City won the Premier League title in a performance that rocked the global soccer community. The Cleveland Cavaliers, down three games to one, took down the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals — giving Cleveland its first major championship in its 46-year history. And recently, the New England Patriots came back from a seemingly lethal deficit to win the Super Bowl, to the chagrin of much of the western United States. This same year has been characterized by political controversy and change. Sports, as a microcosm of society, reflect meaning that transcends far beyond the boundaries of the foul pole or end zone. On Nov. 9, our campus was quiet. To the credit of conservatives, Republicans pulled off a comeback of sorts in a fair, yet shocking, sweep of the nation. Nevertheless, the funeral-esque proceedings the day after the 2016 presidential election were almost too solemn. But for many, it seemed as if the rights of minorities, women and other disadvantaged groups had died with the election results. That day, sitting thoughtfully in the Mary Markley Residence Hall lounge with a few of my friends from Chicago, a friend asked me, “Does it even matter anymore that the Cubs won the World Series?” I took a moment to collect my thoughts. “Yes, yes it does,” I responded. The Cubs, like all the underdogs of 2016, represent a hope, binding together common wounds and bringing together a community. Baseball, “America’s pastime,” was born with a national connotation of optimism. I argue that it remains a platform from which people can derive hope and inspiration to make changes.
I said yes because it reminds us that nothing is permanent, that norms and rules can be changed and rewritten, that no deficit or adversity is too much to overcome. One hundred eight years? Water under the bridge. Just as the Cubs put behind a history of curses and billy goats — omens signaling the perpetual nature of the Cubs’ failure — those distraught after the election could do the same, finding within themselves a message of hope echoed by sports and political heroes alike: Yes we can. As the year moves forward, there will undoubtedly be ongoing battles both within and outside the U.S. government over political and social issues. As we have already seen, policies may be put in place that align with the fears of many in this country, subjugating and targeting minority groups on the basis of crass, often incorrect, generalizations. However, sports serve to remind us that in times of fear and defeat, there is much ground to be made up (108 years worth, for example) and change to be made. So, as I watched distraught New England fans desperately root for the Patriots down 25 in the third quarter of the Super Bowl, I remembered the Cubs, and how I was sure they would lose. I remembered the crack of Ben Zobrist’s bat as he shot a double down the left field line to score the eventual game-winning run. I remembered Anthony Rizzo’s face as he screamed when Kris Bryant made the final out. And I remembered the voices of protesters on the Diag outside my classroom the week after. Indeed, the Patriots came back to win, in yet another example of resilience, something from which the American people should draw inspiration. Ben Charlson is an LSA freshman.
Arts
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Friday, February 24, 2017 — 5
Who will win and who should win at Oscars 2017 BEST PICTURE What will win: Jumped up “controversy” aside, “La La Land” has all the momentum as we move towards Oscar night. It scooped up the top award at both the PGAs, DGAs and BAFTAs, swept every category it was nominated for at the Golden Globes — setting a new record in the process — and was nominated for a whopping fourteen Oscars, tying for another record. Even those who hate the film must admit that it is the objective favorite of the show, and it holds a strong chance of winning the eleven Academy Awards needed to tie yet another all-time record.
BEST DIRECTOR
from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the latter of whom gave us the heartrendingly emotional “Audition” scene. Is it perfect? No, but it is doubtlessly the best film nominated and the singular most entertaining film of the year. — Jeremiah Vanderhelm, Daily Arts Writer
What should win: As well it should, because “La La Land” is delightful. There’s a reason it is garnering so much love. The cinematography is beautiful, the story is eminently relatable, Damien Chazelle’s (“Whiplash”) direction is f lawless — his single-take musical numbers are a marvel — and the songs are memorable and speak to the film’s deeper themes. That’s without even mentioning the absurdly charming performances
What will win: Hopefully, this year’s Oscars will have at least one major upset. Sitting through the four-hour long ceremony needs to have some sort of payoff. However, this certainly won’t be the case for Best Director. In three out of the past four ceremonies, the winner for Best Director went home without a similar trophy for Best Picture. This year will probably end this streak, and audiences can expect to see Damien Chazelle with more hardware than he could ever possibly carry. The 32 year-old’s “La La Land,” a musical reincarnation of Hollywood’s past, deserves praise. Still, by the time he wins this award, along with everything else, audiences may be a bit frustrated that their four hour-long commitment didn’t pay off.
Casey Affleck’s performance as Lee Chandler in “Manchester by the Sea” is nuanced, yet powerful. The loner handyman with a mysteriously tragic past is portrayed on screen as equally enigmatic and sensitive. Particularly when interacting with his orphaned, teenage nephew (a stellar performance by newcomer Lucas Hedges), Affleck’s Lee is awkwardly endearing. Their banter ranges from dark humor to tender revelations, all while maintaining impressively rugged Boston accents (reminiscent of another Affleck’s magnum opus, “Good Will Hunting”). Affleck will not only get the Oscar for inducing the largest collective sob from viewers since “Beaches,” but because he created a narrative on screen so raw and subtle, that the other actors in the category (an especially impressive lot this year) pale in comparison.
SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT
Barry Jenkins brought to life one of the most stunning and compelling movies in recent history with “Moonlight.” His work will be remembered for decades to come, so clearly he deserves the highest recognition for a director. But really, Jenkins doesn’t need an Oscar
plays Ben Cash, a radical idealist who along with his wife, decides to raise their six children in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. The eccentrically brilliant children are trained in everything from hunting and survival skills to theoretical physics and Marxist theory. The Cash kids are as charming and quirky as the variety of actors who play them. Mortensen will not get the Oscar, but his performance as a father trying to reconcile his steadfast philosophies with the well being of his children is heartbreakingly honest and deserves recognition beyond “Noam Chomsky Day.” — Rebecca Portman, For the Daily
What will win: Marion Cotillard won in 2007 for “La Vie en Rose,” becoming the first woman to win for a French-speaking role. Ten years later, Isabelle Huppert (“Elle”) could follow Cotillard’s path for her portrayal of rape victim Michele Leblanc. That is, if “La La Land” weren’t released in the same year. Emma Stone (“La La Land”) will win this category with ease, even against the beloved Meryl Streep (“Florence Foster Jenkins”). Stone’s performance, including the beautifully sung “Audition (The Fools Who Dream),” covers all of the Oscar-worthy territory.
AMAZON
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
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BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
neth Lonergan’s brilliant “Manchester by the Sea.” Hedges acts with a stunning naturalism that rivals few other young performers. His mental breakdown about two-thirds through the film throws the audience into the same emotional explosion as his own, while his comedic timing is flawless (see: any scene with his amateur punk band). — Daniel Hensel, Daily Film Editor
What will win:
What should win:
It comes as a surprise to almost no one that “La La Land” is poised to clean up at this year’s awards. After taking home top honors in this category at the Golden Globes, it looks likely that “La La Land” will do it again. While deserving of many of the statues it will pick up next week, the film’s screenplay is among the weakest of the nominees. The real magic of “La La Land” is its visual splendor, the story is structurally familiar and the dialogue leans pretty heavily on Gosling and Stone’s — especially Stone’s — natural charm. Alas, the Academy has a hard time passing up hype and anything about itself.
This is a tough one. “20th Century Women” and “The Lobster,” both films that, tragically, are only nominated in this category, are on par with “Manchester By the Sea.” But, it’s Kenneth Lonergan’s darkly funny screenplay that deserves top honors. Lonergan masters the tricky art of flashbacks and writes characters with a precision unseen this award season. Lee Chandler is one of the most fully fleshed out, powerful characters of the year. The film’s structure is perfect, the way it at once opens up and caves in on itself, revealing and concealing. “Manchester By the Sea” is master class example of how movies are born on paper. — Madeleine Gaudin, Senior Arts Editor
There’s a bias against young actors when recognizing achievement, partly because they’re simply lesser known, partly because they typically lack the experience to pull off a great performance. Nevertheless, Lucas Hedges is perfect as Patrick Chandler, the grieving, complicated nephew at the center of Ken-
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BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY What will win:
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS What will (and should) win:
— Sophia Kaufman, Daily Book Editor
— Will Stewart, Daily Arts Writer
Filmic depictions of presidents and their lives are like gold for the Oscars. Movies about first ladies apparently aren’t as successful. Pablo Larraín’s “Jackie,” shockingly, was snubbed in almost every category, barely getting any recognition it deserved. Fortunately, Natalie Portman’s (“Black Swan”) accurate portrayal of ex-first lady Jackie Kennedy was one of three nominations the film did receive, and rightfully so. She brilliantly brought to life the tragedy of JFK’s assassination. In many
What should win:
I’m still confused as to why Viola Davis was nominated for “supporting actress” rather than a lead, for her portrayal of Rose Maxson in Denzel Washington’s adaptation of “Fences.” (Edit: I have been told this has to do with money. I still don’t understand.) Regardless, she should win. Her portrayal of Rose’s strength, both in times of relative contentment and even more so in times of strife, is striking in its rawness. The scene in which she confronts her husband after he blindly complains to her, not bothering to recognize that she might have sacrificed dreams and aspirations too, is one of the most powerful scenes between two people in recent cinematic history.
ways, Portman’s performance is the archetype for a perfect depiction of a historical figure. Imitating each of her many idiosyncrasies and mannerisms, Portman lived up to the great challenge of not overacting. She won’t win, but she certainly deserves her second Oscar after this performance.
What should win:
Viggo Mortensen certainly knows how to wield a sword, as evidenced by his portrayal of Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, but can he raise six children in the wilderness by himself? The answer is a resounding yes. In “Captain Fantastic,” Mortensen
Some performances are stellar for their front-facing exuberance. Even harder is keeping a vivid character reserved and internal, with a complex morality bubbling and churning beneath the surface while life passes before the character’s eyes. Mahershala Ali’s Juan, the drug-dealing surrogate father to young Chiron in “Moonlight,” is the highlight of a phenomenal cast, precisely because his carefully quiet character pops off the screen. Though Juan only appears in the first third of the film, his presence is felt throughout, not only because of his influence on Chiron, but also because Ali weaves an indelibly gnarled charm into his character.
A24
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What should win:
What will win:
— Will Stewart, Daily Arts Writer
What should win:
BEST ACTOR What will win:
to showcase his masterful talent. At this point, it would be secondary. Chazelle can walk away with the award, but Jenkins will prove to be the true winner for years to come. Kenneth Lonergan (“Manchester by the Sea”) in previous, less competitive years would be the frontrunner. Sadly, he’ll also have to wait his turn, considering that nothing’s stopping Chazelle from winning this year’s prize.
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What should win:
Had “Moonlight” not jumped over to the adapted category, I’d say “Arrival,” which scooped up the prize at the Writers Guild Awards, was a sure win. The short story it’s adapted from is absolutely fantastic. However, Barry Jenkins’s screenplay is going to be impossible to top. “Moonlight” is too quiet, too perfectly understated to lend itself to awards in the Best Picture and Best Director categories — the Academy prefers the grandeur of something like “La La Land.” What is does fit are the Academy’s ideals for writing. It’s going to win in this category because it deserves the top of the ticket honors, but it’s sadly not going to win them.
One of the oddities in this year’s award season is the f lip-f lopping the “Moonlight” screenplay has done between the adapted and original screenplay categories. The screenplay won best original at the Writers Guild Awards last Sunday, but is nominated as an adapted screenplay at the Oscars. In any writing category, “Moonlight” deserves the win. Barry Jenkins’s transformation of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s unpublished, unperformed play is incredible and truly deserving on all the honors it can get. — Madeleine Gaudin, Senior Arts Editor
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Arts
6 — Friday, February 24, 2017
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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‘Paterson’ is one of the year’s best Jim Jarmusch’s film endearingly showcases life at its ordinary genuinely excited to watch PaterWILL STEWART son walk his dog, go to the bar for Daily Arts Writer a beer and see Doc (Barry Shabaka Henley, “Life”), the bartender and “Paterson” is about a bus driver Paterson’s friend. Paterson is well named Paterson in Paterson, New known in the bar, and is somewhat Jersey; it’s perfectly convenient. of a hometown hero. Brief moments Every day, Paterson highlight his courwakes up, goes to age, though with“Paterson” work, comes home, out it ever feeling Michigan Theater eats dinner with his like anything wife, walks the dog is expected in Amazon Studios and gets a beer at return. the bar. He’s a simple Adam Driver man who sees the beauty in small (“Silence”) stars as the eponymous things in everyday life without get- character; without his distinct style ting distracted by the complexities and phenomenal chops, this movie of the modern world, like smart- would feel empty. In “Paterson,” phones and social media. Through- he once again demonstrates his out the movie, he incorporates his diverse talent and ability to play unique outlook into his poems, many roles, ranging from angsty which he writes in between his Sith Lord Kylo Ren in “Star Wars: work shifts. Paterson is one of the The Force Awakens” to the nutty most lovable and virtuous charac- Brooklynite Lev Shapiro in “Franters seen on screen in years. Thanks ces Ha.” This performance, characto this, along with a number of terized by his long stares and sharp other spectacular qualities, “Pat- deliveries, solidifies him as one of erson” is one of 2016’s best movies, this generation’s best. and one that will be remembered Paterson’s wife, Laura, played by for decades to come. Golshifteh Farahani (“M for MothDirector Jim Jarmusch er”) in one of the year’s strongest (“Gimme Danger”) creates a world performances, is the perfect match so realistic, yet so impossibly for Paterson. Their supportive relaromantic and compelling. Never tionship, filled with optimism and before has a simple daily routine serenity, is beautiful to watch. Both strictly followed been so entertain- live separate, independent lives, ing. The movie begins on Monday while still intertwined in the love and chronicles the rest of the week, they share. He supports Laura and sucking viewers into Paterson’s her many ambitious — often comidaily rituals. By the time Wednes- cally unrealistic — dreams, and she day evening comes, the audience is is his biggest supporter, constantly
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urging him to share his poems with the rest of the world. “Paterson” shows what true love looks like in its most authentic form. It’s never overly effusive and demonstrates the unconditional joy produced when two people love and support each other. Seeing two people coexist so peacefully shows hope in an increasingly hostile world; watching Laura and Paterson is almost therapeutic. The movie contains many sincere moments and interactions, and avoids feeling too earnest. In a way, other people make up for Paterson’s quiet demeanor, providing a good chunk of dialogue during conversations with him. The interactions Paterson overhears on the bus feel like actual recordings of people talking freely as if no one is listening. It’s so refreshing to hear natural dialogue that doesn’t sound overly rehearsed or plotted out, but rather two people having an ordinary conversation. Meditative shots show the stillness of the town’s life, whether it’s driving his bus or watching a stunning waterfall. There’s never a dull moment in the movie, which is saying a lot for one without a true plot or conflict. “Paterson” is a personal and quiet story about a blue collar man, his wife and their dreams and passions. At its core, it’s about as simple as it gets. Accessible and uplifting, “Paterson” has something to offer everyone.
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RELEASE DATE– Friday, February 24, 2017
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
HELP WANTED
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
ACROSS 1 Test in which contrasts are helpful, briefly 4 __ stiff 10 Minor set-to 14 Huffington Post owner 15 Wedding offering 16 Defunct food coating 17 Domestic shamelessness? 20 Boundary 21 Legal tender with a torch 22 Dealer’s offering 23 __ voce 25 Body shop supply 26 Near giveaway at the liquor store? 30 2016 Billboard Top Artist 31 Besides Linus, the only Nobel laureate in two fields 32 Take badly? 35 Alluring 36 Postgame staple 37 Candy __ 38 Feb. setting in Spokane 39 Artist at Giverny 40 Opposite of 56-Across 41 Fort Knox? 43 Philosophers’ group 46 “Cutthroat Kitchen” host Brown 47 Second name, perhaps 48 “Zounds!” 51 They’re often tough to beat 53 Result of way too many leaves in the eaves? 56 Opposite of 40-Across 57 Album contents 58 ENT’s group 59 Arcade trademark word 60 Part of many art museum names 61 Table support DOWN 1 Ancient spell caster 2 Produce stand sites 3 “My turn”
4 Part of NSF: Abbr. 5 Telling it like it is 6 Opposition leader? 7 First name in Chicago politics 8 It’s thrust in competition 9 Phone button letters 10 Without aggression 11 Zeus remains largely neutral during its narrative 12 “A dagger of the mind, a __ creation ... ”: Macbeth 13 Potatoes may be cooked in one 18 Unloose 19 How stand-up comics usually work 24 Ring site 25 Salon sound 26 [I’m shocked!] 27 Enhance through change 28 Showed impatience, in a way 29 Poetry Muse
32 One moving with frequency? 33 Russian Orthodox church feature 34 City on the Aare 36 Kaiser, for one 37 Songs of Seville 39 Maine road sign image 40 Nothing 41 Buffalo Bill feature 42 Really loving
43 Generational tales 44 Barnyard sound 45 Request to a dealer 48 Verify the story of 49 Above the crossbar and between the uprights 50 Forced bet 52 Obstruction 54 Tach stat 55 SEAL’s org.
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Katy Perry critiques modern society in ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ video Latest music video marks new era for pop artist, showcasing an intention to shift from entertainment to social and political commentary bined with the park’s name and performers’ plastered smiles, For the Daily parallels between the blindly euphoric patrons of Oblivia If you crossed 2050s tech- and the ignorant residents of nology with 1950s fashion with the real world are visible. 2017 ignorance and looked at it Let’s resume with this in all through a pastel filter, you’d mind. be within a stone’s throw of The remaining four-minKaty Perry’s video compliment utes are a profusion of very to her new single, “Chained to happy people living very happy the Rhythm.” lives and wear“Chained to the Set in a ficing very brightlyRhythm” tional theme colored clothing. park, the video But the perfection Katy Perry is prime for is tainted by the Capitol Records the Katy Perry uneasiness that Teenage Dreamaccompanies too world treatment much happiness. apparent in past videos like A quick f lash of the number “Dark Horse” and “Califor- 1984 in the form of a ride’s wait nia Gurls.” Though all three time estimate draws a link videos share a director and to George Orwell’s dystopian a highly embellished visual novel suggesting this world is vocabulary, “Chained to the not as perfect as it appears. Rhythm” decidedly leaves the Within these scenes of CandyLand fantasy behind in apparent bliss, Perry is able favor of a confectionery night- to tackle a staggering number mare. of relevant issues. Panning To start, the theme park is through footage of blatant called Oblivia. The viewer is cultural references such as not-so-subtly informed of this choreographed selfie-taking, when the second image of the a roller-coaster emoji tunnel video features large neon car- and a “validation station” liketoon letters that spell “OBLIV- o-meter, Perry ensures no part IA.” This frame is immediately of her satirical criticism of the succeeded by footage of Perry over-connected, technologyexcitedly rushing through the obsessed masses gets lost in park’s gates, complete with a translation. Later, she stops by futuristic white dress, pink “Inferno H20” for a beaker of hair and an over enthusiastic f laming water. Clearly resemsmile. She sings “are we crazy? bling a gas station, “Inferno / living our lives through a lens H20” predicts that abuse of our / trapped in our white-picket world’s resources may lead to fence.” the strict control of water disLet’s pause. tribution, similar to oil’s curIt’s no coincidence that rent regulation. At one point, “Oblivia” differs only a few happy couples hurriedly climb letters from “oblivious.” aboard “The Great American The opening lyrics alone are Dream Drop,” a ride that feaenough to hint at Perry’s dis- tures quaint houses dangling taste with the average person’s from strings. desire to ignore the conf lictYet despite all of this blarridden world by hiding in their ing commentary, the people of peaceful fenced-in homes. Oblivia remain oblivious. They When these lyrics are com- continue to live comfortably JESSICA ZIESLOFT
in their bubble. Still, the bliss of being utterly disconnected does not last forever. As in all classic dystopian narratives, someone breaks out of the trance. Who? Katy Perry, of course. A rose thorn pricking her finger in the first 30 seconds serves as the first sign that the world isn’t all cotton candy and f lying roller coasters. The next and final realization moment comes in the final montage, which includes the 3D screening of a fictional film entitled “A Nuclear Family.” While spectators robotically bob their heads, Skip Marley appears on the colossal-sized retro TV to contribute his verse. Eventually stepping out of the screen, Marley seems to jolt Perry from her hypnotic daze. Spliced into this scene are clips of Perry running on a human-sized hamster wheel. At first putting forward her best effort, she ultimately slows to a stand. Her expression suggests complete consciousness. The video ends with Perry’s pink painted eyelids locked on the camera and a look of complete horror. This video marks a new era of Katy Perry. Although she has never shied away from releasing PSAs in the form of massively successful singles, the condemnation of modern society as oblivious and robotic is undoubtedly a step up from reminding everyone that they’re fireworks or saying it’s totally fine to kiss a girl and like it. Through this video, as well as a stellar Grammy performance, Perry has informed her fans and the general public that she is ready to approach the treacherous arena of current day politics. Prepare yourselves for a wave of political pop.
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Sports
Friday, February 24, 2017 — 7
Michigan routs Nebraska on Senior Night Seniors shine in finale WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
NATHANIEL CLARK Daily Sports Writer
she gets a good look, you feel like she can score the basketball.” But it was the Wolverines’ defense that really stood out in the first quarter. Michigan held Nebraska (2-13, 6-21) to just 26.7 percent shooting and allowed only one basket from behind the arc. The Wolverines’ momentum continued in the second quarter as Gondrezick and Flaherty opened the frame with back-toback 3-pointers. That allowed Michigan to take a 44-26 advantage into halftime despite a 9-0 Cornhusker run to end the frame. Nebraska helped Michigan’s cause by turning the ball over five times. The third quarter belonged to Thome, though, who drew four fouls in the first seven minutes, including one after a made basket. Her ability to get to the free-throw line added nine points to the Wolverines, allowing them to take a 62-41 edge into the final quarter. Thome’s production made up for
the fact that Michigan sank just five of its 14 shots in the frame. “I was so happy with how many times she was able to get to the free-throw line,” Barnes Arico said. “That was incredible for us. I hope she can continue to do that moving forward.” Thome, Flaherty and Gondrezick continued to carry the team in the fourth quarter, as Flaherty grabbed six more points, Gondrezick nabbed five and Thome scored two. The trio’s contributions, as has been the case for much of the year, carried the Wolverines to victory. But the seniors weren’t about to let the underclassmen soak up all of the glory. With three minutes remaining, Williams sank a 3-point shot, instantly quadrupling her point total for the game. Thompson added a 3-pointer of her own a little over a minute later, bringing her point total to eight. “I don’t really think about scoring and stuff like that,” Thompson said. “I’m just trying
to get a win. And yeah, it’s about me because it’s Senior Night, but you want to get a win first.” With Thursday’s victory, the Wolverines accomplished two notable feats. Michigan earned its 22nd win of the season, which is tied for the most in program history, and clinched third place in the Big Ten for just the fourth time in school history. A lot of attention will now be paid to the Big Ten Tournament and a likely berth in the NCAA Tournament. With all of that in mind, it’s easy to forget that the Wolverines still have another regular-season contest. Michigan will travel to State College on Sunday to take on Penn State (8-7, 18-9), who led Michigan State by 18 points on Wednesday before ultimately falling, 73-64. “They’re a good team, and they’re a really good team at home,” Barnes Arico said. “They’re led by one of the best guards in the country in Teniya Paige. They’ll be ready to go, it’s the last home game for them.”
Back on Jan. 22, the No. 25 Michigan women’s basketball team traveled to Lincoln and defeated NEBRASKA 60 Nebraska, MICHIGAN 88 84-51. It was the Wolverines’ most lopsided victory in Big Ten play. Michigan was just five points away from tying that margin Thursday night at Crisler Center, as the Wolverines routed the Cornhuskers, 88-60. The win snapped a two-game skid for Michigan. Though it was Senior Night, it was the younger players who took charge for the Wolverines (11-5 Big Ten, 22-7 overall). While junior guard Katelynn Flaherty led with 25 points, freshman guard Kysre Gondrezick was only one rebound away from a double-double, nabbing 21 points and nine boards. Sophomore center Hallie Thome notched 21 points and seven rebounds of her own. “It was definitely a bounceback game,” said Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico. “I thought we shared the ball really well. I thought we were able to make shots. Also to honor (senior guards Siera Thompson and Danielle Williams) in their last home contest.” Michigan wasted little time gaining a lead in the first quarter, hitting 10 of its first 12 shots to take a 28-11 lead at the end of the frame. Flaherty led the charge by sinking three 3-point shots, which was three more than she made in the last two games combined. Gondrezick made two long-range baskets of her own in the frame, matching her total from the previous two contests. “Katelynn is such an incredible scorer,” Barnes Arico said. “I think the other day Michigan State really keyed in on her and EMMA RICHTER/Daily limited her touches. And that made it difficult for her. Anytime Senior guard Siera Thompson played at Crisler Center for the final time in her career Thursday against Nebraska.
ICE HOCKEY
‘M’ hits road to take on No. 11 Ohio State LANEY BYLER
Daily Sports Editor
A week ago, the Michigan hockey team was swept in Madison by No. 19 Wisconsin, losing 5-2 and 6-4. And after a week of practice, the Wolverines will be back on the road when they travel to Columbus for their final regular-season road trip. Michigan (2-10-2 Big Ten, 9-16-3 overall) will face No. 12 Ohio State on Friday and Saturday for the second time this season. After the two-game series, the Wolverines will return to Yost the following week to close the regular season with a home series against No. 11 Penn State. Michigan split its first series matchup with Ohio State (7-6-1, 16-8-6) the first weekend of February, winning the first game, 5-4, and falling in the second, 6-5. While the first game proved that the Wolverines could top a ranked opponent, they struggled with the Buckeyes’ offense and were unable to record what would have been their first sweep of the season. “They’re a really good offensive team, we know that,” said sophomore forward Cooper Marody. “They have a ton of guys with great skill. They have an unbelievable power play, so definitely a key for the weekend is staying out of the box and really competing. If it’s in front of the net to box out a guy or just battling in the corner, it’s going to be really important.” In each game of the first series, four different players from the Buckeyes’ roster scored, highlighting the depth in their lineup. But possibly the biggest factor in Ohio State’s success stemmed
from its power play, which proved to be instrumental in both games. The Buckeyes capitalized on man-up advantages throughout the series, scoring seven powerplay goals on the weekend. “It is a concern, and I think we learned from it,” said Michigan coach Red Berenson. “I thought we were a lot better last week, we worked on it last week and we’ll work on it a little bit tomorrow. But an important thing is to stay out of the penalty box. “We ended up taking 14 penalties that weekend. This past weekend, we gave up one power-play goal on Friday and then a shorthanded goal, but we only had to kill six penalties the whole weekend. We’ve got to stay out of the box.” This past weekend against the Badgers, Michigan showed signs of improvement despite the losses. The penalty kill limited Wisconsin to a single power-play goal, and time in the penalty box drastically decreased. In addition to the penalty kill, other improvements were made throughout the game to give the Wolverines an edge. “I thought we had a lot of improvement in our game,” Berenson said. “Whether it was our forecheck, coming out on the ice, managing the puck better, getting shots on the net, creating scoring chances, giving up fewer chances. We were a better team than the score gave us credit for at the end of the game. We didn’t finish the game as strong as we needed to, and that’s going to be another challenge for us.” In one of its last few chances this season to notch a Big Ten win, Michigan will have to display all of these improvements together — and it’ll be necessary facing a team like Ohio State.
“They’re a really good offensive team, we know that”
MAGGIE KOLCON Daily Sports Writer
Up 25 points with five minutes to go against Nebraska, the Michigan women’s basketball team had all but won the game. On any other day, the Wolverines would be content. But tonight was Senior Night, and senior guards Siera Thompson and Danielle Williams weren’t finished with their last regular-season home game yet — so they put on a show. Williams, who only had one point in the first three quarters, sunk a 3-pointer with three minutes left. Thompson followed suit at the 1:38 mark, and both earned appreciative applause from the crowd. Tonight, that crowd included their families who made the trip to be in the stands. But the co-captains focused on staying humble. “I didn’t really think about that (shot) during the game,” said Williams. “But it was cool.” When Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico took Thompson and Williams out with only one tick left on the clock, the fans erupted, showing their gratitude for the Wolverine seniors. Thompson and Williams are the first Michigan players to spend their entire careers under Barnes Arico, as the duo were part of her first recruiting class. They stepped out of their comfort zones to come to Michigan, with Williams committing from Phoenix and Thompson hailing from Gardena, Calif. Thompson had never even visited the campus before committing. “They packed their bags and flew across the country because they believed in a vision that Michigan women’s basketball could have,” Barnes Arico said. “For them to leave as seniors, potentially being the winningest players in program history as well as a top 20 ranking, doing things that have never been done before — they are so deserving.” Neither senior leads the team in
points, but they have found other ways to guide the team. Thompson had 140 assists going into the game — the most of any current Michigan player. She stayed true to form against the Cornhuskers, tallying five more and adding eight points and three rebounds. And Williams, who has started in 16 of 29 games this season, shines particularly on defense. She earned four defensive boards — the second-most of all the Wolverines — despite playing just 19 minutes. “Siera is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time),” Williams said. “She’s so consistent, so calm, and I almost don’t have any words to describe her impact on the program. Every day she is someone to look to who is always cool, calm and collected, but just gets it done.” Added Thompson: “(Williams) will do anything for you. She puts others before herself, and I think that’s one of the best qualities about her. And that’s why our team is so great. Without Danielle, we wouldn’t be the team we are today.” The two seniors are part of an undoubtedly successful team. They earned their 22nd win of the season against the Cornhuskers, tying the program record for most wins in a season. “It’s great to come in and make history and do something that’s never been done before,” Thompson said. “Because that’s what Coach told us. She told us if you follow my vision, you will make history.” With one game left in the regular season on Saturday against Penn State, Michigan has a chance to become the first team in program history to win 23 games. So, despite the praise, the seniors are not letting themselves get swept up in celebrations just yet. “I feel like there is a lot of the season left to be played,” Williams said. Even though their careers are coming to an end, with program history right around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Wolverines set for tough contest with No. 14 Purdue in home finale BETELHEM ASHAME Managing Sports Editor
Since upsetting then-No. 11 Wisconsin at Crisler Center last Thursday night, the Purdue at Michigan men’s Michigan basketball Matchup: team (8-7 Big Purdue 12-3 Ten, 18-10 Big Ten, overall) has hit 23-5 overall; a bit of a rocky Michigan 8-7, 18-10 road. In two When: away contests Saturday 4 P.M. against Minnesota and Where: Crisler Rutgers over Center the past week, the Wolverines were pushed to their limit, facing deficits late and needing swift responses.
On Sunday in Minneapolis, the Golden Gophers took their largest lead of the game at 68-60 with just 2:54 remaining in regulation. Though Michigan battled back and sent the game to overtime off an NBA-range three from redshirt sophomore forward DJ Wilson with two ticks left on the clock, Minnesota regained the lead with 2:03 left in the extra period and held on for an 83-78 win. Three days later in Piscataway, the Scarlet Knights took a 56-52 lead with 6:46 remaining following a five-minute, 15-4 run. This time, the Wolverines responded with a 10-0 run of their own — bookended by baskets from sophomore forward Moritz Wagner — to regain the lead and escape with a 68-64 victory. The Golden Gophers were projected to be a tough matchup for Michigan — both teams sat at
6-6 in the Big Ten — while lastplace Rutgers proved to be a more challenging foe than expected. But in both cases, the Wolverines had only themselves to blame for allowing the outcome of the game to be decided in the final stretch. Though the outcome ended up in their favor in Piscataway, it went the other way in Minneapolis. It seems likely that the outcome should be decided much earlier on Saturday in Michigan’s upcoming matchup against No. 14 Purdue (12-3, 23-5). The Wolverines will return to Ann Arbor to take on the conference-leading Boilermakers, who are in the midst of a sixgame win streak, in their final home game of the season. A contest in Crisler Center should be a welcome sight, as Michigan has dropped just three games on its home court this year. But the
JEREMY MITNICK/Daily
Michigan coach John Beilein and the Wolverines will have their work cut out for them against Purdue on Saturday.
Wolverines will be up against the toughest task they have faced in their own arena. Purdue boasts the best offense in the Big Ten, averaging 81 points per game, and ranks as the fourth-best defense as well, allowing 66.2 per game. Those lofty numbers give them a plus14.9 scoring margin — also tops in the conference. Contributing to their topranked offense, the Boilermakers lead the Big Ten in both field-goal percentage and 3-point field-goal percentage, averaging clips of 48.1 and 41.3, respectively. That could spell major trouble for Michigan, which ranks last and secondto-last on defense in those same categories, allowing its opponents to shoot 46.4 percent from the floor and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc, respectively. The Wolverines will go up against standout forward Caleb Swanigan, who leads his team with a double-double average of 18.6 points and 12.9 rebounds per game on the season. He is flanked in the middle by forward Vincent Edwards and assisted off the bench by center Isaac Haas, both of whom also average doubledigit points with 11.8 and 13.4 points, respectively. In order to make up for their deficiencies on the defensive end, the Wolverines will need to exploit one of Purdue’s key weaknesses: turnovers. And fortunately for them, that happens to be one of their biggest strengths. While the Boilermakers sit at the bottom of the conference with a minus-1.2 turnover margin — committing an average of 13.4 per game — Michigan occupies the top spot, forcing an average of 12.8 while committing just 9.5 by comparison. Even so, the Wolverines will have their work cut out for them Saturday against the stiff challenge that is Purdue. In this case, if the outcome of the game isn’t decided until late, it may prove to be a victory in and of itself.
8 — Friday, February 24, 2016
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com