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FOOTBALL
Left: Running back Rodney Smith carries the ball at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Gophers earned a 38-31 victory over Purdue. Right: Running back Rodney Smith celebrates a successful play. (Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)
Gophers win to stay undefeated Minnesota beat Purdue 38-31 to go 4-0 for the first time since 2013.
BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com
Coming off a bye week, the Gophers sought to prove that a trio of dramatic non-conference victories were not just a fluke.
Saturday in West Lafayette, Indiana, there was no need for heroics as Minnesota beat Purdue 38-31 to remain undefeated. In the team’s Big Ten opener, the Gophers scored a touchdown on their first drive of the game to take a lead they would never relinquish. Leaning on their aerial attack, Minnesota out-dueled a Purdue team decimated by injuries in an offensive shootout. “Really excited to get out of here with a win,” head coach P.J. Fleck told the media. “Winning
on the road in the Big Ten is very difficult. Purdue is a very good football team, very explosive on offense.” Right from the opening kick off, it was clear that Purdue’s defense was no threat to the Gophers’ offense. Minnesota opened the game with a nine-play, 75-yard drive, leading to a touchdown from redshirt senior Rodney Smith to open the scoring. After the Boilermakers added a field goal, quarterback Tanner Morgan connected with redshirt
sophomore Chris Autman-Bell on a slant that turned into a 70-yard catch-and-run, extending the lead to 14-3. Although Purdue cut that lead to 14-10 on the ensuing possession, they lost their two best offensive players, quarterback Elijah Sindelar and wide receiver Rondale Moore, to injuries on the same play. Without the key components to their passing game, Purdue was unable to keep up with Morgan, who had a career day throwing for 396 yards and completing
CAMPUS
21 of 22 attempts. The redshirt sophomore quarterback added three more touchdowns in the second and third quarters, one to senior Tyler Johnson and a pair to sophomore Rashod Bateman who scored on plays of 45 and 47 yards. Minnesota’s lead grew to 38-17 before a furious Purdue rally once again created a tense ending for the Gophers. A 15-play, 99-yard drive culminated in a touchdown u See FOOTBALL Page 4
STATE GOVT.
College Republicans bridge panel vandalized for fourth year Lawmakers ask The panel has been the subject of much campus controversy since 2016, when the trend started. BY MN DAILY STAFF
The University of Minnesota’s chapter of College Republicans’ Paint the Bridge panel was spraypainted over on Friday, marking the fourth year in a row the group’s panel has been vandalized. The panel was painted on Friday morning, depicting a brick wall which read “Donald Trump The Wall” below the words “Keep America Great.” The mural also appeared to depict the 9/11 terrorist attack next to a quote from Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., about the attack. On Friday evening, the mural was vandalized with the word “border” crossed out next to the words “White Supremacy Kills.” The vandalism of the group’s
panel has been an annual occurrence since President Donald Trump was elected in 2016, as all of their designs since have expressed support for his presidency. Last year, the group’s panel was spray-painted after it criticized a University gender expression policy, saying “The proposed pronoun policy mocks real social issues.” In 2017, an altercation broke out and several conservative student groups’ panels were painted over after a joint panel between College Republicans and Turning Point USA claimed they were the “least popular minority on campus.” In 2016, the group’s panel sported the Trump slogan “Build the Wall,” which was vandalized and met by protests on the bridge. Chase Christopherson, who was painting the College Republicans’ panel, explained the intention behind the painting, saying the wall design was inspired by
for transparency following scandal DFL Rep. Jamie Long’s former position at UMN raised questions about conflicts of interest.
to be voted on in the Senate. It will be renegotiated on the Senate floor Tuesday. In addition to Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, Minority-Serving Institutions supported by the funds include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities. At the University of Minnesota, the grant helped APARC develop capacity to serve Asian American and Pacific Islander students on campus, said Kong Her, the program director at APARC. Upon receiving the AANAPISI grant, the University was designated a Asian American and Native American Pacific IslanderServing Institution by the Department of Education. “If the University of Minnesota is no longer designated as a minority-serving institution or an [Asian American and Pacific IslanderServing Institution], I think it just sends a very strong message to our [Asian American and Pacific Islander] community to know that we had this [designation], and then we no longer have it,” Her said. APARC is the only Asian American and Pacific Islander
BY MOHAMED IBRAHIM mibrahim@mndaily.com After a state lawmaker resigned from a position at the University of Minnesota amid conflict of interest concerns, state and school officials are calling for increased transparency. Rep. Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, resigned from a paid fellowship position at a University program after some Republican lawmakers raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, the Pioneer Press first reported Sept. 11. In response, the House of Representatives is investigating Long’s employment and the transparency issues it raised. The freshman lawmaker was hired as an energy research project specialist in the Energy Transition Lab at the University’s Institute on the Environment in July by then-executive director and former Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFLSt. Paul. After Rep. Chris Swedzinski, RGhent, filed a public data request that raised questions about how the position was created and funded, Long, who serves as vice chair of the House energy and climate committee, resigned from the fellowship earlier this month. Ellen Anderson was also reassigned as a senior energy researcher with no supervisory responsibilities. Internal emails and documents acquired by Swedzinski and detailed in the Pioneer Press article say Long’s position was funded by an undisclosed donor and that Long had input in writing the job’s description. Though Long has denied any wrongdoing or conflicts of interest with his legislative duties, more information is needed to say for sure, said Sen. Rich Draheim, R-Madison Lake, vice chair of the Senate higher education committee. “If these types of hiring practices are going to happen, I think we need more disclosures,” Draheim said. “To have outside entities paying someone that’s in the state Legislature for something that he’s working on at the state Legislature and then [to] create a position for him, I think there’s a big conflict of interest.” On Sept. 12, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Finance and
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Student protestors sit in front of the College Republicans’ “Paint the Bridge” panel on Washington Avenue Bridge on Friday, Sept. 27. This is the fourth consecutive year that the student group’s mural has been vandalized. (Nur B. Adam / Minnesota Daily)
a Pink Floyd album cover. Each brick represents one of President Donald Trump’s achievements, he said. On Friday morning, Christopherson said he hopes the
reaction from students will be to research Trump and come to a more positive conclusion about him. u See BRIDGE Page 3
STUDENT LIFE
GREEK LIFE
Looming funding expiration threatens U resource center More than $255 million in annual federal funding expires on Sept. 30, but has stalled in the Senate. BY FARRAH MINA fmina@mndaily.com
Students gather to watch fraternity Beta Chi Theta dance at the “Taste of Summer Fusion” event at the Riverbend Plaza on Friday, Sept. 27. (Sydni Rose / Minnesota Daily)
Greek life bridges cultures with new diversity-focused event The event was organized by 13 multicultural and Greek life groups as a platform for education. BY JIANG LI jli@mndaily.com
At the plaza behind Coffman Union, multiple student organizations gathered Friday, Sept. 27 to learn about different cultures, eat a variety of food and meet new people. The Taste of Summer Fusion, a night-market-like event
put on through a collaboration between Greek life organizations and multicultural organizations, created a platform for students to learn about various cultures through student performances, cultural food sampling and interactive activities. The event was spearheaded by Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, the first Asian American Fraternity organization at the University of Minnesota. “We want this event to be a place where first-year and transfer u See DIVERSIT Y Page 3
The University of Minnesota’s Asian Pacific American Resource Center faces uncertainty as the funding for Minority-Serving Institutions expires Monday and its renewal is stalled in the United States Senate. APARC, which has operated at the University since 2016, provides support and resources for Asian American and Pacific Islander students on campus. The center is funded by a five-year Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution grant through the U.S. Department of Education. But as the center nears the tail-end of its grant, it may not have access to future funds. More than $255 million in annual funding for minority-serving institutions across the country expires Monday, Sept. 30. The House of Representatives approved a two-year renewal of the funding through the Foster Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act, or FUTURE Act, on Sept. 17, but the bill has yet
VOLUME 120 ISSUE 9
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Workshop addresses local needs The annual event aims to address the shifting needs among businesses. BY EMMA DILL edill@mndaily.com
A workshop held this week in Cedar-Riverside aims to promote environmental sustainability and support artists and musicians on the West Bank. The annual West Bank Crash Course, hosted by the West Bank Business Association, invites locals and those from outside the community to learn about the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. The threeday event, which kicked off Wednesday evening, changes each year as needs in the neighborhood and business community shift. Amid safety concerns in the neighborhood, last year’s event focused on business security. “It evolves year to year based on the needs of the neighborhood,” said WBBA Executive Director Jamie Schumacher. This year’s topic of sustainability stems from citywide conversations surrounding the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which sets goals like
sustainability, for the City of Minneapolis, among other aims. “A lot of our businesses still rely on vehicular traffic,” Schumacher said. “So, what can we do to move our businesses towards more environmentally-friendly, transit-oriented traffic?” Louis Alemayehu, an environmental educator at the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, co-led a session on sustainability for businesses. He said that making the neighborhood more sustainable and addressing climate change citywide will require a collective and united effort. “There’s going to be a lot of pain whether we want it or not but there’s also a lot of opportunities,” Alemayehu said about climate change. “Whatever the new world is going to be, it’s either going to come through us or over us.” Our Streets Minneapolis, an organization that works to promote pedestrian and cyclist safety, facilitated a discussion about improvements in the city’s Transportation Action Plan, which will guide transit development in Minneapolis over the next decade. Sarah Tschida, a program
BY JASMINE SNOW jsnow@mndaily.com
The University of Minnesota and schools across the country have devised proactive approaches to identify potential threats to campus in light of recent mass shootings. In response to the rise of active shooter situations in academic settings, colleges and universities across the country have devised “threat assessment” teams. These programs, at the University and elsewhere, investigate students or other individuals who may pose a threat to themselves or others. The genesis of many assessment teams was the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, which killed 32 people. UMN Response The University’s response to the Virginia Tech shooting was the
establishment of the Behavioral Consultation Team in 2007. The BCT, made up of multidisciplinary University staff, meets regularly to discuss and investigate individuals who have been flagged as a potential threat to the community. In 2016, the University established the Care Program to provide outreach to those who may pose a threat to themselves or who need additional mental health resources. The Care Program also follows up on cases, while the BCT focuses on immediate crises. The BCT is not an emergency first responder. Laura Knudson, assistant vice provost for student advocacy and support in the Office of Student Affairs, oversees the Care Program. “The goal [of the programs] is to have a coordinated response to students who may represent a threat to themselves or to others,” Knudson said. One group involved with the BCT is the University of Minnesota Police Department, represented by
Executive Director Ashwat Narayanan delivers a presentation on Minneapolis transportation on Thursday, Sept. 26. (Kamaan Richards / MN Daily)
coordinator at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, bikes to work r e g u l a r l y t h ro u g h t h e West Bank. She said she would like to improve signage in the neighborhood to allow people to better understand their transit options. “I would love to have a better way-finding system … so that you know that there’s a light rail stop right here [in Cedar-Riverside]
because the connection from the University of Minnesota, for example, is not super clear,” she said. Jameson Wiltermood, an employee at the West Bank’s Hub Bicycle Co-op, said he would like to see more established rules for cyclists and drivers alike. Friday’s workshop will focus on supporting artists and musicians on the West Bank. The neighborhood is home to several theaters, music and arts venues.
Musicians and artists draw many people into the area, Schumacher said. But, they often do not have access to the same business networks and resources other entrepreneurs or small businesses might have. “They’re small businesses, too,” she said. “Just because they don’t have a footprint in the neighborhood doesn’t mean they don’t need a business-level type of support.”
Chief Matt Clark. Clark said the decrease in stigma surrounding mental health and reporting concerns has made the team’s job easier. “Threat assessment can be very broad and the responses can be even broader,” Clark said. “With less of that stigma comes a more comprehensive resolution.” Across the Big Ten Other Big Ten schools, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Michigan, have very similar procedures. Heather Young, director of strategic communication for the Division of Public Safety and Security at the University of Michigan, said prevention is key. Like the University of Minnesota, the University of Michigan has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to identify potential threats or other issues. “It’s really about connecting the dots,” Young said. “If there’s been a trend of incidents or an individual who has been exhibiting suspicious or dangerous
BY CAITLIN ANDERSON canderson@mndaily.com
An affordable housing project underway in Southeast Como is the final step in the Bunge Grain Elevator renovation project. The Maya Commons, a 50-unit affordable housing project by the organization Project for Pride in Living and named after poet Maya Angelou, started construction this summer. The grain elevator, a historical site connected to the development, is being renovated for completion within the next couple of months. The
entire project is set to be finished by August 2020. “It seemed like such a good opportunity for more affordable housing in that neighborhood,” said Abbie Loosen, associate director of real estate development for PPL. “It seems like too great of an opportunity to pass up.” A lobby, fitness room and community room will be placed within the first three floors of the elevator, directly connected to the development. Another affordable housing development, the Brook Avenue Housing Co-op for students, is also connected on the other side of the elevator, sharing its amenities. The grain elevator itself will not be accessible to residents above the third floor,
Loosen said. The project has other plans for the 200-foot tower: it will be transformed into a peace pole saying “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in six different languages. Placed around the site are sculptures created by a University of Minnesota art class made from salvaged metal pieces from the site as well as murals, Loosen said. “It’s such a landmark,” said Ward 2 City Council Member Cam Gordon. “It will remind some people of the history of what was there.” The Bunge Grain Elevator is significant in Minneapolis history, but not just for its role in the grain industry. In more recent history, two deaths of
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behavior, that would be flagged with the group and they would be able to take a look at it and see if there is any safety, security, criminal or mental health issue.” Lt. Joseph McCullough of the University of Illinois Police Department said officer and civilian training, education and community relations all aid in tragedy prevention. “We really hope nothing happens to that effect, but it is a possibility,” McCullough said. “The worst thing that communities and
the police department can do is ignore it.” The University of Illinois has its own threat assessment team that works in tandem with other groups that help provide resources and support to students who may need it. “All these teams work in tandem,” McCullough said. “Several of the members sit on all the teams to allow consistency.” The anonymous tip line for the Behavioral Consultation Team is 612-624-TIPS.
Bunge affordable housing project is in final stages The Bunge Grain Elavator is being converted to new affordable housing.
EDITORIAL STAFF Max Chao Managing Editor mchao@mndaily.com Desmond Kamas Managing Production Editor dkamas@mndaily.com Michelle Griffith Campus Activities Editor mgriffith@mndaily.com Katrina Pross Campus Administration Editor kpross@mndaily.com Madeline Deninger City Editor mdeninger@mndaily.com Audrey Kennedy Features & Freelance Editor akennedy@mndaily.com Paul Hodowanic Sports Editor phodowanic@mndaily.com Nick Jungheim Assistant Sports Editor njungheim@mndaily.com Liv Martin A&E Editor lmartin@mndaily.com Jack Rodgers Multimedia Editor jrodgers@mndaily.com Emily Martens Copy Desk Chief emartens@mndaily.com Cate Tynjala Assistant Copy Desk Chief ctynjala@mndaily.com Creston Halstead Chief Page Designer chalstead@mndaily.com Morgan La Casse Visuals Editor mlacasse@mndaily.com =
How the UMN protects against shooters The University has an assessment team to address threats of active shoooters.
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people who were exploring the complex have made many say they are glad the site’s new use will make it safer. “The neighborhood is really pleased with how it’s coming together,” said Karl Smith, board president of the Southeast Como Improvement Association. Apart from preserving a neighborhood landmark, a high-level concern in the neighborhood is affordability in housing, Smith said. The Brook Avenue Housing Co-op, which opened this summer, is already 75 percent full, said Gary Ellis, executive director of the nonprofit Riverton Community Housing. The nonprofit is behind
several affordable housing developments, including the Chateau Student Housing Co-op, a Dinkytown staple. “[We] provide and develop affordable housing ... around universities and colleges so that we can provide an affordable model for the student population,” Ellis said. The monthly rent for the Maya Commons is set between $762 and $974. Individuals and families making less than 50 percent of area median income are eligible to live in the development. “Having housing t h at ’ s affordable is so fundamental to … making progress in so many other aspects of life,” Loosen said. “It’s really foundational for success.”
Correction: A previous version of “Q&A: Minneapolis filmmaker Samiera Abou-Nasr on her short film, ‘Of Our Youth’” misidentified the person who Abou-Nasr was referring to in an anecdote. The person she was referencing was someone she was filming for a video. The Minnesota Daily strives for complete accuracy and corrects its errors immediately. Corrections and clarifications will always be printed in this space. If you believe the Daily has printed a factual error, please call the readers’ representative at (612) 627–4070, extension 3057, or email errors@mndaily.com immediately. The Minnesota Daily is a legally independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and is a student-written and student-managed newspaper for the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus. The Daily’s mission is: 1) to provide coverage of news and events affecting the University community; 2) to provide a forum for the communication and exchange of ideas for the University community; 3) to provide educational training and experience to University students in all areas of newspaper operations; and 4) to operate a fiscally responsible organization to ensure its ability to serve the University in the future. The Daily is a member of the Minnesota News Council, the Minnesota Associated Press, the Associated Collegiate Press, The Minnesota Newspaper Association and other organizations. The Daily is published Monday and Thursday during the regular school year and weekly during the summer, and it is printed by ECM Publishers in Princeton, Minn. Midwest News Service distributes the 10,000 issues biweekly. All Minnesota Daily inserts are recyclable within the University of Minnesota program and are at least 6 percent consumer waste. U.S. Postal Service: 351–480.
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Monday, September 30, 2019
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Paints used for the annual “Paint the Bridge” event are seen on Washington Avenue Bridge on Friday, Sept. 27. (Nur B. Adam / Minnesota Daily)
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Second-year Maddie Miller said the bricks on the painting, depicting Trump’s “successes” according to Christopherson, were from the perspective of those with privilege. “It’s just looking at it from a white male perspective that is benefiting from all of this stuff,” Miller said. “It’s just really frustrating to see how closeminded it is especially considering this is a country we stole from Native peoples violently.” University students Gayatri Narayanan and Nick Knighton, prior to the vandalization, sat next to the panel, holding posters of Omar, Christine Blasey Ford and Anita Hill. They held up messages related to missing Indigenous women and “open borders.” Narayanan said she had a visceral reaction to the panel, and added posters around the painting in hopes of creating peace for
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students as well as other undergraduates can meet new people and socialize,” said Tyler Vongphachanh, the recruitment chair of Pi Delta Psi. “We want to provide a comfortable environment where they can find their community and another home away from home on campus.” Sophomore Arleth Pulido, a member of the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority, attended the event and said that she enjoyed it and hopes to see this event bring the University campus together. “It is really interesting to see other people come in and kind of scope out the event and see what each organization is, and so hopefully bring the campus together and get a lot of information about the organizations,” Pulido said.
others who feel the same as she did when she walked past. “As a victim of sexual assault, to see Brett Kavanaugh’s name as an achievement on this panel … I have no words essentially. Your heart breaks inside when you see things like this,” Narayanan said. Knighton said the type of rhetoric on the panel is a contributor to recent acts of white supremacy in the United States. “I think the fact that that rhetoric that has give[n] rise to the white supremacists to come out and feel able to act and kill people is in part because of the normalization of that kind of culture and what’s written on this wall is helping normalize that,” he said. In addition to their original panel, the College Republicans painted another panel on the bridge asking for readers to vandalize that panel instead of their main one, stating that vandalism was “inevitable.” The topic of vandalism of the College
Other Greek life groups and University multicultural groups like the Vietnamese Student Association of Minnesota, the Indian Student Association and the Cambodian Student Association of Minnesota participated in the event. Each student group had tabling activities designed to promote their own culture, such as language-matching games and guessing games. Many tables also had activities where students had to communicate with each other in order to win food. Sophomore Jason Xu, a bioproducts and biosystems engineering major, said he was first attracted by the food but found the student groups interesting as well. “I am here for the food, everyone knows that is true. But things they have is also pretty interesting too,” Xu said. “The event is pretty good, the food
Republicans’ past panels came up during a discussion of the campus climate at a July Board of Regents retreat. The discussion started by President Joan Gabel sharing what she called a concerning disparity between white and African American students when it comes to feeling a sense of belonging on campus. The conversation quickly shifted, as some Regents shared they believe conservative students feel like they do not belong on a campus in a liberal city, citing previous vandalism and the University’s inability to figure out who was behind it. When asked about the use of the phrase “safe space” on the panel, Christopherson of College Republicans emphasized that, to him, a safe space is a place where everyone can express their beliefs without being criticized or “shouted at … like I’ve been.”
Policy Committee Sen. Paul Anderson, R-Plymouth, sent a letter to University President Joan Gabel asking more than a dozen questions about Long’s hiring and Ellen Anderson’s involvement. Gabel returned the letter a week later on Sept. 19, elaborating on the hiring process and concerns about potential influence of donors on University work. “...the University works collaboratively with all donors as charitable contributions provide a substantial amount of financial support,” Gabel said in the letter. “However, the University holds itself to the highest standards of academic integrity and ensures that the University is making all
operational decisions.” In the letter, Gabel said while writing a description with an individual in mind is not against University policy for a temporary position, this specific hiring process “put at risk a core value” of nonpartisanship in the program. Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said in a statement Sept. 12 that she would review documents she had requested relating to Long’s employment. But in a Sept. 20 statement, Hortman announced she would recuse herself from the investigation, citing her own employment as an instructor at the University between fall 2015 and spring 2017. The House has retained outside counsel to review the documents in her place. Rep. Connie Bernardy,
Niamh Coomey, Samantha Hendrickson, Dylan Anderson and Max Chao contributed to this report.
is good [and] the event is pretty fun.” Kaiwei Wu, an officer in Pi Delta Psi, said that multicultural Greek organizations also had multiple performances during the event and he had high praises for “strolling.” Wu said strolling, a type of synchronized dance, is prominent in many multicultural Greek organizations and that many people don’t know about it. Vongphachanh said there is a lot of diversity on the University campus and that it was “such a beautiful sight to see.” “We have numerous cultural student organizations as well as culturally diverse organizations,” Vongphachanh said. “Each one has their own unique perspective, culture and background, and I highly encourage everyone to explore what other students at the University have to offer.”
DFL-New Brighton, chair of the House higher education committee, declined to comment about the inquiries. This latest incident shows a lack of transparency between the University and the State Legislature, said Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, a member of the Senate higher education committee. The new administration presents an opportunity to improve the Legislature’s relationship with the state moving forward, he said. “With increased transparency, comes increased trust [and] increased trust leads to all kinds of good things,” Abeler said. “A broader discussion with many voices discussing what a conflict is to clarify the line will be very helpful.”
ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH MAI, DAILY
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identity-based resource on campus, Her said. “We’re the only center that is thinking about providing resources, support, programming and activities through that kind of identity-based approach. So, I think without the funding, the University of Minnesota will lose a good resource to serve and support our [Asian American and Pacific Islander] students on campus.” Ac c o r d i n g t o H e r , the number of students APARC has been working with has exponentially increased every year since its establishment. APARC has been raising awareness about the potential cut in funding and calling students to action on social media. “The AANAPISI grant is vital to the success of our AAPI student community, especially those that are first generation and low-
income students. The AANAPISI grant allowed us to create a home and sense of belonging in APARC. It allowed us to affirm the acknowledged struggles and needs of our AAPI community. APARC would not exist if it were not for the AANAPISI grant,” an APARC Facebook post read. The post also includes a sample script to encourage students to call senators and ask them to support the FUTURE Act. With help from APARC’s script, secondyear biology major Trinity Vang called a senator about supporting the FUTURE Act. When she was new on campus, Vang participated in APARC’s peer mentorship program. She said APARC helped her find her place in the University community. Vang is currently president of a Hmong student group for women called Viivncaus. “If we want more [people of color] in the University, why are we taking away
funding for those programs?” Vang said. “We want to create a space and cultivate space for students, yet we’re constantly taking away funding from students of color.” One of the challenges in this situation is that a lot of people in higher education are not aware of the AANAPISI designation, Her said. The program was officially established nationally in 2007, whereas many other Minority-Serving Institution programs have been around for decades. Her said he was disappointed with the potential cut in funds. “As someone who was a student of color who went through college, I understand just how much resources mean and what that can really do to a student,” Her said. “I wouldn’t have been able to graduate college without all of that. I think it’s extremely important that there’s continued funding and that people are thinking about that.”
UMN grad student recognized for poem exploring transgender confinement torrin a. greathouse sheds light on types of violence against transgender bodies. BY FARRAH MINA fmina@mndaily.com
Earlier this month, University of Minnesota graduate student torrin a. greathouse won a major award from Poetry, a leading monthly poetry magazine, for her poem “On Confinement.” The poem, which was published in last year’s November 2018 issue of Poetry, examines the experiences of queer and transgender bodies under varying forms of confinement. In the poem, greathouse — who prefers writing her name in lowercase letters in line with other queer writers and poets — reflects on her own experiences with confinement as a transgender woman. In 2016, greathouse was arrested after driving under the influence. As a transgender woman, she was not held with the rest of the prisoners. Instead, greathouse was in solitary confinement. “When trans people are arrested, they are not put in the jail corresponding to their gender. They are put
in the jail corresponding to their assigned gender, and then held in solitary confinement to avoid violence from other prisoners,” greathouse said, adding that prison guards commonly referred to this as the ‘softie tank.’ Almost a year later, greathouse encountered similar transphobic slurs and aggressions when she was visiting her former partner who was being held in a mental health facility for two weeks. “[Both places] exert certain forms of hyper-specific violence against trans and queer bodies and then connecting that with my father’s own history … as a corrections officer and a sheriff,” greathouse said. “If you’re thinking about various forms of confinement, an abusive family can also be seen as a form of literal confinement.” greathouse is in her first year of the University’s Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing. She has been doing poetry professionally for around five years, and her work has appeared in several publications, including Poetry magazine, the New York Times and the Kenyon Review. Upon joining the MFA program, greathouse, along
with other students and professors in the program, did a poetry reading at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. “torrin was preparing to read these poems which were really dealing with gender, homophobia, transphobia and were unapologetic in their language,” said Douglas Kearney, a University creative writing professor who also read poems that day. “...And torrin is reading these poems that are actually putting her body at risk. Anyone could have decided that they did not like what she was saying —and there she was. torrin isn’t afraid of much,” Kearney added. greathouse said she is critical of the role empathy plays in the production and reception of art. “Empathy fails people of color and disabled folks as well as trans folks because studies have shown that people tend to express higher empathetic reaction to people who look like them,” greathouse said. According to greathouse, there has only been one disabled winner of the Individual World Poetry Slam, which is the largest individual slam, but there has never been a physically disabled winner. “As someone who is trans and disabled and also
torrin a. greathouse poses for a portrait outside of Bordertown Coffee on Thursday, Sept. 26. (Nur Adam / Minnesota Daily)
autistic, the idea of empathy has always been very fraught for me. Particularly, empathy is talked about so much in activist and art spaces, but many people don’t experience empathy,” greathouse said. greathouse also challenges the origins of words, often approaching poetry through language itself. “Language is an artifact. It is an object, and no word exists without history,”
greathouse said. In “On Confinement,” greathouse looks at prehendere, the Latin root of the word ‘prison’ which means “to take.” “I talk about ... what it sort of means to go back to the history of a word, and no history exists without blood. Oftentimes my poems are trying to trace the blood and the violence of the language they contain.” Kearney said within greathouse’s poems exist a
space of unique control. “You ever speak to somebody who sounds like they’re kind of on their last nerve? They’re speaking very controlled and very carefully, but very specifically,” Kearney said “That’s one of the ways you can understand the voice in several of torrin’s poems. It’s a control that is not about repose. It’s not about relaxation. It’s not about tranquility. It’s about holding something in tension.”
4
Sports
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MN DAILY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
HOCKEY
Gophers open season with a pair of wins Minnesota scored 10 goals for the series and allowed only one goal to Colgate. BY JULIANNA LANDIS jlandis@mndaily.com
After raising the championship banner for last year’s Julianne Bye Cup and the WCHA regular season, the Minnesota women’s hockey team opened their regular season play against the Colgate Raiders this weekend and dominated their competition, winning 2-0 on Friday and 8-1 on Saturday. On Friday, the Gophers played strong out of the gate, with solid transitions allowing them to outshoot the Raiders 36-14. At the 12-minute mark, freshman defenseman Madeline Wethington intercepted a Colgate pass in the defensive end and carried the puck to the neutral zone for the Gophers. Easily sidestepping the Raiders defense, Wethington took a shot from the high slot and scored her first collegiate goal, putting Minnesota up by one against Colgate. Wethington, an Edina native, played for The Blake School before joining the Gophers. Minnesota’s starting
goalie Alex Gulstene made six saves but did not return after the first period. Sydney Scobee played the remaining two periods and was awarded the shut out after making eight saves through the second and third periods. The Gophers doubled their lead with one minute left in the second period with a goal from left winger Sarah Potomak for a 2-0 final score. Just as in Friday’s game, the Gophers got off to a hot start against Colgate on Saturday, but, unlike Friday, they piled on after that. Second-line center Taylor Heise found the back of the net just four m i n utes into the first period and Minnesota maintained pressure in the offensive zone as the first period continued. On a face-off resulting from a saved shot by Colgate, defenseman Olivia Knowles scored in the seventh minute with an assist from Heise to add another point for the Gophers. Minnesota tallied another goal three minutes before the end of the first period, with a tip-in from Grace Zumwinkle off assists from Heise and Alex Woken to put Minnesota ahead 3-0 on Colgate heading into the first intermission. “We had confidence in each other coming together,
Forward Sarah Potomak chases after the puck at Ridder Arena on Sunday, March 10. Wisconsin beat the Gophers 3-1 to win the 2019 WCHA Final Faceoff. (Minnesota Daily File Photo)
and I think once that first goal went in our team knew it was going to be a good game today,” Heise said. “This year we have such a talented team, so many people that work hard.” Minnesota continued their second period much like the first, getting right back on the scoreboard after killing off an early pen-
alty. Potomak put away her second goal of the season three minutes into the period. Their efforts resulted in another goal with about seven minutes left in the period, when Brown took the puck from the left face off dot and wrapped around from behind the goal to put away Minnesota’s fifth goal of the game.
“It gives our players confidence,” head coach Brad Frost said. “Our non-conference games are important as well in the national picture, so really happy with how we’ve started off.” In the third period the Gophers added three more goals to their already padded lead, and did so in the first six minutes, including one on the
power play from Heise. The only power play goal on four chances this weekend. The blowout moves the Gophers early season record to 2-0-0. “If we can be one out of four [on the power play] all year, I’ll take that,” Frost said. The Gophers will travel to Mankato to play Minnesota State for a weekend series matchup.
CROSS COUNTRY
Women finish third, Men seventh in Roy Griak race Twin Sisters Megan and Bethany Hasz finished third and fourth in the race. BY BRENDAN O’BRIEN bobrien@mndaily.com
On a day with nearly perfect running conditions, Minnesota’s cross country program hosted the 34th annual Roy Griak Invitational Saturday morning, as the women’s team finished third and the men’s finished seventh. On the women’s side, the Gophers were led by redshirt sophomore Anastasia Korzenowski with a time of 21:34.5 on the six-kilometer course. Korzenowski finished eighth overall to help the women’s team earn 81 points, three points behind second place. The women’s team success was greatly influenced by how competitive the Gophers were from top to bottom. All of Minnesota’s top seven runners finished in the top 30 overall for the women’s competition. Going into the meet, women’s head coach Sarah Hopkins did not expect perfection from her runners. Instead, she
thought it would be a great opportunity to see how her team is doing in late September after one of the more competitive meets of the season. “I definitely think there are areas we can clean up a little bit, and even from a tactical standpoint clean up a little bit but honestly that’s a great place to be,” Hopkins said. “It’s a great jumping off point for sort of our bigger races of our season.” Megan and Bethany Hasz finished third and fourth overall respectfully but competed unattached which means their individual results did not count toward Minnesota’s team results. Aoibhe Richardson of San Francisco, the individual winner of the women’s meet, finished with a time of 20:47.7 and Cal Baptist won the team title with 60 points. The men’s squad for Minnesota was led by redshirt senior Connor Olson who finished 22nd overall. According to head coach Steve Plasencia, the men’s team did not run all of the team’s top runners due to few days between now and the team’s next meet. “We have our overall goals in mind for the season and I think we took a
Redshirt Freshman Khalid Hussein passes an opponent at the 2019 Roy Griak Invitational at Les Bolstad Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Gophers’ men’s team placed seventh in the Division 1 race. (Kamaan Richards / Minnesota Daily)
step along the way today to achieving that,” Plasencia said. “We didn’t run all the guys we have, we held some guys back for next week out East and that’s by design.” On the men’s side, Duke finished with 31 points to
secure its second-consecutive title at the Griak Invitational and Columbia’s Kenny Vasbiner won the individual title with a time of 24:32.4 on the eight-kilometer course. Both teams for Minneso-
ta’s cross country program have a quick turnaround for the next meet of the season. On Friday, Oct. 4, the women’s team will have a group of runners compete at the Joe Piane Notre Dame Invitational while the
other group will run at the Blugold Invitational in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The men’s team will travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for the Paul Short Run on Saturday, Oct. 5, hosted by Lehigh.
Gophers extend winning streak to seven
Football
Led by Stephanie Samedy, Minnesota bested Purdue in straight sets.
from freshman King Doerue. Then, the Boilermakers recovered an onside kick and Doerue quickly scored again to cut Minnesota’s lead to seven points with 3:59 remaining. “First three games we had to come from behind to win,” Fleck told the media. “This game we had to keep the lead to win. You have to give them credit, a lot of crazy things happened but we found a way to respond.” However, that was as close as things would get. The Gophers managed to run out the clock, never giving the ball back to Purdue. Despite needing to hold on in another onescore game, Minnesota managed to escape with a road victory to open the conference slate and secure their first 4-0 start to
a season since 2013. “We have to earn people’s respect,” Fleck told the media. “Nobody is going to ever give it to us. We’ve got to earn everything. When you haven’t won a championship in 52 years, that just shows how people think about it. We have got to find a way to earn respect.” Minnesota will return to TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday October 5 for a homecoming matchup against Illinois.
VOLLEYBALL
BY NOLAN O’HARA nohara@mndaily.com
In the first weekend of Big Ten play, the Gophers volleyball team came away with victories in both of their matches, this time against No. 15 Purdue. The Gophers won in straight sets: 25-19, 25-21 and 25-23, and they did so without their starting setter Kylie Miller. According to head coach Hugh McCutcheon, Miller is listed as day-to-day. Sophomore Bayley McMenimen got the start Saturday for the Gophers, and she fed opposite hitter
Stephanie Samedy early. Samedy lead the way for Minnesota with 10 kills in the first set, nine coming from an assist from McMenimen. McMenimen’s excellent performance helped the Gophers not miss a beat and pick up their seventh straight win. “I think it was a combination of help from the coaching staff, from my teammates. Just communication, try to stay consistent the whole time,” she said. In the second, Samedy picked up where she left off in the first. She opened the set with backto-back kills, giving Minnesota a 2-0 lead early. The Gophers had a 20-10 lead late in the set, but Purdue answered with a 4-0 run. The Gophers answered right back. They went
on a 3-0 run of their own. Purdue tried to climb back, but middle blocker Regan Pittman put the set away with a kill for the Gophers. After recording 10 kills in the first, Samedy kept her foot on the gas, adding seven more in the second. “I don’t really think I fell like I wore them down or anything. I just focused on making sure I was doing the things I needed to do to help my team win the next point,” Samedy said. The third set was a nail biter. The Gophers lead early after a Samedy kill gave Minnesota an 11-8 lead. Purdue battled back tying the set at 14 and again at 22. Purdue took a 23-22 lead on a block by Emma Ellis and Jael Johnson. Pittman tied it back at 23 with a kill. All tied at 23, Samedy pro-
duced an ace, and gave the Gophers match point. Pittman closed out the set and match with a kill. “Just sticking with some good volleyball,” McCutcheon said of the Gophers answer to Purdue’s rally. “We believe really strongly in the power of first contact. A nice serve at 23-all there for [Samedy], and another nice serve for the match, even to get them out of system.” Samedy finished with a match-high 21 kills and also added 11 digs to complete the double-double. In her first start of the season, McMenimen recorded 45 assists, 12 digs and a block. The Gophers will be back in action on Wednesday when they take on rival Iowa.
u from Page 1
“We have to earn people’s respect. Nobody is going to ever give it to us. We’ve got to earn everything.” P.J. FLECK Gophers head coach
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MN DAILY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
ART
‘Queer Forms’ unites past and future Visit “Queer Forms” at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery from Sept. 10 to Dec. 7. BY KSENIA GORINSHTEYN kgorinshteyn@mndaily.com
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and the first gay liberation organization at the University of Minnesota, the Katherine E. Nash gallery presents “Queer Forms.” This multidisciplinary art exhibition features 100 artists celebrating queer identity. However, they’re also highlighting queer survival and the politics and culture surrounding the community. “People conceive of different notions — in this case, the notion of liberation — in a variety of ways and they express it in a variety of ways,” said Howard Oransky, the director and curator of the Nash gallery. Oransky began organizing what would become “Queer Forms” in 2013, looking for artists and other resources that would agree to make this vision come to life. Through his colleagues, he found that 2019 marked the anniversary of three events important to queer liberation in the United States: the Stonewall uprising of 1969, the Cooper Do-nuts riot of 1959 and the formation of a University of Minnesota student group called F.R.E.E. in 1969, which stood for Fight Repression of Erotic Expression. “I wanted there to be this kind of a historical narrative,” Oransky said. “It’s suggesting that this is a phenomenon that crosses all these boundaries of time: past, present and future.”
Howard Oransky, Director of the Katherine E. Nash Gallery, gives a tour of the Queer Forms exhibition to visitors before presentations from the artists on Thursday, Sept. 26. (Nur Adam / Minnesota Daily)
The visual art in “Queer Forms” is placed strategically and often allows older and newer artworks to share the same space. In one part of the exhibition, eight Valentine’s Day cards created by contemporary artist Savana Ogburn are placed around a 1963 photograph of drag queen Marlow La Fantastique. “It’s very overwhelming and beautiful and powerful to see that many queer voices in one space,” said Kevin Martin, a University alum who has art displayed in the exhibition.
One of the pieces commissioned for the exhibition, created by Alex Petersen, stands 10 feet tall and 32 feet wide. Petersen, a University alum, drew inspiration from the 1635 painting “Love of the Centaurs” by Peter Paul Rubens to create a brightly colored vision of LGBTQ+ liberation and celebration. In Rubens’ painting, a male centaur and a female centaur are embracing in the woods. Petersen’s centaurs — both men — embrace among other centaurs of different genders, prancing about in a lush and lively forest.
GROUPS
“I wanted to re-appropriate that historical context and bring it into a contemporary moment,” Petersen said. “I also really wanted to push it into the future.” “Queer Forms” isn’t just a chronology of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement — it’s a story about how the past, present and future of the movement can coexist in a space. “While the exhibition is beautiful and moving and safe, a lot of the stories that are in there are difficult and heavy and about barely making it,” said Corinne Teed,
an assistant professor of art at the University and visual artist whose work is displayed in the exhibition. In addition to the visual art hung on the walls, the staff behind “Queer Forms” has organized special events in accordance with the exhibit. Until the exhibit closes in December, the lineup includes theatrical performances, drag and burlesque shows and recently, a fashion show. Just as LGBTQ+ folx come from many backgrounds and experiences, art comes in many forms.
“I wanted it to feel experimental, open-ended, and in a way, to not conform to any standard narrative of progress,” Oransky said. “Or [conform to] the usual kind of discourse that would suggest that tomorrow is going to be even better. But rather, here’s a whole galaxy of expression.”
Theatrical Performance: seven.years.of.shed.skin... Oct. 14, 7 p.m. InFlux Space at the Regis Center for Art, 405 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis Free, but register in advance for seating
MUSIC
Turn it up: Hook Q&A: Lead singer Zach Grace of Flor Club is in session Hook Club, a UMN student group, puts their own musical spin on a classic book club. BY ALEX STRANGMAN astrangman@mndaily.com
On most days, room 209 in Akerman Hall houses some of the best and brightest minds on campus. It sees the likes of the TC Rocket Team and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. On Monday nights at 8 p.m., room 209 hosts a different crowd. Established in the spring of 2016, Hook Club is made up of an eclectic mix of music lovers from all over campus. The club applies the same concept of a book club to albums, turning the dreary second floor classroom into an open-ended forum about everything from hip hop samples to the evolution of R&B. In past meetings, the group dissected albums from Tyler, The Creator’s “Igor” to Harry Nilsson’s “The Point!” This past week, Hook Club discussed Curtis Mayfield’s debut offering, “Curtis.” As Mayfield’s soulful voice filled the air of Akerman 209, a quiet buzz flowed through the room. Like the calm before the storm, everyone was locked and loaded ready to share their thoughts on the week’s album. With everyone on the edge of their seats and the excitement for the night’s meeting bubbling on the surface of people’s faces, Hook Club President Marty Stock kicked things off. Following Stock’s brief introduction, the group of more than 60 people took turns naming an artist
that’s been in their weekly ro t a t i o n . T h e a n s w e r s ranged from the Butthole Surfers to ABG Neal, a nod to the diversity of Hook Club’s musical palate. For members like Corinne Pease, half the fun of Hook Club is expanding one’s own musical library. “Since I started coming to the club, I’ve heard so much more new music than I normally would hear about,” she said. “It’s really opened up the type of stuff that I’m listening to.” After introductions, the club spent the next hour and a half discussing every aspect of “Curtis.” In many ways, a Hook Club meeting is like improvisational jazz: it’s over when everyone says what they needed to say. For Stock, Hook Club is all about creating an open dialogue surrounding music. “I just want everyone to feel welcome so that they actually do feel like they can perpetuate the conversation and contribute whatever they think or feel about something,” he said. Following the discussion, Hook Club spent the remainder of the meeting deciding what the next week’s album will be, in a truly democratic fashion. After a few members pitched their ideas, the whole club voted on what they wanted to listen to for the week. Included in this week’s honorable mentions were “All My Heroes Are Cornballs” by JPEGMAFIA and “The Last Time I Did Acid I Went Insane” by Jeffrey Lewis. The winner, by a slim margin, was the self-titled album by French artist Melody’s Echo Chamber.
Hook Club
8 p.m. on Mondays Akerman Hall Room 209
The West Coast alternative band will play the Amsterdam Bar this Wednesday.
BY NORAH KLEVEN nkleven@mndaily.com
Where did you draw inspiration for your latest album, ‘Ley Lines?’ We actually mostly drew inspiration from myself, and I know that sounds kind of silly, but it’s true. After touring on ‘Come Out. You’re Hiding.’ for as long as we had, we had a really clear idea of where we wanted to go next with our sound. And really, all we wanted to do was capture the live energy that we have from ‘Come Out. You’re Hiding.’ [Tour]. So that was our goal, just to pour that energy and that kind of rocky, m o r e ro c k - d r i v e n f e e l into the music. And I think we accomplished it with ‘Ley Lines.’ What does the name ‘Ley Lines’ mean to you? It’s this idea that these important places of power are connected. And that connecting factor is called a ley line … spiritually, it’s like a place of power. It can help to ground you. And it can give you the confidence to kind of keep pushing forward. When we started writing this album, I’d been having a lot of trouble writing. I wasn’t finding inspiration. I wasn’t focusing on the things that were important to me — these anchor points, if you will. And I found it in my friends. I found it in my family. Obviously, I find it in music — all kinds of music — whether it’s our own, or another artist’s ... and that’s kind of the same for the whole band. We set out these points. We set out what we wanted to accomplish and
From left, Kyle Hill, Zach Grace, McKinley Kitts and Dylan Bauld. (Courtesy of Travie Shotos)
we followed that goal and in the end, it’s created this path. So it really seemed to make too much sense when we thought about it. Since you released your first single ‘Heart’ in 2014, did you ever expect Flor become as big as it did? What has this whole experience been like? Yeah, this is always kind of [a] tough question. Because, obviously, when you’re writing in your bedroom, the dream is to someday be playing these songs in front of arenas of people, you know? I never really expected any of this … I didn’t expect people to connect with songs like ‘back again’ and ‘hold on,’ but they did. And it’s what we have always wanted. We’d be lying if we said this isn’t a dream come true. Tell me about some of your favorite memories from tour so far. It’s all kind of been showrelated just because the excitement and the energy from the crowd has been blowing me away. Playing in Austin was absolutely the craziest show we’ve
ever played. It just felt like everyone [was] so connected and we were part of a huge thing. [Then] we packed out this room in Boston, and people were singing the songs and dancing around. Everyone was just screaming at the top of their lungs … just being able to look out every night and see all these joyful faces just being stoked to be in a room, listening to music and being together ... that’s been my favorite [part] of it all. What is the achievement you are most proud of? It’s cool to have hit 100 million streams on our debut album. That’s a whole lot more streams than I ever thought would happen. We’re also just stoked that we get to come back to these rooms [where] we’ve opened for other artists and just sell them out and fill them with that same energy and that same excitement that we’ve had the honor of being a part of with other bands. There’s really not a feeling like it. It’d be ... impossible to describe it to you, I think. Maybe it’s a bit like being a
proud parent. Maybe that’s the closest you can get to it. What is the dynamic like on tour? Well, it’s a lot of work … we’re demanding the most from ourselves and that is kind of manifesting itself in lack of sleep, exhaustion and all kinds of fun, exciting ways that we’re pushing to the extremes. But through it all, we remember that we’re a team. We’re brothers and sisters at this point. We’re family. So the goal is to keep that in mind. You know it’s amazing what kicking a soccer ball around can do for your mood. We bought a soccer ball and we’ve just been kicking around on tour. And even that has just been making us feel so connected and it’s a great stress relief.
Flor, with joan and Lostboycrow
Wednesday, Oct. 2 Amsterdam Bar & Hall $18 All ages
This interview has been lightly edited for style and clarity.
6 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
MN DAILY
MNDAILY.COM
Editorials & Opinions
COLUMN
I’m hungry for clarity and student voices
While it’s not the University’s strong point, we need more transparency surrounding the Aramark contract.
J
Caroline Skoog oan Gabel’s formal columnist inauguration last week was punctuated with demonstrations by two workers unions, Teamsters Local 320 and AFSCME Local 3800. The groups indicated that their presence was a result of current contract
negotiations with the University disregarding their demands, “citing low wages and inadequate annual raises,” according to a Minnesota Daily article from earlier this month. They also shared concerns about the necessity of year round work. On Sept. 3, the Teamsters’ website encouraged members to attend Gabel’s inauguration following another disappointing meeting with the University’s negotiation team, declaring, “we have entered a critical period. There is no serious response to our proposals.” AFSCME Local 3800 workers also made an appearance at the first Board of Regents meeting on Sept. 13. AFSCME Local 3800 Vice President Stephanie Taylor discussed the group’s frustration with Gabel’s lack of contact. As I was reading through the article about the Regents’ meeting, I found it difficult to compartmentalize two tasks on their agenda: negotiations regarding union contracts and the University’s dining contract, which expires June 30, 2020, with Aramark, a Fortune 500 company. Aramark’s questionable conduct is no secret, at least not to U of M students. The company’s services at the University have been routinely criticized for lack of healthy menu selections, as well as accommodating
EDITORIAL
T
hough it may still feel like summer outside, a Minnesota winter is coming quicker than any of us are quite ready for. And even though there’s no winter chill in the air, there are plenty of chills and colds on campus with so many students bringing germs back from their summers. If you are new to the University, you may not know that Boynton Health, located at 410 Church Street SE on the East Bank of campus, offers a large range of health care services, including flu shots and other immunizations. Flu shots at Boynton are fast, easy and come at no out-of-pocket cost for students, staff and faculty. It’s conveniently located right on campus near the medical school, and you can almost always make your appointments online at the student portal
UDS at a base level. But if UDS employees work explicitly for UDS, and UDS is partnered with Aramark, are UDS contracts impacted by Aramark’s terms? Given that union contract negotiations are pending, and the U is evaluating its contract with Aramark, should these two concerns be looked at in conjunction? Are these topics at all intersecting? All right, cat’s out of the bag: I’m confused. Which could be to Aramark’s advantage. Maybe the less we know about their connection to the UDS contract, and consequently the contract’s labor and union abuses, the more likely they are to quietly return to the University’s dining halls next year. There’s all this emphasis on the importance of student voices in creating the campus community; what good is a voice when it can’t access the complete context to the issues it’s speaking on? Time’s running out on Aramark’s contract, and negotiations with Teamsters Local 320 and AFSCME Local 3800 are long overdue. It’s time for absolute transparency.
Caroline Skoog welcomes comments at cskoog@mndaily.com.
OPINIONS LETTER
Take advantage of Boynton’s flu shots It’s important to keep other people’s health in mind when it comes to getting not only the flu shot.
those with dietary restrictions. Aramark’s practices at large, however, seem to prioritize feeding profit-hunger rather than the appetites of students and incarcerated persons. Numerous reports have outlined Aramark’s vermin-infested meals, unsafe working conditions and hostile environment at correctional facilities. Cutting corners on meal size and quality has made them one of the biggest benefactors of imprisoned people, and keeping a low-profile enables them to maintain relationships with more distinguished institutions such as the University of Minnesota. Aramark’s five-section “Negative History” tab on Wikipedia is enough to make their 2015 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” accolade seem like pure satire. Since partnering with Aramark in 1998, the University of Minnesota has generated on average $3.1 million in revenue annually. The initial transition from the University’s in-house dining system to Aramark’s services exemplified profit-first reasoning, terminating 354 University Dining Service workers in 2000. UDS turnover rates continued to increase throughout the early to mid 2000s, with 469 terminations in 2007. Outside of the University’s vaguely defined ‘partnership’ with Aramark, it’s unclear how Aramark operates within
or drop in whenever you have the time. There’s no reason not to take advantage and protect yourself against the onset of the flu at an inopportune moment in your semester. If you have been at the U for a while now, you’ve probably heard Boynton’s flu shot campaign slogan, “Do It For the Herd!” It refers to herd immunity, which means that the more people get vaccinated, the fewer people get sick. Obviously, that’s a good thing for everyone on campus. Even if you haven’t gotten a flu shot before, there’s even more of a reason to do it on a huge college campus like ours. You come into contact with hundreds of people every day who come into contact with hundreds more, so it’s much easier for illnesses to spread. It’s important to keep other people’s health in mind when it comes to getting not only the flu shot, but other vaccinations as well. People with disabilities, immune disorders, pregnant people and others are much more vulnerable to the worst effects of viruses like influenza. The flu might not sound like a big deal to you, but it can be a horrendous sickness for more vulnerable individuals.
CARTOON BY ROBERT MCGRADY
We want you to submit letters about the Paint the Bridge event A letter from the Minnesota Daily’s opinions editor.
The College Republicans’ bridge panel has stirred controversy around campus and been the target for vandalism for the last four years during the University’s annual “Paint the Bridge” event. Many students were upset by the panel’s message this year, while others claim that the level of tolerance for free political thought on campus is non-existent. We’ve reported on what happened and interviewed students, but now we want you to hold the pen. We want to invite students and faculty to submit brief letters to the editor stating their opinion on what happened during “Paint the Bridge,” the general campus climate and any other lingering thoughts
SHARE YOUR VIEWS The Minnesota Daily welcomes letters and guest columns from readers. All letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification. The Daily reserves the right to edit all letters for style, space, libel and grammar. Letters to the editor should be no more than 500 words in length. Guest columns should be approximately 350 words. The Daily reserves the right to print any submission as a letter or guest column. Submission does not guarantee publication.
surrounding this event. Our goal is to facilitate a conversation with all parties involved or affected, in a way that is thought provoking and productive. It is important that all voices are heard and acknowledged, and that our paper remains an open space to safely do so. All letters submitted with be thoroughly fact-checked and lightly edited for clarity. The Minnesota Daily supports the freedom of expression and free exchange of ideas.
Please submit all materials to letters@mndaily. com. Ariana Wilson is the Minnesota Daily’s opinions and editorials editor.
EDITORIALS & OPINIONS DEPARTMENT Editorials represent the voice of the Minnesota Daily as an institution and are prepared by the editorial board.
THE EDITORIALS AND OPINIONS DEPARTMENT IS INDEPENDENT OF THE NEWSROOM
letters@mndaily.com Fax: (612) 435-5865 Phone: (612) 435-1578 Letters and columns to the editor 2221 University Ave. SE Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55414
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2019
MN DAILY
HOROSCOPES
Today’s Birthday (9/30): Your creative muses harmonize with you this year. Steady efforts realize a domestic dream. Family joys fill your heart this winter, before a professional obstacle requires creativity. Listen to resolve a misunderstanding next summer, before your work receives rave reviews. Share and connect.
MNDAILY.COM
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Written by Nancy Black
Aries (3/21 - 4/19): Today is a 9 — Monitor finances to take advantage of recent changes. Stick to reliable routines and tested techniques. Avoid risk or expensive gambles.
Libra (9/23 - 10/22): Today is a 9 — Lucrative opportunities abound. Follow up on a brilliant suggestion. Compute expenses and get creative to work out a budget that supports the project.
Taurus (4/20 - 5/20): Today is an 8 — Collaborate to deal with an unexpected situation. Provide what’s needed before it’s asked for. Strengthen a partnership by dedicating stable support.
Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21): Today is a 7 — Settle into a shady spot for peaceful solitude and reflection. Process recent transitions. Hold a private ritual. Rest and recharge for what’s ahead.
Gemini (5/21 - 6/21): Today is a 9 — Slow to avoid mistakes or accidents. Watch for pitfalls or unexpected obstacles. Physical action gets your brain pumping with your heart.
Sagittarius (11/22 - 12/21): Today is an 8 — Confer with allies and friends. You get farther with group support. Guard against impetuous reactions. Get creative to adapt to changes.
Cancer (6/22 - 7/22): Today is an 8 — Prioritize fun, romance and family. Raise the odds of sweet harmony by providing basic structures like delicious treats and music.
Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19): Today is an 8 — Focus on advancing your career this month, with the Sun in Libra. Assume greater responsibility and leadership. Grow toward your passions.
Leo (7/23 - 8/22): Today is a 7 — Stay flexible with expectations around home and family. A project develops at its own pace. Beautiful flowers grow with steady care and attention.
Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18): Today is an 8 — Stay flexible with a professional project. Conditions are in flux. Wait for best timing. Consult intuition as well as hard facts. An opportunity beckons.
Virgo (8/23 - 9/22): Today is an 8 — Monitor communications channels for breaking news. Adapt, and participate in a wider conversation. Speak out and present a persuasive argument.
Pisces (2/19 - 3/20): Today is a 9 — Enjoy an adventure. Explore new flavors, ideas or vistas. Travel and study. Enjoy classes and investigations. Follow an inspiration or passion.
DR. DATE Dr. Date,
I play Dungeons and Dragons — and yes, I have sex. Contrary to popular belief, nerds can have girlfriends, and my girlfriend is just as excited about our campaign as I am. I’m the Dungeon Master for the first time (aka leading the campaign) and was a little nervous at first, but over the past few months, our group has really enjoyed playing. Well, two people enjoy it more than others. See, role-playing is a key part of the story, and two of my players have developed an in-game relationship. Which is fine, if one of the players wasn’t my girlfriend! Her character and my friend’s character have been hooking up for a few sessions now, and they’re now starting to describe it in-game, while I just have to listen and try and redirect the story. I’m super uncomfortable hearing my girlfriend describe how she wants to undress a wizard…especially because WE haven’t had sex in almost a month. How is a thing that only exists on a character sheet getting more than me?! I tried to talk to her about it, but she doesn’t see the problem and says she’s just “more immersed in the game.” At this point, I’m just waiting for them to actually strip down and do it in front of everyone. How can I get her interest to move back to me?
–Needs Enchantment
Dear Need Enchantment,
If it’s getting into dirty talk, this is totally inappropriate. The rest of the players also probably aren’t into it, so you have to shut this down — for the sake of the campaign!! You’ve talked to your girlfriend, but also talk to your friend. It takes two to tango (and role-play, right?). As for repairing your sex life, idea: Dress up like your friend’s character and make a move. How good are you at impressions?
Dr. Date,
Education is really, really important to me — I’m about to enter a super competitive grad school program and want my partner to at least have some college under their belt. I genuinely don’t mean to be classist, but I like people I date to have similar life experiences and be able to relate to me. My boyfriend and I have been dating for three years now, and during that time, he’s said he was going to finish his degree like 80 times. I finally thought I convinced him to apply to the U, but the deadline is in a few days and he’s made no steps towards actually doing anything. We got into a huge fight, where he told me I cared too much about arbitrary things and was stressing him out. I don’t mean to worry him, but this kind of stuff is really important to me and it makes me sad that he doesn’t care. He loves me to death and I love him, but this is making me question our future. What should I do?
–Learn Something New Today
Dear Learn Something New Today,
If your boyfriend still loves you as much as you say he does, he’s hopefully not trying to hurt you this much on purpose — he just doesn’t realize how much it means to you. Sometimes it’s the principle of the thing just as much as it is the actual thing. He may not agree with you on school, but he should still care about how you feel. But if he’s really set on not going to school and you’re set on that being a dealbreaker, don’t draw it out any longer. You’re allowed to want two different things, so don’t keep stringing each other along if you know you won’t compromise for the other.
–Dr. Date
–Dr. Date
Want advice from the love doctor? Email Dr. Date at drdate@mndaily.com
SUDOKU CROSSWORD
Last Issue’s Puzzle Solved Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.
9/30/19
For strategies on how to solve sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk.
Last issue’s solution
© 2019 Michael Mepham. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.
8
Monday, September 30, 2019
Dinkytown’s relation to big business Possible Dinkytown development spurs questions of the role of big businesses. BY J.D. DUGGAN jduggan@mndaily.com A proposed development in the heart of Dinkytown is evoking a perennial question: How are big businesses changing the neighborhood? Community engagement sessions for the development have reinvigorated an ageold question about the role of large businesses in Dinkytown. Recent closures have also drawn concern about the future of the neighborhood and local ownership. About 43 percent of service-oriented businesses in Dinkytown’s core — the area bounded by University Avenue, Fifth Street, 13th Avenue and 15th Avenue — have at least three locations elsewhere, according to an analysis by the Minnesota Daily. Vescio’s Italian Restaurant was in business for more than 60 years before closing spring of last year. Varsity Bike and Transit ended its 25-year ride in the neighborhood and closed at the end of September. An array of local businesses adjacent to the Varsity Theater closed or moved over a year ago, leaving the building empty. The Varsity, one of two Dinkytown locations with live music along with the Kitty Cat Klub, was sold by a local resident in 2017 to Gaw Capital Partners, a multibillion-dollar investment company based in Hong Kong. But at least 25 local businesses still remain in a fourblock radius of Dinkytown, including various restaurants, Alpha Print, The Book House and others. Tony Nicklow, owner of Tony’s Diner, a Dinkytown restaurant for 17 years, said the rising costs of rent make it difficult for some small businesses to succeed in the area, whereas larger companies can afford the location. “Dinkytown always had
that cool sense of not being a corporate kind of place,” Nicklow said. “I think it’s good for college kids to just kind of go where restaurants and other businesses are family owned. We’re treating them right. We put our love into everything we do.” But business is also difficult for companies with a proven track record. The Pourhouse, while successful in Downtown Minneapolis since 2012, closed after 10 months in Dinkytown. Tim Hortons, a Canadian favorite with close to 5,000 restaurants worldwide, abruptly shuttered all Twin Cities locations last spring. Randal Gast has owned Dinkytown Qdoba, a restaurant chain with more than 700 locations in North America, for more than a decade. He said he still pays out of his own pocket to finance his chain restaurant. “[People] say, ‘Oh, these big chains are the only ones that can afford this stuff.’ The rent for a chain to do a restaurant in Dinkytown is the same as a rent for a private individual. It’s all the same,” Gast said. “People just don’t like change.” Nicklow said he sees more fast food restaurants than he did in the past and fears what could happen if corporate interest grows in Dinkytown. “Dinkytown’s always had charm and character,” Nicklow said. “The more you bring these corporations in, I think it loses that, and you’re just kind of like any other place.” A history of corporate disruption Big business has been in Dinkytown for decades, and the community has rallied against its presence for just as long. Dave Feehan, vice chair of Preserve Historic Dinkytown, said businesses fill up vacancies quickly in most college neighborhoods due to a consistent population — and interest will continue to grow. “They can look at a place adjacent to a university and
say, ‘I’ve got all these customers here, all I’ve got to do is open my door, and they’re going to come flocking to my business,’” Feehan said. In 1970, a Dinkytown building was slated for destruction to make way for fast food chain Red Barn. In the climate of Vietnam war protests, University students and others began a 40-day sit in at the site. A month after protests began, helicopters droned above Dinkytown, and police in riot gear cleared demonstrators from the site. Bulldozers leveled the building — but Red Barn never opened. “It’s like, okay, you didn’t want the Red Barn, but there was McDonald’s there the whole time,” said Chris Lautenschlager, executive director of Marcy-Holmes
Neighborhood Association. “That’s somehow an oversight. Like, you didn’t stop the spread of corporations.” More recently, the 2013 Save Dinkytown Coalition fought against the proposal to develop The Venue apartments into the core blocks of Dinkytown, prompting a proposed moratorium on building in the neighborhood — but the moratorium failed. An apartment proposed last month, developed by CA Ventures, would demolish Dinkytown McDonald’s, a neighborhood staple since the ‘60s. Some residents at an MHNA meeting earlier this month said McDonald’s has become a historic icon of the University of Minnesota, while others said it is exemplary of a nameless corporate chain. The developer plans to
reopen the fast food joint in the building. CA Ventures responded to some residents’ desire to maintain local businesses, saying they would subsidize the building’s retail space for local companies. “[People] can’t ever say McDonald’s is local, right?” Lautenschlager said. “It’s always like a weird bend, it’s a weird angle that they come at it. Well, it’s not historic — but it’s iconic.” Adapting to the market University neighborhoods around the country have contended with a similar pattern of business interest and redevelopment. The constantly rotating student population provides a consistent market, workforce and sense of community
in these areas. “I think some of the effects of corporate investment depends on what the goal is, and where the neighborhood is, in terms of development,” said Amanda Nothaft, a University of Michigan researcher who saw major corporate investment in an economically depressed neighborhood in Detroit. Nothaft said intentional development and ongoing community collaboration are key if the community has specific goals around preservation. In the mid-’90s to early2000s, the University of Pennsylvania sought urban renewal at the campus neighborhood. UPenn offered financial incentives encouraging staff and faculty to live near campus and invested in a variety of affordable housing options and upgrades. The college also made a massive shift to purchase from local vendors, especially those that were minority- or women-owned, among other investments. Nothaft said it helps to “create more of a continuum of housing within the area, keeping the students and their money in the neighborhood.” Increased property values are among the challenges for small businesses throughout Minneapolis, Gast said. A member of the Dinkytown Business Alliance, Gast said adaptation is the key for businesses to survive in Dinkytown. Qdoba and Tony’s Diner have both done catering work with the University, and Gast said he’s invested significantly in remodeling his restaurant. Kafe 421, a Dinkytown restaurant for 16 years, closed its doors to focus on catering, with plans to remain in the area. “Our wages are going up, and our costs are going up,” Gast said. “When you build these bling apartments, it does have an impact on rents. You know, a lot of that land is worth a lot more with a bling apartment on top of it.”
UMN professor to retire after decades of research
Tucker Center Director Dr. Mary Jo Kane delivers a lecture at Cooke Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 25. (Kamaan Richards / Minnesota Daily)
Women in sports researcher Mary Jo Kane to retire after decades of teaching. BY MICHAEL MCGOUGH mmcgough@mndaily.com Mary Jo Kane, founder and director of the Tucker Center and professor of sport sociology at the University of Minnesota, announced her retirement this month after teaching since 1989. In 1993 Kane founded the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, a research center in the University’s School of Kinesiology that examines how physical activity impacts the lives of girls and women. The Tucker Center was the first of its kind, Kane said, and it remains singular because of its wide scope of research. “In terms of a full focus on girls and women in sport, from exercise science to the social sciences, housed in a major research university, we remain the only one,” Kane said. Although Kane has been the Tucker Center’s director since its creation, she also conducted research, primarily about how female athletes are
represented in the media. Kane said many people, including those who agree with her opposition to sexualizing female athletes, have told her that “sex sells.” However, a study that Kane conducted found that audience members are often interested in promoting the athletic abilities of female athletes. The Tucker Center has deliberately engaged with the media and the public, Kane said. “We’re deeply committed to developing community partnerships so we can get our research out to the general public,” she said. The Tucker Center collaborated with TPT to make three documentaries, one of which focused on Kane’s research and won a regional Emmy. Kane has been a dedicated educator throughout the years, the School of Kinesiology’s Director Beth Lewis said. “Not only has Dr. Kane been a strong researcher and advocate for girls and women in sport through founding and growing the Tucker Center to what it is today, she has been an incredible instructor at both the undergraduate and
graduate level,” Lewis said. Kane said she has great respect for her students and she learns as much from students as they learn from her. “My teaching philosophy is that I try to create an environment where the class belongs to the students just as much as it belongs to me,” she said. Colleagues of Kane’s expressed great respect for her and what she has done for the University. Jonathan Sweet, the Tucker Center’s program associate who has worked with Kane for 25 years, said the network of academics and administrators that she built is vital to the Tucker Center. “She has built those connections, and that is what makes up the Tucker Center, along with the research,” Sweet said. After Kane’s retirement starts next May, Lewis said her absence will be felt by many people. “Students, staff and faculty in the School of Kinesiology, myself included, are going to significantly miss Dr. Kane,” Lewis said.