FALL WELCOME back to the U
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome back to campus. We hope your summer was busy with traveling, interning and, occasionally, relaxing. Over the past few months, our University of Minnesota campus has experienced events that will influence our community for years to come. There was never a shortage of news, and the Minnesota Daily staff was here to cover it all. Feeling like you missed out? Enjoy our welcome back guide that will get you up to speed on everything you missed.
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CONTENTS
5 8 11
DFL Primaries
Kaler Resignation
by Helen Sabrowsky & Cleo Krejci
by Katrina Pross
Abortion Fellowship By Cleo Krejci & MAdeline Deninger
Search for President by Katrina Pross
Travel Ban Response
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Organics Recycling by Cleo Krejci
by J.D. Duggan
Response to Kaler
By Natalie Rademacher, Helen Sabrowsky & Hannah Ovcharchyn
by Cleo Krejci
6 9 12
Stadium Village Lots
Shapiro Suit
by Madeline Deninger
Dinkytown Closures
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by Tiffany Bui
UMN Sued in Bias Suit by Madeline Deninger
Welcome Back Fall 2018
An Independent Student Newspaper, Founded in 1900. 2221 University Ave. SE, Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone: (612) 627-4080 Fax: (612) 435-5865 Copyright Š 2018 The Minnesota Daily This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted. OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER Kelly Busche Editor-in-Chief kbusche@mndaily.com (612) 435-1575 Genevieve Locke Business Operations Officer glocke@mndaily.com (612) 435-2761 EDITORIAL STAFF Max Chao Managing Editor mchao@mndaily.com Christine Ha Managing Production Editor cha@mndaily.com Natalie Rademacher Campus Editor nrademacher@mndaily.com Madeline Deninger City Editor mdeninger@mndaily.com Katrina Pross Campus Administrative Editor kpross@mndaily.com Drew Cove Sports Editor dcove@mndaily.com Sophie Vilensky A&E Editor svilensky@mndaily.com Ellen Schmidt Multimedia Editor eschmidt@mndaily.com Molly Tynjala Copy Desk Chief mtynjala@mndaily.com Desmond Kamas Chief Page Designer dkamas@mndaily.com Jane Borstad Visuals Editor jborstad@mndaily.com =
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EDITORIAL BOARD Ray Weishan Editorials & Opinions Editor rweishan@mndaily.com Ariana Wilson Editorial Board Member awilson@mndaily.com Hailey Almsted Editorial Board Member halmsted@mndaily.com Kelly Busche Editor-in-Chief kbusche@mndaily.com =
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BUSINESS Darya Karas Sales Manager dkaras@mndaily.com David Keane Controller dkeane@mndaily.com =
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Tuesday, September 4, 2018
UMN President Eric Kaler steps down early, sparking search for new leader As President Kaler steps down, the search for a new leader is already underway. BY KATRINA PROSS kpross@mndaily.com
University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler announced earlier this summer he will step down as president one year before his term is scheduled to end. Kaler announced on July 13 that he would step down effective July 1, 2019, citing his above-average tenure length and the need for new leadership. Following the announcement, the University’s Board of Regents, who are tasked with finding a new president, immediately began the search. “This is an incredibly demanding job, essentially seven days a week, evenings and nights included, and as proud and confident of my contributions and ability as I am, I also know that the University will benefit from a fresh perspective. Quite simply, it is time,” he said in the statement. Kaler received a chemical engineering Ph.D. from the University in 1982 before spending the next 29 years in faculty and administrative roles at public institutions across the country. He took office as the University President in 2011. After he steps down, Kaler said he will continue his role as President Emeritus and help run the Driven fundraising campaign for one year. He will later assume a faculty position in the University’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Chair of the state House higher education committee Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls, said he was surprised by the resignation. Last legislative session, the University did not receive its supplemental budget request, resulting in a tuition increase for undergraduate resident students on the Twin Cities and Morris campuses. Nornes said this wasn’t due to a lack of leadership on Kaler’s part. Member of the Senate higher education
committee Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, said Kaler sometimes received blame for athletic scandals at the Capitol, but added he was an advocate for the University throughout his career. “There was discussion there might be some turnover,” he said. “There were people who were hoping he would leave, and some people hoping he would stay… Some [lawmakers] were disappointed about the scandals, and [Kaler] is the top of the food chain.” Joshua Preston, chair of the student representatives to the board, said the next president needs to represent the diversity of the University and take student input into account. “The next president will also be responsible for the systemwide strategic plan, not to mention set the tone for how the University responds to sexual assault in the future, managing the costs of tuition and lead[ing] a $4 billion institution,” Preston said. The search for the 17th president The search for the next University of Minnesota president is already underway. At a July 13 press conference, Kaler said he’s held conversations with the board about his resignation over the past six months. “I think the timing is good on President Kaler’s decision to step away; it gives us some time to find the right person,” said Regent Randy Simonson. Regent Vice Chair Ken Powell and Chair David McMillan have begun conversations about how to conduct the search for the new president. “The board is committed to a very robust set of input opportunities with key stakeholders and with almost all the University,’’ McMillan said. The board plans to create a search committee for the new president but hasn’t yet decided how many members the committee will have or who will lead it. Every member of the board, as well as students, faculty and stakeholders, will be involved in the search process, McMillan said. “The whole board will have input; it won’t
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EASTON GREEN, DAILY FILE PHOTO
University President Eric Kaler fields questions after announcing plans to step down in July 2019, one year before his term is scheduled to end, on July 13 in McNamara Alumni Center.
be just decided by the committee,” Simonson said. In a statement released by the Minnesota Student Association, student body president Simran Mishra said she wants students to be able to give input on the selection. Preston also stressed the importance of student involvement in the selection process. “Students must be involved in the selection of our University’s next president... students have to be at the table,” he said The board will also consult with a third-party firm to garner expertise and aid in the selection process “We’re an unpaid, part-time board. I highly doubt that everyone on the board is going to be able to provide a thorough investigation of the candidates, so I would expect there to be some kind of outside support,” said Regent Darrin Rosha. Kaler and McMillan said they are looking for a new president who holds fresh perspectives on navigating challenges facing higher education.
“[For the next president,] I’d like another Eric Kaler – somebody who is able to look over the horizon at the changing business model for public higher education,” McMillan said at the press conference. Kelly Busche, Max Chao, Madeline Deninger and Helen Sabrowsky contributed to this report.
“This is an incredibly demanding job ... and as proud and confident of my contributions and ability as I am, I also know that the University will benefit from a fresh perspective. Quite simply, it is time.” PRESIDENT ERIC KALER University of Minnesota President
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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Rep. Ilhan Omar, House 60B candidate Mohamud Noor clinch DFL primaries The Aug. 14 primaries brought landmark voter turnout in Minneapolis. BY CLEO KREJCI & HELEN SABROWSKY ckrejci@mndaily.com, hsabrowsky@mndaily.com
In a primary election that saw Minneapolis give its highest primary election turnout in almost 50 years, Minnesota finalized its candidates for the general elections in November. 5th Congressional District Rep. Ilhan Omar, DFL-Minneapolis, won the DFL primary election for the 5th Congressional District by racking up over 48 percent of the vote on Aug. 14. A victory in the general election in November would make her the first refugee to be elected to the U.S. Congress, according to her campaign’s press release. Omar left her seat as state representative for Minnesota House District 60B to run for the 5th Congressional District position, which was previously held by Keith Ellison, D-Minn. She first joined the state legislature in 2016, when she became the first elected Somali-American legislator in the country. Maymuna Sahal, who campaigned for Omar, attended Omar primary night event and said she was ecstatic after the announcement. “[Omar] has showed what America is. After Donald Trump was elected, I was super sad. But this night made it up to [me],” Sahal said. Former Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher came in second place with over 30 percent of the vote and Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, DFL-Minneapolis, came in third with 13 percent of the vote, reports from late Tuesday show. Campaign workers credit Omar’s victory to her ability to mobilize young voters and students. “Students are only motivated to vote if they have a candidate that inspires them, and we saw that in [Omar],” said Sonia Neculescu, a worker on Omar’s campaign. At a forum in the University’s Humphrey
ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY FILE PHOTO
Representative Ilhan Omar announced her endorsement for Mohamud Noor in his run for Minneapolis City Council Ward 6 on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 at Currie Park in Minneapolis.
School of Public Affairs Aug. 13, Omar joined Kelliher and Torres Ray in ardently addressing how they would like to relieve student debt burdens. Citing her personal experience with student debt, Omar said she would mitigate it at the federal level. Receiving around 56 percent of the Republican primary vote, Jennifer Zielinski will move on as Omar’s opponent in November’s election. With nearly all precincts reporting, Omar received over 65,000 votes and Zielinski received over 8,600 votes. District 60B
In a tightly-contested race, Minnesota House 60B candidate Mohamud Noor won the district over Peter Wagenius. Noor declared himself the victor while down 2 percent as the district containing the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood had yet to report its results. In the final tally, Noor received over 2,900 votes — winning by around 900 votes over Wagenius. The announcement of his victory sparked mass celebration at Noor’s primary night party at Cedar-Riverside’s Mixed Blood Theatre. Isse Mohamed, who worked on Noor’s campaign, said he was “all smiles” as the results came in.
“As soon as we’re done with this, it’s time to go to sleep and [then] get to work. We don’t have to wait until November,” Noor said. Mohamed Bulhan, a campaign worker for Noor, said he felt a lot of voter enthusiasm during the primary. “This season, the fever is high. People really want to vote, I think that’s related to the national politics and what’s going on in Washington. I think that really has an impact on Minnesotans’ perspectives and their attitudes,” Bulhan said. Noor said he hopes to be involved in the Uniu See VOTING Page 12
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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Stadium Village lots could be first steps to new University neighborhood
The parcels, which include Stadium Village Plaza, Stub and Herb’s and others, were purchased by the U of M’s Foundation. BY J.D. DUGGAN jduggan@mndaily.com
A subsidiary of the University of Minnesota Foundation recently purchased multiple parcels of land in Stadium Village to build on their vision of a “gateway” from the University to the broader community. The Foundation’s Real Estate Advisors (UMFREA) recently purchased the Stadium Village Plaza buildings and the parcels for Stub and Herb’s Bar and Jimmy John’s. UMFREA, who is working with UMarq Investments under a partnership known as Visus, presented their ideas to the Prospect Park Association on June 25 regarding their vision for the area, which they’ve called “Motley.” One of the presenters, Visus Executive Director Brandon Champeau, said they picked the name Motley because it means “eclectic, diverse, mixed, mingled,” which encompasses the team’s desire for the commercial area. “That’s our vision and goal going in,” Champeau said. “To make sure that this isn’t a place that feels exclusive. That it’s a place that really showcases what makes Minnesota, our region, University, different.” UMFREA has been eyeing the area since their inception approximately five years ago,
examining different ideas of what a gateway could look like, said Sarah Harris, managing director of UMFREA. The University and UMFREA own a number of lots in the area, including Dinnaken House on the south side of Washington Avenue. The team is currently working on a master plan for the area and is communicating with different interest groups throughout the neighborhood. “We’ve been working with a variety of people over the last five years,” Harris said. “Talking about what could or should be happening in this area, looking at what our peer institutions around the country have been doing so that we can bring back best practices and ideas.” Current tenants are still protected by their leases and will not be forced to leave before the end of their duration. Harris said that UMFREA will be working with them as their landlords. Monday’s presentation included comparisons to similar commercial districts that connect college campuses and neighborhoods. Champeau said Visus aims to create a more positive experience for pedestrians traveling the neighborhood. Champeau said they plan to continue
TONY SAUNDERS, DAILY FILE PHOTO
Stadium Village Plaza on June 26. The University of Minnesota Foundation recently purchased the plaza.
collaboration with community leaders and property owners in the 75-acre region throughout the process. “We’re at the very beginning of a long process. It starts with understanding the community’s needs and kind of pulling that together with the University,” Champeau said. Vince Netz, president of the Prospect Park Association, said UMFREA has worked closely with the PPA in the past and played a role in the formation of the Towerside Innovation District. He expressed some concerns but is excited to see the transformation of the entrance to Prospect Park from Huron Boulevard, which is currently home to a strip mall and an empty lot.
“I think it’s exciting. I mean, if they want to make it like a really urban landscape with the research and all that, that’s good,” Netz said. “But they are a little bit of a polar bear that could roll over and crush you if you don’t pay attention.” Because the idea is in preliminary stages, plans are still up in the air. But Harris believes these will be important investments in the long-term. “We aren’t just focusing on the properties that we are acquiring, we’re also saying how can we be helpful more broadly to the entire surrounding community, thinking [ambitiously] about what the future could hold,” Harris said.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
U-hosted abortion fellowship removed after article stirs controversy
Lawmakers say the fellowship also influenced the Regent election earlier this month. BY CLEO KREJCI & MADELINE DENINGER ckrejci@mndaily.com, mdeninger@mndaily.com A University of Minnesota Medical School fellowship application was removed from a University website following controversy surrounding its reproductive healthcare training, which included abortion procedures. The posting was taken off the website in early May after a conservative news organization published an article on the topic, which sparked discussion about the fellowship among anti-abortion groups, University officials and lawmakers. Medical School Dean Jakub Tolar said in a statement the fellowship, which was slated to begin this upcoming fall, was delayed for at least one year while the medical school examines the “value” of the training. Funding for the fellowship would have been provided by the Reproductive Health Access Project, said Lisa Maldonado, RHAP’s executive director. After completion of the program, the fellow would be encouraged to remain in reproductive health following the conclusion of the fellowship with Planned Parenthood in St. Paul. RHAP has sponsored and funded similar fellowships around the United States for the past 10 years. According to a University spokesperson, a May 3 article published on Campus Reform, a conservative higher education news source, was “the first external discussion of the position.” The article, titled “University of Minnesota to teach doctor to train abortionists,” included job requirement information and an image of a doctor wearing a bloodied lab coat. One day after the article was published, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, an anti-abortion advocacy group, contacted
University President Eric Kaler and state legislators to express concern about the fellowship. Members of MCCL first learned about the fellowship from Campus Reform’s May 3 coverage, MCCL Director of Communications Bill Poehler said. University officials decided to remove the position from the University’s website following MCCL’s statements, a University spokesperson said. Noah Maldonado, president of anti-abortion student group Bulldog Students for Life at University of Minnesota Duluth, said Toni Airaksinen, a higher education news correspondent for Campus Reform who wrote the article and two follow-ups, forwarded the job posting to the student group prior to publication of the May 3 article. On May 8, Campus Reform posted a second article stating that the University was no longer hiring for the position following “student outcry.” Students cited in the article said they were first made aware of the fellowship by Airaksinen. However, Airaksinsen said Campus Reform did not attempt to get the position removed by writing the May 3 article. “We just report on topics of interest that our readers are often interested in, and this was one of those issues,” she said. Abortion opponents expressed concern the fellowship would have relied on resources from a public University. “It’s egregious … to think … our tuition dollars would be complicit with this, what we see as a very grave injustice,” Noah Maldonado said. After legislators were contacted by MCCL, Tolar sent a letter addressed to Sen. Michelle Fischbach, R-Paynesville, laying out the fellowship’s future at the University. “In the future, we will have a more robust and comprehensive review process for positions and training programs to ensure proper due diligence and proper notification to stakeholders,” Tolar said in the let-
ter. Lawmakers respond to controversy Around the time lawmakers were informed of the fellowship, they were also tasked with electing a new Regent to the University’s Board of Regents to fill Regent Patricia Simmons’ seat. The fellowship played a role in the election of Regent Randy Simonson, according to several state lawmakers. Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, said he was surprised by the fellowship, adding it was the latest of several University controversies. “I just couldn’t believe it. Anytime you bring up abortion, it’s a serious topic, so it was like here you go again, and this week of all weeks,” Abeler said. At a May 7 meeting of the House and Senate higher education committees to nominate regent candidates, Abeler asked candidates how they would deal with the fellowship and “controversial research.” Simonson took a strong position against the fellowship and all abortion and stem cell research at the University. “Of course, this is a very controversial issue and I think the University, in most cases, should try to stay away from those kinds of things,” he said to the joint committee. “I would not be a sponsor of this.” This position helped Simonson gain support with some Republicans, said Abeler, who supported Mary Davenport. After Simonson was eliminated during the third round of voting, candidates Brooks Edwards and Mary Davenport were nominated to the floor of the joint convention. Many Republicans who supported Simonson moved their support to Edwards. However, on the floor of the joint convention on May 10, Simonson was elected with strong Republican support. Most Republicans who voted for Edwards changed their vote to Simonson when he became the clear Republican favorite. Abeler said there was no agreement to vote for Simonson among Republicans, but the fellowship controversy started a con-
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versation that led some to support him. “There was no discussion saying, ‘we’re going to support [Simonson].’ Up until then, no one cared about the fellowship. But after it was announced, it sort of became ‘who would best represent us on this issue?’” Poehler said the controversy over the fellowship led some legislators to factor Simonson’s comments into their votes. “I think the legislators felt ... the intention to train an abortionist for Planned Parenthood would train other abortionists and become an advocate for abortions on campus was way out of the scope of the mission of the University of Minnesota,” Poehler said. Regent Steve Sviggum, who served in the House as a Republican from 1979 to 2007, said abortion issues never came up in Regent elections during his time in the legislature or on the Board. “When I was there ... I don’t think [abortion] ever became part of the decision of who was a Regent candidate,” he said. Democratic lawmakers voiced concern that a stance on abortion could have been a factor in Simonson’s election. Many Republicans intended to support Simonson following the joint committee, knowing he could be nominated from the floor, Rep. Jennifer Schultz, DFL-Duluth, said. Taking a strong stance against abortion training and stem cell research at the University goes against academic freedom, Schultz said.
“In the future, we will have a more robust and comprehensive review process for positions and training programs to ensure proper due diligence and proper notification to stakeholders.” JAKUB TOLAR Dean of the medical school
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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Students, faculty across UMN system respond to Kaler’s announcement President Kaler’s early resignation announcement has garnered mixed reactions from faculty and staff across system campuses. BY NATALIE RADEMACHER, HELEN SABROWSKY & HANNAH OVCHARCHYN nrademacher@mndaily.com hsabrowsky@mndaily.com hovcharchyn@mndailiy.com
“He’s done a good job of listening to students’ demands when it fits his own agenda, but when it comes to other ideas I don’t see him being a proponent of those ideas in an inclusive manner,” Berger said.
University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler’s early resignation announcement has garnered mixed reactions from students, student organizations, faculty and staff across system campuses. In July, Kaler announced he will step down from his role in July 2019, one year before his contract was scheduled to end. Strengths and weaknesses of his presidency have been mentioned by campus stakeholders, marking a variety of responses to his decision.
Students want search input Student government leaders and campus groups hope the next president will be receptive to student voices at the University. In a statement on behalf of the Minnesota Student Association, student body president Simran Mishra said she would like to see student voices included in the new president search. “We call for administration to consciously involve all levels of student organizations to ensure a diverse mindset in the selection process,” she said in a text message to the Minnesota Daily. “By involving student governments in the process, student needs can be accurately considered and addressed in years to come.” Andert said he would like the next president to be more transparent than Kaler. He would also like to see the new president focus on ensuring that tuition is affordable for all students, he said.
Mixed responses from students Since becoming president in 2011, Kaler has faced criticism from some University students for his handling of scandals and tuition increases, as well as what they say is a lack of transparency. Others on campus say Kaler saw success in fundraising campaigns during his eight-year tenure. Martin Branyon, a member of University student group Students for a Democratic Society, said he wasn’t surprised by Kaler’s decision to leave his role a year early because Kaler fielded continued critiques from students, faculty and staff. SDS is a national organization with a chapter on the University’s campus. The University’s SDS has been a vocal critic of Kaler’s, often organizing protests against Kaler and created the slogan “Fire Kaler” in 2016. Kaler faced criticism for his response to a “build the wall” mural painted on the Washington Avenue Bridge by College Republicans during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Kaler condemned the vandalism of the mural and said the campus supports all types of free speech. Branyon said he criticized Kaler for his stance on the mural, which Branyon said did
MADDY FOX, DAILY
President Eric Kaler delivers his State of the University address at Coffman Union Theater on Thursday, March 7, 2016.
not protect students of color and marginalized people on campus. Citing Kaler’s fundraising successes on the University’s behalf, Blake Andert, a University sophomore, said he believes Kaler has been an above-average leader compared to previous University presidents. Andert said he praised Kaler’s ability to keep resident tuition low, but is disappointed by increases to nonresident tuition that occurred under Kaler’s presidency. “[Kaler] has done a good job promoting public-private partnerships with industry,” he said. Kaler’s presidency saw backlash for increasing tuition for resident and nonresident students, which occasionally resulted in protests. The Board of Regents recently approved Kaler’s proposal to increase resident undergraduate tuition for students on the Twin Cities and Morris campuses in the upcoming academic year.
Since taking the position in 2011, Kaler has increased resident tuition at a lower rate than previous presidents. During Kaler’s tenure, resident undergraduate tuition has risen over 11 percent. Under University President Bob Bruininks, resident tuition rose around 48 percent. Nonresident tuition under Kaler has increased around 12.5 percent during the previous academic year. University sophomore Austin Berger said he believes Kaler has been more progressive than other presidents, although he criticized Kaler for not ending tuition hikes. Berger also cited Kaler’s opposition to the results of the UMN Divest referendum, which passed during last year’s all-campus elections, as a failure of his tenure. The student body passed the referendum by 217 votes, calling for the University to divest involvement with companies involved with Israel.
Faculty react across system campuses Throughout Kaler’s tenure, financial and academic priorities have been key points among feedback from faculty and staff across the University system. Joseph Konstan, chair of the Faculty Consultative Committee, said the decision surprised some in the Twin Cities’ faculty, while it has prompted others to offer input in the search for a new president. On the Morris campus, professor of chemistry and University Senate Educational Policy Committee Chair Jennifer Goodnough said a majority of the faculty doesn’t feel strongly about the decision. “Seven years [as president] is a long time. u See RESPONSE Page 10
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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JACK RODGERS, DAILY FILE PHOTO
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro speaks in the Northstar Ballroom of the St. Paul Student Center on Monday, Feb. 26.
Conservative groups sue U for discrimination in Shapiro event The lawsuit claims the University’s decision to host conservative speaker Ben Shapiro in St. Paul is proof of bias. BY MADELINE DENINGER mdeninger@mndaily.com
The conservative student group that sponsored Ben Shapiro’s February visit to campus is suing the University of Minnesota, alleging discrimination and a violation of First Amendment obligations. Following the University’s decision to host Shapiro’s lecture on the St. Paul campus, the Young America’s Foundation cited the incident as an example of bias on the school’s part in a lawsuit filed in federal court on July 3. The lawsuitlists YAF, Students for a Conservative Voice and Shapiro as plaintiffs. The lawsuit alleges the University held the event, hosted by SFC, Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow and Minnesota Students for Liberty, in the North Star Ballroom on the St. Paul campus instead of
a larger venue on the Minneapolis campus due to the threat of a protest despite the student group’s requests. “As a result of the forced relocation to the [North Star] Ballroom, many students were prevented from attending and participating in the speaking event, and Shapiro was forced to speak to less than half the number of students that desired to attend,” the lawsuit reads. University Relations Vice President Matt Kramer denied the decision to host Shapiro in St. Paul was evidence of any bias by the school at a press conference leading up to the event. Kramer said the University has welcomed and will continue to welcome conservative speakers on campus. The University is aware of the complaint and plans to review it carefully to determine its next steps, University spokesperson Chuck Tombarge said in July.
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Response u from Page 8
I think that it is really good that people are neutral about his presidency and resignation. He did a lot during his time,” she said. University of Minnesota-Duluth Chancellor Lendley Black said Kaler’s advocacy at the Capitol extended to Duluth’s needs, demonstrating a commitment to all system campuses. “President Kaler has been a strong supporter of UMD and helped us define our important role within the UMN system,” Black said in a statement. Kaler often stressed keeping undergraduate tuition low throughout his time in office. But Konstan said this emphasis sometimes took away from other University priorities. “It was always frustrating how challenging it was to get the rest of the University the same amount of attention,” Konstan said. This focus on undergraduate tuition partially came from pressure from the state Legislature to align the University’s priorities with those of lawmakers, Konstan said. Last legislative session, the University requested $10 million from the state’s surplus to hold tuition flat for undergraduate resident students, but the allocation was denied by the state’s higher education committees. Daniel Frisbie, head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, said Kaler has been successful in representing the University’s needs at the Capitol. “The biggest challenge [in the presidency] is to communicate with the Legislature,” he said. “Despite the surprises Kaler had to deal with, he’s done a great job so far.” Faculty’s focus on search As the search begins for Kaler’s replacement, faculty members says they hope their perspectives will be considered in the process. “I want to see somebody that has a real vision for the role that a public research university can play... someone who can build a strong rapport with the public, state Legislature and the governor,” Konstan said. Jigna Desai, a professor in the Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies department, said it’s important the next president have an academic background like Kaler. “Most importantly, [there is consensus from faculty] that University presidents should be scholars and academics rather than political or business figures,” she said.
MADDY FOX, DAILY FILE PHOTO
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents hears a presentation from University of MinnesotaCrookston Chancellor Mary Holz-Klause at McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Search for new U prez begins Storbeck/Pimentel and Associates said the search is scheduled to last 14 weeks. BY KATRINA PROSS kpross@mndaily.com
The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents held a special meeting in late August to discuss the search for the next University president. Last month, University President Eric Kaler announced he will step down as president next July. The selected third-party search firm Storbeck/Pimentel and Associates gave a presentation at the meeting and the board amended Kaler’s employment contract. Kaler will serve as president until June 30 and will then become President Emeritus for one year to aid in the next president’s transition and fundraising. He will then take a sixmonth paid “transitional leave,” before assuming a faculty position in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. The board approved the contract amendments by a 10-2 vote with Regents Richard Beeson and Dean Johnson voting against the
contract changes. Beeson declined to comment on his voting decision. Kaler was voluntarily not present at the meeting to limit his influence on the decision. “Since we are talking about [Kaler’s] contract and his successor we thought it best that he attend to [other] business,” said Regent David McMillan. The search process is tentatively scheduled to span 14 weeks, and the search firm will work with University regents and the Search Advisory Committee made up of University personnel to make their recommendations. The chair and leader of the Search Advisory Committee will be a University regent, McMillan said. Storbeck/Pimentel and Associates will lead the recruiting process and seek out candidates for the position. “The best candidates never really apply, they have to be coaxed into it,” said Alberto Pimentel, managing partner of Storbeck/ Pimentel & Associates. Pimentel said the firm will seek candidates that come from diverse backgrounds and have demonstrated leadership capabilities. The market for top university administrators is currently competitive as several
large universities, including the University of Colorado, University of Connecticut and University of Southern California, are also searching for new presidents, Pimentel said. Pimentel said he hopes to meet with the search committee in September after its members are selected to discuss what the committee wants in a new president. After the presidential candidate finalists are selected, the board will make its final decision. Several regents voiced their wishes for the next University president. Regent Darrin Rosha said the next president should seek the position because they have a passion for public service and the university, not solely because of the large salary. “We should seek a candidate who is as much or more committed to advancing the mission of the University and serving our students and the state than securing personal financial well-being,” Rosha said. Regent Randy Simonson said the next president should take greater Minnesota into account and support agriculture. Adding, the next president should focus on ways to lower tuition.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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UMN, community respond to travel ban decision The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ban, which limits travel from seven countries. BY CLEO KREJCI ckrejci@mndaily.com
The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 26 decision to uphold the Trump administration’s travel ban has raised questions for many at the University of Minnesota. The ban, which limits travel for people from seven countries, has many implications for some University members and has spurred national action on the issue since it was announced in 2017. The travel ban impacts Libya, Iran, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea and Venezuela.
TONY SAUNDERS, DAILY FILE PHOTO
Lili Rochelle listened to Keith Ellison speak at the Minneapolis courthouse during a protest on Tuesday, June 26.
Campus response “When I came here, I came with the hope that the U.S. ... accepts others,” said Sarah Shueb, a Ph.D student from Libya, one of the countries regulated by the ban. “So when this ban happened... it’s like when you have a dream or an expectation of something, and it’s all shattered.” The University’s Immigration Response Team has worked with those impacted by the ban since it went into full effect, hoping to provide support for current and prospective students who are unsure of their visa status, travel options or ability to continue with academic programs. “[The ruling] maybe doesn’t change the content of the advice we’re giving [to those impacted] ... but it changes the timeline,” said IRT Director Marissa Hill-Dongre. “There is less likelihood that it will be changed now in the short term than some people hoped before.” Shueb said she is unsure if she will be able to attend an international academic conference in the United Kingdom for fear of being unable to re-enter the U.S. if she travels abroad. “With a Ph.D, you want to focus on your research, focus on advancing your career... you don’t have time for this stuff,” Shueb said. To address concerns surrounding immigration, the Minnesota Student Association plans to create a task force this fall dedicated to aiding international students, immigrants and noncitizens.
MSA President Simran Mishra said the idea surfaced in response to a culmination of immigration-related issues. “Even if we can ensure physical safety [for those impacted], the emotional piece of not feeling welcome, of not feeling like you belong is something that… [is] not necessarily under the control of the University of Minnesota, but there’s so many things that we can do to support these students and try to bring a sense of normalcy back,” Mishra said. The University’s International Student and Scholar Services has met with prospective international students and their families, many who have expressed concern about the country’s climate on immigration, travel conditions and anti-Muslim sentiment, said ISSS Assistant Dean Barbara Kappler. “All of the things that happen when one is both an undergrad and graduate student — the life events, [like] if a student has a family member who is ill and they want to travel home to see them — all of that is impacted,” Kappler said. City-wide response The Supreme Court’s decision instigated a June 26 protest of more than 100 people at the Minneapolis Federal Courthouse where community members and lawmakers such as Rep. Keith Ellison, D - Minn, and Rep. Ilhan Omar, DFL-Minneapolis, spoke on the issue. “We recognize as much as this is federal, this impacts local,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which helped organize the protest. Protesters in the crowd shouted, ‘Hey, Trump, let’s be clear, Muslims are welcome here.’ “We want city leaders, we want state leaders to start to recognize that this... has a financial impact on the city, also it actually has many other impacts including the health and well being of their residents,” Hussein said. Attendee Sandra McAnany said she and her granddaughter attended the protest to support friends. “I have 10 grandkids [and] I think the political environment is really, really changing fast and I don’t want them to like look at me in 20 years and be like, ‘Well, what did you do?’’’ she said.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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Closing time for several Dinkytown businesses TIFFANY BUI, DAILY FILE PHOTO
The contents of Ed Nelson’s suitcase, the only item Nelson took with when he left the Hair Shaft on June 24. Nelson was a barber in Dinkytown for 49 years.
While some tenants look for a new location, Dinkytown Optical set up shop Monday. BY TIFFANY BUI tbui@mndaily.com
As of August, the historic building adjacent to Varsity Theater stood empty. In February, Milo’s on Fourth, Dinkytown Optical, Underground Printing, Blue Serge Alterations and Hair Shaft barbershop received notices to vacate the building, which stands on the corner of 4th Street Southeast and 13th Avenue Southeast, by Aug. 1. Some tenants said they expect the building’s landlord to sell or tear down the building, but are unsure when. Some tenants of the building will head to a different Dinkytown location while others are
Voting u from Page 5
versity’s ongoing presidential search if he wins the seat. “I don’t want to be left out,” he said. Noor’s Campaign Manager Nick Espinosa said Noor is a “beloved” figure in the Cedar-Riverside community. “We knew that Noor has a lot of support in this community, across the entire community. But especially here in the heart of the Somali community,” he said. He added that with the victory Noor joins other Somali leaders, like Omar, who had success Tuesday night. Hodan Hassan won the
still figuring out future plans. Many of the businesses have a long history of serving students. “These are probably some of the oldest business owners in Dinkytown… so it will be different,” said Detronza Kirksey, owner of Milo’s on Fourth barbershop. Dinkytown Optical is the only one of the businesses that has secured another location so far. On July 30, the shop reopened in the spot on 4th Street Southeast previously occupied by Verizon Wireless. The business has been in the area for around 45 years, said co-owner Nicole Davis. “We just need to adjust and get comfortable here and hope our patients stay with us even though we’re in a new spot and it looks completely different,” Davis said. Meanwhile, other businesses are still on the lookout for a new locations.
62A DFL primary, making her the second Somali-American woman elected to a state legislator if elected in November. “This election is really solidifying a progressive majority of elected officials from the Somali community,” Espinosa said. Noor ran for the Ward 6 City Council seat in November, which he lost to Abdi Warsame. In 2016, he ran against Omar for the 60B seat. “I’m excited. I’m just waiting for the final jubilation to make sure we really focus on bringing this district together. That’s really important to me because this is where I live, myself,” Noor said. Noor will face Joseph Patino in the November election. Patino received 190 votes in the
Kirksey said he is looking to rent across the street above Chatime teahouse. He envisions enlisting other entrepreneurs to help expand his barbershop to include other services. With eight years of experience running the barber shop under his belt, “it’ll be a [totally] different ballgame this time,” Kirksey said. Underground Printing is still scoping out real estate, but Sales Manager Helene Karp said she hopes the business can return to Dinkytown soon. “I think eventually we will be able to find [a place], I just don’t know how long it will take. Once you get into Dinkytown, people don’t like to leave,” Karp said. “It’s somewhere where you set your roots and stay there for as long as you can.” Some longtime tenants have no plans to relocate in the area. Blue Serge Alterations vacated the building on July 28 after 32 years in business and won’t seek a new Dinkytown space, according to the store’s management.
Dennis Anderson, who has worked as a barber at Hair Shaft for 15 years and now manages the barbershop, said the building’s close signals the end of his long career as a barber. Anderson said the eviction notice felt like a death sentence, claiming that rent in Dinkytown is too expensive for another small barber shop to operate in. “I said my life was over. How am I going to pay bills?” he said. Brett Naylor, the building’s landlord, could not be reached for comment. According to many tenants, Naylor’s notice said the building would no longer house businesses after current tenants vacate. The property lies within the historic district designated by the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Committee. Any changes, including construction or demolition, would require an application submitted to the City of Minneapolis.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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U moves forward with organics recycling The University implemented the organics plan as a part of its goal for sustainability. BY CLEO KREJCI ckrejci@mndaily.com
The University of Minnesota began rolling out a campus-wide organics recycling plan in early July. The University will implement its plan to scale-up its organics recycling over the next two years in order to reduce pollution, costs and waste generation on campus after several successful pilot programs and ongoing support from University leadership. The updates will add the option to recycle organics alongside paper and plastics in the four-system collection bins found in campus buildings and establish the use of 100 percent compostable eating utensils in University food service areas.
The ongoing work on organics also shifts the campus mentality around recycling by asking people to sort their waste into the expanded disposal options, which is called a centralized collection system. “When you put [sorting] in the hands of the waste generator, they become more responsible,” said Todd Tanner, interim recycling coordinator with Facilities Management. “It makes people think about what they’re generating.” University pilot studies showed that using the centralized collection method significantly increased the amount of waste gathered for recycling or composting. The organics programs not only have an environmental benefit, they also have a financial benefit — it costs $25 per ton to dispose of organics compared to $76 per ton for trash, Facilities Management senior student recycling coordinator John McKeown said in an email.
University leaders began working on the initiative when the Social Concerns Committee passed two resolutions in support of organics recycling earlier this year. The resolutions came to light after work between facilities management and other university committees in support of the centralized collection system and compostable utensils in University spaces. The resolutions were essential in facilitating the organics roll out, McKeown said. “There are a lot of different competing interests and motivations in an institution of this size,” Tanner said. “You can’t undertake a monumental task like this without generating building cooperation through the system.” University leaders say it’s essential to increase education efforts in order to keep moving forward on the University’s sustainability goals, which include reducing contamination and increasing recycling rates. The Minnesota Student Association has
been aiding in the effort by working on pilot programs for implementing organics recycling in University residence halls since 2016. “It’s kind of... a push and pull between [MSA] having these ideas and kinda just giving them out to the students and like getting feedback in return,” said Jake Marble, MSA’s 2018 organics project lead. MSA ran successful pilot organics programs in the Middlebrook, Comstock and Bailey residence halls in spring 2018, Marble said. Facilities Management will prioritize setting up organics recycling in all University residence halls this fall. “Scientists agree the climate is changing,” Tanner said. “I think more and more people are becoming more aware of this and altering their behaviors, because everybody starts to realize that they have an impact on it and at some point if we don’t have enough people in the transition— well, I don’t wanna talk about that.”
Thursday, August 30, 2018
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Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Football players sue U for bias in sexual assault investigation The lawsuit alleges UMN targeted the nine players on a basis of race and gender. BY MADELINE DENINGER mdeninger@mndaily.com
Following a 2016 University of Minnesota football scandal, nine players involved in the school’s investigation into their alleged sexual misconduct are suing the school for racial and gender bias. The lawsuit was filed on June 8. According to the federal court documents, the plaintiffs believe the University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action’s investigation targeted the men
unfairly. The lawsuit lists President Eric Kaler and the Board of Regents as defendants. “Because of Plaintiffs’ gender, and to support an archaic assumption that male football players had a propensity for sexual misconduct against women, the EOAA investigators deprived Plaintiffs of the fair and impartial investigation to which they were entitled under the U.S. Constitution and University policies and procedures,” the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit also alleges that the players, all of whom are black, were unfairly targeted because of their race. It claims the University and specifically Kaler approached other accusations of sexual misconduct involving white individuals differently. Following an alleged sexual assault of an
unnamed female victim in fall 2016, the University investigated 10 football players, resulting in four expulsions and one suspension. There were no criminal charges made. According to a statement from University, the school will defend the results of the 2016 investigation and the process used. “The University thoughtfully and thoroughly responds when faced with disturbing allegations, and provides extensive process to students accused of misconduct, including the opportunity to be heard during thorough investigations, panel hearings, and Provost review. Further, aggrieved students have a right to review by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. ” the statement says. “We will vigorously defend the University.”
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