High: 58° Low: 45°
@kentwired KentWired.com MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
University offers wide safety net for students CAMPUS TIPS 100%
Whether walking back from a party late at night or getting locked out of their car, students have access to a variety of safety services at Kent State.
Kent State first-year retention rates
90% Goal 85% 82%
80% 70%
78%
77% 2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
81%
2014-15
82%
• Security aides spend more than 100 hours training before they begin their work. During training, aides are taught crucial lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid.
2015-16
Information on the Kent State freshman retention rates from 2011-12 to 2015-16 school years provided by the Office of the Provost website. (Above) Todd Diacon. Photo courtesy of Kent State University.
Provost under review for potential renewal Andrew Keiper Senior Reporter It’s been nearly five years since Kent State hired Todd Diacon as vice president of academic affairs and provost in April 2012. In that time frame, accomplishment and controversy have marked his tenure at the university. A 39-question, university-wide performance review is underway for Diacon as he prepares to enter his fifth year. The review, a standard university policy, is spearheaded by the Provost Review Committee, an 11-person panel formed from academic leadership at Kent State and Faculty Senate, according to John Crawford-Spinelli, chair of the committee. Diacon also penned a self-assessment that was made available to faculty and staff before they completed the online review. While the decision to renew Diacon as Kent State’s provost will ultimately be made by President Beverly Warren, Crawford-Spinelli said the feedback from administrative staff and faculty is necessary for her to make a sound decision. He said the president hopes to make a decision by the end of this semester. Diacon worked at the University of Massachusetts Amherst as deputy chancellor prior to coming to Kent State. Before that, he worked at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for 21 years. In 2009, he was appointed the executive director for academic assessment and program support. When he was hired at Kent State public records indicate his initial $275,000 salary as in the top 1 percent of all university employees. This past September, he received a 2 percent pay raise, putting his salary at just over $303,000 for the year. Diacon noted in his assessment that the academic profile of Kent State has risen nationally while he’s spearheaded policies aimed at putting students first. U.S. News and World Report has Kent State’s online graduate programs ranked 72 in the nation. Diacon said he’s proud of the successes and accolades of the university’s online programs.
SEE PROVOST / PAGE 2
• While security aides patrol hallways at night, perform fire safety inspections and enforce residence hall policies, they are also in direct communication with the Kent State Police Department via two-way radio.
A student walks by a campus emergency phone between Kent and Cartwright Halls on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Alyssa Keown / The Kent Stater
Following the lights to safety on Kent Campus Sarah Heber Safety Reporter Students have access to police at every turn with over 40 emergency blue lights on campus. However, some colleges, such as Bakersfield College in California, have been steadily getting rid of the system. Tricia Knoles, community resource officer for the Kent State Police Department, said the university will not be doing away with the lights anytime soon. Knoles said she understands the importance of keeping them on campus. “We will always have the lights because even if they don’t get as used as much as cell phones, there’s that one person whose phone isn’t working, or maybe they got robbed and they don’t have their cell phone,” Knoles said. “There’s always going to be (that) one person that needs the blue light phones.” Students are also pleased to keep the blue lights around. Sophomore interior design major Natalie Hanna said she used them often during her freshman year and wants other students to have the same access as she did. “I’m glad to know they are around even though I don’t use them anymore,” Hanna said. “Thinking back, I was scared to walk back at night and I’m sure other freshmen have felt that way and will continue to feel that way.” Sophomore early childhood education major Kayla Taglione said she never knew she needed them until she had to use one. “I was walking across campus alone at night and felt like I was being followed, but I wasn’t for sure. I used the blue emergency phone just in
case,” Taglione said. “I wasn’t taking any risks and I’m glad I had that as an option.” Each blue light has a key pad accompanied by a yellow information sheet. The sheet includes current location and a list of what numbers to dial for specific assistance, such as PARTA bus services and security escorts. For emergencies, a red button located above the dial pad calls 9-1-1 when pressed. The lights get tested multiple times throughout a semester, Knoles said. Officers are sent out to do trial runs to ensure everything is hooked up properly and that the location services are correct. The time in which it takes officers to arrive on scene can vary depending on time of the day and overall manpower on duty that day. “Our typical response time can range anywhere from 30 seconds to four minutes,” Knoles said. “Rush hour and construction (are) our biggest obstacles.” With more construction brings about more blue lights. As campus continues to expand, the emergency phones will follow. “The number changes often because of all the construction,” Knoles said. “We’ll keep placing more blue lights as they construct more buildings and walkways.” The blue lights create a sense of security for students, as well as an avenue for safety when needed. “When I’m walking late at night now, I always look to see where the blue lights are, so I know what direction to start bolting if I ever feel in danger,” Taglione said. “It’s comforting to see them and know where the nearest ones are.” sheber1@kent.edu
• Security escorts can be requested to walk students back to their dorm rooms late at night. Even when intoxicated, students can still request this service without penalization. To request an escort, call 330-672-7004. • Because residence halls are always locked, each hall has a two or three security swipe system to get into bedrooms. Kent State is also updating every residence hall lock starting this year. • Don’t let anyone into a residence hall if they don’t have a key card themselves. To have access to the building, they should reach out to campus security, the resident assistant or the person they are visiting. • Parking services also offers on-campus car assistance to students at no charge. This includes jumping batteries, unlocking doors and inflating tires. To contact the parking dispatcher for any of these services, call 330-672-4444. • To avoid theft, keep cars locked at all times and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Store important items in the trunk or underneath seats. • Police and fire officials encourage students to drive home and not walk if they feel as though they are being followed. If driving to a location is not possible, students should call 9-1-1 or use the blue light emergency phones located throughout campus. • Students should take caution when meeting anyone online. If going on that date is a must, students should tell a friend where they are going. If plans change, keep that friend informed. sheber1@kent.edu
Halftime pep talk credited with sparking late-season turnaround Nick Buzzelli Sports Reporter For coach Rob Senderoff, halftime of Kent State’s game against Miami (OH) on Feb. 14 was the turning point. Trailing by five to a team that had only won three Mid-American Conference contests up to that point, senior walk-on Jon Fleming gave his teammates an effective pep talk during the 15-minute halftime break that Senderoff credited with altering the trajectory of the season. Although Senderoff wasn’t able to specify exactly what Fleming iterated during halftime of the eventual 76-72 win, citing the fact that “a lot of things are sometimes said in the locker room that stay in the locker room,” whatever it was sparked four straight wins — including three over the MAC’s top teams. “Jon Fleming at halftime, in my opinion, what he said to our guys really changed how they came out in the next game and from that point forward, minus the first half of this game,” Senderoff said after Kent State knocked off Ohio by three Saturday night. “That to me was a turning point.” Since then, the Flashes have held opponents to 68.8 points per game, nearly four points below the season average and the team limited the amount of turnovers they commit en route to 9-7 overall mark in league play. Though taking it one game at a time has been a point of emphasis for the coaching staff since Kent State
‘‘
We came together right before the Akron game and were saying, ‘This could be the start of a wonderful journey and a wonderful story.’ ” – Sophomore guard Jalen Avery
dropped four straight league games in early January, sophomore point guard Jalen Avery said the team realized it was gaining momentum at just the right time prior to facing Akron on Feb. 17. “We came together right before the Akron game and were saying, ‘This could be the start of a wonderful journey and a wonderful story,’” said Avery, who extended his streak without a turnover to eight straight games in saturday’s game against Ohio. "When we come together as a team and we just want to win and put the effort in, I feel like we could win against anybody.” With two games remaining, Kent State is tied for third with Buffalo in the MAC’s East Division standings, one game behind Ohio for second. Despite the fact that Akron already clinched the conference’s regular season title, guaranteeing
itself a bid to the NIT if it fails to win the league tournament, Friday’s finale with the Zips could have major implications in terms of seeding heading into postseason play. While the top four seeds based on winning percentage, regardless of division, receive an automatic first round bye, the other eight must play on campus for the right to qualify for the quarterfinals, held at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Even though Kent State is currently in position to secure a first round bye, Senderoff knows that nothing is a guarantee in the MAC. “We still have two more games and, listen, we could lose both of them and lose in the first round of the tournament,” he said. “I know well enough how this league is. You got to play well every night to have a chance to win.” nbuzzel1@kent.edu
Kent State senior guard Jon Fleming drives the lane against Grambling State University at the M.A.C. Center on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. Clint Datchuk / The Kent Stater
Page 2 | Monday, February 27, 2017
The Kent Stater
Kent University Library to unveil One Stop in June Stater The
Paige Brown Libraries Reporter
The University Library will welcome the bursars, registrars and financial aid offices into a single location this summer in an effort to give students easier access. One Stop is the name of the service that will take the three front-facing services from the Office of Bursar, Registrar and Financial Aid and allow students to speak with one individual who will represent all three of those offices. “The whole idea is that our staff will be cross-trained and cross-functional to eliminate any Kent State shuffle,” said Iris Mirelez, director of One Stop Student Services. There will also be an added component of financial wellness which will assist students beginning to think about budgeting. “Moving it to a central location, like the library, they feel that it’s going to provide higher access for students,” said Kenneth Burhanna, assistant dean for engagement and outreach. With the road project on Summit Street happening, this means students will not need to cross the street to the Schwartz Center. One Stop will be available to any future, current and regional students who are coming to the main campus. However, Mirelez pointed out that regional campuses already have their own similar setups on their respective campuses that will continue to function. Those who work in One Stop will be responsible for face-to-face interaction, responding to emails and answering phone calls. They also plan to have a virtual chat option in the future. The service will have its own website that will house all the information traditionally found on financial aid, registrar, student accounts and financial wellness. “It will be a comprehensive website
240 FRANKLIN HALL KENT STATE UNIVERSITY KENT, OHIO 44242 Newsroom 330-672-2584
EDITOR
Jimmy Miller jmill231@kent.edu
MANAGING EDITOR
Alex Delaney-Gesing adelane3@kent.edu
SENIOR EDITOR
Karl Schneider kschne21@kent.edu
DESIGN DIRECTOR
Ray Padilla rpadill2@kent.edu
PHOTO EDITOR
Clint Datchuk cdatchu1@kent.edu
The first floor of the library remains under construction as part of the One Stop project on Wednesday. Kayla McMillen / The Kent Stater
to make life easier for students; that’s the whole goal, that’s why we’re doing this,” Mirelez said. One Stop will also have a social media presence with its own Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Students may have noticed some of the ongoing construction on the first floor of the library. They are using this opportunity to create one lab space for students. Kara Robinson, head of reference services, said the first two phases of the project have been installing new carpeting and there is one more phase to come. Robinson said that the Tech Help desk has been relocated to the back of the first floor of the library, right next to its training classroom where it is in a more seamless location.
Alumni Association releases Homecoming Court applications Miranda Kiner Alumni Reporter Applications for the 2017 Homecoming Court are available for students to submit now through April 10. Juniors and seniors who have attended a consecutive four semesters, have a cumulative 2.25 GPA, 78 or more credit hours and are graduating December 2017 or May and August 2018, are eligible to apply. The application and a detailed list of requirements can be found on the Kent State Alumni Association website. Dennis Watson, Kent State Alumni Relations assistant director, said they are looking for students who are involved with the campus and community. “Hopefully, these students have the passion and desire for Kent State,” Watson said. “Being on Homecoming Court, you are representing the rest of the student body.” Those who wish to apply must be nominated or sponsored by a student organization, college, athletic team, department or residence hall. Candidates will be notified by April 12 if they qualify and must be available for an interview April 17-19. The date for Homecoming will be announced toward the end of the semester. mkiner2@kent.edu
The men and women of the 2016 Homecoming Court for Kent State’s main campus lay on the “K” in Risman Plaza for their group picture Tuesday Sept. 27, 2016. Aaron Self / The Kent Stater
There will be new furniture including stand-up desks and new power fixtures located under each desk that will have USB outlets and plugs. Printing will also be moved, to an area with four printers. Although the Bursar, Registrar and Financial Aid offices will now be located in the library, they will keep their original offices in the Schwartz Center as well. This is where all the behindthe-scenes work and processing will be done for student accounts. “One of the benefits of a One Stop concept is that as a bulk of the front facing work (emails, phone calls) shifts to the One Stop," Mirelez said. "The intention and the hope is that this will allow those respective offices to be able to spend more time on the processing, get-
From Page 1
PROVOST Provost under review for potential ... “Kent State is one of the best in the country — among large, public state institutions — at delivering online courses and online programs,” Diacon said. Diacon is proud of the fully-online master’s programs that allow graduate students to attain an education without being tied to campus. “We have experienced considerable success since my arrival, as our retention rate has increased from 77 percent to 82 percent since 2012,” Diacon wrote in his self-assessment. The Kent Stater verified these numbers as freshman retention rates. “Our five-year graduation rate is now higher than the six-year rate was four years ago,” he said. “More students graduating in less time is proof of student success.” Kent State’s Institutional Research shows the number of graduates increased from 7,636 in 2012 to 9,563 in 2016, for a total increase of 1,927 graduates. The department did not have statistics showing an increase in the rate of graduates, only the total number. The growth in retention and graduation statistics are on par with the administration’s goals for the university, and Diacon said they would put Kent State among the best in the nation for institutions with a similar academic makeup. Kent State ranks in the top 200 of universities nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report. Diacon said intentional initiatives like online programming enhanced freshman transition classes and mandatory academic advising help to ensure Kent State’s growth as a well-regarded academic university. He said he prides himself on the collaborative spirit of his leadership style, and said many of the academic initiatives he’s led have succeeded due to team cooperation. The programs have been working, and Diacon said academia is noticing. “In the past 12 months our success programming earned three national awards: best freshman year transition program, best programming for students with undeclared majors and best learning center in the country,” Diacon wrote in his self assessment. To Crawford-Spinelli, metrics and accolades only measure part of Diacon’s success. Also weighted in Crawford-Spinelli’s evaluation of the provost is his interactions with the univer-
ting the behind-the-scenes work done for students." The idea of a One Stop is not unique to Kent State — it's been around for more than 25 years and different colleges set it up in their own ways. Mirelez said that she is proud of the university and how supportive everyone has been through this students-first initiative. “Students should know that the changes will result in convenience for them,” Burhanna said. Structural and staffing work is currently going on to get the One Stop up and running. One Stop is planned to open on June 5, which will coincide with Destination Kent State. pbrown31@kent.edu
sity’s faculty and staff. “I find the working relationship to be excellent with the provost,” he said. “He’s a good communicator, he’s very supportive of the deans, in my view, and has been very accessible when we need his input on things.” While Crawford-Spinelli finds Diacon to be an apt and capable leader of the university’s academics, some faculty have bristled with dissent at his decision making in the past. “The integrity of the (Reappointment, Tenure and Promotion) process has been seriously compromised due to the actions and decisions of Provost Todd Diacon,” the petition to the Faculty Senate for a vote of no-confidence read. “His decisions appear to lack sound logic and are clearly arbitrary and capricious in nature.” At the center of the tenure controversy that sparked the petition is Diacon and Navjotika Kumar, a former School of Art professor whose tenure was denied by the provost. Kumar ’s denial of tenure came despite her earning unanimous yes votes from external reviewers, the director of the School of Art and the dean of the College of the Arts. The petition had a total of 109 professors listed, 26 of whom chose to sign on anonymously “due to the legitimate fear of retaliation in the future RTP process,” according to the language of the petition. “He acts as if he is the monarch of Kent State,” Kumar said. “Large swaths of university-wide tenured faculty and students felt that Todd Diacon was violating both shared governance and academic freedom through his actions.” The Kent State chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) felt so strongly about Kumar’s case that it took the university to court for an arbitration hearing to resolve the dispute. Kumar said her goal in arbitration is not monetary — she is seeking acknowledgement from the university of their wrongdoing in her tenure case. Diacon said the case is out of court, but didn’t elaborate on the outcome. “I won’t speak to any particular personnel case because that’s our policy at Kent State,” Diacon said. “Since I’ve been here I’ve made two decisions that were appealed all the way to the Joint Appeals Board. In both cases unanimously — the professors on those appeals boards voted unanimously — that the decisions were reasonable.” akeiper@kent.edu
FEATURES EDITOR
Benjamin VanHoose bvanhoos@kent.edu
DIVERSITY EDITOR
McKenzie Jean-Philippe mjeanphi@kent.edu
OPINION EDITOR
Lucas Misera lmisera@kent.edu
SPORTS EDITOR
Henry Palattella hpalatte@kent.edu
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
Jenna Kuczkowski jkuczkowski@kent.edu
ASSIGNING EDITORS
Lydia Taylor ltaylor49@kent.edu Emma Keating ekeatin2@kent.edu Andrew Atkins aatkins5@kent.edu Jack Kopanski jkopansk@kent.edu Rachel Stevenson rsteve15@kent.edu
ILLUSTRATOR
Nicholas Labate nlabate@kent.edu
CARTOONIST
Joseph McGrellis jmcgrell@kent.edu
COPY DESK CHIEF
Olivia Minnier ominnier@kent.edu
Student Media Business Office
330-672-2586
STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR
Kevin Dilley kdilley@kent.edu (330) 672 0887
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Tami Bongiorni tbongior@kent.edu (330) 672 6306
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Katie Barnes-Evans kbarnes6@kent.edu (330) 672 0886
OFFICE MANAGER
Lorie Bednar lbednar@kent.edu (330) 672 2572
BUSINESS OFFICER
Norma Young njyoung@kent.edu (330) 672 0884
STATER ADVISER
Sue Zake szake@kent.edu (330) 672 3665
Advertising
330-672-2586
SALES MANAGER
Clara Sullivan
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Madeline Scalzi John Wroblewski Christian Caudill Casey Kulow ads@ksustudentmedia.com
Monday, February 27, 2017 | Page 3
The Kent Stater
Opinion
SUBMISSIONS
EDITORIAL BOARD
The Stater hopes to encourage lively debate about the issues of the day on the Opinion Page. Opinions on this page are the authors’ and not necessarily endorsed by the Stater or its editors. Readers are encouraged to participate through letters to the editor (email them to jmill231@kent.edu) and guest columns. Submissions become property of the Stater and are subject to editing without notice.
Opinion Editor: Lucas Misera Senior Editor: Karl Schneider Sports Editor: Henry Palattella Assigning Editor: Jack Kopanski
THE OPINION PAGE IS AN OUTLET FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S VARIED VIEWS.
JOSEPH MCGRELLIS’ VIEW // To see all the cartoons this semester, visit KentWired.com
On Hockey exits playoffs in tournament semifinals Erik Svensson Sports Reporter There were red eyes along Kent State’s bench as both the third period and the team’s season ended Saturday afternoon. The Flashes (19-14-2) lost their semifinal matchup in the Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League (GLCHL) to Adrian College, 3-2.
esvensso@kent.edu
Cheers&Jeers Cheers to ... Oxford Dictionaries. Words and phrases such as “yas,” “cat lady” and “drunk text” were officially added to the English language this weekend. Jeers to ... pesky rodents. A squirrel that found its way into a hydroelectric plant briefly shut off power to 12,000 residents in Sarnia, Canada. Sadly, the critter did not survive the incident.
Gavin Grimm case to set important precedent Bobbie Szabo Columnist The rights of transgender students to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender is not a states’ rights issue — it is an equal rights issue, and no one should frame it differently. The United States’ current presidential administration has announced plans to rescind guidelines administered by the Obama administration under the guise of protecting states’ rights. According to our current president, discrimination against individuals based on gender identity is completely legal and appropriate, as long as the states are in control. Earlier in the year, our Republican president tweeted the following: “Thank you to the LGBT community! I will fight for you ..., ” but his most recent decisions prove he cannot and will not keep that promise. Despite the presidential push toward inequality, the rights of transgender individuals to pee in the correct bathroom will be decided by the Supreme Court. Gavin Grimm, a student from a Virginia school who was segregated for being transgender by his local school board, is the plaintiff, and he is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union. The Supreme Court’s decision on this case is going to establish a precedent — a strong precedent either in favor of LGBT rights or against equality. It will create a tone of acceptance or a tone of condemnation. Grimm has been compared to Obergefell, McCorvey and other landmark Supreme Court case plaintiffs. To put it simply, G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board is important. It might be delayed until a new justice is appointed and confirmed. Yet, equality cannot and should not be delayed. Ultimately, the issue is not bathrooms. The issue is not states’ rights. The issue is not schools. The issue is discrimination. Transgender individuals have a right to be safe, and we must do all we can to ensure that safety — especially in supposedly safe places like schools. bszabo3@kent.edu
Pro-life individuals can support Planned Parenthood
Nicholas Hunter Columnist
Madison Newingham Columnist Being pro-life and supporting Planned Parenthood are not mutually exclusive. Planned Parenthood is a health care center with the best interest of its patients’ safety and comfort in mind. Everything the clinics do, they do to secure life. When pinned into the labels of prochoice and pro-life, some people pick one that they may not empathize with, but want to feel included. Under the umbrella of pro-choice, one can never personally decide to have an abortion if in that situation, but does not want to impress that belief on others. Also, there are many facilities aside from Planned Parenthood that do perform abortions; however, those clinics are not being targeted and many who identify as pro-life still use those clinics and hospitals. That said, if you feel the labels pro-life and pro-choice are too polarizing, you do not have to call yourself either. Your opinion can be private if you so choose, or it can be something that only applies to yourself and not society as a whole. Just because you are pro-life, this does not mean you must support defunding Planned Parenthood, despite the rhetoric of conservative politicians. Out of all of their services, 96.9 percent are unrelated to abortions. Consequently, supporting Planned Parenthood inherently means you support accessible healthcare. That said, I completely stand behind abortions. However, suggesting that the organization only provides abortions is very incorrect. If you are still weary, allow me to elaborate. In case you are concerned that your taxpaying dollars are funding abortions, I want to reassure you that this is not the case. No federal taxes go toward abortions. I reiterate, the Hyde Amendment bars federal funds from paying for abortions with the exceptions of life of the mother, rape and incest. I also want to stress that Planned Parenthood intends to reduce the number of abortions needed and the entirety of its work contributes to lowering the number performed. Defunding Planned Parenthood will not reduce the number of abortions. Contraception, which the organization obviously offers, counters the need for abortions. Planned Parenthood offers proper sex education, birth control and condoms to reduce this number. Similarly, Planned Parenthood clinics offering abortion services are not the only clinics where one can receive an abortion. Defunding the organization will inhibit it from allocating the necessary funds for contraceptives, screenings and proper sex education. I also want to note for the state of Ohio, sex education is not standardized. Thus, schools get away with preaching abstinence despite being public educators. If an individual experiences a pressing issue and needs a prompt appointment at a health care provider, one can make same-day appointments with Planned Parenthood. Most clinics and hospitals have waiting periods of around two to three weeks. Planned Parenthood offers last minute appointments and free gynecological services to women who otherwise may not get treatments they need in general or in a timely manner. Interesting to note, as many who identify as pro-life are social conservatives and vote
Unsurprisingly, Trump will skip Correspondents’ Dinner
Republican, Planned Parenthood has been receiving federal funds since 1970 when former Republican President Nixon signed the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act into law. Again, I want to repeat that Nixon, a Republican, secured funding for Planned Parenthood. I understand if you are morally drawn on the issue of abortion; it is a really uncomfortable talking point that draws back to values. Since debating a resolution over values has shown to be impossible, I urge you to consider the women who will be put at risk without abortions. In pre-Roe times, it was normal for women to die from unsanitary abortions, and reverting back to this period is unsafe for the women living right now. Planned Parenthood affiliate groups actively support and advocate for reproductive rights and the necessity of reasonable care. This is just a reminder than Planned Parenthood is health care — that’s it. Attacking clinicians and clinic workers only hinders their ability to provide basic services to patients and threatens the lives of those employees. Protesting clinics suggests the protesting of health care because Planned Parenthood is not a political organization. The notion of defunding Planned Parenthood is an unfair, poorly targeted proxy war, which, if successful, will cause nearly 3 million to lose readily accessible care, including STD testing, cancer screenings, birth control and other services which will only increase the number of unsafe abortions. This is not pro-life. It is wrong that those whom Planned Parenthood does not affect are the ones so forcefully pushing to defund such an important organization. I want to point out the irony in those without uteri — many of who will never have to be personally pregnant or decide what to do with that private and personal pregnancy — can easily and hastily make decisions that will never affect them. Through their legislation, rich, predominantly white male congressmen assert that women are not capable of making their own decisions about their bodies. I promise you will never see a panel of all women stand behind Republican leaders in support of defunding Planned Parenthood in the same way that we constantly see panels of all men standing behind President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Gov. John Kasich and others who have cut funding for Planned Parenthood and abortions, or have made efforts to do so. Republicans want to defund Planned Parenthood because it is not their entity — they gain no political power through it. Conservative legislators can pretend that they are helping you by gaining power through convincing you Planned Parenthood is evil. Stripping health care away from you with no alternative plan will not help you. They fight Planned Parenthood to advance their agenda, not yours. I urge you to reconsider your position, especially if your reason resonates in abortions. Finally, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman’s record reflects that he has voted to defund Planned Parenthood five times. I urge you to call his offices to voice your dissent against his stance. mnewing2@kent.edu
President Donald Trump announced on Twitter Sunday that he will not be attending the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner this year. Trump will be the first president since 1981 to miss the event; Ronald Reagan missed the event that year because he was recovering from getting shot in an assassination attempt. The event, scheduled for April 29, is held by the White House Correspondents’ Association, which is made up of White House journalists from independent news companies across the country. “The WHCA takes note of President Donald Trump’s announcement on Twitter that he does not plan to attend the dinner, which has been and will continue to be a celebration of the First Amendment and the important role played by an independent news media in a healthy republic,” WHCA President Jeff Mason said in a statement on their website. “We look forward to shining a spotlight at the dinner on some of the best political journalism of the past year and recognizing the promising students who represent the next generation of our profession.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Susan Huckabee Sanders defended Trump on ABC’s This Week, arguing, “If a Girl Scout egged your house, would you buy cookies from her? I think that this is a pretty similar scenario.” “This wasn’t a president that was elected to spend his time with reporters and celebrities,” Sanders said. The problem is that this is not about just that. Nearly every president has had a lessthan-friendly relationship with the news media, but this goes much further. Trump is declaring that news organizations such as The New York Times, CNN and NBC News are “fake news” and, therefore, “the enemy of the people.” Calling news organizations fake news may not be changing many peoples’ opinions about Trump or the media, but it is creating a new dynamic between the White House and the news outlets — one in which Press Secretary Sean Spicer is spending time in the press room lecturing the White House press corps about what they should be reporting. Meanwhile, unflattering news organizations to the president are getting shut out of White House briefings, and senior adviser Stephen Miller is drawing scathing criticism from cable news hosts because of his unsettling comments about Trump’s authority over the federal government. In other words, the Trump administration is making the news media their direct opponents in an attempt to discredit news outlets he sees as adversaries. So, of course he doesn’t want to go to a dinner where he is expected to stand in front of those very people and crack a few light-hearted jokes; that would discredit his mission. Instead, Trump will likely watch every second of the event on TV, take notes of every person there who makes a joke about him and draft a special tweet for each one of them. They’ll all get the “hack,” “un-funny” or “fake news” treatment, and yet another layer of aggression will be created. If Sanders wants to call the news media Girl Scouts, maybe there’s a better analogy: If the Girl Scouts are willing to openly disagree with Trump and still offer him cookies, maybe he should stop throwing eggs at them and just take their free cookies. nhunter6@kent.edu
Page 4 | Monday, February 27, 2017
The Kent Stater
New study abroad University College Assistant Dean: ‘The little guy helping the little people’ program aims to
educate health majors
Olivia Williams African-American Student Life Reporter From being placed in special education classes and struggling with a speech impediment to making major strides in higher education, Kent State’s Assistant Dean of University College Nadir Akbar (N.J. Akbar) has accomplished much in his near 10-year career. Over the last two years, Akbar has received three major awards, one of which he called the most important and humbling: the Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award, which he received in May 2016. “I strive to try to bring the voices of students from underrepresented backgrounds to every table and putting it front and center instead of it being a conversation in the margins," Akbar said. "I was nominated as a humanitarian in the field of education for those things." He was nominated by a colleague who observed his work and efforts that he has made over the years. Those same efforts are the ones that led him to the position that he is in today. “I am still in awe that someone would even think of me as a humanitarian in that way for education," he said. In July 2015, he was given the Greater Akron Chambers "30 for the Future" award, which recognized his work as a young professional in the greater Akron area. This January, he received an award from The Ohio League of Black Women Akron chapter, honoring him as one of the African-American males of significance in the city of Akron. Shana Lee, director for special projects and initiatives within the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Kent State, nominated him for the award. “I think because I’ve always seen myself as what I like to call 'the little guy helping the little people.' Sometimes I have a hard time seeing myself as significant," Akbar said. Akbar is a proud product
Eryn Gebacz International Students and Issues Reporter
N.J. Akbar, assistant dean of the University College, poses for a portrait in the Kent State University Library on Saturday. Jana Life / The Kent Stater
of the Detroit public school system. He was placed in special education because of a lisp and stutter. During this time, he didn’t want to even talk in public or read aloud. He said the Detroit school system did a great job of making sure his disability was not something that would hinder him, so that he'd be able to move forward. Akbar went to Eastern Michigan University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in history and English for secondary education. He has a master’s in educational leadership for higher education from Eastern Michigan. He recently completed course work for a Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education and is waiting to take his comprehensive exams. Akbar credits his parents and grandparents for his success. He said his parents did not have college degrees, but they still always showed him
love and support. His grandfather was the first person who put in his mind that he could go to college, calling him a professor when he was eight years old. Even with a learning disability and speech impediment, his grandfather still envisioned him in a college setting. Akbar said that is something that meant a lot to him that he still holds on to. Eboni Pringle, dean of University College, has known Akbar for eight years. She recruited him for a position as director of Student Success Programs. "He’s very passionate about allowing students that space to discover who they are," Pringle said, "and then taking that information and helping them to make the connections between where they’re at right now and where they want to be and resources they need to piece together the larger puzzle of their life."
Akbar prides himself in being an advocate for students, believing it is an important piece of being a great citizen and leader and feels that advocacy is greater than yourself. Pringle said she believes that Akbar's job is a natural fit for him because of the passion he has for his work. He emphasizes to his students that personal accomplishments should be celebrated and that they should not count themselves out. “I tell my students that we have to celebrate our successes, and I often times have to remind myself of that. There is not many people who can say that they could not read at grade level, and now they are working on getting a Ph.D. Not many people can say they’ve been counted out but have been able to overcome all of their barriers." owillia8@kent.edu
In its inaugural year, the Florence Health Institute educates students in healthrelated fields while helping them add an international lens to their practices. The program is co-sponsored by Kent State and the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Any students majoring in health related disciplines are encouraged to apply. The Florence Health Institute’s intent is to replicate the Florence Summer Institute, but specifically tailor the program and course offerings to health majors. These majors include nursing, public health, medicine and pharmacy students. Amber Cruxton, assistant director for education abroad, discussed how the new program has been popular with students so far. “So far, we have more than a dozen who have applied and many more who have expressed interest," Cruxton said. Cruxton shared some of the courses offered through this new program, like Comparisons of Health Care Delivery Between Italy and the U.S., The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Communities and Persons and Plagues that Shaped the World. College of Nursing Assistant Professor Pam Stephenson and Interim Chair of Health Policy and Management Christopher Woolverton have been working on the development of this program. Stephenson discussed how the program focuses on allowing various students in different health related majors the opportunity to learn together and from one another. “We’re hoping students gain cultural experiences that are outside their familiar zone and this program brings dif-
ferent professional groups together so they can understand better how they work together,” Stephenson said. Woolverton will be instructing the Plagues that Shaped the World course this summer. Students taking the course will look at what happened in the 1300s and 1500s when the Bubonic Plague wiped out two-thirds of Europe. “We’ll look at how that impacted the number of people who died who would have contributed to history, literature, music and medicine and would that have led us into a better Renaissance period,” Woolverton said. Cruxton shared how students will be traveling to Siena, Italy for part of the program. While in Siena, students will visit one of the oldest hospitals in Europe that is no longer functioning. Where tuberculosis patients were taken care of. From this trip, students will learn the concept of how the doctors treated tuberculosis before it was considered a treatable disease. Students will also learn from a professor from the University of Siena through a lecture on "Influenza in Italy" and through different excursions in Siena by talking to locals. “As a part of the program, students will travel to Siena, Italy - a beautiful Tuscan hill town just outside of Florence,” Cruxton said. "It is also possible for students to travel independently while in Florence. Classes meet Monday through Thursday, so each weekend allows three days to visit a dream destination." Students in any health related field interested in applying have until March 15 to complete the application. “This really is a unique opportunity for anyone that is thinking about a health related career,” Woolverton said. egebacz@kent.edu
Monday, February 27, 2017 | Page 5
The Kent Stater
Sports
SPORTS EDITOR: HENRY PALATTELLA // HPALATTE@KENT.EDU
Stypinski, Lamano shine in Flashes’ season-best meet Scott Lendak Sports Reporter Kent State senior Skyelee Lamano focused intensely with her hands on her knees as she watched her teammate, junior Rachel Stypinski, earn the second highest score on the floor routine in Kent State history. “Rachel just has such a dynamic routine,” coach Brice Biggin said. “There was some great competition there, so for her to go out there and do that really helps our team score tremendously.” The junior received a 10.000 and 9.950 from the judges for an overall score of 9.975. Individually, she won the floor exercise and balance beam titles in the meet at North Carolina State University. Stypinski said it was an honor to enter the Kent State record books. “It’s such an honor finding out I’m in that company,” Stypinski said. “Hopefully I can keep it up for my team and improve my other events and all-around as well.” The Flashes (3-8, 1-3 MidAmerican Conference) won the floor event in Saturday’s tri-meet against North Carolina State and
George Washington University. Kent State lost to No. 16 George Washington and defeated North Carolnia State. The Flashes earned a 196.125 team score, their highest team score on the season and a mark that broke the previous seasonhigh team score in each of the past three meets. It was also the second straight meet that Kent State’s opponent posted a seasonhigh team score. “In this sport it’s crucial to get hot at the right time,” Biggin said. “With how we performed, we’ve put ourselves in really good shape going forward.” Biggin was proud of the team’s effort and attitude. “I was most pleased today with how the girls stepped up and met the competition,” Biggin said. “They stayed focused the entire time and it was just a fun meet to be involved with.” Lamano got the crowd on their feet when she delivered a floor routine full of energy and facial expressions. “I just use as many facial expressions as I can to keep the crowd entertained,” Lamano said. “I know our fans look for-
ward to my routine, so I try to give them a show as much as possible.” Lamano’s floor routine was good enough for a season-best 9.875 and a tie for second place. “There is the famous saying: practice makes perfect. We have definitely been practicing a lot better,” Lamano said. “It shows when we make improvements in the meets every week. We have to continue to improve and I’m so proud of the team.” Juniors Brooke Timko and Michaela Romito both posted career-best scores on the uneven bars. Timko scored a 9.875 to tie for first, and Romito earned a 9.850 to tie for fourth. “We haven’t gotten a 196 away from home in a long time,” Stypinski said. “It gives us confidence heading into the conference tournament. We don’t just want that score again, we expect it.” The Flashes are on the road again to resume their MidAmerican Conference schedule with a 6 p.m. meet on Friday at Bowling Green State University. slendak@kent.edu
Kent State junior Rachel Stypinski performs her floor routine during Kent State's "Flip for Cure" meet against Central Michigan University at the M.A.C. Center on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017. Aaron Self / The Kent Stater
Baseball and softball secure wins over weekend Scott Lendak Sports Reporter
Baseball
The Kent State baseball team won three games in a four-game series against Florida International University (FIU) over the weekend. The Flashes won the series opener 13-5 over the Panthers. Junior Eli Kraus (2-0) earned the win on the mound. He allowed four earned runs in six and two-third innings and struck out three FIU batters. Junior catcher Tim DalPorto led the way for the Flashes offensively with four hits and three runs batted in. Junior Dylan Rosa added three RBI with a home run and a triple. The Flashes split the doubleheader on Saturday against the Panthers. Kent State lost the first game 7-6 in 12 innings.
DalPorto had three hits and junior Brad Hamilton had a home run and 3 RBI. Senior Luke Burch added a four-hit effort for the Flashes with a double and triple. Kent State won the second game 3-2 in seven innings. Junior Zach Willeman (2-0) threw a complete game in the victory. He allowed one earned run, four hits and no walks while striking out two. In the final game of the series, the Flashes won 3-2 once again. Sophomore Joey Murray got the start on mound, he threw five and two-third scoreless innings and received a no-decision. The Flashes scored twice in the top of the ninth inning to secure the victory. The Flashes (6-1) will continue play next week in a tournament in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Classifieds
FRANKLIN SQUARE DELI The Tastiest Sub’s In Kent One Bite & You’ll Know! Since 1983, Downtown Open Till 5:00, 7 days Franklin Square Deli Sandwiches Made RIGHT! RAY’S TOMORROW FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION Shrimp - Crab - Chicken Jambalaya - Chicken Gumbo - Hurricane Drinks - Free Beads - Mardi Gras at Ray’s Day and Night Ray’s RAY’S TOMORROW FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION Shrimp - Crab - Chicken Jambalaya - Chicken Gumbo - Hurricane Drinks - Free Beads - Mardi Gras at Ray’s Day and Night Ray’s RAY’S TOMORROW FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION Shrimp - Crab - Chicken Jambalaya - Chicken Gumbo - Hurricane Drinks - Free Beads - Mardi Gras at Ray’s Day and Night Ray’s Build your resume! Young Explorers Aurora and Twinsburg are looking for part-time and full-time teachers. 330-562-5588 Send resume to lissette@youngexplorerschildcare.com Lawn maintenance company seeks FT/PT employee. Must have valid drivers license 4 points or less and reliable transportation, please call 330-688-3389 or email lawnpride1978@gmail.com.
All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” State and local laws forbid discrimination based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. If you feel you have been wrongfully denied housing or discriminated against, call the FHAA at 330-253-2450 for more information. Now Leasing for Fall REMODELED houses for rent 5 and 6 bedrooms Beautiful and close to KSU Starting at $385/mo (330) 552-7032 Luxury 4 Bedroom large rooms and yard Deck, Patio, Fire Pit FREE washer/dryer and parking 330-714-0819 Leasing for fall, newer 5 bedroom 2 bathroom house. Huge private yard, large deck, close to campus $1550/mo. Call or Text Mike 330-554-3976
Whitehall EAST Town Homes University Town Homes Town Homes still available 5/bedrooms 2.5/3 bathrooms Rents start as low as $450/mo/ person Call 330-990-4019 HOUSES FOR FALL 2017-2018 3, 4, 5, 8, & 9 bedrooms per house 330-547-1212 Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath duplex. Living Room and Family Room, Washer/Dryer, A/C, $960/ mo. Available July (330)760-4013(call/text). www.kent2rent.com Newer 4 & 5 bdrm duplex. W/D, DW, A/C, deck, firepit. $1480/mo. & up. (216) 536-3958 Nice Rooms for Fall 1 block from campus. $500/mo includes ALL utilities and wireless internet. No pets, 12 mo lease, non-smoking house. Chris Myers (330) 678-6984 Large Efficiency available for August 2017. Lots of storage, All utilities included except phone & cable. Call 330-678-3047 2 bdrm house available August 2017. $510.00 pr rm. W&D hookups, very cute. Call 330-678-3047 2 bdrm apt available for August 2017. $325 pr rm on our 10 pay plan, Includes ALL utilities except phone & cable. Call 330-678-3047
Single rooms available August 2017. Prices range from $385 to LEASING FOR FALL 2017 Spa- $415 on our 10 pay plan. Includes cious 3,4,&5 bedrooms with 2-3 ALL utilities except phone & cable. full baths. Great condition, A/C, Call 330-678-3047 washer/dryer, dishwasher, deck, garage. 330-808-4045 Single rooms available NOW. Prices range from $345 to $395 pr University Town Home, 5 BR, W/D, month. Call for addresses Dishwasher, 2.5 Baths, $395 per room, Free utilities, cable & in- 330-678-3047 ternet. Remodeled. 3 & 4 bdrm townhomes available 330-808-4045 for August 2017. On bus line, EXTRA LARGE BEDROOMS, W&D Shrewsberry Rentals hookups. $474.00 pr room includes gas & trash. Call Available for Fall 330-678-3047 Large 4 bedroom $1600 with water, sewer, recycling, and garbage Available fall 6 bedroom house, paid. 330-221-2881 1 block from campus. Featuring large bedrooms, free washer and dryer, front porch, plenty of off street parking at $430 per month per bedroom. Individual leases. There must be 6 people. Call Justin 330-328-1084.
Softball
The Kent State softball team went 3-2 in the Eastern Michigan University Madeira Beach Spring Invitational over the weekend. The Flashes fell in the first game of the tournament 1-0 in eight innings to Army West Point. Senior Ronnie Ladines threw a complete game and allowed just one unearned run in the loss. Kent State also lost in the second game of its doubleheader against the University at Albany 8-3. The Flashes committed three errors early and couldn’t come back. Senior Janel Hayes received the loss for the Flashes without giving up an earned run in two-thirds innings. The Flashes bounced back in the third game of the weekend with a 3-2 victory over Columbia. Ladines earned the win for the Flashes and threw a complete game. She
gave up two earned runs and struck out six Columbia batters. Ladines added two RBI offensively to lock up the win. Kent State won the next game over Stony Brook 11-3. Hayes threw a complete game, allowing two earned runs on seven hits. Junior Holly Speers and sophomore Jen Cader paced the Flashes offensively. Speers had three hits, including a homerun, while Cader added two hits with four RBI. Ladines topped off her weekend with a complete game, allowing three hits and no earned runs. The Flashes defeated Manhattan 5-2. Kent was well balanced offensively as eight different players recorded a base hit. The Flashes (7-7) will continue to play in the Kentucky Tournament on March 10.
To place advertising, call (330) 672-2586, email ads@ksustudentmedia. com, or visit us in 205 Franklin Hall, Kent State University. Business hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday.
House for Rent, 7 Bedrooms, Across from campus, On-site parking, $450/room plus utilities. 330-221-0460.
SUDOKU
August 1st: Studio apartment (Across from McGilvery Hall) parking and all utilities included. Please call between 9AM-6PM 330-715-8570 Available Now! Studio Apartments $495-525 1 bedroom units $625 Fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, very close to KSU, quiet community, 330-678-3785 Pre-leasing for fall! Studio Apartments $495-525 1 bedroom units $625 2 bedroom units $750 Fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, very close to KSU, quiet community, 330-678-3785 UNPLANNED PREGNANCY? Are you looking for a wonderful home and future for your child? We have been looking to share our love and lives with a child. Perhaps we are looking for each other. Kent State Graduate Please call 1-888-34-ADOPT code: 91704
REBUS PUZZLES
slendak@kent.edu
Page 6 | Monday, February 27, 2017
The Kent Stater