ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM Thursday, February 4, 2016
Ann Arbor, Michigan
michigandaily.com
GOVERNMENT
U.S. House committee hears Flint testimony AVA RANDA/Daily
Conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza, speaks during a debate at the Michigan League Ballroom on Wednesday.
Debate between prominent political figures draws 500 Topics of contention included Middle East, education and economic policy By TIM COHN Daily Staff Reporter
The University chapter of Young Americans for Freedom held a debate in the Michigan
League Wednesday between popular conservative filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza and University alum Bill Ayers, a liberal activist turned education professor at the University of Chicago. LSA sophomore Grant Strobl, president of the University’s Young Americans for Freedom, called the debate the “ultimate fight between the left and right.” The debate was moderated by LSA Dean Andrew Martin, each debater had 10 minutes to give
opening remarks and five minutes to rebut before opening the debate to pre-selected student-submitted questions as well as an audience Q&A session. The event drew almost 500 attendees. Before the debate, LSA freshman John Sack said that he was interested to hear what D’Souza and Ayers had to say, and was hopng for a lively, healthy dialogue. The debate covered a variety of issues, but specifically focused
on American foreign policy in the Middle East, economic mobility and education policy. Throughout the debate, D’Souza frequently pivoted back to the issue of individual economic freedom. This, he said, is one of the most important issues to him because of his personal experience as an immigrant who arrived in the country with only $500. D’Souza called the freedom to pursue financial wealth through See DEBATE, Page 3A
Members of Congress investigate individuals involved in water crisis By LYDIA MURRAY Daily Staff Reporter
The U.S. House Oversight Committee hosted a hearing on the Flint water crisis Wednesday, hearing testimony and questioning several individuals involved in the crisis. The water in Flint has been contaminated with lead since April 2014 following a switch from Detroit city water to Flint River water — a decision made by the city’s emergency manager, Darnell Earley, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in September 2013 in response to the city’s financial troubles. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D– Flint); Joel Beauvais, acting deputy assistant administrator
CRIME
FLINT
Men’s rights group cancels meeting in A2 Return of Kings organizer suspends member activity after protests worldwide By RIYAH BASHA Daily Staff Reporter
Return of Kings, a men’s rights group led by Daryush Valizadeh, has allegedly cancelled their Feb. 6 meetups in all locations, including one stated to be held in Nickels Arcade in downtown Ann Arbor, according to the group’s website. “I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time,” Valizadeh wrote in a post. “While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meetups.” Valizadeh initially announced worldwide
meetings for men who read his website on Jan. 22. On their website, ROK advocates for policies that would legalize rape and advances “neomasculine” thought, such as subordinate roles for women in society. The news of Ann Arbor’s meet up spread on social media late Tuesday night, and campus police took steps to gain more information about ROK’s activities after receiving multiple tips from the campus community. Stockwell Residence Hall sent out an e-mail warning residents to take caution, and the University released a similar statement Wednesday evening. “DPSS is working collaboratively with the Ann Arbor Police as well as other local, state and federal law enforcement partners to monitor the situation,” University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said in the statement AAPD Detective Lieutenant Robert Pfannes did not return requests for comments. The University’s statement See MEETING, Page 2A
in the Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Keith Creagh, director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; Marc Edwards, professor of environmental and water engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute; and Flint resident LeeAnne Walters all testified before the committee. Darnell Earley, previous Flint emergency manager, stepped down from his position as Detroit Public Schools emergency manager Tuesday, one day before he was required to testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Earley was not present at the hearing. The committee exists purely as an investigatory body to reveal information to the public and it will only be able to call forth witnesses and make suggestions to Congress. Peter Jacobson, professor of health law and policy, said he hopes Congress follow only recommendations set forth to See TESTIMONY, Page 3A
Discussion examines impacts of water crisis Pediatrician goes over events which led to the state of emergency in city By WILL FEUER
AVA RANDA/Daily
For the Daily
Kinesology sophomore Cass Bouse-Eaton and LSA senior Eileen Enright deliver opening remarks at the first annual Greek Life Speak Out at Palmer Commons on Wednesday.
Panhellenic Association and SAPAC host joint speak out Sorority members talk sexual assault within and outside of Greek life By EMILY DAVIES Daily Staff Reporter
The University Panhellenic Association partnered with the University’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center to host the first annual Greek Life Speak Out on Wednesday.
In front of an audience of 150 students, about 20 sorority members made their way to microphones at the front of the room to “break the silence,” about their experiences with sexual assault. Between each monologues, the audience sat in a silence, amid some displays of emotion. Many women spoke about sexual violence they have experienced within the Greek system, while others described their experiences with sexual assault outside of fraternity houses or the University. In addition to testimonies from
sorority members, Panhellenic peer educators — sorority members trained to assist and support survivors within their sororities — read aloud anonymous stories submitted through Facebook prior to the event. Due to the confidential nature of the event, the Daily was asked to not record or quote speakers. Instead of applause, Panhellenic members encouraged students to tie signs to a string stretching between microphones to demonstrate their support for their sisters. See SPEAKOUT, Page 3A
In an effort to have an open and transparent conversation on the Flint water crisis, Mona Hanna-Attisha, director of the pediatric residency program at the Hurley Medical Center spoke at the University Wednesday. In an hour-long presentation, she offered discussion of a timeline for the crisis and medical and psychological facts regarding lead and possible next steps. Hanna-Attisha headed a study in September 2015 that showed the proportion of children in Flint with high lead levels had significantly increased, contrary to what state officials said at the time. The lecture room in The School of Public Health was filled, along with two other full lecture rooms showing live See CRISIS, Page 3A
Music in Ypsi A look at how one band instructor is making a difference
» INSIDE
WEATHER TOMORROW
HI: 37 LO: 20
GOT A NEWS TIP? Call 734-418-4115 or e-mail news@michigandaily.com and let us know.
NEW ON MICHIGANDAILY.COM Sanders, Clinton to visit Flint for debate MICHIGANDAILY.COM/SECTION/NEWS
INDEX
Vol. CXXV, No. 66 ©2016 The Michigan Daily michigandaily.com
NEWS......................... 2A OPINION.....................4A SPORTS......................6A
SUDOKU.....................2A CL ASSIFIEDS............... 5A B-SIDE ....................1B