April 29, 2019

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RENAMING

BOARD STRIKES DOWN RENAMING 10-1

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

LEFT: Regent Abdul Omari listens in on the Board of Regents’ special meeting on Friday, April 26. Omari was the only regent to vote in favor of renaming. RIGHT: Professor John Wright faces the Board of Regents after receiving support from the crowd. The board voted against the renaming of four buildings on campus after more than a year of community discussion on the issue.

The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents voted against renaming four campus buildings despite protesters commandeering a special meeting Friday afternoon

to decry the resolution.

Regents voted 10-1 to reject renaming Coffman Union, Nicholson Hall, Coffey Hall and Middlebrook Hall — going against more than a year of student advocacy, a campus task force report and President Eric Kaler’s recommendations.

Students, faculty and other renaming supporters packed the meeting. Regent Dean Johnson, appointed as acting chair for the meeting, struggled to quell the vocal crowd as the meeting quickly became a raucous affair, interrupted at several points by audience members shouting, groaning and

FACULTY

STUDENT LIFE

A tense debate led to activists commandeering the discussion during Friday’s board meeting.

BY NIAMH COOMEY, AUSTEN MACALUS AND JAKE STEINBERG ncoomey@mndaily.com, amacalus@mndaily.com, and jsteinberg@mndaily.com

laughing during the discussion.

In a staggering move, John Wright, a longtime professor in the Department of African American and African Studies, stepped forward to address the board before regents took their vote. Johnson threatened to arrest protesters, but relented after protesters gathered around Wright to shield him from arrest.

Surrounded by a crowd of supporters, Wright gave an impassioned speech about the University’s history of discrimination — which is well known to the state’s black community — citing his family’s experience

10th Avenue Bridge repairs to start this fall Construction will make the bridge safer for pedestrians and bikers, city officials say.

Faculty say bias could harm women and POC instructors in student feedback surveys.

BY IMANI CRUZEN icruzen@mndaily.com

BY JAKE STEINBERG jsteinberg@mndaily.com

u See BIAS Page 3

u See REGENTS Page 3

NEIGHBORHOODS

U’s faculty warn of bias in feedback

When students fill out the end-of-semester Student Rating of Teaching form, it usually signals their stress is almost over. But for the instructors, it can be just the beginning.

Some instructors have to wonder if their physical appearance or skin tone might make a difference when tenure, promotion or a job itself is on the line.

With a growing body of research demonstrating that women and people of color receive lower ratings on student evaluations, the Women’s Faculty Cabinet is calling on the University of Minnesota to use additional measures for assessing a professor’s performance.

The cabinet plans to send a proposal to Executive Vice President and Provost Karen Hanson this week calling for the formation of a diverse task force to come up with what the cabinet calls a more holistic, less-biased way to judge an instructor’s teaching.

Ole Gram, assistant vice provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs, said students’ implicit biases can influence how they perceive a teacher.

“It’s a kind of error in judgment. It means that when we interact with the world, we have certain schemas in our head,” he said.

“For women, often it will be around appearance, clothes, things that are completely irrelevant.”

University policy mandates instructors’ teaching be assessed by students via

under President Lotus Coffman.

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme,” he said, quoting Mark Twain. “And we may not be repeating history here today.

But there certainly are rhymes here from the issues of this institution.”

Wright said that renaming buildings is not about erasing history: “It’s an issue of honor and institutional integrity, and no one has a permanent lease on honor.”

However, a majority of the board took issue with renaming buildings, citing former

“I very rarely call people out, because I don’t know if you have an invisible illness or something else that could prevent you from taking the stairs. But there’s so many times where I’m thinking, ‘Guys, what the heck, I’ve been waiting for 10 minutes,” Anderson said.

An undergraduate studying geography, Anderson is a 20-year-old wheelchair user who transferred to the University of Minnesota from a college with specialized disability programs in Illinois. Now, he’s attempting to balance school, work and a personal life with finding and paying for personal care assistants, accessible housing and transportation.

Disability advocates throughout the University have discussed the lack of training for professors, physical accessibility issues and problems with campus culture.

The city of Minneapolis has finalized plans for repairs to the 10th Avenue Bridge, with construction expected to begin this fall.

Once contract details are solidified, construction will close the bridge for 12 months starting in 2020. Improvements include additional bike lanes and sidewalk space while reducing traffic lanes from four to two, which officials say will make the bridge safer.

The bridge is currently used by two University of Minnesota bus routes: the 122 University Avenue Circulator and 123 4th Street Circulator. Project manager Meseret Wolana said the city has laid out multiple detailed routes for the closure that they will share with the University and the public.

“We’ll be informing the U bus company and everybody else ahead of time when we actually close the bridge,” Wolana said.

Wolana said the City will remove two traffic lanes from the bridge to add a protected two-way bike lane because there is not a high demand for the existing four traffic lanes. Construction will also widen the sidewalk on the east side of the bridge and add one to the west side. The added bike lanes and sidewalks will make the bridge safer and promote green transportation, said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board District 1 Commissioner Chris Meyer.

“It’s a terrifying bridge to be on so right now; I will generally go pretty far out of my way to avoid it. But it’s often the fastest connection to get from Marcy-Holmes to

u See DISABILIT Y Page 8

u See BRIDGE Page 3

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Geography undergraduate student Cole Anderson poses for a portrait in the skyway between Blegen Hall and the Social Sciences Building on Thursday, April 18. Anderson’s geography classes are in Blegen Hall and his adviser’s office is in the Social Sciences Building, but he can’t use the skyway because there aren’t automated push plates to open the doors.

Day-to-day with disability at UMN Some students feel that the University isn’t doing enough to support those with disabilities.

BY AUDREY KENNEDY akennedy@mndaily.com

This is the first part of a series on students with disabilities at the University.

Cole Anderson uses seven elevators to get from his apartment to his first class of the day.

He’s usually forced to wait to get in elevators because they’re too full — often, he sees able-bodied people crowd in while people with mobility aids, like those with scooters or wheelchairs, are left waiting outside.

Other times, he gets stuck between buildings, watching students use the single-person-wide ramp in the West Bank Skyway as a walkway.

ENVIRONMENT

University adds solar panel sites around campus as part of its goal to halve emissions by 2020 The current phase aims for a total of nine solar panel sites across both banks of UMN.

BY NATALIE RADEMACHER nrademacher@mndaily.com

A newly constructed structure topped with solar panels that towers over the Mondale Hall parking lot is part of the University of Minnesota’s efforts to increase renewable energy production on campus.

On Wednesday, University administrators, community members and people involved with the initiative gathered at Mondale Hall near the site of the panels to announce the installation of several solar panel gardens around campus.

Increasing the amount of renewable energy produced on campus is a step toward the University’s goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2020, officials said.

The University is working toward a bigger goal of offsetting 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The University had reduced about

one-fifth of its carbon emissions since the goal was created in 2011, according to a 2017 progress report.

Projects like the solar installations and a renovation overhaul to the main energy plant on campus have likely pushed the University even closer to reaching its goal since the last published update.

“Every little bit helps. Every piece that we add to that renewably-sourced energy helps bring down that carbon footprint,” said University Director of Sustainability Shane Stennes.

The project involves the construction of

nine solar panel sites on University grounds.

Along with the solar panel structure over the Mondale Hall parking lot, seven other solar panel sites were erected on rooftops of campus buildings and in a field on West Bank.

A location for a ninth solar panel site on campus is still being determined.

Construction on the sites began last summer.

This project is the first phase of the University’s plan to develop on-site solar u See SOLAR Page 3

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2011 Great Britain’s Prince William marries his longtime girlfriend Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London.

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Wearable tech combatting stress A UMN project is bringing together robotics and AI to hug away stress.

BY KATIE SALAI ksalai@mndaily.com

A University of Minnesota project combines robotics, simulated hugs and AI conversations in hopes of an eventual day-to-day stress tracking technology.

In a paper to be submitted by May 3 for the International Symposium on Wearable Computers, College of Design researchers detail a compression vest that can be used to relieve stress. A University of Minnesota Grand Challenges Initiative looks to combine three devices: a compression vest, a biometric-gathering bracelet and an at-home AI assistant into a stress management plan.

With the “Smart Hugs” technology, a person would speak to the AI in the morning about stressors they anticipate, and again in the evening to check in about stressful events. The bracelet

would track the indicators of a stressor and the vest would alleviate stress via the simulation of a hug.

“Some people may have a physiological reaction that is consistent with a stress response, but they may not perceive it as stressful. Maybe [they’re] so used to that,” said Serguei Pakhomov, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health Systems. “This is just kind of a starting project that puts together different technologies and different expertise.”

The team anticipates a wide variety of applications and is involving researchers from multiple disciplines. Some noted uses include assisting the elderly with remembering appointments or circumventing nicotine addiction through stress relief.

“Putting all the pieces together is one of the major innovations of this project, and each piece in itself is valuable,” said Maria Gini, a professor in the College of Computer Science and Engineering. “Because even if the entire system maybe is not used by too many people, the components

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLLEGE OF DESIGN

The Smart Hugs project for wearable technology.

will become very useful.”

The vest works through shape-memory alloys, which contract to compress the vest’s torso, upper arms and shoulders to simulate a hug.

It is still unknown why the physiological mechanism of compression is comforting to humans.

“Right now, we can basically create a squeeze anywhere on the body for any magnitude that we might want for any duration that we might want. And we don’t know what’s best, because there isn’t a prescription or a scientific basis as far as what is optimal,” said

Brad Holschuh, co-director of the University’s Wearable Technology Lab. The direct impacts of the vest are not intended to be medical. The compression primarily has emotional benefits that could change a person’s reaction to stressful situations.

“So the idea here is that the system will automatically monitor what’s going on with them with their daily lives and their physiology and apply interventions as necessary,” Pakhomov said.

The latest prototype of the compression vest has just been completed while human trials for the biometric-gathering bracelet will be completed May 2. The AI component of the research is still in early stages, but the team is looking to answer how “human” people will want this system to be.

“Do people even want these systems to have a more natural conversational style?” said computer science Ph.D. candidate Libby Ferland. “We’re trying to get some sense of how people’s reactions to different types of personalization varies.”

Knoll area to get major upgrade The popular campus area will receive $11 million in utility and road improvements.

BY MIGUEL OCTAVIO moctavio@mndaily.com

The oldest spot on the University of Minnesota campus is about to receive major improvements.

The Knoll area, located in the northwest corner of East Bank campus, will receive major utility and road upgrades through an $11.6 million project supported by money from Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement funding and several University Services units. The twophase project will begin in May 2019 and conclude in

September 2020.

Andrew Caddock, a senior planner on the University’s Planning, Space and Real Estate team, said the age of the area’s infrastructure prompted the need to fix deteriorated roads and outdated utility services. Caddock said the improvements are important to keep the buildings open for years to come.

Buildings in the Knoll area, like Burton Hall, the Institute of Child Development and Pattee Hall, are part of the Old Campus Historic District. Eddy Hall is the oldest building, dating back to 1886.

“It’s not just about roads and utility; we’re also readying the buildings for modernization,” Caddock said. “To see them in con-

tinued use is really rewarding for me and all my staff and colleagues who worked on this project.”

Phase one of the project will revamp road and sidewalk conditions along East River Road and Pillsbury Drive from May 16th through October 2019. The service drive along the Institute of Child Development is slated to close starting May 2020 until September 2020.

“It’s renewal and replacement driven by age and capacity,” said Erick Van Meter, University Facilities Management assistant director for utility operations.

Other components of the project include water and sewer system upgrades, tunnel repairs,

electrical upgrades and exterior lighting renewals.

Plans to expand a chilled water network in the area will make air conditioning more energy efficient.

Van Meter said building services will fail to function without the necessary updates. He also said the improvement will help set the area up for future development.

“We also have infrastructure that’s 80-plus years old that’s still in service in the Knoll area,” Van Meter said. “At the same time, we have to look at growth of the capacity to deliver power to these facilities as we consider adding new buildings, if they are in the plans for this area.”

Van Meter said address-

ing both the road and utility infrastructure renovations simultaneously helps keeps costs low and construction periods short.

“If we don’t address the utility infrastructure that will be needed in the nearterm at the same time, then we have to go back and tear up some of this infrastructure that we have put in for transportation just to be able to put in [utility] infrastructure,” Van Meter said.

Sandra Cullen, assistant director of facilities and transportation systems, said entrances to several buildings during construction will be limited but still accessible. Some parking spaces and bus stops in the area will close during parts of construction.

Architects hope to ‘frame’ Marcy-Holmes Frames are being placed around the neighborhood to highlight its culture.

BY ERIN WILSON ewilson@mndaily.com

The Marcy-Holmes neighborhood will accentuate areas of historical significance and engage the community as part of a creative project this summer.

Local architects will set up different sized frames throughout the neighborhood in areas of cultural and historical interest this summer. In partnership with Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc., the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association’s Creative Placemaking Committee has allotted $1,800 for the project as part of its new micro-grant program.

After beginning the planning stage earlier this month, the architectural team presented its ideas to the community at a MHNA general membership meeting April 16. The Cuningham Group will use community and city feedback to revise the project.

“I think we just kept seeing the value in the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUNNINGHAM GROUP ARCHITECTURE

Rendering of frames that will go in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood.

n e i g h b o rh o o d a n d t h e history; ... every time we went to a meeting or talked to someone, they always had a story to tell,” said Paul Brynestad, an architectural designer for Cuningham Group. “And so we wanted to literally frame each story so that it could be retold.”

With city approval, the architect team hopes to install medium-sized posts with multiple frames at neighborhood hot spots like the 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge. In addition to the posts, the project will

also provide residents with hand-held frames for individual use and window stickers for local businesses to show their involvement.

Eventually, the team hopes to add large-scale frames to areas like the Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park, but this would require additional funding outside of the micro-grant program.

Depending on where the frames are placed, the architectural team will need approval from jurisdictions including the city, the Minneapolis Park and

Recreation Board and the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The frames will likely have an interactive fact engraved on them with scannable codes to link residents to historic photos of the same area or websites with more information.

“The posts or the frames might be more about highlighting what is important ... to the history of the neighborhood,” said Cuningham Group architect Tyler Whitehead.

“These frames become that element that ties ... a

student who has only lived here for three months to a resident who has lived here since 1960.”

Russ Belk, board member of Preserve Historic Dinkytown, said he likes the idea of a project that highlights the area’s history but is concerned there is not enough money to maintain the project over the years.

“They need more money to make this real. … I’m a little worried about the permanence of [it] for that small amount of money, and is there any maintenance money for [it] and any kind of informational things that can go out and really let the community know what’s going on?”

Belk said.

Chris Lautenschlager, executive director of Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, said the project is a great way to engage the community.

“I’m really pleased with the direction Cuningham is going in,” Lautenschlager said. “I look forward to seeing further improvements to their design. ... It’s an intriguing project that tries to crack the nut of how to get people engaged and active within the community in unconventional ways.”

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Monday, April 29, 2019

Regents u from Page 1

administrators’ contributions to the University and the influence of the governing board at the time.

Though past discrimination on campus was reprehensible, many regents said the University should address its complicated history in other ways.

“As a community, the University needs to move on and we need to move on in harmony,” said Regent Steve Sviggum.

Regent Abdul Omari was the only regent to vote against the resolution. Board Chair David McMillan was absent from the meeting after being hospitalized with a serious infection, according to Vice Chair Regent Ken Powell.

“If these were men who just simply did what their bosses told them to do, I don’t think they deserve to be on our buildings,” Omari said.

The regents’ decision comes after months of contentious debate about the University’s history of campus segregation and the actions of former administrators during the 1930s and ‘40s.

However, some of the regents said they would have liked more time to talk with the University’s task force.

“In retrospect, I could have slowed the process to have allowed more time for the regents to provide input and for the task force to reply to your questions,” said President Eric Kaler.

The board unanimously passed a resolution directing incoming President Joan Gabel to develop “ongoing

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Student demonstrators hold up signs in protest of the Board of Regents’ position on building renaming during the special meeting on Friday, April 26.

commemorations, educational activities, and/or permanent educational displays” in one or more buildings during the the 2020-21 academic year.

It also instructed administrators to develop a more clear process to guide renaming going forward.

Regents also supported a statement commending the task force’s work, which has come under fire from some on the board. Regents voted 8-3 in favor of the statement, with regents Darrin Rosha, Michael Hsu and Regent Randy Simonson dissenting.

“The University’s faculty is commended for contributing to this ongoing

public discussion concerning our core values,” the statement reads. “Disagreement over the President’s recommendations from that report should not cloud the respect this Board holds for the quality of the Task Force’s work product and the integrity its members brought to bear on their academic inquiry.”

Rosha unsuccessfully tried to amend the statement, saying the board hasn’t had enough discussion about the University’s history and it is “premature” to make statements endorsing faculty.

“There are some of us who want to have a continuing

dialogue about the report to get to a sense of what is accurate in the report and what is not accurate,” Rosha said.

However, Omari pushed back on his colleagues, scolding others for their attacks on the task force.

“One of the reasons why the task force will not engage is because of our behavior at the March meeting,” he said.

The task force’s 125-page report faulted presidents Lotus Coffman and Walter Coffey, Dean Edward Nicholson and Comptroller William Middlebrook for their roles upholding segregation on campus and surveilling students.

Some regents have criticized the task force’s findings after the board’s March meeting, saying the report left out evidence about the governing board’s influence and mischaracterized the namesakes’ legacies. One regent, Hsu, has called for an investigation, accusing the task force of committing “academic dishonesty.”

Those accusations have struck a nerve with many faculty members, who say regents have disrespected their work. There were loud interruptions at several points during the meeting, with faculty crying out

“that’s not true” and “we demand respect” over regents’ discussion.

Several audience members, including “A Campus Divided” curator Riv-Ellen Prell, shouted over Rosha when he expressed concerns that there’s not enough evidence to back up allegations against namesakes.

Several student leaders, including Student Body President Simran Mishra, staged a silent protest at the meeting, holding up signs that called to unname Coffman, Nicholson, Coffey and Middlebrook.

After the meeting, students said they are disappointed, but not surprised by the regents’ decision.

“It makes me feel embarrassed to be a student at this University,” said Chloe Williams, who started a petition to rename Coffman last year. “I honestly think [the board] should be ashamed of themselves. …

They were on the wrong side of history with this decision.”

MSA Vice President Mina Kian said she’s proud of her fellow students, but “grossly disappointed that the voices of students and faculty were dismissed throughout this process.”

“I feel that we’ve failed to fully reckon with our history,” Kian said.

Even so, Mishra said students are going to continuing pushing for renaming. “I think [renaming] will keep going long after I’m gone, long after everyone in this room is gone until the buildings are renamed,” she said.

“To me it’s a when, not if.”

Dylan Anderson contributed to this report.

Bias u from Page 1

DAILY FILE PHOTO

A view of deteriorated concrete areas of columns, beams and arches of the 10th Ave SE Bridge on Friday, June 15, 2018.

Bridge u from Page 1

West Bank,” Meyer said.

“Adding in protected bike lanes on both [10th and 15th] is going to really help complete the vision for this city to make it more bike and pedestrian friendly.”

The construction will also improve the bridge’s water main which has deteriorated since the bridge was last rehabilitated in the 1970s, Wolana said. The water main, which provides drinking water to the area, will be removed from underneath the bridge and built under the Mississippi River.

Gas mains under the bridge will also be upgraded.

The city will hold an open

Solar u from Page 1

energy. Potential future phases may involve building solar panel sites on the University’s system campuses, Stennes said.

While the newly-installed solar panels were a large installation project on campus, they make up a small amount of the renewable energy currently being produced by the University.

The University has renewable energy sites, including wind turbines and solar panels, that are not on campus. About one-fourth of the energy the University purchases comes from renewable energy sources, said University President Eric Kaler in a speech during Wednesday’s announcement.

“This is a significant accomplishment but only the first step towards carbon neutrality and a truly sustainable future,” Kaler said at the event.

One of the reasons the University is building some of the solar panel sites in places like

the SRT and by instructors’ peers through in-class reviews. The WFC says the feedback is helpful for instructors wanting to improve their teaching, but the cabinet doesn’t think it should be used in tenure and promotion reviews.

“This bias is not benign, because SRTs are used in a ‘high stakes’ way,” the proposal says. “Biased SRTs may lead to increased faculty turnover, ultimately harming student learning and the University at-large.”

The WFC is also recommending colleges and departments determine the “gender gap” in their SRT scores and improve and expand their peer review system.

Research demonstrating the potential for bias in teaching evaluations goes back to the 1970s, and recent studies have found similar patterns. A paper published last year analyzed nearly 20,000 student evaluations and concluded women instructors systematically receive lower scores than their male counterparts.

“Our findings have worrying implications for the progression of junior women in academic careers,” the authors wrote. A 2011 study found black faculty receive lower scores than other racial groups, and a study published earlier this year found students give lower scores to non-native English speakers.

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

The University’s Student Rating of Teaching form, which students complete to evaluate their instructors.

University policy says department heads should consider many factors when it comes to making decisions of merit and promotion. “The SRTs are one piece of the puzzle, but they’re not the only piece of the puzzle,” said Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Rebecca Ropers.

After three years of research, the WFC found widely varying experiences based on the different colleges instructors teach in — some colleges rely far more on SRT results than others.

“The policy in place is not what’s actually happening,” said WFC co-chair Amy Simon.

This can have a disparate impact on the most vulnerable instructors, like adjunct instructors who typically work on short-term contracts, she said.

The policy on teaching evaluations says racist or sexist comments shouldn’t be used in assessments.

Those judgments can be

obvious in written comments, but are less clear in numbered ratings from prompts like “I would recommend this instructor to other students.”

In March, Faculty and Academic Affairs sent a guide to department heads and tenure review committees that says not to focus on minute differences in ratings. The difference between 5.6 and 5.3 could be the result of bias, but the difference between 5.0 and 3.0 is more representative of an instructor’s performance.

“Awareness of our own biases is one of the number one ways to mitigate the bias,” said Stephanie Klein, assistant director of the Office of Measurement Services, which administers the SRT. “Accepting that we have biases gives us that perspective of ‘am I rating the actual educational experience or am I rating my actual dislike for this professor because he sounds like my great uncle Joe who used to pinch my cheeks?’”

house for the public closer to construction time to address resident concerns, Wolana said.

C i t y o f f i c i a l s f ro m the Public Works department presented the project to the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association on April 16. The association’s Executive Director Chris Lautenschlager said the water main rehabilitation construction will impact the West Bank more than Marcy-Holmes but residents are still concerned about the traffic impact.

“We know that there are some concerns about traffic backing up. But as an organization, we’re also concerned about bicyclists getting killed. We think that it’s a fair trade-off if reducing

lanes increases the safety of the bicyclists who use that bridge,” Lautenschlager said.

Lautenschlager said he hopes the city will consider the impacts that upcoming construction on multiple bridges, including the 10th Avenue Bridge, 3rd Avenue Bridge and the Stone Arch Bridge, will have on Marcy-Holmes.

“Marcy-Holmes lives on the river and we need bridges to be able to get around the city, whether it’s by foot or by bike or by bus or whatever,” Lautenschlager said.

“We have concerns about detours. Anytime you change a traffic pattern like this, we hope that the city, and even the county, will take into consideration the detours that will have to be put in place.”

parking lots is to ensure they are visible on campus.

“We want to make sure that it’s a little more visible to people so that they’re more aware of where their power comes from and how it is generated,” Stennes said.

Along with the University, the state of Minnesota has taken strides in recent years to increase renewable energy production.

Renewable energy sources, including solar panels, accounted for about one-fourth of the energy produced in Minnesota in 2017, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Part of the reason solar energy has grown so much in Minnesota is because of advocacy work around it and support from energy companies for the transition to more renewable energy sources, said Doug Shoemaker, a longtime member of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society.

“There are many exciting things happening with solar energy right now,” Shoemaker said.

University President Eric Kaler speaks about sustainability at Mondale Hall on the West Bank campus on Wednesday, April 24.

TONY SAUNDERS, DAILY

4

Sports

MNDAILY.COM

MN DAILY

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019

MEN’S GOLF

Flanagan ties for first place at Big Ten The sophomore is the first Gophers’ golfer to finish in first since 2014.

BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com

At the Big Ten Championship tournament in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, sophomore Angus Flanagan accomplished what no one from Minnesota had done since 2014: finishing first among individuals at the Big Ten Championships.

Flanagan shot a 212 (+2) this weekend to share the top spot with Illinois freshman Adrien Dumont de Chassart.

“Getting a win is nice, but doing at the Big Tens is almost unbelievable right now,” Flanagan said. “It just kind of feels surreal. It will take some time to sink in.”

Through 36 holes, it appeared the Gophers would have a chance to claim their first Big Ten championship since 2014 as well, as they entered Sunday tied for first. However, a 24-over 304 in the third round dropped them into ninth place. Still, the result represents an improvement from a season ago, when the team finished 14th at the event.

“It’s easy to kind of spin things,” said associate head

DAILY FILE PHOTO

Sophomore Angus Flanagan plays during the Gopher Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 at Windsong Farm Golf Club in Maple Plain.

coach Justin Smith. “But I’m certainly a guy who tries to look at all the learning opportunities and how we can get better everyday. I told our guys when we were tied for first we had to keep going about our process and

stick to what we were doing; it doesn’t change just because it’s the Big Ten Tournament.”

Flanagan in particular showed drastic improvement from last year’s Big Ten Championships in

Baltimore, Maryland, where he tied for 60th. The first place finish over the weekend was the first of his career at Minnesota. It represents the culmination of a highly successful spring for Flanagan, which he finished

MEN’S TENNIS

with a stroke average of 70.92.

“He’s proven to himself that he’s as good as anybody in our conference,” Smith said of Flanagan. “For him to instill that level of excellence within our team is

going to be huge for a bunch of young guys moving forward.”

Sophomore Evan Long was the top-finishing Gopher behind Flanagan, tying for 39th with a 16-over 226 on the weekend. Junior Thomas Longbella shot a 229 (+19) to finish tied for 48th. Rounding out Minnesota’s lineup were a pair of freshmen, Lincoln Johnson who finished 55th with a 232 (+22) and Harry Plowman-Ollington who tied for 61st with a 235 (+25).

With a 28-over 268, Illinois claimed its 10th Big Ten title in the last 11 seasons. Led by Dumont de Chassart, the Fighting Illini shot a 278 (-2) on Sunday, the only combined round under-par of the tournament, to finish five strokes ahead of Purdue.

Minneso t a no w c o n cludes a 2018-19 season in which it made significant strides as a program and finished in the top five in four tournaments. With almost all of the key contributors from this season’s team returning, the team looks poised to keep improving next season.

“We’re going to get better because of today, there’s no doubt about it,” Smith said. “These young guys, in golf, you have to taste this a little bit.”

FOOTBALL

After promising start, the Gophers fall to OSU in Big Ten Tournament Minnesota topped Wisconsin before falling to Ohio State in the tournament.

BY DAVID MULLEN dmullen@mndaily.com

The Gophers’ Big Ten tournament run came to an end against the No. 1 team, but not before a victory against a border rival.

For the Minnesota men’s tennis team, it started off with a promising win in the opening round over Wisconsin. Momentum did not carry over as the Gophers were topped by No. 1 Ohio State(27-2) 4-0.

“Ohio State forces us to go for shots that we don’t feel comfortable hitting,” head coach Geoff Young told Gopher Sports.

This is the second straight season Ohio State knocked the Gophers out of the Big Ten Tournament. It’s the team’s fifth straight victory over the Gophers dating back to March 30, 2018, which includes a match in the NCAA Tournament last season.

“We need to practice each day ... to be able to sustain the level necessary to beat a team like OSU,” Young told Gopher Sports.

In their last matchup on March 31, the Buckeyes topped Minnesota 7-0 in Minneapolis.

The Buckeyes started on top after the doubles portion, with victories in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots to get the first point.

From there, Ohio State ended up taking three straight matches in singles

DAILY FILE PHOTO

Linebacker Blake Cashman calls to his teammates on Oct. 20 at Memorial Stadium.

Blake Cashman going to New York Jets in 2019 NFL Draft DAILY FILE PHOTO

Sophomore Jackson Allen returns the ball on Friday, March 22 at the Baseline Tennis Center.

and clinched the victory 4-0, leaving the last three singles matches unfinished.

On a positive note, sophomore Jackson Allen was in the No. 4 singles spot. He was on the verge of winning his match before Ohio State clinched the match point in another singles match.

“Allen played a great match and I’m happy to see him play good tennis,” Young told Gopher Sports.

Opening round victory against Wisconsin

To kick off the Big Ten Tournament, the Gophers played against border rival Wisconsin for the second time this season.

Unlike the first match, which was decided by one point in favor of Minnesota, this match was all Minnesota as the Gophers won 4-0.

“[The win] is big, it’s great [and it] always feels a little extra good to win a Big Ten Tournament match,” Young said. “We were expecting a really tough match, and I thought we played really well and took care of business.”

The Gophers started out quickly and took the initial doubles point as freshman Sebastian Vile and senior Josip Krstanovic began the day with a 6-2 win at the No. 3 spot. The No. 1 tandem of Allen and junior Eli Ogilvy clinched the point for the Gophers winning 6-3.

In the singles portion, Minnesota continued its trend of domination, taking all of the singles points for the match victory.

Allen carried the doubles momentum over to singles as he won without surrendering a point 6-0 and 6-0. He said

his two previous matches against his opponent were key to his victory.

“I watched those matches a few times last night, so I knew what I wanted to do going in,” Allen said. “I went out there, executed really well and it just went my way today.”

Krstanovic followed Allen’s victory with a win of his own at the top singles spot in two straight sets: 6-3 and 6-2.

Sophomore Vlad Lobak closed out the Gophers’ victory at the No. 5 spot and also won in two sets: 7-5 and 5-2.

Although the Gophers had a winning record to this point at 16-9, they may not play an more this season.

There’s a possibility that Minnesota clinches a spot in NCAA Tournament, which will be announced Sunday.

Cashman was taken in the fifth round of the NFL Draft after final season with U.

BY JACK WARRICK jwarrick@mndaily.com

Minnesota had a presence in the 2019 NFL draft with a former linebacker heading out east.

Go ph e rs’ lineb ac ker Blake Cashman was drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft on Friday in Nashville, Tennessee.

With the Jets’ selection of Cashman at the 157th overall pick, he became the first player taken in the NFL draft from the University of Minnesota since 2017, when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected defensive back Jalen Myrick in the seventh round.

Cashman started his

career with the Gophers as a walk-on in 2015 before turning heads his senior season with a team-leading 104 tackles on the weak side.

He skipped the Gophers’ bowl game against Georgia Tech to prepare himself for the NFL Draft. At the NFL Combine, the 6-foot-1, 237-pound linebacker from Eden Prairie, Minnesota ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds to put himself near the top of the group.

Cashman was the only player selected in the draft out of Minnesota. Offensive tackle Donnell Greene, kicker Emmit Carpenter and defensive lineman Gary Moore all are heading to NFL teams in free agency.

Greene was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent.

Carpenter is heading to the Chicago Bears’ minicamp, while Moore is heading to the Cleveland Browns’ minicamp.

TRACK AND FIELD

Four Minnesota athletes take individual titles at the Drake Relays meet Freshman Amira Young claimed two titles at the meet over the weekend.

BY BABATUNDE JINADU bjinadu@mndaily.com

The Minnesota track and field team faced comp e t i t i o n f ro m a l l o v e r the country at the Drake Relays in Iowa over the weekend. While the team competition was not scored, the Gophers came away

with four individual titles.

Two of those victories came from freshman sprinter Amira Young in the 100-meter and 200-meter races.

“She had two lifetime personal records this weekend, so it was good. She’s got things that she has to work on, but she continues to get better each week,” director Matt Bingle said. “She’s a freshman, so there’s a lot of little things that you learn with age. She is continuing to improve, so it’s exciting.

She’s improved a lot in a year and she has been fun to work with.”

Middle distance runner Kelli Schmidt won the 800-meter race as well. “[Schmidt] is doing a good job, she continues to get better each year,” Bingle said. “It was exciting to see her win because it was pretty cold and super windy, so it was kind of a technical race instead of a regular race.”

Conditions at the meet were ideal at first,

but things worsened by Saturday.

“The weather was great on Thursday and Friday, and then today was not good,” Bingle said. “It was anywhere from 30- to 40-mile-an-hour winds, and it was raining off and on.”

On the men’s side, Kieran McKeag brought home the lone title for his team in the hammer throw competition.

The men claimed nine other top-10 finishes on the weekend.

“The big thing from the meet was that there was a lot of great performances, within the relays and with individual events, especially with the conditions being super windy. The kids did an awesome job of competing and reacting to the weather in the right way,” Bingle said. “We came out of here with a lot of personal records and a lot of improvements. I feel like we’re in a good spot right before the Big Ten meet.”

This year’s Big Ten

Outdoor Championship will take place from May 10 to 12. The women’s team look to repeat as champions, while the men aim to rebound from last year’s seventh-place finish.

“We had a good April, and I think both teams have the ability to make a nice push in Iowa City in a couple of weeks. We just have to stay healthy, get some rest, and clean some things up, and I think we’ll be able to do what we need to do,” Bingle said.

5

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MN DAILY

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019

SPRING JAM

Review: Didn’t go to the Spring Jam concert? You should have.

The eclectic, talented collection of artists came together for an incredible show.

BY SAMIR FERDOWSI sferdowsi@mndaily.com

What do a 12-year-old cowboy, a leopard printwearing duet, a West Coast wordsmith and a Traplanta rager have in common?

No idea. But when put on stage during Saturday’s Spring Jam concert, this league of musical avengers composed one kick-ass show.

Mason Ramsey started the day off with a rootin’ tootin’ set. Before the young yodeling legend came on stage, the sky was cloudy and people were shivering from either cold or excitement — probably both. However, right as the 12-year-old walked onto stage, the sun broke through, making every rhinestone on his dashing bedazzled nudie suit shine.

We all saw the light.

Ramsey asserted a veteran-like confidence during his entire set. In between jokes about bras being thrown on stage by the devil and killer guitar playing, he sang his little heart away. Seriously, this kid has pipes.

“Famous” had people cheering, and his yodeling on “Lovesick Blues” could be heard serenading all of East Bank. Whether you were

COURTNEY DEUTZ, DAILY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: 1) Spring Jam attendees cheer as they wait for Jay Rock to perform on Saturday, April 27 at the University of Minnesota. 2) Jay Rock performs at Spring Jam 2019. 3) Mason Ramsey performs at Spring Jam 2019.

there for the yee-haws or there to trap out with Flocka, the cowboy curated a set that had everyone smiling. He truly kicked the night off right.

Next up the vibe shifted as Ella Vos and her backup came out with a Spice Girls look and allure. By far the best dressed of the acts (sorry Mason), Vos and her DJ sported a wild getup consisting of tiger and cheetah prints paired with ‘90s-esque sunglasses and boots.

The swag fit the music, too. The festival slowed down as her vocals came through the speakers. The balloons and Ferris wheel slowly rolling in the distance paired with Vos’s vocals put

everyone in a jubilant trance.

Vos and her DJ had an electric energy about them that spread through the crowd when they played hits like “White Noise” and “Temporary.” Her vocals meshed with the speakers’ heavy bass to create a hypnotizing aura. During this set, Spring Jam felt more like a Tokyo club — and it was awesome.

Then the speakers did Jay Rock dirty.

The crowd had grown by this point and anticipation had built for the TDE mogul to come on and spit facts.

Which he did for two songs … and then the speakers blew.

“This is y’all’s school

doing this, man. Jay Rock is ready to give you a crazy show,” said Jay Rock’s DJ. Retweet. The sound crew gets an “F” because this same problem went down during Flocka’s set, too.

Still, after an awkward ten minutes and a few more announcements by Jay Rock and company, the Kendrick Lamar-affiliate finished his set with fire.

“King’s Dead”, “Money Trees” and “Vice City” (the list goes on), banged with energy and had the micro mosh pit bounding. Ending with “Win,” Jay Rock made do with what he had and definitely took home the “W” himself.

By this point, the crowd

was maybe 200 strong; every single person was itching to go hard. After a warm-up from an up-and-coming Atlanta act, the Brick Squad hustler himself, Waka Flocka Flame, leapt onstage. It was only uphill from there.

Where Ramsey’s confidence was chivalrous, Waka Flocka’s was psychotic.

Running back and forth in the media pit during songs, Flocka’s dreadlocks were flying as he headbanged to every banger that came on.

“Hard in the Paint”, “Grove St. Party” and fan favorite “No Hands” slapped with timeless ignorance, as is the Atlanta trap artist’s sig-

nature. Continuous yelling, jumping and other hooligan activities turned the pit area into a raging party indeed.

With their ears ringing, the crowd slowly tricked out as EDM Club turned Spring Jam’s closing moments into an Electric Daisy Carnival.

What was clearly thought to be a mediocre show at best, judging by the low turnout, turned into a one-of-a-kind, weirdly-savory, ultra-personable performance.

Unsure if we are supposed to say yee-haw or scream “BRICK SQUAD,” A&E just knows that this was one you should have been at.

Grade: A

COMEDY

Kate McCarthy’s Ricky Lagoon croons his tunes The comedy concert “Ricky Lagoon: He Croons!” will open on Sunday, May 5.

BY KSENIA GORINSHTEYN kgorinshteyn@mndaily.com

If ‘60s big band music and satirical masculinity is your thing, Ricky Lagoon will make you swoon.

For one night only, the comedy concert “Ricky Lagoon: He Croons!” will include classic swing and jazz tunes with never before heard jokes, performed for the first and last time at the Cedar Cultural Center.

Kate McCarthy, a University of Minnesota senior studying theatre arts and sociology, created the Ricky Lagoon character simply because she loves Wayne Newton.

“I was living in New York for a while, and when I was lonely or sad I would watch Wayne Newton videos,”

McCarthy said. “I was just so fascinated by that style of performance, that crooner vibe.”

This crooner style is fully embraced in the show, which features music made famous

by Frank Sinatra and Wayne Newton himself.

McCarthy’s own Ricky Lagoon has machismo. He has swagger and he has charm.

“I want there to be a lot of wild tales and stories of ex-wives and trips around the world,” McCarthy said.

“I want it to be a lot of like behind the scenes, inside scoop [of the entertainment industry], but all with a degree of absurdism.”

While Ricky Lagoon will not be accompanied by a full band, McCarthy’s music director Tony Arias put together a rhythm section and four horns to achieve a similar sound.

“A lot of what I’ve been doing is changing these big band arrangements to shape this much smaller jazz combo

MORGAN LA CASSE, DAILY

sound,” Arias said. “We still get the same vibe and orchestration across.”

The rehearsals thus far have been focused on the musical aspect of the show.

Arias and Colby Hansen, the assistant music director, have been working to arrange each song to fit the band they have brought together.

Songs like Wayne Newton’s version of “Falling in Love With Love” and “Wives and Lovers” by Jack Jones

transport the audience back to the ‘60s.

“I am really excited to just freakin’ dance,” McCarthy said. “I’ve been going to a little secluded room in the theater building and looking in the mirror and, truly like a teenager in her bedroom, holding my phone like it’s a mic and playing the music and doing swaggering dances all around.”

Having the stage at the Cedar opens up more oppor-

tunities for McCarthy and the band to be creative and intentional with their setting.

“In an older age, I think that’s where a singer like Ricky Lagoon would have come through town and performed,” McCarthy said. “I’m really excited because that means we get to do everything that I envisioned us doing. It will really just have the right feel, which I don’t know that I could’ve gotten at most other venues.”

At this point in the process of putting the show together, McCarthy still hasn’t actually practiced her jokes on the stage and in front of the band.

“I keep on asking [McCarthy] to tell me some of the jokes and she doesn’t,” said Arias. “She’s being kind of secretive about it because I think she’s trying to get us to crack up.”

However, McCarthy’s performance as Ricky Lagoon has already gotten laughs from the band — even without the script.

“In the rehearsals, even her singing just has me laughing,” said Hansen. “Sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh my god I’m going to mess up,’ because she’s so funny.”

The May 5 performance will be different from the shows and stand-up that McCarthy has done in the past.

But she’s ready to give Ricky Lagoon the debut he deserves.

“I want it to have a back to back joy feeling,” McCarthy said. “I want them to be laughing from a big joke and before they’ve even recovered from that, we’ve launched into a lush, over the top, big band song. I want it to be gonzo on gonzo.”

When: May 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis Cost: $10 general admission, $8 with student ID Editor’s note: McCarthy is a former employee of the Daily.

6 MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019

MN DAILY

MNDAILY.COM

Editorials & Opinions

COLUMN

Hellish Avengers news cycle is a refreshing break from overwhelming political updates Digital news outlets have gone all in on covering “Endgame” and social media buzz is incessant.

A

s of writing this column, I still haven’t seen “Avengers: Endgame.” Even amid a busy weekend full of things like Spring Jam, looming deadlines and family visits, it’s all I can think about. I need to PALMER HAASCH avoid spoilers. columnist What are my theories about the conclusion? Am I prepared to be blessed with even more Brie Larson as Carol Danvers so quickly on the heels of “Captain Marvel?” Even two days from the premiere, I feel like everyone and their cousin has seen “Endgame” and that spoilers are right

around the corner.

Despite my fixation on the film, the truth is that I don’t care that much about the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sure, I’ve seen every Marvel film of the past decade (many more than once) and have a good grasp on the characters and assorted plot threads, but I’m not invested enough to call myself anything more than a casual fan. Despite the fact that Marvel is far from my primary fandom, the relentless hype for “Endgame” both online and with my friends was impossible to avoid — not that I was particularly trying to do so.

The MCU (along with other contemporary media like “Game of Thrones”) is a prime example of fandom in the mainstream. No longer confined to niche corners of the internet or fanfiction hosting sites (don’t worry, the MCU fandom is still thriving there too), it seems like everyone is an Avengers fan during releases. Aside from not being able to avoid talk about the film even after muting almost every possible related word to avoid spoilers, the numbers speak for themselves. “Avengers: Infinity War” opened to approximately $630 million its first weekend, and “Endgame”

has already broken that record, taking in approximately $350 million in the United States and Canada and $1.2 billion worldwide.

Aside from social media buzz (and the fact that none of us can shut up about this movie in real life), digital news outlets are all in on covering “Endgame.” It’s arguably the biggest pop culture event of 2019, and one that fans are loathing to see come to end. This massive amount of media buzz means that having a take on “Endgame” feels necessary. While it’s perhaps not the same kind of coping mechanism as everyone cracking jokes after the release of the Mueller report, it means that “Endgame” is inescapable in the same way that news about presidential campaigns or major political events is inescapable.

It’s hellish and a little bit cursed. Can I go one day on Twitter without seeing some new take on Ant-Man crawling up Thanos’ anus?

Despite its overwhelming nature, it’s still a bit refreshing. Throwing myself into the “Endgame” hype and news cycle is cathartic because it has little bearing on things like the future of our nation or our planet. This time, I won’t complain as much about everyone

Throwing myself into the “Endgame” hype and news cycle is cathartic because it has little bearing on things like the future of our nation or our planet.

being incapable of shutting their trap — just as long as they don’t spoil if for me before I see the movie.

Palmer Haasch welcomes comments at phaasch@mndaily.com.

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

A reminder to practice self- Parties need to compromise the tone of Democrats care even during finals week Although and Republicans has been better, With finals coming, remember to put yourself — your mental health and well-being — first.

Self-care and student life are at direct odds. While we run from class to work to social events, our bodies and mental health take a toll. The next two weeks are bound to be the busiest for students, faculty and staff. Everyone needs self-care reminders, so here’s your reminder and tips from the Minnesota Daily’s Editorial Board.

Do the little things With the busiest days of the semester upon us, there’s likely only time to do the little things for yourself. Little self-care things like taking short naps, eating full meals, staying hydrated and doing face masks can improve your mood.

Try doing one small thing for yourself per day, even if it’s a small one. It may re-energize you when things get hard, which will be common in the coming days. Try to avoid too much greasy foods, all-nighters and too much caffeine.

Lean on your friends College can take a toll on you mentally and chances are your friends are dealing with similar experiences. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Dealing with your mental health alone can be scary and calling on a friend can be comforting.

We recommend checking in on your friends and making sure you reach out when you need help. Take some time to let your friends know you’re there for them, but also to let them know what you need, too. Friendships play a key role in dealing with mental health, so despite the busy schedules and constant studying — make sure you plan a few hours to see your friends.

Ask for help Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. If you’re struggling with your mental health, your classes and homework can be affected. It’s important to reach out to your professors and let them know you’re struggling.

They can point you in the right direction to find resources that may help and can help with creating a plan to finish off the semester strong.

Use University resources Resources on campus can also help you through the next few weeks. Make an appointment at Boynton Health or take a look at some of its other resources, including group therapy, urgent/crisis consultation and ADD/ADHD treatment.

Student Counseling Services is available to discuss mental health issues and academic stress. You can make an appointment or walk in.

If it’s after hours, or in case of an emergency call (612) 301-4673 or text “UMN” to 61222.

EDITORIAL

Bias and discrimination are the community’s problems America’s civil rights are only meaningful as long as everyone is willing to defend them for all.

It’s easy to look away or ignore the plight of people who are not like us. Too often, white people see racism and discrimination as the problem of people of color or indigenous people.

But another incident of local racism is staring us down. Recent graffiti at Mankato West High School shows that despite honest efforts of some members of the community, we have a problem. Racism is a cancerous growth that if left unchallenged will become malignant and deadly to a healthy community whose lifeblood is respect for everyone’s rights.

The pavement in front the entrance to West High School was spray painted April 16 with the meme “Immigration is white genocide.” Authorities immediately covered the racist statement and are investigating its origins.

The idea of white genocide has been described as a conspiracy theory, myth and faux history by scholars and other experts.

It is based on the notion that somehow birth rates of whites and attempts by others to kill whites will result in elimination of the race. There are no facts to support these premises. White genocide arguments rely on pseudoscience and pseudohistory.

The conspiracy theory is based on hatred and is the currency used to fuel white nationalist, white supremacist and so-called “identitarian” groups.

One could always dismiss such graffiti as a product of the hateful and ignorant. There is no intention here to embolden or glorify this action for copycats.

We condemn it in the strongest terms and call on everyone in the community, no matter your race or creed, to condemn it.

These kind of incidents have increased in frequency with the election of President Donald Trump. Hate crimes

Racism is a cancerous growth that if left unchallenged will become malignant and deadly to a healthy community whose lifeblood is respect for everyone’s rights. nationwide were up 25 percent shortly after his Electoral College victory. There have been more incidents of racism locally as well.

In the last year, St. Peter gay and black residents have been targeted a number of times with threatening hate mail. Last summer 17 hateful flyers that read “America is a white nation” were put up in the North Mankato neighborhood near King Arthur Park.

The first Muslim woman to run for local office found herself being told “Go back to where you came from” when she doorknocked in the community. Even on The Free Press Facebook page, racist comments are directed at subjects of even positive stories.

We can no longer write off these incidents as rare and therefore nothing to worry about.

These incidents are growing. And so too, are the thoughts that give birth to them.

Thoughts that may infect the minds of your friends and neighbors. That is why the response must be strong and resolute.

Every member of our communities in south Central Minnesota has a responsibility to condemn these hateful thoughts and actions as an affront to American civil liberties and freedom.

This editorial was originally published in the Mankato Free Press.

wide policy differences remain.

As Republicans and Democrats enter the final four weeks of the legislative session, their priorities should be the same: keep negotiations moving, solve problems and serve the people of Minnesota.

Stalemates are not acceptable. There’s just too much work to get done. DFL Gov. Tim Walz has shown an adeptness for keeping conversations going. His first big challenge was the driver’s registration system MNLARS, and he was able to come to compromise with Republicans on a solution that served all Minnesotans.

That negotiation should be a model.

It’s good to see progress on other bills. Opioid legislation is very near approval by both sides with only secondary details to be worked out. Republicans and Democrats worked out details for cellphone driving safety legislation that prohibits holding cellphones while driving but allows using blue tooth devices.

The issues ahead are bigger and more complicated, so legislators of both parties will need to keep their options open. It’s not helpful for either side to use words like “not acceptable” or “nonstarter.” Buzz phrases like “government takeover of health care,” typically used by Republicans to demonize any health care

proposal by Democrats, are also not helpful.

Health care may be one of the toughest issues. A small percentage of people who buy on the individual market may be served by another public plan that offers competition to private sector plans. We should all agree competition is good.

The gun issue also will be hotly debated.

Everyone should be for gun safety and keeping guns out of the hands of those who would do others harm. So let’s reach a compromise where those principles can hold true.

Tough issues where there is a lot of division should be voted on separately in many cases, so people are served by knowing where their legislators stand.

When there is an impasse and there will be a few, legislators from both parties have to ask if their position is solving a problem, and if Minnesotans are being served.

Longtime political observers in Minnesota and nationally have pointed to national takeover of the debate by outside moneyed interests who have become more influential on party voting than voters.

We hope Democrats and Republicans in Minnesota government can prove that thesis wrong and make constituents the most influential people in Minnesota.

This editorial was originally published by the Mankato Free Press.

EDITORIAL

End the tax day nightmares Individuals who live in one state and work in another found tax day particularly difficult this year.

The Minnesota Legislature’s failure last year to bring the state’s tax code into conformity with overhauled federal tax rules turned Tax Day this month into a nightmare for many Minnesotans.

But it was even worse for Minnesotans in Duluth and elsewhere along the border with Wisconsin who live in one state but work in the other. Not only did they have to figure out rules and exemptions that differed at the state and federal levels, they had to once again file returns in their home state as well as in the state where they are employed.

“That means additional time and costs,” as the Superior Telegram reported earlier this month.

It wasn’t always such a hassle to be a worker border-hopping between Minnesota and Wisconsin. For more than four decades, employees from both sides of the states’ divide were allowed to file just one tax return. That was thanks to a reciprocity agreement between the two states.

Under the deal, however, because more than twice as many Wisconsites were working in Minnesota than the other way around, Wisconsin was making the larger payments to its neighbor. And Wisconsin wound up falling SHARE YOUR VIEWS The Minnesota Daily welcomes letters and guest columns from readers. All letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification. The Daily reserves the right to edit all letters for style, space, libel and grammar. Letters to the editor should be no more than 500 words in length. Guest columns should be approximately 350 words. The Daily reserves the right to print any submission as a letter or guest column. Submission does not guarantee publication.

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behind on its payments — about 18 months behind. With Wisconsin owing his state about $60 million, then-Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty pulled the plug on the arrangement in 2009.

Wisconsin eventually settled its debt, but numerous attempts during the past nine years to restore the reciprocity deal failed. A welcomed consideration, thanks to multistate cooperation, for tens of thousands from both the Gopher State and Badger State remained but an elusive distant memory.

This month, as the Telegram reported, the Douglas County Board took up a resolution to urge Wisconsin state officials to work with their Minnesota neighbors to restore tax reciprocity. Echoing the commissioners’ call, Wisconsin Revenue Secretary Peter Barca said restoring the agreement is among his priorities.

Other counties, cities, and especially taxpayers from both sides of the Wisconsin-Minnesota divide can join Douglas County in a call that would restore some Tax Day sanity. A new reciprocity agreement can be fair to both states and be a benefit to so many border-crossing taxpayers.

At the same time — and also in the name of sanity — Minnesota lawmakers can do this year what they stubbornly failed to do last session: They can finally approve tax conformity.

This editorial was originally published by the Duluth News Tribune.

EDITORIALS & OPINIONS DEPARTMENT Editorials represent the voice of the Minnesota Daily as an institution and are prepared by the editorial board.

THE EDIT ORIALS AND OPINIONS DEPAR TMENT IS INDEPENDENT OF THE NEW SROOM

7

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019

MN DAILY

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HOROSCOPES

Today’s Birthday (4/29): Rake in the gold together this year.

Schedule and prepare your educational itinerary with care.

Your creative communications flourish this summer, before a shift in your exploration. Next winter brings an exciting educational journey, motivating a shift in your story. Provide a voice of inspiration.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Written by Nancy Black

Aries (3/21 - 4/19): Today is a 5 — Settle into a peaceful spot with privacy for contemplation.

Review your plans, dreams and visions. What’s on your bucket list?

Libra (9/23 - 10/22): Today is an 8 — Keep to your physical and health routines. A dream seems within reach. Luck follows good work.

Practice to provide the best results you can.

Taurus (4/20 - 5/20): Today is a 7 — Brilliant ideas spark in conversation between friends.

Share information, ideas and resources. Take another’s idea, and give it a perfect twist.

Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21): Today is a 7 — Enjoy the game without taking expensive risks. You may find yourself holding a fabulous hand. Relax, and engage with talented players. Have fun.

Gemini (5/21 - 6/21): Today is a 9 — A professional opportunity surprises you. It includes a test or challenge. You may discover an insider advantage. Follow an elder’s sage advice.

Sagittarius (11/22 - 12/21): Today is a 6 — A domestic vision can be realized. Imagine your place the way you want it. What would it take?

Assess family needs and desires.

Cancer (6/22 - 7/22): Today is a 7 — Get out and explore. Wander, trek and investigate.

Discover unexpected treasure. Friends help you advance. Share your journey with someone.

Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19): Today is an 8 — Creative inspiration sparks when least expected. Take an idea, and run with it. Get advice, but make your own decisions.

Leo (7/23 - 8/22): Today is an 8 — Take advantage of a golden opportunity for a rewarding benefit. Collaborate for shared gain.

Together, you can pull in a nice harvest.

Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18): Today is an 8 — Extra silver becomes available. Stick to your budget and plan. Keep your objective in mind. Tap into a secret source. Discover nice perks and benefits.

Virgo (8/23 - 9/22): Today is a 7 — Talk strategy with someone you respect and admire.

An intriguing idea warrants attention. What could be possible? Come up with a shared plan.

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20): Today is a 9 — Take charge. You’re energized and ready to make changes for the better. Good planning increases your holdings. Completion leads to new status.

IN THE

KNOW a podcast by

mn DAILY

Breaking Down the U’s News

DR. DATE Dr. Date,

I’m very passionate about sustainability, but I pale in comparison to my boyfriend. We met during Welcome Week at the water bar exhibit, and I later found out his excitement translated to the bedroom.

Well, in this case, to the greenhouse over in St. Paul. We’ve been together for six months and he’s always kept it interesting.

When we heard Spring Jam was going to be zero waste, I was happy, but he was ecstatic. During Waka Flocka Flames’ set, he couldn’t stop talking about zero waste, so I decided to shut him up another way — if you know what I mean.

Problem is, he didn’t have any sustainable condoms on him, so we ended up doing it without one. Now I’m scared I’m pregnant with a Spring Jam baby! I told him and he immediately freaked out, yelling about how having children is destroying Earth and contributing to overpopulation. Dr. Date, how to I tell my boyfriend that sustainability isn’t the issue here?

—Recovery Resource Station

Dear Recovery Resource Station,

You know, I think there might be such a thing as being too devoted to the planet (and too devoted to having sex in weird places). Do you really want to tell your future child they were conceived to “No Hands” among drunk college kids?

Look, don’t panic yet — you have no confirmation of anything. Still, your boyfriend’s views are definitely a little skewed, especially if he’s ignoring you in your time of need to preach about zero waste. Before you do anything, figure out if you’re actually pregnant.

No matter the result, tell him you two can’t stay together if he cares more about sustainability than safe sex. What’s next, making a baby on a fraternity lawn?

video games until 4 a.m., ignoring real responsibilities.

My boyfriend isn’t exactly thrilled about my schedule. Before this semester, I had three days without classes and could often come over to his place and sleep the day away. Our days together are few and far between now, and he’s started to complain about it. Last night, he told me he felt like I was ignoring him for school.

While I think he has a point — I have been spending more time on homework than with him — he’s being a little too unreasonable. Outside of reducing my schedule, what can I do?

—Deep Into CSE

Dear Deep Into CSE,

Is your boyfriend also a student? If not, he might just not understand the insanity that comes with the last few weeks of school. You can always try showing him your schedule to prove that you really haven’t had the time.

But still, don’t totally sacrifice your relationships for that #CSEGrind.

Instead of holing up in the library, try asking if he wants to help you study or maybe spend one of those days off sleeping in at his house instead. Even if you just call him between classes, you can still show your boyfriend he’s important to you without failing classes. And hey, it’ll be over in a few weeks, right?

— Dr. Date

— Dr. Date

Dr. Date,

Ever since spring break, I’ve been crazy busy. With three jobs and 17 credits, my life is a mess of Google Calendars and automated reminders to eat and sleep. I occasionally have a day off, but I tend to sleep in and play

Want advice from the love doctor? Email Dr. Date at drdate@mndaily.com

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

Last Issue’s Puzzle Solved Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

4/29/19

For strategies on how to solve sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk.

Last issue’s solution

© 2019 Michael Mepham. Distributed

by Tribune Media Services.

All rights reserved.

8

Monday, April 29, 2019

Disability

for things like testing need to be reserved so far ahead it’s difficult to keep up with, O’Rourke said. She said she has taken bad grades rather than try and figure out paperwork.

Asking for accommodations can also be awkward, she said. Explaining the things she struggles with makes her feel like she’s irritating or boring people, and she still runs the risk of having to conform to able-bodied standards anyway.

“It tends to be an overarching disability theme — instead of catering to the disabled, the disabled cater to the able-bodied life,” O’Rourke said.

u from Page 1

They’re making progress — a recent resolution aiming to mandate disability training for faculty was greenlighted

by University of Minnesota Senate committee members last month.

But while the University is moving in the right direction, Anderson said issues are consistently present and can dissuade those seeking higher education. Programs at his previous school gave him a safety net as he jumped into college, but many schools don’t have that option.

“I love [college], I really do. It’s a lot of fun. And that’s why it’s so sad that it’s so hard and inaccessible for so many people,” Anderson said.

“There are so many gifted, absolutely brilliant disabled people who … are completely left out.”

Lack of education, understanding

Day-to-day life

Anderson’s troubles with accessibility in campus buildings began during his transfer-student orientation.

After a day of having to find his own way through campus buildings or be left out of activities entirely, an orientation leader suggested their group eat lunch together in front of a building that only had steps. Anderson had to eat by himself to the side.

He said he’s frequently “expected” to know where to go when the route others take is inaccessible for him.

Many buildings on campus are older and don’t have many disability accommodations, such as working elevators or bathrooms with push plates to automatically open doors, he said.

“The only reason it appears that people with disabilities [know where to go] is practice. We’re used to our needs not being met, and services aren’t going to be there. So three days ahead of time, [disabled people] take the entire route and try and memorize where to go,” Anderson said.

Anderson also relies on personal care assistants throughout the day — without them, he wouldn’t be able to get out of bed, get lunch or use the bathroom.

But unlike his last college,

Sophie O’Rourke poses for a portrait near the Mississippi River on Friday, April 19.

Anderson is responsible for finding and funding staff himself. After he transferred to the University, his parents moved in to his apartment; his mother currently serves as his main personal care assistant.

During his search for an apartment near campus, Anderson said he struggled with finding buildings that had accessible units. For him, that means roll-in showers, larger spaces and easy access to transportation. He lives in the only accessible unit in his building, he said, but still can’t get into his apartment due to the lack of a push plate.

Ryan Machtmes, cofounder of the Organization for Graduate and Professional Students with Disabilities, said he’s discovered a “myriad” of accessibility problems as a student. The group recently received funding for three GPS-equipped GoPro cameras this year to document and catalog accessibility limitations throughout

University buildings, which they plan to present to administration.

“It’s mandated that bathrooms have accessible stalls.

But there are any number of bathrooms on campus that, even though they have those, are still completely inaccessible to students with mobility impairments because they can’t get through the door,” Machtmes said.

Construction on campus buildings has blocked wheelchair accessible doors, Gopher Way tunnels have steps but no ramps and rooms inside University buildings have no automatic doors, he said.

For Anderson, the constant frustrations add up.

“I need a lot of help, and when you’re starting out in college, that’s a really scary thing,” he said. “For a lot of freshmen, taking care of yourself is big enough, but having to manage staff, find funding, figure out a new place … it just sucks.”

Invisible in the classroom

Sophie O’Rourke has given her fibromyalgia a nickname: Florence.

“Florence” is a woman living in her body who pulls at her nerves like cords.

Sometimes, Florence breaks things. Some days, Sophie and Florence work in tandem, figuring out what the other needs to get by.

“We’re getting there. She causes more problems than she needs to, but I’m trying to appease her,” she said.

O’Rourke identifies as a student with an invisible, or non-apparent, disability.

Fibromyalgia causes major fatigue and pain among other things, but Sophie said others don’t always realize the severity of her condition.

While the nature of her disability allows her some privilege as a visibly ablebodied person, she said she’s often seen as lazy or faking it.

“People will give me really

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

dirty looks when I take disability seating, to the point where I will pass out before I ask someone to give up their seat for me,” she said. “I hate having people question my disability just because they can’t see it.”

But while her professors give her accommodations because she’s registered with the Disability Resource Center, she says her classmates don’t always understand the reality of her disability. She’s been docked in peer evaluations for not showing up to group work despite informing her classmates she physically can’t get there.

“It’s not that I don’t take my work seriously ... It’s because I feel like I’ve been shot or will throw up as soon as I step outside. It’s so much more than ‘Sophie’s not showing up to lab,’ but that’s all I’m reduced to,” she said.

While resources at the University are sometimes helpful, accommodations

People with disabilities are still very present and active on campus despite institutional challenges, Anderson said.

Requests for disability services have risen across all five campuses, but the DRC still doesn’t have enough space to accommodate students for testing.

While a resolution on mandatory training for instructors — something that was previously optional — is making its way through the University Senate, many say the education needs to be expanded outside of faculty.

“The key is to teach people. … So much emphasis in our society is based on independence and individualism, and people who need help aren’t seen as valuable compared to people who don’t [need help],” Anderson said.

“Just have respect.”

Instead of treating people with disabilities as inspirations or in need of pity, O’Rourke said she wishes able-bodied people had more compassion and understanding.

“I have way more resilience, empathy and understanding because of my disability. My disability doesn’t necessarily always take things. Yeah, sometimes it does, but it’s given me some really, really powerful insights and opportunities,” she said.

“We don’t need your pity, we need you to listen,” she said. “Our disabilities don’t need to be overcome.”

Updated artifacts in Mia Tudor Room The exhibit showcases Islamic influences and opens in June.

BY DYLAN MIETTINEN dmiettinen@mndaily.com

A University of Minnesota alumna and several graduate students are working to install an exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art that better showcases the relationship 15th and 16th century England had to the Islamic world.

The Tudor Room, installed at the Mia in 1923, is an entire period room from the 1600s that was removed from an English Tudor home – including furniture, the ceiling, windows and wall-panels – and is the oldest Elizabethan-period room in the nation.

However, the room does not necessarily reflect the trade relationship between England and the Ottoman Empire, which was sometimes amicable but often turbulent, according to University professor Nabil Matar.

Though the difference in cultures and religions sometimes led to trade disagreements, influences from the Islamic World were evident among many upper-class English households, including colorful textiles and ceramics, which are now being added to the room.

“We’re trying to illustrate a part of history that most people just don’t know about,” said Katie Sisneros, an alumna who is spearheading the project and is in a two-year fellowship with the Mia. The exhibit, which is slated to open in June and will be open for at least a year, will make for a more immersive experience.

According to Matar, Queen Elizabeth I of England turned to allies in Istanbul and Morocco after being excommunicated by the pope and establishing England as a Protestant state.

Matar said the relationship between England and the Islamic world is often ignored in

ANDY KOSIER, DAILY

Alyssa Gregory examines art in the Islamic gallery at Mia.

historical discussions.

“There was some interest in Islam and England in the past, but it never entered the scholarly and academic discourse,” Matar said in an email, adding that this relationship was really only mentioned in plays or poetry. “The approach of scholars … ended up being one-sided, with Islam and Muslims being studied as ‘invented’ characters by English writers.”

Alyssa Gregory, a University master’s student studying heritage studies and public history, is one of three students working with Sisneros to research and curate the room. Gregory said she hopes the room will become more interactive.

“For years, the Tudor Room was just sort of brown wood with brown things in it, but it’s really going to come alive with textiles and ceramics, bright reds, blues and greens,” Gregory said. “Something that may only be one or two sentences in someone’s textbook will now be shown visually in a space that people can actually explore for themselves. “ On the dining table will be wax foods and spices introduced to England by the Islamic World during this

period, including currants, pistachios, nutmeg and turmeric. There will be electronic monitors showcasing period texts and arts, as well as ceramics, textiles and maps.

“We’re trying to cram a ton of information into a really small room,” Sisneros said.

Sisneros said it was difficult to strike a balance between providing enough information about included artifacts without overwhelming visitors; the team of researchers recently scaled back the total word count of their signs from 7,000 to 5,000 words.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 2018 saw the highest number of recorded hate groups in the U.S. since 1999. Sisneros said growing Islamophobic rhetoric and actions are just a few reasons why an exhibit that explains how relationships between the Islamic world and Westerners formed is more important than ever.

“By necessity, an exhibit can’t exist in a vacuum. It has to address the world around it,” Sisneros said. “I hope the work we’ve put in has sort of expressed how much that matters to us. The room tells a story that’s as much historical as it is contemporary.”