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CAMPUS LIFE

Adapting classes for accessibility Faculty take extra steps to educate themselves on disability, but some say more change is coming in classrooms.

BY AUDREY KENNEDY akennedy@mndaily.com

This is the second part of a series on disability on campus.

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Ph.D. student Ryan Machtmes, president of the Organization for Graduate and Professional Students with Disabilties, poses for a portrait inside Coffman Union on Tuesday, May 30. Machtmes, who has low vision, is an advocate for other graduate students with disabilities.

For Angela Carter, disability is more than a field of study.

A Ph.D. candidate and instructor at the University of Minnesota studying feminism and disability studies, Carter identifies as a non-apparent disabled person.

“I think about disability sort of always,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to be an educator, but after becoming disabled [in college], it made me realize how inaccessible higher education was.”

Students with disabilities experience college life differently than able-bodied students, dealing with accessibility issues, lack of training and education on disability or negative campus culture.

But while faculty and students have shared the need for changes and updates, many say major systemic changes at the University are few and far between.

Almost 4,000 students are registered with the Disability Resource Center, though not every student with a disability is registered. Many students who can request accommodations don’t know where to go or question if they are “disabled enough” to receive them, said Richard Allegra, associate director of the National Center for College Students with Disabilities.

“It can’t just be the DRC or student groups working on [education and advocacy]. It needs to be an all campus u See DISABILIT Y Page 3

ADMINISTRATION

STUDENT GOVT.

Renaming ruling draws outcry at U

Students push for voter registration at orientation

Regents voted down renaming buildings, drawing criticism from students and faculty.

BY AUSTEN MACALUS amacalus@mndaily.com

Even before an overwhelming majority of regents voted against renaming buildings Friday, it was clear that disagreement about the University of Minnesota’s complex history was far from over.

Protesters overtook a special meeting last Friday to decry the Board of Regents’ discussion and push back against some regents’ sustained rebukes of a faculty task force. Audience members rallied around longtime African American studies professor John Wright, who stepped forward to speak about his family’s experience of discrimination under President Lotus Coffman in the 1930s.

Though many on the board said they were moved by Wright’s testimony, regents voted 10-1 not to rename Coffman Union, Nicholson Hall, Coffey Hall and Middlebrook Hall.

The board’s decision — and the events leading up to it — has drawn intense public outcry from students, faculty and other proponents who say the University has failed to reckon with its legacy of discrimination.

Although the board’s decision was expected, Wright said regents showed a lack of understanding about history and how we remember it.

“It’s frustrating. And it’s not just disappointing, it’s enraging on one level,” Wright told the Minnesota Daily. “Particularly from so-called mature, professionally trained adults who have high civic responsibility in the world of higher education, who apparently know so little about the context of these events on campus.”

But Wright acknowledged in his speech that the University’s “conspiracy of silence” is over, saying there is greater public awareness about this history: “Regardless what this board decides, we will continue to wrestle with these things in the future.” u See RENAMING Page 3

An MSA resolution would mandate voter registration for incoming UMN students.

BY ISABELLA MURRAY imurray@mndaily.com

The University of Minnesota may soon become one of the first universities in the nation to institutionalize online voter registration for incoming students.

A resolution mandating systemwide online voter registration for freshmen and transfer students moved through the Student Senate in early April after passing a Minnesota Student Association forum in March.

MSA is currently working with University administration and its IT department with a goal of beginning implementation with the incoming freshman class of 2023.

“No school has integrated voter registration online in the way we are looking to do this; that would really make the U of M a leader,” said Christina Laridaen, MSA government and legislative affairs coordinator.

“This is a way for students to be reminded that voting is something that is coming up for them on a regular basis.”

Under the new program, students would be prompted to register to vote either online during class registration or Welcome Week or within first year and transfer student curriculums.

The University is currently required

through a federal act to make a “good faith effort” to distribute voter registration materials to students. Laridaen, who ran voter registration efforts at the beginning of the recent midterm election cycle, said institutionalized online registration is the best way to make a full-fledged effort.

“It’s not possible to reach 30,000 students just handing out flyers and catching students on their way to class,” she said. “I think on a campus this size, integrated voter registration is necessary for us to be doing our due diligence.”

The resolution states the program has to be implemented by August 2020 at the latest, before the next presidential election. u See VOTING Page 3

GYMNASTICS

Shane Wiskus: from national champion to Olympic hopeful In the midst of a successful collegiate career, Wiskus has his sights set on 2020 Olympics.

BY PAUL HODOWANIC phodowanic@mndaily.com

At Shane Wiskus’ childhood home in Spring Park, Minnesota, he keeps a whiteboard. It’s not a calendar or a to-do list. It’s not meant for doodles or grocery items.

It’s motivation.

All it says is “448 days” — the amount of time before the 2020 Olympics begin in Tokyo. Wiskus hopes to be there.

“I’ve had those numbers on my board for four or five years now,” Wiskus said.

“Obviously it’s been on my mind forever, so it would mean everything to me. It would make it all worth it.”

Fellow teammate Henry Meeker said, at one point, the Tokyo Olympics logo was the background of Wiskus’ phone. Meeker and Wiskus have known each other since first grade, when they began competing against one another. In high school, Wiskus transferred to Meeker’s gym and they have been teammates ever since.

“If he made it there, I think it would be a really good culmination of a very successful career for him,” Meeker said.

While the number on the white board is slowly dwindling, there are still many

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Sophomore Shane Wiskus poses for a portrait in Cooke Hall on Friday, April 30. Wiskus was named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year for the second consecutive season and was the 2019 NCAA men’s parallel bars champion.

hurdles Wiskus must jump over to make it to Tokyo.

First comes the U.S. Championships.

If Wiskus performs well, he will be added to the senior national team. A spot on the

national team also earns Wiskus a chance to compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. At the trials, an Olympic selection u See OLYMPICS Page 4

STUDENT LIFE

‘I did what anyone could’ve done’: U student performs CPR on elderly man In March, Jacob Erdman and other students performed CPR on a collapsed UMN student.

BY DYLAN MIETTINEN dmiettinen@mndaily.com

University of Minnesota student Jacob Erdman almost didn’t pause in the lobby of Nicholson Hall to detangle his headphones one day in mid-March, but he did. He almost didn’t notice the Automated External Defibrillator in the lobby, but he did.

Because Erdman did, he was able to see Mike Vaughan, a 71-year-old man who took advantage of the University’s Senior Citizen

Education Program, sit down on the steps to catch his breath. Vaughan then clutched his chest and collapsed onto the ground. He had just suffered a heart attack.

“It’s definitely not a pretty sight when you see someone who direly needs your help, but that’s even more of a reason to forget your feelings and help them,” Erdman said.

Erdman, along with two other students, called 911 and began administering CPR. Erdman, who learned to administer CPR through training for an on-campus security position, administered a shock from the AED. According to Bob Vaughan, Mike Vaughn’s brother, the actions of Erdman and the other unidentified students gave Vaughan a greater chance of survival. Had

the students not performed CPR, Mike Vaughan likely would’ve died before reaching a hospital. Vaughan’s family was given the chance to say their goodbyes, something that would not have happened had the three strangers not intervened.

“He was given every opportunity to survive by the students and faculty, that, not even knowing who he was, put forth all this effort to save his life,” Bob Vaughan said.

Meanwhile, Erdman continued going about his day as if nothing was out of the ordinary. He put in his detangled headphones and went to class, not even knowing the man’s name. Mike Vaughan remained in the hospital for two weeks before dying from complications.

Bob Vaughan said his brother had just finished lunch with friends and was walking to his history of religions class when he suffered his heart attack. Mike was compiling a large binder on the histories of religions, which he later hoped to turn into a published book.

According to Bob Vaughan, Mike Vaughan was an avid reader, documentary consumer and all-around intellectual. A graduate of the Carlson School of Management, Mike Vaughan was also a Vietnam veteran and served in law enforcement and the banking industry. On vacations, he often visited battlefields and places of u See CPR Page 3

VOLUME 119 ISSUE 58

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New health plan; students uneasy The fitness program will end after the UMN’s insurance provider changes.

BY KAIT ECKER kecker@mndaily.com

The University of Minnesota’s Graduate Assistant Health Plan is slated to switch insurance providers next September, a move that will offer students a broader network of services. However, some graduate students are concerned about changes to their fitness benefits.

The current insurance provider, HealthPartners, offers a Frequent Fitness program that reimburses the user $20 each month they go to the gym 12 or more times.

But with the switch to a new provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, that program will be discontinued.

After a certain point in their programs, many graduate students do not pay the Student Services Fees that grant them access to the University’s Recreation and Wellness Center. This leads many graduate students to rely on the fitness program.

Sean Chen, president of the Council of Graduate Students, has heard concerns from graduate students about the switch.

“I think it gives you incentive to go to the gym. It’s good for mental health. It’s good for your physical health,” Chen said. “Many of the people I

know use it as well. And it can amount to $240 a year if you go frequently every month.”

Every six years, the Office of Student Health Benefits, which oversees health insurance for the student body, goes through a bidding process for health insurance providers.

HealthPartners’ bid was high compared to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s bid, said Susann Jackson, the administrative director for the OSHB. “I don’t think it makes sense to reduce the quality of health care when we shift from one insurer to a different one,” Chen said. “I think their intention is good. But we want to make sure we don’t lose some of the benefits when we’re shifting.”

The committee evaluating bids chose Blue Cross Blue Shield because of the cost and network of care providers offered in 160 countries, Jackson said.

“The thing that is going to benefit students significantly is that provider network,” Jackson said. “Because we had significant cost savings on this bid, over the next six years those cost savings roll forward for administrative costs. And those savings that we made on this process carry forward not just for the University, but for the students.”

The cost of coverage will increase, she said, but not as much as if they had stayed with HealthPartners.

“We were glad to see, although still concerned, that

BY EMMA DILL edill@mndaily.com

Cedar-Riverside community members met with Amazon representatives Tuesday with hopes of expanding the neighborhood’s relationship with the tech giant.

Although Amazon has hosted previous events in Cedar-Riverside, this event, called Ahlan Amazon, was the first to focus solely on transportation and logistics jobs. Many in the East African community already w o rk f o r A m a z o n a s

subcontractors with outside companies, driving trucks and delivering packages.

But some workers are pushing for direct contracts with Amazon.

Direct contracts with Amazon cut out the “middleman” and give East African workers more independence, said Ward 6 Minneapolis City Council member Abdi Warsame.

“Getting a sub-contract is not good for the community, right? You do all the work and somebody else is taking some of the money.

So they’re interested in getting direct logistics contracts, direct transportation contracts from Amazon,” Warsame said. “For me, cutting out the middleman is very important because it gives

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CHRIS MCNAMARA, DAILY

Council of Graduate Students President Sean Chen works out at the RecWell Center on on April 29.

there were only 200 students that are going to be disrupted that are using the Frequent Fitness program,” Jackson said. “We’re just still exploring to see if other options can be [made] available for those 200 students.”

Negotiations have ended with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and OSHB is in the implementation and communication process right now, Jackson said. More specific information on the new health insurance plan will be available in June, she added.

“We measure the disruption that our students might encounter, and we felt that would be minimal, very

minimal — if at all,” Jackson said. “Students do know that the changes are coming.”

But graduate student Timothy Monko said he did not know the change in health insurance was happening, or that the fitness program would be affected.

Monko goes to a climbing gym, which he said makes him feel better physically, more productive and less fatigued. He said he is concerned that his specialty gym would not be included in the new plan.

Greg Thurston, t he incoming administrative director for OSHB, said the new program will include

discounted gym memberships at select gyms.

“Everybody does have or will have that discounted or low-cost alternative at select fitness centers, it just may not be the one that they’re currently at,” Thurston said.

Graduate student D’anna Nelson, who uses the Frequent Fitness program, said she thinks this is not a big concern for OSHB. This program is the reason she can afford to pay for a gym membership.

“I’ve heard a lot of things that the University has said that they haven’t followed through on,” Nelson said. “I’m in more of a position of I’ll believe it when I see it.”

benefit, it gives value to the community.”

Jobs in transportation and logistics offer workers independence and the chance to become entrepreneurs, which makes them popular in the community, said Saeed Bihi, manager of the Cedar-Riverside Opportunity Center.

“People of my community like independence and they found that this is a niche that they can get their own independence and can also create small business ownership opportunities,” Bihi said.

The event also brought together local transportation companies who are looking for contractors.

Nimo Farah attended the event to represent Minneapolis-based transportation

company Time Express. Time Express currently employs three drivers but is looking to expand. The company also aims to encourage women to become drivers.

“A huge part of [the event] is also to make information more accessible so that people know these opportunities exist,” Farah said.

Amazon spokesperson Amanda Ip said the event aimed to inform current and potential workers about Amazon’s range of job offerings.

“Here today, our goal is to really introduce the East African community to a wide variety of job opportunities in the rapidly growing field of transportation and logistics,” Ip said.

Hundreds of community members attended the event, surpassing turnout at

previous Amazon events, Bihi said.

“I wasn’t expecting this large of a crowd,” he said. “It shows you how this community [has] embraced transportation and how they are eager to find ways to have a direct contract.”

Beyond this event, a broader dialogue is needed between Amazon and Minneapolis’s East African community, Warsame said.

“We want it to be something substantial,” Warsame said. “We have the drivers.

We have the manpower. We have the knowledge. We have the know-how. The community has met all the requirements. What they need is a partner in Amazon and that’s what we’re looking forward to having.”

New U center opens for neglected children The center offers research, support and clinical services for trauma victims.

BY GWIWON JASON NAM gnam@mndaily.com

A new center at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to providing care to neglected and abused children.

The Otto Bremer Trust Center for Safe and Healthy Children opened a new dedicated space to care for children and families affected by abuse and neglect. The center held an open house March 7.

The center will support families and caregivers coping with traumatic situations and includes pediatricians, a nurse practitioner, social workers and a research coordinator. A certified therapy dog will also be on-site.

“Our hope is that our center will provide children and adolescents with trauma-focused service delivery to provide them

with a medical examination [a n d ] a comprehen si v e psychosocial assessment,” said Program Coordinator Rebecca Foell, a licensed social worker.

The center started with a single exam room and medical provider at the Masonic Children’s Hospital four years ago. Until this year, they did not have their own dedicated office or clinical space, but had offices throughout the Fairview complex. The team saw patients in a specialty clinic, Foell said.

After receiving a $2.5 million gift for the program in December 2015 from the Otto Bremer Trust, a private Minnesota charity, Dr. Nancy Harper grew the program.

Harper is the medical director for the center and an associate professor of pediatrics with a specialty in child abuse pediatrics.

At least 1 in 7 children in the United States have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Cedar-Riverside aims to expand Amazon partnership The event focused on helping workers establish direct Amazon contracts.

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The center added additional medical providers and staff to serve more children and families, Harper said.

Foell said the center has experts from child abuse pediatricians to health providers who work with children and adolescents that have experienced maltreatment. They also have social workers experienced in working in the field of child abuse and neglect. They also refer patients to outside providers as needed.

“Our new center provides not only a clinic space for children and families to come [to], but serves as an educational and advocacy resource,” Harper said.

They provide education and teaching to the University and broader community, including law enforcement, child protective services, attorneys, social workers, counselors, psychologists and others, she said. “[The center will provide] resources for families who have experienced abuse and resources for staff who work

ABBY ADAMSKI, DAILY

with these families on how to stay resilient,” Allison Hudson, clinic manager for the Pediatric Specialty Care Explorer Clinic that works closely with the center, said in an email to the Minnesota Daily.

In 2017, Minnesota child protection agencies received over 84,000 reports of child maltreatment — a 4.8 percent increase from 2016, according to the Minnesota Department

of Human Services.

“The center continues to create systems to make sure that all children in the area have access to excellent care and receive the quality of care each child deserves,” Hudson said. “They continue to bring awareness to our organization and [to] the community about this issue and work tremendously hard to advocate for the children they serve.”

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Thursday, May 2, 2019

The Senate resolution would mandate disability training for faculty, but Carter said while it would be helpful, it could lead to a strain on resources for the Disability Resource Center.

The DRC has already battled with space for students to test, and adding an entire infrastructure for creating training would require funding they may not receive.

Though Carter took spring semester off from teaching to instruct at a school in Missouri, she said not much has changed for faculty in her years at the University. She said any training on disability accommodations has always been optional, and most training she has found she had to seek out herself.

The resolution would create training videos for faculty

that would contain information on federal mandates regarding disability, the process of obtaining a letter from the DRC and how to address accommodations, co-founder of the Organization for Graduate and Professional Students with Disabilities Ryan Machtmes said.

“The student experience and student perspective should, and will be, front and center, so the faculty [will] have an improved understanding of what their students face and the processes that they go through,” Machtmes said.

Campus training is crucial, but it’s frequently lacking at many universities across the country, Allegra said. NCCSD, a federallyfunded center, provides assistance and information for anyone learning about disability, whether it be prospective students, parents or faculty. And while some instructors have pushed back against student accommodation requests, Allegra said the vast majority just don’t know

what to do.

“Many faculty, when a student tells them in office hours that they need extra time or have an accommodation letter, become deer in the headlights. They don’t know how to handle that,” Allegra said.

But while most universities have basic accommodations, many say a campus needs more. Support from faculty and administration is vital, but social spaces and groups for students with disabilities should be a major point, Allegra said.

“There’s a need for help, but also for a sense of belonging. Students may want to connect with others and identify themselves as a part of a group, but there’s not always a place for that,” Allegra said.

Until a few years ago, many major groups for students on campus with disabilities were defunct or non-existent. The Disabled Student Cultural Center was inactive until recently — it now hosts accessible game nights,

advocacy events and discussion hours on topics like accessibility and representation — and some felt there wasn’t a place for them to discuss disability.

For Machtmes, co-founding OGPSD meant building from the ground up. In the past two years, the group’s meetings have grown from five members to 80. In addition to working with other organizations to craft the Senate resolution to improve training, they’re starting the process of documenting all spots on campus with accessibility problems.

“We’re cataloging with geolocation, date and time the various physical facilities with accessibility issues. Hopefully, video evidence in mass [presented] to campus administrative officials will cause them to address those critical needs,” Machtmes said.

Carter cofounded the Critical Disability Studies Collaborative in 2015. The group examines disability as a distinct culture instead of something that needs to be fixed, which Carter said wasn’t frequently discussed on campus.

“It’s not just something to study in the applied fields like counseling, rehabilitation or medicine,” she said. “It intersects with all of those other vectors of privilege and oppression, race, class, gender and sexuality.”

But as outreach and education on disability continue to grow, those on campus should remember to not assume anything about those with disabilities, Carter said.

Some may not identify as a disabled person, others may not want to register with the DRC and some prefer not to talk about their disability at all.

“Listen to disabled people’s experiences from disabled people, and not assume we can’t do things just because we’re disabled. Instead of making assumptions, don’t be afraid to ask us or talk to us,” Carter said. “Don’t assume you know what’s better for them than they do.”

building after him, I’ll be satisfied with a bike rack or park bench.”

For Riv-Ellen Prell, the curator of “A Campus Divided” exhibit, the meeting represented a “moral victory,” especially for student advocates who brought greater attention to the University’s past.

“That moral victory belongs entirely to those people, not seated around the Board of Regents, but those faculty and students and some administrators,” Prell said.

But for many students, the regents’ decision is disappointing.

Chloe Williams, a student who started a petition to rename Coffman last year, said the decision made her “feel embarrassed to be a student at this University.”

“I honestly think [the board] should be ashamed of themselves,” she said. “They were on the wrong side of history with this decision.”

However, the decision to keep buildings’ names was welcome news for Chris Middlebrook, the grandson of former University Vice President William Middlebrook.

Though he doesn’t have a stance on the other three namesakes, Middlebrook said his grandfather was wrongly mischaracterized as a racist and an anti-Semite by “assumptions,” “leaps of faith” and scant evidence.

“I really don’t think my grandfather should have been a part of this discussion in the first place,” said Middlebrook, a 1983 graduate of the University Law School.

Middlebrook is relieved the name isn’t coming down from the West Bank residence hall, but he said accusations made against his grandfather were like the contents of Pandora’s box: They’re hard to rein in.

“His legacy is still being attacked and his reputation attacked as a racist and a segregationist, ” he said.

“The real relief would come if it’s acknowledged that yes, it’s true, he really shouldn’t have been a part of this renaming process.”

But for many, criticism of regents goes beyond the vote on renaming.

Many faculty expressed outrage at the accusations levied at the task force, including Regent Michael

Hsu’s calls to investigate academic dishonesty.

Several faculty members also voiced their objections at the Friday meeting, including Elaine Tyler May, chair of the University’s history department.

At several points, May interjected over regents, shouting for the board to submit questions to the task force so faculty could respond.

“I think it’s outrageous that members of the Board of Regents would question the work of world-class scholars doing their job at the request of the president,” May said.

Regent Darrin Rosha, a vocal critic of the task force, said that discussing renaming was “premature” because the historical evidence is not clear.

Rosha said there are outstanding questions about the task force’s report. He’s still looking for clarification from task force members about several concerns, including out-of-place quotations included in the report. Rosha said he plans to forward a list of questions in writing.

Regent Abdul Omari, the only member of the board to voice support for renaming, said he is “hopeful” there

will be an open and inclusive discussion going forward.

But Omari said there first needs to be a level of trust in faculty’s work. Omari criticized other regents at the Friday meeting for attacks on the task force, which he said drove away productive conversation.

“We have faculty for a reason and they’re good at what they do,” he said. “And if we don’t start on the premise that our faculty belong here and they know what they’re doing and they do good research, then we can’t move forward.”

Many members of the board appear ready to move on from the issue of renaming entirely.

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

In response to criticism about going forward with a vote, Vice Chair Regent Ken Powell said Friday, “We just felt it was time to attempt to bring some closure to the debate.”

For Prell, whose research on the “A Campus Divided” started the discussion of

renaming, the push for the University to reckon with its racist and anti-Semitic history will continue.

Prell, the former director of the Center for Jewish Studies, pointed out the center is housed in the building named after Dean Edward Nicholson, whom the task force faulted for spying on Jewish students.

When she first started this historical research, Prell said she was interested in installing a plaque “to simply tell what he did and who he was.” That may still happen.

Despite shooting down renaming, the board also passed a resolution directing incoming President Joan Gabel to develop “ongoing commemorations, educational activities, and/or permanent educational displays.” As it stands now, Nicholson Hall will keep its name.

Prell always knew that telling the University’s dark history wasn’t going to be easy.

“You don’t create public history without expecting a fight,” she said. “But what you want to do is keep moving forward to tell these histories for the very specific purpose to think about the future.”

and support of University and student needs,” the resolution states.

Secretary of State Steve Simon voiced support for the initiative in March.

“By adding voting reminders and linking opportunities to the most utilized areas of the students’ online experience (e.g. Registration, tuition payments, ... etc.), the University would create an institutional culture in support of voting and civic participation,” Simon wrote in a letter of support.

Student turnout remained lower than city averages in the 2018 midterm elections, but student precincts voted at higher rates than in the midterm in 2014.

“While it is clear that Minnesota has a strong culture of civic engagement and connection to the power of voting-exemplified in our first-in-the-nation status in voter participation — it is equally clear that we cannot rest on that achievement,” the letter of support reads.

CPR

Disability u from Page 1

approach ... so administration, faculty, everyone can learn how to help and how to make campus more welcoming,” Allegra said.

University of Minnesota Senate committee members greenlighted a resolution last month that would instate mandatory disability training for faculty.

It’s a great prospect, but still just the start, Carter said.

“A lot of students have mixed experiences, and some professors just don’t understand why disabled students need support. Campus culture needs to come to an understanding that folks with any disability are just as valid as others...they just need support to level the playing field,” she said.

Adapting the classroom

As an instructor at the University, accessibility is essential in her classes. Her list of upfront classroom accommodations is extensive — she wants to be inclusive to people of all abilities from the beginning, she said.

All of her handouts can be read by screenreaders, videos are always captioned, groups are chosen by her to avoid anxieties and tests are take-home.

While she’s still learning on how to best accommodate a diverse range of needs, Carter said the response from students has been appreciative. She’s been told her classes are unlike most other instructors and students feel like they can be open with her about their disability status.

“I’m constantly learning and constantly thinking about [accessibility]. I always want to learn more … we all make mistakes in the process, but my students see that I’m trying, and I can adapt,” she said.

But Carter’s class isn’t the norm — Many disabled students on campus have described receiving pushback

Renaming u from Page 1

The regents’ decision fell short, said Neal Joseph Loevinger, who learned from the “A Campus Divided” exhibit that his father and uncle were among the Jewish student activists that were surveilled by University administrators during the 1930s.

And for Loevinger, the historical record is clear.

“There are plenty of historical figures whose legacy we can judge by the totality of their work,” he said. “Unfortunately for Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Coffman, the legacy of their work — which certainly includes good things on behalf of the the students of the University of Minnesota — also included actions which we now regard as dishonorable.”

Loevinger said if regents are determined to keep the buildings named after Coffman and Nicholson, then “I would humbly suggest they name something after my father Robert Loevinger … but since my father was a humble and unassuming man, if we can’t a name big

Voting u from Page 1

Laridaen said MSA is waiting for administrative approval before rolling out the initiative prior to the fall semester.

“We see this as an opportunity to roll this out and get it tested before the big election,” she said.

The resolution may be significant in getting more students to the polls, said Hamline University political science professor David Schultz.

“In general, we know college students tremendously undervote their weight,” he said. “When people are registered to vote, they’re far more likely to vote. This is a good first step.”

MSA, which has had an increased presence at the Capitol this session, will use the program to bolster ongoing student support for the University.

“Student voter turnout is integral to advocating for the continued funding

The Disabled Student Cultural Center is seen on the second floor of Coffman Union on Tuesday, April 30.

from faculty or classmates because of their requests.

Carter Greenland, who identifies as a disabled person, said they’ve been met with resistance when discussing accommodations from professors throughout their years in school.

Carter said one instructor failed their paper, then told them if they hadn’t disclosed their disability beforehand, the instructor would have assumed Greenland was illiterate.

“Even in high school, I couldn’t get accommodations for the longest time because they told me I wasn’t failing my classes. Like, that’s the goal, right?” Greenland said.

Part of Carter’s resolve to be adaptive as an instructor is because she’s been where her students are — she’s had supportive professors who understood why she needed extra time, while she said others questioned why she needs accommodations if she can still write great papers.

“I’ve had some people push back, and I’ve had other

people that understood that they don’t have to understand. They just have to support me and meet my accommodations,” she said.

Current training

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Creating, finding spaces

u from Page 1

historic significance. He once guided Bob Vaughan through Paris by memory to see a hotel Thomas Jefferson once occupied.

“We had many discussions but very few arguments. He was almost always right, so it was difficult to argue with him,” Bob Vaughan said. He added that he enjoyed his brother’s conversation on walks and over coffee.

With the help of a Minnesota Daily letter to the editor and the University of Minnesota Police Department, Vaughan’s family was able to get in touch with Erdman. They expressed their gratitude, but Erdman said he was just doing what needed to be done.

“I knew what I needed to do, others helped out and I just found the AED and got to work,” Erdman said. “I don’t know how else to think about it other than that.”

To Vaughan’s family, however, it was more than

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Jacob Erdman, a junior studying German and political science, poses for a portrait in Folwell Hall on Tuesday, April 30.

just a good deed.

“A lot of times, family members don’t get the chance to say goodbye, and that could’ve been the case for our family too,” Vaughan said. “What they did, trying to extend his life, allowed us and his family to say goodbye to him.”

Vaughan said he hopes others would act similarly for any person in a life-ordeath situation.

“They’re more than just a body lying on the ground,” Vaughan said. “Everybody has a story — Mike had a story. It was a great one.”

Bob Vaughan still goes on

walks. Though his brother is no longer by his side, he thinks of him often. The quiet on the walks will take some getting used to, he said.

Erdman said he was thankful he and the other students were there to help, adding, “I did what anyone could’ve done.”

4

Sports

MNDAILY.COM

MN DAILY

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

SOFTBALL

ABBY ADAMSKI, DAILY

Brandt ‘irreplaceable’ for U defense The junior utility player has played in seven different positions for UMN.

BY PAUL HODOWANIC phodowanic@mndaily.com

The Gophers head into the final regular season series of the season against Northwestern having won their last 11 games. They stand in third place in the Big Ten with a chance to climb into the top spot after this weekend.

While some Gophers’ players, such as stars Hope Brandner and Amber Fiser, continue to be honored for

their outstanding play, one player continues to do the dirty work behind the scenes to help keep the Gophers on top of their game: Carlie Brandt.

Brandt has played seven different positions for the Gophers in her career: pitcher, left field, center field, first base, second base, third base and shortstop. She has played in 38 games this season and started in 33.

“To have someone who can be in the outfield, play short, pitch for you, hit in your lineup — especially when you get down numbers and have a couple injuries — someone like her is irreplaceable,” head coach

Jamie Trachsel said. “She’s unselfish and willing to do whatever she needs [to] for the team, and she’s done a great job.”

Brandt carries a .182 average into the weekend with a home run and five RBIs this season. Brandt’s value really shines in any of the numerous positions she can play in the field. Among players who have played in at least 30 games this season, Brandt is fourth on the team with a .974 fielding percentage.

She has also shown her value in the circle. In her 32 career appearances, she holds a 1.46 ERA and a 14-2 record. Brandt hasn’t heard

her name called to pitch much this year, having just two appearances, largely in part to the continued dominance of Fiser and the rebound season from Sydney Smith.

The Le Sueur, Minnesota native spent most of her time in high school as a pitcher, but it didn’t take her long to get comfortable elsewhere when she got to the Twin Cities.

“We saw [the learning curve] when she was in high school,” Trachsel said.

“She’s just a great athlete.

A lot of times your best athletes are your pitchers, especially in the Midwest, so we knew she was versatile.”

While she could play almost anywhere on a given day, Brandt doesn’t change her preparation. She acknowledges it’s a challenge; she tries to keep an open mind and be ready for any situation.

“My approach stays consistent ... I’m going to do whatever it takes for this team,” she said. “Everyone is working so hard, and you can see that hard work start to pay off for everyone out there.”

Gophers prepare for Northwestern

The Gophers’ biggest series of the year has arrived. A series win against

GOLF

GYMNASTICS

Youthful core returns for Gophers

Olympics

Both teams made significant strides this spring to set up the next season.

committee chooses a select few gymnasts from the group to join the Olympic team.

Wiskus’ campaign to don the red, white and blue in 2020 is off to a strong start. Three weeks ago, the sophomore won the parallel bars NCAA championship, claiming the first national championship for the Gophers since 2014. He also finished in second in the allaround competition for the second consecutive year. It was a decisive turnaround after a disappointing qualifying round for Wiskus.

“I was thinking to myself that was the most mediocre competition I’ve ever competed in. Nothing was great. ... I wasn’t happy with it,” Wiskus said.

Day two was a different story. “I had no pressure of doing well for the team; it was just me and my own gymnastics. I took it one skill at a time, one event at a time, and it did me very well.”

Wiskus earned three All-American honors, was named Big Ten Gymnast of the Year and was announced as a captain for the 20192020 season. Despite all his accomplishments, the road to the Olympics remains a steep climb.

“I believe it is possible for Shane [to make the Olympics],” head coach Mike Burns said. “But I believe it’s going to take a little bit more than he’s doing right now. I’m certainly not saying it’s not possible, but it’s going to be a battle and he’s got to be ready for the battle of his life.”

The sophomore will

BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com

With the opening of the new golf facility on St. Paul campus, the golf teams felt like they had a chance to get better over the spring season. That turned out to be exactly the case.

Making good use of their new home, both the men’s and women’s golf teams turned in some of their best performances this spring.

Despite ninth and 10th place finishes at their respective Big Ten Championships, both teams have reasons for optimism moving forward.

“They became a lot more experienced this year,” said women’s head coach Michele Redman. “We have three freshmen coming in next year ... and I think that [experience] will help them.

It’s going to be a lot more competitive.”

In addition to the newcomers, Redman’s team will return the majority of its key contributors from last season. Her lineup featured sophomores Joanne Free, Grace Kellar and Kate Lillie along with freshman Karen Zhang in all five spring tournaments.

Lillie in particular showed signs of growth this spring, posting a stroke-average of just over 75 after shooting an average of exactly 76 in the fall. Kellar will return after leading the team in stroke-average for the year at 74.31. Kellar said she

DAILY FILE PHOTO

Freshman Grace Kellar putts during the Minnesota Invitational Sept. 11, 2017 at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury, Minnesota.

is looking forward to playing with the other members of the current sophomore class for two more years.

“It’s very exciting,” Kellar said. “Most of us will be here in Minnesota this summer so we can work over the summer together. I think as a team we’ll just be able to build confidence within each other.”

Senior Muyu Wu will graduate after an impressive career at Minnesota. She led the team in two categories: spring stroke-average and top-10 finishes with two.

She also tied a school record with an opening-round 66 on February 18. Her career scoring average of 75.75 ranks fourth in program history.

Men return all of Big Ten Championships lineup Next year, the men’s team will return even more of their core than the women, as every member of their Big Ten Championships lineup will return. Of that group, junior Thomas Longbella was the only upperclassman.

Freshmen Lincoln Johnson and Harry Plowman-

Ollington made their debuts at the conference tournament in their first seasons, and sophomore Evan Long competed for the second time. Minnesota held the lead after 36 holes, but a final-round 304 (+24) dropped them all the way to ninth place.

“It was disappointing the way it all finished but we needed that,” said men’s associate head coach Justin Smith. “From a group of guys that have won junior tournaments but haven’t done it at this level, sometimes you have to fall on your face a little bit to come out ahead in the long run.”

Sophomore Angus Flanagan, however, did not struggle in the Big Ten Championships’ third round.

Instead, Flanagan tied for first place among individuals at the tournament. That finish qualified Flanagan to compete in a NCAA Regional Championship as an individual.

“He’ll be that rock for us even more so when the team gets [to a Regional Championship],” Smith said. “He’ll be able to offer up that knowledge and expertise for what it takes in that environment.”

This year, Flanagan shot 10 rounds under par, twice as many as any of his teammates. His stroke average of 71.59 ranks as the third-best season in program history.

For his outstanding play, Flanagan was named to the All-Big Ten Second team.

“I’ve got a good plan ... it seems to be working at the moment, so why change something that works?”

Flanagan said.

u from Page 1

Northwestern would vault them in front of the Wildcats and give them a shot at the Big Ten regular season championship, depending on how Michigan fares against Maryland.

All three games are sold out and team acknowledged there is a heightened atmosphere to the games.

“There’s going to a ton of emotion to this. The crowd’s going to be crazy,” Trachsel said. “It may come down to the mentality and emotional control of one team. You can’t ask for more than to be playing for something.”

The series begins Friday, May 3 at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium at 6 p.m.

“I believe it is possible for Shane [to make the Olympics]. But I believe it’s going to take a little bit more than he’s doing right now.

I’m certainly not saying it’s not possible, but it’s going to be a battle and he’s got to be ready for the battle of his life.”

MIKE BURNS head coach

spend the summer training and continuing to increase the difficulty of his routines to prep for the stiff competition. He will return for his junior season as a national champion with six All-American honors and two Big Ten Gymnast of the Year awards in his first two seasons as a Gophers gymnast.

Wiskus will make a run at the 2020 Olympics, but his dream will not end if he does not hear his named called in Tokyo. Many successful Olympians in men’s gymnastics compete into their late 20s, sometimes even into their early 30s. Wiskus, currently 20, would be 25 during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, giving him another shot to compete.

“Even if it doesn’t happen in 2020, I’ve had a great time in the sport,” Wiskus said.

“I’m still planning on going on another four years after this Olympics, so we will see where this road takes me.”

5

MNDAILY.COM

MN DAILY

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

DANCE

Femininity in full bloom CULTURE TO CONSUME

BY BECCA MOST

Watch this: Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” Leading with a full pep band and line of dancers, Beyoncé’s two-hour concert film on Netflix details her live Coachella performances from 2018, as well as the journey that led her to the creation of the shows. Filled with chronicle and heartfelt moments on and off stage, “Homecoming” celebrates the beauty and excellence of black culture, specifically targeting the importance of education in historically black colleges and universities.

Settle in with this: “The Tower” magazine The annual literary arts magazine “The Tower” is out, and it’s gorgeous. Especially with all this nasty weather — who wouldn’t want to curl up with a good read? The studentrun publication features some of the best of the University of Minnesota’s prose and poetry, as well as paintings, drawings and ceramics. You can pick up the magazine at a handful of buildings on campus or at the Weisman Art Museum — be on the lookout for its whimsical blue cover.

CULTURE COMPASS

BY BECCA MOST

Friday: “Dance with Me” Watch student-choreographed dances at the St. Paul Student Center this weekend.

A student performance group, the Dance Collective features a variety of dance categories including but certainly not limited to ballet, jazz and belly-dancing. The annual spring showcase gives students a chance to show their love of dance regardless of skill level.

Where: University St. Paul Student Center, 2017 Buford Ave., St. Paul When: 8 to 10 p.m.

Cost: Free

Saturday: “MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU!” “Star Wars” fans — this is the place you want to be. With a lightsaber battle, costume contest, “Star Wars” trivia and specialty beers on-tap (like the Tatooine Sunset or the Blue Milk), Dangerous Man Brewing Co. is bringing a celebration uniquely its own to this beloved day. With DJ Jake Rudh starting at 9:12 p.m. (Dangerous Man notes that “all times are subject to rifts in the time-space continuum”), this is a spot for beer-lovers and droids alike.

Where: Dangerous Man Brewing Co., 1300 2nd St. NE., Minneapolis When: 7 p.m. to midnight Cost: $20-30

Sunday: MayDay Festival In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre’s annual MayDay Parade on Bloomington Avenue is a time for celebrating warmth and community. With 10-foot-tall handmade puppets, music and performance, the parade starts at noon on Bloomington Avenue before finishing at Powderhorn Park. Here, you can enjoy live entertainment, a plethora of food trucks and dancing. It’s the best way to start off spring.

Where: Powderhorn Park, 33rd St. E., Minneapolis When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: Free

VIDEO STILL COURTESY OF SOPHIE MEZA

A video still from dance student Ally Paitl’s capstone project, “Petaled.” The video uses dance to illustrate over-sexualized portrayals of women in mass media.

In the age of mass media, Ally Paitl’s senior capstone reclaims femininity.

BY BECCA MOST bmost@mndaily.com

Four dancers in white enter from the left side of the screen, each carrying a bucket. They gaze directly at the camera and dump the contents of their buckets on the floor wordlessly after a couple of seconds.

It’s a flurry of red. Around 7,000 rose petals fall to the ground, coating the once plain backdrop in a sea of crimson.

In Ally Paitl’s capstone dance project, “Petaled,” which was released Thursday, the senior works to reclaim femininity, subverting traditional expectations of how women and their bodies are expected to move and be seen in mass media.

The five-and-a-halfminute music video features University dance students Camille Marks, Sophia Meza, Tori Breen and

Camille Horstmann.

Accompanied by cellist Katie Hare, “Petaled” plays on over-sexualized portrayals of women in popular culture.

Although it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the dancers’ motions as they toss, roll and play in the petals, Paitl pairs surface-level sweetness with something much more complex.

“A lot of times movements that choreographers put in music videos are more just flirtatious and [beg] the viewer to look at [women] in a certain way,” Paitl said. “We play with that.”

Here, dancers spread their legs and gaze directly into the camera, ignoring traditional film etiquette.

At one point in the video, the dancers seductively eat the rose petals one by one, only to retch them up a couple seconds later.

“Petaled” started last spring as a performance piece for Paitl’s composition class. As the piece’s choreographer and artistic director, Paitl said she wanted to dive deeper into her experience

“[In “Petaled”] we’re showing these parts that aren’t beautiful,” she said. “It’s saying you also have to look at these [pieces] that are also part of us.”

CAMILLE HORSTMANN University dance student

with the male gaze as a dancer through a piece she was familiar with.

Petals come to represent femininity in multiple forms in her piece.

The all-white ensemble

brings associations of marriage and purity, the flowers emblematic of a walk down the aisle.

But the petals also highlight aspects of womanhood not so easily-accepted in the media.

Horstmann’s petals fall out of her dress to simulate period blood, and Marks’ depict underarm hair in full bloom.

“In day-to-day conversation, we don’t talk about what it means to be a woman [or] about all of the labor that goes into [that],” Horstmann said. “To be relevant, you need to be beautiful. And that’s also very ugly if you think about it.”

Horstmann said when people show their best side on social media, it’s easy to forget they also have flaws. “[In “Petaled”] we’re showing these parts that aren’t beautiful,” she said. “It’s saying you also have to look at these [pieces] that are also part of us.”

Paitl said creating the project with all female collaborators was intentional.

Breen said this was a unique experience for her.

“It’s interesting because dance has always been a field dominated by women in terms of the dancers,” she said. “But for much of known history, men have been the top choreographers and directors of dance companies, so working with all women is different and exciting.”

Near the end of the film, the petals’ softer connotations are emphasized.

Dancers carefully place the petals on each other, decorating arms, legs and hair with little circles of red.

Paitl said she wanted to evoke the feeling friends get when they do each other’s makeup or practice self-care.

“Beauty isn’t always this destructive or divisive thing. Sometimes you take care of each other through beauty,” she said. “Sometimes it’s a really intimate and soft experience rather than something you have to be mad about. And the idea that these two things can exist at the same time is important.”

EVENTS

A&E’s guide to this summer’s concerts The concerts are selling out quickly — don’t miss out on amazing shows.

Basilica Block Party Where: Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 17th St. N., Minneapolis When: July 12-13 Cost: $60 single day, $110 twoday pass (general admission) This year we are blessed with the one and only Kacey Musgraves (yeehaw, my friends). Sharing the lineup will be Dawes, Semisonic, Jason Mraz, CHVRCHES and many more talented acts.

This year’s block party will be one for the books.

BY KSENIA GORISHTEYN kgorinshteyn@mndaily.com

The school year is coming to an end.

It’s time to celebrate with a little dancing.

Summer in the Twin Cities brings some incredible acts. If you’ve been studying hard this past year, it’s finally time to let loose.

Fear not, A&E did all of the research for you. Here are some concerts you won’t want to miss this summer.

Snail Mail Where: First Avenue, 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis When: July 15 Cost: $20 Ages: 18+ Not on the Snail Mail bandwagon yet? It’s certainly not too late. The band’s electric guitar-heavy tunes feature some impressive solos and melodies that easily get stuck in your head. The band’s friendship is pure and apparent on the stage, making each show feel like your own private house show.

Lucius – Live Nudes Tour Where: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul When: May 10 Cost: $35 The Brooklyn band is heading to the Fitzgerald Theater for two nights, and their beautiful duets will send chills up your spine. Their acoustic album “Nudes” was released last year and it’s what we imagine heaven sounds like. Plus, they always coordinate their outfits. It really is iconic!

The Greeting Committee Where: 7th Street Entry, 701 N. 1st Ave., Minneapolis When: June 11 Cost: $12 Ages: 18+ The Greeting Committee is exactly what you want your summer to sound like.

Their new album “This Is It” came out last October and it comprises 40 minutes of pure

DAILY FILE PHOTOS

CLOCKWISE FROM THE TOP: 1) Fans cheer for POS at Rock the Garden on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

2) Father John Misty headlines Rock the Garden. 3) Chastity Brown performs at Rock the Garden. happiness. Lead singer Addie Sartino has some incredible energy and seriously strong vocals.

Rock The Garden Where: Minneapolis Sculpture

Garden, 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis When: June 29 Cost: $74 (general admission) How can you say no to The National and Courtney Barnett? At the one-day festival,

these acts will be joined by other bands including local favorites Bad Bad Hats and deM atlaS. Go ahead, get your photo in front of Spoonbridge and Cherry while wearing your best festival ‘fit.

Shakey Graves and Dr. Dog Where: Surly Brewing Festival Field, 520 Malcolm Ave. S.E., Minneapolis When: August 17 Cost: $35 Ages: 18+ This pairing feels once in a lifetime. Both Shakey Graves and Dr. Dog are amazing storytellers, and both really know how to get a crowd moving. If you’re into Americana grit and trippy rock, you’ll be absolutely delighted with this lineup.

6 THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

MN DAILY

MNDAILY.COM

Editorials & Opinions

COLUMN

Exploring women’s history at the U A conversation with a University of Minnesota alumna from 1968 revealed some hidden history.

T

he University of Minnesota Women’s Club is full of accomplished, lively and fascinating women.

A few weeks ago, I had lunch with the UMWC and talked with UMA VENKATA its president, columnist Maggie Hoover, whose dynamic life story captivated me. I learned a lot about her career, education and varied interests, some of which were present in the Twin Cities and at the University of Minnesota. I think a few things are relevant to many of us.

Hoover graduated from high school in 1964 and enrolled at the University. She began by studying zoology but changed to humanities her junior year. Hoover graduated on time in 1968, then completed library school and nursing school. In the 1980s she was a full-time nurse in the surgical intensive care unit at the University. At the same time, she earned her master’s of business administration from the University. She then moved to Florida and continued nursing until her retirement. (A note to any Sen. Maureen Walshes reading: nursing is hard.)

Hoover didn’t switch to the humanities because she was unsuited to the sciences or

disinclined toward work. Hoover said she dropped zoology because the University community forced her out. These are Hoover’s experiences, as she described them.

In zoology studies, Hoover said she took chemistry classes with professors who didn’t expect her to continue into advanced chemistry classes. “I got the impression from our teachers that this was the best I was going to do,” Hoover told me.

And the physics department was downright hostile to her — she experienced far worse treatment because she was a woman.

Hoover said she took a class where the professor point-blank refused to acknowledge her, looking through her like she was air. There were places she wasn’t even welcome to walk through, including the architecture building. Women were not allowed in the School of Mines and Metallurgy unless it was after hours and they were cleaning, she said.

In a genetics lab class, Hoover said she had a few male classmates who were floundering in the class. They told her they had no idea what was going on and they were miserable. The course was done on workbooks, so Hoover completed their work for them. Hoover and the men turned in workbooks with the same answers.

The men got As, Hoover got a C. When she confronted the teacher, he backed into a corner and shook his head. “No, women can’t do that in my class. Only men can get As in my class,” Hoover said the professor told her.

In 1970, Mines and Metallurgy was split and absorbed into the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo-Engineering (CEGE). I would like to note that CEGE’s director of undergraduate studies is Professor Catherine French, a highly

accomplished engineer whose research has enriched knowledge and industry far beyond the University campus. Had she been born in the 1940s, she would not have been allowed to be this accomplished. Had we included women in academic and industrial spheres before our parents’ generation, we may have been much further than where we are now.

By now, gender-equality climate has wildly improved — but there are still discrepancies.

I fear these discrepancies widen as time goes on. After all, Jonas Salk changed the course of humanity with his polio vaccine. While memories of the iron lung, paralysis, deformities and death have faded, anti-vaxxers still have an audience. We need to know what happened before so we don’t repeat it.

Talking to Hoover was like talking to my grandmother, who also spent her career as a powerhouse nurse. Life was not easy for them, just for some cosmetic machismo. It’s hard to hear about their treatment and to imagine it without the burning resentment I would respond with if I received it today. But anyone can feel that way about women’s treatment, not just women. In some ways, men and women were born into their separate worlds, but they have the power to shape it further, too. I commend our progress. I look forward to our future.

Uma Venkata welcomes comments at uvenkata@mndaily.com.

EDITORIAL

Learning from messy rename process at the U The process and communication should have been clearer for the University’s renaming process.

On Friday afternoon, campus was at a stand-still as the regents decided to take up one of the most important decisions our campus has faced in recent years: should the University of Minnesota rename four buildings that bear the name of controversial historical figures?

The meeting was a disaster: regents threatened to arrest protesters, the meeting room was at capacity, leaving many to sit outside and it lacked a platform for public discourse. But more importantly, we stand to learn from the process leading up to Friday’s decision — a perspective that everyone, no matter if they support renaming or not, should agree on.

As part of the community who occupies these buildings, we feel strongly that our opinions, concerns and hesitations should hold weight in the decision-making process.

As we stand on the other side of a lengthy renaming process, we can see that our administration must do better when dealing with similar, large initiatives.

Without a clear policy or standards for such a decision, the process often felt unorganized and rushed. We advocate for the creation of clear guidelines so future decisions avoid a similarly chaotic scenario.

In creating a new set of guidelines, we ask the University provide an avenue through which student and faculty voices can be directly heard and taken into consideration. As part of the community who occupies these buildings, we feel strongly that our opinions, concerns and hesitations should hold weight in the decision-making process. Research and task forces, yes, are important. But what’s a community when those who govern it shirk their responsibility to listen to its members?

Other universities have successfully implemented guidelines in an effort to handle these difficult situations, during which administrations are tasked with handling complex institutional histories and modern standards of decency. At Stanford University, its process consists of creating a request for the change and considering the harms associated with both renaming and keeping a namesake, as well as the person’s relationship to the university and their behavior. A committee then communicates its opinion to the university president, who makes the decision.

Although the final decision doesn’t rest with the President, but rather the Board of Regents, a similar process can and should be adopted by the University during future endeavors. We would like to see guidelines laid out transparently within a consistent process that students and regents can abide by.

Last week’s decision left many in our campus community heartbroken and angry. Those on the other side who support the final outcome also seem dissatisfied by the path we took to get here. We need to do better. Our administration needs to do better.

Robert McGrady welcomes comments at rmcgrady@mndaily.com.

COLUMN

Minnesotans must continue fighting to rename significant, historical sites Minnesotans’ racism has kept the state from making progress toward renaming significant sites.

D

uring the last week, I have found myself extremely disappointed by my home state. As a native Minnesotan, I would like to believe that our “Minnesota nice” is real and ALEEZEH HASAN that we have columnist reasons to love and brag about our state. Unfortunately, two major events in the last week make that difficult.

First, our own University of Minnesota Board of Regents rejected the idea of renaming Coffman Union 10-1. I was appalled that the regents seemed to care so deeply for a building named after a man that appears to have openly supported social segregation.

Lotus Coffman was racist, according to the

task force’s report. While students have pushed for a change in the student union that upholds his legacy, the regents have failed us.

Meanwhile, the nearby lake Bde Maka Ska could revert back to its former name, Lake Calhoun. It would then bear the name of a known supporter of slavery. As Minnesotans, it is disgusting that we want to keep this name on one of our most beautiful lakes and areas.

Bde Maka Ska should be its rightful name, as that was the lake’s name before white settlers came to the land.

While a name can only do so much, it is the first step to reach equality within our state.

Minnesotans might brag about how blue we are, but in this moment it is clear that bigotry is upheld within our state. The refusal to change these names leads to acceptance of the actions of people like Coffman and Calhoun.

Personally, I do not feel any pride living in a state where we do not condemn the racist actions of historical figures. While some might argue it is erasure, the awareness of history is something that will actually be spread through the name change. Rather than everyone just accepting the names of past racists, the change will garner attention and people will acknowledge the past.

When so many have supported these name changes, it becomes clear that Twin Cities

residents are not fairly represented. The University’s Board of Regents does not do justice or push for students’ concerns. Our University cannot claim to be accepting of all students when we continue to normalize and praise the name of someone that was antiblack and anti-Semitic. Even if Coffman made notable changes to the University community during his time, his viewpoints are now outdated. Currently, the regents are sending a message that says past racism doesn’t matter if the person made a difference within the University.

As Minnesotans, it is up to us to continue fighting for the names to be changed. We should all continue calling it Bde Maka Ska and refer to Coffman as just Memorial Union, ending the justification of past racism.

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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Aleezeh Hasan welcomes comments at ahasan@mndaily.com.

7

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

MN DAILY

MNDAILY.COM

HOROSCOPES

Today’s Birthday (5/2): Collaborative ventures profit this year.

Plan your moves carefully to expand boundaries. Launch your creative project this summer before your travel plans evolve.

Discover uncharted terrain this winter, leading to a new direction in your story. Pull together, and share the gains.

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

Written by Nancy Black

Aries (3/21 - 4/19): Today is a 9 — Take action for what you love today. Follow a personal passion. Stick to reliable techniques. Do what you do best, and everything comes together.

Libra (9/23 - 10/22): Today is a 9 — Let magnetism draw you together. Charm and flirt.

Enchant your partner. Don’t rush into anything; take it slow and easy.

Taurus (4/20 - 5/20): Today is a 7 — Use wisdom, not credit. You’re gaining confidence.

Revise earlier decisions. Continue with caution.

Savor moments with loved ones.

Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21): Today is an 8 — Stick with trusted physical routines, and practice your moves. Don’t try out new tricks.

Luck blesses your work and health.

Gemini (5/21 - 6/21): Today is an 8 — Connect with friends, allies and colleagues. Grab a spontaneous opportunity for collaboration.

Don’t make assumptions. Listen and learn.

Sagittarius (11/22 - 12/21): Today is a 9 — Flattery will get you everything. Reassert your position, with humor. Maintain an undercurrent of love. Compose love letters. Put in corrections.

Cancer (6/22 - 7/22): Today is a 9 — An exciting opportunity requires urgent action. Go for it!

Abandon routines. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Stay on firm ground, and watch your step.

Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19): Today is an 8 — Your greatest strength is love. Share it at home with family. Beautify your spaces. Tend your garden, and count blessings. Discover hidden treasure.

Leo (7/23 - 8/22): Today is an 8 — Luck smiles on your travels, investigations and studies. Choose your destinations carefully, and stay light on your feet. Explore and discover rare delights.

Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18): Today is a 9 — Your creative muses sing to you. Harmonize and craft a masterpiece. Follow a spontaneous inspiration. Think outside the box.

Virgo (8/23 - 9/22): Today is a 9 — Collaborate for profitable results. Share talents and appreciations.

Avoid risky business, and steer family finances for growth. Keep your agreements.

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20): Today is an 8 — Take charge to get a project rolling. Learn valuable tricks from an elder. Monitor both expenses and income. Take advantage of a lucrative opportunity.

IN THE

KNOW a podcast by

mn DAILY

Breaking Down the U’s News

DR. DATE Dr. Date,

Alas, my college career is coming to an end. After five long years of struggle, I’m graduating this semester. Despite my fear of the real world, I’m pretty excited to leave classes behind.

Except for one class — the one with the secret love of my life. I’ve fallen head over heels for this guy in my program. My major is pretty small, so I’ve known him for a few years. But last year I realized he was even cuter than I thought. We’ve hung out together to study a few times. It’s always with other people and never romantic, so I doubt he thinks of me that way.

Before I leave the University forever, I want to tell him how much I love him and ask him out. I’m hoping for an adorable rom-com feel, but can’t think of what to do! How do I tell him we need to date without being super creepy?

—Lost Love

Dear Lost Love,

Congratulations on graduating! Now, let me crush your dreams before the real world can. Rom-com ideas are really only cute if both people are into each other, otherwise it comes off as weird. You want to tell him you love him even though you’ve never been on a date or shown any romantic interest?!

That’s DEFINITELY weird.

Don’t worry, this can still be an adorable story to tell your kids. Instead of planning an elaborate scavenger hunt with a ring at the end, slip him a cute note about how you wish you hadn’t waited this long to ask but you’d love to go out sometime. If he refuses, you won’t have to see him again. But if he says yes, try not to be too overbearing.

Just go out for coffee. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll cry over your student loan debt together!

— Dr. Date

Dr. Date,

The day r/incels was banned on Reddit was the day I knew incels — those who are involuntarily celibate — were going to be hated forever. As a College of Science and Engineering student and unattractive male, I needed a place to post my struggles about girls on campus, so I moved to the University of Minnesota meme groups and subreddits instead. After asking if there were any others like me out

there, I was met with hatred by most.

Even the meme group banned any posts about incels! I would be mad, but I also received a few messages about starting an incel student group on campus.

Finally, a space where I could truly share my thoughts about how much I hate women for not sleeping with me!

The new group was going great for a few days. The guys and I were uniting over the hate thrown our way, while swiping left on every girl on Tinder for being too provocative. But now, I’ve been struck with a predicament. A girl in my class actually asked me out! She’s decently smart, attractive but modest and shares my harsh political opinions, so on paper she’d be great for me. But I’ve been having so much fun with my new group of brocels that I don’t know if I want to give it up for a basic Stacy.

Is it time to give up my incel title or should I continue shitposting on Reddit forever?

—Potential Chad

Dear Potential Chad,

…

I am not a therapist and I know nothing about psychology. That being said, please go to therapy and figure out your issues with women. Going on Tinder just to swipe left because girls are “provocative”? Hating all women for not sleeping with you? There’s some internal stuff going on that you should definitely not externalize.

Look, I am very against an incel student group where you can all circlejerk and revel in your hatred of women, and wasn’t that why r/incels was banned? But, I also think you should stay as far away from girls as possible until you get your stuff sorted out, so this is a little complicated. In hopes of disbanding you from the group, I’ll say that you’re technically not an incel anymore. Girls do want to hang out with you, so you’re different from your bros.

Tell the girl you’re flattered but don’t have time to date, join a student group unrelated to your sex life and GO TO THERAPY. On the behalf of all women, I’ll say you’d be better for it.

— Dr. Date

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

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

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

5/2/19

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

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Vice Provost’s reach extends across U Robert McMaster has an unmatched drive to help UMN students succeed.

BY DYLAN ANDERSON danderson@mndaily.com

Robert McMaster loves maps. He is surrounded by them: a globe in his office and framed maps on the walls. Maps even decorate many of the ties he wears.

“He’s always reminding us about geography all the time, telling us what’s a map and what’s not a map,” said Jennifer Reckner, chief of staff in the University of Minnesota’s Office of Undergraduate Education, which McMaster oversees.

“You’d be surprised at how much that comes up in general conversation.”

McMaster has worked at the University for 30 years as a geography professor, researcher and longtime administrator. He recently

returned to the role as vice provost and dean for the Office of Undergraduate Education after a recent three-month stint as acting provost.

McMaster oversees nearly everything regarding undergraduate education, including parts of advising, admissions, orientation and One Stop Student Services, among others.

Coming from the field of analytical cartography, data drives McMaster’s decisionmaking. Numbers help him understand topics like admission, student access and retention to make informed decisions in his wide-reaching position.

Since McMaster took the reins of undergraduate education in 2007, the fouryear graduation rate on the Twin Cities campus has increased by nearly 30 percent. While this increase is not solely because of McMaster, many say his direction of the office has led

to the University’s success.

“He is [in] very high demand because he can fill a lot of different roles,” said Suzanne Bardouche, former OUE chief of staff.

She said McMaster’s typical day may have a plan, but that the plan often changes because of the sheer number of his duties.

“He might get called to the legislature to talk about something, a regent might want to come and talk with him, there might be some sort of student crisis,” Bardouche said. “Typically, he was in the office until late and he was always reachable.”

McMaster has a wife, two daughters and a German Shepherd named Klover. He stays occupied.

“I think one of the one of the struggles with these kinds of jobs is life balance,” McMaster said.

“I try as hard as I can to make sure that this doesn’t consume me.”

CHRIS MCNAMARA, DAILY

Vice Provost and Dean Robert McMaster posed for a portrait on Monday, April 29 in Morrill Hall.

When Reckner considered becoming chief of staff, she asked Bardouche about the office culture. She was skeptical when she was told that McMaster is always in a good mood.

“I thought, ‘really?’”

Reckner said. “And he really, really is. He’s always in a good mood, he’s always even-tempered and he’s constantly cracking jokes with us.”

McMaster got his start at the University as a professor and researcher in the geography department, where he served as department chair for three years. He has known fellow geography professor Abdi Samatar for 25 years, who said McMaster is a thoughtful listener.

“Some academics and some administrators

often make up their minds before they hear the full story. Bob is patient enough to listen to freshmen as well as a senior professor,” Samatar said.

McMaster has always been innovative. He designe d h is o wn u nd er graduate degree in cartography and geography during his time at Syracuse University.

While it may not be often, McMaster makes sure to get back to Syracuse University for a geography lecture every now and then.

“I go back once a month to my geography office and test the key, make sure they haven’t taken my office away,” McMaster said.

Samatar said that while McMaster was in the department, he led the creation of one of the nation’s first master’s programs in

geographic information science. He said McMaster saw where the discipline was headed. Universities across the country have followed suit and established similar programs.

For McMaster, it always comes back to students — not just ensuring they are successful at the University, but that their time here is efficient and that they leave without the burden of debt. He regularly meets with a student advisory board to gather feedback.

“He takes off the mask of administrator when he comes to [meetings],” said Dobbs Decorsey, a student on the board. “He’s actually trying to make a change for students on campus, and it’s really nice we have somebody who’s on our side.”