March 29, 2018

NEW RIVERTON BUILDING EXPANDS CO-OPS PAGE 8 THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018

LATE WEEK

RIVERTON ALSO OWNS THE CHATEAU AND 4TH STREET CO-OP.

MNDAILY.COM

HOCKEY

POLICY

Motzko named men’s hockey coach

In Minneapolis, Pence pushes for new tax cut

Bob Motzko will join the Gophers after a 13-season tenure with the St. Cloud State Huskies.

BY DREW COVE dcove@mndaily.com

Minnesota only had to look 70 miles to find its next men’s hockey head coach.

Bob Motzko, the former head coach at St. Cloud State, will be the next head coach of the Minnesota men’s hockey team, the Gophers announced Tuesday.

“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to lead Golden Gopher Hockey,” Motzko said in a release. “The rich history and tradition of this program is honored by so many in our state and around the country.

We will work tirelessly to make those people proud.”

Motzko met with his team at 1 p.m. to inform them of his departure, according to multiple outlets.

Minnesota’s former head coach Don Lucia stepped down one week ago, leaving the position vacant for the first time in 19 years.

Motzko is a familiar face to fans of the Gophers. He was an assistant coach for Lucia from 2001-2005 and was part of the 2002 and 2003 national championship teams with Minnesota. He moved on to coach at his alma mater and Minnesota rival St. Cloud State in 2005 and had been the head coach there until Tuesday.

The Austin, Minnesota native coached the Huskies to eight NCAA Tournament appearances and one Frozen Four appearance in 2013. This season, St. Cloud State u See MOTZKO Page 2

LIFESTYLE

Women welcome at The Coven

The Wednesday morning speech was part of the vice president’s two-day tour of Minnesota.

BY KASSIDY TARALA ktarala@mndaily.com

Vice President Mike Pence visited the Minneapolis Convention Center on Wednesday to tout economic gains made by the recent Republican tax bill.

Hundreds gathered at the America First Policies’ event to hear Pence and Minnesota congressmen discuss the recent tax overhaul and its impacts on residents.

“We cut taxes so people can keep more of what they earned,” Pence said at the event.

“With Trump in the office and with God’s help, we will make America prosperous again. We will make America great again.”

Before Pence’s remarks, U.S. House Republicans Erik Paulsen, Tom Emmer and Jason Lewis, and MyPillow CEO Michael Lindell, discussed how the tax cuts have benefited local companies.

“These tax cuts are allowing small business owners to hire more employees, which is creating more jobs across the nation,” Lewis said.

MyPillow has employed thousands in Minnesota and continues to employ people across the country, Lindell said.

Pence said the recent tax cuts have u See PENCE Page 2

ADMINISTRATION

Proposed UMN policy would mandate use of preferred pronouns The University Senate will likely vote on the drafted policy in the coming fall semester.

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

The Coven is filled with working women on Tuesday, March 27 in the North Loop. The space encourages women and nonbinary individuals to find community while accomplishing personal and professional work in the space.

The North Loop location is a gathering spot for women to work, study or take a ‘pause.’

BY SOPHIE VILENSKY svilensky@mndaily.com

The Coven, a co-working space for women and nonbinary individuals in the North Loop, officially opened March 8 (that’s International Women’s Day, mind you).

Membership based, the space welcomes individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions. While some have their current titles set (sexual ecologist, raised bed gardener), many Coven members are living at a crossroads — inbetween careers or about to graduate school.

You see, a set job title is not mandatory at The Coven.

The desire to do good is.

It’s a bummer to crumble expectations, but there was no thunder, lightning or rain as members gathered at The Coven on Tuesday afternoon.

Instead, they basked in the warm glow of the space’s many windows, going about their days amidst moments and periods of “transformational change.” At

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Sydney Roberts decides which Glam Doll Donut to enjoy after the owners brought treats to the patrons at The Coven on Tuesday, March 27 in the North Loop.

its core, The Coven works as a launch pad for transitions between business and pleasure, motherhood and me-time or one job and another.

This is helpful for young members, still

getting used to living life in constant transition.

“I hate to think that there’s one u See COVEN Page 5

BY HELEN SABROWSKY hsabrowsky@mndaily.com

In response to a growing number of University of Minnesota members publicly identifying as gender nonconforming, a new policy would require members to use an individual’s preferred pronouns, gender and name.

The draft was written to address faculty concerns and improve the campus environment for gender nonconforming students.

The administrative policy is currently receiving feedback from student groups and University governments – and hopes to present it to the University Senate next fall.

The draft allows for University members to specify their gender identity, names and pronouns, and requires departments and colleges to take “reasonable steps” to maintain the privacy of biological identifying information.

The University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action has received an increasing number of questions from departments who are interested in supporting transgender and gender nonconforming community members, said Gabrielle Mead, the assistant director of the department.

This policy ensures the University is able to provide consistent guidelines to these questions, she said.

A number of University organizations collaborated to write the policy, including the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life and the EOAA, Mead said. u See PRONOUNS Page 2

FOOTBALL

Minnesota’s Pro Day draws scouts from 22 NFL teams to Athletes Village The event, held Wednesday, centered around displays of skill by 11 Gophers players.

BY JACK WARRICK jwarrick@mndaily.com

Illinois and Minnesota were the only two Big Ten teams with no players invited to the NFL combine.

That meant senior Minnesota players who have NFL hopes had to impress on the school’s Pro Day. Minnesota brought in scouts from 22 different NFL teams. The 11 Minnesota players who were featured ran drills inside the new indoor facility at Athletes Village Wednesday, the first Pro Day in Minnesota’s new athletics facility.

Linebacker Jonathan Celestin benched 225 pounds 27 times, ran the best 40-yard dash of the Gophers with a 4.70 and had a 32-1/2 inch vertical jump.

Running back Kobe McCrary recorded 25 reps on the bench with a 36-inch vertical jump and a 4.75-second 40-yard dash.

Defensive tackle Steven Richardson led the Gophers on the bench press with 31 reps.

“I felt like I got snubbed a little bit, but I mean, I just used it as fuel,” Richardson said.

“Instead of going there I had more weeks to train, so it ended up working out.”

McCrary’s 25 reps would have put him tied for sixth at his position in the 2018 NFL combine.

“I can provide a lot,” McCrary said. “[I’m] a bigger back. I run hard, physical. I can block, catch out the back field and I can also play special teams. So however they want to use me.”

Defensive back Adekunle Ayinde had the best broad jump of the group with a 10-foot jump. He was just behind Celestin in the 40-yard dash with a 4.71 time.

Ryan Santoso was the only special teams participant. He punted and kicked in front of the NFL scouts without doing the usual athletic drills and tests.

“I felt like I did pretty well,” Santoso said.

“It’s time to get to the drawing board [to] correct some things again before the draft and u See FOOTBALL Page 4

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Vincent Calhoun and Nate Wozniak participate in an NFL Pro Day drill at the Athlete’s Village indoor practice facility on Wednesday, March 28.

VOLUME 118 ISSUE 49

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY 1951 In one of the most sensational trials in American history, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of espionage for their role in passing atomic secrets to the Soviets during and after World War II. The husband and wife were later sentenced to death and were executed in 1953.

Thursday, March 29, 2018 Vol. 118 No. 49

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NEWS STAFF Nick Wicker Managing Editor nwicker@mndaily.com Cedar Thomas Managing Production Editor cthomas@mndaily.com Jack White Sports Editor jwhite@mndaily.com Gunthar Reising A&E Editor greising@mndaily.com Alex Tuthill-Preus Multimedia Editor atuthill-preus@mndaily.com Maddy Fox Assistant Multimedia Editor mfox@mndaily.com Sheridan Swee Copy Desk Chief sswee@mndaily.com Molly Tynjala Assistant Copy Desk Chief mtynjala@mndaily.com Harry Steffenhagen Visuals Editor hsteffenhagen@mndaily.com Jane Borstad Visuals Editor jborstad@mndaily.com Desmond Kamas Chief Page Designer dkamas@mndaily.com Rilyn Eischens Campus Editor reischens@mndaily.com Olivia Johnson Campus Editor ojohnson@mndaily.com Ryan Faircloth City Editor rfaircloth@mndaily.com David Clarey Features Editor dclarey@mndaily.com =

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EASTON GREEN, DAILY

The University of Minnesota rowing team practices on Tuesday, March 27 on the Mississippi River.

Proposed UMN policy would mandate preferred pronoun use Pronouns u from Page 1

On Monday, at its monthly meeting, members of the Council of Graduate Students raised concerns over perceived vague language.

Members said they fear it could lead to misinterpretation of the policy. COGS members also called for more specific consequences for University members who fail to follow the policy, and additional information on how noncompliance will be addressed.

Currently, the policy does not outline consequences for failing to follow it.

The Queer Student

Cultural Center, whose members also gave feedback on the draft, believe the policy is a step forward for the University, said member Eli Fleck.

“I think it’s a great policy, especially with the updates to MyU and creating avenues for students to communicate their identity and pronouns without having to send a direct email to the professor, which can be daunting,” he said.

In July, University students and employees will be able to add preferred pronouns and gender identities to MyU. Many transgender and gender nonconforming students face discrimination and harassment, and

policies like this are a step in the right direction, said Shane Windmeyer, the executive director and founder of Campus Pride, a nonprofit organization focused on creating safer college environments for LGBTQ students.

“The very first time a professor uses the wrong name or pronoun, it creates an environment where the individual doesn’t feel comfortable,” he said.

In 2014, concerns were raised over professors calling transgender students incorrect names. Later that year, the University began allowing students to include their preferred name in University online systems.

Pence pushes for new tax cut in Minneapolis visit Pence u from Page 1

contributed to job growth in the Twin Cities and a drop in unemployment nationwide.

“Businesses across the state have created 7,600 jobs in manufacturing,” he said.

These tax cuts will save the average family of four about $3,000 per year, Pence said. Thousands of workers in Minnesota have already received bonuses upward of $2,000, he added.

In addition to tax cuts, P ence discussed ot h er work being done during Trump’s presidency, including obtaining more than $1.6 billion to fund border protection.

“Make no mistake about it, we will build that wall,” Pence said.

Pence also mentioned the recent emphasis on gun control and school

safety, and said Trump has helped strengthen background checks and provided resources to authorities, schools and parents to prevent mass shootings.

“No child should feel unsafe in an American school,” he said.

While Pence discussed tax cuts, he also mentioned increased spending for military and infrastructure.

“We are going to build Minnesota and America the best roads, bridges and futures that we’ve ever had,” he said.

Some in the crowd were supportive of the funding increases, especially for military and police officers.

“I was glad he honored military and police officers and talked about increasing funding for them,” said Ona Smart of Minneapolis.

As a mother, Smart said she appreciated the tax cuts and their impact on her family.

“We’re putting Wash-

ington back to work for families, not the other way around,” Pence said.

Minneapolis resident Merrilyn Downs said Pence’s emphasis on family was important to her, too.

“The tax cuts are important because they give hope to future generations, like my granddaughter who’s a sophomore in high school,” she said.

But Downs did have some criticism about recent government spending.

“I don’t believe in abortion, so I don’t like that they gave money to Planned Parenthood,” she said. “I think there are other places people can go to the doctor.”

Pence closed his speech by voicing appreciation of Minnesota and the “hardworking people who embody the spirit of America.”

“Minnesota is America’s star of the North,” he said.

“This state is at the forefront of a great American comeback.”

Motzko takes hockey helm Motzko u from Page 1

finished as the No. 1 seed in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and replicated that with the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The Huskies were upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Air Force, which ended their season Friday. After the signing, St. Cloud State’s athletics department released a statement regarding the former coach’s departure.

“I want to thank Bob Motzko for helping position St. Cloud State University among the nation’s elite intercollegiate

men’s hockey programs,” St. Cloud State athletics director Heather Weems said in the release.

Motzko started as a coach under the other Minnesota head coach to win a national championship besides Lucia, serving as Herb Brooks’ assistant at St. Cloud State in the 198687 season.

Motzko also coached the last two United States teams at the World Junior Championships. The team won gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018 with former Minnesota players Ryan Lindgren and Casey Mittelstadt.

Minnesota will officially introduce Motzko as the head coach on Thursday at 1 p.m.

Trump ousts Shulkin from Veterans Affairs, nominates his doctor

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump fired Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin on Wednesday and nominated White House doctor Ronny Jackson to replace him in the wake of a bruising ethics scandal and a mounting rebellion within the agency.

A Navy rear admiral, Jackson is a surprise choice to succeed Shulkin, a former Obama administration official and the first nonveteran ever to head the VA. Trump had been considering replacements for Shulkin for weeks, but had not been known to be considering Jackson for the role.

In a statement, Trump praised Jackson as “highly

trained and qualified.” It was a decision that signaled Trump chose to go with someone he knows and trusts, rather than the candidate with the longest resume, to run a massive agency facing huge bureaucratic challenges.

Jackson has served since 2013 as the physician to the president, one of the people in closest proximity to Trump day in and day out.

His profile rose after he conducted a sweeping press conference about the president’s medical exam in January in which he impressed Trump with his camera-ready demeanor and deft navigation of reporters’ questions as he delivered a rosy depiction of the president’s health.

EDITORIAL BOARD Aleezeh Hasan Editorial Board Member ahasan@mndaily.com Ray Weishan Editorial Board Member rweishan@mndaily.com Mike Hendrickson Editor-in-Chief mhendrickson@mndaily.com BUSINESS Genevieve Locke Sales Manager glocke@mndaily.com David Keane Controller dkeane@mndaily.com The Minnesota Daily strives for complete accuracy and corrects its errors immediately. Corrections and clarifications will always be printed in this space. If you believe the Daily has printed a factual error, please call the readers’ representative at (612) 627–4070, extension 3057, or email errors@mndaily.com immediately.

THE MINNESOTA DAILY is a legally independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and is a student-written and student-managed newspaper for the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus.

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

New studentteacher biases found in study

3

U hosts gun violence town hall meeting on Monday

White male students are more likely to get a response from instructors in some online courses, a new study finds.

BY MAX CHAO mchao@mndaily.com

In a time when online classes are increasing their presence in higher education, some could leave students vulnerable to bias.

In March, Stanford University published a study that found instructors of some online courses were 94 percent more likely to respond to posts from white male students than to those written by other students.

The study is indicative of a larger issue of bias incidences occurring in all learning environments, said Al Beitz, director of the University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation in an email statement.

“How do we create an inclusive learning environment, be it face to face or online? This is something we are working on at the moment, but there are no easy fixes,” Beitz said.

Biases are well-documented in the classroom, but research is showing that they may bleed into online environments as well, said J.D. Walker, head of research and evaluation at the University’s Center for Educational Innovation.

“One thing people have hoped about online education is that because of its relative anonymity, that a lot of our human biases might go away,” Walker said. “We’re discovering that just because you’re online doesn’t mean that all of our implicit biases go away.”

The study says that most of these issues stem from implicit bias, a problem that the University has launched numerous programs over the years to address.

Many University faculty members go through an implicit bias training program, said Stef Jarvi, director of education at the Office for Equity and Diversity.

“We talk about it as being an unexamined bias … and so we start talking about how that shows up in our lives, in our system and in our culture,” Jarvi said.

While there isn’t training in place to target online classes specifically, bias training has been expanding

“One thing people have hoped about online education is that because of its relative anonymity, that a lot of our human biases might go away. ...

We’re discovering that just because you’re online doesn’t mean that all of our implicit biases go away” J.D. WALKER head of research and evaluation at the University’s Center for Educational Innovation

to more departments at the University, they said.

Classroom bias can lead to racial and gender achievement gaps, according to the study. One prominent example of this is the “gender penalty” in large science classes, where female students often under-perform compared to their academic potential, Walker said.

The 124 online classes sampled for the study were offered by four-year universities across the U.S. The classes surveyed were Massive Online Open Courses, which are large classes often hosted by external distribution companies. The size of these classes may have affected the study’s findings, Walker said.

In contrast to instructors, the study found no evidence of bias in student responses.

However, University senior Suleiman Adan said he feels peers are more prone to bias in real classrooms.

“A lot of times in class, students don’t expect me to be … always answering questions, to be ‘well-spoken,’” Adan said, who is a person of color.

Walker said the field of online classroom equity research is likely to continue growing.

“I think educational institutions are actively trying to make their environments better for everybody,” he said.

“But it’s a tough nut to crack.”

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

National Rifle Association member Peter Christodoulou argues with the Town Hall on Gun Violence moderator Barbara Frey on Monday, March 26 in Walter F. Mondale Hall.

Gun violence and Second Amendment rights in Minnesota sparked debate.

BY ISABELLA MURRAY imurray@mndaily.com

Following the March for Our Lives in Washington D.C. and affiliate marches on Saturday, the University of Minnesota joined the nationwide discussion on gun violence by hosting a town hall meeting.

The town hall, held in a Mondale Hall classroom on Monday, was moderated

by Barbara Frey, director of the Human Rights Program in the University’s College of Liberal Arts.

The discussion focused on gun violence in Minnesota and on campus, as well as Second Amendment rights.

Students, faculty members and community members asked questions and engaged in discussion after sets of panel members presented opening remarks about the three topics.

“Gun violence is an issue I’ve always been passionate about preventing.

Parkland is close to where I grew up in Florida, so it hit

New zoning rules could lead to increase in U area ‘fourplexes’ A plan released by Minneapolis could bring “fourplexes” to neighborhoods.

BY ISABELLA MURRAY imurray@mndaily.com

Four-unit apartment buildings could appear in residential neighborhoods near the University of Minnesota if a proposed city zoning overhaul gains momentum.

The Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a draft for widespread changes throughout the city, including a massive zoning overhaul. The proposal, released last week, would alter single and two-family zoning districts to allow for the development of “fourplexes.”

“In housing development, we end up talking about the missing middle: where we have single-family homes, we have gigantic towers and then it’s very hard to … get anything built that’s in between. A lot of what this is … about [is] making it a lot easier to build that in-between,” said Ward 3 City Council Member Steve Fletcher.

The City of Minneapolis’ 2040 plan was written as a plan to guide the growth and change of Minneapolis. The Metropolitan Council estimates the region will house an additional 700,000 people over the next 20 years.

Supporters of the zoning proposal say fourplexes

would provide more housing options for residents. Apartments in the Twin Cities metro area have a vacancy rate of just 2.4 percent, according to a report released

by Marquette Advisors in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“There’s potential that it could probably create more affordable options for students,” Ward 2 City Council Member Cam Gordon said.

But Gordon said appropriate regulations must be enforced to ensure units stay affordable. “Without some good regulations, it could also just end up creating more high-end housing,” he said.

Gordon elaborated on his concerns, citing an instance where the City eased regulations on developments in areas like Stadium Village.

“A lot of housing was so expensive [for students],” Gordon said. “I think people are still charging the same or probably more with the duplexes and triplexes that are there.”

Vince Netz, president and CEO of the Prospect Park Association, said the neighborhood welcomes the addition of fourplexes in “the right place.”

“We support density,” Netz said, adding that residents want the amenities that come with new development, like grocery stores or retail business.

But Netz said new development must not come at the loss of affordable housing.

“Outside investors could

“Without some good regulations, it could also just end up creating more high-end housing.”

CAM GORDON Ward 2 City Council member

come in and tear down a very affordable house and build a fourplex, and that means that it precludes the affordability of singlefamily houses. That is something we definitely don’t want to happen,” he said.

But 138 acres of Prospect Park are designated on the National Register of Historic Places, protecting homes in the zone from demolition.

Other goals listed in the Minneapolis 2040 plan include reducing disparities, increasing affordable and accessible housing and creating “living-wage” jobs.

The plan is currently in the drafting stage, which means the next three months are dedicated to community feedback through the Minneapolis 2040 website and public meetings. Both Gordon and Fletcher urge their constituents to share any feedback.

“When you write a plan for the whole city, sometimes you miss the details on one particular block. If that’s the block you live on, you’re going notice it, so we need you to come point it out to us,” Fletcher said.

home for me,” said Hannah Rigatti, a University graduate student who attended the event.

Minneapolis School Board member Don Samuels, Protect Minnesota representative Ellen S am uel son Young, and retired University professor Dr. Steven Miles first addressed gun violence in Minnesota.

“There are too many guns in the community,” Miles said. “The laws that have the effect of reducing that around the country do not infringe upon constitutional rights.”

After the panel, students and community members engaged in discussion on topics like police-community relations, rights for hunters and gun reform at the state Capitol.

Frey asked for respect from members of the audience multiple times as the discussion heated up.

“Sometimes I find it difficult to talk about things like this when I know that the underlying problem is so deep and not related to the actual numbers, when in fact we’re just a sick country,” Samuels said.

Minnesota Student Association member James

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Law School professor Christopher J. Roberts speaks to the audience at the Town Hall on Gun Violence.

Farnsworth discussed campus climate around gun violence in his student capacity. He and other students raised just over $13,000 through a GoFundMe account to send buses of students to the national march.

Farnsworth focused on the importance of student-driven advocacy and the University of Minnesota Police Department’s Community Engagement Team.

“I think setting up that team has been an integral step in moving forward.

Something about this movement feels different,” he said. “[Parkland] happened to students who

c o u l d s p e a k f o r t h e mselves.”

UMPD Sergeant Jim Nystrom later discussed campus gun policies at the town hall.

“You cannot have weapons on campus, period, unless you are law enforcement, even as a concealand-carry permit holder,” he said.

Discussions became heated again after panelist presentations brought up issues like arming professors and students and Second Amendment rights.

At the end of the town hall, Frey reiterated to the audience that the meeting was about gun violence, not the Second Amendment.

4

Sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018

MN DAILY

MNDAILY.COM

FOOTBALL

Minnesota displays talents at Pro Day

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

LEFT: Jonathan Celestin fields questions about his NFL Pro Day performance at the Athlete’s Village indoor practice facility on Wednesday, March 28. RIGHT: Kobe McCrary runs the ball in an NFL Pro Day drill.

Football u from Page 1

stuff like that, but overall, it’s just a fun experience to be out here again and get to play football.”

Minnesota has had

at least one player taken in the NFL draft since 2014. Defensive back Jalen Myrick was the only Gophers player drafted last season. Myrick, safety Damarius Travis and quarterback Mitch Leidner were invited to the NFL combine

last year.

Guard Vincent Calhoun, defensive tackle Merrick Jackson, defensive back Duke McGhee, defensive tackle Andrew Stelter, tight end Nate Wozniak and guard Garrison Wright also participated at the pro day.

“The film is always going to be the mainstay, what you’re really going to look at,” a scout for an NFL team said, who requested anonymity. “I mean, guys will show up at these pro days [and] it will make you go take a second look.”

The scout said Richardson and tight end Nate Wozniak had a good day.

Three players from colleges besides the University of Minnesota showed up to the Pro Day this year — wide receiver Evan Clark from St. John’s, offensive

lineman Bryce Johnson from St. Cloud State and offensive lineman Jake Krause from Bemidji State.

The NFL Draft will take place from April 26-28 this year with seven drafting rounds and 224 total selections out of college.

SOFTBALL

After its lengthy road trip, Minnesota returns home The Gophers have played 31 nonhome games, neutral and away, since Feb. 9.

SOFTBALL PREVIEW

MINNESOTA

ILLINOIS

WHEN: 3 p.m. Friday

BY DREW COVE dcove@mndaily.com

The Gophers are back in town.

Minnesota heads into its second Big Ten series of the season, this time against Illinois. The team will find itself not traveling to play for the first time this season. The Gophers have their home opener at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium Friday after their season started in early February.

“It’s always exciting to come back home,” head coach Jamie Trachsel said.

“We’re excited to be able to host this weekend and play Illinois.”

The team played 31 consecutive games on the road while leaving the Twin Cities every weekend since Feb. 9.

Late winter and early spring weather in Minnesota is not conducive to outdoor

VS

WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday WHEN: 12 p.m. Sunday WHERE: Jane Sage Cowles Stadium SOURCE: GOPHERSPORTS.COM

NITI GUPTA, DAILY FILE PHOTO

Dani Wagner rounds a base at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium on April 23, 2015.

softball. With the snowy conditions and cold weather, the Gophers have found ways to play in more forgiving locales.

The team spent time playing games in places such as Florida, Nevada, California and Arizona throughout

the first part of the season.

With that time elsewhere, student-athletes on the team have to do homework while traveling. That work doesn’t include the preparation needed to be done on the field, when players need to leave practice to go to class.

“[The coaches] work with us pretty well when we need to leave practice,” centerfielder Dani Wagner said.

“Luckily, this semester, I don’t have to leave as much as normal, but being on the road you actually have a lot of time to do homework and

stuff, so it’s not as big of an issue as you might think.”

Minnesota traveled every Thursday for competition and stayed until Sunday to play a game. That leaves just Monday through Wednesday to go to class and prepare for the next opponent.

Wagner said she used to miss a lot of class on Fridays, but over her four years on the team — which included absences from lectures — professors are understanding and classmates are helpful, too.

Wagner studies food science and nutrition, while teammate Katelyn Kemmetmueller is the only nursing major on the team.

Kemmetmueller said her

typical week includes the team’s off day on Monday, followed by practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.

She usually has to miss practice time throughout the week. She tries to do some individual work before the team leaves on Thursday.

“It gets hard sometimes when you have busier weeks,” Kemmetmueller said. “It’s learning how to fit it in and learning that I either have to study on the road or I’m going to have to be crammed and stressed out on Monday [or] Tuesday.”

Players have said they just get used to the schedule and the routine.

Minnesota now is back for one home series before it goes on the road again for two more Big Ten series, but Trachsel knows the team can handle the time away.

“You don’t know what you don’t know, and they actually don’t know any different,” Trachsel said. “They’ve always had to be on the road.

It’s actually them being really responsible and taking care of their stuff ahead of time.”

BASEBALL

Pettersen becomes one of U’s top hitters The infielder had a .354 batting avg. last season and has hit .308 this year.

BY JACK WARRICK jwarrick@mndaily.com

Head coach John Anderson said in 2016 Luke Pettersen was an in-betweener — a guy who would be very good at the Division II level, but possibly might not cut it at the Division I level.

But now in his senior year, Pettersen has proved he can make it at the highest level in college baseball.

Pettersen finished last season batting a .354, the highest on the team. Now, through the first 25 games of this season, Pettersen is batting at .308 as the leadoff hitter.

“Our foresight has proved accurate,” Anderson said. “We liked him as a defensive player, and thought he could be a good defensive player. The question mark was how much he was going

to hit, and obviously that’s been well-documented.”

Pettersen was not heavily recruited out of high school. He had only one offer, from Augustana University, a Division II program in South Dakota.

“I played in the fall league, kind of trying to get seen. And we were kind of waiting for them to recruit me, to be honest,” Pettersen said. “[Gophers assistant head coach Rob Fornasiere] ended up reaching out, and then he came over to our house, said they had a roster spot for me. I knew that was my decision the second he told me.”

He went into his freshman season as a walk-on, and only played in 17 of the 51 games of that 2015 season. His sophomore year, Pettersen played in 40 of the 58 games and started 25 of them. He made a name for himself as the No. 1 hitter for the Gophers, starting 53 of 57 games last season, his junior year.

“I think Luke would say

the same thing, that maybe his first years when he wasn’t getting all this playing time, it was really difficult for him, because he was trying to be something different,” said A.J. Pettersen, Luke’s brother. “As long as he’s not striving to be something more than he is, he does just fine.”

A.J. Pettersen played for the Gophers from 2009 to 2011, up until he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 25th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Pettersen was also not recruited heavily. He redshirted his first season with the Gophers as Anderson said he wasn’t ready to play. “ G ro w i n g u p , e v e r y single tidbit of information [A.J.] got, as he kind of climbed the ladder, he brought to me,” Luke said.

Though the brothers both played middle infield, A.J. Pettersen said his brother was a different player than him. “[Luke has] always been a step ahead of ... just being

BASEBALL PREVIEW

MINNESOTA

VS

ST. JOHN’S

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Thursday WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday WHERE: US Bank Stadium SOURCE: GOPHERSPORTS.COM

a more polished baseball player,” Pettersen said. “He was a step ahead in terms of the mechanics of baseball from the get go.”

Luke Pettersen was on the Big Ten regular season championship team in his sophomore season when he wasn’t starting a majority of the games. He and his team will shoot for another title to close out his time with Minnesota baseball.

“He wanted to wear the ‘M’ and be a part of this program, and he just wanted an opportunity,” Anderson said. “’Give me a chance, and I’ll earn my playing time,’ and that’s exactly what he’s done.”

NITI GUPTA, DAILY FILE PHOTO

Sophomore Luke Pettersen prepares to bat at Siebert Field on April 1, 2016.

5

THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018

MN DAILY

MNDAILY.COM

CULTURE TO CONSUME

CAFE

BY MARAYA KING

Watch this: Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers (“Peach Scone”) Johnson is part rapper, partmusician, but most of all, he is a poet with his lyrical works.

Albeit humorous at times, he pours out his soul through soft-spoken secrets and longing screams, but don’t let that scare you. His YouTube channel is a place of refuge, among other things.

Follow this: Amanda Oleander on Instagram (@ amandaoleander) Oleander is a phenomenal artist who sketches occurrences of her everyday life. Whether it’s popping her boyfriend’s zit, reminiscing about her past self or sitting topless on the floor drinking wine, there are relatable works for everyone.

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Members and guests sit outside the cafe at The Coven on Tuesday, March 27 in the North Loop.

Listen to this: The Juno Soundtrack While the iconic movie may be over 10 years old, its soundtrack will always be relevant. From The Kinks to Kimya Dawson, this soundtrack has you covered for moping about in the rain, taking your board down East River Road or throwing back the last of your Svedka.

“Thanks a heap, Coyote Ugly.”

CULTURE COMPASS

BY MARAYA KING

Friday She Rock She Rock Punk Jam She Rock She Rock —a nonprofit dedicated to empowering female-identifying individuals— is hosting a punk rock cover-jam. Joan Jett, The Runaways and The Cranberries are just a few names on the set list. Grab your friends, your family or your most recent Tinder match and head over there.

Where Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis Hours 8 P.M. - 10 P.M. Cost suggested donation of $5

Witching hours Coven

8 to 8

u from Page 1

pivotal moment in life — even Oprah’s been in transition over and over again,” co-founder Alex West Steinman said. “Thinking about a student who’s always in transition — new classes, new insights ... there are a lot of people here who are also in — and realize they’re in — transition.

There’s the opportunity to help shepherd that here — through connection, opportunity, empowerment or just by providing headspace.”

“It’s so uncomfortable.

You just want someone to make it stop or you want to get to the next spot,” cofounder Bethany Iverson said.

But The Coven honors this time just as much as it honors its members’ other big accomplishments.

Dedicated to intersectionality and providing just opportunity for women and nonbinary folk to experience its magic, The Coven runs on a five-to-one membership basis. For every five paid memberships, one person is offered a scholarship. When it comes to these scholarships, The Coven highly encourages women

and nonbinary individuals of color, members of the LGBTQ community and those who are differently abled to apply.

Margo Winter, a graduate student in the biology department at the University of Minnesota, applied for one of these scholarships last fall. Her acceptance was the last email she got in 2017.

Winter remembers the first time she walked through The Coven’s doors.

She was early and found the place quiet, relaxing and “oh so welcoming.”

Winter uses the space a couple times a week for schoolwork, meetings and other projects. Having heard of The Coven from a friend, she tries to meet at least one new member a week.

“There are so many women I can learn from that I wouldn’t have met if I’d stayed in the bio-med library,” she said.

Sitting in The Coven’s conference room, the buzz of soon-to-be-tapped potential is overwhelming.

Outside the room’s glass walls, women of all ages (21 plus) tap on their laptops, chat and rest quietly with notebooks, planning the next big anything and everything.

This event showcases local artists’ work that blends art, technology and light. Complete with adult beverages, assorted snacks and ambient music, there’s no reason not to check it out.

Where Minneapolis Television Network, 820 18th Ave. NE., Minneapolis Hours 5 P.M. – 8 P.M. Cost Free

Sunday Meditation for People of Color This group gathers to practice mindfulness through meditation. The goal of the group is to provide a place of belonging while honoring their shared experiences. Destress and connect this Sunday at The Yoga Room.

Where The Yoga Room, 4153 Thomas Ave. N., Minneapolis Hours 6:30 P.M. – 8 P.M. Cost Free

Infants like the “tiniest witch” Willow accompany their member moms in the space, collecting first memories of womanly dynamism.

On one floor, a cozy “pump and prayer” room is set up for meditation and breastfeeding mothers. A private shower and “beauty bar” is also present, the bathroom stocked with pads and tampons and the counter covered in products for all skin and hair types.

Front desk attendants know the names of those who come through, pieces by local female and nonbinary artists cover the walls and assurance is abound throughout.

“We wanted to replicate

the magic that happens when women are together in a space,” Iverson said.

Coven member Alex Boutrous is a senior psychology major at the University.

An avid presence on the Minneapolis political scene, Boutrous knew West Steinman from previous campaign work when she decided to join.

Boutrous describes The Coven as celebratory and collaborative — a space you can “show up however you are.”

She calls attention to a full-scale mural that covers one of the space’s walls. A collage of women surrounds The Coven’s logo: black women, indigenous women,

women all sorts of strong.

“One of the things I like the most [about The Coven] is that there’s the commitment to intersectionality, but also the lifting up of other women without it feeling contrived,” Boutrous said.

So as not to offend or appropriate, the Coven’s founders talked the space’s name over with some witches prior to opening. The witches were pleased with The Coven’s mission, mentioning how a main point of Wicca is to always “do the most good.”

And that “most good”?

That’s exactly what the Coven’s founders and members are doing. One spell — one email — at a time.

ART

Saturday MTN Art-Tech Experience

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY

Allison Lin studies finance at The Coven on Tuesday, March 27 in the North Loop. Lin learned about the space through one of its crowdfunding efforts.

Art for Birds gives a big effort for their small subjects The club aims to protect wildlife through art by helping prevent collisions.

BY MARAYA KING mking@mndaily.com

A

rt for Birds at the University of Minnesota began in the fall of 2016 and has been saving lives ever since.

The student group comprises activists and artists and paints and designs windows around campus to deter birds from accidentally flying into them.

Olivia Crowell, founder and president of Art for Birds, said she first hatched the idea when a classmate made a joke about painting the windows so birds wouldn’t run into them. Soon after, she realized how severe of a problem it truly was.

Communications Manager for Audubon Minnesota Ashley Peters said the positioning of the Twin Cities is unique because it has many habitats for birds in addition to being at the top of the Mississippi Flyway, a route that many

migrating birds follow.

“A lot of birds we see run into windows are migrating birds, it’s not typically the pigeons or crows you might think of in the city,” she said.

A report done by the Audubon chapter in Minneapolis stated that a recent study estimated between 365 million and 988 million birds die each year in the United States by colliding into buildings.

“Since we are on the Mississippi River, which is a large migration route, the windows around the Twin Cities are a huge problem,” said Taylor Robers, vice president of the club.

Art for Birds has left their mark on buildings around the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses, including the Regis Art Center skyway, McNeal Hall and Boynton Clinic.

Stephanie Beard, the club’s adviser, conducted a survey spanning three years during the fall

HARRY STEFFENHAGEN, DAILY

and spring migrations to identify most hazardous locations to birds on campus.

“Ultimately, I would say the Minneapolis campus is more dangerous,” Beard said, “the three most deadly locations are all skyways.”

When they are not wielding brushes, members of the club are getting out into the community to learn more about their subjects.

Art for Birds has toured the Raptor Center and

gotten a behind-the-scenes look at the penguin habitat at the Minnesota Zoo, Robers said.

Right now, they are working on designs for the sociology skyway in Blegen Hall and talking with the Minnesota Zoo about transforming their windows as well, Crowell said.

“The zoo needs to figure out their future building plans to see if we can do their windows, but that

would be exciting,” Robers said.

When it comes to deciding which windows to paint, the club seeks out high-risk areas by communicating with facilities around campus.

“They’re the ones that see it every day and have to clean up the birds that crash into windows,” Robers said. “Whenever they want us to do something — we’re up for it.”

6 THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018

MN DAILY

MNDAILY.COM

Editorials & Opinions

COLUMN

EDITORIAL

Protect the RCAC from lawmakers

With Noor, let due process take its own course

If the RCAC is eliminated, so is public input in the process for selecting new U regents. innesota lawmakers have recently been reconsidering the process by which University of Minnesota Board of Regents members are chosen. In the curELLEN SCHNEIDER rent system, the columnist Regent Candidate Advisory Council, a 24-member panel made up of volunteers, make suggestions to state legislators on who they believe are the best candidates. Bills are being proposed in both the state House and Senate as legislators are attempting to alter the selection process. They want to diminish or even eliminate the RCAC in the interest of their own influence.

The decision to appoint someone to the Board of Regents lies ultimately with state legislators; however, the RCAC has been taking the heat for the Board’s apparent lack of diversity and qualified candidates.

Legislators who have proposed bills in the interest of curtailing the RCAC’s sway imply that this will somehow depoliticize the process of choosing new Regents because giving politicians more political influence always has that effect.

The state legislators’ proposals to eliminate the RCAC is a nonsensical, thinly-veiled attempt at granting themselves more authority. As reported by the Star Tribune, Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, who favors repealing the panel, says lawmakers like himself often ignore the RCAC’s recommendations for candidates anyway. And yet, the RCAC is still somehow to blame for the less-than-satisfactory leadership of the Board.

Creating a screening commission made up entirely of state legislators eliminates any and all public input in the selection process. This is cause for concern. While I’ll admit that the current process is flawed, there are ways in which legislators should look at improving it instead of removing the RCAC completely. If this proposal goes through, state legislators will have the sole authority to choose whomever they want, without stopping to consider a citizen’s thoughts on the matter.

The RCAC has been criticized for choosing the “politically connected” above those who are more qualified for the position. However, if this is truly an issue, it’ll only be exacerbated by the elimination of the RCAC. In the interest of their own political careers, state legislators have a much greater motivation in appointing those who are connected than those who take an unpaid position on the RCAC. It is incredibly important for the public’s interest to be factored into these decisions, and the RCAC is the only thing preventing it from being ignored completely. We, as

DAILY DISCUSSION

COLUMN

M

GOP should act on their oath of of fice Another week has passed and GOP leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate have done nothing to acknowledge or address powerful petitions for change on gun violence coming from the voices of their young constituents.

Senate GOP public safety committee Chairman Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, for his part mostly ignored students who camped outside his office for nearly 13 hours last week. They weren’t asking for an immediate or radical change in gun laws, but were asking for a hearing and that they be heard. Bipartisan common-sense gun laws are on the table, but they’re being swept under the rug.

When 17-year-old Josh Groven, from an Apple Valley environmental school, took to the microphone at Limmer’s committee hearing, he was shut down immediately after Limmer determined he was not speaking about a bill at hand on elder abuse.

So Groven didn’t exactly follow the rules.

But that’s what’s going to happen when legislators insist on thwarting efforts for fair hearings. We see Groven taking the only avenue he had to be heard on this important topic. For him to be shut down by a Senate committee chairman is beyond troubling.

Groven is right to challenge Limmer for his short circuiting of representative democracy by using his power as committee chair to shut down debate on bills that have bipartisan support.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk, DFLCook, has urged Republicans to hold hearings and refuted claims Republicans said he was holding up meetings because some DFLers were not on board with all the proposals. He offered to work with the GOP on various gun bills.

House GOP public safety committee Chair Rep. Brian Johnson, R-Cambridge, has followed in the same troubling path. He quashed debate last week when he and a supporting cast of Republicans left a bill for complete background checks to die in the committee. That committee instead spent its time on bills that included technical changes to the St. Louis County civil service commission, paternity suits and tow trucks with blue flashing lights.

While some 20,000 young people and others marched on the Minnesota Capitol last weekend, it’s hard to imagine a more unified message that something be done about the threat of gun violence in schools. And the GOP legislative response is negligible.

This is not about party and this is not about partisanship. Already two GOP senators have put forth a reasonable gun violence bill in the Senate. Two House GOP members have also signed on to at least one DFL gun bill.

This management of committees is troubling at best. House Speaker Kurt Daudt and Senate GOP Majority Leader Paul Gazelka also must take responsibility for this quashing of public discourse.

Limmer, Johnson, Daudt and Gazelka should heed the oath they took to uphold the Minnesota Constitution, which says: “Government is instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people, in whom all political power is inherent, together with the right to alter, modify or reform government whenever required by the public good.”

So denying a hearing goes against, in our view, the inherent political power of the people. And one common sense gun law cannot be anything but “instituted for the security, benefit and protection of the people.”

We urge the GOP to act fairly to address the concerns of these young people. They are on the front lines of fear as they walk into their schools every day, and the GOP says their reactions are “emotional” and “knee jerk” and don’t deserve a hearing. .

Editor’s Note: This editorial was originally published in the Mankato Free Press

students, are the ones who bear the burden of a flawed system and mediocre Board of Regents. We could be working to keep the RCAC intact and have our interests represented.

If the RCAC is truly an ineffective committee whose recommendations have been subpar and therefore ignored, then the state legislators would be at fault for the substandard candidates being brought forward. The RCAC is only acting as a scapegoat for state legislators who want to garner more power for themselves. Don’t be fooled by this.

If the state legislators’ goals are truly to gather more candidates for the University Board of Regents, I firmly believe this is something they could have already been doing and can begin doing without disbanding the RCAC. There is simply no justification for discontinuing this committee, and it certainly isn’t the first time legislators have gone after it. However, I believe they should be working harder to attract motivated people to the RCAC. Now that Regent Patricia Simmons is leaving, this issue has newfound relevance.

Simmons, who has served more than 15 years on the Board will need to be replaced this spring. The RCAC is a way for state legislators to be held accountable so they take a stand for what citizens want. We should protect the RCAC because they protect our interests.

Ellen Schneider welcomes comments at eschneider@mndaily.com.

Practice sustainable clothing When buying a spring wardrobe, it is important to practice sustainability while shopping.

O

ne of these days we’ll wake up to some 65 degree wonderland of cloudless skies — which means a wardrobe change.

To suit the occasion, whatever was lost over the winUMA VENKATA ter usually means a columnist new purchase.

Clothes matter. They matter to the people who wear them because they promote a personal image; they matter to those who make them, whether it’s for artistry, or more often, working conditions; they matter to the earth because “fast fashion” pollutes it so badly.

Contrary to what fast fashion proves to us, most people seem theoretically averse to buying clothing that both the consumer and manufacturer publicly expect to break down within months. But if I were to buy only clothing that I know will stand the test of decades, I’d have to pour in time and money that just isn’t tenable for my little college budget. So since we can’t dedicate our entire wardrobes to local boutiques and tres haute couture, we can at least keep something significant in mind: circular economy.

Circular economy is known as CE for short. The thesis of CE is to produce goods that live cradle-to-cradle, rather than cradle-to-grave. One way to illustrate it is that consumers either use a product, or use it up. I use up a bottle of shampoo; once it’s out, I buy a new one. I use a rug; sure, I’ll get it steamed to spruce it up, but the rug furnishes my house indefinitely.

Kai Johnson is a sophomore studying bioproducts and biosystems engineering and apparel design; in a master’s class in science, technology and environmental policy at the Humphrey School, she

looked closely into CE through the lens of clothing. Her research revealed that fast fashion produces excessive waste at every step in the production process, from fiber to garment — only to be amplified by the sheer frequency of times it is produced, per month, to satisfy the fast-fashion consumer. The result is, as consumer bases grow and fashion gets faster, waste from fashion only increases, which only threatens the earth more.

There are ways to ameliorate it, both on the side of the producer and that of the consumer. For example, the producer can optimize every stage of production — including sustainably and minimally treating fiber and fabric, and using software like OptiTex to arrange cutouts on the fabric to create an absolute minimum of scraps. We the consumers, though, have a vast array of methods at our fingertips to support sustainable fashion. (And continue to look good.)

Levi Strauss has a company-wide goal to use completely sustainably sourced cotton by 2020, which significantly reduces their water usage; Patagonia’s Worn Wear program recycles perfectly good, steeply discounted products after a little patching up. Fibershed is a network of local fiber producers who use the “soil-to-soil” approach for sustainability “through strategic grazing, conservation tillage and a host of scientifically vetted soil carbon enhancing [sic] practices,” which also dramatically reduce water abuse. An online “free repair manual,” iFixit, offers tools and instructions to fix all your own electronics.

Thrift stores sell gems. And remember, tailors and cobblers still exist, and they work all kinds of magic. A tailor just resurrected my gorgeous, ‘90s, Guess cocktail dress for $36.

As its residents, we all are responsible for keeping the Earth in good condition.

And as humans with garments, the responsibility doesn’t disappear. The quickest way is to buy sturdy, staying-powered clothes — and take care of them.

Uma Venkata welcomes comments at uvenkata@mndaily.com.

DAILY DISCUSSION Expand camera access to courtrooms

For more than 30 years, every state bordering Minnesota — Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota — has allowed cameras in its courtrooms, boosting the public’s understanding of legal proceedings and its confidence in the criminal-justice system.

And how many documented instances have there been of a witness or victim reluctant to come forward for fear of being on camera?

Zero, according to Mark Anfinson, a lawyer for the Minnesota Newspaper Association.

But rather than expanding video access in Minnesota courtrooms, lawmakers, inexplicably, drafted a bill to halt all state funding for audio and video coverage of criminal-court proceedings. And then it got worse. After the committee hearing a week ago today, where all the same unsubstantiated concerns were brought up again, the bill was rewritten to prohibit criminal-court video recording unless everyone in the courtroom — including the defendant, the defense lawyers, the prosecutor, the victim and even the witnesses under subpoena agreed.

The bill, now making its way through St. Paul appears destined for a constitutional challenge, too. The Minnesota State Bar Association has separation-of-powers concerns.

Rules written for the pilot project, allow-

ing some criminal proceedings to be recorded, demand to be made permanent, not thwarted.

With so much success and so few realized problems, expanding camera coverage can even be explored. The ability to better understand and better appreciate our courts and criminal-justice system, the same way all of Minnesota’s neighbors do, can be encouraged and supported, rather than scrapped.

“What cameras add is a new level of public understanding and appreciation for what the courts do,” Anfinson said. “A lot of what goes on in courtrooms is best conveyed and presented by video and audio so that people can actually see it.

“People don’t realize just how good the court system is, how good most of the judges are, how efficient and careful and thoughtful the process is. They should be able to see that more, and so far they can’t. And it’s unfortunate,” Anfinson further said. “The courts are one of the most powerful and important parts of American government. They do some of the most critical work (of) government. ... Judges are really powerful public officials. Why in the world shouldn’t those types of functions be more visible to the public so they can better understand and appreciate it?”

Editor’s Note: This editorial was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.

O

n July 15, 2017, Justine Damond was fatally shot by then Minneapolis Police officer Mohamed Noor after she had called 911 to report a possible assault outside of her northwest Minneapolis apartment. This news shocked the Twin Cities, especially after the police shooting of Philando Castile in 2016.

With raw feelings and cries for change emanating from every corner of the city, former Minneapolis Chief of Police Janeé Harteau resigned based on former Mayor Betsy Hodges’ recommendation, who had apparently lost faith in Harteau months before the shooting. As we fast forward to the past week, both Harteau and Hodges are distant memories of the last administration while the new mayor, Jacob Frey, attempts to tackle problems regarding policing and is working with Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo to solve those problems.

Although charges were just brought against Noor, many are assuming that racial factors played a part in the charges. The suspicion of racism is somewhat justified when we consider the fact that Noor is only the second officer that has faced charges of this nature...

While new Minneapolis leadership been established, the incident continues to be resolved, as Noor was just charged by Hennepin County attorneys. The charges were handed down on March 20, over 8 months after the incident occurred. The charges of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter are the first of their kind for officer-involved police shootings, and some organizations and communities are calling foul play on behalf of prosecutors on account of Noor’s race. The Somali-American Police Association defended Noor upon the charges being brought forth, calling the charges, “baseless and politically motivated, if not racially motivated as well.” Other members of the Minneapolis community have supported the prosecutors, such as former president of the St. Paul NAACP Nathaniel Khaliq, who stated that he hopes “it lowers the threshold for officers to be charged in deadly shootings.”

Although charges were just brought against Noor, many are assuming that racial factors played a part in the charges.

The suspicion of racism is somewhat justified when we consider the fact that Noor is only the second officer that has faced charges of this nature in Minneapolis after Jeronimo Yanez, Philando Castile’s shooter.

However, these are just charges. Noor will still be afforded the full attention of the U.S. justice system as he heads for court. As we continue to follow in the case, we must consider this when thinking about racial factors surrounding the incident and the charges. Although it is always important to consider and question our justice system, it is equally important that this case, and every pending case, be afforded the same objectivity. The trial might indict or clear Noor of guilt, but an objective look at evidence is the most effective method of finding out. Since this is a jury trial, we ought to have more faith in the justice system instead of abruptly blaming charges on racism.

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2018

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HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (3/29): Shared assets grow with care this year. Practice your skills and professional opportunities develop. Summer home improvement projects lay the stage for family fun and flowering romance.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle CROSSWORD Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

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 an 8 — Maintain health and fitness routines despite a busy schedule. Encourage others to participate, and delegate what you can.

Libra (9/23 - 10/22): Today is a 5 — Rest and review plans for upcoming action. Take a refreshing pause. Recharge batteries. Restore health and energy levels.

Taurus (4/20 - 5/20): Today is a 7 — Relax, and play the game. Stick to fundamental rules and strategies. Compile the data so it makes sense. Fantasies prove flimsy.

Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21): Today is an 8 — You have more friends than you realized. Parties, gatherings and social events provide fun and business connections simultaneously.

Gemini (5/21 - 6/21): Today is a 7 — Authorize home improvements. Keep domestic routines and practices. Do laundry and wash dishes; ignored chores can accumulate.

Sagittarius (11/22 - 12/21): Today is an 8 — Your good work reflects you well. Your influence is rising. Check the fine print on contracts and agreements before signing. No gambling.

Cancer (6/22 - 7/22): Today is a 7 — Write and express your message. Dig deeper into a favorite subject. Read the background story to distill a summary. Make a persuasive case.

Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19): Today is an 8 — Draw logical conclusions and express them powerfully. Your experience and the structures you’ve built give you the edge.

Leo (7/23 - 8/22): Today is a 9 — Get into a lucrative venture. Profit from your labors and stash your prizes. Education overcomes old fears. Take advantage of a lucky break.

Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18): Today is an 8 — It’s easier to manage your money when you’re clear what you have and what’s expected. A windfall is always nice.

Virgo (8/23 - 9/22): Today is a 9 — Follow personal priorities and enthusiasms. Do what you love, and it feeds your spirit. Dress for success. Practice and share your talents.

Pisces (2/19 - 3/20): Today is an 8 — Together, pursue a shared dream. Reality may clash with fantasy. Things may not look as imagined. Don’t count chickens until they’re hatched.

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Hiring Full time General Dentists in Rochester, MN. Community Dental Care a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide culturally sensitive community oral health care, preventive education and professional training, and to advocate for access to all. To apply: www. communitydentalcareinc. appone.com Questions: email ClaireMorrison@ cdentc. org651-4784699 Visit our website: www.cdentc.org

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ACROSS 1 “... __ a puddy tat!”

5 Bygone 26-Down rival 10 Limit 13 Small rodent 14 Bold alternative 16 Have a mortgage 17 “... two fives for __?”

18 Helix-shaped pasta 19 Pince-__ 20 Surprisingly little, pricewise 23 Picasso’s birth city 24 Desertlike 27 Superfast 32 RR stops 35 Healthy drink 36 Immigrant’s subj.

37 Maxim about frugality 42 Comic strip cry 43 “Deadliest Catch” narrator Mike 44 View from Catania 45 It’s learned the hard way 50 Put away 51 Split up 54 Confusing statements ... and a hint to the circled letters 60 MSNBC’s “Morning __” 62 Add value to 63 Avian digestive system part 64 Brewpub order 65 School bud 66 Singer Horne 67 “Not __” 68 Bond and others 69 Macron’s state DOWN 1 Nobelist Pavlov 2 Revered emblem 3 Singer/songwriter __ Ray Joel 4 Followed the crowd?

5 European dumpling 6 Not exactly hummable

3/29/18

By Jerry Edelstein and Bob Monat

7 Post-WWII alliance 8 Settled on a branch 9 Ho Chi __ City 10 Harmonious 11 Leave openmouthed 12 Candy with an Emoji dispenser set 15 VI x XVII 21 Flat-topped cap 22 Editor Talese with a Doubleday imprint 25 “Show time!”

26 Co-founder of the SkyTeam alliance 28 Skin care name 29 “That is sooo cute!”

30 Wasikowska of “The Kids Are All Right” 31 Engine starter: Abbr.

32 DNA lab items 33 Unspoken 34 Call for an appointment 38 Before, in ballads

Last Issue’s Puzzle Wednesday’s PuzzleSolved Solved

©2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

39 Scand. land 40 Temple athlete 41 Squid appendage 46 Light opener?

47 Coined money 48 Pageant bands 49 Anesthesiologists’ work sites, briefly 52 White-plumed wader

3/29/18

53 “Strawberry Wine” country singer Carter 55 Gen-__ 56 First family grandson?

57 Let go of 58 Actress Rogers 59 Rescue team acronym 60 Word with hawk or walk 61 “¡Viva el matador!”

SUDOKU

DR. DATE Dear Dr. Date, This weekend, I was on a trip to Tallahassee for work. There, I met a man named Floyd. He’s about 65, and owns a used book and record shop. It was such a cool place; he had Fleetwood Mac’s entire discography, which I was drooling over.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who was drooling. As I checked out, Floyd gave me that old man eyeball and asked me, “You like them Stevie Nicks records?” I admitted that I did.

He then told me that if I went out to dinner with him, he’d give them to me for free. I wasn’t about to turn down that offer. He grabbed the record set, closed up shop and we went out to a fancy Italian place. He bought me dinner, we chatted, and when we got up to leave, he called me a Lyft.

As we waited for it, we talked some more about music. When my ride arrived, he kissed me … on the cheek, and then handed me the records. He told me that it had been his dream to pretend he was out with Natalie Wood for an evening, and that he was happy to have met me.

It was the nicest date I’ve been on since I’ve been in college. That’s all.

— LPs and Cannoli Dear LPs and Cannoli, The fella’s got manners. How better to win someone over than pressed vinyl and savory nutrition?

I hope we all find our Floyd. I hope we all learn to be the Floyds our lovers need. Or the Pink Floyds, depending on their taste.

Thanks for sharing.

-Dr. Date

Dear Dr. Date, I’ve gone and fallen madly in love … with a young man from my favorite book series. He’s one of those nervous charmer types, but he never catches a break during the story, so I think he and I would really hit it off. Oh, and he’s described as having eyes that curl up and watch the ceiling when he’s thinking, which is simply adorable.

But I have no idea what I would say to him, or how to get him alone. I still haven’t figured out how I would even find the guy.

Your advice is always sound, so I’m sure you’ve had experience with this sort of thing. Please help me before I lose it.

Sincerely, Paige Turner Dear Paige Turner, Write the author. If all characters are just extensions of their creators, the person in real life who’s most likely to resemble your dream boy would be whoever dreamed him up.

Or get a blow-up doll. There are probably sites in Japan that sell them pretty cheap. Depending on how popular this series is, you might even be able to find a themed one. Then you’d have him all to yourself. (Please don’t share the doll. Please.)

-Dr. Date

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

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

3/29/2018

Last issue’s solution

Want advice from the love doctor?

Email Dr. Date at drdate@mndaily.com

© 2018 Michael Mepham. Distributed

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All rights reserved.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

8

Dean position should be split, faculty say

JACK RODGERS, DAILY FILE PHOTO

Dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School Jakub Tolar sits down with the Minnesota Daily on Nov. 10, 2017.

The AHC FCC recommended the split after faculty supported the idea.

BY MICHELLE GRIFFITH mgriffith@mndaily.com

Citing concerns over conflicts of interest, some University of Minnesota faculty want the University’s top medical administrator’s job split into two positions.

A January survey by the University’s Academic Health Center Faculty Consultative Committee found most of its faculty think the combination of vice presi-

dent of health sciences and dean of medical school into one position could limit the administrator’s ability to be impartial toward other University health sciences schools. The survey informed a report of recommendations for potential AHC changes to the VPHS job, which University President Eric Kaler said he will review this month.

The AHC encompasses the Schools of Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine and AHC Shared, which is made up of interdisciplinary centers.

The VPHS’s primary job is

to focus on common aspects between each health science school, like interprofessional education, and to advocate for the growth of all the schools, said AHC FCC Chair Wendy St. Peter.

“One of the main objections faculty have to current administrative structure is an inherent conflict of interest with the dual position of VPHS and Medical Dean. Faculty reported that there is overemphasis on the priorities and interests of the Medical School compared to other health science schools/colleges/ programs,” St. Peter said in an email.

This isn’t the first time faculty have expressed support for splitting the jobs.

Internal and external reviews in 2011 showed that health sciences faculty members favored separating the positions.

Many faculty members believe the conflict of interest lies in the tendency of the administrator to favor the medical school or lack time for both jobs, she said in an interview. If one school is favored over another, research, funding and aspects unique to each school can be harmed, she said.

Since both jobs are important, they encompass a broad

range of duties, said AHC faculty member Dr. Kendall Wallace. The general consensus among faculty is that it would be best for two people to tackle the separate responsibilities, he said.

The University’s medical school alone has more than 3,300 faculty members, and officials are working to improve its national research rankings, so it’s difficult for one person to meet the demands of the job, St. Peter said.

The combination of jobs also creates inconveniences for some faculty. Some schools’ policies say that one dean cannot report to an-

other dean, so some faculty members report to multiple bosses as a result, said AHC FCC member and biostatistics professor John Connett.

Connett said the administration hasn’t separated the two positions in the past because of inadequate funding, since the dean of the medical school is a high-paid administrator, and a new VPHS would have a large salary as well.

Current Interim Vice President and Dean of the Medical School Jakub Tolar, who was appointed in October, declined to comment until Kaler makes a decision on the issue.

Research examines effect of minimum wage on health U researchers will investigate how minimum wage and obesity are related.

BY MICHELLE GRIFFITH mgriffith@mndaily.com

A University of Minnesota study will evaluate the effect Minneapolis’ $15 minimum wage ordinance could have on obesity in minimum-wage employees.

The natural experiment, funded by a $3.5 million National Institutes of Health grant, will compare the health of Minneapolis employees to minimum wage employees in Raleigh, North Carolina over five years. The city is demographically similar to Minneapolis, but North Carolina law prohibits cities from raising the minimum wage above $7.25, so researchers hope the conditions will allow them to analyze whether wage increases impact health.

“Minneapolis is really in the spotlight right now as far as answering the question, ‘What happens when you do this?’” said assistant University professor and principle investigator Caitlin Caspi.

Through manipulated simulations, past research has shown that higher wages are associated with better health, but this study will be the first

to track individuals and their health as income increases naturally, Caspi said.

On July 1, the minimum wage in Minneapolis will increase to either $10.25 or $11.25 depending on the size of the business. After a series of incremental increases, the city’s minimum wage will be $15 in about four years.

The ordinance was approved by the City Council last summer, following contentious debate.

Many people believe the minimum wage ordinance is the start of a slippery slope of government intervention, said John Budd, professor of works and organizations at the Carlson School of Management.

Increasing minimum wage sparks belief among some that the government is interfering in business too much, while others hope it could reduce poverty and increase safety, Budd said.

A minimum wage increase affects multiple aspects of a person’s life, but this study will track food purchases and diet changes of 450 employees in each city throughout the wage increase process.

After each increase, researchers will evaluate each of the participants’ food receipts, pay stubs, survey results and height and weight, Caspi said.

Income and obesity are

$15 an hour protesters take to the streets on East Bank on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016.

related through food access, said Samuel Myers, Jr., director of the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in an email to the Minnesota Daily.

“We long have known that low income diets are high in

unhealthy foods — often fast foods — which are related to many precursors to poor health later in life,” Myers Jr. said.

Experts say there is some evidence that healthy food is more expensive than unhealthy food, which could be

why people earning low wages tend to have worse health than people with higher incomes.

Employees living near the poverty level tend to have higher stress levels, get fewer hours of sleep and eat an inadequate amount of food, said

CHRIS DANG, DAILY FILE PHOTO

Celeste Robinson, co-director of minimum wage advocacy group 15 Now Minnesota.

Robinson said if people had more wages to spend, one of the first changes they would make is purchasing healthier food for themselves and their families.

95-unit, co-op style housing slated for Southeast Como neighborhood The Brook Avenue Co-op will allow students to have a say in how it is run.

BY MADELINE DENINGER mdeninger@mndaily.com

A co-op development coming to the Southeast Como neighborhood will feature affordable units and offer students a say in how the building is run.

Riverton Community Housing will develop a 95-unit, cooperative residential building called the Brook Avenue Co-op on 1220 Brook

Ave in SE Como, adjacent to the Bunge Tower. Co-op housing lets tenants serve as members of the building’s self-governing body.

Riverton currently owns six residential developments around the University, five of which are co-ops. Members of the new co-op will have say in budgeting, rent prices and planning social and cultural events.

“It’s a really cool way for students to not only save money on housing, but have a direct say in how things are run,” said Joe Goetzke, leasing/marketing and member services manager at Riverton

Community Housing.

Goetzke said Riverton can offer more affordable rent than other new developments in University neighborhoods because the company is a nonprofit that is not looking to make money off the development.

The project will feature units priced below 50 and 80 percent of the area median income, as well as roughly two dozen market rate apartments.

Cody Olson, executive director of the Southeast Como Improvement Association, said rising rent prices are one of the biggest concerns for

students living in the neighborhood.

“It causes over-occupancy of houses, it causes a rise in rent and displaces those that can’t afford. So it only helps us that this is going to be coming into the neighborhood,” he said.

The development will feature a fitness room, study rooms and a community area.

Goetzke said Riverton looks to offer students the amenities they need while avoiding extra features like pools and tanning beds.

“We try to strike that balance between having the essential stuff students want

and cutting out the frivolous stuff that would unnecessarily drive up rent prices,” he said.

The project is part of a collaboration between Project for Pride in Living and Riverton Community Housing.

PPL is developing the Maya Commons project, located at 937 13th Ave. SE, which also features affordable housing.

PPL owned the entire site before transferring part of the property to Riverton. The two projects, while separate, will share a common lobby area in the redeveloped Bunge Tower.

The development’s

affordable housing goals were adopted by the Minneapolis City Council on Friday.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for May, with an expected opening of August 2019.

Ward 2 Minneapolis City Council member Cam Gordon said he hopes co-op style housing can gain traction as an alternative to more expensive luxury student housing in University neighborhoods.

“I think this is a way where you can have stable, quality affordable housing, and I hope it’s a model that others will try,” Gordon said.

“I think this will be a very welcomed addition.”