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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

JUSTICE FOR FLOYD GUILTY VERDICT INSPIRES RELIEF ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Jury’s swift verdict for Chauvin: Guilty ASSOCIATED PRESS After three weeks of testimony, the trial of the former police officer charged with killing George Floyd ended swiftly: barely over a day of jury deliberations, then just minutes for the verdicts to be read — guilty, guilty and guilty — and Derek Chauvin was handcuffed and taken away to prison. Chauvin, 45, could be sent to prison for decades when he is sentenced in about two months in a case that triggered worldwide protests, violence and a furious reexamination of racism and polic-

ing in the U.S. The verdict set off jubilation mixed with sorrow across the nation. Hundreds of people poured into the streets of Minneapolis, some running through traffic with banners. Drivers blared their horns in celebration. “Today, we are able to breathe again,” Floyd’s younger brother Philonise said at a news conference where tears streamed down his face as he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi lynching victim Emmett Till, except that this time there were cameras around to show the world what happened. GUILTY on page 6 u

Minnesota police education standards vary By JULIA BARTON Staff Writer

People gathered outside Cup Foods at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis (top) and Sacramento to celebrate the murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd. AP photos by JULIO CORTEZ and RENEE C. BYER/The Sacramento Bee

‘Fight of our lives’: ‘Kato protests police shooting in Ohio story on page 3

With bad police behavior making news regularly, you may be wondering: What exactly does it take to become a police officer? While standards vary from state to state, Minnesota is among a handful requiring post secondary education. In terms of education standards for peace officers, most states merely require a high school diploma. To put this into perspective, the website How to Become a Police Officer says that about 80% of police departments in the U.S. only require a high

school diploma or GED to fulfill education requirements. These standards are set by state-level Peace Officer Standards and Training councils (POST). About 19% of departments require varying amounts of college level education, up to an associate’s degree (typically 60 credit hours). The remaining 1% consists of police departments requiring a four-year bachelor’s degree. Currently, according to Minnesota POST board requirements, all peace officers must have, at minimum, a two-year associate. Other requirePOLICE on page 2 u

2 • MSU Reporter

News

POLICE continued from page 1

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Senator Spotlight: Edward Sweeney By JENNA PETERSON News Director

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

ments include being at least 18 years old, being a U.S citizen and having a valid driver’s license in their state of residence. Applicants may substitute appropriate military experience in lieu of college. Felony convictions almost always disqualify applicants from becoming peace officers. In some gross misdemeanor cases -- such as controlled substances, assault, computer and other crimes -- can also be disqualifying. You must also, according to Minnesota’s Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training: pass a written exam, submit to a background investigation, pass physical, fitness and psychological exams, and pass the POST Licensing exam. Candidates who are successful must attend approximately 16 weeks of training at a POST-approved police academy. Graduates who become sworn officers often take jobs where they’re working patrol for a city police department or county sheriff’s department. Students in Minnesota State University, Mankato’s law enforcement program are in for some change to the program’s curriculum. Pat Nelson, Government Department Chairperson and Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Program Director at MNSU, said curriculum changes will be integrated into MNSU’s program next fall. The program review — ordered by MNSU President Richard Davenport in the wake of the George Floyd killing — was conducted by a diverse group of people including students, faculty and advocacy groups. The changes identify a pathway through general education so students are able to get a broader view of society, history and community. Involving students in an

experiential education course which will take them into diverse communities and work with different types of people is among the highlights of the curriculum changes. “The planning that went into this part of the curriculum is more complex than others. We want it to be right, instead of quickly,” Nelson said. Nelson previously worked for the Minneapolis Police Department starting in 1997 at the North Minneapolis 4th Precinct for most of her patrol career. Nelson worked in a variety of positions including patrol officer and sergeant, field training officer, teacher at the academy and crisis negotiator. After suffering from a severe back injury, Nelson retired after working there for 17 years which led her to MNSU where she has been since 2012. “I know all of us as professors are having these tougher conversations in all of our criminal justice classes,” she said. “Part of our journey is having our students open up and reflect why people might be feeling that way toward police officers.” MNSU has had a policing and diverse society course since the 1980s as this has been a foundation of the program for years. “I think our students here get to really see a wide view of it with our faculty, our community involvement and with our local law enforcement agencies that are involved in the program,” Nelson said. Emma Wax, senior at MSU, said it’s not always easy being a law enforcement major. “The most challenging aspect of being a law enforcement student currently is the lack of understanding and social support from my POLICE on page 3 u

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Non-traditional Normandale Community College student Edward Sweeney recognized the lack of representation he and other remote students receive through the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government and decided to do something about it. “I wanted to join the Student Government to help remote students receive the support and resources they desire. We’re often forgotten about and I want to help end that stigma,” Sweeney stated. While he may not be on the MNSU campus, Sweeney is still determined to be involved in the important decisions that will better the campus life for all students. To do so, Sweeney is working to improve textbook availability and software programs for remote students. He further explained how the Normandale Community College has a smaller library compared to other colleges and the students need cheaper and easier ways to access their textbooks for class. “I’m working to get resources from the Mankato campus to our community campus,” Sweeney continued, “It’s important to also help out our students and faculty.” The Senator has been involved with the government as of January this year to help fill a spot, but due to other

Courtesy photo

life commitments, he will not be joining back in the fall semester. Despite this, he hopes his time and commitment has influenced the other Senators to get involved with the government in some aspect. Sweeney shared some of the great things that come from being a Senator, “This is a unique experience, as you get to be a part of the solution that will help the future of the universities and colleges. I’ve also been able to give some wisdom I’ve learned through my life to my fellow

students.” In the future, Sweeney has high hopes for the government and wishes them the best of successes. “In the years to come, I’d like to see the senators make it a goal of theirs to include the off site students in their plans. Including them in the budget would also be beneficial.” Sweeney wishes to continue educating his fellow senators about off site students and the importance of helping them as well as the MNSU students.

Recommendations on the Lincoln Statue

presented by the Campus Buildings and Landmarks Team

An Open Campus Session sponsored by Library Services

Zoom:

minnstate.zoom.us/j/98564739073

Thursday April 29, 2021

4:00 - 5:30 PM

At the direction of President Davenport the Campus Buildings and Landmarks Research Team was charged with reviewing building names and landmarks at Minnesota State University, Mankato. During the course of the review, the Abraham Lincoln statue in the Centennial Student Union was identified as a major concern. Recommendations for next steps will be presented at the Open Campus Session. Questions about the event can be directed to Julie Dornack at julie.dornack@mnsu.edu or 507-389-5953.

A member of the Minnesota State system and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Library Servies at 507-389-2507 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY) at least 5 days prior to the event. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the above numbers.LIBR297PO 04-21

Thursday, April 22, 2021

News

Mankato community demands justice for another black victim of police shooting Gathering on top of the Veterans Memorial Bridge near downtown Mankato about 30 community members came to protest police violence on yet another death at the hands of police. Shortly before jurors convicted Derek Chauvin on all three charges for the murder of George Floyd, Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old girl, was shot and killed outside her home by police after she’d called them for help. Bryant called the Columbus Police Department to report that a group of “older kids” had threatened her with assault, Hazel Bryant, Ma’Khia’s aunt, told the Ohio Statehouse News Bureau. Jasmine D’Avilar, no stranger to speaking out against racism and police brutality, has organized many protest with StandUpMankato since Floyd’s murder. Just last Monday she or-

FABIO CASTEL GARCIA • The Reporter

By JULIA BARTON Staff Writer

ganized the protest event after Daunte Wright was killed by police in Brooklyn Center. Dozens joined her. “We’ve been battling every single day for a year for George Floyd and for it to finally come to some elements of closure as far as his murderer being locked behind bars, it brings us some hope,” D’Avilar said. “The system is still failing us every single day as we saw because shortly before the verdict was released Ma’Khia Bryant was killed.” Body cam footage was released of the incident

showing the officer opening fire on the young girl. “In terms of getting shot by the hands of the police it’s not just men, it’s not just adults, it’s not just criminals, it’s everybody, it’s all of us, that’s why we’re here. We are here for a young girl who died,” Daniel Marshall, a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato, said. With Bryant being so young, her death resonated with many people nationwide. “This hit home for me because I am Ma’Khia Bryant, I can sympathize with KATO on page 5 u

MSU Reporter • 3 POLICE continued from page 2 peers,” Wax said. “But students like myself need to stay resilient and passionate about law enforcement because we will ultimately be the pioneers of change in this career field. The strongest way to make an impact is to be involved in the changing of the system from the inside.” Making changes at an education level are not the only changes being made as new police reforms and policies have been discussed. Amy Vokal, Director of Public Safety for the city of Mankato, said they will continue to work toward a stronger united community. “Our first priority is to protect the protesters. We will walk beside, or we will walk behind you, but we are not here to lead you, you are here to lead us,” she said. “We can only police in cooperation with the community and not over the community.” She also said it’s critical for public safety to be an ally to the community. “We have to work with others to really learn how to provide the best service so that everybody in our community feels safe. There is a lot of work to be done in the future and I think a lot of the world has woken up to that,” Vokal said. As for what police departments

can do in Minnesota and nationwide, Vokal says it’s simple. “Training needs to change,” she said. “Every incident that happens we should learn from. Everything can always be done better.” Looking toward the future of policing in the U.S., legislation called the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 is currently making its way through Congress. This pertains to former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who was found guilty of all charges by a jury for the death of George Floyd which happened in May of 2020. Also of note is research found by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a police research and policy organization, that focuses on police practice. PERF has found some evidence-based training that has worked to help lower civilian and officer injury. One successful experiment, known as the Covid Criminal Justice Policies, showed how the city of Baltimore decreased its incarcerated population by 18%, while violent and property crimes went down 20% and 36%. They achieved this by no longer prosecuting for prostitution, drug possession and other low-level offenses. This experiment was intended to decrease the spread of COVID-19 behind bars, which Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore City State’s Attorney, announced in March.

4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, April 22, 2021

SPRING 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

4-year education should be minimum for law enforcement

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Editorial A career in marketing, a career in education, a career in engineering. What do these and a multitude of other career paths have in common? They require more schooling than a career in police work. Minnesota actually has a higher requirement for secondary education, with the minimum being a two year associate’s degree. While many still choose to partake in a four year Law Enforcement degree, many opt in for the easier tech-school route. Unfortunately, this requirement has time and again proven to not be enough. Even with Minnesota having one of the higher educational requirements for our police officers, we are still the location of the killings of George Floyd and Philando Castille. So in what way can we better train the law enforcement institutions of our local, state and nation? Education. It seems simple that almost all careers in this country require a full four year education before being able to get a job in a given career path. It is abhorrent and tragic that it requires more education and training to go into a career in business management than in law enforcement. The technical understanding of the law that is being enforced seems like an enormous part of what police officers should be studying. This includes judicial precedents, legali-

NEWS DIRECTOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Daniel McElroy daniel.mcelroy@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Logan Larock 507-389-5453 logan.larock@mnsu.edu Baylee Sorensen 507-389-5097 baylee.sorensen@mnsu.edu Olivia Haefner 507-389-1079 olivia.haefner@mnsu.edu

ties, and constitutional rights that all citizens have. On top of an excellent understanding of the law, it is imperative that these police officers in training get the necessary training to perform under extreme circumstances. There are extreme and strenuous circumstances that police officers face every single day, and it is crucial that the people in those positions have the training needed to adequately face those situations.

“Unfortunately, this requirement has time and again proven to not be enough.” It seems odd that there is yet to be conversation on the lack of training necessary for law enforcement, especial-

ly when compared to other life responsible careers. Medical careers require years of education so that when that life threatening situation comes to pass, they know exactly what to do, and the best way to handle it. The single best way we have to at least hold our law enforcement accountable is by putting them through a more rigorous training regime that includes higher education.

“What should the requirements be to become a police officer?” Compiled by Samuel Adjidjonu

SARVESH PARTE, SENIOR “They should have discipline, patience, and understand diversity.”

MADISON DIEMERT

EMMA STENDAL, FRESHMAN “They should have a degree from a university and go through proper training.”

ELLIE ROBBINS, FRESHMAN

SIRAWDINK WOLDE, SOPOMORE

LAUREN MILLER, FRESHMAN

“They need to have a higher education background.”

“The officers should be well trained and educated.”

“Officers should go through academy and psychological training.”

BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, contact Editor in Chief Maxwell Mayleben at maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board. • The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing. • Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Student Gov holds year’s final meeting By MAX MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief The 88th Student Government held their final meeting yesterday, as they make way for the 89th that will be inaugurated next week. Beginning the meeting were presentations from Mark Johnson and Amy Linde from IT Solutions spoke presented on their plan for increased communication with students about various resources provided. After IT Solutions, Gregg Marg, the president of the Faculty Association presented to the Student Government about changes that are coming to Goal Area 7. These changes to the Human Diversity Goal Area were sparked after the killing of George Floyd last May. There were several senator reports from Minahil Khan, Zach Wickman, Zoe Macklanburg, Frank Vondra, Edward Sweeney, and Manav Menonca. Four motions were put forward by the senate, each passing unanimously. These motions included a resolution for approval of a Greek Life rock garden on campus, support for a student basic needs hub, a resolution for the longevity of the on campus food pantry, and a legislative progress motion. After the inauguration of the 89th Student Government on Thursday April 22, the next senate will be responsible to represent the student body.

News

MSU Reporter • 5

After Floyd, Congress ready to plunge into policing laws ASSOCIATED PRESS Bolstered with new momentum, Congress is ready to try again to change the nation’s policing laws, heeding President Joe Biden’s admonition that the guilty verdict in George Floyd’s death is “not enough” for a nation confronting a legacy of police violence. Legislation that was once stalled on Capitol Hill is now closer than ever to consensus, lawmakers of both parties said Wednesday, a day after a Minneapolis jury found former officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death. Behind the scenes, negotiations are narrowing on a compromise for a sweeping overhaul, though passage remains uncertain. Tuesday’s verdict launches “a new phase of a long struggle to bring justice to America,” declared Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., in urging passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. “This is the human rights issue in the United States of America.” The revived effort, led by Black lawmakers including Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, comes at a pivotal moment. The nation is on edge over the Floyd case, the deaths of other Black Americans — including a 16-year-old girl brandishing a knife about the time the Minneapolis verdict was announced — and almost a year of protests accusing police of brutal actions that often go unseen.

KATO continued from page 3 her on a whole different level. I have a black daughter and son and I want to see them grow up,” protester Shadow Rolae said. “We as black people are in the fight of our lives. Imagine waking up everyday seeing another black person publicly executed by the people who are supposed to

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE • Associated Press Members of the Congressional Black Caucus walk to make a make a statement on the verdict in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

The guilty verdict for Chauvin was a rare occurrence, not least because in this case an officer’s actions were recorded by a bystander and shown to the jury in court. That followed months of the video being played repeatedly on TV, imprinted in the minds of Americans everywhere. With political pressure mounting on all sides, Biden is urging Congress to plunge back into policing legislation. “We can’t stop here,” he said Tuesday after the verdict. In private, Scott briefed key Repub-

lican senators on Wednesday, updating his colleagues on quiet negotiations that have been underway with Democrats for nearly two months. He told reporters he expected to wrap up those talks with the Democrats within two weeks. “We’ve made tremendous progress,” Scott said on Capitol Hill. Democrats say they are ready. “This has to come to a stop,” said Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the highest ranking Black elected official in Congress, after the Chauvin verdict.

protect us.” The group of diverse individuals who came out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement came with open ears and open hearts. “I have an 8-year-old kid and I can’t imagine being a black mother with a black child and seeing a black child being murdered. If anything, we as white peo-

ple need to at least be here to show our support,” protester Loretti King said. Protesters all over the nation are going out into their own communities to fight for justice for Ma’Khai Bryant. “We are never going to understand or imagine what people of color or black women go through,” protester Holland Petersen said.

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6 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, Ap

A RALLY THAT UNITED THE WORLD IN WA

News MSU Reporter • 7 pril 22, 2021

WAKE OF RACIAL INJUSTICE

Associated Press photos by JOHN MINCHILLO, WONG MAYE-E, BRYNN ANDERSON, EVAN VUCCI, JULIO CORTEZ DAVID J. PHILLIP and MORRY GASH.

‘WE CAN’T STOP HERE’ GUILTY continued from page 1

Via Court TV

On Wednesday, Philonise Floyd described his thoughts while watching Chauvin being handcuffed. He recalled to ABC’s “Good Morning America” how it appeared “a lot easier” on Chauvin than when his brother was handcuffed before his death, but said it still represented “accountability.” “It makes us happier knowing that his life, it mattered, and he didn’t die in vain,” he said. The jury of six whites and six Black or multiracial people came back with its verdict after about 10 hours of deliberations over two days. The now-fired white officer was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin’s face was obscured by a COVID-19 mask, and little reaction could be seen beyond his eyes darting around the courtroom. His bail was immediately revoked. Sentencing will be in two months; the most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison. Defense attorney Eric Nelson followed Chauvin out of the courtroom without comment. Chauvin was booked soon after the verdicts were read into Minnesota’s only maximum-security prison, Oak Park Heights, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Minneapolis. He is being held in a single cell under administrative segregation for his safety, Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald said. President Joe Biden welcomed the verdict, saying Floyd’s death was “a murder in full light of day, and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world” to see systemic racism. But he warned: “It’s not enough. We can’t stop here. We’re going to deliver real change and reform. We can and we must do more to reduce the likelihood that tragedies like this will ever happen again.” The jury’s decision was hailed around the country as justice by other political and civic leaders and celebrities, including former President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a white man, who said on Twitter that Floyd “would still be alive if he looked like me. That must change.” At a park next to the Minneapolis courthouse, a hush fell over a crowd of about 300 as they listened to the verdict on their cellphones. Then a great roar went up, with many people hugging, some shedding tears. At the intersection where Floyd was pinned down, a crowd chanted, “One down, three to go!” — a reference to the three other fired Minneapolis officers facing trial in August on charges of aiding and abetting murder in Floyd’s death.

8 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Trenne turns chapter with MNSU, reminisces on successes When Andrew Trenne arrived at Minnesota State University, Mankato his freshman year, he knew wanted to get involved and help the community. His desire to do so eventually led him to become Student Body President. As he wraps up his term along with the rest of his senior year, Trenne reminisces on the journey he embarked on four years ago that led him to where he is today. “I came here in the fall of 2017,” he says. “When I first arrived, I immediately became the Residence Hall Association Representative for my residence hall floor.” In October of 2017, Trenne says he was fortunate enough to be elected as a Residential Life Senator. After serving as both an RHA Representative and Residential Life Senator, he then became the RHA President his sophomore year. “I was lucky to work with such an amazing executive team and accomplished a lot related to the residence halls,” he says. “At the end of my sophomore year, I ran with former Student Body President Anisa Omar as her Vice President on the Empowering Mavericks Party.” After successfully winning the election, Trenne accomplished many critical issues like college affordability, international healthcare, CCS reform, and more. “Last April I ran for Student Body President and won,” he says, remembering it like it was yesterday. According to Trenne, a memory that remains his favorite is when he became Student Body Vice President. “I remember the night the results were announced and a bunch of candidates gathered outside the Student

FABIO CASTEL GARCIA • The Reporter

By ASHLEY OPINA • Staff Writer

Government office,” he says. “When I found out I won, I immediately called my parents and they were happy. I also remember talking to then-President Anisa Omar and we were so happy and excited.” Trenne says it feels like the last two years flew by and if he could go back in time to relive that moment, he would. “Another memorable moment was during this year’s budget cycle,” he says. “I worked hard with the University and the Reporter to come up with a budget and some policy language attached to the budget to be more fiscally responsible and hopefully end a long-standing problem.” According to Trenne, after three long days of running around the Centennial Student Union, countless phone calls, emails and meetings, they finalized a solution. “The next step was to get 31 senators to agree,” he says. “During our budget meeting, the Student Senate unanimously agreed to it and during

the voting, I started crying of joy for getting something so complicated passed by the Student Government.” Trenne says it helped put a hopeful end to some financial issues and challenges that had not been addressed for almost six years. According to Trenne, everything he accomplished as Student Body President has been memorable and doing it amidst a pandemic attributed to that. “People always ask me why I would want to be Student Body President during COVID,” he says. “I always point back and say that this year by far has been more successful in accomplishing our goals as a Student Government.” Trenne says that a year ago, there was no food pantry on campus, the online differential and course fees were never looked at, and there was no immigration attorney for international students at MNSU. During his time as Student Body President, all of that changed.

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“I could go on about the countless successes I’ve been a part of this year and when I compare them to previous years, it doesn’t even compare,” he says. “So I will take a COVID year over a normal year any day because in the end, I believe we have helped our students to be more successful than previous years.” Trenne says he acknowledges that nothing is perfect, but when he compares this year to years prior, the progress Student Government has made speaks for itself. “That’s something I’m very proud of,” he says. Before Trenne graduates this May with a bachelor’s in Political Science and heads off to Metropolitan State University to get his master’s in Advocacy and Political Leadership, he wishes to say a few words to the Maverick community. “I’d first like to say that MNSU is truly a University that puts students first,” he says. “Every administrator and staff person I’ve met is kind, thoughtful and always thinks of the students in every decision.” According to Trenne, there is always room for improvement, but MNSU doesn’t shy away from it. “We are an institution that focuses on students, hears student concerns and works to advance our interests,” he says. “I encourage students to get involved, stay engaged and informed and let yourself be heard.” Trenne concludes by sharing his appreciation to those who have helped him along the way. “I would like to thank the people who have assisted and mentored me as a student leader,” he says. “I truly don’t think I would have been remotely successful without their help and guidance.”

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

MSU Reporter • 9

Red hot Mavs play host to Peacocks By DANIEL McELROY • Sports Editor

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Maverick Athletics

After coming off a sweep, the Minnesota State softball team will be playing their last home series for more than two weeks today in a doubleheader against Upper Iowa. The Mavericks (22-7, 11-5 NSIC) have won five of their last six games and will look to make their way even further up in the NSIC standings as they sit in third against the Peacocks (10-19, 6-10 NSIC) who sit in 11th. Since 2005, the Mavericks are 29-5 against UIU and have won the last six games. In that span, the Mavericks have outscored their opponents 34-8, and most recently 4-0 and 8-2 wins in a sweep at Upper Iowa’s Eischeid Complex in 2019. The Mavericks earned their top three spot in the NSIC with phenomenal play all around the field, but their pitching is what continues to make them so dominant. In such a difficult conference, the Mavs have the lowest earned run average (ERA) in the NSIC with 1.86, the only committee with an ERA below 2.00. When facing opposing batters, the Mavericks hold their opponents to a .220 batting average, just .001 less than the conference leaders, Augustana. Throughout the season, the Mavs have struck out 238 batters, the second most in the NSIC, while striking out 63 while looking. MSU has allowed the least amount of runs in the conference with just 63, 52 of those unearned. All of these dominant statistics are due to aces Mackenzie Ward in her senior year, and McKayla Armbruster as a freshman. Ward has the lowest ERA of any

Hannah McCarville is second on the Mavericks with a .422 batting average.

pitcher with 1.39 and holds batters to a .171 batting average when she’s on the mound. Ward is ranked 25th in Division II softball in ERA, although has more appearances than all but three pitchers ahead of her in the rankings. Ward stands tall with a 13-3 record this season. Armbruster has been breaking out in her first season as a collegiate student-athlete, holding an 8-3 record with a 2.77 ERA. Armbruster is looking to bounce back after pitching barely more than an inning in the Mavs loss against St. Cloud State. Relief pitcher and freshman Katie Bracken has appeared in 13 games this season and been performing very well with a 2.29 ERA and 1-1 in two starts.

The Mavs have been letting the bats rip away this season as well with Torey Richards leading the team with a .430 batting average. Hannah McCarville is right behind Richards with a .422 average and tied for second on the team with four home runs. With a pair of wins, the Mavericks can try to take over the second spot in the NSIC standings, as they are one game behind the Winona State Warriors, who hold a 12-4 conference play record on the season as they prepare to take on the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears. The Mavs are ranked No. 18 in the NFCA Top 25 Coaches Poll, while sitting fourth in the NCAA Regional Rankings. Other top teams are Augustana, Central Missouri, and Central Oklahoma.

Mavs try to keep their win streak alive against Wayne State By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer

After completing their fourwin sweep of Upper Iowa this past weekend, the Minnesota State baseball team is headed to Wayne, Nebraska this weekend to face off in a three game series against Wayne State. The Mavericks have been historically great against the Wildcats, taking eight of the last 10 games played between the two teams. As far as the NSIC goes, Minnesota State still holds the top spot, while the Wildcats currently hold the tenth place position right behind the Peacocks of Upper Iowa. Nationally, the Mavericks are ranked No. 14 in Division II baseball, 11 spots higher than they were last week. The Mavericks will look to build upon their top 15 resume this weekend and keep hold of the No. 1 spot in the

Floyd’s brother thanks Raiders for support

Maverick Athletics Jon Ludwig leads the NSIC with 68 strikeouts, nine against UIU.

NSIC, while the Wildcats are looking to improve their own conference and overall records. Wayne State will be a tough matchup for the Mavs, as they will not want to slip any further down the conference standings. Minnesota State is currently 22-4 on the year, with

a conference record of 18-3. Wayne State is far behind the conference leading Mavs, supporting a 10-14 overall record and a 9-11 conference record. As far as team performance goes, the Mavericks hold the edge against the Wildcats in all major categories. The Mavs also boast the fourth

best pitching group in division II baseball by ERA, with an outstanding 2.88. The Mavs pitching crew is led by two outstanding pitchers in Collin Denk and Jon Ludwig. The two pitchers sit third and sixth in the overall pitching standings in the NSIC, with Denk holding the third best ERA in the conference at 1.54 and Ludwig holding the number one spot for total strikeouts at 68. This also helps Minnesota State hold the best team pitching in the NSIC, something Wayne State struggles in. The Wildcats sit second to last in the NSIC for team pitching with a team ERA of 7.75, so look for the Mavericks bats to be cashing in a lot of runs this weekend. Speaking of batting, both teams are also great hitting teams. The Mavs hold the number three spot in the conSTREAK on page 11 u

The brother of George Floyd thanked the Las Vegas Raiders for their support after owner Mark Davis issued a statement on Twitter that drew backlash following the conviction of a police officer who killed Floyd. Philonise Floyd issued a statement through the family’s attorney on Wednesday, a day after the tweet sent on the team’s official account saying “I CAN BREATHE 4-2021.” George Floyd told officers “I can’t breathe” more than 20 times before he was killed when Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck last May. Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter on Tuesday for causing Floyd’s death. “On behalf of our family, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Las Vegas Raiders organization and its leadership for their support of our family and for our nation’s ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for all,” Philonise Floyd said. “Now, more than ever, we must come together as one and continue on in this fight. For the first time in almost a year, our family has taken a breath. And I know that goes for so many across the nation and globe, as well. Let’s take this breath together in honor of my big brother who couldn’t. Let’s do it for George.” The tweet from the Raiders drew backlash on Twitter. The phrase “I can breathe” was used by supporters of police in New York after the death of Eric Garner in 2014. Davis said he wouldn’t have used that phrase if he knew the history but chose not to delete the tweet. “It’s a tough situation,” he said in a phone interview Tuesday night. “I feel bad it was taken in a way it wasn’t meant to be done. That can only be my fault for not explaining it.”

10 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Davis feels ready for return

Thursday, April 22, 2021

135,000 will be in attendance at Indy 500 ASSOCIATED PRESS

MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS When Anthony Davis’ right leg became too painful to play on two months ago, the big man and the Los Angeles Lakers decided he wouldn’t return until he was completely ready to be himself again. More than two months later, Davis is confident that time has arrived with 14 regular-season games left in the Lakers’ push to defend their NBA title. Davis intends to play Thursday night when the Lakers open a four-game road trip at Dallas, he said after a workout at the team’s training complex. He hasn’t suited up since Feb. 14, missing Los Angeles’ last 30 games in the longest injury absence of his nine-year NBA career. “I wanted to make sure I was coming back 100%, because it wouldn’t be fair to myself, wouldn’t be fair to my team,” Davis said

Wednesday. “I feel great. These last games leading to the playoffs, a lot of teams aren’t healthy, a lot of players aren’t healthy. I’m 100%, and we’ve got Bron coming back as well who’s going to be 100% healthy. I think we’ve put ourselves in a good position.” Indeed, the Lakers (35-23) have managed to stay in the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings despite playing without Davis for nine weeks and without LeBron James since March 20. The Lakers went 14-16 without Davis, and they’re 7-9 since both Davis and James went down. Coach Frank Vogel said James is still “probably a couple of weeks or so” away from returning from his sprained ankle. Davis will start when he returns, but will only play about 15 minutes in his first game back.

THE PLUS IS IN

EVERYTHING WE DO. • Oil Change • Filters • Lighting

DARREN CUMMINGS • Associated Press Simon Pagenaud, of France, leads the field through the first turn on the start of the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race in Indianapolis.

“This event and this place means so much to everybody we see every day and we hear from every day, whether they are Hoosiers or race fans from around the world,” Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., told The Associated Press. “We feel a real responsibility to protect that legacy and to grow it and to have the race,” Miles said. “We’re ready to take the next step in bringing back the economy and a lot of that in this city and state is driven by sports events which has been shut down for so many months. March Madness was incredibly successful, this is the next step and it just so happens this will probably be the biggest sporting event of the year.” The speedway will be open to spectators every day cars are on the track beginning

with the May 15 road course event. The viewing mounds in the infield will be closed, and general admission infield tickets will not be made available. The infield’s raucous “Snake Pit” will be closed and all the traditional concerts will not be held, including on Carb Day and Legends Day. There will be suite seating and the Pagoda will be open to those with tickets, but the midway will be closed. Grandstand seating will be socially distanced; fans will have an option to return their tickets for an account credit. Face coverings will be required on track property and temperature checks will be given at the entrances. IMS will also extend its vaccination clinics through the end of May with the ability for spectators to receive a vaccination on speedway grounds throughout the month.

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The Indianapolis 500 is set to be the largest sporting event in the world since the start of the pandemic with 135,000 spectators permitted to attend “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” next month. Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Wednesday it worked with the Marion County Public Health Department to determine that 40% of venue capacity can attend the May 30 race on Memorial Day weekend. The speedway is the largest sporting facility in the world with more than 250,000 grandstand seats and the ability to host close to 400,000 on race day throughout the entire property. The attendance figure was determined after Indianapolis hosted the NCAA men’s basketball tournament through March and into April with limited attendance. The NCAA allowed 8,000 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium for the April 5 men’s championship game. The Alabama spring football game last weekend hosted 47,218 fans, nearly 10,000 more than a recent Texas Rangers baseball game; an Australian Rules cricket match in Melbourne drew 51,723 in March. Roger Penske, in his second year as owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, had hoped for full attendance, but IndyCar and speedway officials are taking pride in the upcoming milestone.

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

Sports

Clubs try to keep Super League alive as it collapses

BERNAT ARMANGUE • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS While trying to at least keep the idea of the Super League alive, more of the founding members of the controversial breakaway competition abandoned the project on Wednesday. The moves by Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid came a day after the six Premier League clubs involved in the new competition made it unviable by dropping out, leaving Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona as the only teams still officially in it. While some English clubs apologized to their fans while pulling back on Tuesday, the teams that dropped out on Wednesday admitted defeat but tried to show they still believe in the project. “While Juventus remains convinced of the soundness of the project’s sport, commercial and legal premises, it believes that at present there are limited chances that the project be completed in the form originally conceived,” the Italian club said. “Juventus remains committed to pursuing the creation of long-term value for the Company and the entire football industry.” English clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham previously deserted plans for the largely-closed competition amid escalating backlash from their supporters and warnings from the government that legislation could be introduced to thwart them. Still, AC Milan said the

“voices and the concerns of fans around the world have clearly been expressed” but the club “will continue to work hard to deliver a sustainable model” for soccer. “We accepted the invitation to participate in the Super League project with the genuine intention to deliver the best possible European competition for football fans around the world and in the best interest of the club and our own fans,” the Italian club said. “Change is not always easy, but evolution is necessary for progress, and the structures of European football have evolved and changed over the decades.” Inter said the club was committed to delivering the best soccer experience for fans because “innovation and inclusion have been part of our DNA since our foundation.” “Our commitment with all stakeholders to improve the football industry will never change,” it said. “Inter believe that football, like any sector of activity, must have an interest in constantly improving its competitions in order to continue to excite fans of all ages all over the world, within a framework of financial sustainability.” The Super League project was overseen by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who promoted it as a way to “save soccer” and the clubs struggling financially amid the coronavirus pandemic. Neither Madrid nor Barcelona commented after the rest of the clubs abandoned the project.

STREAK continued from page 9 ference and the Wildcats hold the fourth. These great batting stats are backed up by three of the best players at the plate in the conference. Joey Werner represents Minnesota State at number four, while Wayne State’s Alex Logelin

and Bryce Bisenius are placed third and 13th in individual batting. This will make for a great matchup this weekend as we will be seeing some of the best batting and pitching in the conference go head to head.

MSU Reporter • 11

Women’s IIHF championships postponed ASSOCIATED PRESS The International Ice Hockey Federation is scrambling to reschedule the women’s world hockey championships after health officials in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Wednesday scrapped plans to hold the tournament next month because of COVID-19 concerns. IIHF chief Rene Fasel told The Associated Press by phone he was blindsided by the decision, which was made at essentially the last minute. Teams were preparing to travel to Canada over the next two days to satisfy the nation’s quarantine regulations for foreign travelers. “At 5 o’clock this morning, this was a go. At 7:30 it was not,” Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney said on a video call with reporters. “Some of this is much, much further beyond our control than we would like.” The 10-team tournament was scheduled to be held from May 6-16 in Halifax and Truro, the same communities that were supposed to host the event a year ago before it was called off. The IIHF had already pushed back the event’s opening by a month due to recommendations from health officials. Fasel said the focus is now on rescheduling the tournament to potentially this summer and holding it in either Nova Scotia, elsewhere in Canada or finding another host nation. He said the ini-

MIKKO STIG • Associated Press Kendall Coyne Schofield, left, of the United States and Nelli Laitinen of Finland vie for the puck during the World Championships.

tial plan is to have Nova Scotia host the event in August. “We have every intention of making sure we follow through with a women’s world championship here in Canada at a point in the near future,” Renney said. “And beyond that, who’s to say?” The women’s championship was canceled last year because of the pandemic, and Fasel called it imperative to hold this year’s tournament because it is the final one before the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. “This is very bad news, very sad. And I feel so bad for the girls,” Fasel said. “They’re looking forward to going and spending two weeks quarantining in Nova Scotia, doing everything possible, and then suddenly, bang. ‘Nope, you cannot come. We closed the border.’” Fasel said he was was in-

formed of Nova Scotia’s decision shortly before the IIHF was scheduled to hold a meeting earlier in the day. “I will say the disappointment is really big, but it is like it is. There’s nothing we can do and we have to accept that,” Fasel said. “It has to do with safety. ... We have to take it and pull the plug.” Canada is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19, with numerous provinces closing their borders even to inter-provincial travel. The U.S.-Canada border has been closed for 13 months, and all foreign travelers are required to self-quarantine for up to two weeks upon arrival. “In the end, we must accept the decision of the government,” the IIHF and Hockey Canada said in a joint statement.

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12 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, April 22, 2021

BUY PARKING PRIVILEGES FOR 2021-2022

Next year customers are buying PARKING “PRIVILEGES” which will be associated with the VEHICLE PLATE NUMBER(S) listed on the form.

(A.K.A. PE RMITS)

123 MAV EXPL O

JAN

Minne sota

10,00 0 lake s

NO HANGING PLASTIC PERMIT WILL BE ISSUED All “privileges” purchased will be tied to the plate. Security vehicles will patrol the lots SCANNING ALL LICENSE PLATES and issue citations to vehicles not in the proper parking area.

NO GOLD PERMIT DRAWING THIS YEAR NOW IT’S “FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED”

NEW PURCHASING WINDOWS

COST

PRIVILEGE TYPE

PURCHASE DATES

$340

EMPLOYEE GOLD

$340

STUDENT GOLD

May 3rd - August 23rd

$216

PURPLE (9 MONTH)

May 3rd - August 23rd

$108

PURPLE (FALL)

May 3rd - August 23rd

$152

ORANGE (9 MONTH)

May 3rd - August 23rd

$76

ORANGE (FALL)

May 3rd - August 23rd

April 19th - May 2nd

AT MIDNIGHT

$280

LT. GREEN RES. HALL (9 MONTH)

July 19th until gone

$140

LT. GREEN RES. HALL (FALL)

July 19th until gone

$216

DK. GREEN RES. HALL (9 MONTH)

July 19th until gone

$108

DK. GREEN RES. HALL (FALL)

July 19th until gone

VISIT THE PARKING PORTAL

DURING YOUR PURCHASE WINDOW

mnsu.edu/about-the-university/maps-and-transportation/parking/purchase-a-parking-permit/