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UNCHARTED TERRITORY Michigan State suspends classes and moves exclusively online amid COVID-19 pandemic PAGES 6-7
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Making MSU accessible for students with disabilities Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, student groups work to build a better campus environment PAGE 4-5
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Vol. 110 | No. 24
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2020 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madison O’Connor
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Amid suspended classes, The State News will continue to inform you “In a time of uncertainty, what we can assure you of is this: The State News isn’t going anywhere.” By Madison O’Connor moconnor@statenews.com Michigan State is in uncharted territory. There’s no blueprint, no map for how the MSU and East Lansing communities will respond to COVID-19’s presence in Michigan. In its 165-year history, MSU has rarely disrupted its academic routine, but Wednesday morning, President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. announced MSU would suspend all in-person classes through April 20 and make the jump to online learning. This will dramatically change all of our lives. Our day to day routines will be disrupted, and some of us will go back to our hometowns while others won’t have that luxury.
Madison O’Connor Editor-in-Chief In a time of uncertainty, what we can assure you of is this: The State News isn’t going anywhere. With the responsibility — and honor — of empowering you through credible information, we will continue to provide accurate, reliable coverage of COVID-19 and its effects on our community. We will continue to publish online at statenews.com seven days a week and in print on Thursdays. Our print issues will also be published online at issuu.com/statenews.
We will continue to cover the city of East Lansing, campus culture, MSU sports and other news important to you. Our staff will continue to work throughout the year, and will have the ability to work remotely. Our office will remain open, and we will monitor changes closely to make adjustments if necessary. Our job has always been to chronicle life on and off campus to help you better navigate and understand your world. Through our continued coverage of how the community is impacted by this pandemic, we also hope to help you make the best decisions possible as events unfold. It’s situations like these that push us to work even harder, and we hope you’ll continue to turn to The State News. If you have specific questions or concerns about how this will affect the MSU and East Lansing communities, please reach out to us at feedback@ statenews.com. We want to best serve you, our audience, and find answers to your most pressing questions. Know that no matter where this crisis takes you, we’ll be here.
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Tower Guard, disabilities resource center work to make MSU more accessible By Emily Bevard ebevard@statenews.com Due to his disability, computer science senior Yash Sharma needed some extra time for exams. He registered with Michigan State’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD, during his sophomore year, and said professors were understanding when it came to accommodating his needs. “I know there is a social stigma against going to RCPD and taking accommodations, because in the culture I come from, taking extra help for something that everyone in the class is doing — that was not something that’s really supported,” Sharma said. “I like to see it more as level-
ing the playing field than giving someone a leg up. People should not be afraid of the stigma.” According to the latest Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives’ Diversity at MSU report, released in 2019, 612 new students registered with RCPD at the Academic Orientation Program during the 201718 academic year. Additionally, a total of 255 MSU employees had active permanent disabilities registered with RCPD. From programs dedicated to helping students with visual or audio impairments to opportunity-driven programs for students with autism, Sharma said RCPD looks to make accommodations in any way possible. “Everyone’s case is different, so they really go by a caseby-case basis,” Sharma said. “I think that takes care of a lot of
people without … conflict and differences that someone would see.” In collaboration with RCPD, Tower Guard — a service organization for sophomore students on campus — works to build a more accessible environment for students impacted by disabilities. Throughout the year, they volunteer and raise money for RCPD to assist in initiatives including audio-enabled textbooks, scribing exams, one-on-one tutoring and adaptive sports. “Ultimately, we strive to create a more inclusive community at MSU and ensure that all students are provided with an equal opportunity to excel academically and beyond in other realms,” Tower Guard President Mackenzie Desloover said via email.
In addition to their efforts promoting accessibility, Tower Guard hosts a variety of events with the goal of making an impact on the community. Emily Stecevic, liaison for Tower Guard’s Council of Students with Disabilities, or CSD, said via email her role is to create a bridge between the two groups. Part of her efforts are creating joint events to bring members of CSD and Tower Guard together. “Anyone who is enrolled in the RCPD can join the CSD, and they talk about making equal opportunities on campus, such as shoveling the sidewalks for those in wheelchairs to be able to get around easily in the winter,” Stecevic said. Last year, Desloover said the Members of the Tower Guard eboard James Kinville, Amanda organization raised $21,346 Kommor, Katie Albus and MacKenzie Desloover pose for a group through fundraisers for RCPD. photo in front of Beaumont Tower on March 11. PHOTO BY ALYTE KATILIUS
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“I didn’t even know what disability rights I could get on campus. (RCPD) helped me figure out all the ways that the university here could help us.”
President of Tower Guard, MacKenzie Desloover, poses for a portrait near Beaumont Tower on March 11. PHOTO BY ALYTE KATILIUS
Yash Sharma Computer science senior
This year, she said members are working hard in hopes of exceeding previous profits. Tower Guard Fundraising Coordinator Madison Sewick said the group hosts a fundraising activity at least once a month, with all proceeds going directly to RCPD. “All members have to do a total of 20 live hours, the live hours are working directly with the students,” Sewick said. “During the beginning of the semester, we’ll do tours of the campus, for the freshmen
especially, if they can’t find their way to a classroom.” During the winter, Tower Guard participated in the “Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams” program organized by the Beaumont Children’s Pediatric Family Advisory Council. Members stood outside the hospital shining lights in the windows of pediatric patients, who shined their own lights in return. In doing so, Sewick said Tower Guard members hoped to communicate that these patients were not alone.
Tower Guard was going to host the 20th annual Shamrock 5k Run-Walk-Roll to raise funds for RCPD this March, but it’s been postponed due to coronavirus concerns. “I think it’s truly incredible that just as students, let alone sophomores, we are able to organize largely successful fundraisers, volunteer around 10,000 hours annually and impact countless lives,” Desloover said. “Tower Guard is full of students who want to act on their passions for service by
doing good in the world.” Students involved in the Building Opportunities for Networking and Discovery Program — which works to “contribute awareness and ability to the broader MSU and autism community,” according to RCPD’s website — connect with peer mentors and participate in periodic social and skill building events. When it comes to students diagnosed with a psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, there’s an option for them to register a service or assistance animal through RCPD to make living and navigating campus feel easier. Jess Fairbanks, an economic specialist intern at RCPD and graduate student in the rehabilitation counseling master’s program, said students first need to provide extensive doc-
is saying to the university, this individual, this student has to have this assistance animal in order to live and use their university residence,” Psychiatric Disabilities Specialist John Pedraza said. For those with learning disabilities, RCPD hosts the Stern Tutoring and Alternative Techniques for Educations Program, providing tutoring and academic support to those who qualify. According to RCPD’s website, each semester 15-20 students are chosen to attend weekly meetings providing disability-specific instructional, tutorial and peer mentoring components. “I didn’t even know what disability rights ... I could get on campus,” Sharma said. “(RCPD) helped me figure out all the ways that the university here could help us.”
umentation of their condition, including issues in concentration, motivation, focus, sleeping and interactions. “Service animals are different. The task needs to be more extensive than, ‘It assists me and provides me comfort,’” Fairbanks said. “A task needs to be specific, like, ‘It alerts me when my blood sugar is low, it alerts me when I’m going to have a seizure, it prompts me to lay on the ground.’” According to RCPD’s website, an individual may live with an assistance animal if they have a disability, the animal is necessary to use and if there is an identifiable relationship between the disability and the assistance provided by the animal. “When a student requests an assistance animal in university housing, they’re saying, and their mental health professional
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COVID-19 HITS MICHIGAN GLOBAL PANDEMIC PROMPTS UNIVERSITY RESPONSE On March 10, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency after two cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by a member of the coronavirus family, were confirmed in Michigan. There are now more than 1,000 U.S. cases, and universities across the country — including Michigan State — have moved classes online in response to the pandemic.
People walk through Wells Hall after MSU cancelled classes due to coronavirus March 11. PHOTO BY MATT SCHMUCKER
“I’m surprised that it’s this serious, and I didn’t expect it to happen here.” Bryce Dolan Business sophomore Image provided by the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC
CORONAVIRUS TIMELINE
How news of its impact on MSU’s campus evolved By The State News Staff feedback@statenews.com
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n the wake of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, Michigan State suspended face-to-face instruction Wednesday and strongly encouraged students to return to their permanent places of residence. “MSU is suspending face-to-face instruction in lectures, seminars and classroom settings and moving coursework to virtual instruction,” President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. said in an email. “This suspension of in-person classes will last until Monday, April 20 and we will reevaluate this decision on an ongoing basis, sharing additional updates or modifications as more information becomes available.” Stanley also said the university learned the Ingham County Health Department is investigating and monitoring an individual linked to MSU's campus. News of the disease and its impact on campus has evolved over time, from statements saying MSU's risk of exposure is unlikely to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declaring a state of emergency to the World Health Organization calling the coronavirus a pandemic.
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Jan. 24 — University Physician addresses China coronavirus outbreak
MSU Physician David Weismantel issued a statement Jan. 24 about the recent outbreak of a coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China. While MSU leaders recognized the concern, the risks of being exposed to this virus at MSU are unlikely, Daniel Olsen, MSU deputy spokesperson, said.
Jan. 28 — Three Michigan coronavirus samples test negative
Three possible cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Michigan came back negative, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or MDHHS. A fourth possible case from Washtenaw County was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, for testing. State health officials were pleased with the results, Khaldun said in a press release.
Jan. 27 — Three Michigan cases undergo testing for coronavirus
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or MDHSS, approved testing for three new possible cases of the Novel Coronavirus — two in Washtenaw County and one in Macomb County. “At MDHHS, we recognize the potential threat associated with this virus and are working to identify any suspect cases in Michigan,” Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health said in a press release. THU R SDAY, MARCH 12 , 2020
Jan. 30 — MSU halts China travel as coronavirus spreads
MSU announced it would halt the next eight weeks of all non-essential university travel to China just as the World Health Organization, or WHO, declared the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.
Feb. 14 — MSU students address diversity concerns during board meeting
At the February Board of Trustees meeting, MSU students spoke about the Wharton Center incident, the coronavirus and international student rights.
Feb. 21 — Coronavirus halts additional MSU travel abroad
The university physician sent out an update on coronavirus to the MSU community suspending all universitysponsored travel to China, Singapore and Hong Kong through the end of July. “This suspension takes effect today and includes all study abroad programs in those countries,” Weismantel said.
S POT L I G H T
GO GREEN, GO HOME: Students react to MSU suspending classes By Wendy Guzman wguzman@statenews.com Business sophomore Bryce Dolan said he didn’t expect the coronavirus — which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic — to cause Michigan State to suspend face-to-face instruction. After the confirmation of two COVID-19 cases in Michigan, President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. sent an email March 11 announcing classes will be moved online, and students had many initial reactions. “I guess I’m surprised that it’s this serious, and I didn’t expect it to happen here,” Dolan said. “I just think it’s pointless. Like, you’re not gonna eliminate face-to-face contact, right?” Once the email was sent around 10 a.m., students quickly flooded the hallways of on-campus buildings making phone calls to family. Many questioned their safety, how they would adapt to online classes and housing situations. Dolan is employed by MSU and said he was also concerned about whether he would continue working. “I’m confused whether I’ll continue to keep working or not since MSU shut down face to face, because I work at a restaurant area,” Dolan said. Many students were surprised, while others were not since MSU followed in the
footsteps of other big universities. “I have friends over at (Ohio State), and their school’s online, and I figured since they’re so close it’s bound to happen here,” business freshman Nick Debaker said. “I just assumed after seeing the article last night that we’ll get an email today about classes going online.” Many international students have to remain in East Lansing, despite the university encouraging students to return to their permanent homes. China has halted flights in and out of the country, preventing some from going back even if they wanted to, Chinese international student Yuxuan Zhang said. Zhang said families of MSU students in China are happy the university moved to online classes, as classes in China have stopped for a while now. “Back home, we already have a lot of our classes suspended because of the coronavirus right now,” Zhang said. “So we worry that there is going to be a spread of the disease because of the people interacting with each other.” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a press conference March 10 announcing the first confirmed case in the state and declared a state of emergency. Pre-nursing sophomore Josie Smith said she was unaware of the announcement and found out through Stanley’s email.
Feb. 28 — MSU announces COVID-19 plan and potential response
MSU announced the steps it would take to prevent the virus from reaching campus and how it would prepare for coronavirus scenarios. According to Stanley’s email, a university committee is developing contingency plans for accommodating housing and educational needs of international students that may be unable to travel home for the summer, as well as for students expected to arrive next fall semester.
“It’s surprising,” Smith said. “It’s sad, too. I’m sorry that the people are sick. ... I honestly think that university could provide more instruction on universal health practices, like students washing your hands, not touching your face.” Accounting senior Eric Burley said he believes the university was right to take precautions early to avoid later fallout. “I think it’s better (to) stay on the side of caution, especially with the students,” Burley said. “I think they definitely want to make sure that, ‘Hey, let’s just get this right right now, even if we have to cancel classes a little early, it’s better to be safe with it then be late on it.’” Debaker and Burley both said they plan to stay on campus. Other students said they were quick to make arrangements to head home. The university has posted signs around campus cautioning students about the coronavirus. Burley said the possibility of online classes should have been addressed to instructors sooner, as most found out when the students did and had little time to prepare. “Because I have a bunch of classes that I have to do group presentations in. ... I don’t think they’re going to happen now,” Burley said. “But I get that, you know, no one really probably saw this coming.”
A man walks through the Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion on March 11. PHOTO BY ALYTE KATILIUS
Michigan State University students navigate campus with caution after President Stanley’s announcement on March 11, canceling all in-person classes until April 20. PHOTO BY DI’AMOND MOORE
March 10 — MSU suspends international, nonessential domestic travel
Stanley sent an email to the community Tuesday announcing that all university-sponsored international travel and non-essential domestic travel would be cancelled. The letter came just after universities across the country began canceling in-person classes. “MSU is preparing for a variety of possible scenarios and campus units have plans and resources in place for a potential outbreak,” Stanley said in the email.
March 7 — MSU accommodates travelers from coronavirus outbreak regions
MSU announced it would assist students with a 14-day self-quarantine for anyone who traveled to China, Italy, Iran or South Korea, according to a letter to the community from Weismantel and Stanley. The update echoed travel guidance from the CDC as students started returning from spring break.
March 10 — Two COVID-19 cases confirmed in Michigan, Whitmer declares state of emergency
Whitmer announced a state of emergency following two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. The two individuals who have COVID-19 are in the metro Detroit area. One is a female adult from Oakland County, who had traveled internationally, and one is a male adult from Wayne County, who had traveled domestically. Both are currently hospitalized.
March 10 — MSU prepares online framework as some schools cancel classes
MSU began preparing a potential transition to online classes. Stanley touched on this issue of in-classroom learning in his most recent email to the MSU community. “MSU has been preparing for pivoting the campus to online learning should that decision be required,” Stanley said.
March 11 — MSU suspends in-person classes until April 20
The transition to virtual instruction happened at noon Wednesday. During the period of virtual instruction, students can return to their permanent residence and work remotely, per Stanley's email. MSU is strongly recommending this because there are “advantages for social distancing.” “But for those not able to go home, we will continue to fully support students in our residence halls and dining facilities,” Stanley wrote.
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MSU hockey took major steps in Cole’s third year What looms as Spartans lose stars to the NHL? Michigan State and Notre Dame players argue following a hit at the end of regulation. The Spartans tied with the Fighting Irish, 1-1, at Munn Ice Arena on Nov. 22, 2019. PHOTO BY MATT ZUBIK
By Brendan Gumbel bgumbel@statenews.com While the Michigan State hockey season started with cautious optimism and ended with abrupt disappointment, the team still took significant steps forward in coach Danton Cole’s third season at the helm. The Spartans finished with a record of 15-192 and, at one point, were sitting at the top of the Big Ten standings. Going 2-7-1 in their final 10 games, however, would see them plummet down to sixth place and an early exit in the Big Ten tournament, getting swept at the hands of Michigan. “We were a goal post away from having home ice (in the Big Ten tournament), which was a goal for us this year,” Cole said. “And a couple posts away from winning the Big Ten title in the regular season. (The players) have elevated it,
the relevance of our team has increased dramatically and they should be proud of what they accomplished.” The team has improved in both total wins and points in the Big Ten since Cole arrived on campus in 2017. Expectations were tempered coming into this season, as the Spartans were coming off a 12-win campaign in 2018-19 and were facing one of the toughest schedules in the country. As expected, the green and white struggled against some of the NCAA’s best, getting swept by then-ranked No. 4 Cornell in early November and failing to pick up a win at No. 11 Ohio State in early December. But, for every crushing loss, there came a momentum-shifting victory, and the Spartans spent most of the season hovering around .500 and ranked inside the top 20 as a result. Several players had career years, perhaps no one more so than senior goaltender John Le-
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themon. His .935 save percentage is the thirdbest in Spartan history for a single season, only behind current Anaheim Duck Ryan Miller. Lethemon’s 2.13 GAA was the best for a Spartan since Jeff Lerg posted a 1.96 mark back in 2005-06. The driving force of the MSU offense and defense both signed deals with NHL organizations following the conclusion of the season, and their production won’t be easy to replace. Seniors Jerad Rosburg and Patrick Khodorenko agreed to terms with the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers, respectively, this past week. Rosburg led the country with 86 blocked shots this season, and Khodorenko led the team with 16 goals and 33 points. As a collective group, MSU did its best work defensively, leading the Big Ten with an .873 penalty kill percentage. The Spartans allowed 54 total goals this season, or 2.25 goals against per game, which was good enough to place them second in the conference. “You can teach guys defense a heck of a lot easier than you can teach offense,” Cole said. “At the end of the day, we had nine one-goal losses and two ties, so 11 games where we could’ve gotten a little more going. I talked to the guys yesterday and I was saying, ‘Hey, 11 goals.’ If we find 11 more goals in our lineup somewhere ... I’m not having this press conference right now.” Now it’s time to look forward, and it will be up to Cole to make sure the program doesn’t take two steps back after taking another step forward this season. When he was hired, Cole said he wanted to focus on four main aspects of the program that fell in line with his vision for restoring Michigan State hockey to national prominence. “The first one is identifying and recruiting elite athletes to play for Spartan hockey,” Cole said. “The second one was sign, train and graduate those student athletes that we feel fit our culture.” Let’s focus on those two. Cole has credited his current players, specifically his senior class that started out here one year before him, for helping to establish a winning culture. That culture is used as a selling point for prospective recruits, something they get to see first-hand when visit-
ing campus. “The recruiting had to start with those guys and them reestablishing us as a destination program and a place that young men wanted to go to,” Cole said. “Like coach (Ron) Mason used to say, ‘You go from recruiting to picking players,’ and we’re getting closer and closer to that.” All of the seniors who have played under Cole in the past three seasons have graduated. Taro Hirose, who left MSU as a junior for the Detroit Red Wings, is on track to graduate soon as well. The final two components to Cole’s vision had to do with generating a buzz around the team and finalizing the renovation to Munn Ice Arena. “The third thing was make Munn a snake pit again,” Cole said. “Make it a type of place that’s real hard for opponents to come into and a place that players and families want their kids to play at. The fourth thing that ties everything together is, get the renovation plan at Munn moving forward, which had stalled.” Munn was every bit the snake pit Cole could have hoped for this season, seeing their best average home attendance since 2003-04, drawing in an average of 5,939 per game. The arena sold out six times and the Spartans finished the season with a winning record in conference games at home. As for the renovation of Munn, the budget was just recently increased and is on track to be completed in December 2020. Next season is going to be a critical one for Cole and his players, and right now it feels as if there are more questions than answers regarding who is going to play where and how the new guys will fit in. But one thing is for sure, the upward trajectory of the program as a whole is inevitable, and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. “The buzz around the program has been incredible,” Cole said. “When you go around, you talk around town ... you’re in rinks recruiting around the country, you’re talking to NHL scouts that are in our building a lot, NHL GM’s that have been calling ... you get the feeling that people understand the positivity, that things are moving forward and what our guys are accomplishing. People are taking notice.” Freshman right wing, Nicolas Müller (19) skates behind the opposing team’s net during a hockey game against Penn State on Jan. 24 at the Munn Ice Arena. PHOTO BY ALYTE KATILIUS
S PORTS
Column: This Michigan State women’s basketball team won’t be remembered for wins and losses By Devin Anderson-Torrez dandersontorrez@statenews.com When remembering Michigan State women’s basketball’s 2019-20 season, remember this first: It’s Senior Day and senior guard Taryn McCutcheon just broke the all-time assists record on a pass to senior forward Nia Hollie. Seniors Shay Colley and Victoria Gaines subbed in earlier in the game. Gaines hadn’t played in two months and Colley had only been back for two games, but both got their chance to kiss the Spartan head at midcourt. Before the clock expired on the Spartans’ fifth victory in six games, following a fivegame losing skid, it was McCutcheon’s turn to kiss the Spartan head. McCutcheon bent down to follow the Spartans’ tradition and paused. Four years prior, she came in with this senior class. Four years before she spoke up on her experience with bullying before coming to East Lansing, four years before she made that trip to half court, she was a freshman telling coach Suzy Merchant she wanted to change the world. She bent and kissed the
Spartan head. Resilience. That’s the only word you should be allowed to use when you describe the Spartans’ season. When you remember this season, it won’t be for a Big Ten Championship, because they lost in the first round to Purdue. It won’t be for a trip to the NCAA tournament — their 16-14 record wasn’t enough to get them in. The Spartans’ season won’t be remembered by wins and losses. It can’t be. It will be remembered by how many times they were hit, seemingly to the point of no return, and got back up. There were high hopes going into the year, a ranked Spartan team with senior leaders McCutcheon, Colley and Gaines. They started out 5-0, taking down a then-No. 15 Notre Dame during the run. Soon, injuries plagued them. Colley and Gaines faltered in and out of the lineup for the next month and a half. Colley saw her last real action for nearly two months on Dec. 28 against Indiana, and the same day Gaines played her last minutes, aside from subbing in for Senior Day to
kiss the Spartan head. The Spartans fell out of the Top 25. In the heat of the Big Ten schedule and in the middle of a five-game skid, redshirt junior forward Mardrekia Cook tore her Achilles tendon during practice. The injury was on par with the luck her team had this season. They couldn’t catch a break. At times, it was hard to put five healthy players on the court for the Spartans. But during their struggles, something else was happening. Freshman guard Moira Joiner found herself in the starting lineup and excelling, guarding the best guards in the Big Ten and holding her own. Defining hustle, Joiner gained leadership and game experience. Next to Joiner, freshman forward Julia Ayrault came on strong. Through sickness, Ayrault produced for the Spartans and at times showed how high her ceiling was. With Gaines out, freshman Taiyier Parks and sophomore Kayla Belles rose as postplayers capable of handling the load. The duo was led by Hollie, who was always a vocal leader, but got the opportunity to see more minutes in her senior year. Sophomore guard Nia Clouden showed again she was a prolific scorer. At times inconsistent, Clouden was relied on heavily throughout the course of the year. Clouden drilled buzzer beaters and filled an even bigger role after injuries. The sophomore guard was forced to act as a veteran and didn’t let the Spartans down. During all their struggles, the Spartans embraced a team mentality, and when injuries happened, it was “next man up.” A five-game losing streak turned into winning five of their last six regular season games. After all the injuries and struggles, the Spartans still bounced back above .500. All the while, the Spartans
Redshirt junior Laurel Jacqmain puts her arms around a teary-eyed Taryn McCutcheon (4) during the game against Purdue at Bankers’ Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis March 5. The Spartans fell to the Boilermakers, 72-63. Then-redshirt sophomore forward Victoria Gaines (15) warms up before the women’s basketball game against Michigan on Feb. 11, 2018 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines, 66-61. PHOTOS BY ANNIE BARKER
Redshirt senior guard Shay Colley (0) grabs a rebound during the game against Purdue at Bankers’ Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis March 5. PHOTO BY MATT SCHMUCKER
were led by McCutcheon, who played with a broken finger for nearly two months. She refused to sit out, leading the team, cementing her name as a Spartan great. McCutcheon eclipsed 1,000 points before she broke the all-time assist record. In their first game of the Big Ten tournament, the Spartans trailed Purdue by 15. Led by
McCutcheon and Colley, who realized this could be their last game in the green and white, they hacked the lead down to just six. They didn’t go down easily, as it had been all season. A shell of the team that started the year, they managed a winning record and a .500 record in a Big Ten conference that has nearly eight
tournament bids. The 2019-20 team won’t go down in the record books as a Big Ten champion, nor will they see a postseason berth into the NCAA Tournament. But if you read between the stats, behind the 14 losses and into each player, you will see resilience. That is the only way to measure this team.
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ONE OF Lansing’s most established mobile DJ companies is hiring fun loving, outgoing. Paid part time. Must have weekends free & reliable transp. No exp. needed. Will train. The “funnest” job you will ever have. 517-482-1991/chris@ jumpstartdjs.com / jumpstartdjs. com
Walk to campus, but bring your car! Half the price of the newly built hi-rises, FREE hi-speed internet and parking! Great rates & locations. Rent from CRMC this year and have your choice of prime locations next year. 517-337-7577 or crmc1.com
AUG 4 bedroom, Lic 4, 2.5 bath W/D, DW, fireplace, cathedral ceiling, large house. 1635 Melrose. Pics avail. $450 each. Call/text 517-204-7902.
Apts. For Rent NEWLY RENOVATED apartments-Grand River+MAC. Free heat+water! Email mmarcinko@ landmarkcres.com to receive detailed information.
Go State!
Houses/Rent 4 Bdrm house Lic. 3-4. AUG 2020. Right across from MSU $1900/month www.gutowrentals. com call 517-749-4767. AUG 2020-2021 HOUSES. Lic. 3,4,5,6,7,8. Excellent Locations. Top Conditions. Extensive Updates. Call or Text: 517-4903082.
T H U R S DAY, MA RCH 1 2 , 2020
Great rent rates & locations starting at $450.00. 2 to 10 bdrm houses. FREE HI-SPEED INTERNET. Rent from CRMC this year and have your choice of prime locations next year. 517337-7577 or crmc1.com. HOUSE FOR RENT 224 Gunson St. Up to 4 people, 3 bed 1 bed. W/D & dish washer. 4 parking spots. 11 month lease, $1,500/ month.517.775.6789.
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Biden wins primary, RELIGIOUS students react with DIRECTORY support for Sanders Stay up to date at: www.statenews.com/religious
All Saints Episcopal Church 800 Abbot Rd. (517) 351-7160 Sun. Worship: 8am, 10am, & 5pm Sunday School: 10am www.allsaints-el.org Ascension Lutheran Church 2780 Haslett Road East Lansing (517) 337-9703 Sunday worship: 10:00am Sunday Bible study: 8:45am Thursday Bible study: 2:00pm www.ascensioneastlansing.org Crossway Multinational Church 4828 Hagadorn Rd. (Across from Fee Hall) (517) 917-0498 Sun: 10:00am crosswaymchurch.org Greater Lansing Church of Christ 310 N. Hagadorn Rd. (Meet @ University Christian Church) (517) 898-3600 Sun: 8:45am Worship, 10am Bible Class Wed: 1pm, Small group bible study www.greaterlansing coc.org Hillel Jewish Student Center 360 Charles St. (517) 332-1916 Shabbat – Services@ 6pm / dinner @ 7, September–April www.msuhillel.org instagram: @msuhillel
The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing 920 S. Harrison Rd. (517) 351-4309 Friday Services: 12:15-12:45pm & 1:45-2:15pm For prayer times visit www.lansingislam.com/ Martin Luther Chapel Lutheran Student Center 444 Abbot Rd. (517) 332-0778 Sun: 10:30am & 7pm Wed: 7pm Mini-bus pick-up on campus (Fall/Spring) www.martinluther chapel.org The People’s Church Multi-denominational 200 W Grand River Ave. (517)332-6074 Sun. Service: 10:30am with free lunch for students following worship ThePeoplesChurch.com Riverview Church- MSU Venue MSU Union Ballroom, 2nd Floor 49 Abbot Rd. (517) 694-3400 Sun. Worship: 11:30am-ish www.rivchurch.com St. Paul Lutheran Church (ELCA) Worship with us on Sundays at 10am 3383 E. Lake Lansing Rd 517-351-8541 www.stpaul-el.org officemanagerstpaul el@gmail.com
St. John Catholic Church and Student Center 327 M.A.C Ave. (517) 337-9778 Sun: 8am, 10am, Noon, 5pm, 7pm M,W: 5:30pm T & Th: 8:45pm F: 12:15pm www.stjohnmsu.org University Christian Church 310 N. Hagadorn Rd (517) 332-5193 Sun. Bible Study: 10am Sun. Worship: 11:15am www.universitychristianwired.com University Lutheran Church (ULC) “We’re open in every way” 1020 S. Harrison Rd (517) 351-7030 Sun. Worship: 8:30am & 10:45am Fridays@Five: Dinner, discussion & fun 5pm Mon. Bible Study: 6:30pm @Wells Hall Quad www.ulcel.org Facebook: ULC and Campus Ministry University United Methodist Church 1020 S. Harrison Rd (517) 351-7030 Main Service: Sun: 11am in the Sanctuary Additional Services: NEW contemporary service Sundays at 9am with band titled ‘REACH’ TGiT (Thank God its Thursday): Thur: 8pm in the Chapel of Apostles universitychurchhome.org office@eluumc.org WELS Lutheran Campus Ministry 704 Abbot Rd. (517) 580-3744 Sat: 6:30pm msu.edu/~welsluth
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ILLUSTRATION BY HOPE ANN FLORES
By Kaishi Chhabra kchhabra@statenews.com Results for Michigan’s 2020 primary election have been reported and former Vice President Joe Biden has claimed the winning spot for Michigan’s Democratic primary with 72 delegates and 52.9% of the votes. Michigan State students share their deciding factors for voting in Michigan’s 2020 primary and if they voted based on the policies and values of each candidate or their potential performance in the upcoming presidential elections. “I voted for Bernie,” philosophy junior Simone Carpenter said. “I think he’s really the voice for the youth, we don’t have anyone that is representing us like he is. He is very liberal just as I am … and I believe that we need somebody radical to make the change that we needed.” Sanders was able to claim 52 delegates and 36.4% of the votes, according to The New York Times. Carpenter said she thought a lot of people preferred Biden because he is a safe pick and a lot of people are afraid to see change. Carpenter said she was disappointed to see the results 10
that Biden won Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi. “I was disappointed too when I went to the polls,” Carpenter said. “I was at Precinct 3 in East Lansing and there was no one voting in the building other than me. I think it was busier in maybe Precinct 1 or 2 but I was a little disappointed that there weren’t as many people that came out.” Marketing major Alaina Agnello said the candidate she preferred dropped out of the race prior to the primary, so she decided to vote for Biden. She said the election was on her mind during the past few days. “I wouldn’t say that he (Biden) aligns with my values perfectly, but no candidate is going to,” Agnello said. “I would consider myself more moderate, so I wanted a more moderate candidate. I really liked Pete Buttigieg, but he dropped out. I didn’t really want Bernie Sanders because I think he’s a little bit too on the left for me.” Agnello said she voted for Biden because she thinks he has a good chance of beating President Donald Trump. “I voted for Bernie Sanders,” Jalen Burks, finance senior, said. “The deciding factor
T H E STAT E N EWS
for me was that he is the most progressive of the two candidates for the Democratic Party.” Burks said Sanders’ campaign has been reaching out a lot to him. The supporters showed up at his doorstep earlier on voting day. “They’re getting a lot of young people out to vote and most everyone I talk to, they’re feeling Bernie as well,” Burks said. Sophomore psychology major Serena Boykin voted for Sanders. She said at first, there were a couple other candidates she was interested in, but they started dropping out. “I’ve always liked Bernie,” Boykin said. “I was interested in (Elizabeth) Warren initially but a lot of (Bernie’s) ideas line up with what I believe in, what I stand for the country, so I believe he was the best candidate. After Warren dropped out, I pretty much figured that he was the next best.” Boykin said she was a little concerned about how Sanders would perform, but for the most part, she voted based on a mixture of how much she agreed with his values and how she thought he would perform in the general election.
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Downtown EL land sale, mental health services, more ballot initiatives pass in Michigan primary By Lucas Day lday@statenews.com All six ballot questions presented to East Lansing voters passed at the March 10 presidential primary election, according to final results.
INGHAM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
A ballot question proposed to voters in the Ingham Intermediate School District asked for additional millage from property taxes to increase funding for special education programs. The proposition passed with more than 50,000 voting “yes” and just under 20,000 “no” votes. The new tax money is estimated to raise about $2.3 million annually, and the policy will be in effect through 2039.
INGHAM COUNTY TRAILS AND PARKS
Funding for Ingham County trails and parks was renewed at its current rate with 55,027 “yes” votes and 19,439 “no” votes. The passage will raise an estimated $3.8 million for recreational trails and adjacent parks in the first calendar year and is effective through 2026.
INGHAM COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES
The Ingham County Health Services millage question, which provides health care and mental health services for low-income residents who aren’t eligible for Medicaid and don’t have medical insurance, passed with 56,348 “yes” votes and 16,681 “no” votes. An estimated $4.8 million will be raised in the first year under the new policy, which runs through 2023.
CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
The Capital Area Transportation Authority Ballot Proposal passed with nearly threequarters of respondents voting “yes”. The passage will renew the previous millage rate from 2021-2025 to fund CATA services. It is estimated to raise nearly $19 million in 2021.
POTTER PARK AND POTTER PARK ZOO
The ballot question increasing funding for Potter Park and Potter Park Zoo passed with 54,440 “yes” votes and 19,993 “no” votes. The policy is effective for six years through 2026.
Potter Park Zoo Executive Director Amy MorrisHall said the zoo’s previous funding was enough to continue day to day operations, but upgrades are badly needed in the zoo, which turns 100 years old this year. Among improvements needed, the penguin pool needs major repair, the discovery center needs a new electrical heating and cooling system and the zoo pathways need to be redone, Morris-Hall said. “The list could go on forever,” Morris-Hall said. The overwhelming support for the passage could be due to goodwill won by some of the zoo’s outreach programs. Potter Park hosts a “falconers day” each month where it opens the zoo for free to people with disabilities and their families. Morris-Hall said she wasn’t sure if parts of the zoo would have to shut down had the ballot question didn’t pass, but that it would have slowed the zoo’s progress in the community.
MSUFCU LAND SALE
The final ballot question approved the sale of city land at the northwest corner of the intersection of Albert Avenue and Abbot Road to Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, or MSUFCU, for $810,000. The proposal received 6,811 “yes” votes and 3,008 “no” votes. The land will be used to build a commercial office space, which MSUFCU believes will help retain Michigan State graduates and attract new talent to East Lansing. “We pay competitive wages and offer robust benefits,” MSUFCU Vice President of Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Erin Bowdell said. “Providing an opportunity for our employees to work downtown in East Lansing with nearby coffee shops, restaurants and MSU’s campus will help us attract and retain great talent here in East Lansing.” The building is expected to be eight stories tall, with about 65 employees per office floor. East Lansing Mayor Ruth Beier expressed support for the project at a discussion-only city council meeting prior to the election. “I couldn’t be more happy,” Beier said. “When I started on council ... six years ago, I thought ‘Why can’t we get a nice office building downtown?’”
People walk out of Precinct 3 during the election March 10. PHOTO BY MATT SCHMUCKER
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Day Camp Counselors with Early Childhood Experience Grog Shop Sales Associate
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“A ship is only as good as its crew and a crew is only a good as its captain. As GPYC celebrates its 100th year of existence, we continue to strive for perfect harmony amongst our facilities and our staff. Our winning formula of expert leadership, committed staff, and state-of-the-art amenities has been instrumental in ensuring that our club becomes so much more.”
T H U R S DAY, MA RCH 1 2 , 2020
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Trends from an on-campus exit poll Students split on when they decided, but overwhelmingly voted for Sanders By Sam Sklar ssklar@statenews.com
School year demographics at MSU precincts
As the Michigan primary concluded, The State News spent the day polling at precincts on campus, interviewing 79 people, 76 of whom were Michigan State students. Seven different staff members asked voters the same set of questions as they left the polling place, visiting on-campus precincts at IM East, IM West, Brody Hall and the MSU Union. We asked about who students voted for, why they voted for that candidate, when they decided who to vote for and when they registered to vote. Voters were also asked about two ballot questions — Potter Park funding and a land sale for an MSUFCU building. About 60% of responders were female while 40% were male. About 64.6% of those polled were white or caucasian, 20% of the voters were black, and about 6% were Asian American. The majority of students interviewed registered before the semester started at 65%, compared to 7% who registered in the past few days. 14% registered before spring break. Similarly, 41% of the students interviewed had voted for the first time. The precincts were overrepresented by sophomores, as they were 47.4% of responses. That was followed by freshmen at 23.7%, and juniors and seniors both represented 13.2%. The rest were either not students or graduate students. For the Democratic primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders received an overwhelming majority of the votes, in contrast to other areas of the state where former Vice President Joe Biden led in votes. “(Sanders) is the best with the best ideas who can beat Trump,” music education sophomore Hailey Olger said. Sanders received 70 votes out of 79 students interviewed, or 88.6% support. Biden placed next, receiving four votes. Health care was one of the deciding factors why students voted for Sanders in those interviews. “I really believe that (Sanders) is going to make a difference for people in this country, especially those who are less privileged, and I believe that all of his policies are going to benefit the majority of people in this country who are suffering,” dietetics sophomore Cindy Wu said. Yet, MSU students interviewed arrived at their decisions at different times. Twenty-eight students said they made their decision about who to vote for within the past few days, compared to 30 who decided before the semester started. Seventeen students said they decided before spring break.
T HE STAT E NEWS
Senior
Sophomore
Grad student
Junior
Non-MSU student
School race demographics at MSU precincts White
Native American
Black
Mixed race
Asian American
Middle Eastern
Editor’s note: No survey respondent indicated Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity.
When MSU students decided on a candidate Before semester Past few days Before spring break
First-time MSU voters First-time voter Voted in previous election SOURCE: STATE NEWS EXIT POLL GRAPHICS BY EVAN JONES
“I really believe that (Sanders) is going to make a difference for people in this country.”
State News reporters Dina Kaur, Kaishi Chhabra, SaMya Overall, Matt Dwyer, Wendy Guzman and Lucas Day contributed to this report.
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Freshman
Cindy Wu Dietetics sophomore
THU R SDAY, MARCH 12 , 2020