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Delta Phi Epsilon includes transgender, non-binary students, other sororities could soon follow By Wajeeha Kamal wajeeha.kamal@statenews.com Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE) has created a membership policy that includes transgender women and non-binary individuals. The sorority is calling for other sororities to do the same. DPhiE implemented its Trans Women and Non-Binary Gender Policy in 2017. The policy invited non-binary individuals to apply for membership. “Delta Phi Epsilon welcomes members who identify as women, including transgender women, and gender non-binary individuals, regardless of their sex assigned at birth,” the policy said. In addition, DPhiE allows individuals to use a name and gender pronouns that reflect their identity, whether or not a transgender or gender nonconforming individual has legally changed their name or gender. On April 10, the National Panhellenic Conference’s 26
member organizations will vote on adopting a policy amendment that updates recruitment eligibility language. If passed, it would allow each member organization to “determine its own membership selection policies and procedures, including its definition of woman.” This paves the way for non-binary individuals to obtain sorority membership. “Delta Phi Epsilon, in 2016, was working with one of our collegiate chapters at MIT,” Nicole DeFeo, Delta Phi Epsilon international executive director said. “In 2017, after exhaustive research, we spent a number of weeks working with consultants, and we drafted the Trans Women and Non-Binary Gender Policy. DPhiE chapters at various universities across the country are open to make the decision to welcome whomever they would like within the parameters of the policy.” Regarding future changes in policies related to transgender and non-binary individu-
als, DeFeo said, “Because of self-governance, letting our members speak, and the ever-evolving nature of college campuses, I think we’re going to see more and more organizations moving toward putting your ear to the ground and listening to their constituency. I’m hopeful for that day because we have a lot of bright young people in our organizations that will rise up and lead in ways that my generation and generations before me never thought about. So, I’m optimistic.” After the implementation of the policy, the National Panhellenic Conference questioned its impact on the Title IX exemption status. However, this concern was unfounded. “There were a lot of fears around Title IX and how Title IX would be upheld,” DeFeo said. “But we had done our research. It was extensive. We talked to all types of experts, people who work in the field of gender, people who work in law and people who work
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in higher-education law. ... We made sure we weren’t posing any threats of any kind to anybody’s existence, especially not our own. We felt very comfortable to answer those questions.” DeFeo said she hopes that the NPC’s amendment is adopted to improve inclusivity and equity among the sorority communities on university campuses. “Delta Phi Epsilon is proud of the leadership efforts we have undertaken that have contributed to the larger fraternal community in bringing policies into the present,” DeFeo said. “We firmly believe that if NPC’s amendment is adopted, it will promote the development of more equitable and inclusive sorority communities on college and university campuses in the U.S. and Canada. We hope our fellow members of NPC will see this change as an opportunity to join Delta Phi Epsilon in ensuring the Panhellenic community is a place where all feel comfort-
able being their true, authentic selves.” Roxanne Donovan, international president of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority International Governing Board, said “Delta Phi Epsilon applauds NPC for introducing a proposed change that has the potential to open up sorori-
Illustrated by Emily Maze
ty membership on campuses across North America to people who are committed to the advancement of womanhood.” Beginning on July 1, the LGBT Resource Center at Michigan State University will become the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.
Vol. 111 | No. 16
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Evan Jones MANAGING EDITOR SaMya Overall COPY CHIEF Mark Ostermeyer CAMPUS EDITOR Karly Graham CITY EDITOR Sophia Kalakailo
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Julian Stainback ART DIRECTOR Maddie Monroe DESIGN Hope Ann Flores Emily Maze Cover by Emily Maze
SPORTS EDITOR Joe Dandron CULTURE EDITOR Kaishi Chhabra PHOTO EDITOR Alyte Katilius MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Tessa Osborne
MSU junior Isa Van Der Weij, right, battles for possession against Michigan senior Kayla Reed, left, during a game on Ralph Young Field on April 2. Photo by Alyte Katilius
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Mental health and culture: breaking barriers or reinforcing stigma? news media, things aren’t getting better. Ewoldsen said that in one of his undergraduate classes, students found that Fifty percent. the more someone watches TV, the less That’s the number of people who will be stigmatized people were with mental illness. diagnosed with a mental health illness or This is because when mental health is seen as disorder at some point in their lives, according more prevalent, such as in TV representation, to the Centers for Disease it becomes more acceptable. Control and Prevention. “A substantial portion of 65.9 million. our population will suffer That’s the number of visits from mental illness at some to physician offices that point or another, and getting resulted in a mental health treatment and destigmatizing diagnosis, according to that is going to help people more same report. than holding it in until you Mental health illnesses and have somebody or people to disorders are common in our lean on,” Ewoldsen said. society. Yet the stigma around Ewoldsen said we need to diagnoses, symptoms and understand how people use treatment still discourages the media, television and also many from getting the help social media to manage their they deserve. mental health. David Ewoldsen, a professor “As a species we’re in the department of media Photo courtesy of David Ewoldsen remarkable about selfand information who also has medicating,” Ewoldsen said. a Ph.D. in psychology, said that historically the “For example, people who suffer from Type media has stigmatized mental health. Within 1 schizophrenia tend to also be smokers. It By Dina Kaur dina.kaur@statenews.com
“A substantial portion of our population will suffer from mental illness at some point or another, and getting treatment and destigmatizing is going to help people more than holding it in until you have somebody or people to lean on.” David Ewoldsen Professor of media and information
ends up that nicotine helps delay the onset health treatment because of the stigma. of schizophrenic episodes, and so essentially “I really think it’s important for all people to people are self-medicating. In the same feel accepted in reaching out for mental health sense, people use media to treatment and not to feel self-medicate.” embarrassed or ashamed,” When someone feels Casaburo said. “Because we anxious, they watch all struggle with something something that’s calming. and it’s important to recognize When they’re feeling that you don’t necessarily threatened, they’ll watch have to struggle alone, but something where justice there are people that you can is restored. Oftentimes, reach out to and connect with Ewoldsen said people use and feel supported by.” the media to try to manage Casaburo said that a part mental health issues as well. of increasing awareness of Second year doctoral mental health treatment student in the human is increasing access to development and family mental health treatment as studies department and a some people may not even clinical coordinator for the Photo courtesy of Gianna Casaburo recognize the services around MSU Couple and Family them that they have access Therapy Clinic Gianna Casaburo pursued to. If someone’s family does not speak about her career path because she had this desire mental health or if the person lacks exposure to support human beings and connect with to mental health treatment, it can be really others. Casaburo is also studying childhood scary to seek out. trauma. “Using our voice to increase awareness, “Relationships help us become who we are, I think that can help people feel a sense of they help us interact in the world and you safety in taking that step to make that phone can really help individuals experience a lot call or look up a mental health service online,” of change or experience relief of some of the Casaburo said. symptoms that they’re experiencing through Casaburo encourages students that if they systemic work,” Casaburo said. find themselves in a place in which they are She has seen a large push to increase really struggling to reach out to support, to awareness of mental health in the media lately, get connected with services at MSU or find especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as someone who they feel comfortable talking there’s been an increase in how the mental with that may be able to support them in their health of individuals is being affected during next steps. this time. However, she said she does believe that people still may be afraid to seek mental Continue reading on page 13
“Using our voice to increase awareness, I think that can help people feel a sense of safety in taking that step to make that phone call or look up a mental health service online.” Gianna Casaburo Second year doctoral student in human development and family studies
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Illustrated by Emily Maze
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BEST OF MSU BREAKFAST Golden Harvest
COFFEE/CAFE Biggby
KARAOKE Crunchy’s
BURGER Crunchy’s
COCKTAIL HopCat
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT Sansu
PIZZA Pizza House
MARGARITAS El Azteco
MOVIE THEATER NCG Cinemas
WINGS Wings Over East Lansing
HAPPY HOUR Crunchy’s
TRIVIA Crunchy’s
EAST LANSING BAR Lou & Harry’s
RECREATION ACTIVITY Pinball Pete’s
LANSING BAR Zoobie’s Old Town Tavern
HIDDEN GEM Old Town Lansing
SANDWICH PLACE Conrad’s Grill MEXICAN RESTAURANT Los Tres Amigos CHINESE RESTAURANT Panda Express
BREWERY/DISTILLERY Lansing Brewing Company GYM/FITNESS CENTER The Barre Code
SUSHI RESTAURANT Sansu MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Woody’s Oasis THAI RESTAURANT No Thai DESSERT PLACE Insomnia Cookies LATE NIGHT Conrad’s Grill UNIQUE EATS Meat Southern BBQ AFFORDABLE Little Caesars
YOGA East Lansing Hot Yoga MSU NEIGHBORHOOD North Neighborhood MSU CAFETERIA Brody Hall MSU COLLEGE Natural Sciences
MASSAGE CENTER Massage & Wellness TANNING SALON J2 Tanning SALON/SPA Douglas J. Aveda Institute
MSU GEAR SHOP Student Book Store (SBS)
BARBER SHOP Grand River Barber Co.
STUDY SPOT Main Library
BANK/CREDIT UNION MSU Federal Credit Union HOUSING RENTAL COMPANY DTN Management
BEST OF 2021
APARTMENT DTN Management APARTMENT WIFI PROVIDER Spartan Net EAST LANSING WIFI PROVIDER MetroNet
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U WINNERS GROCERY STORE Meijer
CLOTHING STORE Pitaya
SMOKE/VAPE SHOP Pure Options
PARTY STORE Quality Dairy
SCOOTER/BIKE SHOP MSU Bike Services
NEW BUSINESS Campbell’s Market Basket
BOOKSTORE Student Book Store (SBS)
UNIQUE BUSINESS Preuss Pets
OTHER FAN FAVORITES BREAKFAST PLACE Leo’s Coney Island
UNIQUE EATS El Oasis
MSU NEIGHBORHOOD Brody
GYM/FITNESS CENTER Planet Fitness
GROCERY STORE Horrocks Farm Market
BURGER Hopcat
AFFORDABLE Peanut Barrel
MSU CAFETERIA Synder Phillips
YOGA SPOT Yoga State of Mind
PARTY STORE Jonna’s 2 Go
MSU COLLEGE Eli Broad College of Business
MASSAGE CENTER Creative Wellness
BOOKSTORE Schuler Books
TANNING SALON VIP Tanning
CLOTHING STORE Urban Outfitters
SALON/SPA Bliss Salon & Spa
SCOOTER/BIKE SHOP The Bike Shop
BARBER SHOP Campus Barbers Inc.
UNIQUE BUSINESS Pinball Pete’s
BANK/CREDIT UNION Bank of America
SMOKE/VAPE SHOP Wild Bill’s Tobacco
DATE NIGHT Hopcat
HOUSING RENTAL COMPANY Hagan Realty
NEW BUSINESS Barrio
MOVIE THEATER Celebrations! Cinema
THAI RESTAURANT Taste of Thai
LANSING BAR The Green Door Blues Bar & Grill
APARTMENT Landmark on Grand River
TRIVIA Lansing Brewing company
DESSERT PLACE Groovy Donuts
BREWERY/DISTILLERY Jolly Pumpkin
RECREATION ACTIVITY Spare Time Bowling
APARTMENT WIFI PROVIDER AT&T
PIZZA Cottage Inn WINGS • East Side Fish Fry • Meat Southern BBQ SANDWICH PLACE McAlister’s Deli MEXICAN RESTAURANT El Azteco CHINESE RESTAURANT Rice Kitchen SUSHI RESTAURANT Maru MEDITERANNEAN Sultan’s
LATE NIGHT Cottage Inn
COFFEE/CAFE Blue Owl COCKTAIL Jolly Pumpkin MARGARITAS Barrio HAPPY HOUR HopCat EAST LANSING BAR Dublin Square
MSU GEAR SHOP Spartan Spirit Shop STUDY SPOT MSU Union
KARAOKE PLACE The Green Door Bar & Grill
HIDDEN GEM Lansing River Trail
EAST LANSING WIFI PROVIDER Comcast/Xfinity
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BEST OF MS U CONRAD’S GRILL BEST SANDWICH PLACE AND LATE NIGHT
Whether you’re in the mood for a latenight study snack or are coming home from an evening of partying, Conrad’s is there for you. With three locations near MSU and a 2:30 a.m. closing time, Conrad’s is one of the most accessible dining institutions for East Lansing residents. Conrad’s legacy is unquestionable. It’s a pillar of MSU eateries.
GOLDEN HARVEST BEST BREAKFAST PLACE
Golden Harvest is the place go-to place for a fun breakfast. Don’t let the line scare you away because the food an eccentric but welcoming atmosphere have customers coming for more. If you’re looking for a one of a kind experience, head to Golden Harvest. 1625 Turner St., Lansing 517-485-3663 Find them on Facebook: Golden Harvest
1219 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-333-7104 conradsgrill.com
LOS TRES AMIGOS BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
With food prepared daily and sauces made from house recipes, Los Tres Amigos is the best stop for authentic, yet mild Mexican flavor. Los Tres has proven their meticulously crafted menu of margaritas, quesadillas, fajitas, and enchiladas is the favorite stop for a local Mexican restaurant experience. 1227 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-853-5800 lostresamigosonline.com
PANDA EXPRESS BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
CRUNCHY’S BEST HAPPY HOUR, BURGER, KARAOKE, TRIVIA
More than just a bar or a grill, Crunchy’s is a place to have a good time. Crunchy’s is beloved among the MSU community for its “Famous Crunchy Burger,” three-day-a-week karaoke nights and trivia every Tuesday.
Come on by to the local Panda Express for staple American Chinese cuisine like Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Chow Mein!
NO THAI BEST THAI RESTAURANT
The best place to get some Thai food, No Thai is an affordable option and is conveniently located on Grand River Avenue, right across the street from campus. They let you customize almost everything, from the protein you want on your meal to the spice level. No Thai has a wide selection of noodles, stir fry, fried rice, sides and drinks and was formed in 2005 by four friends who made a pact to bring a modern Thai restaurant to the community. The staff is very friendly and the food comes out piping hot. 403 E Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 517-336-5555 nothai.com
INSOMNIA COOKIES BEST DESSERT
Warm. Delicious. Delivered. Insomnia cookies specializes in delivering warm, delicious cookies right to your door until 3 a.m. Insomnia Cookies is the best place on campus to treat yourself to a late night snack or send a treat to your best friend who aced her final exam!
HOPCAT BEST COCKTAIL & FAN FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT, HAPPY HOUR, BURGER
SANSU BEST SUSHI AND DATE NIGHT SPOT
4790 S Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing 517-336-0033
4750 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing 517-333-1933
WINGS OVER EAST LANSING BEST WINGS
WOODY’S OASIS BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
1391 Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-332-5555 wingsover.com
300 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-679-0330 biggby.com
439 E Grand River Rd, East Lansing 517-203-2689 Order online at pandaexpress.com
The Pizza House of East Lansing is the #1 game day destination place. Experience the area’s premier Chicagostyle pizza and taste the tradition that makes their deep dish so delicious. From mouth-watering appetizers to delectable entrees, Pizza House is MSU student’s favorite pizza place for a quick lunch before class or to catch the game on a big screen!
Wings Over offers bone-in and boneless wings in a variety of over 20 different flavors. They make ordering easy - with a quick download of the Wings Over app, you can place your order early, skip the line, and also collect Wings Over points that can be used towards free food!
Naturally, East Lansing’s original Biggby Coffee claimed a spot on the Best of MSU list. Biggby is known for its full-bodied brews, Michigan-themed flavors and mouthwatering baked goods — tuxedo muffin, anyone? Biggby has multiple locations in its home city, including the Union, where you can use Sparty Cash to get something insanely delicious like a birthday cake latte. This local favorite has been around since 1995, and celebrated its 24th anniversary on March 20. Here’s to many more coffee-filled years.
603 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-418-6072 insomniacookies.com
254 W. Grand River, East Lansing 517-351-2506 crunchyseastlansing.com
PIZZA HOUSE BEST PIZZA
BIGGBY BEST COFFEE/CAFE
Family owned and award winning, Sansu offers a fine dining experience with a fusion of Japanese, Korean and American flavors. Customers can choose to dine at a traditional table or at an Asian sunken table. Sansu also offers a 20 percent off student discount every Tuesday.
Established in 1984, Woody’s Oasis has been serving East Lansing residents for 36 years. A family-owned business, Woody’s Oasis prepares authentic Mediterranean dishes from scratch everyday. They promote a variety of food that can suit any Spartan’s taste or diet. 1050 Trowbridge Rd., East Lansing (517) 351-2280 info@woodysoasis.com
MEAT BBQ BEST UNIQUE EATS FAN FAVORITE WINGS
You’ll find a variety of meat-centered entrees and dishes that include everything from chicken wings to brisket. Meat BBQ says it slow-smokes its meats for up to 18 hours, and all of its sides and sauces are made in-house. Due to the tedious smoking process, Meat BBQ sometimes runs out of certain meats before closing, so make sure to arrive early for a full carnivorous experience. 1224 Turner St., Lansing 517-580-4400 meatbbq.com
Best known for its cosmik fries — formerly called crack fries — the East Lansing Hopcat balances a substantial drink selection with a varied menu. Hopcat serves 100 draft beers and regularly switches up its drink menu, giving patrons the chance to try local brews and imported finds. Hopcat's signature "Cat Tails" play off of classic cocktails, but add a twist including "Skip the Mimosa,” "HopCat Dalmatian" and "Woot! Russian." 300 Grove St., East Lansing 517-816-4300 hopcat.com/east-lansing
LOU & HARRY’S BEST EAST LANSING BAR
Little Caesars featuring items like their $5 “hot and ready” pizza makes them the best location for MSU students to get an affordable meal. Price + Quality + Convenience is their secret recipe (shhhh!).
Founded in 1992, Lou & Harry’s has become MSU’s favorite East Lansing bar! Serving up delicious home greek meals has been their key to success. With two local locations and drink and food specials 7 days a week, it’s no surprise that “Lou Ha’s” has been the most popular place to go for great food, great fun, and great service.
1203 E Grand River 517-337-1631 littlecaesars.com
211 E Grand River Rd., East Lansing 517-657-2762 louhas.com
LITTLE CAESARS BEST AFFORDABLE MEAL
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BEST O F M S U LANSING BREWING COMPANY BEST BREWERY/DISTILLERY FAN FAVORITE TRIVIA
EL AZTECO BEST MARGARITAS & FAN FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT
MSU's best spot for Mexican food — and margaritas — is El Azteco, a favorite spot among college students and East Lansing residents. Located in downtown East Lansing on Ann Street, El Azteco is a convenient walk from campus.
Located just across the street from Cooley Law School Stadium, the Grand River and the Lansing Center sits the Lansing Brewing Company. Founded in 1897, the brewery has been serving up cold beer in Michigan’s Capitol city for more than 120 years. Today, the Lansing Brewing Company is the lone full-scale production brewery in Lansing, and has an extensive menu that includes beer, spirits and wine, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and other entrees. 518 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing 517-371-2600 lansingbrewingcompany.com
225 Ann St, East Lansing 517-351-9111 elazteco.net
NORTH NEIGHBORHOOD BEST CAMPUS NEIGHBORHOOD
ZOOBIE’S OLD TOWN TAVERN BEST LANSING BAR
Zoobie's has a wide selection of beer, wine and cocktails but its specials and free popcorn every week make it the best bar in Lansing. The tavern offers a happy hour every Monday through Friday, with discounted craft and draft beers and wine. Aside from its wide range of drinks, Zoobie's offers some delicious food. On Wednesdays, Zoobie's provides its iconic truffle oil, sea salt and black pepper popcorn for free. 1200 N Larch St., Lansing 517-897-3563 zoobiesoldtowntavern.com
North Neighborhood is located near the MSU Union and Grand River Avenue, making it a convenient place to live on campus. The buildings of North contain the oldest residence halls on campus, sporting a rich history and ivy-covered walls. It’s even rumored these halls are home to friendly ghosts.
BRODY SQUARE BEST MSU CAFETERIA FAN FAVORITE MSU NEIGHBORHOOD
PINBALL PETE’S BEST RECREATION ACTIVITY FAN FAVORITE UNIQUE BUSINESS
241 Brody W, East Lansing 517- 355-7470 eatatstate.msu.edu
220 Albert St East Lansing, MI 48823 517-337-2544 pinballpetes.net
Brody Square features 12 high quality dining stations within its premises, changing up what they serve each day. Pangea serves freshly made-to-order omelets during breakfast and transforms into a stir fry station for lunch and dinner. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Dolce has a wide variety of desserts to fit every sweet tooth including fresh MSU Dairy Store ice cream.
STUDENT BOOK STORE (SBS) BEST MSU GEAR SHOP AND BOOKSTORE
The Student Book Store offers affordable prices for students looking to show off their Spartan pride. Of course, this is a bookstore, and there are textbooks. With a wide selection and staff on hand to assist, you’ll likely hear your professor say “you can pick it up at SBS.”
liveon.msu.edu/neighborhoods
421 Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-351-4210 sbsmsu.com
COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES BEST MSU COLLEGE
MAIN LIBRARY BEST STUDY SPOT
The College of Natural Science, also known as NATSCI, has 29 different departments and programs, students have 250 degree options to choose from. Those enrolled are assured a quality education and take satisfaction in knowing they are properly equipped to make a difference. 288 Farm Lane, East Lansing 517-355-4470 natsci.msu.edu
Pinball Pete’s is an MSU staple. For 30 years, Pinball Pete’s has been entertaining MSU students and East Lansing residents. From pinball to fighting games to racing games to skeeball, there’s sure to be a game that piques your interest. Pinball Pete’s nostalgic atmosphere brings you back to a time where arcades dominated the gaming scene.
Looking for a place to be as productive as possible with a world of resources readily available? The MSU Main Library is your spot! The library offers a range of services from a multimedia digital room to 3D printing and laminating. 366 W Circle Drive, East Lansing 517-353-8700 lib.msu.edu
OLD TOWN LANSING BEST HIDDEN GEM
If you've never taken a cruise down César E. Chavéz Avenue to Old Town Lansing, you're missing out. Old Town features a riverside park, a flurry of bars and restaurants and pristine window shopping. Murals painted on the sides of old buildings make for a lovely stroll through town. With over 150 years of history, Old Town's vibe will be sure to delight. There are events year-round hosted in Old Town, so there is always something to do when you arrive. 1232 Turner St., Lansing 517-485-4283 iloveoldtown.org
THE BARRE CODE BEST GYM/FITNESS CENTER
Whether for date night, girls’ night, or an escape from campus, MSU favors NCG Cinemas out of the theaters in the area. With $5 movie tickets on Tuesday, NCG shows Hollywood’s latest releases on a bigger screen than your biggest TV. Not to mention, the fresh popcorn and snacks can be a nice break from the dining hall food.
Want the posture and physique of a ballet dancer? Try barre exercises at Barre Code. Located at the intersection of Trowbridge Road and South Harrison Road, this modern facility has classes for cardio, strength training and activities to encourage mindfulness through exercise. Barre Code has a children’s play area for your kids to use while you’re exercising, as well as showers and easy parking. Student memberships cost $89 a month.
2500 Showtime Drive, Lansing 517-316-9101 ncgmovies.com
1024 Trowbridge Rd. East Lansing. 517-679-0073 thebarrecode.com
NCG CINEMAS BEST MOVIE THEATER
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BEST OF MS U EAST LANSING HOT YOGA BEST YOGA
Want to shed off that freshman 15 and de-stress at the same time? Look no further than East Lansing Hot Yoga. The studio offers tons of classes from low to high heat yoga classes to kids and parental yoga. They offer affordable options, as well as an unlimited monthly membership for students, fellow fitness instructors and everyone else. They take yoga, barre and aerial yoga and make it into something challenging, engaging, fun and accessible. The New Client Special is $20 for two weeks of unlimited classes! 924 Trowbridge Rd., East Lansing 517-333-9642 (studio line) 517-337-0339 (24/7 line) mihotyoga.com
MASSAGE & WELLNESS BEST MASSAGE CENTER
Need to relax? Massage & Wellness is the place for you to relieve stress through aromatherapy and massages. Get a facial or try the body wrap to help you feel your best 541 E. Grand River Avenue, Suite 5, East Lansing 517-203-1113 massageandwellnessonline.com
J2 TANNING BEST TANNING SALON
MSU’s favorite tanning salon has two locations, one at Hannah Plaza and another across from campus on Grand River Avenue. J2 Tanning’s website has a page exclusively for MSU students, offering services for students to look their best for sorority recruitments, formals and tailgates. 423 Albert Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 j2tanning.com
DOUGLAS J. AVEDA INSTITUTE BEST SALON/SPA
Right next to MSU, Douglas J Aveda salon is at a convenient location for students living on campus. Each April, Douglas J Aveda helps raise money for clean water around the world. It also offers its own classes and multiple opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, esthiology and massage therapy. 331 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing 517-349-9343 douglasj.edu
GRAND RIVER BARBER CO. BEST BARBER SHOP
In need of a post-quarantine haircut? Grand River Barber Co. is there. With online appointment booking and a portfolio of past works, those looking for a new ‘do can pick their time and style well in advance. If you’re interested in maintaining your hair Grand River style, they also have their own proprietary pomade and matte paste, so you can take a piece of your barbershop home. 507 E Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823 517-333-3775 grandriverbarberco.com
DTN MANAGEMENT BEST HOUSING RENTAL COMPANY & APARTMENTS
There is no better place to lease in East Lansing than the DTN Management apartment community! DTN has many locations closer to campus than MSU residence halls, proudly serves free Starbucks coffee and features incredible clubhouses. 2502 Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing 517-371-5300 dtnmgt.com
SPARTAN NET BEST APARTMENT WIFI PROVIDER
MSU FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION
As the largest university-based credit union in the world, MSU Federal Credit Union also has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards. Created and still growing in the university community, MSUFCU continues to offer job opportunities for MSU alumni and students, financial support and donations.
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S POT L I G H T Continued from page 5 Associate Professor said a person can get psychosis when they have in the department of a high fever or in different kinds of dementia advertising and public like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s relations Nancy Rhodes said disease. “I think the media portrays psychosis in a that the news media handles mental illnesses poorly. This is way that’s scary and dangerous, and that’s had seen particularly with the uptick very negative consequences for individuals living with schizophrenia,” Thakkar said. in mass shootings in the country. Rhodes said that reporters “Makes it hard to get a job. It makes it hard often use broad statements and say that the to get into grad school when those kinds of negative stereotypes prevailed.” mentally ill perpetrate mass shootings. There is an international group called Rhodes said in fictional television programming, storylines often feed the idea Students with Psychosis, which is a group of that people who are mentally ill are going to college students around the world who seek to do bad things. Statistically, mentally ill people advocate and educate on psychosis. They have are actually less likely to do violent things. a social media campaign to show that typical According to a WebMD report, out of 1,315 people can have psychosis and thus there mass murders worldwide, only 11% of mass shouldn’t be stereotypes or stigmas. murderers had serious mental illness. The Thakkar said that younger generations researchers also found that mass shooters in are much more inclined to acknowledge the United States were more likely to have mental health challenges and to seek help legal histories, use recreational drugs, abuse for them. This wasn’t always the case with alcohol and have histories of non-psychotic older generations, so things are changing generationally. psychiatric or neurologic symptoms. Farha Abbasi, an assistant professor of Rhodes does believe that there’s been more of an effort raising awareness recently with psychiatry, studies anxiety, depression, depression and anxiety, two very common bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia and delirium. mental illnesses. She mentioned how movies and TV shows However, the same cannot be said for less common mental disorders, such as are full of mental health stereotypes. For schizophrenia. example, in the movie “Joker,” mental illnesses Katharine Thakkar, an were compared to a license to assistant professor in be violent, and in the Netflix psychology, focuses on show “13 Reasons Why,” psychosis, which is the loss suicide was glamorized in the of contact with — what plot. Thakkar likes to say is — Abbasi said whatever story consensual reality. we narrate should be to This includes things like advance mental health, to hallucinations and delusions, advocate for mental illnesses Thakkar said. Most people and people who are mentally think of psychosis in terms ill or support their families. of schizophrenia — a mental It should not inadvertently health diagnosis that is compound the stigma. associated with psychosis as “A story should not be well as negative symptoms. for thrills,” Abbasi said. “It Those are symptoms that should be authentic and really reflect a loss of normal Photo courtesy of Katharine Thakkar portray the pain of somebody functioning such as lack of struggling or the family struggling, how devastating suicide is for motivation and lack of expressivity. People tend to associate schizophrenia with those who attempt and survive or those who violence, which can be very harmful for that complete and their families struggle.” community. Individuals with schizophrenia She said it’s important to make mental health are way more likely to be victims of violence visible and show people that it’s prevalent all then they are to be perpetrators of violence, around us. Visibility is vital. according to Thakkar. Abbasi also said that stigma changes shapes However, while commonly and falsely according to culture. For example, in a associated only with schizophrenia, Thakkar community of faith, mental health illnesses
“I think the media portrays psychosis in a way that’s scary and dangerous, and that’s had very negative consequences for individuals living with schizophrenia, makes it hard to get a job. It makes it hard to get into grad school when those kinds of negative stereotypes prevailed.” Katharine Thakkar Assistant professor in psychology
“Unfortunatly even now stigma is the biggest barrier in access of care. We are seeing high rising rates of completed suicide in certain populations, and when you trace it back it inadvertently is related to lower access of care” .”
Farha Abbasi Assistant professor of phychiatry
Illustrated by Emily Maze
might be seen as a spiritual weakness or a the end, isolation worsens and communication improves mental health. possession by the devil. “My only message is that mental health is “So unfortunately even now stigma is the extremely important, and the biggest barrier in access of life you save may be of your care,” Abbasi said. “We are loved ones or yours, so it is seeing high rising rates of that important,” Abbasi said. completed suicide in certain Rhodes said while some populations, and when you things are trace it back it inadvertently reinforcing is related to lower access of stereotypes and stigma, other care.” things are working to reduce She also said that if them. Therefore, it’s hard to someone doesn’t get access come to a strong conclusion to treatment, they may be about the media’s impact on mental health. coping with it in an unhealthy “Recognizing that there is no way by indulging in substance such thing as normal and that abuse, hurting themselves or we need to try to be better hurting someone else. to each other in general and Additionally, Abbasi said not apply stereotypes of any one shouldn’t use mental health terminology in a Photo courtesy of Farha Abbasi kind and try to interact with individuals as themselves and negative joking way such as “You’re acting bipolar” or “You’re psycho.” To not as representatives of a stigmatized group,” be an ally, a person has to be a safe space for Rhodes said. their loved ones and their friends because in
Michigan State University Chapter of congratulates the 2021 initiates! Undergraduate Initiates Matthew Bednarski Theodore Belecciu Michael Burch Caroline Chuah Sean Cottrell Gabrielle Council Karolyn Davis Erynne Dixon Rya Fenner Erica Fetter Hailey Garcia Katarina Genson Natalie JaBaay Sahar Jalilian Benjamin Knoer Katrina Parker David Robbins
Emily Rumick Nikki Skinner Kalyn VanWormer Thu Rain Yi Win Caroline Zackerman Graduate Initiates Pavneet Banga Elisabeth Darling Jennifer Dillon Diana Fairbanks Wanghaoming Fang John Fox Krystal Green Kisha Hath Andrew Johnson Theodore Jones Ryan Klemm Roy Larson
Kandace Lavender Hannah Loiselle Yunfei Long Melinda Martignetti Charissa McCullers Jessica McGregor Emily Milton Amanda Nettles Mallory Perlin Tracey Rettig Chelsea Richard Brianna Robinson Ravyn Rooney Amy Slotten William Smith Leigh Anne Tiffany Alyssa Wolfe
Faculty, Administration, Professional Sta , Alumni Initiates Catherine Bargerstock Jonathan Choti Distinguished Member Lauren Harris Award Recipients Graduate Fellowship Nominee Cameron Hancock
Founded in 1897, the primary objective of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. The Society believes that by recognizing and honoring those persons of good character, who have excelled in scholarship, that others will be stimulated to similar goals of excellence.
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OPINION
APPLY TODAY! BE A STATE NEWS STUDENT BOARD DIRECTOR 2021-2022
Covering sports from the backburner in a pandemic By Sara Tidwell sara.tidwell@statenews.com
The Board establishes the policies and budget of The State News. Members attend monthly meetings during the academic year.
Apply Today at statenews.com/board
Applications are accepted all year round. Applicants will be contacted for an interview when vacancies occur on the Board of Directors.
Truthfully, nothing could have prepared me for this pandemic-riddled semester of Michigan State athletics coverage. I’m a baby, a beginner, a rookie, fresh meat. Well, I was when I returned to The State News’ sports desk in November after a stint on the culture desk. The State News had hired me in October 2019 as a staff intern reporter on the sports desk. I was only there for two weeks, but I did features on cross country runner Annie Fuller and women’s golfer Valery Plata, covered a men’s soccer mud match and a hockey exhibition, previewed a women’s soccer game and broke word about a threestar running back recruit the football team had picked up. I reapplied at The State News to keep my position on the staff in December 2019. I hadn’t reported on sports since my first days and instead had been on city and campus news duty — no offense but, boring. However, things were about to change. I got a call from the editor-in-chief at the time and was offered a spot as a general assignment reporter for the sports desk. From there, I got the opportunity to beat write for women’s gymnastics, which even included traveling to Toledo, Ohio, for their Big Five Meet. I also covered the end of both the men and women’s swim and dive seasons and the preseason start of softball, all while also picking up on things my co-workers may not have been able to get: football breaking news, men’s basketball awards, hockey games, etc. When COVID-19 made its raining debut in Michigan in March 2020, my job as a 14
sports reporter was put on the back burner and I was back to doing the same stuff I had tried so desperately to get away from. I spent my entire summer and fall semester 2020 remotely reporting on public and mental health and safety as we navigated through unprecedented times. I also covered campus and city cultural issues. It wasn’t until late November 2020 when I got the call from the current editor-inchief. I was going to be one of two women on the men’s basketball beat for their 202021 campaign. I’ll admit, when they hung up, I cried. My original plan was to report on football, but seeing as the season was so iffy until the last minute, I had reluctantly let that dream go. This was my second chance, per say, to make something of myself in the sports writing world. I was gifted this role — after working tirelessly for over a year on things I didn’t necessarily always enjoy — and I was told to run with it. So, I did. I ran my butt off. Now, mind you, I did not know a single thing about MSU basketball, let alone basketball in general, before I started this position. I remember walking into the Breslin Student Events Center for the first time as a reporter and not just a student or fan. I sat down in the mezzanine platform next to my co-writer, who held the position the season prior as well, so they already had experience and connections, and I exhaled a breath I didn’t know I was holding. It was Nov. 29, 2020, and the Spartans were gearing up to play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. I was on gamer duty, sick to my stomach as I tried my best to finish the article before the final buzzer sounded like my editor had wanted. Gamers always had to go up immediately, that was the No. 1 rule. However, in that same moment that I felt sick to my stomach, I felt most alive. The adrenaline of the deadlines weighing on my shoulders and the constant back-and-forth, fast-paced scoring in the game kept me on my toes. That right there, my friend, is passion. Instead of shrinking back, I let
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it drive me. When my gamer went up that night, I sat there refreshing the Facebook page for comments, rereading it over and over and over again, so proud of my work. From where I’m at now, that gamer is laughable. Not one of my worst, but also not one of my best. Flatten? Really? For a 10-point deficit? I had a lot to learn. The pandemic didn’t make it easy. Everything was on Zoom. I wasn’t allowed to go into the locker rooms to talk to players or Head Coach Tom Izzo face-to-face. I wasn’t always allowed to travel to away games, due to different state and university protocols. I wasn’t always able to get ahold of players for interviews and often found my requests going under the rug of the sports information director. I wasn’t even on the program’s email list until the near end of the season. And on top of the pandemic, I had personal issues to mend. But, I survived. And I’d do it all again if I had the chance. I owe a big thank you to my co-writer and my editor. Those two put up with me through the highs and lows. I dealt with more than I could chew a lot of the time, and they never failed to coach me through it. Nobody wants to see you succeed more than your teammates, that’s for sure. I’ll admit, there are times when I get discouraged, when I think, “am I really good enough to pursue this forever?” and when I completely burnt out. It’s in those moments that I remind myself that on March 11, 2021, I was seated courtside in Lucas Oil Stadium, watching as MSU and Maryland intensely battled to make it into the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. I remind myself that on Feb. 20, I woke up in a hotel room in Bloomington, Indiana, with my co-writer and got to see my first college basketball arena that wasn’t green-and-white themed. I remind myself of the first question I asked Izzo, and the way he commended me afterward. I remind myself of my first one-on-one with Foster Loyer. The little things are what make the job worth it.
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Undergraduate researchers reflect on work during the pandemic By Jared Ramsey jared.ramsey@statenews.com Undergraduate students that were kept out of the lab had to be creative to stay engaged with their projects and continue to learn in a virtual environment. Jeremiah Hutson, a biochemistry and molecular biology sophomore working in a lab studying diabetic retinopathy, set up his own lab on his ping-pong table in his parent’s basement. “In my free time I would do a little bit of work in the basement when we set up our ping pong table,” Hutson said. “I kind of took over the whole ping pong table room, and I had this big instrument set up. I wasn’t using any chemicals, I was just using water. I basically just used this air compressor and measured flow rates.” All labs, both graduate and undergraduate, were shut down on Michigan State’s campus when the university halted all in-person instruction in March 2020 due to the coronavirus. Most labs remained closed over the summer, with the exception of a few graduate student labs, which prevented research to continue. Undergraduate researchers and their mentors had to be creative like Hutson to stay engaged with their research. This included homemade experiments, literature review, work with the entire research group or even coding. “It was a great distraction, and kind of like an outlet for what was happening in the world because COVID was, you know, we were all confined and couldn’t really do much,” Hutson said. “But it was like an escape. It was something I could do that was cool and that I liked.” Racheal Nassimbwa, medical laboratory sciences senior, was set to finish her work in the HIV research lab this May when she finishes her degree. Instead, Nassimbwa will continue to work in the lab through the end of 2021 because of setbacks in her research due to COVID-19. Nassimbwa was one of the many students kept out of the labs during the summer, forced to put their research on the back-burner due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She returned to the lab in August when Michigan State reopened a lot of their labs for research to continue her work on HIV. Nassimbwa said not being able to work over the summer pushed the end date of her research project from May to the end of 2021, but she
was still able to do some work over the summer to stay ready while she couldn’t go into the lab. Despite being back in the lab, Nassimbwa said that the work has slowed down considerably because of university COVID-19 restrictions in place that restrict the number of people that can work in a lab at once. “Before COVID, you could just walk into the lab and do your work. We didn’t have to sign up on this Google calendar to know that it’s just going to be two or three people in the lab,” Nassimbwa said. “Now you can only go once (a day), there’s not enough space for everybody to be in the lab at the same time.” Viji Jambunathan, a nutritional science and human biology sophomore, agreed with Nassimbwa, saying that the scheduling with the restrictions in place makes it difficult to conduct lab work at a reasonable pace. New rules and regulations in place for labs operating in-person mirror expectations of other students on-campus right now, including wearing a mask, limiting the number of workers in labs at once, mandatory Spartan health screenings, improved cleaning and waste handling procedures, as well as lab-specific rules that an individual lab might adopt. Jambunathan said over the summer, researchers were asked to fill out a document about a safe return to work on campus which explained the new safety measures and regulations. Students also had to complete training through MSU about the new health and safety protocols. Nassimbwa said that even though the new regulations and protocols for labs during the pandemic have hurt the timing of her research project, she is honored that she is able to work in the lab at all this year and the pandemic has motivated her more as she studies viral diseases. “It has just motivated me to keep working because the knowledge or the skills that I get from, even if it’s just working on HIV, can be translated to an infectious disease that could happen maybe later in the future, or like what we have right now,” Nassimbwa said. Even though they enjoy the work in the lab, Nassimbwa and Hutson both said that the course load of their majors and working in the lab has made their lives stressful. “I’ve had days where I’m just sitting there and crying,” Nassimbwa said. “But it always
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Racheal Nassimbwa working on research at The Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering (IQ) Building on Michigan State’s Campus in East Lansing on March 31. Photo by Jillian Felton
goes back to why I started doing this. I kind of motivate myself because I know why I want to do this. And the reasons behind me doing research. I know it’s a good experience to have on my resume. But it’s also something that I actually want to continue doing.” Hutson agreed, adding in that time management is key, as well as having other interests outside of school and work. The end goal for all three of these students, like many other undergraduate researchers, is to continue their studies in pursuit of a career in science or medicine. Nassimbwa said her research as an undergraduate helped her formulate her career plan and figure out exactly what she wants to do. Hutson and Jambunathan both want to
become doctors in the future and said that being able to conduct research as an undergraduate will help them tremendously, even if they do not plan on doing research as a profession. “Just like in research when you’re presented with a problem you have to think in a certain algorithmic manner to really understand the root and then taking steps forward from that problem like you do in research, how you can treat that the most effectively to get the desired outcome,” Hutson said. “It really ties in perfectly like that. And just getting started early like that, it helps. I feel like it’s helped me so much to kind of really understand there’s more than just classes. And I don’t know, I think it’s really cool, I really do. It’s something I’ve grown to really enjoy at Michigan State.”
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5K event created to uplift legacy of previous MSU advisor, raise scholarship funds By Morgan Womack morgan.womack@statenews.com While Tessa Kaneene stood in the bathroom with her dad and sister preparing her mom for an appointment, she got a notification on her phone and gasped. A slight air of concern filled the room. Her mother Frances Kaneene had been battling uterine cancer for eight years, and they weren’t sure what Tessa read. “No, Michigan State just sent they are opening up a scholarship in your name,” Tessa said to her mom. Frances worked as an undergraduate student advisor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the scholarship will go to students who wish to study abroad. A single tear rolled down Frances’ cheek. She had mostly lost the ability to speak a few days earlier but was able to say one thing. “Wow, wow, wow,” Frances said. When Frances was first diagnosed, some estimates were that she only had eight months left to live, but because of her physical fitness, she lived eight more years before her death last summer. Even during her cancer treatments, she would go for runs. She was a part of a running team called Playmakers and also participated in many charity races over her lifetime. Tessa wanted to celebrate this important part of her mom’s life by putting on a walk and run 5K event to raise money for the scholarship fund. “I wanted it to be for something that hopefully is powerful, for those that knew or love her or even just others in the community, but then to also create a beautiful experience,”
Tessa said. The event will take place at Hawk Island in Lansing at 9 a.m. on Sept. 12, her mom’s birthday. The Playmakers women’s team runs at this location and Frances’ presence is there with her ashes. The event will also be offered virtually, allowing people to walk or run from wherever they may be if they are not able to make it to the area. One of Frances’ best friends, Sara Aikman, is working as a volunteer coordinator for the event. Aikman talked to Frances almost every day. She ran with Frances and their friend Bobbi Krasuski regularly. They called their friend group “Las Tres Amigas.” “When people are running together, at least in my experience and especially with women, we just solve all of the problems of the world while we’re running,” Aikman said. “You talk about anything and everything and it just gave us a special closeness. I think we shared deeply personal things on our runs.” The Playmakers coach, Debbie Richards, is co-directing the 5K. She said she remembers the day Frances was diagnosed. “I don’t care where you’d run into Frances, she always had this smile and a calm presence about her, a very friendly ... sense of being,” Richards said. “But on that day, I could tell a little sparkle was missing out of her eyes.” The registration process involves signing up for a virtual race or the in-person event. Those who are unable to can also donate to the scholarship fund. At the in-person event, they plan to bring people together with food trucks, music and more.
Jeane Stebleton, another Playmaker member, is also an academic advisor in the same position Frances used to hold and is working on the shirt design for the race with Tessa. The shirts will have a photo of Frances running. “We really wanted to show Frances’ smile and her personality and make sure that that was present on the shirt so everybody remembers her and her brightness that she brought,” Stebleton said. She hopes the race brings out Frances’ impact. “She always made students feel welcome, like a member of her family, so that if they needed anything, she was always there for them,” Stebleton said. “She was able to make every single student feel special.” Tessa is excited to donate toward the scholarship with the extra funds from the race. She hopes in its following years, the 5K can continue to raise money for students’ experiences. “(I hope) to have an ongoing supply to allow students to have the opportunities and experiences that she so advocated for and so thought that were so beautiful and so opening and for one to experience in their lifetime,” Tessa said. “And that is the ability to have an experience internationally by way of study abroad.” People are able to donate directly on the 5K’s website, offering the opportunity for people who are unable to participate in the walk or run to contribute. They are over halfway to their $6,000 donation goal. Tessa’s goal is to uplift the legacy of her mom. “If we can, in any way, shape, or form, continue her work, even if imperfectly and not
Photo courtesy of Tessa Kaneene
with the same heart that she had,” Tessa said. Aikman expressed her admiration toward Frances as well. “She just was the most special person I’ve ever known,” Aikman said. “There is a huge loss to her family, friends and the community. I’m just really, really happy to be able to do this. I can close my eyes and see her beautiful smile in reaction to it.”
Local activist Farhan Sheikh-Omar announces run for mayor of Lansing By Devin Anderson-Torrez devin.andersontorrez@statenews.com After arriving as a Kenyan refugee 15 years ago, Farhan Sheikh-Omar grew into adulthood in Lansing, finding himself protesting against police brutality and for racial equity in the city. Activism allowed Sheikh-Omar to instill change from the inside out and prompted his decision to run for mayor of Lansing in the Nov. 2 election. Sheikh-Omar will be running against Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, City Councilwoman Patricia Spitzley and Larry Hutchison Jr. “I got tired of talking to the wall, and I wanted to be the change I want,” SheikhOmar said. “I want to represent the defenseless. I want to represent those that are not being represented. And there’s a lot of people in this city that are being ignored and underrepresented.” Sheikh-Omar has run two failed campaigns in his past, running for the House of Representatives — District 68 in 2018 and first Ward City Council in 2019 — but his most recent experiences lie outside of official positions. Last February, he led protests following Uwimana Gasito’s excessive force allegation against officer Andrew Stephenson that prompted an internal investigation within the East Lansing Police Department. He also carried on protests through the summer months following George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in May 2020. “This summer, after my friend got beat up by the East Lansing police, I was heavily involved with making sure that the East Lansing Police Department was structurally reformed,” Sheikh-Omar said. “We got a lot 16
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accomplished. We made sure that the police sign this summer over claims of negligence of officer who was responsible for 41% of all pub- racism. He has since established the Mayor’s lic complaints was no longer patrolling the Racial Justice and Equity Alliance and held streets.” community input webinars to discuss racism In the internal investigation of the incident, and police reform in the city. ELPD came to the determination that there As for COVID-19, Sheikh-Omar said that was “insufficient evidence” to prove or dis- both neighbors and neighborhoods are still prove the excessive dying. He encourforce allegations, but aged the distribuEast Lansing is plantion of the vaccine ning to establish a Pobut also wants to uplice Oversight Comlift businesses by promittee to address viding more grants to police complaint rehelp them survive. ports as they come in. One of the main isThe investigation sues that Sheikhhas since been moved Omar said is wrong to multiple prosecuwithin the current tors’ offices. Michiadministration is the gan State Police sublack of transparency mitted a warrant and accountability. request in June to In“When there is no gham County’s proseaccountability, there cutors asking for a reis no progress,” he view of Stephenson’s said. actions. The Jackson His solution was to County Prosecutor’s make his campaign Office was originalself and community ly assigned the case, funded. but the investigation Sheikh-Omar wantFarhan Sheikh-Omar stands on the Michigan moved to the Washted his path to be the State Capitol steps March 10. He announced his enaw County Chief opposite of Schor’s run for mayor of Lansing on March 22. Assistant Prosecutor 2017 mayoral camPhoto by Devin Anderson-Torrez Steven Hiller office. paign, where more Hiller concluded in September 2020 that Ste- than half of Schor’s donations were from outphenson’s use of force was justified, according side Lansing. to the Lansing State Journal. “I’m not going to be accepting any money As Sheikh-Omar sees it, Lansing is currently from any big donor or lobbying groups,” he facing three crises: racism, the COVID-19 pan- said. “I believe it’s important that when I get demic and a lack of leadership. elected, or whoever gets elected is strictly doCommunity members pressured Schor to re- ing the people’s work. I’m willing to put my TU ESDAY, A PR IL 6 , 202 1
time and my money, my own money, to get my message out to make sure that we elect somebody who’s not status quo.” He said that public safety begins with police reform, which means Lansing must change the way it expects the police to respond. “We cannot ask our police officers to deal with public health issues like substance abuse, homelessness and mental illness,” SheikhOmar said. According to the city website, Lansing Police Department is the first department in the state of Michigan to hire a social worker onto its staff. The social worker “functions as a bridge between the Police and the City’s many agencies who work to serve the homeless, mentally ill, and addicted citizens,” the website said. Sheikh-Omar said that expanding the number of social services that respond to incidents is a form of police reform. Currently, Lansing only has one social worker on its police staff. Ultimately, Sheikh-Omar said he is a concerned citizen who understands where he stands in experience compared to the other candidates but won’t let it deter him. He believes this is his chance to disrupt ‘the cycle’ he has seen since he arrived in Lansing. “We act surprised when we see the same cycle, the same results,” Sheikh-Omar said. “You know, we’re dealing with the same things: bad infrastructure, bad schools, racist cops, houses being too expensive. We’re dealing with homelessness. All of those things are things that we were dealing with when I was a kid. ... It just tells you what you need to know about these politicians. They put party before people, they put reelection before people, they put money before people and that’s not how I operate. I put people first, and that’s what I’m all about.”