Staying For the first time, the humans defeated the zombies in MSU’s annual Spartans vs Zombies competition. We sent a reporter into the campus-wide battle. Read about her survival on pages 6-7 Zoology and English junior and State News intern Jessica Sattler and arts and humanities junior Benjamin DeHart strategize Thursday in a Spartans vs Zombies mission. PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH M ON DAY, AP R IL 2 0, 2 015
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News
Olivia Dimmer and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews
Board of Trustees vote to raise oncampus housing costs 3.5 percent BY CAMERON MACKO CMACKO@STATENEWS.COM
Students living in university housing next year will see a 3.5 percent raise in costs, as the MSU Board of Trustees approved a price hike Friday morning. The yearly costs will increase from $9,154 to $9,474 for students in a double room with the purchase of the silver meal plan. Residents of university apartments will see a much smaller increase. Melanie Foster, chairperson of the Trustee Finance Committee, presented the motion to the board and Vennie Gore, the vice president for Auxiliary Enterprises spoke on the increases. He said 0.5 percent of the increase will go to facilities improvement, while 0.53 percent would go to debt service and the remaining 2.47 percent being attributed to operating expense inflation. “We believe that we provide a very good value for our residents who live with us,” Gore said, commenting on the amount of services provided to students who live on campus, including a 16-hour meal plan, Combo-X-Change and support services for students living away from home
GEU protests working conditions Graduate student Trish Smrecak and her dog, Damane, march Friday during a protest in front of the Hannah Administration Building on 426 Auditorium Road. Participants were protesting the current wage and healthcare issues graduate students and teaching assistants face. To read the full story, see online at statenews.com.
for the first time. Gore said students receive a value totaling about $42 per day. He also said MSU’s on-campus plan was the third least expensive in the Big Ten, only above the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota. The University of Michigan’s plan was the most expensive in the state. Foster also praised MSU residence halls and the services provided. “This is, from my perspective, a tremendous plan for our students,” Foster said. The consensus among the trustees pointed to a price increase as a solution to sustaining services, though not every member was silent about the price increase from students’ perspective. ASMSU President James Conwell said “it’s never really a great thing when costs go up for students,” however, he noted living expenses are increasing for other universities as well. Conwell echoed statements made by the board when discussing the increase. “While it is difficult to support a cost increase for students, I think that this is a great way to provide value for students,” Conwell said.
PHOTO: ALICE KOLE
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Contents Drag king B.Spectacular performs Friday at the International Center during the UAB/RHA annual Officia; MSU Drag Show. The show this year was greek themed. See page 5.
INSIDE
PHOTO: KENNEDY THATCH
VOL . 105 | NO. 133 CONTACT THE STATE NEWS (517) 432-3000 NEWSROOM/CORRECTIONS (517) 432-3070 feedback@statenews.com GENERAL MANAGER Marty Sturgeon (517) 432-3000 ADVERTISING M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (517) 432-3010 ADVERTISING MANAGER Kelsey Taber
COLOPHON The State News design features Acta, a newspaper type system created by DSType Foundry. The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during the academic year. Subscription rates: $5 per semester on campus; $125 a year, $75 for one fall or spring semester, $60 for summer semester by mail anywhere in the continental United States. One copy of this newspaper is available
free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies $0.75 at the business office only. State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours. EDITORIAL STAFF (517) 432-3070 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celeste Bott MANAGING EDITOR Anya Rath
Record Store Day draws music lovers to local businesses
After four months of work, theater students put on ‘Hair’
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PAGE 8
Religious groups on campus have the right to express views
Witness defends Delton Williams in letter to MSU police
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BREAKING NEWS EDITOR Simon Schuster TRENDS AND ISSUES EDITOR Olivia Dimmer SPORTS EDITOR Geoff Preston FEATURES EDITOR Casey Holland PHOTO EDITOR Erin Hampton COPY CHIEF Elena Cronick OPINION EDITOR Greg Monahan Copyright © 2015 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich. MONDAY, AP RI L 2 0, 2 01 5
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News
Olivia Dimmer and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews
Arts commission indecisive on gallery hand-off BY AJ MOSER AMOSER@STATENEWS.COM
The East Lansing Arts Commission remains apprehensive about City Council’s proposition to hand over operations of (SCENE) Metrospace to MSU. The city has discussed allowing MSU’s Department of Art, Art History and Design to take control of administration and programming of the gallery, in order to save the city $14,500 annually on leasing the building. City Council would still cover $4,000 worth of utility costs for the building, however. Department Chairman Chris Corneal spoke at the April 14 City Council work session to discuss the university’s hopes for the building. “We’re very excited to get art out into the world,” Corneal said. “This space would give us opportunities we don’t have on campus and offer more inclusive programming.” City Council has been discussing the change of management since September. “The city’s continued investment in (SCENE) is a testament to our ongo-
ing commitment to bringing the moniker ‘City of the Arts’ to life, while also tackling pressing budget challenges in a responsible way,” East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett wrote in a post on his Facebook page. However, members of the East Lansing Arts Commission expressed displeasure with the idea at the City Council meeting and held a lengthy discussion of options at their meeting on April 16. Commission Chairwoman Sarah Gonzales Triplett had originally considered proposing a three-month delay on the decision to allow for further exploration of potential business options that would draw people into (SCENE) Metrospace. Following discussion, the commission was worried such a moratorium would discourage MSU from the deal and leave the space unoccupied. Instead, the commission agreed on a letter concerning updated language in the contract agreement between MSU and the city.
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oakland.edu/summer
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PHOTO: ALICE KOLE
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A line of anxious customers file out the doors and up the staircase on Saturday on National Record Store Day at Flat, Black and Circular on 541 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing. National Record Store Day is recognized across the country and brings business to local stores.
MONDAY, APRI L 20, 2 01 5
Record store day brings out music fanatics BY AJ MOSER AMOSER@STATENEWS.COM
At 9:45 p.m. on Friday, Nick Holcman was setting up a cot and his sleeping bag in front of Campus Town Mall waiting for Flat Black and Circular to open its doors for Record Store Day. Holcman, a social work sophomore, was hoping to get his hands on a copy of Brand New’s “Deja Entendu.” The album was originally released on vinyl in 2003, with the limited number of copies going on eBay for nearly $500. The re-issue was made available exclusively for Record Store Day and limited to 1,500 copies across the country. Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 as a nationwide celebration of independent record stores and the community of music lovers who take part in the unique culture of record collecting. Each year, a number of artists release exclusive songs and albums on vinyl to help boost sales. “We get so much music in each year,” Dave Bernath, the
owner of Flat Black and Circular said. “Something in just about every genre gets put out. We have a cross-section of everyone from baby boomers to 15-year-olds coming in.” Record stores in East Lansing, including Flat Black and Circular and The Record Lounge, anticipated huge numbers of record collectors lining up outside their stores to grab some of this year’s exclusive releases. “I put in an order for eight copies of the Brand New record,” said Heather Frarey, owner of The Record Lounge. “I ended up getting just one.” When Saturday morning came around, both stores had significant lines of clamoring fans waiting with lists of the records they hoped to pick up. Other big releases for this year included popular artists like Run The Jewels, Vampire Weekend and The White Stripes. “It’s good to have a list of what releases you want beforehand,” Frarey said. “Last year I had nine boxes come in and this
year I’ve got 17. I’ve been getting a lot of calls about Record Store Day so we’re expecting a huge line of people.” Customers were filing in through the afternoon to purchase records but only the first few were able to grab copies of “Deja Entendu,” this year’s most exclusive item. “I’m super excited about this,” Nick Holcman said, holding his new copy of “Deja Entendu.” “I’m also excited to get home and sleep.” Record Store Day is the biggest day of sales for both stores, said their owners. And each year the number of customers and sales manages to top itself. “It’s crazy to do all of this by hand,” said Jon Howard, the manager of Flat Black and Circular, as he looked at a stack of over 500 unboxed records. “But it’s fun and people enjoy shopping for this kind of stuff. It’s a happy place to work.” Live bands and DJs played sets throughout the day as the stack of exclusive records continued to shrink.
Features
Casey Holland Features editor features@statenews.com @sn_features
Drag show promotes acceptance with vibrant routines FAR LEFT: Host Hershae Chocolatae performs Friday at the International Center during the UAB/ RHA annual Official MSU Drag Show. RIGHT: Dahlia Drake performs to Calling All the Monsters Friday at the International Center during the UAB/ RHA annual Official MSU Drag Show. PHOTOS: KENNEDY THATCH
BY MARIA BRAGANINI MBRAGANINI@STATENEWS.COM
P
ushing dollar bills into the air, students excitedly swarmed the outskirts of the stage, awestruck as drag queens and kings expertly danced to roaring music. The Official MSU Drag Show, one of the University Activities Board’s most popular events of the year, draws in more than 500 students of all backgrounds to create relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
“Events like drag show create a unity between populations of different identities in the MSU community and it’s always great to celebrate and recognize these various identities,” UAB multicultural director and professional writing sophomore Caroline Poole said. The Official MSU Drag Show hosted a spotlight for eight drag queens and one king to perform dance routines accompanied by popular music supporting independence and LGBT students. The show began with the host, Hershae Chocolatae, giving a quick lesson in the difference between drag, transgenderism and transvestism.
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NO PREREQUISITIES. ALL ONLINE. REGISTER TODAY! HST 390: International Relations May 18 -July 2 (1st Summer Session) Daunte Chaunte performs Friday at the International Center during the UAB/RHA annual Official MSU Drag Show. This year’s show was greek themed.
HST 328: Modern U.S. Military History July 6 - August 20 (2nd Summer Session) HST 304: The American Civil War May 18 -July 2 (1st Summer Session)
For more information and courses, visit history.msu.edu/online-course-list MONDAY, AP RI L 2 0, 2 01 5
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Spotlight Intense Spartans vs Zombies battle actually brings students together
From left, psychology senior Joe O’Connor, arts and humanities sophomore Reese Haller, neuroscience junior Mark Gomulinski and arts and humanities junior Benjamin DeHart prepare for a zombie attack Thursday during a Spartans vs Zombies mission. The Zombies fell to the Spartans for the first time in this year’s game. PHOTOS: KENNEDY THATCH
BY JESSICA SATTLER JSATTLER@STATENEWS.COM
I
t’s kind of an out-of-body experience to stare down the face of a zombie horde. With a gun in hand, face paint on and comrades yelling orders beside you, keeping your head in the present is hard enough without the added pressure of thinking, “Tonight might be the night I die.” You say your goodbyes, but somehow, miraculously, you survive. OK that was a little melodramatic, so let’s back up a few steps. I should probably clear a few things up. The gun was of the Nerf variety, the face paint was bought from a craft store and my comrades were a mixture of my best
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friends along with some fellow Spartans I’d picked up while stalking my way through campus earlier that evening. This week, I did one of the strangest things I’ve ever done and engaged in the most popular unofficial annual game on campus. I can say with the utmost confidence that Spartans vs Zombies is way more than just a bunch of excited nerds running around and shooting each other with Nerf guns. Sure, that’s part of it. But it’s also the most fun I’ve had all semester. USING YOUR BRAINS … WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THEM After you have equipped yourself with a gun — foam blast-
THE STATE N E WS
ers only — and a red, orange or yellow armband, you’re released on Monday with very little idea of what to expect.
“I can say with the utmost confidence that Spartans vs Zombies is more than just a bunch of excited nerds running around and shooting each other with Nerf guns.” State News reporter Jessica Sattler, on her experience
One thing becomes immedi-
MONDAY, APRI L 20, 2 01 5
ately clear on the first day of the game: trust no one. Original zombies seamlessly integrate themselves into human groups and strike when it’s least expected. Monday is the only day these silent killers exist, and the only day they can wear their handkerchiefs on their arms to remain under the radar. When we found ourselves guarding our scientist in Brody Neighborhood as part of that day’s mission, we found ourselves in the midst of two original zombies who were deadset on turning our scientist into the undead. Unfortunately, they succeeded. T hat ha ndkerc hief t ied around my arm drew zombies from all parts of campus to my position with the explicit pur-
pose of turning me into one of the walking dead. The foam gun blaster I clung to certainly didn’t help me remain inconspicuous, either. So whenever possible, I made sure I had at least one other human with me to cover my back. Occasionally, my comrades would post on the human resistance Facebook page if they found themselves in class with a zombie, looking for a friendly face to meet them when it was time to venture out into no man’s land. A one-on-one fight between zombie and human is pretty fairly matched, but an additional body on either side of the brawl significantly tips the scales of victory in the favor of the larger party.
In addition to the Facebook page, members of the human resistance created channels on Zello, a walkie-talkie phone application, to communicate with each other across campus. “We had a couple of people in different groups using it and it really helped us to communicate and work as a cohesive unit to get the job done,” arts and humanities sophomore Reese Haller said. MORE FUN, LESS STRESS One thing that remained constant throughout the week was the sheer dedication many of these players had to the game. Every time I ran into another new human, I was inspired by their excitement. There’s no fee for registration, and the game is open to
Anya Rath Managing editor arath@statenews.com @thesnews
ABOVE LEFT: Zoology and English junior and State News reporter Jessica Sattler watches the back of her group of Spartans on Thursday during a Spartans vs Zombies mission. ABOVE RIGHT: Spartans encounter zombies behind Wells Hall on Thursday during a Spartans vs Zombies mission.
both MSU students and faculty, which allows for the most ardent players to find a niche as either the living or the undead. The human players especially made use of outfits to get them in the mood for zombie-killing — hats, belts and coats, even in the warmer weather. The works. My own face paint was inspired by designs I’d seen on my fellow humans’ faces earlier in the week. According to my iPhone’s pedometer, I walked more than three miles over the course of one mission on Thursday, which is about as much as I typically walk in an entire day. Though my feet were throbbing by the end of the night and I was probably a little more dehydrated than I should have been, I was exhilarated. The zombies were filing into buildings to eat dinner, but I found myself wanting more. Unfortunately, I was convinced to just go home, eat some food and get some sleep. Probably for the best. The immersive experience of the game is facilitated by its organizers, who send out in-character emails each morning that detail the upcoming evening’s mission and offer a brief recap of notable events of the previous mission. The scheduling of the game a few weeks before the dreaded finals week is a happy coincidence. “(Finals week) doesn’t really play into our schedule,” Spartans vs Zombies moderator and computer science junior Andrew x said. “But I’ve always
appreciated it. It helps me get my mind off of classes.” THE STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT Walking around campus in a large group of humans all decked out in the same type of unusual clothing and accessories garnered more than a few curious looks from the casual passers-by. Most of those we ran into were familiar with the game’s premise and asked if we were winning, while some others just stared at us and asked what the heck we were doing. We were happy to explain, and they wished us luck before we parted. A few players — including myself — ran into one unpleasant experience Thursday scout-
“(Bringing people together) is 100 percent the goal of the game. ... I’ve met a lot of people I wouldn’t have ever known otherwise.” Spartans vs Zombies moderator Andrew MacAfee
ing out campus for zombies. An SUV full of rowdy individuals drove through campus with the explicit purpose of seeking out players and throwing food items at them, as well as shouting slurs as they drove by. MacAfee said the incident was “unfortunate” and probably perpetrated by individuals who had never played the game. “They saw people doing something and decided to just be jerks to them,” he said. It would be easy to be dis-
couraged if that were the regular attitude faced by the game’s participants, but luckily it was an isolated incident. Aside from some unnecessary “audience participation,” there were other disadvantages for the humans. Namely, once you were turned into a zombie, you were pretty much stuck as a zombie. Although at many times it seemed we were far outmatched by the horde, the humans pulled through and were able to com-
plete the final mission that secured a cure for the zombie virus for all Spartans. “This was the first time ever that humans have won the game,” Haller said. As a moderator, MacAfee said the result of this year’s game was “absolutely insane.” Whether dead or undead, there was a prevailing sense of respect that made the game an incredibly welcoming environment where old friends stayed friends and new friends were made. Over the course of the week, I realized just how much this game brings people together. Even when on opposing sides of the game, there was no animosity between players. Humans congratulated zombies on impressive dodges of
MONDAY, AP RI L 1 5, 2 01 5
foam bullets and sock grenades, while zombies eagerly welcomed humans into their ranks and offered a chance of victory for their newly turned brethren. And in the event of any kind of disagreement, the official protocol is for players to handle it through a good old-fashioned game of rock-paper-scissors. “(Bringing people together) is 100 percent the goal of the game. … I’ve met a lot of people I wouldn’t have ever known otherwise,” MacAfee said. And he was right. I came away from the game excited for next year and several new friends. Oh, and I survived the whole week as a member of the human resistance, which is no small feat. Better luck next year, zombies!
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Crossword
L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
Features
“Hair” performers shed clothes to educate viewers Theatre and interdisciplinary social science senior Jenise Cook rehearses a song March 17, 2015, at the Auditorium, 542 Auditorium Road. “Hair” will be performed at the Wharton Center April 1726. PHOTO: ALICE KOLE
ACROSS
1 Hackneyed 6 Work out ahead of time 10 Lily of France garment 13 Prepared potatoes, as for hash browns 14 Boxcar hopper 15 Campus courtyard 16 Unnamed news supplier 19 ID theft target 20 Used a bench 21 Injector for severe allergic reactions 22 Slice opposite, in golf 24 Snappy dresser 26 Actress Aniston, in tabloids 27 Automatic setting for highway driving 33 Nabokov nymphet 35 Cold draft server 36 Weed whacker 37 Wipe off the board 38 Tidal retreat 39 Take control of 41 Rm. coolers 42 Lao Tzu’s “path” 43 Puts a gloss on, as shoes 44 Christmas display 48 Country singer McGraw 49 Jamaican music 50 Annual spelling bee airer
53 Understood by only a few 56 Portfolio part, briefly 58 Exceedingly 59 Conforms, or what each last word of 16-, 27- and 44-Across literally does 63 Seatback airline feature 64 Otherworldly glow 65 Actress Zellweger 66 “The Fountainhead” author Rand 67 Blue books? 68 Pretty pitchers
DOWN
1 Dumpster fill 2 Classic Unilever laundry soap 3 Religious rebel 4 Bowling pin count 5 Frozen custard brand 6 Instagram uploads 7 Soul singer Rawls 8 Crunched muscles 9 Bit of cosmetic surgery 10 Dinner table faux pas 11 Kentucky Derby, e.g. 12 Yemen’s Gulf of __ 15 One of five in a maternity ward delivery 17 Criminal group 18 Ready for business
23 Singer Kristofferson 25 Auto parts chain 28 Sport-__: off-road vehicle 29 Chicago ballplayer 30 Fake diamond 31 Move like honey 32 Dregs 33 Low in fat 34 Aquatic predator 38 Grab a bite 39 “__ Loves You”: Beatles 40 One, in Dresden 42 “Used to be ... “ 43 Frighten 45 Sicily’s country 46 Sicily’s wine 47 Headgear on the slopes 51 Strength 52 Botanical connecting points 53 Mennen lotion 54 One of the Gilmore girls 55 Kilted family 57 Land measure 60 Total amount 61 Capote nickname 62 Opposite of fast fwd.
Get the solutions at statenews.com/puzzles Level: 1
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3
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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO TO SOLUTION SATURDAY’S PUZZLE FRIDAY’S PUZZLE
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THE STATE N E WS
MONDAY, APRI L 20, 2 01 5
BY ZOË SCHUBOT ZSCHUBOT@STATENEWS.COM
On Friday night, students in the MSU Department of Theatre’s production of “Hair” presented the finished product of their four months of preparation to an eager audience. Perhaps the most shocking— and most moving— moment of the show, which has a myriad of mature and controversial themes, occurred when the cast stripped down completely in an act of protest that closes out the first act. Director Deric McNish took caution when approaching the scene in order to ensure utmost comfort and security for everyone involved. “I was very cautious because I didn’t want anyone to feel coerced or uncomfortable about it so for me it was never essential to my concept for the show,” McNish said. “If everyone had decided not to do it that would
have been fine, but they all decided that it was important so most of them are doing it.” Every actor was encouraged to make the decision on whether or not they wanted to bare it all, but McNish said that he was pleased by the students’ determination and dedication to the show and its message. “(The nudity) was just an element of protest and it’s during that moment where Claude is singing ‘Where Do I Go’ and they’re all asking that same question of where do I go what do I do,” McNish said. “Shedding clothes is part of that answer for them.” From an actor’s perspective, the experience of being nude onstage was unlike any other. Theatre senior Joshua Whitson described the experience as both “liberating” and “terrifying.” “You know that rush when you’re on a roller coaster and you’re at the
top waiting to go down? That is literally the feeling that you get when you start taking off your clothes on stage,” Whitson said. Whitson said that the scene required an immense amount of self-awareness and acceptance of his own body and its power to make a statement. The nature of the show allowed for the cast to bond in a way that Whitson said he has never experienced in a show before. “It just really changed all of us,” Whitson said. “We said things to each other that we’ve never said to anyone else and felt things together and it was cool because a lot of it was based around music because the show is so musical and has such a powerful impact and we got to experience all of that together and it was beautiful.” “Hair” is playing through next weekend. Tickets are available at the Wharton Center website.
News
Powwow celebrates kaleidoscope of identity BY MARIA BRAGANINI MBRAGANINI@STATENEWS.COM
Native American students honored their heritage by donning colorful traditional clothes lined with bells, tassels and feathers and dancing to boisterous drums and songs celebrating their native identities. The occasion for the regalia was a powwow, which brought together Native American students from many different tribes. The North American Indigenous Student Organization hosted the 32nd annual Powwow of Life in Jenison Field House this past weekend. The MSU community and 12 recognized tribes, including the Three Fires — three of the largest tribes in the Great Lakes region — came together for a celebration of Native A merican culture through singing and dancing. Organized by NAISO, the Powwow of Life at MSU was the last university powwow before official tribal outdoor powwows begin in May. The Powwow of Life provided a different perspective from the 2014 Powwow of Love, focusing on rebirth. “It’s our community gathering that’s been happening since the beginning of our culture,” NAISO co-chair and food industry management junior Karley Rivard said. The event hosted participants in traditional regalia who were dancing, singing and playing songs on drums in a dance arena which was blessed before the event began. Women dance wearing jingle dresses on Saturday at the NAISO 32nd annual Powwow of Life at Jenison Field House. With each step taken by the “We have the four medicines: sage, tobac- dancers, they pay for a sick friend, relative, or tribal member. PHOTOS: ALLYSON TELGENHOF co, sweet grass and cedar,” NAISO adviser and active member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Pat Dyer-Deckrow ican people and oneness with the universe. Public policy junior Diop Harris associ- native is something to be proud of because we said. “We believe that there’s positive and According to tradition, when songs are sung ates the NAISO Powwow of Life with a fam- have fought for so much and we still have so negative in the world and sometimes we car- using a drum, they are heard by the spirit ily reunion. much more to fight for.” ry the negative without realizing it. We have world. Member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of “They might not be blood, but they’re still the head veteran for the powwow come and Odawa Indians and NAISO co-chair Traverse “When we dance, we believe in the ances- family,” he said. do a smudging so there’s good vibrations, or tors,” Dyer-Deckrow said. “So a lot of times Because Native American culture is passed Cottrell thinks of being native as remembergood medicine, all over the arena.” we believe the ancestors are with us and we down through generations, students feel a ing the origins of his ancestry, and trying to The drums set the tempo of songs and danc- pray to them looking over us.” strong sense of their ancestry and roots is resemble them and connect to his past. es at the powwow, representing the heartbeat “It’s a way of life,” Cottrell said. “I’ve noticed As an expression of thankfulness to the important in everyday culture and morals. of the Native American people, Mother Earth Great Spirit, Native American dances were “Having that set of morals and those teach- that it’s important to have that equilibrium. and the nations. performed in groups, drawing friends and rel- ings and everything gave me a guideline as I To be in balance and it’s important to thank The circular shape of the drum in particu- atives together in a circle representing the grew up,” Rivard said. “I really realized that all the ancestors and continue that way of life lar represents the unity of the Native Amer- cycle of life, the moon, the sun and the earth. was something that I want to live to. Being and make sure that it doesn’t die.” ONLINE To see a video of the powwow, see statenews.com/multimedia
A man dances Saturday at the NAISO 32nd annual Powwow of Life at Jenison Field House. Native Americans consider their dress regalia, not a costume, a term many others use by mistake.
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Opinion Clothing reflects who we are, but it shouldn’t
BY RAY WILBUR RWILBUR@STATENEWS.COM
We cloak our bodies in woven fibers of cotton and polyester each day we wake up. The underwear we slept in comes off only briefly to bathe, until we inevitably step into a costume of ourselves — a costume that can cover our scars, or embody them. The clothes we wear act as a symbol of who we are and what we’ve seen, but we can only truly express ourselves through our clothing if we know ourselves. Walking down Grand River Avenue, I notice homeless people in tattered tees, with business slacks and tennis shoes. These articles of clothing reflect his deteriorating life and status in the world as a productive citizen. A college student that I assume is a bio or chemistry major wearing a Michigan State hoodie walks briskly past me, paying no attention to what he is wearing. He is significant and could one day contribute to the cure for HIV, but I wouldn’t know from his clothing. A businessman talking on his cell phone in a tailored suit emanates an air of wealth and power I find off-putting, and a middle-aged woman struggles to walk in her towering heals and suffocating dress, expressing to me she wants attention. These preconceived notions I assume are a result of our dependence on materials as a sign of character. Our clothes can shed light on who we are, but only if we know who we are. The same is true for our cars, our furniture and the books we read, and everything else we own or decide to spend our money on. We must know ourselves to accurately express ourselves. Too often it seems we strive to buy things just to be
like someone else, or to be better than someone else, instead of expressing who we truly are. Our addiction to materials uncovers neglect for moral value and intelligence in our society. It seems people would rather go on a shopping spree than give one to someone who needs it, and would rather be friends with a scumbag millionaire than an honest teacher. It seems the majority of our judgments derive from what a person owns, and not what they do. Of course, a world in which people don’t judge is impossible, and there will always be people who care more about the car you drive than the words you speak. But, if we consciously act as a campus to ignore our judgments based on material things, we can create a more interwoven society and campus rooted in compassion and understanding. This may sound like a hippie constitution for a new world, but it is possible.
“Too often it seems we strive to buy things just to be like someone else, or to be better than someone else, instead of expressing who we truly are.” When I’ve approached people I wouldn’t have before because of how they’re dressed and resist judging until knowing a person’s true character, I have met truer people. These are the people who do not care about what I dress like or the kind of phone I have, but rather the strength of my character and the truth of my words. The outfit I put on embodies who I am, but you don’t know that until you know me. So, don’t look at me and guess where I have been, or what I have seen. Come up to me and ask. No longer will I accept someone as wealthy just because of their Corvette, and no longer will I assume one man is poorer than the other just because of his torn tie he has on.
Greg Monahan Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnews_opinion
Religious freedom should not interfere with rights of others
BY RACHEL FRADETTE RFRADETTE@STATENEWS.COM
When spring finally arrives on Michigan State’s campus, it gets everyone outside in the sun for the first time after a typical, harsh Michigan winter. The warm weather also brings a rise to the number of religious groups on campus. The groups all work their way around campus hoping to find students interested in their religion and beliefs in order to spread their word. Some pass out Bibles or flowers. Then there are the more extreme people, like the infamous Wells Hall preacher who screams at you to repent. Religious freedom is a major pillar of the United States. Many foreign religious groups face persecution and disrespect in their home countries, only hoping to one day be able to express their religion freely. Each person in the United States has a right to religious liberty. So, even though the Wells Hall preacher is impolite and extreme in his concepts, he does have a right to express his view. I do not agree with what he preaches, but if you consider how it must be for those who can’t even publicly worship in
other parts of the world, I can learn to ignore his angry rants. The simplest way to deal with these groups is to be polite and decline if they offer information that does not interest you. If any of these people do go on and begin to press you more, it is okay to smile and go on your way. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints walk around with their own Book of Mormon, speaking to people on behalf of their religion. The Mormons go out and share the information about their church to get people to join. But you don’t have to take their pamphlets or choose to speak to them. If we take away the freedom of speech and religion on college campuses, it would create a harmful downward spiral. However, religious freedom does not mean freedom to discriminate against other people. For instance, what is currently going on Indiana has again brought religious freedom up for debate. The U.S. Constitution protects this right, so why was the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed? The act will do more harm than good if you ask me. When this nation constantly pins two sides against one another, the legislative system becomes a joke. Human beings should be allowed to profess their faith and the LGBTQ community deserves public respect and equal rights.
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Sports
Geoff Preston Sports editor sports@statenews.com @thesnews_sports
Witness writes letter defending Delton Williams Sophomore running back Delton Williams carries the ball as Rutgers linebacker Steve Longa attempts to tackle Nov. 22, 2014, during the game at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Scarlet Knights, 45-3.
BY ZACH LIBBY ZLIBBY@STATENEWS.COM
Delton Williams was suspended indefinitely by head coach Mark Dantonio after being charged with flaunting a firearm on campus during a traffic incident on South Shaw Lane and Red Cedar Road on March 16. A month since his not guilty plea in East Lansing’s 54-B District Court, the man who accused the running back of pointing a gun at him has asked MSU police to drop the charges on Williams. In a letter obtained by the Detroit Free Press, the 23-year-old did researched Williams’ past and discovered the tragedies he experienced during his upbringing in Erie, Pennsylvania., which led to speculation as to “why (Williams) would have a weapon.” Williams, despite having a permit for the Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, admitted to police he raised the gun inside his car. According to records from the 54-B District court, Williams faces a misdemeanor charge of brandishing a weapon in public. The police report described Williams cutting off the victim at the intersection with the victim honking his horn at Williams, which prompted Williams to wave the gun but not point it at the victim. The victim later took a picture of Williams’
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license plate, which resulted in police visiting the sophomore at his apartment. The research done by the victim pulled up a report from GoErie.com about his older brother, 24-year-old Jaree Warren, who was shot and killed at an intersection across from a local tavern, Ray’s Last Stop, on Dec. 6 of last year. The case remains unsolved according to the publication. “I wouldn’t want him to be thrown out of school over a silly mistake he made in a moment of fear,” the man wrote in the letter. “I believe he will learn his lesson and move on to better things.” Dantonio has stayed quiet on the status of Williams as a member of the football team going forward. “I’m only going to talk about the guys on our depth chart,” he said. Williams explained to the police when they questioned him about the incident that “he needed to grab the weapon as he was concerned for his safety.” Finishing with 316 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 54 attempts last season as the third running back on the depth chart, Williams will be in competition for the starting job if his suspension is lifted by Dantonio. Williams is in competition with multiple other running backs for the starting job. Williams and teammate Macgarrett Kings Jr. have both fallen into trouble this offseason.
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TH E STATE N E WS
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Sports Lea Foerster has been a bright spot in a season full of losses BY GEOFF PRESTON GPRESTON@STATENEWS.COM
For the MSU softball team, this season has been one that hasn’t had many bright spots. Freshman outfielder Lea Foerster has been one of those few bright spots. Head coach Jacquie Joseph has noticed the improvement of Foerster, and in a season which MSU has fallen to 16-29, including a 1-15 record in the conference. “I’ve been impressed with Lea since day one,” she said. “In February she wasn’t in the starting lineup. She had not done the things she needed to do to get in the starting lineup.” While on the bench, Foerster was asked to pinch hit against Stetson. After that she cemented her place in the starting lineup. “She’s never given up the position,” Joseph said. “She’s as resil-
ient of a player as we’ve ever had. She’s got a short memory, and she does everything the way she’s supposed to do it.” Foerster has seen her hard work pay off in the box score. She is currently hitting .311 with two home runs and 23 RBI.
one I felt like I was part of the team.” The hard work that Foerster has put into the season comes, in part, from watching the way the seniors on the team prepare as well. “All of the seniors are really awesome,” she said. “Good days or bad days they’re always there for you. They’ve been there, they’ve been through everything. They help us freshman out so much.” Despite her success, Foerster admitted the transition from high school to college has not always been the easiest. “It’s a lot more time, it’s a lot of hard work,” she said. “Nothing can really prepare you for it. It’s just going into everything thinking with the right mentality, that you’re going to give it 100 percent every day.” Even with the losses, Foerster said this season has been a great experience. “We fight hard ever y game,” she said.
IT’S LATE. “Nothing can really prepare you for it. It’s just going into everything thinking with the right mentality.”
DO YOU KNOW WHERE
YOUR WINGS ARE? Lea Foerster Freshman outfielder
For Foerster, this freshman season has been a lot of fun. “It’s awesome,” she said. “We have great team chemistry, right from day
Freshman outfielder Lea Foerster bats Friday during a game against Minnesota at Secchia Stadium. PHOTO: ALICE KOLE
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