Daily Targum 02.02.17

veil ban New Austrian policy hurts potential of religious diversity

Model UN Students in model United Nations learn about the world while traveling and competing

FOOTBALL Head coach Chris Ash signs in his first recruiting class at National Signing Day

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New Brunswick is not ‘sanctuary city’ Camilo Montoya-Galvez staff writer

Major urban centers across America have vowed to defy the administration of President Donald J. Trump and remain “sanctuaries” for their undocumented residents.

A city official said New Brunswick is not one of those cities.

In an email to The Daily Targum, Jennifer Bradshaw, the city’s public information officer, said New Brunswick is not a “sanctuary city” and that its police department follows policies set by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Office of the Attorney General and the See city on Page 4

Karen Edelblum, an assistant in the Department of Immunity and Inflammation, is working to improve treatment and prevention of Crohn’s disease. She was inspired to conduct her research by her personal experiences with the disease. RUTGERS.EDU

Professor uses personal experience to seek cure for Crohn’s disease Adityaa Shukla contributing writer

A public information officer noted that the city was built up by immigrants, but that law enforcement would still adhere to policies set forth by local and federal governments. Camilo Montoya

Crohn’s disease affects about 1.5 million Americans every year, and patients who suffer from Crohn’s pay about $18,932 per year for medical services, yet most people are not well informed about the illness.

Crohn’s is defined as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and

leads to inflammation in the digestive tract lining. This creates symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America.

Dr. Karen Edelblum, an assistant professor in the Department of Immunity and Inflammation at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, suffers from Crohn’s disease and

is currently conducting research to find new remedies for patients.

“In the past, the majority of treatments available (for Crohn’s patients) depended on antibiotics, steroids and other medications that generally reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system,” Edelblum said in an email. “The See cure on Page 5

Secretary of Education pick draws student criticism Brielle Diskin contributing writer

On Tuesday, a committee voted to advance the nomination of Betsy DeVos for secretary of education, which will come to a Senate vote on Thursday. Since President Donald J. Trump announced his selection in November, it has drawn criticism from the general public and students in particular.

One of the controversies surrounding DeVos arose from a donation made to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE).

This organization supported a bill that would complicate the protocol for women reporting sexual assaults on campus, according to USA Today.

The NO MORE organization at Rutgers, which aims to prevent and fight sexual assault and domestic

violence on campus, is concerned about DeVos’ nomination, said Megan Coyne, School of Arts and Sciences sophomore and policy director of the organization.

Coyne said DeVos favors a decentralized view of education, which essentially would allow the fight to fall largely to the states, creating more problems. There is a lack of consistency among state legislatures when it comes to legislative action regarding campus sexual violence.

“We need federal regulation that affirms the rights of survivors and seeks to protect them. I worry that a lack of federal oversight and guidance will cause a decline in the lack of attention and support given to survivors, and result in their rights being violated,” Coyne said.

See PICK on Page 5

The selection of Betsy DeVos as the secretary of education nominee evoked a generally negative reaction from University students, who criticized many of her public stances. The decision will come to a Senate vote on Thursday. REUTERS

­­VOLUME 148, ISSUE 135 • University ... 3 • opinions ... 6 • Diversions ... 9 • SPORTS ... BACK

February 2, 2017

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Campus Calendar THURSDAY 2/2 Rutgers Athletics presents “Women’s Swimming Intersquad Meet Swimmers Only” at 3 p.m. at the Werblin Recreation Center on Busch campus. The event is free.

Counseling Ser vices, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program and Psychiatric Ser vices presents “Mindfulness Meditation” from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Douglass Student Center on the Collee Avenue campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers presents “Exhibition - Innovation and Abstraction: Women Artists and Atelier 17” from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Voorhees Hall on the College Avenue campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The Mar y H. Diana Women Artists Series, a program of the Center for Women in the Arts and Humanities in partnership with Rutgers University Libraries presents “ Living in the Shadows: Underground Immigrant Communities” from

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Douglass Librar y on Douglass campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Zimmerli Art Museum presents “Exhibition — Three American Painters ...” at Voorhees Hall on the College Avenue campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Rutgers University Libraries presents “New Brunswick Music Scene Archive Anniversar y Exhibit” at Alexander Librar y on the College Avenue campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

Rutgers University Libraries presents “New Brunswick Music Scene Archive Anniversar y Exhibit” at Alexander Librar y on the College Avenue campus.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Zimmerli Art Museum presents “Exhibition — Fletcher and the Knobby Boys” at Voorhees Hall on the College Avenue campus. The event is free and open to the public.

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February 2, 2017

University

Page 3

Model UN team travels, competes at national competitions

In its 27th year in operation, the Rutgers Model United Nations (UN) aims to increase its presence on campus. The team meets every week and offers students the opportunity to travel and compete in conferences. FACEBOOK

Samil Tabani

environment to develop skills that can be applied universally.

“Because Model UN conferences involve public speaking, The Rutgers Model United collaborative work in small groups Nations (RUMUN) team has beand creative writing and story-tellcome an increasingly prominent ing, any type of personality can do student organization on campus, well,” Bright said. which attracts participants from a There are range of majors. some members The organi“Because Model UN conferences involve public speaking, collaborative work in small groups and creative who are authorzation is curitative public rently in its 27th writing and story-telling, any type of personality can do well.” speakers with year of operation more showy perat Rutgers, said kyle bright sonalities, and Sandeep PatanSchool of Arts and Sciences Sophomore there are some kar, a School of who are quiet Arts and Sciences senior and director of commu- one of which sets guidelines for his favorite club at the University, UN team, he said. They ensure and reserved, he said.

“The schedule doesn’t have to that everyone can participate in Patankar said. nications for the Rutgers Univer- handling bureaucratic issues.

Whenever they attend a con- conversations about international be demanding either,” Bright said.

The crisis committee consists sity Association of International of smaller groups of actors repre- ference, they make sure the team relations with or without the pres- “If you’re busy with work, you’re not Relations (RUAIR). forced to attend conferences just beThe team meets once or twice senting politicians who try to deal is a priority, Mulloy said. The first sure of competition.

Tryouts are about finding plac- cause you’re one the team. You go goal should not be to win, it is a week, typically on Tuesday with international crises, he said.

“What makes us an important about participating and interact- es to improve rather than identify- when it’s convenient for you.” nights. Patankar said that the Active members do have the meetings normally start with pre- student organization is primar- ing with the rest of the team and ing weaknesses, he said.

“It’s always about how to make ability to travel, attend confersentations, followed by discussion ily that we focus a lot on learn- working hard.

The team has won a number a passionate speech, how to make ences and meet bright students sections in which each member ing about international affairs has the opportunity to speak in from the economic, social and of awards and tournaments, but sure people are listening to you … from other universities, he said.

“I have become a lot more inreligious perspectives. It is re- they are currently struggling to how to structure your ideas well,” 45-second intervals. volved in learning about what’s “We like to take a lot of peo- ally important for anybody who increase their presence on cam- Mulloy said.

Kyle Bright, a School of Arts happening in the rest of the world. ple to conferences. Most people wants to go into journalism, di- pus, he said.

This challenge was made more and Sciences sophomore, said It’s made me more of a global citiwho tr y out, get taken to a con- plomacy or potentially business,” prominent after the announcement the club provides the perfect zen,” Mulloy said. ference eventually. We hope that Patankar said. contributing writer

people will have the ability to research independently on the topics that they are assigned,” Patankar said.

Patankar said that the organization typically has practice sessions on Fridays. These meetings consist of multiple committees,

Devin Mulloy, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore and treasurer of RUAIR, said he has obtained most of his knowledge in international relations from participating in RUMUN. The Rutgers Model UN has been a major part of his life and

that Rutgers had canceled the Spring Involvement Fair, he said.

“I would consider everyone that’s part of the Rutgers Model UN team one of my friends,” Mulloy said.

Most people who are in RUAIR are a part of the Rutgers Model

Page 4

February 2, 2017

Rutgers employs help of Border Collies in ‘wild goose chase’

Rutgers Facility Operations sent an email to students announcing plans to hire a company called Geese Rangers on the Busch campus. The company uses Border Collies to chase away overpopulated geese. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Chloe Dopico

lot of geese poop on the sidewalks that would mysteriously disappear the next day,” said Amanda Lin, a School of Arts and Sciences junior and Nichols resident.

She said she loves dogs, and as long as the geese do not get hurt, she does not mind their presence on campus.

“I face the big patch of grass so my commute back to my dorm

is always greeted by geese and the street next to me that leads to (Busch Lab Center) almost always has geese in the way,” she said. “I guess the main concern are the cars trying to get to the parking lot and maybe that’s why it’s an issue.”

Facility operations for the University were not available for comment by print time.

students in December and said their privacy would be protected by his administration.

U.S. Census Bureau reports 38.3 percent of New Last year, Barchi said Rutgers would cooperate with legal reBrunswick residents were born in foreign countries quests, like court orders, should they be used.

Some members of the city’s largest cities, Newark and Jersey continued from front large immigrant population, like City, have also pledged to assist Elizabeth Lara, 32, said they did federal government with regards their undocumented residents. not know whether New BrunsSupporters of these policies, to investigations by Immigration wick was a sanctuary city, but that and Customs Enforcement (ICE). like New York City Mayor Bill they were frightened anyway.

Despite this, she said the city’s de Blasio, have said they make Lara, a native of Mexico, administration recognizes that cities safer because undocuworks in a store in Downtown New Brunswick is “largely built mented residents are more likeNew Brunswick that sells prion the contributions of genera- ly to report crimes when local marily Colombian clothing and tions of immigrants.” According police do not participate in imthat is owned by a Muslim man. to the United States Census Bu- migration enforcement.

Since Nov. 8, Lara said she has Members of the current presireau, 38.3 percent of the city’s noticed what dential adminpopulation is foreign-born. she called an as “For more than 25 years, it has istration, “My common sense tells me that the police have no “extraordibeen the practice of this adminis- well as other tration to welcome and accept all opponents of right to stop me and ask me for my immigration status nar y change” the city. residents of the city of New Bruns- the local jurisif I don’t commit an infraction or do something bad.” in She said that wick as they are,” New Brunswick dictions, have because of the Mayor James Cahill said in a state- made claims Elizabeth lara combination ment sent by Bradshaw. “We have that sanctuary New Brunswick Resident of Trump’s no intention to put an end to that cities violate ascent to the practice, regardless of any change federal law and in the municipalities that limit White House and what she said create influxes of crime. in the political climate.”

Along with building a wall on their involvement in federal im- has been a large increase of poThe term “sanctuary city” is a lice presence in New Brunswick, broad label used by critics, and the southern border, repealing migration enforcement.

As New Brunswick is not a immigrants like herself have some supporters, to describe the Deferred Action for Childmunicipalities that have policies hood Arrivals (DACA) protection “sanctuary city,” it is unlikely that been more reluctant to leave in place that limit cooperation for DREAMers and deporting Trump’s order will immediately their homes to walk or drive with federal agencies as it per- millions of undocumented im- affect funding for the city. In 2016, around the city.

“My common sense tells me tains to detaining undocumented migrants, Trump vowed to cut the city received millions in state that the police have no right to immigrants. The term has no le- federal funds for sanctuary cities and federal funds.

New Brunswick’s policy dif- stop me and ask me for my immiduring the campaign trail. gal definition.

On Jan. 25, he kept good fers from the one at Rutgers gration status if I don’t commit an New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston are on his promise and issued an University, which has three infraction or do something bad,” all among the cities which limit executive order to block feder- campuses located within the she said. “But, yes, I’m still scared their involvement in federal immi- al funding to these cities if they city’s limits. University Presi- because of the uncertainty.”

Since she arrived in the city gration enforcement, and each of continued to limit their coop- dent Robert L. Barchi declared their leaders has sworn to main- eration with federal immigra- Rutgers—New Brunswick a from Mexico in 2002, she said “safe haven” for undocumented New Brunswick’s immigrant tain these policies. New Jersey’s tion authorities.

community has seen rapid growth. She said the city has been for the most part accommodating to her community, but that more can be done to quell the apprehension that she said is conspicuous.

But while she is fearful, she said she has found solace in her Christian faith and in witnessing actions like the march in support of immigrants by Rutgers students in November of last year. She saw the march proceed through Downtown New Brunswick and found it “inspiring” to see young people fight for her and her 8-year-old daughter.

“It was a big show of support for our community,” she said.

Pascual Lopez, 37, an undocumented city resident, has lived in New Brunswick since he left Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1998. He is a cook at a diner and said he has worked at seven different kitchens in the city, alongside immigrants from Bangladesh, Italy, Greece, Turkey and many Latin American countries.

Lopez said he understands why Trump wants to crack down on immigrants who are committing crimes like drug trafficking, but noted that most, like himself, come here to do “honest work” and to “contribute to this countr y.”

The cook said he would like to live the rest of life in America to see his 7-year-old daughter attend a university like Rutgers and if possible, to fulfill his personal dream of going to culinary school.

“I would be willing to pay $10,000 to be able to stay and do that,” he said.

staff writer

Rutgers University has been on a wild goose chase and it appears administrators have finally found a solution — Border Collies.

Rutgers Facility Operations & Ser vices announced in an email that due to a recent infestation

city

of geese around the Nichols and Richardson residence halls on Busch campus, they will utilize Border Collies to chase away geese.

The company Geese Rangers will visit the campus twice a day to allow the dogs to chase away geese, according to the email.

“Geese Rangers will ‘flag’ out all nest locations and provide

addling of eggs,” according to the Geese Rangers website.

The procedure is environmentally friendly and uses harassment techniques to patrol the land for the purpose of chasing Canadian geese, according to the site.

“There are a lot (of geese on campus) but I didn’t mind them to be honest ... there would be a

“Sanctuar y jurisdictions across the United States willfully violate federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States,” the executive order reads. “These jurisdictions have caused immeasurable harm to the American people and to the ver y fabric of our Republic.”

The order states that the attorney general and the secretary of homeland security will ensure that “sanctuary jurisdictions” do not receive federal grants.

It also assigns the secretar y of homeland security to compile a weekly report of “criminal actions committed by aliens”

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February 2, 2017

Page 5

pick Prior to being nominated to become Secretary of Education, DeVos worked in business sector professor in the Department of Political Science.

This support can be a threat to The Office of Civil Rights operates within the Federal Department both public education and the separaof Education and is responsible tion of church and state, Baker said.

“She’s a really big proponent of for releasing a list of active cases, Coyne said. They have made this the voucher program which disenlist public every week for the past franchises minorities and low-intwo years, but last week, they failed come earners,” said Ariel Davies, a School of Arts and Sciences to release it on time.

Coyne said this does not make sophomore. “Basically taking our her optimistic about the direction countr y away from public education which is so successful in the administration will take.

“I’m afraid they will be less trans- countries like France and Sweden parent and aggressive in the fight. where they truly invest in their I’m also afraid that they won’t focus young ones’ education.”

During the nominee’s hearing as much on supporting survivors confirmation, and making stuDeVos’ statedents aware of “In the hearings, her ment regarding their rights in guns being alsuch a situation,” grasp of federal in schools she said. education policy was not lowed due to the threat She said she impressive.” of bear attacks feels that DeVos set a horrible deeply lacks the precedent, Daknowledge to ross baker vies said. make the importDistinguished Professor in the Baker said ant decisions.

Department of Political Science her vagueness As Secretary of and evasions Education, DeVos would make decisions that impact on the topic of tuition-free higher federal aid and grants, then colleges education was wise based on the and universities will be composed of fact that it is a nonstarter in the very privileged young adults, said Trump administration.

“In the hearings, her grasp of Allison Stagaard, a School of Arts federal education policy was not imand Sciences sophomore.

DeVos has been a crusader for pressive. I think she has the weakthe charter school systems as est credentials of any of the cabinet well as the vouchers that are giv- nominees with the exception of Dr. en to parents to pay for religious Carson at HHS (United States Deeducation or private schooling, partment of Health & Human Sersaid Ross Baker, a distinguished vices),” Baker said. continued from front

cure Crohn’s disease affects about 1.5 million Americans each year transparency for patients to understand the research behind curing main problem is that not all treat- diseases, she said.

“I myself had breast cancer and ments work for everyone. Further, many of these medications that was the impetus for me to start still suppress the immune system, Consano,” Lindquist said.

Her own cancer experience alwhich leaves patients more susceplowed her to realize that patients tible to infections.”

The research focuses on using never truly get to see what goes on the normal function of the immune behind the scenes of research fundsystem to help prevent the initial ing, she said.

“What we’re excited to see from events that lead to the developthe Consano perment of Crohn’s, spective is Dr. she said.

“When I was diagnosed, Edelblum chan“This is a more nel that personal proactive apinstead of asking ‘why experience into a proach to treating me?’ I thought professional pasIBDs (compared ‘why not me?’” sion,” Lindquist to) current thersaid. “Patient perapies focused on karen edelblum spective isn’t a reducing active Assistant Professor in the Department of 100 percent at the inflammation. We Immunity and Inflammation forefront, so to hope that this aphave a researchproach could be used to help patients maintain remis- er who is literally a patient is pretty sion and prevent disease relapse,” much as far as the other end you can go, which is very cool to see.”

Edelblum said.

The main goal of crowdfunding is Edelblum said she has paired up with Consano, a platform that allows to begin a “ripple effect of impact” people to donate money directly to that begins a movement of awarea specific medical research project ness, and Edelblum is at the center of importance to them, to help fund of that movement, she said.

“When I was diagnosed, instead her research. This forum is focused on the idea of crowdfunding, which of asking ‘why me?’ I thought ‘why is a form of fundraising that focuses not me?’,” Edelblum said. “I always on a large group of people generat- knew that I wanted to try to fix this problem, to contribute to finding a ing money from others.

Molly Lindquist, founder and cure. Chronic illness is a great moCEO of Consano, has been follow- tivator because you wake up every ing this research project as well. day never losing sight of why you Her goal for Consano is to provide are doing your job.” continued from front

CRIME Feb. 2 LAKEWOOD — A body was found in a wooded area in Shenandoah Park by a woman walking her dog on Tuesday. Authorities said the person is believed to be Elibit Mena, 18, who was reported missing on Sunday evening.

His mother found his car in the Shenandoah Park parking lot, and investigators are still looking into the suspicious death.

Feb. 2 WEST WINDSOR — A school bus crashed into a tree in a neighborhood of f Old Trenton Road on Wednesday, which

resulted in the death of the driver. The driver had a medical attack at the wheel at around 3:10 p.m., and was taken to University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro where he died.

While the impact occurred at a low speed, a 14-year-old girl suf fered a minor wrist injur y.

Feb. 2 FLORENCE — Brian M. Ayers, 57, was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child after posting pictures of child pornography on the internet. Ayers was arrested

at his home Monday after police were notified of Ayers’ online activities last month. He will be sentenced in Burlington County Superior Court on Tuesday.

FEb. 2 NEWARK — Tawanna Sneed, 52, was charged with setting an apar tment fire that sent her to the hospital. When firefighters were called to the apar tment building, Sneed was in the bedroom and trapped inside. She was taken to Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville and was treated for smoke inhalation.

OPInions

Page 6

February 2, 2017

Executive order puts American lives at risk

P

resident Donald J. Trump’s executive POLICY OVER POLITICS order barring refugees from seven countries sent shockwaves throughCONNOR O’BRIEN out the world, fanning the flames of liberal resistance toward the new commander-in-chief. Tens of thousands of people across political parties flooded American streets and airports to put pressure on Trump to pull back or ease the order. They presented the idea that this order was a violation of fundamental American ideals and of the universal notions of humanity and compassion. While this case is immensely important and must be a part of any resistance to the order, an equally important case must be made against it, one that hasn’t been as widely-cited — the public policy perspective.

Simply put, the order is a counterintuitive policy that makes Americans not more, but less safe.

It may seem absurd that banning immigration from the world’s most dangerous war zone actually puts us in more danger, but because of the uniquely terrible war in the Middle East — and our checkered history there — it is so.

The Islamic State group feeds off hatred for the United States in the Middle East. This is its top recruiting tool. Its goal is to completely sever ties between the West and the Muslim world. It wants to convince Muslim people that the United States is not only waging war against a specific group, but against the very religion they practice. This message brings in fighters, acquires funds and turns communities in their favor. What better way to show the Muslim world that the war is not just against the Islamic State group, but against Islam, than to impose this ban?

This recruitment strategy has been incredibly effective for the Islamic State group. The group was able to build a force consisting of tens of thousands of fighters in just months using this narrative. The wounds and bitterness from damaging American interventions still sting populations. They still resent us for decades of imposing our will on their governments. There is even a scriptural argument that is strengthened by this narrative. This ban only serves to drive more Middle Easterners towards the Islamic State group and affirms the message they have been pushing out for years. We are doing the work for them.

Consider the Iraqi who lost family members in the 2003 invasion and already resents America for it. Consider the Yemeni who has seen his home destroyed by Saudi Arabian forces. Telling these desperate people “we don’t want your kind here,” will certainly further alienate at least some of them.

American-backed forces have made significant gains in the war in Iraq and Syria in recent months. Falluja, Tikrit, Ramadi, Abu Ghraib, Baquba and half of the territory the Islamic State group once controlled have been liberated. The Iraqi military is on the verge of taking Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, within the next few weeks or months. The Islamic State group’s recruitment has dropped and their overall numbers are falling. As significant as these gains have been, the situation remains very fragile.

All it may take to turn the tide of the war back towards the Islamic State group is something like this executive order, a potential recruiting boon. Thirty or 40 thousand new fighters could reverse the significant, hard-fought gains we have made. Only a tiny fraction of the world’s Muslim people need to be convinced of this message to wreak havoc around the world.

Supporters of the ban may say that my approach appeases extremists or even that it goes against their philosophy of what it means to be a nation. But foreign policy is a science laden with all sorts of contradictions and unfortunate realities. It is never simple.

To keep Americans safe both at home and abroad, we must make decisions — much more so than in domestic policy — that often conflict with ideology.

The U.S. already takes in only a ver y small number of refugees from Middle Eastern Muslim countries. And it does so only after a rigorous two-year vetting process involving numerous international and domestic security checks. The biggest threat posed by terrorism continues to come from homegrown attacks, not attacks from foreign nationals.

Trump’s executive order may make some Americans think they are safer, but that is not how public policy is evaluated. The truth is, refugees already posed an almost nonexistent threat. Refugees from the seven countries on Trump’s list have killed exactly zero Americans in terrorist attacks. Whatever minuscule marginal safety is acquired by this ban is vastly overshadowed by the new threat posed by the legitimization of the Islamic State group’s core message.

Regardless of what you think of the morality of this order, regardless of whether you think a country (or our country) has the right to select immigrants like this order does, there’s one thing that’s clear — it plays right into the strategy of terrorists. It puts American lives at risk.

Connor O’Brien is a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore majoring in economics with a minor in history. His column, “Policy Over Politics,” runs on alternate Thursdays.

UNIVERSAL UCLICK

EDITORIAL

Austrian law not accepting of diversity Plans for veil ban policy could lead to discriminatory outcome

A

policy that is created and enforced on the country that are favorable to the majority religion pretense of public safety can be fueled by within the nation, in this case, Christianity. If the discriminatory rhetoric. First, it was Pres- Austrian government was really concerned with its ident Donald J. Trump’s blocking of citizens from ideals of religious neutrality, they would not be unfair seven Muslim-majority countries popularly referred in dealing with different religions. In fact, this law to as the “Muslim Ban,” and today, it is the Austri- solely banning Islamic clothing is not neutral at all. an government’s move to consider a ban on full-face It is specifically targeting one religion instead of the veils. Primarily Muslim women would be prohibited other. Would neutrality not involve banning any type from wearing full-face veils — known as “burqas” of religious representation, such as crosses around and “niqabs,” — in public spaces. But this is not all. people’s necks? And if neutrality were truly the goal, Austria wants to take this initiative one step further would there be a reason for those being sworn into and ban the headscarf — fabric that is on a woman’s parliament to do so on holy books?

If Austria’s true reasoning for planning and creathead and does not fully cover the face — from being worn by civil servants, ranging from police officers ing this ban is, in fact, related to its desire to reach religious neutrality, it would be more conscientious to judges and prosecutors. of the government The Austrian govto make attempts at ernment attempted neutralizing all reto provide justificaligions. But is true tions for considering “The Austrian government may have some neutrality the right these new policies. way to go?

The government has backing to their other beliefs. In an ideal Sometimes it is difproclaimed that one setting, politics and government would be ficult to understand of its main goals as completely devoid of religious association.” policies of other naa nation, is to create tions when one is livan “open” environing in America, and ment to promote even more so when communication and one attends a Univerunderstanding. And according to the Austrian government, wearing a sity as diverse as Rutgers. Being home to many Musveil hinders one’s capability to partake in open con- lim students, including those who choose to wear the versations. As for the ban on regular headscarves, or hijab, it is difficult for Rutgers students to consider “hijabs,” on public officials, the Austrian government how these representations of religion can hinder has claimed that those who work for the government day-to-day proceedings and conversations. Without should be representing religious neutrality, rather different students of different religious, cultural and than expressing an affiliation with a specific religion. political backgrounds, Rutgers would not be what it It is hard to imagine that a religious veil could be the is today. What the Austrian government may not understand is that visibly seeing diversity can be a good reason for the dismantling of open communication.

The Austrian government may have some backing thing. Seeing women wearing hijabs in positions of to their other beliefs. In an ideal setting, politics and power can make young girls who also wear the hijab government would be completely devoid of religious feel as though nothing is out of their reach. It also association. But this is not the case. In fact, Austria creates an atmosphere where rather than ignoring has been known to promote atmospheres within the differences, people learn to embrace them.

The Daily Targum’s editorials represent the views of the majority of the 148th editorial board. Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.

Opinions Page 7

February 2, 2017

President Barchi has responsibility to be there for U. students FAHRENHEIT 250 MERYEM UZUMCU

O

n Tuesday evening, desperate student groups found themselves gathering in solidarity defensively against President Donald J. Trump’s policies on immigration, which would move forward building the wall and continue the travel ban targeting Muslim-majority nations. Before the march to Old Queens, University President Robert L. Barchi spoke out not as a leader of Rutgers, but as a faculty member in favor of protecting Muslim and immigrant students’ welfare at the #NoBanNoWall rally. As students who are historically critical of the administrators’ apathy in making adjunct professors and staff workers’ contracts fair, making tuition affordable and creating an environment that has its first priority in learning rather than extracurricular sports, we must remain critical of our institutions even in the age of Trump.

Barchi’s speech itself was laced with amnesia. In order to truly stand against Islamophobic policies, he should condemn the University’s past Islamophobic blunders after remaining silent for years about the NYPD surveillance of Rutgers Muslim Student Association Students. Tuesday eve-

ning was the time to outline Rutgers’ values in the pursuit of knowledge rather than ignorance. The University must acknowledge that the current U.S. administration stands in direct opposition of the core values that Rutgers promotes. When an editor of Breitbart, a right-wing propaganda site, came to campus last spring, Barchi had an opportunity to disempower bigotry on campus. Many students were targeted for their race, gender and sexual orientation during Milo Yiannopoulos’s bigoted tirade. Yet

environment. After all, it is clear that claiming a space “safe” — be it a mosque, church or park — members of black, brown and Muslim communities never seem to be able to claim a guaranteed refuge from bigoted violence. Instead, outlining hate speech as a clear opposing principle of the University is an existential necessity for the institution’s own survival. Rutgers is a space that depends on the will of knowledge, meanwhile, bigotry survives on the will of ignorance. Barchi cannot promote both

“Instead, he cowardly retreated to a position of neutrality, tarnishing Rutgers’ own commitment to tolerance.”

when students protested the speaker’s racist remarks, Barchi did not stand in solidarity with students at that time. Instead, he cowardly retreated to a position of neutrality, tarnishing Rutgers’ own commitment to tolerance. In the following months, incidents of hate speech graffiti escalated the hostility on campus, which students reacted to through greater solidarity among undocumented and Muslim student groups.

Too little too late did Barchi make a clear statement against bigotry on campus.

The argument to condemn hate speech is not actually that it creates a more safe

without compromising its values and thus apathetically allow the erosion of the institution. For if ignorance is a virtue, public education no longer becomes a necessity.

As a leader, Barchi needs to stand against the past errors of Rutgers, from its colonial history to its apathetic blind eyes turned to issues vulnerable student populations have felt over the decades.

It is necessary for the students to continue to pressure the administration, even if they willfully come to us, now as “faculty.”

The administration has to take particular positions in order to protect its values and

its members. As students, we must remind Rutgers that the issues we have already raised are far from forgotten. Our position is not one solely against Trump, but one that outlines a unified front of students against bigotry.

The student position is one that also needs greater clarity and organization.

Rather than making the underlying unifier a negative anti-Trump message, greater common ground around specific demands need to be established. For if the only political message is taking a position against Trump, rather than a particular set of values, Trump dominates the social discourse. To his supporters, Trump can easily twist and tear down an anti-Trump message through conspiratorial arguments.

As those in opposition, we also cannot simply dismiss Trump as incompetent. Rather than allowing him to take a position as the interlocutor of the opposition’s message, a clear process of disempowering him and right-wing media sources must play out.

This will always require greater solidarity among groups that have never organized with each other before this moment, as well as a broader unifier than simply an anti-Trump position.

Meryem Uzumcu is a School of Arts and Sciences senior majoring in planning and public policy, Middle Eastern studies and women’s and gender studies. Her column, “Fahrenheit 250,” runs on alternate Tuesdays.

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DIVERSIONS

February 2, 2017

Mark Tatulli Horoscopes

Lio

Page 9 Eugenia Last

Happy Birthday: Strategize and plan your future. If you wait for things to come to you, you’ll never reach your goals. It’s time to be the aggressor and turn your dreams into reality. Changes will be required, so don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and plans with the people you believe can help you make progress. Align yourself with the right people.

Your numbers are 3, 10, 19, 21, 33, 36, 49.

Over The Hedge

T. Lewis and M. Fry

Non Sequitur

Wiley

Pearls Before Swine

Stephan Pastis

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’ll find it difficult to settle down, jumping from one thing to another with little thought. Concentrate on what you want to accomplish and you will avoid chaos and emotional mishaps.

Discipline and patience will be required. 3 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you plan carefully, you will be able to come up with a way to please everyone, including yourself. Altering your routine will prove beneficial in more ways than one. If you are accommodating, you will get your way in the end. 3 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Choose to use your charm to get what you want. Don’t hesitate to demonstrate what you have to offer.

Keep close tabs on your health. Too much food and too little exercise will leave you in a vulnerable position during flu season. 3 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Embrace the unusual and search for unique ways to move forward personally. Check out different cultures and places that offer a routine that fits your mentality. Stretch your imagination and associate with people who share your creative preferences. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be torn between what you should do and what you want to do. Take care of your own business first and you’ll avoid complaints and being criticized. A change in the way you do things will spark controversy as well as change. 4 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Clear a space at home that will help you develop an idea, or find ways to bring in extra cash or improve your standard of living. Express the way you feel and make your intentions clear. Positive changes are heading your way. 5 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Step aside if someone wants to argue with you. You don’t have to reciprocate. Instead, look for new ways to be more efficient. Don’t let your emotions sweep you into someone else’s affairs. Meddling will turn out poorly. 2 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid travel and dealing with institutions or government agencies. You have to be fully prepared if you are going to go up against something bigger than you. Be smart, organized and secretive about your plans. 2 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You’ll experience an emotional revelation. Listen to what your heart tells you and make personal changes that will encourage you to develop a talent or idea you have. Hard work and strong beliefs will lead to new beginnings. 5 stars VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You can be charming if you want something, but you can also expect someone to use emotional pleas to even up the score.

Brush up on your chess game before you enter into a battle of the wits with someone just as clever as you. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sometimes it’s best to look back before moving forward. Consider the mistakes you’ve made and revise the way you approach something you want to pursue. Set your goal, make your move and celebrate your victory. 4 stars PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Show a little compassion and put some muscle behind helping others. Your kind gestures will put you in a good position when you need a favor later in the day. A generous attitude will improve your relationship with others. 3 stars

©2016 By Eugenia Last distributed by Universal Uclick

Universal Crossword ACROSS

64 Vicinities

1 Build up, as a fortune

65 Belted out a song

6 Palindromic band of Swedes

66 What batting avgs. are, essentially

10 Arranged fight

67 Wren’s “Beau ___” of literature

14 Anti-flooding embankment

68 London park

15 Messy one

69 You can find one in the bleachers

16 Bonheur or Parks

70 Walk in

17 Disdainful look

DOWN

18 Game in which you rack ‘em up

1 “Wait, there’s more!”

19 Sound made with fist-to-mouth 2 It comes down on a computer 20 Old sitcom for “us”

3 Declare firmly

23 Common city-name starter in

4 “What ___ to be the problem?”

California

5 “Tune in for the conclusion” story

24 Paying for a hard workout?

6 Egyptian cobras

25 Girl in a barn?

7 Amorphous shape

28 “... best-___ plans ...”

8 Unmannerly ones

31 They stand tall in the salty air

9 Bursting magnificently into flower

34 Algeria native

10 Friction-creating car part

36 False or graven object

11 Aahs’ partners

38 They go with thees

12 “___ as directed”

41 Boy band of the ‘90s

40 Old Henry Fonda film with

13 Flat Scottish hat

42 Hippie’s “peace”-ful display

advice for a “friend”

21 Slowpoke that just creeps along 47 Exhibits improper posture,

43 Merits, as compensation

22 Speak to a crowd

44 Far from more

25 Legendary soul singer Marvin

49 Lay waste to

45 Land of Dublin

26 On ___ to nowhere

52 1/16 pound

46 Crockett and Jones

27 George W.’s first lady

54 Police car’s noisemaker

48 Work a spoon

29 Musical composition evoking

55 It’s “a terrible thing to waste”

50 “America the Beautiful” waterway

rural life (var.)

56 ___ spell (rested)

51 Aware of the real nature of

30 Political Robert and Elizabeth

57 “Meet Me ___ Louis”

53 Get it to go

32 Tennille and Braxton

58 Bird’s home

55 Tomei film that’s a favorite

33 One Bolivian capital

59 Thurmond of the NBA

35 “Have a pleasant cruise!”

60 River that rises in French

of “mine” 61 Solo in “Tosca,” e.g.

37 Tip to one side, at sea

63 “Chestnuts roasting ___ open

39 Words before “doctor”

fire”

or “ghost”

Yesterday’s Solution

in a way

Flanders 61 “Evil Dead” hero 62 Bit of sun

Yesterday’s Solution

February 2, 2017

Page 10

CLASS Ash’s first full recruiting class consists of 3 4-star recruits in best class since 2012 continued from back respectively didn’t appear to hurt much on the recruiting trail, the loss of assistant defensive backs coach Aaron Henry two weeks before signing day saw the decommitment of two key prospects come shortly after.

Though it may not have been the whole reason, it certainly played a role in defensive backs Bryce Watts (Toms River, N.J.) and Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Newark, N.J.) signing letters of intent to Virginia Tech and Iowa respectively.

“Transition is never easy and especially when it’s middle of recruiting,” Ash said. “The later you get into recruiting, closer you get to signing day, the tougher that is ...

Obviously we lost Coach Henry, our corners coach and he was deep in the middle of recruiting some prospects that unfortunately we didn’t get but that’s part of college football. It happens everywhere and we’re not the only team that went through it.

As for the NCAA allegations and the lackluster regular season, Ash was open and honest with the prospects from the jump, getting out in front of the news to both the

players and their families so they wouldn’t be surprised.

He was rewarded by the nucleus of his first full class — four-star recruits Micah Clark (Holmdel, N.J.), Bo Melton (Egg Harbor City, N.J.), linebacker Tyshon Fogg (Baltimore, Md.) and three-star quarterback Johnathan Lewis (Jersey City, N.J.) — staying intact throughout the year despite all verbally committing months before the season began.

They never wavered, never decommitted and many didn’t even take visits to other schools — not after the season-opening shellacking to Washington in Seattle, not after the embarrassing 78-0 shutout loss to Michigan at home in primetime and not after the 39-19 loss to Maryland in College Park that marked the end of a winless Big Ten season.

The group was not worried about where the program was then but rather where they could take it in the future when they were the ones donning the block R, whether it be in their freshman year in 2017 or long after they’ve left Piscataway.

“We actually have a group chat. It’s all the commits,” said

YEARS Rutgers heads back to Staten Island with hopes of competing better than last week continued from back dash and contributing to Rutgers’ 4x400 relay win.

Sophomore Izaiah Brown will also look to stand out in Staten Island.

He won the 400-meter dash in the Championships last year, and is ready to take a step

for ward his second time around.

He is a regular on the 4x400 team unlike last year, so he has more opportunities to get points for the Knights.

And while both Brown and Griffith will shine in the spotlight, Tobi Tella is the athlete that fans should be keeping their eyes on. The freshman is enjoying

Clark, the top-rated prospect in New Jersey according to Scout and one of the de-facto leaders of the class. “We just kept telling each other, like, stay focused on the main goal and that’s building a program here and really striving for that goal for Rutgers ... It might not take a year, it might not take a month. It’s gonna take time and we’re willing to risk that time ... We’re here to start that foundation right now.”

Whether they are able to do what so many previous classes aspired to do and put Rutgers

back on the map after its fleeting passage in the national spotlight in the mid-2000’s under Greg Schiano remains to be seen.

For right now, that’s not what Ash is asking of them either.

“To, again, sit here and say that this class is going to make the difference in one year, that’s hard to say and it’s not fair to put that pressure on them,” Ash said. “Will this be the class that in time will be able to hopefully change the narrative of Rutgers football? Absolutely. How fast that happens, it remains to be

seen ... The existing players on our team, they want to play and they don’t want to lose playing time or spots to new freshmen coming in. The freshmen coming in want ... an opportunity to start and that creates competition. If we can create competition like that and everybody embrace it is, hopefully the football team is better and the results change, sooner than later.”

For updates on the Rutgers football team, follow @briannnnf and @TargumSports on Twitter.

Head football coach Chris Ash addresses the media for his first full recruiting class as part of the Rutgers National Signing Day event held at the Hale Center. BRIAN FONSECA / SPORTS EDITOR

“I always hope for a good have to make sure I don’t forget a breakout season, winning an event in all meets so far. He will placement, but that’s not usually everything I did right in the long be competing in both the long and what I focus on when I’m jump and everything I’ve been practicing in triple jumps the triple jump. this weekend, I haven’t been hoping to earn as “Our team’s in a good place right now ... All of us are able to work out all of the kinks many points capable of standing out among this group ...” in my triple as he can jump technique, for Rutgers.

Tobi Tella but that’s what H e Freshman Jumper this week of described practice has what has been dedicated been going to. If that goes through his mind leading up to his first big jumping,” Tella said. “I just go well, then I’ll be able to improve for a distance I know I can hit. I by a lot. I don’t see how I can’t meet at the collegiate level. place well.”

Tella also outlined his personal goals for the meet, stressing that he was more focused on himself rather than out-jumping the competition.

“My goals are more numbers to hit than a place on the podium,” Tella said. “If I can get those then I most likely will place, but I would like to get back over 50 feet in the triple jump and do ever ything I can to get over 24 feet in the long jump.

Those are the positions that I want to be in before the Big Ten Championship.”

The Knights have an opportunity to show that they are one of the best teams in the region, not just to its Metropolitan competitors, but to teams in the Big Ten as well. If Rutgers performs well like it did the last two years, then the team will be ready to take on the best in its conference.

“Our team’s in a good place right now,” Tella said. “We have a lot of the numbers to put in a position to win it if ever yone shows up and does what they can. All of us are capable of standing out among this group of competition.”

Senior sprinter Jermaine Griffith has his sights set on winning the 500-meter dash at this year’s Metropolitan Indoor Championships after winning the same event in his first year competing at the meet in 2016. DIMITRI RODRIGUEZ / PHOTO EDITOR / JANUARY 2017

For updates on the Rutgers men’s track and field team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

February 2, 2017

Page 11 WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD RUTGERS RETURNS TO STATEN ISLAND FOR 3RD STRAIGHT WEEK

Knights look to defend Metropolitan Indoor title Kevin Stapleton Contributing Writer

The Rutgers women’s track and field team heads to its first meet of February on Friday to defend its 2016 title at the Metropolitan Indoor Championships at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Athletic Complex in Staten Island, New York.

The Scarlet Knights will defend their championship against their non-conference opponents.

Last season, Rutgers won first overall at the Metropolitan Indoor Championships with a team score of 217 points — eight titles, eight runners-up and 13 Eastern Athletic College Conference (ECAC) qualifying scores earned the 2016 title. The Knights will look to mirror that success on Friday, as many of their top performers from a year ago still remain with the team this season.

During the month of Januar y, Rutgers earned a total of 15 track and field titles. Despite the time, the team has made steady strides as it continues to prepare for the Big Ten Championships in late Februar y.

Last week, the Knights earned only one title, the triple crown won by senior Bryanna Grant, and are looking to start February off on a high note by continuing its progression.

Despite the team’s slight hitch last week, the senior felt assured about the young team’s progress.

“I think we’re right where we need to be. We’ll be ready for next weekend and hopefully capture the

Senior middle distance runner Sarah Robbie strolls into the Metropolitan Indoor Championships after setting a personal best of 2:12.21 in the 800-meter dash. THE DAILY TARGUM / JANUARY 2016 title again at the Metropolitan Indoor Championships,” Grant said.

“We’ll focus on (our) technique (this week) and anything else we need to polish, but we’ll still do what we need to do to get ready just like any other meet.”

Graduate distance runner Paige Senatore, who last week earned runner-up in the 5000-meter event

IOWA Knights look for revenge against Iowa after falling by double-digits at home continued from back shortcomings in other areas of the game come back to haunt it and cost it games.

Despite the poor results of the past few games, junior guard Jazlynd Rollins has stepped up and earned consecutive starts against No. 3 Maryland and Northwestern.

Against the Terrapins, she scored a careerhigh 15 points in the first half alone. And despite the strong play of guards Shrita Parker and KK Sanders, Rollins has found a way to crack the starting lineup.

“What’s been different for me is I’ve been more focused in trying to keep my energy up for the team,” she said. “(I’m) just trying to step up and help out.”

The Hawkeyes on the other hand will be led by center Megan Gustafson, who had 19 points her last time out against the Knights.

Ally Disterhoft has been a prolific scorer for the Hawkeyes this year but was limited to just 6 points in their victory over Rutgers.

Part of her lack of scoring success against the Knights is due to the consistent high-level defense that point guard KK Sanders plays. She is averaging 3.2 steals per game in conference play, most of any Big Ten player in conference games this year.

Rutgers will also look for a strong game from sophomore spot-up shooter Aliyah Jeune.

She was the only player in double figures against Northwestern and has been one of the team’s best three-point shooters this season.

“We just had a good game against Maryland so I think we still have to have that fight no matter how many points we’re down,” Jeune said. “Don’t ever stop playing till the clock goes out. Just go into the next game with that fire.”

Stringer holds her team to high standards and as any coach does, expects maximum effort from her team for the entirety of any given game.

It did not appear that she was satisfied with the Knights’ effort against the Wildcats but is aware of what needs to be changed in order for them to leave Iowa City with a victory.

“Unless we are much more aggressive and play with a much higher level of intensity and fight, we’re gonna have problems.

Intensity, fight, focus. At the end of the day, that is what we have to do,” Stringer said.

For updates on the Rutgers women’s basketball team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

with an ECAC qualifying time of 17:22.47, reflected on her performance and how she feels the team’s age has impacted the season.

“We really did well at the (Villanova Open). I was going in with an open mind since it was my first time doing the 5000-meter. My coach just really wanted me to get the mental aspect of the race

down. I was happy to get my feet wet and get back running again,” Senatore said.

Senatore also made it clear that the team is keeping a dynamic mindset and not remaining comfortable as the defending champions head into the weekend.

“Practice this week will be more business as usual. We don’t

have the mindset of ‘oh, we’re defending champions so let’s practice differently.’ We’re still going to put in the work,” Senatore said. “This weekend’s meet is going to also help us get ready for the Big Ten Conference Championships — just to be able to put forth our best effort and defend the title is what we’re all looking forward to do.”

Senior Sarah Robbie set her best time of the season last week in the 800-meter event with a time of 2:12.21. She took the time to credit the team’s evolution and how the Knights have seized the season early on.

“I think the race went well. Finishing with 2:12 was a goal for me, and that’s what I achieved,” Robbie said. “The team (in January) has been progressive. Bryanna Grant just captured her title and set a personal best as well. This year, everyone’s been given a really good opportunity, and they’ve acted on it well.”

Robbie also made it clear that this week will be all about preparing for the championship meet in Staten Island, and avoiding injury wherever possible.

“We’re going to take practice this week a little easier, just because our coach wants us to be as fresh as possible. It will be a really good training week. Come this weekend, we’ll be ready to go and feel really strong,” Robbie said.

For updates on the Rutgers women’s track and field team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.

TWITTER: @TargumSports website: DailyTargum.com/section/sports

rutgers university—new brunswick

SPORTS

Quote of the Day

“It’s gonna take time and we’re willing to risk that time. ... We’re here to start that foundation right now.”

— Football head coach Chris Ash on the new recruiting class

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

ONLINE AT DAILYTARGUM.COM

FOOTBALL CHRIS ASH SIGNS 2017 RECRUITING CLASS

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Rutgers out to avenge previous loss against Iowa

RU seeks 3rd Metropolitan win in 3 years

Griffin Whitmer

Jordan Farbowitz

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

The Big Ten schedule has proven to be a roller coaster ride for the Rutgers women’s basketball team and it will look to right the ship as it travels to Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes Thursday night at 8 p.m. The Scarlet Knights (6-16, 3-6) are coming off of a disappointing home loss to Northwestern in which they only put up 37 points.

The Hawkeyes (13-8, 4-4) are coming off of a 19-point loss to No. 3 Maryland and just three games ago defeated Rutgers, 71-59, at the Rutgers Athletic Center.

“If we play the way that we just got finished playing Northwestern and we play Iowa the way we played (them) before, we will get blown out,” said head coach C. Vivian Stringer. “That’s a fact.”

Against the Wildcats, the Knights shot 25 percent from the field and put forth arguably its worst offensive output of the season.

The game against Iowa that Stringer mentioned was just three games ago and featured an epic collapse in the third quarter by the Rutgers. The Hawkeyes made all seven of their shot attempts as well as 9-of-11 free throws. It turned a 2-point halftime deficit into a seemingly insurmountable 13-point deficit going into the fourth quarter.

The Knights dominated the Hawkeyes on the glass, specifically in offensive rebounds, where Rutgers held a 23-4 advantage. But sloppy play doomed the Knights and they could not capitalize on those opportunities.

Rutgers has struggled with consistency all season long, as there are certain facets of the game in which it excels but

The Rutgers men’s track and field team has spent the last month racking up wins against the competition and demonstrating that it is one of the top-tier teams in the Northeast.

But this weekend, it will have to prove that it deserves that moniker once again.

The Scarlet Knights return to the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Athletic Complex for the third straight week to compete at the Metropolitan Indoor Championships this Friday and Saturday.

Rutgers heads to the meet as two-time defending champions, having won in both 2015 and 2016. And while the Knights hope to make it a “three-peat,” they know that they will have to give it their all in order to accomplish that task.

“It is a good conference with good teams, so we just want to compete well to give ourselves a chance to win,” said head coach Mike Mulqueen.

Rutgers has shown it is capable of winning many events, and the team has many athletes who are ready to show their skills on the biggest stage of the season so far. Some, like senior sprinter Jermaine Griffith, have concrete goals for themselves and their teammates.

“I definitely want to win the 500 (meter), and hopefully the guys on our 4x400 that are banged up can do a lot of rehab and be good to go by this weekend,” Griffith said. “We should be able to come out with the win.”

Despite being a senior, Griffith only got his first taste of the Metropolitan Championships last year. And he made quite a first impression, winning the 500-meter

See IOWA on Page 11

Recruit offensive lineman Micah Clark talks to reporters on National Signing Day. Clark is the highest rated Rutgers signee in the class. BRIAN FONSECA / SPORTS EDITOR

Ash signs highest ranked recruiting class in 5 years Brian Fonseca Sports Editor

After months of constant travel, communication and worries of late decommitments, the first full recruiting cycle of Chris Ash’s tenure as the Rutgers head football coach came to a conclusion on National Signing Day last Wednesday.

The result came in the form of a class of 29 athletes, the final of which signing 15 minutes before Ash addressed the media. Of the 29, 16 arrive on the offensive side of the ball, 11 on defense and two on special teams. There are three consensus four-star players, 21 three-stars, two preferred walk-ons and two graduate transfers — one an athlete from a Southeastern Conference program, the other a two-time Division III All-American punter.

Eighteen come from the Garden State and 23 are from the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Among them all is a common thread, the characteristics Ash and his staff looked for in

Head coach C. Vivian Stringer returns to her previous head coaching stop in Iowa.

DIMITRI RODRIGUEZ / PHOTO EDITOR

prospective recruits — a passion for football and willingness to work combined with high levels of toughness and character.

“We can go all around the country and you can find talented players but when you can find high-character players that love the game of football, they are tough and they have got great character and you can trust them in all areas of your life, I think that’s a special group of individuals that you bring into your program,” Ash said.

There were a number of bumps on the road to signing day, from a 2-10 regular season record in Ash’s first year, to a notice of allegations from the NCAA received a month after the season finale to the loss of three members of the coaching staff.

Each was addressed to the recruits by Ash, but some proved more costly than others.

While offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer and running backs coach Zak Kuhr moving onto Texas and Texas State See CLASS on Page 10

New York Brooklyn

95 90

Philadelphia Dallas

95 113

Indiana Orlando

98 88

Cleveland Minnesota

97 125

Toronto Boston

104 109

Atlanta Miami

93 116

ADDISON WALKOWIAK,

junior diver, was named Big Ten Diver of the Week for the second tme this season. Walkowiak is coming off a very strong dual meet against Richmond last weekend in which she broke the Rutgers school records in both the 1-meter and 3-meter events.

Sophomore Izaiah Brown heads into the meet as a winner of last year’s 400-meter.

THE DAILY TARGUM / JANUARY 2016

knights schedule

EXTRA POINT

NBA SCORES

See YEARS on Page 10

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

MEN’S BASKETBALL

at Iowa

Metropolitan Indoor Championships

Metropolitan Indoor Championships

at Penn State

Tonight, 8 p.m.

Iowa City, IA

Tomorrow, All Day, Staten Island, N.Y.

Tomorrow, TBA, Staten Island, N.Y.

Saturday, 1 p.m.

University Park, Pa.