Admissions and race: The debate continues
pregame:
Looking ahead to the Badgers’ game Saturday in Chicago. +SPORTS, page 8
The chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity explains her view of the issue. +OPINION, page 7 University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Weekend, September 16-18, 2011
Stem-cell development pleases prolife supporters By Alex DiTullio The Daily Cardinal
Two opponents of embryonic stem cell research expressed enthusiasm for a recent UW discovery of highly functional stem cells that do not require embryonic cells to function. Justin Brumbaugh, a UW-Madison graduate student who helped lead the study, said the stem cells, called induced pluripotent cells, do not require embryos or fetal cells but have the same capabilities as embryonic stem cells. Nico Fassino, chair of Badger Catholic, said he strongly opposes embryonic stem-cell research, but applauds scientists’ efforts to create an alternative that does not “take advantage of defenseless persons.” “I think that’s a really beautiful scientific breakthrough,” Fassino said. “I really hope they’re able to apply this to … the medical field, so this has
a wide and positive impact on curing a lot of the ailments that embryonic stem-cell research is currently aimed at.” According to Fassino, the Catholic reservation toward embryonic stem-cell research does not come from an inherent dislike for scientific progress but from the belief that every human life begins at conception, making the destruction of embryos for science murder in their eyes. “[The study] demonstrates that nature will find a way,” said Matt Sande, Director of Legislation at Pro-Life Wisconsin. “There’s always an ethical way to achieve a medical and scientific way if we are diligent and patient.” During his campaign, Gov. Scott Walker did not take a decisive stance for or against stem cell-research as a whole, but did firmly oppose research involving embryonic stem cells.
pipa up!
grace liu/the daily cardinal
Eric Williams said he plans to work with programs at UW-Madison to help students from diverse backgrounds feel at home on campus.
New staff member plans to help diversity efforts at UW-Madison By Anna Duffin The Daily Cardinal
On the heels of controversy surrounding affirmative action at UW-Madison, the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and Climate welcomed Eric G. Williams to its team this week. Williams, who will work to implement diversity strategies on campus, said although it has been a chaotic week, it has given him insight into how much students from diverse backgrounds at UW-Madison value their time at the university. “It’s great that students are getting involved and taking ownership of their education,” Williams said. “I feel this is an exciting time to be here.” Under the title of Assistant Vice Provost for Student Diversity and Academic Excellence, Williams said one of his primary goals is to make
minority students feel welcome at UW-Madison. “We feel that if students are connected to the university, their success is greatly enhanced,” Williams said. He said he plans to form these connections through programs such as the Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) and Posse, which are university organizations dedicated to helping students from diverse backgrounds transition to college. If students feel a connection to the university, Williams said, they will be more likely to come back as alumni to share opportunities and finances for future student. Before coming to UW-Madison, Williams was the director of the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program at Virginia Tech
University, where he administered a program to help support diverse students academically, socially and financially. Vice Provost for Diversity and Climate Damon Williams said Eric Williams brings experience UW-Madison will benefit from. “Having someone of his experience and caliber will add immeasurably to our collective ability to enhance graduation rates, improve campus climate, and provide a supportive voice in our efforts to engage issues of diversity and educate iconic Badgers,” Damon Williams said in a statement to the university. Eric Williams received his master’s degree in higher education and college student personnel from Kent State University and his doctoral degree from Virginia Tech University in educational leadership and policy studies.
Freakfest ticket hike may be on the table By Ben Siegel The Daily Cardinal
wan mei leong/the daily cardinal
A member of Chai Found Music Workshop plays the pipa, a Chinese lute, at the Madison World Music Festival.
The price of admission to Freakfest may rise, according to city officials. Discussions between the mayor’s office and events organizers on the price of Freakfest tickets are ongoing, Kelli Lamberty, Madison Parks Community Events Coordinator, said in a meeting of the Downtown Coordinating Committee Thursday.
Frank Productions, the Madison-based concert promotions firm contracted by the city to plan and run the event, may raise admission prices to the annual Halloween celebration to attract musical acts that charge higher fees, Lamberty said. It was the first that Alds. Mike Verveer, District 4, and Scott Resnick, District 8, who both sit on the DCC, said they had heard of the potential price raise. Verveer, whose district encom-
passes a large part of downtown Madison, hopes whatever is decided benefits both the event and event goers. “One of the criticisms that we’ve had in the past, unfortunately, is that a lot of students have said they thought that the caliber of entertainment wasn’t really worthwhile,” Verveer said. “A lot of students say to me every year that they don’t want to bother.”
freakfest page 3
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”