University of Wisconsin-Madison
Since 1892 dailycardinal.com
SOAR Issue 2019
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The airport pickup program, which is a key component of the partnership of CSSA and MIP, helps incoming international freshmen arrange better transportation from the airport to the dorms.
Airport pickup program helps new international students on campus By Defang Zhang CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR
American universities, which for half a century have attracted the world’s best and brightest students, are flushed with international students who made their journeys from all over the globe. According to the 2017 Graduate Enrollment and Degrees report from the Council of Graduate Schools, in Fall 2017, international graduate students constituted approximately 20 percent of total enrollment. The number of international graduate students enrolled at UW-Madison is significantly higher. The number of international graduate students was
close to 2,652 in Fall 2017, close to half the number of American graduate students at 4,780, according to the office of the registrar at UW-Madison. For incoming international students, many of whom have never been to the US, finding transportation from airports to campus dorms is challenging due to lack of familiarity of transportation options. “It’s hard for us to get around because it’s such a large country,” said Yanling Wang, a UW-Madison freshman majoring in computer science. “It would be difficult if nobody picks me up when I first arrived at the airport. Honestly, I don’t even know which bus to take
to go to my place.” Driven by the increasing demand for transportation assistance, the Chinese Student Scholars Association (CSSA) at UW-Madison initiated a partnership with Madison International Partners (MIP) in 2013 to help incoming international students with transportation. According to Jean Rene, the Executive Director of MIP, he and his staff try their best to help the international community because of the difficulties that international freshmen might face when they first arrive in town. “Their parents are usually very anxious about what’s going to happen once the child arrived here,”
Rene said. “To relieve the fear that they have, we have a number of programs and activities that help those international [students] to feel like home in Madison, even though they are living away from home.” The airport pickup program is where American volunteers, who live in town, volunteer to drive first-year international students from the Dane County Airport to their dorms. The sign-up form can be found on both CSSA’s WeChat account and MIP’s website. MIP was created initially as the international outreach ministry of Christ Presbyterian Church but became an independent organization after becoming a more widely-known group by
those who need it most within the international community. Kao Yong Thao, the international student advisor who oversees International Student Orientation at UW-Madison, views the airport pickup program between CSSA and MIP as a good opportunity for international students, though said she has not heard about this program since she is new to her position. “I think it is a cool opportunity,” Thao said. “I am always really amazed by the effort that our students currently devote towards supporting their peers and making sure they are getting the resources they need as they are transitioning to campus.”
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
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Football An independent student newspaper, serving the University of Wisconsin-Madison community since 1892 Volume 129, Issue1
2142 Vilas Communication Hall 821 University Avenue Madison, Wis., 53706-1497 (608) 262-8000 • fax (608) 262-8100
News and Editorial edit@dailycardinal.com Editor-in-Chief Robyn Cawley
Managing Editor Erin Jordan
Chris Orr’s leadership key for young Badger defense With a new front seven, Orr is ready to become the next defensive leader
News Team News Manager Sydney Widell Campus Editor Defang Zhang College Editor Dana Brandt City Editor Allison Garfield State Editor Jessica Lipaz Associate News Editor Will Husted Features Editor Sonya Chechik Opinion Editors Kavitha Babu • Sam Jones Arts Editors John Everman • Lauren Souza Sports Editors Nathan Denzin • Jared Schwartz Almanac Editors Haley Bills • Kellen Sharp Photo Editors Kalli Anderson • Will Cioci Graphics Editors Max Homstad • Channing Smith Multimedia Editor Ethan Huskey Science Editor Tyler Fox Life & Style Editor Colleen Muraca Copy Chiefs Emily Johnson • Haley Mades • Olivia Poches Social Media Managers Miriam Jaber • Zoe Klein Special Pages Kayla Huynh • Justine Spore
Business and Advertising business@dailycardinal.com Business Managers Ignatius D. Devkalis • Kyven Lee Advertising Managers Nick Dotson • Ally Moore • Daniel Tryba Marketing Director Elizabeth Jortberg The Daily Cardinal is a nonprofit organization run by its staff members and elected editors. It receives no funds from the university. Operating revenue is generated from advertising and subscription sales. The Daily Cardinal is published weekdays and distributed at the University of WisconsinMadison and its surrounding community with a circulation of 10,000. Capital Newspapers, Inc. is the Cardinal’s printer. The Daily Cardinal is printed on recycled paper. The Cardinal is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The Daily Cardinal are the sole property of the Cardinal and may not be reproduced without written permission of the editor in chief. The Daily Cardinal accepts advertising representing a wide range of views. This acceptance does not imply agreement with the views expressed. The Cardinal reserves the right to reject advertisements judged offensive based on imagery, wording or both. Complaints: News and editorial complaints should be presented to the editor in chief. Business and advertising complaints should be presented to the business manager. Letters Policy: Letters must be word processed and must include contact information. No anonymous letters will be printed. All letters to the editor will be printed at the discretion of The Daily Cardinal. Letters may be sent to opinion@ dailycardinal.com.
Editorial Board Robyn Cawley • Erin Jordan • Kavitha Babu • Sam Jones
Board of Directors Herman Baumann, President Phil Brinkman • Robyn Cawley • Erin Jordan • Mike Barth Phil Hands • Don Miner Nancy Sandy • Jennifer Sereno Elizabeth Jortberg Scott Girard • Alex Kusters © 2015, The Daily Cardinal Media Corporation ISSN 0011-5398
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Chris Orr had a monster spring both on and off the field, and a young defensive group will look to him for senior leadership throughout the year. By Raul Vazquez STAFF WRITER
It was hard not to notice senior linebacker Chris Orr on the practice field this spring. The fourth-year starter dominated the practice field, beating offensive players in practices and scrimages alike. While he was on the sidelines, he would gather the defense together after each series and discuss what went well, what didn’t and how the group could improve. The effort Orr put in day in and day out set him apart from his teammates, and he left spring practices as the clear leader in the middle of the defense. With last year’s commanding trio of Ryan Connelly, T.J. Edwards and Andrew Van Ginkel all headed to the NFL, teammates and coaches looked to Orr to pick up the slack they left. He’s done just that, and is trying to help lead the Badger defense back to greatness. Orr comes into summer workouts having slimmed down 18 pounds since the start of last season. Orr said it’s an effort to become “more explosive and faster,” and it’s clearly working out. He locked up a starting linebacker spot early on and never looked back. However, Orr isn’t a traditionally loud and fiery leader, and prefers instead to let his work ethic speak for him on the field. But, Orr feels he is more than ready to become the defense’s next leader. “I feel like I’m pretty much a natural leader. I’m eager to
have guys look to me when ing him a “natural leader” things may not be going well, and emphasizing his imporwhen they need some energy tance to the defense’s success. when they’re feeling down,” Orr, one of the most experiOrr said. enced Badgers on the team, is That leadership was on full regarded highly throughout display in the last practice the entire locker room, not before the summer break. just on the defensive side of The first-team offense and the ball, but offensively too. defense were scrimiging, and He’s now entering his fifth the Badgers offense had the year in Madison and is bringclear advantage for much of ing with him all the experithe practice. Head coach Paul ence he gained playing with Chryst laid into his defense some of the best Badger foothalfway through, urging ball teams in recent memory. them to put in more effort That experience is proving and stop the offense from itself to be invaluable for an inexrunning all over them. perienced linebacking core. The On the second drive fol- rest of the inside linebackers have lowing that, the a total of 22 comdefense finally bined career tackgot a turnover, Career Tackles les, and only two which was forced of the three have by Orr. logged minutes for The linebacker Chris Orr - 107 the Badgers. put heavy presThe learning sure on true Mike Maskalunas - 15 curve for those freshman quarplayers is going terback Graham Jack Sanborn - 7 to be steep, so Orr Mertz, and a has taken those combination of Leo Chenal - 0 players under his that pressure wing and is helpand stout covering them develop age led to a Scott into the differNelson interception. ence makers the Badgers Though Orr wouldn’t have need on defense. been credited with the turn“Everything about Chris Orr over, his effort directly led to makes him well suited to be a the pick. That type of hard- leader this year,” Chryst said. nosed, gritty football is what “He’s been awesome throughhe hopes teammates can pick out his career. He cares a ton up and learn from him. about the guys. He cares a ton “I’m eager to have guys about the program.” look to me and get a spark, The Badgers need Orr to talk to me and look at [how I step up big on defense this play],” Orr said. year, and so far it looks like Chryst has spoken highly he is more than ready to be a of Orr’s ability to be a leader key member both on and off throughout the spring, call- the field.
Summer dates to know: June 11: Football season tickets go on sale for freshman and sophomores.
June 12: Hockey season tickets go on sale for all sudents.
July 25: Men’s and women’s track start competitions at the USA Senior Championships.
August 14: Women’s soccer season kicks off against DePaul.
August 24: Volleyball’s annual red vs. white game starts the season.
September 7: Football season starts with a game against Central Michigan.
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A center dedicated to black women’s and children’s health and wellness is set to open this summer. Straddling two of the highest-need zip codes, it is the first of its kind in Dane County.
Empowerment through health: First black women’s wellness center opens this summer in Dane County By Allison Garfield CITY NEWS EDITOR
Health disparities based on location and race is a challenge Dane County has struggled to tackle for years. Lisa Peyton-Caire, founder and president of the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, is hoping to change that with the first black women’s health and wellness center in Dane County. Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child in its first year of life. Wisconsin was ranked the worst in the nation for black infant mortality in 2018, according to the CDC. Between 2016 and 2018, the black infant mortality rate in the county was 12 deaths per 1,000 births, compared to 4.3 deaths per 1,000 for white babies, according to Madison and Dane County Public Health. Additionally, it has illustrated the complex intersection between social, environmental and economic factors that influence health outcomes in their 2011-’12 review.
“There is a great need for women of color to have a space where they can gather, and it’s an independent space that’s not government-run.”
Katarina Grande Public Health supervisor Maternal and Child Health
The black women’s health and wellness center in Dane County, straddling zip codes 53719 and 53711 — two of the city’s highestneed neighborhoods — aims to alleviate some of the disparity. The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness seeks to raise $100,000 to outfit the center and prepare it for a late-summer opening. The non-profit organization was established in 2012 for the explicit purpose of working to eliminate health disparities that impact black women in Dane County and throughout Wisconsin. A big part of that
work is helping women in the community develop their voices as advocates while improving their health, Peyton-Caire said. “We’ve been working on the ground in a very grassroots way, engaging black women here for the past seven years with health education, health promotion, prevention and really building a movement of elevating the
the problem has persisted. “The health systems decided last year for the first time to collectively look at this issue of black maternal and child health as a strategic priority, and to enlist an organization who is closely tied to the AfricanAmerican community to create a community-informed strategy, plan and set of solutions that
security and institutional racism as the largest factors for poor birth outcomes. Peyton-Caire said the black women’s health and wellness center would be a space not only to empower black women to improve their health, but where community partners could come together to drive policy changes across health systems.
women, run by black women — and I think it’s going to be a huge community asset.”
“We’ve been working on the ground in a very grassroots way ... and really building a movement of elevating the issue of black women’s health.” Lisa Peyton-Caire founder and president Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness
GRAPH BY ALLISON GARFIELD
The rate for black infant mortality increased in 2009 and has been at an alarmingly high rate ever since then. issue of black women’s health,” Peyton-Caire said. Some activities the center will offer are year-round health promotion and health literacy education, mother and infant wellness, weekly fitness and yoga classes and chronic disease prevention education. Additionally, the FBWW and the Dane County Health Council released a report in April on African-American infant health in the county. The report was an effort to specifically address and eliminate disparities in birth outcomes of black women and their babies, which the council has been working to do over the past 20 years. Peyton-Caire said this partnership is unprecedented, but
would really work to turn the tide,” Peyton-Caire said. Between 2002 and 2007, more African-American babies were surviving their first year of life, and Dane County saw a decrease in black infant mortality rates for the first time in years. It is the first known example of the black-white infant mortality gap closing in any one state or county, according to NewsWeek. And yet, there is still no consensus for the cause of the anomaly. The rate for black infant mortality reappeared in 2009, and no one is sure why. However, the report released by the FBWW and Dane County Health Council listed stressed black family systems, the generational struggle for economic
“We are working with partners within the [health] council and within local communities that are most impacted,” Peyton-Caire said. “We need space in order to host those very ongoing meetings and conversations that lead to a lot of on-the-ground work.” Public Health supervisor in Maternal and Child Health Katarina Grande emphasized the importance of the center today. “The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is such a connector organization; they’re well positioned to be the ones to open a center like this,” Grande said. “There is a great need for women of color to have a space where they can gather, and it’s an independent space that’s not government-run. It’s for black
As for the location of the center, it was crucial that it was situated in an accessible place — easy to get to on a bus line and where women from all over the city can convene, Peyton-Caire said. She looked at over 30 spaces across the city since last fall. “We let the data zero in and lead us to the best place and here, at this West Side location, we absolutely are right in the middle of some of our most high-need neighborhoods,” Peyton-Caire said. “It’s kind of evenly distributed beyond seven to 10 zip codes, so we really could’ve been located anywhere and sitting in need, but here, on the West Side … we are in a very transportation accessible place where women who are directly within these zip codes can get to us.” The FBWW and Dane County Health Council issued several recommendations to improve black maternal and child health including internal health system actions, like rooting out racial bias, community investments, along with system and policy actions. Though the issue remains to be a top priority of Dane County, Grande is looking forward to the future. “We are at a particularly exciting time in history where there is a lot of coordinated efforts to decrease infant mortality in the community and also at the state level,” Grande said. The black women’s health and wellness center is set to open later this summer.
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WSUM: Our beloved too-cool-for-you student radio station, WSUM 91.7FM Madison is anything but ordinary. With snazzy sound and broadcast equipment, talk and music programming and all the goods ran by our very own peers, this award-winning station has over 200 members. Don’t expect any Top 40 hits on these airwaves — you’ll just have to settle for alt-rock that you have definitely never heard of, funky electronica, news programs to keep you updated outside of Twitter, and so, so much more. Oh, AND they just started posting podcasts on their website. They sometimes give away concert tickets and host events and they have a really cool studio. ~ Sam Jones
Explore the art of madison NetherWorld Games & PowerNine Games: As an incoming UW-Madison student, or as a senior, chances are you’re going to be spending a lot of time on State Street. Our capital street has two major board game stores of note, both of which have a great selection of popular big box and card game titles. They are different though in notable ways. PowerNine is essentially a showroom with a cashier. It has great presentation, but no gaming areas, no place for community. If you’re looking to just slip in and grab a new game at a reasonable price, PowerNine will always do you well. However, if you’re looking for something a little more substantial, I’d recommend you head down to NetherWorld Games. In terms of upkeep and presentation it might be a little shoddier, but in exchange you get regular open gaming events and tables for open play. You get community. You get service that goes beyond a cashier. That’s a hard thing to find and it’s nice to know that it’s available right off campus. ~ Marty Forbeck
Orpheum The Orpheum is among Madison’s most famous concert venues; until the Sylvee opened, it was Madison’s largest non-arena concert venue, with only the Alliant Energy Center and the Kohl Center being bigger. The concert lineup is great for indie fans and older acts, alongside some good comedy. Recent shows from the last academic year include Father John Misty and Three Dog Night, and upcoming shows include Nick Offerman and Toto. With a capacity of around 1,700, shows inside have a happy medium of intimacy and density, and there’s a balcony level for those that want to hang back away from the action. ~ CJ Zabat
Madison Circus Space: When I was 14, the circus came to town… in the form of the Madison Circus Space. In an old converted warehouse, aerial silks and trapezes swung from the ceiling, huge metal German wheels lined the walls, and there always seemed to be someone doing a handstand. MCS is always alive with creative action, whether it’s a long-awaited circus show, a weekly hula hoop or juggling club meeting, or a beginner’s trapeze class. Now, the space is in the midst of growing into a “circus training center, mixed-income housing and artist cooperative.” So take a trip off campus to support local artists and feed the side of you that always wanted to run off and join the circus... and maybe even find a weird and wild community in the process. ~ Gracie Wallner
New Vision/Marcus Theatres: The Marquee is a great campus resource that’s within walking distance, but for those that want to be on top of their movie-watching game and enjoy a consistent theater experience, New Vision Theatres in Fitchburg and Marcus Point Cinema are both bound to have most, if not all, of the current releases within two to three weeks, depending on their box office success. New Vision offers the only IMAX screen within the area, and while the seats in the IMAX theater aren’t the large loungers, the experience still holds, with great audio quality and a crystal-clear screen. Marcus offers solid seating and good seat pricing: Tuesdays are $5 and Thursdays are $6. If you sign up for rewards via a phone number at New Vision, there are cheap concessions, like a popcorn/drink combo for under $8. ~ CJ Zabat Geeks Mania Arcade: Surprisingly, the best gaming location in Madison is not a store. Located at 6502 Odana Rd., you’re going to need a bus to get there from campus. It’s worth it. I’d highly recommend planning a day around going there. The day pass is $15, and it gets you unlimited plays in an almost absurdly robust collection of arcade machines and pinball tables. Really flips the idea of the old-school arcade system on its head. Instead of paying as you play, quarter by quarter, every machine in the house is set on free-play. You just pay the one charge up front and then you’re let inside to enjoy the games to your heart’s content. Perhaps you lose some of the old-school thrill of watching a pre-prepped stack of quarters dwindle as your in-game lives slowly tick downward, but the value proposition over the course of even a few hours of a play more than makes up for it. When I say the arcade’s line-up is robust, I’m being modest. “Time Crisis,” “House of the Dead,” “Street Fighter,” “Mortal Kombat,” “Gauntlet,” “Killer Instinct,” “Neo Geo,” “DDR,” “Simpsons,” “Contra” - That’s the short list. Bring friends. ~ Marty Forbeck
Majestic Theatre: Not too far from campus lives Majestic Theatre, a cozy joint that hosts hip concerts, dance parties, movie viewings and events like Live on King Street alike. While its proximity to UW and State Street’s bars and restaurants allows your night out to be Uber-less (score!), its smaller size and hot lineups give concert-goers an intimate experience. The laid back and warm vibe of Majestic differs from a lot of other venues in Madison, while still pulling big names like Joywave, Sir Sly, Noname, Sylvan Esso and Cold War Kids. ~ Sam Jones
Half-Price Books: Hear me out. More often than not, the best way to find good, rare games at affordable prices, is by going thrifting. Madison has a couple of semi-dedicated retro gaming stores, but these places are often heavily overpriced. They’re traps for passing pedestrians with rose-tinted glasses who’ll pay a premium to have that one game from their childhood right now, rather than a reasonable price to get it off of eBay in a week. However, places like Half-Price Books and even occasionally Goodwill will often price these items at competitive rates. They’re just a small part of the store’s larger inventory. The Half-Price Books on Madison’s own E Towne Blvd. maintains a small but very affordable collection of pre-owned video and boardgames. They’ll often even have some video game hardware. Come on the right day and you can get an original Atari 2600 at a reasonable price at your local Half-Price Books. ~ Marty Forbeck
UW Cinematheque: If you’re looking for more against-the-grain films, be sure to check out the UW Cinematheque (http://cinema. wisc.edu). With an excellent newsletter, gorgeous calendars to collect and hang up, and a vast array of world cinema, including Andrei Tarkovsky, Martin Scorsese, Fritz Lang and more. Set in the velvety, wood-paneled core of Vilas Hall, the Cinematheque satisfies all enthusiast needs. Including 35mm! ~ Christian Memmo
Union South: While Madison can seem like a big and daunting place, certain places on campus stand out as a necessity for lovers of the arts. Most notably, Union South offers numerous different art-related events that make it stand out as a great spot for new students. The Marquee – a theater in the Union that offers free shows for students – features anything from major upcoming releases to lesserknown indie films to hit movies that recently went out of theaters. It was at the Marquee where I personally was able to see “A Star Is Born” a few days before it released. Beyond the Marquee, Union South also offers the Sett, a restaurant where shows and movies are occasionally played. For instance, the Sett featured a Star Wars marathon this past May 4th. The Sett also offers a basement area with gaming consoles, where fellow video game lovers can meet and play against one another. For all your arts needs, Union South has multiple options to choose from, and is a place you need to visit. ~ Joe Marz
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Cinesthesia: For a smaller, more barebones experience, Cinesthesia at the Madison Public Library places patrons in basic chairs to watch movies on the projector screen. It’s not gaudy or glamorized, but one thing this program has above the others is a consistently amazing lineup. In just the coming months, screenings including “Ace in the Hole,” “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” and “The Red Shoes” will be shown. Like WUD Film and Cinematheque, Cinesthesia screenings are free! ~ Christian Memmo
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Waukegan to dub new National Anthem By Kellan Sharp ALMANAC EDITOR
“With today’s technology, children are being exposed to copious amounts of music with vulgar and obscene lyrics,” said Karen Stevens, a soccer mom of five from Waukegan, Wisconsin. Karen was horrified by the music she heard from the radio in her Honda Odyssey one morning when dropping her son off at school. “It was so explicit, like something out of a slasher flick!” Karen was of course referring to the lyrics of the National Anthem. Karen is the head of Waukegan’s local branch of the “Good lyrics for the Holy Spirit” organization. During her lunch break she devotes time to listening to various radio stations, taking note of songs with
intense content. She then writes to the main branch of the organization and requests for a cleaner version of the song to be dubbed over and sent to the local stations. Karen has successfully quarantined songs such as Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” for depicting a caliber pistol being fired to pierce the heart of an ex-lover. The dubbed over version played on Waukegan radio stations describes more of a “jab to the heart” in the context of a friendly boxing match with a samesex friend. “The National Anthem was even more violent than that,” Karen was upset to announce. She points out specific lines in her case against this war themed song like “the rocket’s red
glare” and “our flag was still there.” Karen cites gang violence in Compton, LA in her condemning of the song. “Los Angeles has a lot of gangs and they use these flags to signify their territory. Red-glared rockets and flags are denotative of this violence, and I do not want my kids being exposed to that type of music.” In an effort to protect their children’s fragile ears, many locals have backed Karen up in these sentiments with a Waukegan Facebook poll garnering 17 votes against the song’s spin time. Karen is currently filing a complaint with the organization now, and when asked about lyrics she does approve, she said she’ll “take anything as long as it doesn’t have that hiphop mumbo jumbo the last one did.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA MILLS, PIXNIO
A bothered Karen circling every offensive lyric in the National Anthem.
Mr. Ratburn regrets controversy caused by his gay rat wedding, plans for vengeance including bigger gay rat honeymoon By Haley Bills ALMANAC EDITOR PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIN SPEAKING
I haven’t had a dream By Kellan Sharp ALMANAC EDITOR
I’m a black male in America and I’m sick of writing poems about a being black male in America I’m sick of these wars Blacks versus the Police, Blacks versus Poverty, Blacks versus Whites, Blacks versus gangs, Blacks versus drugs, Blacks versus Blacks Black verses in raps, poems, songs, and speeches saying black is beautiful But I’m tired of being black and beautiful, tell me I’m beautiful because I’m beautiful And not beautiful because I’m black, and I know it’s because we don’t hear it enough That black don’t crack and Martin Luther had a dream But I’ve cracked and haven’t had a dream since I realized the word nigga would always have power over me I haven’t had a dream since my father left and my culture was adopted as the latest trends in dance, music, and fashion and people out here pop lock and hit the folks But when police come around can’t even stop drop and hit the floor I haven’t had a dream since I was told I could either shoot baskets, shoot up, or shoot dice Live in a world where we boycott the Oscars before we boycott
the welfare lines, cause that system’s oppressive Where I have to be governed by the streets and be a democrip or rebloodlican Because we don’t listen to the government, that system’s oppressive And celebrities wanna Stacey Dash the BET awards away, but we need to Gabrielle Unionize As a people, because Urban Support is Important, that sends them a message Yet at the end of the day no matter how revolutionary I am Not matter if I’m a Martin Luther King or Tupac they both end up getting Shot That even now as I write this poem, these words have been bled a thousand times over By my ancestors and printed a thousand times over by my grandchildren and I’m sick of writing these poems, and I’m sick of fighting for freedom, wouldn’t you too if you were six times more likely to get it taken away I haven’t had a dream in years, I’m an insomniac drifting in a grey reality If Martin saw the mountaintops I’m living in the valley depths I’m a black male in America and I’m sick of writing poems about a being black male in America If Martin had a Dream then I’m living in a nightmare
The same-sex marriage featured in a recent episode of the children’s cartoon television show, Arthur, sparked much conversation across the nation. The brief scene that shows one of the main characters, Mr. Ratburn, walking down the aisle arm-in-arm with another man caused Alabama Public Television to block the airing of the episode. Mark McKenna, the director of programming at APT, commented that the network aims to provide programs that “entertain, educate, and inspire” and that airing a “gay rat wedding” would break the trust of the parents of children who watch APT programs. In doing so, it seems the
television network also aims to raise and nourish a hateful, traditionalist generation of viewers that will further plague the South. Though the country has been heavily focused on APT’s response to the episode, an exclusive interview with Mr. Ratburn himself reveals some much-needed perspective from the other side. Disgusted that the network refuses to broadcast his wedding ceremony, Ratburn resists the temptation to stoop to the network’s level by “responding with hate.” Because openly talking about the issue would likely be too much for APT, Ratburn sought to re-patch relations by compiling his gay rat wedding photos in a Google Document to share with McKenna: “I hope the love and joy from
my day can warm their stonecold hearts.” As the interview drew to a close, Ratburn mentioned that “if a 30-second clip of my wedding was so offensive, I sincerely hope that Alabama is ready for the honeymoon that I’ve been working on.” To be celebrated with all the other rats in the LGBTQ+ community, Ratburn has arranged for a week full of festivities to be celebrated in the very walls of APT’s headquarters in Birmingham. With the concluding words, “I hope that APT can at least find that my gay rat honeymoon entertains, educates, and inspires,” Ratburn peacefully seeks vengeance for his banned wedding, even in the midst of some of today’s most idiotic and spiteful beliefs.
GRAPHIC BY HALEY BILLS
Gay rats manifesting between walls in the headquarters of Alabama Public Television.
We’re always looking for more funny and insightful writers with fresh takes on topics ranging from the UW campus to international news. We accept and encourage creative submissions as well! Any and all submissions are more than welcome. You can send your submissions and any comments or questions to almanac@dailycardinal.com. All articles featured in Almanac are creative, satirical and/or entirely fictional pieces. They are fully intended as such and should not be taken seriously as news.
SOAR Issue 2019
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KALLI ANDERSON/THE DAILY CARDINAL
UW-Madison provides an inclusive space for everyone, offering places like the Red Gym — the home of the Multicultural Student Center and the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.
Come as you are: UW’s inclusive campus KAVITHA BABU & SAM JONES opinion editors
P
ersonal biases aside, UW-Madison is objectively one of the best universities to attend. Whether it’s summertime on the Terrace, game days in the fall, or even when it’s -35 degrees outside in the winter, campus truly brings joy to thousands of students throughout the year. Although UW is generally a great environment and community to be a part of, it’s also time to face the truth that this may not be the case for every Badger. It is unfortunately the grim reality that UW may not feel welcoming for minority students, be it those within the LGBTQ+ community, students of color or those with other identities that offer a unique, and oftentimes more difficult, UW experience. Seeing “Make America White Again” stickers around campus results in fear and anger because an unsafe, exclusive space is created — as a student of color, it’s frankly unnerving. International students who identify as queer have spoken out about their intersectional experiences, climate surveys have recognized gaps in the treatment of trans students and the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center has faced a series of name and leadership changes in recent years.
Inclusive actions and spaces ... are still necessary to celebrate in a climate where such policies may be far the from the norm on other campuses around the United States. Although such events may seem scary for new students, it’s important for incoming Badgers to know that UW-Madison increasingly aims to become an environment that is as inclusive as possible and offers a variety of resources for minority students. From student organizations to University Health Services to the Red Gym, UW has certainly made efforts to ease the transition of those who feel marginalized on campus. There are thousands of student
organizations that truly offer a sense of belonging, which may otherwise seem unattainable in today’s political environment. Organizations such as The Pride Society, India Students Association, Asian American Student Union, Melanin Speaking, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Black Voices and so many more allow for minority students to find a home within a campus of nearly 45,000 students. Not only do such communities act as pillars of support for students who share a similar identity, but the relationships and bonds that develop through student orgs last past our Badger days. Residence halls house identitybased learning communities, from Open House to the Multicultural Learning Community, with the intention of creating a safe and comfortable home for students. Travis Winger, who lived in Open House and is now the community’s programming assistant, discussed the importance of these pockets of UW for folks that don’t necessarily feel welcome in their hometowns or all campus spaces. “It’s their first time that they’ve been able to be their authentic selves, and I think there is no better place to do that than surrounded by a bunch of people who know exactly what you are going through,” Winger said. UW has also implemented other measures in hopes of confirming and proactively supporting students’ identities, from distributing preferred pronoun buttons at UHS to forming inclusion committees under the Associated Students of Madison, UW-Madison’s student government. Organizations such as Sex Out Loud, which offers sex-positive educational programming and activism, and Our Wisconsin, which provide diversity and inclusion trainings for all firstyear students, utilize our passionate student body to make a peer-to-peer impact and encourage thinking outside of the boxes we have previously been shoved into. UHS also aims to aid all Badgers with whatever health and wellness concerns they may have by hiring health providers specializing in working with the LGBTQ+ and transgender and gender non-conforming students, students of color
and those who are more comfortable speaking Mandarin.
UW has certainly made efforts to ease the transition of those who feel marginalized on campus.
Furthermore, the Wisconsin Involvement Network’s caution, at times apologizing for failing to use students’ preferred names — which can provoke gender dysphoria — reaffirms the University’s commitment to inclusivity. And, while it is just a start, UW has also modified or marked nearly 60 campus restrooms as gender neutral. On the academic side of things, there are also extensive programs that aim to level the playing field for folks who may not be on par with their peers,
due to situational circumstances or otherwise, when they arrive on campus. The Center for Educational Opportunity, McBurney Disability Resource Center, drop-in and targeted programs from Greater University Tutoring Service —affectionately known as GUTS — and the Chancellor’s and Powers-Knapp Scholarship Programs are just a few initiatives working to do so. And, arguably most important, there is a home for nearly all historically underrepresented students: the Red Gym. Home to the GSCC, International Student Services, the Multicultural Student Center, the POSSE program and
other administrative offices, the Red Gym is a sort of one-stop shop for everything inclusivity-related. (And, they even host some really cool events with lots of free food.) Inclusive actions and spaces such as these, although minimal when looking at the big picture, are still necessary to celebrate in a climate where such policies may be far the from the norm on other campuses around the United States. Ultimately, whether you’re an engineering major from New York, a communications major from San Francisco or a B-schoolerto-be from Baraboo, there’s a place for you at our table of nearly 450,000 living alumni and folks working everyday to make you feel welcome here. So, welcome home, Badger. What has your experience with inclusivity at UW-Madison been like? Please send your thoughts to opinion@ dailycardinal.com. GRAPHIC BY CHANNING SMITH