The University Daily Kansan, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019

Page 4

Halle Alice lives a double life as both a KU student and an influencer, model and singer

Thursday, August 29, 2019

WHAT’S NEW AT KU News on deck at kansan.com

Page 7

Kansas soccer’s goalkeeper Sarah Peters helps to make team a Big 12 threat

The Student Voice Since 1904

Vol. 139/Issue 3

Are you ready

for Les? Students gear up for their first glance at the Les Miles era

Rachel Griffard/KANSAN

Students wait in line to purchase Chick-fil-A in the Kansas Union.

Faculty staff council denounces Chick-fil-A Sydney Hoover @SydHoover17

Kansan file photo

Grinter Farms

Despite the weather making this year’s bloom a bit smaller than usual, Grinter’s Sunflower Farm, known for its vast sunflower fields open to the public for their enjoyment, will be opening Labor Day weekend as their first few sunflowers begin to show their true colors.

Dole Institute fall schedule

The Dole Institute of Politics released its fall event schedule full of diverse programming.

Topics range from activism to current events to national news.

Volleyball

Defense could give KU volleyball offense needed boost.

Chance Parker/KANSAN

Coach Les Miles answers fan questions during Hawk Talk at Johnny’s Tavern Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Huntyr Schwegman

@HuntyrUDK

Even though this is the start to a new season and era for the Jayhawks, the football team itself isn’t the main focus of this game.

Instead, the spotlight is on coach Les Miles.

The 2019 season will be the first time Miles has coached football

since his tenure at LSU ended in 2016. His 114-34 record over 11 seasons was highlighted by a national championship in 2007.

Miles also coached LSU to a bowl game from 2005-15, momentum he looks to build upon at Kansas.

After a few lackluster seasons under former coach David Beaty, University students are ready to

see a change in the football program. Beaty finished with a 6-42 record at Kansas, placing Miles at the head of the program during a crucial time.

Miles will lead the Jayhawks in his first game as head coach of Kansas in Memorial Stadium Saturday morning against Indiana State. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

Here’s what students are saying:

Chase Todd - Junior from Olathe “It’s going to be electric.”

Mama’s tamales

“Whether or not we win that first game, everybody is going to go in there with a different mentality than any of the games in the past few seasons,” he said. “It’ll be a new feeling for sure.”

Mama’s Tamale Shop will bring a wide variety of tamales, street tacos and empanadas to downtown Lawrence. The shop will open Sept. 16 at 602 W. Ninth St.

Khalup Thompson - Sophomore from Wichita Thompson said he wanted to see “a little toughness” on the field.

“I expect to see a change in the culture, a change on the field,” he said.

“I expect the offense to be more dangerous with all the running backs.”

On the horizon

Anthony Frabasile - Sophomore from Westchester, New York “Obviously we’re not going to change over night. We’re not going to be national contenders, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

“We just have to give him a few years,” he said. “I think there’s a sense of optimism about the season.”

Kiersten Gillam - Freshman from Manhattan “It’s just exciting. It’s something new,” she said.

“I feel like it will be a lot more packed.”

Sarah Wright/KANSAN

KU women’s soccer

KU women’s soccer to face Memphis today at 7 p.m. and Florida Atlantic at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Chance Parker/KANSAN

The KU football documentary “Miles to Go” premieres on ESPN+ this afternoon.

The Sexuality and Gender Diversity Faculty Staff Council released a statement Monday morning denouncing the University of Kansas’ recent moves to “deepen its relationship with Chick-fil-A.” The council, led by president Katie Batza, expressed “extreme frustration” with several moves to extend ties with Chick-fil-A at the University, including a new location in the Kansas Union and a contract to create the “Chick-fil-A Coin Toss” at every home football game. The council previously spoke out against expansion of the University’s relationship with Chick-fil-A due to the restaurant’s history of supporting organizations hostile to the LGBTQ community.

Continue on page 2

KU graduate creates local improv group Annie Soener @AnnieSoener

Students, real estate agents, a beer brewer and those who work office jobs may not share many commonalities on the surface, but they all come together to engage in one common goal: making people laugh.

Most Fridays, this group of about 15 performers takes the stage at the Ecumenical Campus Ministries, located at 1204 Oread Ave., where they act out fun and creative scenarios that echo the format of “Whose Line is it Anyway.”

John Robison, who graduated from the University in 1998 with a degree in journalism, started The Guild Theater to showcase local performers with a passion for improv.

Robison has performed on stage since he was 8 years old and entered the improv world in 2000. After moving to Lawrence seven years ago, Robison said he noticed the lack of improv groups in Lawrence and knew it was only a matter of time before he started his own.

Despite the struggle for small theaters to stay afloat, Robison’s program continues to gain traction. Past members have graduated onto bigger improv Continue on page 4

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News

The University Daily Kansan

NEWS MANAGEMENT Editor-in-chief Savanna Smith Managing editor Nichola McDowell

Nicole Asbury @NicoleAsbury

While students recovered from Monday’s downpour and made their way to and from classes on Tuesday, Aug. 27, four crimes were reported on campus.

News editor Sydney Hoover Associate news editor Sophia Belshe

High summer rain levels have increased the presence of mosquitoes.

Investigations editor Nicole Asbury

@KansanAdamLang

Associate sports editor Huntyr Schwegman Arts & culture editor Rylie Koester Associate arts & culture editor Wyatt Hall Opinion editor Elijah Southwick Visuals editor & design chief Philip Mueller Photo editor Sarah Wright Associate photo editor Chance Parker Copy chiefs Nolan Brey Asif Haque Audience engagement editor Grant Heiman Associate audience engagement editor Raeley Youngs

Sarah Wright/KANSAN

Adam Lang

Residents of northeast Kansas are under high risk of West Nile Virus, despite low numbers of reported cases in Douglas County.

A weekly risk report from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified counties in the area as having high risk zones for the virus.

“The risk of West Nile Virus always reaches its peak from July to mid-September, but this season has a slightly higher risk factor to it,” said George Diepenbrock, communications officer for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. “With the amount of rain and flooding that we’ve had, the amount of sitting water in the area makes it easier for carrier mosquitoes to reproduce.”

Symptoms of the virus include fever, upset stomach and generally feeling unwell, and people who feel they have the virus should immediately seek medical attention, said ecology and evolutionary biology professor Andrew Townsend Peterson.

There have been no patients

Social media editor Hadley Oehlert

Chick-fil-A

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From page 1

Business manager Grace Fawcett

ADVISER General Manager Rob Karwath The University Daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. The paper is paid for through student fees.

The University Daily Kansan (ISSN 0746-4967) is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year except fall break, spring break and exams.

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Heavy rain increases Crime strikes Daisy Hill risk for West Nile Virus

SECTION EDITORS

Sports editor Jack Johnson

Thursday, August 29, 2019

“Despite our denouncements and the university’s own moves to increase the campus’s diversity, equity, and inclusion, KU granted Chick-fil-A, a bastion of bigotry, a prime retail location in the heart of our campus,” the statement said. “The Union houses spaces that the KU community designates as safe and accepting—not least of which are the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity.”

Chick-fil-A was founded on its owner’s Baptist values and is known for its religious undertones, most notably that all 2,300 locations are closed on Sundays to recognize the biblical ‘day of rest.’

Since as early as 2011, Chickfil-A has seen a number of criticisms for alleged hostility toward the LGBTQ community. Among other instances, the Cathy family, which has maintained ownership of the chain since it first opened

with the virus admitted to Watkins Health Services or the rest of northeast Kansas in the last month, but the risk is still high, Watkins interim chief of staff Pavika Saripalli and Diepenbrock said.

There are few options outside of seeking treatment after contracting the virus, but there are simple ways to avoid contact with mosquitoes. Townsend Peterson recommends the “Four D’s” for avoiding contact with mosquitoes: Dress, Daytime, DEET and Drain.

• Dress in long sleeve shirts and pants to guard skin from contact.

• Stay inside as much as possible during the daytime as this is the time when mosquitoes are most active.

• Use bug spray with DEET in it.

• Drain any sitting water near your home to avoid giving mosquitoes a place to reproduce.

“After an individual is exposed to West Nile Virus there is little that can be done,” Townsend Peterson said. “Prevention is one of the only options.”

in 1967, has previously donated significant sums of money to several organizations known for having homophobic sentiments, Vox reported in May. “We just really felt like it was time to shine a spotlight on this and to demand some movement by the University,” Batza said, “And also just to make clear to them the harm that’s done by these actions and the ways in which it seems hypocritical, given all the emphasis that they’ve placed on diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Chick-fil-A had been located in Wescoe’s Underground since 2004 but was moved to the Kansas Union in a space formerly occupied by Panda Express to fulfill agreements in the University’s contract with the chain. The new location, which opened for the fall semester, includes expanded hours, as the restaurant is now open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Interim Provost Carl Lejuez said the contract required updates to be made to the location in the Underground this year, which would have cost around $3 million, while

Bike theft near Self Hall Two unknown suspects cut a bike lock and took a victim’s bicycle from a bicycle rack near Self Hall around 3 p.m. Aug. 27, according to police records. About $620 worth of property was stolen. The case is open.

Bike theft near Oswald Hall Two unknown suspects cut a bike lock and took a victim’s bicycle from a bicycle rack near Oswald Hall around 11 a.m. on Aug.

27, according to police records.

About $620 worth of property was stolen. The case is open.

Criminal damage in Lewis Hall An unknown suspect broke a maintenance key inserted into a key box of Lewis Hall around 10 a.m. on Aug. 27, according to police records. About $20 worth of property was damaged. The case is open.

Criminal damage in Jayhawker Towers An unknown suspect broke a maintenance key inserted into a key box of Jayhawker Towers around 9 a.m. on Aug. 27, according to police records. About $20 worth of property was damaged.

The case is open.

Kansan file photo

Four crimes were reported on Aug. 27, three of them on Daisy Hill.

the cost to move it to the Union was under $500,000.

Lejuez told the Kansan although he understood concerns shared from the council and others on campus, the University was contractually obligated to update the facility.

“I think KU often falls short of what they claim they stand for...”

Shawn Leigh Alexander Faculty Senate President

“Moving forward, I believe it is important to have thoughtful discussion and deliberation when we enter into contracts,” Lejuez said in his summer updates email to faculty and staff. “In the future, we will do so in a manner that is transparent and informed by our commitment to affirm diversity

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Whether it’s rock ‘n’ roll or reggae, sports or special events, KJHK 90.7 is for you.

2000 Dole Human Development Center 1000 Sunnyside Avenue Lawrence, Kan., 66045 editor@kansan.com www.kansan.com Newsroom: (785) 864-4552 Advertising: (785) 864-4358

A student picks up their Chick-fil-A order in the Kansas Union.

For breaking news, visit kansan.com

Rachel Griffard/KANSAN

and to be a welcoming and inclusive campus.”

The statement addressed concerns with the new location due to its proximity to several locations designated as “safe and accepting,” including the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

“The University of Kansas, like many entities in the country, do lip service on diversity and equity and that we talk about these issues and we talk about our values, but we act many times contradictory to those values,” said Faculty Senate President Shawn Leigh Alexander. “I think KU often falls short of what they claim they stand for, and that’s extremely frustrating.”

Chick-fil-A’s presence on campus has stirred controversy at the University in the past.

In 2012, three petitions rose among the campus community, one campaigning to remove the chain from the Underground and two campaigning to keep it. This followed public comments made by owner Dan Cathy insinuating anti-LGBTQ sentiment.

Batza said it was strongly discussed that the contract with Chick-fil-A, which went up for review in 2014, would not be renewed. However, the University proceeded with a renewal of the contract, and Chick-fil-A remained in the Underground until this summer. The current contract spans 10 years and will be up for discussion again in 2024.

Batza said although she understands the contractual obligations the University has with Chick-fil-A, the new location and additional contracts within Kansas Athletics were discouraging.

“Clearly I think the University’s financial position right now is making it compromise its moral standings,” Batza said.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

kansan.com

News

The University Daily Kansan

3

KU debt decreases millions following 2018 budget cut Nicole Asbury @NicoleAsbury

The University of Kansas’ debt decreased by millions of dollars in the past academic year, an overview of budget documents shows.

For the 2020 fiscal year, the University has about $561 million in debt — that’s about $28 million less debt than the 2019 fiscal year.

By 2046, the University will finish paying its debt for its current projects.

But that’s the simple picture, said Interim Provost Carl Lejuez.

Projects from years ago are starting to get paid off. But the debt service, as the University calls it in its budget books, doesn’t account for any future projects the University plans to pursue.

“Without question, debt service is decreasing,” Lejuez said.

“Right now, we have a choice.

We can say, ‘OK, maybe we want to be a little bit less assertive in bringing new buildings online, and as that debt service comes off, we can use those resources for other things.’”

In between the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years, the University paid off about $27 million in debt.

Much of the debt comes from the University’s Central District.

The University pays about $21 million a year, according to a bond agreement with the Wisconsin Public Finance Authority, which issued the money for the Central District.

The only building the University is paying for in the Central District is the Integrated Science Building, which cost about $117 million, according to a document obtained by the Kansan. Other buildings in the Central District, such as Stouffer Place apartments, are paid for by different corporations on campus, like KU Parking and KU Housing.

With the cut underway and the new budget model softly rolling out, Lejuez told the Kansan in August units wouldn’t have to go through another cut again.

“Had we not done the cuts,

with certainty we would not have been able to do the combination of low tuition increase, raises and no cuts,” Lejuez said.

“Other universities at this time have announced new cuts, simply

because the money has to come from somewhere.”

“What I do think this means is that we’re showing some fiscal restraint and responsibility,” Lejuez continued.

“What I do think this means is that we’re showing some fiscal restraint and responsibility.”

Carl Lejuez Interim Provost

The budget was the main focus last year for University faculty, students, staff and administrators.

Lejuez announced in June 2018 the University would be undergoing a $20 million budget cut, after its reserves went from $65 million to $11 million in about five years.

To help implement the cut, positions in different schools were cut. The University offered buyouts to older professors with higher salaries.

Lucy Peterson/KANSAN

Interim Provost Carl Lejuez shares the specifics of the University’s new budget model during a budget conversation on Wednesday, May 1. The plan is set to officially be implemented in fiscal year 2021.

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The University Daily Kansan

Arts & Culture

Thursday, August 29, 2019

kansan.com

LA singer, KU student blends art and activism in her social media aesthetic DeAsia Paige

@DeAsia_Paige

Los Angeles is home to a lineage of black content creators who have molded their pain into art fused with activism. University of Kansas senior and Los Angeles native Halle Alice is following that direction.

Alice’s Instagram bio reads “A LA artist who creates to heal & I’m cute wit it.” The phrase is not only an introduction to the activist, singer and model, it’s a description of what the 21-yearold aims to do with her content.

“When I write, I try to write from the organic and authentic place of the soul,” said Alice, who has been singing since she was 4 years old. “That’s what I try to do with all my music.”

Alice released a new single this month, “Can’t See Your Face.”

She’s honest about her feelings after a breakup and encourages others to be more transparent.

The R&B indie single is backed by an acoustic guitar with Alice’s soothing vocals; she vents about being content with a failed relationship.

Alice said vulnerability comes naturally for her — she strives for that same level of transparency in all of her songs.

“Sometimes I put myself in very vulnerable situations and places that I can draw back on,” Alice said. “I’m very emotional in general, so I write from a place of emotion.”

Alice also shares her emotions on her Instagram platform that

Guild Theater From page 1

establishments, such as “Upright Citizens Brigade” and “The Second City.”

“Doing improv with these folks is great,” Robison said. “It’s a creative, safe, fun environment where everyone comes together to create something artsy and hilarious. Every person brings different experiences, so everyone is able to contribute in a different, amazing way.”

has more than 20,000 followers.

Whether she’s being an advocate for women of color, promoting new music or sharing recent photoshoots, Alice is intentional about revealing all aspects of her brand — and it has paid off.

Alice, who has modeled since she was a teenager, was featured in an online gallery for Vogue Italia in May. She was also the cover star of Bitch magazine’s summer issue this year.

Alice said social media has played an integral part in building her fanbase and growing her career. While it’s hard to compartmentalize all of her endeavors into an app, Alice makes it work.

“Being able to connect and being able to also share your art and yourself on a digital platform is really cool,” Alice said. “I try to present the most authentically and organically I can and make it be about everything that I am instead of just separate parts.

These aren’t different brands; it’s just me.”

Alice just recently started releasing more singles. Though Alice said she has no plans of releasing a new project anytime soon, “Can’t See Your Face” is the third single she’s released this year.

With every release, she explores a different sound, but Alice said that’s intentional.

“What I hope that my music will continue to sound like is like a show,” Alice said. “Like a Broadway show where it starts at one point with different sounds and meanings and ends at a completely different point.”

The Guild Theater performed at the Lawrence Creates Makerspace before setting up camp at the ECM. “We loved it there but moved so that we could perform more often, have an environment with better climate control, and be closer to KU students, who are really going to love the shows,” Robison said.

A lack of air conditioning mixed with steamy summer days didn’t bode well for performers or audience members. Carol Holstead, an associate professor of journalism who participates in the

Johnny Meehan/KANSAN

The Guild Theater members participate in an improv workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Rachel Griffard/KANSAN

Halle Alice lives a double life as both a student and an Instagram influencer, model and singer.

“When I write, I try to write from the organic and authentic place of the soul.”

Halle Alice

Luz Perez, Alice’s longtime friend-turned-business partner, said Alice’s engagement with her music is what made them become friends in middle school.

“I love to hear new music and talk about it, and she was always very musically inclined with being in different choirs and groups, so

improv performances, said the change in location will attract a bigger crowd, especially since the ECM is right on campus.

Holstead said Robison is an ambitious, genuine and passionate person whose engaging demeanor makes The Guild one of her favorite outlets to showcase her passion for performing.

While working as a magazine editor in Kansas City with sparse free time, Holstead participated in plays and community theater.

Eventually, her passion for acting drove her to hit the pause button on virtually everything until she moved to Lawrence, where she found a way to simultaneously intertwine acting and her love of journalism. Holstead has done improv for about five years now.

The make-it-up-as-you-go aspect of improv comedy completely differs from traditional acting. Holstead compares improv comedy to any sport — practice makes perfect. As members’ performances improve during regular workshop practice, they are able to graduate on to more advanced workshops.

The Guild Theater hosts workshops every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. that are free and open

to hear the music she’s making now is inspiring because she’s so creative,” Perez said. “When she gets inspired, she makes really beautiful music.”

This semester, Alice plans on starting Greater World, a discussion-led space for students of color to share their thoughts about important issues regularly affecting them.

Alice views her activism as a full-time practice just like her music.

“I think that as a black woman, my existence has become political, so that’s where that activism just takes over,” Alice said.

“Proudly and boldly standing

in my truth is my activism, and showing up for causes that people need me for is how I practice my activism.”

Although life for Alice seems busy right now, she has other goals she wants to pursue, such as a fashion collaboration with Dior while having sold-out concerts — “a more glamorous version” of what she does now.

“I just feel myself getting better [at what I do] and being the most pure, whole version of myself and seeing what I can do in my wholeness,” Alice said. “I feel like God has taken me on a journey to be the best version of myself.”

to anyone.

“It’s a really friendly, open environment, and everyone that comes has a great time,” Robison said. “Every person on stage in our shows started by coming to these workshops.”

While on stage, performers partake in a variety of games. Longform, also known as “scenes,” is an activity where performers take

sexist.”

Moreover, each actor is genderless. This allows each performer to take on a variety of unique roles.

Although improv requires quick thinking, listening is the overarching skill that Holstead has taken away from her experience.

“I wasn’t expecting to get life skills out of improv, and it’s also just really fun,” Holstead said.

“We’re laughing all the time.”

With a new location and a growing number of improv actors, The Guild Theater provides an outlet for aspiring performers and a fun and different way for audience members to spice up their Friday nights.

“I love that I get to go on stage every week and delight audiences with the scenes that I create with a team of people that started out as strangers, but have come to be some of my very best friends,” Robison said.

The Guild Theater is hosting “Golden Girls Live” Friday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. The first audience members to purchase tickets will get cheesecake. Check The Guild Theater’s Facebook page for more information on upcoming events.

Stephanie Morales Macedo contributed to the reporting of this story.

“Every person on stage in our shows started by coming to these workshops.”

John Robison

suggestions from the audience and then act out a scene.

Other workshop activities include staged readings. Robison often rewrites an episode of “The Golden Girls,” and he tasks actors to recreate it in a creative way.

“Because we’re making it up as we go, we’re all very hypersensitive,” Holstead said. “We will not take any suggestion from an audience member that could be remotely conceived as racist or

THINGS TO DO AT KU Art

Food & Dining

Movies & TV

Music

Theater

Final Fridays in downtown Lawrence on Aug. 30, 5 to 9 p.m.

Luckyberry at 845 Massachusetts St. open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Farewell” - At Liberty Hall.

Aug. 29 last showing at 8:50 p.m.

“Ginger” - Brockhampton album released on Aug. 23.

“Weird Al” Yankovic on Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.

For the best arts, culture and entertainment news, visit kansan.com

Thursday, April 29, 2019

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Opinion

The University Daily Kansan

Thursday, August 29, 2019

kansan.com

LGBTQ non-discrimination policies long overdue in Kansas

FREE FOR ALL Text us what you hear around campus to (785) 260-0518 and we’ll publish the best stuff.

OPINION

FFA of the day: go to mcclains and not see someone i’ve slept

Grace Brunner @Gracebrunner4

with challenge addressing the prof with “sup bro” “get a picture of someone screaming. they love those” “Live from my grandma’s funeral” The best part about being a senior and having my shit together is my first-day introductions are finally impressive i’m sorry i’m soaked “Keep your pumpkin spice away from my margarita, Karen!” *sips rosé out of reusable straw* Good morning to everyone except the guy who went out last night with strep throat and got us all sick “I would let bacteria ruin my life. Men are bacteria” “Apparently my cat has leukemia”

personality trait and it’s just that i’m anemic

It is the responsibility of the state government to ensure the protection of all Kansas citizens.

Lawrence has long-since held the title of the most inclusive city in the state of Kansas and has had a non-discrimination ordinance in place since the early 1990s. And yet, most KU students are returning home to Kansas cities where these same legal protections do not exist. Other Kansas cities that

do have similar non-discrimination protections in place include Topeka, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Leawood and all of Wyandotte County.

The state of Kansas is one of 26 U.S. states with no state law preventing discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. The city attorney of Leawood, Patricia Bennet, said in a statement that the city decided to consider the ordinance and address the issue due to the lack of both state and federal protections against discrimination.

Similarly, Shawnee council president Stephanie Meyer said in a statement that this is an issue “probably best handled by the state or federal government.”

However, the Shawnee City Council was driven to act due to the inaction of the state or federal government to ensure such protections.

These city ordinances are a step in the right direction, mov-

ing Kansas toward being a more inclusive state that ensures basic protections for all Kansans.

And yet, the basic ability for all Kansans to be protected against discrimination should not be a matter that cities need to secure.

It is the responsibility of the state government to ensure the protection of all Kansas citizens — a protection the Kansas government has failed to provide.

These cities have sparked the conversation regarding non-discrimination policies, and now it is time for the action of the Kansas government and even more so, the federal government. After all, at its core, this is an issue of protecting basic security, livelihood and freedom for every citizen.

Grace Brunner is a sophomore from Overland Park studying English and political science.

Julia Montoya

is?” - a freshman, who was

@KansanNews

literally standing in Wescoe “I need your inner conservative to come out” “It’s cool but you’re a stupid bitch” “That nicotine buzz just sent me through space” I wish I had as much energy in the morning as the Australian woman that came into our class yelling about elephants

Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Elijah Southwick, Savanna Smith, Nichola McDowell and Grace Fawcett.

individuals, only equal rights.

While the ordinance does nothing to impede upon the rights of non-LGBTQ+ individuals, adopting a city ordinance to promote inclusivity could greatly motivate more LGBTQ+ individuals to live and do business in Shawnee.

OPINION

“Do you know where Wescoe

Elijah Southwick esouthwick@kansan.com Grace Fawcett gfawcett@kansan.com

Sarah Wright/KANSAN

Rep. Susan Ruiz represents the 23rd district, which includes Shawnee. Along with KU graduate Brandon Woodard, Ruiz is one of the first openly gay legislators in Kansas.

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Over the course of the last few months, the topic of non-discrimination ordinances that protect citizens against discrimination based on sexual orientation has become rampantly common in many cities near Lawrence.

These proposed ordinances would provide legal protections against discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity in public housing and employment. Non-discrimination ordinances have been adopted in the city of Leawood, and most recently Shawnee, and continue to be a heated topic of debate in Lenexa and Olathe.

These proposed ordinances have been met with both great acceptance and opposition. Before passing an ordinance of their own earlier this week, Shawnee hosted a town hall in early August. Citizens who opposed the ordinance raised concerns that it would grant “special rights” to LGBTQ+ individuals, that the ordinance was unnecessary and divisive and that the ordinance impeded religious freedoms.

Those who argued in favor of the ordinance, including Rep. Susan Ruiz (D-Shawnee), one of the two first openly gay legislators in the state Legislature, claimed that the ordinance was a necessary protection, as many LGBTQ+ individuals were already facing notable discrimination.

Additionally, those in favor claimed that there were no “special rights” granted to LGBTQ+

With the 2020 presidential primaries just around the corner, it is important for voters to consider the outcome of potential student loan forgiveness plans and what it would mean for the future of the United States.

One of the biggest setbacks for students seeking higher education is not only figuring out how to pay their way through but also how to pay their way out. The burden of being thousands of dollars in debt upon graduating college is a commonality among millions of Americans today.

Two of the most notable Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have both made proposals to either cancel all of student debt completely, making college tuition free, or minimize it.

So how exactly would this work?

Sanders’ proposal involves adding a Wall Street tax in order to erase the $1.6 trillion of existing student debt in the U.S. This process would take place over the course

Columnist Julia Montoya argues in favor of student debt cancellation plans.

of 10 or more years. This would include taxing stock transactions and bonds. The Vermont senator is also proposing to make twoand four-year public colleges free of tuition, claiming a “college for all” program would line up with his belief that higher education should be a human right.

Warren’s proposal differs from Sanders’ in that loan forgiveness would only be applicable to students whose household income does not exceed $250,000. Warren is proposing a 2% annual tax on U.S. families whose net worth is at least $50 million.

Both candidates, along with anyone who believes that higher education is necessary for all humans, believe that easing the debt of these millions of Americans and lowering the cost of attendance to colleges and universities would allow all Americans the opportunity to become productive, successful members of society. Warren also has made statements claiming that she believes her proposal would eventually reduce the U.S. wealth gap.

The possibility of erasing the trillions of dollars of student debt looming over Americans today,

Philip Mueller/KANSAN

as well as lowering the cost to attend colleges and universities significantly, would result in citizens from all socioeconomic backgrounds being granted the opportunity to receive the education that they otherwise might not have been able to afford, thus granting them a better chance to enter the job market and earn a livable salary that would not be possible without a college degree.

Julia Montoya is a senior from Garden City studying English.

To learn more about what our University of Kansas community is talking about, visit kansan.com

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Sports

kansan.com

The University Daily Kansan

7

Goalkeeper Sarah Peters serves as pillar for KU soccer COLUMN

Carlos Peterson @CarlosWritesKU

The firepower of the Kansas offense has been on full display early in its 2019 campaign, blowing out the likes of Nebraska and Loyola-Chicago. This is a very exciting time for Jayhawk soccer fans knowing what the promise of the first two games entails.

What’s flying under the radar through all of this is the scoring, or lack thereof, from the Jayhawks’ opponents. Both of Kansas’ opponents have been shutout through 180 minutes of soccer.

The play of sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Peters has turned the Jayhawks into a real threat in the Big 12 this season and will be the key to what hopes to be a deep tournament run this year. Peters was a member of the 2018 Kansas squad that posted four shutout streaks of 200 minutes or longer.

Peters, a 2018 Big 12 All-Freshman selection, posted nine shutouts, with a record of 7-0-2 during that stretch.

Like her freshman year, Peters began the 2019 campaign with back-to-back shutouts, and is the only freshman in Kansas history to record three straight clean sheets in her first three starts.

The thing that stands out the most from her this season is the composure that she shows in a chaotic box. Peters’ confidence in her decisions allows Kansas defense to play aggressively.

The Big 12 is as tough as it’s ever been, represented by four teams in the latest United Soccer coaches poll, including Kansas.

The upcoming game against the Memphis Tigers, currently ranked 20th in the country, is a match that could catapult the Jayhawks from their already respectable 18th spot in the poll to legitimate national recognition.

The play of Peters in the net is vital. Against nine ranked opponents last season, she allowed 14

Chance Parker/KANSAN

Sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Peters before the game against Nebraska. The Jayhawks defeated the Cornhuskers 4-0 Thursday, Aug. 22.

Next Game Kansas vs. Memphis Thursday, Aug. 29 7 p.m. goals averaging to a goal and a half a game against their tougher competition. The stats are a bit skewed because in four of those game Peters pitched a shutout.

The downside to this, however, is that Kansas allowed two or more goals in the other five games.

With only two saves through the first two games, recording

none against Loyola-Chicago on Aug. 25, the perception can become that the defense is doing most of the heavy lifting which is only half true. The defense is well on its way to being one of the best not only in the Big 12 but also in the country.

Whether or not Peters runs the back end will make or break the season for the Jayhawks. Her 94.7 minutes per game last season shows that she is more than capable of carrying the load for Kansas this season. Her liability in the net, and a strong Kansas midfield, is the telltale sign of a deep run for this Jayhawk team.

Sarah Wright/KANSAN

Then-freshman goalkeeper Sarah Peters returns the ball.

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Visit jccc.edu/enroll

8

Sports Football Gameday

The University Daily Kansan

Thursday, August 29, 2019

kansan.com

Kansas vs. Indiana State, Saturday, Aug. 31, 11 a.m.

Chance Parker/KANSAN

Senior running back Khalil Herbert breaks the line of scrimmage heading toward the end zone. Kansas scrimmaged during Late Night Under the Lights Saturday, April 13.

Jack Johnson & Jakob Katzenberg @KansanSports

Beat Writer Jack Predictions: Johnson

37-17

Kansas Jayhawks

Jakob Katzenberg

30-20

Indiana State Sycamores

Bryce Torneden

Jonas Griffith

Senior safety

Redshirt senior linebacker

Returning for his fourth and final year at Kansas, Torneden brings versatility and experience to the secondary. An honorable mention for the All-Big 12 team, the Lawrence native started in all 12 games last season, ranking second on the team with 91 tackles. He recorded his first career interception against Rutgers in week three of 2018.

Indiana State’s defense is led by All-American middle linebacker Jonas Griffith. A year ago, Griffith not only led the Missouri Valley Conference in total tackles with 132, but he also led the nation with 7.4 solo tackles per game.

Khalil Herbert

Ryan Boyle

With sophomore running back Pooka Williams Jr. suspended for the first game, it will be Herbert shouldering most of the workload in the backfield. He was second on the team in rushing yards last year, carrying the ball 113 times for 499 yards and five touchdowns.

Herbert will receive the first opportunity to operate as a starting halfback in the new offensive game plan.

On offense, the Sycamores run everything through their dual-threat quarterback Ryan Boyle. Last year, Boyle earned the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year award, throwing for 1,627 yards, 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Stephon Robinson Jr.

Titus McCoy

Junior wide receiver

Junior running back

In his first season after transferring from El Camino Community College in Alondra Park, California, Robinson Jr. hauled in 28 catches for 330 yards. Earning an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound receiver started in 10 of Kansas’ 12 games, averaging 11.8 yards per reception.

Last season, McCoy played a backup role for Indiana State. This season, with last year’s starter and All-Conference selection Ja’Quan Keys gone, the Sycamores will lean on McCoy to shoulder a heavier load in their run-heavy offense.

Senior running back

Redshirt senior quarterback

QUICK HITS

15 Football

Bowl games reached by Les Miles

16 Football

Returning football starters in the 2019 season

214 Soccer

Consecutive scoreless minutes

1,125 Football

Rushing yards by Pooka Williams Jr. in the 2018 season

For the latest scores and complete coverage, visit kansan.com

1,273 Volleyball

Combined sets played at the collegiate level