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No. 10 Michigan State The University Daily Kansan

vol. 137 // iss. 22 Monday, Nov. 5, 2018

SEE BASKETBALL • PAGE 11

Rock Chalk Bottom Kansas football set to hire fourth coach in nine years as David Beaty won’t return in 2019

Illustration and photos by Chance Parker/KANSAN Athletics Director Jeff Long, left, announced Sunday that football coach David Beaty will not return to Kansas after the 2018 season. Beaty, who has amassed a 6-39 record since he took over in 2014, will coach the team’s final three games.

Long: ‘Clear’ it was time for program to move on MADDY TANNAHILL AND JACK JOHNSON @KansanSports Kansas Athletic Director Jeff Long, in his first year on the job, made the decision Sunday morning that he believed to be in the best interest of the program and the student athletes that play for it: moving on from football coach David Beaty after the 2018 season.

“Ultimately I did not see a path forward to long-term success in the Big 12,” Long said. “As I look ahead the next few seasons and as I studied our football organization, it was clear to me that we needed to move forward in a different way.”

As it currently stands, Beaty’s record at Kansas is an underwhelming 6-39 record over the course of three-plus seasons with the team. “[Beaty] and his assistants have made progress in our program,” Long said.

“Though that progress has not resulted in the number of wins that we desire, I know he will be leaving the program better than when he found it.”

In what proved to be the nail in the coffin of Beaty’s tenure at Kansas, the Jayhawks were soundly defeated at “home” 27-3 in front of a crowd that featured an overwhelming amount of Iowa State red and yellow.

“I hope our fans saw that image, I hope you show that image,” Long said. “This isn’t done simply with dollars and cents, this isn’t done simply with the right head coach.

“[Beaty] and his assistants have made progress in our program. Though that progress has not resulted in the number of wins that we desire, I know he will be leaving the program better than when he found it.”

Jeff Long athletic director

It’s done with a fan base, coming back, being passionately supportive of the young men in our program. It’s important to recruiting, it’s important to our campus, it’s important to our student body.”

Moving forward, the search has already begun for the new coach at Kansas, especially with national signing day looming next month.

That factor played a significant role in Long’s ultimate decision to announce Beaty’s dismissal mid-season, and allow extra recruiting time for whoever the replacement ends up being. “ P h i l o s o p h i c a l l y, I’ve always been hesitant to make a change in a coaching position, particularly a head coach, during the season,” Long said. “However, the early signing date in December and the new transfer regulations have changed the dynamic and it was my determination that now is the right time to announce this decision.”

With plenty of candidates to choose from, Long reiterated that the interest level shown in the vacancy of the position has reason to believe

that a change will be coming sooner rather than lather inside the program.

“Our search is already underway. I’m excited by the wideranging interest we’ve already received and I anticipate receiving in the days and weeks ahead,” Long said.

“After tonight, I will not comment further on the search until we introduce a new head football coach for our program.”

When asked about the time frame of hiring the next Kansas coach, Long emphasized the importance of filling the void the program now faces as quickly as possible. But, he said ultimately the length of the search will depend upon the interest shown by potential candidates.

“I really don’t have a timeline,” Long said.

“Since I’ve made this announcement, I think it will be important that we act reasonably quickly shortly after the season if not before.”

Although no longer a part of the staff at the conclusion of the 2018 season, Beaty will remain at the helm for the team’s final three games against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas.

ANALYSIS

A rollercoaster tenure comes to a muted end BRADEN SHAW @ bradenshaw4real After a tumultuous three-plus years at the the helm of Kansas football, coach David Beaty has been fired by Athletic Director Jeff Long effective at the end of the season — a move that many expected following another lopsided defeat for Kansas football, this time to Iowa State.

During the 45 games that he has coached at Kansas, going 6-39 in that stretch, Beaty was tested from the beginning. The football program has been in a downward spiral for the better part of a decade, back to when Todd Reesing was under center and Mark Mangino patrolled the sidelines.

The aforementioned downward spiral really began when Charlie Weis was hired as the Jayhawks’ coach in 2012. Weis’ reign with KU lasted until 2014, during which he cleaned house, cutting multiple players including junior college transfers.

Beaty, the former Jayhawk assistant c o a c h - t u r n e d - Te x a s A&M-wide-receivers coach, was persuaded to take over the program in December 2014.

But the lack of scholarship wiggle room was evident. Beaty admitted at Big 12 football media day prior to this season that he was operating at 39 scholarships when he took over, even adding that the number dropped to 28 when spring rolled around.

By the way, the Division I scholarship player limit, a measure that most top-tier college football programs play at, is 85.

Immediately, Beaty was at a disadvantage. Nonetheless, games still had to be played And that first game was a doozy.

Beaty’s Kansas career started with a shocking

41-38 loss to FCS opponent South Dakota State, a game punctuated by a mishandled snap by then-junior quarterback Montell Cozart as time expired.

The struggles would continue as the Jayhawks finished that season 0-12.

This of course led to much vitriol as the two seasons that followed culminated in a 2-10 finish in 2016 and a 1-11 record in 2017.

The three wins in 2016 and 2017 being to two FCS teams (Rhode Island and Southeast Missouri State) and a 24-21 overtime victory over Texas on senior day in 2016, an event that Jayhawk faithful still cling on to, much like a child does a teddy bear, to this day.

There has also been the umbrella hanging over Kansas for years, that is the road game losing streak, which goes back to a 34-7 victory over UTEP on Sept.

12, 2009. That “streak,” which ultimately ended by way of a 31-7 victory over Central Michigan on Sept.

8, wasn’t entirely Beaty’s fault, but he has absolutely contributed to the ineptitude.

On both sides of the ball, this team has simply struggled to put anything of value on the field.

But the crux of the Jayhawks has been the offense, a unit that has been unable to create much of a rhythm to stay competitive.

The most important position in football is quarterback, and that seems to be a position that Beaty has been unable to find an answer to.

Prior to this season, Beaty confused many by announcing senior Peyton Bender to be the starter against Nicholls State, yet doubling back later in the week, saying that sophomore transfer Miles Kendrick will get reps every game.

This troubling trend

continued the rest of the season, as Beaty played quarterback Russian roulette, continuing to shuffle between the trio.

This inability to find a secure starting quarterback has held this team back, along with a lack of foresight to use the promise at the running back position.

Then-sophomore Khalil Herbert famously ran for 291 yards against West Virginia in 2017, a sure sign that Herbert could be a spark of life for the offense. But former offensive coordinator Doug Meacham continued to rely on the unsteady “Air Raid” offense.

That lack of ability to audible and play to the team’s strengths has been one of the most puzzling aspects of Beaty’s time at Kansas. The Jayhawks could have one of the top running back corps in the Big 12 with Dom Williams, Herbert and freshman Pooka Williams Jr. Senior wide receiver Steven Sims Jr. also had the potential to be a dangerous playmaker, yet has barely cracked 900 single-season yards yet.

The most egregious example of wasted potential comes with Pooka Williams who exploded onto the scene against Central Michigan, rushing for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

As of the 27-3 loss to Iowa State, Pooka has rushed for 711 yards and four touchdowns in 2018.

This 2018 version of the Jayhawks failed to execute.

Beaty was dealt a bad hand, but that alone does not excuse what has taken place at the newly christened David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Whether this was the right move or not, Beaty’s tenure at Kansas has ended. Now, Long will look for a worthy replacement.

The good thing for the team is it can only go up from here.

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staff NEWS MANAGEMENT

Editor-in-chief Shaun Goodwin

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The University Daily Kansan is the student newspaper of the University of Kansas. The first copy is paid through the student activity fee.

Additional copies of The Kansan are 50 cents. Subscriptions can be purchased at the Kansan business office, 2051A Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS., 66045.

The University Daily Kansan (ISSN 0746-4967) is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year except fall break, spring break and exams. It is published weekly during the summer session excluding holidays. Annual subscriptions by mail are $250 plus tax. Send address changes to The University Daily Kansan, 2051A Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue.

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Concerns arise over KU’s legal counsel NICOLE ASBURY @NicoleAsbury

Kansas Athletics Inc., often described as a separate corporate entity from the University, is currently using the University’s Office of General Counsel for legal affairs.

Although the University has said the practice of institutions and their athletic departments sharing legal counsel is not unusual, some faculty are concerned there could be a conflict of interest.

Faculty Senate President Kirk McClure said, though he understands many of the interests between the University and its athletics corporation align, it’s not best practice when those interests counter one another.

“What makes me worry about this relationship with [Kansas Athletics, Inc.] is whose side is the general counsel on,” McClure said in a September interview with the Kansan. “We are often times going to have circumstances where the financial interests of KAI may run counter to the financial interest of KU.” Brian White, general counsel and vice chancellor of legal affairs, is at the helm of the Office of General Counsel, and was appointed in May of this year after working as chief counsel at the University of Connecticut Health Center. In his experience at various institutions, White said legal representation for the athletics departments often came from the university’s Office of General Counsel.

“The only entities we

Bettina Bugatto/KANSAN Brian White is the vice chancellor for legal affairs and the general counsel for the University of Kansas.

Megan Walawender, an attorney from the Office of the General Counsel has stepped into the corporate counsel role for Kansas Athletics on an

interim basis, according to White.

“I know historically [KAI] had their own counsel down there, which is what [Walawender] has stepped into on an interim capacity, so she’s primarily doing athletic-related duties,” White said.

Frank LoMonte, a professor and director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, said that the use of a lawyer from the Office of General Counsel can be difficult, but is not impossible as long as the two clients are not on opposing sides; though it would indicate the University believes the two entities are not separate.

“If the Association is using the university’s legal services free

of charge, that’s a clear indication that both the university and the association admit there’s no real separation, which means all the records and meetings of the athletic department ought to be public,” LoMonte said in a September email to the Kansan.

Associate Athletics Director Jim Marchiony said no one has been officially appointed as the corporate counsel for the KU Athletics Association, rather, the Office of General Counsel is offering assistance to the athletic association temporarily.

“Since the departure of KAI’s corporate counsel, the General Counsel’s Office has continued to support KAI while both parties determine how to best meet the legal needs of KAI going forward,” Marchiony said in

an email with the Kansan.

When the University announced the $20 million budget reduction, faculty, staff and students started raising questions over the lack of contribution from KAI. Kansas Athletics gives a direct contribution of $50,000 to the University annually, while the University directly contributes $1.5 million to Kansas Athletics, according to data from the Office of the Provost.

The large number of inquiries from those outside of central administration prompted Interim Provost Carl Lejuez to host a budget conversation specifically focusing on the relationship between the two entities.

It is uncertain when — or if — Kansas Athletics will hire a new corporate counsel.

Lawrence-Journal World.

Members of the Fee Review Committee were in disagreement with the state of the fund, which would have required a $2.25 fee increase to sustain, and put the fee up to a referendum.

“The New York Times was actually unaware that the program had been cancelled at our University just because they have that agreement with so many different universi-

ties,” Student Body Vice President Charles Jetty said.

Jetty said although he has not received much backlash from students about no longer having printed newspapers available on campus, he thinks the program would be beneficial to those students who want access to news sources such as The New York Times.

“Students do have the desire for this content,”

Jetty said. “I do think, given some students’ voracious appetite for the news, it’s something that would be exercised.”

The new fee, if adopted, would cost about $0.55 per student and would provide online access to all articles from The New York Times, as well as opportunities for journalism students such as workshops and internships in Washington D.C. For the fee to be adopted, the fee review process will have to approve it when the subcommittee members meet in February 2019. The fee would not go into effect until the next school year.

“I would be very open to it because I feel strongly about the print news and I feel like print news is one of the most unbiased sources of news out there and it does need to be strongly circulated,” Senate Finance Committee Chair Seth Wingerter said.

Wingerter, who was on the fee review subcommittee last spring, said the former readership fee was contentious among members because some felt the fund was being

managed inefficiently.

He said because of that, it was put to a referendum. The new fee would not be put to referendum unless there was similar disagreement among fee review members.

“No one cut it because we didn’t want newspapers, we cut it because the majority of the people who wanted to cut it was because they felt it was mismanaged,” Wingerter said. “We have to do what’s best financially for the University.”

Jetty said the fee was not completely removed, but the previous funds that were sustaining the program were zeroed out.

He said Senate executives who had met with representatives from The New York Times were interested in the program as it would be much cheaper than the previous program while still providing students with access to the news.

“I guess we were receptive in that within our own internal dialogues, we had not really come up with a feasible system to the old one,” Jetty said.

[KU] don’t provide direct legal counsel are entities that are not fully controlled by the University — so KU Endowment and the Alumni Center, they are not wholly controlled entities,” White said.

“What makes me worry about this relationship with [Kansas Athletics, Inc.] is whose side is the general counsel on.”

Kirk McClure Faculty senate president

Senate considers new online readership fee SYDNEY HOOVER @syd_hoover17 Student Senate is looking into a new readership fee that would provide students online subscriptions to The New York Times.

Students voted last spring to discontinue the former readership fee which provided printed papers from USA Today, The New York Times, The Kansas City Star and the

KANSAN MEDIA PARTNERS Check out KUJH-TV on Wow! of Kansas Channel 31 in Lawrence for more on what you’ve read in today’s Kansan and other news. Also see KUJH’s website at tv.ku.edu.

KJHK is the student voice in radio.

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

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Bettina Bugatto/KANSAN Student Senate is considering a fee for students to access an online subscription to The New York Times.

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Laura Kelly, Kathleen Sebelius visit KU SOPHIA BELSHE @SophiaBelshe

Ahead of the midterm election on Tuesday, University of Kansas students had the opportunity to speak with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Laura Kelly and former Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius on Nov. 2 at the Kansas Union.

The Rock Chalk Stop Kobach event, organized

by KU Young Democrats, also hosted Secretary of State candidate Brian McClendon and State Treasurer candidate Marci Francisco. “We want common sense, middle of the road, thoughtful people in charge, doing what’s best for Kansas,� Kelly said during the event.

The candidates and Sebelius, all Democrats, each gave brief speeches at the event. In addition to their individual campaign promises, the candidates spoke about the importance of voting, particularly for young people. “This is going to be a very, very close race.

When people say your vote matters, I mean it.

Your vote really will matter,� Kelly said. “And we need to make sure that all of you get all of your friends, all of your family, all across the state, to the polls by Tuesday.�

Kelly emphasized her commitment to funding education at all levels, especially in limiting rising tuition at the University. “[Students] will gain a governor who actually cares about education and will ensure that we do right by education, all the way from early child-

Rachel Griffard/KANSAN Democratic candidate for governor Laura Kelly (left) and former Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius (right) spoke to a crowd of University students about Kelly’s platforms at the Rock Chalk Stop Kobach event on Nov. 2. hood education through the higher education system,� Kelly said in an interview with the Kansan before the event. “I think they’ll also find a more open and welcoming Kansas, a place they might actually want to stay after graduation ... We will change the culture and send the message that Kansas is back.�

Many students in attendance supported this stance on education. “My main priority ‌ is education. I know that Kris Kobach has no intention of making college easier to attend for students who come from

working class families,� said Genevieve Prescher, a junior from Lawrence. “And I know that Laura Kelly really does care about not only higher education, but K-12, which we really need in Kansas.�

Other attendees support Kelly’s stance on immigration, among other policies. “She’s a candidate that makes sense for Kansas.

She’s got good policies, she’s got experience, she knows how to get things done, and Kris Kobach would be a disaster,� said junior Jamie Hawley, president of KU Young Democrats.

Kelly also spoke about her commitment to bipartisanship at the event. “I am dead center, myself. I think that’s obvious from not only my voting record, but from the vast number of very prominent Republicans who’ve endorsed my campaign,�

Kelly said. “I think that, certainly, moderate Republican students would find a home here in this campaign.�

Sebelius, who was governor from 2003 to 2009, said that Kansas is absolutely ready for another female Democratic governor. In addition to sharing the Democratic party,

she and Kelly were neighbors for over 20 years. “I saw her first as a mom and as a friend and as a neighbor,� Sebelius said to the Kansan before the event. “I’ve watched this whole progression, and I just think she is absolutely the right blend of experience, bipartisanship, strategic smarts and budget knowledge that we need right now in Kansas.�

KU Young Democrats tabled and signed people up to phone bank, as well as encouraged students to vote at the Office of Multicultural Affairs, where early voting has

been taking place since Oct. 29. “We’re just celebrating the end of early voting on campus and getting more people to go vote,� Hawley said.

Early voting at OMA is finished, but voters registered in Douglas County can still vote early at the Douglas County Courthouse or on Tuesday at their respective polling locations. “Let’s get folks voting,� McClendon said. “We need to show that there is balance in this country and balance in this state.�

Students have stake in 3rd district congressional race LEONIE SCHEUBLE @KansanNews University of Kansas voters will help decide Tuesday whether Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder or Democratic challenger Sharice Davids will win the 3rd Congressional District – a race with national implications.

Yoder is aiming for a fifth term representing the suburban Kansas City, Kansas, district.

Political newcomer Davids, a lawyer and amateur mixed-martial arts fighter, strives to be the first Native American and openly gay woman to become a member of the Kansas congressional delegation.

The race is competitive with a Davids win crucial to the Democrats’ hopes of taking control of the House of Representatives.

University students will play a role in the deciding the winner. The registrar’s office said about 7,500 students at the Lawrence and Edwards campuses live in Johnson, Wyandotte or Miami counties that comprise the third Congressional District.

Ruthie Yaregal, originally from Johnson County, said this election cycle is important to her and her fellow students.

“It is an opportunity to express change you want to see if you are not pleased with the last two years,� Yaregal said.

Both candidates were unavailable for interviews, but provided email answers to questions. In their email responses, Yoder and Davids said they were concerned about rising college tuition and growing student loans. Student loans totaled $1.5 trillion in this year’s second quarter, according to the Federal Reserve.

Yoder, a University alumnus, said he supports programs such as Pell Grants that will provide more flexibility to students, helping them to complete degrees quicker and reduce college expenses.

Yoder said he plans to keep student loan interest rates low and has cosponsored the Empowering Students through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act, which helps students make better decisions about financing post-secondary education. “I strongly support efforts to ease the burden of student loans including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program,� Yoder said.

For Davids, governing is about balancing prior-

Associated Press U.S. Congressman Kevin Yoder, R-Kansas, waves to supporters after winning the Republican primary on Aug. 7, 2018 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Overland Park. ities. “My experience growing up was that Kansans value education and our students’ future over huge tax breaks for the wealthy,� Davids said.

Davids supports making higher education more affordable, so students aren’t graduating with crushing debt.

While both candidates agreed that the federal government needs to assist college students, they presented opposing positions on health care, immigration and environmental regulation during

an Oct. 30 debate. The debate also framed the midterm election as a referendum on the Trump administration.

Davids called the president’s approach to most issues “chaotic and unpredictable� and said Yoder voted with Trump 92 percent of the time. “It adds to the broken system we have right now in Congress,� she said.

“Yoder showed in several occasions, he will support the president no matter what irrational things he says.�

Yoder said he did not base his decisions on the president’s stances. “When I disagree with the president, I’m willing to stand up to him,� Yoder said, “And when I agree with him I’m willing to support him.�

For Yaregal, the midterm elections are just as meaningful as the presidential elections, if not more. “Midterms give people the ability to influence their local powers,� she said. “That causes direct change that constitutes what we experience day to day.�

340 Fraser | 864-4121 www.psychCLINIC KU EDU COUNSELING SERVICES FOR LAWRENCE & KU

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KU sends out 2nd sexual assault survey removed in order to make the survey shorter so more students are able and willing to participate, but the questions that remain are identical to the original survey.

“There are a lot of survivors out there that their experiences go unaccounted for, and they’re not factored in to how we treat the issue of sexual assault,” Doan said. “So it is incredibly valuable and important to have this opportunity to hear from students.”

SYDNEY HOOVER @sydhoover17

Last week, University of Kansas professors sent out their second survey to students as they near the end of a three year grant to study sexual violence on campus.

The research is known as the Heartland Sexual Assault Policies and Prevention Project and is through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, as previously reported in the Kansan. The faculty members — Alesha Doan, Juliana Carlson and Natabhona Mabachi — received $750,000 to research how universities in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska respond to allegations of sexual assault. There are seven participating schools, including Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska Kearney.

“One of the most important goals and aspects of this issue for us as precursors and as members of the KU community is hearing student voices,” said Doan, the project director.

“It is a way to hear from the broad cross section of students.”

After receiving respons-

Kansan file photo The Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, in collaboration with Watkins Health Center and SAPEC, provides resources for survivors of sexual assault.

“...It is incredibly valuable and important to have this opportunity to hear from students.”

es from 1,213 individuals on the initial survey, the researchers released results found from the survey. Through that, Doan said the researchers and different offices on campus were able to analyze the data and find “gaps” in knowledge students had about sexual assault.

Some of the most surprising results were those involving street harassment or “catcalling,” according to Jen Brockman, director of the Sexual As-

sault and Prevention Education Center.

“That led us to make sure that we built that more in our trainings that we give intentionality with discussing that experience, discussing with folks that catcalling is not consensual, and it is not flirting,” Brockman said.

Brockman said they also saw many students reporting they felt comfortable to intervene as a bystander but did not trust their peers to do the same.

She said that helped guide SAPEC in providing students more information about bystander information to “develop a greater sense of trust in their fellow students.”

The second survey, which was sent to students via email on Oct. 24, is a replica of the original survey to compare results on how efforts since the first survey have changed students’ knowledge on sexual violence. Doan said a few questions have been

Doan said the responses are completely confidential and anonymous, and it would be impossible to track any responses back to a specific individual.

She hopes this method will encourage those who have experienced sexual violence to share their experiences through the survey.

“Everyone at KU should be proud of these rankings, because it means we all are moving in the right direction toward a university that is inclusive and embracing of our military-affiliated students,” said April Blackmon Strange, the Director of the Lt. Gen. William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center.

“And I hope it means that everyone who has invested in efforts to improve campus life for our students — from the KU leadership, our on-campus partners and Student Senate to alumni and donors — sees that their contributions are making a difference in the lives of student veterans and their families.”

The University’s Lt. Gen. William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center is open for 40 hours a week or more, as well as a virtual veterans’ center online.

The center helps stu-

dents with various tasks, from applying to the University to making connections with employers to service and leadership opportunities through the KU Student Veterans of America.

It is important to provide such space for students with people who understand what they’re going through in the transition from the military world to university life, according to Blackmon Strange.

“The center, and our collaborations with units across all KU’s campuses, are crucial to providing the best experience for military-affiliated students on campus,” Blackmon Strange said.

The rankings are publicized in the military community through the Military Times.

“We have prospective students reach out to us to learn more about KU because they have seen

our rankings,” Blackmon Strange said. “We’re also seeing an increase in prospective students who contact us even before reaching

out to admissions because they know we best understand their transitions into higher ed and their GI benefits. They know we can help

Alesha Doan KU associate professor

The three-year grant began in 2016 after Doan and other researchers served on former Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little’s Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force during the 2014-15 school year. 22 of the task force’s 27 recommendations were implemented, including the creation of SAPEC. “You can see SAPEC and the influences of SAPEC across campus through different awareness campaigns, bystander information, educational sessions on consent,” said Doan, who co-chaired the task force. “That is a very obvious change that we can see everywhere, and it has been such a positive change.”

Doan said she hopes the results of the second survey will provide “comprehensive results that can inform prevention and response to the issue.”

“We want to make sure that survivors and their stories and their experiences are not overlooked because a person has chosen not to report a crime,” Doan said. “I think that’s the most compelling thing is we can’t improve an institution unless we have some knowledge of what needs to be improved.”

Publication ranks KU as 5th best school for veterans LINDLEY LUND @lindly_mae98

The University of Kansas has been ranked the fifth best school in the country for veterans by the “Military Times,” one of the most popular military-specific publications for each of the military branches.

The ranking, “Best of Vets,” was based off five main areas: university culture, student support, cost and financial aid, academic policies and academic quality/outcomes, according to Military Times reporter Natalie Gross. The schools qualify for the “Best of Vets” by filling out a survey of almost 150 questions regarding these areas.

“We then analyze those survey responses and also look at federal data from the Education and Veterans Affairs departments to compile the rankings,” Gross said.

To make the top five, the University scored well in all of these areas, but the best two were academic policies for military students and student support.

The University accomplishes this by giving students with military ties (including veterans, those currently serving, as well as their spouses and dependents) a significant preference in admissions.

Additionally, the University eliminates late fees and has other policies that support students whose United States Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits are not paid on time. This also applies to students who have to withdraw for a military reason that differs from the policy for students who withdraw for other reasons. Lastly, the University signs on to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Excellence and Eight Keys to Veterans’ Success.

Chance Parker/KANSAN The University has been ranked the fifth best school in the country in Military Times’ “Best for Vets.”

them navigate the university and VA bureaucracies to ensure as smooth of a transition as possible.”

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arts & culture Monday, November 5, 2018

ARTS & CULTURE

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Rob Riggle accepts Distinguished Alumni Award RYLIE KOESTER @RylieKoester

Rob Riggle affirmed his love for the University of Kansas and his home state during “An Evening with Rob Riggle,” hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where he accepted the Distinguished Alumni Award.

“I’m very proud to be a Jayhawk,” Riggle said. “Everywhere I go, I wear my Jayhawk hat or my Jayhawk shirt or I’m talking about the Jayhawks or I’m bragging about the Jayhawks because it is a wonderful place, and I want more people to know about it.”

The College presented Riggle with its Distinguished Alumni Award at the Burge Union Nov. 2.

The relaxed evening consisted of a question and answer session with University Interim Provost Carl Lejuez.

The College has awarded more than 50 graduates with its Distinguished Alumni award since 1996.

The award recognizes graduates’ contributions to the University, its professors and community,

Sarah Wright/KANSAN Rob Riggle, alumnus of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, gives career advice to the audience during “An Evening with Rob Riggle” on Friday, Nov. 2. according to the College’s website.

Riggle graduated from the University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in theater and film. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He is best known for his acting career. He has appeared in popular films “Step Brothers,” “21 Jump Street” and more recently, “Night School.”

Riggle said his time at

the College offered him the opportunity to grow, become well-rounded and take a variety of classes, including in theater, psychology, film and history.

Riggle started college as a political science major but switched to theater.

When asked about his takeaways from the University, Riggle said it’s important to have a mindset towards growth in order to actually be able to grow in

all things, but especially in acting.

“You have to push yourself,” Riggle said.

Riggle also said he thinks it’s possible to have more than one dream, especially living in the United States, and he’s been able to achieve both of his. Riggle’s first dream was serving in the Marine Corps and his second was acting.

“We live in a wonderful

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

KANSAN: How does it feel to be recognized by your alma mater for your work through your careers?

Riggle: It’s an honor.

It feels really good, and I’m very grateful that they thought enough of me that they wanted to do this. I’m very happy about it, very happy about it. I’m very proud of Kansas, [KU], and I brag all the time about my Jayhawks, and I wear my Jayhawk stuff all around New York and Los Angeles, and I do it with pride. It’s easy to do because Kansas always gives me a lot to be proud of.

KANSAN: When did you find out you were going to receive this honor?

Riggle: I think it was this summer, if I’m not mistaken. I think it was some time this summer. I was like, ‘that’s amazing.’

KANSAN: How are you able to balance acting and working on many shows with your military service?

Riggle: It was tough. I was busy a lot of the time.

Holding down two jobs can be tough, but it also can be done, you’ve just

got to have good friends, a good support system, people in your life that will help you — and you’ve got to want it. I think all those things came together to help me get it done. I was very lucky to be able to do both.

KANSAN: How did your time at the University help you progress through your career in entertainment and the military?

Riggle: It gave me a great foundation. It gave me a great education. I developed a real passion for acting and film here at KU, and it made me want to be part of that world. It kind of put a vision in my head of what I wanted and what could be possible, and it was just up to me to go try to make that vision come true.

KANSAN: Was it at the University when you first realized you wanted to become an actor?

Riggle: I had thoughts of it when I was in high school, but they seemed so silly, and so, you know, well that’s just not gonna happen, or that’s not real, and it’s a shame that I felt like that. It was a different time maybe, I don’t know, but now, looking back, I wish I would’ve believed in it a little more, earlier, that it was possible. That it was something that I could do. That I could try it just like anybody else.

I did — I just did it in my own time.

KANSAN: What moment in your life did you struggle through adversity the most?

Riggle: I was in New York on 9/11, and I was pursuing comedy and acting, but I was also with the Marine reserves. I was

activated on September 11th. My reserve unit was in Manhattan, so I worked on the rubble piles down at Ground Zero for quite a while, moving rubble by hand. Those were really tough days and really emotionally trying days.

Then after that, going on active duty and going to Afghanistan, those were tough times. Then, in show business, when you’re between jobs and there’s no money coming in, it gets scary. You can fill yourself with a lot of self-doubt, and you just gotta persevere.

KANSAN: Is there a specific, to the point piece of advice that you could give to students?

Riggle: Decide what you want. Be passionate about what you want. Everything else will take care of itself.

KANSAN: Is Meghan Markle nice?

Riggle: She’s unbelievably nice. Incredibly sweet, super smart. She should absolutely be a duchess right now.

KANSAN: What are you currently working on?

Riggle: I’ve got some television shows in development right now. Obviously I’m working on Fox NFL every Sunday and doing my podcast every week. I’ve got some films in 2019 that could be interesting — early too, it’s like January, February — so I’m excited about those.

Don’t think I can tell you much about them. The television development, I’ve got a couple shows that I’m excited about. I’ve got some good producers.

We’ll see what happens.

KANSAN: Which role you have performed is your favorite?

place where you can do that,” Riggle said.

Riggle also spoke about his charity contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Riggle hosts an annual charity event for Children’s Mercy and has raised more than $6 million. He thanked the Kansas City community for its contributions and said it’s important to give back to your own community.

“We have to take care of it ourselves,” Riggle said.

A surprising moment for both Riggle and the audience came when three fellow comedians, David Koechner, Eric Stonestreet and Paul Rudd, appeared in a video to congratulate Riggle on receiving the award.

After joking the award was meant for himself, Rudd, who attended the University for two years, congratulated Riggle on the honor.

“No one deserves it more than you,” Rudd said in the video.

Riggle also spoke with University students earlier this week. Ross Kaine, a sophomore from Chicago,

attended the event Friday night and also saw Riggle speak the day before at a separate appearance. Kaine, an economics major, said he was inspired by Riggle during the session.

“After yesterday, he really inspired me to major in theater, so now I’m double majoring in both economics and theater,” Kaine said.

The event ended with questions from the audience, with an audience member asking Riggle what it takes to make it as an actor. Riggle responded that it takes a long time, citing his personal experiences of it taking him almost ten years.

“You have to do the work,” Riggle said.

Clarence Lang, interim dean of the College, presented Riggle with the Distinguished Alumni Award at the end of the evening.

“Rob’s career exceeds the criteria for this recognition,” Lang said.

After accepting the award, Riggle ended the night in true KU fashion.

“Rock Chalk, Jayhawk,” Riggle said.

Catching up with Rob Riggle: ‘I love coming back’ JOSH MCQUADE @JoshMcQuadeUDK The University of Kansas will welcome back alumnus Rob Riggle, accomplished television and film actor, and Marine Corps veteran, with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

The actor is best known for his work on “21 Jump Street,” “Step Brothers” and, most recently, “Rob Riggle’s Ski Master Academy.” Riggle graduated with a degree in theatre and film in 1992, but did not get his break into stardom until 2004, when he earned a spot as a featured player on “Saturday Night Live.” Riggle has also solidified himself as a KU basketball superfan, even accepting a position as broadcaster for the University’s TeamCast during last year’s Final Four.

Riggle is not only an actor. He also served 23 years as a member of the Marine Corps Reserves.

After a question and answer session with University theatre and film students on Nov. 1, Riggle sat down with the Kansan to discuss advice for students, his love for his alma mater and his future plans.

Sarah Wright/KANSAN University alumnus and comedian Rob Riggle chats with students after a question and answer event in Murphy Hall’s Inge Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Sarah Wright/KANSAN University alumnus and comedian Rob Riggle discusses his career during a small event at the Inge Theatre on Thursday.

Riggle: The one I had the most fun doing was Randy from “Step Brothers” because Will and Adam McKay, and Adam Scott, they’re all improvisers like me. We’re all improvisers, so we played so much on that set. Half that movie is improvised.

The whole “pow” scene — all improvised. The whole thing where we’re at the Catalina Wine Mixer and I tell Will that he’s gotta change his face — all improvised. It was because Adam McKay, the director, he’s an improvisor. He came up doing improv. So he loves it.

A lot of directors don’t like it — a lot of other actors don’t like it, because they like to learn their lines, they like to execute them, and then someone’s throwing weird stuff at you, it could be confusing and uncomfortable. But everybody on that particular film was an improviser, so everybody was down to play.

KANSAN: What was your favorite scene you’ve improvised?

Riggle: Probably the “pow” scene. Although, when I was at the Catalina Wine Mixer talking to

Will, we could hardly get through it. We kept ruining takes cause we would die laughing. Those kinds of laughs are really fun and special. Also, in “The Hangover.” I improvised a lot there, which was a lot of fun.

KANSAN: What do you miss most about Lawrence?

Riggle: Wow, I love Lawrence. I miss the nightlife. There were certain watering holes that you’d just go to and you could hang out and have a beer and see all your friends and catch up. Especially the fall. I mean, October to Christmas was always my favorite. Well, September, the fall semester was always just my favorite. Because you could smell the burning smell of leaves in the air and it was getting colder. I just loved it.

Lawrence is a great town and it’s getting better and better all the time.

From the time I was here, which was a long time ago, it just keeps improving.

So I love coming back because there’s always new bars, restaurants and we keep winning, so that’s always fun.

ARTS & CULTURE

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‘Black Panther’ author to speak at Liberty Hall RACHEL GAYLOR @raegay218

Liberty Hall will host author Nnedi Okorafor on Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Lawrence Public Library, Hall Center for Humanities and the African Studies Center.

Okorafor, a science fiction writer best-known for her novel “Akata Witch” and the “Black Panther” comics, will discuss her books and the inspiration behind them. The talk will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience as well as a book signing.

“Nnedi Okorafor’s name went to the top [of the potential visitors list] pretty quickly,” said Kristin Soper, the events coordinator of the library.

Four years ago, the LPL received a grant from the Ross and Mariana Beach Foundation, allowing them to bring a notable author each year for an event. This year, Okorafor was selected by a committee made up of University of Kansas members from the English Department, Hall Center for the Humanities and KU Li-

braries along with the LPL staff members and Danny Caine, owner of The Raven Book Store.

Okorafor was born in the United States to Nigerian parents and is the first science fiction author in the Beach Series.

“I’m very excited about hearing her talk about how she builds worlds,” Soper said. “I’m really interested to see how Nigerian mythology plays into her storytelling as well and getting her take on the, ‘We need diverse books’ movement.”

Soper also said in her view, some may “look down upon” the science fiction genre as less of a literary force, but Okorafor can help change minds with her perspective.

“My hope is that people will broaden their horizons a bit more in terms of what they read,” Soper said. “They’ll find that [science-fiction has] really amazing stories and have very valuable things to say about the world we live in.”

Emily Riley is the assistant director of the Kansas African Studies Center and said she is excited to hear Okorafor’s perspective

as the daughter of immigrants.

“What excites me is this afro-futuristic theme she has,” Riley said. “I think it’s a great way to illuminate other ways of thinking or that there’s not just an American-centric understanding of literature and science-fiction but that her books on Africa and African voices is being the stem of her writing and her inspiration for her books.”

Soper said she hopes

Okorafor’s presence and message will help inspire a new generation of writers that feel drawn to the literary world.

“That’s another hope of mine — that someone will see her up on stage talking about her writing and they’ll decide to take the plunge in creating their own stories,” Soper said.

Riley said she hopes Okorafor can help open eyes to African-based science fiction as source of

knowledge and creativity.

“Hopefully in hearing her draw from both her American experience and Nigerian experience, I’m hoping people will see that Africans and Africa are a source and not another alternative to American kinds of writing or western types of thinking,” Riley said.

The event is free and open to the public with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

hosted an event supporting democratic candidates in Kansas, most notably Laura Kelly for governor.

“We’re not afraid to put ourselves on the line and

doing.”

DeGeorge said voting is “the most important thing” a person can do because voting is a power that we as citizens have.

RYLIE KOESTER @RylieKoester

said.

Along with recent immigration issues, Hanako Momohara’s inspiration for her art also stems from her family’s experiences.

Her family emigrated from Japan to the United States and lived in an internment camp in Idaho during World War II. One of the billboards is in Cincinnati, and the other two are in Boise, Idaho.

Hanako Momohara said she asked for a billboard to be displayed in Idaho because that’s where her family had been held.

Hanako Momohara’s billboards also include the saying, “Never Again is Now,” a phrase used to combat racial injustice — it’s a way to point to the past and say something similar has happened before and shouldn’t be repeated.

Associated Press This image released by Disney and Marvel Studios’ shows Chadwick Boseman in a scene from “Black Panther,” which debuted in theaters on Feb. 16, 2018.

Mass Street businesses encourage midterm voting

RACHEL GAYLOR @raegay218

Local businesses have been stepping up in the weeks leading up to the 2018 midterm elections, voicing support for certain candidates and the right to vote.

Love Garden Sounds at 822 Massachusetts St. has a banner draped above the storefront door that simply reads “VOTE.” “In my mind, in this election, it’s important to vote so you can maintain your right to vote,” said Kelly Corcoran, owner of Love Garden Sounds.

Ladybird Diner at 721 Mass St. has promoted voting both in the restaurant and on their Facebook page.

In the back of the restaurant is a sign counting down the number of days until the election on November 6. A sign in the front window reads “VOTE.” Blu Brooks-O’Leary is a waitress at Ladybird Diner and said the employees understand the importance of the upcoming midterms.

“We’re all of voting age; we’re all pretty young and will have to go off into the world to deal with what’s coming,” O’Leary said. “It’s important that we all stress voting and take to heart the issues that are going to affect us.”

Other businesses have taken the candidate approach. In October, Wonder Fair, located at 841 Mass St.,

“We’re not afraid to put ourselves on the line and our political views and moral views on the line.”

Paul DeGeorge Wonder Fair owner

our political views and moral views on the line,” said Wonder Fair owner Paul DeGeorge. “We’re going to be as transparent with that influence as possible.”

Corcoran said he thinks the most pressing issue is voter suppression and people feeling like their voices don’t matter. He said he wanted to stress that voting and participation matters.

“It’s really up to people who show up,” Corcoran said. “They’ve got to show up, they’ve got to participate and if they don’t, that’s no good.”

The sign hanging above the door, Corcoran said, is an artistic way to spread the message of exercising a basic right as a citizen. He said he usually prefers subtle messages, but this year he feels different.

“I didn’t feel like being subtle about this,” Corcoran said. “There was a general agreement amongst everybody who worked [at Love Garden Sounds] that this was something worth

“I guess I can understand that some people don’t want to bother their lives with having politics be a part of them,” DeGeorge said. “But people who do that are working from a place of tremendous privilege where they don’t have to worry about whatever laws this administration or the next is going to pass.”

Whether it’s signs, events or just word of mouth, it’s clear that the upcoming election is an important one for Lawrence businesses and residents alike. Corcoran said even saying the word “vote” can seem like a political statement, but it is simply an awareness of the choice people have to change the political narrative.

“This shouldn’t be something that we’re worried about,” Corcoran said.

“It should be something you should be able to do.

Maintaining power should be about ideas not suppression.”

Elizabeth Will/KANSAN Love Garden is a record store in downtown Lawrence that urges the community to exercise its voting rights.

National campaign features alumna art As part of a nationwide campaign to encourage civic engagement ahead of the midterm elections, University of Kansas alumna Emily Hanako Momohara currently has three billboards on display in two states.

Hanako Momohara’s billboards depict historic images of Japanese Americans who were held in internment camps and split from their families during World War II. Hanako Momohara, who graduated in 2006 with a Master of Fine Arts degree, said the recent family separations near the United States’ southern border reminded her of this time in American history.

“It just started ringing a little too familiar,” Hanako Momohara said.

The billboards are part of an initiative by For Freedoms.

Taylor Brock, a representative of For Freedoms, said the company started as a certified Super PAC in 2016 but has since been dissolved into a platform for civic engagement.

“The goal of it was to get the art world to start talking about politics and engage in the political system leading up to the 2016, presidential election,” Brock said.

For Freedoms started a “50 State Initiative” in which it hosts an art exhibition, a town hall discussion and puts up a billboard in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico leading up to the midterm elections on Nov. 6. It works directly with artists across the country to encourage civic engagement.

One of Hanako Momohara’s images on the billboards displays a Japanese internment camp, and another shows a young girl sitting on suitcases, bound for incarceration.

“Showing those kids’ faces is a very humanizing way to talk about these issues,” Hanako Momohara

“Showing those kids’ faces is a very humanizing way to talk about these issues.”

Hanako Momohara University alumna

“We always want to learn from the past,” Hanako Momohara said.

Hanako Momohara said her art wasn’t formerly as rooted in activism as it is now. She said she’s recently felt the need to address immigration, civil liberties and incarceration.

Because she isn’t an immigrant herself, she uses her family’s history as inspiration for her art.

“I can’t speak firsthand,” Hanako Momohara said.

“I can only speak to how my family’s benefited and how I’ve benefited from immigrants.”

Hanako Momohara’s billboards were put up at the beginning of October and will be displayed through the midterm elections Nov. 6.

Proven Leadership

Barbara Ballard State Representative Forty-Fourth

This November someone has the power to change your life.

Someone who can create jobs for a stronger economy.

Someone who can decide whether your children get the education they deserve.

Someone who can reform taxes to treat all Kansans fairly.

Someone who can impact adult and juvenile crime for community safety and stability.

YOU! Use your power in the voting booth on November 6, 2018

Vote.

Paid for by Barbara Ballard for State Representative Treasurer: Chuck Fisher

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OPINION

Monday, November 5, 2018 Text your Free For All submissions to (785) 289-8351

FFA of the Day: Trump: “might dick around and mess up the Constitution” Merry Christmas everyone!!

“I just want to drop out of college and marry Pat Mahomes” “You look like a lesbian Steve Jobs today” Good morning a squirrel just walked across my feet like it was nothing I basically talk to myself half the day because I say stuff and no one responds WE DO NOT SUPPORT THANKSGIVING ERASURE IN THIS HOUSEHOLD why did i spend $13 on sushi? because i’m sad Rachel should’ve ended up with Joey My existential crisis is going great, how about you?

JUST IN unicycle guy riding up hill, carrying a pizza in one hand. unreal cool. wow two guys in our class just high-fived each other for being pro gun “it’s november why haven’t any of my professors posted my grades” “no grade november” “I don’t know the psychology of cat abortions” Wearing sweatpants with a button down shirt is the biggest BDE. It’s like you’re not ashamed of being an alcoholic, that’s bold.

My professor just got to class early for the first time all semester

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K A N S A N .C O M /O P I N I O N

A final plea to vote for Laura Kelly

HAELI MAAS @HaeliMaas

This is the final installment in Haeli Maas’s bimonthly column about the gubernatorial race. Find more of her commentary at Kansan.com The Kansas gubernatorial election season will come to an end on Nov. 6, and when you head to the polls, there are questions you need to answer to yourself before you vote.

All choices are important, but one of the most crucial in this election cycle is who you’re going to elect as governor of Kansas. My opinion? Laura Kelly is what’s best for the state.

Step away from your party lines and look at the big picture: Kris Kobach is a vision of former governor Sam Brownback’s policies. What he is looking to do in Kansas will hurt the economy and education system through tax cuts for those that don’t need them. His plan is so eerily similar to Brownback’s that it is almost hard to tell them apart.

As Kansans have seen, this plan did not work. It wasn’t working in 2015 when I wrote a letter to Brownback discussing my fears for Kansas while still in high school. Brownback’s policies did not work for Kansas, and neither will Kobach’s. A vote for him is not just a vote

Senator Laura Kelly is the Democratic candidate running for governor in Kansas. for your “party,” it’s a vote that is sending a message to all Kansans that being a Republican is worth more than the well-being of your state.

President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Kris Kobach should not be taken lightly. While, yes, Trump may have the support of some Kansans, there are always those who hold Republican values and yet still do not see the vindication in Trump’s actions or comments. Stick with that.

Believing in your party

while not giving complete support to your Republican president is okay. But do not vote for someone endorsed by the president you do not fully support, just for the sake of supporting a Republican. Do better. Research. Choose someone who will help your state, regardless of their political party.

Laura Kelly has received the endorsement of four former governors of Kansas. Two of these governors are part of the Republican Party. Former governors Bill Graves (R)

and Mike Hayden (R) have both stepped away from their party line and chosen a candidate who can do better by Kansans. It is important that the people of Kansas vote in their best interest and choose someone who can really help solve the problems that have plagued our state since Brownback’s term.

Now, and on Nov. 6, we will show what Kansans really value. Our willingness to step away from our party lines and preconceived notions about

what it means to be a Democrat or a Republican will serve as the determining factor in this gubernatorial election. It would be a mistake to vote for Kobach solely because he is the Republican candidate.

It is time to create a change and do something right for the state of Kansas, and that means electing Laura Kelly for governor.

Haeli Maas is a junior from Lindsborg studying strategic communications.

being that I truly believe my voice matters. The biggest reason, though, is that I don’t believe anyone has a right to voice frustration about the state of our country if they don’t bother to cast their ballot.

In the 2016 presidential election, 100 million eligible voters chose not to vote. To put that into perspective, the number of people who could have voted but did not outnumbered the number of people who voted for Trump, Clinton or any other candidate.

Reasons for why those 100 million Americans didn’t bother to vote ranged from not liking any of the candidates to having conflicting schedules, and then just pure laziness.

Whatever your excuse is to abstain from voting in the upcoming midterm elections, you are actively choosing to forego your given right to voice your opinion and be an engaged and participative member of society — a right not everyone in this world is entitled to.

If you lean left, vote. If

you lean right, vote. If you hate how our country is being run, vote. If you love how our country is being run, vote. If you are impartial and do not really care, still, vote.

No matter your political opinions or background, your voice matters, and it is your constitutional duty to make sure it’s heard. More often than not, you are not going to agree with all the stances a candidate takes.

But most likely, there is going to be at least one who aligns more closely with

your views than the others.

If you are not sure where you can vote, look online to find your nearest polling place and the times they are open. If you feel uninformed and do not know who to vote for, research the candidates or take an online quiz to help you see which candidates more closely align with your views.

Ellie Milton, a University junior who said she’ll be voting on Election Day, said it is especially important to have a high voter turnout for this round of midterms.

“The midterms are important because your state legislature is literally what affects your daily life,” Milton said. “With so many insanely close races for governor, senate and congress, it’s more important than ever to exercise your right to vote.”

It’s easier to push the midterms aside because there is not as much media coverage surrounding them. However, they are just as important, if not more important, than the presidential elections.

So get out there and vote — let your voice be heard.

And if you choose not to, do not complain.

Mallorie McBride is a junior from Overland Park studying journalism and business.

There’s no excuse not to vote in the midterms MALLORIE MCBRIDE @MallorieMcBride I hate politics.

Truly, I do. I firmly believe it brings out the absolute worst in people and fosters harmful walls that divide society.

But you will always find me at the polls on Election Day. I vote for many reasons — one being I want to honor the many brave women who fought, not too long ago, for me to be able to have this right. Another

“Horses are the most sinful beings I know of” YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY, THE BEST OFFENSE IS PAYING PLAYERS “Now raccoons, they have hands. That’s a pet you can trust.”

“I’m reading your papers now and I don’t know if I picked good ones but they have been a nice surprise.”

“Once I swiped a beer from a frat party so I could cook with it” Just got phished by KU they just need to make a move already this flirtation is killing me

Chance Parker/KANSAN

Elizabeth Will/KANSAN A sign in the window of Ladybird Diner urges all people to vote.

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Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Shaun Goodwin, Conner Mitchell, Rebekah Lodos and Baylee Parsons.

OPINION

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Inaccessible voting suppresses democracy MOLLY LANDOLT @MollyLandolt

As the midterm elections approach next Tuesday, it is imperative for a functioning democracy that its citizens vote. Unfortunately, across the country voters are inadvertently suppressed due to strict regulations and a lack of accessibility to polls.

Only about 56 percent of eligible voters in the United States voted in the 2016 presidential election.

With voting reform, that number could increase exponentially.

Individuals in the United States may not vote for a variety of reasons: some may feel their vote won’t make a difference, and some may have obstacles to overcome on their way to the polls. If people aren’t available to vote on election day, though, they do have some other options — but these options are not always perfect.

Thirty-seven states offer early voting, which is a great resource to expand voter turnout, but there are still 13 states in which individuals cannot vote early, making it more difficult for citizens to make it to the polls.

Absentee ballots are not sufficiently accessible, either — 21 states require voters to provide a viable excuse if they want to receive an absentee ballot.

Luckily, Kansas voters may obtain an absentee ballot without providing an excuse, but in states like Missouri, voters can only obtain one if they meet the following qualifications, according to vote.org: “You will be absent from your voting jurisdiction on Elec-

Hannah Edelman/KANSAN

Vote signs outside of the Sabatini Mulitcultural Resource Center, Oct. 29. tion Day, you are incapacitated or confined due to illness or physical disability, or caring for an incapacitated person, you are restricted by religious belief or practice, you are employed

by Election Day authority, and you are incarcerated, but have retained all your voting qualifications.”

What’s more, Missouri, along with other states, requires that most individuals voting absentee have their ballots notarized, which is an unnecessarily tedious step in the voting process that discourages voters.

Missouri does not offer early voting at polling places, either — it only allows

individuals to vote early using an absentee ballot.

These rules suppress voters who cannot make it to the polls on election day, but don’t fall under the criteria required to receive an absentee ballot.

The ability to get to the polls on election day is a privilege. Some may not be able to get time off work, or lack proper transportation to their polling place on election day, among other reasons.

It’s time for every state to make it more accessible for their residents to vote.

The ridiculous requirements to receive an absentee ballot contribute to the

lack of voter turnout. The tedious process of voting in some states makes it easier for more privileged citizens to cast their ballots and harder for others; wealthier individuals can get time off work to vote and have reliable transportation to and from the polls.

Only 48.3 percent of college students voted in the 2016 presidential election. College students are extraordinarily busy with school work, extracurricular activities and other jobs.

Meeting all of the requirements to vote and submit an absentee ballot discourages students from carrying out their civic duty.

Hanna Cox, a sophomore majoring in journalism and English, had to go through multiple tedious steps in order to vote as an absentee.

“I had to get my ballot notarized by a notary public,” Cox said. “This was the first election I had ever voted absentee in, and I had no idea where a notary public was.”

“I also had to pay for my own postage, which is not the worst thing that has ever happened to me, but it is less convenient than other states that do pay for absentee ballot postage,” Cox said. “I think it is little things like that that make

college students feel like voting is too hard or not worth it.”

The United States must ensure that voting becomes more accessible. Current voting options in many states suppress and discourage members of the electorate. Voting is the only way to change the current political situation, but nothing will change unless it becomes convenient for everyone.

Molly Landolt is a sophomore from Labadie, Missouri, studying strategic communications.

A guide to civility in an age of political noise SCOTT JOHNSTON @scottawatomie In an age of politically motivated shootings, bomb scares, violent protests and open calls for intolerance from our nation’s leaders, we must not let these events set the precedent for our behavior with people of different political beliefs.

As we enter the home stretch before the 2018 midterm elections, we should strive to be civil in our discussions with one another and give ourselves the best chance of to heal the division in our country. To help outline the process of engaging in civil discourse, I’ve prepared a guide of some of the most important actions you can take to foster productive political conversations in the coming week, and beyond.

ACTUALLY LISTEN Your opinion is right — of course it is. How could a smart person like you be wrong about something as simple as whatever hot-button political issue you’re discussing? Well, believe it or not, there are intelligent people on both sides. That’s why the first step is to listen.

Give others the benefit of the doubt and listen to what they have to say. Most people have some sort of reasoning behind why they think the way they do. You may think it’s flawed, but

Illustration by Lacey Gregory/KANSAN to the person talking, it is the validation behind their beliefs. In a one-on-one discussion, you owe it to them to honestly listen before responding.

No, really. Actually hear them out.

I’m not kidding. That person you’re talking to is giving you a peek into the workings of their mind.

You get to see the rationale behind their own personal philosophy. Ask them questions and seek to understand their position.

Even if you don’t respect the ideology, respect the person.

DON’T PUT PEOPLE IN A BOX Generalizations are useful — they can allow you to take past experiences and statistics and apply them to real world topics. However, when you’re dealing with another human being faceto-face, generalizations should go out the window.

People are complex. They are capable of having differing opinions that aren’t in line with the cookie cutter idea of what a typical Republican or Democrat should be. Instead of relying on generalizations, take time to try and understand

what you’ve just heard about the other person.

DON’T USE PERSONAL ATTACKS If you’ve taken the time to listen, understand their point of view and treat them as an individual, then you have hopefully recognized that the person who you are speaking to is a real human being who has developed their worldview from past experience. When it’s your turn to speak, respond to the arguments themselves, rather than insulting the person.

For example, if you find within yourself the desire

to call them a racist, maybe try explaining to them specifically why you think their policies promote racism.

Doing this keeps the conversation productive and helps associate your position with a pleasant conversation. This gives them less ammunition to use against others who think like you and forces them to battle your ideas rather than your insults.

DON’T EXPECT TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S MINDS RIGHT AWAY If it happens, let it be a happy accident, but don’t

expect it to be the norm.

It takes a lot for people who are ingrained in their opinions to change them if they ever do at all. If you are lucky, you’ll find some common ground between you that you both can stand on.

Make sure that when you give them your side of the argument, you explain the parts of their view you agree with, if any, and the parts you disagree with.

Tell them why. What values are you basing your opinion on? If you are having trouble explaining why you think the way you do, it may be time for some more research into what you believe. You may be the one who ends up having their mind changed.

As we get ever closer to midterm elections, tomorrow I encourage you all to keep up with the Kansan’s opinion section, and as always, get your news and information from as many sources as possible. Ideas and values are the building blocks from which political beliefs are made. If we can clearly communicate them with people who think differently than we do, then we allow the best ideas a chance to flourish rather than burying them beneath bickering, contempt and division.

Scott Johnston is a senior from Berryton studying microbiology.

10

SPORTS

K ANSAN.COM

Volleyball surges back with win over Texas Tech JORDAN WOLF @JWolfAP

When Kansas lost three straight matches and slid out of first in the Big 12 late last month, the message from coach Ray Bechard was clear: the Jayhawks needed to get back to playing like the team they truly are.

After Saturday, it seems as though they’ve done just that.

Kansas notched its second-straight win after the three-match skid, cruising past Texas Tech in four sets (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 2521). Both offensively and defensively, the Jayhawks saw improvement back to the level they played at earlier in the year, that carried them to a 6-0 start in conference play. “.310 hitting percentage, 61 percent sideout, and 13 blocks – key blocks,” Bechard said. “That’s who we are.”

Bechard stressed throughout the slide that the offensive production needed to improve, and much of that fell on Kansas’ top attackers. They’ve certainly responded over the last two matches, swinging for a .310 hitting percentage in the win over West Virginia on Wednesday and .300 against Texas Tech.

Leading the charge was junior hitters Jada Burse and Ashley Smith, who finished with 11 and eight kills respectively, and both swung over .300.

“Jada, she was great Wednesday, and tonight again, 18 kills and three errors,” Bechard said. “And Ashley – when you get left sides that get that much volume and hit over .300, they’re having a big-time

Bettina Bugatto/KANSAN Jada Burse and Rachel Langs block the ball on Wednesday, October 10th. The Jayhawks defeated Texas 3-1. night.”

Burse had largely played well over the stretch, but the attack as a whole struggled. She knew, however, that this type of breakthrough was imminent.

“I knew we could do it,” Burse said. “I was just waiting on the moment.”

A large part of the offensive struggles can be traced back to the injury of freshman setter Camryn Ennis. She went down on Oct. 20 against Iowa State, and didn’t see a full workload again until the match against the Red Raiders.

With Ennis back in the fold, the Jayhawks were able to not only re-estab-

lish their rhythm with her at setter, but also do so with senior setter Gabby Simpson by Ennis’ side as the pair slid back into its regular two-setter approach.

“I think us just getting back in the swing of things after the injury with Cam, just getting back into the swing of things with Gabby, getting our chemistry up with her,” Burse said of the offense’s resurgence.

When the losing streak ended against West Virginia, it wasn’t sure if things were back 100 percent or if Kansas had simply taken care of an inferior opponent. After a second con-

Women’s basketball closes out exhibition play with win CARLOS PETERSON @CarlosWritesKU Kansas women’s basketball had an impressive showing to close out exhibition play with a convincing 87-43 over Washburn on Nov. 4, finishing exhibition play 2-0 after a victory over Fort Hays on Oct. 28.

Senior guard Christalah Lyons set the tone for the game, opening scoring with eight of the Jayhawks’ first 14 points, breaking down the overwhelmed Washburn defense.

“I think this boosted my confidence from last game, just not making shots,” Lyons said. “I think me making shots helps my team become more confident so.”

Kansas coach Brandon Schneider said this was a huge bounce back game for his veteran guard after struggling last week against Fort Hays, where Lyons scored just eight points.

“I think Christalah would tell you that she

didn’t play well last Sunday,” Schneider said. “She was not herself so it was nice to see her assert herself from the opening tip.

We’re a much better team when she’s aggressive. I thought she responded after coming off a game where she struggled.”

The defense was swarming throughout the game, wreaking havoc for the Washburn ball handlers. Washburn finished the game with a total of 24 turnovers, which was a byproduct of Kansas’ length and athleticism.

With Washburn being a Division II school, playing against a Division I opponent provides unique challenges, according to Washburn coach Ron McHenry.

“Kansas has got their bodies, the length, athletic ability and size,” McHenry said. “We played Missouri but that was a little different. Missouri wasn’t as long or as athletic, so I thought that bothered us.”

Freshman guard Brooklyn Mitchell led the scor-

Brooklyn Mitchell

freshman, guard

5-7

FREE THROWS

ing for the Jayhawks with 19 points, yet another strong showing from her after dropping 17 points last Sunday against Fort Hays.

This was a sneak peek at the potential that freshman guards Mitchell and Aniya Thomas possess to help Kansas improve, according to Schneider.

“When we recruited Brooklyn and Aniya, we had high expectations,” Schneider said. “They’re talented players and they’re pretty young players. They made a lot of good plays and had a good stat line. The thing that I like about them is that they’re very coachable.

They’re very receptive to coaching which is where young players improve.”

next game

vs. UMKC Wed., Nov. 7 7 p.m.

MINUTES

20

19

3

REBOUNDS

STEALS

POINTS

3

vincing victory, though, it appears as though the offense is indeed back.

The win over the Mountaineers was instrumental in reaching that point.

“During the West Virginia game, I was telling my team we need to use this opportunity to get our confidence back, and we did,” Burse said.

With just five matches left before postseason play and the NCAA Tournament selection show, Kansas still

has a lot to prove. The team is clearly talented and can play at a high level, but after the late-October skid, much is still to be said of the team’s consistency.

Still, though, for the team to have improved and regained the level of play that had defined its initial Big 12 success, things are promising moving forward into the final stretch.

“I still think we’re gaining speed,” Bechard said.

“There’s teams this time

of year that might plateau out, might not be gaining momentum. But I still think as a team we’re still making progress, so I’m excited about that.”

next game

at Texas Sat., Nov. 10 7 p.m.

sports

K ANSAN.COM

Monday, November 5, 2018

SPORTS

11

K A N S A N .C O M /S P O R T S

Basketball Gameday Kansas vs. Michigan State, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 6:00 p.m.

Chance Parker/KANSAN Junior center Udoka Azubuike celebrates against Washburn during Kansas’ second exhibition game of the season. The Jayhawks defeated the Ichabods 79-52 on Thursday, Nov. 1.

MADDY TANNAHILL & BRADEN SHAW @KansanSports

Beat Writer Predictions:

Maddy Tannahill: Kansas 72 Michigan St. 70 | Braden Shaw: Kansas 78 Michigan St. 75

KANSAS (0-0, 0-0 BIG 12)

MICHIGAN ST. (0-0 0-0 BIG 10)

Quentin Grimes

Cassius Winston

★★★★

★★★★

Dedric Lawson

Nick Ward

★★★★

★★★★

Lagerald Vick

Joshua Langford

★★★

★★★

freshman guard

Following Kansas’ 93-55 win in an exhibition against Emporia State on Oct. 25, Kansas coach Bill Self said that Grimes and fellow freshman guard Devon Dotson have separated themselves from the other Jayhawk guards.

Grimes, a preseason All-Big 12 honorable mention and preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year, is looking to make an immediate impact on the offensive end.

redshirt junior forward

Even though the exhibitions against Emporia State and Washburn didn’t count toward season totals, Lawson showed serious offensive potential. The preseason AllAmerican dropped 31 points and 15 rebounds in the first game and followed that up with 18 points and six rebounds against Washburn. Also, Lawson showcased his ability from behind the arc, shooting 6-for-8 from three-point range.

senior guard

The lone senior on the roster, Vick will be looked at as a veteran presence and one of the few outside shooting threats for this Jayhawk team. Vick most recently scored 16 points against Washburn, shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range.

athletes of the week

Udoka Azubuike Basketball

Kansas men’s basketball defeated Washburn 79-52 this past Thursday in its final exhibition game prior to the regular season, and junior center Udoka Azubuike stood out for the Jayhawks.

Azubuike contributed 17 points and six rebounds on the night, as well as shooting 5-for-6 from the free throw line, a spot that he has struggled mightily from, particularly last season. Azubuike also finished the night shooting 6-for-6 in total.

junior guard

A 2017-18 All-Big Ten Third Team selection, Winston returns for Michigan State after having started in all 35 contests last season, averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. The veteran point guard recorded 13 points and seven assists in the Spartans’ lone exhibition matchup last week against Northern Michigan. A finalist for the Bob Cousy award following his sophomore campaign, Winston leads a highly experienced Tom Izzo squad.

junior forward

Having led the Spartans in scoring against Northern Michigan last week with 24 points and nine rebounds, Ward showcases his ability to create space and produce offense around the rim. A previous Big Ten honorable mention, the 6-foot-9, 245-pound left-handed forward led Michigan State in double-doubles last season, recording eight after starting in all but one game.

junior guard

A co-recipient of Michigan State’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, Langford finished last week’s exhibition a mere 2-for-8 from the field, including an 0-for-5 mark from three-point range, though finished with 12 points after a perfect night at the free-throw line (8-for-8).

Gabby Simpson

Volleyball After dropping its previous three matches, Kansas volleyball got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Texas Tech on Saturday night. Leading the way was senior setter Gabby Simpson, who has been holding down the setter position with the absence of freshman Camryn Ennis. Simpson finished with a team-high 39 assists, along with nine digs and five kills, and hit for a .400 clip in the match.

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