NEWS
ARTS & CULTURE
SPORTS
KU debate ranked No. 1 in the nation
Broadway musical “Pippin” at Lied Center tonight
Kansas basketball fans share thoughts on team’s perception
» page 2
» page 7
» page 14
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN THURSDAY, FEB. 02, 2017 | VOLUME 133 ISSUE 06
THE STUDENT VOICE SINCE 1904
Kansas squeaks past Baylor in crucial Big 12 game BRIAN MINI
@brianminimum
No. 3 Kansas’ matchup against No. 2 Baylor might have lacked Buddy Hield, but it had all the makings of another Big 12 classic. The teams combined for 30 turnovers, and Kansas finished with just two points from its bench, but the Jayhawks squeaked out a win 73-68. Kansas’ win puts them in sole possession of first place in the Big 12, one game ahead of Baylor. “It’s harder being Kansas, because everyone just wants to beat you so bad,” freshman guard Josh Jackson said after the game. Similar to the win against Kentucky, Kansas switched between its traditional defense and zone. This worked at times and limited the Bears to shooting 41.8 percent from the floor. Kansas’ defense had trouble containing Baylor junior forward Jonathan Motley in the first half, but in the second half, Motley finished with just two points and four rebounds. “I thought in the first half we played kind of … passive,” Kansas coach Bill Self said about defending Motley. With the frontcourt lacking depth, freshman forward Mitch Lightfoot
was the surprise impact bench player against Baylor Wednesday night. Lightfoot drew a charge, scored two points, grabbed a rebound and added two blocks in his five minutes. With just 19 seconds left and a two-point lead, Baylor’s senior guard Ishmail Wainwright missed a three-pointer, which iced the game for Kansas. After the loss, Baylor coach Scott Drew remains winless at Allen Fieldhouse with a 0-10 record.
“
It’s harder being Kansas, because everyone just wants to beat you so bad.” Josh Jackson Freshman guard
Jackson led the way for the Jayhawks, who backed up his double-double at Kentucky with another in Lawrence. Jackson finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. “It felt good to go out there and play well. Wish I could have made a few more free throws,” Jackson said. Going into halftime down five, the Jayhawks needed a boost and it came from their senior leader and starting senior guard Frank
Missy Minear/KANSAN Senior guard Frank Mason III motions to the crowd in the final seconds against Baylor on Feb. 1. The Jayhawks defeated the Bears 73-68.
Mason III. After finishing the first half with only four points, Mason ended the game with 19 points, including 12-of-
12 from the line and a clutch three-pointer with 3:33 left in the game. With the win, Kansas now has three wins over
top-five ranked teams. Two of those came back-to-back against No. 4 Kentucky and now No. 2 Baylor. “It’s been a unique short
period of time, but the guys’ attitudes are great,” Self said. “We don’t have any margin for error right now.”
In student evaluations, faculty with Depts. look to marginalized identities face bias up inclusivity HAILEY DIXON @_hailey_dixon
At the end of each semester, students are encouraged to fill out evaluations about their professors. These evaluations may include positive feedback or constructive criticism for faculty; however, some professors face biases from these evaluations. Catherine Joritz, a University professor in the film and media studies department, is suing the University as she claims she faced bias from her students in evaluations that led to her dismissal. Joritz will be employed at the University until May 2017. The evaluations written by students claimed that Joritz is a “Nazi sympathizer,” according to the court documents obtained by the Kansan. In addition, students stated that she talked about Germany often and mispronounced words. Joritz, who is an American citizen, spent several years
living in Germany as an educator, animator and freelance artist, according to the court documents obtained by the Kansan. “Sometimes what students perceive as a very valid criticism, which may indeed be getting in the way of learning, rides the rail right up discrimination,” said Ron Barrett-Gonzalez, president of Kansas Chapter of the American Association of University Professors and professor of aerospace engineering. In particular, female faculty are targeted with gender biases, said Barrett-Gonzalez. In addition to gender, University professors face biases that may be due to race or ethnicity, disabilities, religion and language of origin, said Jennifer Hamer, associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “African American and Latino males, for example,
INDEX NEWS............................................2 OPINION........................................4 ARTS & CULTURE..........................................5 SPORTS.........................................14
EMILY WELLBORN @Em_wellborn
Photo illustration
are generally perceived as unintelligent and aggressive; African American women are understood as sassy, uncivil and are highly sexualized,” Hamer said in an email. “Asian American women are perceived as submissive and hard workers. White males are understood as capable and well intentioned. Those who are Muslim are perceived as dangerous [in student evaluations].” However, white men are respected by their students,
Hamer said. “Students generally respect white male faculty members as authorities on their subject matter, regardless of the topic,” Hamer said in an email. Hamer said that students also leave comments about women faculty based on their appearance, which has nothing to do with the course. These biased evaluations SEE EVALUATIONS PAGE 2
KANSAN.COM VIDEO: Students give their opinions on Super Bowl LI on Kansan.com
Following the contentious 2016 election, many students on campus have their own unique concerns, and different departments are trying to address them through department statements, meetings and even by reworking classes to be more inclusive. Amanda Wright, the academic inclusion coordinator in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, believes that departments should be aware of how their students are feeling as a result of forces outside the classroom. “Students are whole people,” Wright said. “They are not just in the classroom at that one time, shutting out everything except for being a student in that classroom. They carry all of those things with them and instructors do too.” The English depart-
ment is one of the many that are taking strides to make their department more inclusive. Anna Neill, chair of the English department, believes that many different departments want to make progress. “We have colleagues all across campus involved with these issues and, you know, want to see, to see them addressed in class in ways that really promote inclusivity and really make every student feel like they belong here and are learning in a comfortable environment,” Neill said. Neill observed an English class soon after the election, in which she said students were needing an outlet to express how they were feeling. She was impressed by the way the professor handled the needs of the students and drew themes from current events into the literature SEE ELECTIONS PAGE 2
ENGAGE WITH US @KANSANNEWS
KANSAN.NEWS
/THEKANSAN
@UNIVERSITY DAILYKANSAN
news Kansan Staff
NEWS MANAGEMENT
Editor-in-chief Lara Korte Managing editor Christian Hardy Digital operations editor Matt Clough Social media editor Emily Johanek Associate social media editor Emily Juszczyk ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT
Business manager Tucker Paine Sales manager Mitch Tamblyn SECTION EDITORS
News editor Chandler Boese Associate news editor McKenna Harford Sports editor Amie Just Associate sports editor Skylar Rolstad Arts & culture editor Omar Sanchez Associate arts & culture editor Courtney Bierman Opinion editor Vince Munoz Visuals editor & design chief Roxy Townsend Photo editor Missy Minear Copy chiefs Candice Tarver Brendan Dzwierzynski Ashley Hocking ADVISERS
Chief financial officer Jon Schlitt Editorial adviser Gerri Berendzen
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.
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.
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
KANSAN.COM/NEWS | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2017
KU debate team ranked No. 1 in the country HAILEY DIXON @_hailey_dixon
Many people converse and argue with others on a daily basis, but only a select group of University students can say they are the best in the nation at professional formal discussion. The University debate team is currently No. 1 in the nation in standings. The team has had much success this season, which lasts September through April, according to Scott Harris, debate director. “It’s something we take a great deal of pride in because it’s a squad accomplishment that everybody contributes to,” Harris said. The team consists of 28 undergraduates and 10 graduate students in the department of communication studies. These graduate students act as assistant coaches, Harris said. “All of them are a huge part of what the program does,” Harris said. The team has a long history of success, with 49 consecutive years of National Debate Tournament qualifiers under its belt, Harris said.
After the last regular season tournament, the team will be preparing for the National Qualifying Tournament. There is a national championship for freshmen and sophomores, an open national championship and the Cross Examination Debate Association national championship as well. The season ends with the National Debate Tournament, Harris said. “[The national debate tournament] which is the functional equivalent to NCAA basketball tournament for debate,” Harris said. According to Harris, the team travels to about 20 tournaments over the course of the season. According to a University press release, the team has had several placings over the course of the season. Sophomores Jacob Hegna and Henry Walter went 4-2 at a select round robin tournament at Dartmouth College. Sophomore Christopher Fry and junior Will Katz finished in fifth place at the Wichita State University tournament. The team has also won four tournaments this season,
Harris said. The debate team has one specific topic that they debate about throughout the season. “This year, the resolution is that the United States federal government should restrict private sector emissions,” team member Kyndall Delph said. Delph, a freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas, and their partner Quaram Robinson recently received first place at the University of Pittsburgh round robin tournament. Delph has been debating for awhile now, since their sophomore year of high school. “I got into debate based on a few of my friends that were already in debate and they were telling me how cool it was to travel and things like that,” Delph said. “And most of these friends were also usually the people I had discussions with. So I just wanted to get on their level.” Delph met Harris on their first visit to the University as a prospective student. Harris discussed and showed Delph what college debate would be like for
Andrea Ringgenberg/KANSAN Kyndall Delph, a freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas, recently placed first with their partner at the University of Pittsburgh round robin tournament.
them. “I think my expectations were that no matter how I did nationally or regionally at tournaments, that I would always have a place on the team,” Delph said. Working diligently is also essential, Delph said. “I also know that if I put in hard work, that my hard work will be rewarded and that was definitely something I saw very early on being on the team,”Delph said. In addition to competition, Delph said they have learned critical thinking strategies and have gained a sense of community through debate. The team is attending its last regular season tournament at Northwestern University this weekend. — Edited by Mara Kubicki
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD
Chief Keef Hoolie Gu Glo Gang Ebony Tusks SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH
Mountain Sprout Like Rabbits TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
Aqueous The Groove Orient WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH
Felly Gyyps Sam Maxfield
FROM ELECTIONS PAGE 1 they were studying, even though the professor might not have known all the students’ exact views. “You don’t necessarily know where people are going to be coming from and you don’t want to, you don’t want to end up causing harm rather than building,” Neill said. “What you want to do is build discussion and debate in a way that is productive and moves forward.” Neeli Bendapudi, provost and executive vice chancellor, issued a statement after the election urging the University community to recognize its commonality. “We as Jayhawks must respect, understand, and make space for one another and our varied responses,” the statement said. “Let the crimson and blue ties that bind us all make KU a space where we fundamentally value, respect and look out for
SEE EVALUATIONS PAGE 1 can lead to denial of tenure or continued appointments, or the professor may be not rolled over from one contract to the next, Barrett-Gonzalez said. To learn from these evaluations and to keep their jobs, professors in the Communications department are instructed to prepare a written statement on how they can improve from the evaluations. After a student fills out an evaluation, Barrett-Gonzalez said the department chair sees the evaluations first, and discards ones that include inappropriate or discriminatory language. Hamer said that minoritized and marginalized faculty members feel the burden of biased thinking. “This is stressful, and it often leaves faculty members wondering if they are well or
one another.” A similar statement was released by the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Carl Lejeuz, on Nov. 14. The statement said, “In the College we, like many others, have questions about the future, especially with regard to how we might find common ground. As we forge ahead, I know I speak for everyone in the Dean’s Office that we are hopeful we can find ways to work together and look out for each other.” Darren Canady, director of undergraduate studies in the English department, said a post-election email was sent to students and staff because writing is a large part of what they do, and because of the department’s closer connection to their students and the small class sizes. He also said that, as an undergraduate advisor, he has a closer connection to how students are feeling and how to re-
respected by students and colleagues, who may not understand how stereotypes about minoritized identities are subjected to bias,” Hamer said in an email. Hamer said research in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences shows that course evaluations are an institutional problem of fairness, not something that should be dealt with as an individual problem. Currently, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is working on preparing students to “undo” biased thinking and behavior when working with diverse individuals across the University, Hamer said in an email. The Kansan reached out to University spokespeople for comment on how bias in evaluations is handled. They had not responded at the time of publication.
spond. Canady said that the statement was sent out because staff was concerned about the distress that students would have brought into the classroom after multiple conferences. Neill felt that another way for the English department to respond is by connecting to different departments. The English department collaborated with the Women, Gender and Sexuality department to develop a course in Black Feminist Theory. Canady said that this is only what the English department is doing, and the rest of the University may have other ideas that better fit the needs of students for their department. “A University-wide responsibility is to be responsive to what is happening on
our campus, and what tool a department uses ... might look different from department to department,” said Canady. “There was a realization that we couldn’t divorce our own research and our own work from the experience of the students.” However, Canady acknowledged that not all departments can address certain issues the same way because they may include larger lecture classes and subjects that aren’t as open to the discussion of current events. All faculty members, regardless of the size of their department, can be more inclusive, Wright said. They can create more welcoming spaces by engaging in self-education and self-reflection, and being aware of unconscious biases.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH
Young Bull Le Grand Godzillionaire FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH Leopold and His Fiction
High Up Till Willis and Erratic Cowboy
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH
Thunderkat MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
Lydia Loveless Angelica Garcia
3
NEWS
KANSAN.COM
Kansas Athletics to block guns from sports facilities MCKENNA HARFORD @McKennaHarford
W
hile the state legislature is contemplating a repeal of the law allowing the concealed carry of handguns on campus, the University’s athletics department is beginning to prepare for the change with increased security at sporting venues. Jayhawk fans could soon be greeted by security guards and metal detectors at Allen Fieldhouse, Memorial Stadium and Rock Chalk Park, said Jim Marchiony, associate athletic director of public affairs for Kansas Athletics. The security measurements are in response to a Kansas law that requires state universities to allow concealed guns on campus after July 1, unless there are adequate security measures at every entrance of a building. Marchiony said there is currently no timeline for the security measures because Athletics is still drawing up a plan to present to the Board of Regents for approval. Securing the three facilities will probably cost over $1 million, which will come from Athletics’ operating budget, Marchiony said. He doesn’t expect the security measures to affect attendance, but said it could take longer for fans to get to their seats. “I think if these safety measures are implemented, people might want to think of coming earlier just to see how it might work,” Marchiony said. Regents policy also states that tickets must feature a
Miranda Clark-Ulrich/KANSAN Kansas Athletics said it is drafting a plan to install security measures at entrances to Allen Fieldhouse. They have yet to present a plan to the Board of Regents.
notice that concealed weapons will not be allowed. However, there is still a chance the security measures will not be necessary due to a bill in the Kansas Legislature that would permanently extend an exemption for concealed carry on college and university campuses. The House Federal and State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the bill, HB 2074, on Wednesday morning. Proponents say the bill reflects the views of stu-
dents and faculty found in a 2015 survey conducted by the Docking Institute at Fort Hays State on concealed carry on campus. Among all Kansas college and universities, 82 percent of faculty and 70 percent of students are opposed to guns on campus, according to the survey. At the hearing on Wednesday, University students and professors said having guns on campus would negatively impact the learning environment and create more concerns for student safety.
“
I think if these safety measures are implemented, people might want to think of coming earlier,” Jim Marchiony Associate athletic director of public affairs
Darren Canady, the director of the English department’s undergraduate stud-
ies department, said guns can exacerbate situations or conversations, especially those involving race, class and sexual assault. “Minoritized populations become even more at risk once guns are introduced,” Canady said. Opponents of the bill believe that it will infringe on Kansans’ Second Amendment rights. Former Rep. Travis Couture-Lovelady of Hays said universities either need to allow law-abiding citizens to conceal carry on
campus or ensure that campus buildings are gun-free with security measures. “The whole issue is adequate security,” Couture-Lovelady said. “A sticker isn’t enough.” Chair of the committee Rep. John Barker (R-Abilene) encouraged the proponents and opponents to speak with individual members of the committee as further action on the bill will not be immediate.
opinion FREE-FOR-ALL ›› WE HEAR FROM YOU
KANSAN.COM | THURSDAY FEB. 2, 2017
Steve Bannon’s face is the last thing you see before you soul descends to hell. Is it normal to sweat while eating mild wings? Asking for a friend Just saw someone drive through (and tear off) the parking arm at Jayhawk Blvd & Sunflower Rd... same dude same I tried to use my taser on my friend who was the DD Blackboard is making me hate my life right now. I’m gonna fake date myself because f--boys. The bathrooms in the Underground are cleaned more often than all the other bathrooms on campus combined. Is it bad that I went to the downtown Starbucks, couldn’t find parking and then drove to the Wakarusa one out of frustration?
Illustration by Erica Gonzales
Hoedl: Kansas bathroom bill is bigoted
Snapchat streaks are like fish, if you neglect it you kill it. If you don’t have at least ten tabs open are you even a person? Wow white boys telling me how to protest is my favorite kind of privileged asshole The lack of training professors receive on how to communicate to/provide for students with disabilities is absolutely mind blowing!
ALYSSA HOEDL @AHoedl
P
oliticians these days seem to be spending more time and effort on how to be bigots than how to effectively run the country or state. One example of this in Kansas is a bill that Rep.
John Whitmer (R-Wichita) is drawing up that requires transgender students to use the bathroom that aligns with the sex they were born with. This bill would also include locker rooms and overnight school trips. There is no reason that transgender students should be punished for who they are inside. This bill is not written for grown adults who may be pedophiles. They would be used as advocates of the bill and use that as their excuse for pushing for this bill. This bill is for students who want to use the bathroom that aligns with who they believe
they are inside. Instead of helping those students, this bill is targeting them. Why should transgender students be forced to use the bathroom that makes them seem like outsiders in their own school?
“
Why should transgender students be forced to use the bathroom that makes them seem like outsiders in their own school?”
It’s not normal of children to go into the opposite gender’s restroom. Many children would see this as creepy. However, if a transgender kid uses the bathroom they want to, the other kids probably wouldn’t notice or make anything of it. If the child isn’t causing a problem, it makes sense that they could use whichever bathroom they feel they belong in. This bill also allows people to file complaints with the attorney general if they think their school is violating the bill. The attorney general then would be able to take the school to court. Even if this bill doesn’t
SALTED
Review of Daisy Hill
with Will Admussen
All my profs are white dudes, a memoir
Whenever I see a person running, I am half tempted to clap and cheer them on. I did not wake up for this. Beyoncé will forever brighten my day.
To send in an FFA, text 785-289-8351
READ MORE AT KANSAN.COM @KANSANNEWS /THEKANSAN KANSAN.NEWS @UNIVERSITY DAILYKANSAN
Alyssa Hoedl is a freshman from Olathe studying journalism.
lightly
Laying in the dark eating Little Debbie snack cakes bc nothing matters anymore
I guess there could be worse things to be addicted to than pizza and weed
come out of committee, the fact that legislatures are still trying to discriminate and embarrass kids is not OK. Transgender kids are just like all other kids, except for the fact they identify as another gender than the one they were born as. They shouldn’t be punished for who they are inside. Bigotry needs to leave our government now or else nothing will ever progress, we will just keep regressing.
WILL ADMUSSEN @wadmussen
Accuracy: Three Stars The host listed tantalizing amenities such as “Venetian blinds,” “a closet,” and “bunked beds.” When I first entered the room, with arms full of ramen that my mom insisted I take and the collection of DVDs I’d later learn to download online, the excitement of the occasion blinded me from an accurate survey of the room. As the excitement of entering college wore off, I was able to properly assess the accuracy of the description. Was there a bathroom? Yes, but it was split into equal fourths and I got the corner without the toilet. Talk about
constipation. Was I ever able to figure out why the water was mysteriously cloudy? Not really. Did the “print anywhere function” contribute to my academic success? Ask my therapist about the contribution of those printers to the sudden decline in my mental health. That beeping. That horrible beeping. And the vibrant social environment I was promised? If you consider the steady traffic of residents to my room to buy my roommate’s bootleg jungle juice to be “vibrant” or the impressive amount of time my floor dedicated to League of Legends to be “social” then this would certainly be true.
Communication: Zero Stars The host arranged for my wireless internet to be provided by a company called ResNet. The company has since switched industries and now contracts with C.I.A. black sites. I did have a friend that stayed at another property this host manages — McCollum Hall. There was a bit of a miscommunication about the check-out time and procedure. Thankfully the host was nice enough to set my friend up at a different property, Stouffer Place. I haven’t heard from the friend since so I assume everything went well.
HOW TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR LETTER GUIDELINES: Send letters to editor@kansan.com. Write LETTER TO THE EDITOR in the email subject line. Length: 300 words
The submission should include the author’s name, year, major and hometown. Find our full letter to the editor policy online at kansan.com/letters.
Location: Four Stars Daisy Hill is described as a convenient location with access to buses. My only complaint is that some of the buses run really slowly, especially the K-10 Connector, which takes a very long time to get to the Kansas Union. Value: Two Stars The host demanded I pay just shy of $9,000 for around nine months of housing, although during breaks I was not allowed to live there, so it was really something like eight months. I’m not exactly sure why it cost so much, given that apartments (or even a room) to myself in a closer location to both Massachusetts Street and campus were a fraction of the cost. The
CONTACT US Lara Korte Editor-in-chief lkorte@kansan.com
Tucker Paine Business Manager tpaine@kansan.com
lure of Student Housing was just too strong to pass up. Did I mention the Venetian blinds? Host: Four Stars I never actually met the host, but I did meet a handful of her minions, called “RAs”. They also have short, pointy teeth. Kind of creepy, but you get used to it. For the most part, they were nice, although I did have an incident where a couple RAs got into my trash one night. If you keep your trash covered, you will be fine. Will Admussen is a senior from Urbandale, Iowa, studying political science and economics.
THE KANSAN EDITORIAL BOARD Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Lara Korte, Christian Hardy, Tucker Paine and Vince Munoz.
arts & culture HOROSCOPES ›› WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today and tomorrow can fill your pockets with silver. Avoid distractions and stick to your budget. Gracefully sidestep the unexpected. Save more than you need. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Check your course, and then full speed ahead. You’re a powerful force, especially today and tomorrow. Don’t run over anyone. Handle family obligations before recreation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Slow down and avoid rushing things. Get into a two-day planning phase. Recognize the value of the past, as you consider the next trail to blaze. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Prioritize friends over the next two days. Let them show you new tricks and flavors. Flexibility with the unexpected saves time and avoids upset. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Take on more responsibility over the next few days. There could be a test. Discipline is required. Stick to the basics. Avoid expensive distractions. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Catch up on paperwork and administrative details today and tomorrow. Do the filing. Pay bills. Keep a low profile... you can get grumpy without down time.
KANSAN.COM | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2017
Card Table Theatre’s ‘The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui’ compares Trump to Hitler JOSH MCQUADE
@L0neW0lfMcQuade
O
n stage after every scene, a screen next to the show's cast displayed moments of infamous dictator Adolf Hitler's life to compare what the audience had just seen. The Card Table Theatre’s rendition of “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui,” is a story with striking similarities to Donald Trump's rise to President of the United States. The production was last weekend at Eagles Lodge in Lawrence. The show is meant as a form of protest of the current political landscape, although the original play was written by Bertolt Brecht in 1941. The play follows a fictional, manipulative gangster named Arturo Ui in Chicago who is played by University alumnus Kitty Steffens. Ui's rise to power is portrayed as identical to Hitler’s. The production featured an all-female cast of 11, who played a total of 45 characters Saturday and Sunday night. But, only three of the 45 characters were female. “Arturo” began with an interactive introduction of the characters, with the narrator offering audience members drinks from a flask and whispering in ears to increase the tension. Many of the actors had to change costumes directly behind the audience.
Contributed photo “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui,” a production put on by the Card Table Theatre, portrays many similarities to the rise of President Donald Trump and was performed last weekend at Eagles Lodge.
The parable to Hitler’s rise shown as Ui throughout the show used threats, blackmail, and bribes of protection in order to take control of the Cauliflower Trust: a group of men and the grocers in both Chicago and Cicero, Illinois. Ui began as a washed up gangster who wanted to return to the life of infamy but slowly developed into a character who promised protection, and would kill those who did not accept. Halfway through the play, those who were a part of Ui’s gang all wore red armbands as a way to identify one another. As the show moved along, Ui was able to take control of the majority of gangsters, grocers, and
press in Chicago after being perceived as no threat. From Ui committing crimes only to blame them on his opposition to betraying his second-hand man, Ernesto Roma, played by University graduate Jacqueline Grunau, “Arturo” used satirical humor in order to portray the rise of a ruthless dictator. Before the play, Will Averill, the director, spoke to the audience about how the show was originally put on in May to joke about Trump's presidential campaign. But, he said, the recent performances were shown with a much more serious tone after Trump's election. The dark comedy attempted to capture
Trump’s image and rise to presidency throughout the show, he said. Although the play seemed to mock Trump with its dialogue, Averill said the original script was performed for the night with no alteration.
“
You can see how something like this can happen just by a series of steps that people aren’t too worried about at the time.” Catherin Reed Lawrence resident
“It is all the original text,” he said. “We were constantly running into situations where we were blown away by some of the words and how resonant they were today.” Multiple times throughout the play, Ui, in order to connect with his colleagues, said he was a “simple son of Brooklyn,” sounding eerily similar to the signature “small loan of a million dollars.” “Arturo” also showed Ui fighting with the press in order to take control, a subject very similar to Trump’s continuous battle with the media. Ui's physical features were changed in order to project Trump’s image. Ui’s hair was almost identical to Trump’s signature style, and Averill said that it was intentionally styled that way. His lips were also pursed in order to mock Trump's image. Averill said he meant to show the audience that, if immediate action is not taken to stop a threat, then it may end with that threat coming into and staying in control. Audience members were receptive to the similarities to the modern day. “It’s very timely,” Lawrence resident Catherine Reed said. “You can see how something like this can happen just by a series of steps that people aren’t too worried about at the time.”
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) In a clash between love and money, choose love. Work may take precedence over leisure, though. Avoid gossip or complaints. Something doesn’t go as planned. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Something doesn’t add up. Inhibit your natural generosity. Neither a borrower nor lender be. Miscommunications arise easily... avoid over-sharing or spontaneous confessions. Maintain the mystery. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Focus on your work. Today and tomorrow could get busy, so guard time for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Exercise, rest and eat well. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Spend time with family and friends over the next few days. Share peaceful activities. Prioritize relationships and matters of the heart. Abandon assumptions and listen. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Slow down to avoid accidents. The possibility of error is high. Avoid over-spending or financial arguments. If you don’t know what to say, keep quiet. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Read, write and devour information over the next few days. Avoid complaints, pessimism and grudges. You’re sharp as a tack... intellectual exercises and wordplay entertain.
Contributed photo One of the terracotta models that was made by the students by carving the design into foam models and then pouring clay into the models by hand.
Contributed photo The final products made by the students from the course “Craft in the Digital Age.” These are tiles made from concrete and are displayed in the Marvin Commons.
New digital tools bring old designs to life ALYSSA HOEDL @AHoedl
Integrating the old with the new to recreate details of a historic skyscraper is what School of Architecture assistant professor Keith Van de Riet had his students do this past fall semester. The students explored how to use digital tools like 3-D printing to recreate full and half-scale replicas of the terracotta tile ornamentations from one of famed architect Louis Sullivan’s buildings, the Wainwright in St. Louis. "Craft in the Digital Age" is a required designbuild studio class for architecture students, though the subject changes based on the professor. “This course is meant to expose [students] to the process of making what they design,” Van de Riet said. “It helps get their feet wet in materials and
... communicate with the contractors.” Van de Riet graduated from the University in 2004, and later received his doctorate in Architectural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He's been splitting his time between teaching and researching at the University since 2015. Van de Riet's research involves a study on how digital tools are used to explore architects, like Sullivan and David Adler. He also researches engineered living systems and shoreline developments. “I've always had an affinity for drawing and making things and what drew me to architecture was the creative thinking and how it works to integrate systems,” Van de Riet said. “When I was a kid, it was because of how the reputation of the architect was important
and to have that level of impact drew me to the field.”
“
I’ve always had an affinity for drawing and making things...” Keith Van de Riet Assistant architecture professor
Van de Riet directed his students to study Sullivan’s work on high rises from a structural standpoint, as well as what he calls the exterior ornamentation expression of the building. “The most interesting thing about the project was how many artistic medias we had to use to make our tiles,” said Joe Libeer, a graduate student from Prairie Village. “We got the privilege to use 3-D
printing and silicone mold casting — an expensive material — which is what we used for the tile’s formwork.” The students also had to go through the process from scratch, Van de Riet said. “The students had to make everything, from the molds of the tiles to the steel frames that the tiles now hang on in the wall," he said. Making the steel frames turned out to be a bit harder and more time consuming than Libeer originally thought. “We had to use creative thinking to restructure our design, which was a good exercise for real world preparation,” Libeer said. “Architectural projects always will have something not go as planned, or communication errors, so architects need to be creative and patient to solve these process
hurdles.” This semester, Van de Riet is focused on getting back to his research, and promoting and publishing students’ work. “I’d also like to apply our study more internationally to cultural landscapes that are at risk or in different backgrounds,” Van de Riet said. “Sullivan comes from a certain lineage and was defiant against the European lineage, so I would like to explore what else we could use these tools to recreate.” There were 18 students involved in this class and project, along with KU Ceramics Department Collaborator Marshall Maude. The Dean’s Office and School of Architecture, Design and Planning provided support, and Cottin’s Hardware and Rental in Lawrence sponsored the project.
ARTS & CULTURE
6
PUZZLES !"#$"%!&'(&$ )(&*+,*-.!)
? ? ?
FIND THE ANSWERS AND OTHER GREAT CONTENT AT
KANSAN.COM
KANSAN.COM
KANSAS VS. IOWA STATE - Feb. 4, 2017
{
JOIN US FOR THE
February 9
ENGINEERING
& computing career fair
11am-4pm Kansas Union ecc.ku.edu
CHECK OUT OUR
BASKETBALL STUDY HERE – WORK ANYWHERE • • • • • • •
91% pass rate for 2016 graduates who took the July Uniform Bar Exam #2 in the nation for Government Law, preLaw Magazine 2016 Top 11 in the nation for Taxation Law, preLaw Magazine 2016 Top 12 in the nation for Trial Advocacy, preLaw Magazine 2016 #13 in the nation for Legal Writing, U.S. News & World Report, 2017 edition Top 17 in the nation for Business and Corporate Law, preLaw Magazine 2016 1 of 5 National “Top Law Students of the Year,” the National Jurist, spring 2016
Scholarships available. Apply now for fall 2017. Call 800.927.4529 TM
washburnlaw.edu/aboutus presents
Life is complicated; people are complicated.
February 9, 10, 11, 12*, 2017 7:30 p.m., *2:30 p.m.
William Inge Memorial Theatre Murphy Hall, 1530 Naismith Dr.
This production includes adult language and may not be appropriate for all audiences. Due to the intimate nature of the Inge Theatre there will be no late seating for this production. Staged in cooperation with the Jayhawk Initiative for Student Theatre.
General admission tickets are on sale at the University Theatre Box Office, 785-864-3982, Lied Center Box Office, 785-864-ARTS; and online. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 for children. KU Student tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
www.KUTheatre.com
Seminar is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. The University Theatre is partially funded by the KU Student Senate Activity Fee. The University Theatre’s 2016-17 season is sponsored by Truity Credit Union.
CATALOG #CheerInStyle
ONLY AT
ARTS & CULTURE
KANSAN.COM
11
Flutist Seth Morris prepares for competition in Japan HANNAH COLEMAN @hecoleman33
P
rofessional flutist Seth Morris is set to compete in Kobe, Japan, for a chance to be named one of the best young performers in his craft. Morris, a visiting musician as part of the University's Visiting Artist Series, is one of only two Americans invited, out of the 53 total participants from 18 different countries. The prestigious competition will be held in May. It is held every four years and, according to the official website, provides, "young, promising flutists from around the world the opportunity to launch their professional careers." Before that, Morris showcased his repertoire to students at the University at a performance Monday at Swarthout Recital Hall. Morris said he sees conducting masterclasses at universities and being a part of the Visiting Artist Series as another great opportunity to perform in front of students and other community members to hone his skills and that of others. “Teaching allows me to interact with, and hopefully help, a variety of flute players
at different stages in their musical development, career and life,” Morris said. “No matter the age or ability, I always tell my students that everyone is on their own journey. Not only does it help them focus on their own progress, but it forces me to tailor my teaching to each individual rather than prescribing one general philosophy. It keeps me engaged and constantly thinking of new methods to help my students.” Morris currently serves as the Principal Flute with the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet Orchestra. He has also been a part of several other accomplished orchestras, and manages his own private studio. Morris has also taught at many universities across the country. Originally, Morris sang in the children’s choir at his church, and eventually wanted to learn how to play an instrument. At 10 years old, he signed up to play for his school band, not sure of what instrument to play. After testing the different instruments’ mouthpieces, he discovered that the flute was the only one he could get a sound out of. “For a long time I believed I was behind everyone else, that I was a 'late bloomer' on
Contributed photo Professional flutist Seth Morris visited and performed at the University as a part of the University’s Visiting Artist Series. Morris will be involved in a competition in Kobe, Japan, for up-and-coming flutists.
the flute,” Morris said. "Rather than wallow in my negative assessment of myself, I used it as motivation to tell myself, 'I want to be able to do that.' With each step of my education, and eventually career, I have had a similar attitude, constantly trying to improve and achieve greater things.” Playing flute gradually became less of an accidental discovery, and more of an intentional practice at learning and mastering an instrument that according to Morris, “soars above the orchestra.” “I love how the flute sings,” Morris said. “There is no resistance on the flute, so, of all the instruments, it
is most akin to the human voice.” Playing in ballet symphonies and orchestras alike, Morris gets to experience the joys of both unique types of music. Participating in this range of performance, Morris has to consistently perform to his best ability for the amount of shows that ballets have, such as "The Nutcracker" — nearly forty shows. “With ballet, there is such lush music where I am afforded the chance to play out as if in a symphony orchestra,” Morris said. “In opera, the music is much more sensitive, and one must always have an ear on the singers. However,
I find it incredibly helpful to have such vocal artistry and story line from which to draw inspiration for my own playing.” Though Morris said he tends to be more introverted, being on stage erases his reservations. “I start to play, and instantly I am compelled to evoke an emotion or character that will connect with my audience,” Morris said. “We’re always told to project, to play out to the back row of the hall — which certainly is valuable — but I especially love the moments when the music is whisper quiet; there is an energy in the air that tru-
ly draws the listener onto the stage.” Benjamin Smolen, a professional flutist that has gotten to know Morris during their time performing together in the New England Conservatory, sees Morris’ work as an opportunity for students to learn from someone as accomplished as he is. “Students at KU are so lucky to get to work with Seth and hear him perform live,” Smolen said. “His performances are always electrifying, and his teaching is unique in that it draws from his background in opera and ballet and from his own ideas of the flute as a vehicle for lyricism and expression.” Many of the qualities Morris aims for audiences to hear in his music are some of the best and most unique aspects of it, according to Smolen. “A performance by Seth draws the listener in and takes them on a vivid journey through his imagination," Smolen said. "Seth isn't afraid to take musical risks, which makes his performances very exciting." In the future, Morris said he would like to release a solo album, and also teach at a university, in addition to his orchestral playing.
Award-winning musical ‘Pippin’ coming to Lied Center HANNAH COLEMAN @hecoleman33
Broadway is coming to Lawrence this Thursday with the musical "Pippin" at the Lied Center. Winner of four Tony Awards in 2013, this musical production is known for its feats of acrobatics and songs from the composer of "Wicked," another highly-acclaimed musical. The director of the show is Tony award-winning Diane Paulus. The story follows Pippin, a young prince, who sets out to find an adventure and add color to his life. Pippin goes to war to show loyalty to his father, King Charles. But, convinced he needs to fight his father's tyrannical rule, Pippin fights his father to claim the throne. Derek Kwan, director of the Lied Center, said the performing arts center tries to bring in a critically acclaimed Broadway show every season that the Lawrence community has not yet seen. He said it is an exciting edition to the community and will be the first time that the national Broadway touring produc-
tion of "Pippin" will be performed at the Lied Center. “The national touring production of 'Pippin' fits that bill perfectly having won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical,” Kwan said. Kwan was able to see the musical when it won the Tony Award in 2013 when he was working in New York City, and he's looking forward to seeing it again.
“
The combination of the story, acrobatics and music make it an extremely compelling show.” Derek Kwan Director of Lied Center
“The combination of the story, acrobatics and music make it an extremely compelling show,” Kwan said. “The aerial and circus elements of 'Pippin' make it a truly unique Broadway
show.” In order to prepare for the musical to take the stage, Kwan said the Lied Center had much to do from a marketing and promotional perspective with web advertisements, social media, radio, TV and print. Kwan said that there will be over 50 personnel on the tech crew on Thursday morning, most of whom are students, to help unload and set up the multiple semitrucks of equipment. Justin Evans, live music coordinator for Student Union Activities, said he has planned and coordinated a “Dinner and a Show” event that will allow students with a valid ID to get dinner before the show. Tickets are $25 per individual, which includes the dinner, as well as admission to "Pippin," or $40 for a pair. The event will take place in Seymour Gallery in the Lied Center at 5 p.m. “Working with the Lied Center, SUA creates a great opportunity for students to see a traveling play production and also enjoy buffet dinner at a discounted
KANSAN CLASSIFIEDS 785-864-4358
JOBS CHINESE TUTOR NEEDED Retired professor. Some Chinese. Call Jim Secor at 785‑430‑3883, evenings.
HOUSING 5BD 3BA laundry & new kitchen & Bath. 4 houses N. of stadium. Avail. Aug. 17. Call 913‑219‑3191.
price,” Evans said. Tickets for "Pippin" are available for purchase for
housing
$21 for students through the Lied Center website. The performance will begin at
JOBS
SALE
SUBJECT of IMPOrTANCE
jobs
for sale
JOBS
Seasonal, Temporary City of Lawrence The 2017 Seasonal Job Bulletin is now open with the City of Lawrence Parks & Recreations Dept. There are many P/T temporary seasonal jobs available. To Apply Please Go To www.LawrenceKS.org/jobs EOE M/F/D Busy property mgmt. co. now hiring P/T receptionist/leasing agent. F/T summer availability required. No experience necessary but must have good customer service skills, a valid drivers license and good driving record. Please apply in person at Garber Enterprises. 5030 Bob Billings Pkw. Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66049
— Edited by Erin Brock
textbooks
announcements
hawkchalk.com
Program Consultant KS Dept of Health & Environment is seeking a Program Consultant in The Bureau of Disease Control & Prevention. This position is responsible for understanding the complex nuances of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) funded by HRSA. The ADAP works in conjunction with the Ryan White Part B program to provide lifesaving medications to Kansans with HIV. Requires 1 YR exp. in planning, implementing & monitoring activities relevant to the agency’s programs. Bachelor’s in Public Health, Health Education or Social Work preferred. Go online for details about this position (Req#185740)and how to apply at www.jobs.ks.gov E.O.E
7:30 p.m on Feb. 2.
classifieds@kansan.com
JOBS
PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN! MAKE MONEY! Top‑rated sports camp needs fun loving counselors to teach all land, water & adventure sports. Great summer in Maine! Call (888) 844‑8080. apply at: www.campcedar.com
SPORTS
12
KANSAN.COM
Kansas football claims 27 players on signing day SKYLAR ROLSTAD @SkyRolSports
Kansas coach David Beaty has two wins as Kansas football coach. He said Wednesday’s national signing day felt like a third. “Today I woke up and it felt like a gameday,” Beaty said before announcing 27 players in the 2017 Kansas football recruiting class. The biggest of victories for the Jayhawks on Wednesday will turn out in the Kansas backfield next season: junior running back Octavius Matthews from Itawamba Community College. “I would consider this one of the biggest victories that we’ve had in this class because we had to battle some big time places to get him all the way to the end,” Beaty said. “We can do a lot of things with this guy that’s not easy to do with a lot of dudes.” Matthews withdrew a commitment to Auburn to come to Kansas. He was given a 3-star rating by 247 Sports and also considered Louisville, Tennessee and Purdue. Along with Matthews is his junior college teammate, quarterback Peyton Bender. Bender, a junior, looks to challenge for the starting quarterback role after having played at Washington State and Itawamba Community College. Bender shared his thoughts on his familiar teammate with reporters. “I talked to him several times on the phone yesterday, and he just let me know this morning he was gonna be a Jayhawk,” Bender said. “And I was fired up for him to make that decision and
join the program. He’s just a really big playmaker. Explosive player, really fast. He’s a versatile player as well, he can move around and play different positions.” The top-10 commitments, per 247Sports rankings, are as follows. For the complete list of commitments, visit Kansan.com. Antonio Cole Position: S Beaty’s quote: “He does a terrific job in covering. He can open his hips really well. That right there is an extremely good example of the guy who is flexible enough to open those hips and make a terrific play when it’s needed. He does a terrific job of understanding what they’re doing defensively.” Kenyon Tabor Position: TE Beaty’s quote: “Reminds me a lot of Montell Cozart, to be honest with you, and that’s high praise. Great plays by this guy, very dynamic. Caught enough balls to sink a battleship this year. So we’re going to throw him the ball a bunch. I promise you.” Dom Williams Position: RB Beaty’s quote: “I love his vision. I love the way that he finds a way to get to the end zone. He reminds me a little bit of the Cowboys guy [Ezekiel Elliott] because of his ability to accelerate and get to the edge fast. Like when he sees a hole, he can get there and that thing doesn’t close on him.” Peyton Bender Position: QB Beaty’s quote: “You guys probably remember Pey-
Missy Minear/KANSAN Coach David Beaty watches from the sideline against Ohio on Sept. 10. Kansas lost to Ohio 37-21.
ton Bender, who is a quarterback that came to us from Itawamba. He was a teammate of Octavius. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Coach Coleman down there who has been a great help to us.” Hasan Defense Position: CB Beaty’s quote: “I always mess around with our coaches, and I ask them — we do a little deal where we say who is your dark horse in the class? And it’s amazing how many people said this guy right here.” J.J. Holmes Position: DL Beaty’s quote: “This next dude that you’re going to see, man, don’t be fooled by that hair now. I mean, he’s a fancy guy. Actually,
J.J. Holmes is one that all of our coaches are excited about. Very talented guy. Rion Rhoades, you know, down there at Hutch did a terrific job of helping us with this kid. He’s one of the better D-linemen that was out in the junior college ranks this year. He’s a terrific player.” Kerr Johnson Jr. Position: WR Beaty’s quote: “There are several plays on his tape that you see a guy that he does a great job after the catch. When we find guys like that, we want to put them on our team because there are a lot of guys that can get tackled, there’s not many that can catch it and go do something with it after they do. That ol’ boy
right there had a tough day against him.” Kyron Johnson Position: LB Beaty’s quote: “He’s 6-foot2, closer to 265 pounds now. This guy is the type of guy that you want. TCU had a guy a number of years back named James Washington that played in Irving High School. Took him, and he played in the NFL for a long time. And he looks a lot like that guy. He looks a lot like him. He had a lot of the same attributes. So like that guy.” Willie McCaleb Position: DL Beaty’s quote: “This guy’s a talented dude now. A guy that gives us that passrush that we needed. We certainly needed to be
able to find some people to help replace Damani Mosby. I think him and KeyShaun are both guys that we have high hopes for, and they’re already here.” Shakial Taylor Position: CB Beaty’s quote: “Excited about having this guy here. Long guy. His brother plays in the NFL for the Houston Texans. His grandma, just great. Great people, man. She came on the visit, and this guy does a great job, man. We went back and watched that tape against us, and for a guy that was a true freshman, he played really well in that game, did a good job.”
13
SPORTS
KANSAN.COM
Kansas’ momentum ends in blowout loss to OU
Andrew Rosenthal/KANSAN Sophomore guard Kylee Kopatich and a Baylor guard fight for the ball. The Jayhawks lost to the Baylor Bears 92-43 on Jan. 15.
JARED ANDERSON @JAnderson_383
A
fter picking up a long-awaited Big 12 victory over Texas Tech last Sunday, the Kansas women’s basketball team was unable to keep its momentum alive Wednesday morning against No. 18 Oklahoma. The Jayhawks fell to the Sooners 89-52, despite last week’s confidence boost. “I thought we played poorly today as a team," coach Brandon Schneider
told reporters after the game. "We played physically tired. I thought we played mentally tired." Once the game tipped off, Oklahoma swiftly exhibited its position as an elite team in the conference. The Sooners went on a 15-2 run to begin the first period, and continued to dominance heading in to the second. At the half, Oklahoma (17-6, Big 12 8-3) possessed a 19-point lead and a 73.1 percent field goal percentage. While
Kansas (7-15, Big 12 1-10) struggled to connect on its shot attempts, Oklahoma redshirt-senior guard Peyton Little couldn’t miss. The Texas native shot 5-of-5 from the floor, entering halftime with 12 points. Oklahoma concluded its victory with a 59.3 percent shooting percentage. In comparison, Kansas shot 27.7 percent from the field, connecting on just 18 of its 65 shot attempts. Redshirt-junior Jessica Washington — Kansas’ leading scorer and stand-
out player this season — contributed 11 points on 3-of-20 shooting. Sophomore guard Kylee Kopatich had a solid showing, posting 14 points in the loss.
“
I thought we played poorly today as a team.” Brandon Schneider Kansas coach
“I thought Kylee played really well," Schneider
said. "I thought she struggled down the stretch in the second half. The lack of focus from our team maybe contaminated her a little bit and she made a few mistakes. I thought for the most part that she had a good day.” Generating quality scoring opportunities has been a key priority for Kansas all season. Coach Schneider insists that the more offensive possessions his team can manufacture, the better. Stronger starts will be of the utmost importance
to the Jayhawks in future matches, as they failed to hold the lead at any point against the Sooners. Kansas will look to get its second win in conference play inside Allen Fieldhouse this Sunday against TCU. TCU is currently ninth in the Big 12 standings, and will provide Kansas with an opportunity to acquire its second conference win of the season. Tip-off is at 1:30 p.m.
sports
KANSAN.COM/SPORTS | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2017
Bill Self on Josh Jackson: ‘He’s beyond his years’ JORDAN WOLF @JordanWolfKU
Kansas coach Bill Self is grateful to have a player like freshman guard Josh Jackson. The freshman continues to turn in high-level performances, and after his 23-point, 10-rebound showing in the Jayhawks’ 73-68 win over No. 2 Baylor on Wednesday, Self commented on the growth and level of play of his star guard. “He’s beyond his years,” Self said. “He’s a freshman, but he’s not really a freshman.” The claim doesn’t come unearned. In Kansas’ last three games, all against ranked opponents, Jackson has put up a total of 65 points and 24 rebounds. He’s stepped up for the Jayhawks on multiple occasions, showing the confidence and late-game prowess typically exhibited by upperclassmen, not freshmen. As possibly the best freshman he’s ever had in his time at Kansas, Self has grown to expect such strong performances from Jackson. “Everything that he does is not a surprise to me,” Self said. “We’ve gotten to the point where we expect it. And he would be disappointed in us if we did not.” Jackson is aware of the
Missy Minear/KANSAN Freshman guard Josh Jackson puts up a shot against Baylor on Feb. 1. The Jayhawks defeated the Bears 73-68.
expectations surrounding him from Self and others. As the season has worn on, he’s been consistently involved as one of the team’s top options on offense. In the team’s nine conference games, he’s been the leading scorer in three, including five 20-plus-point outings.
As his first real ever tough mid-season grind, the pressure mounted on Jackson to keep up the high level of play in the threegame stretch. His game was unaltered, however, thanks to a conscious effort to stay cool. “I can’t really feel any nerves, because I feel like
it would really affect my play,” Jackson said. “The thing I’ve just been trying to do is just go out there and play.” Jackson’s success hasn’t come easy, and he’s surely had his share of struggles. He turned the ball over five times against the Bears, and continues to shoot poorly
from the free-throw line after going 5-of-9. These problems are fixable, and Self understands that. And for being a freshman that is playing at such a high level in almost every other area, he’s not worried. “The one knock on him right now is he makes the
game harden than what it should be because he’s not a good free throw shooter yet — he will be,” Self said. According to Jackson, there’s no better time to improve your game than against tough opponents. Such opportunities come frequently in the Big 12, and he believes his team has had its share of tests. “I don’t feel like you would get better if you’re playing against a bunch of guys who don’t really want to compete or want to win,” Jackson said. “It’s even harder being Kansas, because everybody just wants to beat you so bad. It’s always a great game no matter who we play in the Big 12.” The challenge doesn’t stop with Baylor. Kansas still has several tough games ahead of it before the end of the regular season, including a trip to Waco for a rematch with the Bears in February. Despite now being alone in first place and riding high off the confidence of a strong past few games, Jackson and his teammates are keeping their eyes on the prize, and not stopping and coasting. “We’re glad to be in first, but we all know that it’s not over,” Jackson said. “Our job isn’t complete yet.”
Kansas basketball news affects fans’ perceptions AMIE JUST @Amie_Just
Allen Fieldhouse turned up the juice. With an All-Star rendition of the national anthem and a video board pep talk from former Kansas standout Sherron Collins, the Phog was the loudest it had been all season. If Kansas fans had any reservations about their Jayhawks, they checked them at the door. It’s been an intense stretch for the Jayhawks, as Kansas had a year’s worth of off-the-court news come to light over the course of a week. The local — and national — perception of the team is not good. “I know we all want to win,” said Justin Zellers, a 1999 University graduate from Overland Park. “But it’s not at all costs.” On Jan. 24, reports came out that an alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl had been reported at McCarthy Hall — the residence hall in which the basketball team resides. The following morning, five basketball players — senior guard Frank Mason III, freshman guard Josh Jackson, sophomore guard Lagerald Vick, freshman forward Mitch Lightfoot and junior guard Tucker Vang — were listed among the witnesses by KU Police in the Dec. 17 incident. When the news came out, fans had mixed responses. “I was kinda
disappointed really,” said Anna Donovan, a sophomore from Oklahoma City. “Because you cheer for these guys multiple times a week and they do something off the court that puts the team in a really uncomfortable position.” On Jan. 26, sophomore forward Carlton Bragg Jr. was suspended by coach Bill Self for a “violation of team rules” for his second suspension of the season. Four days later, Bragg was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. According to police records obtained by the Kansan, police confiscated two glass smoking devices on the night of the alleged rape. Bragg was granted diversion on Feb. 1 for the charge. “He’s been suspended twice,” said Scott Wellhausen, a senior from Brocton, Illinois. “Regardless of how serious you think it is, two suspensions is detrimental.” Bragg’s first suspension back in December followed an arrest and a battery charge that was eventually dropped. After the charge against Bragg was dropped, a battery charge was filed against Saleeha Soofi. “I think Carlton gets a bad rep,” said Bryce Dieker, a junior from Westphalia. “He was accused of an assault that got dismissed.” Several students, including Wellhausen, cited that first incident with Bragg as something to learn from. “The original Carlton
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN Sophomore guard Lagerald Vick plays defense against Baylor. Kansas defeated Baylor 73-68.
Bragg issue shows just how problematic it can be to leap to conclusions early,” Wellhausen said. But the off-the-court news wasn’t over. On. Jan. 30, the Kansas City Star reported that a University investigation found that Vick had likely committed domestic violence and that the recommended punishment for said offense was two years of probation. In the Star’s report, Vick allegedly hit a female student multiple times and kicked her in the face. All of it together has snowballed, and some fans don’t know what to think. “The news comes out and
with the environment that’s around domestic abuse, honestly those are some serious issues,” Wellhausen said. “We need more first. … As far as the stuff off the court, I think you gotta wait until you hear more to make a decision. That shouldn’t downplay Lagerald Vick’s problems or Carlton’s problems. I hate to leap to judgement before I know stuff.” When asked about the Vick report after the game, coach Bill Self delivered a prepared statement in front of members of the media, various Kansas Athletics officials, the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Tim Caboni and
the University’s Director of Strategic Communications, Joe Monaco. “I have been told that I cannot comment on a University investigation or whether one is or is not taking place or has ever taken place,” Self read. “And due to previous practice by the University and by the athletic department, I would not be giving any details of such investigation. What was reported was reported. I haven’t been made aware of anything. That’s where that is and that’s the last time and the only thing I will say concerning that because I am basically been told that’s all that can be said.”
Regardless of fans waiting for all the facts, some of the damage has already been done. Perception isn’t necessarily rooted in fact. It’s rooted in belief. Kansas fans may have checked their feelings of their Jayhawks at the door, but there’s doubt in their minds, albeit a small amount. “I am a stickler for rules,” Zellers said. “I think they should be followed. [The] University needs to come down on them, but they need the evidence to prove it.”