The Vermont
Get to know the artists of SpringFest
CYNIC
See the feature on pages 6-7
The University of Vermont’s independent voice since 1883
W e d n e s d a y, A p r i l 2 3 , 2 0 1 4 – Vo l u m e 1 3 0 I s s u e 2 7 | B u r l i n g t o n , Ve r m o n t
PHOTOS BY JONATHAN POLSON AND BECCA ASDAMS
Still no taxes on Greek houses Cory Dawson Video Editor UVM’s Greek community can breath a little easier now that the possibility of losing their houses may be over. “We’re really relieved that at least for now we won’t have to put more effort into that,” said sophomore Lauren Giery, president of sorority Kappa Alpha Theta. Vermont’s House Ways and Means committee officially voted, on Monday, to remove language from the bill that would remove property tax exemption given to the property owned by fraternities and sororities at UVM, according to WCAX. The bill, S.221, which is making its way through the
Vermont legislature, would have made all Greek life houses at UVM no longer exempt from property tax as of July 1. “The presidents and our members were blindsided by the bill,” Giery said. Greek life houses have previously been exempt from property taxes due to the fact that the houses are owned by housing corporations that are nonprofits,” said junior Ty Williams, president of fraternity Phi Gamma Delta. This isn’t the first time such ideas have been presented. Removal of the tax exemption has been included in past bills in the past as well, the last time being 14 years ago. “The issue has come to the surface maybe four times since
I’ve been at UVM,” said Pat Brown, director of student life. “I think it’ll be intersesting to see where it goes.” Tim Ashe, senate finance committee chairman, introduced the bill March 15 and said he believes the cost is “fair,” and that it would cause Greek life members to now pay about $160,000, according to a WCAX article April 20. The Cynic reached out to Ashe for comment, but he was unavailable before print. The Cynic has also independently calculated the final property tax amount for the 10 properties owned by the Greek organizations at UVM. Both the Tax Expenditures Report and the Cynic used property values provided by the
grand list’s data. “My assumption is that they [property values] are reasonable,” Vickery said. The Cynic found that the collective property taxes for all Greek properties would be more than $265,000, as opposed to the Tax Expenditures Report estimate of $160,000, which was cited by Ashe. The Cynic’s exact findings can be viewed at www.vermontcynic.com. “That would not surprise me,” State representative Kesha Ram said, when asked about the $105,000 disparity. The report draws data from three different organizations. The joint fiscal office, the state tax department and the municipalities.
Somewhere between those three organizations “things are going to get lost,” Ram said. “To me, that’s all the better reason to make sure we have the right data before we make a decision,” she said. Various members of the UVM Greek community said this is an “overwhelming expense,” and may have forced them to sell their houses. They also said that it would be “impossible to justify raising dues or rent to pay for the houses,” Williams said. “These houses are the life and blood of our organizations, and they’re the main reason we exist as groups,” Williams said. Whether the loss of houses would eliminate UVM Greek
See GREEK LIFE on page 2
Keep off the green please Aidan Dolbashian Arts Editor Though it may feel as if spring arrives late in Burlington from year to year, it always seems to roll around just in time for SpringFest. Each year, crowds of students and local residents alike converge to take part in this University tradition. However, if students want to ensure that this year’s show stays outside, they need to remember one thing: Keep off the grass. The UVM community is urged to keep from walking across the Chittenden-Buckham-Wills green, the concert’s outdoor location, until April 26, according to a statement from Kelsey Jonat, on the event’s Facebook page. Jonat is the director of production for the University Program Board, which is hosting the event. The more the green is Like us on Facebook
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walked on, the muddier it gets. If the terrain is too muddy by the day of the show, it then becomes less likely that a stage can be safely constructed on the outdoor site, Jonat said. In the meantime, students are asked to use sidewalks bordering the green to prevent such an occurence. The show’s tickets are cur-
rently sold out. However, the University Program Board will make the decision April 24 on whether or not the event will be held outdoors, according to the SpringFest Facebook page. If it is, more tickets will be released. So, if you still want a ticket, make sure to keep off the green.
ALEXA ALGIOS The Vermont Cynic
Students dance at SpringFest April 21, 2012. The University Program Board will announce if the event will be outside April 24. Follow us on Instagram
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WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic
Junior Braden Winslow performs at the Battle of the Bands in the Davis Center Feb. 8. Winslow is a member of the band Binger.
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CRIME LOG GREEK LIFE
If passed, bill would have ended tax exemptions for Greek houses ...continued from page 1
Lauren Drasler Staff Writer
April 13 12:09 a.m. A report came in to police services about a fire alarm that was leaking water in the South One building of U-Heights on Athletic Campus. Apparently a water line in the wall was broken. Physical plant staff was contacted about this issue.
April 14 9:06 a.m. A sign was reported stolen outside Austin Hall on Athletic Campus. The sign was taken sometime between April 11 and April 14, and displayed information about campus tours that are offered by the admissions office. No one has been identified yet in this incident.
6:16 p.m. A student contacted police services after discovering that his/her wallet had been stolen outside the racquet ball courts in Patrick gym on Athletic Campus. However, the student didn’t notice the wallet was missing until a week after it had been stolen. No one has been identified yet in this incident.
April 15 7:29 p.m. Hall staff in Marsh Hall on Athletic Campus contacted police services after smelling an odor of marijuana coming from a dorm room in the building. However, when police arrived, they were unable to locate the source of the odor and the incident was listed as unfounded.
9:11 p.m. An officer on a nightly patrol came upon three students near the intersection of Catamount Drive and East Avenue outside police services. The students were smoking marijuana, and the officer confiscated three grams of the drug from the students, along with a pipe and three “grinders.”
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WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic
Vt. senator and alumna Kesha Ram speaks in the Davis Center April 21 about a bill that may remove Greek Life tax exemptions.
life is a point of debate amongst members of the Greek community at the University. “It definitely was cause for concern,” said senior Madeline Buckley, president the PanHellenic council. “However, losing our houses would not cause fraternity and sorority life to cease to exist,” she said. Upon learning of the bills passage in the senate last week, members of the Greek community made sure their voices were heard. “We mobilized pretty quickly,” Buckley said. Dozens of UVM’s fraternity and sorority members “took action” by going to the State House April 16. The group spoke about how this language will affect the whole University community, SGA President Aya Al-Namee said. “It became more serious than we anticipated,” she said. Junior Emily Chamberlin, a member of sorority Alpha Chi Omega , created a petition April 14 in hopes of stopping this bill from passing, according to her MoveOn.org petition. At this time, there are more than 4,800 signatures. “If you consider this from a philanthropic standpoint, we’re
contribuiting half a million dollars a year to the community,” Williams said. “Without these houses, I don’t think we would be able to continue doing this great work,” he said. “Even if the bill changes in the House Ways and Means Committee, anything can happen on the house floor,” Ram said. Ashe cited the 2013 Tax Expenditures Report in his claim, a report created for legislators to determine the possible revenue from tax-exempt properties across the state. Since property taxes are dependent on the property value, every Greek property would need to be appraised to determine their true property value, and thus determine how much each chapter would owe in taxes. Property values are provided by municipalities, in the form of a “grand list.” This public list holds all real estate lots and business personal property within Burlington, according to the Burlington assessor’s office. “If this does become law, it would be deserving of a [property value] review,” John Vickery said, Burlington City Assessor. “Now that they have a tax bill, that does not mean the rent will automatically go up.”
Rating affirms UVM Gender pay gap narrows sustainable campus Alexander Collingsworth Staff Writer
Ben Plotzker Senior Staff Writer From plastic water bottle bans and compost bins, to GOLD LEED certified buildings and sustainability requirements, UVM is perceived to be quite the “eco-friendly” campus. UVM was awarded a Gold Rating March 19 by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Sustainability Tracking and Assessment & Rating System programs, according to a release from President Sullivan April 7. “UVM should be a national leader in this area [sustainability], and I want to support all who are working across campus to address these critical issues,” Sullivan said. “To build on this self-assessment, I am appointing a Sustainability Task Force to develop a sustainability plan with goals and objectives for the next three years that we can focus on as a campus community,” he said. Junior Hope Zabronsky is an intern in the office of sustainability and has been working on updating the STARS information. “I think this Gold certification rating is a major step towards UVM becoming a truly green university in its operations, education, research, planning, administration and
engagement,” she said. The assessment program is utilized by 209 institutions, according to their website. It utilizes a points system to account for sustainability in almost all aspects of higher education. From building operations to academics, the points are self reported by colleges or universities to the STARS program and the website serves as a database for other schools to understand what the best practices are. UVM received a score of 65.35 out of 100 possible points and is alongside 39 other colleges and universities in the U.S. with a Gold rating. “The respectability of the STARS tool is national,” Stephanie Kaza, faculty adviser to the Office of Sustainability and Director of the Environmental Program said. UVM scored well with the four innovation points, where schools show off their sustainability best practices, Kaza said. The points were awarded for four key practices at UVM. They included the Ecological Design Collaboratory at the GreenHouse Residential Living Community, students teaching students in the ENVS Program, the Eco-Machine in the Aiken Building and the SMOP (Spring Move Out Project), where various community coordinators have students recycle unwanted furniture and goods at end of academic year.
The pay gap between male and female professors is closing at UVM, according to the faculty salary survey published by the American Association of University Professors April 7. For full-time professors, the difference between male and female pay is just 1.7 percent, according to the survey. Female associate professors and assistant professors earn between 4 and 5 percent less than their male counterparts. Students approve the closing pay gap between male and female professors. “A professor should be paid based on how much effort he or she puts in to their job,” firstyear Maddie Kiszewski said. “If female faculty are putting in the same amount of work as male faculty they should be paid the same,” firstyear Aditya Vangala said. The University recently conducted a salary equity study which found no statistically significant difference in salary between men and women, after
adjusting for relevant variables such as, length of service and discipline, Beth Mintz, a professor of sociology and a leader of the UVM Faculty Women’s Caucus said. The study suggested that more global issues such as why women are more likely to go into programs like English than engineering drove the salary difference rather than any decisions made by UVM, Mintz said. Former UVM faculty women’s caucus leader, Dr. Robyn Warhol-Down, led a movement to get the mostly female English lecturers multi-year contracts, long before UVM’s faculty union, United Academics was created in December 2003, English professor Sheila Boland Chira said. The salary gap for full-time professors at other schools is much higher. At Middlebury a female full-time professor can expect to make 8.1 percent less than a male, according to AAUP’s survey. However, female associate professors at the College actually make more than male associate professors.
Salary Equality For Full Professors (what women make in comparison to men)
Middlebury: 91.9% Saint Michael’s College: 97.8% University of Vermont: 98.3% by Sasha Kedzie source: http://chronicle.com/article/2013-14-AAUP-Faculty-Salary/145679/#id=table
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Director of the ALANA Center, Beverly Colston, participates in the “In Living Color” photoshoot in the Davis Center Jan. 27.
LYDIA SCHWARTZ The Vermont Cynic
A history of black culture Sarah Olsen Assistant News Editor One of the most influential activists in the history of diversity at UVM passed away on Feb. 16. Former UVM professor Mbulelo Mzamane died. His funeral was held in South Africa, where he was born, professor Loka Losambe said. Mzamane came to the University from the University of Georgia in 1990 and worked at UVM as an associate professor of English and as the Director of African Studies. “He was then the first black professor in the department of English,” Losambe said. “When he came he was the first person to introduce African literature courses to the department.” Mzamane was the first to establish the now thriving African studies program, Losambe said. He also founded the African house, the residential program in the Living and Learning Center. “He was instrumental to negotiating the enhancement of diversity at UVM,” Losambe said. “There was a time when students marched to Waterman asking for an increase in the enrollment of people of color, he led that movement.” Losambe said this movement was very successful because it led to “many initiatives.” “Having come from South Africa, which at that point had Apartheid, he was always aware, he was always very sensitive to injustices of any type,” Losambe said. “He was the right kind to be able to lead the students and negotiate with the authorities to try and diversify the University.” Losambe said Mzamane was someone who was fighting against racism in South Africa, which led to his switch from University of Georgia to UVM. Losambe said he believed that Vermont is an ideal
place for people who fight against injustices. “The liberalism that you find here, the ideological orientation of the state attracted him a lot,” Losambe said. Vermont provided Mzamane with the space to be able to evolve himself and to improve diversity and bring awareness to South African problems, as well as other social injustices in the United States. “He was always full of laughter, always making people very happy,” Losambe said. Losambe said Mzamane’s creative writing was full of humor even in a tragic situation, showing his easygoing manner. His first book, the short story collection “Mzala”, was published in 1980. The book was thought to establish Mzamane’s reputation as a master of satire, according to the Dictionary of Literary Biography: Volume 360: Contemporary African Writers. The roots of his creative writings are from the Black consciousness movement of the 1970’s, according to the Dictionary of Literary Biography. “He was really an outstanding intellectual,” Losambe said. “He gave speeches about equality and about the human essence of the human racethe common kinship of our humanity. He was really an outstanding human being.” Losambe said he first met Mzamane in Nigeria, where he was teaching at the University in the North and he was teaching in the South. “One day I had gone to attend a conference in the north and I had read his books before that,” Losambe said. “He was the person who was driving me around and showing me the campus. That was in 1986.” “So that is how we went with a number of other scholars, who were drawn by him,” Losambe said.
Mzamane became the president of the University of Fort Hare where Nelson Mandela and other African scholars studied, Losambe said. “We became partners in the rebuilding of South Africa,” Losambe said. “That is so sad,” sophomore Elena Melloni said. “He was not very old at all.” Mzamane received a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts from the University of Botswana and was a lecturer and dean of student affairs there from 1975 to 1979, according to the Dictionary of Literary Biography. He completed his PhD in African Literature in 1982 at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. While at UVM, he was also known as the Coordinator of Cultural Diversity, according to the Dictionary of Literary Biography. “All those initiatives and presidential commissions in diversity, ALANA and all those other things that came as a result of all the students protesting [while he was there],” Losambe said. “He was at the center of all those activities.” ALANA Academic Services Manager Beverly Colston has found that Vermont continues to be a place that leads the rest against social injustices. In February, the Black Student Union preformed a flash mob entitled “We Are Not Invisible” in protest of being looked over. “It [Black Student Union Flash Mob] was an awesome event and the video has received lots of national attention, including other schools that are imitating,” Colston said. Though Mzamane has passed on, his influence at UVM and many other places has left a lasting effect, Losambe said. “I am very emotionally involved,” Losambe said on his death. “He was a fabulous human being.”
1996
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Mbuelo Mzamane comes to UVM
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Vt.’s fight to “take back the night” Jackie Morris Staff Writer The greater UVM community gathered on the steps of Royall Tyler Theater April 17 for the 34th annual Take Back the Night Rally. The rally “liberates” those affected by sexual violence, and was made possible by organizations like HOPE Works, UVM Women’s Center and Saint Michael’s Center for Women and Gender. “More people should know about this event, they should get involved and spread the word,” sophomore Andy Blanchet said. The women’s centers started the rally with words regarding their role in the healing process for those affected by sexual violence. “I thought it was cool that those who have experienced sexual violence labeled themselves ‘survivors’ as opposed to ‘victims,’” first-year Clara Irving said. Senior Jeanelle Achee said she was a survivor of sexual violence and was among the opening speakers. Achee said she has volunteered with HOPE Works for five years. “When I came to UVM I knew I wanted to be in-
SADEY MIRABILE The Vermont Cynic
Members of the UVM community gather for the 34th annual Take Back the Night Rally outside of the Royal Tyler Theater on April 17. volved, so I started volunteering,” she said. “I [also] won Miss Vermont last year, so it’s been a great opportunity to promote this organization that I love so much while raising awareness,” Achee said. The participants marched to City Hall for a speak-out about consequences violence against women brings.
The march was assisted by UVM Women’s Rugby, who served as crossing guards, team member junior Charissa Dobson said. Dobson said she has gone to the rally for the past few years. Around 65 people attended the rally. Blanchet said these events have inspired him to
volunteer in these outreach programs. “I went to the Dismantling Rape Conference in the Davis Center last week and so many people showed up, I think it was the most people they’ve had,” he said. “I heard about the Take Back the Night Rally through a guidance counselor back in high school, and I decided
that this year I was really going to put myself out there and do it,” Blanchet said. Ribbons were passed out to the participants. Pink ones were given to “allies” of those affected by sexual violence, purple to “advocates” and white to survivors.
Toxin labeling approved Charlotte Fisher Assistant Life Editor 2016 may be the year of the Genetically Modified Organisms. The Vermont Senate has officially passed the GMO labeling bill H.112 in an April 16 vote of 28-2, according to vtrighttoknowgmos.org. “It’s more about being educated and knowing what you’re eating,” sophomore Jared Mummert said. The passage of this bill will give people the opportunity to know exactly what genetically modified organisms are going into their food. “I definitely agree with GMO labeling,” first-year Lindsey Freitag said. “As a consumer, I have a right to know.” The “right-to-know” mindset was the driving force behind the bill, according to the website. The collaborators behind the project said they felt that
people should be able to make informed choices about what they eat. They also said that people should have the ability to choose whether to buy genetically engineered food or not, according to the website. Next the bill will head to the House of Representatives where it will either be approved or amended, according to the website. “As with all other regulatory issues, Sodexo will continue to monitor this situation and respond to any concerns, as needed,” said Caylin McKee, UVM dining sustainability and social media coordinator. UVM’s Real Food Campaign may also benefit from the bill. The campaign already doesn’t count foods with GMO’s as “real,” McKee said. “The labeling would certainly help us deduce with more certainty than we have had in the past, what products count as ‘real’ or not,” said An-
nalena Barrett, the campaign’s co-chair. More than 60 countries in the world already implement GMO labeling; however the U.S. is not one of them. The passage of the bill would make Vermont the first state in the U.S. to implement GMO labeling on commercially sold food products. “The difficulty with GMOs is that the technology can be used in different ways, some of which likely pose minimal to no risk, while other uses of the technology can create significant environmental harm,” said Alison Nihart, Food Systems Initiative assistant. “In my view, a label that only indicates whether a food contains GMOs and does not indicate the GMO mechanism used, does not provide enough detail to make an informed decision,” she said. If passed into law, the GMO labeling would take effect July 1, 2016.
Join the Cynic Video Team Build your portfolio, win awards and hang out with editor Cory Dawson. Email cynicvideo@gmail.com
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Catamount farm fills plates of Vt. Katie Hickey Staff Writer Look no further than UVM to see where the food for your next meal comes from. “People come to see [the farm] as a model of sustainable farming,” manager Laura Williams said. “Our goal is to feed more of UVM campus and community.” The program provides shareholders with fresh picked produce on a weekly basis. Produce can be picked up at the farm or at Jeffords Hall. Shareholders even have the option of picking produce themselves. Williams and the students of UVM’s Catamount Farm said they hope to grow sustainable food education and lifestyle through the sale of their organic seasonal produce. The farm, located on the 100-acre Horticulture Research and Education Center, produces 100 organic varieties of 40 to 50 crops throughout the year, including flowers and herbs. Williams and students said they hope to increase Community Supported Agriculture shares to students and faculty. Profits generated from sales fund the farm and teach farming students how to market produce. The farm already provides produce to Sodexo, whose chefs seek the local ingredients to put into student’s meals.
The farm’s relationship with Sodexo will continue to grow in the future, Williams said. “You will see some more of our fall produce,” Williams said. “Such as carrots, onions, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.” Catamount Farm not only helps feed hungry stomachs, but also aids the environment. “You shrink distance food is traveled, which cuts fuel and energy, it’s ultra local,” Williams said. Students who work on the farm said they’ve benefited from the hands on education. Andrew Bahrenburg, a student at the farm, said he loves the “uniqueness” and “opportunity” that the farm provides. “Among all the McDonalds and car dealerships, it’s tucked away you disappear into an oasis of research, and agriculture, it feels special,” he said. “[The program] is different from a food system major, you learn by doing, it’s engaging in a lifestyle,” Williams said. Continuing Education student Julia Cosgrove said the farm’s continuing education program attracts a “diversity of students nationwide, research and rich community of both farming and learning.” The Catamount Farm will start selling seasonal spring produce Tuesdays in June from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. until October.
EMMA OYOMBA The Vermont Cynic
A Sodexo chef prepares a meal during the Battle of the Campus Chefs in the Davis Center April 21. During the event, various campus chefs were paired with student clubs to prepare a meal for judges.
Charitable chefs compete Charlotte Fisher Assistant Life Editor Tums are a girl’s best friend after sampling 10 dishes with the possibility of going back for more. UVM’s Campus Kitchen Project teamed up with Sodexo for the annual Battle of the Campus Chefs April 21. The Campus Kitchen Club is a student-run program that focuses on hunger relief in Burlington, according to their website. The competition acts as a fundraiser for the Chittenden County Emergency Food Shelf. “We wanted to reach
out to the UVM community and work well with others,” said junior Emily Vayda, the club’s treasurer. “We wanted to showcase what we have here and support a really great cause,” Vayda said. The event consisted of eight teams of campus chefs paired with various UVM clubs who all duked it out for the win. Members from all over the UVM community came to taste the dishes. “I heard there was really good food,” sophomore Himani Sharma said. Four judges sat at the front of the room with spotlights blazing, as one-by-one
the teams served their creations. “This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Alice Levitt, judge of the event representing Seven Days. “It was kind of like a mad science experiment that went well,” Marketplace employee Kim Torrey said. The judges and crowd indulged in a wide array of foods from sushi and beef roulade, to duck confit and the public’s favorite creamy pana cotta. “Close your eyes and let the ecstasy begin,” team member Daniel Irish said. “You just had an out of body experience.”
Tommy’s Column
Our Mirthful Board
Trattoria Delia: best in town To me, April 20 means Connor Daley I hate eating on Church Street. The atmosphere is great, but the food is mediocre at best (see: Sweetwaters). So the other week when I got a little hungry, I decided to venture to a reliable feeding ground for the finer things: Trattoria Delia. Away from the well-traveled brick of Church Street and hidden behind a large oak door, is Trattoria Delia, on Saint Paul Street. This hidden gem is widely regarded as one of the best Italian dining locations in the Burlington area. I have now gone on three first dates there — only one successful — but I typically go with friends or with colleagues. This time, my date was my iPad mini, for note taking. “The Trat,” as fans call it, is set slightly below street level
and is adorned with exposed beams and dark colored walls. With food and wine headings completely in Italian, the less-worldly eater is left to decipher dish contents through thankfully detailed descriptions. I started with the prosciutto e scamorza al Forno appetizer, essentially melted cheese wrapped in prosciutto, a saltier version of bacon. A battle of senses ensued, as it was too hot to immediately eat but too good to not. I suffered a few burns and proceeded to the main dish: gnocchi alla boscailoa, or Wild Boar Gnocchi. Rich and tender, the boar swam in a deep brown sauce with gnocchi, making it both fun and easy to eat. The sign of a good restaurant, for me, is if the waiter knows more about the food than I do. Before I could even ask, my waitress offered a raft of different wines — red, obviously — that would go well with the boar. I settled on a Nero di Troia, a cross between a Merlot and a
Cabernet Sauvignon. I could not have thought of a better wine — deep, earthy and plummy — to pair with the richness of the boar. Owners Lori and Tom Delia have strived to offer an experience that is seemingly effortless. The price-point is high for college students, but I think it’s appropriate for the quality. Conclusion? Trattoria Delia’s reputation is upheld as the best Italian dining in Burlington. Warm and cozy, the service is almost as high quality as the food. I recommend a visit, and perhaps a date. Atmosphere: Food: Drink:
4.5/5 4/5 4.5/5
“Our Mirthful Board” is a weekly restaurant review and local food column. The title comes from Ben Jonson’s 17th century poem, “Inviting a Friend to Supper.” Connor Daley is a senior history major. He has been writing for the Cynic since spring 2014.
“friends and freedom” Tommy Gambino Sun beating down, the sky is without a cloud. However, if there were, they would look like dinosaurs, transformers or all four teenage mutant ninja turtles. On April 20 you’re sure to be out on your porch, the Redstone green, at the waterfront or where ever your heart desires. It is a day to kick back and enjoy the company of a few, or many good friends. Everyone is smiling with their big sunglasses giving you an “everything is cool man” nod. Philosophical rants, childhood cartoons and sugary cereals pass from person to person without a worry in the world.Unless you “bug out” a little.
“Feed the hungry bee” as Ken Kesey would say, author of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” April 20, better known as 420, has begun to have a nasty reputation. To me, April 20 represents the culmination of the school year. Spring is here and you finally have a chance to get rid of those winter coats. Clunky Timberlands and Columbia boots turn into Vans with no socks, moccasins and bare feet. You finally remember what it is like to sit on the library steps at our wonderfully unique school. To me, being outside whether it is in your backyard or at North Beach is April 20. Having a barbeque with friends and talking about summer plans. 420 is the “light” at the end of a long school year and shows the way to summer. Tommy Gambino is a junior English major. He has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2013.
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WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic
Take an inside look at the SpringFest lineup Atmosphere Though Atmosphere’s Wikipedia page describes them as a hip-hop group, front man Sean “Slug” Daley sarcastically describes the rap duo’s sound as “prom-core.” Whichever they are, the duo is scheduled to headline UVM’s SpringFest April 26. The Cynic got to sit down with Daley to talk about “fighting, fucking and feeling,” in this exclusive interview. Vermont Cynic (VC): How did you choose the nickname Slug? Sean Daley (SD): I didn’t really choose it. My father’s nickname was “Sluggo,” so it was a name that I was familiar with from my youth. One day a friend told me I should use it for my rap name. When he said that, it clicked. He was right. VC: How would you describe the music you make? SD: Prom-core. I really don’t know how to describe the music we make. If I worked record retail right now, I’d always file it under rap. VC: Your new album, “Southsiders,” comes out this May. What does the Southside mean to you? SD: From a literal interpretation, it’s where I’m from, the south side of Minneapolis.
However, when we were making this album, I chose not to interpret it as a geographic concept. It’s more of a metaphor for the bottom. The underground. Below the dirt. Hell. All of the above. Everything has a south side. VC: You said the single for that album, “Kanye West,” is about caring too much. Could you explain what you meant by that? SD: Sometimes you love something so much that people begin to interpret you as ‘I don’t give a fuck.’ Love is usually viewed as positive energy, but passion can be viewed as negative or positive, depending on who’s in charge of the narrative. VC: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love? SD: Everything I do or have done my whole life is for love, and I don’t really think any of it was crazy. Sorry? Boom. By Sam Heller
The Remix Artist Collection The Remix Artist Collective, or “RAC,” is set to join Atmopshere at UVM’s SpringFest, though the group name may be a little misleading.
RAC doesn’t exclusively play remixes and “has never really been a collective,” front man and songwriter Andre Anjos said. “When I started in like, 2007, I called it a collective, even though it was just me,” he said. “It was kind of wishful thinking.” Anjos said he typically performs as a DJ, writing songs by mixing together samples of work by other artists. Having released their fulllength debut album, “Strangers,” this year, RAC’s tour includes sets across Europe and the United States. They have also performed festivals such as Lollapalooza, Firefly and Electric Forest, according to their website. Anjos said “Strangers” was something that he had been working on for more than three years. “It started out pretty modestly. I just wanted a couple of dance singles with some friends of mine singing over the tracks.” As the album came together, however, artists such as Kele Okereke of the band Bloc Party and Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros joined as collaborators. Anjos said he’s excited for SpringFest because he hasn’t been to Burlington since RAC
James Taylor
A look back at past 1960 perfomers who have played at UVM
played a set here, “two or three years ago. For snowboarders or something like that.” When asked about his favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor, Anjos said “Oh…Ben & Jerry’s, let’s see…I’d have to look up the name of it, but I do have one.” Make of that what you will, Burlington. By Sam Heller
Argonaut & Wasp Get hyped for a day out in the sun for SpringFest alongside the DJ stylings of juniors Theo Klein and Trey Schibli, also known as Argonaut & Wasp. The duo, which regularly performs as a five-piece “electro-funk” band, will be playing a DJ-only set at this year’s spring festivities. Argonaut & Wasp has performed across a spectrum of venues, including their current month-long residency at Nectar’s Bar every Wednesday. Along with their recent performance at the Mercury Lounge in New York City April 14. However, the band members said they are “especially proud” to have played two of UVM’s “biggest campusbased shows,” the University
Bob Dylan
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Beach Boys Nov. 19, 1970
Program Board’s FallFest and SpringFest, both in the same year. “It’s a pretty amazing opportunity just to be able to do both, it’s really cool,” Klein said. “It’s exciting for everyone involved, especially since we started it all in the fall and to [have] had the whole school behind us at a big festival is really exciting,” he said. Argonaut & Wasp will be playing a mix of different genres of electronic music inbetween the other bands’ performances on the festival’s bill, Schibli said. Klein and Schibli both said that due to regulations set by UVM and the University Program Board, Argonaut & Wasp will only be playing their set if SpringFest is held outdoors. This is because if the show is in the gym, there would not be enough room for a side stage, Klein said. By Jacob Holzman
Binger Brace yourself for the selfproclaimed “couch surf rock” trio Binger, one of the opening acts at this year’s SpringFest. The band claims to have formed “roughly one year ago,” when junior Braden Winslow
Jerry Garcia Band
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Raindogs
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PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON COOK
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began playing music in his spare time alongside bassist junior Shakir Stephen. At the time, Winslow found himself booking a performance at Radio Bean, without a band to play with. So he asked Stephen, as well as friend and drummer Dalton Muzzy, to accompany him for the gig. Now, Binger performs across Burlington, everywhere from Radio Bean to numerous basement parties. “We tend to call ourselves ‘couch surf rock,’ [as] the combination of virtuosity, hip-hop, a little jam [rock] and even sometimes punk or hardcore,” Winslow said. Winslow and Stephen said they are incredibly excited for SpringFest, due to their love and appreciation for Atmosphere and their music. “I love Atmosphere. I wouldn’t say he’s one of my major influences, [but] I just think that they’re sick,” Stephen said. “I didn’t think that when we were told we’d be opening [for SpringFest] that it would actually be for anybody I liked,” he said. By Michael Swain and Jacob Holzman
Nov. 3, 1974
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Santana Nov. 1, 1980
What do the bands Rug, Yogurt Slingers and Tar Iguana have in common? Well for starters, they’re all the same band. Tar Iguana, as they have recently been called, has been jamming together for a while, but the group had not formally called themselves a band until recently. “We’ve been jamming since freshman year but the band hadn’t officially formed until last summer when we played our first basement concert,” senior Jack Schroader said, the band’s guitarist. “Tar Iguana is from our buddy Nick, who used the ‘dictionary game’ of randomly selecting words to come up with the band name,” he said. Senior Chris Heres said their sound is “the jammiest cover band you’ve ever heard.” The boys of Tar Iguana said they are excited to be performing at UVM’s SpringFest as one of their last gigs “We’re all graduating and it’s just a really nice way to send it off. Play at UVM’s official event on a nice big stage. We don’t often get to play at a nice venue,” senior bassist Pierre Dillon said. By Michael Swain and Jacob Holzman
Ziggy Marley
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Top Left: Bassist Shakir Stephen of Binger performs at the Battle of the Bands finale in the Davis Center Feb. 8. Top Right: Sean Daley (left) and Anthony Davis (right) of Atmosphere pose for a photograph. Bottom Right: Lead singer Trey Schibli of Argonaut & Wasp performs in the Davis Center Feb. 8.
Death Cab for Cutie
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Jurassic 5 Sept. 20, 1998
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WALKER SULTZBACH The Vermont Cynic
Michael Franti Nov. 10, 2001
Wiz Khalifa Sept. 22, 2006
Danny Brown Sept. 21, 2008
Soulive and Dylan Francis April 21, 20012
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Redistricting for students STAFF EDITORIAL Students will have a new way to get involved in Burlington politics. Recently City Council has been attempting to restructure the districts in the town to create a ward that represents students better. During town meeting day on March 11, the decision to add an eighth ward in Burlington. This new ward incorporates much of the University and parts of the community where most off-campus students reside. The addition of a new district would encompass Main Street to Pearl Street including areas like Buell Street that are often considered “student slums.” This redistricting would allow an already politically and socially aware cam-
pus to be more involved in the politics of our community. Residents of the new ward would be able to elect a city council member. This would provide students the opportunity to become a city councilor during their time at UVM. This person would have the opportunity to represent the needs of students living in Burlington. There have been people who have been reluctant about putting an 18-22 year old student in a City Council position. Redistricting Burlington to make a UVM student friendly ward would often ensure that a student would be the representative from that community. Therefore, students need to participate in the local politics and get excited about the new ward.
Students should prove to both skeptical and enthusiastic legislators that we deserve to have our own ward. This would provide the opportunity for students to mold and transform the decisions that affect them every day. This would also begin a trend of community involvement early and at a young age that would continue after graduation. Representative Kesha Ram mentioned how it can even take the first two years to get familiar with the terrain of Burlington politics. Students would be able to get experience while undergraduates and continue political careers in the state well after graduation. So get moving UVM, start campaigning. Maybe you could be the next city council member.
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OPINION
9
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Greening what you eat makes a greener Earth
Illustration by Alison Staffin
A classroom of bias Sammie Ibrahim As my sophomore year comes to a close, I cannot help but reflect on my classroom experiences over the past two years. I have had the great fortune of taking mostly small, seminar-style classes in a variety of departments. The engaging discussions, readings and writings for these classes have enriched my academic experience in profound ways. Yet one pattern I have observed in all of these classroom settings is the presence of subtle, and not so subtle, gender biases. Females comprise most of the class roster and yet the male students dominate discussions. I first noticed this gender dynamic last semester when I realized at the end of one class that I was the only female stu-
dent to speak during the entire 75-minutes. Since then, I am more attentive of this hidden bias in our classrooms, most notably in the ways females and males participate in class discussions. As I took note of my own behavior, I observed that the majority of my statements began with some variation of, “I’m not sure if this is right, but…” or “Sorry if this is wrong, but…” My male classmates tended to speak in a more argumentative, assertive and confident style, while females tended to make shorter, quieter and more hesitant statements. Professors want every student to actively participate in discussion, but as a culture, we tend to value a verbal style that is confident, assertive and forceful. These biases make some students, disproportionately female, feel inadequate. They come to doubt their own abilities and skills to perform well in classroom discussions. Case in point, another pattern I noticed, is that when a professor poses a question, male students are always the first to raise their hands and re-
spond with an answer. Females are far less likely to raise their hand in class, and yet when a professor calls on a female student, she almost always knows the answer just as well or better. Again, these are just my personal experiences. Other female students might have very different experiences than my own. Keep in mind, research confirms the pervasiveness of these gender biases in the college classroom. I do not wish to disparage the male presence in the classroom, but merely draw attention to ways in which systems of oppression are found in our everyday experiences. We must view the classroom as a site of power, privilege and hierarchy. Professors and students alike must work together to create inclusive environments by consciously creating spaces where we are aware of the gender dynamics at play in the classroom. Sammie Ibrahim is a sophomore political science major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2012.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Naked bike tradition rides a fine line Dear Editor, I write to express my deep concern about the Naked Bike Ride that will occur on the last night of classes. As documented by a Cynic writer earlier this semester, many in our community believe this event is a celebration and is symbolic of our inclusive culture at UVM, but I disagree. It is neither celebratory nor inclusive. This is an event held under the cloak of darkness where students gather the courage to put themselves on exhibition by using alcohol and/or other substances. It’s not nudity that makes this celebration problematic. It is problematic because the combination of impairment from alcohol and other substances, nighttime and vulnerable physical exposure routinely results in people being hurt. Every semester our police,
medical staff and counselors prepare for an influx of students who are impaired and unable to care for themselves, suffer significant injuries and are the victims of interpersonal violence - including sexual misconduct and assault. Last December, the numbers of detoxes doubled and three sexual assaults were reported as being associated with the event. How can we as a community ignore the fact that a number of our members are injured physically and/or psychologically by this event. The fact that some feel it is “acceptable” that others are harmed is in all ways counter to the values we hold as a community. It’s not nudity that makes UVM special, and it’s certainly not alcohol/drug use. What does make us special is that with this type of free-
dom, comes respect and responsibility for ourselves and others’ wellbeing. We work extremely hard, love to have fun and care deeply about one another and our larger world. Surely a community this talented can create ways to celebrate our achievements through campus traditions that don’t lead to harmful outcomes for a number of its own members. The University does not condone this event and our student leaders — SGA and IRA — have outwardly raised concerns about it. It is time for the student community to reflect on the Naked Bike Ride and consider how well — or not — it reflects our values, our community and our University. It is time for a new tradition. From Annie Stevens, Vice Provost of Student Affairs
Dear Editor, Did you know you can help save the planet every time you sit down for breakfast, lunch or dinner? This Earth Day, join millions of others who are doing something to help the environment by eating more plantbased meals. The increasing global demand for meat is fueling the growth of factory farms to the tune of billions of animals raised in conditions none of us are proud of. Numerous studies reveal that animal agriculture contributes to some of the most critical environmental issues. So if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, start by reducing your carbon hoofprint. According to a 2013 United Nations report, animal agriculture produces 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s one reason the Sierra Club recognizes the importance of meat reduction. They have stated “If Americans reduced meat consumption by just 20 percent, it would be as though we all switched from a sedan to a hybrid.” When it comes to water conservation, we should think in terms of not only how much water we use, but how much water we eat. One study reported that
the water used to produce one hamburger is equivalent to 30 average American showers. In light of such inefficiency, it comes as no surprise that the United Nations recommends that we “replace meat with another source of protein” as a smart water-saving solution. Perhaps the easiest — and tastiest — way to help the environment is practicing the three R’s. “Reducing” or “replacing” consumption of animal products and “refining” our diets by choosing products from sources that adhere to higher animal welfare standards. Millions of Americans are already taking personal action to reduce their meat consumption. Such examples include simple initiatives such as “Meatless Monday,” “Mark Bittman’s Vegan Before Six” or by adopting vegetarian or “flexitarian” lifestyles. Our present environmental problems can oftentimes seem overwhelming. Thankfully, each of us has the power to green the planet all year long every time we sit down to eat by simply putting more vegetables, and less meat, on our plates. From Krystil Smith, Food Policy Coordinator for the Humane Society of the United States.
Zerowaste governance in the state of Vermont Dear Editor, I have no interest in being around big wealth, smoozing or catering to them. This means you won’t see my candidacy unless you look for it. Sometimes great things come from small places, my leadership is one of those things. Keep in mind that the powers that be do not play fair, so I need your help to play better and harder than their crooked ways. I’ll choose a party for the primary but I’m an independent. Can you imagine the shot across the corporate bow it would be to elect a governor who spends next to zip to get elected? One of us has to do it! Waste under this administration and corporate politicians is absurd. Let’s become a zerowaste state. I am ready to lead this state to zerowaste. Statewide independence, freedom and self-reliance is my goal. I’ll help us do all we can for our own selves using common care and common sense.
I want Vermont strong, I see we can do just about anything we need to do, right here, and what’s more climate change requires us to. No, I don’t think science is lying, blind corporate politics brought us here. Scientists tell us we have 15 short years to become selfreliant. We are fighting the battle of the sensible, and we’ll bring the fight to it to every wasteful way. Hurrah for GMO labeling, it’s just the beginning. With my leadership, we will tread carefully but determinedly to a strong, self reliant, zerowaste state and complete food independence. If dollars are not available for the work we need to get done, we will find another way to credit the work that must happen. Where there is a will there is a way, and I guarantee you, I have the vision, the will and the grace to help us leave a broken system. From Emily Peyton, Gubernatorial Candidate
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 , 2014
Five ways to get out of the library With finals approaching and the library packed, it’s time to find a new study spot. By Lindsay McNeice
George D. Aiken Center
1.
The Center was originally built in 1982, but has recently had some big renovations. As a result, it is the first building on campus to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Platinum Award, according to the UVM website. If you like a quiet and secluded space to study, this is the place for you. There are plenty of plants and greenery surrounding you to keep you company and it’s nice to look at if you need a distraction. “The Aiken Center is my favorite spot to write long essays for class,” sophomore Megan Hebert said.
Photo By: Walker Sultzbach
2.
Dana Medical Library Another super quiet study spot is the Dana Medical Library. Not only is this place filled with a slightly more intellectual and ambitious crowd, it’s also a place where you can literally hear a pin drop. “It’s somewhere to go if you really need to concentrate,” sophomore Sydney Bigwood said. Between the big tables in the front and the small desks buried in the bookshelves, there are plenty of places to sit and bang out some serious studying.
Photo By: Lydia Schwartz
The Harvest Café
3.
Another hidden gem is the Harvest Café in Fletcher Allen Hospital. It is a mostly quiet area with people occasionally popping in and out for a quick bite. “The Harvest Café has cheap and really good food,” sophomore Betsy Besser said. As a college student, cheap and good food is always welcome. The Café has a salad bar, a fruit bar and a pizza station, making it the perfect place to study with some great food.
Photo By: Walker Sultzbach
Mt. Mansfield Room
4.
If you are better at working with some noise around you, a great place to go is the Mt. Mansfield Room on the second floor of the Davis Center. Commonly referred to as the “fishbowl,” by students this will put you right on Central Campus, so it’s a good spot to go in between classes. The “fishbowl” is also a great place to people-watch if you need a distraction from studying. This spot is also great because it gets nice and quiet in the afternoon and evenings after the busy lunch crowd has left. In addition, the “fishbowl” has various food options surrounding you. With the Marketplace, Ben & Jerry’s and New World Tortilla just seconds away, it is a great spot for study snacks.
Photo By: Abby Granoff
New Moon Café
5.
If you like to go off campus to study, a popular spot is the New Moon Café on Cherry Street. They have everything from coffee to sandwiches and plenty of comfy seats. While it may look small from the outside, it has a large interior. There is a big room in the back with tons of room for people to hang out and get their study on while enjoying a nice meal.
Photo By: Roisin Low
Sports
Former Catamount’s memory will live on Andrew Schwartz Staff Writer Prior to the men’s lacrosse game against Binghamton University, the UVM athletics department came to together to honor the life of former lacrosse player John Scotnicki ’88, who lost his life to cancer in June 2013. Instead of retiring his number, UVM athletics and various alumni determined that Scotnicki’s No. 30 would be given to a current lacrosse player who exemplifies some of the same “leadership qualities” as Scotnicki. “We pondered the idea of retiring his number, but honoring was more suitable because then his memory lives on,” Chris McCabe said. McCabe is the assistant vice president of marketing and business development at UVM, and a former teammate of Scotnicki’s as well as being a “close friend.” “Scotnicki lead in a different way — both on and off the field, made everyone feel a part of the team and had enthusiasm that was contagious among members of the team,” he said. Everyone who circulates in
JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic
PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN ROESER
Alumnus John Scotnicki ’88
and out of the UVM lacrosse program will know who Scotnicki is and will be able to work towards gaining the jersey No. 30. This number is associated with leadership, selflessness and dedication to the game of lacrosse, McCabe said. Scotniki’s devotion to lacrosse also extended to the youth lacrosse sector in Vermont. “When Scotnicki moved back to Vermont in 2000, he was instrumental in starting the Shelburne youth lacrosse program,” McCabe said. “He was a doer, energetic, selfless and positive,” he said.
athletetweets
Senior Nika Ouellette tosses the javelin on the track April 17. Ouellete is from Massachusetts and has become nationally recognized for her performance in the javelin throw. Ouellete was named team MVP.
All-American earns team MVP Armin Milak Staff Writer A senior on the UVM track and field team, has become nationally recognized for her performance in the javelin throw. A Massachusetts native, Nika Ouellette holds records in both University and conference standings for javelin, after tossing a distance of nearly 50-meters at the America East championship her sophomore year. “It was a pretty incredible feeling,” Ouellette said. “It was something I targeted from the beginning of my freshman year.” “I got a slow clap going from my teammates, so that definitely gave me a boost,” she said. Her throw of nearly 50-meters at the 2012 NCAA championships placed her 14th in the country, and earned her second team All-American, the first Catamount to ever receive the honor. “It was a surreal experience, being the first Vermont track and field athlete to compete in nationals,” Oullette said. “The atmosphere, the intensity of the contestants, it was just awesome,” she said. Not only is Nika recognized nationally, her teammates are
JONATHAN POLSON The Vermont Cynic
Senior Nika Ouellette holds the University and America East records after tossing the javelin nearly 50-meters as a sophomore. aware of the value she brings to table. They have named her team MVP each season since she arrived at the University, according to UVM athletics. Ouellette said she looks to continue her success through the rest of the outdoor season by staying focused and committed to improving her already incredible career. “I have my goal sheet posted right by my bed. It’s the first thing I see when I wake up, and the last thing I see when I go to bed,” she said. “Personally, I’d love to surpass the 50-meter mark and potentially get up to 52 or 53 meters,” she said.
UVM has the privilege of hosting this year’s America East championships May 3 through May 4. This is a “huge honor” for the University, Ouellette said. “I’ve been doing some alumni outreach, to make the team and event known, [and] to make it as successful as possible,” she said. Ouelette has already qualified for the preliminary rounds in Jacksonville, Fl., this spring. From there she looks to qualify for nationals for the third time in four years.
“Just ate a 4 day old pb and j soo that’s where my life is at right now.” Dana Buckhorn — First-year forward for Vermont women’s soccer @danasaur9
“Sunday too much funday.” Diana Panish — Junior forward for Vermont women’s soccer @umakemewannaDI
“Whatever 3 more exams to redeem myself.” Elena Melloni — Sophomore for Vermont women’s swimming and diving @elenamelloni
12
S PO RTS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014
Should athletes be Somer Brown
filed with the National Labor Relations Board. “The regional director set out to alter the underlying premise upon which collegiate varsity sports is based,” the brief stated. Scholarship athletes at Northwestern are currently working between 40 and 50 hours a week during the regular season and receiving about $61,000 annually to cover the cost of the academic year at the University. Colter, who is preparing for the NFL draft, finds that the athletic program at Northwestern is interfering with him becoming a doctor.
Show me a doctor that simultaneously plays professional football and I will reconsider my opinion. Until then, someone needs to remind Colter that he is not on payroll, he is being rewarded for his athletic talent with a scholarship. Causing trouble will do nothing positive for his school or himself, and I highly doubt that there will ever be a union of scholarship athletes. Somer Brown is a sophomore English major. She has been writing for the Cynic since fall 2013.
Nick White Staff Writer
Illustration by Alison Staffin
Squid of the week “You have a lot of attention on a foolish sport like American football and you waste a lot of talent, athletic talent, on a sport that is meant to kill each other, to injure each other... You’re so narrow minded, and then you want to compete against the world [in other sports] when you waste a lot of time, good talent on a sport that sucks.” -Dutch speedskating coach Jillert Anema on why speedskating doesn’t get enough media attention.
Boss of the week “When I’m finished I’ll probably go back there, put my rocking chair on the deck and watch my cows get fat.” -Clermont Auvergne boss Vern Cotter on his plans for life after coaching the French rugby team March 26.
4
It is not unlikely to see professional athletes signing contracts worth multiple million dollars a year. Even a few college athletics directors receive an annual salary of over a million dollars, but the one things you will not find around the United States is college athletes being paid, well maybe until now. On April 9, Northwestern University requested a review on a ruling that states that scholarship football players are employees and “should be” allowed to unionize. This “unprecedented” request was created by regional director Peter Sung Ohr, Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter and former University of California football player Ramogi Huma. Huma now advocates for student athletes’ rights, according to an article in the New York Times April 16. Northwestern argued that a ruling in favor of this decision ignored legal precedent and threatened the structure of collegiate athletics, which was
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