'Conscious Curriculum' - Volume 55, Issue 1

CONSCIOUS CURRICULUM:

The fight for expansion of UW’s Ethnic Studies Requirement

Herald Editorial Herald Business

Editor-in-Chief Celia Hiorns

Managing Editors Cat Carroll

Print News Editors

Digital News Editors

Sophia Scolman

Allie Serterides

Jeffrey Deiss

Amanda Smith

Clare Brogan

Science News Editor Sarah Matysiak

Science News Associate Adeline Sax

Campus News Associates

Chloe Hansen

Brianna Davis

Ian Auger

City News Associate Sami Bitat

State News Associates

Features Editors

Opinion Editors

Opinion Associate

Sports Editors

Sports Associates

ArtsEtc. Editors

ArtsEtc. Associate

Banter Editors

Copy Chiefs

Tarun Vedula

Ben Kapp

Blake Thor

Ben Cadigan

Lucy Wentink

Emily Otten

Jack Rogers

Aanika Parikh

Maddox Durst

Mike Hall

Ariel Tamir-Pinksy

Spencer Shapiro

Ava McNarney

Julia Vetsch

Emma Kozina

Maria Brunetta

Jeremiah Frodl

Phoenix Pham

Corinne Loth

Samantha Klepfer

Photo Editor Abigail Leavins

Video Directors

Podcast Director

Abigail Leavins

David Guenthner

Jeffrey Deiss

Publisher Logan Hash

Herald Public Relations

Public Relations Director Madison Hibner

Social Media & PR Managers

Allie Serterides

Theresa Hunt

Herald Advertising

Advertising Director Parker Johnson

Board of Directors

Chair Will Romano

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Outreach

Members

TENANT RIGHTS

Housing experts weigh in on tenant and landlord responsibilities, housing in Madison.

4 NEW SAFETY APP 5

BadgerSAFE app includes multiple features for increased safety on and around UW’s campus.

Sydney Triplett

Kara Kneafsey

Celia Hiorns

Cat Carroll

Sophia Scolman

Logan Hash

Madison Hibner

Parker Johnson

Audrey Thibert

Ben Cadigan

Phoenix Pham

Tenant’s rights, responsibilities, resources guide

by Brianna Davis Campus News Associate Editor

The City of Madison is currently experiencing low vacancy rates and increased demand — both from University of Wisconsin students and nonstudents.

UW professor of urban planning Kurt Paulsen said vacancy rates in Madison have been below 2% as of January 2022, and described the housing market under these rates as giving landlords the “upper hand.”

Under these conditions, vice president of the Campus Area Neighborhood Association Cleo Le said it is especially important to understand the rights of tenants in the state of Wisconsin.

Le said Madison’s Tenant Resource Center answers a variety of questions first-time tenants may have. Additionally, the Center offers emergency rent assistance, provides example

letters to send to landlords regarding lease violations and has a team to answer any tenantrelated questions, according to the website.

“For a lot of people, this is the first time they’re living by themselves and even trying to find a place for them to live, so search up the Madison Tenant Resource Center,” Le said. “They have everything you need to know about what your landlords are responsible for and their duties to you.”

Another resource available specifically for students who live in on-campus housing is the Dean of Students Office. They can help find resources and potentially give grants and extra support to help students, Le said.

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities they are required to follow, Le said.

Tenants are required to provide prior tenancy information as requested, credit record and ability to pay on time, allow access to the unit for repairs and for the unit to be shown, and give adequate notice of the intent to move, specified by either the lease or State law, according to the City of Madison.

Leases are standardized and regulated by the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Production, so most landlords all use the same lease, according to Paulsen.

For UW students, the search and setup for housing may look different than normally. When students are looking for a place to live, apartments and houses will cater their leases to be more student friendly.

Typically, a lease encapsulates the entire unit.

But property management companies have begun to create leases that only account for one bed inside a unit — to maximize the occupancy and cater to students, Paulsen said.

For example, a two-bedroom unit could be rented to four students, with two students in each room and four separate leases — one for each student, Paulsen said.

But as a tenant, it is important — especially for students — to ask a few questions before signing a lease, according to Paulsen.

“What is the cleaning fee — if there is any, is Wi-Fi or cable television included, if there are common areas like a pool or clubhouse, or an exercise facility, are there restrictions on who can use it and when … how the lease deals with noise complaints,” Paulsen said.

Tenants also have basic rights that are standardized by City and State laws, according to the City of Madison. These rights include the right to equal treatment on all terms and conditions of renting, the right to receive knowledge of conditions required to rent, the right to see the exact rental unit and the right of the return of a security deposit on time, minus any legal deductions and more.

Landlords have their own set of rights and responsibilities they are obligated to follow. Housing providers have the right to receive complete, accurate and relevant information on the rental application, maintain a waiting list, check income, credit and past housing references and more.

In terms of responsibilities, housing providers must treat applicants in a fair and nondiscriminatory way, provide clear, accurate and understandable information on conditions of the rental agreement, respect the rights of tenants, provide 24 hours’ notice before entering unless in the case of emergency and more.

Ultimately, Le said the best thing students and renters can do to ensure a fair lease is to ask.

“If you can ask tenants who are currently living in that apartment, what it’s like, or otherwise, ask any student or renter in Madison,” Le said. “The more you live downtown, the more experience you get on what’s good or bad management. Do your research, because there’s so many articles now just about apartments downtown.”

With most landlords, tenants are able to work things out, very rarely needing a lawyer or the Tenant Resource Center to get involved, Paulsen said.

But resources such as the Tenant Resource Center exist to assist individuals should issues arise, Le said.

“People need to know the resources that are out there so they can feel supported and not feel like they have to choose between living in a stable situation or going to school or working downtown,” Le said.

Resources available to tenants, landlords in Madison

UW expert says students should know their housing rights.

CELIA HIORNS. THE BADGER HERALD.

UWPD releases BadgerSAFE app to centralize student resources, services

App services include “FriendWalk,” off-campus alerts

by Ian Auger Campus News Associate Editor

The University of Wisconsin Police Department launched the BadgerSAFE app, which combines a variety of safety features on one platform in August.

The app is replacing UWPD’s WiscGuardian safety app, which was launched in 2017, according to a UWPD Downtown Liaison Community Officer Diego Lema Hernandez.

BadgerSAFE was designed with accessibility in mind, Hernandez said.

“So if somebody is hard of hearing or somebody needs further assistance with their mobile device to read out loud a message instead of them reading it, we’ve tested that and it is compliant with what we’re looking for, so that it’s available to all users.” Hernandez said.

New features on the BadgerSAFE app include the ability for students to contact a UWPD dispatcher over text. Hernandez said this enables students to contact authorities if they are afraid of someone hearing the call

to a dispatcher.

“Sometimes if you’re barricaded and you feel as if the aggressor is close and you don’t feel like calling 911, you can text it,” Hernandez said.

Another feature — titled the “FriendWalk” — allows students to track each other’s location to make sure they get to their destination safely, according to the UWPD website.

Additionally, the app contains a feature that allows parents to stay informed about their children’s safety.

At UW’s Student Orientation and Registration, Hernandez has urged families to download the app when speaking about safety education and enforcement resources.

Hernandez described BadgerSAFE as a “one-stop-shop” for student safety resources. While all students and staff are automatically enrolled in WiscAlerts, the on-campus alert system that sends an email and text about ongoing threats on campus,

students must opt in separately for offcampus WiscAlerts.

But with BadgerSAFE, the notifications for off-campus threats are automatic upon downloading the app.

“We want as many people as possible to have it, because what we learned was that when [the UWPD] were doing off-campus alerts via text, not many people were optedin,” Hernandez said.

Associated Students of Madison’s AntiViolence Coordinator Landis Varughese recently downloaded the app and said it centralizes lots of information due to the variety- of features

Varughese, who is also a member of the

UWPD Guidance and Oversight Committee, said he hopes to serve as a liasion between students and the administration when it comes to anti-violence on campus.

“I would love to continue to work with the UWPD to better the app as students see fit,” Varughese said. “A big part of my position is to vouch for students and students’ needs when it comes to antiviolence work on campus.”

Hernandez said there are ideas for improving the app already, and UWPD is looking for feedback to improve BadgerSAFE.

The app is downloadable on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

The recently launched BadgerSAFE app combines multiple safety features in one place.

MARISSA HAEGELE. THE BADGER HERALD.

Students establish Vietnamese International Student Association

New student organization created to increase community among Vietnamese international students

by Sami Bitat City News Associate Editor

During summer 2023, Mai Nguyen and Lacey Dinh established the Vietnamese International Student Association at the University of Wisconsin, with the goal of facilitating networking for Vietnamese international students.

In organizing networking for Vietnamese international students, Nguyen and Dinh also hope to increase appreciation of Vietnamese culture across the UW campus.

Nguyen, the president of VISA, became interested in creating a student organization when she moved to the United States as a high school student in rural Maine.

In high school, Nguyen found solace in bonding with other international Vietnamese students — who she shared a language and culture with, despite being in a new and unfamiliar environment.

In high school, Nguyen also formed friendships with local students, but she never felt they reached the same degree of closeness as she did with her Vietnamese friends.

So, as a new student at UW, Nguyen immediately integrated with the Vietnamese community on campus — similar to what she did as a high school student. But she found UW’s Vietnamese community to be less tightknit than the Vietnamese community she was a member of in high school.

“I remember I had five or six people that I talked to but we never really hung out often,” Nguyen said. “I didn’t have anything familiar to share with them like I did in my high school. So I soon began to develop an immense feeling of homesickness that stuck with me for a very long time.”

Feeling heightened cultural disconnect led to the beginning of VISA. Nguyen and Dinh aim to provide Vietnamese international students with both the means and community to continue practicing their culture so far away from home. Similarly, Dinh, who serves as the advisor for VISA, said she felt disconnected from the campus community.

Upon moving to the U.S., Dinh said she felt pressured to leave aspects of her Vietnamese culture behind in order to integrate within American society.

“We created VISA with a deep understanding of the challenges that face Vietnamese international students in the United States in general and at UW in particular,” Dinh said. “Many of us spent several years pursuing our education here, which often meant sacrificing the comfort of home and the traditions that we grew up with in our country.”

Nguyen and Dinh plan to create a bridge for affected students with VISA — helping them adjust to everyday life as a student in the U.S.,

while also continuing to practice Vietnamese customs and traditions.

Nguyen said an example of one of these traditions is Têt, otherwise known as the Vietnamese Lunar Year, a huge celebration of the arrival of spring. She explained that entire families get together in their hometowns where they enjoy feasts, exchange gifts, deliver food to the community and enjoy general festivities for over a week.

“It’s a very big thing, think of it as Christmas and Thanksgiving combined,” Nguyen said. “It feels like home for me, being able to immerse in that atmosphere and to enjoy what the

celebration has to offer. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t had a true New Lunar Year celebration in years, and that just really makes me miss home.”

With VISA, Vietnamese international students will be able to organize cultural celebrations on campus.

Nguyen and Dinh said that VISA differs from the already existing Vietnamese Student Association on campus. They both said it is a great resource for students, but is mainly composed of Vietnamese American students.

Dinh said there are not huge differences between VSA and VISA, but pointed out there

are certain things international students can’t relate to with the mainly Vietnamese American students. Thus, the creation of VISA.

Dinh and Nguyen said they hope to not only attract Vietnamese international students, but students of all backgrounds and people interested in learning more about Vietnamese culture and traditions.

“I hope the experiences and activities that we will provide will serve as a bridge between our Vietnamese culture and our lives as international students,” Dinh said. “And I hope to enrich our university experience by being connected to our roots.”

New Vietnamese International Student Association will bring community of Vietnamese international students together.

Photo Courtesy of Mai Nguyen

Warrens Cranberry Festival highlights importance of state fruit

by Ben Kapp State News Associate Editor

The 50th annual Warrens Cranberry Festival, or Cranfest, is set to take place in Warrens, Wisconsin from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24. Warren, a hub of cranberry production, is known as the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.”

According to The World Population Review, Warrens typically has just over 500 permanent residents. But close to 140,000 cranberry lovers from around the world flock to Cranfest each year, according to the Warrens Cranberry Festival website.

Since its founding in 1973, the nonprofit organization running the festival has helped to promote the general welfare of the community.

The festival has donated over $2 million to organizations in and around Warrens, according to the festival website. The overall economic impact is even greater, as Cranfest generates $4 million in total revenue for the county each year.

Waitress at the Cranberry Country Café and lifelong Warrens resident Marissa Streeter decided to stay in Warrens due to its welcoming and supportive nature.

“[Warrens] It’s very small,” Streeter said. “It’s not like a city or a big town. There’s really nice people here, and it’s just a nice place to be.”

Cranfest goers will be sure to rejoice as

the state of Wisconsin remains the largest cranberry producer in the world for 2023, based on projections released by the U.S. Cranberry Marketing Committee. Wisconsin cranberry growers expect close to five million barrel crop yield this year, producing close to 60% of all the United States’ cranberries. This will be the 29th year Wisconsin leads the nation in cranberry production.

“Wisconsin is a global leader in cranberry production, generating $1 billion in state economic impact and providing thousands of local jobs across Wisconsin, and we are proud to continue that tradition in 2023,” Executive

Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association Tom Lochner said.

The cranberry became Wisconsin’s state fruit in 2004 following the 2003 Wisconsin Act 174. This came fairly late, as the cranberry has been synonymous with the land of Wisconsin for millennia, according to University of Wisconsin-Extension Cranberry Outreach Specialist Allison Jonjak.

“Since the glaciers, this [Wisconsin] is where cranberries have been, and this is where we’re keeping them,” Jonjak said. “To me, they’re a critical part of Wisconsin’s history and culture.”

Jonjak’s position is relatively new, created three years ago to foster and support a relationship between cranberry farmers and cranberry-specific researchers at the University of Wisconsin.

“I find out what the growers need, what their biggest challenges are, what do you need to solve that you don’t right now have the tools for, and then help the researchers figure out how we tailor our research to meet those unmet needs that the growers have,” Jonjak said.

Growing up on her family’s cranberry marsh, Jonjak has always been practicing the cranberry problem-solving skills she utilizes in her work today.

“On my parents’ marsh, they converted some acres to organic.” Jonjak said. “They put me as a high schooler in charge of going out and finding out if it works better for us to flamethrower weeds or throw the tops off of them, so I had a bunch of little science experiments to do on the marsh even as a kid.”

Jonjak said cranberries help Wisconsin’s residents beyond their culinary and economic benefits. Cranberries serve an important environmental purpose because they help filter waterways in the local environment.

Brutal Wisconsin winters may be tiresome to Wisconsinites, but are vital for cranberry production. According to Jonjak, the chilling period during winter is necessary for buds to produce fruit.

Jonjak also said Wisconsin is the perfect place for cranberries to grow.

“Cranberries love acidic soils, and Wisconsin both has acidic sandy soils in the central part of the state, and acidic peat soils, so like peat moss, in the northern part of the state,” Jonjak said.

This marriage of conditions, along with the vast amount of research done to aid cranberry growers, will cement Wisconsin’s position as a cranberry powerhouse for years to come.

“We put out more research than all the other regions.” Jonjak said. “We’ve got the best minds in the business, and so the growers are really grateful for Wisconsin’s focus and help for their needs and their challenges.”

Wisconsin set to produce most cranberries in world for 2023

Warrens Cranberry Festival brings thousands to small Wisconsin town.

SOPHIA SCOLMAN. THE BADGER HERALD.

Program for Hmong/HMoob growers promotes education, community

by Chloe Hansen Associate Science News Editor

The Hmong/HMoob Farmers/Growers program is creating a network for Hmong farmers to access farming resources and find support and community. The program began in 2022 after securing funding from the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Agriculture is a very big part of the Hmong culture,” HMoob student at the University of Wisconsin Julia Xiong said. “That’s how they live back in Laos and Thailand…and so I think that’s how a lot of the older generations keep in touch with their roots and where they came from.”

Hmong/HMoob growers are recognized as important contributors to Wisconsin communities, according to the Division of Extension Farm Management.

HMoob farm outreach student assistant for the program Kiana Chang communicates with five program partners and two outside organizations to receive funding for the

program. She also built the program’s Facebook page, which serves as the main hub for the program’s resources and communication.

“We’re in our first year of the grant, so that’s just building the network and seeing what our community needs and trying to just get everyone to…know each other and the organizations that run it,” Chang said.

Chang said before the programming began, the program directors led focus groups to help understand the needs of Hmong/HMoob growers. These needs became the five pillars of the program — land access, farm production, market access, access to programs and careers in agriculture.

To meet these needs, Chang and her team have worked on creating outreach materials like land access tutorials and hands-on workshops covering topics like weeding and soil testing. These resources are unique because

they are available in both English and Hmong. She also creates and distributes Hmongtranslated videos that assist with financial questions about topics like land lease forms and accounting systems.

As a Hmong individual, Chang said she appreciates being a connection between Hmong growers and farming resources and finds it rewarding.

“Growing up, I got to see my grandparents do a lot of farming,” Chang said. “I saw them go through a lot of hardships…and since they don’t really speak English that well, they can’t really reach out to anyone other than other Hmong people…and finally, we’re making [farming resources] more accessible to them.”

Tong Lee and Zoua Yang Lee run Lee Family’s Produce, a small-scale HMoob farm based in Wausau, Wisconsin. They have been farming their entire lifetime, their daughter Kathy Lee said.

When they lived in Laos, they farmed to feed themselves and continued to farm after immigrating to America. In 2010, they began to sell their produce and flowers at the Weston Farmers Market, a common venue for Hmong farmers to sell their products.

The Lee Family has been involved in the program’s Facebook and uses the network to ask other Hmong growers questions they have about well development and funding opportunities for their farms, something that has been historically difficult to find.

They also use the Facebook page for finding community and networking among other Wisconsin growers, which was not possible without the use of the program’s social media.

“They [my parents] get to meet other growers out there and see how it is, versus just knowing the other Hmong growers that live in town,” Kathy Lee said.

The program has worked collaboratively on a UW course called Culturally Responsive Science Communication. Course professor and Environmental Communication Specialist for Extension Bret Shaw said his course studies inclusive communication strategies to increase the accessibility of science in different communities.

Last year, part of the course involved a final team project that used the Hmong Growers program as a case study and helped develop outreach tools specific to the Hmong farming community.

Shaw said the class project is reciprocal in that both the students and the program learn about the best science communication tools for Hmong growers.

“[Students] would learn about Hmong culture, which is a way to learn to be culturally responsive in terms of science education,” Shaw said. “And then, at the same time, the project benefits from seeing their ideas because [students] often are more expert in social media than are the sponsors or the project managers.”

Xiong took the class last spring and said what she learned can help her community and where she comes from. Specifically, she said she thought about how her grandma goes to farms and how she can take this knowledge back home.

The grant will continue to run for the next two years before reapplying for more funding. Until then, Chang is working on new projects in the program, including video interviews with people who are Hmong working in different parts of the agricultural field. Chang said she hopes it will open up opportunities for younger generations to be involved in the field.

“It’s an uplifting thing,” Kathy Lee translated for her father Tong Lee. “It’s nice to know that we have other resources out there… it’s a nice supportive system for us to have.”

Program provides farming resources in both English, Hmong/HMoob to help growers, farmers meet their needs

The program is part of the UW Extension to help facilitate community and share growing concerns and tips among Hmong/HMoob growers and farmers.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY LEE.

Wisconsin’s changing climate alters maple syrup, sap production

Rising temperatures over past 70 years require maple syrup producers to adapt to changing climate

by Sarah Matysiak Science News Editor

Wisconsin ranked fourth behind Vermont, New York and Maine for maple syrup production during the 2023 season, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Though Wisconsin produced 402,000 gallons of maple syrup, sugar maple trees, sugarbush plants and the tapping season are facing a changing climate.

“Climate change is real, and it is with us,” coordinator for the Northwoods Climate Change Response Framework Stephen Handler said during the August Maple Hour webinar hosted by the Wisconsin Extension Maple Syrup Program.

According to Handler, Wisconsin is facing increasing temperatures, with about a threedegree increase observed over the past 70 years. But the rate of warming in winter months — December, January and February — is faster compared to the summer months of June, July and August.

Climate adaptation specialist with the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science Mattison Brady said what’s concerning about climate change doesn’t necessarily have to do with physical changes. Instead, what’s concerning is the rate at which climate change is happening.

Specifically, winter warming is occurring at a rate 1.5 to 2 times faster than the rate across the entire year, Handler said. For maple syrup tapping season, in particular, this means anticipating beginning tapping season earlier than in prior years, Maple Syrup Program Project Assistant Scott Hershberger said.

Handler said though forests are “resilient” and can handle a lot of change, it’s when the change occurs together — or becomes a “threat multiplier” — that threatens the ecosystem.

Heavy precipitation events are also becoming more frequent, Handler said, which raises the risk of drought stress. Forests are more at risk for drought stress when facing heavy rainfall because the soil doesn’t retain the moisture — the rain will just run off.

To adapt to these climate changes, Hershberger created an “adaptation menu” with strategies to help address concerns maple syrup producers may have.

But it’s not just climate change-related impacts that Herberger’s adaptation menu and the Maple Syrup program seek to address. For example, the menu includes actions if a tapper observes lower sap sugar content, changes to soil composition or more invasive species.

The adaptation menu and Maple Syrup

Program were made possible by a three-year Acer grant from the USDA, given to maple syrup-related projects across the country, Hershberger said. This was the first time Wisconsin had received one.

The grant gave the Maple Syrup Program

provide solutions for changes in sugarbush and sugar maple habitats, producers may tap alternative trees for sap like red maples, which have similar sugar content to sugar maple sap, according to Brady.

Hershberger said, historically, red maples

“Red maple, more than sugar maple is a bit more of a generalist as it can do a little bit better on drier and wetter sites, which means that it might in some cases do better in more future variable climates,” Brady said.

This doesn’t mean tappers should focus all their attention on red maples though. Rather, if maple syrup producers have red maples generating sufficient sap for their purposes, it could be a good alternative, Brady said.

Still, there’s a lot to learn about respectful land cultivation and proper land management. One method that is still undergoing active research is assisted migration.

Since the ideal climate of sugar maples is moving northward faster than the trees can spread themselves, assisted migration would help with intentional planting further north, Hershberger said.

Paying attention to microclimates on landscapes may also support maple trees’ success in a changing climate. Microclimates look at the direction a location faces relative to the sun, Brady said.

Typically, north-facing areas tend to be cooler and wetter because they don’t receive as much direct sunlight in the northern hemisphere, Brady said. Areas in depressions or valleys allow cooler air to collect, causing less moisture stress on the trees there.

Brady said identifying microclimates in a landscape would be potentially better for sugar maple in a warmer, drier climate.

Another way to do this is through learning from and incorporating Indigenous practices. Western and European-informed societies are not learning as much or as fast as they should be from Indigenous people, Hershberger said.

An example to learn from is the Menominee Tribe’s treatment of the Menominee Forest. The tribe has been sustainably logging the forest for over a century, Hershberger said. Now, they are seeing more board feet, which is a measurement for the amount of useful wood from logging.

Hershberger said with this example, tappers, loggers and maple syrup producers can gain more by listening to nature and working with it, rather than against it.

enough momentum and has resulted in enough success so far that those involved intend to submit another grant. This will allow the program to continue after the initial three years, Hershberger said.

Though the adaptation menu aims to

were overlooked as sap sources because their sugar content isn’t as high as sugar maples, and the wood is also softer. But, with the changing climate, red maples will thrive, which may encourage maple syrup producers to tap them too.

“It’s really helpful to try and think about ourselves not as separate from or controllers of nature but living in these systems and needing to think about how we can sustainably coexist with them and not just extract what we need from them,” Brady said.

The adaptation menu for the Maple Syrup Program provides strategies for maple tappers with a changing climate in mind.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY JOHNSON.

People of UW: CANA President Eli Tsarovsky talks student voices

Stories of students: Read about students making a difference on campus

by Ben Cadigan Features Editor

Editor’s note: People of UW is a human interest series produced by features editors. The series aims to highlight a student at the University of Wisconsin making an impact on the campus community. These Q&As are lightly edited for clarity and style.

What are you studying at UW?

Right now, I’m in the School of Public Affairs, getting a Master’s in Public Affairs, which is public policy, and I’m also doing a Master’s in Public Health at the School of Medicine and Public Health.

What draws you to those fields?

One is because I recognize that health is power. Your ability to live your best life. If you’re not healthy, if you don’t have access to being a healthy person, that has large effects on who you are as a person and your ability to thrive as a person in this world. And I also know that policy dictates that a lot. So thinking about access to health care, thinking about the environment that you live in, thinking about your access to healthy foods, and that’s why I really like my studies.

I’m trying to really focus on the concept of health and all policies, recognizing that all policies affect your health in one way or another, whether that be education, whether that be transportation, whether that be healthcare. So that’s something that I’m very passionate about and excited about in my studies.

What do you do for the Campus Area Neighborhood Association?

As the President of CANA, I’ve been lucky to be part of a team of people that I’m really invested in and really excited about, engaging students, engaging local community members in what is going on in Madison — specifically around the topics of housing, voting and general civic engagement. We’re really trying to build community and get people aware of how they can impact their community and how they have a lot of power as someone who is living in the community — especially in Madison, where neighborhood associations and local government can be influenced just by people showing up.

How many volunteers work with CANA?

It really depends on the project, sometimes it can get up to 30 people volunteering to work on a project. But I would say we have a dedicated core of eight people. There’s also so many people outside CANA who we couldn’t do this without.

What is the importance of what CANA does for the UW community?

We provide a bridge to local government, in a way. We work really closely with all the alders in the downtown area that represent District 8, District 4 and District 2, to figure out what is happening in local government. I think what’s difficult is that if students don’t show up, there’s a lot of people on City Council and in the community that think that students don’t care about Madison, and students don’t have a say in

what’s going on in Madison. Challenging those beliefs takes organizing, and it takes a neighborhood association that should be there to at least hold some space for that to happen.

What is one thing you want students to know about CANA?

In one sentence, we try to make Madison seem a lot more accessible in terms of government and events.

What is one thing you want students to know about you?

I’m not afraid to rock the boat or stir things up when something needs to get done.

What else do you do for work?

I’m a Suicide Prevention Project Assistant at UHS. I guess a line through a lot of my work is trying to make the world a better place. And trying to make people feel cared for. I feel like one thing I do in a lot of my work is find links. Trying to spread the love, in a way, and showing people that there’s a lot of stuff out there that you will be accepted in, and people want you to be there. I try to bring that in all different realms of my work in a way through stuff I do at UHS, stuff I do at CANA, even stuff I do in school to try and be a good person.

Where can people expect to bump into you on campus?

I’d say you probably see me in Memorial Library. No doubt. I love the grad lounge there. I like going to the Union — cliche UW stuff. You probably see me walking around East Campus Mall because I walk through there for class, I walk through there for work, we do tabling there for CANA.

What can students come to you for?

If they saw me out and about and they want to know what has gone on in Madison, I can tell them what is going on in Madison. Volunteer opportunities, what’s the scoop in local government. Students can even come to me for my work at UHS, learning more about how to support others. I guess in a way they always come to me for a laugh. I’m a goofy person so I would have a stupid joke or something to say. I feel like I try my best to spread some sunshine. So come to me for news, a laugh or good vibes.

What’s next for you?

After the CANA elections are over, I will not be the president of CANA but I will be the president of Capitol Neighborhoods Inc., a conglomerate of neighborhood associations that covers Mansion Hill, Miffland, the Bassett District and James Madison.

Tsarovsky talks local government, encourages students to get involved in advocacy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELI TSAROVSKY

CONSCIOUS CURRICULUM:

fight for expansion of UW’s Ethnic Studies Requirement

by Cat Carroll Managing Editor

When Rachelle Eilers took her first ethnic studies course in the Chican@ and Latin@ Studies program as an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin, she was “blown away.”

Eilers came to UW from Racine, Wisconsin, where, though she was surrounded by a diverse population, history was not talked about from the angle of diversity.

“There’s a diverse population there, but we were not taught anything surrounding diverse histories,” Eilers said. “So coming to UW was

really my first exposure, despite being AfroLatinx. I didn’t really have any exposure to my own history.”

Eilers earned a certificate in Chican@ and Latin@ Studies as an undergraduate student. Now, she is the senior advisor for the program — overseeing the 230 students declared in the certificate. This fall, Eilers will begin declaring interested students in the CLS major, which was approved in the spring.

Students in the CLS program enter a variety of career fields — from engineering, to nursing, to social work. The knowledge and skills students gain through CLS classes prepares them to be culturally informed and to work with diverse populations, Eilers said.

Since many courses offered by the CLS program fulfill UW’s current Ethnic Studies Requirement, which aims to help students foster an understanding and appreciation of diversity, students outside of the program can also enroll in CLS courses. Eilers said 20-25% of students in introductory-level CLS courses are declared in the certificate. This number rises in upper-level CLS courses, where the majority of students — about 75-80% — are declared in the certificate.

Ethnic studies is important in helping students learn to value their own cultural identity, while also understanding and appreciating the identities of those around them, according to the National Education Association.

But UW’s ESR only accounts for three credits of a student’s 120-credit degree, and advocates have long pressed for the expansion of the requirement, or that some of the topics taught in ethnic studies courses be woven into curricula across campus.

“I just wish I would have experienced more or sooner, rather than having to take advantage of an ethnic studies class [at UW] to cover some of that content,” Eilers said.

A harrowing history

The ESR at UW formed in response to racist incidents on and around the UW campus.

Then-acting vice chancellor Phillip Certain appointed a Steering Committee on Minority Affairs composed of faculty, students and academic staff from areas across campus. Both graduate and undergraduate members of the Minority Coalition were appointed to the Steering Committee.

Chaired by undergraduate student Charles Holley, the Committee issued what became known as the “Holley Report” on Dec. 1, 1987. The report included several recommendations

— among them, the development of an ethnic studies requirement and ethnic studies programs.

“[t]he University must implement a mandatory six credit ethnic studies course requirement; and create and develop various Ethnic Studies Programs,” the report said. “These measures will recognize the contributions of ethnic minorities of American society and promote cross-cultural understanding and respect among the entire student body.”

April 18, 1988, the L&S Faculty Senate adopted a three-credit ESR to “better prepare students for life and careers in an increasingly multicultural U.S. environment, add breadth and depth to the university curriculum and improve the campus climate.”

While UW was thrust into the national spotlight following the New York Times report, a staggering 92 percent of undergraduate students were white in the fall of 1989. This requirement went into effect for all students entering L&S for the first semester of the 198990 academic year.

Other UW schools and colleges adopted the L&S ESR in years that followed, and a threecredit ESR for all incoming freshmen and transfer students was approved in May 1994.

In 2002, an Ethnic Studies Review Committee made recommendations surrounding ethnic studies courses, which were then turned into actionable items by an Ethnic Studies Implementation Committee beginning in 2003. Now, an Ethnic Studies Subcommittee with a rotating chairperson conducts reviews of ethnic studies courses — ensuring they meet guidelines and expectations for the ESR.

Defining the ESR

UW’s current ESR has four learning outcomes that are ultimately aimed at fostering an understanding and appreciation of diversity. Unlike other general education requirements, the ESR cannot be fulfilled with advanced standing credits from Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams. The ESR must be fulfilled with a course taken in residence at UW.

In addition to fulfilling the ESR in residence, students must also complete an OurWisconsin module, which consists of an online inclusion course, follow-up survey and in-person programming opportunities, according to UW Student Affairs.

The four learning outcomes of the ESR are that students will: “articulate how the past has affected present day circumstances regarding race and racial inequities in the U.S., recognize and question cultural assumptions and knowledge claims as they relate to race and ethnicity, demonstrate self-awareness and empathy toward the cultural perspectives and worldview of others, and apply course concepts to their lives outside the classroom by respectfully participating in our multicultural society.”

There are over 200 courses available on UW’s

campus at a variety of levels on a variety of topics that fulfill the ESR. Courses that fulfill the requirement are primarily focused on race and racism in the U.S., according to Lori Lopez, former committee chair of the Ethnic Studies Subcommittee and professor in the Communication Arts, Asian American Studies and Gender & Women’s Studies departments.

Ethnic studies courses should look at the experiences of persistently marginalized communities, Lopez said. This includes courses offered by the American Indian & Indigenous Studies, African American Studies, Chican@ & Latin@ Studies and Asian American Studies departments, along with courses outside of these departments that also fulfill the four learning outcomes.

“It has to involve critical thinking skills to help students think about their own positionality, to help students think about their place in our multicultural society — things like that,” Lopez said.

But despite the wide array of courses, a 2016-17 Ethnic Studies Subcommittee review found three courses account for 32% of all ESR course enrollments — Cultural Anthropology and Human Diversity (Anthropology 104), Sociology of Race & Ethnicity in the United States (Sociology 134) and Population Problems (Sociology 170).

The ESR is expected to be fulfilled within a student’s first 60 undergraduate credits at UW, according to UW General Education Requirements, and a 2011 review found over half of students were fulfilling the requirement in their first four semesters.

PhD candidate in the School of Education Tony DelaRosa has experience teaching and researching on ethnic studies courses and the effectiveness of them in classrooms.

With UW’s three-credit ESR, DelaRosa said it is likely students treat this material and requirement as a “transactional experience” or a “one-and-done.”

“Once they take a course, their mind — one-and-done,” DelaRosa said. “So they move forward saying ‘You know, I don’t need this anymore’ … After that, what happens next? … You can only really build awareness of the content in the classroom and then maybe practice respecting each other in the classroom. But really, the work happens outside the classroom. That really requires long accountability.”

Donnellen also noted the importance of longterm learning as it pertains to ethnic studies, stating that while there are benefits and logical reasons to students fulfilling their ESR early on in their time on campus, a requirement that pushes students to continue thinking about these topics may allow students to delve deeper into the topics covered in these courses and may be beneficial.

“When you think about students, individual growth and learning, as young scholars and as people, you learn how to think more critically or you learn how to understand information in a different way,” Donnellen said. “You’re

The

taking in a lot of that really substantive and important information at a time when you’re still figuring out how to learn. There is a great benefit to that, but there’s also maybe some lost opportunity in being able to dig into those issues at a more advanced level, or have a second requirement that allows you to continue that thought process and learning.”

An ongoing fight

Students and faculty have long recognized the importance of ethnic studies and have advocated for the expansion of the requirement.

The Ethnic Studies Review Committee of 2016-17, chaired by Lopez, recommended the increase of the undergraduate ESR from three credits to six credits, to include at least one upper-division ESR course.

“From the very origins of this requirement, it was always pitched as if it should be two classes, six credits,” Lopez said. “...But we had to build up the course array so that there would be enough ESR courses so that students could graduate on time if they took two of them or took more than one.”

With the approval of courses to fulfill the ESR in multiple departments across campus, the course array became more than sufficient, according to Lopez.

“There are so many ESR courses all across campus, and we have enough empty seats in them,” Lopez said. “We could encourage [students] to take more than one [ESR course] easily.”

In March 2021, the Associated Students of Madison released a letter endorsing the increase in the ESR, citing acts of hate on the UW campus and UW’s responsibility to provide students with the knowledge to be informed and empathetic individuals.

ASM Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair Emmett Lockwood said in an email statement to The Badger Herald that ASM still endorses this expansion.

Following the release of this letter, Lopez worked with students to have conversations across campus with deans, academic advisors and the faculty teaching ethnic studies courses.

“We went around to every single school and college and talked to either the dean or the person who runs their undergraduate education and had conversations about if they would work to expand the ESR and got mixed responses,” Lopez said. “Some deans thought that would be great for their college and some thought it would be really hard for them.”

But Lopez described the process of changing general education requirements as bureaucratic.

“A small change to the general education requirements has a big effect on every single

student, times to graduation and stuff like that,” Lopez said. “A couple of the schools and colleges that feel their curriculum is so tight that students absolutely do not have room for one more class before they graduate are kind of an obstacle.”

Implementing increased ethnic studies credit requirements in individual schools and colleges might be more feasible, according to Lopez.

Lopez said the University Academic Planning Council has begun working on analyzing the expansion of the ESR and considering what policies may be best to recommend. This group will then propose a recommendation to the provost.

Lockwood said the Ethnic Studies Subcommittee, currently chaired by Professor Jerome Camal, has and is continuing to work with officials across campus to increase the number of courses offered.

“The Ethnic Studies Subcommittee has previously and is continuing to work with university officials at the school/college level to increase the number of ethnic studies courses offered in each college and to establish actionable timelines for the expansion of the ESR credit requirements, because as of Summer 2023, the College of Letters and Sciences, according to information given to ASM by the Secretary of the Faculty, was the only school/college offering ethnic studies courses,” Lockwood said.

Troubles with teaching

Lockwood said he understands expanding the ESR is not an automatic fix for racism and other forms of oppression on campus — or that one semester of an ethnic studies course and an OurWisconsin module is not enough to ensure an accepting, safe and inclusive campus.

“We heard last year in our Student Council meeting that students have been harmed by microaggressions and other racist acts even in ethnic studies courses, and far too often students of color are expected to provide a ‘learning experience’ for their white peers,” Lockwood said.

DelaRosa, who is Asian American, said he has been put in positions where he has been asked to provide this “learning experience” for his peers, but that professors should survey their students beforehand, to ensure this is something they are comfortable doing.

This may include going over the topics covered in the course and offering students who understand these topics and could help

share knowledge the opportunity to share — consensually.

“We don’t just assume that Asian Americans like myself are going to share Asian American experiences,” DelaRosa said. “I might know more about Latinx narratives, I might know more about Black narratives. That survey component is super important for professors.”

And when students do choose to share their narratives in the classroom, DelaRosa said it is important to affirm them and their identities.

“Once you’re looking and you have multicultural narratives, you can use those and you can learn from them, depending on what they’re willing to share with you,” DelaRosa said. “And you want to affirm that.

Ethnic studies is also about affirming identities in the classroom. You’re going to want to build your own narratives, your own knowledge of those identities.”

DelaRosa said it is important for instructors to not view their curriculum as stagnant, allowing students to participate in the learning process if they feel comfortable with it.

This pedagogy, known as culturally responsive teaching, enables students to understand their role as change agents in society, according to a 2016 study from Queens College. Culturally responsive teaching encourages students to become more involved in society — when students are able to relate to the lived experiences of others, they may feel more engaged with society at large.

said in the expansion of the ESR, the resources that are provided to faculty and TAs who teach these courses are also reviewed.

“In our expansion of the ESR we are also looking at how courses get made into ethnic studies courses, what additional resources and communities of practice are provided to the faculty and TAs who teach these courses and how we can work towards ensuring that students do not experience incidents of hate and bias in ethnic studies courses,” Lockwood said.

Moving forward

Despite the current obstacles with expanding the ESR, individual advisors, like Donnellen, have taken to encouraging students to take ethnic studies courses beyond their three-credit requirement.

Though the students Donnellen works with have often already fulfilled their ESR, she encourages them to take more ethnic studies classes throughout their undergraduate journey.

“I hear a lot from students that they don’t want to ‘waste’ credits, or they don’t want to take credits just for the sake of taking credit,” Donnellen said. “They want it to count towards a certificate, another major and add some kind of attribute.”

When students approach Donnellen with this situation, she will explore the idea of taking more ethnic studies courses with them — whether it be for a certificate, additional major or to learn more about a community.

“Half your curriculum walks in the door. Your curriculum is actually your student’s lived experiences … It’s important to understand students as curriculum too.”

- Tony DelaRosa

“Half your curriculum walks in the door,” DelaRosa said. “Your curriculum is actually your student’s lived experiences … It’s important to understand students as curriculum too.”

When analyzing ethnic studies courses, DelaRosa said it is important to also analyze the training instructors receive — ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, the mindset and the pedagogical experience to teach ethnic studies in a critical way, ensuring students benefit significantly from these courses.

DelaRosa’s book, “Teaching the Invisible Race” will be released in October and is designed to be a guide for instructors on how to teach Asian American studies in a pro-Asian American way. Teaching ethnic studies effectively begins with instructors, and DelaRosa encourages instructors not to wait for policy changes to begin teaching in a culturally informed way.

Because of the emphasis on how topics in ethnic studies courses are taught, Lockwood

BY COREY HOLL

“That’s when I’ll broach with students this idea of ‘Oh, you took a CLS course for your ESR, you could chat with them and see what’s going on over there,’” Donnellen said.

Since certificates range between 12 to 18 credits, and introductory level ESR courses often count towards those certificates, obtaining a certificate from a department that offers ethnic studies courses is attainable for many of Donnellen’s students.

And not only do students earn an additional certificate or major, but they also gain a greater understanding of their place in the world — which is especially important for international studies majors, Donnellen said.

“We talk about our students being global citizens, but I think these ESR courses do play a really important role in helping our students understand their place in the world,” Donnellen said. “Or, at least the complexities of how to navigate being an American abroad, coming from a Western education, or how to better understand your own identity, your own background and how that can build some cultural humility and your cultural skills too. I think it very much is relevant to the major even if it’s a different academic program.”

Read more about the history of the ESR online at badgerherald.com.

“From the very origins of this requirement, it was always pitched as if it should be two classes, six credits,”

- Lori Lopez

“There are so many ESR courses all across campus, and we have enough empty seats in them. We could encourage [students] to take more than one [ESR course] easily.”

- Lori Lopez

LAYOUT

Protasiewicz must hear redistricting cases despite Republican objections

by Thompson Blade Opinion Writer

In the face of political polarization, Supreme Court scandals and massive campaign contributions, judicial ethics and conflicts of interest are constantly questioned. Within state elections, judges are indistinguishable from other politicians, running on partisan ideologies. It’s very concerning that a position intended to remain independent of partisan influences has become so influenced by politics.

The recent state Supreme Court election in Wisconsin encapsulates this development perfectly. Topics such as abortion rights and gerrymandering dominated the race between Janet Protasiewicz and Daniel Kelly, with record amounts of money poured into both campaigns from state and national donors.

Now that Protasiewicz has assumed her position on the court, Republicans are calling

on her to recuse herself from cases involving gerrymandering. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) argues that her statements along the campaign trail calling the state districts “rigged,” as well as the nearly $9 million in campaign donations from the Democratic Party demonstrate her inability to be impartial.

Despite reservations about an increasingly politicized court system and the influence of money in politics, these arguments are unconvincing. The political context in Wisconsin requires this necessary evil.

The two arguments offered by Johnson are both dubious and in bad faith. The first of his claims is nonsensical — Protasiewicz was not stating an opinion when she said that the current districts are rigged in favor of Republicans.

Objectively, Wisconsin is among the most gerrymandered states in the country. Princeton

University’s Gerrymandering Project creates a report card grading every state’s district map along certain criteria. Wisconsin’s current district map received a failing grade for partisan fairness with a noted “significant Republican advantage.” Thus, Protasiewicz’s assertion that Wisconsin is unfairly drawn does not demonstrate she is biased, but rather that she is capable of reading a map.

The more compelling argument Johnson made is that the political donations she received from the Democratic Party impacts her impartiality. But the context of the race is important for understanding the nature of these donations. The issue of abortion looms large in all political campaigns, especially in Wisconsin.

This election served as a referendum on the future of abortion rights in the state. As a result, massive national attention and partisan donations

poured into both campaigns, an unfortunate reality. The fact that Protasiewicz was backed by the Democratic Party does not automatically make her unable to decide issues fairly. She has made no explicit promises about rulings on gerrymandering.

As demonstrated by the federal Supreme Court, justices appointed by presidents do not always decide along party lines. Judicial ideology and political ideology exist in different realms. Protasiewicz is capable of serving as a judge and not a politician on this matter, especially because she is not drawing the map, merely ruling on its equality.

Not only is Justice Protasiewicz capable of ruling on this issue, but she is also obligated to as an elected official. The election served as a mandate for her to bring a liberal ideology to important issues such as gerrymandering.

Her resounding double-digit victory over Daniel Kelly demonstrates that Wisconsinites are unhappy with the direction the state is headed under Republican leadership. Given the overrepresentation of Republicans in the state legislature, the court is a crucial check.

The Code of Conduct for United States Judges encourages justices to be mindful of politics. The code states “a judge should not become isolated from the society in which the judge lives.” At this time, it is impossible to avoid the influence of politics and ignoring politics in this circumstance would be irresponsible.

Gerrymandering done by any political party is an injustice that threatens the democratic nature of our elections. As an elected official, Janet Protasiewicz is a representative of the people. As a judge, she has the power to achieve the level of equality in elections demanded by the people and by the state’s constitution.

Republicans in the state are not asking Protasiewicz to recuse herself because they want to maintain the integrity of the courts. This is a shameless attempt to counter the newly achieved 5-4 liberal majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The way the court rules on gerrymandering will directly impact the balance of power in the state legislature. It is hypocritical for these state politicians to accuse Justice Protasiewicz of a conflict of interest. The very practice of redistricting by a political party represents a massive conflict of interest.

Though it is a concerning development that Supreme Court races are becoming increasingly politicized, in Wisconsin, it is necessary. The Republicans are massively overrepresented in the legislature due to institutional factors outside of the control of the people. For this reason, Justice Protasiewicz should and is obligated to represent those who elected her by hearing cases on redistricting.

Thompson Blade (tblade@wisc.edu) is a sophomore studying economics and data science.

Republican calls for judge to recuse herself aim to counter court’s 5-4 liberal majority

Politicized Wisconsin Supreme Court raises questions over judicial ethics, conflicts of interest.

ABIGAIL LEAVINS. THE BADGER HERALD.

Policymakers must act as Black tenants face lead poisoning epidemic

Legislative action needed to close racial disparities in health as Black children continue to experience higher rates of lead poisoning

by Charles Zumbrunnen Opinion Writer

Racial health disparities are issues that continue to jeopardize marginalized groups all across the country. The 2015 lead water crisis in Flint, Michigan, — a well-known public health catastrophe — is a prime example of the racial health disparities that plague our country.

While videos of the city’s water discoloration went viral, a key piece of information omitted by much of the mainstream coverage of this crisis — Flint’s racial makeup, according to the Harvard Kennedy School Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. It is truly not a coincidence that nearly 57% of residents in Flint, Michigan are Black.

Across the United States, Black individuals receive lower wages and are subject to worse living conditions to those of their white

counterparts. These wealth and housing gaps give lead to long-standing socioeconomic disadvantages in Black communities, further increasing other racial disparities. A prime example, Flint still does not have clean water in 2023, eight years after the crisis, according to Fox 2 Detroit.

The racial inequities in public health are also prevalent in our home state of Wisconsin — lead poisoning in particular.

A Black woman named Deanna Branch told Wisconsin Public Radio she rented a house in the North Side of Milwaukee before moving in with her son. Little did she know, there was a severe amount of lead in the house. At only two years old, her son was hospitalized.

When Branch’s son was re-hospitalized three

landlords to fix their lead problems. While rental companies’ negligence of human life is intolerable, the heart of the issue lies in the state’s policy making.

Unfortunately, Branch’s story is not an isolated example of lead poisoning in Wisconsin. In fact, non-white communities tend to experience higher rates of lead poisoning throughout the state.

Milwaukee County — home to 69.4% of Wisconsin’s Black population, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services — has close to double the state average rate of lead poisoning, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. Moreover, Black children in Wisconsin are four times as likely as white children to face sickness due to lead poisoning, according to DHS. It is obvious that policymakers need to hold landlords accountable for providing bare minimum living conditions to residents.

These public health issues spread far past lead poisoning. The recent addition of F-35 airplanes at the Dane County Regional Airport, as documented by the Wisconsin State Journal, leaves the greatest impact on the East Madison community, where there is a higher Black population than in other parts of Madison.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the planes generate decibel levels similar to that of a rock concert. This intense noise can cause a host of health issues for children, including cardiovascular implications, according to the World Health Organization.

Black communities in particular continue to face a public health crisis that is largely overlooked, especially in Wisconsin. The City of Madison finds that people of color, individuals with disabilities and people from low-income backgrounds experience measurably worse outcomes in educational attainment, health and housing cost and quality.

years later, Child Protective Services required her to find a lead-free home to retain custody of her child. Since the rental company refused to resolve the lead contamination, Branch was forced to breach her lease and move in with her family.

As a result, she faced a lawsuit from the rental organization for breaking her lease.

This horror story is unacceptable and Wisconsin residents must hold state officials accountable for this mother’s tragic experience. It is unjust for mothers like Branch to carry such impossible burdens to simply provide shelter for their children.

Yet, with state legislation creating budget caps and making home inspections increasingly difficult, it is close to impossible to force these

As a state, more equitable lawmaking needs to be done to account for the racial disparities in health, housing and wealth. Some organizations are focused on this mission, like Madison’s Racial Equity and Social Justice initiative who are working to build racial equity in the city’s policymaking processes.

The University of Wisconsin is also using a community-based approach to battle health inequities through a sign-on called “Racism is a Public Health Crisis in Wisconsin.” Lastly, UW’s Population Health Institute focuses on racism, power and health to research how race and health are intertwined.

While these steps are progressive, there is still much to be done to bridge the racial gaps in public health. Wisconsin needs to answer the urgent call for legal action.

Charles Zumbrunnen (czumbrunnen@wisc.edu) is a sophomore studying agricultural and applied economics.

Lack of protections for Black renters leads to health inequities.

ERIN GRETZINGER. THE BADGER HERALD.

Diversity needed to further conservation field

by Emily Otten Opinion Editor

Efforts need to be made to further include communities of color in conservation and wildlife programs, a primarily white field. As of 2020, 40 of the most prominent environmental organizations associated with the green movement were found to still be majority white, despite making some improvements in the last few years, according to Green 2.0’s NGO and Foundation Transparency Report Card.

The conservation field has a deeply rooted history of racism and oppression. People of color are excluded from environmental policymaking, particularly Indigenous communities. Governmental or “mainstream” conservation efforts often replace Indigenous cultural conservation efforts and the land that is stolen from those communities is usually built upon, disrupting ecosystems with industrialization.

With this long history of exclusion in the conservation field, some environmental organizations are trying to enact change. The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin has a paid internship program open to students of color where they are placed in a conservation group for the summer. The Diversity in Conservation Internship is open to any and all students of color, with no previous experience required. For 10 weeks of work in their conservation group, the interns receive a $6,000 stipend.

The program also includes resources for students including career advice, networking and mock interviews. For many students of color, this internship is a great gateway into the conservation field.

Programs like the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin exist in other states and nationally as well, often expanding upon recruiting underrepresented groups.

For example, Oregon’s Northwest Youth Corps has a program to recruit LGBTQ+ students to their Rainbow Crews. The nationwide Conservation Legacy organization also has a program recruiting students from underrepresented groups into conservation organizations from the Appalachian region to the Southwest.

It is incredibly important that people of color be more involved in conservation efforts, not only because the field is and has been primarily white, but also because according to a study from Children’s Minnesota, climate change and pollution disproportionately affect communities of color.

This phenomenon is called environmental

racism, in which Black, Indigenous and people of color face increased exposure to pollution like air pollution or lead poisoning, causing health problems. Environmental racism goes far beyond pollution. People

voice in helping the environment. Members of communities impacted by climate change have the drive to change their communities for the better and might know of the right solutions from experiencing everything first-

Diversity in Conservation Internship Program are so important — they help students with no experience get their foot in the door in this primarily white field.

But, these programs are typically small. The Diversity in Conservation Internship Program only had seven participants in 2022. To truly promote diversity in conservation, much more work needs to be done across all levels of the field.

According to a Land Trust Alliance special report titled “Diversifying the Conservation Movement” written by Marcelo Bonta and Charles Jordan, conservation leaders need to view diversity as a top priority and focus on recruiting diverse perspectives.

Bonta and Jordan believe working on diversity and inclusion in multiple areas across an organization is the best way to diversify the field. That means hiring people of color in leadership and executive roles, not just as interns or entry-level positions.

These organizations need to understand that recruiting and maintaining diversity across their staff will be difficult, leading to restructuring and change, but it will ultimately result in a better working culture across the organization. Difficult conversations are necessary to infuse diverse perspectives into the conservation field.

Bonta and Jordan also point out that conservation groups need to actively reach out to communities of color, showing support for the individuals in those communities.

This can mean helping to create gardens in urban neighborhoods, hosting workshops to build birdhouses or giving out seeds to residents in communities of color. By showing support and actively participating in these communities, conservation groups can make connections and potentially spark interest in the field.

In Wisconsin, this community building must be done with the Indigenous community in particular. With 12 different tribal nations across the state, the acknowledgement that Wisconsin is stolen land is not enough.

These cross-cultural connections must be sustained and heavily encouraged for Wisconsin to simultaneously fight climate change and provide diverse perspectives in the conservation field.

of color have less access to green spaces in urban areas, are exposed to hotter climates and can even be more susceptible to flooding. Since communities of color feel the effects of climate change and pollution most directly, it is incredibly important that they have a

hand.

Conservation efforts need to have diverse ideas and individuals to make the best impact on the environment and to actually enact change. That is why programs like the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s

Nationwide and in Wisconsin, conservation groups need to prioritize diversity across all levels of their organization to enact real, lasting change. But for right now, internship programs for students are a good place to start in terms of recruiting diverse voices.

(elotten@wisc.edu) is a senior majoring in journalism.

Emily Otten

Conservation must include more diverse voices from people of color to truly enact change

Conservation field must bolster efforts to support people of color in field.

CELIA HIORNS. THE BADGER HERALD.

The Badger Herald Editorial Board: Fall 2023 issues to watch

by The Badger Herald Editorial Board

The Badger Herald Editorial Board considers these issues key topics to watch this fall.

Metro service changes

The issue: In order to improve public transportation efficiency, a major Metro service redesign has been underway. Changes as part of the project include implementing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, updating routes and improving infrastructure. This past June, a variety of schedule changes were implemented based on passenger and driver feedback, according to the City of Madison. Construction sites for the new Bus Rapid Transit system have also been active over the past year, including on University Avenue, East Washington Avenue and Mineral Point Road.

What to watch: As students return to campus, many will be met with an unfamiliar bus system which promises shorter wait times, but also brings a new lettered (instead of numbered) system and longer walk times, which have been frustrating to some riders, according to Channel 3000. As the city pushes forward with Metro redesign measures, some riders also worry the implementation of EastWest BRT in 2024 may bring inequity to riders on the north and south parts of Madison. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway touts the East-West BRT as a “game-changer,” but early controversies over other Metro system changes raise questions about who will see benefits from the project.

Turnover on State Street

The issue: Many State Street restaurants and storefronts are struggling to return to prepandemic levels of success, with businesses that have been operating for decades like Nick’s Restaurant facing an uncertain future. Chains and luxury apartment buildings are primarily replacing these local businesses. Recently, a Target and Auntie Anne’s opened on State Street, with a Sweetgreen opening in a few months. Luxury apartment building Oliv is being constructed where Chasers bar and Community Pharmacy used to be.

What to watch: These chains may be conveniently located for students and residents to frequent, but may remove the character of the area. The housing crisis greatly plays into this issue, as there just isn’t enough space in Madison for the influx of students each year, resulting in new apartment complexes popping up constantly. Expect to see this turnover of local businesses to chains and apartments become more common across other areas of Madison too, like Vintage Bar and Grill, whose property is likely to be sold to a luxury apartment developer. As these classic locations face closures, look for student and resident backlash against chains and apartment complexes.

Madison housing crisis

The issue: As the student population at the

University of Wisconsin and the city of Madison continues to grow, so does the housing crisis. The increase of luxury apartments such as The James and The Hub only add to the challenge of finding affordable housing downtown. The Madison City Council recently approved another housing development from developer Core Spaces, which will come to Johnson and Bassett by 2026. The development will contain no low-income housing, a measure that received criticism from some alders.

What to watch: Luxury housing developers are likely to continue staking out the downtown Madison area as a viable housing development zone. UW’s response to the housing crisis was to admit a slightly smaller freshmen class in 2023 with the goal of reducing demand for off-campus housing in the future. Renters should consider what kinds of amenities they really need while living close to a campus that offers things like gym facilities, as these add-ons often drive up housing costs. With some luxury apartments reserving spaces for low-income renters and with prevalent attitudes that building more units will eventually relieve pressure of housing demand, students should continue to monitor housing affordability.

Future of Wisconsin election administration

The issue: As we head into what is expected to be a tumultuous 2024 election cycle, the future of Wisconsin’s top election administration official remains uncertain. Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Meagan Wolfe’s term expired June 30, but the WEC deadlocked over whether to reelect her for a second term. Democratic WEC commissioners abstained from voting to renominate Wolfe because they feared Republicans in the state Senate would vote to remove her if the nomination came before the entire chamber. Heading the agency since 2018, Wolfe has become a consistent target of right-wing attacks, many of them based on President Donald Trump and his supporters’ false claims of election fraud, both in the state of Wisconsin and nationally.

What to watch: Removing Wolfe from office would be a huge blow to Wisconsin, which will likely be a crucial battleground state in the presidential race. The margin between Trump and Biden in Wisconsin in 2020 was narrow and we are likely to see the same in 2024 if Trump wins the nomination. A close race coupled with politics in the appointment of an elections administrator could allow claims of fraud to gain momentum and disrupt the results of the election. Even if Wolfe remains in office through the election cycle, false

and misleading allegations about the commission’s decisions regarding election results in 2020 will continue to haunt the state.

UW funding, infrastructure woes

The story: In June, Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin voted to approve a $32 million budget cut to the UW System in an effort to lead university officials away from DEI spending, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. Those lawmakers said the roughly $32 million spent on DEI programming should be used for workforce development initiatives. But newly appointed UW Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin pushed back on the cut and lawmakers’ workforce claims, mentioning the lawmakers’ choice to not fund a new campus engineering building that could have contributed to job growth.

What to watch: Politicized funding woes for the UW System are especially relevant as the university continues to face scrutiny for various infrastructure shortcomings in recent years. Despite the university adding new million-dollar facilities like the Nicholas Recreation Center or Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing center, a large concrete slab fell off of the Van Hise building in 2021 outside the front entrance and most recently a temporary, overcrowded pier in front of the Memorial Union Terrace collapsed, sending 60 to 80 people into the water and injuring some. With funding under pressure, it will be important to monitor the public scrutiny of UW’s facilities and facility management as students pack dorms, dining halls and other campus buildings through December.

Mnookin’s sophomore year

The story: After a year of UW, Chancellor Mnookin is beginning to settle into her new role on campus. Under her watch, last year’s incoming class was the most ethnically diverse class in UW’s history to date — the proportion and number of underrepresented students of color in the Class of 2026 are both all-time highs. On the policy front, one of Mnookin’s top priorities remains promoting freedom of speech on campus. In an interview with Madison Magazine, described UW as a place where ideas should be explored — even those that may stir discomfort.

What to watch: UW System’s controversial free speech survey last year showed students with conservative viewpoints felt reluctant to express their opinions in fear of unwelcoming reactions from other students. Given First Amendment law, which protects even hateful speech, UW cannot legally prevent controversial speakers from visiting campus. Within the reality of the law, the chancellor is likely to continue to encourage students to engage in conversations about uncomfortable topics.

The Badger Herald Editorial Board serves to represent the voice of the editorial department, distinct from the newsroom and does not necessarily reflect the views of each staff member.

The Badger Herald Editorial Board considers these issues key topics to watch this fall

The Badger Herald Editorial Board highlights Metro transit changes, turnover on State Street, other issues to follow.

CAT CARROLL. THE BADGER HERALD.

Big Ten enters ‘super conference’ era

Pros, cons of monumental shift in conference alignment

by Jasper Lindsey Sports Writer

With the kickoff of the 2023 college football season, the Big Ten enters the final season of the long heralded “Power 5” structure.

Realignment has dominated the college sports news cycle since it was first announced that the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners were leaving the Big 12 to join the Southeastern Conference in 2020, with the University of Southern California and the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles quickly following in their footsteps and joining the Big Ten.

But the college sports world was rocked this past July when it was announced that the PAC-12 had come completely undone after six of the 10 remaining teams failed to reach a linear TV deal. On top of USC and UCLA, the Big Ten will now welcome both the University of Oregon and the University of Washington to the conference in 2024. The conference is now set to expand to 18 programs at the start of next season.

While the media has largely focused on realignment ramifications in college football, collegiate athletes across the country will be no exception to the impacts of this new era of college sports. So without further ado, let’s jump into some of the pros and cons as we enter this new world of college sports in 2024.

Pro #1: Money

Talk all you want about the NCAA or Conference Chairmen, but if there was one thing we learned from realignment this past summer, it’s that TV networks are the real power brokers of college sports. Revenue shares are the biggest drivers of collegiate sports and which programs can get the most eyes on their teams come gameday will have advantages not only in building their programs, but their campuses as well.

Under the Big Ten’s new TV contract with FOX, NBC and CBS, which will run through the 2029-2030 season, teams currently in the Big Ten prior to realignment are set to make upwards of $60 million annually. As for the teams entering the Big Ten in 2024, they will receive $30 million a year, with that share increasing by $1 million which will continue to increase until 2030.

For schools this not only means better recruits and more luxurious athletic facilities, but also allows them to improve campus life as well. Overall, this new contract looks to move the Big Ten and their schools into the upper echelon of

college sports and will allow them to compete with the SEC for years to come.

Pro #2: Prestige

Competing with the SEC also gives the

brands to compete with the top dogs of the college sports world, for those illustrious national titles. Especially with the College Football Playoff set to expand to 12 teams

But looking beyond football, sports such as college basketball, volleyball and even tennis will become more competitive, leaving Big Ten fans with no shortage of top 25 matchups to feast their eyes on come 2024 and beyond.

Con #1: Travel

While there is no shortage of pros to discuss for the Big Ten in the world of realignment, there are equally as many cons with the biggest being travel for collegiate athletes. With the Big Ten landscape now stretching coast to coast, travel days for athletes across the country will become increasingly problematic.

Say you’re a Wisconsin soccer player who has to travel to Maryland to play one week then hop right back on a flight to Los Angeles the next. Over eight hours of travel in two weeks, assuming your flights aren’t delayed, and then you have midterms the very next week.

No matter what way you cut it, the stress of playing a sport, traveling for multiple hours, all while fulfilling your obligations as a student will be utterly exhausting for student-athletes across the Big Ten.

Con #2:

Locality

One of the biggest allures of college sports that simply can’t be mirrored by the pros has always been tradition, specifically local rivals. While the Axe games and the Old Oaken Bucket rivalries of the world will be safe under this new structure, our new friends the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies are losing likely the most storied games of their annual schedules.

For the Huskies specifically, the annual Apple Cup, which is played against Washington State at the end of the season will soon lose the competitive balance that has made it one of the must watch games of the annual college football season. With Washington now receiving a larger revenue share as well as better opportunities to recruit than their Pullman counterparts, the rivalry is set to lose both its competitive balance as well as its storied history as soon as next season.

Part of the reason many of us grew up watching college sports was the ability to see our team take on their equal come rivalry week and to see these historical matchups become null and void is one of the most significant blows dealt by this new era of college sports.

Big Ten another advantage in recruiting the top athletes across the country to the conference. With greater competition, the Big Ten now possesses all the tools and the

in the 2024 season, the Big Ten has now situated itself in prime position to compete for those spots against the likes of the ACC and Big 12.

No matter what you may think of this new “super conference” era, the Big Ten will be forever changed by conference expansion. Whether it’s for better or worse is a topic we in the college sports world will be debating for years to come.

Beginning in 2024, the Big Ten will be expanding to 18 teams, merging with four programs from the PAC-12.

MADDOX DURST. THE BADGER HERALD.

Spotlighting importance of community: ‘Badgers Give Back’

Student-athletes give back through wellness plan subsidiary

by Maddox Durst Sports Editor

Elevating lives in the community — it’s the motto of the Badgers Give Back program, which is a part of Forward360, a segment of the University of Wisconsin’s wellness plan responsible for providing the student body with opportunities and resources to have success on and off campus.

The six dimensions of life include social, emotional, financial, intellectual, occupational and physical, according to Forward360. They’re surrounded by nine multidimensional programs.

“The Forward360 model is this idea that Wisconsin Athletics supports its students holistically in their experience,” Associate Director of Community Relations Caitlin Quillen said. “So we think a lot about areas of wellness with student athletes. The most common ones we are going to think of are their physical and mental [health].”

In addition to Badgers Give Back, there are other sections which offer similar services and opportunities — including the likes of academic services, meditation training and performance nutrition, to name a few.

The other portion of Forward360 focuses on career, leadership and academic advising. It sets a tone to prepare student athletes for their future and form their role within society, outside of sports, emphasized and defined by Badgers Give Back.

“What do you want to do with your skills [and] abilities, your talents to be a part of this community and be a part of a future community,” Quillen said of the approach when entering Badgers Give Back, led by the vision of Assistant Athletic Director for Community Relations Jackie Davenport, who’s worked in the program for a decade.

Athletes’ representation at the University of Wisconsin is key throughout every branch of the community, which is why programs such as these are so influential.

“They [Badgers Give Back] always reach out and say ‘we’re going to collect supplies,’” Vice President of Education of the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Taylor Jackson, said. “Most recently, for the ‘Back to School’ supply drive, they had over 1,000 items that they had collected. So, just a huge amount of resources for our members, but then they also show up and volunteer as well.”

A similar example of the recent work of the Badgers Give Back program was over the summer, helping out with the Miracle League of Dane County. During this time, student athletes spent eight Wednesday’s at Phoebe Bakken Memorial Park in Cottage Grove, located about 10 miles outside UW’s campus, helping manage games and, most importantly, having fun.

It was noticeable, according to the founder and executive director of the Miracle League of Dane County, Bill Schultz. He witnessed the program providing services throughout other aspects of the city, and he wanted to get their help as volunteers for his participants over the summer.

“They came out in a van every Wednesday during the summer,” Schultz said. “I don’t think they expected what they saw and what they experienced, because you could tell in their eyes and through their voices what they have said about it. It just moved them and inspired them more than they ever expected.”

Schultz didn’t have extreme expectations for the group — he just wanted them for a week or so. It eventually changed when they committed for the entire summer.

It didn’t stop positive interactions for both the athletes and children, each of whom bonded at a high level.

“The athletes were putting kids on their shoulders and running around the bases with them,” Schultz said. “You had them doing high fives … all kinds of hand gestures, talking to the kids, taking photos with them. And it wasn’t like a photo-op. It was all organic.”

The friendships didn’t end once the gates were locked at Bakken Park, as a future began to

As the Badgers Give Back program provided quality services to the Miracle League of Dane County, Schultz realized the potential of the resources the university offers for the future.

It wouldn’t stop at just athletes either. Schultz aspires to gain the help of students enrolled at UW, attempting to offer similar experiences and highlights to those interested.

“It kind of inspired me to work with some other parts of UW for students that might like to get involved,” Schultz said. “Because the Badgers

From the moment the athletes hit the field, the creation of new friendships and bonds ensued, a common result deriving from these experiences for all parties.

“Everything we do, we try to make it sustainable,” Quillen said. “So, it’s really important to Jackie [Davenport] and I that we’re not just showing up in community, doing something, getting a couple of pictures … We’re more concerned about embedding ourselves into that organization and making sure we support them long term.”

The volunteer work of the athletes allowed children with social and physical disabilities to enjoy and play the game of baseball in a safe manner. Participants now had the opportunity to be a part of the game they loved.

develop between the two programs. The Badgers Give Back will be back and volunteering with the Miracle League of Dane County next summer, expanding to more teams due to the number of athletes who volunteered to help out, according to Schultz.

To stay in touch over the offseason, two members of the Wisconsin women’s hockey team asked one of their new friends to join them for a full gameday experience at LaBahn Arena, according to Schultz. Life-changing moments, all through the work of serving the community.

“I think that’s the best part of my job,” Quillen said about the relationships developed between participants and volunteers. “I get to empower student athletes to find their voice and what that looks like in our community.”

Along with the Miracle League of Dane County, the program does work with the UW Children’s Hospital, grocery shopping for the Goodman Center and organizing and delivering supplies for the aforementioned Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, to name a few.

As opportunities arise and volunteer work continues to evolve, the Badgers Give Back program takes advantage. The lasting impact continues to be significant, for everyone.

“We are trying to be active in different spaces where we see that there’s a need and where there’s a voice … to really support and thrive Madison,” Quillen said.

[Give Back] is a great example of the impact it has on [participants].”

Badger Give Back program brings players into community

MADDOX DURST. THE BADGER HERALD.

Badgers celebrate 25 years of ‘Jump Around’

Nationally recognized tradition hits quarter-century mark

by Ariel Tamir-Pinsky Sports Associate Editor

The iconic “Jump Around” tradition will celebrate its 25th year at Camp Randall Stadium this fall. The moment before the fourth quarter when the stadium erupts into a jumping frenzy to House of Pain’s hit song “Jump Around” is known for physically shaking Camp Randall, emphasizing its unified power.

The tradition was born Oct. 10, 1998 when the University of Wisconsin played Purdue in their homecoming match, according to the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

“I feel like the ‘Jump Around’ is nationally recognized as one of the most present football traditions around the country,” UW junior

Ainsley McElligott said. “‘Jump Around’ isn’t the main reason I go to football games but I will always wait to leave until after they’ve done ‘Jump Around.’ I think a lot of people come to Badger games to experience this tradition.”

“Jump Around” originated when injured tight end Ryan Sondrup, a 1999 graduate, was interning for the UW Athletics marketing team. He wanted to create more excitement in the stadium. He decided to inquire about making a stadium playlist with former Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing Kevin Kluender, according to ESPN.

Sondrup’s teammate Erik Waisanen, a 2000

to the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

The tradition never died and has been going strong until this very day. Every game, Camp Randall explodes to “Jump Around” before the fourth quarter to give the Badgers an extra push with a single game exception in 2003 due to stadium renovations. Going just one game without hearing the song sent fans into an uproar, leading administrators to get the engineers approval for it to play at the next game, according to the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

“The ‘Jump Around’ tradition gives me a sense of pride for being at Wisconsin,” McElligott said. “Almost every person around the country has heard of the ‘Jump Around’ tradition and it makes me feel proud for being part of it. I think every person that goes to the football games waits for ‘Jump Around.’ You really haven’t gone to a Badger game if you haven’t jumped around.”

Everlast, the House of Pain front man, paid a visit to the Badgers Nov. 5, 2022 for the Maryland game. Thanking Wisconsin for keeping the song alive for 30 years and counting, Everlast got to experience the enthusiasm fans bring to the game, according to ESPN.

“It’s so culturally recognized,” UW sophomore Grayson Mandl said. “It’s something that if you’re not a football fan, you can enjoy it. And even as a football fan, it makes the game more exciting.”

“Jump Around” not only motivates spectators, but has in turn impacted game outcomes for the Badgers. The Badgers have rallied back from trailing their opponent in the fourth quarter after being energized by the stadium.

Highlighted on Sept. 24, 2005, UW welcomed No. 14 ranked Michigan to Camp Randall Stadium, and trailed in a back-and-forth affair heading into the fourth quarter. Down 20–16, quarterback John Stocco snuck through the defense and scored a touchdown to put the Badgers up 23-20 with 24 seconds remaining. Eventually, they won the game and defended their home turf with an upset victory.

graduate, was bartending at Wando’s, a local bar, when Sondrup decided to come in to test out different songs for the next game. After only hearing the first four notes of “Jump Around” blast at Wando’s, they immediately decided it needed to be heard throughout Camp Randall, according to ESPN.

The following Saturday, the game was tight going into the fourth quarter, the Badgers only leading by a touchdown against the Drew Breesled Purdue team. At the start of the final stretch, the speakers blared the House of Pain hit and the stadium was lifted. Everyone jumped along to the catchy lyrics of “Jump Around,” according

Similarly, on Nov. 15, 2008, Wisconsin took on their Thanksgiving rivals in a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Down after the third quarter, Wisconsin was looking for a burst of energy to get on top. Camp Randall brought the excitement to the players with “Jump Around” and turned the game around winning 35–32, according to ESPN.

“It is a very important part of Wisconsin football culture, because it gets everybody excited for something that’s late in the game,” Mandl said. “And it doesn’t matter if they’re winning or losing, everybody still is good. You can even see it when the other teams come in ... they’re taking it all in.”

Classic Camp Randall tradition creates sense of pride for Wisconsin students, fans.

MADDOX DURST. THE BADGER HERALD.

Badger’s guide to game-day gear

by Emma Kozina ArtsEtc. Associate Editor

With the University of Wisconsin Badgers football season underway, seas of students adorned in red, white and black will be flooding Madison for game days over the next few months. One of UW’s most notable features is the pride that students and alumni have for it. Badger gear is easy to find around Madison, but the abundance of clothing can be overwhelming. Read on to learn how to style your game day outfits this semester based on what kind of Badger you are.

Classic Badger

If you like to keep it simple and traditional, you’re a Classic Badger. One of the staples of UW game day fashion is the redand-white striped overalls sold at the University Book Store. It’s no surprise these overalls are popular among students since they’re comfortable, unisex and easy to accessorize. Dress up these overalls with a white or red headband or a bandana. Other classic Badger items found at the bookstore include sweatshirts, sweatshorts, tank tops and cow-print clothing. At Wisconsin Design Team, a local spirit wear store with a State Street storefront, you can find other principal “Wisco” clothing items. Their bold-letter Wisconsin tees and shorts are traditional and clean ways to show off your school spirit this fall.

Cute and Girly Badger

Whether you’re chronically online or a Pinterest lover, this one’s for you. Many different websites sell the basics you will need to create your dream girly game day outfit. Some of students’ favorites include RecessApparel and Sconnie. According to Sconnie’s website, one of their top-selling items is the baby pink and white “Sconnie”

shorts that are perfect for this type of outfit. RecessApparel offers dainty sets, rompers and baby tees. These pieces can be styled differently each time you wear them. To wear any of their items in the “coastal cowgirl” style, add a pair of white cowgirl boots and a red and white flower hair clip from Emi Jay. To go in a more classy, ballerina-inspired direction, style with some flats or Mary Janes, leg warmers, bows and gold hoops.

across the cut you just made to produce an effortless folded look. Pair a sweatshirt like this with any denim or sweat shorts. Oversized, longer denim shorts create an especially funky bold look. Chunky or statement jewelry, denim bedazzled hats and sunglasses complement this style. The last, and maybe most important, part of this bold style is having a pair of shoes to go with it. Soccer sneakers like Sambas are cute and

Michaels are only a bus ride from downtown Madison. Start off with any black, white or red top or bottom, and iron on Bucky Badger patches to create your own designs. Add extra glam by ironing on different patches of simple shapes such as stars or hearts. Bonus points if you take the laces out of your sneakers and put ribbon in instead. Happy crafting — you’ll be sure to stand out this football season. Maybe you’ll end up on the Jumbotron!

Eco-Friendly Badger

All Badgers can be eco-friendly and conscious consumers. Especially for new Badgers who aren’t aware of all the nearby shops, it’s important to remember that any of these outfits can be created from local and second-hand clothing stores. Students’ most-loved local thrift stores include the St. Vincent de Paul Dig & Save Outlet and Singlestitch

Bold Badger

Maybe she’s born with it, or maybe she’s just from New York. Wisconsin sweatshirts, chunky shoes, flat sneakers and lightwash denim shorts encapsulate the Bold Badger style. Take any Badger sweatshirt and trim the neckline so it can be worn off the shoulder. To make the cut appear cleaner, take scissors and completely widen the blades. Slide one side of the blades

comfortable enough to jump around in. Crafty Badger

If you’re artsy or have a bit of an individuality complex, you’re a Crafty Badger. You probably don’t need very much artistic guidance, but here are a few ways to up your game more efficiently. If you’re starting from scratch, craft store Artist & Craftsman Supply Madison is close to campus. Additionally, JoAnn Fabrics and

Madison. According to their Instagram, Singlestitch just celebrated their second year of business. In honor of their anniversary, they dropped a collection of carefully curated vintage game day gear. They frequently restock their store with red, white and Badger items, so stay tuned. Singlestitch is a great place to get special pieces, with a favorable location on State Street. For a more affordable option, you can head to one of the many nearby thrift stores — but you may have to do some digging to find what you’re looking for. There is no shortage of shops like these in Madison, but the closest one is the St. Vincent de Paul Dig & Save Outlet on South Park Street. Given its proximity to campus, it doesn’t take long to find something stylish for game day at this one.

Whatever type of Badger you are, have a safe and fun return to Camp Randall!

What to wear this football season based on your personality

CELIA HIORNS. THE BADGER HERALD.

Match your personality to your outfit for next game day.

The cultural, economic impact of Taylor Swift

Ticket demand for The Eras Tour proves Taylor Swift never goes out of style

by Julia Vetsch ArtsEtc. Editor

Taylor Swift has taken the music industry by storm for nearly two decades, dabbling in multiple genres along the way. Interchanging her 10 albums between country, pop and alternative musical styles, Swift has reached many different audiences with her self-written, personal songs.

After the release of her album “Midnights” in October 2022, Swift announced The Eras Tour — a series of concerts around the world including three hours of music from throughout her entire career. The concert involves songs from nine of her 10 albums — each “era,” receiving its own time to shine.

Each concert also includes two “surprise songs,” which are random songs from her discography that are not on the official setlist. These songs leave fans anxiously waiting each night to hear what Swift plays next, hoping their favorite song doesn’t play before their own concert date. Fans arrive in elaborate costumes, each representing their favorite era.

The Eras Tour began March 2023, and ticket sales remain highly competitive. Originally, the demand for Eras Tour tickets was so great that Ticketmaster crashed during presale, even while requiring a code that was sent to only a small percentage of Taylor’s fans. The tickets sold out so fast that general sale of tickets was canceled, sparking disappointment and outrage among “Swifties” everywhere. Since then, tickets have been resold for thousands of dollars, many eager fans willing to pay whatever it takes.

University of Wisconsin student and Taylor Swift fan Becca Kaminski had a harrowing Ticketmaster experience.

“My friends and I were in line from when it opened until about 2 p.m.,” Kaminski said. “Five hours.”

Kaminski has been a Taylor Swift fan since middle school and, like many others, dedicated her day to securing Eras Tour tickets when they became available November 2022. She says she would do it again and thinks experiencing the tour was worth it.

International UW student from Brazil, Thamyres Costa, shared a similar experience.

“I spent about eight hours in line, because it crashed,” Costa said. “The line was not moving…I even missed class because I was afraid the line was gonna start moving.”

The Eras Tour has even been credited with boosting the United States economy.

According to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, Philadelphia hotel revenue in May was the strongest it’s been since the beginning of the pandemic due to the surge

Tour” sections full of themes and sequins, Ticketmaster has been involved in a court case involving their monopoly over ticket sales, and Taylor’s album sales continue to

album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” Few other artists have caused such a stir with a tour. What makes Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour such a cultural phenomenon?

Costa, a Taylor Swift fan of ten years, says what makes Swift’s music stand out are the genuine lyrics that make fans feel like they’re sharing parts of their lives with her.

Costa said Swift’s ability to relate to many aspects of the human experience, throughout many stages of life, makes her music unique.

“You’re going through a breakup, or not doing well at school, you feel like your life is going too fast…or if you’re older, you feel like your friends are getting married, but you’re not,” Costa said. “It’s that feeling of representation and being able to see yourself in another person and just connecting, being able to be in the stadium with that person.”

Though Taylor Swift is an American artist, her cultural impact doesn’t stop at U.S. borders. Costa explained the impact of the Eras Tour carries over to Brazil, which she’ll visit on Thanksgiving.

But Costa said she experienced the same thing trying to get tickets — the line stopped moving, prices skyrocketed and they missed opportunities.

“It’s actually crazy, especially considering that this is another country...that does not speak English,” Costa said.

The tour highlights Taylor Swift’s entire career, taking the audience back to times when they were young. Swift’s first album was released in 2006 when she was just 16 years old. Many of Swift’s fans have grown and changed along with her music. Kaminski said it’s what she grew up listening to.

This, according to Costa, is another reason why the tour has been so successful. It allows fans to relive the nostalgia of when Swift’s music was first being released — when things were “easy.”

“I think that’s what makes the hype worth it,” Costa said. “[Fans are] like, ‘Whatever, I’ll pay as much as I can just so I can live that dream.’”

of guests coming to town for the Taylor Swift concerts.

The cultural impact of Taylor Swift, and especially the Eras Tour, is undeniable — clothing stores now have unspoken “Eras

rise.

She recently broke her own record for most spots occupied on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart by a female musician at once — 22 — with help from her July 2023

Taylor Swift continues to surprise fans — she recently announced “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film, which will release Oct. 13 in AMC Theaters, just before the release of her album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” on Oct. 27. This film will allow fans to experience the concert on the big screen. Demand for these screenings is high, as tickets for AMC Fitchburg 18 shows are already nearly sold out over a month in advance.

The Eras Tour made its most recent stop in Mexico City on Aug. 27 and will begin again Nov. 9 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Taylor Swift performs at an Eras Tour show.

JULIA VETSCH. THE BADGER HERALD.

Student-curated textile exhibit threads communities together

by Ava McNarney ArtsEtc. Editor

The Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery is more than a window for students to peek into on their way to a class in the School of Human Ecology. It’s a bridge between textiles and students across the University of Wisconsin.

Eighteen students from professor Anna Campbell’s spring 2023 seminar Art History 506: Curatorial Studies and Exhibition Practice, collaborated to curate the gallery’s newest exhibit, “Social Threads: Making, Mending, and Maintaining Community.” It opens Sept. 13 and will remain on display until Dec. 3, 2023.

Almost entirely planned and managed by UW students, “Social Threads” gave those involved the opportunity to oversee all aspects of the exhibition process, from start to finish.

Cloth and Community

Each piece in the exhibit is unique, but as an ensemble, they represent one idea — textile-making practices can connect people.

Pleasant Rowland Textile Specialist and Research Director for the Center for Design and Material Culture Sophie Pitman,

provided the students with the initial concept.

Pitman works with UW’s Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection, which houses over 13,000 textile artifacts from all over the world and many different historical eras. Throughout the semester, she invited students from the seminar to the textile center to view the collection.

To spark the students’ imaginations, Pitman provided them with pieces that related to mending — literally or figuratively — and mentored their research over the course of the semester.

“I said, ‘Can you do a show that plays with the idea of repair?’” Pitman said.

While the collection’s size is astounding, it demanded hard work and expertise of the students in order to be pared down into an exhibit-sized group of objects.

The curation process was mostly collaborative. Students were split into small groups to propose directions in which to take the exhibit, and when one was chosen they split again to work on that one proposal.

Considering the diverse range of cultural

backgrounds of textiles featured in “Social Threads,” Pitman said it was essential for the class to keep cultural sensitivity a priority throughout the curation process, especially when dealing with pieces that bring up difficult emotions.

“This is a global show and it talks quite a bit about the concept of community, but also how communities heal through trauma,” Pitman said. “As a collection, we work hard to support students working with objects belonging to cultures that are often underrepresented in university settings or museum settings.”

Textiles are a part of everyone’s life in ways we might not think about — as we get dressed, furnish our houses and keep ourselves warm, we use textile tools, Pitman said.

Since textiles are always present in human life, everyone is justified to hold an opinion on them. This is what makes exhibit practices like “Social Threads” great for curious students — and not just students of artrelated subjects.

Last year, around 60 classes with a total of roughly 1,000 students visited the Lynn Mecklenburg. Ranging in area of study from art history to financial planning, students in all kinds of majors study exhibits or individual items in the galleries as they relate to their field.

Real-World Curatorial Experience

UW art history graduate student Atefeh Ahmadi was one of the students in the seminar responsible for putting “Social Threads” together. She stayed on over the summer as an assistant to the Center for Design and Material Culture, allowing her to

continue preparing the exhibit for display.

In the past few months, Ahmadi had the time and resources to do more research on the textiles featured in “Social Threads,” and developed a greater understanding of the stories behind the objects, Ahmadi said.

One piece from the exhibit that stood out to Ahmadi was the embroidery originating from Chile covered in designs with multilayered political meanings. It is a form of protest patchwork and exemplifies a textile tradition that has traveled throughout Latin America.

“It can unfold to tell the story of many different things,” Ahmadi said. “From the story of a community, or a political protest, or a tradition that comes with certain notions or certain functions.”

Beyond selecting items in a way that was culturally appropriate and aligned with the theme of making and mending community, Ahmadi and her fellow students were tasked with preparing the exhibit for public viewing.

In addition to getting the pieces ready for installation in the gallery — which requires expertise as many are highly delicate — this preparation included writing press releases, strategizing social media content and planning events.

As “Social Threads” opens and Ahmadi’s class is finally able to show off their hard work, she said she is most proud of the collective effort that was put into the exhibit, which can be seen in its design.

“When you look at the final outcome, you can see traces of all the people who were involved in every step of it,” Ahmadi said. “I feel proud to share this experience with this group of people.”

Art History students gain curatorial experience using UW textile collection

The Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery opens Sept. 13 in School of Human Ecology.

RILEY STEINBRENNER. THE BADGER HERALD.

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