'Speak Up, Take Action' - Volume 56 Issue 6

‘SPEAK

UP, TAKE ACTION’:

UW community navigates DEI breakdown

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Publisher Emmet O’Connor

By: Adrian Carmosino

‘No grad student makes a living wage in Madison’: UW graduate students fight for better pay

Trump administration budget cuts could negatively impact science research, TAA co-president says

by Anna Kristoff Print News Editor

At the beginning of the fall semester, the University of Wisconsin Teaching Assistants’ Association released a letter addressed to several of the university’s bioscience-related steering committees asking for an increase in pay for 2025-2026 graduate student workers, according to co-president of TAA and PhD student in microbiology Madeline Topf.

“No grad student makes a living wage to live in Madison,” Topf said. “So we’re really trying to get that as the biosciences students who bring in millions of dollars in grant money, and that will hopefully pull up the stipend for everybody else as well.”

Most UW graduate students are employed through teaching, research or project assistantships, Topf said. This enables them to receive stipends for grading undergraduate coursework, leading discussion classes or assisting in

4 • badgerherald.com • March 4, 2025

research projects.

TAA is asking UW to increase these stipends to approximately $40,000 per year. But a living wage would be ideal — in Madison, this is about $46,000 per year for a single adult with no children, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The university plans to pay bioscience graduate student workers about $36,000-38,000 for next year, Topf said.

TAA is also asking the bioscience departments to remove any unpaid teaching requirements. Currently, some graduate student workers must enroll in an unpaid teaching assistantship for a semester, Topf said.

Though the union is united across all disciplines, TAA’s current proposal focuses on bioscience students partly because Topf and other leaders have personal experience as students in these departments, Topf said in an

email to The Badger Herald.

“Another important, and honest, component is that we have a set of effective organizers within biosciences who have come together under my leadership,” Topf said in the email.

TAA is also focusing on bioscience students because the union has held successful campaigns in the past for the biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and microbiology departments, Topf said in the email.

Though TAA is not a certified union under Wisconsin’s Act 10 — which prohibits collective bargaining for Universities of Wisconsin System faculty and academic staff — the union has been fairly successful since it was founded over 50 years ago, professor of labor education Michael Childers said.

“They’ve [TAA] continued to operate on as a worker organization, as a union, and meet

and confer with the chancellors,” Childers said. “[But] they’re in a state that doesn’t have really very strong public sector bargaining rights.”

In 2016, the National Labor Relations Board gave graduate students the right to unionize, but only at private universities, according to UnionTrack.

Topf said TAA started the bioscience campaign because many graduate students do not receive a large enough stipend to afford housing in or in close proximity to Madison.

Topf also said it is very important that everyone — rather than only people who can afford to not make a living wage — has access to higher education in science.

Childers said the university likely does not raise stipends because it wants to invest money into other things.

“In this case, it’s not necessarily for cold and cold profit, but yeah, obviously more resources expended in that area mean that there’s less money available for other things — whatever other priorities that the chancellor or central administration might have,” Childers said.

Next year, the university will release a new budget model. Deans are trying to decide how to implement the budget for their respective departments, Childers said.

Following TAA’s release of its bioscience campaign, the Trump administration has issued a series of federal budget cuts including a new cap on the amount of funds research institutions can request from the National Institutes of Health, according to a Feb. 7 X post by NIH. The new NIH cap is 15% compared to the over 60% cap it had issued in previous years, according to the post.

These percentages cap the amount of money institutions can request to cover indirect costs of research — which include administrator’s salaries, laboratory utilities and insurance — compared to direct costs such as research staff salaries, laboratory equipment and publication costs, according to the MIT. The caps define the percentage of the total direct cost of a research project — meaning that now institutions can request up to 15% of the total direct cost in order to pay for indirect costs, according to MIT.

Topf said these budget cuts will negatively impact graduate student research.

“These Trump disruptions are going to set back research significantly even if they don’t hold because … just due to the nature of how the scientific mechanism operates, any disruption will set things back,” Topf said.

TAA’s letter is still collecting signatures and the union hopes to receive many more before the letter is sent out to steering committees, Topf said.

Bascom Hill. February 20, 2025.

KENNEDY SLATER. THE BADGER HERALD.

Underfunded, overwhelmed: Planned Parenthood navigates funding struggles, political crisis in Wisconsin

‘Healthcare is a fundamental need, and policies should reflect that,’ A Better Wisconsin Together communications director says

by Shannon Hare News Associate Editor

resources to meet it, according to Healthcare Value Hub.

Beyond staffing issues, clinics are also struggling with outdated medical equipment, as medical professionals cite the need for updated diagnostic tools and exam rooms, though funding constraints have delayed these upgrades, according to Mullahy.

This could mean less efficient patient care and, in some cases, limited diagnostic capabilities, Mullahy said.

For many individuals, Planned Parenthood is their only healthcare provider, but the misconception that it solely provides abortion services has led to significant funding cuts, impacting all aspects of patient care, according to Ripp.

Planned Parenthood clinics in Madison provide vital preventative care, including cancer screenings and STI testing.

Ripp stressed the role of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in protecting reproductive rights.

“If Wisconsinites were to live under Schimel’s interpretation of the law from 1849, abortion would be criminally banned in Wisconsin with no exceptions for sexual assault or incest — all because of a law written before women even had the right to vote,” Ripp said. “It’s the duty of our state’s highest court to defend Wisconsinites’ constitutional rights and freedoms.”

Planned Parenthood is a provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare for millions of Americans, as well as an advocate for the legal and political protection of reproductive rights.

The New York Times recently reviewed clinic documents, legal filings and interviews with more than 50 current and former Planned Parenthood executives, consultants and medical staff members. Some clinics are so short of cash, the care they provide has suffered.

Many clinics operate with aging equipment and poorly trained staff as turnover has increased due to low salaries, according to the review.

Many Wisconsin residents are concerned about the high cost of healthcare and strongly support government action to make it more affordable, according to Healthcare Value Hub.

Planned Parenthood has long relied on federal and state funding to provide services beyond abortion, including cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception and general reproductive healthcare, according to the Planned Parenthood website.

During President Trump’s first term, Planned Parenthood withdrew from a program

supporting abortion providers called Title X — causing them to lose about $60 annually — rather than comply with the administration’s rule forbidding referrals to doctors who can perform abortions, according to The New York Times. While this was reversed under the Biden administration, it could happen again.

Communications Director at A Better Wisconsin Together Lucy Ripp said the financial strain on Planned Parenthood has far-reaching consequences for Wisconsin residents.

“Wisconsinites deserve to know that our elected leaders will fight to protect the health of our communities, not corporate greed,” Ripp said. “But Judge Brad Schimel has repeatedly sided with right-wing politicians and insurance companies instead of standing up for Wisconsin families.”

Schimel, the former Wisconsin attorney general and current Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate, previously sued to overturn the Affordable Care Act, according to Ripp.

Had he succeeded, nearly one million Wisconsin residents could have lost their healthcare and insurance companies could have more easily denied coverage to people with pre-

existing conditions.

Schimel’s record has other concerning aspects related to healthcare coverage, Ripp said.

“He also joined efforts to undermine the ACA’s coverage of birth control, allowing employers to refuse coverage for contraceptives,” Ripp said.

At the local level, these policies have longterm effects, as many Madison residents rely on Planned Parenthood for both reproductive care and general health services, according to the Planned Parenthood website.

UW professor of population health sciences John Mullahy explained that Wisconsin’s healthcare landscape depends on several key factors — the availability of hospital beds, clinical providers, health insurance coverage and the overall health status of the population.

“The healthcare sector is enormous,” Mullahy said. “How these factors vary by region and demographics is crucial in determining access to care.”

Madison’s clinics are experiencing the impact of staffing shortages and financial strain, with healthcare providers reporting an overwhelming demand for services but fewer

In response to these challenges, local advocates and organizations are working to raise awareness and increase support for Planned Parenthood in Madison. Grassroots fundraising efforts have gained traction, and organizations such as the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health are pushing for stronger state funding initiatives, according to the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health website.

Wisconsin’s political divide remains a major barrier to stable reproductive healthcare funding, as Gov. Tony Evers supports Planned Parenthood, but the Republican-controlled legislature resists funding increases, Ripp said.

“We need to look beyond political battles and focus on public health,” Ripp said. “Healthcare is a fundamental need, and policies should reflect that.”

For Madison residents, the impact of these financial struggles is more than just a policy debate — it directly affects their ability to receive timely, affordable healthcare, according to Ripp.

As Planned Parenthood clinics navigate these funding gaps, community involvement and awareness will be key in maintaining access to essential services, according to the Planned Parenthood website.

LIZZY LARSON. THE BADGER HERALD.

Planned Parenthood building. February 23, 2025.

UW responds to U.S. Department of Education letter demanding educational institutions remove DEI programming

Such expansive interpretation of civil rights law calls forth legal questions, need for clarity, UW chancellor says

by Ayesha Yousef News Associate Editor

U.S. Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor released a “Dear Colleague” statement Feb. 14 asking educational institutions across the country to discontinue any diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The letter argued such programs create an imbalance in opportunities and perpetuate racial stereotypes forbidden by the Civil Rights Act.

“In recent years, American educational institutions have discriminated against students on the basis of race,” the letter reads. “Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding.”

University of Wisconsin Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Provost Charles Isbell Jr. released a statement Feb. 28 identifying the directives of the letter as unclear and questioning the legality of “such an expansive interpretation of either existing civil rights law or the 2023 Students for Fair Admissions Supreme Court decision.”

The university has created a workgroup responsible for assessing existing operations and making recommendations for potential adjustments, according to the statement. The group is focusing on current activities rather than the letter’s expansive framework.

The Association of Public Land Grant Universities, of which UW is a member, released a letter Feb. 21 asking for further guidance from the ED. Other organizations, including the Legal Defense Fund, have asked the ED to rescind the letter.

Amid this uncertainty, UW spokesperson John Lucas said the university remains dedicated to its commitment to DEI in an email statement to The Badger Herald.

“UW-Madison is committed to a campus environment that values diversity in both background and viewpoint, and fosters inclusion and belonging for all students, faculty and staff,” Lucas said in the email.

The “Dear Colleague” letter comes at a time of confusion regarding the changing role of DEI at educational institutions across the U.S. The letter served to reinterpret the 2023 Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which prohibited affirmative action because it was deemed discriminatory, according to a press release from the ED.

The “Students v. Harvard” ruling specifically focused on educational admissions, but the Supreme Court’s reasoning also applied to ending the use of diversity as justification for awarding other institutional benefits, according to American law firm Husch Blackwell’s website. The “Dear Colleague” statement does not have the power to enforce or create a law, but it serves as a warning from the

6

• badgerherald.com • March 4, 2025

Department of Education, and it shows the ED’s intent to enforce the appropriate civil rights laws that correspond with Students v. Harvard.

It is still unclear as to what efforts the ED will take to judge whether educational institutions or programs are making decisions based on race.

The department may audit publicly available information on institution programs, including

content on public-facing websites, according to Husch Blackwell.

The ED’s statement applies to preschools, K-12 schools and institutions of higher education, according to the letter. The letter also said institutions were given two weeks before the statement’s release to eliminate DEI programs and admissions, hiring, training and

other practices that take race into account in the process — otherwise, institutions could lose federal funding.

The letter states programs using racial considerations achieve a racial quota or racial balancing are in violation of the law, and this includes eliminating standardized testing because it may be done in hopes of increasing racial diversity, according to Husch Blackwell.

At the end of the letter, the ED advises schools to ensure that their policies comply with civil rights laws, that they don’t use outside means such as proxies to find a way around federal law and that they end any arrangements with third parties that find loopholes around prohibited uses of race.

The ED has canceled $600 million in grants that went toward teaching social justice, activism and antiracism, according to The New York Times.

In response to this, certain colleges have already barred clubs and organizations that may not be in line with the department’s order, according to The New York Times.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued a statement in response to the “Dear Colleague” letter, informing readers the department is taking its time to formalize its official approach rather than taking immediate action. The department also said it believes the WDPI and Wisconsin schools are using federal funding only in ways that comply with the law, according to the statement.

Education law professor and former UW Dean of Education Julie Underwood Julie Underwood said DEI programs at UW were not only used to enhance diversity in terms of race but also in terms of religion and what part of the world students and staff are from.

“Bringing diverse voices into any conversation improves the entire conversation,” Underwood said. “Half of what a person learns in a classroom comes from their colleagues, so it’s important to improve the classroom environment by providing as diverse a classroom as you can.”

Underwood also said with the development of DEI programs at UW, the school became broader and more diverse — allowing the institution to better serve its constituents by asking people from different backgrounds how to improve inclusion.

It is important to support diversity in all areas of a university campus, Underwood said.

“It’s [diversity] not just in the classroom, but it’s also in the research labs and in the academic advising offices,” Underwood said.

In lieu of the letter’s orders — as well as over 30 other executive orders that affect education — communities of scholars and state attorney generals have filed challenges, Underwood said. She said any court order will take time and these challenges may prolong the process.

Bascom Hall. Feburary 26, 2025.

MARY RICHARDS. THE BADGER HERALD.

WBSU caps off Black History Month with third annual fashion show

Four eras, one show: Spotlight on Black fashion in WBSU celebration of Black excellence

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Wisconsin Black Student Union hosted its annual fashion show, “Tailoring the Black diaspora: Black Brilliance through the Ages.”

The show’s theme opens the door to Black culture and fashion across multiple eras and makes space for the vastness of the Black diaspora in the U.S., show co-director Ana Garcia said in an Instagram post. Beyond celebrating Black fashion styles, centering the show on Black excellence also comes at a particularly important time in the U.S., show co-director David Simeon said.

“I think just everything that’s going on within our country, specifically within just like highlighting black excellence and like black lives and black … just like fashion and talent overall,” Simeon said.

Show stylists were given four sub-themes to work with — Harlem Renaissance, Icons — outfits in the style of Black icons from the 1980s to early 2000s, — a futuristic 3005 category based on Childish Gambino’s song “3005” and a Black Excellence category, underscoring the theme of the night. Each category had between seven and 12 looks, according to Simeon.

WBSU resource coordinator Alicia Obiakor kicked off the show with a solo performance of Summertime by the Paul Smith Quartet.

Following this, the runway opened first with Harlem Renaissance outfits, followed by Icons.

During intermission, multiple student performances occurred, including a dance set from the University of Wisconsin dance group Vivid to Kiss of Life’s “Igloo,” and two dance sets from Unity Dance Group to songs by Tamara and Tyler the Creator.

The latter half of the fashion show featured

futuristic outfits from the 3005 category and models dressed to the nines for the Black Excellence category.

Simeon’s favorite category, 3005, incorporated futuristic elements aimed to inspire audience members to tap into their imagination.

“That’s up for interpretation for people, viewers, everything to think, to know what they think Black fashion will look like in the future,” Simeon said.

In a lull between the 3005 and Black Excellence transition, event organizer Marques Watts offered audience members an opportunity to participate in the show. Attendees stood up, sharing their outfit details with the larger crowd and flaunting their outfits on the runway.

Brendon Noel walked the 3005 and Harlem Renaissance categories and told The Badger Herald about what the future of fashion in the Black cultural context means to him.

Black people still have to continue to fight to express themselves, but the show’s theme also leaves room for models to express themselves as individuals too, Noel said.

He based his 3005 outfit on the video game Assassin’s Creed, selecting long, flowing materials and a cape. He included a sword as an accessory to the outfit. Noel selected only white fabrics for the outfit.

“We’re redefining the word black by wearing all white,” Noel said.

The Harlem Renaissance outfits won the crowd in a voice vote and the judges settled on three winners whose outfits across the eras most impressed them. The judges sought out originality, color and overall cohesion of the outfits, judge Emanuel Tagro said. The winning stylist was student Antoine Westbrook.

by Aiden Mellon and Jenna Innab ArtsEtc. Editors

Student model Duo Kaiden Brown and Zaria Johnson walk in the Harlem Renaissance category. February 27, 2025.

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD.

Brendon Noel and Marco Assam walk in a 3005 outfit. February 27, 2025.

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD.

Student model Tierra Lasha walks as part of the Icon category. February 27, 2025.

‘MENA Heritage Month finally feels like a time where our voices are heard and our identities are really seen,’ MENA chair says ‘Roots

by Anja Breiehagen

Print News Editor

and Routes’: UW celebrates third annual MENA Heritage Month

The beginning of March marks the commencement of the University of Wisconsin’s third annual celebration of Middle Eastern North African Heritage Month.

This year’s theme, “Roots and Routes: Tracing Homelands and Histories,” is meant to promote connection to identity and background, according to MENA chair and programming intern Lina Raouf.

“MENA is an identity that doesn’t really have a spotlight on it,” Raouf said. “So MENA Heritage Month finally feels like a time where our voices are heard and our identities are really seen.”

The MENA Heritage Month Collective and the Multicultural Student Center are leading the celebration, according to the MENA website. The celebration’s events are meant to embody the spirit of evolving cultures and celebrate forward momentum that shapes collective identity.

The festivities include a kickoff, breakfast, a perfume worksop, a community service event and an event featuring Saturday Night Live cast member Emil Wakim.

Raouf and Assistant Director at the Multicultural Student Center and MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective Advisor Noreen Siddiqui said they are especially excited for the community service event “Little Hands, Big Hearts.” The event is in collaboration with Jewish Social Services of Madison and is centered around creating care packages for refugee families in the Madison area, Siddiqui said. The MCC raised over $3,000 for this initiative.

“Because of the fundraising, we’re able to give these packages to over 40 families, and 100 children are going to be receiving these gift baskets,” Siddiqui said. “The impact of this is just amazing.”

All events are open to the entire UW community and Raouf and Siddiqui encouraged students to check the MENA website for additional information.

The 2025 celebration is the third annual UW MENA Heritage Month, according to Siddiqui. The first was celebrated in 2018, but the celebration fell to the wayside for a few years, and was reinstated through the work of dedicated and hardworking students, Siddiqui said.

“These students really have fought for recognition,” Siddiqui said. “That’s not just on this campus; recognizing this group as a racial and ethnic identity is something that you haven’t seen this country do until very recently.”

looking at our Instagram, people are able to learn something more — that would really be my hope,” Raouf said. “That will show the university that we are really here and there’s a lot of people that are not only within this community, but also want to support this community.”

with foods and activities. Henna application, button creation and jewelry making were some of the activities offered. Attendees were encouraged to participate in a community art project by writing love letters to their homelands to be displayed in the MSC.

Raouf said she hopes the recognition and celebration of MENA-identifying people promotes growth and support beyond just the month’s celebrations.

“If by coming to our events, talking to someone who went to an event, or even

MENA’s representation and support has a long way to go, Raouf said. MENA was added to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Census on March 28, 2024, according to the United States Census Bureau. The Wisconsin School of Business Multicultural Center does not have a MENA affinity group.

The kickoff celebration Feb. 28 invited attendees to explore ancient MENA cities through themed booths. Participants received passports to collect stamps as they visited different booths, each featuring informational displays about a city along

“For our students to proudly celebrate their identity, share their identity with other people, share their culture, their traditions, and their values — it’s incredibly meaningful, and this is why I do the work that I do,” Siddiqui said.

Students in the MENA HM Planning Collective pose for a group photo in the Multicultural Center. February 28, 2025.

BLAKE THOR. THE BADGER HERALD.

Incumbent, challenger advance in Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction race

by Taylor Burch News Associate Editor

Jill Underly won the spring primary election for Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction on Feb. 18, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The election featured three candidates in the statewide race — incumbent Jill Underly and challengers Brittany Kinser and Jeff Wright.

Underly won with 177,372 votes, followed by Kinser with 161,576 votes, and Wright, who received 128,446 votes, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Underly’s platform focuses on the importance of public education, the diverse needs of students and the need for funding public education in Wisconsin, according to her campaign’s website.

The primary is an election held to determine nominees for each political party in preparation for a general election, according to the United States Election Assistance Commission. The primary allowed citizens to vote for their party’s candidate for various positions in local and state government — a notable position being Superintendent of Public Instruction, according to TMJ4.

Reflecting on the results of the primary, Underly noted her support and advocacy for public education. She said she believes this to be an important factor in the race results.

“I’ve been the number one public school advocate, and when you look at the election results from last night, we’ve got a primary where the voters supported public schools overwhelmingly,” Underly said.

Underly won by nearly 16,000 votes, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She said this number underscores the support she has gained within the community and the public’s desire for continued advocacy for the improvement of public education.

Underly believes the state needs an increased budget when it comes to public education, and said she has strategies to address education disparities among demographics across the state.

The incumbent said she makes a point to acknowledge the significant role socioeconomic factors play in student achievement and success. To combat this, Underly proposes initiatives such as improving early childhood education, nutrition programs and mental health programs, she said.

“We know it works,” Underly said. “It’s investing in early childhood literacy. It’s investing in early childhood education and child care and after-school programming. It’s investing in nutrition. It’s investing in mental health and behavior support.”

During the last six weeks of the race,

Underly said she aims to boost voter engagement by educating. She highlighted the support public schools need to face their pressing challenges.

Underly supports the recent budget

public schools lose to private school tuition payments.”

Legislative action supports changes to public instruction. Assembly Bill One supports revision to the assessment programs along

proposed by Gov. Tony Evers, according to the Wisconsin Examiner. Underly also stressed the need for robust funding for public schools.

“I’m going to do my best to educate people on this budget,” Underly said. “I’m going to educate them on how much funding our

with school district accountability reports. Act 20 requires public schools to assist in students developing strong and advanced reading skills. While she expressed optimism about the primary results, she also acknowledged that her work is far from over. Underly knows these

final moments are key for finishing out the race, she said.

Kinser, the second-place finisher, also shared her gratitude for the support she received during the primary. She specifically noted voters’ dedication to their civic duty on the cold February day, with temperatures dipping into the negatives.

“I’m humble and thankful for the support I’ve received … from the voters who braved the cold yesterday and came out to vote for me,” Kinser said.

Kinser has been vocal about her concerns about the current educational standards during her campaign, asserting that the existing benchmarks are insufficient, she said in a press conference.

Kinser said she is adamant that these standards need to change. Students should be taught to the standards of higher benchmarks to develop stronger skills in the curriculum, she said.

“The status quo is no longer acceptable,” Kinser said. “Our children deserve so much better.”

Less than 40% of students in the state of Wisconsin are career and college-ready, according to the Wisconsin Condition of College and Career Readiness report. Kinser called this statistic harrowing.

This concern led her to challenge Underly directly and to argue that the incumbent has failed to maintain educational standards in Wisconsin schools, she said.

“Right now, Jill Underly is unapologetic,” Kinser said. “She lowered the standards for our children and claims to have no regret about it.”

Kinser’s campaign advocates for restoring high standards, especially in foundational subjects such as reading, writing and math, she said. She said she believes that raising these standards will help more students achieve success in their education.

Like Underly, Kinser is advocating for the recently proposed budget by Evers requiring support for a strong educational system.

“It’s time to restore the high standards,” Kinser said. “That’s why I agree with Governor Evers and the GOP majorities in the Legislature that it’s time to restore high standards and support AB1. That is why I support Act 20 and to pass the [proposed] funding.”

Looking forward to the rest of the race until the general election, Kinser said she hopes to meet with former Wright supporters and gain their support as she travels the state during the last six weeks of the race.

With the general election approaching, both candidates said they will be reaching out to voters, sharing their views on the educational system and promoting their proposed campaigns. The general election is April 1, 2025, according to My Vote WI.

Jill Underly, Brittany Kinser to face off in April general election following primary

Jill Underly greets a crowd of over 3,000 Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign supporters in Milwaukee. July 23, 2024.

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD.

Nitrogen fixation breakthrough: UW scientists tap ancient enzymes for sustainable farming

AI, biology unite to boost nitrogen fixation

by Zoe Klein Science News Editor

A new research initiative led by associate professor of bacteriology Betül Kaçar is positioned to transform agriculture and address some of the world’s most pressing ecological and economic challenges.

Along with co-investigators professor of bacteriology Jean-Michel Ané and professor of chemical and biological engineering Brian Pfleger, their collaborative project seeks to unlock the powerful process of nitrogen fixation, a process that could reduce agriculture’s dependency on synthetic fertilizers while improving sustainability, according a press release.

Kaçar said its important to understand life’s origins to solve modern problems.

“To truly understand life on this planet, we need to understand its beginnings, “ Kaçar said. “We don’t know much about how cellular innovations and evolution occurred over long time scales. This knowledge is crucial for both understanding life as we know it and exploring the potential for life elsewhere.”

By investigating how microbes evolved the ability to fix nitrogen, researchers can not only answer fundamental questions about life’s origins but also apply this knowledge to tackle current environmental issues, Kaçar said.

Nitrogen fixation, which is an essential process for the survival of all living organisms, remains an important part of the research.

“Nitrogen is incredibly abundant in our atmosphere and vital for life on Earth,” Kaçar said. “We have nitrogen in our cells and proteins, but we can’t produce it ourselves. The real question is: how do these plants get their nitrogen?”

The answer lies in a tiny but powerful microbe that can “fix” atmospheric nitrogen into a biologically usable form, which plants can then absorb, Kaçar said.

The key to this process is the enzyme nitrogenase, as the heart of nitrogen fixation, according to Kaçar.

Nitrogenase is believed to be at least 3 billion years old and evolved under conditions that were very different from today’s world, with much higher levels of carbon dioxide and extreme temperatures, Kaçar said.

“The evolution of nitrogen fixation is tied to Earth’s ancient history, and understanding it helps us understand the resilience of life over billions of years,” Kaçar said. “We realize that Earth has endured far worse in the past. It’s actually a hopeful message — life finds a way, and it always has.”

According to Ané, the focus of the project is clear — humans need nitrogen to grow our crops, which require a lot of nitrogen inputs for good yields.

But,

since the Green Revolution, many have been too heavily dependent on the Haber-Bosch process, which is used to produce synthetic

Ané said.

“A lot of fertilizers applied in the field are not absorbed by the plants and end up in the

fertilizers, Ané said.

Fertilizers are costly for growers, and the price of fertilizer is tied to the fluctuating cost of natural gas, but beyond the economic challenge, there are also environmental concerns associated with synthetic fertilizers,

groundwater, leading to nitrogen leaching,”

Ané said. “This nitrogen then ends up in rivers, streams and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. Many fertilizers [also] produce greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide, which contribute to climate change.”

In response to these issues, the team is aiming to develop a more sustainable alternative.

The goal of the technology is not to eliminate fertilizers entirely but to replace a fraction of them with bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form, Ané said.

A major component of this research is the use of artificial intelligence and genetic engineering to enhance the capabilities of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

“AI tools are incredibly helpful for structural predictions, and they allow us to survey a huge number of proteins in ways that were previously impossible,” Kaçar said.

By combining AI with traditional biological techniques, the team hopes to discover new ways to optimize the enzyme nitrogenase and expand its potential applications.

Nitrogenase is essential for nitrogen fixation, but it’s highly sensitive to oxygen, Ané said.

In making nitrogenase less sensitive to oxygen, it could allow the bacteria to fix nitrogen more efficiently, even in environments where oxygen levels would normally inhibit the process, Ané said.

This project is truly interdisciplinary, bringing together researchers from diverse fields such as paleobiology, computational biology, synthetic biology and agronomy, according to the press release.

“I think this is the future — synthesizing different approaches from science, engineering and basic research to tackle big challenges,” Kaçar said.

Ané, for instance, collaborates with companies like Pivot Bio, which produces genetically engineered microbes designed to fix nitrogen and supply it to plants.

His work is focused on bridging the evolutionary research on nitrogenase with practical agricultural applications, Ané said.

Both Kaçar and Ané are quick to recognize the unique role Wisconsin plays in advancing this work.

“Wisconsin is an innovative place, always responding to the needs of the community,” Kaçar said. “There’s no better place to push the frontiers of agricultural research than Wisconsin.”

Their work is supported by the W. M. Keck Foundation, which has funded bold, innovative research on the cusp of taking off, Kaçar said.

The research group is not only addressing the challenges of today but also learning from the resilience of life that has endured for billions of years. The end results could have profound implications, not just for agriculture, but for the health of our planet as a whole, Kaçar said.

Photo courtesy of FH King.

Peatlands in Wisconsin under threat from climate change

by Kiran Mistry Science News Associate Editor

Global warming has shifted attention toward one of Earth’s more intriguing ecosystems — peatlands. The wetlands are responsible for storing enormous amounts of carbon on a global scale despite accounting for only 3% of the Earth’s surface area. Scientists, including University of Wisconsin experts, believe they are key to preventing climate warming.

Retired UW aquatic scientist Susan Knight said bogs and fens, the primary types of peatlands, sequester carbon through the plant material that accumulates in them. She said bogs are typically inhabited by moss and small shrubs that grow during the spring and summer and then die in winter. Knight said this process stores the carbon that composes the plant material in an accumulating mat called peat.

Biological systems engineering professor Paul Stoy said the carbon-storing power of bogs takes hundreds and thousands of years to emerge. The mosses and plants that make up peat are slow-growing. Stoy said it is extremely difficult to sequester carbon liberated from bogs after they lose it.

“A big problem here is it takes so long to recover,” Stoy said. “This is the soil formation process, it takes hundreds to thousands of years and if you lose it to the atmosphere it’s not going to get back for a long time.”

When bogs dry out or are drained they begin to release their carbon through microbes like bacteria and fungi which break down the plant matter and release carbon dioxide, Knight said. Environmental engineering professor and bacteriology researcher Trina McMahon said healthy bogs prevent decay by keeping plant matter in cold, acidic conditions and covered in water.

These three factors prevent bacteria and fungi from growing and utilizing the carbon-rich peat. If these factors are disturbed, microbes can begin to rapidly decompose this material and release its carbon into the atmosphere.

Stoy said the importance of hydrology, or water movement, in peatlands being able to keep their carbon. He said draining bogs for human use, changes to climate and permafrost thaw change the hydrology of bogs and potentially leave them exposed to decaying.

Melting permafrost would open up peatlands underneath the frozen soils

and subject them to oxygen and microbes without the insulation of water. This would not only release the methane trapped under the permafrost but allow the peat to

temperature swings from rapidly warming the bog, McMahon said. Human remains that stay remarkably intact even thousands of years after death is an example of how

rapidly be turned into carbon dioxide.

McMahon said water itself plays a crucial role in maintaining the bog through regulating temperature and access to oxygen. Cold water both limits the amount of oxygen the water can hold and prevents

well bogs prevent decay.

“When there’s water, it’s like a lid on the transfer of oxygen from the atmosphere to the parts of the bog that would decompose,” McMahon said. “The water also helps incubate against temperature

increases because the water has to warm first.”

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA did not have management rights over wetlands that are not connected to permanent bodies of water. This broadly removed management of peatlands — which are typically not connected to flowing bodies of water — from federal authorities and largely handed back control to the states. But, only 26 states have protections for bogs, according to Wisconsin Watch. Wisconsin has lost 50% of its wetlands since the 1800s, according to the Wisconsin Wetlands Association.

In Minnesota, decaying bogs account for 11 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year, around 9% of the total yearly emissions from the state. The state is exploring programs to rewet drained peatlands to prevent their carbon dioxide emissions and restore the ecosystems.

Stoy said that preventing carbon dioxide from reaching the atmosphere is crucial to mitigating climate change. Land carbon sinks take hundreds and thousands of years, but they can quickly enter the atmosphere once those sinks are disturbed, he said.

“It’s really easy to take all of the carbon in an ecosystem and put it in the atmosphere,” Stoy said. “It’s hard to restore those structures like plants and soils that make up those carbon stocks in the first place.”

Put together, bogs provide carbon a way to exit the atmosphere for a long time. Stoy said the peat that builds up at the bottom of the bog can eventually be turned into coal or oil products over millions of years. These are ‘long-term’ carbon storage deposits that would only reenter the atmosphere through processes like seismic or volcanic activity.

Knight said it’s not always obvious how much of a risk bog decomposition poses to the climate crisis. Public knowledge of the issues affecting bogs is limited and people are unaware of the important role bogs play in preventing climate change, she said. The more attention given to bogs, the more hope she has that people will be aware and passionate about their survival. Knight leads ‘bog walks’ where she imparts both appeal and importance to curious citizens.

“People just love going, it’s just a blast,” Knight said. “They are just mesmerized by what’s going on there.”

A pine forest on the shore of a lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. November 25, 2023

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD.

‘SPEAK UP, TAKE ACTION’: UW community navigates DEI breakdown

by Ava McNarney Managing Editor

The University of Wisconsin Homecoming Committee came together in Fall 2019 with the hopes of producing a video to get the campus community excited about the upcoming annual event.

But when the video was finally released, some members of this community were left disappointed and confused.

They wondered why they were left out of this representation of campus.

The now-deleted video features students enjoying Ian’s pizza, running on State Street, taking care of plants in a greenhouse and other picture-perfect moments on and around campus.

What the video did not show were the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority that was asked to participate and took hours out of their day to participate. Almost everyone in the promotional video posted online was white.

Facing backlash over the clip, UW issued an apology, saying they “stand with students of color and hear their voices.”

They partnered with the Student Inclusion Coalition, a student advocacy group formed in response to the controversy, to produce an additional video addressing the concerns of those who critiqued the first release and featuring various students of color who discussed their dreams and past work at the university.

damage done by the initial one, UW Asian American studies and English professor Leslie Bow says the implications of this situation reach further than just one controversial video, football game or situation. She says it demonstrates the challenge with the affirmation of certain communities at a university — it can occur at the expense of others.

“People don’t realize the idea that we should all be going to football games and dressing in red and cheering is also a form of inclusivity that doesn’t include a lot of populations at UW,” Bow said.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs, defined by Bow as an institutional recognition that historically marginalized communities have a place within higher education, have been developing since the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The goal is to promote equitable opportunities for all.

But since at least early 2023, these DEI programs have been broadly scrutinized across the country in both the public and private sectors, universities included. From presidential press conferences to social media posts, the rhetoric around DEI has shifted.

And the tide is turning at UW too, despite its decades-long commitment to DEI.

December deal ‘reimagines’

DEI landscape

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents passed a deal in December 2023 agreeing to eliminate various diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in exchange for the release of employee pay raises and funding building.

The deal came after months of negotiation and withholding funding and pay raises and UW was required to reshape one-third of DEI service positions as “student success” roles and cut the Target of Opportunity program, UW’s faculty diversity initiative, according to previous reporting by The Badger Herald.

At a press conference right before the deal was passed, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and UW System President Jay Rothman stressed how the agreement would not cut DEI programs, but reimagining them.

“This absolutely is not getting rid of DEI

inclusivity “remains unchanged,” university spokesperson John Lucas said in an email statement to The Badger Herald.

“UW-Madison’s efforts are focused on supporting the belonging, success, and flourishing of students from diverse identities, backgrounds and beliefs,” Lucas said. “This is essential for strengthening our university and ensuring that all students and employees can thrive.”

Lucas added that the university is committed to maintaining holistic support systems that address the academic, personal

“For some of my students, this might be the very first time where they see themselves as the main character in a story.”

but it is a commitment to reimagine parts of it,” Mnookin said. “I think that we should constantly be looking at what’s working well and what isn’t working well and how we can best serve our students, including our underrepresented students, and help them achieve success.”

Conversations around DEI have swelled in the year since the Regents’ deal. Since his January 2025 inauguration, President Donald Trump has signed six executive orders by the time of this article’s publication aiming to dismantle DEI initiatives, including a sweeping order renouncing decades of the federal government’s DEI and accessibility programs.

But this federal-level change only builds upon long-standing discussions in the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Legislative change surrounding DEI at UW and other public universities nationwide began in the Badger state long before Trump was back in office. In July 2023, the then Republican-controlled Legislature passed the 2023-25 state budget with the approval of Gov. Tony Evers, cutting 188 jobs in the UW System related to DEI.

Other legislation restricting DEI has failed to pass or been vetoed in the State Capitol. This includes a bill introduced October 2023 seeking to change race-based requirements in college grants, loans and student-retention plans to apply to “disadvantaged” students on the basis of financial need instead of “minority” students, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Though high-level changes like these have put pressure on universities to change their approach to DEI, UW’s commitment to

and professional needs of students and staff.

But UW English professor Ramzi Fawaz said DEI programs, while well-intentioned, often fall short of achieving these goals. Even though they attempt to do something good by providing a more inclusive environment for all, they can only do so much, as they are short-term solutions to long-standing inequities in hiring and admissions.

“It functions as a band-aid that makes people across the political spectrum feel better about themselves, that they have now addressed systemic inequality by hiring a few additional minority or marginalized people,” Fawaz said. “The deeper problems of racism and sexism have not actually gone away, and a simple program cannot solve them.”

Ethnic

Studies Requirement stands as success story

While DEI initiatives cannot completely solve systemic issues, in many cases they have served as steps forward toward greater accessibility at UW for people of all backgrounds. Fawaz and UW history professor Cindy I-Fen Cheng championed the establishment of the Ethnic Studies requirement as a victory for the DEI movement. The ESR requires students to take a course on “the culture and contributions of persistently marginalized racial or ethnic groups in the U.S.”

The requirement was first established in 1988 in response to outrage following a racist cardboard cutout caricature of a “native” Black individual placed on the lawn of fraternity Phi Gamma Delta — nicknamed FIJI on campus — as a party was held at the house where guests showed up in blackface. The ESR requirement is currently three credits

and students are encouraged to complete the requirement in their first two years of study.

Cheng was part of a committee responsible for reviewing syllabi for courses qualifying as fulfilling the ethnic studies requirement a decade after it was established. At first, the question was if the requirement should be kept for another 10 years — but it quickly turned to how it could become greater as students and faculty rallied in its support.

Cheng expressed pride in the student-led effort to create the Ethnic Studies Review Committee of 2016-17, which pushed for the expansion of the requirement from three to six credits, according to previous reporting by The Badger Herald. Almost a decade later, the ESR has yet to be expanded and remains a one-course necessity for graduation.

Last semester, when Fawaz taught a course on Arab-American literature and popular culture, he was impressed by the diversity of his student body, consisting of a mix of Arab-identifying and non-Arabidentifying individuals who were equally interested in learning more about Arab culture.

“The ethnic studies requirement works so well because it isn’t saying to people, ‘you have to do this, you have to do that’,” Fawaz said. “It’s saying, ‘We would really like to draw you into the history and life and world of people that you exist alongside in this nation.’”

Cheng echoed Fawaz’s sentiment, saying

she finds joy in her students’ openness to learning about different cultures. When she began offering the first consistent Asian American history courses at UW, her classes quickly grew from 25 students to close to 300 over a few semesters.

Cheng believes her courses can help students from underrepresented backgrounds understand why they are in America in the first place and reflect on the experiences of their ancestors.

“For some of my students, this might be their very first time where they see themselves as the main character in the story,” Cheng said.

Student leaders push for continued progress

The university has made strides in its prioritization of DEI with the maintenance of the ESR and other initiatives, such as cultural identity centers on campus through the Multicultural Student Center’s hubs for Black, Indigenous, Latine and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American students.

But the greater UW System has struggled to represent the beliefs of its students in its recent decision-making, Cheng said.

The Board of Regents’ December 2023 budget deal eliminating various DEI programs may have passed 11-6, but Cheng said this could be a choice unrepresentative of students who were not invited to play any role in the vote.

“I’m not sure if it [the vote] actually captures and represents the actual needs and desires of the student body,” Cheng said. “I think that’s a larger issue, right? Are they [the Board] acting on their own accord, or are they acting as representatives of something?”

The Board consists of 18 members, 16 of whom the Governor appoints, subject to

“This deal tarnishes the student experience across Wisconsin campuses in its entirety, pushing important conversations out of our classrooms, residence halls and student spaces,” the statement read.

ASM Chair and Student Body President Dominic Zappia — who defined DEI from a student’s perspective as making sure every student has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed at this university — said ASM still feels empowered to do meaningful work but has found it harder to hire for positions or perform other essential functions due to nationwide pushback surrounding DEI.

For example, Zappia said he doesn’t know if President Trump is going to continue trying to withhold federal funding until ASM eliminates certain programs or positions. This has a direct impact on students as it makes ASM unable to provide financial support in some areas through grants or student services, or the Student Services Financial Committee as a result of inadequate staffing.

“There’s increased pressure everywhere at the university, and we’re [ASM] not excluded from that,” Zappia said.

While pushback toward DEI at public universities in the U.S. like UW has been felt, it generally comes from those not part of an educational system, Zappia claimed.

“A lot of people who have strong — usually negative — opinions of DEI are not students,” Zappia said.

ASM has a Justice, Equity & Belonging Committee which Zappia said is responsible for providing student support and advocating for students from underrepresented groups.

ASM Diverse Engagement Chair Haia Al Zein is a member of the JEB committee, which is working to institute more genderneutral bathrooms at UW and establishing a

“It functions as a band-aid that makes people across the political spectrum feel better about themselves, that they have now addressed systemic inequality by hiring a few additional minority or marginalized people. The deeper problems of racism and sexism have not actually gone away, and a simple program cannot solve them.”

confirmation by the State Senate. Of these 16 members, 14 serve staggered seven-year terms. Two UW students are appointed for two-year terms, one being a non-traditional student.

Associated Students of Madison, the official student governance body at UW, issued a call to action criticizing the Board deal before it was passed.

our voices aren’t heard as well as others. It’s really important to put yourself in the room. Put yourself in rooms you’re not really directed to, but you have to find yourselves.” Zappia added that the committee is working to ensure students are kept in the loop and involved in decisions about how DEI exists at UW and how that may change.

Steadfast supporters brace for uncertain future

Should the university continue to steer away from DEI, Fawaz suggested it pursue equal support of its humanities and STEM departments to ensure the well-rounded education of all students. He stressed the significance of the empathy, generosity and open-mindedness taught in liberal arts or humanities courses and how these are just as important as the technical competencies taught in the sciences.

“If you want to create a world where there is no need for DEI, then you need to educate young people in a full range of the human experience,” Fawaz said. “They need to learn about everything, from scientific discovery to inequality and oppression to human creativity.”

Fawaz said the concern that certain forms of education matter more than others is another form of internal bias. Showing equitable support to humanities departments on campus could mean increasing funding and hiring more staff in those areas, he added.

The idea that teaching some subjects related to DEI is immoral or less intellectually rigorous than others hasn’t changed since Bow started teaching in the ‘80s, she said. But this modern iteration of the “cultural wars,” she called them, seems more dangerous.

“I’ve seen these things happen before,” Bow said.

Zappia hopes to see students and faculty at UW collaborate to respond to the current political climate surrounding DEI. He would like to see the university consult with shared governance before making any significant changes.

As uncertainty lingers and governmental and private positions and their hiring systems have been terminated across the country, Zappia advised students to remember they can make their voices heard and advised them to find community and take care of each other.

“Speak up,” Zappia said. “Speak up, take action and try.”

center for Middle Eastern and North African students on campus.

“The next task for ASM is to help students understand what DEI means for their classmates and what it means for themselves,” Al Zein said. “I am trying my very best to encourage people to join positions in ASM, people of color as well, to have their voices heard, because sometimes

Editor’s Note: Haia Al Zein is a contributing reporter with The Badger Herald. In the context of the story above, Al Zein spoke only in the capacity of her role with the Associated Students of Madison.

Women’s Basketball: Looking back on Badgers’ 2024-25 season

Williams, Porter step up heading into senior seasons

by Miles Felix Video Associate

The 2024-25 season for the University of Wisconsin-Madison women’s basketball team marked yet another consecutive losing season under coach Marisa Moseley, finishing the regular season 13-15. This fourth season under Moseley adds to a fifteen-year drought since the Badgers have had a record above .500.

The team fared poorly in Big Ten play, with a 4-13 conference record. This was underscored by an eight-game consecutive losing streak against Big Ten programs, spanning from the end of December to the end of January.

Season Results

Despite the end-of-year result, Wisconsin started the 2024-25 campaign hot with a 7-2 record in November. The first two games of the year were tune-up games against lower-caliber competition, with a 72-41 scrimmage routing of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a decisive 95-68 season-opening win versus Wright State University.

Wisconsin’s first major win of the young season came in their third game when they hosted Georgetown University. A secondhalf surge led junior guard Ronnie Porter to a career-high 26 points and a double-double from junior Serah Williams helped push the Badgers past the Hoyas 79-61.

A few weeks later, the team showcased its potential in the 2024 Cancun Challenge, where it defeated both Providence and Omaha. Center Carter McCray, a sophomore transfer from Northern Kentucky, showed promise in this stretch after dropping 19 points versus Providence and VCU in back-to-back weeks.

The Badgers continued their momentum into December with a nail-biting 66-64 victory over Rutgers in the team’s Big Ten opener. Senior guard Tess Myers and Porter came up with some late-game heroics to steal the Badgers’ first Big Ten win of the year.

Myers put the Badgers up by two with a cold-blooded 3-pointer with a minute left. Rutgers then tied the game with under 30 seconds remaining. Porter drove to the basket and got fouled with under one second on the clock, sinking two clutch free throws to secure the win.

From there, the Badgers stacked up hardfought games, beating Butler and the University at Albany before losing nine out of their next 10 games, all against Big Ten foes.

In this stretch of losses, the defeat at the hands of Minnesota stung bitterly. The Golden Gophers came out striking with a 23-4 lead in the first quarter, however, the Badgers rallied behind an inspired second-half comeback.

Williams and Porter stepped up once again to try and claw the Badgers back in the game with 16 and 13 points, respectively. Wisconsin outscored

Minnesota 20-10 in the final quarter, but it was not enough to overcome the hole they were in, and Minnesota came out on top 59-50.

The squad continued to struggle until they played an inspired brand of basketball to break their losing streak against the Michigan Wolverines. The Badgers got hot from behind

from Williams and McCray.

The defeat of the Wolverines was followed by a four-game losing streak to more Big Ten schools. The Badgers suffered losses at home to No. 7 USC and Illinois and were bested by Purdue and No. 22 Michigan State on the road.

Wisconsin was able to tally a victory visiting

UW women’s basketball team faces No. 2 UCLA. February 26, 2025.

the arc, shooting 48% from the 3-point line.

Junior guard Lily Krahn and Myers put up an onslaught of 3-pointers on the Wolverines. Wisconsin drained nine 3-pointers by halftime, heading into the break with a 34-30 lead.

The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair, but the Badgers were able to put the game away comfortably, with an 18-7 run to seal the deal for Wisconsin after paint-scoring

Penn State in a close contest of 75-68. Graduate student Halle Douglass had her best game of the season, scoring 17 points, including a season-high four 3-pointers.

Once again, Williams proved dominant with 23 points, marking her 24th game this season in double figures and her 13th double-double of the season. Porter looked poised again as the team’s main ball handler with 18 points and a

career-high 12 assists.

The end of the season was underlined by a senior night win versus Northwestern. Grad students Myers, Natalie Leuzinger and Douglass were honored as the Badgers beat the Wildcats 73-68.

End-of-season reflection

Time and time again, one of the key bright spots on this Badger squad was power forward Williams. The junior averaged a double-double on the season, leading the team with 19.1 points per game and 10 rebounds per game on 49.1% shooting from the field.

Williams impressed against ranked competition, highlighted by a monster 20-point and 17-rebound performance in a loss to No. 9 Ohio State. She also put on a show in her highest-scoring game of the year, which took place in a double overtime win versus Butler, where Williams went off for 36 points and 14 rebounds.

In addition, Porter continued to make her case as one of the most underrated players in the Big Ten with a strong junior campaign of 8.7 points per game and 5.2 assists per game.

McCray also became a great partner in crime with Williams in the frontcourt, finishing the year with 10.7 points per game and 7.3 rebounds on 56.9% shooting.

The Badgers still have an opportunity to make some noise in postseason play, as they qualified for the Big Ten tournament as the 14-seed and will play against Iowa in the first round on March 5 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

One of the biggest tasks for the Badgers this off-season is replacing the void left by Myers and Leuzinger. Myers was the most reliable perimeter scorer on the team with a lethal catchand-shoot 3-pointer and Leuzinger was a surehanded guard who could distribute the ball well.

While the loss of two key contributors presents a hurdle for the program, the core of Williams, McCray and Porter can be a foundation for a more promising team in the 2025-26 season.

But, teams such as USC, UCLA and Ohio State are not going anywhere in an increasingly deep Big Ten. This leaves added pressure on Moseley’s coaching to elevate the team’s performance and achieve greater success in conference play.

Ultimately, the Badgers’ success next season will depend on their ability and the continued development of the younger core of the roster and perhaps some talented transfer portal players. With this, the Badgers have a chance to be a competitive team and secure a higher seed in the Big Ten tournament next season.

LIZZY LARSON. THE BADGER HERALD.

by Henry Mehring Sports Reporter

The No. 1 ranked University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team (31-12, 25-1-2 WCHA) took one step further in their historic season, defeating the Bemidji State Beavers (6-29-1, 4-24-0) on Friday night. Coming off a victorious series sweep in Bemidji to end the regular season, the Badgers picked up right where they had left off.

Composed of the eight Western Collegiate Hockey Association sides, the postseason tournament starts with four best-of-three series matchups, before the four winners progress to a single elimination “Final Faceoff.” On Friday, all four of the higher-seeded teams (Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minnesota-Duluth) won their opening postseason games.

Extending their unbeaten streak

to 21 against the Beavers, along with maintaining their perfect seasonal home ice record of (15-0-1), the Badgers were pleased with their collective performance as the postseason brings a new level of intensity to LaBahn Arena.

Opening the first period, Wisconsin outshot their competition 16-5 on goal, though the early highlight was junior Vivian Jungels’ sliding stop in transition. This momentum was carried to the closing seconds of period one, as sophomore Kelly Gorbatenko drove home the eventual game-winner at 19:22, assisted by freshman Maggie Scannell and junior Caroline Harvey.

Coming off the recent 6-1 victories over Bemidji State on Feb. 21 and 22, Wisconsin did not seem too threatened. They returned from the locker room blazing, keeping most of the competition at the attacking end of the ice. The second

period wore down the Beavers’ defense and a power play opportunity granted the Badgers a goal to double the lead. With 15:22 left in the second period, sophomore Cassie Hall and senior Sarah Wozniewicz assisted redshirt sophomore Claire Enright for her seventh goal of the season.

Enright grabbed the puck on the right wing and slotted a near-post finish.

Shortly after at 17:55, redshirt senior Lacey Eden added protection with a third and final goal, assisted by a laser of a pass from Harvey and fellow fifth-year, Casey O’Brien.

While the Badgers outshot the Beavers 19-0 on frame in the second period, Bemidji State was not down and out yet. They grasped on throughout the third period, but two power play attempts saw no comeback come to fruition, and the Badgers enjoyed a game one victory.

To recap, the Badgers outshot Bemidji

State 106-26 (45-12 on goal) and dominated faceoffs 33-15. This series is not over, as Wisconsin can only secure a trip to the WCHA semifinals with a victory on either Saturday, March 1, at 3 p.m., or Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m. These games are scheduled for the La Bahn Arena, however game three will only be played if necessary.

Head coach Mark Johnson can comfortably look forward to the WCHA Final Faceoff, coming up on March 7-8 in Duluth, Minnesota. This will be composed of all four winners of the opening bestof-three matchups. Wisconsin will need to win the WCHA conference tournament to secure an automatic bid to the NCAA women’s ice hockey tournament, however, the top six-ranked teams will receive atlarge qualification.

Postpartum Medicaid expansion remains uncertain in Wisconsin

by Geneva Michlig Opinion Writer

An initiative to introduce a proposal for expanding Medicaid for new parents has resurfaced in the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly. The proposal outlines an extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to a year for low-income families, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

This extension is presented as an option by Congress for states to accept federal funds potentially aligning coverage with periods of care recommended by medical professionals. This care includes both mental and physical healthcare which is crucial in the fight against maternal mortality rates. The bill is approved by every state aside from Wisconsin and Arkansas and has been linked to reduced financial stress on low-income parents, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

Though this bill was previously proposed, it has not yet gone to a vote in the State Assembly despite bipartisan support. A version of this bill was also introduced as part of Gov. Tony Evers’ 2021-2023 State Budget Proposal, but negotiations with the Republican Joint Finance Committee changed the coverage period from 12 months to 90 days. This proposal was then blocked by the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services because it would not be accepted for less than the full coverage period.

Some Republican legislators are in support of this bill because it aligns with pro-life ideology in encouraging people to turn away from abortion if they are guaranteed coverage during the first year of a child’s life, according to Wisconsin Watch. The bill was introduced by Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Wis.) who doesn’t see it as partisan, but instead is focused on funding patient care, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

A major opponent of this bill is Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Wis.) who has stated he does not support policies that expand Medicaid in any way. In 2023, he spoke about how he is glad people choose to have children, but it shouldn’t be the responsibility of the taxpayers to fund the child’s delivery, according to Wisconsin Watch. Vos prevented the bill from reaching a hearing in the Assembly last February by refusing to schedule it before adjourning the session.

The most cited argument in opposition revolves around the cost of the expansion. According to a fiscal assessment

completed in the previous session, $8.4 million a year in state taxpayer funds would be used for the bill while federal taxpayers

Representative Donna Rozar (R-Wis.) believe the short-term cost is justified by potential positive outcomes for the

would cover the remaining $21.4 million a year.

Proponents argue this price is not an overextension of assistance but rather an investment in the health of Wisconsin communities. Supporters like former

community. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, in her and many other’s minds, investing in the parents means investing in the children as well as the future of healthy communities. From a human dignity standpoint, spending the money now saves

money down the road. The expansion’s successes in other states prove the benefits and necessity of a longer coverage period.

Research done through the National Library of Medicine on the effects of this expansion in Colorado in comparison to the lack of expansion in Utah between 2013 and 2015 highlights the positive impact of the expansion on new parents. The study found that people in Colorado received improved coverage stability compared to women in Utah over the year postpartum.

This impact was seen and magnified in Colorado regarding those experiencing severe maternal morbidity with rates of nearly 50% more postpartum Medicaidfinanced outpatient visits compared to Utah. This data supports proponents’ claims that increasing care has the greatest impact on those in high-risk situations who were already receiving benefits but were then able to extend coverage to better support their postpartum health. Postpartum mental health would also be a focus of this expansion.

Additional research in Colorado done by Georgetown University studied the impact of this coverage increase, researching whether an individual chose to stay on Medicaid for 12 months compared to those who transitioned to commercial insurance. They found staying enrolled in Medicaid compared to commercial coverage correlated with a 20.5 % increase in the amount of outpatient mental health visits or needing prescription medication for mental health issues during the year postpartum.

Similar findings were found in research done on the expansion of Medicaid in Oregon, which found expanding care linked to a 3.64%-point increase in postpartum depression screening 6 months postpartum, according to Frontiers in Health Services. These research points emphasize the positive impact expanded coverage has on low-income communities. For Wisconsin to stay consistent with the rest of the nation regarding postpartum support, the state legislature should further consider this bill. Despite the increasingly clear evidence and bipartisan support for this legislation, working with Vos to consider a vote on the bill will prove difficult for legislators. These individuals, however, must not be dissuaded by the challenge and must continue to fight for this expansion. Not only for its life-saving impacts but because continued coverage stability and improvement on mental health can greatly better the quality of life across low-income communities.

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD.

Wisconsin State Capitol. January 27, 2024.

U.S. Department of Education’s threat to cut federal funding puts campus diversity efforts at risk

New interpretation of Supreme Court ruling expands reach of anti-affirmative action agenda

by Alexia Becker Opinion Associate Editor

The U.S. Department of Education is threatening to remove federal funding allocations for schools that use raceconscious practices in admissions and other parts of student life, according to a Dear Colleague Letter sent to schools Feb. 14. This potential implementation comes at a time when the Trump administration has already made numerous efforts to minimize diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in various aspects of our country.

The letter gave a new interpretation to a 2023 Supreme Court ruling intending to cut back the use of affirmative action in college admission processes. But, the new interpretation is far more broad than what was initially intended. Instead of applying strictly to admissions, federal law now prohibits the use of race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, administrative support, discipline, housing and all other aspects of student and campus life, according to the department’s acting assistant secretary for civil rights Craig Trainor.

Institutions, from preschool to secondary education, have until Feb. 28 to either comply or begin to lose federal funding.

The Trump Administration is relying on confusion and misinformation to allow for overcompliance. A large number of institutions — unsure of how to proceed and afraid of losing federal funding — will undoubtedly comply with this implementation, one built off of overinterpretation.

This could be disastrous for the University of Wisconsin considering the university’s tumultuous history in fostering diversity on campus.

UW openly considers race as one of many factors in a holistic admissions process, focusing first and foremost on the candidate’s academic strength. Still yet, Black student enrollment has never surpassed 3% in the history of the institution. This year, Hispanic/Latino(a) enrollment dropped from 10% to 8.5% and the percentage of total underrepresented students of color in the freshman class dropped by 3.7% points from last year, now totaling an underwhelming 14.3%, according to UW data. White student enrollment increased 2.4%, now totaling 60.4%.

This is the first enrollment year since the Supreme Court ruling against racebased admissions, and UW’s decline in underrepresented students proves that the Supreme Court decision is already having widespread effects on equity in higher education.

Even before this decision, the Black experience at UW has remained stagnant

for decades — and not stagnantly positive. Despite numerous initiatives and programs dedicated to advocacy

Jennifer

in

and growth, the Black experience here has remained rocky, according to a report from the Ad Hoc Study Group on the Black Community Experience. This study group was brought together by

2023, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. Mnookin encouraged the group to locate and address the root cause of racism on our campus to make sustainable change, according to the report.

Another initiative that was introduced to foster belonging and community among students of color is the Essence Theme Community, a floor in Witte Residence Hall dedicated to the Black diaspora. But, this floor is not necessarily a safe space, with reports of banging on doors and racial slurs, according to WPR.

UW has numerous race-conscious programs, including a myriad of student cultural centers, for students to learn about racial injustice and find a community. At this moment, there is the Black Cultural Center, Latine Cultural Center, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Center and Indigenous Student Center. The university additionally has research initiatives such as the Understanding and Reducing Inequalities Initiative which aims to reduce inequalities and amplify marginalized voices on campus. Furthermore, the Just Recovery for Racial Equity Initiative is a program that offers grants to support racial equity. According to President Donald Trump and his administrative opinions, all of these programs are undeserving of funding. When it comes to financial aid and scholarships based on race, UW has numerous opportunities for underprivileged students of color to find help funding their education. The UW Diverse Perspectives Scholarship is a scholarship that supports BIPOC students and encourages diversity at the university. Scholarships such as the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program and the Falk Diversity Scholarship are specifically engineered to benefit underrepresented students.

All of these campus centers, scholarships, student organizations, focus groups and equity and inclusion activities are currently at risk because of Trump’s commitment to being anti-DEI and his general commitment to white superiority in this country.

UW is a predominantly white university, located in a predominantly white town, with 73% of Madison residents identifying as white, according to the US Census Bureau. It is fascinating that providing opportunities to underprivileged and underrepresented students is seen as unfair to the group of people who already have the upper hand and always have. White students and lawmakers should not be threatened by multicultural student centers, scholarships dedicated to students of color or campus initiatives designed to foster community amongst students of color because everything else on this campus is inherently and automatically dedicated to white students.

Chancellor

Mnookin

reaction to student protests surrounding a racist video posted by a student in the spring of

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD. Bucky statue outside the Red Gym. September 7. 2024.

Gov. Evers’ plan steps toward real prison reform

by Josh Standal Opinion Associate Editor

Gov. Tony Evers announced a massive corrections overhaul that would completely change the structure of Wisconsin’s prison system. His proposed plan carries a price tag of $535 million and aims to convert and close prisons and juvenile facilities across the state, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. The proposal also aims to create new avenues for prisoners to rehabilitate and reenter society as productive and reformed individuals.

Evers has described his plan as a “domino series” of facility changes, where one step of his plan needs to be carried out at a time to create a harmonious execution. The first step would be to convert the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools juvenile facilities into 500-bed medium security facilities, and also to build a new juvenile facility in Dane County. The juvenile facility would then take on the individuals who move out of Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake Schools.

The second phase would be to convert the Stanley Correctional Institution in Chippewa County into a maximum security prison, as well as the Grow Academy in Oregon, Wisconsin.

Thirdly, Evers’ most expensive part of his plan would begin. $245.3 million would be used to completely transform the Waupun Correctional Institution, one that has faced numerous issues including severe staff shortages and inmate deaths, according to WPR.

This facility would be turned into a medium-security “vocational village” which would offer workforce training to inmates. The facility would allow incarcerated individuals to learn trades or receive technical training, aimed to help them find employment once they are out of prison.

Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy has expressed his support for this plan, saying that programs such as the one at the Waupun facility would help to reduce recidivism and could help individuals easily transition into Wisconsin’s labor workforce, according to WPR.

The final step of Evers’ plan is to close the Green Bay Correctional Institution, expand the Sanger B. Powers Correctional Center in Hobart and transform John Burke Correctional Center in Waupun.

The plan also aims to help incarcerated people with nonviolent charges who have fewer than four years left in their sentence earn early release through substance use

treatment or job training programs. It is estimated that this new program would move 2,500 people out of the prison system over the next two years and ultimately

Institute. By helping individuals get treatment and take part in substance use treatment, the Wisconsin prison system can help individuals get the aid they need and

change in the prison system.

Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, have voiced their concerns about Evers’ plan while also expressing their belief they could reach a middle ground. Both individuals are wary since many individuals would be getting out of prison, with Vos labeling them as “dangerous criminals” and Wanggaard as “felons,” according to WPR.

But, both Republicans did express some degree of optimism and are open to the idea of finding a policy compromise that would help revamp the prison system. It comes as no surprise that Evers and the Republican-controlled legislature will clash over plans, but Republicans suggesting that common ground is within reach creates hope for a future compromise.

At the end of the day, while they have varying visions on how to get there, Democrats and Republicans both recognize that the Wisconsin prison system needs to be reformed. But, it seems as though many Republicans are more focused on keeping potentially violent individuals incarcerated while Democrats are focused on rehabilitating and reforming those in prison.

They need to work to find common ground here, likely with the review of each incarcerated individual before they are released from prison. Offering job training and substance treatment programs for incarcerated individuals is a great way to help prepare them to reenter society.

It is important to note that those eligible for early release through job training or substance use programs are nonviolent offenders who have less than four years left in their sentence. Therefore, individuals who may be up for early release have already served prison time, did not commit violent crimes and are making an effort to better themselves so that they can reenter society and avoid recidivism. This program is not made to allow felons or dangerous individuals to reenter society or avoid serving their full sentence — it is tailored to helping incarcerated individuals turn their lives around and contribute to society.

save taxpayers around $40,000 per person a year, according to Evers.

Wisconsin overall has an aboveaverage incarceration rate, according to the Wisconsin Policy Forum. The rate is so high partially because of probation violations, many of which are tied to substance abuse, according to the Badger

lower recidivism levels.

Evers usually has ambitious plans and pieces of legislation, and the Republicancontrolled legislature often serves as a roadblock. In this case, while there are disagreements over Evers’ plan, it appears as if there is at least a chance of achieving common ground and creating tangible

Many have forgotten that the real goal of the American prison system is to rehabilitate individuals and get them the help that they need so that they can reenter society — and Evers’ program is aiming to do just that.

BENNETT WAARA. THE BADGER HERALD.

Gov. Tony Evers speaks at the Madison stop of the Blue Wall Bus Tour. October 15, 2024.

People of UW: ‘That’s All There Is’ co-founder discusses experimental theater, Neo-futurism

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

by Matthew McClintick Social Media & Public Relations Associate

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Carly de la Masa. I’m from Appleton, Wisconsin. That’s where I grew up. I am double majoring, so I’m doing Graphic Design and Communication Arts, and I am a senior.

What is That’s All There Is?

It’s an experimental performance ensemble. We’re a group of nine writers and performers with three production/stage managers and perform in the style of Neo-futurism, meaning we adhere to the principles of truth and brevity. That is shown in our show format, where we perform 30 original plays in an hour. Everything we write and do on stage is real, or I like to say non-fictional, to make it easier to understand. I’m always going to be Carly on stage, if I call my mom on stage, I will literally do it there and then. Isaac, my cocaptain and co-founder, and I like to describe the show as a live newspaper. We heavily incorporate comedy but we also include other diverse content themes through meaningful monologue, choreography, song, etc. We want to reflect our voices with emotions of current or past events. But the show is highly interactive because we break the fourth wall the entire time, so the audience is the most important factor. They determine the order of the show with a little paper menu. We perform the numbers we hear, so it is a different order and a different show each time.

What inspired you to begin an ensemble like this?

Isaac and I were in a Neo-futurist ensemble together in high school, and that was already a unique and fulfilling experience to be able to share our real voices on stage in a weird and crazy way like I had never done before. And coming into college, we joined the spring musical, and we joined a sketch comedy group together, and although we were able to perform, we didn’t feel like we were able to grow creatively. We didn’t think we’re pushing ourselves. I wanted to be able to bring something new to campus as well, but something that fostered a lot of growth and encouraged diverse artists to share their real voices.

How do you determine the themes and topics for each show?

We create our show through a pitch process where each Neo, what we call our writers and performers, will bring seven plays they wrote themselves. Then through a democratic voting process, we eventually find our 30 plays. There is no one theme or topic, it’s encouraged everyone writes about whatever they want. We consider the balance of the show and see how many comedic plays

we have, or serious, or absurd, etc. We try to implement some meaning into our plays. We do at least lean toward comedy, and we sometimes frame serious topics in funny ways

which is crazy, but it wasn’t about the writing, more the sentimental value to me because it was the first time I realized we were truly creating a community through TATI.

people. I want them to find something in the show that resonates and leaves them with a new perspective or a new thought. This past show, we probably left a lot of people feeling existential, but really I just want them to experience something new and exciting, but there’s no expectations for the audience.

What’s the most rewarding part of being involved with TATI?

I’ll go back and say it’s the community. I love the people in the group we’ve had and changing members and adding new members each semester. But I also love everyone who’s been involved as dedicated audience members, and everyone I’ve been able to connect with from this org as well.

Why is comedy an effective way to address serious topics?

I would say comedy is a language that we can all understand in a way. Some of us have different tastes, but I’d say it’s usually pretty palatable if you do it right. But I think it’s just because it’s engaging and exciting, you’re able to get people to stick around and try to hear what you actually have to say.

What are your hopes for the future of TATI?

I hope TATI continues to be an art that creates the unexpected. We have fostered that environment, and it’s exciting, but I hope the people who are in it also continue to grow as artists, find their voice through writing and find a comfortable place for themselves, both on and off stage. I don’t think TATI needs to last forever, but I hope it’s always impactful for all people involved.

How can students get involved?

We are an audition group, so for artists who want to be a part of it, just look out for auditions and it really depends on where we need to fill gaps. We will likely have auditions in the very near future. Look out for our Instagram posts or physical posters around campus. But we’re always open for help with stage and production management, that’s something we are looking for right now. So in that case, you can reach out to us via DM on Instagram or you can email me.

What are your plans following graduation?

on purpose.

What has been your favorite show so far?

This is hard, but I’d say my favorite show has to be the nostalgia show, which was our second show ever. Spring freshman year,

What do you hope your audience takes away from your performances?

First and foremost, I just hope they have fun. But further than that, I hope they can experience a show that understands them as

I feel like I’m with a lot of seniors in saying I do not have anything solid yet for my postgrad plans. I have aspirations and would love to stay in the theatre setting. I love directing, I love performing, and above all else I want to be in the theatre scene. So whatever that looks like for me, I’m honestly just going to play it by ear.

Courtesy of Carly de la Mesa.

ARTS

Bookmark Ink & Ivy Book Boutique for your next visit

Mother-daughter passion translates into Madison’s newest book boutique

by Addalie Viscarra ArtsEtc. Reporter

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique is Madison’s newest bookstore on the west side. It’s a bookstore meant for a fairytale — featuring a windowsill marked by artisanal decor and rays of natural light bathing the many bookshelves and greenery. It’s the perfect space to cozy up and open a book.

Mother and daughter Shannon and Eden Anderson’s combined passions and personal experiences inspired them to fulfill a dream — opening their own bookstore Ink & Ivy Book Boutique. Their business creates a bridge for collaboration, providing a space for community members to come together and share their love for books and artisanal experiences.

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique holds events that create a space for anyone who enjoys art and reading.

“Right now we’re doing art shows and we’re doing author events,” Eden said. “In March we have the Purple Goose in Verona, they’re coming to do a pop-up … it’s really just bringing the community in and like showcasing people in our community.”

Shannon Anderson added how rewarding it was to collaborate with various artists by allowing them to showcase their work within the bookstore for the community to see.

“We had an amazing author come in recently, a poet, and she read for everyone and it was a beautiful touching experience,” Shannon Anderson said. “So we’re really excited to do that and just keep you know fostering growth for the community and we have tons of writers and artists around here.”

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique features fun for younger community members as well. Children are welcome to attend a weekly reading event on Saturday mornings that caters to books they would enjoy, Eden said. She also shared her goal to start a summer reading experience for children revolving around recommended books to read, allowing them to gain points they could use at the bookstore.

The Andersons strived to create an atmosphere where everyone would feel welcome and comfortable. Shannon explained how they offer refreshments to people while they’re browsing, creating a home-like environment.

As for the books, they were also selected in a way for diverse audiences.

“I purposefully curated the collection so that anyone that walked in could hopefully find something that they would enjoy, there’s something for everyone,” Eden Anderson said.

Books aren’t the only highlight of the store. Shannon shared how she wanted to provide durable learning toys for children that could be used generationally. The Ink and Ivy Boutique collaborates with artists nearby who create gifts, many of them being directed toward various occasions. Shannon Anderson explained how they offer floralbook arrangements as well.

The bookstore can also can be a form of support for families facing hardships. Anderson explained how she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and later with thyroid cancer in 2021. She added that she had multiple operations done and is now

recovering well.

Eden also shared how she carries the same gene as her mother, and has an 80% chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer. Eden shared that since she found out so soon, she intends to plan out precautionary measures in the future, further explaining how the store features books related to breast cancer.

Eden Anderson also selected books for children who may be facing familial hardships, as per Shannon Anderson.

“As a child with a mom who had cancer, it’s really cool that she [Eden] was able to see that from that perspective,” Shannon Anderson said.

Eden described how these books are focused on difficult subjects.

“So we actually have a little section, we’ve sold a quite a good amount ... we have a loss and harder topics section in the children’s area for parents to buy for their kids,” Eden Anderson said.

Shannon said it’s an amazing opportunity to be a source of support for families.

“If we can be a resource … you know for that, that’s awesome,” Shannon Anderson said.

This personal experience for them also inspired them to open the bookstore and persevere, as per Shannon Anderson.

The Andersons both have diverse backgrounds. Eden spent some time working as a certified nursing assistant after finishing high school early, before opening Ink & Ivy Book Boutique. Eden always had a passion for books, woorking at a bookstore while in high school. She had the idea to open a bookstore with her mother while she was working in the healthcare industry, to which Shannon agreed. As her mother’s ambition was to have a store that sold gifts, they decided to combine books and gifts together.

Shannon Anderson worked in human resources before opening the store and spent some time out of work due to illness. She also shared how the bookstore provided a time for her and Eden to enjoy their interests and have quality time together.

“And we’re best friends, so working as mother-daughter just made sense,” Eden Anderson said.

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique’s name also has a personal and sentimental meaning behind it.

“Ink represents the books, and then Ivy represents my mom — or her side more … I think of it as growth … it symbolizes creativeness and strength, and also you know we’re mother-daughter so to me it also represents generational growth in our logo,” Eden Anderson said.

Future aspirations for the bookstore include extending its services and continuing to prioritize community. Eden shared how she aspires to make sure customers enjoy their time there, have a steady flow of business and integrate a cafe into the bookstore.

Shannon aspires to continue collaborating with the community.

“I think the world needs more independent shops like this and we have the most amazing independent bookstore community in Madison, and to be a part of it just feels right,” Shannon Anderson said. “You know I hope that … it makes a difference and I hope that we can help more artists, even young artists start to find confidence in their work.”

Mother and daughter duo, Shannon and Eden Anderson, co-founded Ink & Ivy Book Boutique. February 23, 2025.

LIZZY LARSON. THE BADGER HERALD.

Alpine appetite: Ski slope sustenance from the Austrian Alps

by Frederick Boerner-Kleindienst ArtsEtc. Reporter

Whilst Bascom Hill proves to be less of a ski and snowboard destination than University of Wisconsin students might hope, droves flock to the Alps for the ski season.

Being half-Austrian, my family strapped skis on me as soon as I could walk. Year after year, fond memories were made in the snowy mountaintops of Lech, yet I’d be lying if it wasn’t the memories of fantastic food enjoyed in the warmth of a cozy alpine Bauernstüberl (farmer’s hut) that have stayed with me the most.

The Austrian Alps, especially Südtyrol, are home to — in my humble opinion — some of the finest cuisine in the world. Similar to a good style on the piste, these recipes are simple, elegant and require balance to perfect.

Tiroler Gröstl

Tiroler Gröstl is to Austria what corned beef hash is to America. A dish born of scraps that, through sheer deliciousness, has shed its “just leftovers” reputation. Though there are many dishes similar in composition, the caraway and marjoram combined with the speck create a uniquely Austrian flavor.

Ingredients

Potatoes (waxy) – 400g (about 14 oz), boiled, cooled and peeled

Beef (leftover roast or boiled) – 100g (about 3.5 oz), diced

Smoked bacon (speck) – 50g (about 1.8 oz), finely chopped

Onion – 1 medium (about ½ to ¾ cup when diced), finely diced

Garlic – 1 clove (about ½ teaspoon minced), minced

Butter – 1 tablespoon (about 14g or ½ oz)

Oil – 1 tablespoon (about 14g or ½ oz)

Caraway seeds – a pinch (about ¹/₁₆ teaspoon)

Marjoram – a pinch (about ¹/₁₆ teaspoon)

Salt & freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Eggs – 2

Chives – a small bunch (about 2 tablespoons), finely chopped

Prepare the ingredients

Slice the cooled potatoes into uniform rounds. Dice the beef and bacon into bite-sized portions.

Sweat the onions and bacon – develop the base

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the butter, allowing it to foam and develop a subtle nuttiness. Stir in the onions until they soften and become translucent. Add the bacon, letting it render its fat and turn gloriously crisp. The beef follows, caramelizing slightly in the residual heat.

Introduce the potatoes

Shift the meat and onions to one side, adding oil to the open space in the pan. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer where possible — patience is key. Allow them to cook undisturbed for several minutes, forming a golden crust before flipping.

Once crisped, gently fold the potatoes into the meat and onions. Avoid excessive stirring — this is not a hash, but a dish where each ingredient retains its shape.

Season

Scatter the garlic, caraway seeds and marjoram over the pan. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The warmth will awaken the aromatics, binding everything into a cohesive whole.

Optional finishing touch: the egg

In a separate pan, heat a small amount of butter or oil. Fry the eggs over medium heat while continuously basting, ensuring a set, crispy white and a lusciously runny yolk. Season with salt.

Frittatensuppe (Pancake Soup)

Pancake soup might sound strange, but those little strips of crêpes in a simple broth make a perfect après-ski snack. Like a thin puffer jacket, it’s warming yet beautifully light, sparing you the heaviness often associated with cream-based soups.

Ingredients

For the crêpes (Frittaten)

Flour – 75g (about ⅔ cup)

Milk – 125ml (about ½ cup)

Eggs – 2

Salt – a pinch (about ¹/₁₆ teaspoon)

Butter – for frying

For the soup

Beef or vegetable broth – 1 liter (about 4 cups)

Carrot – 1 small, peeled and sliced (about ⅓ cup)

Celery stalk – 1, sliced (about ½ cup)

Onion – 1 small, finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)

Bay leaf – 1

Salt & freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Fresh chives or parsley – finely chopped, for garnish

Making the crêpes

In a bowl, combine flour, milk, eggs and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes (this can also be done in a blender).

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with butter. Pour in a small ladleful of batter, swirling to create a thin, even layer.

Cook until the edges lift and the underside is golden. Flip briefly, then set aside. Repeat until all batter is used.

Once cooled, roll each crêpe and slice into thin strips.

Preparing the broth

In a saucepan, bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add the carrot, celery, onion, and bay leaf.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Remove the bay leaf.

Assembly

Place a handful of crêpe strips in each soup bowl. Ladle the hot broth and vegetables over the strips and garnish with chives or parsley.

Honestly, this next recipe could come from Wisconsin just as easily as from Wels, Austria. It combines hearty bread, robust mountain cheese and aromatic herbs into a single dumpling. Slightly flattened and pan-fried, they develop a crisp exterior while remaining tender inside. Sold?

Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings)

Ingredients

Stale white-bread cubes – 315g (about 5½ cups)

Aged mountain cheese – 155g, grated (about 5.5 oz or 1½ cups)

Onion – 1 medium (about ½ to ¾ cup when chopped), finely chopped

Butter – 105g (about 7½ tablespoons or 3.7 oz)

Milk – 105ml (about 7 tablespoons or 3.5 fl oz), warmed

Eggs – 4 large, beaten

All-purpose flour – 52g (about 6½ tablespoons)

Fresh parsley – 30g (about 1 cup loosely packed), finely chopped

Salt & freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Nutmeg – a pinch (about ¹/₁₆ teaspoon)

Clarified butter (ghee) – as needed

Preparation of the base

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and aromatic.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed onions.

Incorporating dairy and seasonings

Pour the warmed milk over the bread mixture. Add the grated cheese, beaten eggs, flour and chopped parsley. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.

Mix thoroughly until a cohesive, pliable dough forms. Let rest for about 15 minutes for optimal moisture absorption.

Shaping the dumplings

With moistened hands, form the mixture into uniform balls (about 80g each).

Gently flatten each ball to about 2 cm thick.

Frying the dumplings

Heat a generous amount of clarified butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Place the dumplings in the pan without overcrowding. Fry on each side for 3–4 minutes, or until a rich, golden-brown crust forms.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Enjoy these Austrian Alpine classics, perfect for the height of the snow season and guaranteed to bring cozy, rustic flavors to your table.

FREDERICK BOERNER-KLEINDIENST. THE BADGER HERALD.

Women’s History Month: Celebrating prominent women artists of UW

From playwrights to photographers, recognizing artistic legacies of UW’s female trailblazers

by Catalina DeSua ArtsEtc. Reporter

March marks Women’s History Month and a time to honor the contributions made by women far and wide, here and now. The University of Wisconsin’s history is made up of countless accomplished women. Below are a few examples.

Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry was a playwright and activist who attended UW from 1948 to 1950, before leaving for New York and attending the New School for Social Research. During her time at UW, she was the first Black woman to live in Langdon Manor, a house devoted to a group of female artists.

She switched her major from painting to writing and became very involved in both theater and activism. After seeing a play by Sean O’Casey on the lives of Irish people, she was inspired to write about the lives of African American people. During her time in New York, Hansberry wrote for progressive Black and feminist newspapers and eventually began writing plays. Her play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” a story of a Black family facing housing problems and discrimination in Chicago, was the first play written by a Black woman to be performed on Broadway.

Lynsey Addario

Lynsey Addario is an American photojournalist who graduated from UW in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Italian with honors and distinction. She has worked for The New York Times and National Geographic for decades.

Addario’s coverage centered around humanitarian crises and women’s issues around the Middle East.

Addario’s “Of Love and War” is a photography collection focusing on the strength of women in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan and other Middle Eastern countries in times of war.

“It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War” is a memoir detailing Addario’s motivation and the experience behind her work.

Addario is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and has been inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum for her work documenting the strength of women all over the world.

Gloria Jean Watkins

Gloria Jean Watkins, otherwise known by her pen name bell hooks, was an author and activist who received a masters of arts in English literature from UW in 1976. She wrote her first of many books at only 19, titled “Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism.”

Her most notable works include “Feminism is for Everybody,” “Where We Stand” and “All About Love,” all of which focus on elements of love and the intersectionality of race and feminism.

Carrie Coon

Carrie Coon is an acclaimed actress who earned an MFA in Acting from UW in 2006. For much of her life, Coon never pictured herself as an actress — but life took her in that direction nonetheless.

She stumbled upon theater from an

as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and movies like “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”

100 Women Wall of Honor

Anyone eager to learn more about the

happenstance audition in high school and continued with it during her time at the University of Mount Union. Shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree, she was offered a scholarship to UW for a master’s study, despite her limited theater experience.

The first thing UW gave her was open potential, Coon said.

From there, she honed her acting skills and went on to perform in Broadway productions such

accomplished women of UW — artists or not — can visit the 100 Women Wall of Honor. The installation was built in Nancy Nicholas Hall, the home of the School of Human Ecology, in 2018. This installation celebrates the diverse avenues women have taken, spanning all fields and backgrounds.

It began as a philanthropic campaign in 2005, where people could donate money to SoHE to nominate themselves or a woman they know.

The recognition of these women is a beacon of remembrance and inspiration for students and faculty alike, former SoHE Dean Robin Douthitt said in a newsletter announcing the installation’s launch. It features community leaders, entrepreneurs, teachers and artists alike.

The installation is two stories tall and has over 100 disks that branch out from one another, resembling leaves on a tree. This lends itself to a sense of connection between the women and creates a beautiful structure when the sun pours in through the windows of Nancy Nicholas Hall.

SoHE Associate Dean of Advancement and Communications Linda Zwicker told The Badger Herald about the impact the 100 Women Wall of Honor project has had.

“Each one of these women are connected by a passion for helping people live a better life,” Zwicker said. She adds, “Women can honor each other and ourselves.”

Associate Professor in Design Studies Sarah Anne Carter stressed the importance of this installation as offering role models for the past and present. The women tell a story about the university’s history, Carter said.

The recognition of these contributions serves as a foundation for future generations of artists and scholars, creating a legacy that transcends time and circumstance.

“You have to hope that the work you’re doing can make the world better too. They [women] offer a sense of inspiration and I think that’s meaningful for all students, male and female students. It’s meaningful to look to people who are doing meaningful work, regardless of their gender,” Carter said.

Journeys of Women Artists Symposium

Associate professor of dance and Asian American studies Peggy Choy was a panelist in a Journeys of Women Artists Symposium hosted in May 2022 as part of the Real Talk for Real Change Symposia Series. Panelists highlighted the women who have helped them throughout their careers, but also the ways they have helped themselves.

Choy encouraged perseverance in the face of obstacles, advising artists, especially women artists, to persist with their creative work even when confronted with criticism, scrutiny or dismissal.

“It’s important to look around for role models, past and present to see who people are doing that work,” Carter said. “These women did amazing things in times when very few women got PhDs, in times when it was challenging to do that work, but they were motivated by the desire to make the world better, and I think that’s powerful.”

All of these women have done just that — reaching beyond the scope of Madison and UW — to make history and art throughout the world.

The campus celebrity: Is he even enrolled here?

He’s in your class, your gym, your coffee shop, but who is he?

by Jemma Nelson Banter Editor

Every campus has one. The mystery student you see more than your roommates, more than your professors and more than your own reflection in the bathroom mirror when you’re stress-washing your face at 2 a.m. You don’t know his name. You don’t know his major. And yet, somehow, he is always there.

At first, you chalk it up to coincidence. Everyone has overlapping schedules, right? Maybe you just happen to run into him occasionally. You lived in the same dorm freshman year, it would make sense! But, then, it keeps happening. Over, and over, for what feels like forever.

Starting off — Monday morning, you’re

half-asleep on the bus, he’s sitting across from you, scrolling on his phone.

Monday afternoon, you’re leaving the lecture, he’s walking in.

Tuesday night, you’re at College Library pretending to study, he’s pacing the floor like he’s on some serious mission.

Wednesday? You didn’t leave home, yet somehow, you saw him outside your window.

At this point, you’re not just noticing him, you’re tracking him. Your friends, all part of this shared mystery, start alerting each other whenever they see him.

“Saw him at the Memorial Union again ... He’s in the coffee shop.”

It becomes a game of spotting the campus celebrity, except no one knows what the prize is, except maybe the ability to finally figure out what exactly is going on here.

You start to notice patterns. You’ve seen him in every possible context — sprinting down State Street, standing mysteriously outside Starbucks, in the exact same aisle as you at Walgreens (twice!). One time, you spotted him at a party on a Saturday night, drink in hand, deep in conversation with someone you swear you’ve never seen before. Then, the next morning, he was somehow at the gym at 7 a.m., completely fine. No signs of exhaustion, no hint of regret. Did he even

go to sleep?

You think, okay, maybe it’s just a coincidence that he’s always in your orbit. So, you do what anyone would do in this situation, you stalk his Linkedln and any social media account you can find. It’s a desperate attempt to make sense of your overwhelming curiosity.

Boom. There he is. Engineering major. That’s weird, because why is he always on southeast campus? Shouldn’t he be locked in some lab deep in Engineering Hall, taking exam after exam? And yet, you’ve never seen him step foot past University Ave. He’s always in the places you never expect — by Library Mall, in the library, casually walking through the Memorial Union. He’s everywhere, and yet, not a single person knows him well enough to tell you where he’s actually from.

The rabbit hole only goes deeper. You’re at dinner with a friend, casually bringing up your ongoing existential crisis about this guy, when they pause.

“Wait … I think that’s my cousin’s home friend.”

Now, you’re absolutely floored. You’re in too deep. What does this even mean? The fact that your friend knows this guy but can’t provide more than a vague, “he’s always been around” explanation only raises more questions. You’ve been living in a world where this dude exists, but no one seems to actually know him. The more you hear, the less you understand.

And that’s when you realize — he could be anyone. Maybe he’s some kind of social experiment. Maybe he’s a graduate student who’s somehow managed to become the unofficial face of the campus. Or maybe he’s just a guy who enjoys creeping around the places you hang out in, completely unaware of the ripple effect he’s caused on your psyche. Or, does he think you’re the one who’s following him, and you’re his campus character.

But here’s the thing — no matter where you go, you’ll keep seeing him. You’ll see him at the gym, on the bus, in the back of lecture halls, and, yes, standing by the window at that coffee shop you swear you’ve never seen anyone else sit at. You may never fully understand why he’s here, what he’s doing, or how he’s infiltrated your life without ever actually interacting with you. But one thing is certain — you will never stop seeing him.

JEMMA NELSON. THE BADGER HERALD.