'Lifelong Support' - Volume 51, Issue 16

STUDENT MEDIA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

LIFELONG

SUPPORT As autism diagnoses rise so does the need for research and programs focused on adults. pg. 12

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 · VOL 51 Issue 16 · BADGERHERALD.COM

Find us online at

152 W. Johnson Suite 202 Madison WI, 53703 Telephone Fax

http://badgerherald.com

Follow us on Twitter

608.257.4712 608.257.6899

@badgerherald

Follow us on Instagram @badgerherald

6,000 copies Published since Sept. 10, 1969

Like us on Facebook

http://facebook.com/badgerherald

Herald Business

Herald Editorial Editor-in-Chief Managing Editors Print News Editor Digital News Editors Print Features Editor Digital Features Editor Campus Editors City Editors State Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editors Sports Associates ArtsEtc. Editors Copy Chiefs Copy Associates Photo Editor Layout Director Video Director

4

14

Abby Doeden Gretchen Gerlach Abigail Steinberg Courtney Erdman Lauren Henning Molly DeVore Mary Magnuson Nuha Dolby Anna Walters Savannah Kind Caroline Li Nicole Herzog Erin Gretzinger Janani Sundar Samiha Bhushan Harry Quick Harrison Freuck John Spengler Ben Moody Will Whitmore Veronica Kuffel Zach Lutz Max Mindorff Philomena Lindquist Sam Huss Eliza Lindley Ahmad Hamid Caitlin Geurts Tao Zhou

Publisher

Chancellor Blank notes in a blog post that 147 new faculty members joined UW for 2019-2020 academic year.

Madison Circus Space offers acro yoga, a mix of acrobatics and yoga, every Saturday morning.

11

Herald Public Relations Public Relations Director Marketing Director Social Media Coordinator

Angela Peterson Jill Kazlow Tony Spence

Herald Advertising Advertising Director

Patrick Williams

Board of Directors Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair Members

Peyton David Abby Doeden Patrick Williams Angela Peterson Molly Liebergall Emilie Cochran Mary Magnuson Nuha Dolby Abby Steinberg Gretchen Gerlach Lucas Johnson Tony Spence

10

ARTSETC

12

FEATURE

OPINION

18

SPORTS

22

SUPERLATIVES

2 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

TRY ACRO YOGA SATURDAYS

Shayde Erbrecht

NEWS

23

UW HIRES MORE NEW FACULTY 8

SHOUTOUTS

SPRING 2020 STORIES TO WATCH The Badger Herald Editorial Board outlines this semester’s biggest stories.

UW ATHLETICS: LOOKING AHEAD TO MADISON’S SPRING SPORTS Following rampant success of fall sports at UW, spring schedule has slew of promising teams that have chance at national success.

PHOTO

facebook.com/badgerherald

LAUREN HENNING

AHMAD HAMID

“I enjoyed the sunshine state for ten days over break, which included adventures at sea world and kayaking with manatees!”

“I was up north in Tromso, Norway but Madison is still colder.”

WINTER BREAK: HERALD EDITION GRETCHEN GERLACH

“Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe was so fun, but the chair lift is still my worst enemy!”

GRETCHEN GERLACH

“I took a ferry to San Francisco and enjoyed a nice view of the Bay Bridge on the way there.”

ANGELA PETERSON

“I went to the Rose Bowl and had fun in Pasadena over New Years!”

January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 3

NEWS

@badgerherald

Madison Metro’s Bus Garage Launches 119 kilowatt system

Project was installed by GreenPower, a program housed within Engineering Division, said City of Madison Engineering Division PIO

by Nicole Herzog City News Editor

After Madison Mayor Satya RhodesConway announced the city’s largest solar energy project to date at a press conference last year, she “flipped the switch” at Madison Metro’s Bus Garage to launch the 119 kilowatt system.

The project was installed by GreenPower, a program housed within the city’s Engineering Division where people with little to no electrical experience obtain basic electrical theory and safety training, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky said.

The recently installed system will produce 139,000 kilowatt hours over the course of the year, Moheltnitzky said during the press conference. She noted that it is the thirteenth solar installation designed and installed by Engineering’s GreenPower program, which brings the city’s total to 743 kilowatt hours.

“All of our projects are designed to offset the electricity used in our public buildings,” Mohelnitzky said. “The solar panels, or array, are installed to absorb energy from the sun which is converted to usable building power.”

According to Mohelnitzky, the first install on the Madison Metro Bus Barn will produce 6% of the total electricity used, and the next phase will triple that output. The system is designed to reduce electrical demand during the day when air conditioning use is highest, she said.

According to Mohelnitzky, renewable energy is a more cost-effective approach to operate electrical systems because it requires little maintenance once installed. Though the project was partially funded by the City of Madison, the cost was also aided by a Wisconsin program entitled Focus on Energy.

Focus on Energy assists partners with various renewable energy projects and provides financial incentives to customers when their projects meet the specific Focus

Photo - Presently, there are 334 solar panels installed on the roof of the Metro Bus Garage.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Marufish

4 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

on Energy criteria, Focus on Energy Advisor Joel Roltgen said. At the press conference where the project was launched, Roltgen presented the check which provided the financial incentive to the mayor.

“In this case, we simply provided the financial incentive — more than $33,000 — to lower the cost of the project and help get it off the ground,” Roltgen said.

Presently, there are 334 solar panels installed on the roof of the Metro Bus Garage with one inverter. This system is expected to offset 98 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, and the project has generated 4.45 million watt hours since Dec. 13, 2019, Mohelnitzky said.

Aside from the cost efficiency of renewable energy, it also creates local jobs, Mohelnitzky said. In addition, solar energy panels provide a clean method of generating electricity without producing exhaust of waste.

“It’s critical as part of the city’s transitioning to clean energy sources,”

Mohelnitzky said. “Installing solar panels on our own facilities will help us meet our 100% renewable energy and zero net carbon goal by 2030.”

According to Mohelnitzky, the city hopes to cut its carbon emissions by 55% with at least 25% of municipal operations’ electricity sourced by self-generated renewable energy by 2030.

Though the Metro solar energy project is the largest in Madison history, it’s not the first in the city’s effort to move toward renewable energy. The city’s Engineering Division has produced at least seven other projects, from solar hot water on fire installations to solar electric parking, according to the City of Madison’s website.

On a national scale, transportation accounts for about a third of carbon emissions, City of Madison Director of Transportation Tomas Lynch said in the press conference. In the U.S., solar power offsets over 70 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, according to Solstice, an organization that promotes solar energy throughout the U.S. “Transit emits about half the carbon emissions as a motor vehicle does, so Metro Transit is already helping to cut carbon emissions just through transporting people from jobs, to home and to services,” Lynch said at the conference.

Additionally, Rhodes-Conway expressed the environmental as well as fiscal importance of solar energy during the press conference. In that same vein, the mayor emphasized her desire for Madison to continue being a leader for solar energy throughout the country.

With the start of the new year, Madison will continue to utilize renewable energy in a move toward conservation, Mohelnitzky said. The city’s 2020 goal is one megawatt of solar installed on city facilities.

To accomplish this, GreenPower will install a 28 kilowatt system at the Madison Municipal Building and then install an additional 240 kilowatt system, Mohelnitzky said.

The city is also in the process of switching its fluorescent lights to dimmable lightemitting diode (LED) lights in several city buildings. According to Mohelnitzky, this change will save the city about one-half the cost of electricity.

“We’re [Metro Transit] proud to be part of this where we can further offset carbon emissions by actually capturing energy and using that instead of carbon fuels,” Lynch said at the conference.

NEWS

facebook.com/badgerherald

Dane County DA’s Office implements hate crime policy in new plan

New policy includes ‘enhancer,’ or additional penalty for hate crimes, is included in Dane County DA’s Equity and Inclusion Plan

by Kelly Boyd Reporter

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office recently implemented a new hate crime policy that looks to increase punishments for perpetrators for those crimes.

The new policy is included in the Dane County DA’s Equity and Inclusion Plan, which highlights that going forward an additional penalty, or “enhancer,” to the perpetrator’s punishment will be included if the crime is found to be motivated by hate.

In addition to this formalized enhancer, the policy also includes the creation of an action team of staff and law enforcement. This Hate Crimes Action Team will work to handle hate crime cases through mandatory implicit bias training.

According to the Hate Crimes Initiative within the Equity and Inclusion Plan, the action team will “assemble staff from every unit of the office and several law enforcement agencies.”

In order to approve a hate crime enhancer, either District Attorney Ismael Ozanne or a deputy district attorney must approve the action. Retracting an enhancer also requires approval.

“Whether these instances be hate speech or other instances, our action team of attorneys, advocates, law enforcement — we are looking at how to better identify these cases,” Ozanne said.

According to Ozanne, increases in hate taking various forms called attention to the need for the policy. As the DA’s Office looked at hatedriven behaviors, crimes of this nature became more apparent and made clear a need to change the way they are handled in a court of law, he said.

In addition to the change in hate crime policy and creation of a team, Ozanne said the Dane County DA’s Office has begun collaborating with other community groups, such as We Are Many – United Against Hate.

“I think by bringing this policy to the forefront, it shows that we are not going to tolerate hate in our community — this is a place for everyone, not just a place for those with privilege,” Ozanne said.

We are Many – United Against Hate is a non-partisan, non-profit organization started

by Muslim-American businessman Masood Akhtar. The organization’s mission is to promote equal protection for all and to fight against hate and bigotry.

The non-profit’s website notes that their goals are twofold. Their work includes outreach and intervention “to promote understanding, healing, reconciliation and redemption.” The group also advocates for policies which provide greater economic security and promote religious

tolerance.

In addition to the Dane County’s DA’s Office and community activist groups, The University of Wisconsin-Madison is also working to combat crimes and bias fueled by hate to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

UW Director of University Communications Meredith McGlone said that statistically, the number of hate crimes occurring at the university level is relatively low, stating that in spring 2019, there were none. McGlone said this is because the majority of hate related incidents are microaggressions.

“The university bias response process takes in a wide range of complaints and concerns, some of which involve potentially criminal behavior and

many that do not,” McGlone said.

McGlone added that whether the targeted individual is looking for a response from the university or not, support meetings are commonly offered for students as a space to share the impact that the incident had on them and to provide guidance for the future.

UW Dean of Students Christina Olstad said in order to increase the education and awareness of all UW students, the program Our Wisconsin was recently revamped, and builds awareness of diverse experiences and backgrounds.

The Office of the Dean of Students also elevated the role of Bias Response Coordinator to an Assistant Director position, filled by Jenna HeeJung Friedman.

“We looked to elevate this position to make sure that we were appropriately supporting students and also engaging with faculty and staff across campus,” Olstad said.

In addition to new positions and programs like Our Wisconsin, UW offers many courses devoted to social justice and inclusion which examine the impact of hate and bias, according to Olstad.

Through the use of data examination, creation of inclusive programs and increased awareness and training for students and faculty, UW works to create a safe and welcoming space for all students on campus, Olstad said.

“We are constantly exploring ways to engage diversity, equity and inclusion,” Olstad said.

Photo - District Attorney Ismael Ozanne or a deputy district attorney must approve hate crime enhancers.

Marissa Haegele The Badger Herald January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 5

NEWS

@badgerherald

Marijuana legalization in nearby states could impact Wisconsin Marijuana remains illegal in Wisconsin but legalization in nearby states could create potential for unlawful interstate transport

by Aashna Sheth Reporter

With Illinois’ recent legalization of recreational marijuana on Jan. 1 and the Chicago Tribune reporting nearly $3.2 million in sales the first day, Wisconsin could face challenges at the borders and on the roads.

This could open the possibility for illegal transportation of marijuana across the border, as according to the Marijuana Policy Project, it remains illegal in Wisconsin on both recreational and medical fronts.

Lieutenant Anne Maxson from the Wisconsin State Patrol Waukesha Post, said the State Patrol has no plans to initiate border checks for drivers coming into Wisconsin. But, Maxson emphasized the drug is still illegal in Wisconsin and driving while high is considered driving while intoxicated.

“We’re going to be doing our same jobs as always,” Maxson said.

These recent legalizations could also lead to interstate tensions, especially when states who have legalized marijuana and states that have not share a border, Minority Caucus Vice Chair Senator Janis Ringhand, D-Evansville

said. Michigan also joined the growing market, when sales began Dec. 1, 2019, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

According to Ringhand, there is potential for people to bring marijuana illegally into Wisconsin through these shared borders. She affirmed that as marijuana is still illegal in Wisconsin, those who bring it across the border will likely be charged with illegal possession. “[Interstate tensions] are possible — it’s a little too soon to say,” Ringhand said.

Cannabis legalization in other midwestern states could potentially have adverse influences on Wisconsin’s economy, too. According to an article by Patch, some Wisconsin business owners have already suggested they’re moving their businesses across state lines in order to take advantage of the legal marijuana market.

As those looking to purchase marijuana legally will have to look outside of Wisconsin, local residents may also cross state lines, taking their money with them to other states.

Representative Melissa Sargent, D-Madison said in a statement to Milwaukee Public Media that legalization could be detrimental to Wisconsin.

“Many of the Midwestern states surrounding

us are either medicinal or full legalizationIllinois, Michigan and Minnesota. The industry is setting up in those communities and it’s going to have a negative impact on the state of Wisconsin,” Sargent said.

But, people crossing the border to legally purchase marijuana is not as predictable of a problem as may be suggested. A study in Colorado found that nonresidents only used about 9% of Colorado’s 208.6 metric tons of marijuana consumed in 2017. But, according to The Associated Press, Michigan marijuana retailers have already reported many of their customers being from Ohio and Indiana, where recreational marijuana is still illegal.

According to The Associated Press, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker recently pardoned more than 11,000 people convicted of low-level marijuana crimes in what he called “the first wave” of similar pardons. Illinois officials predict that there are about 116,000 convictions that are qualified to be pardoned under this new law.

Ringhand said she thought that it was a good move on Pritzker’s part, as it would expunge thousands of convictions from people’s records, potentially allowing them better access to jobs and higher education.

“I’m amazed at how many people there were that were affected by that,” Ringhand said.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers supported the legalization of medical marijuana while running for office, and according to his website, believes full legalization should depend on Wisconsin residents.

According to a survey conducted by Marquette University Law School in 2019, 59% of voters say recreational marijuana should be legal, while 36% oppose it. Furthermore, 83% believe that medical marijuana should be legal, while only 12% oppose it.

Despite surrounding states legalizing marijuana in some form, as well as public support, legalization in Wisconsin may be an uphill battle for Governor Evers, as the Republican party controls the state legislature.

Republican lawmakers have historically been against marijuana legalization, with Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau having also previously voiced disapproval, according to reporting by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“I don’t support this plan and I think that it’s going to be a tough sell to a majority of my caucus,” Fitzgerald told the Journal Sentinel.

NEWS

facebook.com/badgerherald

MPD receives funding for furthered efforts to fight opioid crisis

‘We cannot arrest and jail our way out of this problem,’ Madison Police Department Officer, MARI coordinator Bernie Albright said

by Veronica Kuffel ArtsEtc. Editor

The Madison Police Department, in partnership with other local institutions, received a Comprehensive Opioid Abuse SiteBased Program grant from the Madison City Council to create a “Pathways to Recovery Madison & Dane County” initiative.

In conjunction with MPD, the $1,200,000 COAP grant was awarded to Public Health Madison Dane County, Dane County Department of Human Services, Madison Fire Department and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute to reduce opioid abuse and fatalities.

Since 2017, MPD has had its own initiative, the Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative, or MARI. The program refers those who overdose or commit victimless offenses to “behavior drug treatment” as an alternative to jail.

According to the MARI webpage, MARI treatment is medication-assisted — regardless of personal insurance — and participants are additionally offered professional help for addiction. Furthermore, if a person sticks with the MARI program for six months, no charges will be filed for the incident.

In the first 12 months of the program, 13 participants completed six months in the program, while 20 more were actively pursuing completion, the MARI webpage states.

Bernie Albright, the current MARI coordinator, said MPD cannot arrest or jail its way out of opioid abuse.

“What we want to do is divert opioidaddicted people from the criminal justice system and towards treatment,” Albright said. “People now understand that we’re here to help them with their addiction, not to prosecute them.”

The grant states it will provide for the employment of three officers — an MPD addiction resource officer, an MFD community paramedic and a certified peer specialist — to create a new Addiction Resource Team. The team will facilitate the distribution of naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose, among other outreach efforts.

Law enforcement agencies will also be able to request active outreach and prevention visits by the Addiction Resource Team for people within their community known to be struggling with a substance use disorder, according to the grant.

The grant states it will also create Safe Stations at fire departments and other service facilities, which will provide addicted individuals with a safe space to seek help.

In Dane County, the Pathways to Recovery

initiative hopes to reduce opioid fatalities by 25%, as well as reduce opioid-involved EMS calls and hospital encounters by 25%.

The grant states that in 2018, Dane County experienced 85 opioid-involved deaths, 478 opioid-related hospital visits and 501 ambulance runs for suspected opioid overdoses.

Prescription painkillers, while approved for medical purposes, has resulted in overdoses, with Wisconsin notably having overdose rates 2.3% higher than the national average, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to Healthy Wisconsin, more than 80% of Wisconsin counties have seen opioid-related deaths.

“It’s one of the leading killers in Wisconsin now,” Albright said.

Jessica Seidel, a Certified Addiction Nurse, helps patients in a hospital’s dual-diagnosis outpatient clinic. Seidel monitors patients for withdrawal symptoms and connects them to resources and treatment.

Seidel said there are still efforts that need to be made to help those struggling with addiction.

“There is continuous work to be done in order to help individuals that struggle with opioid disorders,” Seidel said. “Our organization works hard to connect patients that want help or are willing to engage in treatment.”

When assessing the problem, researchers found that more opioid prescriptions are made in rural areas of the United States, according to The Cap Times. The article suggests that this is, in part, due to populations in rural communities being older, and those residents are more likely to suffer from age-related conditions like chronic pain and arthritis.

Rural areas also have more physical labor jobs than their urban counterparts, leading to more injuries in the work environment.

Albright agreed, but noted recreational drug use is still a factor.

“There are people that start through recreational drug use, but what you see with opioid addiction is many people became addicted due to pain or an injury,” Albright said.

According to Healthy Wisconsin, more than 200,000 people as young as 12 are using opioids illegally – a number that “rivals the population of our capital city, Madison, Wisconsin.” Healthy Wisconsin also states that the potential for suicide is six times higher for those addicted to opioids.

Albright said he has some hope, though.

“The good news is it seems like the community as a whole has recognized the seriousness of this problem,” Albright said.

Photo - More than 80% of Wisconsin counties have seen opioid-associated deaths.

Courtesy of Flickr User Pavement Pieces

NEWS

@badgerherald

UW hires more new faculty for academic year than in past 15 years In September blog post, Blank wrote that 147 new faculty members joined university at beginning of this academic year

by Savannah Kind Campus News Editor

The University of Wisconsin-Madison hired more new faculty this year than it has in the last 15 years, and has seen a decrease in the number of faculty leaving for other universities, according to a blog post by UW Chancellor Rebecca Blank.

In her September blog post, Blank wrote that 147 new faculty members joined the university at the beginning of this academic year. She also wrote that during the 2018-19 school year there were 46 retention cases, a situation when competing universities offer to hire a faculty member for a higher salary and UW must make a counter offer to retain that faculty member.

The number of retention cases is down from previous years. According to Blank’s blog there were 64 in the 2017-18 school year. Vice Provost of Faculty and Staff Michael Bernard-Donals said in an email to the Badger Herald that the university has invested $51.6 million in counter offers since 2015.

“Our success in retaining our faculty shows that people stay, even in the face of higher salary offers, because this is an exemplary place to do world-changing research,” Bernard-Donals said in his email.

Additionally, Bernard-Donals said UW has invested more than $70 million in merit-based raises and one-time bonuses. The effort put into increasing salaries and counter offers has led to UW moving from 12th place, out of 12 for average faculty salaries, to 11th among American Association of Universities peer institutions, Bernard-Donals said.

University Committee Chair Terry Warfield said staff are drawn to the university for reasons beyond salary.

“Faculty are motivated by how they see the opportunities here matching up with their goals as a scholar,” Warfield said. “One of the unique things about Madison is that it’s not only a great research platform, but research [done here] fits into a broader mission around teaching and outreach, or what we call the Wisconsin Idea.”

Warfield said when faculty choose to leave, they are leaving behind an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than their own research. Without these opportunities, Warfield said he believes that many more faculty would have left the university in past years.

Academic Staff Assembly Chair Tim Dalby wrote in an email to the Badger Herald that he is proud of the university’s 8 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

ability to retain and hire talented staff.

“To be a world-class institution, we need to attract and retain world-class faculty,” Dalby said in his email. “We also need world-class staff because our University is made up of so much more than faculty.

While Madison has many attractions, pay and conditions are a major component of any employment.”

Past difficulties in hiring were due to more than UW having lower average salaries than peer universities, Warfield said. Budget cuts and changes in tenure policy made prospective faculty members hesitant to work at UW in the past.

“UW Madison was put into a negative light by severe budget cuts and changes in tenure, and those were negative signals to the market,” Warfield said.

According to Warfield, two budget cycles ago the university had a billion dollar budget cut from the state, but in the most

recent budget the university received a small increase in funds.

The changes in tenure policy occurred during the 2015-16 school year. Warfield said the policy change meant tenure guidelines were no longer in the state statute, but instead tenure was defined in Regent policies.

During the 2015-16 school year, 144 faculty members received job offers from other universities, according to Blank’s blog post. “[The tenure policy] is still just as strong and just as valuable,” Warfield said. “It took several years for the word to get out and for people to understand that.”

UW is happy to be on the positive side of retention and hiring trends now, Warfield said.

Another unique facet of the university which attracts perspective faculty members is shared governance, and many universities

Photo - UW has invested more than $70 million in merit-based raises and one-time bonuses.

Riley Steinbrenner The Badger Herald

do not have a system that gives power to faculty, students and staff, Warfield said.

“UW Madison is the gold standard when it comes to good governance within the university,” Warfield said. “[There are] faculty who are other places who don’t have a voice in decision making [and] they want to be here. They want to come here. That’s why we’ve been successful.”

Dalby said he hopes state legislators negotiate budgets with the university in the future that are fitting of all the benefits staff and faculty provide to the state.

In order for the university to move up from 11th place in salary among AAU peers, Warfield said UW needs the state to continue to invest in the university.

“Talented, dedicated faculty and staff are any university’s most valuable assets,” Blank wrote in her blog. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in our efforts to attract and maintain the very best.”

facebook.com/badgerherald

NEWS

Affordable housing issues top city agenda in federal funding plan

In order to receive federal funding from US Department of Housing and Urban Development, City of Madison must develop five year Consolidated Plan

by Erin Gretzinger City News Editor

Community surveys and reports conducted by the City of Madison placed affordable housing issues at the top of the city’s agenda in their five year federal funding plan for 2020-2024.

In order to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Madison must develop a five year Consolidated Plan outlining the city’s goals and objectives for which the funds would be utilized.

The development of the plan is headed by the city’s Community Development Division of the Committee Development Block Grant Committee.

Linette Rhodes, a grant supervisor for the CDBG Committee, said the plan provides an in-depth analysis of the community’s needs.

Rhodes said the research and community input received throughout 2019 reflected a “housing crisis,” leading to two of the six main goals of the Consolidated Plan to be centered on addressing affordable housing issues.

“Dane County is one of the fastest growing counties in the whole entire state,” Rhodes said.

“After the 2008 recession, we stopped producing housing, but we kept growing as a community. So our vacancy rates kind of plummeted, and rents started to increase.”

Affordable housing is calculated by gauging

how much of a household’s adjusted income is put towards housing related costs. A household that puts 30% or less of its income towards costs relating to housing is considered affordable, according to the City of Madison. A household is considered cost burdened if over 30% of their adjusted income is spent on housing.

Pinpointed in the Consolidated Plan was the housing cost burden in Dane County, with the issue ranking as the most common housing problem. About one half of all renter households in Madison are housing cost burdened, the drafted plan stated. Additionally, about 22% of homeowners in Madison are housing cost burdened.

“The City of Madison’s housing needs are overwhelmingly driven by a mismatch between income and housing cost, resulting in high levels of housing cost burden,” the Consolidated Plan draft stated.

Rhodes said the main focus in the Consolidated Plan is to develop better strategies to preserve and build affordable housing in the area, especially for low to moderate income households. Some of the main strategies include increasing housing stock to vary types of housing, updating zoning ordinances to allow for different variations of housing units and continuing to fund various housing projects throughout the city.

District 4 Alder Mike Verveer said affordable

housing has been his “biggest frustration” in over two decades of serving on the City Council.

Many of Verveer’s frustrations with the issue, he said, stem from the fact that affordable housing involves many complex levels of government and planning, making it a constant challenge in City Hall.

“There is no one solution and none of the solutions are easy,” Verveer said. “It really takes a very comprehensive strategy, as laid out in most recent report.”

Besides the fact that affordable housing initiatives take time to develop, Rhodes said their complexity is rooted in the multifaceted nature of housing issues. She added that the research compiled for the Consolidated Plan captures how housing issues are intertwined with a host of other issues such as minimum wage, racial disparities, education and restrictive state laws.

Rhodes said sustaining affordable housing is tied heavily to economic mobility, and is especially important in recognizing and addressing the prominent racial disparities in Madison’s housing crisis.

“Housing isn’t the only answer,” Rhodes explained. “It’s really about building that community. So, we can build the housing, and that is great, but thinking of what other services are needed to ensure that once you access that housing, other things are going to be going well

for that family.”

The CDD’s Analysis of Impediments to Housing Choice, adopted in October 2019 and a key report in the Consolidated Plan draft, highlighted the disparity gaps in the city’s housing crisis. Rhodes said the analysis of different census data showed that while a typical white household could afford to live virtually anywhere in Madison, black households were much more restricted in where they could afford to live based on their income disparities.

According to the CDD analysis, the average affordable rent for a typical white household in 2016 was $1,497 while for a typical black household in 2016 it was $738. The report stated that the typical black household could only afford typical rent in two areas, one in North Madison and one in South Madison.

Rhodes said the gap is growing, with the affordability of rent dropping even lower for black households since the official Analysis of Impediments report was adopted. Rhodes said to close this gap, the whole community must advocate for housing as a “human right.”

Rhodes said diversity in the style of housing units as well as the community have to be welcomed to truly combat the issue.

“The city can push initiatives and we can educate,” Rhodes said. “But what it really comes down to is that the neighborhood has to embrace [affordable] housing because when they’re embracing that, they’re also embracing the future tenants that are going to live there.”

Through the development of the Consolidated Plan, Rhodes said one of the biggest takeaways was that the City must break through conventional government structure and bridge the gap between departments in order to combat affordable housing issues head on.

Rhodes said the plan managed to bring multiple city divisions together to create a housing team, including the Economic Development Division, the Public Health Division and the Department of Civil Rights, among others.

Verveer said similar revelations have been important in City Council as well to tackling affordable housing issues in the future. He said the collaboration and cooperation between different levels of government, as well as community organizations and nonprofits, has grown exponentially over the years.

“I do think that there’s a strong consensus in City Hall to devote more and more resources to the problem and explore strategies ... to try to tackle this issue,” Verveer said.

Photo - Community surveys and reports conducted by the City of Madison placed affordable housing issues at the top of the city’s agenda Ahmad Hamid The Badger Herald January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 9

ARTSETC

@badgerherald

Looking ahead to Madison’s biggest music acts through spring break Madison welcomes host of brilliant artists this semester through the Overture Center, The Sylvee, The Majestic Theatre, Alliant Energy Center

by Zach Lutz ArtsEtc Editor

No, Madison is not one of the biggest or most notable cities in the US per se, and because of its modest Midwestern position, it would not seem like a major attraction for big musical acts. Time and time again, however, the city has proven capable of pulling artists who are stars in the making, underrated or under the radar artists as well as their fair share of established stars in the industry.

Musical artists know Madison is essential to their tours because the city is chock full of fun and excited University of Wisconsin students who will show out at the various comfy venues the city has to offer to create a unique atmosphere.

Fortunately, artists continue to recognize Madison’s appeal as there is something for every student in the time leading up to spring break in the middle of March.

Students won’t even have time to catch their breath coming back to campus as indie rock group Whitney performs at The Sylvee to end syllabus week Friday, January 24.

Whitney has been making waves since their first single “No Woman” dropped in 2016

ahead of their first record, “Light Upon the Lake.” Since then, the songwriting duo Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek released a demo recordings project of their first album, including a new take on the 70’s hit “Southern Nights.” Most recently, the duo dropped the record “Forever Turned Around” in 2019 and will likely play many of their songs from this record at their show.

For all the Harry Potter fans out there, the Overture Center is presenting Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in concert with the Madison Symphony Orchestra on January 31 and February 1. The Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment in the Harry Potter series and is the movie where a new direction took over and the series immediately became darker and higher in quality. John Williams, of course, earned another Oscar nomination for best original score in this movie. The Madison Symphony Orchestra will pay tribute to this fantastic score.

On February 3, we are treated to one of hip-hop’s brightest new stars in YBN Cordae.

The 22-year-old North Carolina native broke out this past summer with his record, “The Lost Boy.” J. Cole worked on the album with YBN and the record featured artists

such as Chance the Rapper on “Bad Idea” and Anderson .Paak on “RNP.” Tracks like “RNP” and “Have Mercy” are showstoppers that will be a blast in concert. If you can still swipe YBN Cordae tickets at the Majestic Theatre you really should.

A lot of students are buzzing about the upcoming RUFUS DU SOL show February 27 at The Sylvee. Hailing from Sydney Australia, RUFUS is essentially an electronic band that has found a groove in indie electronic dancepop. The band is a trio made up of a guitarist, keyboardist and drummer. The group formed in 2010 and has formed quite the discography to this point and will offer a variety of different songs to the Madison crowd.

Don’t worry pop fans, you will get your fill with the mega-popular Fitz and the Tantrums on February 29 at The Sylvee. Fitz is touring their latest record, “All the Feels,” on their “All the Feels Winter Tour 2020.” Fitz is another group that has been making music for a while and their retro style has produced pop hit after pop hit. Arguably the biggest hit from their latest record is “123456.”

DROELOE is another musical act bringing dance and electronic music. The Dutch duo has been on the come up since 2017 and have

collaborated with the likes of Zeds Dead.

Though the duo hasn’t been around long, they have plenty of tracks and mixes of other songs with their own spin to offer. Tracks like “Homebound” speak to their wide appeal as many of their songs feature a combination of solid guest vocals with house and electronic music.

Country fans can get theirs when Jason Aldean comes to take over the Alliant Energy Center on March 12, right before spring break with his “We Back Tour 2020.” Just in time for the warm weather in Madison — fingers crossed — but it will likely still be snowing, unfortunately. The Georgia native has been a staple in country music since his debut album in 2005. At this point he has a lot of music in his discography to offer, so fans who have loved his music since they were kids will look forward to new and old hits.

There are plenty of other great musical acts coming to Madison this semester prior to spring break, these are just some of the many highlights, so grab your tickets while you can and be on the lookout for other artists you care for.

ARTSETC.

facebook.com/badgerherald

Climb into acro yoga mix on Saturdays at Madison Circus Space

Madison Circus Space offers acro yoga open gym every Saturday for reasonable price, teaching athletes to soar to greater heights

by Veronica Kuffel ArtsEtc Editor

You may have heard of yoga, and hot yoga, and cold yoga, and baby goat yoga, but this new variant could help you fill that lifelong dream of running away to the circus.

Acro yoga is a fun and immersive way to strengthen your body and connect with people in a strange but intimate new way.

What’s even better is you can find it every Saturday morning at the Madison Circus Space.

Acro yoga or “acro” is a combination of yoga, acrobatics and sometimes dance. It an expression of strength and flexibility, and also challenges your communication and trust with two or more people.

“At MCS, we like to say that circus is for everybody and every body. Big or small, old or young — you can do acro.”

Deanna Schneider

In a group, there are three roles. The base hoists the flyer and balances them through different aerial poses. The flyer is the one lifted in the air, and the spotter watches and assists to ensure safety.

Deanna Schneider, founder of the MCS’s acro yoga club, got into acro yoga six years ago while recovering from an injury. She claims the playfulness and ease of the hobby are very appealing.

“Remember when you were little and you flew like an airplane on your parent’s feet? We do it in acro,” Schneider said. “It’s called the bird and it’s one of the first moves we teach.”

One place to find an acro yoga open gym is Madison’s own space where every day people can join the circus.

A hop, leap and twirl past the Capitol will take you to a strange warehouse known as the Madison Circus Space, a community center that welcomes participants at any level.

The space opened in 2013 when a small group of circus artists got together to rent a facility to do their arts together. From acrobatics to clown school, the MCS offers a variety of clubs, classes and events to train anyone in circus skills.

Their “Acro & Slack Jam” goes from 10AM to 12PM on Saturdays and costs $5. In the summer, the club practices by the Farmer ’s Market, but from November to April, they meet in the MCS. Each session starts with introductions and a few guidelines, and then people are released to play freely with each other. Their sessions are open gym-style, but trainers like

Schneider and a few regulars are able to assist newcomers.

“We tend to draw a variety of people,” Schneider said. “At MCS, we like to say that circus is for everybody and every body. Big or small, old or young — you can do acro.”

From ages 4 to 81, Schneider has welcomed many people who see the appeals of acro yoga.

Getting Out of Comfort Zone First of all, acro yoga is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. There are always regulars that are more than happy to help new timers with the positions. Plus, if you’re trying to get better at trusting people, being thrown in the air can really help with that.

Acro yoga is a unique and fun way to step out of your box and try something new, and maybe discover flexibility you never thought you had.

Connecting With People Moreover, acro yoga helps you connect with people because you get close to them at your own comfort. Whether you’re a base, flyer, spotter or watcher, you can participate in the bizarre joy that is lifting people into different poses.

The regulars are patient and very welcoming, guiding you safely into the vulnerabilities you may have feared to enter.

All in all, the sessions at MCS is a safe, friendly and non-judgemental environment to exercise and make new friends.

Learn a New Skill How cool is it to say that you learned how to lift someone in the air with your feet? Acro yoga is a cool skill to learn and easy to master.

With its experienced instructor and abundance of acrobats, the MCS offers training that’s safe for even children to participate in.

And who knows — it may lead you into a whole world of stunts and wonders only a circus can teach.

Cheap Option Finally, acro yoga is a cheap way to get your yoga fix. As the demand for yoga increases, classes can get expensive — even at the UW. The MCS’s sessions are $5 a week with no prior training required.

Other options like The Studio, Inner Fire Yoga and Aum Aubree Yoga have sessions that are more expensive but guide participants more than MCS’s open gym. Whichever you choose, acro yoga can be a cheaper option if you go to the right place with the qualifications you desire.

If you’re looking for a new hobby this winter, try acro yoga. It’s a great way to build strength and flexibility, meet new friends and quite literally lift your spirits.

Photo · Acro yoga participants in chair position Tona Williams Circus On TV

January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 11

FEATURES

@badgerherald

LIFELONG SUPPORT:

As autism diagnoses rise so does the need for research and programs focused on adults

The traditional focus on children with ASD has lead to a lack of support when those children become adults with ASD

by Molly DeVore Digital News Editor

When Brett Ranon Nachman, a doctoral student in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin, entered graduate school, he noticed the campus’s lack of resources available to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As a college student with Asperger ’s, this was upsetting to him. Nachmon said UW is not alone — his research has found that most higher education institutions are not accommodating of students with ASD. Emily Raclaw, Director of On Your Marq, a new organization at Marquette University that supports students with ASD, said while the transition to college is difficult for many students, it can be especially jarring for those with ASD. From navigating independent living to learning in overcrowded classrooms, many aspects of higher education can hinder students with ASD’s learning, according to Raclaw, who said these obstacles are difficult to overcome without support.

DWINDLING SUPPORT According to a report published by the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, there is a decrease in all support services for adults with ASD after high school. The report found that at age 17, 58% of individuals with ASD receive social work services. But, , after high school the same is the case for only 22% of individuals with ASD. A similar decrease occurs for individuals who receive personal assistance services after high school.

This drop in support is even greater for adults pursuing higher education. According to a report on post-high school outcomes for adults with disabilities published by the National Center for Special Education Research, only 19% of higher education students with a disability received any accommodations for their disability from their schools. While the report found that 87% of high school students with a disability received accommodations.

This report also found that 54% of students with ASD who did not receive any help with schoolwork thought assistance would have been helpful.

Listening to students with ASD and understanding what their educational needs are is key to creating learning environments that are accommodating for everyone, Nachman said.

“We [must] work towards not just autism awareness but also autism acceptance,” Nachman said. “Acceptance comes from understanding, but ultimately acceptance doesn’t happen until we really hear and see the merit in what autistic individuals have to say.”

Hearing from individuals with ASD and being

12 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

accommodating of their needs is important at Yahara house, a non-residential clubhouse that offers work experience and mental health support for adults. Lead Clubhouse Specialist at Yahara House Micheal Weinberg said they work to ensure they are inclusive of everyone’s needs, which is important as many people with ASD have multiple conditions affecting the support they receive.

“We can’t continue this trend where other people are making decisions for or speaking for people in the autism community. It’s absolutely essential to include everybody in the conversation, and more importantly, to have many avenues for speaking those inputs. Not every autistic individual, like many individuals for that matter, would feel comfortable sharing their thoughts in a public forum.”

Brett Ranon Nachman, Doctoral Student, UW Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Weinberg said though Yahara House only works with adults who have mental illness many of their members often have multiple co-occurring conditions such as ASD. The many environmental stressors individuals with ASD face can make them more likely to also experience mental illness, Weinberg said.

Yahara House works with these co-occurring conditions by providing meaningful work for members that may help them find outside employment later on.

This support is important, especially for members with ASD, as historically, resources for individuals with ASD have been geared towards children, according to Weinberg.

Weinberg said increasing support for adults is crucial

as autism diagnoses are steadily on the rise, with about one in every 59 children diagnosed with ASD in 2014, a leap from one in every 150 in the year 2000, according to the CDC. “If you are getting services as a child and you no longer get any support when you are an adult, that’s not gonna go well … after about college-age, it drops off precipitously,” Weinberg said. “I think there just needs to be places where adults who have autism, regardless of their place on the spectrum — but especially for folks who would like to get into work — would like to build community, have a place to go.”

This focus on adult care is also important for people who are diagnosed later in life, said Adam Brabender, the co-chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin’s newly formed Disability Caucus and Yahara House volunteer and former member.

Brabender, 43, was not diagnosed with ASD until he was almost 20. He had struggled with anger issues, often getting him into trouble, but now has two therapists who are specifically trained for working with individuals who have autism.

Brabender said the drop in care for adults with ASD can lead to individuals not receiving the services they need, such as health care or support with academics and employment.

The Yahara House is working to close this gap in adult care. Megan Walsh, Yahara House’s youngest member and a student studying early childhood education at Madison Area Technical College, said Yahara House has supported her through school by offering homework help.

While academic support is crucial, Nachman said higher education institutions should also make systematic change. He said implementing a universal design approach to learning could improve accessibility.

“Accommodations and disability service offices are not necessarily designed for autistic students,” Nachman said. “A universal design for learning is basically principles that say what supports one student in their individual success may actually help a lot more students.”

Nachman said accommodations that may be beneficial to students with autism include individual coaching, peer mentoring and sensory-friendly classrooms.

Additionally, realizing group work can be anxietyinducing for some students, letting students express knowledge in creative ways and giving students more of a voice in how they learn overall could be beneficial, Nachman said.

Raclaw said one way OYM supports students with ASD is by informing instructors of the power imbalance between them and students. She said instructors need to know that when students share their accommodation letters, they are not asking for special treatment, but simply sharing their individual needs.

While OYM guides students throughout college, Raclaw said support with the transition into college is key.

FEATURES

facebook.com/badgerherald “People think that since we did all this front-loading when they were younger that they will be fine when they are adults,” Raclaw said.

Need for higher education programs like OYM is rising. According to the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute report, in 2015 36% of adults with ASD attended a postsecondary institution. Of those students who chose to disclose their disability to their postsecondary institution, only 42% received accommodations.

MEDICAID, INFLUX OF ASD DIAGNOSES Demand for other adult-centered resources is also increasing. According to a study conducted by Postdoctoral Fellow at the UW Waisman Center Eric Rubenstein and Assistant Professor in UW’s School of Social Work Lauren Bishop, ASD in children has increased by over 200% in the past two decades. Their study said that as this population ages into adulthood, more adult-centered resources will be needed.

These adult-centered resources include accessible medical care. Rubenstein and Bishop’s study tracked the Medicaid enrollment patterns of Wisconsin adults with ASD from 2008 to 2018.

According to the report, these findings show a recent significant influx of young adults with autism into the Medicaid system. Their findings showed that about 73% of the Medicaid claims they studied were made by beneficiaries who had entered the Medicaid system after 2008 — most under the age of 30.

Medicaid is the nation’s public health insurance program for people with low income, providing health coverage to 64.7 million people nationwide. Medicaid plays an especially critical role for the disabled population. It covers 48% of children with special health care needs, 45% of nonelderly adults with disabilities and more than six in 10 nursing home residents. Eligibility is determined by income caps that are decided by states.

In Wisconsin, Medicaid services for people with disabilities includes a wide range of support and services.

These programs help people pay for both medical coverage and prescription drugs, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Medicaid resources become even more important as individuals age because people with ASD have an increased risk of age-related health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the Waisman study said.

The report also found that older individuals use Medicaid resources more frequently, as beneficiaries with ASD who were over age 60 had the highest number of visits at 23.2 per year compared to 9.3 per year for beneficiaries in the 21-29 age range.

“With autism in particular, we see that as people age, like everybody, they’re dealing with physical health problems,” Bishop said. “Then, because they have autism and because of the lived experience of having autism — which can include being discriminated against or having poor access to health care — they are dealing with more physical health problems.”

The increase of individuals with ASD enrolling in Medicaid could lead to barriers in care such as delayed diagnoses and long waitlists, the report said.

Different Medicaid programs have different income limits that determine eligibility. Brabender said these income caps are too low and do not allow people to work and still receive benefits.

“There is no incentive for people to continue to work under the program as it is currently. We as a society expect people to work and not live off the taxpayer’s dime. There needs to be a better system in place, such as work incentives,

and not penalize people for working,” Brabender said.

If people are not eligible for Medicaid, they might not see the doctors and specialists they need, resulting in the use of emergency room services and case-management services, Brabender said.

with disabilities are severely underrepresented and politicians often do not talk about the issues that affect them, Brabender said.

“If you have people who are making all of the decisions who don’t actually know what’s important to the people who are living with those decisions, that is likely to result in a system that is not really meeting the needs of the people who rely on it.”

The ASD community is a voice that has often been excluded from policy decisions, which can be particularly detrimental when it comes to policies that directly affect them, Brabender said.

Brabender said his identity as both a gay man and someone with ASD has been a struggle — one that has inspired him to encourage individuals who are gay and have disabilities to participate in government, both as advocates and elected officials.

Including the ASD community in all decisions that involve them is the only way to ensure adequate accommodations are made, Jackson said.

“If you have people who are making all of the decisions who don’t actually know what’s important to the people who are living with those decisions, that is likely to result in a system that is not really meeting the needs of the people who rely on it,” Jackson said.

Weinberg said that people with ASD have historically not been listened to by politicians, regardless of party.

It can be hard for people with ASD to make themselves heard because the system often gets impatient with them, Schlough said. Even medical professionals often talk to Yahara staff instead of the member being treated because they are not trusted to represent themselves, Schlough said.

Because the system is not accommodating to people with ASD, inviting people to the table is not enough, Nachman said. We must ensure self-advocacy is also made accessible to all people.

“We can’t continue this trend where other people are making decisions for or speaking for people in the autism community,” Nachman said. “It’s absolutely essential to include everybody in the conversation, and more importantly, to have many avenues for speaking those inputs. Not every autistic individual, like many individuals for that matter, would feel comfortable sharing their thoughts in a public forum.”

Making self-advocacy more accessible is not limited to policy decisions. These accommodations are also important in the classroom.

UW’s McBurney program focuses on ensuring instructors know how to make their classes more accessible and empowering students with disabilities. One new program they have developed to do this is AS WE ARE — Autism Spectrum Well-being, Education, Aspiration, and Relationship Empowerment. AS WE ARE is a group for students with ASD to connect with each other.

Programs at higher education institutions that give students with ASD a platform to speak, like AS WE ARE and On Your Marq, should not be few and far between, Raclaw said.

“While it’s great to pretend we cornered the market on something, I want people to have options. One of our students said it best. He said every college needs this kind of program,” Raclaw said.

Support for adults with ASD is on the rise with the emergence of these new adult-focused programs and efforts to increase support for long-standing ones like Yahara House.

Bishop said the Waisman report is an important first step in the shift to adult-focused care.

“We’re at the point where this research is only a really basic initial step. What I hope will come from this is, I hope that the research field coalesces around trying to better understand the healthcare needs of adults on the spectrum so that we can determine whether we need to develop specialized programs,” Bishop said.

Tamara Jackson, Public Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison, Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Rubenstein said people on the edge of the income requirements that have the ability to work are the ones most affected. Those who earn close to the income cap are faced with the hard decision of being employed and potentially losing their Medicaid benefits and being unemployed and having less income.

Bishop said this decision is made more complicated because many people with developmental disabilities want to be able to work in meaningful ways.

“People are sort of in a catch-22 because they don’t want to lose their insurance benefits,” Bishop said. “Part of being human is wanting to work in an environment where you feel like you can be making a contribution and using your skills.”

This desire for meaningful work is realized by the Yahara house, where they work alongside members and help them connect with jobs outside of the clubhouse.

Yahara House Director Brad Schlough recalled one day when he was the first staff member to arrive — there were already six members waiting at the door. Once he unlocked it, they all went to work immediately. This desire to work sometimes forces members to choose between having a job and remaining clubhouse members as they either have to be on a Social Security supplement or Medicaid, according to Schlough.

Public Policy Analyst and Legislative Liaison for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Tamara Jackson said many of the services and supports people with ASD need are only available through Medicaid.

“Medicaid services are important because without them, families often become the case managers,” Weinberg said.

“This is not an ideal situation as families are not trained professionals, and it puts a lot of pressure on them.”

Brabender said he is trying to ensure better policies regarding Medicaid and general support for people with ASD through his work with the disability caucus. People

SELF ADVOCACY, INCLUSION

January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 13

EDITORIAL BOARD

Spring 2020 Stories to Watch

Resisting Exclusion The story: In September 2019, a now infamous homecoming hype video featuring almost exclusively white students took over campus conversations from our newspaper’s headlines to dinnertime chats. The video’s response led to the creation of the Student Inclusion Coalition, often shortened to SIC of UW, an organization expecting and demanding the University of Wisconsin do better with issues of diversity and inclusion.

There is no reason to believe these tensions and stories were resolved by the end of last semester. When a Multicultural Learning Community house fellow was removed after white students complained about feeling uncomfortable in their living space, SIC of UW appeared again to demand justice and transparency in the proceedings. This issue has yet to be resolved publicly. As a January 1 New York Times article reiterated the headlines of last semester to a national audience, it is unlikely the scrutiny on UW’s homogeneous community will lessen.

What to watch for: The university is known for its past activism, and SIC of UW seems like the heir apparent to this legacy in our time as students. The Public History Project, as it begins in earnest this school year, seeks to amplify the voices of those who have experienced and persevered against prejudice and discrimination at the University of Wisconsin.

Current organizers of groups like SIC of UW are turning to this renewed interest in the past to learn what failed and succeeded on the road to where the university community is now and to honor those who came before them. .

So, while new headlines of incidents of difference, exclusion and resistance are almost inevitable on campus this semester, also keep a keen eye for new findings and progress in the Public History Project. Perhaps as more of the university’s past is uncovered, these rediscovered pieces of history will invigorate new causes and movements to create a more inclusive campus.

UW System President Search The story: In early November 2019, Vice President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents Michael Grebe announced members of the Search and Screen Committee tasked with identifying a successor to President Ray Cross.

The search committee includes four regents, a student regent, a former regent, two chancellors and a provost. There has been an uproar over the unusual and precedent-breaking composition of the committee.

And for good reason — there is no faculty nor academic staff on the committee. The only student is representing the Board of Regents, not students. Even if he admirably tries to do both, it cannot be denied that there is a conflict of interest there. It would seem that the three biggest and principal groups of each university — faculty, academic staff and students — are being ignored.

“The very people who would benefit most from having a voice at the table — faculty, staff and students — are the ones deliberately being excluded,” State Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point said in a letter to the committee.

“Sitting in a closed-door room as part of the search and screen committee going through resumes, going through interviews, is very different than a listening session where everyone gets to say a few words.”

What to watch for: At the moment the Board of Regents is attempting to appease all those it has shunned from the process by holding listening sessions. It is important to note when these sessions are, how they are conducted and if the concerns expressed by stakeholders are being adequately addressed by the search committee. If they are not, one can expect to see further animosity between the Board of Regents and the wider UW System.

Restructuring Madison City Council The story: After nearly two years of analysis, the City of Madison’s Task Force of the Structure of City Government recently released a report detailing 40 recommendations that would fundamentally alter Madison city government to make it more efficient and more equitable. According to the city’s Finance Department, implementing these changes may come with a cost of $2.2 million each year.

Though the potential price tag may be enough to scare many Madisonians off, the urgency for these changes is equally troubling.

“The city’s current government structure is an impediment to full participation and representation and, therefore, that the city’s structure is fundamentally unfair to a large portion of the city’s population, including, most notably, the city’s residents of color and low income,” said the final report by the Task Force.

One of the most significant changes the report recommended was transitioning to a smaller city council where alders serve full-time. In its current form, the city council is comprised of 20 alders who work part-time, however, alders who are retired or who have flexible work hours tend to spend more time on city business than others. The report recommends that shrinking the council to 10 alders who work full-time will ensure equal levels of representation for every aldermanic district. Other recommendations include streamlining committees, a robust technology plan and other initiatives aimed at improving resident engagement.

What to watch for: The report’s recommendations will be reviewed by city committees before the city council can act on them.

Some recommendations can be implemented through resolutions or ordinances, but others may require voters to approve them via referendum. As spring elections approach quickly, watch out for which recommendations receive support and how they implement the structure of the city government to adequately address your concerns at the ballot box.

14 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

@badgerherald

Wisconsin Election Commission voter purges The story: In December 2019, the New York Times reported that about 200,000 Wisconsin voters were ordered dropped from state voting rolls in response to the voters being flagged by a computer algorithm as having moved, and therefore potentially ineligible to vote. Those who were to be purged were said to have not responded to mailings from the state to verify their status or residences.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty filed a lawsuit against the Wisconsin Elections Commission in November, arguing it violated state-mandated policies by deciding to not begin removing nonresponsive voters from rolls “for another year or two.” According to WSJ, this came after previous errors that resulted in the removal of eligible voters. However, the Times reported WILL argued that because Wisconsin law requires removing all voters who fail to respond within 30 days to mailed notices, the delay was illegal.

In Ozaukee County, the Times reported that a judge ordered the voters immediately removed from the rolls. After the WEC deadlocked and split 3-3 along party lines in obeying the order, the judge held the panel’s Democrats in contempt of court. According to the Times, an appellate court paused both the purge and the contempt finding.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found, in an analysis of the voters that were believed to have moved, over half lived in municipalities Hillary Clinton won in the 2016 election. The highest concentrations were frequently in college towns and Wisconsin’s largest cities, Milwaukee and Madison. The Times also noted that a disproportionate share of people who move, like young people or less wealthy people, tend to vote Democratic. In battleground Wisconsin, Donald Trump won the state in 2016 by less than 23,000 votes.

What to watch for: As courts across Wisconsin issue rulings on the topic, watch out for what that means for you and your vote not only in the upcoming primaries but inevitably, the 2020 presidential election.

State Supreme Court Election The story: This year, voters will determine which candidate will earn a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Incumbent Justice Daniel Kelly announced his run last year and will be challenged by Marquette University Law professor Ed Fallone and Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is currently composed of a 5-3 conservative majority, and while this race will not change the majority, the results of this election will impact the race in 2023. Kelly, who is backed by conservatives, would create an even bigger majority for conservatives until at least 2025, while both Fallone and Karofsky would bring the majority down 4-3, allowing liberals to possibly take the majority in 2023, WSJ reported.

Kelly was appointed to the court in 2016 by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker to replace retiring Justice David Prosser Jr., and believes being appointed would help ensure the court remains faithful to the state and U.S. Constitutions.

For Karofsky, a term would mean avoiding what she views as perceived corruption by Kelly. Fallone argues he would bring intellectual diversity to the court and would help mend the scars caused by its increased partisanship, according to the WSJ article.

What to watch for: The primary will be held Feb. 18, where the top two most voted for candidates will move on to the election on April 7, the same day as the Wisconsin presidential primary. As the election nears, watch out for which candidates move past the primaries and what that could mean for the future majority of the court.

Special Election for 7th Congressional District The Story: In 2020, a special election will take place in the U.S. House for a seat representing Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District. This election is to fill the seat occupied by former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wausau, who has stepped down slightly before the birth of his ninth child, who was born with several health complications.

Gov. Tony Evers previously scheduled the primary to be on Dec. 30, 2019, but later changed the date due to conflicts between state and federal laws. Currently, the primary election is scheduled for Feb. 18 and the general election will be May 12. The change gives candidates more time to campaign, however, they will also be competing for publicity and media attention with the Democratic presidential candidates and candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the upcoming spring elections.

As of Jan. 16, the current primary candidates the Democratic Party are Lawrence Dale and Tricia Zunker. The candidates for the Republican Party are Jason Church and State Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua.

What to watch for: Though the 7th Congressional district seems far away from the blue bubble of Madison, the winner of this election still has room to shake things up for Wisconsin’s congressional delegation. Considering Wisconsin’s status as a swing state, whatever party wins this seat in May could be favored by political pundits and evening news programs as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Follow this election as closely as you would the one in November — although we Madisonians cannot vote, we will be impacted nonetheless.

The Badger Herald is an experiment in student media, and we are fiercely committed to the importance of truth-telling and amplifying student voices. This task is of lofty importance and cannot be done alone — whether it be as a writer, copy editor, photographer, videographer, designer or coder, join The Badger Herald and help us tell the stories that matter to students. Email us at editor@badgerherald.com or follow our social media for announcements on new member meetings.

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

OPINION

facebook.com/badgerherald

The pen is mightier than the sword, but what about the laptop?

How much technology is necessary in the classroom? Students should consider limiting their reliance on technology

Photo - When it comes to notetaking quantity does not equal quality.

what is being taught and write it in their own words.

Three studies, most famously “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard,” credited to Mueller and Oppenheimer show that while students who hand-wrote notes took less of them, “those who wrote out their notes by hand had a stronger conceptual understanding,” which translated to better test scores. Whereas those who typed notes had a lesser level of understanding as typing allowed them to “easily produce a written record of the lecture,” instead of being forced to understand what is being taught and write it in their own words.

The reason students who rely less on technology retain more information than those who rely heavily on it, is that they are making up for all the work that technology does on our behalf.

Consider a hypothetical real-world example.

There are two students in an ECON 101 lecture — no else showed up because it was the day before Thanksgiving break — but regardless the professor teaches anyway.

The professor talks too fast for the student to handwrite everything word for word. This forces that student to take in the information, break it down to the essentials, then dump it on the page — all the while intently listening.

This requires intense focus for the entire lecture.

Comparatively, the other student using a laptop can have both the professor’s slides and a document open simultaneously. Most likely they’ll type what the professor says word for word and occasionally copy and paste all the graphs, equations, and what-not from the slides.

The difference in effort alone shows why those who take handwritten notes remember more — because they were trying to!

Although technology allows people to do more work in less time, it is not the amount of work put into learning that matters but the quality of that work. Notes help people learn the most when note-takers focus on summarizing what is being said in lecture — not copying it. This is easiest when you limit the amount of technology you use to the bare essentials. To answer the original question, whether there is an optimal amount of technology that can be used in the classroom, it depends on each individual.

Use the vast amount of technology to keep up, but not so much that you barely have to put any effort into taking those notes. Your columnist finds it best to take notes by hand while having the slides open on a laptop.

Ella Guo The Badger Herald

Harry Quick (hfquick@badgerherald.com) is a freshman majoring in economics.

by Harry Quick Opinion Editor

Using too much technology would be a hindrance to learning. But, so is too little.

How much is just right?

Normally more technology is better.

After all, it’s the ability to make and use technology that has put humanity on top of the world. No other animal can tap a phone screen a few times and have food magically appear at the doorstep.

Technological advancement being always good is a common perception. In the past, it has also gone hand in hand with the advancement of knowledge, too.

Examples of technology making education easier and accessible are countless — imagine how illiterate the world would be without the invention of the printing press. Or even imagine

taking notes with a clay tablet instead of a pencil. This is why in the present day, more people than ever are literate and know calculus — to varying degrees.

But when it comes to a classroom environment, an over-abundance of technology hinders how much students can learn. This only makes sense when one considers how learning works.

Learning is taking in information, understanding that information and then being able to apply those concepts.

Imagine a child trying to learn how to tie their shoes — them watching someone else tie their shoes doesn’t mean they’ve learned how, and neither does memorizing the “bunny-ears method.” They’ve only learned it once they can do it themselves.

Learning is the same process regardless of the person or situation.

In a classroom setting people taking

notes covers the taking in information section, but not necessarily the other two.

This is where technology can either aid our learning or sabotage it. The overuse of technology through typing all of the notes verbatim, copying and pasting slides, will certainly guarantee extremely detailed notes. Regardless, taking typed notes has been proven to be inferior to handwritten notes when it comes to retention.

Three studies, most famously “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard,” credited to Mueller and Oppenheimer show that while students who hand-wrote notes took less of them, “those who wrote out their notes by hand had a stronger conceptual understanding,” which translated to better test scores. Whereas those who typed notes had a lesser level of understanding as typing allowed them to “easily produce a written record of the lecture,” instead of being forced to understand

Jamuary 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 15

OPINION

@badgerherald

Exclusion of past registered Wisconsin voters is not unconstitutional Same day registration protects Wisconsin from voter supression, voters in states without it remain vulnerable to voter purge

by Kaitlin Kons Columnist

There is an impasse within the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

Democrats and Republicans tied 3-3 on whether or not to purge more than 200,000 names off of the voter registration lists in Wisconsin, not three days after a circuit court ruled to immediately purge the names of those who are suspected to have moved.

This move comes at a critical time in our nation’s history as Wisconsin is playing a crucial role in the upcoming 2020 presidential election. As a battleground state, Wisconsin has been given special attention in the wake of the 2016 election, which left the state neglected by the Democratic party.

The decision calls into question the legality of this move as it weighs heavy in the near future. The WEC cannot move forward unless they come to a bipartisan conclusion, and as a result of the evenlysplit vote, many lawsuits have been filed on both sides in an attempt to further the case and achieve a victory before the elections occur in less than 10 months.

Wisconsin is well within the bounds of the law to do this. The most hands-on law regarding voter registration and the removal of names off of registration lists is the 1993 National Voter Registration Act. The Act requires that voter registration lists be maintained and kept accurate while also providing safeguards against voter discrimination, mandating uniform, nondiscriminatory compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and not being changed within 90 days of the federal election.

This comprehensive piece of legislation tackles the issue of voters who have moved or died that remain on registration lists. States are not only allowed to purge names based upon reasonable evidence of excessive names — in the 2018 Supreme Court case Husted v. A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Court ruled that states can also remove voters after a number of years of inaction and missing response to a mailed warning.

The NVRA backs up this slim ruling from Ohio — which was cast along party lines — because a voting hiatus was not the sole purpose of removal, but the warning was not returned as well. The NVRA is also the basis for the lawsuits against the voter purge in Wisconsin.

16 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

Photo - The National Voter Registration Act, and cultivating an active votership is critical in preventing voter supression in the upcoming primary and general 2020 elections.

Rui Shen The Badger Herald But Wisconsin is exempt from this law because it has same-day registration.

Same-day registration allows for anyone accidentally removed or not registered in the first place to register upon arrival at the polling place.

This is the holy grail of removing the administrative burden surrounding voter suppression, and also is what allowed the City of Madison to see a record-high voter turnout of 93% in the 2018 general election. This law is also the reason that voter turnout will not be suppressed, the action only erupting unnecessary political fighting within the already-tense state of Wisconsin.

Additionally, the basis for removal was through existing institutions like the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles where permanent establishment of residence is based upon the frequency of visitation and reasons for a visit (for example, renewal of a license or obtaining a state ID). It signaled to the state a change

in residence, thus the reasons for removal are not as imprecise as not voting for a couple of years.

What is more concerning about the nature and timing of this legislation is the precedent it might set for other states. As this is a move conducted by Republican lawmakers in a battleground state, other Republicans in battleground states may follow in their lead as a means of ensuring victory for their party.

This is especially concerning for states like Florida, Texas and Michigan who do not have same-day registration but a strong conservative base and, perhaps, an equally massive role in the upcoming election.

As for Wisconsin voters, have no fear.

Even if your name was taken off the list mistakenly― as was the case for thousands of voters in 2017― same-day registration has your back and requires a simple proof of residence on the day of the election or prior registration online.

For those in other states worried about

voter suppression through these voter purges — battleground state or not — consider donating to organizations such as Fair Fight 2020, an organization dedicated solely to ensuring the integrity of our elections. It actively works to fight voter suppression and foreign interference to reestablish the power of our democracy and foster a fair fight.

Regardless of your party or your state, be an engaged voter. Register and vote, then fight for those who do not have the right to vote. Wisconsin may not be affected this time, but in the era of political gladiator-fighting between everyone and their mother, investment and knowledge of the situation is key. Refusal to vote immediately sacrifices your ability to criticize your elected leaders and reduces you into a simple observer of your own fate. Every ocean began with a drop of rain, and 2020 is going to be the monsoon of a lifetime.

OPINION

facebook.com/badgerherald

Unionization of UW nurses may not be positive move for UW Hospital

Corrupt union interests may devastate UW Hospital following UW nurse strikes, caution, cooperation best for both sides

by Samiha Bhushan Opnion Editor

University of Wisconsin Hospital nurses held a conference mid-December demanding recognition of their union — SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin. This conference culminates a five-year fight for representation, following the union’s expiration under former Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

Nurses cited their difficult working conditions, including a perpetual cycle of nurse turnover so high it affects their ability to treat patients. This is not surprising, as nurses are often considered the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry, the very backbone of hospitals including the UW Hospital. It seems only fair for them to take action for more reasonable working conditions.

In this regard, forming a labor union seems more than justifiable. Nurses in unions are paid 20% higher than their nonunionized counterparts, report higher job satisfaction and are able to provide a voice for themselves and, in turn, their patients.

As such, the increase in unions within the healthcare industry despite the overall decrease of unions in the workforce is a step in the right direction; 20.4% of nurses are in a union, a significant increase as compared to the 10.5% national average for wage and salary workers as a whole. As unions become more commonplace, the spread of unions would enable workers to gain better working conditions and collective representation against powerful corporate interests.

Unfortunately, labor unions are a little more complex than they initially seem, especially in the health industry. When patients are factored into the equation, the effectiveness of labor unions becomes murky.

Various research studies have reported marginal increases in patient outcomes in terms of hospital-acquired infections following nurse unionization. They conclude the establishment of unions as the reason behind the rate of patient improvement. Other studies have demonstrated a lower prevalence of heart attacks in unionized hospitals. In terms of Wisconsin legislation, standardizing nurseto-patient ratios would enable safer conditions for both nurses and patients and prevent nurses from being over-worked.

Conversely, when nurses go on strike patients’ conditions rapidly deteriorate. A 2012 study on the impact of nurse strikes in New York recorded an 18.3% increase in patient mortality and 5.7% increase in 30-day readmission for patients admitted during

the strike. It is evident nurse strikes wind up providing worse quality of care for patients at affected hospitals.

This also raises an ethical dilemma for nurses who walk out on their patients, leaving behind replacement nurses who do not know the intimate details of their patients’ ailments.

Replacement nurses themselves serve as an additional issue within nurse strikes, as they are often not trained enough for the positions they are meant to fill.

A real-world example of the effects of nurse strikes comes from the Allina Health strikes. Over a six week period in 2016, nurses demonstrated a strike after Allina proposed transferring nurses from union-backed health insurance to corporate health insurance.

While there is no recorded data on the lasting effects on patients during the six-week strike, there had been a reported case in a similar Allina strike of a replacement nurse placing an IV filled with adrenaline to an asthmatic patient, resulting in them having to

receive treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

Due to similar mishaps and hospital complications, the 2016 Allina Health nursing strikes resulted in a cumulative $149 million in damages. Smaller hospitals have had to shut down as a result of nurse strikes.

It is clear nurse strikes are detrimental to patients and hospitals overall, however, can it really be blamed on labor unions?

In almost all cases of nurse strikes, hospitals were given ample time to find replacement nurses, therefore, nurses are not to blame for patient complications. But the consequences of unions initiating a strike sheds light on unions’ at-times insidious intentions.

There is no single union representing all nurses — this is why the recognition of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin is important for UW nurses. Many of these are unions are not represented by nurses themselves, effectively counteracting the purpose of unions. Instead, they are lead by labor lawyers who oftentimes are more interested in union membership

dues nurses bring in. These can be up to $90 a month, making unions a lucrative business.

Profit-hungry labor unions may initiate strikes or other drastic actions on the basis of nurse and patient care improvement, but this may actually harm both. Strikes often result in permanent financial damage to hospitals which then lay off nurses they no longer can afford. Fewer nurses mean less care for incoming patients, resulting in an overall deterioration in medical care.

This vicious cycle shows the harmful impact a corrupt labor union can have. But the UW nurse unionization does not necessarily have to be this way.

If both UW Hospital management and the nurse labor union remain checked by one another, this can be a path to a new future for medicine at UW. Samiha Bhushan (bhushan3@badgerherald.com) is a freshman studying neurobiology and English literature.

Photo - Though unions are beneficial for collective bargaining and workers at large, nurses should consider the ethical implications of striking for patients and the UW Hospital.

Alex Arriaga The Badger Herald

January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 17

SPORTS

@badgerherald

UW Athletics: A look ahead at Madison’s spring sports landscape Following impressive fall semester that saw football, volleyball vie for national titles, UW’s spring teams look to repeat that success

by Harrison Freuck Sports Editor

With the spring semester at UW-Madison comes the beginning of Madison’s spring sports, as well as the continuation of several sports that began in the fall semester.While football and volleyball — two of UW’s most popular and successful sports — are obviously over, Wisconsin’s spring sports have also seen success in recent years, and they’ll seek more success this year.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the sports happening this semester, beginning with the ones that have already started.

Men’s Basketball: With the exception of football, men’s basketball is the epitome of Wisconsin sports.

Following a decade of success which resulted in NCAA Tournament appearances in nine out of ten seasons, Wisconsin will look to continue that success as they delve deeper into their conference schedule.

Following a surprisingly good start to their Big Ten schedule — including wins against The Ohio State University and Indiana — the Badgers still have several high-profile games remaining on their schedule, including Michigan State and a rematch with OSU. If Wisconsin can hold their own through the last half of their schedule, expect to see them return to the NCAA Tournament in March.

Women’s Hockey: The women’s hockey team had high expectations going into the season, coming off of an NCAA Championship victory last March. The Badgers managed to exceed those expectations in the fall semester, going 18-1-1 with their only two losses coming to Big Ten rival Minnesota.

The Badgers will face off with Minnesota again later this week in a matchup at LaBahn Arena.

Currently sitting at No. 1 in the WCHA rankings, the Badgers will need to win at least one game against the Gophers in order to remain at the top nationally.

Wisconsin will certainly make a run for another NCAA Championship in March’s NCAA Tournament.

Men’s and Women’s Tennis: While the men’s tennis team didn’t have a great season last year, they did have at least one promising player in then-freshman Jared Pratt,

who went 14-7, including a 9-2 record in Big Ten play. Expect Pratt to take another step forward this season on an all-around young team.

The women’s tennis team had a great season last year, finishing 18-6 with a 9-2 record in Big Ten play. The team made an NCAA Tournament appearance as well, falling to Syracuse in the first round. Wisconsin will look to repeat that performance this season with most players returning from last year.

Softball: Last season’s softball team performed extremely well, going 43-14 and 15-8 in the Big Ten en route to an NCAA Tournament berth, where the team fell to No. 1 Oklahoma.

The Badgers will look to return to form this season as they battle for another NCAA Tournament appearance against a tough schedule that includes Oklahoma and top-notch Big Ten squads.

Men’s and Women’s Golf: Both the men’s and women’s golf teams had disappointing seasons last year, with the men’s team finishing at the bottom of the Big Ten and the women’s team finishing ninth out of 14 teams.

In the fall season, however, bright spots emerged on each team from young players on each squad. If both teams can build on their successful fall seasons, it is certainly possible for each team to improve on last year’s results.

Forward Madison FC: Following a successful inaugural season in 2019 that resulted in the No. 4 seed in the USL League One playoffs, the Flamingos will look to carry some of that success into 2020.

The ‘Mingos have already announced several re-signings, including Don Smart and Christian Díaz. FMFC’s schedule gets underway Mar. 28 on the road before their home-opener Apr. 11 in an expanded USL League One schedule.

Women’s Basketball: Despite not having finished with a record above .500 since the 2010-11 season, the Badgers have taken strides toward being a winning program in the last few years, including a 15-16 finish last season under third-year Head Coach Jonathan Tsipis.

Tsipis’ team has stayed above .500 thus far, including great play in their non-conference schedule. If the team can remain consistent the rest of the way, expect a return to at least the NIT Tournament, if not the NCAA Tournament.

Wrestling: The Badger wrestling team has reached expectations thus far, going a strong 8-3 up to this point with their first loss coming to Iowa in conference play. The Badgers have played highquality opponents but performed well in each match besides the loss.

Wisconsin will face a string of Big Ten opponents between now and March, leading up to the Big Ten Championships and NCAA Championships in March.

Men’s Hockey: After a promising start to the season, the men’s hockey team collapsed late in the fall semester, losing to weaker opponents despite strong leadership from freshman duo Cole Caufield and Alex Turcotte.

If the Badgers want any chance at returning to the NCAA Tournament in a couple of months, they must be consistent and perform well in conference matchups with several high-quality hockey programs.

18 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

Photo · National title is certainly possible for multiple Badger teams that have managed to demonstrate great promise Justin Mielke The Badger Herald

facebook.com/badgerherald

SPORTS

Men’s Hockey: Hot start to season quickly turned to smoke

Following disappointing fall play, Badgers must improve in multiple facets to have chance at successful post season

by Will Whitmore Staff Writer

Entering the 2019-20 University of Wisconsin men’s hockey season, a lot of optimism surrounded the team. A collection of veteran talent combined with the addition of freshman phenoms Cole Caufield and Alex Turcotte, Big Ten coaches predicted Wisconsin would compete for a Big Ten title.

After a red-hot start, the Badgers jumped to a 5-1 record, even notching a sweep over two-time defending National Champion, University of Minnesota Duluth. Wisconsin looked primed for a Frozen Four appearance in Detroit. But as conference play has reared into high gear, the Badgers have hit a midseason lull, losing nine of their past 15 matchups — riding a three-game losing streak.

As conference play continues to heat up, Wisconsin needs to start fresh in 2020 to salvage their season. With a start that brought so much hope, Wisconsin must improve on a variety of areas if they wish to receive their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2013-14 season.

While the Badgers have had a potent offensive attack throughout much of their season, the defense has struggled to hold their own, especially in Big Ten play. Wisconsin

ranks third to last in the Big Ten in goals allowed, giving up 3.38 goals per game.

While high scoring affairs are entertaining for the common hockey fan, Wisconsin’s lack of defense is hurting their team’s success.

Wisconsin’s inability to contain opposing offenses is a combination of allowing a surplus of opportunities and struggling to come up with key saves. Wisconsin allows opponents close to 33 shots per game — the third-worst in the conference. Furthermore, sophomore goalkeeper Daniel Lebedeff has enjoyed a roller-coaster season.

Lebedeff has shown a mixture of bright spots and struggles, shutting out No. 14 Notre Dame on 22 shots in Wisconsin’s Nov. 15 3–0 win against the Irish, but also allowing six goals in a 6–1 bloodbath loss to Penn State. If the Badgers want to play deep into March, the defense and Lebedeff need to complement the offense consistently.

Much of Wisconsin’s early success can be credited to the electric offensive outbursts from the forward trio of Caufield, Turcotte and Roman Ahcan. In Wisconsin’s first ten games, the trio was virtually unstoppable, scoring 18 goals combined en route to a 5-5 record over that span.

Though Caufield has continued his steady play with four goals over his past eight games,

both Turcotte and Ahcan have struggled to keep up.

Opposing defenses have managed to slow Turcotte down. Turcotte is currently in the midst of a twelve-game scoreless slump after starting his freshman season off with a bang — netting six goals in Wisconsin’s first eight games. Ahcan, the team’s second-leading goal scorer (9), also underwent a seven game stretch where he failed to score.

Overall, as conference play has heated up, Wisconsin’s offense as a team has regressed significantly. The Badgers are averaging just 2.20 goals per game during conference play, compared to an impressive 4.25 during nonconference play.

That trend continues when looking at Wisconsin’s efficiency during the power play. In non-conference play, Wisconsin was extremely efficient with the advantage, scoring one power play goal per game. As conference play began, Wisconsin has regressed on the power play, scoring a measly 0.42 power play goals per game.

With both individual and team struggles, it is paramount for Wisconsin’s offense to get back on track. To make the NCAA Tournament, returning to one of the most explosive offenses in the country is a major key for the Badgers.

Finally, Wisconsin has become vulnerable to

starting slow. In recent play, teams have caught Wisconsin off-guard early in the first period.

During a recent six game stretch in which the Badgers went 1-4-1, the Badgers have been outscored 6–2 in the first period. In their Nov. 22 4–1 loss to arch-rival Minnesota, the Gophers blitzed Wisconsin early, scoring two goals in the first six minutes of the game.

While Wisconsin’s roster is filled with talent, it is difficult for any team to rebound from early deficits, no matter the skill of the team.

An end to Wisconsin’s early game woes will help the team be more competitive in 2020.

The Big Ten conference is loaded with talent. With four of the seven teams ranked, there is no easy game in the Big Ten’s grueling conference schedule. At a time of a mid-season lull, the Wisconsin men’s hockey team (9-12-1, 4-9-1-1 Big Ten) has been beaten up by their conference’s challenging schedule. Though Wisconsin has suffered a frustrating middle of the season, there is still time to turn the season around. With a roster filled with NHL talent, Wisconsin must make adjustments offensively and defensively, and execute early in the game.

With two upcoming series against three ranked opponents (The Ohio State University, Michigan State and Notre Dame) Wisconsin has the opportunity to get their season back on track.

SPORTS

@badgerherald

Football: How 2020 Badgers need to build off of success in 2019

With loss of several stars including Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Biadasz, Badgers will need to adapt to remain successful

by Charlie Dern Staff Writer

The 2019 University of Wisconsin football team finished their year off with a bad taste in their mouth after losing to the No. 8 Oregon Ducks 28–27 in the Rose Bowl.

After losing a close battle, key offensive weapons running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Quintez Cephus both announced their declaration for the NFL Draft this April. Losing both of these players creates big shoes to fill for their teammates in the upcoming season as the Badgers try to make a leap into the College Football Playoff.

Knowing Wisconsin’s traditional ground-and-pound style of play, who will need to step up next year? How will the offense adjust to losing their premier back of the last three seasons? In what looks to be a fairly favorable schedule for the Badgers, a playoff run is more likely than ever, as long as the defense remains stout and the offense is able to continue its momentum.

After finishing the season 10-4 with significant wins over ranked Michigan,

Iowa and Minnesota teams, the Badgers finished at the top of the Big Ten West and earned a ticket to the Rose Bowl.

Surprising many college football experts, the Badgers finished the 2019 campaign ranked No. 8 and will surely start the 2020 season ranked very highly. But there are still player competitions in virtually every offensive position.

Let’s take a look at a few of those, starting with quarterback.

Quarterback: After Alex Hornibrook transferred to Florida State University following last season, former backup Jack Coan was poised to start and prove all of his doubters wrong. Many thought Wisconsin was incapable of recruiting quarterbacks who can truly make a difference in the passing game, knowing the ball was primarily going to the offense’s workhorse, Jonathan Taylor.

Coan was able to finish his season passing for 2,727 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Though not flashy, this play at quarterback was a massive upgrade from years prior

with about 1,200 more yards, two more touchdowns, and eight fewer interceptions compared to Hornibrook in 2018.

The stats don’t lie — Coan had a terrific year leading the offense behind Taylor ’s monster rushing season. That being said, questions still arise as to how Wisconsin can prove to be less reliant on the run and provide a better air attack down the field to ease the pressure off the run.

I believe Coan will remain the starter next season — but not without his backup, fourstar recruit Graham Mertz, giving Coan a decent fight for the job. Mertz, the highly touted “future” of Wisconsin football, was a proven pocket passer in high school, going on to winning the MVP at the 2019 AllAmerican Bowl, passing for 5 touchdowns and putting the world on notice.

After receiving offers from 15 schools including powerhouses like Alabama, LSU, The Ohio State University and Michigan, Mertz signed with the Badgers with the hopes of leading the team to a playoff.

With all this being said, it is likely Coan will continue to start, but don’t be shocked if a few bad games leads to a switch at the quarterback position.

Photo · Even with Coan delivering highly impressive season, questions remain about possibility of Mertz taking over starting role Justin Mielke The Badger Herald 20 • badgerherald.com • January 21, 2020

Running Back: Replacing an All-American, multiple Doak Walker award-winning running back on top of over 2,000 rushing yards per year is nearly an impossible task.

With Nakia Watson returning along with Garrett Groshek and highly-touted recruits in Julius Davis and Jalen Berger, the running back position is likely going to be a shared position.

It will be a huge spring season for this running core as the incoming freshman have a real chance at getting first-team reps and touches. It is unclear as to whether or not one back will emerge and take a leading role in touches, but as the offseason progresses, it is certain we will see a different backfield to start the 2020 season.

Wide Receiver: Following the departure of Quintez Cephus, the Badgers receiving core is still very strong. Though they lost their No. 1 target to the NFL Draft, Danny Davis is looking at a potential breakout season as the emerging new No. 1 on the depth chart.

After posting over 500 combined receiving yards, seniors Davis and Kendric Pryor are looking to be a lethal 1-2 punch for the passing attack, along with tight end Jake Ferguson.

Much like the running back core, this spring is very big for the wide receiver depth chart as there is no clear “guy.” But it can be anticipated that Davis emerges as the No. 1 target with Pryor getting many touches as well, not to mention Pryor ’s versatility on offense as a rusher, providing just under 200 rushing yards via the jet sweep.

Offensive Line: Finishing the 2019 season as semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award given to the best college football offensive line, the offensive big men continued Wisconsin’s groundand-pound culture.

By wearing out the opposition, this unit led the way for Jonathan Taylor and are the main reason for the offense’s success.

With the exception of Tyler Biadasz — who declared for the NFL Draft — the line next season will consist of mainly the same core. Each season, the front five is made up of players who can play anywhere on the line and that is likely to continue into next season with junior lineman Tyler Beach likely to join the remaining core.

If the Badgers re-discover their identity before the 2020 season begins, Wisconsin has a real shot at a dominant season with crucial games against Michigan in the Big House, Notre Dame at Lambeau Field, a home date with Minnesota and a seasonending matchup on the road with Iowa.

SPORTS

facebook.com/badgerherald

Men’s Basketball: Following D’Mitrik Trice’s mid-season rise

After relatively rough start to season, Trice has improved in crucial Badger victories over Tennessee, Ohio State University

by Justin Lariviere Sports Editor

After a season of reliance on Ethan Happ, the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team needed to fill the production void left by the AllAmerican entering the 2019-20 campaign.

Media attention surrounded Nate Reuvers as fans and commentators alike expected him to step up and fill Happ’s prolific playmaking role.

Reuvers, despite a strong start to the season, needed help from his teammates — help in the way of lights-out guard play from the Badgers’ point man, D’Mitrik Trice.

Following some early season turmoil and a rocky start to Trice’s season, he has reignited from three and returned to form, posting a career-high 31 points against the Milwaukee Panthers and following it up with a 21-point performance in Wisconsin’s first road win of the year at Tennessee.

Trice is a rhythmic shooter and can get hot after he sees the ball in the net. After averaging under ten points per game for the first ten contests, Trice caught fire from deep against the Panthers.

The departure of Ethan Happ has changed the offensive approach for Wisconsin this season, as Greg Gard’s squad returns to the program’s famous swing offense without a back-to-thebasket threat.

This change has meant more defensive pressure on Badger guards, as defenses attempt to stop both Trice and Brad Davison.

Badger Head Coach Greg Gard emphasized that he would not bench his point man, suggesting after the Tennessee game that he would stick with Trice through thick and thin.

“The biggest thing when guys go through struggles is you don’t bail out on them ... The last thing they need is a coach starting to question how much they should be in the lineup,” Gard said to the Wisconsin State Journal.

“We fluctuate minutes, that’s always on gut feel and what I see during the course of a game. But to pull a rug out from somebody, that’s going to do nothing but shatter confidence and that’s what you do not need to be doing as a coach.”

Trice’s teammates rallied behind him through his struggles as well, with fellow guard Brevin Pritzl highlighting the junior’s playmaking ability

even when his shot is not falling.

“He was doing the job driving and kicking, and I was the beneficiary of a couple of those kicks,” Pritzl said of the Tennessee game. “When we’re at our best, he doesn’t necessarily need to be our leading scorer every time, but he has to be a guy who’s getting downhill and creating.”

The Badgers have flourished when Trice has found his rhythm this season, winning virtually every game in which Trice has finished with more than 12 points.

A balanced attack offensively has coupled with the always stingy defense to allow Wisconsin to compete every night on the hardwood. Against No. 5 The Ohio State University Buckeyes, Trice scored only six points but drew greater defensive attention, allowing Kobe King and Reuvers to do damage elsewhere.

Wisconsin (11-7, 4-3 Big Ten) is undefeated at the Kohl Center thus far in the 2019-2020 campaign, posting impressive victories in their non-conference schedule and against Indiana on their home court.

Away from Madison, they are 2-5, and 0-3 in neutral site games including the Legends Classic

back in November.

The strength of Wisconsin’s opponents has undoubtedly played a role in this disparity, but winning on the road is critical to NCAA Tournament aspirations.

The Big Ten is a gauntlet — this year more than ever — and features six nationally-ranked clubs and multiple contenders outside the top 25, that can compete on a nightly basis.

As the Badgers gear up for the rest of a brutal conference slate, it is imperative that the leaders in the backcourt — including Trice — continue to find their looks to convert early and often.

As Gard wraps up his fifth season as head coach of the Badgers, look for the traditions of the Bo Ryan era to reemerge, fueled by team-first play, an emphasis on defensive pressure and the swing offense. Without standout talent down low, ball movement and open looks from three are set to become the best outlet for points.

Trice has plenty of experience with the Wisconsin style of play, and his consistency from the field allows the rest of the team to get advantageous looks, which will prove crucial down the stretch against top-flight competition.

Women’s Hockey: Badgers advance into 2020 with dominant record Strong rivalry between Minnesota, Wisconsin provide greatest insight into who will capture 2020 national title in March

by John Spengler Sports Editor

Wisconsin’s women’s hockey team (21-21) is setting themselves up for yet another deep postseason run. There is no doubt the WCHA presents a set of challenging competitors who the Badgers will have to conquer in order to capture back-to-back national titles.

Despite this fact, their current standing both in the WCHA and the nation bodes well for their prospects at capturing yet another national title.

It is no secret the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota are two of the largest powerhouses in women’s collegiate hockey.

In fact, either Wisconsin or Minnesota has appeared in eight of the last nine NCAA national championship games.

This year is no different. Wisconsin occupies the No. 2 ranking while Minnesota remains firmly in first place in two out of the three national women’s collegiate hockey.

Given what has occurred throughout the current regular season, the Wisconsin vs.

Minnesota matchups remain a solid proxy for determining who will be a contender for the national title.

Even if Wisconsin and Minnesota are not the eventual champions, there is little doubt they will make a run at the Frozen Four in March.

So far this season, the Gophers have

gotten the better of Wisconsin. In their first double header matchup of the season, the Badgers lost the first game before tying the second and ultimately losing in a shootout.

Since that loss, the Badgers have been nearly perfect, including a solid series against No. 10 ranked Minnesota-Duluth in which they outscored the Bulldogs 9–5 over two games. Their sole loss came to Bemidji State in a massive road upset.

Given the fact that the Gophers and Badgers are the top ranked teams in the nation, it appears useful to compare their performances against common opponents in the regular season to attempt to discern which team has the potential to capture the national title.

Make no mistake, this the ultimate goal for both of these teams given their talent level.

Minnesota’s only losses on the season came at the hands of No. 5 ranked Ohio State University when they faced off against them in Columbus, Ohio. When the Badgers played Ohio State in Columbus, they captured both games in the series with a combined score of 10–3.

Outside of direct competition on Minnesota’s home ice, the games played against Ohio State serve as the best determination of what each of these respective teams are capable of. Both Minnesota and Wisconsin played against Ohio State in Columbus, only one walked away with a win.

Last regular season, the Badgers tied in both of their contests against the Buckeyes and barely managed to capture a game against the Gophers in their first series of the year. With all things considered, their current record bodes well for a solid run into the postseason.

Even with a favorable record, the Badgers retain a solid group of offensive contributors who have dominated the WCHA throughout the season.

When it comes to goals per game, there really is no contest with the Badgers.

Wisconsin players currently account for three out of the top nine goal scorers in the nation. Sophie Shirley is in second place, Daryl Watts is in third and Abby Roque is in ninth. The first place goal scorer for the Gophers does not appear until the 14th spot in national rankings.

This individual dominance also manifests itself in total goals scored throughout the season. The Badgers currently lead the nation it total goals scored with 115.

While the Gophers may be in second place, they have managed to score just 97 goals throughout their regular season schedule, a difference of 18 total goals.

Given the fact both Minnesota and Wisconsin play a similar schedule with the WCHA, statistical differences between the two teams have the ability to reveal talent differences that could ultimately lead to favorable postseason outcomes for the Badgers.

For example, the Badgers currently rank No. 2 in the nation in aggregate scoring margin. Minnesota is ranked No. 4 in the nation.

There is a sizable difference between the two teams that currently sit at the top two positions in the nation when it comes to offensive production and scoring margin.

Both of these statistics remain in favor of the Badgers.

Though Wisconsin failed to capture a game against Minnesota during their series in Minneapolis, their stats against common opponents remain an encouraging sign the Badgers are, if nothing else, a team that can firmly compete with the Gophers’ talent level.

With such competitive programs consistently dominating women’s hockey, it’s always tough to tell who has the best chance to come out on top. Yet, there is little doubt Wisconsin and Minnesota have two of the most talented teams in the nation as things currently stand.

Perhaps one of the best indicators as to who will come out on top in 2020 is the matchup set for January 24th and 25th in Madison between the Badgers and the Gophers.

If the Gophers take the series, then there is much to be said about their ability to take down the top team in the nation. If the Badgers capture the series, then the race for the national title remains wide open.

January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 21

BANTER

facebook.com/badgerherald

The only bagel flavors that matter, ranked by a certified Jew™ None of the are cinnamon raisin, asiago cheese or chocolate chip, so don’t even ask because I do not want to hear it

by Abigail Steinberg Managing Editor

It may be a new year, a new decade and yes, I am new to the Banter section — but let me tell you, dear reader, I have been dealing with the same bogus bagel opinions for years and I am here to set the record straight.

This weekend, as I sat down to welcome this semester ’s Herald staff and get to know the next generation of student journalists, I asked them the usual information — name, major, a fun thing you did over break — and of course, I got the answers I wanted. But when it came to the important questions, the ones whose answers let the world know who you truly are, I did not get the answers I wanted — no, needed — and it hurt my soul more than anything I have ever known.

When I asked the staff their favorite bagel flavor, the overwhelming consensus was asiago. ASIAGO. Asi-a-GO HOME, you’re fired. This is my nightmare.

What gives me the credentials to make such assertions? As The Badger Herald’s resident Shebrew, my bagel opinions are spiritually and culturally relevant. I was named in front of a kosher-style deli, I had a bat mitzvah and I played Chava in Parkside Middle School’s 2012 production of Fiddler on the Roof. So yeah, I think I know what I’m talking about.

So here we are, as a lesson to The Badger Herald Staff and the rest of the world, I give you the only bagel flavors that matter, ranked.

8 Pumpernickel

OK, full disclosure — this flavor certainly is not the best, but my mom likes it and I trust her. Pumpernickel is certainly an acquired taste, but I’ve never been disappointed by the tanginess of the rye. Slap on some cream cheese and lox, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

7 Garlic

4 egg 1 plain

There’s nothing like the crunch of a nice garlic bagel, but beware — one bite and your breath will probably smell for a week.

I recommend indulging in these treats every full moon and the entire month of October, as to protect yourself from vampires. See you never, Edward Cullen.

6 onion

This is for sure Shrek’s favorite bagel. It might not have layers, but it’s savory and delicious.

Unfortunately, the same breath-smelling issue I have with garlic bagels is also true for onion, ranking it a mere 6.

Don’t let egg bagels fly under your radar. Sure, their coloring might be a little odd and there are no fun coatings, but that slightly sweeter dough will make your taste buds sing.

Now this may seem surprising, but hear me out. A plain bagel is a blank slate. Do you want a pizza bagel? A breakfast sandwich?

Something sweet? A vehicle for lox or whitefish or what have you? Slap it on a plain bagel and you will never be disappointed.

3 sesame

Another seeded variety of bagels, sesame definitely has more of a fan-following than my beloved poppy seed. The added crunch and nutty flavor make it a certified classic.

2 everything So there you have it. To the rest of The Badger Herald staff and the world, go forth and enjoy the only bagel flavors that should ever exist.

5 poppyseed Poppy is my personal favorite and criminally underrated. The texture is fun, the flavor is mild. But to be honest, the slight chance the poppy seeds might make me fail a drug test is enough for me to rank this where it is.

As a carrier of the too-much gene, I know extra when I see it. An everything bagel is not that — it is the perfect combination of texture, flavor and it-factor.

January 21, 2020 • badgerherald.com • 23