Thursday 2/05/15

State News The

MSU’s loudest survivor refuses to be silenced Social relations and policy senior Emily Kollaritsch is giving her all to change the way MSU treats victims of sexual assault and their cases. See pages 4-5

Social relations and policy senior Emily Kollaritsch poses for a portrait. Photo: Emily Nagle

night life

cou rt

Where to go for your 21st birthday Take our quiz to figure out which bar is your scene — page 9 T hu r s day, F e b r ua ry 5, 2 015

sports

A breakdown of the case against the alleged Chinese student gang

Here’s what we know so far about the assault of one Chinese student by several others — page 7 @thesnews

stat enews .com

MSU football commits sign to play for Spartans

Twenty-two players will be coming from far and wide to play football in East Lansing — page 10

Opinion

Greg Monahan Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnewsopinion

Concept of ‘binge watching’ will change TV as we know it

By Kayla Clarke kclarke@statenews.com

Websites like Netflix and Hulu have completely altered the way we watch television. Before all the possibilities for streaming, if you missed the episode of your show that week, you just had to watch the recap next week in hopes of understanding what happened, or maybe ask a friend for the plot.

But online streaming can’t be good for companies who pay for television advertising. Why would people sit through all those advertisements when you can just wait until the next day and catch up on what you missed? I know some people who wait for the season to end so they can watch the entire season all at once.

Instead of getting one episode every week, there’s the potential to watch an entire season in one day. It’s called binge watching, and it seems to have drastically changed the TV viewing experience. You might find yourself even more invested in the characters’ lives, due to taking in so much of them in such a short window of time.

Binge watching TV shows can come with some pretty rough side effects though, especially if there are a lot of episodes. You might find yourself overly invested in the plot. Or you might stay up far later than usual, because something really exciting just happened and you can’t stop

there; you have to know what happens next!

Stupid cliffhangers.

A couple weeks ago, I decided that I needed a distraction and Netflix suggested that I watch “Friends.” It’s not exactly a new show, but it seemed like the perfect option. It was something I watched a lot of growing up, but I never really focused on the overall storyline.

I managed to watch every episode in under two weeks. Every second of my free time was spent watching that show. OK, that’s not exactly something to put on a resume, but I was a little impressed with myself.

I’m not even going to calculate how many hours it takes to watch 10 seasons of “Friends” because it will only lead to me feeling really gross. If you are curious though, the website Tiii.me, will calculate the hours of television shows for you.

There’s always a bitter, empty feeling when you finish the final episode of a show you binged on. However, it’s still not as bad as getting completely invested in a show and then discovering it got canceled and went off the air without an ending.

Then there are the shows you know you should watch, but they sound like a lot of effort. I’ve tried — I’ve tried so hard — to watch “Game of Thrones,” but getting invested is a challenge.

Then there are shows like “Heroes,” that start out amazing but near the end they just fall apart.

I watched “Heroes” when it first aired and tried again when they announced “Heroes Reborn,” but I still didn’t get through the final season.

While there are some downsides to binge watching, I still personally believe that it’s the best way to get the full experience. It’s a lot easier to get emotionally invested in a show if it’s all you’re watching for a couple days.

mike holloway

Have you ever considered cutting off your cable TV service to save money?

Opinion Po ll

43%—Yes, but I haven’t been able to go through with it yet. w e d n e s day ’ s r e s u lt s

Marvel Comics overdue for female lead — why not Black Widow?

asmith@statenews.com

Big Hero 6 Thurs 115 B Wells Hall 8:30 PM Fri 115 B Wells Hall 7:10 & 9:10 PM

Frozen Thurs 119 B Wells Hall 8:45 PM Fri, Sat & Sun Wells Hall 7:00 & 9:00 PM

The Lego Movie Fri, Sat & Sun Wells Hall 7:20 & 9:15

2

The State N e ws

www.rha.msu.edu ccc@rha.msu.edu 517-355-8285

Thursday, February 5, 2 01 5

18%—No, I can’t fall behind on my shows or miss big sporting events.

Total votes: 41 as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday

By alyssa smith

Come enjoy Sibs and Kids week, Feb. 5-8, with the following movies:

38%—Yes, I cut it and I am not looking back.

I am a Marvel comic movie aficionado. I can’t get enough of them.

I also can’t think of anything better than watching Scarlett Johansson kick ass and take names for two-plus hours. In fact, I would pay to watch it — that’s one movie I would gladly drop $10 to see. But even as Johansson suits up for her fourth Marvel movie — the much anticipated “Avengers: Age of Ultron” out on May 1 — there is still no talk of her amazing Black Widow character getting her own stand-alone movie.

In August, Kevin Feige, the president of Marvel Studios, said in an interview with Comic Book Resources that a femalelead movie “comes down to timing.”

He said, “But we find ourselves in the very strange position of managing more franchises than most people have — which is a very, very good

thing and we don’t take it for granted, but it is a challenging thing.”

On Oct. 28, Mar vel announced their full phase 3 lineup, and along with the expected installments of “Captain America,” “Thor,” “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Avengers,” were four new players: “Inhumans,” “Doctor Strange,” “Black Panther” and “Captain Marvel.”

“Captain Marvel” — slated to come out in 2018 — will be the first female-lead Marvel film.

The Internet rejoiced, but in the back of many minds was the same question: “Where’s the Black Widow movie?”

In a tweet Jan. 19, Marvel Canada (@MarvelEntCA) asked fans “The demi-god, the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist & the super-soldier - who are you most excited to see in #AvengersAgeOfUltron?”

Three days later they posted, “The results are in & it’s an overwhelming win for #BlackWidow! We too are excited to see her in #AvengersAgeOfUltron.”

By “overwhelming,” they probably meant just about every single reply involved Black Widow either kicking ass alone, or accompanied by Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye, Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch, or

Colbie Smulder’s Agent Maria Hill.

Nathan Edmondson, the current writer for the Black Widow comic series, even released the first six pages of his own screenplay on his website to garner more interest in a standalone movie for the ex-assassin.

The scene ends with a succinct “… and like, a whole movie of Black Widow stuff and hell-yeah moments and gunplay and [subterfuge] and a romantic arc and etc., etc., etc., … someone get on it, already.”

Since the next five years of Marvel cinematic productions are tightly planned, I know I won’t be getting the Black Widow movie I want any time soon.

But, I still hold out hope that one day I’ll be able to see a young Natasha Romanoff shrug off the lies and corruption of the KGB after a life-saving pardon from a young, fresh new S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Clint Barton, codename Hawkeye.

One day I’ll know how being attacked by aliens from outer space compared to Budapest, or why Hawkeye remembers it differently. Until my dream becomes a reality, I’ll enjoy every second of Black Widow in all the other Marvel movies she’s been in — which have been most of the successful ones. Just saying.

Contents inside

Writing for change

Scared of tax season?

Here’s our breakdown of what to expect Page 6

Campus will be swarming with children this weekend for Sibs and Kids Weekend Page 9

Assistant field hockey coach Molly Pelowski named CMU head coach Page 12

da i ly N u m b e r

23 Jersey number of sophomore forward Aerial Powers.

Read more about her award eligibility on page 11.

Zoology senior Megan Kastelen plans out a letter detailing her concerns on the issue of sexual assault Tuesday at Berkey Hall. Kastelen met with senior genomics and molecular genetics senior Alexis Weber to discuss sexual assault issues on campus and write letters to faculty. Read more on page 8. photo: alice kole

“The judge has determined that same-sex couples were legally married on that day, and we will follow the law and extend state marriage benefits to those couples.”

Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan Read more online about snyder’s decision to not appeal the decision of recognizing the validity of the same-sex couples who got married in March 2014

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T h u rs day, F e b ruary 5, 2 01 5

Th e Stat e N e ws

3

Spotlight ‘I was so fed up with the university trying to cover up sexual assault’ Timeline

Emily Kollaritsch’s fight A breakdown of Kollaritsch’s experience from the beginning until now sep 2011

feb 2012

Investigation with I3 begins

Au g 2 0 1 2

Joins the survivor network

Retaliatory harassment complaint filed

Begins talking to press

a p ri l 2014

a p ri l 2014

Harper’s Weekly piece on Kollaritsch is released

Personal Protection order extended

feb 2014

m ar c h 2014

The State News investigation released

Personal protection order filed against harasser

J u ly 2013

sep 2013

Meets other survivors in Boston

Sanctions are issued against Kollaritsch’s harasser

Ear ly m ar c h 2013

m ar c h 2013

OCR receives Title IX complaint from Kollaritsch

Investigation report concludes

sep 2012

n ov 2 0 1 2

Kollaritsch is assaulted by a different assailant

sep 2014

n ov 2 0 1 4

4

Kollaritsch is sexually harassed

The State N e ws

Kollaritsch begins advocating against George Will’s appearance and speaks publicly about her experience for the first time

Thursday, February 5, 2 01 5

MSU senior Emily Kollaritsch has become the voice and face of MSU students protesting the way the university handles sexual assault complaints its members as the survivor network. It is an informal group which has, in just a few years, transformed the national dialogue on campus sexual assault.

The network is comprised primarily of sexual assault As finals week loomed last semester, exams were far from the minds of some MSU students. Closer at hand survivors from universities across the U.S. such as was the revelation that George Will had been select- Swarthmore College, Yale University, Arizona State University, Harvard University and the University of ed as a speaker for fall commencement.

The Washington Post columnist North Carolina.

“It’s sort of a source for us to gather support, a suphad incited outrage over a June column that said rape survivors port network,” Kollaritsch said. “Like, if any of us are on college campuses saw victim- dealing with PTSD or anything, we’re kind of all there hood as “a coveted status that con- for each other.”

But perhaps more significantly, the network also fers privileges.”

Activists at MSU came out served as a platform for the survivors to organize a in force. On Dec. 10, students coordinated campaign for institutional reform withmarched up the steps of the Han- in their own universities, through the filing of Title IX nah Administration Building to complaints with the U.S. Department of Education’s stage a sit-in in front of MSU Pres- Office of Civil Rights.

“When we had first all gathered together, the majoriident Lou Anna K. Simon’s office for several hours. Leading the pro- ty of us were filing complaints with the OCR. We were all helping each other,” Kollaritsch said. “We had made testors was Emily Kollaritsch.

In photos of the demonstra- documents about how to best write an OCR Title IX kollaritsch tion, however, Kollaritsch does complaint and the different violations to put on there.”

The network also contains a core not appear like a leader. She carries of professional advocates who lend herself demurely, without the bravatheir expertise to the students. Laudo of an archetypal activist. When “When we had first ra Dunn, the founder and CEO of the protesters posed on the buildall gathered toSurvJustice, a sexual assault advoing’s steps, she stood at the back of gether, the majoricacy group, said Kollaritsch immethe crowd, without a sign or banner. diately stood out.

That’s in large part because Kollarty of us were filing “Emily was one of those surviitsch is not used to the role of outcomplaints with vors who definitely stood out as spoken advocate, much less protest the OCR. We were someone who was seeking to make leader. Until recently, Kollaritsch all helping each change and, quite frankly, needhad remained publicly silent about ed a lot of legal assistance on her her experiences at MSU. other.” campus, because everything I ever Kollaritsch, a social relations and understood was that the campus policy senior, was the anonymous stuEmily Kollaritsch, social was not serious about her safety,” dent in an April 2014 investigation by relations and policy senior Dunn said.

The State News, which detailed the on the survivor network Outside of legal advice, though, 285 days it took for MSU to invesDunn also encouraged survivors to tigate her sexual misconduct claim, share their stories with the media. and how the university’s sanctions had done little to make her feel safe. But now she has Dunn, a sexual assault survivor herself, had shared her own experience with media outlets like NPR, Rolling broken her silence.

“I was so fed up with the university trying to cover Stone and Al Jazeera.

“Originally the group was founded by pretty open up sexual assault,” she said.

As the news of student resistance to Will’s appearance survivors and that was definitely something we helped spread, first across Michigan and eventually becoming each other with, doing media contacts and encouraga national story, Kollaritsch became the de facto stu- ing people to share their story,” Dunn said. “I wantdent face of the movement because she is, in effect, ed people to speak out. I think that’s how you change the only vocal sexual assault survivor at MSU openly sexual violence. The more you speak out, the more change happens.” confronting the administration.

Kollaritsch’s story later also appeared in Harper’s Her movement into the public eye has not been a smooth or easy transition. But it’s the closest thing Weekly, again as an anonymous source.

What began as only a small cohort in the survivor she has to catharsis.

“Doing this work kind of gives me the peace I had network has grown today into a community of 600 to 800 members, Dunn said. been fighting for,” she said.

In the group, Kollaritsch met Sarah Tedesco, a survivor from Emerson College whose story has since received Not alone When I first interviewed Kollaritsch last March at a national prominence. Although the two have never met in person, Tedesco described Kollaritsch as “one of local coffee house, she brought a friend.

This was not anything unusual. When reporting on her best friends,” and said they shared a unique bond.

“I often refer to it as ‘sisters of the same pain,’” Tedesvictims of any sort of traumatic experience, it’s not uncommon to have an advocate present, a friend that co said. “It’s sort of a connection I don’t think a lot of can offer emotional support and clarification the sur- people can understand … that feeling of being violated and that feeling of our colleges and our families and vivor might otherwise have difficulty addressing.

But it wasn’t until I spoke to the friend that I learned different support systems not being there in the way she was not from MSU, but from Massachusetts Insti- they need to be after something like this happens.”

Five weeks before I met Kollaritsch, she had travtute of Technology, and was only visiting.

I later learned Kollaritsch had met her through a eled to Boston to visit other survivors, including her coalition of sexual assault survivors online, known by friend from MIT.

By Simon Schuster

sschuster@statenews.com

Anya Rath Managing editor arath@statenews.com @thesnews

A soon to be MSU graduate walks by protesters Dec. 13, 2014, during a protest against commencement speaker, George Will outside of Breslin Center. This protest was inspired by a column that Will wrote earlier in the year. Social relations and policy senior Emily Kollaritsch was a main organizer behind this protest. PHOTO: JESSALYN TAMEZ

“It was very significant, realizing I’m not alone and realizing there (are) all these other people there,” she said.

A platform Her advocacy doesn’t come easily.

Diagnosed with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, when speaking her voice wavers between the confidence that comes with strong convictions and the fragility of an individual still feeling the trauma of her experiences.

Still, she said she is learning how to better advocate.

“I know more so how to do it. It’s still hard to do because of my PTSD,” she said. “I always have to set limits for myself and know what I can and what I can’t do.”

Kollaritsch’s dealings with the MSU administration, more than anything, are defined by frustration. This past spring, Kollaritsch said she was raped by someone she believed was her friend.

While she said prosecutors are currently

“I don’t know another survivor who’s gone through what (Emily Kollaritsch has) gone through, on a campus that isn’t doing too much.”

Sarah Tedesco, a survivor from Emerson College whose story has received national prominence

reviewing the case, the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives approached her about a university investigation.

She said she requested an advocate to accompany her to the meetings and take notes because of her PTSD and a hearing impairment, but the university denied the request.

As a result, Kollaritsch chose not to move forward with an I3 investigation again.

Tedesco described her as “unbelievably resilient.”

“I don’t know another survivor who’s gone through what she’s gone through, on a campus that isn’t doing too much,” Tedesco said.

“I think she’s doing incredible things because she doesn’t have that big support system with her on campus.”

In other universities under federal investigation, multiple survivors have come forward about their experiences, but at MSU, Kollaritsch is alone in her outspokenness.

“I think Emily has had a hard time because there are people there, but they’re not being T h u rs day, F e b ruary 5, 2 01 5

as vocal as she is,” Tedesco said. They’re not fighting the system like she wants to.”

The protests against George Will, Kollaritsch said, was one of the first times she received “a platform to speak out.”

MSU Students United organizer Duncan Tarr said that organization along with the new group Community Leaders In Transformation aim to provide that platform.

“Organizations I’ve been a part of have done our best to elevate her voice and the voices of other survivors who have had similar experiences,” Tarr said.

Since this is Kollaritsch’s last semester at MSU, she said her decision to speak has little to do with her.

“Basically it was my determination to give survivors a voice that they didn’t otherwise have,” Kollaritsch said. to read about more efforts to fight sexual assault on campus, see page 8

Th e Stat e N e ws

5

News Filing your own taxes this year? Shop around For many students, filing taxes can be as easy as handing over W-2 forms to Mom and Dad — but for others, finding a cheap tax service can be a hassle. Check out this graphic for a quick guide to services

Tax Fees

with the state news

$19.95

$19.95

$12.99

$34.99

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$5.95

* All prices are first paid option, all have some free services ** Prices do not include state fees

To submit your valentine, visit: statenews.com/spreadthelove going on now until Feb. 11

Proceeds will be donated to

MSU Safe Place

graphic: ryan logan | source: compiled by individual tax websites

It’s officially tax season, folks. From now until April 15, expect to see tax firms’ appointment books filled to the brim and a plethora of television commercials referring to taxes, tax returns and, most importantly, tax refunds.

There are many different services students can utilize to file their tax returns. There are online services, including TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA, as well as living and breathing tax experts at agencies such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt.

Each service charges different fees for their services and each package a firm offers comes with different fees as well. Also, on top of the fee that each tax service provider charges for federal tax returns, there is a separate fee for filing state tax returns.

It is necessary to file different tax returns for state and federal, accounting professor Edmund Outslay said.

“The federal government and the State of Michigan have separate tax systems that require separate returns,” Outslay said. “The State of Michigan income tax begins with the federal tax return and adjusts for certain items to create Michigan taxable income.”

TurboTax offers a free state tax return on their basic package, the only package in the industry which offers free state tax returns for those who qualify based on income. So when a firm says it can do taxes for free, be wary because the firm could only be referring to federal taxes. Last year, TurboTax charged $36.99 for each

state tax return.

This year, H&R Block, the largest tax preparation firm in the country, offers four packages — basic, deluxe, premium and premium and business. With each different H&R Block package, different tax areas are covered and the coverage is improved with each package.

The basic package, for instance, is software that is best for “simple tax situations,” according to H&R Block’s website. With the basic package, a person gets free technical support on the phone or via online chat, and tax information from the past six years is stored for each customer. A customer also gets 5 percent extra bonus on their federal refund.

The deluxe package, best for “homeowners or investors,” includes each basic package feature, but also includes guidance on interest for a mortgage, help with investments and valuation of donations. The deluxe package also promises a 10 percent extra bonus on federal refunds.

TurboTax lists the deluxe package as their most popular package. The deluxe package will cost a taxpayer $34.99 for federal returns and $36.99 for state returns. All prices are subject to change.

As for which is the better option, it is entirely up to each person.

“TurboTax is very user-friendly and is cheaper depending on whether you buy the state income tax package, which is recommended,” Outslay said. “H&R Block will cost more. They might find more deductions or credits that you might have missed on your own, but TurboTax prompts you with questions that help you identify tax reductions and credits.”

6

T h u r s day, Fe b r ua ry 5 , 2 01 5

By Andrew Merkle amerkle@statenews.com

T h e Stat e Ne ws

Olivia Dimmer and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews

An alleged Chinese gang beating, a water pitcher and a karaoke club: five-day trial awaits verdict MSU alumnus Meng Long Li and MSU student Shan Gao sit with their attorneys Roberta Sacharski and Patrick Crowley while they listen to attorney Chris Bergstrom’s closing statements Monday at 30th Circuit Court in the Ingham County Courthouse, 315 S. Jefferson St., Mason, Michigan.

Chris bergstrom — Defense attorney for MSU alumnus Meng Long Li

photo: allyson telgenhof

Meng long li — 24-year-old actuarial science and finance alumnus accused of assaulting Yan Li with a plastic water pitcher

of a Chinese municipal inspector agency who “clean the streets” of illegal vendors and issue parking tickets, Meng Long Li said in previous testimony. Though he said the agency’s reputaAfter nearly four hours of deliberating the tion is not very good, other testimony tiptoed verdict of two Chinese students, the jury will around characterizing the agency as being a resume Thursday, an Ingham County Circuit peaceful or violent one. court clerk said.

According to a BBC article from 2008, ChengIt’s a trial that has lasted five days, required A planned attack the use of translators and shook up the cam- Their chance meeting wasn’t so chance, because guan has received widespread criticism for its pus community with allegations of an under- Meng Long Li had traveled to the karaoke bar excessive use of force. One case cited in the artithat night intending to “raise cle is an accusation that members of the agency ground gang comprised of Chihad asked a man to stop filming them confront hell,” Hesse said. nese students operating at MSU. But, according to Meng Long another man. When he didn’t, they allegedly It all began on the Chinese New Bi o Li’s testimony, Yan Li had been beat the man to death.

Year of 2014, Jan. 31, 2014, when Hesse claimed the group on campus uses fear, asking around for his phone numstudent Yan Li left his group’s priYan Li ber during the 2013 winter break. intimidation and physical violence to gain notovate room at a karaoke bar and And asking for another’s phone riety on campus. was approached by defendant student assaulted with a plastic “Meng Long Li and Shan Gao and all of their number indicates that person is and alumnus Meng Long Li. water pitcher looking for trouble, Meng Long friends wanted everyone to know that they are Though the specifics of their the top dog,” she said. “They Li said. conversation are disputed, both drive around in their fan“It ’s like a Meng Long Li and Yan Li, testicy cars with the Chengguchallenge,” he fied that after their brief talk Yan gl o s s a r y an stickers in the windows, Li went back to his room and was followed by a said. “If I refuse to give my alerting everyone that they group of men. One of these men pushed Yan Li phone number, I seem like a Chengguan: run the Chinese scene on down onto a futon, nearby his girlfriend, and coward.” an alleged gang of campus.”

So when Meng Long Li saw punched, kicked and beat him over the head Chinese students on T hough Meng Long Li Yan Li at the karaoke bar that with a plastic water pitcher. campus that has the same name as a Chinese denied affiliation with the The attack lasted several minutes, during night, he confronted him municipal inspector gang, he named several peowhich the handle from the plastic water pitch- about it, Meng Long Li said. agency that is criticized ple who had a sticker of the Moments later, when one of er broke from being used as a blunt weapon. The for using excessive force, agency’s emblem on their beating is allegedly connected with Chenggu- Meng Long Li’s friends heard according to the BBC cars. Having known some an, a supposed Chinese student gang claimed of the confrontation they folof the members, he characIngham County Assistant Prosecutor Kimber- lowed Yan Li back into the terized the group as friends private room, pushed him ly Hesse.

Following the assault Yan Li was then taken down and began assaulting him, Meng Long who “just hang out together, you know, play basketball.” to the hospital, where he received three sutures Li testified.

Gao, one of those who had the emblem on and 10 staples. his car, said the sticker was “just for fun” and Yan Li testified that Meng Long Li was the Deciphering gang ties culprit using the water pitcher, though this is As for the alleged gang affiliation, Hesse said nothing more.

Meng Long Li is an enforcer and Gao a lower-levdisputed.

Stay tuned with for updates as the jury The other defendant, student Shan Gao, was el middle man within Chengguan.

The name of the group is the same as that deliberates further Thursday. picked out of a photo lineup as being either a

By Michael Kransz

mkransz@statenews.com

patrick crowley — Defense attorney for mathematics student Shan Gao

shan gao — 21-year-old mathematics student accused of assaulting Yan Li and shoving his girlfriend

lookout or an attacker.

But others testified Gao never entered the bar that night.

That night was the second time Meng Long Li and Yan Li had met. In late November 2013, the two scuffled at Hong’s Cafe in East Lansing.

T h u rs day, F e b ruary 5, 2 01 5

Th e Stat e N e ws

7

Crossword

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

News

Group continues efforts to hold MSU accountable for sexual assaults After the overwhelming response to commencement speaker George Will and the surrounding issues, students are still looking for an outlet for their frustration

Across

1 Parlor action 5 Dorm peer leaders: Abbr.

8 Lidless container 14 Palm that produces purple berries 15 CPR giver 16 Missouri River city 17 “You don’t look a day over 29,” probably 19 One may use a teleprompter 20 IM guffaw 21 Hustled 23 Points in math class 24 Didn’t come to pass 28 Chorus for the villain 29 “Dang!”

30 Fellow 31 Drink with sushi 32 Cow or sow 35 Flooring phrase 40 Promos 41 General organization?

42 Tetra holder 43 Reining word 44 “Given the circumstances ...”

47 So as not to be noticed 51 Stories of the ages 52 Invalidate 53 Vacation destination 56 Wanted badly

59 Device for exposing the end of 17-, 24-, 35- or 47-Across 61 __ Pie 62 Great Basin native 63 Orkin victim 64 Pull out of the water 65 TD’s half-dozen 66 Gorillas, e.g.

Down

1 Go through a lot of tissues 2 Tunnel effect 3 Help from behind 4 Gather dust 5 “I can __” 6 __ curiae: friend of the court 7 Tough to climb 8 Nav. noncom 9 Word before base or ball 10 Kingdoms 11 Skywalker associate, familiarly 12 Monastic garment 13 Inducing the willies 18 Sea eagles 22 Kitchen dweller of song 25 Spanish 101 verb 26 Cook quickly, in a way 27 Half-note feature 28 Obey 30 Campus no.

31 Farm home

32 Unit between levels 33 Prince in “Frozen” 34 Large grazer 36 Cowardly Lion player 37 Bouncy pace 38 Missouri River city 39 Sundance Kid’s girlfriend 43 Boll eater 44 Actor Will of “The Lego Movie” 45 Many diner dishes 46 Not working 47 Stress-related ailment, possibly 48 Language on a longship 49 16th-century circumnavigator 50 Turn out 54 Prepare for a shot 55 Song and dance 57 Former Abbey Road Studios owner 58 “GoodFellas” boss 60 IRA suggester

Senior zoology major Megan Kastelen writes a letter and discusses sexual assault Tuesday at Berkey Hall. Kastelen met with senior genomics and molecular genetics major Alexis Weber to discuss sexual assault issues on campus and write letters to faculty expressing concerns. PHOTO: ALICE KOLE

By Meagan Beck mbeck@statenews.com

Get the solutions at statenews.com/puzzles Level: 1

2

3

4

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE

2/5/15

8

© 2015 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

The State N e ws

Thursday, Februa ry 5, 2 01 5

At commencement in December, a sizable amount of students, parents and staff gathered to protest columnist George Will’s speech.

But less than a handful of students made an appearance at an informal event to write letters to President Lou Anna K. Simon and others about the issues that still remain.

The popularity of the issue may have died down to some, but many students continue to seek answers about how MSU is handling sexual assault, in addition to feeling betrayed by Will speaking and receiving an honorary degree at the fall commencement.

And while all this plays out against the backdrop of a federal investigation pending against MSU, a group of students met to write letters and discuss their concerns on the topic of sexual assault Tuesday night.

“We’re all sort of disgruntled about different aspects of student policies that are being handled by the Board of Trustees and President Simon, that we don’t feel our needs are being met,” Genomics and molecular genetics senior Alexis Weber said.

Weber said she organized the dis-

cussion because letters can be an effective way of communicating an important message.

“I think a lot of people don’t feel like their voices are being heard and I don’t think a lot of people know how to make changes,” Weber said.

“I think writing letters will help promote changes being made.”

“We’re all sort of disgruntled about different aspects of student policies that are being handled by the Board of Trustees and President Simon, that we don’t feel our needs are being met.”

Alexis Weber, molecular genomics senior

She said she would be writing multiple letters to editors, newspaper outlets, Simon and possibly other officials.

Weber said the letters might contain changes students would like to

see regarding the development of a more standardized way of handling sexual assailants.

“Based on what I’ve found, there isn’t a standard,” Weber said. “I’ve heard different things from a couple people based on personal testimonies about how their case was handled. But for the most part, it’s difficult to find out what their standard punishment is.”

She said the lack of sexual assault counselors is also a topic needing to be addressed.

With such a large student body, zoology senior Megan Kastelen said the limited number of sexual assault counselors is astounding.

“To me, that perpetuates rape culture,” Kastelen said. “That’s saying it’s not a big deal.”

Kastelen said overall, she thinks the biggest issue students face regarding sexual assault is transparency.

“Rape culture is a problem and our university should be progressive and taking those initiatives to inform their students, not waiting for students to be in that situation themselves and then be like, ‘Oh, what do I do?’” Kastelen said.

The group will be having a follow-up meeting to discuss and peer edit the letters in the near future.

Features

Casey Holland Features editor features@statenews.com @sn_features

Missing your little siblings? They can visit this weekend

Then zoology senior Brooke Wohlers and Sturgis, Michigan resident Brielle Wohlers, 6, “potty race” during Little Sibs Weekend on Feb. 7, 2014, at the Union.

PHOTO: CASEY HULL

The annual Sibs and Kids weekend is a chance for Spartans to bring their younger brothers and sisters to MSU for fun activities

By Patrick Bade pbade@statenews.com

This Friday students will be joined by a number of children and young teens for a weekend of family bonding.

The annual Sibs and Kids Weekend will commence this week for MSU students and any of their cousins, siblings, children or friends.

The event was formerly named Lil’ Sibs Weekend, but the University Activities Board changed the name this year.

Check-in will begin 4 p.m. Friday on the second floor concourse of the Union. The events will officially start 7 p.m. and will end 9 p.m. Saturday.

Communication senior Claire Nuttall, UAB’s spirit and traditions director, said the purpose of Sibs & Kids Weekend is “to give MSU student siblings a chance to get on campus, and to give them a chance to do age-appropriate activities with their siblings.”

Nuttall said one difference in this year’s weekend is that the events Saturday will be more sit-down oriented.

Students and their siblings will go from hands-on activities Friday to being audience members in a number of performances Saturday.

Friday night activities include crafts, bowling and laser tag among other physical activities. Nuttall said she is particularly excited for the performance of magician Joel Ward on Friday.

On Saturday, events include a scavenger hunt at the MSU Museum, a show at Abrams Planetarium and open gym and swim time at IM Sports-Circle. Students and their “sibs” or other family members can burn off any extra steam during the gym’s open house event after a weekend of fun.

There will also be a concert Saturday night by MSU a cappella group Spartan Dischords, as well as free ice cream from the Dairy Store.

UAB members expect a large turnout, if past years are any indication.

“Last year there were about 1,300 students,” Nuttall said.

Despite the fact that the deadline has passed to pre-order event T-shirts and discount meal tickets for campus dining halls, there will be a limited number of each to purchase on site.

T-shirts are not required to participate in the events Registration is free for all students and it can be completed online on UAB’s website.

Quiz

Where should you have your first legal drink on your 21st birthday?

By Zoë Schubot zschubot@statenews.com

Your 21st birthday is on the horizon and with an abundance of bars in the city to choose from, it can be a difficult process to decide where your first stop should be for this wild night.

Check out this quiz to find out what bar you should hit first on this historic night of your college experience.

1. What is your ideal spring break destination?

A) The Bahamas — I want a nonstop party!

B) Ireland — I want to drink like an Irishman, but also appreciate the culture.

C) Costa Rica — A service trip spent helping people by day and hanging out

with my friends by night sounds incredible.

D) France — I want to be able to have a glass of wine with a relaxing dinner and enjoy the culture.

What is your ideal evening hangout?

A) A crazy dance party with everyone I know.

B) A small get-together with my closest friends.

C) A trip to a cool indie concert.

D) A nice dinner with my loved ones.

Do you plan on hitting the dance floor when you go out?

A) I want to dance all night!

B) Maybe toward the end, but I want to sit and chill first.

C) Only if my friends drag me.

D) No, I want to sit,

eat and relax.

How do you feel about karaoke?

A) Absolutely not — I don’t sing.

B) I’d rather appreciate a live DJ. C) I love it! I’ve always believed myself to be Beyoncé’s long-lost child.

D) I don’t mind it, but it’s not what I had in mind for my 21st.

What kind of food are you hoping for at your celebration?

A) Anything fried — chicken tenders, french fries, just give me the grease.

B) Pizza. It’s the perfect food for any occasion.

C) What night is complete without a perfect bar burger?

D) I want a nice sit-down

meal with a huge variety of different options.

What kind of drinks are you hoping to find?

A) As long as it’s alcoholic, I don’t really care.

B) Some nice beers and mixed drinks, but nothing too fancy.

C) A wide variety of everything. I’m 21! I want to experience it all in one night if I can!

D) An extensive amount of craft beers. I want to find something that I’ve never had before.

What kind of atmosphere did you have in mind?

A) Somewhere I can dance all night and forget my inhibitions.

B) More of a restaurant feel, but still fun and upbeat.

C) A hole in the wall with a quirky vibe.

D) A nice establishment where I can have a classy evening.

Answers Mostly A’s Rick’s American Cafe — You’re ready for a classic 21st celebration, and the famous Rick’s American Cafe will provide you with what you’re looking for.

Prepare yourself for a night of dancing and drinking that you won’t remember.

Mostly B’s Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub — As the only microbrewery in East Lansing, and home to a variety of original beers, Harper’s is sure to give you a great experience for your 21st. Winner of various “Best of MSU”

T h u rs day, F e b ruary 5, 2 01 5

awards including “Best East Lansing Bar,” “Best Dance Spot” and “Best Pizza,” a birthday spent at Harper’s is sure to be a great one.

Mostly C’s Crunchy’s — This hole in the wall is sure to provide a unique 21st birthday experience. If you’re looking to let out your inner rock star, they offer karaoke Thursday through Saturday, and their buckets of beer and famous burgers will keep you satisfied and ready to party all night long.

Mostly D’s HopCat — You’re looking for a slightly more dignified 21st birthday experience, and HopCat is the place for you. This restaurant-style bar offers 100 draft beers and an extensive food menu.

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9

Sports MSU hockey excited for rivalry game in Chicago The Spartans will face U-M in a outdoor game at Soldier Field in Chicago this Saturday during the Hockey City Classic

All expected commits sign on with MSU football National signing day this year was stressfree for head coach Mark Dantonio won’t be on scholarship until 2017 when he officially joins the program.

“It will be my honor and priviOn a day that brings a plethora of strain and tension, Mark lege to fight alongside my brothDantonio woke up feeling stress ers of Sparta,” Hunt said at his announcement ceremony at free.

“I wasn’t worried about any- his high school. “I’ll be going thing,” Dantonio said Wednes- to Michigan State.”

Even though the Spartans now day afternoon at the signing day press conference at Spartan Sta- have the ability to pick away at dium. “No drama, it was nice.” high school seniors from certain It was an abnormal feeling parts of the country, they have for a head coach during a time not forgotten where the basis where it would be his last oppor- of their recruiting begins in the Midwest. tunity to conFive of the vince some of top athletes the nation’s in the state of top recruits Michigan will to sign their don the green National letter and white next of intent with season, includthe Spartans.

Number of recruits who ing a pair from However, signed with MSU Wednesday Detroit Martin there was no Luther King anxiety over High School whether or not a high school senior may flip his in linebacker Tyriq Thompson, commitment with the university the lone early enrollee of the on national signing day for Dan- class, and offensive guard Kyotonio, as all 22 commits submit- nta Stallworth.

Tyson Smith of St. Mary’s High ted their letters.

The 2015 recruiting class, School, Jackson Lumen Christi’s which currently ranks 22nd in Khari Willis and two-time state the nation and third in the Big champion Cole Chewins round Ten by 24/7 Sports, is the sec- out the local talent inside the ond consecutive year in which mitten.

“He has great growth potenthe Spartans have landed in the tial,” Dantonio said of Chewins, top 25.

The list includes players from who will gray shirt next season. different parts of the country, “He will be an outstanding playincluding Arizona, Utah, Flor- er for us.”

Larry Scott, arguably the bigida and Virginia, giving credit to their recent bowl wins and gest standout for the MSU class, multiple 10 win seasons to allow is one of five recruits based in the program to become more of Ohio, Mark Dantonio grew up and spent time as a defensive a national brand.

MSU currently sits in the final coordinator for Ohio State.

A four-star athlete and the team rankings at the end of the process is recognized by Danto- sixth highest rated running back nio, but isn’t putting a whole lot in the country by 24/7 sports, Scott never backed away from of stock into it.

“The numbers really mean his commitment and plans on nothing, now the real work contending for the starting job starts,” Dantonio said. “Now to fill the void left by Jeremy they have to start to really Langford, despite holding offers from Alabama and Ohio State. define themselves.”

“There were a lot of people Along with the 19 recruits who verbally committed with MSU, knocking on the door,” Dantwo more highly prolific athletes tonio said of Scott. “He never will spend their college career wavered once.”

When Dantonio concluded his in East Lansing.

Cassius Peat from Arizona and opening statement inside the Mufi Hunt from Utah, two pass media room, the sheer exciterushers from the Southwest, ment in his voice could be heard were the last two recruits to join when he went into detail on his the class on Wednesday. Peat, new batch of commits, stating who committed to UCLA back that this may be the most talentin October, flipped his decision ed recruiting class he’s ever had after hearing offers from MSU as head coach at MSU. “We’re not selling hope and Arizona State.

Hunt, the 6-foot-6 inch, here, we’re selling results,” 215-pound defensive end, Dantonio said.

By Zach Libby

zlibby@statenews.com

22

Junior goaltender Jake Hildebrand defends the net during a game against Ohio State Jan. 23 at Munn Ice Arena. photo: alice kole

By Jonathon Chun jchun@statenews.com

For the second weekend in a row, MSU hockey (10-11-2 overall, 4-3-2-2 Big Ten) will face No. 14 U­-M (15-8 overall, 7-2 Big Ten) in a historic venue. After last weekend’s 2-1 win over U-M last weekend, the Spartans will face the Wolverines for an outdoor game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night as part of the Hockey City Classic. The Spartans are currently tied with Penn State for second place in the Big Ten with 16 points, while U-M leads the conference with 21 points.

“Now, we prepare for a game outdoors which is a fun experience,” head coach Tom Anastos said. “But it’s an important game. It’s an important three points. And I guess you can prepare to the extent that you can, and what the elements bring you just deal with when the time comes.”

The in-state rivals are no strangers to outdoor venues, having played three previous games in the blistering winters of Michigan. However, this weekend will mark only the second time the Spartans and Wolver10

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ines have played outside the state of Michigan — the other taking place in Milwaukee in 1968.

“We don’t want to do any one that passes by, we want to make sure they’re special,” Anastos said of playing in outdoor games. “What made this attractive was the city – it’s in Chicago, a great hockey city. It’s in an iconic building — in Soldier Field.

Michigan State has a huge alumni base in the Chicago-land area.

“It’s not something that we would probably do every year, but it’d be nice if we had the opportunity to do it at least through the cycle for each player that comes through here.”

Several Spartan players had the opportunity to experience playing at Comerica Park last year. Junior goaltender Jake Hildebrand remembers the experience well. Even though Hildebrand registered a shutout in one of the games, he knows how unpredictable playing in those conditions can be.

“You don’t know what kind of bounces you’re going to get, so as a goaltender you’ve got to play things cautiously,” Hildebrand said.

For MSU’s freshmen, Saturday will

be a new experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Having played two games against the Wolverines this season, freshman defenseman Josh Jacobs understands the passion and history that will be showcased in Chicago this weekend.

“I actually have never played in an outdoors game,” Jacobs said. “It’s definitely going to be one of the most exciting (games I’ve played in). We’re playing against Michigan — probably the best college hockey rivalry in the game for so long . … Coming here and seeing the rivalry between us and Michigan, it’s definitely a hard fought battle. We hate each other.”

A similar sentiment is sure to be brewing in the parking lots of Soldier Field leading up to the rivalry game. Nevertheless, MSU knows it can’t afford to let the emotions of the rivalry or the hysteria of the event to get in the way of its goal.

“The game, the game, the game.

That’s our focus,” Anastos said. “I want guys to enjoy the experience, but I want them to also recognize the real reason we’re going there isn’t to play a hockey game outside, it’s to play a conference game worth three points.”

Thursday, February 5, 2 01 5

Geoff Preston Sports editor sports@statenews.com @thesnews_sports

Aerial Powers on Dawn Staley award short list

Sophomore forward Aerial Powers is guarded

by Indiana guard Alexis Gassion on Jan. 28 while she tries to make a basket during the game at Spartan Stadium.

Powers is one of four Big Ten players to be on the mid-season watch list for the award given to the top guard in the nation

photo: emily nagle

By Mayara Sanches msanches@statenews.com

The spotlight is on her again.

Sophomore for ward Aerial Powers was named to the Dawn Staley Award mid-season watch list.

“She’s a special talent and a great kid,” head coach Suzy Merchant said. “I think she’s going to leave here one of the bests to ever play.”

The award is given to a player who shows potential and skills that Staley had during her basketball career. It is awarded to the most outstanding collegiate guard in the NCAA. Powers is one of four of Big Ten players who were nominated. Alongside her are Iowa senior Samantha Logic, Rutgers sophomore Tyler Scaife and Ohio State freshman Kelsey Mitchell.

Averaging 21.9 points per game — second in the nation, coming after Mitchell with and average of 26 points per game — and with a career-high of 35 points against Nebraska, Powers has guided the Spartans to many victories. Her energy and will is also contagious to her teammates.

Merchant said Powers is strong, competitive and affects the ball with every move.

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“To look at this kid’s will to win, it’s impressive,” Merchant said.

During the Final Four weekend, the winner of the award will be announced, and the ceremony will take place April 17 at the Union League of Philadelphia.

In addition to her prestigious nomination, Powers is second in the nation in double-doubles, with 18.

When Powers first found out about her thenlead in double-doubles in the NCAA, she said she would be that much more competitive and work that much harder so that no one would pass her. "(Being in the top in double-doubles) just says that I’m consistent, and it says that I don’t give up and work hard,” Powers said.

She said her competitiveness comes from her parents who were both runners and used to race against each other when she was a kid.

Powers had the lead until last week, when Oregon junior Jillian Alleyne got 19 double-doubles.

Powers will join the six other eligible players on the Spartans’ team, including co-Big Ten player of the week sophomore Tori Jankoska, to go head-to-head against rival Michigan 7 p.m. Thursday.

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Th e Stat e N e ws

11

Sports With eight games to play, MSU still alive in the Big Ten The Spartans sit only a game and a half behind of conference-leading Wisconsin, with winnable games on the immediate horizon

By John Neidhart jneidhart@statenews.com

Head Coach Tom Izzo high-fives senior guard Travis Trice Jan. 21 at Breslin Center during the men’s basketball game against Penn State. The Spartans defeated the Nittany Lions by 66-60.

PHOTO: EMILY NAGLE

After nine Big Ten games, MSU is halfway through the conference season.

Some called it a rebuilding season, but sitting just a game and a half out of first place, the Spartans remain within shouting distance of the top spot.

Wisconsin has been the class of the league all season, never dropping to lower than No. 7 in the AP Top 25 Poll.

The Badgers are currently ranked fifth in the nation and a Jan. 11 upset at the hands of Rutgers is the lone blemish on their conference record.

Below Wisconsin, a several teams are huddled together at 6-3 in the league.

No. 17 Maryland, No. 20 Ohio State, and Purdue join the Spartans in the second spot. MSU (15-7 overall, 6-3 Big Ten) was swept by Maryland earlier this season but has yet to meet the Buckeyes or Boilermakers.

Although he wasn’t happy with his team’s performance against University of Michigan, MSU head coach Tom Izzo admits that his team’s record “ain’t all bad.”

Reaching 20 wins is generally a good way of determining which teams have the best shot of qualifying for the

NCAA Tournament, so for the Spartans, winning five of their final nine games should be key. With a Feb. 14 home date with Ohio State coming up, MSU plays two very winnable games, Illinois and Northwestern, before then.

MSU will have a week of practice before its next game Saturday against Illinois, something that couldn’t have come at a better time, according to Izzo.

“We gotta get better if we’re gonna be a team that has a chance to do something at the end of the year,” Izzo said. “I say if you ever have a week off that is needed (this is it).”

The Big Ten season has been unpredictable, possibly more so than in years past. Just when it seems a team is settling in, another one steps in and knocks that team back down.

Since defeating MSU by 16 points Jan. 17, Maryland has lost games by 19 and 24 points to then-No. 23 Indiana and then-unranked Ohio State, respectively.

Indiana followed up its impressive victory with consecutive losses to Ohio State and Purdue.

“When you catch a team is important,” Izzo said last week. “And I’m amazed by what’s going on in our

league and I’m really amazed what’s going on around the country right now and said so last night. I’m baffled by it.”

8

The number of games the Spartans have remaining

MSU will have plenty of chances to improve its tournament credentials down the stretch, including a March 1 matchup with Wisconsin, but senior guard Travis Trice believes that the first addition to the resume should be a league title and everything else will follow.

“Right now, we’re just trying to take it one game at a time,” Trice said. “Our first goal is to win a Big Ten championship, so that’s our main goal and our main objective right now. When the tournament comes, we’ll focus in on that.”

Field hockey assistant takes over as head coach at CMU

By Austin Koltonowski akoltonowski@ statenews.com

After seven years at MSU, assistant field hockey coach Molly Pelowski will be leaving the Spartans to take over as head coach for the Central Michigan field hockey program.

The team held a 7-12 record with only 1 loss coming in conference play.

According to a press release by CMU athletics, director of athletics Dave Heeke said he is excited about their incoming coach.

“Molly is a fantastic addition to our staff,” Heeke said. “She has passion and energy for Central Michigan and field hockey that I feel will continue the success our program has had on and off the field. Molly understands what makes this university great and believes in creating a championship experience for all our field hockey student athletes.”

But this is not Pelowski’s first time with the CMU staff. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2005 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education, Pelowski act12

The State N e ws

Thursday, February 5, 2 01 5

ed as a graduate assistant for Kent State the following year, but soon departed to CMU for a two-year stay. Pelowski said she is thrilled about the forthcoming opportunity.

“I am really looking forward to coming home to Mount Pleasant and being a part of the Central Michigan University community,” Pelowski said. “This is a dream opportunity for myself and my family. I look forward to following in the footsteps of Cristy Freese, who has been a mentor of mine. I am really excited about the opportunity.”

After jumping around for three years, Pelowski joined the Spartans as an assistant coach in 2008. Excelling in her ability to coach goalkeepers, Pelowski had a memorable seven-year tenure, in which she served as MSU’s top assistant coach since 2012.

Pelowski collected a number of accolades as a goalkeeper with the Wolverines. Pelowski helped lead U-M to Big Ten regular-season championships in 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004, of which she was also a member of the 2001 National Championship team.