University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Weekend, February 19-22, 2015
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Legislators say Blank is ‘playing politics’
College Reps confront ASM By Madeline Heim THE DAILY CARDINAL
An unexpected open forum appearance from the UW-Madison College Republicans prompted the Associated Students of Madison Student Council to review language in its biennial budget resolution during Wednesday’s meeting. Freshman Jake Lubenow, who spoke on behalf of the College Republicans, argued that the Council’s resolution reflected partisan views and did not represent the campus as a whole. “If you’re going to be a partisan board and make partisan decisions regarding the budget, you should call yourself a partisan board, because making blatant assumptions about the entire campus is irresponsible,” Lubenow said. The resolution, which originated from UW-Marinette, details ASM’s opposition to Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed $300 million in cuts and public authority status, as well as voicing its support for the
Wisconsin Idea. Lubenow recognized that affordability and accessibility are major concerns for students across campus, but condemned ASM for failing to voice support on the budget’s efforts to account for these concerns. Lubenow said it seems a bit hypocritical that when Gov. Scott Walker announced the tuition freeze, ASM did not release anything in support of his idea, but they advocated for affordability in their resolution. Lubenow also addressed student accessibility to teachers, saying that these interactions are a problem regardless of the budget cuts. “We’re just going to continue hiring professors who continue to do research, but don’t actually do anything in the classroom,” Lubenow said. Lubenow concluded by urging the Council to consider the Wisconsin Idea’s “search for truth”
By Eric Cummings THE DAILY CARDINAL
But we don’t always keep them. We are somewhat challenged given our … predominantly white institution,” Sims said. “We know this is a great place for amazing talent, so others who can offer more lucrative opportunities see us as a poaching ground.” Provost and Vice Chancellor
The state Joint Committee on Finance co-chairs accused UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank of prioritizing politics in the state budget debate, according to a Wednesday press release. The press release, from state Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and state Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, criticized Blank’s handling of the proposed $300 million budget cut to the UW System. Both legislators questioned if Blank, a “former Obama appointee,” was representing the university’s best interests or just playing politics. “In the future, we hope to have an open and honest dialogue with the System about the budget, as no constructive conversation will come from bringing Washington politics to Madison,” Darling and Nygren said in the release. They also discussed the benefits of the autonomy measures attached to the proposed budget cut. “Governor Walker is offering autonomy and more flexibility in his budget proposal and instead of support, the governor and legislature are being met with divisive politics,” the
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EMILY BUCK/THE DAILY CARDINAL
College Republicans member Jake Lubenow disputes ASM’s budget resolution at a Student Council meeting Wednesday. when working on the resolution in order to better represent the entirety of the student body. Moving into discussion on the budget resolution, the Council examined language in
the document that could be seen as partisan. Members proposed removing all mention of Walker’s name in
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Reception celebrates newly promoted faculty of color By Miller Jozwiak THE DAILY CARDINAL
University community members met Wednesday in the Pyle Center for the annual Faculty of Color Reception to celebrate the hiring and promotion of professors of diverse backgrounds. This year, 40 faculty members were promoted and 26 were hired. Interim Vice Provost of
Diversity and Climate Patrick Sims helped organize the event. Sims emphasized the event was not setting faculty of color aside, but honoring them and giving them an opportunity to network. “In an environment where faculty of color are a very small percentage, sometimes you can feel isolated and alone. So it is a great networking opportunity to see
other people doing highly developed research,” Sims said. According to the Office of Equity and Diversity 2015 Utilization Summary, only 24 percent of UW-Madison faculty are minorities. Sims said he thinks this number can “absolutely” be improved on, but it will be difficult. “We do a really good job of attracting people [diverse groups.]
Menominee tribe’s 155-mile march for casino falls short By Andrew Bahl THE DAILY CARDINAL
ANDREW BAHL/THE DAILY CARDINAL
The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin braved sub-zero temperatures in their march to the Capitol, starting Friday.
Protesters from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin converged on the Capitol Wednesday in a lastditch attempt to convince Gov. Scott Walker to reconsider construction of a proposed casino in Kenosha. Hundreds of tribal members embarked Friday on a 155-mile trek from their reservation in northern Wisconsin to Madison, braving sub-zero temperatures as they walked. Menominee tribal Chairman Gary Besaw said the protesters’ sacrifice was an attempt to underscore the importance of the proposed casino, a partnership between the tribe and Hard Rock International. “We’ve said this is too important for [Walker] to ignore,” Besaw said. “There is too much at stake not to sit down and do
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+ OPINION, page 5
the right thing.” Despite a revised offer from the tribe and developers that includes footing $220 million of a new Milwaukee Bucks arena, Walker has remained firm in his position against the casino, citing risk to the taxpayers. Protesters remained undeterred by the opposition as tribal leaders led the group of roughly 300 to the Capitol. Gathering in the rotunda, state politicians from both parties addressed the crowd, offering support for the tribe’s cause. “You have conquered every hurdle and answered every question,” Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Salem, said. “I stand and the people of Kenosha stand with you.” Rep. Tod Ohnstad, D-Kenosha, criticized Walker for his lack of leadership on the issue. “We call on Scott Walker to put his presidential aspirations
Women’s Basketball
aside and act in the best interests of all Wisconsin citizens, not the Iowa Caucus,” Ohnstad said. Tribal leaders also addressed the crowds before Besaw walked to the Governor’s office in an unsuccessful attempt to meet with Walker. “We had hoped that this trek would show [Walker] that this is not a game for our people,” Besaw said after being turned away by Capitol Police. “We hope somehow he understands that, as a leader of this state, the people deserve true leadership.” Menominee legislator Craig Corn was also disappointed with Walker’s decision but expressed pride in the tribe’s activism. “He would have been falling over any other group wanting to make a $1.6 billion investment in the state,” Corn said. “We didn’t lay down and we’re here. Whatever happens, this is a proud day for the Menominee.”
+ SPORTS, page 7
Seniors prepare for last home games as Badgers
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”