view FRESH(MAN) & FIERCE A judge’s ruling against the Voter ID law is beneficial for voters and Wisconsin. +OPINION, page 5 University of Wisconsin-Madison
Freshman center Brendan Woods has emerged as a key asset for the success of the Wisconsin men’s hockey team. +SPORTS, page 8
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Thursday, March 8, 2012
Obama campaign visits UW-Madison By Tyler NIckerson The Daily Cardinal
Daven Hines/the daily cardinal
Chancellor David Ward told student leaders Wednesday UW-Madison entered a period of meditation with adidas after learning the company could sue the UW System.
Ward: adidas could sue Board of Regents By Anna Duffin The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison Chancellor David Ward told student leaders Monday he feared the UW System could face legal repercussions if it did not enter a period of negotiation with adidas before giving the company an ultimatum to remedy alleged labor violations within 90 days. UW-Madison’s Labor Licensing Policy Committee recommended the university give adidas 90 days to pay workers in an Indonesian factory severance after the factory abruptly closed in 2011. But Ward said doing so could have resulted in the company suing the UW System Board of Regents, which would jeopar-
dize the university’s code of conduct, finances and morale. “My worry was that it would be a problem if adidas won that case,” Ward said. “It seemed that on the basis of my last two phone conversations, they were prepared to do that.” Ward said if the university put adidas on notice, they would eventually have to enter a period of mediation. He said by entering mediation before putting the company on notice would at least let the university know what its chances of winning a lawsuit would be. If the university cut ties with adidas, the company would be unlikely to pay the workers, Ward said. Entering the period of mediation would allow the
The Daily Cardinal
City officials approved the design of Block 100 Foundation’s proposal Wednesday allowing State Street reconstruction plans to move forward. Both the Landmarks and Plan Commissions will review the proposal before it moves on to the Common Council for final approval. Block 100 Foundation’s proposal to reconstruct State, West Mifflin and Fairchild streets includes demolishing or heavily renovating six buildings and con-
structing an open plaza facing the Overture Center. The Urban Design Commission approved the design of Block 100 Foundation’s redevelopment proposal including an open garden area, modern office building and restaurant on the corner of Fairchild and Mifflin streets but did not endorse any demolition. The open garden space and proposed modern glass office building at the corner of Mifflin and Fairchild streets would require demolishing the Schubert building, which is a registered
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university to negotiate with adidas and influence the company to pay the workers.
“If there is no trust in our organization, then we have no purpose here.” Kathryn Fifield Chief Justice ASM Student Juducuary
Also at the meeting, Associated Students of Madison Diversity Committee Chair Niko Magallon presented legislation denouncing the Student
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City officials approve proposed State Street changes, do not endorse demolition By Abby Becker
Less than a month until the national spotlight will be focused on Wisconsin’s Republican presidential primaries, figures central to the campaign to reelect President Barack Obama visited Madison Wednesday to encourage students to begin campaign efforts of their own. Former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and National Field Director Jeremy Bird spoke to and answered questions from an audience of about 150 UW-Madison students gathered at the Memorial Union. They also addressed students from nine other UW campuses who tuned in to watch the event
via webcam. The two keynote speakers touched on topics ranging from health care, education and the war in Iraq to the Republican candidates. But Wednesday night was primarily about inspiring the students to begin campaigning on their campuses. “It’s not going to happen because people want it to happen; it’s going to happen because people came here today as a launching pad for the organization we are building in colleges and universities across the state of Wisconsin and across the country,” Bird said. Gibbs said Wisconsin is recognized as a significant
landmark at 120 W. Mifflin St. Project architect Eric Lawson said the commission’s acceptance of the design is an important “baby step” in the approval process because it allows the project team to modify its current plans based on recommendations from city commissions. Recommendations from commission members included adjusting the size of the new building, making the garden available to the public and creat-
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Student Life
Hag Purim Sameach!
Revelers celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim Wednesday night at Hillel. + Photo by Grey Statterfield
Athletic center plans progress A $76.8 million project to enhance Camp Randall’s academic and training facilities for student athletes is closer to construction after the Urban Design Commission approved the final phases of the project. The first phase, which began in January, is replacing Camp Randall’s turf and creating an access tunnel from the McClain Center to Camp Randall. The second and third phases of the proposal include plans to replace the roof, renovate the McClain Athletic Facility and build a three-story structure at the north end of Camp Randall to
house student-athlete academic facilities and a conditioning center. The plan will also create a bike path from Breese Terrace to the Camp Randall arch. While some nearby residents are concerned with construction noise and light pollution, Regent Neighborhood Association President John Schlaefer said “the university has done a very good job of using the design to address neighborhood concerns.” The Plan Commission will review the proposal before construction can begin in July. Abby Becker
“…the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”