The University of Maryland’s Independent Student Newspaper
W E D N E S DAY, F E B R UA R Y 1 1 , 2 015
Univ holds sex misconduct town hall Students voice concerns that new sexual assault, misconduct definitions are too narrow By Josh Magness @JoshMag Staff writer Students and community members TERRY OWEN, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee gathered at a pair of on-campus town chair, answers questions about the university’s sexual assault policies. tom hausman/the diamondback hall meetings this week to voice con-
cerns about this university’s interim sexual misconduct policy before a University Senate committee receives it for review. A crowd of about 25 gathered Monday in the Margaret Brent Room in Stamp Student Union, while a sim-
ilar-sized crowd assembled in the multipurpose room in the Nyumburu Cultural Center. The main issue discussed was the university’s decision to change the definition of sexual assault from what is recognized by the University System of Maryland. Under the university system’s definition, sexual assault is broken into two sections: “Sexual Assault
I” described as nonconsensua l sexual intercourse and “Sexual Assault II” labeled as nonconsensual sexual contact, including disrobing or touching an individual without consent. Under this university’s interim policy, sexual assault is defined as “any act of sexual penetration with See MISCONDUCT, Page 3
Brushing through history
Hollywood area to see city face-lift By Holly Cuozzo @emperorcuozzco Staff writer
100 plus turn out for modern Chinese ink art exhibit opening in Art-Sociology Building
The Hollywood Commercial District streetscape along Rhode Island Avenue, which city officials call outdated, is slated to undergo improvements after the final plan is finalized in March. “I would describe the current streetscape as underwhelming,” Michael Stiefvater, College Park economic development coordinator, wrote in an email. “Its current form does not contribute to the vibrancy of the commercial area. When completed, the project will give the district a visual identity and offer amenities to bike riders and pedestrians that encourage them to visit the businesses.” The city appropriated $205,000 in fiscal year 2010 to design, engineer and construct improvements to the streetscape. Home to 41 retail businesses, including places such as MOM’s Organic Market and REI, the Hollywood District is an area with a strong business core and a passionate group of residents, Stiefvater wrote. But the area lacks visual appeal and
By Erica Bonelli @thedbk For The Diamondback A f ter le a r n i n g br u sh pa i nting from her father, Jin Weihong wou ld spend the nex t 30 yea rs transforming the language of ink painting into a modern expression of emotion that crosses borders, cultures and traditions. The Art Gallery, in partner with the Confucius Institute of Maryland, unveiled yesterday night its new exhibition curated by Weihong, a world-renowned Chinese-ink artist. The exhibit displays contemporary Chinese ink art featuring eight of the leading explorers in ink painting in the Art-Sociology Building. The exhibition, “Reshuffling the University president wallace loh speaks to more than 100 at “Reshuffling the Past: Contemporary Chinese Ink Art” yesterday.
See ART, Page 2
james levin/the diamondback
See HOLLYWOOD, Page 2
‘It isn’t just one specific culture’
Former football player creates glove-repairing, grip serum Alumni-built business draws on univ students
Students recount skin color bias experiences to open dialogue
By Grace Toohey and Taylor Swaak @grace_2e, @tswaak27 Senior staff writers
By Lexie Schapitl @lexieschapitl Staff writer Chelsea Benjamin said she has been called an “Oreo” because she “talks white.” Benjamin, a freshman enrolled in letters and sciences, was one of about 40 students who gathered Tuesday in the Stamp Student Union Grand Ballroom Lounge to discuss how people of different races experience discrimination based on the color of their skin at an event called “Fifty Shades of
loza asnake (right), Zema Meseretu (middle) and Nati Abebe, all sophomores, listen to other students’ stories of colorism in Stamp Student Union yesterday. claire harvey/for the diamondback Color: A Discussion on Colorism.” Colorism can be defined as “a practice of discrimination based on skin color — light, medium, dark — which results in the favorable or unfavorable treatment of individuals based on the lightness or darkness of their skin color,” said junior Justine Dawes, Ca-
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ribbean Students Association public relations chairwoman. Dawes said colorism can affect individuals of various races in different ways. “Not only do black people suffer, See COLORISM, Page 3
In 2010, Matt Furstenburg made the biggest catch of his career for the Terrapins football team: a 53-yard catch against Clemson. Days later, the then-sophomore tight end’s gloves were worn and lost their stick, forcing him to replace them continually. “I noticed I would go through gloves every few days,” said Furstenburg, who graduated in 2012 and is a former Baltimore Ravens tight end. “They’re pretty expensive. They’re about $20 to $60, average price range.”
That sparked an idea that led to a collaboration between Furstenburg, university professor Srinivasa Raghavan, entrepreneur Harry Geller, 2014 alumnus Kevin Diehn, 2014 alumnus Chanda Arya and senior chemical engineering major Zach Rom and the solution to Furstenburg’s equipment woes: Grip Boost gel. The gel, which can be applied to a receiver’s glove, increases the glove’s longevity by forming a thin film around it that makes it tacky and prevents wear and tear. The gel takes about 15 to 20 seconds to dry. “It’s an interesting alignment of football background from Matt — knowing the problems in football — and seeing what kind of chemical solutions from Maryland’s chemical engineering department can put together,” Arya said.
Celebrate the fine art of basketball. See GLOVES, Page 2
Celebrate the fine art of basketball.
SPORTS
OPINION
FRESE, TERPS KEEP ROLLING ALONG
STAFF EDITORIAL: Ongoing vaccination debate
Celebrate the fine art of basketball.
The women’s basketball team beat Rutgers yesterday night to improve to 13-0 in Big Ten play and extend its winning streak to 16 games P. 8
The unnecessary controversy has gone on far too long P. 4 DIVERSIONS
MORE OF THE FINCHES The To Kill a Mockingbird sequel has sparked a faceoff P. 6 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is proud to support Maryland Basketball.
Go Terps!
Celebrate the fine art
of basketball.
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center is proud to support Maryland Basketball.
Go Terps!