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Onward coalition plans to focus on alcohol, parking
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KU closer to 13th-straight Big 12 title after win over Baylor
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MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017 | VOLUME 133 ISSUE 11
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN THE STUDENT VOICE SINCE 1904
Second Title IX suit partially dismissed CHANDLER BOESE @Chandler_Boese
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN Mady Womack, junior from Leawood, gives a speech to the OneKU coalition after accepting her nomination as candidate for student body presdent.
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN Mattie Carter, a junior from Kansas City, Missouri, gives her acceptance speech to the OneKU coalition after accepting her nomination as candidate for student body vice president.
OneKU selects candidates, platforms and name NOLAN BREY @NolanBrey
M
ady Womack and Mattie Carter were chosen as the president and vice presidential candidates of OneKU at a coalition meeting Sunday night, after running unopposed for their respective positions. About 40 people attended the coalition meeting in the Kansas Room of the Kansas Union, where the coalition selected its name, president, and vice president. The name OneKU was unanimously selected over the name “Hype.” The coalition launched its campaign
on Feb. 7. Womack is a junior from Leawood who currently serves as the Student Senate government relations director, while Carter is a junior from Kansas City, Missouri, who currently serves as the chair of the Student Rights Committee. Three platform ideas were also presented at the coalition meeting. Womack presented the first platform idea, introducing an online sexual assault reporting system known as Project Callisto, which would allow sexual assault victims to record the details of their assault without having to report them
right away. Victims can also submit their reports electronically or only report their sexual assault if another survivor names the same perpetrator. The reporting system is already being used by universities in California and Iowa. The reporting system would allow victims to not have to "sit in an office with an administrator who might not even believe them,” Womack said. The second platform was ROTC-priority enrollment, which was presented by Jack Stevens, a junior from Fairway. It would give ROTC students the oppor-
tunity to enroll earlier, because starting their junior year these students’ classes must be approved by their commanding officer, which can be a timely bureaucratic process, Stevens said. The third platform was a freshman internship program within the Student Senate, proposed by Martin Doherty, a freshman from Chicago. Since there are only five freshman seats in Student Senate, the program is designed to get more freshman students involved. Freshman interns would not be given voting rights, Doherty said, but they would be able to attend
meetings and learn the ins and outs of the Student Senate. Womack said that more platforms will come in the future. In her acceptance speech, Womack said that she is excited for the things the OneKU will accomplish. Womack also said that her role as president is “to advocate for all Jayhawks.” Carter said in her acceptance speech that her experience on the Student Rights Committee has prepared her for leadership, and that she is confident that OneKU is the “most qualified coalition to improve the lives of all students.”
KU offers most scholarship funds in Kansas NOLAN BREY @NolanBrey
University students receive more scholarship money than students from any other university in Kansas. In the 2016 fiscal year, the University awarded $204,010,422 in scholarships and fellows, according to Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations for the University. In 2016, the University had an enrollment headcount of 27,098 students, according to the Board of Regents’ University Data Book. This means that there is $7,529 in scholarship funds for every student that attends the University, though this does not mean that every student will receive such an amount or will have access to the same funds. For example, the more than $200 million dollars in awards does not include just scholarships. It also includes fellowships. Fellowships can include
programs only available to the University’s 6,932 graduate students—about 25 percent of the Lawrence and Edwards campuses, Barcomb-Peterson said. Additionally, the University of Kansas Medical Center awarded $9,229,928 to its 3,891 students in 2016 or about $2,372 per student. In terms of the scholarship awards, the University is significantly ahead of other state institutions. Barcomb-Peterson said that Kansas State University offers $63,997,487 to its students. The student population of Kansas State is 26,455. This equates to $2,419 in scholarship funds per student. Additionally, Wichita State University awards its 17,096 students $31,059,758 ($1,816 per student), while Fort Hays State University awards its 17,322 students $20,677,149 ($1,194 per student). While the University awards more than $200 million to its students, it is
INDEX NEWS............................................2 OPINION........................................4 ARTS & CULTURE..........................................5 SPORTS.........................................14
How the University’s scholarship funding compares to other Kansas universities
Illustration by Roxy Townsend
difficult to ascertain who actually gets the money. “Scholarships are awarded based on merit, need, special talents, donor requirements, etc.,” said Matt Melvin, vice provost of enrollment management for the University, in an email. “The criteria, eligibility guidelines, restriction, etc. are all over the place and represent the unique interests of donors.”
A majority of the scholarship dollars at the University come from the University Endowment Association, which provides over 6,500 privately funded scholarships to students every year, according to the association’s website. “We raise money for scholarships, but we don’t award them. The University decides who gets them,” said Rosita Elizalde-McCoy, senior vice president
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of communications and marketing for University Endowment. “Donors who they work with often provide support for specific scholarships based on their experiences at KU, like study abroad, debate, a particular program of study or for particular student populations, such as low-income, first-generation, etc.,” Melvin said.
Sarah McClure, one of the former Kansas rowers who is suing the University for alleged Title IX violations had part of her lawsuit dismissed Thursday. A federal judge ruled against the allegations that the University created a hostile environment that contributed to the plaintiff’s alleged rape in Jayhawker Towers by a Kansas football player. McClure’s accusations that the University was indifferent and negligent toward her after the alleged incident will move forward. Daisy Tackett, the other former rower who is also suing the University, received a similar ruling in her case last Friday. J. Thomas Marten, the U.S. district judge who ruled in both cases, referred to Tackett’s case multiple times throughout his ruling on McClure’s case. “The court recognizes that the alleged facts in these cases differ with respect to the circumstances surrounding the sexual assault, post-assault contact with [the football player who allegedly assaulted her], and the experience with the head coach,” Marten wrote in the ruling, obtained by the Kansan. “Nonetheless, the allegations supporting the Title IX claims are sufficiently similar to warrant the same treatment.” McClure’s original complaint against the University alleged that it created the circumstances that led to her alleged assault. The complaint said that the University’s policy of placing football players in Jayhawker Towers, despite the high rate of assault in the complex, was one of these contributors. The judge ruled that this was not substantial enough to go to court and dismissed this part of the complaint. However, McClure’s allegations that the University mishandled the investigation of the assault and that her rowing coach made sexbased comments about her will move forward. Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, the director of news and media relations for the University, said the University is happy that the court decided to dismiss part of the lawsuit. “Moving forward, we are confident the court will agree we’ve fulfilled our obligations to Ms. McClure,” Barcomb-Peterson said in an email. On Friday, the Kansan reached out to Dan Curry, the Kansas City attorney representing both McClure and Tackett. “The McClure family is pleased with the Court's ruling and they look forward to prosecuting their case against KU,” Curry said via email.
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KANSAN.COM/NEWS | MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
Alcohol sales and better parking: ‘Onward’ launch addresses disappointments on campus DARBY VANHOUTAN @darbyvanhoutan
T
hursday brought the arrival of a new Student Senate campaign with promises to remedy what they see as the failings in other coalitions and the University as a whole. The campaign launch, which drew a crowd of more than 90 people to Ellsworth Hall, established the coalition named “Onward.” It also brought forth the election of a new presidential and vice-presidential ticket. Chance Maginness, a current senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, won the presidential nomination unopposed. “When I came here, I loved this place,” Maginness said during the coalition’s launch. "It was a place that made me feel so many different things. When you walked across campus, you felt like people wanted you to be here." However, he said the University he remembers fondly is not the one he attends now. In the last two years, he said, the Univer-
Andrew Rosenthal/KANSAN Student Body President nominee Chance Maginness talks to a supporter at a campaign launch event Thursday night. The coalition, “Onward,” launched with Logan Miller as the vice president pick.
sity has changed, creating tension and a sense of fear throughout campus. That, Maginness said, has pushed him to run the coalition. Logan Miller, a junior from Shawnee with no Student Senate experience, went unopposed in his nomination for the vice-presidential nominee on Onward’s ballot and won. “When I met Chance and I heard his energy, it gave me this passion I hadn't had since senior year of high school,” Miller said after the meeting. “It gave me this feeling that, if I really
gave it my all, we could really do something.” According to Miller, the “something” he is referring to begins with the coalition’s two main platforms, which were presented at the launch. “When we were having conversations about, 'what are two issues that are on people's’ minds all the time,'” Maginness said after the launch. “Alcohol and parking are usually what comes up.” Though not many specifics were given at the launch, these two issues are encompassed in the coalition’s two
main platforms: making the University a wet campus by allowing alcohol on campus and establishing a better parking system at the University. The focal issues within Onward’s coalition differ substantially from other coalitions that have launched thus far, such as the KUnited coalition, which launched Sunday and had a caucus Thursday. KUnited has platforms relating to issues such as diversity, inclusion, and accountability. However, Ellie Milton, a freshman from Omaha, who spoke at the launch, said that Onward’s platform regarding changes to parking is arguably the most vital and convincing part of the case to vote for them. “Parking office has actually agreed to work with us and only us on parking reform,” Milton said during the meeting. "You won’t get that from any other coalition." However, the two platforms presented at Thursday’s launch aren’t the end
of Onward’s plans, Maginness said after the launch. According to Maginness, more platforms will be announced at the coalition’s next meeting Tuesday. — Edited by Casey Brown
KBOR approves chancellor description
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Hannah Edelman/KANSAN David Dillon, the chancellor search committee chair, said they are looking for someone who is passionate about the University’s research, among other requirements.
EMILY WELLBORN @Em_wellborn
As of Feb. 15, the Kansas Board of Regents is officially taking applications for a new chancellor after approving the leadership statement — which outlines the official job description — created by the chancellor search committee with input from students, faculty and the community. “The best candidates will be individuals of stature who have a keen understanding of higher education, a passion for educating students, and a proven respect and appreciation for a worldclass faculty,” a press release said. The chancellor leadership statement outlines the history of the University, the position of the chancellor and the characteristics that the committee agreed on. While addressing the board, the chair of the search committee, David Dillon, said that there were two main factors the committee would be looking for in a new chancellor. “The leader should be one that is able to reach out to the entire state of Kansas on behalf of the University of Kansas,” Dillon said. He also said the new
chancellor should be, “someone who is passionate about a major research university.” The statement says candidates should be able to generate resources, including funding, for the University, and should possess leadership and interpersonal skills. Dillon cited the KU Medical Center and the University’s Cancer Research Center as examples. The description also includes qualifications like, "a commitment to an open, diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that nurtures the growth and development of all,” and an “in-depth understanding of and commitment to a strong Division I intercollegiate athletic program.” The committee decided on the description after two meetings. In the first, the committee discussed the strengths and opportunities of the University. The second meeting divided the committee into two groups to edit the description after meeting with various constituent groups from the University and Lawrence community at two open forums. The committee is taking suggestions on characteristics for a new chancellor and
nominations online. The committee, with R. William Funk & Associates as consultants, will be taking applications until March 30. Dillon still predicts that the
committee will recommend to the Regents a new chancellor by the middle of May. — Edited by Allison Crist
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New EPA won’t impede work, researchers say NOLAN BREY @NolanBrey
U
niversity climate change researchers are unsure of what will come from the Environmental Protection Agency under Trump, but they are confident that their research will continue relatively unimpeded. Scott Pruitt, who was confirmed Friday as administrator of the EPA, sued the EPA multiple times as attorney general of Oklahoma. Critics of Pruitt, who often call him a climate change denier, are worried that he will destroy the EPA. David Braaten, a geography and atmospheric science professor at the University, said University researchers who rely on grants could see that funding taken away or reduced as a result of an EPA run by Pruitt. Likewise, professors who rely on the help of graduate students to enhance productivity are perhaps most at risk. “Faculty are still free to do their research without external funding,” Braaten said. “It’s just a lot harder when you teach and have all of the other responsibilities and can’t get the help of a graduate student to move things along.” While there are still many unanswered questions, Braaten is worried about the fate of the environmental progress that has already
Associated Press Supreme Court associate justice Samuel Alito, right, swears in Scott Pruitt as the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the White House complex in Washington, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017.
been made. “I’m worried that it’s going to cause progress that’s been made to slow down,” Braaten said. “I always show my class the carbon emissions from the U.S., and they’ve been dropping the last couple of years.” The Obama Administration imposed many new environmental measures, such as the Clean Power Plan in 2015, but some believe that not enough progress was made. “There is progress being made. It’s not tremendous progress, but it’s a little bit
of progress,” Braaten said. “That could reverse it. I don’t really know, but there is a concern that the trend we see now is not going to hold up. That would be unfortunate.” While climate change is often associated with politics, Braaten said that the credibility of research is divorced from politics. “It’s a whole body of work,” Braaten said. “Not just mine or any other individuals or KU individuals. It’s a worldwide body of work, and all the points are directed in the same
direction but in different ways.”
“
There is progress being made. It’s not tremendous progress, but it’s a little bit of progress.” David Braaten University professor
Moreover, Braaten said that credibility is derived from publishing research. “Credibility of research is not determined by any
political wind. It’s really your writing papers and putting forth your results. And then it’s looked at by your colleagues in the field. If it’s good, it’s published,” Braaten said. Jordan Sprick, a graduate student from Hiawatha studying electrical engineering, researches for the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS), a science and technology center at the University that seeks to develop new technologies and computer models to study ice sheets. Sprick is not worried
that the new changes in the EPA will affect CReSIS’s work greatly because it is difficult to deny the melting of ice caps. “The ice caps definitely are melting,” Sprick said. “They’re losing mass, and the ocean is rising. I personally wouldn’t be too worried that anything is really going to change. Maybe a little bit less funding, but whether it’s global warming or not, it’s happening.” Additionally, Sprick said that, currently, discussions about the EPA are not a common topic within CReSIS. “I wouldn’t say that people are necessarily disheartened around here,” Sprick said. “I think they just go about their normal routine and continue their research.” Both Braaten and Sprick agreed that they do not foresee significant recruiting hurdles for environmental studies in the future. “It’s kind of everybody in the same boat. I’m sure not that it would affect our recruiting,” Braaten said. Sprick said that changes in the EPA might even raise interest in environmental research as more people come to learn about its importance. “I see that the realization that it is important coming about and people doing something about it,” Sprick said. — Edited by Paola Alor
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opinion FREE-FOR-ALL ›› WE HEAR FROM YOU
KANSAN.COM/OPINION | MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
Uri: Warnings in the rise of the far right
50¢ corn dogs are romantic Vodka is just fun water. I used to be addicted to soap but I’m clean now. It’s a beautiful day to sit inside and play video games. Without A/C, someone in my lecture shouted “I’m melting!” I’m always here for bodily freedom. You know you’ve had a rough night when you look at your phone and say, “Wait, when did I drop this?” I had wheel pizza for the first time last night: life changing. Most interesting part of my day so far: found a poptart crumb in my eyelashes when I was doing my mascara.
lllustration by Erica Gonzales
“I’ve seen a lot of weird stuff at the bull, but never in my life have I seen a full banana unpeeled on a urinal” a real tweet I found. Seeing family always sounds so nice until I actually see my family. Masculinity does weird things to people Just move to the back of the bus already. To: all you people on the 43 red That awkward moment when your date finds an empty box of condoms under your car seat If I didn’t know you, and see you wearing a bro tank, I’m assuming you’re a Trump voter. I’ll leave it at that. WeRateDogs™ joining Snapchat is what I needed this week.
IKE URI @IkeUri
P
resident Donald Trump caters to the so-called alt-right, surrounding himself with those whose views go far beyond the consensus-building party that former president Ronald Reagan defined. The extreme demagoguery that Trump and many of his supporters spew has normalized anti-immigrant rhetoric as well as speech that attacks, both covertly and openly, members of minority groups. This change is not isolated to the United States; across Europe, members of anti-immigrant conservative parties are gaining political
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and the United Kingdom to Norway, were inspired by reactions against the supposed failures of democracy and socialism. A perceived sense of loss of national identity, exacerbated by the significant geopolitical effects of the First World War, influenced movements that sought to reinvigorate a sense of national belonging. These efforts often discriminated against minorities, or, as in the case of the Holocaust, persecuted with the ultimate goal of purifying the citizenry through extermination. We are not living in Nazi America, and Donald Trump is not a new Hitler. However, the tactics of the far-right in America and Europe resembles, more closely than any major political effort in decades, the rise of the extreme nationalism that developed into fascism. Just as Mussolini, Franco, Tojo and Hitler indoctrinated using propaganda, the executive branch of our federal government is now issuing propagandistic
“alternative facts” to the media, eerily similar to the false news that George Orwell’s fictional government issues in “Nineteen Eighty-Four.” Lies shouted from podiums and issued in memos from government offices fuel a xenophobic and anti-immigrant stance, which has become so vocally prevalent in American and European society. These demagogues paint a clear picture of the homogenous land they envision, where all citizens are white and Christian. Similar stories are playing out across Europe, where, following Brexit and surging nationalism, we can no longer count extreme candidates as unelectable. In France, Marine Le Pen leads the National Front, who wants to pull France from the European Union and restrict immigration. In Germany and Austria, Frauke Petry of the Alternative for Germany Party and Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party envision similar goals. Feelings, brew-
ing for decades in Europe and United States, are increasingly made manifest by these leaders, who embolden citizens, uncomfortable with people who are not like them, to become active. We must realize just how delicate the foundations of our political systems are. Fascism took hold through democratic elections before bringing humanity to its most despicable low. As nationalism and propaganda come to the forefront of society, we need to take caution in order to preserve the long-lasting principles that undergird our political system. On Feb. 15, 29 days into his presidency, Trump began his 2020 campaign. We must be careful, not just to guard our immediate political future, but also to insure that we do not slip down a more dangerous path toward true political extremism. Ike Uri is a senior from Concordia studying sociology.
Kassebaum: Change, action go together
If the library is open until 8 pm, then keep the café open until 8 pm! It is 3:30. People still get hungry and thirsty in here from 3:30-8. What ever happened to the Teletubbies?
traction. We must be wary of the many ways that these trends resemble those that swept Western Europe and much of the world in the 1930s. Following World War I and economic collapse, fascism, along with other antidemocratic ideologies began to gain popularity nationwide, including in the United States, where fascism gained some popularity in the 1930s. Fascist governments gained power in much of Europe during the Second World War, and these totalitarian systems persisted well into the 1970s in Portugal and Spain. The atrocities of World War II committed by fascist regimes ended its widespread popularity, as democratic countries worked to dismantle totalitarian governments and prevent the development of future fascist regimes. Fascist movements, evidenced in countries ranging from Brazil to South Africa
NELLIE KASSEBAUM @nelliekudk
Change, and I mean big change, goes hand in hand with action. If you want change, you’ll have to act, and if change occurs, you must actively adapt, resist or react in some way. Change came to me in the early hours of Nov. 9, 2016, after the election of Donald
Trump. Change came to me again Dec. 16, when I cut off (most of) my hair. Change visits me daily in little ways, like the way the sun sets later and later or the way some songs sound differently when I’m listening late at night. Intentional action, performed by seeking change, began move-in day August of freshman year. I was ready to escape rural Kansas and move to the big city (pause for laughter). It continued to happen daily in school, trying new things, meeting new people, the whole “college experience.” It has become more focused as I learn about the world, and find activities that fuel my fire. Finding something you’re passionate about and applying action to
those will prove invaluable not as a student, but as a person with the desire to have an impact. After the election, and particularly after President Trump’s inauguration, the mass mobilization of concerned American citizens was remarkable. This was the exemplification of the relationship between change and action. Many people were also upset about these reactions. I argue that with such a change, action was inevitable. We should be thankful we can voice our concerns and stand up for human rights. We should also be thankful we have this ability to change. We should utilize it
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more often. If you don’t like something, act, and change will result.
“
We should also be thankful we have this ability to change.”
This means removing yourself from social media and going outside. This means attending your first protest, making your first phone call to an elected official or maybe writing them a letter. You cannot expect small actions to bring about big change. Conversely, if you are happy about the recent political change, I urge you to
CONTACT US Lara Korte Editor-in-chief lkorte@kansan.com
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also act. Act by reaching out to friends or family who are hurting. This is what will guide our country toward a more united future, a better America. The one you voted for. These seem like simple enough suggestions, but we will only see progress if these actions and changes occur. It becomes a dangerous game when we assume our neighbors, friends, or classmates are doing enough. Never underestimate your ability to contribute.
Nellie Kassebaum is a sophomore from Burdick studying English and public policy.
THE KANSAN EDITORIAL BOARD Members of the Kansan Editorial Board are Lara Korte, Christian Hardy, Tucker Paine and Vince Munoz.
arts & culture HOROSCOPES ›› WHAT’S YOUR SIGN?
KANSAN.COM |MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
Vlogger Kat Blaque to visit campus tomorrow COURTNEY BIERMAN
Aries (March 21-April 19) Enticing opportunities present themselves over the next two days. Study for the test. A friend can get through where you can’t. A long shot pays off. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Take on an interesting journey today and tomorrow. Discover new views. Heed the voice of experience. Learn the rules before bending them new ways. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Work together to grow your shared fortunes today and tomorrow. Use your expertise and let your partner use theirs. Imagine what could be possible. Keep practicing. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Negotiate to refine plans. Don’t worry if you don’t know how. Work with a partner for the next few days. Together, you can figure it out. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Don’t drop out exercise. It energizes you for the fast pace today and tomorrow. You’re spurred to action. Knowledge and expertise provides profits. Outdoor diversions delight. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You’re especially lucky in love over the next few days. Sweet surprises fall like windfall apples. Enjoy time with family and friends. Rejuvenate an old bond. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Home and family take priority. The next two days are good for making domestic changes. Clean out cupboards and closets. Upgrade your equipment. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your actions get profitable. Physical magnetism is part of the fun. Others appreciate your decisiveness. Stick to solid ground, and avoid speculation. Negotiate a shrewd deal. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Communications lead to profitable action today and tomorrow. Inventiveness, creativity and inspiration come easy. Stick to your budget and plan. Luck smiles on your efforts. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Talk things over with your team. Don’t take action without considering the impact on others. Promises made now are good. Compassion is a huge factor. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Get into thoughtful planning mode for the next two days. Heed an excellent idea from a friend. Intuition comes through loud and clear. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Let your team carry the ball today and tomorrow. Inspire your circles with wit and wisdom. Friends help you make a decision. Unusual ideas are welcome.
@courtbierman
F
eminist YouTube vlogger Kat Blaque will visit campus next week to speak on social media’s role in activism. The free event will be in Woodruff Auditorium on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. Blaque is known for her sizable social media presence, which she uses to discuss current events related to social justice issues, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and transgender rights. In her weekly “True Tea” video series, she answers viewers’ questions about racism, transphobia and other forms of prejudice. She has approximately 23,000 Twitter followers and more than 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Her videos have amassed nearly 10 million views. “Kat Blaque is a trans woman of color that uses her Internet presence to kind of bring about people’s understanding,” Spectrum KU president Rayfield Lawrence said. “She helps people’s understanding of social events and what’s going on in present times. I think she has a great way of articulating herself, her beliefs and her thoughts, into a way that you can understand.” Lawrence said he’s followed Blaque on various social media platforms for sev-
eral years. Blaque’s visit is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). Cody Charles is the associate director for diversity education and social justice programs at the OMA. Charles said that Blaque is someone the office has wanted to bring to campus for a while.
“
She helps people’s understanding of social events.” Rayfield Lawrence Spectrum KU president
“We are always looking for folks to bring to campus to engage students, staff and faculty and campus culture in connection to what’s happening around us and specifically folks that are creating their own platforms to do that,” Charles said. Footage of a meeting of the University chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom, a youth activism organization, went viral last fall. The Facebook video, which has more than 50,000 views, shows YAF members engaging in a heated debate with opposing activists who attended the meeting. Blaque used Facebook Live to respond to the video and offer advice to those who protested the meeting.
Photo contributed by the Office of Multicultural Affairs
Sarah Schulman speaks about difference between conflict and abuse in society HANNAH COLEMAN @hecoleman33
Author Sarah Schulman wrote and published a book that aimed to find the underlying issues with individuals and groups needing to use their voices, rather than their victimhood, to spread their beliefs. Schulman is a professor of English at the College of Staten Island and City University of New York. The book, “Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility and the Duty of Repair,” was the topic of discussion during her visit to the University last week. The visit included a series of events differentiating the concepts of conflict and abuse. The events began Thursday, Feb. 16. She mainly discussed her book and the issues it addresses. On Friday, Feb. 17, Schulman was featured in a Coffee @ The Commons event called “Change on a University Campus.” After, Schulman was the guest at a Lunch & Learn event that addressed student activism at the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Emily Ryan, associate director at The Commons, aided in bringing Schulman to the University. Ryan said that The Commons shared an interest in her experiences with activism and inviting dialogue to occur between people who see the world differently. “Schulman’s work is incredibly important in times of division and disagreement especially,” Ryan said. “Her
Miranda Anaya/KANSAN Sarah Schulman, author and English professor at the College of Staten Island, discusses her book, “Conflict is Not Abuse.” One of the main topics Schulman disscussed was how many people feel attacked when they are experiencing normal conflict.
latest book ‘Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility and the Duty of Repair’ is about the necessity of having difficult conversations with people you don’t necessarily agree with. In fact, we must do exactly that if we want to progress as a society.” As a writer, Schulman has published 10 novels, and has a background as an activist. She’s the co-founder of Mix: NY LGBT Experimental Film and Video Festival, as well as the co-director of ACT UP Oral History Project. Both of these projects aim to accomplish building strong platforms for activists and their voices. For her work, Schulman has received a Guggenheim Fellowship and two other fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts. She was also awarded a Kessler Prize for Sustained Contri-
bution to LGBT Studies and a Stonewall Award for Improving the Lives of Gays and Lesbians in the United States.
“
Schulman’s work is incredibly important in times of division and disagreement especially.” Emily Ryan Associate director at The Commons
Originally, Schulman said she became interested in putting her thoughts to the pages when she began studying homophobia in the family dynamic. She realized that it wasn’t the LGBTQ individual in the family causing the negative situation, it was the family, and a dialogue had to be prompted. This issue par-
ticularly intrigued her and inspired her recent book and much of her work. During the events, Schulman said she also made a point to get audience members to understand that it’s important to recognize the difference between conflict and abuse, a misunderstanding that leads to negative situations. “Abuse is power over, and conflict is power struggle,” Schulman said. What Schulman said she wants society to realize through her work is that abuse involves one party making the negative situation occur. A conflict, on the other hand, involves two parties perpetuating the negative situation. According to Schulman, realizing the difference between the two will lead toward peace and resolving more differences through understanding the
root of these problems. In light of the recent election of President Donald Trump, Schulman said that speaking on these issues in places like the University is essential and incredibly timely. “This idea really appeals to people because of the Trump election,” Schulman said. “Because Trump is a person who is, every day, telling us what a victim he is. Even though he has the power, he’s the perpetrator. He’s always describing how he’s under attack, or he’s being abused, and what he’s pointing to is when people tell the truth about him. He calls that an attack.” In order to prevent these problems, Schulman proposes that there be a conversation rather than finger pointing. She said she also believes that as a community, problems must be solved together to create peace rather than make accusations. This is what Schulman said she went out to accomplish during the student events. Students were able to ask Schulman about her experiences and for suggestions on how to be active participant citizens, Ryan said. “Rather than simply stating one’s position and standing firm in it, Schulman encourages true dialogue — listening and responding — which is a skill that seems to be fading away,” Ryan said. “So many groups right now are facing difficult conversations and are trying to engage with the democratic process in new ways.”
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Art in Focus: Olivia Hernández aims to unsettle BRIANNA CHILDERS @breeanuhh3
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etween receiving her first and second degree, Olivia Hernández moved to France and worked as an art model, a moment in her life that sparked her interest in art. Originally from Florida, Hernández now resides in Lawrence. She received her Bachelor of Arts in political science and international studies from Baker University in 2011. Then, she went back to school in 2014 at the University to pursue her second bachelor’s degree in visual arts with an emphasis in expanded media. She is also the Lawrence Arts Center dance program coordinator and studio monitor. Hernández, now a senior visual arts student who does work in expanded media, likes to add a special flair and air of mystery when she is creating her visual art pieces after her inspiration in France. Her work is done mostly with a green-screen, and elements of animation — such as slow movements of the human body — go into the pieces as well. The Miami-native, who goes by the artist name ONOH, currently has a visual art and sculpture exhibit in the Kansas Union Gallery. The gallery is run by Student Union Activities and “is intended to provide a multi-faceted showcase for exhibits of an artistic nature which are of interest to the
University community at large,” according to the website. It had its opening Feb. 6 and wrapped on Feb. 17. The exhibit, ”How to Feed a Two-Headed Snake,” includes three visual art pieces, along with an award-winning piece “material girl hallelujah.” There is also a sculpture included in the exhibit. “I am very much interested in displaying and discussing the body and using human bodies,” she said. “What I find successful about what I do is that when I’m not physically present in the work, I’m representing human construction or touching, in a way.”
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I am very much interested in displaying and discussing the body and using human bodies.” Olivia Hernández Artist
Beside being featured in the Kansas Union Gallery, she has also been in a show at Chalmers Hall, two scholarship shows, won the Best Short Film Award at the 2016 CreActive International Open Film Festival in Bangladesh. She has also been invited to submit her work to the Lawrence Arts Center art auction. While making her art at the University, she said she is able to combine digital, ani-
Caitlynn Salazar/KANSAN Olivia Hernández (ONOH) is being featured at the Kansas Union Gallery until Feb. 17. The exhibit “How to Feed a Two-Headed Snake” mixes digital and performance art.
Caitlynn Salazar/KANSAN In “How to Feed a Two-Headed Snake,” the human body is used and manipulated “for the sake of art.” The artist, Olivia Hernández (also known as ONOH), was featured in an exhibit at the Kansas Union Gallery this month.
mation, and performance, although she’s still trying to bring them together successfully. With the help of her assistant, Hernández’s goal for artistic success is archived, as her work is shot and performed on video. She said a lot of her work that ends up in the final product is conceived from previous research. “I will hear words or phrases that are quite jarring and I feel as an artist, most of my ideas are generated through research and generating the perfect image and work from there,” Hernández said. Whitney Mahoney, program coordinator for the Marketing, Media and Programs Office in the Union and lecturer in the Visual Art Department, said that Hernández knows what she wants in her art and has always maintained a strong hold on her unique voice. This is done through her development and progress creatively, academically, and professionally, she said. What catches people’s attention when they look at Hernández’s art, Mahoney said, is that she is not an artist that is interested in making the audience feel comfortable. “I’m not interested in giving all of the answers and I want them to be confused,” Hernández said. “I want them to leave the gallery and say ‘what the hell.’” Mahoney said Hernán-
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dez’s work challenges the viewer in a number of ways while allowing her a space to explore and unpack aspects of her own identity. “Her work is often very visually engaging and stimulating but requires the additional step, on the part of the viewer, of challenging one’s own perceptions of social constructs and identity,” Mahoney said. Hernández enjoys incor-
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culture, concepts that remain prominent in her heart. “I don’t think I’m an object-maker, and because of that my ability to conceive conceptual projects is strong,” Hernández said. “It’s not object-driven, and I hope that comes across, and I think it does.” — Edited by Casey Brown
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porating the theme of identity into her work because it’s been a question that she has struggled with her whole life. Half-Cuban, Hernández was raised as a “white child” in a predominantly Hispanic environment. While her family is very religious and conservative, she is the complete opposite, she said. With her art, she asks herself a lot of questions when relating to her ethnicity and
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Rolstad: KU on the fast track to 13-straight SKYLAR ROLSTAD @SkyRolSports
T
he final stretch of the season for the Kansas Jayhawks will surely feel like a victory lap. With a 67-65 win over the No. 4 Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas, No. 3 Kansas removed any and all doubt — not that there was any to begin with — that it could be unseated as Big 12 champions. It comes as no surprise that Kansas is set to be the Big 12 champion for a record-tying 13th year in a row. What does comes as a shock to the world of college basketball is how quickly its achieved that feat. Kansas has not yet officially claimed even a share of the Big 12 title, but it couldn't be any clearer that Kansas is on its way to securing the ring. The Jayhawks lead the conference by three games with a 12-2 conference ledger. Baylor, West Virginia and Iowa State lie in second with 9-5 records. With four games remaining, Kansas' eases into
games against TCU, at Texas, against Oklahoma and at Oklahoma State. These games might be considered "trap games" if they were scheduled in the middle of the season, but Kansas benefits from taking care of business much earlier. While other leading teams in the nation were losing those trap games in their respective conferences, Kansas seemed to face a new, more impossible challenge every week. Kansas showed little sign of slowing down while it was facing top-10 teams in the Big 12 so far this season. Senior guard Frank Mason III's 23 points against Baylor made for the latest moment Kansas fans can point to as a defining one for the season. The Jayhawks could have afforded to squander a home loss to West Virginia on Feb. 13, but they stormed back to make winning the conference that much easier. Getting these difficult matchups out of the way paves the way for Kansas to consider resting players for a tournament run in
Associated Press Kansas guard Frank Mason III reaches out to secure a rebound in front of Baylor’s Jake Lindsey, center left, and Nuni Omot in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Waco, Texas.
March. That's a debate that starts a lot later than February every season. Will Bill Self benefit from giving a few key players rest during meaningless conference games at the end of the year and in the Big 12 tournament? Self seems to keep the
starters in games most seasons, but this one is a lot different. Kansas might finally find its first blowout game in the Big 12 season. That performance was supposed to be at Texas Tech — it finally looked like Kansas caught a break — but Mason's trouble battling the
flu, plus a prepared Tech team kept things just as close as every other game. Kansas won that game 8079 in Lubbock, Texas. Kansas is a tired team, but at least this season the Jayhawks got it done early. A 13th Big 12 title appears to be only a matter of time
for Kansas thanks to a number of outstanding performances in tough games.
— Edited by Omar Sanchez
Pair of relay teams set program records in Indiana MATT HOFFMANN @MattHoffmannUDK
A pair of Kansas track and field foursomes set school records at the Alex Wilson Invitational on Saturday. Both the women’s distance medley relay and the men’s 4-x-400 meter relay set the new fastest marks in Kansas history. The meet was hosted by Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. It was also the last before the Big 12 Indoor Championships next Friday and Saturday. “In the distance medley, the purpose of the first three legs is to get the team in a good position heading into the last leg, and I thought our first three runners did a great job of doing that,” said Kansas coach Stanley Redwine in a Kansas Athletics news release. The last leg, the 1,600 meters, came down to senior distance runner Hannah Richardson. Her time of 4:36.4 would have been a school record on it’s own, had the final leg been
Missy Minear/KANSAN Junior Strymar Livingston finishes the 4-x-400 race at the end of the 2016 Kansas Relays.
a stand-alone event. “The fourth leg is what makes the difference in that race though, and Hannah [Richardson] was great,” Redwine said in the release. "She closed strong
and rounded out a great performance by the team." Sophomore Nicole Montgomery, sophomore Riley Cooney and senior Whitney Adams made up the rest of the women's
distance medley relay. The other relay team, the men’s 4-x-400 meters, broke their own school record they had set Feb. 4 by almost two seconds. Their time of 3:05.57 was
good for second behind Alabama, who ran the third-fastest race by any school so far in 2017. The team of sophomore Ivan Henry, junior Tre Daniels, junior Jaron
Hartley and senior Strymar Livingston are now No. 7 in the division one men’s 4x400-meter rankings. “Everyone ran a total team race," Redwine said in the release. "Each individual did well on their legs and really competed well. From Ivan [first leg] to Strymar [anchor leg], everyone ran a great race." The Jayhawks will now turn their attention to the Big 12 Indoor Championships next week. The meet runs Friday and Saturday and will be held at the Lied Recreation Center in Ames, Iowa, for the fifthstraight time. “It all comes down to what happens on that day," Redwine said in the release. "The coaches have done a good job of getting the athletes in shape and prepared. Now it's all about going out there and competing and executing. If we do those two things, we'll hopefully have a successful meet."
Football hires Jesse Williams as defensive line coach WESLEY DOTSON @WesDotsonUDK
Next season, the Kansas football defensive front will receive coaching from a veteran voice. Kansas coach David Beaty announced the hiring of defensive line coach Jesse Williams Friday morning. Williams joins the Kansas coaching staff after spending the previous five seasons at Ohio under the same position. Ohio ranked No. 3 in total defense in the MAC conference last season. The team was led by 2016 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Tarell Basham, who became the school's all-time sack leader under Williams. "Jesse brings a wealth of technical knowledge that will be extremely
Missy Minear/KANSAN Coach David Beaty watches from the sideline against Ohio on Sept. 10.
valuable in our defensive line room because it all starts with those guys up front, especially in the Big 12 Conference," Beaty said in a Kansas Athletics news release. "The productivity
he has gotten from his players from a run and pass rush standpoint is impressive. His defensive lines have consistently become a unit other teams game plan around
because of his ability to find, evaluate and teach the position." Williams will help continue to improve a Kansas defense that made noticeable strides this past
season. The Jayhawks ranked first in the Big 12 in pass defense, but the team will likely turn its focus to improving the rush defense, which ranked ninth in the conference (236.6 rushing yards allowed per game). "I'm extremely excited to be able to work with Coach Beaty and his staff," Williams said in the release. "I'm looking forward to working with the caliber of a guy like [defensive coordinator] Clint Bowen and the talent that is already in that defensive line room — I can't help but be excited. I've never heard a bad thing about Lawrence and my family and I are extremely grateful for this opportunity." Williams brings with him 25 years of defensive coaching experience, which includes stints at New Mexico State, Nebraska-
Kearney, Colorado State, San Jose State, Eastern Washington, Holy Cross, Portland State and Sonoma.
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The productivity he has gotten from his players from a run and pass rush standpoint is impressive.” David Beaty Kansas coach
Williams replaces former Kansas defensive line coach Michael Slater, who spent one season with the team in 2016. Slater spent the previous four seasons at Rice under the same title. He didn't have his contract renewed this offseason.
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KANSAN.COM/SPORTS | MONDAY, FEB. 20, 2017
KU closing in on 13th consecutive Big 12 title JORDAN WOLF @JordanWolfKU
W
ith 11 seconds left in No. 3 Kansas’ game against No. 4 Baylor Saturday, senior center Landen Lucas held the fate of the game in his hands. He wasn’t putting up a game-winning shot — that was senior guard Frank Mason III on the play immediately before. But when Mason’s layup bounced off the rim, Lucas found himself corralling the rebound. His putback attempt resulted in a foul, sending him to the line. Lucas hit both free throws, securing a 67-65 win in another tight win over Baylor for Kansas. Lucas finished with eight points and a team-high seven rebounds. Lucas struggled recently from the line. In the Jayhawks’ most recent game against West Virginia, he shot just 2-of-7 on free throws. Had Kansas not pulled off a miraculous upset, he would’ve likely faced sharp criticism for this poor performance. But the Jay-
Baxter Schanze/KANSAN Senior forward Landen Lucas grabs a rebound against Texas on Jan 21. Lucas finished the game with 14 total rebounds.
hawks did, and Lucas avoided catching any blame. He joked about his poor showing on Twitter after the game, saying “Don’t worry y’all I’m about to get in the gym and shoot some free throws.” Lucas wasn’t the only one
to hit important free throws. Mason went 8-of-8 from the line as well, on his way to a game-high 23 points. He also hit 7-of-12 field goals and dished out eight assists, rounding out a solid allaround performance.
Also playing well for the Jayhawks was freshman guard Josh Jackson, who scored 16 points on 50 percent shooting. Junior guard Devonte’ Graham contributed seven points and seven rebounds.
Kansas coach Bill Self got an unusually high output from his bench, as sophomore guard Lagerald Vick scored eight points in as many minutes. Freshman forward Mitch Lightfoot and sophomore forward Carlton
Bragg Jr. also provided good minutes off the bench despite not accumulating many statistics. With just four games left to play in the regular season, Kansas appears to have its thirteenth consecutive Big 12 championship locked up. The Jayhawks now hold a three-game lead in the conference, and only need to win once more to clinch at least a share of the title. Kansas is one victory away from tying a record 13-straight conference titles by John Wooden and his UCLA team from 1961 to 1975. The Jayhawks will get their first chance at the feat Wednesday, when they return home to face TCU. Kansas narrowly escaped their last meeting with the Horned Frogs, an 86-80 road victory in December. The game also serves a special purpose, as Jayhawk legend and 2008 National Champion Brandon Rush will return to Lawrence for his jersey retirement ceremony, in what could prove to be an eventful, emotional night.
Dzwierzynski: Don’t let bad takes discredit good works BRENDAN DZWIERZYNSKI @BrendanDzw
Missy Minear/KANSAN Then-freshman outfielder Devin Foyle hits the ball against Wichita State in 2016. Foyle had one run, two hits and one RBI in the 2017 season opener.
Opening Day victory for KU MITCH GEORGE @MitchLGeorge
Kansas baseball coach Ritch Price made made it very clear in his opening press conference — this is going to be one of the youngest teams he’s fielded in quite some time. There were three freshmen and three sophomores penciled into the lineup card when Kansas defeated The Citadel 7-5 on Friday Feb. 17, in the Charleston Crab House Challenge. As a freshman out of Leawood, infielder James Cosentino did not hesitate in making an impact on his new team. On the first pitch of his second collegiate at-bat with runners on first and third, Cosentino connected with a pitch from The Citadel pitcher J.P. Sears and drove it over the right field wall — recording a three-run homer, and his first career hit. “That swing by Cosentino was absolutely huge,” Price said. “He has tremendous pop in his bat for a freshman infielder and has a chance to be a really good player. That was a professional ballpark and he smoked that pitch like a professional hitter.” Cosentino’s home run broke the scoreless tie held between the two teams. Unbeknown to the players, the hit would spark a six-run ex-
plosion in the fifth inning. Later in the same frame, sophomore infielder David Kyriacou drove another pitch out of the ballpark to extend the Jayhawk lead to 5-0. This hit drove in freshman outfielder Peyton Grassanovits, who scored his first collegiate run on the play. The scoring burst was capped off by sophomore outfielder Devin Foyle, who drove in sophomore infielder Rudy Karre with a double. Another performance that won’t go overlooked was the effort by Kansas redshirt-junior starting pitcher Sean Rackoski. Rackoski was making his return from a broken thumb sustained in the preseason last year. He contributed five strong innings until he lost command and walked the first two batters of the sixth inning. “It was good to see Rackoski give us five good innings,” Price said. “I would have liked to see him pitch through the sixth, but that is the longest he has gone for us as we have only been working guys out for four innings at a time in the preseason. It is a start he can build on and he could be a difference maker for us.” Freshman pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn then got the call out of the bullpen with runners on first and second base with no outs. After walking his first bat-
ter into a bases loaded and then striking out the next, Zeferjahn walked The Citadel first baseman Ben Peden, which forced in a run. The Citadel designated hitter Bryce Leasure proceeded to tighten the game with a two-run double, which knocked Zeferjahn out of the game in favor of junior righthander Tyler Davis. Davis was able to strike out The Citadel right fielder Barrett Charpia to strand runners on second and third, which proved to be pivotal in the Jayhawks’ victory. In the next inning, Kansas put itself in another compromising situation. After Davis struck out the first two The Citadel batters, three consecutive batters reached base, which loaded the bases with two outs in the inning. Junior lefthander Blake Weiman was brought in to hold the runners on base, but Peden struck again with a two-run single up the middle, which pushed the score to 6-5. After the hit, senior closer Stephen Villines was brought in to pitch the last 2.1 innings of the ballgame. Villines was able to shut out The Citadel for the rest of the afternoon and record his first save of the season. Devin Foyle scored an insurance run in the top of the seventh, which marked the final score at 7-5.
Throughout his career built on outlandish quips and goofy sidebars, Charles Barkley’s quote about athletes not being role models for kids still resonates above all his other comments. There are arguments both for and against this stance, including that athletes can be exemplary role models for reasons other than their athleticism. Enter Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving and his belief that Earth is flat. There’s no need to sugarcoat Irving’s flat-Earth stance: It’s pseudoscience that’s been disproven for centuries. It’s not an opinion, it’s just patently false. There’s a reason Bad Religion’s song “Flat Earth Society” opens with singer Greg Graffin belting the word “lie” 18 times in a row. Letting Irving teach kids about science would be ill-advised, but does one erroneous belief mean he can’t still be a role model? Like most off-court issues in sports, it’s not a black and white concept. Irving’s nonchalance about promoting nonsense is concerning, but it shouldn’t disqualify him from being looked at as a potentially positive influence. Sometimes the archetypical reasons why we consider someone to be exemplary turn out to be misguided. Many jokes were made over All-Star Game weekend at Irving’s expense, notably about how his single year at Duke may be a contributing factor to his flatEarth beliefs. To counter that remark, consider the fact Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green spent four years in college and didn’t outright deny the possibility earth is flat when
Associated Press Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving reacts during the second half of a game against the Washington Wizards on Feb. 6. Irving recently spoke about his flat-earth beliefs on the “Road Trippin’” podcast.
given the chance. It’s important not to lose sight of the fact that athletes, like all people, are complex, and they contribute both assets and liabilities to society. Promoting flat-Earth foolishness is objectively a liability, but that doesn’t completely discredit positives Irving has brought to the world. It’s nearly impossible to argue working with UNICEF and Best Buddies isn’t commendable. Irving has dedicated time to both causes, acts which are absolutely deserving of praise.
“
It’s important not to lose sight of the fact that athletes, like all people, are complex.”
Barkley’s notorious comment and a population that loves to pigeonhole may lead one to believe an individual is either a role model or simply an athlete with nothing else to offer, but that’s not a particularly good approach to analyzing people in any walk of life. Barkley’s quote holds the most water if it’s viewed as self-descriptive, considering his long history with gambling and alcohol (not that
either is inherently bad, but Barkley hasn’t always been one to practice moderation). But on a wider scale, the lives of athletes are too complex to be jammed into one provocative comment. Michael Jordan is widely known as a jerk off the court (and on it, for that matter), but his story is a go-to example for teaching kids the benefits of hard work. Shaquille O’Neal admitted to cheating on his wife, but has delivered Christmas gifts to needy kids for over 20 years. Even Barkley’s strong personality on TV can be used as a lesson about sticking to one’s convictions. Again, this concept isn’t reserved for athletes, it pertains to everyone. Every great politician has a bad policy, every influential musician releases a dud album, every trailblazing sports columnist has a take that’s a bit too hot. Irving’s flat-earth beliefs deserve ridicule, because, frankly, they’re absurd. This lunacy shouldn’t instantly discredit his good works, however. Keep an open mind, because athletes truly can be role models, or at least can do some exemplary work. Don’t teach your kids the flat-earth theory, though. That’s always a bad idea.