THE MICHIGAN REVIEW THE JOURNAL OF CAMPUS AF FAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN 03.08.07 VOLUME XXV, ISSUE 8 Features INSIDE THE

Professor and former Provost Paul Courant “SECRET SOCIETY” discusses economics A look inside Michigamua, the Order of Angell - and the progressive opposition of the University BY NICK CHEOLAS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF But the society lives on, despite lawsuits, tion of the Michigan Union, Michigamua was documentaries, break-ins, expulsions, criticism granted a permanent lease in the Union tower P. 12 O SERVE MICHIGAN. and protests. And just as the society continues, in 1932. The organization remained in the tow- TThe aim of the senior society is simple. For so does the controversy. er until 2000. 105 years, the organization formerly known as All this in an organization that has, its Among its membership – which includes A look at the much- Michigamua – and now known as the Order of members contend, but one goal: to serve former President Gerald Ford and former maligned senior Angell – has fought to serve the University of Michigan. )RRWEDOO&RDFKDQG$WKOHWLF'LUHFWRUÀHOGLQJ society, the Order of Michigan above all else. Yost – the group also lists civil rights leader But the simplicity of their mission stands HISTORY and former Assistant Attorney General Roger Angell in sharp contrast to the controversy sparked by Founded in 1902 by a group of University Wilkins, a member of the Pride of 1953. the senior society. seniors in conjunction with University Presi- “Michigamua was integrated in the 1940s, P. 3 The group exists, its members say, to serve dent James Angell, early members adopted the up to two decades before many parts of cam- Michigan above all else. But critics contend Native American-sounding name and symbol- pus,” said Yahkind. that the society’s racially insensitive past and ism with the intent to honor Native culture, Controversy began in the 1970s, as the Na- News secretive nature make the group unacceptable said Andrew Yahkind, Spokesman for the Or- tive American community objected to Mich- RQFDPSXV(YHQDVWKH2UGHURI $QJHOOÀOOHG der of Angell. igamua’s performance of Native American Economists down- its ranks with progressive student leaders, pro- But the decision to adopt such symbolism rituals and ceremonies in public. As a result, gressive student groups have been hesitant to has made the group a target for progressive Michigamua agreed to conduct all ceremonies play the impact of embrace the organization. student groups. in private. 3À]HU·VGHSDUWXUH The result, played out so often in the pages “Obviously, today, we see [the use of Na- As the controversy grew, the group be- of the local media, has been progressive orga- tive symbolism] in a different context,” Yah- came more secretive, and in 1989, Michigamua nizations turning on Michigamua, other cam- kind said. members signed an agreement with the Native P. 6 pus groups, and even on themselves. After playing a major role in the construc- American Student Association. That agreement took note of “Michigamua’s long standing in- $UL]RQD6WDWH tention of honoring Native American culture Resident Advisor Months after Prop 2, Race through ceremonies, references and represen- tations,” and declared that such intentions were suspended after “offensive to Native Americans.” FULWLFL]LQJGLYHUVLW\ Remains on Applications The agreement also stated that Mich- training programs igamua would eliminate “all references to Na- BY ADAM PASCARELLA, ‘10 formation provided to them, Cunningham re- tive American culture and pseudo-culture and SOLHG´2XUDGPLVVLRQVRIÀFHUVDUHSURIHVVLRQ- extension and parodies thereof, with the one P. 8 ATHER THAN REMOVE race and gen- als who are trained in the law. They are ethical exception being the name, Michigamua.” Rder information from the application for people who don’t go around breaking the law. Following the agreement, Yahkind said it admission, the University has chosen to pro- It’s their job to follow the rules.” was his understanding representatives of the YLGHDGPLVVLRQVRIÀFHUVZLWKPRGLÀHGLQVWUXF- She also indicated that the public should Native American community were given tours Opinion tions to ignore this information. examine the U-M admissions website if they RI WKH0LFKLJDPXDRIÀFHLQDQGWR :KLOH 8QLYHUVLW\ RIÀFLDOV VRXJKW ZD\V would like more information on the admis- ensure that the group was in compliance with “Unity” overrated to keep the public informed about how they sions process. the 1989 agreement. and V-Day would sustain diversity on campus, there was Roger Clegg, the President and General The relative calm lasted until 2000, when a delay in mentioning that race and gender Counsel for the Center for Equal Opportu- members of the Students of Color Coalition misguided would remain on the 2007 application. Unlike nity, presented a less optimistic view. “Frankly, WRRN RYHU 0LFKLJDPXD·V RIÀFH LQ WKH 8QLRQ the University of California system, which re- I’m more concerned that U-M will continue Tower. The occupation lasted 37 days. Editorials, P. 4 moved the racial question from the application to discriminate in favor of under-represented “It was a break in,” said Yahkind, “and it IRUPVUHYLHZHGE\DGPLVVLRQVRIÀFHUVDIWHUWKH minorities.” wasn’t treated like a break in. [Then Univer- passage of Proposition 209 in 1996, U-M has The training provided to admissions of- sity President] Lee Bollinger refused to send decided to keep race and gender on the appli- ÀFHU KDV FKDQJHG LQ RUGHU WR FRSH ZLWK WKH DPS.” The spectacle of FDWLRQVWKDWDUHVHHQE\DGPLVVLRQVRIÀFH7KH stated measures in Proposal 2. During the occupation, SCC members DGPLVVLRQVRIÀFHKDVLQVWUXFWHGWKHLUFRXQVHO- ´$OO RI  WKH DGPLVVLRQV RIÀFHUV UHFHLYHG claimed to have found items indicating that death and the return ors to simply dismiss this information. two hours of training on the new guidelines, Michigamua had violated the 1989 agreement. of SDS The Review contacted the admissions of- going over all the areas and emphasizing that Following the break in, Michigamua de- ÀFHDQGZDVGLUHFWHGE\WKHLURIÀFHWR0HGLD race and gender can not be used in admission cided to leave the Union tower. The group has Columns P. 5 5HODWLRQVDQGVSRNHZLWKWKHRIÀFHRI 0HGLD decisions,” Cunningham said. faced a barrage of criticism ever since. 5HODWLRQVRQVHYHUDORFFDVLRQV,QWKHÀUVWLQ- When asked if written guidelines for ad- The saga continued up through last month, terview, with University spokeswoman Kelly missions existed, the Review was referred to ZKHQ WKH VHQLRU VRFLHW\ RIÀFLDOO\ FKDQJHG LWV &XQQLQJKDPD8QLYHUVLW\RIÀFLDOZKRFRXOG the U-M admissions website. While the admis- name to the Order of Angell, in honor of Arts & not be quoted, monitored the conversation. sions applications ratings do not include race Michigamua founder and University President 7KHRIÀFLDOLQWHUMHFWHGLQWR&XQQLQJKDP·VDQ- or gender, there was no instruction of how to James Angell. But the criticism didn’t die with Culture swers and took notes on the conversation. The treat data on race or gender. the old name. RIÀFLDOVWDWHGWKDWWKH5HYLHZ·VLQTXLU\ZDVLQ Cunningham didn’t know why the Uni- Recently, allegations have surfaced that the Website challenges poor faith, and inquired as to why our publica- versity did not adopt a system similar to UC organization used the name without the con- youths to lose their tion chose to examine the issue so closely. This Berkeley. Under the Berkeley system, an inde- sent of James Angell’s family. Others allege RIÀFLDOWKHQLQIRUPHGWKH5HYLHZWKDWLWZRXOG SHQGHQWJURXSÀUVWWDNHVUDFHLQWRDFFRXQWIRU that while the group has disposed of a name religion be “impossible to speak directly to the admis- statistical purposes and then blacks out race offensive to Native Americans, they have ad- VLRQVRIÀFHµ DQGJHQGHUIRUWKHLUDGPLVVLRQVRIÀFHUV opted a name that is offensive to Asian Ameri- P. 10 The University has defended that it can When asked about the newly released ad- cans. The issue stems from James Angell’s role continue to both keep race on the application missions numbers, Clegg expressed caution. as minister to China and subsequent immigra- and follow the law. “It certainly makes sense for the people of tion agreements with that nation. A closer look at “There’s nothing in Proposal 2 that says Michigan to keep a close eye on U-M which suicide on college we have to take race or gender off of our ap- has made no secret of its opposition to MCRI NATIVE OPPOSITION plication. The law states that the University and its proclivity for racial discrimination. We Despite the at times campus-wide contro- campuses cannot use race or gender in admissions deci- need to ensure that it is admitting the best sions,” explained Cunningham. TXDOLÀHGVWXGHQWVUHJDUGOHVVRI VNLQFRORU RU See “Order of Angell” P. 11 :KHQDVNHGKRZDGPLVVLRQVRIÀFHUVZLOO national origin,” Clegg said. MR Page  avoid accounting for the race and gender in- MR WWW.MICHIGANREVIEW.COM

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THE MICHIGAN REVIEW www.michiganreview.com page two. Editorial Board: the michigan review Nick Cheolas Editor-in-Chief ʄ7KH2EDPD)DPLO\4XRWHVRIWKH0RQWK Michael O’Brien Executive Editor “The reality is that as a black man, Barack could be shot just going to the gas station...” Adam Paul Managing Editor -Michelle Obama Amanda Nichols Content Editor (Really, Mrs. Obama? Does Barack go to gas stations in Chicago? Is he driving himself around the city at 3 a.m.?) Brian Biglin Assistant Managing Editor Business Staff: “If I’m outside your building trying to catch a cab, they’re Karen Boore Publisher not saying, ‘Oh, there’s a mixed race guy.” Danny Harris -Barack Obama Jonny Slemrod Associate Publishers (Of course they’re not. They’re saying “Why the hell is a presidential candidate trying to to catch a cab?” Staff Writers: Hopefully the Obamas can get their stories straight by Election Day: Does Barack risk getting shot going to gas stations, or does he takes cabs? Either way – in case you didn’t know – Barack Obama is black.) Michael Balkin, Steven Bengal, David Brait, Erin Buchko, Kelly Cavanaugh, Jenni Chelenyak, Rebecca Christy, Tom ʄ/HWWHUVWRWKH(GLWRU Church, Jane Coaston, Marie Cour, To the Editor: To the Editor: else made. Lindsey Dodge, Blake Emerson, Why shouldn’t a woman working as Christine Hwang, Eun Lee, Anna Malecke, In the Review’s article about Boxes Here is a radical question. I am a pro- a maid make as much as her boss? If the Brian McNally, Miquelle Milavec, John and Walls, it is stated that the event is an- gressive, 65 year old entreprenueral gal, “boss” had to do the maid work, he/she O’Brien, Katie O’Connor, Eddie Perry, nually hosted by the Trotter House. This KDGP\RZQKHDGKXQWLQJRXWÀWIRU\HDUV could not have the time to do the “boss” Danielle Putnam, Shanda Shooter, Evan Wla- is not the case. There is a student organi- and have always found “ special gifts” in job. dis, Christina Zajicek, Zack Zucker zation named Boxes and Walls on campus every human being. Let me warn you, this I understand the hard rules about that put countless hours into making the is a wild question. supply and demand. However, it is now Letters and Viewpoints: event a success. Boxes and Walls chose What would happen if everyone in HDVLHUWRÀQG´ERVVHVµLQP\QHLERUKRRG the Trotter House as its venue this year, this world got the same salary or compen- than laborers. No one wants to do physi- The Michigan Review accepts and encourages letters to the editor and viewpoints. Letters to the but other than that the House had no fur- sation, despite their title? Why should a cal work anymore. editor should be under 300 words. Viewpoints ther involvement with the event. CEO of a multinational company be paid So, what would happen if everyone can be arranged by contacting the editorial board. Also, we would like to note that all more than the janitor of that company made the same money? We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. stories depicted in the event were true, in- gets for cleaning out their toilets? cluding the stories describing how handi- In many ways, it is easier and more 1) would it improve society? Send all correspondence to [email protected]. capped students had their crutches kicked fun to be a CEO rather than a janitor. 2) would it decrease or increase edu- out from underneath them, as well as the Cleaning out crap from a toilet stool is cation? About Us: janitor’s being treated poorly because they hard, damn work. 3)which special interest group or are perceived to be of a lower socio-eco- :KHQ,KDYHP\KHDGKXQWLQJRXWÀW GLVDGYDQWDJHG JURXS ZRXOG EHQHÀW WKH The Michigan Review provides a broad range of nomic status. These issues are painfully I hired a guy who did the “rusing” ( He most? in-depth coverage of campus affairs and serves as real and prevalent on our campus, but go found out the names of certain executives the literary voice of conservatism and libertarian- unnoticed. Over 70 dedicated students by making up stories over the phone) This I am dying to get your response. I ism at the University of Michigan. The Review is from Boxes and Walls spent a lot of time ruser was essential for the success of our am not a “socialist.” What I am is a “free published bi-weekly September thru April. putting the museum together to bring company. However, he was slightly “brain thinker.” My mission in life is to keep light to these unknown issues and we damaged” and this was all he could do... thinking of new ideas to make humanity Donate/Subscribe: would like to make sure that they receive but he could do it wonderfully. The rest better and better. What would work and the credit and praise for it. of us so called brainy types didn’t have what would not work? The Michigan Review accepts no financial support the guts to “ruse” and we HAD to have a from the University. Therefore, your support is critical and greatly appreciated. Donations above Tanya Nikam ruser...Yet, this ruser was paid the least. Michelle Tallent $35 are eligible for a 1-year (12 issues) subscrip- University of Michigan, 2008 $V,UHÁHFWEDFNRQWKLV+HVKRXOG Edmond, OK tion. Donations can be made on our website at Boxes and Walls have been paid as much as I and everyone www.michiganreview.com, or mailed to: 911 N. University, Suite One ʄ7KH6HUSHQW·V7RRWK Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (Diversity Blueprints) Task Force – whose dience wished they hadn’t seen his Harry The Michigan Review is the independent, student-run journal of launch was announced on December Potter. conservative and libertarian opinion at the University of Michi- gan. We neither solicit nor accept monetary donations from the 22, when students were on winter break University. Contributions to The Michigan Review are tax-deduct- – held a forum on February 23 – when An IBM employee, James Pacenza, who ible under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The Michigan Review is not affiliated with any political party or any students were on spring break. Nothing ZDV ÀUHG IRU YLHZLQJ DGXOW FKDW URRPV university political group. to see here. Move along people. while at work, is now suing IBM for $5 million dollars claiming that he is an In- Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board. Ergo, they are unequivocally correct and just. Signed articles, let- Recently, John Edwards has disccussed, ternet addict. Pacenza, who is a Vietnam ters, and cartoons represent the opinions of the author, and not what he sees, as Two Americas: one rich, War Veteran, said he used the chat room necessarily those of The Review. The Serpent’s Tooth shall repre- sent the opinion of individual, anonymous contributors to The Re- and the other poor. Well we know the lat- as medication for post-traumatic stress view, and should not necessarily be taken as representative of The On the heels of the announcement that WHU$PHULFDFDQÀWLQKLVKRXVH disorder. Obviously, sexual encounters Review’s editorial stance. The opinions expressed in this publica- tion do not necessarily reflect those of the advertisers or the Uni- the student group formerly known as with strangers from around the world versity of Michigan. Michigamua will now be known as Or- January 2007 was the warmest January should not remind him of Vietnam. der of the Angell, Illinois University on record, the Albuquerque Tribune re- Copyright © 2006, The Michigan Review, Inc. All rights reserved. ported. Oh really, Albuquerque? Care to According to the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, The Michigan Review is a member of the Collegiate Network. announced that Chief Illiniwek will no longer be performing at University sport- come up here? the annual Carnival, provided a chance for ing events. This marks whitey’s second Rio to claim their “identity as people who attempt at eradicating Native American Harry Potter star Daniel Ratcliffe is star- [are] calm, peaceful, and happy.” Since no culture. ring in the play Equus, in which he ap- one in Rio could be contacted this week pears nude on stage for over ten minutes. to make a coherent comment, we’ll take The University of Michigan’s Shadeball After the play, most members of the au- his word for it. P. 3 )HDWXUHV 03.05.07 features. the michigan review

“Order of Angell” thing. Can you claim based on one picture Saunders, who also serves as President this year. According to Shah, SAAN is “giv- From Page  that this is somehow institutionalized?” of the National Panhellenic Council, an um- ing the Order of Angell the opportunity Order of Angell members also hinted EUHOODRUJDQL]DWLRQRI ÀYHKLVWRULFDOO\$IUL- to implement the changes it promised last that the tower takeover may have been a can-American fraternities and sororities, was year.” versy, much of the tension rests between the carefully executed ploy by SCC members. tapped in the spring of 2006. After being %XWRWKHUVKDYHEHHQPRUHGLIÀFXOWWR Order of Angell and the Native American While SCC members broke into the tower approached by the senior society, Saunders please, and continue to push the Order of community. on February 7, 2000, tours of the “wigwam” contacted other African-American alums Angell to become more transparent. While the name change was a posi- did not begin until February 9. The two-day who had previously been tapped by Mich- “Other student organizations are open tive step, said Brooke Simon, Co-Chair of gap is of great concern to current members, igamua. to the public. You can go into their meet- the Native American Student Association who claim that items were brought out of “They had nothing but good things to ings and see what’s going on,” said Brooke (NASA), it came with problems. the crawl space and placed out in the open say,” said Saunders, adding that Michigamua Simon, NASA Co-Chair. “It doesn’t erase the history [of the or- to make it look like the artifacts were in use had historically included prominent African- Both Simon and former NASA Co- ganization] and all the pain it has caused,” at the time. Americans, BSU speakers, and civil rights Chair Brittany Marino said that while they Simon said. Yahkind also pointed to the fact that leaders such as Roger Wilkins. didn’t want to understate the importance of Simon and former NASA Co-Chair Native American students requested an im- After careful deliberation, Saunders de- the name change, the Order of Angell still Brittany Marino also raised questions about SURPSWXWRXURI WKH0LFKLJDPXDRIÀFHLQ cided to join the organization. When his in- has work to do before gaining legitimacy in the new name of the organization, the Or- 1997, and that nothing objectionable was volvement became public however, the criti- the Native American community. der of Angell. found. Notes taken at the 1997 meeting sup- cism began. For its part, the Order of Angell has “[James Angell] helped to instill values port this claim. “I was called a sellout, an Uncle Tom, made many moves toward gaining legitimacy of racism,” Simon said. Marino and Simon “When you look at the stuff on the I got dirty looks. I had a lot of supporters, already. Their membership has been made added that while the new name isn’t overtly walls, it was all historical. Nobody denied EXW>WKHRSSRVLWLRQ@ZDVGHÀQLWHO\REYLRXVµ public. Their stated goal is to “advance ex- racist, it still supports racism. that stuff was there. It was out in the open,” Saunders said. ceptional leadership through a lifelong loy- Their criticism of Angell stems from his said Yahkind. The confusion, Yahkind con- Saunders said he had learned a great alty to and engagement with the University role as minister to China from 1880-1881. tinued, is between the historical items that deal form his experience. of Michigan.” They recently released the Angell helped negotiate the 1880 Angell were on the walls, and the items that were “It really opened my eyes to the fact name of two Honorary Angells, Jim Toy Treaty which formalized US-Chinese im- brought out of the crawl space. While Yah- that people accept whatever they hear,” said IURPWKH2IÀFHRI ,QVWLWXWLRQDO(TXLW\DQG migration policies. Two years later, congress kind indicated that the items found in the Saunders, who believes that the decision to Rich Rogel, Chair of the Michigan Differ- enacted an outright ban on Chinese immigra- crawl space should have been better pre- remove him as BSU External Director was ence campaign. tion with the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. served, he denied that those items repre- LQÁXHQFHG E\ ORQJJUDGXDWHG DOXPQL QRW But Order of Angell members say that “I don’t think we have to comb through sented Michigamua’s systematic denigration current BSU members or recent alums. “If the resolution some in the progressive may every document Angell signed,” said Yah- of Native American culture. WKHUHZDVQRDOXPQLLQÁXHQFH,ZRXOGVWLOO be hoping for – full transparency – may nev- kind. “[The Angell treaty] is not objection- A videotape produced by SCC on day be involved.” er be achieved. able to me, and Angell was anti-exclusion. 35 of the occupation shows where many of Despite the criticism he has faced, Saun- Order of Angell President Sirene Abou- He was a man ahead of his time” WKHLQÁDPPDWRU\DUWLIDFWVZHUHIRXQG²LQD ders stands by his decision. Chakra said that she understands why stu- According to Closing the Gate: Race, closet, up a latter, and in a crawl space. ´,ORVWIULHQGVWKLVWHUPEXWLIÀYH\HDUV dents would be curious about what transpires Politics, and the Chinese Exclusion Act by Over a month after eight SCC members down the road, a black student feels more at group meetings. But she also said that the Andrew Gyory, James Angell was against IRUFHG WKHLU ZD\ LQWR 0LFKLJDPXD·V RIÀFH comfortable, it’s worth it,” Saunders said. group members have built up a level of trust exclusion, and once wrote that “The abso- the coalition made its way out of the tower, that allows individuals to speak about private lute and formal prohibition of the laborers taking with them the items and artifacts in THE PRESS matters, and with genuine emotion. Without would be diametrically opposed to all of our question. Following the invasion, Mich- While some campus groups have been that level of trust, the group would lose its national traditions...and would call down the igamua decided to leave the tower space, and vocal opponents of the senior society, few power as a unifying force, and a vehicle to censure of a very large portion, if not a ma- its ties with the University were severed. have voices as loud as the Michigan Daily. foster understanding among student leaders. jority of our most intelligent and high-mind- The coverage of the daily campus newspa- “Understanding makes better leaders,” ed citizens.” In addition, Yahkind pointed POST 2000 per has drawn the ire of many Order of An- Abou-Chakra said. to Angell’s many progressive actions as U- Order of Angell members said that by gell members. “We’re exposing people to corners of M President, such as the establishment of a the time the Students of Color Coalition “It’s pretty obvious that [the Daily] is campus they’ve never been exposed to,” study program from Chinese students. EURNH LQWR 0LFKLJDPXD·V RIÀFH WKH JURXS pushing an agenda,” said Yahkind. “They Yahkind added. Yahkind believes critics of the group are was well on its way to progressive reforms. involve themselves in our decision-making But what Order of Angell members grasping for straws by attacking the group’s But despite these reforms, the senior soci- process. No other group is held up to such view as humbleness and modesty, others history. ety has faced a barrage of criticism since the scrutiny.” view as secrecy and elitism. “We put ourselves in a tough position invasion. Yahkind pointed to the controversy “They want to be held to a higher stan- when we judge history with a modern lens,” Last year, society members Neal Pan- surrounding the recent name change as evi- dard. They’re the ones that said ‘we’re the Yahkind said. “Are we expected to fault cur- choli of the South Asian Awareness Net- dence. best of the best,’” said NASA Co-Chair rent members of the Democratic Party for work, Sam Woll of the Coalition to Cut the “The family had no objection [to the Brooke Simon, adding that the group’s pri- their organization’s support of slavery 150 Contract with Coca-Cola, and Brian Hull use of the name], they just didn’t want their vate nature prevents the Order of Angell years ago? Do people sitting in the Michigan RI 6WXGHQWV6XSSRUWLQJ$IÀUPDWLYH$FWLRQ names dragged through the papers,” Yahkind from proving it has escaped its controversial Union embrace sexism?” Women were not were expelled from their organizations. This VDLGDGGLQJWKDWWKHÀUVWREMHFWLRQWKHJURXS history. allowed inside the Michigan Union without year, the trend has continued. was aware of was printed in the Daily. Regardless, Yahkind maintained that the an escort until 1956. In January, the United Asian American Order of Angell members were upset at Order of Angell was dedicated to modesty But Simon disagreed, arguing that just Organization – a network of over 30 or- the fact that while every article written about and humility, as well as progress. He refused because racism was more acceptable in past ganizations on campus – expelled the In- the society mentioned that Daily Editor-in- to take credit for events the group has or- generations doesn’t mean it was excusable. dian American Students Association and the Chief Donn Fresard was a member of the ganized, such as the vigil for former Michi- “It’s wrong in every generation,” Simon South Asian Awareness Network. The inci- group, the paper failed to publicize the fact gan Football Coach Bo Schembechler held said. dent proved to be especially frustrating for that a member of the Angell family – sopho- this November. Yahkind also admitted that Yahkind and Michigamua members. more Emily Angell – was on its staff. Mem- while members try to select a diverse group THE BREAK IN According to Yahkind, the senior so- bers believe that the Daily repeatedly con- of leaders based on character and loyalty to Much of the distrust between the Order ciety offered UAAO an opportunity to sit tacted James Angell to solicit comment. Michigan, the selection process is “imperfect of Angell and campus groups stems from down and discuss their concerns. But UAAO Yahkind also noted that James Angell’s and arbitrary.” the Students of Color Coalition’s (SCC) oc- spurned the offer. comments to the Daily contradicted each Abou-Chakra believes the future is FXSDWLRQ RI  WKH 0LFKLJDPXD RIÀFH LQ WKH “We do not believe a discussion would other. On January 26, the Michigan Daily brighter for the Order of Angell. winter of 2000. During their 37-day stay, be fruitful at this time because we have al- reported that “Angell said he had no objec- “I believe the group will be come more SCC members claimed to have found Native ready made certain organizational decisions tion to the use of his great grandfather’s last transparent and less controversial,” she said. American artifacts that indicated that Mich- regarding SAAN, IASA, and your organiza- name.” However, on February 8, the Daily “I think people are realizing how ridiculous igamua had violated the 1989 agreement. tion,” UAAO External Chair Atasi Satpathy quoted Angell as saying “Everybody seemed LWLVµWRFRQWLQXHWKHÀJKWDGGLQJWKDWVKH In particular, SCC members pointed to a told the society via e-mail. to be against it in the family. Nobody was felt it was ironic that so-called “progressive” 1996 picture depicting a Michigamua mem- UAAO executives also declined to be very happy with the idea.” student groups seemed so reluctant to let go ber holding a peace pipe, as well as pictures interviewed for this story. of the past. and plaques on the walls of tower. Yahkind called the episode a “hostage THE FUTURE Tony Saunders looks forward to the But Michigamua members contend that situation” because that UAAO issued de- In February of 2007, after 105 years, Order of Angell serving as a tool to unite the artifacts found by the Coalition were dis- mands, set deadlines, and refused to negoti- WKHVHQLRUVRFLHW\RIÀFLDOO\FKDQJHGLWVQDPH disparate campus groups. FRYHUHGLQDFUDZOVSDFHLQWKHRIÀFHQRWLQ ate. to the Order of Angell. The move was wel- “It taught me how to love Michigan. use, and unknown to members of the Pride But just as the Order of Angell has pit- comed by many on campus, including Na- Before, I just knew how to love my com- of 2000. In regard to the alleged peace pipe ted progressive student groups against each tive American community members, and for munity,” he said. “We block ourselves from picture, Yahkind responded sharply. other, the organization has also caused con- many, the vestiges of Michigamua’s past have progress by cutting ourselves off from each “Give me 11 years of pictures to look ÁLFWZLWKLQJURXSV7KLVIDOO7RQ\6DXQGHUV died with the new name, and new members. other.” MR WKURXJKDQG,·OOÀQGVRPHWKLQJREMHFWLRQ- External Relations Chair of the Black Stu- The South Asian Awareness Network – able,” about every campus organization, dent Union, was stripped of his position af- a group that expelled member Neal Pancholi Yahkind said. “Does it make it right? Abso- ter his involvement with the senior society for his involvement with the society last year lutely not. But you have one guy holding one was revealed. – chose not to expel member Ashish Shah P. 4 2SLQLRQ 03.05.07 editorials. the michigan review The Review welcomes letters to the THE MICHIGAN REVIEW editor. Send letters to: HE MICHIGAN REVIEW is the independent, student- Trun journal of conservative and libertarian opinion at the [email protected] University of Michigan. Unsigned editorials represent the opin- ion of the Editorial Board. Ergo, they are unequivocally correct and just. Signed articles, letters, and cartoons represent the opin- The Review reserves the right to edit ions of the author, and not necessarily those of the Review. letters to the editor for length and clarity. Order of Angell Calls For “Unity” Negative Focus of Criticism Exposes Ignore Political “V-Day” Wrongly “Progressives” Realities Redefines Gender

F THERE IS one important thing to take away from VER THE PAST weeks, “unity” has come back OR CENTURIES, VALENTINE’S Day has been cel- Ithe frequent stories of Michigamua/Order of An- Ointo vogue. Whether it is Barack Obama’s crusade Febrated as a holiday for couples to express their love gell stories in the Daily, and from the lore perpetuated against partisanship, Daily columnists clamoring for a for one another. But in recent years Valentine’s Day has by progressive enclaves on campus, it is not about Mich- campus consensus or the efforts of the vaunted “Unity been hijacked and turned into a day focused on violence igamua itself. Rather, the lessons to be drawn are about ‘08” campaign, more and more people are pushing col- against women and their vaginas. the group’s many detractors. lective action. Valentine’s Day is now being referred to as V-Day, For the past few decades, no group has underwent But this push for unity is both naive and misguided. standing for Valentine, Vagina and Victory. This seizure of more scrutiny and castigation—and managed to sur- While we recognize that a culture of perpetual bickering Valentine’s Day was started by Eva Ensler the writer of The vive—than Michigamua. Its position in student life is is not desirable, we also recognize that, just as there are Vagina Monologues in 1998. almost to be expected; it, after all, claims to have as mem- different qualities of peace, there are also different quali- Most of the skits in the play are focused on violence bers the University’s best and brightest. And yet, while the ties of unity. and anger involving women and seem to have notoriously group has sought to “progress,” as it were, and evolve year Mindless agreement over inconsequential truths is as “anti-men” tendencies. Both the play and V-Day have been after year—giving way to the demands of various student ineffective as a stalemate, while unity over obviously in- praised by many feminists for shedding light on anti-vio- groups—it has become clear that the demands of these dividual choices seems just as ill-conceived. To determine lence causes and helping to generate charitable contribu- invariably racialized student groups can never be met. ZKHWKHUDVSHFLÀFXQLW\LVZRUWKSXUVXLQJLWLVLPSRUWDQW tions. V-day now takes place in 81 countries and has raised Their expectations aren’t too high. Rather, they’ve simply to examine the goal. $30 million for safe houses and to support political resis- expected to kill off Michigamua as time wears on. A second problem with the current discussion of tance in African countries where violence against women Take for example the many demands of transparency unity revolves around the monolithic mentality of those exists. in the society’s proceedings made by students. If Mich- who are most loudly calling for it. On a campus rife with Although the group opposes rape and violence against igamua were to accede to such demands, their very pur- speech codes and a student body anxious to regain the women, one of the monologues entitled “The Little pose would be undermined. No other group on campus “spirit of the 60s,” it is understandable that many conser- Coochie Snorcher That Could” portrays a young girl who can count students as diverse as hockey team members to vative and libertarian students might be leery of a campus describes her relationship of statutory rape with an older a leader of the Ex-Terrorist Walkout as its members. No XQLÀHGDJDLQVWWKHP$VVKRZQE\0LFKLJDQ6WDGLXPRQ woman as a “good rape.” The older woman even gives al- student group provides the necessary forum where these JRRGIRRWEDOO6DWXUGD\DXQLÀHGVWXGHQWERG\LVDSRWHQW cohol to the girl, who was 13 in the original version and 16 leaders can talk about their corners of the campus com- force, and one that should be used in only the rarest of in revised versions. munity without fear of reprisal, save Michigamua. circumstances. We hear so much about the need to create true dia- A university is a place for dialogue, for learning, and logues between different segments of the University for respectful disagreement over controversial ideas. And The idea of V-Day seems to be in community. Have Michigamua’s detractors noticed that as we are reminded on a regular basis, Michigan is a place the right place, but was it necessary they are attempting to undermine a key element—that is, for diversity. to turn a holiday that privacy—that preserves this campus dialogue? But when we speak of diversity – a word hijacked We need cooler heads to prevail on campus, when and politicized by wayward college administrators – we traditionally celebrates romance discussing Michigamua’s evolution. So many student necessarily include political and intellectual differences. and love between the sexes into a groups are stuck in the quagmires of their own radical These differences, however, will rarely result in the unity political dispositions to deal rationally with the situation. professed by the aforementioned groups. Ironically, unity grim memorial to violence against Kicking out loyal members and leaders of student groups and diversity seem largely incompatible. women? simply because of their association with the senior so- $QGWKDWLVÀQHZLWKXV7KHVDPHSUHPLVHKROGV ciety is inappropriate. It is a true wonder that it is the true for the United States. Our system of government groups who have proven themselves incapable to handle and, indeed, our Constitution are built for a country that Most all of the other monologues are focused on neg- the issue intelligently are the very groups to whom the lacks unity. With unity, there would be little need for com- ative relationships between men and women as opposed to Order of Angell is often beholden in the public arena. promise, for minority rights, or for a system that checked any consensual, positive sexual or emotional relationships. The Order of Angell should not be expected to want to DXQLÀHGJURXSIURPJDLQLQJWRRPXFKSRZHU Others only portray positive lesbian relationships between adopt the values of groups who oppose it, nor should it Unity is not an unequivocally good goal. Unity must women. be expected to. EHGHÀQHGE\ZKDWLGHDWKHFRQVHQVXVLVEXLOWDURXQG The idea of V-Day seems to be in the right place, but The prospects of these challenges to the Order of The leaders and people who call for unity too often are was it necessary to turn a holiday that traditionally cel- Angell threaten to radically change the very structure, calling for people to unify around their ideas, merely pad- ebrates romance and love between the sexes into a grim purpose, and function of an organization that, by its own ding their own position with greater support. Would memorial to violence against women? PRWWRSURPLVHVWR´ÀJKWOLNHKHOOIRU0LFKLJDQµ:HDUH Barack Obama endorse an electorate united against the The V-Day group has a college campaign that the Uni- fearful that the group will become neutered over time, thought of a black man serving as President? versity of Michigan takes part in. Groups on campus are and eventually devolve into a shell of its previous self. In his campaign kickoff speech last month, Obama invited to put on their own version of The Vagina Mono- The group needs to be free to conduct its activities, and decried the “smallness of our politics,” and criticized pol- logues on or around February 14th. The University’s ver- it deserves that expectation of privacy. It deserves that iticians for opting to score cheap political points rather VLRQWKLV\HDULVJRLQJWREHDÀUVWEHFDXVHLWLVWRLQFOXGH expectation just as much as the Daily’s editorial board, than building a “working consensus.” Daily columnist PHQDV´SURSVµ³LWVHHPVREMHFWLÀFDWLRQKDVQRQHJDWLYH the leadership of the Student of Color Coalition, and the Mara Gay declared that the “divisive” student group YAF implications when women do it. Actions like this encour- Dance Marathon Planning Team do. would be happy to know that there would be “no broad- age women to engage in gender warfare, not only stop- Perhaps the Order of Angell’s opponents should based movement across lines of race and class anytime ping violence but reducing men to mere silent statues. Last ask themselves, “So what?” So what if they exist? At this soon,” while Toby Mitchell hoped we could become year’s coordinators worried that the event had previously point, the group has done just about as much as possible “One World” that could “hang together.” stigmatized women of color, but this they seem to have no to distance itself from the questionable elements of its Such positions show a stunning ignorance of the po- problem stigmatizing males this year. past. If campus leaders want to cavort, so what? They’re litical world. Conservatives generally favor lower taxes 7KHFRQWLQXHGLQÀJKWLQJEHWZHHQORFDOSURGXFHUVDQG not conspiring against other student groups. So what if and fewer government programs. Liberals tend to believe national organizers exposes the Monolouges as less unifying they are secretive? Do we really want to have the same that the government should play a larger role, and this than its planners would like to believe. The work pushes a expectation of the public’s right to know applied to our UROHUHTXLUHVKLJKHUWD[HV7KHUHDUHEHQHÀWVDQGGUDZ- single, narrow view of womanhood. own organization? backs to both positions. The day has been hijacked into a mass event for mak- In the end, the fervor over the Order of Angell’s ex- But the desire for unity ignores a fundamental law of ing money and celebrating strength of women against men, istence tells us little about that organization. It tells us politics: there are no solutions, only tradeoffs. Ironically, not love and romance between them. Instead of a realistic far more, however, about “progressives” on this campus. it is the analysis of these tradeoffs that produces political Valentine’s Day portraying the majority of relationships as MR diversity – diversity we couldn’t achieve if we had such peaceful and loving, V-Day attempts to demonize all rela- unity. MR tionships. MR P. 5 &ROXPQV 03.05.07

ʄ7KH)HPLQLQH0\VWLTXH The Sanctity of Life Degraded by the Spectacle of Death T IS REMARKABLE how quickly the world of the mother, Virgie Arthur, claims? Was there foul play? be properly buried until the three men, who claim to have Iliving can be consumed by the events that follow the On February 15, the media outlets were still buzzing loved her and conceived a child with her, relinquish their death of a loved one. Since most of my days following the about it. The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch hosted a segment UHTXHVWVIRUKHU'1$$QGZKHQ6PLWKLVÀQDOO\LQWHUUHG morning of February 8 have been spent in such a way—fu- dealing with the future of TrimSpa, the diet pill Smith so there won’t be any privacy or discretion; like so much of neral home visitations, prayer obnoxiously shelled out for. At the same time, at least two her life, and now her death, this, too, will be a media spec- services, the funeral and the other news channels also had coverage of the event: MS- tacle. burial itself—I am keenly aware NBC.com has an entire section of its webpage devoted to Really, though, the media has missed the point: it of the toll such events play on the coverage, and has simply called it “Anna Nicole Smith.” doesn’t matter how she died—what matters is that she did even the most close-knit of clans On February 16, news of Smith’s will made that website’s die. And it doesn’t matter to anyone but those who knew in the most private of situations. front page while, at the same time, the US House of Repre- and cared about Smith—this has become clear as the tacky Not everyone, though, has the sentatives debated President Bush’s plan for troop surges in coverage has increased in the days since her death. She luxury of the privacy my family Iraq. It’s amazing how this woman can gain so much fame may have often been a pop culture mockery, but her death and I were afforded in the days in death—so much more than she ever did in life. shouldn’t continue this legacy. Doing that to her and her after the death of our sister, Perhaps you think I’m doing precisely what I’m family—regardless of how ridiculous Smith is publicly aunt, mother, and friend, Pat complaining about—giving this woman even more press perceived—is disrespectful and entirely in bad taste. Vasiliadies. AMANDA when she doesn’t really deserve it. Sure, I think it’s a bit So, as I stood in the shelter in the Fort Custer National On the same day she died, ridiculous that the death of a stripper-turned-Playmate- Cemetery in Battle Creek last month, the wind numbing my pop culture icon Anna Nicole NICHOLS turned-oil-heiress-turned-reality-television-star is getting legs and the tears stinging my cheeks, I watched my grand- Smith passed away in a Hard so much coverage. Who wouldn’t think it’s absurd to have mother lace her arm through my grandfather’s and thought Rock Hotel in Florida. Not two judges, one on each coast, battling over whether or of how important that kind of grieving moment is, for surprisingly, her death received much more fanfare. It was not Smith’s body can be embalmed? Or that not one, not all families. It’s simply a shame that the media is denying breaking news on many channels and even trickled down to two, but three men are vying for the paternity of Dann- Smith’s family and friends their right to do the same. MR the local news coverage in metro Detroit, seemingly as far ielynn, Smith’s infant daughter? Or really, that any of this is from a pop culture or entertainment hub as one can get. national news? Of course, the circumstances of Smith’s death are But that’s not my point. The real shame here is that, convoluted—maybe that’s why so much attention has been in the midst of the media circus, no one who actually knew garnered. Was it a suicide? Was Smith drugged, as her Smith has had any opportunity to grieve. The body can’t

ʄ6WULFW6FUXWLQ\ Campus Progressives get Regressive

FOUND THE LETTERS “SDS” staring back at me, tentious issues. While these issues have all been spearhead- 60s. One reason that conservative groups may be seeing Iposted on a piece of notebook paper in the lobby of the ed by small groups, they have focused on coalition-building resurgence at U-M is that their heroes hail from a newer Michigan Union last week. I thought, “Nah, it’s not that to garner, at least nominal, support from other campus age. Take YAF, whose national leadership practically wor- SDS. I’m sure it’s just a new addition to the alphabet soup organizations. While coalition-building hasn’t gone away, no ships Ronald Regan (the group’s website claims they are of campus organizations.” When I picked up the Michigan SRZHUIXOXQLÀHGPRYHPHQWKDVDSSHDUHGODWHO\ “inexorably intertwined” with their hero). Regan and other Daily the next day, I found out This school year, Michigan students seem to have FRQVHUYDWLYHPRQROLWKVHQFRXUDJHGDFWLYLVPWKDWÀWEHWWHU my original hunch was cor- forgotten their role as the “leaders and the best” in the with today’s corporatist environment than Kennedy’s Peace rect, that SDS—Students for a realm of campus activism. While students at Purdue were Corps. Democratic Society—was back on hunger strike and students at Gallaudet University bar- Despite often going for shock value, conservative on campus. ricaded the entrances to their campus, U-M students just groups have better institutionalized themselves—something SDS was a national campus went to class. Where is the enthusiasm? that’s hard to do if you want to maintain an anti-establish- organization involved in Viet- It would be easy to claim that general apathy has ment persona. By generating ties to well-connected, profes- nam War protests. U-M boasted caused the wane in activity, if not for the continued pres- sional organizations, conservative groups have been able to a well-known SDS group that ence and growth of conservative groups on campus. parlay their college experiences into gainful employment, KHOSHGWRRUJDQL]HWKHÀUVWLQ Groups like YAF have been responsible for some of the providing extra incentive for involvement. While progres- a series of teach-ins against year’s biggest events. While they have raised the ire of the sives have done well over the Internet, they have adapted the war. As the war concluded, ADAM campus left, there has been little attempt at sustained op- for a niche market: the already converted. ideological tensions, especially SRVLWLRQRI WKHW\SHWKDWW\SLÀHVFDPSXVDFWLYLVP Instead of adjusting to new conditions, the campus left the schism of those members PAUL Take for instance the walkout of the recent ex-terrorist wants to remain idyllic about its mission. Rebirthing old who formed The Weatherman (a speech. When asked about the organization of the protests, “New Left” organizations like SDS gives students a clearer group who planned explosions one of the organizers described the group as an “ad hoc link to the activist tradition started by their parents. While to “bring the war home”), cracked the group internally and coalition.” From the substantial size of the walkout, it’s this may help boast moral outrage, it may not translate into discredited it to many in the mainstream. In the last two clear this tactic managed to mobilize students—for a night. practical success. With a slew of national concerns trou- years, there has been a movement to bring the organization The Wear Yellow Walkout coalition seems to have dis- bling Americans and newly elected Democratic Congress, back to campuses. banded rather than solidify itself. Similarly, students recently progressives should be poised to make a move. Yet if this A call for a new “New Left” may be underpinned by attended a large anti-war demonstration in D.C., but odds year’s trend of ambush-retreat activism on campus repre- a desire to stop the fragmentation of liberal groups here are that if you did not go or do not know someone who sents a trend, it may be an opportunity with little outcome. at U-M. In my three years here, issues from sweatshops, did, you probably know little about it. MR University advocacy groups hiring staff, Israeli divestment, Through events like walkouts and marches, students Coca-Cola, and the Vagina Monologues have all been con- are likely looking to emulate their heroic conception of the Remaining Vigilant in the War on Terror

BY MICHAEL BALKIN, ‘09 Muslim American Society Freedom Foun- Americans cannot be afraid to report suspi- men were killed. AST NOVEMBER, SEVERAL Mus- dation, called removing the imams an act cious activity because it might be consid- Islamofascist terrorism is real, more Llim imams were quietly removed from a of Islamophobia and compared it to racism ered racist or Islamophobic. We would all real than it has ever been, and we need to US Airways Flight headed against blacks. Finally, MSNBC ran a piece rue the day when someone fails to prevent stand our ground. We need to realize, as from Minnesota to Phoe- Staff in which they equated the Imams’ removal an attack because they were scared of get- a society, that a person’s life matters more nix for making suspicious with the plight of Rosa Parks. ting sued. than another person’s feelings. comments and engaging Opinion But the critcism obscures the details of But Liberal and PC fanatics seemingly Of course, no rational person would in suspicious activity. the incident. According to several passen- do not understand that Islamic radicals will DGYRFDWHRYHUWUDFLDOSURÀOLQJ%XWZHQHHG Following the gers these imams held three prayer sessions go to great lengths to achieve their goals to be not only vigilant, but realistic. incident, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, a Texas before they got on the plane, and made and murder non-believers. These terrorists If an imam, let alone anyone, is pray- Democrat, said the September 11 ter- anti-American comments once seated. killed 186 children in Beslan, Russia when ing loudly, making anti-American com- rorist attacks “cannot be permitted to be 7KHVHLPDPVVDWLQÀUVWFODVVDIWHUÁLJKW they took an elementary school hostage. ments, asking for seatbelt extenders, and XVHGWRMXVWLI\UDFLDOSURÀOLQJKDUDVVPHQW attendants repeatedly informed them that They were responsible for the Madrid and sitting in the wrong seat, then we should and discrimination of Muslim and Arab the seats were unavailable, and some of the London train bombings, multiple attacks on QRWFULWLFL]HWKHMXVWLÀDEOHKXPDQUHVSRQVH Americans. Understandably the imams men asked for seatbelt extenders (usually the World Trade Center, the destruction of Our society is focused on racism and eth- IHOWSURÀOHGKXPLOLDWHGDQGGLVFULPLQDWHG needed when one is obese or is carrying the USS Cole, the US Embassy bombings nicity; instead, we need to focus on survival. against by their treatment.” Soon thereaf- something around the midsection.) in Kenya and Tanzania, the 1983 Beirut MR ter, Mahdi Bray, executive director of the If we are to win the War on Terror, barracks bombing in which 241 US service- P. 6 1HZV 03.05.07 news. the michigan review Economists Conclude Pfizer Closing Impact Pales Compared to Auto Industry Upheaval

BY JENNI CHELENYAK, ‘10 tion to its problems, it will make it [its prob- lems] a great challenge [for the region].” KHFORVLQJRI WKH3À]HUIDFLOLW\LQ$QQ $SSOLFDWLRQV IRU IHGHUDO EHQHÀW DVVLV- TArbor, and the loss of over 2,100 jobs, tance in Michigan have risen by 1,336—a came as a surprise for the Ann Arbor econ- fact that makes Michigan’s economy stand omy, which has been an island of relative out, as 38 states reported a drop in appli- prosperity in an otherwise depressed region. cations. Many blame statistics like these Don Grimes, Senior Research Specialist on recent layoffs of automotive workers. at the Institute of Labor and Industrial Rela- DaimlerChrysler, following in the footsteps tions at the University of Michigan, said that of Ford Motor Company and General Mo- neither Michigan nor Ann Arbor had been tors, recently announced plans to cut 13,000 ORVLQJ VFLHQWLÀF HQJLQHHULQJ RU UHVHDUFK jobs, many of which will be in southeast jobs. This fact surely increased the element Michigan. The magnitude of this move em- RI VXUSULVHVXUURXQGLQJ3À]HU·VDQQRXQFH- SKDVL]HVWKHVPDOOQHVVRI 3À]HU·VPRYHLQ Pfizer’s fate in Ann Arbor is sealed, but the future of its displaced employees ment. relation to the larger picture of Michigan’s has yet to be seen. 3À]HUSODQVWRFORVHLWVUHVHDUFKIDFLOLW\ hurting economy. MR by 2008. However, the closing of the Plym- outh Road plant seems to be related more to 3À]HU·VLQWHUQDOÀQDQFLDOLVVXHVUDWKHUWKDQ As More Students Seek Alternatives, its location. The loss of the Ann Arbor fa- cility is part of the company’s plan to con- Detroit Schools Continue to Make Cuts solidate its operations, as it plans to part with 10,000 employees in total. BY EDDIE PERRY, ‘09 trol, and better structural organization, this We need to retain only the best teachers, The Ann Arbor economy has tradition- problem holds no plausible threat. reorganize, and put some money back into ally been healthier than that of the rest of ETROIT IS ON the brink of clos- Despite this cause for hope, some are the city’s budget,” said Joel Beckett, an AP Michigan. According to the U.S. Depart- Ding down 47 schools, a move which up in arms over the proposed closings. English teacher at Detroit Western Interna- ment of Labor, the December 2006 unem- could save the city roughly $27 million. The At a hearing on January 24 at Cooley tional High School in Mexicantown and U- ployment rate for Michigan was 7.7 percent. planned downsiz- High School, a M alumnus. ,QFRQWUDVW$QQ$UERUERDVWVDVLJQLÀFDQWO\ ing will allow the “If one third of all Detroit-residing forum discussed Also embodying the troubles for DPS is smaller 4.4 percent, which shines even com- district to focus the closings and the fact that 51,000 students (nearly one-third pared to the low nationwide average of 4.6 on improving re- students do not attend the public relocations of 16 of the entire student-base in Detroit) now percent. maining schools, schools provided, then not only are west side schools. attend charter schools or suburban schools. With statistics like these in mind, the an- downsizing pay- they hurting the city’s school system, Just over 200 par- During this current school year alone, more QRXQFHPHQW WKDW 3À]HU ZRXOG YDFDWH $QQ roll, and conceiv- ents, staff, and than 5,000 have chosen this route, according Arbor came as a shock. The closing of the ably end up with they are an unpredictable weight students showed to a recent Detroit News study. facility will undoubtedly have an impact on the appropri- on all other schools, private, charter, up, hoping their Beckett conveyed the implications of University of Michigan graduates, many ate amount of efforts would this last statistic, saying that he “cannot be- of whom have developed ties to the com- schools for the suburban public.” change the minds lieve the city allows this to happen. If one pany, and live in Ann Arbor after graduation amount of chil- of William Cole- third of all Detroit-residing students do not WKDQNVWRMRERIIHUV3À]HUH[HFXWLYHVKDYH dren who attend -Joel Beckett, AP English teacher at Detroit man, the CEO attend the public schools provided, then not stated that 1,000 workers will be offered jobs them, in a city Western International High School and of Detroit Pub- only are they hurting the city’s school sys- elsewhere in the company, while severance where the popu- U-M alumnus lic Schools, or tem, they are an unpredictable weight on packages will be offered to the other emloy- lation continues Virginia Cantrel, all other schools, private, charter, suburban ees. to decline. Detroit Federa- public. How would you like to be the one in Economists have predicted the facility’s Mark Schrupp, attorney and the Deputy tion of Teachers President-elect. charge of planning for the next school year closing will cause 3,650 people to leave the Chief of Facilities Maintenance and Auxilia- 2QO\SHRSOHVKRZHGXSWRÀJKWWKH not knowing if there will be an extra 130 stu- state, according to mitechnews.com, a news ry Services for Detroit Public Schools (DPS), closings of 16 schools, suggesting that the dents in your school?” service for small businesses and entrepre- explained that if current trends continue, the opposition might not be too strong. Although the Detroit Public School Sys- neurs. Furthermore, as those who support district will probably have less than 100,000 “I think it’s pretty evident why the city is tem has been nothing short of erratic in the 3À]HU·VRSHUDWLRQVOHDYHLQDGGLWLRQWRWKRVH enrolled students, meaning that the Detroit going to close 47 schools. People are leaving past year, there remains hope that Coleman who service employees who live here, an es- Public School system will lose its legal status the city at an unexplainable rate. The city is is now onto something that will provide so- timated 3,723 jobs will be lost in other indus- DVD´ÀUVWFODVVVFKRROGLVWULFWµ7KLVVWDWXV getting smaller and consolidation is needed. lutions. MR tries. Professional and technical industries does not hint at the quality of the school will be impacted the most, followed by the district as a whole, but refers to its size and retail industry. special funding it receives. Governor Jennifer Granholm created This, it seems, is symbolic of the ongo- WKH 3À]HU 6WUDWHJLF :RUN $FWLRQ 7HDPV ing downward trend the DPS is experienc- 50,675 (SWAT) to help those who may be affected ing. when the company closes its doors; the gov- “I think that this is one of the most Detroit students do not attend Detroit Public ernor, local business and community leaders, serious crises in the history of the Detroit and U-M are involved with SWAT, which Public Schools. There are a number of fac- Schools, of these: will make $1 million from the Michigan De- WRUVLQFOXGLQJSUREOHPVRI VFKRRO ÀQDQFH partment of Labor available to workers as serious issues with the teachers union, com- one of its functions. How to keep talented petition from charter schools, and above all graduates in Michigan, as well as expediting the perception that the DPS is not provid- 42,378 attend Charter Schools WKHXVHRI 3À]HU·VVLWHRQFHLWEHFRPHVYD- ing a high quality education to most of the cant, are SWAT’s primary concerns. its students that are combining to make life In the end, the long-term impact of H[WUHPHO\GLIÀFXOWIRUWKHV\VWHPµVDLG-HII  3À]HU·VFORVLQJLVQRWQHDUO\DVFULWLFDODVWKH Mirel, Professor and Associate Dean of the 33,797 of these Charter school attendees stay future of Michigan’s automotive industry. School of Education at U-M. ´>$OWKRXJK@ 3À]HU LV D ELJ GHDO LQ 6DYLQJWKRVHPLOOLRQLVDÀUVWVWHSLQ in Wayne County Washtenaw County, the future of the state revamping DPS’s structure and perhaps em- will be much more determined by what hap- ploying a more business-like strategy which pens to the Big Three and their suppliers,” will allow it to cut excess fat. 8,297 attend a non-Detroit public school said Grimes. “If you look in Michigan, the Getting smaller means principals will be economy overall is a challenge, mostly be- more involved, and able to evaluate teach- cause of the problems in the traditional au- ers more readily. Many ex-administrators will tomotive manufacturers, both from original move to new schools, freeing up principals 12,656 leave Wayne County for either a equipment manufacturers and their union- to examine teachers more thoroughly. ized parts manufacturers. That industry is in Granted, class sizes might increase with charter or public school great trouble; unless it can work out a solu- fewer schools, but with better teachers, bet- ter principles, somewhat “state-free” con- P. 7 1HZV 03.05.07 news. the michigan review

for miscellaneous expenses they incurred during the law- suit. Terry Pell, with The Center for Individual Rights, was Leading House quoted by the Associate Press saying, “I think this is in the best interest of everybody.” Both Hamacher and Gratz at- tended schools less expensive than U-M, and as time passed, Democrat Struggles to LWEHFDPHLQFUHDVLQJO\GLIÀFXOWWRFODLPWKDW80WUXO\RZHG the two students anything tangible. Jennifer Gratz seemed Know the Enemy VDWLVÀHG6KHWROGWKH$QQ$UERU1HZV´,WZDVQHYHUDERXW the money. This is about the principle about equal treatment BY MICHAEL BALKIN, ‘09 under the law.” The University, despite its current problems with Pro- CCORDING TO CONGRESSIONAL Quarterly, posal 2, seems to be pleased as well. After adding all of the Athe new House Intelligence Chairman Silvestre Reyes application fee refunds, compensatory damages, and interest doesn’t know basic facts about several international terror- being sought, the estimated cost of the class action suit for ist organizations. This brings into question the choice Mrs. the University would have been around $1.2 Million. Pelosi made when she decided to tap Silvestre Reyes to head The settlement requires the University to place adver- up the House Intelligence committee. tisements in 14 Michigan papers informing anyone who ap- :KHQWKHWK&RQJUHVVFRQYHQHGIRUWKHÀUVWWLPH plied to LS&A between 1995 and 2003 that legal options are this year, the newly empowered Democrats controlled both Gratz Settles Case Against still available. Doubtless the University hopes that the result houses. Democratic control meant several changes for the of this six-year battle will dissuade anyone with Gratz-like new Congress: a new Speaker of the ambitions. House, possible rule changes con- U-M, Bringing Temporary The Gratz settlement, although important for the par- cerning debate, fresh focus on the WLHVLQYROYHGLVQRWWKHHQGRI WKHGHEDWHRYHUDIÀUPDWLYHLQ liberal legislative agenda, and new End to Race Issue American colleges. Gratz and Hamacher were compensated leaders of Senate and House com- BY BLAKE EMERSON, ‘09 for their rejection from Michigan, but their dispute arose mittees. during a time when universities gave points to minority ap- Congressional committees ORE THAN FOUR years since the famous Gratz v. plicants. With the state of admissions post-Prop 2, rejected work, either independently or to- MBollinger decision, Jennifer Gratz and her co-plaintiff students will have a harder time challenging admissions poli- gether, to conduct oversight hear- Patrick Hamacher have each been compensated $10,000. In FLHVDW806LQFHDQWLDIÀUPDWLYHDFWLRQEDOORWVDUHOLNHO\ LQJVGUDIWOHJLVODWLRQDQGLQÁXHQFH Rep. Silvestre Reyes 2003, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the plaintiffs, to pass in many states, it is unlikely that lawsuits like Gratz policy. The heads of Senate and who argued that the University of Michigan’s admissions ZLOOSOD\VXFKDSURPLQHQWUROHLQRSSRVLWLRQWRDIÀUPDWLYH House committees are commonly point system, which offered 20 points to minority appli- action. referred to as “chairs,” and they direct operations and de- FDQWVZDVXQFRQVWLWXWLRQDO$OWKRXJKVSHFLÀFSRLQWVJLYHQ While Michigan is reaching closure, the debate over the termine the agendas of their respective committees. This WRPLQRULWLHVEHFDPHLOOHJDO8QLYHUVLW\RIÀFLDOVVWLOOFRXOG XVHRI DIÀUPDWLYHDFWLRQLVEHJLQQLQJLQRWKHUSODFHV$F- GLVFUHWLRQDU\SRZHUPDNHVWKHFRPPLWWHHFKDLUVYHU\LQÁX- take race into account until the passage of Proposal 2. cording to a recent New York Times article, Ward Connerly ential, which is why Speaker Pelosi’s choice was brought into The Center for Individual Rights, the organization that DQG RWKHU VWDXQFK RSSRQHQWV RI  DIÀUPDWLYH DFWLRQ KDYH question. UHSUHVHQWHG*UDW]DQG+DPDFKHUÀOHGWKHRIÀFLDOGLVFULPL- been planning, long before this decision, on rapidly expand- After her ascension to the house’s highest position, nation suit against the university in 1997. While the case be- ing ballot initiates in years to come. The success of the Nancy Pelosi of California appointed party member Silvestre gan with only two plaintiffs, a class action lawsuit soon grew DQWLDIÀUPDWLYH DFWLRQ SURSRVDOV LQ OHIWOHDQLQJ VWDWHV OLNH Reyes of Texas’s 16th district to lead the House Intelligence to nearly 40,000 rejected LSA applicants, convinced they California, Washington, and Michigan seems to indicate that Committee. Reyes, a former Border Patrol agent, served in would have been admitted if not for the unconstitutional constitutional amendments like Prop 2 can be passed almost Vietnam and received the Purple Heart for a combat injury. process used at the time. anywhere. MR Judging by comments made by several of his colleagues, no The recent settlement excludes any compensation for one in Congress doubts his patriotism or candor. these 40,000 people, and it compensated the plaintiffs just These accolades, however, cannot disguise the fact that Reyes apparently doesn’t know basic facts pertaining to en- emies the United States faces today. To be sure, Mr. Reyes is UN Report on Global Warming Revives acutely aware of the harm that al-Qaeda and other terrorist JURXSVZDQWWRLQÁLFWXSRQWKH8QLWHG6WDWHV+RZHYHUE\ Debate, Sparks Criticism congressional standards, the House Intelligence Committee chair is supposed to have a sound understanding of terrorist BY MICHAEL BALKIN, ‘09 2001, the IPCC’s estimates and recommendations became groups and the threats they pose to American interests, at more urgent and political. Even with the new assessment’s home and abroad, in a post-9/11 world. HE EARTH IS GETTING warmer. UHYLVHG ÀJXUHV WKH SDQHO·VFKDLUPDQ 5 . 3DFKDXUL WROG Recently, Jeff Stein of Congressional Quarterly asked THumans are responsible. reporters, “I hope this report will shock people.” Reyes whether members of al-Qaeda came from the Sunni The consequences could be catastrophic. Cohen believes that the IPCC’s desire to shock people or Shiite branch of Islam. Reyes responded, “Predominantly These are the sentiments contained within the execu- may have skewed the language contained in the report. probably Shiite.” In reality, Al-Qaeda members are part of tive summary of a report released by the Intergovernmental ´7KHVXPPDU\LVÀOOHGZLWKVHQVDWLRQDOLVWLFODQJXDJH the Sunni sect. Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). QRQHRI ZKLFKFDQEHMXVWLÀHGE\DTXLFNORRNDWWKHGDWD Stein then questioned the Congressman about Hezbol- %XWWRVRPHPHPEHUVRI WKHVFLHQWLÀFFRPPXQLW\WKH This report is designed to scare people,” he said. lah, a Shiite dominated group. Congressman Reyes could real story is the summary’s revised estimates. Contrary to :KLOHPRVWUHVHDUFKSHUIRUPHGE\WKHVFLHQWLÀFFRP- not identify which sect of Islam claimed the allegiance of popular belief, the extent to which the earth is warming is munity does conclude that the world is getting slightly +H]EROODKÀJKWHUVLQVWHDGGHFLGLQJWRDVN6WHLQ´:K\GR still a cause for debate, as is the level of blame attributed to warmer, the debate rages over whether or not global warm- \RX DVN PH WKHVH TXHVWLRQV DW ÀYH R·FORFN"µ +H]EROODK LV mankind. LQJLVVLJQLÀFDQWHQRXJKWRZDUUDQWGUDVWLFPHDVXUHV&ULW- the same terrorist group that launched rockets into north- “The IPCC’s estimates are based on computer models. ics of the IPCC point to the fact that more than 90% of ern Israel, sparking the month long war in July of 2006 with These models produce scenarios which are highly dependent the IPCC’s contributing authors are from governments who the Israelis. Furthermore, the group is allegedly funded and on the quality of data fed into them; projections based on have advocated emission-reduction policies. equipped by Iran and Syria. That information might be use- computer models are some- Cohen argued that the ful when dealing with future escalation. times not even worth the pa- IPCC report is a “consen- Conservative political pundits often claim that the Dem- per they’re printed on,” said sus document” put together RFUDWLF3DUW\LVIXOORI SHDFHQLNVDQGSDFLÀVWV7KHUHIRUHWKH Dr. Bonner Cohen, a senior Contrary to popular belief, the extent by political appointees and Democrats cannot afford to make such egregious mistakes if fellow at Washington, DC- to which the earth is warming is still a career diplomats, with little they hope to prove their critics wrong. Congressman Reyes’ based National Center for RU QR VFLHQWLÀF WUDLQLQJ lack of knowledge of the enemies’ culture and religion Public Policy Research. cause for debate, as is the level of blame Scientists and skeptics with PDNHVWKDWFKDOOHQJHLQFUHDVLQJO\GLIÀFXOW3HRSOHPLJKWDVN Lord Monckton, for- attributable to mankind. other theories are usually themselves, “Shouldn’t the Chair of the House Intelligence mer advisor to British Prime excluded from contributing Committee know these kinds of things?” Minister Margaret Thatcher, to the reports. Surely, some Americans may be able to accept this lack is also skeptical of the UN’s These skeptics point to of knowledge, as long as they believe Reyes will continue to report. Along with other independent analysts, he points several other theories on global warming that have recently VWDQGVWURQJLQWKHÀJKWDJDLQVW,VODPRIDFLVWWHUURULVWVDQG to the fact that the IPCC adjusted several predictions and been proposed. For instance, a recent study conducted by their state sponsors. Others will use Reyes’ ascension to the estimates it made in its 2001 assessment. the renowned Max Planck Institute for Solar System Re- House Intelligence Chair position to discredit the Democratic According to Monckton, in its 2001 report, the IPCC search suggests that a more powerful sun is partially respon- Party in areas of national defense. MR claimed that sea levels would rise by an average of three sible for the recent warming of the globe. feet over the next century. In its most recent assessment, Dr. Sami Solanki, the institute’s acting Director, stated ditionally, several studies completed by NASA have demon- however, the revised high-end estimate stands at a reduced that the institute’s research shows that “the sun has been at strated that Antarctica’s snow is getting thicker, its average 17 inches. Furthermore, the new assessment seemingly dem- its strongest over the past 60 years and may now be affecting temperature is dropping, and the world’s oceans are cooling. onstrates that the 2001 report overstated the effect human global temperatures.” The earth may be warming, but the causes and consequences industrial activity had on global warming by 30 percent. Several other factors are helping to muddy the waters still constitute a relatively fuzzy area of science and public The lower estimates mark a reversal from the IPCC’s vis-à-vis global warming. Take, for instance, the unusual policy. MR behavior over the last decade and beyond. From 1990 to frost California farmers have experienced this winter. Ad- P. 8 1HZV 03.05.07 news. the michigan review Arizona State University RA Suspended After Criticizing Diversity Training

BY CHRISTINE HWANG, ‘10 Anthropology at ASU and the co-chair of Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Net- YAN VISCONTI WAS simply look- work (GLSEN) of Phoenix, explained that Ring for a good job and a place to live. successful exercises share several character- Instead, he was told that he would have to istics. work as a landscaper and live in a ghetto “The most productive workshops I have apartment. The Christian church, he was IDFLOLWDWHG DUH ZKHUH SDUWLFLSDQWV IHHO VXIÀ- told, didn’t accept his lifestyle as a gay His- ciently comfortable to share unpopular or panic. socially undesirable attitudes or positions— Visconti, a senior Resident Advisor and this is how we make visible the assumptions Political Science major at Arizona State Uni- and stereotypes that launch discriminatory versity, was participating in a “diversity exer- behaviors, she said.” cise.” The exercise included a role-playing Successful workshops avoid confron- game: Residential advisors were assigned to tation, and instead focus on evaluation of a certain race, ethnicity, and sexual orienta- ingrained beliefs. tion and asked to live life in another’s shoes. “I remember very clearly a workshop The exercise included booths for everyday where a participant, who was a university elements of society, including housing, em- student preparing to be a teacher, shared his ployment, transportation, jail, and banking. attitude that homosexuality was a sin. Rather But when Visconti voiced his displea- than question his position, I asked him how sure with the exercise to the East Valley/ this stance on homosexuality might affect 6FRWWVGDOH 7ULEXQH $UL]RQD 6WDWH RIÀFLDOV the way he treats students who identify or placed him on probation. are perceived of as gay. That is my job—to “The students who designed the role- invite people to question their values so they play overlooked their own stereotypes, such FDQ EH VXUH WKHLU YDOXHV ÀW ZLWK WKHLU SHU- Graphic by Michael O’Brien/The Michigan Review as the notion that white men don’t have to sonal, interpersonal and institutional goals.” The Sun Devil effortlessly executes ASU university policy. work for wealth because society gives them a MR free ride. Or the idea that Christian churches DUHÀOOHGZLWKELJRWVDQGSHRSOHZKRVXS- port traditional family values such as het- ereosexual marriage are hateful and narrow- New American History Association Presi- minded,” Visconti told the Tribune. ASU Residential Life denied that Visconti’s probationary status was based on his opposi- dent Aims to De-Westernize History tion to the exercise, but on his past actions, including missing an exercise on homosexu- BY MARIE COUR. ‘08 cal comparisons with other times and places ality and gay marriage. across the globe,” said Scott. But Visconti claimed his outrage wasn’t HE FIRST DAY of each year marks the Last fall, the ISI published a report that in opposition to diversity. Tbeginning of a new term for the new found civil knowledge to be at pitiful levels, “Diversity is an important ingredient to president of the American Historical As- and Scott believes that expanding the curric- the college experience, it is important to in- sociation. This year, Barbara Weinstein, a ulum in colleges will not alleviate the prob- crease awareness of issues that exist among professor of Brazilian and Latin American lem; instead, it will leave Americans even less students,” he said in an interview. history at the University of Maryland, was equipped to examine America critically. His anger, Visconti said, stemmed from elected to hold this position. As could be “The globalists who insist on minimiz- the University’s stigmatization of all Chris- expected from a new leader, Weinstein wants ing America from their global curricula are tians and white Southerners. to reform the place of history both among not responsibly preparing their students to “[The exercises] clearly targeted these scholars and the way that it is taught at uni- assess the ‘American exceptionalism’ propo- groups. The staff member working the versities. sition,” said Scott. ‘church’ has an exaggerated deep southern 3RVVLEO\ WKH PRVW VLJQLÀFDQW GHYHORS- Despite the criticism, Weinstein is not accent. She was clearly talking about Jesus, ment with the election of Weinstein is her alone in her desire to augment the study of and referencing the Bible. There is no doubt desire to expand support for the teaching of history. Mamadou Diouf, a professor of Af- that these groups were being singled out as non-American and non-European history. rican History at the University of Michigan, being hateful, narrow-minded, and bigoted,” In a recent interview with the University of agrees that these reforms are long overdue. New AHA President,Barbara Weinstein he said. Maryland, she said that she wanted to ensure “History has become a more diverse Visconti also found himself confused WKDW ´XQGHUUHSUHVHQWHG ÀHOGV VXFK DV $I- academic market, and America is the most E\WKHFRQÁLFWLQJPHVVDJHVRI WKHH[HUFLVH ULFD$VLDDQGP\RZQÀHOG/DWLQ$PHULFD  lucrative and prominent part of it. We need and we need to understand their culture.” “It was ironic that we were being taught both feel welcome, and feel that they have a to make American history part of other his- The debate between these two groups not to discriminate against others, but ASU stake in the continuing vitality of the AHA torical conversations,” said Diouf. To do is simply a continuation of nearly endless Residential Life was simultaneously ridicul- as an organization.” The implication of this this would require more scholars who were arguments about the relationship between ing Christians and Southerners. ‘Tolerance’ is that scholars specializing historians and society. on this campus must mean intolerance to- in these parts of the world Moreover, it is doubtful ward Christians,” he said. currently lack the institu- that encouraging scholar- Visconti said that while other students tional support for their “The globalists who insist on minimizing ship of Africa, Asia, and took offense to the exercises, few were will- research. Latin America will bring ing to step forward in protest. Weinstein’s new direc- America from their global curricula are not DQ\ VLJQLÀFDQW FKDQJHV RQ “Many students either accept this obvi- tion has not been met with responsibly preparing their students to assess Michigan’s campus. ous hypocrisy or have been intimidated into universal support. Gary History majors are silence.” Residential Advisors must “adhere Scott, a Senior Research the ‘American exceptionalism’ proposition” required to study Ameri- to certain ideological beliefs…The bound- Fellow for the Intercol- can and European history. aries of reason get skewed when the Uni- legiate Studies Institute, -Gary Scott, Senior Research Fellow for the They are, however, also ex- versity has a political agenda that it wants to ÀQGVWKHVKLIWIURP$PHU- pected to take at least two enforce.” ican history troubling, Intercollegiate Studies Institute. courses in Asia, Africa, or According to the university, these exer- arguing that the focus on Latin America. Much as cises were modeled after national leadership American history is justi- some historians might want conferences. It recognizes a need to revise ÀHG students to focus solely on the exercise. Visconti agrees. “Some think that emphasizing the study raised outside the United States. Neverthe- other countries, it is unlikely that students “Exercises that focus on common of America is rooted in a naive ‘American less, Diouf believes that the knowledge that will stop caring about Western Civilization. bonds, positive aspects of diversity, a reason- exceptionalism.’ But America is in fact an they can provided is needed on American MR able understand of other cultures” would be achievement in its culture, order, prosper- campuses. EHQHÀFLDO WR WKH XQLYHUVLW\ FRPPXQLW\ KH ity, security, and justice. Many do not see it “There is a political demand for a more said. precisely because they have not made all of diverse understanding of the world,” said Madelaine Adelman, a professor of the important cultural, economic, and politi- Diouf. “We are still a country of migrants, P. 9 1HZV 03.05.07 news the michigan review Suburbia Meets Hip-Hop: “Black parties” Expose Stereotypes

school in Connecticut, a small college in Texas, and at Clem- countryside for something more authentic…if you see sub- son University. urban culture as bland or homogenous, where do you go? The details of the parties might have remained unknown You hit the open road or you look for more true ‘urban’ ex- had the partygoers not posted photos on their Facebook periences. Black culture, or the version of black culture that SURÀOHVLQSKRWRDOEXPVZLWKWLWOHVVXFKDV´0/.µ8SURDU is typically utilized is more based on rap records than on any ensued at all of the universities involved, especially after the kind of reality. It becomes a means of ‘escaping’ white cul- pictures were leaked to the media at CNN.com. The students ture, becoming someone else and ‘breaking the rules through involved have repeatedly claimed there was no racist animos- deliberate performance or dressing up,” said Lassiter. ity behind the parties. Lassiter drew a comparison with a less publicized but Tarleton State University student Jeremy Pelz, who equally controversial concept of “White Trash Bash”—both posted some of the photos, said that the annual party had are representative of a more “free” culture where people begun several years ago as a way of making sure Dr. King was properly honored, and that no disrespect was intended. %XWXQLYHUVLW\RIÀFLDOVZHUHRXWUDJHG7KH$VVRFLDWHG Press reported that Tarleton State President Dennis Mc- “White middle class youth tend to see Cabe was “personally insulted” by the incident and was their own culture as boring and sterile and “disappointed” in the students involved. Forums were held at many of the universities at which the parties occurred, they look to cities or to the countryside ZLWKVWXGHQWVDQGDGPLQLVWUDWRUVVWUXJJOLQJWRÀQGDSURSHU for something more authentic. If you see course of action. Even universities with no connection to the parties have suburban culture as bladn or homogenous, taken notice—Stanford University has recently held a series where do you go? You hit the open road or of meetings and forums to prevent any such activity from you look for more true ‘urban’ experiences.” occurring on campus. These parties may be the worst example, but different Courtesy, The Smoking Gun ethnic groups have long emulated black culture, appropriat- -History Professor Matt Lassiter Who wants pancakes and malt liquor? ing their concept of the culture to their own lifestyles. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Beat Generation to hip-hop, whites have often looked to urban society for something BY JANE COASTON, ‘09 ‘real’ and ‘authentic.’ “(give) themselves the latitude to do the things (they) think Associate History Professor Matthew Lassiter has been these groups can do.” URPORTED TO BE partying in honor of Martin Lu- studying American suburbia and contemporary culture since Lassiter noted that there seemed to be a lack of willing- Pther King, Jr. Day, students at several colleges across the late 1990s. In an interview regarding the parties and the ness for whites to realize that African-Americans are “just America have stirred up controversy. larger issues of white perceptions of black behavior, Lassiter like them.” As for the students’ claims that there was no According to the news-gossip website The Smoking said that “it has something to do with both the fact that these racial intent or motivation, Lassiter said that these were “old Gun, these “Living The Dream” parties featured “40-ounce white suburban youth grow up in segregated neighborhoods MXVWLÀFDWLRQVµDQGWKDWKDGWKH\QRWEHHQVWXSLGHQRXJKWR bottles of malt liquor…female partygoers who stuffed their and they are constantly consuming black culture.” Many of put these pictures on the Internet, they might never have pants to make their backsides look larger…gold teeth…gang the youth have the dual experience of growing up in an ex- been pressed to apologize. Professor Lassiter said that these apparel and Afro wigs…handguns, and fried chicken, and clusive, often monolithic environment, all the while admiring students should watch more Dave Chapelle, who Lassiter even one woman dressed as Aunt Jemima.” There were even and identifying with a culture they see as more interesting. called an “equal-opportunity satirist” able to point out the students in black face paint. “White middle class youth tend to see their own culture errors in hip-hop culture and the racist elements in suburban These parties occurred in locales as varied as a law as boring and sterile and they look either to cities or to the America in a comedic and clever way. MR College Freshmen More Politicized and Polarized, UCLA Survey Shows

BY LINDSEY DODGE, ‘10 300 class. He notes his students are most “informed about ]HUR IRU DIÀUPDWLYH DFWLRQ :H·YH SXW RXUVHOYHV RXW WKHUH and interested in global perspectives.” as leaders in this example,” he said, adding that Michigan S THE NATION becomes ever more polarized, col- In particular, recent years have shown increasing con- registered more students in the last election than any other Alege students, it seems, have followed suit. According cern about the military and Iraq. According to Markus, this university in the nation. to a recent UCLA survey, “The American Freshman: Na- creates a need for students to become involved in “how the :KLOH 0DUNXV EHOLHYHV WKDW WKH FRQÁLFW IRU D GLYHUVH tional Norms for Fall 2006,” students – especially freshmen U.S. is viewed by the rest of the world.” population is still an all-encompassing one, the UCLA study – are becoming more political and polarized. However, the Michigan statistics have not changed in found that 53 percent of conservatives and 45 percent of Administered by the Higher Education Research Insti- pace with the national polls. OLEHUDOVFDOOHGIRUWKHDEROLWLRQRI DIÀUPDWLYHDFWLRQ tute from UCLA, the survey collected data on over 271,000 Matney says that U-M students are not at all more ac- The UCLA study demonstrates a rise in conservative freshmen from 393 colleges nationwide. The statistics show tive in political activity; in fact, Michigan students are still freshman, which is paralleled by the rise in conservative cam- WKDWRI VWXGHQWVIHOWWKHGHVLUHWR´LQÁXHQFHVRFLDO outpaced by the rest of the country, despite a slight increase pus papers nationwide. values.” Interestingly, this statstic leaps at historically black in students to keep up to date on current events. This, Matney says, is not necessarily true here at Michi- colleges and universities, rising just short of 60%. Furthermore, the Michigan statistics show that students gan. If it is, however, it could be due to a greater number of In terms of political orientation, the party system has do care more about global issues – and really could not care active conservatives on campus. never been stronger. Students identifying themselves as lib- less about the ones here at home. Markus applauds what he observes as the effective and eral are at 28.4 percent, the highest since 1975. Conservative “Abortion is not a political issue [at Michigan]. Neither organized effort lately to encourage conservative student students are still slightly less at 23.9 percent, but this percent- UHDOO\ LV DIÀUPDWLYH DFWLRQµ VDLG 0DWQH\GHVSLWH WKH KXJH RUJDQL]DWLRQVDOWKRXJKKHVXJJHVWVWKDWWKH\DUHEHWWHUÀ- age is the highest in history. Middle-of-the-roaders have bot- VLJQLÀFDQFHRI LVVXHVVXFKDVDERUWLRQDQGJD\PDUULDJHQD- nanced than liberal organizations. tomed out at 43.3 percent, the lowest since 1970. tionwide. ”Liberals and progressives could learn from that,” he The percentages from this survey mimic the numbers Professor Markus has a different view. “We’re ground said. MR generated in the 1970s, during Vietnam, the Civil Rights movement, and a presi- dential candidate’s assassination. But what drives students today to bang the political drum? Malinda Matney, Senior Research Associate for the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Michigan, observes that student activism varies by year, but election years tend to be more active. Furthermore, American students recently have demonstrated more interest in global issues, such as sweatshop condi- tions and the crises in the Middle East. Gregory Markus, a political science professor at U-M who specializes in ac- tivism, has noticed this shift in his PoliSci Courtesy: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA P. 10 $UWV &XOWXUH 03.05.07 arts & culture. the michigan review A Real Look at Documentary on Electric Cars Fails to Marriage Spark

BY REBECCA CHRISTY, ‘08 The movie relies heavily on one-sided anecdotes and BY MICHAEL O’BRIEN, ‘08 implications to make its points. Other left-leaning documen- ERRENCE REAL’S LATEST book, The New Rules taries, like The Corporation, had the decency to interview their Tfor Marriage, may not seem applicable to the average NEW DOCUMENTARY Who Killed the Electric Car? opponents. The viewer lead to believe that because there college relationship, where a student is attached, single, Adoes its best to convict the culprit its name pursues. was a “waiting list” for the EV1, they must have been wildly or drifting in the abyss of “It’s Complicated.” How often 8QIRUWXQDWHO\WKHÀOPODFNVGXHSURFHVVVRWRVSHDN popular. But there’s never talk of the exact volume of that does one hear of a girlfriend, however, who complains In his documentary, Chris Pane sets out to explore the list to the actual number of models produced. too much about her insensitive boyfriend who should FXULRXVLQFDUQDWLRQRI *0·V(9HOHFWULFFDUWKHÀUVWFRP- Similarly, the claim by GM that the EV1 was not prof- “just know?” Real’s book may be more appropriately ti- pletely electric car, which were introduced in itable is more-or-less scoffed at and then tled The New Rules for Relationships because it appears the 1990s. The EV1 and similar automobiles brushed aside, with no analysis of the claims that, married or not, most people are in trouble because debuted with much fanfare. The promise of by either side. they do not know the fundamental methods required to emissions reduction even swept the Califor- GM and other American automakers make their relationships thrive. nia legislature into a frenzy, spurring on law- RSWHGIRUWKHSURÀWDEOHTXLFNO\VHOOLQJEXW While listening and communication skills are always makers to pass a law requiring a full 10% of also gas-guzzling SUVs in the late 90s instead at the center of relationship problems, Real suggests that cars in California to be without emissions of electric cars. For this they’re faulted. But at modern contexts have created a new set of problems. by…well, now. the same time, one gets the impression that Men and women “have been trying to negotiate twenty- The EV1 went by the wayside in a mat- LI *0KDGSXUVXHGXQSURÀWDEOHHOHFWULFFDUV ÀUVWFHQWXU\UHODWLRQVKLSVXVLQJWZHQWLHWKFHQWXU\VNLOOVµ ter of a few short years, and Pane wants to we’d be talking about a documentary excori- says Real. Women have seen drastic changes in their posi- know why. In an era of emanations about ating the corporation for even more severe WLRQLQVRFLHW\RYHUWKHODVWFHQWXU\ZKLFKKDYHLQÁXHQFHG emissions and global warming, politicians ÀQDQFLDOWURXEOHDQGOD\RIIV their perceptions of a working relationship. In contrast, decrying our “addiction to foreign oil,” and There is some great material in this doc- men have seen little transformation in their position a war in the Middle East that touches on umentary. Among the best plot lines is fol- within marriage and, thus, may not possess the skills or issues of petroleum supply, Who Killed the lowing GM’s truly inexplicable recall of all PRWLYDWLRQVWRDGDSWWRZRPHQ·VFKDQJLQJGHÀQLWLRQVRI  Electric Car? addresses controversial issues EV1’s several years ago from their owners, DIXOÀOOLQJUHODWLRQVKLS LQ FRQWHPSRUDU\ SROLWLFV ,W LV ÀWWLQJ WKDW LW·V QDUUDWHG E\ just to destroy the cars. Also, the discussion of hybrid cars Real believes it is crucial to acknowledge that 20th none other than President Jed Bartlett himself, actor Martin towards the end leaves one with some shred of optimism century marriages revolved around the aims of life long Sheen. about the future of alternative fuels. companionship, while mod- Pane sets up the premise early in the movie that the EV1 8OWLPDWHO\WKLVÀOPLVÁDWZKHUHLWVKRXOGVL]]OHGXHWR ern women have reached for and plug-in cars were so popular, that they were the natural its relevance. a higher continuous level of heir of the internal combustion engine. He tries to make the Documentaries are supposed to capture the truth of our physical and emotional intima- point that a conspiracy of fools--from the auto industry, to contemporary world as it occurs—history in the making. But cy. This becomes problematic the government--and to the consumer ended the ascendancy as Who Killed the Electric Car? demonstrates even historians of not only because men appear of the electric car. contemporary America can be revisionist. MR VDWLVÀHGZLWKWKHSUHYLRXVVWD- tus quo, but also because our society is not a nurturing envi- ronment for men to express or The Ultimate Challenge cope with emotions. 5HDO LGHQWLÀHV ÀYH ORVLQJ Website Challenges Youths to Lose Their Religion strategies individuals resort to in times of disagreement, BY ANNA MALECKE, ‘10 day regret their actions, they can never erase those words which can be responsible for the feeling that every argu- from the mind of God, or as the website states, “this is a ment is over the “same thing” even when different issues NE OF THE most widespread stereotypes in society one-way road you’re taking here.” are under contention. These include: needing to be right, Ois that somehow, suddenly after hitting puberty, teens Rogers does not agree. “The fact is, the verse that they controlling one’s partner, unbridled self- expression, re- get the urge to rebel. This perception may have caused the are using is taken out of context, blaspheming against the taliation and withdrawal. Once the individual is able to VRFDOOHG´5DWLRQDO5HVSRQVH6TXDGµ 556 WRIRFXVVSHFLÀ- Holy Spirit is seeing a miracle and knowing that it is God, identify their losing strategy, they have the potential to cally on teens when they began their now infamous campaign but attributing it to something else,” he said. SDUWLFLSDWHLQPRUHFRQVWUXFWLYHEHKDYLRUVXFKDVWKHÀYH entitled “The Blasphemy Challenge.” Another student leader of CRU, Nick McElrath said winning strategies, which include: shifting from complaint The secular, “free-thinking” organization recently of- that he believed that what the blasphemers did is not an un- to request, speaking with love and savvy, responding with fered young adults a copy of the DVD The God Who Wasn’t forgivable sin. generosity, empowering one’s partner and cherishing. There, if they upload a video of themselves denying the exis- Much of the controversy surrounding the campaign While Real’s suggestions may appear overly simpli- tence of God on YouTube. stems from the fact that it targets teens, arguably the most ÀHGLWLVGLIÀFXOWWRDUJXHWKDWDUHODWLRQVKLSZLWKOHVV Investing $25,000, the RRS placed advertisements in volatile and easily swayed segment of the population. Pat- complaining and more compassion would not be agree- able for both individuals. Real also devotes a considerable amount of time on strategies to clearly express needs, de- “While it seems to be that the University of Michigan has a very large secular popu- sires, and expectations as well as how to be an effective listener. lation, this population is on the whole a very apathetic one.” Throughout the book, Real provides some interest- ing conversations on the physiology of relationships. –Patrick Julius, President of the Secular Student Alliance One of the original concepts is the Core Negative Image, or CNI, that many people have of their partners. This is the over-exaggerated image of someone at his or her online sites such as Boy Scout Trail, and CosmoGirl!. Nate rick Julius, president of the newly-formed campus group, the ´PRVWGLIÀFXOWLUUDWLRQDOOHDVWORYLQJPRPHQWVµ&1,V Ardle, coordinator of the Michigan chapter of Campus Cru- Secular Student Alliance, is of the opposite opinion. PRVW RIWHQ UHÁHFW WKH ELJJHVW IHDUV RU GRXEWV RQH KDV sade for Christ (CRU), believes the advertisements could just “I think that it is teenagers who are best equipped to of their partner, and also play a psychological role in the serve the purpose of providing an avenue for teens to ex- make rational decisions about their beliefs,” said Julius. individuals’ approach to a disagreement. Meanwhile, Real press ideas to which they already ascribe. “Children younger than about 14 haven’t had enough expe- argues that many individuals have partners with similar “It makes not believing in God more of a “cool” thing rience or education to really know where they stand; adults characteristics to one or both parents in order to “recre- which allows teens to be bolder in their disbelief,” said Ar- above about 30 have become set in their ways and unwilling ate the most familiar and unresolved childhood drama.” dle. to change.” However the partner’s character is dissimilar enough to University student Brad Rogers, also a member of CRU, Ardle said that although many of the videos might fea- create the “potential for a new and healthier outcome.” admits that he is not comfortable with the ads. ture those who have rationally come to the realization that While Real’s aim is to empower men to live up to “I personally have a passion for youth ministry, so the God does not exist, the majority of the participation can be the new expectations of 21st century women, the book is fact that they are advertising in these types of magazines attributed to an everyday, irrational decision. “Most are just blatantly targeted towards women. The self-help genre is does bother me a little, because those kids matter to me,” doing it to have fun,” he mused. often targeted at women, and negatively associated with said Rogers. Surprisingly, the issue has not received much publicity a demographic of desperate, needy, and vulnerable indi- The only requirement for participation the RRS speci- on campus, though it was picked up by several major news viduals. Nonetheless, Real’s analysis and suggestions are ÀHV RQ WKHLU ZHEVLWH KWWSZZZEODVSKHP\FKDOOHQJH organizations on television and in print. This could be at- presented through reasonable and realistic examples, and com/) is that every video must clearly include a denial of tributed to the lack of popular atheist and agnostic student KLVZULWLQJLVQRWH[FHVVLYHO\ÀOOHGZLWKSRVLWLYHUHLQIRUFH- the existence of the Holy Spirit. This condition is traced to organizations at the University. ment or fervent encouragement which would make it a Mark 3:29 in the Bible, which states, “Whoever blasphemes “While it seems to be that the University of Michigan typical self-help book. MR against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of has a very large secular population, this population is on the an eternal sin.” According to the RRS, if participants some- whole a very apathetic one,” said Julius. MR P. 11 $UWV &XOWXUH 03.05.07 arts & culture. the michigan review Suicide Remains a Concern on College Campuses

BY REBECCA CHRISTY, ‘08 KRXUVDIWHUWKUHDWHQLQJWRNLOOKHUVHOI+HUSDUHQWVÀOHGD health when the student’s behavior is a direct threat of harm million lawsuit against her psychiatrists, a housemaster, and to themselves or others,” reads the policy. Students may be AST FEBRUARY, SUICIDE received added attention a Dean of Student Life at the university, although the school allowed to submit for readmission into the University if the Lon campus after two University students killed them- had scheduled an appointment to see her the following day. Vice President of Student Affairs deems that the behavior selves by jumping off the same parking structure within a 2YHUWKHSDVWÀYH\HDUVFROOHJHFDPSXVHVKDYHWDNHQ for which the student was withdrawn has been eliminated. WZRZHHNVSDQ7KLVWLPHRI \HDUFDQEHSDUWLFXODUO\GLIÀFXOW measures to prevent student suicide, but some methods have The University provides different avenues for addressing for students at the University of Michigan. January means come under criticism for their perceived harsh approach mental health issues. Counseling and Psychological Services the transition back to a school routine after two weeks of towards students during a potentially fragile time. Universi- (CAPS) offers a variety of free counseling services. U-M relaxing and home-cooked meals, while February and March ties such as Cornell and George Washington University have also has a student-directed program to help with such issues offer the same drudgery of class and less than ideal weather. been opposed to the suspension or forced leave of absence known as Peers Utilizing Leadership Sills for Education, or These factors have universities concerned for the mental 38/6(7KLVRUJDQL]DWLRQGHÀQHVLWVHOIDVD´VWXGHQWUXQ health of their students; however, some of their approaches 67 percent of University students said they organization promoting health in residential communities to the issue have been under scrutiny. through peer interactions and informative programming.” According to the 1997 Big Ten Suicide Study conduct- sometimes feel isolated and alone. Overall, PULSE members are dormitory residents and can provide ed at 12 Midwestern campuses, suicide rates were 7.5 per 23 percent of University students reported students with further information on University services. 100,000 students. This rate was lower than the national aver- having some passing thoughts about Dreyson Byker, a member of PULSE, said that, “the age of 15 per 100,000 of people in a sample matched for University has a responsibility to provide accessible mental age, race and gender. Although suicide is seen as a rare and suicide. health services for its students. The idea that a University severe decision, some University of Michigan statistics show should be knowledgeable of every student’s potential men- that there are a number of students who experience feel- put upon students who express thoughts of suicide. tal emergency seems unfeasible.” PULSE, then, provides a ings which may lead to suicidal thoughts. 67 percent of Uni- The University of Michigan’s approach to suicidal stu- forum for students who feel more comfortable interacting versity students said they sometimes feel isolated and alone. dents, set out in the Emergency Health Withdrawal Policy, with their peers than with the mental health professionals Overall, 23 percent of University students reported having is similar to the other universities previously mentioned. “In at CAPS. MR some passing thoughts about suicide. addition to disciplinary action that may be taken under other If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues or One of the most prominent cases of student suicide University policies and procedures, the University reserves thoughts of suicide, please make use of either of these University pro- occurred at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the right to request or require students to withdraw from grams. CAPS can be reached at (734) 764-8312, and the PULSE ZKHQVWXGHQW(OL]DEHWK6KLQGLHGLQDGRUPURRPÀYH the University for reasons pertaining to mental or physical representatives can be contacted at [email protected]. Student Evaluations Show Bias Former NFL Commissioner Toward Easy Courses and Speaks on League, Business Attractive Professors

BY DANIELLE PUTNAM, ‘08 BY DAVID BRAIT, ‘10

TTHEENDRI HDFKVHPHVWHUVWXGHQWVDUHDVNHGWRÀOORXWHYDOXDWLRQIRUPVLQ OR THE LAST seventeen years, former National Football League Commissioner Paul Atheir classes. Students are asked to rate characteristics like the quality of the class, F7DJOLDEXHKDVEHHQRQHRI WKHPRVWLQÁXHQWLDOÀJXUHVLQ$PHULFDQVSRUWVFXOWXUH+HLV WKHZRUNORDGDQGWKHTXDOLW\RI LQVWUXFWLRQDVFDOHIURPRQHWRÀYH,WZRXOGVHHPDV largely responsible for ushering the NFL into the modern era and turning the league into the if most students would consider how much non-class time was put into homework, their giant that it is today, a league unrivaled by any North American sport or entertainment. projected grade, and their experience when rating the professor. However, a study con- Taglibue served as commissioner for nearly two decades, before retiring recently. Tagliabue ducted by Bruce Weinberg, Belton Fleisher, and Masanori Hashimoto, three economics was snubbed in early February, on a bid to join the Hall of Fame, by a committee of 40 sports professors at Ohio State University, suggests students otherwise evaluate professors on writers in favor of the likes of Michael Irvin and Thurman Thomas. Tagliabue was at Rackham their looks, the work load, and grading leniency. Auditorium on Friday, February 16th to discuss the business aspect of the National Football According to the study, students tend to rate professors who are lenient graders and League and how he was able to accomplish so much during his 17 year term. whose courses require little work more favorably than those who are tough graders or 7DJOLDEXHKDVEHHQRQHRI WKHPRVWLQÁXHQWLDOÀJXUHVLQ$PHULFDQFXOWXUHWKHODVW\HDUV require a substantial amount of work. Although this may seem intuitive, the correlation as he has ushered the National Football League into the modern era. Tagliabue helped create between grades and evaluations indicates that “the use of evaluations may lead to grade turn the NFL into the giant that it is today, a giant unrivaled by any North American sport or LQÁDWLRQµEHFDXVHSRRUHYDOXDWLRQVPD\YHU\ZHOODIIHFWWKHJUDQWLQJRI WHQXUH entertainment. Furthermore, the study states, “We have shown that student evaluations differ from Tagliabue’s list of accomplishments is long and impressive: Tagliabue increased the NFL’s WKHLGHDOFRQVWUXFWEHFDXVHWKH\GRQRWDSSHDUWRUHÁHFWOHDUQLQJEXWDUHVHQVLWLYHWR exposure, negotiated several large television contracts, began to globalize the game, and main- grading leniency.” This bias may affect the administration’s tained labor peace for his entire reign. During his seventeen-year term the NFL became the ability to use the evaluations effectively. crown jewel of American sports. “We have shown that Another important aspect to consider is the fact that the At Rackham on Friday Tagliabue explained how he achieved some of these remarkable student evaluations SURIHVVRUV·GDWDVDPSOHLQFOXGHGÀIW\WKRXVDQGHYDOXDWLRQV IHDWVIRFXVLQJOHVVRQVSHFLÀFORJLVWLFVDQGPRUHRQXVLQJWKH1)/DVDQH[DPSOHWRLOOXVWUDWH differ from the ideal but only from introductory courses in Ohio State’s depart- important skills for varying career paths. construct, because PHQWRI HFRQRPLFV,WLVGLIÀFXOWWRVD\ZKHWKHURUQRWWKLV He stressed the importance of communication and clarity saying that “the ability to express they do not appear to theory is applicable across all disciplines and relevant to all yourself clearly is the most important skill in the world today. Credibility, clarity, understanding reflect learning, but universities. In response to this, the professors suggest that your audiences and candor in articulating what you say,” are the most important communication are sensitive to grad- “any evaluation method will be affected by sampling error. skills, according to Taglibue. ing leniency.” Extremely high or low evaluations may be cause of concern, Tagliabue showed the importance of strong communication as he provided a brief descrip- –OSU Study but moderate variations in between evaluation scores are tion of the league’s marketing strategy. He compared the NFL to Starbucks; both businesses not.” have shown that effective communications can substitute and sometimes be far more effective LSA junior and Central Michigan University transfer than advertisements. Both the National Football League and Starbucks have grown exponen- student, Madelyn Verlin, said of the evaluations at both CMU and U-M, “I have also WLDOO\LQEUDQGQDPHDQGUHYHQXHHYHQWKRXJKQHLWKHURUJDQL]DWLRQKDVDVLJQLÀFDQWDGYHUWLVLQJ witnessed people talk more positively about easy graders than professors who actually budget. FKDOOHQJHWKHP,ZRXOGWKLQNWKDWWKRVHVWXGHQWVZRXOGSUREDEO\UHÁHFWWKDWDWWLWXGH One of Tagliabue’s biggest challenges in marketing the NFL was reaching a complex and di- in their evaluations.” verse audience. He said that “it is important for businesses to recognize the need to understand A similar study was performed by a Central Michigan Professor, James Felton, but their audiences and develop their product accordingly.” The NFL’s strategy allowed the league he focused evaluations submitted to the popular student resource, RateMyProfessors. to maximize their potential, by creating a product with such a broad market appeal. com. This site explicitly includes a rating for “hot or not” by allowing students to assign The NFL’s new strategy is to develop the game on a global scale and bring in untapped mar- a tamale to professors. kets. Last year there was a game played in Mexico City and there are upcoming games scheduled Felton explores the “Dr. Fox” evaluation method. Students who do not want to in London and Beijing. Tagliabue said it is imperative that “the NFL get local and attract players spend a substantial amount of time evaluating the professor simply apply ratings in from across the globe because people in different regions can identify with local products.” terms of the professor’s looks. The study seems to have very little relevance or sub- He used Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball player in the NBA who has caused the popularity of stance. As Bill Dockery of University of Tennessee suggests, anyone can post any num- the NBA in China to soar, as an example of how local products are the best way to market. The ber of times. Since some students may submit multiple evaluations to a single professor, ÀUVWRYHUDOOGUDIWSLFNLQ

How UM deals with continued cuts in state funding, and the ben- efits of receiving this funding, the core of economist’s lecture

BY BRIAN BIGLIN, ‘08

N FEBRUARY 8, Prof. Paul Courant, University Pro- Ovost from 2002-2005, sat down to talk with members of the Michigan Economics Society to discuss sources of funding at the University of Michigan and the ongoing ten- sion between the university and politicians regarding state appropriations were at the center of the discussion. Courant also came to the conclusion that the University is not run like DSURÀWPD[LPL]LQJEXVLQHVVIRUDYDULHW\RI UHDVRQV As the Michigan economy falters and tax revenues fall, appropriations to the general fund from the state budget have fall- en, forcing tuition upward. U-M had an operating fund of $1.22 billion in 2005-2006; the general fund is ef- Paul Courant, former U-M fectively tuition Provost and new head librarian. plus state funding. Courant said that the state supplied over $360 million toward this fund toward the end of his tenure as Provost, but the most recent allocation is down to When the U-M health system and $330 million, despite university operating costs increasing by other university auxiliaries such as An elite university cannot think like a business, a fairly standard $50 million per year. the athletic department are included In 1970, state appropriations made up two-thirds of the in calculations, U-M’s yearly revenue because that would mean cutting costly or lit- general fund. Within the past decade this funding decreased totals $4.44 billion. tle-used fields of study such as dead languages to one-third; it is now around one-fourth, which explains Yet the debate over rising tuition why the rise in tuition costs has outpaced the increases in costs and declining state funding re- or various fields of anthropology, which may cost of living. Courant explained that, given the lower state mained central in Courant’s remarks. not be seen as efficient or useful by a legislator, allocations, the University can either increase tuition, squeeze Courant made clear that UM is still a its costs and decrease quality, or seek more donations. To put great bargain; he said that no student but which are markers of prestige among great things in perspective, gift aid made up only $28 million in pays the real market value for tuition. universities. funding in 2005-2006, whereas tuition accounted for $725 This amount would be a price set million. VXFK WKDW MXVW HQRXJK TXDOLÀHG DS- 0XFK RI  &RXUDQW·V WDON ZDV D FRVWEHQHÀW DQDO\VLV plicants apply and are admitted. Since All the while, maintaining affordability remains where the logic behind state subsidies for higher educa- the University has to reject many ap- WLRQZDVH[SODLQHG7KHPRVWREYLRXVEHQHÀWSURYLGHGE\ plicants and many students who are a concern. the University is a well-educated workforce, which is nec- admitted do not enroll, it is clear that essary in a global economy. Courant contended that wages the demand for a U-M education is a business, because that would mean cutting costly or lit- for well-educated workers are increasing and that the pres- great. Because demand exceeds supply, the University must WOHXVHGÀHOGVRI VWXGLHVVXFKDVGHDGODQJXDJHVRUYDULRXV ence of more highly-educated individuals leads to gains for be pricing below the market-clearing price, by economic fact. ÀHOGVRI DQWKURSRORJ\DQGKLVWRU\ZKLFKPD\QRWEHVHHQ low-skilled workers, as they are employed more effectively by Out-of-state students pay something close to market value, DVHIÀFLHQWRUXVHIXOE\DOHJLVODWRUEXWZKLFKDUHPDUNHUV the high-skilled members of the economy. In other words, a Courant said, while in-state students receive a great bargain. of prestige among great universities, and important to many JRRGKLJKHUHGXFDWLRQV\VWHPEHQHÀWVDQHQWLUHHFRQRP\ Hikes in in-state tuition make the most sense economi- intellectuals. cally, but Courant concluded that the market has plenty of All the while, maintaining affordability remains a con- %H\RQG WKLV WKHUH DUH WKH EHQHÀWV WR FROOHJH WRZQV room for increases, but there really is no political room for cern. As Provost, Courant’s goal was to use need-base schol- especially the best ones such as Ann Arbor, since they are increases. arships to fully shield families making less than the median generally good places to live and places that major employ- Courant explained the tension surrounding the politics household income from the effects of increasing tuition. U- ers gravitate towards. Upon reaching this point, Courant of cutting state appropriations, and the thought-process of M also tries to keep tuition steady relative to other top univer- VSRNHDERXWWKHLPSDFWRI 3À]HUOHDYLQJ$QQ$UERUVD\- administrators who ask that the University be run more like a sities, and lately, its tuition has been increasing at a faster rate LQJWKDW$QQ$UERU·VHFRQRP\ZLOOGRMXVWÀQHLQWKHORQJ business by cutting costs. He said that outsiders look at U-M than the major private schools. The University also keeps in run, thanks to the stability that the University’s workforce and see how nice the campus is and how well-off the aver- mind that if it enrolls classes comprised of more than one- of 30,000 and student body of 40,000 provide to the city. age student is, and conclude that U-M isn’t needy and should third out-of-state students it will probably be criticized by receive less funding. legislators, and may lose more funds, Courant said. The University counters by calling to In the end, if legislators keep concluding that U-M’s ap- PLQGWKHEHQHÀWVRI RSHUDWLQJDWDQHOLWH propriation should be cut, the University will have to con- In 1970, the state appropriations made up level, and maintaining quality by paying tinue to decide between increasing tuition and cutting the professors well. Costs are always increas- programs which make it elite, Courant said. If the various two-thirds of the general fund. Not long ing at a University, while productivity real- EHQHÀWVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKDTXDOLW\FROOHJHDQGFROOHJHWRZQ ly cannot (as would be the case in another EHQHÀWV ZKLFK DWWUDFW WKRXVDQGV RI  RXWRIVWDWH VWXGHQWV ago this funding made up one-third; it is industry); the University must continue to willing to pay large sums, infusing the state and local econ- now around one-fourth, which explains increase professor pay, but it is hard to ex- omy with outside money, remain priorities, then something WUDFWPRUHEHQHÀWVIURPWKHDGGHGLQSXW will have to give, and the University will maintain its status why the rise in tuition costs have out- In addition, the University has a “duty” by raising tuition and by pursuing donations, he added. Such paced the increases in cost of living. to maintain a quality library, and to keep are the realities for a top-tier university whose funding is tied niche programs in existence. to a low-performing economy. MR An elite university cannot think like