NSC Officer Says He Raised Concerns to NSF When the Agency Hired Sayeed in the Fall of 2017

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MOSTLY CLOUDY 37 • 29 FORECAST, A14 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019 | MADISONCity CITY COUNCIL passes | SPECIAL SESSION $40 wheel tax

Council on Tuesday passed a $40 have been necessary. Rhodes-Conway said she would or local gas tax. Fee is highest in state, fee, which will be the highest in “Budgets require tough choices, prefer to raise property taxes or Council members voted 11-8 to will raise $7.9M a year Wisconsin and take eff ect Feb. 1. and we can’t do everything that we enact a city income tax, but state adopt the $40 wheel tax during Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway want to do,” Rhodes-Conway told laws prevent her from doing so. Tuesday’s special session. EMILY HAMER and DEAN MOSIMAN said she proposed the vehicle reg- council members. “I do not want The state has enacted strict levy The council had to hold a spe- Wisconsin State Journal istration fee, also called a wheel to have to do a vehicle registration limits for property taxes, and the cial meeting to pass the fee by the Despite options to lower a ve- tax, in her 2020 operating budget fee. It’s not my ﬁ rst choice — not city is already almost at the limit end of October to prevent losing hicle registration fee on Madi- because the city faced an $11 mil- by a long shot. It’s not my second in this year’s operating budget. $550,000 in projected February son residents to $35 or make the lion budget hole. She said without choice, it’s not my ﬁ fth choice, it’s Other revenue options prohibited tax temporary, the Madison City the fee, layoff s of city staff may not even my 10th choice.” by the state include a city sales tax Please see WHEEL TAX, Page A2 UW failed to share prof’s record Madison officials knew of ‘abusive’ conduct when NSF hired him

KELLY MEYERHOFER [email protected] UW-Madison failed to disclose to the National Science Foundation problems in an “abusive” professor’s “toxic” laboratory, including the suicide of a graduate student, until months after the agency hired the professor. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL University records paint a portrait of College of Engineer- WINTRY WONDERLAND ing professor After the area’s fi rst accumulating snowfall of the season, Futima Marawan, left, and Khaddauj Baji, who are visiting the area from their home in Akbar Sayeed’s Morocco, are greeted by a winter-like display Tuesday at the UW Arboretum. According to the National Weather Service, the region saw between 1 lab as harmful and 3 inches of snow Monday night into Tuesday morning. More snow forecast to begin Wednesday night and continue into Halloween night could to UW-Madi- bring around 2 to 4 inches to south-central and east-central Wisconsin, and 1 to 2 inches in the far southeast. son students’ well-being — information that was available but not passed along Sayeed by UW-Madison NSC officer says he raised concerns to NSF when the agency hired Sayeed in the fall of 2017. Donald Trump’s Alexander Vindman, a lieu- ing image at the Capitol as the College leadership was largely Colonel testifies he National Security tenant colonel who served in impeachment inquiry reached unaware of the problems in Say- heard Trump’s July 25 Council testifi ed Iraq and later as a diplomat, is deeper into the White House. eed’s lab until a graduate student to impeachment the fi rst offi cial to testify who “I was concerned by the call,” in the lab, John Brady, died by call with Ukraine leader investigators actually heard Trump’s July 25 Vindman said, according to suicide in the fall of 2016. Brady’s Tuesday that he call with new Ukrainian Presi- his testimony obtained by The LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE twice raised con- dent Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He Please see PROFESSOR, Page A7 JALONICK and COLLEEN LONG cerns over the reported his concerns to the Please see INQUIRY, Page A7 Associated Press Vindman administration’s NSC’s lead counsel, he said in WASHINGTON — Defying push to have his prepared remarks. Backlash: Sean Duff y takes Need help? White House orders, an Army Ukraine investigate Democrats His arrival in military blue, fl ak over questioning witness’s offi cer serving with President and Joe Biden. with medals, created a strik- motive. A7 If you are a UW–Madison student who is thinking about suicide, or if you’re concerned for the well-being of a student you know, call the University Health Services 24-hour crisis NCAA to allow college athletes to cash in line: (608) 265-5600, option 9. SilverCloud is an online, self- RALPH D. RUSSO The nation’s largest governing of Governors, meeting at Emory president of Ohio State Univer- guided, interactive mental Associated Press body for college sports and its University in Atlanta, directed sity, said the NCAA must em- health resource that provides The NCAA took a major step member schools now must fi g- each of the NCAA’s three di- brace change and modernize “to UW-Madison students with Tuesday toward allowing college ure out how to allow athletes to visions to create the necessary provide the best possible experi- accessible treatment options athletes to cash in on their fame, profi t — something they fought new rules immediately and have ence for college athletes.” 24 hours a day, without a re- voting to permit them to “benefi t against doing for years — while them in place no later than Jan- But such changes will come ferral. Visit: go.madison.com/ from the use of their name, im- still maintaining rules regarding uary 2021. silvercloud. age and likeness.” amateurism. The NCAA Board Board chair Michael Drake, the Please see NCAA, Page A7

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Some Trump allies, looking for Duffy’s criticism is spurring backlash Inquiry ways to discredit Vindman, ques- From A1 tioned the colonel’s loyalties be- MITCHELL SCHMIDT veteran and re- this month became a paid con- cause he was born in the region. [email protected] ceived the Purple tributor to CNN’s “State of the Associated Press. “I did not think But the line of attack was rejected Former Wisconsin Congress- Heart after be- Nation,” later tried to walk back it was proper to demand that a by some Republicans, including man Sean Duffy faced a wave of ing injured by a the comments in a Twitter post. foreign government investigate Rep. Liz Cheney, who said it was backlash on social media Tuesday roadside bomb. “Lt. Col. Vindman is an Ameri- a U.S. citizen, and I was worried “shameful” to criticize his patri- after he appeared to question the He serves on the can war hero,” Duffy tweeted. “As about the implications for the otism. allegiance of Lt. Col. Alexander National Secu- I said clearly this morning on air, U.S. government’s support of Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Vindman during an interview on rity Council and ‘I salute Mr. Vindman’s service.’ Ukraine.” called the slams on Vindman “ab- CNN. Duffy on Tuesday pro- My point is that Mr. Vindman is Vindman, a 20-year military surd, disgusting and way off the “It seems very clear that he vided testimony an unelected advisor; he gives officer, added to the mounting mark. This is a decorated Amer- is incredibly concerned about in the ongoing impeachment ADVICE. President Trump sets evidence from other witnesses ican soldier, and he should be Ukrainian defense. I don’t know inquiry the House is conducting the policy.” — diplomats, defense and former given the respect that his service that he’s concerned about Amer- into President Donald Trump. Duffy, 47, a former lumberjack administration officials — who are to our country demands.” ican policy,” Duffy said in the in- By Tuesday morning, #Fire- and MTV reality show star, was corroborating the initial whis- The testimony came the day terview. “I understand that we all SeanDuffy was trending nation- first elected to the seat in 2010. tleblower’s complaint against after Speaker Nancy Pelosi an- have an affinity to our homeland ally on Twitter, with many social He announced in August that he Trump and providing new details nounced the House would vote on … I’m sure Vindman has the same media users and liberal organi- would not finish out his fifth term ahead of a House vote in the im- a resolution to set rules for pub- affinity.” zations taking aim at the former because his ninth child, who was peachment inquiry. lic hearings and a possible vote on Vindman, who fled Ukraine congressman. born earlier this month, had been “Every person has put it in articles of impeachment. with his family at age 3 when it Duffy, who resigned from his diagnosed with a heart condition higher resolution,” said Rep. Thursday’s vote would be the was part of the former Soviet seat in northern Wisconsin’s 7th that would require more of his Denny Heck, D-Wash., during a first on the impeachment inquiry Union, is a decorated U.S. Army Congressional District and earlier time and attention. break in the daylong session. and aims to nullify complaints The inquiry is looking into from Trump and his allies that the Trump’s call, in which he asked process is illegitimate and unfair. Zelenskiy for a “favor” — to in- An eight-page resolution calls vestigate Democrats — that the for open hearings and requires the Homes are becoming more affordable Democrats say was a quid pro House Intelligence Committee to quo for military aid and could be submit a report outlining its find- CHRISTOPHER RUGABER an impeachable offense. ings and recommendations, with Associated Press With the administration di- a final recommendation on im- WASHINGTON — U.S. home recting its staff not to appear, peachment left to the Judiciary prices increased modestly in Vindman was the first current Committee. August, a trend that could make White House official to testify be- Republicans would be allowed home buying affordable for more fore the impeachment panels. He to request subpoenas, but such Americans. was issued a subpoena to appear. requests would ultimately be The S&P CoreLogic Case- Trump took to Twitter Tues- subject to a vote by the full com- Shiller 20-city home price in- day to denounce the probe as a mittee, which Democrats control dex, released Tuesday, rose 2% in “sham,” adding: “Why are people as the House majority. August from a year earlier. That that I never even heard of testi- Democratic Rep. James Mc- matched July’s annual increase fying about the call. Just READ Govern of Massachusetts, the as the slowest in seven years. THE CALL TRANSCRIPT AND chairman of the House Rules Wages have been increasing more THE IMPEACHMENT HOAX IS Committee, said the resolution quickly than home prices since OVER!” provides “a clear path forward” February, reversing a yearlong RICK BOWMER, ASSOCIATED PRESS Vindman, who arrived in the as the House begins a public trend. This April 13 photo shows an aerial view of homes in suburban Salt Lake United States as a 3-year-old phase of the impeachment in- Slower price gains combined City. U.S. home prices increased modestly in August, a trend that could from the former Soviet Union, quiry, which up to this point has with low mortgage rates have make home buying affordable for more Americans. said that it was his “sacred duty” largely consisted of closed-door helped the housing market re- to defend the United States. interviews. vive this year after a slump in Home sales on the rise 2018. Steady hiring and an unem- ployment rate at a 50-year have WASHINGTON — More Americans signed contracts to buy homes in also forced companies to offer September, a sign that the housing market is still benefiting from lower UW supports NCAA’s approach higher pay, making it easier for mortgage rates. more people to afford house pay- The NCAA’s step Tuesday toward allowing players to capitalize financially ments. And the average rate on a The National Association of Realtors said Tuesday that its pending home on the use of their name, image and likeness gained the support of the 30-year mortgage was 3.75% last sales index rose 1.5% from August to September to 108.7, its highest University of Wisconsin athletic department. week, down sharply from 4.86% level since December 2017. Measured year over year, pending home a year earlier. sales have surged 3.9%. The NCAA Board of Governors voted unanimously to direct its three divi- Sales of existing homes have sions to update policies to allow athletes to profit while staying within a Home buying has grown more affordable thanks to steadily dropping framework of what it called a “collegiate model.” increased 3.9% in the past year, mortgage rates. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mort- while sales of new homes have gage is 3.75, according to Freddie Mac. That’s down nearly a full percent- New rules are due to be in place before January 2021. soared 15.5% compared with a age point from November 2018. year earlier. In response to a request for an interview with athletic director Barry Alva- As many once-hot Western This month’s pending sales ticked up in the Midwest and the South but rez or other athletics administration members about the issue, UW issued markets cool off, cities in the slipped in the pricier Northeast and West. a statement Tuesday afternoon. Southeast are starting to see the It read: “Wisconsin supports the efforts of the NCAA and the Big Ten nation’s fastest price gains. Phoe- Conference to enhance support of student-athletes that is tethered to ed- nix reported the biggest increase, in San Francisco. ones in many cities. In Tampa, ucation. We look forward to working with the Conference and the NCAA as with prices rising 6.3% from a The supply of available homes for example, homes priced below appropriate rules for the use of name, image and likeness are developed.” year ago. But Charlotte saw the remains low, with builders com- $195,000 have seen prices rise by next highest gain, at 4.5%, fol- plaining about a lack of available nearly double digits in the past The NCAA’s move came a month after California passed a law that would lowed by Tampa at 4.3% and At- land and shortage of construction year, while the highest-priced make it illegal for NCAA schools to prohibit college athletes from making lanta with 4%. workers. homes, above $284,000, have money on endorsements, autograph signings and social media advertis- Home prices in Seattle barely Those trends have pushed up seen price gains at less than half ing, among other activities. rose, increasing just 0.7% from a the cost of lower-priced homes that pace, according to the Case- After that law was signed into effect, Alvarez said he was “very con- year ago, while they slipped 0.1% more quickly than more expensive Shiller data. cerned” about its impact on college sports. UW said it expected discussions at the Big Ten Conference level in coming months to guide its approach to the issue of pay for a player’s name, im- UW-Madison in January, several weeks after age and likeness. Professor the State Journal filed a public TODD D. MILEWSKI, [email protected] From A1 professor Akbar records request with UW-Mad- ison that yielded the report on father informed officials of the Sayeed’s leave Sayeed’s conduct. “(U)sing sponsorship working environment in the lab, UW-Madison did not initiate NCAA October 2016: John Brady dies by From A1 arrangements, in which students described as suicide. An investigation is opened. Sayeed’s appointment to NSF but “toxic” and Sayeed’s behavior as signed off on it, McGlone said. one way or another, “abusive,” according to a univer- May 2017: Retired UW-Madison Jim Brady, John Brady’s fa- with limitations, he said. as recruiting sity report. professor Patricia Wolleat com- ther, said Tuesday that he was “The board is emphasizing that Officials ordered an investi- pletes investigative report into en- “floored” to learn Sayeed se- change must be consistent with inducements is gation into Sayeed’s conduct gineering professor Akbar Sayeed’s cured a position at NSF given the values of college sports and something everybody shortly after Brady’s death, and conduct, recommending two-year the environment he created at higher education and not turn a May 2017 report recommended unpaid leave. UW-Madison. The hire appeared student-athletes into employees is deeply concerned he be placed on two years of un- August 2017: Sayeed submits re- to mitigate any substantial con- of institutions,” Drake told The about.” paid leave, beginning Jan. 1, 2018, sponse to report. sequences for Sayeed’s conduct, Associated Press. and ending Dec. 31. He has indi- he said. A group of NCAA administrators Mark Emmert, NCAA president cated to university officials he Sept. 28, 2017: Sayeed receives In Sayeed’s written response to has been exploring since May the plans to return to work in Janu- job offer from National Science UW-Madison, he took responsi- ways in which athletes could be would make it illegal for NCAA ary. The college said it has sev- Foundation. bility for his conduct overseeing allowed to receive compensation schools to prohibit college athletes eral safeguards in place related to Oct. 2, 2017: Sayeed informs the lab and apologized, but he for the use of their names, images from making money on endorse- his return, including an outside UW-Madison of job offer. denied abusing his authority and likenesses. The working group, ments, autograph signings and committee supervising students as professor. He did not return led by Ohio State athletic director social media advertising, among if Sayeed has a research group. November 2017: UW-Madison multiple requests for comment Gene Smith and Big East Commis- other activities. The Wisconsin State Journal provides information to NSF on for the State Journal’s initial story sioner Val Ackerman, presented a The California law goes into first reported on the case Sunday. Sayeed’s salary. He starts work at and for this one. status report Tuesday to the uni- effect in 2023. More than a dozen NSF initially said last week agency. Sayeed is a tenured professor, versity presidents who make up states have followed with similar that Sayeed’s employment with Jan. 1, 2018: Sayeed’s suspension meaning he has an indefinite ac- the Board of Governors. legislation, some of which could be the federal agency ended in April, at UW-Madison begins. ademic appointment that pro- Smith and Ackerman’s group on the books as soon as next year. about eight months before he vides broad job protections most laid out principles and guidelines, “This is another attempt by the could return to UW-Madison. Oct. 17, 2018: NSF renews Say- workers lack. In the last full year endorsed by the board, to be fol- NCAA at stalling on this issue,” A spokesman for the agency de- eed’s appointment. he worked for the university, re- lowed as NCAA members go about said Ramogi Huma, executive clined to say then whether the Nov. 26, 2018: Wisconsin State cords show he received $166,650. crafting new rules and tweaking director of the National College parting was mutual. Journal submits request for re- Since he started working for existing ones. Players Association, an advocacy On Monday, however, NSF cords to UW-Madison. UW-Madison in 1997, Sayeed Some college sports leaders fear group. provided an additional state- said in his response to the univer- allowing athletes to earn outside Gabe Feldman, director of the ment that said the program under January 2019: College of Engi- sity, he has brought in nearly $6 income could open the door to Tulane University sports law pro- which Sayeed was hired requires neering Dean Ian Robertson con- million in research money. Uni- corruption. gram, said the NCAA has taken an institutions to report employee tacts NSF to inform them of com- versity records show the figure to “One of the most distinctive important step by recognizing its status. plaint against Sayeed and death of be closer to $4.4 million. things about college sports is rules are antiquated. “Unfortunately, the institution Brady. He offered to provide addi- NSF imposed a new require- this whole recruitment process,” “But the ultimate question is did not accurately disclose that tional information upon request. ment last fall requiring institu- NCAA President Mark Emmert how are the rules modified to both information,” said Amanda Hall- April 2019: Robertson provides tions to disclose if any faculty said. “The whole notion of try- allow college athletes to profit berg Greenwell, head of NSF’s NSF with report on Sayeed. members with NSF grants coming to maintain as fair a playing from their name, image and like- Office of Legislative and Public mitted harassment, including field as you can is really central ness while also being consistent Affairs. “When NSF received April 8, 2019: UW-Madison re- sexual harassment or sexual as- to all this. And using sponsorship with the collegiate model,” Feld- complete information, we termi- leases records to State Journal, sault. Depending on a university’s arrangements, in one way or an- man said. nated Dr. Sayeed’s assignment.” including report on Sayeed. policies and codes of conduct, other, as recruiting inducements The NCAA has said California’s UW-Madison spokeswoman April 16, 2019: NSF fires Sayeed. bullying may be included in the is something everybody is deeply law is unconstitutional, and any Meredith McGlone said Tues- policy. concerned about.” states that pass similar legisla- day the university provided NSF Source: UW-Madison The policy is not retroactive, Ackerman and Smith said the tion could see their athletes and with Sayeed’s salary informa- applying only to researchers who challenges lie in determining what schools being declared ineligible tion at the time of his hiring. But when NSF renewed Sayeed’s ap- received an award after Oct. 22, regulations need to be set in place, to compete. there’s no indication the univer- pointment in fall 2018. 2018. what markets athletes should In addition to pending state sity disclosed information about College of Engineering Dean “NSF holds all staff to the high- be allowed to access, what enti- laws, North Carolina Republican the investigation or that Sayeed Ian Robertson contacted the est standards of professionalism ties and individuals they should U.S. Rep. Mark Walker proposed would be on unpaid leave a few agency to disclose more infor- and integrity and does not toler- be permitted to work with, and a national bill that would prohibit months later. mation, and NSF thanked him for ate any type of harassment,” the whether the schools themselves the NCAA and its member schools McGlone said UW-Madison “being forthcoming in his com- NSF’s Greenwell said. “We will could provide funds to athletes from restricting athletes from sell- “failed to provide NSF a timely munications with the agency,” continue to take actions to ensure through licensing deals. ing the rights to their names, im- 00 update” on Sayeed’s employment McGlone said. the research environments we The NCAA’s move came a month ages and likenesses to third-party 1 status but “recognized this error” The communication occurred support are fair and safe for all.” after California passed a law that buyers on the open market.