I 4 - Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Ny Id I*an4,al Edited and managed by students at the University ofMichigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com Even children understand that lying is wrong." -Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, in a press conference yesterday after announcing 12 felony charges against Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, as reported yesterday by The Detroit Free Press. The logo heard round the world ANDREW GROSSMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF GARY GRACA EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR GABE NELSON MANAGING EDITOR Unsigned editorials reflect the official position oftthe Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors. The Daily's public editor, Paul H. Johnson, acts as the readers'representative and takes a critical look at coverage and content in every section of the paper. Readers are encouraged to contact the public editor with questions and comments. He canbe reached at publiceditor@umich.edu. FROM THE DAILY Don't cross the picket lines 'U' needs to stop playing brinkmanship with contracts t has become a triennial tradition at the University. Every three years since 1993, the Graduate Employees' Organization has staged a walkout when its contract with the University expires. And if there's one thing this university takes seriously, it's tradition. So as of last night, GEO was planning to go on a two-day strike this morning. It will be picketing outside of University build- ings. Students, faculty and employees should honor those picket lines. Those lines will be there because of the University's ongoing failure to develop a broad solution that adequately compensates all of its employees - for longer than one contract length. ith the walkout of the Graduate Employees' Organization set to begin today and felony charges hanging over Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's head, one would think the stormy local landscape had offered enough this week to fuel our neighborhood JEFFREY appetite for scandal. Instead, as I con- BLOOMER templated how to fill this space, popu- lar demand led me down State Street to peer up at a logo adorned on a trashy new storefront that shows a woman riding agiant hamburger. And what a logo it is. If by some mea- sure you have avoided it so far, the hand- drawn emblem atop the new Quickie Burger & Dogs restaurant features a cowgirl who excitedly rides a condi- ment-spewinghamburger. She's wearing a bright red shirt that makes her natural endowments the obvious focal point. We're offended, says one student group. Cue collective eye-roll from campus. The issue has become the latest flashpoint between so-called far-left student groups - this time, the Stone- wall Democrats - and the campus everyman, who, they say, just wants to live in P.C.-neutral peace. And though the sign is clearly problematic, I have to admit solidarity with the everymen if the listless activism of the Stonewall Democrats is my alternative. There was an enormous response to the story the Daily published on Fri- day about the "controversy" (Burger joint's name, logo irks LGBT group, 03/21/2008), which had more than 40,000 hits on the paper's website. There were more than 100 comments as of yesterday as well, at least half of which were overtly sexist. Maybe the most formidable came from a gentle- man named Steve, who advised those offended to "grow a pair." I'm sure that invigorated, in particular, the women who objected to the sign. The extend- ed display of boorish ignorance on the part of the story's commenters did nothingto hurt the protesters' cause. But the comments from the mem- ber of the Stonewall Democrats inter- viewed by the Daily weren't much more articulate. "Basically, what it has is a provocatively dressed woman straddling a hamburger, and she's very busty and it's kind of really horrible," the story quoted him as saying. From the sound of it, you'd think he was objecting to the size of the woman's breasts, nother portrayal.Anditseems the sign is "not putting a good mes- sage out there for the objectification of women." Not to parse words, but that doesn't even make sense. Some have suggested the "quickie" part of the res- taurant's title is a problem, while oth- ers have not. I asked for a look at the petition the group was circulating, but my request wasn't returned. For my own satisfaction, I walked across campus Saturday and looked up at the logo. A few people paused slight- ly as they walked by and I looked up; I suspect they were waiting for my pick- et sign, but no dice. OK, so this woman was riding a hamburger. It implied pretty obviously that there were two objects there for rapid consumption. I've heard people argue that if it was a cowboy rather than a cowgirl, there wouldn't be a problem. But let's face it: Most industries do nothyper-sexualize male bodies to sell things-they do it to women's-and it's not outrageous that some people would feel uncomfortable with the image. It may be "just a logo" for you, but if it encourages misogynis- tic behavior, ishould be addressed. Butthehastyobjectiononthe partof the StonewallDemocrats wastoo quick to evoke platitudes of these debates that always lead to nonsensical back- lash and seemed incapable of address- ing the issue in a concise and, most important, organized way. It quickly became a pointless spectacle. This is a powerful student group that rightly commands attention on campus, but it has to be careful what it does with it. I am aligned with the group politically, which only contributes to my frustra- tion that it leaves itself so open to obvi- A lesson about activism, courtesy of Quickie Burger ous criticism even when the objections it raises have substance. This sort of scandal that never was has become a new touchstone of our campus politics, the muted legacy of student activism here. There's no rea- son any activist group (especially a brand name like Stonewall Democrats) should allow itself to become a punch- ing bag every time it takes up a cause. Reputation is important, and these leaders oweittothecampus-let alone the people who they support - not to allow themselves to become carica- tures of college-town protestors. Jeffrey Bloomer was the Daily's fall/ winter managing editor in 2007. He can be reached at bloomerj@umich.edu. I While yesterday's marathon negotiations yielded some movement, this year's biggest sticking point between the University and GEO - salary increases - was left unre- solved. Although GEO has dropped its origi- nal demand of a 9 percent salary increase each year for the next three years, it is now demanding that the University increase graduate student instructors' salaries by 9 percent next year and 3 percent for two con- secutive years following. The University has maintained that a 9 percent increase is too much, countering with a 3.9 percentincrease next year and 3 percent increases the follow- ing two years. GEO didn't pull these figures out of thin air. The 9 percent increase GEO is demand- ingwould raise themedian full-time GSI sal- ary by $781 - enough to align a single GSI's salary with the cost of living inAnn Arbor, as calculated by the University's Office of Financial Aid. It's unfortunate that the negotiations have gotten to this point. GSIs are Wdlking out, some professors are canceling classes and students are faced with a tough choice about whether to cross picket lines. But the GSIs' demands must be addressed. Undergraduates might scoff at the idea that GSIs need raises, especially when they already receive tuition waivers and an annu- al stipend. But a future degree doesn't put food on the table now. Even at a time when the state is defaulting on its commitment to adequately fund higher education, the Uni- versity has an obligation to make sure that its employees receive fair compensation. GSIs are a key part of education here, and they must be treated as such. Instead of recognizing this, the Univer- sity has held firm, refusing to give in to GEO's demands without a fight. Many stu- dents and faculty are indifferent to GEO's concerns or voice the misguided opinion that fair compensation for GEO will raise tuition. Further, with other unions watch- ing, the University is pushing GEO to the brink because it doesn't want to look like it is cavingunder GEO's pressure - even though the walkout could have residual and expen- sive effects across campus, including at con- struction sites. The University is missing the point. This game of brinkmanship played each contract year only ensures that there will be more walkouts in the future. The University con- tinues to foster employee grievances and large wage discrepancies between profes- sors, lecturers and GSIs. Instead of being proactive and solving these problems before contracts expire, the University waits until these issues bubble over. Then it takes care of just a few of them. The rest of the prob- lems are held over until the next contract expires, which is exactly what happened this year. And so the cycle continues. If the University wants to end this irre- sponsible tradition of GEO walkouts, it must be more receptive to the needs of its employ- ees in order to create long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. In the meantime, students can do their part too. Skip class not just because you can; use your absence to advocate change that's well past due. I I EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Emad Ansari, Harun Buljina, Anindya Bhadra, Kevin Bunkley, Ben Caleca, Satyajeet Deshmukh, Milly Dick, Mike Eber, Emmarie Huetteman, Theresa Kennelly, Emily Michels, Arikia Millikan, Kate Peabody, Robert Soave, lmran Syed, Neil Tambe, Matt Trecha, Kate Truesdell, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Van Gilder, Rachel-Wagner, Patrick Zabawa. MARY SUE COLEMAN, TERESA SULLIVAN AND BILL MARTIN V 0 1NT A level playing field in academics 4 SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU Understanding otherfaiths: Romance not required replaced by a When I ran fo ter 2006 as pat flyers and cam -A ae Ace -a and defaced da -T'O THE DAILY: It is importa I would like to express my disagreement entails not jus with Shakira Smiler's column Friday on inter- the diversity o faith dating (Guess who's coming to dinner, The democrat ..'03/21/2008). Smiler questioned why refus- als and organi ing to date someone of a different faith is dif- assemble, not j -ferent than discriminating against someone I will not pr .based on race. The answer is simplythatvalue are always si systems and beliefs can transcend skin color, als never are. I but that's not necessarily true of religion. speaker or evei Dating or marrying someone of another You have the r faith can lead to social isolation within your the right to pr own community, a terrible situation for chil- to silence thou dren and, according to some studies, higher divorce rates. While we all like a little variety Dustin Paige in our dating lives, there are ways of learning LSAjunior dnd appreciating the values and convictions "John Stossel Stinks" flyer. ir student government in win- rt of the Conservative Party, my ipaign posters were torn down aily in my own residence hall. ant that we realize that diversity t the color of our skin, but also f our thoughts and our speech. ic process allows all individu- izations the right to peacefully ust those with which we agree. retend that conservative views enced, and that those of liber- If you don't agree with a group, t on campus, that is your right. ight to disagree. You even have otest. You do not have the right ght. of others without becoming involved roman- tically. Daniel Horwitz Law School Upholding the importance of ideological diversity TO THE DAILY: The University and its students often take pride in campus diversity, freedom of speech and standing up for their beliefs. It seems to be a glaring hypocrisy, then, that at this same university students frequently seek to silence those with a dissenting point of view. I have to admit I was angry, though not surprised, when I read a student's letter to the Daily about how Students For Life flyers were torn down from the Posting Wall (Trashing free speech at the Posting Wall, 03/17/2008). This was clearly viewpoint discrimination, and is not tolerated by the U.S. Constitution. There are many examples of this across campus. Just the other day I was walking in Angell Hall and noticed that a flyer for a lecture by John Stossel was torn down and Article on University Village was inaccurate and unfair TO THE DAILY: The article last week about the Univer- sity Village development contained numer- ous inaccuracies (Plan for student high-rise tabled amid outcry from landlords, locals, 03/19/2008). First, the project was not tabled because of landlord or public outcry. It was tabled so the Ann Arbor Planning Commis- sion could review the site plan and recently submitted development documents. Secondly, during public comment Daniel Ketelaar stated that the Planning Commission advised him in advance of the meeting that the project would be tabled. He also indicated that the project's supporters would appear at the next Planning Commission meeting to speak in support of the development. The article was not a balanced report of the proceedings. Instead, it was a sensationalized account that was not based in fact. Tracy Wick The letter writer is the spokeswoman for University Village-Ann Arbor LLC. Last weekend, hundreds of stu- coaches and facu dent-athletes from the University strive to see mo competed in nine sports in three earntheir degree; time zones. rigorous reviews, The women's softball team flew to ments we are con the West Coast to play three games ing changes and in the Judi Garman Classic in Ful- ensure that all st lerton, Calif. A half-dozen wrestlers we support thes represented Michigan in the NCAA dent-athletes. championships in St. Louis. The We are also rowing team competed on Griggs compliance withI Reservoir near Columbus, Ohio; regulations. Whe across town, members of the wom- licized by the N en's swimming and diving team took raised within the to the pool in hopes of NCAA titles. only reviewed th The top-ranked hockey team hit the also notified the ice at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena for NCAA. We stan the CCHA championship. any irregularitie: Here in Ann Arbor, pitchers and at any time. catchers, tennis players and gym- At the heart nasts filled the University's fields, experience of thi mats and courts to compete against our faculty. The their national rivals. of the University The life of a student-athlete com- standards establ petinginDivisionIsports is exciting, upheld by theI demanding, exhausting and reward- faculty alone del ing. But it is not easy, neither on the degree requirem playing field nor in the classroom. dents represent t More than 700 student-athletes rep- the fishing team resent the University in a wide range they must meetI of varsity sports, and the University receive their dipl: is known for its commitment to help In educating- them achieve their greatest poten- degrees, Universi tial - in both the classroom and ath- variety of teachir letic arena. When The Ann Arbor group lectures, News implies, as it did in its four- team teaching, on part series last week on academics and athletics at the University, that the academic experience here for student-athletes does not meet our LILA KALICK standards or expectations, we must cry foul. Our job as faculty and adminis- trators is to help these student-ath- letes succeed academically just as we are committed to the academic accomplishments of all University students. As with their peers, stu- dent-athletes are encouraged to pur- sue any major and degree program they want, depending on their inter- ests, ambitions and abilities. of course, student-athletes face exceptional demands: In addition to their classes and coursework, players must devote time to daily practices, physical training, travel and competition. Balancing the demands of both academics and athletics requires commitment and flexibility. To support these students, we provide one-on-one academic counseling, tutors and study space at the RossAcademic Center, where they find resources and quiet time. This commitment breeds success: The University of Michigan has one of the highest graduation rates among institutions with major sports programs. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely, and working with our lty we continually re student-athletes s. Through our own , audits and assess- stantly implement- I improvements to andards are met as success of our stu- committed to full NCAA and Big Ten en the issues pub- ews were initially. University, we not iem internally, but Big Ten and the d ready to rectify s that may surface of the academic e college athlete is academic integrity is firmly rooted in ished, judged and professoriate. The termines academic ents; whether stu- he football team or (yes, we have one), these standards to oma. students for their ty faculty employ a ng styles, including multidisciplinary line exchanges and independent study. Although the News may question the value and rigor of independent study, Univer- sity faculty throughout 19 schools and colleges endorse its effective- ness for discovering and acquiring knowledge. We were deeply disappointed in both the approach and tone of the News's coverage of-this important issue. The overall treatment did not lead to accuracy or balance, and did not fairly represent the University's serious commitment to the academ- ic success of our student athletes. Intercollegiate athletics is an integral part of the Michigan expe- rience. And the tradition, enthusi- asm and loyalty fostered by the play of our student-athletes resonates far beyond the borders of the campus and deep into American culture. We take great pride in our ath- letic accomplishments. We take even greater pride in the academic prowess of the University. Only by succeeding in the classroom are student-athletes given the privilege of representing Michigan on the playing field. MarySueColeman is the University's president. Teresa Sullivan is provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. Bill Martin is the director of intercollegiate athletics. A 4 E-MAIL EALICE AT LEALICE@UMICH.EDU &RU2CKY , at'044 ~1 %VS over. V a LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Readers are encouraged to submit letters to the editor. Letters should be ___ less than 300 words and must include the writer's full name and University affiliation. All submissions become property of the Daily. We do not print anonymous letters. Send letters to tothedaily@umich.edu. tJWO048M.