2 Thursday, May 31, 2018 The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com NEWS U-M responds to free speech lawsuit ‘U’ argues programs and policies are misrepresented By RACHEL CUNNINGHAM Summer Daily News Editor Amid a federal lawsuit filed by the organization Speech First against the University of Michigan’s Bias Response Team, the University has responded, claiming the lawsuit has mischaracterized University policies and programs. Speech First, a group composed of students, alumni and citizen free speech advocates, is suing the University, claiming the University has violated the right to free speech given in the U.S. Constitution. When asked for comment on the lawsuit, University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald referred to a statement released on behalf of the University in the University Record. “In Wednesday’s court filing, the University argues that the lawsuit has mischaracterized university policies and programs and ‘how they have been applied and has painted a picture of the university that does not reflect the true vibrancy of debate and discussion on campus,’” the statement reads. The statement goes on to explain the policies and programs reaffirm free speech a core principle at the University. “The University’s Standard Practice Guide reaffirms the university’s commitment to free speech,” the statement reads. “It states, in part, that ‘expression of diverse points of view is of the highest importance, not only for those who espouse a cause or position and then defend it, but also for those who hear and pass judgment on that defense. The belief that an opinion is pernicious, false, or in any other way detestable cannot be grounds for its suppression. Freedom of speech is a bedrock principle at U-M. Commitment to this principle is reflected in the history, the policies, and the practices of the university. Students, faculty and staff regularly hear and meet a wide range of speakers who bring diverse viewpoints and perspectives to the Ann Arbor campus.’” Robotic exoskeleton could enhance human abilities By ELIZABETH LAWRENCE Daily Staff Reporter The University of Michigan’s STARX team, a three- year-old group that builds strength-augmenting robotic suits — otherwise known as exoskeletons — hosted the first Applied Collegiate Exoskeleton competition this year. Founder Kevin Rabideau, a 2016 U-M alum, has always been fascinated by this use of technology. “I just think it’s a cool and exciting thing,” Rabideau said. “You’re using machines to make people run faster and lift more weights and reduce strain. It feels very science-fictiony and exciting to have something that can make you run faster than other people.” At ACE, students who share Rabideau’s enthusiasm for exoskeletons came together to share their hard work. Along with the University, teams from Michigan State University, University of Nebraska Omaha, Colorado School of Mines and Iowa State University participated in the competition. ACE consisted of a design review, an endurance test and an obstacle course based on tests firefighters must complete. STARX President Declan Winship, an Engineering senior, said strength-augmenting exoskeletons have a tremendous number of applications, but ACE’s focus was on search and rescue. “Our specific application on the team is search and rescue because a firefighter carries very heavy equipment and, in some cases, has to carry a person out of a burning building,” Winship said. “We believe that if we can get search-and-rescue people to where they need to be, making them less tired in the process, they can make better decisions and be better able to react if things suddenly get more dangerous.” Beyond increasing human strength, exoskeletons can also be rehabilitative, helping people with paralysis or muscle weakness attain mobility. Robotics Director Jessy Grizzle, an electrical and computer engineering professor, said while exoskeletons are becoming more sophisticated, they are still limited, making the students’ efforts at ACE that much more impressive. ‘U’ hosts robotic suit competition PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT COELIUS 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com ASIF BECHER Editor in Chief 734-418-4115 ext. 1251 asifb@michigandaily.com TOMMY DYE Business Manager 734-418-4115 ext. 1240 tomedye@michigandaily.com EDITORIAL STAFF Emma Richter Managing Editor richtere@michigandaily.com Grace Kay Managing News Editor news@michigandaily.com SENIOR NEWS EDITOR: Rachel Cunningham Emma Chang Editorial Page Editor tothedaily@michigandaily.com Tien Le & Jacob Kopnick Managing Sports Editors sportseditors@michigandaily.com Jack Brandon Managing Arts Editor arts@michigandaily.com Alec Cohen Managing Photo Editor photo@michigandaily.com Jack Silberman Managing Design Editor design@michigandaily.com Olivia Sedlacek Managing Copy Editor copydesk@michigandaily.com Lorna Brown Managing MiC Editor michiganincolor@michigandaily.com Carrington Tubman Managing Social Editor CONTACT INFORMATION Newsroom Office hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. 734-763-2459 opt.3 News Tips news@michigandaily.com Corrections corrections@michigandaily.com Letters to the Editor tothedaily@michigandaily.com or visit michigandaily.com/letters Photo Department photo@michigandaily.com Arts Section arts@michigandaily.com Editorial Page opinion@michigandaily.com Sports Section sports@michigandaily.com Magazine statement@michigandaily.com Advertising Phone: 734-418-4115 Department dailydisplay@gmail.com Read more at MichiganDaily.com The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. 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