See DRIVING, Page 3A In 2007, a loose-knit group of skateboarders and skateboard enthusiasts in Ann Arbor decided it was time to create a skatepark in a city that has many other exceptional public amenities. In 2014, after a large community effort, Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark — a nonprofit public skatepark in Ann Arbor — was created. Twelve years after this initial push, the skatepark is a thriving nonprofit. And now, it’s elected its first female president, Nina Juergens, on Jan. 21. Juergens joined the skatepark effort in 2009 to oversee branding and merchandising. She said she was optimistic about the progress of the skatepark, as the interested skate community members had transferable knowledge to contribute to the project. “I think the timing happened because we were older and knew people that could help us along the way with volunteering, advice, grant writing and legal help to form the non-profit Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark,” Juergens said. “It truly was a community effort.” After the grand opening in 2014, she helped to organize and run a free program to teach women and girls how to skate. As the new president, she hopes these programs will continue to advance under her leadership. “Just because it’s built doesn’t mean it’s done evolving,” Juergens said. “Upon the park opening, I co-created a program along with Crystle Partington, another board member from the beginning, called All Girls Skate, with free instruction to women and girls during the summer. We provide all the equipment needed. I’d like to see more events, programs and amenities happen in the future.” Juergens also has long- term plans for the skatepark, including adding more infrastructure and amenities. “I’ll be meeting with the head of the Parks Department soon,” Juergens said. “I would like to see lights for winter use and things that make it comfortable to families to spend the day there, such as bathrooms, picnic tables and shelter.” Also elected at the annual meeting were Secretary Trevor Staples and Treasurer Josh Meisler. Meisler has served as the organization’s president for the past four years. Meisler said in the announcement press release that he has high hopes for the coming year with Juergens as president. Representative Yousef Rabhi and Senator Jeff Irwin reintroduced the polluter-pay bill to Michigan Legislature Thursday, Feb. 14. The new bill would hold corporations and industries responsible for polluting Michigan air and water. State Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ypsilanti, introduced the bill back in 2017 to the Michigan House of Representatives and teamed up with state Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Petoskey, to reintroduce the bill to both the state House and Senate this year. “What the polluter-pay law does is it re-establishes a law that we used to have in Michigan that says once a polluter makes a mess, they have to clean it up,” Rabhi said. “That’s the simplest way to put it.” Irwin and Rabhi want to return to former Michigan laws that held pollutants more responsible. Michigan law was changed under the Engler administration. GOT A NEWS TIP? Call 734-418-4115 or e-mail news@michigandaily.com and let us know. INDEX Vol. CXXVIII, No. 79 ©2019 The Michigan Daily N E WS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 O PI N I O N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CL A SSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 S U D O K U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A R T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 S P O R T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 B michigandaily.com For more stories and coverage, visit CAMPUS LIFE Survivors in Speak Out tell stories to empower Regents meeting addresses renovations, One University Panhellenic Association’s 4th annual event helps with pain, healing process Communtiy expresses concerns regarding food ethics, equality between campuses Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed a bill expanding Michigan’s texting-while- driving laws on Wednesday. The bill, HB 4198, which was introduced by state Rep. Triston Cole, R-Charlevoix, proposes to make it illegal to read emails and send messages over social media while driving. Additionally, it seeks to prevent new drivers ages 16 and 17, with either level 1 or level 2 licenses, from talking and listening to a cell phone when operating motor vehicles. In a press release, Cole touted the importance of creating safer roads by limiting distractions for drivers. “It’s time we put our cell phones away while driving— and that includes checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all the rest of it,” Cole wrote. “Social media can wait until the driving is done. Making this important change to Michigan law will keep our roads safer for everyone by eliminating potential distractions for drivers.” Distracted driving to be targeted in new bill GOVERNMENT Proposal endorsed by Whitmer aims to expand texting-while-driving laws MICHAEL ZHANG Daily Staff Reporter Friends of the Ann Arbor skatepark elects its first ever female president Nina Juergens hopes to increase girls’ interest in skateboarding community Draft law introduced to decrease pollution GOVERNMENT State officials aim to hold companies responsible for polluting air, water ALYSSA MCMURTRY Daily Staff Reporter See POLLUTION, Page 3A See REGENTS, Page 2A See SPEAKOUT, Page 3A Follow The Daily on Instagram, @michigandaily Posters championing self- worth adorned the walls of the Michigan League Ballroom Thursday night for the fourth annual Panhellenic Speak Out. The event, hosted by the Sexual Violence Education and Empowerment branch of the Panhellenic Peer Educators, provided a confidential space for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories. Quiet moments of contemplation swept across the room following the powerful stories of sexual assault. Audience members were invited to share their experiences in an open, unmoderated forum. Individuals spoke for themselves and read anonymous submissions, expressing their pain and processes of healing through short stories, poems and unscripted reflections. Due to the highly sensitive and confidential nature of the event, The Daily was asked to refrain from recording or quoting speakers. MADELINE MCLAUGHLIN Daily Staff Reporter CATHERINE NOUHAN Daily Staff Reporter CLAIRE MEINGAST/Daily The Ann Arbor Skatepark is located at the corner of North Maple Road and Dexter Avenue. See SKATE, Page 3A 30 years of Michigan Basketball: 1989-2019 Special Edition Inside - Maize Rage Poster on Centerfold Ann Arbor, Michigan Friday, February 22, 2019 michigandaily.com The University of Michigan Board of Regents convened for their first meeting of the semester Thursday. Prior to a sharing of public comments, the board presented successes in research as well as several renovation proposals. To begin the meeting, University President Mark Schlissel emphasized the value of post-secondary education. Before announcing his recommendations for Arthur F. Thurnau Professorships, awarded for outstanding contributions to undergraduate education, Schlissel cited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s goal of having 60 percent of Michigan residents obtain a post-high school education. Schlissel noted higher education is crucial for the success of the state. “The state of Michigan is made stronger by 15 public institutions that vary in scope and mission,” Schlissel said. “We can see the benefits amongst our three University of Michigan campuses. Additionally, it is a cause for optimism that Governor Whitmer has set a goal for post-secondary educational attainment. ATTICUS RAASCH & ALEX HARRING Daily Staff Reporters MADELINE HINKLEY/Daily University President Mark Schlissel speaks on post-secondary education at the regents meeting at the University of Michigan Golf Course Thursday.