TOPEKA—The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene by telephone conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday to review the nomination form and set the schedule for accepting nominations for a district magistrate judge vacancy created by the Aug. 14 retirement of Judge Mary Thrower.

The meeting is open to the public, and anyone who wants to listen may request instructions by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@kscourts.org" target="_blank">info@kscourts.org</a>.

The 28th Judicial District is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties.

Kansas law requires that a district magistrate judge be:

•a resident of Ottawa County at the time of taking office and while holding office;

•a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and

•either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.

The nominating commission will seek nominations, then convene to interview nominees. Interviews are open to the public. The commission will then appoint a district magistrate judge.

After serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley of Bennington; Jay Macy of Minneapolis; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Peter Johnston, Christine Ritter, and Darrell Wilson of Salina; and Robert Martin of Solomon.&nbsp;

TOPEKA—The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene by telephone conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday to review the nomination form and set the schedule for accepting nominations for a district magistrate judge vacancy created by the Aug. 14 retirement of Judge Mary Thrower.The meeting is open to the public, and anyone who wants to listen may request instructions by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@kscourts.org" target="_blank">info@kscourts.org</a>.The 28th Judicial District is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties.Kansas law requires that a district magistrate judge be:•a resident of Ottawa County at the time of taking office and while holding office;•a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and•either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.The nominating commission will seek nominations, then convene to interview nominees. Interviews are open to the public. The commission will then appoint a district magistrate judge.After serving one year in office, the new magistrate judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.The 28th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Supreme Court Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair; David Stanley of Bennington; Jay Macy of Minneapolis; Lance Cochran, Robert German, Peter Johnston, Christine Ritter, and Darrell Wilson of Salina; and Robert Martin of Solomon.&nbsp;

28th Judicial District Nominating Commission to meet

By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/blackatkstate-continues-kansas-history-student-protests">Kansas News Service</a>

The testimonials from black people about their experience on Kansas 
college campuses ring both familiar and fresh as protests against racism
 continue across the world.

Some talk about death threats riddled
 with racial slurs tucked in their mailboxes, about baseless 
confrontations with campus police, or about being told in ways both 
subtle and explicit that they don’t belong.

Some students in 
Lawrence and Manhattan have continued a long history of rallying on 
campus and in the streets. But with most students isolated from each 
other by the coronavirus and summer break, they’ve taken their 
protesting online using hashtags like #BlackAtKState.

That’s 
allowed more students and alumni far from campus to share their stories.
 The posts have caught the attention of school leadership. Kansas State 
University officials say the school’s listening and will take action.

“It’s been powerful and painful,” said Thomas Lane, K-State's vice president for student life, “and, frankly, heartbreaking.”

At
 the start of the month, K-State’s Black Student Union called for black 
students and alumni to share racist incidents they experienced on campus
 using the hashtag #BlackAtKState. It was modeled on a similar movement 
from University of Missouri students.

Within a day, the hashtag started trending. Students and alumni wrote about incidents like <a href="https://twitter.com/zanaiyap/status/1268195789723099137" target="_blank">police being called on them</a> seemingly with no justification. One alumni recalled constantly being <a href="https://twitter.com/Lil_chocodrop/status/1268197881846038529" target="_blank">avoided</a> in classes. Others spoke about <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahWeekes5/status/1268167437494751232" target="_blank">fearing for their safety</a>. Many recalled a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/community/2017-05-08/k-state-investigating-after-noose-hung-from-campus-tree" target="_blank">noose hung from a campus tree</a> in 2017. A KU student also shared their stories with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BlackAtKU&amp;src=typed_query" target="_blank">#BlackAtKU</a> hashtag.

Kansas
 State University President Richard Myers responded to the hashtag in a 
video on Twitter, and said the school “will use these posts to prepare 
action steps to end racism at K-State.”

“I am listening and I hear you,” said Myers, “and acknowledge these experiences were hurtful and painful.”

Many of the replies to Myers’ tweet were negative, expressing 
skepticism of any change until the school announced concrete actions. 
Black students said past talks and panels on racism haven’t led to 
change and said they’d <a href="https://twitter.com/AyanaBelk/status/1269693036784693248" target="_blank">refuse to participate in more</a> rather than be used as props.

Tomeka Robinson, an associate professor of rhetoric at Hofstra University, said that’s “an absolutely valid critique.”

“If
 there’s nothing that is behind it, that shows that it’s more than just 
an exercise to make ourselves feel good, then, yeah, I get it why 
students are upset,” Robinson said.

Robinson said the protests against the Vietnam War, like <a href="http://kuhistory.ku.edu/articles/prelude-disorder">t</a><a href="https://kuhistory.ku.edu/articles/prelude-disorder" target="_blank">hose at KU</a>,
 and the civil rights movements in the 1960s are often what Americans 
think of when it comes to student protests. But student protests have 
been around as long as universities.

“Students have been involved
 since the very beginning of the university system in engaging in 
organization and calling for action,” Robinson said.

Social media
 became a large part of protesting in the 2010s, though it was mostly 
being used for mobilizing and organizing on-the-ground protests, such as
 the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2019/01/25/eight-years-after-egypts-revolution-heres-what-weve-learned-about-social-media-and-protest/" target="_blank">Arab Spring</a>
 revolts against oppressive regimes in the Middle East. But the 
#BlackAtKState hashtag protests didn’t support any in-person rally.

Civil
 discourse experts warn that protesting online makes it easier to 
artificially inflate the apparent size of a grassroot movement, referred
 to as astroturfing.

But they say social media demonstrations 
come with some advantages, including being a safer option during a 
pandemic. Alumni living far from campus also get to participate and show
 students they’re not alone in their experiences.

Whether 
in-person or online, experts say protests are about drawing attention. 
While the internet has a wider reach, tweets can easily be ignored — or 
muted. Physical rallies are harder to ignore.

That’s why Zyrie 
Berry-Hendricks, a recent KU graduate, uses a private Facebook group to 
organize in-person anti-racism protests in northeast Kansas. While he 
values hashtags like #BlackAtKState, he believes the ease of posting on 
social media makes it that much more powerful when protesters make the 
effort to show up in person.

“Anybody can post ‘Black Lives 
Matter’ on Facebook,” Berry-Hendricks said. “But to be physically in a 
space, to say this is an issue I care about enough to inhabit space … is
 a totally different thing.”

On Monday, Berry-Hendricks organized
 a protest in Lawrence outside the house of KU men’s basketball coach 
Bill Self. The protestors wanted the attention of those at KU holding 
decision-making power. Berry-Hendricks wants university policymakers to 
be in the room for discussions about racism on campus.

Timothy 
Shaffer, the director of K-State's Institute for Civic Discourse and 
Democracy, said the real change happens at those discussions, after the 
demonstrations. But that only works if they’re well informed, 
potentially by the type experiences students share using the hashtag 
#BlackAt-KState.

“The idea of protest as an end-all, be-all is 
really a thin notion of how to deal with our collective problems,” 
Shaffer said. “The ability to move into … a more discussion-based or 
discursive way of being with one another is really important.”

Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@stevebisaha</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592243089116.jpeg" alt=" University of Kansas students and alumni protest in Lawrence following the death of George Floyd in police custody. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> University of Kansas students and alumni protest in Lawrence following the death of George Floyd in police custody. Nomin Ujiyediin / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEPHAN BISAHA <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/blackatkstate-continues-kansas-history-student-protests">Kansas News Service</a>The testimonials from black people about their experience on Kansas 
college campuses ring both familiar and fresh as protests against racism
 continue across the world.Some talk about death threats riddled
 with racial slurs tucked in their mailboxes, about baseless 
confrontations with campus police, or about being told in ways both 
subtle and explicit that they don’t belong.Some students in 
Lawrence and Manhattan have continued a long history of rallying on 
campus and in the streets. But with most students isolated from each 
other by the coronavirus and summer break, they’ve taken their 
protesting online using hashtags like #BlackAtKState.That’s 
allowed more students and alumni far from campus to share their stories.
 The posts have caught the attention of school leadership. Kansas State 
University officials say the school’s listening and will take action.“It’s been powerful and painful,” said Thomas Lane, K-State's vice president for student life, “and, frankly, heartbreaking.”<h2>#BlackAtKState</h2>At
 the start of the month, K-State’s Black Student Union called for black 
students and alumni to share racist incidents they experienced on campus
 using the hashtag #BlackAtKState. It was modeled on a similar movement 
from University of Missouri students.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592243161735.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Within a day, the hashtag started trending. Students and alumni wrote about incidents like <a href="https://twitter.com/zanaiyap/status/1268195789723099137" target="_blank">police being called on them</a> seemingly with no justification. One alumni recalled constantly being <a href="https://twitter.com/Lil_chocodrop/status/1268197881846038529" target="_blank">avoided</a> in classes. Others spoke about <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahWeekes5/status/1268167437494751232" target="_blank">fearing for their safety</a>. Many recalled a <a href="https://www.kcur.org/community/2017-05-08/k-state-investigating-after-noose-hung-from-campus-tree" target="_blank">noose hung from a campus tree</a> in 2017. A KU student also shared their stories with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BlackAtKU&amp;src=typed_query" target="_blank">#BlackAtKU</a> hashtag.Kansas
 State University President Richard Myers responded to the hashtag in a 
video on Twitter, and said the school “will use these posts to prepare 
action steps to end racism at K-State.”“I am listening and I hear you,” said Myers, “and acknowledge these experiences were hurtful and painful.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592243191907.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Many of the replies to Myers’ tweet were negative, expressing 
skepticism of any change until the school announced concrete actions. 
Black students said past talks and panels on racism haven’t led to 
change and said they’d <a href="https://twitter.com/AyanaBelk/status/1269693036784693248" target="_blank">refuse to participate in more</a> rather than be used as props.Tomeka Robinson, an associate professor of rhetoric at Hofstra University, said that’s “an absolutely valid critique.”“If
 there’s nothing that is behind it, that shows that it’s more than just 
an exercise to make ourselves feel good, then, yeah, I get it why 
students are upset,” Robinson said.<h2>Rallying Online</h2>Robinson said the protests against the Vietnam War, like <a href="http://kuhistory.ku.edu/articles/prelude-disorder">t</a><a href="https://kuhistory.ku.edu/articles/prelude-disorder" target="_blank">hose at KU</a>,
 and the civil rights movements in the 1960s are often what Americans 
think of when it comes to student protests. But student protests have 
been around as long as universities.“Students have been involved
 since the very beginning of the university system in engaging in 
organization and calling for action,” Robinson said.Social media
 became a large part of protesting in the 2010s, though it was mostly 
being used for mobilizing and organizing on-the-ground protests, such as
 the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2019/01/25/eight-years-after-egypts-revolution-heres-what-weve-learned-about-social-media-and-protest/" target="_blank">Arab Spring</a>
 revolts against oppressive regimes in the Middle East. But the 
#BlackAtKState hashtag protests didn’t support any in-person rally.Civil
 discourse experts warn that protesting online makes it easier to 
artificially inflate the apparent size of a grassroot movement, referred
 to as astroturfing.But they say social media demonstrations 
come with some advantages, including being a safer option during a 
pandemic. Alumni living far from campus also get to participate and show
 students they’re not alone in their experiences.Whether 
in-person or online, experts say protests are about drawing attention. 
While the internet has a wider reach, tweets can easily be ignored — or 
muted. Physical rallies are harder to ignore.That’s why Zyrie 
Berry-Hendricks, a recent KU graduate, uses a private Facebook group to 
organize in-person anti-racism protests in northeast Kansas. While he 
values hashtags like #BlackAtKState, he believes the ease of posting on 
social media makes it that much more powerful when protesters make the 
effort to show up in person.“Anybody can post ‘Black Lives 
Matter’ on Facebook,” Berry-Hendricks said. “But to be physically in a 
space, to say this is an issue I care about enough to inhabit space … is
 a totally different thing.”On Monday, Berry-Hendricks organized
 a protest in Lawrence outside the house of KU men’s basketball coach 
Bill Self. The protestors wanted the attention of those at KU holding 
decision-making power. Berry-Hendricks wants university policymakers to 
be in the room for discussions about racism on campus.Timothy 
Shaffer, the director of K-State's Institute for Civic Discourse and 
Democracy, said the real change happens at those discussions, after the 
demonstrations. But that only works if they’re well informed, 
potentially by the type experiences students share using the hashtag 
#BlackAt-KState.“The idea of protest as an end-all, be-all is 
really a thin notion of how to deal with our collective problems,” 
Shaffer said. “The ability to move into … a more discussion-based or 
discursive way of being with one another is really important.”Stephan Bisaha reports on education and young adult life for KMUW and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/stevebisaha?lang=en" target="_blank">@stevebisaha</a>.

#BlackAtKState continues Kansas history of student protests 

Today is Friday, June 12, the 164th day of 2020. There are 202 days left in the year.

On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were slashed to death outside her Los Angeles home. (O.J. Simpson was later acquitted of the killings in a criminal trial but was eventually held liable in a civil action.)

In 1630, Englishman John Winthrop, leading a fleet carrying Puritan refugees, arrived at the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he became its governor.

In 1898, Philippine nationalists declared independence from Spain.

In 1942, Anne Frank, a German-born Jewish girl living in Amsterdam, received a diary for her 13th birthday, less than a month before she and her family went into hiding from the Nazis.

In 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, 37, was shot and killed outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi. (In 1994, Byron De La Beckwith was convicted of murdering Evers and sentenced to life in prison; he died in 2001.)

In 1964, South African black nationalist Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison along with seven other people, including Walter Sisulu, for committing sabotage against the apartheid regime (all were eventually released, Mandela in 1990).

In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, unanimously struck down state laws prohibiting interracial marriages.

In 1978, David Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each of the six "Son of Sam" .44-caliber killings that terrified New Yorkers.

In 1981, major league baseball players began a 49-day strike over the issue of free-agent compensation. (The season did not resume until Aug. 10.) "Raiders of the Lost Ark," directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, was first released.

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan, during a visit to the divided German city of Berlin, exhorted Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev to "tear down this wall."

In 1997, baseball began regular-season interleague play, ending a 126-year tradition of separating the major leagues until the World Series. (In the first game played under this arrangement, the San Francisco Giants defeated the Texas Rangers 4-3.)

In 2004, former President Ronald Reagan's body was sealed inside a tomb at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California, following a week of mourning and remembrance by world leaders and regular Americans.

In 2016, an American-born Muslim opened fire at the Pulse nightclub, a gay establishment in Orlando, Florida, leaving 49 people dead and 53 wounded before being shot dead by police.

Ten years ago: A French fishing vessel rescued 16-year-old Abby Sunderland from her crippled sailboat in the turbulent southern Indian Ocean, ending the California teen's attempt to sail around the world solo. Ethnic riots wracked southern Kyrgyzstan, forcing thousands of Uzbeks to flee their homes. Daniel Nava hit the first pitch he saw as a big leaguer for a grand slam — only the second player to do it — leading the Boston Red Sox to a 10-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Five years ago: Joyce Mitchell, a worker at the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, was arrested on charges of helping two convicted killers escape; Mitchell later pleaded guilty to promoting prison contraband and was sentenced to 2-1/3 to seven years in prison.

One year ago: President Donald Trump said if a foreign power offered dirt on his 2020 opponent, he'd be open to accepting it, telling ABC News, "There's nothing wrong with listening." (Two days later, Trump shifted gears, saying that "of course" he would go to the FBI or the attorney general to report such an offer.) Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation that legalized medically assisted suicide; Maine became the eighth state to allow terminally ill people to end their lives with prescribed medication. U.S. Catholic bishops voted to create a new national sex-abuse hotline run by an independent entity; it would field allegations that bishops committed abuse or covered it up. The St. Louis Blues won their first Stanley Cup, beating the Boston Bruins 4-1 in Game 7 of the NHL finals.

Today's Birthdays: Songwriter Richard M. Sherman is 92. Jazz musician Chick Corea is 79. Sportscaster Marv Albert is 79. Singer Roy Harper is 79. Pop singer Len Barry is 78. Actor Roger Aaron Brown is 71. Actress Sonia Manzano is 70. Rock musician Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick) is 69. Country singer-musician Junior Brown is 68. Singer-songwriter Rocky Burnette is 67. Actor Timothy Busfield is 63. Singer Meredith Brooks is 62. Actress Jenilee Harrison is 62. Rock musician John Linnell (They Might Be Giants) is 61. Actor John Enos is 58. Rapper Grandmaster Dee (Whodini) is 58. Actor Paul Schulze is 58. Actor Eamonn Walker is 58. Actress Paula Marshall is 56. Actress Frances O'Connor is 53. Rock musician Bardi Martin is 51. Actor Rick Hoffman is 50. Actor-comedian Finesse Mitchell is 48. Actor Mel Rodriguez is 47. Actor Jason Mewes is 46. Actor Michael Muhney is 45. Blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 43. Actor Timothy Simons is 42. Actor Wil Horneff is 41. Singer Robyn is 41. Rock singer-musician John Gourley (Portugal. The Man) is 39. Actor Dave Franco is 35. Country singer Chris Young is 35. Actor Luke Youngblood is 34. Actor Ryan Malgarini is 28.

Thought for Today: "It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor." — Eric Hoffer, American philosopher (1902-1983).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Today is Friday, June 12, the 164th day of 2020. There are 202 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History:On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman were slashed to death outside her Los Angeles home. (O.J. Simpson was later acquitted of the killings in a criminal trial but was eventually held liable in a civil action.)On this date:In 1630, Englishman John Winthrop, leading a fleet carrying Puritan refugees, arrived at the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he became its governor.In 1898, Philippine nationalists declared independence from Spain.In 1942, Anne Frank, a German-born Jewish girl living in Amsterdam, received a diary for her 13th birthday, less than a month before she and her family went into hiding from the Nazis.In 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers, 37, was shot and killed outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi. (In 1994, Byron De La Beckwith was convicted of murdering Evers and sentenced to life in prison; he died in 2001.)In 1964, South African black nationalist Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison along with seven other people, including Walter Sisulu, for committing sabotage against the apartheid regime (all were eventually released, Mandela in 1990).In 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, unanimously struck down state laws prohibiting interracial marriages.In 1978, David Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each of the six "Son of Sam" .44-caliber killings that terrified New Yorkers.In 1981, major league baseball players began a 49-day strike over the issue of free-agent compensation. (The season did not resume until Aug. 10.) "Raiders of the Lost Ark," directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, was first released.In 1987, President Ronald Reagan, during a visit to the divided German city of Berlin, exhorted Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev to "tear down this wall."In 1997, baseball began regular-season interleague play, ending a 126-year tradition of separating the major leagues until the World Series. (In the first game played under this arrangement, the San Francisco Giants defeated the Texas Rangers 4-3.)In 2004, former President Ronald Reagan's body was sealed inside a tomb at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California, following a week of mourning and remembrance by world leaders and regular Americans.In 2016, an American-born Muslim opened fire at the Pulse nightclub, a gay establishment in Orlando, Florida, leaving 49 people dead and 53 wounded before being shot dead by police.Ten years ago: A French fishing vessel rescued 16-year-old Abby Sunderland from her crippled sailboat in the turbulent southern Indian Ocean, ending the California teen's attempt to sail around the world solo. Ethnic riots wracked southern Kyrgyzstan, forcing thousands of Uzbeks to flee their homes. Daniel Nava hit the first pitch he saw as a big leaguer for a grand slam — only the second player to do it — leading the Boston Red Sox to a 10-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies.Five years ago: Joyce Mitchell, a worker at the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, was arrested on charges of helping two convicted killers escape; Mitchell later pleaded guilty to promoting prison contraband and was sentenced to 2-1/3 to seven years in prison.One year ago: President Donald Trump said if a foreign power offered dirt on his 2020 opponent, he'd be open to accepting it, telling ABC News, "There's nothing wrong with listening." (Two days later, Trump shifted gears, saying that "of course" he would go to the FBI or the attorney general to report such an offer.) Maine Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation that legalized medically assisted suicide; Maine became the eighth state to allow terminally ill people to end their lives with prescribed medication. U.S. Catholic bishops voted to create a new national sex-abuse hotline run by an independent entity; it would field allegations that bishops committed abuse or covered it up. The St. Louis Blues won their first Stanley Cup, beating the Boston Bruins 4-1 in Game 7 of the NHL finals.Today's Birthdays: Songwriter Richard M. Sherman is 92. Jazz musician Chick Corea is 79. Sportscaster Marv Albert is 79. Singer Roy Harper is 79. Pop singer Len Barry is 78. Actor Roger Aaron Brown is 71. Actress Sonia Manzano is 70. Rock musician Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick) is 69. Country singer-musician Junior Brown is 68. Singer-songwriter Rocky Burnette is 67. Actor Timothy Busfield is 63. Singer Meredith Brooks is 62. Actress Jenilee Harrison is 62. Rock musician John Linnell (They Might Be Giants) is 61. Actor John Enos is 58. Rapper Grandmaster Dee (Whodini) is 58. Actor Paul Schulze is 58. Actor Eamonn Walker is 58. Actress Paula Marshall is 56. Actress Frances O'Connor is 53. Rock musician Bardi Martin is 51. Actor Rick Hoffman is 50. Actor-comedian Finesse Mitchell is 48. Actor Mel Rodriguez is 47. Actor Jason Mewes is 46. Actor Michael Muhney is 45. Blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 43. Actor Timothy Simons is 42. Actor Wil Horneff is 41. Singer Robyn is 41. Rock singer-musician John Gourley (Portugal. The Man) is 39. Actor Dave Franco is 35. Country singer Chris Young is 35. Actor Luke Youngblood is 34. Actor Ryan Malgarini is 28.Thought for Today: "It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor." — Eric Hoffer, American philosopher (1902-1983).Copyright 2020, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Today in History -- June 12

The City of Salina’s Community
and Development Services Department is committed to providing fair,
transparent, and accessible public meetings in accordance with the Kansas Open
Meetings Act (KOMA). 

Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 directives from
the Saline County Health Department and the Governor of Kansas, many public
meetings have been cancelled since early March. In an attempt to resume
business, even with mass gathering limitations still in effect, the planning
commission employed the same methods used by the city commission and approved
by K.A.R 16-20-1 which specifically addresses how to conduct opening meetings
during an emergency declaration.

On June 2, 2020 at 4 p.m., the
planning commission met to hear three items: two zoning applications that
required public hearings and an application to re-plat a portion of a
subdivision. These items are as follows: 

•Application
#PDD20-1, filed by Salina Christian Academy, requesting a change in zoning
district classification from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to PDD(R-2)
[Planned Development District / Multi-Family Residential] on a 2.05 acre site
at the southeast corner of Highland Avenue and Republic Avenue to allow the
former Lowell Elementary School to be converted to multi-family housing (Public
hearing continued from February 18, 2020 to allow the applicant to modify their
application to a Planned Development District.)

•Application
#Z20-2, filed by Joe Hill on behalf of the Joe Hill Trust, requesting a change
in zoning district classification from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to 1-2
(Light Industrial) on a vacant lot facing Reynolds Street. 

•Amended
Application #P08-2B, filed by William (Bill) Sheppard, on behalf of Grand
Prairie Villas, LLC requesting approval of a replat of Lots 18-36, Block 2 of
the Grand Prairie Addition to the City of Salina to further subdivide these
lots into 30 residential building lots. The replat area is located at the north
end of Bentgrass Drive and contains 7.73 acres (Continued from the March 3,
2020 meeting to allow the applicant to amend their application to request
reaffirmation of the street length variation for Bentgrass Drive approved as
part of the preliminary plat).

The physical meeting itself was
held at the City-County Building and had only planning commissioners and city
staff in attendance because of COVID-19 restrictions. The meeting was broadcast
via Salina Media Connection on cable access and YouTube with public comment and
listening capacity through a conference telephone line for taking public
comment and to allow listening without internet access.

Over the past week, there have
been concerns from the public regarding the audio and video connections of the
June 2, 2020, meeting of the planning commission. Additionally, a concern has
been raised as to whether one or more planning commissioners could hear well
enough to take action on the Grand Prairie Addition re-plat application
(#P08-2B). In the interest of the preserving the integrity of the process,
staff and the planning commission feel compelled to act accordingly.

A special meeting has been called
by the chair of the planning commission in order to determine whether planning
commissioners had difficulty hearing public comments via the conference telephone
line to an extent warranting reconsideration of application #P08-2B. The
special meeting allows concerns and questions of the planning commission to be
discussed publicly and offers opportunity for actions such as a reconsideration
to address the issue further, if the planning commission so chooses.
Application #P08-2B does not require a public hearing, however, the planning
commission may take public comments if they so choose.&nbsp; If the planning
commission votes to reconsider the matter, audio from the June 2nd
meeting will be available and all material previously provided at that meeting
will be available in the meeting packet so the commission may take action on
the application if required. As we have done previously and due to the
unscheduled nature of the meeting, notification of the meeting will be sent to
all property owners within the Grand Prairie subdivision. 

The special meeting is scheduled for June 23rd, 2020 at the
Tony’s Pizza Events Center at 4 p.m. in the Great Plains Manufacturing
Convention Hall.&nbsp; This location has
been chosen because of the size and ability to hold the meeting with the
possibility of significant attendance while maintaining safe social distancing.

At the next regularly scheduled
meeting of the planning commission, July 7, 2020, new public hearings will be
held for both zoning applications, #Z20-2 and #PDD20, as heard on June 2, 2020.
The new public hearings will supersede the June 2nd public hearing
and will allow the planning commission to take public comment from persons
present at the hearing and develop its ultimate recommendation to the city
commission on each of the rezoning applications.&nbsp; The applicants for both, #Z20-2 and #PDD20,
voluntarily agreed to the new public hearing in support of the public
process.&nbsp; New notification in accordance
with Salina municipal code will be sent out as required. 

The July 7, 2020 regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission
will be held at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center at 4 p.m. in the Great Plains
Manufacturing Convention Hall.&nbsp; This
location has been chosen because of the size and ability to hold the meeting
with the possibility of significant attendance while maintaining safe social
distancing.

Unfortunately, the June 2 meeting experience does not seem to have been ideal for everyone. However, our
commitment to the public process is unwavering and we will continue to do
everything we can to make it work while still observing the health and safety
precautions associated with COVID-19. We appreciate everyone’s patience and
understanding during these unique and challenging times.

Meeting Materials: The June 2, 2020 planning commission meeting materials
can be found on the city’s website at the same location as future meeting
materials.&nbsp; All future meeting agendas
and packets get posted on the of City of Salina’s website at least five days prior
to a meeting date.&nbsp; If you are familiar
with the city’s website, <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov">www.salina-ks.gov</a>,
you may simply click on “City Government,” “Board &amp; Commissions”
right-click on “Planning Commission” and open in a new tab to access the link
above. You are welcome to pick up a paper copy of the meeting agenda and packet
in Room 205 of the City-County Building. You can also get meeting materials and
announcements automatically sent to your e-mail by signing up for the city’s
email notification system.&nbsp; Simply visit
the link, “Email Notifications,” at the bottom of any webpage on the city’s
<a href="http://salina.ks.us/">website</a>.

Watch
A Meeting: Video of the planning commission meetings can
be viewed on YouTube through the Salina Media Connections - Government
Channel.&nbsp; Then click on “playlists” and
scroll through to find Salina Planning Commission, videos are listed in
chronological order.

The City of Salina’s Community
and Development Services Department is committed to providing fair,
transparent, and accessible public meetings in accordance with the Kansas Open
Meetings Act (KOMA). Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 directives from
the Saline County Health Department and the Governor of Kansas, many public
meetings have been cancelled since early March. In an attempt to resume
business, even with mass gathering limitations still in effect, the planning
commission employed the same methods used by the city commission and approved
by K.A.R 16-20-1 which specifically addresses how to conduct opening meetings
during an emergency declaration.On June 2, 2020 at 4 p.m., the
planning commission met to hear three items: two zoning applications that
required public hearings and an application to re-plat a portion of a
subdivision. These items are as follows: •Application
#PDD20-1, filed by Salina Christian Academy, requesting a change in zoning
district classification from R-1 (Single-Family Residential) to PDD(R-2)
[Planned Development District / Multi-Family Residential] on a 2.05 acre site
at the southeast corner of Highland Avenue and Republic Avenue to allow the
former Lowell Elementary School to be converted to multi-family housing (Public
hearing continued from February 18, 2020 to allow the applicant to modify their
application to a Planned Development District.)•Application
#Z20-2, filed by Joe Hill on behalf of the Joe Hill Trust, requesting a change
in zoning district classification from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential) to 1-2
(Light Industrial) on a vacant lot facing Reynolds Street. •Amended
Application #P08-2B, filed by William (Bill) Sheppard, on behalf of Grand
Prairie Villas, LLC requesting approval of a replat of Lots 18-36, Block 2 of
the Grand Prairie Addition to the City of Salina to further subdivide these
lots into 30 residential building lots. The replat area is located at the north
end of Bentgrass Drive and contains 7.73 acres (Continued from the March 3,
2020 meeting to allow the applicant to amend their application to request
reaffirmation of the street length variation for Bentgrass Drive approved as
part of the preliminary plat).The physical meeting itself was
held at the City-County Building and had only planning commissioners and city
staff in attendance because of COVID-19 restrictions. The meeting was broadcast
via Salina Media Connection on cable access and YouTube with public comment and
listening capacity through a conference telephone line for taking public
comment and to allow listening without internet access.Over the past week, there have
been concerns from the public regarding the audio and video connections of the
June 2, 2020, meeting of the planning commission. Additionally, a concern has
been raised as to whether one or more planning commissioners could hear well
enough to take action on the Grand Prairie Addition re-plat application
(#P08-2B). In the interest of the preserving the integrity of the process,
staff and the planning commission feel compelled to act accordingly.A special meeting has been called
by the chair of the planning commission in order to determine whether planning
commissioners had difficulty hearing public comments via the conference telephone
line to an extent warranting reconsideration of application #P08-2B. The
special meeting allows concerns and questions of the planning commission to be
discussed publicly and offers opportunity for actions such as a reconsideration
to address the issue further, if the planning commission so chooses.
Application #P08-2B does not require a public hearing, however, the planning
commission may take public comments if they so choose.&nbsp; If the planning
commission votes to reconsider the matter, audio from the June 2nd
meeting will be available and all material previously provided at that meeting
will be available in the meeting packet so the commission may take action on
the application if required. As we have done previously and due to the
unscheduled nature of the meeting, notification of the meeting will be sent to
all property owners within the Grand Prairie subdivision. The special meeting is scheduled for June 23rd, 2020 at the
Tony’s Pizza Events Center at 4 p.m. in the Great Plains Manufacturing
Convention Hall.&nbsp; This location has
been chosen because of the size and ability to hold the meeting with the
possibility of significant attendance while maintaining safe social distancing.At the next regularly scheduled
meeting of the planning commission, July 7, 2020, new public hearings will be
held for both zoning applications, #Z20-2 and #PDD20, as heard on June 2, 2020.
The new public hearings will supersede the June 2nd public hearing
and will allow the planning commission to take public comment from persons
present at the hearing and develop its ultimate recommendation to the city
commission on each of the rezoning applications.&nbsp; The applicants for both, #Z20-2 and #PDD20,
voluntarily agreed to the new public hearing in support of the public
process.&nbsp; New notification in accordance
with Salina municipal code will be sent out as required. The July 7, 2020 regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission
will be held at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center at 4 p.m. in the Great Plains
Manufacturing Convention Hall.&nbsp; This
location has been chosen because of the size and ability to hold the meeting
with the possibility of significant attendance while maintaining safe social
distancing.Unfortunately, the June 2 meeting experience does not seem to have been ideal for everyone. However, our
commitment to the public process is unwavering and we will continue to do
everything we can to make it work while still observing the health and safety
precautions associated with COVID-19. We appreciate everyone’s patience and
understanding during these unique and challenging times.Meeting ResourcesMeeting Materials: The June 2, 2020 planning commission meeting materials
can be found on the city’s website at the same location as future meeting
materials.&nbsp; All future meeting agendas
and packets get posted on the of City of Salina’s website at least five days prior
to a meeting date.&nbsp; If you are familiar
with the city’s website, <a href="http://www.salina-ks.gov">www.salina-ks.gov</a>,
you may simply click on “City Government,” “Board &amp; Commissions”
right-click on “Planning Commission” and open in a new tab to access the link
above. You are welcome to pick up a paper copy of the meeting agenda and packet
in Room 205 of the City-County Building. You can also get meeting materials and
announcements automatically sent to your e-mail by signing up for the city’s
email notification system.&nbsp; Simply visit
the link, “Email Notifications,” at the bottom of any webpage on the city’s
<a href="http://salina.ks.us/">website</a>. Watch
A Meeting: Video of the planning commission meetings can
be viewed on YouTube through the Salina Media Connections - Government
Channel.&nbsp; Then click on “playlists” and
scroll through to find Salina Planning Commission, videos are listed in
chronological order.

Salina Planning Commission takes action to address concerns

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Donors are pushing Kansas’ higher education board to fire Wichita State University’s president after he canceled a virtual speech by Ivanka Trump for its technical school’s graduation.

The Kansas Board of Regents had a special Zoom meeting Wednesday, only two days after a former board member from Wichita said the regents should ask for President Jay Golden’s resignation. Golden was present for at least part of the four-hour closed meeting.

Afterward, the board issued <a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/about/news-releases/2020-news-releases/757-kansas-board-of-regents-statement">a short statement</a> that didn’t mention him or Wichita State, expressing its commitment to “support and promote freedom of speech and diversity and inclusion.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/466ba7b32565ecde87ff4eb40dd4f71e">Golden canceled</a>&nbsp;Trump’s speech after students and faculty protested. Students staged an impromptu rally Wednesday for Golden, and nearly 7,200 people had signed a petition supporting him by Wednesday night.

<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/about/news-releases/2020-news-releases/757-kansas-board-of-regents-statement" target="_blank">The board’s statement</a>&nbsp;asked for “patience and understanding” in “unprecedented times.”

“We look forward to strengthening relationships with students, alumni and friends,” the statement said.

Steve Clark, the former regent seeking Golden’s ouster, sent a letter Monday to board members saying Golden’s decision to cancel the speech by President Donald Trump’s daughter threatens a multimillion-dollar relationship with Koch Industries, the vast conglomerate led by billionaire and conservative political donor Charles Koch.<a href="https://www.kansas.com/article243382231.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>He did not return a telephone message Wednesday from The Associated Press.

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and Wichita State graduate, said she was “deeply disappointed,” adding that when she was a student in the 1970s, “free speech was a fundamental right on campus.”

“I fear that may no longer be the case,” she said.

A Koch Industries spokeswoman said Wednesday that financial commitments to the university are being honored and, while it opposes canceling speakers, it doesn’t tie funding to university employment actions.

Clark is the chairman and CEO of a Wichita investment firm who served as chairman of search committees for both Golden and his predecessor, John Bardo. Golden became president in January, after Bardo died in March 2019.

Clark told the regents that officials from Koch Industries and several longtime donors and supporters are “very upset and quite vocal in their decisions to disavow any further support.” He said canceling Trump’s speech damaged the school’s reputation with high-profile donors and relationships can be restored only if Golden leaves.

Steve Feilmeier, Koch Industries’ executive vice president and chief financial officer, said in an email that he’s been asked to serve on the Wichita State Foundation board and how the speech controversy is resolved will “weigh heavily” on his decision.

The university has said Koch Industries and its associated foundations have spent or pledged to spend more than $15 million there in the past seven years. The university’s basketball arena is named for Charles Koch.

Company spokeswoman Jessica Koehn said it respects “the university’s independence” in making employment decisions.

But she also said Koch Industries believes canceling speakers “cuts off the chance to engage, debate, and criticize.”

Wichita State has 14,000 students, including some 3,000 at its technical school and is home to a national institute on aviation research. Parts of Wichita and its suburbs are politically conservative, and Donald Trump carried the county in 2016 by 18 percentage points. Ivanka Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e0fc0c39320f47bb97c009827f9f5bfc">visited WSU Tech last fall</a>&nbsp;to promote its training programs.

The university announced Thursday that she would give a virtual speech for WSU Tech’s graduation and canceled it hours later after a professor’s open letter of protest garnered nearly 500 signatures. The letter said allowing the speech would show that the WSU Tech “does not take diversity seriously.”

Days earlier, police under federal command in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a2797b342b4fc509e43f404817a56aa9">used tear gas&nbsp;</a>to force back peaceful protesters of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis while detained by police. The police action allowed the president to walk to a church near the White House and pose with a Bible, accompanied by his daughter. The president also threatened to use the military to quell violence.

WSU Tech President Sheree Utash&nbsp;<a href="https://wsutech.edu/news/message-from-wsu-tech-president-dr-sheree-utash/" target="_blank">later apologized,</a>&nbsp;calling the timing of the announcement of Ivanka Trump’s speech “insensitive.” Golden has said the university is committed to diversity and that he canceled the speech to avoid a distraction from celebrating the students.

Ivanka Trump responded&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1269044636590497792" target="_blank">by tweeting</a>&nbsp;a link to her remarks and saying universities should be “bastions of free speech.”

“Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia,” she said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a former Wichita-area congressman, called the cancellation “shameful.”

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Donors are pushing Kansas’ higher education board to fire Wichita State University’s president after he canceled a virtual speech by Ivanka Trump for its technical school’s graduation.

The Kansas Board of Regents scheduled a special meeting Wednesday to discuss what it called “personnel matters.” Its staff did not say more, but the meeting comes only two days after a former board member from Wichita said the regents should ask for President Jay Golden’s resignation.

<a href="https://apnews.com/466ba7b32565ecde87ff4eb40dd4f71e">Golden canceled</a>&nbsp;Trump’s speech after students and faculty protested. Students staged an impromptu rally Wednesday to support him.

Steve Clark, the former regent seeking Golden’s ouster, sent a letter Monday to board members saying Golden’s decision to cancel the speech by President Donald Trump’s daughter threatens a multimillion-dollar relationship with Koch Industries, the vast conglomerate led by billionaire and conservative political donor Charles Koch.

<a href="https://www.kansas.com/article243382231.html" target="_blank"></a>A Koch Industries spokeswoman said Wednesday that financial commitments to the university are being honored and, while it opposes canceling speakers, it doesn’t tie funding to university employment actions.

Clark told the regents that officials from Koch Industries and several longtime donors and supporters are “very upset and quite vocal in their decisions to disavow any further support.” He said canceling Trump’s speech damaged the school’s reputation with high-profile donors.

“These relationships can only be restored by Dr. Golden’s departure,” he wrote the regents. “I would strongly encourage you not to let this linger.”

Steve Feilmeier, Koch Industries’ executive vice president and chief financial officer, said he’s been asked to serve on the Wichita State Foundation board and how the speech controversy is resolved will “weigh heavily” on his decision.

The university has said Koch Industries and its associated foundations have spent or pledged to spend more than $15 million there in the past seven years. Company spokeswoman Jessica Koehn said it respects “the university’s independence” in making employment decisions.

The university announced Thursday that she would give a virtual speech for WSU Tech’s graduation and canceled it hours later after a professor’s open letter of protest garnered nearly 500 signatures.

Days earlier, police under federal command in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a2797b342b4fc509e43f404817a56aa9">used tear gas&nbsp;</a>to force back a peaceful protests of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis while detained by police. The police action allowed the president to walk to a church near the White House and pose with a Bible, accompanied by his daughter. The president also threatened to use the military to quell violence.

WSU Tech President Sheree Utash later apologized, calling the timing of the announcement of Ivanka Trump’s speech “insensitive.” Golden has said the university is committed to diversity and that he canceled the speech to avoid a distraction from celebrating the students.

“Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia,” she said.&nbsp; (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&amp;v=-dNU9e0SYIg&amp;feature=emb_logo">Click here </a>to watch a recording of her speech)

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a former Wichita-area congressman, called the cancellation “shameful,” adding in a statement: “The losers here are freedom of thought, the students, and the central idea of universities as places of tolerance and learning.”

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Donors are calling for Wichita State University’s president to be fired after he canceled a virtual speech by Ivanka Trump for its technical school’s graduation.

A former member of the Kansas higher education system’s Board of Regents told the board that the decision by university President Jay Golden threatens a multimillion-dollar relationship with Koch Industries, the vast conglomerate led by billionaire and conservative political donor Charles Koch.

The Board of Regents scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday. Golden took over as the university’s president in January following the death of former President John Bardo.

The university announced Thursday that President Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser would give a virtual speech at the ceremony honoring this year’s graduates of WSU Tech. But her speech was canceled only hours later following criticism from faculty, students and alumni concerned about the Trump administration’s response to nationwide protests against police brutality. Golden later said the university is committed to diversity and that he canceled the speech to avoid a distraction from celebrating the students.

Steve Clark, a former Kansas Board of Regents member from Wichita, told the board in a letter Monday that Koch Industries and several longtime donors and supporters are “very upset and quite vocal in their decisions to disavow any further support.”

WICHITA —WSU Tech has made a change in who will speak at their weekend virtual graduation event.

On Thursday morning, the school announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to the president of the United States, as a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday.

The invitation was extended in February and Ms. Trump offered to record a congratulatory message to graduates to be played during the event, according to a statement released late Thursday from Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech.

"In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive. For this, I’m sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding," according to Utash.

"Our focus with commencement has always been about our graduates and celebrating their accomplishments. To ensure this our only commencement speaker will be Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate," according to a joint statement from Utash and Wichita State University president Jay Golden.

"The graduates will also be invited to separately view congratulatory messages from over 30 voices, including Ms. Trump and community members."

Utash wrote, "I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement. The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

In my heart, my highest priority has always been to support our students and our community, and we will do so on Saturday."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581346426258.jpeg" alt=" WSU President Jay Golden - photo by Stephan Bisaha&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption> WSU President Jay Golden - photo by Stephan Bisaha&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Donors are pushing Kansas’ higher education board to fire Wichita State University’s president after he canceled a virtual speech by Ivanka Trump for its technical school’s graduation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591838980724.png" alt="Board of Regents held their meeting on Zoom Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Board of Regents held their meeting on Zoom Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Board of Regents had a special Zoom meeting Wednesday, only two days after a former board member from Wichita said the regents should ask for President Jay Golden’s resignation. Golden was present for at least part of the four-hour closed meeting.Afterward, the board issued <a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/about/news-releases/2020-news-releases/757-kansas-board-of-regents-statement">a short statement</a> that didn’t mention him or Wichita State, expressing its commitment to “support and promote freedom of speech and diversity and inclusion.”<div> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I stand with the Kansas Board of Regents in its support for freedom of speech and for diversity and inclusion. I look forward to continuing our efforts in advancing the mission and vision of <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WichitaState</a> for all of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShockerNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShockerNation</a>. Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/5YjzzXTsHk">https://t.co/5YjzzXTsHk</a> <a href="https://t.co/cgWkLdLlqG">pic.twitter.com/cgWkLdLlqG</a>&mdash; Dr. Jay Golden (@PresidentWSU) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresidentWSU/status/1270912273612181504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><a href="https://apnews.com/466ba7b32565ecde87ff4eb40dd4f71e">Golden canceled</a>&nbsp;Trump’s speech after students and faculty protested. Students staged an impromptu rally Wednesday for Golden, and nearly 7,200 people had signed a petition supporting him by Wednesday night.<a href="https://www.kansasregents.org/about/news-releases/2020-news-releases/757-kansas-board-of-regents-statement" target="_blank">The board’s statement</a>&nbsp;asked for “patience and understanding” in “unprecedented times.”“We look forward to strengthening relationships with students, alumni and friends,” the statement said.Steve Clark, the former regent seeking Golden’s ouster, sent a letter Monday to board members saying Golden’s decision to cancel the speech by President Donald Trump’s daughter threatens a multimillion-dollar relationship with Koch Industries, the vast conglomerate led by billionaire and conservative political donor Charles Koch.<a href="https://www.kansas.com/article243382231.html" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>He did not return a telephone message Wednesday from The Associated Press.Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican and Wichita State graduate, said she was “deeply disappointed,” adding that when she was a student in the 1970s, “free speech was a fundamental right on campus.”“I fear that may no longer be the case,” she said.A Koch Industries spokeswoman said Wednesday that financial commitments to the university are being honored and, while it opposes canceling speakers, it doesn’t tie funding to university employment actions.Clark is the chairman and CEO of a Wichita investment firm who served as chairman of search committees for both Golden and his predecessor, John Bardo. Golden became president in January, after Bardo died in March 2019.Clark told the regents that officials from Koch Industries and several longtime donors and supporters are “very upset and quite vocal in their decisions to disavow any further support.” He said canceling Trump’s speech damaged the school’s reputation with high-profile donors and relationships can be restored only if Golden leaves.Steve Feilmeier, Koch Industries’ executive vice president and chief financial officer, said in an email that he’s been asked to serve on the Wichita State Foundation board and how the speech controversy is resolved will “weigh heavily” on his decision.The university has said Koch Industries and its associated foundations have spent or pledged to spend more than $15 million there in the past seven years. The university’s basketball arena is named for Charles Koch.Company spokeswoman Jessica Koehn said it respects “the university’s independence” in making employment decisions.But she also said Koch Industries believes canceling speakers “cuts off the chance to engage, debate, and criticize.”Wichita State has 14,000 students, including some 3,000 at its technical school and is home to a national institute on aviation research. Parts of Wichita and its suburbs are politically conservative, and Donald Trump carried the county in 2016 by 18 percentage points. Ivanka Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e0fc0c39320f47bb97c009827f9f5bfc">visited WSU Tech last fall</a>&nbsp;to promote its training programs.The university announced Thursday that she would give a virtual speech for WSU Tech’s graduation and canceled it hours later after a professor’s open letter of protest garnered nearly 500 signatures. The letter said allowing the speech would show that the WSU Tech “does not take diversity seriously.”Days earlier, police under federal command in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a2797b342b4fc509e43f404817a56aa9">used tear gas&nbsp;</a>to force back peaceful protesters of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis while detained by police. The police action allowed the president to walk to a church near the White House and pose with a Bible, accompanied by his daughter. The president also threatened to use the military to quell violence.WSU Tech President Sheree Utash&nbsp;<a href="https://wsutech.edu/news/message-from-wsu-tech-president-dr-sheree-utash/" target="_blank">later apologized,</a>&nbsp;calling the timing of the announcement of Ivanka Trump’s speech “insensitive.” Golden has said the university is committed to diversity and that he canceled the speech to avoid a distraction from celebrating the students.Ivanka Trump responded&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1269044636590497792" target="_blank">by tweeting</a>&nbsp;a link to her remarks and saying universities should be “bastions of free speech.”“Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia,” she said.U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a former Wichita-area congressman, called the cancellation “shameful.”---------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Donors are pushing Kansas’ higher education board to fire Wichita State University’s president after he canceled a virtual speech by Ivanka Trump for its technical school’s graduation.The Kansas Board of Regents scheduled a special meeting Wednesday to discuss what it called “personnel matters.” Its staff did not say more, but the meeting comes only two days after a former board member from Wichita said the regents should ask for President Jay Golden’s resignation.<a href="https://apnews.com/466ba7b32565ecde87ff4eb40dd4f71e">Golden canceled</a>&nbsp;Trump’s speech after students and faculty protested. Students staged an impromptu rally Wednesday to support him.Steve Clark, the former regent seeking Golden’s ouster, sent a letter Monday to board members saying Golden’s decision to cancel the speech by President Donald Trump’s daughter threatens a multimillion-dollar relationship with Koch Industries, the vast conglomerate led by billionaire and conservative political donor Charles Koch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574437394978.png" alt="Secretary of State Mike Pompeo&nbsp; and Ivanka Trump visited Wichita in Oct. 2019" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo&nbsp; and Ivanka Trump visited Wichita in Oct. 2019</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansas.com/article243382231.html" target="_blank"></a>A Koch Industries spokeswoman said Wednesday that financial commitments to the university are being honored and, while it opposes canceling speakers, it doesn’t tie funding to university employment actions.Clark is the chairman and CEO of a Wichita investment firm who served as chairman of search committees for both Golden and his predecessor, John Bardo. Golden became president in January, after Bardo died in March 2019.Clark told the regents that officials from Koch Industries and several longtime donors and supporters are “very upset and quite vocal in their decisions to disavow any further support.” He said canceling Trump’s speech damaged the school’s reputation with high-profile donors.“These relationships can only be restored by Dr. Golden’s departure,” he wrote the regents. “I would strongly encourage you not to let this linger.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We stand with President Dr. Jay Golden of Wichita State University. Dr. Golden listened to the student voices’ and took action, which is one of the things that makes him a great university president. <a href="https://t.co/16wf1JyYgo">pic.twitter.com/16wf1JyYgo</a>&mdash; Wichita State Student Government Association (@WichitaStateSGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaStateSGA/status/1270739357541044224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Steve Feilmeier, Koch Industries’ executive vice president and chief financial officer, said he’s been asked to serve on the Wichita State Foundation board and how the speech controversy is resolved will “weigh heavily” on his decision.The university has said Koch Industries and its associated foundations have spent or pledged to spend more than $15 million there in the past seven years. Company spokeswoman Jessica Koehn said it respects “the university’s independence” in making employment decisions.But she also said Koch Industries believes canceling speakers “cuts off the chance to engage, debate, and criticize.”Wichita State has 14,000 students, including some 3,000 at its technical school and is home to a national institute on aviation research. Parts of Wichita and its suburbs are politically conservative, and Donald Trump carried the county in 2016 by 18 percentage points. Ivanka Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e0fc0c39320f47bb97c009827f9f5bfc">visited WSU Tech last fall</a>&nbsp;to promote its training programs.The university announced Thursday that she would give a virtual speech for WSU Tech’s graduation and canceled it hours later after a professor’s open letter of protest garnered nearly 500 signatures.Days earlier, police under federal command in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a2797b342b4fc509e43f404817a56aa9">used tear gas&nbsp;</a>to force back a peaceful protests of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis while detained by police. The police action allowed the president to walk to a church near the White House and pose with a Bible, accompanied by his daughter. The president also threatened to use the military to quell violence.WSU Tech President Sheree Utash later apologized, calling the timing of the announcement of Ivanka Trump’s speech “insensitive.” Golden has said the university is committed to diversity and that he canceled the speech to avoid a distraction from celebrating the students.Ivanka Trump responded&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1269044636590497792" target="_blank">by tweeting</a>&nbsp;a link to her remarks and saying universities should be “bastions of free speech.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here is the message I recorded on May 18th for the Graduates of WSU-Tech. I know that all of these talented graduates will dream big and aspire to make the world a better place!&mdash; Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1269044635634143233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Cancel culture and viewpoint discrimination are antithetical to academia,” she said.&nbsp; (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&amp;v=-dNU9e0SYIg&amp;feature=emb_logo">Click here </a>to watch a recording of her speech)U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a former Wichita-area congressman, called the cancellation “shameful,” adding in a statement: “The losers here are freedom of thought, the students, and the central idea of universities as places of tolerance and learning.”----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Donors are calling for Wichita State University’s president to be fired after he canceled a virtual speech by Ivanka Trump for its technical school’s graduation.A former member of the Kansas higher education system’s Board of Regents told the board that the decision by university President Jay Golden threatens a multimillion-dollar relationship with Koch Industries, the vast conglomerate led by billionaire and conservative political donor Charles Koch.The Board of Regents scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday. Golden took over as the university’s president in January following the death of former President John Bardo.The university announced Thursday that President Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser would give a virtual speech at the ceremony honoring this year’s graduates of WSU Tech. But her speech was canceled only hours later following criticism from faculty, students and alumni concerned about the Trump administration’s response to nationwide protests against police brutality. Golden later said the university is committed to diversity and that he canceled the speech to avoid a distraction from celebrating the students.Steve Clark, a former Kansas Board of Regents member from Wichita, told the board in a letter Monday that Koch Industries and several longtime donors and supporters are “very upset and quite vocal in their decisions to disavow any further support.”-------------WICHITA —WSU Tech has made a change in who will speak at their weekend virtual graduation event.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574437394978.png" alt="Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ivanka Trump during her visit to Wichita in October of 2019" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Ivanka Trump during her visit to Wichita in October of 2019</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday morning, the school announced that Ivanka Trump, advisor to the president of the United States, as a planned speaker at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday.The invitation was extended in February and Ms. Trump offered to record a congratulatory message to graduates to be played during the event, according to a statement released late Thursday from Dr. Sheree Utash, President, WSU Tech."In light of the social justice issues brought forth by George Floyd’s death, I understand and take responsibility that the timing of the announcement was insensitive. For this, I’m sorry that was never the intent, and I want you to know I have heard you and we are responding," according to Utash."Our focus with commencement has always been about our graduates and celebrating their accomplishments. To ensure this our only commencement speaker will be Rebecca Zinabu, WSU Tech practical nursing graduate," according to a joint statement from Utash and Wichita State University president Jay Golden."The graduates will also be invited to separately view congratulatory messages from over 30 voices, including Ms. Trump and community members."Utash wrote, "I respect and understand the sharply divided reaction to today’s announcement. The college stands with those who fight injustice and advocate for social equity, and we’re profoundly proud of the diversity and social change being brought forth by our students, alumni, faculty, and staff.In my heart, my highest priority has always been to support our students and our community, and we will do so on Saturday."

The Latest: Canceling Ivanka Trump spurs backlash at Wichita State

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Safety Tyrann Mathieu discussed the Black Lives Matter movement today. Following are their comments.

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“It’s my pleasure to get with you guys as we wind down here and get ourselves ready for the summer break, however long that might be. We know we won’t have players in the building here, so we’ll finish up just like we normally would. Again, appreciate you guys’ patience this whole offseason. It’s been a unique experience in a lot of ways with the coronavirus. Our hearts go out to those people that have had to endure. The frontline people have just been absolutely awesome. Of anybody, the people that have lost their lives, that&nbsp; has been tragic for those families. And then, with the racial issues going on now, it breaks my heart. I’m an old head. I’ve been around long enough. I’ve seen a few generations, met a couple different generations that have come through, including my own, and I’m so happy, I’m so fired up about our younger generation. They are taking it and they’re attacking this thing the right way. I just think we have this great country and these kids know how great this country is. They absolutely know how great it is, and all they want to do is make it better. I think that’s a beautiful thing, especially, like I said, I’m not getting any younger, so I’ve got grandkids, and I’m so blessed that these guys and ladies are doing this and standing up for what they believe. I was lucky enough to grow up around diverse cultures and religions, everything, in Los Angeles. I was in sports at the same time, so my respect for people is that, for people. We’re sitting here with this push on Black Lives Matter, and absolutely they matter. I think it’s a beautiful thing. I’m in complete support with them. I believe in communication. I believe in what my parents taught me about at times like this, you have large ears. You sit, you listen, and you learn, and you become better. That’s where I’m at. I appreciate Patrick (Mahomes) and Tyrann (Mathieu) for what they did and standing up, making a statement that allows all of us to be in a better place where love is first and we can surround all of ourselves with great people. And most of all, respect the people we come in contact with. This world is a great thing. I go way back to, I’m glad the heavenly father has given me a chance to be here, first of all. And there’s a reason why our players in the National Football League get so excited to come to work every day. The head coach, the coaches get so excited, myself – I’ll speak for myself. I don’t want to speak for others here. I get fired up every day because I get to work with my guys. I get to see how smart and how much they thrive on life and competition and just the greatness that they bring to my spirit every day.&nbsp; I mean it. I always wish that everybody could feel that. That’s what really our guys want. They want to take this and allow others to feel it. We’ve got to be open minded and open hearted to do this. I respect how Clark Hunt has taken this and jumped in with the players and just said, ‘Hey, listen, I’m in support. I’m all ears. I want to learn. I want to listen, and I want to help.’ And Mark Donovan has just been tremendous with the guys, as Brett Veach has been. Tyrann and Patrick have kind of headed up with the players in putting together some thoughts on what they can do to make things better in Kansas City here, and they’re working through that now, which I again, I appreciate it and completely support it. Again, my heart goes out to three people that have passed away, but this isn’t something new. I saw it as a young person, and it’s going on today. Technology has exploited it here, so we can all see it. You better believe it. It’s real, and it needs to end. Our hands, us old folks, this younger generation, they’re studs. They believe in themselves. They believe in each other, and they believe in equality. Let’s jump in. Let’s jump in full-fledged. Let’s jump in, learn and listen. And let’s make this place even greater than it is right now. We have a chance to do that. With that, I’d like to tell you that the offseason has been interesting for those reasons there, but it’s also been a great learning experience for our coaches and players. Not only have we learned all this technology, but we’ve also learned how to incorporate it into teaching. So, even though we don’t have the players on the field, we’re able to spend a couple hours with them and teach. We haven’t slowed down a lick. We’ve introduced new things to the guys, and we’ve gone back through and reviewed our scheme evals that the coaches spent a lot of time this offseason going through and being critical and trying to better ourselves. We’ve got plenty of room to improve, and we’re all willing to do that. That’s where we’re at. We have another week left here. Next week we’ll finish. This week here we’re actually going back through like you guys know we do, going back through our opponents, AFC West opponents and our first game, which we know now. We’re going to get ourselves ready for camp. We don’t know exactly what that’s going to represent, going to camp. We don’t know where we’re going to be or how we’re going to do it and all that. But, we’ll keep our ears open and we’ll be ready to roll. Whatever situation that’s presented to us, we’re going to dominate that and work our tails off to be great. That’s where we’re at. With that, time’s yours.”

Q:&nbsp;You are finishing up this week?

REID:&nbsp;“Next week will be our last week. This week is opponents, and next week is where we would have normally had our mandatory minicamp. We’ll finish up next week.”

Q:&nbsp;You said that you and Mark Donovan and Clark Hunt are all in support of the players. Can you talk about how you are supporting the players in that respect?

REID:&nbsp;“They’re heading towards a program of voter registration and working through teaching and educating with voter registration, and that’s, again, we’re working through that as we speak here. We’ll have a statement for you once we get it all taken care of.”

Q:&nbsp;A lot of players are saying that they will kneel for the National Anthem. Have you had conversations with Patrick or Tyrann regarding what the players’ plan is, what your plan is? Has the league spoken to you or has Clark spoken to you regarding that?

REID:&nbsp;“No, I haven’t even gone there. This isn’t about kneeling. It’s about progress. We all get hung up on this other deal. That’s not what this is about. If we could just focus in on appreciating life, appreciating people. Not judging by the outer skin. You asked this question, I appreciate you asking. I used to do this thing with Blow Pops when I talked to kids and tried to educate. This is from when I was young and up through today. I take four Blow Pops, pick three kids and say we’re going to have a bubble gum blowing contest. Within one of those Blow Pops, I take the wrapper off and put a $100 bill under the wrapper. Not one time in the 50 to 100 times I’ve given this talk has anyone picked the wrapper that was messed up, that looks like it’s been messed with because people judge by what’s on the outside, what they see instead of getting in and enjoying what’s inside. In this example, would be that bubble gum. So, let’s get away from judging. This goes for everybody. We’re talking about racial issues. Let’s get in and see what’s inside people, and when you do, you’re going to see beauty. There are some beautiful, beautiful people out there that we’re putting walls up against and we don’t have an opportunity to be here on Earth very long. I’m taking advantage of every person I’m going to meet. I’m going to take advantage of that person and try to look at them for the good. If they prove opposite, then I’ll go that way with it. But, I’m going to give people an opportunity. I’ve tried to do that throughout my life, and again, that’s from my parents and my upbringing of where I grew up. This whole thing, it needs to end. I’m sorry for going off there, but I was just trying to fill you in on a little something there.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you anticipate having conversations with the players regarding kneeling?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s not where I’ve been or where I’m going. No. That’s not where I’m at right now, and I don’t want people to focus on that. This is bigger than that. This is more important than that, and right now, I know people are going to start counting heads and focusing on this and that, and that’s terrible. That’s not what this is about. Don’t worry about that. Worry about getting better. Go out and do that. Introduce yourself to somebody and make a friend. See how good people are. Let’s get back to some of the basics.”

Q:&nbsp;How proud are you of Patrick and Tyrann for being leaders?

REID:&nbsp;“I love it. I see it every day. That’s why I get fired up to coach. It’s been that way since I’ve been a coach. I’m telling you, this generation. I’ve been coaching for a couple generations now. That’s why I get fired up. Every week you ask me, I see you sitting with Patrick and talking, and I tell you every week that I listen to Patrick and what Patrick says. I listen to Eric Bieniemy, Mike Kafka. I listen. How important is that? I think it’s a beautiful thing. Dig in and try it. Let’s try it in everybody. I grew up in the city, so I know there are gangs for every race. Let’s pump the brakes and try to see the good in each other. It will work out better. It will work out better for everybody. We’re all humans. That’s the beauty of this thing. We’re blessed to be here.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you talk about what the conversation was when Clark saw the video?

REID:&nbsp;“Clark was unbelievable. He was so proud of those guys. He called them and talked to them. That’s how Clark does it. However people see it, he’s unbelievable with the guys that way. He’s all in, and our guys know it. That’s why you don’t hear a lot of chatter and that. These guys, they know they have an open ear to talk to. Whether it’s Clark, Mark, Brett, myself, it’s an open ear. We’re there to listen, and we’re all in it together. That’s what we’re doing. We’re a team. That’s what team is. That’s the beauty of this thing.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you and the organization plan to get behind Patrick and Tyrann and the voter registration piece?

REID:&nbsp;“Absolutely. We’re all in. Those guys are heading it up. I’m proud of them for that. Clark Hunt is right there with them. I’m proud of that too. He’s all in and we’re all in. That’s what we need to do. I’m doing way too much talking here, but talking needs to stop and we need to dig in and let’s go. Let’s go, do something.”

Q:&nbsp;What happened this time around that is different than four years ago when Colin Kaepernick took a knee? What do you think when you see the peaceful protest videos around the city?

REID:&nbsp;“You’re talking about this video right there, what’s the beauty in that? The beauty is that it’s all a bunch of people coming together. I’m right down by the Plaza. I see it. The beautiful thing is it’s not one race, it’s all races supporting Black Lives Matter. That gives me chills just talking about it. That’s our younger generation. That’s what’s going to set up this country for my grandkids. I’m fired up for that. The Colin Kaepernick (part, I’m not going to get into all that. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t have all the answers for this. I just know that picture that you just showed me and asked me about, that fires me up. That fires me up.”

Q:&nbsp;What experiences or mentors are you leaning on with how to communicate with the guys and maintain that togetherness that you mentioned?

REID:&nbsp;“I grew up in Los Angeles, in the 60s and 70s. My high school was a melting pot. I had a Japanese head football coach. I had a Hispanic defensive coordinator. It goes on. This is what I had. I had black teammates, Asian teammates, Hispanic teammates, Middle Eastern teammates. And you mess with one of them, I’m going to get after you. You know what I’m saying? We came together. That’s the team. That’s how I feel. I’m all in. I was raised that way. I don’t see those other things. I see humans. I’m not looking at the wrapper. I’m going to look at what’s inside, and I’m going to get in there and I’m going to find out. Are you a good person, are you willing to work, do you care about other people? What’s inside. What makes you tick. And if I can help it tick a little better, I’ll try to do it. And if you can help, take your strengths and help me tick a little better, let’s roll. I mean, let’s go. I’ll go all day and I’ll be your biggest supporter. Somebody messes with you, I’m coming after you. That’s how I go, and that’s because of the upbringing I had and how I was raised and where I was raised.”

Q:&nbsp;What was your reaction to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement? How do you think the league can get through this?

REID:&nbsp;“I think Roger, he was a stud right there. That’s a hard thing to do. To say, ‘I was wrong.’ How many of us have a hard time saying that? And time can do that to you, right. We’ve all been in that position where things change. It’s changing right now. How great is that. Every generation has changed in some way to get us to this point, and now we get to put it down and end it. Like I said, I’m big on this. It makes the NFL better. It’s going to make our country better. We live in a great place. We’re so lucky to be here. My guys tell me that every day. They know that. Now they get to make it better. If you take that and you take what we do as a team and what we talk about all the time is ‘how can we get better than what we were before?’ Now, you might have to take a step back to be greater, to take a step forward. That’s what these guys believe in and you’re seeing it now. You’re seeing everything that we see every day and why we get so fired up to talk to you guys and dealing with you all. I have to get over that prejudice with you guys (laughing). That’s how we feel. We see this and it’s so exciting. Like I said, it keeps old heads like me, young. I appreciate it.”

Q:&nbsp;Do you have a theory about why guys are reacting to this differently this time around?

REID:&nbsp;“Now that I’m dealing with all this technology, I think it goes back to technology helps us learn here. We know the evils of it. There’s good and there’s bad in everything, right? But there is good in this. People saw this firsthand. That’s why the picture that we just saw, everybody is in. Everybody is talking the same talk here. It’s time to change. Like I said, I’m proud of this generation for doing that. I think it’s a neat deal. I think it’s what people see. They’ve heard it over and over, but now they’ve seen it. I think it’s a positive thing.”

Q:&nbsp;How much do you agree with shortening the preseason?

REID:&nbsp;“I’ll do anything that we have to do. I want to make sure people are safe. I think we all do, right? I want to make sure that there are no repercussions. We’re in a time of change with that, with the COVID-19. We’re learning new stuff every day and the doctors in science are doing a phenomenal job with this. Let’s see how it goes. I think the league is probably feeling the same way. They haven’t given us anything on the start date or not, other than what was the start date before, so rookies are in the 22nd&nbsp;or you can bring them in a bit earlier I guess. But you mentioned this, we have this new CBA, so I’ve gone through with training camp and put together – along with Eric Bieniemy, Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) and (Dave) Toub – a regular training camp with flexibility if we have to go a different direction, we can do it. But we’re ready to roll. By the time we leave, we’ll have a complete set, and if they give us new rules, then we can change as we go. But right now, we’re full-fledge on and I’m sure there will be different things and hurdles we have to cross, but we’ll be ready.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you go about balancing football and getting ready for the season and being cautious to make sure your players are safe from COVID-19?

REID:&nbsp;“Social distancing, all those things are important until we know more. We know that right now that works, so let’s focus on that. Until we know something else, we’ll do something else. But, this is new, so let science help us along with this thing and hopefully time takes care of it, which it normally does with these things. I’ve been through a couple of these types of things. I had the opportunity to coach in San Francisco when the AIDS epidemic was going on, so I felt that firsthand. I get the urgency there. Let’s just roll with it and see. We all know there’s going to be some kind of chance potentially going on, and we’ll adjust.”

Q:&nbsp;With your platform and your position not only as the face of the Chiefs franchise, but also one of the faces of the NFL right now, how have you worked through the scope of what’s happening right now, ways people can help, while also figuring out how you want to help and how you want to help push forward for change?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think the biggest thing that I’ve done is just lean on people that I respect, people that I believe have done it the right way. I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with a lot of great role models around me and just trying to find and listen to them as they talk to me. And other people around the league who I feel have done it the right way and listen to the advice they give me. And then make the best-informed decision as far as what I do and the next step I take to move forward. Like you said, I’ve been given this platform and I want to make sure I do whatever I can to make the world a better place in whichever way that is.”

Q:&nbsp;There are a lot of players and voices that are involved in this player movement right now. But in the NFL, none of them have accomplished what you have in the short time of your career. Are you aware of the weight that your presence lends to the cause?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I’m definitely aware. I’m aware of everything, aware of my surrounding, aware that coming off of a Super Bowl championship and being the quarterback of a Super Bowl winning team, but I’ve always believed in people. And I’ve always believed that when people do things together and do things for the right reasons and have a good heart when they do it, that things get done and change happens. That’s how I’ve grown up – like I said in my statement – I’ve grown up in a locker room, so I’ve seen how people have come together and strive for a certain goal and to go do things. I believe that if people have the right intentions and the right heart and can come together, they can really affect the world and make it a better place.”

Q:&nbsp;What is your message to the young people that look up to you as an MVP and a champion? Especially for those kids that might experience racial inequality, what would you say to them about what they can do to make the world a better place?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I would say to do the same thing I’ve done my entire life and that is to talk to the people that have taught them their values and have taught them the right way to do things, and listen to them because they’ve had those experiences. I’m 24 years old so I’m maturing and learning things as I go, but I’ve learned a lot from people like my dad, LaTroy Hawkins and Coach Reid, and learned that there are ways to handle things in order to get your point across and respect people and do the right thing. But you have to learn and have your own experiences to do that. Just take in as much information as you can, making the best-informed decision you can make and try to do whatever you can to make the world a better place in every action you take.”

Q:&nbsp;When you decided to post your statement on social media, as well as participate in the Black Lives Matter video with other players, were you concerned at all about what the reaction might be from fans, ownership, potential sponsors? And have you seen any feedback, either positive or negative to your comments?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I feel like with every decision that you make, there’s going to be positives and negatives and that’s the world that we live in today. I believe in both my statement and the video that I made, that that stuff needed to be said. We needed to come together as a group, as players, and show that we believe that black lives matter and that we believe this needs to be informed, and we need to be the role models to go out there and take that step. Obviously, it was great to find the support that we’ve gotten from the Chiefs, from Coach Reid, from Clark Hunt, Mark Donovan. I’ve talked to Roger Goodell and he has shown his support to us. It’s something where I’m always going to be informed in my decision and understand that there’s going to be good and there’s going to be bad. But if I believe something, and I truly believe it, I’m going to – like Coach Reid says – let my personality show and I’m going to stand behind my words and I’m going to take whatever consequences that come with it. And hopefully they’re positive. But I’m going to be the best person I can be first, whatever that is.”

Q:&nbsp;What did you make of the 48 hours that Drew Brees had in terms of his original statement, his change of heart, and what that says about him?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I’ve known Drew for a pretty long time just being from Texas, and I know that he’s a good person and he has a good heart. Obviously, his statement missed the point and missed what was going on in the world today and took away attention from the movement that was going on and the peaceful protesting that was going on. But I think you see with his actions afterwards, and I believe with his actions moving forward, you will see the true person that he is, how much he cares about his community, and how much he cares about the people that he’s around. Time will tell, but I know that every interaction that I’ve had with him, he’s always showed me the upmost respect and I believe that his actions will show that as we continue to move forward.”

Q:&nbsp;Andy Reid said that you and Tyrann Mathieu are working on a voter registration program. Do you have any details that you could share right now? And why was that something you guys chose to focus on right now as part of this movement?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think it came from talking and listening to teammates and people throughout our organization. Obviously with voting coming up for local offices and everything like that, we wanted to make sure that was in the front of our minds. We’ve talked about several things, nothing that is completely in stone, but voter registration was one big one that we really want to move forward with. We’ve had initial talks with Clark and we’ve talked with Mark Donovan and we’ve set up a meeting for next week with our committee, with a lot of the players that are kind of leaders on our team, and we’re going to try to find the best way to give money or support or whatever it is to get as many people registered to vote so they can go and try to affect change in every way they feel possible.”

Q:&nbsp;You mentioned your parents in your social media post and have spoken about them today. Was there a conversation that you remember from when you were a kid where maybe you realized that things weren’t quite right or the same for everybody? And what advice have you gotten from them, or can you get from them, as you move forward?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I always reference back to it in a lot of different situations and I’ve talked about it today, but I never had a talk that some people have had with their dads or their parents about being black and the inequalities that you could possibly have. I was blessed to be in a smaller hometown where everybody kind of knew who I was, and I was never put in a situation where I felt like I was not getting the same privileges as someone else. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned about it through having a black side of my family, and I’ve seen how they feel about it and I’ve talked to people that are on that side of the family. And I’ve also talked to people on my mom’s side of the family and I feel like I have a great perspective of how people feel and how the black community feels, how they don’t feel they get the same rights or value in some situations. My job I feel, having my platform, is to do whatever I can to just bring those feelings to light and let the rest of the world understand how people feel so that we can be a better community and a better world together.”

Q:&nbsp;What was your thought process between the time when you first saw the George Floyd murder video and when you decided to speak up? And also, what decision went into your decision to participate in the Black Lives Matter video?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“The first part of your question, I can’t watch the entire George Floyd video through and through. I’ve watched in parts, but it hurts me too much to my soul to see him and feel like I can’t help, I can’t do anything to help the horrible situation that happened where George Floyd got murdered. To me, it just affected me knowing that I have people in my family who have been in and out of jail that could have been put in that situation. That’s where it took me – that could have been one of my family members, that could have been someone that I cared about, and how much hurt his family must be feeling – I can’t even understand honestly. I wanted to sit back and listen. I didn’t want to act off of anger, I didn’t want to act off of hurt. I wanted listen and make the best-informed decision that I think I could to help the world, help the community with my platform. So, I felt like that was where I first came up with my statement of trying to unite and show love to everybody. Then when I got the video, (New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver) Michael Thomas actually sent me the video and the script and I loved the idea and I wanted to get every piece of information I could on it. I called everybody that I really trust and talked to them about it and decided that I really felt like I needed to be in this video and I needed to show my support to unite with the players and show that we care. That’s kind of how we came to make that video. Obviously, the NFL came back and made a video to kind of support what we said, and we think that’s the first step, but we want to make sure that it leads to action and it leads to different things that we can go out in the community and do to make the world a better place.”

Q:&nbsp;There were other recent killings of black people. What was it about this particular murder that made you speak up now?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it was just a culmination of seeing all this happening and wanting it to stop, wanting us to find a better way of preventing these instances from happening. It’s not that one of them was more significant than the other, it was just all of it happening and then me feeling like enough is enough, we’ve got to do something about this. I’m blessed to have this platform, why not use it? As I’ve gotten older, and I know I’m still young, I’ve learned a lot and I think that was one of the things – I know I have this platform, I know everyone’s not going to agree with it, but I’m going to do my best to make the world a better place and this is the right moment to do it.”

Q:&nbsp;When Michael Thomas contacted you about being part of the video, what was your first reaction and now that you are a leader and a face of the National Football League what kind of responsibility is that for you?

MATHIEU:&nbsp;“When he first reached out to me I thought it was a great idea. He actually needed a couple more guys, he was just trying to see who had the most influence and who would be willing to put their name out there. It was kind of good to see a bunch of guys with great influence throughout the NFL be a part of that. I think our social responsibility, I think it goes far beyond the football field. I think we have a true impact in our communities. I think we are able to influence masses of people. For us it’s about owning that and doing it the right way and being conscious that the only way we’re ever going to be able to get any kind of change is if both sides are willing to change. That’s the biggest thing is to fall forward together.”

Q:&nbsp;I saw what you did for New Orleans with paying the rent for some families down there. Did this encourage you to do even more than what you were doing? You do so much for the community but was this a call to action to do even more to try to step up and make others step up as well?

MATHIEU:&nbsp;“I always preach to my guys, to my teammates, former teammates how important it is for those guys to use their platform. Some of those guys come from big cities, some of those guys come from small cities and I think if all of us reached back, we were all kind of important in our communities at one point in time. It’s important for us to never forget that and even with that said, us being where we are today it’s important for us to go back into our communities and educate them and continue to push those guys forward. I think this right here, everything that’s going on, a lot of guys are going to step up. It’s going to be much more than guys pitching football camps back home. I see a lot more guys really getting involved in their communities and really trying to push it forward.”

Q:&nbsp;Were you aware when you agreed to be a part of the player video what kind of impact that video would have?

MATHIEU:&nbsp;“I didn’t. Us as football players we don’t really think like that. We tend to do things whether they have a good or bad effect. I don’t think the intention of the video was to be heroes. I think ultimately, we saw ourselves as the guys to say something. I know for a lot of us it’s been going on for a while, this problem. Most of us would consider this the second time around. The first time around a lot of us didn’t speak up. A lot of us weren’t vocal, for many reasons. I just think right now, collectively, everybody just wants to see everything pushed forward the right way. I think it’s important.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you have to see both in the NFL and the world in one year, two years or three years from now to say that we really accomplished something?

MATHIEU:&nbsp;“I think obviously you would want to stop seeing people killed on video, whether it’s on video or not. You would like to see more people step up, no matter what side of the fence they’re on. I think most importantly, like I continue to mention, it’s all about us coming together collectively. We all come from different parts of the world, we all come from different spaces in our lives and I think the most important thing to understand is that in order to move forward we’re going to have to love each other, we’re going to have to listen to each other, we’re going to have to begin to understand each other. I just look at the world as such a big place, such a beautiful place and if we’re able to come this far with so many issues, imagine how far we can go if everybody collectively worked together. I think one of the things we’re going to do, myself and the Chiefs included, which I talked to Clark (Hunt) about this. But if we’re able to really impact voter registration, if we’re able to really give those people a voice and really allow those people to go into their communities and really elect their leaders, I think that’s going to be very, very important going forward. I think if you want to change anything, you’re going to have to educate people on what it is that they have to do to change things. A lot of times it’s a lot more than just protesting. You have to really find a call to action, and I think voter registration, that can impact a lot of people. I think that can really see good change.”

Q:&nbsp;You talk about voter registration. Why was that a thing as group that you landed on? I know there’s a lot of different things out there, what was it about that one in particular that just resonated with you guys as a group?

MATHIEU:&nbsp;“I think we can sit here all day and talk about a lot of different things and most of those topics are very sensitive, they’re very tough conversations and I think voter registration isn’t one of those conversations. I think it impacts everybody. I think everybody can be a part of that. Like I mentioned, if guys like myself and more guys like me can make voting “cool” if we can make that a trendy thing, we’re really changing the future. We’re really setting these kids up for a great future. We’re really allowing these kids access to more opportunities. Offering these kids more education and more resources and I think the way to do that is to put people in office that are going to do that. Probably the most important thing is to vote, but a lot of folks don’t think that’s cool. Maybe we can make that a “cool” thing again.”

Q:&nbsp;How comfortable are you with the NFL’s protocols to bring players back? Also, how do you approach the break between next week and the start of camp knowing that Coronavirus is still a threat out there?

MATHIEU:&nbsp;“For me, my rule number one every day I wake up is to protect my family. Definitely wouldn’t want to be bringing anything back home to my family, but along the other lines I miss football. It’s been too long. I’m excited about it. I was actually telling someone the other day, I don’t think I ever checked out. I’m still in football mode and that’s a good thing for me. It doesn’t matter when we start, I’m gonna be really to roll. I’m excited about it. A lot of my teammates are excited about it even though this offseason has been a little bit different than most. I think we’ve actually gotten a little bit better. I think we got a little smarter, so hopefully most guys have been using this time to make sure their body is right, make sure their mind is right, because we have been through a lot these last couple of months and to go to football season, it’s going to take great leadership. It’s going to take great accountability for everybody, all 32 teams. There’s going to be a lot on a lot of people’s minds, and I think us as a team, we have to be able to use that as our advantage. We have to be able to lock in and really be there for each other. I’m looking forward to it.”

Chiefs' Reid, Mahomes, Mathieu discuss Black Lives Matter

MANHATTAN – As an academic, Cheryl Boyer is familiar with the growing body of research that suggests gardening is a boost to the body and mind.

But as a gardener herself, it’s just plain fun.

“Taking on a gardening project,” said Boyer, K-State Research and Extension state leader for horticulture and natural resources, “gives people the opportunity to get outside, work with their hands, and get away from the computer, social media and the news … maybe listen to some music and get out of their heads for a while.”

It’s perhaps too early to know for sure, but the global pandemic seems to have led to an increased interest in gardening across the country.

In Kansas, Boyer and several of her colleagues statewide recently launched an online series called the&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/k-state-garden-hour-webinar-series/k_state_garden_hour.html" target="_blank">K-State Garden Hour</a>, which airs each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m.

In its first week, the program had more than 400 participants tune in to a talk on planting native flowers in the backyard. Then, in just the second week, nearly 1,000 people registered for a lesson on growing tomatoes.

Boyer said that program was set up to accommodate 500 participants, so the early success has led organizers to re-evaluate for an online session that can host as many as 1,000 people in the future.

“The feedback we have received has been very positive,” Boyer said. “I think people stuck at home right now are finding a lot of value in the educational information we offer through K-State Research and Extension, particularly as it helps them be more successful in the garden and understand our natural world better. It’s been very rewarding to help people find our excellent resources.

“You know, I think people who garden discover the universal joys of working with their hands and seeing the results of their work grow and thrive.”

In the last 10 years, research has supported Americans’ interest in gardening, and the health benefits that come from it.

Beginning in 2011, Texas A&amp;M researchers Charlie Hall and Madeline Dickson published three reviews in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hriresearch.org/journal/journal-environmental-horticulture" target="_blank">Journal of Environmental Horticulture</a>&nbsp;to outline the benefits associated with gardening.

They reported such physiological health benefits as better sleep; lower incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and allergies; enhanced immunity; increased physical activity; and positive cognitive development.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591753134670.jpeg" alt="Gardening is believed to provide multiple benefits. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Gardening is believed to provide multiple benefits. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN – As an academic, Cheryl Boyer is familiar with the growing body of research that suggests gardening is a boost to the body and mind.But as a gardener herself, it’s just plain fun.“Taking on a gardening project,” said Boyer, K-State Research and Extension state leader for horticulture and natural resources, “gives people the opportunity to get outside, work with their hands, and get away from the computer, social media and the news … maybe listen to some music and get out of their heads for a while.”It’s perhaps too early to know for sure, but the global pandemic seems to have led to an increased interest in gardening across the country.In Kansas, Boyer and several of her colleagues statewide recently launched an online series called the&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/k-state-garden-hour-webinar-series/k_state_garden_hour.html" target="_blank">K-State Garden Hour</a>, which airs each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m.In its first week, the program had more than 400 participants tune in to a talk on planting native flowers in the backyard. Then, in just the second week, nearly 1,000 people registered for a lesson on growing tomatoes.Boyer said that program was set up to accommodate 500 participants, so the early success has led organizers to re-evaluate for an online session that can host as many as 1,000 people in the future.“The feedback we have received has been very positive,” Boyer said. “I think people stuck at home right now are finding a lot of value in the educational information we offer through K-State Research and Extension, particularly as it helps them be more successful in the garden and understand our natural world better. It’s been very rewarding to help people find our excellent resources.“You know, I think people who garden discover the universal joys of working with their hands and seeing the results of their work grow and thrive.”In the last 10 years, research has supported Americans’ interest in gardening, and the health benefits that come from it.Beginning in 2011, Texas A&amp;M researchers Charlie Hall and Madeline Dickson published three reviews in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hriresearch.org/journal/journal-environmental-horticulture" target="_blank">Journal of Environmental Horticulture</a>&nbsp;to outline the benefits associated with gardening.They reported such physiological health benefits as better sleep; lower incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and allergies; enhanced immunity; increased physical activity; and positive cognitive development.In a subsequent review, they reported such social benefits as increased attachment to place and community; reduced community crime; improved access to healthy and affordable food; and improved school performance in children.Related to mental health, Boyer noted other researchers’ studies in which home gardeners “describe a sense of vitality obtained from being outdoors in natural settings, which gives energy to purposeful action by adults.”“Combined with better sleep and all the other benefits listed, gardening is a natural stress management technique that contributes to mood boosting,” she said.Boyer noted that gardening is for anyone, experienced or not. In Kansas, the&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/master-gardeners" target="_blank">Extension Master Gardeners</a>&nbsp;volunteer program is a good in-road to learning, she said.“I think Extension Master Gardeners is the best example of a program that directly addresses the combination of promoting gardening and mental health benefits,” she said. “Most participants in the program join for the education and social interaction, then later experience all of the other benefits as they grow in their horticultural efforts.”Having a support group also can help beginning gardeners overcome their fear of early failure, she noted.“For beginners, find something that speaks to your heart and soul, and put your effort where you can enjoy it on a regular basis,” Boyer said. “For example, we are seeing a resurgence in interest toward house plants, especially with younger folks. There are so many cool plants to try; so, just go for it. If it dies, no biggie. Use your friendly K-State Research and Extension agent to figure out what went wrong and try again.“There can be a lot to know about plants, but you don’t need to know everything at once. Gardening is an interest that you can enjoy on a surface level as well as a lifelong pursuit of deeper knowledge.”