I don’t believe the popular narrative that WashU students are, at baseline, too dorky to care about sports. Instead, I see the problem as a lack of social momentum that brings people to watch the games.

This is a frightening precedent that we are setting — one that emphasizes that there is a “right” and a “wrong” political ideology. WashU’s political culture should combat this, but the University’s dominant liberal population and loud far-left community fosters a practice where people refrain from discussing non-mainstreamed political views. 

Listen — I’m a Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies major, and I’d be lying if I told you that our campus climate has consistently fostered comfortable, informed areas for dialogue about Israel and Palestine. 

While rings have long symbolized personal strength, self-expression, and love, these symbols of love have increasingly been overshadowed by their stature as status symbols, distorting their original meaning. Rings have long served as symbols of power, providing their wearer an additional layer of armor.

WashU must acknowledge its role in fostering an environment where grades and power dynamics can become weapons. The professors and administrators who contribute to and take advantage of this culture must be held accountable.

In reading conspiracy theories about Beyoncé, I came to believe that our society is always ready to attack women, particularly women of color.

The Academy’s mission statement states that their goal is to “recognize excellence in the recording arts and sciences,” yet they don’t define what “excellence” is. Is it commercial success or critical acclaim?

I remember sitting down for the first Intro to Psychology exam, unable to control my pounding heartbeat or shaking hands. It continued for the rest of the day, bringing my anxiety beyond the exam room. I couldn’t sleep through the night and woke up multiple times in a sweat and was unable to return to sleep. 

Non-minority identities are not really jealous of people who face systematic oppression, but the minute they think something benefits them, they are jealous and completely oblivious to their own identities, which privilege them every day. 

People have fought for the right to learn about marginalized and minority identities, their cultures, and their histories at WashU. People are also actively fighting against that same right. It is imperative that students from all backgrounds take classes that involve identities other than their own. Unfortunately, this is not nearly as common as it should be.