Hopkins must give its workers a fair wage
While the Hopkins Administration has failed to make significant improvements in workers' wages on campus over the past three years, workers' situations in Baltimore have gotten worse. Their wages are worth less as inflation outpaces their raises. The availability of affordable housing has dropped sharply recently, leaving many workers with few options but unsafe housing or no housing. And, as they work for the glimmering ivory tower that is this world-class institution, many workers cannot afford to feed their families, take care of their children, access health care or even pay rent on an apartment.
Hopkins' role in reinforcing the huge gap between the "haves" and "have-nots" is unexplainable and unacceptable. As Brody dedicates yet another multi-million dollar building with a "lovely new plaza," it's more than clear that Hopkins right now is more concerned with pretty brick sidewalks than paying their workers enough to stay out of homeless shelters. And as winter closes in, it's great that students can relax in a "state of the art" building while workers are left out in the cold. Hopkins needs a serious shift in priorities and make the living wage happen.
The "we can't afford it" excuse is laughable in light of the extravagances lavished on campus lately. If they really cared, if they wanted to pay workers what they deserve, if they felt any investment in the Baltimore community or any compassion for their workers, as they have so often claimed, the Administration would find the money. It's time for them to do the right thing, show their humanity and commitment to Baltimore, and just do it.
Julie Eisenhardt
Former Grad Student
Washington, DC
Full UK story not told
As a UK citizen at JHU -- I have a response to the article, "Study in the UK not cheap, but easy."
1. London is not like the rest of the UK. It's like living in the very "international" New York and saying that you have experienced America. London is also more expensive than the rest of the UK.
2. Not all UK universities are the same -- at the better universities (e.g. Russell league) -- facilities and halls are much better.
3. The structure of UK degrees is very different from the USA. They have advantages and disadvantages. The degrees in the UK tend to focus on one subject, whilst the majors in the USA are more broad-based. The advantage with the UK degree (and a typical course such as chemistry will involve 40 to 45 hours a week in a proper university) is that you become highly skilled/specialized in your field. The disadvantage is that a lack of broad based education makes inter-disciplinary research more difficult. So there are advantages and disadvantages. Courses such as some arty subjects can tend to be taken by people looking for a good time (your author?) -- especially at the less established universities.
4. All universities across the globe charge internationals more than home students. They are considered cash for the university.
5. I have a strong English accent and Americans will often ask me if I'm from England. I don't think, "Duh! Isn't it obvious." I'm complimented that they're interested. Maybe that's a personality thing.
Aliasger Salem
Without dive results, swim team takes win
I would like to say thank you for the article on the swim team. The truth about our loss, was it wasn't really a loss. Navy took 32 points for diving and only won by 12 points. Hopkins has no diving team, so the swim team really won the meet by 20 points. It is difficult to understand why swimming and diving are together, but they are ? so on paper the swimming and diving team has to deal with a loss, but we really won the meet. Thanks!
Jon Kleinman
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