Editorial

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OIE statistics are out. Now what do we do about campus sexual misconduct?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 24, 2018

The mire of data related to sexual misconduct in the OIE report leaves us with many questions. Numbers are informative, but what can we do with these statistics? What can we do to address the problems they illustrate?

How do we ensure student voices are heard on campus security issues?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 27, 2018

If this committee is given agency and information, it can be a good first step for the University in its efforts to solicit student feedback about campus security. We hope that it is a substantial body with real power and not simply a hollow gesture. It is up to the University to ensure that happens.

What we can learn from the Kavanaugh hearings

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 27, 2018

Recently, three women have accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault. We’ve been watching his appointment hearings with anticipation.

Does apathy towards SGA reflect broader voter disengagement?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 20, 2018

To some of us, voting for student government may seem unimportant. But the stakes are higher than we think. Our engagement on campus translates into engagement in the broader world.

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Creating a black arts district would celebrate our city’s history

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 13, 2018

Baltimoreans have called for a black arts and entertainment district to be designated in the city for years. Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, a local grassroots think tank, formally applied to recognize a historic part of Pennsylvania Avenue in Upton as such a district this year. After a kick-off event in the area this weekend, the creation of a black arts district has never seemed more achievable.

We’re Top 10 again. But does rank represent the true student experience?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 13, 2018

After falling to number 11 last year, Hopkins has reclaimed its number ten spot in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings. Being a top ten school is something our University holds in high regard, publishing it proudly on The Hub and delivering the news to every student’s inbox. It is even listed as the fourth goal in University President Ronald J. Daniels’ Ten by Twenty plan.

To fight ableism, hold yourself and the University accountable

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | September 6, 2018

Most of us at Hopkins are privileged in not having to think about disability accommodations, or even think about the challenges our peers with disabilities face. As the University moves forward with its initiatives, it’s time we change that. If we’re to successfully undo ableism at Hopkins, staying ignorant and passive is not an option.

The University must listen to student voices, beyond just their protests

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | May 3, 2018

Last Thursday, following decades of accusations from over 50 survivors of sexual assault and years of courtroom battles, a Pennsylvania jury finally found Bill Cosby guilty on three counts of felony aggravated indecent assault, which include sexually assaulting a woman he had drugged in 2004.

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The Office of Institutional Equity’s failed promises

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | May 6, 2018

At the start of the semester, The News-Letter set to work on an in-depth feature about the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) and its handling of sexual assault and harassment cases. Over the past several months, eight survivors came forward to share their stories with our reporter. We would like to recognize those eight individuals who bravely shared their stories with The News-Letter.

Grappling with our University’s troubled history

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | April 19, 2018

As Hopkins students, it is easy to become enchanted by our elite education and the grandeur of the brick and marble buildings on campus. Yet it is important to remember the mistakes of the people who have led and worked for our University.

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Our SGA needs real influence over University decisions

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | April 18, 2018

But when the University makes a decision — whether it is about covered grades, fossil fuel divestment or private police — it does not have to act on SGA input, let alone consult the SGA at all. The New Horizons ticket acknowledges this problem and their solution is to generate grassroots support among students and faculty. However, we urge them and the rest of us to think broader. If we want students to have a voice in what our University does, the current system must change.

What the University can learn from the private police bill debacle

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | April 5, 2018

Last Friday, Maryland state legislators announced that they are withdrawing their support for the bill that would have allowed the University to create a private police force. This announcement came as a victory for the many student and community organizers who have been working tirelessly over the past couple of weeks to defeat the bill.

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Provide students with disabilities the resources they need

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | March 26, 2019

The student group Advocates for Disability Awareness (ADA) released a series of demands on Monday calling for the University to address a series of deficiencies in the way Hopkins currently accommodates students with disabilities. These demands, which are addressed to senior administrators, including President Ronald J. Daniels, were made in the wake of the dismissal of Dr. Brent Mosser. Mosser was the former director of academic support and disability services and served as an important advocate for students with disabilities on campus.

Working as an RA should not reduce one’s financial aid package

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | March 29, 2018

Residential Advisors (RAs) are some of the first people we meet upon arriving at Hopkins. They shape our first year experience and ease us through the transition from high school to college. The responsibilities of an RA go beyond just the hours they spend on duty. The job is vital to the emotional wellbeing of students and the position can often be emotionally, physically and psychologically taxing on RAs themselves.

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Hopkins first needs to ask: “Should the University even have a police force?”

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | March 19, 2018

We understand that there are parents, students and community members who support this initiative. However, in just the past week, there has been enough skepticism about this proposal that we question why the school is asking, “What do we want this police force to look like?” when it should be asking, “Do we even want a police force?”

We cannot take local journalism for granted

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | March 19, 2018

At a time when local publications across the nation are facing increasing financial pressures, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to these local outlets. We are in a city that is grappling with how it is telling its own story.

We need to address crime, but creating a Hopkins police department is not the solution

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | March 8, 2018

This past Monday, with no prior warning, Hopkins students received an email from University President Ronald J. Daniels and CEO of Hopkins Medicine Paul B. Rothman regarding a bill that is being introduced this week in the Maryland General Assembly.

Editorial: The Mental Health Recommendations mark a step in the right direction

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | March 1, 2018

Responding to pressure from students in 2016, the University began a thorough review of the status of mental health across all nine Hopkins schools. At that time, they formed the Task Force on Student Mental Health and Well-being which is comprised of 28 faculty, staff and students.

PILOT’s budgeting crisis should have been avoided

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | February 24, 2018

The Peer-led Team Learning Program (PILOT) is one of University’s most successful initiatives for fostering academic collaboration and creative learning. PILOT has become an important institution particularly for students in introductory math, science and engineering courses in which large class sizes can hinder our ability to learn.

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