Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
July 5, 2025
July 5, 2025 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

News & Features





COURTESY OF MICHELLE LIMPE
The Atlas Restaurant Group faces dress code backlash after manager refused to seat a Black child.

Baltimore restaurant reignites controversy after denying service to Black customer

Atlas Restaurant Group apologized after a Black woman posted a video of her and her son being denied service at Ouzo Bay in Harbor East on June 21. In the video, which has since been widely circulated on social media, a white manager denies service to the Black woman and her son because her son was wearing athletic clothing. The video shows a white child in similar clothing dining at the restaurant.


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As Baltimore begins to reopen, Mayor Young has lifted the ban on large outdoor gatherings.

Young lifts Baltimore's outdoor gathering ban

Baltimore City Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young lifted the city’s ban on large outdoor gatherings beginning June 26. This decision comes one week after Young moved the city into phase two of Maryland’s re-opening plan, following shutdowns to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  



COURTESY OF RUDY MALCOM
The Black Faculty and Staff Association organized a peaceful demonstration on the eve of Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating emancipation.

Black faculty demand representation on eve of Juneteenth

More than 200 members of the Hopkins community gathered in front of the Beach on Thursday, June 18 to demand that the University better hire and support black faculty members, as well as cancel the planned private police force. The Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) held the peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the nationwide protests that have followed George Floyd’s killing by a white Minneapolis police officer.  


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FLI and international students discuss employment and housing issues for the fall.

SGA discusses improving inclusion on campus

The Student Government Association (SGA) discussed resuming in-person activities and promoting diversity efforts at its first meeting of the 2020-21 academic year on Tuesday, May 16. Although SGA typically begins meeting in the fall, the group decided it would meet twice this summer, citing unprecedented circumstances and the need to carry out time-sensitive activities. 



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Although the University has suspended plans to implement a private police force for at least two years, students have questioned whether that is enough.

University delays plans for private police force

University President Ronald J. Daniels and other administrators announced the suspension of the implementation of the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) for at least two years in an email on June 12. This announcement followed nationwide protests against racism and police brutality prompted by the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. 


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Administrators will address the petition at a town hall on June 10.

Faculty demand shared governance in petition to Daniels

More than 600 faculty members signed a petition delivered to President Ronald J. Daniels on June 5 calling for greater representation in University decision-making. The petition also demanded greater financial transparency and the reversal of various austerity measures taken by the University, including hiring freezes and suspension of retirement plan contributions. 


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University to open for some form of academic instruction this fall

University President Ronald J. Daniels announced in an email to the student body on Friday, June 5 that Hopkins will be open this fall for limited academic instruction, co-curricular activities and residential life. By the end of the month, University leaders will share a detailed plan for comment and feedback. According to Daniels, a final plan will be posted by mid-July. 


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The University’s three-phase plan will mirror Baltimore's plan for reopening.

University holds third 2020 planning town hall

The University’s 2020 Research Workgroup held its third virtual town hall on May 29 to discuss plans for the fall semester. The event built on the information shared in the previous town halls concerning the guidelines for reopening campus for researchers.  


COURTESY OF RUDY MALCOM 
Protesters in Baltimore demand the end of police brutality. 

Students call on Hopkins to better support the black community

The killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department has sparked nationwide protests to highlight police brutality and promote racial justice. These protests have occurred in over 350 cities. In addition, people have shown their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement through donations, petitions and social media.


COURTESY OF GAIGE KERR
The University has reportedly attempted to prevent students from photographing the graffitied sign.

“Justice 4 Floyd”: Hopkins sign graffitied and covered up

The marble sign on the Merrick Gateway and parts of the Mattin Center were spray-painted with messages such as “Justice 4 Floyd” and “No JHUPD” following nationwide protests against police brutality on May 31.The University has since covered the sign with tarp, surrounded it with fences and is in the process of removing the messages.


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The University hopes to begin phase one of their reopening plan this June.

University holds second 2020 planning town hall

The University’s 2020 Research Workgroup held its second town hall on May 20. The event’s purpose was to encourage feedback on the Workgroup’s guidelines for resuming research this year. The Workgroup is currently examining the impact of lab management and safety strategies during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and has helped develop a three-phase reopening plan.


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Hopkins officials discussed campus reopening plans during a town hall meeting on Friday.

University holds first 2020 planning town hall

Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Stephen Gange and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Jon Links hosted a virtual town hall discussing the University’s plan for the fall semester on Friday May 15. At the event, Gange and Links laid out a three-phased reopening plan and answered questions from the public. 




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University announces student advisory committee to participate in planning the return to campus. 

University announces formation of student advisory committee

Vice Provost for Student Affairs Alanna Shanahan and Associate Vice Provost for Education Janet Schreck announced the formation of a student advisory committee in an email to the student body on May 12. The committee will be tasked with providing feedback on University plans and brainstorming ideas as to what the process of reopening campus might look like amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. University President Ronald J. Daniels suspended in-person classes on March 10.


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