Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
October 17, 2026 October 17, 2026 | Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896

Opinion

The opinions presented below are solely the views of the author and do not represent the views of The News-Letter. If you are a member of the Hopkins community looking to submit a piece or a letter to the editor, please email opinions@jhunewsletter.com.

Have things gotten better or worse? We’re just as confused as you.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | January 27, 2022

Hopkins hasn’t experienced a “normal” semester since fall 2019, and we return this spring with an all-too-familiar sense of uncertainty. Once again, we spent a break sorting through seemingly contradictory messaging from administrators which often brought more confusion than peace of mind. For example, although masking and testing requirements have been increased, Hodson 110 and Gilman 50 are packed with students returning for spring classes.

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Morris argues against the University’s newly revised guest policy, calling it an unnecessary barrier to meeting other students given current precautions already instated by Hopkins.

Hopkins needs to change its no-guest policy

By JACKSON MORRIS | January 24, 2022

Housing Operations announced that regular guest and open-access policies would be suspended for residential students on Jan. 15. While this change is temporary at present, expiring after Feb. 6, it marks a stark departure from the University’s previous endeavors to protect students from COVID-19 while maintaining some form of social life.

COURTESY OF SOUTH BALTIMORE COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Hopkins students and faculty joined Baltimore’s zero-waste campaign in a public action at City Hall on October 22.

No more empty promises: Hopkins needs to join Baltimore's zero-waste movement now.

By LAIS SANTORO and BÜRGE ABIRAL | December 9, 2021

Let’s be frank — Hopkins has yet to commit to the radical environmental action necessary to combat climate change, air pollution and toxicity. This lack of action directly contributes to the disproportionate harm that Black and low-income populations in Baltimore experience.

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Abidi makes the case for the Molecular and Cellular Biology major here at Hopkins, citing the vast amount of opportunities the major has brought to him.

Molecular and cellular biology is still one of the best majors at Hopkins.

By MUHAMMAD ABIDI | December 6, 2021

“Biology is too mainstream.” This is a sentiment I often hear from many students, especially those on the premedical track. Oftentimes, it seems that some students will choose an entirely different major to differentiate themselves, even if they are not as interested in that subject.

Fall 2021 wrapped: Hopkins isn’t spending enough time listening to students

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | December 2, 2021

We have come to the end of another semester at Hopkins. Reflecting on the past three months, we must ask ourselves: Has the University eased our transition to a “new normal?”

Identity: We must recognize the toxic cycle of LGBTQ+ stereotypes

By ACE VAN ATTA | November 30, 2021

An affinity for astrology, a disinterest or shortcoming in math, a love for plants, an excellent sense of style, a tendency to walk quickly, a toxic obsession with an ex. These characteristics only skim the surface of LGBTQ+ stereotypes and their inherent magnitude, which have more breadth and depth than is casually perceived.

Hopkins has a responsibility to act sustainably

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 18, 2021

We have a problem with trash on campus. And the University knows this. In response to a 2018 audit of sustainability in dining facilities, the University added extra compost bins and signage on how to properly dispose of waste.

Letter to the Editor 11/15/2021

By SARU Executive Board | November 17, 2021

In response to “Students react in wake of alleged intentional drugging at Sigma Phi Epsilon” published on November 10, 2021:

Who calls the shots at Hopkins?

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 11, 2021

Since the onset of the pandemic, the University has continued to prioritize its own financial health over the needs of the people it exists to support.

Greek life is harming students. Let’s abolish it.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | November 4, 2021

On Monday, the University informed students of a reported intentional drugging incident at a Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity party over the weekend. The News-Letter stands in support of the victim.

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Lynch makes the case for extending the Child Tax Credit System, pointing to the benefits it has already provided many Americans.

The Child Tax Credit is essential to American families and deserves bipartisan support

By ERIC LYNCH | November 2, 2021

Since the passage of President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief bill earlier this year, millions of American families have received monthly direct payments from the federal government based on the number of children they have.

Students with disabilities deserve more from Hopkins.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 28, 2021

If you take the University’s word for it, Hopkins is a beacon of inclusivity. Alongside stunning views of campus, pictures meant to exemplify diversity feature prominently in the University’s promotional materials. This image is too rosy. The environment surrounding disability on campus exemplifies this inconsistency.

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Van Atta considers how Hopkins and other universities act as financial entities, often contradicting their core values as institutions of learning.

Universities are treading a fine line between educational institutions and businesses

By ACE VAN ATTA | October 27, 2021

In theory, college is a time and place for us to discover ourselves, establish connections and learn more about what excites us. The experience, however, comes with a steep price tag.

GPA PHOTO ARCHIVE/CC BY-NC 2.0
Chatterjee reviews the role of media in the Democratic Party’s recent display of infighting, pointing out that oftentimes healthy negotiation is sensationalized.

Legislators are drawing battle lines. The news media struck the match.

By RUHIKA CHATTERJEE | October 23, 2021

Journalism has long been classified as a utility that provides information and facts to the public. However, with the advent of 24/7 news and the internet, the focus now seems to be on virality and maintaining constant attention from viewers. This causes much of the news to be sensationalized so that readers will click on, skim through and possibly share the story.

The Red Line is an opportunity to counter systemic racism. Hopkins must get on board.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 21, 2021

Hopkins often feels distant from the city it calls home. Community engagement efforts are largely concentrated in the areas surrounding the Homewood and East Baltimore campuses. Firmly entrenched in the Hopkins Bubble, we rarely stray far from the University.

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR
To analyzes the ins and outs of hookup culture on college campuses, questioning whether casual sex really empowers women.

Is the "hoe phase" really empowering?

By VAN TO | October 16, 2021

There is nothing wrong with a woman wanting casual sex. There is nothing wrong with a woman wanting something more than casual sex. The game itself is what’s wrong.

GOTOVAN/CC-BY-2.0 
Chatterjee argues that Facebook has little incentive to change its harmful ways, given its authority to self-regulate.

Facebook’s potential reckoning: Social media should be held responsible for the harm it causes.

By RUHIKA CHATTERJEE | October 16, 2021

In mid-September, The Wall Street Journal published leaked internal documents from Facebook regarding the harmful effects Instagram has on teenage girls. According to the internal report, the app increases the prevalence of body image issues and suicidal thoughts among teenagers.

An apology is long overdue. Hopkins must do more for the Lacks family.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 14, 2021

Last week, the family of Henrietta Lacks filed a lawsuit against biotech company Thermo Fisher Scientific. Seventy years ago, Lacks sought treatment for cervical cancer at Hopkins Hospital, where doctors harvested her cells without her knowledge. Following her death, her immortal cells, known as the HeLa cell line, would revolutionize modern medicine.

ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR
Andersson critiques the culture surrounding food at Hopkins, encouraging students to nourish their bodies.

Let’s talk: eating disorders on campus

By EMMA ANDERSSON | October 8, 2021

It has been a mere six weeks on campus and already I have lost track of the number of times I have heard some excuse to skip a meal: too much schoolwork, too stressed to eat, holding off until a later event.

We want to follow the rules. We just need a little more guidance.

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD | October 7, 2021

As the winter season approaches and people increasingly opt to stay indoors, flu season has made its presence known on campus. With friends, fellow students, and even professors falling ill, it seems that everyone has been feeling under the weather. In a normal year, this might not be a cause for particular alarm. In a new normal year, however, this is concerning.

Opinion

Have things gotten better or worse? We’re just as confused as you.

Hopkins needs to change its no-guest policy

No more empty promises: Hopkins needs to join Baltimore's zero-waste movement now.

Molecular and cellular biology is still one of the best majors at Hopkins.

Fall 2021 wrapped: Hopkins isn’t spending enough time listening to students

Identity: We must recognize the toxic cycle of LGBTQ+ stereotypes

Hopkins has a responsibility to act sustainably

Letter to the Editor 11/15/2021

Who calls the shots at Hopkins?

Greek life is harming students. Let’s abolish it.

The Child Tax Credit is essential to American families and deserves bipartisan support

Students with disabilities deserve more from Hopkins.

Universities are treading a fine line between educational institutions and businesses

Legislators are drawing battle lines. The news media struck the match.

The Red Line is an opportunity to counter systemic racism. Hopkins must get on board.

Is the "hoe phase" really empowering?

Facebook’s potential reckoning: Social media should be held responsible for the harm it causes.

An apology is long overdue. Hopkins must do more for the Lacks family.

Let’s talk: eating disorders on campus

We want to follow the rules. We just need a little more guidance.

Trending

Professor Beth Lew-Williams presents the history of Chinese racial discrimination in the U.S.

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What SGA owes University administration

Humans of Hopkins: Bryant Williams

Concerned Baltimore residents attend city hall meeting discussing AI data center regulations

Does Yesteryear live up to the hype?

Weekly Rundown

To watch and watch for: Week of Oct. 25

To watch and watch for: Week of Oct. 18

Events this weekend (Oct. 9–11)

To watch and watch for: Week of Oct. 4

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