Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
May 28, 2023

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.




SHOURYA ARASHANAPALLI / DESIGN STAFF

We can't catch a break.

This semester feels like a never-ending marathon. With midterm season upon us, students must constantly juggle exams, papers, applications and extracurriculars. To add to this stress, there are no formal breaks this semester in the 11 weeks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving.


ROSIE JANG/CARTOONS EDITOR
Van Atta describes the freshman experience at our University through a critical lens. 

The challenge of seeking balance at Hopkins

“Are you premed?” is the most common and frequent question I am asked after mentioning that I attend Hopkins or am majoring in Neuroscience. I have become accustomed to the blank, confused stares that I receive as I coolly respond with “Actually, no.”


Arashanapalli investigates how the expansion of technology has impacted our education system and the psyches of students. 

I don't care, just tell me the answer!

When it comes to technology and education, our preexisting negligence has been aggravated due to the onset of COVID-19. Students are reliant on their devices more than themselves and acquaint their identities in the grades they are compelled to work after. The precarious handling under the educational system drives students into an abyss of burnout and hollowed dignity.






SHOURYA ARASHANAPALLI / DESIGN STAFF

Feeling uncertain about the semester? Us too

It truly was another unprecedented summer. As vaccines became more readily available and COVID-19 cases in Baltimore declined this past June, Hopkins relaxed its indoor mask mandate and weekly testing policies. Many students felt optimistic that the fall would represent as close a return to normal as possible. 


FILE PHOTO
Maury recounts experiences of discrimination, mistreatment and silence at the hands of University affiliates. 

Disability isn't taken seriously at Hopkins

During my time as a graduate student in the Engineering for Professionals (EP) program, I’ve had nine Hopkins professors. Only two have provided the disability accommodations the University promised. The kinder ones treat accommodations like a courtesy they’re free to ignore.


TONY WEBSTER/CC-BY-2.0
Felix reviews the qualms of American immigration politics and explores new ways the Biden administration could change the status quo.

Kamala Harris on immigration: Same wine, new bottle

The Biden administration has taken the initiative to roll back cruel Trump-era policies, expedite the processing of migrants and make material conditions of the undocumented population more bearable. Nonetheless, the overwhelming approach laid out by the White House still endorses law and order deterrence: The proposed budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased for the fiscal year 2022 and a strategy to discourage immigration from the source is being pursued.


RANDALL GOYA / CC BY-SA 2.0
Felix examines the United States' approach to gun violence as the Supreme Court decides to review individuals’ rights to bear arms.

The Second Amendment is America’s self-destruct button

The U.S Supreme Court recently decided to hear and review its first case on an individual’s right to bear arms since 2010. The litigation challenges a New York state law that requires residents to prove “proper cause” in order to obtain a pistol or a concealed carry permit. 


JOHN BRIGHENTI/CC BY 2.0
Arboleda is critical of the Senate as a legislative body, given the undemocratic state it has reached. 

We need to talk about Senate reform

Article One of the U.S. Constitution establishes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House is based on population size while the Senate ensures equal representation for each state. The hierarchy is said to have been designed to “cool House legislation just as a saucer was used to cool hot tea.”


CYCLICALCORE/CC BY-SA 3.0 
Bali reviews the implications of recent changes to CDC guidelines in light of media misinformation and ignorance.

New CDC mask guidelines are irresponsible and unnecessary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new recommendations for the use of masks and other precautions in regard to vaccinated people on Tuesday, April 27. The new guidelines suggest that fully vaccinated individuals can safely choose to not wear a mask or socially distance when outdoors, as long as they are not in crowded areas. 


COURTESY OF PODGOALSJHU
Khudairi and Wang call for students to form pods and communicate openly with their friends about COVID-19 risks.

Let your friends in but keep COVID-19 out

As we emerge from the isolated gloom of winter into the bright spring days, there is hope in the air. The weather is finally warm, trees are blooming and the COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone 16 and over. The February cluster of student cases is a distant memory, and it’s finally time to hug our friends again. 




IAEA IMAGEBANK/CC BY-SA 2.0
Tie examines the global impacts of Japan’s decision to dump treated wastewater into the ocean.

Fukushima dumping radioactive wastewater in the Pacific is an easy, but wrong, solution

The 10th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi accident, where an unexpected earthquake generated a tsunami that destroyed the nuclear power plant’s backup generators, fell on March 11. The loss of power and consequent failure of the cooling system resulted in the elevation of residual heat. In an attempt to cool things down, seawater was continuously pumped to the reactor, but ultimately the core still partially melted down. Since then, the disposal of this radioactive seawater has presented a challenge.


This Earth Day, do your part to promote sustainability at Hopkins and beyond

Today, we celebrate the 51st annual Earth Day. Since President Joe Biden’s inauguration, the U.S. has made some progress in the fight against climate change. The country rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement in one of Biden’s first executive orders. With the new administration’s recently unveiled $2 trillion infrastructure plan promoting cleaner energy sources and racial equity, there is reason to be optimistic.