Published by the Students of Johns Hopkins since 1896
April 26, 2024

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.




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Madrigal reviews a fare-free transit program in Boston in the context of U.S. transit equity. 

Power and place: the accomplishments and pitfalls of fare-free transit

While the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act looks to improve infrastructure in the U.S., the U.S. currently receives a C- grade on this matter from the American Society of Civil Engineers and is often ranked poorly compared to other nations.The fact that this rings especially true for transit does not come as a surprise when one looks back at how public transportation has long suffered disinvestment in U.S. history. 


We’ve read the roadmaps, let's start actually driving.

February is Black History Month — as students, we should take this time to celebrate the achievements and heritage of Black people at Hopkins and beyond. As residents of Baltimore, we can support local Black-owned businesses and learn about Black history and culture in the city. 


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

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

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.





Van Atta examines the complexities of identity and how stereotypes impact perceptions of it. 

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

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. 







Students with disabilities deserve more from Hopkins.

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. 



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.

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.



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?

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. 


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