Today’s Briefing: 

The University’s recent response to COVID-19 was the primary topic of discussion at this week’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) meeting. Assistant Vice President of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety Robin Izzo discussed the logistical details regarding the group responsible for making COVID-19 safety decisions and the future of policy planning. According to Izzo, the current vaccination rate for undergraduate students on campus is 98%, and Izzo emphasized that this does not constitute the entire student body.

“We have planned for anywhere up to a 0.5% [positivity rate],” she said. “Anything above that is considered a high-risk situation.”

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“So, do you actually eat at the eating clubs?” “First, Frist, Frick are all the names of different buildings?” “Does anyone jump into the fountain outside SPIA?” These are a few questions which Orange Key tour guides — who have mastered walking down the steps of Blair Arch backwards — received during campus tours, which were last held in person in March 2020. 

On Monday, September 20, the University relaunched its Orange Key Tours, with many of the first slots rapidly filling up. Sakura Price ’23, an Orange Key tour guide who gave virtual tours during the pandemic, expressed enthusiasm for the transition to in-person programming.

“Prospective students get to actually see the campus,” she said. “And you can finally see people laughing when your jokes hit.”

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Cancel Culture and Accountability

Senior Columnist Dillion Gallagher urges students to consider the implications of cancel culture, which he argues is destructive and does not hold those who are cancelled accountable. He notes that, while there are many interpretations of cancel culture, it can be defined as “building consensus around the idea that an individual should be shamed or their reputation — professional or personal — attacked for what is perceived as offensive behavior.”

Gallagher also argues that cancel culture should not be viewed as a substitute for accountability, as it does carry significant weight for those who have been cancelled. 

“Moving cancel culture off our campus may seem trivial to some, nearly impossible to others. Regardless, it is essential. Reuniting and reinvigorating Princeton will send a clear message that the divisions in communities around our country are not final.”

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At Your Leisure:

• Reporting directly from the Street, Senior Writer Gabriel Robare provides an enlightening and compelling minute-by-minute account of Sam Spector and the Degenerates’ performance at Terrace Club. Starting off with pre-event reflections and moving into the members’ impressive performances, Robare traces his experiences at the anticipated event.
• Listen up! Test your ears and your spelling with this week’s crossword by Luca Morante.
• Be sure to tune into Daybreak’s new episode, which includes coverage of eating clubs’ revised members-only policy and other weekend headlines.