Guest Contributions

A PAA's case for University-endorsed free time

A PAA's case for University-endorsed free time

Johnatan Reiss

“The work, my students would tell me, was not necessarily exceedingly hard — there was just too much of it. In one meeting, a student and I tried to create a schedule in which they would finish all their assignments. Even with minimal sleep and very few breaks, we calculated a week's worth of assignments would take a week and a half to complete.”

 “The work, my students would tell me, was not necessarily exceedingly hard — there was just too much of it. In one meeting, a student and I tried to create a schedule in which they would finish all their assignments. Even with minimal sleep and very few breaks, we calculated a week's worth of assignments would take a week and a half to complete.” 

OPINION | 02/13/2022

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The attack on Dr. Mousavian

The attack on Dr. Mousavian

Frank N. von Hippel

“UANI’s attack on Dr. Mousavian should be understood for what it is: a hatchet job against a political opponent.”

“UANI’s attack on Dr. Mousavian should be understood for what it is: a hatchet job against a political opponent.”

OPINION | 02/06/2022

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Why is Princeton harboring a man who condones threats against American diplomats?

Why is Princeton harboring a man who condones threats against American diplomats?

Gabriel Noronha and Morgan Ortagus

“Hook’s efforts on Wang’s behalf were heroic. Unfortunately, Princeton University continues to employ a scholar — Dr. Seyed Hossein Mousavian — who amplifies the Iranian regime’s death threats against Hook and his family.”

“Hook’s efforts on Wang’s behalf were heroic. Unfortunately, Princeton University continues to employ a scholar — Dr. Seyed Hossein Mousavian — who amplifies the Iranian regime’s death threats against Hook and his family.”

OPINION | 02/06/2022

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It’s not just about Wax and Shapiro ’99: We can’t stand idly by while academic freedom gets thrown under the bus

It’s not just about Wax and Shapiro ’99: We can’t stand idly by while academic freedom gets thrown under the bus

Matthew Wilson

“We must vigorously and consistently stand up for the freedoms, including the freedoms of those whose views we loathe, that help ensure our college education is just that — an education — rather than merely a four-year vacation in an ideological safe space.”

“We must vigorously and consistently stand up for the freedoms, including the freedoms of those whose views we loathe, that help ensure our college education is just that — an education — rather than merely a four-year vacation in an ideological safe space.”

OPINION | 02/03/2022

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Princeton failed me as a sexual assault survivor. University policy needs to change.

Princeton failed me as a sexual assault survivor. University policy needs to change.

Sadie (Anonymous Student)

For one anonymous student, “filing a report had been my desperate attempt at feeling safe on my own campus.” But the University never investigated her claim — because her alleged perpetrator had recently graduated.

For one anonymous student, “filing a report had been my desperate attempt at feeling safe on my own campus.” But the University never investigated her claim — because her alleged perpetrator had recently graduated.

OPINION | 01/26/2022

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Our commitment to in-person teaching

Our commitment to in-person teaching

Cole Crittenden, Jill Dolan, and Gene Jarrett

“In light of our vaccination and booster requirements, our masking requirements, and our current twice-weekly testing requirements for all students, we continue to believe that our mitigation efforts are sufficient to continue with the in-person learning that is so central to our mission.”

“In light of our vaccination and booster requirements, our masking requirements, and our current twice-weekly testing requirements for all students, we continue to believe that our mitigation efforts are sufficient to continue with the in-person learning that is so central to our mission.”

OPINION | 01/25/2022

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There is no outgrowing gun violence

There is no outgrowing gun violence

Rooya Rahin, Ana Blanco, and Julia Elman

Editorial Board Chair Rooya Rahin and Co-Presidents of Princeton Students Against Gun Violence Ana Blanco and Julia Elman dispute the claim that college students are more detached from gun violence than grade schoolers, rather blaming legislative stagnation and collective trauma for a lack of action.

Editorial Board Chair Rooya Rahin and Co-Presidents of Princeton Students Against Gun Violence Ana Blanco and Julia Elman dispute the claim that college students are more detached from gun violence than grade schoolers, rather blaming legislative stagnation and collective trauma for a lack of action.

OPINION | 01/24/2022

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Princeton’s commitment to inclusion must extend to athletics

Princeton’s commitment to inclusion must extend to athletics

AJ Lonski

“But as it turns out, the commitment to diversity and inclusion often doesn’t extend to Princeton’s varsity sports teams. In order to ensure everyone feels welcome, that culture has to change.”

“But as it turns out, the commitment to diversity and inclusion often doesn’t extend to Princeton’s varsity sports teams. In order to ensure everyone feels welcome, that culture has to change.”

OPINION | 01/24/2022

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It’s been over a year since students called on the University to make Election Day a holiday. What happened?

It’s been over a year since students called on the University to make Election Day a holiday. What happened?

Ana Blanco and Joe Shipley

“By canceling or shortening classes, the University could ensure that each and every Princetonian has a chance to make their voice heard. Not only students, but faculty and staff should be guaranteed enough time to cast a ballot.” 

“By canceling or shortening classes, the University could ensure that each and every Princetonian has a chance to make their voice heard. Not only students, but faculty and staff should be guaranteed enough time to cast a ballot.”  

OPINION | 01/19/2022

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For a safe semester, N95 masks must be free, accessible, and required indoors

For a safe semester, N95 masks must be free, accessible, and required indoors

Christopher Lugo

Guest Contributor Christopher Lugo argues that the University must mandate N95 masks and make them free and accessible to combat the rising prevalence of the infectious omicron variant.

Guest Contributor Christopher Lugo argues that the University must mandate N95 masks and make them free and accessible to combat the rising prevalence of the infectious omicron variant.

OPINION | 01/12/2022

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Princeton Disability Collective: Online learning and teaching options must be available to all

Princeton Disability Collective: Online learning and teaching options must be available to all

Ellen Li, Christopher Lugo, and Hannah Faughnan

Guest contributors representing the Princeton Disability Collective and Princeton Graduate Student United Coordinating Committee demand remote options for teaching and learning when classes resume, arguing that the desire for a “normal semester” shouldn’t outweigh the health risks of in-person classes.

Guest contributors representing the Princeton Disability Collective and Princeton Graduate Student United Coordinating Committee demand remote options for teaching and learning when classes resume, arguing that the desire for a “normal semester” shouldn’t outweigh the health risks of in-person classes.

OPINION | 01/12/2022

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Princeton's personal travel restrictions don't make sense

Princeton's personal travel restrictions don't make sense

Aidan Hintermaier

Guest Contributor Aidan Hintermaier argues that restrictions on personal travel needlessly impact students’ mental health while doing nothing to maintain a protective COVID bubble.

Guest Contributor Aidan Hintermaier argues that restrictions on personal travel needlessly impact students’ mental health while doing nothing to maintain a protective COVID bubble.

OPINION | 01/12/2022

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We're triple-vaxxed and masked. It's time to end asymptomatic testing.

We're triple-vaxxed and masked. It's time to end asymptomatic testing.

Tom Salotti

“We are stuck in a mind-numbing cycle of restrictions any time there are a few dozen of mostly asymptomatic COVID-19 cases on campus and will likely remain so for a long time, unless the administrators seriously reorient their approach to the virus and our wellbeing.”

“We are stuck in a mind-numbing cycle of restrictions any time there are a few dozen of mostly asymptomatic COVID-19 cases on campus and will likely remain so for a long time, unless the administrators seriously reorient their approach to the virus and our wellbeing.”

OPINION | 01/05/2022

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When Princeton imposes a mandate, it should show its work

When Princeton imposes a mandate, it should show its work

Evan Underhill

Engineering graduate student Evan Underhill argues that the University’s failure to cite their sources when announcing new restrictions and mandates represents a failure to educate and engage the community in COVID-related decisions 

Guest Contributor Evan Underhill argues that the University’s failure to cite their sources when announcing new restrictions and mandates undermines confidence, representing a failure to promote educated health decisions.

OPINION | 01/05/2022

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Student apathy towards USG has real consequences

Student apathy towards USG has real consequences

Stephen Daniels

“The senate [has] the power to make the University a better place in some ways. But in order to have the greatest impact, students must understand what USG can actually do and elect candidates who have a history of making progress on those issues.”

“The senate [has] the power to make the University a better place in some ways. But in order to have the greatest impact, students must understand what USG can actually do and elect candidates who have a history of making progress on those issues.” 

OPINION | 12/05/2021

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COVID-19 is here forever: Princeton’s administration needs to start acting like it

COVID-19 is here forever: Princeton’s administration needs to start acting like it

Harry Shapiro

“Short of living like hermits, many epidemiologists agree that most of us will likely get some variant or another of COVID-19 at least once in our lifetimes. As such, there is no cogent reason for the University to continue imposing heavy-handed ‘emergency measures.’”

“Short of living like hermits, many epidemiologists agree that most of us will likely get some variant or another of COVID-19 at least once in our lifetimes. As such, there is no cogent reason for the University to continue imposing heavy-handed ‘emergency measures.’”

OPINION | 12/05/2021

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Princeton’s COVID-19 communications are dangerously ambiguous

Princeton’s COVID-19 communications are dangerously ambiguous

Molly Cutler

“For the sake of public health, the University must be precise in its communications, and [the recent communications on updated COVID-19 policies are] only the latest example of its failure on that front — a failure which ultimately harms students.”

“For the sake of public health, the University must be precise in its communications, and [the recent communications on updated COVID-19 policies are] only the latest example of its failure on that front — a failure which ultimately harms students.”

OPINION | 12/02/2021

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Letter to the editor: lessons from the bonfire

Letter to the editor: lessons from the bonfire

Jess Deutsch

“There are lots of things to be cynical about in the world right now. There are all kinds of work to be done here on campus, in Princeton, and everywhere else where humanity comes with no promise of perfection. We could divide up as athletes and non-athletes, as occurs on many college campuses. But we have the opportunity here to do it differently — to respect and learn from every member of this community, their stories, and their experiences.”  

“There are lots of things to be cynical about in the world right now. There are all kinds of work to be done here on campus, in Princeton, and everywhere else where humanity comes with no promise of perfection. We could divide up as athletes and non-athletes, as occurs on many college campuses. But we have the opportunity here to do it differently — to respect and learn from every member of this community, their stories, and their experiences.”  

OPINION | 12/01/2021

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There is no asterisk, Tigers

There is no asterisk, Tigers

Michael Vatis

“I’m here to tell you that Princeton’s 18–16 win over Harvard was completely legit, that the officials’ call was correct and appropriate under the NCAA’s rules, and that the bonfire on Cannon Green — and Princeton’s Ivy League Championship — was totally deserved.”

“I’m here to tell you that Princeton’s 18–16 win over Harvard was completely legit, that the officials’ call was correct and appropriate under the NCAA’s rules, and that the bonfire on Cannon Green — and Princeton’s Ivy League Championship — was totally deserved.”

OPINION | 11/29/2021

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Princeton needs to rethink its ban on social gatherings

Princeton needs to rethink its ban on social gatherings

David Piegaro

We shouldn't let an uptick in cases distract us from the fact that we are well-protected, and we should not restrict students' activities in ways that would make, at most, a marginal impact on student health but a significant impact on their well-being. 

We shouldn't let an uptick in cases distract us from the fact that we are well-protected, and we should not restrict students' activities in ways that would make, at most, a marginal impact on student health but a significant impact on their well-being. 

OPINION | 11/28/2021

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