Guest Contributions

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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We must condemn Israel’s designation of Palestinian human rights groups as terrorist organizations

We must condemn Israel’s designation of Palestinian human rights groups as terrorist organizations

Eric Periman

“Each of us in the Princeton community has an obligation to condemn this authoritarian action taken by the Israeli government and recommit ourselves to advocating for the protection of Palestinian human rights.”

“Each of us in the Princeton community has an obligation to condemn this authoritarian action taken by the Israeli government and recommit ourselves to advocating for the protection of Palestinian human rights.”

OPINION | 11/18/2021

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Abolition washing and the origins of Princeton’s divestment delay tactics

Abolition washing and the origins of Princeton’s divestment delay tactics

Lynne Archibald

“As Bill McKibben says, ‘the plural of ‘privilege’ is ‘establishment,” and this is how change is always blocked — from 1792 right through to today.”

“As Bill McKibben says, ‘the plural of ‘privilege’ is ‘establishment,” and this is how change is always blocked — from 1792 right through to today.”

OPINION | 10/10/2021

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GSRC Director: I share students’ commitment to making campus more equitable

GSRC Director: I share students’ commitment to making campus more equitable

Kristopher Oliveira

“The language used in that demonstration, historically imbued with a legacy of hate and violence, stands as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. This outside group hoped that spewing abhorrent messages from sidewalks just off campus would draw attention and spark a reaction from the University community. Many in our community helped minimize the group’s impact by simply ignoring their hate.”

“The language used in that demonstration, historically imbued with a legacy of hate and violence, stands as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. This outside group hoped that spewing abhorrent messages from sidewalks just off campus would draw attention and spark a reaction from the University community. Many in our community helped minimize the group’s impact by simply ignoring their hate.”

OPINION | 09/22/2021

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Outdated Triangle Frosh Week Show demonstrates why Princeton culture is in need of change

Outdated Triangle Frosh Week Show demonstrates why Princeton culture is in need of change

Chris Park

“Am I saying that Triangle deserves a similar fate as SPIA and First College? Absolutely not. They are a team of Princeton’s finest artists, comedians, and designers. Their performances have demonstrated incredible finesse and the club is a significant ambassador of the University. However, excellence should not overshadow the potential to grow.”

“Am I saying that Triangle deserves a similar fate as SPIA and First College? Absolutely not. They are a team of Princeton’s finest artists, comedians, and designers. Their works have presented incredible finesse and are a significant ambassador of the University. However, excellence should not overshadow the potential to grow.”

OPINION | 09/08/2021

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See it, share it, stomp it: Looking out for spotted lanternflies in Princeton

See it, share it, stomp it: Looking out for spotted lanternflies in Princeton

Sreya Jonnalagadda

“See it, share it, stomp it! These are the steps you should follow if you see an insect called the spotted lanternfly around Princeton.” 

“See it, share it, stomp it! These are the steps you should follow if you see an insect called the spotted lanternfly around Princeton.” 

OPINION | 08/30/2021

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English Department Faculty: Why Princeton should allow for remote teaching this semester

English Department Faculty: Why Princeton should allow for remote teaching this semester

Guest Contributors

“As we now adapt to the rapidly changing risks of the Delta variant, we need a maximum degree of flexibility in our teaching. We ask Princeton to take the lead, alongside Rutgers, Rice, Tufts, the University of Pittsburgh, and others, in allowing for remote teaching.”

“As we now adapt to the rapidly changing risks of the Delta variant, we need a maximum degree of flexibility in our teaching. We ask Princeton to take the lead, alongside Rutgers, Rice, Tufts, the University of Pittsburgh, and others, in allowing for remote teaching.”

OPINION | 08/25/2021

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Cuba cries ‘Freedom!’: Why Princeton students should support Cuba amid the island’s ongoing crisis

Cuba cries ‘Freedom!’: Why Princeton students should support Cuba amid the island’s ongoing crisis

Ana Blanco, Rosmeilyn Jerez, Alejandro Garcia, and Gisell Curbelo

“We ask that you do not allow political biases or preconceived notions of Cuba to hinder your ability to advocate for those who are suffering.”

“We ask that you do not allow political biases or preconceived notions of Cuba to hinder your ability to advocate for those who are suffering.”

OPINION | 08/20/2021

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FaceTime is not a plan: We need to be ready for quarantine and isolation

FaceTime is not a plan: We need to be ready for quarantine and isolation

José Pablo Fernández García

“Simply put, possibly having a friend FaceTime you into a class as Dean of the College Jill Dolan suggested at the recent Town Hall meeting is not a sufficient plan. And, in the absence of one, students and faculty must develop their own.”

“Simply put, possibly having a friend FaceTime you into a class as Dean of the College Jill Dolan suggested at the recent Town Hall meeting is not a sufficient plan. And, in the absence of one, students and faculty must develop their own.”

OPINION | 08/17/2021

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For now, a mask mandate makes sense

For now, a mask mandate makes sense

“If we can avoid a renewed outbreak in these first weeks of the term, there will be an opportunity to revisit the masking rules. The rational approach to the pandemic is to adjust our behavior in response to changing conditions. After what we've been through for the last year and a half, surely we can hang on for a few more weeks.”

“If we can avoid a renewed outbreak in these first weeks of the term, there will be an opportunity to revisit the masking rules. The rational approach to the pandemic is to adjust our behavior in response to changing conditions. After what we've been through for the last year and a half, surely we can hang on for a few more weeks.”

NEWS | 08/13/2021

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Princeton’s reimposed mask mandate will cause more harm than good

Princeton’s reimposed mask mandate will cause more harm than good

Matthew Wilson

“I strongly urge University administrators to reverse this arbitrary, draconian, and unscientific mask mandate. At the very least, the University must make publicly available a detailed, data-driven justification for the existence of the mandate, which it failed to provide with its most recent announcement, along with clear criteria outlining the conditions under which the mandate would be lifted.”

“I strongly urge University administrators to reverse this arbitrary, draconian, and unscientific mask mandate. At the very least, the University must make publicly available a detailed, data-driven justification for the existence of the mandate, which it failed to provide with its most recent announcement, along with clear criteria outlining the conditions under which the mandate would be lifted.”

OPINION | 08/13/2021

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Following ExxonMobil revelations, Princeton must act

Following ExxonMobil revelations, Princeton must act

Guest Contributors

“As an institution that prides itself on its ‘core truth-seeking mission and commitment to sustainability,’ and as an institution that has repeatedly celebrated its partnership with ExxonMobil, Princeton has a responsibility to act. But will it have the courage?”

“As an institution that prides itself on its "core truth-seeking mission and commitment to sustainability," and as an institution that has repeatedly celebrated its partnership with ExxonMobil, Princeton has a responsibility to act. But will it have the courage?”  

OPINION | 07/25/2021

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To break the cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine, end the occupation

To break the cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine, end the occupation

Guest Contributors

“Ultimately, a world where all Israelis and Palestinians can live and prosper with peace and dignity is possible, and getting there requires us all to engage deeply with both the history of the region and the people inhabiting it, as well as its current reality.”

“Ultimately, a world where all Israelis and Palestinians can live and prosper with peace and dignity is possible, and getting there requires us all to engage deeply with both the history of the region and the people inhabiting it, as well as its current reality.”

OPINION | 06/17/2021

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