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Ava Johnson

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A wide shot of a lawn with a bicycle and two Adirondack chairs in the foreground. A group of students mill in the background in front of a white marble building.

Community is built on empathy; stop politicizing it

“The idea of creating “safe spaces” has been politicized and weaponized as part of a culture war when in reality it is merely a precursor to being in community with others.”

“The idea of creating “safe spaces” has been politicized and weaponized as part of a culture war when in reality it is merely a precursor to being in community with others.”


An ivy-covered building with brightly lit benches and a bike rack in front

Diversity isn’t only important for excellence, it’s important for everything

“But in settings where these outcomes specifically are less important, diversity remains very important — because diversity promotes positive outcomes beyond just excellence.”

“But in settings where these outcomes specifically are less important, diversity remains very important — because diversity promotes positive outcomes beyond just excellence.”


The new age of legacy admissions isn't about preserving culture, but driving change

"But we should also recognize that legacies can contribute something unique, not just to 'preserve' Princeton’s traditions, as is often argued, but also to change them."

“But we should also recognize that legacies can contribute something unique, not just to ‘preserve’ Princeton’s traditions, as is often argued, but also to change them.”


Gothic courtyard with criss crossing pathways and leaves changing color from green to yellow.

Reactions: The opinions left unsaid

Over the course of the last year, the Opinion section has published 211 columns. Though there has been much opined, even more has been left unsaid. We asked our columnists to share their opinions on topics that did not become a full piece. 

Over the course of the last year, the Opinion section has published 211 columns. Though there has been much opined, even more has been left unsaid. We asked our columnists to share their opinions on topics that did not become a full piece. 


Witherspoon, tree perspective, ominous day, leaves.jpg

Acknowledgement is not enough: Princeton must tangibly support the enslaved communities that built it

“Princeton has clearly expressed its goal to serve the nation, but in order to do so, it must attempt to correct its participating role in the history of American injustice. Creating a program that promotes the enrollment of students who belong to communities previously oppressed by the University is a tangible way to right these past wrongs.”

"Princeton has clearly expressed its goal to serve the nation, but in order to do so, it must attempt to correct its participating role in the history of American injustice. Creating a program that promotes the enrollment of students who belong to communities previously oppressed by the University is a tangible way to right these past wrongs."


New college common space

Orient first-years with all of Princeton, not just each other

"The administration seems to be relatively successful in facilitating bonds between students of the same year: Why can’t they do this between freshman and upperclassmen?"

The administration seems to be relatively successful in facilitating bonds between students of the same year: Why can’t they do this between freshman and upperclassmen?


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