Search Results

Empowering Student Engagement: Reducing Administrative Barriers at Brandeis University

Women2Drive campaign: The power of the internet in socio-political movements

Saudi Arabia has had internet connection since 1994, but restricted its use to state academic, medical, and research institutions. In 1997, King Fahd approved public Internet access and it was not until January 1999 that local internet service providers began connecting ordinary citizens. In 2013, the Women2Drive campaign was arranged entirely through social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. I argue that the effective use of information and communication associated with the internet played a crucial role in aiding this social movement with creating a low-cost protest, garnering high-speed transnational support that, in turn, pressured local and transnational government authorities to address the long standing driving ban for Saudi women.

The abysmal state of Brandeis housing

With the announcement of the 2024-25 housing application, the entire Brandeis community felt the onset of housing anxiety and some déjà vu from last year’s chaotic housing crisis. The Justice editorial board would like to address key concerns that have been left unmet from last year and years past.

Letter to the Editor: Brandeis Application Prompt

Dear President Liebowitz, 

A Call for Accountability: Graduate Students Advocate for Justice

The fall semester was incredibly challenging for members of the Brandeis community. Many of us are affected by the violence occurring in Palestine and Israel. Closer to home, the Brandeis administration led by President Ron Leibowitz has repeatedly mishandled its messaging on the violence the Israeli military is waging in Gaza. Brandeis administration has also acted tyrannically and breached community trust in its response to student activism. Despite President Leibowitz’s self-proclaimed pride in setting an example for how other universities respond to this crisis, a vast portion of our campus community does not stand with him. To date, many Brandeis faculty and alumni have voiced their disapproval of the administration’s actions. Similarly, we as a diverse and interdisciplinary group of 40+ graduate students, have come together to set straight the record of events that have taken place on our campus and hold the University administration accountable for its part in escalating a crisis of trust at Brandeis. 

A bitter winter: Navigating Brandeis’ campus

This year the bitter winter, a staple of Massachusetts weather, somehow still took the Brandeis campus by surprise. This board questions why the campus appeared so unprepared for the low temperatures this past week, despite the fact that a cold front was forecasted. 

Devil’s Advocate: Debating a Constitutional Disqualification of Donald Trump

Context:

Semester in review: There is still more to do

As we approach the final weeks of the fall 2023 semester, we as a board understand that it has been a stressful time for students with everything going on. 

Good luck and goodbye to our ’23 midyear graduates!

Now that the fall semester is coming to an end, a smaller, but just as important, portion of senior students will be graduating.

Two state solution: Using history to explore common ground for peace

Let me begin by stating that I am aware my perspective is idealistic. Solutions are not black and white and are certainly not as simple as I may make them sound. As a Jewish student, I often feel as though I am expected to either be ardently pro-Israel and blindly defend all of their actions or be on the other end of the spectrum and condemn the country’s existence altogether. 

The devil’s advocate: Debating the Hyde and Helms Amendments

Context: In 1973, following the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade — since overturned — which recognized a constitutional right to an abortion, President Nixon signed into law the Helms Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which bars the use of federal funding for abortions overseas for “family planning.” 

How do we heal our campus? We need safety, not security

On Friday, Nov. 10, Brandeis and Waltham Police arrested seven people, including three Brandeis students who were participating in a protest. Some doubts persist about the details of what occurred that day, and we support calls from our faculty colleagues for an independent investigation that lays out the sequence of events and institutional decision-making. 

Midautumn festival image.jpg

Does increased police presences really make us safer?

In light of the heightened state of emotions and stress, the last thing students should feel is unsafe. Historically and presently, the University represents a vulnerable community, and given the amount of media attention Brandeis has received in recent weeks, we urge the community to be thoughtful about what all students are experiencing.  

Bridging Cultures: Thanksgiving and the Mid-Autumn Festival

As the anticipation of Thanksgiving sweeps across the United States, thoughts turn to the traditional feast of roasted turkeys, delectable stuffing, and the sweet finish of pumpkin pie. While these quintessential elements define the American celebration, it is equally important to delve into the rich cultural tapestry that weaves together our global community. In this reflection, my focus turns to the vibrant and centuries-old Chinese cultural traditions encapsulated in the Mid-Autumn Festival.

A plea for support: Professors are people too

We as a board have dedicated past editorials to expressing the concerns and needs of students during this difficult time. However, it is important to acknowledge that students are not the only members of the Brandeis community who are struggling right now. Faculty and staff are also under an immense amount of pressure — and they, much like students, are not being properly supported by the University.

The Myth of Meritocracy: Understanding its meaning and impact

My eyes strained to focus as I looked at my computer screen. I became so disengaged by the rhetoric of the literature I was reading that I developed an urge to just throw the computer out of the window. Maybe that was a bit overdramatic. I actually ended up taking a break and then started studying for a different class. One look at LATTE and I was actually excited for the first time in weeks. I was excited because the topic directly critiqued meritocracy. Meritocracy is considered the foundation of the “American Dream,” but what is it exactly?   Merriam-Webster defines meritocracy as a system where success is based on demonstrated abilities.

Recognizing the one-year anniversary of the Nov. 17 shuttle crash

While October has come to a close and students should feel relieved that the end of the semester is in sight, this editorial board would like to acknowledge that many students may be struggling for a variety of reasons — daylight savings, never-ending midterms, and the fast-approaching holidays, to name a few. This is often a stressful time of year for everyone, not to mention for Brandeis students in particular.

Letter to the Editor: Faculty letter to President Liebowitz

Dear President Liebowitz,

Letter to the editor: Palestinian students on campus

Dear Editor,