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Brandeis University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1949 | Waltham, MA

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McCarthy wins a sixth term, defeating city councilor Jonathan Paz

(11/14/23 11:00am)

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Jeannette A. McCarthy was re-elected mayor of Waltham, Massachusetts for her sixth consecutive four-year term, defeating Jonathan Paz, a second-term city councilor from Ward 9. McCarthy won 58% percent of the vote, with Paz pulling in nearly 40%. Voter turnout was consistent with previous years, with 11,395 voters casting ballots — accounting for only 32% of registered Waltham voters. McCarthy secured 6,628 votes as opposed to Paz’s 4,551; in 2019, 34% (11,790) of Waltham voters went to the polls, with McCarthy winning 3,770 more votes than all of her competitors combined. Paz and McCarthy were the only candidates for mayor; the election is non-partisan, though based on a Nov. 3 email correspondence with City Clerk Joseph W. Vizrad, the Justice found that McCarthy is “unenrolled” in a party, while Paz is a Democrat. 




“This should’ve happened earlier”: Liebowitz on decision to decharter SJP

(11/14/23 11:00am)

On Friday Nov. 10, Brandeis held a special Faculty Meeting and Listening Session with President Ron Liebowitz and Provost Carol Fierke to address the dechartering of the Students for Justice in Palestine organization, the meaning of free speech, and the best approach to support students during this time. The meeting was moderated by Prof. Jody Gittell (Heller), the faculty chair of the Senate. Motions were not able to be made during this meeting, as none were submitted in advance. 


Demonstrators arrested at rally protesting the derecognition of SJP

(11/14/23 11:00am)

On Friday afternoon, students gathered in the November cold on the Great Lawn to protest the University’s continued support of Israel and the derecognition of the Brandeis chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. Dressed in green, red, black, and white, the colors of the Palestinian flag, many left in shock and disbelief — and others left in handcuffs. 


From then to now: Recounting the history of student activism on campus

(11/14/23 11:00am)

Our University was founded on the values of truth and justice, but within its only 75 years of existence it was the students who accrued its national credit and regard as a social justice institution. Brandeis has a rich history of campus activism; its students’ effort and persistence in demanding change has refined its programs, administration, and overall operation as a democratic society. In the name of preserving this tradition, we remember how our predecessors called for direct action in the Vietnam moratorium protests, the first occupation of Ford Hall, the Pearlman takeover, and Ford Hall 2015.



If you want to prevent genocide, protest China’s

(11/14/23 11:00am)

On Oct 7, Hamas terrorists launched a progrom against Israelis, intentionally killing over 1,200 civilians, mutilating bodies, raping women, and taking over 200 civilians hostage. Hamas’ atrocities represented the most heinous and murderous attack on Jews since the Holocaust. Israel, as any other nation in similar circumstances would and should, has responded with an invasion into Gaza with the goal of rescuing its hostages and destroying Hamas. In recent weeks, anti-Israel  activists, politician, and some Brandeis students have claimed that Israel is waging a genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza. Such claims are false, and they demonstrate one of two things: an ignorance about the meaning of genocide or an intentional desire to spread blood libels about the Jewish State. Or perhaps both — of course, it is a profound tragedy that innocent Palestinians in Gaza are being injured and killed as a result of Israel’s just war against Hamas, who controls the Gaza Strip. I say this not as an afterthought but as someone religiously dedicated to the protection, to the best extent possible, of every innocent life. It is my belief, as an Orthodox Jew, that all humans are created in the image of God regardless of their nationality. The first response to any such tragedies ought to be sympathy and pain. However, because Israel’s detractors seek to exploit that pain to level Israel with accusations of genocide, it has become necessary to show how incorrect, backwards, and offensive that accusation is. 



Students for Justice in Palestine hold a gathering after derecognition

(11/07/23 11:00am)

For the past month, tensions on campus have been steadily rising as a result of the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This conflict is not a new debate at the University, but it has been exacerbated by the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent declaration of war against Hamas. While President Ron Liebowitz has released various statements condemning Hamas’ attacks and expressing support for the community, the University had not taken decisive actions concerning the conflict. However, on Nov. 6, the administration derecognized the Brandeis chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, eliciting strong reactions from the community on multiple sides of the issue. 


Texas Rangers make history and bring home their first World Series

(11/07/23 11:00am)

This week was a spooky one for most, but perhaps no one more so than for the Arizona Diamondbacks. On Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Texas Rangers defeated the Diamondbacks 5-0 to cap off a 4-1 series win, clinching the franchise’s first-ever World Series title. They made league history as well, becoming the first team in Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason history to go perfect on the road, winning all 11 games on their travels. This came despite going under .500 (with a record of 40-41) in away games this season.


From Passion to Performance: Marco Ferral Hernandez's Journey with Olas de Surya

(11/07/23 11:00am)

After having spent the day driving to Rhode Island from Waltham, Massachusetts, setting up their instruments and mics, and prepping for the show,  the members of Olas de Surya sit in the greenroom of Fete Music Hall and scramble to complete their homework before their set begins at 7 p.m. Though this night’s performance is a huge step for the band, they can’t forget to study for their upcoming midterm exams. Despite their academic commitments, the members of the band make the time to play together.



Updates regarding 2024 presidential election

(10/31/23 10:00am)

— On Oct. 24, one of Donald Trump’s campaign lawyers, Jenna Ellis, pleaded guilty to charges regarding her efforts to overturn Trump’s 2020 loss in Georgia. Prosecutor Daysha Young said that Ellis “intentionally aided and abetted” former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and Georgia-based attorney Ray Smith by incorrectly telling Georgia state senators that thousands of pro-Biden voters were convicted of felonies, under the legal voting age, or dead, The Associated Press reported. Along with Trump and 18 of his associates, Ellis was charged for violating Georgia's anti-racketeering law, otherwise known as the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Currently, there are 13 state felony charges leveled against Trump under the RICO Act. However, the Georgia Election Interference Case is only one of 4 federal cases Trump is convicted in. Altogether, these cases amount to 91 violations in total. Despite the number of charges, Trump can still legally run for president, given that he is older than 35, a “natural born” U.S. citizen, and has lived in the country for over 14 years. There are no federal criminal limitations to run for office. 


Mayoral candidates go head-to-head in Thursday debate

(10/31/23 10:00am)

A packed audience of Waltham residents came out to the Clark Government Center in downtown Waltham on Thursday, Oct. 26 to hear Waltham’s mayoral candidates share their visions for the future of Waltham and see their leadership styles clash. Jeannette A. McCarthy, the incumbent who is running for her sixth consecutive term, is facing off against Jonathan Paz, a second-term city councilor from Ward 9; the election is non-partisan. At issue was the future of the city's transportation system, the management of the 190 acres of land that previously housed the Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center, and the rise in housing prices. 



What DeSantis’s Newton pit stop — and ensuing protests — tell us about the Massachusetts Family Institute’s growing influence

(10/31/23 10:00am)

On the evening of Oct. 13, crowds of protestors gathered outside the Newton Marriott to demonstrate against the Massachusetts Family Institute, a conservative nonprofit holding their annual fundraising banquet inside the hotel. Partway through, they were met with a surprise: Florida Governor and 2024 presidential hopeful for the GOP nomination Ron DeSantis was there on the scene to speak at the event. 


Navigating the Voting Process: Important information to know for the upcoming national, state, and local elections.

(10/24/23 10:00am)

While the next presidential general election is just over a year away, the 2023 off-year elections are primarily scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 7. This election cycle will include gubernatorial and state legislative contests, as well as various citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and local positions.