EDITORIAL: Urge University to make health resources more accessible
The University needs to make mental health resources more accessible for graduate students, especially students for whom English is not a first language.
Recognize the important nature of stem cell research
A recent study conducted by researchers from Lund University in Sweden revealed the future implications of amniotic fluids in stem cell research. During normal cesarean section procedures, the amniotic fluid is discarded as medical waste. However, recent evidence proves that amniotic fluids are a viable source of stem cells.
Evaluate Federal Reserve’s role in growing interest rates
The future of the United States economy is unpredictable, and its savior lies in the hands of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve, also known as “The Fed,” is the watchdog of the U.S. economy; its purpose is to oversee and protect the U.S. economy. Dangers exist just as threatening as enemies like the Great Recession and the Great Depression that have occurred in the history of our economy. Although not formally known as the “Central Bank of the United States,” it serves the exact same purpose and is deliberately established free and separate of Washington’s grid of politics.
Condemn the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Myanmar
The United Nations has referred to the violence in Myanmar as ethnic cleansing, according to a Sept. 11 article in the UN News Centre. In the most recent wave of violence, an estimated 620,000 Rohingya citizens became refugees.
Views on the News: Emergency Drills
According to a Nov. 29 New York Times article, Hawaii plans on reinstating tests for a Cold War-era warning system that will inform citizens of an impending nuclear attack. Beginning on Dec. 1, the alarm will play on the first business day of every month, along with the already regular natural disaster warning tests. Though the system has not been used since the mid-1990s, recent threats from North Korea make this precaution necessary, according to Richard Rapoza, spokesperson for the state's emergency management agency. What do you think of this decision, and is it appropriate?
Urge social media generation to realize the value of privacy
Borders between countries and other boundaries have not been the only ones to suffer collapse with postmodernism; those between the private and public spheres have disappeared as well. And the result is an unfortunate lack of privacy.
Consider the negative consequences of China’s growing debt
If a nationwide debt crisis, or the Minsky Moment, breaks out, the consequences will be much more catastrophic, and much more globally spread, given China’s $12 trillion economy and its trade and direct investment relations with the rest of the world.
Criticize oversimplification of campus free speech issues
The Google search “where is free speech under attack?” yields a page where virtually every article is about college campuses. Spurred by firebrands such as Ann Coulter and Milo Yiannopoulos, the right wing has converged on academia with indignation and ire. Their claim is that the liberal consensus at most universities is stifling and victimizing to conservative students. Not since the ‘War on Christmas’ has an ideological crusade been so pointless.
EDITORIAL: Recognize implemented changes to increase school spirit
This board commends the Brandeis Athletics Department on its efforts to promote campus unity and school pride through sporting events. In time, Brandeis has the potential to change its reputation and become a more spirited university.
Views on the News: Digital tracking in medication
According to a Nov. 13 New York Times article, Japanese-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company recently received Food and Drug Administration approval for a psychiatric drug featuring a digital tracking device. The pill is designed with a sensor that is activated upon contact with stomach fluids. A signal is then sent to a patch on the skin that records the time before it is transferred to a mobile application that allows users to enter mood, amount of sleep and other data. Some have already expressed concern about this technology, calling it a "Biomedical Big Brother." What do you think of this invention and does it seem beneficial?
Urge Trump administration to reconsider harmful DACA decision
The Trump administration's removal of DACA has created chaos and uncertainty for thousands of students and other individuals.
Implement change in current blood donation policies
Early in the 1980s, the United States faced an HIV/AIDS epidemic. Not much was known about the emergent virus, except the misconception that it was a “gay plague.” The original disease was called Gay-Related Immune Deficiency, but soon, as cases outside of the gay community started to sprout, the disease was referred to as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In 1983, the Food and Drug Administration issued the first blood donor deferral policy, which prohibited men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood if they have had a single sexual encounter with another man any time since 1977. According to the American Red Cross, the U.S. is in a constant shortage of blood; with someone requiring a blood transfusion about every two seconds, the ban could pose an obstacle to saving more lives, not to mention that it is inherently prejudiced.
EDITORIAL: Encourage the University to improve BranVan efficiency
Recently, BranVans and Boston/Cambridge shuttles alike have been experiencing an increase in demand, which has resulted in overcrowding and, in some cases, students being stranded because of the lack of space. This board urges the University to continue putting more shuttles and Waltham BranVans into rotation to alleviate the overcrowding issue.
Criticize the University for canceling ‘Buyer Beware’ production
When Brandeis is in the national news, the University has invariably succumbed to one of two extremes: either great pride, like Professors Michael Rosbash and Jeffrey Hall winning a Nobel Prize, or great shame, like the Ayaan Hirsi Ali fiasco a few years ago. So when my phone suddenly went berserk with news alerts, I knew I was in for an emotional afternoon.
Discourage voters from supporting sexual assailants
As Moore’s campaign rolls on, defended by Alabama voters, we must question why we hold entertainers to moral standards but let politicians off the hook. If we find sexual assault and misconduct universally detestable, don’t these crimes deserve universal condemnation?
Recognize the importance of critics
Critics are nobody’s favorite people in the arts community. Artists work hard for months or even years at a time only to be criticized in a few hundred words written by a third-party audience member with their own subjective preferences and interpretations. This, however, is what makes the critic’s circle so diverse.
Address issues in acquisition of prescription medication
Anyone who is regularly prescribed controlled substances has probably experienced many frustrations in the process of obtaining the drugs. For example, under the Controlled Substances Act, no prescription for a controlled substance in Schedule II, a class of drugs that have a high potential for abuse, may be refilled, requiring a patient to visit their prescriber for a written prescription every time they run out.
Reader Commentary: Acknowledge efforts to improve wireless reception
Recently, an editorial in the Justice discussed concerns related to IT infrastructure at Brandeis. The focus was on two areas in particular: cellular coverage on campus, notably in the Foster Mods, and Wi-Fi service in the Foster Mods.
Views on the News: Paris climate agreement
According to a Nov. 7 CNN article, Syria recently joined the Paris climate agreement, making the United States the only member of the United Nations to not have done so. President Donald Trump previously announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the agreement, stating, "We're getting out." Former President Barack Obama weighed in, stating that the decision would negatively impact American workers. What do you think of this development and how should the U.S. proceed?
EDITORIAL: Commend the BCC for implementing new changes
In a recent interview, Dr. Joy von Steiger of the Brandeis Counseling Center revealed that several changes were made to improve efficiency and students’ overall experienc
Despite allegations of racism and misconduct, Carol Simon reinstated
A note from the editor regarding Carol Simon and BWBB
Predicting top five picks of the 2024 WNBA draft
Unearthing Hozier’s ‘Unheard’ gems
“They Haven’t Done Their Homework.”