Opinion

“It is vital that we learn to become the agents of our own solitude. Making a decision to seek out time alone, even just while reading a book or eating a meal, shows autonomy and commitment to personal needs, which is empowering in an environment like Princeton overrun with feelings of obligation.”

OPINION | October 9

When free speech isn’t free: Princeton’s suppression of low-income students

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

When free speech isn’t free: Princeton’s suppression of low-income students

Raf Basas

“The University’s actions must be consistent with its purported values, and thus, Princeton must institute protections for students on financial aid amid disciplinary punishments.”

OPINION | October 9

‘Diversity and Excellence goes hand in hand’: Diversify the faculty

The southfacing side of Nassau Hall, a large building covered in Ivy.

‘Diversity and Excellence goes hand in hand’: Diversify the faculty

Ava Johnson

Faculty diversity is important for many of the same reasons that student diversity is — diverse identities bring diverse perspectives that enrich an academic environment, and are especially important to make a diversity of students feel welcome.

OPINION | October 7

With their dirty deal, Princeton has chosen the fossil fuel industry over the future

In the background on the right, a building composed of brown bricks covered with green ivy has a large black door in front. On the right lower third foreground, many protestors gather in front of a man speaking. In the top right, lightly leafed trees sit below a bright sun and pale blue sky.

With their dirty deal, Princeton has chosen the fossil fuel industry over the future

Alex Norbrook and Eleanor Clemans-Cope

“By choosing to prioritize relationships with fossil fuel companies over the well-being of the planet and future generations, Princeton has abdicated its responsibility to lead and sent the message that prestige and immediate financial gain outweigh the urgent need to address the climate emergency.”

OPINION | October 4

To make a real difference this November, vote absentee, not here in Princeton

A blue and red metal drop box. The text on the side reads: “Mercer County official election ballot drop box.”

To make a real difference this November, vote absentee, not here in Princeton

Preston Ferraiuolo

“If you want to make a real difference, don’t vote here in Princeton. The Orange Bubble is situated in a blue town in a blue state where your vote won’t make a difference. Vote absentee in your hometown to make an impact.”

OPINION | October 4

You will live to see University-made horrors beyond your reading comprehension

A storefront with "Labyrinth Books" printed across a blue awning. Books and strings of paper cranes are displayed in the windows.

You will live to see University-made horrors beyond your reading comprehension

Anna Ferris

“However, for student book buyers, eCampus is slower and more expensive than Labyrinth was. Ultimately, the switch replaces an economic and spiritual pillar of the community with yet another e-commerce conglomerate.”

OPINION | October 4

It’s time to bolster queer visibility on campus

Two people sit in chairs on a stage, in front of a screen that reads, "Every Voice: Honoring and Celebrating Princeton's LGBTQ+ Alumni"

It’s time to bolster queer visibility on campus

Callisto Lim

“We need to show the full force of the queer-and-allied community on campus to dispel any notions that Princeton is not a space for queer people.”

OPINION | October 2

Reactions: The Clio Hall student protesters’ cases are sent to trial

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Reactions: The Clio Hall student protesters’ cases are sent to trial

Christofer Robles, Siyeon Lee, Asa Santos, Eleanor Clemans-Cope, and Abigail Rabieh

Opinion staff react to Judge McCarthy’s decision on Tuesday to send all 13 protesters arrested for sitting in at Clio Hall last spring to trial.

OPINION | October 2

The climate crisis is far more urgent than Princeton lets on

Two people, one holding a megaphone, stand in front of a crowd of people holding signs in a park.

The climate crisis is far more urgent than Princeton lets on

Eleanor Clemans-Cope

“The climate crisis is accelerating, uncertainties are piling up, and the risks may be far greater than previously imagined. Yet the response from Princeton’s leadership is a shrug of indifference.”

OPINION | October 2

Princeton, get practical with international student travel stipends

The facade of an ivy-covered building with a blue door.

Princeton, get practical with international student travel stipends

Asa Santos

The funds for low-income international students consistently fail to account for the full scope of the students’ travel needs. Moving forward, Princeton should work to conduct more thorough and comprehensive evaluations of student financial needs.

OPINION | October 1

Why Princeton shouldn’t treat COVID-19 like the common cold

A sign with red, bold text next to several blue and white boxes on a shelf.

Why Princeton shouldn’t treat COVID-19 like the common cold

Shane McCauley

“Though it does not make sense to return to pandemic-era restrictions like mandatory masking, Princeton must provide guidance for isolation and mitigation with best practices specific to COVID-19 in mind.”

OPINION | September 29

Your opinions matter more than you think

Two people sit on grass lawn with a brown stone building in the background.

Your opinions matter more than you think

Wynne Conger

“Students who feel that their political positions are not well represented on campus might accordingly feel a sense of apathy towards an electoral process that they do not feel will sufficiently impact the lives of those around them.”

Students who feel that their political positions are not well represented on campus might accordingly feel a sense of apathy towards an electoral process that they do not feel will sufficiently impact the lives of those around them.

OPINION | September 27

It’s time for Princeton to create a major in Gender and Sexuality Studies

A white brick building between two red brick buildings on a snowy day.

It’s time for Princeton to create a major in Gender and Sexuality Studies

Charlie Yale

“GSS is a discipline on the forefront re-envisioning how we understand our changing world. Princeton must keep up with its peer universities and reaffirm its commitment to the liberal arts by offering a GSS major.”

OPINION | September 27

End Princeton’s pervasive alcohol culture

Two blue beer cans that say Bud Light sit on the wet sidewalk.

End Princeton’s pervasive alcohol culture

Isaac Barsoum

As such, Princeton burdens non-drinkers with the responsibility of keeping those around them safe — with drastic consequences for failure — which can place severe cognitive strain on them and tax their ability to enjoy themselves in social situations."

"As such, Princeton burdens non-drinkers with the responsibility of keeping those around them safe — with drastic consequences for failure — which can place severe cognitive strain on them and tax their ability to enjoy themselves in social situations."

OPINION | September 25

Late meal must expand its vegetarian and vegan options

Concrete staircase leading into dining area with people seated at square wooden tables. Banner above the stairway reads "Builds climate action"

Late meal must expand its vegetarian and vegan options

Lizbeth Reyes

“Late meal could easily incorporate more nutritious vegetarian- and vegan-friendly changes to ensure that plant based and dietary options are always available to the student body.”

OPINION | September 25

Take advantage of study abroad: It’s deeply transformative

A grand, yellowish, castle-like building with gothic architecture under clear blue skies.

Take advantage of study abroad: It’s deeply transformative

Julianna Lee

“As Princeton students, it’s crucial for us to experience our education in a way that challenges our preconceptions, broadens our perspective, and expands our experiences. A study abroad is a perfect place where that can happen.”

OPINION | September 23

Princeton’s Progressive Coalition opposes University’s latest protest bans

A security camera is mounted on an ivy clad stone building. A bronze tiger statue is visible in the foreground.

Princeton’s Progressive Coalition opposes University’s latest protest bans

Alex Norbrook and Alan Plotz

“We, the undersigned member organizations of the Princeton Progressive Coalition, oppose these tightened restrictions, reject the University’s hostile approach to protest, and call on all who support free speech and free expression to challenge these protest bans.”

OPINION | September 22

CPUC reforms are necessary for the community to be truly heard

Landscape photo of a few people sitting in front of a table with microphones.

CPUC reforms are necessary for the community to be truly heard

Bill Hewitt

“By implementing these reforms, the CPUC will strengthen its role as a deliberative body, better reflect the needs and voices of its constituents, and uphold the University’s principles of open and participative governance through the CPUC.”

OPINION | September 20

Princeton's culture of overwork has real-world consequences

A blurry person walks in front of the double arched entry to a building.

Princeton's culture of overwork has real-world consequences

Thomas Buckley

“Princeton plays the role of the funnel for these banks, finding “talented” young people, training them both to have the skills and the lack of boundaries around work necessary to do these jobs, and guiding them towards roles in these industries.”

OPINION | September 19

Don't be disoriented: activism's value does not lie in resistance

A large Gothic-style auditorium stands in the sunset.

Don't be disoriented: activism's value does not lie in resistance

Abigail Rabieh

“It’s irresponsible for upperclassmen to spread a lie that consuming the resources of the University is amoral without additional posturing or political resolve. Moreover, the guide attempts to popularize a troubling attitude that presence in an institution like Princeton is inherently antagonistic, the purpose of which is to not learn, but win.”

"It’s irresponsible for upperclassmen to spread a lie that consuming the resources of the University is amoral without additional posturing or political resolve. Moreover, the guide attempts to popularize a troubling attitude that presence in an institution like Princeton is inherently antagonistic, the purpose of which is to not learn, but win."

OPINION | September 18

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