College’s traditional rites of passage in need of a makeover

Rape continues to be a problem on college campuses, fraternities continue to perpetuate a dangerous hazing culture and underage drinking is tolerated at a majority of universities. Why is it that even though there are groups advocating for better sexual violence prevention and education on drugs and alcohol, American universities and colleges are plagued by these systemic issues?

Peter Dissinger | Contributing Writer

On understanding and surviving the pre-quarterlife crisis

If you’re having a good day, I’d rather you not read this. I mean, you wouldn’t want to taint your sunny morning with thoughts of the inevitable pre-quarterlife crisis. Sorry. Did that ruin your morning? Now that you’re upset, you’re emotionally ready to finish reading this.

Rima Parikh | Staff Writer

On burning and silence

In CNN’s version of Ferguson, fires erupted and glass windows shattered as tear gas clouds overtook protesters, leaving them crying and gasping for breath. All the while, news anchors yammered on about the situation to one another, running for cover when the riot police got near.

June Jennings | Contributing Writer

How to respond to common cop-killing defense arguments

In any case where a black person is killed by a police officer, some common points emerge to justify the crimes. If you find yourself grasping for evidence to oppose such claims, I hope that the following responses—more specifically tailored to the Darren Wilson case—can help.

| Senior Forum Editor

Unmoved by the chancellor’s emails? Read one from our athletic director

Whitman is our first-year athletic director, having replaced John Schael after a tenure spanning nearly four decades. Whitman has actively recruited students to our sporting events with all-school email blasts advertising Red Alert. But one message he sent to only student-athletes last week is his most significant yet, and it has little to do with Bear sports.

| Senior Forum Editor

The little-known noble cause behind No-Shave November

As we approach the middle of the month, the early results of No-Shave November are rolling in. Few of us sport respectable beards, while the vast majority clings to wispy patches of facial hair while weathering the (hopefully) good-natured ribbing of friends.

Wesley Jenkins | Contributing Writer

Reconciling Cosby with ‘Cosby’

When comedian Hannibal Buress denounced Bill Cosby as a rapist in a stand-up routine last month, I could scarcely believe it. However, a quick Google search revealed that Cosby had been accused of sexually assaulting 13 women.

June Jennings | Contributing Writer

Study, sleep, socialize, watch Netflix, repeat

Back when the web was just where spiders lived, college students were forced to mill about their dorm room to procrastinate, looking for a sock drawer to reorganize or a pile of dirty laundry to finally clean. But now there are entire websites built around the concept of consuming your precious time, bit by bit, and one of the most egregious culprits is Netflix.

Zach Epstein | Contributing Writer

Business of Sports minor must feature social responsibility lessons

I attended Lacob’s talk eager to hear his opinion on another issue that has dominated the NBA news cycle for the past several months. I asked what impact the franchise sales of Donald Sterling and Bruce Levenson after both made racially charged comments has on the dynamic of NBA ownership.

| Senior Sports Editor

Are white liberals failing Ferguson?

Since Aug. 9, I have read hundreds of articles running the gamut from critiquing black culture to condemning police brutality and conservative racism. White liberals have somehow slipped through the cracks of criticism and escaped unscathed. I’m a part of this demographic, and it’s time we talk about how we have treated Ferguson—and better yet, what Ferguson wants from us.

Clark Randall | Staff Columnist