Opinion Columns
Bridget Yu | Stop using mental health as an excuse to party
Columnist Bridget Yu urges Penn students examine why they are partying during the pandemic and urges them to address their mental health in ways that are not hazardous to their peers.
Taja Mazaj | For the Class of 2024, the college experience will never be the same
Columnist Taja Mazaj reflects on her first semester and a half at Penn.
Jessica Gooding | Stop acting like the pandemic is over
Columnist Jessica Gooding argues that Penn students must act to address systemic and societal issues brought to the forefront by the pandemic.
Emily Chang | There is nothing racist about COVID-19. America made it racist.
Columnist Emily Chang reflects on the root causes of the increase in hate crimes directed towards Asian-Americans in the United States.
Andy Yoon | Stop calling us the 'model minority'
Columnist Andy Yoon explores the harms of the "model minority" myth amid rising hate crimes against Asian Americans.
Alex Eapen | Exploitation of Black vaccination sites takes Penn privilege to a new level
Columnist Alex Eapen discussed the harms Penn students cause when they get vaccinated from clinics designed to serve Philadelphia's Black community.
Matthew Liu | Space Exploration: The case for government-funded basic science research
Columnist Matthew Liu argues that there is a disconnect between public support and government funds with regards to space exploration.
Isabella Glassman | Keep tests open book when classrooms reopen
Columnist Isabella Glassman argues that professors should keep exams open book when in-person classes return to decrease exam-related stress.
Alex Eapen | Penn’s pre-professional culture is the enemy of passion
Columnist Alex Eapen critiques Penn's pre-professional culture and offers suggestions on how students can find more enjoyment in their lives.
Caroline Magdolen | Let’s talk about the other global crisis: sustainability
Columnist Caroline Magdolen investigates the status of sustainability at Penn and discusses how the University and its students can lead green lives at Penn.
Urooba Abid | Philly schools are reopening. Penn should provide testing.
Columnist Urooba Abid argues that Penn has an obligation to support the School District's reopening plan by providing testing for staff and students as they return to in-person schooling.
Surayya Walters | Wharton must amplify the intersectional voices of BIPOC students
Columnist Surayya Walters makes the case that Wharton has long ways to go before becoming an equitable institution and uplifting the experiences of BIPOC women to feel comfortable in the workplace.
Lexi Boccuzzi | Stop losing faith
Columnist Lexi Boccuzzi argues that Penn students should not disregard religion on campus and should see these organizations as a vessel for reflection and community.
Isabella Glassman | The pandemic goes past fortieth street; so should PennOpen Pass
Isabella Glassman argues that Penn should expand the reach of PennOpen Pass to protect West Philadelphia businesses and residents.
Lexi Boccuzzi | Rev. Martin Luther King’s complex and lasting legacy
Columnist Lexi Boccuzzi examines the history of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the use of his ideas in 21st century social movements.
Andy Yoon | Penn should not extend its dining requirement
Columnist Andy Yoon makes the case that imposing a dining plan requirement on sophomores is not the way to build community.
Varun Saraswathula | Penn, hiding COVID-19 data only endangers us more
Public information about the status of COVID-19 at Penn is hard to come by, with only weekly updates on a dashboard largely devoid of relevant information. With real concerns about an outbreak on campus, Penn has to do better.
Valerie Wang | Penn administration has no one to blame but itself for COVID-19 spikes
After months of changed plans and doubts raised, Penn stands on the precipice of a major campus COVID-19 outbreak. But instead of blaming the students, the University must hold itself accountable for changing standards and implementing half-baked policies that were supposed to keep our campus safe.
Bruce Shen | This Black History Month, read “Native Son”
Written decades ago, "Native Son" by Richard Wright stands, unfortunately, as a largely-accurate picture of the systemic racism in America today. This Black History Month, consider it a must-read.