Opinion Columns
Alfredo Praticò | Support Penn's first-generation, low-income community
Once you get past recognition, the next step is shifting conversations from topics accessible to few to conversations applicable to all.
James Morrison | The Thomas Homan protest was not productive
It’s impossible to know whether or not Homan was correct because he wasn’t allowed to make his case.
Sophia DuRose | Costumes still need to be considerate
Costumes are meant to be fun, and they certainly can be while still maintaining cultural sensitivity.
Hadriana Lowenkron | Vote in your local elections. It can make a difference.
While it does seem hard to believe, individual votes do make a difference.
Tyler Larkworthy | Remember to laugh at yourself
I strongly believe this message to be universal. No matter what your circumstances, finding something about them to laugh at can lighten the load at least a little. And often, that makes all the difference.
Ana West | Free speech is not under attack
Once the act gets dropped, maybe we can make space for an open dialogue about the deep divisions that are clearly present in our community — I think it’ll be better without that pretense.
Surayya Walters | Your online personality should not revolve around Penn
With content created to empower and uplift, rooted in humility and a desire to see others succeed, we can reach millions of students who see themselves in us. Like the adage says, ‘’It’s not what you say, but how you say it,’’ that makes all the difference.
Emilia Onuonga | Penn, we are not as diverse as we think
Are you making the most of your Penn experience? Can you see yourself in a stereotypical marketing photo? Or are you off to the side, talking to someone who looks just like you?
Julia Mitchell | Stop blaming sexual assault on alcohol
Even when we recognize risk, it doesn’t translate toward responsibility. In reality, we often drink as an excuse to be irresponsible for a night. So, of course, we deflect the job of calling out menacing behavior that we witness in this setting unless it becomes obvious.
Surayya Walters | I’m a Wharton Student Without a four-year plan
Benjamin Franklin said that "by failing to plan, you are planning to fail." I’d like to challenge that statement.
Jessica Gooding | The LPS BA Program has been phased out, and that slashes Penn’s diversity
When you observe the most innate and simplistic elements of humanity, wanting more for yourself and your family ranks at the top of the list
James Morrison | Men must do more to combat sexual assault at Penn
Men at Penn need to leverage their social privilege so that people of all genders can feel secure on campus and can experience Penn’s social scene without falling victim to assault or harassment.
Lark Yan | Penn must fire Amy Wax
Although official statements and claims decrying Wax’s ideals as not representative of Penn Law’s values is a good start, it’s simply not enough.
Alfredo Praticò | The case for a Penn-wide test bank
Let the administration know how you feel, and maybe we can lay the groundwork for a more fair, less stressful Penn.
McCarron Kincheloe | Acknowledge the importance of Penn staff members
Indeed, the staff at Penn are just as essential to the success of the community as a whole, yet so often we neglect this, rarely offering more than a cold thank you or a passing nod.
Sophia DuRose | Support local art and local artists
It costs nothing to consider how your presence can positively impact someone else’s passion and profession.
James Morrison | First-years, appreciate your housing situation while you can
So freshman: while yes, do file a maintenance request for that mold infestation, don’t forget to stop a moment and appreciate your housing situation just a little bit more.
Ana West | Know your rights as an off-campus tenant
Renting a house or apartment for the first time is a milestone in the transition to adulthood, and as exciting as it can be, the decidedly adult responsibilities and obligations that come with it can make even the most assertive people feel intimidated and ill-prepared.
Sophia DuRose | Don’t be afraid to live alone in college
Living by yourself is a choice that can make those factors more at the forefront of your mind, instead of what your roommates made for dinner or who stole your last razor.