From the time that we were prospective students, we have heard about the University’s commitment to public service, social responsibility and community. However, the University falls short of its own sanctimonious spin far too often, especially when dealing with University employees.
Five questions about the American University Public Affairs Committee for its president, Jackie Grill:
As AU students, we take much pride in our position as the most politically active campus in the nation, but do we fully live up to our reputation as such? Although we join political groups, host speakers on campus, and take part in marches and protests, many ignore one our greatest advantages: the ability to directly advocate issues in front of our representatives.
The White Girl Who Speaks Chinese. We all know one — the girl from New Jersey who sits in the front row of economic policy class copying out Chinese homework while randomly interjecting her little known facts. The girl from Wisconsin who is furiously learning Arabic and spends her summers in Egypt. The boy from Long Island who speaks Swahili and studies development in Africa. Maybe this is AU’s version or definition of diversity: Not that people are so very different from one another when they arrive, but when they leave they no longer fit where they came from.
We’re facing a war — not on terrorism, not on drugs. This war concerns our right to privacy, and we’re losing. (A strikeout, for anyone keeping score.) Last week, Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University freshman, committed suicide after his roommate and an accomplice illicitly broadcast footage of Clementi’s sexual encounter with another man. Tragically, this case isn’t unique. Clementi is one of an increasing number of students who have been victimized by cyberbullying via text, instant messenger and other media.
The concept of AU Central is alluring — a one-stop shop for all your AU bureaucracy needs. However, the actual combination of three important departments into one has not seen smooth sailing.
Maybe I’m paranoid. Maybe the incessant humming is all in my head. Maybe my knowledge of telecommunication radiation is equivalent to archaic dial-up.
Five questions about AU Central for Jonnel Clothier, director of AU Central.
I’m writing because I feel that the front page cover of the September 21 issue of The Eagle misrepresents the purposes of the student-led effort to have a student representing American University on ANC 3D. The column identifying the “steps” to vote improperly depicts this campaign as though it were a one-time stunt that students should not take seriously, which is the exact opposite of what the purpose of this campaign is about. Here’s what the column says:
As AU students, we pride ourselves on being the most politically active campus in the nation. We have demonstrated that we are actively engaged with national and campus politics, but now we need to switch our focus to another vital political scene — the world of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
There are numerous examples of ‘conservative’ intransigence stymieing the inevitable progress of the future. Gay marriage and stem cell research are two quick examples, and while I’m not trying to equate those contentious issues to instant replay in sports, they do share a common similarity.
Five questions about the ANC and AU for Tom Smith, ANC Commissioner 3D02.
Ask yourself, “Who am I?” This question of identity is fundamental. One’s identity encompasses a vast range of concepts, ranging from age, gender, race, name, title, philosophy, religion, nationality, etc. All of these fields compose an individual’s identity. When asking yourself this question attempt to fill all the facets of what makes your identity with discrete terms, for every word has a definite value and meaning. Language is not subjective, the meaning of a concept or word does not change simply because you choose not to recognize its meaning and attempt to give it another.
Imagine two mountains straddling a desolate valley far below. The mountaintops are crowded with loud voices only growing louder. The valley’s population is waning, its power neutralized long ago. This vignette is akin to America’s political landscape today. One mountain represents the Left, disappointed in President Barack Obama and confused as to why everything has gone so wrong, so fast. Another peak shelters the splintered, yet resurgent Right, comprised of an odd assembly of small government reformers and Tea Party enthusiasts. Far above the scene, a jubilant media caters to the partisan mess with shouting heads and dubious “no spin zones.”
Solutions by The State News