OPINION

4/16/2024, 4:15pm

The Slate Speaks: Take a break

 

As the semester draws to a close, April proves itself to be one of the most stressful time for students and faculty. Grades and assignments are piling up and events seem to be jammed back into this 31-day span. Now with the finals schedule released, the clock is ticking on those looking to finish the semester strong. If that’s not bad enough, for graduating students April is even more intense as the real world bites at their heels and the thoughts of post-college responsibilities keep them up at night. However, if you find yourself reading this and you’re one of the students in this predicament, take a moment and listen.

4/16/2024, 4:13pm

The result of an American Retreat: The U.S. and the Middle East

By Matthew Scalia / Asst. Opinion Editor

U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has been in disarray for decades. It is one of the few political constants in the post 9/11 world. One exception to break that trend came, surprisingly, during the bombastic presidency of Donald Trump. Whether this can be attributed to luck, or the work of some unnamed diplomatic official, is unimportant, as Trump has called for Republicans to spurn this advantage and follow Biden Democrats down the same path of American retreat.

4/16/2024, 4:12pm

Should other holidays be celebrated?

By Yusra Aden / Guest Contributor

Given that Christianity predominates over other religions, it should come as no surprise that the United States is greatly affected by it. For instance, most employers and students have time off on holidays such as Christmas and Easter. However, it is important to acknowledge that while these Christian holidays are mainly recognized and celebrated, there are other holidays that are significant to other religious groups and are often neglected.

Dan Schneider has become the center of a media firestorm following allegations made in the "Quiet on Set" documentary.

4/9/2024, 3:45pm

The Slate Speaks: When acting becomes real life

By Slate Staff

Nostalgic television stars spoke their truth in a new Max documentary series called “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” The series aired for the first time on March 18, and it encompassed emotional stories from people who grew up working for Nickelodeon. It is important for society to understand the burden that Nickelodeon placed on these lives and how to minimize the chances of this abuse happening again. 

4/9/2024, 12:05pm

College Needs a Rebrand

By Matthew Scalia / Asst. Opinion Editor

Higher education has a branding problem that is affecting its bottom line. After decades of compulsory enrollment, universities are finding that they are losing customers to trade schools and the workforce. This is causing cracks to form that, if left untended, have the potential to shutter colleges and universities across the country.

4/2/2024, 12:04pm

In response to the Letter to the Editor

By Natalie Nichols / SGA VP of External Affairs

There are many kind and wonderful people in sororities and fraternities. Some of my close friends are in Greek life. My girlfriend (hi, babe) ran for president of her sorority last year. My roommate participates in an academic fraternity and has had glowing things to say. This is a criticism of a system. Whether or not that criticism extends to the people who support the system is up to interpretation.

4/2/2024, 12:04pm

My mom's a loser: The language around cancer

By Allyson Ritchey / Multimedia Director

Happy Cancer season! I know cancer season is mid-June to mid-July, but I am not talking about zodiacs. It is that time of year when organizations count laps or hours spent dancing in the name of fighting cancer. I mean, the Pennsylvania State University just raised a record-breaking $16,955,683.63 at its yearly THON which is a 46-hour dance for philanthropy.

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4/2/2024, 9:38am

The Slate Speaks: Social Media and Politics

By Slate Staff

About 60% of Americans get their news from digital services, and 42% of 18-29-year-olds prefer to get their news from social media. Despite these statistics, politics and social media have been at odds over the past few months. Not only is Congress actively working toward banning TikTok and other social media platforms they deem to be a “threat,” but now Instagram has introduced its newest feature.

3/27/2024, 10:00am

The culture of celebrity worship

By Yusra Aden / Guest Contributor

  The average American spends approximately 2.5 hours on social media each day. During this time, many people engage with new content from celebrities and artists, meticulously watching every move they make. What these people fail to realize is that these individuals are humans and can make mistakes as well as bad choices. 

3/27/2024, 10:00am

Two TikToks to Midnight

By Matthew Scalia / Asst. Opinion Editor

 TikTok moved closer to its doomsday recently after the U.S House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to force its sale or ban it. President Joe Biden said he will sign the bill if it hits his desk. Do not count on it happening.

3/27/2024, 10:00am

Life: It’s your first time, too

By Reagan Gardenhour

I apologize to anybody who ever has, is currently or will experience seasonal depression in their lifetime. It is not easy, but I hope that whoever this applies to knows the strength they possess for persevering and continuing to beat depression, anxiety or any other mental challenge they have endured. 

3/27/2024, 10:00am

The “Underration” of Hydration

By Kevin Carr

 We have heard it since we were kids, “drink water!” “Be sure to stay hydrated!” We always brushed it off as just another health tip from mom, in one ear and out the other. I hate to break it to everyone, but our moms were right. According to the lay press, “75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.” This is an issue that is overlooked by most of our nation. 

Members of the Latino Student Organization walk with their banner held high at the 36th Annual MLK March for Humanity.

3/5/2024, 3:22pm

A Beautiful Reality

By Marlon Aristy

My name is Marlon Aristy, an MSA senator for the Student Government Association, treasurer of the Latino Student Organization and a dual-major in political science and international studies with a minor in Spanish. I am a proud Dominican Afro-Latino male and son of two immigrant parents who have sacrificed so much for me to be here.

Former President Donald Trump leaves the stage at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference. 

3/5/2024, 12:00pm

The road to Super Tuesday

By Matthew Scalia / Asst. Opinion Editor

When given the choice between Donald Trump or Joe Biden for president, most Americans pick neither. Someone should tell the primary voters, though, as results from South Carolina and Michigan show both candidates sprinting toward the finish line of securing their party’s nomination.

3/5/2024, 12:00pm

Go get some fresh air

By Kevin Carr

 Nature is something we take for granted in today’s day and age. It affects our lives more than we realize. Whether it’s choosing to wear a hat to shade your eyes from the beaming sun, or staying home during a frigid blizzard, nature leaves its mark on society. While nature influences us in terms of weather, it also has immense effects on our mental health.

An illustration demonstrating the culture and cost of hazing in the world of Greek Life.

3/5/2024, 12:00pm

The Slate Speaks: The culture of hazing

By Slate Staff

“We’ve always done it this way.” That’s the mindset so many unfortunately stand by when it comes to hazing, or as they like to call it, “tradition.” In light of the recent allegations toward Theta Xi, the discussion of hazing has circulated throughout the campus community and raises the question: Do we as a society perpetuate hazing and the culture around it?