Mimi Evans

Columbia University has resided in the neighborhood of Morningside Heights since 1897. What obligations, if any, does the university have to the community surrounding it? What obligations might students have?

Are these actually the best four years of our lives? If not, how will we know when we are in the ‘best years of our lives?’

Reports suggest that opinions on higher education are growing increasingly negative among conservative Americans. What can the University do to counteract this? Should it be concerned at all about this polarization? Has the University strayed far enough from its intended mission that it is now unrecognizable for many? Is there a way to appease populations that increasingly reject the foundational tenets of the University?

Content Warning: This piece addresses issues of sexual assault. Student organizations are technically not allowed to oust students from their groups on the basis of allegations of sexual assault without going through the University. What obligations do student groups have when one member is accused of sexual assault by another?

Content warning: this piece contains mentions of mental illness and suicide. If you’ve scrolled through columbia buy sell memes or overheard a lively conversation on the way to class, you’ve likely picked up on the fact that much of Columbia’s humor revolves around cynicism. Nihilism is trendy. Sadness is relatable and therefore comedic. Is this humor healthy or harmful for students and the community? Does Columbia’s culture of cynical humor cultivate community or exacerbate stress culture?

The Columbia University Marching Band recently defied direct administrative rules banning them from Butler, and the administration has yet to follow up on the infraction. Earlier in the semester, the administration dropped an investigation into protestors at a Columbia University College Republicans event. Many students believe both instances of rule breaking were justified. Are students ever justified in breaking the rules?