It's raining! Typically, this isn't the kind of weather that we celebrate, but because it's raining instead of snowing, spring must be around the corner. So start blasting "Sining in the Rain" and catch up on some news.
On campus
Last night a fire caused damage to Ollie’s and led to the evacuation of Barnard dorms. Two students were harmed in the fire and were transferred to St. Luke's to get medical attention and the dorm 600 W 116 was closed for the entirety of the night. The specific cause of the fire is still unknown. Students and Harlem residents are working together to raise the minimum wage . The Fight for $15 movement aims to provide better conditions for low wage workers. They are currently trying to end the abusive behavior employers have towards their workers who are fighting for their rights. “[Employers] feed on desperateness,” Ivan Alvarez, a Duane Reade employee, said. “Those first three months, they feed on your desperateness, since you’re not in a union yet. Within those first three months, if you’re late once, they could fire you automatically.”Outside the bubble
After an investigation, the Justice Department has found the Ferguson police department guilty of violating the rights of black citizens . African American residents made up the majority of arrests and violations by the department in the last two years. The six-month investigation discovered racial practices carried out by the Ferguson police and even uncovered racist emails sent out by city officials. Despite a federal ruling that permits gay-marriage, the Alabama Supreme Court has announced that the state will not allow gay marriages because, under its law, a marriage is between a man and a woman. Justices such as Justice Greg Shaw have claimed the the Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to change state law and is causing confusion amongst state courts. More marijuana, more problems. According to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, marijuana is the cause for an increase in crimes and murders around the city. The seemingly innocent drug has caused an increase in murders by 17% and an increase in shootings by 23%. Opponents of the commissioner do not believe that there is a direct link between the drug and the amount of crimes committed: “I think what you're seeing here is that the commissioner is a little contorted at this point,” Eugene O’Donnell, a John Jay College of Criminal justice professor said. “He's trying to use community policing…he continues to cling onto the Kelly stuff— Broken Windows, zero tolerance .”Tweet of the day
J School affiliate, Emily Bell, says what we've all been thinking about this weird weather.
'wintry mix'. The most benign phrase for the worst weather.
— emily bell (@emilybell) March 4, 2015Around the Ivies
Darthmouth has increased it’s restrictions regarding alcohol consumption just in time for Spring Break. The College has explicitly outlined punishments for obtaining hard liquor, beer and wine. “A student found to be in possession of or to have consumed hard alcohol will, for a first offense, face a sanction of College probation, for a second offense, face a one-term suspension and for a third offense, a two-term suspension.” Organizations that give out hard alcohol will face strict punishments as well. To combat any kind of cheating problems, Harvard has made some amendments to its Honor Code . Now, students are required to have knowledge of the code and agree that they are aware of it’s purpose before registering for classes or taking final exams. Although they must state their awareness of it, students do not have to agree with its contents.What's happening today
Columbia’s Amnesty International chapter is hosting an event today from 8:00 pm in 9:00 pm in the Dodge room of Earl Hall called “ From Moment to Movement: Ferguson Community Conversation with Amnesty International USA .” There will be a discussion with an organizer of the civil rights movement in Ferguson and Amnesty International’s Field Director. If you are looking to join a movement that aims to raise the minimum wage, look into attending “Teach-in: Fight for $15.” Columbia First-Generation Low-Income Partnership, Black Student Organization, Barnard Organization of Social Sisters and several other clubs will join together to promote change. The event will take place from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm in Room 136 in The Thompson Building at Teacher’s College. Pizza will be provided.
