Scrutinizing the AAPI Studies Major

Following the faculty vote approving the AAPI Studies program, Editor-in-Chief Kei Lim ’25 and Senior Managing Editor Noor Rahman ’25 dissect the critical shortcomings of the discipline and the exclusionary tendencies at Amherst that exacerbate them.

Local Attorney Gives Talk on Islamophobia

The college hosted Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, executive director of the Massachusetts branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, for an event about Islamophobia on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Students Organize Panel on the History of the Gaza Strip

A coalition of student groups organized a panel of experts on the Middle East and Palestine as counter-programming to a talk by Bret Stephens. The panelists discussed the history of Israeli violence in the Gaza Strip and the racism of the modern Zionist movement.

Palestinian Journalist Speaks on Israeli Occupation, Zionism

As part of the Freedom Talks series, writer Mohammed El-Kurd spoke about the circumstances around Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip, arguing that the Oct. 7 attacks cannot be viewed as the genesis of the current situation.

Vijay Iyer Reflects on Music, Ownership, and Improvisation

In the second installment of the Freedom Talks speaker series, Grammy-award winning musician and professor Vijay Iyer spoke about the Western conception of music as something that can be owned and argued for the need to historicize concepts like improvisation and freedom.

Presidential Scholar Carol Anderson Discusses History of Voter Suppression

At a keynote address in Johnson Chapel, Emory University historian Carol Anderson used powerful storytelling to outline the history of voter suppression, from the Reconstruction period to the present day.

A Systematic Exclusion: How We’re Taught to Discount Palestinians

Managing News Editor Noor Rahman ’25, Editor-in-Chief Sam Spratford ’24, Contributing Writer Caden Stockwell ’25, and Staff Writer Cole Warren ’24 peel back the layers of silencing and dehumanization that have enabled Israel’s war crimes in Gaza.

College Brings Back Free Tickets at Amherst Cinema

Students can once again attend Amherst Cinema showings at zero cost after the college reinstated the free ticket program on Oct. 6. The program’s hours are reduced from last spring, when it was cut for being financially unsustainable.

Satire: AAS Candidate Statements

Managing News Editor Noor Rahman ’25 pokes fun at AAS candidate statements.

New Furniture in 67 Dorm Common Rooms

Dorm common rooms across campus were refurbished during the last week of August. Though many previous pieces of furniture had become dilapidated, students described being underwhelmed by the new furniture.

Amherst Welcomes Record Number of First Generation Students

The class of 2027 has a record number of first generation college students. While administration and staff endeavor to provide them with a variety of resources, students report being underinformed.

Maira Owais: Tenacious and Poised to Confront Health-Care Policy

Known by peers for her excellence and composure, Owais is leaving Amherst having integrated a solid sense of identity — from her long-time love of the health sciences and a newfound interest in economics, to her roots as a Pakistani immigrant.

Seniors Compete in Three-Minute Thesis Competition

The college held its annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition on May 4. Topics ranged from the role of zinc in space travel-related aging to the unfulfilled promises of America's founding, and awards were given for first place, runner-up, and people’s choice.

Students Lose Free Access to Amherst Cinema

The college ended its agreement with Amherst Cinema to provide students with free movie tickets amid college-wide budget cuts.

John Cho Discusses Barrier-Breaking Acting Career

Actor John Cho came to speak in Johnson Chapel on Monday, April 24. The “Harold & Kumar” star discussed his career while being a Korean American, the proliferation of Asian stereotypes, and the evolving role of Asian Americans in cinema.

Mount Holyoke College To Phase Out German, Russian Majors

The Academic Priorities Committee at Mount Holyoke has motioned to discontinue the college’s German and Russian language programs, citing material constraints. Students have mobilized against the proposal, and Amherst German and Russian faculty also worry that foreign language is being devalued.

“Envisioning Lebanon”: Politics and Photography

On March 21, the photography exhibition “Envisioning Lebanon: a country between collapse and revolution” premiered in Frost Library. Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 details the exhibition, which portrays the tension between revolution and normalcy in Lebanon.

Panel Reflects on Future of Race in Admissions

The college hosted a panel discussion on race in admissions on Thursday, March 2. Speakers included Ryan Park ’05 — who argued on behalf of the UNC’s admissions policy in one of the cases before the Supreme Court — and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Matthew McGann.

Speakers, Booksignings, Gallery Openings: College Celebrates 8th LitFest

This weekend, the college hosted the eighth annual LitFest, a literary festival featuring award-winning writers and opportunities for students to share and cultivate their writing.

Silent Indifference: Amherst's Response to a Tragedy

Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 expresses anger and disappointment at the campus’ failure to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, arguing that it reveals Amherst’s implicit bias.

“Ancestral Bridges”: Amherst’s Black and Afro-Indigenous History

“Ancestral Bridges,” a new exhibit that premiered in Frost last week, maps the history of a sixth-generation Black and Afro-Indigenous family in Amherst. Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 covers the opening reception, which features a photo gallery and historical artifacts.

AAS Vice-President Resigns, Citing Discontent

On Monday, Nov. 7, AAS Vice-President Jaden Richards ’25 resigned from his office, citing frustrations with AAS President Sirus Wheaton ’23 and the dysfunction of AAS. A special election for a new vice-president will be held on Dec. 1.

Human Rights Leader Speaks on Israeli Treatment of Palestinians

On Oct. 19, international human rights attorney Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), gave a talk in Stirn Auditorium on the organization’s 2021 report that found the Israeli government guilty of apartheid against its Palestinian population.

Green Room’s “Cars: A Parody”: Kachow!

Green Room’s first production of the semester, “Cars: A Parody,” debuted on Oct. 21. Assistant Arts and Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 reviews the show, noting the talent of the cast and the wit of the writing.

Fighting for Justice Beyond the Courtroom — Alumni Profile, Jeanne Nishimoto ’08

A born public servant with a passion for helping her community, Jeanne Nishimoto ’08 is the executive director of the Veterans Legal Clinic at UCLA School of Law.

Sports Documentary “The Redeem Team” Is a Slam Dunk

Who doesn’t love a comeback story? Assistant Arts and Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 reviews “The Redeem Team,” a documentary that recounts the U.S. Basketball Team’s victory at the 2008 Olympics.

Jason Moran Kicks Off Presidential Scholars Series

Jason Moran, the college’s first 2022-2023 Presidential Scholar, is an award-winning jazz pianist who spent the last week hosting a series of masterclasses and lectures on campus. Assistant Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ‘25 breaks down his final event, featuring a panel and concert.

The Implications of NYFW’s Balaclava Trend

The balaclava, a garment that echoes Muslim head coverings, has swept the fashion world. Noor Rahman '25 breaks down the trend's insensitivity and the discrimination Muslim women face for wearing hijab and niqab.

Balmain Festival 2021: Freedom and the Future of Fashion

Contributing Writer Noor Rahman ’25 covers the recent Balmain Festival, highlighting the significance of the festival’s homage to its creative director, Olivier Rousteing, the only black head of a major fashion house.