Letter to the Editor: “Walking on the Woodside”

In this letter to the editor, the Woodside Children’s Center Board responds to an article originally published on April 30.

Editorial: A Letter to Our Past Selves

Writing in the format of a letter to one’s past self, the Editorial Board recounts memorable changes, both big and small, that occurred this past school year.

Exit Letter: There is No Precedent

Editor-in-Chief Michael Mason ’25 reflects on the unusual nature of his leadership tenure — defying precedent while embracing the chaos, camaraderie, and contradictions that come with leading The Student.

Exit Letter: “Time Cast a Spell on [Me] ... I Won’t Forget [You]”

Reflecting on his years as an editor for The Student, Senior Managing Editor Leo Kamin ’25 thanks his mentors and all the friends who helped him find a community in the newsroom.

Exit Letter: What it Means to Love a Place

Reminiscing on her time at The Student, Senior Managing Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 writes about how working on the paper helped her express her love for Amherst and thanks the people integral to her experience.

What the Administration Isn’t Telling You

Contributing Writer Oren Tirschwell ’25 argues that the recent undisclosed changes to the Honor Code remove important student protections and ignore standard decision-making procedures as articulated in the Code of Conduct.

There Seems to Be a Mountain Between Us

Contributing Writer Lucy Jones ’27 reflects on the cultural gap between living in Appalachia and New England, as well as the political misinformation that plagues her home state and the current administration.

Amherst College and the Myth of the Good Liberal

Staff Writer Zane Khiry ’25 argues that the student body’s tendency to characterize its political views as noble is not only hypocritical but rooted in a deep elitism that amounts to an identity crisis.

Exercises in Thought: “Hauntings” / “Exorcisms in Thought”

In the final installment of their long-running column, Columnists Joe Sweeney ’25 and Tim Carroll ’25 muse on the legacy of “Exercises in Thought” and what the column has meant for them.

A Letter to the Student Body from College Council

Dean of Students Angie Tissi-Gassoway and Department Chair of Asian Languages and Civilizations Timothy J. Van Compernolle clarify some concerns regarding the new Honor Code.

Valid Crashout: THDA

Contributing Writer Miles Garcia ’25 critiques the theater department’s bureaucratic, unnecessary restriction of event spaces and lack of department support for non-theater and non-thesis students.

Love-lost Online

Assistant Opinion Editor Olivia Tennant ’27 argues that social media distorts our understanding of love.

Introducing the Returning Student’s Society

Contributing Writer Philip White ’26E writes about his Amherst experience as a non-traditional student, including his inspiration for creating The Returning Students Society, a Registered Student Organization that provides a support network for fellow older students.

The Party of Free Speech: A Hollow Lie

In light of the detention of several pro-Palestinian activists, Managing Opinion Editor Emeritus Willow Delp ’26 highlights the hypocrisy of the current administration as champions of free speech, but only extended to members of similar political ideology.

The Frightening State of Disobedience

Contributing Writer Jackson Hersom ’27 examines the underlying causes of passivity toward political and social issues on campus, and the necessity of actively voicing one’s opinions to create social change.

Rants and Raves: Jearns Bathroom

Managing Opinion Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 discusses some of his favorite restrooms on campus, arguing that the Jearns basement single-stall restrooms comes out on top.

Amherst College is the Democratic Party’s Problem

Staff Writer Jeb Allen ’27 argues that Amherst’s elitist and hypocritical political climate encapsulates the Democratic Party’s rejection of ideological diversity, which ultimately helped fuel Trump’s 2024 victory.

On the Rollout of the Honor Code Proposal

The Editorial Board responds to the college’s proposed Honor Code revision, arguing that poor communication and lack of transparency continue to erode student trust.

Breaking the Silence on Broken Washers

Assistant Opinion Editor Elaine Pan ’27 argues that the persistent laundry problems in Seelye Hall highlight the college’s broader failure to meet and actively respond to students’ basic needs.

Stop Exploiting Antisemitism To Destroy Academic Freedom

Contributing Writer Avi Helft ’26 urges the Jewish community to stand up against political opportunism, citing the Trump administration’s appropriation of antisemitism as a cover for repressing dissenting thought.

Situationships: An Emergent Political Phenomena?

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 discusses the idea of “situationships” and what the term reveals about larger cultural changes and desires in our society.

Satire: Why Cohan Needs Its One-Room Doubles

As Cohan Hall transitions to single rooms, Contributing Writer Brenda Tenorio ’27 reflects on what’s being lost — what made this space more than just a dorm.

Satire: Anna and Isha’s Declassified Dorm Survival Guide

Assistant News Editor Anna Wang ’28 and Contributing Writer Isha Patel ’28 decide where they should live next year, weighing the pros and cons of each dorm.

Breaking the Fourth Wall: Moodle in the Time of Fascism

Contributing Writer Quinn Nelson ’25 reflects on the gap between Amherst’s academic focus and the chaos of the real world, arguing that classrooms should put greater emphasis on community engagement and political participation.

Vote “No” on the Proposed Honor Code

Columnists Tim Carroll ’25 and Joseph Sweeney ’25 urge the student body to vote “no” in response to the college’s new proposed Honor Code due to the proposal’s unnecessary concision and short voting timeline.

The Honor Code Must Be Defended

Contributing Writer Lukas Luby-Prikot ’26 rejects the college’s assertion that the Honor Code has existed purely for academic purposes, maintaining that the new proposed Honor Code also amounts to the erosion of student rights.

Editorial: Free Speech is Dying, and Trump is Killing It

The Editorial Board examines the Trump administration’s recent crackdown on free speech in universities nationwide and vows to continue maintaining The Student’s integral role in campus discourse.

Editorial Note: Clarifying The Student’s Policy on Anonymous Sourcing

In light of recent concerns, the Editorial Board clarifies its policy on anonymous sourcing and quotations.

Satire: Faculty Vote to Eliminate Fizz Access

That’s it for Fizz — this week, faculty voted 166-1 to ban the app in defense of President Michael Elliott, who reportedly received one too many hate messages on the site. Starting April 2, students will no longer be able to access their accounts.

Satire: College Unveils New Major “Strategic Illusionism” Beginning Fall 2025

Amherst has introduced its newest major, “Strategic Illusionism,” which starts next semester. The major is intended to better prepare students for the current job market.

Satire: College To Create New Prize Honoring Conservative Journalism

The Student has been awarded Amherst’s newly created honor, the Hadley Arkes Prize, for its representation of conservative voices. Members of the prize’s selection committee emphasized the need for diversified political discourse.

Satire: Campus Police Log: March 26 to April 1

The craziest installment of the Campus Police Log, from March 26 to April 1, can be found here.

Satire: Hearts of the Heard: Sunburnt Situationships

Relationship in limbo post-spring break voyage to Florida? The Student is here with insightful advice to guide you through the trickiest of circumstances.

Satire: Day in the Life of the Amherst Mammoth Mascot

In the first edition of our new column, “Day in the Life of a Mammoth,” The Student spent the day with none other than the Amherst Mammoth Mascot herself.

Satire: College Finds Novel Way to Escape Endowment Tax

Endowment Tax? Never heard of her. Staff Writer Savita Jani ’28 reports on the college’s project to spend all the endowment on the most anticipated project in college history: Bring Back the Woolies.

Satire: Campus Dining Attacks Latest Victim

Valentine Dining Hall is not for the weak. The Student sat down with Fizz personality “Mikey” to get a better understanding of the daily trials and tribulations of Amherst students in search of their meals.

Satire: Toddler Admitted to the Class of 2029

The class of 2029 makes history as toddler Tyler Young ’29 is set to enroll in the college as a geology major with a concentration in shoveling wood chips and making mud pies.

Satire: Star Trek: One Small Step for Mammoth, One Giant Leap for MammothKind

Starting in the spring semester of 2026, the Loeb Center will debut its newest trek. Eight eligible students will be propelled into the sky and tasked with learning amongst the stars in the new space-based program: Star Trek.

Satire: Editorial: The Amherst Student’s Bold Transition to AI-Written Articles

The Editorial Board announces new changes to the paper’s policy.

Satire: Cohan Hall: A Communist Utopia

Assistant Opinion Editor Olivia Tennant ’27 reflects on her delightful experiences living in Cohan Hall, a socialist paradise.

Satire: Valchemy: Freshly Squeezed Tomato Juice

In this week’s edition of Valchemy, Columnist Ivy Haight ’25 creates the latest unconventional drink to satisfy Amherst’s tomato juice enthusiasts with a hint of french fry nostalgia.

Satire: College Holds Historic Interdisciplinary Panel on Democracy

MaKenna P. Stewart 1402 Professor of Theater & Dance Joseph Bailey changed it up in the eighth iteration of “Challenges to Democracy: Means of Resistance in the Trump Era.”

Satire: A Black Feminist Critique of the Drake x Kendrick Beef

Forget rap beef, this deep dive into Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s history displays a tale of yearning between love and rivalry.

Satire: Amherst College Student Becomes New “Survivor” Host

Staff Columnist Vaughn Armour ’25 is not writing this week.

Satire: Amherst College March Madness

Managing Sports Editor Joey Supik ’27 walks through the results of the colleges’ elimination tournament.

Satire: Ranking Teams Based on Violence

Managing Sports Editor Joey Supik '27 lists Amherst’s sports teams from least to most violent.

Satire: Early Predictions for the 2024-25 Season

Ahead of the fall season, Managing Sports Editor Joey Supik ’27 forecasts each team's outcome for the previous year.

Satire: Summer Research Assistant Application

My Parents Voted for Trump: What Does That Mean for Me?

Managing Opinion Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 reflects on the tension between assimilating into Amherst’s liberal political atmosphere and his parents’ decision to vote for President Donald Trump.

The Anguish of Amherst College Students

Contributing Writer James Patterson ’27 explores the presence of cliques at Amherst, specifically how they foster social division and prevent cross-group interaction.

A Promise Deferred: The Moral Case for Immigration Reform

Contributing Writer Charles Tufenkji ’28 argues that creating a more compassionate immigration system does not necessarily exist in tension with national security and American values, and restores justice and opportunity.

Exercises in Thought: Community

Columnists Joe Sweeney ’25 and Tim Carroll ’25 contemplate the meaning of community at Amherst in this week’s edition of “Exercises in Thought.”

Editorial: Doubling Down on Triple Majors

The Editorial Board acknowledges that while some students may triple major for superficial reasons, banning triple majors will deal more harm than good; the Board instead argues for the implementation of academic minors to encourage intellectual exploration.

Quintessentially Amherst: An Alumna’s Experience of Triple Majoring

Shuyao (Charlotte) Wang ’24 argues in defense of triple majors, noting that her pursuit of math, English, and music has allowed her to fully embrace a liberal arts education and forge her own unique path.

Will We Win The Fight Against Facism?

William H. Hastie ’25 Professor of Political Ethics Thomas Dumm urges that in order to prevent a tyrannical government, the college must condemn the anti-democratic movements of the new administration rather than comply out of fear.

Walk on the Wilde Side: Senior Thesis Ideas

In this edition of Walk on the Wilde Side, Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 offers some creative senior thesis ideas for the student body.

Fighting Money in Politics: Democracy’s Overlooked Challenge

Contributing Writer Eli Tannenbaum ’27 argues that campaign finance is a leading reason for democracy’s demise and explains what we can do to counter it.

Anti-Ableist Amherst: I’m So OCD

Managing Opinion Editor Emeritus Willow Delp ’26 argues that the colloquial usage of the term OCD mischaracterizes and diminishes the often debilitating and terrifying experiences of those who actually suffer from the condition.

Catching the Cold: Putting the “Sick” in Homesick

Staff Writer Hannah Feng ’28 reflects on how memories of her childhood enable her to better bear sickness on campus.

To America, Tomorrow

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 argues that it is necessary to remember the seemingly contradictory principles of democracy in order to preserve it.

The Student’s Role in Campus Dialogue

The Editorial Board clarifies its policies for publishing Opinion articles, condemning harassment toward writers and urging for more productive ways to promote dialogue on campus.

The State of Theme Communities

Lucy Jones ’27, Claire Liu ’27, Alisha Xu ’27, and other theme house leaders respond to new changes to theme community policies, warning that inadequate communication, the new lottery system, and negligence of student perspectives may threaten to destroy the very purpose of these communities.

Anti-Ableist Amherst: Remembering Accessibility in New Policy

In light of recent housing policy changes that harm and exclude students with disabilities, Managing Opinion Editor Emeritus Willow Delp ’26 urges the college to provide more resources for students to have their accessibility needs met and feel a greater sense of belonging within the community.

Walk on the Wilde Side Returns After 60 Years

Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 brings back her grandfather’s column, “Walk on the Wilde Side,” after a 60-year hiatus.

To Save The Republic

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 argues that the spirit of federalism, rather than a focus on identity politics, can reorient the nation from political decay.

An Honest Discussion On Affirmative Action: Why It Matters and How It Fails

Assistant Opinion Editor Olivia Tennant ’27 provides an open discussion on affirmative action, highlighting the distinction between equality and fairness, and explains the flaws of embracing a strict meritocracy.

The Case for DEI: Meritocracy, Discrimination, and the Ongoing Quest for Justice

Staff Writer Zane Khiry ’25 discusses how DEI policies, even if providing a limited solution, have power to correct historical injustices by uplifting the lives of marginalized individuals.

DEI as a Framework, Not as a Buzzword

Cici Bradley ’27 analyzes the underlying principles behind DEI and argues that critiques against DEI are often the consequence of poor implementation rather than ideological issues.

DEI Debate: Addressing Policy Misconceptions

James Patterson ’27 responds to Staff Writer Jeb Allen ’27’s article on DEI, noting the value of DEI policies in counteracting biases and discrimination, as well as the potential of strict meritocracies to reinforce negative stereotypes.

Editorial: Embracing Unproductivity — A Culture Shift

The Editorial Board pushes for a cultural shift at Amherst towards framing unproductivity and self-care as an essential part of mental well-being and a way to live more intentionally.

La Junta de Trustees: Puerto Rico, Palestine, and the Values of Amherst College

Amherst Alumni for Palestine criticizes how the college refuses to listen to student voices, but instead seeks to maximize its capital by sustaining investments that have contributed to the exploitation of indigenous peoples.

The Revolution Will Not Be Moralized

Staff Writer Zane Khiry ’25 argues that the quest for justice is a complex and nonlinear process, rather than an attempt to classify objectively moral or immoral actions.

Academia Needs Uncomfortable, Unpopular, but Necessary Debates on DEI

Staff Writer Jeb Allen ’27 argues that DEI policies are largely performative measures of progress that also reinforce harmful stereotypes of minorities.

Exercises in Thought: Fashion

Columnists Tim Carroll ’25 and Joe Sweeney ’25 explore the intersections of fashion, fascism, and identity, examining how clothing can shape both personal and political life.

Coping with Campus: My New Year’s Resolution

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Dustin Copeland ’25 reflects on how the college’s recent transition to aesthetic safety is analogous to the student body’s lack of uniformity and connection.

Editorial: Fighting Back Against Political Silence

The Editorial Board argues that the student body should recommit itself to dialogue in the wake of the Trump administration’s flurry of executive orders.

“Girl”: Contemporary Society’s Failed Linguistic Revolution

Assistant Opinion Editor Olivia Tennant ’27 argues that the modern use of “girl” lacks the rebellious edge it once held during the Riot Grrrl movement.

Exercises in Thought: “Tim Carroll / Joe Sweeney”

Columnists Tim Carroll ’25 and Joe Sweeney ’25 reflect on their years of friendship at Amherst, further deepened by their time writing for the Student.

Why is Amherst So Liberal?

Zane Khiry ’25 questions Amherst’s liberalism, claiming it’s less of a radical rejection of elite conservatism and more of a means of protecting its privileged status.

Satire: New Flashy Table at Val!

Staff Writer Hannah Feng ’28 and Contributing Writer Isha Patel ’28 revel in the luxury of Val’s brand new granite table.

On Racism Within the Asian American Community

Managing Opinion Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 argues that discrimination within the Asian American community towards other Asian Americans is not only hypocritical but rooted in historical trauma.

To America, Today

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 argues that the American left’s struggle to find a cohesive identity has allowed the authoritarian right to not only extend its influence but redefine what it means to be American.

Cartoon: Jan. 29, 2025

Contributing cartoonist Katie Yi ’28 explores academic stress in her newspaper debut.

Looking Back at 2024: Highlights of The Student’s Journalism

The Editorial Board highlights key articles and moments in the paper's final issue for 2024.

Exit Letter: A Love Letter to the Newsroom, and Its People

In their exit letter, Kei Lim ’25 rambles about the cavity that is the newsroom, reflecting upon the people and memories that have made their experience meaningful.

Exit Letter: A Long Time in Morrow

In the newsroom, during his final night editing The Student, Dustin Copeland ’25 writes a letter of thanks while being a bit astonished that the paper exists at all.

Exit Letter: Brianne Bids Goodbye

In her final issue for The Student, Managing Design Editor Brianne LaBare ’25 reflects on how she found a home through the paper.

Exit Letter: Ethan Exits

Managing News Editor Ethan Neuschwander ’25 reflects on his time working for The Student and how the newspaper helped him find his community on campus.

Exit Letter: Tapti Says Ta-Ta

Stepping down as Managing Opinion Editor, Tapti Sen ’25 reflects upon the stress, memories and undeniable joys of her time in the newsroom.

Exit Letter: Eleanor’s Exodus

Reflecting on her time on The Student, Managing Features Editor Eleanor Walsh ’25 discusses her love for the paper and why she couldn’t live without it.

Check Your American Privilege and Vote

Staff Writer Jeb Allen ’27 argues that American students shouldn't take their ability to vote for granted.

Presidential Election 2024: Why Were the Polls So Wrong?

Staff Writer Grace Puchalski ’27 clears up confusion about why the 2024 election poll projections were so different from the actual results.

Exercises in Thought: Religion

Columnists Joe Sweeney ’25 and Tim Carroll ’25 ponder death in this week’s edition of “Exercises in Thought.”

A Different View of Death: Denmark’s Assistens Cemetery

Contributing Writer Kate Becker ’26 details the unique nature of Denmark’s Assistens Cemetery, experienced during her time abroad in the fall of 2024.

ATTN: The Democratic Party

Staff Writer Shane Dillon ’26 reflects on the election and urges the Democratic Party to become more responsive to voters’ needs.

Understanding the Bike Share

The Office of Sustainability celebrates the history and continuance of the bike share program while encouraging students to use it responsibly.

It’s Time to Take Back Gossip

Staff Writer Olivia Tennant ’27 writes to reclaim the word “gossip” from its use as a vilifying label for women in community.

Editorial: Forging a Path Forward

The Editorial Board reflects on the anxieties surrounding the results of the 2024 presidential election.

Satire: Purple Banners Gone. I Don’t Know Which Dorm is Mine.

Staff Writer Hannah Feng ’28 jokes about the removal of the purple banners from the First Year Quad.

In Defense of DEI

Managing Opinion Editor Willow Delp ’26 responds to a previous article criticizing DEI by arguing that DEI is necessary for achieving racial equity.