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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Cohan Hall: A Communist Utopia

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

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.

Interdisciplinary Trump Panel

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

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.

Amherst College Student Becomes New “Survivor” Host

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

Amherst College March Madness

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

Ranking Teams Based on Violence

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

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

Elon Musk’s $1M Giveaway: Did It Cross a Line?

Contributing Writer Grace Puchalski ’27 analyzes Elon Musk’s role in the presidential election, arguing that his PAC exerted undue influence over the results.

Every Vote Matters (Really)

Contributing Writer Raina Batra ’27 reminds students that their votes are important, regardless of what state they live in.

To You: 247 Years From Now

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 urges for hope and empathy after the 2024 presidential election.

Editorial: Beyond the Ballot Box

The Editorial Board takes stock of an anxious campus, suggesting that voters’ emotions should be used to engage in democracy even after Election Day.

Exercises in Thought: Election Edition

Columnists Joe Sweeney ’25 and Tim Carroll ’25 reflect on the nature of political ideology and the political climate of Amherst in this edition of Exercises in Thought.

Cartoon: November Meltdown

Assistant Features Editor Lauren Siegel ’27 explores anxiety around the election in this cartoon.

DEI at Amherst

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 argues that race-based DEI upholds racism.

One Last Call Home

Staff Writer Shane Dillon ’26 reflects on Biden’s campaign promises and urges Amherst students to vote.

“Wait, They Don’t Love You Like I Love You:” How TikTok is Corrupting Music

Contributing Writer Olivia Tennant ’27 argues that TikTok’s influence on music has been harmful, using the specific example of “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The Amherst College Textbook Solution — Persevering Towards Our Celestial Standards

Ralph Johnson, Executive Director of Campus Operations and Chair of the Amherst College Textbook Taskforce, outlines the goals and ongoing improvements of the Amherst College Textbooks Solution (ACTS) program to ensure timely, equitable access to course materials for all students.

Mark Robinson: Another Complication in a Consistently Turbulent 2024 Presidential Election

Contributing Writer Grace Puchalski ’27 examines the rise and fall of Mark Robinson and its possible implications for the 2024 presidential election.

Some Courtesy, Please

Managing Opinion Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 urges readers to stop judging people’s majors based on a perceived “return on investment.”

A Republican’s Perspective on the 2024 Election: For the Republican Party to Win, Trump Needs to Lose

Columnist Jeb Allen ’27 urges the Republican party to reject Donald Trump as the presidential nominee, and instead return the Republican party to a better past.

Beyond Hypocrisy: The Utility of JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy

Staff Writer Charlie Bolton ’28 praises JD Vance's iconic “Hillbilly Elegy” and talks about the “rural way” while criticizing JD Vance’s current political alignment.

Breaking it Down: Why Today’s Presidential Debates Are Terrible

Contributing Writer Raina Batra ’27 examines the issues with presidential debates from her perspective as a competitive debater.

Exercises in Thought: Physical Health

Columnists Joe Sweeney ’25 and Tim Carroll ’25 discuss experiences and structural issues surrounding health.

In Defense of Boring Politics

Contributing Writer Raina Batra ’27 argues that American politics should be less sensationalized.

Anti-Ableist Amherst: The Limits of Mental Health Awareness

Managing Opinion Editor Willow Delp ’26 urges readers to go beyond awareness when discussing mental health.

The Three Percent Conundrum

Contributing Writer Alex Coiov ’28 expresses concern about the college’s admissions statistics.

Disillusionment at Amherst: Liberal Hypocrisy

Staff Writer Aaron Holton ’25 reflects on their experience being issued a no contact order and argues that the Amherst community silences alternative political opinions.

A Republican’s Perspective on the 2024 Election: Trump is an Existential Threat to American Democracy

Columnist Jeb Allen ’27 argues that Trump’s authoritarianism threatens American democracy.

BSU — In Response to the Decline in Diversity

The Black Student Union criticizes the administration for not taking sufficient measures to prevent the decline in Black student enrollment, urging immediate action to address the issue in future admissions cycles.

A Republican’s Perspective on the 2024 Election: The Deception of Voting for Trump for His “Policies”

Columnist Jeb Allen ’27 argues that Donald Trump’s policies oversimplify complex issues, and even Trump’s own allies acknowledge his inability to solve the very problems he claims to address.

Anti-Ableist Amherst: Rejecting Normalcy

Managing Opinion Editor Willow Delp ’26 argues that our conceptions of “normal” and “abnormal” are inherently ableist and pushes for us to reject these societally constructed categories.

A Republican’s Perspective on the 2024 Election: The Abrupt “Shift” of J.D. Vance’s Beliefs

Columnist Jeb Allen ’27 argues that J.D. Vance, once a promising figure capable of steering conservative politics away from extremism, has abandoned his principles for political gain, embracing Trumpism and betraying his earlier stances on climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's issues.

The Home Stretch: Vote!

Staff Writer Shane Dillon ’26 warns that the upcoming election is a critical moment for protecting democracy, urging voters to support Kamala Harris and engage in grassroots efforts to prevent a second Trump presidency.