Opinions

A Public Letter to the faculty and administration of the University of Puget Sound, I am writing this letter out of concern. Lately, there has been a lot of talk about increasing the diversity on this campus, but to be honest, I hope that the University of Puget Sound does not see an increase in its enrollment of students of color anywhere in the near future. This is due to the fact that I don’t believe that this campus is fully prepared to support a truly diversified student body. Before...

To the editor, On February 28, The Trail ran an article by Becca Duncan responding to an article I had written in Wetlands Magazine where I argued that Greek Life is inherently heteronormative, exclusionary, elitist, secretive and that many queers on this campus feel unsafe around members of Greek Life. There have been a number of responses by members of Greek Life now and in multiple forums. I am not persuaded by any of them. In fact, most of the responses convince me of the need for more critique of...

In regards to the article about Peoplesoft; It is no surprise that after two semesters of using PeopleSoft students are still experiencing problems navigating through the system.  Being a senior, I have had three years to grow accustom to Cascade’s straightforward links and screens, so it would be understandable why I, or any senior or junior would experience problems learning the new system.  The fact that sophomores and freshmen, having some or no experience with Cascade, are experiencing these problems as well speaks for the difficulty of the new system....

Dear Trail Staff, I write to express how unimpressed I am with Jordan Macavoy’s article “Superstitions and myths of Puget Sound” (December 13, 2013). First, the remarks about the “strange markings on the back of the sign that welcomes you as you drive onto the University grounds” are pretty offensive. These plaques were explained in the recent Spring 2013 issue of Arches, which is the second hit when you search “Alder entrance” on the university’s website. Beyond being a very easy thing to research, the meaning of them is rather...

In February, members of the City and County of San Francisco Board of Supervisors proposed a 2-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages including soda and energy drinks which would generate revenue for recreation and nutrition programs. City governments across America are proposing taxes on sugary beverages in the fight against obesity, but will this tax really trim the waistlines of consumers like how lawmakers imagine? These proposed taxes seek to reduce the consumption of “free sugars,” sugars processed or refined by manufacturers and animals. It is true, the World Health Organization...

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By EMMA POWERS First-year orientations and mandatory Greek life seminars for the past few years have featured a new addition: education on a program called “Green Dot,” which emphasizes bystander prevention of power-based personal violence. Green Dot organizes situations into a system of both “red dots” (which represent threats and inaction in high-risk situations) and “green dots” (which represent behaviors and attitudes that promote safety for all). “A green dot is simply your individual choice at any given moment to make our campus safer,” the University’s website Green Dot page...

By IDA DUNN-MOORE A packed Schneebeck hall listened eagerly to the two presenters from the Babeland sex shop last Monday. The topic – consent. The message – any sexual act requires volitional consent from all parties involved. The event’s main photo on Facebook read: “Only an informed, sober, freely-given, ongoing, enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ is consent. That in mind, it was strange to see the presenters struggle to give a clear answer to a question about consent while under the influence of alcohol. Most of the presentation focused on consent from the...

Following Russia’s invasion of Crimea, Ukraine has received worldwide attention. Currently, the U.S. is trying to impose sanctions on Russia and is also trying to get the EU on board. Europe in reluctant to join with the West because so much of Europe, especially England, relies on Russian exports of natural gas. Europe imports 30% of Russian natural gas. In the short term, the U.S. imposing sanctions on things such as visa bans will not stop Russia from trying to claim Crimea. Kelly Erikson, a professor in the Politics and...

There is nothing more practical (or classier), than being able to speak more than one language. Bi- or multi-lingualism gives graduates more opportunities than monolingual students. And they will sound sophisticated while opening those doors. To graduate, Puget Sound requires students to take at least two semesters of foreign language at the 100 level, or one semester at the 200 level. Alternately, those who score a four or five on an Advanced Placement exam or a passing grade on a proficiency test can bypass the requirement entirely. Realistically, what can...

By IDA DUNN-MOORE As of the end of February, the One of a Kind campaign has raised 110 million dollars. The campaign, with its 125 million dollar fundraising goal, seeks to increase financial aid and improve our already beautiful campus. These projects include the newly built Commencement Hall and Weyerhaeuser Hall, as well as the upcoming aquatic center and soon-to-be-finished expansion of Wheelock Student Center. That is a lot of money for a school with only 2,600 students. As it stands, the University of Puget Sound already offers a stellar...