Opinion-Columns
Solemei Scamaroni | The world needs Penn to vote
Columnist Solemei Scamaroni urges Americans, particularly the Penn community, to recognize their power in shaping democracy as she reflects on the global fight for free elections.
Brian Barth | Exemplifying disagreement
Columnist Brian Barth examines the 2024 David and Lyn Silfen Forum.
Elijah Ramirez | Hocus pocus: Voters, please focus
Columnist Elijah Ramirez implores students to take advantage of the power that voting gives them.
Zaid Alsubaiei | For Palestine and Lebanon
Columnist Zaid Alsubaiei acknowledges the suffering in Gaza and Lebanon perpetrated by the Israeli Defense Forces and argues that Israel has violated international law.
Marie Dillard | At the epicenter, the power and pressure of voting in a swing state
Columnist Marie Dillard explores the unique experience of moving to a politically charged swing state during a pivotal election, reflecting on the privilege of voting and the diverse perspectives of first-time voters amidst an overwhelming climate of campaigning.
Piper Slinka-Petka | Consider choosing Penn (State)
Columnist Piper Slinka-Petka challenges current and prospective Penn students to reconsider their perceptions of elite higher education by highlighting that success is not synonymous with prestige.
Jack Lakis | Parading the parasocial
Columnist Jack Lakis explores how campus social culture is impacted by chronically online relationships.
Elo Esalomi | Is Penn the “best urban campus?”
Columnist Elo Esalomi weighs Penn’s urban campus against other global universities, exploring how the University might deepen its integration with Philadelphia.
Diya Choksey | College of Arts and Sciences: Penn’s biggest branding fail
Columnist Diya Choksey critiques the uninspired title of Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences, arguing that a catchier name would enhance its identity and standing within both Penn and the Ivy League.
Ingrid Holmquist | Hazing: heinous in practice and principle
Columnist Ingrid Holmquist criticizes the tradition and justification of hazing, arguing that we must intervene in all cases before more people get hurt.
Ananya Shah | Why undecided voters should look beyond the headlines
Columnist Ananya Shah explores issues undecided voters should consider in the last stretch before Election Day.
Mariana Martinez | Make politics great again
Columnist Mariana Martinez argues the type of political rhetoric leading up to the 2024 presidential election poses a danger to the American audience.
Sose Hovannisian | Get yourself to the Pennsylvania polls, one way or another
Columnist Sose Hovannisian explains how Penn students can transform from passive observers to decisive voters in America's most watched swing state.
Tiyya Geiger | Stop assuming everyone is rich
Columnist Tiyya Geiger illustrates how Penn’s campus culture works to indoctrinate students into thinking everyone is rich.
Piper Slinka-Petka | Ivy doesn’t grow in Appalachia
Columnist Piper Slinka-Petka illustrates the difficulties for students from rural areas and encourages them to take pride in their roots while exploring Penn.
Max Annunziata | A right to mourn
Columnist Max Annunziata argues that, despite differences of opinion on pro-Palestine protests and the University’s response to them, our community should recognize the suppression of a vigil as amoral.
Francesco Salamone | Find Penn hard? Take these elitist shortcuts!
Columnist Francesco Salamone argues that elitism fosters a culture of shortcuts and entitlement, undermining intellectual curiosity and the true purpose of education.
Mritika Senthil | We are to blame for Penn’s security concerns
Columnist Mritika Senthil explains how hostile attacks in the name of safety only leave us more vulnerable.
Mia Vesely | A civic mind involves recognizing what the community can teach you
Columnist Mia Vesely suggests that equitable relationships should be the focus of Netter Center programming.