Author Archive
In which we talk more about Obama’s endorsement
It’s late. You’re up. In case you’ve had Facebook on SelfControl for the past twenty-four hours, Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage today. Here is an attempt to capture the myriad of different Internet reactions.
On campus, political groups have largely spoken in favor of Obama’s endorsement. Columbia Queer Alliance put it this way:
Though we wish he had been one of our public figures willing to be a leader and not a follower on this issue, we are very happy that our president has finally joined the majority of Americans in supporting same-sex marriage.
Unable to contain his/her enthusiasm, some person on the interweb decided to make a whole tumblr in reaction to the statement! “When Obama Endorsed Same-Sex Marriage … Michelle was like “I TOLD YOU SO.” More »
Obama supports same-sex marriage
In an historic move, President Obama announced today that he believes same-sex marriage should be legal.
The POTUS has said in past years that he is “evolving” on the issue, and indicated he would come down with a definite stance in a televised interview with ABC news today. Obviously, this endorsement is going to have an effect on his candicacy this November–we’ll see exactly what kind of effect in just a matter of months.
The Columbia Dems have voiced their positive response to the President’s statement on their Facebook page:
We are thrilled that the President has come out as unambiguously pro-marriage equality. This is definitely a turning point for gay rights in our nation. You can bet that we’re going to be fired up and ready to go come November!
Updated 5:35 p.m.
Everyone Allied Against Homophobia said in a statement to Spectrum:
Congratulations on coming out (in support of marriage equality), Mr. President! Everyone Allied Against Homophobia is proud to list Barack Obama as an ally in its fight against homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression here at Columbia and nationwide.
Hear other responses and watch the video of the President’s statement after the jump. More »
Join the superwomen at Midnight Breakfast
From now until the wee hours of the morning, Barnard’s LeFrak Gym is the place where you can dance, eat free breakfast, have school spirit, AND not have to listen to misogynistic jokes!
The theme is superheroes, and the decor includes everything from Batman balloons to superman coloring pages. Come hang out here in lieu of Orgo Night, or come over for breakfast once you’re done in 212. The waffles / ice cream / bacon will be waiting.
General strike draws protesters for May Day
Yesterday on International Workers’ Day, Occupy Columbia rallied at the sundial to protest the consolidation of power at the University.
Tom Kappner, who was involved in the protests of 1968, was present at the rally and spoke about construction in Manhattanville (1st photo on the left). Mike Discenza, CC ’13, documented the event and provided Spectator with these photos. Click here for a full photo library of the protest.
Occupy Columbia will be holding a mini-rally tomorrow, Thursday May 3rd at 5 p.m. in which protesters will march to Manhattan School of Music.
Watch President Obama slow jam the news
It’s late! You’re up! There’s not much actual news today, so we’re just going straight into Columbia news! I don’t know what we’re yelling about!
Columbia news:
We’re famous: Today, the GS debacle made it on Channel 1 News. Who knew commencement ceremonies could cause so much drama?
Location, location: At a public hearing of The City Planning Commission, President Bollinger spoke out in favor of the NYU expansion.
Well this is awkward: There are two Gareth Williams. One is the head of Columbia’s classics department; the other was an MI6 spy discovered in a sex game that led to his death. More »
No need to procrastinate
This week’s Guilt Trip tries to get procrastinators to do their work ahead of time.
Full disclosure: there was some procrastinating in the writing of this post.
This is an intervention, and it’s for all the procrastinators out there—you know who you are.
Here is my feeble attempt to try to encourage you to study for your exams before the night leading up to them; to start your 10-page paper at least three days prior to the due date; to pay your late fees at the library instead of getting kicked out of the school.
I am one of you, so I know how it is. In the moment of procrastinatorial bliss, these things seem the opposite of urgent. Memories of all the times when you survived reading week after going without sleep for three days so you could write 50 pages come back to you. You smile to yourself, thinking, “At least it will never be that bad again.”
I’ve got news for you that you probably already know: It can always be that bad again if you let it be. More »
Students from all four schools express concern surrounding GS Class Day
As reported in today’s paper, last night students convened at a town hall meeting to discuss their opinions on the sudden schedule shift for General Studies’ Class Day. Since then, student representatives from all four undergraduate schools have released a joint statement calling for the administration to be as accommodating as possible to students who have been financially or emotionally burdened by the date change. Continue reading for the full statement, and click here for Spectator’s coverage of the town hall.
Standing Together with the School of General Studies
April 25, 2012
The sudden and unexpected rescheduling of the School of General Studies Class Day has placed undue financial and emotional burdens upon the students of General Studies and their families. We are heartened by the creation of a GS Class Day Travel Fund and hope that the administration will work to accommodate as many people as possible so that they are able to take part in the celebration of the amazing accomplishments of the graduating seniors in GS.
Continue reading the statement after the jump.
Making dreams come true
In today’s paper, Bianca Dennis reports on a program called Artistic Dreams International that provides youth in Harlem with free access to the arts.
Lillian Alonzo Marin, the founder and director of the program, cited her own lack of exposure to the arts while attending public school in Mexico City as inspiration for the program. Watch the video below to hear her story, and to see the impact that ADI is having on kids’ lives in Harlem. Read the full article here.
Video by Justine Hope and Naomi Cohen
Not too hot, not too cold
Happy April 25th, everyone! You shouldn’t need much more than a light jacket when you leave your room–the weather today will be rainy and in the high ’50′s.
Read this: While the School of General Studies starts a fund to make sure students’ families can attend graduation, Barnard raises $2.2 million for financial aid at its annual gala. [News]
Know this: Lend Lease, the company managing the first phase of construction in Manhattanville, will pay up to $56 million for defrauding clients over a period of ten years. [News]
Here’s more: Seniors continue to share their experiences at school and Spectator. Today’s contributors are Embry Owen, Devin Briski, and Amanda Cormier. [Opinion]
In this week’s Canon, writers answer the question, “Should Columbia seek to develop good character, not just intellect?” [Opinion]