The Phoenix

Civic engagement and Student Council

Student Council has a leadership problem. While reorganizing and expanding the organization may provide more structure and manpower, it does not address the underlying issue. Few people really know or care about what Student Council does, and Student Council doesn’t assert itself
January 30, 2014

What happened to open academic debate?

College campuses like ours are — well, should be — defined in large part by open-mindedness and a willingness to listen to people with different perspectives. Swarthmore Hillel’s decision to welcome speakers of all opinions, “be they Zionist, anti-Zionist, post-Zionist or non-Zionist,”
January 23, 2014

Vague policies and failed communication

Repeatedly and predictably, the college administration has failed in its responses to cases of sexual assault. Over the last year, as information relating to the college’s handling of sexual assault cases has emerged, it has become clear that the errors the college
December 5, 2013

Still waiting for justice

A couple of weeks ago, Dean Braun asked for community feedback about the College Judiciary Committee (CJC) process. Although I am grateful that she is open to feedback, I don’t know how the community can respond to her request when the process
November 14, 2013

The sweet taste of corporatism

As Congress debates the farm bill this week, one could celebrate the legislation’s productivity by drinking Mexican Sprite, which boasts a refreshingly crisp taste. A look at the ingredients will enlighten — they are made with pure cane sugar. Mexican carbonated drinks
October 31, 2013

Transparency and safety

In the wake of the Halloween party, it is clear that there were considerable failures on the part of Student Council, Public Safety, and the administration with regard to creating and publicizing party policy. Students did not know what to expect at
October 31, 2013

Punishment is punishment

With her October 21 response letter, President Chopp made it clear that the college would not be pushed by FIRE to change its policies or reconsider its actions with regards to Phi Psi. While we commend her decision to defend Swarthmore’s policies,
October 24, 2013

Open letter to the community

Earlier this week Phi Psi Fraternity distributed bids (invitations) to members of the college community to join the fraternity. Since before 2006, the fraternity has used this bid template, the image of which the school is now familiar: a mosaic of small
October 10, 2013

Phi Psi bids highlight institutional misogyny

The outrage stemming from the revelation that Phi Psi bid letters have, for several years now, featured a collage of nude women is more than justified. We believe that Phi Psi’s bid letters are completely indefensible. Clearly, something needs to be done
October 10, 2013
1 10 11 12 13 14 19

Follow Us

The Phoenix