Opinion

The Toothpaste Chronicles

Editorial: Tufts sets standard for containing the spread of COVID-19

With its extensive preventative measures and realistic risk evaluation, Tufts provides a clear example that a community can effectively control the pandemic. This standard of diligence is possible and must extend beyond Tufts’ campus to other universities in the Boston Area.

The Weekly Rewind: Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on (top)!

If 2020 has taught the music industry anything, it is that historically excluded groups should have an equal opportunity to a lasting legacy. The Beatles should be respected and idolized in their own right, but with a larger, more diverse playlist of artists to listen to today, more icons can emerge into the mainstream.

Philosophy in Focus: On the importance of Fat Bear Week

18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant didn’t give us much warning about what an internalized duty to know everything about every tragedy would mean for our mental states, but what he did offer was a distinct source of all good in the world: good intentions.

Sobremesa: Fighting food deserts in the United States

On a campus where fresh fruit and warm sandwiches are just a click away, it can be hard to remember that there are areas of our developed nation where proper nutrition is hard to come by.

Editorial: Flu vaccinations are crucial during a pandemic

We urge the Tufts community to comply with the state mandate and get vaccinated as soon as possible. We owe it not only to university health officials who have worked diligently to keep those of us on campus safe, but to the surrounding Medford and Somerville communities as well.

The Countdown: How will Biden handle a more left-leaning House caucus?

With just three weeks until Election Day, it’s a near-sure thing Biden will be elected President. But even if he can defeat Trump, take back the Senate and hold the House, Biden will have to navigate an environment no Democratic president since Carter has dealt with: a House caucus with more high-profile, left-wing members.

The Weekly Rewind: The 35-year-old musical lifespan of female artists

Sexism and ageism in the music industry favor men and prevent them from needing to demonstrate artistic growth in order to be successful. As artists age, their music matures; so the belief that a female musician has to be at her peak before 35 is frustrating.

Editorial: Tufts administration, faculty should cancel classes on Election Day

Holding classes on Nov. 3 seems out of character for a university that prides itself on civic and political engagement and poses significant barriers to participate in the presidential election for Tufts students and staff.

Philosophy in Focus: Enemies of the state

While we don’t want to be anyone’s enemy, we should always choose that path over one of servitude to a tyrant who conducts himself like an unruly toddler on national television.

Sobremesa: Falling through the cracks of COVID-19

It would be easy to point blame at our federal and state governments, but the best option right now is to implement concrete solutions to get American children back on the path toward academic success.

The Countdown: What we can learn from Trump’s diagnosis

This tone-deaf behavior extends beyond Trump — from America’s billionaires vastly expanding their empires or mega yacht owners fleeing to the open ocean, I can only hope the President’s diagnosis teaches our ruling class just how indiscriminately dangerous this virus can be.

Editorial: Tufts, prioritize community among first-year and transfer students

First-year and transfer students are vital to Tufts; they offer essential perspectives to the growth of our community. It is crucial that we make an active effort to support these students as they navigate both the adversity and excitement of uncovering what the Hill has to offer, now and for years to come.

Letter from the Editor in Chief: What makes Tufts a community for you?

The great thing about Tufts is that no matter what, there's always a place for you, and the people you'll meet here are eager to welcome you home.

Letter to the Editor: The Tufts Daily offers civic, empathetic community

Watching from the short distance of a recent graduate, I have been heartened by the strength, resolve and innovation within the Daily community. As the pandemic rages on, the Daily has found a way to thrive. I believe it is one of the brightest lights upon the Tufts' Hill.

Editorial: Tufts Dining workers deserve better

Dining hall workers are essential and valued members of our community, and they are entitled to safe and fair working conditions. As Tufts Dining adapts to the conditions of the pandemic, it must also prioritize the health and well-being of its workers. As members of the Tufts community, we must continue to stand in solidarity with dining staff members and urge administrators to meet their concerns and needs.

Philosophy in Focus: Should we be here?

This week’s question examines whether we should be here at all, “here” being Tufts campus and the communities of Medford, Somerville and Boston and “we” being those of us present in those communities.

Sobremesa: We must do more to transform the criminal justice system

In Spanish, Sobremesa is a word that describes the time before and after a meal when people spend time catching up. I chose this title because while Sobremesa is a hallmark of Hispanic culture, this word has no direct English translation, illustrating the tendency of the American culture to skip over meaningful, casual discussion. Each week, Sobremesa will be a place to come to open your eyes to a social justice issue that you may want to bring to your own dining table.

Editorial: TUPD incident of racial bias illustrates need for systemic change

We must start with a community-wide re-evaluation of the role that TUPD has on our campus. Tufts must defund TUPD and significantly downsize police operations. Furthermore, TUPD needs to reform its protocol for responding to nonviolent incidents and prioritize de-escalation strategies that do not subject individuals to unfair questioning techniques. 

Op-ed: Student organizations and the Tufts administration must be more inclusive of remote international students

When studying remotely, many international students, myself included, have agreed to bypass some aspects of social life at Tufts and to make sacrifices to get the most out of the semester academically. However, it remains the duty of our peers and the Tufts administration to make accommodations to support us and keep us integrated within the community. They have not done so.