Opinion

To curb spread of coronavirus variants, students must abide by public health guidelines

Students returned to campus at a turning point in the pandemic. Two weeks ago, President Biden took office and vowed to take centralized, science-based action to stop the spread. Since the end of last semester, over 20 million people across the United States have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, a stunning triumph of scientific innovation in the face of a deadly virus. Cases have been steadily declining — near 30% in the past two weeks. Hopes are high, and for good reason. 

Op-ed: It's time to UnKoch Tufts University

Tufts University has been infiltrated Koch-style with the creation of the Center for State Policy Analysis (cSPA). Tufts has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence and independent thought. It should follow the lead of Suffolk University and free itself from the pernicious effects of Koch influence peddling. 

Cartoon: Protect the herd. Get your flu shot.

Letter from the Editor in Chief: Looking back and looking forward

Through efforts being made across all of our Editorial, Production and Business departments, we remain committed to producing quality, daily content despite any obstacles that might come our way.

Tumultuous transfer of power highlights urgency of renewing commitment to democracy, mobilizing new administration

It will take more than these next four years to repair the damage that has been wrought. We must push for policies that lead us toward a safer and more equitable future.

Op-ed: The real crises at Tufts and Fletcher: Lessons from a complex world

When you walk up the stairs of the President’s Lawn on Tufts’ campus, past students walking to and from Tisch library or sitting underneath trees during the summer discussing issues from around the world, it is easy to recognize the strong bond the university has with the values of diversity and inclusion. Leadership in such a place faces unique opportunities and obstacles. That is just one reason to be skeptical of the recentop-ed which drew on “lessons learned” in the U.S. Marine Corps to harshly criticize Rachel Kyte, dean of The Fletcher School.

Letter from the Editor in Chief: Thank you, Tufts Daily

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that we’ve all been reminded of the importance of stepping back and counting our blessings when we are able to. On my last day as Editor in Chief of The Tufts Daily, I’d like to share this letter in the hopes of counting mine.

Letter to the Editor: Fletcher School administration needs to embrace the school's storied legacy to ensure its future

That the current administration should so casually disregard Fletcher’s history, legacy and purpose leaves me with no confidence that the administration has an adequate understanding of the institution and appreciation of its mission. That the administration would undertake these changes with a decided lack of transparency and virtually no consultation with stakeholders calls into question their ability to steward the institution.

In the wake of rebrand controversy, Fletcher must learn to value community opinions

Moving forward, it is imperative that Fletcher is entirely transparent about marketing changes and involves community members in all phases of the decision-making process.

The Weekly Rewind: 30 years later, audiences still 'Obsessed' with Mariah Carey

Aided by her recent collaboration with pop superstar Ariana Grande and a viral dance challenge to her song “Obsessed” (2009) in 2019, Carey could accomplish the extraordinary: a second comeback.

Philosophy in Focus: All wrapped up

In “A Theory of Justice,” John Rawls discusses societal progress through collective creativity and labor. Rawls is correct that we gain strength and innovation by participating in the collective, but I would rather think of this idea as relevant to our lives and relationships on a smaller scale — reflected in 2020 Spotify Wrapped.

Op-ed: Crisis at Tufts University and The Fletcher School: Lessons learned from the U.S. Marine Corps

When entering the Tufts campus from College Avenue along the Memorial Steps, it is easy to recognize the strong bond the university has with the U.S. Military. Thus, it is fitting that we can examine a recent leadership crisis in the Marine Corps, how it was resolved and how it will likely forecast the process Tufts’ leadership will take in leading The Fletcher School out of its current crisis.

Sobremesa: The importance of equitable vaccination distribution

In an ideal world, this developed nation would have produced enough vaccinations to provide doses to all Americans as soon as possible. But given our current political climate and the limited number of doses available, one approach that has a fighting chance at providing a standard of health care equity is ensuring not only that the vaccine is financially accessible to all, but that minority voices are included in statewide task forces.

Editorial: Tufts, here are some New Year's resolutions

As we grapple with this pandemic and an ever-changing world, 2021 will bring obstacles of its own. In making its own resolutions for the new year, Tufts must learn from the valuable lessons this semester presented to our community and commit to preserving compassion, justice and well-being in all university policies.

Editorial: Tufts professors should continue empathetic approach to teaching as semester comes to a close

Faculty can offer flexible due dates and extensions for assignments, defusing some of the pressure on students who may be dealing with difficult personal circumstances. In addition, professors should give students additional opportunities to improve their grades as the semester closes, such as extra credit assignments. Additionally, professors should work to give students a rough estimate of their grades before Dec. 11.

The Weekly Rewind: The case for ‘folklore’ as Album of the Year

The nominees for the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards were announced Tuesday, Nov. 24, and of all the nominations, one body of work outdoes the competition: "Folklore" (2020) by Taylor Swift.

Philosophy in Focus: Tell my dog I miss her

Friedrich Hayek wrote in The Road to Serfdom (1944) that “We are ready to accept almost any explanation of the present crisis of our civilization except one: that the present state of the world may be the result of genuine error on our own part." Perhaps he’s right.

Editorial: Students must continue to follow COVID-19 guidelines as cases rise

This includes wearing masks, washing our hands, maintaining a physical distance from all individuals outside of residential cohorts and only leaving places of residence when necessary. The responsibility to protect ourselves and our community falls upon each and every one of us. 

Sobremesa: Feminist finale

Lines of feminism can be drawn through history for centuries past. From property rights, to suffrage and Title IX, the landscape of our gendered society has transformed immensely. As we now prepare to usher a female into the seat of vice president, it is time to both marvel at progress as well as look toward areas where work still needs to be done.

Op-ed: Two years since Tier Town: The survivor’s manifesto

Last year, I wrote an anonymous op-ed detailing my experiences with rape and abuse within Tufts student-activism. It’s now been two years since that cold night in Tier Town, yet despite subsequent calls to action, very little has changed since then.