We should not let our fear cloud our reason

At the start of the 21st century it is impossible not to be somewhat afraid. Fear has become its own film genre, its own reality television show, its own style of warfare. And after the Virginia Tech massacre which followed the Columbine massacre, which followed the Jonesboro massacreweve become afraid in our own schools. Its only natural to wonder, What if it happens here? What if were unprepared? But as Brandeis quite literally takes up arms against these fears, these what ifs? it is striking that there has been little outcry against enacting a strategy which offers no proven protection.

Better lighting and stakeouts more effective than pistols and bullets

Obsessing over safety is by no means cool, but having to live in fear is quite unpleasant. I am forced to ask, then, why Brandeis Public Safety dedicates itself wholeheartedly to the wrong things, while leaving gaps which affect the student body.

Editorial: Union wrong to hide discussions

For multiple semesters now, the Student Union has been trying to portray an image of transparency, approachability, and openness with the student body. Every year, Union members campaign with promises of reaching out to the campus, doing everything in the open, of finally being held accountable. President Shreeya Sinha, upon her election in March of 2007, said that her main goal was making sure the Union is more transparent. (The Hoot, March 23, 2007, First round of elections done as Shreeya Sinha takes presidency)

Letter to the editor: In response to Presidential climate committment

Dear Editor,

As a member of the committee that reviewed and recommended to President Reinharz that he commit Brandeis University to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, I read with interest Alison Channon's article on that important commitment in the September 21 Hoot. I would, however, like to correct a factual error in that article.

Brandeis grad wins MacArthur Fellowship

Posse Foundation founder, Deborah Bial 87 learned Tuesday, Sept. 18, that she had been awarded the MacArthur Fellowship. I was in Chicagositting in a rental car and I got a phone call, explained Bial. She continued, he said are you sitting down? Are you alone? Have you heard of the MacArthur Fellow program? He told me and I started crying. It was great. The MacArthur Fellow Program, Bial explained, [has] a network of hundreds of nominators who they secretly pick and who secretly nominate. You dont even know youre nominatedthats why I was crying. Its such a surprise and an honor.