CLIFFORD | All I Want for Valentine’s Is a Boyfr–Scooter

KHEDER | The Death of the Polymath

Opinion Columnist Zak Kheder ’26 contends that in a world with such nuanced problems, our brightest minds cannot be pigeonholed to single fields of study. The interdisciplinarian is endangered, and it’s important to recognize the value of studying beyond a single expertise.

BELMONTE | Stuck Between Lines

Opinion Columnist Adrian Belmonte '28 uses historical reflection and interviews with Cornell faculty and students to challenge the simplistic narratives of a reading crisis and instead highlights structural pressures, inequality of access and changing academic norms. He argues that while AI and shorter forms of reading reshape learning, the real task is institutional adaptation that preserves deep, critical thought rather than abandoning it.

DAVIS | Fascism, Now What?

Opinion Columnist Nina Davis ’26 argues for a more comprehensive defense against the authoritarian state we are living in. Any questions or comments can be directed towards her email. 

KASSAM | The Messiah and The Person

Opinion Columnist and Professor Karim-Aly Kassam writes this thought experiment to imagine the Messiah's arrival at Cornell, where his message of dignity for all persons challenges academic and societal norms. Kassam shows that the Messiah's teachings on environmental justice and personhood provoke varied responses, highlighting the tension between progressive ideals and institutional power, and reflecting the potential of youth and marginalized voices to reshape the future.

PETROVA | What Does Our Tuition Fund?

Opinion Columnist Mina Petrova '29 examines the areas of community life that Cornell has adamantly refused to fund, demonstrating how the University’s priorities lie with profit and not the physical, mental, or academic health of the student’s body.

BURZLAFF | The Wave in Olin

Opinion Columnist Professor Burzlaff reflects upon a chance encounter with a former student and the relationships formed through teaching that can endure well beyond a semester-long course.

CLIFFORD | The Middle Man in the Middle East

Opinion Columnist Elise Clifford '29 zooms in on Lebanon’s current civilian life, attempting to allocate some attention to an often neglected nation in the context of a broader regional conflict. 

TODDINGS | Animated Attraction Controversy: Are Cartoon Crushes Crossing the Line?

Opinion Columnist Skylar Toddings '29 examines human attraction to cartoon characters using recent media such as Zootopia and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Her piece takes a good look at the line between kids movies with some adult jokes and the complete sexualization of animated characters.

CHEEK | To Discriminate or Not to Discriminate

Opinion Columnist Zara Cheek '28 argues that Cornell’s deal with the federal government to restore research funding comes at the expense of equity, academic freedom and real institutional independence. She explains how neutrality and colorblindness are being used to dismantle race-conscious programs and silence student experiences, claiming that the University is choosing compliance and image over its people and values.

HARNEY | ICE on Trial

Opinion Columnist Liam Harney J.D. '26 contends that federal law allows, and prudence dictates, that state criminal investigations and jury trials are tools states may use to protect their citizens from the cruelty of unaccountable federal agents whom the U.S. government refuses to supervise.

TOBIN | The Hidden Costs of Prestige

Opinion Columnist Lali Tobin MPA '27 takes a fun look at how the productive environment at Cornell comes with hidden prices students pay emotionally and mentally. Tobin uses campus data and surveys to show how living up to excellence becomes an obligation, shaping who people are and how they feel. In the end, she asks the reader to think about if true prestige can really go hand-in-hand with a healthier and more genuine college experience.

COMMITTEE ON THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY | A Matter of Expectations: Universities and Their Evolving Relationship With Government and the Public

The Committee on the Future of the American University looks at the long-standing but largely unspoken agreement that has shaped the relationship between Cornell and the federal government. Under this arrangement, federal funding supports universities in advancing research, expanding access to education, promoting social mobility and engaging with the public, while universities retain academic independence and public trust. Long taken for granted, this understanding is now under strain as skepticism grows around issues of cost, value and institutional accountability. In this article, the FAU calls for a clear articulation of mutual expectations and collaboration to protect academic freedom, rebuild public trust and reaffirm Cornell's land-grant mission of serving society through knowledge, education and public engagement.

BUTLER | Fall Funding Frenzy

In this edition of Beyond Ivory Towers, Natalia Butler M.S./Ph.D. reflects on the grant writing experience in a tumultuous period for academia.

WALTER | From the Trespasser’s Perspective: Welcoming Right to Roam in Ithaca

Opinion Columnist Kira Walter '26 advocates for the right to roam in Ithaca after an encounter with the police.

STUDENTS FOR A DEMOCRATIC CORNELL | What Admin Doesn’t Want You To Know About the Referendum

VINK | Take Back the Code of Conduct

Senior Opinion Columnist Adriana Vink ‘27 discusses her experience being penalized under the Student Code of Conduct for protest, outlines critical proposals to democratize the Code procedures and urges students to vote yes on the upcoming referendum.