The UN Refugee Agency reports that as of June 2019, there are 25.9 million refugees worldwide. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues the topic of refugee resettlement and immigration isn’t a political issue; it’s a humanitarian issue.
OPINION: Locker room talk fuels toxic masculinity
Most recently, NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown has been accused of sexual assault and rape by his former trainer Britney Taylor. Sexual assault is not a new issue in the NFL. Opinions Editor Maddie Peters argues it cannot be “boys will be boys” any longer.
OPINION: Policing cell phone use can be detrimental
St. Thomas High School in Pointe-Claire, Canada (located on Montreal’s West Island) has entirely banned phone usage during the school day. Columnist Maddie Peters argues the debate of cell phone use in classrooms is not the main issue.
OPINION: Amazon fires are a global issue
Although fires in the Amazon are common at this time of the year, 2019 has experienced the highest amount of wildfires since 2010. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues the amazon fires are a global concern.
OPINION: Make the fashion industry environmentally sustainable
The clothing and textile industry is the second-largest polluter in the world. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues that textile companies need to take responsibility for the pollution they generate.
OPINION: Serial killer dramas showcase more than just gore
Netflix’s serial killer drama Mindhunter, home to Hannibal Lecter, Dexter and Norman Bates, isn’t just a showcase for murder and gore. True Dabill argues that there is more to the serial killer drama genre than meets the eye.
PODCAST: The Medium: Disney and Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man dispute
In the season two premiere of The Medium, hosts Maddie Peters and Reid Neeser discuss the Sony Pictures and Disney dispute over Spider-Man and sit down with TommieMedia Columnist Grace Hallen to talk recent changes in music production.
OPINION: A bomb threat – once again – bedevils St. Thomas
Once again, the University of St. Thomas has received a bomb threat. Once again, classes were canceled. Once again, St. Paul police were brought in. Once again, campus life was interrupted. True Dabill and Maddie Peters argue that the university must be clear and communicative with the campus.
OPINION: Music industry standards are declining
Synthesized sound was created to compliment instruments. Now, artists are leaning on synthetic sound and using it by itself in songs. Columnist Grace Hallen argues that the music landscape is changing, specifically in mainstream pop music.
OPINION: Racism at St. Thomas requires action from administration and students
In fewer than 11 months, two racist incidents occurred in St. Thomas residence halls, a number that is two too many. Columnists Maddie Peters and Kayla Mayer argue that it is time for students to take action.
OPINION: Universities should adopt the blended education model
Universities are offering online classes to accommodate for growing class sizes and busy college students. Columnist Maddie Peters argues that online classes are not beneficial to all students and universities should offer both options for courses.
OPINION: Packaging is a bigger issue than plastic bag use
Bans and fees on single-use plastic bags are being implemented in multiple states. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues that a bigger issue with plastic lies within packaging, which makes up 40% of plastic produced.
OPINIONS: Paying servers lower than minimum wage because of tips is not fair
For tip-earning positions, employers are allowed to pay less than minimum wage if the tips received would ultimately equal minimum age earnings. Columnist Maddie Peters argues that because tipping is not a required gesture, businesses should not rely on this added income when paying tip-earning employees.
OPINIONS: Media describes female presidential candidates more negatively than male
A study by Northeastern University senior Alex Frandsen found that female candidates were described more negatively in the media than male candidates. Columnist Kayla Mayer argues that the solution to this is that voters need to consider whether they dislike a candidate because their behavior is violating gender norms or because their platform is unpalatable.
OPINIONS: Participation trophies should not be given out in all award-winning activities
Participation trophies are rooted in the idea that “everyone is a winner.” Columnist Maddie Peters argues that society should teach kids how to bounce back after failure and to realize they will not always be the best at something.