“I know we did the legal, moral and ethical thing that night,” Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly wrote in an email to his fellow officers. Mattingly was one of three Louisville officers involved in the botched drug raid and subsequent murder of Breonna Taylor in March. The officers were attempting to serve a no-knock warrant, which was related to Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, and eventually entered the home through the use of a battering ram. Taylor’s current boyfriend, who was in the apartment with Taylor, … [Read more...]

Although university administrations across the board may have the same written standards and guidelines for all faculty and staff members regardless of sex, the reality is that women working in universities are simply not viewed the same way as males.  According to the American Association of University Professors, “Salaries for women full-time faculty members continue to lag behind those paid to men.” Their study of the 2018-19 academic year found that, on average, women were paid less … [Read more...]

Scrolling through social media platforms, society can be bombarded by posts encouraging body positivity for both men and women.  However, it is a lot easier to encourage body positivity than it is to actually embody it. For example, this February, Abercrombie & Fitch announced the launch of its new ad campaign called ‘Face You Fierce.’ The store that previously targeted only ‘attractive’ people has transitioned to targeting a new diverse and inclusive audience. Despite their … [Read more...]

According to the Wall Street Journal, the price of a Super Bowl commercial was five times more expensive in 2019 than it was in 1995. Today, for one company or brand to score a Super Bowl ad, they must pay upward of $5 million.  The three brands that typically own the most ad space during the Super Bowl are Anheuser-Busch InBev, Pepsico and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which means that these three brands are also contributing the most money toward the ads.  While the cost for a … [Read more...]

July 27, 1996: a day that shocked and stirred an entire nation. While millions of families huddled around their television screens to watch the Summer Olympics, a bomb had been planted in Centennial Park. Locating the bomb mere moments before it detonated, security officer Richard Jewell was able to save hundreds of lives. Jewell’s “hero” title quickly morphed into “villain” when he became a suspect in the FBI’s investigation. 24-hour media coverage of the investigation led to intense public … [Read more...]

For the 2018-19 academic year, AU saw the largest freshman class it has seen in years. Thus, it came as a surprise and disappointment to many when the 2019-20 freshman enrollment numbers reflected a significant decline.  Perhaps none felt let down more than the numerous faculty and staff who were consequently terminated. Although the faculty affected by the layoffs had already signed onto 12-month contracts and will be paid through August of 2020, they will be out of jobs next … [Read more...]