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...]

My life was changed for eternity. It was around 2 p.m. on the afternoon of August 4, as I was washing dishes in the kitchen of my new apartment, when I heard CNN, playing live in my living room behind me, report, “explosion in Beirut!” Just beginning to type this piece makes my heart race, as I fight the tears, in recalling how terrible it was to watch my home disappear in that explosion. I jumped away from the sink and marched into the living room, thinking, “It’s just another car bomb, … [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...]

Created by one of popular music’s most charismatic and vital figures, the 1975 album “Blood on the Tracks” helped to demolish all past preconceptions of Bob Dylan’s carefully crafted public image while hurtling him to the commercial forefront of music yet again. And it excels at making grown men (me) cry.    Before “Blood on the Tracks” became one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time, Dylan had to endure a long creative hiatus. It seemed that the bard of the ’60s was not … [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...]

By Aaron Hughey Getting better is not just a process—it is a journey. It is a thousand-piece puzzle that not even grandma can finish in a few days. Getting better takes a lifetime because we are constantly trying to become our best selves.  That is the goal, right? To be the best version of ourselves.  But what does it mean when we start going in circles? When we keep passing the same signs and avoiding the exits?  What does it mean when we circumvent any and every … [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...]

By Addison Lavelle The immigration crisis in America is reaching new and profound lows. I do not accept the narrative that immigrants are a detriment to the American dream when, in fact, immigrants are the very reason that the United States of America exists in the first place.  I have listened to politicians discuss this topic with fiery rhetoric over the past four years and have shaken my head in disgust at the increasingly radical position taken by the far right on how we should … [Read more...]