Opinion

A new year begins at Rice, with both joy and sorrow

The beginning of a new academic year is both a busy and joyous time at Rice. Just over a week ago we formally welcomed 965 new freshmen and 35 transfer students into our community. And over the last week, 1,075 new graduate students arrived on campus, joining disciplines ranging from applied physics to art history and from music to chemical engineering.

From the Editor's Desk: Support the students behind student media

Most students know that Rice doesn’t have a business major. What they might not realize is that Rice also doesn’t have a journalism program, a photojournalism major, a visual design program or a public relations major — interests that instead coalesce in the tiny space that is the second floor of the Ley Student Center.

From the Dean of Undergraduates: Welcome to Rice

Welcome to the start of another year at Rice! This is my favorite time of year. The academic calendar follows a cyclical rhythm — each spring is a bittersweet goodbye as our seniors move on to the next stage of their lives, and then before you know it, the excitement of greeting our New Students is upon us. 

Companies need to remember the inclusion part of diversity and inclusion

Companies should strive to go beyond “quotas” for underrepresented groups as their measure of diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are reflected in how marginalized groups are treated by others, the opportunities available to these groups and the amount of respect given to a person’s voice. Even if a company has an equal demographic split, can they really say they are diverse or inclusive if select people experience bias or lack opportunities for success?

Sex and Dating: You asked, we answered

Thanks for a great year, Rice

As a nontraditional student, it can be difficult to integrate yourself into the Rice experience, but here at the Thresher, I feel like I’ve found a home. 

From the editors’ desk: Farewell

For the last four years, we have spent every Monday night upstairs in the Rice Memorial Center, neglecting schoolwork, social events, friends (as our suitemates can attest) and even our own birthdays to produce the weekly newspaper that shows up in your college’s commons every Wednesday. 

Pigeons belong at Rice

In my opinion, Rice presents itself as a very liberal institution: pro-people, pro-poor and disenfranchised, pro-animals and pro-nature. However, recent events have made me question this perception.

Rice should learn from Brown’s Resident Associate search

Rice is often praised for its unique ability to foster community through the residential college system. As a key site of interaction for students and faculty, residential colleges allow students to build relationships with adult members of the Rice community including associates, college coordinators, magisters and resident associates. 

Response to Saliba: Bipartisanship requires cooperation

Conservative students are a minority at Rice, like they are on many other college campuses. This can make it difficult to facilitate equally weighted political dialogues.

Rice insurance plan should cover elective abortions

At the beginning of this year, the Thresher received a tip that the Rice student health insurance policy, Aetna, only covers abortions in the event of rape, incest or the endangerment of the life of the mother. An examination of the policy confirmed this tip to be factual.

#HandsOffVenezuela movement on wrong side of history

Do not let disagreements with the Trump administration invalidate the need to restore democracy and human dignity to the people of Venezuela. 

Does Rice really want honest political dialogue?

I’ve heard around campus that the College Republicans don’t engage enough. There’s a reason for that. Most Rice students don’t want to engage with us.

So you say you're an ally? Prove it this Friday

On Friday, we'll be on the Central Quad outside the Baker Institute, standing against the violation of human rights and against the dismissal of fundamental standards of human respect and civility in engagement and in policy.

Barber Shop Talk: Football should not have practice on beer bike

Beer Bike is arguably the most important social event on the Rice calendar. Students call it the best day of the year or even Christmas. From the early wake-up to the Martel sundeck to the water balloon fight to the races, it is a day of celebration and a journey outside of the normal obligations of being a college student. 

Pence protesters should remember Venezuelans

Since the announcement of Mike Pence’s visit, many students have expressed valid concerns about the vice president’s extremely misguided and hurtful views and policies on LGBTQ rights and other issues.

Leebron’s rhetoric at odds with nature of Pence invitation

This Friday, will Rice President David Leebron pose for a photo with the vice president of the United States, or will he stand outside with his students? Leebron has articulated a broad set of Rice’s values, but Mike Pence’s record contrasts sharply with that set of values.

Vote in SA special election on April 8

The student body will vote on a new amendment to the Student Association constitution in a special election that opens April 8. The proposition on the ballot is this: SA legislation shouldn’t need sponsorship from a voting member of the SA Senate.

Owls deserve better than 12-seed

On Monday, ESPN (somewhat prematurely) released the bracket for the 2019 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Like many of you readers, I was shocked to see that Rice was a No. 12 seed.

Rice's history of desegregation and its limitations on equal-access education

Though it reports to rank highest in race-class interaction, Rice is not the most socially aware campus in the United States by a long stretch, nor does it advertise itself to be.