The Amherst Student (Page 2)

Presidents Biddy Martin and Angelina Han ’22 Deliver State of the College Address

On Monday, April 11, President Biddy Martin and Association of Amherst Students President Angelina Han ’22 hosted the college’s annual State of the College Address. Han and Martin discussed “a year of transition” for the college and shared their hopes for the coming years.

Lily Fang ’18 Discusses Fast Fashion, Sustainable Alternatives

On Friday, April 8, Lily Fang ’18 spoke to Amherst students about fast fashion and sustainable alternatives. The event was hosted by the Class and Access Resource Center (CARC).

From the Red Room: April 11 AAS Meeting Updates

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) met for the ninth time this semester on Monday, April 11. The meeting agenda included swearing in the newly elected executive board, a public comment, and a lengthy discussion of next steps after the April 4 bylaw that instituted salaries for AAS officials.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: April 6 to April 12

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week's installment: admitted students day and AAS election results.

Staff Spotlight: Pete Charron

Pete Charron is a retail supervisor at Frost Cafe. He enjoys his position at Amherst for the connections with students and help he can give to the community. “The theme is to throw frisbees and spread love,” he says.

Campus Police Log: April 3 to April 11

The latest installment of the Police Log, from April 3 to April 11, can be found here.

A Precedent for Pay

The Editorial Board commends AAS’ decision to pay its members for the potential it creates for increased accessibility across student organizations.

Seeing Double: How to Make Challah

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 reflects on his Jewish identity, his connections to the Amherst community, and a very special loaf of bread.

Coping With Campus: Rodeway Hospital-ity

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 contemplates familiarity in designed spaces and how repurposing a building might create dissonances in its use.

Rants and Raves: Imagine You’re a Sea Turtle

In this week’s “Rants and Raves,” Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 raves about his love for sea turtles.

Creativity and Craft: ASO’s Compelling Concertos

The Amherst Symphony Orchestra performed on April 9, expressing solidarity with Ukraine while showcasing senior soloists. Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ʼ23 reviews the performance with insights from Music Director and Conductor Mark Lane Swanson.

“The Last Five Years”: An Innovative and Invigorating Thesis Production

Mattea Denney’s ʼ22 senior thesis was a reproduction of Jason Robert Brown’s musical “The Last Five Years.” Olivia Lynch ʼ25 reviews the play, which featured unconventional storytelling and a talented cast.

A Balancing Act: “Everything Everywhere, All at Once”

The much anticipated “Everything Everywhere, All At Once,” directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Schienert, premiered on Friday, April 8. Miles Garcia ʼ25 covers the twists and turns of the film, which is both a family drama and “an off-the-wall sci-fi multiverse adventure.”

Remembering The King of New York and La Reina de Tex-Mex

In memory of the lives of two influential music legends, Piero Campos ʼ25 explores the careers and legacies of The Notorious B.I.G. and Selena. Both artists continue to influence new generations of performers decades after their passing.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 5, Reviewed

Things have been heating up in “Survivor” Season 42! Vaughn Armour ʼ25 recaps the action of episode 5 and shares his predictions for the rest of the season.

Poetic Perspectives: “Masterpiece” and “A Walk”

Ernest Collins ’23 shares two striking poems for this week’s edition of Poetic Perspectives. The pieces both feature themes of self-discovery and resiliency.

After 3-0 Series Loss, Baseball Snaps Losing Streak

The baseball team were swept in their second NESCAC series of the year over the weekend, bringing their conference record to 1-5. They ended the week on a high note however, picking up a resilient 6-5 win on Monday.

Bye Bye ’Bos: Women’s Lacrosse Downs Tufts in OT Thriller

Amherst women’s lacrosse went 1-2 on the week after hard-fought losses against No. 11 Wesleyan and No. 5 Colby and an exciting overtime win against No. 6 Tufts. It was the Mammoths’ first win over the Jumbos since 2018.

Men 0-2, Women 1-1 in Tennis’ NESCAC Play

The men’s tennis team suffered lopsided defeats against Middlebury and Williams this past weekend. The women’s team lost a close match against the Panthers before besting the Ephs in a 5-4 thriller.

Blue Devil, GOAT: A Duke Fan’s Ode to Coach K

Managing Sports Editor Liza Katz ’24 reflects on Coach K’s career, from the National Championships to the farewell tour this season, and discusses her experience as a Duke fan as the legendary coach heads into retirement.

Spring Fling: Track and Field Hosts Only Home Meet

For the first time since 2019, the men’s and women’s track and field teams took to Pratt Field on Saturday, April 9, hosting their only home meet of the year. Despite the ominous storm clouds overshadowing the day (and causing two rain delays), the Mammoths shone through.

Softball Bests Hamilton for Second NESCAC Series Win

The softball team continued their successful start to NESCAC play, defeating Hamilton two games to one for their second series win of the year. They sit atop the NESCAC West division with a 4-2 record in conference play and a 12-5 record overall.

Amid Rain Delays, Men’s Lacrosse Back on Track

After two 30-minute rain delays in a crucial match against Colby on Saturday, Amherst men’s lacrosse managed a 12-7 comeback win against their conference rival — their first victory in three games.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Today, we discuss the scaling-back of testing and masking policies on campus, a new affordable housing project in the Town of Amherst, and an alumnus working in the energy consulting industry. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sebastian Son '22.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

College Loosens Testing, Masking Protocols

On Monday, April 4, the college’s newest Covid protocols went into effect. Community members can now choose whether to wear a mask in a number of spaces that previously required it, and testing has been reduced to once a week.

ACPD Responds About Vehicle Unmarking, Community Reacts

In an April 1 email, Chief of Police John Carter responded to criticism over the decision to unmark all ACPD vehicles, expressing regret and requesting input. Students expressed frustration with his response, linking it to the broader trend of the department’s response to calls for change.

Following Petition, College Grants Fulbright Language Assistants’ Request for Compensation

The college has agreed to compensate three Spanish Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) with room and board for the remote semesters of the 2020-2021 academic year. The decision comes after the three sent a petition to the administration last Wednesday requesting the payment.

Town of Amherst Soon To Break Ground on Affordable Housing Project

The town of Amherst is set to break ground on a new affordable housing project, East Gables, this spring. The project is being built in response to the town’s lack of affordable housing.

Jeremy Koo ’12 Discusses his Path from Amherst to Sustainability Consulting

On Thursday, March 31, Jeremy Koo ’12 spoke with energy-interested students about his unique career pathway to technical consultancy. The talk, which took place in the Science Center, was part of the Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Development’s 2022 Alumni-in-Residence Program.

2022-2023 AAS E-board Candidate Statements

On Thursday, April 7, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and Judiciary Council chair. These students have announced their candidacies for these elections.

From the Red Room: April 4 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, April 4, the Association of Amherst Students met for the eighth time this semester. The meeting’s agenda included a town hall with Dean of Students Liz Agosto, a public comment regarding the Presidential Search Committee, and a bylaw amendment to pay future AAS members.

Thoughts On Theses: Riku Kusumoto

Riku Kusumoto is a political science major. He is writing a political theory thesis on Ernesto Laclau’s work on populism. His thesis advisor is Aliki Perroti and Seth Frank ’55 Professor of International Relations Pavel Machala.

Campus Police Log: March 30 to April 5

The latest installment of the Police Log, from March 30 to April 5, can be found here.

Missing the Mark

The Editorial Board calls for ACPD to not only re-mark their police vehicles, but also initiate greater communication and transparency toward the student body and larger community.

Who Are “Climate Refugees”?

Contributing writers Tara Alahakoon ’25 and Mohamed Ramy ’18 discuss the importance of recognizing “climate refugees,” people who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the increasingly negative effects of climate change.

Seeing Double: I Will Never Donate to Amherst

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 explains why he doesn’t intend on donating to Amherst after graduation.

Rants and Raves: Elevator Etiquette

In this week’s “Rants and Raves,” Managing Design Editor Brianne LaBare ’25 hopes for the Amherst community to observe better elevator etiquette.

Red Herring: On ACPD

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 humorously comments on the ACPD’s belief that unmarked police vehicles would help students feel safer.

Dani Valdez ’22, 2022 All-American, Looks Back on Career

Dani Valdez ’22 ended her collegiate basketball career with a variety of honors and awards. Staff writer Maya Reiner ’25 sat down with Valdez to talk about her career and reflect on what got her to this point.

Track and Field Starts Season Strong Against DI Schools

The men’s and women’s track and field teams took the 10-minute drive to cross-town foe UMass to open their outdoor season. The team built on their strong indoor season, accumulating amazing individual finishes, while being the only Division III school in attendance.

Softball Wins 3 of 5, Including 2 Walkoff Wins

Softball returned to the diamond this past week after a short hiatus, winning their NESCAC-opening series versus Middlebury and going to extra innings three times in five games.

No. 19 Women’s Lacrosse Loses Thriller to Bowdoin

Amherst women’s lacrosse took on Bowdoin at home this weekend in a hard-fought loss. Despite a back-and-forth game, two late goals gave the Polar Bears the edge in the end.

Men Split, Women Sweep in Tennis’ Trip to Maine

In their second week of NESCAC competition, the men’s and women’s tennis teams played away matches against Bowdoin and Colby. The men’s team defeated Colby but lost to Bowdoin, while the women’s team achieved convincing victories in both matches.

Baseball’s Struggles Continue, Losing 5 of 6 Games

It was a hard week for Amherst baseball. Despite jumping out to multiple early leads, they dropped five of the six games they played.

After Bowdoin Loss, Men’s Lacrosse Hopes for Improvement

Amherst men's lacrosse lost to Bowdoin in a close game on Saturday, the final score ending at 15-12. Looking forward, the Mammoths will hope to improve their defense to get back in the win column.

March Madness Update: The Final Countdown

After the stunning conclusions to both the 2022 Men's and Women's NCAA Tournaments this past weekend, the sports editors provide their final update on the Madness and The Student's bracket challenges.

The Power of Petite Plays: Green Room’s Ten Minute Play Festival Wows

The Amherst College Green Room put on its annual Ten Minute Play Festival this weekend. Senior Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ʼ23 summarizes the short and punchy sketches.

Two Local Film Festivals Highlight Global Voices

Sarah Weiner ʼ24 reports on two ongoing film festivals, the Ibero-American Hybrid Film Festival and the Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival, which feature global perspectives and often marginalized stories.

Mase Peterson ’23E Presents: “The Ring Road”

Mase Peterson ʼ23E presents a lyric essay inspired by an experience abroad in Iceland. Driving down a remote road, Peterson struggles with isolation on a search for the Northern Lights.

Film Society x The Student: “After Yang”

Diego Duckenfield-Lopez ’24 of the Amherst College Film Society explores Kogonada’s “After Yang,” and how the film reimagines common sci-fi tropes of androids to scrutinize social classifications.

Poetic Perspectives: Two Paintings

In this week’s edition of “Poetic Perspectives,” Melinda Arthur ʼ25 presents two poems, inspired by the paintings “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh and “Garden of Earthly Delights” by Hieronymus Bosch.

“Death on the Nile”: Revival of a Classic Mystery

Eren Levine ʼ24 analyzes the new cinematic remake of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile.” The new adaptation is a fresh twist on the story last adapted in 1978, incorporating the political circumstances of 2022.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 4, Reviewed

Episode four of “Survivor” was less riveting than the last, but still delivered for Vaughn Armour ʼ25. He recaps the building tension and excitement of this week’s episode.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Today, Maggie and Sam talk about the college's Climate Action Plan, the fifth annual Black Arts Matter festival, "Fresh Faculty" Professor Stefan Bradley, and ACPD's decision to unmark all of their vehicles. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

Fulbright Language Assistants Petition for Pandemic Compensation

This morning, March 30, three Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) for the Spanish Department sent a petition with over 400 signatures to the administration, requesting room and board compensation for the 2020-2021 academic year.

ACPD Unmarks Vehicles, Prompting Student Concern

The Amherst College Police Department (ACPD) recently made its fleet of five vehicles entirely unmarked. While the department states that this choice was an attempt to reduce police presence on campus, students report feeling increased fear and uncertainty from the change.

Roxane Gay Brings Wisdom and Humor to Amherst

Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay brought reactions ranging from roars of laughter to somber and thoughtful snaps of agreement this past Friday, March 25, when the Women’s and Gender Center (WGC) hosted her for a keynote conversation in Johnson Chapel.

Town Hall Covers Updates to Climate Action Plan

On March 21, the college held a virtual town hall to discuss its most recent updates to the Climate Action Plan. The meeting covered the college’s commitment to pursuing climate action by overhauling its entire campus energy system to move to a low-carbon and eventually carbon-neutral system.

From the Red Room: March 28 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, March 28, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) met for the seventh time this semester. The meeting’s agenda included funding requests, interest requests, officer reports, and an impromptu motion to amend AAS bylaws.

Fresh Faculty: Stefan Bradley

Stefan Bradley is a professor of Black studies and history. He received his B.A. from Gonzaga University, his M.A. from Washington State University at Pullman, and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Campus Police Log: March 22 to March 29

The latest installment of the Police Log, from March 22 to March 29, can be found here.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Rethinking the Open Curriculum

Managing Podcast Editor Sam Spratford ’24 points out the flaws of the open curriculum and argues for more distribution requirements.

Coping With Campus: Dam Good Builders

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 takes a jaunt off of campus, finding tranquility and engineering in the local beaver population.

Seeing Double: The Adventures of Tom and Dick

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 recounts his positive experience conversing with an alumnus to showcase why students should build better relationships with alumni.

Fifth Annual Black Art Matters Festival Celebrates Artists, Poets, and Musicians

Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 discusses the fifth annual Black Art Matters festival with participating artists and performers. The event was held on Thursday, March 24, in the Powerhouse.

Rants and Raves: “Scrape Your F — king Plates”

Contributing Writer Priscilla Lee ’25 discusses her friend’s negative experiences working with Val due to people’s lack of communal responsibility for the space.

Breaking Thesis Boundaries in “Boundless”

Alistair Edwards’ ’22 senior thesis in Theater and Dance, “Boundless,” is a radio play that premiered on March 25 and 26. Managing Arts and Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 walks through the production and Edwards’ thesis process.

The Indicator x The Student: “Strangers”

Originally published in The Indicator’s Fall 2021 issue “Passing,” “Strangers” by Sarah Wu ’25 is republished here as part of a collaboration between The Student’s Arts & Living Section and The Indicator.

The Indicator x The Student: “Homecoming”

Originally published in The Indicator’s Fall 2021 issue “Passing,” “Homecoming” by Gabby Avena ’25 is republished here as part of a collaboration between The Student’s Arts & Living Section and The Indicator.

“Licorice Pizza” and the Spectacle of Banality

Cole Warren ’24 reviews the Oscar-nominated, controversial “Licorice Pizza,” which follows the romance of a 15-year-old and a 25-year-old in 1970s Hollywood.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episode 3, Reviewed

The third episode of “Survivor” Season 42 kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Vaughn Armour ’25 recaps the strategy and drama of this week’s episode.

Marie Fagan ’22 Ends All-American, Record-breaking Career

Marie Fagan ’22 recently finished her last competition as a collegiate swimmer, breaking her own school record in the 200-fly for the fourth time. Staff Writer Hedi Skali ’25 sat down with Fagan to reflect on her Amherst career.

Viral Bennett Goal Remains Men’s Lacrosse Highlight

Despite losses this past weekend to Springfield and No. 5 St. John Fisher Colleges, the men’s lacrosse team has started the season relatively strong. The exclamation point has been Jake Bennett’s ’24 viral goal, which brought national attention to the program.

Women’s Lacrosse Wins Both, Shows Owls Hoo’s Boss

The 19th-ranked women’s lacrosse team maintained their momentum this past weekend, beating nearby Westfield State University and Keene State College in consecutive Mammoths versus Owls matchups.

With 2 Walkoffs, Softball Sweeps Weekend Doubleheader

In their first home doubleheader of the young season, the softball team battled the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Engineers in two close contests this past Saturday. The Mammoths earned two hard-fought wins, highlighted by late-game heroics from several players.

Men Win Both, Women Split NESCAC Tennis Openers

Both tennis teams took to the court this weekend. The women’s team swept Connecticut College, but lost to Wesleyan in a tight contest, while the men’s team proved victorious over both Connecticut and Wesleyan, dominating the pair of matches.

Baseball Winless in Return to New England

Returning home from their spring break trip, the baseball team lost their first three games played in Massachusetts, dropping their home opener to Wheaton College and losing both games of a doubleheader against Brandeis University.

Bracket Challenge Update: Standings Going Into Final Four

Upsets abounded in the most recent two rounds of March Madness. And with the Final Four imminent, the sports editors detail the latest resounding triumphs and catastrophic collapses of The Student’s bracket pool.

Schrett's Takes: Gwen Allen and Jackie Kortekaas

Mike talks to Jackie and Gwen about their off-season training this spring and how their experience as Amherst athletes has been impacted by Covid-19. Produced by Mike Schretter '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

Schrett's Takes: Jack Trent

On this episode, Mike sits down with Jack to reflect on his experience at nationals with Amherst Track and Field. Produced by Mike Schretter '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Today, we discuss two student-led initiatives to redistribute Amherst's resources more equitably among the community and Glee Club's transition to co-ed participation. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

Glee Club Expands Range to All Voices

The Amherst College Glee Club has merged with Chorus in an effort to boost membership and retention, as well as promote inclusivity. Comprised solely of tenor and bass vocalists since its founding in 1865, the group is now open to singers in all vocal ranges.

AmherstMaskin’

With an increasing number of colleges ending their mask mandates, the Editorial Board calls for increased community respect for one another whether masks go or not.

College Admits 7 Percent of Applicants for the Class of 2026

The college released its regular admissions decisions for the Class of 2026 on March 18, leading to a total 7 percent acceptance rate of a record-breaking 14,800 applicants.

Following AAS Proposal, Free Laundry Detergent Sheets Now Available

A newly approved proposal by AAS Senator Sirus Wheaton '23 will provide free zero-waste laundry detergent sheets to all students. The initiative aims to reduce Amherst’s carbon footprint while also easing the financial burden of buying hygiene products for low-income students.

Food Justice Alliance Puts Extra Val Food to Use

The Food Justice Alliance instituted a new program relying on student volunteers to reduce food waste. The extra food from Val is donated to Craig’s Doors, a local homeless shelter in the town of Amherst.

Collectivize Amherst Builds Mutual Aid Networks

Founded by three first-year students, the independent organization Collectivize Amherst is assisting Amherst students and community members enduring financial hardship through mutual aid funding. Central to the group’s philosophy is the concept of “give what you can, take what you need.”

From the Red Room: March 21 AAS Meeting Recap

On Monday, March 21, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) held their sixth meeting of the spring semester. The meeting’s agenda included funding requests, a committee election, officer reports, and committee and Senate project updates.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 9 to March 22

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week’s installment: the housing selection process, tuition increase, and more.

Fresh Faculty: Lara Halaoui

Lara Halaoui is a visiting professor of chemistry at Amherst College and a professor of chemistry at the American University of Beirut. She received a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Beirut and later attended Duke University for her Ph.D.

Campus Police Log: March 8 to March 21

The latest installment of the Police Log, from March 8 to March 21, can be found here.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Seeing Double: For More than Zero Gazebos

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 discusses why Amherst should build a gazebo (or multiple) on campus.

Nuclear Power Really Is the Future

Contributing Writer Diego Rao ’23 responds to Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell's ’22 previously published article decrying nuclear power, arguing that it is necessary for a sustainable future.

The Key to a Constructive Contra

Editor-at-Large Scott Brasesco ’22 critiques certain aspects of Amherst’s newest opinion publication, The Contra.

Satire: The Bowdoin Orient Staff Bathroom

WAMH x The Student: “CRASH”

Charli XCX’s newest album “CRASH” is an evolution of the pop star. WAMH Events Coordinator Nii-Ayi Aryeetey ’23 explains that she updates her signature pop style with layered references to musical movements from past decades.

The Mesmerizing Murals of Santurce, San Juan

The neighborhood of Santurce in San Juan is known for its vibrant street art. Cassidy Duncan ’25 discusses the rich history and culture of Puerto Rican murals, which she prompted to investigate during a spring break trip.

“Survivor” Season 42: Episodes 1 & 2, Reviewed

“Survivor” is back for Season 42, and Vaughn Armour ’25 summarizes the action of the first two episodes.

A Covid Reflection: Mourning and Community

Tiia McKinney ’25 shares a story of mourning and grief, chronicling two years of Covid for her community in The Bahamas, punctuated by the deaths of loved ones.

A Look Back on Women’s Basketball’s Wonder Season

Despite their season ending against the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Thursday, the Mammoths made the most of their first season back from the Covid hiatus and have much to look forward to in the next few years after their miraculous Final Four run.

Swimmers, Divers Compete, Break Record at NCAAs

Nine different members of the women’s swim and dive team achieved All-American honors at nationals over spring break. The Mammoths brought home 13 All-America accolades, four of which were first-team finishes.

Women’s Lacrosse, Ranked 21st, Wins 4 Over Break

Women’s lacrosse was red hot over spring break, winning three straight games, including a comeback win in overtime and a tight conference win, to secure a four-game winning streak and a 21st place national ranking.

Bennett’s Behind-the-back Goal Highlights Men’s Lacrosse Wins

Men’s lacrosse have gotten off to a fast start. They began spring break with a tough loss against Tufts, one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, before ripping off two wins against Bates and Gettysburg College.

Tennis Faces Tough Spring Break Slate

Both men’s and women’s tennis faced a series of tough matches against some of the best teams in the country during a spring break trip to California. Despite strong individual performances, both teams saw up-and-down results.

Indoor Track and Field Athletes Compete Well at Nationals

Nine track athletes competed at the Division III National Championships during the first weekend of spring break, representing their school across a diverse set of events.

Baseball Begins NESCAC Title Defense Over Spring Break

Coming off a NESCAC title victory in the 2021 Covid-shortened season, the baseball team opened their 2022 season with a spring break trip to Florida, where they went 4-2 in six games.

Softball Starts Strong, Looks Towards NESCACs

In their shortened 2021 season, Amherst softball had a great season to build on, including two separate five-game win streaks and encouraging seasons from a multitude of underclassmen. Here’s what their 2022 season has in store.

Bracket Challenge Update: How Students are Faring After Chaotic First Weekend

March Madness is back. After a wild first weekend of the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, the sports editors provide an update on The Student’s bracket pools.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Today, we reflect on whether Amherst’s language assistants have been fairly compensated, Covid-19’s two-year legacy, and how the Center for Restorative Practices is helping campus to reimagine justice. Produced by Sam Spratford ’24 and Maggie McNamara ’23; edited by Spencer Michaels ’24 and Sam Spratford ’24.

‘Time Stopped’: Amherst Reflects on Two Years of Covid

On this day, March 9, two years ago, the college announced it would switch to remote learning due to Covid-19. The Student asked members of the college community to reflect on what they’ve learned through the pandemic, what has changed in their lives, and how they see the world differently now.

Reflecting on Two Years of Covid

The Editorial Board reflects on the two year anniversary of Covid on campus, acknowledging the nostalgia for a pre-pandemic Amherst, but expressing hope about the future of adapting to the pandemic.

Language Assistants Speak on Pandemic Challenges

Language assistants at the college report that their unique employment situation has not received adequate support from the college over the course of the pandemic, resulting in a number of financial challenges during the Covid semesters.

The Center for Restorative Practices: Reimagining Justice

Founded in 2021, the Center for Restorative Practices is drawing from long-established Indigenous practices to create a contemporary space for redressing community divides, repairing relationships, and reflecting on Amherst’s model of punitive justice.

From the Red Room: March 8 AAS Meeting Updates

In their fifth meeting of the semester on March 8, the AAS discussed the Sexual Violence Taskforce (SVT), Budgetary Committee (BC) funding recommendations, officer reports, and updates on Senate committees and projects.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 2 to March 8

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week’s installment: college provides update on CAP, UMass lifts indoor mask mandate, and more.

Thoughts on Theses: Jade DuVal

Jade DuVal is an English major. Her thesis looks at how three primary sources use Black girls and Black girlhood as methods of empowerment and community building. Her thesis advisor is Professor of English Christopher Grobe.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 28 to March 9

The latest installment of the police log, from Feb. 28 to March 9, can be found here.

Seeing Double: Nuclear Power Isn’t the Future

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 argues that using nuclear power as an energy source has more negative consequences than positive.

Coping With Campus: Style Over Substance

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 discusses the potential impact of the pandemic on the future of architecture, which he hopes is full of love and ventilation.

Rants and Raves: Crunchy Mom Hates Sumo Oranges

In the debut installment of the new series “Rants and Raves,” Managing Opinion Editor Kei Lim ’25 points out the offensive undertones of the phrase “no offense.”

Secret Admirer

Cartoonist Emi Eliason ’23 satirizes the impact of the financial aid process on students.

Red Herring: Snow Day

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 comments on how students usually spend their snow days.

The Power of Public Speaking

The college recently hosted its annual public speaking competition and the Litfest Spoken Word Slam. Mikayah Parsons ʼ24 speaks with participants of the events about the lack of a spoken word community at Amherst.

WAMH x The Student: “Shoestring”

“Shoestring” by Felix Ames was released on Feb. 4. Victoria Thomas ʼ25 takes us through the experiences, emotions, and images the song reminds her of.

“How I Met Your Father”: How I Rebooted Your Mother

Eren Levine ʼ24 reviews Hulu’s “How I Met Your Father,” a spin-off series that cleverly integrates elements of the original show, “How I Met Your Mother,” into a unique, enjoyable new comedy.

Poetic Perspectives: “Ignite”

With evocative and elegant language, Quincy Smith ʼ25 invites us to awaken our senses. The poem explores questions about how we find our personal identity.

Women’s Basketball on to NCAA Sweet 16

The women’s basketball team took on SUNY Polytechnic Institute and St. John Fisher College in the Rounds of 64 and 32, winning both games in well-fought matches. The Mammoths are off to the Sweet 16 for the first time since their Covid-shortened 2019-20 season.

Squash Finishes Season With Individuals at Nationals

After their strong finishes in the Summers and Kurtz Cups, Callie DeLalio ’24 and Adam Lichtmacher ’23 represented Amherst in the College Squash Association’s National Individual Tournaments.

March Madness 2022: (Too) Early Predictions

The managing sports editors introduce a community-wide ESPN Bracket Challenge and present their contenders, pretenders, dark horses, and sleepers. The group name to join is Amherst Student 2022!

Women’s Ice Hockey Loses in NESCAC Finals

Women’s hockey finished their season this past weekend, traveling to Middlebury for the final rounds of the NESCAC Tournament. After taking down Colby in overtime on Saturday, the Mammoths lost a 2-0 heartbreaker to Middlebury in the conference final.

Track and Field Runners, Jumpers Qualify for Nationals

School records came crashing down at the indoor track and field National Qualifying Meet this past weekend. More than eight athletes will fly to North Carolina to compete at Nationals this coming weekend.

Men’s Lacrosse Returns to Competition With Win

Despite falling behind early against Hamilton, men’s lacrosse rallied to notch a narrow win in their first game in almost two years.

Women’s Lacrosse Splits Season Openers After Years Off

Amherst women’s lacrosse had an up-and-down start to the season, falling in an away game at Hamilton in NESCAC play before blowing out Springfield College on home turf.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

“The Batman” Brings Gotham Into a Gritty 2022

“The Batman” began showing in theaters this Friday, March 4. Ross Kilpatrick ʼ24E explores how the character’s latest iteration builds on Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy, adapting to the cynical and pessimistic political climate of 2022.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Today, we review LitFest 2022, a new student publication spurring debate about free speech, and how the war in Ukraine is personally affecting Amherst students. Produced by Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

“I Was Angry That People Were Going To Die”: Students Speak on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has thrown into turmoil the lives of Ukrainian and Russian students at the college. Ukrainian students have had to worry about the safety of their families and mobilize resources for their home country, all while being full-time students thousands of miles away.

The image depicts a room crowded with students eating at tables in the back room of the dining hall.

Surge in Covid Cases Prompts Protocol Changes

The college had 153 active Covid-19 cases at the beginning of the day on March 1. In response to the large increase in cases, the college has announced changes to its Covid safety protocols multiple times over the past week.

Students Navigate Academics Through Covid Isolation

As the number of students in Covid isolation increases, faculty have been forced to make adjustments to their teaching plans, while students in isolation are adjusting to learning material from classes not designed to be taught remotely.

Students Rally Support for Prison Moratorium Bill

Alongside students at other Massachusetts colleges, Amherst students are mobilizing to garner support for a Massachusetts state legislature bill that would place a five-year moratorium on prison construction. They are advocating for the funding of community programs instead of prisons.

The image depicts Viet Thanh Nguyen animatedly speaking, sitting at a table between two students attending the talk.

Writers Discuss Craft and Identity at Seventh Annual LitFest

The college hosted several award-winning novelists and writers, including Natalie Diaz and Viet Thanh Nguyen, at the Seventh Annual LitFest. They discussed themes of identity, language, and craft in their presentations.

The image depicts a stack of several copies of The Contra sitting on a newspaper rack in Valentine Dining Hall

Anonymous Student Publication ‘The Contra’ Sparks Discussion

The Contra, a new weekly student-run publication, provides an anonymous platform for community members to share opinions and responses meant to spark conversation. It has prompted discussion about how to best foster constructive political discourse on a campus like Amherst’s.

The image depicts Karen Lee in front of an intent audience, speaking on the stage at Johnson Chapel.

Students Contemplate Progress at Annual Speaking Competition

Eleven students delivered persuasive speeches on the theme of progress in this year’s annual student speaking competition. They contemplated progress from the Amherst campus to the world as a whole, citing the importance of collective activism, storytelling, and risk taking, among many other topics.

Student Spotlight: Oren Tirschwell ’25

Oren Tirschwell ’25 is a first-year student from Westchester, N.Y. After the college announced they would stop sending out daily Covid updates, Tirschwell took it upon himself to construct a replacement tool, which he made available to interested students on Feb. 20.

From the Red Room: Feb. 28 AAS Meeting Updates

In their fourth meeting of the semester on Feb. 28, the AAS heard from the Office of Fellowships, voted on Budgetary Committee (BC) funding requests, discussed community engagement, held committee elections, and approved a proposal to supply eco-friendly detergent to students.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Feb. 23 to March 1

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week’s installment: a snow day, Grammarly Premium, and more.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 22 to March. 2

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 22 to March 2, can be found here.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

A Better Amherst: A ‘New Curriculum’

Tessa Levenstein ’23 and Mason Quintero ’23 advocate for more service-oriented learning at the college, arguing for community to become a central tenet of an Amherst education.

To Support Ukrainian Students, Support Ukraine

The Editorial Board urges the college community to support its Ukrainian students by supporting Ukraine itself.

Seeing Double: Reflections on Amherst Activism

Seeing Double Columnists Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 and Thomas Brodey ’22 discuss what it means to participate in activism.

Satire: Amherst Mantra Advocates for Canceling Students

Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24 investigates surprisingly uncontroversial takes published in a mysterious new paper circulating around campus.

A Clarification

Cartoonist Emi Eliason ’23 clears up a misconception about a not-so-realistic part of her illustrations.

Red Herring: Windy Day

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 memorializes their experience of heavy winds last weekend.

“Drive My Car”: Meaning and Mourning in Motion

Joe Sweeney '25 reviews "Drive My Car," the first Japanese film to be nominated for a Best Picture, which follows an aging theatre director who bonds with his young chauffeur after the death of his wife.

“The Tragedy of Macbeth”: Finally, a Good Remake

Davis Rennella '24 reviews A24's adaptation, "The Tragedy of Macbeth," directed by Joel Coen. The film's unconventional set design and focus on the inanimate make the film a unique take on Shakespeare's classic play.

The ‘Desencanto’ of “Encanto”: Repression in the Latinx Family

Disney's new animated movie "Encanto" has received widespread acclaim. But for many viewers, it resonates on a personal level. Piero Campos '25 discusses Latinx culture and family dynamics within the plot.

Film Society x The Student: “Whisper of the Heart”

Amherst College Film Society's Aidan Orr '24 and Diego Duckenfield-Lopez '24 explore the ways Studio Ghibli's "Whisper of the Heart" validates anxieties about love, dreams, and the future in adolescents and adults alike.

The Implications of NYFW’s Balaclava Trend

The balaclava, a garment that echoes Muslim head coverings, has swept the fashion world. Noor Rahman '25 breaks down the trend's insensitivity and the discrimination Muslim women face for wearing hijab and niqab.

Poetic Perspectives: “Sour Grapes”

In our first edition of "Poetic Perspectives," Mikayah Parsons '24 pens a coming-of-age tale of queerness, grief, and growth.

Women’s Basketball Win Streak Snapped in NESCAC Finals

After winning 11 straight games and cruising to the finals of the NESCAC championship, Amherst women’s basketball fell short in a low-scoring defensive slugfest against Bates.

Despite Lawsuit Win, Equal Pay Fight Isn’t Over

After almost three years, the U.S. Women’s National Team settled their equal pay lawsuit with the governing body of American soccer. Managing Sports Editor Liza Katz ’24 explains the lawsuit and what it will mean for women’s soccer going forward.

Women’s Hockey Qualifies for Conference Semis

Women’s hockey took the ice at Orr Rink for their NESCAC Quarterfinal Matchup on Saturday, overcoming a slow start to roll over Bowdoin by a score of 5-0. With the win, the Mammoths advanced to the conference tournament’s semifinal round, which will be played this coming weekend.

Track and Field Shows Well at DIII Championships

The women’s and men’s track and field teams took third and sixth place, respectively, at the Division III New England Championships this past weekend. 28 athletes claimed all-New England honors.

Women’s Dive Punches Ticket To Nationals

The women’s diving team showed out at the NCAA North/Northeast Regional Championships, taking first and second on the 1-meter board. Two divers will continue on to Nationals.

Women’s Squash Team Finishes Fifth at B-Level Nationals

Following a fourth-place finish at the NESCAC tournament, the women’s squash team finished the year with a strong win over Williams — their first since 1998 — to take fifth place in the 2022 Kurtz Cup.

In NESCAC Quarterfinals, Men’s Hockey Falls to Ephs

In their third meeting with Williams of the season, the men’s hockey team fell to the Ephs in the quarterfinals of the NESCAC tournament, ending their season with a final record of 9-13-2.

Mammoth Memories: The Origins Of Little Threes

In this installment of Mammoth Memories, Managing Sports Editor Alex Noga ’23 details the origins of the Little Three, one of the oldest athletic conferences in the country, and the eligibility dispute that, for a time, disbanded the alliance just three years into its existence.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Today, we discuss the uncertainty plaguing student-athletes, the status of benefits among "casual employees," and a new faculty member whose focus on premodern South Asia can decolonize our conception of history. Produced by Sam Spratford '24; edited by Nicole Richards '23.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

The image depicts a room in the dining hall filled with students eating at tables.

Employees Reflect on New Benefited Positions

Twenty-three Dining Services employees have had their positions converted from casual to benefited following the college’s Nov. 17 policy announcement. The Student sat down with seven staff members to hear their thoughts on this change.

Covid Policies Spur Uncertainty for Winter Athletes

Student athletes have experienced heightened uncertainty throughout the winter athletic season due to a host of Covid safety policies, which bar them from competition after they, or enough of their teammates, test positive.

The image depicts several shelves full of a colorful arrange of books at The Option.

The Option Revitalizes Through New Initiatives

The Option, Amherst College’s student-run used bookstore, reopened in the fall after a year-long pandemic-induced closure. This semester, the store introduced a number of changes, including the introduction of a public catalog of the store’s inventory and new marketing techniques.

From the Red Room: Feb. 21 AAS Meeting Updates

In their third meeting of the semester on Feb. 21, the AAS inducted new senators, discussed budgetary requests, and ratified a new amendment removing the requirement to collect petition signatures before running.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Feb. 16 to Feb. 22

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred over the past week. Check out the news from Feb. 16 to Feb. 22 here.

Fresh Faculty: Mekhola Gomes

Mekhola S. Gomes is an assistant professor of history and Asian languages and civilizations. She received a bachelor’s degree with honors in history from St. Stephen’s College at the University of Delhi, and her master’s degrees and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 14 to Feb. 21

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 14 to Feb. 21, can be found here.

A Better Amherst: Careers of Consequence

Contributing writers Charles Sutherby ’23E and Mason Quintero ’23 discuss the ways in which Amherst fails graduates pursuing public service, in the second of a three-part series for The Student.

Coping With Campus: Harmony in Purpose and Use

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ‘25 writes on the lack of social spaces on campus, focusing specifically on Cohan Dormitory.

Seeing Double: Administrators Should Talk to Students

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ‘22 outlines why the administration needs to consult students before making certain decisions.

Expanding Equity in Admissions

The Editorial Board calls for a continuing equitable admissions process at Amherst as affirmative action’s existence becomes increasingly threatened.

Satire: FAQs About the New Residence Hall Reservation Policy

Staff writer Andrew Rosin ’25 covers the new Student Hosted Events Policy, showcasing its unintentionally humorous aspects.

WAMH x The Student: “Snow is Falling in Manhattan”

Olive Amdur '23 details how David Berman's 2019 song "Snow is Falling in Manhattan" has sparked a newfound appreciation for chilly Amherst winters and the beauty of slowing down.

“Ants From Up There”: A Fulfilling Final Album

Experimental rock group Black Country, New Road recently released their sophomore album "Ants From Up There," which marks the end of frontman Isaac Wood's time with the group. Miles Garcia '25 breaks down the ethereal and intense album.

“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”: Another Unwatchable Remake

As with many other cult classics, Netflix recently remade legendary horror film "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Cole Warren '24 explores all the reasons why the remake is a pale imitation of the original, exploiting sensitive subjects in favor of cheap scares.

Netflix’s “Cowboy Bebop”: An Unwatchable Remake

Managing Arts and Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener '23 compares Netflix's live action remake of "Cowboy Bebop" to the original anime show. Despite similarities to the original, the remake is so disappointing that he couldn't even make it through the first scene.

Track and Field Nears New England Championships

This past weekend, both the men’s and women’s track and field teams found success at their final meet of the season, the Ruddy Invitational. The New England Championships await for 53 athletes this weekend.

Women’s Basketball Win Streak at 10, Into Semis

Amherst women's basketball took down Colby in their first game of the NESCAC tournament, their 10th straight win. The win sets up a semifinal berth and a matchup with Tufts next weekend.

Wordle, BeReal and The Beautiful Game

Simplicity is in style these days. We’re decluttering our online lives with apps like BeReal and games like Wordle. If you want to simplify your sports-watching life, you should be watching soccer, argues Leo Kamin '25.

Women’s Hockey Bags Top-10 Win, Quarterfinal Home Ice

The Mammoths closed out a strong final stretch of the season, winning one and drawing one of a pair of matchups with Colby, enough to earn themselves home-field advantage in the first round of the NESCAC playoffs.

Missed Opportunities Abound in Men’s Hockey Losses to Midd, Williams

Amherst men’s hockey suffered a pair of close defeats this past weekend, falling to Middlebury in overtime before a tough loss to Williams.

Ephs Best Mammoths in Tight NESCAC Quarterfinal

Men’s basketball came heartbreakingly close to victory in their first game of the NESCAC playoffs against Williams. They fought back from a number of steep deficits, but ultimately fell just short in the final few minutes.

Men’s Squash Finishes Third at CSA Nationals

After a fifth-place finish at the NESCAC tournament, the men’s squash team finished the year off strong, taking third place at the 2022 Summers Cup.

Men Swim for Records, Third at NESCACs

Men’s swim and dive took third place overall at the NESCAC Championships. Five swimmers took home All-NESCAC honors.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, February 16, 2022

This week, we discuss student dancers' latest grievance with the administration, reparations activism in the Town of Amherst, and a significant change in UMASS Amherst's reproductive health services. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Nicole Richards '23.

Student Dance Groups Upset at Planned Conversion of Nicholls Biondi Studio

Student dance groups felt blindsided by the proposed conversion the Nicholls Biondi studio, a crucial rehearsal space, into a satellite fitness center. Administrators have since paused the project after receiving significant pushback.

Administration Releases Plan To Support Student Well-being

Following a semester that saw surging demand for mental health support, the administration provided an update on Feb. 8 regarding the college’s efforts to better support student well-being, including bolstering the Counseling Center, new college-wide activities, and loosening of Covid restrictions.

UMass To Make Abortion Pills Available Starting Next Fall

Starting in Fall 2022, UMass Amherst’s health center will make medication abortions available to all students, citing accessibility and student demand as reasons for its decision. Amherst College is joining the conversation, but will likely not offer such services anytime soon.

Lipstadt Talk Prompts Students To Ponder Antisemitism, Jewish Community

Deborah E. Lipstadt, President Biden’s nominee for Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, gave a talk on Feb. 10 titled “Antisemitism: The Ubiquitous Hatred.” She explained the ideology behind antisemitism, leading students to express concerns about antisemitism at the college.

Town of Amherst Moves Forward With Reparations for Black Residents

Following the Amherst Town Council’s June 2021 vote to establish a reparations fund for Black residents, the Town is implementing community engagement plans to develop a strategy through which the reparations will ultimately be distributed.

Spring Event Policy Updated, Adds Restrictions to Dorm Use

A Feb. 14 email communicated stricter rules for event registration in the Spring 2022 semester. Students expressed confusion and frustration about party policies that they believe disproportionately affect certain student organizations and do not lead to safer practices.

Spring 2022 AAS Special Elections Candidate Statements

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for open AAS Senator positions on Friday, Feb. 18., from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The students listed have announced their candidacies for these elections.

From the Red Room: Feb. 14 AAS Meeting Updates

The AAS held its second meeting of the spring semester on Monday, Feb. 14. Senators discussed Budgetary Committee funding recommendations, the selection of senators for committee assignments, and the creation of a task force to address sexual violence on campus.

Thoughts on Theses: Lisa Zheutlin

Lisa Zheutlin ’22 is a sexuality, women’s & gender studies major. She is writing a thesis on the anti-monogamy framework, which questions society’s prioritization of romantic love over other forms of love such as familial love. Her thesis advisor is Professor of History and SWAGS Jen Manion.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 9 to Feb. 14

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 9 to Feb. 14, can be found here.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Red Herring: Add/Drop Game

Cartoonist Isaac Streiff '24 comments on Amherst's more "competitive" classes as the add/drop period comes to a close.

A Better Amherst: Amherst Isn't Doing Its Job

Charles Sutherby ’23E and Mason Quintero ’23 discuss the tiny percentage of Amherst graduates pursuing public service in the first of a three-part series.

Seeing Double: Stop Pretending AAS Is Democratic

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey '22 argues that the Association of Amherst Students fails to live up to its democratic image.

The Arts Are Instrumental

The Editorial Board calls for a considered and consistent consideration of the arts on campus when it comes to the allocation of extracurricular space.

A New Fitness Center, At the Expense of Dancers

Sarah Weiner '24 shares her perspective on the proposed conversion of the Nicholls Biondi dance studio into a fitness center. Without a space to rehearse, Weiner argues that the Amherst dancers and RSOs that rely on the space would suffer incalculably without it.

In Defense of Democracy, a Response to The Contra

Tylar Matsuo '24 defends the ideal of the democratic state in response to an article published in the intentionally divisive Amherst Contra.

Satire: What to Know About the Winter Olympics

Andrew Rosin ’25 presents a non-comprehensive guide to understanding the Winter Olympic Games.

Val Hacks: Deviled Eggs

Audrey Rosevear '22 presents "Val Hacks," a column dedicated to exploring the culinary possibilities of Valentine Dining Hall. This week, here is her recipe for deviled eggs, Val-style.

Wasted Words: How Wordle Disrespects Words

Word games such as the New York Times Spelling Bee and Wordle have skyrocketed in popularity. Ross Kilpatrick '24E breaks down his issues with the games, arguing that words are relegated to trivial tiles, stripped of their meaning.

"Dexter: New Blood" Brings New Justice to an Old Story

"Dexter: New Blood" wrapped up the original series in a ten-part sequel with a satisfyingly grim ending. Assistant Arts and Living Editor Brianne LaBare '25 explores the binge-worthy series and its effect on the legacy of the "Dexter" franchise.

"The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window": Strong Storyline, Shoddy Satire

"The Woman in the House Across the Street From the Girl in the Window" attempts to satirize mystery thrillers while playing to the strengths of the genre. Eren Levine '24 reviews the series, an enjoyable show that often fails to make its satirical elements clear.

Mammoth Memories: The Beginning of Baseball

Join Managing Sports Editor Alex Noga ’23 as we uncover some of the fascinating details about the college's storied past in the new sports column "Mammoth Memories." Our first stop: the very first organized baseball game ever played.

Women’s Basketball Seeded Third, NESCACs Next

Amherst women’s basketball defeated conference No. 1 Trinity and New Jersey City University, extending their win streak to nine games, and placing them at No. 3 in the NESCAC rankings. They enter the NESCAC tournament ranked 11th nationally.

Men’s Hockey Splits Pair of Crucial NESCAC Contests

Amherst men’s hockey took a two-game road trip this weekend, traveling first to New London, Conn., to take on the Camels and then to Medford, Mass., to face the Jumbos. The Mammoths returned to Amherst with one win and one loss.

Scoring Runs Define Men’s Basketball’s Two Close Losses

The men’s basketball team returned to action this past weekend, closing NESCAC regular-season play with a tough weekend in which they lost close games to Trinity and Connecticut College.

Women’s Swim Finds Individual, Team Success at NESCACs

Amherst collected their top-three NESCAC spot for the third consecutive year, bringing home ten All-NESCAC awards among seven athletes. The team also returned with two new school records in the 1650-yard freestyle and the 200-yard butterfly.

Women's Hockey Finds Late-Season Momentum

Women’s ice hockey split a two-game series with the Trinity Bantams before blowing out the University of New England Nor’easters. Just two regular season games remain.

Amherst Track and Field Shines Despite Myriad of Injuries

Track and field found success in their second-to-last meet of the season at Middlebury. The men placed second; the women placed third. A slew of athletes qualified for New Englands.

Women's Squash Finishes Fourth at NESCACs

Amherst women’s squash fought hard at the NESCAC championships this past weekend, eventually falling in the semifinals to the Trinity. They finished fourth overall.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, February 9, 2022

This week, we talk about the Instagram account @amherstshareyourstory, some developments in Amherst's presidential search process, and recent student housing errors.

The Amherst Student Crossword - Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Former Coach, Alleging Racism, Settles With College

After six months, the college reached an out-of-court settlement with the former lacrosse coach’s employment discrimination lawsuit.

Instagram Account ‘Amherst Share Your Story’ Confronts Sexual Misconduct

The Instagram account @amherstshareyourstory has posted over 40 anonymous accounts of sexual misconduct at the college since its first post on Dec. 10. The account has garnered much attention from students, alumni, and the administration.

A Fond Farewell: Women's Lacrosse Coach To Retire at End of Season, Her 27th

Long-time women’s lacrosse coach Chris Paradis has announced that she will retire from coaching after the 2022 season, leaving behind a lasting legacy and big shoes to fill for whichever coach comes to the program next.

A Hometown Fan's Ode to Tom Brady: Undisputed GOAT

A New England sports fan reflects on Tom Brady's retirement, describing his Patriots tenure as nothing short of a religious experience.

College Loosens Initial Spring Covid Protocols

The college has loosened some of its initial Covid restrictions following the success of its protocols for move-in and the first week of classes. Students and professors expressed understanding for the initially stricter protocols, while yearning for a return to near-normalcy.

Win Streaks Define Women's Hockey's Interterm

Women’s hockey excelled in conference play over the last six weeks, positioning themselves for a playoff run at the end of the month.

The image depicts an Amherst dorm room littered with bottles, trash, and discarded personal belonging

Students Blindsided by Plethora of Housing Difficulties

Students encountered a host of difficulties while trying to secure housing for J-term and the spring semester. Many expressed frustration at Housing Operations’ lack of communication.

Preventing Sexual Misconduct

The Editorial Board discusses @amherstshareyourstory and the value of the accounts shared by students, while considering the difficulty, but necessity, of creating change.

Ranked Number 11, Women's Basketball Keeps Rolling

The Mammoths have rolled through January, boasting a 16-2 record and No. 11 national ranking.

How Structural Differences Disadvantage International Students

Contributing writer Isaiah Doble ‘25 details a set of deep discrepancies between the experiences of domestic and international students, drawing from conversations and interviews conducted over the past semester.

“Reasons to Leave”: A Sensational Senior Thesis

Sebastian Son’s ’22 senior thesis in music composition, “Reasons to Leave,” integrated original musical pieces with strong theatrical performances. Managing Arts & Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 explores the one-night production and Son’s creative process.

Squash's J-Term Highlighted by Chang's Perfect Game

Both the men’s and women’s squash teams started January strong before stumbling against tougher competition to end the regular season, finishing 10-8, and 9-4, respectively.

Coping With Campus: The Isolationism of the Quad

In the first installment of his column, Coping With Campus, Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 takes a brief look at the quadrangle as a tool in the myth-building of “college life.”

Image of tables set up in testing center with covid tests on top.

From Nose to NoReply: Tracking the Journey of a PCR Test

The Student tracks the journey of an Amherst student’s Covid PCR test, from its collection at the Alumni House to its sequencing and result at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

Seeing Double: Amherst’s Diversity Mirage

Seeing Double columnist Thomas Brodey ‘22 argues that Amherst’s commitment to diversity is meaningless without the application of a fuller definition of the word.

Presidential Search Committee Releases Position Profile

The Presidential Search Committee released a finalized position profile on Jan. 12 for potential candidates to succeed the outgoing President Biddy Martin. The profile, compiled with community input, describes desired qualities and the work that lies ahead for the new president.

Swim and Dive Teams Off to Strong Start

Despite the cancellation of their annual training trip to Puerto Rico, the women’s and men’s swim and dive team has been hard at work over interterm, facing off against Union College, Williams, Connecticut College, and Springfield College.

WAMH × The Student: yeule

WAMH Events Coordinator Nii-Ayi Aryeetey ’23 reviews electronic pop artist yeule's new album, "Glitch Princess," an ambient yet unsettling exploration of body dysmorphia through immersive soundscapes and cathartic songwriting.

Featuring a Festival: Sundance Comes to Amherst!

Out of about 6,000 independent theaters nationwide, Amherst Cinema was one of seven satellite screening locations for the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Managing Arts & Living Editor Brooke Hoffman ’23E sits down with Executive Director Yasmin Eisenhauer to discuss the programming.

Track and Field Finds Success Early in Season

Amherst track and field won the Middlebury Winterfell, qualified athletes for the New England Championships, and watched school records fall in their first three meets of the indoor season.

Difficulty Over Artistry: The Evolution of Women's Figure Skating

In anticipation of forthcoming Olympic events, contributing writer Olivia Lynch ‘25 explores the effect that changes in the scoring system have had on competitive figure skating.

From the Red Room: Feb. 7 AAS Meeting Updates

The AAS held its first meeting of the spring semester on Monday, Feb. 7. Senators discussed the current Covid-19 protocols at the college, the logistics of commencement, and the student activities fee.

Men's Basketball Seeks Improvement From Winter

Men’s basketball saw a string of up and down results in January, but pulled off big-time wins against conference rivals Williams and Wesleyan.

Succession: An Exploration of Power and Pride

The third season of “Succession” wrapped up on Dec. 12. Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ’23 breaks down the reasons to watch the show — from its sharp wit and fascinating characters to its intriguing themes and brilliant acting.

Wordle for Credit

Cartoonist Emi Eliason ’23 satirizes the rise of Wordle as a potential avenue for college credit.

Fresh Faculty: Thirii M. Myint

Thirii M. Myint is an assistant professor of English. She received a B.A. in Literary Arts and International Relations from Brown University, an M.F.A. in Prose from the University of Notre Dame, and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.

Men's Hockey Struggles to Find Mid-Season Rhythm

Men’s hockey posted uneven results through January, but has done enough to keep postseason hope alive.

Sitcoms: The Crux of Comedy and Comfort

Why is it that, when looking for comfort shows, we usually turn to sitcoms? Assistant Arts & Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 analyzes the conventions of television’s most binge-able genre and how streaming reinforces the place of nostalgic sitcoms in pop culture.

Red Herring: Time Flies

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 reflects "optimistically" on the beginning of classes in the new semester.

Campus Police Log: Dec. 6 to Feb. 9

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Dec. 6 to Feb. 9, can be found here.

CSA Behavior at DASAC Formal Leaves Students Uncomfortable and Upset

On the night of Dec. 7, two CSAs showed up unannounced twice to DASAC’s end-of-semester formal in Lipton Basement. One CSA’s aggressive mannerisms and actions left attendees in extreme discomfort and distress, with the group eventually calling ACPD and reporting the CSA for identity-based harm.

Move the CES Out of the Police Building

In a public letter, a coalition of student groups comes together to call on members of the administration to relocate the Center for Sustainability from the Amherst College police department to a more centralized, inclusive campus location.

Historic Class of 2022E Approaches Graduation

Seventy-four seniors will graduate at the end of this semester as members of the Class of 2022E, one of the largest E classes in the college’s history. The Student sat down with seven graduating seniors to hear about their experiences and reflections on the nearing end to their time at Amherst.

College Announces Series of Retirements And Promotions

The college has announced a number of retirements from and promotions to prominent positions at the college. Jim Brassord, Jackie Alvarez, and Interim CEIO Allen Hart are phasing out of their roles. Darien McFadden will replace Alvarez, and Angie Tissi-Gassoway has filled Hart’s position.

Students Frustrated By Communication Regarding J-Term Housing And Arrival

A Nov. 22 email announcing January Term housing eligibility and arrival date blindsided many students, who had already made different travel and housing plans. Students’ frustration grew with the lack of response from the administration to questions about their individual situations.

In Contentious Debate, AAS Approves Purchase Of Senate Sweatshirts

In a close vote, the AAS Senate approved the purchase of sweatshirts for senators at their weekly meeting on Dec. 6. Senators’ debate over the purchase went beyond its constitutionality to questions surrounding ethical uses of student funds and appropriate compensation of senators.

Following UMass, College Requires Covid Booster

The college announced that it is requiring all eligible students, staff, and faculty to receive a Covid vaccine booster shot by Feb. 1, 2022. The decision follows UMass Amherst, Hampshire College, and Smith College, who also decided to implement booster requirements for the spring semester.

Solar Energy, Higher Costs: College Provides Updates on Climate Action Plan

Chief of Campus Operations Jim Brassord provided an update on the college’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to the campus community on Nov. 17. The update outlined the recent opening of a collaborative solar energy facility and challenges that have arisen in implementing the CAP.

From the Red Room: Dec. 6 AAS Meeting Updates

The AAS held its final meeting of the fall semester on Monday, Dec. 6. Senators discussed Budgetary Committee (BC) funding recommendations, upcoming Senate projects, and student housing during J-Term.

Staff Spotlight: Carl Charrette

Carl Charrette is the first cook-baker at Valentine Dining Hall. He has used his tremendous creativity and lifelong baking skills to create a new line of vegan desserts and help Val transition to making desserts from scratch, much to students’ enjoyment.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 29 to Dec. 6

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, can be found here.

The Student Sums It Up, Fall 2021 - Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student crossword!

Exit Letter: Making Sense of the Miracle

Writing from the late-night newsroom for his last issue, editor-in-chief Ryan Yu '22 pauses to take stock of his tenure and the chaos that has come with transitioning back to in-person journalism. He is proud of the work of The Student, even if it might still look different than pre-pandemic.

An Ode to Morrow

Assistant Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 pays tribute to The Student’s home base with a brief description of its architectural history.

The Elephant in the Zoom

Seeing Double columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 argues that Zoom classes should continue to be an option for students who need to be remote.

Letter to the Editor: Prof. Picq Deserves to Stay

Contributing writers Diana Daniels ’22, Libertad Aguilar ’22 and Lisa Zheutlin ’22 advocate for the administration to keep Professor Manuela Picq’s position after her contract’s forced termination.

Satire: AAS Votes to Buy All Senators Horses

Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 satirically comments on AAS’s recent expenditure vote to fund AAS jackets and jokes about President Martin’s iconic equestrian entrance on Bicentennial Day.

A Study on Student Perceptions of ACPD and Changemaking

Contributing writers Olivia Fajardo ’23 and Sydney Ireland ’23 recap their study about student perceptions of the Amherst College Police Department and the effectiveness of student activism in creating change.

Exit Letter: Scott's Exitorial

As he phases out of his current role on The Student, Managing Opinion Editor Scott Brasesco '22 takes stock of where the Opinion section has been over the past year and a half, along with where it's going. He remarks on the grueling but fulfilling experience that is The Amherst Student.

Exit Letter: Becca Says Bye

Editor-in-chief Rebecca Picciotto '22 reflects on her year at the helm of The Student with all of its highs and very real lows. In her last issue of The Student, she bids goodbye to a job that has challenged her sleep schedule but enriched her Amherst career.

"Circle Mirror Transformation": Acting About Acting

Arts & Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener '23 reviews "Circle Mirror Transformation," which follows an adult acting class through a series of crises. He praises the show's varied performances, which show the potential for experimental, emotional and impactful student acting.

Standout Sound: A Closer Look at SossHouse

Pi’erre Bourne and his collective label SossHouse have been making waves in Atlanta, dropping multiple creative projects in the past months. The group’s sound is fun and energetic, and each unique artist is brought together by Bourne’s distinct production style.

Detail and Design: "Women and Wallace" Intrigues

Staff writer Sarah Weiner '24 reflects on last weekend's student-run performance of "Women and Wallace," which successfully combines humor with a difficult coming-of-age story and a series of impressive technical effects.

WAMH × The Student: Frank Ocean's Forgotten Album

Due to the overwhelming success of Blonde, Frank Ocean’s album Endless is a masterpiece that has slid under many listeners' radars. It offers an assemblage of Ocean’s varying talents and is a listening experience unlike any other.

The Indicator × The Student: "Wild Pitch"

Originally published in The Indicator's new Fall 2021 issue Passing, "Wild Pitch" by Sarah Attia '24 is reprinted here as part of a collaboration between The Student's Arts and Living Section and The Indicator.

The Student Behind the Scenes

To celebrate the final issue of a semester which finally saw The Amherst Student's return to print, we're taking a look at a usual week through the eyes of each of the paper's sections, revealing what goes on behind the scenes.

Athletic Teams Gear Up for Winter Break and J-term

Amherst’s winter athletes will be hard at work over J-term both preparing for games and representing the college in competition across the country, and in some cases, around the world. We recap what the Mammoths will be up to during this holiday season.

Women’s Basketball Stays Unbeaten With Two Wins

In a pair of road victories last week, over Emmanuel College and conference rivals Wesleyan University, the women's basketball stretched their unbeaten streak to seven games to begin the season, Violet Glickman '25 writes.

Men's Soccer Faces Heartbreak in NCAA Championship Game

The Mammoths came tantalizingly close to becoming national champions this past weekend, falling to Connecticut College on penalties on Saturday, Dec. 4 after a last-minute victory over the University of Chicago on Friday, Dec. 3, Leo Kamin '25 writes.

McGranahan, Daily Lead Way at NCAA Championships

Though the Mammoths did not finish as high as they might have hoped at the NCAA Championships in Louisville, Ky., impressive performances from young runners provide a strong base for future campaigns.

Women’s Hockey Has Inconsistent Winter

The defending-conference-champion Mammoths narrowly lost to the number-one ranked Middlebury Panthers on Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4. They lost by a one-goal deficit in both games.

Men’s Basketball Enters Finals Week Undefeated After Eight Games

Amherst men’s basketball stayed perfect this past week, making it eight straight to begin the season. The Mammoths beat Saint Elizabeth’s University and Springfield College on the back of strong defense.

The Student Sums it Up: Thursday, December 9, 2021

This week, we talk about Val's changemaker pastry chef Carl Charette, the college's update to their climate action plan, and an AAS debate that unexpectedly reveals the state of democratic practice among students. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24. Correction: At 1:

Quarantine Reflections from the Rodeway Inn

The Student interviewed several students who have been quarantined this semester after testing positive for Covid about their time in isolation. Students reported a variety of experiences, ranging from satisfaction with the resources provided to social and academic isolation.

Melissa Murray Discusses Racial and Reproductive Justice

The college hosted the third event of its Fall 2021 Point/Counterpoint Series on Nov. 30, featuring Melissa Murray, a professor of law at New York University, in a conversation on reproductive justice and the racist origins of laws.

Denial of Remote Learning Prompts Accessibility Concerns

Although many students have welcomed the college’s return to fully in-person learning, some students have requested to learn remotely due to personal circumstances. The college has denied all such requests, however, citing the importance of residential experiences to an Amherst education.

From the Red Room: Nov. 29 AAS Meeting Updates

The AAS held its second to last meeting of the semester on Monday, Nov. 29. Senators discussed Budgetary Committee recommendations, concerns about the Omicron variant, and the possibility of providing Grammarly for free to all students.

The Amherst Student Editorial Board Wrapped: 2021

With Spotify Wrapped rapidly approaching, our editorial staff decided to share some of our top tracks and favorite finds of late. From Indie to Pop, our collective playlist has no shortage of repeat-worthy songs for you to explore!

Restaurant Races - Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Is It Bussin'?

The Editorial Board reflects on Amherst’s campus-wide group chat, considering its powerful potential as well as its negative ramifications.

The Lyceum Project Brings the Humanities Out of the Basement

Assistant Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 shares his excitement for the Lyceum Project, which has just broken ground on Amherst’s campus.

Thoughts on Theses: Sage Innerarity

Sage Innerarity is a double major in English and American studies. She is writing her thesis on Indigenous creation stories and tribal histories from her home community. Her thesis advisor is Professor of English and American Studies Lisa Brooks.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 18 to Nov. 28

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 18 to Nov. 28, can be found here.

Satire: Students Return from Break No More Motivated Than Before

Satire columnist Andrew Rosin ’25 comments on student burnout and jokes about students’ desire for another break.

Swimming and Diving Team Makes a Splash in First Competitions

Over the November break, both the women’s and men’s swim and dive teams blew Colby out of the water in their season opener. Then successfully defended their Little Three supremacy against Wesleyan just two days later.

Seeing Double: Auditions, To Do or Not To Do?

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 considers how to balance equity with beauty and access with skill in an article inspired by recent AAS rulings on auditions and funding.

Satire: Students Rally Around New Alcoholic Pledge

Managing Sports Editor Ethan Samuels ’23 shares a satirical take on the COP26 climate summit, imagining students making similar pledges to curb drinking.

Men's Soccer Reaches National Semifinals

Men’s soccer continued its hot streak with wins over SUNY Cortland and Middlebury, landing the team a spot in the NCAA Division III Final Four for the second straight year. Key forward German Giammattei ’22 led the way, scoring four goals for the Mammoths.

Vera Highlights Women’s Basketball's Excellent Start

Led by Anling Vera ’25, who was named NESCAC Player of the Week last week for her performance, Amherst put together a 2-0 stretch, beating Gordon College and Bates College in non-conference bouts.

Women’s Ice Hockey Begins Season With a Tied Record

Over the Thanksgiving Break, the defending NESCAC champions opened their season at 2-2, falling twice to Hamilton College before decisive wins against Manhattanville College and Johnson & Wales University, writes Maya Reiner '25.

Men’s Basketball Off to Dominant Start, Undefeated in First Five Games

The men’s basketball team is off to a red-hot start, handily winning their first six games by an average of 32 points per game, Alex Noga '23 writes.

Squash’s Depth Across the Ladders Proves Essential for Opening Weekend Success

Highlighted by the women's team's 5-4 win against Stanford University, both squash teams went 2-1 in their first weekend of play.

Men's Hockey Falls to 1-3 After Opening-Week Play

While most Amherst students were celebrating Thanksgiving — and time off from classes — men’s hockey made its return to competition for the first time in almost two years. Although there were successes, Amherst stumbled to a 1-3 record in the four-game stretch.

Painstaking Precision: Detangling Hidden Meaning in "The Power of the Dog"

In "The Power of the Dog," Academy Award-winning director Jane Campion turns her focus to the '20s American West. Staff Writer Miles Garcia '25 analyzes the hyper-detailed film and its insights into toxic masculinity and lingering traumas.

Mitski: Mixing Music and Mental Health

After a four-year hiatus, Mitski has released two singles for her upcoming sixth album "Laurel Hell." Staff Writer Yasmin Hamilton '24 reflects on what these singles might mean for the new album's direction.

Netflix Crowned the Colossus of Christmas

The days of the Hallmark Channel's monopoly over holiday films are a thing of the past, Staff Writer Madeline Lawson '25 notes that Netflix has emerged as a legitimate competitor, with franchises like "The Princess Switch" bringing in big bucks.

No Time to Die: Craig's Final Feature Falls Flat

Staff Writer Davis Renella '24 reviews "No Times to Die," Daniel Craig's final performance as James Bond. Marred by unemotional acting, overcomplicated plot points, too many characters, and weak writing, it's a disappointing finale.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Today, we discuss the student quarantine experience and the unfolding debate over whether or not the college should maintain a remote learning option. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

College Converts Casual Staff to Benefited Positions

President Biddy Martin announced on Nov. 17 that the college will be converting some of its casual staff positions to benefited positions, an initiative that has been under discussion throughout the year. The announcement followed a student-led demonstration demanding for better pay for Val workers.

Judiciary Hearing Addresses Constitutionality of Palestine-Aligning AAS Email

The Judiciary Council held two separate hearings to address an anonymous complaint filed against the Amherst Association of Students Senate questioning the constitutionality of an email they sent last May.

The Deadly Stretch: Students and Faculty Report Intense Burnout

As the college community counts down the days until November break begins, students and faculty report feeling notably overstressed and tired. Some attribute these increased feelings of burnout to the adjustment back to in-person learning.

Burnout: Reigniting the Flame

The Editorial Board addresses student burnout, arguing that collaboration between professors and students may be the best way forward.

Seeing Double: “What Is Amherst Uprising?”

Seeing Double columnists Thomas Brodey ’22 and Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 look back at the Amherst Uprising and question how the student body can maintain movements’ memories when their time on campus is so short.

Red Herring: Hallow-Christmas

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 pokes fun at those who celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving by envisioning beloved horror scenes in a more festive light.

Satire: Attendance Rate Increases by Zero Percent After Daylight Savings

Satire columnist Andrew Rosin ’25 notes that the recent shift from daylight savings is not going to be much help in getting students to class on time.

Amherst Through Art — Homecoming Review

After a year of fully remote performances, this Fall marked the return of live performance to Amherst campus! Managing Editors Theo Hamilton ’23 and Alex Brandfonbrener ’23 highlight their favorite performances of the year so far.

WAMH × The Student: Reflecting on Joni Mitchell's "Blue"

Joni Mitchell's birthday on Nov. 7 provides a perfect chance to look back on the varied, introspective, and moving music she created. WAMH host Olive Amdur '23 reflects on "Blue," one of her favorite albums, finding both newness and memories in each of its songs.

Val Hacks: "Tikka Masala"

Whether its lasagna or kalbi short ribs, everybody has a Val meal they'd rather avoid. Staff Columnist Audrey Rosevear ’22 presents “Val Hacks,” a column dedicated to exploring the alternative culinary possibilities available at Val. Up first, her Tikka Masala recipe.

Nostalgia and Nothing More: ABBA’s Comeback Falls Short

Abba's "Voyage" is the Swedish group's first album since 1981. Staff Writer Sarah Weiner '24 argues that it might also be the group's worst. Still, she finds a few songs that manage to stand out from the surrounding mess, retaining the groups signature high-energy style.

Richard Powers Perfects his Craft With "The Overstory" and "Bewilderment"

From his postmodern origins to his recent string of bestsellers, Richard Powers has had a fascinating career. Staff Writer Joe Sweeney '25 discusses Powers' newest novel "Bewilderment," which mixes devastatingly brutal plot points with a hopeful message.

"Florence" Stands Out As a Decent Digital Distraction

Mobile games don't have a good reputation. While most are shoddily designed and packed with microtransactions and addictive features, a few gems do manage to stand out. Staff writer Ross Kilpatrick 24E highlights one of these, 2018's "Florence," a movingly simple game.

Taylor Swift Re-records and Reclaims "Red"

With the release of "Red (Taylor's Version)" last Friday, Nov. 12, Taylor Swift ignited her fan base and redefined standards in the music industry. This week, Staff Writer Brianne LaBare '25 discusses Swift's monumental re-recording of her beloved album "Red."

Women’s Soccer Eliminated From NCAA Tournament in Thriller

After pulling out a win against Lesley University in the NCAA tournament, the women's soccer team faced a devastating end to their season this weekend with a well-fought loss to Johns Hopkins University.

Staff Spotlight: David Ke

David Ke is a CDC responsible for supervising the CA's in Appleton, South, North, and Williston Halls. David is perhaps most known on campus for his Instagram-famous dog, Potato, who provides joy and delight to countless members of the campus community.

Second Half Surge Not Enough as Football Falls Short

On Saturday, Nov. 13, the "Biggest Little Game in America" returned to Pratt Field as Amherst looked to spoil Williams’ undefeated season. Down 24-6 early in the third quarter, the Mammoths’ comeback fell just short, as the team wound up losing 24-19.

The Jack Eichel Chronicles: As Told by a Disgruntled Sabres Fan

Hockey fans thought Jack Eichel was fated to be the savior of the historically awful Buffalo Sabres. But the Eichel era has officially ended — and it was simply another 21st century failure for the doomed franchise, writes Alex Noga ’23.

Mammoth Runners Qualify for NCAA Championships

The Mammoths are continuing to have an outstanding postseason, finishing with some of their best performances to date, with both teams qualifying for the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships.

Men's Soccer Returns to Winning Ways, Rolls to Sweet 16

In a pair of NCAA tournament games this past weekend, men’s soccer kept up their defensive dominance while showcasing their depth and a newfound offensive prowess. The Mammoths scored eight goals and conceded none, advancing to their 11th-straight sweet sixteen.

Women’s Basketball Starts 2021 Season with Three Big Wins

The 16th-ranked Amherst women’s basketball team returned to the court for the first time in two years this past week, going 3-0 in three opening weekend contests against Oglethorpe University, The United States Coast Guard Academy, and Rhode Island College.

Men's Basketball Opens Season With Dominant Win

The men’s basketball team dominated in the season-opener, defeating Rosemont College by a score of 92-56 on their own court, as Head Coach Marlon Spears made his first appearance as the leader of the Mammoths.

Val's Vagaries - Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Continuing Covid Restrictions Frustrate Student Musicians

Covid safety protocols have caused music students to report difficulty with the bureaucratic process of reserving practice space in the Music Department. The department is planning to change its protocols for the spring semester in hopes of better accommodation.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 2 to Nov. 16

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 2 to Nov. 16, can be found here.

From the Red Room: Nov. 15 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, Nov. 15, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) held its eighth weekly meeting of the semester. Senators discussed policing at the college, presented Budgetary Committee (BC) requests, appointed committee members, and debated purchasing custom jackets for AAS members.

The Art of The Archive: Feeling Histories — Alumni Profile, Siobhan McKissic ’12

Siobhan McKissic ‘12 is guided by endless curiosity for the past and the present, and brings others in touch with the intimate histories surrounding them.

Returning Home: Shaping Education in the Navajo Nation — Alumni Profile, Shayla Yellowhair ’07

In her connection to home and her dedication to community, Shayla Yellowhair '07 is changing the lives of future generations by rethinking education on the Navajo Nation, recentering it around traditional Diné culture

Composing for the Children’s Corner — Alumni Profile, Andrew Barkan ’02

To truly embrace your passion can be daunting. Yet, Andrew Barkan ’02 has always stayed true to his passion for music, building a rich career around it.

More Than Just Four Walls and a Roof — Alumni Profile, Annette Sanderson ’82

As the executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Hartford, Connecticut, Annette Sanderson ’82 combines a deliberate problem-solving approach with a genuine desire to be of service to others.

It Takes a Character to Make a Character — Alumni Profile, Leah Longoria ’12

Guided by her passion for writing, Leah Longoria ‘12 has demonstrated grit working her way into the Hollywood writer’s room as Amherst’s first FAMS graduate.

"Living His Truth": Fighting for FLI Students — Alumni Profile, Tony Jack ’07

A scholar and an advocate, Tony Jack ’07 has defined the conversation when it comes to college equity.

Reconciling Queer Christianity Through Activism — Alumni Profile, Ophelia Hu Kinney ’12

Ophelia Hu Kinney '12 is an accomplished activist, drawing on her personal experiences to inform intersectional discourse between her queer identity and Christian faith.

Storyteller Behind the Scenes and Screen — Alumni Profile, Amy Stevens Hammond ’92

From the stage to the screen, Amy Stevens Hammond ’92 has found a home behind the scenes, working tirelessly to bring stories to life.

A Life-Long Devotion to Chronicling the Truth — Alumni Profile, David Friend ’77E

As editor of creative development for Vanity Fair, David Friend ’77 uses eloquent writing and striking photography to inform his readers about the most news-worthy topics of our time.

Meeting Challenges in the Name of the Law — Alumni Profile, Lisa Chang ’82

Lisa Chang ’82 has led a life with a willingness to adapt, something that has brought her from political science to the Office of Civil Rights.

A Hockey Journey: From Amherst to the NHL — Alumni Profile, Sean Ellis ’07

A true embodiment of the Amherst student-athlete experience, Sean Ellis '07 was never afraid to put his head down and work for everything. This dedication allowed him to reach great heights, from being voted captain of the hockey team to working for the NHL.

Finding Connection Through Translation — Alumni Profile, Tomoaki Ishigaki ’97

Even in a field as serious as diplomacy, Tomoaki Ishigaki ’97 has maintained a buoyant spirit and lessons from Amherst throughout his career.

Football and Far More — Alumni Profile, Jean S. Fugett, Jr. ’72

From the football field to the legal domain, the through line of Jean Fugett '72’s multifaceted career has been an unwavering work ethic and passion for each pursuit.

When Costume Design Goes Global — Alumni Profile, Emily Rosenberg ’07

From the Metropolitan Opera House to Düsseldorf, Germany, Amherst native Emily Rosenberg ’07 designs and constructs clothing worldwide.

Embracing Questions, Pursuing Truth — Alumni Profile, Elena Boley ’92

A medical officer in the Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology at the FDA, Dr. Elena Boley ’92 has learned to embrace the grey.

From the Field to the Publishing Room: A Life in Literature — Alumni Profile, Niko Pfund ’87

From Iain Banks to Toni Morrison, Niko Pfund ’87’s lifelong interactions with literature have inspired his passion for communicating ideas through publishing.

From the NESCAC to the Major Leagues — Alumni Profile, Jared Banner ’07

Jared Banner ’07 spends life grounded in the present, learning as much as he can every day. In doing so, Banner has become the latest to join a long list of Amherst alumni serving in the most influential front office roles in Major League Baseball.

Fighting for Human Rights on the World Stage — Alumni Profile, Megan Carroll ’02

The seed for Megan Carroll’s ’02 passion for international service was planted in early childhood and has followed her through Amherst to her job today.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, November 3, 2021

This week, we discuss Val-induced food anxieties, Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah's philosophical perspective on "race", and student concerns with Amherst's Bicentennial budget. Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

As Val Fully Reopens, Staffing Shortages Limit Options

Valentine Dining Hall returned to full capacity on Oct. 20. While students are ecstatic about the return of lively Val, staffing shortages have resulted in a dearth of food options for students with dietary restrictions.

Women’s Soccer Downs Trinity in NESCAC Playoffs

Women's soccer earned a NESCAC playoff victory in the team's Oct. 30 matchup against Trinity. The game was a rematch of the previous Tuesday, when the Mammoths won another thrilling bout.

It's No Time for Speaking Cuts

In a public letter, a group of 12 students form the Students for Public Speaking argues against the cancellation of the college’s annual public speaking contest, asserting that public speaking is important to a liberal arts education and the the success of Amherst students in their futures.

College Comments on Generous Budget of Bicentennial Party

The college has not disclosed its spending on the Oct. 15 Bicentennial Party, which featured several extravagant amusements, from a ferris wheel to a performance by Grammy award-winning artist Common. The Student investigated the motivation behind the celebration, as well as the source of the funds.

The Indicator × The Student: A Prayer for Ella

Originally published in The Indicator's 2021 issue Ecologies of Care, "A Prayer for Ella" by Maggie Wu '22 is reprinted here as part of a collaboration between The Student's Arts and Living Sections and The Indicator.

The Indicator × The Student: Five Til Noon

Originally published in The Indicator's 2021 issue Ecologies of Care, "Five Til Noon" by Sam Spratford '24 is reprinted here as part of a collaboration between The Student's Arts and Living Sections and The Indicator.

The Indicator × The Student: We Sell Care

Originally published in The Indicator's 2021 issue Ecologies of Care, "We Sell Care" by Mikayah Parsons '24 is reprinted here as part of a collaboration between The Student's Arts and Living Sections and The Indicator.

Fright Fright Baby: The Year's Best Halloween Costumes

Halloween brings out some brilliantly creative costumes every year, and 2021 has been no different — either on or off campus. From Baller Biddy to Megamind, Managing Arts & Living Editor Brooke Hoffman '23E breaks down her favorite costumes from last weekend.

Town of Amherst Goes to Vote on Town Council Seats, Jones Library Renovation

The Town of Amherst held its biennial municipal election on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Positions on the Town Council, School Committee, and Housing Authority were on the ballot, among others. Voters also participated in a referendum on a proposed renovation of Jones Library.

Space Space Baby: Villeneuve's "Dune" Falls Flat

With a $165 million budget and an all-star cast, Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic "Dune" is one of the biggest films of the year. Staff writer Miles Garcia '25 gives his review, writing that for all its technical marvels, "Dune's" oversimplified plot leaves a hollow aftertaste.

Spice Spice Baby: Four Must-Try Fall Recipes

Fall has arrived on Amherst Campus, and fall cooking has arrived with it! Staff Writer Sofia Rodrigo '24 presents some of her favorite seasonal recipes, including roasted pumpkin seeds, apple cinnamon bread, and halloween candy blondies.

Slice Slice Baby: An Homage to Fruit Ninja

For Managing Arts & Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener '23, Fruit Ninja is a central childhood memory. Reflecting on his years with the game, he concludes that "no matter the circumstance, Fruit Ninja is addictive," a sentiment as true in 2021 as it was in middle school.

Holding Each Other Accountable

The Editorial Board argues that recent party vandalism at the college needs to be met with a dual response — administrative openness and student responsibility.

Football Stuns Undefeated Wesleyan in 4OT Thriller

In a matchup between two "Little Three" teams, football shocked the undefeated Wesleyan Cardinals with a walk-off victory. The Mammoths won the four-overtime thriller 16-14.

A Commitment to Beauty in College Row's Shadow

Assistant Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ‘25 argues that the college should envision the new student center as a monument that is not only serviceable as a space but also beautiful and awe-inspiring as a piece of art.

Frost Should Be Open 24/7

Assistant Opinion Editor Tapti Sen ‘25 shares her positive experiences at Frost Library and asks that hours be extended to 24/7 service.

Shockwaves Hit the NHL After Blackhawks Sexual Assault

A former Chicago Blackhawks player filed a lawsuit against the team alleging that he and a teammate were sexually assaulted by the team's video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010. The team initially dismissed the allegation, then sought loopholes out of the situation.

Men’s Soccer Suffers Shocking Penalty-Kick Defeat

The number-two seeded Mammoths fell to the number-seven seeded Colby Mules on penalties this past Saturday, in the first round of the NESCAC tournament. The teams played to a scoreless draw across 110 minutes.

Field Hockey Suffers Season-Ending Loss to Bowdoin

To kick off the NESCAC tournament, field hockey faced Bowdoin on Saturday, Oct. 30. In a tough defensive match, the Mammoths were unable to pull off a victory, ending their season with an 11-5 record.

Women’s Crew Medals in First Regatta Since 2019

On Saturday Oct. 30, the Amherst women’s crew team traveled east to Worcester, Mass. to compete in the Wormtown Chase Regatta, medaling in two of their three events.

Seeing Double: F*ck You, Foucault

Seeing Double columnist Thomas Brodey ‘22 attests that Amherst should produce idealists, however, its teaching of postmodernism has made idealism difficult to achieve.

Mammoths Start Postseason with Two Top-10 Finishers

The NESCAC Cross Country Championships were held at Wickham Park in Manchester, Conn. this past Sunday, Oct. 31. Each race consisted of 11 different teams, with the men’s team finishing in sixth place and the women’s team finishing in fifth place.

Event Policy Revived, Students Excited to Party for First Time This Year

Satire columnist Andrew Rosin ‘25 covers the new Student-Hosted Event Policy and conveys students’ excitement to start partying this year, now that they have the college’s approval.

Red Herring: Missing Umbrellas?

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ‘24 uncovers the mystery of the missing umbrellas and identifies the culprit responsible for the crime.

Five College Consternation - Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Kwame Anthony Appiah Debates the Reality of Race with Adolph Reed, Jr.

Professor of Philosophy Nishiten Shah moderated a conversation between Kwame Anthony Appiah and Adolph Reed Jr. in Johnson Chapel on Oct. 29. They discussed the extent to which reckoning with racial history is necessary for progress and whether the concept of race is a myth.

An Interview with Presidential Scholar Kwame Anthony Appiah

The Student had the privilege of interviewing Presidential Scholar Kwame Anthony Appiah, a renowned philosopher and author, to discuss his background, career as a writer and thinker, and hopes for the future of philosophy.

From the Red Room: Nov. 1 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, Nov. 1, the AAS held its sixth weekly meeting of the semester. Senators discussed Budgetary Committee requests, reviewed officer reports from President Angelina Han ’22 and Vice-President Basma Azzamok ’22, and appointed members to a series of new committees.

Fresh Faculty: Ren Wiscons

Ren Wiscons is an assistant professor of chemistry. She received her bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College, and completed a master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Campus Police Log: Oct. 26 to Nov. 1

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, can be found here.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Today, we discuss Amherst's updated Covid-19 protocols, the resurgence of party-related vandalism and the college's decision to end the legacy preference in admissions. Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Cole Richards '23.

Tusk Talks: Counseling Center

In this episode, we sit down with Counseling Center psychologist Jordan Barnard and two panels of students to investigate recent tensions between Amherst's Counseling Center and the student body. After touching on wait times and inaccessibility, we talk about the structural and cultural changes that could be made to aid

College Ends Legacy Admissions, Expands Financial Aid; Community Reacts

In an email sent to the college community on Oct. 20, President Biddy Martin announced that the college will end its legacy admission preference starting in the 2022-2023 academic year. The college will also implement an expanded and simplified financial aid program.

Resurgence of Party Culture Unleashes Rampant Vandalism

With the return to a fully populated college campus, students, administrators and campus safety officers have observed a dramatic shift in weekend culture. The resurgence of parties has coincided with an increase in reports of vandalism and alcohol overdose calls.

College Hosts First Family Day Since Pandemic Began

The college held its first in-person Family Day event in two years on Oct. 23. The outdoor celebration included various student performances, fall-themed New England food, pumpkin painting and a cozy evening around the campfire.

Women's Soccer Wins Again, Clinches NESCAC Regular Season Title

What’s the best way to honor women’s soccer’s six seniors and four super seniors? The Amherst College Bicentennial. Parents’ Weekend. A 5-0 shutout. And a NESCAC regular-season championship.

WAMH × The Student: Covering the Popular Collective Drain Gang

Sweden is hardly the first place that comes to mind when anyone thinks about hip-hop music, but the Stockholm-based artist collective Drain Gang have developed significant influence in the scene. WAMH host Nii Aryeetey '23 covers the group’s rise.

Jammin' With the Jazz Ensemble: Family Day Concert

Staff writer Davis Renella '25 covers the Family Day performance of The Storm Clouds, Amherst College's own student jazz ensemble, a skillful demonstration which moved effortlessly between high-energy pieces and slower ballads.

Sky Soar Past Mercury, Chicago Wins WNBA Title

For the first time in franchise history, the Chicago Sky are WNBA Champions, beating the Phoenix Mercury 80-74 in Game 4 of the WNBA finals. Lead by stars Candace Parker and Stefanie Dolson, the team overcame adversity to achieve their title-winning goal.

"Bad Jews," Good Play: Senior Theatre Thesis Thrills

Emma Ratshin '22E's senior thesis "Bad Jews" was performed last weekend, providing a provocative and dark examination of family, religious identity, and community. Assistant opinion editor Tapti Sen '25 breaks down the play and its brilliantly difficult characters.

Amherst in an Abbey: Alum Unveils New Novel

Staff Writer Madeline Lawson '25 reviews "Matrix," the newest novel by Amherst alum Lauren Groff '01, which explores ideas of isolation and queerness through a reimagined life in the middle ages but occasionally suffers from a muddled plot.

Dominant Defense Leads Football Past Hamilton, 21-0

Behind an impressive defensive performance, football earned a 21-0 victory against Hamilton College on Oct. 23. The Mammoths held the Continentals to just 305 yards of offense, while also intercepting four passes.

Volleyball Returns to Winning Ways After Dropping Two Straight

The volleyball team won two games in convincing fashion this past weekend, bouncing back only one week after dropping two straight conference games. The Mammoths did so in impressive fashion, notching strong individual and team performances on the way to two 3-0 sweeps.

And the Show Goes On! Broadway is Back

After a hiatus of more than a year and a half, how has Broadway changed? This week, staff writer Sarah Weiner '24 talked with Broadway stage manager Lisa Buxbaum about Covid precautions, calls for equity in the industry, and the future of Broadway.

Three Matches, Three Wins: Men's Soccer Cruises Past WPI, Colby and Trinity

Over the past week, men's soccer topped Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Colby College and Trinity College to finish its regular season in dominant fashion. The Mammoths earned a number-two NESCAC playoff seeding in the process.

Campus Creeps - Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Red Herring: Boba King

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 ponders how many free boba teas they could have gotten had they attended all of the events advertised in the Daily Mammoth thus far.

Satire: Amherst Eliminates Legacy Admission Preference to Make Room for Athletic Admission Preference

Satire columnist Andrew Rosin ’25 celebrates Amherst’s recent departure from legacy-preferential admissions as a brilliant step toward getting more athletic recruits on campus.

Letter to the Editor: "Legacy-Blind" Admissions

In a letter to the editor, former Amherst College Associate Dean of Admissions Willard M. Dix ’77 supports the recently announced end of legacy preference at the college, but questions how the college intends to act in a “legacy-blind” way.

Seeing Double: Seeking Student Spaces in the Student Center

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 thinks back on his experiences working with Green Room and argues that the planning of a new student center provides the perfect opportunity for a new student-run space.

Letter to the Editor: Preserving Alumni Relations

In a letter to the editor, former DePauw University Director of Giving Matt Mascioli ’07 applauds the end of legacy admissions at Amherst, but encourages the college to continue to foster a strong alumni-college relationship.

In the Mind of Your ‘Model Minority’

Contributing writer Tara Alahakoon ’25 looks at the recent campus discussion on mental health from the vantage point of her Asian American heritage. She argues that the counseling center should train staff to be aware of all cultural traditions.

Education Backfires

Cartoonist Emi Eliason’22 speaks on student activism at Amherst, shedding light upon administrative responses to student demands.

A Lasting Legacy

The Editorial Board congratulates the college on last week’s decision to end legacy preference in admissions and increase financial aid, recognizing that, while it is not a solution to admissions inequity, it is evidence of an institutional commitment to a more diverse future.

As Infections Remain Low, College Repeals Covid Restrictions

On Oct. 19, the college announced its return to Level 1: Baseline Covid-19 Operations. Generally students anticipate enjoying newly permitted activities, but some still wish for a more complete return to normalcy.

Thoughts on Theses: Max Hoffman

Max Hoffman is a chemistry major. His thesis looks at the computational modeling of excited nanocrystals. His thesis advisor is Professor of Chemistry Jacob Olshansky.

Campus Police Log: Oct. 18 to Oct. 25

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 25, can be found here.

From the Red Room: Oct. 25 AAS Meeting Updates

The AAS discussed Committee on Priorities and Resources (CPR) allocations, nominated representatives for the upcoming Judiciary Council (JC) hearing, and went over on-campus issues and projects.

Writing Center Narrows Focus to Academic Writing Support

The Writing Center is shifting away from non-academic writing support, as well as pausing many of its extracurricular projects. The changes are part of a new Strategic Plan, which aims to align the center’s priorities with the college’s Anti-Racist Action Plan.

College Celebrates Bicentennial with Blowout Bash

The college held a lavish Bicentennial Party for the campus community on Oct. 15. The celebration served an array of New England foods, boasted a Ferris wheel and 100-foot slide, and featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Common.

College Announces End of Legacy Admissions

In an email sent to the college community on Oct. 20, President Biddy Martin announced that starting in the 2022-2023 academic year, the college will end its legacy admission preference as well as implement an expanded and simplified financial aid program.

Red Herring: The Journey of Your Package

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 presents the journey of a package through the delivery system traveling to the mail office at Keefe Campus Center.

CA Fired for Claimed Negligence, Alleges Wrongful Termination

On Sunday, Sept. 12, a CA assisted a drunk Smith College student on Morris Pratt quad. Five days later, she was fired. The CA and her coworkers suspect that her involvement with the student workers’ union played a factor in her firing.

Beyond Acknowledgment

The Editorial Board questions the college’s failure to reckon with the past during Indigenous People’s Day or Bicentennial events. The Board argues that it’s time to take concrete actions to improve life on campus for Indigenous community members.

Indigenous Students Reflect on Community, Identity and Need for Change

The Student interviewed members of the Native and Indigenous Students Association (NISA) on their experience at the college in light of Indigenous People’s Day on Oct. 11. Interviewees discussed community, identity and the changes they hope to see in the college going forward.

From the Red Room: Oct. 18 AAS Meeting Updates

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) discussed a new program called Amherst Superfan, their internal communication practices, and an upcoming hearing with the Judiciary Council in their most recent meeting on Oct. 18.

ACPD to Adopt Comfort Dog; Students Critique Motives

ACPD will adopt a comfort dog before the beginning of the spring semester in an attempt to improve mental health and the department’s relationship with students. Though they appreciate the sentiment, students are wary that it does not actually respond to demands surrounding campus safety.

Administration Affirms Support for A/P/A Studies in AAAN Meeting

Leaders of the Amherst Asian Alumni Network (AAAN) met with members of the administration on Oct. 6 to discuss the open letter they published calling for A/P/A studies. The administration affirmed their support of pursuing an A/P/A studies major at the college.

Campus Police Log: Oct. 12 to Oct. 19

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19, can be found here.

Jon Gruden Resigns Following Leak of Vulgar Emails

After being one of the most recognizable names in the NFL world for years as both a coach and member of the media, (now-former) Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden was forced to resign after emails leaked in which he used racist, homophobic and misogynistic language.

Volleyball Falls to Tufts and Bowdoin in Battles for NESCAC Position

Women’s volleyball fell short against two tough NESCAC competitors — Tufts and Bowdoin. They are looking to rebound from the hard weekend this upcoming weekend at home, when they face Wellesley and Westfield State.

Football's Comeback Falls Short Against Bowdoin

Despite a valiant comeback effort, rallying from two scores down on two separate occasions, football lost their first road game of the season to NESCAC foe Bowdoin this past weekend in a thriller, 14-21.

Field Hockey Battles Tufts, But Falls Short in Battle of NESCAC Powers

Coming into the game with two wins last weekend, Amherst field hockey fell short 1-0 to national No. 3 Tufts in a hard fought match-up.

Cross Country Finishes Regular Season on a High Note, Notching Strong Race

The Mammoths completed their regular season with some very impressive results at the Connecticut College Invitational in Waterford, Conn. These results are promising for when both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams will be competing in the NESCAC championships in two weeks.

Women's Soccer Wins Again, Goes 2-0 in Big Weekend

Women’s soccer has proved to be unstoppable, putting two more wins under their belt this weekend. On Saturday, the team took down Tufts in an overtime nail-biter, and finished the weekend with a 3-0 shutout to move to 11-1-1.

Men's Soccer Falls in NESCAC Overtime Thriller

Men’s soccer barely fell short in its toughest test of the season so far, losing 2-1 to No. 3 Tufts on Saturday, Oct. 16 on a set-piece goal in the third-to-last minute of double overtime.

Some Pandemic Policies Deserve to Stay

Staff writer Yasmin Hamilton ’24 discusses students’ difficulty of adjusting to the pre-pandemic academic expectations this semester in light of many ongoing effects of the global crisis, and argues for the maintenance of the increased academic leniency from last year.

Satire: Amherst Celebrates 200th Year of Being Students’ Second Choice

Satire columnist Andrew Rosin ’25 pokes fun at Amherst’s prestige as it celebrates its Bicentennial through imagined interviews about the college’s role as “the nation’s most prestigious back-up school.”

Bash at the Base of the Hill: Grammy Award-Winning Artist Common Comes to Campus

Amherst celebrated its bicentennial last Friday with a concert from Grammy Award-winning artist Common. Managing Arts and Living Editor Brooke Hoffman '23E and Staff Writer Brianne LaBare '25 cover the bash at the base of Memorial Hill.

Seeing Double: We Need Mammoth Student Loans

Seeing Double columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 touches on the worsening student debt crisis and argues that Amherst should give students the option to borrow tuition money directly from the college, so that students don’t have to turn to the merciless for-profit loan system as their last resort.

Lights, Camera, Action: Emma Ratshin Takes the Stage in "Bad Jews"!

Emma Ratshin 22E's senior thesis — a performance of "Bad Jews" by Joshua Harmon — will kick off the Amherst Theater and Dance Department's annual schedule. Our editors sat down with Ratshin to discuss some of the play's highlights and her background in theater.

Find Your Fright: What to Watch this Halloween Season

Staff Writer Kaelyn Milby ‘22 shares some fan-favorite films to take your spooky season to new heights. With no shortage of eerie suspense, slasher thrills, and sinister plotlines, this list of horror movies is sure to haunt you all October long.

Stolen Storylines and the Bad Art Friend: Are There Licenses on Language?

A recent dispute over one writer's use of her colleague's personal experiences in a story has made waves over the last few weeks. But staff writer Ross Kilpatrick '24E questions whether copyright and the language of theft make sense in a literary context.

Three New Artists Challenging Conventions in Country

What does it take to challenge conventions in country music? Staff writer Brianne LaBare ‘25 covers the work of three country artists who are inspiring change by pushing for more inclusivity in the genre while also introducing exciting new sounds.

The Many Sides of "Deathtrap" in the Octagon

The Green Room's performance of comedic murder mystery "Deathtrap" will open this Friday. Managing Arts & Living Editor Alex Brandfonbrener '23 previews of the performance, highlighting its effective use of the Octagon, its unorthodox performance space.

Vagabond Visitors - Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

CACSAC Walkout Prompts Changes to “Pay to Play” from Administration

On Oct. 6, the Council of Amherst College Student-Athletes of Color (CACSAC) held the CACSAC Walk Out of Practice Protest. The administration quickly responded to CACSAC's demands, most notably taking steps to ease "pay to play" barriers in the athletics department.

As College Announces Anti-Racism Plan Updates, Some Students Lament Slowed Progress

President Martin sent out an email update on the college’s anti-racism work, initially launched by the Anti-Racism Action Plan of August 2020. Students have felt that, though the college has made some tangible changes, the updates seem to rely on unsubstantial committee work and shallow promises.

AAS Responds to Racist Emails Sent to Black Student Groups at UMass

On Oct. 11, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) Senate issued a response to a series of hateful emails sent to Black student groups at UMass Amherst. The message criticized the college for its insufficient response to the incident.

Bringing Back the Bass: Jazz@Amherst Returns

Bringing Back the Bass: [email protected] Returns

Jazz is back in town! This week, staff writer Milo Leahy-Miller ‘24 discusses the return of [email protected] The jazz group kicked off its 2021-2022 season with a stellar performance on October 7th and looks forward to a year full of the best in blues.

Commit to Reparations

The Editorial Board responds to recent student concerns that the college is not making visible change in terms of racial justice. It argues that the best way to make concrete change is to make a commitment to reparations.

Why Doesn't Val Offer Lactaids?

Contributing writer Tylar Matsuo ‘24 discusses the need for the college to provide lactaids. He argues that Schwemm’s not only charges for lactaids, but is also frequently out, and with Val’s inadequacy of meal options without dairy, it is essential to make them accessible to students.

Letter to the Editor: Counseling Center Resources

Associate Dean of Students and Director of the Counseling Center Jacqueline Alvarez responds to last week’s issue’s coverage of the Counseling Center and its editorial on supporting student mental health. She urges students to seek help and provides information on resources provided by the Center.

Seeing Double: Consensual Cannibalism?

Seeing Double columnists Thomas Brodey ‘22 and Cole Graber-Mitchell ‘22 debate the ethics of consensual cannibalism. Brodey argues that endocannibalism especially does no harm and holds significance to many the world over. Graber-Mitchell refutes, discussing where societies should draw a line.

Multiple Amherst Sports Teams Capture Victories Over Fall Break

Amherst sports teams continued their seasons this weekend, with most teams competing during fall break. Men's soccer, women's soccer, field hockey and volleyball all went undefeated over the four-day break.

Middle Earth is Unearthed in Green Room's Lord of the Rings Parody

On Oct. 15, The Green Room will hold their first live performance in almost two years with a parody of "The Lord of the Rings." After watching a dress rehearsal, Managing A&L Editor Theo Hamilton '23 gives a sneak peek of some of the show's best bits.

Is The Nobel Prize's Selection System Too Secretive?

While the Nobel Prize is among the highest honors in literature, very few understand the criteria upon which laureates are chosen. This week, Staff Writer Joe Sweeney '25 discusses the case for more transparency in the selection process.

Board Chair Updates College Community on Presidential Search

In an email sent on Oct. 7, Chair of the Board of Trustees Andrew Nussbaum ’85 updated the college community on the search and selection process for the next president of Amherst College, who will succeed President Biddy Martin after this academic year.

Staff Spotlight: Reneé Alvarez

Reneé Alvarez is a Meal Checker at Valentine Dining Hall. She is beloved on campus for her warm and enthusiastic greetings. Alvarez previously worked as a business manager at the University of Missouri, but moved to Amherst with her husband, Professor of Mathematics Ryan Alvarado.

Campus Police Log: Oct. 5 to Oct. 13

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Oct. 5 to Oct. 13, can be found here.

Tusk Talks: Amherst Community Connections

The Town of Amherst, like most of the country, is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. To supplement The Student's coverage of the Town's policy response, we sat down with Sophia Harrison '22 and Julia Zabinska '22 to talk about their work for Amherst Community Connections — a local resource hub

Terras Irradient: Democratizing Justice

"Terras Irradient" is dedicated to telling the stories of Amherst's shortcomings and the unkept promises of the Amherst experience. In this debut episode, we discuss the enforcement and punishment processes of Covid-19 restrictions and other regulations placed on the student body. To shine a light on alternative judicial models, we

The Student Sums It Up: Wednesday, October 6, 2021

In this episode, we discuss the student experience at the Boston Women's March and the common cold that has been spreading throughout the student body. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

Elevated Demand for Mental Health Services Strains Counseling Center

The Counseling Center has been overbooked as an unprecedented number of students seek help with their mental health struggles. Despite attempts to ease the strain of the surging demand, students report long wait times and continuing dissatisfaction.

Nicka Smith Delivers Talk on Israel Trask and the Trask 250

Genealogist Nicka Smith presented her research into the people enslaved by Israel Trask and their descendants in a talk given on Oct. 4 in Lipton Lecture Hall. The presentation was sponsored by the Steering Committee on the Racial History of Amherst.

Harriet Washington Speaks on Racial Harm in Science and Medicine

Writer and medical ethicist Harriet Washington spoke in Johnson Chapel on Sept. 30 as the inaugural scholar in the college’s Presidential Scholars series. The conversation covered topics including racial health disparities and vaccine hesitancy.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 27 to Oct. 4

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, can be found here.

Students Rally for Abortion Rights in Boston Women’s March

Nearly 30 students attended the Boston Women’s March on Oct. 2 in a trip sponsored by ACDemocrats. Students expressed feeling empowered by the opportunity to make their voices heard on the issue of reproductive rights in the country.

Fresh Faculty: Lee Spector

Lee Spector is a professor of computer science. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Oberlin College and attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Ph.D. in computer science.

From the Red Room: Oct. 4 AAS Meeting Recap

The AAS held its third meeting of the year on Oct. 4, discussing new committee appointments, Budgetary Committee recommendations and the role that the Senate has in addressing controversial incidents across the Five Colleges.

Outbreak of “Amherst Flu” Sweeps Across Campus

A cold that students have termed the “Amherst flu” has spread across campus. Due to the many symptoms influenza shares with Covid-19, however, students have been wary to seek care from the Health Center out of fear of being quarantined.

Satire: New ACPD Report Finds ACPD May or May Not Exist

Satire columnist Andrew Rosin ’25 covers ACPD’s latest investigation, an investigation into the very plausibility of its own existence.

Seeing Double: Work-Study is Less Not More

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 points to the equity issue surrounding the college’s policy on federal work-study. He argues that the college shouldn’t treat work-study as part of financial aid awards which forces its beneficiaries to work for their aid.

The Nostalgia of Catching the Common Cold

Assistant Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland ’25 comments on the recent cold that has been sweeping around campus through a warm lens of human connection. He reminds us that sometimes, the inconvenience of the minor sicknesses can help deepen the closeness of our community.

Buying the Trask House: A Chance to Confront Our Past

Managing Design Editor Anna Smith ’22 sheds light on the slaveholding past of Israel E. Trask, one of the first trustees of the college, and argues that the college should purchase the Trask house and turn it into the Mary Sly Center for Restorative Justice.

Why Is It So Hard to Get Mental Health Help?

Managing Opinion Editor Scott Brasesco ’22 shares his personal frustration of seeking help from our understaffed counseling center, shedding light on the severity of the college’s mental health resource inadequacy.

Double Down on Mental Health

The Editorial Board calls on the college to double its counseling center staff following students' complaints and the recent release of the Needs Assessment Report in the latest Anti-Racism Action Plan Update.

Club Calamity - Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

A Visceral Vision of Love: Ducournau's "Titane" Shocks

"Titane," Julia Ducournau's new Palme d'Or winning film, explores the connections between humanity and machines — often in gory detail. Staff Writer Miles Garcia '25 shares his reactions to the body horror movie and its surprisingly heartwarming core.

Live from New York, It's ... Mediocre Comedy!

"Saturday Night Live's" newest season premiere came out this week with a fizzle rather than a bang. Longtime fan Madeline Lawson '25 shares her perspective on a solid but forgettable episode that at least improved on last season's failures.

Rockin' Radio: The Roaring Return of WAMH

Student radio is back on the air! Contributing Writer Robert Bischof ’25 breaks down all things WAMH, discussing the station's upcoming shows, broadcasts and exciting plans for the year.

Balmain Festival 2021: Freedom and the Future of Fashion

Contributing Writer Noor Rahman ’25 covers the recent Balmain Festival, highlighting the significance of the festival’s homage to its creative director, Olivier Rousteing, the only black head of a major fashion house.

Men’s Soccer Picks Up Statement Wins Against Williams and Middlebury

Competing in a pair of weekend matchups, men’s soccer earned a 2-1 home victory over dire rival Williams College on Oct. 2, before defeating previously unbeaten Middlebury College 1-0 the following day.

Field Hockey Boasts Big Win on New Field, Followed by Two Tough Losses

Going in ranked at No. 6, field hockey started last week with a big win on their new field, celebrating coach Carol Knerr's 200th win. The win was followed by two hard-fought losses against No. 9 Williams College and No. 1 Middlebury College this past weekend.

Women's Soccer Goes Cow Tipping, Beats Williams and Ties Middlebury in Overtime Thrillers

Over the weekend, women’s soccer faced two competitive and historically strong teams, Williams College and Middlebury College. Going into overtime in both games, the Mammoths came out on top in a nail-biter game against the Ephs, while a tie was the result against the Panthers.

MLB Season Returns to Normalcy, but Not Without Changes

In a season that featured a return to the full slate of 162 games, Major League Baseball also experienced a number of remarkable developments — including an international, two-way MVP candidate and a hectic wild-card race.

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Race to Pennsylvania, Return With Top-Five Finishes

The Mammoths returned to the course this past weekend, with both the Men’s and Women’s cross country teams traveling to Lehigh University for the Paul Short Run. Both teams experienced great success, finishing in the top five, and individual runners logged impressive top-20 times.

Mammoths Best Jumbos in Thriller, Move to 2-1 in NESCAC Play

In their first game after suffering a tough first loss of the season to Colby last weekend, the Mammoths beat Tufts 24-21 in a game with a dramatic finish. Lead by strong defense, the Mammoths stymied Tufts on their final drive to preserve the win.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, September 29, 2021

This week, we discuss the effect of the return of students on the local economy, Amherst’s fall break travel recommendations, and an inefficiency in paycheck distribution that sheds light on student frustration with administrative transparency. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Cole Richards '23.

OLs, CAs Frustrated by Delays in Receiving Pay

Nearly one month after orientation, Orientation Leaders (OL) have still not been paid for their work. The paychecks of several Community Advisors (CA) were also delayed. Students are frustrated by the disregard for student workers evident in the administration’s handling of the situation.

As Progress Stalls on Roofies Investigation, Students Question College Response

Definitive evidence of roofies on campus has yet to be found. Nonetheless, the potential presence of date rape drugs continues to loom on students’ minds and have prompted broader concerns over the administration’s response to reports of sexual misconduct on campus.

Editor's Note: Introducing Paid Newsroom Positions and The Student Voices Fund

Editors-in-Chief Ryan Yu '22 and Rebecca Picciotto '22 announce the launch of The Amherst Student Voices Fund, a program that sponsors a number of paid positions in the newsroom for students with financial need, students of color, and other underrepresented groups.

Students Plan Off-Campus Travel Over Fall Break

Off-campus travel will not be restricted during Fall Break (Oct. 9-12), although the college strongly encourages students to stay on campus. Students expressed excitement over the opportunity for a change in routine and scenery, as well as gratitude for the college’s return testing protocol.

Full Student Return Provides Major Boost to Town Economy

The return of students to fully in-person semesters at UMass Amherst and Amherst College has provided a major boost to the town economy. Even so, business is still not back to pre-pandemic levels, and concerns remain among business owners over safety risks posed by the Delta variant.

Thoughts on Theses: Tim Song

Tim Song is a neuroscience and music double major. His thesis looks at how K-pop affects mental health and Asian American identity. His thesis advisor is Professor of Music Jeffers Engelhardt.

Weston Dripps ’92 to Head New Center for Sustainability

The college announced on Sept. 24 that Weston Dripps ’92 will serve as the new director of sustainability and inaugural director of Amherst’s new Center for Sustainability. Dripps will begin his role on Jan. 1, 2022, filling a position that has been left empty since May 17, 2020.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 22 to Sept. 28

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28, can be found here.

Women's Soccer Downs Camels, Lions in 2-0 Week

Women's soccer took to the pitch in two games this past week, and they did not disappoint. Over the course of the week, the team outscored their opponents by a score of 8-0 on their way to two more decisive wins in a season defined by them.

Despite Strong Defense, Football Defeated in Home Opener

The Amherst football team took the field for their second game of the season this past weekend, but fell to Colby by a score of 10-7 in a tightly contested defensive battle.

Volleyball Loses Nail-Biter, Rebounds to Sweep Brandeis in Weekend Contests

The volleyball team took to the court again this past weekend, playing tough opponents Middlebury and Brandeis on a two-game road trip. While the team lost a five-set heartbreaker on Friday, they beat the Judges in three sets in an impressive second showing.

NCAA's Long-Awaited Policy Change Allows College Athletes to Monetize Their Image

A long-awaited policy change has now allowed NCAA athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness. Some Amherst athletes have taken advantage of this new rule, and recount their experiences in this new landscape.

Men's Soccer Continues Hot Streak With Pair of Close Wins

The men's soccer team tallied two shut-outs this week, beating Connecticut College 2-0 before picking up a 1-0 win against Stevens Institute of Technology, writes Leo Kamin '25.

The Fighting Poets: A Humorous Look at Field Hockey's Week

In the debut of “The Fighting Poets,” The Student’s first-ever humor sports column, Ethan Samuels ’23 and Alex Noga ’23 add a flare of absurdity to the field hockey team's 2-0 weekend.

Field Hockey Defends Title In Bruce Bogtrotter Competition

Amherst's women's sports teams all gathered this past weekend for the annual Bruce Bogtrotter cake-eating competition. In a drama-filled edition including cheating allegations, field hockey successfully defended their title, winning the event in a landslide.

"Shang-Chi" Riddled With Orientalist Undertones

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" brings unusually beautiful fight scenes and convincing acting to the MCU. Nonetheless, contributing writer Tapti Sen '25 argues that the movie is weakened by its orientalist undertones and poor pacing.

"The Silence" is a Shiny, Empty Novel

While Don DeLillo's earlier work has established the author's reputation as a master of post-modern literature, staff writer Ross Kilpatrick '23 sees his newest book, "The Silence,'' as a dry step backwards.

Social Media Becomes Reality on "The Circle"

Combining strategy, dramatic storytelling and a total lack of mid-episode commercials, "The Circle" is one of the most exciting reality shows of the moment. Contributing writer Brianne LaBare '25 gives her advice on whether to give it a watch or a miss.

Ted Lasso is a Comedy with Complexity

Ted Lasso swept the Emmy's last week, picking up seven wins. But while some have praised the show as light-hearted, contributing writer Ethan Samuels '23 argues that these critics underestimate the show's skill at handling important and sensitive issues.

Met Gala 2021: Where History Meets High Fashion

The first Met Gala in more than two years was held Sept. 13 with a theme focusing on American history. Contributing writer Sofia Rodrigo '24 breaks down some of the event's best looks and what they say about our country.

Red Herring: Amherst Architectural Review

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 reviews iconic buildings on campus without shying away from his love for bones and hate for solar panels.

Satire by Rosin: Dining Hall Employee Forced to Teach Labor Course

Columnist Andrew Rosin ’25 pokes fun at the fact that the college is suffering from a labor shortage and overworking its staff, in turn advocating for the improvement of the college’s treatment of its employees.

Letter to the Editor: In Defense of President Martin

Eliza J. Clark Folger Professor of English Judith Frank responds to last week’s editorial on the legacy of outgoing President Biddy Martin, arguing that her successes and failures should be considered in light of the historical challenges she has faced.

Seeing Double: We Need More Mammoths

Seeing Double columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 advocates for a bigger Amherst by laying out its benefits that include further diversification and a better service to the public interest, as he points out that the expansion of the college is not only feasible but crucial.

Shaping Sexual Safety

The Editorial Board calls on the student body to actively look out for each other and take the responsibility to create an environment of greater sexual safety and respect, in light of recent safety issues both on campus and at neighboring UMass.

Departmental Dealings - Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Res Strife - Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Employees Speak Up on College's Casual Employment System

This week, the Student looks into the system of “casual employment” at Amherst College using interviews with nine anonymous facilities staff members and publicly available information. Employee testimony reveals class struggle that underlies the college employment system.

Campus Shaken by Reports of Possible "Roofies" Incidents

Rumors and reports of possible "roofies" incidents have circulated around campus over the past two weeks, causing worries among students about safety at social gatherings. Students and administration have responded with tentative caution to the drug’s potential presence on campus.

Yom Kippur Service Interrupted by CSO Due to Booking Mishap

Yom Kippur services taking place in the Powerhouse on Sept. 16 were interrupted by a CSO because of miscommunication with the DQ over the booking of the space. The incident prompted alarm among students over the role ACPD played in it.

Five College Students Return to Campus but Face Disparate Challenges

The college has opened its classroom doors to Five College Consortium students for the first time since the pandemic began. Enrollees of UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and Smith College face new challenges due to pandemic safety considerations.

Lessons for the Next President

The Editorial Board reflects on the legacy of outgoing President Biddy Martin and establishes expectations for the presidential search process. The Board calls on the college to include students, faculty and staff in the presidential search committee.

In Light of UMass Outbreak, Administration Implores Students to Adhere to Covid Protocols

In the week of Sept. 8 to Sept. 14, UMass Amherst reported 371 positive Covid tests. The outbreak prompted Amherst College Chief of Police John Carter to send an email calling on the community to adhere to the college’s safety restrictions.

The Inherent Ableism of Calls for Normalcy

Contributing writer Charlie Niedert ’23 defends the administration’s seemingly harsh Covid policies, demanding students consider the ways their actions affect those most at risk: the immuno-compromised.

Seeing Double: Pay Up, Profs

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 reveals the system of unpaid student labor underpinning much of the research that takes place on campus, and asks students and faculty to build a better system by ending unpaid research positions.

Introducing the Association of Amherst Students

The Association of Amherst Students introduces itself to new members of the community, soliciting feedback and community involvement in its current and upcoming projects.

We Must Think Beyond Ourselves

Contributing writer Tara Alahakoon ’25 reminds us of the disparity of the pandemic’s effects on different global regions, calling the administration to consider providing greater financial aid to students whose hometowns have been disproportionately affected.

Red Herring: Age of Arthropods

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 comments on the impacts of climate change on beloved animals like the tree frog, and expects a planet covered in arthropods if we continue to degrade the climate at the same rate.

New Documentary Chronicles the Impact of Boston's Gentrification

Yasmin Hamilton '24 reviews "A Reckoning in Boston," a 2021 documentary that forces viewers to acknowledge the pervasiveness of systemic problems and consider how the construction of the documentary itself reflects inequalities in our society.

Modern Music: The Presence of Politics in Pop

Milo Leahy-Miller '24 explores the politicization of music and how listeners react to music that communicates views antithetical to their own, offering insights into an interesting development in modern media through student interviews.

Val 101: Upgrading Your Lighter Side Chicken

With Val open again for indoor dining, a whole host of new culinary options are available to students. Staff Writer Sarah Weiner '24 gives her advice on everything from spicy mayo and mochas to microwaved desserts and the best breakfast sandwiches.

Amherst Symphony Orchestra Returns to the Stage

After a year-long in-person hiatus, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra returned in style Sept. 18 with a performance that included skillful renditions of two little-known works, as well as a popular Brahms overture and a large-scale Dvorak symphony.

Norm Macdonald Brought Levity Back to Comedy

Norm Macdonald — who passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 14. — was one of the great comics of our time, managing to be effortlessly funny whether he was talking about comically depressed moths, OJ Simpson, or the weekly news.

First Years Lead the Way for Golf as Teams Tee Off Seasons

The men's and women's golf teams are in full swing after each competed in two tournaments over the past two weekends. The Mammoths’ first years delivered especially strong performances against talented opponents.

Cross Country Heats Up in Little 3 Championship

The women’s and men’s cross country teams competed in the Little 3 Championship in Williamstown, MA on Sept. 18. Facing bitter rivals Wesleyan and Williams, both teams managed impressive performances.

Abbey Kays '25 Leads Way in 3-1 Victory Over Hamilton

Behind a stellar performance from midfielder Abbey Kays ’25, the field hockey team extended its perfect streak to begin the season with a 3-1 win over Hamilton College on Sept. 19.

Ashleigh Johnson: Stopping Goals and Sparking Change

Ashleigh Johnson, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner for U.S. water polo, has had to overcome numerous obstacles to become one of the few Black athletes in the overwhelmingly white world of water sports, Melanie Schwimmer ’23 writes.

Women's Soccer Rebounds With 8-0 Victory After Loss

Women’s soccer split its pair of games over the past weekend. The Mammoths lost a hard-fought match against Hamilton College on Sept. 18 but won dominantly versus Keene State College the following day.

Men's Soccer Rebounds With 1-0 Victory Over Hamilton

Men’s soccer prevailed over Hamilton College on Sept. 18 after losing to NESCAC foe Bowdoin on Sept. 11. The team rode its staunch defense to preserve a 1-0 advantage gained in the 16th minute for the victory.

Women's Tennis Opens Fall Season With Doubles Victory

The women’s tennis team began its season at the MIT Invitational over the weekend, facing off against Wesleyan, Tufts and MIT. The Mammoths proved victorious in the doubles tournament, while falling short in singles.

Bring Out the Brooms: Amherst Volleyball Stays Undefeated

Volleyball maintained its undefeated streak to begin the season, winning against Bates and Colby over the past weekend. Stellar team play allowed the Firedogs to sweep their opponents in a dominant showing.

Strong Defense Lifts Football Past Bates in Season Opener

Led first by an electric offensive start and then stalwart late-game defense, the football team claimed a 28-20 comeback victory over Bates College in its season opener on Sept. 18.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, September 22, 2021

This week, we discuss the recent surge in Covid-19 cases at UMASS Amherst, student experiences with Five College courses, and a staff writer’s first installment in an investigative series about “class struggle” at the college. Produced by Maggie McNamara ‘23 and Sam Spratford ‘24; edited by Cole Richards ‘23.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 14 to Sept. 21

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sep. 6 to Sep. 12, can be found here.

Thoughts on Theses: Lena Lamer

Lena Lamer is a Film and Media Studies (FAMS) major. Her thesis looks at scent as an underdeveloped and generally divisive sensory component of film and television. Her thesis advisors are Professors of English in Film and Media Studies Amelie Hastie and Joshua Guilford.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

This week, we discuss student concerns about dining accessibility, the updated COVID protocols and the role of the new Community Safety Ambassadors (CSAs) in campus security. Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Cole Richards '23 EDIT: Ella Peterson did not investigate student opinions about the

Biddy Martin to Step Down as President at Year End

President Biddy Martin announced that she will be stepping down as president of the college at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year, in an email sent to the Amherst community on Sept. 13.

College Loosens Some Covid-19 Protocols but Urges Vigilance

On Sept. 11, the administration announced updated Covid protocols, including a limited return of indoor dining and an expansion of travel boundaries. While the changes were less far-reaching than some would have hoped, students generally found the update to be what they expected.

Changes in Dining Hall Options Bring Challenges for Students

In an effort to deter Covid-19 at the start of Spring 2020, Valentine Dining Hall (Val) transitioned from self-serve, buffet style to to-go meals, which has presented immense challenges for students with dietary restrictions and student athletes.

New CSA Role Leaves Students Confused and Concerned

The college has established a new Community Safety Assistant position to reduce ACPD presence in residence halls. With no definitive information announced by the college on this new role, students are left confused and concerned about its implications for campus surveillance.

Size Matters

This week, the Editorial Board addresses the issues that over-enrollment imposes on students’ academic experiences and calls for the expansion of resources and infrastructure in preparation for a broader student population.

Seeing Double: Seizing the Silver Lining

Seeing Double columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 spotlights the potential positive byproducts of climate change and argues that it is necessary to shift our perspectives, adjusting to the changing realities of our lives.

Love at First Bite

Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 pokes fun at a vampire-human relationship in Twilight, playing with the connection between commitment and immortality.

Rewriting the Legality of Outer Space

Contributing writer Tylar Matsuo ’24 investigates the lack of governance of outer space and emphasizes the need for an equitable legal framework whose future is not determined by billionaires. He urges students to shape regulatory policies through active conversations and electoral pressure.

McDonald's and Music and Movies... Oh My!

The Arts and Living writers and editors were asked what their favorite piece of media was from this summer. They responded with movies, TV shows, albums and one particular BTS-themed meal at MCDonalds.

"Staged": A Zoom Show Defies Performance Convention

The first season of “Staged” is as entertaining as a show filmed over Zoom could be. Every actor in the show manages to showcase their talents despite the lack of a traditional set, turning an interesting experiment into a wonderful product.

"Annette": A Theatrical Rock Opera That Suspends Disbelief

Though "Annette" wades in a familiar sort of surrealism (“Birdman,” anyone?), I can’t call it unoriginal. The experience is something to behold. Regardless of whether you enjoy the film, you’d be hard pressed to say there’s anything like it.

Hastie Hat Trick Leads Mammoths to 3-0 Opening Weekend

Playing their first games in almost two years, the women's soccer team began its season in dominating fashion last week. In wins over Mount Holyoke, Bowdoin and Smith, the team scored 17 goals while relinquishing none on the way to a 3-0 start.

Cross Country Team Runs Toe-to-Toe With Division I

On Saturday, Sept. 11, the men’s and women’s cross country teams made their 2021 debuts at the UMass Amherst Ken O’Brien Minuteman Invitational. The teams delivered impressive performances against Division I foes.

Volleyball Goes Undefeated in First Three Games

With impressive high-energy play, women’s volleyball started its season undefeated through its first three games, winning against Smith College, Western New England University and Emerson College.

Field Hockey Off to Perfect 3-0 Start in First Week

The Amherst field hockey team started their season on a high note this week, winning their first three games of the 2021 season. While two of their three games were routs, their dramatic win 2-1 against a nationally-ranked Bowdoin team capped off a stellar start to the season.

Men's Soccer Falls to Bowdoin in 1-0 Nail-Biter in NESCAC Debut

Men's soccer dropped their first game of the season in dramatic fashion, losing 1-0 to a tough Bowdoin team. Though shocking, the loss provides the team an opportunity to rethink their game plan and right the ship as the season progresses.

2021-2022 AAS Senate Candidate Statements

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for AAS Senators in each grade and transfer students from Thursday, Sept. 19, 12:00 a.m. ET to 11:59 p.m. ET. The students listed have announced their candidacies for these elections.

Fresh Faculty: Christine Peralta

Christine Peralta is an assistant professor of history and sexuality, women and gender studies. She received a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, a master’s degree from the University of British Columbia and a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Q: How did

Campus Police Log: Sept. 6 to Sept. 12

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sep. 6 to Sep. 12, can be found here.

The Crossword - Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021

Play the new Amherst Student Crossword!

Overworked and Underpaid: College Employees Report Mistreatment

The college is struggling to fill crucial positions in a number of departments amid a nationwide hiring slump. Staff members report worsening workplace conditions, calling for large-scale changes in the college's treatment of its employees.

Local Proposal Aims to Address Housing Crisis but Lacks Deliverable Plan

With Amherst College, Hampshire College, and UMass Amherst placing pressures on the local housing market, the Amherst Town council has introduced a new affordable housing policy. Some town members question whether local colleges should do more.

Staff Spotlight: Kevin Weinman

Kevin Weinman became Amherst’s Chief Financial Officer in 2013, overseeing the college’s financial planning, investments and Covid response. Weinman recently announced that he will be departing in early September to serve as president of Marist College.

Cross Country Teams Eager to Hit the Ground Running

After Covid cancelled their 2019 seasons, the men's and women's cross country teams return to action on Saturday, Sept. 11. Led by a strong first-year class, the squads hope to compete for NESCAC titles.

Amherst Staff Deserve a Union

Managing Opinion Editor Scott Brasesco ’22 argues that wage increases alone are not enough, calling for staff unionization at the college. He looks to other pandemic college unionization efforts for inspiration and asks students and faculty to get involved in supporting Amherst’s staff.

Unprecedented Enrollment Leads to a Difficult Add-Drop Period

For many students, this semester’s registration process was chaotic and complicated. Due to severe over-enrollment and reduced course offerings, students struggled to register in their desired courses.

IT Loses Six Members in Department Staffing Exodus

The Information Technology (IT) Department has undergone a mass staffing exodus in the past year. Former Associate Chief Information Officer and Director of Support Services Luis Hernández Muñiz left the department in February, and was followed by five of his employees.

CDSL Renamed as the Class & Access Resource Center

The center formerly known as the Center for Diversity & Student Leadership (CDSL) is now the Class & Access Resource Center (CARC) going forward. The new name was brought about by student advocacy for a name emphasizing the center's activities.

Campus Police Log: Aug. 29 to Sep. 6

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Aug. 29 to Sep. 6, can be found here.

Seeing Double: Amherst Reorientation 2021

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 shares the difficulty of adjusting to life back on campus after so much time away. He urges students to take their time settling back into in-person college life and make use of college mental health resources when things get tough.

Ricky Jay: Master of the Deck, Maker of Magic

For Ricky Jay, magic is not just party tricks, it is a universalizing world view. He fluidly slips from storytelling to history to quippy old French verse. Magic collects these interests into a singular, convergent point.

Men’s Soccer Seeks National Championship Redemption

Almost two years removed from a National Championship Game loss, men’s soccer returned to play on Sept. 7 with a 2-1 win at Norwich University. Despite a new-look roster, the team hopes to compete for a NESCAC championship and an NCAA title.

If a Mammoth Wore a Mask

Cartoonist Emi Eliason ’22 playfully imagines how mammoths might deal with the pandemic — if a mammoth wore a mask, would they wear it like this or like this or like this?

Pay Staff What They Deserve

This week, the Editorial Board calls for an increase in hourly wages for staff at the college. This call follows a series of Labor Day interviews with staff.

"Donda": Daring, Disruptive — Disappointing.

While his album features a compelling new sound, it struggles to maintain its quality. It’s a complicated album, even for a long-time fan like Aryeetey: “It still feels like a grand statement, but one that could be grander.

ESPN Hornswoggled Into Nationally Televised Disaster

Controversy arose when ESPN aired a blowout high school football game between powerhouse IMG Academy and Bishop Sycamore — a high school with apparently fabricated credentials and minimal infrastructure.

"Twin Peaks" Reboot Peaks, Reimagining Cult Classic

The brilliance of “Twin Peaks: the Return” is that its writers knew they couldn’t just dial back the years and write “Twin Peaks” again. Instead of trying to ignore 25 years of change, Lynch and Frost took advantage of it.

Coaching Chaos Reveals NWSL's Growing Pains

After becoming the first professional league to return after Covid, the NWSL is starting to suffer from the same shortcomings that plagued its predecessors. With women's soccer on the rise, a culture change is needed to prevent it from meeting the same fate.

Women’s Soccer Aims to Defend 2019 NESCAC Championship

After missing the 2020 season due to Covid, women’s soccer holds lofty expectations in its return to play. Despite a significant shake-up to the roster, the team looks to both defend its 2019 NESCAC championship and compete for a national title.

New Covid Protocols: Necessary or Nonsense? Students React.

The college announced on Aug. 24 that it had tightened its Covid rules until Sept. 13. The new restrictions prompted an open letter signed by over 400 students calling to relax the rules. In response, the college sent an email on Aug. 28 revising some protocols, though most remained in place.

Former Men's Lax Coach Alleges Racial Discrimination, College Denies All Claims

The former men’s lacrosse head coach filed legal action against the college for racist discrimination and more. The filing states Rashad Devoe took the position to clean up lacrosse culture but faced retaliation from administrators before he could do so. The college has denied all claims.

All Students Arrive for In-Person Semester on Campus

Almost 2000 students moved onto campus between Aug. 20 and Aug. 29. Even with continuing Covid restrictions, this pandemic semester has come the closest to achieving a pre-pandemic campus experience.

Missed the Town Hall? Here's What You Need to Know

On Monday, the Association of Amherst Students held a virtual town hall with several members of the administration. Topics discussed included long wait times at Val, staffing shortages and Covid enforcement policies.

Repeating History

The Editorial Board reflected on the administration's recent decision to tighten Covid rules, and found the exact same problem that caused the outrage when students were asked to leave campus three semesters ago: a failure to communicate compassionately and to consult with the groups most affected.

Seeing Double: Down With Admission’s Double Standards

"Seeing Double" Columnist Thomas Brodey '22 criticizes a double standard that he perceives between the college's treatment of its applicants, who he alleges were afforded little to no leniency during the pandemic, and its students, who received a number of accommodations.

Campus Police Log: May 19 to Aug. 29

The latest installment of the Police Log, from the beginning to the end of summer break, can be read here.

Football Eyes Championship in Return to NESCAC Play

Returning to the field after nearly two years without in-game action, Amherst football players believe their efforts to improve team culture will aid their pursuit of a NESCAC championship.

Volleyball Rallies Behind New Coach Valerie Jones

Featuring a range of player experience levels as well as a new head coach, Amherst volleyball nevertheless touts team camaraderie as it makes its return to play from a nearly two-year hiatus.

Field Hockey Fights Adversity to Begin Season

In spite of not having access to their own field, the Amherst field hockey team looks to build on a strong preseason and compete for a NESCAC title.

Tusk Talks - Episode 7: Sunrise Amherst

In this edition of Tusk Talks, we sit down with Claire Taylor ‘23 and Meenakshi Jani ‘23, two leaders of Sunrise Amherst — an offshoot of the broader Sunrise climate action movement.

As Delta Variant Surges, College Tightens Covid Rules in Spite of Student Protests

Amid concerns surrounding the Delta variant of Covid-19, the college announced on Tuesday that it has tightened its public health rules for the first two and a half weeks of the fall semester. The announcement has generated backlash among students who say the new rules are too restrictive.

In Open Letter, Alumni Ramp Up Calls for Asian/Pacific/American Studies Major

The Amherst Asian Alumni Network (AAAN) wrote an open letter in early August to key administrators calling on them to commit to establishing a Asian/Pacific/American studies major. Though similar appeals have been ongoing for years, the recent wave of anti-Asian racism has redoubled the calls.

Amherst Approves Reparations for Black Residents. How is the College Involved?

This summer, the Town of Amherst established a fund that will provide reparations to Black residents. The initiative intends to make amends for the town’s past harms as the community continues to grapple with its relationship to institutionalized racism.

After Case on Child Slavery, Scrutiny Returns to Cargill CEO David MacLennan ’81

In June, the Supreme Court ruled that claims about Cargill’s alleged aiding and abetting of child slavery abroad could not be processed in the U.S. This is not the first time Cargill, whose CEO is Amherst trustee David MacLennan ’81, P’14, has faced criticism for its ethical practices.

Senior Officials Karu Kozuma, Kevin Weinman Announce Departures

Two major college officials — Chief Student Affairs Officer Karu Kozuma and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Kevin Weinman — announced their departures from the college over the summer, via a pair of emails sent by President Biddy Martin.

College Adopts New Pass-Fail Policy, Revised Grading Scale

Effective for the 2021-2022 academic year, the college is replacing its Flexible Grading Option (FGO) policy with a revised pass-fail grading option, and is transitioning from a 14-point grading system to a standard four-point grading scale.

"Black Widow" Leaves its Protagonist on the Sidelines

Editor Lauren Kisare ‘22 breaks down Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow.” While Florence Pugh puts in a strong performance as the Black Widow's sister, the film suffers from tonal inconsistencies and the sidelining of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow.

“Gossip Girl’s” New Progressive Veneer Falls Flat

Staff writer Yasmin Hamilton ‘24 reviews the “Gossip Girl” reboot. Despite claiming to feature more progressive and inclusive themes, the reboot ends up pairing many of the original show's problems with terrible acting and dialogue.

“Becoming an Olympian”: A Sit-down With Silver Medalist Michael Hixon

After taking home his second silver medal in men's synchronized diving, Michael Hixon sat down with Staff Writer Alex Noga '23 to look back on his journey so far. Also there: Hixon's father, legendary Amherst men’s basketball coach Dave Hixon ’75.

U.S. Men’s Basketball Silences Doubters at Tokyo Olympics

Despite a set of shocking setbacks at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. men's basketball team executed a stunning comeback to take the Gold for the 16th time in 20 Olympic Games.

Seeing Double: Let Us Swipe!

Seeing Double columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 illustrates the importance of student access to the various buildings on campus in fostering a strong community atmosphere. He then asks the college administration for one crucial thing in the upcoming semester: “Let us swipe!”

A Letter to the Administration: Loosen Covid Rules

As the college tightens Covid restrictions, Sophia Sodney '24 asks the administration to consider the mental and emotional risks that come with increased public health protocols. She argues that, given the vaccine, the benefits of a return to relative normalcy outweigh the risk of Covid infection.

Olivia Gieger: The Activist Behind the Byline

From the outside, Gieger’s path seems to decouple into two distinct threads: activism and journalism. But talking to Gieger, it becomes clear that, for her, those parallel interests are inextricably connected.

Eniola Ajao: The Noise Found in Silence

Ajao has presented her research on Black ASL via Zoom to an audience of over 200 Amherst students, faculty, scholars and artists around the world.

Sarah Montoya: How Family History Led to a Fulbright

Sarah Montoya has always pushed for Indigenous rights and recognition at Amherst as the president of the Native and Indigenous Students Association (NISA). As a Fulbright scholar, her plans beyond graduation will include traveling to Lithuania to teach about Indigenous identities and history.

Daniel Rendón: Not Your Classic Story Arc

Just as Rendón aims to portray unconventional narratives through his theatre, he has a unique story of his own. Photo courtesy of Daniel Rendón ’21.“There was no way I could genuinely recreate everyone. If I were to make an honest attempt — and this isn’t to say I don’

Jea Adams: An Astrophysicist Finds Her Space

Adams is the first Black woman to graduate as an Amherst College physics major since 1982. Photo courtesy of Jea Adams ’21.When I first met Jea Adams ’21, I was unsure what to expect. From the research I had done before our interview, I knew she was extremely accomplished

Enoch Shin: A Teacher and a Storyteller

Shin has been awarded the Walker Teaching Award, a Five College Statistics Prize and the Beinecke Scholarship for his work in the history and statistics departments. Photo courtesy of Enoch Shin ’21.I’ve heard before that we don’t remember what people do, but instead remember how they make

Ayodele Lewis: A Voice and Vision for Change

Through her academic and extracurricular work, Lewis has made an indelible mark on each community she’s touched. Photo courtesy of Ayo Lewis ’21.From conducting critical research to igniting change at Amherst and beyond, neuroscience major Ayodele (“Ayo”) Lewis has built a stellar track record over the course of

Toma-Jin Morikawa-Fouquet: An Interdisciplinary Thinker and Empathetic Leader

Morikawa-Fouquet sits on the first-year quad in Fall 2019, the year he began his journey at Amherst. Photo courtesy of Toma-Jin Morikawa ’21.In the words of his thesis advisor (Professor of Political Science Thomas Dumm), Toma-Jin Morikawa ’21, also known as Toma-Jin Morikawa-Fouquet, is “a brilliant example of a

Arielle Kirven: A Daring Pursuit to See Beyond the Image

Kirven’s intellect and ability to notice subtleties help her navigate the fast-paced world of digital journalism. Photo courtesy of Arielle Kirven ’21.In an increasingly turbulent and disorienting world, Arielle Kirven ’21 knows exactly what she wants and who she wants to be — and she will, without a doubt,

Sirig Gurung: A Commitment to Curiosity, Compassion & Care

Gurung has drawn on his deep well of kindness and curiosity to touch the lives of those around him and uplift the communities of which he is a part. Photo courtesy of Sirig Gurung ’21.Sirig Gurung’s ’21 unassuming and humble disposition belies the large impact he has on

Braxton Schuldt: A Future Neurosurgeon with a Runner’s Heart

Schuldt leaves behind a legacy in the lab and on the cross country and track programs. Photo courtesy of Braxton Schuldt ’21.Braxton Schuldt ’21 is the epitome of excellence and resilience. His intelligence, work ethic and drive to help others has molded him into an exceptional Amherst student-athlete. As

Noah John: Shaping the Future of Music Through Journalism

After NYU journalism school, John plans to develop his music media platform into a self-sustaining business. Photo courtesy of Noah John ’21.At a college like Amherst, it is easy to follow the beaten path. The trail markers that guide most students are getting good grades, securing an internship that

David Rosa: Embracing Change and Building Community

Rosa helped implement the Center for Restorative Practices and hopes to receive his J.D. and M.S.W. to apply these skills outside of Amherst. Photo courtesy of David Rosa ’21.“Never stop advocating for other people, caring for other people, and trying to make this campus a better

Cy Nguyen: Taking Life by the Reins

Nguyen used her thesis to do a rigorous investigation of the transfer student experience at Amherst. Photo courtesy of Cy Nguyen ’21.A movie aficionado, frog figurine collector and demography enthusiast, Cy Nguyen ’21 is not your typical Amherst student. A Vietnamese American transfer from the University of California, Berkeley

Margot Lurie: Championing Justice, One Question at a Time

For all of her accolades at Amherst, Lurie will be remembered not by what she won but the people she inspired. Photo courtesy of Margot Lurie ’21.As she walked the halls of her deeply segregated Colorado high school, Margot Lurie ’21 saw injustice everywhere she looked. The structural inequalities

Dylan Momplaisir: A Builder of Software, Stories and Community

Momplaisir used the experiences and independent thinking he developed growing up in New York City and applied them to all that he did during his time at Amherst. Photo courtesy of Dylan Momplaisir ’21.It was only fitting that my Zoom interview with Dylan Momplaisir ’21 started with technical issues.

Bella Edo: Pursuing Justice with a Passion

In all that she does, Bella Edo approaches her advocacy with a sincerity, intensity and courageousness that has guided her efforts to make life at Amherst better for students and faculty. Photo courtesy of Bella Edo ’21.Sitting across from Bella Edo ’21 over Zoom the other day was a

Yaqui Montes de Oca: A Floridian’s Mission to Make Incarceration Humane

Yaqui plans to attend Florida State University in the fall to obtain a master’s in social work and criminology. Photo courtesy of Yaqui Montes de Oca ’21.On a typical day, you might find Yaqueline “Yaqui” Montes de Oca ’21 in room 018 of Keefe Campus Center, the Office

Joe Palmo: A Star Seeking More of His Kind

Palmo has conducted research at Amherst, NASA, and soon at Boston startup QuantAQ through his data science role. Photo courtesy of Joe Palmo ’21.To the naked eye, a star is a beacon of hope, used by many as a guiding light in the sky. The amazement some feel when

Manuel Rodriguez: A Cultural Scholar With a Knack for Building Community

After Amherst, Rodriguez hopes to benefit the next generation of first-generation and low-income scholars. Photo courtesy of Manuel Rodriguez ’21.Manuel Rodriguez ’21 has an incredible capacity to make those around him feel at ease. I know this from experience, having spent a sunny hour on the Valentine Quad chatting

Seoyeon Kim: Transcending Fragmentation via Storytelling & Activism

Seoyeon Kim ’21 wrote a critical-creative hybrid thesis in the English department exploring how dislocation affects a sense of self. Photo courtesy of Seoyeon Kim ’21.I met Seoyeon Kim ’21 through Zoom in “Non-Fiction I” last semester. In addition to being impressed and inspired by her beautiful writing and

Jeremy Thomas: “It’s A Beautiful Time for Change”

Thomas has spent college giving back to the Amherst community and has a future of change-making ahead. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Thomas ’21.Even before interviewing him over Zoom, the face of Jeremy Thomas ’21 was already familiar to me. Out of all the political science lectures and panels I’

Natalie De Rosa: Stewarding Stories & Schools, From Newark to Amherst

Natalie De Rosa ’21 has, in many ways, been shaped by her home city of Newark, a place in which she holds a lot of pride. Photo courtesy of Natalie De Rosa ’21. By her own admission, Natalie De Rosa ’21 is a shy person. She isn’t usually the

Disagreement and Discourse

When the Editorial Board met to plan and discuss this week’s editorial, our conversation swerved off track due to concerns over the deep personal significance of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the most significant current event in the news, and questions of how to engage in that discussion while maintaining the

Track and Field Caps Off Season With Strong Showing at Williams College Meet

Over the past weekend, the Amherst men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to Williams College to participate in quad-meet action against Tufts University, Middlebury College and Williams. On the men’s side, the Mammoths won five of the 11 events in which they submitted a competitor.

College Divulges Summer and "Hopeful" Fall Covid-19 Restrictions

Several Covid restrictions will continue over the summer, Dean of Students Liz Agosto told The Student. Notable restrictions include the continuation of a mask mandate while inside, a curfew and mandatory on-campus testing. Agosto relayed that fall guidelines will be officially determined closer to the start of the semester. The

Up Next on the Queue: A&L's Spring 2021 Playlist

With the spring semester drawing to a close and summer rapidly approaching, finals are undoubtedly on everyone’s mind. To liven up your study sessions, the A&L team has put together a colorful array of unique songs that have frequented our playlists in these last few weeks of the

ResLife Modifies CA Position Description Following USWAC Campaign

Returning and prospective Community Advisors (CAs) received an updated position description for the 2021-2022 academic year on Wednesday, May 12, a week after the Office of Residential Life (ResLife) sent them the initial draft of the contract. The primary adjustments made included changes to and clarifications of the on-call system,

South Asian Students Association Holds Panel, Fundraiser for Ongoing Covid Crisis in India

The South Asian Students Association (SASA) held a virtual conversation with several humanities and STEM professors to discuss the ongoing Covid-19 crisis in India on May 17. More than 50 students and faculty attended the event, some with personal connections to the country. The Zoom event complements other SASA efforts

Mastering the Genre: Figuring Out Fiction with George Saunders

I’ve read a fair cross section of writing advice books, from John Gardner’s “The Art of Fiction,” to Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird” and Stephen King’s “On Writing.” Inevitably, these kinds of books come around to a singlepoint, their climax, where they grapple with the beauty

Performance Gone Virtual: The Sabrinas

In a year bereft of lively, in-person assembly, the Sabrinas have stepped up to fill the void. Despite the pandemic and its misfortunes, the stellar a cappella group has trudged forward, coming back stronger than ever this spring with a modified audition process, revamped social media promotions and an optimistic

Making a Movie Theater: An At-Home DIY

As vaccinations become more widespread, you may have noticed that movie theaters finally begin to reopen. Still, not everyone will feel immediately comfortable attending movies in person. Maybe you aren’t vaccinated yet, still think an indoor, poorly ventilated space seems unsafe or just really like watching movies at home.

Seeing Double: Your Netflix Habit is Ruining This Country

In recent years, many people — myself included — have blamed social media for exacerbating political divisions in the United States. With its echo chambers and algorithmic bubbles, social media undoubtedly deserves some of that criticism. But I believe that another culprit, one even more omnipresent in most people’s lives, has

Red Herring: Sustainable Eating

What's the Deal With Aaron Rodgers?

On April 29, the morning of the NFL Draft, a report came out [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31359453/aaron-rodgers-want-return-green-bay-packers-sources-say] that the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP), Aaron Rodgers, no longer wanted to play for Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. This announcement shocked the

Buffalo Bills at the Forefront of Vaccine Skepticism After Cole Beasley’s Comments

Following the loosening of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) mask guidelines earlier this week in which fully vaccinated people “no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting” [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html] unless required by specific regulations, Buffalo Bills

The Future of Football Needs You

Football — or soccer, for Americans — is the beautiful game, but it is also the people’s game. From the streets of Rio’s favelas to the pristine pitch of Wembley, billions of people worldwide are united by their love for kicking a ball around outdoors. Perhaps that’s why football

Police Log: May 11 – May 18

>> May 11, 2021 10:00 a.m., Morris Pratt An individual dialed the emergency line and advised it was accidental. 2:15 p.m., Hazel Ave Officers responded to a report of possible misuse of and damage to a wooded area. Some trash was located, but no one was in

Racial Epithet Discovered in Valentine Hall

On May 13, Dean of Students Liz Agosto sent an email announcing the discovery of the n-word scratched into a chalkboard in Valentine Hall. An individual found the racial epithet on the second floor near the balcony door and reported it to the Amherst College Police Department. The circumstances regarding

On the Road of Journalism: A Conversation with Jessica Bruder, Author of Nomadland

Every so often, a journalist finds a story and gives it wings. What Jessica Bruder ’00 found in “Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century” didn’t need wings — it already had wheels. “Nomadland” is the deeply candid chronicle of a growing community of American nomads who, after the Great

New Student Workers' Union Demands Better for CAs

The Union of Student Workers at Amherst College (USWAC) [https://linktr.ee/Uswac1821] announced its official launch and inaugural campaign this past week in response to dissatisfaction among Community Advisors (CAs) with the position description for next year, which seemed to add significant demands on their time without any change

Despite Mixed Val Experiences, Students Express Gratitude for Dining Accommodations During Covid

This story began, as so many things in this pandemic campus do, when a discussion in the on-campus student group chat spiraled into a spirited debate over dining options. Students sent a slew of complaints regarding flavor, lamenting the absence of things like plain pasta or waffle-makers, both of which

College Announces Modifications to Fall Housing Due to Over-Enrollment

On Thursday, May 6, the college updated students on housing plans for the fall semester. Because the administration anticipates an over-enrollment of 170 students this fall, it is planning to make significant modifications to housing stock. The increased enrollment is due to the return of students who elected to take

Amherst Baseball Crowned NESCAC Champions

Anchored by stellar pitching performances from Nick Giattino ’24 [https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/baseball/roster/nick-giattino/13854] and Sachin Nambiar ’22 [https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/baseball/roster/sachin-nambiar/13847], the Amherst Mammoths swept Tufts University on Saturday, May 8, to win the 2021 NESCAC Baseball Championship. Giattino — the

Seeing Double: Amherst College Should Help Fund Local Schools

Amherst’s local public schools are in crisis. Due to declining enrollments, Amherst Regional Public Schools [https://www.arps.org/] — a cooperative school district that includes the towns of Amherst, Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury— is facing a $1.2 million budget cut [https://www.amherstindy.org/2021/05/07/town-council-passes-regional-school-budget-with-1-2m-cut-in-services-operating-budget-provides-minimal-funding-for-alternative-to-policing/

Plan for the Future

As we all look forward to a semester of in-person teaching and learning this fall, the college is facing a challenge in providing housing for all returning students. On May 6, the Office of Student Affairs announced in an email to the student body that they expected more students to

Red Herring: Fallen Icon

Community Advisor Applicants: Don’t Sign Contracts with Residential Life

Community Advisors (CAs) play a vital role in our campus community. We offer support, guidance and snacks to our residents. We respond in times of crises and foster relationships and community. We take great pride in our work because giving back to this place that has given us so much

Elon Musk's SNL Performance Crash-Lands

Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) ratings have been dropping since the 2020 election [https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-saturday-sunday-dec-5-6-2020-4101715/amp/] , probably because there are fewer jokes to make about Donald Trump. In an effort to boost ratings, SNL brought business mogul and engineer Elon

Performance Gone Virtual: Terras Irradient

As the only Christian a cappella group at Amherst, faith is central to Terras Irradient’s performance. In a normal year, the choir shines on stage, making music only with the sounds of their voice. But do these key elements of their performance translate to Zoom? Even with their members

With Vaccination Rates Rising, Music Festivals Cash In

With Covid-19 vaccines becoming increasingly available to all Americans and national infection rates on the decline, several large outdoor music festivals are scheduled to return this summer and fall. Most notably, Rolling Loud (Miami), Governors Ball (New York), Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival (Houston) and the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash

Police Log: April 27 - May 9

>>April 27, 2021 12:07 a.m. Morris Pratt Officers responded to an alarm and found it was set off by a candle. Two candles were confiscated. >> April 30, 2021 9:07 a.m. Seelye Residential Life staff addressed an unauthorized party with individuals under the age of 21 in

Amherst Track and Field Competes Against Rivals Williams and Wesleyan

On Saturday, May 8, Amherst Track and Field faced Williams and Wesleyan on the Ephs’ home turf. With Williams and Wesleyan being known as Amherst’s biggest rivals, a victory in this meet promised bragging rights. The Mammoths had some major successes on the men’s and women’s side

North Carolina Beats Michigan, Captures Third Straight NCAA Field Hockey National Championship

Fall or spring, rain or shine, one constant remains in NCAA field hockey: North Carolina’s success. This Sunday, March 9, the No. 1 seed Tarheels downed the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines in overtime, 4-3, to claim their third straight championship. UNC completed this back-to-back-to-back feat once previously in 1995,

Capitals' Tom Wilson Continues Controversial Play in Altercation with Rangers' Artemi Panarin

The National Hockey League (NHL) game between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers on May 3 had major implications for both teams. As the Capitals had already clinched a playoff berth, a win would have pushed them to first place in the highly competitive East Division with just

Brentford Hope Third Time’s the Charm for Premier League Promotion

In late August of 2020, Bayern Munich’s French forward Kingsley Coman headed home to secure the German giants the UEFA Champions League trophy in a close 1-0 victory over Paris St. Germain. Not only did that lone goal secure the Bavarian club the title of European champions, but it

Closing Out "Politics and Poetry" Series, Martin Baron Discusses Polarization and Truth in Journalism

On Thursday, April 29, Lewis-Sebring Professor of Humanities and Latin American and Latino Culture Ilan Stavans discussed ideological polarization in the American media with journalist Martin Baron in the final event of the college’s virtual “Politics and Poetry” series [https://www.amherst.edu/news/campus_community_events/virtual/politics-and-poetry]

Surprises, Reaches and Steals From the 2021 NFL Draft

The 2021 National Football League (NFL) Draft took place over the weekend with 259 college players finding new homes with one of 32 professional teams. From first overall pick Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars to the final selection and “Mr. Irrelevant,” Grant Stuard of the reigning champion Tampa Bay

Thoughts on Theses: Lianbi Ji

Lianbi Ji is an English and mathematics double major who wrote theses in both subjects. Her English thesis focused on the writings of the Chinese writer Lu Xun, and her math thesis studied elliptic curves. She also has a passion for education — having volunteered to teach in China, India and

Finding the Silver Lining

As vaccines become more widely available in the United States, normalcy seems to be in sight. We are all ready to leave behind the horror and psychological toll that the pandemic has inflicted on us and embrace a full return [https://www.amherst.edu/amherst-story/president/statements/node/797790] to

Q&A: Professor Ruth Ozeki Reflects on Her Extraordinary Writing Career

Imagine my surprise: it was days after I had finished and fallen in love with “A Tale for the Time Being,” and I had just realized its author, Ruth Ozeki, was in the Pioneer Valley, teaching at Smith College. Ozeki is a novelist, filmmaker, Zen Buddhist priest and professor whose

Amherst Golf Competes in Second Round of NESCAC Tournament

Both the Amherst men’s and women’s golf teams competed in the NESCAC #2 event over the weekend. The women headed to the Ledges Golf Club in South Hadley for the second round of the cumulative NESCAC tournament on Saturday, May 2, while the men followed suit the next

College Begins to Administer Covid Vaccines

Hantong Wu’23, receives his shot of the Covid-19 vaccine. Photos courtesy of Maria Stenzel © Amherst CollegeOn Wednesday, April 28, the college delivered the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine shot to 336 students and 42 staff and faculty members at no out-of-pocket cost in a pop-up clinic set up in Coolidge Cage.

Seeing Double: Pros and Cons of Court-Packing

In October 2020, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made the controversial decision to fill the seat of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg with Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The move gave Republican appointees a six out of nine majority on the nation’s highest court, a balance that could

The Show Must Go On? The 93rd Academy Awards Falter in 2021

Last Sunday, over 100 filmmakers and actors gathered in Union Station in Los Angeles to celebrate the 93rd Academy Awards. The ceremony had been postponed from its original date of Feb. 28 to extend the eligibility period for films and to account for some of the impacts of Covid-19 on

Performance Gone Virtual: Dance and Step at Amherst College (DASAC)

For most of the 2019-2020 school year, the members of Dance and Step at Amherst College (DASAC) performed their trademark, well-choreographed mixture of hip-hop, step and street jazz-influenced dances to live audiences. Their fall 2019 showcase, “DASAC: End of a Decade,” moved fluidly between 14 songs, from Beyoncé’s “Best

“Grey’s Anatomy” Goes Downhill in Its 17th Season

*Contains Spoilers for “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 17* Most fans would agree that “Grey’s Anatomy,” now on its 17th season, is no longer as entertaining or engaging as it was in its first few seasons. At this point, I’m really just watching because, after investing the time to

Amherst Softball Sweeps Middlebury in Final Games of NESCAC Play

This weekend, the Amherst softball team powered 35 total hits, including five home runs, defeating Middlebury College in all three games to wrap up NESCAC play. GAME ONE: Middlebury 2, Amherst 7 The sides totaled a combined fifteen hits in game one. Amherst opened the scoring in the top of

Amherst Baseball Clinches NESCAC West Title With Win Over Middlebury

On Saturday, May 1, the Amherst baseball team hosted Middlebury College in a double-header, needing only one win to clinch the NESCAC West Division Championship. Undefeated first-year ace Nick Giattino ’24 [https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/baseball/roster/nick-giattino/13854] got the nod in game one, tossing four innings of

Red Herring: Matter of Time

Communism and Abolition: Where the Conversation With Angela Davis Came Up Short

Angela Davis is one of the most prominent communist activists and academics in the history of the United States. In her April 15 talk at Amherst, however, Davis shied away from some of the more adversarial ideological stances that make up the core of her public political identity, including her

Abolish ACPD: It’s Time to Try Something New

This week, the Town of Amherst’s Community Safety Working Group has revealed some of the items requested in its proposal for the future of policing in the town, to be decided on in an upcoming May 3 Town Council budget meeting. It proposes [https://www.gazettenet.com/Community-responders-team-sought-in-Amherst-budget-40131259] slashing

Letter to the Editor: Reframing the Campus Safety Conversation

As tempers flare on campus and the rhetoric heats up, it’s easy to forget how far our community already has come in the debate about campus policing and the many constructive ideas that students and staff have floated. Faculty members have a responsibility now to help these deliberations move

Seeing Double: Learn From the Rest, Not From the Best

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is reading and rereading “The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini. I do this for two reasons. Firstly, the series contains many wonderful flashes of brilliance from a talented young writer. Secondly, the books are also deeply terrible. Reading “Inheritance” challenges the reader to sift

The AAS Budgetary Committee’s Past Should Not Determine its Future

A pattern of intimidating, unwelcoming experiences and discriminatory approaches to funding via the Budgetary Committee (BC) has existed from the 1970s to the present. We write to shed light on current practices and the history of the BC with the hopes that this will propel the Association of Amherst Students

Police Log: April 12-April 26

>>April 18, 2021 1:58 a.m. Hitchcock House Residential Life staff responded to a report of loud music. >>April 19, 2021 12:19 a.m. Hitchcock Parking Lot An officer responded to a request from Residential Life staff to provide for assistance with a group of people continuously gathering

Red Herring: Silly Cat

"Slime Language 2" Leaves Emerging Rappers in the Lurch

Throughout the late 2010s, Young Thug proved himself as one of this era’s most significant rappers, shaping the genre both sonically and stylistically. While his eccentric delivery and untamed vocal inflections have inspired countless imitators, Thug has also directly promoted several relatively unknown artists by signing them to his

College Hosts Moderna President Stephen Hoge '98 in Virtual Event

The college hosted President of Moderna Stephen Hoge ’98 on Friday, April 23 as a part of the virtual Stories in STEM event series. The Cambridge-based biotechnology company has experienced tremendous growth since the pandemic began, as it has developed one of the world’s most effective vaccines against Covid-19.

Covid Vaccinations Mandated for Students Returning in Fall 2021

The college will require all students to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before returning to campus for the Fall 2021 semester, the President’s Office announced on Friday, April 23. In the letter addressed to students, faculty and staff, President Biddy Martin relayed that more information will follow concerning how

Staff Spotlight: Laura Fredette and Brittney Clapp

Laura Fredette is a staff member at the Covid-19 Testing Center. A travel nurse, she started working at Amherst in August of 2020, and has enjoyed telling jokes to students as they get tested, as well as admiring the beauty of the college. In her free time, she loves spending

2021-2022 AAS Senate Candidate Statements

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for the Senate and Judiciary Council at-large positions on Thursday, April 29. A speech night will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 28 at 8 p.m EST. Each class will elect eight senators. The transfer student senate election will be

Performance Gone Virtual: Mr. Gad’s House of Improv

During a normal year, the performers of Mr. Gad’s House of Improv, the college’s oldest improv comedy group, sit face-to-face with their audience. Each Monday night, they would take audience suggestions, run into the crowd and play with the intimate dynamics of live improv comedy. But what does

Short-Lived Super League Shows Power of Fans, But Challenges Still Remain

In his meditation on the beautiful game, Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano wrote that “the history of football [i.e. soccer] is a sad voyage from beauty to duty.” Last week’s announcement of the creation of the European Super League [https://amherststudent.com/article/footballing-shock-doctrine-the-covid-crisis-and-the-european-super-league] looked to be another step

Mammoths Battle Hamilton in Track Meet

The Amherst men’s and women’s track teams kicked off their Covid-abbreviated season in dual-meet action against NESCAC rival Hamilton College. On the women’s side, the scorecard may show a decisive, yet competitive 84-77 total point victory against Hamilton, but it fails to note the true magnitude of

College Increases Course Requirements for Fall 2021

In preparation for the fall 2021 pre-registration period, the college has increased registration requirements from three to four courses, signaling a shift back to pre-Covid academic requirements. Despite the reversion, the college plans to continue to offer January Term [https://amherststudent.com/article/students-look-back-on-inaugural-january-term-classes] classes. Students are glad to see

Softball Comes Up Short Against Williams

In a series riddled with drama, the Amherst softball team suffered a sweep at the hands of rival Williams College this weekend. On Saturday, April 25, Talia Bloxham ’22 [https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/softball/roster/talia-bloxham/13863] got the nod in the first game of a double-header, pitching a

Women’s Tennis Falls Short Against Middlebury

The Amherst women’s tennis team traveled to Middlebury College for their final match of the 2021 season on Saturday, April 24. The opening round of doubles matches saw Amherst take a 2-1 match advantage. The duo of Jackie Bukzin ’22 [https://athletics.amherst.edu/sports/womens-tennis/roster/jackie-bukzin/13874]

Who Will Go Third Overall at the NFL Draft?

After months of scouting, smokescreens and speculation, the 2021 National Football League (NFL) Draft has finally arrived. From April 29 to May 1, 259 collegiate athletes will watch their dreams come true in the beautiful city of Cleveland as they are selected by one of 32 NFL teams. Typically, there

Amherst Baseball Sweeps Rival Williams, Secures Little Three Championship

Amherst baseball completed a three-game sweep of rival Williams College this past weekend, winning 4-0, 5-1 and 5-2 and improving their record to 7-2 overall. With their wins this weekend, the Mammoths have clinched the title of Little Three Champions for the third time in the last four seasons. Victories

Men's and Women's Golf Take on NESCAC Rivals in Weekend of Tournaments

Over the weekend, the Amherst men’s and women’s golf teams both competed in the NESCAC #1 tournament. On Sunday, April 25, the women’s team also faced rival Williams at the Taconic Golf Club. On Saturday, April 24, the women’s team finished third out of five at

Mandate Vaccines for On-Campus Students

As the rate of vaccination accelerates [https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/12/world/covid-19-coronavirus#covid-vaccine-pace-adults-eligible] in the U.S., normalcy seems to be in sight. On April 7, President Biddy Martin announced in a letter [https://www.amherst.edu/news/covid-19/community-messages/staying-in-touch/node/797790] to the Amherst

Students Demand Immediate Release of College’s Student Relief Funds

On Sunday, April 18, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS), the First Generation Association and the Covid-19 Student Task Force released a letter [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EHu2D4VD493PDVtXw6bFEeuGQplSYNj13WH1OCKUabE/edit?usp=sharing] calling on the Office of Financial Aid to immediately disburse the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds III

Success Continues for Amherst Baseball

Coming off a 2-1 series win against Wesleyan University, the Mammoths traveled to Clinton Park, NY for two games against Hamilton College on Saturday, April 17. The team then headed back to host a home game in Amherst on Sunday, April 18. Saturday certainly had its drama in both contests.

Symposium: Cancel Culture Doesn't Work

Content Warning: Mentions of suicide, sexual harassment and assault; discussion of racism and sexism. Language is shifting all around us, every day, whether we notice it or not. Just last year, Merriam-Webster added [https://web.archive.org/web/20210329222735/https://www.merriam-webster.com/topics/words-were-watching] “petrichor,” “swole” and “stan” to

"Ticket to Ride" Provides High Stress and High Excitement Entertainment

Imagine a long train ride, carrying you all across Europe with regular stops in new cities where you can meet new people each day. Unfortunately, for the moment, the pandemic has made travel experiences like that only possible in our daydreams. In the meantime, my friends and I have discovered

"Space Jam," Copyright and the Death of Culture

There’s a particular moment in the trailer for “Space Jam: A New Legacy” that encapsulates our current tone-deaf, strangely referential culture. It’s a single detail in the background: As LeBron James plays basketball with a cast of horribly smooth-looking CGI “Looney Tunes” characters, the droogs — a violent gang

Is Genre Dead?

There are many who seem to believe that the death of genre is imminent. Publications like the New Yorker [https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/old-town-road-and-the-overdue-death-of-genre] and Varsity [https://www.varsity.co.uk/music/18485] have already described such a demise. Varsity references Portugal. The Man’s 2017 hit song

Performance Gone Virtual: The Amherst College Bluestockings

A typical fall semester kicks off with the First-Year Showcase in Johnson Chapel, where Amherst’s six a cappella groups —DQ, Bluestockings, Route 9, Zumbyes, the Sabrinas and Terras Irradient — dazzle the new first-years with a medley of captivating songs, establishing their presence with a variety of performances sprinkled throughout

Thoughts on Theses: James Logan

James Logan is a graduating senior writing a physics thesis. A double major in physics and mathematics, he is also a member of Spectra, the college’s physics and astronomy club, and will be attending Dartmouth College for graduate studies in physics. His advisor is Chair of Physics Jonathan Friedman.

New Education Studies Department Holds First Open House

Five minutes into the open house, Lewis-Sebring Visiting Professor in Education Studies Kristen Luschen cheered: “This moment has been a long time in coming. Welcome to the first Education Studies Open House!” Luschen, the host of the event, was not exaggerating. She elaborated that “the study of education has been

BSU Members Say College’s Response to #BlackMindsMatter Protest is “Reactionary and Performative”

On Saturday, April 17, the President’s Office released a statement in response to the #BlackMindsMatter protest [https://www.amherststudent.com/article/students-walk-out-in-protest-after-police-killing-of-daunte-wright-aas-and-bsu-demand-abolition-of-acpd] organized by the Black Student Union (BSU). In an email to all students, President Biddy Martin responded to the BSU demands by urging professors to be lenient

AAS E-Board Winners Shed Light on Campaigns and Plans for Office

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) announced the results of the 2021-2022 AAS Executive Board (E-Board) election [https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/aas/elections-2021-22] on April 18 at 12 a.m. EST. Presidential candidate Angelina Han ’22 came out on top with 64 percent of the vote. Basma Azzamok ’22,

Seeing Double: A Love Letter to Bad Drawings

A few weeks ago, I decided to ignore the nagging voice in my head insisting that I do homework and spend some time relaxing in the sun. To distract myself from the fact that I would be doing this alone, I pulled out an old notebook, grabbed a pencil and

Amherst Golf Competes in Tufts and Williams Invitationals

Both the Amherst men’s and women’s golf teams traveled across Massachusetts to compete in tournaments over the weekend. The men’s team competed in the Tufts Invitational on April 17, while both teams headed northwest to Williamstown for the Williams Invitational on April 18. In the Tufts Invitational,

Footballing Shock Doctrine: The Covid Crisis and the European Super League

In her 2007 book “Shock Doctrine,” Canadian author Naomi Klein writes about how wealthy nations and corporations exploit the aftermath of natural, political or economic disasters to implement radical, right-wing proposals that generate profit for a select elite. Klein cites events like the overhaul of the Chilean economy in 1973

Amherst Softball Falls Short Despite Valiant Effort

This weekend, the Amherst softball team had yet another outstanding effort against Hamilton College. On Saturday, April 17, the teams took a game each, but Hamilton ultimately prevailed on Sunday, April 18, leaving the weekend with a 2-1 series victory over Amherst. Even though the Mammoths totaled an incredible 17

Following Andonovski: Where the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Roster Stands Today

With fewer than 100 days before the Tokyo Olympics, Vlatko Andonovski, the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), faces a dilemma every coach dreams of: selecting an 18-player roster from one of the deepest talent pools ever. But with that abundance of talent,

Thoughts on Theses: Yusrah Kaudeer

Yusrah Kaudeer ’21 is a chemistry and math double major from Mauritius. Her thesis investigates alpha-crystallin: a protein in the eye whose malfunctioning causes cataracts. Kaudeer has investigated this protein since her first year at the college and is advised by Amanda and Lisa Cross Professor of Chemistry Patricia B.

Let's Start With Disarmament

Yesterday, April 13, the Black Student Union (BSU) called for a college-wide walkout via a message [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zRYhv1evj0Qz5v1ZXG6VeRofkXMtjRETh3qFTCWhsEA/edit?usp=sharing] circulated by the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) and on the BSU’s Instagram page [https://www.instagram.com/p/CNlyuqIBaLz/]. The walkout was

2021-2022 AAS E-Board Candidate Statements

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections on April 15 for five executive board members, President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Judiciary Council Chair. On that day, students will receive an email with a ballot page to vote. The following candidates submitted blurbs to AAS to be published

Students Walk Out in Protest After Police Killing of Daunte Wright; AAS and BSU Demand Abolition of ACPD

At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, hundreds of students, dressed in black, left their classes to gather on the First-Year Quad and participate in a #BlackMindsMatter walkout coordinated by the Black Students Union (BSU). They were spurred by the recent killing of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man

Police Log: March 29-April 12

>>April 2, 2021 8:44 a.m., Mead Art Museum An officer took a report of a rolling cart found on a rooftop. There were no other issues found. 4:31 p.m., Fayerweather Lot Road An officer responded to a report of a car door striking the door of

Fresh Faculty: Sally Kim

Sally Kim is an assistant professor of biology and neuroscience. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Haverford College and a doctorate in biomedical sciences at the University of Texas, Houston. Q: Where were you before coming to Amherst? A: I was in Silicon Valley in the Bay

College Announces Much-Anticipated Vaccination Policies

The college “is exploring transportation options” for students to receive vaccinations at off-campus locations, Dean of Students Liz Agosto informed students in an April 8 email. Agosto stated that the college will not be able to administer vaccines on campus as it has not been allocated any vaccines by the

Amherst Softball Keeps Undefeated Season Alive

On Saturday, April 10, the Amherst softball team hosted a double-header against Bowdoin College. The Mammoths won both games to keep their winning streak intact and move to 5-0 for the season. Pitcher Talia Bloxham ’22 started game one on the mound, marking the second time in as many weekends

From Covid Vaccines to YouTube, SNL Thrives With Daniel Kaluuya as Host

In last weekend’s episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), Daniel Kaluuya, who has mostly starred in dramatic roles (most recently, “Judas and the Black Messiah”), showed off his natural comedic timing and charisma as a host for the show. While some of the sketches fell flat, others shone through

Lack of College Transportation to Vaccination Sites Leaves Students Scrambling

Before the college provided guidance on Covid-19 vaccination appointments and transportation on April 8 [https://www.amherst.edu/news/covid-19/community-messages/messages-for-students/node/797952] , over 100 students had already received permission to attend off-campus Covid-19 vaccine appointments. These students had to navigate the process of scheduling appointments and coordinating transportation

Williams Who? The Rivalry Between Amherst and Williams Explained

Over the last 200 years, many things have changed about Amherst. The student body is no longer all white, all male and all rich. The smallpox-spreading “Lord Jeff” mascot has been replaced with the image of an extinct animal. And there is a new Science Center which costs almost as

Letter to the Editor: Divest & Disarm

Students have led the campaign for a more inclusive, safe and integrated campus community — one that by definition can no longer include the presence of police with guns. At the faculty meeting on Tuesday, April 6, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety John Carter presented proposed changes that

Big Monster Go SMASH: A Retrospective on Godzilla and King Kong

“Godzilla vs. Kong” made landfall in the U.S. on March 31, 2021, having been released internationally seven days prior (Fear not, readers: no spoilers shall darken these pages.) At the time of this article’s publication, it has done well for itself, already sitting as the third-highest-grossing film of

Seeing Double: A Dispatch From Abroad

Dated April the Thirteenth, in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand and Twenty-One While most Amherst students spend their semester tranquilly matriculating within the warm embrace of these United States of America, I have been living abroad. I’ve always wanted to dedicate a portion of my life to

What’s Next for the USMNT After Their Olympic Qualifying Nightmare?

After their 2-1 loss to Honduras on March 28, the United States Men’s National Soccer team (USMNT) saw their Olympic hopes slip away. With the loss, the team was ousted in the semifinals of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football’s (CONCACAF) elimination-style tournament, falling

Women's Tennis Falls to Wesleyan

After a strong 7-2 victory against Hamilton last week, the women’s tennis team traveled to Wesleyan University on Saturday, April 10, looking to start the season 2-0. Wesleyan, however — the reigning Little Three champion — triumphed with a score of 7-2, a role reversal from the Mammoths’ Hamilton win. First-year

MLB Moves All-Star Game Due to Controversial Georgia Voting Law

On April 2, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that its 2021 All-Star Game will no longer take place in Atlanta, Georgia after the state passed a controversial voting law last month. Coors Field in Denver, Colorado was later named as the replacement location for the game, which will still be

Amherst Golf Returns at the Hamilton Spring Shootout

The men’s and women’s golf teams opened their 2021 seasons this past weekend at the Hamilton Spring Shootout, a one-day tournament at the Skenandoa Golf Club in Clinton, New York. In addition to Amherst, Hamilton College, Williams College, and Middlebury College also participated in the event. The women’

Tusk Talks - Episode 6: Sung Kwak ’22

In this episode, we catch up with Sung Kwak ’22, the senior chair of the Asian Students Association (ASA).

“Disarm ACPD”: The Association of Amherst Students’ Position on Campus Public Safety

On Monday, March 29, Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety John Carter attended the public safety town hall [https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/aas/senate/aasminutes/spring-2021] hosted by the Association of Amherst Students (AAS). This meeting occurred on the first day of Derek Chauvin’s trial for

Board of Trustees Announces Divestment from Fossil Fuels by 2030

The college will not make any new investments in fossil fuel investment funds moving forward, Board of Trustees Chair Andrew J. Nussbaum ’85 announced in a letter [https://www.amherst.edu/amherst-story/facts/trustees/statements/node/797137] to the community on March 31. The college will also phase out its

It's Time to Lead, Not Follow

On March 31, Board of Trustees Chair Andrew J. Nussbaum ’85 sent a statement [https://www.amherst.edu/amherst-story/facts/trustees/statements/node/797137] to the college community announcing a new policy to refrain from investment in the fossil fuel industry and, ultimately, phase out all existing fossil fuel investments

We Need to Help Hampden County Inmates

Content Warning: Violence, Racial Violence Right now, the people held at the Hampden County Jail (HCJ), a correctional center located 16 miles from campus, are facing constant abuse. In letters to a local abolitionist group named Decarcerate Western Mass [https://linktr.ee/decarwmass], incarcerated people have detailed the regular violations

An Amherst Student Guide to Streaming Services

Five years ago, if you had asked me where to watch TV shows and movies on the Internet, I would have said Netflix and, maybe, Hulu. Now, the list of streaming services is endless. As soon as I think I have covered all my bases, a new streaming service is

Red Herring: Proximity to Finals

"Marriage Pact" Builds Community on a Scattered Campus

Some quotes may have been edited for clarity. The energy in Charles Pratt Hall was tense last Tuesday night, March 30. First-years studied anxiously in the common rooms, refreshing their emails over and over again in hopes that the much-anticipated Marriage Pact match-making results would be delivered. Just as they

Black Perspective: Protect and Serve — The “Us” in Justice

As Derek Chauvin’s trial [https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-chief-derek-chauvin-in-no-way-should-ve-kept-george-floyd-pinned-by-the-neck/600042338/] regarding the death of George Floyd continues into its second week, Black people nationwide are again painfully forced to watch a process that seems rigged against them. We watched Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, get acquitted in 2013

ACPD Reduces Reliance on Armed Officers, but Refuses Demands to Disarm

As part of its commitment to the Reclaim Amherst Campaign, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) held a town hall [https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/AAS%2520Senate%2520Notes%2520March%252029%252C%25202021.pdf] with Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety John Carter regarding the state of the

Musings of a Monarch: an Interview with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II

A photo of Prince Albert II and his mother Grace Kelly at Commencement Ceremony on May 30, 1981. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco is the 32nd hereditary ruler of the principality of Monaco. His reign began in 2005 and continues to this day. Prince Albert II was

Seeing Double: Not Everything Should be an Email

Chances are, you’ve been to a meeting that you thought was unimportant. Maybe it was too long, or maybe it veered far off-topic. And maybe you thought to yourself, “This could have been an email” — or maybe, like I have, you snidely remarked to a colleague that it should

The New Look of the NBA

The makeup of the NBA completely changed at this year’s trade deadline, with players moving all across the league. And most of these trades haven’t followed the traditional structure of past years. Instead, they have relied on the buyout market. Buyouts [https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2021-nba-buyout-market-how-midseason-free-agency-works-and-who-could-be-available-after-the-trade-deadline/

In Razor-thin Finals, Stanford Women's Basketball Wins 2021 National Championship

On Sunday, April 4, the Stanford Cardinal held off the Arizona Wildcats to win the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship by a score of 54-53. For the first time in tournament history, two teams from the Pacific-12 (Pac-12) Conference battled to cut down the nets. From the

Softball and Baseball Face Wesleyan University In Season Opener

After a year without league play due to Covid-19 and the subsequent suspension of NESCAC sports, Amherst’s baseball and softball teams concluded their season-opening weekends with strong performances. Both the baseball and softball teams faced Wesleyan University in three game sets over the weekend. On Saturday, April 3, both

Vanderbilt Aces Stay Hot

When it comes to college baseball, having a Friday night ace on your pitching staff for a three-game weekend series is critical in setting the tone. For top-ranked Vanderbilt University, pitchers Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter have established themselves as the strongest one-two punch in college baseball this season. In

Staff Spotlight: Larissa Hopkins

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What initially got you interested in this work and where were you before Amherst? A: My experience at Hamilton College as an undergraduate student really opened me up to the world of power, privilege and oppression, individual identities, the complexities

“Seaspiracy” Takes a Dive Into the Depths of the Fishing Industry

Love seafood? Well, you won’t like this… Ali Tabrizi’s most recent Netflix documentary “Seaspiracy,” released on March 21, exposes the dark underbelly of the global fishing industry and its almost incomprehensibly negative impact on the world’s oceans. “Seaspiracy” follows filmmaker Tabrizi as he treks across the globe,

Black Midi’s New Single Showcases the Exciting Band’s Diverse Range of Skills

Noisy, dissonant and jarring. These characteristics, often considered criticisms, are exactly what makes the new single “John L,” by black midi so powerfully thrilling. Black midi is a London post-punk band composed of several talented musicians who were all trained at the BRIT school, one of the best arts schools

HBO Documentary “Q: Into the Storm” Counters Ignorance with Introspection

Relatively unknown before 2020, the conspiracy theory QAnon has now thrust itself into the cultural mainstream, largely due to the Capitol invasion on Jan. 6 and the rise of Covid denialism. Now, the broader culture is scrambling to understand a conspiracy theory that is increasingly relevant and influential — there are

Sunrise Amherst Responds to Divestment Announcement

Dear President Martin and Board of Trustees, We would first like to thank the Board for the March 31 announcement regarding fossil fuel divestment. We appreciate that the college is listening to and addressing the concerns that student organizers and the campus community have expressed regarding fossil fuels. Divestment is

We're Still in a Pandemic. Let's Act Like It.

When the Editorial Board brainstormed this week’s editorial, we initially considered writing about the lessons of pandemic. Like others, we had been seduced by recent rhetoric in politics [https://www.mlive.com/politics/2021/02/in-michigan-biden-says-end-of-coronavirus-pandemic-will-come-when-americans-take-vaccine.html] and the media [https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/02/26/

College Community Shows Solidarity in Stop Asian Hate Rally

Header photo courtesy of Jess Li ’24. A Stop Asian Hate rally following the recent Atlanta spa shootings was held on Saturday, March 27 in front of Porter and Garman House. The gathering of Amherst students, staff and faculty was part of a larger public rally organized primarily by two

As College Adjusts Protocols, Students Express Mixed Feelings on Quarantine

To contain the rapid-fire spread of the coronavirus in the fall and spring semesters, the college imposed strict Covid-19 precautionary measures and testing protocols. Perhaps the most complex problem that the college has faced, however, is how to respond to positive Covid-19 test results from on-campus students. For this, the

Fresh Faculty: Nick Holschuh

Nick Holschuh is an assistant professor of geology. He received a bachelor’s degree in geology and economics from Carleton College and a doctorate in geological sciences at Pennsylvania State University. Q: What led you to pursue your field of study? A: I study the dynamics of the Antarctic ice

Red Herring: Ever Given

Seeing Double: The Danger of a Single History

Why do we teach history? History isn’t like chemistry or calculus — it doesn’t teach just one particular body of knowledge. Instead, history is inherently abstract and interdisciplinary. As a discipline, it must prepare future generations for the vast and unpredictable political, social and economic questions they will eventually

College Admits Eight Percent of Applicants for Class of 2025

The college released its admissions decisions for the class of 2025 on March 29, admitting eight percent of a record-breaking 14,000 applications, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Matthew McGann told The Student. The number of applicants for the 2020-21 admissions cycle increased by 32 percent compared to last

Police Log: March 15 - 28

>>March 15, 2021 4:15 p.m. Alumni Gym An officer took a report of a stolen manikin used for CPR training. >>March 16, 2021 9:36 a.m. Charles Pratt Residential Life staff encountered individuals under the age of 21 in possession of alcohol. 5:50 p.m. East

Frost vs. The Science Center: Which Study Space Do You Prefer?

Why is it, amid global crises like climate change, the pandemic, rising poverty and social inequality, that Amherst students feel the need to debate which of their fancy study spaces they prefer? But while the question “Science Center or Frost?” may seem trivial, I feel that, because we are unable

Amid Covid Restrictions, Student Ensembles Find New Ways to Make Music

The pandemic has been hard for everyone. First-years like myself have come to campus missing out on so much that we’re not even aware of. Many on-campus organizations are dormant or have strict limitations in place. Music ensembles have been hit especially hard due to the inherently intimate nature

In 2021, The Grammys Remain Woefully Out of Touch with Newer Styles of Rap

The 2014 Grammys featured perhaps the most stacked list of nominees for “Best Rap Album” imaginable. Between Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s instant classics “Take Care” and “good kid m.A.A.d City,” Kanye West’s then polarizing but now widely acclaimed “Yeezus,” and Jay-Z’s impressive “Magna Carta

March Madness Playing Field Narrows

Men’s Tournament Over the past four days, the playing field in the NCAA’s March Madness tournament narrowed from sixteen teams to the Final Four. On March 27, No. 1 seed Baylor University defeated No. 5 seed Villanova 62-51, before punching their ticket to the Final Four for the

There’s No “I” in Team, but Could There be a Union in Professional Tennis?

Over the past few months, unions have been a hot topic of discussion [https://amherststudent.com/article/seeing-double-you-need-a-union] throughout the United States. After news broke of Amazon workers in Alabama attempting to unionize, President Joe Biden affirmed his support for them. “There should be no intimidation, no coercion, no threats,

As Qatar 2022 Draws Nearer, Criticisms Grow Louder

It’s almost impressive how an organization as brazenly and institutionally corrupt as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) continues to outdo itself. Since the 1990s, it has been an open secret that the governing body of the world’s most popular sport is beholden to powerful, monied interests.

NCAA Tournament Weight Room Disparities Highlight Persisting Gender Inequities

In the world of sports, the month of March is perhaps best known for the annual NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments, commonly referred to as March Madness. After the tournaments were canceled last year [https://www.ncaa.com/live-updates/basketball-men/d1/ncaa-cancels-mens-and-womens-basketball-championships-due] due to the emergence of Covid-19, excitement for

Black Perspective: American Normalcy

Welcome to the inaugural article of our new column, Black Perspective. We, the columnists, lament the fact that we must begin our writing careers with the circumstances of the past week looming large. On that topic, we would like to begin by recognizing and denouncing the abhorrent acts of racial

Thoughts on Theses: Jackson Lee

Jackson Lee is a film and media studies major. For his thesis, he wrote, casted and directed a film set in the city of Hong Kong. His thesis advisor is Elliot Montague, a visiting lecturer in Film Media Theater at Mount Holyoke College. Q: What is your thesis about? A:

We Need More Than Just Diversity Training

Several weeks ago, I wrote an article [https://www.amherststudent.com/article/smith-college-free-speech-and-the-modern-left] in response to New York Times coverage [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/us/smith-college-race.html] of race relations at Smith College, which argued for a more methodical and nuanced approach to accountability and investigation of

A Story 200 Years In The Making: The College Celebrates its Bicentennial

On Feb. 24, President Biddy Martin officially launched the Amherst College Bicentennial. She emphasized the twofold commitment of the bicentennial in a prerecorded video: celebration of the past and an ongoing commitment to the central tenets of the liberal arts education. Originally slated to kick off in-person last fall, most

In Response to Atlanta Spa Shootings, Asian Students Grieve, Mobilize and Call for Action

The killing of eight people, six of whom were Asian women, on March 16 in a series of three mass shootings in Atlanta, Georgia devastated the college’s Asian and Asian American community. In an email sent the following day, President Biddy Martin condemned the attacks, offering resources and support

Red Herring: Quiz Bowl

Cornel West Discusses Higher Education, Racial Justice in Virtual Event

On March 18, the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (OSDEI) celebrated its official launch by hosting a virtual conversation between Cornel West and Assistant Professor of Black Studies and History Mary Hicks. The event was co-sponsored by the Black studies, American studies and political science departments. During the

Students Reflect on Covid Protocols: Balancing Safety and Enjoyment

As the college approaches the halfway point of the spring semester, students on campus now have over five weeks of experience with the college’s Covid-19 safety regulations, leaving many to reflect on the restrictions so far. In particular, students have expressed ongoing displeasure with the administration’s lack of

Defying the Invisibility and Misrepresentation of the Asian American Experience

It has been an extremely hard week for people of Asian descent living in the United States after eight people, including six Asian women, were murdered in the March 16 Atlanta spa shootings [https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/03/7-dead-after-shootings-at-multiple-spas-in-atlanta-updates.html] . We all know that the story of anti-Asian racism

Latest