Opinions
Read Before They Take Your Book Away
As literacy rates suffer and political restrictions on education rise, America's schools need to start teaching students how to read.
Teen Soul-Searching—With or Without God
Finding meaning doesn’t require faith in a higher power; it can come from community, tradition, and the freedom to question.
Ramadan Reflections
By Nabiha Islam
As we enter the last 10 days of Ramadan, it is imperative that we reflect on our intentions and strive for improvement next year.
Dutch Droppings: A Guide to Unconventional Parenting
In a era when children spend much of their days inside, on their phones, and are restricted from choosing what to do with their time, we can learn from the practice of Dutch “droppings,” which encourage independence and resilience.
Our Public Lands are in Danger
By Angelina Lu
The Trump administration’s leaders and land policies prioritize corporate profit over conservation of public lands, which threatens ecosystems, Indigenous rights, and public resources.
Governor Hochul’s Political Gamble
The Money in Your Pockets program would be ultimately wasteful and ineffective and better replaced with alternative initiatives.
Leave Mormons Alone!
By Mace Elinson
In a country that celebrates freedom of expression, a relentless campaign against Mormonism is contradictory to our identities as American.
It’s Time to Rein in Sports Betting
Sports betting has predominantly targeted young people and is a dangerous industry that needs to be tightly regulated.
Education, the Bastion of Democracy, May Be Under Threat
The rise of political extremism in education must be countered through bipartisan activism.
Looking Back on Lina Khan, 21st Century Trustbuster
Lina Khan is a model civil servant. Her relentless litigation on behalf of consumers as chair of the FTC has had momentous impacts for millions of Americans, but her legacy is unlikely to continue under the Trump administration.
TikTok: Safe for Now
The federal focus on TikTok is not in the best interest of the American people, nor does it effectively address problems embedded in social media.
The Dried Pen: The War on Education for Women in Afghanistan
By Nabiha Islam
The war on education of Afghan women and girls—based on corrupted Islamic law—that the Taliban perpetuates has persisted for far too long.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
A Schmearful Goodbye
By Ushoshi Das
Absolute Bagels was an iconic part of New York City’s culinary identity.
Could Platform Barriers Be the Key to Safer Subways?
Installing platform screen doors in New York City subways may have benefits beyond improved safety, such as lowering air pollution, noise pollution, and preventing track fires.
Holding History Accountable
In the debate of whether we should dismantle representations of historical
The Dilemmas of Island Dwellers: A Disadvantageous Commute
By Zobia Syed
The NYC DOE should provide more convenient transportation options for students who live in Staten Island, as it has done for students in other boroughs.
Our Undemocratic Democracy
The problems with having a voting system that quiets voices instead of raising them.
Reactions to the First Four Weeks
After nearly a month since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Opinions Department shares their thoughts about his second term.
Chinatown’s Fight Against Displacement
By Angelina Lu
Chinatown is being threatened by exploitation and gentrification, but this isn’t an isolated instance. The same myths and prejudice held against Asian American communities impacts minority communities and cultural hubs across the nation.
Mr. Beast’s Dystopian Games
Mr. Beast’s new game show titled Beast Games, modeled after Squid Game, turns economic inequality into a real-life spectacle where the contestants’ vulnerability is exploited as they fight for $5 million.
South Korea’s Urgent Need for Strong Leadership
By Junseo Lee
With President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and many controversies surrounding presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, it is unlikely that South Korea’s political situation will improve unless there is a more capable presidential candidate.
Addressing Corporate Corruption Without Violence
Social media worship of Luigi Mangione represents an immoral glorification of violence, but the energy his actions created could be channeled into legally and politically addressing the issue at large.
Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea’s Greatest Modern-Day Supervillain
By Seoyeon Yu
South Korea’s impeached and arrested president Yoon Suk Yeol might be responsible for the greatest socioeconomic damage done to the nation in recent history, making him a common enemy of the citizens of Korea.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
The Christianization of America
Authenticity and connection alone should drive us to celebrate holidays, but the pressure to celebrate Christmas makes it difficult.
Populism and the Commodification of American Politics
By Mace Elinson
In a nation where politicians make politics a defining factor of our lives, intellectual curiosity is removed from the equation.
The Risks of De-Dollarization in Latin America
De-dollarization may appear to benefit Latin American nations, but it is not a realistic or sustainable economic policy.
Building a Legacy: How Gen-Z Can Lead With Action
By Alexa Leahy
The ever-growing presence of performative activism online coupled with a chaotic political climate makes me doubtful about what our generation’s legacy will be, if we will have one at all.
The Case for Situationships: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Our pessimistic attitude towards situationships creates rushed relationships when, in actuality, situationships can help foster understanding and boundaries from the beginning.
The Polls Were Still Wrong (But Also Sorta Right)
By Muhib Muhib
Donald Trump’s victory means that I was wrong, so what now?
Taking the “Christ” out of Christmas
By Mace Elinson
America’s shift from religious aspects of tradition echoes a general shift of American culture and society away from religious influences.
Embracing Philosophy in Our Education
By Alexa Leahy
In today’s modern world, it is more important than ever to integrate philosophy into high school curricula to foster critical thinking and strengthen emotional intelligence.
Loving Unconventionally: A Guide for Children of the American Dream
By Annie Li
A reflection on why immigrant families love, unconventionally.
Beautifully Melancholic: A Tragedy Within Itself
By Nabiha Islam
Romanticizing mental illness undermines the pain it causes many people, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that we as a society must combat.
Bring Back “Video Homeroom”—Whatever That Was
Stuyvesant needs a comprehensive means of recording our institutional knowledge from generation to generation. One idea? A collaborative StuyWiki.
All I Want for Christmas Is Latkes
I struggled with the lack of Hanukkah representation when I was younger, but in recent years I have figured out how to make my own magic by incorporating different traditions into my holiday season.
Protect and Preserve Coney Island!
A real estate development group has proposed building a casino, hotel, and convention center in Coney Island, which would have overwhelmingly negative consequences for the neighborhood.
Read Before They Take Your Book Away
As literacy rates suffer and political restrictions on education rise, America's schools need to start teaching students how to read.
Teen Soul-Searching—With or Without God
Finding meaning doesn’t require faith in a higher power; it can come from community, tradition, and the freedom to question.
Ramadan Reflections
By Nabiha Islam
As we enter the last 10 days of Ramadan, it is imperative that we reflect on our intentions and strive for improvement next year.
Dutch Droppings: A Guide to Unconventional Parenting
In a era when children spend much of their days inside, on their phones, and are restricted from choosing what to do with their time, we can learn from the practice of Dutch “droppings,” which encourage independence and resilience.
Our Public Lands are in Danger
By Angelina Lu
The Trump administration’s leaders and land policies prioritize corporate profit over conservation of public lands, which threatens ecosystems, Indigenous rights, and public resources.
Governor Hochul’s Political Gamble
The Money in Your Pockets program would be ultimately wasteful and ineffective and better replaced with alternative initiatives.
Leave Mormons Alone!
By Mace Elinson
In a country that celebrates freedom of expression, a relentless campaign against Mormonism is contradictory to our identities as American.
It’s Time to Rein in Sports Betting
Sports betting has predominantly targeted young people and is a dangerous industry that needs to be tightly regulated.
Education, the Bastion of Democracy, May Be Under Threat
The rise of political extremism in education must be countered through bipartisan activism.
Could Platform Barriers Be the Key to Safer Subways?
Installing platform screen doors in New York City subways may have benefits beyond improved safety, such as lowering air pollution, noise pollution, and preventing track fires.
Holding History Accountable
In the debate of whether we should dismantle representations of historical
The Dilemmas of Island Dwellers: A Disadvantageous Commute
By Zobia Syed
The NYC DOE should provide more convenient transportation options for students who live in Staten Island, as it has done for students in other boroughs.
Our Undemocratic Democracy
The problems with having a voting system that quiets voices instead of raising them.
Looking Back on Lina Khan, 21st Century Trustbuster
Lina Khan is a model civil servant. Her relentless litigation on behalf of consumers as chair of the FTC has had momentous impacts for millions of Americans, but her legacy is unlikely to continue under the Trump administration.
TikTok: Safe for Now
The federal focus on TikTok is not in the best interest of the American people, nor does it effectively address problems embedded in social media.
Reactions to the First Four Weeks
After nearly a month since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Opinions Department shares their thoughts about his second term.
The Dried Pen: The War on Education for Women in Afghanistan
By Nabiha Islam
The war on education of Afghan women and girls—based on corrupted Islamic law—that the Taliban perpetuates has persisted for far too long.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
A Schmearful Goodbye
By Ushoshi Das
Absolute Bagels was an iconic part of New York City’s culinary identity.
Chinatown’s Fight Against Displacement
By Angelina Lu
Chinatown is being threatened by exploitation and gentrification, but this isn’t an isolated instance. The same myths and prejudice held against Asian American communities impacts minority communities and cultural hubs across the nation.
Democracy Starts Here: The Power of Local Politics
When national politics feel overwhelming, engaging in local politics—particularly in New York City's upcoming mayoral race—offers a more direct way to impact your community.
Mr. Beast’s Dystopian Games
Mr. Beast’s new game show titled Beast Games, modeled after Squid Game, turns economic inequality into a real-life spectacle where the contestants’ vulnerability is exploited as they fight for $5 million.
South Korea’s Urgent Need for Strong Leadership
By Junseo Lee
With President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and many controversies surrounding presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, it is unlikely that South Korea’s political situation will improve unless there is a more capable presidential candidate.
Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea’s Greatest Modern-Day Supervillain
By Seoyeon Yu
South Korea’s impeached and arrested president Yoon Suk Yeol might be responsible for the greatest socioeconomic damage done to the nation in recent history, making him a common enemy of the citizens of Korea.
Unseen Tragedies, How the Media Portrays Disasters
The media underrepresents natural disasters that happen in disenfranchised and marginalized locations, prioritizing coverage of disasters in more affluent areas.
Addressing Corporate Corruption Without Violence
Social media worship of Luigi Mangione represents an immoral glorification of violence, but the energy his actions created could be channeled into legally and politically addressing the issue at large.
Taking the “Christ” out of Christmas
By Mace Elinson
America’s shift from religious aspects of tradition echoes a general shift of American culture and society away from religious influences.
The Christianization of America
Authenticity and connection alone should drive us to celebrate holidays, but the pressure to celebrate Christmas makes it difficult.
Embracing Philosophy in Our Education
By Alexa Leahy
In today’s modern world, it is more important than ever to integrate philosophy into high school curricula to foster critical thinking and strengthen emotional intelligence.
Loving Unconventionally: A Guide for Children of the American Dream
By Annie Li
A reflection on why immigrant families love, unconventionally.
Beautifully Melancholic: A Tragedy Within Itself
By Nabiha Islam
Romanticizing mental illness undermines the pain it causes many people, perpetuating a dangerous narrative that we as a society must combat.
Populism and the Commodification of American Politics
By Mace Elinson
In a nation where politicians make politics a defining factor of our lives, intellectual curiosity is removed from the equation.
The Risks of De-Dollarization in Latin America
De-dollarization may appear to benefit Latin American nations, but it is not a realistic or sustainable economic policy.
Building a Legacy: How Gen-Z Can Lead With Action
By Alexa Leahy
The ever-growing presence of performative activism online coupled with a chaotic political climate makes me doubtful about what our generation’s legacy will be, if we will have one at all.
The Case for Situationships: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Our pessimistic attitude towards situationships creates rushed relationships when, in actuality, situationships can help foster understanding and boundaries from the beginning.
The Polls Were Still Wrong (But Also Sorta Right)
By Muhib Muhib
Donald Trump’s victory means that I was wrong, so what now?
