The Ithacan

Voter apathy must not manifest as a lack of action on campus

By The Ithacan • September 18, 2024

For many college students, it may feel as though you have been inundated with information about the upcoming presidential election, the youth vote and the importance of using your voice to enact political and social change. The important issues that galvanize young voters and exhaustion surrounding political systems exist in an era of increasing national anxiety and turbulence. While these feelings — trepidation, apathy, exhaustion — are valid, they cannot create inaction in the youth voting block or in our response to national and local political figures. Outside of the eyes fixed on the presidential race, college students should pay attention to local political figures. This includes student government officials.

Editorial: Communal LGBTQ+ spaces need to be celebrated

By The Ithacan • September 11, 2024

With the closing of The Range in downtown Ithaca, many patrons of the beloved ThursGays events were concerned about the survival of what has become a pinnacle of the LGBTQ+ community in the area. In 2024, there are few designated spaces for social events that cater to LGBTQ+ clientele in upstate New York. ThursGays has since moved to Lot 10.

Editorial: College must focus search for BIPOC Unity Center director

By The Ithacan • September 11, 2024

While the current staff of Ithaca College’s BIPOC Unity Center do an admirable job, the postponement of the college’s search for a director is endemic of many community-based issues in Ithaca — the options for support fall consistently on the same leaders, who can be stretched thin by the responsibilities with which they are tasked. Both the students they serve and the leaders themselves deserve an attitude of increased urgency from administration.

College must exercise caution in background check policy implementation

By The Ithacan • September 7, 2024

While the aim of security for the college, its employees and its students is admirable, concerns surrounding background checks are also valid.

Environmental policies on campus must match promises

By The Ithacan • August 28, 2024

In 2021, the city of Ithaca made national headlines after approving a plan to decarbonize its buildings by 2030. The city has a reputation for green energy, one that draws in community members and students alike. Meanwhile, both Ithaca College and Cornell University have received backlash from organizations like Zero Waste Ithaca in regard to their respective plans to implement synthetic turf fields. While this is one example, it demonstrates that green initiatives are still issues of contention.

Peer support is necessary for success in liberal arts education

By The Ithacan • August 28, 2024

Despite what your social media feed may tell you, a liberal arts education is still a good investment.

Editorial: Supporting free speech is essential in higher education

By The Ithacan • May 2, 2024

Throughout history, college students have been at the heart of social movements. From nationwide sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement to more local movements, like protests advocating for the removal of former Ithaca College president Tom Rochon, students’ voices have consistently been a catalyst for change. Today, students’ right to free speech is being threatened nationwide.

Editorial: The college must value and invest in faculty

By The Ithacan • May 2, 2024

No matter the school, educators are the foundation of students’ learning. Excellent educators help cultivate excellent students. However, when educators are not properly supported or appreciated, their ability to educate students dwindles. Undervaluing educators leads to high turnover rates, which can create an unstable and inconsistent environment for students. At Ithaca College, this problem is especially evident.

Editorial: Campus climate survey results must be followed by community engagement

By The Ithacan • April 28, 2024

The environment in which people live and work can be one of the most critical factors in determining both success and fulfillment. Who wants to work, study or live in a place where they do not feel comfortable? To gauge the comfort of students, staff and faculty, Ithaca College released a campus climate survey this fall after the last survey was done in 2016. The willingness to engage in conversations regarding campus climate is a good first step on behalf of the college, but it must be followed by engagement from all members of the campus community.

Editorial: New billing system harms students and increases inequity

By The Ithacan • April 18, 2024

The price of higher education is a cost heavy on many students' minds. At Ithaca College, the cost of tuition, room and board and other fees totals $75,013. Because of this price, a majority of students rely on financial aid in pursuit of their degree. However, recent changes to the billing system makes the college even more financially inaccessible to students.

Editorial: Housing decisions must account for student needs

By The Ithacan • April 17, 2024

Ithaca College prides itself on being a residential college. However, this translates to students being required to live on campus for at least three years before moving off campus. While in an ideal world, this may result in fostering community, the realities of on-campus housing are less than ideal.

Editorial: Accessible art fosters community

By The Ithacan • April 4, 2024

When some think of art, they may think of big, prestigious museums or theaters with expensive entry fees and Eurocentric works. While those spaces may serve a purpose in the art world, local artistic spaces are just as, if not more, important, especially when it comes to promoting accessibility in the arts.