The Supreme Court is arguably the most powerful government entity in the U.S.. They can change the laws under which our country operates with a 5-4 majority vote and, depending on who sits on the bench, a number of issues could be up for debate.The duty of the Supreme Court is to uphold the Constitution and ensure that the freedom this country was founded on is being pursued. Often, its duty has been questioned by politicians because they want their political agendas met by the court’s decisions.For example, when President Donald Trump was running for office, he said he would…
Author: Baylor Lariat
Despite the slew of women running for president in 2020, sexism is alive and well. It’s easy to regard the U.S. presidency as the pinnacle of success. After all, being president of the United States makes you one of the most powerful individuals in the world. However, this obsession with the presidency as the finish line on the road to equality for women and minorities implies that having a president that looks like you will solve all your problems. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, California Sen. Kamala Harris, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard have all announced…
Communication is a crucial element of the human experience. Language intimately affects the way we engage with culture. Words and phrases come in and out of style, and many of us, in hopes of staying up-to-date with popular language, work to be in-the-know and on the cusp of these changes in language. Many words don’t hold much social weight. You wouldn’t scorn someone for calling something “wicked,” even though the word has since been largely substituted by “dope,” “sick,” or “rad.” But, how should we react when someone uses language that has not only expired, but also developed an insensitive…
It would be incredibly difficult to find a student at Baylor who truly only has to worry about attending class and completing coursework. A majority of students are involved in at least one other activity during the week –– a sorority or fraternity, an on-campus club or organization, a competitive or club sport, a volunteering position, an internship, a work-study job or an off-campus job.As a result of these extracurricular activities, students spend hours and sometimes days perfectly crafting their class schedules to balance these other endeavors. They utilize tools such as day planners, online calendars and reminders just to…
Viral videos are all the rage, thanks to today’s interconnected, instantaneous internet society. From cats falling off high surfaces to children singing their ABC’s wrong, the entertainment of your everyday life can now be broadcast to an international audience, sometimes with as many as several million viewers. However, when videos are shared with so many people, often with no context or background, it can be difficult to process the implications of the content. Sometimes its very straightforward, just a funny, silly or weird video with no purpose but to entertain. Other videos tackle more serious issues like a recent protest…
In this week’s episode of Lariat TV News Today, our anchors cover the sexual assault suspect who was released on bail, a Baylor student who owns his own plane and flies in his free time, and the men’s basketball team’s win streak.
After 18 years of grueling life experiences, we finally became college students. But despite the changes in intellectual and emotional maturity that college demands, there are still certain social dynamics that followed us into our collegiate years and will follow us throughout our lives. Only two weeks into the semester, it’s already clear who the outspoken, reserved or funny students are. These natural dispositions come with an unbalanced wealth of social, professional and emotional implications as a result of stereotyping. In most social, professional or academic settings, a funny, sociable and conversational disposition is often preferred to more reserved, introverted…
Regardless of political views on immigration, President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall crumbles to environmental concern and pragmatic effectiveness.The proposed wall, scheduled to begin construction in Texas in February, would begin in the Rio Grande Valley. Experts predict the project would harm both natural habitats and urban infrastructure.The wall would cut through prominent natural terrains such as the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, National Butterfly Center and La Lomita Historical Park. The U.S.-Mexico border is home to 313 species, 50 of which are endangered, according to a 2011 study. Wolves, ocelots and jaguars are among the many mammal species in…
In a society spent streaming, it has become increasingly popular to “binge” television shows, consuming episode after episode in a short period of time. For some shows, such as “Friends” or “The Office,” this practice seems like the natural approach — mindless humor can often be a release after a long day, and it’s easy to get sucked into the sitcom shenanigans. However, for shows that deal with more somber or serious subjects, such as the newly released “You,” it is important to address the darker themes and issues before letting Netflix automatically play the next episode. The show “You”…
The increased popularity of voice-activated operating systems like Alexa and Siri is due in part to our desire to have unlimited information at our fingertips. The commercials for products like the Amazon Echo and the Google Home emphasize their ability to answer any question the user might have. How many cups are in a gallon? What’s the name of that actress that starred in that one movie? Who sings that one song I like? Despite the clear benefits to having immediate access to information simply by saying “OK Google” and asking a question, the shift in the way we obtain…
Freshman guard Jared Butler led the way with 19 points
Story by Bridget Sjoberg | Staff Writer, Video by Kennedy Dendy | Broadcast Reporter Sanctions are officially being placed on Pi Beta Phi sorority for a controversial video posted online on Jan. 10 by a member of the group. The eight-second video was originally posted on the Instagram story of a Pi Beta Phi member. It depicts sorority members in their chapter room jumping and singing the lyrics to “Mo Bamba” by Sheck Wes, including a lyric containing the N-word. The video was posted on Twitter soon after, receiving over 30,000 views. Vice President for Student Life, Kevin P. Jackson,…
The process of reporting an incident of sexual assault to a university’s Title IX program is arduous — from interviews to incident reports, there are multiple steps one must take in order to seek justice or some sort of reparations. While the Title IX office at Baylor has taken steps to make the process more inclusive, welcoming and easily navigated, there are plenty of universities out there that are far behind the curve. It would be prudent for the Department of Education to consider creating a nationally managed and equally accessible database for universities. Universities manage thousands of students on…
Popular cultural icons are typically characterized by prestige, charm or accomplishment. Yet, it is an egg, lightly speckled in front of a white background, that holds the record for most likes on Instagram. It was posted on account @world_record_egg on Jan. 4 with no motive other than to dethrone the former record of 18 million likes held by Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy announcement. Receiving over 46 million likes and counting, the egg has caused an arguably enigmatic phenomena. While some would question why support such an arbitrary post, most would argue why not.The humor of the 21st century is characterized by…
By Emily Pendleton | ContributorThe word “retarded” is far too often used colloquially as an insult or jab at someone who has done something considered stupid. This happens despite efforts to end its use, such as the R-Word Campaign run by the Special Olympics. Even if you yourself do not say it, you probably know someone who has. It’s up to us to end the stigma surrounding intellectual disability.In the past, the term “mentally retarded” was used clinically to refer to those with a medical condition that causes below average intelligence. The root of the word means to be delayed…
The United States is home to diverse landscapes that have captivated foreigners and citizens alike since the earliest years of U.S. existence. The National Parks Service seeks to protect and preserve the beauty of beaches, deserts, mountains, valleys and forests. Because of the government shutdown, which began Dec. 21 and has become the longest shutdown in U.S. history, operations of the National Parks Service have been suspended.The National Parks Service website explains the situation to potential park visitors: “Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors; however, access may change without notice. Some parks are closed completely. Some visitor services…
By Jillian Dunbar | ContributorEvery Monday night on Baylor’s campus, you can find about 1000 students together worshiping God. College students come to this gathering to seek a distraction from their stress and the many responsibilities that come with being a student. Vertical Ministries exists to “ignite a passion in college students for Jesus Christ, His Church, and His mission around the world,” according to its website. The ministry began October 26, 2009 and has continued on the Baylor campus ever since.Coppell freshman Ashley Rivera has attended Vertical regularly throughout her first semester and has loved being surrounded by people…
By Alison Rogers | ContributorYemen is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. It is the site of a conflict characterized by famine, cholera and hospital bombings. An estimated 85,000 children have died in attacks and from starvation since war began in 2014. And as long as the bombings continue, hundreds of thousands of more are at risk if food and medical supplies are not allowed in.The United Nations characterizes Yemen as “a living hell for its citizens and their children.” Yemen’s conflict is a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This means that it is not a remote crisis: The…
The world is getting warmer, and the Trump administration continues to grow colder toward the situation.Thirteen federal agencies released a report on current and predicted effects of global warming on American public health, ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure and economy on Nov. 23, to which President Donald Trump responded, “I don’t believe it.”The report said “future risks from climate change depend primarily on decisions made today.” Waiting for future generations to find solutions is not an option; our current actions matter. Ignoring these issues until they affect us is not an option — we are facing the consequences now.According to the report,…
This holiday season, Santa Claus will come bearing gifts for over 300 kids.
Story by Bridget Sjoberg | Staff Writer, Video by Julia Lawrenz | Broadcast Reporter Every year, the Baylor and Waco communities unite for one of the university’s most cherished traditions- Christmas on Fifth Street. The festivities last from 5 to 10 p.m., and take place in a variety of locations on Baylor’s campus, including Fountain Mall, Burleson Quadrangle, Traditions Plaza and the Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB). Whether it be food trucks, pictures with Santa or a horse carriage ride, Christmas on Fifth events are geared to students and families alike. Park City, Utah, junior Abby Powell was involved in…
By Lauren Atchley | ContributorIt has been 33 years since a new National Panhellenic Conference sorority chapter was introduced. A few weeks ago, Baylor’s Panhellenic Council unanimously voted in Alpha Phi as the newest chapter to be represented on our campus. Having served as Pi Beta Phi’s Panhellenic Delegate since January of this year, I was involved in a lot of the in-depth conversations about what this addition would bring to campus. This idea was first introduced to our community in January and henceforth, began the long road to creating an opportunity for a new sorority to join. From the…
The four years of college are unlike any other time period in life. Professors are at the ready to answer tough questions. Friends are always nearby. Students are forced to challenge themselves and gain knowledge like never before. However, during the first few years of college, it can be difficult to really embrace the unique opportunities college offers. Here are a few tidbits of advice from seasoned junior and senior members of the Lariat Editorial Board looking back on their Baylor experience to help the freshmen with one semester under their belt, but many more to go. We hope you…
By Elyse Delano | ContributorThe Salvation Army of Waco prides itself on helping more than 100 homeless or low-income people in the community a week by serving meals, sheltering homeless and providing other types of aid. The Christian organization has been a key instrument in turning the lives of many around, helping them find jobs and apartments to get off the streets.The shelter’s food kitchen is one of the few organizations that allows pre-prepared food donations to help feed their clients. While they have a budget to buy supplies for hot meals served, a lot of food comes from local…
By Kai Zhang | ContributorIn 2016, Baylor University decided to close down 3rd Street on its campus as a means to make the school more “pedestrian friendly.” This street was once largely used because it passed by Moody Memorial Library, a popular spot for Baylor students to study or spend time with fellow classmates. Since closing 3rd Street to all cars, students are now forced to either park their cars further away and walk to the library or find another (longer) route to the library that is inconvenient for their commute.After careful observation these past few years, I have noticed…
By Braden Smith | ContributorThe Student Life Center at Baylor sees thousands of students per day and is considered to be one of Baylor’s esteemed facilities, but the top complaint about the SLC is not about the quality. The student body’s main concern about the SLC is the size of the weight room. While there are many additional facilities inside the SLC that the students can use, the weight room is the most heavily occupied room. Baylor recently upgraded the equipment in the SLC’s weight room, even re-arranging the floor plan for the positioning of its equipment, but the problem…
By Jessika Harkay | ContributorIt wasn’t surprising that when Baylor announced its new billion dollar campaign, it would highlight the renovations of two buildings that rarely impact student life: The Welcome Center and Ferrell Center.Since becoming a full-time student, I’ve been to the welcome center once, which was for a class assignment. The only reason I can think of for making my way over there is if I were a student ambassador who worked there. Most students that I’ve talked to about this have agreed with me.In fact, being curious, I even went as far as to make a social…
The idea of consent and maintaining healthy, egalitarian relationships has been thrust into the limelight with Title IX scandals, the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings and the #MeToo movement. The secret to combating unhealthy relationships and unwanted physical encounters lies in an unlikely place: Children.It’s never too early to teach children about unhealthy relationships and the importance of consent. But simply having isolated conversations about these issues with children isn’t enough. The idea that we owe physical affection to someone or that someone is entitled to our emotional energy starts very early on in our development.For many of us, thoughts of our…
The Bears shot 32 percent in the first half, but bounced back to secure the win.
By Vanessa Hagen | ContributorIt’s the time of year where seats are empty in classes due to students being sick. Students spend a lot of time together and usually live in close quarters, so the flu spreads quickly. It seems students don’t realize how important flu shots are. As a senior, I have noticed flu season hits campus every year, and students need to be more aware of how to prevent it. Growing up, most kids got flu shots because their parents told them to. However, at college, parents are not here to enforce it. Students are busy and don’t…
