https://vimeo.com/157541089 David Brooks, a prominent political journalist who writes for the New York Times and appears on PBS Newshour came to Baylor for an On Topic discussion.
Author: Baylor Lariat
They’re everywhere–Facebook theologians. They’re even making a slow transition to Twitter. If your friends list is devoid of such characters, here is a rundown of some of their typical actions. Facebook theologians may share a variety of Christian-sounding quotes, maybe even memes. The really progressive ones will post opinions on current events, politics and presidential candidates based on a “biblical” stance. That’s great for those who actually know the Bible. Unfortunately, this trend has extended far beyond people who are well-grounded in the Bible. The rule for all good arguments is to be able to back up an opinion. Now…
Since it is a requirement for all students, it’s not surprising that Chapel isn’t everyone’s favorite. I understand that. But I do want to ask—even if you don’t enjoy Chapel at all—please don’t whisper while it’s going on. This should be a fundamental courtesy. Whispering is rude and disrespectful to other students and to those on stage. If you can’t sing, I’m not asking that you sing. If you disagree with the words of the liturgy, you are free not to read the responses. If you have no interest in the invited speaker, go ahead and zone out. I’m not…
During the ongoing investigation of the San Bernardino shooting that occurred on December 2, 2015, the FBI has been attempting to unlock an iPhone from Syed Farook, one of the shooters, because officials believe it could reveal pertinent information about the time leading up to the shooting as well as the shooting itself last year which left 14 people dead. In light of the recent San Bernardino iPhone controversy where the government is demanding that Apple develops a new software to unlock one of the shooters’ phone, many are saying “Apple, tear down that wall!” The wall of extra security…
LTVN joins a Bootcamp at the D1 Sports Training Facility to see what its what its all about.
Nowadays, college students can typically be described as easily offended. It is common for many students to be offended by things, such as words, actions, beliefs or differing opinions, and they are ready to let you know when they disagree with you. Recently, the Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles released the latest results from a survey it has conducted for 50 years, asking incoming college freshmen questions about worldviews and life. The survey poll included 141,189 full-time, first-year students from 200 private and public universities. The results from the study concluded 71 percent…
How many times have we all heard people talking about First Amendment rights being violated, the Second Amendment rights being taken away, or the government bypassing the Fourth Amendment to invade the privacy of American citizens in the name of national security? Over and over again you hear these dilemmas, and they all stem from the same governing document — the Constitution. Most of us debate about these things with each other across the outlets of communication at our disposal. Before anyone clicks out of this article, take this into consideration. The Constitution – the very foundation of the country…
For anyone looking to buy or sell things quickly, Craigslist is a convenient resource to use. It’s common knowledge, however, that the online classifieds website isn’t always safe when it comes to making in-person swaps with strangers. U.S. police departments know all too well that Craigslist deals sometimes go south. In 2014, a Huffington Post article reported that at least 45 murders had occurred since 2009 because of interactions on Craigslist. In 2010 the website was linked to 105 robberies or assaults. Over the last few years, police departments have worked to proactively make Craigslist exchanges safer through the use…
Jon and Jeff set the tone for the show. Public Square is a weekly round table discussing the issues that matter to you — the Baylor student body. New episodes will be published every Tuesday!
Frustration. It’s still present on Baylor campus. It’s still somewhat present in the media. Today marks 20 days since ESPN aired the “Outside the Lines” report pertaining to sexual assault cases at Baylor. For most media outlets, the sensationalism has worn off. Baylor was a momentary blip on the radar. For many students, however, sexual assaults and how the cases were and are handled are still looming issues. The topic of sexual assault is emotionally charged. Phrases like “victim blaming,” “stonewalling” and “cover-ups” were at the forefront of articles covering the issue at Baylor. Students were angry, hurt and ashamed…
I apologize in advance for addressing an issue that is complained about entirely too often, but the parking facilities are in need of serious attention. Narrowly escaping the packed garages at the end of a long day is a feat in itself that honestly shouldn’t need to be dealt with on a daily basis. The garages are incredibly narrow and were not designed to accommodate large pickup trucks or even some of the larger SUVs. The blind turns resulting in screeching stops, honking cars and near minor collisions are exactly what students and faculty unrealistically dream of avoiding. Not to…
Living in Collins has been a great experience. Though the facilities are outdated and the accumulation of blonde hair is massive, the community it provides is beyond worth it. In The Lariat article published last week, I noticed something interesting: although Collins’ community leaders were quoted on the hall’s supposed increased security measures, no residents were quoted. So the question is, why are Collins’ girls propping open the door and allowing strangers into the dorm? Simple: The single entrance policy enacted last year. The idea was that by having one entrance, CL’s would be able to monitor every person entering…
Since its opening last year, the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Education has housed some of the newest rooms and technology on campus. However, the resources offered by the School of Business are relatively limited by its emphasis on prioritizing business student access at the expense of everyone else. Take, for example, the 36 team rooms at Foster. These spaces are meant to be used as spaces to facilitate group meetings through resources such as a flat screen monitor, conference seating and laptop connection capabilities.These rooms are only available for business majors, minors, graduates or anyone taking at…
With the Olympics right around the corner, there is a new rule instilled by the International Olympic Committee that states that transgender people are now able to compete in the Olympic Games and other international sporting events without gender reassignment surgery. In November 2015, there was a consensus meeting that set guidelines for men who identify as women to compete. In this process, the transgender women must undergo testosterone testing where the total testosterone level in serum must remain below 10 nmol/L for at least a year. For women to compete as men, there are no such regulations. This insinuates…
Here is an obvious statement: College is hard. This is something everyone knows and everyone can relate to at some point, whether that realization came after failing a test, being confused in class or getting an disappointing grade. The dreaded minus system was implemented in 2014 as part of the official grading scale. According to the Office of the Registrar online, this change was supposed to “lead to consistent grades and grade point values between undergraduate, graduate, and seminary courses.” However, the exact opposite happens by the way the minus system is implemented. Now, the minus system has many merits,…
Let’s ‘play God.’ As of Feb. 1, Britain approved gene editing on human embryos. There are many controversies surrounding gene editing. From a religious standpoint, it is seen as an attempt to create life as God does. Aside from religious beliefs, having the power to modify and create genes presents many concerns. One of these is the aftermath of the experiments. It is not guaranteed that there will be no consequences, which may be seen when the baby is born or even in future generations. Another major concern is the potential future of “designer babies.” Gene editing may lead to…
After eight Republican presidential debates and six Democratic presidential debates, a common theme emerged. Over and over, the mainstream media, by means of its pundits and debate moderators, have taken control of the narrative of the presidential primary process. Out of the 14 debates hosted by the Republican National Convention (RNC) and Democratic National Convention (DNC), 10 were broadcast on cable news – CNBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business and MSNBC. It must be understood that these networks are, first and foremost, selling entertainment. For example, Fox News’ biased agenda was made crystal clear during the first presidential primetime debate.…
I am writing in response to the Jan. 20th article “Panel offers perspectives on campus carry,” by Lariat reporter Jessica Hubble. With rising instances of gun violence sweeping the nation, it is completely understandable for students and faculty alike to have concerns about the notion of campus carry. I would like to address one of these concerns, namely a statement by Mark Childers, who is the associate vice president for the Baylor Department of Public Safety. Mr. Childers is no doubt qualified to speak on these matters; however, some statements from Jessica Hubble’s article are concerning. Mr. Childers pointed out…
To many Christians, the church and related institutions are thought of as safe places. But for others, that isn’t the case. Victims of sexual assault that occurs within Christian establishments often don’t report their abuse because these communities, unfortunately, aren’t seen as a refuge, according to Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE), a faith-based organization that provides education and training for Christians to recognize, prevent and respond to child abuse. Certain aspects of Christian culture cause some victims of sexual assault to hide their abuse. Christian teachings of purity promote abstaining from sexual behavior of any kind…
Students held a candlelight vigil outside of President Ken Starr’s home to bring awareness to sexual violence and in support of those victimized.
President and Chancellor Ken Starr made it a point in his letter last Wednesday to the student body to point out the “comprehensive external and completely independent” review of Baylor’s handling of sexual assault cases by the law firm of Pepper Hamilton. In light of such review, according to Starr, and in “deference” to its “integrity…any observations about policies and practices would be premature.” Additionally, federal laws protecting student privacy prevents “Baylor from speaking publicly about particular incidents.” In light of both of Starr’s comments regarding the independent review and federal law, I’d like to know what Baylor is able…
Dear Baylor Nation,Greetings from Baylor University, where the spring semester is in full swing. The month of February is a special time in the life of our University. Each year, we celebrate the founding of Baylor University on February 1, 1845 — 171 years ago. Today, in this Anno Domini 2016, we continue to carry forward our Founders’ vision to address the needs of the broken world around us.Consistent with our Founders’ vision, Baylor has always been — and steadfastly remains — firmly committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for our wonderful students. As a community, our care…
Last Sunday, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” presented multiple accusations against Baylor regarding the way sexual assault cases were handled. Since then, the university has been under fire nationally. Frustrations have been voiced by students, faculty and Baylor fans. The Lariat editorial board is not removed from this frustration. As journalists, we endeavor to remain unbiased. As students, we don’t want to see our university ripped down. Above all, as humans, we want to see justice for all parties. With that in mind, we decided to share the questions we want answered. What’s going on with the investigations? The reports following…
Ask any student what qualities they think will make them successful in their careers, and they’ll likely have different answers. Engineering students might include the ability to problem solve. Journalism students could mention having good time management skills. Future teachers on campus may talk about being good communicators. But all of these qualities – and many more – have one thing in common: creativity. Oftentimes, students are under the impression that not having an explicitly creative job, such as graphic design or ceramics, nixes any need for creativity in the workplace. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A survey…
Photo credit: Richard Hirst | Lariat Photo Editor, Dane Chronister | Lariat City Editor
Dear Students, With a new semester underway and a year of promise and opportunity before us as a caring and dynamic Baylor community, I write to provide you with an update about Title IX, Baylor’s efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence and the ongoing external review we commissioned in the fall. Many of you have participated in our Title IX training activities and “It’s on Us” awareness campaign, and I am deeply grateful for your willingness to help ensure that Baylor is a safe campus, free from harassment, discrimination and interpersonal violence. Together we are developing a campus…
College is a place for students to learn, to grow up and to transition into the ‘real world.’ However, so many college students today graduate and don’t know how to take care of their basic financial needs or how to pay back student loans. Several of the editorial board members are seniors and can share in this experience of not knowing how to do many of these things. It would be in the best interest of students, especially at Baylor, to learn how to deal with finances in a class here on campus. This class would stress the basic financial…
Last week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited Italy and France. For the duration of his time in Rome, nude statues were covered up. Italian media reported that statues were covered to show respect and consideration to Iranian culture. It is not clear if the shrouds were a request of Rouhani or an act of diplomacy from the Italian government. Either way, the choice was greatly criticized by Italians, prompting the hashtag #statuenude, in which people tweeted pictures of the nude statues without any cover. Some Italian politicians went as far as to call Prime Minister Matteo Renzi spineless. Rouhani addressed…
Last semester, the American people witnessed a blatant violation of the First Amendment occur at the University of Missouri. Melissa Click, an assistant communications professor at Mizzou, pushed away and physically threatened members of the media covering a public demonstration on Mizzou’s campus in the wake of University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe’s resignation. Last week, Columbia’s city prosecutor charged Click with third-degree assault. Mizzou subsequently suspended her from working at the university. It was only days later that Click and the city prosecutor reached a deal. She will forgo the prosecution as long as she serves 20 hours of…
By Sawyer Smith Lariat Reporter Student Government has decided that it will formally recommend to President and Chancellor Ken Starr and the Baylor Board of Regents that Baylor “opt out” of campus carry in a meeting Thursday night. Campus carry refers to Texas Senate Bill 11, which requires all public universities to allow concealed guns on campus but leaves the option open to private universities. Baylor has yet to officially decide on the matter. Over the past two weeks, student government has attempted to educate and inform the student body on the issue of campus carry. Their efforts have included…
