Editorial Board
The Editorial Board is the official opinion of the Georgetown Voice. Its current composition can be found on the masthead. The Board strives to publish critical analyses of events at both Georgetown and in the wider D.C. community. We welcome everyone from all backgrounds and experience levels to join us!
Support Leo’s workers in unionization efforts
Georgetown students may dislike the Leo J. O’Donovan Dining Hall, with its mediocre food, limited space, and exorbitant meal plan prices. For the people employed at the dining hall by Aramark, a large foodservice company, the experience is even worse. Workers report having their hours randomly reduced, and they work for meager pay and benefits under disrespectful managers. Such treatment of workers is unacceptable and it is commendable that Leo’s workers have decided to fight back against their poor treatment by forming a union.
By the Editorial Board February 17, 2011
Sentence in DMT case reveals judicial injustice
On Friday, the D.C. District Court handed down its decision in the case against John Perrone and former Georgetown student Charles Smith, who were accused of manufacturing the hallucinogenic dimethyltryptamine in Smith’s Harbin dorm room. The penalty for producing DMT, a Schedule I controlled substance, can be up to $1 million in fines and 20 years in federal prison. Thankfully, the defendants each received three years probation in a plea-bargain agreement with prosecutors—but that is a far cry from the sentence an average defendant would receive.
By the Editorial Board February 17, 2011
D.C. suffers from Congressional interference
Ever since the new Republican Congress swept into the Capitol last month, D.C. residents have been anxiously anticipating a period of unwanted federal involvement in their city’s affairs. Constitutionally, Congress is given extensive jurisdiction over the District, and historically Republicans have been eager to interfere and impose their own agenda. Accordingly, Republicans have proposed a budget for the rest of fiscal year 2011, which includes cuts to Metro funding as well as several budget “riders,” restrictions on the ways the D.C. government can spend its money.
By the Editorial Board February 17, 2011
Repeal and replace arbitrary noise ordinance
When the D.C. City Council passed the now infamous amendments to the District’s disorderly conduct law, the changes were meant to clarify what one subcommittee had called a “vague and ambiguous” statute. But the new measure only creates more confusion and questions by greatly increasing penalties and police discretion in noise violations. College students can be especially vulnerable to the vagaries of law enforcement, and it is essential that student leaders and University officials press the D.C. Council to revise the amendment.
By the Editorial Board February 10, 2011
GUSA presidential candidates should think big
The two-year administration of Georgetown University Student Association President Calen Angert (MSB‘11) and Jason Kluger (MSB’11) is coming to a close, and soon a new slate of candidates will vie to replace them. In the past, GUSA presidential candidates have drawn up long lists of promises, ranging from Zipcars for students to more silverware in Leo’s. Such initiatives may sound nice, but it is time to recognize that the GUSA president needs to take the lead on some of the major issues on campus.
By the Editorial Board February 10, 2011
Dan Snyder v. City Paper: One jerk’s crusade
The National Football League is the most popular professional sport in America, drawing the interest (and money) of millions of fans who live and die with the success of their favorite teams. This passion causes players, coaches, general managers, and even owners to become some of the most scrutinized public figures in America, a role for which they are compensated greatly. By suing the Washington City Paper over a series of critical articles, Daniel Snyder has shown that he is incapable of handling the criticism he is rightly subject to as owner of the Washington Redskins.
By the Editorial Board February 10, 2011
Endowment growth a welcome development
Well-endowed has never been the first adjective that comes to mind when describing Georgetown, but that is slowly changing. Last week, the University’s endowment was ranked 67th largest in the country by the National Association of College and University Business Officers, up four spots from 2009 and a full 10 spots from 2004. This climb reflects prudent fiscal management and bodes well for Georgetown’s financial future.
By the Editorial Board February 3, 2011
Outage response leaves students in the dark
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for students living in the East Campus. On Wednesday night students in LXR and Nevils were hit by a power outage that lasted into Thursday morning. The situation was exacerbated by the largest snowstorm of the year, which hindered efforts to restore power. The well-being and safety of the students, who were forced out of their pitch black rooms into the storm, should have been the top priority of administrators that night, but, as is often the case, the University’s response was marked by poor communication and poor planning.
By the Editorial Board February 3, 2011
University stuns with capable Cairo response
Students studying abroad in the Middle East understand that living in the tumultuous region comes with a degree of risk. But for the 15 Georgetown students studying in Cairo, that risk became a reality on Sunday. The University’s decision to pull the students out of the country when it did was appropriate, and it conducted its evacuation effort amidst massive protests with surprising quickness. Georgetown should be commended for its well-organized response, but its support should continue as these students adjust to the rest of their semester.
By the Editorial Board February 3, 2011
Obama on message with energy and education
Much of the talk in the media leading up to Tuesday’s State of the Union address focused on how many of his goals President Barack Obama would concede going forward, given the new makeup of Congress. Even with his approval rating back above 50 percent, it was unclear if Obama would reaffirm the more progressive ideas in his agenda or commit only to moderate goals. It was reassuring that the president did not disappoint his supporters and crafted a refreshing, sensible speech that transcended political squabbling and presented a new path for the nation.
By the Editorial Board January 27, 2011