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!
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
Athletes’ priority enrollment needs limits
For student athletes, class registration is a balancing act between meeting Georgetown’s extensive academic requirements, qualifying to play under NCAA standards, and leaving enough time for hours of practice and study. In order for athletes to have more control over their schedule, the University offers some of them priority registration, which allows them to enroll in classes before the registration period for the general student body. Unfortunately, as the Voice reported in its Jan. 20 issue, athletes’ priority registration has become a detriment to the academic experience of some students.
By the Editorial Board January 27, 2011
Keep Wal-Mart’s rotten business model out of D.C.
The largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart has always promised to bring low-cost goods to suburban and rural Americans. Recently, the company has announced plans to build four locations in the District of Columbia. However, given the company’s poor labor practices, historical intolerance of unionization, and damaging effects on the surrounding community, the D.C. Council should demand that Wal-Mart amend its predatory business practices before it opens its doors in the District.
By the Editorial Board January 27, 2011
Support businessmen and women for others
Few Georgetown programs capture the spirit of the school as perfectly as the Compass Fellows program. The fellows, a group of 30 freshmen and sophomores who each create a socially conscious business, are determined to be successful while following the Jesuit ideal of men and women for others. But oddly enough, this quintessentially Georgetown program operates without much institutional support from the school.
By the Editorial Board January 20, 2011
Don’t let the Campus Plan go up in smoke
On Dec. 30, Georgetown filed its 2010 Campus Plan with the D.C. Zoning Commission. The plan includes renovations to Lauinger Library, a new student center in New South, and a new athletic training facility on campus. President John DeGioia said the campus plan “represents modest, targeted growth opportunities that will meet our strategic needs for the next decade, enabling us to further strengthen our position as one of the world’s leading universities.” But for the Citizens Association of Georgetown and the Burleith Citizens Association, even modest University growth has become unacceptable, and both groups have expressed strong, and unjustified, opposition to the plan.
By the Editorial Board January 20, 2011
Tunisian uprising is a message of change
When Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on fire over a month ago to protest the confiscation of his fruit and vegetable cart in the resort city of Sidi Bouzid, almost nobody could have predicted the immense popular uprising that would soon engulf Tunisia. After sustained protests spread across the nation and into the capital of Tunis, Tunisians—from middle class professionals to the urban poor—eventually succeeded in ousting the authoritarian United States-backed regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
By the Editorial Board January 20, 2011
GUSA referendum: A good idea gone wrong
One month ago, the Voice endorsed Georgetown University Student Associations’s proposal for Student Activities Fee Endowment reform. It was clear that the current club funding structure was no longer a viable plan. However, the final reforms that GUSA put to vote did not afford students the opportunity to fully express their will.
By the Editorial Board December 9, 2010
University website meets the 21st century
This past week, the University launched a new Georgetown.edu website, a little over a year after administrators first solicited student feedback on the project. Both its cosmetic and functional changes are significant improvements over the last website, and it will serve the University’s current students and attract new ones for years to come.
By the Editorial Board December 9, 2010
Back down on taxes, step up on START, DADT
On Dec. 6, after weeks of negotiation, President Obama announced a deal with Republicans that will extend the Bush tax cuts for all Americans, including those who make over $250,000, for two more years. This “compromise” was undeniably one-sided. Obama surrendered on one of his central campaign promises.
By the Editorial Board December 9, 2010