Earlier this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration announced that degree-seeking international students must attend in-person classes in the fall or they may face deportation from the U.S. In these unprecedented times of uncertainty, many colleges and universities have resorted to online classes for the fall semester, leaving many students in limbo. However, recent developments indicate a reversal in this policy. To recap the situation, on Monday, July 7, 2020, the Trump administration declared a policy barring international students with certain visas from receiving classes in a completely online format while residing in the U.S. As a result, these students would have to enroll in an…
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OP-ED: A reflection on anti-semitism
When I was in high school, I always thought college was a place where everyone could be themselves. Where there was a spot for everyone from all corners of the world. What I never dreamed of learning is how anti-Semitic some schools are. Shortly after I became a college student, I learned that many schools are guilty of condoning hatred and bullying, as long as the acts are directed at the Jewish population. For whatever reason, I and so many others have become the scapegoats for thousands of xenophobic attacks, both inside and outside of the classroom, all of which have pretty much never been punished. But it seems hypocritical…
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More than a grade: QC professors refuse to curve exam grades
An unwillingness to curve grades perpetuates the archaic notion that education can be finite. Academia should not be based on a system of punishment. Students should not be punished for not always being on their A-game, for not learning at the same pace as their classmates or for experiencing anxiety while taking exams. Professors are scholars, people who have been through years of schooling themselves – and yet, many seem to have forgotten the struggles of being a student. Navila Rahman, a junior chemistry major, said that none of her professors believe in curving exam grades. “They say life’s not going to give us any…
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College: There’s No Place Like Home
Since the start of the fall semester this year, universities across the United States have been desecrated with vitriolic anti-Semitic propaganda, causing dissent and discomfort across college campuses country-wide. While there have always been anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic sentiments found on college campuses, the degree of discrimination against Jews and demonization of Israel and Israelis has recently reached a turning point. Students across college campuses are wondering how universities across the country plan put a stop to such unfathomable discrimination. Hate can be expressed in many ways, one of which is through flyers. Flyers are being distributed country-wide blaming Jews for the sexual assault allegations against the newly sworn-in Supreme Court…
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Students talk about their study abroad experiences
Queens College students have the opportunity to take part of the college’s study abroad program, where anyone can travel and study in different parts of the world. The Education Abroad Office offers a wide range of choices. Students can join programs that last a month, a semester or an entire academic year. The college signed agreements with universities across the world—like in Europe and the Middle East—to encourage students to experience different cultures. Three QC students shared their study abroad experiences. All expressed satisfaction, but not without times of difficulties. Carlsky Belizaire is a QC alum that graduated last year. He now teaches English in Taiwan as part of the…
