I am eight years old, and it’s Rosh Hashanah. I’m sitting in a synagogue, and I don’t really know why. I know that I like the singing, and I like seeing my grandma. I like all of the standing up and the sitting down and standing up again. What I[Read More…]
Author: Rachel Blackstone
Justifying the murder of Charlie Kirk means embracing his fascist rhetoric
At 12:23 p.m. on Sept. 10, far-right activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in front of a crowd of 3,000 at Utah Valley University. An hour and 20 minutes later, Ruth Marshall, a professor of religious studies and political science at the University of Toronto (UofT), tweeted: “Shooting is honestly too[Read More…]
When will the Generative AI bubble pop?
With the increasing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday life, professors are grappling with the extent to which AI should be allowed in the classroom. Some allow AI as long as usage is disclosed, some strictly prohibit it, and others view it as a tool that encourages students to[Read More…]
SPHR hosts vigil for Gaza at Y-intersection
On Sept. 15, a group of approximately 50 McGill and Concordia students and community members gathered at McGill’s Y-intersection for a “Vigil for Gaza” organized by Students for Palestine’s Honour and Resistance at McGill (SPHR). Students raised Palestinian flags around the area as the sun set. Around 6:45 p.m., a[Read More…]
The politics of remembrance: The Yankees’ selective tribute to Charlie Kirk
On Sept. 10, American right-wing activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot by Tyler Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus. Kirk’s death has sparked significant debate over the appropriateness of mourning him, given his bigoted political views. Professional athletes’ reactions have ranged from Instagram[Read More…]
Senate removes Professor Roberts from CSD and debates Code of Student Conduct
The McGill Senate convened on Sept. 17 for its first meeting of the academic year. Central topics of discussion were the Nominating Committee’s decision to remove Professor William Clare Roberts from the Committee on Student Discipline (CSD) because of a post Roberts made on X, and proposed revisions to the[Read More…]
Queer McGill fights transphobia in counter-protest
Queer McGill’s counter-protest against Ensemble pour protéger nos enfants (EPPNE)’s anti-transgender demonstration began at 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 20, as protesters gathered in preparation for the arrival of EPPNE demonstrators at 11:00 a.m. Some EPPNE members arrived early in response, holding signs which read, “Protect children.” One counter-protester held a[Read More…]
The odds stacked against athletes: The darker side of sports betting
The past decade has seen sports betting morph from a shadowy practice into a multibillion-dollar industry embedded in the heart of professional sports. With states across the U.S. legalizing gambling and Canada following suit in 2021, betting odds now flash across live broadcasts, podcasts casually reference parlays, and ESPN even[Read More…]
Glimmers of art in everyday life at the MMFA’s Decorative Art and Design Pavilion
To my right stands a four-foot-tall ceramic vase with hands cupping its own belly. To my left, chairs built from large plains of vibrant primary colours. Directly in front of me is a bird’s nest half my height made from plush felt—inside resting three large eggs. As I continue to[Read More…]
SSMU BoD discusses meeting rules, member eligibility, and building protocol
The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) held its first Board of Directors (BoD) meeting of the academic year on Sept. 16. The meeting began with Deputy Speaker Yasmin Beeai adopting the meeting agenda with zero opposition. Susan Aloudat, SSMU Vice-President (VP) University Affairs, successfully moved to postpone Beeai’s approval[Read More…]
