The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation banning abortion past 12 weeks by overriding Governor Roy Cooper's veto on May 17. The reasons for these rulings vary, but many unjustifiably invoke religion as their reasoning for doing so, despite the long-standing division between church and state in America.

Ghosting is an unhealthy way of ending communication because it is not only hurtful to the other person but can be easily resolved with open communication.Although ghosting often occurs in dating or romantic relationships, it may also happen in friendships. Because it is simpler to break contact with someone without having to meet them in p…

On April 17 and 18, Peter Jarvio, or "The Moon Guy," stood outside Popp Martin Student Union, giving a presentation on the moon landing being faked. He created a web of conspiracy and intrigue that spirals further from fact and more into fiction. The root cause of conspiracy theories lies in how easy it is to dismiss detractors, distrust in…

In the wake of a growing legal fight between Florida’s government and Disney over the company’s speech, a bill was recently introduced to the N.C. General Assembly to offer Disney a place here instead. It is an indicator of the growing abuses of power that are testing governments’ authorities and the limits of the American experiment.

The $32 million grant from United States representative Jeff Jackson will develop the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This will lead to a surge of economic opportunities for international businesses in the greater Charlotte area. Four other terminal concourses outside of Concourse E, the airport area to be renovated with the $32 mi…

Greek life is a foundational facet of countless universities in the United States and can provide students seeking community engagement. A university whose Greek life constituency does not face the same troubling gaps in its chapters that its contemporaries do on a national level is UNC Charlotte. Diversifying the communities and image asso…

With less required training than an already militarized and punitive police force, the increased power of private security firms potentiates more violence than it deters. Charlotte’s Uptown and peripheral areas have seen immense growth in recent years. Along with that growth has come an evident increase in private security and the powers th…

As a society, it must be addressed how the clean-girl aesthetic ignores the realities of self-image and the struggles of people of color. Essentially, the clean-girl aesthetic refers to achieving minimal-effort makeup and slicked-back hair that has recently been popularized on TikTok but has also been implemented in the beauty industry for years.

Online courses have become an option for college students all over the country. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when academic work was forced to move online, words like "synchronous" and "asynchronous" have become familiar to students of all ages. Universities have begun offering more online courses and, in many cases, only of…

CW: This letter mentions a past shooting on campus on April 30, 2019.

CW: This article mentions a past shooting on campus on April 30, 2019. 

Gay and bisexual men are often turned away from sperm donation banks on discriminatory grounds. Recently, the FDA ban against gay and bisexual men from donating blood has been under scrutiny in the media and restrictions are slowly lifting. This much cannot be said about a similar phenomenon to the blood donation ban: the sperm donation res…

As a society, there is a heavy focus on productivity as the measurement of success. Unfortunately, this can damage people's health and become counterproductive. In a college setting, students are surrounded by deadlines, job hunting and balancing a social life. It is crucial to understand why excessive focus on the amount of work one does s…

The pornography industry’s lack of surveillance and monetary incentive promotes sexual violence and directly profits from sexual assault, rape, child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Pornography giants do not care whether or not content was made ethically or if young women are being coerced into the industry — they lead with their wallets.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans need psychological services more than ever. Yet, the UNC Charlotte Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has cut sessions per student in half. As society continues to recognize the importance of counseling and mental health, it should be a concern of Charlotte's to expand its…

When State Rep. Tricia Cotham switched from Democrat to Republican on April 5, giving Republicans a supermajority in the legislature, it upended politics across North Carolina and potentially the lives of millions of Carolinians. Switching from one party to another serves only to weaken confidence in government and the notion that those ele…

The rights and safety of transgender people are being endangered by irresponsible reporting from media outlets. By crediting openly bigoted experts who front bad-faith concerns to further other political agendas, they foster a culture of paranoia and suspicion that has historically resulted in the prosecution and erasure of an already margi…

The debate over the value of homework has shifted with the challenges of online vs. in-person learning. Ultimately, schools should regulate how much homework can be assigned to students. Many believe that assigned homework is crucial for developing study skills. There is little to no evidence that elementary school students benefit from hom…

President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan spells some semblance of a victory for countless college graduates that accumulated debt for their university tenure. Republican lawmakers are looking to undermine this milestone under the guise of a callout of Biden's supposed misallocation of funds.

For some, April 1 is a day to prank others and play jokes. While harmless fun should be encouraged, some unethical pranks should be avoided. Unethical pranks include bullying and jokes that cause extreme stress. Pranks such as telling your partner about a false pregnancy, pretending to have an illness or ignoring one of your friends are immoral.

A Senate bill pushing for more nurses in K-12 schools was filed on March 9. This bill would require every public school in North Carolina to have at least one nurse, which would improve students’ well-being. If passed, Senate Bill 263, also known as Healthy Students: A Nurse in Every School, will become active at the beginning of the 2023-2…

While union organizers have support from the federal government, their membership is emboldened to take political stances. As dissatisfaction with the government grows and economic conditions worsen, unions must offer political solutions and a means to organize around them.

President Joe Biden's budget proposal includes raising payroll taxes on Americans earning more than $400,000 annually. Though this plan seems well intentioned, there is little chance that it will go accordingly and there are many holes that should be addressed. The proposal gives the government unprecedented authority to negotiate medicatio…

Ramadan is an Islamic holiday that requires 30 days of fasting from dawn until sunset. To honor this holiday, the federal government and employers should recognize it more.Working and going to school can be challenging while holding a fast. The lack of support from jobs, education and society weighs a heavy burden on those who participate i…

In these first months of his tenure as CEO of Twitter, Elon Musk has exhibited a lax approach to promoting free speech and a trigger-happy disposition to firing employees. Hundreds of employees resigned following an ultimatum from Musk where they would either "commit hardcore" to Musk’s vision for Twitter or leave the company.

The use of semaglutide weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy is rising in popularity. Americans need systemic changes for these treatments to be useful. Otherwise, they could have adverse health and economic consequences. Providing individuals with a wide range of methods that prevent weight gain and maintain weight loss can mitiga…

Deep fakes manipulate both visual and auditory aspects of a person to appear as someone else. Deep fakes are changing the way daily consumers perceive synthetic media content. This technology is used often in modern media. Dangerously, most people struggle to distinguish what is real or fake.

Looking for a summer internship or job can be difficult. Finding reliable postings or a position where you meet the requirements is a challenge. A summer internship or job can give students the work experience they are looking for to decide on a career path. To do this, marketing oneself and taking the initiative are crucial. 

Working in the sports industry is competitive, so it is no coincidence that most coaches, team owners and similar administrative positions are held by men. UNC Charlotte has provided women equal opportunities in the sports workforce, and the rest of the world should follow. The sports industry must reduce the stigma surrounding women workin…

Economic deregulation within transportation is collapsing due to staff shortages and derailments. People's lives, livelihoods and communities directly suffer from regulatory failures. The profits of exorbitantly successful companies should not come before the people they are supposed to be serving. The United States government must reframe …

A huge oil and gas drilling project called the Willow Project has just been passed by United States President Joe Biden. The Willow Project would drill down to use petroleum stored on the Alaskan North Slope. Many environmentalists oppose the project because of the environmental and wildlife issues it will create.

The United States observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), a yearly tradition where we turn the clocks an hour forward in the spring and an hour backward in the fall. From November to March, the U.S. implements Standard Time, marked by fewer hours of sunlight and an extra hour of sleep. Standard Time contributes to the onset of seasonal affecti…

A “gap year” is time taken off from school to recharge energy for academics or reconsider higher education. There are many reasons people take gap years or semesters, with the most common being academic burnout and reevaluation of long-term goals. Taking time off from school is valuable for growing as an individual and deciding what path to take.

March is a time of remembrance, learning and respect for the women who paved the way and who embrace female nature. Celebrating Women’s History Month helps honor women past, present and future that have and will shape the United States. Take some time this March and celebrate the women that make the world go round.

Algorithms typically display content based on a user’s preferences but sometimes popular posts will appear regardless. Social media platforms should improve their algorithms so they can place disclaimers on posts containing graphic or disturbing content. These posts can include violent footage or discussions of traumatic subjects, including…

North Carolina passed Senate Bill 49 (SB 49) by a 29-18 vote on Feb. 7. This bill, also known as the Parents' Bill of Rights, promotes anti-LGBTQ+ themes and forces education censorship. If SB 49 becomes law, crucial components of history and literature will leave a hole in a child's grasp of global problems.

The four-day workweek is a proposal seeking to address the concerns of workers who felt burnt out from the demands of their workplace. This proposal has been tested in multiple countries and has proven successful at addressing these concerns of burnout, with employees reporting feeling more relaxed than before the experiment.

In particular, college students struggle with accessing and affording menstrual hygiene products due to the influx of spending on school, housing and food. UNC Charlotte students must speak up for those who need it so that no one needs to worry about how they will deal with a normal biological function. 

A train holding hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3. The incident released chemicals into the air and contaminated soil and water. Residents of East Palestine deserve more accommodations from Norfolk Southern railroad company. The railroad company, Norfolk Southern, has attempted to compensate the residents, but …

The FDA ban against gay and bisexual men giving blood is discriminatory and perpetuates stigma against the LGBTQ+ community. The concept that HIV is a "gay disease" is a false label that stigmatizes and demonizes members of the LGBTQ+ community. An individual risk assessment model is the best course of action.

Awards shows such as the Oscars, Emmys and Academy Awards are highly regarded events in the entertainment industry that often serve as a popularity contest between nominees. Unfortunately, for as long as award season has been around, so has the subtle yet ever-present racial discrimination and bias afflicting the outcomes of these events. 

It is common to talk about trauma without warning the other person. While it may seem common for people in social circles to share their vulnerability, exposing traumatic experiences without consent can do more harm than you think. Healthy venting includes mutual acceptance, while trauma dumping eliminates the other person's voice.

Most citizens are unaware that their purchases help fuel the unethical practices of large corporations. Society is structured so that consolidated corporations that dominate the economy's landscape are custodians of the resources ordinary citizens need. It is unfair to say that people are unethical in buying from corporations. 

Nepotism is the practice of giving an advantage or position that favors the family and friends of decision-makers. Not only does nepotism help those it is advancing, but it hurts those passed over to make it happen. In universities, nepotism through legacy students can create unfair privileges and limit the success of regular students in ac…

Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. Three major facets of society where ableism is most present are government policy, charitable organizations and social discourse. This harmful ideology is present in all facets of our society and mu…

Throughout history, philosophers have argued the ethical conundrum of separating art from the artist. However, it is impossible to separate the art from the artist when monetization is involved. It is hypocritical to be aware of the hateful discourse that an artist speaks and still willingly partake in funding them.

Students from all backgrounds come together to pursue an education at UNC Charlotte. Despite this, there is not a diverse array of options available for people with dietary restrictions and accommodations for people trying to eat healthier. If students are paying for access to these dining options, they should cater to students' needs.

As budgets are crunched, and priorities in education funding are made, the arts and humanities are too often the first cut. The cultural commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields as the most favored path forward for students misunderstands the function of the humanities field.

Many believe emotions are feminine, whereas emotions are a part of human nature, regardless of sex or gender. The ideals of toxic masculinity have caused men to become emotionally repressed, and their mental health suffers. To dismantle toxic masculinity and support men's mental health, people must uplift each other and work together to liv…

The current alignment for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Silver Line is a proposed 29-mile light rail stretching from Matthews through Uptown Charlotte and continuing westward to the City of Belmont. The Silver Line should run down Trade Street and align with the Gold Line. This would allow more travel to Uptown, and promote commu…

The North Carolina Department of Transportation intends to extend 1.2 miles of University City Blvd. between John Kirk Dr. and I-485 from four to six lanes.University City is a busy area with congested roads, and many car accidents result. The proposed expansion changes would reduce potential vehicle accidents and give a better defense to p…

Technological innovation has been on an upward incline for the past century. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a part of our daily lives. AI is the process of machines or a non-living form developing, organizing and synthesizing information. For better or worse, AI is positively changing how we approach education and work for the for…

After residents of Holshouser Hall received an email regarding the damage of two broken exit signs on the third floor, they were charged approximately $0.95 to cover the $300 repair cost. This action from the University was unfair to students and could have been prevented by installing more security cameras. Surveillance cameras will allow …

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus drivers threatened to go on strike due to unsafe working conditions, long hours and lower pay on Jan. 7. On Feb. 4, the strike was averted when drivers voted in favor of an improved contract. However, the company should have taken action sooner to bring justice to its employees. 

The issue of nepotism has become prevalent in the public consciousness. Nepotism within politics subverts institutional legitimacy and democratic function, making it more dangerous than nepotism within entertainment media. The issue of nepotism in big business and government deeply compromises their functions and is worth greater attention.

Sports betting is a form of gambling that is usually not taken as seriously as other addictions. This Super Bowl, 1 in 5 Americans are planning to place a bet, wagering a predicted total of $16 billion. The United States government must allocate funds to gambling support programs and better regulate online sports betting. 

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, their sexual orientation or gender is significant to their identity. Due to this importance, it should be up to each individual how they label themselves and how they wish to make their identity public. Unfortunately, there are several recent examples of popular online figures being pressured to label th…

In honor of Black History Month in February, it is crucial to understand why dedicated months to celebrate certain groups and cultures exist. Acknowledging months or holidays by empowering identities and communities honors their journey. Highlighting these historically marginalized groups and their contributions toward social justice gives …

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the pressure to celebrate romantic love and buy gifts for significant others. Rigid qualifiers for what makes a relationship worthy of celebration are restrictive. This holiday, remember to celebrate other forms of love as well; such as your familial, platonic and communal bonds.

Gentrification is the process of a low-income area being overtaken by the renovations of wealthy businesses and properties. Urban gentrification often displaces communities of color, a process that has been happening in Charlotte for decades. This process must be stopped and replaced with more equitable methods of urban development.

Cultural exchange on social media can lead to cultural appreciation and education as well as cultural appropriation and misuse. Adapting aspects of another culture as some trend without considering the culture's historical significance can harm entire communities. It is important to understand the culture you adopt and listen to the perspec…

Not all sources are equal, even if they appear to be. Proper adherence to media literacy is necessary to ensure that the information one finds is the real deal. Developing media literacy skills, or the ability to discern the factual nature and credibility of information, is essential to slow the spread of mass misinformation online.

Everyone can benefit from a healthier mind, which is why everyone should try therapy in their lifetime. Prioritizing mental health is just as important as the rest of our lives. It can help with being attuned to emotions, setting boundaries and communicating better, which fosters a healthier society.

The new semester brought an overhaul of on-campus public transportation. Recent changes have alleviated issues with the campus transportation system. However, with a few improvements, UNC Charlotte might obtain a more excellent transportation system than one could hope. Overcrowding on some bus routes is still an issue, which may be solved …

It is important that students thoughtfully consider affordability and lifestyle necessities when choosing where to live during college. Overall, living on campus creates the most close-knit experience for students wishing to be involved with campus life. Living on-campus provides easy access to amenities such as the library and dining halls…

In the United States, African Americans often use code-switching to feel more accepted in the workforce. Code-switching is when a speaker shifts from one dialect to another depending on the social context. We should create inclusive environments where people do not feel pressured to be anyone other than themselves.

There is no right or wrong way to show cultural appreciation. Many choose to wear a hairstyle that represents their cultural and ethnic identity. To dismantle someone based on their hairstyle is demeaning to the targeted person and the culture their features represent. Unfortunately, race-based hair discrimination exists in schools, organiz…

High numbers of mass shootings in the U.S. indicate that the federal government must reform gun control legislation. For instance, this can be done through raising the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, or by performing thorough background checks that sift through dangerous potential gun owners.

Around the world, women are shamed for having a monthly visit from their uterus. There have always been taboos surrounding periods, but that does not mean that governments should deny access to menstrual products worldwide. With less stigma, more people worldwide would have access to feminine hygiene products and education.

Freezing or near-freezing temperatures can cause road and path conditions to deteriorate, creating difficult and dangerous situations for students. Commuting and on-campus students should stay updated on weather advisories and be aware of what they mean. They could face slippery road conditions on their way to class. Also, walkways and brid…

The NinerAlert and NinerNotice systems ensure that UNC Charlotte students and staff can remain aware of potential campus safety threats. These alerts are beneficial tools for communicating threats and updates. However, they should be amended to inform students of any criminal activities, including those in off-campus student housing.

Stress levels are running rampant among college campuses, especially around academic breaks; harming mental health and academic performance. Along with the workload returning from break, possible explanations for the surge in anxiety include family conflict, financial pressures and social isolation. Students should educate themselves on wha…

Spring break is when students can blow off steam after enduring rigorous midterm exams and assignments. Unfortunately for UNC Charlotte students, spring break will be much earlier this year. Reducing the possibility that students can travel and see their friends at other universities adds stress to the semester, something a break should take away.

UNC Charlotte's fall 2022 semester raised questions about campus safety and security with crimes on campus. As students settle in, some cannot help but fear for their safety, while others choose to trust the University. Campus residents should feel safe due to Charlotte's extensive safety protocols, but they should also take precautions as …

Romanticizing teen sex and drug use in entertainment media for drama is damaging. Many different films and TV shows are centered around teen drama. Unfortunately, many of these frequently include scenes depicting unrealistic sexual material and the use of drugs or alcohol. These scenes give young viewers a false perception of reality.

In our society, people look up to athletes and often feel they can do no wrong. Professional athletes are considered larger than life. This mindset is harmful and, in turn, creates athlete privilege. In order to change this mindset, we need to put aside athletes' fame to see them for who they are and push for accountability.

Explicit depictions of sexual violence in entertainment media can trigger some viewers and desensitize others. Many examples of media, such as movies and TV shows, show fictional sexual violence. Showing these assaults on screen is unnecessary to show how survivors process their experiences.

By the time Kevin McCarthy gaveled out the House of Representatives as Speaker of the House, the assembly had cast 15 ballots. The last time the House required multiple ballots to elect a speaker was in 1923. Beyond the political process, the indecision shows a stark division growing in politics within the United States.

When someone earns their bachelor's degree, they must decide what their future holds. Students contemplate two options: entering the workforce or furthering their education in graduate school. Graduate school is worth the price for some but costly for others in terms of money, time and mental health. If a student can afford to enroll, gradu…

Ocular melanoma has been disproportionately affecting young women in the Charlotte area, specifically in Huntersville. Despite ongoing concern, the state government has not established any legislative push to fund cancer research. Individuals cannot protect themselves against these deadly cancers and live life not knowing which of their nei…

A case study was conducted in ANTH 2171 (Action, Justice, and Change: An Introduction to Engaged and Applied Anthropology) in regard to Housing & Residence Life's (HRL) initial overbooking and their response to students' concerns. This case study was a semester-long project on gathering statistics, input from affected students, and anal…

The following article was written by Richard Boyd, the Founder and CEO at Tanjo Inc, an intelligence & machine learning company based in Carrboro, NC. Boyd has over 3 decades’ experience in the field and co-authored a book on Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) technologies, called 'The Virtus VRML Toolkit'. Published by HaydenBook…

Using social media for hours on end allows us to procrastinate. Consequently, overconsuming media can be overwhelming and distracting. Our brains tend to focus on negative information, and we tend to keep mindlessly scrolling. Overconsumption is a bad addiction, but with work and commitment to change, you can turn your life into something better.

Christmas has been celebrated for over a millennium but has turned into more of a capitalist holiday than a family one over the past century. Corporations have monetized Christmas by encouraging consumerism, superficiality and materialism. This holiday season, make memories with family and enjoy your time together, whether it involves spend…

The job of a police officer is not easy. Law enforcement's reputation has never been looked at under a more critical lens than it is now. However, campus police need to reform and update sensitivity training. This would help police develop better protect students and staff in potentially dangerous situations, prevent future mishaps and enco…

College athletes' pressure is astronomical. They deal with exhaustion, anxiety and depression nearly twice as much as before the pandemic. The NCAA and major universities seem more concerned with making money than giving their athletes mental health resources. This is not acceptable, and we have to be better so college athletes can have a b…

RateMyProfessor is a tool that many students use when registering for classes. On this website, users can rate and review professors. While RateMyProfessor can be useful, it is important to also check with other sources, such as upperclassmen who have taken the class. 

Standardized testing is a part of school systems around the country. Some students do well on them, but it causes anxiety and stress for others who are not good test takers, and it does not properly display their abilities.If all the test questions are the same, but all students are not the same, how can these tests show an individual's tru…

This year, the World Cup's quadrennial game is hosted in Qatar, the first Middle Eastern country to hold the event. This location is controversial due to various human rights concerns. The event being held in Qatar is a big step for Middle Eastern countries, but the controversies should not be excused.

At UNC Charlotte, printing a single piece of paper with black ink costs nine cents. For color, it is thirty cents. This cost can add up for a student, and since many use printing services exclusively for assignments, students should not have to pay for printing. If free printing is not possible, then printing credits could be a solution.

In Charlotte, the Republican Party nominated Donald Trump for a second term as president at the Republican National Convention in August 2020; he was a shoo-in for the position. But, as he runs for reelection in 2024, the road to the nomination will be steeper. Republicans' electoral struggles and events, such as the Jan. 6 movement on the …

Many students choose to live on Charlotte's campus unless they live close enough to commute. Unfortunately, housing on campus is an expensive addition to the hefty cost of attending college. With a lack of available and affordable on-campus housing, first-year students should have the opportunity to choose where they want to live.