Want People to be Kinder: Make Them Wait Tables
Most people spent spring break on the beach, hanging out with friends or catching up on sleep. However, for me, that wasn’t the case. Instead, I spent mine taking orders, washing dishes and apologizing for things that weren’t my fault. Over break I was reminded again what working in hospitality teaches you about people, and […]
Not Just “Jacks Being Jacks”
This past week, a video featuring South Dakota State University students using hate speech surfaced on social media and the instinctive reaction on rival campuses has been pretty predictable, to point, cringe and move forward. Responding to bigoted behavior with dismissiveness undermines the bigger picture. What happened at SDSU exposes a much deeper statewide problem […]
Awareness Doesn’t Equal Accessibility
Every year USD, much like many other universities’ campuses, roll out Accessibility Week with posters, events and social media posts reminding students that inclusion matters. It’s a week meant to highlight the importance of equal opportunity and celebrate diversity. Yet, while the message is uplifting and the intentions are good, the reality students face tells […]
NFL Halftime Show, More like a Statement
This past Sunday, Feb. 8, marked the 60th annual Super Bowl with a matchup of the New England Patriots v. the Seattle Seahawks. This much anticipated game garnered the attention of millions; not necessarily because of the game itself, but instead due to the selected halftime show performer, Bad Bunny. For weeks leading up to […]
How Cold is Too Cold?
With the recent cold front leaving students shivering their way to classes, it raises the question of should the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) rethink its temperature thresholds for closing campus. According to the SDBOR policy manual, “Board of Regent’s institutions remain open in all but the most extreme circumstances.” However, with wind chills […]
Am I Doing Enough?
Have you ever looked at someone and thought wow they really have their life together? Well I have and I do, literally all the time. There’s a certain kind of performance art taking place across campus lately. I’ve seen it in color-coded Google Calendars, perfectly crafted fall outfits and, of course, social media posts. It’s […]
Song Review: From Bluebirds to Breakups
Lana Del Rey’s two newest singles, “Henry, Come On” and “Bluebird,” showcase the musician’s ever evolving artistic capability. By blending her signature melancholic style with hints of both Americana and Southern Gothic influences, the singer-songwriter has once again left fans begging for more. The two latest tracks are a part of Del Rey’s upcoming album […]
Students Raise Concerns Over Possible ICE Presence on Campus
The recent presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has raised fear at colleges across the nation, including USD. Reports of potential deportation forces on campus have left many university community members feeling threatened and or vulnerable, prompting administrative outreach. On April 14, faculty and staff members received an email stating that there had not […]
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden Q&A
On Thursday, April 10, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden visited various businesses within the Vermillion community, as well as attended the University of South Dakota’s campus as a part of his Open for Opportunity Tour. While in Vermillion the governor took the time to walk through Manitou Equipment, Masaba Inc and the Human Services Center […]
South Dakota Residents Protest “Hands Off”
On Saturday, April 5, thousands of South Dakota residents from across the state gathered in Sioux Falls, Pierre and Brookings to join the national “Hands Off” protest. The event was a part of the national 50501 project, which aimed and succeeded at holding 50 protests across all 50 states in just one day. Protesters assembled […]