Recently, President Donald Trump has passed a law that he is only willing to give research grants to colleges that promote freedom of speech. Students of CSUSB share their thoughts on this matter of subject. Nataly Ramirez, 4th Year, Communication Studies Major "I think it's important that there are no biases to this. That there's no loophole and that it's actually promoting free speech in a beneficial way, meaning to enforce it equally and not just to his party or to the people he prefers, then I think this is a good idea." Janelle Gonzalez, 1st Year, Sociology Major "I think people should just be allowed to say whatever they feel because that's our first amendment right. You … [Read more...] about Vox Pop: “What are your thoughts about freedom of speech on campus?”
Opinions
The Real Victims of the Jussie Smollett Hoax
In 2015, the Charleston church shooting was a hate crime against the black community that killed nine people. Just two years later, in 2016, the Pulse nightclub shooting, a hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community, killed 49 people. To this day, racism and homophobia are two issues that are still very much alive and more common than we think. On Jan 29, news broke that Empire actor, Jussie Smollett, was the victim of a heinous, homophobic and racially motivated hate crime. With a noose around his neck and bleach poured on his skin, Smollett claimed to be beaten and called slurs. The details of the crime were so dark and disturbing that it seemed like everyone was showing their love … [Read more...] about The Real Victims of the Jussie Smollett Hoax
Listening to music while studying
Student success, especially at the collegiate level, can be motivationally challenging even for the most dedicated students. Between balancing a social, academic and professional life it can be a difficult task to stay focused on studies, but one thing seems to remain helpful when students need to keep their heads in the books. As I walked around CSUSB one day I couldn't help but notice just about everyone I saw on their laptops or reading their textbooks had headphones in. Some were even bobbing their heads to the beat of whatever they were listening to. I thought about it for a moment and realized I do the same when I study or write a paper. I believe music is helping me and … [Read more...] about Listening to music while studying
Women Still Fighting for Recognition in Country Music
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards is returning to Las Vegas for its 54th year this April. The nominees include an impressive list of some of Nashville’s biggest stars and new artists. However, the night’s most coveted award, Entertainer of the Year, is especially eye-catching for the wrong reasons. The nominees are all male. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuGx-AqF_nF/ This is especially shocking considering Kacey Musgraves walked away with four Grammys this year, including the highest honor of Album of the Year. These were earned at an award show that considers all genres of music. So why are country women constantly fighting for a place in the country music … [Read more...] about Women Still Fighting for Recognition in Country Music
Invisible Disabilities: You Don’t Get To Decide Who Is and Is Not Disabled
Imagine this. It is 6:15 in the morning and you’ve just opened your eyes after another sleepless night. Immediately upon waking, you get hit with persistently burning and deafening pain. You take a deep breath and begin to tackle the day the best you can. It’s not anything new of course. This is the same pain you have dealt with day in and day out for years now. Flash forward five hours. You’ve harnessed every ounce of energy and strength you have simply to take a trip to the grocery store. You arrive, park in the designated handicap parking spot that you have a placard for and slowly exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, a man passing by glares at you and shakes his head. … [Read more...] about Invisible Disabilities: You Don’t Get To Decide Who Is and Is Not Disabled
Is copycat culture killing original music in the Inland Empire?
Every day local musicians such as myself gather in garages and studios around the Inland Empire to create, practice and record original music. Bands spend thousands on gear and travel to play gigs with hopes of gaining fans and some extra cash. There are ample amounts of bands that dedicate themselves to genres ranging from Metal to Folk and anywhere in between. With tribute bands taking over the bars and venues that actually pay talent, it makes an artist such as myself question what the future holds for unknown musicians that want to play original songs rather than covers. But rather than get bogged down with the popularity of regurgitated tunes, I sought optimism from other … [Read more...] about Is copycat culture killing original music in the Inland Empire?
Trips to the mountain become more affordable for students
The Inland Empire isn’t the most ideal place when taking a trip to the mountain for snow fun, but there are a lot more resorts than one might expect. The most notable mountain around the Inland Empire is Big Bear Mountain. Big bear is a beautiful city that is known for its lake and snow resorts, which offers diverse leisure activities, such as skiing and snowboarding, at various levels. Unfortunately, taking a trip to Big Bear as a student is costly. There are a few ways that can be helpful in making a trip to Big Bear Mountain more affordable. CSUSB’s Rec and Wellness Center can help students save money. The center offers snowboard and boot rentals for only $20. Compared to … [Read more...] about Trips to the mountain become more affordable for students
Emotional Support Dogs Different Than Service Dogs?
Emotional support dogs are not allowed on campus, but service dogs are, and even though many students may think they are the same thing, they are not. A service dog is trained to perform a function, or do a job, that his or her owner can’t perform on their own due to a physical, intellectual or emotional disability. These dogs may, of course, provide emotional support and comfort, but they are specifically trained to provide assistance beyond soothing benefits. Service dogs receive more legal protections than emotional support dogs and are allowed in just about any and every public space, whereas emotional support dogs do not enjoy the same widespread access. An emotion support … [Read more...] about Emotional Support Dogs Different Than Service Dogs?
Females Should Not Be Sheltered
I always remember growing up and being the one to stay home while my brother went out at night and my dad telling me, “It’s dangerous for you to be out at night so you’re not going.” I always tried explaining to him that if it was dangerous for me it was dangerous for my brother to be out as well and my father’s response was always, “Yeah, but you’re a girl and your brother is a guy so he can defend himself because he’s strong and you are not.” Growing up in a Hispanic household my parents, mostly my father, were always strict with me. They were afraid if I was to go out I would never come back home to them. But now that I am 21 years old and look back at all the things that I … [Read more...] about Females Should Not Be Sheltered
Why Do Students Take Adderall?
College students are known for pulling all-nighters, cramming for tests, and working on multiple assignments at once. Coffee and energy drinks are what people assume most students are using. Now, students are learning how to complete their work with the help of a different substance - Adderall. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Adderall is the second most common drug abused on college campuses. Oscar Hernandez has always had issues procrastinating and had trouble focusing on his school work. In the efforts to get things done, he decided to try Adderall. “I had a big paper due and it’s really easy for me to get distracted,” Hernandez said. “My … [Read more...] about Why Do Students Take Adderall?