UMD ranks best school for LGBTQ+ students nationally, students say improvements can be made

By Irit Skulnik BestColleges and Campus Pride ranked the University of Maryland number one among the top LGBTQ+ friendly universities in the nation last month, but some LGBTQ+ students feel the university could do more to support them.  The ranking is based on how much universities aid LGBTQ+ students academically, socially and financially. Campus Pride, a national organization for students seeking support and resources for … Continue reading UMD ranks best school for LGBTQ+ students nationally, students say improvements can be made

Catalyst Hot Dogs will begin catering for sporting events at UMD

By Sandra Smith Chris Van Jura, owner of Catalyst Hot Dogs, began his hot dog truck out of a Home Depot parking lot in 2020. He now plans to cater for sporting events at the University of Maryland.  The business, which sells $8 New Jersey-style hot dogs, opened three years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Catalyst catered a tailgate for the women’s soccer … Continue reading Catalyst Hot Dogs will begin catering for sporting events at UMD

Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

by Abigail Olear This month, many Americans across the nation will celebrate a holiday that they know nothing about. Cinco de Mayo, which translates to ‘the fifth of May,’ is celebrated annually across the United States.  The holiday is highly commercialized in the United States. Bars douse themselves in papel picado and serve up tacos and tequila to earn a few extra bucks. People attending … Continue reading Why do we celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Girl power at gym thanks to Girl Gains

by Abigail Olear When Heather Gross enters the weight room in one of the University of Maryland’s gyms, she immediately feels alone and singled out. “It’s so busy in here, and like, I feel like I’m the only girl,” said Gross, a sophomore criminology and psychology  major.. “The amount of times that I’ve just said that in the gym is ridiculous.” Gross isn’t alone. Many … Continue reading Girl power at gym thanks to Girl Gains

Israel Fest and counter-protest draws few

by Joel Lev-Tov 550 feet separated students celebrating Israel and students protesting for Palestine. The emotional gulf between the two was even bigger.  “They’re continuing to advocate for the colonization of my people,” said Ahlam, a member of Students for Justice in Palestine who declined to give her last name. “They’re fully entitled to a homeland. They’re just not entitled to a homeland built on … Continue reading Israel Fest and counter-protest draws few

Denim Day at UMD protests victim-blaming

by James Matheson The University of Maryland joined millions worldwide in supporting sexual assault survivors and protesting victim-blaming during Denim Day on Wednesday. The event was hosted by the CARE to Stop Violence Office in the late April sunshine in front of Tawes Plaza during the weekly Farmer’s Market as well as the Stamp Student Union from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The CARE to … Continue reading Denim Day at UMD protests victim-blaming

Intersectionality and justice revolving around survivors focus of this year’s Occupy McKeldin

Trigger warning: This article contains references to sexual assault. Editor’s note: The content in this article has been updated. by Apurva Mahajan Preventing Sexual Assault’s eight-hour-long Occupy McKeldin event showcased eight guest speakers from untraditional backgrounds who shared their experience and advocacy regarding sexual violence. This year’s theme was “I ask,” left intentionally broad to allow for a variety of perspectives regarding the meaning of … Continue reading Intersectionality and justice revolving around survivors focus of this year’s Occupy McKeldin

SGA’s sustainability committee hosts first environment clean-up event

By Fiona Roy The Student Government Association’s sustainability committee held its first clean-up event on Feb. 26 to collect litter throughout the downtown College Park area.  The crew of SGA members and student volunteers walked through the Old Town and Leonardtown areas picking up trash scattered along the streets and sidewalks. Seven volunteers turned out for the first event, but the SGA is hopeful for … Continue reading SGA’s sustainability committee hosts first environment clean-up event

Experts discuss Israel’s democratic backslide at teach-in

by Ceoli Jacoby As thousands of Israelis filled the streets to protest proposed judicial reforms Thursday night, a group of students, faculty and experts on the other side of the world gathered to discuss the flawed democracy’s future. The Gildenhorn Institute for Israel Studies and the Meyerhoff Program and Center for Jewish Studies conceived the hybrid event, titled “Israeli Democracy in Peril?,” in a joint … Continue reading Experts discuss Israel’s democratic backslide at teach-in

Take a break: Terps share tips for destressing

by Katie Wilson As midterm season ramps up, University of Maryland students are finding ways to unwind and deal with the stress that tests and projects can bring.  John Boncore, a junior economics major, went to the Memorial Chapel’s “Wind Down Wednesday,” inviting students to relax in the chapel garden and listen to a live musician.  “I feel like a lot of my life has … Continue reading Take a break: Terps share tips for destressing